Manali to Leh

View on the way to Manali

The 472 km overland journey is open for around three months in a year, from June to end of September. This trip can be extended to Nubra valley across Khardongla pass, the highest motorable road in the world or to Srinagar after crossing Zojila Pass. The Manali to Leh drive can be completed in two days with an overnight stay at Serchu or Darcha. Another option is to drive to Leh via Tsokar and Tsomoriri Lake but will have to arrange your tour through tour operator from Leh, who can send you a permit to enter Tsomoriri Lake with a local taxi.

The journey starts from Manali driving through the lush green and foggy.

Rohtang Pass (3980 m. The landscape surprisingly changes into the rugged brown of the rain shadow area of Lahaul. The landscape changes into naked desert after crossing a few villages of Lahul with prayer flags on their roofs. You will start ascending Baralacha Pass and you can see surprisingly sprawling plain areas of Serhcu where you will spend a night in tented Camp. Further, there many small passes before you cross Taklang La pass Taglangla at 5330m to reach Rumtse and Gya village. An hour drive from Runtse takes you to Upshi where you corss indus river enter Indus valley with dotted villages on it's bank and beautiful monasteries bulit on hill side. You journey finishes at Leh making it a drive of lifetime's experience.

Pangong Lake

Pangong Lake

The Pangong Lake is 160 km from Leh, with spectacular view colorful mountains and Changla pass. The scenic view of colourful mountains throughout the journey makes your trip memorable.

The drive begins with photogenic view of Thiksey monastery, famous for its architectural similarities with Potala palace of Lhasa. The monastery covers an entire mountain ridge. Beyond this village, you will drive towards Changla pass, leaving the Leh Manali road on your right hand side. The long easy ascent to takes you to Changla pass through it's.

winding roads passing through Sakti Village. Stop at the Changla Pass for a quick photograp and drive down to the village of Tangtse, where you can enjoy a cup of tea. Laeaving Tangtse for Pangong you pass through many small villages of Changthang and finally you can have sudden view of the lake. The Pangong Lake is dramatic, surrounded by colorful mountains and it's reflection makes the lake beautiful. The color of the lake changes into different color throughout the day. The division of lake between India and China makes it different than the other Lake. Therefore you are allowed to go upto Spangmik only.

Tsomoriri Lake

Tsomoriri Lake

Around 240 kms journey to Tsomoriri Lake passes through Shey, Thiksey, Upshi and many small villages along the indus river. The hot  spring at Chumathang (3965 m) comes after driving for around 100 kms with a hot spring Resort where you can bath in hot spring water which Ladakhis uses for healing. After an hours drive you will cross Maya bridge and drive upto Tsomoriri (4555 m) through Puga village through a bumpy road. Puga is known for its sulphur and borax deposits. Full day walking tour of Tsomoriri Lake includes a visit to Karzok monastery and Nomad Camp above the village.

The Tsomoriri is starting point for trekking to Spiti through it's traditional route through Parang La (5580m) The "Changpas" nomadic  people, has trade relation with Spiti. The Area is rich in wildlife including the "Kyang" (wild ass), red fox and the rare, highly endangered, snow leopard. Black necked cranes and geese flock to the lakeside for breeding during the summer months. There are options to drive to Manali via Tsokar Lake and Serchu.

Nubra Valley

Nubra Valley

Nubra is located in the north of Leh around 120 kms across the Khardong La (18,380ft). Nubra means "Ldumra" which used to be an important station on the famous silk route leading from Leh to Kashgar through the two passes of Saser and Karakoram. The main attractions of this area are the Bactarian Camels (Double Humped Camels), Khardung-La Pass (world's highest motorable road at 18,380 feet) and the monasteries like Deskit and Samstaling.

The drive to Nubra Valley leads through Khardung-La (18380 ft), which is about 39 kms from Leh. Camel Safari can be organized from Deskit to Hundar Village for 2 hours. This tour can be extended for 2 nights / 3 days by visiting Panamik village and Sumur.