Considered to be the world’s second highest motorable passes, Tanglang La pass is located in the Ladakh region at a height of 5328 meters from the sea level. The pass is where the native Changpa Herdsman lives. There is a famous holy temple on top of the pass.
History
Tanglang La Pass was famous for trade route in ancient times as well as religious center.
Location and Climate
This pass is located on just few kilometers from Leh-Manali Highway (NH-21). Upshi and Sarchu are two halt point on the pass. The climate is pleasant from April to June. During winter the temperature can go down up to -38 degree Celsius.
How to Reach
National Highway 21 is the road that can connect a traveler to this pass.
Best Time to Visit
April to June is the best time to visit mainly because the place opens up for visitors by Border Road Organisation (BRO). It cannot be passed during winters.
Tourist Attraction
Bike trip is a significant attraction for youngsters to go to this place. Anyone with a bike and who would love traveling could try this road as it is beautiful and the roads are also in a good condition. Snow camping is one exciting thing to do at the place. A bonfire at a frozen position is the ubiquitous sight in these areas. Manali Leh Highway is also one of the best available cycling routes for travelers.
The Scenic beauty of this place is commendable. It is often heavenly when visited at the right time. Though there are scary elements related to the location like narrow roads and hairpin bends, the view that Leh –Manali road offers is one of a kind, it also thus makes it a place that is apt for photography experiments.
Changpa, also known as Champa are the people who are the inhabitants of this pass. The travel through the crossing also gives one an insight into the life and culture of Champas. They are semi-nomadic in nature. They practice Buddhism and speaks a kind of Tibetan language. The way of life of Champas is interesting. They rear goat for survival and sell the fur of their livestock.
Tsarap Chu River is located in the eastern half of Zanskar Valley. It has its origin from one of the glaciers. At Sarchu, one of the halting points on the pass, the river has a confluence with Stod River. A lake had been formed within this because of a landslide. A lot of migratory water birds come to this stream when it is the right season.
Where to Stay
Accommodation could be found in the Army base camp when the Highway is open for visitors. The base camp is located at Sarchu. Accommodation facilities are available in the form of Homestays too; Localities will also provide the tourists with such services. The hospitality of people in Upshi is known for.
