In the Series of Himalayan Adventure - --A journey to Leh via Manali-2, Its actually a Tour Diary which will give Details regarding the places and how one can perform this arduous journey without much tiredness.
Actually I had performed this journey with 4 of my friends without much planning, after staying at Manali and Manikaran. And we had performed this journey by HPRC ( Himachal Road Transport Corporation ). Since the whether in upper reaches changes very fast so always ready for any exigency/Emergency. Always keep Extra cash with you and at different places, i mean pocket Bag etc. You will noticed that local people there generally travel with Backpack having Bedding, as there used to be high chances that your journey may be not as u wishes.
Actually our journey was not planned, after reaching the Bus stand at Manali we inquired regarding the bus going to Leh. we conducted our journey in two part . Day 1 we traveled till Keylong and since the Bus to Leh was cancelled next day , we are forced to wait one day at Keylong. How we explored local places will there in the post.
Travel Diary on Manali-Leh Highway Day 1
A journey of 478 KM meandering through the lush green valleys, snow-clad surroundings, rugged terrains, picturesque mountains and barren landscapes - the Manali-Leh Highway has all the ingredients for astounding everyone with its charming beauty! Making your way through the winding roads and mountain passes touching the skies, you will be amazed by the fantastic scenery and breathtaking views that Manali-Leh Highway is famous for. Let's find out a detailed account of what to expect on your journey along this less-traversed territory.
A journey of 478 KM meandering through the lush green valleys, snow-clad surroundings, rugged terrains, picturesque mountains and barren landscapes - the Manali-Leh Highway has all the ingredients for astounding everyone with its charming beauty! Making your way through the winding roads and mountain passes touching the skies, you will be amazed by the fantastic scenery and breathtaking views that Manali-Leh Highway is famous for. Let's find out a detailed account of what to expect on your journey along this less-traversed territory.
Photo:Valley View at Gulaba, Manali
Manali - Rohtang Pass: 52 KM
The real fun starts within an hour of embarking on your journey from Manali as you approach Marhi - the gateway to Rohtang La from where the ascend to this 3980 meters high altitude pass begins. Rohtang Pass is one of the major attractions along this route. The word 'Rohtang' literally means 'a heap of dead bodies', which may not be an apt description of its eternal appeal to tourists of all ages.
The real fun starts within an hour of embarking on your journey from Manali as you approach Marhi - the gateway to Rohtang La from where the ascend to this 3980 meters high altitude pass begins. Rohtang Pass is one of the major attractions along this route. The word 'Rohtang' literally means 'a heap of dead bodies', which may not be an apt description of its eternal appeal to tourists of all ages.
Photo: Rohtang Pass
You might come across couple of water crossings or landslides on the
road to Rohtang La, especially during the post monsoon season. While
crossing a tricky section of road, landslides, water crossings or slushy
areas, never rush through and avoid any half-clutch measures. Cross the
section in lower gear and maintain a consistent pace to avoid stalling
the engine. If needed, get out of your car, inspect the road and plan
your actions accordingly.
After a 20 KM drive from Manali, you will be arriving at a hamlet named
Gulaba. When the road to Rohtang Pass gets closed in the month November,
Gulaba's importance to the tourists increases as a snow point. Marhi is
famous for its snow walls which are over 20 feet in height. Driving
through these huge walls of snow along the narrow road is an experience
you will surely enjoy.
Rohtang La offers breathtaking views of the Beas River Valley and glaciers on the backdrop of snowy mountain peaks. Rohtang Snow Park is an excellent place for your kids to play with the snow. Not just the kids though, it can even make the grown-ups to turn the clock back and revisit those eventful childhood days. You can also indulge in fun activities like sledge riding and skiing at this beautiful point. You can cherish these little moments forever, so don't forget to capture the amazing experience on your camera.
Rohtang La offers breathtaking views of the Beas River Valley and glaciers on the backdrop of snowy mountain peaks. Rohtang Snow Park is an excellent place for your kids to play with the snow. Not just the kids though, it can even make the grown-ups to turn the clock back and revisit those eventful childhood days. You can also indulge in fun activities like sledge riding and skiing at this beautiful point. You can cherish these little moments forever, so don't forget to capture the amazing experience on your camera.
Rohtang Pass - Tandi: 57 KM
After crossing Rohtang La check post, the downhill drive all the way to the small town of Kokhsar begins. Condition of the road in this 19 KM stretch is rather poor and you will have to pass through a few water crossings on the road. Kokhsar has a couple of eateries and a guest house. You can take a break here and sip on a cup of hot 'chai' in Kokhsar's bone chilling cold before proceeding towards Tandi - which is another 38 KM away. Never use heaters while driving on Manali-Leh highway. Hot air released by the heater decreases the level of Oxygen inside the vehicle, which can aggravate symptoms of AMS and may result in breathing difficulty.
After crossing Rohtang La check post, the downhill drive all the way to the small town of Kokhsar begins. Condition of the road in this 19 KM stretch is rather poor and you will have to pass through a few water crossings on the road. Kokhsar has a couple of eateries and a guest house. You can take a break here and sip on a cup of hot 'chai' in Kokhsar's bone chilling cold before proceeding towards Tandi - which is another 38 KM away. Never use heaters while driving on Manali-Leh highway. Hot air released by the heater decreases the level of Oxygen inside the vehicle, which can aggravate symptoms of AMS and may result in breathing difficulty.
Photo: Kokhasar
Kokhsar is the first settlement you will come across in the Lahaul
Valley. Chandra river flows through this tiny hamlet. Kokhsar village
offers tourists lovely views of the surrounding areas and you will not
be able to resist the temptation of shooting a few pictures at this
place. Kokhsar is also the gateway to Spiti Valley via Kunzam Pass.The famous tourist spot Kaza Sub-division Head quarters of Spiti.
Kokhsar to Tandi is also a downhill travel and the road condition is
more or less the same. On the way you will find several Halipads near the villages as during Summers due to snowfall and closure of Rohtang Pass these Helipads used for Emergency services.
Tandi is an important place for your trip because
it has the last fuel station on Manali-Leh highway before Upshi. From
Tandi to Upshi, you may only find a few shops selling fuel, mostly
diesel, but there will be not a single petrol bunk for the next 350 odd
kilometers. So make sure that you fill up the fuel tank at the Indian
Oil fuel station at Tandi.
Besides the natural landscapes, there is not much to do at Tandi. The only attraction at this quiet settlement worth visiting is the confluence of the Chandra River and the Bhaga River which then flows through the Kashmir Valley with the name of Chandrabhaga River (Chenab river).
Besides the natural landscapes, there is not much to do at Tandi. The only attraction at this quiet settlement worth visiting is the confluence of the Chandra River and the Bhaga River which then flows through the Kashmir Valley with the name of Chandrabhaga River (Chenab river).
Photo:Confluence of Chandra Bhaga at Tandi, Lahol Valley
Tandi - Keylong: 10 KM
An uphill drive of 10 KM from Tandi will take you to Keylong - which is the administrative headquarter of Lahaul and Spiti Valley districts. The road to Keylong from Tandi is mostly in decent shape with occasional broken stretches. Keylong is the largest town along the Manali-Leh highway which is located at an altitude of 3080 meters above the sea level. During the winter season, Keylong gets fully isolated from the rest of the Kashmir valley due to heavy snow falls.
An uphill drive of 10 KM from Tandi will take you to Keylong - which is the administrative headquarter of Lahaul and Spiti Valley districts. The road to Keylong from Tandi is mostly in decent shape with occasional broken stretches. Keylong is the largest town along the Manali-Leh highway which is located at an altitude of 3080 meters above the sea level. During the winter season, Keylong gets fully isolated from the rest of the Kashmir valley due to heavy snow falls.
Photo: View of Keylong Town From Kardang Monestry
Keylong has a few motor mechanics shops and service centers. If your vehicle requires any sort of servicing, then you can get it sorted out at Keylong. Keylong is also the last place on Manali-Leh highway where you will get cell phone connectivity on both Airtel and BSNL mobiles. If you are in need of some hard cash, then the SBI ATM at Keylong can come to your rescue. Keylong also has medical facilities available at the local Government hospital.
Keylong is a favorite destination for nature lovers as an oasis of
greenery. Bhaga Valley offers a great opportunity for trekkers and
hikers to explore its untouched natural splendor. Kardang Monastery at
Keylong is the largest Buddhist monastery in the entire Lahaul district.
Maintained by the Drukpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism, Kardang Monastery
attracts a large number of tourists every year. Shasur and Gemur are two
other notable Tibetan Buddhist monasteries nearby. Besides, Keylong is a
perfect stop over for exploring Udaipur and the famous Triloknath
Temple.
