Prayagraj → Manali → Ladakh Road Trip Itinerary (27 Oct – 5 Nov)

Day 3: Manali Exploration

Morning: Visit the historic Hadimba Temple nestled in cedar forests, followed by a walk to the nearby Vashisht Hot Springs.

Afternoon: Drive to the breathtaking Solang Valley for adventure sports like paragliding or a leisurely hike.

Evening: Return to Manali town, enjoy a traditional Himachali dinner at a local restaurant, and explore the night market.

Day 4: Manali to Keylong (via Rohtang Pass)

Morning: Start early to cross the iconic Rohtang Pass, experiencing snow‑capped peaks and alpine meadows.

Afternoon: Descend into the Lahaul valley and arrive at Keylong, the administrative hub of Lahaul‑Spiti, where you can visit the ancient Keylong Monastery.

Evening: Check into a guesthouse, enjoy a simple dinner, and rest for the high‑altitude drive ahead.

Day 5: Keylong to Leh (via Nakee‑Sarchu)

Morning: Depart Keylong and tackle the challenging Nakee Pass, enjoying rugged desert landscapes.

Afternoon: Drive through the high desert of Sarchu, taking in the stark beauty of the Trans‑Himalayan plateau.

Evening: Arrive in Leh, settle into your hotel, and unwind with a warm cup of butter tea while acclimatizing to the altitude.

Day 6: Leh Acclimatization & Local Sightseeing

Morning: Visit the majestic Shanti Stupa for panoramic views of Leh and the surrounding mountains.

Afternoon: Explore the historic Leh Palace and the bustling Leh Market for traditional Ladakhi crafts.

Evening: Enjoy a cultural dinner featuring local dishes like thukpa and momos, accompanied by Ladakhi music.

Morning: Drive over the world’s highest motorable road, Khardung La, for stunning high‑altitude vistas.

Afternoon: Arrive in the surreal Nubra Valley, visit the iconic Hunder Sand Dunes and enjoy a camel (Bactrian) ride.

Evening: Stay in a desert camp or a boutique hotel, watch the sunset over the dunes, and stargaze in the crystal‑clear sky.

Day 8: Nubra Valley – Pangong Lake

Morning: Depart Nubra and traverse the winding roads of the Chang La Pass, heading towards the world‑famous Pangong Lake.

Afternoon: Arrive at the lake’s banks, walk along the turquoise waters, and capture the ever‑changing colors of the lake.

Evening: Camp near the lake, enjoy a simple dinner, and experience the magical ambience as the lake reflects the moonlight.

Day 9: Pangong Lake – Leh – Return to Manali

Morning: Sunrise at Pangong Lake, then begin the drive back to Leh, stopping at scenic viewpoints.

Afternoon: Continue the descent via the Leh‑Manali Highway, crossing Baralacha La and Rohtang Pass again.

Evening: Reach Manali for an overnight stay, relax with a hot shower, and reflect on the journey.

Day 10: Manali – Prayagraj (Departure)

Morning: Pack up and begin the long drive back toward Prayagraj, stopping for breakfast in Mandi.

Afternoon: Continue through the plains of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, with a brief stop at the historic Mathura temples.

Evening: Arrive back in Prayagraj by night, concluding the epic road trip.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Taj Mahal – 2 hrs – ₹1,500 entry
• Rohtang Pass – 3 hrs – ₹1,200 permit
• Hadimba Temple – 1 hr – Free
• Solang Valley – 3 hrs – ₹800 activities
• Keylong Monastery – 1 hr – Free
• Khardung La – 2 hrs – Free
• Hunder Sand Dunes (Bactrian Camel) – 2 hrs – ₹1,200
• Pangong Lake – 4 hrs – Free (camping ₹2,000)
• Leh Palace – 1 hr – ₹500
• Shanti Stupa – 1 hr – Free
• Accommodation (10 nights) – – Approx. ₹25,000
• Fuel (≈3,200 km @ ₹108/litre, 12 km/l) – – Approx. ₹28,800
• Food & Miscellaneous – – Approx. ₹12,000
• **Total Estimated Cost** – – ₹70,000

Tips

If you wish to extend the trip, consider adding a day in Spiti Valley to explore villages like Kaza and the stunning Ki Monastery. To shorten the journey, you can skip the Nubra‑Pangong loop and head directly from Leh to Manali, reducing travel time by two days while still enjoying the core highlights of Ladakh.