Manali to Leh Highway — The HimalayanClassic.
Distance
480 km
Duration
3 days
Climb
9,800 m
Manali to Leh Highway — The Himalayan Classic.
The world's highest motorable road corridor, crossing five high passes above 4,000m through the barren moonscapes of Ladakh. Built by the Indian Army Border Roads Organisation and open only June–September. At 5,328m Tanglang La is the second-highest motorable pass on Earth. The landscape shifts from Kullu Valley pine forests to complete high-altitude desert within 200km. Altitude sickness is a real risk — acclimatise properly and ascend slowly.
Quick facts
SurfaceMixed
Distance480 km
Days3
Total climb9,800 m
DifficultyExpert
Loading map...
3 days, 3 moods.
A suggested split across 3 days with 12 waypoints to discover along the way.
Manali (2050m)Start · Start in Manali (2,050m). Check bike mechanicals, carry water, snacks, and altitude medication. Road opens usually mid-June.
Rohtang Pass (3978m)Mountain Pass · First high pass. Often the most crowded — get through early. Views back to Manali valley.
KeylongScenic Point · The Lahaul Valley floor at 3,100m. The landscape has already transformed to Tibetan high desert.
Jispa (3200m)Overnight · Overnight in Jispa (3,200m). Last comfortable accommodation before the high passes. Rustic camps and dhabas.
Baralacha La (4892m)Mountain Pass · First true high pass. Snow-covered ridgelines, meltwater streams crossing the road, yak herders.
Sarchu PlainsScenic Point · High-altitude plateau at 4,253m. Tent camps only — no permanent buildings. Dramatic gorge scenery.
Sarchu Camp (4253m)Overnight · Overnight at Sarchu tent camp. Altitude can cause headaches and nausea. Drink water, go slow.
Nakee La (4739m)Mountain Pass · Series of 21 hairpins called the Gata Loops leads to Nakee La.
Lachulung La (5065m)Mountain Pass · Second major pass of Day 3. Sparse oxygen, incredible Zanskar Range views.
Tanglang La (5328m)Mountain Pass · The highest point of the Manali-Leh road. Colourful prayer flags and a board proclaiming the altitude. One of the world's great motorcycle moments.
UpshiScenic Point · The road rejoins the Indus River valley. Tibetan architecture and monasteries begin appearing.
Leh (3500m)End · End in Leh (3,500m). Ladakhi capital with Buddhist monasteries, excellent guesthouses and repair shops. Rest here before any further riding.
More routes in IN HP
Save this ride. Open the app.
Clone it to your planner, customize dates and stops, then ride. All free.
Open in MotoVault
Navigate this route with GPS