Conquer the legendary Manali-Leh Highway, which is fully open for two-way traffic on all sections as of June 1, 2026. The Darcha to Sarchu section, including Baralacha La, now operates with unrestricted two-way traffic. Final repairs near Baralacha La were largely completed by late July, and the road is in its best condition of the season. The highway crosses four high-altitude mountain passes including the mighty Tanglang La. This expedition takes you from lush pine valleys through the engineering marvel of Atal Tunnel into the stark, mesmerizing deserts of Ladakh. Experience the thrill of the Gata Loops and the vastness of the More Plains on this ultimate road trip. While early-season riders should expect slushy patches, water crossings, and loose gravel near Baralacha La, by late July the road has settled. Note: Monsoon activity on the Manali side can trigger brief landslide halts, and a flash flood alert was issued for Lahaul-Spiti and Kullu on July 22, 2026.
Start early to avoid traffic at Atal Tunnel. Cross the engineering marvel and enter Lahaul Valley.
0 km
Stop at a local cafe in Sissu. View the Sissu waterfall. Proceed towards Keylong.
41 km
CRITICAL STOP. Tandi is the last fuel station for the next 365 km. Top up tanks and jerry cans here.
65 km
Enjoy a riverside lunch at Jispa. This is the last lush greenery you will see.
93 km
Cross the 4,850m high pass. Watch for black ice and slush. Note: The Darcha to Sarchu section, including this pass, is now operating with unrestricted two-way traffic. Visit Suraj Tal lake en route.
145 km
Check into tented camps. It gets very cold and windy at night. Rest immediately.
177 km
Cold morning start. Enter Ladakh region. Navigate the Gata Loops (21 hairpins).
0 km
Stop at Pang army transit camp area for Maggi/Thukpa. Post this, enter the More Plains.
76 km
40 km of flat, straight road at 4700m altitude. A biker's paradise.
120 km
Cross the highest point of the trip (5,328m). Take a quick photo and descend rapidly.
180 km
Reach the Indus valley civilization. Fuel up at Karu if needed.
220 km
Enter Leh city. Check into hotel and rest. Do not drink alcohol tonight.
251 km
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