Adventure · Jispa, Spiti & Lahaul
Drive to Darcha and the start of the high road
A short drive from Jispa to Darcha, the last village before the Manali–Leh road climbs into empty high country, for a taste of the road north without committing to it.
Photo: This Photo was taken by Timothy A. Gonsalves. … · CC BY-SA 4.0 · CommonsDarcha is 7 km north of Jispa, where the Bhaga valley branches and the roads to Ladakh and Zanskar begin. In summer it is busy with trucks, bikers and checkposts; beyond it the land empties quickly.
Drive up for the morning, look around Darcha's dhabas and river bridges, and go a little further only if your driver is happy with the road and your group is acclimatised. The road soon climbs towards Baralacha La, over 4,800 m, which is not a casual detour.
Register at any checkpost if asked, carry identification, and turn back in time for lunch in Jispa. Check current road status before you travel.
Good for
Also in Jispa
More days here
Photo: This Photo was taken by Timothy A. Gonsalves. … · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Morning walk on the Bhaga riverbank
Walk the gravel flats and willow groves along the Bhaga below Jispa at first light, with snow peaks above and the Leh r…
Photo: This Photo was taken by Timothy A. Gonsalves. … · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Jispa village lanes and gompa
Walk up from the highway into the village, past potato and pea fields, to the small gompa that serves Jispa's families.…
Trips through Jispa
Do this on a trip
Each of these trips stops in Jispa. Tell us and we keep a slot for this day.
Photo: Sumita Roy Dutta · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Comfort
Spiti circuit: Kinnaur in, Kunzum La out
Private SUV with driver
Photo: This Photo was taken by Timothy A. Gonsalves. … · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Comfort
Lahaul and Chandratal from Manali
Private SUV with driver
Photo: Sumita Roy Dutta · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Signature
Slow Spiti and Lahaul with a private guide
Private SUV with driver, private guide
Sleep nearby
Stays in Jispa
Photo: This Photo was taken by Timothy A. Gonsalves. … · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Mid
Padma Lodge, Jispa
A popular comfort stay on the Bhaga river at Jispa, 22 km beyond Keylong. Wood-finished rooms and riverside tents,…
Photo: This Photo was taken by Timothy A. Gonsalves. … · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Luxury
Hotel Ibex, Jispa
The most established hotel in Jispa and one of the best in Lahaul, beside the Bhaga river on the Manali–Leh road. …
Questions
Before you book
How far is Darcha from Jispa?
About 7 km, 15–20 minutes by car.
Can I go to Baralacha La as a day trip from Jispa?
It is possible in season, but the pass is above 4,800 m. Only go if well acclimatised, with an experienced driver.
Do I need ID at Darcha?
Carry photo ID; checkposts on the Leh road may record travellers.