Stretches where the gap between petrol pumps can leave you stranded — Manali-Leh, Spiti loop, Tawang-Bomdila, Banihal-Srinagar in winter. Each route lists the exact pump locations and the distance between them.
Carry an extra 5-10 litres on the listed routes (in proper jerrycans, not water bottles). Top up at every pump regardless of meter; some stretches add 100+ km between operating pumps. Confirm pump status the same morning — many close in winter.
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