Experience the an exhilarating drive through one of highest motor able road in the world. Stretch between 490 km Leh - Manali or Manali - Leh highway today is more enjoyable as the 90% of entire stretch is well constructed. Back in the 90s its use to be one of most dangerous Himalayan road.
It opens only about four months in a year from June to mid - October. It's when all adventure lovers take this route in different ways - by mountain biking, motorbike tours or just leisurely jeep safari tour.
The road crosses four main passes Rohtang la 3978m, Baralacha la 4890m, Lachulang la & Taglang la 5328m. The route follows along the banks of Chandra Bhaga river which later becomes Chenab one of main Himalayan river, Tsarap which joins Zanskar river and finally along the banks of Indus river.
It crosses many Himalayan ranges from Pir Panjal, Great Himalayan & East Zanskar mountains.
From the lush green Kullu valley to high plateau to Rupshu the landscape changes after crossing these four main passes. The 230 km stretch is in Himachal Pradesh between Manali - Sarchu and 260 km Sarchu to Leh is in Ladakh region. Numbers of 6000m peaks can be seen along this route.
Today the journey between Manali - Leh or Leh - Manali takes one day that if continuous drive to 17-18 hours. But that is too fatigue for a long mountainous drive. We recommend to break this trip in 2 or 3 days so that you will have enough time to explore places. The best time to travel on this road is from 1st week of June to July end.
To avoid acute mountain sickness we recommend to stay a night at Manali 2050m, than Kyelang or Jispa altitude 3100m, from Jispa drive direct to Leh. If you have time it is advisable to make overnight at Tsokar Lake at Pongunagu. Making it 3 days excellent trip to Leh.
ROUTE
Manali - Rohtang la - Gramphoo - Koksar - Tandi - Kyelang - Jispa - Darcha - Zingzingbar - Baralacha La - Sarchu - Gata Loops - Nakee La - Lachulang La - Pang - More plains - Taglang La - Rumtse - Upshi - Thiksey - Choglamsar - Leh
MANALI - LEH JOURNEY - 2 days
Day 1: Manali - Rohtang La - Jispa
Day 2: Jispa - Baralacha La - Sarchu - Taglang La - Upshi - Leh
MANALI - LEH JOURNEY - 3 days
Day 1: Manali - Rohtang La - Jispa
Day 2: Jispa - Baralacha La - Sarchu - Tsokar Lake
Day 3: Tsokar - Taglang La - Upshi - Leh
Hi Prem Singh ji, We had a great time with your staff. They were all very courteous and helpful. The food etc was also very generous and well done. Thanks. We will again get in touch for more camping for the coming weekend or next.
