KHARDUNG LA-HIGHEST MOTORABLE ROAD OF WORLD--srv

Описание: This pass on the Ladakh Range lies north of Leh and is the gateway to the Shyok and Nubra valleys.
The Siachen Glacier lies partway up the latter valley. Built in 1976, it was opened to motor vehicles in
1988 and has since seen many automobile, motorbike and mountain biking expeditions. Maintained by
the Indian Army's Corps, the pass is strategically important to India as it is used to carry essential supplies
to the Siachen. Khardong La is historically important as it lies on the major caravan route from Leh to Kashgar

During World War II
there was a futile attempt to transfer war material to China through this route.

Khardung La is situated 37 km by road from Leh. The first 24 km, as far as the South Pullu check point, are paved. From there to the North Pullu check point about 15 km beyond the pass the roadway is primarily loose rock, dirt, and occasional rivulets of snow melt. However, this pass is in better repair than many of the surrounding passes (Tanglang La, for example). From North Pullu into the Nubra Valley, the road is very well maintained (except in a very few places where washouts or falling rock occur).

At 18380 Ft. The Air is so chilling that it seems to get in your bones.
At the same time the Sun feels so bright, strong and close that you`ve to use sun screen lotion.
Resultantly, inside the car it gets very hot due to green house effect but when you step outside, it is chilling.
The Oxygen Levels Are So Low that one feels breathless.

REACHING KHARDUNGLA TOP IS A VERY JOYOUS AND VICTORIOUS FEELING.
ONE GETS CAUGHT IN THE MOMENT.

General Reserve Engineering Force (GREF), which works tirelessly with the Border Roads Organisation (BRO),
to build and maintain the roads we are using in this unforgiving land. All the way up, one can see the gravestones
of these committed men, killed during the hazardous task of building roads through the mighty mountains.

IN THE FIRST FUTILE ATTEMPT TO BUILD THIS ROAD IN 1963, 18 MEN OF 201 ENGINEERS REGIMENT,
(THE MADRAS SAPPERS) HAD LOST THEIR LIVES. SECOND ATTEMPT IN 1972-3 WAS SUCCESSFUL.

REACHING THE K-TOP FEELS LIKE PAYING TRIBUTE TO THESE BRAVE MEN OF THE INDIAN ARMY.

:SACHIN RAI VAID.