Located high up above the Himalayan mountain peaks of Ladakh, the Ladakh road trip is something that is on the bucket list of almost all travellers and adventurers. With its snow-covered mountain tops, still and clear lakes, formidable mountain passes and a tapestry of cultural activity, this is one exhilarating adventure that would be etched onto the memories of adventurers for years to go by. This detailed guide for the Keylong to Leh road trip will take you past all the chief points you should keep in mind before undertaking such a road trip, and offer guidelines, tips, and important information regarding the itinerary and route so that you can take a comfortable road trip on your motorcycle or your SUV.
Keylong To Leh Road Trip: A Guide With A Plan
Image Credit: Timothy A. Gonsalves for Wikipedia Commons
Keylong is a town which is located on the Manali-Leh highway. It is an administrative town where all the administrative buildings of the district of Lahaul valley are located. For most of this roadtrip you are likely to find yourself driving along NH3. The route that you will have to take involves driving from Keylong to Jispa, Baralacha La, Sarchu, Pang, Tanglang La, Upshi. Upshi to Leh is the final part of the road trip, which covers a distance of about 46 km. Leh is your final destination, which is known for its amalgamation of both Indian and Tibetan cultures.
Keylong to Jispa: This is a small 23 km drive from the town of Keylong. Jispa is a small village located on the banks of the river Bhaga. The accommodation options that are available in Jispa village are limited, so one would have to book their stay in advance from Keylong before they depart.
Jispa to Baralacha La: Barlacha La is the second pass that comes along the five passes on the Manali to Leh highway. The distance from Jispa to Baralacha La pass is about 50 km. There is no food or water or accommodation at this pass. This pass serves as the starting or ending point for a number of different treks, such as the Chandratal trek.
Baralacha La to Sarchu: This distance is about 42 km long and is about 222 km away from Manali. The second police checkpoint is located here, and travellers will have to register their vehicles with the police again at this checkpoint. These entries to the register act as proof that people have reached Sarchu on their way up to Leh.
Sarchu to Pang: This is the next leg of the journey and covers a distance of 80km. In Pang you will get to start seeing the unique sand formations on the top of mountains. This is where the desolate and deserted colours of Ladakh start to gain more prominence. Pang is another place where you can find food and accommodation, although far less than Sarchu.
Pang to Taglang La: This distance is about 85 km. Taglang La is the highest mountain pass of the Manali-Leh highway. It is located at a stupendous altitude of 5300 m above sea level. One must be careful while alighting and walking at Taglang La, because the winds are so ferocious that they may just blow you off the cliffs.
Taglang La to Upshi: This is a short distance of about 77 km which is descending in nature. It presents the last police checkpoint where you will have to register with your own and your vehicle details. Upshi has very basic food and accommodation options.
Upshi to Leh: This is the final leg of the journey and has a distance of about 46 km. Leh is the capital city of Ladakh, and this signals the end of the road trip from Keylong to Leh.
Also Read: Tso Kar Lake
Things To Keep In Mind Before Your Keylong To Leh Trip
- Making a road trip from Keylong to Leh is definitely not for the faint hearted. Not only should you be having a vehicle which is in very good condition to make the trip, you should be an experienced driver who knows how to repair the vehicle in case it breaks down or to fix a puncture.
- Altitude mountain sickness is very common at these heights if you do not acclimatise your body well enough. You will be going through many mountain passes which are very high and are likely to feel dizziness and ‘head spins’ if you don’t acclimatize properly.
- Oxygen is rare as you go high up in altitude, so low oxygen can cause breathing issues and gasping for breath.
- The road conditions are not always up to the mark and may vary from season to season and year to year, all depending on the monsoons. Landslides are also common in these areas so it is always advisable to drive with music played at low volumes so you can be aware of the activity atop the mountains at all times.
How To Reach Leh
Leh being high up amongst the Himalayan mountain in Ladakh is not very well connected to the rest of India. However, Leh can be accessed by:
Air: The one and only airport called the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport operates flights from Jammu, New Delhi, Srinagar, Mumbai, Chandigarh, and Kolkata.
Road: Driving from Srinagar and driving from Manali are the two main ways of accessing Leh by road. Keylong is located on the Manali-Leh highway.
Rail: Leh has no railway station and cannot directly be accessed through the rail network. The nearest railway station is at Banihal which is 233 km away from Leh. There are many trains that connect Banihal and New Delhi.
You May Also Like To Read: Manali To Leh Road Trip
All in all, a road trip from Keylong to Leh will make an extremely memorable set of experiences for anyone who undertakes it. If you are planning a trip to Himachal Pradesh , you should definitely consider making the trip to Leh from Keylong in your own vehicle or at least a hired vehicle. The beauty of the mountains cannot be described in words and pictures – you have to experience it firsthand in order to get a feel for the charm and splendour of the Himalayas.
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Cover Image Credit: Kiran Kulkarni for wikimedia commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Keylong To Leh
How long does the Keylong to Leh Road trip take?
If you drive without stopping you can reach Leh from Keylong in about 11-12 hours. However with all the stops and with the need to acclimatize, it is best to do it slowly in about 2-3 days.
What kind of vehicles do I need to make the Keylong to Leh Road Trip?
It is best to take an SUV although a 4X4 is not mandatory or actually required. This is because you will be passing by many small streams during the summer and even after the monsoons. If you are planning to travel by motorcycle, an adventure motorcycle or a 350cc + motorcycle will do you well
What is altitude mountain sickness?
Altitude mountain sickness is a kind of illness which affects people as they reach higher altitudes. It occurs on the high altitude mountain tops when the body has differences in the amount of oxygen that it normally receives for each breath.
What are some of the attractions to see in Leh?
Some of the important attractions to see in Leh include the Leh Palace, Chamba Temple, The Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, Zorawar Fort, the Ice Stupas etc.
What makes Keylong special?
Keylong is the administrative capital of the district of Lahaul. Keylong is predominantly Buddhist and all the major Buddhist festivals are often celebrated with pomp and vigour. The cultural activities that happen here during these festivals are a major draw for tourists.
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