Posted on by Jerome Anthony

Leh-Manali highway reopens: 10 reasons why you should not miss the scenic route this summer

After nearly five months of closure due to heavy snowfall during winter, the 428-kilometer Leh-Manali National Highway has reopened for vehicular traffic by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), officials announced on April 23. The scenic roadway, serves as an alternate route, linking the Union Territory of Ladakh with the rest of the country through Himachal Pradesh, which was shut in November following the onset of winter. (Image: Shutterstock)
This route is synonymous with motorheads, especially adventure seekers, who travel through the mountainous region to soak in its vast landscape that’s postcard perfect. Here are 10 reasons, why you should not miss travelling on this route this summer season. (Image: Shutterstock)
No 1. Spectacular Scenery: The Leh-Manali Highway offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountain range, with snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and meandering rivers along the route.
No 1. Spectacular scenery: The Leh-Manali Highway offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountain range, with snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and meandering rivers along the route.
No 2. Adventure of a lifetime: Driving on the Leh-Manali Highway is an adventure in itself, offering thrilling experiences such as crossing high-altitude passes, navigating through winding roads, and encountering diverse landscapes.
No 2. Adventure of a lifetime: Driving on the Leh-Manali Highway is an adventure in itself, offering thrilling experiences such as crossing high-altitude passes, navigating through winding roads, and encountering diverse landscapes. (Image: Indian Army)
No 3. Experience the unique culture: Along the journey, travelers have the opportunity to visit remote villages and interact with local communities, providing insights into the rich cultural heritage of the region.
No 4. Every view is postcard perfect: With its stunning landscapes and ever-changing vistas, the Leh-Manali Highway offers endless opportunities for photography enthusiasts to capture awe-inspiring shots of nature’s beauty. (Image: Shutterstock)
Yaks can survive up to minus 40 degrees, but find it difficult when the mercury crosses 13 degrees. Photo by Sumit Das.
No 5. Wildlife encounters: The highway passes through several wildlife reserves and protected areas, offering the chance to spot rare species such as snow leopards, Himalayan ibex, and Tibetan wolves in their natural habitat.
No 6. Historical significance: The Leh-Manali Highway has a rich history dating back to ancient times, serving as a crucial trade route between India and Central Asia, and passing by historical landmarks such as monasteries, forts, and ancient trading posts.
No 7. Remote destinations: Traveling on this highway allows adventurers to explore remote and off-the-beaten-path destinations that are inaccessible by other means, providing a sense of freedom and exploration.
No 7. Remote destinations: Traveling on this highway allows adventurers to explore remote and off-the-beaten-path destinations that are inaccessible by other means, providing a sense of freedom and exploration.
No 8. Test of endurance: Driving through the Leh-Manali Highway presents challenges such as high altitude, extreme weather conditions, and rugged terrain, making it a test of endurance and skill for drivers and their vehicles.
No 8. Test of endurance: Driving through the Leh-Manali Highway presents challenges such as high altitude, extreme weather conditions, and rugged terrain, making it a test of endurance and skill for drivers and their vehicles. (Image: Shutterstock)
No 9. Spiritual retreats: The highway passes through numerous Buddhist monasteries, Hindu temples, and other religious sites, offering travellers the opportunity for spiritual reflection and tranquility amidst the majestic Himalayas. (Image: Shutterstock)
No 10. Unforgettable memories: The unique local culture, unending scenic sights and the lack of luxury facilities make a trip on the Leh-Manali Highway an unforgettable experience, which culminate in lifelong memories of adventure, discovery, and natural beauty. (Image: Shweta Mungre)
No 10. Unforgettable memories: The unique local culture, unending scenic sights and the lack of luxury facilities make a trip on the Leh-Manali Highway an unforgettable experience, which culminate in lifelong memories of adventure, discovery, and natural beauty. (Image: Shweta Mungre)