Ladakh is a high-altitude cold desert. Almost every tourist destination in the region lies above 10,000 feet (3,000 meters). Knowing the altitude of the places on your itinerary is the most important step in planning a trip that avoids Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
Elevation of Major Destinations
Below is a comprehensive list of the most popular places in Ladakh and their respective altitudes above sea level. When planning your route, always ensure you sleep at a lower altitude than the highest point you reached during the day.
| Destination / Pass | Altitude (Feet) | Altitude (Meters) |
|---|---|---|
| Leh City (Base Camp) | 11,500 ft | 3,500 m |
| Kargil | 8,780 ft | 2,676 m |
| Nubra Valley (Diskit/Hunder) | 10,000 ft | 3,048 m |
| Pangong Tso Lake | 14,270 ft | 4,350 m |
| Tso Moriri Lake | 15,075 ft | 4,595 m |
| Hanle | 14,763 ft | 4,500 m |
| Khardung La Pass | 17,582 ft | 5,359 m |
| Chang La Pass (En route Pangong) | 17,586 ft | 5,360 m |
| Zoji La Pass (Srinagar Highway) | 11,575 ft | 3,528 m |
Why Does Altitude Matter?
As you go higher, the atmospheric pressure decreases, meaning each breath you take contains fewer oxygen molecules. For example, at the top of Khardung La, there is roughly 50% less oxygen in the air compared to sea level.
Because Leh is at 11,500 feet, flying directly into Leh airport triggers rapid altitude gain. This is why a minimum of 48 hours of complete rest is mandatory upon arrival. Conversely, arriving via a taxi from Srinagar is highly recommended, as it allows your body to acclimatize gradually over two days through Kargil (8,780 feet).
medical_services Golden Rule of Acclimatization
Notice that Nubra Valley (10,000 ft) is actually lower than Leh (11,500 ft). This is why the best itineraries send travelers to Nubra Valley for their first overnight trip out of Leh, saving the much higher lakes (Pangong and Tso Moriri) for later in the week once the body is fully adapted.