Manali-Leh Highway

The road from Manali to Leh runs about 430 kilometres and crosses four passes over four thousand metres, including Baralacha La, Nakee La, Lachulung La and Taglang La at around 5,300 metres, with a long stretch of the Morey plains at over four thousand where the road runs dead straight across empty high desert. Since the Atal Tunnel opened in 2020 the Rohtang crossing at the start can be bypassed, extending the season slightly. The road is cleared each spring and closes with snow around October. Tented camps at Sarchu and Pang provide the only accommodation on the middle stretch.

History

Work on the road began in 1964 from both ends, and in 1989 the Manali-Leh road began serving as the second land route into Ladakh (Wikipedia, Leh-Manali Highway).

What's there

• The four high passes - crossings over four thousand metres, one near 5,300.
• The Morey plains - a straight run across empty high desert.
• The Gata Loops - twenty-one hairpins climbing from the Sarchu plain.
• The tented camps - Sarchu and Pang, the only stops on the middle stretch.

When to go

June to September, once the road is cleared; opening and closing dates shift each year with snowfall. Landslides and water crossings close sections at short notice even in season.

Practical notes

The route climbs very fast from Manali and altitude sickness at Sarchu, above 4,200 metres, is common; splitting the drive over two days helps. Camps are unheated and cold. Water crossings can strand vehicles.

Nearby

Manali is at the southern end; Leh at the northern.

Key facts