Supriya Bhardwaj Road trip: Amritsar to Baralacha La
A road trip from Amritsar to Sissu and then to Baralacha La is a perfect blend of cultural exploration, scenic landscapes, and thrilling adventures. Here’s a detailed guide to help you plan:
Overview
1. Route:
–Day 1: Amritsar → Manali (~410 km, 8-10 hours)
– Day 2: Manali → Sissu (~90 km via Atal Tunnel, 2-3 hours)
– Day 3: Sissu → Baralacha La (~80 km, 3-5 hours)
2. Distance: ~580 km (Amritsar to Baralacha La)
3. Duration: 3-4 days (recommended to avoid fatigue and enjoy the journey)
Manali-Leh Highway
Itinerary: Amritsar to Baralacha La
Day 1: Amritsar to Manali
– Distance: ~410 km
– Time: 8-10 hours
– Route: Amritsar → Jalandhar → Roopnagar→ Kiratpur → Kullu → Manali
– Highlights:
– Stop at Kiratpur or Sundarnagar for a meal.
– Reach Manali and explore Mall Road and Hidimba Temple.
– Stay: Overnight in Manali.
Day 2: Manali to Sissu (via Atal Tunnel)
A road trip from Manali to Baralacha La via the Atal Tunnel is an incredible journey that saves time and offers breathtaking views of the Lahaul Valley. This updated route bypasses the traditional Rohtang Pass, making the trip smoother and more accessible. Here’s a detailed guide:
– Distance: ~90 km
– Time: 2-3 hours
– Route: Manali → Solang Valley → Atal Tunnel → Sissu
– Highlights:
– Drive through the Atal Tunnel, the world’s longest highway tunnel at this altitude.
– Enjoy waterfalls and views of the Chandra River in Sissu.
– Explore Sissu Lake or hike to Sissu Waterfall.
Key Stops & Attractions
1. Manali (Starting Point)
– Ensure your vehicle is road-trip ready, and all essentials are packed.
– Enjoy a hearty breakfast before starting.
2. Solang Valley (12 km from Manali)
– A quick stop for a scenic view or a cup of tea.
Adventure activities: Paragliding, ATB rides, Skiing (winters)
3. Atal Tunnel (9.02 km)
– The world’s longest highway tunnel at this altitude (~10,000 ft).
– Drive through this engineering marvel while enjoying the spectacular views at the tunnel’s exit on the North portal.
For a visual perspective, here is a video showcasing the Atal Tunnel:
4. Sissu (12 km from Atal Tunnel exit)
– Known for its stunning waterfalls and the serene Chandra River. It is a great spot for photography.
– Stay: Overnight in Sissu.
Day 3: Sissu to Baralacha La
– Distance: ~80 km
– Time: 3-5 hours
– Route: Sissu → Keylong → Jispa → Darcha → Baralacha La
– Highlights:
– Stop at Keylong for breakfast or supplies.
– Visit Deepak Tal near Patseo.
– Marvel at the glacial Suraj Tal before reaching Baralacha La (16,040 ft).
– Experience breathtaking views and snow-laden terrain (even in summer).
Key Stops & Attractions
1. Keylong (37 km from Sissu)
– The administrative center of Lahaul Valley. It is a good place for a short break or a meal. Refuel your vehicle here.
2. Jispa (20 km from Keylong)
– A picturesque village ideal for a rest stop. Many travelers camp here to acclimatize before continuing further.
3. Darcha (8 km from Jispa)
– The last village with basic amenities before ascending Baralacha La.
- Darcha Bridge is the longest bridge in Himachal Pradesh.
Key Highlights of Darcha Bridge
Location:
Darcha Bridge is a significant steel truss bridge located in Darcha, Lahaul & Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh.
Type:
Steel truss bridge.
Length:
360 meters, the longest steel bridge in Himachal Pradesh.
Highway:
Situated on Manali-Leh Highway.
Constructed by:
Border Roads Organizations (BRO).
Crosses:
Bhaga River near its confluence with Jankar Nala.
Importance:
Enhances connectivity between Manali and Leh. It is crucial for civilian travel and military logistics.
Challenges:
It is built in harsh terrain and weather conditions and took nearly a decade to complete.
For a visual perspective, here is a short video showcasing the Darcha Bridge:
4. Deepak Tal (11.8 km from Jispa)
Deepak Tal is a stunning high-altitude lake located on the Manali-Leh Highway, approximately 3,750 meters (12,303 feet) above sea level. It is one of the prominent stops on the way to Baralacha La and is known for its tranquil beauty and reflective waters.
Key Details about Deepak Tal
– Location: Near Patseo, ~43 km from Keylong and ~20 km before Baralacha La.
– Altitude: 3,750 meters (12,303 feet).
– Distance from Manali: ~160 km.
Highlights of Deepak Tal
Scenic Beauty:
The lake reflects the surrounding mountains and sky, creating a picture-perfect view. It’s especially mesmerizing early in the morning when the water is calm.
Crystal-Clear Waters:
Fed by melting snow, the lake’s water is pristine and glacial, making it a peaceful spot for a quick rest or photography.
Spiritual Connection:
Locals believe the lake has spiritual significance, and it is often visited by travelers for its calming ambiance.
Convenient Stop:
Deepak Tal is an ideal place to take a short break before continuing the ascent to Baralacha La. Many bikers and road trippers stop here to stretch and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
5. Suraj Tal (27.7 km from Deepak Tal)
Suraj Tal (meaning “Lake of the Sun”) also known as Tso Kamtsi is a revered glacial lake, considered sacred by locals. It is located at an elevation of about 5430 meters (17,782 ft.) above sea level. It is a prominent stop for travelers on the Manali-Leh Highway, located just below the Baralacha La Pass.
Highlights of Suraj Tal
One of the highest lakes in India:
It is the third highest lake in India. Suraj Tal Lake is just below the source of Bhaga River that joins the Chandra River downstream at Tandi to form Chandrabhaga River in Himachal Pradesh.
Scenic Beauty:
The lake is renowned for its stunning landscape, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and barren, rocky terrain. The blue waters of the lake contrast beautifully with the surrounding rugged hills, creating a serene and tranquil environment.
Spiritual Significance:
Suraj Tal is named after the Sun God and is considered a sacred site by locals.
The Wish Locker:
Near Suraj Tal, the “Wish Locker Point” is a unique and interesting spot for travelers. This point is famous for its tradition where visitors can leave behind a small token or note, making a wish or a prayer. Travelers often leave small items, such as coins, ribbons, locks, or notes with wishes hanging on the heart-shaped structure near Suraj Tal on Manali-Leh Highway.
6. Baralacha La (16,040 ft)
– A high-altitude Pass offering panoramic views and pristine beauty.
– Optional: Return to Jispa/ Keylong or continue to Sissu/ Manali for the night.
Road Conditions
1. Amritsar to Manali: Smooth highways with some mountainous stretches near Kullu-Manali.
2. Manali to Sissu: Excellent roads via the Atal Tunnel. Thanks to BRO.
3. Sissu to Baralacha La: Narrow, winding roads with occasional rough patches and slush.
For a visual perspective, here is a video showcasing the Road Trip: Sissu to Baralacha La
Preparation Tips
1. Vehicle:
– Cars or adventure bikes with good ground clearance are recommended.
– Check your brakes and tires before starting the trip.
- Carry spare tires, a puncture repair kit, and essential tools.
2. Permits:
– No permit is required for the Atal Tunnel.
- For entry to Sissu, one has to pay vehicle entry fee of 200-300 INR (approx.)
– Check for any restrictions to Baralacha La during your travel dates.
3. Altitude Acclimatization:
– Spend a day in Manali or Sissu to acclimatize.
– Keep yourself hydrated.
4. Fuel Stops:
– Refuel in Manali and Keylong (Tandi Petrol Pump is the last reliable stop).
5. Packing Essentials:
– Warm clothing, gloves, sturdy shoes, woolen caps, windproof jackets, and rain gear. Temperatures drop significantly near Baralacha La.
- It is advisable to carry a first aid kit and power banks.
6. Food & Water:
– Carry snacks, water, and some packed food. Options are limited after Jispa.
Traveling Tips
– Start early to make the most of daylight.
– Drive cautiously on curves and avoid over-speeding.
– Watch for black ice or slush near Baralacha La, especially in winter season.
– Respect the environment and avoid littering.
Road trip to Baralacha: Traxplorers’ perspective
As Traxplorers, every road trip is more than just a journey—it’s an adventure that connects us with the earth, the skies, and the spirit of the landscapes we traverse. Our experience from Sissu to Deepak Tal, Suraj Tal, and Baralacha La is a mosaic of awe-inspiring moments, where nature’s majesty leaves us humbled and rejuvenated.
Sissu: The Gateway to Serenity
When we first roll into Sissu, it feels like we have discovered a hidden gem. Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, this small village offers a tranquil escape from the chaos of city life. The Chandra River flows by with a calming rush, and the towering peaks surround us like ancient guardians. Sissu is more than just a pit stop—it’s a place that pulls us in, inviting us to pause, breathe, and absorb the breathtaking beauty of the lush valley. Whether it’s the stunning Sissu Waterfall, the artificial Sissu Lake, and/or the pristine clear skies above, we feel truly connected to the natural world here.
Deepak Tal: A Mirror to the Soul
As we approach Deepak Tal, there is an unmistakable shift in the atmosphere. It’s not just a lake, it feels like a reflection of our journey, mirroring the serene landscape around us. The water, glacial and cold, holds the purest shades of blue, while the mountains in the backdrop seem to melt into the sky. Deepak Tal feels like a place of introspection, where we stop to take in the quiet majesty of the surroundings and reflect on the road ahead. The stillness of the lake, set against the rugged terrain, is a reminder of the impermanence of our travels and the timeless beauty of nature.
Suraj Tal: The Sacred Glacial Beauty
As we make our way from Deepak Tal to Suraj Tal, we find ourselves immersed in the silence and grandeur of the high-altitude desert. The journey up is a test of resilience, but as we reach the Suraj Tal, we know every bump along the road was worth it. This sacred lake, considered a holy place, radiates an ethereal beauty. The surrounding peaks rise dramatically, their snow-capped summits piercing the sky. The clear, turquoise waters of Suraj Tal reflect the heavens above, creating a surreal image that feels almost otherworldly.
Baralacha La: The Pinnacle of Our Journey
Finally, we reach Baralacha La, the high-altitude pass that feels like the final frontier of our road trip. The air is thinner, the wind colder, and the views more dramatic than anything we have seen before. At 16,040 feet, standing at Baralacha La, we are enveloped by a feeling of awe and accomplishment. The rugged, barren beauty of the Pass juxtaposed with the serene lakes, snowfields, and the distant peaks forms a landscape that feels both alien and familiar. Here, at the intersection of the wind and the sky, we are reminded of the raw, untamed beauty of the world. The journey to Baralacha La is the culmination of our pursuit of adventure and connection to nature, a place where we are humbled by the scale of the mountains and the purity of the surroundings.
Traxplorers’ Takeaway
From Sissu’s calm to the mystic stillness of Deepak Tal, the sacred splendor of Suraj Tal, and the majestic heights of Baralacha La, our journey as Traxplorers is a reminder of how small we are in the face of nature’s enormity. Every pass we cross, every lake we encounter, brings us closer to understanding not just the landscape, but ourselves. As we drive these winding roads, we realize that the true beauty lies not in the destination, but in the journey itself—the moments of connection, the awe of discovery, and the joy of exploring the world beyond.
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