Miraculously jagged; bone dry mountains ready to enwrap their Buddhist ex-kingdom. Landscape replete with colors that outshines every color palette. Glittering Gompas sited on mountain tops along with fluttering flags and prayer wheels making majestic sound amidst silent environs.
Mysterious, drab yet magnificent; they call it Ladakh, I call it the world of magical spell!
Conjugating ‘La’ and ‘Dhak’ makes up the word Ladakh; ‘La’ meaning pass and ‘Dhak’ meaning many. As much as Ladakh is famous for its dreary landscape; it has a lot more to tender. Audacious ride through narrow roads, majestic mountains to ascend and descend and then those queasy passes to conquer; they are not just mountain passes, but also a solid testament of culture and chronicle of this region.
Abode to red-robed lamas, Ladakh is a modest corner ensconced near Tibet, where Indian borders almost end. After visiting this lama land, you may get on with rest of the memories and forget most of it, however, these mysterious super high altitude passes imprint themselves in your heart and continue to stay with you even after you have left them far behind.
During medieval times, these high altitude passes were used as important trade routes by the South-Asian nations for goods trading. Those guys didn’t fear venturing out on this deadly terrain specially during that time. Probably the profits were worth the risk.
Here are the passes that await your presence while you choose to travel to this lovely land via the Manali route.
1 – ROHTANG LA @ 13000 FT
Rohtang La- ‘The pass of the dead’-3978 meters/13,050 feet. The first pass that awaits your presence. Rohtang or ‘Pass of the dead’! It is believed that there were very few who could duck in and reach the other end, thus giving this pass a deadly name. Covered in snow all year long, if you plan to visit Ladakh via Manali, this pass will definitely see you. Hairpin bends that start a little ahead of Manali to Rohtang; furthermore, another fifteen miles of descent from Rohtang, the road will lead to Koksar of Lahaul Valley.
2- BARALACHA LA @16000 FT
Baralacha La- Altitude 4850 meters /16040 feet. The second high altitude pass which arrives a little ahead of Zing Zing Bar. Cute name, isn’t it? Baralacha La is popular for a lot of reasons. Situated in the Zanskar Range of the Himalayas, this pass connects the world to Ladakh and is an official gateway to this Union Territory. An important trade route in the past; an all embracing view of Himalayas can be enjoyed from the pass. The tranquility and the vista are worth a lifetime experience. Trekkers can go from Bar-lacha La to Chandra Taal, located at 14100 ft, which is a 7 day tenacious but one of the most beautiful treks of this range.
Now you are at the gateway to Ladakh.
3-NAKEE LA @15500 Ft
Nakee La– Altitude 4769 Meters/15547 ft. The third traverse on Manali-Leh highway comes between the stretch on Sarchu which a tiny but popular hamlet and Whisky Nalla (Bisky Nala as the locals call it) Picturesque journey from Sarchu via incredible 21 hairpin bend climbs of Gata Loops will lead you to Nakee La further up to Bisky Nala. An amalgam of the pastural Manali panorama and plodding Ladakh beauty, Sarchu is absolutely scenic.
Now you are 214 Kilometers from Leh; the largest town in the Union Territory of bewitching Ladakh.
4-LACHUNG LA @16600 FT
Lachungla or Lachungla- Altitude 5059 metres /16600 feet. At a whopping 5059 meters stands Lachulung La also called Lungalacha La. Open only for four and a half months; this lonesome pass will certainly make some visible changes in your body. This is a long nomadic pass hence be careful and stay hydrated for mountain sickness is assured. The view visible from the Lungalacha is breathtaking. If at all your body permits, spend some time at this pass and witness the quietude. It will become a memory to cherish. You wouldn’t want to leave.
5-TANGLANG LA @ 17600 FT
Tanglang la- Altitude- 5325 meters/17582 feet. The last but not to be taken lightly; one of the most difficult one apart from Baralacha La is Tanglang La. It is advisable to cross these two passes in day light. Extremely deserted, bone chilling atmosphere and the steep gradient adds to its adventurous ambiance. One should not spend too much time specifically on this one as it may lead to nausea, dizziness and headache. If you are not from the mountainous terrain, you can skip heading out of your vehicle. Upshi is the major town after Tanglang La.
Celebrate with some local Chai and Maggie. You have crossed the second highest pass of the world!
If there is one trip that any adventure lover would not get tired of doing over and over again, it is to the enticing land of Ladakh!
All you adventure freaks, make sure you include this one in your bucket list. Quintessential, it certainly is paradise on earth!
