Manali-Leh Highlights

On the Manali to Leh road trip, get spectacular and panoramic views from the Rohtang
Pass. Located 51km from Manali, at an altitude of 3900m, it is a route that leads to
places such as Pangi, Lahaul Spiti and Leh. You get views of beautiful snow-capped
peaks and glaciers from here. It is in this vicinity that the Chandra River flows too.
Just before getting to Rohtang Pass there is a Snow Point. You can enjoy
yourself playing in the snow at this place. Open between June and October you can
enjoy sledge rides and skiing during this time.
When arriving in Keylong, short stop to Kardang Monastery (the most important
monastery in Lahaul). In Jispa, try to see Chenab (Bhaga/Chandra) river.
A peace-over joint located on the way to Ladakh; between Jispa and Sarchu,
Zingzing Bar is one of the highest roadside bars in the world. Well, dont go by its
name! More than bar, it is a resting ground of the army cadets and the exhausted
travelers. None of the Manali to Leh road trips can get complete without a visit to this
bar. This place has an ambience that is almost on the verge of meditative bliss. You can
simply sit and sip your tea and be at peace with yourself. The charisma of this place is
such that, within a very few moments, you can feel all the peace descending on you.
Located in the altitudinous sections of the Zanskar region, Baralacha La is a
mountain pass or the confluence point of many roads. Connecting Lahaul to Ladakh,
you pass through this plateau surrounded by mountain ranges such as Pir Panjal and
Himalayas. Towering at 4890 m, from Baralacha La you can see the three valleys that
surround it. Dividing the Bhaga and Yunam Rivers, this place is a starting point for the
popular Suraj Tal trek. Check Suraj Tal.
Not many people know of this place except for those who have been on the road
from Manali Leh. Anyone who has been to Gata Loops would describe it as a stunning
region nestled in the Western Himalayas. Getting to this place and getting out of it is as
thrilling as well. There are about twenty one winding curves along the road from Gata
Loops. Adding to the adventurous sojourn, is its high altitude. Once you get here, you
do feel like being at 17,000 feet above sea level, given the crispness of the winds and

diffused sunlight. As you travel along the hairpin bends and curves, feel the adrenaline
rush of being challenged by the terrain.
Located on the Leh-Manali route, Lachulung La is a mountain pass at about
16,000 feet above sea level. From here you get undulating views of the scenery
beyond. You can see the entire Ladakh plateau in some sweeping glance of your eyes.
Located 54 km from Sarchu, this mountain pass is considered a relatively easy route to
traverse. There is a nala that passes through this place and simply moving alongside
can accomplish your task of crossing this pass. After crossing Lachulung La, the
landscape changes where the road meanders through a canyon.
Another stop, between Pang and Taglang La, just before More Plains, to see
Natural Rock and Sand Formations along the Sumkhel Lungpa River.
One of the highest mountain passes in the Ladakh region, the Taglang La pass
(5328 m, the sign is incorrect) is like a jewel in the crown on the Manali Leh stretch.
Claimed to be the second highest motorable mountain pass on the planet, your ascent
from here is unceasingly upwards. It is like driving towards the clouds given that they
are so close as well. Along the way, the snow clad mountains will mesmerize you for
sure. During the journey through this high-altitude place, you can witness the Tso Kar
Lake behind the gigantic mountains.