More plains

More plains, originally called Kiang Chu Thang in the local language, is a plateau on the Leh–Manali Highway. Kiang Chu Thang means a plain where the kiang (Tibetan wild ass) does not find water.[1] It occupies 40 km of the highway between Leh and Sarchu. The plateau has an average elevation of 4,800 metres. The road is flanked by beautiful mountains on both sides. At some places, it runs along the Sumkhel Lungpa River, featuring stunning sand and rock natural formations.[2]

Straight stretches of the More Plains
Straight stretches of the More Plains
Unexpected breaks in the plains, you make your own road
A four-wheel drive vehicle taken with a 300 mm telephoto lens shows the vast expanse of More plains and the size of the mountains that flank it
Natural Rock and Sand Formations along the Sumkhel Lungpa River
Natural Rock and Sand Formations along the Sumkhel Lungpa River
Natural Rock and Sand Formations along the Sumkhel Lungpa River

The plain area starts after covering around 4 km uphill road from Pang towards Tanglang La pass. The road is mostly on the plain for around 30–35 km, before it again starts to rise to Tanglang La. This area is a major attraction to bikers heading towards Leh from Manali. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) of Indian Army has converted the road to two lanes, one in each direction.

The area is without any population or development.

See also

References
  1. [Kiang Chu Thang | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voGAOfSYBCA&t=1s]
  2. Series U502, U.S. Army Map Service, map of quadrant ni-43-12

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