Chandigarh to Leh-Ladakh
Duration: (10 Nights | 11 Days)
Day 01: Arrive at Chandigarh & drive to Manali
Day 02: Explore Manali
Day 03: Manali to Jispa via Attal Tunnel (10,171 ft.)
Day 04: Jispa to Leh via Tanglang La (17,480 ft.)
Day 05: Leh Local Sightseeing
Day 06: Leh to Nubra Valley (Diskit & Hunder) via Khardung La (17,582 ft.)
Day 07: Nubra Valley: Excursion to Panamik & Yarab Tso
Day 08: Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso (13,943 ft.) via Shyok River
Day 09: Pangong Tso to Leh via Chang La (17,585 ft.)
Day 10: Leh: Day at own leisure (No Transport)
Day 11: Leh Airport Drop
• Chandigarh – Manali Highway with scenic views of the Himalayas
• Leh – Manali Highway with stops at all the major engrossing locations
• Famous Passes – Bara-lacha La (16,043 ft), Tanglang La (17,480 ft.), Khardung La (17,582 ft.) & Chang La (17,585 ft.)
• Leh – Srinagar Highway up till Sangam
• Manali (2N)
• Jispa (1N)
• Leh (4N)
• Nubra Valley (2N)
• Pangong Lake (1N)
• Visit Yarab Tso & Tso Ltak
• Famous Palaces & Monasteries and Mountain Passes
Cost Includes
• Room category & accommodation as desired
• 02 Nights’ stay at Manali
• 01-Night stay at Jispa
• 04 Nights’ stay at Leh
• 02 Nights’ stay at Sumur in Nubra Valley
• 01-Night stay at Pangong Tso
• Meals on MAPAI Basis (Dinner & Breakfast Included)
• Ladakh Ecology & Environmental Fee
• Inner Line Permits for foreigners and OCI cardholders
• Transportation: All sightseeing tours by non-ac private vehicle as per the itinerary
• Fuel, driver allowances & all transport-related costs
• Chandigarh airport pick-up & Leh airport drop
• 5% Government Service Tax
Cost Excludes
• Taxi service on Day 10
• Airfare
• Entrance fee for monasteries/palaces, etc.
• Expenses of personal nature, such as laundry, telephone calls, room service, alcoholic beverages, mini bar charges, tips, portage, camera fees, etc.
• Any meals and services not specifically mentioned in the inclusions
• Any cost arising due to natural calamities like landslides, roadblocks, etc.
• Any unforeseen expenses beyond our control will be charged extra.
• Medical insurance/travel insurance/oxygen cylinder
• Additional sightseeing charges or extra usage of the vehicle apart from the suggested itinerary
The Experience
Get ready for a roller coaster Himalayan adventure packed into one epic 11 day road trip. Start in Chandigarh, wind through lush valleys and pine scented hills before hitting the legendary Manali to Leh Highway. Cross Baralacha La and Tanglang La, with a night in the mountain village of Jispa. In Leh, explore ancient palaces, monasteries, and vibrant bazaars, then cross Khardung La into the surreal Nubra Valley. Follow the Shyok River to Pangong Tso’s dazzling blue waters before returning via the lofty Chang La. From rugged passes to desert valleys and pristine lakes, this is Ladakh at full throttle, perfect for travelers seeking maximum adventure in minimal time.
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DETAILED ITINERARY
Day One: Out of the Office
Arrive at Chandigarh & Drive to Manali (285 km / 7-8 hrs)
In the morning, upon arrival at Chandigarh Airport/Railway Station, you will be warmly welcomed by your driver, who will whisk you off to your hotel in Manali. The journey would take around 7-8 hours. Manali, the valley of gods is a combination of natural splendour and rich cultural heritage.
Day Two: Tell it to the Mountains
Explore Manali (Altitude 6725 ft.) (40 km / 5-6 hrs)
Manali has tonnes of options for sightseeing. Start with the Hadimba Temple, a unique shrine dedicated to Hidimbi Devi, the wife of Bhima. It’s in the middle of a forest dotted with tall cedar trees.
Get a dose of Tibetan culture at the Tibetan Centre & Monastery. Laze around at Van Vihar or Nature Park. Take a dip in the sulphur infused hot water springs of Vashisht Village or do a short hike to Jogini Falls. In the evening, you can drop by Mall Road or Old Manali, the bustling heart of the city, and go on a shopping spree or try some of the popular restaurants.
Day Three: Here We Go
Manali to Jispa 10,500 ft. via Atal Tunnel (100 km / 3-4 hrs)
You will start your journey towards Leh passing through some of the most scenic landscapes in the world. The road goes via Solang Valley and the newly constructed Atal Tunnel. Atal Tunnel is a highway tunnel built under the Rohtang Pass. At a length of 9.02 km, it is the longest tunnel above 10,000 feet in the world. The new route via the tunnel brings down the total distance travelled to 71 km which can be covered in about 2 hours, a reduction of around 3 to 4 hours when compared to the earlier route. The tunnel is at an elevation of 10,171 ft. whereas the Rohtang Pass is at an elevation of 13,051 ft.
Jispa is a town of about 500 people set on the bank of the bustling Bhaga River. It is set at the foot of mist and cloud-covered mountain peaks; and is surrounded by the lush, dew-covered greenery, making it an ideal camping spot for travellers. You’ll be spending the night here in a hotel/camp.
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Manali-Leh Highway with 10 minutes halts at all the major engrossing locations on this stretch
Manali (6725 ft.) – Solang Valley (8,400 ft.) – Atal Tunnel (10,151 ft.) – Chenab River – Koksar – Jispa (10,500 ft.) – Suraj Tal (16,020 ft.) – Bara-lacha La (16,043 ft.) – Sarchu (14,074 ft.) – Nakee La (15,646 ft.) – Lachulung La (16,597 ft.) – Pang (15,280 ft.) – Morey Plains (15,748 ft.) – Tanglang La (17,480 ft.) – Karu – Leh (11,500 ft.)
Day Four: Getting There Is Half the Fun
Jispa to Leh via Tanglang La 17,480 ft. (340 km / 8-9 hrs)
Next morning, you will proceed to Leh, passing through some of the most scenic landscapes in the world.
On the way, you will halt at Suraj Tal, the 3rd highest lake in India 16,020 ft. The road then takes us through 3 major mountain passes, Nakee La 15,646 ft., Lachulung La 16,597 ft. & Tanglang La 17,480 ft.
The infamous Gata loops stand in the way. A series of 21 hairpin bends, the Gata loops are counted among the most treacherous stretches in the world. Don’t worry, you will be safe.
Then comes Tanglang La pass (17,480 ft.) – the 12th highest motor-able pass in the world. It is the last pass you will cross before reaching Leh. After a blockbuster road trip of 8-9 hours, you will be transferred to your stay in Leh city. The rest of the evening is for you to take a chill pill.
Day Five: Making Memories
Leh: Leh Local Sightseeing (90 km / 5-7 hrs)
Explore the gorgeous town of Leh and its beautiful stopovers. Most prominent among them is the Leh Palace. The ruins of this 350-year-old, nine-story high Palace offer a breath-taking view of the city of Leh and its surroundings. Leh Market is starkly different from its metropolitan counterparts. The shops here are small, colourful, and vibrant. It has a rare mix of western and native cultures which is unique to itself.
Leh also boasts of a widely diverse population and shows its influences on its infrastructure. The Shanti Stupa, Jama Masjid, Namgyal Tsemo Gompa (Sunset Point), Zorawar Fort, Gurudwara Shri Pathar Sahib, and Magnetic Hill all lie within 25 km of Leh’s radius. Also, within this radius is the Indian Army’s Hall of Fame with Sound & Light Show. It is a monument dedicated to the soldiers who served, and/or perished on the borders during wartime.
The Sangam (Confluence of rivers) between the ice-cold Zanskar and the mighty Indus is incredible to watch. Its gushing blue waters put on a stunning display of power. Once you’ve absorbed in all these wonderful sights you will return to Leh and spend the night there.
Day Six: Overland to Nubra
Leh to Nubra Valley (Diskit & Hunder) via Khardung La 17,582 ft. (127 km / 6-8 hrs)
After an early breakfast, you’ll check out and begin your journey to Nubra Valley via Khardung La (17,582 ft.), one of Ladakh’s most famous high mountain passes. The route offers spectacular views of the surrounding Himalayan mountain ranges. As you descend, the landscape gradually changes, and you’ll arrive in Nubra Valley, with the Shyok River flowing alongside you.
On arrival, you’ll visit Diskit Monastery, the oldest monastery in Nubra Valley, dating back over 250 years. Nearby stands an imposing 100-foot statue of Maitreya Buddha, overlooking the valley.
Next, you’ll drive to the sand dunes of Hunder, home to the rare double-humped Bactrian camels, a reminder of the ancient trade routes that once connected Ladakh with Central Asia.
Along the way, you can enjoy some adventure with activities such as ATV rides, go-karting, archery or zipline (all on direct payment basis).
Later, check in to your accommodation and spend the evening soaking in the peaceful surroundings. With its clear mountain air and relatively low light pollution, Nubra Valley also offers wonderful opportunities for stargazing.
Day Seven: Room with A View
Nubra Valley: Excursion to Sumur, Yarab Tso & Panamik (160 km / 7-8 hrs)
After a hearty breakfast in the morning, you will head to Sumur, a picturesque village around 42 km on the other side of the valley. The village of Sumur is famous and also an important stop since the holy monastery, Samstem Ling Gompa is located close to the village. The Samstem Ling Gompa other than its spiritual importance is also known for its frescos and gorgeous silk Thangkas. The sand dunes at Sumur are also unoccupied compared to its counterpart in Hunder.
Later, drive & take a short hike to Ladakh’s best-kept secret, Yarab Tso Lake. The lake is a sacred place for the local people and can only be approached by a short hike. Drive further on to the hot sulphur springs at the village of Panamik. Remember to carry clean towels if you plan on taking a dip in the hot sulphur bath. Panamik is also the village that is nestled very close to the Siachen Glacier, the highest battlefield in the world.
The last stop is Ensa Gompa, a 250-year-old monastery perched on top of a rock that overlooks the snow-capped mountains of the Nubra Valley. Once you’re done, head back to Hunder for the night.
Day Eight: Corners of The Himalayas
Nubra Valley to Tso Pangong 13,943 ft. via Shyok River (170 km / 6-8 hrs)
After an early breakfast, drive towards Pangong Tso via Shyok River. The route takes you through Agham, Shyok Village, Durbuk and Tangste before reaching Pangong Tso. One of the most remote routes in Ladakh, this road is operational for only a few months of the year.
The first glimpse of the tranquil, azure-blue waters and rugged shoreline of Pangong Tso remains etched in the memory. The lake is renowned for its crystal-clear, cerulean-blue waters, which change colour with the light and weather.
During the breeding season, the lake and its surrounding wetlands host several migratory bird species, including Bar-headed Geese and Brahminy Ducks. The rare and endangered, Black-necked Crane can also occasionally be spotted in the region.
Pangong Tso lies only partially in India, with over 60% of the lake extending into China-occupied Tibet. Situated at an altitude of approximately 13,943 ft, it is one of the world’s highest brackish-water lakes.
On arrival, check in to your accommodation and spend the rest of the evening strolling along the lakeshore and taking in the vast, beautiful landscape.
As night falls, Pangong transforms once again. Far from city lights, the exceptionally clear skies offer a spectacular setting for stargazing, with the Milky Way often visible on a clear night.
Day Nine: This is Some Vacation
Tso Pangong to Leh via Chang La 17,585 ft. (175 km / 5-7 hrs)
After breakfast, take a few parting shots with the lake before beginning your journey back to Leh via Chang La (17,585 ft.), one of Ladakh’s highest mountain passes. Along the way, stop at Tso Ltak, a small lake at 16,102 ft., nestled in the foothills of Chang La.
Next, you’ll visit Hemis Monastery and Museum, one of the largest and wealthiest monasteries in Ladakh. Associated with the renowned Buddhist scholar and yogi Naropa, the monastery has a rich history and houses an impressive collection of Buddhist artefacts. It’s a must-visit on your Ladakh adventure.
You’ll then head to Thiksey Monastery, dramatically perched on a hilltop. With its striking architecture and sweeping views of the valley, we think it’s one of the most beautiful monasteries in all of Ladakh. Known for its resemblance to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet, this impressive twelve-storey complex houses numerous Buddhist treasures, including statues, stupas, thangkas and wall paintings.
Your next stop will be Druk Padma Karpo School, popularly known as Rancho’s School after its appearance in the Bollywood movie 3 Idiots. You can also drop by Rancho’s Café, just outside the school campus, to enjoy some coffee and snacks while browsing the movie memorabilia.
From here, you’ll be dropped off at your hotel in Leh, where the rest of the evening is yours to relax and unwind.
Optional: You can also pay a visit to the Tibetan Refugee Old Age Home near Leh. Unlike the Ladakhi people’s Old Age Home, this place receives a tiny fraction of visitors and donations.
Day Ten: A Walk to Remember
Leh: Day at own leisure (No Transport)
Today is yours to enjoy Leh your way. After days on the road, slow things down, wander through the old town, hunt for local treasures, or head out for a little adventure. No fixed schedule, just a day to make your own.
Explore the narrow lanes of Leh Old Town, experience the morning prayers at Thiksey Monastery, or try your hand at pottery-making in Likir.
For a little retail therapy, browse Moti Market for street shopping and Leh Market for Thangka paintings, carpets, pashmina shawls and souvenirs.
Drop by Ladakh Art Palace or Tibetan markets for handcrafted finds or visit Dragon Super Mart to stock up on local treats like dried apricots, jams and chamomile tea.
If adventure is more your thing, consider bouldering, river rafting, paragliding, day hikes, or a motorbike ride through the surrounding villages.
You could even cycle down from Khardung La. Or simply find a cosy spot, savour some Ladakhi food at one of our recommended restaurants, and let the day unfold. After all, you’re on holiday!
Day Eleven: Bye-bye Ladakh
Depart Leh: Transfer to Airport
In the morning, you’ll be driven to the airport where you’ll board the flight to your onward destination.