Umling La pass or Umlingla pass or उमलिंग ला (in Hindi) is a high altitude motorable mountain pass located in the Himalayan mountain range of India in the eastern Ladakh near Demchok village close to Indo-Tibetan border. It is situated at an elevation of 5,798 m (19,024 feet) above sea level. Umling La pass has earned the distinction of being the highest motorable pass in the world.
Umling La
Altitude: 19,024 ft (claimed altitude is 19,300 ft)
Location: Changthang region of eastern Ladakh between Hanle and Demchok (soon will come under Changthang district)
Best time to visit: June to September
Permit requirement: There is no specific permit being given for Umling La, but tourists need to have permit to visit Hanle and nearby areas.
Maximum temperature: 10 degrees C
Minimum temperature: Below minus 30 degrees C
Agency: Border Roads Organisation (BRO)
Distinction: World’s highest motorable pass/road
Leh Ladakh Tour Package with Hanle and Umling la pass for 08 days
Leh Ladakh Tour Package with Hanle and Umling la pass (8 days)
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) received applause for building the world’s highest road in difficult terrains with low oxygen level and extreme weather with very few water sources. BRO was not building the world’s highest road but the engineers came to know about the feat after formation cutting through Umling la.
753 Border Road Task Force (BRTF) of BRO under its project Himank constructed a road from Chisumle to Demchok in 2017 which connects one of the remotest villages and areas of the country. Last year the road was completely black-topped and made completely smooth for all kinds of vehicles.
Umling La will be a new tourist destination in Ladakh in the coming years. Mostly adventure and thrill-seeking tourists, who wish to drive through the highest mountain pass, will make a beeline for Umling La pass.
As this high mountain pass connected to the road and rose to fame, people are also vying for making personal or official records. While some tourists reached here on bicycle, some reached here by autorickshaw. A person drove his 3 Cr + Lamborgini Urus to Umling la from Leh (Ladakh).
This mountain range extends from Hanle, a well-established tourist place, which is generally a rain shadow area and receives very less snow and rain. However, Umling La road being located very high from sea level, it’s very cold and susceptible to heavy snowfall. The area has a low oxygen level.
Before this, Marsimik La at 5,777 m (18,953 feet), Khardung La at 5,602 m (18,379 feet) and Chang La at 5,360 m (17,586 ft) were one of the highest passes in the country and the world. But, Umling La has now become the highest pass in India and also in the world.
To show the efficiency of the new models of cars, trucks and two-wheelers, the motor companies are taking their test vehicles to Umling La to create hype that their vehicles are the best. You can see Umlingla pass in many vehicle advertisements on television.
The Guinness Book of World Records in November 2021 also verified Umling La to be the world’s highest mountain pass.
The official website of Guinness Records has quoted: “The highest altitude road is Umling La Pass at 5,798.251 m (19,024 ft 0.73 in) and was achieved by Border Roads Organization/ Project Himank/ 753 BRTF (India) at Umling La, Ladakh, India on 9 November 2021.
Ladakh Lt Guv RK Mathur congratulated the Border Roads Organisation for making it to the Guinness World Records for building the highest altitude motorable road in the world at Umling La in Ladakh; BRO’s Brig Arvinder Singh handed over the certificate to Lt Guv: Office of Lt Guv pic.twitter.com/nrRKtDqGTy
— ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2022
As BRO is known for building border roads and tunnels in extreme and difficult conditions, Umling La pass road added another feather to its hat. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also congratulated BRO for its achievement.
Heartiest congratulations to @BROindia on achieving recognition from Guinness Book of World Records for constructing and black topping the World's Highest Motorable Road at 19024 feet at Umling La Pass in Ladakh. pic.twitter.com/tVXpm3s5Ti
— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) November 17, 2021
Who built Umlingla pass road?
753 Border Road Task Force (BRTF) of 93 Road Construction Company (RCC) under Project Himank of Border Roads Organisation.
What is the altitude of Umling la pass?
Umling La is located at an altitude of 5,798 meters (19,024 feet)
How to reach Umling La pass?
Road to Umling La starts from Hanle Hanle is reachable from Loma in Nyoma sub-division of Ladakh after following a narrow but blacktopped from after crossing Loma bridge off the Mahe-Chushul road. Loma bridge to Hanle is about 52 KM. Leh to Hanle is about 255 KM while Leh to Umling La is about 350 KM.
Is Umling La open for tourists?
There is no official announcement to throw Umling La open to the civilians. However, a large number of tourists have visited the pass in recent times.
Is a permit (inner line permit or restricted area permit) required to visit Umlingla?
A permit is definitely required to visit the entire Changthang, Hanle, Tso Moriri, Pangong lake and nearby areas but there is no provision to obtain permits to visit Umling la pass both online and offline. Tourists in 2021 and 2022 visited Umling La on the permit of Hanle. However, local police advised them not to go beyond Hanle, saying that the area is not open to tourists.
How tourists should prepare themselves to visit Umling La?
Umlingla pass is located above 19,000-foot with low oxygen level and low atmospheric pressure. There is always risk of altitude sickness, dizziness and even seizure if precautions are not taken care of. A procedure should be followed. Tourists coming from lower areas should spend at least 48 hours at Leh or other lower areas before moving to higher areas. It’s better to visit other places in Ladakh first and visit Umling La later. Acclimatisation is very important if you are a responsible tourist. Those tourists coming from Manali should never dare to visit Umling la directly (via Manali–Sarchu–Tsokar-Mahe-Loma route). First, go to Leh and then visit Tso Moriri, Hanle and Umling la. Better to visit Sham valley, Nubra valley and Pangong lake first.
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Umling La Pass: A Journey to the Roof of the World
Introduction: Tucked away in the remote reaches of the Himalayas, Umling La Pass stands as a testament to human ingenuity and the indomitable spirit of adventure. Situated in the Ladakh region of India, this high-altitude pass is not just a geographical landmark but a symbol of exploration and perseverance. Join us as we embark on a virtual journey to Umling La Pass and uncover the secrets of this awe-inspiring destination.
Discovering Umling La: Perched at an elevation of approximately 19,300 feet (5,883 meters) above sea level, Umling La Pass is one of the highest motorable passes in the world. Located in the Changthang region of Ladakh, it offers panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, expansive valleys, and vast stretches of barren terrain. The pass is accessible via a rugged road that winds its way through rocky terrain, offering adventurers a thrilling ride to the top of the world.
A Test of Endurance: Reaching Umling La Pass is no easy feat. The journey requires careful planning, preparation, and a spirit of adventure. Travelers must acclimatize to the high altitude, overcome challenging terrain, and navigate unpredictable weather conditions. Yet, the reward for those who dare to venture to Umling La is a sense of accomplishment and a glimpse into the raw, untouched beauty of the Himalayas.
Exploring the Changthang Plateau: Beyond the pass lies the Changthang plateau, a vast expanse of high-altitude wilderness that stretches across the borders of India and Tibet. Here, travelers can immerse themselves in the tranquil beauty of pristine lakes, grazing yaks, and nomadic settlements. The region is home to diverse wildlife, including the elusive snow leopard, Tibetan antelope, and migratory birds, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers.
Preserving the Fragile Ecosystem: As travelers, it’s essential to tread lightly and respect the fragile ecosystem of Umling La and its surrounding areas. Responsible tourism practices, such as minimizing waste, staying on designated trails, and supporting local communities, are crucial for preserving the pristine beauty of this remote wilderness.
Conclusion: Umling La Pass is more than just a geographical landmark; it’s a symbol of human resilience, exploration, and our deep connection to the natural world. As we navigate the rugged terrain and unforgiving conditions of the Himalayas, we are reminded of our place in the vast tapestry of creation. So, whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or an armchair explorer, let Umling La inspire you to reach new heights and embark on your own journey of discovery in the majestic Himalayas.
How to reach Umlingla pass
Reaching Umlingla, one of the highest motorable passes in the world, involves navigating rugged terrain and high-altitude conditions. Here’s how to reach Umlingla:
By Road:
- From Leh: The journey to Umling La Pass typically begins from Leh, the capital of Ladakh. Travelers can hire a private vehicle or join an organized tour to embark on the road trip.
- Route: The route to Umling La Pass follows the Leh-Manali Highway (NH3) or Leh-Tso Moriri road or Pangong-Tso Moriri road towards the village of Hanle in the Changthang region. From Hanle, travellers proceed towards Ukdungle and then ascend towards UmlingLa Pass.
- Distance: The distance from Leh to Umling La Pass is approximately 320 kilometers, and the journey takes around 12-14 hours, depending on road conditions and weather.
- Challenges: The road to Umling La is rough and challenging, with sections of gravel, dirt, and rocky terrain. Travelers must be prepared for steep ascents, sharp bends, and narrow stretches along the way.
Travel Tips:
- Ensure your vehicle is in good condition and equipped for high-altitude driving.
- Carry essential supplies such as water, food, warm clothing, and emergency equipment.
- Acclimatize to the high altitude gradually to prevent altitude sickness.
- Check weather conditions and road status before embarking on the journey, as Umling La Pass may be inaccessible during winter months due to snowfall and road closures.
Oxygen Café at Umling La Pass
Umling La, located at a staggering altitude of 19,024 feet, is the highest motorable road in the world. Nestled amidst this breathtaking landscape is the Oxygen Café, a unique establishment designed to cater to the medical needs of travelers and locals alike.
A Unique Concept
Recognizing the challenges of high-altitude travel, the Oxygen Café offers essential medical support including Oxygen (O2) and emergency medicines. If not feeling well, tourists can visit the cafe and get oxygen level checked. If Oxygen saturation is low, you would be given oxygen through Oxygen concentrator machine. Medicines for altitude sickness and dizziness are also available here.
Key Features of the Oxygen Café:
- Oxygen Concentrators: Given the thin air at such a high altitude, the café provides oxygen for visitors who may experience altitude sickness or simply need a boost.
- Medical Assistance: Trained staff are on hand to offer basic medical assistance and advice.
- Rest Area: Take a break and relax in the café’s comfortable seating area.
- Panoramic Views: The café offers stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
A Lifeline for Travelers
For those embarking on the challenging journey to Umling La, the Oxygen Café serves as a vital lifeline. It provides a much-needed respite from the harsh conditions and ensures that visitors have the necessary resources to continue their adventure.
Important Note: Umlingla Pass is located in a restricted area near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China. Travellers planning to visit Umling La Pass must obtain necessary permits from the authorities, as special permits are required to travel to this region due to its proximity to sensitive border areas. It’s essential to follow all regulations and guidelines set by the authorities to ensure a safe and hassle-free journey to Umling La Pass.
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