Kela pass is a high mountain pass in the Changthang region of Leh district in Union Territory of Ladakh which has become the highest motorable pass of the country connecting Leh with Pangong Lake. The altitude of Kela pass is 18,600 ft from mean sea level.
Kela pass is the gateway to Kela tso (Kela lake) or Lchagri Gyamtso Lake and further to Tharuk, Sarkunchar and Tangste village, and Pangong Lake. Kela pass was used by shepherds and trekkers until recently when Indian Army connected the pass by a motorable road.
The Kela pass or Keyla pass is approachable from both Tangste and Zingral (below Changla pass).
Surpassing 18,380 ft high Khardungla pass, the Kela pass has become the highest motorable road of the country that will be open for general traffic movement. However, 19,300 ft high Umling-la pass of Ladakh is the highest motorable pass/road in the country but the pass is not open for the general public.
The Leh-Kela pass-Pangong lake road will be open to general traffic movement in a few days. The road via Kela pass will reduce the distance between Leh and Pangong lake by 41 KM after bypassing 17,586ft high Chang-la pass.
This new road will not only reduce distance and travel time from Leh to Pangong lake but will also become a new tourist destination with its all-new landscapes. Tourists will get to see Kela lake (Kela tso), unexplored villages, nomads, snow and glaciers. This road will also be strategically important for the Indian Army as it will allow fast and safe movement of the military convoys to Pangong Lake.
The new road that connects Zingral (Leh side) to Tharuk (Pangong side) has provided an alternative road to Durbuk sub-division. The local residents of the area were also demanding an alternative and shorter road for a long time and their wish has been fulfilled by Indian Army.
Leh-Kela pass-Pangong Tso road inaugurated
The strategically important road connecting Leh with Pangong Tso via Kela pass at the altitude of 18600 ft has been constructed by 58 Engineer Regiment of Indian Army. The new road was inaugurated by MP from Ladakh Jamyang Tsering Namgyal (JTN) in the presence of Lt Gen PGK Menon, GoC 14th Corp, Tashi Yakzee, Executive Councilor, and Stanzin Chosphel, Executive Councilor of LAHDC Leh, chairman BDC Durbuk Block, village heads and the villagers of the region.
The newly constructed road, which was finished in record two months, will reduce 41 KM travel from Leh (Zingral) to Pangong (Tangtse) after traversing Kela Pass at an altitude of 18,600 feet connecting Lchagri Gyamtso Lake and Tharuk village.
This road will also play a major role in the coming future to boost the socio-economic status of the local residents of Lalok region of Ladakh as it will invite tourists for many reasons like Highest Tourist Motorable Road, medicinal plants like Sanjeevani, snow sport activities, nomadic livestock, lake and other attractions.
During the inaugural function held at 18,600-foot high Kela Top MP JTN applauded the dedication of Indian Army, especially 58 Engineer Regiment, for connecting this road within two months which highlights the seriousness of the government of India towards the creation of Border Infrastructures especially roads & bridges. MP JTN also congratulated the people of Lalok region, tourists, and other travellers for this new road reducing 41km to reach famous Pangong lake.
How to reach Kela pass
The road to Kela pass starts from Zingral on old Leh-Changla pass-Pangong road. The road construction started a few hairpin bends before Changla pass. Alternatively, the pass can be reached from Tangste village between Durbuk and Pangong lake.
Inner line permit to visit Kela pass
Although Ladakh administration has waived off the requirement of inner line permit (ILP) for Indian tourists, the tourists are still required to obtain permission online by uploading photo IDs and paying the various fees (ecology fee). The documentation/permit system will remain the same as it was earlier. Tourists will have the option to travel via Changla pass or Kela pass.
Distance between Leh and Kela pass
Kela pass is 70 KM from Leh city. The distance can be covered in about 2 hours
Comments