9 Days Himachal to Leh Road Trip Itinerary

Arrive in Manali, the starting point of your Himachal to Leh road trip. On arrival, our representative will meet you and assist with hotel check-in.

The first day is planned for rest, acclimatization and road trip preparation. Since the journey ahead crosses high-altitude regions, it is important to keep this day relaxed. You may visit Hadimba Temple, Mall Road, Old Manali or simply spend time around your hotel.

In the evening, attend a short briefing about the Manali to Leh route, expected road conditions, altitude precautions, luggage advice and next day departure timing. Overnight stay in Manali.

After breakfast, begin your road journey towards Jispa through one of the most scenic parts of the Manali-Leh highway. Drive through Atal Tunnel and enter Lahaul Valley, where the landscape changes from green hills to rugged Himalayan terrain.

En route, you may stop at Sissu for waterfall views and photography. Continue through Keylong and small Lahauli villages before reaching Jispa, a peaceful riverside halt on the banks of the Bhaga River.

Jispa is an important overnight stop on the Manali to Leh road trip because it allows travellers to gain altitude gradually before moving towards Sarchu and Ladakh. The evening is free for rest, short walks and enjoying the mountain views. Overnight stay in Jispa.

After breakfast, drive from Jispa to Sarchu, one of the most dramatic stretches of the Himachal to Leh road trip. The road passes through Darcha and continues towards Zingzing Bar before climbing to Baralacha La, one of the famous high-altitude passes on this route.

Baralacha La connects the Lahaul, Ladakh, Spiti and Zanskar regions and is known for snow views during the season. Depending on road and weather conditions, you may also see Suraj Tal, a beautiful high-altitude lake near the pass.

Continue towards Sarchu, a wide open plateau located near the Himachal-Ladakh border. Sarchu is known for its raw landscapes, camping experience and cold desert atmosphere. Since the altitude is higher, the evening should be kept slow and relaxed. Overnight stay in camps at Sarchu.

Start early from Sarchu for the long and spectacular drive to Leh. This is one of the most adventurous days of the entire road trip, with multiple mountain passes and changing landscapes.

The route covers the famous Gata Loops, a series of sharp hairpin bends, followed by Nakee La and Lachung La. Continue through Pang and the vast More Plains, one of the most unique sections of the Manali-Leh highway.

Later, cross Tanglang La and descend towards the Indus Valley. As you approach Leh, the scenery becomes wider and calmer, with monasteries, villages and desert mountains around you. On arrival in Leh, check in at the hotel and rest. Overnight stay in Leh.

After the long drive from Himachal to Ladakh, this day is kept relatively comfortable for acclimatization and local sightseeing in Leh. Begin with a relaxed breakfast and avoid heavy physical activity in the morning.

Later, visit Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, local market and nearby viewpoints. If time permits, you can also visit Hall of Fame, Magnetic Hill, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib and the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers.

This day helps travellers adjust to Leh’s altitude before heading towards Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake. In the evening, explore Leh Market for cafés, souvenirs, woollens and local Ladakhi products. Overnight stay in Leh.

After breakfast, drive from Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung La, one of the most famous high-altitude passes in Ladakh. The route offers beautiful views of Leh town, snow peaks and deep valleys.

After crossing Khardung La, descend towards the Shyok and Nubra river valleys. Visit Diskit Monastery, known for its large Maitreya Buddha statue and wide views of the valley.

Later, continue to Hunder, famous for its cold desert sand dunes and double-humped Bactrian camels. The contrast of sand dunes, mountains and river valleys makes Nubra one of the most memorable destinations in Ladakh. Overnight stay in Nubra Valley.

After breakfast, drive from Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake via the Shyok route, one of the most scenic drives in Ladakh. The road follows dramatic river valleys, mountain bends and wide open landscapes.

On arrival at Pangong Lake, enjoy the breathtaking view of the blue lake surrounded by barren mountains. Pangong is one of the most searched destinations in Ladakh and is famous for its changing colours, peaceful atmosphere and cinematic landscape.

Spend time near the lake for photography and relaxation. Since the region is remote and high-altitude, keep the evening simple and avoid overexertion. Overnight stay in camps or cottages near Pangong Lake.

Wake up early to enjoy sunrise views at Pangong Lake. The morning light over the lake and mountains creates one of the most beautiful moments of the Ladakh road trip.

After breakfast, drive back to Leh via Chang La Pass. En route, you may visit Thiksey Monastery and Shey Palace if time and road conditions permit. These sites offer a good introduction to Ladakh’s Buddhist heritage and traditional architecture.

On arrival in Leh, check in at the hotel. The evening is free for rest, shopping at Leh Market, café visits or packing for departure. Overnight stay in Leh.

After breakfast, transfer to Leh Airport for your onward flight. It is advisable to keep some buffer time at the airport due to mountain weather and security checks.

Your 9-day Himachal to Leh road trip ends with unforgettable memories of Manali, Lahaul Valley, Jispa, Sarchu, high mountain passes, Leh, Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake.

This itinerary is ideal for travellers searching for a well-paced Manali to Leh road trip package with gradual altitude gain, scenic overnight stops and the most popular Ladakh highlights included.