Have you ever wished to stand on the highest pass in the world, surrounded by snow-white mountains and icy winds, where every moment feels magical? That is the experience you can have with Chang La Pass. It is such an elevated Himalayan route on the path between Leh and Pangong Lake that you feel like you are in some other world. With this wide-open land, breathtaking views, thin cold air, colorful prayer flags, and raw beauty, no one can help but fall in love with Ladakh right after travelling here.
Chang La Pass is one of the places that you cannot leave out if you are planning to visit Ladakh. Get to know about its weather, altitude, the best time to visit, and some tips needed to make a smooth and easy journey with the help of this guide, and start planning for an unforgettable experience with the Ladakh tour package.
Essential Information About Chang La Pass
Below is a summary of the important facts any traveller should not ignore before travelling:
Chang La Pass altitude: 5,360 metres (17,586 feet).
Chang La Pass location: Ladakh (Union Territory of India).
Chang La Pass in which state? It is not located in a state but in Ladakh UT.
Chang La Pass temperature: Varies between -5°C and 25°C in different seasons.
Conditions of the road: Rocky, bumpy, and frequently frozen.
Best Time to Visit: May to September is the best season to visit.
Permits: Inner Line Permit for tourists.
Caution: Be there for not more than 20-30 because of low oxygen.
Connection: No mobile network.
Best Time to Visit the Chang La Pass
The months between May and September are the best time to visit Ladakh and Chang La Pass due to the availability of the roads, as well as the high stability of the weather. Summer will provide you with clear skies, safer travels, and a picturesque view of mountains. Winter (October to March) is extremely cold with a low temperature of below -20°C. It is dangerous in winter when there is heavy snowfall, and the roads are prone to being closed. The Chang La Pass weather is safe during the monsoon months (July to August) in Ladakh, as it receives minimal rainfall, and it is likely to have some roads blocked.
June and July provide the most visibility compared to other times of the year, and it is the most ideal time for the fans of photography. To adventure lovers, the first month of May and the end of September is adventurous and less congested. Do not go there without getting used to the high altitude, as the high altitude may lead to complications in breathing.
How to Reach Chang La Pass
It is not a difficult task to reach Chang La Pass, and it is even less so when you are already in Leh. The pass is located on the road leading from Leh to Pangong Lake; hence, it is visited by large numbers of tourists. Here’s how you can get there:
By Road:
Leh to Changla Pass distance is 75 km, and the journey takes around 2‑3 hours. The route is Leh-Sakti Village-Zingral-Chang La Pass. SUVs, motorcycles, and tempo travellers are the most ideal modes of travelling. It is the most picturesque and the most popular way.
Tip: Proper acclimatisation to the change is essential, as the Chang La Pass is at a very high altitude.
5 Best Things To Do in Chang La Pass
Chang La Pass will give you a spellbound experience on your trip to Ladakh, and don’t miss out on the following activities to make it an even more memorable one.
Enjoy the Snow-Covered Landscapes
When approaching Chang La Pass, the blanket of snow will immediately capture your heart. Regardless of the time of the year, the region tends to be covered with soft powdery snow since the weather is extremely cold. The scenery is stunning, with mountains with frozen slopes and glaciers that shine in the sun. Tourists tend to take photographs, play in the snow, and relax in the silence of the Himalayas. Standing here is like being on top of the world.
Take Photos At The Chang La Board
One of the most popular activities people do here is to take a photo in front of a yellow board that proudly states the Chang La Pass height in feet, which is 17,586 ft. Visitors are fond of making this shot as evidence that they have managed to reach one of the highest passes in the world. The background consists of prayer flags and snow walls, which is Instagram-worthy. This experience is very special, and it is remembered forever.
Sip Hot Tea at the Army Cafe
At the top of Chang La Pass, there is a small cafe managed by the Indian Army. They have hot tea that seems to be heaven during times of freezing temperatures. It is memorable to sit here and consume tea due to the chilly wind. You also sense security and thankfulness in seeing the army at work in such inhumane conditions. The medical facility provides health assistance in the case of altitude sickness.
Experience High-Altitude Adventure
Due to the massive Chang La Pass elevation, it becomes difficult to breathe and very slow to move, and even a couple of steps can be considered a mini-adventure. This difficulty is appreciated by adventure lovers since it is hard to find the real high-altitude conditions. The thin air demonstrates the strength of the mountains and the importance of the acclimatisation. This is an adventure that becomes one of the most memorable aspects of the Ladakh trip.
Witness Himalayan Wildlife
If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, then you are in for a treat, as you can have a chance to see the Himalayan animals, such as yaks, marmots, and blue sheep, on the road leading to Changla Pass Ladakh. The high-altitude region has a distinctive ecosystem that attracts nature enthusiasts. Herding cattle near the pass is common, and the sight of snowy mountains is a unique experience on the journey.
Top Places To Visit Near Chang La Pass
A visit to Changa La Pass is not complete if you do not go and admire the places around it, which will make your experience even more magical, memorable, and unforgettable.
Pangong Lake (Pangong Tso)
Pangong Lake is one of the most famous lakes in Ladakh. It has blue water that changes its colour during the day. The sight is even more breathtaking upon passing Chang La Pass with snowy mountains reflected on the lake. The serene surroundings, untouched nature and unpolluted air render it an ideal place to unwind and capture photos. A lot of visitors sit at the lake and spend a couple of hours gazing at the beauty of the lake.
Location: Around 55 km from Chang La Pass.
Durbuk
Durbuk is a small village surrounded by mountains and extensive fields. It is on the route from where Chang La Pass connects to Pangong Lake, and hence, it is visited by numerous travellers. The village provides a plain Ladakhi lifestyle, hospitable locals, and houses constructed of rock and mud. Durbuk is a good place to stay if you want to experience the actual local culture. Fields, streams and monasteries can be found around the village, contributing to its peaceful beauty. It is among the most appropriate places to relax in the surroundings of Chang La.
Location: Approximately 20 km away from Chang La Pass.
Tangtse
Tangtse is a wonderful village located on the route from Leh to Pangong. It is famous because of the colourful prayer flags, ancient monasteries, and rocky landscapes. Tangtse is a place where many travellers stop before they continue to go to Chang La Pass to have a rest, eat, or visit the market. The village was previously located along one of the ancient trade routes. It is memorable today due to its natural beauty, streams, and warm locals. There is also unique wildlife that you can view in the area, which makes it even more exciting.
Location: Around 34 km away from Chang La Pass.
Thiksey Monastery
The Thiksey Monastery is a large and attractive monastery in Ladakh. It is situated on the hill and resembles a small Potala Palace in Tibet. The monastery is known to have a giant statue of Maitreya Buddha, silent prayer halls, and a superb view of the Indus Valley. Many people visit the monastery after their trip to Chang La Pass to take a spiritual break.
Location: At a distance of about 70 km from Chang La Pass.
Shey Palace
Shey Palace is a royal palace on a small hill near Leh. The palace provides spectacular views of other villages, rivers and mountains. It is home to a large Buddha statue that is gilded with copper, which is one of the largest in Ladakh. A stroll through the palace sends you back in time, since the ancient walls speak the tales of Ladakhi kings. After visiting Chang La Pass, many travellers come to visit Shey Palace, as it is a combination of history, beauty, and calm.
Location: Approximately 75 km from Chang La Pass.
Conclusion
It feels like hugging a cloud when standing at Chang La Pass. Freezing winds, snow-covered mountains, silence and breathtaking scenery make the pass one magic experience within Ladakh that does not go away easily after the journey. Whether you are capturing photographs of the renowned Chang La board, enjoying a cup of hot tea in the army cafeteria or just enjoying the Himalayan view, the moments will never leave you. The altitude is also very high, making the journey exciting and the view lovely. When you are planning to visit Ladakh, you will not afford to miss Chang La Pass, which is one of the best experiences in the region.
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