With the increasing tourism in the valleys of Ladakh and Spiti, the availability of the basic amenities too is increasing. New facilities are being set up or built and a lot of them are coming up with “World’s Highest” as a prefix. For example, the world’s highest post office in Hikkim in Spiti; the world’s highest motorable road in Changthang Valley in Ladakh; highest internet cafe in Leh and several such others. Now it is time for the world’s highest ATM which has been set up at the top of Khardung La. It is not really an ATM in Nubra Valley as such but on the way to Nubra Valley and will be most beneficial for the people going that way or living there.
Below is a picture.
World’s Highest ATM in Nubra Valley at Khardung La
Will it be of any help to put an ATM at such a height? Yes, it actually will be as long as SBI is able to maintain a regular cash supply there. The difference between Leh and Khardung La is just about 35 kilometers; and can easily be covered in an hour and a half at most. So it will not be too difficult for the bank employees to top up the cash in it.
However, it will make things easier for the locals of Nubra Valley greatly. They will now not have to come all the way to Leh City for cash and can get it at Khardung La itself. Just drive up to the top of the pass, withdraw cash and be on your way back. There are already two ATMs in the valley, one in Hunder and another in Diskit. But if either of these ATMs weren’t functioning, then the one at Khardung La will then be the nearest one to Nubra Valley. It can also be a blessing for tourists if someone forgot to withdraw cash in Leh before going towards Nubra.
I agree that it would have been even better if SBI actually had set up this ATM in one of the villages itself in Nubra. But with this initiative, that day is not too far. I am sure that if not SBI, then some other bank would line up next for their ATMs in the valley. I hope the information above was of help. If you have any questions; please feel free to ask in the comments section below; or at our Community Forum; and I will be glad to answer.
