The Manali–Leh highway is widely considered one of the world's greatest road trips. Covering 473 km through some of the highest motorable terrain on earth, the route crosses four passes above 4,900 m and passes through lunar landscapes, remote valleys and ancient Buddhist monasteries. Here is everything you need to plan it.
Route Overview
| Segment | Distance | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Manali → Keylong | 115 km | Atal Tunnel (world's longest highway tunnel at altitude), Sissu |
| Keylong → Sarchu | 155 km | Baralacha La (4,890 m), Deepak Tal |
| Sarchu → Pang | 80 km | Nakeela & Lachungla passes, Gata Loops (21 hairpins) |
| Pang → Leh | 123 km | Tanglang La (5,328 m), Upshi, Indus Valley |
Total: 473 km. By car: 2 days minimum (1 night at Sarchu or Keylong). By bike: 2–3 days.
The High Passes
First pass out of Manali. Now largely bypassed via the Atal Tunnel (opened 2020). The tunnel is 9 km long and connects Manali to Sissu in Lahaul — saving 3+ hours and avoiding the pass entirely. Rohtang permit still required if driving over it.
Major watershed pass between Lahaul and Ladakh. The Yunam and Bhaga rivers originate here. Usually open June–October. Dramatic moonscape terrain above the snowline.
Two back-to-back passes between Sarchu and Pang. The Gata Loops — 21 hairpin bends climbing to Nakeela — are one of the most photographed road sections on earth.
Second highest motorable pass in the world. A famous (though unverified) sign claims it's the highest. The descent from Tanglang into the Indus Valley and Upshi is one of the most striking transitions on the entire route.
Best Time to Drive Manali–Leh
The highway is open June–October. Peak season is July–August. September is the best combination of weather, road stability and fewer crowds. After mid-October, snow begins closing passes — Baralacha La is usually the first to shut.
You ascend from 2,050 m (Manali) to 5,328 m (Tanglang La) in two days. Altitude sickness is a real risk. Spend 1–2 nights acclimatising in Manali before departure. Carry Diamox (consult your doctor). Do NOT ascend if you have severe headache, nausea or breathlessness — descend immediately.
Permits Required
- Indian nationals: No permit needed for Leh town. Inner Line Permit required for Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso and areas near the border.
- Foreign nationals: Protected Area Permit (PAP) required, along with Inner Line Permit. Must travel in groups of 2+ with a registered tour operator.
- Rohtang Permit: Required if crossing Rohtang Pass overland (not needed if using Atal Tunnel). Apply online via the HP government portal. Limited permits per day.
Cost Breakdown (Per Person)
| Mode | Budget | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shared SUV (Innova/Xylo) | ₹6,000–9,000 | One-way Manali to Leh with stopovers. Group of 4–6. |
| Private Cab (one-way) | ₹18,000–28,000 total | Innova Crysta or similar. Entire vehicle cost. |
| Royal Enfield Rental (Manali) | ₹1,200–1,800/day | Classic 350 or Himalayan. Includes basic insurance. |
| Accommodation (Sarchu/Keylong) | ₹600–1,500/night | Tent camps at Sarchu. Guesthouses at Keylong. |
From Keylong, a side road leads into the Spiti Valley via Rohtang–Kunzum. The classic "Spiti Loop" combines Shimla→Kinnaur→Spiti→Manali→Leh into a 14-day circuit. Ask us about our Chandigarh–Manali–Spiti–Shimla 14D package.
Book a Manali–Leh Package
We arrange private cabs, bike rentals, permits and hotels for the full Manali–Leh route. Group and solo travellers welcome.
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