About This Package
The Manali to Leh Ladakh circuit is India's greatest road adventure — a journey through some of the highest motorable passes in the world, surreal high-altitude deserts, electric-blue lakes, and ancient Buddhist monasteries. Our experienced Ladakh drivers navigate these extreme mountain roads while you absorb one of Earth's most extraordinary landscapes.
This route crosses Baralacha La (4,890m), Lachulung La (5,065m), Tanglang La (5,328m) and the world-famous Khardung La (5,359m). Our drivers are fully trained for high-altitude mountain driving, emergency situations, and acclimatisation protocols — ensuring your safety at every elevation.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
01
Day 1
Manali — Jispa (via Rohtang Pass / Atal Tunnel)
Depart Manali early morning. Drive via Atal Tunnel (or Rohtang Pass if open, permit required) into the Lahaul Valley — a dramatic landscape change from green Kullu to arid Lahaul. Continue along the Chandra river through Sissu, Keylong, and Jispa. Halt at Jispa for acclimatisation. First taste of raw Himalayan grandeur.
Manali
Atal Tunnel
Jispa
02
Day 2
Jispa — Baralacha La — Sarchu
Cross Baralacha La pass (4,890m) — where glaciers meet three river valleys. Drive through the dramatic Morey Plains, a flat plateau at 4,500m altitude that feels like driving on the moon. Halt at Sarchu (4,253m) for the night. Stargazing at Sarchu under clear skies is an unforgettable experience.
Baralacha La
Morey Plains
Sarchu
03
Day 3
Sarchu — Tanglang La — Leh
The most dramatic day — cross Lachulung La and then Tanglang La (5,328m), one of the world's highest motorable roads. Descend into Indus Valley — green agriculture appears after two days of arid desert. Pass the magnificent Gata Loops (21 hairpin bends), More Plains, and finally arrive in Leh. Rest and acclimatise.
Tanglang La
Gata Loops
Leh
04
Day 4
Leh Acclimatisation — Leh Palace, Magnetic Hill, Sangam
Rest day in Leh for proper acclimatisation (essential for altitude). Short drive to Magnetic Hill — where the magnetic pull appears to make cars roll uphill. Visit the confluence of Zanskar and Indus rivers at Sangam. Explore the 17th-century Leh Palace and the vibrant Leh Market. Easy day to let your body adjust to 3,500m altitude.
Magnetic Hill
Sangam Point
Leh Palace
05
Day 5
Leh — Khardung La — Nubra Valley
Drive over Khardung La (5,359m) — one of the world's highest motorable roads. Descend into the stunning Nubra Valley — a desert oasis with Bactrian double-humped camels at Hunder sand dunes. Visit Diskit Monastery with the iconic 32-metre Maitreya Buddha. Overnight in Nubra.
Khardung La
Hunder Dunes
Diskit Monastery
06
Day 6
Nubra — Shyok — Pangong Tso Lake
Drive the spectacular Shyok river road — one of the most scenic drives in Ladakh. Arrive at Pangong Tso (4,350m) — the iconic 134km-long lake that straddles India and China, famous for its colour-shifting waters. Camp or stay at the lakeside. Evening at the lake watching the colours change from blue to turquoise to silver.
Shyok River
Pangong Tso
07
Day 7
Pangong — Chang La — Leh — Fly / Drive Return
Sunrise at Pangong Lake — absolutely unmissable. Drive back to Leh via Chang La pass (5,360m). Visit Thiksey Monastery and Hemis Monastery en route. Return to Leh for your flight departure or commence the return road drive to Manali/Delhi based on your itinerary extension.
Chang La
Thiksey Monastery
Leh Airport / City
Choose Your Car
Mahindra Thar 4x4
Our top recommendation for Leh Ladakh — 4-wheel drive capability, high ground clearance, and powerful engine built for high-altitude mountain terrain and river crossings.
3–4 Passengers
2 Large Bags
4WD + AC
From ₹22,000
Toyota Innova Crysta
Powerful diesel engine and high ground clearance make the Innova Crysta an excellent choice for groups of 5–6 tackling the Ladakh circuit with ample luggage space.
6–7 Passengers
3 Large Bags
AC + Music
From ₹28,000
Tempo Traveller (12 Seater)
For large groups conquering Ladakh together. Our Ladakh-specific Tempo Travellers are specially maintained for high-altitude routes with experienced mountain drivers.
8–12 Passengers
Large Cargo Area
AC + Pushback Seats
From ₹45,000
What's Included & Excluded
Included
Experienced Ladakh-trained driver for entire trip
Fuel charges for all distances covered
All toll and permit charges en route
Driver's accommodation & meals
24/7 support throughout journey
GST & all applicable taxes
Not Included
Hotel / camp accommodation for guests
Meals for passengers
Inner Line Permits (Pangong, Nubra — we assist in arranging)
Rohtang Pass permit (if applicable)
Any personal expenses & adventure activities
Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Manali–Leh highway open?
The Manali–Leh highway is typically open from mid-June to mid-October. Snow closes the high passes between November and May. We strongly recommend booking between June and September for the best road conditions and weather. July–August is peak season so book early.
Is altitude sickness a concern on this trip?
Altitude sickness is a real concern on this route as you'll be crossing passes above 5,000m. Our drivers are trained to recognise symptoms and follow proper acclimatisation protocols. We build rest days into the itinerary. We recommend consulting a doctor before the trip and carrying basic medication (Diamox).
Do we need special permits for this trip?
Yes, Inner Line Permits (ILP) are required for Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley, and certain other restricted areas. Indian citizens need an ILP, while foreign nationals need a Protected Area Permit (PAP). We will guide you on how to obtain these permits — they can be arranged online and in Leh.
Is the price per person or per car?
All our prices are per car. For a group of 4 sharing a Thar, the Ladakh circuit works out to approximately ₹5,500 per person — exceptional value for this epic adventure. Groups of 5–6 in an Innova make it even more economical.
Can we fly into Leh and drive back to Manali?
Absolutely. This is a popular option — fly Delhi to Leh, acclimatise for 2 days, do the Pangong and Nubra excursions, and then drive back to Manali/Delhi via the Manali-Leh highway. We customise the entire itinerary based on your flight schedule.