Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

Leh‑Ladakh Road Trip: Srinagar to Manali – 10‑Day Self‑Drive Itinerary

Viewed by 193 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & Exploration in Srinagar

Morning: Arrive in Srinagar and check into your hotel. Stroll along the iconic Dal Lake on a shikara, soaking in the serene sunrise reflections.

Afternoon: Visit the historic Mughal Gardens—Shalimar, Nishat, and Chashme Shahi—each offering terraced lawns and vibrant flowerbeds overlooking the lake.

Evening: Wander the bustling lanes of the old city, sample Kashmiri cuisine at a traditional wazwan restaurant, and enjoy a peaceful sunset from the banks of the lake.

Find Hotels

Day 2: Srinagar → Sonamarg (≈80 km)

Morning: Depart early for Sonamarg, crossing the scenic Zojila Pass with panoramic mountain vistas.

Afternoon: Explore the Thajiwas Glacier on a short trek or pony ride, then relax by the riverbank with a picnic.

Evening: Return to your guesthouse, enjoy a warm cup of kahwa, and watch the sunset over the snow‑capped peaks.

Find Hotels

Day 3: Sonamarg → Kargil (≈120 km)

Morning: Drive through the dramatic valleys of the Zanskar Range, stopping at the historic Haji Pir Pass for photo opportunities.

Afternoon: Arrive in Kargil, check into your hotel, and visit the Drass War Memorial honoring the 1999 conflict.

Evening: Stroll along the Suru River, savor local Ladakhi dishes, and rest for the next day’s high‑altitude journey.

Find Hotels

Day 4: Kargil → Leh (≈230 km)

Morning: Set off early, crossing the iconic Khardung La Pass (5,359 m), one of the world’s highest motorable roads.

Afternoon: Descend into Leh, settle into your hotel, and explore the vibrant Leh Market for handicrafts and spices.

Evening: Visit the tranquil Shanti Stupa for panoramic sunset views over the city and surrounding mountains.

Find Hotels

Day 5: Leh Local Highlights

Morning: Tour the historic Leh Palace, a 17th‑century fortress offering insight into Ladakh’s royal past.

Afternoon: Discover the Hall of Fame museum, showcasing artifacts from the Indian Army’s high‑altitude campaigns.

Evening: Relax at a rooftop café, enjoy traditional music, and prepare for the drive to Nubra Valley.

Find Hotels

Day 6: Leh → Nubra Valley via Khardung La (≈120 km)

Morning: Depart for the stark beauty of Nubra Valley**, crossing Khardung La once more for dramatic vistas.

Afternoon: Arrive at Hunder Sand Dunes, try a camel ride on the “double‑humped” Bactrian camels, and explore the nearby sand‑filled monastery.

Evening: Stay in a comfortable camp or guesthouse, watch the desert‑like landscape transition to starlit skies.

Find Hotels

Day 7: Nubra Valley → Pangong Lake (≈200 km)

Morning: Drive along the scenic Shyok River, crossing high passes before reaching the famous Pangong Lake on the Indo‑Chinese border.

Afternoon: Walk along the lake’s turquoise shoreline, capture the ever‑changing colors, and visit the nearby villages of Phursook and Chushul.

Evening: Camp by the lake, enjoy a bonfire, and experience the tranquil night reflected on the water.

Find Hotels

Day 8: Pangong Lake → Tso Moriri (≈180 km)

Morning: Depart early for the remote Tso Moriri, crossing high desert terrain and occasional yak‑herded settlements.

Afternoon: Arrive at the pristine high‑altitude lake, walk the lakeside trail, and visit the nearby Korzok Monastery perched on a hill.

Evening: Stay in a lakeside camp, enjoy a simple Ladakhi dinner, and marvel at the clear night sky.

Find Hotels

Day 9: Tso Moriri → Manali (≈540 km, long drive)

Morning: Begin the lengthy descent, crossing the **Sarchu** and **Baralacha La** passes, offering breathtaking alpine scenery.

Afternoon: Continue through the lush valleys of Kullu, making brief stops at scenic viewpoints like **Rohtang Pass** (season‑dependent).

Evening: Arrive in Manali, unwind at your hotel, and stroll along the Beas River promenade.

Find Hotels

Day 10: Manali – Relaxation & Departure

Morning: Explore the historic Hadimba Temple and the nearby **Manu Temple**, set amid cedar forests.

Afternoon: Visit the vibrant **Mall Road** for shopping, or take a short drive to the **Solang Valley** for adventure sports (paragliding, zorbing).

Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner featuring Himachali specialties, then prepare for onward travel.

Find Hotels

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Srinagar (Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens) – 4 hrs – ₹1,200 (boat ride & entry)
  • Sonamarg (Thajiwas Glacier) – 3 hrs – ₹800 (trek guide & pony)
  • Khardung La Pass – 2 hrs – ₹500 (fuel surcharge)
  • Leh (Leh Palace, Hall of Fame, Shanti Stupa) – 5 hrs – ₹1,000 (entry fees)
  • Nubra Valley (Hunder Dunes, camel ride) – 4 hrs – ₹1,200 (camel & camp)
  • Pangong Lake – 5 hrs – ₹1,500 (permit & campsite)
  • Tso Moriri (Korzok Monastery) – 4 hrs – ₹1,300 (permit & campsite)
  • Manali (Hadimba Temple, Mall Road) – 4 hrs – ₹700 (entry & transport)
  • Fuel (approx. 2,200 km total) – – – ₹28,600
  • Vehicle rental (2×4 SUV, 10 days) – – – ₹45,000
  • Accommodation (mid‑range, 9 nights) – – – ₹27,000
  • Food & miscellaneous – – – ₹12,000
  • Total Estimated Cost: ₹118,100

Tips

To extend the adventure, add an extra day in Leh for a visit to Hemis Monastery and a day‑trip to the Stok Valley. If you need to shorten the trip, skip Tso Moriri and head directly from Pangong Lake to Manali, saving two travel days while still experiencing the highlights of Ladakh.

0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version