Manali to Leh Ladakh by Road

** Jispa offers a lot of exploration than Sarchu. These include visiting the beautiful, Albeit tiny, Monastery as well as a museum and exploring trails. The village has a quintessentially Spiti feel to it and makes for a nice change from Manali.

At Sarchu the greenery and trees keep decreasing and the surroundings start representing Ladakh more and more as you come near Sarchu. Yes, Sarchu is in Himachal Pradesh for all purposes, however, the landscape is pretty much Ladakh.

Also, your body will go through a roller coaster of dizzying heights of Baralacha-la. And, the descent to Sarchu won't be very significant. Chances are, your body will be extremely tired because of this part of the journey.

As the driving time from Jispa to Leh is 9 hours and even if you add in another 3 hours of breaks along the way you'll make it to Leh in plenty of time for a cosy, comfy dinner. Also, after you cross the last pass on the journey, Tanglang-La, the roads are epic and you'll be cruising in no time!!! At least half of your journey on this day will not be back-breaking (as opposed to the previous day!).

There are strong reasons for you to choose Jispa and make your journey more comfortable, and more memorable and derive far more than by staying at Sarchu.

Khardung La: This is the world's highest motorable road and a prominent mountain pass in the Jammu and Kashmir region, near Leh. Perched at a height of 5602 metres, this point attracts many adventure enthusiasts to go for a road trip. Built-in 1976 and opened in 1988, the pass remains shut from October till May and requires an Inner Line Permit before access.

Stok Palace: Established in 1820 by King Tsepal Namgyal, the Stok Palace has served as the summer home to the royal family for centuries and continues to do so. Later during the 1980s the palace was opened to the public by the Dalai Lama and has since garnered much traction from tourists. Located at a distance of 15 kilometres from Leh, this place is ideal to delve into the Buddhist and local history.

Hemis Monastery: Located at a distance of 45 kilometres to the south of Leh, the Hemis Monastery is among the many Buddhist monasteries in the region. Built by Sengge Namgyal, a Ladakhi king, Hemis is counted among the top significant Buddhist places of worship in India. Home to many statues, paintings and other important relics, the best time to visit here is during the Hemis festival held every year in June.

Here are all the available transportation options on the Leh-Ladakh map:

Air:The nearest airport from Ladakh is the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh, at a distance of around 10 kilometres from the city centre. This airstrip is overlooked by the Indian military, making the check-out procedures and clearance much stricter. The other option for travellers taking the air route is the Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport in Srinagar, located at a distance of around 440 kilometres.

Rail:The nearest railway station lies in Jammu - Tawi, at a distance of over 600 kilometres from Leh-Ladakh. Regular trains from all major metropolitan cities operate to this railway station. After getting off the train in Jammu, one can opt for taxis and public or private buses to cover the remaining distance.

Road: There are options for boarding inter and intrastate buses, renting a taxi or self-driving all the way to Leh-Ladakh from other parts of the country. The two most developed and popular routes are the Leh-Manali and the Leh-Srinagar Highways (NH 1).

Khardung La: This is the world's highest motorable road and a prominent mountain pass in the Jammu and Kashmir region, near Leh. Perched at a height of 5602 metres, this point attracts many adventure enthusiasts to go for a road trip. Built-in 1976 and opened in 1988, the pass remains shut from October till May and requires an Inner Line Permit before access.

Stok Palace: Established in 1820 by King Tsepal Namgyal, the Stok Palace has served as the summer home to the royal family for centuries and continues to do so. Later during the 1980s the palace was opened to the public by the Dalai Lama and has since garnered much traction from tourists. Located at a distance of 15 kilometres from Leh, this place is ideal to delve into the Buddhist and local history.

Hemis Monastery: Located at a distance of 45 kilometres to the south of Leh, the Hemis Monastery is among the many Buddhist monasteries in the region. Built by Sengge Namgyal, a Ladakhi king, Hemis is counted among the top significant Buddhist places of worship in India. Home to many statues, paintings and other important relics, the best time to visit here is during the Hemis festival held every year in June.

The distance between the Srinagar Airport - Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport in Kashmir and Ladakh is around 440 kilometres via NH1 route. Several buses and taxi rentals operate between the two locations regularly and are the most convenient way of transportation.

Yes. There are two prominent and well-maintained routes to travel to Leh-Ladakh. The National Highway 1 connects Ladakh to Kashmir via the Zoji La high mountain pass. And the other route in Himachal Pradesh is the Leh-Manali Highway connecting to Ladakh. Srinagar in Kashmir is located at a distance of 419 kilometres, while Manali is situated around 473 kilometres away from Leh-Ladakh. There are many inter and intrastate buses accommodating travel on both routes. The passage remains open only for 6 months during summer and monsoon season, from April to October. Kargil - joint capital of Ladakh , Kargil is 2nd largest town after Leh in Ladakh Kargil is in the heart of the Suru River valley - 204 km east of Srinagar - 234 km west of Leh.

1. Highest Residential Point of human Settlement - 3000 meters above the sea level makes Leh Ladakh's highest residential point. It is also the highest human settlement on the earth in the stunning Suru valley (3000-7000 m), magical Zanskar valley (6000 m) & Indus river.

2. The Highest Bridge in the World: Tso Camp/Similar Bailey Bridge 3000 meters above sea level makes Leh Ladakh the highest residential point. It is also the highest human settlement on the earth in the stunning Suru valley (3000-7000 m), magical Zanskar valley (6000 m) & Indus river.

3. The Rare Twin-Humped Camels of Nubra Valley In Nubra Valley, you will see the rare species of twin-humped camels. It is the only place in India where Bactrian camel species are found over single-humped. & one of the core attractions for tourists.

4. Magnetic Gravity Hills of Ladakh
The mystical magnetic hill is also known as gravity hill located at the Leh-Kargil-Srinagar national highway, about 30 km from Leh, at the height of 11,000 feet above sea level. It will give the illusion of your bike/car drifting upwards due to road alignment.

5. Highest Desert in the World It is only the highest desert in the world. Winter's snowfall is the only source of water in this high-altitude desert.

6. The Most Visited Blue Mystifying "High Grassland Lake"
A high grassland lake in Tibet is called Pangong TSO. also referred to as Pangong lake. Lake freezes during winter completely despite being a salt lake. It is an endorheic lake in the Himalayas situated at a height of 4350 meters.

7. Asia's Largest Telescope & Highest Astronomical Observatory
The world's 3rd highest astronomical observatory & largest telescope is located near Leh at an elevation of 4,500 meters. It is operated by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore.

8. Pangong Lake The Highest Salt Water Lake & Color Changing Lake. 134 km long & extended up to Tibet is none other than Pangong lake. It is also known as the highest-water salt lake. 14,270 feet in height from sea level. One of the interesting facts about Leh Ladakh Pangong lake It's colour changing nature. Early day azure blue, green by noon & red by the end of the day.

9. Ladakh Bounded by 2 of the World's Powerful Mountain Ranges
Leh Ladakh is situated & bounded by the two of world's most powerful mountain ranges one Himalaya & another one is Karakorum.

10. World's Highest Motorable Road/Pass
The highest motorable road in the world "Khardungla Pass" is located on the Ladakh range and lies north of Leh. it is one of the core attractions of adventure bike trip lovers. Khardung La is 5,359 meters in height.

11. Royal Palaces And Rich Cultural History
Leh Ladakh is also known for its rich cultural history & royal palaces. & Leh palace is one of the former palaces built by King Senegge Namgyal in the 17th century AD. it's a 9-floor palace the upper one is for the royal family & the rest for stores & stables. The roof of the palace gives mesmerizing a view of Leh. Jama Masjid and Gurudwara Sahib Stone are also famous places to see.

12. Land of Colorful Festivals
Ladakh is also very famous & well-known for its festival called the Land Of Colorful Festivals. People here strongly follow Buddhism which you can see in their fairs & festivals. Winter is the season of festivals here. Dance, drama, Lamas robed in colourful garments wearing masks performing mimes etc are some of the acts they perform to celebrate it. Losar, Ladakh, Hemis Tsechu, and Sindhu Darshan are the names of their events & festivals.

13. The Land of Great Monasteries
Hemis Gompa, Thiksey Gompa and Shey Palace are some of the monasteries you will see here. Tourists like you communicate with monks over there for more info about Buddhism.

14. Tasty Delicious Food
Mouth-watering Ladakh Cuisine is famous & you must try it whenever you visit over there. Thukpa delicious dish made up of noodles soup with boiled vegetables, chunks of chicken, pork etc. is a most favourite dish of people. The signature dish is Butter Tea made up of butter, tea leaves, water & salt. It's pink in colour & has a unique taste & fragrance. Momos are another dish that you can try.

15. Frozen River Trek
Chadar Trek a.k.a Frozen River Trek is one of the most adventurous treks in the world. You can enjoy this trek only during the month of January to February because at that time only the Zanskar river totally freezes & trek can be possible.

16. Dry Desert But Still Home To Large Variety of Birds
Despite of being desert, finches, robins, redstarts and Hoopoe are the few names of birds you will find here, over 225 species of birds will be seen in this area, which is one shocking fact about Leh Ladakh. Which attracts tourists & pleasures their eyes by seeing nature's beauty.

17. Highest Battleground on Earth
Great Siachin Glacier is the highest battleground in the world & our Indian military base is located at the top of it. It is the most sensitive point when the temperature falls down below -210C! & still, our army protects the border from enemies over their 24×7. This is really admirable.

18. The Kung-Fu Nuns of Ladakh
It is also a place where you will find a Kung Fu Nuns Group of ladies under 25 age practising Kung-Fu in the Drukpa nunnery in Ladakh. self-empowered group of feminist Buddhism that encourages nuns to train in Kung-Fu, study & seeking enlightenment on par with monks.
19. Adventure Sports Of A Lifetime
You can also experience & enjoy thrilling adventure sports like paragliding, river rafting, bike riding, trekking, camping & more.

20. Biker's Paradise
If you are an avid bike rider & then Leh Ladakh is the only place meant for you. As you know till now that Leh Ladakh has the highest motorable "Khardungla Pass" bike riders like you travel every year on their favourite bikes like Royal Enfield Bullet & more. You can explore Leh Ladakh by hiring or renting a bike here. The best season or say time is between March to June because during this all passes are open.

3 wise Monkeys - city centre.
Lehvenda cafe - view of Ladakh market.
The Tibetan Kitchen - the heart of Leh town- Tibetan food , Chinese, Conti, that.
Bon appetite - off location - tandoor and Conti dishes.
Traditional cuisine - Alchi Kitchen.
Sky Wok restaurant - mutton and veg momos.
Lamayuru restaurant - veg rest. Indian cuisine.
Changspa road - La Pia zzetta.
Penguin restaurant - corner of Busy old Fort Road - Asian and Ind. Cuisines.

 Motorbiking.
 Cycling.
 spot the snow leopard - hemis national park.
 Bon apetitie - off location - tandoor and conti dishes.
 Indus river rafting.
 Camel safari - Nubhra -Hunder to Dsikit - bacterian 2 humped camel.
 Yak safari.

 Hemis festival -Mass dance by the Lamas , music.
 Losar festival / Monastery festival and Ladakh festival.

No bookings are guaranteed without advance payment and rate subject to availability.

 Always wear a Mask if your visiting the public place.
 Owing to the zigzagging hilly roads, motion sickness is another challenge. Keep the necessary medication along with you.
 Carry back all non-degradable litter such as empty bottles, tins, plastic bags etc. These must not litter the environment or be buried. They must be disposed in municipal dustbins only.
 Keep all pollutants away from streams and lakes.
 Do respect people's privacy while taking photographs. Ask for prior permission before taking a photograph. Dress modestly. Be aware of the customs and manners and culture of the local people.
 It is customary to leave a donation at a monastery and to circle shrines in clockwise direction.
 Avoid loud music and noise.
 Always keep your Identity Card / Passport Copies to avoid hasslement in hotels.
 Do Use dustbin in public places as you are also responsible for clean environment.
 Don't take a lot of cash with you, there are many ATM's of almost all major banks in the major towns of the region.
 Do not encourage beggars and always beware of strangers.
 Observe the sanctity of holy sites, temples and local cultures.
 In case temporary toilets are set-up near campsites, after defecation, cover with mud or sand. Make sure that the spot is at least 30 meters away from the water source.
 Vegetation is fragile; follow designated trails.
 While traveling to high Hills always carry Camera, Goggles, Sun screen lotion and Sports Shoes in case you like nature walks (Binoculars are optional).
 If you’re planning to visit the market please visit in between 1000am- 1900pm only as most of the place will get closed by 2000hrs –
 Make sure you are well aware of Restricted Area Permit and Protected Area Permit before visiting Sikkim.
 Drink sufficient amount of water to avoid dehydration while trekking.
 Remember to register at the forest or wildlife check posts before entering for your safety.
 While hiking, wear comfortable shoes since the trails can get rough at places.
 Always travel with a local guide ( Trekking trip ). Look for genuine travel guides who knows everything about the state.
 While trekking, always follow the designed path, do not interrupt the fragile vegetation.
 Applying of sunscreen is a necessity to avoid sunburns and always carry sunglasses and hats while touring.

 Don’t disturb wildlife or its habitat.
 Don't play loud music inside the forested areas.
 Don’t buy endangered species or antiques.
 Don’t smoke, drink alcohol or talk loudly near sacred places.
 Don’t pluck plants or flowers.
 Don’t use Plastic Bags or Plastic Bottles in the forest area as plastic does NOT decay itself & harms the natural environment. If you do use plastic kindly don't throw in the forest and carry back.
 Don’t throw cigarette buts on leaf litter as they are an important cause for forest fires
 Do not leave any non-biodegradable items.
 Do not scribble on trees, rocks and buildings.
 Do not destroy any type of vegetation or plants during your visit here.
 Do not take away flora and fauna in the forms of cuttings, seeds or roots. It is illegal, especially in the Himalayas. The environment is really delicate in this region and the bio-diversity of the region has to be protected at all costs.
 Do not use pollutants such as detergent, in streams or springs while washing and bathing.
 Do not use wood as fuel to cook food at the campsite.
 Do not consume aerated drinks, alcohol, drugs or any other intoxicant and throw bottles in the wild.
 Do not tempt the locals, especially children by offering them foodstuff or sweets. Respect local traditions.
 Polythene and plastics are non biodegradable and unhealthy for the environment and must not be used and littered.
 Avoid entering the temple premises if you are on your menstrual cycle. It is followed by all locals and expected from tourists as well.
 The left hand is considered to be somewhat polluted. Avoid handing money or tapping anyone with the left hand.
 In hills - locals are conservative and do not appreciate the public display of affection. Keep a check on your body language and choice of words as well.
 It is not allowed to swim in the rivers, lakes or glaciers in the protected areas.
 Buying or dealing in products made from the skins of endangered species or of any another animal is strictly prohibited. Buying and selling of antiques are also illegal as per the government norms in Sikkim.