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Manali to Leh & Ladakh: the Day-by-Day Itinerary
The Manali–Leh road is one of the world's great drives: two days over 5,000-metre passes into a Buddhist high desert where monasteries crown every crag. Acclimatise in Leh, then push on to Pangong's impossible blue at the edge of Tibet.
Manali to Leh & Ladakh is a 680 km one-way journey (self-drive). It works best as 7–8 days; the plan below is the 8-day version for July, built from 120 verified places, with real road-routed transit times, opening hours and daylight checked.
Customize this plan → 7-day plan · 8-day plan · best time to go
8
days
412 km
distance
11.8 h
driving
42
curated stops
💡 Good to know for this plan
- The only season: high passes open roughly June–October. Acclimatise in Leh (3,500 m) before Pangong.
- Heavy transit: day 5 (6h27) runs over 6 hours on the road. Around 8 days would keep daily driving comfortable on this route — or keep the dates and start each of those days by 08:00.
Day 1 Manali
🌡 -2.1–17.6°C · 🌧 ~28 rain days · ☀ 13.9h light
09:00
Naggarhikingmuseums & heritage
Historic castle and art gallery glow under moonlight.
50 min · Manali
09:50
Jana Fallshikinglocal & traditional
Tumbling waterfall offers panoramic valley views.
50 min · Manali
10:40
Monasterieshistory & sagaslocal & traditional
Shining gompas adorned with hand-woven carpets.
50 min · Manali
11:30
Museum of Himachal Culture & Folk Arthikingmuseums & heritage
Rare antiques showcase forgotten local culture and art.
50 min · Manali
12:20
Rahala waterfallshiking
Stunning falls cascade amidst towering mountain heights.
50 min · Manali
13:10
Solang Valleyhiking
Snow-capped peaks and glaciers unfold in grand views.
50 min · Manali
14:00
Cafe Zeppelinnhikingcoffee & bakeslocal & traditional
Relish pizzas and pastas with rock music from the 60s.
60 min · Manali
open: all day long
18:30
Blue Elephant Cafecoffee & bakeslocal & traditional
Fresh parathas and teas enjoyed by the river's flow.
75 min · Manali
Overnight: Manali
e.g. Rocky's Guest House and Cafe · Nature Treat Hut
Day 2 Around Manali
🌡 -2.1–17.6°C · 🌧 ~28 rain days · ☀ 13.9h light
09:00
The Manali Gompahistory & sagas
Imposing Buddha statue and vibrant wall paintings inspire.
50 min · Manali
09:50
Rohtang Passhiking
Breathtaking mountain vistas rise above the clouds.
50 min · Manali
10:40
Hidimba Templehistory & sagas
Ancient cave temple nestled in a cedar forest.
50 min · Manali
11:30
Old Manali
50 min · Manali
12:20
Beas Kund
A serene spring marks the birth of the River Beas.
50 min · Manali
13:10
Vashist Hot Water Springs and Temple
Natural sulphur springs flow into modern bathhouses.
50 min · Manali
14:00
Johnson's Bar and cafecoffee & bakescraft beer & pubs
Unwind in the evening with a relaxed, social vibe.
60 min · Manali
Overnight: Manali
e.g. Rocky's Guest House and Cafe · Nature Treat Hut
Day 3 Around Manali
🌡 -2.1–17.6°C · 🌧 ~28 rain days · ☀ 13.9h light
09:00
Fun park
Exciting rides and games near ancient temple grounds.
50 min · Manali
09:50
Maa Sharvari Temple
Sacred goddess shrine revered during regional festivals.
50 min · Manali
10:40
Rozy Falls
Majestic waterfall framed by rugged hills and valleys.
50 min · Manali
11:30
Beautiful Log Hut Area and Club house
Cozy log huts offer comfortable stays in nature.
50 min · Manali
12:20
Nehru Kund
Crystal-clear natural spring water flows gently.
50 min · Manali
13:10
Gauri Shankar Temple
50 min · Manali
14:00
Local Himachali Dish-Siducoffee & bakeslocal & traditional
Try sidu with chutney for a taste of Himachali cuisine.
60 min · Manali
Overnight: Manali
e.g. Rocky's Guest House and Cafe · Nature Treat Hut
See the remaining 5 days of the 8-day plan →
Route map
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