Bus Timings Manali to Keylong: A Guide for Travellers
If you are planning to visit the scenic and serene Lahaul and Spiti valleys in Himachal Pradesh, India, you will need to take a bus from Manali to Keylong, the administrative headquarters of Lahaul and Spiti district. Keylong is the gateway to the high-altitude desert region of Spiti, which is home to some of the most ancient and beautiful monasteries, villages, and landscapes in India.
But how do you get from Manali to Keylong by bus? What are the bus timings, fares, routes, and operators? How long does it take and what are the road conditions? In this blog post, we will answer all these questions and more, so that you can plan your trip with ease and enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
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Learn everything you need to know about bus timings Manali to Keylong, including bus schedule, fare, route, duration, and tips for travellers.
Bus Timings Manali to Keylong: A Guide for Travellers
The bus service from Manali to Keylong is operated by Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC), the state-owned public transport company. There are five buses that run daily from Manali to Keylong, starting from 4:00 am to 12:00 noon. The first bus leaves at 4:00 am and the last bus leaves at 12:00 noon from Manali. The buses depart from the HRTC bus stand in Manali, which is located near the Mall Road.
The bus timings from Manali to Keylong are as follows:
| Departure Time | Arrival Time | Fare |
|---|---|---|
| 4:00 am | 10:00 am | Rs. 250 |
| 6:00 am | 12:00 pm | Rs. 250 |
| 9:00 am | 3:00 pm | Rs. 250 |
| 11:00 am | 5:00 pm | Rs. 250 |
| 12:00 noon | 6:00 pm | Rs. 250 |
The buses are non-AC, seater coaches that can accommodate around 40 passengers. The fare is Rs. 250 per person, which is inclusive of all taxes and charges. You can book your tickets online on the HRTC website or Paytm, or offline at the HRTC bus stand in Manali.
Bus Route and Duration
The bus route from Manali to Keylong follows the Manali-Leh highway, which is one of the most scenic and adventurous roads in India. The highway crosses four high mountain passes – Rohtang Pass (3,978 m), Baralacha La (4,890 m), Nakee La (4,739 m), and Lachulung La (5,059 m) – before reaching Keylong.
The distance between Manali and Keylong is about 115 km, but it takes around six hours to cover it by bus, depending on the traffic, weather, and road conditions. The road is narrow, winding, and often unpaved, especially after Rohtang Pass. The road is also prone to landslides, snowfall, and water crossings, which can cause delays or closures.
The bus stops at several places along the way for refreshments, toilet breaks, and sightseeing. Some of the popular stops are Marhi (a small hamlet before Rohtang Pass), Khoksar (the first village in Lahaul valley), Sissu (a green oasis with a waterfall), Tandi (the confluence of Chandra and Bhaga rivers), and Jispa (a picturesque village on the banks of Bhaga River).
Things to Know Before You Go
Before you board the bus from Manali to Keylong, here are some things you should know:
- Carry warm clothes, woolen socks, gloves, caps, and jackets, as the temperature drops significantly after Rohtang Pass.
- Carry water bottles, snacks, medicines, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a camera, as there are limited facilities on the way.
- Carry cash, as there are no ATMs or card machines after Manali.
- Carry a valid ID proof and a printout or screenshot of your ticket.
- Be prepared for altitude sickness, motion sickness, or nausea, as the road is bumpy and high.
- Enjoy the views of the snow-capped mountains, glaciers, rivers, meadows, and villages along the way.
Taking a bus from Manali to Keylong is a memorable experience that will take you through some of the most stunning landscapes in India. It is also a convenient and affordable way to reach Lahaul and Spiti valleys, where you can explore more wonders of nature and culture. So book your tickets now and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime.
