10. Leh- Manali highway
The Leh–Manali Highway is a highway in northern India connecting Leh in Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir state and Manali in Himachal Pradesh state.
It is open for only about four and a half months in a year in summer between May or June, when the snow is cleared by the Border Roads Organisation of Indian army, and mid-October when snowfall again blocks the high passes.
It connects Manali valley to Lahaul and Spiti valleys and Zanskar valley in Ladakh.
It is a part of NH 21.
It is capable of supporting the heaviest of army vehicles.
The riding quality is not good at many places and fast speeds can cause discomfort.
But the leisurely speed itself is a USP of the highway.
Awesome and breath-catching scenery and not-even-thought-of surprises along the highway should be savoured leisurely.
The landscape changes immediately after getting past Rohtang Pass and entering into Chandra river valley in Lahaul region that lies in rain-shadow.
