Start early to avoid traffic and make good progress on the highway toward Manali; route goes via NH3/NH205 and then enters Himachal Pradesh. Expect mountains after Bilaspur and long steady driving before Kullu valley.
Walk Old Manali’s lanes, browse shops and relax at Cafe 1947 for tea/coffee and light snacks; cafe generally open 8:30am–10:00pm and is great for riverside ambience.
Enjoy Himachali or continental dinner; Johnson’s Cafe on Mall Road offers local trout and North Indian dishes (open evenings), while The Lazy Dog is a good multi-cuisine option.
If Rohtang Pass is open and you have a permit, leave very early (Rohtang typically accessible 6:00am–6:00pm subject to weather). Alternatively, do a short trip through the Atal Tunnel toward Solang Valley if Rohtang is closed.
Light breakfast near Solang (many cafes open from 8:00am) before enjoying activities; Solang offers paragliding, ropeway and easy walks with views of glaciers.
Try a short paragliding tandem flight or take the ropeway for panoramic views; activity vendors operate roughly 9:00am–5:00pm but may close earlier in poor weather.
Return toward Manali town for a filling lunch — Il Forno (wood-fired pizzas) or local cafés on Mall Road offer vegetarian and non-veg options; restaurants open lunchtime 12:00pm–3:00pm.
Start very early to cross Rohtang/Atal Tunnel and head toward Lahaul Valley; the drive becomes remote and scenic—expect long stretches without services.
Reach Keylong or nearby Jispa for the night; altitude rises slowly and roads become high-altitude desert-like. Rest well to prepare for the high passes ahead.
Stop for packed lunch or simple meals at temporary camps/dhabas near the pass; enjoy surreal high-altitude landscapes — many stops are seasonal and open 9:00am–4:00pm.
Drive to nearby monasteries: Thiksey Monastery (open 9:00am–5:00pm) and Shey Palace for cultural immersion and great panoramic views; Hemis is larger but further out and may take longer.
Visit the Hunder sand dunes and take a short two-humped camel ride; dune sites are open all day but rides operate typically 9:00am–5:00pm depending on season.
Reach Pangong Tso (open 24 hours) for stunning blues and changing colors; perfect for sunset photography and lakeside walks. Note: Inner Line Permits required for Pangong—obtain permit in Leh beforehand.
Most camps include dinner and have fixed serving times; enjoy local Ladakhi food and warm bonfire (if available) — camps operate on seasonal schedules.
Catch an afternoon flight from Leh to Chandigarh (several airlines operate this route seasonally). Book flights in advance—check current schedules and baggage rules.
Land in Chandigarh and end the 9-day loop; if flights aren’t available match an overnight plan (alternate: drive back to Chandigarh over several days).