Finally, I am concluding my Ladakh series with the last post on Umlingla Pass. I have previously announced the subject of this post so there is nothing to assume but the story remains untold. So, let me take you to a great height of 19024 ft. within the cold desert of Ladakh to see the Umlingla Pass. ‘Footlooseinme’ at the highest motorable pass – Umlingla Pass!
It may sound adventurous to be on the highest motorable pass, but it was not so adventurous to us. We comfortably sat in a car driven by our trusted friend Dorjai and reached Umlingla Pass enjoying the scenery. There was no such effort from our side.
I would have called it an adventure if we could ride to Umlingla Pass. A large number of people from around the world rode here on their bikes. Some people drove Auto Rickshaws to the highest motorable pass, too.
The previous evening while we were on our leisurely walk around Hanle we saw a couple driving an Auto Rickshaw and going towards the direction of Umlingla Pass. The physical features of the couple suggested they were foreigners. The vehicle’s number plate said it was registered in the Indian state of Kerala. We assumed they were on an adventure to drive an Auto Rickshaw from Kerala (the southern part of India) to Ladakh (the northernmost part of India) and take it to Umlingla Pass. I assume they must have had an adventure of adventure.
Later, I came to know, that there was a competition held in the year 2022 where two couples (one from Switzerland and the other from Canada) made a world record by driving Auto Rickshaws to the highest altitude, the Umlingla Pass. So keeping aside the adventure part from our end, I would say we have seen the sheer beauty of the highest motorable pass.
The landscape from Hanle to Umlingla Pass was barren, very barren with chains of rolling mountains all around. There was no locality in between just a few gypsy settlements and a makeshift eating joint.
Passing through the Nurbula top photography point we reached Umlingla Pass. The BRO officials were busy with the regular flag-hoisting ceremony. We were so lucky to be there at the right time. That day the second officer was in charge of the flag hoisting. Even though it was a regular activity, it was a proud moment for us to witness the unfurling of our tricolour at the height of 19024 ft.
We have been on regular doses of Diamox as a preventive measure for AMS since the day we reached Ladakh. We did suffer from minor breathless issues while in Zanskar, but surprisingly we were fine here. After spending some time here in the crisp thin air of Umlingla Pass we were on our descent towards Hanle.
We were close to the village of Hanle where on a marshy area, Dorjai showed us a pair of Black Necked Cranes. This was probably the best surprise Ladakh had to offer to us on the final day of our tour this time. We felt blessed to see the Black-necked Cranes but also unlucky as we left the camera at our homestay.
We did return to the same spot with the camera on the same day but the Cranes were gone by then. Rather a couple of Himalayan Marmots entertained us. After we were back to our stay we waited for the night to capture the night sky. (Read my previous post to know what happened then.) The next day we bid farewell to Hanle and went back to Leh for the final departure from Ladakh the following day.
Read my previous post on Hanle.
Read my previous post on Purne to Leh.
Read my previous post on Padum to Purne.
Read my previous post on Padum.
Read my previous post on Kargil.
Read my previous post on Srinagar.
Read my introductory post on the Ladakh series.
A Complete Guide to Tour Ladakh
Ladakh Part 2 – Julley Lamayuru
Ladakh Part 4 – To Nubra Valley, via Khardung La
Ladakh Part 5 – To the Lush and Cropwise Rich Village of Turtuk
Ladakh Part 6 – The Hyper-popular Pangong Tso
Ladakh Part 7 – The Cloudy Story of the Starry Night at Hanle
We saw a few autorickshaws racing up the toward Rohtang La when we were coming down. I can’t imagine making it up that pass with that little engine, but I really can’t imagine driving all the way from Kerala! Umling La looks very isolated, but to see black cranes nearby is exciting. Maggie
Yes Maggie, the Black Necked Cranes were the best surprise on our trip.
We were equally shocked to see people driving autorickshaws there. 😀
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.