Leh from Lucknow by Car: Round Trip Itinerary (July 10 - July 24, 2025)

Day 1: Lucknow to Manali - Begin the Journey

Morning: Depart early from Lucknow by car, heading towards Manali. Enjoy scenic drives and breakfast en route.

Afternoon: Continue the long drive through the plains and foothills, stop for lunch near Chandigarh.

Evening: Reach Manali, check into your hotel and rest after the journey. Short walk in the local market if time permits.

Day 2: Manali to Keylong – Mountain Drive Begins

Morning: Breakfast in Manali, then start the drive towards Keylong. Pass through beautiful valleys and mountains.

Afternoon: Lunch break in Ramsi or Jispa and enjoy the natural landscape.

Evening: Arrive at Keylong, explore the town, visit the Gompa (monastery), and relax for the night.

Day 3: Keylong to Leh via Sarchu

Morning: Early start for the challenging drive through Sarchu. Experience high altitude views and winding roads.

Afternoon: Picnic style lunch by the roadside, continuing journey crossing Baralacha La pass.

Evening: Reach Leh, check into a hotel to rest and acclimatize to high altitude.

Day 4: Acclimatization & Leh Local Sightseeing

Morning: Relax and have a light breakfast. Visit Leh Palace to get a historical perspective.

Afternoon: Explore Shanti Stupa and Namgyal Tsemo Gompa for panoramic views.

Evening: Stroll in the Leh Market, enjoy local cuisine at a café.

Day 5: Leh to Nubra Valley

Morning: Drive early over Khardung La Pass to Nubra Valley, famous for its unique landscapes.

Afternoon: Visit Diskit Monastery and the giant Buddha statue, have lunch at a local eatery.

Evening: Overnight stay in Nubra Valley, and enjoy an optional camel ride on the Hunder sand dunes.

Day 6: Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake via Shayok

Morning: Depart for Pangong Lake via the picturesque route through Shayok.

Afternoon: Arrive at Pangong Lake, admire the crystal-clear blue waters and surrounding mountains.

Evening: Stay overnight near the lake to enjoy stunning sunset views.

Day 7: Pangong Lake to Leh

Morning: Wake up early to witness sunrise at Pangong Lake, then begin the return drive to Leh.

Afternoon: Lunch en route, relax at hotel in Leh.

Evening: Free evening for last-minute shopping or visiting Spituk Monastery.

Day 8: Leh to Tso Moriri Lake

Morning: Drive to the remote and serene Tso Moriri Lake. Enjoy the untouched nature and birdwatching.

Afternoon: Lunch at a camp or guesthouse near the lake.

Evening: Relax under the stars and enjoy the calm atmosphere.

Day 9: Tso Moriri to Leh

Morning: Leisurely breakfast and photography around Tso Moriri Lake.

Afternoon: Drive back to Leh with stops for refreshments.

Evening: Arrive in Leh, pack up and prepare for return journey.

Day 10: Leh to Sarchu

Morning: Begin the return journey driving towards Sarchu. Enjoy high-altitude landscapes once again.

Afternoon: Lunch at Sarchu camp; rest to recover from altitude.

Evening: Overnight stay in tents or camps in Sarchu.

Day 11: Sarchu to Manali

Morning: Continue descending from Sarchu towards Manali via Baralacha La Pass.

Afternoon: Stopover for lunch in Jispa or Keylong.

Evening: Check in to hotel in Manali, enjoy a relaxed evening.

Day 12: Manali to Chandigarh

Morning: Early departure from Manali towards Chandigarh, enjoy scenic mountain-to-plains transition.

Afternoon: Lunch at a highway restaurant near Bilaspur.

Evening: Reach Chandigarh, short city exploration or rest at hotel.

Day 13: Chandigarh to Lucknow

Morning: Begin the final leg of journey back to Lucknow by car.

Afternoon: Lunch on route near Kanpur or a suitable stop.

Evening: Arrive in Lucknow, end of the trip.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Leh Palace: 2 hours, ₹150 entrance fee
• Shanti Stupa: 1.5 hours, free entry
• Diskit Monastery: 2 hours, ₹100 donation suggested
• Hunder Sand Dunes Camel Ride: 1 hour, ₹500 per person
• Pangong Lake Stay: Overnight, ₹2000 approx. per room
• Tso Moriri Lake Stay: Overnight, ₹2500 approx. per room
• Fuel and Toll Charges (Round Trip): Approx. 5000 km, ₹25000
• Food and Miscellaneous: ₹8000 approx.
• Accommodation (Mixed Budget 13 nights): ₹18000 approx.
• Total Estimated Cost: ₹61,250 approx.

Tips

If you want to extend the trip duration, consider adding a night in Leh for more local excursions like Magnetic Hill and Local Museums, or exploring Alchi Monastery. For a shorter trip, reduce one night each in Nubra Valley and Tso Moriri and focus on key sights in Leh and Pangong Lake to save travel time and fatigue.