1. Baralacha La Pass: The name of this high mountain pass in Jammu and Kashmir's Zanskar district refers to the intersection of many streets. Lahaul in Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir are connected by the pass. Three mountain ranges meet on a plateau known as the Baralacha La. (Pir Panjal, Zanskar and the Himalayas).
The Baralacha La, a stunningly designed natural pass, links Lahaul and Ladakh. If the Pir Panjal mountains on one side are you, the Himalayan range stands in welcoming posture on the other.This Ladakh's high mountain pass offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Whether the You see an intriguing and thrilling scene in the blink of an eye, with melting snow from the mountains beyond you, or the oddly formed hills in the distance, to the valleys and streams.
2. Keylong: The largest town on Manali Leh is Keylong. Kardang Monastery, the largest and most important religious centre of the Drukpa group of Tibetan Buddhism, is also located here. Being a large town, the area is filled with a sufficient number of hotels and guest houses that can accommodate any budget. When travelling between Manali and Leh, Keylong is one of the most well-liked places to rest for the night. With its breathtaking scenery and campgrounds, Keylong is a popular stop for travellers on many Manali to Leh road trip packages. Keylong, the regional administrative hub for Lahaul and Spiti, also witnesses the annual Lahaul festival.
Along with visiting the monasteries in Ladakh, you can also go to the nearby sacred Kelang Wazir temple. This is a fantastic destination to spend the night because it is situated about 120 kilometres north of Manali.
3. Sarchu: Sarchu marks the transition between the Himachal Pradesh province and Jammu and Kashmir. It resembles a well-known camping location and the intersection of the Manali–Leh highway. Many others choose to stay put in Sarchu, either in a Chadar tent or a campground. If you wish to build your own shelter, it is advised that you do so more along the lines of a campground.
Sarchu, which is tucked between the Lachulung La and the Baralacha La, serves as a rest stop for travellers travelling from Manali to Leh. It provides visitors with a perfect camping site by providing large, wide areas where they can pitch their tents. Beside the Tsarap River, the area is home to one of the Indian Army's camps. This location, also known as Sir Bhum Chum, is compared to Ladakh in terms of its arid splendour. In Sarchu, there are also camps where you can spend the night and view the stars.
4. Karu: A wonderful location for photographers, with its vivid scenery of snow-capped mountains and clear waters.
The most stunning location on the road ride from Manali to Leh is Karu.
Karu is a lovely place to visit while you are in Leh. Here, nature's most beautiful manifestations are vividly on exhibit. Every aspect of this place, from the snow-capped mountains to the glistening streams, delivers a perfect experience.
5.Jispa: This seaside village that sprawls along the Bhaga River is well-known for being a great place to go camping. Jispa, which is surrounded by majestic mountains and picturesque valleys, is a well-liked stopover for travellers coming from Ladakh to Manali.
This area is a great spot to acclimatise before continuing on to higher terrain.
Jispa is a dreamy place with alluring attractions that exudes a weird charm. Everything about Jispa is exquisite, from the sounds of the river as you drift off to sleep at night to the soaring peaks that appear to be frozen in time.
6.Darcha
Darcha delivers a singular reality that is captivating and equally fascinating during a trip of unbroken splendour. This little village, which is situated on the banks of the Bhaga River, exudes a quiet charm.
You can travel from Darcha to Padum over the course of many days and take in the area's quiet splendour. A photographer's favourite destination is Darcha and the neighbouring areas because of the stunning scenery on offer.
7.LaChulung La
Lachulung La is situated about 16,600 feet above sea level and is regarded as an easy mountain pass to cross. This crossing, which naturally separates the Tsarap Chu Chu and Tozay rivers, is close to Pangong Lake as well.
As you arrive, you'll observe that the majority of tourist cars have halted, allowing tourists to appreciate the area's natural splendour. The absolute finest panoramas of the surrounding peaks and valleys can be witnessed.
The pleasant weather serves as a perfect complement to the mysterious scenic qualities.
8.Upshi
Upshi, which is situated next to the Indus River, has a charming and lovely environment. This settlement was formerly a bustling location, situated close to an old trade route that connects to Tibet. The people living in this paradisiacal area are currently engaged in tasks like goat farming.
In this hamlet, a goat raising area is located in almost every house. Many shepherds can also be seen moving their sheep back and forth between pastures. It is a wonderful location to visit in Ladakh.
Take a village tour and be enchanted by the locals' refined and peaceful way of life
AVAILABILITY OF ATM'S ON LEH MANALI ROUTE
It is strongly advised that you bring enough cash while travelling on the Leh-Manali route because there are few ATMs available until you leave Leh/Manali. Although Manali has an excessive number of ATMs, providing you plenty of possibilities to withdraw money, Keylong, which is on the road to Leh, is the only other location with an ATM.
The Keylong ATM need not always be in operational condition, though. After that, you would immediately come across ATMs in Leh,
, the quantity of which is restricted.
Only a few banks have ATMs in Leh: SBI, Jammu & Kashmir Bank, HDFC, Axis Bank, and ICICI Bank.
As a result, make sure you have enough money for the trip right away. Additionally, the majority of restaurants and hotels do not accept credit or debit cards, with the exception of a few antique shops. Therefore, bring enough cash with you on your trip.
Gas stations on the Leh-Manali Highway
1.MANALI: While in Manali, there are a tonne of gas stations to choose from. There are a total of 6 gas stations in this hill station town.
2. Karu: You may refuel your vehicles in Karu, which is 30 kilometres before Leh and 345 kilometres from Tandi.
3. Tandi: There is a gas station in Tandi, which is 110 kilometres away from Manali.
A distance of 110 kilometres separates Manali from Tandi.
4. Leh: While entering Leh, one can also locate a good number of gas stations. In addition to the few gas stations in Leh, you may fill up your cars at the gas station close to the airport in Leh (25 km from Leh).
For many people travelling from Manali, the convenient bus service makes travel easier.
Manali-Leh Highway's mechanics
Check the vehicles thoroughly before the tour begins to prevent any breakdowns. But, you can locate mechanic shops along the entire route in Marhi, Khoksar, Keylong, Darcha, Sarchu, and Upshi.
Places to Spend the Night:
1.Keylong: which is 117 miles distant from Manali is the first stop on the bike route from Manali to Leh is Keylong, where you can rest for the night. Some of the top hotels that are inexpensive for guests are listed below:
Valley View Hotel, HPTDC Hotel Chandrabhaga, Hotel Dekyid, Hotel New Gyespa, and Hotel Tashi Delek
2.Sarchu: After Keylong, one can stop at Sarchu, which is 96 kilometres from Keylong and 223 kilometres from Manali. Also, this area is a well-liked destination for Ladakh tent and overnight camp stays. These are some of the top places to stay and eat:
Camps Himalayan Saga
Camps at Goldrop
Camps on Planet Himalaya
Camps Antrek
The Blue Poppies Camps
3. Leh: When you get to Leh, which is 250 kilometres from Sarchu and 357 kilometres from Keylong, you may unwind beside a multitude of hotels that are only for tourists. The majority of these hotels are conveniently close to the main town. Some lodging options in Leh include:
The Grand Dragon Ladakh, Ladakh Sarai Hotel, and Ladakh Residence
You can rent a bike in Manali to go on the bike ride, which is both picturesque and challenging.
FAQ'S
1.Is a personal vehicle permitted in Leh?
Private vehicles are really permitted in Leh. Private vehicles are permitted to travel around Leh and Ladakh for sightseeing.as well as the nearby areas of Tso Moriri, Pangong Tso, and Nubra Valley.
2.Which locations are recommended for a road trip from Manali to Leh?
1. Sarchu: Sarchu marks the transition between the Himachal Pradesh province and Jammu and Kashmir. It resembles a well-known camping location and the intersection of the Manali–Leh highway. Many others choose to stay put in Sarchu, either in a Chadar tent or a campground.or set up camp alone. If you wish to build your own shelter, it is advised that you do so more along the lines of a campground.
2. Baralacha La Pass: The name of this high mountain pass in Jammu and Kashmir's Zanskar district refers to the intersection of many streets. Lahaul in Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir are connected by the pass. Three mountain ranges meet on a plateau known as the Baralacha La. (Pir Panjal, Zanskar and the Himalayas).
3 Karu: A wonderful location for photographers, with its vivid scenery of snow-capped mountains and clear waters.
3.Where should I stay halfway between Leh and Manali?
1.Sarchu: Often referred to as the Sar Bum Chum by locals, Sarchu is one of the most picturesque camping areas along the Leh-Manali Highway. With interesting trip alternatives including local safaris and trekking, the campsite is the perfect pit stop for adventure seekers.
2.Keylong: When travelling between Manali and Leh, Keylong is one of the most well-liked places to rest for the night. With its breathtaking scenery and campgrounds, Keylong is a popular stop for travellers on many Manali to Leh road trip packages.
3.Jispa: This seaside village that sprawls along the Chandra River is well-known for being a great place to go camping. Jispa, which is surrounded by majestic mountains and picturesque valleys, is a well-liked stopover for travellers coming from Ladakh to Manali.
4. Keylong: The largest town on Manali Leh is Keylong. Kardang Monastery, the largest and most important religious centre of the Drukpa group of Tibetan Buddhism, is also located there. Being a large town, the area is filled with a sufficient number of hotels and guest houses that can accommodate any budget.
4.Which route from Manali to Leh is best?
The highway between Leh and Manali is the most direct route between them. When the weather is right and additional breaks are necessary, travelling the highway takes around two days. One of the most attractive highways in the country, the scenic route is dotted with stunning mountains, lovely streams, and wide, green valleys.
5.When is the ideal time to travel by road to Ladakh?
The ideal time to go by road to Ladakh is between June to September. The Highway is clear of snow and open to the public throughout this season, making travel safe and simple.
6.Is Leh Ladakh safe to travel?
Absolutely, visiting Leh Ladakh is completely secure. Leh not only has a low crime rate, but its residents are also quite welcoming, creating a welcoming atmosphere for visitors.
7.What is the condition of the highway from Leh to Manali?
The journey to Manali and Leh is a very beguiling one, lined with gorgeous mountains, alpine valleys, and swift-flowing streams. The rolling natural terrain, which is 474 kilometres long and changes in colour and shape as you pass by, is a visual delight for the eye.
8.Is the Manali to Leh roadway secure?
Generally speaking, it is regarded as safe to travel on the Manali-Leh Highway. Yet, there is always some risk associated because of the neighbouring mountains. Whether it snows or pours, it is always preferable to stay off the highway to ensure the highest level of safety.
9.Which passes link Manali and Leh?
Manali and Leh are connected via the Tanglang La Pass. The Tanglang La Pass, which is a part of the Manali Leh Highway and is located at a height of around 5,300 metres above sea level, is one of the highest passes in the world.
10.How far away is Manali from Ladakh?
The 474-kilometre journey from Ladakh to Manali is dotted with snow-capped mountains and breathtakingly beautiful green valleys. Under typical weather circumstances, it takes a little over 13 hours to drive between the two locations.
11.Is August a good time to plan the Manali-Leh Highway?
The best times to visit Ladakh are probably in August and September when it's less crowded, before winter sets in and there is no (or shallow) water. The majority of the passes, including Wari La, will be open and accessible, allowing you to go directly from Nubra to Pangong without stopping in Leh. Just remember to be ready for natural calamities during monsoon season.