Sarchu - Tented Camp Leh-Manali Highway
Location: Leh-Manali Highway
Best Time to Visit: June to September
The Leh-Manali Highway is considered among the highest motorable roads in the world that connects Leh with Manali. This highway remains open for access only from June to September. The stretch of the highway extends from Kullu valley with Manali, Lahaul and Spiti and then to Ladakh. The total driving distance across this highway is 479 km. It passes through Rohtang La, Tanglang La and Baralacha La. The highest point is at Tanglang La that is at 17,470 feet above sea level. This journey via highway can take up to 2 days depending on the weather conditions. Tourists can plan to stay overnight either at Jipsa or at Sarchu tent camp. Manali is around 222 km from Sarchu and the distance between Leh and Sarchu is 257 km drive.
About Sarchu
Sarchu is a tent camp accommodation in the Himalayan range and lies on the boundary of Leh Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh. Sarchu has the Baralacha La in its northern part and Lachulung La in the south. The approximate altitude of Sarchu is 4290 meters. The tented camp is closed during winters due to heavy snowfall. After overnight stay, tourists often drive to Manali, Leh or to the Lahaul and Spiti Valley. It is also the starting point of trek to the Zanskar mountain region of the Himalayas.
Sarchu Camp
The Sarchu camp offers standard and luxury accommodation with attached bath space and generator facility. There is also a separate dining tent, kitchen and washing area. There are around 32 such tents usually occupied between June-August. The camp is offering accommodation to travelers since 2005. The sleeping cottages are equipped with blankets, pillow, bed sheets and wash basin. Hot water is also available on request.
There is a buffet style vegetarian meal served for breakfast, dinner and lunch but more often, it will take time for you to recover from the altitude sickness. Dining here includes Continental and Chinese food as well. There are attendants and cooks for special service.
There is no electricity in Sarchu and small bulbs are lighted by generator back up from 6pm-9pm. The area around this tent camp is breezy and you are required to carry heavy woolen garments.
