6 breathtaking but risky mountain passes in India with a very short travel window

There are roads in India that feel less like highways and more like survival stories carved into mountains. For a few short months every year, snow walls are cut open, broken tracks are cleared, and some of the country’s highest and most intimidating passes become accessible to travellers. Then winter returns, avalanches roll down the slopes, and these routes disappear under ice again.

If you are someone who’s willing to take a ride in these roads, here are India’s 6 scariest mountain passes open only for a few months.
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Hidden deep in the Pir Panjal range, Sach Pass links Chamba district with the remote Pangi Valley and feels wild even by Himalayan standards. At around 4,425 metres, the route is infamous for narrow cliff roads, waterfalls crashing directly onto the track, loose rock and sections where there is barely enough room for one vehicle.

The pass usually opens from early June to around mid-October, though fresh snowfall can shut it again without warning. July to September is considered the safest window.

How to reach: You can reach Sach Pass through the Chamba-Bairagarh-Killar route, usually in a high-clearance SUV or 4×4. The roads are rough, partly unpaved and vulnerable to landslides and snowmelt damage.

Pro tip: Start early in the morning, avoid driving after dark, and never attempt the pass during heavy rain or snowfall. Carry warm layers, food and water because delays are common.

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Few roads in India are as legendary as Zoji La. Sitting at about 3,536 metres on the Srinagar-Leh highway, the pass is the dramatic gateway between Kashmir’s green valleys and Ladakh’s cold desert landscapes. Nicknamed “the mountain pass of blizzards,” Zoji La is known for avalanche zones, sharp bends, steep drops and narrow sections carved directly into mountainsides.

The pass is usually accessible from May to September, though weather in shoulder months remains unpredictable.

How to reach: Cross Zoji La while driving between Srinagar, Sonamarg, Drass, Kargil and Leh. The crossing itself is the highlight, mist rolling across cliffs, endless valleys and roads that appear suspended above deep gorges.

Pro tip: Altitude sickness can affect travellers quickly here, especially those arriving directly from lower elevations. It is best to acclimatise in Sonamarg or Kargil before continuing further into Ladakh.

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At around 16,040 feet, Baralacha La is one of the highest points on the Manali-Leh highway and one of the most dramatic landscapes on the route. The pass lies in the Zanskar range between Jispa and Sarchu, surrounded by snowfields, barren mountains and glacial lakes.

Heavy snowfall shuts the road through winter, and it generally opens only between June and late October. Even during the season, sudden snowstorms, slush and high winds are common.

How to reach: Travel by road along the scenic Leh-Manali Highway (NH 3). Nearby Suraj Tal, with its icy blue waters, adds to the surreal atmosphere of the route.

Pro tip: One of the biggest mistakes travellers make is sleeping too high too quickly. If travelling from Manali, spending a night in Jispa before crossing helps reduce the risk of AMS. Carry warm clothing, medicines, water and fuel because services are extremely limited.

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Kunzum La is the high gateway into Spiti Valley, connecting Lahaul with the stark desert landscapes around Kaza. The road between Gramphu, Batal and Kunzum is one of the roughest Himalayan drives in India. Expect loose gravel, stream crossings, landslide zones and steep drops with almost no guardrails.

At roughly 4,551 metres, the pass is accessible only from late May or June until October because winter snow completely buries the route.

How to reach: You can reach Kunzum from Manali via the Atal Tunnel and Gramphu before continuing toward Batal, Chandratal and Kaza.

Pro tip: Vehicles with good ground clearance are strongly recommended here. Water crossings become deeper by afternoon because of snowmelt, so early starts are essential.​

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For years, Khardung La was famous as one of the world’s highest motorable passes. Rising to around 17,982 feet, it connects Leh with Nubra Valley and remains one of Ladakh’s classic high-altitude experiences.

The road is usually open between May and September, while winter snow and black ice close the pass for months. Even during summer, snow walls and freezing winds make conditions harsh.

How to reach: Located about 40 km from Leh, Khardung La is commonly visited on day trips or while travelling onwards to Nubra Valley. The main attraction is the sheer altitude and the panoramic views over Ladakh’s rugged mountain ranges.

Pro tip: Do not remain at the top for more than about 10 minutes because oxygen levels are extremely low. Proper acclimatisation in Leh for at least two days is essential before attempting the pass.

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If Khardung La feels extreme, Umling La takes things even further. At around 19,300 feet in Ladakh’s remote Changthang region, it is currently considered the world’s highest motorable road.

The pass opens only during a short June-October season after snow clearance. Outside these months, temperatures and snowfall make access nearly impossible.

How to reach: Reaching Umling La itself is an expedition. You can start from Leh, spend several days acclimatising through Pangong or Hanle, and then continue in sturdy 4×4 vehicles with local drivers.

Pro tip: Altitude sickness is the biggest danger. Travellers should carry oxygen cylinders, warm expedition-level clothing and be prepared to turn back immediately if symptoms worsen. At this height, even small physical tasks can feel exhausting.

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