The Manali to Leh road trip is one of the most epic high-altitude road adventures in India, offering breathtaking landscapes, thrilling mountain passes, and an unforgettable journey through the Himalayas. Traveling 478 km you will encounter multiple high motorable roads such as Rohtang Pass Baralacha La and Tanglang La. The Manali to Leh highway provides an extraordinary adventure that suits both adventure enthusiasts and road trip lovers and nature photographers.
This guide provides all essential information including, best time to visit, route details, permits, must-see stops, and travel tips to help you plan the ultimate road trip from Manali to Leh.
Why is the Manali to Leh Road Trip a Must-Do?
- World’s Highest Motorable Roads – Cross 5 high-altitude passes above 16,000 ft.
- Stunning Landscapes – From lush valleys to barren deserts & turquoise lakes.
- Thrilling Adventure – A challenging yet rewarding journey for bikers & drivers.
- Cultural Experience – Explore remote Himalayan villages & Buddhist monasteries.
Best Time for Manali to Leh Road Trip:
The Manali-Leh highway is open only from June to September due to heavy snowfall in winter.
- June to Mid-July: Freshly opened roads, snow-covered peaks.
- Mid-July to August: Best weather, clear skies.
- September: Fewer crowds, autumn colors.
Manali to Leh Route & Key Stops:
1. Manali to Keylong (115 km, 8-10 hrs)
The journey begins with an early morning departure from Manali to beat the Rohtang Pass traffic. As you ascend towards Rohtang Pass (3,978 m), you’ll be greeted by snow-capped peaks and crisp mountain air. Marhi provides an opportunity for a brief meal of hot Maggi noodles accompanied by tea on your journey through the twisting Following Rohtang you enter areas where green valleys replace the views and you will find the beautiful town of Sissu which is famous for its waterfall. The final stretch takes you to Keylong, the administrative capital of Lahaul, where you can visit the beautiful Shashur Monastery and rest for the night.
Nearby Attractions: Jispa (25 km ahead) – A serene riverside camping spot. Gemur Monastery – Famous for its annual devil dance festival.
2. Keylong to Sarchu (108 km, 6-7 hrs)
The road moves upward from Keylong to reach Baralacha La (4,890 m) which stands as one of the most demanding elevations during this trip. The challenging path features rough terrain and intense twists and steep slopes yet it reveals breath-taking views of the mountain peaks. Before reaching the pass, you’ll come across Deepak Tal, a stunning high-altitude lake that reflects the mountains like a mirror. The barren yet beautiful landscapes of Sarchu mark the border between Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh. Spend the night in tents here to acclimatize to the increasing altitude.
Highlights: Zingzing Bar – A remote outpost with dramatic mountain views. Sarchu Plains – Vast, open landscapes perfect for photography.
3. Sarchu to Leh (253 km, 10-12 hrs)
This is the longest and most adventurous stretch of the journey, crossing five high-altitude passes. The first major challenge is Lachung La (5,065 m), followed by Nakee La (4,740 m), where the roads are steep and often covered in loose gravel. You will reach the More Plains during your descent because this enormous high-altitude desert contains mile-long straight roads which provide road trippers with an exceptional vista. Standing at 5,328 meters above sea level Tanglang La ranks as the second highest road pass in the world that allows motorized vehicle access. After climbing down from here you will reach Leh while seeing ancient monasteries and experiencing the lively atmosphere of Leh Market.
Must-Visit Stops: Pang – A military outpost with basic amenities. Upshi Village – The first sign of civilization after long barren stretches.
Must-Visit Attractions on Manali-Leh Highway
Pangong Tso Lake: Famous from 3 Idiots, surreal blue waters.
Tso Moriri Lake: Less crowded, pristine beauty.
Nubra Valley: Sand dunes & double-humped camels.
Hemis & Thiksey Monasteries: Spiritual Himalayan culture.
Permits & Travel Essentials
Inner Line Permit (ILP): Required for foreigners & Indians beyond Leh.
Fuel & ATMs: Limited availability; carry extra cash.
Altitude Sickness Pills: Diamox helps with acclimatization.
No Network: BSNL & Airtel work sporadically.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Q1. How long does it take to complete the Manali to Leh road trip?
It typically takes 2 to 3 days, depending on your stops, acclimatization, and road conditions.
Q2. How can I prevent altitude sickness during the trip?
To avoid altitude sickness (Acute Mountain Sickness – AMS):
Acclimatize properly (stay overnight in Keylong or Jispa).
Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol.
Q3. Are there petrol pumps along the route?
Fuel stations are scarce. The last reliable petrol pump before Leh is in Tandi (near Keylong), so carry extra fuel in cans if needed.
Q4. Is mobile network and internet available on this route?
Network connectivity is limited. BSNL, Airtel, and Jio postpaid connections work in some areas, but expect long stretches without a signal.
Q5. What should I pack for the Manali to Leh road trip?
Essential items include: Warm clothes, Waterproof jackets, First aid kits, AMS medications, Cash, Power banks, spare vehicle parts, puncture kits, dry snacks, water bottles.
Conclusion:
The Manali to Leh road trip is a bucket-list adventure that tests your endurance while rewarding you with unmatched Himalayan beauty. The trip through this route using any vehicle type will create unforgettable memories that last forever.
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