The Manali–Leh Highway is one of the great road journeys in Asia. The 490 km route crosses four high passes — including Taglang La at 5,328 m — through some of the most spectacular and remote mountain scenery on earth. The road is only open from roughly late May to early October, depending on snowfall.
The standard approach is a two-day drive with an overnight stop at Sarchu (at 4,253 m) or Keylong. Buses make the journey, but hiring a jeep or travelling by motorcycle gives more flexibility and is the popular choice. Cyclists also tackle the route — it takes 7–10 days and requires serious preparation.
Practical notes: carry enough fuel (Tandi near Keylong is the last reliable fuel before Leh), expect very basic food and accommodation at tented camps along the route, and ascend slowly to manage altitude sickness. The highest point comes in the final stretch before Leh.