The Changla Pass, at 5,425 metres above sea level, is the third highest motiorable mountain pass in the world. Guarded & maintained by the Indian Army (because of its proximity to Chinese border), this heavenly place is covered with snow throughout the year and is part of the 83 mile road between the Pangong Lake and Leh, the former capital of the ancient kingdom of Ladakh.
It is named after the sadhu Changla Baba, to whom the Pass temple is dedicated. The small town of Tangste is the nearest settlement.
This pass is also the primary gateway to the Changtang Plateau and is named after a wandering monk named Changla Baba whom the pass temple is still named after to this day.
The nomadic tribes of the region are collectively known as the Changpa or Chang-pa.
The road is in bad condition on the summit for few kilometers, beyond which superbly laid tarmac coupled with beautiful scenery awaits you.
