LADAKH ROAD TRIP: 9 Days Leh to Manali

Arrive at Kushok Bakula Airport – Leh, situated at 3500m altitude, met by our representative at the airport and transfer to your hotel in Leh town which is only at 5 to 7 km. On arrival at the hotel enjoy your welcome drink and then proceed to check in to your rooms and take full-day at rest to acclimatize yourself completely to the high altitudes of Ladakh which is must.

The Shanthi Stupa as the name suggest it is dome-shaped building erected as a Buddhist shrine which is the “symbol of peace”. It is one of the forms of Peace Pagoda built in Ladakh. It is constructed at an altitude of approx. of 11800 ft (3608 mts), at 5 Km from the Leh town by a group of Japanese and Ladakhi Buddhist.

Leh Palace also referred as the ‘Lhachen Palkhar’ is a royal palace located in the picturesque Ladakhi Himalayan town of Leh. It was designed in line with the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. The palace is a nine-storied architecture and was built for the Royal Family of Ladakh. The view of the Leh town from Leh palace is amazing during the evening.

Dinner and night stay in Leh.

The Sham valley is also called the Apricot valley as the valley houses Apricots farms which are grown in large quantities in these villages. The Valley is the home for some of the remote villages of Leh. The tour can be considered on the second day as It is at a lower altitude and hence will help you to acclimatize your body before you go to Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso Lake. The Sham Valley full consume a fill day and has the places to visit in the following order starting from Leh.

Alchi Monastery is a Buddhist monastery, known for its monastic complex of temples in Alchi village in the Leh District. It is located about 65Km away from Leh towards the Srinagar Leh Highway. It is located at the banks of Indus river and at an altitude of 10,170 feet. You can spin the wheels of fortune and make a wish happiness for everyone.

Likir Monastery or Likir Gompa (Klud-kyil) is a Buddhist monastery established in 1065 by Lama Duwang Chosje, under the command of the fifth king of Ladakh, It is picturesquely situated on a little hill in the valley, in Likir village near the Indus River. Although Likir is relatively isolated, it was once on a major trade route which travelled via Tingmosgang, Hemis and Likir to Leh

Spituk Monastery is located at about 8 km west of Leh. The site of Spituk was blessed by the Arhat Nyimagung in 11th Century. The monastery contains 100 monks and a giant statue of Kali Every year the Gustor Festival is held at Spituk from the 27th to 29th day in the eleventh month of the Tibetan calendar.

The Sangam is the confluence of the Indus and the Zanskar river which meet at this point. You can click some photos from the top to see the difference in the color of the water from each river. You may opt for rafting here at your own cost if not included already included in the package.

The Magnetic hill is located between Leh and Alchi on the Srinagar Leh Highway. It’s place where you can see the natural demonstration of gravity where the cars are pulled against the inclined road and appears to be rolling back steep which we would call as an optical illusion. We suggest you carry a ball to see it by yourself.

Gurdwara Shri Pathar Sahib is situated on the Srinagar-Leh Road, 25kms before the Leh. It is very beautiful, and it was created after the famous incident occurred when the demon lived nearby planned to kill Guruji and throwed stone (Pathar) at him during his worship to almighty and the stone turned into a wax. This made the demon realize himself that almighty is the ultimate power.

The Hall of fame is 2nd best museum of India and its built & maintained by Indian Army. in the memories of the great soldiers who lost their life in the Indo Pak war 1999. It is famous for its unique collection of ammos of both India & Pakistan used it the war & the Audio visual of the war.

Return to Leh and overnight rest at the hotel.

The day is to explore the north-eastern part of Leh – the Nubra Valley. It is located at about 150Kms and an altitude of about 10000 ft. To visit the Nubra valley one must cross the world’s highest motorable road – the Khardung La Pass and one can expect the valley in about 6-7Hrs of time.

The Khardung La Pass is at an altitude of at an altitude of 18,379 ft (5,602m) and so far, the world’s highest motorable world. One should be careful not to stay at this place for more than 30 mins and it may lead to Acute mountain sickness.

The Diskit is the capital of Nubra Valley and host the Diskit Monastery. The monastery is at the edge of the mountain and hence have amazing valley views from the top.

Leh is an ultimate cold desert of the Himalayas and this can be defined by the dunes. It is also the only place in India where one can find double humped camel. Enjoy your camel ride before we proceed further.

Check in to your camps and enjoy a pleasant dinner & overnight stay.

After an early breakfast we explore the late village of India. Turtuk is a small village located on the banks of the Shyok river and was a part of Pakistan till 1971 and is now the last outpost of India. Turtuk is one of the gateways to the Siachen Glacier. Turtuk was opened to tourists in 2010. One can explore the willage by walking over the hanging bridge. The Balti Heritage House and Museum, Royal house and museum and Ruins of Brokpa’s fort are worth visiting places of Turtuk.
If get a chance one can meet Indian army here and also sneek the India Pak Border from a distance.

Dinner and night stay in Nubra Valley.

Early morning full day excursion & is the shorter of the two direct routes from Nubra valley to Pangong Tso. You will start the journey by crossing Panamik and take a deviation at the Khalar. Although the route done have much to see but one will not be disappointed as the landscape is as amazing any wallpaper you would have imagined.

The Pangong Tso Lake means a “High Grassland Lake” located in the Changthang region of Ladakh. The lake is situated at an altitude of 14,270 ft (4,350m). It is the highest salt-water lake in the world and the view, so the lakes are amazing. It is believed the lake changes its color 4 – 5 times a day.

One can visit Shooting Point (3 Idiots movie shoot) and View point (panoramic view of the lake) of the lake for some selfies before you check in at the camps for your overnight stay.

Wake up early in the morning to witness the mesmerizing beauty of Pangong Lake under the fresh morning rays. Post breakfast set off for a drive back Leh. You will reach Leh by the afternoon; you can spend the rest of the time in the local markets of the city.

Enroute the following are the places of interest.

The Druk White Lotus School of Leh is popularly know as 3 idiot school after the famous movie 3 Idiot was shoot here. The visitors can access the school only under the observation of the guide.

The Shey palace was built in 1655 on the hills of Shey village at an altitude of 11,204 ft (3415m). Shey village is located to the south of Leh. The Shey monastery was built within the palace complex on the instructions of Deldon Namgyal, in the memory of his late father, Singay Namgyal. Inside the Shey monastery reside the Shakyamuni Buddha.

The Thiksey monastery is largest monastery located in central Ladakh about 19Km away from Leh town and at 11,000 ft (3900m). it is also called as “Mini Potala”.

Dinner and night stay in Leh.

In the morning, enjoy your breakfast and start your road journey to Sarchu, driving past the scenic Puga Valley, Tsokar Lake- another picturesque lake in Ladakh, Skyangchu Thang – a plateau stretching to 42 km. Lunch at the town of Pang. Continue your journey to Sarchu by driving past Nakee La and Lachlung La. The journey would be for 8 hrs. and have few landmarks to be seen.

After crossing the villages as Kharu – Upshi & Rumtse you will find the first high altitude pass on this road, located at a height of 17,582 ft. This pass is the highest on Manali Leh highway and considered as second highest motorable pass in the world Although disputed.

Your third high altitude pass, located at a height of 15,547 ft. If you are lucky, you may even see some wildlife here.

Your third high altitude pass, located at a height of 15,547 ft. If you are lucky, you may even see some wildlife here. Getting down the pass you will cross a series of 21 hairpin bends. It is also reported to be a haunted site.

By evening reach your Camps for a dinner and overnight stay.

After early breakfast leave for Leh en-route crossing Nakeela and Lachalung-la Pass (16,617 ft.). Break for lunch at Pang and then drive on towards Leh passing through Skyangchu Thang (a vast plateau stretching for 42 kms) and then crossing Taglang-La (17,585ft) and driving through the upper Indus Valley. During this one can visit the following places.

Time to get a little taste of Supernatural. The ruins of Shaheed Sainik Bhawan at the top of Baralacha La are a haunted site.

Also known as Surya Taal, it is a small lake at the top of Baralacha La Pass. It is the source of the Bhaga River and presents a stunning view amidst the mighty hill tops all around. If luck favored you, you may find the lake completely frozen even in July.

This will be your second-high altitude pass on Manali Leh highway. Ironically, though Tanglang La is at a higher altitude, it is Baralacha La that remains covered with snow for a longer duration and receives way more snow than Tanglang La.

Right before Darcha and after the descent of Baralacha La, it is a very small lake but do not let the size deceive you. It may be smaller in size but a giant when it comes to natural beauty.

Jispa is a small town in the highway and is a place where one can enjoy their lunch. The only thing worth mentioning about Darcha is that it is the end or starting point of the famous Zanskar trek. There are a few chadar tents here if you would like to stay for the night.

Keylong is the administrative headquarter of Lahaul & Spiti Valley and the largest town on Manali Leh highway. It is also home to Khardung Monastery, the largest and most important monastery of Drukpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism.

This is your last highest pass of the journey and most of the time you will find snow and traffic congestion. Beguiling landscapes consisting of fierce wind, chilling temperature, snowcapped peaks and lush green valley’s around is what Rohtang Pass is famous for.

By evening reach Manali, dinner and overnight stay in Manali.

After your morning breakfast check out for the hotel and drop will be provided at the bus stand for your onward journey.