The raw and untouched beauty of Leh-Ladakh will leave you mesmerised. High arid mountains, snow-clad peaks, the many waterfalls and streams, and patches of greenery here and there; the landscape is breath-taking. Attracting tourists as is, Leh-Ladakh has one more attraction now. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has constructed and black-topped Umlingla Pass in Eastern Ladakh. It is the world’s highest road in the world.
Let us put things in perspective
In context, this 52-km long tarmac stretch is higher than the base camps of Mount Everest. The north base in Tibet is at 16,900 feet, whereas the south base camp in Nepal is 17,598 feet. It is also much above the altitude of Siachen Glacier which is at 17,700 feet. Whereas the famous Khardung La Pass in Leh is at an altitude of 17,582 feet.
The Umlingla Pass not only surpasses them but also betters Bolivia’s record of a road at 18,953 feet.
A commercial airplane flies at an altitude of 30,000 feet or more. So, this road is actually more than half of that height.
“It will prove to be a boon to the local population as it offers an alternate direct route connecting Chisumle and Demchok from Leh. It will enhance the socio-economic condition and promote tourism in Ladakh,” said the Ministry of Defence in a statement on Wednesday.
Infrastructure development would be an issue here. The terrain is quite harsh, the oxygen level is 50 percent less compared to other places, and during winters the temperature dips below -40 degrees.
India’s achieved a new ‘feet’, and we’re sure you cannot wait to drive through this road!
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