Jispa is one of those places on the Manali – Leh Highway that most travelers reduce to a single night’s stop. I beg to differ. This quiet little village in the Lahaul district of Himachal Pradesh, perched at 10,500 ft on the banks of the Bhaga River, deserves far more of your time and attention. With the Atal Tunnel making Jispa accessible throughout the year now, there has never been a better reason to plan a proper visit here. Last Updated: February 2026.
I have been stopping at Jispa on my Manali – Leh runs for years, and I always tell fellow travelers the same thing: do not just dump your bags and sleep. Spend an extra day, walk to the riverbank at sunset, talk to the locals, explore what lies beyond this 78-household hamlet. The valley opens up in ways that make you forget the highway entirely.
Let's quickly dive into the details:
What Is Jispa Village and Why Should You Visit?
Jispa is a small village located in the Lahaul district of Himachal Pradesh, about 20 km north of Keylong and 7 km south of Darcha, sitting right on the Manali – Leh Highway along the banks of the Bhaga River. At 10,500 ft altitude, it is comfortably below the altitude that triggers Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) for most travelers, making it a genuinely safe and comfortable halt point.
The village is home to roughly 78 households and is well known among Manali – Leh road trippers as the first comfortable overnight halt after Manali. But here is the thing: most guides treat it purely as a transit stop. I want to change that narrative. Jispa has a Rural Housing Museum, a monastery, Buddhist chortens, a helipad, a post office, and some of the best riverbank camping in Himachal. There is enough here for 2 full days if you slow down.
You can also read our detailed post on why Jispa is a better overnight stop than Sarchu if you are still debating your halt point on the Manali – Leh Highway.
Geography and Location
Jispa sits in the Tod Valley of Lahaul, straddling the Bhaga River. It is located 20 km north of Keylong (the district headquarters) and 7 km south of Darcha. To its north-east lies Baralacha La Pass at 16,020 ft, and to its south is the Rohtang Pass. There are approximately 20 villages between Jispa and Keylong, making this stretch one of the more populated parts of the Manali – Leh route.
Amenities in the Village
For such a small village, Jispa is reasonably well-equipped. You will find a helipad, a post office, a monastery, a folk museum (Jispa Rural Housing Museum), and a mountaineers’ hut. There are a handful of hotels, guesthouses, and several campgrounds along the river. Keep in mind that ATMs do not exist in Jispa. The nearest ATM is in Keylong town, about 23 km away. Carry enough cash before heading up.
Best Time to Visit Jispa Village
The best time to visit Jispa is between May and October. This is when the Manali – Leh Highway is open, the campgrounds are set up along the Bhaga River, and the weather is most comfortable for outdoor activities. Temperatures in summer (May – June) stay between 5°C and 15°C during the day, while September – October sees slightly cooler nights but clear skies.
In my experience, the absolute sweet spot is the pre-monsoon period, roughly May to the end of June, and the post-monsoon window of late August through early October. These months give you the best of clear mountain views, manageable temperatures, and road conditions that are passable without too many landslide worries.
Winter in Jispa is severe. Temperatures drop well below zero and the roads can get cut off entirely. While the Atal Tunnel has improved winter connectivity to a degree, the Baralacha La side remains closed from November onwards. Unless you are an experienced Himalayan winter traveler, stick to the May – October window.
Month-by-Month Quick Guide
May – June: Roads open after winter, passes begin to clear. Ideal for camping and trekking. Some snow patches visible near Baralacha La. July – August: Monsoon can bring landslides and road blocks between Manali and Rohtang. Via Atal Tunnel this is now less of an issue, but nallah crossings beyond Jispa can be tricky. September – October: Arguably the best weather window. Clear skies, moderate temperatures, festivals in some villages. Roads fully stable. November – April: Jispa is largely cut off from the Leh side. The Atal Tunnel keeps the Manali side accessible but Baralacha La and beyond are closed.
How to Reach Jispa Village
Jispa is accessible only by road. There is no rail or air connectivity directly to Jispa, but the journey from Manali is straightforward.
By Air
The nearest airport is Bhuntar Airport (Kullu – Manali Airport), located about 190 km from Jispa. From Bhuntar, you take a cab or bus to Manali (about 50 km), and then proceed on the Manali – Leh Highway. Flights connect Bhuntar to Delhi, Chandigarh, and a few other cities.
By Rail
The most convenient railhead is Chandigarh or Ambala. From Chandigarh, you can hire a private cab or take a bus to Manali (about 8-9 hours). From Manali, the journey to Jispa begins on the highway.
By Road from Manali
This is the only real way. There are two routes from Manali to Jispa:
Via Rohtang Pass (seasonal, May – October): The old route goes over Rohtang Pass (13,058 ft) and then through Sissu, Keylong, and on to Jispa. Distance from Manali is approximately 140 km and the journey takes 5-6 hours. You will need the Rohtang Pass permit for this route. I recommend checking our post on the Manali – Leh Highway guide for route-specific details.
Via Atal Tunnel (open year-round): The Atal Tunnel, which opened in October 2020, bypasses the Rohtang Pass entirely. The tunnel is 9.02 km long and connects Manali side to Sissu in Lahaul. Via this route, the distance from Manali to Jispa is approximately 120 km and takes about 4-5 hours. No Rohtang Pass permit is needed when using the Atal Tunnel. This has been a game-changer for Lahaul – Jispa connectivity, making the valley accessible for most of the year.
By Bus (HRTC)
HRTC (Himachal Road Transport Corporation) operates buses from Manali Bus Stand towards Keylong and Leh. The fare from Manali to Keylong is approximately Rs 208-250 per person (as of 2024, verify locally for current rates). From Keylong, you will need local transport to reach Jispa (about 23 km further north). Shared taxis from Keylong to Jispa are available but not always frequent. Plan accordingly and keep in mind buses are more reliable in the morning hours.
Local Commute within Jispa
The village is best explored on foot. The distances within Jispa itself are small, and walking the riverbank trails is actually one of the highlights. If you want to visit Darcha (7 km away) or explore further, you can hire a local vehicle or join a shared taxi heading north.
Where to Stay in Jispa
Accommodation in Jispa is simpler than what you will find in Manali or Leh, but it is perfectly adequate and the riverside setting more than makes up for the basic facilities. Here are your options:
Camping (most popular): Jispa is famous for its riverside campsites along the Bhaga River. Several private operators set up camps during the May – October season. These are proper camps with waterproof tents, attached washrooms (of varying quality), blankets, and often meals included. Expect to pay Rs 2,000 – Rs 3,800 per person per night for a good camp with meals. Budget camps start from around Rs 1,000 per person. The stargazing from these campsites on a clear night is genuinely something special.
Guesthouses and Hotels: A few guesthouses and small hotels operate in and around Jispa. Jispa Journeys is probably the most well-known property here, offering a mix of rooms and camping options. You can read my full review of Jispa Journeys Hotel and Campsite for more details. Budget guesthouses start from around Rs 800-1,200 per night for a basic room. Mid-range options with meals included run Rs 2,500-4,000 per night.
Mountaineers’ Hut: There is a mountaineers’ hut in Jispa managed by the Himachal Pradesh government. It is basic but functional and can be a good option if other accommodations are full during peak season. Inquire locally.
If you are passing through Keylong (23 km from Jispa), you can also check out the Nalwa Guest House in Keylong, which is a comfortable option in the district headquarters town.
What to Eat in Jispa
Food options are basic but honest. Most travelers eat at their campsite or guesthouse, and the food quality is generally good for the altitude and remoteness. Dal, rice, parathas, Maggi, and chai are the staples. If you are staying at one of the better camps, they often include meals in the package and the dal-chawal cooked over wood fire at 10,500 ft tastes better than most restaurant meals in the city, honestly.
In case you are lucky, some local families will offer Lahauli delicacies. Do not miss it if the opportunity presents itself. The local cuisine here is influenced by Tibetan flavors, and simple dishes like thukpa or tsampa-based preparations are occasionally available. There are a couple of small dhabas on the highway stretch near Jispa where truck drivers and local workers eat. The food there is simple but filling and cheap.
Top Attractions and Things to Do in Jispa
Jispa rewards travelers who slow down and look around. Here is what to do during your time here:
Visit the Jispa Rural Housing Museum
This is a genuinely interesting stop. The museum gives you a window into the traditional way of life of the Tod Valley residents in the Lahaul district. The architecture, agricultural tools, household implements, and cultural artifacts tell the story of a community that has adapted to one of the harshest mountain environments in India. As an outsider wanting to understand the place beyond its road-trip coordinates, this is the right starting point.
Buddhist Monastery and Chortens
Jispa has a small monastery and several Buddhist chortens (stupas) scattered around the village. Spend time here quietly. Interacting with the monks, if they are around, can be one of the more memorable experiences on a Himalayan road trip. The pace of monastic life contrasts so dramatically with the highway hustle that it genuinely resets your mind.
Riverside Walk and Camping on the Bhaga
The Bhaga River at Jispa is clear, fast-moving, and surrounded by spectacular mountain walls. An evening walk along the riverbank costs nothing and delivers everything. If you are camping, the morning by the river with a cup of chai is worth the trip by itself. Keep in mind: the river is cold and fast. Do not attempt to swim or wade across unsupervised.
Day Trip to Suraj Tal
Suraj Tal (Lake of the Sun God) is the third-highest lake in India, located at about 16,000 ft, approximately 40 km from Jispa near the Baralacha La Pass. The road skirts around the lake and the views are stunning, with the clear blue-green water set against the rocky moraine. You can drive there and back in a day from Jispa. Keep in mind this is a high-altitude destination and the altitude jump from Jispa (10,500 ft) to Suraj Tal (16,000 ft) in a short distance can affect some travelers. Take it slow and do not rush. Read more about this area in our guide to Baralacha La Pass.
Darcha Village and Trekking Base
Darcha, located about 7 km north of Jispa, is the traditional starting point for several serious Himalayan treks. The Darcha to Padum trek through the Zanskar Valley is one of the most famous long-distance trekking routes in the western Himalayas. The Darcha to Baralacha La and Darcha to Shingo La routes are also popular with experienced trekkers. If trekking is on your agenda, Jispa makes an ideal base camp the night before you begin.
White Water River Rafting on the Bhaga
The Bhaga River section around Jispa and extending towards Tandi (the confluence of Chandra and Bhaga rivers) is identified for white water rafting. The roughly 90 km stretch from Koksar to Tandi offers rapids of varying grades. A shorter and more popular section for casual rafting is the Darcha to Keylong stretch. Best time is May to mid-October. Check with local operators in Jispa or Keylong for current availability and rates.
Local Handicrafts
Local women in Jispa produce some lovely handicrafts, including hand-woven woolen items. If you see a small stall or are invited to look at someone’s work, take the time. Buying directly from local artisans puts money exactly where it should go.
Jispa as a Base: Day Trips and Itinerary Ideas
If you have 2 days at Jispa (which I strongly recommend), here is how I would use them:
Day 1: Arrive from Manali via Atal Tunnel route (4-5 hours). Check in to your camp or guesthouse. Explore the village on foot in the evening. Visit the monastery and the chortens. Riverside walk at sunset. Bonfire at camp. Early sleep because Day 2 will be a long one.
Day 2: Early morning drive to Suraj Tal via Baralacha La (about 40 km, 1.5-2 hours one way). Spend 1-2 hours at the lake. Return to Jispa for lunch. Afternoon: visit the Jispa Rural Housing Museum. Evening: explore Darcha village (7 km away), which is the starting point for Zanskar treks. Return to Jispa for dinner.
For complete itinerary options for the Lahaul Valley, check our guide to Lahaul Valley most common itineraries. If you want to understand the full region better before planning, the Lahaul Valley complete travel guide has everything you need.
Practical Information for Visiting Jispa
Fuel
The nearest petrol pump to Jispa is at Tandi, approximately 32-35 km south on the Manali – Leh Highway. Do not assume you can find fuel in Jispa itself. If you are self-driving from Manali, fill up at Manali before departure. If you are coming from Leh side, the nearest reliable fuel point beyond Jispa on the Leh side is at Sarchu (for those who cross Baralacha La). Plan your fuel accordingly. For more details, check our guide on Lahaul Valley trip budget and costs.
ATM and Cash
No ATM in Jispa. The nearest ATM is in Keylong, approximately 23 km away. Carry sufficient cash for your entire stay in Jispa including accommodation, food, and any activities. UPI sometimes works at larger establishments but do not count on it.
Mobile Network
BSNL is the most reliable network in Jispa, but even that can be patchy. Jio sometimes works in parts of the village. Airtel and Vodafone-Idea do not reliably work here. If you need connectivity, pick up a BSNL SIM before leaving Manali. Do not rely on WhatsApp or data for real-time navigation once you are past Keylong. Download offline maps of the area before your trip.
Medical
There is a small Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Keylong. For anything serious, you would need to get to Manali. The good news: at 10,500 ft, Jispa is low enough that most travelers do not experience severe AMS. However, if you are arriving directly from Manali (about 2,000 ft) in a single day, take it easy on Day 1. Headaches, mild nausea, and fatigue are normal. Rest and hydrate before attempting any high-altitude excursions toward Baralacha La.
Electricity
Most camps and guesthouses have electricity for limited hours (typically evenings). Carry a power bank for charging phones and cameras. Solar chargers are useful here.
Budget for a Visit to Jispa
Here is a rough per-person per-day breakdown for Jispa (as of 2025-26, verify locally):
| Category | Budget Option | Mid-Range Option |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | Rs 800-1,200 (basic guesthouse) | Rs 2,000-3,800 (camp with meals) |
| Food (per day) | Rs 300-500 (dhabas + camp meals) | Rs 500-800 (full board at camp) |
| Activities | Rs 0 (walk, museum visit) | Rs 500-1,500 (rafting, guided trek) |
| Local Transport | Rs 0-200 (on foot + shared taxi) | Rs 500-1,000 (private vehicle) |
| Total (per person/day) | Rs 1,100-1,900 | Rs 3,000-7,100 |
For a detailed breakdown of the full Lahaul Valley trip budget including vehicle costs and fuel, see our post on how to calculate the budget for a Lahaul trip. Also check our 10 best sightseeing sites in Lahaul Valley to plan what else to include in your itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jispa Village
Is there an ATM in Jispa Village?
No, there is no ATM in Jispa. The nearest ATM is in Keylong town, approximately 23 km south of Jispa. Carry sufficient cash before heading to Jispa.
Is there a petrol pump in Jispa?
No. The nearest petrol pump is at Tandi, which is about 32-35 km from Jispa on the Manali side. Always fill up at Manali before starting your journey and plan your fuel carefully if coming from the Leh side.
Do I need the Rohtang Pass permit to reach Jispa?
Not if you use the Atal Tunnel route. The Atal Tunnel bypasses Rohtang Pass entirely, so you do not need the Rohtang permit when taking that route. If you choose to cross Rohtang Pass directly (the old route, seasonal May-October), you will need the permit from the Manali district administration.
Is Jispa safe for solo female travelers?
Yes, Jispa is generally safe for solo female travelers. The village is small and the community is tight-knit. Larger campgrounds have staff and other guests. Standard mountain travel precautions apply: inform your campsite/guesthouse of your plans before any excursions, do not trek alone to remote areas, and ensure someone knows your whereabouts.
What is the distance from Manali to Jispa?
About 120 km via the Atal Tunnel route (4-5 hours) and approximately 140 km via the old Rohtang Pass route (5-6 hours, seasonal). The Atal Tunnel route is now the more practical and faster option for most travelers.
What altitude is Jispa at?
Jispa is at approximately 10,500 ft (3,200 meters) above sea level. This is a comfortable altitude for most travelers, well below the 14,000 ft+ levels where serious AMS typically occurs. However, if you are coming directly from sea level, give yourself Day 1 to acclimatize with rest and good hydration.
Can I visit Jispa in winter?
The Atal Tunnel has improved winter connectivity between Manali and the Lahaul side, including Sissu and Keylong. However, beyond Keylong towards Jispa and further north towards Baralacha La, roads can get blocked due to heavy snowfall from November onwards. Winter visits to Jispa are possible but should only be attempted by experienced Himalayan travelers with proper equipment and local guidance.
Is camping the best option in Jispa?
In my opinion, yes. The riverside camping experience at Jispa is one of the best in Lahaul. Waking up next to the Bhaga River with the sound of rushing water and mountain peaks around you is simply something a guesthouse room cannot replicate. The camp quality varies, so book in advance during peak season (June – September) to get a good spot.
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Conclusion
Jispa is much more than a highway halt. It is a proper destination in its own right, one that summarizes the quiet, honest beauty of Lahaul Valley. The Bhaga River, the mountain walls, the monastery, the museum, the proximity to Darcha and Suraj Tal, all of this makes Jispa worth a dedicated 2-day stop on your Manali – Leh journey.
Plan an extra day here. You will not regret it. And if you are still weighing whether to stop at Jispa or push on to Sarchu for the night, I have a whole post on exactly that question: why I always choose Jispa over Sarchu. The place gives you a perfect glimpse into the culture and traditions of the local people. Trust me, this is one of those halts that ends up being the most memorable part of the road trip.
Feel free to share this article with your friends and family planning a trip on the Manali – Leh Highway. And if you have visited Jispa recently and have updates or tips to share, I would love to hear from you in the comments section below. For more Lahaul Valley planning resources, do check out the Lahaul Valley complete travel guide and our Lahaul Valley itineraries 🙂 …
