7‑Day Manali to Leh–Ladakh Road Trip Itinerary
Experience the breathtaking landscapes, high mountain passes, serene valleys & crystal‑blue lakes on this classic Manali → Leh Ladakh drive.
Day 1: Manali → Jispa
Distance: ~140 km via Atal Tunnel → Sissu → Keylong → Jispa. Expect 5–6 hrs drive through dramatic Himalayan terrain, crossing Rohtang Pass (3,979 m) and Atal Tunnel which bypasses Rohtang, then beautiful vistas at Sissu waterfall & Baralacha La (4,890 m) :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}. Stay overnight in Jispa alongside the Bhaga River.
Day 2: Jispa → Leh
Distance: ~260 km via Darcha → Zingzing Bar → Sarchu → Pang → Leh. Traverse high passes: Baralacha La, Lachulung La, Tanglang La (5,328 m), Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal, and the scenic Gata Loops :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}. Arrive in Leh by late afternoon or evening. Overnight in Leh.
Day 3: Leh Local Sightseeing
Acclimatization day in Leh (3,500 m). Visit Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, Shey Monastery, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, Hall of Fame, and Zorawar Fort :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}. Optional easy rafting on Zanskar River. Rent a bike or scooter for local sightseeing.
Day 4: Leh → Nubra Valley
Drive ~120 km via Khardung La (5,602 m), one of the highest motorable roads in the world. Stop at Diskit Monastery and enjoy camel rides at Hunder sand dunes :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}. Overnight stay in Nubra.
Day 5: Nubra → Pangong Lake
Cross back via Khardung La and Leh, then on to Pangong Tso (4,350 m). This ~310 km journey offers sweeping Chang La (5,360 m) pass views. Stay overnight lakeside at Pangong.
Day 6: Pangong Lake → Leh
Return ~220 km to Leh. Enjoy sunrise over Pangong, explore the banks, then drive back via Chang La and Tanglang La. Evening leisure in Leh.
Day 7: Leh → Manali
Head back along the Leh–Manali Highway (~475 km): Tanglang La → Baralacha La → Sarchu → Jispa/Keylong → Manali. Can be done in one long day or broken with an overnight stay en route :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}. Arrive in Manali by evening.
