Places on Manali – Leh Highway | A Detailed Description
There is no doubt that Manali – Leh Highway is easily the most adventurous as well as the most beautiful among all the Highways in India. Every adventure lover has a dream to traverse this 474 KM long, Manali – Leh Highway at least once in his or her lifetime. However, I strongly feel that everyone who loves to travel, be it adventure lover or nature lover or any other form, must and must travel Manali – Leh Highway at least once in his/her lifetime. Personally, I am lucky enough to have gone through the experience of this lifetime journey and wish I will do it many more times in future too. Over a span of 474 KM, on the Manali – Leh Highway, one goes through varied forms of nature ranging from beautiful lush green valley(s) to rocky barren multi colored mountains to high walls of snow to violent river/water crossings (nallas) to wide flat lands to abrupt landslides to head swaying hair pin bends to butter smooth roads to many non-existent and washed away roads to strong cold winds blowing you away and to what not 
, all this raising the fun of this ultimate journey to greater heights.
The Manali – Leh Highway makes you experience the raw mother nature present on earth in almost its every form. Technically, BRO takes care of this Highway and they have further divided its responsibility between Project Deepak and Project Himank . Project Deepak is responsible for maintaining the section from Manali to Sarchu(222 KM) in Himachal Pradesh region while Project Himank is responsible for Sarchu to Leh (252.4 KMs) section which falls in Ladakh district of Jammu and Kashmir region.
Manali – Leh Highway | Altitude over Distance Graph
Click to enlarge.
How to plan a journey on Manali – Leh Highway
If you need the details on how to plan a journey on Manali – Leh Highway, you must refer the link : How to plan a trip on Manali – Leh Highway
Places of Manali – Leh Highway
This article is an informatory dissection of all major places that comes on the route from Manali to Leh along with the details of food, fuel, accommodation or stay options, amenities etc on Manali – Leh Highway. I hope this may help you get an idea of what is offered on a journey of Manali – Leh Highway bearing in mind the stoppages of your interest including overnight stays, food, beverages, amenities, photos etc. If you are not interested in much of the text then you may also check the summary of the places in tabular format at the end of the article directly.
Manali | Altitude: 1950 Mtrs – Solang Valley | Altitude: 2590 Mtrs
Manali, about 570 KM from Delhi, is the place from where this life time journey begins. Manali, the valley of gods is lush green at the time when you would be doing your Leh journey and you will definitely enjoy the weather there. Although, in May – June due to holiday rush this place is not a penny less than the chaotic trade fair and I am sure you will not want to be at this place in such a tourist rush. Being said that, you can do a lot in Manali town and for comprehensive details including how to reach Manali from Delhi, I request you to go through the Manali Travel Guide here: Delhi to Manali, Himachal Pradesh | A Travel Guide
One point worth highlighting here is that if you are on your way to Leh – Ladakh from Manali then avoid staying overnight in Manali town rather stay overnight at Solang Valley, 14 KM away. Why? Manali is at lower altitude than Solang Valley and does not help in acclimatization. Solang Valley does help acclimatize your body to some extent which may help in minimizing the troubles of mountain sickness as you move ahead towards Leh – Ladakh in upcoming days. Solang Valley is further 16 KM ahead of Manali and is much more calmer place as compared to Manali. Solang Valley also offers some majestic views along with adventure activities like parachuting, paragliding, skating and zorbing etc
The only drawback with Solang Valley is that you won’t find as many options for a stay as you can find in Manali. The prices of the hotels in Solang Valley are likely to be on the higher side as compared to the varied economic hotel options available in Manali town. Also, the variety of cuisines will be much less as compared to Manali and mostly you will need to have your food in hotel only. But, the advantage acclimatization and peace definitely outweighs these minor hitches, unless you really want a very very cheap hotel. If you really miss different cuisines and lively place, you can surely spend your day in Manali enjoying the other flavors of the valley and come back to hotel at Solang Valley for night stay.
Technically, Solang Valley is not on Manali – Leh Highway rather one needs to take a left diversion from Palchan and travel further 6 KM to reach Solang Valley. If you have hired a taxi from Manali to Leh, you need to ask the driver upfront to pick you from Solang Valley hotel. If you have opted for a shared taxi / public bus, then you yourself need to reach Palchan, the diversion point on Manali – Leh Highway to get into one of them en-route but that also must have been booked in advance from Manali.
Gulaba
Running through few small villages (Palchan, Kothi) of this beautiful lush green valley you reach Gulaba, 20 KM from Manali. Gulaba is famous as one of the lower winter snow point when the road to Rohtang Pass gets closed. There are only few Dhabhas on Gulaba and no options of stay.
Marhi | Altitude: 3300 Mtrs
After Gulaba, one reaches Marhi which is the highest snow point in winters when road to Rohtang Pass is closed. There are few Dhabhas on Marhi and as well as there is a liquor shop as well 
. There are no stay options apart from those temporary Dhabhas.
Rani Nala
Few KMs ahead of Marhi you reach Rani Nalla which is a glacier point. This place is famous for its huge snow walls, more than 20 feet high. You can find snow here almost every day of year, may be just year 2010 was an exception. The feeling of going between between these huge walls of snow is impeccable. Of course, if you do not leave early in the day then surely the traffic jam may frustrate you here due to the narrow passage and kill your time. You need to leave as early as possible like 5 AM from Manali to avoid traffic jam on Manali – Rohtang Pass road. In year 2010, the stretch here was in pathetic shape and took many lives due to constant landslides. It is perhaps the last major point on southern portal of Rohtang Pass. No stay or food options are available here.
Rohtang Pass | Altitude: 3980 Mtrs
51 KMs away from Manali town, Rohtang Pass connects the tribal valleys of Lahaul and Spiti to Kullu Valley. This is the hottest Himalayan tourist spot in Northern India and people flood this place in the month of May and June. Do expect heavy tourist rush and traffic jam, if you are late in leaving from Manali. It is closed for more than six months in the winter months due to heavy snowfall. Many people feel the altitude factor after reaching Rohtang Pass with headaches and feeling to puke. So, it better to keep yourself hydrated on the way. You can enjoy food / beverages here but there is no place for accommodation. By the way meaning of Rohtang is “pile of corpses or dead bodies” 
…
Gramphu | Altitude: 3200 Mtrs
After you descend towards northern portal of Rohtang Pass, you reach Gramphu. At Gramphu, there is a diversion towards right which will lead you to Spiti Valley via Kunzam Pass. If you want to visit Chandratal then you need to take the diversion towards Spiti and once you reach Battal, go straight towards Chandratal. There are no stay or food options at Gramphu. If interested in knowing more about Chandratal then read its travel guide at: Delhi to Chandratal, Himachal Pradesh | A Travel Guide
Khokhsar | Altitude: 3140 Mtrs
Just few KM after Gramphu you reach Khoksar which is the first settlement in the Lahaul Valley of Himachal Pradesh. This place has several Dhabhas where you can enjoy the food, a clean washroom / toilet to freshen up and a PWD rest house. In order to stay at PWD rest house, generally you will need the advance bookings. There are few houses as well in this small village. The Chandra river flows through this place and the views are just amazing from the village.
Sissu | Altitude: 3170 Mtrs
Sissu or Khagling is a small town situated at the right bank of Chandra River in the Lahaul valley of Himachal Pradesh. There is a waterfall on the opposite side of town which, people says, looks spectacular but personally I haven’t seen it.
It has a PWD Rest House but in case you want to stay then do book that in advance else you may not find the accommodation. My personal experience had not been good with getting any accommodation at any of the HP PWD Rest Houses. There are few small dhabhas or food stalls where you can find food, tea/coffee and drinking water as well. You may also get some basic healthcare facilities at the local Primary Health Care center at Sissu town. There is also a helipad that is used for the chopper services and mainly utilized by locales in the winter months when the roads are closed due to heavy snow at Rohtang Pass connecting Kullu – Manali Valley and Kunzam Pass connecting Spiti Valley.
Tandi | Altitude: 2573 Mtrs
At Tandi, you will find the only petrol pump on Manali – Leh Highway after Manali and up to Upshi / Karu or Leh. The next petrol pump is about 365 KMs away towards Leh from Tandi. Hence, it is extremely important that you do not miss this petrol pump to top up the fuel. Apart from being famous for this only petrol pump on Manali – Leh Highway, Tandi is a confluence of Chandra River and Bhaga River. The merged river is called Chandrabhaga River and when it enter Jammu and Kashmir, it is further called Chenab river. The Chandra River originates from Chandratal, Spiti Valley and Bhaga River originates from Suraj Tal or Surya Tal, Lahaul Valley. So, if you have time on hand then do click some pictures of the confluence too.
Keylong | Altitude: 3080 Mtrs
Keylong is the biggest town located on Manali – Leh Highway and is the district/administrative headquarter of Lahaul Valley and Spiti Valley districts of Himachal Pradesh. All the major GOVT. offices of the district are present in Keylong town only. The Keylong town is completely cut off from the outside world in the winter months of November to April, due to heavy snow present at Rohtang Pass. There is a famous Kardang Monastery in Keylong which is the largest and most important monastery of Lahaul district of the Drukpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The views from the Keylong town are nice with Bhaga river flowing in between but personally I felt it (Keylong) too boring 
…
Most people while traveling on Manali – Leh Highway including the HRTC and HPTDC bus services halts for a night stop at Keylong town. There are many options of accommodation (small hotels and guest houses) available at Keylong including the famous HPTDC Hotel Chandrabhaga, Circuit House, PWD Rest House, Tourist Bungalow etc. There are few small hotels or guest houses in Keylong town which are right on the Manali – Leh Highway and can be opted for a stay too.
Also, people coming to explore Lahaul Valley including Udaipur, Triloknath Temple etc make Keylong as the base town. There are phone and power connections which can be utilized to call at home, charge mobile or camera batteries. Beyond Keylong you will not not find mobile signal and fixed landline phone except Jispa. Medical facilities are also available at the local hospital and there is also one SBI ATM in Keylong town. So, if you have by chance missed the ATM at Manali to fetch the cash then do not miss this one. At first place, I will say do not miss the Manali ATM but still if you have missed it then try your luck at the Keylong ATM which is the only ATM in reach on Manali – Leh Highway.
Jispa | Altitude: 3320 Mtrs
Jispa, is a small village that is located on the banks of Bhaga River. While coming from Manali side, this is my most preferred place for a night stay and to break the journey on Manali – Leh Highway. The accommodation options present in Jispa are limited as compared to Keylong but if you book them in advance I bet the vistas are worth spending time and money. There is hotel Ibex, a guest house and some camping tents including the Swiss tents which are available as stay options at Jispa. You can get the food as well as beverages here. The village also has a small monastery, a small museum along with numerous trails into the woods which you can explore or how about spending some time on the banks of Bhaga river, for me it’s just amazing. There is a helipad as well in Jispa. Jispa have telephone connection which you may use to call at home or inform someone close because beyond Jispa mobile signals (might have gone already) as well as fixed phones will be hard to find till you cross Upshi or reach Leh.
Darcha | Altitude: 3360 Mtrs
Darcha is a small village that is considered as last northernmost civilized place in Himachal Pradesh. Primarily, everyone traveling on Manali – Leh Highway needs to stop at Darcha police checkpoint and has to register their names with vehicle number in the passerby records. This acts as a record that a person has passed Darcha on his journey on Manali – Leh Highway which is useful in case of rescue like operations (or other purposes as well). Foreigners need to get their passports verified at Darcha police checkpoint. Darcha is also the endpoint of a famous trek which starts from Padum, Zanskar Valley in Ladakh region and of course, you can start the same trek from here as well 
…
Food / Drinking Water / Beverages (tea/coffee) in dhabhas or road side stalls is available at Darcha. This place also have some tented accommodations and a few people stay overnight at Darcha as well. Darcha does have telephone and power connections, in case you need to call home or charge your phone or camera for one last time before reaching Leh then you may try your luck here as well. I didn’t see any phone here but people do say that the village has the connection even WIKI also say so
Beyond Darcha, the vegetation will start to reduce and the mountains will start to change their colors into dark brown water color paintings that we all used to paint in childhood. Decrease in vegetation also means difficulty in pumping the oxygen and increasing altitude will make it even tougher. This is another reason why you need your body to be acclimatized better and hydrated always on this tough journey. Do not forget to intake good amount of water just to keep your minerals and oxygen correct in the body. It will be best if you can carry ORS diluted water with you all the time and keep sipping it after every half an hour or so.
Deepak Tal | Altitude: 3810 Mtrs
Deepak Tal is a small manmade lake near Patseo having its own charm and is one of the two lakes that comes on Manali – Leh Highway. The still water of the lake offers some very nice reflecting views, almost picturesque from many different angles to all those photography lovers. So, if you are one of those then get ready to shoot some unique angle of your own … You can enjoy a cup of tea or your breakfast at the Dhaba just aside Deepak Tal. Beyond Deepak Tal, you will be at an altitude of more than 14000 feet till you reach about Upshi. So, get ready for some real fun in various ways…
Patseo | Altitude: 3811 Mtrs
After passing through Deepak Tal you will reach Patseo just a couple of KMs ahead. Patseo is a small place where only few army camps are present and they have diverted the road in some weird zigzag manner. Once you reach Patseo the roads deteriorates considerably and there on for about 40-45 KMs till about you pass Baralacha La, you will find some very rough or even washed away roads.
Zingzing Bar | Altitude: 4270 Mtrs
Zingzing Bar is a tiny place with 2-3 tented dhabhas that offers stay options in them. Of course, these dhabhas does offer food and beverages too. If leaving early from Keylong/Jispa and if you are one of those who eat late after waking up then you can mark this place for breakfast as well. This is where the ascent to the mighty Baralacha La pass starts. Just after Zingzing bar, there is a nalla (water crossing) created by the melting snow of Baralacha range. So, do cross this nalla or water crossing early in the morning because in the late noon it becomes barely impossible to cross this violent nalla even by trucks . In such a case, on Manali side, you will either have to stay overnight in the vehicle or Zingzing Bar dhabhas and on the Baralacha La side, you will need to go back to Bharatpur or Sarchu tented accommodations for a night stay or stay in vehicle.
Suraj Tal | Altitude: 4950 Mtrs
Suraj Tal or Surya Tal is the second highest lake in India and 21st highest lake in the world. Amidst in the high hills of Baralacha La range and just below the Baralacha La pass (8 KMs before Baralacha La pass), you will find this beautiful crystal clear aqua colored sacred body of water. Suraj Tal is the source of Bhaga river and remains totally frozen and cut off in the months of winter.
Early in the season i.e. June, you may find this lake to be frozen as well. As the time pass into the summers, surrounded with snow covered peaks and emitting its aqua green color as the base, the Suraj Tal looks simply breathtaking. Do not miss to click few pictures of this amazing high altitude lake in India.
Baralacha La | Altitude: 4890 Mtrs
Baralacha La or Baralacha Pass (La meaning Pass) is second of the five high mountain passes that comes on Manali – Leh Highway. Baralacha La connects Lahaul district of Himachal Pradesh to Ladakh district of Jammu and Kashmir. At the North West base of Baralacha La range, Bhaga river originates from Suraj or Surya Tal and at South East base, Chandra river originates from Chandratal. Yunam river flows on the Sarchu (Ladakh) side of Baralacha La. There is another famous trekking route which goes to Chandra Tal or Chandratal, either starting from or ending at Baralacha La. You will not find any food or water or accommodation at this pass.
After Rohtang Pass, Baralacha Pass is the second major hurdle to cross or open. At least in the early season of Manali – Leh journey, you will certainly witness one or two vehicles either stuck aside or stuck in the middle to traffic jam the road. The ice or snow melting from the slopes, battered by moving traffic either creates deep slush or deep water crossings by washing away the roads. This makes the journey more adventurous and full of challenges on this mighty mountain pass .. The feeling of passing through this particular pass is a feeling of its own kind and I purely loved it
Bharatpur | Altitude: Not Sure and Killing Sarai or Sarchu Sarai | Altitude: 4600 Mtrs
After passing through a small deserted place named Killing Sarai or Sarchu Sarai, you will reach Bharatpur (city) which has 2-3 dhabhas as well as a series of tented accommodation running along side Manali – Leh Highway. Some people do stay overnight at these camps as well. The tents here are cheaper as compared to Sarchu. You can have food / tea / coffee here. Once you cross Bharatpur, after a few KMs you will come across a road straight as an arrow leading towards Sarchu. Your instincts will compel you to rip apart and just zip pass through it. I will suggest to hold on to those instincts as the road is straight but does have lots of bumps in between may be due to loose soil beneath or due to holes dug by Himalayan marmots. All I want to say is that while speeding through that road, do not be too complacent while driving … else ready for some super bumps on the way…
Sarchu | Altitude: 4290 Mtrs
Sarchu, 222 KM away from Manali, is famous for its good tented accommodations on Manali – Leh Highway. At Sarchu, the state changes from Himachal Pradesh to Jammu and Kashmir. Also, the Deepak Project ends and Himank Project starts from Sarchu. At Sarchu, there is a second police checkpoint where you need to register your name again on this epic journey. The entry acts as a record of your arrival up to Sarchu. Sarchu is almost a middle point of the journey on Manali – Leh Highway having good amount of tented accommodation options including the Swiss tents with attached toilets. Hence, many people do consider it for a night halt. People already having the night halt at Keylong or Jispa, usually stops for lunch at Sarchu. It does have few dhabhas (2-3) which offers food and beverages as well.
Sarchu is at high altitude and many people staying overnight here suffer from mountain sickness including sleepless night, severe headaches or vomiting. If you are not properly acclimatized you will surely be one of them, suffering the pinch or punches … While coming from Manali side the body is not properly acclimatized and incase you have not had a night stay at Keylong or Jispa, the body will surely suffer to adapt at such high altitude at night. Hence, even though Sarchu offers good amount of stay options (tented) but it’s always better to avoid a stay at Sarchu over Jispa or Keylong in the same order of preference. However, if you are coming from Leh after spending few nights at higher altitudes then the body is acclimatized to adapt and you can either opt to stay at Sarchu or Pang depending upon your taste of the place.
For more information on Acute Mountain Sickness and acclimatization tips, please refer the following link at least once: Acute Mountain Sickness and Importance of Acclimatization
Gata Loops | Altitude: 4190 Mtrs
After 24 KMs from Sarchu, a series of 21 hair pin bends or loops about 7 KMs long, just before Nakee La Pass, will elevate you from an altitude of 4190 Mtrs to 4630 Mtrs. They are called Gata Loops. No food, no fuel and no accommodation is available here.
Nakee La | Altitude: 4740 Mtrs
This one is the third of the five passes that comes on the Manali – Leh Highway. You will not find any soul, food, accommodation or fuel or even trees here … The place is totally deserted.
Lachalung La or Lachulung La | Altitude: 5079 Mtrs
Lachulung La or Lachalung La or Lungalacha La is the second highest pass on the Manali – Leh Highway. Get ready to start feeling some breathlessness from here. You will reach above an altitude of 5000 Mtrs or 16000 feet for the first time on your journey. Again there is no vegetation (also counts for breathlessness too), people, fuel, food, or accommodation
Pang | Altitude: 4600 Mtrs
Pang, is where you really start to see those unique looking soil formations on the mountains and special colors of Ladakh will become more prominent just around Pang and onwards. Pang also has the world’s highest transit camps. Pang has few tented accommodation in Dhabhas for a night stay and one can also enjoy food or beverages on their short stopover at Pang, evening tea may be. One of the Dhabhas also had attached bathroom. Few KMs before Pang, the road runs alongside a river which offers an exciting feeling and some very nice vistas. Pang along with its surrounding areas, does offers some fantastic views to be captured in your camera. Hence, do not miss on the opportunity to record few of them … Pang is at higher altitude than Sarchu which will account for headaches + mountain sickness and offers much lesser accommodation option too. Hence, it is always better to stay at Sarchu which offers the Swiss tents too.
This is the last point where you can find food and accommodation at least before Upshi, which does have very basic and limited guest houses. If you are running late, then at Upshi as well you are likely to be unlucky on accommodation front. Hence, if you think you have gone late and don’t want to carry on till Leh in dark, I will suggest you to stay at Pang only and thoroughly enjoy the rest of the colorful journey in next day’s daylight, it will be totally worth.
Moore Plains | Altitude: 4730 Mtrs
Moore plains or Morey plains are surprisingly, flat bedded plains amidst the highest of hills in the country. They run over a length of about 30-35 KMs. As soon as one reach here, the instincts force people to make their own roads 
but I request you not to do so because it damages the ecology of the place and disturbs the wildlife. Many of the wild animals live on the water sources present in Moore plains and running the car off the used tracks may damage those scarce sources. Most people make their own road here and try to do all sought of things with their vehicles, including race with other fellow drivers (specially common among taxi drivers). However, these jerks are unaware of the fact that along with risking the damage to the vehicle in loose soil or pot hole in the middle of nowhere they are also disturbing the ecology of the place. So, I request at least you not to do so and respect the mother nature in every term so that it prosper more and more… If you are lucky you may spot a Kiyang (Ladakh wild asses) here and blue sheeps too. Hence, keep your cameras ready for the game
Debring | Altitude: 4835 Mtrs
At Debring, there are few wrecked shelters of road workers may be and some army camps too. There is a road (rough in condition) rather I shall stay dirt track that goes to Tso Kar lake and further to Tso Moriri lake of Ladakh. However, you cannot visit the lakes if you are going from Manali side as you will not be having the inner line permits to visit the lakes. The permits are issued from DC office, Leh or even if you arrange the permits through a travel agent it is not recommended that you attempt a stay at such high altitudes (Tso Moriri: 4595 Mtrs and Tso Kar: 4530 Mtrs) with improper acclimatization. Well, on your return if you have plans to visit Tso Moriri and Tso Kar then you can return via this route. However, the road conditions are bad.
Taglang La or Tanglang La | Altitude: 5328 Mtrs
This is the last and the highest pass on Manali – Leh Highway at a whooping height of 5328 Mtrs or 17582 feet. This pass is also the second highest motorable pass or road in the world, after Khardung La (5602 Mtrs or 18380 feet) which is the highest motorable pass or road in the world. The winds at the pass are freezing cold and the force is such that it will blow you off the cliffs … Sometimes, it’s even hard to stand your ground even. Secondly, the oxygen level per breath decreases considerably and with almost nil vegetation most people suffer breathlessness at this pass. The raging pollution from trucks or oil tankers also accounts for the stoppage being brief, by most people. Don’t be surprised if your head may also spin many rounds at this place, especially when you come from Manali side. While our short stay of 10 minutes, I had almost lost my footing quite a number of times due to that spinning affect at Tangang La (Disorientation or ataxia)… The picture aside the sign board of second highest motorable road in the world, is a must for everyone visiting this mighty pass. No food and no accommodation is present here.
Rumste | Altitude: 4260 Mtrs
As you descend from Taglang La, Rumste is the first settlement you will come across as you enter the Leh valley. It is situated alongside the Indus river and have several tea houses. The road conditions will dramatically improve as you descend from Tanglang La towards Rumste. There will be a point when you will be driving just adjacent to Indus river and you will feel ecstatic, forgetting all about the swaying headaches in the past 3-4 hours. Reaching the place, you will start to breathe a bit better and so as your head will also feel slightly lighter. I started to feel that I have reached my dream destination i.e. Leh . I am not aware or heard of any accommodation or food options which may be available at Rumste apart from some home stay, if the villagers allows you. Secondly, the drive to Leh from Rumste is almost like a drive in plains and you can cover it fast enough. Hence, after clicking the pictures of this small village you better move ahead towards Leh. BTW, the trek to Tso Moirri and Tso Kar and further towards Kibber in Spiti Valley also starts from Rumtse.
Upshi | Altitude: 3480 Mtrs
Upshi has the last police check point where you need to register your name along with vehicle number in the records. This marks either your arrival in Leh town or marks the departure from Leh town in opposite direction. Upshi is a small town from where you can lead to Tso Moriri and Tso Kar lakes via Chumathang. It does have few hotels or guest houses with food but they are very basic. Upshi and (few KMs ahead) Karu also have a petrol pumps from where generally you need to top up on the return towards Manali from Tso Moriri and Tso Kar lakes route. But, you can ignore it if you are heading to Leh, where you can find the fuel as well. So, overall you can ignore Upshi and head straight to Leh even if gets late.
Leh | Altitude: 3500 Mtrs
Leh, the dream of reaching Ladakh is finally true and if you love this place then the excitement to reach Leh will refresh each of your body part even after a 14-15 hours of strolling journey. It’s better that you give some days to local Leh sightseeing and feel the culture, people, traditions and magical aura of Leh – Ladakh. Main market and Changspa road really rocks, so if you like lively environment then try to get a hotel as close to them as possible. Next day, along with local sightseeing you can also arrange the Inner Line Permits for other destinations you are planning to visit in Leh – Ladakh. If you need more details on Inner Line Permits of Leh – Ladakh then read this article: Inner Line Permits for Leh – Ladakh
Summarized View of Facilities or Amenities on Manali – Leh Highway
|
Facility |
Places |
| Hotel / Guest Houses | Khoksar, Sissu, Gondla, Patseo, Tandi, Keylong (Many options), Jispa, Upshi |
| Tents / Camps
(Dhaba / Swiss / Normal) |
Marhi, Jispa, Darcha, Zingzing Bar, Bharatpur, Sarchu (Many options), Pang |
| Food / Beverages | Marhi, Rohtang Pass, Khoksar, Sissu, Keylong, Jispa, Darcha, Deepak Tal, Zingzing Bar, Bharatpur, Sarchu, Pang, Rumste, Upshi |
| Diesel / Petrol Pumps | Tandi (107 KMs from Manali), Karu (36 KMs from Leh) |
| Mobile Connectivity |
|
| Fixed Phones | Keylong, Jispa, Darcha, Upshi |
| Electricity | Sissu, Gondla, Keylong, Jispa, Darcha, Upshi |
| Medical Facilities | Sissu, Keylong |
| ATMs | Keylong |
| Police Checkpoints | Darcha, Sarchu, Upshi, Khoksar (For foreigners only) |
| Mechanic / Puncture Shops | Marhi, Khoksar, Tandi (not sure), Keylong, Darcha, Sarchu, Upshi |
| Liquor Shops | Marhi, Keylong, Darcha, Upshi |
| Natural Highlights | Rohtang Pass, Tandi Confluence, Sissu Waterfall, Deepak Tal, Suraj Tal, Baralacha La, Strange Soil formations, Moore Plains (Wildlife too), Taglang La or Tanglang La, Gata Loops |
Conclusion
The above information is known to my knowledge only and may not be in its entirety. Hence, I request you to share your valuable inputs or information which I may have missed out. Looking forward for your responses as comments and develop it as an comprehensive information pack on Manali – Leh Highway.
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114 Comments
Hi Dheeraj. I am planning to ride the Manali_ Leh Highway. Planning to start from the 1st.
Like you said, i would love to do the leh – manali side. But how do i get to leh? and can i rent bikes in Leh? If i do rent the bikes in Leh, how do i return it to leh?
Do you advise taking bus from chandigarh to Jammu. And then do i have an option of taking another bus to srinagar. Or is there any direct way?
From Srinagar i am planning to to ride to Leh via Kargil & from Leh to Manali.
Biggest issue i face is renting a bike from Srinagar. and dropping it off in manali / chandigarh.
Can you please suggest how i go about it.
Most important will the leh – manali highway open in 1st week of june
You can also reach Jammu by train and then carry on with bus or shared taxi to Srinagar. Most likely Manali – Leh highway shall open in first week of June.
Ravi, You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travelers including me at the link here for 14-15 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
This will give you a basic idea on how to go about it. Also, you can rent the bikes in Leh but there may be only very few operators who will be allowing you to drop the bike at Manali.
Thank You Dheeraj
HI Dheeraj,
I am on a road trip from Hyderabad. planned for leh and ladakh trip. Right now at Agra.. will reach shimla on April 10th. please help me plan as i dont have much time on vacation. I need to return to Hyderabad by 20th April
Uday, 10 days are too less to make a road trip to Leh – Ladakh and only Srinagar – Leh Highway is open as of now.
Thanks dheeraj for the valuable feedback…
this will definitely help me to plan out the trip
one more thing I would like to know
is the climate good in september?
what will be the idea period?
thanks and regards
Milind
Milind, yes September is the best time to Travel Ladakh and climate is also good generally, though a bit cold. Ideal period will be travel between 15th September to 30th September.
Dear Dheeraj ,
thanks for the detailed blog about leh ladakh…but it has further confused me…
we are around 10 people both male n females…coming from pune..no plans have been done yet..dates are flexible from july 15 to augast 30
We wish to cover the circuit srinagar-ladakh-manali
also wish to travel one way by bikes
so how should i go ahead with my plan
also some of our members are very healthy and not that fit
so will it be a problem
please guide
thanks and regards
milind
Milind,
Firstly, I will suggest you that please plan it in other direction as going via Srinagar – Leh Highway will be much much easier on your body and help you acclimatize to the high altitude of Manali – Leh Highway. Also, it allows you to enjoy the beauty of Manali – Leh by splitting the journey almost evenly in two days which is very difficult in the other direction. Thirdly, it will allow you to fit Tso Moriri lake into the itinerary in better way. You can read more reasons on the link here
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travelers including me at the link here for 14-15 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
For accommodation, check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate and cheap budget hotels as well in the series of articles starting on the link here
For the list of good restaurants in Leh – Ladakh or eateries or food joints where food is enjoyed by many travellers including me, you can check the link here: List of Good Restaurants in Leh – Ladakh | Restaurant Reviews
For the leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2012-13 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here. You can get about 10-15% of discount by directly getting in touch with drivers and of course, talking in person rather on phone always help in bargaining more.
Regards
Dheeraj
hi yaar
thanks for this valuable info
me and my friends are planning to cover leh ladakh on bike
we have TVS Apache RTR and bullet 350
what are the things that we need to take care of on our journey
and oter than that there will be two person on each bike…is it possible and what would you prefer ?
Also i want to know what are the cheapest staying options on the entire journey
i have planned like this
mandi
manikaran
manali
keylong
sarchu
leh
what do you say about it
and for the return journey i cant plan anything so what is the best option ? Srinagar or Manali again?
Aman, I will suggest that you skip Sarchu. Try Jispa instead of Keylong. Best option is to go from Srinagar and come back from Manali.
[...] Places on Manali Leh Highway | A Detailed Description [...]
Nice Info…
We are planning for a self drive trip of the whole circuit – Delhi – Patnitop – Srinagar – Kargil – Leh -Pang – Keylong – Manali – Delhi and the preferable dates are 14 June 2013 – 30 June. We are 4 people with a Maruti Ritz VDI. Do you think the car with 4 people is capable enough for this trip. (WRT – Zozila/Rohtang and rough terrian)
Surya, for hatchback/sedan taking on Manali – Leh Highway and Ladakh, I will say:
You will indeed face few tough challenges on the route. The hatchback/sedan will increase the level of every challenge even further, sedan is the worst candidate. My suggestion will be to go via Srinagar route as it will help you feel comfortable with the driving, provide more acclimatization and then once you have done the local Leh-Ladakh, then come back via Manali side. Secondly, since you are in hatch/sedan, then you need to drive with extra care as well. There will be some sections on the Manali – Leh highway in which you might need to sacrifice some scratches on the underbelly. Just make sure you do not bump the engine sump (know it before where it is placed in your car). You need to protect it all around the trip. Thirdly, whenever in doubt do not rush into the section rather park aside and feel the section with your foot, see how other vehicles are crossing it and make a planned route in your mind to cross that section. At the very least do carry Mseal, quick fix, funnel, jerry cans and towing rope with you all the time.
Also, I will strongly suggest that you go through and read my series on Ladakh Self Drive tips at the links below:
7 Useful Tips for a Self Drive to Leh – Ladakh, Routes and Road Conditions In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips, Fuel Availability In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travelers including me at the link here for 14-15 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi, we are traveling 8 guys from delhi to ladakh around 3rd week of june for 10 days.This blog is very helpful for us. Could you please guide us about the route plan.
Sandip, what is your mode of transport?
Public Transport.
Sandeep, you can follow an itinerary similar to the one below for 10 days. Public Transport would be difficult to manage in such short duration better hire dedicated taxi from Delhi to Srinagar or Leh, Srinagar to Leh and then Leh – Ladakh taxi which finally drop you at Delhi or Manali. Between Leh to Manali and Manali to Delhi, you can use the HPTDC buses as well.
Day 1 | Delhi – Jammu / Patnitop
– Overnight at Jammu or Patnitop
Day 2 | Jammu / Patnitop – Srinagar
– Enjoy walk around Dal lake and may be Shikara ride as well
– If you have time then check out, floating market, Shalimar Garden.
– Overnight at Srinagar
Day 3 | Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil
– Enjoy the vistas enroute
– Have late drunch meal at Drass is you are a vegetarian as sometimes it gets difficult to find veg. food at Kargil
– Overnight at Kargil
Day 4 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
– Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes
– On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu
– Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh Local Sightseeing + Inner Line Permits
– To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
– For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
– Overnight at Leh
Day 6 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Leh
– Head for Nubra Valley very early in the day and come back by late evening after visiting Deskit. If you have time go little further and see Hunder sand dunes too
– On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
– Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 7 | Leh – Pangong Tso Lake – Leh
– Day trip to Pangong Tso
– Overnight at Leh
Day 8 | Leh – Taglang La – Pang – Sarchu
– Try to start early in the day so that you reach Sarchu where the accommodation options are better than Pang
– Overnight at Sarchu or Pang
Day 9 | Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
– On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only
– Overnight at Manali
Day 10 | Manali – Delhi
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hy Dheeraj,
We are planning for may end (28th May 2013 )via manali – leh route. We are 7 adults & 5 child (child age 8-12..is it ok for children on this route). We dont have limitations on number of days. What will u recommend? whether we can travel in 1 big vehicle?
May is too early for Manali – Leh Highway Hitesh. Try to push the dates by at least 10 days, to be on safer side. Let me know if that can be done and I will suggest accordingly. Still, some info. to read:
Firstly, I will suggest you that please plan it in other direction as going via Srinagar – Leh Highway will be much much easier on your body and help you acclimatize to the high altitude of Manali – Leh Highway. Also, it allows you to enjoy the beauty of Manali – Leh by splitting the journey almost evenly in two days which is very difficult in the other direction. Thirdly, it will allow you to fit Tso Moriri lake into the itinerary in better way. You can read more reasons on the link here
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travelers including me at the link here for 14-15 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
For accommodation, check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate and cheap budget hotels as well in the series of articles starting on the link here
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Is the Manali Leh road open in March End.
Nopes, Manali – Leh Highway usually opens up in June. So, plan your journey about second or third week of June.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi
I am planning to travel through Manali-Leh Highway next year, by September 1st. We are planning on a Motorcycle ride, my Wife will accompany me. The Bike will most probably be ThunderBird 350. This is one of my dream journey. Somone advice me on the essentials needed for a biker, like the do’s and don’t's etc. and something about the trip
Thanks
Stev
Hello Steven,
September is a good time to visit Leh – Ladakh and Manali – Leh Highway. However, for the last few years, we had been getting delayed monsoon rains which may play a bit spoil sport towards to lower hills (before Baralacha La on Manali – Leh Highway towards Manali and before Kargil on Srinagar – Leh Highway towards Srinagar) for you in the first week of September but still nice time to go as colors of Ladakh and Manali – Leh Highway are most beautiful in September with clear blue skies.
I will suggest that you read few articles below which will help you plan every bit of your journey to Ladakh:
For anything related to Manali – Leh Highway, check the link: How to plan a journey on Manali – Leh Highway
I will suggest you that please plan it in other direction as going via Srinagar – Leh Highway will be much much easier on your body and help you acclimatize to the high altitude of Manali – Leh Highway. Also, it allows you to enjoy the beauty of Manali – Leh by splitting the journey almost evenly in two days which is very difficult in the other direction. Thirdly, it will allow you to fit Tso Moriri lake into the itinerary in better way. You can read more reasons on the link here
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travelers including me at the link here for 14-15 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
For accommodation, check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate and cheap budget hotels as well in the series of articles starting on the link here
Check the list of things to carry for Leh – Ladakh or other trip including basic medical kit, clothing, must haves etc. at the link here: List of Things to Carry for Leh – Ladakh trip.
Also, I will strongly suggest that you go through and read my series on Ladakh Self Drive tips (equally applicable for self bike rides as well) at the links below:
7 Useful Tips for a Self Drive to Leh – Ladakh, Routes and Road Conditions In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips, Fuel Availability In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips
I hope this helps. Please let me know in case you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
I have completed my trip to Ladakh.It was really a wonderful experience and without your guidance it would have never been possible.
Also I got the permit from pangong tso to tso moriri via Chusul-Nyoma route. I heard from people that I was the first to get this permit in this whole season
.
Thanks again for all your help.
Thanks alot Abhishek for sharing the experience with us and glad to know that info. on my blog was useful for making your trip more exciting. Glad to know that you also got those rare permits because I can understand the feeling of getting those permits when no one is getting around you. Generally, in off season they tend to start re-issuing the permits because less number of people are easy to control otherwise in season that route can get flooded with tourists. That is why we also got them in April and some also got in May but since June I think they have stopped giving them. Cherish these memories for a long time as I know it is a lifetime trip one can never forget
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
NUBRA DIVISION
This valley is popularly known as Ldumra or the valley of orchard/flowers. It is situated in the North of Ladakh, between Karakoram and Ladakh ranges of Himalayas. Nubra lies at average altitude about 10,000 feet above sea level. The climate, of the areas being soft, soil is much fertile and the vegetation of the area is comparatively thicker than those of the other areas of Ladakh. Shrubs, bushes and trees grow in abundance wherever there is any source of water. Due to this reason Nubra has acquired its right name- Ldumra. Shayok and Siachan rivers forms fairly large drain in Nubra. Nubra is a broad valley with lofty mountains on its all sides. Valley assumes greater attractions at the site where both the rivers meet. The formation of Central part of Nubra also takes place there. Diskit is the Sub-Division HQ. of Nubra. Diskit Gonpa is also situated at a height of about 200 mtrs. Above the village, on the spur of rocky mountain and at the most commanding point having clear view of the entire central part of Nubra. Samstanling Gonpa is situated on the North, facing Diskit Gonpa. This Gonpa is equally important and recreationally it assumes greater importance for being situated at a commanding scenic view point at the foot hills of Karakoram ranges up above Tegar and Sumoor villages, amidst plenty of water and high vegetation. Major village via Kardong, Khalsar, Tirit, Sumoor, Tegar Pinchemik, Tirisha and Panamik all fall along the traditional silk route. The caravans travelling Central Asia and Kashmir through Nubra valley used to stay at those villages. Panamik was the most important place for haltage of Caravan. It served as last major village where the Caravans landed the facility of feed back, before they negotiate Saseer and Karakoram passes towards Central Asia. The famous hot spring of Panamik also served them as a source for bath, drinking water and therapeutic purpose. Panamik has still got charms and potentiality to serve as a host to travellers. All areas around it including Iantsa Gonpa and Murgi waterfall across it combined with scenic view strengthens its beauty and hospitality
Major attraction of Nubra is the highest motorable road Khardongla pass (18,380ft.) majestic peaks and glaciers enchanting valleys and villages. Diskit and Samstanling Gonpa, Panamik hot spring, double humped camel safari, river rafting, trekking and Sunbathe in the sand dunes at Hunder are also a great source of attraction for the tourists
Hi Dheeraj,
Below is the link to know the authorised agent list in LEH.
http://leh.nic.in/pages/agentlist.pdf
Thanks
Praveen
Hii Dheeraj Bhai,we 3 friends are planning to go to Leh from Bhubaneswar,Odisha by Wagon R via Delhi,Chandigarh,Manali,Leh in September last by road.is it the right time or right CAR with us ?plz advice us
rgds
amit biswal
+91-94394-00000
+91-94370-44304
Hi AMit,
This is just a bit late but you can certainly do it. The conditions will start to get cold a bit so carry woolens with you. Regarding car, well it shall be OK by that time as slush would have been dried and rains would have resided but it will still be challenging.
For hatchback/sedan taking on Manali – Leh Highway and Ladakh, I will say:
You will indeed face few tough challenges on the route. The hatchback/sedan will increase the level of every challenge even further, sedan is the worst candidate. My suggestion will be to go via Srinagar route as it will help you feel comfortable with the driving, provide more acclimatization and then once you have done the local Leh-Ladakh, then come back via Manali side. Secondly, since you are in hatch/sedan, then you need to drive with extra care as well. There will be some sections on the Manali – Leh highway in which you might need to sacrifice some scratches on the underbelly. Just make sure you do not bump the engine sump (know it before where it is placed in your car). You need to protect it all around the trip. Thirdly, whenever in doubt do not rush into the section rather park aside and feel the section with your foot, see how other vehicles are crossing it and make a planned route in your mind to cross that section. At the very least do carry Mseal, quick fix, funnel, jerry cans and towing rope with you all the time.
Also, I will strongly suggest that you go through and read my series on Ladakh Self Drive tips at the links below:
7 Useful Tips for a Self Drive to Leh – Ladakh, Routes and Road Conditions In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips, Fuel Availability In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
What an excellent resource for travelling the Rohtang pass!
I am planning a three week motorcycle trip to Manali and was planning on riding a loop from Manali (I intend to hire a motorcycle there) to Leh – Kargil – Srinagar – Jammu – Manali.
After taking your advice, I have decided to ride in the opposite direction, Manali – Jammu – Srinagar – Leh – Manali to avoid altitude sickness.
Because I will be travelling in the other direction, wont I be passing the area’s where I will need an Inner Line Permit? I understand that the permits can only be obtained in Leh.
Any advice concerning my route or inner line permits would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Matt
Hello Matt,
Thanks alot. Yes, you will not need any permits on the entire route from Manali to Jammu to Srinagar to Leh to Manali. You will need inner line permits only in Ladakh for sightseeing places like Pangong Tso, Nubra Valley, Khardung La, Tso Moriri lakes and other remote areas of Changthang plus interior treks.
Your route would be like, Manali to Dharamshala/Mcleod Ganj, Dharamshala/Mcleod Ganj – Pathankot – Jammu, Jammu – Srinagar, Srinagar – Kargil, Kargil – Leh, Leh – Sarchu, Sarchu – Manali OR Leh – Tso Moriri – Sarchu – Manali
For more details on inner line permits process for Leh – Ladakh and to download the application form, check the link here
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Thank you for the swift reply, it is much appreciated!
You say I havr 2 possibilities to ride back Manali to Dharamshala/Mcleod Ganj, Dharamshala/Mcleod Ganj – Pathankot – Jammu, Jammu – Srinagar, Srinagar – Kargil, Kargil – Leh, Leh – Sarchu, Sarchu – Manali OR Leh – Tso Moriri – Sarchu – Manali…
Which of the two is the most challenging to drive as I would want to ride the most difficult of the routes.
Once again, many thanks for you replies.
Matt
Hello Matt,
Well, actually there is some confusion. This is the single route only that you need to take if you want to hire bike from Manali and then go via Srinagar route. I tried to suggest using the combination of Day long rides with night halts. Yes, the last two combinations are two different route. One route is that you are in Leh and want to skip Tso Moriri Lake and head towards Manali i.e. you take Leh to Sarchu and then Sarchu to Manali.
If you want to go to Tso Moriri, then you do not need to go back to Leh rather there is direct route that goes from Sumdo and Tso Kar Lake and finally connects you to Manali – Leh Highway at Moore Plains and from there you can continue to Sarchu for overnight stay. Finally, Sarchu to Manali.
So, the route you would follow will be like Manali – Dharamshala/Mcleod Ganj – Pathankot – Jammu – Srinagar – Kargil – Leh – Tso Moriri – Sarchu – Manali (in case not visiting Tso Moriri, then head straight to Sarchu from Leh)
Of course, in between you will be staying in Leh – Ladakh for other sightseeing like Nubra Valley or Pangong Tso.
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
hi dheeraj,
i want to visit leh from 4th of aug from chandigarh by my own xuv5oo. i want to visit all the places such as pangong tso, tso morirri and nubra valley. could u pl suggest the best way to visit these places , thanks
Hello Amrit,
Firstly, I will suggest you that please plan it in other direction as going via Srinagar – Leh Highway will be much much easier on your body and help you acclimatize to the high altitude of Manali – Leh Highway. Also, it allows you to enjoy the beauty of Manali – Leh by splitting the journey almost evenly in two days which is very difficult in the other direction. Thirdly, it will allow you to fit Tso Moriri lake into the itinerary in better way. You can read more reasons on the link here
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travelers including me at the link here: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
For accommodation, check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh including moderate and cheap budget hotels as well in the series of articles starting on the link here
For the current leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2012-13 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here. You can get about 10-15% of discount by directly getting in touch with drivers and of course, talking in person rather on phone always help in bargaining more.
Check the list of things to carry for Leh – Ladakh or other trip including basic medical kit, clothing, must haves etc. at the link here: List of Things to Carry for Leh – Ladakh trip.
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
hey buddy, amazing amount of info here… helped me tremendously. based on this i have planned my trip plzz advice if you could help me in the betterment of my plan. would really appreciate any help.
plan is simple…
30/7.. chandigarh to manali .. will get my bike via train from jodhpur. my girlfriend will be with me, on my thunderbird.
31/7.. manali..
1/8.. manali- sarchu
2/8.. sarchu- leh
3/8.. leh-hemis monastary- pangong tso..through ny bus..not on bike..
4/8.. pangong-tso-thickey monastary-shey palace-leh..again not on bike
5/8..leh
6/8..leh-tso moriri
7/8..tso moriri-tso kar-sarchu
8/8..sarchu-manali
9/8..manali-kalka
10/8.. kalka-jodhpur..
plzz advice…will have to reach back by 10th..
and one more qustion… i am in defence…so i guess i wont be needing any passes…
change of plan …
5/8.. Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
6/8..Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
7/8..leh-sarchu
..
i am basically skipping tso moriri nd tso kar… nd go to khardungla..diskit… obviously cant skip highest motorable pass….
If you wan’t to skip Tso Moriri then, better make a two day trip to Nubra Valley like above and then Day trip to Pangong and then finally leave Leh for Sarchu, as suggested in my plan below to your other query
Regards
Dheearaj
Hello Pratyush,
This is not a good one considering acclimatization and there are high chances of getting struck with AMS. Avoid sleeping at Sarchu or Pang at any cost while going to Leh from Manali because your body will not be acclimatized by the time you reach there. It is always better to stay either at Keylong/Jispa so that you minimize the chances for falling sick or hit by AMS while going to Leh from Manali. And, then next day carry on the rest of the journey to Leh without sleeping in between anywhere by leaving early in the morning say, by 4-5 AM types. I prefer staying at Jispa more because Keylong gives the feeling of a town while Jispa is more closer to nature having Bhaga river running just aside the Manali – Leh Highway at Jispa. If you are coming back via Manali – Leh, then it should be OK to stay at Sarchu as your body will be acclimatized by that time. As I see, you have about 10 days from Manali to complete the trip and I will advice the following to you:
Day 1 | Delhi/Chandigarh – Manali/Solang Valley (31 – 07)
– Better stay at Solang Valley and avoid Manali as sleeping at Solang Valley does help in acclimatization
– If going by own car, get the permit made in advance to drive on Manali – Rohtang Pass road through hotel/travel agent in Manali
– Overnight at Manali/Solang Valley
Day 2 | Manali/Solang Valley – Keylong/Jispa (01-08)
– It is always better to stay either at Keylong/Jispa so that you do not feel sick or hit by AMS.
– Avoid sleeping at Sarchu at any cost while going to Leh from Manali because your body will not be acclimatized by the time you reach there.
– I prefer staying at Jispa more because Keylong gives the feeling of a town while Jispa is more closer to nature having Bhaga river running just aside the Manali – Leh Highway at Jispa.
– Overnight at Keylong/Jispa
Day 3 | Keylong/Jispa – Leh
– Leave Keylong/Jispa early next morning, say by 4/5 AM types, so that you reach Leh in the evening.
– Overnight at Leh
Day 4 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Inner Line Permits
– Local sightseeing include Namgyal Gompa, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Shankar Gompa, Main Market, Hall of Fame, Spituk Gompa, Changspa Road Stroll in evening
– For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
– Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Leh
– Head for Nubra Valley very early in the day and come back by late evening after visiting Deskit. If you have time go little further and see Hunder sand dunes too
– On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
– Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 6 | Leh – Pangong Tso Lake – Leh
– Day trip to Pangong Tso
– Overnight at Leh
Day 7 | Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang
– Cover Karzok Monastery
– Overnight at Karzok or Tso Moriri
Day 8 | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring (Manali – Leh Highway starts) – Moore Plains – Pang / Sarchu
– Try to start early in the day so that you reach Sarchu where the accommodation options are better than Pang
– Overnight at Sarchu or Pang
Day 9 | Pang / Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
– On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only
– Overnight at Manali
Day 10 | Manali – Chandigarh
– Return
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
point taken…..thanks for the advice….. will reschedule things….on its basis….
regards,
pratyush
can you advice me on where to stay at leh, and at jispa….and the contact nmbrs…
Hi Pratyush,
For accommodation, check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh including moderate and cheap budget hotels as well in the series of articles starting on the link here
For Manali Leh Highway or Jispa check the list of accommodations at the link here: List of Accommodation Options on Manali – Leh Highway
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
[...] For detailed info on the manali-leh highway check this out http://devilonwheels.com/index.php/places-on-manali-leh-highway-a-detailed-description/ [...]
Hi Dheeraj,
We are planning to go to leh through manali in a private car on sept 30th. Is it a good idea? Your views on this will be appreciated. Thank you.
Hello Amit,
Though for the last couple of years, the Highway from Manali to Leh is being closed by end of October types but since it is weather no one knows and predicts. Usually, BRO officially keeps it open till the end of October after which no rescue or clearance operations are carried out. So, first week of October, it can still be done. But, honestly, do read the article linked here: 5 Reasons to Avoid Manali – Leh Highway in Late September or October which will give you an idea of pros/cons and what to expect.
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Very Very exhaustive and detailed information !! Respect Dheerajji !!
Thanks alot Ishan, really glad you liked the information present on the blog.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
dear sharma
you have done a great job. a big thanks to you
jayaraj
Thanks alot Jayaraja, wish you a great journey.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Great article bro, I've done quite a bit of research and tbh this is the only article that has all the required information at one place .. Much appreciated ..
Thanks alot Aadav, if required, you can also check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travelers including me at the link here: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
Am planing to go to laddakh by flight and spend 3 days there. Is it possible to explore leh/laddakh in 4 days and what about AMS if one takes flight to laddakh?
Thanks
Hello Anu,
Well, AMS is the key factor in the success of the trip to Ladakh by flight. You will need atleast three days of acclimatization before you venture other areas in Ladakh region, if you take the flight. At max you can spare one day out of three days incase you feel better in the first two days. I can suggest something like:
Day 1 — Reach Leh. Lazing around the hotel without any exertion till evening. If you guys feel good then go to explore Leh Palace, Main Market in the evening. Rest, do not exert and take plenty of fluids.
Day 2 — Leh Local Sightseeing + Get Inner Line Permits for Pangong Tso. Local Sighseeing include Nagyal Gompa, Shanker Gompa, Hall of Fame, Shanti Stupa. Do them only if your body is feeling good.
Day 3 — Leh to Sham Valley Tour – Leh. Sham Valley includes Alchi, Likir, Basgo, Magnetic Hills, Pather Sahib, Confluence at Nimmu.
Day 4 — Day trip to Pangong Tso and on the way back visit any of Hemis/Thicksey/Shey Palace if time permits.
4th Sep – Return.
Now best thing that can be done is to stay at Alchi to acclimatize better as it is lower in altitude than Leh on the first day itself. So, basically you swap Day 3 with Day 1. But, the accommodation and food will be very basic at Alchi. Keep in mind, hydrated body is the key to feel your body good in intial few days. Toi further minimize the effects of AMS you can follow tips as mentioned in the acclimatization and its importance linked here.
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more details or have some queries/doubts.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Hello Dheeraj ji,
This year I had traveled to Kaza, Spiti from Shimla side in my Ritz car. Will I be able to negotiate the Manali to Leh route in this vehicle.
Thanks in advance,
Regards,
S. Roy Biswas
Hello Shantanu,
Well this year the situation is really nightmarish at Rohtang Pass. I will suggest you to avoid Manali – Leh Highway in Ritz because I have read many updates on hatch who lost bumpers, horns and good amount of scratches at underbelly (especially Ritz) and that too when they were descending which is considered a lot easier than the ascent. These updates were well before the present situation which has fuurther worsen due to last week snowfall and rainfall. Currently the Manali – Leh Highway is blocked for last 3-4 days due to the same conditions. So, prefer to avoid it. I hope this helps.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Dear Dheeraj,
thank you very much for your prompt answer, we are the goup of mountainbikers and we will spend longer time between Manali and Debring compare to some drivers or motorcyclists, we will go slowly, our itinerary says 10 days from Manali to Debring (including 1 day off in Keylong, so what do you think about it?
I would like to ask you for some contacts and advice how to manage inner line permits in advance (if I can fax or email all support documents to somebody, how to pay for permits, how / who will be so kind to transfer it to Debring, etc.)
Hello Milada,
That would be alright if you ascend you altitude gradually between Manali – Keylong – Darcha – Sarchu – Pang. You make like to feel perfectly fine while staying overnight at Sarchu and Pang before you go for Tso Moriri and Tso Kar lakes which are almost at similar altitude of Pang. For sleeping well at Pang better acclimatize your body by staying at Keylong – Darcha – Zingzing Bar for few nights. This will help you increase the altitude gradually and acclimatize properly for Tso Moriri and Tso Kar lakes.
As far as getting the permits are concerned then try contacting Shanti Tours at +91-94191 78760, 99069 82118, 94198 88833 or info@shantitours.com. Of course, they will charge yopu for the service and extra charges will be asked for handling the permits at Debring. If you haven't book any any hotel in Leh then try Shanti Guest House owned by Shanti Tours only. It is a very nice, clean, decent and economic option of stay in Leh. In that case you can bargain the entire deal (permits + stay) accordingly too. If you have booked the hotel, then you can check with hotel staff as well because many hotels also arrange these inner line permits for their guests.
Also try to contact Asia Guest House Mr. Sonam +91-9622958260 or +91-1982-253403, if he can be of some help incase Shanti Tours is of no luck. And one more Email : info@leh-ladakh.com, I have which you can consider dropping a mail for querying regarding the permits. I guess these guys also provide this service.
I hope this will help you. Let me know incase you have more queries. I wish you all the very best for your journey.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Dear Dheeraj,
thanks to your information I received email from Shanti Tours, they are able to help us. They propose to send the scan of passports and valid visa though email, they take care about all additional documents (application, ets.). After the permit is aproved by Leh DC Office, they will send to me the scan of valid permit, I will print it, make a copies and take it with me to our trip. Last question: Is it OK for the authorities on checking points to have the copy of permit only?
Have a nice day, Milada.
Hello Milada,
That is great to know. They will require those documents to process your permits. Yes, please make about 10-12 copies of that permit atleast. You will need to submit these copies of the permit at every army checking post once you enter restricted area in Ladakh region. In fact regarding your query, it is the copy of the permit only that needs to be submitted.
I wish you all the very best wishes for the entire trip
… Have fun and Happy Traveling!!!
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Hello Dheeraj,
I received the permit from Shanti Tours today, so one important step for our trip is done. Since our previous conversation I like your blog very much, I found here important information about Manali – Leh highway which is our goal starting next weekend. I would like to ask you if it is possible to leave the contact of you (email address) to my family in the case of emergency. They can kindly ask you about weather conditions or road problems if we will not be able to contact them. Thanks in advance.
Milada (Slovakia).
Hello Milada,
That is great, I wish you all the best for the journey. I guess by next weekend the roads will be cleared too and rains will have been resided as well. I am glad that you liked the blog and information present here helped in you planning the trip to Manali – Leh Highway which is perhaps the overall goal or vision of my blog
Yes, you are most welcome to share my email with your family I would be happy to update them the latest road and weather conditions, in case it is required.
Again, all the very best for your journey and have a great time.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Hello Dheeraj,
just to inform you that we are back in Slovakia from fantastic 3-weeks mountain bike trip in Ladakh without any problems, done almost 900 km on our bicycles in 14-days (Kullu – Manali – Rothang La – Keylong – Baralacha La – Sarchu – Pang – Tso Kar – Tso Moriri – Mahe – Upshi – Leh – Khardung La – Leh) and then 4-days trekking to the summit of Stok Kangri (with the assistance of the people from Shanti Guest House). The link to our photo gallery coming soon
, Thanks again for your help before the trip.
Hello Milada,
WOW!! That is great news, hats off to the spirit of you guys. Just amazing and guess it must have been an awesome feeling to summit Stok Kangri
… I feel glad that you enjoyed the trip to Ladakh so much and will hope you keep coming back to explore more and more in such heavenly place on earth. Best of the wishes for you and will wait to see your pictures soon 
BTW, you are most welcome anytime… I just shared what all info. I had with me nothing much
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi, please advice: any possibility how to receive inner permit for Tso Kar and Tso Moriri in Manali, or Keylong, or …???, so somewhere other than in DC office Leh?
We will travel at the end of august from Manali to Leh and would like to visit Tso Moriri from this side (to use the turn before Tanglang La).
Hello Milada,
The inner line permits can be arranged in Leh DC Office only. However, you can contact any travel agent in Leh or hotel staff which you may have booked and they can arrange the permits for you for the same and hand it over to you near Debring, where the turn towards Tso Kar and Tso Moriri exist before Taglang La.
Having said that, I strongly advise you NOT to visit Tso Moriri or Tso Kar from Manali – Leh Highway because your body will not be acclimatized to the altitudes of these two lakes. Doing it is calling trouble at the place where even the help will be hard to find. The acute mountain sickness is bound to struck at such high altitude (Tso Moriri: 4595 Mtrs and Tso Kar: 4530 Mtrs). It is always better that you visit them either on the way back or after being in Leh and Nubra Valley for 3-4 days.
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you have more queries.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
hi dheeraj ,read your insights about leh and manali.
planning to leave manali by road to leh.on 23sep 2011
do let me know how to plan this trip. i am planning a road trip from mannali.
they said rothang pass may be closed.
i am planning an alternate route by road to leh.
will manali jammu leh work for me.
i am also looking at staying at homestays in leh and enroute to feel the local ambience.and culture.
homestays in jammu as well.
pls do let me know what i must carry for this trip.
i am from chennai. taking a flt to chandigarh. completing simla /dharmasala/ manali by road. then taking road trip to leh.
pls advice
thks chaya
Hello Chaya,
Please let me know how many days you have in hand and what will be your mode of transport? Meanwhile, I will try to answer some of the queries here. There are two routes to do reach Leh – Ladakh on goes via Manali and other one goes via Srinagar – Kargil. Both have their own beauty, of course Manali – Leh is much more challenging , adventurous and scenic.
Now, in September end Rohtang Pass will not be closed but be ready for some cold climatic conditions as it is the beginning of winter season in higher Himalayas. Generally, I advise people to go via Srinagar – Leh route as it provides your body much more acclimatization then Manali – Leh route but since you are going in September end it s better to start from Manali side and come back from Srinagar side. This will ensure that you cover the Manali Leh journey without any road blockages that starts in October due to snowfall on the mountain passes. The Srinagar – Leh route is much more stable and have only few mountain passes, mainly Zozi La, so while coming back you won't face much delays in October as BRO keeps it running till mid November.
Having said that, please keep in mind that if you do have 2-3 days of buffer time and you are OK with some cold conditions then do consider going via Srinagar – Leh highway and coming back via Manali – Leh Highway. This way you will better enjoy the journey and won't feel any kind of acute mountain sickness which may be extremely important for you as you will be traveling from South. If you follow this path, then kindly take flight to Srinagar not Chandigarh as it will help you save a day or two.
Personally, I will prefer staying in Home-stays in Himachal and Ladakh only but NOT in any other part of Jammu and Kashmir. I will suggest to avoid them in Jammu and Srinagar.
I can only sketch a plan for you once I know the number of days you have in hand. Meanwhile, for the all the information related to planning a trip on Manali – Leh Highway please go through the below link and you will come to know all tidbits of complete route, accommodation , list of things to carry for ladakh and Manali – Leh route, acclimatization and its importance etc –
Travel Guide for Manali – Leh Highway
You will get answers to most of the queries in the above link regarding Manali – Leh road. Now, for planning a journey on Srinagar – Leh Highway you can all gor through the below link which explains precisely on all the details for traveling on Srinagar – Leh Highway.
How to plan a journey on Srinagar – Leh Highway
I hope this helps as of now. Please, let me know the duration of your trip and I will suggest a suitable plan that will fit your needs along with suggested accommodations.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Tks deeraj for ur advice.we have confirmed our itinerary unto manali.have a hotel big unto 23sep. We definitely want to proceed to leh. We can definitely spare 12 to 13days. We then have to come back to Delhi to connect to chennai. Incidentally i am celebrating my 50th birthday by taking this road trip. I love to see nature. I am not so much of a fitness freak. So this may be my first trip at such high altitude. Should I take any special precaution. Carry any medicine? I am carrying my neck collar . I have been diagnosed with osteoporosis of the spine. I have not disclosed this to my family. Because they will worry a lot. I very much want to do this trip when I am able to walk and move around. That is why it is so important to me.I want to see the Himalayan wonder before it is too late for me. Do I need to carry a lot of winter clothing?
Enroute from manali I want to break my journey every five hours and take a night halt. How many days will it take to reach leh. Do let me know.
This take care
Chaya
A private taxi from manali is what we want to take. Pls advice accordingly because I. Also have too take into consideration comfortable travel for my back condition as well.what would be the best type of vehicle. How much would it cost me for this trip to leh. Chhaya
Hello Chaya,
Well, Chaya it is really a great courage and spirit that you want to go for Manali – Leh to celebrate your 50th birthday. Firstly are you planning journey from 23rd onwards or you need to finish the journey by 23rd September?
Firstly, by middle of September winter season starts to set in Trans Himalayas and all high passes in Himalayas starts receiving snowfall at frequent intervals. The chances of road closure due to the same starts increasing. Although the BRO tries to maintain the Manali – Leh road open by end of October but you can surely get stuck or delayed for a day or two due to snow fall on passes. So, it depends upon weather altogether and if lucky you may get through without any single blockage. The point is there is risk of 2-3 days delay which must be kept in mind.
Secondly, the tented accommodation options and dhabhas starts to pack up from mid-September at places like Sarchu, Pang, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri etc. This leaves you with very little choice on bargaining as well as varied options of stay. These places may require you to stop in case there is snow on some pass or road closure.
Thirdly, Manali – Leh highway is mostly deserted of any civilization and after Keylong or Jispa you can only stay either at Sarchu or Pang as no other place have any accommodation. Keylong or Jispa to Leh will take about 13-14 Hrs of traveling time. Adding to it fourthly, the stay at Sarchu and Pang should always be avoided when any one is traveling from Manali to Leh side because of acute mountain sickness. The body do not acclimatize to the height of Sarchu or Pang while going from Manali to Leh. To avoid AMS people including public transport undertake Manali – Keylong/Jispa on first day and Keylong/Jispa to Leh on the second day. This helps them avoid sleeping at Sarchu or Pang and thereby reduce AMS. Now, if you plan to go from Srinagar side and come back from Manali side then of course I could have suggested you like Leh – Upshi/Rumste, Upshi/Rumste – Pang, Pang – Sarchu, Sarchu – Jispa/Keylong, Jispa/Keylong – Khoksar, Khoksar – Manali. But, I am afraid since you are planning in off – season this plan should also not be advisable to you. Finally, you will need to bear the cold conditions and at night almost sub-zero temperatures on almost 300 KMs section on the whole Manali – Leh Highway.
Unfortunately all I can suggest you that either you travel from Srinagar side and come back from Srinagar side only after seeing places in Leh – Ladakh because Srinagar – Leh Highway will be much better in terms of more accommodation options every 60-70 KMs, less per day travel time, less road closure chances, gradual increase in altitude which helps in acclimatization to reduce any mountain sickness.
OR, I will suggest you do Kinnaur and Spiti Valley tour which are also as beautiful as Ladakh. Spiti Valley is also termed as "Little Ladakh" due to almost identical landscapes and mountains. The road to Kinnaur Valley and Spiti Valley remains open all round the year and September will be the ideal time to see beautiful colors. The Spiti Valley has lot more to offer and since the altitude increase in very gradual manner starting from Shimla least chances of AMS and with loads of overnight stopping tourist places there by splitting the whole journey in 5-6 Hrs of run everyday.
Of course, before undertaking any of these trip YOU MUST consult your doctor regarding the same i.e. if you can travel. I understand your emotions but doctor may be the best person to advise regarding whether you should travel or how you should travel and with what precautions.
I hope this helps. Please let me know if you interested in any of the option or your plan, I will further advise you the required itinerary.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
[...] For a detailed description on the major places on Manali – Leh Highway including the distance between them and their respective altitudes, please refer the article on following link: Places on Manali – Leh Highway | A Detailed Description [...]
Hi Rajat,
I guess you can do it buddy but yes of course it depends upon the stamina and your physical fitness. Let me know if you have any queries.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
So i am doing this on a Cycle from 15 August to 25 August.
Will i survive ? I am doing it Solo
Hi Shirley,
Thats perfectly OK if you want to set your destination as Lamayuru but that won't save you the day you are looking for. Zanskar Valley cannot be covered with just one or two days, sorry if I confused you because I misunderstood that you had 4 days spared by taking flight. Changthang is not allowed for foreigners so you won't get the permits for yourself. The last thing that is left is Dha – Hanu villages which can be covered like below
7 Aug | Sonamarg – Lamayuru
8 Aug | Lamayuru – Leh
– Visit Lamayuru Monastery, Redzong Monastery, Maitreya at Mulbekh, Lunar Landscape(no idea about this one)
16 Aug | Leh – Dha and Hanu Villages – Alchi
– Stay overnight at Alchi
– Magnetic Hills and Gurudwara Pathar Sahib on the route which ever is possible. But, leave early in the day
17 Aug | Alchi – Kargil/Drass
18 Aug | Drass/Kargil – Sonamarg – Srinagar (overnight in Srinagar)
19 Aug | Srinagar > Delhi > Bkk
– Floating market > Shalimar Garden > Srinagar Airport > Delhi Airport > Bkk Airport
Note:- Take permits of Dha Hanu Villages as well along other permits. You need to mention the names of these villages as well.
Rest you can keep it same I guess. Please let me know for more queries.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
Well, I agree with u to stay overnight on 6 Aug. But on 7 Aug we like to set Lamayuru as our destination for today. Let me tell u sth abt our plan… We'd like to cover all places in Ladakh as much as we can and also the Zanskar Valley or Changthang in Ladakh or Dha Hanu Villages you mentioned… I think I may go to Leh again but still don't know when. That's why we like to go to many places..
How long does it take from Sonamarg to Lamayuru?
Therefore, could you please help us again to arrange our plan by adding Zanskar Valley, Changthang and Dha Hanu Villages? And also if you don't mind please tell us what could we see in Zanskar Valley and Changthang as I have never seen these two places mentioned in the itinerary of the travel agent in Thailand.
In fact I went to Kashmir in Jan 11 so I went to Gulmarg, Pahalgam Sonamarg and all major tourist attractions in Srinagar (I guess) except Shalimar garden and floating market. I took a horse riding at Sonamarg last time. Unfortunately, I couldn't see glacier in Sonamarg since the road was blocked by snow. Therefore, I like to see glacier there in this trip… That's all the reason why I prefer to explore mainly in Ladakh.
Please note that our flight schedule will be as follows:
6 Aug DEL – SXR 05:25 – 07:00
19 Aug SXR – DEL 15:25 – 16:45
Thanks once again…
Hello Shirley,
That's great. Firstly, you can spend the first night at Sonamarg itself if you like as it is just 80 odd KMs from Srinagar and will take about 2.5- 3 Hrs only. You will also have plenty of time on the last day to explore Srinagar so try to cover Sonamarg which is beautiful on the first day. Sonamarg is a great place with awesome green grasslands and impeccable beauty. Your plan can now go like this —
6th Aug | Delhi – Srinagar by flight and then to Sonamarg for night stay.
7th Aug | Sonamarg – Drass – Kargil with overnight stay at Kargil
– Visit the museum at Kargil and enjoy the barren land
– You can also explore a bit of Sonamarg more as the Sonamarg – Kargil is about 120 odd KMs and can be covered within 4-5 Hrs subject to Zozi La traffic regulations.
8th Aug | Kargil – Leh
– Start a bit early from Kargil to reach Leh in good time with lots of Photgraphy breaks.
9th Aug | Leh Local Sightseeing (overnight in Leh)
– Get Inner Line Permits or ask your hotel owner to get the permits for you, which will save time for you to explore the below places
– Hire taxi from Leh taxi stand for the entire trip in Leh – Ladakh region as a package. Try to bargain hard over there.
– Local sightseeing including Leh Palace, Main Market, Shanti Stupa, Hall of Fame, Spituk Gompa
10th Aug | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder – Diskit (Nubra Valley)
…
– Enjoy a cup of soup at Khardung La top and do not forget to take pictures along the sign board of highest motorable road
– Visit Diskit old and new monastery including the tallest Buddha statue
– In the evening you can go for double humped camel ride at Hunder
– Overnight at Diskit. I have stayed at Hotel Sten Del which was very nice.
11th Aug | Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
– Visit Sumur and Panamik and finally return to Leh.
– Panamik has hot water springs and Sumur has a nice monastery.
– Overnight at Leh
12th Aug | Leh – Hemis or Thiksey – Pangong Tso
– Visit one of the Hemis or Thiksey monasteries while going to Pangong Tso as other can be covered on return
13th Aug | Pangong Tso – Hemis or Thiksey – Shey Palace – Leh
– Visit the monastery that you left while going to Pangong Tso our of Hemis or Thicksey.
14th Aug | Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang
– Visit the Karzok monastery
15th Aug | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Leh
– Visit Tso Kar on the way back to Leh and may be come back via Tangang La on Manali – Leh highway if the taxi driver agrees.
16 Aug | Leh – Lamayuru
– Visit Indus and Zanskar Confluence at Nimmu, Basgo Palace, Likir Monastery, Alchi Monasteries, Magnetic Hills and Gurudwara Pathar Sahib on the route which ever is possible. But, leave early in the day
17 Aug | Lamayuru – Drass/Kargil
– Visit Lamayuru Monastery, Redzong Monastery, Maitreya at Mulbekh, Lunar Landscape(no idea about this one)
18 Aug | Drass/Kargil – Sonamarg – Srinagar (overnight in Srinagar)
19 Aug | Srinagar > Delhi > Bkk
– Floating market > Shalimar Garden > Srinagar Airport > Delhi Airport > Bkk Airport
I have made you itinerary pretty relaxing as per my knowledge. I would suggest that you cover this basic tourist circuit in relaxed way which includes Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri, Leh sightseeing with monasteries and Sham valley. This will help you better enjoy all these places rather then rushing through the places by adding more places in it.
I hope this helps. Please let me know for further queries.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
Finally we will take a plane from Delhi to Srinagar on Sat 6 Aug (morning) and also take a flight back from Srinagar to Delhi on 19 Aug (evening).
Well, could you please help me arrange my itinerary by adding places you mentioned like Zanskar Valley or Changthang in Ladakh or Dha Hanu Villages as I don't know about that except only Dha Hanu which is a small village. I guess Dha Hanu should be situated b/w Kargil and Lamayuru…
We'll stay overnight in Srinagar only 1 night then the next following day (7 Aug) leave Srinagar. The point is that I like to know whether should we stay overnight in Sonamarg for a night.. Is it worth to do so???
Regards,
Shirley
Hello Shirley,
Yes, doing it from Srinagar side is always good in terms of acclimatization fact. The volvo service runs from Manali – Delhi everday. From Manali the bus starts at 5.30 PM in the evening and reach Delhi by 6-7 AM in the morning. Most of the time spent is washed by sleeping
… I guess even in this direction it will be feasible in the same way and you can include the Manali – Leh highway in your plan. Its something one must not drop.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for ur comment.
We're planning to take a flight from Delhi to Srinagar and then take the Kargil-Leh route by taxi as you and another person – Yogesh Sarkar from BCMTouring suggested to do the trip in reverse since the altitude climb from the Srinagar side is a lot more gradual and there aren’t any really high altitude passes en route (compared to Manali – Leh)and also we don’t want to be hit by AMS. Unfortunately, once we checked the price of air ticket from Kullu to Delhi, we found that the price is so expensive as I told you…
In fact I don't like to drop Leh – Manali route from my plan. If I take a VOLVO bus from Kullu to Delhi, do you know how long does it take and from what time to what time???
Well, I've already taken the taxi hire (Leh – Kargil – Srinagar) into account…
U know, I'm going to buy tickets today as I keep postponing since end of last week….. And also waiting for your reply to my yesterday's comment…
Luckily, I haven't bought tickets yet…
Anyway, thanks again Dheeraj for your comment.
PS Please note that the price u mentioned 7K (not 9K)for Leh – Delhi isn't direct flight and we have to wait for 7 hrs at Jammu in order to change the plane….
Hello Shirley,
I will like to suggest that you do not come back via Kargil route again rather take the flight back to Delhi its about 7K only not 9K. Check Yatra monthly calender for August. You also have the option to fly directly to Leh from Delhi if that suits your budget. Keep in mind that you need to pay for the taxi (Leh – Kargil – Srinagar) as well anyhow. Have you taken that into account? Spending few extra bucks will help you see much more beautiful places in Ladakh rather just covering the basic tourist circuit. This will give you extra days in Ladakh and then you can cover even the Zanskar Valley or Changthang in Ladakh or Dha Hanu Villages.
Secondly, Manali – Leh Highway is a life time experience, I suggest you don't drop it from your plan. If you are not OK with the flights to Kullu then why not take the VOLVO bus that runs overnight from Delhi the same day you reach Delhi. The bus is very comfortable too and you can easily sleep in it. This way it will save time for you as well and help you see Manali – Leh Highway.
Once, you decide out of these options then let me know, I will chalk out a different plan that will suit your needs in either case.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks again for your reply….
Regarding my previous comment it's my mistake…. In fact they took Manali – Leh route in July (not in April as I mentioned).
By the way, once we found that the flight from Kullu to Delhi are only morning flights (don't like to do anything in Delhi as it is hot)and also very expensive (sth like Rps 11,000 for one way ticket)so we change our plan taking planes from Delhi to Srinagar and vice versa… And also Leh – Delhi flight (Rps 9000 for one way ticket so we would take a Kargil – Leh route for both way.
Therefore, we're planning to explore mainly in Ladakh. Could you please suggest us where should we visit in Ladakh?
Regards,
Shirley
Hi Rajesh,
I guess you needn't book any hotel except Jispa because there are only few accommodation only, so its always better not to take the risk. Moreover, for Jispa Journeys tents Sherab won't ask you to deposit any money. Just call him a day before and when you reach Manali be in contact with him the day you leave for Jispa. For Pangong and Diskit you may not need to pre-book as no specific hotel will do. Again in pre-booking Hotel Sten Del, Diskit won't ask you to deposit any money just phone call and being in touch as you progress your journey. Same is try for Shanti Guest House as well in Leh, however I am not sure of Oriental Guest House. Sarchu there isn't any need as there are many tented colonies and best is to land there with time left in day so that you can bargain to get good deal. Its always better to have the phone numbers and being in contact with the hotels you want to stay to avoid any last minute hassles.
In Ladakh you will find tourists/travelers upto September but nothing maddening like Manali or Shimla
…
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Another thing, if I am traveling during the last 2 weeks of August, do I still have to do my booking in Jispa, Sarchu (way back), Leh and the other places like Pangong Tso and Diskit? Moreover, how does the crowd look like during this time of the year in that part of J&K?
Thanks
Rajesh
Hi Rajesh,
Although I am just an amateur in the field of photography which I try my best to learn but again its the practice that matters and I only practice it once I travel which isn't quite enough. So, learning it slowly but I keep reading lot about it.
So far neither of my photographer friends nor I have seen any forum discuss problems regarding lens being affected by altitudes. People have awesome time in Ladakh who goes for Photography. However, electronic items like HDD etc have altitude specification but again if there aren't any drastic changes in the temperatures it works fine. So, carrying a laptop will need some precautions but not lens. Camera battery may get exhausted quickly due to cold conditions at some places, so carry an extra/spare battery if possible or charge your camera every night.
Now, UV content is more on altitude I suppose but that must reflect in your pictures AFAIK. There are UV filters which subject of the matter whatever I have read are mainly to protect the lens from the scratches and minor quality improvement in terms of Haze if I am not mistaken. I generally use CPL and never used a UV filter so can't really comment other than that they do come. Check some Photography forum for the same.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Rajesh,
1. First you have limited choice buddy. You need to get it tank full at Tandi or carry it from Manali itself, if possible for you. About the quality issue it cannot be guaranteed once you are out of your home town and yes, the quality may be compromised but its not limited to Tandi. Again it will be far better than what is sold as in Dhabhas ahead of town.
For Running outissue, you cannot say mostly but occasionally it may go out of supply owing to closure of roads. I feel now the road connectivity is OK types so that won't be bigger problem and you need to be extremely lucky not to get even 10-15 Ltrs which might have been used from Manali – Tandi (108 KMs).
2. Now coming to the slush point, well the situation is worse and there are no defined points. Expect bad slush stretches between Marhi to Rani Nalla about 12 KMs of stretch and then between Rani Nalla and Rohtang there is one long pathetic patch of about 300 Mtrs which will give you some real tense moments. BRO is permanently placed to help vehicles stuck being pulled by their dozers. So, carrying Towing rope is a big necessity if you need things to be faster. So, over all you will find major difficulty between Marhi – Rani Nalla – Rohtang Pass. Once, you are through rest only around Tangang La a little bad stretches if the weather is rainy for the last few days else nothing major on the rest of the tour.
The crux is once you pass through Marhi – Rani Nalla – Rohtang Pass, there is nothing worse you will encounter on Manali – Leh Highway apart from few water crossings. The nasty one being near Zingzing Bar Nalla. Hence, its important that you cross Zingzing Bar by 8 AM types.
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
And you know what Dheeraj…
I just purchased a Canon T1i 15.1 MP Digital SLR with 15-80 and 75-300 lenses. Waiting to receive it from my friend who brings it from US
I heard that lens are vulnerable on the roof of the world? This coz of the UV rays. If you also have any interest in photography and can give me some tit-bits here?
Regards
Rajesh
Hi Dheeraj et al … 'am BACK
Two quickies your way …
1. Do we get Diesel in Tandi. Execuse my sources, but I am hearing two stories a) that Diesel in Tandi sucks (read quality is bad) and its not safe to top up there b) Tandi is mostly running out of Diesel? Not sure what to trust
2. About this slush thing, its bothering me a bit. Just how many points can I expect this slush to be? And if you have any idea of where can I anticipate having an encouters with slush … that would be great dost
Regards
Rajesh
Namaste Shirley,
Manali – Leh route in April, I am not sure which season are you talking about? It cannot be possible AFAIK because the passes generally open up in June only. But, since either it would be raining or has just finished raining (currently its monsoon season in India) so you will find lots of greenery on both Srinagar – Leh Highway (Sonamarg not to be missed) as well as Manali – Leh Highway. Flowers I wasn't able to figure out in my trip in august last year and by the way, there is no vegetation once you cross Darcha, that is, for about 350 odd KMs until you reach Leh. The beauty on Manali – Leh Highway is know for its barren land and weird soil formations
… You will see greenery only upto Lahaul Valley that is max up to Darcha.
Also, changing the plans will help you much with the acclimatization factors and you would be able to certainly enjoy whatever beauty Manali – Leh Highway offers to the very core. Doing so will also help fit Tso Moriri in better way as then you won't need to come back to Leh rather go ahead towards Manali.
Well, for the prices its always better to talk to driver avoiding any unions who have high and fix rates. So, I will provide the names or contacts of the drivers (have two or three whom we contacted on our trip) and you may fix the deal with them. I guess for Local Nubra Valley + Pangong Tso with one night stay in Nubra Valley, recently one of the blog readers here paid about 12K.
Add about 1-2 K for one night halt at Pangong Tso
Add about 6-8 K for two day trip to Tso Moriri and Tso Kar
For local sightseeing it will be like 1.5-3K depending upon the places you might cover
For Manali – Leh or Leh – Manali, you need to pay about 10K-13K in August with 1/2 night stops
For Srinagar – Leh or Leh Srinagar, you need to pay about 10K-12K in august with 1 night stop
You can talk directly to those drivers and may be they can provide you exact rates. Do not fall into trap when they say that rate is mentioned in Taxi Union Rate Card and is fixed. You can still bargain on those rates and they would certainly discount them, I am sure.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Namaste Dheeraj
Thanks for ur quick reply.
Yes, we're keen to do it from Manali side as I read from somebody's book…. They took Manali – Leh route in April as far as I remember and they could see beautiful flowers, scenery….. Then we are doubtful …. how is the scenery of Manali – Leh route and vice versa in August. ??
At this moment we haven't bought domestic tickets yet so we could change our plan again…. We probably end up with our firm itinerary by end of this week…. Well, do u know about the taxi tariff in Leh so that we could guess how much the budget should be?
Regards,
Shirley
Namaste Shirley ,
Of course that will certainly help you out doing it from Srinagar side. And you can then enjoy the stay at Sarchu as well while you return to Manali from Leh. I thought initially that you were keen to do it from Manali side so didn't force the issue. Hence, I will also suggest that if possible for you guys then do it from Srinagar side to help yourself better acclimatize. So, try to do it that ways.
Generally, people do like Manali – Jispa/Keylong and then Jispa/Keylong – Leh thereby avoiding stay at Sarchu. If you do it other way round (i.e. from Srinagar side) then you can stay at Sarchu as you body will be acclimatized by that time.
So, if there isn't any personal restriction then reverse the itinerary to enjoy the Manali – Leh highway without any fear of AMS
Also, do consult your doctor if you plan to take Diamox because it is a Sulfa drug hence can be allergic, so a consultation is always better before you take any doze of Diamox.
Let me know any queries or doubts you have.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Namaste Dheeraj,
Thanks for your quick reply. Well, please suggest me whether I should do the trip in reverse as somebody said we may hit by AMS since the altitude climb from the Srinagar side is a lot more gradual and there aren’t any really high altitude passes en route (compared to Manali – Leh). In fact, we are planning to take Diamox preventing AMS.
As I've learned that many ppl stay in Sarchu, I just followed them… To avoid staying in Sarchu, where would u suggest us to stay? How long does it take from Jispa to Leh?
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Hi Shirley,
1. Well, if you have an early morning flight then I will suggest that from Bhunter hire a taxi to do Bhunter – Naggar – Manali – Solang Valley. Naggar Castle (30 KMs away from Manali) is a bit off-route but worth a visit, it will hardly make a difference of 2 hours. Check the pictures on the net or at the following link and you might feel interested
http://devilonwheels.com/index.php/hotel-naggar-c…
Otherwise, there isn't much to do or see on the route from Bhunter to Manali. For complete details on Manali regarding places to see, good food joints etc check below link:
http://devilonwheels.com/index.php/delhi-to-manal…
The whole day taxi may cost you around 2.5 – 3.0 K including the Naggar Castle visit, where you can have your breakfast and then leave from there at about 12.00 noon to reach Manali by 1.30 PM and go for lunch. Then, as the evening falls you may explore Manali town and then take the same taxi to reach Solang Valey for overnight stay, as the night falls. Skip Naggar Castle, if it seems tiring for you and relax around Manali town only…
2. I do not have any contact for Innova Taxi driver but have one number. You can talk to Ravi – 9816508774, he owns a Tata Sumo which won't be comfortable for you. I am not sure if people in Leh runs Innova but surely you can get either Scorpio or Xylo. Try talking to him to ask for references or if he can arrange it for you and yes, "DO" bargain hard. I told you the price range, it could be at max 2K more but nothing above it AFAIK i.e. max would be 14K.
3. Try to book Hotel IBEX at Jispa in advance, which offers the most comfortable stay in Jispa. Tents may be little less comfortable for you.
4. You should avoid stay at Sarchu but still if you want then do carry AMS medicines as prescribed by your doctor, as sometimes things turn bad in night at Sarchu. It will act as preventive and safety measure. Also, try to follow the acclimatization tips at the below link right from the start of the trip – http://devilonwheels.com/index.php/acute-mountain…
5. Well, you can get the permits through Travel agent but I advise against it because both Tso Moriri and Tso Kar are very high altitude lakes and your body will not be properly acclimatized to handle the altitude. Hence, its best done after 4-5 days of acclimatization.
6. From Sarchu to Leh, it will take around 8-9 Hrs as Leh is about 250 KMs from Leh. Leave about 9 AM from Sarchu and enjoy the journey en-route as once you descend from Tanglang La, roads are smooth and running.
7. On 10th August, arrange for permits. These are called Inner Line Permits, Wild Life Permits are part of it. You can get all details on how to apply and where etc on the link below – http://devilonwheels.com/index.php/inner-line-per…
Visit Indus and Zanskar Confluence at Nimmu, Basgo Palace, Likir Monastery, Alchi Monasteries, Magnetic Hills and Gurudwara Pathar Sahib en-route Uley Topko from Leh. Leave Thiksey Monastery and Hemis Monastery because that can be covered with Pangong Tso lake.
8. The Nubra Valley shall be covered first to acclimatize your body for high altitude lakes like Tso Moriri and Pangong Tso. Hence, follow the below plan which will help you better enjoy the stay —
10 Aug | Leh Local Sightseeing (overnight in Leh)
– Get Inner Line Permits or ask your hotel owner to get the permits for you, which will save time for you to explore the below places
– Hire taxi from Leh taxi stand for the entire trip in Leh – Ladakh region as a package. Try to bargain hard over there.
– Local sightseeing including Leh Palace, Main Market, Shanti Stupa, Hall of Fame, Spituk Gompa
11 Aug | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder – Diskit (Nubra Valley)
…
– Enjoy a cup of soup at Khardung La top and do not forget to take pictures along the sign board of highest motorable road
– Visit Diskit old and new monastery including the tallest Buddha statue
– In the evening you can go for double humped camel ride at Hunder
– Overnight at Diskit. I have stayed at Hotel Sten Del which was very nice.
12 Aug | Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
– Visit Sumur and Panamik and finally return to Leh.
– Panamik has hot water springs and Sumur has a nice monastery.
– Overnight at Leh
Now you have two choices either visit Pangong Tso as day trip to have two day trip to Tso Moriri or carry on with your current plan of doing Tso Moriri – Pangong Tso in one day. But, this will take about 12-14 Hrs, so plan accordingly if you can manage such long time in a day. Alternatively, you can drop either of the lake and enjoy the spare day in Leh only to experience the culture, people and tradition more.
Option 1:
13 Aug | Leh – Pangong Tso
– Visit Shey, Hemis and Thiksey monasteries enroute Pangong Tso
14 Aug | Pangong Tso – Tso Moriri
– Be ready for long 12-14 hrs drive
15 Aug | Tso Moriri – Leh
– Visit Tso Kar on the way back to Leh
Option 2:
13 Aug | Leh – Pangong Tso – Leh
– Overnight in Leh. You will have limited sightseeing enroute in this case as you need to spend as much time at Pangong Tso as possible.
– If following this then try to cover Shey, Hemis and Thicksey on 10 Aug
14 Aug | Leh – Tso Moriri
– If you want visit Karzok monastery
15 Aug | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Leh
– Visit Tso Kar on the way back to Leh
Now the rest of the plan shall be like…
16 Aug | Leh – Lamayuru
– Visit Indus and Zanskar Confluence at Nimmu, Basgo Palace, Likir Monastery, Alchi Monasteries, Magnetic Hills and Gurudwara Pathar Sahib
17 Aug | Lamayuru – Drass
– Visit Lamayuru Monastery, Redzong Monastery, Maitreya at Mulbekh, Lunar Landscape(no idea about this one)
18 Aug | Drass – Sonamarg – Srinagar (overnight in Srinagar)
– Visiting Sonamarg and horse riding
19 Aug | Srinagar > Delhi > Bkk
Floating market > Shalimar Garden > Srinagar Airport > Delhi Airport > Bkk Airport
Please note that our flight from Srinagar to Delhi is at 15:25 and Delhi to Bkk is at 23:10
————————
In Leh try to book Shanti Guest House (+91-9419178760, +91-9419888833) or Oriental Guest House both of them are near to Shanti Stupa and Changspa Road and both are great to stay. Read More about Shanti Guest House in the Hotel Review Section after 10th July.
I hope this helps
… Please let me know if you have any queries.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
Well, I haven't finished my typing but don't know why it already sent to u. Anyway, thanks for ur quick reply.
Regarding ur comment on # 2, we prefer to visit only the main tourist attractions in Manali and (if there is any interesting places) along the enroute Bhuntar Airport to Manali. As we are worried about our baggage, we prefer to hire the same taxi for the complete sightseeing. I think carrying baggage visitting tourist attractions in Manali and then in the evening taking the shared taxi to Solang Valley will cause us some troubles (as u know that we’ll stay in Solang Valley – not Manali). We are planning to explore mainly in Ladakh so one day is enough spending time in Manali
Regarding ur comment on # 3, could you please suggest us any experienced taxi driver from Manali to Leh who drive Innova? As we are not driving, I guess Innova will be perfect in terms of space and comfort.
Well, let me tell my plan and please suggest me whether it works out in terms of acclimatization, AMS, smooth itinerary, etc…
5 Aug Reach Delhi at night
6 Aug Fly to Bhuntar Airport > Manali (overnight in Solang Valley)
Visiting Hadimba Devi Temple > Vashisht Temple
7 Aug Solang Valley > Jispa (overnight in Jispa)
8 Aug Jispa > Sarchu (overnight in Sarchu)
9 Aug Sarchu > Tso Moriri
As u said that we could get the Inner Line Permits only from Leh, so we
change our plan to be
Sarchu > Leh (overnight in Leh)
What time should we leave Sarchu? How long does it take?
10 Aug Leh (overnight in Leh)
Get Inner Line Permits
Well, I have heard about Wild Life Permits. Where should we apply for?
Sightseeing at Shey Palace > Thiksey Monastery > Hemis Monastery > Sankar Gompa >
Namgyal Tsemo Gompa > Shanti Stupa
11 Aug Leh > Pangong (overnight in Pangong)
12 Aug Pangong > Tso Moriri
How long does it take from Pangong to Tso Moriri? Is it worth visiting Tso Kar? Should
we stay overnight in Tso Moriri or back to Leh? Is it possible to visit Korzok Monastery
today?
13 Aug 1st option Tso Moriri > Leh (overnight in Leh)
How long does it take from Tso Moriri to Leh?
14 Aug Leh > Nubra Valley safari (overnight in Hunder or Nubra Valley????)
What can we do in Nubra Valley?
Visiting Diskit Gompa > Hunder Gompa > Taking a short camel
15 Aug Nubra Valley > Leh (overnight in Leh)
Visiting Samstanling Gompa in Sumur > Leh
Is there any interesting things to do in Panamik? If not, we will go back to Leh
16 Aug Leh > Lamayuru (overnight in Nurla or Lamanyuru??? – no idea)
Visiting Basgo > Likir Gompa >Alchi Gompa
17 Aug Nurla or Lamayuru > Kargil (overnight in Kargil)
Visiting Lunar Landscape > Lamayuru Gompa > Giant Maitreya at Mulbekh
18 Aug Kargil > Sonamarg (overnight in Srinagar)
Visiting Sonamarg and horse riding
19 Aug Srinagar > Delhi > Bkk
Floating market > Shalimar Garden > Srinagar Airport > Delhi Airport > Bkk Airport
Please note that our flight from Srinagar to Delhi is at 15:25 and Delhi to Bkk is at 23:10
What hotel in Leh would you suggest us to stay? Prefer nice and clean also cheap… And if possible please tell me roughly the cost of hiring taxi according to my itinerary especially in Ladakh as I heard it is fixed price… Thanks
Shirley
Hi Dheeraj,
I just knew your blog recently. It's very helpful. Thanks for your kindness sharing experience to others who have the same interest….
By the way, how many times have u been to Leh? Well, I and another 2 friends are planning to go to Leh by taking Manali – Leh route in August and we need your help.
Our flight to Delhi is on 5 Aug 11 (night time). We'll take a flight from delhi to kullu on 6 Aug (morning) and fly from Srinagar to Delhi on 19 Aug as our return flight back home is on 19 (night time). So we could spend time only abt 14 days.
My questions are as follow:
1. How much does it cost for the taxi from Bhuntar Airport (in Kullu) to Manali?
2. We're planning to stay overnight in Solang Valley as u suggested. So I think we're better to go around Manali visiting tourist attractions there i.e. Hadimba Devi Temple, Vashisht Temple. Any other places will you suggest? Or other places along the way from Bhuntar Airport to Manali? Do you think how much does it cost if we hire the same taxi from the airport for one day trip around Kulu > Manali > Solang Valley (overnight)?
3. Expecting to hire a taxi for three of us to go to Leh by taking 2 overnight in Jispa and Sarchu as u suggested. We prefer comfortable car, so i think Innova will suit us. What do u think? Can u tell us how much does it cost? (As we are not Indian so we don't know much about the model of car they use.)
4. Is there any way to get the Inner Line Permit and Wild Life Permit outside Leh? As we plan to visit Tso Moriri, so it'd be nicer to visit Tso Moriri first then heading to Leh. This way could save our time as I assume. (***Pls note that we plan to go to Kashmir and take a flight from Srinagar back to Delhi***)
5. My rough plan is:
5 Aug Reach Delhi
6 Aug Fly to Bhuntar Airport > Manali (overnight in Solang Valley)
7 Aug Solang Valley > Jispa (overnight in Jispa)
8 Aug Jispa > Sarchu (overnight in Sarchu)
9 Aug Sarchu > Tso Moriri (overnight at Tso Moriri)
10 Aug Tso Moriri > Leh (overnight at Leh)
Hi shirley,
I am a bit out so have limited access of neyt and will try to reply in brief manner…
1. It will cost about about six hundred to seven hundred.
2. If you hire the taxi for complete sightseeing it may cost about Rs 1500 – 2000. For places enroute please check manali travel guide in trabel guide section. Personally, i feel you should not hire such taxi. Take taxi to manali which will cost about 500-700 and,you can do the local sightseeing of manali by foot only. By evening you can take any shared taxi to reach,solang valley. If you are interested in compete sightseeing around manali then i guess you need one more day of stay.
3. In august,taxi will cost around Rs 10000-12000 with two night stay. Let me know once you arrive i wil try to,bargain for you guys if you dont get this price range. Innova is comfortable but again not good for that terrain. Try to get scorpio if possible but innova can do with local driver too as u are not driving.
4. Well you should not do tso moriri due to acclimatization factor even if you get the permits from travel aagent in leh. Please dont do that. Also, do check the article on acclimatization and,take reqd medicine and precautions as night at sarchu may or may not trouble.
Will get in tuch again once i am back with detailed reply. Meanwhile feel free to discuss more queries.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma http://devilonwheels.com
Hey dheeraj.vardhan here.as talked w u before we r 8 people on 6 bikes going to ladakh on 4th july.have heard outside vehicles are not allowed via rotang due to some reasons.is ot true.please let me no
.
Well, vardhan you dont need any permits for bikes you can do it on bikes… Good luck for the trip…
thanks dheeraj, i must appreciate ur efforts 4 guiding me in such easier way. time is not an issue i was just thinking of saving exertion but we will follow or original plan only as per ur suggestion. we r travelling in this area approxmiately on 27-28-29-30 july. thanks once again….:)
thanks dheeraj, actually our first plan was leh-pangong tso-leh (with night hault @ spagmik) and then we will ride to leh-tso morriri sarchu ride (with night halt at tso morriri) but now if petrol is available then we can go from pangong tso to tso morri directly with night halt at chumathang. what u suggest. this will save our day also and some kilometers and exertion also……
If you want to save exertion then I will say do as you have planned earlier like –
Leh – Pangong Tso (night halt at Spangmik or Lukung, enjoy sightseeing enroute )
Pangong Tso – Leh (Enjoy sightseeing enroute like Hemis, thicksey, Refill fuel at Leh (or Upshi/Karu next day) for next day trip, carry fuel including the tankful for about 550 KM , night halt at Leh and enjoy the culture in the evening)
Leh – Tso Moriri
Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Sarchu and there on …
Doing this way will save a lot of exertion and will be much more relaxing because Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri will take about 13-14 Hrs of ride. You will also miss the local sightseeing which can include like Hemis, Thicksey monasteries. These are best done while you go back to Leh from Pangong Tso… Doing them while gogin to Pangong may cause you trouble at Pagal Nala as it goes violent in the afternoon. If you are really short of days then only I will suggest you do something like you planning now —
Leh – Pangong Tso (night at Spangmik/lukung, sightseeing enroute)
Pangong Tso – Tso Moriri (Refill Fuel Tank + Carry fuel for about 500+ KMs at Upshi, back breaking ride, missing sightseeing, night at Karzok)
Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Sarchu and there on …
I hope this helps you better decide.
but in "Summarized View of Facilities or Amenities on Manali – Leh Highway" it is mentioned that petrol pupms r available at upashi and kru also……..
Jayesh, yes the petrol pump is present at Upshi and Karu and the distance between Upshi and Karu is approximately 20 odd KMs only. But, in between Tandi and Upshi/Karu there is no petrol pump.
we traveling to manali -leh highway on 25 july 2011. i would like to ask u that petrol pumps r available at karu and upashi also. bcoz what i heard that after tandi there is no petrol pump till leh. pls reply…….
Jayesh, yes there is no petrol pump between Tandi and Upshi or Karu. The distance between two petrol pumps is approximately about 340 KMs after Tandi towards Leh. So, if you are going on bikes then its always better to carry the required fuel with you. I hope this helps.
Thanks alot Karan. I hope the below links will also help you better plan a journey on Manali – Leh Highway —
<a title="How to plan a journey on Manali – Leh Highway" href="http://devilonwheels.com/index.php/how-to-plan-a-journey-on-manali-leh-highway/" rel="nofollow">How to plan a journey on Manali – Leh Highway
List of Accommodation Options on Manali – Leh Highway
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Very comprehensive and informative write up. well done. Karan
Excellent write up. Really Informative.
Thanks alot Nitin. Your reply is a great medicine for such pain
… I am glad that you like the info available here. I hope it was useful for you.
Excellent write up. You have really taken great pains to share the experience in details. Thank you.
I went through the route in 2006, and there was a lonely dhaba atop the Tanglang La. I even have a photo with the owner. However, it may have moved on.
Thanks for the info Sumeet. Well, when we went there was nothing but a ruined small room. But, the guy must had been great to have Dhabha in such blowing and difficult conditions. At Tangang La, the head just sways at the top and you can loose even the footing if not properly acclimatized.