manali to leh car trip

Manali to Leh in 2 Days! | Road Trip Guide in 73 Pictures!

Last updated on August 14th, 2023 at 06:51 pm

Manali to Leh road trip is the most spectacular road trip in the world! Whether you are doing Manali to Leh bike trip or doing a Manali to Leh Ladakh – as it is popularly called – road trip by car, we bet that this will be a journey of your life time! We share our experiences travelling from Manali to Leh by car. We did this in 2010 and it was a journey of our lifetime.

We did another trip on this road in June 2016. This time around we ran on the same highway in Great Himalayan Running Festival aptly known as “Hell Race”.

“It’s breathtakingly beautiful” – we tell our friends as soon as we reach Leh after the spectacular journey of 473 Kms on the Manali Leh road. The road clings and wriggle through some of the most stunning terrain in the world crossing five high altitude passes, fords, streams and waterfalls tumbling from mountains!

We start our journey from Manali to Leh on a cold rainy morning with overcast sky. We are ordered (!) by our Driver Sumit Singh on the previous day to be ready at 6 AM to leave Manali. The wisdom of driving in Himalayas is “Leave early and Reach early” as you can not trust the fickle mountain weather as day pass by.

Poorna In front of Johnson hotel. Before the epic journey.

Being our first trip in the Himalayas, ascent upwards unfolded a lot of surprises – the omnipresent apple trees with “red juicy” apples, the streams gently flowing down mountains creating numerous waterfalls, the green carpet of cedar trees in the valley, the clouds which seem to caress the mountain peaks was a “visual” poetry which can be best seen than written.

The road from Manali to Rohtang is an ascent and is surrounded by beautiful valleys. Let the pictures tell the tale.

Please click on the pictures to see them in larger size.

Beas river flanked by Cedar trees, Manali…

Overcast sky as we start from Manali

The start of mesmerising landscape……..

Misty gorges with cedar trees…..

When mist clears, we see these lovely waterfalls….

Another beauty

……and another!

We start climbing to Rohtang Pass

And the landscape gets more gorgeous

Trucks climbing slowly up the hill.

Our car slowly climb towards the snow-capped Rohtang Pass only to wait behind a “Kilometre long” pile up of cars due to a “mudslide”. We have a long journey ahead as the plan was to stay overnight at Sarchu – at 14,000 feet – which is approximately 220 KMs from Rohtang.

Employees from Border Road Organisation clear the “mud slide” and when our car cleared this hurdle, we have lost about 2 hours of precious time. (BTW, the road from Manali to Rohtang has been done up beautifully and gone are the days of such mud slides. It was a pleasure to drive on it last year when we were there for “Hell race”)

The start of mud road….

……and the agony….

An enterprising chaiwala making best use of the opportunity!

We have breakfast at Marhi and continue our journey towards Sarchu. We don’t stop at Rohtang, the place where the day trippers from Manali – majority of them newly weds – gather to play in snow. Some glimpses of Rohtang landscape.

A meadow and the first glimpse of snow

The scenery gets better and better….

The journey beyond Rohtang is suddenly silent. The only noise we could hear is the air rushing against the mountain or the tip – tap of the melting snow. Or the screech of the car tyre on the road. Or sometimes when a “Bullet rider” overtook us with that “Thumping” sound.

The Manali Leh road is either “cemented” or “patch of mud” . Very soon the green valleys and mountains are replaced by shades of brown with snow peaks in the background. Driving along the Bhaga River and listening to its different notes take us into a different world. We could see many water falls in the mountains with water trickling away under the sheets of snow. Valleys capped with snow. Rocky mountains painted green by wild grass and flowers…..

Some wild flowers…..

From now onwards, we are treated to a spectacle of nature – Mountains, greenery, streams, waterfalls…….

We drive along Chandrabhaga river…..

A lovely waterfalls!

….and quiet flows Chandrabhaga.. ..

This was stunning! A huge ice cap on the mountain melts and creates a beautiful, gentle waterfalls!

The sign board says it all!! Fill the tank now!

We cross Thandi and Jispa – last villages on Manali let road – and begin our ascent again towards Baralacha la which is at about 16500 ft. The journey is an absolute delight. We stopover at beautiful and pristine Suraj tal lake.

The winding snow-capped roads , the low hung clouds with sun breaking in between and creating a beautiful rainbow, we could not just take our eyes off the road. We wished we had a 360 degree vision. Barlacha la was white sheet spread out in every direction and made us sway between dream and reality!

The climb to Barlacha La starts

A lovely Deepak tal

The landscape changes to myriad colours! It is a steep climb to Baracha La. Notice the trucks climbing up….

Crossing a fast flowing stream. It always help to leave early as water levels in these streams increase as the day pass due to melting of snow. Waiting for bikers to cross…

From now onwards the landscape is only white and brown. Just mind-blowing!

As seen from the driver seat……

The wow feeling!

Half frozen Suraj tal. Spectacular!

White all around….

Who wouldn’t love to drive on this!!!

Here we come – Barlacha La 15,000 feet. Miles and miles of snow……

We climb down from Barlacha La to be greeted by spectacular landscape…..

Our camp site at Sarchu @ 14,ooo feet!

Sarchu is where we find tents pitched in the pristine valley of the mighty mountains. It is cold and windy out here. But it is an experience we would never forget!

Streams flowing between huge rocky terrain

This stretch is just beautiful – look at the sculpted sand walls

Now that you have seen the spectacular pictures of Manali Leh road, it is time to see the other way round because mountains look different in other direction! Click this

Travel tips.

Getting there

The journey on the Manali Leh road starts at Manali. Hence make Manali as a base.

a) There are overnight buses from Delhi to Manali. One can book the luxury Volvo buses run by Himachal Pradesh Transport Corporation from Delhi to Manali.

http://www.hrtc.gov.in/hrtctickets/Default.aspx

The nearest railway station is Chandigarh. If you are coming by train, then the convenient station will be Chandigarh. Unless, you want to visit Chandigarh, we would recommend you to take the bus as mentioned above.

The nearest airport is at Kullu which is around 40 KMs from Manali. The flights to Kullu from Delhi are notorious for cancellation/delay due to weather condition in Kullu. Keep this in mind while booking your plane tickets.

Stay Options

There are many options to suit all budgets in Manali. We stayed in Johnson Hotel which is one of the oldest in Manali and regarded as an institution. Huge and excellent rooms with a laid back atmosphere. The continental restaurant in the hotel is one of the best in Manali.

http://www.johnsonhotel.in/index.html

Other information

The Manali Leh road trip is not for faint hearted. You really need to rough it out on the treacherous roads. So be prepared mentally and physically!! (Latest update – The roads on this drive has been done and is excellent except for few places)
Remember that you will be driving from a height of 6000 ft in Manali to close to 18000 in Tanglang La. Acclimatisation is the key. Else, AMS – Acute Mountain Sickness – is likely to hit you at these heights. Most of the cases will be mild and result in nausea, headaches, sleeplessness http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000133.htm
The trip on Manali Leh road can be done in two days with stop over at Jispa.
Driving in hills takes more time and speeds are drastically reduced as road condition is not good. Always have buffer time to allow delays due to landslides and flooding of roads. Land slides are particularly common between Manali and Jispa. If you are driving yourself, drive safe. Don’t hurry.
Fill up fuel in Manali and carry supplies in Jerry cans. There is only one petrol bunk in Thandi and if it runs out of stock you will curse yourself. Diesel may be available in “black” at exorbitant cost but getting petrol will be difficult.
Follow the golden rule of hill driving. Start early and reach early!
Carry enough memory cards for your pictures. There is so much to click that you will regret if you haven’t had these chips.
Eat less and don’t overfill yourself while driving in hills. Drink lot of water.
Carry a good medicine kit. Talk to your family doctor and take necessary medicines.
Do not exert and run around in high altitude. Oxygen content in atmosphere is 30 – 40 percent lesser in these areas and will make you tired and sick. Do not stay for more than 10 minutes in passes above 15000 ft
Carry a good Binocular.
Pack your long johns and woollens. If you have a sleeping bag, carry it.
Ensure that you have the complete vehicle accessories and kit. If self driving, practice trouble shooting techniques and become confident. Carry a good map of the area.
Dal/Rajma – Chawal , Maggi and Omelettes are staple food you get in dhabhas on the way. Don’t expect anything more!
If possible try and plan your drive during full moon day period. You will possibly see the brightest moon ever in these rarefied and unpolluted areas at night.
Do not rely too much on your cell phone. It may not work most of the time.
Do not sleep on the journey. You will regret having missed on some of the outstanding scenery in the world.
Lastly, if you get stuck up anywhere and find an army camp close by, go in and take their help. These great guys will never say NO. Poorna can vouch for it having served in Indian Army!!
We would recommend that spending one day in Manali will help in seeing some nice places around and also prepares you for the long journey. The transport for the drive can be hired in Manali. The transport charges are generally expensive and it will be good to have at least four people travel in the taxi to reduce the cost burden.
You can’t drive from Manali to Leh without a confirmed hotel booking
Online Permit System for Beyond Rohtang is not yet operational
Permits have to obtained manually during office hours (on office working days) at Manali only
We have no idea what will be the new rules when the Online Permit system resumes (if at all)

Manali Leh road trip is one of the beautiful one can think of. Travel to Ladakh can not be complete if you do not experience this journey. You cross five passes of different heights, you go through snow, streams and precariously narrow stretches at places. The landscape changes every few KMs. It is a photographer’s paradise indeed.

Important update on road condition, we travelled on the manali to leh road in june 2016 while participating in great himalayan running festival or “the hell race” as it is called ., the road conditions on manali leh road have improved drastically. the rohtang loops are lovely tarmac today and there is no mudslides anymore. except for few kilometres between rohtang top and koksar and again from sarchu to pang the road condition is good., in fact, one need not have to stay in sarchu and drive straight from jispa to leh which will help avoid ams. you will also find dhabhas at many places on way like zing zing bar, after nakkee la, pang, moreh plains. one can also stay in these dhabhas in emergencies..

Planning a trip to Ladakh? We are here to help……

Planning a Leh Ladakh tour including Manali Leh road for the first time is a daunting task. With so much of information available in public domain, you will go crazy with options available and places to see. Going for a regular package tour is no fun as you will visit only those places which everyone visit but miss out many lovely places.

You can read all about our Ladakh travel – 18 posts including a drive to Siachen base camp – by clicking the following post below.

Ladakh Travel – 18 Tales to Inspire you!

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23 comments.

Poorna, Most of your blogs make me feel as if I’m traveling along these routes 🙂 Amazing pictures.

Thank You Vijayendra. Actually the pictures don’t do justice to the beauty of these places. It is a life time experience.

It’s very nice websites for travelling Information http://www.journeytime4u.com/

Thanks Sachin. Glad you liked it. The idea is to provide more personalised information on various destinations.

You have shared good images and valuable information about the Manali to Ladakh tour. Manali is the best place to start the tour to Ladakh. Manali provides many tailor made tour packages to Ladakh. Manali Tourism

at what time of year u took the tour,what are the total expenses,from manali to ladakh anthen where to go

Kindly send me an email at [email protected] so that i can provide all details.

Manali is the most famous and adventurous tourist spot among hooneymooners & adventure lovers. Manali is Located in the northern part of india at a altitute of 1950 m. Tourist from with in India or Rest of the World came here & spend their honey moon trips or holiday trips in Manali. India Tour

India is an extraordinary area with delightful expected view. India is a nation of various custom and enhancing society. Tourists opposite the globe are lured to the rich society and hypnotizing scene of Trip to India

Manali is one of the toursit places in Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Naturally very popular Manali Tour Package Kullu Valley is in addition reputed to be the “Valley of Divine bings”. Separated structure beautiful delightfulness, rich green scenes, exuberant valleys, and so forth you will moreover have brilliant opening to see here a few temples.

this is good , but u come to ladakh so visit in Kashmir—

Kashmir provides ultimate touring options to the vacationers who need to rejuvenate their body and soul. The picturesque landscapes, mystical mountains, divine ambience and lush green are some of the attributes that define Kashmir. The kashmir tour packages are made to provide wonderful opportunity to the tourists who want o feel the divinity and serenity from within here in Kashmir.

Amazing photographs !!

Had a similar experience would like to share — http://blog.travelnina.com/quick-guide-for-trip-to-hemis-festival-ladakh/

Great work… I want to share something for motorcycle enthusiasts..It might help them a lot http://desolate-expression.blogspot.in/

I too visited Ladakh a few days ago and the journey was truly amazing.. i loved it. Read my experiences at http://randomlypicked.com/ladakh-exploring-the-mystic-land/

This Journey looks very adventrous. All pictures of Leh Ladakh And Manali are awesome. I really like your post and I am really inspired by your photos and the captions. Keep up the great work.Hey I am A tour operator so please visit on my site and get good tour packages of india http://www.indianlegendsholidays.com/ .

Thank a lot for sharing this with us. Damdama Lake is also one of the best places if you are looking for a place to spend your weekends, day picnic near delhi, adventure tour near delhi along with the packages.

I am really inspired by your photos and the captions. Keep it up the great work. I like traveling and trying new thins as well. Website:- http://manalipackagetours.com/

Hey,.. what is the cost of travel from manali to leh? Btw.. beautiful pics

Thanks Sonia.

The transport cost was around 15K for two days. It is worth it. In fact transport costs in Ladakh is very high as terrain is tough.

Hello Poorna, thank you for your wonderful picture collection. Unforunally I had not so much time and could just visit Leh and the Lake Pangong, but still I want to go back! 🙂 This himalaya mountains and the monestaries were so beautiful. Ladakh is like a magical and silent place in India. Regards, Sarah

Thanks Sarah. Yes, you should do Leh-Manali by road. It is a lifetime experience. Next time is always there……..

I really inspired by your post. pictures are bliss to the eyes. Great work. could you please help me with, which is the right time to visit Manali with the best stays.

Thanks Sassireka

Thanks. If you are only travelling to Manali, then i would suggest you to go when road to Rohtang pass open which will be in May which gives you a chance to see snow. I would also suggest you to keep a day to go beyond Rohtang and stay for a night at Sissu

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Manali To Leh Road Trip: A Comprehensive Guide For Your Next Adventure

19 Sep 2023

Nestled amidst the formidable Himalayan peaks, the Ladakh road trip has long held a coveted spot on the bucket lists of adventurers and wanderers. With its rugged terrain, serene lakes, high mountain passes, and a unique blend of cultures, this journey is an exhilarating exploration of one of India’s most remote and breathtaking regions. From thrill-seekers craving an adrenaline rush to nature enthusiasts yearning for pristine landscapes, the Ladakh road trip beckons, promising an unforgettable odyssey through the heart of the Himalayas. This detailed guide of the Manali To Leh road trip will take you through all the important points offering insights, tips, and a glimpse into the unparalleled adventure you are about to traverse on this.

Best Time to Plan A Manali To Leh Road Trip

Image Source: Shutterstock

The Manali to Leh road trip spans approximately 478 kilometers and is a dream come true for avid road-trippers and nature enthusiasts. The route takes you through some of the highest motorable passes in the world, offering mesmerizing vistas of towering mountains, pristine rivers, and charming villages. The best time to embark on this adventure is from June to September when the roads are open and the weather is relatively stable. During this period, the snow has melted, allowing safe passage through the high-altitude passes. Keep in mind the unpredictable weather in the mountains, and be prepared for sudden changes.

Manali to Leh Distance and Route

Understanding the distance and route from Manali to Leh is vital for planning your road trip effectively and this Manali to Leh road trip itinerary is all you need. Each segment of the journey is filled with breathtaking vistas and unique experiences, making it a road trip of a lifetime. The journey begins in Manali, a popular hill station in Himachal Pradesh, known for its picturesque beauty and vibrant culture. From here, you’ll start your ascent towards Leh, the capital of Ladakh. The route can be broadly divided into the following segments:

Manali to Rohtang Pass: Your journey begins in Manali, a popular hill station in Himachal Pradesh. The first leg of the trip takes you from Manali to Rohtang Pass, covering approximately 51 kilometers. Rohtang Pass, at an altitude of 13,050 feet, marks the gateway to your high-altitude adventure.

Distance: 51 Km

Rohtang Pass to Keylong (117 kilometers): From Rohtang Pass, you’ll continue your ascent through the stunning landscapes, covering about 117 kilometers to reach Keylong. Keylong is a picturesque town in the Lahaul and Spiti district, nestled at an altitude of 10,105 feet. It’s an ideal place for a break, offering local cuisine and a glimpse into the unique culture of the region.

Distance: 117 Km

Keylong to Jispa: A short 23-kilometer drive from Keylong will take you to Jispa, another charming settlement along the route. Jispa is known for its scenic beauty and is often chosen as a pit stop for travelers.

Distance: 23 Km

Jispa to Baralacha La (50 kilometers): As you leave Jispa, you’ll head towards Baralacha La, covering about 50 kilometers. Baralacha La is a high mountain pass situated at an elevation of 16,040 feet, offering breathtaking views of snow-clad peaks and vast meadows. It’s a crucial junction connecting roads to Leh, Manali, and Ladakh.

Distance: 50 Km

Baralacha La to Sarchu: After Baralacha La, the route takes you to Sarchu, covering approximately 42 kilometers. Sarchu, at an altitude of 14,070 feet, is a popular overnight stop for travelers. The barren landscapes here are starkly beautiful.

Distance: 42 Km

Sarchu to Pang: The next leg of the journey takes you from Sarchu to Pang, a distance of about 80 kilometers. Pang is known for its mesmerizing landscapes, and travelers often camp at the famous Pang Ground under the starry skies.

Distance: 80 Km

Pang to Tanglang La: Leaving Pang behind, you’ll ascend towards Tanglang La, covering around 84 kilometers. Tanglang La is one of the highest motorable passes in the world, situated at an altitude of 17,582 feet.

Distance: 84 Km

Tanglang La to Upshi: From Tanglang La, you’ll descend towards Upshi, covering approximately 77 kilometers. Upshi is a small town in Ladakh, offering a change of scenery and a taste of local culture.

Distance: 77 Km

Upshi to Leh: The final leg of your journey takes you from Upshi to Leh, covering a distance of about 46 kilometers. Leh, the capital of Ladakh, is your ultimate destination, known for its unique blend of Tibetan and Indian cultures.

Distance: 46 Km

Permits And Additional Information

Permits required for Manali to Leh road trip

For the Manali to Leh road trip, permits are necessary, and they can vary depending on whether you have a local vehicle (Indian) or an outside vehicle (foreign). Whether you are planning your Manali to Leh road trip by car or bike these are important points to consider regarding the permits.

Permits Required for Local Vehicles (Indian):

Rohtang Pass Permit: All local vehicles traveling beyond Manali towards Rohtang Pass need this permit, which is obtainable online or in person at the SDM Office in Manali. This permit is required for both Indian and foreign vehicles.
Inner Line Permit (ILP): Indian tourists must obtain an ILP to enter restricted areas in Ladakh, including Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley, and Tso Moriri. You can get ILPs online or in person at the Leh DC Office.
Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Permit: If you plan to visit the Dah-Hanu area in Ladakh, you’ll need this permit. It’s available in Leh and is required for both Indian and foreign vehicles.

Permits Required for Outside Vehicles (Foreign):

Protected Area Permit (PAP): Foreign nationals traveling to restricted areas in Ladakh, such as Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley, and Tso Moriri, must obtain a PAP. You can apply for PAPs through registered tour operators or travel agencies in Leh. This permit is for foreign vehicles.

Additional Tips:

Some specific monasteries, villages, or military-sensitive areas might require extra permits. Always check with local authorities or tour operators for the latest permit requirements to ensure a smooth and hassle-free Manali to Leh road trip.

5 Must-Visit Places To Visit On Your Manali To Leh Road Trip

These five destinations are just a glimpse of the wonders you’ll encounter on your Manali to Leh road trip. The entire journey is filled with breathtaking landscapes, high mountain passes, and unique cultural experiences, making it a truly unforgettable adventure. Read further to know places you cannot miss out on your next trip.

1. Rohtang Pass

Rohtang Pass, situated at an impressive altitude of 13,050 feet, serves as the exhilarating threshold to your Manali to Leh road expedition. This high mountain pass, nestled within the majestic Pir Panjal range, beckons travelers with panoramic vistas of snow-capped peaks, pristine meadows, and invigorating mountain air. A visit to Rohtang Pass is akin to stepping into an enchanting winter wonderland, creating an indelible memory and marking the commencement of your journey through the Himalayan marvels. It’s an excellent spot for photography and to get a taste of the Himalayan beauty.

Must Read: 51 Places To Visit In Leh Ladakh For A Spell Binding Vacation

2. Pangong Lake

Pangong Lake, situated at a breathtaking altitude of 14,270 feet in the highlands of Ladakh, is a mesmerizing jewel amidst the stark Himalayan landscape. Known for its ethereal shades of blue that change with the sunlight, the lake stretches across the border into Tibet, China. The lake gained fame after featuring in the movie “3 Idiots,” and it remains a top attraction on the Manali to Leh road trip, offering unforgettable moments of tranquility and natural beauty.

3. Nubra Valley

Tourist enjoying camel ride in Nubra Valley

Known as the “Valley of Flowers of Ladakh,” Nubra Valley is a surreal landscape with lush greenery contrasting against the arid mountains. This remote valley, flanked by rugged mountains, is a striking contrast to arid desert landscapes and vibrant green oases, thanks to the nourishing waters of the Shyok River. One of the highlights of Nubra Valley is the opportunity to ride the famous double-humped Bactrian camels on the Hunder Sand Dunes.

Suggested Read: 40 Best Things To Do In Ladakh That You Can’t Afford To Miss

Leh, the capital of Ladakh, is a captivating destination that seamlessly blends Tibetan and Indian cultures. Perched at a high altitude of approximately 11,562 feet, Leh is a treasure trove of ancient monasteries, stunning landscapes, and a vibrant local culture. Visitors can explore the historic Leh Palace, which offers panoramic views of the town and surrounding mountains, and visit renowned monasteries like Thiksey and Hemis. The bustling markets of Leh provide an opportunity to savor local cuisine, shop for traditional handicrafts, and engage with the warm-hearted locals.

5. Tso Moriri Lake

Best place to visit on your Manali to Leh road trip

Tso Moriri Lake, nestled in the remote corners of Ladakh at an altitude of around 15,075 feet, is a hidden gem for those seeking untouched natural beauty. This pristine lake, surrounded by rugged mountains, boasts crystal-clear waters that mirror the azure skies and snowy peaks. Tso Moriri offers a tranquil escape from the crowds, making it perfect for birdwatching, capturing stunning photographs, and experiencing serenity amidst the Himalayan wilderness. While visiting, you’ll also have a chance to witness the nomadic Changpa tribes making it a memorable experience.

Suggested Read: 8 Tourist Circuits Of Ladakh To Cover The Best

Travel Tips For Your Next Manali To Leh Road Trip

1. Ensure your vehicle is in top-notch condition and equipped for the journey. 2. Pack warm clothing, camping gear, and an adequate supply of food and water. 3. Take time to acclimatize at higher altitudes to prevent altitude sickness. 4. Stay updated on road conditions and weather forecasts. 5. Respect local customs and the environment by practicing eco-friendly travel. 6. Do not over-exert yourself and take proper rests in between for acclimatization. 7. Avoid consuming alcohol or smoking.

Further Read: Ladakh Travel Tips To Bear In Mind While Traveling To The Himalayan Desert

As you traverse the winding roads that lead from Manali to Leh, you’ll find yourself in awe of the ever-changing landscapes, the indomitable spirit of the mountains, and the raw beauty of the Himalayas. So, gear up, pack your sense of adventure, and embark on a trip to Leh Ladakh and embark on a memorable adventure on your Manali to Leh road trip.

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Cover Image Source: Shutterstock

Frequently Asked Questions About Manali To Leh Road Trip

How long is the road trip from Leh to Manali?

The road trip from Leh to Manali typically takes around 2 to 3 days, covering a distance of approximately 479 kilometers via the Manali-Leh Highway

How to plan a road trip from Manali to Leh?

To plan a road trip from Manali to Leh, start by checking the road conditions and weather forecasts. Ensure your vehicle is in good condition, acquire necessary permits, pack essentials like warm clothing, and plan your overnight stops at places like Keylong and Pang.

Which is the best time for a road trip from Manali to Leh?

The best time for a road trip from Manali to Leh is from late May to early September when the roads are open, and the weather is relatively stable.

What are the five passes between Manali and Leh?

The five passes between Manali and Leh are Rohtang Pass, Baralacha La, Nakee La, Lachulung La, and Tanglang La.

Which pass is before Pangong Lake?

The pass before Pangong Lake is Chang La, a high mountain pass located at an altitude of around 17,590 feet (5,360 meters).

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45 Manali to Leh Ladakh Road Trip Packages

Jammu And Kashmir

Manali to Ladakh Road Trip

On your Manali to Leh Road Trip Package, be amazed at the assortment of scenic quotients. Covering a distance of 474km, this spectacular journey offers some of the awe-inspiring sceneries and is worth witnessing. Get possessed by the charms of Mother Nature and get cocooned in her majestic grace.

Click here to book: Manali Leh Car trip with Tsomoriri and Hanle

The meditative disposition of the towering mountains and valleys is surreal. Be it the crystal clear mountain streams or the abounding alpine forests, this is a paradisiacal tour. Be amazed at simple sights that give you inimitable joy. For an unforgettable experience of these serene landscapes, consider embarking on Leh Ladakh tours . Distance Between Manali to Leh: 474 Km Best Time to Visit Leh-Ladakh: June to September The Route: Manali – Rohtang – Gramphu – Kokhsar – Keylong – Jispa – Darcha – Zingzingbar – Baralacha La – Bharatpur – Sarchu – Gata Loops – Nakee La – Lachulung La – Pang - Tanglang La – Gya - Upshi - Karu – Leh

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Manali to Leh Ladakh Road Trip Packages

Leh ladakh tour package from manali 2023.

About the Tour:

Manali Leh Manali Jeep Safari

About the Tour :

Experience the amazing adventure with this round trip to Leh-Ladakh. Starting from Delhi, this tour takes you to amazing destinations like Manali, Jispa, Sarchu, Leh, and many more. Drive through the highest motorable passes while enjoying the beauty of snow-capped mountains, lakes, amazing experiences, and much more. Ladakh is known for its breathtaking landscapes, crystal clear skies, the highest mountain passes, thrilling adventure activities, Buddhist Monasteries, and festivals. Experience the divine energy at the majestic monasteries that adds to the scenic beauty of the cold desert.

Quick Info :

Route: Delhi - Manali - Jispa - Sarchu - Leh - Nubra via Khardung La - Pangong Lake - Tso Kar Lake - Jispa - Manali - Delhi

Duration: 12 Days & 11 Night

Start Point: Delhi

Endpoint: Delhi

Passes Covered: Khardung-la (18,000 ft), Rohtang Pass (16,051 ft), Lachung La(16,600 ft), and Baralacha la ( 16,000 ft)

Manali to Leh Jeep Expedition with Tso Moriri Lake

Fixed departure dates: Multiple dates open to Join a Group departure in June, July, August and September and can be customized on request for separate group also.

About the Activity:

From the pleasantly hospitable town of Manali, the Manali to Leh Jeep expedition takes you on a roller coaster drive through distinct geographies portraying diverse geographies. From hill town to high altitude arid desert, this safari is one mega experience.
The Manali to Leh by road traverses over five high altitude Himalayan passes such as Rohtang (3,978m), Keylong (3,350m), and Tanglang La (17,585ft) showcasing an ever changing dynamic landscape that alters from barren lands to lush green pastures. With our Ladakh tour packages, you can head out for an amazing vacation with your gang.
Tsomoriri Lake is the one attraction that demands all your attention during this jeep ride which is now Tso Moriri Wetland Conservation Reserve. It is the largest of the high altitude lakes entirely within India at an altitude of 4522 meters.
Interact with the amazing landscapes beautified by the natural formations throughout the journey. You will come across the undeniable beauties of Khardung La Pass, Pangong Lake, Deskit, Hundar, the confluence of Zanskar and Indus Rivers, Nubra Valley etc. which all are covered in this Ladakh tour packages.
These places have been occupied by multitudinous mountains, valleys, small streams, rock formations, monasteries, gompas and what not.
By the end of the journey multi-hued prayer flags, Tibetian chortens, and friendly locals would be etched in your memories for a very long time to come.
Number of PAX Standard Deluxe Super Deluxe
Min 02 pax Rs. 37470 Rs. 38090 Rs. 39660
Min 03 Pax Rs. 28530 Rs. 29260 Rs. 30620
Min 04 pax Rs. 24950 Rs. 25280 Rs. 27140
Min 05 Pax Rs. 22090 Rs. 22780 Rs. 24220
Min 06 Pax Rs. 20780 Rs. 21400 Rs. 22970
Min 07 Pax Rs. 22540 Rs. 23220 Rs. 24700
Min 08 Pax Rs. 21500 Rs. 22130 Rs. 23700
Min 09 Pax Rs. 20300 Rs. 20960 Rs. 22460
Min 10 Pax Rs. 19690 Rs. 20320 Rs. 21880
Min 11 Pax Rs. 18870 Rs. 19520 Rs. 21040
Min 12 Pax Rs. 18480 Rs. 19100 Rs. 20670
Extra Bed Child Rs. 8800 Rs. 9800 Rs. 10700

Manali to Ladakh Bike Trip from Delhi | Book Now & Get 3000 Cashback

Quick Facts:

Temperature: Day: 8°C to 15°C and Night: -5°C to 3°C

Maximum Altitude: 5,328 m (17,480 ft) at the Taglang La mountain pass.

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Railway Station: Nearest is the Jammu Tawi Railway Station (700 km)

Airport: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Leh

ATM: On a bike tour to Leh Ladakh through the Manali to Leh route, you will find only one ATM at Keylong, but later there are several ATMs at Leh. Stay during your Manali to Leh Bike Trip Accommodation on double (for couples) and triple (for others) sharing basis in Guesthouse/hotel/Camp Meals during your Manali to Leh Bike Trip: Day 2: Dinner Day 3- Day 11: Breakfast Mode of transport during your Manali to Leh Bike Trip: AC Semi sleeper tickets from Delhi to Manali and return (depending on the variant selected) The bikes are provided with fuel from day 2 to day 11 350cc Royal Enfield motorbike for Single riders 500cc Royal Enfield for Double riders

Variants of the package

Cost without Bike & Fuel: INR 35300/- per person Double Rider RE 500cc with Fuel & Helmets: INR 42300/- per person Single Rider RE 500cc with Fuel & Helmets: INR 48900/- per person

Manali To Leh Cycling Tour

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About the Destination:

Ladakh is the emergent favorite of travelers, not just from India, but from the entire world. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains on all sides, the beauty of this place is unparalleled, and you will agree to that as soon as you set foot here. And despite being so far off and on the rain shadow side of the Himalayas, Ladakh is very well connected, especially the capital city of Leh. Apart from the main airport in the capital, you can arrive in Ladakh via road too, with highways coming in from Srinagar and from Manali, the latter being one of the most beautiful highways in the country.

And this is another reason why Ladakh is a favorite of adventure junkies. You can ride a bike till here, or can even cycle up to this beautiful land of Leh, some 11,400ft above sea level.

Quick info about Manali To Leh Cycling Tour :

Route: Manali - Marhi - Sissu - Jispa - Patseo - Sarchu - Pang - Tsokar - Rumptse - Leh - Khardung-La - Leh

Duration: 13 Days & 12 Night

Start point: Manali

Endpoint: Leh

Passes Covered: Rohtang La (3879m), Baralacha La (4892 m), Nakli La (4800m), Lachalung La (5100m), Tanglang La (5350 m), and Khardung La (5602 m)

Manali Leh Srinagar Bike Adventure

About the Tour :

Get ready to make your dream of riding in Ladakh come true in the action-packed bike trip where one would be experiencing the fusion of thrill, serene beauty and culture of the "Land of High Passes", as the entire tour is exclusively elected by Thrillophilia's outdoor experts. This circuit features some of the world’s highest motorable passes with the spectacular beauty of snow-capped mountains, Lakes, rivers on their side while covering these breathtaking destinations, Solang valley, Gata Loops, Zojila pass, Kargil, Magnetic hill, Confluence of Indus, And Zanskar river, Dal lake and much more waiting on the way!

Quick Info:

Route: Delhi - Manali - Jispa - Sarchu - Leh - Nubra via Khardung La Pass - Pangong Lake - Leh - Lamayuru - Kargil - Zojila Pass - Sonamarg - Srinagar.

Endpoint: Srinagar

Passes Covered: Khardung-la (18,000 ft), Chang-la (17,688 ft), Rohtang Pass (16,051 ft), Lachung La(16,600 ft), and Baralacha la ( 16,000 ft)

Wonders of Ladakh | FREE Inner Line Permits

Pangong Lake, situated at a height of almost 4,350m, is the world's highest saltwater lake. Its water, which seems to be dyed in blue, stand in stark contrast to the arid mountains surrounding it.

Get ready for the most adventurous drive-through of your life. This tour lets you explore both the beauty of Manali and the thrills of Ladakh, and going through the cultural side of Leh makes the tour even more interesting. The unlimited fun activities in Manali, driving through the hairpin bends of the route, and exploring the heart of Ladakh; are the experiences that make this tour full of crazy and unique experiences.

Route: Delhi - Manali - Jispa - Sarchu - Leh - Nubra via Khardung La Pass - Pangong Lake - Leh

Duration: 10 Days & 9 Night

Leh Ladakh Bike Trip | FREE Excursion to Chang-la Pass

About the tour :

Get ready to make your dream of riding in Ladakh come true in the action-packed bike trip where one would be experiencing the fusion of thrill, serene beauty, and culture of the "Land of High Passes". The tour offers you a stay amidst a beautiful valley of mountains and a starlit sky at night. The unique thing about the Ladakh terrain is that it has mountains, forests, deserts, lakes, rivers, and waterfalls in one beautiful and dynamic geography.

Route: Leh - Sham Valley - Khardungla - Nubra Valley - Pangong - Chang La - Leh
Duration: 6 Days and 5 Nights
Start Point: Leh Airport
Endpoint: Leh Airport

Manali Leh Srinagar Car trip with Tsomoriri and Hanle

a drive through the valley of snow capped mountains and alpine lakes !

About the Tour:

Explore the beautiful valleys of Himachal, along with the adventurous routes of Ladakh and the delightful lakes of Srinagar. This circuit features some of the world’s highest motorable passes with the spectacular beauty of snow-capped mountains, Lakes, rivers on their side while covering these breathtaking destinations, Solang valley, Gata Loops, Hanle, Tso Mori Ri, Zojila pass, Kargil, Magnetic hill, Confluence of Indus And Zanskar River, Dal lake and much more waiting on the way!

Admired for its unparalleled scenic views, pristine icy lakes, and swirling roads, This circuit is becoming the most Instagrammable place in India and is on everyone’s bucket list, it offers you a stay amidst the beautiful valley of mountains and a starlit sky in the night.

Quick info:

Route: Manali-Jispa-Sarchu-Tsomoriri-Hanle-Pangong Tso-Nubra Valley-Leh-Kargil-Sonamarg-Srinagar.

Duration: 11 Days & 10 Night

Start point: Manali

Passes covered: Khardung-la (18,000 ft), Rohtang Pass (16,051 ft), Lachung La(16,600 ft), Baralacha la ( 16,000 ft), and Zojila pass (11,500 ft)

Enjoy a memorable Leh Group Tour and explore the famous Turtuk Village

Leh Ladakh Group Tour Package with Camping I Flat 17% off

Leh Ladakh Expedition

The unique thing about the Ladakh terrain is that it has mountains, forests, deserts, lakes, rivers, and waterfalls in a beautiful and dynamic geography. On a journey to the top of the world, Leh-Ladakh features most of the world’s highest motorable passes and the spectacular beauty of snow-capped mountains. Admired for its unparalleled scenic views, pristine icy lakes, and swirling roads, Ladakh is becoming the most Instagrammed place in India and is on everyone’s bucket list. It offers you a stay amidst a beautiful valley of mountains and a starlit sky at night.

Route: Leh - Sham valley - Khardungla - Nubra Valley - Pangong - Chang la - Leh

Places to Visit During Manali Leh Road Trip

From Manali, breathtaking views of the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges are a perennial specialty. This is the place where mountain adventures take on a new dimension. Heaven for tourists, Manali is replete with scenic quotients offering trekking enthusiasts an experience of its own kind.

Attracting visitors from all over the world all year round, this is a place for backpackers to explore the serene settings of the Himalayas. It is also the place where adventure tourists can enjoy exhilarating activities such as paragliding, rafting, and skiing while on Manali to Leh Road trip. Must Checkout: Leh adakh Tours From Chennai

Top Experiences To Do in Manali

Riverside Camping, Rafting and Paragliding in Manali, 23% off

This is a place where the earth meets the sky! At more than 15,000ft, you are greeted and embraced by the clouds on a Manali to Leh bike trip . Located on the eastern part of the Pir Panjal range, this mountain pass is a connecting point for the Kullu and Lahaul and Spiti valleys.

A natural divide between these two valleys, an ancient trade route passed through either side of the Pir Panjal ranges. From the Rohtang La, enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas and its snow-capped mountains. Enjoy regional food at local dhabas and eateries; savor the unique ambiance to the brim during your biking trip to Leh. Click Here to Book: Manali to Leh Bike Trip Package from Delhi Also Book: Leh Ladakh Trips From Nagpur

An administrative center of the Lahaul and Spiti region, Keylong is famous for the Kardang Monastery. Being an important monastery of the Drukpa sect, this place of full of Buddhist pilgrims. Keylong is also the place where the yearly Lahaul festival is held.

Apart from the monasteries in Ladakh , you can also visit the holy Kelang Wazir temple in the vicinity. Located at about 120km north of Manali, this is an excellent place to spend an overnight during the Manali to Leh trip. Checkout & Book: Manali Leh Srinagar Bike Trip Click Here to Book: Leh Ladakh Holiday Trips From Hyderabad

During a journey of uninterrupted beauty, Darcha presents a unique reality that is intriguing and equally fascinating. Located on the banks of the Bhaga River this is a small village that emanates a silent charm.

From Darcha, you can trek to Padum over a period of several days and enjoy the serene beauty of the region. The visual treat on offer makes Darcha and the surrounding regions, a photographer’s favourite haunt. Checkout & Book: Leh Ladakh Package For Couple

Baralacha La

This place is a pride of the Zanskar section in the Himalayas. A beautiful nature-architected pass, the Baralacha La connects Lahaul to Ladakh. If on one side the Pir Panjal mountains amaze you, on the other, the Himalayan range stands in inviting disposition.

Being a high mountain pass in Ladakh , you get amazing views of the landscape from here. Be it the melting snow from the mountains beyond you, or the uniquely shaped hills in the distance to the valleys and streams, you get an enthralling as well as exciting visuals in the blink of your eye. Click Here to Book: Leh Ladakh Tour Package from Delhi

Lachulung La

Known as an easier mountain pass to traverse, Lachulung La is located about 16,600ft above the sea level. Being a natural divider of the Tsarap Chu Chu and Tozay rivers, this pass is close to the Pangong Lake as well.

When you get here you can notice that most tourist vehicles have stopped allowing visitors to see the natural beauty of this place. It offers the best of the panoramic views of the nearby peaks and valleys. The inexplicable scenic quotients are equally complemented by the salubrious weather. Recommended Read: Delhi to Leh Ladakh Guide

Located beside the Indus River, Upshi comprises of a quaint and picturesque setting. Located in the vicinity of an ancient trade route that is connected to Tibet, this village was once a thriving place. Now the occupants of this paradisiacal region are busy with activities such as goat farming.

Almost every home in this hamlet has a goat breeding area. You can also witness numerous shepherds walking with their livestock towards pastures and back. It is a fantastic p lace to visit in Ladakh , go for a village tour and be charmed by the elegant and serene lifestyle of the inhabitants. Click Here to Book: Ladakh Honeymoon Package from Delhi

Leh is a dream destination for many travellers in India and even for those who are visiting from overseas. It is not just a destination for solo travelers but has so much to offer to young travellers, families and couples alike. Leh is famous for its high altitudes and numerous passes connecting various locations in this difficult terrain. To explore the best tourist places in Leh , one must visit this frozen paradise to explore its secrets and admire its breath-taking beauty. Despite its harsh weather and inaccessibility, it remains a popular tourist destination for people from all over the world. But make sure you are physically fit to endure the harsh weather and difficult terrains of Leh. You must be wondering why visit this place is perfect when the terrain is difficult to navigate. Well, you must visit this place because not only is it a pocket-friendly tourist destination, (provided you book in advance), it is sparsely crowded even during peak season and the local hosts are committed to ensuring you to have a terrific experience Leh is a dream destination for many travellers and the holy grail for the adventure enthusiasts. If you are a photography enthusiast then Leh is the paradise you have been waiting for all your life. There isn’t much to offers in terms of nature or wildlife photography, but what you can capture instead is a vast empty canvas that you can paint. The landscape here is unlike anywhere in India and worldwide and so much of it is still undiscovered and undocumented. In addition to the mesmerizing landscape, there are many turquoise blue lakes, beautifully constructed monasteries, snow-covered mountains and unimaginable sights that change every few kilometres. It’s safe, economical and you can travel here by yourself, or with your friends, families and even that someone special. Explore tourist places in Leh with the best Leh tour packages which will leave you mesmerized by its beauty.

Top Experiences To Do in Leh

Women Only Sightseeing Group Tour of Ladakh

Places to Visit in Leh

Pangong lake.

Also called as Pangong Tso, this is a picturesque lake in the upper reaches of the Himalayan range in the Ladakh district . At about 13,900ft, this natural water body has scenic quotients which are unparalleled in beauty and magnificence. Camping near Pangong Lake is a major activity in Ladakh.

At a distance of about five hours drive from Leh, the trip to Pangong Lake on a Manali to Leh road trip lets you view the beautiful countryside and also pass through the third highest motorable mountain pass in the world called the Chang La. The azure waters of this lake stand eternally still. Also Checkout: Ladakh Family Tour Packages

Top Experiences To Do in Pangong Lake

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Nubra Valley

This valley is one of the finest expositions of nature’s magnificence. There are very few places on Earth with the same stature as this when it comes to beautiful and varied scenery. Located in the Nubra district about 150km north of Leh, this valley is where the Shylok and Siachan rivers confluence.

At an average altitude of above 10,000ft, this region is a cold desert with vegetation along river beds. The villages of this valley are fertile and with adequate irrigation facilities. The majority of inhabitants here speaks the Nubra language and are Buddhists. Nubra is also famous for its camps that gives a beautiful star gazing experience. Click Here to Book: Leh Ladakh Bike Trip from Delhi

Lamayuru Monastery

Also called the Luru Gompa Monastery, Lamayuru is amongst the foremost monasteries in Ladakh region . Located in the Kargil district of Ladakh and close to Leh, this sacred monastery consists of five buildings. Housing on an average more than 400 Buddhist monks, it is the venue ground of the two masked dance festivals.

The landscape next to the monastery is unique and enticing. Many people are of the opinion that the soil of this region is similar to the soil found on the moon. Recommended Read: Srinagar to Leh Road Trip Guide

Khardung La

Shanti Stupa

One of the important Buddhist stupas, Shanti Stupa was built by a Japanese Buddhist. Located in Chandspa in the Leh district, this structure was built to promote world peace and harmony. As a testimony to the completion of Buddhism’s 2,500 years on earth, it has now become a major and popular tourist spot in Ladakh.

From this stupa, you can view most of the Leh town. The best and the most prized views are the sunrise and sunset views from the stupa. Click Here to Book: Ladakh Package from Mumbai

Royal Leh Palace

You must have definitely heard about this palace if you are planning to visit Ladakh. Surrounded by the amazing beauty of the region with the snow-capped mountains and the valleys Ladakh is also famous for the Royal Leh palace. Located at the Leh city, Leh Palace is one of the main tourist attractions in the Leh city. This palace is one of the tallest buildings of its time with nine stories.

One can enjoy the spectacular views of Stok Kangri and the Ladakh mountain range. The building was started in the year 1553 and the construction was completed by the 17th century during the reign of Sengge Namgyal. The architecture is the finest example of the medieval Tibetan architecture.

Don't forget to check out the list of best hotels in Leh that will make your stay wonderful. Checkout & Book: Leh Ladakh Holiday Packages From Pune

Magnetic Hill

Known for its amazing magnetic wonders, this hill is a very famous place to visit in Ladakh. Thousands of tourist come to visit this place every year. The magnetic hills are gravity hills located near Leh in Ladakh. Standing tall at an altitude of 14,000 feet these hills said to have some magnetic energy that can pull cars uphill.

This hill is on the Leh-Kargil-Batalik national highway and is bordered by the Sindhu river. These mystics hills still amaze the people coming to visit this destination. The optical illusion created by these hills is the perfect example of natural wonders. Also Checkout and Book: Leh Ladakh Trip Packages From Ahmedabad

Alchi Monastry

Shey Monastry

Diskit Monastry

Most of you might have heard about this monastery in Ladakh. Within the Nubra region of Ladakh, Diskit is arranged at an elevation of 3142 meters above ocean level, and lays 15 km north-west off the Khalsar-Panamik course, at the edge of the abandon in Shyok valley. Diskit is well known for its fourteenth century monastery.

The monastery has a place with Gelugpa arrange or the Yellow Hat order of Tibetan Buddhsim. It was established by Changzem Tserab Zangpo, the pupil of Tsong Khapa, in fourteenth century.

Gurudwara Pathar Sahib

Built in the loving memory of Guru Nanak Dev, this Gurudwara is a sacred site revered by the devotees. It is located on the Leh-Kargil highway and falls on the route to Leh. While Leh has countless places brimming with tourists, this place is still not known by many and is a true treasure for the solace seekers. If interesting tales bewitch you then this holy place holds a huge rock which is said to be thrown away by a demon on Guru Nanak Dev and was never removed. Even after repetitive efforts, no one was able to push away this mighty structure and this is the reason it is called the Pathar Gurudwara. Visiting this serene site is indeed one of the best things to do in Ladakh if you are touring with your family as this quaint slice has everything to soothe your soul.

Hall of Fame

Thiksey Monastry

When you are on a tour to Ladakh don’t miss a chance to visit this one of a kind amazing monastery. Out of the amazing monasteries in Ladakh Thiksey Monastery is another monastery which is famous among the tourist around the world. Arranged 18 km from Leh in the Indus valley Thiksey monastery is the biggest religious community in focal Ladakh.

The Tibetan Buddhist monastery of Gelugpa group of Tibetan Buddhism is situated at the highest point of slope. The 12 story religious community has 10 temples, an assembly hall and is home to 120 friars and abbey. Aside from going by religious community, one can likewise locate some uncommon and valuable stupas, statues, thangkas, divider canvases and swords in the cloister.

Hemis Monastry

If you love exploring the monasteries and the its surroundings then this is another monastery which is a must visit for you. Hemis Monastry is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery (gompa) of the Drukpa Lineage, situated in Hemis, Ladakh, India. Arranged 45 km from Leh, the cloister was re-set up in 1672 by the Ladakhi ruler Sengge Namgyal.

Hemis Gompa is the biggest religious community in Ladakh. The gigantic architural structure of Hemis Monastery is remarkable and speaks to a particular style of engineering from the other critical cloisters of Ladakh. An essential yearly celebration of Ladakh recognizing the birth commemoration of Guru Padmasambhava is held at this religious community successively for two days in June-July.

Tso Moriri Lake

This is another lake in Ladakh which is very famous among the people. Surrounded by barren hills with the backdrop of the snow-capped mountains this lake makes an ideal vacation spot. The lake measures 28 km in length from north to south and about 4-6 km in breadth and about 100 feet average in depth. Camping near To Moriri is also preferred by a lot of visitors there. The crystal clear water and blue colour of the lake will make you fall in love with this place.

Another interesting thing about this lake is that this lake was once a popular source of salt. Set amidst the mountain ranges in Leh this lakes provides you with some of the best views with peaceful surroundings.

Top Experiences To Do in Tso Moriri Lake

Sangam Point

Spituk Gompa

For those of you who are still searching for some different spot to visit in Ladakh then here we bring you another place. Spituk Gompa reviews the Indus Valley with various mudbrick structures tumbling happily down a lofty hillock towards Spituk town.

This Buddhist monastery gives you an opportunity to meet monks and observe their lifestyle closely while reveling in the divine tranquility of the peaceful atmosphere that dominates the region. The gompa is located just 6 km away from Leh Town and is one of the major tourist attractions in the town.

From its architecture to its location, everything about the monastery has an air of divinity to it. Founded in the 11th century, the monastery houses a giant statue of Kali.

Namgyal Monastery

Hemis National Park

Tso Kar Lake

There is another must-see attraction in Leh Ladakh tour and that is the Tso Kar Lake. Also called ‘White Lake' is one of the three high height saltwater lakes in Ladakh. The Tso-Kar Lake is known as 'White Lake' on the grounds that the white salt of the water stores everywhere throughout the lake shores. Tso-Kar Lake is the littlest lake among the three vital lakes in Ladakh.

The Tso-Kar lake is extremely well known with bird watchers. The range encompassing Tso-Kar lake is rich with wildlife and birds. Be that as it may, the principle fascination among the birds' life at Tso Kar is dark necked cranes. The dark necked cranes, known for their devotion, come to Tso Kar to lay eggs. You can check out the best trekking experiences in Ladakh to make your Ladakh trip more adventurous.

Things to Know during Manali to Leh Trip

Petrol pumps on manali – leh highway.

While in Manali, you can find an abundance of petrol pumps. This hill station town has a total of 6 petrol pumps.

Moving 110 km from Manali, you can find a petrol pump in Tandi.

Distance from Manali to Tandi: 110 Kms

345 km from Tandi and 30km before Leh, you can also refuel your vehicles in Karu.

Distance from Tandi to Karu: 345kms

Arriving in Leh, one can also find quite a few petrol pumps. In addition to the few petrol pumps in Leh, you can refuel your vehicles at the petrol pump near the Leh Airport (25 km from Leh).

A convenient mode of travel while commuting from Manali to Leh by taking a bus . The smooth availability of bus service creates travel convenience for many people traveling from Manali.

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Best of Ladakh

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ATMs on Manali-Leh Highway

It is strictly recommended that while going on Leh Manali highway you should carry sufficient amount of cash, as you can find the scarcity of ATMs after leaving Leh/Manali. Though there are too many ATMs in Manali, giving you sufficient opportunities to withdraw cash, after Manali, there is only one ATM you will find in Keylong, which is on the way to Leh.

However, it is not mandatory that the ATM in Keylong will be in working condition. Aftermath, you will directly find ATMs in Leh, which will be limited in number.

Only the SBI, Jammu and Kashmir Bank, HDFC, Axis Bank and ICICI Bank have their ATMs in Leh.

Hence, make sure you have sufficient cash for the trip from the beginning only. Also, except a few antique shops, the majority of restaurants and hotels do not accept the credit or debit cards, please carry enough cash with you on your trip. Book Now: Ladakh Tour Packages From Chennai

Mechanics on Manali-Leh Highway

Places for Night Stopover:

Located 117 km away from Manali, Keylong is the first place to take a break for the night while on the Manali to Leh bike trip. Listed below are some of the best hotels that go easy on the visitor’s pockets:

Hotel Dekyid,
Hotel New Gyespa,
Hotel Tashi Delek,
HPTDC Hotel Chandrabhaga,
Valley View Hotel

Distance between Manali to Keylong: 117 Kms

Himalayan Saga Camps
Goldrop Camps
Planet Himalaya Camps
Antrek Camps
Blue Poppy Camps

Distance between Manali to Sarchu: 223 Km

Located 357km from Keylong and 250km from Sarchu, upon your arrival in Leh, you can relax around a number of hotels that are solely meant for the tourists. Most of these hotels are located within the easy reach from the main town. Some of the places to stay in Leh:

Ladakh Sarai
Hotel Nalanda Ladakh
The Grand Dragon Ladakh
Ladakh Residency

Distance Between Keylong to Leh: 357 Kms

Distance between Sarchu to Leh: 250 Kms

For the bike ride, you can take a bike on rent in Manali and head on to this adventurous & scenic ride.

Inner Line Permits

The inner line permit (ILP) rules for Ladakh tourism have been simplified. There are certain requirements to be considered like a valid photo ID and attested photocopies that act as a proof of Nationality (Passport, DL, Voters ID etc.).

No inner line permits are now required to travel to places like Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri. However, there are some exceptions. In case one plans to cover a direct Stretch from Tso Moriri to Pangong Tso via Chushul route with a visit to Hanle, then one needs to give detailed information.

It is important to mention Pangong Tso, Man, Merak, Chushul, Tsaga, Loma, Nyoma, Mahe, Hanle and Tso Moriri in the permit application. Similarly, it is mandatory to apply for an Inner Line Permit, if you are planning to visit Pangong directly from Nubra via Shyok, Darbuk, Tangtse.

Inner Line Permits for Foreign Nationals

The foreign nationals must obtain the inner line permits, if they plan to visit areas like Turtuk, Panamik, Khaltse, Pangong, Changthang, Hunder, Tso Kar and Tso Moriri and few others. Also, to visit Hanle, Chusul, Tsaga, beyond Loma bend, Chumur, Marsimik La and Batalik Sector, they must have the inner line permits.

Foreign nationals, with exception from Bhutan, Burma, Nepal and Pakistan, also need to obtain PAP or the Protected Area Permit to visit the above-mentioned places. This permit is issued at the Leh DC Office and is allowed only to a group of four or more foreign nationals and is valid for 7 days.

While travelling Suru and Zanskar valleys, inner line permits are not required. However, this permit doesn't allow them to beyond Merek Village in the Mahe or Pangong village. Click Here to Book: Manali Leh Manali Jeep Safari

What is the cost of a Leh Ladakh trip?

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Enjoy a fun bike tour from Leh to Manali

Leh Top Attractions

Chumathang Hot Spring is a natural wonder located in the Leh district of Ladakh, India. Situated at an altitude of approximately 4,000 meters (13,123 feet), it is one of the most well-known hot springs in the region. The site is renowned for its therapeutic and healing properties, attracting visitors seeking relaxation and relief from various ailments.The hot spring's mineral-rich waters are believed to have medicinal benefits, especially for joint and skin conditions. Many travelers make the journey to Chumathang to take a rejuvenating dip in the warm waters and experience its therapeutic effects amidst the stunning Himalayan landscape.Apart from its healing properties, Chumathang Hot Spring offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and the tranquil Indus River flowing nearby. The surrounding region is also rich in biodiversity, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers.Chumathang Hot Spring is a unique attraction that not only provides a calming escape but also offers an opportunity to connect with nature's soothing elements in the high-altitude beauty of Ladakh.

Tsaga La Pass is a breathtaking mountain pass located in Leh district of Ladakh, India. Situated at an elevation of around 15,000 feet above sea level, it is a significant route that connects the Indus Valley with the Nubra Valley. The journey to Tsaga La Pass is a thrilling adventure, offering travelers mesmerizing vistas of the surrounding landscapes on the Leh Ladakh tour.The drive to the pass is an exhilarating experience, taking you through rugged terrains, barren mountains, and occasional streams. The rugged beauty of the region, with snow-capped peaks contrasting against the clear blue skies, leaves a lasting impression on visitors. Tsaga La Pass also holds historical importance as it was once a part of the ancient Silk Route.Travelers often make stops at vantage points along the pass to capture the stunning scenery with their cameras. The pass is accessible from Leh, and the journey typically takes a few hours, but it is advisable to check road conditions before embarking on this adventurous trip. Tsaga La Pass is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and those looking to immerse themselves in the awe-inspiring beauty of Ladakh.

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Manali to Leh Ladakh Road Trip – Food, Route, Hotels, Places to Visit, Trip Cost

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Manali to Leh Ladakh Road Trip is highly popular among bikers and road trip lovers. Leh – Manali highway leads to a dream destination for all travelers called Leh-Ladakh. Cruizing on this route, you will see all wonders and offerings of nature. This route is beautiful as well as dangerous at the same time.

Planning to do this Manali to Leh Ladakh Road Trips? As this is a little hard route to cover, one must have a proper plan for doing this road trip. Don’t worry, We’ve got you covered with all the things you will be needing for this road trip. From trip cost to stay locations, we have everything you need to know for this road trip.

Best Time for the Road Trip
Cost of the Road Trip
Recommended Vehicle
Best Route for the Trip
Places to Visit on Route
Food Places on Route
Day 1: Manali to Sarchu
Day 2: Sarchu to Leh
Day 3 to 7: Exploring Leh and Back

What is the Best time to do Manali to Leh Ladakh Road Trip?

Manali can be visited throughout the year but there are limitations on going beyond Manali. As per the government rules, official time to do Manali to Leh Ladakh Road trip in June to September . In this time, roads are open and there are almost no weather problems. To have a safe ride, we recommend you to do this road trip from June to September. Also, during this time weather will be good for everyone. Avoid taking old age people along with you because they will encounter breathing issues and weather issues due to high altitude.

Manali to Leh Ladakh Road Trip Cost

Estimation on our website for Manali to Leh Ladakh Road trip is given both for those who are going by Car and also for those who are going by bike. We’ve included all the necessary things like Fuel, Food, Stay, Vehicle (If Rented). So, let’s see how much this trip gonna cost you.

Cost for Manali to Leh Ladakh Road Trip by Bike

Summary of Cost by Bike (Standard Calculations):

Petrol Cost : ₹3,800 (25 Kmpl Mileage)
Rented Vehicle Cost : Add by Yourself
Hotel Cost : ₹9,000 (6 Nights)
Food Cost : ₹8,000 (1 Person)
Toll Tax : Not Applicable for Bikes
Total Cost : ₹21,000

For example, We are taking start location as Mall Road, Manali. From Manali, Leh is approximately 427 Km. We are estimating this trip based on official visiting time as per the government which remains open from June to Mid of September. For estimating cost of trip by Bike, I am taking cost for 1 person because going with a pillion isn’t comfortable and also not suggested. Firstly you have to reach Manali from delhi which will consume around 14-15 hours. You can take a bus till Manali and from there rent a bike. Comment in the box below for the best prices on Bike Rentals .

On average of 25 Kmpl, Fuel cost will be approximately ₹3,800 Rupees (Manali >> Leh >> Manali). If in case you have rented the bike, then you have to add Bike rental cost + ₹3,800. For stay, you will be taking hotels for 6 nights. You can get a nice hotel room at ₹1,500 Per Night. Food including Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner will cost ₹8,000 for 1 Person. Totaling all the expenses, your Manali to Leh Ladakh Road Trip by Bike will cost you ₹21,000+ approximately .

Cost for Manali to Leh Ladakh Road Trip by Car

Summary of Cost by Car (Standard Calculations):

Petrol Cost : ₹8,000 (12 Kmpl Mileage)
Hotel Cost : ₹15,000 (6 Nights)
Food Cost : ₹22,000 (4 People)
Toll Tax : ₹2,000
Total Cost: ₹47,000

For example, We are taking start location as Mall Road, Manali. From Manali, Leh is approximately 427 Km. For estimating cost of trip by Car, I am taking cost for 4 people. Firstly you have to reach Manali from delhi which will consume around 15-17 hours (If you take proper halt for meals and photography breaks). It will be a 7 Days 6 Nights trip.

On average of 12 Kmpl, Fuel cost will be approximately ₹8,000 Rupees (Manali >> Leh >> Manali). If in case you have rented the car, then you have to add car rental cost + ₹8,000 Rupees. For stay, you will be taking a hotel for 6 nights. You can get a nice hotel room at ₹2,500 Per Night for 4 People (3 People are generally allowed in a room, ask for an extra bed for 4th person). Because you are going by Car, you have to pay toll tax, approximately you can reserve ₹2,000 rupees for toll tax. Food including Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner will cost ₹22,000 for 4 People. Totaling all the expenses, your Manali to Leh Road Trip by Car will cost you ₹48,000+ approximately which means ₹12,000 Per Person .

What is the Recommended Vehicle for Manali to Leh Ladakh Road Trip?

Going on a road trip, your vehicle is the first thing you have to take care of. The road from Manali to Leh isn’t so good and there are a lot of rough places where you need to drive carefully. So, these are the recommended vehicle for this road trip:

Car – Any Compact SUV or SUV is preferred (Petrol / Diesel) or a Car with decent ground clearance will work if you don’t have an SUV or Compact SUV. CNG and electric cars (like E2o) are not suggested because CNG won’t be able to give you good performance while going up on the mountains and also you will not be getting many CNG pumps for getting Gas fueled up (Especially after crossing Patiala, there are no CNG Pumps available). Electric cars are not able to do long journies, you will not get charging sockets in between the route (as of February 2021).
Bike & Scooty – You can use any bike for doing this trip. Scooters with manual gears are not recommended because your hands gonna get tired a lot. Also, scooty is not suggested as it will not be easy to tackle with rough surfaces with a scooty.

Route of Manali to Leh Ladakh Road Trip

There is only one route available for doing this trip with ease. We will be explaining complete route to you here. Starting from Manali, this route will take you to Leh and then back to Manali.

Leh-Manali Highway (474 KM – 15 Hours Approximately) – Manali >> Rohtang >> Keylong >> Jispa >> Zing Zing Bar >> Sarchu >> Pang >> Debring >> Gya >> Upohi >> Thiksey >> Leh (After leh, Follow route back to Manali).

Manali to Leh Route via Leh-Manali Highway (474 Kms and 12 Hours Approximately)

From Manali, Continue towards Rohtang which is about 51 Km from Manali. After reaching Rohtang, take a break and click some pictures and then continue your journey towards Surajtal and Baralacha La using Leh-Manali Highway. Following this one route called Leh-Manali Highway, you will easily reach Leh passing through Rohtang, Surajtal, Baralacha La, Gata Loops, Nakee La, Lungalacha La, More Plains, Taglang La, and then reach Leh.

Do this 12 hours journey in 2 days taking proper halts at food points. Take stay at Keylong, Jispa, and Sarchu for a comfortable and safe ride. Avoid riding in the dark.

What are the Places to Visit During Leh to Manali Road Trip?

Places to Visit During Manali to Leh Road Trip

Because you are going on a road trip, this means that you should explore and enjoy everything which comes in your way. I believe that you must visit all the famous places in your way to make the most out of your road trip. You will be free to stop at any place. We are mentioning only those places which are easily accessible and can be noticed easily while passing by. So, these are the places which you can visit during your Leh to Manali Road Trip

Manali Nature Park (Van Vihar) – This is an extremely popular place where people go while their trip to Manali. You should go to this place during your road trip.
Nehru Kund, Bashisht – There is a story about this place that Nehru Ji used to take water from this Kund to Delhi. This is a popular tourist attraction, you can enjoy the scenic beauty and rock mountains at this place.
Solang Valley, VPO Palchan – With over 7,500 reviews on Google Maps, Solang valley is one of the favorite places of every traveler. Solang Valley is a must to visit place.
Gulaba Viewpoint, Kothi – Gulaba Viewpoint is a place where you can get a 360 view of mountains, trees, snow, and breathtaing nature. This is a perfect place for photography.
Gulaba Tourist Point, Leh Manali Hwy – It is again a perfect location for taking some awesome pictures.
Filmcity Hill View Point, Kullu – You will find a lot of vehicles stopped at this place. This is again a spot for photography for visitors.
Rohtang Pass – With over 3,800 reviews on Google, Rohtang pass is one of the best tourist spot near Manali. This is a major spot to take a halt on Leh-Manali Highway. Rohtang Pass is the highest pass on the eastern Pir Panjal Range of the himalayas.
Suraj Tal – It is a sacred water body which is called lake of lord Sun. It lies just below the Bara-lacha-la pass.
Bara-Lacha-La Pass – Bara-Lacha-La Pass is highest mountain pass in Zanskar range. It connects Lahul district with Ladakh.
Thiksay Monastry, Thiksey – Thiksay monastry is a Large hilltop monastery from the mid 1400s, with temples, a nunnery & a variety of Buddhist art.

Now you are in Leh – Ladakh, Take rest and then start exploring.

Best Food Places on Manali to Leh Ladakh Road Trip Route

Manali to leh highway doesn’t have a lot of places where you can get good meal. At intervals you will get food places but sometimes you will find yourself far from a food place. Avoid eating a lot of spices and also avoid trying unhealthy dishes. Among a lot of places lying between the route, there are some food points and restaurants from where you can have a good meal. We’ve listed down all the preferred food places in between Manali to Leh. These are the food places you should eat at:

Gufa Hotel, Teling, Himachal Pradesh – You can get yourself a complete meal at this palce at reasonable prices.
Sonam Dhaba, Gondhla – From here you can pick snacks, packed food items, and soft drinks for your ride.
Momos and Meggi Shop, Sumnam, Himachal Pradesh – Take a small break at this place and enjoy the all time and everyone’s favorite maggie.
Rolling Stones Camping and Restaurant, Jispa – Long time riding, its time to take a break and have a meal.
Chamba Dhaba Sunny, Killingsarai – This is another decent place on Leh Manali Highway where you can have a meal.
W hisky Nala – It is a place where you can take a proper break including a sleep and meal.
Chuzin Cafe, Choglamsar – Take a small breat at this place and have a lite meal and then continue towards your destination.
Pangong Restaurant, Paru – Now this is the most famous food point on this Leh – Manali highway. You should take a halt and have a meal over this place and then continue towards Leh and you will reach soon there.

Itinerary of Manali to Leh Road Trip

Region of Leh – Ladakh has a lot to offer. So, make sure that you keep enough days to spend in Leh and Ladakh. Even if you are going for a shorter duration, it is suggested that you visit at least Nubra Valley and Zanskar Valley. We’ve prepared an ideal itinerary for you so that you can reduce stress on planning and get going with the trip. So, without taking more of your time, let’s get started with the itinerary of Manali to Leh Road Trip.

Day 1: Manali to Sarchu (223 Kms via Leh Manali Hwy)

Leave from Manali early in the morning before 8 AM so that you can reach Sarchu with enough time in hand.
Take your first break at Gulaba View point which is just a few kilometers ahead of Manali. Then continue for Gulaba Water Falls.
Continue your ride on Leh Manali Highway and stop at Filmcity Hill View Point which is quite a popular tourist spot on this route.
Take your next break at Rani Nallah where you’ll spot snow coming from uphills and falling on the road you are standing at. Rani Nallah is situated along with Rohtang Pass, so just a few kms and you’ll arrive at your first destination of the day. From here, we’ll continue our journey towards Sarchu.
Continuing from Rohtang Pass, our next stop will be Tandi Bridge. As you are in Tandi, don’t forget to fill up your bike or car tanks as there are not many pertrol pumps available on this route.
Passing by Keylong, Jispa, and Zing Zing Bar, you’ll arrive at Suraj Tal Lake which is near to Baralacha La Pass. Take a little break here and enjoy maggi at food point available near to the lake. Just a couple of kilometers ahead you’ll arrive at Baralacha La Pass.
Passing through Killingsarai, you’ll arrive at your destination for the day which is Sarchu.

We have sorted some of the best accommodations in Sarchu for your overnight stay. These properties are not available for online booking, so you have to contact the hotel for price and booking purposes. Check them out:

Golddrop Camps Sarchu

Himalayan Routes Camp

Day 2: Sarchu to Leh (250 Kms via Leh Manali Hwy)

Try to leave from Sarchu at around 8 in the morning so that you can have enought time to explore the route and reach Leh before sunset.
Just a few kilometers ahead of Sarchu, you’ll enter the Ladakh region. First stop for the day will be Nakee La which is located at altitude of 4739 meters form sea level.
Drive for about 40 minutes (18 Kms) ahead of Nakee La and you’ll arrive at Lachungla which is located at an altitude of 5065 meters. Continue driving for about 80 Kms, you’ll arrive at TanglangLa Top which is a major tourist attraction on this route. Take a few minutes break here and then continue your ride.
Take a break at Indian Oil Petrol Pump (GMaps Search: 8J5VWPWG+CV ) and get your vehicle tanks filled. In just an hour, you’ll be in Leh.

We’ve sorted some of the best properties for stay in Leh at affordable price with great amenities and food. Have a look at these properties and book them before reaching leh to avail discounts on early bookings.

Free Parking, Free WiFi, Family Rooms, Very Good Breakfast

Lhachik Guest House

Free Parking, Non-Smoking Rooms, Free WiFi, Family Rooms, Superb Breakfast

Gyaslang Guest House

Free WiFi, Superb Breakfast

Morning Sky Guest House

Free WiFi, Family Rooms, Parking

Day 3 to 7: Explore Leh and Back to Manali

As you have arrived in Leh, you can start exploring places near to Leh. Stay in Leh for about 2-3 days and explore the surroundings. Here are some of the most popular places people visit during their Manali to Leh Road Trip:

Pangong Lake
Magnetic Hill
Khardungla Pass
Nubra Valley
Tso Moriri Lake
Lamayuru Monastery
Diskit Gompa
Shanti Stupa
Royal Leh Palace
Gurudwara Pathar Sahib
Sangam Point
Tso Kar Lake
Hall of Fame
Thiksey Monastery
Drass Valley

Once you are done with exploring, it is the time to head back to Manali. Follow the same route back to Manali and you’ll mark the road trip complete.

Best Hotels for Stay During Manali to Leh Road Trip

This route opens seasonally. Also, there aren’t many hotels for stay on this route. We will be listing here all the places which lies in-between the route where you can stay. It is suggested that you cover this route in 2 days. These are some best hotels to stay in durin your Manali to Leh Ladakh Road Trip. We have listed 5 hotels for each destination where you should take break.

Boooking.com Hotels at upto 70% Discount

Best Hotels for Stay in Manali

Treebo Woodstock Inn – Rs.1300 Per Day
Kalista Resort – Rs.1360 Per Day
The Whispering Inn by Vivaan – Rs.1600 Per Day
The Hosteller Manali – Rs.999 Per Day
Hotel Mountain Face by Snow City Hotels – Rs.1260 Per Day

Best Hotels for Stay in Zing Zing Bar

1 BR Boutique Stay in Jisp, Distt. (E00F) by Guesthouser – Rs.3500 Per Day
1 BR Tent in Sarchu, Leh, by Guesthouser (7B73) – Rs.3600 Per Day
Tent Accomodation in Sarchu, Leh, by Guesthouser 20464 – Rs.4500 Per Day

Best Hotels to Stay in Leh

1 BR Homestay in Upper Tukcha Road, Leh (F0A8), by Guesthouser – Rs.1765 Per Day
OYO 14359 The Mir Villa – Rs.2205 Per Day
Hotel Dolma Residency – Rs.3500 Per Day
1 BR Guesthouse in Chulung Old Road, Leh (B1DF), by Guesthouser – Rs.3529 Per Day
Hotel Vamoosetrail Ladakh Palace – Rs.4050 Per Day

Petrol Pumps on Manali to Leh Ladakh Road Trip

Leh – Manali highway passes through plains and places where you won’t be getting any population, food points, hotels, and not even petrol pumps. So, it is suggested that you take a can of Petrol / Diesel along with you for emergency purposes. There are few petrol pumps available on Manali to Leh Ladakh Road Trip. Have a look at them here and plan your journey according to availability of fuel.

Lahaul Potato Growers Indian Oil Petrol Pump, Keylong Near Tandi.
Indian Oil Petrol Diesel Station, Karu, Keylong – Leh Road.

If you have any other query then let us know in comment section below and we will definitely get back to you ASAP.

I love to travel places and write about my experiences and travel guides to help people in making their travel plans with ease. Otherthan traveling and blogging, I work on my internet ventures and provide internet business consulting.

16 thoughts on “Manali to Leh Ladakh Road Trip – Food, Route, Hotels, Places to Visit, Trip Cost”

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way back in 1986 i travelled for my job in leh onward to tsaga village in nyoma block as teacher. i have travelled on zojilla road also.since no one told me how dangerous roads were i took it as routine.all has changed now. good that you have written blogs and are guiding people and that is great.by the way i was 23 yrs then having been witess to pangong tso damchok untrekable khardungla then .well man all changed now.

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Hi kulashreshta, thank you so much.can tempo traveller journey would be safe from.manali to leh road.bit scared there may be travel planned during may 25

No worries, go for it. Nothing to be scared about.

Thanks for providing such an elaborate blog. I am planning to visit Leh from Manali via Atal Tunnel in the month of November 1st week. Any idea will the roads be opened then.

Yes, Atal Tunnel will remain open in November 1st week.

which hotel charges more money on the way from Manali to Leh for staying overnight.

Manali to Leh: A Road Trip You’ll Never Forget

Introduction.

Imagine this: winding roads carved into the mighty Himalayas surrounded by snow-capped mountains and lush valleys. The sound of a peaceful river flowing and the view of ancient monasteries high in the hills. That’s a road trip from Manali to Leh for you, a journey that at every turn opens up a wonderful landscape that will remain engraved in your memory forever.

The road trip from Manali to Leh is an unforgettable journey that takes you through some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. This article will provide detailed instructions for planning and completing this epic adventure. So, buckle up and get ready for the road trip of a lifetime!

Planning your trip

There are a few important things to consider while planning a road trip from Manali to Leh. Let’s dive in and start preparing for your epic adventure!

Best time to go

The best time to start this trip is from June to September. They ask why? Well, this happens when the highway known as “Manali-Leh Highway” is open and the weather is best. The winter months present significant challenges due to heavy snowfall and road closures—safer than cold!

How long do you have to go

Normally, this trip will have you traveling for 2 full days, if you think to take a break to soak in the sheer beauty. However, if you really want to experience the magic of the route and destinations, we suggest you allow at least 7-10 days for your trip. This will give you enough time to acclimate to the high altitudes, explore the towns along the way and deal with unexpected changes in itinerary

What needs to be arranged

What you pack can directly affect your comfort and safety when you travel. Here are our quick bags:

Warm, layered clothing: Temperatures can drop a bit, especially at night.
Medicine : Don’t forget top-of-the-line healing potions, as you’ll be traveling high above sea level.
Snacks and water: Stay energized and hydrated.
Maps and Guidebooks : While a digital GPS is great, labeled maps work even when there is no signal!

Vehicle and fuel considerations

The vehicle you choose for this trip should be sturdy, well maintained and suitable for mountain vehicles. A four-wheel-drive SUV is usually the best option. As for fuel, while there are gas stations along the way, it’s pretty spread out. Whenever possible fill up your tank and consider carrying an extra can of fuel as an emergency backup.

Get the necessary permits

Remember also that the road from Manali to Leh crosses many high altitude roads, which requires clearance from the Government of India. You can apply for these online or in person at the District Office in Manali. Make sure you have all the necessary documents for a smooth and hassle-free trip.

Remember, a well-planned trip can save you time, stress, and money. So download those maps, start creating a list, and get ready for a journey to get the books!

Highlights of the road trip

Get ready, intrepid travellers! Now we are going to explore some highlights of our Manali to Leh road trip. Each of these stops offers a unique experience that brings you a little closer to the natural wonder of the Himalayas.

The Rohtang Road

Keep those windows down and let that cool mountain air fill the car—welcome to Rohtang Pass! At an altitude of 3,978 meters above sea level, this highway offers breathtaking views of mist-capped mountains and hills in the distance. It is usually covered in thick snow, making it the perfect place for some impromptu snowball fights! But remember that the trail is only open from June to October due to heavy snowfall in the winter. So, plan accordingly!

Written by Tandi

Next stop, Tandy! This little-known village is a hidden gem that falls along the way. What specifically would you ask about Tandy? It is the last refueling point before hitting Leh, so make sure you fill up your tank here. But that’s not all. Peacefully nestled in the Chandra and Bhaga rivers, Tandy also offers a peaceful retreat away from the rush—the best place to stretch those legs and catch some beautiful moments

Written by Keylong

Last but certainly not least is Keylang, a lush oasis between pristine mountains. Here you can give your hard-working car a rest and get ready for the journey ahead. Explore Buddhist monasteries, stroll through sprawling apple orchards, or just enjoy the tranquility—it’s the perfect place for a much-needed den

GISPA is the source

Zispa is a small village that makes you feel like you are stepping on a postcard. There is always the Bhaga river flowing gently through the valley, tall willow and poplar trees lining its banks, and a stunning peak backdrop – this piece of paradise is the perfect place to camp at night and take in some peace and quiet And for the next section, create a new one.

The passing of Barala

Our next port of call was the legendary Baralacha La Pass. Sitting at a whopping altitude of 4,890 meters, it is known for its unique natural terrain—three mountain ranges (Pir Panjal, Great Himalayan, and Zanskar) combine to form a pleasant landscape Here you get snow almost throughout the year , so if you ever get a wanted to make snow in the winter Now this is the place to be!

Written by Sarachuh

Finally, we reach Sarachu, our main stop on the Manali-Leh highway. Halfway between Manali and Leh, tented accommodation in Sarchu offers a unique experience of “living in the wild.” Relax under the starry beach night sky, and gather around the campfire don’t make unforgettable stories- Sarachu is all about memories- we do

Written by Pangong Tso

Prepare to be swept off your feet by the rainbow Pangong Tso. Stretching for 130 kilometres, the lake changes colors along the path of the sun, offering breathtaking views. From cobalt blues during the day to lush oranges at sunset, this place is a photographer’s paradise. Remember to pack a picnic and a good book—you’ll want to spend some time in peace!

The Chang La Pass

Then, get ready for the world’s third highest drive-through—Chang La. At an impressive altitude of 5,360 metres, you will have snow all year round but the breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains and valleys make the bone-chilling cold worthwhile . Don’t forget to enjoy a cup of hot tea from the military canteen here—it’s a tradition!

Finally, after much anticipation, we reach the end of your journey, Leh. With its beautiful scenery, rich culture and friendly locals, it’s the perfect place to relax and reflect on your amazing journey. Take a stroll through the historic Leh Palace, find peace at the Shanti Stupa, and try some authentic Ladakhi cuisine—you got it!

Remember to dress nicely, charge your camera, and take those snacks for the trip. Each of these stations is a treasure waiting for you to explore. Here’s to your Manali to Leh road trip, a trip you will remember for the rest of your life!

New adventures: Other attractions and activities

The road trip from Manali to Leh is not only the journey but there are wonderful attractions and activities to indulge in. Don’t hesitate to adventure ! Go ahead and make every moment count!

Visits to Buddhist monasteries and temples

We begin this by looking at the spiritual side of these Himalayan regions. There are many beautiful Buddhist monasteries and temples along the way that showcase rich cultural heritage. Key Monastery, Thixey Monastery and Hemis Monastery are a few examples. Spend some time in these peaceful sanctuaries, engage in prayer, or simply meditate in peace – the perfect way to calm your soul.

Walking in the Himalayas

Feeling a little curious? Embark on a trek through the Himalayas! Explore nature at close quarters by hiking the scenic trails of Spiti Valley or Markha Valley. Don’t worry about level, because there are hikes suitable for beginners, intermediates and experts. Remember to bring water, snacks and first aid kits. And hey, don’t rush—take your time to enjoy your beautiful views and have fun exploring on foot.

Camping under the stars

What’s better than winding down your day nestled in a cozy tent, under a rope blanket in the clear light of the Himalayas? Both Jispa and Sarchu campsites can be found on the Manali-Leh highway. Gather around the fire, share stories and make lifelong memories – it’s a magical experience you’ll love Don’t forget your warm clothes, though—the nights can get pretty chilly!

Rafting on the Indus River

Feel your adrenaline pumping as you navigate the winding rapids of the Indus River! Choose a whitewater rafting experience to add a little excitement to your trip. Beginners can participate in short rafting sessions lasting about an hour, while experienced rafters can opt for half-day or full-day trips. Grab a life jacket, paddle, and embrace the thrill of jumping through the river’s icy waters.

View of the Nubra Valley and the Hunder desert

Afterwards, explore the otherworldly beauty of the Nubra Valley. The breathtaking landscape—where a green oasis meets majestic mountains and pure sand—is a sight to behold. Head to Handar village for a barefoot walk on the cool desert sand. Don’t want to go without a story? Ride a Bactrian camel through the hills for unforgettable memories.

Souvenir shopping in Leh

No adventure is complete without a souvenir! The bustling markets of Leh invite you to indulge in an unforgettable shopping experience. Find beautiful crafts, or treat your loved ones to some Tibetan-inspired trinkets. Here’s what you can buy:

And steal the shawl with her pashmina
handmade leather socks and gloves
Ladakhi traditional jewellery
Tibetan prayer flags
authentic apricot oil

Remember to take your time when shopping, and don’t hesitate to make a deal—it’s part of the marketplace experience.

Embrace these other adventures and indulge in the spirit of a road trip from Manali to Leh. With a little planning and passion, you’ll find a treasure trove of experiences to cherish for a lifetime. Happy review, fellow travelers!

Tips for a safe and enjoyable trip

There are few things in life that can compete with an exciting road trip from Manali to Leh. With stunning landscapes and endless skylines of wonder, every moment along this route holds the promise of adventure. While this journey can be a dream come true for the intrepid traveler, it is important to do so moderately and with safety in mind. Allow us to share some practical tips to help make your road trip safe and memorable.

Adjustments to elevations

When you start this trek, mountain sickness is a real concern because of the high altitude. But not to worry—we’ve got some tips for making a successful transition.

Start slow: Spend two days in Manali and start your journey slowly. This initial slow start can help you acclimate to the altitude.
Drink plenty of water: Going to higher altitudes can dehydrate you faster so stay hydrated. Aim for 3-4 liters of water per day.
Avoid Fatigue: Excessive exercise can aggravate altitude sickness. Feel free to explore.
Medications: Consult with your doctor before traveling. Drugs such as Diamox may be recommended to prevent altitude sickness.

Driving safely on mountain roads

Manali to Leh is a spectacular drive, but also a tricky one, with winding roads and unpredictable weather. Here are some things to keep you safe on those mountain roads.

Use a reliable vehicle : A sturdy, well-maintained vehicle is essential. Make sure your car is serviced properly before you travel.
Know your route: Plan your trip carefully. Use an online map to navigate to areas where the signal may be poor.
Understand mountain road etiquette: Traffic in the mountains generally has the right of way. Also, sweep your headlights down when approaching an oncoming vehicle to avoid distracting another driver.
Look for Help: You’re likely to encounter help on these trails. Take it slow and give them a right of way.

Prevention of high altitude disease

Altitude sickness can be an unwanted obstacle in your travels, but there’s no need to worry—we have tips to help you manage it successfully.

Get used to it: Start your trip slowly by spending two days in Manali to get acclimated to the altitude.
Climb slowly: Try to avoid climbing too high—if possible, drive to Leh for three to three days, with overnight stops in Kelang and Sarachu.
Be careful: Watch your body’s reactions. If you experience symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and shortness of breath, relax and give your body time to adjust.
Medications: Consult your doctor before starting your trip. Drugs such as Diamox may be recommended for the prevention or treatment of altitude sickness.

Stay hydrated and get enough rest

Balance is the key to fully enjoy the road trip from Manali to Leh. Adequate rest and hydration are keys to that balance.

Drink water: The higher the altitude, the faster you can get dehydrated. Continue to drink water throughout your journey and aim to drink about 3-4 liters per day.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine : Both can aggravate dehydration and interfere with your quality, so it’s best to stay away.
Take frequent breaks: While driving, stop every now and then to stretch your legs, take pictures and catch your breath.
Plan to rest at night: It’s important to give your body a chance to recover at night. On your way to Leh, plan to stop at Keylang Sarchu (or similar places).
Listen to your body : Don’t be afraid to adjust your travel plans if you’re feeling tired or unwell. An extra day off can make all the difference.

In conclusion: Your journey is waiting!

Driving from Manali to Leh is more than just a road trip—it’s a journey full of natural beauty, adventure, and deep interaction with local cultures Our guide, you’re ready to address important aspects of preventing altitude sickness and maintaining your urine levels and rest.

Remember that acclimatization is key on this hike—unexpected changes can affect your body, so it pays to climb slowly. Staying hydrated is equally important, as is making sure you get enough rest to allow your body to recover and adjust.

You’re all set now, wise to deal with road manners and grab the best deals in Leh market. The breathtaking views of the Nubra Valley and the winding canyons of the Indus River are ready for your arrival.

So, fellow adventurers, what are you waiting for? It’s time to bundle up and plan your next unforgettable trip. The world of travel from Manali to Leh is waiting for you with open arms. An adventure, and remember—every moment on this road trip is a memory being made.

Go ahead and start planning your trip today – make your trip safe and full of surprises!

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Manali To Leh Road Trip: Distance, Time, and Useful Travel Information

Situated in the Kashmir region of India, Leh is a dream destination every traveller wishes to visit once in their lifetime. Furthermore, stretching from the Siachen Glacier to the central Great Himalayas and surrounded by dramatic landscapes, Ladakh is a dreamy place known as the world’s freezing desert. Captivating Gompas (Tibetan Buddhist sanctuaries), whitewashed stupas and fluttering prayer flags, Leh is a riot of red-robed monks and elaborate murals.

With a culture equivalent to Tibetan civilization, the locals of Leh are friendly and welcoming to tourists. It might also not be wrong to say that travelling to Leh is a breathtaking experience that gets beautified with scenic lakes, fascinating Landscapes, quaint villages, high-altitude mountain passes, picturesque valleys, and different spiritual monasteries. And many tourists plan a trip to Leh to seek adventure, breathe the unpolluted air, explore Tibetan culture, and experience the magical bliss found in town. Keep scrolling to read the Manali to Leh itinerary and the most suitable routes to reach Leh via Manali.

Why travel from manali to leh.

Travelling from Manali to Leh by Car
Best Time To Visit Leh from Manali
Popular Routes from Manali to Leh
How to Reach Leh By Flight
How to Reach Leh By Bus
How to Reach Leh By Train
Popular sightseeing attractions in Leh
Popular places to eat in Leh
Hotels and Resorts in Leh

Nearby road trips from Leh

Leh is no less than a nature’s marvel with open roads and clear skies that allow you to breathe freely amidst a peaceful atmosphere. Here you will find yourself lost in the magnificence and tranquillity of rugged landscapes, seek reassurance in a plethora of Gompas, and satiate your adventure cravings by enjoying different thrilling activities. Experience the joy of being on the road by booking Manali cab service from Savaari .

In addition, Manali and Leh are the two most well-known hill stations in the country and must-adds to the bucket list of all ardent sightseers! So if you want to plan a trip to Leh from Manali, go ahead because an unforgettable experience awaits you. When you take a road trip from Manali to Leh, you can enhance your experience by enjoying everything that lies on the way. With a Savaari, you can turn your drive into a fun-filled journey and also customize the trip to your liking, travel time, and budget.

Travelling from Manali to Leh by Car

Leh is unquestionably an outstanding place in Jammu & Kashmir that evokes a feeling of dreamlike euphoria. Its wild lofty mountains, pristine lakes, exotic traditions and culture make it an integral bucket list destination. Moreover, Leh’s top scenic attractions include its undefiled natural spectacles, Tibetan Buddhist celebrations, colourful sanctuaries, picture-perfect mountain hikes, rugged mountain passes and more. Book a Manali car rental for the best experience

And you can add more charm to this experience when you take a road trip to Leh from Manali. The Manali to Leh distance is approximately 426 km, and you can cover it within 11 to 12 hours. While many people opt for a bike journey to reach their destination, it is better to choose a car commute if you are travelling in groups or with family. With our completely customizable Srinagar to Pahalgam trip packages, you can stop at Srinagar to Pahalgam any of these places and do a quick sightseeing.

Let us help you discover the best routes to travel from Manali to Leh by car. You can also enjoy the route from the back seat by renting a car from Manali to Leh .

Best Time To Visit Leh from Manali

The most suitable time to visit Leh is from May to July as the routes to Leh open both from Srinagar and Manali highway during this time. Furthermore, there is considerable snowfall, specifically on the Leh Manali highway. Another excellent time to visit Leh is from mid-September to October, when Leh transforms into the most mesmerizing landscape. However, you must avoid visiting Leh during the monsoon from July to August as the area is prone to landslides. Autumn or early winter in Leh is another most suitable times to visit.

The rain stops but leaves behind just the perfect amount of moisture in the air to make the trip delightful. Being bathed by the rain over the rainy season, the wild surroundings turn to the liveliest hues.By the time November arrives, Leh is freezing cold. All areas over 14000 ft undergo sub-zero temperatures. Furthermore, driving through the roads, even the Manali-Leh highways, get risky because of the black ice accumulation.

Popular Routes from Manali to Leh

Route 1: manali to leh via nh3.

The Manali to Leh route is unquestionably spectacular. It is such a wonderful extravaganza of nature’s delight that you would love to be a part of! In addition, as you move to the higher altitudes, take quick breaks to soak in the panoramas and camp under the starry sky to make memories of a lifetime! The approximate distance between Manali to Leh is 426 km, and it is advisable to take the Manali to Leh best route that runs via NH3.

Here’s the basic route map from Manali to Leh.

Popular sightseeing attractions between Manali to Leh

Rohtang Pass

With an elevation of 13000 ft, Rohtang Pass is the perfect getaway to Manali to Leh highway. So when you embark on a road trip from Manali to Leh, take a halt at the Rohtang Pass and take a trek to the highest point to witness nature’s full glory.

Jispa village

Located on the shores of the famous Bagha river, Jispa Village is a primary stop for Leh travellers. Here you can spend some quiet time near the lakeside or camp under the starry night to get the most surreal road trip experience.

Atal Tunnel

Constructed at the height of 10 thousand 40 feet above sea level, Atul Tunnel holds the record for being the world’s most extended highway tunnel. Moreover, connecting Manali with Lahaul and Spiti districts, Atul Tunnel is the perfect engineering spectacle you can witness en route.

Solang Valley

A perfect skiing destination surrounded by lush green environs, a halt at Solang Valley on a road trip from Manali to Leh will make your trip more memorable.

Tayul Gompa Monastery

Located a few kms from Leh, Tayul Gompa is the oldest-known monastery in the Northern region. Moreover, located amidst the lofty mountain ranges, this monastery is famous for a majestic

12 ft statue of Guru Padmasambhava, besides the 108 primary wheels that keep on self-rotating on auspicious events.

Places to eat along this route

Leh Dhaba: Situated in Jispa along the Manali to Leh route, Leh Dhaba serves the best Kahwa tea, Thupka and noodles.
Pang Restraunt: A perfect stopover point near Leh to witness the serene natural surroundings and enjoy hot coffee and delicious meals served at affordable rates.

Manali to Leh Road Condition via Route 1:

This is the shortest and the best route to travel between Manali and Leh. It is also the fastest, because the Srinagar to Pahalgam traffic on this route is regular and there are no road closures. Moreover, for better commute, always check live maps and instant traffic updates for the latest information on Manali to Leh road conditions.

Other means of travelling from Manali to Leh

The only route to Leh Ladakh in winter is by flight, though airlines fly all year round. In addition, the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport of Leh is the area’s major airport. And GoAir and Air India have regular flights running from New Delhi. However, airline services are irregular during winter, and flights usually get cancelled due to snowfall in Leh and fog in Delhi.

By Bus

The central bus stand for Leh Ladakh is situated 700m south of the central town centre. State buses from Manali and the HPTDC (Himachal Pradesh Tourist Development Corporation) generally halt overnight at Darcha, Keylong, or Sarchu for high-altitude acclimatization.

By Train

Kalka is the nearest railway station to Leh and many buses and private cabs run from Kalka Railway station to Leh.

Popular sightseeing attractions in Leh

Here are some prominent scenic attractions you can glimpse in Leh.

Pangong Lake

With an impressive landscape and stunning scenic beauty, Pangong Lake remains at a more elevated altitude in the Himalayan range. In addition, this lake has a spectacular scenic view with sparkling waters, a lakeshore with pebbles, and a stunning backdrop. And the mountains blanketed with snow make this spot something you cannot express in words.

You can also spot the different hues of blue and green shade in the lake as the position of the sun transitions in this lake. This area is heaven for photographers and bird watchers as you can spot different migratory birds like ducks, Crane, and seagulls, along with skating and camping near the lakeside.

Leh Palace was earlier the home to the royal family reigning in Ladakh. This famous Leh palace holds the same design as Patola Palace, situated in Tibet and built in the 17th century. In addition, this palace was again deserted in the 19th century when the royal family living in this castle moved to the Stok Palace when Kashmiris took over this palace. Furthermore, with stunning architecture constructed with wood, stones, and sand, with some stunning portraits and carvings on its wall, this site is mostly visited by journalists, historians, archaeologists and professional photographers.

Spituk Gompa

Spituk Gompa remains situated at a distance of 8 km from Leh, and this well-known monastery has outstanding architecture and was built during the late 11th century. This place has a central prayer hall where the idol of Lord Buddha is placed, and there are different antique portraits, lists of ancient celebrations, arms and other such things in this sanctuary. In addition, the veils of the Lord Buddha statue are released only once a year during the Spituk festival, where you can witness various dance and music performances with other attractions.

Drang Drung Glacier

Drang-Drung glacier is the second most extensive Glacier you can glimpse after the Siachen Glacier. This Glacier remains situated in the Zanskar range of the Himalayan peaks, and you can reach the place by trekking for a day through Suru Valley. And if you are an avid nature photographer, you can readily click some scenic vistas of the wild marmots, Blue Sea, ibex, and Tibetan Fox. Also, we can say that this place is unquestionably heaven with the stunning terrain and the snow-filled mountain resting in the backdrop that improves the magnificence of this place.

Popular places to eat in Leh

Leh is a multicuisine town serving Tibetan, Indian, Chinese and even Korean delicacies. Moreover, the dishes here flaunt tints of these foreign influences. So when you visit this beautiful Leh town, you can try regional dishes, such as Thukpa (noodle soup), Tsampa Ngamphe (charred barley flour), and Skyu, a heavy pasta plater with plenty of vegetables. Also, don’t forget to savour the delicious Momos, steamed dumplings stuffed with meat or vegetables, when in town. Beverages include coffee, tea, beer and Chang, an alcoholic drink consumed especially on festive occasions. Below are some well-known eating joints in Leh.

Sheldon Garden Restaurant: Famous for Continental and Multi-cuisine delicacies
Old Town Cafe: Famous for Tibetian cuisine
La Terrasse: Famous for Italian and Continental dishes
Summer Harvest: Famous for Indian, Chinese and Tibetian delicacies

Hotels and Resorts in Leh

If you plan an unforgettable getaway from Manali, Leh should always remain on top of your travel itinerary. Moreover, there are several attractions in Leh filled with pristine beauty that would surely blow your mind. So why wait? Plan a road trip from Manali to Leh now!

Download our Savaari car Booking app for a smooth and pleasant journey.

Relaxing in the Majestic Journey: Manali to Leh Road Trip

The Manali to Leh road trip is one of the most popular and scenic road passages in India. It takes you through the majestic Himalayan region, offering stirring views of snow-confined mountains, high-altitude passes, sparkling gutters, and visual terrains. This road trip is a favourite among adventure addicts, nature lovers, and photography aficionados.

The primary route for the Manali to Leh road trip is the Manali- Leh Highway, also known as National Highway 3 or NH3. The trace spans roughly 479 kilometres and passes through some of the most stunning locales in the Himalayas.

Interested in discovering Ladakh? Your best starting point is to browse through our tailor-made Ladakh Tour Packages

The Manali to Leh road trip is an extraordinary adventure that offers a mesmerizing mix of scenic beauty and thrilling road conditions. The trip unfolds along the Manali- Leh Highway, which winds through the majestic Himalayan region, showcasing the different geographies and natural prodigies of the area. The road itself is a sight to behold, as it meanders through stirring decor, transitioning from lush green denes to barren mountains and surreal geographies.

As you navigate the gruelling terrains, including hairpin bends and steep ascents, a sense of adventure and exhilaration accompanies you throughout the trip. The high-altitude passes, similar to Rohtang Pass, Baralacha La, and Tanglang La, give admiration-inspiring views of the girding peaks, denes, and glaciers, while also testing your adaptability and determination. The closeness of the region creates a feeling of solitariness and serenity, allowing you to immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of the geographies.

The ever-changing rainfall adds an element of surprise, with clear skies giving way to unforeseen rain or snowfall. Along the way, you will have the occasion to witness the original culture and hospitality, as you interact with the residents of small townlets and taste their traditional cookery.

The Manali to Leh road trip is a truly indelible trip, where every turn reveals a new phenomenon and every afar is filled with wonder.

Also Read: Places to visit in Ladakh & Things to do in Ladakh

Places to visit during the road trip from Manali to Leh

Below is a list of some of the most wonderful places you can visit on your road trip to Leh.

Rohtang Pass: Located at an altitude of 3,978 meters (13,050 bases), Rohtang Pass is a must-visit destination on the Manali to Leh road trip. It offers stunning panoramic views of the girding mountains and denes, and if you are lucky, you might indeed get to witness snow indeed during the summer months.

Keylong: As you continue your trip, make a stop at Keylong, the executive centre of the Lahaul and Spiti quarter. This graphic city is nestled amidst green fields and snow-clad peaks. You can explore the domestic market, visit abbeys, and soak in the tranquil air.

Jispa: Located along the banks of the Bhaga River, Jispa is a scenic townlet that offers stirring views of the Himalayas. It’s an ideal place to break your trip and spend a peaceful night in the leg of nature.

Baralacha La: This place is positioned at an altitude of 4,890 meters (16,040 bases). Baralacha La is a high mountain pass that connects the Lahaul and Ladakh regions. The pass offers mesmerizing views of the rugged terrain and is a favourite spot for photography addicts.

Pang: Pang is a small hamlet located at a high altitude and serves as a popular layover during the Manali to Leh road trip. The village is known for its scenic beauty, girdled by mountains and vast open spaces. It’s a great place to take a break, enjoy a cup of tea, and respect the surreal geographies.

Tso Kar: Tso Kar, also known as the” White Lake,” is a high-altitude Salt Lake located in the Rupshu Valley. The lake is known for its stunning beauty and the occasion to spot colourful migrant birds. It’s a peaceful and serene place where you can connect with nature.

Thiksey Monastery: As you are near Leh, make sure to visit the notorious Thiksey Monastery . Perched on a hilltop, this friary is a prominent Buddhist point and offers panoramic views of the Indus Valley. Explore the friary’s intricate armature, visit the prayer halls, and substantiate the morning prayers for a spiritual experience.

Leh: The final destination of your road trip, Leh, is a fascinating city and the capital of Ladakh. Take some time to explore the bustling Leh Market, visit ancient cloisters like Hemis and Shey, and indulge in the original cookery. Leh also serves as a base for colourful adventure conditioning like touring, swash rafting, and exploring the beautiful Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso Lake .

These are just many of the numerous inconceivable places you can visit during the Manali to Leh road trip. Each destination offers its own unique charm, adding to the overall appeal of this indelible trip.

Best time to travel from Manali to Leh

The most suitable time to take a Manali to Leh road trip is generally from June to September. This period is considered the peak season for bearing the Manali to Leh road trip due to favourable rainfall conditions and the opening of the high mountain passes. Below is a breakdown of the different months.

June: The Manali- Leh Highway generally opens in early to mid-June, motioning the launch of the traveller season. June offers affable rainfall with moderate temperatures during the day, ranging from 15 °C to 25 °C (59 °F to 77 °F). still, nights can still be chilly, particularly at an elevation, so it’s judicious to carry warm apparel.

July and August: These months are the peak season for travelling from Manali to Leh. The rainfall is generally warm and comfortable, with daytime temperatures ranging from 20 °C to 30 °C (68 °F to 86 °F) in the lower regions. The road conditions are at their stylish during this time, allowing for a smoother trip through the high mountain passes.

September: September is another good month to travel from Manali to Leh. The rainfall starts getting cooler as the afterlife sets in, especially towards the end of the month. Day temperatures range from 15 °C to 25 °C (59 °F to 77 °F), and nights come colder. analogous to the Srinagar to Leh route, travelling in September offers the advantage of smaller crowds and a more serene experience.

It’s important to note that the rainfall in the Himalayan region can be changeable, and unforeseen changes are common. It’s judicious to check the rainfall cast and road conditions before embarking on your trip. also, some high mountain passes, similar to Rohtang Pass and Baralacha La, may witness temporary closures or restrictions due to snow or tempestuous rainfall, so it’s pivotal to stay streamlined with the rearmost information.

Overall, the summer months from June to September is a suitable period for a successful and pleasurable Manali to Leh road trip, allowing you to witness the stunning geographies and navigate the high mountain passes with favourable rainfall conditions.

Tips for planning a road trip from Manali to Leh

Planning a Manali to Leh road trip requires careful preparation to ensure a safe and pleasurable trip through the gruelling terrain of the Himalayas. Then are some tips to help you plan your trip.

Choose the Right Time: The suitable time to go for the Manali to Leh road trip is from June to September when the rainfall is favourable, and the road conditions are better. This period ensures that the utmost of the high mountain passes is open, allowing for a smoother trip.

Check Road Conditions: Before setting off, it’s pivotal to check the current road conditions and any closures or restrictions along the Manali- Leh Highway. Examiner updates from original authorities, trip websites, or consult with educated excursionists who have lately completed the trip.

Acclimatization: Leh is located at a high altitude, and altitude sickness can be a concern. It’s recommended to spend a day or two in Manali or other intermediate destinations along the way to adapt to the added altitude. Stay doused, avoid extreme physical exertion, and attend to your body.

Carry Necessary Permits: Certain areas along the Manali- Leh route, similar to Rohtang Pass and some belts of Ladakh, demand permits for both Indian and foreign excursionists. Ensure you attain the necessary permits in advance to avoid any complications during your trip.

Prepare Your Vehicle: Make sure your vehicle is in good condition and well-maintained before embarking on the trip. Check the tires, brakes, machine, and other essential factors. Carry a spare tire, necessary tools, and an introductory condition kit. It’s judicious to have a vehicle with high ground concurrence, as the road can be rough and uneven in some sections.

Pack Essentials: Due to the remote nature of the region, it’s important to pack essential inventories for the trip. Carry sufficient food, water, and snacks, as there may be limited options along the route. Also, pack warm apparel, rain gear, sunscreen, first aid stuff, and any specifics you may need.

Plan Your Accommodation: Plan your accommodation in advance, especially during the peak season. There are several guesthouses, campgrounds, and hospices available in Manali, Jispa, Sarchu, and Leh. still, keep in mind that accessibility may be limited, so it’s wise to make reservations ahead of time.

Stay Doused and Take It Slow: The high elevation and gruelling terrain require you to take it slow and allow your body to acclimatize. Stay doused by drinking plenitude of water and avoid overexertion. Take regular breaks, especially at high-altitude passes, to rest, enjoy the decor, and allow your body to acclimate.

Respect the Culture and Terrain: While travelling through the region, admire the culture, traditions, and terrain. Be aware of fragile ecosystems, follow the principles of responsible tourism, and don’t litter or disturb the natural surroundings.

By considering these tips and adequately preparing for your Manali to Leh road trip, you can have a memorable and safe adventure through the stunning geographies of the Himalayas.

Suggested Read: Leh Ladakh Car Trip & Things to Carry

Suggested itineraries for the road trip from Manali to Leh

Manali to leh road trip (in 1 day).

Start beforehand in the morning from Manali and head towards Keylong.
Take a short break in Keylong to enjoy the scenic beauty and have breakfast.
Continue the trip towards Jispa and halt there for a quick lunch.
do towards Sarchu and take a short break to respect the mesmerizing geographies.
From Sarchu, drive through Gata circles, Nakee La, Lachung La, and Tanglang La passes.
Reach Leh by late evening, where you can find accommodation and relax for the night.

Manali to Leh Road Trip (in 2 days)

Start beforehand from Manali and drive towards Keylong.
Take breaks at Rohtang Pass and enjoy the stunning views.
Reach Keylong and spend the night there, exploring the city and passing the original culture.
Depart from Keylong and continue towards Sarchu.
respect the graphic geographies and stop at Baralacha La pass.
Continue the trip to reach Leh by late autumn or evening.

Manali to Leh Road Trip via Srinagar (in 2 days)

Take breaks at Rohtang Pass and enjoy the scenic beauty.
Reach Sarchu and spend the night there, enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
Depart from Sarchu and continue towards Leh.
Drive through Tanglang La pass and reach Leh by late autumn or evening.

Manali to Leh Road Trip via Spiti Valley (in 2 days)

Start beforehand from Manali and head towards Kaza in Spiti Valley.
Drive through Rohtang Pass and enjoy the magnific geographies.
Reach Kaza and spend the night there, exploring the beautiful cloisters and unique culture.
Depart from Kaza and continue towards Leh.
Drive through Kunzum Pass and respect the stirring lookouts.
Reach Leh by late autumn or evening.

These suggested planners give a general figure for the Manali to Leh road trip. still, it’s important to note that road and rainfall conditions, as well as individual preferences, may bear adaptations to the diary. It’s judicious to plan for redundant time to regard unlooked-for circumstances and to completely probe the route before embarking on the trip.

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River Rafting in Ladakh – Leh Ladakh Travel Guide

Amazing Ladakh Tour(4 Nights)
Enchanting Ladakh Tour (8 Nights)
08 Nights from Manali – Leh – Srinagar(8 Nights)
Magical Ladakh Tour(5 Nights)
Mystic Ladakh Tour(6 Nights)
Tour to Ladakh with Turtuk(6 Nights)
Ladakh Itinerary for 4 Nights / 5 Days
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Ladakh Itinerary for 7 Nights / 8 Days
Ladakh Itinerary for 8 Nights / 9 Days
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Ladakh Itinerary for 10 Nights / 11 Days
Ladakh Tour From Cities
Kashmir Tour Package
Glimpse of Ladakh Tour (4 Nights)
Enthralling Ladakh Tour with Turtuk(7 Nights)
Jeep Safari from Srinagar – Leh Ladakh – Manali(8 Nights)
Majestic Ladakh Tour(7 Nights)
Magical Ladakh Tour with Kashmir(9 Nights)
Jeep Safari from Srinagar to Leh Ladakh Tour(7 Nights)
4 Nights / 5 Days
5 Nights / 6 Days
6 Nights / 7 Days
7 Nights / 8 Days
8 Nights / 9 Days
9 Nights / 10 Days
Nubra Valley
Zanskar Valley
Tso Moriri Lake
Leh Ladakh in Jauary
Leh Ladakh in February
Leh Ladakh in March
Leh Ladakh in April
Leh Ladakh in May
Leh Ladakh in June
Leh Ladakh in July
Leh Ladakh in August
Leh Ladakh in September
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Leh Manali Highway - A Road Trip Guide to Ladakh

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The Leh Manali Highway is one of the most picturesque and talked about highways that connect Leh in Ladakh , to Manali in Himachal Pradesh. Furthermore, it connects Manali - Solang Valley to Lahaul and Spiti Valleys in Himachal to Zanskar Valley in Ladakh. Flanked by high Himalayan and Karakoram mountain ranges, the route is open only for less than five months in a year and is trodden upon by enthused motorcyclists.

The Rohtang Pass Tunnel, also known as the Atal Tunnel, was opened on the 3rd of October 2020 and has reduced the length of the Leh-Manali Highway from 470 km to 430km. This reduces the travel time over the highway by over 3.5 hours and the entire journey can be completed in under 14 hours.

Leh Manali Highway- An Adventurous Route

The general route that the Leh-Manali highway follows is as follows:

Gata Loops are famous for the 21 hairpin bends that push you from 4190m to 4630m via a 7 km stretch. From there you continue your ascent towards Nakee La , situated at an altitude of 4740m. There are no facilities or habitats in this area. Next stop from Nakee la is Lachulung la . You will now enter the second highest pass on the highway, sitting at an altitude of 5079m. Breathlessness, headaches, nausea, and uneasiness are common symptoms. Acclimatization to higher altitudes takes time. Avoid any exertion that might affect your breathing process. A downward drive from Lachulung pass takes you to Pang (4600m). From here, you’ll encounter plains till Debring (4835m). They are called the Moore plains

Day 3: Debring – Tanglang La – Rumste – Upshi – Karu – Leh

Debring to Taglang is a steep ascent, covering 14.2 km. Taglang pass is the highest point on the highway, situated at an altitude of 5328m. Avoid stopping here for any more than 10-15 mins; high altitude can make you feel nauseous. From here, you begin your last and final descent towards Leh which is located at an altitude of 3500 m. You will pass Rumste and Upshi on your way and reach Leh, covering 108.1 km. By the time you reach Leh, you’ll be acclimatized to higher altitudes and will find Leh very pleasing.

Travel Time on Manali Leh Highway

If you want to finish the journey in one day , consider factors like acclimatization, motion sickness, exhaustion (you’ll be on the road for a minimum of 16 hours), accidents like puncture or engine breakdown, and most importantly, the joy of missing out on some beautiful views. The chances of succumbing to ACM run high. Since you’ll be traveling through different altitudes without many breaks, it will eventually take a toll on your body.
The two-day journey is the most preferred by routine as well as first-time travelers. This gives you enough time for acclimatization and unplanned stopovers. You can start from Manali, early in the morning, on day 1. Spend the night at either Keylong, Jispa, or Saracho. Technically, Sarchu is the middle point between Manali and Leh, but its high altitude is not suitable for everyone. Compared to it, Keylong and Jispa are much better. Start your second day early to arrive at Leh by evening.
The three-day trip is the least preferred option due to time and cost. Two layovers will cost you extra money and time. From the experience point of view, it is more appealing as you can enjoy more places without rushing. You can begin your journey from Manali and reach Kelong/Jispa by evening.

Where to Stay on the Leh Manali Highway?

Road Conditions

Conditions are subject to weather and season. Although the majority of the sections are safe and well-patched, there are some bumpy sections you have to look out for.

Smooth: Sissu to Keylong, Keylong to Jispa, Jispa to Zingzingnar, Zingzingbar to Baralacha pass, Moore Plains to Tanglang La pass, Tanglang pass to Rumste, Rumste to Leh. Roads to look out for: Rohtang to Kokhsar, Baralacha pass to Sarchu, Sarchu to Pang, Pang to Moore Plains. Average: Manali to Rohtang pass, Kokhsar to Sissu.

Best Time to Travel on the Leh-Manali Highway

Rohtang Pass and Baralacha Pass are open by May end. You can plan your trip from June onwards. You can see the stacks of snow from the previous winter season, and that’s why tourists most prefer this time of the year. By the time July hits, the snow starts to melt, and it becomes difficult to navigate through the freshwater passages. July onwards chances of rainfall are high. Although areas north of Keylong rarely see any rain, if you want to avoid any clashes, hit the highway in the August-September slot. September is the last month for a safe visit.

Passes on the Leh-Manali Highway

1. tanglang la.

2. Lachulung La

3. Nakee La

4. Baralacha La

5. Rohtang Pass

Important Tips For The Leh-Manali Highway Journey

Don't be overconfident or overexcited during your trip as it is your biggest enemy.
Before you all set to travel make sure you are physically and mentally fit and ready to face the challenges during the trip.
Make sure you have your first-aid kit and all essential medicines with you.
Make sure you have all the toiletries like toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, and sunscreen
Carry an extra pair of warm shoes; don't wear sandals and slippers during your journey as it is freezing out there.
Carry warm clothes, thermal liners, rain clothes and rain covers for your bags as be ready to experience bone-chilling cold.
Be sure that you have enough amount of high energy food in stock, carry glucose, chocolates, and other energy food.
If you are in your own vehicle, then make sure you have enough amount of fuel.

So, when are you planning your road trip on Leh-Manali Highway? Let us know in the comments below!

This post was published by Arpita Biswas

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Ladakh – The Land of High Passes
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Planning a spectacular manali leh road trip.

So you have decided to take the Manali Leh road trip to Ladakh . I’ll list out some of the route options and some key consideration while planning from this side.

Reaching Manali

The journey to Manali is long one from Delhi and is roughly 580 kms and is done in approximately 13 hrs in a Car, if you are riding a bike, then you will take more time.

Of this, the ride from Delhi to Chandigarh or till about Kiratpur is smooth 4 lane highway and after that the hill road begins which slows down progress due to variety of reasons

There are multiple ways to reach Manali

Take an overnight AC Volvo from Delhi, generally all Volvo start by evening ( say about 4 PM and reach by 8 AM in Manali)
If you are planning to drive and reaching by afternoon in Delhi, then we recommend that you drive till Chandigarh and then plan to start next day early from Chandigarh to reach Manali in time
If you intend to do the entire journey in one day, then you must begin by 4 AM or 5 AM from Delhi. Arrive a day before, sleep early and begin early morning

Journey from Manali to Leh

There are 2 ways you can approach the journey

You can take 2 Days to reach Leh

Day 1 : Manali to Jispa, as it is the last village with proper stay facilities at an altitude which will not cause AMS
Day 2 : Jispa to Leh : This is a long journey and is suitable for SUV / Car only and not on bike

This is not ideal and you miss the fun of Manali – Leh but at the same time it is good for people who are short of time and would like a comfortable trip especially for night stay

Do Manali Leh in 2 Days if you are short of time or you want comfortable night sleep

Alternatively, you can go slow on this journey and take 4 days to reach Leh from Manali

The plan in this case will be

Day 1 : Solang to Sissu

Day 2 : Sissu to Kunzum La / Chandratal and then drive to Jispa. If Kunzum La is not open ( It opens only in July) then drive as far as the road is open and then head back, you can even take a detour towards Udaipur in Pangi Valley just after Tandi )

Day 3 : Jispa to Sarchu Or Jispa to Tso Kar

Day 4 : Sarchu to Leh Or Tso Kar to Leh

An Alternate to night halt in Sarchu is the night halt in Tso Kar ( Jispa to Tso Kar will be roughly 8 to 9 hrs drive. This is Ideal for bikes as well as it breaks down the long journey from Jispa to Leh

This plan is ideal for nature lovers, wilderness lovers and photography enthusiasts. As we slow down the journey, you have no idea how beautiful this journey will become.

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO NEXT? – Plan The Trip On Your Own, Check Our Resources Below ..

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Now, the next question that you may have is what about AMS in Sarchu/Pang/Tso Kar ?

To avoid AMS on this, just follow this and you are 90 to 95% sure that you wont have any trouble

Plan a night in Shanag / Solang or Kothi instead of Manali. By staying at a higher altitude your body begins the process of acclimatisation and you get an additional day which is cruisal

We are giving sufficient time to the body to adjust to the altitude of Sarchu/Pang. The additional night in Jispa and the trip around Jispa is precisely for this reason. And we also are giving additional nights to the body to adjust

Apart from the plan, we also recommend that you take half a tablet of diamox, when you arrive in Jispa and take another half tablet in morning & then again in the evening when you reach Sarchu / Tso Kar

Plan a night halt in Solang/Kothi and give your body 2 additional nights ( Sissu / Keylong / Jispa ) and you will avoid AMS on Manali Leh Section

This doesn’t mean that you can head to Tso Moriri from Sarchu. Never do that. This again is due to chances of AMS are high when you stay back to back at 15,000 ft. If you are active and play sports / do regular jog and running then you can certainly go for Tso Moriri from Sarchu

Planning Multiple night halts at high altitude places like Sarchu , Tso Kar & Tso Morrii should not be done from Manali Side. If you like to cover the whole of Changthang region, plan from Srinagar side Or Go to Leh first acclimatise and then travel to this region

How experience changes with Season

To give you an insight into how the landscape may change with season, compare the pictures below … Suraj Tal near Baralacha La. Notice the difference in Snow

So when you travel early in the season in June, you will encounter more snow at the high altitude passes for example, Rohtang and Baralacha La … Other passes on this highway for example Lachung La and Tangung La normally don’t receive that much snow fall so expect less snow on these passes anyway …

Also, with the melting of snow underway, the streams are also quite lively post 2 PM. Expect more slush during this time ..

From July onwards, snow melt accelerates and streams pose greater challenge but most of the snow from the top of the passes are gone. By August, you experience barren landscape with snow limited to the peaks of the mountains.

Travel Options from Manali to Leh

Shared Taxi / Sumo/ Innova or even Tempo Travelers is a Big No

I certainly don’t recommend taking a shared Sumo / Taxi Ride from Manali as they do this entire journey in one day. Its awful

Hire a private Taxi Or take a self Drive SUV / Car and plan as per your own needs. This is a great option and you will get maximum fun

Himachal Roadways runs buses regularly to Leh from Manali during the season time. These are mini buses and basic Non AC buses and takes 2 days to reach Leh with a night halt in Keylong. If you are traveling solo then this is the most recommended option.

If you are traveling solo, then plan to stay in Old Manali and look around for co travelers to Leh. Just visit various food joints and cafe and you may find other travelers going to Leh. This way you can book your own taxi and head to Leh and share the cost as well

5 thoughts on “ Planning a Spectacular Manali Leh Road Trip ”

Dear Sir, I have gone through your Manali-Leh guidance and find it extremely useful and precise. This season I am tied up upto September in other tours. My specific query: What is the time window during which this route remains open and what is the best period to take up the journey. Mode will be hired taxi. I am running 64, but healthy, fit, and without any health issues. Please respond through mail. With regards.

Hello Mr Sinha,

You can easily do this trip till October or even November and it depends entirely on the weather situation .. Last year in 2018 the the roads closed in October while in 2017 the roads were open in November as well .. so it varies from year to year ..

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The day has finally arrived when we flag-off one of our most adventurous expeditions! Meet and greet your fellow road trippers, who will be akin to your family for the coming 15 days. We will start driving early morning from Chandigarh to reach Manali by late evening. The drive is superbly scenic as lush green mountains present awelcome sight once you cross Bilaspur. We would halt for lunch during the daytime, followed by another quick halt for tea and refreshments later. On arrival at Manali, check-in to the hotel and relax as the first day of this inspiring journey culminates. The upcoming days are going to be challenging as we make our way past numerous mountain tops that promise a vision of unparalleled beauty.

14 Nights / 15 Days

After a long and exhausting drive the previous day, wake up at leisure in the lap of nature and enjoy breakfast and lunch in the resort. Post lunch, we will start the drive and head towards Jispa. En route, we will cross the world famous Atal Tunnel, at a length of 9.02 km, it is the longest tunnel above 10,000 feet in the world. On the way, stopover at Keylong Village from where you can view the awe-inspiring Bara-Shigri Glacier in all its splendour and continue our onward journey to Jispa, after a quick stop for refuelling at Tandi, the last fuel pump before we reach Ladakh! Grab a sumptuous dinner on arrival, as we bid goodbye to the second day of this trip.

Waking up to the views of the majestic mountain peaks and mist-laden surrounds will make you never want to leave this quaint village. We use this day to explore the picturesque village of Jispa while allowing our bodies to acclimatise and prepare for the steep climb ahead of us. The process of acclimatisation can be accelerated by consuming lots of water which helps in keeping altitude mountain sickness at bay. Located along the Bhaga River, Jispa comes dotted with several Buddhist stupas which make for a pretty sight indeed. Take your vehicles for a spin at the banks of the river as we enjoy lunch in the lap of nature. Later, we return to the hotel for dinner and spend the night amongst gloriously verdant mountains encircling us.

The sun rises on what promises to be one of the most exciting days of the journey so far. Today, we would be ticking quite a bit off our bucket list. We leave Jispa early morning and drive through Zingzingbar to reach Baralacha La, situated at 16040 ft above sea level. Take in the rugged gorgeousness of the Himalayas as the road leads you towards Sarchu - the border area connecting Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh region. From here, we drive and cross the daunting Gata Loops which is a site famous for its 21 hairpin bends. The topography is rocky, the air is crisp, and the locals here are friendly and simple folk. The long and exciting day draws to a close as we reach Leh by late evening.

A well-deserved break is what awaits you, as we use this day to explore Leh and immerse ourselves in the local culture. Kickstart your day by visiting Leh Palace. Also known as ‘Lhachen Palkhar’, it was built by King Sengge Namgyal during the 1500s and completed by the 17th century. Its facade resembles that of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. Leh Palace’s roof offers amazing views of the Ladakh region and the Stok Kangri. We will also visit Shanti Stupa, a chorten situated on a hilltop which affords remarkable bird’s eye view of the Leh town. Post the sightseeing, feel free to take a stroll through the local market and experience the vibe of this lively city.

A new day offers new scope for adventure! Start your day driving towards Nubra Valley situated to the north of Leh. This deep-cut marvel of nature abounds with incredible views as far as the eye can see. We would be driving across one of the World’s Highest Motorable Passes, Khardung La. Not for the faint-hearted, this pass is situated approximately at an elevation of 18300 ft above sea level. After crossing the pass, we will reach the Khardung Village, followed by a lunch halt at Khalser. Further ahead, we cross Diskit and reach Hunder Village which lies on the ancient Silk Route and is famous for its sweeping sand dunes and double-humped Bactrian Camels. Spend the rest of the day at leisure and allow the stunning setting to captivate your senses.

Today is the day to let yourself be overwhelmed by the beauty of unspoilt nature. An oasis of green, surrounded by mighty mountains that sport every shade of brown, the deep Nubra Valley is nature’s dramatic encore. Go ahead and explore the valley through a safari on the double-humped Bactrian Camels, or a thrilling ATV ride. Lying about 150 km from the town of Leh, the valley is perched at the confluence of Shyok and Siachen Rivers. The valley is also home to the famous pashmina goat. Post lunch, we head back to the campsite to spend the rest of the day at leisure. A delectable dinner will be then followed by a night of rest amidst the fabulous backdrop that will revitalise you completely.

Start your date with sumptuous breakfast and then get ready to drive back to Leh via Khardung La once again. We will halt to visit the Diskit Monastery. Belonging to the 14th century, the monastery is considered to be the largest and oldest monastery in Nubra Valley. Also known as Diskit Gompa, the monastery’s most prominent attraction is the huge Maitreya Buddha statue atop it which was inaugurated by HH Dalai Lama. From the base of the statue, one can get a gorgeous panoramic view of the Nubra valley. Further ahead, we will cross North Pullu and South Pullu to finally reach Leh. Upon arrival at the hotel, give your body a much-needed break and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

The day is finally upon us when we get the opportunity to visit the memorable site where an unbelievably pristine body of water lies unperturbed in stark contrast to surrounding mountains. Situated roughly at 14270 ft, Pangong Tso is a sight to behold! This charming, endorheic lake is approximately 135 km long and extends from India to Tibet. Post a hearty breakfast, we drive to Pangong Lake crossing Chang La, the second highest mountain pass in the world. En route, we also visit one of the largest and the most famous monasteries in Ladakh which resembles Tibet’s Patola Palace - Thiksey Monastery. Further on, we continue driving towards the lake and after spending a while appreciating this marvel of nature, get ready to drive back to Leh.

Tuck in a splendid breakfast and get ready to leave for Leh today. We will make a stop to visit the Hall of Fame - a museum built and run by the Indian Army. We will also visit Pathar Sahib Gurudwara which dates back to 1517, and marks the visit of Shree Guru Nanak Dev to Ladakh. Next up is the mysterious Magnetic Hill, where one can switch off the ignition and still move uphill. While driving in the region, we will bear witness to unearthly looking landscape and the extraordinary site of Sangam, where the different coloured waters of Zanskar and Indus Rivers congregate, is unmissable. We halt for lunch and settle into our comfy hotel upon finally reaching Leh.

We leave for Kargil on this morning after breakfast, crossing the famed Zoji La (11575 ft). We will pass Dras, situated at the height of 10990 ft above sea level and the 2nd coldest inhabited village in the world. Popularly known as ‘The Gateway to Ladakh’, its stark beauty is mysteriously alluring. Intensely beautiful, challenging and numbingly cold, this Himalayan getaway is like none other. Relish the superb views of the renowned Tololing Heights, Tiger Hill, and Point 4875 (Batra Top) from the Kargil War Memorial, where we halt to pay our humble homage to the martyrs who sacrificed themselves for our safety. Upon arrival in Kargil, spend the rest of your day at leisure.

Today you are free to spend the day as per your liking. Surrounded by mountain peaks, lush green valleys, glistening lakes, temples and spectacular Mughal-era gardens, the city has inspired poets through centuries. The summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar, is situated in the heart of the Kashmir Valley with the Nagin and the Dal Lake adding to its beauty. Indulge in a Shikara ride at the celebrated Dal Lake or visit the exquisitely romantic Shalimar Bagh Mughal Garden. Originally named ‘Farah Baksh’, Shalimar Bagh was built in the year 1619 by Emperor Jehangir for his cherished Queen Nur Jehan. Apart from sightseeing, don’t forget to sample the charms of flavourful Kashmiri cuisine, apples and walnuts that this city has to offer.

Post breakfast, we get ready to drive to Patnitop today. This will be your last night in the lap of plush emerald mountains, so make it count! Breathe in the crisply fresh air, and admire the vastness and magnificence of the great Himalayas. Surrounded by the majestic, snowclad mountains of the Pir Panjal range, Patnitop sits atop a plateau in the Shivalik belt and remains shrouded by a thick canopy of green pines and dense woods. Cut by the pristine Chenab River, it has mesmerising natural charms that will leave you in awe of it. The hill station is also home to three freshwater springs whose cold water is believed to harbour medicinal properties. We subsequently reach Patnitop and retire for the nightafter a lipsmacking dinner.

The time has come for us to drive to the historic city of Amritsar in Punjab. Observe the landscape gradually changing back to the usual, as you fondly look back at the incredible feats you have achieved in the past two weeks. Amritsar holds one of the holiest of Sikh ethos at its heart - Golden Temple. Any trip around this region would be considered incomplete without a visit to the divinely beautiful Golden Temple. Covered in 400 kg of gold and surrounded by a serene pond, one is immediately swamped by the humbling sight of the glistening structure. After paying our respects at this holy site, we head to the hotel to spend the rest of the day at leisure, followed by a farewell dinner.

“Travel! As much as you can, as far as you can, as long as you can. Life’s not meant to be lived in one place.” The last day of the expedition is here, and it’s time to head back to Delhi or your chosen destination. We are certain you cannot fathom how swiftly the past two weeks went by. All good things are destined to come to an end, and so is this journey. Bid adieu to the team and your mates with whom you have now created some great memories, full of thrill and adventure. But not all farewells have to be lasting, and we promise to lend our hand again when you seek to explore another fascinating part of this world.

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The optimal time for a road trip to Ladakh via Manali is from June to September. During this period, high-altitude passes like Baralacha La open up, making it the best window for a journey through the region.

The total driving distance from Manali to Leh via NH-3 is approximately 430 kilometers.

Typically, the journey by road takes around 2 days, with an overnight stop in between.

The journey from Manali to Ladakh is a breathtaking road trip that takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes in the Indian Himalayas. Here are some must-visit attractions along the way: Rohtang Pass, Keylong, Baralacha La, Sarchu, Gata Loops, More Plains, Tanglang La, Leh, and Pangong Lake.

A Ladakh road trip via Manali is an adventurous journey through the stunning landscapes of the Himalayas. It’s important to be well-prepared for this challenging terrain and high-altitude environment. Here’s a list of essential items to carry for a Ladakh road trip via Manali: Documents, Vehicle Essentials, Clothing, Camping Gear, Health and Safety, Communication, Cash and Cards, Food and Snacks, Camera and Accessories, Miscellaneous.

Once you book your seat with Adventures Overland, we will take care of all the luxury hotel accommodations for you.

In that case you will be given immidite assistance and provided with oxygen, and maybe taken to lower altitude.

The Manali-Leh Highway is known for its challenging and unpredictable road conditions. It passes through high mountainous terrain, including several high-altitude passes, and is subject to weather-related challenges, especially during the winter months.

Testimonials

Explore the firsthand accounts of participants who have embarked on journeys with adventures overland and delve into their immersive experiences..

Monisha Karnani

Ladakh Sep 2021

Utkarsh Agarwal

Ladakh July 2021

Anita Patel

Nooruddin Kantawalla

Ladakh 2021

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How to plan a journey or trip on Manali Leh Highway? [2022 Travel Guide]

Manali Leh Highway is one of the roads that lead to heaven on earth called Leh – Ladakh (Srinagar – Leh Highway is the other one). It is one of those Highways in the world which offers almost everything nature has to offer to an adventure lover.

Serious travelers in India and abroad do have a dream of traveling on this dangerous and beautiful Highway at least once in their lifetime. I am one of those honored souls to have experienced this journey of my life multiple times.

Having said that, the journey on Manali Leh Highway could be a bit tricky to plan if you haven’t researched well enough. Almost more than 350 km out of 474 km long Manali Leh Highway (430 km now after Atal Tunnel) does not have any civilization, and hence you would be the only soul wandering on most of your journey here. Even one cannot find fuel (petrol/diesel) for 365 KMs on Manali – Leh Highway.

2021 Update : With the opening of the Rohtang Pass Tunnel or Atal Tunnel in 2020, the distance of Manali – Leh Highway has been reduced by 45 km and brought it down to a total of 430 km from Manali to Leh. It is not just the distance but the overall time to reach Keylong from Manali is reduced by 3.5-4 hrs and that means Manali to Leh journey can be done in about 13-14 hrs . This 9.02 km Atal Tunnel connects Manali to Keylong in Lahaul Valley. You are no longer required to travel over Rohtang Pass which means there is no longer a dependency on its opening date to travel to Keylong from Manali. Along with it, you no longer have to worry about avalanches, bad roads, traffic jams, landslides which were pretty common when traveling to Leh from Manali via Rohtang Pass.

Therefore, adequate planning is very well required to travel on Manali – Leh Highway so as to make it a memorable experience.

Manali Leh Highway Travel Guide - Detailed & Complete

Download your FREE high-resolution version pdf copy of this Manali to Leh infographic guide. If, you liked it and found it helpful, please feel free to share it with your family and friends to help them too.

Let's quickly dive into the details:

Manali Leh Highway Travel Guide – Detailed & Complete

I hope the below information in this detailed travel guide of Manali Leh Highway will be helpful for someone planning a journey on Manali – Leh Highway.

Should I travel to Leh Ladakh via Manali or Leh to Manali?

Before anything, if you want to enjoy Manali – Leh Highway then does it from Leh side. That is travel from Leh to Manali NOT Manali to Leh. This direction will help you enjoy the Manali – Leh highway without bothering to rush through the place or worry about AMS or driving with nausea, headaches, etc.

1. Better Acclimatization

Traveling from Manali to Leh will hold you back from the enjoyment. Mostly due to AMS and its symptoms because of the majority of the time, you are above 4000 Mtrs of altitude, which your body cannot adapt easily so quickly. But, while coming from Leh towards Manali, your body will be acclimatized for the high altitudes much more than when you travel to Ladakh from Manali.

If you still prefer to travel to Leh Ladakh via Manali, then you can follow the most common itinerary to travel to Ladakh from Manali .

2. Avoid sleeping at Sarchu

Secondly, travel from Leh to Manali will also help you halt your journey at Sarchu which is at an even distance between Manali and Leh and offers a varied amount of accommodation options. Otherwise, you will end up doing Manali – Keylong on one day and push from Keylong to Leh on the second.

Sleeping at Sarchu is not recommended if you are coming from Manali unless your body has completely acclimatized to Sarchu altitude by staying in Spiti and Lahaul Valley for about 4-5 days.

Hence, always try to plan a journey to Ladakh in such a manner that you enter Leh via Srinagar side and then after exploring Leh – Ladakh for few days come back via Manali – Leh Highway. You should also read: 5 Reasons to choose Srinagar – Leh Road to enter Leh over Manali – Leh Road .

Tandi Indian Oil Petrol Pump on Manali - Leh Highway

Season to travel on Manali – Leh Highway

Usually, the opening of Rohtang Pass and Baralacha La majorly governs the travel time on Manali – Leh Highway. The average time for the opening of Rohtang Pass every year is around May, and Baralacha La usually opens up close to May end.

Best time to travel on Manali Leh Highway

Hence, June to September is the time window when the Manali – Leh Highway is open and is considered as the only time for traveling on Manali – Leh Highway.

Road Conditions June – July

In the early stages, i.e., June, one can find huge stocks of snow en-route, but the road conditions may be a challenge to drive. While in the later stages, i.e., August to September, the conditions of the roads are almost perfect in shape with all the mud dried out, maintenance work almost completed on these roads by BRO but your eyes will be devoid of the snow mostly.

The weather in June is always unpredictable and the chances of rain are also bright. This leads to the closure of certain sections on Manali – Leh Highway due to landslides triggered by rains.

However, you may be lucky in June as well to cruise this Highway in bright sunshine. June is not exactly the ideal time when one wants to be in Manali due to mad tourist influx.

Should I plan Manali Leh Highway in August?

As the July – August comes, the Monsoon comes as well in the Northern parts of India. However, the regions on the Northern side of Rohtang Pass that is Keylong and beyond mostly remain untouched by these monsoon rains (except the year 2010, which was an exception).

So in July-August, though you may need to cross the Southern side of Rohtang Pass in Monsoon rains that is Manali and lower hills , after especially Keylong, you are almost good to go without much trouble with these rains.

Planning a trip on Manali Leh in October?

Dodging the Water Crossings & Slush in June – August

June – July is also the time window when the snow melts on high passes creating almost tiny rivers or water crossings (nallas) on roads in the early stages. This high gush of water is quite a challenge to dodge, especially with the vehicles having a low ground clearance.

Post afternoon, when the sun is burning at its best, some of these water crossings or nallas becomes so violent that they are almost impossible to cross. This gushing water may force you to halt the journey of the day in the middle of nowhere or return to some civilized place for a night halt. The best way to overcome these water crossings or nallas is to know the specific nallas on Manali – Leh Highway and plan to cross them as early in the morning as possible.

In recent years, one of the major hurdles was water crossing or nalla just near Zingzing Bar even though bridges have been built on many of the water crossings up to 2018.

Another major one was between Rohtang Pass and Sissu. In the early stages (June), even crossing Baralacha La is a big challenge due to melting snow, which creates some deep water streams on the road itself.

Slush is also bound to be present on Baralcha La in the early stages of the season and is also quite a challenge to negotiate without proper skills even on SUV/MUV. This mud is generally created by the constantly moving traffic, which beats the snow present on the road or aside.

Hence, try to cover these sections of Manali – Leh Highway in the early part of the day, when the snow melts very slowly and traffic is less.

Dheeraj Sharma

Are you planning your trip on Manali – Leh Highway in late September and October? If yes, then you must read my article about 5 Reasons to Avoid Manali – Leh Highway in Late September or October

Deepak Tal - A quaint little pond at Manali - Leh Highway

Road Conditions

Below is the general idea of road conditions on Manali Leh Highway. Of course, they are subject to change with the season, time of travel, and weather conditions. However, in general, you will get an idea of road conditions from Manali to Leh road.

Manali To Rohtang Pass – Average
Rohtang To Kokhsar – Bad, Slushy
Kokhsar To Sissu – Average
Sissu To Keylong – Very Good
Keylong To Jispa – Good
Jispa To Zingzing Bar – Good
Zing zing Bar To Baralacha Pass – Good
Baralacha To Sarchu – Bad, Dirt Track
Sarchu To Pang – Bad, Bumpy, Dirt Track
Pang To Moore Plains – Good, Bad, Bumpy
Moore Plains To Tanglang La Pass – Very Good
Tanglang La Pass To Rumste – Very Good
Rumste To Leh – Very Good

2021 Update : You no longer need to travel from Manali to Rohtang Pass to Keylong. You can take the route from Manali to Keylong via Atal Tunnel to reach Keylong in just 2 hrs from Manali and avoid all the bad roads of Rohtang Pass.

Modes of travel on Manali – Leh Highway

IMPORTANT NOTE: Himachal Pradesh Govt. has banned the movement of vehicles without any permit on Manali – Rohtang Pass road and visiting Rohtang Pass for tourism purposes. If you are going towards Leh – Ladakh or Keylong or Spiti Valley from Manali side then you need to get permits for Rohtang Pass available online . Please note that Bikes also need a permit to cross Rohtang Pass

Private Vehicles i.e. Cars and Bikes | Self Drive or Ride to Ladakh

Most people prefer to travel from Manali to Leh on a bike or self-drive to Ladakh in their own car. Some people also prefer to self-drive or self-ride to Ladakh by hiring a rental bike or car on rental from the cities. In any case, a hired car/bike or personal car/bike, the idea is to live the passion of driving or riding through one of the toughest and adventurous terrains accessible in India.

You can take your own or rented, car or bike to Ladakh on Manali Leh Highway, but one must be careful while driving or riding through slushy roads, snow and water crossing or nallas. Also, it is always handy to learn little maintenance tasks of your vehicle before the start of this arduous and desolate journey.

For cars, although an SUV/MUV is good to have and a 4WD SUV will definitely help but I have seen hatchbacks (including Altos and Nano) and sedans doing good enough job on Manali – Leh Highway.

Please note that when you are planning from Manali to Leh on bike, the bike registered in Manali will not be allowed for sightseeing in Ladakh. You will need to rent a bike again in Leh again for sightseeing in Ladakh .

Can I do Manali Leh trip in a small car?

With sedans/hatchbacks or small cars on Manali Leh Highway, one must drive with extra care and caution. Also, be ready for few scratches or sacrifice some parts on your sedans/hatchbacks under-belly due to the lack of enough ground clearance required in some water crossings or landslides on Manali – Leh Highway.

If you are trying to travel on Manali Leh Highway in a small car or a hatchback or sedan, I will suggest planning the journey late in the season ( September) when the roads are in good shape than the early season.

Are you planning to hire or rent a bike from Manali? If yes, then you must go through the article on How to Hire or Rent a Bike or Motorcycle in Manali?

Tips for a Self-drive to Manali – Leh

If you are traveling on Manali to Leh by car, whenever in doubt, always step out of your car, walk down the path, inspect with your foot and plan the path of exit before crossing a dangerous landslide or water crossing on your vehicle. You can also park aside and see how others are crossing the risky section to plan your route of escape.

In deep water-crossings try to maintain the momentum without any half clutch measures and complete the entire stretch in one go only.

Similarly, in slush stretches, do not force the issue rather keep the smooth momentum with the required speed to pass you through, without half clutch measures. Do keep an eye on the direction of the vehicle too.

If you get stuck in the mud, then try to back and forth your vehicles to get out of the stuck position. It is always handy to ask your fellow co-travelers to get out of the car and push the vehicle from behind in case the car is struggling to pass through the mud or water crossing stretch.

These tips will certainly help you on your trip from Manali to Leh by car.

Things to carry

Basic toolkit, screwdriver set, small hammer, puncture repair kit, iron rod, two or three “2 ltr” empty bottles of Pepsi / Coke / Limca, etc. to carry extra petrol or diesel (jerry cans will leak, cold drink bottles do not leak), funnel, towing rope, spare tube (must for bikes), Elfy or Fevi quick (2-3 sachets), jump-start cables/wires, M-seal to prevent leakage, etc. were among the few things which I carried along on my trip to Ladakh.

Also, do not forget to get your vehicle (car/bike) serviced about 2-3 weeks before the start of the Ladakh journey. Having it serviced will ensure that you have proper time in advance to test your serviced vehicle and get fixed any hitches that may have been introduced in that service.

You can prepare the checklist from my list of 40 must have things to carry on Ladakh self drive trip

Hiring a Private Taxi | Taxi Number or Private Number

All taxis (except Ladakh registration number) having taxi number or tourist permits number plates are only allowed for a drop in Leh – Ladakh. You cannot drive them in Leh – Ladakh ou cand as per the taxi union rules, only taxis with Ladakh number are allowed to roam in the Ladakh region for sightseeing.

If you want to travel within Leh – Ladakh in your private taxi hired from a place other than Ladakh, then, in that case, you need to hire a taxi with a private number plate only. However, in the latter case, be ready for some queries by the local taxi drivers in Ladakh or police constables on your route. You need to ensure everyone interrogating with you that the vehicle is not a rental.

Should I hire a taxi from Manali for Ladakh?

Whenever you need to hire a taxi, always try to hire it from Manali, as the drivers of Manali will always be more skilled and more accustomed to the route or current conditions of Manali – Leh Highway. Secondly, the locals always have a majority with an advantage of local support in any hurdle you might face on the way towards Leh.

To hire a taxi, go directly to the Manali taxi stand and bargain hard with the local drivers only, for a drop to Leh. Do not involve any tour operator or hotel staff at any stage to save costs.

Manali to Leh Taxi Fare

The local taxi drivers will charge about Rs 1500 extra for a planned night halt on the way to Leh. The private taxi fare from Manali to Leh is close to Rs 16000 to Rs 18000 for a drop to Leh from Manali, depending on your bargaining power, tourist rush, and time when you are visiting the place. June is the highest-paid and September – August being the less paid.

On the Manali bus stand, the taxis that drop people coming from Ladakh are also available sometimes. Since the same local sightseeing rules are applied to Ladakh taxis as well in Manali, they are bound to return without any tourists from Manali side, officially. If you can catch any of those Ladakhi drivers, you might save yourself Rs 3000 to Rs 4000 for a drop to Leh from Manali.

The same rule is applicable from Leh to Manali side as well and hence, if you can get hold of some Himachali driver at Leh taxi stand, you will again save about Rs 3000 to Rs 4000 on your return drop to Manali.

However, you need to be a bit careful from local drivers while fixing a deal with non-local drivers. So, it is always nice if you have some references for either place upfront and call them directly to fix the deal. Secondly, it might be hard that these taxis will agree for any night halt on the way, but it depends on how you gel up in the negotiations and bargaining.

You can check the Leh – Ladakh taxi union rate list 2020 – 21 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh. You can get about 10-12% of discount by directly getting in touch with drivers and of course, talking in person rather on phone always help in bargaining more.

Manali to Leh Bus Service, HPTDC | Good for a solo traveler or a couple

Perhaps if you are traveling alone or with one or two friends, you can buy or book tickets for the Manali – Leh bus service of HPTDC. This semi-deluxe bus covers the 474 Km long Manali – Leh stretch with a night halt at HPTDC Hotel Chandrabhaga, Keylong on coming from either side.

The ticket costs Rs about 2900 per person (as of 2020), which includes a stay at HPTDC Hotel Chandrabhaga, Keylong, and two meals, i.e., dinner and breakfast at the same hotel. Earlier was also an option to buy the ticket only without hotel stay and meals for Rs 1500, but HPTDC no longer offers it.

The prices mentioned here may change anytime though, so please check the HPTDC website for updated info. The overall comfort level of the bus is much better than other HRTC buses that ply on Manali – Leh Highway.

You can check the updated schedule of Manali Leh bus at the HPTDC website . The tickets can be bought or booked at the HPTDC office on mall road, Manali or you may like to contact at HPTDC Office in your local town (HPTDC Contact Details).

Do not book the seats at the back and confirm before booking regarding the location of the seats. In the back seats, you may have trouble when the road gets bad, especially on the second day, i.e., Keylong to Leh. The bus departs at 11 AM from Manali on the first day and 5 AM from Keylong on the second day to reach Leh about 7 PM. These timings will change with the introduction of the Atal Tunnel that will reduce the time to travel to Keylong from Manali to just 2 hrs in total.

Read my detailed article on Manali to Leh Bus Service .

Delhi – Keylong – Leh Bus Service, HRTC | Cheapest mode of travel

HRTC also runs a regular bus service to Leh from Manali (started in 2018) and also from Delhi and Keylong. You can book tickets for connecting buses (Manali – Keylong, and Keylong – Leh) from Manali bus depot itself or even ISBT, Delhi. You can also reach Keylong by getting a seat in numerous shared taxis that ply between Manali – Keylong every day. The HRTC buses may not be as comfortable though, but comfort comes with the price.

The ticket between Manali – Keylong costs about Rs 174 and then Keylong – Leh it costs about Rs 550 and Delhi to Leh costs about Rs 1380, in HRTC buses. The direct bus from Manali to Leh costs Rs 833, which started in 2018. The bus departs at 5 AM from Keylong and reaches Leh about 7 PM.

You can also read the details of HRTC Delhi Leh Bus Service

The beautiful views on Manali Leh Highway

Shared Taxi | A Cannonball run

You can also buy yourself a seat in a shared taxi which runs every mid-night from Manali and reaches Leh on the next evening without any night halt. In the same way, shared taxis are run from Leh to Manali as well.

You need to pay about Rs 1800 to Rs 2000 per person for a drop to Leh from Manali or a drop to Manali from Leh. Of course, since it is shared with 7-8 other people plus the driver and completes the back-breaking cannonball run of Manali – Leh in 15-17 hours, you can imagine the level of comfort yourself.

This one is the second cheapest mode of travel on Manali – Leh Highway but mind you, it could be the toughest on the body too 🙂

Other travel modes

You can also get in touch with some travel agent or taxi union in Manali who also runs their private buses or Tempo Travelers on Manali – Leh Highway. They also run according to dates and hence you may not find the immediate bookings for them.

Some travel agencies also offer Manali to Leh road trip packages including stay and travel. Let me know in case you are interested to know about them.

Planning Night Stay or Accommodation on Manali – Leh Highway

Based on my experience, you can opt to plan a journey on Manali – Leh Highway in one of the following ways –

Two Day Journey on Manali – Leh Highway

The options of stay or accommodation are very limited on Manali – Leh Highway due to the limited civilization. Hence, a two-day journey on Manali – Leh Highway is the most common among all travelers. Private Taxis and buses run by HPTDC or HRTC also cover the Manali – Leh Highway in two days. Mostly, people break up the journey on Manali – Leh Highway in the following two ways over two days –

Manali – Keylong / Jispa (Day 1) and Keylong / Jispa – Leh (Day 2)

This option is mostly preferred by people who do not want to run the risk of acute mountain sickness (AMS) by staying at higher altitudes than Keylong or Jispa. However, on the second day, you need to leave early in the morning like by 6 AM from Keylong or Jispa to reach Leh in time. Public buses including HPTDC / HRTC halt for a night at Keylong and leave at 6 AM the next morning, too.

Personally, out of Keylong or Jispa, I will always prefer to stay at Jispa if traveling on your own or privately hired vehicle. Jispa has situated right on the banks of river Bhaga and is further 20 KMs away from Keylong town. Spending the evening at this place is extremely refreshing and is a far better experience than the boring Keylong town.

While Keylong town offers varied accommodation options, Jispa has only a few options available for a stay, and hence, you must pre-book them. Secondly, if you are traveling by public transport, i.e., HRTC or HPTDC buses, then you need to stay at Keylong only else you need to manage the travel up to Jispa yourself and then fix the pickup too with the driver or conductor. Mobile phones may or may not work in Jispa.

Manali – Sarchu / Pang (Day 1) and Sarchu / Pang – Leh (Day 2)

After Keylong and Jispa, you will find accommodation majorly at Sarchu and Pang only. Many travelers also take this option. However, Sarchu and Pang being at much higher altitudes, many people suffer from headaches, vomiting, or sleepless nights.

Hence, if you have plans to stay either at Sarchu or Pang, then it is critical that you stay at Solang Valley not in Manali to acclimatize your body a little bit. Solang Valley also may not help altogether though, but Manali will certainly not help the cause.

Both Pang and Sarchu are close to midway between Manali and Leh. So, a stay at any of these places evenly distributes the time and fatigue over two days. This way, it helps you better enjoy the journey on each of the two days.

Again in between Sarchu and Pang, I will suggest a stay at Sarchu due to its lower altitude than Pang. Pang has lesser and cheaper options available, but Sarchu has varied options, including the Swiss tents with attached toilets. In the end, if you are coming from Leh, then you can stay at either Pang or Sarchu without any trouble because by then your body will be acclimatized to handle such altitudes.

Don't have a bike but planning to use Manali to Leh Bus Service?

One Day Journey on Manali – Leh Highway

Manali – leh (day 1).

This option of completing the journey of Manali – Leh in a single day is most common among local people or people who are in a high rush and is least recommended if you want to enjoy your travel. Shared taxis are the preferred way to avail of this option.

Although it could be the cheapest or time saving for you, this back-breaking, cannonball run of 15-16 Hrs with least stoppages does put a heavy toll on the body as well as the mind of an average traveler. This long journey is extremely tiring, and by traversing through the varied amount of altitudes ranging from 1900 Mtrs to over 5000 Mtrs in a single day, you are running a risk of acute mountain sickness (AMS) or some severe headaches or disorientation en-route. This option will certainly kill the joy of the journey.

Keep in mind that you are most likely to hit with mountain sickness in this option. If you get away with it, consider yourself extremely lucky. Otherwise, keep in mind that any breakdown of the vehicle like puncture, engine heat down, etc. at some high altitude (Tanglang La, Nakee La, Lachulung La, etc.) with you suffering from mountain sickness may lead to very very ugly outcomes. Hence, DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT take the acclimatization factor lightly.

Three Day Journey on Manali – Leh Highway

Manali – keylong / jispa (day 1) and keylong / jispa – sarchu / pang (day 2) and sarchu / pang – leh (day 3).

Well, this option is nothing but the combination of the other two to cover Manali – Leh Highway in three days. This option will require more time, as well as more money. This option is the best way to thoroughly enjoy the beauty of nature that is offered by Manali – Leh Highway, with some worries of mountain sickness. There are plenty of places/vistas and picture taking points on Manali – Leh Highway that is worth spending this extra time and money.

I suggest this option of travel or, in particular, overnight stay at Sarchu/Pang only when you are coming from Leh towards Manali. I DO NOT recommend it while going towards Leh from Manali side unless you are coming from Manali side after spending some nights in Spiti and Lahaul Valley. Sarchu and Pang are both above 4K altitude, which requires your body to have few nights at 3K and 2K Mtrs of altitudes to acclimatize your body. If you traveled to Leh via Srinagar side and coming from Leh after spending a few days, your body will be acclimatized better to minimize the chances of AMS at Sarchu or Pang.

Very few people follow this option due to lack of time and to save money for the ultimate heaven. If these two things have no place for consideration at your grounds, then I will say go with it, and you will make your journey on Manali – Leh Highway much more than a memorable experience :).

The comparison of night halts is already made in the first option, so opt as per your taste. Again if possible, do stay at Solang Valley not in Manali to minimize the chances or effects of mountain sickness.

This option will mostly be available if you are traveling by your private vehicle. You will even have tough time bargaining with drivers at Manali taxi stand for 2-night halts unless you are ready to pay them handsomely.

The Famous Gata Loops of Manali Leh Highway

List of Accommodation or Stay Options on Manali – Leh Highway

Its always better to know or have the list of all accommodation places on Manali – Leh Highway before you travel on it because in such unpredictable terrain you can never predict what can come to your rescue. So, having as many details as possible about the place is always favorable.

I have compiled the list of accommodation or stay options on Manali – Leh Highway at the below link which includes the information about their contacts, location, price range, experiences, etc. Refer the link below for details – List of Accommodation Options on Manali – Leh Highway

Acclimatization and its importance on Manali – Leh Highway

The journey on Manali – Leh Highway goes through a series of high altitudes passes which are good enough to cause headaches, vomiting, disorientation and mountain sickness to the best in the business.

After crossing Patseo or Deepak Tal you are bound to run this high road to Ladakh above 4000 Mtrs until you descend from Taglang La towards Rumste / Upshi. However, with little prevention and care, you can combat or minimize the effects of altitude sickness .

Here are some tips which will help to fight the AMS on Manali – Leh Highway –

Avoid overnight stay at Manali rather stay at Solang Valley which helps in the acclimatization whereas Manali does not. You always have an option to roam around in Manali and come back for a night’s sleep at some hotel in Solang Valley. This will help your body acclimatize to a certain extent at the start of your journey.
On Manali – Leh Highway, do stay at either Keylong or Jispa which are lower in altitude than Sarchu and Pang to minimize the effects of mountain sickness.
Keep your body properly hydrated.
Avoid sleeping at high altitudes.
Avoid overexertion.
Avoid tobacco and smoking and alcohol and other depressant drugs.
Keep your body warm and eat lots of carbohydrates.
Avoid sleep during the day.
Sleep in an upright position, if possible.
Carry preventive medicines for AMS.
Immediately descend, if symptoms increase

For more information on Acute Mountain Sickness and all above acclimatization tips, please refer my article on Acute Mountain Sickness and Importance of Acclimatization

The FAQ on Leh Manali Highway

what will be the cost of manali leh highway road trip.

Usually, Manali to Leh road trip cost should come around Rs 3500 if you plan to travel on HPTDC Manali to Leh bus service. Traveling HRTC Manali to Leh bus in a single day should not cost you more than Rs 1000 if you are on a budget.

What is the status of Manali Leh Highway 2020?

You can track Manali Leh Highway’s status on my blog. Every year I start a dedicated thread to track the Manali Leh Road status and post regular updates. As of today (December 2019), Manali Leh Highway is closed due to heavy snowfall.

What is the Manali Leh Highway opening date 2020?

Usually, Manali Leh Highway is opened in the last week of May or the first week of June, officially. In 2019, Manali Leh Highway opened on 10th June 2019, and in 2018, Manali Leh Highway was opened on 13th May 2018. After many years, in 2018, Manali Leh Highway was opened by mid of May.

What are the road conditions on Manali Leh Highway?

As of 2019, the road conditions on Manali Leh Highway has been improved considerably over the last few years. Most of the water crossings now have been covered with bridges. The conditions on Rohtang Pass have improved a lot, many metalled road sections including Pang to Taglang La via More Plains. People are doing Leh to Keylong in a single day at a comfortable pace nowadays.

Fuel or Petrol Pump on Manali – Leh Highway

After Manali town, there is only one Petrol Pump at Tandi on the entire Manali – Leh Highway before Upshi / Karu. DO NOT forget to get the full tank fuel at this petrol pump, even if you had it filled at Manali. The more you have, the better it will be for you.

ATM on Manali – Leh Highway

Do carry enough cash with you as the ATM is available only in Keylong and Manali town. If you have no plans to stay at Keylong, then do not forget to withdraw cash from Manali town. After Keylong, you will get hold of an ATM only at Leh town.

Video – Places to Visit on Manali – Leh Highway

For a detailed description of the major places to visit on Manali Leh Highway including the distance between them and their respective altitudes, please refer to the article Places on Manali – Leh Highway | A Detailed Description

Summarized View of Facilities or Amenities on Manali – Leh Highway

As we passed the Surajtal near Baralacha La Pass

Article Last Updated February 2022 with up-to-date information for planning a road trip on Manali Leh Highway.

In the end, if you have been to Manali – Leh Highway, then please share your valuable thoughts or suggestions which can make the above information more concrete and useful for someone planning to cover Manali – Leh Highway. Your comments and inputs are most welcome.

I hope this travel guide will help you make a wonderful trip to these dangerous yet beautiful roads in the world.

Have a travel question?? You can subscribe to my YouTube channel and leave a comment to ask your travel questions on traveling to the Himalayas.

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I am Dheeraj Sharma - a traveler, techie, and Himalayan lover. Since 2009, I have been helping thousands of travelers every year plan memorable & budget-friendly trips to the Himalayas - Smartly, Safely, and responsibly.

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Hi Dheeraj,

We are 3 people, planning trip from Pune to Ladakh via Delhi-Manali-Leh-Srinagar for 9-10 days.

29th june : flying from pune to delhi in evening taking overnight bus from delhi to manali

30th june : day-night stay in solang valley and sightseeing in Manali

1st july : Travelling from Manali to Sarchu(overnight stay) – should we hire a private car or prefer a bus?

2nd july : Travelling from Sarchu to Leh

3rd july : SightSeeing at Leh

4th july : Leh to Nubra valley(Early morning bike trip) : In afternoon, Leaving Nubra to reach pangong by evening(overnight stay)

Question(How is the road condition from Nubra to Pangong and do you recommand us to go Nubra to Pangong?)

5th july : Return to leh from Pangong

6th/7th july : Travel to Kargil/Drass then to Sonmarg/Srinagar 1. Do we need to prebook the car or can we do it at the time there in Leh 2. Can we reach Sonmarg the same day and stay there or do we need to halt around Kargil

8th July : Local sightseeing at Srinagar and fly back to Pune.

Please provide your guidance on the plan.

Avinash, my inputs are below

1. Avoid sleeping at Sarchu, sleep at Jispa and do Jispa to Leh 2. You can do Leh to Nubra Valley only and then next day Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso and then 6th July Pangong Tso to Leh or further to Lamayuru 3. Then 7th July do Leh to Sonamarg and then 8th Sonamarg to Srinagar else do Lamayuru to Srinagar

Really So Awesome blog thank u for providing very useful information

We are about 6 persons for the first time planning for Manali-Leh in early august we have only 7 days in Hand we want to go by bike by rental can u please provide me best iternary it will be very useful for us. 2.Is it possible to visit pang pong lake Thank U

Opt to go via Manali – Leh Highway and I will suggest that you refer the thread for more details on the route and night halts though it is of 9 days: Manali – Leh – Ladakh – Manali | Itinerary for 9 Days . You can fit in plan I suggested in above para in this plan

GOOD JOB DONE

Nice article …full of nformation

I’m planning for this trip in July or August 2018, so is it a right time to go and where can I get Bikes for rent in cheap price?

Thanks, Sujit

Avoid August, better go in July Sujit.

Thanks Dheeraj. Any particular reason to avoid August? may be because of the rain?… I want to go in sunny time. As I have checked previous years weather forecast and it suggested July onwards weather will be sunny.

Sujit August is peak monsoon in North INdia. There will be lot of challenges in terms of road blocks and landslides in the lower hill. If you plan to fly to Leh directly, then may be yes, itis fine.

Hi Dheeraj, pl let me know if the leh-manali highway would be open in late October. Also, last September I had travelled through this route and stayed on my first night at Tso Kar. There are some decent accommodations there. Next day I was in manali by 4 pm. For some reason I can’t see a mention of tsokar in your blog. Any specific reasons for the same. Thanks.

Tso Kar is off Manali – Leh Highway and hence, there is no mention in the article. However, you will find plenty of places in blog where it is mentioned. Manali – Leh Highway remains open in general but traveling is very risky in late October. Please read: 5 Reasons to Avoid Manali – Leh Highway in October

Very informative post! I have a question. Is last half of September is good time to travel Leh Ladakh Srinagar?

Yes Ashok, though the night gets a bit cold but second half of September is my favourite time to travel Leh – Ladakh because of beautiful colors and less crowd.

Thanks dear friend. I saw in YouTube the road somewhere is very risky. We want to avoid that but still want to visit leh, Ladakh, lake, sreenagar, pegelgam etc.

Would you please make a plan for us from your experience the best road root avoiding the most risky roads?

Thanks a lot 🙂

Well, the roads are risky for sure and there is no road in Leh – Ladakh where risk can be avoided. So, in case you have to make a trip to Leh – LAdakh you have to take risk which is always there with any kind of adventure. You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh .

Your blogs on all topics were very informative, Thanks for the same. We 2 couples are planning to do Leh-Ladakh between 20, Jul to 1, Aug and initial plan was to travel by road from Manali to Leh and then fly out of Leh. (Initially wanted to fly till Srinagar and then travel by road till Manali by owing to the ever changing situations in Srinagar doesnt want take risk as travelling with family).

1. But now after reading several blogs of your confused whether to change my plan to Fly into Leh and then travel by road to Manali.

2. If I chose to travel by road while coming back will I be able to avoid reaching back to Leh from Tsomoriri and directly head to Saarchu and next day to Manali.

3. We want to hire a RE for a day or 2 in Leh and cover any of the routes from your most-common-itinerary-for-leh-ladakh, please suggest which would be good for the same as although we 2 are very good Riders dont want to take much riskier route accompanied by our partners.

4. We wanted to ride to Kargil and stay there for the night and next day to be back in Leh, please suggest will it be feasible to cover this route by bike and cover the places en-route too like Pathar Saheb, Zanskar – Indus Sangam, Dras War Memorial, Magnetic Hill etc.

Regards, Harsha Hegde

1. I will suggest that you better skip the situation in Kashmir as in doubt, it is always best to play safe than sorry or being worried all the time. Max you can do is make a two day trip to Kargil – Drass and come back to Leh to fly out from there only.

2. I could not understand this but still, try. Tso Moriri is on a different route, you can travel to Sarchu directly from Leh without touching Tso Moriri. In case you go to Tso Moriri, there is a direct route that meets at Manali – Leh Highway so you do not need to come back to Leh. I hope it answers

3. Yes, sure you can rent the bikes from Leh and move around Leh where roads and connectivity are present.

4. Yes, the road from Leh to Kargil covering places of Sham Valley is in mostly good conditions and in general safe to travel

Need your suggestion as I am getting conflicting opinions . Is it possible to do Tso Moriri- Manali in one day looking at the road conditions . I am travelling in an SUV. We travel next month .

Possible = Yes, Hectic = Very Hectic. It takes about 12 Hrs to reach Keylong from Tso Moriri on an average with very short breaks. Then Keylong to Manali is another 4.5-5 Hrs with very short breaks.

First of all, let me thank you for maintaining such a huge informative blog. You are really helping all the travelers out there! I am leaving on 24th June from Chandigarh and have a couple of questions for you –

1. I wanted to ask how many major water crossings are there in the way and their location, so that I could plan accordingly? 2. Considering the recent rains in Manali regions, till what point i will experience the rains in between Manali to Leh? I mean from where the rain shadow region starts? 3. Approximately how much food and accommodation would cost for 2 people (14 days trip)?

Thanks in advance Sushant

Guess I just replied to your other comment.

hello i m plan to journey in my own car jalandhar to leh via srinagar and come back from leh to jalandhar via manali. I plan next month 10 july the tour 10-12 days its enough Leave the comment its good or not

Yes, 12 days is a good time to visit Ladakh. You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh .

You can skip the rest day in Leh after Pangong tso to make the trip in 12 days

First of all, thank you so much for this detailed blog. This single post is enough for all the information.

Me and my one friend is planning to travel by Bike to Leh via Manali -Leh highway (MANALI – halt at JISPA – LEH ), we are planning to leave Manali on 8th July, will that be good time to travel ? Shall we expect some snow en route to Leh ? And as I read in your post, shall we expect road river(snow melt) at that time?

We are planning to go by our own , is it a good idea or we should go with some group/organizer ?what challenges we may face if we go by our own ?

Also,it would be very grateful of you if you could share number of some good bike rental in Manali.

Thanks in Advance 🙂

This website has sufficient information on making a trip to Ladakh and you do not need any group or organizer. You will rock !! You can get connected with [email protected] for bike rentals and also they provide Rs 50 discount per bike per day for all DoW Readers and Members 🙂

Thank you pal 🙂

Yes Ankur, early July is good time to travel to Ladakh and Manali – Leh Highway. There will be water crossings for sure in July as well but well, that’s where adventure lies. Leave early in the day so that water is less.

Thank you 🙂

We are 3 people planning our leh trip from 10 June. We have around 14 days.

We are planning to go with Fiat Linea (this one is not so great with ground clearance).

We will be taking the Srinagar route to reach leh. And then would like to return through Leh-manali route(mostly 20 to 22 June).

My question is – Is it impossible to do Leh-Manali in June month with a low GC Sedan car? I read that road conditions are improved from past few years. Please tell me that should we attempt the Leh-Manali for coming back with Fiat Linea or not? or we should just take the Srinagar route to come back?

Also Can we do Leh – Nubra – Leh AND Leh – Pangong – Leh with Linea at this period of time? We have no plans to do the direct Nubra-Pangong route.

More or less you should be good with most of the route. I will not stay the car will not struggle but still you should be able to make it with careful and cautious driving. For hatchback/sedan taking on Manali – Leh Highway Or Spiti Valley via Manali Or Ladakh, please refer the link: FAQ | Can I do Leh – Ladakh / Spiti / Manali – Leh trip in Hatchback or Sedan? for more details.

You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh .

Comprehensive post. I am planning a trip in Mid July ie Manali to Leh and back in an SUV . Dates are leave Manali on 13th and reach Leh on 14th with a halt in Jispa for the night . Will rest in Leh for a day and apply for ILP and take off from Leh on 15th . Cover Nubra – Turtuk (2 days) – Pangong Tso night halt – Hanle night halt – Tso Moriri a night or 2 and back to Manali on 20th /21st. Is this doable or pushing it ? Your suggestions please . Also can you advice on opening of Rohtang pass?

Nikheel, the plan looks doable and I believe you have days to adjust in case there is a need. Go with it and take a call once you reach Leh. You have to ensure that you carry enough fuel from Leh to do about 950 KMs without fuel pump. Manali – Leh Highway is expected to open by 25th May. 5 KMs of road is left to be cleared from Baralacha La Pass.

Thanks Dheeraj . Much appreciated

Further to my post below. Need some info on Rohtang pass permit and ILP . We reach Manali late afternoon. How long do you think should it take me to procure the Rohtang pass permit? Since I do not want to waste much time in Manali, some heads up on how to expedite procurement of pass will be a big help.

Also some similar info on ILP from Leh.

Thanks in advance

You have to take the permit in 2 days advance from the online website. Permits are vanishing in just 12 minutes, you make sure you hook on to it by 12.00 with fast internet connection.

For details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link All you want to know about Inner Line Permits for Ladakh . Page 1 is Protected Area Permit applicable for foreigners. Fill in Page 2, 3 for Inner Line Permit applicable for Indians, got to DC office in Leh and submit the application with valid Photo ID nationality proof and pay the required fee of Rs 400 + Rs 20 x number of days you will be in Ladakh.

Thanks Dheeraj . Once again much appreciated

Hi dheeraj…Are there tour operators who offer bike trip from leh to manali….I find few operators providing from.manali to leh.but could not find bike trips from leh to manali. . Can you or anybody pls post any good operators …Thanks in advance

You can write to [email protected] and ask for bikes to be dropped at Manali from Leh. They also offer Rs 50 per day discount on bike union rates for all readers of DoW. Please note that pickup charges can make a big dent in the pocket, about 10K per bike for a pickup or drop 😉

What about nature’s call during the 475 km journey on manali – leh highway. Is it possible if we plan the trip with tents?

You can plan the trip with tents. Mostly it will be wide open nature for its call 🙂 , rest you will be staying either at Jispa or Keylong which will not make it 474 KMs long.

First and foremost, thanks for all the details. This is such an amazing place to explore for travelling enthusiast . 🙂

We are 5 ppl ( 3 M + 2 F ) , planning a maiden for a Leh- ladakh trip coming June- July -17.

As everyone can’t get the desired 2 weeks off so we have to curb our plan for 9 days.

Here is the overview of itinerary. FYI everything is in planning stage as of yet.

23rd June – Leaving from Delhi to Manali. 24th June- Reaching Manali by 11 am tentatively . Leaving to Leh – Ladakh, Overnight stay at Jispa. 25th June- Jispa to Leh 26th June- Local Sightseeing in Leh 27th June- Leh to Nubra (Overnight At Nubra) 28th June- Nubra to Leh (Overnight at Leh) 29th June – Leh to Tso Pangong (Overnight @ Tso Pangong) 30th June – Tso Pangong to Manali return (Overnight Stay at Sarchu) 1st July – Sarchu to Manali by Evening. Return to Delhi

Is the above schedule is good & sounds doable? If there is anything which needs to be taken care of or we are missing, please suggest.

Also is it possible to twist it this ways too

28th June – Nubra to Tso Pangong ( Direct travel ) ( Overnight @ Tso Pangong) 29th June – Tso Pangong to Tso Moriri ( Stay overnight ) 30th June – Tso Moriri to Manali return ( Overnight stay @ Sarchu)

Just wanted to make sure that in process of seeing everything we should not miss the real fun and beauty of the place.

Please provide your guidance on same.

Regards Saurabh

Hey Saurabh,

The plan sounds doable to me. You must take care of Acute Mountain Sickness and Importance of Acclimatization . Rest looks at least doable.

I will recommend to skip Tso Moriri for some other time and dont over burn your bodies with fatigue.

We are back with our memorable LEH trip. Thanks to you & DOW for all the vital information.

P.S: We could not make to Tso Pangong from Nubra as the direct route via Shyok was closed.

It is wonderful to know that you had a wonderful trip to Ladakh. If possible, do share some updates or road conditions on the route or any tips worth sharing which can help others plan better too 🙂 …

Regards Dheeraj

Once we reach Hunder from Leh while visiting Khardung La and Dikskit so shall we do night stay at Hunder or come back to Leh in same hotel ?

Thanks in advance!

It is better to halt for a night at Hunder to ease out the journey otherwise it will be tiring. Please add more days to your plan.

Hi Dheeraj, i and my wife are going for Manali to leh in 3rd week of august for 7-8 days trip, we will go on Bike from Manali but as i will be riding bike and my wife will be sitting at back, We will take 2 bags with us so what you suggest for carrying bags in most convenient way.

Thanks in advvance

Are you experienced with long rides and your wife too? Also, 8 days you are saying from Manali? Best is to have Ladakh carrier installed on the bike.

Hello Dheeraj Excellent post.

Planning to visit Leh Laddakh in May end or June 1st week. Is Leh Manali route open by that time ! Some apprehensions also – because of 5 and 7 yr old kid with us. what medical facilities are available on route! what are your inputs -if we reach directly to leh by flight.

Manali – Leh may not open by that time of the year. It is not recommended to travel that early on Manali – Leh Highway with kids as road closure are pretty common during that time.

Thanks for your suggestions. Shashank

HI Dheeraj ,

Have planned for Leh by road from Chandigarh to leh via Srinagar and then back to Chandigarh via manali.

can you please help us to know where to take proper stops for the above trip. and as well we will be traveling from 2 Sep to 10 Sep is this enough time for this trip ?

With 9 days in hand, it is very difficult to get a good trip of Ladakh

Hi, loved the detailing in your blog.. i m planning to travel to Leh on the 10th of July from Manali.. is it advisable to visit Tso Moriri on our way to Leh from Manali?? Or should we visit it once we have reached Leh?

Thank you. Not at all advisable to visit tso Moriri from Manali side. You should visit it in the last after Nubra, Pangong tso and then while coming back to Manali from Leh.

Hi. We have already booked our flight tickets based on a travel agent’s recommendation (and I am cursing myself for the plan). The route is Manali – Leh – Srinagar exactly the opp of what you have recommended & also, we are planning to go by bike. Can you pls suggest a suitable plan or recommend training such that AMS issue doesn’t come up? And also, such that we reach Leh within 2 days?

Hi Darshana,

You should read about AMS and acclimatization including the tips to combat AMS at the link: Acute Mountain Sickness and Importance of Acclimatization . The article details out all the necessary things you need to know to go over with your journey over Manali to Leh. Even if the trip is planned by tour operator avoid staying at Sarchu while going to Leh even in case it means spending a bit more money in cancellation and all.

Ok, thank you for the inputs!

Best wishes for the trip, feel free to post any further questions./

Hi, Am planning to ride leh from Bangalore in this April last week or first week of May…Will my plan works out considering about 3-4 weeks time? Would appreciate your suggestions. Thanks.

The roads from Manali to Leh will open by second week of June and hence, in April you cannot make a road trip to Ladakh.

I am planning to go from Manali to Leh on 11th of June. Can you please let us know if by that time the roads will open or do I need to change my plans. I have booked my Hotels.

Regards, Sam

Samya, Manali – Leh road will be open by that time of the year.

i’m planning manali – leh road trip and in the month of July. My travel dates are 1st July to 12th July. So, my question is can we travel in the month of July. or else, which is the best month to visit by road. And, 12 days would be sufficient for this trip?

please suggest me. thanks for your time.

Regards, Abbas

First half of July is a good time to travel Ladakh, 12 days is also a good time period. You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh .

Hi, I wanted your advice on my trip which we are planning this 1 July to 9 July 2017 with a group of 6 age from 21 to 35 years. 2 people have hypertension problem among them. I wanted to know will it be safe to travel at this height. We are planning Mumbai -chandigarh flight,chandigarh -manali bus, manali -leh rent a vehicle. Please can you guide on where to stay and how to plan the trip in these many days. Can you also guide whether we should pre book the vehicle or go to manali and then look into it? Thanks in advance.

It will take 4 days to reach Leh from Srinagar side starting from Delhi with stop overs at Jammu, Srinagar, Kargil and 3 days to come back from Leh from Manali side to Delhi with stopovers at Sarchu, Manali. This makes it 7 days. 1 Day is required in Leh for acclimatization. You have about 10 days. 1 Day can be used as Day trip to Pangong Tso and other day can be used as day trip to Nubra Valley or just Khardung La pass.

You can call the local drivers directly to connect with them and check the comprehensive List of Taxi Drivers for Ladakh – Srinagar – Leh – Manali with recommendations/reviews for DoW community members.

I would be interested in some feedback on my plan below please.

18th June: Arrive Dehli 19th June: Dehli > Shimla (354 km 7 hrs) 20th June: Shimla > Manali (250 km 6 hrs) 21st June: Manali > Keylong (128 km) ** Rohtang Pass 22nd June: Keylong > Sarchu (111 km) 23rd June: Sarchu > Leh (265 km)** Zingzingbar Highest 24th June: Leh > Kargil (5-6 hrs) 25th June: Kargil > Srinagar (3-4 hrs) 26th June: Srinagar > Jammu (7 hrs) 27th June: Jammu > Dehli (9 Hrs) ** Return Motorcycle 28th June: Dehli (Express Train from Delhi to Agra Taj Mahal RETURN) 29th June: **** Contingency day **** 30th June: Fly Dehli to Nepal Kathmandu 1st July: Nepal 2nd July: Nepal 3rd July: Nepal 4th July: Nepal 5th July: Fly Australia (Thailand for Koh)

Well, plan looks OK but if you will do it from the other side, it will make more sense. I mean enter from Srinagar side and exit from Manali side. Also, It will be much better that you skip the Shimla as it is nothing but concrete jungle in comparison to what you will see in rest of the journey. Use that day to make a day trip to Khardung La pass and use your contingency day to rest in Leh after reaching from Kargil. Times, don’t go by what you have mentioned it will take more what you have mentioned there.

Your article on Manali Leh highway is thorough and answers all the questions. Too bad it is not open in March – we were planning to go to Keylong.

Deepak even the road to Keylong from Manali will not be open 🙂

I have a plan to visit Ladakh by this year September.

My route will be like below:

Day 1 : Manali – Keylong Day 2 : Keylong Sightseeing & travel upto Jispa Day 3 : Jispa – Leh Day 4 : Leh Sight seeing Day 5 : Leh – Nubra Day 6 : Nubra Sight seeing Day 7 : Nubra – Pangong Day 8 : Pangong – Leh Day 9 : Leh – Tsomoriri Day 10 : Tsomoriri – Leh Day 11 : Leh – Lamayuru Day 12 : Lamayuru – Leh Day 13 : Leaving Leh by flight

Want to hire exclusive Xylo for the entire tour. What should be the cost for Car [including cost for driver, inter state toll / permit etc].

Please advice.

As per the taxi union rates of year 2016-17 ( https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/leh-ladakh-taxi-rates-2016-17/ ) following is the break up Srinagar – Leh in 2 days = 18400 Leh Local sightseeing = 2500-3000 Leh – Nubra Valley 2 Day = 10566 Leh – Pangong Tso 2 Day = 10301 Leh – Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Sarchu – Manali 2-3 days = 29056 Leh – Manali 2 Days = 21588 Leh – Pangong Tso 1 Day = 8653 Leh – Nubra Valley 1 Day = 8053 You can usually get about 10-15% discount on these taxi rates after getting in touch with the driver directly.

Thank you for your reply. Please let me know, if I need any special permit to travel through the below route.

I am Indian citizen and will carry my photo identity card [adhar & passport] with me. Tell me if anything more is required.

Regards, Bhaskar

Bhaskar, in case you are traveling by road in your own car from Manali side, then well you need permit but I see you flying out of Leh so assuming you are traveling by taxi or other means, you will not need any permits.

Your Blog is wonderful.

We are planning a family trip to by our own SUV to Delhi-Manali-Leh and back by the same route between 20 April to 03 May 17.

We are parents to 16 and 20 years old kids. Also, our 2 years old PUG would be accompanying us.

Duration is 14 days(02 weeks)

Kindly suggest us the itinerary.

with warm regards

Hello Guru,

The road from Manali to Ladakh is not open during that time of the year. It will open around June, please refer: Manali Leh Highway Status 2017

we are planning a 15 day trip from delhi-rampur bushahr-kaza-zingzing-leh-kargil-srinagar-patnitop-ludhiana-delhi in august this year. Mode of transport in bikes.

few questions: 1. possibility of doing kaza to zing zing in 10-12 hours ? 2. can we find places to stay at zing zing ?? 3. possibility of doing zing zing to leh in 10-12 hours ?

let me know your email address, can share the detailed itinerary as well.

Regards Srijan

1. In 12 Hrs, you should be able to hit Zing Zing Bar from Kaza but I will suggest to stop at Jispa 2. There are only dhabha dorm tents available at Zing zing bar, no other accommodation 3. Jispa to Leh can be done in 12 hrs.

Thanks for the quick input Dheeraj. Ok, another quick question. How about rampur bushahr to kaza, looks good on paper in 10-12 hours with stops but what does your experience say??

Srijan, for sure Kaza to Rampur is a long and tiring ride/drive owing to the bad roads and you will just be rushing. With stops it will be 12+ hrs of drive only. If you say possible, I will say yes but for sure tiring.

Hey Dheeraj, thank you for oyur valuable insights on the manali-leh road trip. Me and my husband have booked the tickets from mumbai to leh from 27th may – 2nd june. Although we have booked our flight tickets from mumbai to leh. But we are of the opinion of travelling from Leh to Manali by road. By halting at Sarchu. Could you please help me with deatils of how to take this trip from Leh to Manali to Delhi By Road. It would be of great help if you could provide me the some contact details for taxis or buses(mode of public transport). Awaiting Eagerly for your expert advice! 🙂

Unfortunately, you do not have enough time to make Ladakh trip as well as do Manali – Leh journey. With just 6 days in hand, two days will be just for acclimatization and rest in Leh when you land by flight. Then you should be doing sightseeing as well in Ladakh. Leh to Chandigarh via MAnali – Leh Highway will take about 3 days of road journey, so you will not have enough days for sightseeing in Ladakh in such a case. Also, Manali – Leh Highway opens by last week of May and first week of June, so it is touch and go with respect to your dates as well.

Thanks for the very useful post.

We have come up with the itinerary based on your inputs. We are 9 ppl with 2 kids (aged 3yrs and 2.5yrs) travelling from Srinagar to Leh to Manali to Chandigarh in the month of May. We will reach Srinagar airport around 3pm. Please do let us know if this is feasible.

Hire a TT to drop us at Leh Day 1: Srinagar (Start at 4pm) to Kargil Day 2: Next day – Kargil – Leh Day 3 and Day 4: Hire a local TT to roam around Leh for 2 days Day 5 : Leh to Manali Day 6 and Day 7 : Manali sight seeing Day 8: to Chandigarh airport

Thanks in advance.

Ashok, I will highly not recommend taking Manali – Leh Highway that time of the year with kids and family. More or less it will be closed but even if it is open, DO NOT take this trip.

Also, considering kids and family and large group, your plan is too hectic nad it will be very taxing on them. The journey is not a leisure journey, so please consider before making such a trip.

Also read: Traveling to Ladakh with Kids or Babies

Even if you make the trip, you must fly out of Leh to save some days for rest in Ladakh

Nice blog Dheeraj, well explained and covered almost everyting

Could you shed some light on how likely is it that my bike’s tyres would get punctured or fuel run out cuz these are the scariest scenarios for me and I want to clear my head around these issues before planing for rest of the things.

PS – I would def plan to keep extra fuel but want to know if i tank up at manali would my fuel run out before tandi.

Thanks Vaibhav

Vaibhav, puncture is the main issue and you must plan for it. You must carry foam based solutions with you which can buy you time and help in not being stuck in the middle of no where.

Petrol, you can still work out after carrying some extra. Black fuel is available almost at each small dhabha settlements, so in worst case you end up buy that to save yourself reach Leh or Tandi. In most case it is not required unless you do Leh to Tso moriri to Manali direclty. This should help you: Fuel Availability In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips

Hello Dheeraj This blog is really informative for us. I am from Dhaka, Bangladesh. We are planning a tour from manali to leh to Srinagar in September 2017. But I m worried about the situation of kashmir. Is there foreigners are allowed at this time? Please ensure me about it.

Things have settled quite a lot in Kashmir as compared to the season season this year. You should be OK else you can follow the Manali – Leh route only

Hey Dheeraj, Thanks for the information. Very useful.

Best wishes for your trip Rutvi, feel free to post any queries you have.

Hey dheeraj thanks a lot for giving such a detail description ur post will be my commandment for planning my journey First of all I would like u to know about us we are group of six guys aged between 29 to 36 and married(do we need to say something more)go for a road trip once every year in our scorpio this year july 2016 we went to manali and rohtang from delhi we started at 12.00 am in the night and reached manali in 13 hours we are 3 good drivers in the group and next day we went to rohtang pass and we reached there in 2.5 hours after wasting around half an hour at permit and one of the nullah were we took some photos Now coming to point we are planning to go to leh from delhi next year june end 2017 what we are planning that we start one hour early like 11.00 in the night and reach manali by 11.00 in the morning since we need waste any time in photos and selfies as it has already been done this year and than we continue till keylong before 5 evening on day 1 , I know it will be hectic but we can save 1 day from our 7 day trip than on day 2 keylong to leh starting early in morning 5.00 am reach leh by evening adjust there and local sighseeing on day 3 than day 4 and day 5 your recommendations like some famous lake I dont remember the name than back on day 6 reach keylong night stay and than day 7 keylong to manali to delhi .. now u guide me how much is this feasable and if take 3 days while going than we get only 2 days in leh so please guide us and we have 3 driver all who have travelled and driven a lot..

Please reply me dheeraj

It is not at all recommended that you continue driving over Rohtang Pass and sleep at Keylong at your first night. It will make you all vulnerable to AMS which can cause serious issues over Manali – Leh Highway. Hence, keep two days to reach KEylong with overnight halt at Solang. Then next day leave for Leh at 5 AM from either Keylong or Jispa. Then, one day complete rest in Leh. This makes it 4 days for you without seeing anything in Ladakh. Now on 5th day, go over as day trip to Khardung La pass, Day 6, go over as day trip to Pangong Tso lake and while comping back go towards Manali and sleep at Upshi. Day 7 start the journey back to Manali from Upshi and you can reach Sissu or Khoksar if you start at 5 AM from Upshi by 7 PM. Day 8 from Sissu/Khoksar go over Rohtang Pass and reach Delhi without stopping at Manali

hello, i am about be the weirdest person on the planet please bear me. i wanna go for a manali-leh walk trip nor bike nor bus or anything but i am not able to plan properly sometimes it’s the issue of food and sometimes it’s about the altitude sickness if not i occurred to the biggest problem for this trip is WATER I’ll be walking for around 500km (with breaks in the middle wherever i get accommodation and pitching tents by myself) if anyone can give me some suggestions, please do help me if you’ve got a idea!

Aprameya, dont worry people have asked this to me many times. Now let’s work out few things. How many days do you have in hand, if doing it from Leh to Manali side, is it OK for you? Which month are you planning it?

I have plenty of time, so it doesn’t matter, and yes it doesn’t matter Manali to leh or vice versa it’s going to be the same! Any month but ASAP…!

Then spend few weeks in Leh and sightseeing in Leh living in high altitude villages for few nights and start your journey from Tso Moriri to Tso Kar to Debring to Pang to Sarchu to Bharatpur to Zingzingbar to Darcha to Keylong – Manali. The moment you reach Darcha, you are out of trouble. You cannot sleep at any high altitude pass and hence you have to go down to base of the pass. Somewhere in the altitude of 4000-4500 shall be fine after you have spent few nights at Tso Moriri lake for acclimatization at that altitude.

Have you ever done any high altitude trek before? If not, start by some short high altitude treks gradually and see how your body reacts. Then make a call of this months of travel.

Only months possible are July – August – September.

Just an update on road condition from Manali towards leh Manali – rothang ( good road till uphill of rothang ) Rothang – kelyong ( absolutely no road, kind of nightmare ) Kelyong – pang ( except 20-30 km the roads will punish your vehicle ) Pang – leh ( beautiful road, you can hit easily 60+ ) * Most of the tents would be closing * No water streams to cross through * Please carry sufficient warm clothes/thermals. * Good stays at jispa

Thank you Anoop for the updates. I have posted them in the Manali – Leh status thread.

Awesome Blog , got so much of information about leh manali journey. Thats what i am looking for. Its not easy to plan a trip like this but after seeing the post i got aware of the things to keep in mind while travelling via manali leh route. Thanks for the post..cheers

Hello Dheeraj,

First of all, thank you for all the valuable information shared here. Secondly, as most people here, I am also planning a trip to Ladakh in september, so my plan is like this: 16 September: Delhi – Leh (by plane, 05:45 – 07:15); rest of the day in Leh for acclimatization and some sightseeing 17 September: one day trip to Numbra Valley (I know it’s quite short time, but possible in one day if we start at 6am) 18 September: one day trip to Pangong Lake 19 September: monasteries around Leh: Shey, Thiksey, Hemis, etc. 20 September: Leh – Keylong 21 September: Keylong – Manali 22 September: Manali (Kulu) – Delhi by plane

My questions are: 1. Would you change anything to this schedule? 2. Do you recommend any particular driver for these days (except 16th of September), or we can arrange locally at the hotel? 3. If we find a driver, can he arrange the permits on the first day? (16th of September), so we can start traveling the next day, or we have to arrange them ourselves?

Thank you again…

Hi Dan, I think I replied to your other comment but I will suggest again:

1. You should take complete two days rest and little sightseeing on first two days. Then go for two day trip to Nubra Valley, then a day trip to Pangong Tso and then take the bus to Keylong from Leh and next day reach Manali from Keylong 2. If you have a group you can get in touch with any driver but in case you planning alone or couple then it is better to rely on shared taxis to thse places on the spot.

Thank you for your advice. You didn’t reply to any other comment, because this is the only one I wrote 🙂 It might be another Dan or a similar itinerary 🙂 Anyway, yes, I will take two days rest. Afterwards I have to vsit Nubra Valey and Pangong Tso in one day (each), because I have no more time. Hope it’s manageable Afterwards I will take two more days to get to Kullu, as I have a plane to catch… Hope to be able to do it…

Hmm, it will be difficult like 12+ Hrs a day each and then arduous journey over Manali – Leh Highway. So, it is very tight schedule I will say.

Hi Dheeraj, Its me again. Due to unrest in srinagar, we had to make major changes in our plan, now we have decided to go via manali. So had to bug you again mate. 😐

Here are the details, which might help you to give us better planning. We will reach Delhi on 10th Sept @ 3AM and need to be back to Delhi by 21st 11AM to catch a flight back to blore and we are planning to take flight from leh-Delh on 21st morning,if time is not feasible.

Few question,

1.We are thinking of taking a cab/taxi to manali from Delhi airport @ 4AM, do we get a cab from Delhi airport to manali without any fuss and how much would it cost and also what would be the journey time?

2.Major concern is taking a cab from Manali to Leh along with the Rothang pass permit, we have no idea whom to contact regarding the permit and afraid we might get ripped off. We have to take care of cab/taxi booking and permit in the manali on the 10th evening/night only, so that we can leave for Jispa in the early morning. So your inputs are very much needed here.

3. is it possible to visit Tso Morori while on the way to Leh?

To include in Itinerary, -We are thinking of covering Kargil,Magnetic hills and other near by places to kargil, which we would have visited if we had come from srinagar side. We will be going by rented Bikes . So we need you to include this in the itinerary.

-We are thinking staying overnight at Pangong lake and Numbar valley(if time allows) and we wouldn’t want to miss out anything which is near by Leh or can be visited from Leh

So can you please consider all this and give us a Itinerary.

1. No you will need to pre-arrange a taxi and could cost you around 12-14K. Manali – Delhi takes about 14 Hrs. 2. Well, if you are hiring taxi from taxi stand, the permit is headache of driver. You can also book HPTDC manali – leh bus 3. You should read: 5 reasons not to visit Tso Moriri from Manali side

Hi Dheeraj, Planning for a Leh trip in mid august. The situation in srinagar doesn’t seem good. So good chances are to take the Manali – Leh -Manali bike ride. Will reach manali 13th morning. Please suggest an itenary for 13th morning to 18th (on which i should be back to manali) for the bike ride. Thanks in advance 🙂

With just 5 days not sure it makes sense to make a Ladakh trip.

Day 1 | Manali/Solang Valley – Keylong/Jispa — It is always better to stay either at Keylong/Jispa so that you do not feel sick or hit by AMS. — Avoid sleeping at Sarchu at any cost while going to Leh from Manali because your body will not be acclimatized by the time you reach there. — I prefer staying at Jispa more because Keylong gives the feeling of a town while Jispa is more closer to nature having Bhaga river running just aside the Manali – Leh Highway at Jispa. — Overnight at Keylong/Jispa

Day 2 | Keylong/Jispa – Leh — Leave Keylong/Jispa early next morning, say by 4/5 AM types, so that you reach Leh in the evening. — Overnight at Leh

Day 3 | Leh Local Sightseeing + Acclimatization — To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh — Overnight at Leh

Day 4 | Leh – Taglang La – Pang – Sarchu — Try to start early in the day so that you reach Sarchu where the accommodation options are better than Pang — Overnight at Sarchu or Pang

Day 5 | Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali — On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only — Overnight at Manali

Leaving from manali on ¹st aug. Anyone interested can join.

Anyone travelling on 12th/13th august?

hey m Mayank here, m traveling whr r u frm and how many ppl r with u??

ss…me and my frnd are travelling from 13th august from manali to srinagar via leh.10 days..

hey there… we will be reaching leh by 11th aug. our trip is for 10 days and you may contact me on this no. 9166285328/ 9982241199.

thanks Arun

Superb blog. Got so many details from a single post. Thanks for sharing the experience and contact details 🙂

Regards, Suvesh

Best wishes for the trip Suvesh, glad you liked the info. on the DoW Blog.

Hey Dheeraj!

Awesome blog man. I am planning to travel to Ladakh from Manali on 17 July. Many articles & blogs say that travelling on the manali – leh road gets quite tricky during July. Would you recommend traveling on the manali leh road around 17-19 July ? Would it be very risky because of the monsoon ?

Also are you aware whether if its possible to rent a self drive car from Manali, which can be left at Ladakh , as we want to come back to delhi via plane. Most of the sites I found online, offer taxis from manali to leh, but not self drive cars.

Thanks so much! Apoorv

I am also leaving on 16th from manali to Leh.

Please call me on 9953646006 so that we can coordinate.

Regards, Piyush

Hey guys, hey DHEERAJ SHARMA! 🙂

I am planning to do this route in 2 or 3 days (havent decided yet) I am gonna to leave Delhi on the 7th or 8th of August 2016. iS there anyone who would like to join me ??

The dream would be to drive it with my own car and stop everywhere! But for now… I have to do it probably with a bus

Ola, you should check DoW Travel Calendar if you are looking for travel partners. If you are going by bus, especially HPTDC, many tourists will already be there in the bus to travel with you.

Thanks for replay! Where is the best place to stay overnight to avoid hight attitude sicness?? Keylong seems to be located to low and Sarchu too high. Anything between?

Best is to stay at Jispa, ahead of Keylong and then make a trip next day to Leh by leaving at 5-6 AM

We are 5 friends Can we come by swift ?? What about route conditions of jammu to leh or manali to leh? We have 10 days.

Hi Dheeraj, I have read the post and comments mentioned above ,still i have some queries I am a female 29 want to travel alone to Leh trip-please suggest what is best way to plan keeping security and fun in mind.

I can also plan for few more friends but not confirmed hence i am planning alone. I am planning in the month of sept early ( for ten day ) I will travel from Bangalore

You should consider to travel with HPTDC bus of Manali to Leh and back. Then, You are alone/couple and private taxis are very costly in Leh but you will be able to find the shared taxi without much fuss at all. There are lots of flyers which people put at cafes, dine-ins, restaurants, travel agent desks/shops/whiteboards wanting to share the taxis for different trips within Ladakh. Even travel agent organize such shared taxis trip as well but charge a little higher about Rs 200-300 more than it would ideally cost. So, in worst case you can always go back to them and book a seat for yourself. Gelling up with people in Ladakh is more or less easy because many people travel solo and look forward to meet new people and share cultural thoughts and values over the trip. No where else in the world you will find more smiling and helpful people as Ladakhis are 🙂

If you are interested in Leh trip by bike one side(Manali-Leh, Leh -Delhi by Air ). I f you want we can together make a plan.

we are 3 guys going on 25th june . i have 2 questions

1. will xuv500 be a good option on the route. 2. shud we prefer manali route for going or srinagar route while going or coming back?

Hi dheeraj This is shraddha and i am planning a trip to leh with all of my family including my grandparents and cousions … So i had certain queries First of all being a punjabi family i dnt think anybody is fit enough soo is it okay for everone to travel to leh… And wat wid u suggest satying overnight at jispa or sarchu

Shraddha, well, you should seriously plan to go from Srinagar side and come back from Manali side especially with your grand parents on the trip. You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh .

You can check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate (cheap budget hotels as well) in the series of articles starting on the link here

hello dheeraj ji

i am plan to travel manali to leh by bike but bike owner is my friend, they have not travel with me, please you suggest to me :- 1. why ? i am travel other owner bike 2. yes, document formalities . 3. any permit query . related to bike

hello dheeraj ji we are 2friends toplaning to visit leh ladhak by own. EON car HR.N. We have plane to go on 05/06 june 2016 from manali to leh my question is this date malini leh highway open? Any other formalities req. for hr. no. vehicle. Rohtang Pass Green tax as applicable Most popular visiting place. REq. Items. Approximately Budget. Road Conditions, my tour are complete with in 7 Days

Manali – Leh is already open yesterday unofficially. You need to get Rohtang Pass permit from SDM office as it is not yet available online. 7 days is less, you need at least 9-10 days for hectic tour.

hello dheeraj ji,

I am planning with my family (02 kids 3, and 09 years). to visit Manali & leh ladhak as per below schedule.

11 June Leaving from Delhi to Manali. 12 June one day stay at Manali. 13 June leh ladhak by hiring local taxi, with night stay at Jispa. 14 June we will reach at leh ladhak and will spend three days there. 19 June I will take flight from Leh to Delhi.

Please confirm if this schedule is OK or you can help us on same. please also help us to estimate cost of this package for Travelling + accomodation.

Seconly Manali to leh OR Manali to Kaza which will be best option. I am travelling first time to both places.

Plan looks fine but you may not be able to see things in Ladakh. Also, with small kids doing Manali – Leh can be tricky what I personally feel and that too early in the season.

We are two friends as well planning for leh in next week karam veer and we are from faridabad ! So if you want we all 4 together can make a plan !

We are a 3 girls travelling from Delhi to Leh via Manali route. We’ll start from Delhi on 2nd June. Couple of things we wanted to know 1. Is the Manali – Leh highway open 2. In case we are hiring a taxi/ cab do we need to take route permits or the taxi provider usually takes care of these things 3. Anyone interested in sharing a cab/ taxi from Manali – Leh?

1. No Manali leh is not open yet, expected to open by first week of June 2. Yes, the taxi will need the permit to cross Rohtang pass 3. You can check DoW Travel Calendar from the main menu

we are a couple leaving for leh from manali on 31 st may we can do sharing unto leh

pls call 9899800330

We also going on 2 june with 3 friends from jaipur 9829006520

We are also planning ,we can share

taxi,plz send msg 9812935999

Hye. 1. Manali leh highway is open now as you can check the status from the leh official site. Secondly,we r also going to leh from manali on 3 june in a grp of boys and girls ,you can join us

For any further communication. Note my id – [email protected]

You are three and we are two friends planning exactly for the 3rd June ! We are not taking our car instead we are intrested in hiring a taxi so if you think we can share our taxi then please let me know !

i am intrested in taxi sharing … we are only 2 plz contact [email protected]

Massive respect for your brilliant blog, We are planning a trip starting 3rd June, ending 11th June. Manali – Leh – Manali. Is it the right time for a bike trip ? If not , Could you please suggest how to complete this trip ? during this time. As we have booked all the tickets 🙁 and have taken leave to complete this dream.

Appreciate your help!

Thank you David. I will suggest that you push your dates by couple of weeks and allow Manali – Leh to settle down. Or start from Srinagar side and come back from Manali side. Also, 9 days is very less time for Ladakh trip.

Thanks for your reply. Our bad we have a solid constraint on the dates. We will be reaching Manali on June 2nd and have to head back to Manali on June 11th.

Do you think the bike trip during this period, is viable at all ?

If not could you please suggest the most suitable mode of transportation during this time?

It will take 4 days to reach Leh from Srinagar side starting from Delhi and 3 days to come back from Leh from Manali side to Delhi. This makes it 7 days. 1 Day is required in Leh for acclimatization.

Thank’s for the info, Dheeraj.

Our aim/dream is to have a bike trip from Manali – Leh – Manali. How feasible would it be for us to drive during the first week of June ?

David, first week of June from srinagar to Leh to Manali should be OK time to travel

hi Dheeraj,

Could you please let us know, how feasible would it be for us to drive a bike during the first week of June ?

The Highways will be open and many people will be riding the bike on Manali – Leh Highway during that time of the year.

Me and my friends are planing a trip to leh via the Manali-Leh highway starting from 30th may 2016 to 10th of june 2016. As per your articles and my research i think the highway would be open by this time . But still i want to make sure is this a good time to start the trip?

Are you guys going ? We are planning a trip for the same starting 3rd June from Manali. Is it the right time to go ?

hi, I am Dibyendu Das ,we are 3 persons (my wife,son and me) want to manali to leh. we are join to your trip if you want to us. please call me how many cost the trip. which time you start go and which date you will back ? My best time is end on May,2016 and back on 10th June,2016. Please send reply our mail : [email protected]

Hi dheeraj ,we r planning to go to leh on 9th july to 20 july from Chandigarh via manali on bike (bullet or avenger)..but m little worried about mountain sickness .so please suggest me the best plan for the road trip and how to get over mountain sickness .

Since you are going from Manali, you will have some sort of mountain sickness. You can refer: Ladakh from Manali – Most Common Itinerary

Hi all, We are planning a trip to Leh starting from odisha. We would be requiring the service of a experienced Ladakhi driver ( only ) having a fare bit of experience in manali – leh- kargil- Srinagar – Jammu route. He may join us from Chandigarh and drop us in Jammu after a round trip. The approximate time would be for 6 days.

Anybody who knows a driver of aforesaid condition, please let us know. My contact is given below.

Regds Divyajyoti Hota mail – [email protected] Cell – 8908360072

I am bit confused regarding going to Tso-Moriri directly from Sarchu and then to Pangong tso and then Leh. as I dont know the availability of Petrol Pump.

Day1 Chandigarh- Manali (Night stay @ Manali) Day2 Manali (Night stay @ Manali) Day3 Manali-Sarchu (Night stay @ Sarchu) Day4 Sarchu-Tso Moriri (Night stay @ Rso-Moriri) Day5 Tso Moriri- Pangong So (Night stay @ Pangong) Day6 Pangong So- Leh (Night stay @ Leh) Day7 Leh (Night stay @ Leh) Day8 Leh- Nubra (Night stay @ Nibra) Day9 Nubra -Leh (Night stay @ Leh) Day10 Leh (Night stay @ Leh) Day11 Leh- Kargil (Night stay @ Kargil) Day12 Kargil- Srinagar (Night stay @ Srinagar) Day13 Srinagar (Night stay @ Srinagar) Day14 Srinagar-Patnitop (Night stay @ Patnitop) Day15 Jammu- Delhi Train @night

Let me know if my itinerary is ok.

Thanks in Advance.

Replied to other comment

We am planning to visit Ladakh via Manali-Leh highway from 25th June to 9th July by Bullet Classic 350.

Below is my itinerary.

Date Night stay @ Brief Itinerary 25th june Manali Chandigarh- Manali 26th june Manali Manali 27th june Sarchu Manali-Sarchu 28th june Tso Moriri Sarchu-Tso Moriri 29th june Pangong So Tso Moriri- Pangong So 30th june Leh Pangong So- Leh 1st july Leh Leh 2nd july Nubra Leh- Nubra 3rd july Leh Nubra -Leh 4th july Leh Leh 5th july Kargil Leh- Kargil 6th july Srinagar Kargil- Srinagar 7th july Srinagar Srinagar 8th july patnitop srinagar-Patnitop 9th july Train journey Jammu- Delhi Train

I think I replied to it Viraj, right? You made other comment.

Yes Dheeraj.

Thanks Again..

I am travelling to Manali with family (3 kids 6,7 and 10 years). I will be in Manal from may 6 to May 9th. I am planning for a trip to Balaracha la pass by taking a night stay in keylong – and return back to manali the second day. Is this a good plan?

Jinu, yes you can give an attempt or at least go over to Jispa/Keylong. Stay at Jispa instead of Keylong as it is more close to nature.

Hii I and my friends were planning to travel to leh this august that is 2016 by a car,

i had few questions about manali-leh route i will be very thankful if you can help

1. we are hiring a self drive cab for our trip so do we need any permits to travel from manali to leh, and if yes where can we get those permits?

2. If we start early, say 3 am is it possible to reach leh same day or we have to stay at some place in between?

thank you hoping for your earliest reply

Hello Nakul,

1. You will need permits for Rohtang PAss: How to get Rohtang Pass Permit Online

2. Best is not to do it and commit this mistake. You should take a night halt at Jispa and then next day leave at 5 AM to reach LEh by evening. Keeping in mind that acclimatization is the key to success of LAdakh trip. IF you oversee it, it can easily be a misadventure of life.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE GUIDANCE…AND I WANTED TO ASK THAT IF I GO TO MANALI FIRST AND THAN RENT A BIKE FROM THERE…THAN WOULD THAT BE POSSIBLE TO GO TO LEH FROM MANALI?..WILL THAT BE SAFE?…IF NOT THAN WHICH OTHER ROUTE SHOULD I PREFER…AND WILL THE ROADS GET CLEAR BY THE MID OF JUNE?

Please DO NOT use CAPS

You can rent the bike from Manali but only to reach Leh. Then once you reach Leh, you will need to hire local Ladakh bike again. Roads will be clear by mid of June.

Hello Dheeraj… According to me manali leh highway will be opened by late April. .. After so many years, the volume of snow in manali leh highway is so less… I went to rohtang pass in the starting of this month and according to B.R.O., they will be able to open it by April end.

Yogesh, there have been 2 spells of heavy snowfall this month already, the clearance operations were all on hold. Rohtang was expected to open by mid of March this year breaking all BUT weather had the last say. Rohtang Pass is expected to open around mid of April now. So, I do not expect at all that rest of the 4 passes will within 15 days.

Thanks for all the articles. After reading your blogs, We are planning for a trip to Leh. This will be our first trip but not sure what would be the best itinerary.

We have only 10 days and wants to do manali-leh highway with rented bikes. Could you please suggest what is best for us.We are planning to travel by bus from delhi to manali and then with bikes.

Also we are thinking to reach leh from delhi via manali by Innova. And there we can hire bikes to roam around ladakh for 2 days and then come back with our innova. Would this be feasible? or Travelling with innova on manali-leh highway is enjoyable as compared with rented bikes?

Bikes rented outside Leh are not allowed for sightseeing inside Ladakh except Tso Moriri and Tso Kar lakes which can be done while going to Manali from Leh. Private bikes are completely allowed. You can use the outside rented bike to reach Leh but then for going to Pangong Tso, nubra Valley, etc.. you need to hire rented bikes from Leh only.

To know more about this rule and present situation, please refer the link: Bikes Rented Outside Leh Banned in Ladakh

This year as per reports, rule is going to be stricter. Manali rental guys have formalized a deal that for the days Manali bike is parked in Leh and Leh bike is rented, they will charge 50% of the rent of the bike. So, confirm with Manali rental guys first about this signoff.

For renting bikes in Leh – Ladakh along with current Bike Union Prices, you can check the DwD Community thread: Leh – Ladakh Bike Rental Rates 2015 – 16 & Reliable Shops

The one way bike rental is quite costly and leave a big dent in pocket for you, sometimes like 12K for just the pickup from Manali. Be sure if you are ready to make that investment or not or if at all it is worth the money spent. My suggestion is unless you are hard core biker and cannot live up the passion of biking, it is not wise to spend that much money just for the pickup of bike.

I will suggest that you go through the articles mentioned under the DwD Community thread for bike trip to Ladakh or any other part of Himalayas at the link: All About Bike Ride to Ladakh & Himalayas. This will help you cover almost all your queries related to bike trip to Ladakh or Himalayas.

It will take 4 days to reach Leh from Srinagar side starting from Delhi and 3 days to come back from Leh from Manali side to Delhi. This makes it 7 days. 1 Day is required in Leh for acclimatization. You have about 10 days. 1 Day can be used as Day trip to Pangong Tso and other day can be used as day trip to Nubra Valley or just Khardung La pass.

hi dheeraj…i saw the news of manali-leh highway opening a liitle soon this time…I am planing for a bike trip to leh say in june most probably…And i have never travelled so long on bike…Maybe my love for nature is giving me this unresistable urge to travel to leh…can u please suggest me the preferable and safe route…And what can be the rent of bullet if i rent it from manali?…and would it be prefarable if i set up a tent in the middle of manali leh highway…I would prefer to stay in the lap of mother nature rather than staying in some hotel…Can u please guide me with all this things?…it would be a big help for me…and even give me some suggestion from your side as it is my trip…thank you

And yes one more thing i almost forgot…what can be the minimum expense for this trip if i am planing for 20 days…5 day stay in leh and other days in manali and surrounding (including bike rent and petrol expense etc)….

For doubts related to budget for Leh – Ladakh trip, I am sure the link below will help you alot for getting an idea of overall budget: How to calculate cost or budget for Leh – Ladakh trip

Also, check the article: 5 Tips for a Budget Trip to Ladakh

Hello Hridhant,

Dear Dheeraj,

As suggested by you we will be driving thru Spiti from Shimla, it will be a ten day tour and will end at Chandratal on July 18th.After this can we get back via Keylong/Leh/Srinagar/Chandigarh rather than rothang/Manali/Chandigarh. Number of days is not a problem, just wanted to know if its too taxing,

Yes Ravi, you can surely return from that route as well. Here is what you can follow and may skip at your need:

Day 11 | Chandratal – Jispa / Keylong, leave early in the day Day 12 | Keylong/Jispa – Leh — Leave Keylong/Jispa early next morning, say by 4/5 AM types, so that you reach Leh in the evening. — Overnight at Leh

Day 13 | Leh Local Sightseeing + Acclimatization — To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh — Overnight at Leh

Day 14 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder — Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit — On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La — Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari

Day 15 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh — Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs — Overnight at Leh

Day 16 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake — Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on the go towards Pangong Tso — Overnight at Pangong Tso (Spangmik or Lukung)

Day 17 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh — Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on return to Leh — Overnight at Leh

Day 18 | Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang — Cover Karzok Monastery — Overnight at Karzok or Tso Moriri Day 19 | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring (Manali – Leh Highway starts) – Taglang La – Upshi – Leh — Come back via Tso Kar and Manali – Leh Highway to Leh — Overnight at Leh

Day 20 | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping — Overnight at Leh

Day 21 | Leh – Lamayuru – Kargil — Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes — On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu — Overnight at Kargil

Day 22 | Kargil – Drass – Zozi La – Sonamarg – Srinagar — Enjoy the vistas enroute — Have late drunch meal at Sonamarg — Overnight at Srinagar

Day 23 | Srinagar – Jammu — Overnight at Jammu

Day 24 | Jammu – Ambala – Delhi — Back Home

Many thanks for your immediate reply, much appreciated. Two questions – can we do Tso Moriri from Jispa enroute to Leh, and what is the mileage I can expect in these terrains, I will be driving my recently bought Pajero Sport Automatic(2WD), on highways its giving 10kms/lt and 8.5kms in city,

No Ravi, doing Tso Moriri from Jispa is not recommended as it is high altitude lake and your body will not be acclimatized at all to sleep that early at Tso Moriri. Other way round is still holds true as after being in Ladakh, the body adapts to the high altitude after doing all the sightseeing in Ladakh. Regarding mileage, consider about 30% drop.

Hi Dheeraj, I’m visiting India in August and would like to do Manali-Leh-Ladakh on motorbike. Can you suggest any agency that offers group travels and bikes. And is it best time to visit these places. The only reason I am choosing agency is coz I don’t have bike in India now. Do you suggest going without any agency? Thanks

Theja, you can surely go without the agency too. You should be able to get the bike on rent in Manali without it as well. You can ride that bike up to Leh and then from there you can hire a local Leh bike for sightseeing in Ladakh after parking manali bike in hotel. Then you can return the Manali bike once you reach back to Manali from it.

Hello , Thanks for all the information. I am planning for Ladakh this year (aug/sep). My initial plan is Chandigarh–>Manali–>Leh–>(Nubra+Pangong+Tso moriri+Hemis & Thikse)–>Leh–>Srinagar–>Jammu–>back to my home. I will have budget around 30k (Manali–>Leh–>Jammu , excluding my train fare) and time span : 14-15 days (excluding my train journey). Now please suggest me in bit details that what my plan should be as per you (keeping those facts : my budget , time span and being solo) .

Firstly, I will suggest you that please plan it in other direction as going via Srinagar – Leh Highway will be much much easier on your body and help you acclimatize to the high altitude of Manali – Leh Highway. Also, it allows you to enjoy the beauty of Manali – Leh by splitting the journey almost evenly in two days which is very difficult in the other direction. Thirdly, it will allow you to fit Tso Moriri lake into the itinerary in better way. You can read more reasons on the link here

You should check: Top 10 Tips for a Solo Trip to Ladakh or Spiti Valley

Alright. I will go for Srinagar-Leh highway and will also try to follow your itinerary .Now please enlighten me about the cars which i should take from Srinagar or Jammu to reach Leh. Actually I had plan to take shared taxi but as you said that the journey wont be comfortable at all in shared taxis , i got confused about cars. Which travel mode i should take ? Bus ? or is it possible to get a group and hire a car ? If yes then how ? And after reaching Leh should i contact some agent or guide to go for some further destinations like Nubra , Pangong ?Here is also my same question about travel mode . Which i should take : shared taxi, bus or hire a car by joining some group or few people?

Hello Subhro,

For the leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2016 – 17 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here . You can get about 12-15% of discount by directly getting in touch with drivers and of course, talking in person rather on phone always help in bargaining more. While going from Srinagar to Leh, you might need to work out few things as there have been some tensions now in taxi unions and to settle it out what they have done is that they have a transit point just before Fotu La while going to Leh from Kargil. All Leh taxis stop there and kargil taxis too. They exchange passengers and move back in respective directions. Leh taxis take passengers to Leh coming from Srinagar/Kargil and Kargil guys take passengers to Srinagar/kargil coming from Leh

Try to get a group formed, may be post or find travel partners through travel calendar from the menu of the site.

private taxis are very costly in Leh but you will be able to find the shared taxi without much fuss at all. There are lots of flyers which people put at cafes, dine-ins, restaurants, travel agent desks/shops/whiteboards wanting to share the taxis for different trips within Ladakh. Even travel agent organize such shared taxis trip as well but charge a little higher about Rs 200-300 more than it would ideally cost. So, in worst case you can always go back to them and book a seat for yourself. Gelling up with people in Ladakh is more or less easy because many people travel solo and look forward to meet new people and share cultural thoughts and values over the trip. No where else in the world you will find more smiling and helpful people as Ladakhis are 🙂

Hi Dheeraj (wiki of Himalayas)

Thanks alot for all info you providing, you are doing a great job. respect \O/

I just wanted to know, is there any AMS problem to stay at SARCHU/PANG if we are coming from srinagar-leh highway?

Thanks & Regards, Adnan

Thank you so much Adnan. If you come from Srinagar side and then do whole ladakh stay at places overnight at Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri, mostly the body adapts to high altitude and you do good at Sarchu and Pang. Chances of getting hit with AMS on return are very very very slim but not 0 🙂

Thanks for your reply, Based on info and rough itinerary you provided, i have finalized my own itinerary with following dates. Please review it and give your valueable feedbacks.

Our Itinerary (15days) Ghaziabad-Srinagar-Leh-Manali-Ghaziabad Day 1: 29th May (Ghaziabad-Jammu) • Overnight at Jammu

Day 2: 30th May (Jammu-Srinagar) • Can we cover Local sightseeing in Srinagar at same day (Dal lake/Shikara ride) • Overnight at Srinagar

Day 3: 31st May (Srinagar-Sonamarg-Zozi La-Drass-Kargil) • Overnight at Kargil

Day 4: 1st June (Kargil via foti la-Lamayuru-Leh • Can we Cover these Places (Magnetic Hills, Pather sahib Gurudwara, Mulbekh maitrey, Lunar landscapes, Lamayuru monastery & Confluence at Nimmu) at same day, and if not then what your prefer. • Overnight at Leh

Day 5: 2nd June (Leh-Khardung La-Diskit-Hundar) • Can we cover Diskit monasteries and hundar bactrian camel safari in sand dunes at the same day? • Overnight at Hundar (ie. Snow leopard guest house)

Day 6: 3rd June (Hundar-Turtuk-TYAKSHI-Hundar) • Overnight at Hundar

Day 7: 4th June (Hundar-Sumur-Panamik-Sumur-Khardugla-Leh) • Can we cover Sumur monastery and Panamik hot water springs on same day? • Overnight at Leh

Day 8: 5th june (Leh local sightseeing) • Cover places (Shanti stupa, Hall of fame, Hamis, Shey, alchi and Thiksey Monasteries)

Day 9: 6th June (Leh-Karu-Changla-Pangong Tso lake) • Overnight at pangong Tso lake

Day 10: 7th June (Pangong-Changla-Karu-Upshi) • Overnight at Upshi

Day 11: 8th June (Upshi-chumathang-Mahe-Sumdo-Tso Moriri) • Overnight at Tso Moriri (Tented accommodation) • we will carry extra fuel for 550 kms from KAARU before Start • can we cover Karzok monastery at the same day?

Day 12: 9th June (Tso Moriri-Sumdo-Tso Kar-Moore plains-Pang) • Overnight at Pang

Day 13: 10th June (Pang-Lachangla-Sarchu-Baralacha la-Jispa) • Overnight at Jispa

Day 14: 11th June (Jispa-Keylong-Tandi-Rohtang La-Manali) • Overnight at Manali

Day 15: 12th June (Manali-Delhi)

best regards, Adnan

Adnan, most part looks good to go for me JUST please keep the rest day in Leh before you leave for Nubra Valley s that you have some acclimatization before climbing Khardung La

Hey thanks, One more question I know i m questioning like a kid, ok here it is

If i will go with this itinerary, i will miss tanglang la, and if i will cover tanglang la I will miss tso moriri… Which one u prefer?

Best regards, Adnan

I will prefer Tso Moriri over Taglang pass. If you have time on hand, you can take the route to Taglang back from Debring (where Tso Kar route meets Manali – Leh) and then come back to stay at Pang. Sarchu might get 1 Hr far in this way.

you mean we can cover this route (Tso moriri – tanglang la – pang) in one day, it is around 210 kms

Yes Adnan, you can do so. I am talking about, you start from Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring – Taglang La – Debring (back again) – Pang – Sarchu. You will need to come back to Debring from Taglang La.

Again i am here to take your expert advise.

I read the update that leh-manali highway is still closed.

As per my itinerary, i will coming back from upshi to tso moriri on 7th june. tso moriri to pang on 8th june pang to manali on 9th june.

What is your thought, manali to leh highway will be operational by then?

Massive respect for your brilliant blog, and the amount of information you’ve obtained. My friends and I are trying to create a custom itinerary of Manali-Spiti-(Keylong/Zinging)- (if possible Tsomo riri)-Leh in mid-June

Would this be feasible across a 5-6 day period? And do local travel agencies support such a customer itinerary?

Thanks Tauseef

Ahmed, Tso MOriri is out of context here. You want Manali – Spiti or Manali – Lahaul? Keylong/Zingzing bar are in Lahaul not Spiti. With just 6 days in hand from Manali you can do something like below:

Day 1 : Reach Manali by overnight volvo of 28 and stay overnight at Solang Valley as preferred for acclimatization Day 2 : Manali / Solang – Kaza Day 3 : Kaza – Dhangkar – Tabo – Kaza OR Kaza – Langza – Komik – Hikkim – Kaza Day 4 : Kaza – Ki – Kibber – Chandratal Day 5 : Chandratal – Manali Day 6 : Chill around Manali and take evening Volvo Day 7 : Reach Delhi by overnight Volvo from Manali

Thanks Dheeraj!

What we were planning was to start with Manali-Spiti, then u-turn and do Spiti-Leh (Fly back from Leh to Delhi)

It’s a very long journey, which is why I was asking if such a plan is feasible, and if any tour operators can help us with such a complicated route 🙂

Would you advise against doing Manali-Spiti and Spiti-Leh in one trip? (By car/SUV, with a local driver)

If you have enough days, you can surely do. I am sharing a tentative plan of entire circuit Delhi – Kinnaur – Spiti – Ladakh – Srinagar – Jammu – Delhi. You can opt to fly from Leh instead coming down to Srinagar and then to Delhi by road.

Day 1 | Chandigarh/Ambala – Narkanda – Sarahan Day 2 | Sarahan – Rakcham/Sangla/Chitkul Day 3 | Rakcham/Sangla/Chitkul – Nako – Geyu Mummy – Tabo Day 4 | Tabo – Dhangkar – Dhangkar Lake – Pin Valley – Kaza Day 5 | Kaza Rest and Local Sightseeing — Ki, Kibber, Gette, Tashigang Day 6 | Kaza – Hikkim, Komik, Langza circuit – Kaza Day 7 | Kaza – Sissu / Keylong, leave early in the day Day 8 | Keylong/Jispa – Leh — Leave Keylong/Jispa early next morning, say by 4/5 AM types, so that you reach Leh in the evening. — Overnight at Leh

Day 9 | Leh Local Sightseeing + Acclimatization — To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh — Overnight at Leh

Day 10 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder — Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit — On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La — Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari

Day 11 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh — Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs — Overnight at Leh

Day 12 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake — Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on the go towards Pangong Tso — Overnight at Pangong Tso (Spangmik or Lukung)

Day 13 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh — Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on return to Leh — Overnight at Leh

Day 14 | Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang — Cover Karzok Monastery — Overnight at Karzok or Tso Moriri Day 15 | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring (Manali – Leh Highway starts) – Taglang La – Upshi – Leh — Come back via Tso Kar and Manali – Leh Highway to Leh — Overnight at Leh

Day 16 | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping — Overnight at Leh

Day 17 | Leh – Lamayuru – Kargil — Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes — On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu — Overnight at Kargil

Day 18 | Kargil – Drass – Zozi La – Sonamarg – Srinagar — Enjoy the vistas enroute — Have late drunch meal at Sonamarg — Overnight at Srinagar

Day 19 | Srinagar – Jammu — Overnight at Jammu

Day 20 | Jammu – Ambala – Delhi — Back Home

BTW, you will get all the info. up here even to make any of complex to complex trips, so if you can spare some time to plan your trip and read articles on DoW, you can save good amount of money 🙂

This itinerary is amazing, thank you so much!

Will definitely do so, since we have time till April to plan!

Best wishes for your Ladakh trip.

I was visited Spiti like below plan Day 1, July 10: Delhi to Manali (Boarded Bus from Majnu ka Teela and left around 7:00 PM) Day 2, July 11: Manali to Losar (Reached Manali in the morning of 9:00 AM and left for Losar around 11:00 AM) Day 3, July 12: Losar to Tabo (covered Losar, Key, Kibber and Dhankar) Day 4, July 13: Tabo to Losar (covered Tabo, Kaza, Komic, and Langza) Day 5, July 14: Losar to Chandratal (covered Kunzum Pass, Chandratal Lake) Day 6, July 15: Chandratal to Manali (reached Manali around 3:30 PM and boarded bus for Delhi around 5:00 PM) Day 7, July 16: Reached Delhi in the morning around 9:00 AM

Very starnge to see Losar all over night stays and doing long hops when Kaza seems more practical. Also, the second day I am glad to know that you do not have any health issues of AMS going by the plan in case it would have been caused, you might have been in bad shape. But, anyways good that you were able to make it sound. I am just commenting here so that NO ONE else tries this plan because AMS can be FATAL too at times.

Thanks Dheeraj for valid point. Actually, second day I was planned for night stay in Kaza but we were started late from Manali (Delhi to Manali bus was late due to rain) and reached Losar around 9 PM. There was raining too, so we decided to stay at Losar because road was very bad and Losar to Kaza was further 2 hour journey.

Some of member between us feel little headache; yes I think due to AMS issue. But our driver was very expert and he come with a lot of fruits juice and three dozen water bottle from Manali (Also advised us to drink a lot of water and juice to avoid AMS). I think this advice help us for night stay at Losar.

In return time, all of us were adjusted with Spiti environment. So night stay at Losar didn’t cause any issue.

Good to know that Vivek, glad your driver proved as a true guide and well wisher for you. Had it been otherwise you know what could have been ended up in 🙁 … I just commented because sometimes people read comments and due to pressing time they follow something which might not work for them assuming it worked for someone else. Hence, dont want any of the DoW reader to end up in mess

Thank you for explaining it, it will help others make a wise call !! Appreciate it.

Hello, Dheeraj. Massive respect to you for maintaining this kind of the blog and replying to comments promptly. I have few suggestion before going into my questions i.e. please can you add right click button so that it will help in opening the multiple tabs in without interrupting the existing page what we are reading., second one please add copy or pdf so we can take printout while going to trip.

Coming to my queries, Basically, I am from Delhi and planning Leh trip somewhere in July end. I would like to make this trip by bike from Chandigarh. This would be my first trip to this Himalayas though I have been to Manali by car from Delhi. I am considering my trip from chandigarh>>Manali>>Leh>>Srinagar>>Chandigarh.

1. Which is the good place/vendor to hire a bike from Chandigarh (if you are aware of any vendor). 2. I would like to take RE classic only, however, do have any suggestions for Displacement/Capacity/CC of the bike. I am planning by 350 CC. Doe 350 CC will have any issues in terms of pick/performance and all. 3. Most of the vendors are quoting Rs 1200-1500 for 350CC and 1800Rs for 500CC. is this okay cost? or can I get the even lesser price? 4. I am planning 14days for an entire trip. do you think it will be sufficient? 5. how many liters should I carry with bottle apart from filled tank? I am planning not carry extra petrol bottle from Chandigarh to Manali and will fill everything over there and continue the journey.

Thanks in advance for you suggestions.

Hello Shree,

Thank you for suggestions, I have re-enabled the support for right click now, you should be good with that. The Print/PDF can be done using the vertical buttons on the left that slide with the articles along with other social media icons. There is a button with Printer sign on it, You can click on that to get the print and then say save as PDF to any article.

1. Bikes rented outside Leh are not allowed for sightseeing inside Ladakh except Tso Moriri and Tso Kar lakes which can be done while going to Manali from Leh. Private bikes are completely allowed. You can use the outside rented bike to reach Leh but then for going to Pangong Tso, nubra Valley, etc.. you need to hire rented bikes from Leh only.

4. I will suggest you that please plan it in other direction as going via Srinagar – Leh Highway will be much much easier on your body and help you acclimatize to the high altitude of Manali – Leh Highway. Also, it allows you to enjoy the beauty of Manali – Leh by splitting the journey almost evenly in two days which is very difficult in the other direction. Thirdly, it will allow you to fit Tso Moriri lake into the itinerary in better way. You can read more reasons on the link here

5. Fuel Availability In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips

hi, I am not bother about bikes renting at leh. i am bothering about bikes at chandigarh as of now. and CC of the bike. can you throw some light on that.

Ok, I am not sure what you will do with bikes rented in Chandigarh which cannot be used in Leh. Anyways, Chandigarh does have few shops where bikes are available on rent though I do not have contact for them. I suggested a link of DoW Comunity about bikes in previous article, you can post under the forum and tag PreetKamal who can help you with some contacts.

Regarding CC, all depends upon your wit and determination as a rider to complete the trip. Well though it is not required to have more powerful bike like Bullet/RE but always preferable. 100cc might be able to do it as I known people and have read many accounts of it in the past but surely will struggle at some places where it might be required to push manually, especially I believe if you get stuck in some water crossing. DO NOT push the bike beyond its limit in case your stuck rather user your own physical power to get it out. Also, the speed will be slow when you ride near the high mountain passes on a lower cc bike.

Thanks dheeraj, as i mentioned i am planning my journey from chandigarh and gonna hire bike from there. Hence i am insisting bikes in chandgarh. Yea, your correct i need to take bikes in leh too. it can be avoided.

Shree, please contact PreetKamal in the DwD Community. He should be able to help with the contacts

The last entry having been made in June, 2015, I am not sure if Dheeraj is still available for answering my query or not. But what I am sure of is that he has written one the best pieces on travel on the Leh-Manali Road. Thank you Dheeraj for that. Reading the article and all the queries and their answers, I now have answers to most of my questions. One nagging doubt still remains.

I will be driving my Dzire diesel sedan. I am a fairly good driver and have driven to Lahaul valley, Badrinath, Gulmarg etc. and have enjoyed driving on each trip.

i) How difficult is it to cross nallahs/rivulets in this sedan? There will be 4 passengers including me (not-so-young passengers who can be expected to get out and push the car).

ii) Which time will be more suitable for the Leh to Manali journey? Mid June (say around June 15 ) or last week of June (say around 28)? The only slot available to me is from June 1 to June 30. Thats why this predicament.

Thank you so much PP, I am still around here and will always be in Discover with Dheeraj for the love of travel in Himalayas 🙂 🙂

1. For hatchback/sedan taking on Manali – Leh Highway and Ladakh, I will say:

You will indeed face few tough challenges on the route. The hatchback/sedan will increase the level of every challenge even further, sedan is the worst candidate. My suggestion will be to go via Srinagar route as it will help you feel comfortable with the driving, provide more acclimatization and then once you have done the local Leh-Ladakh, then come back via Manali side. Secondly, since you are in hatch/sedan, then you need to drive with extra care as well. There will be some sections on the Manali – Leh highway in which you might need to sacrifice some scratches on the underbelly. Just make sure you do not bump the engine sump (know it before where it is placed in your car). You need to protect it all around the trip. Thirdly, whenever in doubt do not rush into the section rather park aside and feel the section with your foot, see how other vehicles are crossing it and make a planned route in your mind to cross that section. At the very least do carry Mseal, quick fix, funnel, jerry cans and towing rope with you all the time.

Also, I will strongly suggest that you go through and read my series on Ladakh Self Drive tips at the links below:

7 Useful Tips for a Self Drive to Leh – Ladakh , Routes and Road Conditions In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips , Fuel Availability In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips FAQ | Can I do Leh – Ladakh / Spiti / Manali – Leh trip in Hatchback or Sedan?

2. You can plan anytime between 15th – 30th June as by then the Manali – Leh will be stabilzied. In fact it might openin winters as per local newspapaer due to not much snow at all this massive strange year. So, you have a good window even if it snows in March too much.

Hi, Very Well written. I am planning for a bike trip from Manali to leh during June end it will be a 14-15 day trip. l am from Mumbai and will be travelling from mumbai to Delhi by flight and the Delhi to manali by Bus. The main journey starts here. I have many questions and would like to get some advice from you. 1) Where to Hire bikes from in Manali?- I would like a classic 350 newer model. 2) What is the price of the Bike? 3) Apart from the rent how much the rentals charge for the deposit money? 4) what will be the overall expenditure (Average) including everything (Stay, food, petrol , etc) The places can be basic camps nothing fancy. 5) Which are the best places where we should halt during the stay? Dont want to make it too hectic 6) Incase of brakedows, what do do? Do we carry extra clutch cables and other minor equipments? 7) Are there enough petrol pumps in the way or we need to carry some extra cans of petrol? 8) Is getting permits difficult? 9) Can you provide with some bike rental agencies?

These are some questions i have in my mind. i await your reply.

Thanks Naren

This blog cannot be printed 🙁 can you provide a pdf so that i can print this… This will be very informative.

Will look into to add this feature.

Please respond to this comment

Just did it, please read them and make a wise choice 🙂

Hi Narendra,

To know about AMS and acclimatization including the tips to combat AMS, please DO READ: Acute Mountain Sickness and Importance of Acclimatization

1,2,3 Read above

4) For doubts related to budget for Leh – Ladakh trip, I am sure the link below will help you alot for getting an idea of overall budget: How to calculate cost or budget for Leh – Ladakh trip

5) Read above 6) Read above 7) Yes, you need to carry extra fuel. Read the entire series, 7 Useful Tips for a Self Drive to Leh – Ladakh , Routes and Road Conditions In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips , Fuel Availability In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips

8) You do not need permits within Ladakh now since 2014. If you travel in direcion from Manali to Leh still reading above, you need permit from Manali to Rohtang Pass for which you can read: How to get Rohtang Pass Permit Online

9) Can you provide with some bike rental agencies?

we are planning to go leh-manali in the time of jan by car could you please suggest the road conditions are favourable or not

Rakes, Manali – Leh opens in end of May or early June. So, please plan it accordingly.

First of all #MassiveRespect to you and commendable work on this website. The detailed inputs about any / every place Himalayan places by you calls for an applaud sir 🙂

I am a software engineer by profession and an avid traveler who along with 3 friends (guys) are planning a trip to Leh-Laddakh by the end of June or beginning of July 2016. I have been re-searching, following your threads regarding this place and according to the time we have, the 9 day trip suits us the best. I read the related itinerary written on

Manali – Leh – Ladakh – Manali | Itinerary for 9 Days

As this will be my first trip I am a bit confused hence the below queries (hope they make sense :P)

1) We want to go Leh via Manali route and return via Srinagar (Delhi-Manali-Leh; Leh-Srinagar-Delhi). Is it possible on a 9 day trip ? If yes what should be the ideal itinerary ?

2) Had a word with few travel agencies operate in those regions plus few friends who went to Leh via themselves (renting bikes, cars and pre-booking hotels). The cost estimation I received crosses 30 K per person approx but the travel agencies giving package ranges from 35-40 K per person ! Which is preferable & cost effective ?

3) Apart from all the details and precautions mentioned on your thread/link anything special to be taken care off as well ?

Awaiting your response and if possible willing to talk to you prior we set for this trip. Would be really helpful 🙂

Still awaiting a reply on this … If anybody can throw some light, it would really be helpful 🙂

Just replied here: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/how-to-plan-a-journey-on-manali-leh-highway/comment-page-5/#comment-364022

Thank you so much Deep. I am just in transition of a new home, so spending a bit less time here online. The DwD Community is alive as ever and in case you see delayed reply here on the blog, you can always post it under DwD Community (refer link from Menu)

Regarding your current queries:

1. Well, it will take 3 days from Delhi to Leh via Manali with overnight halts at Manali/Solang, Keylong/Jispa and then finally Leh. One day at least you need to rest in Leh for acclimatization. This makes your 4 days. Now, 4 days are required for return from Srinagar – Leh Highway as night halts Kargil, Srinagar, Jammu and then finally 9th day you reach Delhi. Now, in between you have 5th day left for you on which you can either make a day trip to Khardung La or Pangong Tso, your choice. All in all a very hectic trip with just being on the road and seeing nothing much in Ladakh apart from Srinagar – Leh Highway and Manali – Leh highway

2. Cost effective will always be if you plan on your own and with all the help available on DoW, I see no reason you cant plan unless you do not want to read at all and prepare yourself. In the latter case you can always give a shot to travel agent.

3. Read the article on Acclimatization and tips for taking clothes to Ladakh from menu of Ladakh above.

Thank You for replying. I will plan accordingly as advised.

Will bug you again here if required 😉

Sure, Deep, anytime. Before new year, you might see some delay but post that replies will be much faster

Hi I am Ankith, we 5 friends are planning a road trip from Bangalore to Leh ladak in a Innova car. Our plan is for 9 days road trip. Can anyone suggest the places in Leh ladak which we can cover in this span.

Hi Dheeraj, Thanks for the reply As we are planning for this trip on Mid December this year, whether it will be a right time to visit? 9 days include travel from bangalore to Leh and back to bangalore by car. We may get not more than 4.5 days to see all the paces. So please suggest some places in this span and information about permits at this season.

Ankith, roads to Ladakh will now open back in next year mid May or June

Me and my friend planning to travel keylong from Chandigarh in our personal car (around September 10) our trip duration is of 3 days only, Please guide us about the whole procedure, like permission for rohtang pass, accommodation, travel time and hotels etc

Gurpritam, you can check: Rohtang Pass Rules & Restriction of Vehicles – Demystified

We are planning this trek (the way you have suggested Leh to Manali) with family. Is it ok to take our kids aged btw 10-12. If yes, what are the challenges or risks involved. Is it advisable to take at the first place and if so pls help out in suggesting precautionary elements.

Regards Kusuma

In general, it is fine to take the children of such age group because AMS do not matter with respect to age or sex or any fitness level. It can happen to anyone of any age or sex or fitness I shall say :D.. The issue with children is that they tend to exert the body considering it the same kind of place they belong to and this elevates the chances of getting struck with AMS. Secondly, they are not much expressive about their uneasy feelings, so it is parents who need to watch out and take care that the child is not suffering from uneasy feelings, headache or nausea and is behaving properly. With 5+ year child, I think he/she would be able to convey the uneasiness with little efforts. If you notice any such feeling or he/she tells you about such a feeling then please do not ascend anywhere, either descend to lower altitude or stay at the same place to watch things overnight and if symptom increase then start descending immediately. Same is applicable for any adult as well. And yes, do keep the body adequately hydrated!!

Also, PLEASE read the article: Traveling to Ladakh with Kids or Babies . This article covers this topic in complete detail.

I wid my 5 frnz planning to visit leh via srinagar-leh-manali…1st week of sept is safe or not by own private four wheeler..and all passes ll be opened.

Jayant, September is quite a good time to travel

Looks like a great adventure here. thanks for the tips. I hope I can go to Manali too

May i know on an average how much time it takes from Manali to Keylong and Keylong to Leh in shared taxi. i am planning to take shared taxi/public transport to reach Leh from Manali. And halting a night at Keylong? That would be fine? Will be reaching Manli on Aug 14th. Other than Keylong any place to stay ? whats your suggestion.

Dinkan, Manali to Keylong will take around 5-6 Hrs types and Keylong to Leh will take around 12-14 Hrs. You can extend to Jispa rather Keylong which is about 1 hr ahead of Keylong.

Sorry but I am firm supporter of Manali to Leh than opposite as recommended above. I have both many times, yes, opposite its easier but the challenge of Manali to Leh is special. The barren valley unfolding it as we travel along is a privil that is missed while returning….SIn all, Manali to Leh for me always…

Vishard, may be yes in case all goes well but when that 5% chances hits you back it spoils the trip 🙂

hey guys; i and a friend of mine, are planning to go to leh from manali around the 10th of july.so anyones intrested cn let us know, as we are looking for company. Any other leads on bike rentals and stuff are welcome. #9972282626

Better check Travel Calendar from the menu and filter the entries based on your preferences.

Hey Dheeraj, I tried calling few people who are offering d bikes on rent…but all of them are saying that this season no bikes are available….as all are booked… can u gv me some contacts who can provide us bikes from 25th june……..

You can connect with [email protected] as most of the readers in the past couple of years have had very good feedback about them and their transparent policies.

We are four person….on bike… any1 ready to join….. can contact me….8889088999

I am trying to plan as per your advice… on bikes from shrinagar-leh-manali… Is it possible to get bikes from shrinagar that we can drop at manali…nd wht ll b d cost in that case…?

The drop only rates or loading charges per biek comes out to be 10-12K. Are you sure you want to go with one way bike rental?

Hi Dhheraj ,

Me and MY husband planning for leh bike trip from manali . we have booked our ticket from mumbai 11th JULY 2015 . we have our bike TB350 but we are going alone is it ok or we have join any group. if yes could you please help to find any group .

hey poonam,

We are doing a chandigarh-srinagar-leh-manali-chandigarh starting 13th july, ending 25th july.

cheers!! Vachan

Hey vachan ,

Thanks for replying . Could you please share your email or contact details , so we can contact you . or if possible could you please share you plan so if possible we will join you guys in chandigarh .

Thanks , Poonam Kharya

Replied here: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/about/comment-page-12/#comment-335275

Hi dheeraj, Kindly suggest some bike rentals at srinagar for renting bikes from srinagar to manali – one way without extra charges or else atleast from leh to manali-oneway trip. Thank you

Samson, there are no such bike rentals who can provide you bikes without charging extra for one way trip 🙂 … It is about 10-12K they charge per bike for loading charges on one way trips. Best is if you are not hard core biker then avoid it.

Hi, We are group of 6 guys and planning a road trip. Could you please suggest if this iternary is good or need modifications. Also can you please suggest some semi-luxury hotel in Leh. We have our flight tickets booked from Mumbai to Chandigarh and from Srinagar to Mumbai so that can’t be changed, the rest of the trip is flexible.

CHANDIGARH – MANALI – LADAKH – SRINAGAR JEEP SAFARI Duration: 14 Nights & 15 Days Travel Dates: 25 July to 08 August Synopsis: Chandigarh – Manali – Rohtang – Keylong – Jispa – Baralacha pass – Sarchu – Morre Plains – Tsokar – Tso Moriri – Mahe Bridge – Leh – Sangam – Pangong Lake – Khardungla Pass – Nubra – Panamik – Leh – Lamayuru – Kargil – Drass – Sonmarg – Srinagar ITINERARY: Day 01: Chandigarh – Manali Travel to Manali and stay overnight Day 02: Manali Sightseeing and overnight stay. Day 03: Manali – Jispa/Sarchu Drive to Sarchu (or Jispa) for night stay. Day 04: Jispa/Sarchu – Tso Moriri Meal: Breakfast and Dinner Visit Tso Moriri and overnight stay Day 05: Tso Moriri – Leh (7-8 hours) – 220 kms Tour Tso Moriri and overnight stay Day 06: Leh Sightseeing in Leh and overnight stay Day 07: Leh – Pangong Lake (5-6 hours) ( 225 to 290 kms ) Stay near Pangong lake Day 08: Pangong-Leh (7-8 hours) ( 225 to 290 kms ) Return back to Leh Day 09: Leh – Khandrungla Top – Nubra Valley- Visit to Nubra valley and stay overnight Day 10: Nubra Valley Sightseeing and stay in Nubra valley Day 11: Nubra Valley – Leh (7-8 hours) (120 kms ) Drive down to Leh and stay there Day 12: Leh Sightseeing in Leh Day 13: Leh – Kargil (211 kms) Drive down to Kargil and visit any tourist places on the way. Day 14: Kargil – Drass – Sonamarg – Srinagar (202 kms) Drive down to Srinagar and stay overnight

Excellent inputs. Thanks. Taking these inputs have planned to drive entering Srinagar from 12th September. Need your advise / confirmation on: 1. Drive Leh to Pangon Lake on 18th Sept. Stay Spangmik for night. 2. On 19th, wish to drive from Spangmik to Tso Moriri- please advise route, condition & will you recommend? 3. On 20th drive from Tso Moriri to Sarchu – advise route and condition. Stay night at Sarchu – next day to Manali. 4. Will we need to take permit for Pangong and Tso Moriri? 5. Booking hotels through your website at both lakes. Any recommendation for Leh Hotel? Will drive Toyota Qualis. Thanks for your reply.

Regarding Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri, please read: Tips for Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri Direct Route

Yes, you need to take inner line permit to take direct route from Pangong Tso to Tso moriri and even after permits it will not be confirmed that rmy will let you pass through or not. For inner line permit download form and complete process, refer: Inner Line Permits for Leh – Ladakh

I and my wife are planning Leh trip via road from Delhi – Manali – Leh – Manali – Delhi.

Please contact me if any other couple is also looking for Car Pool partners. Note: (For couple only and Serious Traveler)

Where are you from and when are you planning to travel? We might go in august 2nd week? Hw about you? I am from Gandhinagar, Gujarat

Regards, Pooja

Hi Dheeraj, we a group of 4 friends are planning a trip to leh on 1 bike and 1 car. We are carrying camping tents with us, can you please suggest us the sites that would be best for camping on manali – leh highway. Plus is there any danger of staying in our own tents at a foreign place?

Vivek, there is no issue in camping in case you have camped earlier in remote areas and used to it. Else mostly it is mental outfit towards the camping in remote areas that is the major bottleneck. For information on pitching your own camps in Leh – Ladakh, please refer our FAQ in the community: FAQ | Can I pitch my own tents or camps anywhere in Ladakh?

You can camp at Jispa, Darcha before Baralacha La and then may be Rumtse after getting down from Taglang La. If you coming from Leh, then you can also consider Pang and Sarchu but while going from Manali side it is not recommended because of less acclimatized body.

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A Complete Guide To The Manali-Leh Road Trip

By Carandbike Team

1 mins read

Published on January 17, 2022

Manali-Leh road trip is a scenic journey most iconic and photogenic spots
Spanning a total of 474 km, surrounded by lush forests and valleys
The path is filled with scenic visuals featuring valleys and rivers

Undoubtedly, the highway connecting Manali with Leh is a very picaresque piece of work and is full of beauty and magnificence. Charming features along the way include Manali and Lahaul's green and lush valleys as well as the beautiful Ladakh desert. Considered to be an absolute favourite for road trip enthusiasts, the road flanked by high passes remains to be a highly-respected roadway for motorcyclists and adventurers. Let's take a look at a detailed guide to Manali-Leh Road Trip.

Photo Credit: en.wikipedia.org

DETAILS OF THE ROUTE

The highway spans a total of 474 km beginning from Manali and opens up on the first day of June and shuts down on the 15 th of September. Technically, the highway remains motorable till October's end. Starting from Manali's forests (Devdar), you pass through Mahri's numerous Dhabas, all while witnessing the beautiful valley. Further along, comes the Rohtang Pass, standing at an enormous 3978 metres. Weather in the region keeps fluctuating and therefore, travellers are advised to be prepared for extremities.

Landslides are very common and the descend into Lahaul is quite dangerous. Post this, the town of Khoksar comes, where entries are registered and foreigners' passports are checked. The Dhabas here are good and therefore, it is a famous stop for drivers. A famous night stop which comes afterwards is Keylong, a huge town in the region. The place is synonymous with Buddhism, which is apparent in the feel and vibe of the place. A fairly-good alternative to Keylong is the village of Gemur/Jispa (25 kilometres after Keylong).

Acclimatization is important to avoid AMS or Acute Mountain Sickness. Heading towards Zanskar, there is divergence at Darcha. Baralacha La aka “The Gateway to Ladakh, Spiti, Lahaul and Zanskar” is a famous spot. From here, you can visit all four regions after a day's walk. The descent from Baralacha La makes the town of Bharatpur temporarily visible. The road continues approaching Himachal and J&K's borders at Sarchu, where there is a police checkpoint, as well as a wine shop, is located.

Once you enter Jammu & Kashmir, you witness two extremely photogenic valleys. The highway continues to Nakee La which stands tall and high at 4915m. Further ahead is the Lachung La pass, standing at 5035 metres. The descent towards Pang is spectacular as well, especially the last 5 km. Finally comes the highest point of the trip – The Taglang La (5359m). The view from here is tremendously breathtaking. Post Rumtse village, the road starts travelling down the famous Indus Valley, passing Upshi and Karu villages. Finally, the entrance gate stating “Jullay, Welcome to Ladakh” arrives.

TOP HALT SPOTS

Manali – offers great housing places and food.
Khoksar – Local food-offering Dhabas are highly famous
Sissu, Gemur/Jispa – Cheap accommodations available

COMMUTING AVAILABILITIES

Government Buses by HRTC and HPTDC (very affordable)
Local Pool Cabs and Mini Buses (pocket-friendly rates)
Private Taxis (slightly expensive)

The Manali-Leh road trip is a bucket list item for almost every person who wants to live a truly fulfilling adventure. The path is filled with scenic visuals featuring lush valleys and magnificent rivers. To conclude, the hype for both the journey and the destination is completely justified.

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A complete guide to the Manali-Leh road trip

Shubham Mansingka Shubham Mansingka / Guest Contributor / DRIVING HOLIDAY , LADAKH / Updated : May 26, 2022, 11:56 IST

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This is a road trip that has changed many people’s lives. Passing through two 5000 m and two 4900 m high passes with jaw-dropping views, the Manali-Leh road was built as an alternate to the Srinagar-Leh road. It remains the mecca … Read more

A complete guide to the Manali-Leh road trip

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Manali to Ladakh Itinerary – Manali to Leh Ladakh Trip Plan

The most common way of traveling to Ladakh is to start from Manali and end at Srinagar. Due to its challenging nature, the route from the Manali side presents the travelers with an adventure right from the start of the journey. At the same time, the natural beauty of the region you cross is like no other. If you are going to be traveling to Leh Ladakh anytime soon, below is a Manali to Ladakh itinerary that you can follow for the trip.

When you are going to a place like Ladakh, careful planning and a well-laid travel itinerary becomes of utmost importance. Ladakh is not your typical vacation where you can just pack your bags and go. Everything is different up there. Your journey will be bound by timelines and you will be presented with hostile weather conditions and bad roads.

Also Read: How to Plan a Trip to Leh Ladakh – A Complete Travel Guide

For most people, it may be several years before you can plan another trip there. You got to make sure that you are making the best of your time and travel in the most efficient way. This will also save you any hassle and will keep your trip safe. It is also helpful to know what all places are worth covering and what are the major tourist attractions that you must not miss.

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Manali to Ladakh Itinerary

In this article, I will talk about traveling from Manali to Leh, local sightseeing in Ladakh, and return via Srinagar. In case you do not intend to cover the Srinagar highway at all, then I will also provide an alternate itinerary to return via the same route to Manali.

I will lay down a plan for 2 weeks journey. This in my opinion is a must if you truly want to cover all tourist destinations. Based on the number of days you have, you can add or remove places from this itinerary.

I will also assume that you are either using your own vehicle, motorcycle, or car or renting a private cab for this trip. But the itinerary below can also be used even if you were traveling by public transport.

Delhi to Manali – Day 1
Manali to Jispa – Day 2
Jispa to Sarchu / Pang – Day 3
Sarchu / Pang to Leh – Day 4
Leh – Day 5
Leh – Khardung La – Diskit / Hunder – Day 6
Diskit / Hunder – Panamik – Khardung La – Leh – Day 7
Leh to Pangong Tso – Day 8
Pangong Tso to Leh – Day 9
Leh to Tso Moriri – Day 10
Tso Moriri to Leh – Day 11
Leh to Kargil – Day 12
Kargil to Srinagar – Day 13
Srinagar to Jammu – Day 14
Jammu to Delhi – Day 15

The following Manali to Ladakh itinerary mostly focuses on an easy travel plan without too much rush and covering all major tourist attractions. It is more of a common itinerary that can apply to almost anyone, irrespective of whether you are traveling solo or with family.

Day 1: Delhi to Manali

For the sake of this article, I am assuming that you are starting your journey from Delhi. If you were coming from a different town, only the journey on the first and the last day will be different. The rest of the Manali to Ladakh itinerary will remain the same.

There isn’t much to write about Day 1 actually except that this will be a long and monotonous ride. Depending on your speed and breaks, it can take you anywhere between 13-15 hours to arrive at Manali. Start early from Delhi so that you can at least avoid the city traffic.

Also Read: Clothes for Ladakh Trip – What to Pack

Day 2 – Manali to Jispa

The most important thing that you need to keep in mind while traveling from Manali is the permit for Rohtang Pass. A quick fix for this would be that apply for the permit online and obtain it beforehand.

If for some reason you could get it online, contact a hotel in Manali and ask them if they can arrange permits for you. If their answer is yes, book your night stay with them and collect permits after you reach Manali. This way, you will not have to spend an entire day in Manali arranging permits.

If the permit could not be arranged at all, the only other way you have is to travel via the Atal tunnel and keep Rohtang for another trip at another time.

It is advised that you start as early as you can from Manali to avoid traffic congestion at Rohtang Pass . Cross the first high-altitude pass of your journey and enjoy beautiful vistas all day long. There is mostly a lot of slush towards the top of Rohtang Pass and roads too are narrow so drive carefully.

If you must stay in a cemented hotel and are on a budget, then stay at Keylong. You can find several moderately priced hotels here.

If a hotel is not a must, then go to Jispa and stay there. There are a couple of campsites and hotels in Jispa where you can stay. Jispa is a beautifully located town and in my opinion, you must stay at one of the camps there rather than Keylong. Depending upon your speed, this journey can take you anywhere between 6-10 hours.

If you were short on time, you can skip this day entirely. Travel through the Atal tunnel and head straight to Sarchu for the night on Day 2 itself.

Day 3 – Jispa to Sarchu / Pang

You can start easy by 8-9 AM from Jispa as the journey is not too long. You will cross Baralacha La , Lachulung La, Nakeela on the way. On the way, you will also see two small lakes, Deepak Tal and Sooraj Tal, and witness the beauty and challenging nature of the Manali Leh highway.

Gata Loops are another major attraction. After Sarchu, you will cross into the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Reach Pang by evening and check into one of the camps/chadar tents.

Most people will advise you against staying at Pang because of high altitude sickness which you are bound to suffer from here. But if you have 3 days in hand, there is not really much of an option to stay other than Sarchu or Pang and you are bound to feel AMS at both places.

The only other way around this is to really rush through the journey on day 2, start from Jispa by 5-6 AM, and reach Leh by evening. This is also a preferred choice if you are not comfortable staying at a camp or chadar tent at either Sarchu or Pang.

For more detail on altitude sickness, please take a look at How to deal with acute mountain sickness in Ladakh .

In my opinion, a 3 days journey on this road is better. But if you are short on time, then you can change it to Manali to Jispa on Day 1 and Jispa to Leh on Day 2.

Day 4 – Pang to Leh

Leh is not too far from Pang so you can start at your own convenience. You will cross the magnificent Moore Plains and Tanglang La Pass on the way.

The journey from Pang to Leh is not more than 6 hours. Even if you traveled at a slow pace, so you should comfortably be in Leh by late afternoon. This will give you ample time for hotel hunting.

Once you have decided on a hotel, you can either chose to rest or may even visit Shanti Stupa, Leh Market, or Leh palace in the evening.

Day 5 – Leh

You will stay for the day in Leh. Rest and give your body some time to adjust to high altitude. The most important task for this day is to arrange your Inner Line Permit for the trip ahead.

Day 6 – Leh – Khardung La – Diskit / Hunder

On Day 6, you will travel to Nubra valley and cross Khardung La on your way. Spend some time at Khardung La top and have a cup of tea at the Army canteen.

You can stay at either Diskit or Hunder for the night. The tall Buddha statue, sand dunes, and Bactrian camels are the most famous tourist attractions that you should see. It is a 6-8 hours journey depending on your speed.

Day 7 – Diskit / Hunder – Panamik – Khardung La – Leh

Start early from Diskit or Hunder and head towards the small village of Panamik. See the hot water springs in Panamik and start your return journey to Leh via the same route that you took to reach Nubra Valley.

An alternate way to do the journey here can be to take the Agham Shyok road to head straight to Pangong from Nubra Valley. That way, you can save a day on your itinerary.

Day 8 – Leh to Pangong Tso

This may be a long journey depending on the speed and breaks you take so an early start is advised. While on the way, you can also cover a few monasteries like Hemis, Thiksey , Shey Palace, and get across mighty Chang La.

You can choose to stay at either Tangste, Lukung, or Spangmik. If you want to stay close to the lake, then you will have to stay at a campsite. If you want to stay at a cemented hotel, you will have to look for accommodation at either Tangste, Lukung, or Spangmik.

Day 9: Pangong Tso to Leh

Take the same route back to Leh that you took to reach Pangong on day 7. If you did not visit the monasteries or Shey Palace on Day 8, you may cover it on Day 9.

An alternate way to do the return journey can be that you take the Changthang route from Pangong and head directly to Tso Moriri from here via Man, Merak, Loma, Nyoma, Mahe, and Sumdo. You can stay in Hanle Village for Day 9 and go to Tso Moriri from there on Day 10.

Day 10: Leh to Tso Moriri

This will again be a long journey not because of the distance but because you will be traveling on some terrible roads today. Head back on Manali Leh highway until Upshi and take the diversion towards Chumthang.

Road until Sumdo will be a mix of good. After Sumdo it will pretty much be a dirt trail all the way until Karzok. This can easily be a 7-8 hours drive depending on your speed and the breaks you take in between.

The monasteries, Shey palace that I mentioned for Day 8 and 9 can be covered on this day as well.

Day 11: Tso Moriri to Leh

Spend some time at the lake early in the morning and head back to Leh via the same road that you took to reach Karzok.

Another route for this journey is the diversion towards Polakongka La from Sumdo. If you went this way, you can also cover Tso Kar lake before exiting on Manali Leh highway just after Pang. After that, you will cross Tanglang La Pass and arrive back in Leh.

I will advise taking this route because the road is good and won’t add much time to the journey. You will get to see another beautiful lake and travel right through the amazing More plains.

Day 12: Leh

Take a rest day in Leh. Visit some of the tourist attractions in town like Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Leh market, etc, and relax. Please note that you can skip this day if you are short on time.

Day 13: Leh to Kargil

You will start your return journey to Leh via Leh Srinagar highway. See the magnetic hill , Indus-Zaskar river confluence, Gurudwara Patthar Sahib , monasteries at Mulbekh and Lamayuru, and Lunar Landscapes. The road will be mostly good with a few bad patches in between.

It is easily an 8-10 hours journey if you cover all the places I mentioned above. If you did not stop and spend time anywhere, it can be easily covered in 6 hours.

I would still advise on starting early from Leh. Kargil has several hotels so finding one will not be a problem but finding one within a budget can be.

Day 14: Kargil to Srinagar

Travel on the Srinagar Leh highway and enjoy the mesmerizing and heavenly beauty of Srinagar. Take a lunch break at Sonamarg and continue to Srinagar.

The journey will last anywhere between 7-10 hours, depending on your speed and the breaks you take. If within budget, head straight to Dal Lake upon reaching Srinagar and stay in a houseboat. It is highly recommended and totally worth it.

Day 14: Srinagar to Jammu

Start early from Srinagar and reach Jammu via Patnitop by evening. The journey will last about 8-10 hours because the traffic on this route is mostly heavy. Another route you can is via Mughal Road . It is longer but is more scenic and hardly has any traffic

Day 15: Jammu to Delhi

This will again be a very long journey that can easily take 14-16 hours. The road will mostly be good all the way except for a few bad patches in between.

Manali to Manali Itinerary

If you do not want to travel on the Srinagar Leh highway, the journey can be modified in the way below. It will require lesser time as well. So if you could not spend 2 weeks in Ladakh, you can pick this option.

Jispa to Leh – Day 3
Leh – Day 4
Leh to Diskit – Day 5
Diskit to Turtuk – Day 6 (Skip this day if you are short on time)
Turtuk to Panamik to Pangong via Shyok Road – Day 7
Pangong to Hanle – Day 8
Hanle to Karzok (Tso Moriri) Day 9
Karzok to Sarchu – Day 10
Sarchu to Manali – Day 11
Manali to Delhi -Day 12

Manali to Ladakh Bike Trip Itinerary

If you were riding a bike, let me suggest two more itineraries that will better suit you. The only concern can be of fuel that you will have to carry in spare. Take a look at How to Manage Fuel on Leh Ladakh Bike Trip for more details.

Below are two examples of a Manali to Ladakh Bike Trip itinerary.

Delhi to Jammu – Day 1
Jammu to Srinagar – Day 2
Srinagar to Kargil – Day 3
Kargil to Leh – Day 4
Leh to Turtuk – Day 6
Turtuk to Diskit to Panamik to Pangong via Shyok Road – Day 7
Hanle to Karzok – Day 9
Karzok to Pang / Sarchu – Day 10
Pang / Sarchu to Manali – Day 11
Manali to Delhi – Day 12

If you wanted to start from Manali, there will be a slight change needed.

Leh to Diskit / Turtuk – Day 4
Diskit / Turtuk to Pangong – Day 5
Pangong to Hanle or Karzok – Day 6
Karzok to Leh via Tso Kar – Day 7
Leh to Kargil – Day 8
Kargil to Srinagar – Day 9
Srinagar to Jammu – Day 10
Jammu to Delhi – Day 11

Manali to Ladakh Itinerary – Conclusion

The journey can of course be modified in numerous other ways. If you were thinking of a different Manali to Ladakh itinerary but weren’t sure of it, feel free to ask in the comments section below, or at our Community Forum , and I will be happy to clarify any doubts.

The first itinerary that I suggested can easily be completed by public transport as well. There are regular buses and shared taxis available on the routes. The internal roads where there is no public transport were skipped entirely in that itinerary. I hope the information above was of help.

Vargis.Khan

Not much to write about me really except for that I love to travel around whenever I can and to wherever I can. This blog is just a small attempt to share my travel experiences with the world. Hope you like it !!!

How to plan a trip to leh ladakh, srinagar leh highway status 2024 – 2025, zojila pass road status and condition 2024 –..., 23 comments.

Sir, 25-30 days ladakh bike trip ka koi itinerary bataiye jisme maximum passes aur places cover ho sake..

Day 1 :- Raipur – Delhi – Chandigarh (By Flight) Night at Chandigarh Day 2 :- Chandigarh to Manali. Night at Manali. Day 3 :- Local Manali. Night at Manali. Day 4 :- Rohtang Pass/Solang Valley/Keylong. Night at Keylong. Day 5 :- Keylong to Leh. Night at Leh. Day 6 :- Local Leh. Night at Leh. Day 7 :- Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardungla Pass. Night at Hunder/Diskit. Day 8 :- Nubra Valley to Leh via Pangong Lake. Night at Leh. Day 9 :- Local Leh. Night at Leh. Day 10 :- Leh – Delhi (By Flight) – Raipur (By Flight/Train)

इसमें आपकी तरफ से कोई सलाह/सुझाव/सुधार ? कोई जगह जोड़ना/घटाना है क्या ?

Day 4 का प्रोग्राम आसानी से हो जाएगा क्या ?

Day 1 :- 9 जून 2022

12 लोगों का ग्रुप है

Day 2 to Day 9 by road (One 12/13 seater Tempo Traveller)

PLEASE GIVE YOUR SUGGESTION.

Aapka plan theek hai Rajkumar Bhai. Aasani se ho jaayega

Mr. Vargis Khan Sir, I am planning to visit Ladakh this September and following you blogs regularly. It is so informative and helpful in all respect of ladakh tour. i wish to enter Ladakh via Manali and return via Kargil if political situation of JK is godd enough. Apart from Leh city and its heritage valued monasteries my main point of attraction in Ladakh is Nubra Valley, specially Tutuk. Here is my proposed itinerary Day 1 Manali Day 2 Jispa Day 3 Leh Day 4 Leh Day 5 Turtuk Day 6 Leh Day 7 Leh- Pangong Day 8 Pangong – Tsomori Day 9 Tsomori-Jispa Day10 Manali

Your advice is solocited.

Ramen Bhatta

Hello Mr. Bhatta,

It will be better to travel this way. How are you traveling though?

Day 1 Manali Day 2 Jispa Day 3 Leh Day 4 Leh Day 5 Turtuk Day 6 Pangong via Shyok Day 7 Pangong to Hanle Day 8 Hanle – Tsomori Day 9 Tsomori-Sarchu Day10 Manali

hello Mr. Vargis, Thanks a lot for such detailed itinerary. We are three people myself+my wife + one female friend. I have XUV 500 2WD in almost perfect conditions with all tyres changed and car serviced one week back. We are planning a 14 day trip from delhi-leh-srinagar-delhi or delhi-srinagar-leh-delhi. But still I am not sure if I should go from manali or srinagar. Here is my itinerary from manali side. Same I will use from sri nagar side except not going back to leh from tso moriri:

day 1 delhi to chandigarh , night stay at chandigarh day 2 chandigarh to manali , night stay at manali day 3 manali to jispa, stay at jispa , night stay at jispa day 4 jispa to pang (or sarchu. Only problem is that sarchu is too close to jispa), , night stay at pang/sarchu day 5 pang to leh , night stay at leh day 6 sightseing leh , night stay at leh day 7 leh to nubra valley/hundar , night stay at hundar day 8 hundar to pangong (through Agham shyok) , night stay at pangong day 9 pangong to tso moriri , night stay at tso moriri day 10 tso moriri to leh , night stay at leh day 11 leh to kargil , night stay at kargil day 12 kargil to sonmarg/ , night stay at sonmarg day 13 sonmarg to ludhiana , night stay at ludhiana day 14 ludhiana to delhi ========== Here are my questions 1) What are your recommendations of the itinerary. 2) Should we go from manali side or srinagar side. 3) I am an avid driver and have a good experience of driving in uttrakhand mountains with same car. Do you think I can cover hundar>pangong>tso moriri as this is my first trip to leh?

Thanks Prashant

One more question Mr. Vargis. My car fuel tank capacity is 70-75 ltrs and in mountains gives mileage of 10K per litre. So I can cover a distance of 650-700 Kms. Is this fuel sufficient to cover leh> hundar > pangong > tso moriri > leh

If you can then carry those 20 or 40 liters cans for spare fuel. If not then you can actually buy fuel in black at almost all places in Ladakh now. Quality of that is however questionable so it is better to buy it from Ladakh only.

Hello Mr. Kumar,

Your itinerary is good and definitely doable. Going from Srinagar side is better in terms of AMS. Following the itinerary you have laid out, you will definitely suffer from mountain sickness at Pang. The only change I will recommend is that you start early from Jispa, avoid staying at Pang and reach straight to Leh on this day. Pangong to Moriri is ideally a 2 days journey so use this day here. From Pangong, reach Hanle and then do Hanle to Moriri the next day.

And yes, if you have some decent amount of driving experience in the hills then you can easily complete the journey.

Thanks Mr VIrgis, I will modify the itinerary accordingly.

You are welcome Mr. Kumar

Sir please update me regarding permits beyond rohtang pass. I am having a diesel vehicle and will start from my hometown Ranchi on 10th may. How can i get a permit from manali to travel beyond rohtang on my own vehicle. Also what other permits do i need to get to travel to leh ladakh and pangong lake.

For Rohtang Permit, please see the article below.

https://vargiskhan.com/log/rohtang-pass-permits-details-charges-apply/

For Permit in Ladakh to visit Nubra and Pangong, please see the article below..

https://vargiskhan.com/log/obtaining-ilp-for-ladakh/

Hi Vargis, your blog is really informative.we have gone to leh once via kargil. We have visited leh, pangongg and nubra valley then. Now we wish to visit leh from Manali along with spiti valley.Can u suggest an itenery of 8days(in ladakh week wish to visit tso Mori and may be Turktuk)

Hi Sayantan – Covering Spiti and Ladakh both in 8 days will be next to impossible. Where are you starting from?

Hi Vargis, We will be starting from Manali. A proposed plan in september-

day0-kolkata to delhi flight, overnight bus to manali, stay at manali/solang(?) day1-manali to langza, stay at langza day2-langza siteseeing (ke,kibber,tashiang) day3-langza to mud(via hikkim,komik,dhanker)….should we stay at mud or return to kaza? day4-kaza /mud to chandratal day5-chandratal to jispa day6-jispa to pang/or directly to tso mori day7-tso mori to leh day8-leh day9-leh to turktuk day10-turktuk to leh day11-leh to kolkata flight

we have previously visited ladakh once and have covered sham valley,nubra,hunder, panggong and leh local site seeing (so excluding them this time) Can you suggest any possible modifications? Also the time of travel each day?

Your itinerary looks Ok exccept for that you cannot go to Tso Moriri directly. You will have to get inner line permit first for which you will have to go to Leh city.

Hey sir! Your blogs are so great, They are really helping a lot. I need to ask that we are 6 people or can say 3 couples. We are planning for a road trip with all 3 RE classic 350 and are moving from Jaipur, we will prefer manali leh highway. So I just want to ask is there any problem travelling with girls here at little dark or staying at camps or any other problem which we may face? And some more stuffs, I have already been to your blog for driving with pillion but still need to comfirm that that RE classic 350 will be capable enough to hold two people with a little luggage.

Hi Chirag – Thank you for your appreciating words. Yes you can ride to Ladakh on RE 350 with a pillion provided that your motorcycle is very well maintained. I myself own an Electra 350 and off all the times I have taken it to Ladakh, 4 times were with Pillion and all the luggage. So yes, the motorcycle is capable of the journey but ensure you get it serviced and prepared for the journey. Take a look at this article.

https://vargiskhan.com/log/how-to-prepare-your-motorcycle-for-ladakh-trip/

Regarding traveling with ladies, there is no concern related to safety as such but as you can very well guess, washrooms can be a bit of a problem. Better plan your journey as Manali to Keylong or Jispa and then straight to Leh the next day. The chadar tents / Dhabas at Sarchu and Pang do not have facilites and washrooms are horrible. Being a guy we could hardly stay there for over 5 mins, so with girls it will be a huge hassle. Avoid staying at these places unless you are planning to stay at the camp sites at Sarchu. These are comfortable luxury tents with good washroom facilites but prices are a bit steep.

Thank you for giving your precious time to answer my question and one more thing to ask, that can we cross khardung la with pillion and what about marsimik la?

You are welcome !!!

Khardung La yes you can but not Marsimik La. That road is very steep and extremely bad. Motorcycle will probably refuse to climb if you have a pillion with you.

sir I am travelling to ladakh on 26 may2017 from manali by bullets ,we are six persons by five royal enfields of our own means not rented ,we want to know that travelling from pangong to tsomoriri by road is safe or not because we heard about some dog attacks on bikers ,pls help us by providing current situation so that we can take further step for our journey

Dogs are indeed dangerous in that region Pariksheet. You will be OK traveling on the route, just do not stop near any human establishments alone, do not wander away. Just continue with your journey and when taking breaks, ensure that you either stop at near a check post or at a canteen or dhaba where are some locals around

Road Trip from Delhi to Leh Ladakh – A Complete Guide

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Are you wondering how to plan a road trip from Delhi to Leh Ladakh? You’ve come to the right place! Here’s a complete guide to help you plan your road trip to Leh Ladakh from Delhi.

Nothing can beat the road trip to Ladakh when it comes to road-tripping. This is one road trip in India that tops the bucket list for India .

This Leh Ladakh trip from Delhi brags about challenging and treacherous snow-carpeted passes like Rohtang La, Baralacha La, Khardung La, Chang La, and Zoji La, deep valleys, high altitude plains (Morey Plains), and unending glistening streams. It’s absolutely the stuff dreams are made of.

With stunning landscapes, unpaved and challenging roads, and low oxygen levels; this road trip sure is a master-stroke for adventure travelers.

While traveling to Ladakh is once in a lifetime affair but it’s not at all easy.

Best Time to Visit Leh Ladakh

With moderate temperatures and perfect weather conditions; April, May, June, and September are the best months to visit Leh Ladakh. Leh Manali Highway remains closed during the winter season.

Planning an Itinerary For a Road Trip to Leh Ladakh From Delhi

A road trip , or for that matter any trip starts at home. The most important thing to do before embarking on any journey is to chalk out a rough itinerary.

First, figure out whether you want to go via Manali and come back via Srinagar or the other way around.

Both ways, it takes 3 days to reach Ladakh. In total, 6 days on the road.

Now, choose the places you want to see and the number of days you can devote. A perfect trip to Leh-Ladakh should range from 12-14 days.

And if you wanna witness the amazing Spiti Valley , add 4-5 days to your itinerary.

Delhi to Leh by Road: Road Map

There are two route options for traveling from Delhi to Leh by car:

Delhi to Leh Route Via Leh-Manali Highway

Route 1: Delhi – Chandigarh – Manali – Leh

Road Map: Delhi – Chandigarh – Manali – Rohtang – Gramphu – Kokhsar – Keylong – Jispa – Darcha – Zingzingbar – Baralacha La – Bharatpur – Sarchu – Gata Loops – Nakee La – Lachulung La – Pang – Tanglang La – Gya – Upshi – Karu – Leh

Distance: 960 km

Driving Time: 24 hours

Delhi to Leh Route Via Srinagar-Leh Highway or NH1

Route 2: Delhi – Ludhiana – Srinagar – Leh

Road Map: Delhi – Ludhiana – Jalandhar – Pathankot – Jammu – Patnitop – Anantnag -Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zoji La – Dras – Kargil – Lamayuru – Alchi – Nimmoo – Leh

Distance: 1228 km

Driving Time: 27 hours

We drove from Delhi to Ladakh via the Manali-Leh Highway and drove back from Leh to Delhi via the (NH1) Leh-Srinagar Highway.

Pahalgam was a bit out of the way but we added it to our itinerary because of our sheer desire to witness the kaleidoscopic vistas of the valley. Our road trip itinerary blends two of the most fascinating and beautiful destinations – Kashmir and Ladakh of India into one.

Preparing a Car for the Delhi to Leh Road Trip

I was under the impression that a road trip to Ladakh needs an SUV but was stunned to see people driving Nano, Maruti 800, i20, and Santro on the road to Leh.

If you are thinking of renting a car , I would definitely recommend renting a 4×4 vehicle as it’ll make your trip easier.

Get your vehicle serviced before embarking on this tedious journey.

It’s essential to keep the complete toolkit with a puncture repair kit, foot pump, and extra fuel in a container.

My friend’s car got punctured near Lachung La Pass and surprisingly, not even a single car stopped to help.

One major tool from the toolkit was missing and it created havoc. My friend’s husband walked or rather climbed a few km to get help.

It was scary.

Please be sure to pack the car essentials when traveling on lifeless roads like these. Don’t forget to keep the RC and pollution certificate in the car.

Things to Pack for Ladakh

The weather in the Ladakh region is erratic. Days are hot while nights are chilly.

Icy cold winds cut through you, more if you choose to stay in tented accommodation.

Pack an equal number of warm and summer clothes (depending on the number of days), a good raincoat or windcheater , sun caps , glasses , sweaters or jackets (at least two warm and one light jacket), and sunscreen lotion .

If possible carry a small tent with a sleeping bag for an emergency as the roads are unpredictable and you never know when road closures leave you marooned on the road.

Carry two to three pairs of shoes because playing in the snow at passes can dampen your shoes.

It’s utterly important to pack a first-aid kit with all the required medicines and a portable oxygen cylinder .

Other essentials include photocopies of your ID card and Inner line permit documents .

Do carry loads of camphor as it’s a real Catholicon to treat Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

Permits for Ladakh

Only a certain number of vehicles are allowed to cross Rohtang Pass per day. So, please get a permit for your travel date in advance to avoid disappointment.

Permits are issued by DC in Kullu . It can be applied online too.

An inner line permit is required if you are planning to visit the border areas like Chushul which is issued by DC in Leh or can be applied for online .

Food Options on the Way

Stuff your car with 2-3 cartons of bottled mineral water , as one needs to be hydrated all the time because of the low-oxygen environment.

Store dry snacks (avoid salty stuff) like cookies, chocolates, candies, and dry fruits. Turnip and Radish prove to be curative in high-altitude areas.

There are plenty of dhabas (roadside food stalls) along the way. Food options include tea, coffee, paranthas, rajma-rice, momos, sandwiches, chowmein, and of course Maggi.

There are some fine restaurants you’ll bump into during the road trip but nothing like eating at a roadside food stall as it gives a real road trip feel.

Expenditure

The total cost depends on the set of hotels you choose for your stay. We chose homestays and mid-range hotels which proved to be good.

In addition to accommodation, other expenses include fuel charges (INR 15,000 or USD 183 approx.), road taxes or tolls (INR 2,000 or USD 25 approx.), and food (INR 12,000 or USD 146 approx.). Our cumulative expenses (2 adults + 1 child) reached around INR 56,000 or USD 700 approx.

Day By Day Itinerary of Road Trip to Leh Ladakh From Delhi

Delhi to leh via manali-leh highway (958 km), day 1: driving from delhi to manali.

Route: Delhi – Chandigarh – Manali (531 km | 12 hours 30 minutes)

Today, you’d be on the road, mostly. It takes around 13 hours to reach Manali from Delhi provided you don’t stop anywhere. With pitstops and breaks which you are bound to take, it takes more time, obviously.

You can enjoy some of the best things Manali has to offer if you arrive early or else, can relax and rest.

Overnight at Manali .

Recommended Hotels in Manali: Snow Bliss Manali | Snow Valley Resorts Manali | Baragarh Resort and Spa

Click Here to Find the Best Deals on Hotels in Manali

Day 2 : Driving from Manali to Tandi

Route: Manali- Palchan – Kothi – Gulaba – Marhi – Rani Nala – Rohtang – Gramphu – Khoksar– Sissu – Tandi ( 110 km | 3 hours 30 minutes)

We relished momos, rajma-rice, and a hot cup of tea at a Dhaba in Khoksar (Lahaul Valley), refueled the cars at a petrol pump in Tandi (last on this route, so quite crucial), and stopped by to witness the beautiful confluence of Chandra and Bhaga rivers at Tandi.

Edit: We traveled to Ladakh in 2017 when the Atal Tunnel was yet to be constructed. Atal Tunnel (9.02 km) connects Manali to Lahaul-Spiti. It cuts short the road distance by 46 km between Manali and Leh. This reduces the driving time by 4 to 5 hours.

Updated Day 2 Route via Atal Tunnel: Manali – Palchan – Burwa – Teling – Sissu – Tandi (66 km | 2 hours)

Overnight at Tandi (camps).

Pro Tip: If you choose to spend the night at Jispa, you can save a day. This way, you’ll drive to Jispa on day 2 and drive from Jispa to Leh on day 3.

Recommended Campsite in Tandi, Kyelang: Tandi Sarai

Day 3: Driving from Tandi to Sarchu

Route: Tandi- Keylong – Jispa – Darcha – Deepak Tal – Patsio – Zingzing Bar – Suraj Tal – Baralacha La – Bharatpur – Sarchu (116 km | 3 hours 30 minutes)

Don’t rush, you don’t visit places like these every day. Deepak Tal and Suraj Tal are the preferred stops on the way. These turquoise lakes are mesmerizing and each one has a story to tell!

Savoring Maggi (literally, a lifesaver in mountain ranges) at Zingzing bar before ascending the mighty Baralacha La was a much-needed break for us.

Crossing Baralacha La (second highest pass on the Manali-Leh Highway) is an experience in itself.

Overnight at Sarchu (camps).

Click Here to Find Out the Campsites in Sarchu, Himachal Pradesh

Day 4: Driving from Sarchu to Leh

Route: Sarchu- Gata Loops – Nakee La – Lachulung La – Pang – More Plains – Tanglang La – Rumtse – Upshi – Karu – Leh (250 km | 6 hours 40 minutes)

Most of the places during our day 3 journey tempted us to get out of the car to enjoy the virgin nature.

Gata Loops ( 21 hairpin bends), Nakee La and Lachulung La (high mountain passes), Pang (this is where one starts feeling high altitude sickness and this is where colors of Ladakh become more conspicuous), More Plains (the unceasing stretch of plains at such high altitude enveloped by mountain ranges comes as a surprise and seems unnatural and stunning), Tanglang La (second highest pass as claimed), and Upshi (police checkpoint to mark your arrival to or departure from Leh); all the places need your attention.

Overnight at Leh. It’s advisable to take rest for a day to better acclimatize to a low-oxygen environment.

Recommended Hotels in Leh: The Grand Dragon Ladakh | Gomang Boutique Hotel

Recommended Local Homestay in Leh, Ladakh: Tukchu Homestay in Leh, Ladakh (We stayed at Tukchu , and loved it to the core!)

Click Here to Find Out the Best Deals on Hotels in Leh, Ladakh.

bro road signs road trip to leh ladakh from delhi

Explore Leh-Ladakh

Day 5: driving from leh to pangong tso and back to leh.

Route: Leh – Karu – Sakti – Chang La – Durbuk – Tangtse – Lukung – Pangong Tso (223 km | 5 hours 30 minutes)

Enjoyed the snowball fight (why should kids have all the fun?) at the mighty Chang La Pass . Staying for more than 10 minutes can make you feel sick (low oxygen levels).

One can plan a night’s stay at Pangong Tso to truly witness the breathtaking exquisiteness of the lake and watch the classic sunrise and sunset over the artistic landscape.

We, because of the kids, resisted the temptation and decided to come back to Leh the same day. Though we witnessed the beautiful sunset at Chang La.

Overnight at Leh.

Day 6: Driving from Leh to Nubra Valley and Back to Leh

Route: Leh – Khardung La- Diskit – Hunder (126 km | 3 hours 30 minutes)

Spend some time at Khardung La Pass, a gateway to the Shyok and Nubra valleys. At an altitude of 18,379 ft, it’s known to be the highest motorable pass in the world.

Bacterial Camel Safari at Hunder (kids adore it) and a visit to the gorgeous monastery with the tallest Buddha statue at Diskit are must-do activities. Plus, you can enjoy the views of the beautiful Shyok River. If you are on a laid-back vacation, you can choose to spend a night at Hunder / Diskit . We had to rush to cover the maximum number of places in numbered days.

Day 7: Exploring Leh City

We’ll do local sightseeing and how can we forget shopping at Leh.

There’s nothing like relishing the local culture of the place you are visiting.

Some of the places worth visiting in Leh include – Thicksey Monastery, Hemis Monastery, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Hall of Fame, Stok Palace (not for the museum but for the special momos prepared in the royal kitchen), Shey Palace , and Druk Padma Karpo School (Rancho’s School).

Overnight at Leh .

Return Journey – Leh to Delhi via Leh-Srinagar Highway (1231 km)

Day 8: driving from leh to sonamarg.

Route: Leh – Nimmu – Lamayuru – Kargil – Drass – Zoji La – Sonamarg (344 km | 8 hours)

A confluence of Zanskar and Indus at Nimmu , Lamayuru Monastery , Lunar Landscapes , Gurudwara Pather Sahib , Magnetic Hills , and Kargil War Memorial (Vijaypath) are must-see places in this route.

Enjoy the beautiful landscapes en route.

Hold your breath as you cross one of the most dangerous mountain roads in the world, Zoji La Pass . It connects Ladakh to Kashmir. The pass is closed from November to March due to extreme weather conditions.

Night Stay at Sonamarg .

Recommended Hotel in Sonamarg: Hotel Village Walk

Day 9: Driving from Sonamarg to Srinagar and Exploring Srinagar

Route: Sonamarg – Ganderbal – Srinagar (80 km | 2 hours 15 minutes)

Spend your day exploring Lal Chowk , Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens, and Pari Mahal at Srinagar.

We shopped for authentic Kashmiri handicrafts at the J&K Tourism Art Emporium . Lal Chowk is famous for its dry fruit shopping. Do try walnut fudge at Hazratbal Bakery .

Night Stay at Srinagar .

Recommended Hotels in Srinagar: The Orchard Retreat & Spa | Four Points by Sheraton Srinagar | The Lalit Grand Palace Srinagar

Click Here to Check Out Unique Houseboat Stays in Srinagar.

Day 10: Driving from Srinagar to Pahalgam and Exploring Pahalagam

Route: Srinagar – Pahalgam (90 km | 3 hours )

It’s magical to Immerse in the beauty of the Valley of Shepherds . Located on the bank of the Lidder River , Pahalgam is a real treat for your eyes and soul.

Beautiful spots like Baisaran, Aru Valley, Lidder Valley, Betaab Valley , and many more spellbind you.

Hiking on a horse to the magical highland vistas of a tiny village called Aru is something you shouldn’t miss! Friendly horsemen with their lovely stories make the ride one of a kind.

Overnight at Pahalgam

Recommended Hotels in Pahalgam: WelcomHotel Pine N Peak | Heevan Pahalgam | Royal Hilton Pahalgam | The Villagio

sonmarg kashmir road trip to leh ladakh from delhi manali leh highway srinagar

Day 11: Driving from Pahalgam to Jammu

Route: Pahalgam- Anantnag – Patnitop – Jammu ( 252 km | 7 hours 15 minutes)

Patnitop or Patni Top is a beautiful hill resort. You can choose to spend a day here if you’ve time. We didn’t have enough time to enjoy the beauty of this hilltop tourist destination so drove to Jammu for an overnight stay.

Overnight at Jammu

Recommended Hotels in Jammu: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Jammu | K C Residency Jammu | Zone by the Park Jammu

Day 12: Driving from Jammu to Delhi

Route: Jammu – Pathankot- Jalandhar – Ludhiana – Ambala – Karnal – Panipat – Delhi (589 km | 10 hours 20 minutes)

The drive is long and not at all scenic. Start early. There are plenty of restaurants, dhabas, and cafes on the way.

Wondering where to stay in Delhi? Check out the best hotels to stay in Delhi .

What to do in Delhi?

If it’s your first time in Delhi, there’s so much to explore in and around Delhi. Check out the best places to visit in Delhi . If history tickles you, we suggest visiting Humayun’s Tomb , Tughlaqabad Fort , and Safdarjung Tomb in Delhi.

Are you a street art lover? Delhi has got you covered! Take a stroll around the open-air art museum, Lodhi Art District in Delhi and admire the imaginations of street artists from all around the world.

If traveling to Delhi with kids, Shankar’s International Doll Museum in Delhi is a place to be.

Major Attractions That We Missed on the Leh Ladakh Car Trip

List of some of the beautiful places which we couldn’t witness but you can definitely plan to:

Zanskar Valley (detour from Kargil to Padum)
Marsimik La (3 hours from Pangong Tso, needs an extra day)
Tso Moriri (240 km from Leh)
Spiti Valley (Manali – Solang Valley – Rohtang Pass – Gramphu – Khoksar – Gramphu – Kunzum Pass – Kaza)

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Anjali Chawla

18 thoughts on “Road Trip from Delhi to Leh Ladakh – A Complete Guide”

Thank you for reading!I appreciate it 🙂

That sounds like a really nice trip, lovely views! I would love to take photos there! Thanks for sharing!

Thanks for reading! You would love taking pictures at Ladakh as it’s known to be a photographer’s heaven!

The campsite looks like you’re in some foggy wonderland! I would love to be able to visit there sometime soon! Thank you for sharing!

What a beautiful journey! Thank you for sharing. We spent almost 4 weeks in India in January and drove 3000km in a tuk tuk from Ft. Kochin to Jaisalmer. It was extraordinary and we have been looking at going back. I think we would love this drive, thank you for the tips.

Thank you, Darcee! I’m so glad you loved your trip to India. You should surely try this road trip next time when you are here. Do let me know if you need any help in planning this epic road trip 🙂

wow Anjali, you took me on a virtual trip to Ladakh. One of my another bucket list is to drive upto there all by myself. Lets see how soon can i make it possible. Very well scripted.

Wow..I think in my head I hv already travelled to Manali Leh Ladakh Srinagar Jammu and I am back home… wonderful way of writing.. beautiful pictures..thx for all the tips and details of every place…guyz but you travelled in pre covid era..is it’s still same I hv my doubts..plz help….

That’s amazing. It feels so overwhelming when our write up connects with the readers and they find helpful. Yes we did travel in pre-Covid time and are waiting for things to improve to head back again. But post-Covid there will be the precautions that need to be taken of social distancing and masks.

The wonderful word-by-word picturisation of every minute and detailed information has proven to be immensely helpful for me to plan my second visit to Leh, Laddakh(the last happened to be in Aug’1993. Undoubtedly and unquestionably, Anjali your pen-down skills are impeccable. God bless you n your lovely travel-mate, your cute daughter.

So happy to hear that. We are glad that we could help you plan a trip to Ladakh. It gives us satisfaction that our efforts are appreciated. Feel motivated. Thanks

We are gleaming with joy hearing your kind words. Thank you for all the wishes and blessings. Hope you had a wonderful trip.

In fact you have discovered the essence of life and the way one should live like. Thank you so much for the valuable guidance and a worth experiencing the experience of yours which has filled the imaginations of my 4th coming visit to Ladakh and Kashmir. Thank you so much for your pain is taking efforts and value ab feedback. God bless you. Dev Ashish Boss New Delhi

Hi, Just wondering what currency your estimated costs are in? I loved you post and we are looking to head this way April next year. Also did you drive yourselves?

thanks Nell

The costs are in Indian rupees. I should have mentioned it. My bad. I’ll update it and will include the estimate in USD too. No, we hired a professional driver with good experience driving on challenging terrain. The car was ours. However, my friend’s husband (my friend and her family accompanied us on the trip) was confident enough to drive on high-altitude terrain, so he managed to drive the car himself.

Found your post interesting to read. Good Luck for the upcoming update.This article is really very interesting.

I have done road trips from Bangalore to Coorg and Ooty and other places around Bangalore many a times. My bucket list is Manali to Leh. While I know the experience on a two-wheeler is unparalleled, I am more comfortable driving and am planning to rent a car from some car rental companies like Zoomcar. What do you suggest?

Hello Parth,

Thanks for reaching out. Renting a car, preferabely SUV or 4X4, for a road trip from Manali to Leh is a good idea.

PRIVATE TAXI: book a taxi just for you

Our drivers are fully flexible. You can adapt the day-by-day itinerary as you want.

You can decide where you want to stop , where you want to sleep and how much time you want to spend at each location.

(selection of hotels, guesthouses and homestays in Leh, Sham, Nubra, Pangong, Tso Moriri...)

Once you book a taxi with us, our dedicated team can assist you with your accommodations. You can also book hotels by yourself on websites offering online hotel reservation services such as booking.com, makemytrip.com, expedia.com and agoda.com or you can contact the hotels directly. If you do not book hotels in advance, the driver will help you to find a hotel, guesthouse or homestay when you reach the location . Most of the guesthouses and homestays in remote villages do not have websites so they cannot be booked in advance.

Direct Taxi Booking in Leh‑Ladakh

With experienced ladakhi drivers, top 6 tours in ladakh, monastery tour.

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Nubra valley tour

Pangong lake tour, tso moriri lake tour, zanskar valley tour, leh to manali road trip, see all our sightseeing tours if you want to combine several tours , see our tour packages and best travel itineraries ., what’s included, what’s included:, what’s not included:, car categories, our fleet is composed of various models of cars. the vehicles are divided into 4 categories: luxury, premium, comfort and economy., category a+, - premium -, - comfort -, all cars have a seating capacity for 6 passengers and a driver. if you need more space or if you have large luggage, we recommend limiting the number of passengers to 4., why book with us, 23 multi-day tours to explore ladakh’s top cultural and natural attractions, easy online booking, price transparency, best taxi rates, 57 destinations in ladakh and beyond, reliable fleet of cars to suit your every need, experienced ladakhi drivers to take you safely on the highest roads in the world, want to save money book a shared taxi, booking process, the process for booking a taxi is very straightforward:, step 1 - choose your trip or tour, step 2 - review price and terms, step 3 - pay online, step 4 - receive your booking confirmation by email, step 5 - modify the pick-up information (if needed), step 6 - meet your driver and enjoy your trip, leh-ladakh taxi rates 2024, private taxi, shared taxi, map of ladakh, hotels in ladakh, sightseeing tours, tour packages, travel itineraries, practical info, ladakh travel guides, client reviews.

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10 Ultimate road trip routes in India for 2024

Leh-Ladakh Circuit: See stunning mountains and cool monasteries

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10 Ultimate road trip routes in India for 2024

R oad trips offer the perfect opportunity to explore the country's rich culture, breathtaking scenery, and vibrant communities. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking adventure, India has a road trip to suit every traveller's taste. Let's dive into the top 10 road trips you must experience in 2024!

Leh-Ladakh Circuit: See stunning mountains and cool monasteries

One of the most popular road trip routes in India. Experience the peace and adventures of the Himalayas together on the Leh-Ladakh circuit! Drive through towering mountains, pass by turquoise lakes like Pangong Tso, and witness the unique culture of Ladakh. Don't miss out on exploring ancient monasteries perched on rugged cliffs, like Thiksey and Hemis. Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime as you navigate through winding roads and high-altitude passes, discovering the raw beauty of this remote region.

Distance: Varies depending on starting point, but typically around 2,000-2,500 kilometres round trip from Delhi.

Places to Visit: Leh, Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley, Magnetic Hill, Diskit Monastery, Thiksey Monastery, Hemis Monastery.

Preferred vehicle for trip: SUVs or motorcycles with good ground clearance and reliability due to rough terrain and high altitude.

Manali to Spiti Valley: Check out snowy peaks and ancient monasteries

Picture yourself driving through rough terrain, crossing tall mountain passes, and being amazed by the untouched beauty of Spiti. While you're there, make sure to stop by ancient Buddhist monasteries like Key and Tabo. Keep your eyes peeled for rare animals like snow leopards and Himalayan ibex. You'll be blown away by the breathtaking views and fascinating history of this Himalayan area.

Distance: Approximately 400 kilometres round trip from Manali to Kaza.

Places to Visit: Rohtang Pass, Kunzum Pass, Key Monastery, Tabo Monastery, Dhankar Monastery, Chandratal Lake.

Preferred vehicle for trip: SUVs or motorcycles capable of handling mountainous terrain and narrow roads.

Mumbai to Goa Coastal Route: Enjoy beaches, forts, and yummy seafood

If you're up for a fun road trip straight out of a movie, head from Mumbai to Goa! You'll be in for a treat with all the sun, sand, and sea along the way. Drive along the beautiful Konkan coast, passing by fishing villages and stunning beaches. Treat yourself to delicious seafood and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of Goa, where you'll make unforgettable memories.

Distance: Around 600-700 kilometers depending on the route taken.

Places to Visit: Alibaug, Ratnagiri, Ganpatipule, Malvan, Palolem Beach, Dudhsagar Falls.

Preferred vehicle for trip: Sedans, SUVs, or motorcycles suitable for highway driving and occasional off-road detours.

Golden Triangle (Delhi-Agra-Jaipur): Visit famous landmarks and shop in bustling markets

If you want to dive into the culture of North India, the Golden Triangle route is perfect for you! It takes you through the three most culturally vibrant cities. Check out the amazing Taj Mahal in Agra, stroll around lively streets in Delhi, and soak up the royal vibes of Jaipur. You'll see everything from busy markets in Old Delhi to grand forts in Rajasthan, giving you a taste of India's rich history, culture, and stunning architecture.

Distance: Approximately 600-700 kilometres round trip from Delhi.

Places to Visit: Delhi (Red Fort, Jama Masjid), Agra (Taj Mahal, Agra Fort), Jaipur (Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal).

Preferred vehicle for trip: Sedans, SUVs, or motorcycles suitable for highway driving and urban navigation.

Bangalore to Coorg: Dive into coffee plantations and lush forests

Exploring from Bangalore to Coorg on a road trip is a real treat for nature lovers! Coorg, one of the top hill stations in the South, is situated in the Western Ghats, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. As you drive, you'll pass through picturesque coffee plantations, where you can take in the fresh mountain air and marvel at stunning waterfalls like Abbey Falls and Iruppu Falls. Make sure to savour the aromatic Coorg coffee, take leisurely walks through the lush forests, and soak up the serene beauty of this charming hill station.

Distance: Around 250 kilometres one way from Bangalore to Madikeri.

Places to Visit: Madikeri, Abbey Falls, Raja's Seat, Namdroling Monastery, Talakaveri.

Preferred vehicle for trip: Sedans or SUVs for comfortable highway driving and navigating hilly terrain.

Kolkata to Sundarbans: Spot tigers and explore mangrove forests

Cruise along the tranquil waters of the Ganges, spot majestic Royal Bengal tigers and explore the mysterious mangrove forests. Dive into the rich culture of the Sundarbans' fishing communities, and learn about conservation efforts in this UNESCO World Heritage Site, making memories in the untamed beauty of nature.

Distance: Approximately 100-150 kilometres one way from Kolkata to Sundarbans.

Places to Visit: Sundarbans National Park, Sajnekhali Bird Sanctuary, Sudhanyakhali Watch Tower.

Preferred vehicle for trip: SUVs or motorcycles for navigating rural roads and occasional off-road tracks.

Chennai to Pondicherry: Chill on beaches and try French food

This road trip is one of India's best because the journey itself is full of memories and experiences, even more than the destination. Along the way, you'll see amazing beaches in Southern India and can stop for some fresh coconut whenever you want. The East Coast Road is in great shape for driving or riding. Once you're there, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of Pondicherry, check out the spiritual community of Auroville, and just chill in the calm vibes of this coastal town.

Distance: Around 150 kilometres one way from Chennai to Pondicherry.

Places to Visit: Auroville, Promenade Beach, Aurobindo Ashram, Matrimandir.

Preferred vehicle for trip: Sedans or SUVs for comfortable highway driving.

Ahmedabad to Kutch: See the white desert and enjoy cultural festivals

Travelling on Ahmedabad to Kutch be prepared to be mesmerised by the surreal beauty of the Rann of Kutch. Feast your eyes on the expansive white desert and experience the vibrant culture of the Kutchi people. Dive into the excitement of the Rann Utsav festivities, where you'll immerse yourself in music, dance, and tradition. Don't miss the breathtaking sunsets painting the horizon, providing the perfect backdrop for creating cherished memories in this one-of-a-kind landscape.

Distance: Typically around 600-700 kilometres round trip from Ahmedabad.

Places to Visit: Rann of Kutch, Bhuj, Mandvi Beach, Kutch Museum.

Preferred vehicle for trip: SUVs or motorcycles capable of handling long-distance travel and occasional off-road conditions.

Shillong to Cherrapunji: Hike to waterfalls and see living root bridges

Drive through the scenic wonders of Meghalaya from Shillong to Cherrapunji! Drive past lush green hills, chase cascading waterfalls like Nohkalikai and Seven Sisters, and trek to marvel at living root bridges hidden in the dense forests. Experience the warm hospitality of Northeast India and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this enchanting region.

Distance : Approximately 50 kilometres one way from Shillong to Cherrapunji.

Places to Visit: Nohkalikai Falls, Seven Sisters Falls, Mawsmai Cave, Living Root Bridges.

Preferred vehicle for trip: SUVs or motorcycles for navigating hilly terrain and occasional rough roads.

Delhi to Rishikesh: Relax by the Ganges and do yoga in the Himalayas

If you're after a quick, adventurous trip that's family-friendly, Delhi to Rishikesh is the way to go! Start your spiritual journey from Delhi to Rishikesh. Follow the winding roads alongside the sacred Ganges River, visit ancient temples and peaceful ashrams, and recharge your spirit with yoga and meditation. Experience the calming atmosphere of Rishikesh located in the Himalayan foothills, and set off on a journey to discover more about yourself surrounded by the peaceful beauty of nature.

Distance: Around 250 kilometres one way from Delhi to Rishikesh.

Places to Visit: Triveni Ghat, Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula, Beatles Ashram.

Preferred vehicle for trip: Sedans, SUVs, or motorcycles suitable for highway driving and occasional off-road conditions.

Before hitting the road, ensure your vehicle is in good condition, carry essential supplies, and plan your itinerary to make the most of your adventure. So, pack your bags, fuel up your car, and get ready for an epic road trip across Incredible India in 2024!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. is it safe to go on a road trip in India?

Generally, road trips in India are safe, but it's essential to take necessary precautions like ensuring your vehicle is in good condition, driving defensively, and being mindful of road conditions and traffic rules.

2. What is the best time for a road trip in India?

The best time for a road trip in India depends on the destination. For instance, the summer months (April to June) are ideal for hill stations like Shimla or Manali, while winter (October to February) is perfect for exploring Rajasthan or Gujarat.

3. What should I pack for a road trip in India?

Essentials for a road trip in India include valid documents (driver's license, vehicle registration), spare tire and tools, first aid kit, snacks and water, navigation aids (maps or GPS), emergency contact numbers, and appropriate clothing and footwear.

4. How can I ensure a memorable road trip experience in India?

To make the most of your road trip experience in India, plan your route, research attractions along the way, embrace spontaneity, interact with locals to learn about the culture, try local cuisines, and most importantly, stay flexible and enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

5. What are the accommodation options available during road trips in India?

Accommodation options during road trips in India vary from budget guesthouses and roadside motels to luxury resorts and camping sites. It's advisable to book accommodations in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons or in remote areas.

Scenic road trips in India during Monsoon

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Manali to Leh Ladakh Road Trip in 2021
Manali To Leh: Here's How To Plan Your Dream Road Trip

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Manali To Leh Ladakh Road Trip 2023
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COMMENTS

Manali to Leh Guide- How to Plan a Trip Manali to Leh Ladakh
Those who are taking the bus service for this trip can get down at the stopover locations for some photography sessions. Manali to Leh Ladakh Distance: 472 km (approximately) Total Time: 2-3 days (depending on a lot of factors) Best time to travel through this route - June to September (it highly depends on the weather.
Manali to Leh Ladakh Highway Road Guide 2024
If you have enough time during your Manali-Leh tour, you can plan this 9-10 days trek and experience a world never seen or imagined before. ... Manali Leh Srinagar Car trip with Tsomoriri and Hanle. 176 Ratings. Superb 176 Ratings. 4.71. 47. 176 Ratings Ratings. 11D/10N 11D/10N; 176 Ratings.
Manali to Leh in 2 Days!
Manali to Leh road trip is the most spectacular road trip in the world! Whether you are doing Manali to Leh bike trip or doing a Manali to Leh Ladakh - as it is popularly called - road trip by car, we bet that this will be a journey of your life time! We share our experiences travelling from Manali to Leh by car. We did this in 2010 and it ...
Manali To Leh Road Trip: A Guide To Your Dream Holiday
The Manali to Leh road trip spans approximately 478 kilometers and is a dream come true for avid road-trippers and nature enthusiasts. The route takes you through some of the highest motorable passes in the world, offering mesmerizing vistas of towering mountains, pristine rivers, and charming villages.
45 Manali to Leh Road Trip Packages
Manali to Leh Road Trip Packages includes a wide array of options such as bike tours, jeep safari tours & cycling expeditions & many more. Book your Manali to Ladakh road trip now! ... Manali Leh Srinagar Car trip with Tsomoriri and Hanle ₹ 50,800 ₹ 33,800 per adult. Send Enquiry. 11D/10N; 517 Ratings.
The MOST COMPLETE Travel Guide for Manali
Tandi | Altitude: 2573 Mtrs. Next on the list of places to visit on Manali Leh Highway is the most important place called Tandi. At Tandi, you will find the only petrol pump on Manali - Leh Highway after Manali and up to Karu or Leh. The next petrol pump is about 365 KMs away towards Leh from Tandi.
Manali to Leh Road Trip in 2021
Toll Tax: ₹2,000. Total Cost: ₹47,000. For example, We are taking start location as Mall Road, Manali. From Manali, Leh is approximately 427 Km. For estimating cost of trip by Car, I am taking cost for 4 people.
Manali To Leh: Here's How To Plan Your Dream Road Trip
Plan your Manali to Leh road trip with this handy guide. Rugged mountains, azure lakes, iconic Buddhist monasteries, traditional Ladakhi mud-brick houses, prayer-flag-festooned lanes, cute little markets, and cosy cafes. Nothing rewards the seasoned traveller quite as Leh does. From thrilling rafting expeditions to offbeat trails in nomadic and ...
Manali to Leh: A Road Trip You'll Never Forget
Stay hydrated and get enough rest. Balance is the key to fully enjoy the road trip from Manali to Leh. Adequate rest and hydration are keys to that balance. Drink water: The higher the altitude, the faster you can get dehydrated. Continue to drink water throughout your journey and aim to drink about 3-4 liters per day.
An Essential Road Trip Guide from Manali to Leh
Book a Manali car rental for the best experience. And you can add more charm to this experience when you take a road trip to Leh from Manali. The Manali to Leh distance is approximately 426 km, and you can cover it within 11 to 12 hours. While many people opt for a bike journey to reach their destination, it is better to choose a car commute if ...
Manali to Leh Road Trip : Relaxing in the Majestic Journey
The Manali to Leh road trip is one of the most popular and scenic road passages in India. It takes you through the majestic Himalayan region, offering stirring views of snow-confined mountains, high-altitude passes, sparkling gutters, and visual terrains. This road trip is a favourite among adventure addicts, nature lovers, and photography ...
Leh Ladakh Road Trip Guide 2021
Manali to Leh ladakh is one of the most beautiful road trips in India. So here is a detailed guide on that trip. It tells you about the best time, places to ...
Leh Manali Highway
The general route that the Leh-Manali highway follows is as follows: Day 1: Manali - Rohtang La Pass - Kokhsar - Tandi - Keylong - Jispa - Darcha - Deepak Tal - Sumdo - Patseu. You would start your trip from Manali which is at an altitude of 1950m and travels up towards Rohtang La, situated at an altitude of 3980m.
Planning a Spectacular Manali Leh Road Trip
So you have decided to take the Manali Leh road trip to Ladakh . I'll list out some of the route options and some key consideration while planning from this side. Reaching Manali. The journey to Manali is long one from Delhi and is roughly 580 kms and is done in approximately 13 hrs in a Car, if you are riding a bike, then you will take more ...
Leh Ladakh Road Trip Via Manali
Embark on an unforgettable Ladakh Expedition via Manali - a luxurious self-drive road trip by car with scenic stays, thrilling adventures, and the coolest 4x4 convoy. ... The Manali-Leh Highway is known for its challenging and unpredictable road conditions. It passes through high mountainous terrain, including several high-altitude passes, and ...
How to plan a journey or trip on Manali Leh Highway? [2022 Travel Guide]
These tips will certainly help you on your trip from Manali to Leh by car. Bicycle resting near Zing Zing Bar Things to carry. Basic toolkit, screwdriver set, small hammer, puncture repair kit, iron rod, two or three "2 ltr" empty bottles of Pepsi / Coke / Limca, etc. to carry extra petrol or diesel (jerry cans will leak, cold drink bottles ...
A Complete Guide To The Manali-Leh Road Trip
Highlights. Manali-Leh road trip is a scenic journey most iconic and photogenic spots. Spanning a total of 474 km, surrounded by lush forests and valleys. The path is filled with scenic visuals featuring valleys and rivers. Undoubtedly, the highway connecting Manali with Leh is a very picaresque piece of work and is full of beauty and magnificence.
A complete guide to the Manali-Leh road trip
A complete guide to the Manali-Leh road trip, This is a road trip that has changed many people's lives. Passing through two 5000 m and two 4900 m high passes with jaw-dropping views, the Manali ...
Manāli to Leh
The seat of the kingdom, Leh Palace, the former residence of the royal family of Ladakh, was built in the same style and about. The cheapest way to get from Manāli to Leh costs only $67, and the quickest way takes just 7 hours. Find the travel option that best suits you.
Manali to Ladakh Itinerary
It is also helpful to know what all places are worth covering and what are the major tourist attractions that you must not miss. Manali to Ladakh Itinerary. Day 1: Delhi to Manali. Day 2 - Manali to Jispa. Day 3 - Jispa to Sarchu / Pang. Day 4 - Pang to Leh. Day 5 - Leh. Day 6 - Leh - Khardung La - Diskit / Hunder.
Leh to Manali road trip • Leh-Ladakh Taxi Driver
You can choose whether you want to include Tso Moriri lake in your Leh to Manali road trip: Leh to Manali (in 2 days), one-way trip from ₹ 33,755 / car. Leh to Manali via Tso Moriri (in 3 days), one-way trip from ₹ 45,431 / car. Leh to Manali via Tso Moriri (in 4 days), one-way trip from ₹ 49,833 / car.
Road Trip from Delhi to Leh Ladakh
A perfect trip to Leh-Ladakh should range from 12-14 days. And if you wanna witness the amazing Spiti Valley, add 4-5 days to your itinerary. Delhi to Leh by Road: Road Map. There are two route options for traveling from Delhi to Leh by car: Delhi to Leh Route Via Leh-Manali Highway. Route 1: Delhi - Chandigarh - Manali - Leh
Leh-Ladakh Taxi Driver • Tours to Nubra, Pangong, Tso Moriri, Manali
5 to 10 days from ₹ 116,250 / car. VIEW DETAILS. Leh to Manali road trip. 2 to 4 days from ₹ 33,755 / car. VIEW DETAILS. See all our sightseeing tours ... Leh to Manali via Tso Moriri (in 4 days) ₹ 62,544 ₹ 56,858 ₹ 54,015 ₹ 49,833; Leh to Martselang ₹ 2,140 ₹ 1,945 ₹ 1,848 ₹ 1,673; Leh to Matho
10 Ultimate road trip routes in India for 2024
Leh-Ladakh Circuit: See stunning mountains and cool monasteries ... Approximately 400 kilometres round trip from Manali to Kaza. Places to ... pack your bags, fuel up your car, and get ready for ...
10 Ultimate road trip routes in India for 2024
Distance: Varies depending on starting point, but typically around 2,000-2,500 kilometres round trip from Delhi. Places to Visit: Leh, Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley, Magnetic Hill, Diskit Monastery ...
Adarsh k
125 likes, 14 comments - i_adarsh_kumar on November 10, 2022: "#travelphotography #travel #trip #tripwithfriends #manali #manalidiaries #leh #ladakh #friendsforever #friends #friendship #weekendvibes Never lose your sense of wonder...爛 . . . . . .

Manali to Leh in 2 Days! | Road Trip Guide in 73 Pictures!

Now that you have seen the spectacular pictures of Manali Leh road, it is time to see the other way round because mountains look different in other direction! Click this

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5 Must-Visit Places To Visit On Your Manali To Leh Road Trip

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