India is famous for its high mountain roads that go through the great Himalayas. These roads, called motorable passes, are some of the highest in the world. They connect remote areas and are very popular among tourists, bikers and adventure lovers. In this article, we will look at the top-10 highest motorable passes in India in 2025, where nature, thrill and beauty come together.
India is home to some of the highest motorable passes in the world. These roads in the mountain connect remote areas and offer adventure, beauty and amazing travel experiences.
Here is the list of top-10 highest motorable passes in India in 2025:
Rank | Pass Name | Location | Ranges | Elevation (in meters) |
1. | Umling La or Umlingla Pass | Ladakh | Himalayan Mountain Range | 5,799 |
2. | Marsimek La or Marsimik La | Ladakh | Chang-Chenmo Range | 18,953 |
3. | A Road Uphill: Mana Pass or Dungri La | Nanda Devi Biosphere, Uttarakhand | Zanskar Mountain Range | 5,610 |
4. | Photi La | Southeastern Ladakh | Zanskar Range | 5,524 |
5. | Dongkha La or Donkia La Pass | Sikkim | Himalayan Mountain Range | 5,486 |
6. | Kaksang La | Ladakh | Ladakh’s Changthang Range | 5,438 |
7. | Chang La | Ladakh | Ladakh Range | 5,360 |
8. | Khardung La | Leh | Ladakh Range | 5,359 |
9. | Taglang La or Tanglang La | Leh | Ladakh Range | 5,312 |
10. | Wari La | Northeast Ladakh | Ladakh Range | 5,312 |
Umling La in Ladakh is the highest motorable road in the world at 5,799 meters. Built by the Border Roads Organization in 2017, it connects Chisumle and Demchok villages. Located near the India-China border, it is not open to tourists. The road is very high and needs special army and government permits to travel.
Marsimek La is a very high and tough mountain pass in Ladakh, close to the India-China border. It is 5,777 meters above sea level and is known for its rocky road and low oxygen. Only 4×4 vehicles can go here. Tourists need special permits from the army. It is near Pangong Lake and is not commonly visited.
Mana Pass is located in Uttarakhand near the Tibet border and is 5,610 meters high. It is one of India’s highest roads and reaches near Mana village, the last village of India. The road is steep and mostly used by the army. Tourists need special permission to visit, but it offers beautiful views and quiet surroundings.
Photi La is a high pass in southeastern Ladakh, standing at 5,524 meters. It is near Hanle village and often leads toward Umling La. The road is steep and winding, and it is mostly closed in winter due to snow. Only limited people can travel here and permits are usually required to enter this remote area.
Dongkha La is a pass in North Sikkim, 5,486 meters high. It lies near the Tibet border and is close to Gurudongmar Lake. The views from here are stunning, showing the Tibetan Plateau. The Indian Army controls the area, so special permits are needed. It is not a common tourist spot due to its location and rules.
Kaksang La is a high and quiet mountain pass in the Changthang region of Ladakh. It is 5,438 meters above sea level and links Chushul and Mahe. The road is partly paved and partly rough, needing strong vehicles. You need an Inner Line Permit to go here. It is peaceful with scenic lakes, mountains and valleys round.
Chang La is 5,360 meters high and lies on the way from Leh to Pangong Lake. It is named after a local saint, Changla Baba, and has a small temple at the top. This pass is popular among tourists and bikers. Though steep and chilly, it’s easier to reach than other passes and offers great views of Ladakh.
Khardung La is one of the most famous passes in India, located near Leh at 5,359 meters. It connects Leh with the beautiful Nubra and Shyok valleys. Once thought to be the world’s highest road, it is still very popular among tourists. It’s easy to access and is maintained by the Border Roads Organization (BRO).
Taglang La is 5,328 meters high and lies on the famous Manali-Leh Highway. It is one of the highest passes on this route and offers great views. The road is mostly paved, though some parts are rough. Many travelers pass through it while going from Manali to Leh, and it is open during the warmer months.
Wari La is a quiet and beautiful pass in Ladakh, standing at 5,312 meters. It connects Leh to Nubra Valley through an alternative route. The road is less crowded and very scenic but rough and sometimes crossed by streams. Low oxygen and snow make travel hard. It is usually open in summer and closed in winter.
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