Vikram Singh
Vikram is the founder of North India Tourism and a Ladakhi local who has guided over 500 expeditions across the Himalayan region since 2008.
The Route: Manali to Leh
The Manali-Leh highway opens in late May and closes in October with the first heavy snowfall. The 490 km drive typically takes two days with a night halt at Jispa or Sarchu.
Key Passes You'll Cross
Rohtang Pass (3,978m), Baralacha La (4,890m), Lachulung La (5,059m), and Tanglang La (5,328m) — each one a milestone on this extraordinary journey.
Crossing Tanglang La at 17,480 ft with no other car in sight, just silence and sky — that moment will stay with you forever.
Acclimatization: Don't Rush It
Altitude sickness is real. Spend at least one night in Jispa (3,200m) or Sarchu (4,290m) before reaching Leh (3,500m). Once in Leh, rest for two full days before heading to Khardung La or Pangong.
What to Pack
Sunscreen SPF 50+, warm layers for nights (even in July), altitude sickness medicine (Diamox), a downloaded offline map, and enough cash (ATMs are scarce above Leh).