Experience the exhilarating drive through one of the highest motorable roads in the world. Today, the 427 km Leh – Manali or Manali – Leh highway stretch is more enjoyable as 95% of the stretch is well constructed. Back in the 90s, it used to be one of the most dangerous Himalayan roads.
It opens only about five months in a year from June to October. It’s when all adventure lovers take this route in different ways – mountain biking, motorbike tours, or just a leisurely jeep safari tour.
The road crosses three main passes Baralacha la (4890m), Lachulang la (5065m) & Taglang la (5328m). The route follows along the banks of Chandra Bhaga River which later becomes Chenab one of the main Himalayan rivers, Tsarap which joins the Zanskar River, and finally along the banks of the Indus River.
It crosses many Himalayan ranges from Pir Panjal, Great Himalayan & East Zanskar mountains.
From the lush green Kullu valley to the high plateau to Rupshu the landscape changes after crossing these three main passes. The 175 km stretch is in Himachal Pradesh between Manali to Sarchu and Sarchu to Leh 252 km is in the Ladakh region. Numbers of 6000m peaks can be seen along this route.
Today the journey between Manali – Leh or Leh – Manali takes one day and is a continuous drive to 14-15 hours. But that is too fatigue for a long mountainous drive. We recommend breaking this trip in 2 days so that you will have enough time to explore places. The best time to travel on this road is from the 1st week of June to September end.
To avoid acute mountain sickness, we recommend staying a night at Manali 2050m, then Keylong (3100m) or Jispa (3200m), from Jispa drive directly to Leh. If you have the time it is advisable to stay 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 TO LEH LADAKH JOURNEY - 2 days 1 night
Day 1: Manali (2050m) – Atal Tunnel (3100m) – Sissu (3120m) – Keylong (3100m) – Jispa (3200m). 93 km, 3-4 hours by car.
Day 2: Jispa (3200m) – Baralacha La (4890m) – Sarchu (4200m) – Lachulang La (5065m) – Pang (4500m) – More plains (4800m) – Taglang La (5328m) – Rumtse (4240m) – Upshi – Leh (3600m), 334 km, 9 to 10 hours.
Manali
(2050m) – Atal Tunnel (3100m) – Sissu (3120m) – Keylong (3100m) – Jispa
(3200m). 93 km, 3-4 hours by car.
Jispa
(3200m) – Baralacha La (4890m) – Sarchu (4200m) – Lachulang La (5065m) – Pang
(4500m) – More plains (4800m) – Taglang La (5328m) – Rumtse (4240m) – Upshi –
Leh (3600m), 334 km, 9 to 10 hours.
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.
