A lot of travelers prefer to travel to Ladakh from Manali side, and most of them say that “it is more beautiful” 🙂 🙂 Well, others also have reasons like limited leave days or security concerns while traveling from the Srinagar side. The Manali route is shorter, saves a day compared to the Srinagar route, and offers raw adventure through some of the highest passes in the world.

In this article, I will share a very balanced and common 15-day itinerary for travelers looking forward to traveling to Ladakh from Manali. This plan covers the full circuit, including Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, and Tso Moriri, and exits via Srinagar. In the latter part, I will also share an alternative plan for those who want to return from Manali side only, without taking the Srinagar route at all.

Last Updated: March 2026

Quick Overview: Ladakh from Manali Itinerary at a Glance

The Manali to Leh highway is approximately 474 km long and takes 2 days to cover by road. The full Ladakh circuit (Manali to Leh to Srinagar) is around 15 days including buffer days. You will cross five major passes above 15,000 ft, visit three high-altitude lakes, and drive through some of the most remote terrain in India. The best time for this trip is mid-June to early October, when the Manali-Leh Highway is open. Keep in mind that the Atal Tunnel (9.2 km, opened October 2020) has now replaced the old Rohtang Pass crossing for reaching Lahaul, making the first day’s drive significantly smoother.

DetailInfo
Total Duration15 days (+ 2 buffer days)
RouteDelhi – Manali – Leh – Nubra – Pangong – Tso Moriri – Srinagar – Delhi
Best TimeMid-June to early October
Major PassesBaralacha La (16,043 ft), Lachalung La (16,598 ft), Nakee La (15,547 ft), Taglang La (17,480 ft), Khardung La (17,582 ft), Chang La (17,585 ft)
Permits NeededInner Line Permit (ILP) for Nubra, Pangong, Tso Moriri + EDF fee
Estimated BudgetRs 20,000-35,000 per person (self-drive/bike), Rs 35,000-60,000 (rented taxi)
Leh Ladakh from Manali day by day plan
Complete day-by-day infographic for the Ladakh from Manali itinerary

Download your FREE high-resolution version pdf copy of this Leh Ladakh from Manali day-by-day plan infographic guide. If you liked it and found it helpful, please feel free to share it with your family and friends to help them too.

What Should You Know Before Starting Manali to Leh?

Before you jump into the day-by-day plan, there are a few important things you need to understand about the Manali to Leh route. These are not minor details. Ignoring them can genuinely ruin your trip or, worse, affect your health.

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) Risk

Since your body will not be acclimatized well enough when traveling on Manali-Leh Highway, there are chances of getting hit with Acute Mountain Sickness. Most of the terrain on this route runs above 4,000 meters, and by the time you reach such altitude, your body is simply not ready for it. Hence, many people fall sick on Day 2 or Day 3 despite splitting the drive in a 25:75 ratio (Manali to Jispa/Keylong, then Jispa/Keylong to Leh). I always recommend staying at Jispa or Keylong instead of pushing to Sarchu on the first night after Manali.

Atal Tunnel and Rohtang Pass Permits

The Atal Tunnel has changed the game completely. You no longer need the Rohtang Pass permit if you use the tunnel to cross into Lahaul. The tunnel is open year-round for Lahaul residents and seasonally for tourists (when the highway beyond opens). However, if for some reason you choose to cross via the old Rohtang Pass road, you will need a permit that costs Rs 500 per vehicle, available online at rohtangpermits.nic.in. Keep in mind that you do not need any permit when traveling from the Leh/Lahaul side towards Manali.

Fuel Availability on Manali-Leh Highway

This is critical. After the last petrol pump at Tandi (about 110 km from Manali, 10 km before Keylong), there is no fuel station for roughly 345 km until Karu (30 km before Leh). If you are traveling by bike, carry at least 5-10 liters of extra fuel. For cars, a full tank at Tandi should be enough for most vehicles, but carry a jerry can if your car’s fuel efficiency is low. You can read more in my detailed guide on fuel availability in Leh Ladakh.

Suraj Tal, as seen while traveling to Ladakh from Manali
Suraj Tal, as seen while traveling to Ladakh from Manali

How Does the 15-Day Ladakh from Manali Itinerary Look Day by Day?

We already have the most common itinerary of Leh Ladakh which covers the entire Ladakh circuit from Srinagar to Ladakh to Manali. In this article, the itinerary for Ladakh from Manali side covers all three major destinations, including Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso Lake, and Tso Moriri Lake. The plan also includes the Srinagar-Leh Highway for the return leg, making it a complete circuit.

Day 1 | Delhi to Manali or Solang Valley

  • The drive from Delhi to Manali takes about 13-14 hours depending on breaks. Leave early morning to reach by evening.
  • Better to stay at Solang Valley instead of Manali. Sleeping at a slightly higher altitude helps with acclimatization for the days ahead.
  • If going by own car, you can now use the Atal Tunnel and skip the Rohtang Pass permit hassle entirely.
  • Enjoy the views of lower Himachal as you drive through Mandi, Kullu, and the Beas Valley.
  • Overnight at Manali or Solang Valley.

Day 2 | Manali/Solang to Keylong or Jispa

  • Cross through the Atal Tunnel (9.2 km) and enter Lahaul Valley. The tunnel has made this section much easier compared to the old Rohtang Pass crossing.
  • It is always better to stay at Keylong or Jispa so that you do not feel sick or get hit by AMS.
  • Avoid sleeping at Sarchu at any cost while going to Leh from Manali. Your body will not be acclimatized by the time you reach Sarchu (14,070 ft). This is probably the single most important tip in this entire article.
  • I personally prefer staying at Jispa more because Keylong gives the feeling of a town while Jispa is closer to nature with the Bhaga river running just beside the highway.
  • Fill up fuel at the Tandi petrol pump (10 km before Keylong). This is the last fuel station for 345 km.
  • Overnight at Keylong or Jispa. Drive time: about 4-5 hours via Atal Tunnel.

Day 3 | Keylong/Jispa to Leh via Baralacha La

  • Leave Keylong/Jispa early, by 4-5 AM, so that you reach Leh by evening.
  • You will witness the beauty of Manali-Leh Highway in full. Stop at Suraj Tal and Deepak Tal, both right by the roadside.
  • You will cross over Baralacha La (16,043 ft), Lachalung La (16,598 ft), Nakee La (15,547 ft), and Taglang La (17,480 ft).
  • The stretch through Moore Plains is surreal, with flat roads cutting through a barren plateau at 15,000+ ft.
  • Overnight at Leh. Drive time: about 10-12 hours depending on road conditions and breaks.

Day 4 | Leh Local Sightseeing + Acclimatization

  • This is an essential rest and acclimatization day. Do not skip it even if you feel perfectly fine.
  • Visit Leh local sightseeing spots: Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Leh Main Bazaar, and nearby monasteries.
  • Get your Inner Line Permits (ILP) online from the LAHDC portal at lahdclehpermit.in. The fee is Rs 400/person (EDF) + Rs 20/person/day (ILP). No need to visit the DC office anymore. The payment slip in PDF format is checked at respective checkpoints.
  • Overnight at Leh.

Day 5 | Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung La

  • Head for Nubra Valley crossing Khardung La (17,582 ft). Despite the old sign claiming 18,380 ft, the corrected altitude is 17,582 ft.
  • Visit Diskit Monastery with its 32-meter tall Maitreya Buddha statue. Hunder has sand dunes and the famous double-humped Bactrian camel rides.
  • Stay overnight at Hunder or Diskit. Drive time: about 5-6 hours.

Day 6 | Nubra Valley: Sumur, Panamik, and Turtuk

  • Visit Sumur Monastery and Panamik hot springs (enclosed bathing rooms, Rs 20-30 entry, separate sections for men and women).
  • If you have time, I highly recommend driving up to Turtuk. It is a Balti village near the LoC and one of the most beautiful and culturally distinct places in all of Ladakh. I bet you will not regret it at all.
  • Return to Hunder/Diskit for the night, or head back to Leh if taking the direct route to Pangong next day.
  • Drive time: about 7-9 hours total if covering all three spots.

Day 7 | Leh to Pangong Tso via Hemis Monastery and Chang La

  • Cover either of Hemis, Thiksey, or Shey Monastery on the way towards Pangong Tso.
  • Cross Chang La (17,585 ft) to reach the iconic Pangong Tso Lake (14,270 ft). The lake changes colors from deep blue to turquoise to green depending on sunlight and time of day.
  • Overnight at Spangmik or Lukung. There are basic cottages and tent accommodations available (Rs 2,500-4,000 per night). Pre-booking is recommended in peak season (July-August).
  • Drive time: about 5-6 hours from Leh.
The wilderness of Changthang
The wilderness of Changthang, on the way to Pangong Tso

Day 8 | Pangong Tso to Leh via Thiksey and Shey Palace

  • Watch the sunrise at Pangong. The early morning light on the lake is worth waking up for.
  • Cover whichever monastery you missed on Day 7. Hemis, Thiksey, and Shey are all on this route.
  • Overnight at Leh. Drive time: about 5-6 hours.

Day 9 | Leh to Tso Moriri via Chumathang

  • Head to Tso Moriri Lake, the lesser-visited and arguably more beautiful of the three lakes. The route passes through Chumathang, which has natural hot springs.
  • Visit Karzok Monastery, perched right on the shores of Tso Moriri. The village has basic homestays (Rs 800-1,500 per night) and a few guesthouses.
  • Overnight at Karzok. Drive time: about 8-9 hours from Leh.

Day 10 | Tso Moriri to Leh via Tso Kar

  • Return via Tso Kar (the white salt lake) and rejoin the Manali-Leh Highway at Debring.
  • Cross Taglang La again and drive back to Leh via Upshi.
  • Overnight at Leh. Drive time: about 10-11 hours. Start early.

Day 11 | Rest Day at Leh or Sham Valley Sightseeing

  • Take a well-deserved rest day. Do some shopping at the Leh Main Bazaar, or enjoy local Ladakhi cuisine.
  • If you have energy, cover Sham Valley: Alchi Monastery, Likir Monastery, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hill, Sangam Confluence at Nimmu, and Gurudwara Pathar Sahib.
  • Overnight at Leh. Drive time if covering Sham Valley: about 4-5 hours.

Day 12 | Leh to Kargil via Lamayuru

  • Cover Mulbekh Maitreya (a 9-meter rock-carved Buddha statue), Lamayuru Monastery, and the famous Lunar Landscapes.
  • Overnight at Kargil. Drive time: about 8-9 hours.

Day 13 | Kargil to Srinagar via Drass, Zoji La, and Sonamarg

  • Drive through the Kargil War Memorial at Drass (the second coldest inhabited place on Earth), cross Zoji La Pass, and stop at Sonamarg for a late lunch.
  • Overnight at Srinagar. You can stay on a houseboat on Dal Lake for a unique experience.
  • Drive time: about 7-8 hours.

Day 14 | Srinagar to Jammu via Patnitop

  • Drive the NH44 towards Jammu. You can plan this route to understand the Srinagar-Leh Highway better for future trips.
  • Overnight at Jammu. Drive time: about 8-9 hours.

Day 15 | Jammu to Delhi via Pathankot and Ambala

  • Back home. Drive time: about 11-12 hours.

Day 16 + 17 | Buffer Days

  • Keep 2 buffer days in case of road closures due to landslides or snowfall. On the Manali-Leh Highway, landslides between Darcha and Baralacha La are common in July-August. Buffer days also give you the flexibility to spend an extra night somewhere you really enjoy.
Nakee La at Manali - Leh Highway
Nakee La at Manali-Leh Highway, one of the five passes you cross on Day 3

What If You Want to Return from Manali Side Only?

The other option is that you do not travel over Srinagar-Leh Highway and return to Manali from Tso Moriri itself. In this case, you split from Day 9 of the itinerary above and follow this alternative plan. This works well for people who have security concerns about Kashmir or simply prefer the Manali route.

Day 9 | Rest Day at Leh or Sham Valley

  • Do some rest or shopping, and enjoy the local culture at Leh.
  • If feeling active, cover Sham Valley: Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hill, Sangam Confluence at Nimmu, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib.
  • Overnight at Leh. Drive time for Sham Valley: about 4-5 hours.

Day 10 | Leh to Tso Moriri via Chumathang

  • Cover Karzok Monastery and the stunning Tso Moriri Lake.
  • Overnight at Karzok. Drive time: about 8-9 hours.

Day 11 | Tso Moriri to Sarchu/Pang via Tso Kar and Moore Plains

  • Start early. Drive from Tso Moriri to Tso Kar, then rejoin the Manali-Leh Highway at Debring.
  • Try to reach Sarchu where accommodation options are better than Pang. The tent camps at Sarchu offer basic but adequate facilities.
  • Overnight at Sarchu or Pang. Drive time: about 10-11 hours.

Day 12 | Sarchu/Pang to Manali via Baralacha La

  • Cross Baralacha La, stop at Suraj Tal and Deepak Tal. Enter Lahaul Valley through Keylong.
  • Use the Atal Tunnel to reach Manali. No Rohtang Pass permit needed when traveling from the Leh/Lahaul side to Manali.
  • Overnight at Manali. Drive time: about 10-12 hours.

Day 13 | Manali to Delhi

  • Return home. Drive time: about 13-14 hours depending on traffic and breaks.

Day 14 + 15 | Buffer Days

  • Keep buffer days for road closures, landslides, or simply to enjoy a place longer. My friend, trust me on this. Landslides between Darcha and Baralacha La are unpredictable, and having buffer days saves you from panic.
Wilderness Galore in Changthang
The vast wilderness of Changthang plateau, on the route between Pangong and Tso Moriri

Can You Save a Day with the Nubra to Pangong Direct Route?

Yes, you can. Instead of returning to Leh from Nubra and then heading to Pangong, you can take the direct route from Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso via Shyok village. This saves you a full day.

Day 6 | Hunder/Diskit to Pangong Tso via Shyok Route

  • Take the direct route from Nubra to Pangong via Shyok village or Wari La pass, whichever is open.
  • The Shyok route (~160 km from Diskit) has been significantly improved by BRO over the last few years. It is mostly tarred now and many travelers use it during the season. Just enquire about current conditions at Agham village before proceeding.
  • Note: There is no accommodation or fuel between Agham and Durbuk. The Diskit petrol pump is your last fuel point on this route. A new IndianOil pump at Tangste (34 km before Pangong) opened in 2023.
  • Overnight at Pangong Tso. Drive time: about 6-8 hours via Shyok route.

Day 7 | Pangong Tso to Leh via Thiksey and Shey

Alternatively, if both the Shyok and Wari La routes are closed (this can happen early in the season), you can do a day trip to Pangong from Leh via Chang La and return the same day. It makes for a long day (about 8-9 hours of driving) but is doable.

Excellent Roads at Moore Plains - Manali Leh Highway
Excellent roads at Moore Plains on Manali-Leh Highway, one of the flattest stretches at 15,000+ ft

How Much Does a Ladakh Trip from Manali Cost in 2026?

Budget is one of the most common concerns, so here is a quick breakdown for 2026. For a more detailed calculation, you can check my dedicated guide on how to calculate the cost of a Ladakh trip.

ExpenseBudget (per person)Mid-Range (per person)
Fuel (Delhi-Manali-Leh-Srinagar-Delhi, bike)Rs 4,000-6,000N/A
Fuel (same circuit, car shared by 3-4)Rs 3,000-5,000Rs 3,000-5,000
Accommodation (15 nights)Rs 6,000-10,000Rs 15,000-25,000
Food (15 days)Rs 4,000-6,000Rs 6,000-10,000
ILP + EDF PermitsRs 500-700Rs 500-700
Miscellaneous (entry fees, camel ride, etc.)Rs 1,000-2,000Rs 2,000-4,000
Total (approx.)Rs 18,000-30,000Rs 28,000-45,000

These estimates are for self-drive trips. If you are hiring a taxi from Leh for the internal circuits (Nubra, Pangong, Tso Moriri), add Rs 15,000-25,000 depending on vehicle type and duration. You can check current Ladakh taxi rates here.

Why Should You Travel to Ladakh from Manali?

For many travelers, there are solid reasons to choose the Manali route over Srinagar. Previously, I have already shared the reasons to travel to Ladakh from Srinagar. However, here are the key reasons why Manali makes sense.

1. The Shortest Route to Leh by Road

Delhi to Manali to Leh is approximately 1,000 km. The Srinagar route is about 300+ km longer and takes an extra day. With the Atal Tunnel now operational, the Manali side has become even more convenient as you bypass Rohtang Pass entirely.

2. Saves One Full Day Compared to Srinagar

It takes three to four days to reach Leh from the Srinagar side (Delhi-Srinagar-Kargil-Leh). From Manali, you can reach Leh in just two driving days with overnight halts at Manali/Solang and Keylong/Jispa. If you travel both ways via Manali, you save two full days.

3. More Adventure Than the Srinagar Route

For adventure seekers, the Manali-Leh Highway offers much more raw terrain than the Srinagar-Leh Highway. On the Srinagar route, you will find habitation every 50-60 km. On the Manali route, there are long stretches of complete wilderness, especially between Sarchu and Pang (the famous 21 Gata Loops, Moore Plains, and Lachalung La).

4. Well Connected by HRTC and HPTDC Bus Services

Unlike Srinagar-Leh, the Manali route has regular bus services from Manali to Leh. HRTC runs a direct Manali-Leh bus (fare approximately Rs 833, overnight halt at Keylong). HPTDC runs a semi-deluxe tourist bus at Rs 2,900 (includes dormitory accommodation with dinner and breakfast at Keylong). There is also a direct Delhi-Leh HRTC bus at Rs 1,657 that runs during the season. In case you are planning on public transport, the Manali route is your best bet.

5. Avoids Disruptions in Kashmir Valley

Some travelers prefer to avoid the Kashmir section due to occasional bandhs and strikes. While these rarely affect tourist areas directly, the uncertainty can be stressful for first-time travelers. The Manali route stays entirely within Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh UT.

The roads when you travel Ladakh from Manali and come from Srinagar side
The roads when you travel Ladakh from Manali and exit via the Srinagar-Leh Highway

What Essentials Should You Pack for This Trip?

Packing right can make or break this trip. Here are the essentials specific to the Manali-Leh route.

  • Warm layers: Temperatures can drop below 0 degrees Celsius at night, even in July, at passes and Pangong/Tso Moriri. Carry a good quality down jacket, thermal innerwear, and a woolen cap. Read my detailed guide on what clothes to carry for Ladakh.
  • Cash: ATMs are only reliable in Leh and Kargil. Nubra Valley, Pangong, Tso Moriri, and the highway have no ATMs. Carry Rs 10,000-15,000 in cash.
  • Medicines: Diamox for AMS prevention (consult a doctor first), basic painkillers, ORS packets, and any personal medications.
  • Mobile connectivity: Only postpaid SIMs work outside Leh. BSNL has the widest coverage across Nubra, Pangong, and the highway. Jio and Airtel have 5G in Leh city but limited coverage elsewhere. Expect no signal between Sarchu and Pang, and at Tso Moriri.
  • Fuel jerry can: If on a bike, carry 5-10 liters extra. For details, check the guide on how to carry extra fuel safely on a motorcycle.

Conclusion

I hope this itinerary for Leh Ladakh from Manali side will be useful for travelers planning their journey, especially for the first time. The Manali route is shorter, more adventurous, and well-served by public transport. Just remember to acclimatize properly (stay at Jispa/Keylong, not Sarchu), carry enough fuel and cash, and keep buffer days in your plan.

Have a travel question?? You can subscribe to my YouTube channel and leave a comment to ask your travel questions about traveling to the Himalayas.

Feel free to share your questions or your custom plan in the comments section below. In case you know a friend who is planning a Ladakh trip from Manali, feel free to share this article with them. You can also check the detailed maps of Ladakh for route planning, or the complete Manali-Leh Highway guide for more information on road conditions and stopovers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days are needed for a Ladakh trip from Manali?

You need a minimum of 10-11 days if returning via Manali only, or 15 days if doing the full circuit (Manali-Leh-Srinagar-Delhi). I recommend keeping 2 buffer days for road closures and landslides, bringing the total to 12-17 days.

Is the Manali to Leh highway open in 2026?

The Manali-Leh Highway typically opens between mid-May and early June, depending on snowfall and BRO snow clearance. It remains open until early to mid-October. For real-time status, check my Manali-Leh Highway Status page which is updated regularly during the season.

Do I need a permit for the Atal Tunnel?

No. The Atal Tunnel does not require any permit for tourists. You can drive through freely. However, if you choose to cross via the old Rohtang Pass road instead, you will need a Rohtang Pass permit (Rs 500 per vehicle, available online).

What is the total cost of a Ladakh trip from Manali in 2026?

A budget self-drive trip costs approximately Rs 18,000-30,000 per person for 15 days. Mid-range travelers can expect Rs 28,000-45,000. If hiring a taxi for internal circuits, add Rs 15,000-25,000. For a detailed breakdown, read the Ladakh trip budget guide.

Is it safe to travel from Manali to Leh by bike?

Yes, thousands of bikers ride this route every season. The key precautions are: carry extra fuel (no pump for 345 km between Tandi and Karu), acclimatize at Jispa/Keylong, ride in a group if possible, and carry basic repair tools. You can rent a bike in Manali if you do not have your own. Royal Enfield 350cc rentals start at approximately Rs 1,800 per day.

Can I travel from Manali to Leh by bus?

Yes. HRTC operates a direct Manali-Leh bus (Rs 833, overnight halt at Keylong). HPTDC runs a semi-deluxe tourist bus at Rs 2,900 (includes stay and meals at Keylong). There is also a Delhi-Leh direct HRTC bus at Rs 1,657 during the season. Check the Manali-Leh bus service guide for the latest schedule.

Should I stay at Sarchu or Jispa on Day 2?

Always choose Jispa or Keylong over Sarchu on Day 2 when traveling from Manali. Sarchu sits at 14,070 ft and your body will not be acclimatized enough by then. Jispa (10,500 ft) is much safer and has better accommodation options. I have written a detailed comparison in my Jispa vs Sarchu guide.

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I am Dheeraj Sharma - a traveler, techie, and Himalayan lover. Since 2009, I have been helping thousands of travelers every year plan memorable & budget-friendly trips to the Himalayas - Smartly, Safely, and responsibly. I also run GenAI Unplugged, where I teach AI automation for solopreneurs and small businesses. My free n8n Zero to Hero course covers everything from your first workflow to production-grade AI automation.

76 Comments

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  2. Sachin Puri on

    Effective 2018 you need permit for all circuits in Leh except main highways Manali-Leh or Srinagar-Leh or Kargil-Zanskar. All should know this for planning. Though you can apply for permits online but payment has to be made physically in Leh only.

  3. muneer ansari on

    Planning a trip from kashmir to kanyakumari on bikes so may you please give me some suggestions about the tour
    Completed nainitial,mysore,dhanaulti,manali,kasol and sang la on bikes

  4. Wow, very detailed stuff. I am planning to visit Leh Ladakh on Bike but i never visited there yet so was afraid about the changing weather conditions. You have shared very detailed information. No need to search anything other.

  5. Hello Dheeraj,

    Thank you for all the valuable information that you provide us!
    I am travelling to Leh starting from Manali on bike for the first time.
    From your Earlier post, I understand that we should not stay at Sarchu as I our body will not be acclimatized by then.
    How is the condition of road between Jispa and Leh?
    Can I cover the entire stretch from Jispa to Leh in a day, considering if I leave at 5AM and keeping in mind the the current road condition?

    Thanks in Advance.

    • Yes Abhishek, if you leave positively by 5-6 AM from Jispa you will reach by evening to Leh. Road conditions are a mix of bad, average and good.

  6. Hey Dheeraj,
    Your blog is of great help. My 70% of questions were cleared going though various topics.
    There are still some left,
    1) We are planning to go to ladkh June end so you think weather will be decent enough then ?or should I postponed or prepone it.
    2) we don’t have our own bikes, was thinking if we can take bike from Srinagar and drop it at Manali. Does that make sense or travelling to and fro Manali will be better ?
    3)Also I read in one of the blog that Manali they have dealers who had pre signed with Leh rental association. Do you know any such dealer?

    • Thanks, Atul !! My replies are below:

      1. Weather is fine in June end for a Ladakh trip and roads are stabilized too from initial avalanches/snow slides.
      2. Outside rented bikes are not allowed for sightseeing in Ladakh. So, you pay twice for outside rented bike. Then, for a drop of single bike it cost around 10-15K per bike
      3. I don’t know such a dealer.

      • Thanks Dheeraj for such quick response.
        My friends were keen to go ladkh via bike. But reading various posts I think it makes more sense to go in ladkh and hire bike. Rather than hiring from Manali given high chance of mountain sickness. Also taking bike from Srinagar, and then coming back to Manali will cost a good 10-12 k extra. So best will be to go and hire bike from ladkh?

  7. Pavan shukla on

    Hi Dheeraj,
    I want to know if visiting Hemis National Park is allowed or not.I never found that someone suggesting so.

  8. karnesh diwakar on

    Hello Dheeraj sir
    Hope u are doing fine..

    Day 1 Delhi to Manali June 4
    Day 2 Manali to jispa June 5
    Day 3 jispa to pangong June 6
    Day 4 relax whole day at pangong June 7
    Day 5 pangong to serchu June 8
    Day 6 sarchu to Solang velly June 9
    Day 7 Solang to Delhi. June 10

    Having one day in buffer

    Done ladakh via Srinagar in 2015
    Done sangla in 2015
    Done spitivally in 2016
    With your help..

    Again need your suggestions
    Thank u

    • Please postpone it by at least a week so that Manali – Leh Highway will be open. Also, as you have already done the high altitude regions, you understand that above plan is a welcome to being hospitalised. Also, you need permits now again from this year, so you cant make it that ways.

  9. Ajay sharma on

    Hi,

    I alongwith my 3 friends planning a trip from delhi to ladakh via manali and return from same route starting from 10 june 2017 and will end on 21 june 2017. We are planning this trip by i20 active diesel.

    Ease guide us on following aspects:
    1. Day wise itinary from delhi to leh and back.
    2. We want to cover all the important attractions. Kindly guide on that aspect.
    3. Which kind of permit is required to pass rohtang la.
    4. Is it necessary to book accomodation in advance durin visit or we can get it easily on reaching there.
    5. Will our i20 active diesel be able to troll through.
    6.What all important things we need to carry along.

    • Hey Ajay,

      For hatchback/sedan taking on Manali – Leh Highway and Ladakh, I will say:

      You will indeed face few tough challenges on the route. The hatchback/sedan will increase the level of every challenge even further, sedan is the worst candidate. My suggestion will be to go via Srinagar route as it will help you feel comfortable with the driving, provide more acclimatization and then once you have done the local Leh-Ladakh, then come back via Manali side. Secondly, since you are in hatch/sedan, then you need to drive with extra care as well. There will be some sections on the Manali – Leh highway in which you might need to sacrifice some scratches on the underbelly. Just make sure you do not bump the engine sump (know it before where it is placed in your car). You need to protect it all around the trip. Thirdly, whenever in doubt do not rush into the section rather park aside and feel the section with your foot, see how other vehicles are crossing it and make a planned route in your mind to cross that section. At the very least do carry Mseal, quick fix, funnel, jerry cans and towing rope with you all the time.

      Also, I will strongly suggest that you go through and read my series on Ladakh Self Drive tips at the links below:

      7 Useful Tips for a Self Drive to Leh – Ladakh, Routes and Road Conditions In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips, Fuel Availability In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips

      Regarding your plan for 11 days, you can follow below itinerary:

      Day 1 | Delhi – Manali/Solang Valley
      — Better stay at Solang Valley and avoid Manali as sleeping at Solang Valley does help in acclimatization
      — If going by own car, get the permit made in advance to drive on Manali – Rohtang Pass road through hotel/travel agent in Manali
      — Overnight at Manali/Solang Valley

      Day 2 | Manali/Solang Valley – Keylong/Jispa
      — It is always better to stay either at Keylong/Jispa so that you do not feel sick or hit by AMS.
      — Avoid sleeping at Sarchu at any cost while going to Leh from Manali because your body will not be acclimatized by the time you reach there.
      — I prefer staying at Jispa more because Keylong gives the feeling of a town while Jispa is more closer to nature having Bhaga river running just aside the Manali – Leh Highway at Jispa.
      — Overnight at Keylong/Jispa

      Day 3 | Keylong/Jispa – Leh
      — Leave Keylong/Jispa early next morning, say by 4/5 AM types, so that you reach Leh in the evening.
      — Overnight at Leh

      Day 4 | Leh Local Sightseeing + Inner Line Permits
      — To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
      — For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
      — Overnight at Leh

      Day 5 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
      — Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
      — On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
      — Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari

      Day 6 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
      — Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
      — Overnight at Leh

      Day 7 | Leh – Pangong Tso Lake – Leh
      — Day trip to Pangong Tso
      — Overnight at Leh

      Day 8 | Leh – Taglang La – Moore Plains – Pang – Sarchu
      — Stay overnight at Sarchu

      Day 9 | Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
      — On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only
      — Overnight at Manali

      Day 10 | Manali – Delhi
      — Return home

      Day 11 | Buffer day to be kept incase of road closure due to landslides or snowfall or perhaps you want to enjoy more.

  10. Arvind Verma on

    Dheeraj sir,
    As we know there is no need of inner line permit from leh-khardung la-Diskit-Hunder-Turtuk…
    But sir what about sumur, panamik? Does we need permit for this route?
    Please clear sir……

  11. Pierre Mlr on

    Dear DHEERAJ,

    First I would like to thank you a lot for all you did and share on this website ! It really help me to plan my Bullet trip from Manali to Leh.

    I would like you advice about my itinerary and maybe your recommandation for the place to stay to sleep on the way, if possible as cheap and confortable as possible. I already reed some recommandation for hotel or campsite but i lose this page, and I you have time I will enjoy you direct recommandation.
    For information we a 2 persons on the Bullet 500.

    I want to take at least 6 days to rich Leh from Manali (by Wari La and Kardhung La) by following this approx. itinerary :

    Manali – Sarchu – Pang – Debring – Upshi – (Wari La) – Tyangar – Hunder (Sumur) – (Khardung La) – Leh

    So I would like to stop in 5 or 6 nice places for sleeping. Which places do you recommand me ?
    Do we need sleeping bag or everything are provided ?

    Thank you very much.
    Best Regards
    Pierre

    • Hi Pierre,

      Well, I am assuming you have stayed in Leh for at least couple days to acclimatize before going down the road to Khardung La pass. In six days you should plan the trip in this manner:

      Plan A – In case you do not find any company to take the direct route between Pangong Tso – Nubra Valley. Going along on that route is not recommended
      Day 1 | Leh – Khardung La – Nubra Valley (Hunder – Deskit)
      Day 2 | Nubra Valley (Sumur – Panamik) – Khardung La – Nubra Valley
      Day 3 | Leh – Pangong Tso covering Hemis
      Day 4 | Pangong tso – Karu (fill fuel) – Tso Kar lake
      Day 5 | Tso Kar lake – Sarchu – Baralacha La – Jispa
      Day 6 | Jispa – Keylong – Manali

      Plan B – in case you get company to travel the direct route from Pangong Tso – Nubra Valley
      Day 1 | Leh – Khardung La – Nubra Valley (Hunder – Deskit)
      Day 2 | Nubra Valley – Agham – Shyok – Pangong Tso
      Day 3 | Pangong Tso – Karu (fill fuel and carry extra fuel) – Upshi/Chumathang
      Day 4 | Upshi/Chumathang – Tso Moriri lake
      Day 5 | Tso Moriri Lake – Tso Kar lake – Sarchu
      Day 6 | Sarchu – Jispa – Keylong – Manali

      • Pierre Mlr on

        Hi Dheeraj,

        Thank you for your answer.
        I was maybe not enough clear but actually I’ll ride from MANALI to LEH and not LEH to MANALI as you answer.

        So has you don’t really recommand to go to Tso Moriri and Pangong Tso when coming from Manali I didn’t plan it.

        So in link with your answer I plan my trip in this way (after one sleep in Solang Valley for acclimation) :

        Day 1 : Solang Valley, Keylong, Jispa – 140 km
        Day 2 : Jispa, Baralacha La, Sarchu – 84 km
        Day 3 : Sarchu, Taglang La, Upshi – 204 km
        Day 4 : Upshi, Wari La, Hunder – 150 km
        Day 5 : Nubra Valley (Hunder, Diskit, Panamik, Summur, Khalsar or other ?) – 150 km
        Day 6 : Khalsar, Khardung La, Leh – 95 km

        What’s your opinion about :
        1- this plan and the place I choose for night ?
        2- the road from Karu to Agham through Wari LA ?
        3- the place I absolutely shouln’t miss on this way ?

        Thanks a lot.
        Cheers
        Pierre

        • Hello Pierre,

          Following edit I will suggest:

          Day 1 : Solang Valley, Keylong, Jispa – 140 km
          Day 2 : Jispa, Baralacha La, Sarchu – Taglang La – Upshi –
          Day 3 : Upshi – Leh, get your protect area permits
          Day 4 : Leh – Khardung La – Hunder – 125 km
          Day 5 : Nubra Valley (Hunder, Diskit, Panamik, Summur, Khalsar or other ?) – 150 km
          Day 6 : Nubra Valley – Wari La route or Agham/Shyok route to Pangong tso. Agham/shyok is shorter but only attempt these routes if you have company on the road.

  12. Arvind Verma on

    Dheeraj Sir,
    Can you give give me the km. Breakdown of sightseeing in ladhak….like leh to nubra valley (how much km?)….leh to Tso moriri lake and leh to pangong lake……..
    Waiting for your reply sir……..

  13. Mayank Sharma on

    Hi,

    I am planning for a road trip from Delhi to Leh starting from July 31, 2016. I will be travelling via manali leh highway and also return back from the same.

    Previously we planned to go via srinagar and return from manali but due to srinagar unrest we have changed our plan.

    I am driving by myself with my duster car and three other friends.

    Please can you suggest me if I should postpone my trip as I heard that monsoon might trouble us during this trip. I am really confused

    I will really appreciate if someone can share with me what kind of hurdles I face during this trip.

    Looking forward for your reply.

    Thanks & Regards

  14. 1) Can Turtuk be covered in a 2 day 1 night trip to Nubra Valley. Night stay planned at Hunder. If yes, how?
    2) Any specific prayer timings at Monasteries?

    • No Ajay, it can only be done if you directly go to Turtuk and next day come back from Turtuk do Hunder-Deskit on the way back to Leh. Ver very long.

    • Santosh Yadav on

      Hi Dheeraj,

      Do you have any about current situation of Jammu Srinagar highway? Is it safe or we should change the route to manali leh instead of Srinagar leh?? How is the roads condition of manali leh route? We have plan of leaving from Delhi on 16th July.

      • I will suggest to have a word with some hotel guy in Srinagar and then take a call to go from Manali side. These things are dependent from person to person judgement call and what a person feels is OK to him or her given the circumstances. So, best is to talk to a local hotel guy in Srinagar and confirm about the ground situation in tourist places and Srinagar – Leh route. Having being stuck in riots/curfews myself at times, my personal suggestion will be to avoid unless unrest is over and take the Manali route.

      • Tirthankar Saha on

        R ull plaining for motorcycle trip? Plz call or whatsup me if i can join you. I own avenger 220. 9811160619

  15. Dhaval Soni on

    Hii sir

    I have read your whole article for Manali – leh road trip.. It was just awsem.. Am from Ahmedabad I’am tourism lover and i have completed my masters in tourism management and working with travel agency and dealing with domestic tours.. But for me travel in himalayas for a long is my lifetime dream especially manali-leh road trip by bike. My route is (all night stays) Delhi-Shimla-Manali-Solang Valley-Jispa-Sarchu-Pangong-Leh-Nubra–Leh. Now i have some questions related this. I hope u will give me answer for this.

    1. I’am intrested for Solo trip on manali leh tour. Should i do this?
    2. Is this route is safe like if i can carry cash, mobile, SLR??
    3. I’ll be able to experience snow in between in June to September??
    4. Is it ok if i dont do advance bookings for accommodation??
    5. In bike 180 cc will work??
    Should i combine manali-leh and leh-srinagar?
    6. if iam travelling Solo with out any group (me & my bike) what problems could i face?

    I need your Reply Sir.

    Thank You
    (Dhaval Soni)

  16. Dhaval Soni on

    Hii sir,

    I have read your whole article for Manali – leh road trip.. It was just awsem.. Am from Ahmedabad I’am tourism lover and i have completed my masters in tourism management and working with travel agency and dealing with domestic tours.. But for me travel in himalayas for a long is my lifetime dream especially manali-leh road trip by bike. My route is (all night stays) Delhi-Shimla-Manali-Solang Valley-Jispa-Sarchu-Pangong-Leh-Nubra–Leh. Now i have some questions related this. I hope u will give me answer for this.
    1. I’am intrested for Solo trip on manali leh tour. Should i do this?
    2. Is this route is safe like if i can carry cash, mobile, SLR??
    3. I’ll be able to experience snow in between in June to September??
    4. Is it ok if i dont do advance bookings for accommodation??
    5. In bike 180 cc will work??
    Should i combine manali-leh and leh-srinagar?
    6. if iam travelling Solo with out any group (me & my bike) what problems could i face?
    I need your Reply Sir.
    Thank You
    (Dhaval Soni)

  17. Vineet Kuriyal on

    Hi,

    I would appreciate if you could share information on cab fares from Manali to Leh roundtrip covering Lahul, Lamayuru, Alchi Monastery, Khardong La, Nubra Valley and Pangong lake.

    The trip shall be for 8 days and would include 3 people.

    Also, please inform about the cab fares for self drive packages. And would the package include Hotel accommodation or not.

    Please forgive if you have shared the same information elsewhere, I wasn’t able to find it.

    Looking forward to your reply.

    Have a great day ahead.

    • For the leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2016 – 17 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here. You can get about 12-15% of discount by directly getting in touch with drivers and of course, talking in person rather on phone always help in bargaining more.

  18. Hi. Is there any issue driving a cousins pvt innova. Also, is the trip OK for kids 6 n 9 years.

  19. Satish Nair on

    Hi Dheeraj

    I am a 62 year old retiree who started biking in 2008 after ages. I did a Leh trip in 2009 with 5 friends, which was a bit in haste. This year I am planning a 4 to 5 week solo ride from Bombay to Leh and back in leisure as time’s with me!

    On a regular basis I ride solo to the South / Western region and to Sangla in 2013 to run the Himalayan Marathon (Full Marathon at 10k elevation)

    My bike is a Machismo500 registered at Navi Mumbai in 20018 Aug, hope it will pass. I plan to cover the Bombay Chandigarh stretch in 3 days each way. So I am left 3 weeks for the ride. Will appreciate if you can suggest a good ride plan with an alternate to extension by 5 days..

    Regards
    Satish

    • Hello Satish ji,

      I will suggest below one plan in which you can add buffer/rest days as and when needed when you are there:

      Day 1 | Delhi – Jammu / Patnitop
      — Overnight at Jammu or Patnitop

      Day 2 | Jammu / Patnitop – Srinagar
      — Enjoy walk around Dal lake and may be Shikara ride as well
      — If you have time then check out, floating market, Shalimar Garden.
      — Overnight at Srinagar

      Day 3 | Srinagar – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil
      — Enjoy the vistas enroute
      — Have late drunch meal at Drass is you are a vegetarian as sometimes it gets difficult to find veg. food at Kargil
      — Overnight at Kargil

      Day 4 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
      — Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes
      — On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu
      — Overnight at Leh

      Day 5 | Leh Local Sightseeing + Inner Line Permits
      — To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
      — For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
      — Overnight at Leh

      Day 6 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder – Turtuk
      — Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Turtuk
      — On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
      — enjoy the culture in the Turtuk Village
      — do mention Turtuk on the permits

      Day 7 | Turtuk – Hunder
      — Spend whole day at Turtuk and reach Hunder by evening
      — Overnight at Hunder

      Day 8 | Hunder – Deskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur
      — Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
      — Enjoy drive upto Panamik, visit Yarab Tso Lake and back to overnight stay at Kyagar or Tiger or Sumur
      — Enjoy walks in Hunder, Deskit, Sumur villages for the last 3 days

      Day 9 | Sumur/Kyagar – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
      — Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
      — Overnight at Leh

      Day 10 | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping OR Monastery tour
      — Monastery tour may include Hemis, Thicksey, Stakna and Shey monasteries. They come on the route of Pangong Tso but as you will be doing day trip, it will be a bit hectic to include them on that day only.
      — Overnight at Leh

      Day 11 | Leh – Sham Valley – Leh
      — Sham Valley include Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, Gurudwara Pather Sahib
      — Overnight at Leh

      Day 12 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake
      — Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on the go towards Pangong Tso
      — Overnight at Pangong Tso (Spangmik)

      Day 13 | Pangong Tso Lake – Shey – Thicksey – Leh
      — Mention all the places of this route as mentioned above on the permits and Nyoma as well
      — Overnight at Hanle

      Day 14 | Leh – Chumathang – Mahe – Nyoma – Loma – Hanle
      — Overnight at Hanle

      Day 15 | Hanle – Loma – Nyoma – Mahe – Korzok / Tso Moriri Lake OR Hanle – Salsal La – Tso Moriri Lake
      — Overnight at Tso Moriri lake

      Day 16 | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring (Manali – Leh Highway starts) – Moore Plains – Pang / Sarchu
      — Try to start early in the day so that you reach Sarchu where the accommodation options are better than Pang
      — Overnight at Sarchu or Pang

      Day 17 | Pang / Sarchu – Baralacha La – Jispa
      — On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only
      — Overnight at Jispa

      Day 18 | Jispa – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
      — On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only
      — Overnight at Manali

      Day 19 | Manali – Delhi
      — Return home

      Day 20 | As buffer day that can be used at will wherever required by you

  20. Can you suggest some reliable options for hiring self drive car from Manali.

    • Vijay, there are no self drive cars available in Manali. Moreover, outside rented self drive cars are not allowed for any sightseeing in Ladakh

  21. Hi Dheeraj,

    We are Planning a trip to Manali-Leh-Manali starting from Delhi on night of 10th June and below is the itinerary

    Day1 Delhi to chandigarh to Manali
    Day2 Manali to Jispa
    Day3 Jispa to Leh
    Day4 Leh Local Sightseeing
    Day5 Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder – Leh
    Day6 Leh – Pangong Tso Lake (Hemis, Thicksey and Shey)
    Day7 Pangong Tso Lake – Tso Moriri via Chumathang
    Day8 Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring (Manali – Leh Highway starts) – Moore Plains – Pang / Sarchu
    Day9 Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
    Day10 Manali – Delhi

    Kindly advise if above plan is okay or any modifications are required.

    Also we are planning to get a taxi from Delhi/ Chandigarh. While going through your other posts I got to know that outside taxis can not be used for Leh Sightseeing. So I believe that it can not be used for Day 4 and Day 5 for above plan but could there be issue with taxi from Day 6 onwards when we are leaving Leh for Pangong Tso and further.

    • Hi Gunajan,

      You are doing too much in too little time on hand. It will be quite an hectic trip. It cannot be used for Day4, 5, 6, 7. You cannot visit Nubra, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri in outside rented taxis, each route has a taxi union barrier to check the pass.

      • thanks for your reply. In this case kindly advise what we can take out of out itinerary.

        • I will suggest that you do like

          Day7 Pangong Tso Lake – Leh
          Day8 Leh – Sarchu
          Day9 Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali

        • gunjan Sharma on

          Hi Dheeraj, One more question. If we take a Private taxi (white no plate) with vehicle registered on Driver’s name. Will that be okay for local sight seeing in leh

        • Yes Gunjan as long as the vehicle owner is with you in the car and you all share the same story who he is and whom the car belongs too.

        • hello gunjan we are also planning the same trip but on 13th june!! are your dates flexible??

  22. hi,dheeraj
    its very helpful to read you for the ladakh trip ..and you are doing best job in the world..hats off to you
    i want to rent bike from chandigarh and my route is ..chandigarh–pathankot srinagar-kargil-leh-nubra-leh-pangong-tsomoriri sarchu manali -chandigarh..in 14 days..I am solo rider of age 36
    my query is ..
    1) Is it possible in 14 days?
    2) rented bike in chandigarh can pass through srinagar? ,leh?,manali?
    3) will I need any permits to cross any pass in this route such as rohatang ( I cross rohtang from leh to manali)?
    4) will I need any other permits please mention…
    5) accommodation in this route is easily available in june first week in 2016? or i have to booked it in advance .
    6) what route you suggest in 14 days trip for solo rider to complete sight seenig and easy bike rental system that ..chandigarh-srinagar-leh – manali is better or manali-dharmashala-srinagar-leh-manali is better ?
    kindly reply
    awaiting for your suggestion
    aatish

    • You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.

      No permits required if you follow above route. You can check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate (cheap budget hotels as well) in the series of articles starting on the link here

      Bikes rented outside Leh are not allowed for sightseeing inside Ladakh except Tso Moriri and Tso Kar lakes which can be done while going to Manali from Leh. Private bikes are completely allowed. You can use the outside rented bike to reach Leh but then for going to Pangong Tso, nubra Valley, etc.. you need to hire rented bikes from Leh only.

      To know more about this rule and present situation, please refer the link: Bikes Rented Outside Leh Banned in Ladakh

      This year as per reports, rule is going to be stricter. Manali rental guys have formalized a deal that for the days Manali bike is parked in Leh and Leh bike is rented, they will charge 50% of the rent of the bike. So, confirm with Manali rental guys first about this signoff.

      For renting bikes in Leh – Ladakh along with current Bike Union Prices, you can check the DwD Community thread: Leh – Ladakh Bike Rental Rates 2016 – 17 & Reliable Shops

      The one way bike rental is quite costly and leave a big dent in pocket for you, sometimes like 12K for just the pickup from Manali. Be sure if you are ready to make that investment or not or if at all it is worth the money spent. My suggestion is unless you are hard core biker and cannot live up the passion of biking, it is not wise to spend that much money just for the pickup of bike.

      I will suggest that you go through the articles mentioned under the DwD Community thread for bike trip to Ladakh or any other part of Himalayas at the link: All About Bike Ride to Ladakh & Himalayas. This will help you cover almost all your queries related to bike trip to Ladakh or Himalayas.

  23. sanjeev barve on

    i intend to visit leh & kargil on bike in July 16, following the route delhi – chandigarh – manali – leh -kargil – srinagar – jammu – delhi. My co-traveller will ride on his own bike, and I will use my nephew’s Haryana registration bike ( my bike being 12 yrs. old, couldn’t obtain permit at Manali, last year ) Now I would like to know –
    1. Are there any restrictions on travelling from leh to nubra and pangong on our bikes ?
    2. Do I need to produce any additional document( e.g. affidavit of my nephew stating the evidence and purpose of handing over his bike to me ) for obtention of permit at Manali ?

    • Hi Sanjeev,

      1. If confronted then yes, you will not be allowed for sightseeing and wil be forced to hire/rent a bike from Leh. They have issued some union passes this year and guess the bikes might need to carry them. Still early season so details will unflod when Manali – Leh opens.
      2. You can carry one for sure because that will really help.

  24. Is it possible to cover from jammu via srinagar leh [hemis,nubra,pangyong lake,tso moriri]manali kaza nako shimla in a span of around 12-14 days ,, enjoying each place ,and the ride also….any possible itineraries friends??

  25. well planning to visit ladakh soon,,however aftergoing through all the posts and seeing the itineraries given here for 9 days or even 14 days which say that to cover from point A to point B you should start really early morning and that journey would require approx 8-9 hours ,,i wonder how much would one be getting time to stop over and enjoy the beauty of the places in between with i,m sure so many beautiful scenes at every corner.and i think in this tour the places en route would be more enchanting and making you feel like stopping than your point A and point B..
    i want to know from my friends who have been there if they could really stop over n spend some nice time en route and soak in the beauty of the places or was it just that enjoy running ur eyes here n there without stopping much in between[as much as ur heart wanted to] so that you reach ur destination from where u have started since each point is far from the other point,,like e.g srinagar to kargil and kargil to leh is like 200km, and that too mountains,a tedious bike journey

    • Yogesh, the above times does include sightseeing on the way as well. You can consider about couple of hrs of photo breaks each day. It is best to do it at ease but all depends upon how much time you have in hand. If couple of hrs of sightseeing is not enough for you then consider increasing the days.

  26. hey what u charge for a SUV car from manali to leh for one week(self drive)

  27. Abhay Gupta on

    Hi Dheeraj,

    I am planning Self riding bike trip to leh in june. We will be starting from jammu and finishing in Chandigarh covering the whole circuit. I have couple of queries:

    1. Which back up vehicle should we use eg. Some pick up vehicle or SUV like Innova. Also as SUV’s from from outside are baned in LADAKH as I got information from your blogs. What about pick ups, are they also banned or we can rent a pick up along a driver from jammu. And if you have some contact of Pick up vehicle person do tell.

    2. Some of my friend will be bringing bikes which are of third person. So, wanted to ask that if some one is riding on a bike which is third person bike is it allowed.
    Hoping for a positive reply.

    Thanks,
    Abhay

    • i got a similar plan pal ,but from august end onwards… all the best.. which bike u got…i plan to use my discover 150cc..lol ,since always seeing and reading bullets all over ladakh trips…giving a feel that any other bike has nothing to do in here..hehehe

    • Abhay, pickup will be cheap and best bet for backup vehicle. It will be difficult for them as bike chcking rules from this year are going to be stricter.

  28. HI Dheeraj,

    I am planning for Ladakh trip from Manali for 9 days

    Which is the best option to rent bike? Should I rent a bike from manali or in leh.

    I understand bike rented outside leh are banned in ladakh.

    Can you also suggest a good itinerary for 9 days trip from manali.

  29. Harshawardhan on

    Hey I am from Maharashtra and planning to for Leh -Ladakh Bike ride with 6 of my friends in first week of June.
    I wanted to know if bikes with HP passing are allowed these days in Leh(We are planning to bring our own but in case if we couldn’t). I read on your blog that they are not allowed these days in Leh.
    I am planning to start ride from Shrinagar and end at Manali so what are the chances that Rohtang La and Khardung La be open by May end?
    Also can you help us planning our Itinerary and contacts for Stay.
    Our Itinerary goes like this
    Day 1- Arrive at Srinagar
    Day 2- Srinagar -Sonamarg -Zozi La -Drass -Kargil
    Day 3- Kargil- Lamayuru – Leh
    Day 4- Stay at Leh and Local sightseeing
    Day 5- Leh – Khardung La – Nubra Valley – Diskit – Hunder
    Day 6- Back to Leh from Hunder and Overnight at Leh
    Day 7- Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake
    Overnight at Pangong Tso
    Day 8- Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
    Overnight at Leh
    Day 9- Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang
    Overnight Tso Moriri
    Day 10- Tso Moriri – Leh
    Overnight at Leh
    Day 11- Leh to Manali
    or perhaps you could suggest good Itinerary so that we can have most of Leh-Ladakh

    • Road shall be open by May end. Plan looks fine well Day 1o shall be Tso Moriri to Sarchu, you do not need to come back to Leh. Then from Sarchu to Manali on Day 11

    • ashok raja on

      Hi Could please tell me the plan of transportation? whether bringing your own bike or Hiring Bikes or is this a non Biking Trip ?