A high mountain pass in Zanskar region of Jammu and Kashmir, Baralacha La means the pass where many roads meet. The pass connects Lahaul in Himachal Pradesh to Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir. The Baralacha La is better described as a plateau where three mountain ranges meet (Pir Panjal, Zanskar and the Himalayas).
The road condition is now very good, thanks to the border road organisation .
In ancient times it was part of a trade route. It once fell on ancient trade routes taken by caravans traveling between Tibet and India.
No food stall is available at the pass.
Climate and Weather
The climatic conditions at Bara Lacha La are very extreme and unpredictable. The temperatures are always extreme, with winters being very harsh. Here is the breakdown of weather:
Winter (November to March): Temperatures can be as low as -20°C (-4°F) or even lower. Heavy snowfall is usual, which at times results in road closures and disruption of travel services.
Spring- April to May: The snow starts melting, but the temperature remains cold, ranging between -10°C and 10°C (14°F-50°F). This is a period of transition when the pass may remain closed due to slow melting of snow.
Summer (June to August): This is the most favorable time to travel. The temperatures range between 10°C – 20°C ( 50° F – 68° F). The snow on the roads generally melts, and the pass gets opened.
Autumn (September to October): The temperatures start dropping again between 0°C – 15°C (32° F- 59° F). The weather may turn out to be pretty unpredictable with early snowfall.
Acclimatization: Since it is a high altitude, acclimatization is necessary. Some days in Leh or Manali will ensure that any undesirable altitude sickness keeps at bay while crossing the pass.
Key Attractions and Scenic Spots nearby
There are a number of main attractions and scenic spots offered by Bara Lacha La:
Suraj Tal: A beautiful glacial lake near the pass. It is one of the highest lakes of India and presents a breathtaking view with the rugged peaks surrounding it.
The Baralacha Pass forms a natural divide between the Bhaga and Yunam River. The Bhaga River is a tributary of Chenab River which is also known as the Chandrabhaga River. The tributary originates from the Suraj Tal, a few kilometers from Baralacha Pass. The Chandra River which meets the Bhaga River at Tandi to form the Chandrabhaga, originates from a glacier in the Baralacha La region.
At the top of the pass is a large hall type building which now stands in ruins with a stone marker in front of it reading “Shaheed Sainik Bhavan”. Everyone who has taken the adventures journey from Manali to Leh would have noticed this hard to ignore and standing in middle of nowhere building.
The Baralacha Pass is situated on the Leh-Manali Highway, one of the highest motorable roads in the world, and it is located around 155 Km from north of Manali.
Manali to Baralacha Pass route is: Manali - Solang Valley - Atal Tunnel - Sissu - Keylong - Jispa - Baralacha Pass.
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