Traveolla Holidays

Itineraries

The Leh–Manali road trip: a 10-day plan

High passes, frozen lakes, and the drive of a lifetime.

The Traveolla Team·12 February 2026·2 min read
The Leh–Manali road trip: a 10-day plan

Why Leh → Manali (not the other way)

Fly into Leh (3,500m) and descend to Manali (2,050m). Acclimatisation is easier than climbing from Manali. You arrive already-adjusted.

Day 1 — Arrive Leh

Full day of rest. Stay hydrated. Light food. Walk around the main bazaar only.

Day 2 — Leh local

Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, Shey, Thiksey. Short drives only.

Day 3 — Nubra Valley

Over Khardung La (5,359m). Overnight in Hunder, sand dunes, Bactrian camels.

Day 4 — Nubra to Turtuk (optional)

3h to India's last village before Pakistan. Or skip and return via Pangong route.

Day 5 — Nubra to Pangong

Via Shyok river route (stunning). Overnight at Pangong.

Day 6 — Pangong to Leh

Via Chang La pass. Return to Leh.

Day 7 — Leh to Tso Moriri

Long drive (7–8h). Overnight at Korzok village on the lake.

Day 8 — Tso Moriri to Sarchu

Cross Tanglang La, then through More Plains. Sarchu (4,290m) is a tented camp.

Day 9 — Sarchu to Jispa/Keylong

Over Baralacha La. Overnight in greener Jispa.

Day 10 — Keylong to Manali

Via Atal Tunnel. Arrive Manali for the evening.

Practical notes

  • Oxygen cylinder in car. Keep it.
  • Road updates: BRO.
  • Only in July–mid-September. Permits via Leh administration.

Our Ladakh Classic covers a version of this with support. Ask us.

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