Khardung La is a mountain pass of Jammu and Kashmir, located in the Ladakh region. It is also known to the bikers as it is the highest motorable road in the world.
Naming of Khardung La
The local pronunciation of Khardung La is "Khardong La" or "Khardzong La," but, as with most names in Ladakh, the Romanized spelling varies.
History of Khardung La
Khardung La was built in the year 1976, after the Independence of India. It was opened to public motor vehicles in 1988 and has since seen many automobiles, motorbikes and mountain biking expeditions done by individuals or for any social cause by the NGOs.
Geography of Khardung La
Khardung La is located on the Ladakh Range. Geographically, Khardung La lies in the north of Leh District of Jammu and Kashmir. Khardung La is the gateway to the Shyok and Nubra valley. The Siachen Glacier lies part way up the latter valley.
Elevation of Khardung La
The elevation of Khardung La is 5,359 m. The local summit signs and dozens of stores selling shirts in Leh incorrectly claim that its elevation is in the vicinity of 5,602 m (18,379 ft).
Extension of Khardung La
Khardung La is situated 39 kilometers by road from Leh. The first 24 km, as far as the South Pullu check point are paved. From there to the North Pullu check point about 15 km beyond the pass the roadway is primarily loose rock, dirt and occasional rivulets of snow melt. However, this pass is in better repair than many of the surrounding passes like Tanglang La and Chang La. From North Pullu into the Nubra Valley, the road is very well maintained, except in a very few places where washouts or falling rock occur. Hired vehicles, heavy trucks, and motorcycles regularly travel into the Nubra Valley, though special permits may need to be arranged for travelers from the Tourism Department of Jammu and Kashmir and the Indian Army to make the journey.
Maintenance of Khardung La
Khardung La is maintained by the Border Roads Organization. The pass is strategically important to India as it is used to carry supplies to the Siachen Glacier.
Tourism in Khardung La
Khardung La is the paradise of bikers. While on the other hand, Khardong La is historically important as it lies on the major caravan route from Leh to Kashgar in Central Asia. During Second World War, there was an attempt to transfer war material to China through this route. About 10,000 horses and camels use to take the route annually and a small population of Bactrian camels can still be seen at Hunder, in the area north of the pass.
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