By Saundarya Rai
Explorers
and travel bloggers often tell stories of their adventures of the Manali-Leh route;
some call it once in a lifetime
experience while others see it as another trail to unwind. This route
comprises of many passes that lead you to Leh and its undying charm. The total
length of the highway is 490kms and
it’s known to be one of the most thrilling road trips in India.
Manali
The route
begins in Manali, a beautiful valley
that has undergone many changes but hasn’t lost any of its hill station vibes. It has great weather through the year and there’s a lot one can do in Manali. From Trekking to picnic near the river,
Manali will offer you the best – and if not anything else, the beauty that
surrounds it will entertain you.
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| On the way from Manali to Rohtang |
Rohtang la - Gramphu
A two hour drive
from Manali should get you to Rohtang
- the first pass on the journey at 13075ft. For most part of the year, this pass stays
closed due to heavy snowfall. Only from June
– October motor vehicles are allowed to explore it. It has made its way
into many movies; a fact which is evident once you reach the pass – the scenery
is purely cinematic. People often travel here to see thick layers of
snow on each side of the road. Maintenance of the road is great, so you won’t
face any sort of inconvenience except maybe traffic during the season time. 14kms away lies a lonely town known as
Gramphu, from where the road also diverts to Spiti Valley. Gramphu doesn’t have
a lot to offer except a good spot to rest and some supper. Till Kokhsar the roads are downhill and
don’t promise the most comfortable experience. Driving here with a slow pace is
a must because you never know what to expect from nature.
Sissu – Tandi
Another half
an hour later you end up in Sissu, a
village in Lahaul Valley. This village stays disconnected from the world half
of the year due to heavy snowfall. In Sissu, the dense forest surroundings make you feel alienated from the world, combine that with its surreal natural beauty
of waterfalls and you have yourself a perfect getaway. Next is Tandi which is an important part of the
Route, it has the only Petrol pump you’ll get before Leh. That’s 360kms without petrol - so make sure
you have enough before you leave Tandi.
Keylong
Much more
than a beautiful city surrounded by snowy mountains, Keylong is the
administrative hub for Lahaul and Spiti district; it is also a hub for travelers
and explorers. With a number of monasteries
and temples, you will feel calm and composed here. You can even trek or
hike to Barachaa la, an intersection
point of Spiti, Lahul and Leh; the mountains from each part of Himachal can be
seen here. A blend of cultures and mountains with a splendid view, makes for
this must visit destination.
When in
Keylong, why not take a dip in the mesmerizing Suraj Tal. It’s a calm lake surrounded by mountains, also known as
the lake of the Sun God. Locals say
that if you swim in this lake you get cleansed from all your sins. Another plus
point is that the cold water will keep you refreshed for your journey ahead.
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| Zing Zing Bar |
Jispa – Zing Zing Bar
22kms ahead of Keylong you arrive at Jispa; another village in Lahul. The best
season to travel here is from June –
September if you actually want to explore the village. The beautiful
riverside view makes it a great place to camp and spend the night, listening to
the river flow and watch the snow capped mountains fade in a sky full of stars.
From here it
will take you 30kms, to reach Zing Zing Bar. Picking up from the
quote 'name so nice you say it twice', this
location delivers to it. Zing Zing Bar is a beautiful road that goes in a
zig-zag pattern on the Manali-Leh route. People usually camp here at night to
spend some time wandering around the roads and enjoy a relaxing cup of tea -
little things like these have so much importance in the hills. But sometimes
during rain you can get stuck here as the roads fill up with water.
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| Baralacha La |
Baralacha La
22 kms after
crossing Zing Zing Bar, you cross the second pass of your journey, Baralacha La - which is at a height of 16043ft. Given the title of world’s deadliest
pass, here is the thrill you’ve been waiting for on your journey. It is always advisable to cross it before Noon because both sides
of the road are covered in snow and there is also a stream that you need to
cross to complete this pass. The melting of the snow might cause the current in
the stream to increase by night. Other than that, the view is spectacular as you get closer and
closer to Leh.
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| Sarchu |
Sarchu
- Lachulung La
Sarchu is the
hub for campers, 32kms away from
Baralacha La it’s between the boundary of Himachal and Jammu & Kashmir. It’s
one of the most important spots on the Leh-Manali route. The place has unique
resemblance to Ladakh with its sand-stone texture hills. In earlier times
people used to call it a trading hub on the ancient Silk Route.
Lachulung La is another pass amidst
this route. It’s 24kms before Pang,
at a good height of 16579ft. Some
say it’s an auspicious location. Locals tie prayer flags around rocks near the
milestone of Lachulung La respecting their age old tradition.
Pang – More Plains
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| Plains near Pang |
Pang a good place on the
Manali-Leh route to grab a bite. By this time your eyes will grow tired of the
desert and start looking for a little bit of civilization, which Pang offers -
but don’t expect too much because you will only find a nomad lifestyle here to adapt.
This little town is very charismatic and gives you reasons to have a little
layover here so you can absorb all the sights and chase the wanderlust within
you.
Like the name
suggests, More plains is a road on the plains of Himachal 31kms ahead of Pang. After a really rocky ride you will enjoy being
on this marvelously expanded road. There are absolutely no shops here or any sort of civilization to connect with. You’ll
be all alone with nature and its allure, with otherworldly Himalayan panorama
all around you, which will make you feel at someplace other than Earth.
Upshi-Tso Moriri
After a journey of
114kms from More Plains you’ll find Upshi -another village on your way to
Leh. This village has a population of 128 people (which is probably equal to
the amount of members on some people’s whatsapp groups). The people are very kind here and put a lot of effort to make the
guests’ stay as comfortable as it can get.
173kms from here lies Tso Moriri - known to be one the
magical lakes in Leh. This is one destination you shouldn’t miss out on if
you’re traveling through this route. The blue water, still very cold under the
burning sun makes you question nature. A beautiful lake resting in the
mountains, hidden from civilization, absolutely unpolluted and fresh - this
lake treasures more stories than people do. The location is perfect to practice
your photography skills, and make your own stories.
Tanglang la- Hemis
132kms from Upshi lies the last
and highest pass on your journey, Tanglang- which is an achievement of its own.
The view from here onwards is phenomenal as you get closer to Leh. At 17511ft people sometimes get a little
dizzy as oxygen level decreases, so always carry first aid with you. If you’re
lucky you might be able to find a little bit of snow here, otherwise it’s still
a beautiful road like no other.
One of the most
famous villages in Leh, Hemis holds
importance because of its magnificent monastery which is 79kms away from Tanglang La. Established by a Ladakhi King, this
monastery is an example of royalty. Monks here have kept it’s beauty alive by
maintaining it since 1672. A historical site in the valley of Leh, a true mountain experience is never complete without knowing about the
traditions practiced there and the beliefs that never reach the surface.
Pangong Tso- Leh
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| Pangong Tso |
As seen in many
Bollywood movies, the hype for Pangong
Lake has increased as soon as we put a camera there. This lake is frozen
more than half of the year. Perfectly framed by mountains and desert, this lake is a must visit
on every list. Not only people who follow the Manali Leh route visit
it, but even tourists make a day trip from Ladakh to find this small bit
of heaven that exists only here.
This brings us to the final destination, Leh. 224kms away from Pangong this city is
where one returns back to civilization again.
Leh is known for so many things. From its breathtaking locations to its
traditional Thukpa - everything makes you fall in love with Leh. A bit unusual,
every dairy product comes from yak, and the tea is made from butter, something
new to encounter every day. The markets are a lovely affair here where you not
only find the best jam but also the best people. You can visit many monasteries
here that will give you a wider horizon on the outlook of Leh. All this and
much more makes for the journey of a lifetime which will remain etched in your
memory for times to come.
About the
Author:
Saundarya is a student of journalism and mass communication, who believes in writing about her feelings rather than disclosing
them. Her love for writing is her foremost priority and she wishes to write for a living.
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Have you been on an adventure road trip on a challenging terrain? Tell us about the challenges faced in the comments! Or write to us at blog@indiauntravelled.com to publish your travel story!
