Leh to Pangong Tso - Lake with magical shades of blue.

  
  Pangong is an endorheic lake with crystal clear brackish water in the Himalayas, nestled at an altitude of around 4350 m and is 134 km in length and 5 km in width with a maximum depth of 100 m. Around 60% portion of the lake lies in the Tibet region of China and line of actual control passes through the lake. This Lake changes its color in multi shades of blue with the changing position of the sun in the sky. This lake freezes completely during the winter despite being saline water. Reportedly there is no fish or any aquatic life in the lake, except crustaceans. In the summer period, a significant number of birds can also be seen around the lake including the most common  Bar-headed goose and Brahmini ducks.

  The journey from Leh to Pangong Tso is a 5-hour drive, mostly through rough and uneven terrains and some dramatic mountain roads. Even though its only 160 km from Leh to Pangong Tso, the journey is tame taking. Hence an early start from Leh is recommended. Since Pangong Tso is situated at a higher altitude of 4350m, the lack of oxygen makes survival difficult if your body is not properly acclimatized to its high altitude and hence, one need to plan his/her journey extremely carefully to make it an acute mountain sickness free vacation.

  A Trip to Ladakh is incomplete without a visit to this beautiful Lake. The spectacular lakeside is open during the tourist season, i.e., from May to September. Earlier inner-line permit was required to visit Pangong Tso, which is no longer necessary now.

Route: 

Leh – Shey – Karu – Shakti – Chang La – Durbuk – Tangste – Lukung – Spangmik (Pangong Tso)

Distance: 

160kms (Note: Distance between the places are matched with Google map and has been self-evaluated throughout my own journey)

Transportation:

Motorcycle enthusiasts who are unable to take their bikes to Leh can get one for rent for local sightseeing and to go to places such as Pangong Tso. One can find numerous bike rental shops at Leh. You can also hire a taxi in Leh to visit Pangong Tso. There is also a public bus service from Leh which drops off visitors at the Spangmik village.

The Journey:

Pangong Tso is located roughly 160 km from Leh. Many travelers do the Leh – Pangong Tso excursion as a day trip and come back to Leh by nightfall. However this is not at all recommended since the 320 km long round trip will be a rush as most of the time will be spent in travel and leaves little time for Pangong Tso, which is a magnificent lake and doing this excursion in the span of 2 - 3 days is highly recommended. One should be acclimatized properly by spending a night or two in Leh before attempting to sleep near Pangong Tso.

Leh - Karu (35 km):

  Start early in the morning and driving/riding on the Leh – Manali highway till Karu can be done in an hour. You will cover Thicksey, Hemis, and Shey monasteries while going through this route. The road is in good condition, and the journey is fast-paced.

Karu - Shakti (10 km):

  From Karu, you'll find a diversion to Pangong Tso, and that would take you to the village Shakti. Roads are mostly straight till you cross Shakti.

View of village Shakti

Shakti - Chang La (33 km):

  A few kilometer after Shakti the real ascent for Chang La starts. The ascent is very steep and requires a careful drive. Initially, roads are in good condition, and as you approach the final few km of the ascent to Chang La, road conditions start to deteriorate and steepness increase, making the affair of reaching the summit of Chang La more challenging and memorable.

Of all the passes one encounters in Ladakh (barring Marsimik La), Chang La is the steepest, and due to bad roads at the final ascent it is also the toughest, no wonder it is called "The Mighty Chang La."

Chang La, the name literally means "Pass towards the South." At 5360 m it is claimed to be the second highest motorable road in Ladakh. Once you reach the summit, you will be greeted by the Indian Army troops who are stationed here. There is Chang La Baba ki Mandir built by Indian Army and also a small cafeteria, so take a small photo break and enjoy the beautiful scenery around you.

Chang La - Durbuk (30 km):

  After Chang La, the descent begins, and the road is in bad condition for few kilometers, beyond which superbly laid tarmac coupled with beautiful scenery awaits you. You will find Army base camp in Durbug.

Durbuk - Tangste (8 km): 

  When you reach Tangste, one has to register his name along with vehicle number. Tangste is a small town with few shops and hotels. In case you have arrived late in the evening, then spend the night here instead of continuing to Lukung or Spangmik where finding accommodation in peak season can be an issue.

Tangste - Lukung (34 km):

 Journey beyond Tangste, most part is through fantastically laid tarmac and beautiful valley views. However one should not over speed, as this area is a habitat for Himalayan marmots. And one should drive cautiously as you may see them crossing the roads.

Lukung - Spangmik (Pangong Tso) (10 km): 

  Reaching Lukung, you will get the glimpse of Pangong Tso. As you approach the lake, the sheer size of it starts becoming more apparent as you finally reach its shores. On the banks of the lake is a military camp and also a collection of tents and newly built Eco Huts. You can either choose to stay at the tented accommodation at Lukung or continue to Spangmik.

The small settlement visible from here is the village of Spangmik, the last village up to which you are allowed to go. Beyond Spangmik there are two more villages, Man and Merak but tourists are not allowed beyond Spangmik.

The first glimpse of Pangong Tso

Pangong Tso

Accommodation:

Pangong Tso (Spangmik) mainly has accommodation available in the form of tents, campsites, and some luxury tents, some of them just right on the shore of the Lake. Also, home-stay is available here.

Accommodation in Lukung is available in the form of eco huts just right on the shore of Pangong Tso. Besides this one can also pitch one's own tents here. Facilities like electricity, medical aid, hot water, western toilets, etc. are rare to find.

You can also plan for a stay in Tangste, even though it is 34 km before Pangong Tso, it is a good place to spend the night, due to a sheer number of accommodation options and better quality than Lukung and Spangmik.

Amenities:

Petrol pumps: It is essential to fill up your vehicle's petrol tank at Leh and carry enough petrol for the return journey since there are no petrol pumps beyond the outskirts of Leh.

Phone services: Beyond Thiksey there are no phone booths and mobile phone coverage.

• Are You planning a road trip from Manali to Leh? Click here to know the places across your journey.

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Trek to Kheerganga

  Kheerganga is situated at 2960 m of altitude in Parvati valley of Himachal Pradesh offers a mystical journey into the woods, where you will see a waterfall, river, water crossing, mountains, apple orchards and one of the gifted abode for natural sulphur hot water springs.

  For Kheerganga you need to take a bus or taxi up to Barsheni, crossing Manikaran. Barsheni is the last stop in Parvati Valley, and beyond Barsheni no motorable road is available, and one has to trek to reach to the villages like Pulga, Tosh, Nakthan, Rudranaag, Kalgha, and Kheerganga.  The trail in the entire trek is well defined, and one can hike without any guide. Moreover, you can find many local peoples, other trekkers, and porters who travel up and down carrying vital supplies along with their horses of donkeys from whom you can ask for trail and the distance left.

  At the beginning of this 13 km trek, You will see a massive construction of an Hydel power plant in Phulga.  From where you trek to the very first village Nakthan, which is around 3-4 km (45-60 min), the trail will lead through lush farms, small hills and,  apple orchards, and remember don’t pluck apples from these trees, they may fine you if they caught you.  You can get eatables in Nakthan.

  Trekking to further you will reach Rudranaag (60 min), a small meadow surrounded by mountains where you’ll find a waterfall, Parvati river on the other side, and a Maggie point.

   Just by leaving Rudranag you will cross a wooden bridge built precariously in two wooden logs over Parvati river. And then you will enter the lust green, and thick forest of pine trees and where ascending begins. This entire trail from Rudranaag to Kheerganga is completely into the woods, and you may get some slippery and wet trail as well, so make sure you have a support stick with you.

  On your way to Kheerganga, you will find one more Maggie point named as Sunflower cafe, and you can see some sunflower plantation nearby. And after some three hours of trek, you will reach Kheerganga a beautiful meadow, surrounded by snow covered mountains. And a dip in the hot spring water pool after you reach will soothe and relieve from the worn out you experienced during trekking. Taking a bath in nature’s lap and surrounded by snowy mountains is a delightful and a unique experience. The water is natural, hot and has some healing properties of white sulphur. There is a different and covered area in the pool for ladies seeking their privacy.

Localites from nearby villages of Pulga, Kalga, Nakthan, Tosh & Barsheni have set up shops, eating joints, Inns, and camps here. 

Returning and trekking downwards is much easier and you can cover it up in 3 hours.

  Carry as lightweight as you can. Don’t carry excess water bottles and foodstuff as it’s going to make your trekking difficult. You will get everything on the way and also in Kheerganga. Start your trek maximum by 10.00 am. Carry sunscreen, hat, necessary medicines, torch, Raincoat and a camp light if you wish to stay in a tent.

En route to Kheerganga.. 

As we started our trekking and just after crossing the hydel power plant, we are welcomed by this giant tree. So we are not the only one with good height.😀

After bit tiring we reached Nakthan, houses here are built by arranging wooden logs and stone.

We felt greedy by seeing those apples, but these trees are also tagged with a board with a notice "1000 Rs fine". So we politely asked for apples, and the villagers happily gave us few apples for free.

This kid from Nakthan getting ready for school was so glad to pose for a photograph.

And this lazy bun doesn't bother if you take a snapshot.

A local house in Nakthan. Most of the houses here are built with wooden logs. And natural slates are used for roofing.

Tiny white blossoms.

and the waterfall racing down in a series of cascades.

And then we reached to Rudranaag, where one can see the Rudranag temple and some desolated huts. 

Waterfall nearby the temple.

We rested in the meadows and delighted by the scenic view of the valley at Rudranaag.

Then we crossed this swaying bridge, and the heavy streamflow underneath the bridge shook us a bit.😥😱

Look at the flow of the Parvati River.

That's why they call it as KheerGanga, the flow of water resembles a Kheer (Rice Pudding).  

And then we entered into a thick and dense forest.

and crossed those water streams.

A closer look at the water flows.

On our way, we found a tree with a hollow trunk. This trunk is so big that one can easily fit into it and can hide inside it.😉

And then we met some porter with their Himalayan horses, in a wrong place. Because we got no space to get aside and somehow we managed ourselves by balancing on that rocky slope to avoid any hit from the luggage.

This waterfall on the nearby mountain is remarkable.

Then we reached Sunflower Cafe, somewhere in the middle of the jungle and time for a small break,  where we had some refreshments, and of course, we clicked some photographs of these beautiful sunflowers.

And also took some shot of this eye-catching pine.

The first thing one will notice while reaching the top is this standalone giant tree.

And finally, we arrived at this divine meadows. The moment we arrived here, we are in a big hurry and excited to take a dip in the hot water spring. We relieved ourselves from all the tiredness and then relaxed in a tent house. Had some savoring non-veg food and slept peacefully.

  Next morning, we get ready to return. And was mesmerized by watching the first sun rays hitting the mountain which is so amazing on its own.

This tree once again attracted us.

This Himalayan dog followed us in the entire trail and bade us adieu at Rudranaag.

So the experience was amazing, as this trek brings us close to nature, and definitely relieved us for some days from those hectic lifestyles we were spending in the cities.

Manali to Leh Road Trip

  The Manali-Leh highway is the most adventurous as well as the most beautiful among all the roads in India. This 490 km road goes through varied forms of nature ranging from beautiful lush green valleys and jungles to high wall of snows in passes to valley roads to violent river/water crossing caused due to glacial melts to abrupt landslides to lakes, rivers, and waterfalls to head swaying hairpin bends to many non-existent and washed away roads to wide flat lands and smooth roads to rocky barren multi colour mountains to cold wind blowing you away and to what not, all this raising the fun of this ultimate journey to greater heights.
  
  The vision of this blog is to make aware of the places, itineraries by road, road conditions, distance, altitude, stay and food options for all the travelers who are planning a road trip on Manali-Leh highway, and I am sure it will benefit you.

   The journey along the road normally takes at least two days if done in a rush, or more days depending on the condition of the road and vehicle, though minimum three days are advised for ordinary tourist because the real fun and pleasure is about the journey itself than reaching the destination. Sometimes travel time is unpredictable due to uncertainties of weather, landslides, etc. that can turn inclement any time and play spoilsport. Tourists and travelers make overnight stops at Keylong or Jispa and tented camps such as Sarchu. One has to take permit to visit or cross Rohtang Pass which can also be done online (Click here for the link). The traffic jam that occurs at Beas Nullah near Marhi and then at Rohtang pass. It is advisable to cross Rohtang pass before 8 am. However, this highway is closed from late October to April Every year due to heavy snowfall on the passes. The BRO (Border Road Organisation) works for clearing snows on these passes by early March, and this highway is opened in section. The entire highway is opened for traffic by May end.The snow wall in the passes will get lower in height as the day passes.
  As you approach through the highway the greenery like on the southern side of Rohtang disappears and the mountain slopes on the northern side become brown and arid. However, the mountain peaks are covered in snow and glare brightly in the sun. Ladakh is a cold semi-arid desert. It is cold along the highway even in summer (June onwards); the days are warm in bright sunshine but the nights are freezing. The water from glacial melts is ice-cold, and one should avoid getting wet in water crossings on the highway. Light woolens are required during the day and thick woolens at night. There is no rainfall between Rohtang pass and Leh even during the monsoon season in July–September as the entire region lies in rain-shadow.
  Before beginning the journey on the highway towards Leh, it is advisable to stay at the starting point Manali (altitude 2,050 m) one night and minimum one night at either Keylong, Jispa or Darcha to cope with the high passes and plains after Darcha. Due to the rarefied atmosphere (low air pressure) at high altitude, less oxygen is breathed in, and many travelers experience altitude sickness or acute mountain sickness (AMS). It is strongly advised not to sleep in Sarchu or Pang on the upward journey (towards Leh) without being acclimatized as it can cause acute mountain sickness: a headache, nausea, dizziness, and vomiting. There have been deaths from AMS as well. The safe option is to camp at Leh or higher altitude after getting acclimated to lower oxygen levels. It is also advisable to carry chocolates, energy bars, glucose or other high energy food on the journey and spend only a little time at the high mountain passes and drink plenty of water as much as you can.


Passes in Manali-Leh highway
Rohtang La 3978m 13051ft
Baralacha La 4890m 16043 ft
Nakee La 4739m 15547ft
Lachung La  5059 m 16598ft
Tanglang La 5328 m 17480ft

Manali
Altitude: 2050 m
Distance from Delhi: 564 km

 Manali is a famous hill-station in Himachal Pradesh. Peaks and wooded forest surround this place. The pristine river Beas flows right through the town creating a mesmerizing and spellbinding landscape.
Manali also has a lot of temples which all tourists and devotees love to visit including Raghunath temple, Jagannathi Devi Temple, and Hadimba Temple.
Being the famous Honeymoon spot, it also offers many adventure sports like trekking, camping, skiing, rafting, paragliding, zorbing, horse riding, etc. in and around Manali.
Rafting is done in Pirdi, near Kullu and is done on Beas river from Pirdi down to Jhiri approx 14 km. Paragliding is done in Solang 14 km from Manali and Skiing, and zorbing was done in Rohtang 51 km from Manali.
Naggar, a small settlement and is 20 km from Manali is another destination where many tourists visits and is famous for its stunning beauty also has a famous folk art museum, temples, castle, and monastery. One can also do some shopping at mall road in Manali.

Manali

A view of Naggar Settlement

A glimpse of a castle in Naggar

Palchan (Solang Valley)
Altitude: 2560 m
11 km from Manali

After 11 km you'll reach a small village named Palchan. And Solang Valley is not on Manali-Leh Highway but a small route from Palchan. Solang is 14 km from the main town of Manali and offers a variety of adventure sports like Parachuting, paragliding, horse riding, ropeway, and skiing is replaced by zorbing during summer.

Solang Valley

The route we just covered

On our way to Solang

Marhi
Altitude: 3360 m
24 km ascending from Palchan

24 km from Palchan, you'll reach to Marhi, this is a Shanty town of roadside restaurants and is 3360 m high above sea level.

Marhi

Rohtang Pass
Altitude: 3978 m
16 km ascending from Marhi

The first pass and a snow point in Manali-Leh highway of an elevation of 3978 m in Pirpanjal range. It connects Kullu valley with Lahaul and Spiti valley. This pass is opened from May to November. Nh21, the road through the Kullu valley, past Manali and over the Rohtang Pass to Keylong, and Lahaul and on the Leh in Ladakh, has become very busy during the summer months. Traffic jams are common as military vehicles, trucks, goods carriers and a large number of tourists try to navigate the tight roads and tough terrain, compounded by snow and ice at certain points. One can feel the AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) in Rohtang due to its higher altitude.
The snow covered mountains in Rohtang provide the perfect opportunity for skiing and snow scooter riding.

The other side of Rohtang La

Rohtang La

Our Machines resting in Rohtang La

Gramphu
Altitude: 3200 m
15 km descending from Rohtang La

After a steep descending you will reach Gramphu. The road from Rohtang to Gramphu is horrible and rugged. Grampa is a small village located on the bank of Chenab River, and you'll find few shops, police station and a data here. You will get a diversion to Spiti valley. If you want to visit Chandratal then you need to take the diversion.

We found this waterfall on our way towards Khoksar 

Khoksar
Altitude: 3140 m
5 km valley road from Gramphu

Of about 5km from Gramphu on a smooth valley road, You'll reach Khoksar. One can find few restaurants and hotel in Khoksar.

Sissu
Altitude: 3120 m
14 km from Khoksar

About 14 km from Khoksar You will reach Sissu or Khagling. It's a small town located on the right bank of Chandra River. One can find few shops, dhabas, and a local primary health care center here.
 There is a waterfall on the opposite side of the village 15-20 min away from the highway and is famous for its greenery surrounded all over the waterfall. 

Sissu

Landslide in Sissu

Tandi
Altitude: 2573 m
25km from Sissu

You will find the last petrol pump in Manali-Leh highway, and that is in Tandi, and the next is located in Karu which is 365 km away. Tandi is situated at the confluence of Chandra and Bhaga rivers. The Chandra river originates from Chandratal, Spiti Valley, and the Bhaga river originates from the Suraj Tal, Lahaul Valley. There are few shops in Tandi. And you can find a diversion to Kishtwar in Tandi.

Chandra river or Chenab river at Tandi

Keylong
Altitude: 3080 m
8 km from Tandi

Keylong is the administrative center of the Lahaul-Spiti district and the biggest town on the Manali-Leh highway. Sights near Keylong include the Kardang, Shasur and Tayul monasteries, all within a few km. The annual festival is held here each July with a big, busy market and many cultural activities. At the end of August, it became very busy. You can find many stay option, market, shops, restaurants, medical facilities and ATM in Keylong.

Gemur
Altitude 3200 m
18 km from Keylong

On the way to Jispa, one can find Gemur Monastery 18 km from Keylong. It's a Buddhist monastery, 600-700 yards above the village Gemur. And the monastery is around 700 years old.

Jispa
Altitude 3200 m
20 km from Keylong

Jispa is a small village 20 km from Keylong located on the bank of Bhaga river. There are many options like tent house, hotels and guest house for a stay in Jispa.

Camping in Jispa

Darcha
Altitude: 3360 m
7 km from Jispa

This small village is situated on the bank of Bhaga river. Roadside stalls offer basic food. This place also offers some tented accommodation. This village is the end-point of a popular trek beginning in Padum, Zanskar.
On the way towards Darcha, you have to pass through a water pass. It is advised that one has to cross this water pass in the day time and that even in the morning time. Because as the day passes the flow of water increases. So make your first-day journey up to Jispa only or Keylong. And the other reason is beyond Darcha the altitude gets higher and prone to AMS. The road condition is good up to Darcha.
All passing vehicles must stop at Darcha's police checkpoint, and one has to register their name with vehicle registration number and passport checks (for foreigners).
Beyond Darcha the vegetation will start to reduce, and the mountain color will start changing, and the increase in altitude will lead to a decrease in oxygen. Your body need to be acclimatized better and always hydrated on this tough journey.
    
Deepak Tal
Altitude: 3810 m
13 km ascending from Darcha

Deepak Tal is a small man-made lake. It's the first lake you will witness and one of the most beautiful picturesque lake with crystal clear water. And one could not resist himself to take a picture of this beautiful landscape.
You can enjoy your breakfast and a cup of tea just aside this lake. Camping on the lake side is available here.

Clicking some view opposite to Deepak Tal

Patseo
Altitude: 3811 m
2 km from Deepak Tal

You can find few army camps in Patseo. There is no accommodation or eateries in Patseo for civilians.

Zingzingbar
Altitude: 4270
11km ascending from Patseo

You can find only a few tented dhabas here in Zingzingbar. These dhabas also offer for a stay. From here the ascent starts till Baralacha La. Earlier there was a water pass when you cross Zingzingbar, now the road has been constructed, and you won't find any water crossing over the road also the road till Baralacha La is smooth and fine which was newly constructed.

Zingzing Bar

Suraj Tal
Altitude: 4883 
10 km ascending from Zingzingbar

10 km from Zinzingbar you will find a beautiful crystal clear lake, Suraj Tal also called Surya taal, is a sacred body of water, literally means the Lake of the Sun God, and lies just below the Baralacha-La pass and is the third highest lake in India, and the 21st-highest in the world.Suraj Tal Lake is the source of Bhaga River which joins the Chandra River downstream at Tandi to form the Chandrabhaga River. In the early season, i.e., July you may find this lake to be frozen.

Baralacha-la
Altitude: 4890
8 km ascending from Suraj Tal

This is the second pass in Manali-Leh highway that falls in Zanskar range. It connects Lahaul district to Ladakh. Road till Baralacha La is well constructed.

Baralacha La

Baralacha La

Killing Sarai
Altitude: 4600
16 km descending from Baralacha La

Descending from Baralacha la is a major hurdle as the road here is rugged, horrible and totally washed out. One can witness many vehicles which were fallen in those valleys, and after a steady descent, one reaches to Bharatpur where one can find few dhabas and tented accommodation.

Sarchu
Altitude: 4290 m
18 km from Killing Sarai (Descending and straight)

Sarchu is a major halt point in Manali-Leh Highway with many good tented accommodations. It is the state border point, and one reaches in J&K. Himachal Pradesh state ends here, and Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir state starts here.
Sarchu is a military base and has a police check post. Here is a second checkpoint and you may find a free medical checkup by the army. One has to register his name and vehicle number here. The entry acts as a record of your arrival up to Sarchu. Sarchu is at high altitude and many people staying overnight here suffer from mountain sickness including sleepless night, severe headaches, vomiting or fever. If you are not properly acclimatized, you will surely be one of them. Sarchu is an open valley situated on the bank of Tsarap Chu river, and the road here is straight. You will find one more water pass in Sarchu.

Camping in Sarchu

Tsarap Chu River

Tsarap Chu River in Sarchu

Water pass in Sarchu

Gata Loops
Altitude: 4190m
24 km from Sarchu. (Straight and last 7 km ascending)

After 24 KMs from Sarchu, a there is a series of 21 hair pin bends or loops about 7 KMs long, just before Nakee La Pass, will elevate you from an altitude of 4190 Mtrs to 4739 Mtrs. They are called Gata Loops. No food, no fuel, and no accommodation are available here.

Gata Loops

Nakee La
Altitude: 4739 m
2 km where Gata loop ends

The third pass that comes on the Manali-Leh highway. The road from Gata loops to Nakee La and to further Lachung La is good. You won't get any option for food, water or accommodation here.

Nakee La

Nakee La

Nakee La

Nakee La

Lachung La
Altitude: 5059 m
28 km from Nakee La

The fourth pass and the second highest in Manali-Leh highway.  Those who have not undergone acclimatization may face severe symptoms of altitude sickness here and there is no vegetation here. You won't get any option for food, water or accommodation here.

Lachung La

Pang
Altitude: 4600 m
27 km descending from Lachung La

This place is also a useful halt in Manali- Leh highway, you can find few guest houses in Pang. Health check camps organized by the army is available here. The road to Pang is most worse one. You can spend your second night of your journey here as you can save 81 km for your next day journey instead of staying at Sarchu.

Towards Pang

Pang

Soil formation, on the way towards Pang

Moore Plains
Altitude: 4730m
4 km ascending from Pang, straight stretch of 40 km

Moore Plains are surprising, flat bedded plains amidst the highest of hills having an average elevation of 4700m and is flanked by mountains on both sides.The plain area starts after covering a rough path of around 4 km uphill road from Pang. The road is mostly on the plain for around 30–35 km, before it again starts to rise to Tanglang La. Flanked by beautiful mountains on both sides, this area is a major attraction to the bikers heading towards Leh from Manali. The area has no construction at all, and also no population. This 35 km stretch is the most buttery smooth road in the entire Manali-Leh highway.

Moore Plains

Moore Plains

Debring
Altitude: 4835 m
41 km straight road  from Pang

You can find few shelter and food stall here. There is a route available just before you reach Debring to Tso Kar then to Tso Moriri. However, the condition of the road is really very bad. Rather I would say it's an off road or dirt track.

Tanglang La
Altitude: 5328 m
19 km ascending from Debring

Ascending of about 19 km from Debring one will reach to Tanglang La.
This fifth pass is the highest pass in Manali-Leh Highway. And this pass is also the second highest motorable road in the world after Khardung La (5602 m). Road condition is good as it is newly constructed. You will face a high chilling and force wind at this height, and the oxygen level is very low, so one could feel the dizziness.

Tanglang La

Tanglang La

Rumste
Altitude: 4260 m
29 km descending from Tanglang La

 The first settlement in the Leh valley.  After descending from Tanglang La you will feel better and overcome that dizziness as you will be completely lost on those mesmerizing valley roads adjacent to the river and the beautiful picturesque view, you will notice the different pattern and colors in the mountains. You can find food stalls and other shops in Rumste. The road condition is good.

On the way to Rumste

Upshi
Altitude: 3480 m
31 km descending from Rumste

From Rumste you will cross Gya, Lato and Miru village to reach Upshi. Gya village is located in the gorge created by the River Gya. A Buddhist Gompa with accompanying chortens or stupas is situated above the village and the gorge. One can find some shops here.
You will find one of the tributaries of Indus River along the roadside on your way to Upshi. And You find the confluence of Indus river and a bridge crossing the Indus river just when you reach Upshi. Turn left at Upshi for Karu. Do not take the right turn that leads to the east towards Tibet. Here you have to stop for the last police checkpoint and one has to register his name along with vehicle number. One can find some basic hotel/Guest house and restaurant here, but since Leh is not far away you can ignore halting here except if you want some refreshments.

On the way to Upshi

Karu
Altitude: 3500 m
16 km from Upshi

16 km Ahead of Upshi you will reach to Karu. You can find an Army base camp area in Karu. Also, You can get a petrol pump here. There is a diversion here to Pangong Tso.

Leh
Altitude: 3500m
35 km from Karu

35 km fro Karu you reach your final destination, you will cross the famous Thiksey and Shey monastery on your way. The sightseeing is stunning and on the top these monastery you will see a beautiful scene of the settlement. Leh is known for its Buddhist sites and nearby trekking areas. Main market and Changspa road are awesome, so if you like lively environment then try to get a hotel as close to them as possible. You can get many options for a stay in Changspa road.

Thiksey Gompa

View from Thiksey Gompa

Click here to get insight for Bike trip to Dhanaulti.

Conclusion:
 All the above information is known to my knowledge only. If you found any information provided above needs an update, please feel free to contact me and comment.
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