Gata Loops is a roller coaster road with 21 hairpin turns
India, asia
10.3 km
4,190 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for the Gata Loops – 21 hairpin turns carved into the Himalayas in Ladakh, part of Jammu and Kashmir! This stretch on the Leh-Manali Highway is legendary.
It's all paved, but don't think it's a breeze. It's a constant up-down-and-around dance for 10.3 km as you climb to Nakeela La. Most loops are a few hundred meters, but those last two are whoppers – nearly a kilometer and then a full kilometer and a half each! The steep inclines mean even big trucks can manage. Watch for shortcuts across the loops, but they're only for smaller vehicles.
You'll start at around 4,190m (13,746ft) and end up at 4,650m (15,255ft). The average gradient is almost 4.5%, so if your travel buddies get carsick easily, maybe rethink this one. The views are stunning, but the road demands your full attention.
Pro tip: Avoid driving at night or in bad weather if you're not familiar with the route. This road is usually only open between June and September.
Oh, and one more thing: legend has it the Gata Loops are haunted by the ghost of a trucker! Locals say you should pay your respects with water and cigarettes at a small shrine, just in case. Spooky!
Where is it?
Gata Loops is a roller coaster road with 21 hairpin turns is located in India (asia). Coordinates: 23.3060, 79.0774
Road Details
- Country
- India
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 10.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,190 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 23.3060, 79.0774
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