Kiagar La is an otherworldly road
Kiagar La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.859m (15,941ft) above the sea level, located in the Ladakh region of the northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.
Located in the Changthang Plateau, the area registers freezing temperatures during the winter months. The road to the pass runs north-south from Mahe towards Karzok (or Korzok), one of the highest towns in the world. Picturesquely located in secluded, breathtakingly beautiful Rupshu Valley, facilities like electricity, medical aid, hot running water, western toilets etc. are rare to find.
The road is paved. Be aware that you'll cross several very high passes and you’ll experience very cold nights even mid-summer. The area is very remote and very sparsely populated, but is full of amazing beauty. There are essentially no villages en route to add shelter to the trip. There are no petrol pumps in the area. Carrying enough fuel is therefore necessary. Accessibility is largely limited to the summer season.
Pic: Michael L