Manali to Leh Road Trip: 10-Day Itinerary, Permits and Costs (2026)
The Manali to Leh highway is India's greatest road trip: five high-altitude passes, moonscapes, monasteries, and Pangong Tso. This is a complete 10-day guide.
The Manali to Leh route in short
The Manali-Leh highway is 490 kilometers long and crosses five passes over 4,000 meters. The road typically opens between late May and early June and closes by mid October. You need two full days of driving (with one overnight stop at Sarchu or Jispa) to reach Leh from Manali.
When to do the Manali to Leh road trip
The optimal window is late June to mid September. July and August offer the greenest valleys and most reliable weather. Mid September has fewer travelers and photogenic autumn light in Nubra Valley. Avoid the shoulder months (June and October) unless you know the road well.
Permits you need
- No permit required for the Manali-Leh road itself.
- Inner Line Permit for Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, and Turtuk. Apply online at lahdc.gov.in for Indian nationals or offline in Leh for foreigners. Fees around 600 rupees.
- Wildlife permit (200 rupees) for Chushul or Hanle regions.
- Passport, e-Visa, and printed permits must be carried at all times.
10-day Manali to Leh itinerary
Day 1: Delhi or Chandigarh to Manali
Overnight Volvo bus from Delhi (12 hours, 1,500 rupees) or drive via Chandigarh (10 hours). Arrive Manali morning. Rest. Do not exert yourself: this is where acclimatization starts.
Day 2: Acclimatize in Manali
Full day at 2,000 meters. Walk Old Manali, visit Hadimba Temple. Hydrate aggressively. Sleep early.
Day 3: Manali to Jispa (or Sarchu)
Cross Atal Tunnel (bypasses the old Rohtang Pass). Drive through Keylong to Jispa (3,200 m) or push to Sarchu (4,300 m). Jispa is a better altitude choice for first-timers. About 7 hours of driving.
Day 4: Jispa to Leh
The big one. Cross Baralacha La, Nakee La, Lachulung La, and the Tanglang La (5,328 m). More Plains at 4,800 m. Arrive Leh in the evening. About 9 to 10 hours of driving. Rest immediately on arrival.
Day 5: Rest and acclimatize in Leh
Do not skip this day. Walk the market. Visit Leh Palace only if you feel strong. Sleep at 3,500 meters is different from sleep at sea level. Drink 4 to 5 liters of water.
Day 6: Leh to Nubra Valley
Cross Khardung La (5,359 m, once the world's highest motorable pass). Descend into Nubra Valley. Visit the sand dunes at Hunder and ride a double-humped Bactrian camel. Stay at Hunder or Diskit.
Day 7: Nubra to Pangong Tso
Long drive via the Shyok River route (about 8 hours). Alternative: return to Leh and take the more common Chang La route. Arrive Pangong Tso by evening. Stay in a lakeside camp at Spangmik.
Day 8: Pangong Tso to Leh
Sunrise over the blue lake is unmissable. Drive back to Leh via Chang La (about 5 hours). Afternoon at Shanti Stupa for sunset over Leh.
Day 9: Monastery loop day
Full day loop of the Indus Valley monasteries: Thiksey (best sunrise), Hemis (largest), Shey Palace, and Stakna. Reach the Chembra confluence where the Indus meets the Zanskar.
Day 10: Fly out of Leh
Early morning flight from Leh (IXL) to Delhi. Book the window seat on the left side for Himalayan views. Alternative: drive the Srinagar-Leh highway back (four more days).
How much does the Manali to Leh trip cost?
| Category | 10 days per person (INR) |
|---|---|
| Bike rental (Royal Enfield 350/500) | 18,000 to 25,000 |
| Shared taxi group (4 pax) | 22,000 to 30,000 |
| Guesthouses and camps | 12,000 to 20,000 |
| Fuel (bike or car share) | 6,000 to 9,000 |
| Food | 5,000 to 8,000 |
| Permits, oxygen, misc | 2,000 to 3,500 |
| Total | 55,000 to 80,000 |
Altitude sickness and safety
- Take Diamox 250 mg twice daily starting 24 hours before ascent, until you leave altitude.
- Do not push through headaches, nausea, or breathlessness. Descend if symptoms worsen.
- Carry a portable oxygen can. Buy at Leh market for 500 rupees.
- Drink 4 liters of water per day. Avoid alcohol at altitude.
- Cell coverage is spotty. Only Airtel post-paid works reliably in Ladakh.
- Rescue and medical services take hours to reach many spots. Buy travel insurance.
Bike, car, or bus: which is best?
Bike (Royal Enfield 350 or 500) is the classic choice and gives you the most freedom. Requires basic mechanical knowledge and stamina. Car (rented in Manali or shared with driver) is safer for first-timers. Buses (HRTC or private) run Manali to Leh in one 20-hour push, cheap but brutal.
Winnie can plan the Manali-Leh trip
Tell Winnie at trywinnie.com your dates and mode (bike, car, bus) and it builds a full day-by-day plan with realistic pacing, permit reminders, and altitude buffer days. Refine anything by chatting.
Frequently asked questions
When does the Manali-Leh road open?
Usually late May or early June. It closes by mid October when snow blocks the passes. Winter access to Leh is by flight only.
How many days do you need for Manali to Leh?
Minimum eight days including one acclimatization day. Ten days is comfortable and adds Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso. Fifteen days lets you add Turtuk, Hanle, or the Zanskar valley.
Do I need a permit for Manali to Leh?
The main road needs no permit. But you need an Inner Line Permit for Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Turtuk, and Hanle. Apply online at lahdc.gov.in for Indian nationals.
Is the Manali to Leh drive safe for beginners?
Not really. Consider flying into Leh and doing shorter drives from there for your first Ladakh trip. Save the full Manali-Leh road for your second visit.
How much does a Ladakh bike trip cost?
Around 55,000 to 80,000 rupees per person for 10 days including bike rental, fuel, stays, food, and permits.
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