Budget-Friendly 9-Day Adventure: Mumbai to Leh via Manali and Delhi with Acclimatisation and Scenic Stops

Day 1: Travel and Acclimatisation

Mumbai to Leh, India on August 3, 2025

8:30am

Flight Mumbai to Leh

Catch a morning flight to Leh to get an early start. Flight takes approximately 2.5 hours. Important to stay hydrated to prepare for altitude.

INR4500 per person approx, 2h30m

12:00pm

Check-in Hotel

Choose budget guesthouses or homestays in Leh town, such as Zostel Leh or similar. Rest is key to begin acclimatising.

INR800-1200 per night per room, 2h

2:00pm

Leh Local Sightseeing: Shanti Stupa

Visit the serene Shanti Stupa for panoramic views of Leh town and surrounding mountains. Spend about 1.5 hours.

Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Leh Market Walk and Dinner

Explore the local market to acclimatise gently and try traditional Ladakhi cuisine at 'Gesmo Restaurant'. Open until 9pm.

Meals approx INR300 per person, 2h

7:00pm

Early Rest

Important to rest early to help acclimatise and avoid altitude sickness.

Free, 7h

View Hotels

Day 2: Leh Acclimatisation & Khardung La

Leh, India on August 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Eat a light, carbohydrate-rich breakfast to ease acclimatisation.

INR150 per person, 1h

9:30am

Khardung La Pass Visit

Hire a cab or shared SUV to visit Khardung La Pass, one of the highest motorable roads at 5,359m. Limit time here to 2 hours to avoid altitude stress.

Cab approx INR1500 shared, 4h including travel

2:00pm

Lunch at 'The Tibetan Kitchen'

Tuck into authentic Tibetan food recommended for warmth and nourishment; open 12pm-9pm.

INR300 per person approx, 1h

3:30pm

Leh Palace and Local Monasteries

Visit Leh Palace and nearby monasteries like Sankar and Spituk, spending 3 hours exploring culture with moderate activity.

INR150 entry, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner and Rest

Early dinner at 'Bon Appetit' followed by full rest. Avoid alcohol and exertion.

INR300 approx, 2h

View Hotels

Day 3: Nubra Valley Excursion

Leh to Nubra Valley, India on August 5, 2025

7:00am

Early Departure to Nubra Valley

Hire an SUV for the three-hour scenic drive via Khardung La into Nubra Valley. Take breaks to acclimatise.

Shared cab approx INR2000 per vehicle, 3h

10:30am

Diskit Monastery Visit

Explore Diskit Monastery, famous for its giant Buddha statue and views of the valley.

Free entry, 1h

11:30am

Camel Ride and Hunder Sand Dunes

Enjoy a double-humped Bactrian camel ride on the sand dunes near Hunder village. Ideal for unique photos.

INR500 per person, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch in Hunder Village

Local meal with simple Dal and rice or momos at a homestay or local eatery.

INR200 per person, 1h

2:30pm

Return to Leh

Drive back to Leh. Rest in hotel on arrival to prevent fatigue.

Included in cab cost, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Hotel

Light dinner recommended; avoid heavy meals or alcohol.

INR200-300 per person, 1h

View Hotels

Day 4: Leh to Pangong Lake via Chang La

Leh to Pangong Lake, India on August 6, 2025

7:00am

Depart Leh for Pangong Lake

Leave early for the 6-hour jeep ride via Chang La Pass, a high mountain pass at 5,360m. Carry warm clothes and snacks.

Shared jeep approx INR2500 per vehicle, 6h

1:00pm

Lunch on Route

Picnic-style lunch en route near Chang La, bring dry snacks to maintain energy levels.

Self-catered or small eateries INR100 per person, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Pangong Lake

Arrive at stunning blue Pangong Lake, spend 3-4 hours walking by the lake, photography and light trekking.

Free entry, 4h

7:00pm

Stay Overnight in Basic Camps or Homestays

Budget tents or homestay nearby. Book in advance. Limited facilities, so carry essentials.

INR800 per tent per night approx, Overnight

View Hotels

Day 5: Pangong to Jispa via Chang La and Sarchu

Pangong Lake to Jispa, India on August 7, 2025

7:00am

Depart Pangong to Jispa

Start early for Jispa via Chang La and Sarchu, travelling approx 200km in 7 hours with stops for photos and acclimatisation.

Shared jeep or cab approx INR3000 per vehicle, 7h

12:00pm

Lunch at Roadside Dhaba

Enjoy local dhaba food like rajma chawal or egg paratha for affordable and delicious options.

INR150 per person, 1h

2:00pm

Rest at Jispa

Check into budget guesthouses or camps like Druk Ladakh Camp for recovery. Jispa is at moderate altitude, good to rest.

INR1000-1200 per room approx, Rest of day

5:00pm

Light Walk around Jispa

Explore nearby trek paths or riverside walks to stretch your legs after the long drive.

Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner

Dinner at camp or guesthouse with simple Indian and some local dishes.

INR300 per person approx, 1h

View Hotels

Day 6: Jispa to Manali

Jispa to Manali, India on August 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast

Hearty breakfast to prepare for 5-6 hour journey ahead.

INR150 per person, 1h

9:00am

Bus or Taxi to Manali

Take a state-run bus for budget-friendly travel or split a taxi for more comfort. Beautiful drive through Rohtang Pass (check road status as it can be closed in bad weather).

Bus INR300, Taxi INR4000 per vehicle approx, 5-6h

3:00pm

Check-in Budget Hotel in Manali

Stay in Manali town centre guesthouses like Hotel Snow Park or similar for good value.

INR800-1000 per room, Rest of day

4:30pm

Local Market Exploration

Stroll Mall Road for shopping and street food for a light evening meal.

Free, 2h

View Hotels

Day 7: Manali Local Tour

Manali, India on August 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café 1947

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast by the river with fresh bakery items and coffee.

INR250 per person, 1h

9:30am

Visit Solang Valley

Accessible by bus or bike, spend the morning exploring Solang Valley including activities like paragliding and ropeway. Open 9am-5pm; costs extra for activities.

Bus INR50, Activities vary INR500-1500, 3h