Leh-Kargil Highway, Ladakh
Magnetic Hill
sightseeing • 11,000 ft
Overview
Location
Leh-Kargil Highway, Ladakh
Altitude
11,000 ft
Best Time
May to October
Visiting Hours
24 Hours Open
Entry Fee
Free (Included)
Magnetic Hill is a famous gravity hill located on the Leh-Kargil highway that creates a mind-bending optical illusion. The surrounding hills and road slope are aligned in a way that makes a vehicle parked in neutral appear to roll uphill against gravity at speeds of up to 20 km/h. While scientists attribute this phenomenon to a magnetic force or optical illusion created by the dry horizon, it remains one of Ladakh's most popular and fun roadside attractions for bikers to test.
Responsible Travel & Etiquette
Keep your vehicle inside the yellow box marked on the road to test the illusion
Watch out for moving highway traffic while testing or photographing on the road
Do not drive off-road into the fragile sandy slopes surrounding the hill
Follow the instructions on the signboard placed by the local administration
FAQs
Does the car actually go uphill?
Yes, vehicles do move, but it is an optical illusion where the road actually slopes downhill, though the layout makes it look like an uphill climb.
Is it close to Gurudwara Pathar Sahib?
Yes, it is located just 4 km ahead of the Gurudwara on the same highway.
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