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12-Day Ultimate Delhi to Leh Road Trip Itinerary: Exploring the Scenic and Cultural Wonders of Ladakh

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Day 1: Delhi to Manali

Delhi, India to Manali, India on April 16, 2025

7:00AM

Departure from Delhi

Start early morning from Delhi by car or bus to Manali, beginning the journey northwards into the Himalayas.
INR 0 (if private vehicle) or approx. INR 1500 for bus, 12 hours

8:00AM

Breakfast at Big Yellow Door, Delhi

Enjoy a hearty breakfast here offering nourishing options perfect for a long day ahead.
INR 500, 1 hour

8:00PM

Dinner at Johnson's Café, Manali

Famous for its Tibetan and North Indian cuisine, Johnson’s Café is perfect for a cozy dinner after the journey.
INR 700, 1 hour
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Day 2: Manali Local Sightseeing

Manali, India on April 17, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at Café 1947

Enjoy fresh bakery items and coffee by the riverfront in a quaint setting.
INR 400, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Hadimba Temple

Explore this ancient wooden temple surrounded by cedar forests, open from 8AM to 6PM.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Visit Manu Temple

A peaceful temple dedicated to the sage Manu, situated in Old Manali.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at The Lazy Dog

Serving authentic Himachali cuisine, perfect for a regional flavor experience.
INR 600, 1 hour

3:00PM

Walk along Mall Road

Explore shops, cafés, and enjoy views of the mountains, a great way to relax.
Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Café Sol

Popular for continental and Indian dishes with a lively ambiance.
INR 700, 1 hour
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Day 3: Manali to Keylong

Manali to Keylong, India on April 18, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel in Manali

Simple and healthy breakfast to prepare for a mountain driving day ahead.
Included in stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive from Manali to Keylong

The scenic 7-hour drive crosses Rohtang Pass; expect panoramic views and photo stops along the way. Road is open seasonally, check pass status beforehand.
INR 1500 for private taxi, 7 hours

4:00PM

Check-in and rest in Keylong

Relax and acclimatize at a guesthouse in Keylong.
INR 1500, Rest of the afternoon

7:30PM

Dinner at local guesthouse

Taste local Himachali dishes cooked with traditional recipes.
INR 400, 1 hour
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Day 4: Keylong to Sarchu

Keylong to Sarchu, India on April 19, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at guesthouse

Fuel up early for the high-altitude journey to Sarchu.
INR 300, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive Keylong to Sarchu

Travel 120 km on the Leh-Manali highway; this segment is breathtaking but challenging due to altitude, so acclimatize well.
INR 1500 for taxi, 6 hours

2:30PM

Arrival and camp check-in at Sarchu

Sarchu is a popular campsite area on the highway, perfect for star gazing and experiencing high mountain desert landscape.
INR 2000 for tent stay, Evening

7:00PM

Dinner at camp

Enjoy a warm meal at the camp's dining tent; often includes local specialties to keep you warm.
INR 600, 1 hour
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Day 5: Sarchu to Leh

Sarchu to Leh, India on April 20, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Sarchu camp

Early breakfast to depart for final stretch to Leh.
INR 400, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive from Sarchu to Leh

This 250 km drive through stunning mountain passes and valleys takes around 6-7 hours; stop at places like Pang, Lachulung La, and Tanglang La.
INR 2500 for taxi, 7 hours

3:30PM

Check-in at Leh hotel

Relax, acclimatize and refresh at your hotel in Leh.
Varies depending on hotel, Afternoon rest

7:30PM

Dinner at The Tibetan Kitchen

Enjoy authentic Tibetan cuisine in Leh’s popular restaurant, open until 10PM.
INR 800, 1 hour
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Day 6: Leh Local Tour

Leh, India on April 21, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Start the day with a nutritious meal at your hotel, preparing for sightseeing.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Leh Palace

Explore the 17th-century former royal palace with panoramic views over Leh, open 10AM to 5PM.
INR 50, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Shanti Stupa

A Buddhist white-domed stupa offering amazing views of the surrounding mountains.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Bon Appetit

Affordable café offering a variety of Indian and Western dishes near the main market.
INR 400, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Spituk Monastery

A 15-minute drive from Leh, this 11th-century monastery houses impressive Buddhist artifacts.
Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Tibetan Kitchen

Enjoy a second evening of authentic Ladakhi and Tibetan food loved by travelers.
INR 700, 1 hour
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Day 7: Pangong Lake

Leh to Pangong Lake, India on April 22, 2025

7:00AM

Early breakfast at hotel

Prepare for a day trip by having breakfast early as you embark on a 5-hour drive.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Pangong Lake

Travel 160 km to the stunning blue Pangong Lake, crossing Chang La pass (5,360 m).
INR 3000 for taxi, 5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at camp near Pangong Lake

Typical Ladakhi meals served at guest camps with spectacular lake views.
INR 700, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Pangong Lake

Enjoy walking along the shore, bird watching, and photography; ensure you stay within permitted areas.
Free, 3 hours

5:00PM

Return drive to Leh

Drive back to Leh to get rest after a long but rewarding day.
Included in taxi cost, 5 hours

9:30PM

Dinner at Leh hotel

Light meal or room service recommended after travel day.
Hotel charges vary, 30 minutes
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Day 8: Nubra Valley Excursion

Leh to Nubra Valley, India on April 23, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a full breakfast to prepare for a day's exploration in Nubra Valley.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Nubra Valley via Khardung La Pass

One of the highest motorable passes, drive approx 150 km to reach the scenic Nubra Valley.
INR 3000 for taxi, 5-6 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at Desert Camp, Hunder

Enjoy a meal at a camp near famous sand dunes; try local dishes with desert ambiance.
INR 600, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit Hunder Sand Dunes and Bactrian Camel Ride

Experience camel rides across sand dunes unique to this Himalayan desert region.
INR 300 for camel ride, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at camp or guesthouse

Warm traditional dinner at your lodging site.
INR 500, 1 hour
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Day 9: Nubra Valley to Leh

Nubra Valley to Leh, India on April 24, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at guesthouse

Start the day with a hearty meal before the return journey to Leh.
Included or INR 300, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive back to Leh

Enjoy scenic views as you drive back via Khardung La pass, around 150 km.
INR 3000 for taxi, 5-6 hours

3:30PM

Leisure time at hotel

Rest or explore Leh's local markets for souvenirs such as pashmina shawls or traditional jewelry.
Free, Afternoon

7:30PM

Dinner at Gesmo Restaurant

Popular spot offering a variety of Indian, Tibetan, and Chinese dishes.
INR 700, 1 hour
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Day 10: Alchi and Lamayuru Monasteries

Leh, India on April 25, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare for a day trip to historic monasteries with breakfast in Leh.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Alchi Monastery

Approx 65 km west of Leh, Alchi is famous for its ancient murals and architecture, open 9AM to 5PM.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Drive to Lamayuru Monastery

Continue 70 km further to Lamayuru Monastery known as the Moonland for rock formations, open 9AM to 5PM.
INR 100, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at local dhaba near Lamayuru

Experience simple but hearty Ladakhi meals in a local eatery.
INR 400, 1 hour

3:00PM

Return to Leh

Relax on the 2.5-hour drive back to Leh after sightseeing.
Taxi included in day package, 2.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Bon Appetit

Eat at this local favorite to celebrate end of a cultural day with international and Indian dishes.
INR 700, 1 hour
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Day 11: Leh to Srinagar

Leh to Srinagar, India on April 26, 2025

7:00AM

Early breakfast and pack-up

Have an early breakfast and get ready for the day’s journey towards Srinagar, starting by road or flight if available.
Included or flight cost approx. INR 3500, 1 hour

8:00AM

Road trip or flight from Leh to Srinagar

Road trip takes approximately 8-9 hours through stunning mountain passes or choose a short flight if available for convenience.
INR 3500-4000 depending on mode, 8-9 hours by road or 1 hour flight

5:00PM

Check-in at hotel in Srinagar

Relax at houseboat or hotel by the Dal Lake to enjoy tranquil evening settings.
INR 3000-4000 per night for houseboats, Evening rest

7:30PM

Dinner at Mughal Darbar

Experience Kashmiri cuisine like Rogan Josh and Gustaba, open until 10PM.
INR 900, 1 hour
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Day 12: Srinagar local and return to Delhi

Srinagar to Delhi, India on April 27, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Relaxing breakfast overlooking Dal Lake before sightseeing in Srinagar.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Shikara Ride on Dal Lake

Enjoy a traditional boat ride exploring the floating gardens and markets, open all day.
INR 500 for 1 hour ride, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Mughal Gardens

Explore Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh depicting Persian gardens, open 8AM to 6PM.
INR 20, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Ahdoos Restaurant

Try local Kashmiri dishes like Yakhni and Kebabs.
INR 700, 1 hour

3:00PM

Fly from Srinagar to Delhi

Catch afternoon or evening flight back to Delhi, typically 1.5-hour duration.
INR 3500, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Arrival in Delhi

End of memorable 12 days trip from Delhi to Leh and back.
INR 0, Trip conclusion
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