About this Overland Road Trip
The most spectacular highway in India — Manali to Leh
The Manali–Leh highway is a bucket-list drive: over the Atal Tunnel, past Keylong and Jispa, across the high passes of Baralacha La and Tanglang La, over the Gata Loops and the surreal Moore Plains, and down into Leh. This trip does it at a sensible pace, then rewards you with an excursion to Pangong Lake.
Because the route climbs high fast, we break the journey with a night at Jispa and keep a full rest-and-sightseeing day in Leh before going higher. Travel is by private vehicle with a local driver, permits are arranged, and we carry oxygen.
For travellers who believe the journey is the destination and don't mind long, jaw-dropping drives. Pricing depends on group size and vehicle, so we quote on request.
Trip Highlights
The icons of the Manali–Leh road
The Atal Tunnel & the Lahaul valley
High passes — Baralacha La & Tanglang La
The famous Gata Loops & Moore Plains
A rest & sightseeing day in Leh
An excursion to Pangong Lake
Permits, oxygen & acclimatisation handled
Trip Gallery
Glimpses from the Manali–Leh highway
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Seven days along the great Himalayan highway
- Arrive in Manali (an overnight Volvo from Delhi is the easiest way in).
- Meet your trip captain for a briefing on the road ahead; free time in Old Manali's cafés.
- Dinner and overnight in Manali.
- Drive through the Atal Tunnel into the stark, beautiful Lahaul valley.
- Follow the Bhaga river past Keylong to the quiet hamlet of Jispa.
- An easy afternoon to help your body adjust; dinner and overnight in Jispa.
- The legendary leg — over Baralacha La, past Sarchu, up the Gata Loops and over Nakee La and Lachulung La.
- Cross the vast Moore Plains and the mighty Tanglang La (~17,480 ft) before descending to the Indus.
- Arrive Leh by evening; dinner and overnight.
- A well-earned easier day — Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace and the monasteries of Shey and Thiksey.
- Time to relax in Leh's markets and cafés and let the big drive settle.
- Dinner and overnight in Leh.
- Drive over Chang La to reach Pangong Lake by afternoon.
- Free time on the shore for photos as the water shifts through its blues.
- Starry night and dinner at a lakeside camp; overnight by Pangong.
- Catch the Pangong sunrise, then drive back over Chang La to Leh.
- Afternoon free for last-minute shopping and a farewell dinner.
- Overnight in Leh.
- After breakfast, transfer to Leh airport for your onward flight.
- You've crossed the Himalayas by road, Manali to Leh — a proper adventure.
What's Included
A fully supported overland road trip
- Entire Manali–Leh–Pangong journey by private vehicle
- Airport drop in Leh
- 6 nights stay — Manali, Jispa, Leh & a Pangong camp
- Daily breakfast and dinner
- Inner Line Permit for Pangong Lake
- Oxygen cylinder & first-aid kit in the vehicle
- Experienced driver & Yatraved trip captain
- Delhi–Manali travel & airfare from Leh (can be arranged)
- Lunches and all personal expenses
- Monastery entry fees & camera charges
- 5% GST on package cost
- Any cost due to roadblocks, landslides or weather beyond our control
- Anything not mentioned in inclusions
Things to Carry
Long high-altitude drives — be comfortable and warm
Important Notes
Please read before booking
Altitude & Health: The Manali–Leh route climbs high fast. We break it at Jispa and keep a rest day in Leh, carry oxygen, and keep the pace careful. Consult a doctor if you have heart or lung conditions.
Long Driving Days: Especially Jispa to Leh — a big day over several passes. We start early with regular breaks; anti-nausea tablets help on the switchbacks.
ID & Permit: Carry original photo ID. The Pangong permit is mandatory — we arrange it, but need your ID copy in advance.
Roads & Weather: The Manali–Leh highway is open roughly late May to October; passes can close briefly for weather and the plan may be adjusted for safety.
Pricing on Request: Cost depends on group size, vehicle type and season — send an enquiry for a tailored quote within 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before you book
It starts in Manali and ends in Leh. Reach Manali on your own (an overnight Volvo from Delhi is easy), and fly out of Leh on the final day. We can also arrange the Delhi–Manali leg on request.
The route does climb quickly over high passes, so we break the drive with a night at Jispa and build a full rest and sightseeing day in Leh before going higher to Pangong. We carry oxygen and keep the pace careful.
Yes. The Inner Line Permit for Pangong Lake is arranged and included. We only need a copy of your photo ID in advance.
The Manali–Leh legs are long, scenic mountain drives — the Jispa to Leh day in particular is a big one over several passes. We start early and take plenty of photo and tea breaks.
The package covers private transport for the whole route, stays, daily breakfast and dinner, and the Pangong permit. Because cost depends on group size, vehicle type and season, we share a tailored quote on request.
