Leh–Manali Highway

The Leh–Manali Highway is a mountain road in Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh in India that spans 479 kilometers and links two major mountain regions through more than five passes. The route follows parts of old trade paths and crosses plateaus, deep gorges, and barren sections above the tree line.

Construction began in 1964 as part of a strategic initiative, with crews working simultaneously from both ends. Completion came in 1989 and created the second land connection to Ladakh.

The name comes from the two endpoints in different states, while the route links several Tibetan-influenced villages with Hindu settlements. Locals use sections of the road for seasonal livestock movements between high pastures and lower valleys.

The route remains open only from May to October because winter snow blocks the passes. Travelers should carry enough supplies since around 350 kilometers have no permanent settlements.

The Taglang La pass sits at 5,328 meters elevation and ranks among the highest vehicle-accessible passes in India. At this point prayer flags often flutter in the wind and vehicles pause briefly for photos.