Road Trip to Leh from Manali

Yes, this is the very first step of planning a road trip to Leh from Manali. If it was in our control, we would tell you to get started right away. But it is the snow that has control! So, you have to plan your trip according to that. Basically, the road to Leh from Manali receives heavy snowfall and hence, remains inaccessible for quite some time in a year. However, the snow does get clear for a few months giving the travellers the opportunity to plan their road trips. Which months? From June to October. However, it is better to plan the trip in late June (once the monsoon has left) and by the month of September as October can be a close call!

We know, a Manali to Leh road trip by bike is the dream and you can certainly opt for a bike trip. But there are other options too! You can take a car, jeep or scooter. Also, on the way to Leh from Manali, fuel availability is good and you will find mechanics in selected spots. So, no worries there! Some people also go on a bicycle trip. That is also an option if you want! Talking about the road condition, it is pretty good, so you will have a smooth journey for sure!

This depends on your preference, to be honest. But at least 2 days are required to plan a road journey from Manali to Leh. You can stretch the trip for a few more days. That way you will get to explore more places on the road and make the most out of the trip.

As we just discussed, you will need at least 2 days for this road trip. So, we curated a 2-day long road trip for you. Here are all the details!

You will have to take the Manali-Leh Highway during your trip. It is 474 km long. And you will not require any permit to drive or ride on this route.

Your journey from Manali will start at a height of 1900 m, through deodar forests and beautiful views of the valley. From 1900 m to 3978 m, as you continue to travel, you will be near the Rohtang Pass! The weather will change abruptly and you will see clouds wrapping up the landscapes. The road here can be a little tricky so drive carefully and after some time, you will reach Kokhsar! We suggest you take a break here. There are many dhabas in this area and all of them serve delicious food! Dig in some food here and then hit the roads again! From here onwards, the condition of the roads keeps getting better!

Further on your way will come the town of Keylong. Here you will see a deep influence of the Buddhist culture that is quite eminent in Leh. From Keylong, proceed further and you will reach the village of Jispa! It lies on the bank of River Chanderi and is blessed with rushing streams, exquisite valleys and abundant greenery. You can guess that there is a lot to see and explore in this village. So, do that and then spend the night here. There are many good accommodations available here. But a better option is camping. The village is dotted with great camping spots, so why not spend the night under the sky!

That was day 1 of your Manali to Leh journey on the road. Before we begin day 2, here is a recap of day 1!

Start at Manali – drive pass Rohtang – food break at Kokhsar – Pass through Keylong – night camp at Jispa!

There is a long road ahead of you, so wake up and start driving as early as you can. The first place that will welcome you on day 2 is Darcha. It is a picture-perfect Himalayan village. And many dhabas are located here. So, breakfast in this beautiful village is a must! Next on your route comes a place with a funny name, ZingZingBar. You can enjoy a cup of coffee with a clear view of a picturesque sky! From there, you will be driving towards Baralacha La where you can have a hearty lunch. Then, get on your vehicle and get ready to pass a colourful town named Bharatpur and a famous camping spot Sarchu!

What else awaits on the Manali-Leh Highway for you next? A passage with 21 curves named Gata Loops, leading you first to Nakee La and then to Lachulung La. Yes, both these mountain passes offer spectacular views! Another wonderful spot where you will be passing through some dramatic gorges is Pang. And then, one after another winsome places like Tanglang La, Gya, Upshi and Karu keep coming your way until you are finally at your destination, Leh!

Waiting for a recap of day 2? Here you go!

Start day 2 with Day Darcha – enjoy the clear skies at Zingzingbar with a cup of coffee – lunch at Baralacha La – Explore wonderful places like Bharatpur, Sarchu, Nakee La and Lachulung La - drive through steep gorges at Pang - Pass through Tanglang La, Gya, Upshi and Karu – Welcome to Leh!

Plan day 1 as we discussed and camp at Jispa. Then, divide day 2 into multiple days! How? Drive through Darcha, ZingZingBar and Bharatpur and plan to camp at Sarchu. Keep the rest of the distance from Nakee La and Lachulung La till Leh for day 3! Also, Pang has many comfortable accommodations, if you want to stretch the trip 1 more day!

And just like that, your Manali-Leh road trip guide is ready! Bring out the backpack from the cupboard and let the road trip begin. Hey, if you have a little more time in your hand and want to extend the fun more, opt for a Delhi to Manali road trip first, stay a day in Manali and then take the roads towards Leh. You will not be disappointed!