Delhi-Leh bus service resumes after nine months

MANALI: Starting from scorching plains of Delhi and ending at chilling Leh at 11,000ft from sea level, the direct bus service between the two places resumed on Thursday after nine months. The bus service was flagged off from Keylong by SDM Amar Negi.
It is the longest bus route of the country at such an altitude and said to be one of the most dangerous in the world.
The Himachal Roads Transport Corporation (HRTC) buses will cover the distance of 1,072 km after crossing five high mountain passes in 36 hours. Besides this, the bus will take a small night halt at Keylong in Lahaul valley. It will pass through famed Manali too.
The bus will cross Rohtang Pass (13,050ft), Baralacha Pass (16,052ft), Nakeela Pass (15,540ft), Lachulung Pass (16,616ft) and Taglangla Pass (17,582ft). It will attain maximum altitude at Tanglangla Pass in Ladakh. The bus will reach its destination with the help of three drivers. First driver will bring bus from Delhi to Kullu, second from Kullu to Keylong and third from Keylong to Leh.
The HRTC officials on Thursday morning gave a warm traditional welcome to all the passengers at Keylong.
HRTC regional manager at Keylong, Mangal Chand Manepa, said the bus would run daily on the route till snowfall blocks the highway. “One bus will leave for Leh daily and one will come back to Delhi. While taxi fare to Leh is too expensive, we have fixed the bus fare at just Rs 1,500 per passenger. Besides local residents, the bus service will provide relief to a large number of tourists,” he added.
The Keylong wing of HRTC gives service on this daunting road every year from June to around mid-September. The bus is mostly booked by tourists. The drivers of Keylong depot of HRTC are considered finest among the finest.