Himalayan Passes on Manali Leh Highway- Manali to Leh Cycling Expedition 2020

by Mahendra Kumar Himalayan Adventure Trip

Nestled in between the great Himalayan and Karakoram mountains, Ladakh is the Mystery land of India. Leh-Ladakh is surrounded by incredible picturesque beauty. Cycling on this route, perhaps become one of the most exciting, adventuresome, yet notable activities of your life. Leh-Manali highway is one of the trails, which lead you to a whole modern world. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city life, this is a spot where you will come close to Mother Nature.

Manali cycling tour is one of the Challenging & spectacular Beautiful cycling tours amid the Indian Himalayas that takes you through Manali Leh Highway of Incredible India. This 473 Km long Highway takes you through enchanting hamlets of Kullu Valley & Lahaul Valley, Sarchu & Morey Plains, five high altitude Himalayan passes of Indian Himalayas, cold desert of Leh Ladakh, mesmerizing Tso Kar Lake & many more.

High altitude Himalayan Passes of Manali-Leh Highway:

· Rohtang Pass:

Rohtang Pass is the most challenging route to follow, along with the timeless grace it offers. The rippling glaciers, floating rivers, motorable roads, and 360-degree scenic views await all those who are brave enough to face the challenging terrains and weather of the region. May and June are the months that observe most of the tourism in Rohtang pass as this is the place where there is always snow and easily accessible. As this place is full of challenges you won't believe that its name means a pile of corpses, so you must know it all before cycling at the elevation of 13,051 ft.

· Baralacha La:

As the name suggests, Baralacha La pass means 'summit with crossroads. It is the most unpredictable pass you will ever cross on Manali Leh Cycling Expedition. It observes around 50ft of snowfall throughout the year. Thus it is open for only some months of the year. Beautiful Deepak Tal Lake and Suraj Tal Lake, Bhaga river, lush green peaks, snow-capped summits, water crossings, exquisite landscape, adventurous roads – you name it, and Baralacha La has it all.

· Nakee La:

Nakee La is the third high altitude pass that you will cross on Manali Leh Highway. The pass is at an altitude of 15,547ft characterized by a series of 21 hairpin bends called the Gata Loops. After crossing Baralacha La, you will cycle on an almost flat road for a while until you cross the border of Himachal at Sarchu and enter the Union Territory of Ladakh.

· Lachulung La:

Now be ready to pass the orbicular and long, the Lachulung La pass. Although, if you have a problem with altitude sickness, then you might face a bit problem of breathlessness during cycling. It is one of the favorite passes of trekking and hiking enthusiasts. The tourist buses and taxis take time to halt to let the adventurers cherish the graceful views while crossing this pass.

· Tanglang La:

The last pass on Manali Leh Highway is Tanglang La. After Lachulung La, you will cycle along with all the way. You will drive through the beautiful plains and then climb up Tanglang La at a height of 17,480 ft, the last pass.

The pass is covered by rocky mountains that gradually bury themselves in sheets of white sparkling snow. At some places, you will find the shimmering streams and rivers gently running through the cracks and valleys. The vegetation here is scattered, but the panorama varies from groups of ashy mountains to picturesque plains.

Wrapping Up:

Manali Leh Highway is all about relishing the raw beauty of the scenery for miles, snowfall, sand storms, and icebergs that have created a metaphor for this area.