MLA Anuradha Rana announces via Facebook post resumption of Delhi-Leh bus service
Munish Sood
MANDI: Lahaul-Spiti MLA Anuradha Rana has shared on Facebook the resumption of the much-awaited Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation’s (HRTC) Delhi-Leh bus service from Wednesday (June 11, 2025).
Congratulating the people of Lahaul-Spiti, she said the necessary route permit had now been approved, paving the way for the reinstatement of one of the region’s most vital transport links.
Rana highlighted that she had been in direct communication with senior officials in the Transport Department and had been following up consistently on the matter. “This route holds not only strategic importance but also emotional significance for our people. I’m happy to share that after all the formalities, the bus will begin operations from Delhi on June 12,” her post read.
Why the service was delayed
Despite the early opening of the Leh-Manali highway this year in May, the bus service had remained suspended until now. The delay stemmed from a Himachal Pradesh High Court directive that led to the cancellation of all old bus route permits across the state. The high court had asked the state government to revise and reissue permits to bring transparency and uniformity in operations.
As a result, several key routes, including the prestigious Delhi-Leh service, had been awaiting clearance. The Transport Department has now begun issuing new permits in phases, with the Delhi-Leh route among the latest to be reinstated.
Lifeline for locals and boon for tourists
The Delhi-Leh bus service is not merely a travel option but a lifeline for many residents of Lahaul, Zanskar and Ladakh. Moreover, with summer tourism in full swing, this route becomes an affordable and scenic travel alternative for adventure seekers and backpackers.
With the service back in operation, passengers will no longer need to depend on Manali or Chandigarh for transit to Leh. Instead, a direct, low-cost and reliable mode of travel is now available through HRTC.
Timings and route details
Onward journey (Delhi to Leh):
• Departure from Delhi ISBT: 12.10 pm
• Chandigarh Sector 43: 6.10 pm
• Manali: 2.30 am
• Keylong: 5 am
• Arrival in Leh: 8 pm (next day)
Return journey (Leh to Delhi):
• Departure from Leh: 4 am
• Keylong: 6.30 pm
• Manali: 9 pm
• Chandigarh Sector 17: 3.30 am
• Arrival at Delhi ISBT: 8.30 am
The total distance covered is approximately 981 km and the bus crosses six major Himalayan passes on its way, including some of the highest motorable points in the world.
One of world’s highest bus routes
The bus traverses a challenging yet breathtaking route:
Delhi to Chandigarh to Mandi to Kullu to Manali to Atal Tunnel (Rohtang) to Keylong to Zingzingbar to Baralacha La to Sarchu to Nakee La to Lachulung La to Pang to Tanglang La to Upshi to Karu to Leh.
The mountain passes include:
• Baralacha La (4,890 m)
• Nakee La (4,739 m)
• Lachulung La (5,059 m)
• Tanglang La (5,328 m)
With no overnight halt at Keylong this time, the bus completes the entire journey in around 30 to 32 hours. The fare has been fixed at ₹1,850, offering an economical option compared to private travel arrangements.
Previous season set revenue records
Last year, this seasonal service operated for 95 days between June 15 and September 15 and recorded a revenue collection of R 1.25 crore, according to officials at HRTC’s Keylong depot. However, the route typically shuts down by mid-September due to snowfall in the higher passes.
