Ladakh, with its awe-inspiring and majestic Trans-Himalayas, stands out as a renowned destination in India that simply cannot be missed. From the beautiful hues of Pangong Lake to high-altitude passes like Khardung La, Ladakh promises to leave you mesmerized. And if you’re gearing up for an adventure in this region, we have exciting news!
Get ready to experience the thrill of driving on the new all-weather road! Hanle-Chumar, a 91 km all-weather road, is now open to the public, offering breathtaking views of the Ladakh landscape. With its stunning scenery and strategic importance, this road is a must-visit for adventure seekers and those interested in exploring Ladakh’s rugged beauty. Here’s everything you must know about it!
Hanle-Chumar: Ladakh’s New All-Weather Road
The Hanle-Chumar all-weather 91 km road in Ladakh is a transformative infrastructure milestone, opened to the public in September 2025. The road is built by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) under Project Himank. The project was started in 2020 and took 4-5 years to complete.
It connects Hanle, a high-altitude village, with Chumar, a strategic border settlement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). This all-weather road traverses altitudes between 14,500 and 17,200 feet, including the formidable Salsa La Pass.
HANLE–CHUMAR ROAD OPENS FOR THE PUBLIC
A 91 km road connecting Hanle to the border village of Chumar constructed by #ProjectHimank of the Border Roads Organisation, #BRO has been opened for the Public in Ladakh. The route traverses extreme high altitudes from 14,500 to 17,200… pic.twitter.com/C9uNfLAiBg
— ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) September 23, 2025
Hanle-Chumar: A Significant Development In Ladakh
The Hanle-Chumar road marks a major development for Ladakh. It will significantly enhance year-round connectivity for the armed forces along India’s Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. This strategic route ensures rapid troop and equipment movement, bolstering border security and readiness.
Besides its military role, the road opens up remote attractions, such as the Hanle Observatory, Chilling Tso, Tso Moriri, and Kyun Tso, to tourists, thereby boosting the region’s tourism potential. For locals, the new all-weather road resolves long-standing connectivity issues. It will now connect villages to economic hubs and essential services, fostering inclusive regional development.
It has revolutionized connectivity in the region, transforming areas that were once inaccessible during harsh winters into year-round destinations.
Hanle-Chumar Road Project
The Hanle-Chumar road is an outcome of accelerated border development triggered by heightened security concerns following the 2020 Galwan Valley clash.
The push for improved connectivity began in the years after the clash, with the BRO taking charge under Project Himank, which specializes in high-altitude road construction. The project was part of a broader package including 50 vital infrastructure projects, out of which 16 were specifically in Ladakh
The estimated construction cost for the Hanle-Chumar all-weather 91 km road in Ladakh is approximately INR 241.32 crore, according to project tenders.
An Engineering Marvel
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently inaugurated 50 major infrastructure projects in Ladakh under the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). These include eight critical roads, such as
- Tangtse-Lukung road
- Karu-Tangtse road
- Chusul-Dungti-Fukhe-Demchok road
- Puga-Pologongka road
- Mahe-Debring road
- Leh-Loma road
- Lukung-Phobrang road
- Tangtse-Horong-Chusul road.
Constructing a black-topped road at these extreme altitudes is a global benchmark, following previous BRO achievements like Umling La, the world’s highest motorable road.
The project required innovative solutions for building on frozen ground, withstanding harsh weather, and traversing remote passes and valleys. Salsa La Pass represents one of the highest and toughest segments, demanding robust engineering and logistical coordination.
#BROIndiaInNationBuilding#BROInLadakh#ProjectVijayak @BROindia proudly marks its 15th Raising Day at Kargil. Over 1,400 km roads, 80 bridges & record time Zojila Pass reopening reflect its grit in Ladakh’s toughest frontiers.
Lt Gen Raghu Srinivasan, PVSM, VSM, DGBR conveys… pic.twitter.com/lU9YS5GEDb
— 𝐁𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐎𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (@BROindia) September 21, 2025
Summing Up
The Hanle-Chumar road is celebrated as a strategic asset and a lifeline for Ladakh’s isolated populations. It blends defense essentials with the promise of inclusive, sustainable development.
