For adventurers and nature lovers, a road trip to Leh Ladakh is a remarkable voyage. With two main routes that provide diametrically opposite experiences, the Manali – Leh Highway and the scenic Srinagar – Leh Highway, the tour is almost as important as the destination itself. Choosing the suitable route is highly important for planning a fantastic adventure trip, because each one has its own unique personality, challenges and advantages. This tour guide explains everything about the routes to reach Leh by road.

Manali – Leh Highway:

The Manali to Leh highway is the shorter and bolder of the two roads, stretching approximately 474 kms. It is a challenge of endurance and an eyeful, often touted as one of the toughest and stunning roads in the world.

Challenges of this route:

The Manali road ferries you from the lush green valleys to the frozen, barren desert of Ladakh in a matter of two days, famous for its swift and steep ascent. The tour involves an overnight halt at a high-altitude location like Sarchu or Jispa. The twisting roads take you through five major mountain passes, a testament to the raw, unspoiled beauty of the Himalayas. These are –

Rohtang Pass – The first major barrier and gateway to the Lahaul and Spiti Valleys is Rohtang Pass. While most individuals opt to climb over the mountain for the adventure, the newly built Atal Tunnel bypasses this path, saving considerable time on the trip and preventing traffic and uncertainty.

Baralacha La – A high-altitude pass linking Lahaul and Ladakh, Baralacha La often poses dangerous water and snow crossings.

Nakee La – Part of the infamous Gata Loops, though a simple pass.

Lachulung La – Another crossing through the high-altitude area.

Tanglang La – One of the highest motorable crossings in the world, Tanglang La offers an awe-inspiring of the Rupushu Valley in India.

Pros:

Perfect for experienced riders and adrenaline-seekers.

The sudden and steep change in the altitude is a wonder to explore.

For people with time constraints, this is a viable option since it’s a lesser distance from Delhi/Chandigarh to Leh.

Cons:

Due to the rapid rise in altitude, your body doesn’t have much time to acclimatize to the high elevation, so it considerably increases your chances of getting acute mountain sickness.

Vehicles and drivers, especially those with limited experience, can have trouble with the bumpy road, water crossings and landslides.

Srinagar – Leh Highway:

The roughly 420 kms Srinagar-Leg Highway, also known as National Highway 1D,is  typically considered the safer and more convenient route. It is a slower, more culturally engaging experience.

Challenges of this route:

This route provides a more relaxed ascent, allowing your body sufficient time to get used to the higher altitude. Due to this reason, it’s an excellent choice for families, beginners and individuals prone to altitude sickness. The tour usually takes two days, with a one-night stay in Kargil. The roads are generally smoother and better maintained in comparison to the Manali routes.

The pass contains fewer and overall, less daunting passes:

Zoji La – the only truly difficult part of the trek is the Zoji La section. It is the first major challenge and requires careful driving because it is a winding, muddy, and hazardous series of twists, especially after rain.

Namika La – The Pillar of the sky rock formation identifies this pass very straightforwardly.

Fotu La – The Srinagar-Leh highway summit is Fotu La, but the road is well-maintained and the ascent is gradual.

Scenic and Cultural Highlights:

The Srinagar route is a beautiful blend of historical importance and natural beauty. The tour begins in Kashmir’s peaceful, green slopes. You move along Sonamarg or the Meadows of Gold, with alpine meadows and mountains towering above it. The landscape changes suddenly from lush to rocky, barren Ladakh when you pass over Zoji La. Besides exploring the Kargil War Memorial, a poignant reminder of modern Indian history, pass through Drass, the second-coldest populated place on the planet. You’ll go through ancient monasteries like Lamayuru, offering moonlit views.

Conclusion –

The best of both worlds is blended in the Srinagar-Manali circuit. So that you arrive in Leh fit and ready to see sights, you get gradual acclimatization on the way in. As you have acclimatized sufficiently, take the scenic and adventurous Manali route home. Don’t miss out on anything that a car journey from Leh to Ladakh can offer without having to make a compromise between the two.