Biker's route map to Leh Ladakh via Manali

Biker's route map to Leh Ladakh via Manali

Manali - Leh Road (NH 21)

Manali is the starting point of this dramatic jouney. It is a beautiful hill station at an altitude of 2050m above sea level, nestled in the mountains of Himachal Pradesh. This was the ancient trade route to Ladakh and the far reaches Traim Basin. Manali holds great significance in the Indian culture and heritage. The road is open from the month of June to mid October. The route passes through five high altitude passes. The terrain is high and barren. There is no settled habitation. Infrastructural support is at a bare minimum. There are no repair or service stations after Keylong, no petrol pumps either. This scenario makes planning very important. Adventure and bliss while riding and lifetime memories after the ride is something to always look forward to.

Rohtang Pass (Height - 13,000 ft/3,978 m)

Rohtang Pass is 51 kms from Manali. Open from May to November, it is the gateway to the Lahaul, Spiti, Pangi and Leh valleys. Rohtang literally means “pile of corpses” due to people dying on this pass while crossing in bad weather. Several episodes of History Channel's Ice Road Truckers have been shot here. 

Keylong (Height - 3080m / 10100 ft)

Keylong is 44km from Rohtang Pass. It is the highest jeepable road and 115 kms from Manali. This road was once part of the ancient trade route between India and Central Asia winding its way through breathtaking mountain views via the Rohtang Pass, Gramphoo, Kokhsar, Sissu, Gondla, Tandi. One can also reach Kaza, the main town of Lahaul and Spiti.

Bara-lacha la Pass (Height - 4892m /16,050ft)

This 8 km spectacular pass is literally a 'pass where many roads meet'.  

Barlachala Pass is 73 kms from Keylong. Beyond this steep pass lies Sarchu, 43 kms away, in the adjoining state of Jammu and Kashmir. This trail hits the highest regions of Ladakh. Two rivers of Lahaul, Chandra and Bhaga emerge from the snowfields on either sides.  

Zanskar Range- (Height - 6,000 m /19,700 ft)

Zanskar is a sub district or tensil of the Kargil district. This is a mountain range which separates Zanaskar from Ladakh.

Upshi  

Upshi is a small village, 60 kms ahead of Tanglang La pass is Upshi--A junction on the Indus. This ancient trading road heads toward Tibet. The road bifurcates from here towards Rupshu and for Demchok, and little ahead at Kiari for Chang la. 

Leh (Height - 3524 m / 11,562 ft)

Leh is the capital of the Himalayan kingdom of Ladakh. It is the second largest district in the country. Well known tourist spot with an airstrip. It is above 50 kms from Upshi. The roads leads to Khardung la (in north) and to Kargil (in west). Important stop over trade routes along the Indus Valley between Tibet to the east and Kashmir to the west.