A Leh Ladakh road trip via Manali takes about ten days from Manali, or eleven from Chandigarh: two days on the Manali–Leh highway, a rest day in Leh, then loops to Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake. The road is usually open from around June to September, sometimes a little longer. Indian citizens no longer need an Inner Line Permit, but you do pay an online environment and wildlife fee before visiting Nubra and Pangong.
Ladakh road trip at a glance
| Detail | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Start options | Manali, Chandigarh or Delhi |
| Manali–Leh highway | About 428 km, normally split over two days |
| Leh altitude | About 3,500 m |
| Highest point | Khardung La, about 5,359 m (surveyed); signboards show a higher figure |
| Pangong Lake | About 4,250–4,300 m |
| Season via Manali | Roughly June to September; opening and closing dates vary with snow |
| Permits | Indians: online fee on the LAHDC Leh portal; foreigners: Protected Area Permit |
| Ideal duration | 10–13 days depending on start point |
Which start point suits you?
From Manali
If you are already in Himachal, or happy to take an overnight Volvo from Delhi, starting at Manali is the most direct. Our Leh Ladakh Road Trip 9N/10D runs Manali to Manali with pickup and drop there.
From Chandigarh
Chandigarh is well connected by air and rail from across India. Our 10N/11D version picks you up in Chandigarh and drops you back there, adding a travel day at each end.
From Delhi
For a longer, deeper trip, the Grand Ladakh Road Trip (11–13 days) starts in Delhi and can add Turtuk and Hanle or Tso Moriri, by bike, 4×4 or tempo traveller.
What about flying in or the Srinagar route?
You can fly to Leh or drive via Srinagar and Zoji La. Both are valid, but flying lands you at 3,500 m in an hour with no acclimatisation. The Manali road climbs over two days, which helps, though it also means sleeping high at Sarchu, so it is not a free pass either.
Best time for a Leh Ladakh road trip
- June: The Manali–Leh road usually opens by now after snow clearance. Passes still have snow walls; water crossings can be strong.
- July and August: Peak season. Ladakh gets little rain, but the Himachal side can see monsoon landslides. Keep a buffer day.
- September: Clear skies, fewer vehicles and colder nights. Many consider it the best month.
- October onwards: Snow can close the high passes at short notice. Winter travel to Ladakh is a different, expedition-style trip.
Road opening dates change every year, so confirm the current status close to departure.
Day-by-day Ladakh road trip from Chandigarh
This follows our 10N/11D plan. The Manali-start version is the same from day 2 onwards, minus the Chandigarh legs.
- Chandigarh → Manali: Pickup and a long drive along the Beas into the Kullu valley.
- Manali → Atal Tunnel → Jispa: Through the Atal Tunnel into Lahaul and on to Jispa beside the Bhaga river. A short day that helps you adjust.
- Jispa → Sarchu: Over Baralacha La, about 4,850 m, to the plains of Sarchu. Nights here are cold and high, so take it easy.
- Sarchu → Leh: The Gata Loops, the high plains around Pang, and Tanglang La, the highest pass on this road at over 5,300 m, before descending to Leh.
- Leh acclimatisation: A slow day. Rest, drink water and take a gentle walk around the old town.
- Leh → Khardung La → Nubra Valley: Over Khardung La to the sand dunes, orchards and monasteries of Nubra.
- Nubra → Pangong Lake: Along the Shyok river to Pangong, whose colour shifts from turquoise to deep blue through the day.
- Pangong → Leh: Back to Leh for a comfortable night.
- Leh → Sarchu / Jispa: Start the return over the passes.
- Jispa → Manali: Back through the Atal Tunnel.
- Manali → Chandigarh: Drop in Chandigarh.
Permits: the current process
Indian citizens
Indians no longer need an Inner Line Permit for Ladakh; the requirement was dropped in 2021. However, the Leh district administration has confirmed that the environment (green) fee, Red Cross fund and wildlife fee still apply. You pay these online on the LAHDC Leh permit portal for the areas you plan to visit, such as Nubra, Pangong, Tso Moriri or Hanle. Download the receipt, carry a few printed copies and your photo ID, and show them at checkposts on the way. Fees are revised from time to time, so check the portal for current amounts.
Foreign nationals
Foreigners need a Protected Area Permit for Nubra, Pangong and other restricted areas. It is normally arranged through a registered travel agent in Leh, and some nationalities face additional restrictions. Validity and group rules can change, so confirm before you travel.
Acclimatisation and altitude sickness
Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is the single biggest risk on a Ladakh road trip, and it can affect fit, young travellers as much as anyone. Common symptoms are headache, nausea, dizziness, poor sleep and fatigue.
- Take the rest day in Leh seriously. Do not plan Khardung La or Pangong on the day you arrive.
- Climb gradually. Medical guidance for travel above 3,000 m suggests limiting how much higher you sleep each night and adding rest days. The Manali road helps, but Sarchu is a high night.
- Hydrate and avoid alcohol and smoking for the first few days.
- Never go higher with symptoms. If they worsen, or you notice breathlessness at rest, confusion or unsteady walking, descend and seek medical help immediately.
- See a doctor before the trip if you have heart, lung or blood-pressure conditions, are pregnant, or want to discuss preventive medicine.
Bike vs 4×4 vs tempo traveller
| Option | Best for |
|---|---|
| Motorcycle | Experienced riders who want the full adventure. Needs a backup vehicle for luggage and breakdowns, riding gear, and fitness for long, cold, dusty days. |
| 4×4 / SUV | Couples, small groups and families who want comfort and flexibility. Handles broken roads and water crossings well. |
| Tempo traveller | Larger groups, colleges, clubs and corporate teams. Economical per head and keeps everyone together. |
A note on rented bikes and outside vehicles: local rules on using vehicles hired outside Ladakh for sightseeing within Ladakh have changed several times. Check the current position when you book.
What to pack
- Layers: thermals, fleece and a down jacket, even in summer
- Windproof gloves, woollen cap and buff
- Sunglasses with UV protection, high-SPF sunscreen and lip balm
- A personal medical kit and any prescribed medicines
- Photo ID, printed permit receipts and some cash, as ATMs and network are limited outside Leh
What affects the cost
Every Ladakh trip is priced on enquiry, because cost depends on:
- Start point and number of days
- Vehicle choice: bike with backup, SUV or tempo traveller
- Group size, since vehicle costs are shared
- Stay category in Leh, and camps or guesthouses at Sarchu, Nubra and Pangong
- Add-ons such as Turtuk, Hanle or Tso Moriri
Plan your Ladakh road trip with Mountain’s Greet
We run Ladakh road trips from Manali, Chandigarh and Delhi for solo travellers on group departures, couples, friends, riding clubs, colleges and corporate teams. Plans build in the Leh acclimatisation day, local guides and drivers who know these roads keep things moving, and every quote lists inclusions and exclusions in writing. Read more about us.
Choose your start: enquire about the Manali-start trip, the Chandigarh-start trip, or the Grand Ladakh Road Trip from Delhi. You can also reach us on WhatsApp.
FAQs
How many days are needed for a Leh Ladakh road trip?
About ten days from Manali, eleven from Chandigarh and eleven to thirteen from Delhi, including an acclimatisation day in Leh and visits to Nubra and Pangong.
Do Indians need an Inner Line Permit for Ladakh?
No. The ILP for Indians was dropped in 2021, but you must pay the environment, Red Cross and wildlife fees online on the LAHDC Leh portal and carry the receipt.
When does the Manali–Leh highway open?
It usually opens for travellers around late May or June and stays open until around October, depending on snowfall. Check the current status before you go.
How do I avoid altitude sickness in Ladakh?
Ascend gradually, rest fully on your first day in Leh, drink water, avoid alcohol, and never go higher with symptoms. Consult a doctor before the trip if you have health conditions.
Is a bike or car better for a Ladakh road trip?
Bikes suit experienced riders who want adventure. SUVs suit couples and families; tempo travellers suit larger groups. All options benefit from an experienced local driver or road captain.
Is Ladakh suitable for families with children or seniors?
It can be, with a slower plan and extra rest, but altitude affects everyone differently. Speak to a doctor first, especially for young children and older travellers.
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