Image Source: LIVE FULLY
About Karu Village
Karu is a small village located around 40 km southeast of Leh. It’s a roadside stop on the way to famous destinations like Pangong lake, Chang la or Hemis monastery. Karu, beyond a popular image of transit points, plays a vital strategic, logistical, and spiritual role in Ladakh.
A Major Army and Air Force Hub
Near to the China border and high-altitude pass, Karu has a large Indian army base and Indian Air force station. It acts as a key operational and logistics point for military deployment in Eastern Ladakh.
Though Karu appears militarized and commercial from the highway, it also retains a peaceful Buddhist village culture behind the main road. Traditional Ladakhi homes, stupas, prayer wheels, and cultivated fields exist quietly amid the more bustling facade seen by passersby.
Changthang Plateau and Pangong Tso
Kaur is a junction for travelers who want to visit the Changthang region. The road from Karu forks toward Chang La Pass — one of the highest motorable passes in the world — and leads to Pangong Lake, Tangtse, and further toward Tso Moriri.
Karu has one of the last reliable petrol pumps before heading toward remote regions like Pangong or Changthang. Many travelers stock up here on fuel, food supplies, vehicle checks, and even emergency repairs. Karu is located at an elevation of around 3,500 meters (11,500 feet) and acts as a climatic transition point between the cold desert of Leh and the even harsher, windier terrain beyond Chang La.
The landscape begins to change noticeably from here, becoming more barren and high-altitude as one travels eastward.
It’s a lifeline for overland expeditions and bikers venturing into deeper parts of Ladakh.
Proximity to Hemis Monastery—Ladakh’s Largest Monastery
Hemis monastery, which is the largest and wealthiest monastery in Ladakh, is a short distance from Karu. Most people visit Hemis monastery, while few realise that Karu serves as the main access route. During the Hemis Tsechu Festival, Karu becomes a bustling stopover for pilgrims and visitors.
Base Point for Offbeat Trekking Routes
Karu is a supply base for several lesser-known treks in the region. Routes such as Zalung Karpo La, Marsimik La, or Khangral are taken by seasonal visitors to avoid crowded routes like Markha valley or Chadar.