Bara-lacha La
बारा-लाचा ला
One of the four passes on the Manali–Leh highway, at about 4,890 metres, ringed by snow peaks and the icy Suraj Tal lake. A classic self-drive stretch across the Lahaul plateau.
Bara-lacha La lies in the north of Lahaul and Spiti district. At about 4,890 metres, it is the pass on the Manali–Leh highway that crosses the Great Himalayas. It is also the watershed of the Chandra, Bhaga and Yunam rivers. Near the pass is the beautiful Suraj Tal (Sun Lake). In early summer, snow walls several metres high still line both sides of the road. From Manali it is about 120 km and 4–5 hours via the Atal Tunnel, Keylong and Darcha. It is often a stop on the way to Leh or Chandratal (Moon Lake), and it can also be done as a day trip. The altitude is high, so acclimatise in Manali or Keylong before going up. Foreign visitors on this road should check the inner line permit rules. Road conditions depend heavily on the weather, so check Border Roads Organisation (BRO) road-opening information before you set out.
Opening hours
Open approx. Jun–Oct, all day