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Ultimate 15-Day Road Trip from Delhi to Leh: Scenic Mountains and Cultural Wonders

Viewed by 131 travelers

Day 1: Delhi to Manali

Delhi to Manali, India on May 7, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Sagar Ratna, Delhi

Enjoy a classic North Indian breakfast with dishes like aloo puri or dosa to fuel your long journey.
INR300, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive from Delhi to Manali

Begin the scenic 12-hour drive north toward Manali, enjoying views of the Himalayan foothills en route.
Variable (fuel and tolls), 12h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Johnson’s Cafe, Manali

Taste local Himachali and continental dishes in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere after the long drive.
INR800, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Delhi to Manali

Day 2: Acclimatize and Explore Manali

Manali, India on May 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café 1947

Start your day with fresh coffee and homemade pastries by the river in this quaint café.
INR400, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Hadimba Temple

Explore the serene 16th-century temple surrounded by cedar forests, a cultural and spiritual highlight in Manali.
INR10, 1h0m

11:00am

Stroll around Old Manali

Enjoy browsing local shops, cafés, and soaking in the traditional vibe of Old Manali.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Café Amigos

Delight in Mexican cuisine and refreshing drinks in a lively setting.
INR700, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Manu Temple

Discover this peaceful temple dedicated to the sage Manu, known for its religious significance.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Johnson’s Bistro

Enjoy a relaxed meal with a variety of delicious Himachali and international dishes.
INR900, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Manali

Day 3: Manali to Keylong

Manali to Keylong, India on May 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel Greenfields

Have a wholesome buffet breakfast as you prepare for the mountainous drive ahead.
INR400, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive from Manali to Keylong

Drive 80 km through the beautiful Rohtang Pass and into the Lahaul Valley with photo stops at key scenic points.
Rohtang Permit INR500, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Hotel Dakini, Keylong

Taste local Lahauli cuisine with options like thukpa and momos in a traditional setting.
INR600, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Kardang Monastery

Explore one of the largest and oldest monasteries in the region, famed for its architecture and prayer rituals.
INR20, 1h0m

4:00pm

Walk around Keylong bazaar

Browse local handicrafts and mingle with the friendly locals in this quaint town.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Keylong

Enjoy a warm Himachali meal perfect for the cool mountain evening.
INR700, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Manali to Keylong

Day 4: Keylong to Sarchu

Keylong to Sarchu, India on May 10, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel Keylong

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before heading higher into the mountains.
INR400, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive from Keylong to Sarchu

Travel 90 km along the Leh Highway passing stunning landscapes and high altitude passes including Baralacha La.
Variable, 5h0m

1:00pm

Lunch break at Sarchu campsite

Enjoy a meal at one of the well-known tented camps offering local Tibetan-inspired dishes.
INR700, 1h0m

2:00pm

Relax and acclimatize at Sarchu

Spend the afternoon resting at 4,290 meters to help adjust to the altitude and take in stunning views.
Free, 4h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at camp

Warm up with a traditional meal served at the camp while enjoying the mountain night sky.
INR800, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Keylong to Sarchu

Day 5: Sarchu to Pang and Jispa

Sarchu to Pang and Jispa, India on May 11, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Sarchu Camp

Begin with a hot breakfast as you prepare for more high-altitude travel.
INR400, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive from Sarchu to Pang and then Jispa

Take a picturesque drive over the Gata Loops and stop for photos at breathtaking viewpoints en route to Jispa.
Variable, 5h0m

1:00pm

Lunch in Jispa at The Dragon Dine Restaurant

Sample local Tibetan and Indian dishes in this cozy eatery known among travelers.
INR700, 1h0m

3:00pm

Walk along the Bhaga River

Relax with a scenic and easy walk by the river, ideal for stretching and enjoying nature.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel D'Zojila, Jispa

Enjoy a delicious warm meal featuring a mix of Indian and North Indian favorites.
INR700, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Sarchu to Pang and Jispa

Day 6: Jispa to Leh

Jispa to Leh, India on May 12, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel D'Zojila

Have a substantial breakfast assembled to energize for your final stretch to Leh.
INR400, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive from Jispa to Leh

Embark on the last leg climbing through Baralacha La, Lachulung La, and Tanglang La passes, the highest on the route, with multiple scenic stops.
Variable, 7h0m

3:00pm

Check-in to hotel in Leh - The Grand Dragon Ladakh

Relax and acclimatize at this comfortable hotel offering great amenities and mountain views.
INR6000 per night, Rest

7:00pm

Dinner at Bon Appetit, Leh

Enjoy a mix of local and international dishes in this popular restaurant noted for quality and service.
INR1000, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Jispa to Leh

Day 7: Explore Leh

Leh, India on May 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a fresh buffet breakfast at the hotel before sightseeing.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Leh Palace

Explore this 17th-century royal palace offering panoramic views and rich history.
INR150, 1h30m

11:30am

Explore Shanti Stupa

Visit the iconic white-domed stupa symbolizing peace and offering spectacular views of Leh.
Free, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Gesmo Restaurant

Taste traditional Ladakhi and Tibetan cuisine in a warm setting near the market area.
INR800, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Thiksey Monastery

Take a short drive to this impressive gompa resembling the Potala Palace and enjoy its rich murals and artifacts.
INR50, 2h0m

6:00pm

Return to Leh and dinner at The Tibetan Kitchen

Sample authentic Tibetan dishes prepared by local chefs in a homely ambiance.
INR900, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Leh

Day 8: Leh to Nubra Valley

Leh to Nubra Valley, India on May 14, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a nutritious buffet breakfast before your trip to Nubra Valley.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Nubra Valley via Khardung La

Travel approximately 120 km, crossing the world’s highest motorable pass with scenic terrains and mountain vistas.
INR500 permit, 5h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Sand Dunes Café, Hunder

Enjoy a light lunch near the famous sand dunes with views of camels and the unique desert landscape.
INR700, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore the Sand Dunes and ride Bactrian camels

Experience the surreal cold desert with camel rides, a rare and memorable activity.
INR500, 2h0m

6:00pm

Check-in and dinner at Hotel Grand Shambala, Nubra Valley

Relax and dine with a mix of local and Indian dishes after your adventure.
INR3500 per night plus dinner INR800, Rest
Find Hotels in Leh to Nubra Valley

Day 9: Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake

Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake, India on May 15, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before a long drive to Pangong Lake.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Pangong Lake via Shyok and Durbuk

Travel through stunning landscapes and deserts to reach the enchanting Pangong Tso, famous for its changing lake colors.
Variable, 6h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at a local camp (Tso Kar Campsite)

Enjoy simple but tasty local cuisine while gazing over the lake’s striking blue and green shades.
INR700, 1h0m

3:30pm

Explore and photography at Pangong Lake

Spend the afternoon walking along the lake shore capturing spectacular photos and relaxing by the water.
Free, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Pangong campsite

Dine under the stars with warming Ladakhi and North Indian meals served at the camp.
INR800, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake

Day 10: Pangong Lake to Leh

Pangong Lake to Leh, India on May 16, 2025

7:00am

Sunrise and breakfast at Pangong Lake

Witness a breathtaking sunrise over the lake before having breakfast at the camp.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive back from Pangong Lake to Leh

Return to Leh through the same scenic route enjoying views and possible photo stops.
Variable, 6h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Bon Appetit, Leh

Refuel with delicious continental and Indian options in this favorite local spot.
INR900, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit Spituk Monastery

Explore this hilltop gompa known for its impressive collection of Buddhist art and serene environment.
INR50, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Tibetan Kitchen, Leh

Relax with Tibetan specialties and warm hospitality in the heart of Leh.
INR900, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Pangong Lake to Leh

Day 11: Day trip to Hemis and Shey Monasteries

Leh, India on May 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast to start your cultural tour.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Hemis Monastery

Discover the largest and wealthiest monastery in Ladakh famous for its vibrant annual festival.
INR100, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at local eatery near Hemis

Sample authentic Ladakhi dishes like skyu and churpi, the local cheese.
INR700, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Shey Palace and Monastery

Explore the former royal summer palace with its giant copper Buddha statue and gardens.
INR30, 1h0m

4:00pm

Return to Leh and relax

Take time to enjoy local markets or rest at your hotel.
Free, Afternoon

7:00pm

Dinner at Chopsticks Restaurant

Delight in Chinese and Tibetan cuisine in a friendly environment to cap off the day.
INR850, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Leh

Day 12: Leh Leisure & Shopping

Leh, India on May 18, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a relaxing start to your day with a hotel breakfast buffet.
Included, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Leh Market

Shop for local handicrafts, woolens, souvenirs, and traditional jewelry in the bustling bazaar.
Free, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Gesmo Restaurant

Refresh yourself with Ladakhi and Indian fusion dishes at this popular choice.
INR800, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Hall of Fame Museum

Learn about the Indian Army’s role in Ladakh and the region’s history through artifacts and displays.
INR100, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Tibetan Kitchen

Enjoy your farewell Ladakhi dinner with specialties and cozy ambiance.
INR900, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Leh

Day 13: Leh to Manali Journey Begins

Leh to Jispa, India on May 19, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare for the journey down with a nutritious breakfast.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive Leh to Jispa

Start your descent retracing the route via Tanglang La and Lachulung La passes stopping to admire views.
Variable, 7h0m

3:00pm

Check-in and rest at Hotel D'Zojila, Jispa

Relax and recuperate in the comfortable mountain hotel after a full day of driving.
INR3500, Rest

7:00pm

Dinner at hotel

Enjoy a warm and hearty meal with Ladakhi and Indian cuisine to end the day.
INR700, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Leh to Jispa

Day 14: Jispa to Manali

Jispa to Manali, India on May 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a filling breakfast to prepare for the day’s drive.
INR400, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive Jispa to Manali

Drive through the beautiful Lahaul valley and Rohtang Pass heading back to Manali.
Rohtang Pass permit INR500, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Café 1947, Manali

Enjoy Italian and Indian culinary delights beside the river in a relaxed environment.
INR700, 1h0m

3:00pm

Relax or explore local shops

Stroll around or rest after the long drive to Manali.
Free, Afternoon

7:00pm

Dinner at Johnson’s Cafe

Indulge in your favorite Himachali dishes to close your mountain journey.
INR800, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Jispa to Manali

Day 15: Manali to Delhi

Manali to Delhi, India on May 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast to prepare for the long drive back home.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive Manali to Delhi

A full day drive of approximately 12 hours back to Delhi with scenic views of mountain roads fading into plains.
Variable, 12h0m

8:00pm

Dinner suggestion: Home or nearby restaurant

After a long journey, enjoy a comforting meal of your choice near your resting place in Delhi.
Variable, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Manali to Delhi
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