If you are looking for an adventurous road trip to some most-visited tourist attractions of Ladakh, then this Leh to Delhi self drive trip is the thing for you. Fly to the Leh city, and visit Shanti Stupa and the local market in the evening. Next morning, explore the Hall of Fame museum, and stop to experience a unique phenomenon at Magnetic Hill. Also, witness the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar Rivers on this excursion. If there is time, feel free to explore the local market again. After an overnight stay in Leh, continue sightseeing and travel to Shey Palace, Thiksey gompa and Stok Palace. While in the city, you can take part in white water rafting to make this already wonderful tour even more exciting.

Next day, the Leh Delhi self drive trip takes you to the enchanting Nubra Valley. Passing through Khardung La, one of the highest motorable roads in the world, and then Khardung village, stop for lunch in Khalsar. After this, cross Diskit town and finally reach the valley. Prior to driving back to Leh, enjoy a Bactrian camel safari on the banks of the Nubra River. Visit Diskit gompa, and thereafter relish lunch in North Pullu before starting on the way to the city.  After attending the morning prayers at Thiksey gompa and then passing through Chang La, reach Pangong Tso. Return to Leh after relishing lunch on the shores of the lake and strolling in the area. 

Next day, travel to the mesmerising Tso Moriri, and see the various colonies of birds found in the region. Experience the thrill of camping near the lake and in the morning, drive to Jispa village. Then, the trip includes a visit to the beautiful hill station of Manali. Here, walk on Mall Road, and relax on the banks of the Beas River. Spend the next day of this excursion in Chandigarh, and then reach Delhi to end the experience.

Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival in Leh

On arrival at Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport, transfer to the hotel. Post check-in, acclimatise to the weather of this high altitude location. You may pay homage at Shanti Stupa – an incredible hilltop monument. The structure was constructed by Ladakhi and Japanese monks to promote world peace. A trip to the local market may also be taken to buy souvenirs. Thereafter, return to the hotel and rest.

Day 02: Sightseeing in and around Leh

After breakfast, drive towards Nimu village to witness the awe-inspiring sight of the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar Rivers. On the way, stop to witness a majestic event at Magnetic Hill. The mountain, seemingly defying the laws of gravity, is around 25 km from Leh. Further ahead on the journey, stop to pay your respect to the Indian Army at the Hall of Fame museum. Also known as memorial for war heroes, the 2-storey establishment features a gift shop, and documents and weapons, related to the Indo-Pak wars.

Later, return to the city, and once here you can choose to explore the local market on your own. Adventure lovers also have the option of trying river rafting and other thrilling activities organised in the region. Thereafter, return to the hotel to stay overnight. 

Day 03: Sightseeing around Leh

Post breakfast, continue the Leh to Delhi self drive experience, and travel to Shey Palace, Thiksey Monastery and Stok Palace. Shey Palace features some intricate frescos and an over 30-feet tall statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. Noted for its resemblance to the Potala Palace in Tibet, Thiksey gompa is the largest Buddhist monastery in the central region of Ladakh. The in-house museum of Stok Palace exhibits some rare coins and numerous other Buddhist artefacts. Thereafter, come back to the hotel and enjoy a relaxing sleep.

Day 04: Leh to Nubra Valley

Post breakfast, start driving towards the Nubra Valley, and en route pass through Khardung La. At over 17500 feet above sea level, this pass is among the highest motorable roads on earth. Further on the way to the valley, travel past Khardung village, and enjoy lunch in Khalsar. Finally, crossing the town of Diskit, reach the breathtaking Nubra Valley. On arrival here, travel to your camp for an overnight stay.

Day 05: Nubra Valley to Leh

Post breakfast, travel to the village of Hunder to ride on the backs of Bactrian camels. Thereafter, explore Diskit Monastery, and see an over 100-feet tall sculpture of Maitreya Buddha here. After the visit, pass through Khardung La, and stop for lunch in North Pullu. Post reaching Leh, stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 06: Leh – Pangong Tso – Leh

Early in the morning, travel towards Pangong Tso with the packed breakfast provided by the hotel. En route, stop at Thiksey Monastery to attend the morning prayers. Next, stop at Chang La, one of the highest mountain passes in Ladakh, and then continue on the way to Pangong Tso.

This lake has been featured in many popular movies, including 3 Idiots and Jab Tak Hai Jaan. Its turquoise water, surrounded by barren, yet spellbinding mountains on all sides, makes for a delightful and memorable sight. Enjoy lunch here with a great view of the surroundings, and thereafter return to Leh. On reaching the city, transfer to the hotel for a relaxing sleep.

Day 07: Leh to Tso Moriri

Post breakfast, continue the Leh Delhi self drive trip by heading to Tso Moriri. It is the largest high altitude lake entirely within the Indian Territory. Colonies of brown-headed gulls, black-necked cranes and great crested grebes can be found here. After taking photos and a walk, transfer to the campsite near the waterbody for an overnight stay. 

Day 08: Tso Moriri to Jispa

In the morning, drive to Jispa village in Himachal Pradesh for an overnight stay.  

Day 09: Jispa to Manali

Next morning, drive to Manali and on reaching the hill station, check-in at the hotel. You are free to explore the town and shop in Mall Road or to relax on the banks of the gushing Beas River.  Thereafter, return to the hotel and enjoy a peaceful sleep.  

Day 10: Manali to Chandigarh

Spend the morning exploring the town, and after lunch head towards Chandigarh. Upon arrival in the city, transfer to your lodging to rest.

Day 11: Chandigarh to Delhi

Utilise the morning to see the famous attractions of Chandigarh, and later travel to Delhi.  On reaching Delhi, disperse for your onward journey.