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

Day 1: Arrival and Acclimatisation

Leh, India on August 3, 2025

10:00am

Flight from Mumbai to Leh

Take an early morning flight from Mumbai to Leh arriving around mid-morning. Flights typically take about 2.5 hours. Ensure all permits for Ladakh are pre-arranged.

INR 4000 (approx. per person), 2h30m

12:30pm

Check-in and Rest for Acclimatization

Check-in to budget guesthouse in Leh to rest and acclimatize. Drink plenty of water and avoid exertion as Leh is at 3500m altitude.

INR 800 per person, 4h

4:30pm

Leh Local Market Walk

Enjoy a gentle walk around Leh bazaar, soak in local culture and buy traditional souvenirs.

Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Tibetan Kitchen

Budget-friendly Tibetan cuisine restaurant in Leh, serving momos and thukpa. Open until 9pm.

INR 250 per person, 1h

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Day 2: Leh Sightseeing

Leh, India on August 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Hearty breakfast including local bread, eggs and tea to prepare for the day.

Included, 30m

9:00am

Visit Shanti Stupa

Explore the iconic Shanti Stupa, a Buddhist white-domed stupa, offering panoramic views of Leh valley.

Free, 1h

10:30am

Leh Palace

A 17th-century royal palace resembling the Potala Palace in Lhasa, offering insights into Ladakh’s royal heritage. Open 9am-5pm.

INR 100, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Bon Appetit Cafe

Popular budget-friendly cafe serving continental and Ladakhi dishes. Open from 9am to 9pm.

INR 300, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Hall of Fame Museum

Museum dedicated to Indian armed forces with detailed Ladakh history. Open 9am-5pm.

INR 50, 1h30m

3:30pm

Explore local monasteries - Thiksey Monastery

Visit the impressive Thiksey Monastery about 20km from Leh, known for its architecture and festivals.

INR 50, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Gesmo Restaurant

Affordable restaurant specializing in Ladakhi and Indian food.

INR 300, 1h

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Day 3: Leh to Nubra Valley

Nubra Valley, India on August 5, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a filling breakfast to prepare for a long day on road via high passes.

Included, 30m

8:00am

Drive Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung La Pass

Hire a shared cab or jeep for about 6-7 hours journey crossing Khardung La (world’s highest motorable pass). Stay cautious about altitude and temperature drop. Departure early morning recommended.

INR 1000 per person share, 7h

3:00pm

Check-in at Guesthouse in Diskit

Rest at a budget guesthouse in Diskit village in Nubra Valley.

INR 700 per person, N/A

4:00pm

Explore Diskit Monastery and Sand Dunes

Visit Diskit Monastery and nearby sand dunes to enjoy camel rides on double-humped Bactrian camels.

INR 200, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at local eatery

Simple home-style Ladakhi meal at a local restaurant.

INR 250, 1h

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Day 4: Nubra to Pangong Lake

Pangong Lake, India on August 6, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast

Early breakfast at guesthouse before starting drive to Pangong Lake.

Included, 30m

8:00am

Drive Nubra to Pangong Lake

Drive around 5-6 hours crossing the Chang La pass. Carry water, warm clothes, and snacks. Road conditions vary; suggest hiring a local taxi or jeep.

INR 1200 per person shared taxi, 6h

2:00pm

Check-in at budget camp near Pangong

Stay in a basic tented camp; essential to book in advance due to high season.

INR 1200 per person, N/A

3:00pm

Explore Pangong Lake area

Walk around the stunning lake, famous for its changing colours and serene environment.

Free, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at camp

Simple meals provided at campsites; try local Ladakhi dishes.

INR 300, 1h

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Day 5: Pangong Lake to Leh

Leh, India on August 7, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at camp

Breakfast with a view of Pangong Lake before departure.

Included, 30m

8:00am

Drive back to Leh via Chang La

Return journey of about 5 hours, with early departure recommended to avoid afternoon weather changes.

INR 1000 per person shared taxi, 5h

1:00pm

Lunch at Leh

Lunch at The Tibetan Kitchen, known for affordable and tasty Ladakhi and Tibetan food.

INR 300, 1h

2:30pm

Rest at guesthouse

Afternoon rest to recover from travel and regain energy.

N/A, 3h

6:00pm

Evening visit to Leh Market

Last-minute shopping and walking around Leh market.

Free, 2h

8:00pm

Dinner at Gesmo Restaurant

Dinner at casual budget-friendly restaurant.

INR 300, 1h

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Day 6: Leh to Jispa

Jispa, India on August 8, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast

Breakfast at guesthouse with hydration focus.

Included, 30m

8:00am

Drive Leh to Jispa via Manali Route

Long drive (approx 10-11 hours) along Manali-Leh highway. Ideal to start early; hire a cab or multiple taxis with sharing option for budget. Stops at key points for acclimatisation.

INR 1500 per person, 11h

7:00pm

Check-in at budget guesthouse

Rest in Jispa, a small village well suited to break journey and rest for next day travel.

INR 700, N/A

8:00pm

Simple Dinner at guesthouse

Basic but filling dinner, resting for next day.

INR 250, 1h

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Day 7: Manali and Solang Valley

Manali, India on August 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at guesthouse

Early breakfast before drive to Manali town.

Included, 30m

8:30am

Drive to Manali town (2-hour drive)

Reach Manali, check in to budget hotel or guesthouse.

INR 800 per person, 2h

11:00am

Visit Old Manali and Mall Road

Explore local markets, cafes, and temples in Old Manali and walk along Mall Road for souvenirs and local snacks.

Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Johnson’s Cafe

Popular cafe known for budget-friendly Indian and continental dishes. Open 9am-9pm.

INR 400, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Solang Valley

Short 15 km drive to Solang Valley, a hub for adventure activities like paragliding and zorbing, open till early evening. Enjoy beautiful meadows and mountain views.

Entry free, activities extra cost, 3h

6:00pm

Return to Manali for Dinner

Dinner at local dhaba with Himachali cuisine specialties like siddu and chana madra.

INR 250, 1h

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Day 8: Manali to Delhi

Delhi, India on August 10, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up for long bus or train journey ahead.

Included, 30m

8:00am

Manali to Delhi Bus/Train

Take a Volvo AC bus to Delhi (about 12-14 hours) or overnight train from nearby stations. Advanced booking recommended. Buses leave early morning and reach Delhi late night.

INR 800 per person, 14h