Jispa Campground — Manali-Leh Highway High Valley Basecamp

Jispa is the real deal for overlanders running the Manali-Leh corridor. A cluster of established tent camps and basic guesthouses lines the Bhaga River here, operated by local families and HPTDC-adjacent outfits. You’re at roughly 10,800 ft, the air is thin enough to remind you, and the peaks above the valley hold snow well into July. Flat ground, fire rings at most sites, basic squat toilets, and chai available if you’re lucky. It fills up fast in July-August when the highway is in full swing — arrive before 4pm or you’re pitching in the dark.

Access is on the main Manali-Leh Highway (NH3/NH21), fully paved to Jispa. No real 4WD required to get here, but what’s ahead absolutely demands it. Carries heading north should fuel up in Keylong, 12 km south — Jispa has no reliable fuel. Cell signal is spotty Airtel/BSNL at best. Season runs June through mid-October; outside that window, the highway closes and Jispa is buried.

Last civilized sleep before the high passes.