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6 most scenic mountain passes in India for your next road trip

lifestyle
By Akanksha Agnihotri, Delhi
Updated On Dec 14, 2022 01:47 pm IST

From Rohtang pass to Khardung La, check out some of the most scenic mountain passes in India that will mesmerise you with their beauty and natural grandeur.

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The Himalayas, India's greatest treasure, and their rough terrain are home to an incalculable number of mesmerising Mountain Passes. Numerous passes in India are essential for connecting rural areas and improving the quality of life for the locals. Mountain passes found throughout the nation are largely responsible for India's distinctive beauty and tourists congregate from all over the world to admire their splendour. Check out some of the most scenic mountain passes in India that will mesmerise you with their beauty and natural grandeur. (Unsplash) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on Dec 14, 2022 01:47 pm IST

The Himalayas, India's greatest treasure, and their rough terrain are home to an incalculable number of mesmerising Mountain Passes. Numerous passes in India are essential for connecting rural areas and improving the quality of life for the locals. Mountain passes found throughout the nation are largely responsible for India's distinctive beauty and tourists congregate from all over the world to admire their splendour. Check out some of the most scenic mountain passes in India that will mesmerise you with their beauty and natural grandeur. (Unsplash)

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One of the most popular adventure routes in India is Khardung La Pass, located at a height of 17,582 ft, it is renowned for being the escape for the Nubra and Shyok valleys. But this is not a journey for the fainthearted, as you will have to negotiate a number of sharp turns and difficult terrains. The incredible scenery and snow-capped mountains will capture your heart at once. To get here, you don't need any permits. So, simply get a ticket to Leh and begin exploring this pass.(Unsplash) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on Dec 14, 2022 01:47 pm IST

One of the most popular adventure routes in India is Khardung La Pass, located at a height of 17,582 ft, it is renowned for being the escape for the Nubra and Shyok valleys. But this is not a journey for the fainthearted, as you will have to negotiate a number of sharp turns and difficult terrains. The incredible scenery and snow-capped mountains will capture your heart at once. To get here, you don't need any permits. So, simply get a ticket to Leh and begin exploring this pass.(Unsplash)

3 / 7
The Rohtang Pass, one of India's most well-known passes, is located 51 km from Manali on the Leh-Manali Highway. The road, a favourite among drivers, links the Kullu Valley with the Lahaul and Spiti regions. To go there, you'll need a Rohtang Pass Permit. Be aware that the Indian government frequently closes this route throughout the year due to weather or other factors. Therefore, it would be advisable to obtain the pass before making your other reservations if you are planning a trip here.(Unsplash) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on Dec 14, 2022 01:47 pm IST

The Rohtang Pass, one of India's most well-known passes, is located 51 km from Manali on the Leh-Manali Highway. The road, a favourite among drivers, links the Kullu Valley with the Lahaul and Spiti regions. To go there, you'll need a Rohtang Pass Permit. Be aware that the Indian government frequently closes this route throughout the year due to weather or other factors. Therefore, it would be advisable to obtain the pass before making your other reservations if you are planning a trip here.(Unsplash)

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Chang La, the third-highest motorable pass in the world, is located at an elevation of 17,688 feet. Leh and the Shyok River Valley are connected by this incredibly stunning mountain pass. Apart from breathtaking views and captivating sceneries you can glimpse the stunning Pangong Tso lake, which was featured in the Bollywood film "3 Idiots," while travelling through Chang La.(Xavier Galiana / AFP) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on Dec 14, 2022 01:47 pm IST

Chang La, the third-highest motorable pass in the world, is located at an elevation of 17,688 feet. Leh and the Shyok River Valley are connected by this incredibly stunning mountain pass. Apart from breathtaking views and captivating sceneries you can glimpse the stunning Pangong Tso lake, which was featured in the Bollywood film "3 Idiots," while travelling through Chang La.(Xavier Galiana / AFP)

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Dungri La, also known as Mana Pass, is a vital location since it links Tibet and India. It is one of India's highest motorable roads at a height of 5610 metres. The Hindu pilgrimage site of Badrinath is reached via Dungri La. Many motorcycle riders and adventure seekers have travelled across the pass. Mana Pass permits, however, are not that easy to obtain.(Twitter/@VertigoWarrior) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on Dec 14, 2022 01:47 pm IST

Dungri La, also known as Mana Pass, is a vital location since it links Tibet and India. It is one of India's highest motorable roads at a height of 5610 metres. The Hindu pilgrimage site of Badrinath is reached via Dungri La. Many motorcycle riders and adventure seekers have travelled across the pass. Mana Pass permits, however, are not that easy to obtain.(Twitter/@VertigoWarrior)

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The highest motorable pass in the world, Umling La Pass, connects Chismule and Demchok to Leh. It is a true showcase of Ladakh’s stunningly diverse landscape. On your journey, you can stop by the glistening lakes, partake in snow sports, and get a close-up look at village life. To come here, you will need an inside line permit due to its proximity to the Line of Actual Control, which is the northern border between China and India.(Twitter/@VertigoWarrior) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on Dec 14, 2022 01:47 pm IST

The highest motorable pass in the world, Umling La Pass, connects Chismule and Demchok to Leh. It is a true showcase of Ladakh’s stunningly diverse landscape. On your journey, you can stop by the glistening lakes, partake in snow sports, and get a close-up look at village life. To come here, you will need an inside line permit due to its proximity to the Line of Actual Control, which is the northern border between China and India.(Twitter/@VertigoWarrior)

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Dongkha La pass is one of the gems in India's mountain pass system, linking Sikkim to Tibet in the eastern Himalayas. Dongkha La, the most difficult trail, is located at a height of 18,000 feet. However, the breathtaking views and nice surroundings around it make the trip worthwhile. Due to its proximity to the Indo-Tibetan border, you must obtain an inner line permit in order to travel there.(Twitter/@VertigoWarrior) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on Dec 14, 2022 01:47 pm IST

Dongkha La pass is one of the gems in India's mountain pass system, linking Sikkim to Tibet in the eastern Himalayas. Dongkha La, the most difficult trail, is located at a height of 18,000 feet. However, the breathtaking views and nice surroundings around it make the trip worthwhile. Due to its proximity to the Indo-Tibetan border, you must obtain an inner line permit in order to travel there.(Twitter/@VertigoWarrior)

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    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Akanksha Agnihotri

    Akanksha Agnihotri is a lifestyle journalist with over 3 years of experience. She is a psychology graduate and holds a postgraduate diploma in Radio and Television Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi, where she graduated as a gold medalist. Originally from Bhopal, the beautiful capital of Madhya Pradesh, she draws inspiration from the city’s rich cultural heritage and layered storytelling traditions that subtly shape her narrative voice. She writes extensively about fashion, beauty, health, relationships, culture, and food, exploring everything from trending styles and runway moments to wellness routines and mindful living. Passionate about meaningful and candid conversations, she enjoys interviewing celebrities, doctors, designers, and film personalities, diving into discussions on fitness, beauty, mental health, and everything fun in between. With a keen eye for trends and a thoughtful understanding of human behaviour, she brings depth, sensitivity, and authenticity to her stories, ensuring they resonate with a wide and diverse audience. When she’s not working, you’ll usually find her lost in a book, planning her next mountain trek, or mapping out spontaneous travel escapes. She loves discovering new authors, revisiting old favourites, and spending quiet afternoons in museums soaking in art, history, and culture. An avid bird-watching enthusiast, she finds joy in early morning walks, spotting rare birds, and reconnecting with nature. Whether sipping coffee while journaling her thoughts or exploring hidden corners of a new city, she constantly seeks inspiration in everyday moments that often turn into compelling story ideas.

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