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Travel

Zoji la Pass: A Close To Second Death Experience But Worth It!


Where is Zoji la Pass?

Zoji la, located in the Kargil district of Ladakh in India, is a high mountain pass located at 3.528m above sea level. This strip of rock is not the place for a Sunday drive. It's said to be one of the riskiest passes globally. 

Can You Drive To The Zoji la Pass?

The road to the pass is unsurfaced. It's called National Highway 1 (NH1). It's a breathtaking mountain road pass with astonishing views clubbed with heart-stopping moments. The pass is located within the Himalayan mountain range; the long and winding road offers an experience that challenges you and really tests your riding skills.  

How Long Is Zoji La Pass? 

The Zojila pass comes on the way from Baltal and Matayen. The road is 25.8 km long. The road is so thin that a car can fit through, but heavy vehicles find it difficult to run due to the incline and narrow width of the road.  The drive is a bit frightening and not at all an easy drive. The pass links Leh in the Western Himalayan Mountain Ranges to Srinagar. It provides a vital link between Ladakh and Kashmir.  The Zoji la Pass has often been named the gateway to Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir. You should always check the road conditions before departing. Driving 4WD is only allowed due to uneven surfaces there.  The Zoji la pass is situated in the paramount Himalayan Mountain Range on the Srinagar-Leh Highway. The Zoji la Pass is one of the most challenging passes in India as this zone encounters high winds and heavy snowfall, making it untraversable for much of the winter.  Even during sunlight, the roads are narrow, the drops are steep, and there's no barrier between you and the canyons. 
 
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How Dangerous Is The Pass?  

The road over this pass is the lifeline that keeps Ladakh people in touch with the rest of the world. If you look at the sharp mountain edges to find a road there, you will see only a thin line which is nothing more than a one-lane crumbling dirt trail that clasps some of the tallest mountains in the world, with looming death waiting for those who show up unprepared.  

When Does Zoji la Pass Open? 

The Zojila pass remains closed half of the year because of intense snowfall and opens in the spring season; the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is still working to extend traffic to most of the year.  The Beacon Force unit of the BRO is responsible for clearing and maintaining the road during winter. It takes two months to clean the National Highway in the Zoji la Pass Area. Though dry climate makes the work simple, that’s why sometimes the highway opens earlier than expected. 
 
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