There are many ways to explore the mountainous terrain of North India, but a self-drive tour stands out! Whether you want to enjoy the climate of the region or learn about the culture of the local people, a self-drive tour is perfect. This Manali Ladakh self-drive tour takes you to the awe-inspiring high mountain passes, including Khardung La, Rohtang La, Baralacha La and Nakee La, and many remote places like Sarchu, Hunder and Jispa. During this road trip, you also pass Gata Loops, a series of 21 hairpin bends, considered one of the most challenging routes in India.

Manali Ladakh Manali Self Drive Tour is filled with many sightseeing opportunities as well. You can visit the numerous palaces in Ladakh and pay homage at the revered monasteries located here. Admire the bounties of nature with a visit to the Nubra Valley – the Valley of Flowers – and Pangong Tso – one of the highest lakes in the world. Admire the beauty of Tso Moriri, one of the largest freshwater lakes in Ladakh. Spot the various wildlife around Tso Kar lake.  A three-night stay in camps makes this trip completely adventurous.

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Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival in Manali
Upon arrival in Manali, transfer to the hotel and check-in. Situated at an altitude of more than 6700 feet, Manali rests in the lap of the Himalayas, in the state of Himachal Pradesh. This hill resort draws a large number of thrill seekers, who come here to try adrenaline-pumping sports like paragliding, rafting, trekking and skiing. Spend some leisurely time acclimatising to the weather of this charming hill station, and at night retire to the hotel room.

Day 02: Manali to Jispa (138 km | 5-6 hours|10500 feet)
Early in the morning, begin the Manali Ladakh Self-Drive Tour by heading to Jispa. At a height of over 10000 feet above sea level, Jispa is a small village on the Leh-Manali Highway. Besides its tranquillity, the village is popular for its monastery. It is a convenient, hence, a common stop for tourists on a road trip to Jammu and Kashmir. During your journey, make a small stop at Tandi to refuel your vehicle, and also pass the famed Rohtang Pass en route. A multitude of tourists from different parts of the country come to experience the adrenaline rush of driving on this mountain road. While passing it, capture the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. On reaching Jispa, check-in at the hotel and enjoy a relaxing sleep.

Day 03: Jispa – Sarchu – Leh (340 km | 11-12 hours|11500 feet)
In the morning, check-out from the hotel and head to Leh, passing Sarchu en route. Start driving along the Bhaga River and pass Baralacha La and the serene Suraj Tal on the way. Over 16000 feet, Baralacha La is one of the highest passes in India. Suraj Tal lies just before the pass and one sight of this alpine lake will make you feel a lot closer to nature. During this journey, you will also pass the incredible Gata Loops, a series of 21 hairpin bends that appear just one after the other. Only the strong hearted can drive here, and now is your chance to do so. These zig-zag turns lead to Nakee La, another high mountain pass, on Leh-Manali Highway. Later, after passing Lachalung La, Pang and Tanglang La, arrive in Leh.

A high-desert city, Leh is a land of Buddhist culture and adventure. The biggest attraction of this place is the 17th-century Leh Palace, built by King Sengge Namgyal as the royal residence. On reaching Leh, check-in at the hotel and rest for the night.

Day 04: Leisure Day in Leh
You can use this day to learn about the local culture and heritage. There are a number of tourist attractions that you can explore. Start your day with a hearty breakfast, and then head out to Shanti Stupa, Shey Palace, Leh Palace, Hemis Monastery, Thiksey Gompa, Shankar Gompa and Stok Palace. The school where a scene of the hit Bollywood flick, 3 Idiots, was shot is also located near the city. If you want, you can visit the school and try to re-enact the scenes shot here. Today is also a great opportunity for you to explore the local market and buy souvenirs of this journey. Go for authentic pashmina shawls and exquisite handicrafts like Buddhist masks and prayer wheels. After sightseeing and shopping, retreat to the hotel and sleep through the night.

Day 05: Leh to Hunder (120 km | 4-5 hours|10000 feet)
Start driving towards Hunder village in Nubra Valley. En-route, pass one of the highest mountain passes in the world, Khardung La. From an altitude of over 17500 feet, you can capture panoramic vistas of the Ladakhi landscape.Nubra Valley is locally referred to as Ldumra, meaning the Valley of Flowers. Standing where the Shyok and Siachen Rivers meet, the valley lies to the south of the Siachen Glacier and separates Ladakh and Karakoram Ranges. The locals are believed to be the descendants of Greek tribal people, who came here looking for the tomb of Jesus Christ. Continue driving towards Hunder village, which is an oasis amidst the cold desert of the valley. The highlight of this village is the double-humped Bactrian camels.

If you want, you can enjoy a ride on these camels on the golden sand dunes of Nubra. On reaching Hunder, transfer to the campsite and rest.

Day 06: Sightseeing in Nubra Valley
In the morning, visit the famous Diskit Monastery – one of the oldest and largest monasteries in Nubra Valley. Following the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism, this 14^th century Gompa offers astonishing views of the valley and boasts amazing frescos and murals. Thereafter, the day is free for leisure. You can explore the surroundings or relax with your family. Post lunch, go on a short drive to the road that leads to Siachen. Later, return to the campsite for overnight stay.

Day 07: Hunder to Pangong Tso (256 km | 6-7 hours|14000 feet)
Embark on an offbeat road journey which takes you directly to Pangong Tso from Nubra Valley. Cross Agham, Shyok, Durbuk and head towards Tangste check post. Reach Pangong Tso by afternoon and get mesmerised by its beauty. At an altitude of over 14000 feet, this serene lake stretches over 100 km from India to China. The imposing hills surrounding the majestic lake add to its already overwhelming magnificence. In the evening, enjoy bonfire and dance under the starlit sky. Spend the night in your camp.

Day 08: Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri (328 km | 8 hours|15075 feet)
After freshening up in the morning, go on an approximately 8-hour drive to Tso Moriri– one of the largest fresh water lakes in Ladakh. The breathtaking beautiful lake is one peaceful place in Ladakh with no crowd, enjoy the blissful time there. Reach the campsite by evening and spend your night star gazing!

Day 09: Tso Moriri to Tso Kar (80 km | 4-5 hours| 14862 feet)
Wake up to a beautiful sunrise, as the first rays of the sun hit the turquoise waters of the lake. This is the highlight of this Manali Ladakh Manali Self Drive Tour. Later, drive to Tso Kar, one of the salt lake located the Rupshu Valley. The lake is home to several rare species of birds. The most common wildlife that you will spot here is the Wild Ass. Capture the moments and spend the night at the camps.

Day 10: Tso Kar – Jispa (228 km | 6-7hours|11500 feet)
Leave early morning from Tso Kar to reach Jispa. The exciting 228-km journey will again take you past Pang, Sarchu, Baralacha La, Deepak Tal and Suraj Tal. Also, pass the 21 hairpin turns of Gata Loops and experience an adrenaline rush. On reaching Jispa, check-in at the hotel and enjoy a refreshing sleep.

Day 11: Jispa to Manali
Start the day with a delicious breakfast, and then leave for Manali. This adventurous Manali Ladakh Manali Self Drive Tour ends as you arrive in Manali.