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.
Image Credit: Canva
