An important stopover on the Leh–Manali highway, Sarchu lies on the boundary of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. Situated at an elevation of just over 14,500 ft between the Himalayan mountain passes of Baralacha La and Lachlung La, Sarchu is of great importance mainly due to its location on the Leh-Manali highway.
Sarchu, also known as Sir Bhum Chun, closely resembles Ladakh with its barren splendor and is a beehive of activity between May and September when the snow melts and the Leh-Manali highway is open for traffic. An important trading point in the ancient Silk Route, Sarchu is still a hot favorite with traders, nomadic tribes and adventure seekers.
Between May and September, Sarchu becomes the starting point for treks to Zanskar in Ladakh. A trip to Sarchu has its own challenges; altitude sickness being the foremost among them. Travelers often ascend from lower altitude to acclimatize to the rarefied atmosphere; traveling from Keylong and traveling up to Sarchu is the preferred route.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN SARCHU
You can find accommodation at the Army base camp on the banks of the Tsarap Chu River between June and October when the Manali-Leh highway is open. Accommodation can also be found at the government guest house or with locals.
BEST PLACES TO EAT IN SARCHU
There are no options to eat except for the stalls at the camp sites. These stgalls built in traditional Himalayan style offer Tibetan cuisine like soups, momos and noodles among other things.
BEST TIME TO VISIT SARCHU
The average minimum and maximum temperature of Sarchu is as given below. The best time to visit Sarchu is also specified.
| MONTH | BEST TIME | | MIN. TEMP (°C) | MAX. TEMP (°C) |
| January | | | -35 | 3 |
| February | Best time | | -35 | 3 |
| March | Best time | | -35 | 3 |
| April | Best time | | 4 | 25 |
| May | Best time | | 4 | 25 |
| June | | | 4 | 25 |
| July | | | 4 | 25 |
| August | | | 1 | 12 |
| September | | | 1 | 12 |
| October | | | -35 | 3 |
| November | | | -35 | 3 |
| December | | | -35 | 3 |