The highest motorable road in the world at 19,024 feet (5,798 metres), officially certified by Guinness World Records, constructed by BRO Project HIMANK.
Elevation: 19,024 ft (5,798 m)Certified: Guinness World Record (Highest Motorable Road)Constructed By: BRO (Project HIMANK)Base: Hanle Dark Sky ReservePermit: Inner Line Permit (ILP) Required
Umling La (19,024 ft / 5,798 m), officially certified by Guinness World Records as the highest motorable road on planet Earth, constructed by Border Roads Organisation Project HIMANK.Quick Orientation
Certified Elevation
19,024 feet (5,798 metres)
World Record
Guinness World Record for Highest Motorable Road (Inscribed 2021)
Constructed By
Border Roads Organisation (Project HIMANK)
Road Length
52 km black-topped asphalt connecting Chisumle to Demchok
Atmospheric Pressure
Roughly 45% of sea level oxygen
Chapter I — World Record Engineering
The Highest Motorable Road on Planet Earth
Umling La (also spelled *Umlung La*) is the undisputed summit of global high-altitude road engineering. Situated at a verified elevation of **19,024 feet (5,798 metres)** in the remote Changthang region of southeastern Ladakh near the Indo-Tibetan border, the road was officially certified in November 2021 by Guinness World Records as the **highest motorable road on the planet**.
To grasp this staggering elevation, Umling La sits higher than both Everest Base Camp North in Tibet (5,200 m) and Everest Base Camp South in Nepal (5,364 m), and soars well above the cruising altitude of light non-pressurized commercial aircraft. Built by the Border Roads Organisation under Project HIMANK, the 52-kilometre black-topped asphalt highway connects the strategic frontier villages of Chisumle and Demchok, providing vital border mobility along the Line of Actual Control.
Chapter II — Extreme Physiological Reality
Oxygen Starvation at 19,024 Feet
Traveling to 19,024 feet is a venture into extreme environmental physiology. At the summit of Umling La, the atmospheric barometric pressure is roughly half that of sea level, and effective available oxygen drops to nearly 45 percent. The human body struggles to extract sufficient oxygen with each breath, resulting in rapid respiration, tingling sensations in the extremities, elevated blood pressure, and cognitive slowing.
Because of the severe risk of acute high-altitude illness, the District Administration and Indian Army enforce strict medical guidelines: travelers must spend **no more than 10 to 15 minutes** at the summit. Running, shouting, or physical exertion is dangerous. Travelers must carry portable medical oxygen canisters, drink copious fluids, and ensure they have acclimatised for at least four to five days at lower altitudes (including overnight stays in Leh and Hanle) before attempting the ascent.
Chapter III — The Journey via Hanle
From India's Dark Sky Reserve to the Roof of the World
The standard expedition route to Umling La begins from **Hanle**, an extraordinary high-altitude village at 4,500 metres that hosts the Indian Astronomical Observatory and India's first designated Dark Sky Reserve. From Hanle, vehicles drive southward across expansive gravel plateaus frequented by herds of wild Kiang and Tibetan gazelles, passing through Photi La (5,524 m) or the lower route through Koyul and Chisumle.
The final climb to Umling La follows a magnificent, smooth ribbon of black asphalt that winds through stark, lunar scree slopes and permanent snowfields. At the summit, standing beside the iconic Guinness World Records milestone with the wind howling across the jagged Trans-Himalayan horizon, travelers experience an incomparable sensation of standing on the ultimate motorable frontier of human civilization.
Logistics & Practical Advice
How to Reach, Permits & Travel Rules
Critical Information for Visitors
Base & Route: The expedition base is Hanle (approx. 260 km from Leh, 7 to 8 hours). From Hanle, Umling La is approximately 75 km via Chisumle (approx. 2.5 to 3 hours drive).
Permits: An Inner Line Permit specifically endorsing Hanle, Koyul, and Umling La is strictly required. Only Indian citizens are currently permitted to visit the Demchok sector and Umling La; foreign nationals should verify current border security restrictions with the Leh DC office.
Vehicle Preparation: Vehicles must be in peak mechanical condition with new air filters, strong battery output, and excellent tires. Fuel must be filled at Karu or Nyoma, as there are no fuel pumps in Hanle or Umling La.
Oxygen Cylinder: Carrying at least one medical-grade oxygen cylinder or portable canister in your vehicle is mandatory for safety.
Umling La sits at an elevation of 19,024 feet (5,798 metres) above sea level, officially certified by Guinness World Records as the highest motorable road in the world.
Is Umling La higher than Khardung La?
Yes, significantly higher. Umling La (19,024 ft / 5,798 m) is nearly 1,500 feet higher than Khardung La (17,582 ft / 5,359 m).
Can foreign nationals visit Umling La?
Due to proximity to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Demchok sector, foreign tourists currently face strict border permit restrictions. Indian citizens with valid Inner Line Permits can visit regularly.
How long can I safely stay at the summit of Umling La?
You should spend no more than 10 to 15 minutes at the summit. The air contains only about 45% sea-level oxygen, making prolonged stays hazardous for Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
Where is the best place to stay when visiting Umling La?
The best base is Hanle village (4,500 m), which has several warm homestays, guesthouses, and is located about 75 km from the pass.
