The Leh Manali Highway

Breathtaking views at every turn

The 2 day drive from Leh to Manali takes you through some of the highest passes in the world including the second highest motorable pass in the world - Tanglangla at 5328 metres.

Running through a starkly beautiful lunar-like wilderness, inhabited only by nomadic shepherds, this journey will be one of the most unforgettable of your life. Be prepared for landslides and vehicular breakdowns; they are part of the adventure.

"The journey from Leh to Manali was a breath-taking drive with sensational Himalayan views."

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The Leh Manali Highway

Day 1: LEH TO MANALI HIGHWAY

Drive along the legendary Leh to Manali highway (the world's second highest!) with unsurpassed views along the way. You stop for the night in Jispa.

Stay at Hotel Ibex.

Day 2: MANALI

Continue to the hill-station of Manali, one of the most scenic areas of Himachal Pradesh. The scenery is stunning - snowcapped peaks tower above green hills that are carpeted with pine forest and fruit orchards.

Stay at Hotel Mayflower for two nights.

Day 3, MANALI

Manali is based around one street, the Mall, which is effectively a continuation of the highway that runs into town. The Mall has become an overcrowded area but the old charm remains in Old Manali and the nearby village of Vashisht, famous for its sweeping valley views and sulphurous hot-water springs. Try to visit the Hadimba temple, built in the unique Himachal style, in four tiers of aged wood with a pagoda-like roof.

Day 4, ONWARDS FROM MANALI

Today your tour ends after breakfast. You can either drive to Dharamsala to follow the Amritsar & Dharamsala module in reverse or to Shimla to do this module in reverse, ending in Delhi.

Please note that you can also do the Leh to Manali itinerary in reverse.

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Tailor-made Suggestions

Ideas to personalize this sample itinerary:

There are plenty of ways to change this sample itinerary, either to extend your stay or experience different areas in more detail.

Experience peace and privacy the Himalayan way

The Country Cottage in Palampur of the Sarin family is surrounded by tea bushes and pine forest.

Visit the home of the Dalai Lama

Dharamsala is the best base to explore Tibetan Buddhism, history and culture. Stay at Chonor House.

Take the toy train from Shimla to Kalka

Stay at Woodville Palace, an elegant, old-fashioned 1930s mansion a fairly flat 20 minutes walk to the Mall.

Fact Finder for this Tour

Highlights
  • Take a spectacular drive across the second highest motorable road in the world
  • Enjoy contrasting landscapes of barren plains, lush valleys and snow peaks
  • Explore Manali town with its many Tibetan shops
Duration

Departure

Daily from Leh
The best time to travel is end June to mid-September. The rest of the year passes are closed due to snowfall.

Price

From 475 USD per person - based on 2 people sharing

Inclusions
  • Accommodation on twin share basis at selected hotels
  • Stay on full board basis at Jispa; bed & breakfast basis at Manali
  • Transport by air-conditioned vehicle with private chauffeur
Tour price excludes
  • International flights