Ladakh, located in northernmost India, is known for its rugged terrain and breathtaking beauty. Another thing that Ladakh is also known for is the multiple passes there. No wonder it is famous as the Land of High Passes. As a destination, Ladakh has a lot to offer its visitors, and that is the reason why it is a destination that tourists love exploring. One such exciting location to explore in Ladakh is the Chang La Pass. It is one of the highest motorable passes in the world, located at a breathtaking altitude. This site is an all-rounder from the landscape to the journey to the majestic beauty. It can be fascinating to visit a location like this.
If you are ever visiting this location and wish to enjoy some thrills, this location is ideal. It would help if you tried to visit Chang La Pass once, and you would get a pretty good idea of how beautiful the rustic, rugged mountainous stretch can be. So keep reading this article, as I will mention everything you need about Chang La Pass. This will be a helpful read for you if you plan a trip to this mesmerizing spot soon.
Table of Contents
Chang La Pass
Chang La Pass in which state?
Chang La Pass is located in Ladakh, the Union Territory of India. Before that, this region was a part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
Overview of Chang La Pass
Chang La Pass, located in Ladakh, is one of the most picturesque locations in Ladakh. The altitude of Chang La Pass is 17, 590 feet or 5360 meters, and it is the third highest motorable pass in the world. A journey to Chang La Pass can be one of the most thrilling yet rewarding trips for any traveller. It is different from any other location but is also a very strenuous route. Chang La Pass is also a part of the ancient Silk Route, a 15 km long route. The Indian Army maintains this pass, unlike other passes in India, after the border disputes with China. Chang La Pass connects India with Tibet, and the tourists trying to reach the Pangong Tso Lake take this pass. This pass also shows the connection between Leh in Ladakh and the Nubra Valley.
For every traveller seeking some adventure, it will be a breathtakingly beautiful journey. This one is a crucial route with pristine views of snow-capped mountains and rugged landscapes. This pass is between Leh and Pangong Lake, the main gateway to the Nubra Valley Region. Roads on this route are primarily paved and open for tourists from mid-May to October. This is also a thrilling route to explore among bikers, but it would undeniably require a lot of skill to drive through a route like this.
Due to the Chang La Pass elevation, travelers may experience symptoms of altitude sickness. It is highly necessary to acclimatize well, and every precaution should be taken for that. In case of breathlessness and uneasiness, the journey should stop immediately. Also, according to doctors, you should not stay at the location for more than 15 to 20 minutes to avoid altitude sickness. Most of the year, the location remains covered in snow.
How to Reach Chang La Pass
In Ladakh, the Chang La Pass connects Shyok Valley to Leh. It is located on the road to reach Pangong Tso and is open to travellers and vehicles. The most convenient form of transport would be to get here by jeep or bike. You can easily rent a bike from Ladakh or hire a jeep there. It can be one of the most beautiful journeys to stop at various checkpoints and enjoy the serene location. Also, you can trek to reach Chang La Pass. So if you want to try it, you can trek.
The best time to visit Chang La Pass
Chang La Pass temperature in winter is harsh and drops to even -15 degrees. Most of the time, the roads are covered in snow, making it impossible for anyone to reach there during that time. Chang La Pass weather is comfortable for a visit from May to October. The pass also remains open during that period only. However, even then, temperatures are on the lower side. So make sure you carry enough warm wear and cover your head and ears.
Things to remember before visiting Chang La Pass
This is a sensitive zone because of its proximity to China, and therefore, an Inner Line Permit is necessary to visit this region. However, it is not very tough to get the permit. You can apply online from the official website or visit the DC Office in Leh to get this permit.
Due to the very high altitude, acute mountain sickness is very common in this region. Many people complain of health issues due to the altitude here, so you must be careful about that. If you feel out of breath, take the necessary action at any point in your journey. Also, carry the necessary medicines with you.
Before going forward with this journey, you must get yourself a proper medical checkup to determine whether you are fully fit for it. People with breathing troubles, such as Asthma, bronchitis, or any sort of heart ailments, are advised to seek proper guidance from their physician to determine whether they can visit a location with such a high altitude.
If you are travelling on a bike, you must be extra cautious. The road often becomes too slippery due to streams of water from melting snow.
Tourist attractions near Chang La Pass
- Chang La Baba Temple
This relevant temple is located on top of the pass. According to popular belief, there was once a saint named Changla Baba, and the temple was dedicated to him. People here believe that one must seek blessings from Changla Baba before starting their journey.
- Tangste Village
This serene village is located 38 km away from the pass. It is a small village with only 126 households. Even though there isn’t much to see here, you can definitely visit to witness the greenery and the Harong Stream.
- Pangong Tso Lake
It would help if you went via the Chang La Pass to reach this lake, so you can surely visit this spot, too. This lake is located at a height of 14270 feet above sea level. The lake completely freezes in winter, and it looks pristine in summer.
- Hemis Gompa
This is a Tibetan Monastery that the king of Ladakh, Sengge Namgyal, reestablished in 1672. It is a beautiful monastery located 48 km from the park, so you can also visit it.
- Stakna Monastery
This monastery, located 53 km away from the pass, is also popular as the Tiger’s Nose Monastery. Its shape resembles a tiger leaping up to the sky, which is why it got its name. One of the major attractions here is the tall 7-foot statue of Lord Buddha. There is also a massive assembly hall inside the monastery.
- Thiksey Monastery
This monastery is one of the most popular and largest monasteries in Ladakh. It resembles a lot the Potala Palace in Tibet. Some of the major attractions in the monastery are the Maitreya Buddha Statue, Lamokhang Temple, and Tara Temple. This is also one of the most visited locations in Ladakh. The monastery is located at an alluring height of 3600 meters, so you can surely plan to make a visit to this monastery.
Wrapping Up!
Locations like Chang La Pass call for some thrill and adventure; if you are an adventure lover, you cannot miss out on visiting this location. Even more than the location itself, the journey to reach it would be something you will surely enjoy, so if you are looking for an adventurous spot that would excite you, consider visiting the past. With its mesmerizing view and the rugged landscape, the alluring location will take your heart away in every possible way. So do not be late and start planning a trip now. Let me know if this particular article is helpful for you when planning a trip to this beautiful location.
