Budget-Friendly 9-Day Leh-Manali-Delhi Trip with 2 Days Acclimatisation and Scenic Highlights

Day 1: Arrival & Rest

Mumbai to Leh, India on August 3, 2025

8:30am

Flight from Mumbai to Leh

Take a morning flight to Leh to arrive early. Stay hydrated and rest to aid initial acclimatisation.
INR4500 per person approx, 2h30m

12:00pm

Check-in Hotel

Stay at budget guesthouses like Zostel Leh to rest and acclimatise gradually.
INR800-1200 per night, Afternoon rest

3:00pm

Short Visit to Shanti Stupa

Visit Shanti Stupa for gentle acclimatisation and peaceful views over Leh town, spend 1 hour.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Light Walk in Leh Market

Explore Leh Market briefly to get fresh air but avoid exertion.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Gesmo Restaurant

Healthy Ladakhi meal recommended; avoid alcohol and heavy meals.
INR300 approx, 1h

8:30pm

Early Bedtime

Rest well to help your body adjust to high altitudes.
Free, 8h
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Day 2: Acclimatisation Day Two

Leh, India on August 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Eat a nutritious but light breakfast high in carbohydrates to aid acclimatisation.
INR150 per person, 1h

10:00am

Leh Palace and Monasteries Visit

Visit Leh Palace and nearby monasteries like Spituk and Sankar, avoid overexertion and limit time outdoors in direct sun; 3 hours total.
INR150 entry, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Tibetan Kitchen

Delicious Tibetan and Ladakhi cuisine that is comforting and nutritious.
INR300 per person, 1h

3:00pm

Light Rest or Short Walk

Rest indoors or take short light walk near your hotel, monitor any altitude sickness symptoms.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Bon Appetit

Early dinner with carbohydrate-rich food; no alcohol.
INR300 approx, 1h

7:30pm

Early Night

Emphasise rest this evening to help full acclimatisation.
Free, 8h
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Day 3: Nubra Valley Day Trip

Leh to Nubra Valley, India on August 5, 2025

7:00am

Drive to Nubra Valley via Khardung La

Early morning departure by shared cab/jeep to Nubra Valley, crossing Khardung La Pass. Limited stops to prevent altitude fatigue; 3-hour drive.
Shared cab approx INR2000 per vehicle, 3h

10:00am

Diskit Monastery Visit

Explore Diskit Monastery with its impressive Buddha statue and valley views; spend 1h.
Free, 1h

11:30am

Hunder Sand Dunes and Camel Ride

Enjoy sand dunes and Bactrian camel rides, unique Nubra experience; 1h.
INR500 per person, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch in Hunder Village

Simple Dal-Roti or momos lunch at local eatery.
INR200 per person, 1h

2:00pm

Return Drive to Leh

Return trip to Leh with short breaks; rest at arrival to recover.
Included in shared cab cost, 3h

6:00pm

Relaxed Dinner at Hotel

Light dinner recommended, avoid heavy food and alcohol.
INR200-300 per person, 1h
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Day 4: Pangong Lake Journey

Leh to Pangong Lake, India on August 6, 2025

7:00am

Depart Leh for Pangong Lake

Early jeep ride via Chang La Pass to Pangong Lake, approx 6 hours. Carry warm clothes and snacks, watch for weather updates.
Shared jeep approx INR2500 per vehicle, 6h

1:00pm

Lunch En Route Picnic

Packed lunch or roadside chai and snacks; carry food to avoid delays.
Self-catered or INR100 per person, 1h

3:00pm

Pangong Lake Visit

Relax by the lake, take photographs, and do light walks for up to 4 hours. Avoid strenuous effort to conserve energy.
Free entry, 4h

7:00pm

Stay Overnight in Budget Camps

Book budget tents or homestays in advance. Facilities are basic; bring warm clothes and personal items.
INR800 per tent approx, Overnight
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Day 5: Pangong to Jispa

Pangong to Jispa, India on August 7, 2025

7:00am

Depart Pangong Lake towards Jispa

7-hour jeep journey through Chang La and Sarchu to lower altitude Jispa for easier rest and recovery.
Shared jeep approx INR3000 per vehicle, 7h

12:00pm

Lunch at Roadside Dhaba

Affordable, filling food options like dal-roti or maggi, with hot drinks.
INR150 per person, 1h

2:00pm

Rest at Guesthouse

Stay in budget guesthouses like Druk Ladakh Camp, relax and avoid exertion.
INR1000-1200 per room, Rest of day

5:00pm

Short Riverside Walk

Light evening walk to aid muscle recovery but avoid overexertion.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Guesthouse

Eat warm, comforting food to aid recovery and energy.
INR300 approx, 1h
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Day 6: Jispa to Manali

Jispa to Manali, India on August 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast

Start day with good breakfast before the road journey ahead.
INR150 per person, 1h

9:00am

Bus or Taxi to Manali

Take shared taxi or state-run bus to Manali, approx 5-6 hours via Rohtang Pass. Confirm Rohtang Pass open status in advance.
Bus INR300, Taxi INR4000 per vehicle, 5-6h

3:00pm

Check-in Budget Hotel in Manali

Stay near Mall Road in budget hotels to access local sights easily.
INR800-1000 per room, Rest of day

4:30pm

Leisure Walk Mall Road

Explore local shops and cafes for light snacks and souvenirs.
Free, 2h
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Day 7: Manali Sightseeing

Manali, India on August 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café 1947

Enjoy riverside breakfast offering fresh bakery items and coffees.
INR250 per person, 1h

9:30am

Visit Solang Valley

Accessible by local bus or rented bike. Enjoy scenic views and optional adventure sports like paragliding; open 9am-5pm.
Bus INR50, Activities INR500-1500, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Johnson’s Café

Popular spot for trout and Himachali dishes in a budget-friendly setting.
INR350 per person, 1h

3:00pm

Hadimba Temple and Manu Temple visit

Visit famous temples and nearby cedar forests for cultural and nature experience.
Free, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Corner House

Try local Himachali thali or simple Indian meals to end day.
INR250 per person, 1h
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Day 8: Manali to Delhi

Manali to Delhi, India on August 10, 2025

7:00am

Depart Manali by Bus or Taxi

Board morning Volvo bus or shared taxi to Delhi; approx 12-14 hour journey, so take snacks and water.
Bus INR900-1200, Taxi INR4000 per vehicle, 12-14h

8:00pm

Check-in Budget Hotel in Delhi

Stay near New Delhi Railway Station for ease of train connection next day.
INR700-1000 per room, Overnight

9:00pm

Light Dinner Nearby

Keep meal light and healthy after long journey.
INR150 approx, 1h
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Day 9: Train to Mumbai

Delhi to Mumbai, India on August 11, 2025

2:00pm

Train New Delhi to Mumbai

Board afternoon train towards Mumbai. Choose sleeper or 3AC for comfortable journey. Carry water and light snacks.
INR800-1500 approx, 16-18h
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