The road journey from Manali to Leh is one of the most gruelling and yet unforgettable journeys of a lifetime. There is no other route where you can pass through so many picturesque views, where the landscape changes after every few miles and they test your limits as a traveller.
Starting from Manali and passing through some of the highest motorable roads in the world, a Manali-Leh road trip is a must. If you are planning to go on this ‘road less travelled’ this year, then here are some important points that you need to keep in mind before and during your trip till Leh.
Manali to Leh Distance – 473 km
Best time for Manali-Leh road trip – June to September
Basic routes and stops during Manali-Leh road trip – Manali – Rohtang – Keylong – Jispa – Darcha – Baralacha La – Sarchu – Gata Loops – Nakee La – Lachulung La – Pang – Tanglang La – Gya – Upshi – Karu – Leh
Travel to Leh and discover the 10 amazing places that come in the way of the Manali-Leh road trip and you just won’t be able to wonder in awe.
Coming right out of a fairytale, Manali is the home for every kind of traveller and tourist. From lovebirds to adventure seekers, Manali welcomes everyone. Gorgeous and breathtaking views of snow-capped Himalayas along with tall trees and roaring Beas River makes it a worthy starting point of the journey. Manali is the starting point where the bikers begin their trip to Leh. You can take a day to explore the beauty of Old Manali and New Manali and do some local sightseeing before you start your rigorous bike journey.
Remember Jab We Met with Kareena Kapoor dancing in between thick walls of snow? We bet you fell in love with that place. Located 50 km from Manali, Rohtang Pass is the gateway to Leh Ladakh and every motorist’s dream. But remember this is no easy road, there’s a reason it is known as the pass of dead souls. This gorgeous and yet terrifying route offers beautiful views of the surrounding valley. Rohtang Pass is not opened throughout the year. It opens for a very short time in June till September, which also opens the way for the road trip to Leh.
Jispa is a small village located alongside Bhaga River. Travelers stay here for the overnight as it offers scenic views of Himalayan peaks and valleys, providing a sneak peak of what is about to come. A monastery, a mountaineer’s hut, and a small folk museum are among the other attractions of this less populated peaceful village. Jispa is an important camping site and a very beautiful on the Manali Leh highway where bikers can stay to take a halt and enjoy the scenic beauty of the hamlet. There is one hotel in Jispa as well where you can stay in case camping isn’t on your mind.
Located in the Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh, Darcha is an offbeat location for camping. Darcha is settled in the Lahaul valley with pristine views and majestic mountains surrounding it. This place is a paradise for those who are interested in camping instead of staying in Jispa. It is a quaint top with Darcha is also the base camp Darcha Padum trek which is one of the most popular treks of the region covering the beauty of Manali Leh road trip.
One of the most magnificent thing you will encounter on your Manali Leh road trip is the Sissu falls. However, the waterfall is not located on the road, you will have to take a small diversion to witness this magical waterfall. Apart from this, Sissu village is a small group of people on the banks of river Chandra. There are few stays in the village in case you want to make a halt here for the night.
Keylong is one of the most beautiful places in the Lahaul district. It is also the administrative center and an important town of this region. This is where you can find a little bit of development which general stores and better stays. However, the beauty of the place lies in the surroundings on the grandeur of snow-capped mountains. The Kardang monastery is the top attraction for the travellers in Keylong.
Baralacha is one of the most stunning routes and is also a meeting point of many roads coming to and from Ladakh and Leh. The peak is surrounded by mighty Himalayan mountain ranges. Baralacha is called so because there are twelve loops that the road passes through before you enter Leh. It is a scenic pass that connects Lahaul district in Himachal Pradesh to Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir. The road is full of topsy turvy roads and the most breathtaking scenes of the journey.
Where else will you find 21 imposing curves on any road in the world? Gata Loops is one of the most adventurous points during your Manal- Leh trip and since it is at high altitude, you simply cannot miss the excitement that follows while traveling here. It is not an easy road to drive but the high altitude and the surroundings make it worth it.
Home to the double-humped camel, where you get a chance to have another enthralling ride (only after bike). Nubra valley is a dry desert encompassed by the mountains and rivers. Nubra is the most famous camping site on the Manali- Leh road trip. You can stay here for the night on the beautiful campsite, enjoy the camel ride and witness the galaxies at night.
The color-changing lake is the ultimate destination of every biker on the Leh road trip. Nobody misses this place if they are coming to Leh and you simply can’t. Located at an elevation of 4,350 M, the lake extends from India to China. It is the world’s highest saltwater lake and home to a number of migrating birds. You can also camp alongside the lake and enjoy the lit up by the glow of moon and stars!
The Leh-Ladakh trip will always stay close to your heart. Head to this place by your cars or bikes to have the experience of a lifetime!
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