Budget-Friendly 9-Day Leh-Manali-Delhi Trip with Acclimatisation and Scenic Highlights - Updated Afternoon Flight

Day 1: Travel & Light Rest

Mumbai to Leh, India on August 3, 2025

3:00pm

Afternoon Flight from Mumbai to Leh

Catch afternoon flight to Leh, arriving in the early evening. Stay hydrated and prepare for acclimatisation.
INR4500 per person approx, 2h30m

6:30pm

Check-in Hotel in Leh

Check-in to budget guesthouses like Zostel Leh to maximise rest after travel.
INR800-1200 per night, Evening rest

7:30pm

Light Dinner at Hotel or Nearby

Keep dinner light and high in carbs; avoid alcohol on arrival night.
INR250 per person, 1h

8:30pm

Early Sleep

Prioritise rest to adjust to altitude and recover from travel fatigue.
Free, 8h
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Day 2: Acclimatisation & Light Sightseeing

Leh, India on August 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Eat a carbohydrate-rich breakfast to support acclimatisation.
INR150 per person, 1h

10:00am

Visit Shanti Stupa and Leh Market

Take a gentle visit to Shanti Stupa for 1 hour and explore Leh Market for 1 hour, avoid strenuous activity.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Tibetan Kitchen

Taste Ladakhi and Tibetan dishes; balanced meals aid recovery.
INR300 per person, 1h

2:30pm

Rest and Monitor Acclimatisation

Rest indoors to allow body to adapt, avoiding altitude sickness.
Free, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Gesmo Restaurant

Eat a light dinner with warm soups and carbohydrates; avoid alcohol.
INR300 per person, 1h

7:30pm

Early Sleep

Get a good night’s rest to support acclimatisation.
Free, 8h
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Day 3: Leh Local Culture

Leh, India on August 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast

Eat a healthy, filling breakfast at your hotel.
INR150 per person, 1h

9:30am

Leh Palace and Monasteries

Visit Leh Palace and nearby monasteries like Spituk and Sankar for about 3 hours; avoid overexertion.
INR150 entry, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Bon Appetit

Enjoy wholesome meals with a variety of options.
INR300 per person, 1h

2:30pm

Rest and Short Evening Walk

Rest indoors followed by a gentle walk around Leh town.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Tibetan Kitchen

Light and high-energy dinner to prepare for next day trip.
INR300 per person, 1h
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Day 4: Nubra Valley Excursion

Leh to Nubra Valley, India on August 6, 2025

7:00am

Drive via Khardung La to Nubra Valley

Depart early by shared cab or jeep, cross Khardung La Pass, 3 hours to Diskit.
INR2000 approx per vehicle, 3h

10:00am

Visit Diskit Monastery

Explore Diskit's monastery and giant Buddha for 1 hour with stunning views.
Free, 1h

11:30am

Hunder Sand Dunes and Camel Ride

Enjoy Bactrian camel rides on sand dunes, unique to Nubra Valley.
INR500 per person, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Nubra Valley Restaurant

Simple local meal with dal, chapati, and vegetables.
INR200 per person, 1h

2:00pm

Return Drive to Leh

Drive back to Leh with breaks for rest and photos, approx 3 hours.
Included in shared cab, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner and Rest at Hotel

Light dinner; drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol.
INR250 approx, 1h
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Day 5: Pangong Lake Visit

Leh to Pangong Lake, India on August 7, 2025

7:00am

Depart Hew Leh for Pangong Lake

Shared jeep via Chang La Pass to Pangong Lake; 6-hour journey with stops.
INR2500 per vehicle, 6h

1:00pm

Lunch En Route

Packed picnic lunch or snacks at roadside stop to maximise time at lake.
Self-catered, 1h

3:00pm

Enjoy Pangong Lake

Explore the lake shores, do light walks; stunning landscapes and photo ops.
Free, 4h

7:00pm

Overnight Camp at Budget Camp

Stay in budget tents or homestays; be prepared for chilly nights.
INR800 approx per tent, Overnight
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Day 6: Pangong to Jispa

Pangong to Jispa, India on August 8, 2025

7:00am

Depart Pangong Lake towards Jispa

Return trip approximately 7 hours by shared jeep through high passes, resting en route.
INR3000 approx per vehicle, 7h

12:00pm

Lunch at Roadside Dhaba

Affordable, warm lunch to break the journey and recharge.
INR150 per person, 1h

2:00pm

Rest in Jispa

Stay at budget guesthouses like Druk Ladakh Camp, relax and avoid physical strain.
INR1000-1200 approx, Rest of day

5:00pm

Light Riverside Walk

Gentle walk along the river to stay active without strain.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Guesthouse

Warm and hearty meal to prepare for journey to Manali.
INR300 approx, 1h
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Day 7: Travel to Manali

Jispa to Manali, India on August 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Guesthouse

Start with a nutritious breakfast before the drive.
INR150 per person, 1h

9:00am

Shared Taxi or Bus to Manali

5-6 hour journey via Rohtang Pass depending on road/weather conditions.
Bus INR300, Taxi INR4000 per vehicle, 5-6h

3:00pm

Check-in Budget Hotel Manali

Choose accommodation near Mall Road for convenience and budget.
INR800-1000 approx, Rest of day

4:30pm

Stroll around Mall Road

Easy walking and local exploration to relax.
Free, 2h
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Day 8: Manali Sightseeing

Manali, India on August 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café 1947

Riverside café with fresh bakery and coffee selection.
INR250 per person, 1h

9:30am

Visit Solang Valley

Accessible by bus or bike; enjoy scenic valley and adventure options open till 5pm.
Bus INR50, Activities up to INR1500, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Johnson’s Café

Known for tasty Himachali and trout dishes, budget friendly.
INR350 per person, 1h

3:00pm

Hadimba Temple and Nearby Forests

Visit iconic temple and relax in peaceful cedar forests nearby.
Free, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Corner House

Enjoy local thali and Indian staples in budget settings.
INR250 per person, 1h
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Day 9: Manali to Delhi & Mumbai Return

Manali to Delhi, India on August 11, 2025

7:00am

Early Bus or Taxi to Delhi

Board early morning Volvo bus or shared taxi; 12-14 hour journey to Delhi with scenic mountain roads.
Bus INR900-1200, Taxi INR4000 approx, 12-14h

9:00pm

Check-in Budget Hotel Near Delhi Station

Stay close to New Delhi Railway Station for convenience.
INR700-1000 approx, Overnight

10:00pm

Light Dinner

Keep meal light after long travel day
INR150 approx, 1h
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Day 10: Train to Mumbai

Delhi to Mumbai, India on August 12, 2025

2:00pm

Train New Delhi to Mumbai

Board afternoon train, opt for sleeper or 3AC. Carry snacks and water for journey.
INR800-1500 approx, 16-18h
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