More Plains Ladakh — 4,800m High-Altitude Plateau on Manali-Leh Highway
A surreal 40-kilometre stretch of perfectly flat high-altitude plateau at 4,800 metres on the Manali-Leh Highway, home to galloping Kiang herds.
Elevation: 4,800 m (15,750 ft)Highway: Manali-Leh Highway (NH3)Length: 40 km Flat PlateauWildlife: Tibetan Wild Ass (Kiang)Approach: Between Pang & Tanglang La
The More Plains (4,800 m), an immense 40-kilometre flat plateau carved by ancient glacial lakes on the Manali-Leh Highway (NH3).Quick Orientation
Elevation
4,800 m (15,750 ft)
Highway
National Highway 3 (Manali-Leh)
Length
Approx. 40 km of flat terrain
Coordinates
Between Pang (south) and Tanglang La (north)
Prominent Wildlife
Tibetan Wild Ass (Kiang), Marmots, Tibetan Gazelle
Chapter I — Geological Formation
An Ancient Glacial Lake Bed on the Roof of the World
The More Plains (also spelled Morey Plains or Kiang Chu Ma) is one of the most astonishing geographical features in the entire Himalayan system. Situated at an average altitude of approximately 4,800 metres (15,750 feet) on the Rupshu plateau, this vast, razor-flat corridor stretches uninterrupted for nearly 40 kilometres along National Highway 3 (the Manali-Leh Highway), wedged between the dramatic gorges of Pang to the south and the soaring crest of Tanglang La pass (5,328 m) to the north.
Geologists have determined that the More Plains represents the desiccated bed of a colossal prehistoric intermontane lake that existed during the Pleistocene epoch. As tectonic uplifting continued and glaciers receded, the lake gradually drained through the Indus river system, leaving behind a vast, level expanse of lacustrine gravel, silt, and clay flanked by multi-hued mountain ranges that rise like gentle rolling hills above the 4,800-metre baseline.
Chapter II — Driving Experience & Engineering
From Treacherous Dirt Tracks to Modern Smooth Asphalt
For decades, crossing the More Plains was notorious among adventure drivers and truck operators as one of the most physically demanding sections of the Manali-Leh Highway. Travelers had to navigate scores of parallel dirt ruts carved into the dust, frequently battling blinding dust storms, axle-breaking washboard corrugations, and flash-flood mud pits.
In recent years, the Border Roads Organisation (Project HIMANK) accomplished a remarkable feat of high-altitude civil engineering by laying a modern, smoothly paved, two-lane asphalt highway across the entire 40-kilometre expanse. Today, driving through the More Plains feels like flying across an alien runway on the roof of the world, with wide-open horizons and pristine Himalayan sky stretching endlessly in every direction.
Chapter III — Wildlife & Conservation
The Realm of the Tibetan Wild Ass
Despite the harsh cold desert climate and sub-zero nighttime temperatures even in mid-summer, the More Plains sustains hardy alpine vegetation, predominantly dwarf sedges (*Carex*), caragana scrub, and high-altitude grasses. This fragile tundra supports substantial populations of the Tibetan wild ass or Kiang (*Equus kiang*).
Travelers driving across the plains frequently observe herds of Kiang grazing gracefully beside the highway or galloping in single file across the dusty horizon. The plains are also home to dense colonies of Himalayan marmots, woolly hares, Tibetan sandgrouse, and occasional Tibetan wolves patrolling the ridgelines in search of prey.
Logistics & Practical Advice
How to Reach, Permits & Travel Rules
Critical Information for Visitors
Route Location: Located on the Manali-Leh Highway (NH3), approx. 170 km south of Leh and 260 km north of Manali.
Best Driving Window: Accessible when the Manali-Leh Highway is open, typically from late May or early June through late October.
Altitude Advisory: At 4,800 m, the air is thin and contains roughly 45% less oxygen than at sea level. Avoid running, heavy physical activity, or prolonged stationary stops if feeling symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
Off-Roading Restriction: Driving vehicles off the paved highway across the delicate lake bed is strictly prohibited by local wildlife and environmental authorities to protect nesting bird grounds and fragile steppe soil.
The More Plains sits at an altitude of approximately 4,800 metres (15,750 feet) above sea level, making it one of the highest flat driving corridors in the world.
How long is the More Plains on the Manali-Leh Highway?
The plains extend for approximately 40 kilometres of virtually flat, straight driving between the transit camp of Pang and the base of the Tanglang La pass.
Can I see wild animals on the More Plains?
Yes. The More Plains is the premier location on the Manali-Leh Highway to spot herds of the Tibetan wild ass (Kiang), as well as Himalayan marmots, Tibetan sandgrouse, and occasionally Tibetan wolves.
Are there hotels or petrol pumps on the More Plains?
No. There are no permanent hotels, fuel pumps, or repair shops on the More Plains. Basic seasonal parachute dhabas and tented homestays exist at Pang (to the south) and Debring (near the northern end). Fill your fuel tank in Karu (from Leh) or Tandi (from Manali).
Is the road on More Plains paved now?
Yes. The Border Roads Organisation has completely paved the entire 40 km stretch of the More Plains with smooth two-lane asphalt, transforming it into one of the smoothest sections of the Manali-Leh Highway.
