42 kilometres from Sarchu comes Nakeela La, at an altitude of 4700 metres above the sea level. This pass gives a view of rocky and sandy terrain on all sides, with good winds blowing here. The sand is more towards red in colour.

Just some 5 to 10 km before Nakeela is the Gata Loops. These are a series of 21 continuous hair pin bends (I counted, it's 21 alright) which on ascent and crossing over to the other side of the mountain lead to Nakeela La. The view while on the last Gata Loop has been shown in the adjoining photo.