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Leh Jeep Safari
Ladakh Tourism >> Leh Jeep Safari
Manali to Leh
The 472 km overland journey is open for just three months in a year i.e. from
June to end of September. The jeep safaru trip from Manali to Leh can be extended
to Nubra valley across Khardongla pass, the highest motorable road in the world
or to Srinagar after crossing Zojila Pass. The Manali to Leh drive can be completed
in two days with an overnight stay at Serchu or Darcha. Another option is to
drive to Leh via Tsokar and Tsomoriri Lake. For undertaking this tour you will
have to arrange your tour through tour operator from Leh, who can send you a
permit to enter Tsomoriri Lake with a local taxi. The journey starts from Manali
driving through the lush green and foggy hills offering a splendid view of Manali
on the way.
Rohtang Pass (3980 m)
The countryside surprisingly changes into the rugged brown of the rain shadow
area of Lahaul. The landscape converts into naked desert after crossing a few
villages of Lahul with prayer flags on their roofs. You will start ascending
Baralacha Pass and you can see unexpectedly sprawling plain areas of Serhcu
where you will spend a night in tented Camp. Further, there are many small passes
before you cross Taklang La pass Taglangla at 5330m to reach Rumtse and Gya
village. An hour drive from Runtse takes you to Upshi where you cross the Indus
River. Enter Indus valley with dotted villages on its bank and beautiful monasteries
built on hillside. You journey finishes at Leh making the drive a lifetime's
experience.
Pangong Lake
The Pangong Lake is 160 km from Leh, with spectacular view of the colorful mountains
and Changla pass. The scenic view of vibrant mountains throughout the journey
makes your trip a memorable one.
The drive begins with photogenic view of Thiksey monastery, famous for its architectural
similarities with Potala palace of Lhasa. The monastery covers an entire mountain
ridge. Beyond this village, you will drive towards Changla pass, leaving the
Leh Manali road on your right hand side. The long easy ascent to takes you to
Changla pass through its winding roads passing through Sakti Village. Stop at
the Changla Pass for a quick photograph and drive down to the village of Tangtse,
where you can enjoy a cup of tea. Laeaving Tangtse for Pangong you pass through
many small villages of Changthang and finally you can have a sudden view of
the lake. The Pangong Lake is spectacular, surrounded by multicolored mountains
and its reflection makes the lake beautiful. The color of the lake changes shades
throughout the day. The division of lake between India and China makes it different
from the other Lake. Therefore you are allowed to go upto Spangmik only.
Tsomoriri Lake
The journey to Tsomoriri Lake is about 240 kms and passes through Shey, Thiksey,
Upshi and many other small villages along the Indus River. The hot spring at
Chumathang (3965 m) comes after driving for around 100 kms. This hot spring
Resort where you can bath in hot spring water, which Ladakhisuses for healing,
is a good resting point. After an hour's drive you will cross Maya bridge and
drive upto Tsomoriri (4555 m) through Puga village along a bumpy road. Puga
is known for its sulphur and borax deposits. Full day walking tour of Tsomoriri
Lake includes a visit to the famous Karzok monastery and Nomad Camp above the
village.
The Tsomoriri is the starting point for trekking to Spiti through its traditional
route through Parang La (5580m) The "Changpas" (nomadic people), have trade
relation with Spiti. The Area is rich in wildlife including the "Kyang" (wild
ass), red fox and the rare, highly endangered, snow leopard. Black necked cranes
and geese flock to the lakeside for breeding during the summer months. There
are options to drive to Manali via Tsokar Lake and Serchu.
Nubra Valley
Nubra is located in the north of Leh around 120 kms across the Khardong La (18,380ft),
Nubra means "Ldumra" which used to be an important station on the famous silk
route leading from Leh to Kashgar through the two passes of Saser and Karakoram.
The main attractions of this area are the Bactarian Camels (Double Humped Camels),
Khardung-La Pass (world's highest motorable road at 18,380 feet) and the monasteries
like Deskit and Samstaling.
The drive to Nubra Valley leads through Khardung-La (18380 ft), which is about
39 kms from Leh. Camel Safari can be organized from Deskit to Hundar Village
for 2 hours. This tour can be extended for 2 nights / 3 days by visiting Panamik
village and Sumur.
