What is the highest trekking pass in the world?

What is the highest pass in Asia?

Photi La, huh? 18,124 feet. Sounds like a trip my grandpappy wouldn't have survived—he’d have a heart attack before reaching the second hairpin turn. Seriously though, that's ridiculously high. Think Everest's base camp, but with, you know, roads.

It's in Ladakh, India, which, by the way, is breathtaking. My friend went last year and sent photos that made my Himalayan dreams explode like a firework display on a Diwali night. But, you need a seriously sturdy vehicle. No beat-up Honda Civic.

Think of it this way: If you’re planning to drive up there, you'd better have a vehicle more suited to scaling a mountain than navigating suburban streets. Maybe a tank? At least a heavily modified jeep.

• Altitude: 18,124 feet (5,524 meters). Seriously makes my lungs hurt just thinking about it.
• Location: Ladakh, India. Absolutely stunning views, I bet. Pictures don't do justice.
• Vehicle Requirement: Forget your average car. You need a beast.

The highest pass in Asia? There's always debate. But Photi La is definitely a top contender in the "most likely to give you altitude sickness" category. Right up there with some of the toughest challenges for even seasoned mountaineers. Don't even think of it unless you've trained for this and have the right gear.

What is the highest hike in the world?

Kilimanjaro.

• Highest hike. 5,895 meters. Uhuru Peak.
• Africa. Tanzania specifically. I was there in 2018, felt the altitude. Not fun.
• No technical skill needed. Just stubbornness. And Diamox. Take Diamox. Seriously.
• It's a walk. A very long, uphill walk. People die. Remember that.
• Other peaks exist. Everest base camp? Higher. Just not… a hike. Semantics, really.
• Permits required. Expensive. Guides mandatory. Tips expected. It adds up, let me tell you.
• Multiple routes. Marangu is the "Coca-Cola" route. Rongai is longer. Machame, scenic but crowded. They all end at the top. Hopefully.
• Altitude sickness is real. Don't be a hero. Turn back if needed. Really. My cousin didn’t.
• The views? Overrated, honestly. Clouds. Lots of clouds. Still, a checkmark on the bucket list. Bucket. List. I need a new bucket.
• GoPro footage is cliché. But I still did it. Everyone does. So cliché.
• The descent? Hell on the knees. Trekkers are no more, not after this trek.
• Preparation is key. Pack light. Hydrate. Acclimatize. It will be cold.
• Is it worth it? Maybe. Probably not. But I did it. Didn't I?
• Think.

Which is the highest level road in the world?

Umling La. Seriously.

Okay, so, Umling La, India is the highest paved road. That’s IT.

I swear, back in October 2023, I was on a motorcycle trip in Ladakh, right? Near Demchok. Demchok! Middle of freaking nowhere. I remember gasping for air.

I was heading towards the Indus River. That whole area around Koyul Lungpa and I remember seeing that road snaking up the mountain.

It's all rocks and dust. And the air? So thin! I was actually scared. Thought I would pass out.

My heart was pounding out of my chest. Really thought this was it for me and my poor motorcycle.

I definitely wouldn't recommend it if you are not used to high altitude.

What did I take with me?

• Oxygen can. A must!
• Lots of water. Seriously, LOTS!
• Warm clothes. Even in summer. It’s crazy cold up there.
• My motorcycle. 2022 Royal Enfield Himalayan. A beast!
• Camera. For the views, you know.
• Prayer flags. For good luck. Who knows if they actually helped but worth it!
• Headache pills. Seriously, you'll need them.
• My best friend. He was scared too but at least we were scared together.

It's definitely something to see. The highest road in the world.

Which range in Asia is the highest in the world?

Himalayas, duh. Highest range. Everest's there, right? 8848.86 meters. That's insane. Crazy to think about. Seriously, that's almost 9000 meters! I need to go climb it someday. Maybe. No, definitely. Next year. I'll need new boots though. Mine are trashed. Ugh, need to order those online. Wait, was I talking about mountains? Oh yeah.

Over 100 peaks over 7200 meters. The Himalayas are massive. Think about the sheer scale! It's mind-boggling. That's what I was saying. The Himalayas. Asia's best. Best mountain range. Definitely.

• Everest's height: 8,848.86 meters
• Number of peaks over 7200m: 100+
• Location: Asia
• My climbing plans: Next year, for sure! Need new boots.

Gotta remember to book that flight. And maybe find a Sherpa. Or not. I'm a badass. Maybe. No, definitely.