Fact 🧞‍♂️

The Highest Airstrip in India – Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO)

Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) in Ladakh is India’s highest airstrip, sitting at an extreme 16,614 feet (5,065 m). One of the loftiest military airfields on Earth, it serves a vital strategic link across the cold desert terrain near the Karakoram Pass.

Pratik Kamble

02 Dec 2025 — 2 min read

The Highest Airstrip in India

🛩️ India’s Highest Airstrip – Daulat Beg Oldie, Ladakh

At a breathtaking 16,614 feet (5,065 m) above sea level, Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) stands as India’s highest airstrip, and one of the highest anywhere in the world .

Located in the far northern edge of Ladakh, close to the historic Karakoram Pass , DBO is a harsh, remote, icy plateau where temperatures often drop below –30°C. Yet, aircraft land here.

And that alone makes it incredible.

🌄 A High-Altitude Marvel

DBO sits at 16,614 feet , making it the highest active airstrip in India.
It is used by the Indian Air Force for high-altitude logistics in the region.
The original airstrip dates back to the 1960s , but operations were revived in the 2008–2013 period.
The terrain is so thin and cold that aircraft need long distances for takeoff, even with lightweight loads.

🧭 Why DBO Is So Strategic

It lies near the Karakoram Pass and along the ancient route connecting Ladakh to Central Asia.
The region has no civilian settlements , only defence infrastructure.
It is a crucial lifeline for supporting operations in India’s northernmost frontier.
DBO sits close to the India–China Line of Actual Control (LAC), making air access essential for mobility.

❄️ Flying Here Isn’t Easy

Aviation at this altitude is brutal:

Thin air reduces engine thrust and lift
Aircraft performance drops dramatically
Weather changes rapidly
Even oxygen for crew must be managed

Despite all this, the airstrip remains active and operational, a remarkable engineering and aviation achievement.

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