Leh: Umling La, located in eastern Ladakh, is the world’s highest motorable road. Situated at an altitude of 19,024 feet, this road has long held the title of the world’s highest motorable pass. But soon, Umling La will lose this crown. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has built a new motorable pass near Mig La at an altitude of 19,400 feet, which will provide all-weather movement. After the construction work is completed, this road will set a new world record and will become the highest, all-weather motorable pass ever. The cost of this ambitious project is around Rs 520 crore.
But for the people of eastern Ladakh, it is not just a matter of record. The new road is a promise of opportunities, a gateway to tourism, livelihood and reconnection with the historic trade routes on which their ancestors once passed by caravans of horses and yaks.
The 64-km-long Likaru-Miig La-Phukche road will connect Hanle to the CDFD road at Fukche, passing through some of the most inaccessible terrain in the world. Passing through Miig La, the route will not only provide a strategic lifeline for the Indian defence forces but also potential economic development for border villages that rarely feature on tourism maps.
The BRO is building the road under Project Himank. Engineers say this is no ordinary road; it will be built with advanced features to withstand the bone-chilling winters, melting glaciers and oxygen-less air of the high Himalayas.
What makes the project even more remarkable is its execution. It is India’s first road project to be completed by an all-women workforce. However, there is a human story hidden beyond the steel and stone. Local leaders believe the road will attract more tourists to Umling La, giving a much-needed boost to homestays, cafes and guesthouses. Hanle, already famous for its dark sky observatory, could become a hub of astro-tourism. From Miag La, travellers will soon be able to admire the Dumtsele valley, earlier reserved for shepherds and soldiers.
Also, the road is strategically invaluable. The all-weather connectivity will expedite troop movement and supplies in a region where security is of utmost importance.
Immense livelihood potential
Nyoma councillor Ishey Spalzang highlighted the significance of the under-construction Miag La pass, which will become the world’s highest motorable road when completed. He said the region has immense potential to promote border tourism and provide livelihood opportunities for local communities.
He said, “Mig La is a very high pass. Earlier, nomads used to travel there on horses for trade. Though I have never been to Mig La myself, people say that it is very high. It has immense potential for border tourism. It will benefit not only Hanle but also villages like Kuyul, Rongo and Demchok as it will become the highest motorable road in the world. One can also see the view of Dumtsele valley from there.” The councillor further said that the road work has already started about a year or two ago and it is expected to be completed in the next two-three years. Spalzang further said, “It will not be easy to break the record of Mig La pass. Mig La is located between Rongo and Hanle. On its completion, people of Rongo will also get employment opportunities. This will give a big boost to tourism in Kuyul and Demchok areas.” Tourism will be boosted in the region…
Paljor Tharchin, former Naib Sarpanch of Hanle, hoped that the construction of Mig La would boost tourism in the region and also fulfil strategic objectives. He said that although Umling La currently holds the record for the highest motorable road, Mig La, when completed, will be able to attract even more tourists, which will benefit local homestay and guesthouse owners.
Paljor said, “Till now, Umling La has been the highest motorable route and many tourists visit it. But with the development of Mig La, we hope to attract even more tourists, which will benefit homestay and guesthouse owners. Kuyul can be reached from Mig La and the pastures of Kuyul villagers are also located there. Earlier, a lot of trade used to take place through Mig La as many people used to go to Dumtsele. Apart from this, it will also be important from the defense point of view.” At the same time, he also pointed out that the new road will not make local travel routes much easier, adding, “In terms of travel, it will not benefit the local communities much. To reach Kuyul, people can also go via Norbula and Fotula, which are closer for Hanle residents. Most of the road work has been completed, but there is still a lot of cutting work to be done, so it will take some more time.”
