Chang La

The Chang La (Urdu: چھانگ لا) is a high mountain pass in Ladakh at an elevation of 5,360 m or 17,590 ft in the Ladakh Ranges between Leh and the Shyok River valley.[1][2] It is one of the highest motor-able road in the world.

This article is about the mountain pass in India. For the mountain on the China–Nepal border, see Changla.

Chang La
Elevation5,360 m (17,585 ft)
Traversed byRoad from Indus Valley to Pangong Lake
LocationLadakh, India
RangeHimalaya
Coordinates34°02′49″N 77°55′50″E
Location of Chang La in Ladakh
Chang La (India)

Chang La is approached from Leh via Kharu and Sakti village by an asphalt road. The climb is very steep and requires a careful drive. The stretch of 10–15 km road on either side from Chang la is loose dirt and slush. During the summer months specifically the tourist season, small streams appear across the road, making the climb a challenge for the bikers. The descent from Chang La towards Tangtse or Darbuk is again very steep. As per the medics, it is advisable to not stay at the top for more than 20-25 mins as it could be detrimental to health owing to its high altitude.

The Chang La is on the route to Pangong Lake from Leh. The name literally means "Northern Pass" (Chang = north, La = Pass). The small town of Tangste is the nearest settlement. The Changla Pass is the main gateway for the Nubra region. The world's highest research station, established by the Defence Research and Development Organisation is functional in Chang La at a height of 17,664 ft.[3]

  • Chang La with prayer flags
  • Chang La, Tea Point, everyone is welcome
  • Chang La, Ladakh in 2013

References
  1. GeoNames. "Chang La Pass". Retrieved 17 June 2009.
  2. Jina, Prem Singh (31 August 1998). Ladakh: The Land & The People. India: Indus Publishing. pp. 25–26. ISBN 978-81-7387-057-6.
  3. Service, Tribune News. "At 17,500 ft, world's highest research station becomes functional in Ladakh". Tribuneindia News Service.


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