Highlights
- Atal Tunnel and the Lahaul valley
- A night at Jispa to break the climb
- Baralacha La, Sarchu, the Gata Loops and Tanglang La
- Two rest days in Leh
- Khardung La and Nubra
- A night at Pangong Tso
The drive is the point of this trip: four high passes, the empty More plains and almost no towns for two days. Doing it one way and flying home saves two long days. We break the climb at Jispa so you sleep lower before the high passes, and we still keep two easy days in Leh. A Himachal car and driver takes you from Manali to Leh, and a Ladakh-registered car takes over there, because outside taxis can’t do sightseeing in Ladakh. This trip runs only in the road season, roughly June to September.
Day-wise itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Manali
Most people take an overnight Volvo from Delhi and arrive in the morning. Check in and rest. Short walk to the Hadimba temple and Old Manali in the evening.
Day 2: Manali: rest and Solang
A gentle day at about 2,000 m. Solang valley or Vashisht’s hot springs. Early night, because tomorrow starts early.
Day 3: Manali to Jispa through the Atal Tunnel
Through the Atal Tunnel to Sissu and the Lahaul valley, past Keylong to Jispa on the Bhaga river. A short driving day, so you arrive with time to rest. Night at Jispa.
Day 4: Jispa to Leh, the long day
Start before dawn. Over Baralacha La, past Sarchu, up the Gata Loops and over Tanglang La, then down to Upshi and Leh. Expect 10 to 12 hours, with long stretches and no phone signal. We don’t stop overnight at Sarchu, because sleeping that high so early raises the risk of altitude sickness. Night in Leh.
Day 5: Leh: rest
A full rest day. Sleep in, drink water, no alcohol. A short walk in the market if you feel fine.
Day 6: Leh at an easy pace
Shey, Thiksey, Leh Palace and Shanti Stupa. Switch to your Ladakh-registered car today.
Day 7: Leh to Nubra over Khardung La
Over Khardung La, a short stop at the top, then down to Diskit and Hunder. Night in Nubra.
Day 8: Nubra to Pangong
Along the Shyok road to Pangong Tso if it’s open, otherwise via Leh and Chang La. Night in a camp or cottage at the lake.
Day 9: Pangong to Leh
Sunrise at the lake, back over Chang La to Leh. Stop at Hemis if there’s time. Last night in Leh.
Day 10: Fly home
Drop at Leh airport for a morning flight.
When can you do this trip?
Only while the Manali–Leh highway is open. In 2026 it was expected to open to vehicles around mid-May after snow clearance, and in 2025 it closed beyond Zingzingbar on 20 November. The first and last weeks of the season are risky, with fresh snow on Baralacha La and Tanglang La. July and August bring landslides on the Himachal side. Our advice is mid-June to mid-September, and to keep a spare day in your leave. If the road closes before your dates, we switch you to the fly-in plan.
What's included and what isn't
Included
- 9 nights' stay: 2 in Manali, 1 at Jispa, 4 in Leh, 1 in Nubra, 1 at Pangong, with breakfast and dinner
- Car with driver from Manali to Leh
- Ladakh-registered car with a local driver for sightseeing in Ladakh
- Drop at Leh airport
- Online payment of protected-area fees
- Oxygen cylinder in the car
Not included
- Bus or flight to Manali, and the flight home from Leh (quoted on request)
- Monastery and museum entry fees
- Camel rides and activities at Solang or Hunder
- Lunches
- Extra nights from road closures, weather or illness
- Tips and personal expenses
Visa, costs, best time and travel tips: Leh Ladakh Tour Packages.
