Tanglang La Pass Ladakh — 5,328m Second Highest Pass on Manali-Leh Highway
The colossal 5,328-metre mountain pass on the Manali-Leh Highway, the high mountain bridge between the More Plains and the Indus Valley.
Elevation: 5,328 m (17,480 ft)Highway: NH3 (Manali-Leh)Rank: 2nd Highest on Manali RouteMaintained By: BRO (Project VIJAYAK)Panoramic Ridge Vistas
Tanglang La (5,328 m / 17,480 ft), the second-highest pass on the Manali-Leh Highway (NH3), connecting the More Plains with the upper Indus basin.Quick Orientation
Elevation
5,328 m (17,480 ft)
Highway
National Highway 3 (Manali-Leh)
Distance from Leh
110 km south (approx. 2.5 to 3 hours)
Pass Crest Feature
Small Buddhist temple and BRO milestone signs
South Approach
Ascends from More Plains / Debring (4,800 m)
Chapter I — High-Altitude Sentinel
The Soaring Crest of the Zanskar-Ladakh Watershed
Tanglang La (often spelled Taglang La) is a colossal mountain pass standing at an altitude of 5,328 metres (17,480 feet) along the Manali-Leh Highway (National Highway 3). It holds the distinction of being the **second-highest mountain pass on the entire 428-kilometre Manali-Leh route**, surpassed in elevation only by the distant Umling La.
Positioned approximately 110 kilometres south of Leh, Tanglang La forms the grand physical watershed between the vast, dry, nomadic grasslands of the Rupshu plateau (More Plains) to the south and the dramatic, canyon-carved drainage of the Gya and Indus river valleys to the north. The pass marks the final major mountain hurdle for travelers driving up from Manali before descending into the fertile oasis valleys of central Ladakh.
Chapter II — Paved Road Transformation
From Treacherous Mud Track to Smooth Asphalt
For decades, the ascent to Tanglang La was feared as one of the most brutal driving trials in Asia: a narrow, unpaved track of loose scree, deep mud ruts, and sharp falling rocks where heavily loaded commercial trucks frequently stalled or threw axles in the thin air.
In recent years, the Border Roads Organisation accomplished a monumental engineering feat by completely widening, stabilizing, and laying smooth, high-grade asphalt across both sides of the pass. Today, the climb from Debring on the More Plains up the southern face, and the descent through the magnificent multi-hued red-rock canyon to Rumtse on the northern face, features some of the smoothest, most exhilarating high-altitude tarmac in the Himalayas.
Chapter III — Summit Panorama & Health
Oxygen Precautions on the 17,480-Foot Crest
The summit of Tanglang La presents a magnificent 360-degree panorama of barren, multi-hued mountain ranges that sweep away like frozen waves across the horizon, changing in color from deep ochre and chocolate brown to purple and snowy white. Fluttering strings of Buddhist prayer flags adorn the summit chorten and roadside milestones.
Because travelers driving north from Manali have spent hours at extreme altitudes crossing the More Plains (4,800 m), Tanglang La represents the physiological climax of the journey. The air contains only roughly 50 percent of the oxygen found at sea level. Travelers are strongly advised to keep stops under 15 minutes, avoid smoking, stay warmly layered against biting gale-force winds, and immediately begin the descent towards Rumtse and Upshi (where the elevation drops back to a comfortable 3,300 metres).
Logistics & Practical Advice
How to Reach, Permits & Travel Rules
Critical Information for Visitors
Route: Located on NH3, 110 km south of Leh. The highway connects Debring (south) to Rumtse, Gya, and Upshi (north).
Season: Open typically from late May or early June through late October. Closed by heavy winter snow from November to May.
Road Condition: Smooth two-lane asphalt road right across the summit, expertly maintained by the BRO.
No Permit Required: Standard travel along the Manali-Leh Highway over Tanglang La does not require an Inner Line Permit.
Tanglang La sits at an elevation of 5,328 metres (17,480 feet) above sea level.
Is Tanglang La higher than Khardung La?
No. Tanglang La sits at 5,328 metres, while Khardung La sits slightly higher at 5,359 metres.
How long is the drive from Tanglang La to Leh?
From the summit of Tanglang La, it is approximately 110 km (about 2.5 to 3 hours drive) descending through the scenic red-rock canyons of Rumtse, Gya, and Upshi to Leh.
Can I get altitude sickness at Tanglang La?
Yes. At 5,328 metres, oxygen levels are very low. Travelers driving from Manali who haven't acclimatised properly often experience headaches and nausea. Keep your stop at the summit under 15 minutes.
Are there parachute dhabas at Tanglang La summit?
No. There are no food stalls or accommodation at the summit. The nearest food and tea stalls are at Debring (south) and Rumtse village (north).
