Trip Overview
The Manali-Leh Highway is not simply a road — it is a rite of passage. The 479 km route from Manali to Leh is one of the world's great mountain drives, crossing five passes all above 4,500 metres, traversing some of the highest motorable terrain on earth, and delivering you — breathless and awestruck — into the lunar landscape of Ladakh. This 10-day tour covers the Manali-Leh drive AND Ladakh's greatest attractions, making it the most complete Ladakh adventure available. The drive from Manali to Leh over two days passes through Rohtang Pass (3,978 m), the Atal Tunnel, the Lahaul Valley, Keylong, the dramatic Baralacha La (4,890 m), the infinite Moray Plains, Lachung La (5,079 m), the highest point of the journey at Tanglang La (5,328 m) and the descent into the Indus Valley at Upshi. Each pass is a world unto itself — frost-shattered rock faces, snow-fed streams, prayer flags snapping in thin air and an overwhelming silence broken only by the wind. Once in Leh, the package covers all the city's key sights over two days of acclimatisation and sightseeing before heading to the high valleys — Nubra with its Bactrian camel dunes and Diskit Monastery, Pangong with its colour-shifting lake and a night in a lakeside camp under the most star-filled sky you will ever see. The return to Leh includes Chang La and the monastery circuit — Hemis, Thiksey, Shey — and ends with a flight out of Leh airport. This tour is best done June to September when all passes are open. It is designed for adventurous travellers in good health — not extreme athletes, but people with curiosity, flexibility and the desire to see something truly extraordinary.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive Manali – Rest
Arrive Manali by flight to Bhuntar or overnight bus from Delhi. Check in, acclimatise to 2,050 m. Evening Old Manali walk, Hadimba Temple, Vashisht Hot Springs. Overnight Manali.
Manali to Jispa via Rohtang and Baralacha La
Drive begins at 6 AM. Cross Rohtang Pass (3,978 m) — gateway to Lahaul. Drive through Atal Tunnel to Sissu, Keylong, Jispa. Attempt Baralacha La (4,890 m) — the second highest pass on the route. Camp at Jispa or Darcha. Overnight high-altitude camp.
Jispa to Leh via Tanglang La
Drive from Jispa. Nakee La (4,739 m), Lachung La (5,079 m), the vast Moray Plains, Tanglang La (5,328 m — highest point, second highest motorable pass in the world). Descend to Upshi, then along the Indus River to Leh. Arrive Leh (3,524 m) by late afternoon. Overnight Leh.
Leh – Acclimatisation and City
Rest day. Gentle walk to Leh Palace, Namgyal Tsemo. Hall of Fame museum. Leh market — Tibetan craft, local food, overnight Leh.
Leh Local Monasteries
Spituk, Shey, Thiksey (morning puja at 6 AM if desired), Rancho's School. Hall of Fame. Overnight Leh.
Nubra Valley via Khardung La
Cross Khardung La (5,359 m). Descend to Nubra (3,048 m). Diskit Monastery. Evening camel safari on Hunder sand dunes. Camp overnight.
Nubra to Pangong Tso
Shyok Valley drive to Pangong Lake (4,350 m). Arrive by afternoon. Sunset on the lake. Overnight lakeside camp.
Pangong Sunrise – Chang La – Leh
Sunrise over Pangong. Drive back via Chang La (5,360 m). Hemis Monastery. Arrive Leh. Overnight Leh.
Magnetic Hill, Gurudwara and Leh Market
Magnetic Hill, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, Sangam (confluence of Indus and Zanskar rivers). Final Leh bazaar shopping. Overnight Leh.
Departure Leh
Early breakfast. Transfer to Leh Airport. Fly out.
What's Included
- 9 nights accommodation — As per preference (Manali hotel + Jispa/Sarchu camp + Leh hotel + Nubra camp + Pangong camp)
- Daily breakfast and dinner
- Manali to Leh private cab or Tempo Traveller for groups
- Leh local transfers and sightseeing
- Khardung La crossing
- Nubra and Pangong Inner Line Permits
- Camel safari Nubra dunes
- All toll, parking and driver allowance
- Leh airport drop
What's Not Included
- Flight to Manali or Kullu-Manali
- Flight from Leh
- Lunch
- Oxygen cylinders
- Monument or monastery entry fees
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Manali activities
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Manali-Leh Highway open?
How difficult is the Manali to Leh drive?
What vehicle is used for the Manali to Leh drive?
Is travel insurance mandatory for Leh Ladakh?
How fit do I need to be for this Manali-Leh-Ladakh trip?
Can we return via the Srinagar-Leh Highway instead of flying?
Are there ATMs in Leh?
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