Our Correspondent
Manali, June 6
After eight months, the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) today started its Delhi-Manali-Leh bus service.
Gauri Lal Bharti, in charge, HRTC, Keylong, the bus carrying 30 passengers left for Leh this morning. “The fare from Delhi-Manali-Keylong and Leh is Rs 1,365 while Rs 539 will be charged from Keylong to Leh,” Bharti said.
The service is gaining popularity because of its reasonable and affordable fare.
The Manali-Leh road winds its way through the 13,050-foot high Rohtang Pass, Baralacha Pass (4,883 m), Lachlungla Pass (5,065 m) and Tanglangla (5,328 m).
The bus route is one of the longest and highest in the world. The HRTC is taking steps for the smooth functioning of the bus service. It changes the bus and the driver at Keylong as a safety measure.
In 1989, the Government of India threw open the Manali-Leh highway to foreign tourists and ever since the number of foreigners visiting the areas has increased. The domestic tourists too come in large numbers.