Budget-Friendly 9-Day Adventure from Mumbai to Leh via Manali and Delhi in August 2025

Day 1: Flight to Leh

Mumbai to Leh, India on August 3, 2025

08:30am

Flight Mumbai to Leh

Take a morning flight from Mumbai to Leh to reach early and allow time for acclimatisation. Flights usually take around 3.5 hours and it's best to book seats together for the group.
INR6000 per person (approx), 3h30m

01:00pm

Check-in and Rest

Check-in at a budget guesthouse in Leh such as Zostel Leh or Hotel De Park, and rest to acclimatize to the high altitude (3500m). Avoid strenuous activity to prevent altitude sickness.
INR800-1200 per room, 4h

05:00pm

Light local walk & dinner

Take a gentle walk around Leh market and the main square to acclimatise and pick light snacks. Dinner at Changspa Restaurant offers tasty local cuisine in a friendly budget setting.
INR300-500 per person, 2h

Day 2: Leh Local Tour

Leh, India on August 4, 2025

08:00am

Breakfast at Tibetan Kitchen

Enjoy Tibetan-style breakfast with momos and butter tea to energise your day in Leh.
INR250 per person, 1h

09:00am

Shanti Stupa Visit

Visit Shanti Stupa to admire panoramic views of Leh and the surrounding mountains. Spend about 1.5 hours enjoying the serene atmosphere and photo opportunities.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Leh Palace and Namgyal Tsemo Monastery

Explore Leh Palace and the ancient Namgyal Tsemo Monastery nearby, discovering Buddhist culture and heritage.
INR100 per person for Leh Palace, 2h

01:00pm

Lunch at Ladakhi Kitchen

Enjoy authentic Ladakhi meal with thukpa and other local dishes.
INR300 per person, 1h

02:30pm

Visit to Hall of Fame Museum

Learn about the Indian Army’s role in the region and local history at this museum.
INR10 per person, 1h

04:00pm

Evening free for rest or market stroll

Relax or explore Leh town markets for souvenirs and local crafts.
Varies, 2h

07:30pm

Dinner at Nimu's Restaurant

Try budget-friendly traditional Tibetan and Ladakhi dishes for dinner.
INR300 per person, 1h30m

Day 3: Leh to Nubra Valley

Leh to Nubra Valley, India on August 5, 2025

07:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a wholesome breakfast at your guesthouse before a long day of travel.
Included with stay, 1h

08:00am

Start journey by shared taxi or private cab to Nubra Valley

Travel via Khardung La Pass (5400m), the highest motorable road in the world. Spend time at the top but dress warmly to avoid cold weather at this altitude.
INR800 per person approx (shared taxi), 5h including stops

01:00pm

Lunch en route at roadside dhaba

Stop at a local dhaba to taste simple Ladakhi food and tea.
INR200 per person, 1h

02:00pm

Diskit Monastery visit

Visit the famous Diskit Monastery with its giant Buddha statue overlooking the Nubra Valley, spending about 1 hour.
Free, 1h

03:30pm

Explore Hunder Sand Dunes

Ride double-humped camels (bactrian) at the sand dunes and enjoy the unique desert landscape amid mountains.
INR300 per person for camel ride, 1h30m

05:30pm

Check-in at Nubra budget guesthouse

Book accommodation in Hunder or Diskit in a guesthouse like Nubra Guesthouse for affordable stay.
INR1000-1500 per room, Rest of evening

07:30pm

Dinner at guesthouse

Enjoy simple home-cooked meals often provided by guesthouses at budget prices.
INR250 per person, 1h

Day 4: Nubra to Pangong Lake

Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake, India on August 6, 2025

06:00am

Early breakfast at guesthouse

Prepare for a long day by having an early and nutritious breakfast.
Included, 1h

07:00am

Drive from Nubra to Pangong Lake via Chang La Pass

Travel via Chang La Pass (5360m). This route is scenic but challenging, so hire a sturdy vehicle with an experienced driver. Allow stops to avoid altitude pressure and to soak in views.
INR1000 per person approx (shared taxi), 7h including stops

01:30pm

Lunch at roadside dhaba

Stop for lunch at a local dhaba near Chang La or en route.
INR200 per person, 1h

02:30pm

Arrive at Pangong Lake

Explore the stunning blue waters of Pangong Lake, popular for photography and relaxation. Spend the evening walking along the lake shore.
No entrance fee, 3h

06:00pm

Check-in at budget camp or guesthouse

Stay overnight at budget camps near Pangong Lake, e.g., Camp Pangong or similar, booked in advance. Prepare for cold nights.
INR1500 per room approx, Overnight

07:30pm

Dinner at camp

Enjoy simple, warm meals served by camp kitchens to keep you comfortable after a cold day by the lake.
INR350 per person, 1h

Day 5: Pangong to Jispa via Manali Route

Pangong Lake to Jispa, India on August 7, 2025

07:00am

Breakfast at camp

Eat a nutritious breakfast and pack up early for a long journey heading towards Jispa.
Included, 1h

08:00am

Drive from Pangong Lake to Jispa

Drive down via Manali route through rugged terrain via Tanglang La Pass (5328m) toward Jispa in Himachal Pradesh, crossing state borders. This is a long and bumpy journey best done in a shared SUV or hired taxi.
INR1200 per person approx in shared taxi, 7h

12:00pm

Lunch en route

Stop at roadside dhaba or small town eatery for local food and hydration during the trip.
INR200 per person, 1h

03:00pm

Check-in & rest at Jispa

Stay at budget guesthouse or campsites like Zostel Jispa to rest after the long drive and high altitude trek.
INR1000-1500 per room, Afternoon rest

06:00pm

Short walk and acclimatisation

Take a gentle walk near Jispa village to avoid altitude sickness and to adjust to lower elevations after Pangong.
Free, 1h

07:30pm

Dinner at guesthouse

Enjoy warm, it-friendly meals to recharge after the day's travel.
INR300 per person, 1h

Day 6: Jispa to Manali

Jispa to Manali, India on August 8, 2025

08:00am

Breakfast at guesthouse

Start the day with a hearty breakfast in Jispa.
Included, 1h

09:00am

Drive from Jispa to Manali

Enjoy the scenic drive covering about 140 km via the famous Rohtang Pass (3978m). Vehicles require a permit for Rohtang, which is best arranged in advance.
INR500 per person approx for transport, 4-5h

02:00pm

Lunch at Johnson's Cafe, Manali

Famous for its budget-friendly and tasty North Indian and continental dishes, perfect for group dining.
INR350 per person, 1h

03:30pm

Check-in at budget hotel in Manali

Choose budget hotels such as Hotel Manali Heights or Zostel Manali for affordable group accommodation.
INR1500-2000 per room, Rest of day

04:30pm

Visit Hadimba Temple and Manu Temple

Explore the ancient wooden Hadimba Temple surrounded by cedar forests and nearby Manu Temple, spending about 1.5 hours.
Free, 1h30m

06:30pm

Walk around Mall Road

Enjoy the lively atmosphere of Mall Road for shopping and street food.
Free, 1h

07:30pm

Dinner at Cafe 1947

Casual riverside dining with budget-friendly Italian and Indian options to enjoy your last night in Manali.
INR400 per person, 1h30m

Day 7: Solang Valley fun

Manali, India on August 9, 2025

08:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Hearty breakfast to prepare for an active day.
Included, 1h

09:00am

Visit Solang Valley

Spend the day in Solang Valley engaging in activities like paragliding, zorbing, and ropeway rides. The valley is ideal for budget-friendly adventure and spectacular scenery.
Entry free; activities range INR300-800 per person, 5h

02:00pm

Lunch at Solang Valley dhaba

Simple local food to refuel amid the greens and mountains.
INR200 per person, 1h

03:00pm

Return to Manali and rest

Rest at hotel to prepare for onward travel next day.
Included, Rest rest of day

07:30pm

Dinner at Café Golden Pagoda

Enjoy Tibetan and Indian dishes with budget-friendly pricing popular with travellers.
INR300 per person, 1h30m

Day 8: Travel to Delhi

Manali to Delhi, India on August 10, 2025

07:00am

Early Breakfast

Have an early breakfast and pack up for departure.
Included, 1h

08:00am

Bus from Manali to Chandigarh

Budget-friendly Volvo bus or local state bus, travel approximately 8h covering 310 km.
INR800-1000 per person, 8h

04:00pm

Train from Chandigarh to Delhi

Catch an evening train from Chandigarh to Delhi railway station, around 3h travel. Pre-book train tickets online for seats together.
INR200 per person approx, 3h

07:30pm

Check-in budget hotel in Delhi

Stay near New Delhi railway station for easy access to your return train the next day.
INR1000-1500 per room, Overnight

08:30pm

Dinner at Karim's, Old Delhi

Taste famous Delhi Mughlai cuisine at Karim's, a legendary but budget-friendly eatery known for kebabs and curries.
INR400 per person, 1h30m

Day 9: Departure Day

Delhi, India on August 11, 2025

08:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Simple breakfast before the train journey.
Included, 1h

12:00pm

Train Delhi to Mumbai

Board your scheduled train from Delhi to Mumbai in the afternoon for an overnight journey home. Book trains like Rajdhani or Duronto in advance for comfort and best prices.
INR 1200- 1500 per person, 16h overnight