Epic 20-Day Road Trip from Hyderabad to Ladakh: Scenic Drives, Majestic Mountains, and Cultural Marvels

Day 1: Hyderabad to Nagpur Drive

Hyderabad to Nagpur, India on April 20, 2025

7:00AM

Departure from Hyderabad

Begin your road trip early in the morning from Hyderabad, heading towards Nagpur covering approximately 500 km.

Free, 1h

10:00AM

Breakfast at Anupama Hotel, Warangal

Enjoy a hearty South Indian breakfast with freshly made idlis and dosa here.

INR300, 45m

1:00PM

Lunch Stop at Nagpur

Reach Nagpur by lunchtime; dine at Barbeque Ville for some delicious Indian buffet options.

INR800, 1h

2:00PM

Visit Deekshabhoomi, Nagpur

Explore this significant Buddhist monument where Dr. B.R. Ambedkar embraced Buddhism. It's an architectural marvel and spiritual site. Link: https://goo.gl/maps/DeekshabhoomiNagpur

Free, 1h

3:30PM

Drive to Hotel in Nagpur

Check into your hotel and rest after the day's drive.

INR2000, N/A

7:00PM

Dinner at Haldiram’s Nagpur

Enjoy a wide variety of vegetarian Indian cuisine at this popular restaurant.

INR600, 1h

View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Nagpur to Jabalpur Drive

Nagpur to Jabalpur, India on April 21, 2025

7:30AM

Depart Nagpur

Start your drive to Jabalpur, approx 300 km north.

Free, 1h

10:00AM

Breakfast at Salamat Restaurant, Nagpur

Famous for their poha and chai, perfect energizer for the road ahead.

INR250, 30m

1:00PM

Lunch in Jabalpur

Dine at The Terrace Kitchen, offering traditional Madhya Pradesh dishes.

INR700, 1h

2:30PM

Visit Bhedaghat and Dhuandhar Falls

Witness the stunning marble rocks and the majestic Dhuandhar waterfall on the Narmada river. A must-see natural wonder. Link: https://goo.gl/maps/BhedaghatJabalpur

INR50, 2h

5:00PM

Check into Hotel and Rest

Relax after a day of sightseeing and travel.

INR2200, N/A

7:30PM

Dinner at Hotel

Enjoy local cuisine at your hotel or nearby restaurant.

INR600, 1h

View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Jabalpur to Khajuraho

Jabalpur to Khajuraho, India on April 22, 2025

7:00AM

Departure to Khajuraho

Drive approx 320 km towards Khajuraho, known for its UNESCO World Heritage temples.

Free, 1h

9:00AM

Breakfast at Roadside Dhaba

Enjoy typical North Indian breakfast on the way.

INR200, 30m

1:00PM

Lunch in Khajuraho

Savor traditional Rajasthani thali at the local restaurant Raja Cafe.

INR650, 1h

2:00PM

Visit Western Group of Temples

Explore the iconic Khajuraho temples famous for their erotic carvings and architectural finesse. Open 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Link: https://goo.gl/maps/KhajurahoTemples

INR40, 2h

5:00PM

Check-in to Hotel and Rest

Unwind at your hotel after a day filled with exploration.

INR2500, N/A

7:30PM

Dinner at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxing dinner featuring local dishes and fresh ingredients.

INR700, 1h

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Day 4: Khajuraho to Varanasi

Khajuraho to Varanasi, India on April 23, 2025

6:00AM

Early departure to Varanasi

Start early for the approx 360 km drive to Varanasi, one of the oldest living cities in the world.

Free, 1h

9:00AM

Breakfast on the Highway

Stop at a highway restaurant offering a mixture of North and South Indian delicacies.

INR300, 45m

2:00PM

Arrive and Lunch at Varanasi

Settle in Varanasi and have lunch at Keshari Restaurant known for its thalis and sweets.

INR700, 1h

4:00PM

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Visit one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, open until 9 PM. Link: https://goo.gl/maps/KashiVishwanathTemple

Free, 1h

5:30PM

Evening Ganges Boat Ride

Enjoy a serene boat ride on the Ganges to witness the evening Aarti ceremony, a spiritual spectacle. Boat rides start around 5 PM.

INR500, 1h

7:30PM

Dinner at Open Hand Cafe

Enjoy fresh vegetarian international cuisine with a relaxing ambiance.

INR800, 1h

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Day 5: Varanasi Sightseeing

Varanasi, India on April 24, 2025

6:00AM

Sunrise Boat Ride on Ganges

Experience the spiritual vibe watching sunrise over the ghats with pilgrims bathing and morning prayers.

INR500, 1h

8:00AM

Breakfast at Baati Chokha

Traditional Bihari breakfast specialties in a local setting.

INR400, 45m

10:00AM

Visit Sarnath

Explore the Buddhist site where Lord Buddha first taught after enlightenment, a serene experience. Open 9 AM to 5 PM. Link: https://goo.gl/maps/Sarnath

INR40, 3h

2:00PM

Lunch at Salkhani’s

Enjoy a delicious North Indian meal near the Sarnath area.

INR600, 1h

4:00PM

Relax and Explore Varanasi

Stroll the old city lanes, visit local markets or relax at your hotel.

Free, N/A

7:30PM

Dinner at Deena Chat Bhandar

Try famous street food and chaat for authentic local flavors.

INR400, 1h

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Day 6: Varanasi to Delhi Drive

Varanasi to Delhi, India on April 25, 2025

6:00AM

Departure to Delhi

A long 820 km drive, start very early with stops en route.

Free, 1h

9:00AM

Breakfast at Highway Restaurant

Enjoy a simple yet filling breakfast en route.

INR300, 30m

1:00PM

Lunch in Agra

Pause for lunch at Pinch of Spice, Agra, known for Mughlai cuisine. Link: https://goo.gl/maps/PinchOfSpiceAgra

INR700, 1h

3:30PM

Short Visit to Taj Mahal (Optional)

If time permits, quick visit to Taj Mahal, open till 5:30 PM, entrance fee approx INR 1300 for foreign tourists, less for Indians.

INR1300, 1.5h

6:00PM

Arrival in Delhi Hotel

Check into your hotel and rest after the long drive.

INR3500, N/A

8:00PM

Dinner at Karim’s

Experience authentic Mughlai food in Old Delhi, open till 11 PM.

INR900, 1h

View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Rest Day in Delhi

Delhi, India on April 26, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Sita Ram Diwan Chand

Start your day with famous Amritsari chole bhature in Old Delhi, opens at 7 AM.

INR300, 45m

10:00AM

Visit Red Fort

Explore the famous UNESCO World Heritage site and Mughal architecture. Open 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Link: https://goo.gl/maps/RedFortDelhi

INR600, 2h

1:00PM

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy delicious South Indian vegetarian dishes in Connaught Place.

INR600, 1h

3:00PM

Visit Qutub Minar

Explore the tallest brick minaret and historic complex. Open 7 AM to 5:00 PM. Link: https://goo.gl/maps/QutubMinarDelhi

INR500, 2h

6:00PM

Relax at Lodhi Gardens

Peaceful greenery perfect for pre-dinner leisure.

Free, 1h

8:00PM

Dinner at Bukhara

Dine at one of India's most famous North Indian restaurants, known for its rustic dishes.

INR1500, 1.5h

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Day 8: Delhi to Manali Drive

Delhi to Manali, India on April 27, 2025

7:00AM

Departure to Manali

Start early for the approx 540 km mountainous drive to Manali via NH44, NH205; scenic route.

Free, 1h

9:00AM

Breakfast Stop at Murthal

Known for its roadside dhabas serving tasty parathas.

INR250, 45m

1:30PM

Lunch near Chandigarh

Stop for a quick meal at Black Lotus or similar restaurant.

INR700, 1h

7:00PM

Arrival and Check into Hotel in Manali

Rest and prepare for sightseeing in the mountains.

INR3500, N/A

8:00PM

Dinner at Johnson’s Cafe

Known for its continental food and cozy atmosphere.

INR1000, 1h

View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Manali Rest & Explore

Manali, India on April 28, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe 1947

Enjoy fresh bakery items and coffee by the river.

INR500, 45m

10:00AM

Visit Hadimba Temple and Tibetan Monastery

Explore the beautiful wooden temple and serene monastery, open till 6 PM. Link: https://goo.gl/maps/HadimbaTemple

Free, 2h

1:00PM

Lunch at The Lazy Dog Lounge

Enjoy multi-cuisine dishes in a laid-back atmosphere.

INR900, 1h

3:00PM

Visit Solang Valley

Popular for adventure sports and gorgeous views. Accessible year-round, check for activities.

INR300, 3h

7:00PM

Dinner at Cafe Nirvana

Known for its vegetarian and vegan options.

INR750, 1h

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Day 10: Manali to Keylong

Manali to Keylong, India on April 29, 2025

7:00AM

Departure for Keylong

Leave early and enjoy the 120 km mountainous drive crossing the Rohtang Pass. Note: Rohtang opens May to November, check road status and permits.

INR500 for permits, 5h

10:30AM

Breakfast/Tea at Marhi

Stop by the small food joint near Rohtang Pass for refreshments.

INR200, 30m

12:30PM

Lunch at Keylong

Enjoy simple Himachali dishes at local guest house or dhaba.

INR500, 1h

2:00PM

Visit Kardang Monastery

One of the oldest monasteries in Lahaul Valley, serene for a cultural dive. Open till 5 PM. Link: https://goo.gl/maps/KardangMonastery

Free, 1h

4:00PM

Check-in and Rest

Get acclimated at your hotel in Keylong after the high altitude travel.

INR2500, N/A

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel

Enjoy local home-style cooked food.

INR600, 1h

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Day 11: Keylong to Leh

Keylong to Leh via Baralacha La Pass, India on April 30, 2025

6:00AM

Early Departure for Leh

A long and challenging 350 km drive crossing Baralacha La (approx 4,890m) and other high passes. Road may be rough and weather dependent. Pack warm clothes and fuel accordingly.

Free, 10h

8:00AM

Breakfast Stop at Jispa

Quick breakfast at the roadside dhaba.

INR200, 30m

1:00PM

Lunch at Sarchu

Basic dhaba stop at Sarchu, a popular halt point along Leh-Manali highway.

INR400, 1h

6:00PM

Reach Leh and Check-in

Arrive in Leh, check into your hotel and rest to acclimatize.

INR4000, N/A

8:00PM

Dinner at Hotel

Light dinner recommended to aid acclimatization.

INR1000, 1h

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Day 12: Rest and Acclimatize in Leh

Leh, Ladakh, India on May 1, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tibetan Kitchen

Enjoy traditional Tibetan cuisine with momos and thukpa.

INR700, 45m

10:00AM

Leh Market Walk

Explore the local market, Ladakhi handicrafts, and souvenirs. Great for acclimatizing with gentle activity. Link: https://goo.gl/maps/LehMarket

Free, 2h

12:30PM

Lunch at Bon Appetit

Popular cafe offering fresh sandwiches and cakes.

INR600, 1h

2:30PM

Visit Leh Palace

Historic 17th-century palace with panoramic views and cultural insights. Open 9AM to 6PM. Link: https://goo.gl/maps/LehPalace

INR100, 2h

6:00PM

Relax at Hotel

Early to bed to prepare for more adventurous days ahead.

Free, N/A

7:30PM

Dinner at The Tibetan Kitchen

Try some local Ladakhi dishes, keeping it light.

INR800, 1h

View Hotel Availability

Day 13: Leh Local Sightseeing

Leh, Ladakh, India on May 2, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

A relaxed start with breakfast in your hotel or guesthouse.

Included, 45m

9:30AM

Visit Shanti Stupa

Prominent white-domed Buddhist stupa offering magnificent views over Leh, open 6 AM to 6 PM. Link: https://goo.gl/maps/ShantiStupaLeh

Free, 1.5h

11:30AM

Explore Thiksey Monastery

Largest monastery in central Ladakh, stunning architecture and spiritual atmosphere. Open 9 AM to 6 PM. Link: https://goo.gl/maps/ThikseyMonastery

INR50, 2h

1:30PM

Lunch at Gesmo Restaurant

Try Tibetan and Indian fusion dishes in a cozy setting.

INR700, 1h

3:00PM

Visit Hemis Monastery

The largest and wealthiest monastery in Ladakh, rich in history and culture. Open 9 AM to 5 PM. Link: https://goo.gl/maps/HemisMonastery

INR50, 3h

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel

Enjoy freshly cooked meals and rest early.

INR900, 1h

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Day 14: Leh to Nubra Valley

Leh to Nubra Valley, Ladakh, India on May 3, 2025

7:00AM

Drive to Nubra Valley via Khardung La

Drive approx 120 km, crossing one of the highest motorable passes in the world. Road conditions vary; requires acclimatization and cautious driving.

Free, 5h

9:30AM

Breakfast en route

Stop at roadside cafes near Khardung La for tea and snacks.

INR200, 30m

1:00PM

Lunch in Diskit Village

Local guest house serves authentic Ladakhi food.

INR600, 1h

2:00PM

Visit Diskit Monastery

Famous monastery overlooking Nubra Valley with a giant Buddha statue. Open 8 AM to 6 PM. Link: https://goo.gl/maps/DiskitMonastery

INR50, 2h

4:30PM

Explore Hunder Sand Dunes

Experience camel rides on double-humped Bactrian camels and enjoy desert like landscapes.

INR300, 2h

7:00PM

Check-in and Dinner in Nubra Valley

Rest and enjoy dinner featuring local cuisine at your guest house.

INR800, 1h

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Day 15: Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake

Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake, Ladakh, India on May 4, 2025

7:00AM

Departure for Pangong Lake

Approx 160 km scenic drive through mountain passes to the breathtaking Pangong Lake famous for its vivid blue waters.

Free, 6h

9:00AM

Breakfast at Sumoor

Enjoy local breakfast snacks and tea in Sumoor village.

INR300, 30m

1:00PM

Lunch Stop near Tangtse

Basic meals available at dhabas, rest stops on the way.

INR500, 1h

3:00PM

Arrival and Visit Pangong Lake

Explore the mesmerizing high altitude lake and capture scenic views. Perfect for photography and peace.

Free, 3h

6:30PM

Check-in Camp/Dwelling

Stay at campsites near Pangong to experience serene nights.

INR3000, N/A

7:30PM

Dinner at Camp

Enjoy freshly cooked meals in the camp under starry skies.

INR800, 1h

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Day 16: Pangong Lake to Leh Return

Pangong Lake to Leh, Ladakh, India on May 5, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Camp

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading back to Leh.

INR600, 45m

9:00AM

Drive back to Leh

Drive back the 160 km to Leh, relaxing and enjoying scenic views again.

Free, 6h

3:00PM

Lunch Stop at Tangtse

Rest and dine in basic local eateries.

INR500, 1h

7:00PM

Arrive and Check-in at Leh Hotel

Rest and recuperate after the long day on road.

INR4000, N/A

8:00PM

Dinner at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxed dinner with variety of options.

INR1000, 1h

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Day 17: Leh - Tso Moriri Excursion

Leh to Tso Moriri, Ladakh, India on May 6, 2025

7:00AM

Drive to Tso Moriri Lake

Approx 220 km drive to the pristine high altitude lake, known for its stunning natural beauty and rare wildlife. Road passes through Changthang plateau.

Free, 8h