Siser La or Saser La Siser La is a high mountain pass in northern Ladakh in thestate of Jammu and Kashmir in India. It lies on one of thehighest trade routes in the world for Yarkand in Central Asia.Situated at 17,480 ft above sea level, this pass is coveredwith perpetual snow. The temperatures drop to around -20degrees C and it is cold enough to make one's breath freeze andform icy crystals on the face! Heavy clothing is required tocombat the biting cold.

On the ancient Central Asian trade route. Credit: Karamjeet Singh

As one approaches the pass from the Nubra Valley and theTulimpati La, one starts to feel the effects of the highaltitude. Above 16,500 ft, breathing becomes increasinglydifficult. The route leads over long snow slopes and icyglaciers.

The la is marked by heaps of stones or cairns piled at itscentre, which have been accumulated by the caravans of traderswho have used this route for centuries. On the other side ofthe la a different landscape presents itself, with brown andblack mountains across the Shyok River. These mountains arecompletely barren except for a few patches of white snow on themountain tops.