Leh–Manali Highway
Leh–Manali Highway
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
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SteveAndNancy44
Windsor, Connecticut26 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
It took some hunting to find transportation. Bus service has not begun yet as of 2 June, but 14- to 17-seat vans (sometimes called Tempos) have been running since May. Apart from us, all passengers were on holiday from the heat in other states of India. From the start, climbing through the deodar forest at Manali, the views changed around every turn.
The direction of travel changes on alternate days due to the snowbanks narrowing the roads. Manali to Leh 31 May, Leh to Manali 1 June, and so on. We left the van terminal at 5 am and traveled on good paved roads for the first two or three hours. We stopped for meals about 9:00 and 2:00, for 45 minutes each. For most of the trip, road conditions varied from near washout to hairpin turns to construction zones to cliff edges and, often, decent graded surfaces. We crossed numerous passes, the highest at 5,328 m (17,480 ft). Prepare for the altitude and for the intense sun.
In some areas snowbanks as much as 2 m (6+ ft) high enclosed the road on each side. On the uneven and wet surfaces, high clearance vehicles like our Tempo fared better than low riding sedans. We arrived at Leh at 8:00 pm, making it a 15-hour ride, or an average 30 km per hour. As summer progresses, the trip should be easier and faster.
The direction of travel changes on alternate days due to the snowbanks narrowing the roads. Manali to Leh 31 May, Leh to Manali 1 June, and so on. We left the van terminal at 5 am and traveled on good paved roads for the first two or three hours. We stopped for meals about 9:00 and 2:00, for 45 minutes each. For most of the trip, road conditions varied from near washout to hairpin turns to construction zones to cliff edges and, often, decent graded surfaces. We crossed numerous passes, the highest at 5,328 m (17,480 ft). Prepare for the altitude and for the intense sun.
In some areas snowbanks as much as 2 m (6+ ft) high enclosed the road on each side. On the uneven and wet surfaces, high clearance vehicles like our Tempo fared better than low riding sedans. We arrived at Leh at 8:00 pm, making it a 15-hour ride, or an average 30 km per hour. As summer progresses, the trip should be easier and faster.
Written June 2, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
qads123
India48 contributions
Nov 2017 • Friends
Hello All
I am back with my travel stories this time is with most dangerous road Leh Manali highway.This was our favourite destination which,we really wanted to do on motorcycle.So let me start, After taking flight from Mumbai to Delhi and my friend from Hyderabad to Delhi, we met in Delhi airport by time difference of half an hour. We both lost each other on airport due to different terminals finally after 2 hrs we met and we headed towards IGBST to take a bus to Manali. we took the tickets for HPRTC this Volvo services are always better than the other private ones always try to get this ticket the counter opens 3 hrs before the scheduled bus time.we reached Manali by 8:30 am in morning. Spectacular view of beautiful mountains and River. Now it’s time to hire a bike it’s very trick to hire bikes from Manali. We gone to places were everybody wants to keep deposit of 20000 and rent is 1200 rupees for 350 cc and 1500 rupees for 500 cc.Minimum 7 days need to rent it ... however it’s very difficult to finish the whole trial . We got place called VOD bike rental were ,we rented bikes they arranged everything from tool bag and fuel.
The journey started, it was Sunday we needed passing doc to clear check post however the bike rental guy arranged it for us that was really helpful.we reached Rohtang pass which is around 55 km from Manali. The altitude of 13500 ft the gateway of mountain odyssey was opened, breathtaking views of mountains and it was getting late, we took halt in Jispa little ahead to keylong. Once we settled in Homestay, which was really good clean very good hospitality by young couple,I got mountain sickness any way we were getting acclimatisation.We have to travel lot in 7 days. I took medicine with me. Next day we checkout around 5:30am did early ride to reach Leh by afternoon, we passed through the highest passes Baralacha and Tanglangla which was mesmerising. Along side the once you reach to HP state end check post and Jammu border starts from Serchu to Pang the stretch of 70 km it’s very difficult for us, due to complete off road and lot of river crossing and waterfall crossings. We reached Leh around 5pm evening, We booked the hotel and tried Kashmiri food in Wazwan Restaurant in Leh near Jama Masjid lane main market. Next day,we covered all the places and Monestary like shey palace, thikse, Gompa, Shanti stupa, hall of fame , and Ladakh memorial centre Shanti stahl. Next day early morning we left for khardung la the highest motor-able road in the world it’s 40 km from Leh, we reached top of the world the temperature was in minus had a hot Maggi and tea. Stayed for 20 min and we left for our next destination which was Nubra valley stretch of 80 km that ride passes through second highest pass, the climate was so cold,our body was literally shaking the time we pass through we had a flat tyre, puncture no help on elevated altitude,we did fix puncture by ourselves and we started our journey beautiful cold desert view also the camel with two lumps, we couldn’t do camel safari as it was off season. We finished sight seeing of Nubra valley, we left for awaited destination of Pangong Tso lake .
Now the real adventure starts ,so usually everybody goes to Pangong Tso lake from Leh which is 175 km Via Changla pass.
Since we were in Nubra valley and time was around 1pm ,we left for Pangong Tso lake as we calculated the time to reach and stay overnight there.
We took the route which not many travellers take.From Nubra valley there is way to Pangong Tso via Syok river. It’s 125 km stretch we were enjoying the ride of the terrain as we go more ahead on the route syok river current was next to our road. There is no roads it’s complete road with Sand, under huge mountains, with no human living around, it was only me and my friend after some while there was on road landslide made it more difficult we lost the track and roads to syok village.
The altitude was high temp was going down it was 5 pm in evening were i couldn’t find the way,finally we crossed the cold river and we see labour for road construction,we asked them the road they guided and advised us to syok village to stay for night as it looks impossible to reach Pangong Tso lake.
We ride and reached to near by village called Tangse very cold place near mountains with lot base camps as it’s military zone. We took a homestay, as it was very cold, it started raining. Early morning we reached to Pangong Tso a beautiful sacred lake which is half in India and half in China. This 163 km lake get frozen in mid December. We took the changla pass route to return back for Leh. Next day we left for Manali. Truly amazing place to visit as these trip made us fall in love with barren mountains, turquoise lakes and amazing local people. So what are you waiting for call your bestie and go live your life the fullest.
I am back with my travel stories this time is with most dangerous road Leh Manali highway.This was our favourite destination which,we really wanted to do on motorcycle.So let me start, After taking flight from Mumbai to Delhi and my friend from Hyderabad to Delhi, we met in Delhi airport by time difference of half an hour. We both lost each other on airport due to different terminals finally after 2 hrs we met and we headed towards IGBST to take a bus to Manali. we took the tickets for HPRTC this Volvo services are always better than the other private ones always try to get this ticket the counter opens 3 hrs before the scheduled bus time.we reached Manali by 8:30 am in morning. Spectacular view of beautiful mountains and River. Now it’s time to hire a bike it’s very trick to hire bikes from Manali. We gone to places were everybody wants to keep deposit of 20000 and rent is 1200 rupees for 350 cc and 1500 rupees for 500 cc.Minimum 7 days need to rent it ... however it’s very difficult to finish the whole trial . We got place called VOD bike rental were ,we rented bikes they arranged everything from tool bag and fuel.
The journey started, it was Sunday we needed passing doc to clear check post however the bike rental guy arranged it for us that was really helpful.we reached Rohtang pass which is around 55 km from Manali. The altitude of 13500 ft the gateway of mountain odyssey was opened, breathtaking views of mountains and it was getting late, we took halt in Jispa little ahead to keylong. Once we settled in Homestay, which was really good clean very good hospitality by young couple,I got mountain sickness any way we were getting acclimatisation.We have to travel lot in 7 days. I took medicine with me. Next day we checkout around 5:30am did early ride to reach Leh by afternoon, we passed through the highest passes Baralacha and Tanglangla which was mesmerising. Along side the once you reach to HP state end check post and Jammu border starts from Serchu to Pang the stretch of 70 km it’s very difficult for us, due to complete off road and lot of river crossing and waterfall crossings. We reached Leh around 5pm evening, We booked the hotel and tried Kashmiri food in Wazwan Restaurant in Leh near Jama Masjid lane main market. Next day,we covered all the places and Monestary like shey palace, thikse, Gompa, Shanti stupa, hall of fame , and Ladakh memorial centre Shanti stahl. Next day early morning we left for khardung la the highest motor-able road in the world it’s 40 km from Leh, we reached top of the world the temperature was in minus had a hot Maggi and tea. Stayed for 20 min and we left for our next destination which was Nubra valley stretch of 80 km that ride passes through second highest pass, the climate was so cold,our body was literally shaking the time we pass through we had a flat tyre, puncture no help on elevated altitude,we did fix puncture by ourselves and we started our journey beautiful cold desert view also the camel with two lumps, we couldn’t do camel safari as it was off season. We finished sight seeing of Nubra valley, we left for awaited destination of Pangong Tso lake .
Now the real adventure starts ,so usually everybody goes to Pangong Tso lake from Leh which is 175 km Via Changla pass.
Since we were in Nubra valley and time was around 1pm ,we left for Pangong Tso lake as we calculated the time to reach and stay overnight there.
We took the route which not many travellers take.From Nubra valley there is way to Pangong Tso via Syok river. It’s 125 km stretch we were enjoying the ride of the terrain as we go more ahead on the route syok river current was next to our road. There is no roads it’s complete road with Sand, under huge mountains, with no human living around, it was only me and my friend after some while there was on road landslide made it more difficult we lost the track and roads to syok village.
The altitude was high temp was going down it was 5 pm in evening were i couldn’t find the way,finally we crossed the cold river and we see labour for road construction,we asked them the road they guided and advised us to syok village to stay for night as it looks impossible to reach Pangong Tso lake.
We ride and reached to near by village called Tangse very cold place near mountains with lot base camps as it’s military zone. We took a homestay, as it was very cold, it started raining. Early morning we reached to Pangong Tso a beautiful sacred lake which is half in India and half in China. This 163 km lake get frozen in mid December. We took the changla pass route to return back for Leh. Next day we left for Manali. Truly amazing place to visit as these trip made us fall in love with barren mountains, turquoise lakes and amazing local people. So what are you waiting for call your bestie and go live your life the fullest.
Written October 16, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Trippy Frog
Kathmandu, Nepal45 contributions
Mar 2018
Leh is the coolest place i have ever visited..I enjoyed the magical view of leh ladakh valley and the white water rafting is the most thrillfull sport to do
Written May 2, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tuhinsuvra D
1 contribution
Feb 2018 • Family
We are going to make a plan for ladakh.Can we go to Leh from Manali on the date of 6th June ,in this year?
Written February 17, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
debparamita
24 contributions
Jun 2019 • Friends
The road was a well maintained one. In fact parts of it was being freshly pitched while we were driving along it. We were driving from Hemis monastery region to Shey palace along the highway. Also Read Papumashi the nomad.
Written September 9, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shiva_ePuja
Bengaluru, India1,669 contributions
May 2018 • Solo
Wonderful Road on the himalayas
Long empty roads with breathtaking views
Drive cautiously as some sections can be treacherous
Long empty roads with breathtaking views
Drive cautiously as some sections can be treacherous
Written November 9, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bsbajwa9
Chandigarh, India29 contributions
Aug 2018 • Friends
It's a beautiful route to venture as an adventurous person but it needs good planning otherwise you will spoil the whole trip.
For that reach Manali by road from Delhi or Chandigarh or by flight up to Kulu & then Manali. Make at least one night halt otherwise two will better acclamatise you.
Leave early morning by 5/6 am & halt at Jispa. Then start at 4/5 & reach Leh via Serchu & Pang{15000 feet).
Drive through this route is breath taking.
Drive in a group of two vehicles if feasible due tough terrain.
For that reach Manali by road from Delhi or Chandigarh or by flight up to Kulu & then Manali. Make at least one night halt otherwise two will better acclamatise you.
Leave early morning by 5/6 am & halt at Jispa. Then start at 4/5 & reach Leh via Serchu & Pang{15000 feet).
Drive through this route is breath taking.
Drive in a group of two vehicles if feasible due tough terrain.
Written October 19, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelHappyRoy
Kolkata (Calcutta), India9 contributions
Jun 2018 • Couples
We were 24 people in 2 Force Traveller. People generally travel in this route stays at Serchu. Serchu is around midway between the 474 km route. However we further proceded and stayed at Jispa. The benefit is Jispa itself is a beautiful place where you can have walk at the river bed which is absolutely at the foothill. You can stop taking pictures there. Hence after a long ride of around 315 km from Leh. You can have a late rise, spend good hours exploring Jispa and then at around noon you can leave for Manali. One more point..the route from Jispa till Manali is breathtakingly beautiful at every step. You better cover this distance when you have broad daylight.
Written October 4, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Arjun S
8 contributions
Jun 2018 • Friends
Srinagar-Leh highway is one of the most beautiful roads that one must visit at least once in a lifetime. While there are several flights from Delhi and other cities to Leh, a road trip to the arid desert is a must for those who love bullet or jeep rides, beautiful mountains and a tough life.
Written August 27, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sindhu A
30 contributions
Jun 2017 • Couples
It's such a wonderful road. We get to see all type of vegetation like green valley, brown, purple, snow etc. It takes 18-19hrs one stretch drive. Only during may to August it's good to visit. Other seasons it'll be full of snow and very difficult to drive.
Written May 17, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are group of 6 peoples planning to ride Leh from Chandigarh on 17th May 19, is it possible to go through Pathankot- Dalhousie- Keylong – Sarchu – Leh route??
Is this route is opened for Bike ride??
Written May 13, 2019
Sorry, but do not have any idea of that route. As when we travelled to Leh last year, we boarded a direct flight from Delhi.
Written May 14, 2019
Planing to go Leh from Manali - sarchu highway around date 7/8 August !
So want to know about this high way condition and weather for this route !!
Thanks
Written July 30, 2018
Best route for adventurists. Weather condition will be fine but not you've got to face cold. Get well prepared with warm clothes (may b with 2 thermals). All the best happy journey.
Written July 30, 2018
It will be opened in August, but due to monsoons, rain streams occur which frequently causes closing of some stretches for either couple of hours or days also in some cases.
Written June 21, 2018
Can we go to Leh from Manali on the date of 6th June in this year?
Written February 17, 2018
Late June and early July should be fine.
Written February 19, 2018
I plan to make a trip to leh in Jan 2017. I had doubts weather the highway is open in this month or not??
Written December 15, 2016
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