Fotu La or Fatu La is a mountain pass on the Srinagar-Leh highway in the Himalayas Zaskar Range in India. At an elevation of 4,108 metres (13,478 ft), it is the highest point on the highway, surpassing the famed Zoji La. Fotu La is one of two high mountain passes between Leh and Kargil, the other being Namika La. Moving eastwards, the highway begins to descend towards the town of Lamayuru after Fotu La. There is a Prasar Bharati television relay station serving Lamayuru located on the pass.
About Fotu La Pass :
Located 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) west of Lamayuru, it is the highest mountain pass on the Srinagar-Leh Highway. Fotu La (Pass) stands at an imposing height of 4,108 meters (13,478 feet). A visit to the Pass marks the high point of a beautiful drive from Leh to Lamayuru.
Most travelers doing a day trip to Lamayuru ought to touch this high mountain pass just to get a feel of the rarified air and views. Having said that, the impact of visiting Fotu La is just as enthralling when approached from the Kashmir Valley side. Post Sonamarg, the landscape starts changing dramatically till one reaches the iconic Zoji La (Pass) at 3,548 meters (11,640 feet) that saw fierce fighting in the 1948 war against Pakistan. Drass, Kargil and Mulbekh follow next.
At Mulbekh the 9 meter high statue of Maitreya (the future Buddha), carved out of solid rock built around the 8th century, is worth a stop. That leads up to the 3718 meters (12,198 feet) high Namika La. A short descent, and one climbs again to Fotu La. Fotu La is among the highest passes in region. Ladakh incidentally means the ‘Land of High Passes’.
Special Attributes : Highest mountain pass on the Srinagar-Leh Highway
Nuisance : The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.
Dressing restrictions : Dress in whatever you find comfortable.
Connectivity : Motorcycles and vehicles hired from Leh are a good option. Regular bus service is readily available
Avoidable Season : November, December, January, February