How To Get There - Manali
The Trans Himalayas is at once stark and forbidding
and yet, its lunar like landscape has a strong fascination
and a haunting beauty. The route to Leh starts from
Manali, and is along the second highest highway in the
world. The first of the high passes on the road is the
Rohtang La. Past it are the racing waters of the river
Chandra. Then the flat roofed houses of Khoksar provide
a glimpse of living in these areas.
The Hidden Attractions
Keylong is the district headquarters of Lahaul and here
lies the fork for Ladakh and Leh. Keylong acts as a
good base for visiting several Buddhist monasteries
in the area - Guru Ghantal, Kardang, Shashur Tayul and
Gemur are some of the more famous ones. Further a field
lie several more - Trilokinath, Udaipur, Lindur, Bokar,
Gumrang, Tinna, Kolong, Jispa, Tingal, Darcha, Dongma,
Lapchang, Thola Pyasu, Piukar, Jholing, Khinang, Jagdang
and Othang.
Past the little settlements of Jispa,
Istingri, Darcha And Patseo, comes the 8-km long Baralacha
pass. The river Bhaga flows out of the Suraj Tal that
lies by the pass. Sarchu rests in stark splendour and
the scenery past it is remarkable. Enroute to Leh also
come the high passes of Lachlang La And Tanglang La
- and miles of flat lands. Sarchu has a tented colony
and hotels.
Leh
Leh, in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, rests at the
head of a triangular plateau and apart from its own
attractions, it forms the base for several excursions.
The major Buddhist monasteries easily accessible from
Leh are the Hemis Gompa, Lamayuru, Likir Gompa, Phiyang
Gompa, Samkar Gompa and Shey Gompa. Within the town
lie several monasteries, the Stok Palace Museum and
the Leh Palace.
Journey Via Delhi
From Delhi, one can fly into Manali and fly back from
Leh. With no sightseeing en route, plan for two days
of steady driving with the overnight stopover at Sarchu.
Tour buses and jeeps for the route are available at
Manali and at Leh. Good health is essential for crossing
the high passes.
By Air
The nearest airport to Manali is that of Bhuntar, which
is 52-km from Manali. From Bhuntar one can take a taxi
or a bus to Manali.
By Rail
The nearest railhead is that of Joginder Nagar
and this narrow gauze railway station is 95-km from
Kullu. The scenic beauty of Kullu while going to Manali
can best be enjoyed on a bus or a taxi. It is better
to take a taxi, which one can stop and enjoy the nature
at will.
By Road
The road to Manali passes through the picturesque valley
of Kullu. The motorable roads to Manali connect the
town with other major tourist places in Himachal as
well as in the nearby states. At the Manali bus stand
there are two booths, which do computerised reservation
for buses. The reservations can be made one month in
advance. Both private and state government buses are
in service over here.
|
