Introduction

An otherwise high altitude, barren patch of land on the Manali-Leh highway, Sarchu comes into sharp focus from June to September every year when heavy snow on the highway begins to thaw. Adventure buffs (mostly on motorbikes) from the world over make a beeline to traverse this spectacular route. Sandwiched between two high mountain passes – Baralacha La and Nakee La – Sarchu is one of the two important night halts on the Manali-Leh highway along with Keylong. It becomes a transit camp site on one of the highest highways in the world that traverses five very high mountain passes. Travelers are advised to go slow and acclimatize at important points en route. The terrain both before and after Sarchu rises to dizzying heights and it becomes imperative for travelers to break journey here! Sarchu is generally the second night halt while driving from Manali, and the first while coming in from Leh.

As one drives in from the Manali side, the road dips sharply after Baralacha La. It is a rough ride till the small settlement of Bharatpur. Thereafter the road condition starts improving as one approaches Sarchu. The road evens out more or less near Sarchu. The plains here are ringed by peaks. To one side of the plains flows the river Tsarap Chu. It flows through a depression in the plains and the river bed lies a few hundred feet below the rest of the plains.

In season a number of camp sites crop up to service travelers. From comfortable to basic, these sites cater to a variety of travelers. The tents are warm and comfortable, providing travelers in this beautiful but cold land some respite from the elements. The food served at Sarchu’s camp sites includes Indian, Chinese and the standard Continental fare one gets across India. Staff at these Trans Himalayan camps comes mostly from Himachal Pradesh and Nepal. This immigrant labor heads back to their respective villages when the route closes during the long winters.

One of the sights that travelers get to see at Sarchu is that of Kiang (wild ass) running along the plains of Sarchu. They are even more prominently visible further ahead at the Moreh Plains.

Special Attributes

Transit camp site on one of the highest highways in the world

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress in whatever you find comfortable. But be warm and adequately covered.

Connectivity

Buses, motorcycles and private or hired vehicles

Enjoyed by

Adventure buffs

Exposure

High levels of UV. Adequate protection like sun block and head gear are recommended.

Avoidable Season

October, November, December, January, February, March, April

Facilities

Good accommodation

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction

Tip

Take adequate rest to keep Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) at bay

Type of site

Camp site