Nowhere else in the world can a traveller find such splendid diversity of mountains scenery as in the Himalayas, ‘the Abode of Snows’, and an unforgettable way to enjoy this diversity is to travel up the road from Manali to Leh.

From the Lanf of the Gods to the Rooftop of the World
The Manali-Leh road weaves in and out among the mighty snow-clad peaks of the Western Himalayas over a stretch of nearly 485 kms. The road is open from mid-July to mid-October every year, depending on weather conditions.
Let’s begin with Manali in Himachal Pradesh once called ‘Devbhumi’, the Land of the Gods. It is easily accessible by air and by road from Delhi, Chandigarh, Shimla and Pathankot.
Against the dramatic setting of dazzling snow-bound peaks, green and idyllic Manali glows like some rare emerald. The tumbling, sparkling waters of the river Beas, where one can fish for trout, the luxuriant apple orchards, the whispering forests, all add to the magic of Manali. It is also the ideal base for excursions to the hot sulphur springs of Vashisht, the beautiful Malana, Parbati valleys, Chandratal (the Lake of the Moon), Surajtal (the Lake of the Sun), the Solang Skiing slopes, Naggar and Manikaran etc.
For the intrepid seeker of adventure, Manali is the starting point for many an exciting trek, such as the one to the Rohtang Pass, 51 kms. away. This pass is an important milestone on the Manali-Leh road as it is the gateway to the Lahaul and Spiti valleys.
On its way Keylong (115 km from Manali), this important road, which was once part of the ancient trade route between India and Central Asia, wends 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 (distance from Manali : 224 kms) via Gramphoo, Chhota Dara, Bara, Dara, Batal, Kunzum Pass (1600 ft.), Takcha and Losar. As the landscape changes in this part of Himachal, so does the faces of the people. Tibetan influences are marked in their looks and lifestyle and their heritage is Predominantly Buddhist. Three monasteries lie along the way. The Karding, Shashun and Tayal monasteries are well worth a visit.
Onward the road moves… to the Bara Lachha Pass (height : 4883 m), 73 km from Keylong. Beyond this steep pass lies Sarchu, 43 km away, in the adjoining state of Jammu and Kashmir. Now the trail hits the highest regions of Ladakh.

Through the Forbidden Land – Trekking in Manali Leh Route

Situated between the towering mountain ranges of the Himalayas and the Karakoram, the average height of Ladakh ranges from a dizzy 3000m to 3650m above sea level. The landscape is austere, yet strangely beautiful.
For centuries, Ladakh was the “forbidden land” where few travellers dared to go. Today, one can fly directly to Leh or take the adventurous road route from Manali.
The observant traveller in Ladakh will be fascinated by its affable people and their novel lifestyle. Buddhism was introduced in this region as early as 3rd century BC and the predominantly Buddhist culture of Ladakh has strong Tibetan tones even today. Many are the monasteries or “gompas” carved into the granite mountain wlls of Ladakh. These are treasurehouses of paintings, “Thankas” or scrolls, superb statue worked with precious metals and stubbed with semi-precious stone. Just 40 km from Leh is the biggest monastery of Ladakh-Hemis. It has a valuable collection of gold statues, Stupas and the largest “Thanka” in existence. It is also well known for its annual festival (held in the second half of June or the first half of July) when the birth of Guru Padmasambhava is celebrated. A grand array of masked dancers enact the battle between good and evil to the resonant sound of cymbals, traditional pipes and drums. For three days, Hemis celebrates this festival and a fair is held at the same time.

DESTINATION : LEH – Trekking in Manali Leh Route
In ancient times, Leh was an important commercial centre of Central Asia, echoing with the sounds of many languages and much activity. Today, this small town (altitude 3523 m) serves as the gateway to the wondrous world of Ladakh : its rich art treasures, its fascinating people and its unique landscape.
To savour more of the Himalayan grandeur, for instance, one can take the Leh-Srinagar road. This road winds southwards from Leh, through precipitous gorges cut by the Indus river and rides over dizzy heights like Fotula(4109 m) till it reaches Kargil-the land of the Suru Valley. The road climbs further, to Panzila (4400 m) leaving behind some peaks of extraordinary attraction to adventure lovers. Finally, one arrives at the magic land of Zanskar.
There is so moch to see around Leh itself. The Leh Palace and Monastery, the Leh Mosque, the Shey Palace and Monastery, Choglamsar, Tsemo, Alchi and Hemis monasteries, the Lamayuru, Likir, Phiyang and Sankar monasteries- all these are worth a visit.
Ladakh’s climate is dry, with sharp contrasts in temperatures. During the summer months (May-September), the temperature ranges between Maximum 4C and winter may record *C and minimum -25C. Cotton clothes may suffice during the day in summer, but light woolens are needed at night. In other seasons, heavy woolens are a must.

WHEN TO VISIT – Trekking in Manali Leh Route
July to October is the best time to visit Ladakh and the surrounding areas.
Road access : Mid-July to late October
Air Accecc : Throughout the year.

Trek Routes Joining the Manali-Leh Destination – Trekking in Manali Leh Route
1 ) Manali – Sethan – Chhika – Chhatru – Chhota Dara – Batal – Chandratal – Tokpogongma – Tokpo – Yongma – Baralacha Pass.

2 ) Manali – Darcha – Chhalang Tokpo – Zanskar Sumdo – Chhumik Nakpo – Lakong – Kargyak – Kuru/Teta – Kalbok – Mune – Padam – Karsha – Pishu – Hanumil – Snertse – Lingshet – Marling – Photoksar – Hanupatta – Wanla – Lumayuru – Leh.

3 ) Manali – Udaipur – Chamrat – Urgus – Khanjar – Khaigot – Palphu – Concordia – Padam.