Golden Route of Trekking

Route: Manali (Himachal Pradesh) – Rohtang Jot – Tandi – Keylong – Jipsa – Darcha – Baralacha La- Bharatpur – Sarchu – Gata Loops – Nakee La – Lachulung la – Pang – More Plains – Tanglang La – Upshi – Karu – LehLadakh.

Distance by road: 490 kilo meters.

Route opens (depending on the snowfall): May to October.

The most convenient way to reach Ladakh is by air. The capital Leh is serviced by three major airlines – most offering 1-hour daily flights from Delhi and also Srinagar, Jammu. For details of schedules and fares, contact Indian Airlines, Kingfisher Airlines or Jet Airways.

Srinagar - Leh Highway

If you prefer a more adventurous approach you can arrive via one of two overland routes. The 1st approach begins at Srinagar (Kashmir) through over night in Kargil. Srinagar – Leh highway including numerous villages in route is 430 Km.

The 2nd approach started from Manali (Himachal) to Leh through several high passes including one of the highest road passes in the world, the Lachulung-La at (about 17000 ft). Both the land routes are easily accessible by car, bike or bus.

Bus: Himachal Tourism, Himachal Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation, Jammu and Kashmir STRC and few travel companies are running their buses regular from Manali to Leh. Bus covers the route in two days as the route is rugged and traffic rush. It costs the lowest expense to approach Leh.

Motorcycle: Bikers have to ride on well maintained bike. Bike owners have to get full check-up of their bike before kicking the bike on Manali-Leh Highway. There are a few motorcycle renting shops that provides bike on rent for one way up to Leh.

Taxi: There are several options available while hiring a taxi for Leh; to book a single seat in a shared taxi or to book whole taxi. There are few taxi drivers who like Cannon ball run (19 to 20 hour journey run without much stoppage in the route) which will provide a little time to enjoy the natural beauty of Manali - Leh highway. It will be better to book a taxi for two or three days with one or two night stopovers.

Out of both routes to reach Leh, Manali – Leh (National Highway – 21) is the preferred choice of adventure travelers and enthusiasts travelers who have keen interest in photography. This route is more rugged, longer and scenic than Srinagar – Leh route. In fact this route entices tourists to undertake this journey by crossing five high altitude passes. These way travelers will have enough time to marvel at natures splendors and indulge in photography. Don’t forget to take water bottle, some snacks, dry fruits and a thermos filled with coffee or tea. Take it easy and enjoy the journey.

Manali to Rohtang Pass: Manali is the starting point of this dramatic journey and Rohtang Pass (13,000 ft), 51 kms away is the first important milestone on the Manali - Leh road. Roads are mostly in good condition and within an hour of leaving Manali, you should be at Marhi (19kms before Rohtang); you can have your breakfast here or at Rohtang Parking, followed by a quick stop at the Rohtang pass for photos.