Khardong La Pass facts for kids
Khardung La is a very high mountain pass located in the Ladakh region. A "pass" is like a natural path through mountains. The word la means "pass" in Tibetan. This pass is about 5,359 meters (17,582 feet) above sea level. That's really high, even higher than many clouds!
People in the area sometimes say "Khardong La" or "Khardzong La." The way the name is spelled in English can change, just like many names in Ladakh.
Contents
What is Khardung La?
Khardung La is a famous mountain pass in the Ladakh Range. It is located north of a town called Leh. This pass is like a special gateway. It connects Leh to the beautiful Shyok and Nubra valleys. The famous Siachen Glacier, a huge river of ice, is also found further up one of these valleys.
When was Khardung La built?
The Khardung La pass was built in 1976. It was first opened for regular cars and trucks in 1988. This means people could finally drive across it! The pass is looked after by an organization called the Border Roads Organisation. They make sure the road stays open and safe.
Why is Khardung La important?
Khardung La is very important for India. It helps move important supplies to the Siachen Glacier. This glacier is a very high and cold place. The pass helps deliver everything needed for people working there.
How high is Khardung La?
The true height of Khardung La is 5,359 meters (17,582 feet). You might see signs or buy souvenirs in Leh that say it's higher, around 5,602 meters (18,379 feet). These signs also often claim it's the highest road in the world. However, these claims are not correct. There are other roads that are even higher than Khardung La.
