Sarchu

Sarchu, also known as Sir Bhum Chun, is another enthralling abode situated on the borders of Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh in northern India. It is well-known as one of the overnight rest stops for adventurers traveling along the expressway linking Leh and Manali. This hiking area is 250 kilometers from Leh and 220 kilometers from Manali. Sarchu provides an incredible perspective of nature and the Himalayan range.

It is also the starting point for a number of Himalayan treks, including the Zanskar area of Ladakh, jeep safari and motorcycle trips to Leh and Ladakh, adventure tours to Spiti, and many more. Staying in the camps, which are also the only places to stay in Sarchu, is the best way to experience the scenic beauty of the place nestled in the middle of the Baralacha La Pass in the south and the Lachulung La Pass in the north.

Apart from being a rest stop in the middle of the journey, Sarchu was a significant trading point on the Silk Road. It has always been a popular destination for tribes, adventurers, and merchants.Come to this amazing location and spend some time relaxing, admiring the amazing scenic beauty, and soaking in all of the flavors.

Sarchu Leh Highlights

Sarchu is home to numerous treks and monasteries. It’s unquestionably a one stop destination for  your holidays. Check some of the must visit places here:

1. Chandratal Lake-

Chandratal Lake is well-known among campers and hikers as one of the best places to explore. The lake is located at an elevation of approximately 4300 meters in the Himalayan mountain region on the Samudra Tapu Plateau. The lake is also one of the most popular destinations for thrill seekers. If you enjoy hiking and exploring new places, this is the spot for you.

2. Key Monastery-

The Key Monastery is a popular Buddhist monastery in the Spiti region. The monastery is situated approximately 4166 meters above sea level. Dromton is thought to have established it in the late 11th century. This is the largest monastery in the area and a major training center for Lamas. You can bring your loved ones here to enjoy the intricate design elements and tranquil scenic beauty.

3. Kunzum Pass-

Kunzum Pass, located at an elevation of approximately 4551 meters above sea level, is India's highest motorable mountain pass. The route connects the Spiti Valley to Kullu and Lahaul via the Spiti Valley. A journey to this incredible location will allow you to see the breathtaking Bara-Shigri Glacier, the world's second-largest glacier.

The distance between Sarchu and Leh is 251 km.

Bus: You can reach Sarchu by taking the Leh-Manali Highway. You can easily find local state transport buses that ply in between the two places.

Cab: You can also hire cabs to reach the Sarchu Camping site. It takes about 5-7 hours to reach Sarchu from Leh as the roads are mountainous and packed with numerous hairpin curves.

Personal Vehicle: If you choose to drive all the way to Sarchu from Leh, you must be very careful and watchful about the hanging rocks on the way.

Sarchu is best visited between the months of May and September. This is the period of year when the climate in Sarchu is slightly warmer than in other months. Tourists flock to Sarchu during this time of year to experience camping on the hills.

Camping is only possible during this time of year because Sarchu gets a lot of rain during the winter. Come to Sarchu during the summer and make the most of your visit to this wonderful spot near the clouds.

Mobile connectivity- The mobile connectivity is better in Sarchu compared to that in some parts of the Leh and Ladakh. The major telecom operators in Sarchu are BSNL, MTNL, Aircel and Airtel. The best connectivity is however offered by BSNL.

Medical facility- Medical facilities are readily available for tourists in the Goldrop Camp. Individuals who get affected by high altitude sickness due to shortage of oxygen can be admitted at this facility. The camp is known to offer all basic amenities to the visitors.

ATM- There is absolutely no ATM service available in Sarchu. For this reason, it is at all times recommended to carry enough cash with you if you are planning to travel to Sarchu and places nearby it.

Petrol Pumps-The Tandi fuel Pump is the only fuel station on the Leh-Manali expressway. If you have less fuel in your vehicle, you must not skip this petrol pump at all costs because the next petrol filling station is almost 350 kilometers away.

The next petrol station is at Karu, just before the village of Leh. If you need fuel right away, you can get it from any of the Dhaba tents of Zing zing bar, Pang, and Sarchu.

Camping in Sarchu

Camping in Sarchu entices tourists from all over the globe to visit this location. In the summer, it is ideal for outdoor adventure. You can spend some time in the midst of nature's scenic and picturesque background. The panoramic view of the area will keep your attention fixated on the natural surroundings, which are lush greenery and diverse landscapes.

Near the camping areas in Sarchu, there are a number of trekking options. Dorje Camps and Snow Gold Camps are the most popular hiking spots in Sarchu. Both of these camps are renowned for being budget-friendly and providing comfortable and necessary amenities.

Acute Mountain Sickness

Saarchu is situated at a height of approximately 4290 meters above mean sea level. Because it is located at a higher altitude, the temperature stays low throughout the year, and individuals who are prone to cold and altitude problems should exercise extreme caution. Not only do most people suffer from low temperatures, but they also suffer from high altitude sickness due to the decreasing proportion of oxygen in the air.

Aside from that, the climatic condition of this location can change at any moment. When the weather turns bad, it is always advised to remain inside the camps. Most significantly, you should not visit the area after sunset. It is because the nights are extremely cold and you can acquire a cold in no time.

Traveller Tips before Visiting Sarchu

Here are some of the tips that you should keep in mind when travelling to Sarchu:

1. You should carry multiple copies of the permit and other essential personal documents. You would need to submit these copies at various checkpoints.

2. You should keep yourself hydrated at all times.

3. You should carry enough cash with you as there are no ATMs.

4. You should take adequate precautions when thinking of taking a road trip to these hilly areas. The weather can be harsh and the roads can give you tough times. So, prepare well for the trips and carry all that you may need on the way. It is at all times recommended to move ahead in groups.

5. Winters are pretty tough in these places because of the falling temperatures. The camps even remain shut down and the weather turns out to be very harsh.