Fotu La, located on the highway of Srinagar-leh, is a mountain pass in the Zanskar range of the Indian Himalayas. It is 4,108 m elevated and is the highest point on the road, passing Zoji La. The two highest mountain passes between Leh and Kargil are Namika La and Fotu La. This place has lunar-like landscapes and is the best place to enjoy photography. The entire pass is covered with a thick layer of tarmac, but it is sometimes challenging. As you go further into the past, you can experience unforgettable views of the mountains. Prasar Bharti Television is located on the way to the pass. This pass is usually closed between November and March because of the dangerous weather conditions of snow completely taking over the road.
Places To Visit Near Fotu La
The journey to Fotu La is filled with unforgettable views and unforgettable structures. Here are a few places to visit near Fotu La for a memorable trip.
1. Mulbekh Monastery
Image Credit: Kondephy for Wikipedia
Mulbekh Monastery, or Mulbekh Gompa, is located in the Kargil district, Ladakh, and is 40 km away from the Kargil-Leh highway. This place is 11495 feet above sea level and 656 feet uphill from the road level. This monastery consists of a 30-foot-tall Maitreya Buddha statue. It also has large prayer wheels. Nyima Lhakhang Temple was built 800 years ago and is found in the oldest section of the monasteries. All the tallest statues of Buddha in Ladakh are named Bamiyan Buddhas of Ladakh. The monastery is open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and is closed on Sundays. From December to February, it is mostly closed due to heavy snowfall.
Location: 99H8+CM6 Mulbekh Monastery, Mulbekh, 194109
Distance from Fotu la: 87.8 km
Must Read: Places To Visit In Leh Ladakh
2. Lamayuru Monastery
Image Credit: Vyacheslav Argenberg for Wikipedia
Lamayuru, or Yuru Monastery, is in Leh district, Ladakh, India. It is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery located on the Srinagar Leh highway, which is 3510 high. The Seng-ge-sang temple is the oldest surviving building in this monastery and is located at the end of the Lamayuru rock. It was built by the famous builder monk Rinchen Zangpo. Gompa has five buildings, and the remains of four buildings are still visible. Lamayuru is one of Ladakh’s oldest and largest gompas, where nearly 150 monks remain. Before, there used to be almost 400 monks in surrounding villages. The monastery is open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Location: 7QMF+6J9 The Lamayuru Monastery, B.P.O Khaltse, Ladakh, Leh, Jammu and Kashmir 194106
Distance from Fotu La: 14.9 km
3. Leh Palace
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Leh Palace is located in Ladakh, overlooking the city of Leh. It is a former royal palace, also known as Lachen Palkar Palace. This palace was constructed in 1600 by Sengge Namgyal. This palace has 9 floors, and the upper floors accommodated the royal family. The lower floors were used as store rooms. The palace has almost wholly deteriorated and survives only because of its interior decorations. Other structures around the palace base include the Namgyal stupa, Chandazik Gompa, and Chamba Lhakhang. The archaeological survey of India is trying to restore the palace, which provides beautiful views of the city of Leh and the surrounding areas. This palace is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with an entry fee of 15 rupees for Indians and Rs 100 for foreigners. It takes nearly 2 to 3 hours to explore the entire area.
Location: Leh Palace, Namgyal Hill Leh Jammu and Kashmir, 194101
Distance from Fotu La: 130.2 km
Suggested Read: Ladakh Lakes
4. Gurudwara Pathar Sahib
Image Credit: Goutam1962 for Wikipedia
Gurudwara Pathar Sahib is a beautiful place in Ladakh built in Guru Nanak’s memory. This place is 12000 feet above sea level, and it was built in 1517. It is believed that a demon lived where this Gurudwara is situated and troubled the people. Guru Nanak went to this place, and he became famous. The demon got angry and decided to kill Guru Nanak Dev, and one morning, the demon pushed a large rock from the hilltop while the guru was meditating. But as it touched Guru’s body, it became soft and made an impression on the rock. The Patthar, or rock impression, of the left feet and the body of Guru are in this Gurudwara. The Gurudwara is open from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Location: 59RG+M8F Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, NH1, Phey, 194101
Distance from Fotu La: 98.4 km
5. Zanskar River
Image Credit: Eatcha for Wikipedia
The Zanskar River, flowing through the entire Ladakh region, is the first major tributary of the Indus River. It initially flows from the northeastern part of the Great Himalayan Range. The Zanskar word translates to white copper. Zanskar has two main branches as it reaches the upper part. The first is Doda, which flows through the Zanskar valley and leads towards Padum. The second one is a tributary of the Kragyag and Tsarap rivers. These two rivers unite at the Purne River and form the Lungnak River. This river then takes a turn, joins the Zanskar River, and meets the Indus River. In winter, the mountain pass to the Zanskar River is closed due to heavy snowfall.
Location: Indus & Zanskar River Sangam, Nimmoo, Ladakh 194101
Distance from Fotu La: 105.2 km
Further Read: Places To Visit In Ladakh In Summer
Ladakh, often likened to a Martian landscape, evokes a sense of wonder and adventure with its towering mountains, ancient Tibetan monasteries, shimmering lakes, welcoming locals, and elusive wildlife. Ladakh consistently tops the bucket list of many adventure seekers. Now that you have a list of things to keep in mind while travelling to Fotu La, plan your trip to Ladakh to have an adventurous and memorable experience.
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Cover Image Source: Mormegil241 for Wikipedia
Frequently Asked Questions About Fotu La
What is the best time to visit Fotu La?
The best time to visit Fotu La is between May to September because the climate is ideal for trekking and exploring the place. It is also less dangerous during these months.
How is the climate in Fotu La?
Winter is frigid and dangerous because of heavy snowfall. But during the rest of the seasons, it is a cold deserted area but has a perfect climatic experience to travel around.
How to reach Fotu La?
Fotu La is located on the highway of Srinagar-Ladakh. This place is 129 km from Leh and 290 km from Srinagar. Tourists can plan their journey according to the destination to which they are travelling.
What are the precautions to take while visiting Ladakh?
Altitude sickness is a common problem, so tourists should stay hydrated, carry necessary medications, and know about hospitals, road conditions, transportation, and climate.
What are some adventurous activities to do in Ladakh?
There are many adventurous activities like rafting, jeep safaris, mountain biking, hiking, camel safaris, bike riding, camping, quad biking, rock climbing, and many more.
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