Sarchu, Spiti Valley Overview

Sarchu, which lies in the border of Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh is usually chosen as an overnight stop for people who travel along the Leh-Manali Highway. It is at a distance of 222 kilometres from Manali and 252 kilometres from Leh.

Located at an altitude of 4,290 metres, Sarchu is also called as Sir Bhum Chun. It lies between the Baralacha La mountains in the south and Lachulung La in the north. As it is located at a high altitude with rough patches of roads, it takes about two days to cross it. Thus, travellers and tourists camp in Sarchu to unwind.
The camping site on the Himalayan mountain range is located in the Leh-Manali highway and offers a dual view of nature. Many semi-permanent camps are run between May and October from where one can leisurely adore the scenic beauty. It is exciting to know that Sarchu was a major trading point in the Silk Route. It remains popular among nomadic tribes, traders and adventurists.

Must Know Before You Visit Sarchu

Note :

It is essential to have many copies of the permit as they may have to be submitted at different checkpoints along the way to Sarchu.
People who are very receptive to cold and high altitude places must watch out for flu and Acute Mountain Sickness. It is recommended that they stay within the camps and not roam, more especially during the evening.
Carry sufficient amount of cash as there are no ATMs nearby.
Don’t expect the journey to be pleasant as the roads are bumpy and even.
It is to be noted that the camps will be shut down during winters owing to the heavy snowfall.

Sarchu Highlights

1. Camping in Sarchu

Although there aren’t any specific places of visit in Sarchu, the panoramic views make it popular for camping. There are parts of the area which is filled with lush greenery while other portions (Read More) of the land are desert-like. The diverse view of landscapes can be enjoyed in the comfortable camping sites in the locality. There is also an army camp very close to the banks of Tsarap Chu river. Very close to the camping sites in Sarchu, there is an adventurous trekking point at the Zanskar region of Ladakh.

Read More on Sarchu

Camping in Sarchu

Although there aren’t any specific places of visit in Sarchu, the panoramic view keeps the mind engaged. There are parts of the area which is filled with lush greenery while other portions of the land are desert-like. The diverse view of landscapes can be enjoyed in the comfortable camping sites in the locality. There is also an army camp very close to the banks of Tsarap Chu river. Very close to the camping sites in Sarchu, there is an adventurous trekking point at the Zanskar region of Ladakh.
Also, there are many camps which offer comfortable and overnight accommodation. Some such popular fields are -

1. Dorje Camps
It is rated as one of the best camps in Sarchu. They have about 20 Swiss Cottages which are spacious and fully equipped. With carpeted flooring and cosy double beds, it offers a very comfortable stay. Also, they provide other amenities like oxygen cylinders and private car parking. They also have attached bathrooms with hot water supply. They provide lip-smacking food from different cuisines such as Indian, Chinese and other Continental dishes. Their camping packages range from INR 2000 - INR 4000.

2. Snow Gold Camps

It is a very pocket-friendly option which offers comfortable and necessary amenities. There are different packages where one can choose from the type of tents and the available food options. The price ranges between INR 1500 to INR 3000 depending upon the selected package. All the tents are well-furnished and are also a secure place to stay overnight.

There are also other camps and guest houses on the highway which offers cosy stay and delicious food. The campsites on the road are the only source of food as there are no restaurants or stalls other than what they serve at the camps.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the place is between May and September when the climate is slightly warmer when compared to other months of the year. Also, most camping sites are closed during winter owing to the heavy snowfall. Thus, this is the most recommended time to enjoy the place with comfort.