Gata Loops

Gata Loops, located on the Leh-Manali Highway, is a fascinating mystery with eerie and even terrifying lore surrounding it. Nakee La, one of the highest motorable passes in the Ladakh region, is reached via Gata Loops, a sequence of 21 hairpin bends. Gata Loops, perched some 17,000 feet above sea level, offers visitors breathtaking views of the surrounding snow-covered summits and a thrilling adventure all the way to the peak.

According to the legend surrounding Gata Loops, a ghost haunts a small hut at the summit of the pass and causes travelers a great deal of distress unless they pay their respects by leaving mineral water and cigarettes there. People have made sacrifices to the unknown spirit whether or not they have seen it. Gata Loops is a challenging passage because of the constant ice sheets that cover the roadways during the winter. Sharp hairpin turns make it nearly impossible to see around the corner and into the next circle, but descending the loops is infinitely more exciting.

Height: The pass is located at an altitude of 17000 feet at the maximum above the sea level.

Location: The loops are located 25 kms away from Sarchu on Leh-Manali Highway.

Best time to visit: The roads will be suitable to have ride during the months of June, July, August and September.