Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation has started a tri-weekly luxury bus service on the Manali-Leh route. Th service started on July 4 and would facilitate tourists who want to take a close glimpse of snow-laden environs of the lofty Rohtang, Baralacha, Talangla and others high passes, but are hesitant to drive their own vehicle. According to Shimla-based tourist Information officer Varun Sharma, the bus would take two days to reach Leh as starting at Manali at 8.30 am and then halting for the night at Keylong, before proceeding ahead the next day. It is worthwhile to mention here that the route remains open for traffic only from June to October.

He said that HPTDC would charge Rs 2,000 for the 475-km journey, including food, lodging and boarding at a hotel in Keylong. For the return journey, the bus leaves Leh at 4 am to reach Keylong by night and the next day Manali. It would leave Manali thrice in a week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.