Looking for the best Manali-Leh itinerary? Follow this 7-day plan with stops, stays, drive times, and tips for your Ladakh trip.
A good Manali-Leh itinerary balances long drives with rest so your body can adjust to altitude. This 7-day plan covers the highway, Leh sightseeing, Nubra Valley, and Pangong Lake without rushing.
Quick Facts at a Glance
| TopicDetails | |
| Duration | 7 days, 6 nights |
| Start point | Manali |
| End point | Leh |
| Best months | June to September |
Day by Day Plan
- Day 1: Manali to Jispa
- Day 2: Jispa to Leh via Sarchu
- Day 3: Rest and acclimatise in Leh
- Day 4: Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Hemis
- Day 5: Leh to Nubra via Khardung La
- Day 6: Nubra to Pangong Lake
- Day 7: Pangong to Leh
Why Day 3 Matters
Leh sits at 3,500 m. A free day lowers the risk of altitude sickness before you go higher to Khardung La and Pangong.
Planning Tips
Book hotels 2 to 3 months ahead for June to August, and apply for the Inner Line Permit before Day 5.
Day 1: Manali to Jispa
Leave by 7 AM, drive through the 9 km Atal Tunnel, and stop for tea at Sissu. Check in at Jispa by afternoon, walk along the Bhaga River, and sleep early. The altitude here is a mild 3,200 m.
Day 2: Jispa to Leh
This is the longest day. Cross Baralacha La, pause at Sarchu, tackle the 21 Gata Loops and climb to Tanglang La. Reach Leh by evening and rest with fluids and a light dinner.
Days 4 to 7: Sightseeing Highlights
Spend Day 4 at Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, and Hemis Monastery. On Day 5, cross Khardung La into Nubra for Diskit Monastery and the Hunder dunes. Day 6 continues to Pangong Lake via Shyok. Day 7 returns to Leh over Chang La.
Budget Tips for This Plan
Sharing a vehicle and choosing guesthouses over camps in Nubra lowers the cost. Book Pangong camps early, since lakeside stays fill up first in July and August.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. It covers the highway, Leh, and Nubra or Pangong at a comfortable pace.
Jispa, Keylong, or Sarchu camps are the usual overnight stops.
Yes. Day 6 covers Pangong with a night in lakeside camps.
Only for Nubra and Pangong. Your tour operator can arrange it.
Yes, but acclimatise first and keep a buffer day for weather.