The Manali to Leh self drive tour is a complete journey to various popular attractions between these two world-renowned holiday destinations. It starts in Delhi from where you drive to Manali. After an evening visit to the well-known Mall Road, stay overnight at the hotel. Next day, visit the popular attractions in the town, namely Hadimba Devi Temple and Naggar Castle. A small trip to Jana Falls area is also scheduled for you. Post another overnight at the hotel, travel to Jispa village, passing through Rohtang Pass. Situated on the banks of the Bhaga River, this village is a great place to rest at night. 

The next leg of this self drive to Leh experience is mostly spent at leisure. You can choose to visit the nearby Gemur Monastery and appreciate the historical artefacts there. Later, return to your lodging for a rejuvenating sleep and the ensuing morning you begin the journey towards Leh city. The sixth phase of this trip is dedicated to visiting some popular attractions in the city. Visits to the nearby Shanti Stupa and Sankar gompa are offered to make you familiar with the local culture. The following morning, drive to Pangong Tso – a large high altitude lake. Well known for its beauty and serenity, it attracts tourists from all over the world. Later in the evening, return to the hotel in Leh and rest.

In the following section of the Manali to Leh self drive trip, travel to the charming Khardung La. Perhaps the highest motorable road in the world, this pass offers great views of surrounding snow-capped mountain peaks. The rest of the day can be utilised with some souvenir shopping. On the ninth and last day of the excursion, board a flight from the city airport and travel to your next destination.  

Itinerary:

Day 01: Delhi to Manali (570 KM / 13 hours)

On arrival in Delhi, proceed to Manali, a beautiful hill station in the state of Himachal Pradesh. On reaching the destination, transfer to the hotel and check-in. The evening is free for you to visit Mall Road and shop. After exploring the area, return to the hotel for a refreshing sleep.  

Day 02: Sightseeing in Manali

This section of the trip is scheduled for you to visit Hadimba Devi Temple and Naggar Castle. Built in AD 1553, the sacred Hadimba Devi Temple is dedicated to demoness Hadimba – the wife of the Pandava brother, Bhima. It is located amidst a cedar forest near the village of Dungri. Situated in Naggar and built by Raja Sidh Singh, the medieval-era Naggar Castle overlooks the Kullu Valley and offers some exquisite views of its surrounding landforms. After sightseeing, savour local dishes in exquisite cottages that offer enchanting views of Jana Falls. Later, return to the hotel in Manali for an overnight stay.

Day 03: Manali to Jispa via Rohtang Pass (140 KM / 6 hours)

Wake up before sunrise, and get your breakfast packed at the hotel. Thereafter, start the Manali to Leh self drive journey by travelling towards Jispa. On the way, cross Rohtang Pass, which is located at an altitude of about 13000 feet. It connects the Kullu district to that of Lahaul and Spiti and offers awe-inspiring views of surrounding mountains.

Enjoy lunch at a roadside restaurant in Koksar village, and also halt in Keylong to witness unspoilt nature. Refuel your car in Tandi, and later continue driving towards Jispa. The latter is a small village on the bank of the Bhaga River and a popular stop for tourists travelling on the route. On reaching here, transfer to your lodging for an overnight stay. 

Day 04: Leisure Day in Jispa

This rest day is scheduled for you to acclimatise to tough weather conditions of the region. You can also explore the 11^th century Gemur Monastery, which features murals, paintings, stupas and a statue of Goddess Marichi Vajravarahi. Thereafter, take your vehicle along the Bhaga River, and return to Jispa for lunch. Later, transfer to your lodging for a relaxing sleep.

Day 05: Jispa to Leh (330 KM / 10 hours)

Early in the morning, drive towards the city of Leh. On the journey, travel on some high altitude mountain passes, namely Baralacha La and Tanglang La. Halt in Pang for lunch, and then continue towards the destination. On reaching Leh, check-in at the hotel and relax. 

Day 06: Sightseeing in Leh

The Manali to Leh self drive trip comes to a halt, and this presents a good opportunity to relax and acclimatise further. A small excursion will take you to Shanti Stupa and Sankar Monastery. The former is a marvellous white-domed building located on a hilltop in the outskirts of the city. Sankar gompa is a relatively modern monastery, which exhibits rich heritage and culture, reflected in amazing statues and wall paintings. After sightseeing, come back to the hotel for a good night’s sleep.

Day 07: Leh – Pangong Tso – Leh (320 KM / 10 hours)

Early in the morning, take a packed breakfast and continue the self drive to Leh experience by travelling to Pangong Tso. En route, stop at Thiksey Monastery, noted for its resemblance to the Potala Palace in Lhasa. The Gompa features an over 40-feet tall statue of Maitreya – the future Buddha. Further ahead, drive across Chang La, one of the highest motor-able roads in the world. At an elevation of almost 14000 feet, the tranquillity of Pangong Tso makes for a fantastic memory. Also, enjoy lunch here before heading back to Leh. Reach Leh by late evening, and transfer to the hotel for a peaceful sleep.    

Day 08: Leh – Khardung La – Leh (90 KM / 4 hours)

After an early breakfast, start driving towards Khardung La. At a height of around 18380 feet, this is among the highest motor-able roads in the world. Later, return to Leh, and in the evening stroll in the local market to do some last-minute souvenir shopping. Following this eventful day, transfer to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 09: Departure from Leh

After check-out, transfer to Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport to board your flight for onward journey.