About Magnetic Hill

Magnetic Hill is a peculiar stretch of road on the Leh–Kargil–Srinagar National Highway, approximately 30 km from Leh, at an altitude of 3,287 m. The hill is famous for what appears to be a supernatural gravity-defying phenomenon — vehicles placed in neutral seem to roll uphill against the slope. In reality, this is an optical illusion caused by the surrounding landscape, where the layout of the hills and the sky tricks the eye into perceiving the slight downward slope as an uphill incline. Despite the scientific explanation, the spot draws thousands of tourists. Nearby is the Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, a Sikh shrine honouring Guru Nanak Dev Ji's visit to Ladakh, and the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers (Sangam) is just a short drive away.

Highlights

Travel Tips

• 1Park on the designated yellow box on the road to experience the illusion.
• 2Combined with Zanskar Sangam and Pathar Sahib for a great half-day excursion from Leh.
• 3River rafting on the Zanskar near Nimoo is thrilling and bookable in Leh.