Heading north from Manali the road climbs steadily to the Rohtang La, our first Himalayan pass. No ordinary pass, this is a veritable playground for holidaying Indians with yak, donkey and skidoo rides, ski-suits to be worn and even some skiing. Beyond, we descended into Lahaul, sticking to the main Leh highway until Darcha.

Click here for our full photo set on Flickr of our Manali – Darcha ride.

The colourful Rohtang Pass

Fun and games on the Rohtang La

Descending to Lahaul – no cars to share the road with as they were all stuck behind a big boulder that had fallen in the middle of the road, which we could squeeze past. Ha!