Sarchu (also known as Sir Bhum Chun) is the main halt point
with tented accommodation in the Himalayas on the Leh-Manali
Highway, on the boundary between Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh
(Jammu and Kashmir) in India. It is located between Baralacha
La to the south and Lachulung La to the north, at a height of
4,290 m.
The journey along the Manali-Leh highway at high altitude and
variable road conditions, normally takes two days, so
travellers and tourists use this spot as an overnight stop. An
Indian army Camp is located nearby on the banks of the Tsarap
Chu river. The highway and thus the camp are closed during the
winter, when snow blocks the high passes along the road.This spot can also be used as a starting point for the
difficult trek into theZanskar region of Ladakh.
Sarchu, also known as a Sir Bhum Chum, closely look likes
Ladakh with its barren splendour. Sarchu is a beehive of
activity between May and September when the snow melts and the
Leh-Manali highway is open for traffic.
An important stopover on the Leh-Manali highway, Sarchu lies
on the boundary of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir.
Sarchu is located at a height of just over 14,500 ft between
the Himalayan mountain passes of Baralachcha La and Lachlung
La, Sarchu is of great significance mostly due to its position
on the Leh-Manali highway.
Sarchu was an important trading point in the ancient Silk
Route. It is still a hot favourite with traders, nomadic
tribes and adventure seekers.
Between May and September, Sarchu becomes the starting point
for treks to Zanskar in Ladakh. The route is famous with
trekkers and high altitude climbers as one has to deal with
hostile conditions and difficult landscape.
Trip to Sarchu has its own challenges; altitude sickness being
the foremost among them. Travellers often ascend from lower
altitude to adjust to the rarified atmosphere. Travellers
often start from Keylong and travel upto Sarchu. |