Manali to Leh Tour

Manali to Leh tour by road begins as you arrive in Manali and reach the decided point (prefer to start early morning to avoid huge traffic congestions on Manali to Leh road). Manali to Leh bike trip and jeep tour are among the most popular travel and holiday options in India. Apart from daredevils with an inclination for adventure, nature lovers, leisure seekers, honeymoon couples and family holidaymakers too crave for this memorable road sojourn. Watch in awe as the altitude continues to escalate (make sure you carry carbonated drinks and prescribed medications if you are prone to altitude sickness) and we come across beautiful waterfalls and pleasant mountain sceneries. The first main attraction would be Rohtang Pass (elevation around 13,050 ft.) which connects the valleys of Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti and also offers a switch from Hindu culture to Buddhism. Please note that the pass shuts down during winter months (November-March) due to heavy snowfall. Stop at the pass and savour the beauty of snow-laden mountain slopes all around. Continue the trip to reach Keylong (elevation 10,100 ft.), located close to the intersection of the river valleys of Chandra, Bhaga, and Chenab. You may visit (depending on time available) one or more of the many Buddhist gompas offering remarkable views of valleys. Resume the journey to driving through the Baralacha Pass (elevation 16,040 ft.) which connects Lahaul region of Himachal Pradesh with Ladakh region of Jammu & Kashmir. A part of an ancient trade route, it promises stupendous views of Zanskar Range and has hotspots like Suraj Tal Lake in the close proximity. Later, begin the journey to reach Sarchu campsite where you would stay overnight. Located just at the boundary between Himachal and J&K, it provides tented accommodations staying in which is extremely thrilling.

Leave Sarchu early in the morning to cover the second half of Manali to Leh distance. Get ready to traverse through 21 hairpin bends, called Gata Loops as you reach the third mountain pass called Nakeela (elevation 15,647 ft.). The experience is indeed adrenaline-spiking, but you must be patient to deal with poor road conditions caused by frequent landslides and avalanches. An interesting story narrates how a tourist’s ghost haunts the region and is pacified by offering water and cigarettes. Continue the drive and reach Lachungla Pass (elevation 16,600 ft.) while driving on a road flanked on both sides by water. It is important that you acclimatize to high altitude by now. Admire the natural splendour all around and reach Pang, a small hamlet offering lunch and accommodations. Have lunch and continue the drive to navigate over Skyangchu Thang (one of the highest plateaus in the world and among the largest in India) and reach the fifth pass of Manali to Leh trip, called Tanglangla (elevation 17,480 ft.), claimed as the world’s second highest mountain pass. Air gets thinner and you might feel the lack of oxygen, but the paradisiacal beauty and fluttering Buddhist prayer flags offer visual respite. From there, you enter the Indus Valley and reach the town of Leh. On arrival, check in at the booked hotel and stay overnight.

After spending miles of distance from Manali to Leh Ladakh, you wake up to the incredible sunrise at Leh, the capital of Ladakh. Dominated by the resplendent Leh Palace from a hilltop, the town enjoys the striking backdrops of Zanskar and Ladakh Ranges and witnesses the meandering course of River Indus like a silent spectator. Dotted with Buddhist gompas and Tibetan buildings, it is a stress-busting asylum away from the chaotic world. Get ready to drive to Nubra Valley (foreigners and NRIs in the group of two or more must obtain Protected Area Permit or PAP from DC Office, Leh by paying fees of INR 20 as processing fee and INR 300 as environment protection fee per person. PAP is valid for 7 days; Indians must carry valid ID proofs for accessing the valley), which is fondly called the Valley of Flowers. On this road trip, you would drive through Khardungla Pass (elevation 17,582 ft.), disputably claimed as the world’s highest mountain pass and located on the ancient caravan route connecting the region with Central Asia. Stop at the pass to admire the enthralling sights of snow-covered peaks and deep valleys (stopping at high mountain passes for long is not advised). On arrival in the Nubra Valley region (entry fee INR 20 per vehicle), you would check in at the booked hotel or camp at the charming village of Hunder. Located close to Siachen Glacier (world’s highest battleground), the valley discloses surprising greenery with agricultural fields of barley, mustard, wheat and numerous fruit orchards. Famous for its dual-hump Bactrian camels, white sand dunes and some very enchanting Buddhist monasteries, the valley sits close to the confluence of rivers Nubra and Shyok. Take some rest and explore the region on foot. You may visit the local villages and admire the peaceful lifestyle of the local residents. Stay overnight at Hunder.

On the fourth day of Manali to Leh tour, you would visit Hunder and explore the unusual white sand landscapes. Ride a Bactrian camel (costs around INR 180 for about 15 min.) and click some photos. Begin the journey back to Leh and stop at Diskit, the capital of Nubra Valley, on the way. Visit the 14th century Diskit Monastery (entry fee INR 20 per person) which boasts of attractions like colorful frescos and murals and a huge drum. Another highlight is the 32 m. high statue of Maitreya Buddha facing the river. Enjoy the spectacular views of Nubra Valley from the terrace and interact with the friendly monks. If time allows, visit the nearby Lachung Temple and explore the local bazaars. Continue the drive to Leh and relax at the hotel on arrival. Stay overnight at Leh.

Post breakfast, we begin with another wondrous instalment of Manali to Leh tour package by driving to Pangong Tso Lake (a copy of PAP is required). Located at a height of about 14,270 ft., the 134 km.-long lake has 40% of its area in India and remaining in China. Featured in a number of Bollywood movies, the lake with its azure water enjoys the sights of rocky mountain slopes and blue skies and has extremely tranquil environment. If visiting in the season of migratory birds, you would find birds like brahmin ducks and bar-headed goose. One may also come across animals like marmot and kiang. It is advised to start for the lake early in the morning to cross Pagal Nala (the crazy stream) before noon as it swells up post-noon and is thus difficult to navigate. You would be visiting the 17th century Shey Palace and Monastery at Shey (entry fee INR 20 per person), the erstwhile capital of Ladakh. Developed as a summer retreat by the local rulers, the palace has an imposing architecture with attractions like beautiful balconies and chortens with tops made of pure gold while the monastery boasts of a 12 m. high Shakyamuni Buddha Statue and incredible wall paintings. Later, stop at Thiksey Monastery (entry fee INR 20) in the village named Thiksey. Perched on a hilltop, the monastery flaunts the typical Tibetan architecture style imitating the world-famous Potala Palace of Tibet. The huge 20-storey structure boasts of stupas, thangkas, murals and other forms of Buddhist arts apart from the 49 ft. high Maitreya Buddha statue (highest in Ladakh). Resume the road trip and now you would drive through Changla Pass (elevation 17,590 ft.), thrilled by the steep ascent and descent of roads. We would stop at the pass only for about 15-20 min. as lack of oxygen may cause extreme discomfort. Enjoy the spellbinding views of snow-capped mountains and get excited by the snow sheet all around. Drive through the villages of Sekti and Tangtse and stop for a refreshing cup of tea. Next, you pass through the Changthang Plateau dotted with small hamlets and home to Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary and continue the drive to the lake. On arrival, you would immediately surrender to the overwhelming beauty of the place. Check in at the booked tent accommodation and watch the lake showcasing different shades of blue till the stunning sunset. Stay overnight inside the camp, listening to the melodic splashing of lake water and getting hypnotized by the moonlit surroundings.

Get up to enjoy marvelous sunrise views with sky switching its colours. Bid adieu to the lake after breakfast and start the drive back to Leh. If you have planned this tour all the way from Delhi to Leh via Manali by road, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the exceptionally striking Hemis Monastery (entry fee INR 50, wallets and mobiles not allowed) on the way from Pangong to Leh. Though it existed for centuries, the present-day structure (largest monastery complex in Ladakh) was founded in the 17th century. It is a disputed tale that Jesus Christ travelled to India and spent few days at the monastery. Explore the fascinating mural paintings and great collections of Buddhist relics and artefacts. Hemis Festival (celebrated in June/July) hosts the acclaimed mask dances and many other events worth attending. Resume the drive to Leh and stay overnight at the hotel.

Have breakfast before we start the drive to Sham Valley which is full of natural and man-made attractions. You would be travelling on the famous Leh-Kargil Highway parallel to the cheerful Indus River. The first attraction would be the Hall of Fame Museum (entry fee INR 10/50 for Indians/foreigners; camera fee INR 50; closed on Tuesday) that honors the sacrifice of brave Indian soldiers in the India-Pakistan wars. Explore war weapons and other interesting collections and attend the 30 min. documentary about Kargil War. You may also shop for authentic Kashmiri kesar (saffron) which may cost around INR 300 per g and other items at the souvenir shop. Drive to Patthar Sahib Gurudwara, a Sikh shrine famous for housing a sacred Patthar (stone) with body imprint of the first Sikh Guru Shri Nanak Dev Ji. Pray at the shrine and resume the road trip to reach the miraculous Magnetic Hill. Throughout the Manali to Leh route, you must have not come across something as astounding as the hill which has the power to pull vehicles uphill even when the ignition is off. Experience the phenomenon by parking the car at a point marked on the road. Later, reach the confluence of rivers Indus and Zanskar near Nimmu Village and savour the amazing sight amidst beautiful sceneries. Those who prefer Manali to Leh cycling or biking adventures love to visit this place on two wheels, while rafting is another popular adventure here. Start the drive back to Leh and stop at Spituk Monastery (entry fee INR 20). Located on a hilltop with majestic mountain peaks and River Indus in the background, this 11th-century monastery accommodates more than 100 monks and boasts of antique arms, masks, Buddha statues and other collections. Get back to leh and take some rest. In the evening, visit the local bazaars to shop for items like pashmina woollens and shawls, Buddhist prayer wheels, paintings and masks and varieties of hand-woven rugs and carpets. Alluring designs of traditional silver and turquoise jewelry and books are other popular items. Stay overnight at Leh.