Top 5 highest motorable roads in the world

Refugio Tejos, Chile

The road leading to the world's highest volcano, Ojos del Salado, passes Refugio Tejos. This mountain hut, located in the Atacama Desert in Chile, stands at 5,800 m altitude. It no doubt offers a well-deserved break on a track that is motorable but in dreadful condition. Only experienced bikers should dare take this extreme, little-frequented road!

Khardung La, Ladakh, India

Between lush valleys and desert rock formations, the famous Khardung La pass features among the highest motorable roads in the world. Located 25 miles (40 km) from Leh, the capital of Ladakh, the Khardung La pass is a challenge and a half. Officially signposted at 5,602 m (surveys put it closer to 5,360 m), with hairpin bends that would make any skilled biker pale, riders need to be in good physical shape to tackle it! An adrenaline buzz would be guaranteed on this perilous pass! A classic motorcycle like a Royal Enfield is perfect for crossing the Khardung La. Since 2021, the title of highest motorable pass in the world has gone to Umling La, also in Ladakh, at 5,798 m, in a restricted border area in the east of the region. Take the leap and book yourself on a motorcycle tour in Ladakh: the 14-day Oases and Peaks at World's End and the 24-day Himalayan Expedition both cross the Khardung La, and The Trans-Himalayan climbs even higher, over a 5,437 m pass.

Semo La, Tibet, China

Third place goes to Semo La pass at 5,565 m altitude. An imposing road with almost 100 miles (160 km) of arid plateau, the Semo La is one of the hardest passes over 5,500 m. We do not ride in Tibet, but the high plateaus of Ladakh, just across the border, share the same landscapes.

Cerro Uturuncu, Bolivia

Cerro Uturuncu, the Bolivian volcano in the Andes, is located in Lipez desert and reaches 5,777 m altitude. The road, only passable up to 5,550 m, is a mix of hairpin bends and intimidating ravines. It surely would delight thrill-seekers who really want to push their limits. Further north, our Transcontinental crosses the Bolivian Altiplano, from Potosí to the Salar de Uyuni.

Cerro Estrella, Argentina

Elevated at 5,389 m, the track to Cerro Estrella volcano is an unbeatable playground for motorcycles. With lunar landscapes as far as the eye can see, gravel tracks, rocks and windswept, arid plains, it is ideal for discovering South America's beauty in its purest form. In the same north-west of Argentina, our Raid in Andean Land climbs the high passes of the Puna and Route 40.

Do you want your own unforgettable motorcycle tour? Browse all our routes, from the Himalaya to the Andes. Photo credits: Leo Fvy