Day 1: Manali to Jispa
Distance: 140 km (approx. 6-7 hours)
Route: Manali → Rohtang Pass → Keylong → Jispa
Start your journey from Manali and head towards Rohtang Pass (13,050 feet), one of the highest mountain passes in the region.
Continue the drive through Keylong, a small town in the Lahaul Valley, and arrive at Jispa.
Overnight stay in Jispa (camp or guesthouse).
Day 2: Jispa to Sarchu
Distance: 90 km (approx. 4-5 hours)
Route: Jispa → Baralacha La Pass → Sarchu
Continue your journey through Baralacha La Pass (16,040 feet), a high-altitude pass with stunning views.
Arrive at Sarchu, a popular camping spot located on the border of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir.
Overnight stay in camps at Sarchu.
Day 3: Sarchu to Leh
Distance: 250 km (approx. 8-9 hours)
Route: Sarchu → Nakee La → Lachulung La → Pang → Tanglang La → Leh
Start early as this is a long stretch. Pass through Nakee La (15,547 feet) and Lachulung La (16,616 feet).
Reach Pang, a small settlement with some small tea stalls and camps.
Cross Tanglang La Pass (17,480 feet), the second-highest motorable pass in the world.
Finally, arrive in Leh, the capital of Ladakh.
Overnight stay in Leh to acclimatize.
Day 4: Leh Local Sightseeing
Leh Palace: A historical monument offering panoramic views of Leh.
Shanti Stupa: A serene Buddhist structure with a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains.
Hemis Monastery: One of the largest and richest monasteries in Ladakh.
Thiksey Monastery: Known for its striking resemblance to the Potala Palace of Tibet.
Sangam Point: Confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers.
Overnight stay in Leh.
Day 5: Leh to Nubra Valley (via Khardung La)
Distance: 120 km (approx. 4-5 hours)
Route: Leh → Khardung La Pass → Nubra Valley
Drive to Nubra Valley via Khardung La Pass (18,380 feet), one of the highest motorable passes in the world.
Visit Diskit Monastery and the Giant Buddha Statue.
Explore the Hunder Sand Dunes and take a ride on Bactrian camels (double-humped camels).
Overnight stay in Nubra Valley (camp or guesthouse).
Day 6: Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake
Distance: 160 km (approx. 5-6 hours)
Route: Nubra Valley → Agham → Shyok → Pangong Lake
Travel through the remote Agham-Shyok route to reach Pangong Lake.
Arrive at the stunning Pangong Lake, known for its beautiful turquoise waters and breathtaking landscape.
Explore the lake, take photographs, and enjoy the tranquil environment.
Overnight stay in camps near Pangong Lake.
Day 7: Pangong Lake to Leh
Distance: 160 km (approx. 5-6 hours)
Route: Pangong Lake → Chang La Pass → Leh
Enjoy a sunrise at Pangong Lake, which is a spectacular sight.
Drive back to Leh via Chang La Pass (17,590 feet), the third-highest motorable pass in the world.
Overnight stay in Leh.
Day 8: Leh to Tso Moriri Lake (Optional)
Distance: 240 km (approx. 7-8 hours)
Route: Leh → Upshi → Mahe → Tso Moriri Lake
If you’re up for an adventurous detour, take a trip to Tso Moriri Lake, another pristine high-altitude lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
You can enjoy the peaceful surroundings and explore the nearby Korzok Monastery.
Overnight stay near Tso Moriri.
Alternative: If you prefer a shorter itinerary, you can stay in Leh for the day and relax or do more sightseeing.
Day 9: Leh to Manali (via the same route)
Distance: 500 km (approx. 12-14 hours)
Route: Leh → Sarchu → Baralacha La → Keylong → Manali
Begin your return journey back to Manali via the same route, crossing Baralacha La and Rohtang Pass.
Arrive in Manali by evening or night.
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Additional Tips:
Acclimatization: It’s essential to acclimatize to the high altitude, especially in Leh. Take it easy for the first day to avoid altitude sickness.
Road Conditions: The roads are rough, especially after Sarchu. It’s recommended to travel in a 4×4 vehicle, and be prepared for some challenging stretches.
Permits: Some areas like Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, and Tso Moriri require Inner Line Permits (ILPs). Make sure to arrange these permits before your journey.
Best Time to Travel: The ideal period for a Manali to Leh road trip is from June to September when the roads are open, and the weather is pleasant.
This 9-day road trip from Manali to Leh provides a balanced mix of adventure, sightseeing, and relaxation, allowing you to experience the raw beauty of Ladakh’s landscapes while traveling through some of the highest passes in the world.
