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Manali to Leh & Ladakh — a 8-Day Plan You Can Actually Drive
The 8-day version for July: every day fits real transit, opening hours and daylight. Prefer more or fewer days? 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
Day 4 Around Manali
🌡 -2.1–17.6°C · 🌧 ~28 rain days · ☀ 13.9h light
09:00
Enfieldpoint
50 min · Manali
09:50
Himanshu Resort
50 min · Manali
Overnight: Manali
e.g. Rocky's Guest House and Cafe · Nature Treat Hut
Day 5 Keylong → Leh
🌡 -4.3–24.7°C · 🌧 ~4 rain days · ☀ 14.1h light
15:27
Shey Palace and Monasteryhikinghistory & sagas
Enjoy breathtaking mountain vistas surrounding a tranquil village.
50 min · Leh
16:17
Unnamed Peakhikingmuseums & heritage
Trekkers enjoy views of Leh airport, valley, and Stok mountains.
90 min · Leh
18:30
Zomsa Restaurantcoffee & bakeslocal & traditional
Savor inexpensive mutton chowmein, tupka, and momos without chai.
75 min · Leh
Overnight: Leh
e.g. Himalayan Bunker · Hitchhikers Hostel
Day 6 Around Leh
🌡 -4.3–24.7°C · 🌧 ~4 rain days · ☀ 14.1h light
09:00
Stok Gompa Hikehikinghistory & sagas
Enjoy an easy loop hike with changing altitudes near Stok.
90 min · Leh
10:30
Hemis Monasteryhistory & sagasmuseums & heritage
See Ladakh's largest monastery and a rare Buddha painting.
50 min · Leh · ₹100
11:20
Donkey Sanctuarymuseums & heritage
Meet friendly donkeys in a charming, artistic setting.
50 min · Leh · Free
12:10
Shanti Stupahistory & sagas
Admire the unique modern stupa with peaceful views.
50 min · Leh · ₹30
13:00
Karma Dupgyud Choelinghistory & sagas
Visit a quiet monastery with Buddhist resonance.
50 min · Leh
13:50
Soma Monasteryhistory & sagas
Discover a vibrant modern gompa with political ties.
50 min · Leh
14:40
National Restaurant
Enjoy local mutton thali and chai, a favorite among residents.
60 min · Leh
Overnight: Leh
e.g. Himalayan Bunker · Hitchhikers Hostel
Day 7 Around Leh
🌡 -4.3–24.7°C · 🌧 ~4 rain days · ☀ 14.1h light
09:00
Chhamkang Rihiking
Hike with sweeping views of Leh and the surrounding valley.
90 min · Leh
10:30
Phyang-Lehhiking
Experience a challenging full-day hike through rugged terrain.
90 min · Leh
12:00
Stok La (pass)hiking
Tackle a steep pass leading to Markha Valley, ideal for experienced hikers.
90 min · Leh
13:30
Namgyal Tsemo Gompahistory & sagas
Explore ancient monastery walls with city vistas.
50 min · Leh · ₹20
open: 7–9AM during the morning puja
14:20
Leh Palacehistory & sagas
Gaze at the majestic palace towering over the city.
50 min · Leh · ₹25
15:10
Hall Of Famehistory & sagas
Discover military history in extreme terrains.
50 min · Leh
16:00
Gurudwara
Relish simple rice, dal, and comforting chai served all day.
60 min · Leh · Donation
Overnight: Leh
e.g. Himalayan Bunker · Hitchhikers Hostel
Day 8 Pangong Tso
🌡 -7.5–19.6°C · 🌧 ~4 rain days · ☀ 14.0h light
14:19
Mongoose Point
Marvel at the vast, shimmering expanse of Pangong Lake from a serene vantage point.
50 min · Pangong Tso