Leh-Ladakh often makes the cut on the bucket list of many young travellers. The idea of going on a road trip to this beautiful scenic destination in the Himalayas is surely exciting.
However, there are many who still prefer quicker and safer travelling options to reach Leh. Till now, the only option available to people was to book a private vehicle from Manali or take a local bus. While the former is an expensive option, the latter can be extremely uncomfortable.
There's also a third option for those who can afford it – a direct flight to Leh from Delhi. However, travelling in a plane takes away all the fun of exploring the beautiful landscape. Hence, for those travellers, who want to hit the road but also want safety and comfort at a good price -- Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) has started a deluxe bus service from Manali to Leh.
Here are the highlights of this bus:
The one-way fare of Manali-Leh deluxe bus is Rs 2,700 which includes one night stay at Keylong along with dinner and breakfast.
The bus departs from Manali at 9 am on every alternate day. It takes a halt at Keylong in the evening where the passengers are provided with facilities like accommodation and food. Next morning, the bus leaves from Keylong at around 4 am and reaches Leh by 6 pm.
Buses will ply on the Manali-Leh highway from August to mid-September. The route passes through exotic locations like Rohtang Pass, Baralacha Pass, Lachlung Pass and Tanglang Pass (5,328m).
The bus will be cleared for operation only after it is confirmed that the weather and road conditions are appropriate. Travellers can easily make a booking on the HPTDC website or application.
HPDTC's initiative has now made it easier for people who want to take a road trip from Manali to Leh but also don't want to burn a hole in their pockets. The bus service along with facilities like one night stay and meals at Keylong makes it an attractive option. So, if you are planning a trip to Ladakh, you know what to do.
