Anand Mahindra Calls The Leh-Manali Highway "Among The Most Beautiful In The World". Full Guide Inside

Anand Mahindra was not talking about a resort or a luxury car. His recent social media post was about a road - one that climbs above the clouds and feels like it belongs in another world. The Leh-Manali Highway. Sharing a video of the route on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote, "Leh-Manali highway. Amongst the most beautiful in the world. Makes you want to get up off the armchair and stop being just a #SundayWanderer." He was not exaggerating. Few roads are as dramatic as this one - endless bends through snow walls, barren valleys, and skies so blue they look unreal. His post went viral, prompting thousands to recall their own experiences on this legendary road trip.

Leh-Manali highway

Amongst the most beautiful in the world.

Makes you want to get up off the armchair and stop being just a #SundayWanderer

(Video Courtesy @IndiaTales7 )

pic.twitter.com/OC9MZNGQZ4

— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) October 5, 2025

One traveller wrote, "Every turn looks like a painting. The Himalayas remind you how small you are - and how alive you can feel." Another added, "The views are breathtaking, but the road can be brutal in places. Still worth every second."

Everyone agreed: the Leh-Manali Highway is not just a drive. It is an emotion.

About The Leh-Manali Highway

The Leh-Manali Highway stretches roughly 474 kilometres (now about 430 km via the Atal Tunnel) and is one of the highest motorable roads in India. It cuts through snow peaks, remote valleys, and high passes that challenge even the most seasoned drivers.

The journey tests endurance and patience, especially because almost 350 kilometres of the route have no fuel stations or repair shops. Still, the reward is unmatched - raw beauty at every turn and the sense of being completely untethered from the world.

Also Read: Anand Mahindra's Discovery Of This Breathtaking Place In India Will Make You Want to Pack Your Bags

Who Maintains The Leh-Manali Highway

This extreme route stays functional thanks to the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), managed under Project Deepak and Project Himank. Their engineers and workers battle altitude, freezing temperatures, and heavy snow to keep this Himalayan lifeline open each year.

Best Time To Travel On Leh-Manali Highway

The highway remains open between mid-May or early June and October, depending on weather conditions.

• June to August: Best for clear weather and lush valleys.
• September: Offers bright skies and crisp post-monsoon air.
• Avoid: Early May and October when heavy snow can block key stretches.

The short window makes the road all the more special - available only for a few months, and unforgettable once experienced.

Manali To Leh Or Leh To Manali: Which Is Better

Travelling from Leh to Manali is the better option if you want to adjust to the altitude naturally. It helps avoid mountain sickness and lets you enjoy the landscape without fatigue setting in too early. Starting from Leh also means descending gradually, making the drive smoother and more scenic.

Also Read: Anand Mahindra Finds A Stunning Indian Village "Above The Clouds". How To Get There

Top 7 Attractions On The Leh-Manali Highway

Every few kilometres on this road bring a view worthy of a postcard. Here are the must-see highlights:

• Tanglang La (5,328 m altitude): The highest pass before Leh, a photographer's dream.
• More Plains: Vast, flat terrain surrounded by snow peaks - surreal and otherworldly.
• Lungalacha La (5,079 m altitude): A steep point where you'll begin to truly feel the altitude.
• Gata Loops (4,630 m altitude): Famous for its 21 sharp bends and folklore.
• Nakee La (4,740 m altitude): Stark, treeless landscapes at breathtaking altitude.
• Suraj Tal (4,883 m altitude): The second-highest lake in India - a serene blue gem.
• Baralacha La (4,890 m altitude): Connects Ladakh to Himachal Pradesh.
• Rohtang La (3,980 m altitude): The final point from Manali, connecting Kullu Valley to Lahaul and Spiti.

How To Travel On The Leh-Manali Highway

The highway is popular among bikers, who consider it India's ultimate road trip. SUVs and off-road vehicles are also ideal for this journey, especially if you prefer comfort and space.
For those on a budget, the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) runs a semi-deluxe bus service between Manali and Leh. The two-day trip includes a night halt at Keylong, giving passengers time to rest and acclimatize.

5 Places To Stop On The Leh-Manali Route

• Atal Tunnel: A 9-km engineering marvel that cuts travel time and opens the gateway to Lahaul.
• Keylong: The first major town with hotels, fuel, and eateries.
• Jispa: A quiet riverside stop popular among bikers for camping.
• Sarchu: The midway point ideal for overnight tent stays and acclimatisation.
• Tanglang La: The second-highest pass on the route, with unmatched mountain views.

Each stop adds to the rhythm of the journey - a pause between the rugged highs of the Himalayas.

Tips For Safe Travel And Acclimatisation

Altitude sickness is common on this route as it crosses multiple passes above 4,000 metres. Symptoms include headache, fatigue, and nausea.

Safety Tips:

• Avoid staying overnight in Manali; choose Solang Valley instead.
• Plan overnight halts at Keylong or Jispa instead of higher stops like Sarchu.
• Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol or smoking.
• Keep warm, move slowly, and eat carb-heavy meals.
• Descend immediately if symptoms worsen.
• Respect the altitude, and the mountains will reward you with the drive of a lifetime.

Why The Leh-Manali Highway Is So Special

The Leh-Manali Highway is more than a scenic road; it is a reminder of what travel felt like before itineraries and filters took over. It is where silence is louder than the engine, where the phone network disappears, and where every bend looks like a new world waiting quietly.

As one traveller wrote under Anand Mahindra's post, "It's a road that makes you feel alive again."

For many, that is reason enough to drive it once - and remember it forever.