Highway to Ladakh: Road Tripping Through the Himalayas

A road trip to Ladakh is an experience you'll never forget. The roads that wind across the Himalayas provide not only a route, but also an opportunity for personal development. The environments change from desolate plateaus to pristine lakes, lively towns to isolated villages, and lush valleys to snow-capped peaks. This road journey may test your sense of adventure, but it will also reward you with stunning views and bring you closer to the rough beauty of Ladakh. You will not only find natural beauty in this distant location, but you will also find a rich culture and a spirituality that is unique to the area as you travel through it. You will emerge from this once-in-a-lifetime adventure with priceless recollections and a deeper appreciation for the majesty of the Himalayas. So, gather your belongings, fill up your petrol tank and get on the road to Ladakh for an adventure that will change your life forever.

1. The Point of Departure: From Delhi to Manali

Your trip to Ladakh would most likely start in the hustling and bustling city of Delhi. After ensuring that your car is adequately prepared for the difficult terrain that lies ahead, you turn your attention to the north and make your journey to Manali, which is known as the gateway to the Himalayas. Travelling from Delhi to Manali involves passing through a number of valleys and foothills that are covered in verdant vegetation. The town of Manali, in and of itself, is a picture-perfect hill station that serves as an excellent jumping off place for the journey that lies ahead.

2. The Journey from Manali to Rohtang Pass

You will start your climb towards Rohtang Pass, which serves as a passageway into the Himalayan environment, from Manali. As you travel further up the mountain, the environment progressively changes from being covered in lush vegetation to being covered in snow. The Rohtang Pass, which sits at an elevation of 4,100 metres (13,050 feet), offers travellers their first experience of the high-altitude terrain that Ladakh has to offer. Driving across snow-covered roads when the majesty of the surrounding mountains is all around you is an exhilarating experience.

3. The Villages of Keylong and Sarchu

After leaving Rohtang behind, you continue on your journey by passing through the charming town of Keylong, which acts as a rest stop along the way. As you continue your journey, you will eventually arrive at the isolated outpost of Sarchu, where you will be able to set up camp in the midst of the rough terrain. Before continuing on to Ladakh, this is the ideal location to get acclimatisation to the higher elevations and get a taste of the unspoiled natural splendour of the Himalayas.

4. The Gata Loops and More Plains 

On the way to Ladakh, there are a number of stretches of road that are both exhilarating and breathtaking. You will ascend to even greater heights by way of a sequence of 21 hairpin bends known as the Gata Loops. You'll notice the air getting thinner as you climb, and the scenery will become increasingly breathtaking. The arid, flat scenery of the More Plains, which is flanked on all sides by towering mountains, makes for an unearthly experience. The More Plains are a high-altitude plateau.

5. Tanglang La and Leh 

You have reached an important juncture in your journey when you reach Tanglang La, which is one of the highest motorable passes in the world. It is located at an elevation of 17,480 feet. The journey back down from Tanglang La passes through Leh, the administrative centre of Ladakh. You may prepare for further travel into the heart of Ladakh while you are in Leh, which is a hub for both culture and adventure where you can visit old monasteries and experience the culture of the locals.

Visiting Several of the Monasteries

Ladakh is famous for its magnificent monasteries, which may be found clinging to the sides of cliffs and dotting the region's stunning scenery. When you take a road trip through Ladakh, you will have the opportunity to stop at renowned monasteries such as Thiksey, Hemis, and Shey. These monasteries are home to Buddhist rites, and their architecture is very breathtaking. The tranquillity and sense of spirituality that may be found in these monasteries is in direct opposition to the wild beauty of the surrounding landscape.

Pangong Lake and the Nubra Valley

Your journey throughout the country won't be complete until you stop at Pangong Lake, which is renowned for the many different shades of blue it displays. The journey to this untouched lake will take you through some rugged terrain and isolated towns, giving you a glimpse into the culture and customs of the people who live there. Another must-see location that can be reached by car is Nubra Valley, which is known for its lovely Diskit Monastery as well as its expansive sand dunes. A one-of-a-kind experience that can only be had in this valley is to ride the double-humped Bactrian camels in Hunder.

Khardung La, also known as the World's Highest Motorable Pass

At an astounding height of 18,380 feet, Khardung La is the highest motorable pass in the world. A vacation to Ladakh by car isn't complete unless it's been driven over this formidable mountain. The feeling of satisfaction that comes with reaching this altitude is one of the journey's highlights, and the views that can be seen from this pass are just stunning.

The Summits of Moriri and Kar

After you have seen all that the Nubra Valley has to offer, you can go on your trek towards the untouched Tso Moriri Lake and Tso Kar. These lakes at a high altitude provide a peaceful haven away from the din and bustle of everyday life. You can pitch a tent by the lakes, go bird watching, and completely submerge yourself in the stunning natural scenery of these uninhabited regions.

Etiquette and Helpful Hints for Road Trips

It is imperative that travellers to Ladakh respect the environment, the local culture, and the local fauna when they are driving through the region. Be mindful of the delicate ecosystem in this area, and do your best to adhere to the "Leave No Trace" guidelines. In addition to this, you should check that your vehicle is in good working order and stock it with critical supplies such as food, water, and tools for use in an emergency. Acclimatisation is really important, therefore it is in your best interest to take things slow and easy as you adjust to the high altitude in order to avoid getting sick from it.