The Manali-Leh Highway is a popular and scenic road that connects Manali in Himachal Pradesh to Leh in Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is a high-altitude road that passes through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Indian Himalayas, offering stunning vistas of snow-capped mountains, deep valleys, and high mountain passes.
Here's a general overview of the route:
- Manali to Rohtang Pass (51 km): The journey starts from Manali, and the first leg of the trip takes you to Rohtang Pass, which is a famous mountain pass in Himachal Pradesh. Rohtang Pass is known for its scenic beauty and can be challenging due to narrow stretches and rough terrain.
- Rohtang Pass to Keylong (51 km): From Rohtang Pass, you'll descend towards Keylong, which is the administrative center of Lahaul and Spiti district in Himachal Pradesh. The road will become wider and smoother as you leave Rohtang Pass behind, and Keylong offers facilities for accommodation and rest.
- Keylong to Sarchu (115 km): From Keylong, you'll continue along the Manali-Leh Highway, passing through the scenic Baralacha La pass and reaching Sarchu, which is a popular stopover for travelers. Sarchu has campsites and basic facilities available for accommodation.
- Sarchu to Pang (76 km): The next leg of the journey takes you from Sarchu to Pang, crossing the scenic Nakee La pass and Lachulung La pass along the way. Pang is a small settlement with basic accommodation options.
- Pang to Upshi (73 km): From Pang, you'll continue along the highway, passing through the beautiful More Plains, which is a vast plateau surrounded by mountains. You'll then ascend to Tanglang La, which is one of the highest motorable passes in the world at an altitude of 5,328 meters (17,480 feet). After crossing Tanglang La, you'll descend to Upshi, which is a small village located along the Indus River and serves as a checkpoint where you'll need to show your permits to continue further.
- Upshi to Leh (47 km): The final leg of the journey takes you from Upshi to Leh, passing through picturesque landscapes and reaching Leh, which is the main town of Ladakh. Leh offers a wide range of facilities for accommodation, dining, and other services.
The total distance of Manali-Leh Highway is approximately 473 kilometers, and the journey usually takes 2-3 days, depending on the number of stops and breaks you take along the way. It's important to be prepared for the high altitude, variable weather conditions, and remote areas along the route. Make sure to carry sufficient food, water, warm clothing, and other essentials, and be aware of the local regulations, permits, and travel restrictions before embarking on the journey. It's also recommended to acclimatize yourself to the high altitude gradually to avoid altitude sickness.
