Robust Vehicles on Mig La Pass! The World’s Highest Motorable Road

What’s Mig La Pass, and Where is at India?

Exciting as it sounds, it is at a height of 19,400 feet and situated in the union territory in the Indian Himalayas in  the Changthang Plateau in Ladakh. It is said to be the Highest road where a car can go last. It also broke the record of Umling La Pass. 

Mig La pass road is the 3rd axis to the army and military in the Hanle region to Fukche near the Indian-Chinese border. It’s also an all-seasonal and weather connectivity for villages and people residing in nearby villages. This road is also known for its great engineering feat as it was built in extreme conditions, from low oxygen levels to sub-zero temperatures.

Its major destination for adventure freaks to drive through those higher altitudes and scenic views. How thrilling can it get ! So next time you wish to take your car out on a trip, why not drive to Mig La pass. 

It’s on the highest altitude road in the World where a car or bike can travel to. These are on extreme heights and connect to unreached remote areas. The word motorable means that it’s suitable for motorized powerpacked vehicles who can deal with such tough altitude roads above sea levels. 

Which cars can go to Mig La pass? Aren’t you excited to know and drive up to the snow-capped Altitudes? Let’s look at some robust ones! 

All private vehicles can move up but not without permits by the government and clearance that it is able to ascend to Mig La.The roads that go up are definitely tough to cross. They are perfidious and traitorous  and to get a permit won’t be that easy for basic cars. Only stronger, tougher cars that have capability to keep you safe can go ahead. 

4X4 Suvs – A clean chit to climb altitudes !

4 wheel drive and SUVs with high ground clearence that can deal with tough rough uneven unpredictable roads are allowed. At times there are non-existent sections of the road that need to be handled and only a 4X4 can do it.

Mahindra XUV700 

The XUV700 Mahindra is rutted and cragged. It can execute well on higher altitude roads and steeper terrains. It has powerpacked engines and good suspension that can maintain stability. The diesel variant excels well due to its tough low-end torque.The AWDs help it with some extra traction in off road situations. 

Mahindra Scorpio-N 

There is no question that a Scorpio can’t do this. It can seamless and effortlessly reach mig la moving through climbs and hairpins . It has a good traction system, excellent engine power. Auto lock rears are differential.This 4×4 has a good mechanical core that’s strong at elevations. 

Land Rover Defender 

A rover is turbocharged and has powerful engines. It can compensate with thinner air and robust pieces of engineering. It was well tested in extreme weather so it’s most apt. Slight power reduction will also help its performance at higher climbs. 

The adjustable air suspensions and AWDs also help in tough terrains. 

Hyundai Tucson (AWD) 

An AWD with a good turbo powered and diesel variant executes very well on higher climbs compared to other aspirational vehicles. At times the combustion engine may lose power but the superb engineering by the Tucsons can help in mitigating its effects. 

Eloquent Mountaineer Motorbikes

With 300 cc displacement engines are just perfect. Experienced and trained bikers use robust adventure pieces of motorcycles to climb the summit. 

The Royal Enfield Himalayan 

The Sherpa engine in this mountain bike is powerful and maintains excellent pulling power. It’s curated for long travels. The front wheels are 21 inches. It’s absolutely perfect for exigent rock trails which are very much a daily encounter on mountians. It gives good stability and confidence over hard terrains. 

KTM 390 Adventure

It’s quite impressive as it can move safely and quickly at high altitudes. Due to its powerful and refined liquid cooling engine. The linear powers and engine management is just perfect to manage power loss. It’s an able machine that’s capable of tackling high mountain passes and challenges. This is a proven bike to ride best on the roads of Ladakh. 

Attributes of a Robust Car to Reach The Summit !

Any car or bike you wish to take to the top must be a permit first. It should be well maintained and have good high ground clearance. It should definitely be a tough rough robust car , If an SUV then its the best choice. Engines should be powerful, clutch well maintained and tires with strong sidewalls. The car should have all safety features and should be reliable in crucial moments. A car that can handle altitudes and arduous conditions would be just fine. 

Vehicles That You Should Definitely Avoid 

Cars with low ground clearance and small hatchbacks are a complete no no. Basic and standard commuter bikes and scooters will also not get permits. Also many commercial vehicles are restricted by locals and  taxi union rules. 

Experiences of People Who Drove Mig La Pass 

Whipping to Mig la pass is the most venturesome, loftiness escapade. It has an awe-inspiring panoramic view. Rugged and tough roads the terrains can be attained by experienced riders and bikers.The Himalayas have such thrill seekers who decide to experience an adrenaline rush up there. 

Experience of Yamaha RX 135 at Mig La pass by Alam From Karnataka

Naveed Alam from Karnataka rode a distance of over 3,100 kilometers to Mig La. He considered it a personal achievement. He rode the Yamaha RX 135 all through the tricky terrains. He did fall off the bike 4 times and it was difficult to adjust with the oxygen levels. He did experience some altitude sickness and he struggled with mountain sickness. He has created history by riding a Yamaha there . 

Volvo S60 is the Car 

The first car to reach Mig la was Volvo S60. Mr. Ravi tewathia set the altitude record of this sedan. It had a ground clearance of 130 mm and reached 19,400 feet. Post this other cars like Mahindra XUV700,Mahindra Scorpio-N (4×4)

Toyota Fortuner, Land Rover Defender,Hyundai Tucson (AWD)

Royal Enfield Himalayan and KTM 390 Adventure.

Other highest Motorable Roads Across the Globe 

Umling La Pass was earlier the highest motorable road in India. It also holds a Guinness World Record. Located in Ladakh. 

Mana Pass The Indo-tibetan border in uttarakhand has the Dungri la as Mana Pass was once known as the highest motorable road.

Bolivia The high altitude route to reach the Uturuncu volcano is only through the Uturuncu Volcano road in Bolivia

Marsimik La A high pass and challenging road to Pangong Tso lake in Ladakh is also a high altitude road. 

Semo La Tibet has the high mountain pass road known as Semo La 

Khardung La is recognized as a highly motorable road in India. It is the world’s highest motorable road.

Pico Veleta The Sierra Nevada mountain range has the highest motorable road in Spain . 

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