India’s taking road-tripping to new heights – quite literally. Previously, the Umling La mountain pass held the Guinness World Record as the highest motorable (or driveable) road in the world at 19,024 feet. But as of October 2025, India has outdone itself once again with the completion of the Mig La Pass in Ladakh, now officially the world’s highest drivable road.
Constructed by the Border Roads Organisation, this impressive feat stands at a staggering 19,400 feet above sea level, surpassing Umling La by nearly 400 feet. Building this high-altitude route was no small task. Engineers and workers endured extreme weather conditions and dangerously thin air throughout the project.
The new route connects Hanle village to the Line of Actual Control, providing a crucial lifeline for residents of this remote region who are often cut off during harsh winter months. With the road now open, transporting essential goods and supplies between border communities will become significantly easier and safer.
But beyond its logistical importance, the Mig La Pass is also expected to become a magnet for thrill-seeking travellers and adventure enthusiasts. The drive offers surreal views of Ladakh’s rugged terrain – we’re talking vast desert valleys, snow-dusted peaks and endless skies that stretch far beyond the horizon. Those brave enough to take on the journey will not only be traversing one of the most challenging routes on Earth but also quite literally driving among the clouds.
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