Situated at an altitude of 16,040 feet, Baralacha La Pass is a high mountain pass in the Zanskar range in Jammu and Kashmir. It is a high plateau where three different mountain ranges – Pir Panjal, Zanskar and the Great Himalayas – meet at an altitude above 16,000 feet. This mountain pass, one of the highest passes in Ladakh is around 73 kilometers away from Keylong on Manali – Leh road. Just a few kilometers away from the Bara-lacha Pass towards Manali is the Bhaga river, a tributary of the Chandrabhaga river, which originates from the Surya Taal Lake. This pass is the point of commencement for several treks which include the famous Suraj Tal trek and Chandra Tal trek. During the winter season the pass is closed due to heavy snowfall.

If you are planning to undertake road trip to Ladakh through Leh-Manali highway then you will have to cross this pass. If you are going towards Leh from Manali then it is always advisable to cross this pass before Noon. The melting of snow and formation of water stream on the high altitudes of this pass makes it difficult to cross as the day advances. If the current is too strong then one should return to Jispa as crossing water stream could get really dangerous.

The pass has an Indian Army post and a temple. Travellers often stop to have their photo taken along with the signboard that proclaims Khardungla Pass to be the highest motorable pass in the world. The pass cuts through the mountain peak and so it offers amazing view of Leh and mountains surrounding the valley.

BEST TIME TO VISIT
During the months of April to October is the best time to visit Baralacha La as the snow melts and road is open for travellers.