Umling La is a mountain pass in the Changthang area of eastern Ladakh, near the village of Demchok. The paved road over it, built by the Border Roads Organisation in 2017, was counted as the highest motorable road in the world for eight years.
Umling La facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Height | 5,799 m (19,024 ft) |
| Region | Changthang, Ladakh, near Demchok |
| Road | Chisumle to Demchok road, paved in 2017 by the Border Roads Organisation |
| Distance from Leh | About 230 to 250 km |
| Travel time from Leh | About 8 to 10 hours, depending on the road |
| Route | Leh, Upshi, Chumathang, Mahe, Nyoma, Hanle, Photi La, Umling La |
Is Umling La the highest motorable road in the world?
From 2017 to 2025 the road over Umling La was recorded as the highest motorable road in the world, ahead of the road on the Uturuncu volcano in Bolivia at 5,777 m. In 2025 the Border Roads Organisation opened a road over Mig La at about 5,900 m (19,400 ft), also in Ladakh, which is now reported as higher.
Khardung La, the pass between Leh and Nubra, is lower at 5,359 m (17,582 ft). It is the high pass most riders actually cross, and it is on our Leh Ladakh bike trip.
Permits and access
Umling La lies close to the border with China, in an area where access depends on permits and on rules that the local authorities change from time to time. Check with the Leh district administration, or with a local operator, before you plan a visit. Do not rely on a social-media post for the current rules.
For the permits our own routes need, see the Inner Line Permit guide.
Altitude at 5,799 m
The air at Umling La holds roughly half the oxygen found at sea level. A visit needs several days of acclimatisation in Leh first, a slow ascent and a short stay at the top. Headache, nausea or breathlessness mean going down at once.
Do MountainBea trips go to Umling La?
No. Umling La is not on any of our itineraries. Our Leh Ladakh bike trip crosses Khardung La at 5,359 m, rides to Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake, and returns to Leh, with the permits included.
Questions
What is the height of Umling La?
Umling La is 5,799 m, or 19,024 ft, above sea level.
Is Umling La higher than Khardung La?
Yes. Umling La is at 5,799 m and Khardung La at 5,359 m, about 440 m lower.
How far is Umling La from Leh?
About 230 to 250 km by road via Upshi, Chumathang, Mahe, Nyoma, Hanle and Photi La, which takes roughly 8 to 10 hours.
Where is Umling La?
In the Changthang area of Ladakh, India, near the village of Demchok and the border with China.
Is Umling La the highest motorable road?
It held that title from 2017 to 2025. A road over Mig La at about 5,900 m opened in 2025 and is now reported as higher.
Do I need a permit for Umling La?
The area is near the border and access depends on permits and local rules that change. Confirm with the Leh authorities before you plan.
Does MountainBea run a trip to Umling La?
No. Our Ladakh trips go to Khardung La, Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake.
