Wondering what it truly feels like to drive on one of the highest motorable roads in the world while being surrounded by towering mountains and stretches of Himalayan landscape? The journey from Manali to Leh Ladakh is a test of endurance, a pleasure to your eyes and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Each kilometre of this route is characterised by changes in the altitude, challenging road conditions and by landscapes that shift between majestic valleys and stark high-altitude deserts. There are mountain passes, remote villages and high-altitude plains- all of which require proper planning and preparation before you set out on this drive. This blog will help you choose the best Leh Ladakh holiday packages and understand the various ways you can travel to Leh Ladakh from Manali, what you should expect, how to prepare and why this is a dream for people who love road trips.
Manali to Leh Ladakh: An Overview
The Manali to Leh Ladakh route is one of the most popular high-altitude road journeys in India, which links the lush valleys of Himachal Pradesh to the icy cold desert landscapes of Ladakh. The Manali to Leh Ladakh distance is around 473 km and it would take around 2 days with an overnight halt, depending on the road and weather conditions. This route crosses some of the highest motorable passes in the world, including Rohtang Pass, Baralacha La and Tanglang La. Therefore, due to drastic changes in altitude and unpredictability of weather, it is necessary to have adequate acclimatisation, vehicle preparation and route planning for you to have a safe and enjoyable trip.
Manali to Leh Ladakh distance: Approximately 473 km
Total travel time: Usually 2 days with an overnight halt
Manali to Leh Ladakh Route: Manali - Rohtang - Gramphu - Kokhsar - Keylong - Jispa - Darcha - Zingzingbar - Baralacha La - Bharatpur - Sarchu - Gata Loops - Nakee La - Lachulung La - Pang - Tanglang La - Gya - Upshi - Karu - Leh
Highest altitude on the route: Tanglang La (5,328 m)
Major mountain passes: Rohtang Pass, Baralacha La, Lachulung La, Tanglang La
Best time to travel: June to September
Road condition: Mix of smooth highways and rough mountain stretches
Modes of travel: Self-drive car, motorcycle, HRTC or private buses, shared taxis, or guided road-trip packages
Permits Required for Manali to Leh Ladakh
Indian travellers do not need any special permits to travel from Manali to Leh via the Manali- Leh Highway. However, if the itinerary includes visiting restricted areas in Ladakh such as Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley, Tso Moriri, or Hanle, an Inner Line Permit (ILP) is mandatory. This permit can be obtained online from the Ladakh administration website or through registered travel agents in Leh. Foreign nationals require protected area permits for certain regions.
Best Time to Visit Leh Ladakh by Road via Manali
The Manali to Leh Ladakh road remains open only for a limited window each year. This is due to heavy snowfall at high mountain passes. The best time to visit Ladakh and travel using this route is from mid-June to September, when the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) clears snow and thus, the road conditions are relatively stable. During these months, the weather is manageable, and accommodation options along the route are operational. July and August offer better road connectivity, but there can be occasional rain near Manali. September is a favourite among experienced tourists and is ideal for the clearer skies, fewer tourists and stunning landscapes.
How to Reach Leh Ladakh from Manali
Travelling from Manali to Ladakh can be done in several ways. Some options focus on thrill and freedom, others prioritise safety and convenience. The sections will help you understand and choose which mode of transport suits you best.
Manali to Leh Ladakh by Bus
State-run bus services are one of the cheapest modes of transportation if you want to go from Manali to Ladakh by road. They operate seasonally (only during June-September) when the highway is open. The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) has regular ordinary buses which can take you from Manali to Leh Ladakh. Depending on the schedule and road conditions, the journey is covered either directly in one long day or with an overnight halt en route (often at Keylong or Sarchu). The other alternative is the HPTDC semi-deluxe bus, which operates on specific days and includes an overnight stay and meals (included with the fare), which is relatively more comfortable than the basic services.
Manali to Leh Ladakh distance by bus: Approximately 475 km
Time needed: Around 18-20 hours for the full journey; some services split the trip over 2 days with an overnight halt
Average cost: Approximately ₹2,500-3,500 per person, depending on ordinary HRTC or semi-deluxe HPTDC buses
Pros: Budget-friendly, no driving stress, scenic route, suitable for solo travellers, reliable state-run service
Cons: Long travel hours, limited legroom, basic comfort, fixed schedules, less flexibility for stops
Manali to Leh Ladakh by Car
One of the most convenient and flexible means of experiencing this beautiful Himalayan route is by travelling by car from Manali to Ladakh. A self-driving or chauffeur-driven car enables travellers to enjoy the trip at their own pace, have breaks for acclimatisation and halt at scenic viewpoints, lakes and high mountain passes in the route. SUVs with good ground clearance are preferred due to rough stretches, water crossings and unpredictable road conditions. The journey is usually split over 2 days, with halts at Keylong, Jispa, or Sarchu.
Time needed: Around 2 days, including an overnight halt
Average cost: ₹8,000 -15,000 (fuel only); higher if hiring a private taxi
Pros: Flexible itinerary, better comfort, luggage space, scenic stopovers, safer for groups
Cons: Fuel planning required, rough terrain, altitude challenges, higher cost than bus
Manali to Leh Ladakh by Bike
A Leh Ladakh bike trip from Manali to Leh is a dream journey for numerous adventure lovers and is regarded as one the most famous motorcycling routes in the world. The ride takes one through dramatic mountain passes, remote plains and ever-changing landscapes such that one can experience an unmatched feeling of freedom and challenge. Most of the riders complete the ride in over 2 days and stop at Keylong, Jispa or Sarchu to deal with fatigue and acclimatisation.
Time needed: Around 2 days with an overnight halt
Average cost: ₹12,000- ₹25,000 (bike rental + fuel, excluding gear)
Pros: Ultimate adventure, complete freedom, thrilling mountain passes, biker-friendly route
Cons: Physically demanding, weather exposure, altitude sickness risk, requires riding experience
Must-Visit Stops on the Manali–Leh Road Trip
This legendary highway is about the unforgettable stopovers along the way. From high mountain passes to remote valleys and dramatic plateaus, each of these places to visit in Leh Ladakh when you’re travelling from Manali adds depth to the journey and helps with acclimatisation.
1. Rohtang Pass
The first major attraction after Manali would be Rohtang Pass, which is the place where the landscape starts changing radically. Lush vegetation gradually transforms into desolated mountains, snow fields and zigzag roads. This pass is located at an elevation of above 3,900 metres, and thus it is prone to sudden weather changes such as fog and snowfall even in summer. It provides panoramic shots of glaciers and peaks and sets the tone for the challenging yet scenic journey ahead.
2. Keylong
Keylong is the administrative centre of Lahaul and one of the most reliable overnight halts on the Manali- Leh route. Located along the Bhaga River, the town offers basic but comfortable hotels, fuel access nearby and medical facilities. Its lower altitude compared to further stops makes it absolutely ideal for acclimatisation. The surrounding monasteries, as well as the valley views, add cultural and scenic value to this stop.
3. Jispa
Compared to Keylong, Jispa is a quieter and more picturesque location; it is preferred by tourists who want to enjoy quiet nature. It is located along the Bhaga River and has riverside camping, eco-lodges and beautiful mountain scenery. The slower pace here assists the body to acclimatise to the altitude and also offers time to appreciate nature. Jispa is especially popular among bikers and self-driving travellers for its calm atmosphere.
4. Baralacha La
Baralacha La is one of the most beautiful passes on the route, which links Lahaul to Ladakh. It is encircled by snow-covered peaks and vast open landscapes, and it is located at an altitude of about 4,890 metres. The weather is not very predictable, as there are strong winds and snow. The pass also serves as the origin point for the Chandra, Bhaga and Yunam rivers, adding geographical significance.
5. Sarchu
Sarchu lies on a vast plateau near the Himachal–Ladakh border and is often used as a night halt by travellers, splitting the journey into two days. Known for its tented camps and surreal landscapes, Sarchu feels remote. The high altitude makes acclimatisation challenging, so slow movement is advised. Clear night skies and dramatic terrain make it a memorable stop despite limited facilities.
6. Tanglang La
One of the highest motorable passes in the world is the Tanglang La, which is the final major pass before reaching Leh. It is located at an altitude of about 5,300 metres, and thus, the oxygen levels reduce substantially here. So, it is advised that one must take short breaks. The views from the top are wide and showcase the rugged topography and vast open spaces. Crossing Tanglang La signals that Leh is not far. This brings a sense of accomplishment to the journey.
Travel Tips for Manali to Leh Ladakh Road Trip
Start early from Manali to avoid traffic at Rohtang Pass and reach your halt point before sunset
Spend at least one night in Manali to acclimatise before beginning the journey
Carry enough cash, as ATMs are extremely limited after Manali and may not always work
Keep fuel topped up at Tandi, the last major fuel station for a long stretch
Stay hydrated, eat light meals and avoid alcohol to reduce the risk of altitude sickness
Pack warm layers, rain gear and sunscreen, as the weather can change rapidly
Download offline maps and keep emergency contacts handy due to poor network coverage
Conclusion
A true Himalayan adventure that puts endurance, patience and spirit to the test is the road trip from Manali to Leh. Every kilometre of the trip, when you travel from Manali to Leh Ladakh, offers something special, including unique high-altitude experiences, secluded landscapes and stunning mountain passes. A safe and enjoyable trip is ensured by careful planning, acclimatization and selecting the appropriate mode of transportation. This famous route offers unparalleled excitement, breathtaking scenery and lifelong memories- be it that you drive a car, ride a bike, board a bus, or take a guided tour.
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