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The Manali Leh Safari
AREA: Himachal / Ladakh
DURATION : 11days / 13days
TRIP GRADE : DEMANDING
SEASON : JULY THROUGH SEPTEMBER
This spectacular road through the highest mountains in the world is open for less than 3 months in the year - from mid July through September, crossing the Pir Panjal, the Greater Himalaya and the Zanskar ranges, it reaches a maximum elevation of 5304m enroute.
The 476 km journey over four high passes and some of the most awe inspiring terrain in the world starts from Manali, along the greeen valley of the Beas river and then up the steep switchbacks that climb to the Rohtang Pass at 3978m. The Rohtang forms the divide between the verdant Kullu valley and the stark expanse of rock and glacier across in the rain shadow of the Pir Panjal range.
From Rohtang, the road descends to the Chandra river and follows it to Tandi where the Chandra meets the Bhaga river, little villages with groves of poplar and willow, and potato fields irrigated by glacial streams dot the landscape. The road continues past Keylong ( district headquarters of Lahaul) and the last town till Leh 360 kms beyond. Following the course of the Bhaga river through Darcha and past the pastures of Zingzingbar, starts the ascent to the Baralacha Pass (4892m). łThe Pass with the crossroads on its summit˛ - this grandpass straddles the meeting point of gigantic ranges, offering passage down four different routes, along the valleys of the Chandra and Bhaga rivers and into Ladakh and Spiti. From the pass a rough stretch of road descends to the pastures of Sarchu 107 kms from Keylong.
Now begins the wide open spaces, dotted with the amazing textures and colours of craggy mountain faces, the awesome world of natures timelessness dwarfing Man. Once across the Tsarap river starts the gruelling ascent to longlacha Pass ( 5059m), 54 kms from Sarchu. The amazing shapes and colours as you reach the top compensate the hard drive, descend along a little stream to Pang. Beyong pang, the road crosses the Sumskyal, a deep gash marking the edge of the great Kyangshuthang plains - a massive plateau at an altitude of 4500m.
Across the vast expanses of this plain are chances to see the Kyang (Tibetan wild ass), the Nabu (Blue Sheep), lots of marmot, as well as the Pashmina sheep of the Shepherds of Rupshu. An interesting diversion is possible at this point, short of the Tanglangla Pass - at 5325m, the highest point on the highway. 136 kms short of Leh a dirt road east leads to one of the great lakes that lie hidden in these high mountains - the Chomureri Lake. This area has been lost as a blue smudge on the map so far. It has only now become accessible, and still only to those adventurous enough to seek it out.
We camp overnight at this beautiful lake and taking a circuit north meet the highway in the Indus valley, and onto Leh, by passing the Tanglangla. Along the regular route, once across the plain, at Dibring, the road starts climbing across the snowy reaches of the tanglangla and descends into more inhabited Ladakh, meeting the Indus river at Upshi.
From here on, its a well travelled route with roads leading off to exotic areas like Changthang and the Pang gong Tse lake. Passing the monastries of Hemis, Thikse and Shey, the road reaches the Bazaar of Leh and the comforts of hotels and hot baths.
>> click here for Itinerary 1 ( 11 days)
>> Click here for Itinerary 2 ( 14 days)
Note: Costs depend on season and final itinerary |
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