Drive through the valley of Lahaul

The first place which is worth a stop when driving through the valley of river Bhaga is the lake Deepak tal (3 760 m asl). In addition, after a long journey you will be below four thousand meters above sea level.
 

From the lake Deepak tal it is possible to see far into the wild side valley, through which only few people probably passed. Maybe another possible trip for adventurous ones. The difference between the northern and southern side of the mountains is clearly visible on the snow/glacier cover.
 

The road then leads many kilometers in traverse of the slope several hundred meters above the valley bottom. The road has here a character of a death road and if you sit on the left side of the off road, you may not feel well on such a narrow road.

Just a little bit before Darcha you will have a wide view of the valley with the confluence of three rivers – nice is typical mixing of different water colors.

Before you finally go down to Darcha, a nice view to the long side valley with huge peaks culminating with mountain Mulkila (6 517 m asl) opens. There is no path leading here shown in trekking maps of Ladakh and surroundings, but it is also definitely worth exploring.

You might be surprised that Darcha (3 330 m asl), which is a famous starting point for trek to Zansksar, is comprised only of a few houses near the bridge over the river.

The continued journey to Keylong and on to the confluence of rivers Chandra and Bhaga is a little less interesting, but there will be beautiful mountain views then.
 

The southern part of the valley of river Chandra is closed by the ridge of Pir Panjal, from which stands out the peak Shikar Beh (6 200 m asl).
 

The way then rises through the valley of river Chandra. The country is greener and mountain sceneries are amazing. The way continues to Gramphu, from where you can ascend to Rohtang pass. If you’re not going to Manali but to the valley of Spiti, you will continue through the valley of river Chandra up to Kunzum pass.