Travel

Manali To Ladakh Itinerary

Across the Great Himalayan Highway

Manali • Jispa • Leh • Sham Valley • Nubra Valley • Turtuk or Siachen Axis • Pangong Lake

Some journeys take you to a place, while others gently change the way you feel and see the world.

Starting from the green valleys of Manali, this thoughtfully planned Himalayan journey takes you along one of India’s most beautiful road routes into Ladakh. Travel through glacier-fed valleys, high mountain passes and wide open landscapes before reaching Leh, the cultural heart of Ladakh. From here, the journey becomes more relaxed, allowing you to explore ancient monasteries, cross the famous Khardung La into Nubra Valley’s cold desert, experience the unique culture of Turtuk or travel towards the remote Siachen region, and finally enjoy the calm beauty of Pangong Lake. This journey is not just about travel—it is about peaceful moments, rich culture and unforgettable mountain views. 

Journey Highlights:

  • Scenic drive through the Atal Tunnel into the beautiful Lahaul Valley
  • Crossing famous high mountain passes like Baralacha La and Tanglang La
  • Exploring Sham Valley including Alchi Monastery and the Indus-Zanskar Confluence
  • Crossing Khardung La into Nubra Valley’s unique cold desert
  • Cultural experience in Turtuk Village or exploration towards the Siachen region
  • Overnight stay at Pangong Lake with sunrise and sunset views
  • Visits to Thiksey Monastery, Shey Palace and the 3 Idiots School

Journey Flow:Manali → Jispa (1 Night) → Leh (2 Nights) → Sham Valley (Day Excursion) → Nubra Valley (2 Nights) → Turtuk / Siachen Axis (Day Excursion) → Pangong Lake (1 Night) → Leh (1 Night) → Departure

Journey at a Glance:

Duration: 7 Nights | 8 DaysStarting Point: Manali Bus Stand or Bhuntar AirportDeparture Point: Leh AirportTravel Style: Private and comfortable Himalayan road journeyIdeal For: Couples, families, photographers and travellers who enjoy culture and natureBest Travel Period: June to September, depending on road opening conditions

Day 1 | Manali or Bhuntar Airport to Jispa:

Distance & Time: 95 km from Manali (3–4 hrs) | 145–165 km from Bhuntar (5–6 hrs)

Your journey begins as you leave Manali or Bhuntar Airport and drive towards the high mountains of Lahaul. Passing through the impressive Atal Tunnel, the scenery slowly changes into rugged landscapes with waterfalls and flowing streams. The drive continues through Sissu, Tandi and Keylong before reaching Jispa, a quiet village by the Bhaga River. The day is kept easy so you can relax, breathe in the fresh mountain air and slowly adjust to the altitude. 

Stay: Jispa

Day 2 | Jispa to Leh:

Distance & Time: Approximately 335 km (9–11 hrs)

Today is one of the most scenic drives in the Himalayas. Travel through Darcha and climb towards Baralacha La before reaching Sarchu, where the landscape becomes more open and dramatic. Continue across the winding Gata Loops and the high passes of Nakee La and Lachulung La, followed by the wide and peaceful More Plains. After crossing Tanglang La, descend into the Indus Valley and reach Leh. The evening is free for rest so you can relax after this long but beautiful journey. 

Stay: Leh

Day 3 | Sham Valley Exploration: 

Distance & Time: Approximately 130–140 km round trip (6–7 hrs)

Travel along the Indus River to explore Sham Valley. Begin with a visit to the Hall of Fame, followed by Gurudwara Pathar Sahib and the interesting Magnetic Hill. Continue to the meeting point of the Indus and Zanskar rivers at Nimmu, where you can see two different river colours coming together. Visit Alchi Monastery, known for its old artwork and peaceful surroundings. Return to Leh by evening after a day filled with culture and scenic views. 

Stay: Leh

Day 4 | Leh to Nubra Valley:

Distance & Time: Approximately 125–140 km (5–6 hrs)

Leave Leh and drive towards Khardung La, one of the highest motorable passes in the world. Enjoy wide mountain views before descending into Nubra Valley, known for its unique cold desert landscape. Visit Diskit Monastery and see the large Maitreya Buddha statue overlooking the valley. Continue to the Hunder Sand Dunes, where soft sand meets snow-covered mountains. The day offers a beautiful mix of desert and mountain scenery. 

Stay: Nubra Valley (Hunder / Sumur)

Day 6 | Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake:

Distance & Time: 160–175 km from Hunder (5–6 hrs) | 190–210 km from Sumur (6–7 hrs)

Travel from Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake through the scenic Shyok River route. The drive passes through remote areas with dramatic mountains and river views. As you reach Pangong, the landscape opens to reveal its wide blue waters. Spend time by the lake, watching its colours change with the light. The evening is calm and special, with clear skies and peaceful surroundings. 

Stay: Pangong Lake

Day 7 | Pangong Lake to Leh:

Distance & Time: Approximately 155–175 km (6–7 hrs)

Start your day with a peaceful sunrise at Pangong Lake. After breakfast, drive back to Leh via Chang La. On the way, visit Thiksey Monastery, known for its beautiful structure and spiritual atmosphere. Continue to Shey Palace, once the royal residence, offering lovely valley views. Stop at the Druk White Lotus School, also known as the 3 Idiots School. Reach Leh by evening and relax. 

Stay: Leh

Day 8 | Departure from Leh: 

Distance & Time: Approximately 5–7 km (15–20 mins)

After breakfast, transfer to Leh Airport for your onward journey. Leave with beautiful memories of the Himalayas—where every road feels special and every view stays with you.

Stay Plan

Hotels Envisaged & Program Option

A clear day-wise look at destinations, planned programs, hotel options, and room categories for this journey.

Scroll table on smaller screens
Scroll table on smaller screens
DayDestinationProgramHotel NameRoom Type
Day 1JispaArrival in Manali & Scenic Drive towards JispaHotel IbexDeluxe Room
Day 2LehLeh Arrival & Leisure DayThe Postcard in The Himalayan Willows/Chamba Camp, ThikseyThe Willow Suites/Luxury Suite Tent
Day 3LehLocal Sightseeing in LehThe Postcard in The Himalayan Willows/Chamba Camp, ThikseyThe Willow Suites/Luxury Suite Tent
Day 4Nubra ValleyArrival & Sightseeing En RouteChamba Camp DiskitLuxury Suite Tent
Day 5Nubra ValleyLocal Sightseeing in Nubra ValleyChamba Camp DiskitLuxury Suite Tent
Day 6Pangong LakeNubra Valley to PangongDesert Blue Pangong/SimilarPremium Cabin
Day 7LehPangong to LehThe Postcard in The Himalayan Willows/Chamba Camp, ThikseyThe Willow Suites/Luxury Suite Tent
Day 8DepartureDeparture from LehNANA
Total Package CostSpeak With A Travel Designer

Payment & booking assistance

  • 50% ADVANCE TO BE PAID & balance of total tour cost will have to be paid 30 days before the date of travel
Package Inclusions
  • Hygienic & comfortable transportation (Elite - Fortuner ; Premium - Innova Crysta ; Luxury - Innova Crysta ; Super Deluxe - Innova ; Deluxe - Ertiga
  • Welcome drinks on arrival at Hotels/Camps
  • Accommodation as per no. of Pax
  • Meal Plan as per client preferences
  • Highly professional Driver
  • All Toll Taxes & Parking Charges
  • Inner line Permit
  • Oxygen Cylinder
Package Exclusions
  • Doesn’t include any personal expenses
  • Doesn’t include any sightseeing adventure activity fees/entry charges
  • Doesn’t Include any property add on service charges
  • Doesn’t include any extra transportation charges due to any natural calamity.
Cancellation Policy
  • If cancellations are made 30 days before the date of travel then 25.0% of total tour cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
  • If cancellations are made 15 days to 30 days before the date of travel then 50.0% of total tour cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
  • If cancellations are made 0 days to 15 days before the date of travel then 100.0% of total tour cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to travel on the Manali to Ladakh itinerary?

The ideal time for this journey is from June to September, when the Manali–Leh Highway is open and weather conditions are favourable. During these months, travellers can enjoy spectacular mountain scenery, accessible high-altitude passes and comfortable road travel.

Is this itinerary suitable for first-time travellers to Ladakh?

Yes. The itinerary is thoughtfully planned to allow gradual acclimatisation, with an overnight stay in Jispa before reaching Leh. This helps travellers adjust to the increasing altitude while enjoying one of the most scenic road journeys in the Himalayas.

Can I choose between Turtuk Village and the Siachen Axis excursion?

Yes. On Day 5, you can personalise your experience by choosing between Turtuk Village, where you'll discover Balti culture, traditional homes and apricot orchards, or the Siachen Axis, which includes Yarab Tso Lake, Panamik Hot Springs, Ensa Monastery and ancient rock carvings at Murgi for a more off-the-beaten-path adventure.

What type of accommodation is included during the journey?

The itinerary features carefully selected Deluxe, Super Deluxe, Premium, Luxury and Elite accommodations, depending on the package selected. Guests stay in comfortable hotels in Jispa and Leh, luxury camps in Nubra Valley, and premium lakeside cottages at Pangong Lake for a memorable Himalayan experience.

What is included in the tour package?

The package includes private transportation, accommodation, meals as per the selected plan, welcome drinks, a professional driver, Inner Line Permits, toll taxes, parking charges and an oxygen cylinder for high-altitude travel. Personal expenses, monument entry fees, adventure activities, optional experiences and additional costs due to natural calamities are not included.