This is the road trip that has changed the lives of many people. Passing through drop-dead gorgeous locations, the road trip from Manali to Leh requires a lot of planning.
With the formidable Himalayan peaks kissing you the entire journey, the Ladakh road trip is a spot on the long bucket list of adventure lovers and wanderers. With the serene lakes, passes of high mountains, rugged terrains, and truly a unique blend of different cultures, this trip has changed the lives of many people and welcomes new travelers with open arms and a lot of unforgettable memories. Not just this, this trip is an exciting exploration of India’s one of the most beautiful yet remote regions. You will find everything in your Ladakh trip, from the pristine landscapes that nature admirers yearn for to the massive adrenaline rush that adventurers wish to experience. Enriched by the mesmerizing peaks of the Himalayas and the Karakoram, the Ladakh road trip is something every traveler should experience at least once in their lifetimes.
The rocky landscape under the bluest sky and the brightest snow, if this is your vibe then your next road trip should be to Ladakh, from Manali to Leh exactly. However, if you are confused about how to do it for the first time, here is a comprehensive guide to the most beautiful Manali to Leh road trip.
What is the best time to plan this road trip?
Starting right off with the timing, which is the best time to go on this gorgeous road trip? Well, let’s figure that out first. The entire road trip from Manali to Leh spans roughly 478 kilometers and is an absolute dream come true for nature enthusiasts, and passionate road-trippers. This route will take travelers through some of the broadest passes in the entire world. This route also offers captivating vistas of pristine rivers, charming villages, and towering mountains. So the best time to embark on this adventurous journey is from June to September when the weather is relatively stable and the roads are open again. During this time, you will find the snow to be melted already which allows safe passage for travelers through the high-altitude passes. Ideally, the best time to go on this trip is during summer when the temperature stays between 15-30 degrees Celsius. However, keep in mind that the weather in the mountains is unpredictable, so always be prepared for sudden and unexpected changes.
What is the distance between Manali and Leh and its route?
Every segment of this journey will be filled with excitement, unique experiences, and breathtaking vistas, so you can be sure that this trip will be one of your core memories that will make you want to revisit every time. So when you are planning the road trip of your life,Manali to Leh, you need to be aware of some things, and understanding the route and distance is the most vital thing. The journey will begin in Manali, a very popular hill station in Himachal Pradesh, which is known for its vibrant culture and picturesque beauty. From Manali, you will start your journey towards Leh, which will be your end destination, also the capital of Ladakh. This entire route can be broadly divided into several segments, so let’s get into more details.
- Manali to Rohtang Pass – 51 kilometers
The road trip begins in Manali, which is one of the most beautiful and popular hilltop destinations in Himachal Pradesh. The first leg of the trip takes travelers to Rohtang Pass, covering roughly around 51 kilometers. This is at an altitude of 13,050 feet, which marks the getaway to the high-altitude adventure you are going to have!
- Rohtang Pass to Keylong – 117 kilometers
Upon reaching Rohtang Pass, travelers will continue their journeys through the heavenly landscapes, where they will cover approximately 117 kilometers to reach Keylong, the next destination. It is a picturesque small town in the Lahaul and Spiti district. Keylong is truly a dreamy place situated at an altitude of 10,105 feet. This makes it an ideal place to rest where you will get the opportunity to taste local cuisine along with a glimpse into the mesmerizing culture of the town.
- Keylong to Jispa – 23 kilometer
This is a short 23-kilometer drive from Keylong that will take you to Jespa, one of the most charming places that you will find along the route. This village is known for its spectacular beauty which is why it is often chosen as a pit spot for adventurous travelers.
- Jispa to Baralacha La – 50 kilometers
As the route asks you to leave Jespa, it will take you to Baralacha La, which will cover approximately 50 kilometers. It is a high mountain pass that is situated at an advancement of 16,040 feet. This place offers breathtaking views of both vast meadows and snow-clad peaks. At the same time, it is a crucial junction that connects roads Leh, Manali, and Ladakh.
- Sarchu to Pang – 80 kilometers
The next step in the journey will take you from Sarchu to Pang, covering a distance of approximately 80 kilometers. Situated at an elevation of 15280 feet, this place is known for its scenic beauty and enchanting landscapes. Travelers often camp under the starry skies at the famous Pang Ground.
- Pang to Tanglang La – 84 kilometers
Leaving Pang behind, the next stop at this long yet uniquely beautiful journey will take you to Tanglang La for which you need to cover around 84 kilometers. In this journey, Tanglang La will be one of your most memorable experiences, as it is one of the highest passes in the world. Tanglang La is situated at a height of 17,582 feet from the sea level.
- Tanglang La to Upshi – 77 kilometers
From here on, the travelers usually descend towards Upshi which needs approximately 77 kilometers to be covered. It is a small town in Ladakh, that will offer you a change in scenery along with a taste of its unique local culture.
- Upshi to Leh – 46 kilometers
This is going to be the final leg in your journey that will take you from Upshi to Leh. In this journey, you will cover around 46 kilometers that will take you to Leh, the capital of Ladakh. This is also going to be your ultimate destination, which is known for its idiosyncratic blend of Indian and Tibetan cultures.
Do you need any permits on this road trip?
In this Manali to Leh road trip, permits are one of the most necessary things that you are going to need. These permits can vary depending on whether you have an outside or foreign vehicle or a local or Indian vehicle. Whether you are planning to go on this road trip by bike or car, the following are the important points to consider when you are selling the permits.
Permits required for Indian vehicles –
- Inner Line Permit (ILP) – All Indian tourists must obtain an Inner Line Permit or ILP to enter several restricted areas in Ladakh, which includes places like Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley, and Tso Moriri. You can get this permit online, or collect it in person at the DC Office in Leh.
- Rohtang Pass Permit – all local vehicles which are traveling beyond Manali, towards Rohtang Pass will need this permit. This permit is obtainable online or you can get this in person at the Manali SDM Office. But not just for local vehicles, this permit is required for both Indian and foreign vehicles.
- Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Permit – If your road trip includes plans to visit the Dah-Hanu area in Ladakh, this permit is required. This is required for both Indian and foreign vehicles and is available in Leh.
Permits required for foreign vehicles –
- Protected Area Permit (PAP) – This permit is for foreign nationals who are going to be traveling to restricted areas in Ladakh, which includes places like Pangong Lake, NubraValley, and Tso Moriri. Foreign nationals can apply for PAP permits through registered travel agencies and tour operators in Leh.
Additional tips regarding permits –
Some specific villages, monasteries, or military-sensitive areas have a high chances that they will require extra permits. To be best prepared for this, always check with local authorities or registered tour operators for the latest permit requirements that ensure a smooth and convenient Manali to Leh road trip.
What are some stopover points you can consider –
- Manali – You will find some hotels and guest houses in Palchan, Marhi, and Gulaba before you reach Rohtang Pass. You will find plentiful food options at the dhabas at Marhi on the tourist trail to Rohtang.
- Khoksar – For tasty food options, this is a recommended pit stop for tourists, where you will find a string of dhabas on either side of the checkpoint. You will also find some basic bed space cafés or parachute tents that are available at Khoksar, Darcha, Bharatpur, Sarchu, and Pang.
What are the accommodation recommendations?
If you are looking for accommodation recommendations, you will find them at large qualities till Darcha. This is along the way at Sissu, Gondhla, Keylong, Gemur, and Jispa. At the same time, it is also possible to find places to stay at basic dhabas at ZingZingBar. Bharatpur also has around eight or ten huge parachute cafés, available with communal sleeping spaces. You will get a variety of accommodation options at Sarchu, ranging from cheap and affordable to luxury Swiss tents. You will also find accommodation options at Pang in the form of basic tents. If your road trip plans a stop at Rumtse village, there is a strong possibility that you will find rooms in the homestays. There are several basic guest houses that you will come across in Karu and Upshi as well. In the parachute cafés or dhabas, you will find basic bedding and blankets that will make a comfortable stay for a night or two.
Things that you should keep in mind in this road trip
- You will find difficulty in phone networks and connecting to other people over the phone on this road trip. Cellular networks work typically fine till Keylong and Jispa. Then again you will typically find the network in Upshi.
- You will find ATMS in only Manali, Keylong, and Leh. So make sure you are equipped with enough cash along the way.
- For any serious injuries, you will find medical facilities in Sissu, Keylong, and Sarchu. Pang on the other hand has many army camps, helping you with any physical injury that can be treated in camps.
- This road trip would be very long, filled with beautiful landscapes, yet extremely dry. So there are high chance that your body will encounter altered mental status (AMS) which is dizziness and headaches that are accompanied by nausea. This state can be deadly for the entire trip, so when you face this, the first priority would be to be accustomed to it slowly and not to rush until you or your partner feels better. It is also important to keep yourself hydrated by drinking a lot of water and other fluids. According to locals’ recommendations, you can try drinking water mixed with wild garlic, or smelling camphor. The only known treatment for people who are in AMS is to descend slowly.
- If you ever face any issue related to oxygen or shortness of breath, you will find an army camp in Pang that offers free oxygen to travelers.
- In these altitudes, Sunlight can be very harsh so always remember to apply sunscreen on your face, and body liberally along with your best nourishing lip balm. At the same time, do not forget to wear sunglasses on your ride.
- The weather at this altitude is never predictable, as it is prone to sudden change. You will find this dramatic change to be happening especially in high passes where the 35-degree Celsius suddenly changes to 0-degree Celsius in a matter of minutes. So it is always advised to be prepared for any kind of extreme weather.
- The last fuel station is at Tandi. After that, the next one is at Upshi-Karu, roughly 350 km ahead. So if you are driving your own vehicle, it is advised to fill up the tanks.
- If you have any mechanical problem with your vehicle, mechanics and spare parts shops are only a handful, and that too a little far away. In case of any running repairs, Keylong would be your best bet. You will also find a fierce camaraderie prevailing on the Manali-Leh road. Vehicles from both sides are most likely to help you if you get stuck anywhere.
- To protect yourself from the fierce winds on the road, cover up your ears while traveling. At the same time, keep your quality winter clothes ready so that you can battle any sudden weather change on the road. A classic mantra in this would be to dress in layers but make sure your upper layer is waterproof.
Some additional travel tips for the Manali-Leh road trip
- Make sure that your vehicle is in a top-notch condition prior to your road trip and that you are well-equipped.
- Pack an adequate supply of water and food along with camping gear, and warm clothes.
- Take your time to get accustomed to high-altitude passes. Take it slow and this will help prevent altitude sickness.
- Ensure you are updated on the recent weather forecasts and most importantly road conditions.
- Make sure to not over-exert yourself. Yes, you will be seeing mesmerizing scenarios everywhere but ensure that your body is getting the proper rest between acclimatization.
- While you are on the road, traveling to reach Leh, try to avoid alcohol or smoking on the run.
- Respect the local culture, customs, and the environment by practicing eco-friendly travel.
- One must-follow tip would be to start early and sleep early.
- To make sure your road trip is eco-friendly and not harmful to the beautiful environment of the Himalayas, bring back your own trash, do not carry plastic bottles, and stop littering on the way.
What would be the preferred vehicles for the Manali-Leh road trip?
- Small cars are mostly manageable with very few difficulties in this Manali-Leh road trip.
- You can also bring high GC SUVs which are completely manageable on this road trip.
- Royal Enfield and similar bikes are completely manageable on the road.
- 100cc bikes and scooters are also manageable on the road with little difficulty.
What are the 5 places you cannot miss out on?
These are the five most-awaited destinations that you absolutely cannot miss on this Manali-Leh road trip. Yes, the entire journey will be filled with breathtaking landscapes, unique cultural experiences, and high-mountain passes, giving you a truly indelible journey. However, make sure you still don’t miss these destinations, making this journey even more memorable.
- Rohtang Pass
Situated at the stunning altitude of 13,050 feet, Rohtang Pass serves as the intoxicating doorstep at the Manali to Leh expedition. Encapsulated within the majestic PirPanjal range, this beautiful high mountain pass welcomes tired travelers with panoramic views of the snow-capped mountain peaks, along with invigorating air and pristine meadows. A visit to Rohtang Pass is similar to stepping into a winter wonderland, but 10 times better, creating an ineradicable and marking your journey to the Himalayas cemented. It is also an excellent spot for nature photography where your camera can get a taste of real Himalayan beauty. You can make sure you and your friends can get Insta-worthy photos just from Rohtang Pass alone!
- Nubra Valley
Nubra Valley is known as the “Valley of Flowers of Ladakh” so you can guess what kind of mesmerizing scenarios you will get there! This is a surreal landscape with lush greeneries that contrast against the parched mountains. This remote valley is flanked by rugged and rocky mountains which play a conspicuous contrast to the vibrant green oases, and moistureless landscape of the desert, all thanks to the Shyok River’s nourishing water. Another brilliant highlight of the Nubra Valley is the Hunder Sand Dunes and the exciting opportunity to ride the famous double-humped Bactrian camels.
- Pangong Lake
The dry and cold weather of the entire trip can turn out to be a refreshing one with a simple visit to Pangong Lake. Situated at the awe-inspiring altitude of 14,270 feet, Pangong Lake is the world’s highest saltwater lake and is an absolute jewel in the Himalayan landscape. The ethereal shades of blue stand in stark contrast to the surrounding arid mountains. The most magnificent thing about this spectacular lake is that its blue color water changes with the sunlight. Extending to almost 160km, it stretches across the border into China’s Tibet, where one-third lies in India and two-thirds lies in the neighboring country. Pangong Lake gained fame after being featured in the world-famous Bollywood movie ‘3 Idiots’ so it continues to remain as a top attraction on the road trip from Manali to Leh. A visit to Pangong Lake will offer some precious and unforgettable moments of natural beauty and tranquility.
- Tso Moriri Lake
This lake is nestled at an altitude of around 15,075 feet above sea level, in the remote corners of Ladakh and offers the most beautiful eye-soothing layout to travelers. It is absolutely a hidden gem for tourists who are seeking flawless natural beauty. This pristine lake is surrounded by rugged mountains and boasts crystal-clear waters that mirror snowy peaks and azure skies. As it is surrounded by the tall peaks of mountains, Tso Moriri Lake is also known as the ‘Mountain Lake’. It offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle, which makes it the perfect place for experiencing serenity, birdwatching, and capturing stunning photographs, amidst the wilderness of the Himalayas. While visiting this on your road trip, you will also have a chance to closely witness the nomadic Changpa tribes which will surely make it an unforgettable experience.
- Leh
Leh is the capital of Ladakh which makes it a captivating place, seamlessly blending both Tibetan and Indian cultures. Situated at a high altitude of around 11,562 feet, this capital of Ladakh is surely a treasure trove of remarkable landscapes, ancient monasteries, and a local; culture full of vim and vigor. There is a historic Leh palace that visitors can explore, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the town. At the same time, travelers can also visit renowned monasteries like Hemis, and Thiksey. The bustling markets of the region will provide you an opportunity to shop for traditional handicrafts, devour local cuisine, and engage with the kind and soft-hearted locals.
So to plan a successful Manali-Leh road trip, start by checking the road conditions, and weather forecasts and make sure you are ready to cover around 479 kilometers by road!
