Travel on one of the highest highways in the world to Leh, India.
It’s one of the most complicated and challenging roads in the world, approximately 490 km in length. This highway takes you through some of the world’s highest mountain passes.
Embark on an unforgettable journey along the Leh-Manali highway, a vital land connection between Manali and Leh in Northern India. Explore the breathtaking Himalayan landscape, traversing some of the world’s highest mountain passes, with elevations exceeding 4,000 m.
Experience the thrill of reaching an altitude of 5,328 m at Tanglang La, the second-highest motorable pass globally. Due to its high elevation, the highway is open for only about four and a half months each year, typically from May or June. Marvel at the natural sand and rock formations along the flanking mountain ranges, but be cautious of altitude sickness symptoms.
The road, spanning 490 km, offers an epic journey, taking approximately a full day by vehicle from Manali to Leh. Whether renting a car or motorbike, savor the stunning Himalayan scenery.
Beyond its scenic allure, the Leh-Manali highway holds strategic importance for India, serving as the sole route to the Ladakh region. Originally built and maintained by the Indian Army, it plays a vital role in transporting military supplies to Ladakh, supporting even the heaviest army vehicles.
An elderly woman with a weathered complexion is wearing a red headscarf, and appears contemplative or distant in thought. she has an earring in her left ear and is dressed in warm clothing with a purple garment visible.
A red cargo truck stopped on a dirt road with mountains in the background under a blue sky with scattered clouds, and a person standing nearby.
A rocky mountain slope under a partly cloudy sky.
A brightly decorated truck is parked on a rocky terrain with a mountainous backdrop under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
A bulldozer is engaged in excavation work on a mountainous terrain under a partly cloudy sky.
A vehicle navigates a narrow dirt road along a steep mountainside.
A vast mountainous landscape under a dynamic sky with rolling clouds, featuring rugged terrain and a mix of shadows and sunlight.
A decorated truck is parked alongside a road at a high-altitude location with sparse vegetation, where temporary tents and outdoor seating suggest a rest stop or makeshift establishment, with snow-capped mountains in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
A man is driving a vehicle with a religious-themed decoration hanging from the rearview mirror, providing a view of the road ahead through a dusty windshield.
A vast landscape with a clear blue sky featuring dynamic cloud patterns, large, barren mountains and a wide, open field with sparse vegetation, suggesting a high altitude or desert-like environment.
A winding road meanders through a rugged mountain landscape under a cloudy sky.
A military truck parked on a dirt road with a backdrop of rugged mountain terrain under a partly cloudy sky.
A dusty view of a mountainous landscape with a flag and a signpost that reads "you are now at lung la 17,582 feet" indicating the high elevation of the location.
A white vehicle travels along a remote road toward Leh Ladakh with mountains in the distance; reflections are visible on the car's window.
A vehicle traverses a winding dirt road through a barren mountainous landscape under a partly cloudy sky.