Leh Manali Highway

2021-11-13T10:12:21Z

203.94.240.251:

{{short description|High elevation mountain highway in India}}
{{More citations needed|date=November 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2017}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2017}}
{{infobox road
|country=IND
|name=Leh-Manali Highway
|translation=
|type=
|route=
|length_km= 428
| image = Bajaj Chetak.jpg
| image_notes = [[Taglang La]] pass, Elevation: 5359 m (17,582 ft)
| map = {{Maplink|frame=yes|plain=yes|frame-width=290|frame-height=300|frame-align=center
|frame-lat=33.20|frame-long=77.445|type=line|stroke-width=3|zoom=7
| id= Q251599|title=Leh-Manali Highway|text= Map of '''Leh-Manali Highway''' in red }}
| map_custom = yes
|direction_a= North
|terminus_a= [[Leh]], [[Ladakh]]
|destinations= {{flatlist|
* [[Leh]]
* [[Shey]]
* Karu
* [[Upshi]]
* [[Gya, Ladakh|Gya]]
* [[Sarchu]] (state border)
* [[Zingzingbar]]
* Patseo
* [[Darcha]]
* [[Jispa]]
* [[Keylong]]
* Tandi
* [[Sissu]]
* [[Koksar]]
* Gramphu
* [[Rohtang]]
* [[Manali, Himachal Pradesh|Manali]]
}}
|direction_b=South
|terminus_b= [[Manali, Himachal Pradesh|Manali]], [[Himachal Pradesh]]
|junction=
|length_notes=
|states=[[Himachal Pradesh]], [[Ladakh]]
}}
{{coord|32.2495793|77.1905049|display=title}}

The '''Leh–Manali Highway''' is a {{convert|428|km|abbr=on|}} long [[highway]] in northernmost [[India]] connecting [[Leh]], one of the two capitals of the union territory of [[Ladakh]], to [[Manali, Himachal Pradesh|Manali]] in the state of [[Himachal Pradesh]]. It connects the [[Manali, Himachal Pradesh|Manali]] Solang valley to the [[Lahaul and Spiti district|Lahaul and Spiti]] valleys in Himachal Pradesh and the [[Zanskar]] valley in [[Ladakh]]. It is open for only about five months in a year, from mid-May or June (when the snow is cleared from the highway) to October, when snowfall again blocks the high passes on the highway. However, the [[Lahaul and Spiti district|Lahaul valley]] will now remain connected to Manali for most part of the year through already completed [[Atal tunnel]]. With the completion of proposed [[Shingo La#Shingo-La-Tunnel|Shingo La Tunnel]] on new route through Zanskar valley, targeted to be completed by 2024, the whole Leh-Manali route will become all-weather road.<ref name=comp1>[https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/defence-ministry-clears-the-bro-tunnel-under-shinkun-la-in-ladakh-101621414374031.html Defence ministry clears the BRO tunnel under Shinkun La in Ladakh], [[Hindustan Times]], 19 May 2021.</ref>

The Leh–Manali Highway which acts as a trunk route for various [[India-China Border Roads]] in Ladakh and Himachal has been designed, built and being maintained by the [[Border Roads Organisation]] (BRO) of the Indian army. It supports the heaviest army vehicles.

==History==
The work on the Leh-Manali road was started in 1964. To achieve maximum speed, its construction was taken up from both ends. In 1989, the 473-km Manali-Leh road began serving as the second land approach to Ladakh.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wangchuk |first1=Rinchen Norbu |title=Here's the history behind one of the Jaitley's biggest budget announcements |url=https://www.thebetterindia.com/130115/history-jaitley-budget-rohtang/ |access-date=5 September 2021 |publisher=The Better India |date=February 5, 2018}}</ref>

==Geographical features==

The average elevation of Leh-Manali highway is more than 4,000 m (13,000 feet)<ref>[http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/ams/india/ni-43-12.jpg Series U502, U.S. Army Map Service, map of quadrant ni-43-12]</ref> and its highest elevation is {{convert|5328|m|abbr=on}} at the [[Taglang La]] mountain pass. It is flanked by mountain ranges on both sides, featuring stunning sand and natural rock formations. The landscape changes after getting past the Atal tunnel and the greenery starts receding upon entering the Chandra river valley in the Lahaul region that lies in the [[Rain Shadow|rain-shadow]]. After crossing [[Darcha]], the greenery completely disappears and the mountain slopes on the leeward side become brown and arid. Most of the mountain peaks and highway Passes north of Darcha remains covered by snow even in summer and shine brightly in the sun. Adjacent glaciers melt (more so as the day wears on) and water overruns the highway in many places. This water is ice-cold and travellers should avoid situations where they might have to wade through it.
[[File:Gata Loops,Leh Manali Highway.jpg|thumb|The road between Leh-Manali in Ladakh.]]

===Road surface===
[[File:Moreplains3.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Fast-flowing water eroded the highway on the More plains.]]

The Leh-Manali highway is generally two lanes wide (one lane in each direction) without a road divider, but has only one or one and a half lanes at some stretches. Snow and rain can make the highway slushy or too slippery to travel. Past precipitation can also create travel hazards. It has over a dozen [[Bailey bridge]]s and all of them are now being upgraded to two-lane steel bridges. The highway crosses many small streams of ice-cold water from snow-capped mountains and glacial melts without a bridge and it requires driving skill to negotiate fast-flowing streams. The highway has many damaged stretches and under-maintained portions, where even a little rainfall can trigger dangerous landslides. The road quality is poor from Zingzingbar to Pang and one has to drive carefully as high speed can cause discomfort.

===Climate===
[[File:Changpa Nomad in Moorey Planes.jpg|thumbnail|right|Yaks in More plains]]

Ladakh is a cold semi-arid desert. It is cold along the highway even in summer (June onwards); the days are warm in bright sunshine but the nights are very cold. Light woollens are required during the day and thick woollens are required at night. There is minimal rainfall between Darcha and Leh even during the monsoon season in July–September as the entire region lies in [[rain shadow]].

==Length of highway==

The total length of the highway is about {{convert|428|km|abbr=on}}. It has {{convert|178|km|abbr=on}} in Himachal Pradesh as the length in Himachal Pradesh is shorten by about {{convert|45|km|abbr=on}} after opening of the [[Atal Tunnel]] avoiding the [[Rohtang Pass]] , and 250 km (156 mi) in Ladakh.<ref>{{Cite web
|url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/09/23/stories/2008092356940500.htm
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080926172240/http://www.hindu.com/2008/09/23/stories/2008092356940500.htm
|url-status=dead
|archive-date=2008-09-26
|work=[[The Hindu]]
|title=Hundreds stranded on Manali-Leh highway
|date=2008-09-23}}</ref> The state line is at [[Sarchu]].<ref>{{cite web | author=Other | title=Atal Tunnel opens | website=The Tribune | url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/editorials/atal-tunnel-opens-151222 | access-date=2020-10-05}}</ref>
[[File:Tanglanglapass.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The [[Taglang La]] pass is the highest elevation on the Leh–Manali Highway.]]
[[File:Upshi_(village).jpg|thumb|right|250px|Upshi has a Customs and Excise taxation check post where vehicles are inspected.]]
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Route of Leh-Manali Highway
|-
! Location !! State!! Altitude !! Distance !! Remarks
|-
| [[Manali,_Himachal_Pradesh|Manali]] || [[Himachal Pradesh]] || {{Convert|1950|m|ft}} || {{convert|0|km|mi}}|| It is the starting point of route.
|-
| [[Sissu]] || [[Himachal Pradesh]] || {{Convert|3130|m|ft|abbr=on}} || {{convert|41|km|mi|abbr=on}} || The route from Manali to Sissu runs via '''[[Palchan]]-[[Solang Valley]]''' road, then through [[Atal Tunnel]] bypassing the Rohtang pass and towards '''Sissu'''. Further, the distance from Manali to Gramphu via Atal Tunnel is only 47 km for Spiti valley bound travelers. There is a helipad at Sissu with service to Manali during the winter.
|-
| Tandi || [[Himachal Pradesh]] || {{convert|2570|m|abbr=on}} || {{convert|22|km|abbr=on}} || Tandi is at the bottom of a river valley, where the [[Chandra River]] and the Bhaga River (flowing from the north) merge to form the Chandra-Bhaga river (which becomes the [[Chenab]] downstream in Ladakh). Cross the Bhaga river over the bridge towards the right, take the right turn at the fork, and the road again starts climbing.
|-
| [[Keylong]] || [[Himachal Pradesh]] || {{convert|3080|m|abbr=on}} || {{convert|8|km|abbr=on}} || Keylong is District HQ of [[Lahaul and Spiti district]].
|-
| [[Jispa]] || [[Himachal Pradesh]] || {{convert|3310|m|abbr=on}} || {{convert|22|km|abbr=on}} || Jispa is a village where two nullahs (small streams) join the Bhaga River.
|-
| [[Darcha]] || [[Himachal Pradesh]] || {{convert|3360|m|abbr=on}} || {{convert|6|km|abbr=on}} || All tourists have to register at the police check post here.
|-
| [[Zingzingbar]] || [[Himachal Pradesh]] || {{convert|4270|m|abbr=on}} || {{convert|25|km|abbr=on}} || Zingzingbar is the South Portal for the proposed Baralacha La Tunnel. The steep ascent to [[Baralacha la|Baralacha La]] starts at Zingzingbar.
|-
| [[Bara-lacha la]] || [[Himachal Pradesh]] || {{convert|5030|m|abbr=on}} || {{convert|22|km|abbr=on}} || It is a steady climb. A stream (from a glacial melt) flows across the highway just after [[Zingzingbar]]. It is advisable to cross the stream before noon because the flow of ice-cold water increases as the temperature rises. If the flow of water is too powerful for a vehicle to cross, or if the weather worsens en route to Baralacha La, turn back to Zingzingbar or Darcha, and seek accommodation before trying on the next day. <br>
The 130 km drive from [[Zingzingbar]] to Pang is the toughest part of the journey on the highway and a nightmare at times. During best of the season, without any blockade and traffic jams, it can take up to 5-7 hrs to cover this stretch with at least one halt enroute.
|-
| Killing Sarai || [[Himachal Pradesh]] || || {{convert|13|km|abbr=on}} || It is a steady descent. Killing Sarai is the North Portal for the proposed Baralacha La tunnel. The Bhaga river and the Chandra river originate from melting snow at opposite sides of Baralacha La, the former flowing southwest and the latter flowing first southeast and then northwest to merge at Tandi.
|-
| [[Sarchu]] || [[Himachal Pradesh]] || {{convert|4300|m|abbr=on}} || {{convert|20|km|abbr=on}} || Sarchu is a military base and has a police check post.It is the border between Himachal pradesh and Laddakh. Register at the police check post here.
|-
| Pang || [[Ladakh]] || {{convert|4600|m|abbr=on}} || {{convert|76|km|abbr=on}} || It involves climbing 500 m through the Gata loops (22 hairpin bends) at {{convert|4190|m|abbr=on}} elevation and traversing through Nakee La at 4,739 m (15,547 ft) and [[Lachulung La]] at 5,065 m (16,616 ft) elevations.
|-
| [[Tanglang La]]|| [[Ladakh]] || {{convert|5328|m|abbr=on}} || {{convert|66|km|abbr=on}} || This stretch crosses a plateau at 4,700 m (15,400 ft) called the '''[[More plains]]''' or Morey plains. A flat stretch of 40 km on Morey plane is a driving paradise at such elevation and comes as a huge relief for motorists.<br>
The 175 km long road from Pang to Leh via Morey plains and Taglang La, is in excellent condition and generally takes less than 5 hours to cover. Visiting some locations beyond Leh requires special permission, which can be obtained at Leh.
|-
| [[Upshi]]|| [[Ladakh]] || || {{convert|61|km|abbr=on}} || The highway crosses the [[Indus]] river to reach Upshi village on the north.
|-
| [[Karu, Ladakh|Karu]] || [[Ladakh]] || || {{convert|14|km|abbr=on}} || After crossing the [[Indus]] river at Upshi, the highway bears left for Karu. The right turn is an ancient trading road heading east toward [[Pangong Tso|Pangong Lake]] and [[Tibet]]. There is a helipad on this road.
|-
| [[Leh]] || [[Ladakh]] || {{convert|3500|m|abbr=on}} || {{convert|34|km|abbr=on}} || Staying to the left and following the Indus River leads toward Leh. There is another turn-off to the right that goes to Shyok, Pangong Lake, and Tibet.
|}

===Earlier Route===
In Himachal Pradesh:
[[File:Rothang pass.JPG|thumb|right|250px|The Rohtang Pass becomes impassable during winter.]]
* 1: '''[[Manali, Himachal Pradesh|Manali]]''' (altitude {{convert|1950|m|abbr=on}}) to '''[[Marhi]]''' at {{convert|3300|m|abbr=on}} elevation {{convert|33|km|abbr=on}}. It is a steady climb. <ref>{{cite web | title=All you need to know about Atal Tunnel: Manali to Leh by road, 365 days a year | website=auto.hindustantimes.com | date=2020-10-02 | url=https://auto.hindustantimes.com/auto/news/atal-tunnel-and-all-you-need-to-know-manali-to-leh-by-road-365-days-a-year-41601634164818.html | access-date=2020-10-05}}</ref>
* 2: '''Marhi''' to '''[[Rohtang Pass]]''' at {{convert|3980|m|abbr=on}} elevation {{convert|18|km|abbr=on}}. It is a steady climb.
* 3: '''[[Rohtang]]''' to '''Gramphu''' at {{convert|3200|m|abbr=on}} elevation {{convert|15|km|abbr=on}}. It is a steady descent. The right turn (towards east) at Gramphu leads to [[Spiti]] valley, Batal, [[Kunzum Pass|Kunzum La]] and [[Kaza, Himachal Pradesh|Kaza]] on a road along Chandra river that is unpaved until Kunzum Pass and beyond.
* 4: '''Gramphu''' to '''[[Koksar]]''', the first village north of Rohtang Pass {{convert|5|km|abbr=on}}. Foreign nationals have to show their passports with valid visa at the police check post here.
* 5: '''[[Koksar]]''' to '''[[Sissu]]''' at {{convert|3130|m|abbr=on}} elevation {{convert|15|km|abbr=on}}. The highway runs along the left (south) bank of the Chandra River, with a beautiful waterfall on the other side of the river.
After this, there is main route from Sissu as mentioned above.

==Travel time==
After opening of Atal Tunnel, the journey from Manali to Leh normally requires one overnight stay en-route (Overnight [[#Accommodations|accommodations]] are described below). Travel time is unpredictable since the weather and road conditions can change suddenly. However, it is now possible to cover the entire journey from Manali to Leh in 14-16 hrs in a single day, if there are no road blockades and traffic jams en-route.

The peak travel season is during May-June and September-October, when tourists visit Atal tunnel, Rohtang pass and Lahaul valley. Most domestic tourists return to Manali on the same day. The [[Himachal Road Transport Corporation]] (HRTC) and the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) both operate buses that travel the entire highway in two days.<ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://devilonwheels.com/manali-leh-bus-service/
|title=Manali to Leh Bus Service - Timings, Rates & FAQs
|author=Dheeraj Sharma
|publisher=DevilOnWheels.com
|date=2019-07-15
|access-date=2019-07-22}}</ref> Buses start from Manali at 4 am until 6 pm. The travel time from Manali to Keylong is now approximately 2 hours via Atal tunnel. Private four-wheel drive taxis are available. Shared taxis are cheap as they charge per person, but they may be full of local residents who will prevent good views of the scenery outside. The tourist cannot stop either a bus or a shared taxi for sightseeing. Many Bikers travel from Manali to Leh and elsewhere in Ladakh on motorcycles, generally in a group.

===Fuel stations===
There are no fuel station for {{Convert|330|km|mi}} between Tandi and Karu. A new fuel station at Jispa is planned to come up in future. Vehicles should fill up at the start of this stretch, and motorcycles and vehicles with small tanks should carry additional fuel in cans. In an emergency, fuel may be available at small towns and camp-sites en route ( Keylong, Sarchu, Pang etc.), but this fuel may be adulterated.

===Altitude sickness===
At high altitudes, the air is thinner and contains less oxygen. [[Acute mountain sickness]] is possible, whose symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, and vomiting. It can be fatal. If reaching the area by air from lower terrain, the traveller should acclimate to the high altitude by staying at least one night at the starting point (typically Manali), and plan to stay over at either [[Keylong]], [[Jispa]] or Darcha before ascending to the highway's highest passes and plains after Darcha. Travellers should minimise the time spent at the high altitudes and therefore not stay over at [[Sarchu]] or Pang. They should carry chocolates, glucose or other high-energy food on the journey.

==Accommodation==
[[File:Dhabas At Rohtang Pass.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Dhabas (roadside eateries) near the Rohtang Pass]]

There are a variety of hotels to suit all budgets at the highway's endpoints, [[Manali, Himachal Pradesh|Manali]] and Leh. There are also hotels and PWD rest houses at [[Sissu]] and at [[Keylong]] (a district headquarter). There is one luxury hotel at [[Jispa]].

[[File:Sarchu_1.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Tents at Sarchu]]
Guesthouses are available at Sissu, Keylong, Jispa, Rumtse, Upshi and Karu.

The remaining option is to sleep in a tent which are generally basic and inexpensive. Luxury and comfortable tents (Swiss-cottage tents) are available in Jispa and Sarchu. Tent accommodations are also available in [[Darcha]], [[Zingzingbar]], Bharatpur (below Baralacha La pass, inhabited only during tourist season) and Pang. In India, a ''dhaba'' is a roadside eatery with low prices and no frills. These are found at some otherwise uninhabited places along the highway. Dhabas are not motels, but many let customers lie down and rest, and some can provide an inexpensive dormitory bed (without private toilet).

== See also ==
*[[Bilaspur–Leh line|Bilaspur–Leh railway(proposed)]]
*[[More plains]]
*[[Atal Tunnel]]
*[[Nimmu–Padam–Darcha road]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://openstreetmap.org/browse/relation/333878 Leh–Manali Highway on OpenStreetMap]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6-OY77HdhI Mountain Passes along the route]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scbj2lzgzaM Riding on the Manali-Leh route]
* [https://www.indiatravelforum.in/threads/manali-leh-highway-travel-guide.618/ Leh-Manali Highway]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071226042538/http://www.bikemap.de/route/7383 Manali-Leh Highway on Bikemap (with GPS-track)]
* [https://www.flickr.com/photos/8339033@N04/sets/72157601815386952/ Photos of a bike tour along the Highway from 1996.]
* [http://www.mapsofindia.com/maps/jammuandkashmir/leh-ladakh-map.html Ladakh detailed map]
* [http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/ams/india/ni-43-12.jpg U.S. Army Map Service]
* [http://www.intowildhimalaya.com/royal-enfield-motorcycle-tour-in-himalaya-ladakh.php Manali to leh motorcycle tour map]
*[http://traveltwosome.com/leh-manali-highway/ 55 Spectacular Pictures of Leh Manali Highway]

{{Commons category|Leh–Manali Highway}}
{{Leh-Manali Highway}}
{{Indian Highways Network}}
{{Ladakh}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Leh - Manali Highway}}
[[Category:Scenic roads in India]]
[[Category:Roads in Himachal Pradesh]]
[[Category:Himalayas]]
[[Category:Transport in Leh]]
[[Category:Transport in Manali, Himachal Pradesh]]
[[Category:National Highways in Ladakh]]

Bhildi

2021-09-07T06:06:26Z

203.94.240.251:

{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2019}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Bhildi
| native_name =
| native_name_lang =
| other_name =
| nickname =
| settlement_type = town
| image_skyline =
| image_alt =
| image_caption =
| pushpin_map = India Gujarat#India3
| pushpin_label_position = right
| pushpin_map_alt =
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Gujarat, India
| coordinates = {{coord|24|11|0|N|72|2|0|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1 = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_name1 = [[Gujarat]]
| subdivision_type2 = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_name2 = [[Banaskantha district|Banaskantha]]
| established_title = 
| established_date =
| founder =
| named_for =
| government_type =
| governing_body =
| unit_pref = Metric
| area_footnotes =
| area_rank =
| area_total_km2 =
| elevation_footnotes =
| elevation_m = 100
| population_total = 7000
| population_as_of =
| population_rank =
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_demonym =
| population_footnotes =
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_info1 = [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]], [[Hindi language|Hindi]]
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1 = +5:30
| postal_code_type = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code = 385530
| area_code_type = Telephone code
| area_code = 02744
| registration_plate = GJ-08
| blank1_name_sec1 = Coastline
| blank1_info_sec1 = {{Convert|0|km|mi}}
| blank2_name_sec1 = Nearest city
| blank2_info_sec1 = Deesa
| website = {{URL|gujaratindia.com}}
| footnotes =
}}
'''Bhildi''' is a town in [[Deesa]], [[Banaskantha district]], [[Gujarat]], [[India]].

==Geography==
It is located at {{coord|24|11|0|N|72|2|0|E}} at an elevation of 100 m above MSL.<ref>[http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/09/Bhildi.html Map and weather of Bhildi]</ref> Bhiladiyaji

==Jain Thirth==
Bhiladiyaji Jain Temple located here is very ancient which was much renovated in last decade. The temple of Bhiladiyaji Teerth is dedicated to Lord Parshvanatha. Here the lord is known as Shri Bhiladia Parshvanath Bhagavan. The temple stands as a unique example of ancient art and architecture. It is two storied and is adorned with three peaks. The idol of the Lord is of black in colour and is 53 cm in height. It is seated in a padmasana posture.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.jainsamaj.org/rpg_site/literature2.php?id=3908&cat=40&subcat=123&subsubcat=27 |title=Archived copy |access-date=23 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224052557/http://www.jainsamaj.org/rpg_site/literature2.php?id=3908&cat=40&subcat=123&subsubcat=27 |archive-date=24 February 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

== Transport ==
Bhildi is an important railway junction on the Western Railway network and connected to Kandla port and Mundra port via Gandhidham. It provides direct connectivity to Jodhpur, Palanpur WDFC and Ahemdabad from these Arabian sea ports. Many long distance trains pass through Bhildi now as a new direct link to Ahemdabad via Patan has been commissioned in 2019, which also connects to existing western Rajasthan rail-line.

== See also ==
* [[Railway stations in India]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* [http://www.india9.com/i9show/Bhildi-74224.htm About Bhildi]
* [http://www.maplandia.com/india/gujarat/banas-kantha/bhildi/ Satellite image of Bhildi]

{{Banaskantha district}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Cities and towns in Banaskantha district]]

{{Banaskantha-geo-stub}}

IndianPedia - User contributions [en]

Leh Manali Highway

Bhildi