Best Time For Manali to Sarchu Road Trip

The Manali Leh Highway, which is the major route to reach Sarchu from Manali, remains accessible for the public from June to October. So, you need to pick from any of these 5 months.
-June: It is not ideal if you are traveling to Sarchu for the first time. Even after the BRO clears the road, the road condition is not suitable for a long journey. There can be a risk of landslide and slush on roads.
-July: This month is better for traveling to Sarchu from Manali. You will find better accommodation options along the route and road conditions are better. However, the downside is tourist rush until Rohtang Pass.
-August: This month is perfect for the route and road conditions remain the best despite the monsoon. The hotels along the route all remain open.
-September: This month is almost devoid of rain and the scenery is also amazing.
-October: It is a mixed bag as the campsites start winding up and the temperature starts dropping at night.
Click here to check out the list of best hotels in Leh-Ladakh and make your stay wonderful during your journey.
How to Reach Sarchu From Manali

This is the midpoint in Manali Leh route and you get Swiss tents for a night stay with good amenities. The journey for covering the section of Manali to the town of Sarchu takes almost 8 hours if road conditions are fine. There are HRTC and HPTDC buses covering the route leaving from Manali and you can hire cars/cabs too.
Add more cherished memories in your life. Go ahead and check out the Manali to Leh jeep safari and let the adventure begin.
Places to Stay on Manali to Sarchu Highway

Keylong :
Located 117 km away from Manali, Keylong is the first place to take a break for the night while on the Manali to Leh bike trip. Listed below are some of the best hotels that go easy on the visitor’s pockets:
- Hotel Dekyid,
- Hotel New Gyespa,
- Hotel Tashi Delek,
- HPTDC Hotel Chandrabhaga,
- Valley View Hotel
Jispa :
It is located 138 km away from Manali. Below are some best homestays that you can find there.
- Dragon Camp & Cafe Jispa
- Gemur Holidays
- Jispa Journeys
- Retro Valley Camping Resort
- Padma Lodge and Camps, Jispa
Sarchu :
After Keylong, one can also halt at Sarchu, which is located around 230 km from Manali or 96km from Keylong.
- Himalayan Saga Camps
- Goldrop Camps
- Planet Himalaya Camps
- Antrek Camps
- Blue Poppy Camps
Explore more Ladakh attractions and activities that will leave you to want more and mesmerized at the same time

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Highway Tips and Things to Keep in Mind

When you plan for covering the road from Manali to Sarchu, a few road tips will come in handy:
-Before you begin, plan for the accommodation options as the cost vary widely from one type to another. The charges of private and PWD guesthouses vary and the dhaba tents are ideal for budget travelers.
-Along your journey along the Manali-Sarchu Highway, you can find mechanics and puncture shops around Khoksar, Keylong, Darcha and Sarchu.
-It is better you keep SIMs of 2-3 networks. BSNL and Airtel networks work well here-usually.
-Though there are too many ATMs in Manali, giving you sufficient opportunities to withdraw cash, after Manali, there is only one ATM you will find in Keylong. However, it is not mandatory that the ATM in Keylong will be in working condition.
-The altitude at Sarchu is 14000 feet and not everyone staying at here has a comfortable experience for undergoing what is known as mountain sickness.
-There are no petrol pumps as such but petrol is available in the road side grocery stores between Manali Leh highway. However, the quality of the fuel cannot be guaranteed.
-You need to be careful about high altitude caused sickness. Try to Acclimatize as you take the journey.
-Use sunscreen and wear sunglasses as sunlight is harsh at such high altitude places.
-Refrain from boozing when you drive, in case you prefer driving your own vehicle.
-Keylong is a place where you can find mechanic and vehicle spares.
-The HRTC and HPTDC buses ply regularly along the route and they are most wallet-friendly options. If you choose shared cabs, do not opt for the non-stop journey. It leaves you exhausted and you miss out lots of scenery along the trip.
Places to Visit While Traveling to Sarchu
Manali

The climate is overall nice and here you can find most kinds of stuff you will need for the trip, more so if you have the plan to cover the route by bike.
You can also find some great eateries to gorge on authentic Himachali dishes before starting the tour. The natural splendor of Manali can leave you mesmerized no matter which time of year you visit it. The Beas River is a major attraction for any visitor.
Also, If you would like to experience the Ladakh beauty ten times more then check out our Ladakh trekking packages.
Top Experiences To Do in Manali
Explore Manali
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Rohtang

You may choose to have your breakfast here if you start early from Manali. Some tourists and adventure seeking people love playing with snow at a Snow Point, located just before Rohtang. The place is also ideal for the shutterbugs.
A complete Chadar trek guide is all you need to know if you are planning for a trip over the frozen river in Ladakh.

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Gramphu

Who needs a therapy when we can go for a camping experience in Ladakh and witness the unmatched scenic beauty of Ladakh.
Planning a Ladakh bike trip, Checkout: Leh Ladakh Bike Trip
Kokhsar

The cascading waterfalls, and natural green slopes make it a soothing relief for your eyes. You can explore nearby trekking routes and it is also possible to spot animals like yak, brown bears and jackals. Some tourists also visit the nearby Koksar Tholing Gumpa monastery.
The real essence of the holiday in Ladakh not only lies in its attractions but also in the fantastic hospitality offered by the best homestays in Ladakh.
Don't forget to check out the Leh Ladakh bike rentals before you start planning your next trip.
Keylong

The Kardhang Monastery is located here too. The serenity of the place is enticing and the adjacent Bhaga Valley and river are also ideal for photography lovers. It is also eyed a lot by trekking lovers exploring Himachal.
Leh Ladakh bike trip is a dream of many and we have included every little information that you need to know while planning for this dream-cum-goal.

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Jispa

Jispa, situated beside the Chandra River is a breathtakingly beautiful village on Manali Leh route. The gentle streams and scenic beauty of the place will fascinate your mind for sure. The greenery is lush and you will feel like spending some time here while heading to Sarchu from Manali.
The place has plenty of camping spots which makes it ideal for those who love backpacking. Compared to Keylong it is much quieter and of late a mechanic shop has come up. After crossing Jispa, it will be hard to find any decent accommodation until Sarchu, as it is.
Rafting in Ladakh can be a way to get the most from the mountains. It will leave you fulfilled and give you memories to cherish for forever.
Zingzing Bar

Besides, you can also take rest in the nearby multi-purpose shacks. The ambiance of the place is absolutely peaceful. The range of beverages and foods you get at such a high altitude place is quite decent. You can get alcoholic drinks as well as steaming coffee.
Manali Leh Srinagar bike expedition lets you challenge your gut by offering hikes to some of the world's highest passes and lofty mountain ranges.
We have the guide of Srinagar to Leh road trip. Don't forget to check it out before you make a plan.
Baralacha La

It links Himachal’s Lahaul district with Ladakh , which falls in territory of Jammu and Kashmir. It is close to Surya taal lake -the source of Chenab river. It also serves as a natural divider between the Yunam River and the Bhaga River.
Get a complete guide of the places to visit in Leh. Know that how spectacular the city is with a birds eye's view.
Checkout & Book: Manali to Leh Bike Trip Package from Delhi
Bharatpur
From Baralacha La you have to cope with a downhill rough ride to reach Bharatpur. The good thing is after this place, the road condition starts improving. If you have a problem with high altitude, do not halt at Bharatpur as it is located higher than Sarchu. However, the accommodation rates here are cheaper than what you find in Sarchu.
You get some decent food stalls here. There is not much to explore here on your way to Manali to Sarchu and the better road conditions may prompt you to drive faster. However, you should look out for bumps on the way.
Click here to check out the Delhi to Leh guide and start planning for a hustle free trip.
Planning a honeymoon trip, Checkout: Ladakh Honeymoon Package from Delhi
Sarchu

This is the last point of your journey from Manali to Sarchu. The time you need for covering Manali to Sarchu distance will vary on your budget and priorities. At Sarchu, you approach the Jammu and Kashmir border.
The altitude here is 14000 feet and not everyone staying at Sarchu has a comfortable experience for undergoing what is known as mountain sickness. Thereis a military base and many tents. There are a few Swiss tents too. Registering at the check post here is mandatory before you can proceed further. Some dhabas in Sarchu may offer fuel in case there is an emergency.
Kick your next camping trip up a notch at one of the most beautiful campsite at Sarchu.