You are very right. Ladakh got its name from combination of two words: “La” means Passes and “Dhak” means Many.Therefore, Ladakh is come to be known as the land of the Passes. Few if the passes that you can explore on your trip to Ladakh are:
Khardung La
Khardungla pass is known to be the highest motorable pass of the Leh Ladakh region.. This pass is located at an elevation of 17,582 feet, to the north of Leh district, and directly leads to the Shyok and Nubra valley. The pass was constructed in the year 1976 and serves as direct connection to the Siachin Glacier. Strategically, the is quite crucial pass, as it is the right means for transportation of goods in and from the Siachin area.
Chang La
Chang La is an undisputed land of beauty and tourist would love to be here to explore the natural beauty and immense richness. In the womb of Chang La pass lays the popular and pristine Pangong Lake, which has always remained the tourist delight. The pass provides strategic connection between Leh Town and Pangong. This pass is popular as column of the sky passes, and located at an elevation of 5, 425 meters. An army canteen operates here, and it offers the best place for refreshment to the visitors. Chang La also offers amazing Yak rides, which is adventurous.
Zoji La
Zojila pass has strategic location, situated on National Highway 1, and is the pathway toSonmarg in Kashmir. This pass is positioned on the elevation of 11,575 feet. The moment you drive away from this pass, tourists are very likely to view tremendous change in the surrounding scenic conditions. The moment you leave the green hills of the Kashmir, there is cascade of vast dry mountains in Drass area. Zojila pass is open to tourists only during the times of the summers, as during the winter this pass is closed as the result of heavy snow fall.
Baralacha La
Baralachala pass located within theZanskar range, offers an exciting and adventurous pathway to Lahul district of Himachal Pradesh as well as the Ladakh, connecting directly to Jammu and Kashmir. Baralachala pass has the location at 16,040 feet. The pass offers amazing and scintillating view of the Himalayas and immensely great enjoyment for your entire life.
Fotu La
Fotula pass located in the womb ofZanskar range, and it connects Srinagar-Leh highway. The pass has an elevation of 13,478 feet. Close to theFotula pass, the Lamayuru monastery is located, which serves as idyllic refuge to tourists, amid cold and frigid conditions.
Lachulung La
Lachulung La pass has strategic location, as it connects the Leh Manali highway, and is located close toSarchu and PangongLake. This pass is in elevation of 16,600 feet, making it difficult for the trekkers and hikers to experience short breathlessness during the climbs and/or descents.
Namika La
Namikala pass situates within the Zanskar range, is the crucial pass as it connects Srinagar-Leh highway. This pass is popular as “The Pillar of The Sky Passes,” and is located on height of 12,139 feet. Namikala pass is also the route to Mulbek valley, which is popular among the tourists as well as the locals forMaitreya Buddha’s rock craving and a Gompa.
Tanglangla pass
Taglangla pass is positionedwithin the popularZanskar range along the Leh-Manali highway, at an elevation of roughly 17,582 feet. This pass is the resting point for the herdsmen who travel in and around in search of fodderfor the livestock. Besides, Tanglang La pass is also considered as world’s second highest motorable road.
