Last Updated: February 2026
More and more people are preferring public transport when traveling to Ladakh to reduce the overall budget of the Ladakh trip. So, questions like “Can I reach Ladakh using the Manali to Leh bus service?” are not surprising at all. The answer is a big YES, and this guide will walk you through every bus option, fare, timing, and booking detail you need.
When you travel from Manali to Leh by bus, it helps you experience the journey to Ladakh differently. You get to save the cost of your Ladakh trip along with experiencing a local way to travel from Manali to Leh. The method of using public transport is very common among solo travelers and couples visiting Ladakh on a budget.
So, in today’s article, why not answer this question about traveling from Manali to Leh by bus and help you save some money 🙂 🙂 …
Let's quickly dive into the details:
Quick Facts: Manali to Leh Bus Service at a Glance
| Detail | HRTC Direct Bus | HRTC 2-Day (via Keylong) | HPTDC Tourist Bus |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-Way Fare | Rs 833 – 900 | Rs 150-174 + Rs 550-800 | Rs 2900 (meals + stay included) |
| Journey Time | 13-14 hrs (via Atal Tunnel) | 2 days | 2 days |
| Departure Time | 4:00 AM from Manali | 8:00 AM (Manali), 5:00 AM (Keylong) | 10:00 – 11:00 AM from Manali |
| Season | June to September | June to October | July to September |
| Online Booking | Yes (HRTC website) | Manali-Keylong: Yes, Keylong-Leh: Counter only | Yes (HPTDC website) |
| Overnight Halt | None (non-stop) | Keylong | Keylong (HPTDC Hotel Chandrabhaga) |
| Sightseeing Stops | No | No | Yes (all passes and viewpoints) |
Why Should You Use the Manali to Leh Bus Service?
The Manali to Leh bus service is the most budget-friendly way to travel between these two popular destinations. As of 2026, the rate of private taxis from Manali to Leh is about Rs 18,000 to Rs 20,000 for a two-day trip over the Manali – Leh Highway. If you are traveling from Delhi to Manali first, then include the cost of travel between Delhi and Manali too. So, the overall taxi cost from Delhi to Manali to Leh will cost you about Rs 28,000 to Rs 32,000.
In no way are the private taxis in Ladakh cheap. Even the taxis running over Manali – Leh road are costly if you are traveling in a small group or solo. Hence, people on a low budget need to find alternate ways to travel to Leh from Manali without spending too much money.
So, what are your options for reaching Leh from Manali on a budget?
Thankfully, as so many people visit Ladakh in the season time, the roads are filled with tourists even in Manali. You may find travel partners in Manali, especially in Old Manali and near the bus stand where people look out for others to share the taxi cost of a Manali – Leh trip. However, if you want to take a private taxi from Manali to Leh, you will have to spend Rs 18,000 to Rs 20,000. Even if you get five people to share the cost, it means about Rs 3,600 to Rs 4,000 each for a two-day trip from Manali to Leh in a private taxi.
Some people travel on a low budget and prefer public transport to also experience the local way of commuting. Spending Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000 just for one-way transport to Leh could be a decent portion of their complete budget for a trip to Ladakh. But compared to Rs 18,000+ for a private taxi, this is a massive saving, my friend.
So, let me share the details with you about the Manali to Leh bus service including the bus schedule, timings, and the bus ticket fare for 2026.
What Are the Places to Visit on a Manali to Leh Bus Journey?
Before we understand the public transport bus options from Manali to Leh, let us first understand what places of sightseeing exist on the Manali – Leh Highway. This will help you decide which bus option suits you best, since the HPTDC tourist bus stops at viewpoints while the HRTC ordinary bus does not.
The Manali to Leh bus route passes through five high-altitude passes: Rohtang Pass (or Atal Tunnel bypass since 2020), Baralacha La, Nakee La, Lachulung La, and Taglang La. Apart from these passes, other places of interest include Keylong, Jispa, Sarchu, Pang, Gata Loops, and Moore Plains on the Manali – Leh Highway.
So, you can see that there is quite a bit of sightseeing on a journey from Manali to Leh. Knowing about them will help you choose from the options of Manali to Leh bus services run by HRTC, HPTDC, and private operators.
What Bus Services Run Between Manali and Leh?
On the Manali – Leh Highway, there are a few types of bus services that run. Both HRTC (Himachal Road Transport Corporation) and HPTDC (Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation) operate their bus services on the Manali – Leh route. While the HRTC offers the standard state transport buses for the general public, the HPTDC offers a semi-deluxe mini-bus service, especially for tourists.
Being a tourist bus, the HPTDC Manali – Leh bus will stop at all tourist spots and mountain passes on the Manali to Leh route. This bus service is run by the HP Tourism department every year starting from 1st July to 15th September in the tourist season.
However, the ordinary HRTC bus will not stop for any sightseeing on Manali – Leh Highway and will run from point to point. It does stop for mandatory food breaks and daily routine stops, but don’t expect the driver to pull over at Baralacha La for your photographs.
Apart from HRTC and HPTDC, many private operators in Manali run tempo travelers and deluxe mini-buses on the Manali to Leh route with an overnight stop at Keylong or Jispa. These private buses also stop for sightseeing because they cater mostly to tourists. However, the fares for these private services are higher, usually Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 per person one-way.
How Does the HPTDC Manali to Leh Bus Service Work?
The HPTDC Manali to Leh bus is the most comfortable government-run bus option for tourists. It covers the 474 km long Manali – Leh Highway in two days with an overnight halt at Keylong in the HPTDC Hotel Chandrabhaga. Here is how the journey works.
HPTDC Bus Timing and Schedule
The HPTDC Manali to Leh bus leaves from the HRTC bus stand in Manali at 10:00 to 11:00 AM based on the published schedule of the season. Since the opening of the Atal Tunnel in 2020, the bus reaches Keylong in about 2 to 2.5 hours via the tunnel instead of the old Rohtang Pass route that used to take 5 to 6 hours. The bus halts overnight at Keylong.
The next morning, the bus leaves Keylong around 4:00 to 5:00 AM and reaches Leh by 7:00 PM. The total Manali to Leh bus travel time comes out to about 13 to 14 hours across the two days when traveling via the Atal Tunnel.
Keep in mind that HPTDC publishes the exact schedule every year on its official website in May before the season begins. Hence, I suggest you always check the schedule of the HPTDC bus service from Manali to Leh before finalizing your trip dates.
Leh to Manali Bus Service (Return Journey)
The HPTDC bus also runs in the opposite direction. The bus starts from J&K Bank / Tourist Information Centre, Fort Road in Leh at 5:00 AM and reaches Keylong by the evening for an overnight halt. The next morning, the bus leaves at 7:00 AM from Keylong and reaches Manali around 10:00 to 11:00 AM via the Atal Tunnel.
HPTDC Manali to Leh Bus Fare
The total one-way HPTDC Manali to Leh bus fare is Rs 2,900 per person (as of 2025, verify on the HPTDC website for the latest 2026 fare). This includes dormitory accommodation, dinner, and breakfast at the HPTDC Hotel Chandrabhaga in Keylong. Hence, the total round-trip price of traveling from Manali to Leh and back using the HPTDC bus service comes to about Rs 5,800 per person including night stays and meals at Keylong.
There are not many options to stay on the Manali – Leh Highway. Keylong and Jispa are the two best options to spend the night between Manali and Leh in terms of both comfort and acclimatization. Sarchu does have camps available, and Pang offers some makeshift dhaba camps and tents, but Keylong is the most reliable stop.
How to Book the HPTDC Manali to Leh Bus?
The bookings of the HPTDC semi-deluxe bus from Manali to Leh can be done online using the HPTDC official website. So, Manali to Leh bus online booking is available easily for the HPTDC service. You can also book at the HPTDC offices in various cities including New Delhi and Manali. For enquiries, you can contact HPTDC Manali at +91-1902-253531.
How Does the HRTC Manali to Leh Bus Service Work?
HRTC offers two types of bus services from Manali to Leh. The first is a direct daily bus that covers the journey in one day, and the second is a two-day option where you break the journey at Keylong. Let me explain both options in detail.
Direct Manali to Leh Bus (1-Day Trip)
HRTC started a direct bus service from Manali to Leh in 2018. This daily bus leaves from the HRTC bus stand in Manali at 4:00 AM and reaches Leh around 5:00 to 6:00 PM when traveling via the Atal Tunnel. Before the Atal Tunnel opened, this journey used to take 17 to 18 hours via Rohtang Pass, but now it takes about 13 to 14 hours via the tunnel.
The one-way fare of this direct Manali to Leh HRTC bus is approximately Rs 833 to Rs 900 (as of 2025 season).
However, I will be honest with you. Traveling from Manali to Leh in one day is torture on the body. You will cross multiple high-altitude passes without giving your body time to acclimatize, and there is a very real chance of suffering from Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). I always suggest breaking the journey at Keylong for an overnight halt if you have the time. It is better to spend an extra day than to reach Leh feeling sick.
In case you do not have any other option and must take the direct bus, keep yourself adequately hydrated. Carry ORS packets or Glucon-D water and keep sipping it every half an hour throughout the journey.
HRTC Manali to Leh Bus (2-Day Trip via Keylong)
The more sensible option is to take the HRTC bus from Manali to Keylong first, stay overnight at Keylong, and then take the daily bus from Keylong to Leh the next morning. This gives your body a chance to acclimatize at Keylong (3,080 meters) before climbing to higher altitudes.
The daily bus from Manali to Keylong departs at 8:00 AM and reaches Keylong via the Atal Tunnel in about 2 to 2.5 hours. The daily HRTC bus from Keylong to Leh leaves at 5:00 AM and reaches Leh by late evening.
HRTC Manali to Leh Bus Fare (2-Day Trip)
The bus fare from Manali to Keylong is approximately Rs 150 to Rs 174. The bus fare from Keylong to Leh is around Rs 550 to Rs 800. Hence, using the regular HRTC bus service for a Manali to Leh trip, the one-way bus fare comes to about Rs 700 to Rs 974.
For a return journey using HRTC buses (Manali to Leh and back), the total bus fare will be around Rs 1,400 to Rs 1,900. If you decide to make a two-day trip by sleeping overnight at Keylong, then you need to account for a couple of meals and a hotel stay at Keylong as well. Budget hotels in Keylong cost about Rs 800 to Rs 1,500 per night, and meals at dhabas cost about Rs 100 to Rs 200 per meal.
HRTC Manali to Leh Bus Booking
The HRTC bus bookings from Manali to Keylong can be done online using the HRTC official website. However, the bookings for the Keylong to Leh bus service by HRTC cannot be done online. One must buy the tickets at the Keylong HRTC bus stand counter. The direct Manali to Leh HRTC bus is also available for online booking on the HRTC portal.
For HRTC bus booking related enquiries, you can call the toll-free number 18001808185 or contact HRTC Manali at 01902-252323.
Is There a Delhi to Leh Bus Service?
Yes, there is a direct Delhi to Leh bus service run by HRTC. This bus departs from ISBT Kashmere Gate in New Delhi at 2:30 PM every day during the season. The bus covers a total distance of about 1,050 km in about 30 to 32 hours (via the Atal Tunnel) with an overnight stop at Keylong. So you reach Leh in 2 days from Delhi.
When traveling from Delhi to Leh by bus, you save a day compared to traveling Delhi to Manali separately and then Manali to Leh separately. Hence, this is a good option if you are short on time.
Please keep in mind that with the fatigue of such a long journey, you may indeed suffer from Acute Mountain Sickness on the Manali – Leh Highway. The body gets very little time to acclimatize when you go directly from the plains of Delhi to the high passes of the highway.
HRTC Delhi to Leh Bus Timings
This HRTC Delhi to Leh bus starts from Delhi ISBT at 2:30 PM and reaches Chandigarh Sector 43 bus stand at 8:30 PM. From Chandigarh, the bus continues to Kullu and reaches Kullu in the morning around 5:30 AM. Then it travels via the Atal Tunnel (instead of the old Rohtang Pass road) from Kullu and reaches Keylong around 10:00 AM for the overnight stay. The next morning, the bus leaves Keylong at 5:00 AM and reaches Leh by sunset.
Hence, you can choose pickup points at Chandigarh, Kullu, Manali, and Keylong as well based on seat availability. There might be a change in the bus at Keylong, and the bus driver changes twice, once at Sundernagar and the other at Keylong.
In the opposite direction, the HRTC bus starts from Leh at 5:00 AM and reaches Keylong by sunset for an overnight stay. The next morning, it starts from Keylong at 6:30 AM to reach Delhi by 11:30 PM to midnight via the Atal Tunnel route.
Delhi to Leh Bus Fare
The total bus fare for the Delhi to Leh direct bus service is approximately Rs 1,656 to Rs 1,740 (as of 2025 season, verify locally for current rates). Hence, a return journey in this direct HRTC bus service from Delhi to Leh and Leh to Delhi will cost you approximately Rs 3,300 to Rs 3,500.
How to Book the HRTC Delhi to Leh Bus?
As of now, the Delhi to Leh bus tickets can be purchased from the HRTC ticket counter at Delhi Kashmere Gate ISBT terminal. Online booking availability for this route has been inconsistent, so I suggest checking the HRTC website or calling the ISBT counter at 011-23868694 to confirm availability before your travel date. You can also check at the Leh bus stand for return tickets.
This Delhi to Leh HRTC bus runs over the ultra-scenic Manali – Leh Highway. Unlike the HPTDC bus, the HRTC Delhi to Leh bus does not stop at all the tourist locations but does make halts at a few. The bus passes through Baralacha La, Nakee La, Lachulung La, and Taglang La. The bus also stops at various dhabas on the route for food and tea, which gives you a chance to enjoy the beauty of the highway and take some quick pictures.
You can always refer to the complete Leh Ladakh bus schedule to read about all the buses that operate in the Ladakh region.
What Is the Complete Bus Fare Comparison for Manali to Leh?
It is always better to buy the ticket for the Manali to Leh bus services in advance or online to avoid any last-minute hassles. Below is the summary of bus fares for different Manali to Leh bus services as of the 2025 season.
| Bus Service | One-Way Fare | Round-Trip Fare | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| HPTDC Tourist Bus (Manali – Leh) | Rs 2,900 | Rs 5,800 | Stay + meals at Keylong |
| HRTC Direct Bus (Manali – Leh) | Rs 833 – 900 | Rs 1,666 – 1,800 | Transport only |
| HRTC 2-Day (Manali – Keylong + Keylong – Leh) | Rs 700 – 974 | Rs 1,400 – 1,900 | Transport only |
| HRTC Direct Bus (Delhi – Leh) | Rs 1,656 – 1,740 | Rs 3,300 – 3,500 | Transport only |
| Private Tempo Traveler (Manali – Leh) | Rs 3,000 – 5,000 | Rs 6,000 – 10,000 | Sightseeing stops |
Pro Tip: The cheapest way to travel from Manali to Leh by bus is the HRTC 2-day option via Keylong. The total cost including bus fare, one night at a budget hotel in Keylong, and meals comes to about Rs 1,200 to Rs 1,800 per person one-way. Compare this with Rs 18,000+ for a private taxi, and the savings are massive.
What Should You Know About AMS and Acclimatization on the Bus?
This is something I cannot stress enough. The Manali – Leh Highway crosses five high-altitude passes, with the highest being Taglang La at 17,480 ft. Your body needs time to adjust to this altitude, and a bus journey gives you very little control over the pace of ascent.
Here is what I always suggest to travelers using the Manali to Leh bus service:
- Break your journey at Keylong: Even if the direct bus is available, prefer the 2-day option with an overnight halt at Keylong (3,080 meters). This gives your body a chance to acclimatize gradually.
- Stay hydrated throughout: Carry ORS packets or Glucon-D water and sip every 30 minutes. Dehydration worsens AMS symptoms.
- Eat light: Avoid heavy meals during the bus journey. Stick to biscuits, fruits, and light snacks.
- Carry Diamox: Consult your doctor before the trip and carry Diamox tablets. Start taking them a day before you cross high altitude if your doctor advises.
- Watch for symptoms: Headache, nausea, dizziness, and breathlessness are early signs of AMS. If symptoms get severe, inform the bus driver and descend to a lower altitude immediately.
- Rest on arrival: After reaching Leh, spend the first full day resting and acclimatizing. Do not rush to Pangong Tso or Nubra Valley on the same day.
What Should You Carry on the Manali to Leh Bus Journey?
The bus journey from Manali to Leh is long, and you will be crossing some of the most remote terrain in India. Here is a quick checklist of things you should carry.
- Warm layers: Even in summer, the temperature drops significantly at high passes. Carry a windproof jacket, thermals, and a light sweater.
- Water and ORS: At least 2 liters of water and ORS packets. You can refill at dhaba stops.
- Snacks: Biscuits, dry fruits, energy bars. Dhaba food is available but can be heavy and slow.
- Medicines: Diamox (after doctor consultation), Disprin for headaches, Avomine for nausea, basic first-aid.
- Cash: Carry enough cash as there are no ATMs between Manali and Leh. Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 should be sufficient for food, water, and emergencies on the bus journey.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses: UV radiation at high altitude is intense. Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen and wear polarized sunglasses.
- Charger and power bank: Your phone is your camera, GPS, and entertainment for a 14+ hour journey.
- Window seat tip: Try to grab a right-hand window seat on the Manali to Leh bus. The right side offers the most scenic views for most of the journey.
When Is the Best Time to Take the Manali to Leh Bus?
The Manali to Leh bus services operate only during the summer season when the highway is open. Here is a month-wise breakdown to help you plan.
- June: The highway usually opens in early to mid-June. HRTC buses start operations, but HPTDC tourist buses typically start from July 1st. Weather can be unpredictable with some rain. Road conditions may still be rough in spots. Good for those who want fewer crowds.
- July: Peak season begins. Both HRTC and HPTDC buses are fully operational. Roads are in better condition. However, this is also the monsoon season, so expect some rain and occasional landslides. Keep a buffer day in your itinerary.
- August: Best month in my experience. Roads are well-maintained by BRO, weather is relatively stable, and all bus services are running at full capacity. Advance booking is recommended for HPTDC buses.
- September: Tourist season starts winding down. HPTDC buses usually stop by September 15th. HRTC continues until late September. Weather is dry and sunny, making it a great time for the journey. Crowds are thinner.
- October: Only HRTC buses may operate in early October, depending on weather and road conditions. I would avoid the Manali – Leh Highway in late September or October unless you are experienced and prepared for sudden road closures.
In case you are wondering about the overall best time to visit Ladakh, I have covered it in detail in my Ladakh permits and planning guide.
How Can You Save More Money on Your Ladakh Bus Trip?
If you are taking the bus to save money, here are some additional tips to keep your Ladakh trip budget even lower.
- Use HRTC buses within Ladakh too: Once in Leh, HRTC and JKSRTC buses run to Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, and Tso Moriri. Check the complete Ladakh bus schedule for routes and timings.
- Find shared taxis in Leh: For routes where buses don’t run frequently, shared taxis are the next cheapest option. Check the Leh Ladakh taxi rates to understand the going rates.
- Stay at budget guesthouses: In Leh, budget accommodation starts from Rs 500 to Rs 800 per night for a basic room.
- Eat at local dhabas: A meal at a local dhaba in Leh costs Rs 100 to Rs 200. Avoid tourist restaurants near Fort Road for cheaper meals.
- Travel in a group: If you find 3 to 4 fellow travelers in Leh, sharing a taxi for local sightseeing brings the cost down dramatically.
For a detailed budget breakdown, check my article on how to calculate the cost of a Leh Ladakh trip. Also, do read about 5 reasons to do a Ladakh trip by bus if you need more motivation to take the public transport route.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I miss the Manali to Leh bus?
There are plenty of buses and travel options between Manali and Keylong. If you miss the HRTC bus from Manali, you can always reach Keylong by other buses or shared local jeeps. Once you reach Keylong, take the next morning bus from the Keylong HRTC bus stand or a shared local jeep from Keylong to Leh. Apart from HRTC buses, private tour operators also run buses between Manali to Leh. You can also look out in Old Manali for other tourists to share private taxi costs. If nothing works, hitchhiking on the Manali – Leh Highway is a last resort that many solo travelers have done successfully.
How much time does the bus take from Manali to Leh?
Manali to Leh is a 474 km long journey. The direct HRTC bus takes about 13 to 14 hours via the Atal Tunnel. Other buses including the HPTDC bus service cover the journey in two days with an overnight stop at Keylong. The bus from Delhi to Leh also takes two days with an overnight stop at Keylong, covering the total distance of 1,050 km in about 30 to 32 hours.
Can I book the Manali to Leh bus online?
Yes, partially. The HPTDC Manali to Leh bus can be booked online using the official HPTDC website. The HRTC direct Manali to Leh bus is also available for booking on the HRTC online portal. However, the Keylong to Leh HRTC bus tickets can only be purchased at the Keylong bus stand counter. The HRTC Delhi to Leh bus booking availability varies, so check the HRTC website or call the ISBT counter.
Is the Manali to Leh bus journey comfortable?
The HRTC buses are standard government buses and do not offer much comfort. Do not expect cushioned seats or air conditioning. Travel like a local and adjust your expectations accordingly. The HPTDC buses are semi-deluxe and offer better seating comfort, but they still cost more. Some private operators run tempo travelers and mini-buses which are more comfortable but pricier at Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 per person.
Do the Manali to Leh buses stop for sightseeing?
The HPTDC tourist bus stops at all major sightseeing places on the Manali – Leh Highway including the passes, Sarchu, and other viewpoints. The HRTC buses do not stop for sightseeing as they are running against time. The direct HRTC bus is already on a 13 to 14 hour run, so do not expect sightseeing stops. However, all buses stop at dhabas for food breaks, and you can grab quick photos during those halts.
Can I take the Srinagar to Leh bus instead of Manali to Leh?
Yes, there is a Srinagar to Leh bus service as well that runs on the Srinagar – Leh Highway. This is a good alternative if you are coming from Jammu or Kashmir side. The Srinagar – Leh Highway is open earlier in the season (usually May) compared to the Manali – Leh Highway. Many travelers prefer to enter Ladakh from one side and exit from the other for a complete circuit.
Is the Manali to Leh bus available in winter?
No. The Manali – Leh Highway is completely closed in winter due to heavy snowfall on the high passes. The bus service operates only from June to September (or early October at best). If you want to visit Ladakh in winter, the only option is to fly to Leh or take the Srinagar – Leh Highway which opens earlier and closes later than the Manali route.
What is the cheapest way to reach Leh from Delhi by bus?
The cheapest way is to take the direct HRTC Delhi to Leh bus for Rs 1,656 to Rs 1,740 one way. This includes an overnight stop at Keylong. Alternatively, you can take a Volvo from Delhi to Manali (Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500) and then the HRTC Manali to Keylong bus (Rs 150 to Rs 174) followed by the Keylong to Leh bus (Rs 550 to Rs 800). The total comes to about Rs 1,700 to Rs 2,500, similar to the direct bus but with more flexibility in your schedule.
Conclusion
I hope this article will help you learn about the bus services from Manali to Leh and vice-versa. I have also covered the bus services running from Delhi to Leh via Manali in this article to keep all the info under one hood. The Manali to Leh bus service is truly a lifeline for budget travelers, and with the Atal Tunnel making the journey shorter and more comfortable, it is only getting better every year.
I have tried to cover the most important FAQs, but if you still have any questions about making a trip to Leh from Manali by public transport, please feel free to post those questions in the comments section. You can also discuss your travel plans with fellow travelers in the DwD Community for more tips and travel partner searches.
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Have you traveled on the Manali to Leh bus on your trip to Ladakh? I will be happy to hear about your experience in the comments section. If you know friends or family who are planning a budget trip to Ladakh, do share this article with them 🙂 …
4 Comments
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are there any private bus options from keylong to leh ?
You will get the shared taxis to Keylong from Leh
Very useful information…Nicely drafted article..
DevilonWheels has made my ladakh tour an excellent experience in May 2016. I hope to visit it again in 2019 via different route i.e. via manali route.
many many thanks for the info.
Thank you Paresh, I am so glad.