Ladakh has many high-altitude passes and Changla Pass is one of them. The mountain passes in Ladakh are the highest motorable in the world. Changla Pass is the third-highest motorable pass in the world and is situated at a height of 5,360 meters above sea level.
Changla Pass is surrounded by majestic hills and verdant valleys which offer a memorable journey among the breathtaking visuals and serene atmosphere. The Pass is one of the most beautiful attractions to visit in Ladakh and it was named after the revered saint Sadhu Changla Baba with a temple at the pass dedicated to him. Changla Pass is approximately 15 kilometers in length and is under the care of the Indian Army.
The entire stretch of Changla Pass has loose dirt and slush on both sides and during summers, small streams cut across the road which pose a challenge for bikers attempting to cross.
Changla Pass is accessible from Leh via Kharu and Sekti village on an asphalt road with steep climbs.
Why is Changla Pass famous?
Changla Pass is a popular attraction among tourists for several reasons. Being perched at an unbelievable altitude, the pass offers stunning natural beauty. It is interesting to know that this pass, which is guarded and protected by the Indian Army due to its close proximity to the Chinese border, remains covered with snow throughout the year.
The amazing beauty of this location exceeds all expectations, leaving visitors in awe. Tourists visiting the the high Pass receive a warm welcome from the Indian Army and a complimentary hot tea. The road to the pass remains open throughout the year and gets closed occasionally due to snowfall.
A perfect guide for Changla Pass before visiting Ladakh
Changla Pass is beautiful and stunning, yet it is necessary to take some precautions due to its location at a higher altitude, chilly climate, and reduced oxygen levels. Being located at a height of 5360m,the air is quite thin and may cause headaches, breathlessness, and other issues. Therefore, medical advice suggests to not staying at the top for more than 15-20 minutes as people are prone to acute mountain sickness in Ladakh.
Carry warm clothes, ear protection and suitable footwear, and drink warm water regularly to withstand the extreme cold. It is also recommended to carry a medical kit containing medicines for altitude sickness, nausea, headaches etc.
Tourists should also carry an oxygen cylinder with them, if they plan to stay for long . You should also wear proper winter clothing such as sweaters, jackets, mufflers, and gloves to withstand the freezing temperature. Special shoes for traveling in cold weather should also be added for safety and comfort.
Things to do at Changla Pass
Crossing the the Pass is a thrilling experience in itself which tests your adventurous spirits. One of the first and foremost things to do here is to cross the pass. After that, you can immerse in the mesmerizing beauty that surrounds you. Don’t forget to click some photos and create cherished memories for a lifetime.
Before reaching the Changla Pass, you will first pass by the Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), a high altitude workstation, which has been mentioned in the Limca book of World Records for its location at an unbelievable altitude. It is also a place where Yoga was performed on International Yoga Day adding to its importance.
There is a temple of Changla Baba called Changla Temple which is a must visit before crossing the pass. Also, there is a small cafe where you can enjoy some refreshments and tea.
Nearby attractions at Changla Pass
There are a few attractions around this highPass that you should visit. Below are some of the places you should visit on your trip.
Pangong Lake
Pangong Lake is a beautiful blue saline water lake that freezes completely in winter. Situated at an elevation of about 14,270 feet above sea level, this lake attracts several migratory birds despite the absence of aquatic life.
Hemis monastery
Hemis monastery is a famous monastery of Ladakh where the Hemis festival is celebrated every year in honor of Guru Padmasambhava.tourists can witness here masked dances which are performed by monks.
Tangtse Village
Tangtse is a charming village comprising 126 households. Surrounded by beautiful mountains, the Harong stream flows through the village through patches of lush greenery. Tangtse village is a must photographic destination.
Thiksey Monastery
Thiksey Monastery is situated at an elevation of about 3,600 meters in Ladakh and is one of the most renowned monasteries.travelers can explore the Maitreya Statue of Buddha, Tara Temple and Lamokhang temple.
Changthang Plateau
It is an elevated Tibetan plateau featuring massive highlands and majestic lakes. Changpas, a semi-nomadic tibetan community reside here.
How to reach
You can reach Changla Pass either by flight or by road.
By flight: Leh Airport is the closest airport to Changla Pass which is 36.5 km away. After reaching leh airport, you can hire a jeep or taxi to visit Changla Pass.
By road: after reaching Leh, drive 35 km to Karu junction which is a small marketplace. About 8 km from Karu, there is a road that climbs up to Sakti village. Continue your journey on the road until you reach Changla Pass.
The best time to visit Changla Pass
Summer: Summer is the best time to visit Changla Pas as the roads are accessible and convenient for traveling. From May to October, you can easily visit the pass and enjoy its mesmerizing beauty.
Winter: Changla Pass remains closed in winter due to heavy snowfall.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to visit Changla Pass?
Yes, an inner line permit is required by both Indian and international travelrs to visit Changla Pass.
Are there any precautions required for visiting Changla Pass?
Yes, it is advisable to not spend more than 20-25 minutes at Changla Pass as you may suffer Altitude Mountain sickness.
Is Changla Pass open in winter?
Due to heavy snowfall, the pass remains closed for winter months.
What is the altitude of Changla Pass?
It is located at an elevation of about 5,360 meter which is higher than Khardung La Pass.