As one travels through roads, not only do they travel through various cultures, traditions, climates and accommodations, they travel through stories, living their own enchanted tale. And as one travels through the mystic lands of the Himalayas, they do not travel through the stories; they travel through the mystic tales these grand mountains hold in their several layers. As one travels through the roads that lead to the second highest pass in the world, Tanglang La Pass, with an elevation of about 5,328 meters, the road unfolds its multiple layers of tales backed up with the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas in their snow-capped glory with the serene Indus river flowing through the path.
Essential Information About Tanglang La Pass
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Situated on the Manali – Leh Highway, Tanglang La Pass is situated at an altitude of 5,328 meters, which makes it the second-highest pass after Khardung La Pass and the highest pass in the Manali – Leh Highway. With the colourful Tibetan flags hurled all over the place and vast stretches of barren beauty of the Himalayas, this place will surely enchant you with its beauty. However, to experience every out-of-the-world beauty, you must traverse through some challenging paths, and that is the road to this scenic beauty, a heart-wrenching challenge for bike riders.
Though the roads get rocky and rough as you traverse the Himalayas, the real challenge that persists is the decreasing levels of oxygen as you ascend to the Tanglang La pass. Decreasing oxygen levels might spin your head and cause fatigue and headaches throughout the journey. With temperatures dropping to about -35 degrees Celsius, the terrain and the climate take a dramatic turn in this perennial beauty. However, Tanglang La Pass dates back to the historic trade centres, which have served as important points since ancient times.
Must Read: Taglang La
Places On Your Way To Tanglang Pass
Explore the various places on your way to Tanglang Pass for a memorable trip to Leh Ladakh.
1. Leh To Tanglang La Pass
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The journey from Leh to Tanglang La Pass is exhilarating, with views that will sway your heart away. As you ascend through the huge mountains, the world with the shimmering lights and chaotic lifestyles fade away, and only the peaceful serenity of the mountains persists. There are two ways to reach this challenging spot: one is through the Valley of Gods, Manali, and the other is through the majestic town of Leh. However, Tanglang La is much closer to the quaint town of Leh. As one starts from the vibrant town of Leh, the first stop in this epic journey is Upshi, where travellers stop for some tea and scenic views.
Taking off from Upshi, a small village along the journey with one road leading to the magical waters of Tso Moriri Lake, the travellers ascend to the village of Rumtse at an altitude of 4260 meters. With the Indus River just beside the breathtaking beauty of Rumste, with the warmth of tea, heaven becomes a place just right in front of your eyes. Oxygen levels drop as you head towards Tanglang La Pass from this heavenly site. With every drop in the oxygen levels, the serenity of the place increases. River Indus will support you in this exhilarating journey, enhancing your experience with charming beauty.
Trekking difficulty: Moderate
Altitude: 3500 m
2. Tanglang La Pass To Lachung la Pass
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Tanglang La Pass, with the heavy winds swaying you off the cliffs, the breathtaking view of this pass is accompanied by dizziness and loss of breath due to low oxygen levels in the area. However, as you descend on your way to Lachung la Pass, Ladakh’s nature and terrain take a dramatic turn, with small streams accompanying you on your perfect adventure. One such surprising turn of terrain is in the terrain of Moore Plains.
As in the high altitude of about 4730 meters, which is to expect vast stretches of flat-bedded plains? But Moore plains, as the name suggests, comprises vast stretches of flat plains amidst the glory of the scenic Himalayas. Along with the vast stretches of flat-bedded plains, one might spot the rare Kiyangs or Ladakhi wild asses and Blue Sheeps on these exotic lands.
Trekking difficulty: moderate
Altitude: 5059 m
Suggested Read: Khardung La
3. Lachung La Pass To Baralacha La Pass
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The journey through this part of the Manali Leh Highway is like an enchanting story that the magnificent mountains whisper into the ears of travellers. After reaching the destination of Lachung La Pass, one descends to the NakeeLa Pass, after which comes the 21-hairpin loop famously known as the Ghata Loops. Biking through the descent of 400 meters from an altitude of 4630 meters to 4190 meters is thrilling in itself, but what mesmerizes one is the Legend of Ghata Loops, a legend believed by every traveler who crosses these roads on their way to Baralacha La Pass.
After the infamous Ghata Loops comes to a popular spot where people stop for food and beverages, Sarchu. On reaching the final destination of Baralacha La Pass, one can find the mesmerizing Suraj Tal Lake on its northwest base of Baralacha La Pass. With the snow-capped Himalayas guarding the crystal blue waters of the lake resonating with the vast blue sky, Suraj Tal Lake, at an altitude of 4883 meters, stands exquisitely beside Baralacha Pass on the road of Tanglang La Pass.
Trekking difficulty: Moderate
Altitude: 4850 m
The Ghost Story Of Ghata Loops
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Though one of the challenging rides of the Manali – Leh highway is traversing the 21 Ghata Loops, it offers even more than just challenging terrain. It holds within its twists and turns a legend, a legend that halts every vehicle travelling through these lands to offer water in the Ghata Temple. The story goes back several years when a truck driver and his companion were travelling on this challenging trip in the month of October with snow falling over the road.
The truck broke down and came to a complete halt. The driver went out to seek help, leaving the cleaner inside the truck. After a few days, when he returned, he found his companion dead, a victim of the extreme conditions. After the incidents, many travellers came across the ghost of the cleaner, leading the villagers to build a temple to quench the cleaner’s thirst, known as Ghata Temple.
Trekking difficulty: difficult
Altitude: 17000 feet above sea level
Suggested Read: Ladakh Travel Tips
Places To Visit Near Tanglang La Pass
Here is the list of top places to visit near this exotic destination and collect the beautiful Memories.
1. Thiksey Monastery
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Located on Thiksey Hill, Thiksey Monastery, just on the way to the Tanglang la Pass, is an important Buddhist centre with a history and a tale as old as itself. When Je Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug School of Buddhism, first founded the Yellow Order of Buddhism, only a few monks joined the sect during the initial years. However, Je Tsongkhapa then prophesied that his doctrine would establish and prosper on the right bank of the river Indus. This prophecy emerged in reality with the emergence of Thiksey Monastery in the Indus Valley. Thiksey Monastery is famed for its vast collection of Thangkas, wall paintings, stupas, statues and swords.
Charges: Rs 30 person
Timings: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
2. Thiksey Gustor Festival
This festival is Celebrated on the Thiksey Monastery’s pious lands before the Ladakhi New Year. Prayers begin in the monastery before this two-day festival, and people flock to the monastery to seek blessings from the deities on this pious occasion. The town beneath the monastery oozes with vibrancy during this time of the year. The celebration includes traditional cham dances, elaborate dresses, masks, and folk music. The festival ends with the distribution of a sacrificial cake known as Stroma to mark the victory of good over evil.
Charges: no fees
Timings: throughout the day
Suggested Read: Changla Pass
3 Shey Village
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Located 15 km from Leh towards Hemis, Shey Village was founded as the summer capital, then known as Maryul, by King Lhachen Palgyigon in the 10th century. Situated in the Upper Indus Valley, Shey Village has an elevation of about 3415 meters. Along with the breathtaking views of the Indus Valley, Shey Monastery has a huge Shakyamuni Buddha Statue, the second largest Buddha Statue in Ladakh. Besides possessing an interesting history, Shey also hosts the Sindhu Darshan Festival yearly.
Charges: None
Timings: All Day
4. Sindhu Darshan Festival
Celebrated in honour of the river Indus, the Sindhu Darshan Festival calls for artists from all over India to showcase their talents in the diverse land of Ladakh. Along with various cultural events that accommodate all of India, a heartfelt tribute to soldiers of India who laid their lives at the feet of Mother India is given. Celebrated in the month of June, this festival not only accommodates every aspect of Indian culture.
Charges: no fees
Timings: throughout the day
Best Time To Visit
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The best time to visit the heavenly beauty of Tanglang La Pass is from April To June when the Border Road Organisation opens the road. Due to difficult terrain and extreme weather conditions, the road is closed during winter.
Further Read: Zanskar Valley
Roads always carry with them – a tale that is eager to let out in the world. However, the road to Tanglang Pass is a plethora of tales, unseen beauty and a heart-engraving adventure. Enjoy the chilling adventure to Tanglang La Pass by booking a trip to Ladakh.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Tanglang La Pass
Where is Tanglang La Pass located?
Tanglang La is an high altitude pass with an elevation of about 5328 meters in the Indian union territory of Ladakh. It has a great accessibility as it is located on NH3 Leh-Manali Highway.
What is the weather like in Tanglang La in June?
Weather in Tanglang La during June is mildly cold with temperature ranging from 10-degree celsius to 25-degree celsius. The weather is pleasant during this time for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Which mountain pass connects Manali and Leh?
The Bara-lacha La pass with an altitude of about 4890 meters connects Manali to Leh. The two tributaries of Chenab River, River Chandra and River Bhaga, originate near the Baralacha Pass.
What is the meaning of La in Ladakh?
In Ladakhi language, La stands for mountain pass while Dakh stands for country. Therefore, Ladakh stands for “country of mountain passes”. Mountain passes are lifelines of hilly areas, as they are navigable routes through mountain ranges.
What is Ladakh’s special drink?
Chhang, a barley-based alcoholic drink, is a special drink of Ladakh. It is a barley-based alcoholic drink prepared and consumed by people of Ladakh. It is an indispensable part of sociocultural life.
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