Manali to Leh: Everything You Need to Know

Ah, Leh-Ladakh! Who doesn’t want to want to witness those snow-capped, barren mountains, the mesmerising, cast stretch of land as far as the eyes can see, the clear, blue waters of the stunning lakes and the peace that the monasteries have to offer? Oh yes, we all do. 

But planning a trip to Leh-Ladakh can be quite a hassle. Whether you are an adventurer or a tourist, you must be spending a lot of time researching of ‘best time to visit Ladakh’ or the ‘best tour packages in Ladakh’ to choose from. 

Since 2019, Ladakh has been made into a Union Territory. Having been part of the Tibetan kingdom, it is predominantly a Buddhist area, with the culture, food, ethnicity, etc. being very different from mainstream India. In this blog, I will help you plan the best itinerary for Ladakh, based on my experience. 

Best Time to Visit Leh-Ladakh

The best time to visit Leh Ladakh largely depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for, whether it’s adventure, snow-covered landscapes, vibrant local life, or peaceful solitude.

The peak tourist season runs from June to September, and this is widely considered the best time to travel. During these months, the weather is pleasant, with daytime temperatures ranging between 15°C and 25°C, and most importantly, the roads from both Manali and Srinagar to Leh remain open. This is the ideal time for sightseeing, camping by Pangong and Tso Moriri lakes, exploring Nubra Valley, and enjoying bike rides and photography. However, as this is the most popular time, it’s recommended to book accommodation and transport in advance to avoid the tourist rush.

If you’re someone who loves snow and fewer crowds, then the winter season from October to February offers a completely different perspective of Ladakh. However, temperatures can drop drastically, even reaching -25°C, and most roads and tourist accommodations in remote areas like Pangong and Nubra remain closed. Despite the harsh conditions, this is a great time for photographers and those looking for winter treks such as the Chadar Trek on the frozen Zanskar River.

I wouldn’t recommend mid-November to March because the Manali–Leh and Srinagar–Leh highways are closed, making flights the only option to reach Leh. The cold is extreme, and infrastructure in remote areas becomes minimal.

There are two common routes that travellers follow to reach Leh, which should be your base while exploring Ladakh: one from Manali and another from Srinagar. I am providing a comprehensive Ladakh Itinerary that you can follow, along with a Leh Ladakh map. I will also let you know about local transport, in case you want to explore this hill station at a minimum cost.

Manali is chosen for many reasons as the starting point. Travellers find this route very beautiful, along with providing access to bikers to easily rent or hire bikes from Manali.

Below is a step-by-step ‘Leh Ladakh Map’ (from Manali to Leh) to help you plan your Ladakh tour a little better –

Itinerary

Day 0 – Leave from Delhi

There are daily buses that leave from the ISBT Kashmiri Gate of Delhi to Manali. You need to reach Manali to acclimate your body and get used to the high altitude.

You can also take the private buses from Majnu ka Tilla. There are both government-run and private bus options. 

Bus Duration from Delhi to Manali – 14 hours

Distance between Delhi and Manali – approx. 600 KMs

Day 1 – Acclimate Yourself in Manali

Note – Rohtang Pass is closed every Tuesday for maintenance.

The major reason for staying in Manali for a day, instead of heading to Leh directly, is to get acclimatised. Moreover, since people from cities are not used to high altitudes and low oxygen, staying in Manali for a day helps. After reaching Manali somewhere around 8 AM, freshen up and start exploring. There are many things you can do, either go to the hidden gems, explore Old Manali, or trek to Jogini Falls.

You can also rent bikes from here.

Permits

The Rohtang Pass, lying on the Manali-Leh route, is so vulnerable that the government keeps changing rules to pass through the Rohtang Pass. NGT enforced the restriction in 2011, and currently, you need to obtain a permit to visit the Pass. Hence, please respect the environment and keep it clean – let us preserve Rohtang Pass with all our small efforts. 

Types of Permits for Rohtang Pass

• Tourism Purpose Permit – For travellers visiting the Rohtang Pass and returning to Manali the same day. 
• Travel Purpose Permit – For those crossing Rohtang Pass to continue towards Lahaul, Spiti or Leh.

Vehicle Restrictions:

Only 60 petrol and 40 diesel vehicles are allowed daily for tourism purposes. 

Vehicles older than 10 years are not allowed.

Permit Fees: INR 500

Ways to Get the Rohtang Pass Permits

• Getting the Rohtang Pass Permit Online – You can apply for the Rohtang Pass permit here – link. And as per the website, you cannot cross Rohtang Pass on Tuesday as the Pass is closed for maintenance.
• Getting the Rohtang Pass Permit Through Mobile App – You can easily download the ‘Rohtang Permit’ application on both Android and iOS devices
• Getting the Rohtang Pass Permit in Person – You can get the permit from the SDM office or the Tourist Information Centre in Manali. Opening hours – 10 AM to 8 PM every day

Required Documents: 

• Valid ID Proof
• PUC Certificate
• Vehicle Registration Certificate
• Driving License
• Proof of Hotel Booking

Accommodation in Manali

Budget Hotel: Apple Field House

Homestays: Bon Voyage, Manali Parvat View

Luxury Hotel: Span Resort and Spa

Boutique Hotel: The Himalayan

For backpackers: Zostel Manali, The Hosteller Manali

Day 2 – Manali to Keylong

Once you have sorted out your permit, leave for Keylong from Manali. Staying in Keylong, Jispa is essential to get you acclimatised. You attain height from Manali to Leh very quickly, so the slower you go, the better it is.

Road Condition – The road up to Rohtang Pass is really smooth, but after Rohtang Pass, the real challenge begins. The road becomes really rugged from here

Duration from Manali to Jispa – 5-6 hours

The distance between Manali and Jispa – approx. 140 KMs

Manali to Keylong Bus Timings

There are two types of bus services running from Manali to Leh – budget and luxury, run by HRTC and HPTDC, respectively. These buses take two days to reach Leh, which means that you have to stop in Keylong for an overnight stay.

HPTDC Bus Service

This is the luxury bus whose fare is obviously higher than the HRTC bus. However, the best thing about this bus is that your stay in Keylong is included in the fare.

Fare of HPTDC Bus – INR 2,900 (including accommodation and 3 times meals); a one-time payment till Leh

Timings of HPTDC Bus – The bus leaves at 10 AM from Manali and reaches Keylong by 5 PM.

HRTC Bus Service

There are several HRTC buses from Manali to Keylong which are budget-friendly.

Fare of HRTC Bus – INR 175, approximately

Timings of HRTC Bus – The first bus leaves at 4 AM. Following this, there are regular buses to Keylong until 1 PM.

Accommodation at Keylong 

• HPTDC offers modern rooms with attached baths and a restaurant at Hotel Chandrabhaga.
• Chandrabhaga Camps are private luxury camps with private bathrooms.

Read our tips on solo travel here – link.

Day 3 – Keylong to Sarchu to Leh

This is the most challenging day of the entire Ladakh trip. The roads have numerous hairpin bends, and there is a sharp rise in the altitude from Sarchu onwards. There are many stops you can take in between to eat. You can stop either at Sarchu or at Pang.

You will cross over Baralacha La, Lachuchulung La, Nakee La, and Taglang La passes

Duration from Jispa to Leh – 10 hours.

The distance between Jispa and Leh – approx. 340 KMs

Keylong to Leh Bus Timings

HPTDC Bus Service

If you are travelling through an HPTDC bus, you can continue with your journey from Manali till Leh.

HRTC Bus Service

The HRTC bus will be the most budget-friendly option.

Timings of HRTC Bus – From Keylong, the bus leaves at 5 AM and reaches Leh at 7 PM

Fare of HRTC Bus – INR 644 for Keylong to Leh

Accommodation in Leh

Leh offers a variety of accommodations to suit different budgets and preferences. Here are some options:​

• Budget Options:

1. Youthok Guest House
2. Ibex Guest House

• Mid-Range Options:

1. Hotel Malik Residency
2. Hotel Mountain Vibes 

• Luxury Options:

1. The Grand Dragon Ladakh 
2. Welcomheritage Lha – Ri – Sa Resort

Day 4 – Exploring Leh 

Exploring Leh is an adventure in itself. 

• Shanti Stupa
• Leh Palace
• Gurudwara Pathar Sahib
• Hall of Fame
• Rafting on the Zanskar River

How to Travel Inside Leh City

The best way to explore Leh is by renting a scooter or a bike to ride to the nearby places. The rental cost starts from INR 1000 and can be easily arranged from the main market. 

Leh Ladakh Permits

Residents of J&K state and children below the age of 12 years do not need a permit. You can show your valid photo proof ID, and you are good to go.

Further, have at least 10 photocopies of your permit, as the check posts will ask you to show the permits. 

For Indian Citizens

As of 2025, Indian tourists no longer require the Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit most areas in Ladakh. However, an Environmental Fee is mandatory. 

• Environment Fee: INR 400 per person
• Red Cross Fund Fee: INR 100 per person
• Wildlife Fee: INR 20 per day per person​

You can pay these fees online through the Leh District Tourist Management System. After payment, carry a copy of the receipt (digital or printed) along with a valid photo ID. These documents will be checked at various checkpoints during your travels. 

For Foreign Nationals: Protected Area Permit

Protect Area Permit: Foreign tourists must obtain a PAP to visit areas such as Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri. These can only be applied through a registered Travel Agent in Leh. You can also apply it online, however, but only in a group.

Tip for Solo Travellers – If you are travelling solo, do not worry. Registered travel agents can help you with the groups. You can get the permit and still travel around solo.

Duration of PAP – 7 days; if you need to extend your stay, then you must reapply for the PAP.

Documents Needed: Photocopies of passport and visa

Where to Apply – You can obtain the Inner Line Permit online – link. If you want to apply it offline, then please download the form here – Protected Area Permit Form and Application.

A Few Tips for Leh

• Plan your day to visit the Shanti Stupa, Hall of Fame, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, river rafting, Leh Palace, and nearby monasteries.
• Try to reach Gurudwara Pathar Sahib by noon so that you can have langar.
• Rafting on the Zanskar river takes approximately 1-1.30 hours and will cost you about INR 1500.
• The entry for the Hall of Fame is only till 6 PM. So, plan accordingly
• From Leh, you can also go on the Markha Valley trek, a beautiful but difficult trek that starts from Leh

Day 5 – Leh to Pangong Tso

Leave Leh early morning to reach Pangong Tso.

• Cross Hemis, Thicksey and Shey monastery on the way
• Enjoy the view of Sakti Village on the way, one of the greenest villages I have seen in Ladakh.
• Cross and appreciate Changla Pass, the third-highest motorable road in the world

A word of caution: the temperature at Changla Pass falls dangerously low. So, carry enough winter clothes.

Duration From Leh to Pangong Tso – 6 hours

The Distance Between Pangong Tso and Leh – approx. 230 KMs

Bus Services from Leh to Pangong Tso

• Direct Bus to Pangong Tso: A direct bus from Leh to Pangong Tso operates every Saturday and Sunday at 6:00 AM, reaching Pangong by late afternoon. The fare is INR 250 one way. This bus typically ends at Spangmik, a village near Pangong Lake. ​ 
• Additional Bus Services: There are also buses from Leh to Pangong Tso via Spangmik, Maan, and Merak every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday at 6:30 AM. The fare for these buses is INR 270. ​ 

Shared Taxi to Pangong Tso

Shared taxis are a convenient option, especially for solo travellers. You can find shared taxi options at various shops and cafes in Leh, often advertised through flyers. The cost for a shared taxi to Pangong Tso typically ranges from INR 1,800 to INR 4,470, depending on the number of passengers and the specific arrangements.

Accommodation in Pangong Tso

Camping near Pangong Lake is a popular choice during the tourist season. You can find numerous camping areas along the lake, particularly in Spangmik and Lukung. These camps are operational from May to September. If you plan to visit outside these months and still wish to camp, it’s advisable to carry your tents.

Day 6 – Pangong Tso to Leh

It will be better to leave early for Leh. However, do not miss the sunrise for it is a view worth your sleepless night or an early rise. 

Bus Services from Pangong Tso to Leh

Direct Bus Service: A direct bus operates from Leh to Pangong Tso every Saturday and Sunday at 6:30 AM. This bus reaches Pangong Lake by late afternoon and typically has an overnight halt.  

Return Journey: The same bus returns from Pangong Tso to Leh the next day, departing early in the morning. 

The bus has no advance booking system. Reach the Leh bus stand early morning and book the tickets before you have to leave.

Days 7 and 8 – Leh to Nubra Valley and Back

Start early from Leh and stop at South Pullu. The view is worth stopping for, and you will feel very much at peace here. Despite the slope and reaching a very high altitude at such a short span of time, you won’t feel sick on this pass.

The distance between Leh and Khardung La – 39 KMs

The distance between Khardung La Warshi – 90 KMs

At South Pullu, submit copies of the permit. Carry more than one copy with you all the time, since you will be required to submit copies at several check posts.

You will cross the highest motorable road in the world this time, the Khardungla Pass.

Road Condition – From Khardungla Pass, the terrain is quite rugged. But it is only for half an hour of a distance. Later, the ride becomes picturesque and comfortable. 

Warshi is the last village where tourists are allowed. From here, take a U-turn to visit the Dikshit Monastery. After this, take the other route towards Hunder to reach Turtuk. On this route, Turtuk is the end village accessible by civilians on this road.

Bus Services from Leh to Nubra Valley

• Leh to Diskit: Buses depart from Leh to Diskit every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 6:00 AM. The fare is approximately INR 200 per person. The return journey from Diskit to Leh is scheduled for the next day, departing at 7:00 AM. ​ 
• Leh to Turtuk: A bus service to Turtuk operates every Saturday at 6:00 AM, with a fare of around INR 316. This route passes through Khardung La, Khardung, Khalsar, Diskit, Hunder, and Thoise. 
• Leh to Panamik: Buses to Panamik run every Tuesday, departing from Leh at 6:00 AM. This route also allows stops at Sumur and continues up to Warshi, the last village accessible to tourists in that direction. ​

Note: Tickets for these buses can be purchased directly at the Leh bus stand. Arrive early to secure your seat, as there is no advance booking system.

Accommodation in Nubra Valley

Nubra Valley offers a range of accommodation options to suit various budgets and preferences. Here are some suggestions:​

• Diskit:

1. Hotel Stendel
2. Olthang Guest House

• Hunder:

1. Hunder Sarai Resort
2. Nubra Organic Retreat

• Turtuk:

1. Turtuk Holiday Resort
2. Balti Homestay 

• Panamik:

1. Panamik Eco Resort.
2. Sumur Guest House

Return from Nubra Valley to Leh

By Bus

• From Diskit to Leh: Government buses run every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. The departure time is 7:00 AM from the Diskit Bus Stand, and you will arrive at Leh by late afternoon. The fare would be approximately INR 200. I know, quite cheap, right? There is no way to book it in advance, and the best you can do is arrive early and wait for the bus. 
• These buses typically connect via Diskit, so you’ll need to take a local/shared ride to Diskit first, then catch the main Leh-bound bus the next morning.

By Shared Taxi: 

Shared taxis are widely available in Diskit and Hunder. It will cost you INR 400– INR 700 per person (depending on demand and vehicle)

Day 9 – Leh to Srinagar

There are two main types of buses operating from Leh to Srinagar, which include either the government one, which is operated by Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation or the private ones.

Time: The bus leaves at 2 PM and will arrive by 7:30 AM the next day. The bus takes very few breaks and completes the entire journey in about 18 hours

Fare:

• Ordinary Bus: ₹450 per person
• Semi-Deluxe Bus: ₹650 per person
• Deluxe Bus: ₹1,050 per person

Booking: Tickets can be purchased at the Leh bus stand. Advance booking is recommended due to limited seats.

Travelling to Leh-Ladakh can be one of your most life-changing experiences. The mountains here teach you something, and they help you to heal. 

I hope this Leh Ladakh Map and guide is helpful. Do comment below if you have any questions regarding the Ladakh Itinerary. We love to answer questions!