Manali – Leh Highway Status 2012
As per the earlier years, I will be starting this sticky post for status of the 474 KM long Manali – Leh Highway which so many adventure lovers await every year. There has been good news though that BRO plans to open Manali – Leh Highway till April 15th 
… Though as per last year, it looks again a very optimistic task and mostly it depends upon the snowfall in the coming months and the amount of accumulated snow. But, keeping fingers crossed let’s hope that we get to connect Leh – Ladakh by that time. Below, you can find all the updates that I will keep getting over the coming months realted to the progress of the snow clearance operations. Latest updates will remain at the top followed by other updates. I hope as per the last year, this year as well thie article thread will be useful in planning your journey on Manali Leh Highway.
For more details on Manali – Leh Highway, including accommodation, planning, fuel pumps, phone signals, etc. you can refer the Manali – Leh Highway Travel Guide at the link here.
Current Manali – Leh Highway Status = Open | Update Date: 6th August, 2012
Manali – Rohtang Pass –> Open
Rohtang Pass – Keylong –> Open
Keylong – Sarchu –> Open
Sarchu – Leh –> Open
Manali – Leh Highway Status = Open BUT Bad | Update Date: 06 August, 2012
Manali – Leh -> Open
Top Singh Bodh ji reports in bcmtouring on the Manali-Rohtang Pass road, “The cloud burst occurred Friday night in Seri Nala at the South Portal of Rohtang Tunnel damaged two bridges, hundreds of labor shelter along solang river and also washed away roads at Palchan, Rangri, Kalath etc. The Palchan road closed the Manali-Leh route and Rangri and Kalath blocked the right bank from Patlikuhal to Manali so the traffic was diverted to right bank from Patlikuhal via Naggar to Manali but the Palchan road blockade was the Major which closed the route but the BRO constructed the 25 Mtrs. road and restored it by Sunday morning and now it is open and the Peas Trucks which were stuck in Koksar has crossed the Palchan and the Rahni Nala bad patch as well. The traffic from both side has been restored but the BRO for the time being restricted the tourists visiting Rohtang Snow point. The villagers worked and restored the road to Solang Nala snow point. The route is open and they will restore the right bank also very soon. On Friday the night of cloud burst the flash flood was flowing over the road in Rangri (just 3 KMs before Manali town) so a Shopkeeper from Manali could not see the flash flood on road and died in the flood on the driving seat. His dead body and the car was traced out there”
Manali – Leh Highway Status = Closed | Update Date: 05 August, 2012
Manali – Leh -> Closed
Manali – Leh Highway is closed for next 2-3 days due to restoration work going on because of flash floods last night. Thanks for a reader below for highlighting this but just now I have got online
… Read More Flash floods in Manali, 1dead, Road Closed for 2 Days
Manali – Leh Highway Status | Update Date: 1st June, 2012
Manali – Leh Highway is Officially Opened
Manali – Leh Highway Status | Update Date: 23rd May, 2012
Road is still opened as unofficially, few bikers have done it, taxis are doing it from both sides. Road conditions at many places are horrible, especially near the passes. If you are going by own car then SDM office will not issue you the permits until the road is opened officially. So, in private cars outside HP you can come from Leh side to Manali.
Manali – Leh Highway Status | Update Date: 17th May, 2012
Just had a word with a friend in Manali in the evening and he confirmed that few of the taxis have started to run for Manali – Leh and few come from Leh side as well. So, un-officially Manali – Leh Highway has been opened
…
Manali – Leh Highway Status | Update Date: 02 March, 2012
MANALI: With an aim to restore the strategically important Manali-Leh highway till April 15, and for the welfare of its daring jawaans, 38 Border Road Task Force (BRTF) performed a special puja at Gulaba and started its two-month-long snow clearance operation on Thursday.
BRO performs puja before starting snow clearance opearation on Manali Leh highway
Removing snow from 80-km stretch of highway between Gulaba and Sissu, which has been disappeared under 10 to 50 feet of snow, is similar to finding needle in haystack. BRTF personnel would work under the threats of avalanches, frost bites, gangrene and injuries as high velocity winds cause temperature to plunge below many degrees below the freezing point. To give pace to the work progress, Border Roads Organization (BRO) has formed four teams and started its operation from – Gulaba, Marhi, Sissu and Darcha.Gulaba, near Manali
“Each team constitutes 4 snow cutters and 25 personnel including specialists and operators who are determined to restore the highway before the April 15,” commander Yogesh Nair said. “We are witnessing 8 to 15 feet snow at Gulaba camp, 23 km from Manali, but our difficulties would increase with every kilometre we move towards the Rohtang top. Snow is hard and conditions may even worst at Rahni Nullah, Beas Nullah and other avalanche prone areas.”
BRO officials were afraid of the heavy snow forecast after March 4 as in such conditions they would have to move back to the starting point to restart the operation. Glacier and avalanche points on the highway were another threat to the workers who could claim the lives. Commander said that they have discussed with the snow and avalanche study establishment (SASE) to get the exact location of dangerous points. With the phenomenon of melting and freezing of snow, it had formed the shape of semi ice which is hard to cut through. “If necessary, we may use explosives to blast the ice,” Nair said.Manali-Leh highway
Literally one of the most dangerous highways of the world, Manali-Leh highway, which connects Lahaul-Spiti and Ladakh regions with Kullu, is important strategically and for tourism. Rohtang is the only gateway to Lahaul valley, which after being blocked with snow cuts off the valley from rest country for over five months. BRO has requested administration not to let the civilian vehicles beyond Palchan towards Rohtang pass for smooth running of the operation.External Source: BRO starts its snow clearance operation on Manali-Leh Highway
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396 Comments
Hi Dheeraj..
We are planning a trip in mid of August 2013 from Delhi to Manali to Lahaul Spiti to Leh to Srinagar to Pathankot to Delhi. Kindly let me know whether highways would be open and the road conditions. We are planning to go by Tata Safari.
Thanks
Kailash, yes the highways open by June. Of course there might be some disruptions in the month of August owing to monsoon season.
Dheeraj,
I’d like to know if the manali-leh route will be open for cyclists in the 1st week of May, (officially or unofficially).
I mean to do this route this year but the hitch is that I cant delay the trip further than the 1st week of May this year.
Yash, generally Manali – Leh Highway gets open by end of May or early June only. This time BRO is claiming they will open it early but again all things depend upon weather in the upcoming weeks.
me along with a few friends are planning to visit Leh on April 2nd week through Manali Leh Highway, kindly suggest whether this is the right time to go ahead with our trip or not. usually the highway clears off during may june.
Regards,
Mrinal
Mrinal, Manali Leh Highway will open in the June only so you will not be able to do this road journey in April
Hey. Nice to meet you.Me and my friends, I’m getting ready in April or May, Kargil to go.But always I’m worried about her not know when the Manali-Leh road is opened.In June, if possible, because we go scedule phase You want to go in May.Manali-Leh Road When Will open?Might expect?September 2011, I have already attended experience.We went sleeping in Keylong and Pang to Leh.Pang from sleeping on a real hard time.Because it was cold in high altitude.Important to me now anyway, the Manali-Leh Road Point When Will open?Anyway, your blog is really amazing.What the collection of this information what you really are smart.
Joshua, Manali – Leh Road will get open in June but less chances in May. Make it in second week or third week of June so that road conditions also stabilizes
Hi Dheeraj, me and my wife planned to visit Leh from Manali on Tuesday,15th July 2013. We will stay overnight in Sarchu and next day we will reach at Leh. Could you please inform me, is the Manali-Leh Highway will be open on that day(As someone told me every Tuesday Highway remain closed due to maintenance work). Please guide us for a better journey.
Hello Hrishikesh
Firstly, I will suggest you that please plan it in other direction as going via Srinagar – Leh Highway will be much much easier on your body and help you acclimatize to the high altitude of Manali – Leh Highway. Also, it allows you to enjoy the beauty of Manali – Leh by splitting the journey almost evenly in two days which is very difficult in the other direction. Thirdly, it will allow you to fit Tso Moriri lake into the itinerary in better way. You can read more reasons on the link here
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travelers including me at the link here for 14-15 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
For accommodation, check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate and cheap budget hotels as well in the series of articles starting on the link here
For the leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2012-13 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here. You can get about 10-15% of discount by directly getting in touch with drivers and of course, talking in person rather on phone always help in bargaining more.
For the list of good restaurants in Leh – Ladakh or eateries or food joints where food is enjoyed by many travellers including me, you can check the link here: List of Good Restaurants in Leh – Ladakh | Restaurant Reviews
Check the list of things to carry for Leh – Ladakh or other trip including basic medical kit, clothing, must haves etc. at the link here: List of Things to Carry for Leh – Ladakh trip.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Regarding your query, it is not advisable at all to stay at Sarchu if at all you are going via Manali – Leh Highway only rather stay at Keylong or Jispa and then do long run from Jispa or Keylong. Yes, Rohtang Pass remain closed every Tuesday but if you leave early in the morning then you will be able to get through. But, again I will suggest that you go via Srinagar and come via Manali.
Hi Dheeraj,
Planning to do Delhi – Manali – Leh – Ladakh ightseeing – Kargil – Srinagar on bike. Can you suggest an ideal itinerary?
Should really commend you for a thankless job well-done!!
Warm Regards
Hello Dr. Milind,
I am not sure about how many days you have in hand but still:
Firstly, I will suggest you that please plan it in other direction as going via Srinagar – Leh Highway will be much much easier on your body and help you acclimatize to the high altitude of Manali – Leh Highway. Also, it allows you to enjoy the beauty of Manali – Leh by splitting the journey almost evenly in two days which is very difficult in the other direction. Thirdly, it will allow you to fit Tso Moriri lake into the itinerary in better way. You can read more reasons on the link here
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travelers including me at the link here for 14-15 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
For accommodation, check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate and cheap budget hotels as well in the series of articles starting on the link here
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
want to know if we can visit leh in the first week of may …. if we fly from delhi
how do we acclamatize to the high altitude
Hello Amit,
Yes, if you are flying then you can visit Leh in first week of May. All in roads in Ladakh are always kept open most parts of the year. For acclimatization, you will need to stay in Leh only for first two days may be following the below schedule:
Day 1 | Delhi – Leh (By Flight)
– Checkin at Hotel. Many hotels provide free pick and drop from Airport. Ask while you book them.
– Take ample of rest as well as water or anything that keep your body hydrated enough. DO NOT OVER HYDRATE. Take ORS Soluted water or ORS – L tetra packs from home.
– Do not over exert your body at any cost. Avoid too much up-down on stairs or avoid it in entirety, if possible.
– After 5-6 Hrs of rest you can visit Leh Palace, Local Leh market, Shankar Gompa .
– If you feel exerted go back to Hotel, have dinner at Hotel and take rest. Avoid any exertion. Else continue and,
– Follow the sunset by stroll at Changspa road and have a nice dinner on varied cuisines offered in-around Changspa road.
– Go back to hotel for overnight stay at Leh.
Day 2 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Inner Line Permits
– For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
– Hire a taxi from Leh taxi stand or Hotel whichever suits you.
– Bargain hard with taxi driver. Book that single taxi for entire trip after explaining the complete plan.
– Take his inputs if you feel reasonable and if required modify the plan accordingly but should suits you best.
– Ask him to be with you guys starting first day itself, if required and charged reasonable else do it at your own.
– Again DO NOT over exert and take little steps and slow walks only.
– If feeling OK then do Local sightseeing. To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
– Do not use stairs at any of these places just to see them as it will exert your body much more.
– Overnight at Leh
I hope this helps. Let me know for any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
hi dheeraj,we are visiting to shimla on 17 th this month and plan to move to manali on 19th,so pls twll me the status of roads,climate..we particularly wans to see the snow fall..is it possible on 21 or 22 or 23 and we are a group of family coming along with small kids and aged people…pls help me by proving details
thank u,
Hello SK,
Roads are fine and it is very cold up there. There has been a recent snowfall as well around Manali and Shimla in last couple of days so you may be seeing lots of snow too
… Please do not attempt Rohtang Pass even if someone says they can take you, go to the point where it is safe and opened officially either Marhi/Gulaba or Solang Valley.
Regards
dheeraj Sharma
Hi,
Dheeraj
Well we are a group of 4 bikers planning to ride up to the MIGHTY HIMALAYS. Our plan is to start from Delhi on 7/5/2013. Will the roads be open by that time .
Sorry for the delay brother , guess just replied your other query.
Planning to visit Manali with my family duing last week of Apr 2013 to view Rotang Pass (Missed in the last 2 ocassions). Please suggest if Rotang Pass will be open by then. Thanks.,
Hi Sri Ram,
You might miss it this time as well
… Rotang Pass is generally opened in late May only for tourists, as per last few years. Please plan it either in June if you want to see and visit Rohtang Pass 
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
hi, i want to visit leh in summer 2013. when will be the srinagar-leh road open and when will be the leh-manali road open.
Haardik, Srinagar – Leh route opens up by mid-May to late May types and Manali – Leh Highway opens up by early or mid of June. Better plan your journey in mid of June to enjoy both Manali – Leh as well as Srinagar – Leh
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
thanks dheeraj for help. but we have to come back to rajkot before 14 june, so planing to leave rajkot by 28th may. we will reach leh on 1st june and leave leh by 9th june. so hope leh-manali highway opens before that. what u think about it ?
Haardik, I am optimistic about its opening in first week of June but nothing can be guranteed and road conditions shall not be stable by that time, so consider some buffer days for the same.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
hi Dheeraj,
I have a group of 32 bikers and we are planing to visit rohtang la this christmas within 4 days , Is it possible ?i am so sorry i didn’t tell u i am from mussoorie. If possible suggest some good places to visit.
regards
anoop Kaintura
Hell Angels
Hello Kaintura,
Well, brother Rohtang Pass is already closed, so max at that time you will be able to reach is about 32 KMs before Rohtang Pass ie Gulaba or Solang Valley.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Is Rohtang Pass open till now (20/11/12). I am planning to visit Manali on 23-25th Nov,2012. Will going to Rohtang Pass will be feasible ?
Hi Ramesh,
Rohtang Pass is opened but closed for tourists. Even if some one lure you to get you there please do not fall into the trap and risk your life because of unfavourable conditions over there for driving. Officials have put in sign boards not to venture ahead of Marhi where you will be able to find plenty of snow. Recently itself few tourists got badly injured due to slippery roads up there and not following the official restrictions.
Travel only to the point where it is safe to enjoy may be Marhi/Gulaba/Kothi/Solang Valley.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Valuable Info..
Thanks brother
Me and my friend coming Manali in 1st week of April (2013). Can we travel manali to leh by bike in 1st week of April?
Hi Rakesh,
Manali – Leh Highway is closed at that time of the year mostly. You should better plan it for second or third week of June to be on safer side.
Regards
Dheeraj sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
Me and my couin plan to come to Manali on Dec 19 and stay till Dec 24th. We are both cyclist and plan to cycle up north towards Leh. Though I am sure we cant cycle till Leh and the roads will be closed, what is the maximum we can cycle upto? Also forgetting towards Leh as an option and there any other routes open for cyclists around Manali. Kindly let me know.
Cheers
Yesh
Hello Yeshwant,
You will not be allowed beyond Gulaba I guess at that point of time. Gualaba is about 19-20 KMs from Manali town. All roads further up will be closed due to snowfall. May be you can go towards Naggar Castle from Manali for a day and return back. It is about 30 KMs from Manali. Rest I do not think other than highway there is any route which you can enjoy over cycle and is open, again AFAIK only.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
I planing hanymoon in shumla manali from 24dec to 30 dec is rohtang is open during this period???
is it enjoyeble or should is chang the location???
Hello Hitesh,
Rohtang Pass will close down in a week or two. Well, yes at that time you might be able to see snow stock around the snow points of Marhi or Gulaba whichever is open. So, if snow is the priority then you will be able to find it, you keep the plan flexible and keep a check on weather updates on the day you plan to visit. The links here: Rohtang Pass, Kothi and Manali regions respectively can be helpful for you in tracking the weather updates of Manali and around. If it says raining in Manali, or rains/snow at Kothi or snows at Rohtang Pass then expect snowfall at nearby snow points of Solang and Marhi/Gulaba etc. As far as snow is concerned, you will find plenty of snow out there.
BTW, you are going in the most costliest and chaotic week of the year.
Manali Local sightseeing which includes Hadimba Temple, Manu Temple, Mall Road, Local Monastery, Vashisth Hot Water Springs (never found it interesting) etc, Snow Points are at either at Solang Valley or Marhi/Gulaba on the way to Rohtang Pass and do check out Naggar Castle (stay at Naggar and enjoy the place if possible).
I hope that helps. Please let me know incase you need more details or have some queries or doubts.
If interested in more details on Manali including sightseeing places, accommodation options, food joints, etc you can go through the Manali travel guide available at the link here
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
I will be visiting Manali, Kullu, Kasol, and Malana on 16th November to 24th November. What are the best chances for me to see Fresh Snow Fall? Which place is best bet during this period? Please suggest. I am also following the weather in AccuWeather website but it is very unpredictable.
Hello Vijay,
Rohtang Pass will close down in a week or two. Well, yes at that time you might be able to see snow stock around the snow points of Marhi or Rohtang Pass whichever is open. So, if snow is the priority then you might get lucky but for snowfall best bet is that, you keep the plan flexible and keep a check on weather updates on the day you plan to visit. The links here: Rohtang Pass, Kothi and Manali regions respectively can be helpful for you in tracking the weather updates of Manali and around. If it says raining in Manali, or rains/snow at Kothi or snows at Rohtang Pass then expect snowfall at nearby snow points of Solang and Marhi/Gulaba etc. As far as snow is concerned, you will find plenty of snow out there.
Manali Local sightseeing which includes Hadimba Temple, Manu Temple, Mall Road, Local Monastery, Vashisth Hot Water Springs (never found it interesting) etc, Snow Points are at either at Solang Valley or Marhi/Gulaba on the way to Rohtang Pass and do check out Naggar Castle (stay at Naggar and enjoy the place if possible).
Johnson's, Jimmy Johnson's, Manali Heights are some good options of stay in Manali. For cheap and economic options you can explore hotels around Manali – Naggar Road, Old Manali and Vashisht.
I hope that helps. Please let me know incase you need more details or have some queries or doubts.
If interested in more details on Manali including sightseeing places, accommodation options, food joints, etc you can go through the Manali travel guide available at the link here
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Dheeraj thanks for ur details
Dheeraj ji,
I am travelling to manali on nov 17 and 18. Will i be able to see triloknath and mirukula temple near keylong?
Hi Sri,
I do not think so as the Manali – Leh road will officially close down on 10th November. Even if it do not get closed, I will not advice you to attempt crossing Rohtang Pass as weather can change any night there and you may get stuck.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Planning to visit Manali from 30 Dec 12 to 02 Jan 13. Is Rohtang Pass likely to be open at that time of the year??
Rohtang Pass will close down in a week or two Girish. Well, yes at that time you will be able to see snow stock around the snow points of Gulaba/Marhi or Solang Valley whichever is open. So, if snow is the priority then there are no issues but for snowfall best bet is that, you keep the plan flexible and keep a check on weather updates on the day you plan to visit. The links here: Rohtang Pass, Kothi and Manali regions respectively can be helpful for you in tracking the weather updates of Manali and around. If it says raining in Manali, or rains/snow at Kothi or snows at Rohtang Pass then expect snowfall at nearby snow points of Solang and Marhi/Gulaba etc. As far as snow is concerned, you will find plenty of snow out there.
Manali Local sightseeing which includes Hadimba Temple, Manu Temple, Mall Road, Local Monastery, Vashisth Hot Water Springs (never found it interesting) etc, Snow Points are at either at Solang Valley or Marhi/Gulaba on the way to Rohtang Pass and do check out Naggar Castle (stay at Naggar and enjoy the place if possible).
Johnson's, Jimmy Johnson's, Manali Heights are some good options of stay in Manali. For cheap and economic options you can explore hotels around Manali – Naggar Road, Old Manali and Vashisht.
I hope that helps. Please let me know incase you need more details or have some queries or doubts.
If interested in more details on Manali including sightseeing places, accommodation options, food joints, etc you can go through the Manali travel guide available at the link here
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Thanx Dheeraj for such a detailed and prompt reply. Highly appreciated. Regards.
Hi Dheeraj,
Me & my friends are planning to go to Leh via Manali on 20th Oct by Renault Duster. Will it be appropriate at this time of the year? Further can we take our own vehicle? Do we need to take some permission for the same & how difficult is to get the permission?
Hello Atul,
Well, it is quite late in the season for Manali – Leh Highway. It is a risk to travel on those dates and I rarely advice people running over Manali – Leh highway that late in the season. There will be chilly conditions especially during night and morning as most of the lakes and water has started to freeze around there. Manay of the accommodation will not be available at Sarchu and Pang, so you need to dash out from Keylong to Leh in one dya and keeping shorter days with forzen water/ice on roads, you will not be able to make early starts as well.
Better plan it next year.
I hope this helps. Please let me know in case you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj
Thanks for the detailed Info Dheeraj
Hi again,
We have now decided to go via Srinagar/Kargil. We will be starting on 21st from Jammu & will be staying at Srinagar & Kargil on the way to Leh. Will there be risk of stucking up in snow for 6 months if we take our own vehicle or should we hire taxi from Srinagar. Further can u inform if self driven taxis are available at Srinagar?
Atul, if I were you I will not take chance riding/driving down my vehicle that late in the season. And, sorry I do not think there is any agency that give taxis/cars/bikes for Self-Drives in Srinagar.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
hello dheeraj,
Firstly it is great to know there is someone out there giving information about these places.
Secondly we are a group of photography students from Hyderabad planing a road trip to Leh starting on 26NOV, We will reach Bareilly from there Manali and from there to Leh. We have no time constrain.
We shall reach Manali by 2nd of DEC. This will be pretty much our schedule with some minor changes.
Now we are skeptical about….
1. Is it a good time to visit Manali and drive to Leh?
2. Will there be a problem if we have a other state self driven vehical ?
3. More than anything is it possible to drive from Manali to Leh in a SWIFT ? Considering the road conditions.
4. The weather, can it be a problem for driving at that point of year.
5. If you think we can make the trip happen can give us some safety tips for driving .
6. What about camping? Can we camp on the way to Leh from Manali ?
7. On the tarmac if there is one, do we need be careful about black snow on it.
Can you please clear our skepticism and help us make this trip happen.
Thank you.
Harsha
Harsha, you cannot make a road trip at this time of the year. If you still interested to fly in to Leh then let me know
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj can u plz tell me right time to go manali leh highway by car for next year
Hi Moin,
The Manali – Leh road opens up mid of June types. Mid June to mid July ie before monsoons, it is always the best time to go of course the road conditions barely improves all round the year but at least you are spared by rains. If you want comparatively OK roads than bad roads then try in September end.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Dear Dheeraj ji
We are plane to going Leh via Manali by Bikes. First week of this December. So pls tell me is it correct time? or suggest time to visit this place.
From Bhavin Patel
(08866008080)
Hi,
Please Plan for Next year June though Sep any time Between.
June – Weather will be cold
July – Ideal time for Biking
Aug – Monsoon begins, Still many travel
September – Monsoon.
hope this helps..
G.Shivasankar
Hi Dheeraj,
A big thanks for all the info you have put in the blogs…wonderful to find a helping hand for people who are not accostomed to the heights.
I have a couple of questions before deciding on my honeymoon trip to Delhi-Shimla-Manali during dec8th/15th for a week. Please do answer them when you find some free time…
1. We are from Bangalore and the trip is for a week. The plan is to touch Delhi from where the operators pick us and take to Shimla and Manali. Dos it sound like a good thing to do considering the time of the year?
2. I am planning to take package tours (they would transport us from delhi in a volvo or an indica). So how would be the road conditions during that time? The last thing we would want is to get stuck in a sub-zero-ish weather and missing our flight back to Bangalore!!
3. Is it advisable to get the woollens from Delhi or a shopping in Shimla would suffice? Which would be a less expensive option? Since we are from Bangalore, the woollens would be obsolete after the trip; so is there any shop where in we can sell off the Jackets?
Kindly help us with your valuable suggestions and inputs.
Cheers
Anoop
Hello Anoop,
1. Yes, it looks like a good option. Better go via Volvo as it might help you relax a bit for overnight journey.
2. Hmmm, well you can make it at your own as well and may not need any operator in between. Will give you more flexibility as well as save good amount of money too. Road conditions will be fine at that time and since you are going by rented vehicles it is very unlikely to get stranded at Manali or Shimla
3. Better get woolens either from your home town or in Delhi as in Shimla or Manali, you will get them at high prices considering you will be tourist to them. Not sure about the renting or selling them back. Sorry on that front.
I hope this helps. Please let me know in case you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
hi Dheeraj
i m planning a trip to leh ladakh dis october via flight Ex Delhi. Can u please tell is it safe to go den? my trip is planned freom 7-12 oct.please reply asap.
Hello Manita,
Yes, by flight it shall be fine. Do carry heavy woolens with you as it might already be very cold nights out there in Ladakh.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Dear Deeraj,
we are planning to go from chandigarh to manali to leh to ladakh to srinagar to chandigarh for abt 17days starting from sept 28th by bike will u please let us know if all the roads will be opened bcoz we are coming from bangalore.
regards
anoopam & friends
hi deeraj
can u let us know if the roads will be open
Hello Dheeraj,
After numerous readings and searches, I finally stumbled across this blog of yours and boy am I glad!!
Before I state my questions, I would like to thank you for doing what you are doing. The information available on the internet and various forums stand next to crap as compared to kind of information available here. Hats off!!
I will be travelling to manali on the 2nd of October and will be returning on the 6th of October. I shall be travelling with my fiance by road in my toyota corolla altis and we plan on visiting solang, rohtang pass and manikaran. My questions for you are:
1) If I want to drive down to rohtang pass, are the road conditions from manali to rohtang good enough for my corolla altis, it being a sedan?? Or do you suggest hiring a 4×4 car there?
2) Do I need a permit to visit rohtang pass or there is no need for it as I wont be passing through it, just visiting it?
3) Are the roads good to travel with my sedan to solang or again the option of 4×4 is better?
4) Any chances we might experience snowfall at rohtang or snow shower as many call it??
5) Any idea about road conditions enroute manikaran??
Sorry for the long list of questions. I really want to visit all these places by my own car as that would really make this trip worth while. But if you suggest otherwise, I might go with the car hire option, though I hate it!
Please let me know what your suggestions are.
Regards,
Anubhav
Hello Anubhav,
Thanks alot buddy, glad that you found the information present on the blog so useful.
1. You will not be allowed to take your own vehicle for visiting Rohtang Pass. Only vehicles (non-HP ones) going beyond Rohtang Pass are allowed and that too when they take permit from SDM in Manali. So, you have to say that you are going to Leh or Lahaul and then only you will get the permit but condtions though might improve but as of now they are pretty bad. So, better avoid all that fuss and go in a hired taxi.
2. In your own vehicle outside Himachal, permit is required to go beyond ROhtang Pass. For just Rohtang Pass, permit will not be issued.
3. Yes, for Solang Valley it shall be manageable but ahead of Gulaba the road starts to worsen.
4. Totally depends upon your luck and even if that happen, that would be at Marhi or Rohtang Pass.
5. Again mix of good and bad and even upto Manali around Bilaspur especially they are bad. But, at least I feel the slush part will be gone by that time, so you will get bad roads with craters in it but atleast dry ones.
Just for Rohtang Pass, I will say hire a local taxi to avoid any fuss (you might like suggestion once you seee what fuss I am talking about) rest shall be OK to manage in your car itself.
Manali Local sightseeing which includes Hadimba Temple, Manu Temple, Mall Road, Local Monastery, Vashisth Hot Water Springs (never found it interesting) etc, Snow Points are at either at Solang Valley or Marhi/Gulaba on the way to Rohtang Pass and do check out Naggar Castle (stay at Naggar and enjoy the place if possible).
Johnson's, Jimmy Johnson's, Manali Heights are some good options of stay in Manali. For cheap and economic options you can explore hotels around Manali – Naggar Road, Old Manali and Vashisht.
I hope that helps. Please let me know incase you need more details or have some queries or doubts.
If interested in more details on Manali including sightseeing places, accommodation options, food joints, etc you can go through the Manali travel guide available at the link here
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Dear Dheeraj,
Thank you so much for the clarification. With your advice, I can now plan the trip much more efficiently.
We shall be staying at the Rocks Manali Hotel, heard a lot about it and thought should give it a try
Initially I was planning to start from Delhi around 4am so that we can reach Manali by 4pm or so, is this doable or does it take more time?
Another thing, I shall be travelling with my fiance, so do you recommend starting my journey at night in order to save some time and reach Manali in the morning or starting early morning would be better?
A lot of people recommended me to stay at the naggar castle for one night, what are your thoughts on that?
Lastly, how long is the stretch that I bad from Bilaspur and are the craters really deep or just rought patches?? I dont want my sedan to come back rattling and in a bad shape
Overall, are the roads good bad or average??
Thanks for all the help buddy, you are surely doing a great deal of help!!
Regards,
Anubhav
Hi Dheeraj,
Nice to see lot of very usefull info given by you. I am planning to vist Manali form 26th to 29th Sept. Please guide me abt rohtang pass, and if i would be able to see some snow.
Hi Anil,
You will not be able to find the snow at that time of the year. For 4 days:
Day 1 | Reach Manali
Day 2 | Manali Local Sightseeing
Day 3 | Manali – Solang Valley / Rohtang Pass – Manali
Day 4 | Manali – Naggar Castle – Manali
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
Buddy u r doing a very good job by guiding us all on tour. I am going to leh laddak on 29th sept. by our own jeep. we have plan for 8 day tour. what u suggest via which via we will go. leh manali highway or srinagar leh highway as we have to come back to delhi on 7th oct. 2nd after reading ur posts i came to know that in manali we have to take permit to pass rohtang and it will may take 1 days in process. Is the roads will be open at that time.
Thanks in advance
Praveen
hi Praveen,
8 days is too less for a road trip to Leh. You do not have an option other than to opt for Manali route because Srinagar route itself takes a day more. not sure what exactly you will be visiting in 2 days in Leh because it will need 3 days to reach Leh via Manali and 3 days to come back leaving you with just 2 days in Leh. So, in two days first day you can get the permit done for Pangong Tso and do local sightseeing and then next day, go for the Pangong Tso day trip and restart the journey back with night halt at Sarchu.
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for info. Kindly tell how much time will it take for getting permission in manali for crossing rohtang pass. do u have any hotel or agent contact number thru whom we can get this permit in advance.
Thanks
Praveen
Hello Praveen,
It will not take more than 15-20 minutes and I guess someone recently updated that office remain open on all seven days to issue these permits. Sorry, I do not have an contact to get that in advance.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
First of all Thanks for your Patience in answering to each of the query
Well I am have booked for a Manali trip between 25th Oct to 29th Oct. This is my second visit to Manali. I had visited in Nov 2011. I would like to know about the weather conditions there ( Minimum temperature it can drop to ). And my main concern is about the snowfall. Can we find any fresh snow in Rohtang during this period. Please help
Hi Sowmya,
Rohtang Pass will be open by then but there will be little chances of snowfall. Still, it is always hard to predict snowfall as it depends on the luck and the weather on the day you plan to visit
… The links here: Rohtang Pass, Kothi and Manali regions respectively can be helpful for you in tracking the weather updates of Manali and around. If it says raining in Manali, or rains/snow at Kothi or snows at Rohtang Pass then expect snowfall at nearby snow points of Solang and Marhi/Gulaba etc.
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for your reply firstly.
Secondly U have mentioned that we can find snow stock in Solang/Marhi. In addition to this, Rohtang being at an higher altitude than Solang, can we find snow at Rohtang.
Also are there any chances of skiing at Rohtang?
I am really sorry Sowmya for the confusion
… bad habits of copy-paste. You will not find snow stocks there at that time of the year.
Sorry again!!
Regards
Dheeraj
Thank U !!
What could be the minimum temp in Manali during that period??
What kind of clothing is preferred??
Hello Sowmya,
Temperatures could be low to about 6-7 degree C and high could be around 20-22 degree C. So do carry woolens and thermals, at least a pair as nights may get pretty cold.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
I am glad to see that there are snow showers in Rohtang. Based on this can u plz temme if v can find fresh snow by end of Oct
Saturday
22/09/2012 23:00–05:00 0° Snow Showers 0.4 mm Light air, 1 m/s from east-northeast
Looks promising then in that case
and also I have updated the last comment accordingly. If there happen to be snow around that week then only it will be available at Rohtang Pass otherwise very hard to find snow at that time of the year.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hai Dheeraj,
We (2 4×4 SUV, 8 person) are planning to visit leh ladakh this october. we are from kerala and reach delhi on 5th. Please give me a trip plan through manali leh route covering most of the passes and places. a 10 to12 days plan is ok. thanks
Hi Renjith,
That is really nice to know. Firstly, I will suggest you that please plan it in other direction as going via Srinagar – Leh Highway will be much much easier on your body and help you acclimatize to the high altitude of Manali – Leh Highway. Also, it allows you to enjoy the beauty of Manali – Leh by splitting the journey almost evenly in two days which is very difficult in the other direction. Thirdly, it will allow you to fit Tso Moriri lake into the itinerary in better way. You can read more reasons on the link here
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travelers including me at the link here for 14-15 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
For accommodation, check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate and cheap budget hotels as well in the series of articles starting on the link here
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hello Dheeraj,
I am fully satisfied with your itinerary and thanks for your help. as per our plan we start our return trip from leh to manali on 16th october, does the manali leh highway open this time? please help me to include marsimik la pass to this itinerary.
Hi Renjith,
The Manali – Leh Highway usually closes in October or by late October and it is quite risky to travel that late in the season but BRO does clear the road upto late October. There might be snowfall which may close the road as well for a day or two in that case you need to wait for a while.
So, if you are OK with the points mentioned in the article here then only go with it and Raid – De Himalaya would be running at that time only.
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hai Dheeraj,
please help me to include marsimik la pass to this itinerary. And we are planning to come through shimla and utharakhand. Do you have any itinerary of utharakhand starting from shimla and ending at delhi on this october.
Hi Renjith,
If you want to cover Marsimik La then you may add a day’s stay at Pangong Tso to do that. If you wanna come via Uttarakhand, then let me know the places you want to cover. Once, you reach Manali you can go to Shimla or Jalori Pass/Narkanda and then go towards Chakrata to go to Dehradun from there, guess via Tiuni. Then, once you are in Dehradun it depends what you need to explore and how many days you have in hand
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hello Dheeraj,
thank you for ur reply. from manali we come down to shimla. from there to uttaranchal. need to visit dehradun, mussoorie, haruduar, rishikesh, yamunotri, gangotri, badrinath, kedarnath, nainital and to delhi. max 5 days at uttaranchal.please give me a detailed itinerary including route. also please guide me how to go to marsimek la pass from pangong tso and coming back and that days stay. We are starting october 5th from kerala fully following your itinerary. So we need more help from you.
Hi Renjith,
For Marsimikk La, do it like Leh to Tangste/Lukung(Pangong Tso) on first day, Tangste/Lukung(Pangong Tso) – Marsimik La – Spangmik/Lukung(), and finally third day return to Leh.
In 5 days all these places are not possible, better do it like:
Day 1 : Shimla – Chakrata – Mussoorie
Day 2 : Mussoorie – Rishikesh after spending half of the day at Mussoorie and half at Rishikesh
Day 3 : Rishikesh to Nainitaal
Day 4 : Nainitaal
Day 5 : Nainitaal – Delhi
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Can you please suggest plan that we should follow during our trip…
Hi Dheeraj,
we are are going to leh on 15th september from delhi, will come back on 22nd.so Can you please tell me, where can we get some snow in leh.
Hello Gaurav,
You might not be able to touch any snow at this time of the year in Leh – Ladakh. I am not sure if you are flying in and flying out or going by road? If you can tell me that I will share the plan with you buddy.
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
We are going by car…departing from Delhi on 14th sep night.
Hi Gaurav,
8 days are too less buddy. Still, I will suggest a plan like below and you may try to stretch in the last days of the trip to make it in 8 days.
Day 1 | Delhi – Manali/Solang Valley
– Better stay at Solang Valley and avoid Manali as sleeping at Solang Valley does help in acclimatization
– If going by own car, get the permit made in advance to drive on Manali – Rohtang Pass road through hotel/travel agent in Manali
– Overnight at Manali/Solang Valley
Day 2 | Manali/Solang Valley – Keylong/Jispa
– It is always better to stay either at Keylong/Jispa so that you do not feel sick or hit by AMS.
– Avoid sleeping at Sarchu at any cost while going to Leh from Manali because your body will not be acclimatized by the time you reach there.
– I prefer staying at Jispa more because Keylong gives the feeling of a town while Jispa is more closer to nature having Bhaga river running just aside the Manali – Leh Highway at Jispa.
– Overnight at Keylong/Jispa
Day 3 | Keylong/Jispa – Leh
– Leave Keylong/Jispa early next morning, say by 4/5 AM types, so that you reach Leh in the evening.
– Overnight at Leh
Day 4 | Leh + Inner Line Permits + Leave for Nubra Valley by 11 AM ( Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder)
– For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
– Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
– On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
– Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 5 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
– Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
– Overnight at Leh
Day 6 | Leh – Pangong Tso Lake – Leh
– Day trip to Pangong Tso
– Overnight at Leh
Day 7 | Leh – Taglang La – Moore Plains – Pang – Sarchu
– Stay overnight at Sarchu
Day 8 | Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
– On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only
– Overnight at Manali
Day 9 | Manali – Delhi
– Return home
Day 10 | Buffer day to be kept incase of road closure due to landslides or snowfall or perhaps you want to enjoy more.
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Can we see snow at Rohtang pass around 20-23rd sept.
we are planning to visit manali around 20th sep, 2012. Please advise the weather status so that we can prepare accordingly
Hi Vinod,
Snow at this time of the year is highly likely at Rohtang Pass. Nights would have started getting cold up there though day time would remain pleasant.
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
When do we expect the Leh Manali Road to close for this season in winter , can a road trip from srinagar to manali be planned starting oct 13
Hello Aman,
I would suggest that you go through the article below before planning the trip: 5 Reasons to Avoid Manali – Leh Highway in Late September or October
Though BRO might keep the highway operational upto late October but first Raid – De – Himalayas might happen at that time creating trouble for you, secondly it gets very cold and most importantly you might face a delay or two due to intermittent snowfall.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
hi,
when is the right time to visit shimla kullu manali?
Hi Shwetha,
If you want to see some snow then probably go in December or at least post mid of November.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
i want to knw the current status of rohtang frds have just planned to go for a trip to rohtang so i request me to tell me the current status realed snowfall, wheather, condition .
Hi Ankur,
Current status is more or like similar that about 2-3 KMs of stretch between Marhi to Rohtang Pass is having deep slush which is difficult to negotiate a bit but manageable.
Regards
Dheeraj
Thanks for inputs , i have new I 20 diesel and want to drive leh around 15 Oct, is it possible. Is I 20 diesel is good car for this expedition
Hi Gagarin,
Well, October 15th migh be very late. Please stay away atleast from Manali – Leh Highway as it might get closed for several days due to heavy snowfall at any of the passes en-route. Plus most likely Raid – De Himalayas might happen in that week which will surely trouble you. Better plan it next year I will say.
For hatchback/sedan taking on Manali – Leh Highway and Ladakh, I will say:
You will indeed face few tough challenges on the route. The hatchback/sedan will increase the level of every challenge even further, sedan is the worst candidate. My suggestion will be to go via Srinagar route as it will help you feel comfortable with the driving, provide more acclimatization and then once you have done the local Leh-Ladakh, then come back via Manali side. Secondly, since you are in hatch/sedan, then you need to drive with extra care as well. There will be some sections on the Manali – Leh highway in which you might need to sacrifice some scratches on the underbelly. Just make sure you do not bump the engine sump (know it before where it is placed in your car). You need to protect it all around the trip. Thirdly, whenever in doubt do not rush into the section rather park aside and feel the section with your foot, see how other vehicles are crossing it and make a planned route in your mind to cross that section. At the very least do carry Mseal, quick fix, funnel, jerry cans and towing rope with you all the time.
Also, I will strongly suggest that you go through and read my series on Ladakh Self Drive tips at the links below:
7 Useful Tips for a Self Drive to Leh – Ladakh, Routes and Road Conditions In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips, Fuel Availability In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hey Dheeraj,
Firstly thanks a lot for putting up a place where we can discuss about Leh trip.
I want to travel from Delhi-Manali-Leh-Delhi in another 2 more days..
So that will be Sep 2nd il start from delhi in a hacthback car. The whole trip is for 8 to 10 days.
The help I need from you:
1.Could you please tell me a proper plan for this trip?
2. Is it safe for 4 guys to travel in a i10 car in this route?(I had some news that ppl get robbed n stuff if we are in small groups).
3. I have no idea where and all il have to take permits. I drive my own vehicle. So please tell me the places il have to take the premit, their timings and their contact details if available.
4. Are the roads to Leh from Manali open now?
I would wait for your reply. Fingers crossed! hope u reply soon!
In between il read the above link which says How to Hire or rent a bike….
Cheers
Hello Nanda,
2. It might be burdened considering luggage as well. And, I have never heard anyone being robbed in past 4 years I am into love for this place. May be upto Manali this might happen but thereafter it is almost completely safe from human crimes.
3. For permits within Leh – Ladakh and Manali – Rohtang Pass roads, please read the article here and here respectively.
4. Yes, roads are open.
1. Plan for 10 days is below:
Day 1 | Delhi – Manali/Solang Valley
– Better stay at Solang Valley and avoid Manali as sleeping at Solang Valley does help in acclimatization
– If going by own car, get the permit made in advance to drive on Manali – Rohtang Pass road through hotel/travel agent in Manali
– Overnight at Manali/Solang Valley
Day 2 | Manali/Solang Valley – Keylong/Jispa
– It is always better to stay either at Keylong/Jispa so that you do not feel sick or hit by AMS.
– Avoid sleeping at Sarchu at any cost while going to Leh from Manali because your body will not be acclimatized by the time you reach there.
– I prefer staying at Jispa more because Keylong gives the feeling of a town while Jispa is more closer to nature having Bhaga river running just aside the Manali – Leh Highway at Jispa.
– Overnight at Keylong/Jispa
Day 3 | Keylong/Jispa – Leh
– Leave Keylong/Jispa early next morning, say by 4/5 AM types, so that you reach Leh in the evening.
– Overnight at Leh
Day 4 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Inner Line Permits
– Local sightseeing include Namgyal Gompa, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Shankar Gompa, Main Market, Hall of Fame, Spituk Gompa, Changspa Road Stroll in evening
– For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
– Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
– Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
– On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
– Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 6 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
– Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
– Overnight at Leh
Day 7 | Leh – Pangong Tso Lake – Leh
– Day trip to Pangong Tso
– Overnight at Leh
Day 8 | Leh – Taglang La – Moore Plains – Pang – Sarchu
– Stay overnight at Sarchu
Day 9 | Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
– On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only
– Overnight at Manali
Day 10 | Manali – Delhi
– Return home
Day 11 | Buffer day to be kept incase of road closure due to landslides or snowfall or perhaps you want to enjoy more.
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
I am planning a manali leh trip on 25th august with a stay at jispa according to Ur advice, I would just like to know the present road state .And I am an heart patient so what precautions should I take???
Hi Nitin,
Present road conditions are not that good, there were landslides reported in around Lahaul as well last night,no news in media though but a local told yesterday. Weather might not be favourable at this point with rains predicted in coming days as well. For precautions, I will suggest you check with your doctor.
Sorry for the delayed reply.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj
could you please tell me the names of the camps available at Pangong Lake along with their contact details.
Hi Amey,
For accommodation, check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate and cheap budget hotels as well in the series of articles starting on the link here
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hello Dheeraj,
I’m planing for travelling from Delhi to Leh (with one night stay plan at Manali and Jispa respectively) on 16th August. Could you please let us know the road condition as of now ? You advice will he very helpful for me.
Thank you
Surya
Hi Surya,
May be this is late but road conditions are pretty bad especially over Manali – Rohtang Pass stretch. Other than that roads are mix of good and bad.
Regards
Dheeraj
Thanks Dheeraj,
This piece of information will be of much help in order to plan my travelling plan today. (w.r.t time of travel). Anyway I feel my Endeavour will be able to manage the off-road. For other folks I will update the road condition once I reach Leh.
Thank you
-Surya
All the best Surya for the Ladakh trip
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
I have been following your information regarding the status of manali leh highway. Your information was last updated on 1 June 2012. People wants information on the manali – Leh highway particularly during monsoon season when the road condition is uncertain. Now the administration has blocked the Manali – Leh highway after the cloud burst around Palchan area yesterday that is on 3rd August 2012. but still your information says that Manali – Leh highway is ‘OPEN”. What is it? If you can’t update your information, at least don’t fool the people.
I respect your sentiments!! Please be aware I am a single person and the blog is just for informational purpose only. You will find 100000s more such blogs and forums over the internet. I have my limitations and yes, you are right the info. was last updated on June 1st?? Isn’t?? So, how come I am making fool of someone? I have written the info. is updated last on June 1st not yesterday??? I request you to read my About page and I do a job for my and my family bread and butter and plus I am not even available online always. I would have accepted your point I would have updated the information and still the road status is closed!!
Also, to let you know in monsoons, this happens every other day!! Do you expect me to update you every other hour? Buddy, please chill, I do take out my precious time off my family and friends to help fellow travelers at best. The info. is present here, if you want to take it, then please else you have your own choice.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
I second Dheeraj,
There are thousands of people taken the knowledge and information from this Blog/Dheeraj and made a fantastic heavenly trip safely. Even i have taken all his help and my friends taken efficient and best route, delhi-srinagar-leh-manali-delhi. They had real time fun and returned back on 30th July safely as scheduled The Credit goes to Mr. Dheeraj.
One can not predict and clearly say how, why, when, where mother nature will turn beautiful and worst. When one can not predict the whether and climate there, we come here and read FREE information.
Thus it might have got some limitation, let’s agree to it.
G.Shivasankar
Bangalore.
Thanks alot Shiva for these words of appreciation and understanding my limitations with such things!! Badly needed as it feels really sad sometimes to read such comments where people expect you to be online for themselves all the time and that too for FREE
… Disgusting!! The only thing that pissed me here is the question on fooling the people, as if it is so hard to understand that information was outdated that day. But, anyways such frustrations are bound to happen when there is no means of live updates on these road conditions by our infrastructure…
Just try my best to keep the info. updated but yes sometimes, I have my own limitations of not being online always
Regards
Dheeraj
Mr Ugly name,fools like you can only point fingers and criticise instead of appreciating the help and guidance provided by a working class Indian…u seems to be a big time looser.
Hi Ankur,
Thanks again for understanding my limitations and what effort has been put in here just to keep this blog running and help other fellow travelers to execute their journeys. I felt really bad to read that comment but finally have overcome it with a smile seeing comments from the fellows like you and Shiva and other, who understand my limitations and stand for it. Really thankful for the same.
Regards
Dheeraj
Dear Thokmay,
Dheeraj does not have any vested interest in not updating the current status on this page.You have just read the initial portion of this page. What you have not read is the thousands of replies that dheeraj has given to each and every query posted here.If you would have you would not post what you have written here. Infact as a responsible netizen you could have updated us all on the current status and i am sure dheeraj would have been more than happy to update the same here.This site is by far the most informative site or planning your travel to ladakh. If you cant contribute positively here atleast do not spoil the spirit in which this man is helping everyone
Hi Ajay,
Thanks alot Ajay for understanding my concerns as well as limitations along with the effort put in here. It really helps to keep up the Spirit and yes, it definitely helps to run a forum with many people contributing their ideas and even when people comment on the blog, I try to update the information present in the articles with their experiences, suggestions etc. giving due credit to them. But, since it is blog so have limitations for other readers to add info. to the already present article and if he might have gone through the comments, probably he would have understood it aptly. May be now he would have got the message
Thanks to all of you for understanding me and my concerns with this regard.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hey Dheeraj how are you?? Well i would like to ask to that we are planning a trip to leh in start of august month so what are the road conditions of manali-leh route can we travel by ford fiesta i mean is it the right vehicle to go to leh via manali waiting for your reply ……Thanking You
Hello Sonia,
I am doing fine, thanks. Well, since it is monsoon time, at some parts of Manali – Leh Highway (like before Baralacha La) and Srinagar – Leh Highway (like before Kargil) you might need to face monsoon hassles but once you get closer to Ladakh, then Ladakh being rain shadow region is least affected by monsoon rains, though rains does reach Ladakh now but to minimum and mostly it might remains overcast conditions. There is no thumb rule of certainity about weather conditions but above is generally common pictures seen over last few years except ugly 2010 …
For hatchback/sedan taking on Manali – Leh Highway and Ladakh, I will say:
You will indeed face few tough challenges on the route. The hatchback/sedan will increase the level of every challenge even further, sedan is the worst candidate. My suggestion will be to go via Srinagar route as it will help you feel comfortable with the driving, provide more acclimatization and then once you have done the local Leh-Ladakh, then come back via Manali side. Secondly, since you are in hatch/sedan, then you need to drive with extra care as well. There will be some sections on the Manali – Leh highway in which you might need to sacrifice some scratches on the underbelly. Just make sure you do not bump the engine sump (know it before where it is placed in your car). You need to protect it all around the trip. Thirdly, whenever in doubt do not rush into the section rather park aside and feel the section with your foot, see how other vehicles are crossing it and make a planned route in your mind to cross that section. At the very least do carry Mseal, quick fix, funnel, jerry cans and towing rope with you all the time.
Also, I will strongly suggest that you go through and read my series on Ladakh Self Drive tips at the links below:
7 Useful Tips for a Self Drive to Leh – Ladakh, Routes and Road Conditions In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips, Fuel Availability In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
hi dheeraj.. im on a trip to leh via manali in mid august. is there any place where we can see snow on the way to leh….
or can we find snow in gul marg srinagar…
Hello Ujjwal,
Snow does melt mostly at almost all the places by mid-August. You might be able to find some at high mountain passes like Baralacha La, Khardung La (on other hills aside). Otherwise, I do not think it will be accessible in August anywhere else.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
hi dheeraj thanks for the suggestions …i have heard that @ rothang pass there is snow throughout the year…is it true or wt ??? or can we see snow on the way to srinagar to leh ….
Hmm… Mostly, but by August it becomes deserted and even if you will get some, it will all be dirty snow. Much better chances around roads of Baralacha La.
Regards
Dheeraj
Dear Dheeraj,
I am planning to be in Manali for a week from 25th December 2012 till 31st December, 2012. What are the chances of experiencing snow fall during that period? OR Which is the nearest point to see snow? Will rohtang pass be open till rohtang?
Gaurav V
Hello Gaurav,
First and foremost, please keep in mind that first you will be traveling in the costliest week of the year, second there will be hefty tourist rush around both Shimla and Manali and third that you will need pre-booking at either of the places to avoid sleeping in taxi/bus itself (I am not joking but around X-mas and new year, have known people who slept in car
)
Rohtang Pass will not be open by then and there will be high chances of snowfall. Still, it is always hard to predict snowfall as it depends on the luck and the weather on the day you plan to visit
… Well, yes at that time you will be able to see ample of snow stock around the snow points of Gulaba/Marhi or Solang Valley. So, if snow is the priority then there are no issues but for snowfall best bet is that, you keep the plan flexible and keep a check on weather updates on the day you plan to visit. The links here: Rohtang Pass, Kothi and Manali regions respectively can be helpful for you in tracking the weather updates of Manali and around. If it says raining in Manali, or rains/snow at Kothi or snows at Rohtang Pass then expect snowfall at nearby snow points of Solang and Marhi/Gulaba etc. As far as snow is concerned, you will find plenty of snow out there.
Manali Local sightseeing which includes Hadimba Temple, Manu Temple, Mall Road, Local Monastery, Vashisth Hot Water Springs (never found it interesting) etc, Snow Points are at either at Solang Valley or Marhi/Gulaba on the way to Rohtang Pass and do check out Naggar Castle (stay at Naggar and enjoy the place if possible).
Johnson's, Jimmy Johnson's, Manali Heights are some good options of stay in Manali. For cheap and economic options you can explore hotels around Manali – Naggar Road, Old Manali and Vashisht. There will be plenty of hotels arranging the parties and you can check in at Johnson's, Jimmy Johnson's, Piccadily, Manali Heights, Snow Valley Resorts, Club House Discotheque etc.
I hope that helps. Please let me know incase you need more details or have some queries or doubts.
If interested in more details on Manali including sightseeing places, accommodation options, food joints, etc you can go through the Manali travel guide available at the link here
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
hi dheeraj, i have some queries for my trip to manali and rohtang, can we talk to each other. can i have your contact no plz. u can sms me your mob no my no—9352776190. plz dear
Hi Deepak,
I will sms you my contact number.
Regards
Dheeraj
hi Dheeraj, you are doing a great job…. i need a help … we are 4 people planning a trip to leh going via srinagar n coming back via manali from 21st july onward, we have a verna car, n want your suggestion if taking our own car is a good decision or not?????
i would really appreciate anythinf you can tell… thanks
Hello Gurpreet,
For hatchback/sedan taking on Manali – Leh Highway and Ladakh, I will say:
You will indeed face few tough challenges on the route. The hatchback/sedan will increase the level of every challenge even further, sedan is the worst candidate. My suggestion will be to go via Srinagar route as it will help you feel comfortable with the driving, provide more acclimatization and then once you have done the local Leh-Ladakh, then come back via Manali side. Secondly, since you are in hatch/sedan, then you need to drive with extra care as well. There will be some sections on the Manali – Leh highway in which you might need to sacrifice some scratches on the underbelly. Just make sure you do not bump the engine sump (know it before where it is placed in your car). You need to protect it all around the trip. Thirdly, whenever in doubt do not rush into the section rather park aside and feel the section with your foot, see how other vehicles are crossing it and make a planned route in your mind to cross that section. At the very least do carry Mseal, quick fix, funnel, jerry cans and towing rope with you all the time.
Also, I will strongly suggest that you go through and read my series on Ladakh Self Drive tips at the links below:
7 Useful Tips for a Self Drive to Leh – Ladakh, Routes and Road Conditions In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips, Fuel Availability In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj
we are planning for a road trip from manali to leh.
we are group of 9 people and thinking to go by Tempo traveller as suggested by travel agent.
Can you suggest if going by tempo is a good option?
we are just thinking that we can go together if we go in one vehicle.
please suggest
Hello Ravi,
Yes, tempo traveler would be a good choice.
Regards
Dheeraj sharma
hi dheeraj,
i plan for approx 7-9 days trip.
plz do tell about passes…
thnx
Hi Siddharth,
If you want to do complete circuit then you will need at least 10 days otherwise, if you are OK with taking chance with AMS and go via Manali side then you will need at least 9 days. Below is the plan for complete circuit for 10 days:
Day 1 | Delhi – Jammu / Patnitop
– Overnight at Jammu or Patnitop
Day 2 | Jammu / Patnitop – Srinagar
– Enjoy walk around Dal lake and may be Shikara ride as well
– If you have time then check out, floating market, Shalimar Garden.
– Overnight at Srinagar
Day 3 | Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil
– Enjoy the vistas enroute
– Have late drunch meal at Drass is you are a vegetarian as sometimes it gets difficult to find veg. food at Kargil
– Overnight at Kargil
Day 4 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
– Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes
– On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu
– Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Inner Line Permits
– Local sightseeing include Namgyal Gompa, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Shankar Gompa, Main Market, Hall of Fame, Spituk Gompa, Changspa Road Stroll in evening
– For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
– Overnight at Leh
Day 6 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Leh
– Head for Nubra Valley very early in the day and come back by late evening after visiting Deskit. If you have time go little further and see Hunder sand dunes too
– On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
– Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 7 | Leh – Pangong Tso Lake – Leh
– Day trip to Pangong Tso
– Overnight at Leh
Day 8 | Leh – Taglang La – Pang – Sarchu
– Try to start early in the day so that you reach Sarchu where the accommodation options are better than Pang
– Overnight at Sarchu or Pang
Day 9 | Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
– On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only
– Overnight at Manali
Day 10 | Manali – Delhi
– Reach Home
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi dheeraj,
appreciate ur zeal for adventure and these updates. I am planning to drive manali-leh in august ( 4 people by mu owned maruti dzire. Plz suggest if it will work out and also what passes are required to go to special places..what n from where? thnks a lot..cheerz
Hi Siddharth,
How many days you have in hand? Then, only I can suggest a plan for you
Regards
Dheeraj
Hello Dheeraj,
Thanks a ton for an informative blog.
We are a group of 8 people coming to Ladakh in August, 11th-20th.
We would be hiring tourist vehicles (2 Innovas) from Chandigarh and going up to Leh via Manali.
Are tourist vehicles which are HP registered allowed to travel to Leh and to areas like Pangong, Nubra etc or would we be required to hire J&K registered vehicles from Chandigarh itself to goto these places?
Even if we get an HP registered vehicle, are there some kind of vehicle permits that would be required for Leh and beyond?
Looking forward to your reply.
Hello Rohit,
Firstly, Taxis outside Ladakh (be it HP or Chandigarh) are not allowed to do any sightseeing within Leh – Ladakh. You can use them from drop-in and take-away modes only. So, the taxi you are hiring locally must have private number plate otherwise you will have to again hire a taxi within Ladakh and pay for your local taxi without using it.
Secondly, if you are traveling on your own car or taxi which has registration outside Himchal Pradesh then you will need permit to on Manali – Rohtang Pass road (in direction from Manali to Rohtang Pass to Keylong/Leh not Keylong/Leh to Manali). If you are traveling on bike or using the public transport or shared taxis or taxis registered in Himchal Pradesh then you do not require any permits. More information about this permit and where to get it in Manali, what documents are required etc. can be found on the link: Non – HP Vehicles Need Permit on Manali – Rohtang Pass Road
So, if you take Chandigarh number you will have to get permit in Himachal Pradesh at Manali to cross Rohtang Pass but in case you hire vehicle from HP then you do not need this permit. However, in both cases you will have to hire local taxi in Leh for Leh – Ladakh sightseeing.
For the current leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2012-13 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here. You can get about 10-15% of discount by directly getting in touch with drivers and of course, talking in person rather on phone always help in bargaining more.
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj, I am planning to visit rohtang pass on July 22 or July 24 2012. Will I get to experience any snowfall?
Hello Supra,
Most likely, you will not get any snowfall but rains as snowfall do not happen in this season at Rohtang Pass. Having said that, sometimes I have read snowfall even in August at Kunzum pass. So, generally “No” but luckily “may be”
…
Regards
Dheeraj
If not snowfall, do I get to see any snow at all? Some sort of play-in-snow kind of?
Thanks for the blazingly fast response. You are probably one in million on the web to respond for free! Heartfelt thanks to you.
Hi Supra,
Thanks alot buddy
… Well, sorry to say by that time most of the snow goes away and you might not find enough to play with. Very little if somehow prevailed in some regions where Sunlight is hard to come by.
Regards
Dheeraj
Oh!
Anyway, thank you so much for your guidance.
hi
im planning a road trip to leh via manali. planned stops are:
1. manali
2. tandi
3. sarchu
4. pang
5. leh(6 day stop)
hope the stops planned r sufficient and also cater for AMS.
Also could u tell me the road condition at present and any points i should keep in mind while undertaking the journey.
regards
aman
n my trip is planned from 20th july
Hello Aman,
No stops on Manali – Leh Highway before Sarchu can acclimatize your body for the altitude of Sarchu or Pang. It is best to do it like:
1. Solang Valley instead of Manali.
2. Keylong/Jispa (I prefer Jispa more always)
3. Keylong/Jispa to Leh (start early morning and reach Leh by evening)
4. Leh rest day and permit to get more acclimatization.
This is the best way to cater to AMS while going via Manali – Leh Highway and while coming back, yes you can surely sleep at Sarchu.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hey Dheeraj,
We are Planning to visit Leh Ladakh.
and we have decided to start our journey from 18th july aroud 10pm,
firstly night stay at darcha,
and next day Leh,
i have little confusion regarding the rohtang pass,
how would we manage our trip so as we wont get any problem at rohtang pass,
we r planning to be in Mahindra Xylo our own private car,
And the other thing i want to ask is that is the Taxi's allowed in Leh Ladakh,
like if we had a tempo traveller with all india tourist permit Punjab number will it be allowed for sightseeing??
plz help us in making our trip,
we r planning for 8-9 Days Trip,
So Suggest us how we should manage everything and different sightseeing places in leh ladakh should be seen and how much time should be spent on each place,
So Plz if u can manage this much for ur that would be really very helpful for Us.
Regards: Harveer Singh
@ Deeraaj,
we r 7 Adults,
Hello Harveer,
1. First, stay at Jispa or Keylong rather than Darcha as there are much better options to stay at these places. I always prefer Jispa, being more close to nature.
2. Nopes, you will again have to hire a taxi/tempo traveler in Ladakh as well as outside Leh – Ladakh taxis are not allowed to roam in Ladakh.
3. 8 – 9 days are short, but still for 9 days you can follow something like below:
Day 1 | Delhi – Manali/Solang Valley
– Better stay at Solang Valley and avoid Manali as sleeping at Solang Valley does help in acclimatization
– If going by own car, get the permit made in advance to drive on Manali – Rohtang Pass road through hotel/travel agent in Manali
– Overnight at Manali/Solang Valley
Day 2 | Manali/Solang Valley – Keylong/Jispa
– It is always better to stay either at Keylong/Jispa so that you do not feel sick or hit by AMS.
– Avoid sleeping at Sarchu at any cost while going to Leh from Manali because your body will not be acclimatized by the time you reach there.
– I prefer staying at Jispa more because Keylong gives the feeling of a town while Jispa is more closer to nature having Bhaga river running just aside the Manali – Leh Highway at Jispa.
– Overnight at Keylong/Jispa
Day 3 | Keylong/Jispa – Leh
– Leave Keylong/Jispa early next morning, say by 4/5 AM types, so that you reach Leh in the evening.
– Overnight at Leh
Day 4 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Inner Line Permits
– Local sightseeing include Namgyal Gompa, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Shankar Gompa, Main Market, Hall of Fame, Spituk Gompa, Changspa Road Stroll in evening
– For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
– Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Leh
– Head for Nubra Valley very early in the day and come back by late evening after visiting Deskit. If you have time go little further and see Hunder sand dunes too
– On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
– Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 6 | Leh – Pangong Tso Lake – Leh
– Day trip to Pangong Tso
– Overnight at Leh
Day 7 | Leh – Taglang La – Pang – Sarchu
– Try to start early in the day so that you reach Sarchu where the accommodation options are better than Pang
– Overnight at Sarchu or Pang
Day 8 | Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
– On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only
– Overnight at Manali
Day 9 | Manali – Delhi
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
PS: Sorry, for the delayed response, was offline for last few days.
hi dheeraj,
i am planning to visit manali to rohtang pass with my wife, friend i have heard that the way to rohtang from manali is closed as there some road work is going on. is it true??? i will be there on 24th july, will it be suitable for us, plz instruct me
Hello Deepak,
No the road is not closed, but yes it gets closed from 8 AM to 12 PM every day for maintenance work and remain closed Tuesday for whole of day. So, plan it accordingly. In order to reach the top and manage the ugly messed up traffic jam at Rohtang Pass, leave positively from Manali by 4 AM types.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj, You are really doing well for those who want to come to Leh. Keep doing, my best wishes.
Me ajay soni, planing with my wife, and 1 cpl friend, (total 4ppl) will come to Leh, start from Delhi 9th August 2012 by car (swift dezire). Can you plan a trip for us. We have to come back by 16th to delhi. Is 7 days are enough or we have to extend our trip for 1-2 days. Please suggest.
Hi Ajay,
I guess, I replied to your other comment as well but I think you can extend the journey a bit. If you can, then you may like to follow a plan like below:
Day 1 | Delhi – Jammu / Patnitop
– Overnight at Jammu or Patnitop
Day 2 | Jammu / Patnitop – Srinagar
– Enjoy walk around Dal lake and may be Shikara ride as well
– If you have time then check out, floating market, Shalimar Garden.
– Overnight at Srinagar
Day 3 | Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil
– Enjoy the vistas enroute
– Have late drunch meal at Drass is you are a vegetarian as sometimes it gets difficult to find veg. food at Kargil
– Overnight at Kargil
Day 4 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
– Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes
– On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu
– Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Inner Line Permits
– Local sightseeing include Namgyal Gompa, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Shankar Gompa, Main Market, Hall of Fame, Spituk Gompa, Changspa Road Stroll in evening
– For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
– Overnight at Leh
Day 6 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Leh
– Head for Nubra Valley very early in the day and come back by late evening after visiting Deskit. If you have time go little further and see Hunder sand dunes too
– On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
– Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 7 | Leh – Pangong Tso Lake – Leh
– Day trip to Pangong Tso
– Overnight at Leh
Day 8 | Leh – Taglang La – Pang – Sarchu
– Try to start early in the day so that you reach Sarchu where the accommodation options are better than Pang
– Overnight at Sarchu or Pang
Day 9 | Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
– On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only
– Overnight at Manali
Day 10 | Manali – Delhi
For hatchback/sedan taking on Manali – Leh Highway and Ladakh, I will say:
You will indeed face few tough challenges on the route. The hatchback/sedan will increase the level of every challenge even further, sedan is the worst candidate. My suggestion will be to go via Srinagar route as it will help you feel comfortable with the driving, provide more acclimatization and then once you have done the local Leh-Ladakh, then come back via Manali side. Secondly, since you are in hatch/sedan, then you need to drive with extra care as well. There will be some sections on the Manali – Leh highway in which you might need to sacrifice some scratches on the underbelly. Just make sure you do not bump the engine sump (know it before where it is placed in your car). You need to protect it all around the trip. Thirdly, whenever in doubt do not rush into the section rather park aside and feel the section with your foot, see how other vehicles are crossing it and make a planned route in your mind to cross that section. At the very least do carry Mseal, quick fix, funnel, jerry cans and towing rope with you all the time.
Also, I will strongly suggest that you go through and read my series on Ladakh Self Drive tips at the links below:
7 Useful Tips for a Self Drive to Leh – Ladakh, Routes and Road Conditions In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips, Fuel Availability In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
hi dheeraj ,
you are doing a great job to help people who wants to experience road trip from manali to leh- ladakh , i am planing to move from ludhiana to leh by road so its about 1000 kms approx . i want to reach in 2 days , where should be my first stoppage in the whole way ? should it be rohtang or keylong ? please suggest me when i reach leh where should i visit as i have 12 days to spend there !
kind regards
Hello Shivam,
Since, you have 14 days why not start from Srinagar side and come back via Manali side? Also, doing the 1000 KMs would be tough from Manali side considering the messed up jams of Rohtang Pass and then AMS over Manali – Leh Highway while going to Leh. Moreover, if you are traveling by your own/hired car, you will need a day in Manali to get the permits for the required place.
I will suggest you that please plan it in other direction as going via Srinagar – Leh Highway will be much much easier on your body and help you acclimatize to the high altitude of Manali – Leh Highway. Also, it allows you to enjoy the beauty of Manali – Leh by splitting the journey almost evenly in two days which is very difficult in the other direction. Thirdly, it will allow you to fit Tso Moriri lake into the itinerary in better way. You can read more reasons on the link here
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travelers including me at the link here: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
For accommodation, check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh including moderate and cheap budget hotels as well in the series of articles starting on the link here
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi dheeraj, hatsoff to you that you find enough time to guide people for their trip.I am planning to go to Leh from 10th August to 20th August….I am starting from manali ….its my first time but I am a bit worried about the weather…….I am not sure that what would be the scenario Of rain and where in the journey I have to face the monsoon challenge and what are the challenges that one should expect during monsoon.
Hello Siddhartha,
Thanks alot.
Firstly, be ready for the worst at Manali – Rohtang Pass road. Then, at some parts of Manali – Leh Highway (like before Baralacha La) and Srinagar – Leh Highway (like before Kargil) you might need to face monsoon hassles but once you get closer to Ladakh, then Ladakh being rain shadow region is least affected by monsoon rains, though rains does reach Ladakh now but to minimum and mostly it might remains overcast conditions. There is no thumb rule of certainity about weather conditions but above is generally common pictures seen over last few years except ugly 2010 …
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
Firstly, great information on the blog. Doing excellent to help travelers. Well I am planning to visit Leh with my mom(62) and dad(64). None of them have heart problems. We will reach Leh by flight from Delhi. Can you please help me with some information like how much time do we need to acclimatize? What are precaution safety measures that we need to take?
Hello Debar,
Well, you need at least two days if not three of complete rest once you land in Leh for the acclimatization. Apart from keeping the body hydrated to optimum level, some other tips are mentioned in at the article linked here: Acute Mountain Sickness and Importance of Acclimatization
For first 2 days, you might like to follow something like below:
Day 1 | Delhi – Leh (By Flight)
– Checkin at Hotel. Many hotels provide free pick and drop from Airport. Ask while you book them.
– Take ample of rest as well as water or anything that keep your body hydrated enough. DO NOT OVER HYDRATE. Take ORS Soluted water or ORS – L tetra packs from home.
– Do not over exert your body at any cost. Avoid too much up-down on stairs or avoid it in entirety, if possible.
– After 5-6 Hrs of rest you can visit Local Leh market, Shankar Gompa .
– If you feel exerted go back to Hotel, have dinner at Hotel and take rest. Avoid any exertion. Else continue and,
– Follow the sunset by stroll at Changspa road and have a nice dinner on varied cuisines offered in-around Changspa road.
– Go back to hotel for overnight stay at Leh.
Day 2 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Inner Line Permits
– For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here: http://devilonwheels.com/index.php/inner-line-per…
– Hire a taxi from Leh taxi stand or Hotel whichever suits you.
– Bargain hard with taxi driver. Book that single taxi for entire trip after explaining the complete plan.
– Take his inputs if you feel reasonable and if required modify the plan accordingly but should suits you best.
– Ask him to be with you guys starting first day itself, if required and charged reasonable else do it at your own.
– Again DO NOT over exert and take little steps and slow walks only.
– If feeling OK then do Local sightseeing include Namgyal Gompa, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Shankar Gompa, Main Market, Hall of Fame, Spituk Gompa, Changspa Road Stroll in evening
– Do not use stairs at any of these places just to see them as it will exert your body much more.
– Overnight at Leh
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any doubts/queries.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Dear Dheeraj,
You are doing a great job for travel enthusiacist like me. We are 7 friends from haridwar planning to have a round trip of Hardiwar-jammu-srinagar-Kargil-leh-local sight seeing for 3 days-manali-chandigarh-haridwar.
How long this trip may require approximately. We have Mahindra Xylo.. own board (private).. will they allow in leh-manali road. which is the best time to do this trip. we are planning for 2013. plese advise
Hi Venkat,
2013 and already planning
… It would be difficult to resist the temptations 
…
It will take around 11 days | 4 Days for Delhi – Srinagar – Leh, 3 Days your local sightseeing and then 3-4 days for Leh – Manali – Delhi. You can take your own vehicle, no issues with that as it is private one. To find snow, best time is June and to find beautiful colors, best time is September
I hope this helps. Please let me know in case you need more info or have any doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Deeraj,
I am really impressed with your response in a flash. 11 days sounds good. I have contacted a Travel company, they gave the quotation of 20000 per person for 12 days on the same itinerary. is this ok? I feel, own vehicle and planning may save money. It may come down to 13 to 14 thousand per person. Thanks for you information. I really want to visit when there is much more snow even at the cost of inconvenience and risk.
Hello Venkat,
Why do you need any travel agent if you have all the information present on this blog to make a successful trip to Ladakh? Of course, if you have any doubts regarding anything ranging from Taxi to Hotel to Route to Night Stay option etc., you can shoot an email to me or post comment here. Plus you will have more flexibility with planning and no restriction to reach a place in time in order to save the amount given as advance to these travel agents…
Above all, planning it yourself, will save you quite good amount of money, as all the information is present here
…
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Dear Dheeraj,
Your information is really of great help to the would be visitors to Leh.
Am also planing to visit Leh in Sept, and wish to drive a 4 wheeler, If you know about any agency which gives vehicle on rent on self driven basis.
Thanks,
Sid
Hi Sid,
Thanks alot. I do not think you will be able to find a self-drive 4 wheeler on rent for Ladakh because I heard that even corzonerent and hertz motors have stopped giving vehicles on rent for Ladakh. But, you can still try to ask them for the same.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Sure Dheeraj, I will check with them.
Thanks again for the information.
Cheers…!
Hi Dheeraj,
Just back from a road trip from Mumbai – Srinagar – Kargil – Leh – Pangong – Sarchu – Manali and back to Mumbai via delhi. The Leh Manali road is in much better condition than the Srinagar – Leh road. Only the climb to rohatang is in bad shape with lot of slush. Drove in a vento.Watch out for detours on moore plains due to bridge consutruction at many places. Bara Lacha and Gata Loops are in superb condition. Suraj tal was frozen and hence magical. It was a dream trip. Thanks dheeraj for all the valuable information on your site . it was of immense help.Will go back again next year.Thanks again.
My pleasure Ajay and thanks alot for sharing the feedback and update on road conditions with us. Do share your pictures on FB page, if possible
…
Regards
Dheeraj
sorry it was dec 2011
HI Dheeraj….
last time i reached manali on 4th of december 2012 from shimla via tabo, kaza, passing kunzum and had a superb exprnc. this time i want to explore manali leh highway in the last of august or staeting of september…. u plz suggest me the suitable time out of these and plz giv me an idea abt the road conditions and required numbr of days . away frm all these plz suggest me some most peaceful places in our track which r still less polluted and disturbed.
Hello Aman,
for everything you wanted to learn about Manali – Leh Highway, please check: Travel Guide for Manali – Leh Highway especially the article: How to plan a journey on Manali – Leh Highway
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi, Dheeraj,
You great doing Man.
Pl help me, elsewhere read that Upshi and KAR is having Petrol Bunk, Or it could be just availability from locals but not a official petrol bunk. Can we rely on it in WORST Case scenario? So that we can take Hunder-Pogangtso-Tso Morir-Upshi(Just for Petrol refill)-Manali
Pl advice us.
G.Shivasankar
B’lore
Hello Shiva,
Sorry for the confusion, I guess I have written it in Manali – Leh article but did not update it. Upshi do not have any petrol pump BUT Karu does have the petrol pump. You will find black petrol at Upshi I guess and even at Chumathang at the General store. Upshi – Karu is not that far from each other, guesss about 14-15 KMs with fine smooth road, so go back to Karu, refill and start back again
… Hardly, 40-45 minutes but scenic drive 
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
PLS CALL ME 9871363455 or mail me your phone number
Hi Dheeraj
We are planning to visit manali either this weekend or may be the next as per my friends’ availability. Please tell me will there be snow to watch at rohtang pass, and will we get a chance to enjoy any adventure activities like skiing and para gliding??
Hello Neha,
Yes, there is ample of snow stock available at Rohtang Pass and lots of activities are there on offer. You will enjoy it to the fullest. For Paragliding, go to Solang Valley which comes on the way to Rohtang Pass, about 16 KMs from Manali.
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
I am planning for Manali on 30 june for 3 Days…any idea on weather there..will it be raining. i don want to spend time locked in hotel room.
Rahul, no one can guarantee but usually there is no rain at that time of the year.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
I found your tips quite useful.
I am planning to leave for Leh on 1st July. I am alone and not aware of the way from Delhi to Leh and am not so good with bikes, (good, but in plains;) ) so please suggest me the best way to make it to Leh alone.
Hi Abhinav,
To start with:
Firstly, I will suggest you that please plan it in other direction as going via Srinagar – Leh Highway will be much much easier on your body and help you acclimatize to the high altitude of Manali – Leh Highway. Also, it allows you to enjoy the beauty of Manali – Leh by splitting the journey almost evenly in two days which is very difficult in the other direction. Thirdly, it will allow you to fit Tso Moriri lake into the itinerary in better way. You can read more reasons on the link here
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travelers including me at the link here: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
For accommodation, check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh including moderate and cheap budget hotels as well in the series of articles starting on the link here
You are alone and private taxis are very costly in Leh but you will be able to find the shared taxi without much fuss at all. There are lots of flyers which people put at cafes, dine-ins, restaurants, travel agent desks/shops/whiteboards wanting to share the taxis for different trips within Ladakh. Even travel agent organize such shared taxis trip as well but charge a little higher about Rs 200-300 more than it would ideally cost. So, in worst case you can always go back to them and book a seat for yourself. Gelling up with people in Ladakh is more or less easy because many people travel solo and look forward to meet new people and share cultural thoughts and values over the trip. No where else in the world you will find more smiling and helpful people as Ladakhis are :)
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
I am planning to visit Leh by taking a road journey from Manali and back to Manali by road can we make this trip from 4 september to 12 september. Will the Manali to Leh route remain open till then.
Hi Kushal,
Yes, Manali – Leh Highway generally remains open by then without much issues. Though in September cold starts to set in and it might be cold at high altitude passes and most places on Manali – Leh Highway but not too much cold.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Dear Dheeraj,
thanks for your really useful tips.i m planning a tour of leh on 23 june 2012 via manali to leh highway.I have carry oxygen cylinder for AMS problem.My return leh to new delhi through flight.My question is i have carry to my empty oxygen cylinder in our laggage in this flight? I have caryy empty oxygen cylinder in flight?
Waiting for your reply.
Regards
Prasad
Hi Prasad,
I am not sure about this one, you need to check with the airlines.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
Finally we are going to Manali-Leh bike trip on first week of July-2012. Since we had plan last year in the month of November was too risky.So we did the road trip from (Rishikesh to Chopta(Tungnath). And this time need some suggestion on self camping in manali-leh highway. We are group of 8 people will be doing this road trip. And we are planning to camp by our self, by carrying tents,sleeping bags etc. Carrying all this stuff will be a big toll on the bikes on these terrains. Please provide some info on these.
Regards,
Thaj
Hello Thaj,
I am sorry but I am not sure what exactly is the query. If you want to pitch your own tents then you can do so but as you said it will be toll on bikes so why not use already pitched tents of people running the camps there. As far as safety is concerned then you can pitch the tents near the other tents run by hotels/camping guys with their due permissions near Jispa. I will not suggest you to sleep at Pang or Sarchu because your bodies will not be acclimatized by then to the high altitude of Sarchu and Pang.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
what permits? m nt aware of ths concept….wat is ths ??
Hi Surbhi,
Oops… did I miss to mention them earlier
… well, in order to visit sightseeing places within Ladakh including Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri you need to get inner line permits. For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Deeraj
we are coming to manali tomorrow on June 12,2012. we want to go to Leh by hired taxi from manali. What are the essential things we should bring with us.Deeraj can u guide us to plan our program. we have arnd 7 days. We will be back from leh or srinagar to delhi by air.We know nothing about the places to be visited. we are two persons.
i hears taxis ply to n fro nubra valley in one day only….true??
Hi Surbhi,
Nopes, there is no such restriction. You can hire a taxi for any number of days anywhere in Ladakh as long as your permit allows you.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
lol….i meant 5 days stay in leh….travelling is apart frm them….total 10 days
Ohh… So, for 5 days in Leh keep it simple. 1 Day Leh Local, 2 Days trip to Nubra Valley and then either 2 Days trip to Pangong Tso or 1 Day Trip to Panagong Tso and 1 Day as buffer for Monastery tour, before you start/fly back.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
no v r goin via manali to leh….nubra valley is also a day trip rite??
Hi Surbhi,
You have just 5 days and you want to travel by road to Ladakh? Then, what will you see in Ladakh. Manali – Leh takes at least 2 days and then one day you will surely rest. Rest two days, you can make day trip each to Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso. Doable but very tough on body. And how about the days to travel to Manali and getting back from Leh?
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj
how much time it takes to reach Tso Moriri from Leh ?
Kiran, it will take about 7-7.5 Hours to reach Tso Moriri from Leh.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Surbhi,
Are you flying to Leh and flying out of Leh? If yes, then you may follow something like:
Day 1 | Delhi – Leh (By Flight)
– Checkin at Hotel. Many hotels provide free pick and drop from Airport. Ask while you book them.
– Take ample of rest as well as water or anything that keep your body hydrated enough. DO NOT OVER HYDRATE. Take ORS Soluted water or ORS – L tetra packs from home.
– Do not over exert your body at any cost. Avoid too much up-down on stairs or avoid it in entirety, if possible.
– After 5-6 Hrs of rest you can visit Leh Palace, Local Leh market, Shankar Gompa .
– If you feel exerted go back to Hotel, have dinner at Hotel and take rest. Avoid any exertion. Else continue and,
– Follow the sunset by stroll at Changspa road and have a nice dinner on varied cuisines offered in-around Changspa road.
– Go back to hotel for overnight stay at Leh.
Day 2 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Inner Line Permits
– For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here:
– Hire a taxi from Leh taxi stand or Hotel whichever suits you.
– Bargain hard with taxi driver. Book that single taxi for entire trip after explaining the complete plan.
– Take his inputs if you feel reasonable and if required modify the plan accordingly but should suits you best.
– Ask him to be with you guys starting first day itself, if required and charged reasonable else do it at your own.
– Again DO NOT over exert and take little steps and slow walks only.
– If feeling OK then do Local sightseeing include Namgyal Gompa, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Shankar Gompa, Main Market, Hall of Fame, Spituk Gompa, Changspa Road Stroll in evening
– Do not use stairs at any of these places just to see them as it will exert your body much more.
– Overnight at Leh
Day 3 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
– Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
– On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
– Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 4 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
– Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
– Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Pangong Tso – Leh
– Do not plan to stay overnight at Pangong Tso as you will not be acclimatized and may fall sick. So, make a day trip only.
– Overnight at Leh
Day 6 | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping OR Monastery tour OR Sham Valley tour OR Fly back home
– Overnight at Leh
– Monastery tour may include Hemis, Thicksey and Shey monasteries. They come on the route of Pangong Tso but as you will be doing day trip, it will be a bit hectic to include them on that day only.
– Sham Valley include Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, Gurudwara Pather Sahib
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
thanxx:)
one more thing….we r planning to go to zanskar n tso moriri lake too…can it b done in one day each from leh? actually we have office guest house so we dnt want to kp shifting d hotels….
1)leh-zanskar-leh in one day
2)leh-moriri-leh d next day
wat is d expected time tht it wil take n approximate charges by taxi
regards
Hi Surabhi,
Nopes they cannot be done in a day each. Tso Moriri will need two days and Zanskar will need at least 2.5 days to reach there from Leh
…
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hello, Dheeraj
You are doing your good job for providing us extremely valuable information. Two years back in 2010 i had made a plan to go leh-Ladakh by enfield and i had started my journey on 15th june 2010 from Haridwar to leh-Ladakh but due to the heavy snowfall so i could not reach there and i returned back from Rohtang Pass. At that time it was very bad to me. After two years, Now again i am planning to go leh-Ladakh by enfield on 15th June 2012 or on 5th July 2012 for 15 days. Please suggest me how i plan my journey & when i should start my journey in june or in july month. Your valuable guidance are awaited.
regards
Manohar
Hi Manohar,
Road are open now and I will suggest you go via Srinagar side and come back via Manali side this time. I will suggest you that please plan it in other direction as going via Srinagar – Leh Highway will be much much easier on your body and help you acclimatize to the high altitude of Manali – Leh Highway. Also, it allows you to enjoy the beauty of Manali – Leh by splitting the journey almost evenly in two days which is very difficult in the other direction. Thirdly, it will allow you to fit Tso Moriri lake into the itinerary in better way. You can read more reasons on the link here
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travelers including me at the link here: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
For accommodation, check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh including moderate and cheap budget hotels as well in the series of articles starting on the link here
Check the list of things to carry for Leh – Ladakh or other trip at the link here.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
thanxx dheeraj
can u provide me wid d contct no. of hptdc??
Hi Surabhi,
You can check the link here for all the contacts of HPTDC.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj
I am planning to go to Leh-Ladakh on 11 aug and return by 20 th aug .considering it to be a rainy season will there be rains in leh during that period???
2)since i am going for the first time which itinerary can be followed???
3)I would be joined by 4 freinds so will a bike trip be hectic considering the schedule ???
hi Kiran,
1. Well, at some parts of Manali – Leh Highway (like before Baralacha La) and Srinagar – Leh Highway (like before Kargil) you might need to face monsoon hassles but once you get closer to Ladakh, then Ladakh being rain shadow region is least affected by monsoon rains.
3. Hmm.. if you are not accustomed to long rides then probably YES.
2. For 10 days you can do something like below:
Day 1 | Delhi – Jammu / Patnitop
– Overnight at Jammu or Patnitop
Day 2 | Jammu / Patnitop – Srinagar
– Enjoy walk around Dal lake and may be Shikara ride as well
– If you have time then check out, floating market, Shalimar Garden.
– Overnight at Srinagar
Day 3 | Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil
– Enjoy the vistas enroute
– Have late drunch meal at Drass is you are a vegetarian as sometimes it gets difficult to find veg. food at Kargil
– Overnight at Kargil
Day 4 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
– Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes
– On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu
– Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Inner Line Permits
– Local sightseeing include Namgyal Gompa, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Shankar Gompa, Main Market, Hall of Fame, Spituk Gompa, Changspa Road Stroll in evening
– For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
– Overnight at Leh
Day 6 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Leh
– Head for Nubra Valley very early in the day and come back by late evening after visiting Deskit. If you have time go little further and see Hunder sand dunes too
– On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
– Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 7 | Leh – Pangong Tso Lake – Leh
– Day trip to Pangong Tso
– Overnight at Leh
Day 8 | Leh – Taglang La – Pang – Sarchu
– Try to start early in the day so that you reach Sarchu where the accommodation options are better than Pang
– Overnight at Sarchu or Pang
Day 9 | Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
– On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only
– Overnight at Manali
Day 10 | Manali – Delhi
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Thank you for your suggestion .you are doing a great job to personally reply to all the queries . I had a couple of queries
1)What time does it take to reach Srinagar to Delhi by road???
2)I see that you have not included Tso moriri in my itinerary . Does it take m ore time to cover that place ??
hi Kiran,
1. Srinagar to Delhi by road would easli take 16+ Hours or may be more.
2. You have just 10 days buddy, you are almost be running on road most days. So, will not be able to make Tso Moriri in the itinerary. If you wanna add one more long day to the itinerary then you can do Leh – Tso Moriri and then Tso Moriri – Sarchu and finally Sarchu – Manali.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
hi dheeraj
i will be reaching manali on 24th with my family….can u tel me
1)if tourism state buses ply on manali – leh route during this time….n if yes then wat r the charges and time schedule
2)we will leave leh for manali on 1st july…again if we can get tourism buses coz i have heard buses start in july…
Hi Surbhi,
1. I do not think HPTDC buses start in June, they generally start in July and mostly do it alternate days as per last year schedule. The charges are about Rs 2000 which includes the accommodation at Keylong and dinner there.
2. If they will start in July then probably you cannot avail on 1st July from Leh because they will start it from Manali on 1st July.
I expect change in schedule too this year. Better call HPTDC Office Manali and get the updated status.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Manali – Leh Highway is Officially Opened
I want to know about Manali-rohtang pass road. My traveling date is 8 June 12. Any body can tell the current status
Saurabh, Rohtang Pass is open officially now
Hi,
We are planning Manali-Leh trip starting on 03.06.12, with overnight at Jispa. Mode of travel is Sumo/Innova. What does CLOSED status of this highway indicate? Is it to be cleared of snow / landslides? Are the roads left to be repaired? If the status remains CLOSED on 03.06.12, can we venture out?
Regards
Pravin
Hi Pravin,
Where do you see Closed status? Manali – Leh Highway is opened as unofficially, bikers have done it and are doing it, taxis are doing it from both sides. Road conditions at many places are horrible, especially near the passes. If you are going by own car with outside HP registration number then SDM office will not issue you the permits until the road is opened officially. So, in private cars outside HP you can come from Leh side to Manali but will not be allowed to go via Manali.
The only option you have is to leave at night in dark with other local taxis and pray that the checkpost at palchan is unmanned, else you might be stopped.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dhiraj,
Many thanks for your very prompt response. I saw the CLOSED status in the LEH official site (leh.nic.in).
We will be travelling in HP regd. vehicle. After leaving on 03.6.12 from Manali, we need to reach Leh positively by 04.6.12 evening. Is there any news of any road blockade on the highway due to landslide/glacial streams?
Thanks & regards
Pravin.
Hi Pravin,
There are no blockages as of now and the route has also been opened officially.Have a great trip, take care!!
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Thanks Dhiraj,
Arrived in Manali today. Leaving for Leh early tomorrow.
regards
Pravin.
Hi Dheeraj
We are a group of 7 leaving Delhi on 8th night for Leh & Ladakh via Srinagar route. Could you please clarify few doubts:-
1) For seven people we thought of hiring two taxis ( scorpio & indica ).However later we changed mind to Tempo Traveller. Is it a good decision ?
2) Since we are coming via Srinagar , i hope there won't be any problem in getting permit if any ?
3) I have read you comments that non-H.P taxis are not allowed for site seeing in Ladakh. Where would we have to stop our tempo traveller then ( in ladakh and hire a taxi or bikes for site seeing ?)
4) I hope searching accomodation won't be tough on the spot ? We are just expecting livable rooms atleast if not luxuries.
5) Would be more than thankful if you could suggest schedule, keeping in mind that we leave delhi on 8th night and hope to be back in delhi by 18 th june.
Hi Amandeep,
1. I guess yes. But, keep in mind that you will have to hire another one once you reach Ladakh because outside taxis are not allowed to do any sightseeing within Ladakh. So, you will be paying extra to the one you take with you.
2. I guess you are going via Srinagar to Ladakh? If yes, then you do not need any permits for your vehicle anywhere. But, once you reach Ladakh then in order to do sightseeing like Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri etc. you will need to get permits for each member in the group. For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
3. You need to either park it at Leh taxi stand or near hotel in Leh.
4. Yes. Still for a handy list to keep with you, check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh including moderate and cheap budget hotels as well in the series of articles starting on the link here
5. For 11 days, you could something like below:
Day 1 | Delhi – Jammu / Patnitop
– Overnight at Jammu or Patnitop
Day 2 | Jammu / Patnitop – Srinagar
– Enjoy walk around Dal lake and may be Shikara ride as well
– If you have time then check out, floating market, Shalimar Garden.
– Overnight at Srinagar
Day 3 | Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil
– Enjoy the vistas enroute
– Have late drunch meal at Drass is you are a vegetarian as sometimes it gets difficult to find veg. food at Kargil
– Overnight at Kargil
Day 4 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
– Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes
– On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu
– Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Inner Line Permits
– Local sightseeing include Namgyal Gompa, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Shankar Gompa, Main Market, Hall of Fame, Spituk Gompa, Changspa Road Stroll in evening
– For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link : http://devilonwheels.com/index.php/inner-line-per…
– Overnight at Leh
Day 6 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Leh
– Head for Nubra Valley very early in the day and come back by late evening after visiting Deskit. If you have time go little further and see Hunder sand dunes too
– On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
– Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 7 | Leh – Pangong Tso Lake – Leh
– Day trip to Pangong Tso
– Overnight at Leh
Day 8 | Leh – Taglang La – Pang – Sarchu
– Try to start early in the day so that you reach Sarchu where the accommodation options are better than Pang
– Overnight at Sarchu or Pang
Day 9 | Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
– On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only
– Overnight at Manali
Day 10 | Manali – Delhi
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Thanks a lot Dheeraj. Much appreciated !!!!
As you said that we will have to park our taxi at Leh Hotel or Taxi stand and hire a new local taxi.
For Khardunga La , Diskit & pangong etc can we hire bikes from Leh for two three days ?
What would be rent for 24 hrs for a bike like royal enfield ?
Also what security money is to deposited per bike and how is condition of bikes generally ?
Too many questions but i hope you have an idea !!!
Many thanks!!!
Hello Amandeep,
Yes, you can hire bikes in Leh. Fort road is full of such shops that rent bikes. Go over there and pick something good in condition even if you need to pay a bit more. They charge about Rs 1200-1500 for a bike like RE depending upon the condition or make of the bike. Security money is not required but you need to submmit your original photo identity proof such as passport, driving license etc. You will find bikes in almost all conditions good to bad to worse.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
hey dheeraj we r planning to go leh ladakkh frtom manali on 2nd july2012 by Honda city please tell me about everything like petrol pumps, road condition ,weather and food and accomodation and can we travel by HONDA CITY?
Hi Sandeep,
I will suggest you that please plan it in other direction as going via Srinagar – Leh Highway will be much much easier on your body and help you acclimatize to the high altitude of Manali – Leh Highway. Also, it allows you to enjoy the beauty of Manali – Leh by splitting the journey almost evenly in two days which is very difficult in the other direction. Thirdly, it will allow you to fit Tso Moriri lake into the itinerary in better way. You can read more reasons on the link here
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travelers including me at the link here: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
For accommodation, check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh including moderate and cheap budget hotels as well in the series of articles starting on the link here
Check the list of things to carry for Leh – Ladakh or other trip at the link here.
Honda City does have issues of ground clearance and you might face issues with that. I will suggest do not take Honda City as it has very low GC but still for hatchback/sedan taking on Manali – Leh Highway and Ladakh, I will say:
The roads may be stabilized now but you will need to face few tough challenges on the route. The hatchback/sedan will increase the level of every challenge even further. My suggestion will be to go via Srinagar route which is opened for light vehicles earlier (most likely) and will be stabilized by then. It will help you feel comfortable with the driving, provide more acclimatization and then once you have done the local Leh Ladakh come back via Manali side. Secondly, since you are in hatch/sedan back then you need to drive with extra care as well. There will be some sections on the Manali – Leh highway in which you might need to sacrifice some scratches on the underbelly. Just make sure you do not bump the engine sump (know it before where it is placed in your car). You need to protect it all around the trip. Thirdly, whenever in doubt do not rush into the section rather park aside and feel the section with your foot, see how other vehicles are crossing it and make a planned route in your mind to cross that section. At the very least do carry Mseal, quick fix, funnel, jerry cans and towing rope with you all the time.
Also, I will strongly suggest that you go through and read my series on Ladakh Self Drive tips at the links below:
7 Useful Tips for a Self Drive to Leh – Ladakh, Routes and Road Conditions In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips, Fuel Availability In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi,
Please advice, if we can have our tents put up at Kargil for night stay rather than staying in the Hotel and can we do the same at JIspa or Sarchu too. We have High Altitude Dome Tents that we can use there.
Thanks
Ashish
Hi Ashish,
For pitching the tents in Kargil or nearby area, you might need to check once you reach there. Ask permissions from Locals else finding a safe place a little away from town, pitch your tents. At Jispa and Sarchu, you can do so but ask for the permissions always from near by locals. Do check you are not pitching tents at any Wetland Reserve area or Forest land.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
HI Dheeraj, Thanks for all the info and help being provided by you. Its been really helpful. Please suggest:
- if after the night stay at the camp @ Pangong we can directly drive for Nubra Valley and then back to Leh by Evening after covering Diskit and Khardung La.
- How far would Tso Moriri be and can it be covered while on way back to Manali from Leh.
Thanks
Ashish
Hi Ashish,
1. You must first go to Nubra Valley and then to Pangong Tso. And, going to Pangong Tso to Nubra Valley or vice versa would take about 10-11 Hrs via Wari La and 6-7 Hrs via Shyok route (if open). So, you cannot further drive to Leh then.
2. Tso Moriri is about 240 KMs from Leh. More info. here.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
As stated earlier am driving down to Leh in my Vento 1.6 diesel. on 17-June have done a booking at camp watermark Spangmik. Will i be able to drive uptill the camp.
Hi Ajay,
As previously suggested, you can with such careful driving. I hope you love driving and adventure more than your car
… Also, if I didn't suggested before, I will strongly suggest that you go through and read my series on Ladakh Self Drive tips at the links below:
7 Useful Tips for a Self Drive to Leh – Ladakh
Routes and Road Conditions In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips
Fuel Availability In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
thanxs alot dheeraj
i do not have words for your praise just to say "leh-ladakh ke devta" my one more query is
can we take fuel with us in 2 or 3 cans of 30 ltrs. thanxs because i am not that unlucky person who will not get your ans.
regds parveen gaur
Hi Praveen,
Thanks alot buddy for such praise!!
Well, I guess 20 Ltrs Jerry cans shall do fine. You can calculate based on the distance you need to travel and how much mileage you bike gives. For approximate distances on the routes where you will need spare fuel can be read at the article linked here: Fuel Availability In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj, Thank you very very much Bro for your earlier Reply…I’m here again for your Guidance…
1. We 6 people are going Ladakh, we planning to Hire Bikes inside Ladakh for Pangong, Nubra Valley & Local Sightseeing…Can you provide the Information/Contacts/Address on Rented Bikes in LEH, as Taxi rates in Leh are very high.
2. No recent update on Manali-Leh highway? As we have already booked tickets for Manali route, we are reaching there on 3rd June night.
3. How to get Permit for Manali-Leh highway if we reach there at late night (3rd June 2012)…will the Hotel Staff or Drivers help..?
4.Is the rate 2700-2900 per day for a TAVERA ok for travelling for the whole circle of Manali -Leh – Jammu (except Ladakh of course).?
Hope u clear my confusions.
Thanks a lot Dude…You doing a great job, No one has so much time for self, which to dedicate to strangers…Keep the good work, God bless you Bro…Hope to meet you in Life.
Hi Mayur,
My 2 cents on your queries:
1. I guess, you should try to evaluate the price comparison between two options. If you are 6 people, getting the car per person cost would be much cheaper or almost equivalent then getting the bikes on per day basis. Even if it is slightly higher, then the comfort would be by far large than riding a bike of course. You will get a RE for about Rs 1100-1500 depending upon the condition of the bike. So per day including fuel, you can calculate. There are lots of options in Leh at fort road to rent the bikes, once you reach there explore that road and you will get the required bike.
2. Manali – Leh Highway will most likely open up officially by start of next week (almost 95% sure). One of the readers here called up the tourism office in Leh where he got this confirmations.
3. Are you going by non-HP vehicle to Leh? I guess yes, in that case, if the road does not open officially then you will not get the permit. Try to risk it leaving early morning when other taxis leave. You can get the permit if the highway gets open officially by contacting any hotel or travel agent in Manali.
4. The rates look fine to me because 2500-2600 is general rates for such vehicles.
Sure buddy, if possible we will surely meet up… and thanks for your words of appreciation
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Thanks alot Bro for your Info..it will help us for sure..
And Bro do you know some Driver/Vehicle/Contacts,whom we can hire for my trip from Kalka(3rd June'2012) to Jammu(15th June'2012)(including Ladakh)?
Thanks once again..Great Work..
Hi Mayur,
Sorry, I do not have any such contact in Kalka. Well, you cannot use taxi outside Ladakh in Ladakh. You will again have to hire a taxi in Ladakh after reaching there. For the current leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2012-13 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hello,
I am chander khaneja an ngg. Student is planning to go to leh from delhi by road ,have already been there once on 31 st december but that was by air this time i want to enjoy it by road , can you guide me something as i want to go by my suv , what all permits do i need to have , and are roads open for the private cars like me till june 6 .
Thak you
Regards
Chander
Hi Chander,
As of now, Manali – Leh Highway is still opened as unofficially, few bikers have done it, taxis are doing it from both sides. Road conditions at many places are horrible, especially near the passes. If you are going by own car then SDM office will not issue you the permits until the road is opened officially. So, in private cars outside HP you can come from Leh side to Manali.
How many days you have in hand?
Firstly, I will suggest you that please plan it in other direction as going via Srinagar – Leh Highway will be much much easier on your body and help you acclimatize to the high altitude of Manali – Leh Highway. Also, it allows you to enjoy the beauty of Manali – Leh by splitting the journey into almost evenly in two days which is very difficult in the other direction. Thirdly, it will allow you to fit Tso Moriri lake into the itinerary in better way. You can read more reasons on the link here
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travelers including me at the link here: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
For accommodation, check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh including moderate and cheap budget hotels as well in the series of articles starting on the link here
Check the list of things to carry for Leh – Ladakh or other trip at the link here.
Also, I will strongly suggest that you go through and read my series on Ladakh Self Drive tips at the links below:
7 Useful Tips for a Self Drive to Leh – Ladakh
Routes and Road Conditions In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips
Fuel Availability In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,u have great knowledge of Indian Heaven Leh-Ladakh. Keep the good Work. We 6 people are going Ladakh via Manali from 3rd June(Landing in Kalka). Need ur guidance in Travel Plan,Vehicle from Kalka to drop in Jammu on 16th. The plan is as follow :-
DAY DATE LOCATION
1 02.06.2012 Mumbai – Start in Train
2 03.06.2012 Land in Kalka
3 04.06.2012 Kalka to Manali
4 05.06.2012 Manali to Jispa
5 06.06.2012 Jispa to Leh
6 07.06.2012 Leh to Nubra Valley
7 08.06.2012 Nubra Valley
8 09.06.2012 Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake via Pass
9 10.06.2012 Pangong Lake to Leh
10 11.06.2012 Leh – Local SS
11 12.06.2012 Leh to Kargil/Drass
12 13.06.2012 Kargil/Drass
13 14.06.2012 Gulmarg/Srinagar
14 15.06.2012 Srinagar – Jammu
15 16.06.2012 Jammu – Start in Train
16 17.06.2012 Land in Mumbai
Hi Sachin,
The plan looks fine to me. Well, I guess now nothing can happen as you have booked the tickets but it would have rather made so much sense to go via Srinagar and comeback via Manali. Also, why you going to Kalka? You shall reach Delhi and then take overnight Volvo to Manali. Taxis outside Leh – Ladakh are not allowed in Ladakh for sightseeing, so you need to first reach Manali and then take HPTDC bus to Leh which halts at Keylong for a night and includes the accommodation charges as well. Otherwise take the taxi from Manali which will drop to Leh and then for the rest of the journey you can hire taxi in Leh.
For accommodation, check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh including moderate and cheap budget hotels as well in the series of articles starting on the link here
For the current leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2012-13 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here
Check the list of things to carry for Leh – Ladakh or other trip at the link here.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
I am stunned to see the efforts you take to reply each and everyone, I am sure not only me but everyone who would visit your website would become your admirer . Hats off to the knowledge that you have gathered for Leh-Laddak.
If I read your comments I observe that you have almost covered everything minutely.
I would need to know few details from you. We guys are planning to go to LEH via Manali route then to Srinagar and the tickets for the same are booked. Could you help me with few contact details where I can arrange for a vehicle for 6 of us from Kalka to Srinagar.
The trip would be for approx. 10-12 days can you give me an approx. idea on how much would I need to pay for hiring a Tavera.
I suggest if you can arrange for contact details of driver/travel agent whom you have experienced travelling or have received good feedback.
At the end I would conclude that keep this good work going. I read your “ABOUT ME” section and would like to inform you that you have added 1 more die hard fan in your list of thousands and i believe that the count keeps increasing.
Hello Sagar,
Your words of appreciation had made my day, thanks alot
… Well, as now nothing can happen as you have booked the tickets but it would have rather made so much sense to go via Srinagar and comeback via Manali. Also, why you going to Kalka? You shall reach Delhi and then take overnight Volvo to Manali. Taxis outside Leh – Ladakh are not allowed in Ladakh for sightseeing, so you need to first reach Manali and then take HPTDC bus to Leh which halts at Keylong for a night and includes the accommodation charges as well. Otherwise take the taxi from Manali which will drop to Leh and then for the rest of the journey you can hire taxi in Leh.
For accommodation, check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh including moderate and cheap budget hotels as well in the series of articles starting on the link here
For the current leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2012-13 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here
Check the list of things to carry for Leh – Ladakh or other trip at the link here.
About the plan for 12 days:
Day 1 | Delhi – Manali/Solang Valley
– Better stay at Solang Valley and avoid Manali as sleeping at Solang Valley does help in acclimatization
– If going by own car, get the permit made in advance to drive on Manali – Rohtang Pass road through hotel/travel agent in Manali
– Overnight at Manali/Solang Valley
Day 2 | Manali/Solang Valley – Keylong/Jispa
– It is always better to stay either at Keylong/Jispa so that you do not feel sick or hit by AMS.
– Avoid sleeping at Sarchu at any cost while going to Leh from Manali because your body will not be acclimatized by the time you reach there.
– I prefer staying at Jispa more because Keylong gives the feeling of a town while Jispa is more closer to nature having Bhaga river running just aside the Manali – Leh Highway at Jispa.
– Overnight at Keylong/Jispa
Day 3 | Keylong/Jispa – Leh
– Leave Keylong/Jispa early next morning, say by 4/5 AM types, so that you reach Leh in the evening.
– Overnight at Leh
Day 4 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Inner Line Permits
– Local sightseeing include Namgyal Gompa, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Shankar Gompa, Main Market, Hall of Fame, Spituk Gompa, Changspa Road Stroll in evening
– For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
– Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
– Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
– On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
– Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 6 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
– Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
– Overnight at Leh
Day 7 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake
– Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on the go towards Pangong Tso
– Overnight at Pangong Tso (Spangmik or Lukung)
Day 8 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
– Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on return to Leh
– Overnight at Leh
Day 9 | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping
– Overnight at Leh
Day 10 | Leh – Lamayuru – Kargil
– Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes
– On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Zanskar
– Overnight at Kargil
Day 11 | Kargil – Drass – Zozi La – Sonamarg – Srinagar
– Enjoy the vistas enroute
– Have late drunch meal at Drass is you are a vegetarian as sometimes it gets difficult to find veg. food at Kargil
– Overnight at Srinagar
Day 12 | Srinagar – Delhi (Fly back)
– Back Home
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Great help in the past Dheeraj, looking for more
Background: 4 guys, 2 in innova, 2 on bikes. Reaching Manali on 9th morning. 10th the journey starts to Leh.
Question:
1. 9th is 2nd saturday, how do we get the pass in advance. can you help in connecting to someone?
2. We dont want to book tents/hotels in advance. is it easily available on the move. we are staying at Jispa, Sarchu, tso Moriri and Pangong. How expensive are they?
3. is 30k/per person Delhi-manali-Leh-Srinagar-Delhi a good budget for such a trip for 4 people ?
4. Will I get to see Snow in june ???
Thx in Anticipation.
Cheers!
Siddharth
Hi Siddharth,
1. You can get in touch with any hotel in Manali you are staying and I am sure they will be happy to help you to provide the permits. Or check for some Manali Hotel contacts in Hotel Reviews – Himachal section of the blog.
2. Well, I guess June being peak season in Manali, there you might find trouble in looking for accommodation but not anywhere else in Ladakh unless you are not looking for some specific property to stay. For accommodation, check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh including moderate and cheap budget hotels as well in the series of articles starting on the link here
3. O yes, budget seems fine to me I guess.
4. Lots of snow on passes
BTW, I will suggest you that please plan it in other direction as going via Srinagar – Leh Highway will be much much easier on your body and help you acclimatize to the high altitude of Manali – Leh Highway. Also, it allows you to enjoy the beauty of Manali – Leh by splitting the journey into almost evenly in two days which is very difficult in the other direction. Thirdly, it will allow you to fit Tso Moriri lake into the itinerary in better way. You can read more reasons on the link here
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
hello sir
is accomodation is easily available in hanle village en route ?
is it nice & safe place to stay ?
Hi Praveen,
It is not that easily available. Only 2 home stay options are available. One telephone booth aunty and one Padamdeskit aunty right at the end of the village before the pasture land starts. Telephone booth one has one big room + one small room and can accommodate about 8-10 people in both but they charge as per greed
… Padamdeskit aunty is nice, cooks good food, gives good rates but in room can accommodate only 3. Other good rooms were about to complete, not sure if they will have by the time you going. Go and check both of them. If you have any contacts in ISRO, Deptt. of Astro Physics then you can get good room at Hanle Observatory guest house.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
thank u dear
just check our tour details & suggest any corrections.
after reaching leh.
1. leh local sight seeing + permit
2.leh-khardung-diskit/hunder
3.diskit/hunder-wari la-panggong tso.
4.pangong/spangmik-chusul-hanle.
5. hanle-tso moriri.
6.tso moriri-tso kar-sarchu.
7.sarchu-manali.
8. manali-ambala.
But now planing pangong tso to tso moriri direct because of acommodation options.please suggest.
regds parveen gaur
Hi Praveen,
The plan looks fine but I am not sure how will you manage to carry spare fuel for about 950+ KMs long journey. Do keep in mind this will be very tiring as after Spangmik there will be no roads at all
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
Do u think its safe enough for me to leave for the Manali-Leh route even though its not officially open?
I'll be cycling this route,therefore a little concerned.
Also are the various tent camps en-route already open n running?
And approx when does the Manali-Leh route normally open?
Hi Mecycling,
I guess, since the road is officially not opened so the tented accommodation may not have been in place. But, cannot say 100% surely. It does open by 1st week of June mostly. It is like, it can open any day because it is the road widening work is only thing that is going on. In past few days, BRO guys have started allowing tourists who go early in the morning.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
hey,thanks a lot dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
we are starting our 10 day CHD – Manali – Leh – CHD on June 1 in our own car. Can it be done, is the highway accessible? will we get the permission easily from Manali?
Hi Nikhil,
Still, the highway is not officially opened so SDM office will not give you the permits. You may need to risk by leaving early morning with taxis, may be you can sneak through. For 10 days plan:
Day 1 | Delhi – Manali/Solang Valley
– Better stay at Solang Valley and avoid Manali as sleeping at Solang Valley does help in acclimatization
– If going by own car, get the permit made in advance to drive on Manali – Rohtang Pass road through hotel/travel agent in Manali
– Overnight at Manali/Solang Valley
Day 2 | Manali/Solang Valley – Keylong/Jispa
– It is always better to stay either at Keylong/Jispa so that you do not feel sick or hit by AMS.
– Avoid sleeping at Sarchu at any cost while going to Leh from Manali because your body will not be acclimatized by the time you reach there.
– I prefer staying at Jispa more because Keylong gives the feeling of a town while Jispa is more closer to nature having Bhaga river running just aside the Manali – Leh Highway at Jispa.
– Overnight at Keylong/Jispa
Day 3 | Keylong/Jispa – Leh
– Leave Keylong/Jispa early next morning, say by 4/5 AM types, so that you reach Leh in the evening.
– Overnight at Leh
Day 4 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Inner Line Permits
– Local sightseeing include Namgyal Gompa, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Shankar Gompa, Main Market, Hall of Fame, Spituk Gompa, Changspa Road Stroll in evening
– For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
– Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
– Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
– On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
– Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 6 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
– Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
– Overnight at Leh
Day 7 | Leh – Pangong Tso Lake – Leh
– Day trip to Pangong Tso
– Overnight at Leh
Day 8 | Leh – Taglang La – Moore Plains – Pang – Sarchu
– Stay overnight at Sarchu
Day 9 | Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
– On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only
– Overnight at Manali
Day 10 | Manali – Delhi
– Return home
Day 11 | Buffer day to be kept incase of road closure due to landslides or snowfall or perhaps you want to enjoy more.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for the reply to the query posted a couple of days.
As suggested we are taking the Srinagar – Leh route. Please suggest, if we reach Srinagar by the evening on Day 1, what should be the further plan and should we stay at Kargil or can we do Srinagar to Leh in a single day? As a friend of mine told me that we have certain timing when the route is open for one way. Please suggest if we can start at 4.30 a.m. from Srinagar.
Thanks
Ashish
Hi Ashish,
I am not sure about the timings for Zozila dost, you need to inquire it from Srinagar taxi stand. But, yes he timings or traffic is regulated at Zozila. If you leave 4 AM types, I guess you might be able to sneak through but still confirm from Srinagar taxi stand when the traffic is allowed from Srinagar. At times, it gets allowed only after 11 AM, till then you will be stopped near Sonamarg. From Srinagar better stay at Kargil next day and then move to Leh other day.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Dear DS,
We are 6 guys and have booked tickets for the LEH trip. It would be from 2nd June. I am keen to know whether the manali – leh route would be open by then or not ? we have planned our journey to go on our bike or hire the same from manali. Do we easily get bikes from manali and approx what would be their costing ? the journey that we would cover would be manali to leh and then to srinagar so would we get bikes on hire for this specific route. Kindly suggest
hi karan,
I guess not, if you hire a bike in Manali then you either have to drop that in Manali only or some operators have contacts in Leh, so you drop it there but they charge more. You can hire bikes within Leh – Ladakh as well, so that you can keep you plan flexible.
For everything yo want to know about hiring bikes in Manali, read: How to Hire or Rent a Bike or Motorcycle in Manali
I will suggest you that please plan it in other direction as going via Srinagar – Leh Highway will be much much easier on your body and help you acclimatize to the high altitude of Manali – Leh Highway. Also, it allows you to enjoy the beauty of Manali – Leh by splitting the journey into almost evenly in two days which is very difficult in the other direction. Thirdly, it will allow you to fit Tso Moriri lake into the itinerary in better way. You can read more reasons on the link here
How many days are you planning for it?? I will suggest the itinerary accordingly…
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj, ur blog is gret..I’m reaching Kalka on 3 June & Manali 4th June,start Manali-Jispa on 5 June,Jispa – Leh 6th..is this ok.?
Mayur, I hope my earlier comment answered your query.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
Yeah I understand everybody is anxious about the long planned tour. The only respite from a busy schedule.
To answer you, I am leaving on my bull. Completed the route earlier. I wasn't sure about the present road status. Leh.in anyway shows status as closed unless its open for heavy vehicles.I am Leaving on 14th of June. Lets hope that roads will be open during that time.
Godspeed,
SM
Sure buddy, I hope by that time the roads will get open
… All the best wishes for your trip.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
should manali leh highway opened officialy on 30 31st of may?? if snow is cleared from all passes den why they cnt open it officaly?
Gurjeet, sorry but no one can be certain about it. They are finding it hard to make the road wide around the snow galleries, so that traffic can move swiftly.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hello Dheeraj,
What would be the status of the wari-la route. As i shared my itenary with you before we will be coming back from Panamik to karu via wari-la pass on 9th or 10th of June. Do you think the pass will be open and in good condition by that time?
Hi Bhushan,
Wari La was not open till the time we were present in Ladakh in first week of May 2012. You can check its updated status once you reach Leh and inquire in Leh taxi stand as well as at agham village or Khalsar Village in Nubra Valley.
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Hello Dheeraj,
It's been a pleasure and single source to look at, for information about ladakh trip. Keep up the good work.
My mom-dad (aged 57 and 54) are travelling on their own first to Kashmir, then from Srinagar-Leh and finally Leh-Manali between 6th Jun-23rd June.
Few things to note before I ask my questions:
1. We are a pure veg family.
2. Budget is a primary constrain and hence he plans to travel everywhere by ordinary buses (not even HPTDC for manali-leh). He plans to share cab only if getting a good deal.
3. He has kept a couple days buffer.
4. I would not want them to stay at tented accomodation at these places.
5. Nonetheless, they are high on enthusiasm to explore as many places as possible.
Still, I am little worried.
Given these conditions:
1. Can you suggest some good places to stay at kargil?
2. Is it possible to cover Pangong lake in single day using public transport?
3. Will it be possible to cover Tso Moriri while returning to Manali? Not sure if public transport is present on Leh-Tso moriri-Manali route and also if decent accomodation is available at Tso Moriri.
4. He plans to drop "Nubra valley". At the most,he will just go till Khardung la pass and come back. Do you think Nubra valley is a 'must-go' place?
5. In general, which according to you, are "must-go" vs "ok-to-go" places in and around leh?
Quite many questions these and I am sure I will have more as planning progresses. Awaiting your kind response.
Thanks in advance.
Tejas
Hi Tejas,
1. It will be tough to suggest a place in Kargil that serves pure veg. food, in fact there might not be any restaurant within Leh as well.
2. You can cover Pangong Tso as day trip in any of the tourist shared taxis. There is no public transport there for single day trip as even buses also comes twice a week only.
3. No, since you do not have a private taxi hence you cannot do it.
4. I will say do Nubra Valley, it is nice place and shall not be missed.
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Dear Dheeraj,
Thanks for all the guidance and I have been following your blogs very closely, when I contacted the himachal tourism office in Manali they indicated that Rohtang pass is not yet open, where as your update of 17th May indicates it is open. I am travelling this saturday to Manali – will there be a chance that the pass may open by then please
Hi Sayee,
Road is still opened as unofficially, few bikers have done it, taxis are doing it from both sides. Road conditions at many places are horrible, especially near the passes. If you are going by own car then SDM office will not issue you the permits until the road is opened officially
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Dheeraj,
This post has become more of an enquiry blog.
Can you let me know of the latest road status?
Hi SM,
He He He, perhaps something I cannot control
… Latest Manali – Leh Road status is same as above – "Road is open unofficially, few bikers have done it, taxis are doing it from both sides. Road conditions at many places are horrible, especially near the passes. If you are going by own car then SDM office will not issue you the permits until the road is opened officially."
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Dear Dheeraj
we are planning for a trip to leh via manali on 8th june kindly tell whether the route will be open by that time and do we need any permits from manali to go ahead even if we take a permit taxi from our place.which route would you prefer srinagar-leh or manali leh..and kindly suggest a 10 day itinerary starting 8th une 2012.kindly help..
Hello Nipun,
By 8th of June Manali – Leh shall be most likely open as it is already open unofficially. If you are traveling by non-HP number car then you need to take permit from Manali SDM office to travel on Manali- Rohtang Pass road. I always prefer Srinagar – Leh over Manali – Leh while going to Leh. You can read more reasons on the link here
Day 1 | Delhi – Srinagar
– Fly to Srinagar if you are not self driving because it will almost cost the same and help you save one day plus fatigue of traveling unnecessary in plains or boring hills for 2 days
– Enjoy walk around Dal lake and may be Shikara ride as well
– If you have time then check out, floating market, Shalimar Garden.
– Overnight at Srinagar
Day 2 | Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil
– Enjoy the vistas enroute
– Have late drunch meal at Drass is you are a vegetarian as sometimes it gets difficult to find veg. food at Kargil
– Overnight at Kargil
Day 3 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
– Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes
– On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Zanskar
– Overnight at Leh
Day 4 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Inner Line Permits
– Local sightseeing include Namgyal Gompa, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Shankar Gompa, Main Market, Hall of Fame, Spituk Gompa, Changspa Road Stroll in evening
– For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
– Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
– Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
– On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
– Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 6 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
– Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
– Overnight at Leh
Day 7 | Leh – Pangong Tso Lake – Leh
– Day trip to Pangong Tso
– Overnight at Leh
Day 8 | Leh – Taglang La – Pang – Sarchu
– Try to start early in the day so that you reach Sarchu where the accommodation options are better than Pang
– Overnight at Sarchu or Pang
Day 9 | Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
– On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only
– Overnight at Manali
Day 10 | Manali – Delhi
Note: No buffer days for Ladakh trip mostly many a times means trouble, so do plan a day or two as buffer apart from these 10 days.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj
Thanx for the advice.The itinerary you provided suggests that i need to get a taxi from srinagar for leh.But the problem is that i havent been there before and hiring a taxi at an unknown place would be a hassle.Secondly i have many female members in my group so it wont be an easy thing to hire a taxi at such a place for me.Kindly suggest..
Hi Nipun,
Hiring a taxi is not a big job even after reaching Srinagar because rates are fixed by taxi unions and you get about 12-15% discount on these rates when you talk to taxi drivers both in Leh as well as Srinagar.
Still, what you can do is either hire a taxi from Patiala with private number on it (white number plate) and if inquired at any checkpost enroute or at taxi stands of Leh or Srinagar, be ready to convince them that car belongs to you or your relative. Everyone in the group must be on same page and know to whom the car belongs and it is not hired vehicle. Otherwise, take the taxi with you and after you reach Leh hire another taxi for sightseeing in Ladakh and then come back in your local taxi.
For the current leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2012-13 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Dear Dheeraj,
One of my mechanic suggest me to add gotkha or spring on shockers , which increase ground clearance of car by 3.5cm . . pls suggest is it really helpful and not effecting the car .
tks,
chauhan
Hi Rajesh,
Though I am not very much into technical details of automotive but I guess I read somewhere that we should avoid such hacks to maintain our vehicle in the long run. Since, I am not the right person to ask this I will suggest you check with someone in the group of our legendery HV Kumar in his Facebook group linked here and I am sure you will get some real driving tips on Ladakh trip.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
hello sir
sir i read all your suggestion and they really helped me a lot
sir i am going to leh with my family on 8june 2012 and i have 1 chind of 17 years and other of 10years
sir i am little worried about wat should i carry as i am going for 10 days
and i also want to know that as i am driving wat all can i see on d way??
thank you
Hi Rakesh,
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travelers including me at the link here: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
For accommodation, check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh including moderate and cheap budget hotels as well in the series of articles starting on the link here
Check the list of things to carry for Leh – Ladakh or other trip at the link here.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj
Your guidence is very usefull for first time travelers, i too planed a similar trip like june 9th i am starting from manali , please suggest by that time the road will be opened or not. I am going with two kids age 2 years and 6 years (is it ok for them or any problem of AMS)
please respond
Hi anil,
The road is unofficially opened now and by that time it will get open most likely.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Also, I see you going with too young kids. I feel you should go from Srinagar – Leh Highway because a 2 year old child cannot let you know if he is suffering from any AMS symptoms or not. So, please avoid it.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
if we leave early morning for keylong say 4 or 5 am from manali, we dnt need any permit?
You do. I left Manali at 4 last year and was stopped by a Military personnel to check the same. Thankfully I obtained it the previous day. Getting a permit isn't a task, it hardly takes 10 mins. You just need to fill a form and get it signed, that's it.
Gurjeet, I guess, by that time as Gaurav said it might be possible that the GREF guy comes to post but when taxis leave at night about 2.30-3 AM types, then highly likely he might not come. But, few of my friends have even gone through at 4 AM types.
I will advice you to contact some hotel.travel agent and get that permit done in advance.
Regards,
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
First let me thank you for such an informative post and such prompt replies.
We are 3 friends, planning a trip to Leh driving our own vehicle, need some suggestions:
1. Which will be the best suited Vehicle for us, we have 3 options : Ford Endeavour/ Mahindra Scorpio/ Toyota Innova (all 2 Wheel Drives)
2. We have 9-10 Days in hand and we want to make it a complete circuit. Which is the route you suggest: Delhi-Manali-Leh-Srinagar-Delhi or Delhi-Srinagar-Leh-Manali-Delhi
3. Can we get the Bikes on rent in Leh for the nearby locations to cover rather than doing it by our own Vehicle as we want to do these locations by Bike.
Thanks
Ashish
Hi Ashish,
1. I will suggest better take Mahindra Scorpio with you or Endeavor which ever you feel comfortable. Scorpio, will have an advantage of workshop in Leh in ase you need to get something done and being light in weight would be able to go through the slush stretches at ease as compared to other one. Do not take Innova as it suffers alot in that terrain, though you will find it running there.
3. Yes, you can get bikes easily on Fort Road Leh. There are plenty of shops which provide bikes on rent.
2. Below is the plan I can suggest for 10 days to complete the whole circuit:
Day 1 | Delhi/Chandigarh – Patnitop
– Overnight at Jammu or Patnitop
Day 2 | Jammu / Patnitop – Srinagar
– Enjoy walk around Dal lake and may be Shikara ride as well
– If you have time then check out, floating market, Shalimar Garden.
– Overnight at Srinagar
Day 3 | Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil
– Enjoy the vistas enroute
– Have late drunch meal at Drass is you are a vegetarian as sometimes it gets difficult to find veg. food at Kargil
– Overnight at Kargil
Day 4 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
– Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes
– On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Zanskar
– Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Inner Line Permits
– Local sightseeing include Namgyal Gompa, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Shankar Gompa, Main Market, Hall of Fame, Spituk Gompa, Changspa Road Stroll in evening
– For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
– Overnight at Leh
Day 6 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Leh
– Head for Nubra Valley very early in the day and come back by late evening after visiting Deskit. If you have time go little further and see Hunder sand dunes too
– On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
– Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 7 | Leh – Pangong Tso Lake – Leh
– Day trip to Pangong Tso
– Overnight at Leh
Day 8 | Leh – Taglang La – Pang – Sarchu
– Try to start early in the day so that you reach Sarchu where the accommodation options are better than Pang
– Overnight at Sarchu or Pang
Day 9 | Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
– On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only
– Overnight at Manali
Day 10 | Manali – Delhi
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
Firstly a big thank you on on putting up this Gr8 post. Easily the most informative one that have found on the net. I am planning to drive down from Mumbai to Leh via the Srinagar – Kargil route. I have a Volkswagon Vento 1.6 Diesel. Its only the 2 of us. Now judging by the facts stated in the thread my take is that if we drive safe we should not face any issues on the Mumbai Leh drive. I am slightly confused on the return trip. My heart says to take the manali route (Return journey will be post 15-June-12) This way we will be able to complete the entire circuit. Wats your take will the vento be able to make the descent on the Leh Manali route without any trouble.
Also Plan to drive to Pangong Tso and TSO Mori. on the way back.Again the same question will the Vento be able to drive through.
Hi Ajay,
Glad you like the information present on the blog
…
You will be able to do the normal routes to Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri with careful driving. Make sure you know where lies important parts of your car underneath.
For Vento taking on Manali – Leh Highway, I will suggest you read about section "Private Vehicles i.e. Cars and Bikes | Self Drive or Ride to Ladakh" in the article linked here: How to plan a journey on Manali – Leh Highway to give you an idea what to expect in self drive in hatch back. For a quick read:
The roads may be stabilized by that time but you will need to face few tough challenges on the route. The hatchback/sedan will increase the level of every challenge even further. My suggestion will be to go via Srinagar route which is opened for light vehicles earlier (most likely) and will be stabilized by then. It will help you feel comfortable with the driving, provide more acclimatization and then once you have done the local Leh Ladakh come back via Manali side. Secondly, since you are in hatch/sedan back then you need to drive with extra care as well. There will be some sections on the Manali – Leh highway in which yo might need to sacrifice some scratches on the underbelly. Just make sure you do not bump the engine sump (know it before where it is placed in your car). You need to protect it all around the trip. Thirdly, whenever in doubt do not rush into the section rather park aside and feel the section with your foot, see how other vehicles are crossing it and make a planned route in your mind to cross that section. At the very least do carry Mseal, quick fix, funnely, jerry cans and towing rope with you all the time.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi DHEERAJ,we are awaiting for your news,when the sarchu will open finally? we want to cross the road on 24/25th may. will be possible? any news about kunzum la pass? thanks, purnendu mukherjee.
Hi Purnendu,
Manali – Leh Highway might open by this weekend for light vehicles, at least unofficially and anytime officially because snow has been cleared from all passes… May be perhaps, local taxis might have started doing it as well… So, you have long way to go and by that time it will be open.
No chances for Kunzum La route to be open by that time because as per last updates about 40 KMs of snow is yet to be cleared
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
should manali leh highway open on 1st of june??
Hi Gurjeet,
Most likely YES
… Manali – Leh Highway might open by this weekend for light vehicles, at least unofficially and anytime officially because snow has been cleared from all passes… May be perhaps, local taxis might have started doing it as well… So, you have long way to go and by that time it will be open.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
should army allow to pass the unoficialy opening of manali leh highway??
we r deciding to start our journey on 29th bcoz of taking permit for rohtang..
Hi Gurjeet,
By 29th, it should be open officially or in fact by weekend I expect it to open because trial run of Bus Service from Keylong to Manali has been done. So, if weather do not show any surprises then you are good to go
… Leave as early as possible in the day, by 4 AM types from Manali, and you might avoid the permit thing as well in worst case.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
I and my two friends are planning to visit leh-ladakh from 22'June to 30'June.Till now our plan is to take our own vehicle which is hyundai i20 and route map that we have decided is Delhi-Manali-leh-Srinagar-Delhi.I want you to suggest would it be alright to take i20 on such a long hilly route and also what would be the status like of the road connecting manali-leh at that time which is what most describes as challenging to any other segment on this tour.Any advie and suggestion is highly welcomed.Thanks.
Upender,
The roads are fine during the time, that you have planned. You can definitely take i20 on that route, it is just that you have to be a little extra cautious while driving. Whenever you find it hard on the way due to any obstruction, do not rush up..move out of the car, review the road, have someone stand outside and guide you or just see how others are passing through it and then move on. The condition of the road is pretty much fine most of the time. Do not booze while travelling because inside the car you won't feel any difference but the moment the temperature dips and you have to come out of the car it becomes terrible. So say no to it at higher altitudes. Bring a container to carry fuel since the last petrol pump you'll find is in Keylong and post that for almost 400 km there is no filling station. Make sure you know where the oil pannel of your car is and while driving ensure that you dont damage it…few scratches beneath can not be avoided. This is it… follow Dheeraj's comments further below for more references. Thank!
thanks again Gaurav, for valuable comments and suggestions.
Regards
Dheeraj
Thanks Gaurav this helps.
Hi Upender,
I will suggest you read about section "Private Vehicles i.e. Cars and Bikes | Self Drive or Ride to Ladakh" in the article linked here: How to plan a journey on Manali – Leh Highway to give you an idea what to expect in self drive in hatch back. For a quick read:
Nothing to demotivate, when one of the news channels took 9 vehicles, I guess i20 was the worst performer among all
…
The roads may be stabilized by that time but you will need to face few challenges on the route. The hatchback/sedan will increase the level of every challenge even further. My suggestion will be to go via Srinagar route which is opened for light vehicles earlier (most likely) and will be stabilized by then. It will help you feel comfortable with the driving, provide more acclimatization and then once you have done the local Leh Ladakh come back via Manali side. Secondly, since you are in hatch/sedan back then you need to drive with extra care as well. There will be some sections on the Manali – Leh highway in which yo might need to sacrifice some scratches on the underbelly. Just make sure you do not bump the engine sump (know it before where it is placed in your car). You need to protect it all around the trip. Thirdly, whenever in doubt do not rush into the section rather park aside and feel the section with your foot, see how other vehicles are crossing it and make a planned route in your mind to cross that section. At the very least do carry Mseal, quick fix, funnely, jerry cans and towing rope with you all the time.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Thanks Dheeraj,I will make sure to have a well detailed plan in place so that no stones are left unturned.
All the best for the journey buddy
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
Me & about 5 of my friends will be reaching Manali by 17th June ,so you think the Manali-Leh route should be open by then ?
Hi Laukik,
Manali – Leh Highway might open by this week for light vehicles, at least unofficially, as snow has been cleared from all passes
… So, you have long way to go and by that time it will be open.
hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Thanks a lot Dheeraj.Gives me a sigh of relief
hello dheeraj,
just need yr final advise " sld I take new maruti dezire on manali leh route between 10june to 25th june or not . is the road condition will be fine by that time or not .
I don't hv SUV and not getting this kind of vachile from anywere on rent (self drive basis ).
Hi Dheeraj ,
I started Mumbai yesterday and yesterday night halted in Chittorgarh.Today evening we should reach Chandigarh.
M withwife n 2 kids in Safari Dicor.
Question to you is If tomorrow morning I start for Manali then Can we start Leh via manali by this Tuesday or Wednesday .Will the road be clear by then?
Alternatively will u suggest us to go Kashmir and then Leh ? Is security conditions good to drive in Kashmir as we can drive in any other state?
Pls advice
Hi Nidish,
Buddy, go via Srinagar – Leh Highway because Manali – Leh Highway is not open yet. What you can do is after reaching Leh and doing all the sightseeing, confirm from Leh taxi stand about the status of MAnali – Leh Highway and start the journey back based on that status. Do not attempt MAnali – Leh currently.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Rajesh,
I will suggest you read about section "Private Vehicles i.e. Cars and Bikes | Self Drive or Ride to Ladakh" in the article linked here: How to plan a journey on Manali – Leh Highway to give you an idea what to expect in self drive in hatch back. For a quick read:
The roads may be stabilized by that time but you will need to face few challenges on the route. The hatchback/sedan will increase the level of every challenge even further. My suggestion will be to go via Srinagar route which is opened for light vehicles earlier (most likely) and will be stabilized by then. It will help you feel comfortable with the driving, provide more acclimatization and then once you have done the local Leh Ladakh come back via Manali side. Secondly, since you are in hatch/sedan back then you need to drive with extra care as well. There will be some sections on the Manali – Leh highway in which yo might need to sacrifice some scratches on the underbelly. Just make sure you do not bump the engine sump (know it before where it is placed in your car). You need to protect it all around the trip. Thirdly, whenever in doubt do not rush into the section rather park aside and feel the section with your foot, see how other vehicles are crossing it and make a planned route in your mind to cross that section. At the very least do carry Mseal, quick fix, funnely, jerry cans and towing rope with you all the time.
Let me know for any queries regarding planning the trip. You can check the a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travelers including me at the link here: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh. The itinerary is ex. Delhi for 14-15 days, so perhaps remaining day can be spent in coming to Delhi and going back from Delhi.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Rajesh,
I am glad you are one like me who wants to take a brand new non-SUV car on this route. Let me assure you that there is no harm in driving the non-suvs on leh route but as suggested by Dheeraj, you have to be extra cautious. Follow his every single instruction and you’ll have fun. Don’t rush at any point of time, even if the road is good through out, you will find a couple of tiny streams crossing the roads and you can drive through them slowly by a companion standing outside for the guidance.
Also, make sure that you know what all are the things beneath your car chassy that need not be damaged at any cost. You have to be very very cautious about the oil panel; you cannot afford to lose it. In case of obstructions, get out of the car, clear the road and move on, this is why drives are called adventurous on this route.
I took my brand new (10 day old figo) and I was deprived of all this knowledge and information. I was accompanied by my wife only and hence driving towards Rohtang, while driving on slush I rushed a few times which resulted in a dent on the oil panel which further limited the supply of oil. This later resulted in damaging the turbo and later while driving back to Delhi the engine was snagged only to be found that a piston or I don’t know something was damaged and the whole engine needed the replacement. The President of Ford India was nice enough to bear the 50% cost but still I had to shed 70K out of my pocket.
This is not to scare you, but to tell that with a little extra caution you can return harmless. I will be planning a trip on the same car yet again. 
Also, once you reach Keylong, I will advice to get your vehicle checked up. Keylong is the only place where you'll find assistance on this route. There is a motor mechanic named Jeetu in Keylong and he is one master-super guy. His contact number is 9418133951. Also, I must advice you not to put too much pressure on your clutch if you are stuck somewhere because the clutch plate is the component which is damaged the most in this route. Also, carry a BSNL sim card if you want to stay connected on-n-off, it works till Serchu. Thanks!
Gaurav, nice tips you have shared and am sure some lesson to be learnt by many from your experience who feels it is just another destination and just go out without planning. Even after knowing so much about the terrain, I seldom go without any over preparation. In self drive in this terrain, Key lies in waiting and seeing how others do it whenever you are in doubt. Never be too confident that the overlying stone will not hit the underbelly, never think the road is straight as an arrow and I can cruise through it
… you never know how bumpy it is even at the smoothest of ends 
Many thanks for sharing that mechanic's number too.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
HellO Dheeraj,
Thank you for your quick reply.
Its a big relief knowing that the road will be open by then.
Well as u said, to avoid stop at pang amd sarchu due to AMS. Instead do the whoke strecth by leaving early from keylong n reach directly to leh.
But we do not want to stretch it a lot. We would like to do it in two days. So we will plan on changing the haults to the places u have recommended on ur blog.
Your route to hunder n panamik n back to leh sounds good. But we are keen on doing the wari la pass. So is it possible to do this pass at the time when we are leaving considering the weather n not to mention the availability of permits.
Now when u say carry enough fuel for 800kms. Kindly help us out here. As we will be going on bikes. Three bullets one karizma n one yezdi. So even if we try our best we can carry only 30liters spare in jerry cans (which we are still finding as we are not able to find fuel safe jerry cans n we dont want to risk taking so much of inflamable substance in soft plastic normal jerry cans which are easily available in market) besides whats in our tanks. N we are not counting on the karizma to carry fuel. So we need to find a solution for that.
When taking the route from pangong tso towards the tso moriri n then to tso kar. Besides the names which u have mentioned there are no other names required to put it up on permits?
Also i see a new route on the map, from chusul to mahe via mirpal tso n yaye tso. Is this route feasible to go on bikes? N what about the permits n permission?
Well when u said do need to come back to kalka, there is a direct route to delhi. We are not much keen om going to delhi. Infact we would board our train from kalka or chandigard. But we will be taking the other highway on our way back from manali.
Kindly enlighten us with ur views on this.
Regards,
Bhushan.
Hi Bhushan,
Staying at Pang/Sarchu so early will always be Highly risky, so make your own choice
… You might go through without any AMS issues or you might not be able to sleep whole night and then had to do rest of the journey with headaches and less sleep, least enjoying the beauty of highway. I am very prone to AMS and very fond to click pictures, though I am least good at it. However, when I start feeling heavy head I skip shooting even the most heaven like views 
…
Now, it is better that you come back to Leh from Panamik to make it easy ride and to get that fuel thing done, you are traveling alot already. Karu and LEh is only 45 KMs apart, so you save just 2 Ltrs at max by not coming back to Leh or infact even less as you will be coming to Karu from Shakti and then next day again going Shakti towards Changa La. I will suggest, you should try black petrol available in villages in Nubra Valley as well as Tangste and carry as much as you can.
One option will be to skip Tso Kar lake route and come back to Karu from Tso Moriri, get the tankful and including tankful carry spare fuel if required for 380 KMs on Manali – Leh Highway. This way you might be able to reach Pang only or may be Sarchu if you start very early from Tso Moriri.
Hence, the 800KMs is now about 350-400 KMs only whichI guess can be manageable including full tanks.
Chusul to Mahe is still under construction as per last updates when I was there a week back and BRO is not yet through it. They will be through it soon
… May be try on next trip.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
hi dheeraj…i with wife planning road trip to leh via srinagar in the last week of may…Please revert me is it save to follow srinagar route..secondly how much days i should plan for? what are the requirements i need to work for before planning the trip?
Hi Abhishek,
YEs, it is safe to go via Srinagar – Leh Highway. For number of days and itinerary, you can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travelers including me at the link here: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
I do not understand the requirements query of your, please elaborate.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hello sir,we are planning to go to leh on 22 of may,2012.I am confused that which route should we take as we have kids along.we are two families, so we are planning to take fortuner and honda city. Is it fine to go on a sedan? Lastly, please tell us whether we need to book the hotels over there and from where we get the permits for spangong lake and other places ?
Hi Sonia,
No, Honda City will not make it alright back or even to Leh especially on Manali – Leh Highway and some parts within Leh. If it is new version (elongated one) then please do not take it. But, the beast (fortuner) will cruise on those roads, just be cautious and drive safe. Since, you are going with family and may not want to run here and there after reaching the place, I guess you shall book the hotels. Otherwise, it is OK not to pre-book. Better take Srinagar – Leh Highway since, you are with kids.
Check the travelers preferred hotels list in Leh – Ladakh guide at the link here
For details on inner line permits process and to download application form, read the link here
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Honda City is the lowest among the ground clearance, if not much, you'll end up damaging the silencer at least. Since you are travelling with Kids, you may want to drive through Srinagar route, unless you and your family are read to spend a night in the car (which is no harm, I have spent a night with my wife in car and earlier spent a night with my friends on this route), if the weather Gods want to play around.
Correctly said, it is better to avoid Honda City at any cost.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hello Dheeraj,
We have planned our trip to leh from manali on 7th june. Is the road likely to be opened by that time? We planned this as stated in ur blog BRO was suppose to open the roads by 15th April. But the currently the road is open only till keylong, which worries me.
Also our itenary is as such.
5. Mumbai – Kalka (Train)
6. kalka (Train)
7. Kalka – jalori pass – manali – 350
8. Manali – keylong – 117
9. Keylong - pang – 178
10. Pang – leh – 174
11. Leh
12. Leh – hunder – panamik – 200
13. Panamik – karo – 150 (via wari la)
14. Karo – marsimik la – pangong tso – 210
15. Pangong tso – tso moriri – 220 (via chusul, dhunti)
16. Tso moriri – tso kar – pang – 170 (via moore plains)
17. Pang – keylong – 178
18. Keylong – manali – 117
19. Manali – kalka – 278
20. Kalka (buffer)
21. kalka (buffer)
22. Kalka – Mumbai
23. Mumbai
So our worry is the following strecth
14. Karo – marsimik la – pangong tso – 210
15. Pangong tso – tso moriri – 220 (via chusul, dhunti)
16. Tso moriri – tso kar – pang – 170 (via moore plains)
600-650kms without a single fuel station in between.
We are planning to carry fuel in jerry cans but for that each of us should carry about 30liters which is a lot of it.
So would u give ur suggestion on this.
Also i would request you to give us the names to which are to be put on the permit for the above route as i have heard u have to very careful not to miss out any name, especially this route.
And also for the from panamik to karo via wari la, what names will have to be put up.
Thanks in advance, eagerly waiting for your reply.
Hi Bhushan,
Yes some promises are made every year but weather always have the last say… But, commendable job by BRO to open Rohtang Pass and Srinagar – Leh Highway so early. Manali – Leh Highway is expect to be open by third week of May, so by the time you are planning you will most likely found it open.
As per itinerary,
a. Do not stay at Pang or Sarchu rather leave Keylong early by 4 AM and reach Leh the same day so that you do not suffer from AMS by sleeping at Sarchu or Pang.
b. After reaching Leh you need to arrange inner line permits
c. Do it like:
8. Manali – Keylong
9. Keylong – Leh
10. Leh
11. Leh – Khardung La – Deskit – Hunder – Deskit
12. Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh (Place Nubra Valley on permit)
13. Leh – Pangong Tso Lake (Carry spare fuel for about 800 KMs)
14. Pangong Tso Lake – marsimik la – Pangong Tso Lake
15. Pangong tso – Man – Merak – Chusul – Tsaga – Loma – Hanle (Place all these names on permits)
16. Hanle – Nyoma – Mahe – Sumdo – Tso Moriri (Place Tso Moriri, Nyoma on permit)
17. Tso Moriri – Sumdo – Tso kar – Moore Plains – Pang/Sarchu
18. Pang/Sarchu – Manali
I am not sure why do you want to go to Kalka again, you can save days easily there and do the above in relaxed manner. There is direct and fast route from Manali to Delhi directly.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
dheeraj, we are reaching shimla on 20th may. we want to go to leh via kalpa, kaza, keylong, sarchu. it may possible?
Hi Purnendu,
It might not be possible because Kunzam Pass will most likely to be closed by that time. However, if it is open then you can go through it, may be with plan like below and depending upon the number of days you have in hand:
Delhi – Narkanda
Narkanda – Kalpa
Kalpa – Nako – Tabo
Tabo – Kaza (Explore Pin Valley and Kaza and around Kaza like Ki Kibber Gette Tashigang Hikkim Kaumik Langza villages)
Kaza – Losar – Kunzum Pass – Chandratal/Losar
Chandratal/Losar – Kunzum Pass – Gramphu – Keylong – Jispa
Jispa – Sarchu
Sarchu – Leh
Add/remove days in Spiti according to your convenience.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Deepak,
Can you suggest, when Keylong-Leh stretch is likely to open. We have planned to reach Manali on 25th May 2012 night and will leave for Sarchu on 26th May Morning by Car.
Regards,
Himanshu
Hi Himanshu,
Manali – Leh Highway is expected to be open by third week of May, so by the time you are planning you might found it open but nothing can be said with guarantee for so early in the season. One spell of heavy snowfall at Rohtang Pass and Baralacha La and the roads might close again.
Better go via Srinagar side and come back via Manali side. Also, try to avoid stay at Pang/Sarchu rather leave Keylong early by 4 AM and reach Leh the same day so that you do not suffer from AMS by sleeping at Sarchu or Pang
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
I beleive roads are still not open and we are planning to leave in next 2-3 days. Please advice when it is likely to open officially? Can we pass still through pass through(may be late night) as the roads are unofficially open. I check with respected SDM Manali they won't issue permit until roads are open officially. Please help and advice.
Thanks in advance for your usual support.
Regards,
Himanshu Malik
Hi Himanshu,
Bhai although I cannot say 100% surely but, I guess if you plan to ride with local taxis you might be able to go through it. It is still not open officially, so you will be able to get the permit from SDM office. You have to take risk around it I will say ;(
Regards
Dheeraj
Respected Mr. Dheeraj, good news. 3rd week of may sarchu road may open. we are reaching shimla on 20th may. we want to to leh via kalpa, kaja, keylong, sarchu. kun jum la may open on that time? if there are any party on that road in that time, please introduse with us. thanking you, with regards, purnendu mukherjee.
Hi Purnendu,
Please do not ake Kunzum Pass route so early in the season. I highly doubt that Kunzum Pass will be open so early. It might open only by June first week or may be later. So, go via Manali side and pray that route might open by then
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for the plan shared!!!!
Actually I spent 4 years in High Altitudes of sikkim so acclimatization is not a concern.
also I do not have much time in hand and I guess Srinagra-Leh-Manali is more time taking.I am planning to carry my HEro Hobda Hunk. if we can cover Srinagar-Leh-Manali in 10 days then might I will give this a shot. cAn you pleas elet em know if this is possible without making tour hectic.
Tahnks,
Tinu
Hi tinu,
I guess I have suggested the plan via Manali and since you feel AMS shall be OK for you then better do it from Manali side to save some time, at least a day.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Read reports on BBC that roads opened.
That's a relief
Hi Majumdar,
Not sure about that because AFAIK, tourists are not even allowed to go upto rohtang Pass if BRO/GREF doubt about the safety. The news might be about Rohtang Pass being opened. Can you post the link?
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Brother, is the manali-leh highway open now? we have planned a trip on 19th May 2012. From manali we are hiring a four wheeler to leh. please also suggest where do we night stay during the journey?
Hi Animesh,
No Manali – Leh Highway is not open as of now, AFAIK because even Rohtang Pass is not open for tourists rather it is only opened for locales going to Keylong/Lahaul Valley. You should stay overnight at either Jispa or Keylong to acclimatize and then leave at about 4AM types to reach Leh next days without much hassles. Do not sleep overnight at Sarchu while going to Leh as your bodies will not be acclimatized for such high altitude.
For more details on how to plan a journey on Manali – Leh Highway check the link here
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dhiraj,
thanks for the updates!!!
I will strt my journey from manali on 16th June and I need to return to manali on 26th June at max. Can you plerase provid eme a good scheduel for Manali-Leh-Manali tour (By bike0 Can i cover this journey in thsi time limit?
hi Tinu,
I guess I already replied but again here:
You can follow the plan like this (considering you are going as well as coming from Manali only). If you are not renting the bike from Manali then I will suggest that you go via Srinagar and come back via Manali. It helps alot in acclimatization and making the plan more balanced.
Day 1 | Manli – Keylong/Jispa
Day 2 | Keylong/Jispa – Leh
Day 3 | Leh Local Sightseeing + Inner Line Permits
Day 4 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
About 6-7 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between and at Khardung La
Day 5 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
Overnight at Leh
About 7-9 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between
Day 6 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake
Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on the go towards Pangong Tso
Overnight at Pangong Tso (Spangmik or Lukung)
About 5-6 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between
Day 7 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on return to Leh
Overnight at Leh
About 5-6 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between
Day 8 | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping or you can do tour to Sham Valley
Sham Valley include Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Zanskar, , Gurudwara Pather Sahib
Overnight at Leh
Day 9 | Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang (DO NOT FORGET to carry spare fuel to do about 500-550 KMs without fuel pump)
Cover Karzok Monastery
Overnight at Karzok or Tso Moriri
About 7-8 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between
Day 10 | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring (Manali – Leh Highway starts) – Moore Plains – Pang / Sarchu
Try to start early in the day so that you reach Sarchu where the accommodation options are better than Pang
Overnight at Sarchu or Pang
About 11-12 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between
Day 11 | Pang / Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only
Overnight at Manali
About 11-12 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between and of course the mess at Rohtang Pass
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hello Dheeraj,
Rightnow rohtaang pass is open for everyone ? I'll be there on 15-16the May.
HHi dhiraj
thanks for all the updates!!!I will be leaving manali on 15 june by bike to leh and i need to get back on 26th june at max.Can you suggest me a good schedule so that i can cover the distance nic n easy
hope i am not asking for much!!thanks in advance.
Tinu
hi Tinu,
You can follow the plan like this (considering you are going as well as coming from Manali only). If you are not renting the bike from Manali then I will suggest that you go via Srinagar and come back via Manali. It helps alot in acclimatization and making the plan more balanced.
Day 1 | Manli – Keylong/Jispa
Day 2 | Keylong/Jispa – Leh
Day 3 | Leh Local Sightseeing + Inner Line Permits
Day 4 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
About 6-7 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between and at Khardung La
Day 5 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
Overnight at Leh
About 7-9 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between
Day 6 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake
Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on the go towards Pangong Tso
Overnight at Pangong Tso (Spangmik or Lukung)
About 5-6 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between
Day 7 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on return to Leh
Overnight at Leh
About 5-6 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between
Day 8 | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping or you can do tour to Sham Valley
Sham Valley include Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Zanskar, , Gurudwara Pather Sahib
Overnight at Leh
Day 9 | Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang (DO NOT FORGET to carry spare fuel to do about 500-550 KMs without fuel pump)
Cover Karzok Monastery
Overnight at Karzok or Tso Moriri
About 7-8 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between
Day 10 | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring (Manali – Leh Highway starts) – Moore Plains – Pang / Sarchu
Try to start early in the day so that you reach Sarchu where the accommodation options are better than Pang
Overnight at Sarchu or Pang
About 11-12 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between
Day 11 | Pang / Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only
Overnight at Manali
About 11-12 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between and of course the mess at Rohtang Pass
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Deluxdon,
Yes, tourists are allowed to Rohtang Pass, if BRO sees no harm and consider safe to send them. Mostly, it is used by locals.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
hi dheeraj we are planning a trip to leh by road from 8th june to 16th june. well be hiring a scorpio. we have 2 kids (7years and 2 years). is it advisable to do the trip. have been going through a lot of info and confused because some say it is safe and some donot recommend. has anyone done this before and please tell me the things i should carry for the kids as this is our first trip to leh.
Hi Aneeshya,
I will suggest avoid going via Manali – Leh Highway rather go to Leh via Srinagar – Leh Highway and come back via same or fly out of Leh to Delhi. Manali – Leh Highway is too remote for a 2 year old child because he may not be able to convey the uneasiness easily. Also, going to Leh via Manali is not a recommended way to plan a safe trip to Leh due to some of the reasons mentioned here.
Check the list of things to carry for Leh – Ladakh or other trip at the link here.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
HI Dheeraj,
I am planing to visit on 15 june along with my wife and two kids on my SUV :1st is this wright time, 2nd is there some more persons who are also planning at this time to visit if yes please inform us or give my no09814202922 to them as it will be help full, and also suggest us the route and where to stay and most enjoyable places on this route. waiting for your reply. davinder singh
Hi Davinder,
It should be fine as roads will be open by then. Being June, you will find some challenging water crossings on Manali – Leh Highway but since you have High GC vehicle so you will be able to cross them with little care and cautious driving. For all the details on Manali – Leh highway check the link here and I am sure many of your queries and doubts will go away
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheerej.
Thanks for your kind information.My leh journey started on 23rd june (via manali)but i am not a book any manali to leh car & leh hotel/guest house.I am not sure this time manali car or leh hotel is available.
Waiting for your reply.
Hello Prasad,
You do not need to pre-book any taxi or hotel in Manali, if you are OK with searching a bit once you reach Manali. You can easily get a taxi for Leh from Manali taxi stand and hotel try near Vashishth or Old Manali or you can also check on Manali – Naggar Road, where you will find cheap to moderate budget accommodation for sure.
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi,
I have a plan from 8th to the 19th of June. 5 of us with a SUV from Manali to Leh.
While the road condition is a concern, we also want to hire 3 bikes, preferably RE Bullets. After reading a lot of blogs I am apprehensive about the condition of bikes available in Manali. Can you please suggest as to what is the best way.
Also, we plan to take a night-halt at Keylong and Sarchu. Is it fine ?
Hello Siddharth,
Please do not stay at Sarchu as you will not be acclimatized by then. You have to cover the journey to Leh from Keylong or Jispa on the way to Leh. Once you are coming back to Manali from Leh then you can stay at Sarchu because your body will be acclimatized by then. For info. and tips on hiring bike in Manali, I suggest you read the article here.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
hello dheeraj ,
I am planning to trip manali – leh between June 15 to July 15 with my family including 02 children's . I hv maruti dezire patrol and shift diesel . pls suggest it is advisable to take car on this route ?????
Hello Rajesh,
I will suggest you read about section "Private Vehicles i.e. Cars and Bikes | Self Drive or Ride to Ladakh" in the article linked here: How to plan a journey on Manali – Leh Highway to give you an idea what to expect in self drive in hatch back. For a quick read:
The roads may not be stabilized by that time and you will need to face few challenges on the route. The hatchback will increase the level of every challenge even. My suggestion will be to go via Srinagar route which is opened for light vehicles earlier (most likely) and will be stabilized by then. It will help you feel comfortable with the driving, provide more acclimatization and then once you have done the local Leh Ladakh come back via Manali side. Secondly, since you are in hatch back then you need to drive with extra care as well. There are be some sections on the Manali – - Leh highway in which yo might need to sacrifice some scratches on the underbelly just make sure you do not bump the engine sump (know it before where it is placed in your car). You need to protect it all around the trip. Thirdly, whenever in doubt do not rush into the section rather park aside and feel the section with your foot, see how other vehicles are crossing it and make a planned route in your mind to cross that section. At the very least do carry Mseal, quick fix, funnely, jerry cans and towing rope with you all the time.
If you plan the itinerary properly, you will not need any tents. Let me know for any queries regarding planning the trip.You can check the a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travelers including me at the link here: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
hello dheeraj
i m planning a tour of manali on 20 may 2012. I wanted to know if the road would be open 4 rohtang.wat is suitable to go manali via volvo or personal car also tell me about road condition
Hello Dheeraj,
we have planned on a ladakh trip. We will be getting out bikes by train from Bombay. Will be reaching there on 6th June and start riding. we have planned to start from manali towards leh on 8th june. Will the roads be feasible? Also i would like to discuss the itenary. Pls send me a link where i can post it so that u can give me ur views
Hello Dheeraj,
we have planned on a ladakh trip. We will be getting out bikes by train from Bombay. Will be reaching there on 6th June and start riding. we have planned to start from manali towards leh on 8th june. Will the roads be feasible? Also i would like to discuss the itenary. Pls send me a link where i can post it so that u can give me ur views.
Planning to cross Kunzum pass on 15th june and Rohtang pass on 17th june. Do you think the passes will be open by then?
Dear Dheeraj,
I am planning a trip to Ladakh via Manali in 23June.have you know open road this date?
ragards
Prasad
Hi Prasad,
By 23rd June, Manali – Leh Highway will surely be open. Have a great trip!!
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
PS -> Sorry for the delayed reply. I was traveling Ladakh for past two weeks
…
Hey Dheeraj i am back. Hope all is well
. This time planing to Visit leh in the month of july mid week. This time hiring a bike and reaching Ladakh is my tour itinery. I wanted to ride from manali- leh as it is more adventerous than srinagar – leh. I have many doubts to start with. I am planning with three more friends or may be one. Kindly design me the tour itinery so that i can plan accordingly. Please consider telling to layman 
, thanks.
Hello Venkat,
Yups, I am doing great and glad to have you back
…I hope you are doing good too. Ladakh plan to July, seems very ionteresting, though I will be flying to heavenly Ladakh in less than 10 Hrs I am writing this t you 
… First and foremost, I will suggest you check out the Most Common Itinerary many of the traveler follow for Leh – Ladakh at the link here. It is quite balanced and relaxed plus you can add any relaxing days in between as you like. The itinerary takes care of the acclimatization part as well. Hence, you can go with it any day.
Secondly, I strongly advice that you go to Ladakh via Srinagar – Leh Highway and come back via Manali Leh Highway. To know more, you can check the article here: 5 Reasons to choose Srinagar – Leh Road over Manali – Leh Road
Even then if you decide to go via Manali – Leh, please do not sleep at Sarchu and sleep at Keylong/Jispa and then do Keylong/Jispa – Leh in one day by leaving Keylong early in the morning.
For renting the bikes in Manali and their contacts, I will suggest you go through this article: How to Hire or Rent a Bike or Motorcycle in Manali.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
PS -> I am traveling to Ladakh on today for 10 days, so might not be able to reply instantly.
Hi Dheeraj,
I have planned and even book tickets for a trip tp leh via manali. I am starting on 14th June from delhi. I understand that road conditions are unpredictable. Still if you can comment on the most probable road conditions during that time, I will feel relieved.
Waiting for your reply.
TIA
Hello Majumdar,
Manali – Leh Road will most likely to be open by that time
… However, I strongly advice that you go to Ladakh via Srinagar – Leh Highway and come back via Manali Leh Highway. To know more, you can check the article here: 5 Reasons to choose Srinagar – Leh Road over Manali – Leh Road
Even then if you decide to go via Manali – Leh, please do not sleep at Sarchu and sleep at Keylong/Jispa and then do Keylong/Jispa – Leh in one day by leaving Keylong early in the morning.
I hope this helps. Please let me know if you have any doubts or inputs.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
June onwards roads & weather are pleasent! enjoy buddy!
Dear Sir,
We are travelling from Manali to Sarchu to Leh by road on 26 May 2012. Kindly let me know whether highway would be open.
Hi Veena,
Manali – Leh Road might be open or might not be open by that time, will suggest to postpone it by a week or two. I strongly advice that you go to Ladakh via Srinagar – Leh Highway and come back via Manali Leh Highway. To know more, you can check the article here: 5 Reasons to choose Srinagar – Leh Road over Manali – Leh Road
Even then if you decide to go via Manali – Leh, please do not sleep at Sarchu and sleep at Keylong/Jispa and then do Keylong/Jispa – Leh in one day by leaving Keylong early in the morning.
I hope this helps. Please let me know if you have any doubts or inputs.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Hello,sir I am planning to go ladak in mid of may via manali, is it possible to go at that time .
Hello Amit,
Mid of May seems quite hard I guess after couple of spells of snowfal in the last week. Nothing can be said clearly though, tune in to this thread as I will keep on updating with latest news on the opening of Manali – Leh Highway. However, BRO has stated that they are going to open Srinagar – Leh highway by 25th April 2012 as per the updates here
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Is it possible to go Rohtaagpass in 14-15th May, 2012 as i want to see snow fall there and i'll be there that time.
Hi Deluxdon,
I guess it might be difficult considering the weather conditions now a days, snow might not get cleared by that time. But, nothing can be certain, tune in this thread, I will keep posting the updates.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Thanks for your quick reply Dheeraj. Will wait for your update on this.
kindly i would like to leh – manali road present status. can u pls intimate ?
Hi Dorjay,
Nothing can be said about its clearance though road upto Marhi has been opened by BRO from Southern portal of Rohtang Pass and then upto Khoksar from Darcha is open from Nothern portal of Rohtang Pass. Baralacha La and Rohtang PAss are still closed as snow stock is huge. A lot of things depend upon the weather in coming weeks. Stay tuned to the thread, I will keep posting the updates on the article above.
I hope this helps. Please let me know for any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Dear Dheeraj,
First, thanks for your really useful post.
I am planning a trip to Ladakh via Manali in June 1st week by my own car Figo. Its ground clearance is less so I am doubtful if we will be able to do without any damage. Can you tell me even if the roads are clear of Ice, how bad is the condition of roads there(esp after Rohtang) at this time of year. A few friends were suggesting to go in Sept but due to less workload, june is a suitable time for me. It will be self driven and I am the only driver in the trip. Is it(trip) safe for family as we are two couples going. Should I buy tent for night stay?
Hi Vishal,
I will suggest you read about section "Private Vehicles i.e. Cars and Bikes | Self Drive or Ride to Ladakh" in the article linked here: How to plan a journey on Manali – Leh Highway to give you an idea what to expect in self drive in hatch back. For a quick read
The roads may not be stabilized by that time and you will need to face few challenges on the route. The hatchback will increase the level of every challenge even. My suggestion will be to go via Srinagar route which is opened for light vehicles earlier (most likely) and will be stabilized by then. It will help you feel comfortable with the driving, provide more acclimatization and then once you have done the local Leh Ladakh come back via Manali side. Secondly, since you are in hatch back then you need to drive with extra care as well. There are be some sections on the Manali – - Leh highway in which yo might need to sacrifice some scratches on the underbelly just make sure you do not bump the engine sump (know it before where it is placed in your car). You need to protect it all around the trip. Thirdly, whenever in doubt do not rush into the section rather park aside and feel the section with your foot, see how other vehicles are crossing it and make a planned route in your mind to cross that section. At the very least do carry Mseal, quick fix, funnely, jerry cans and towing rope with you all the time.
If you plan the itinerary properly, you will not need any tents. Let me know for any queries regarding planning the trip.You can check the a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travelers including me at the link here: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for all the help you have been providing to travelers every year. I have been a frequent traveler to Himachal but have visited only bigger towns like Dharamshala, Dalhousie, Manali, Shimla, Spiti, etc. This time I want to do the interiors of himachal. Also want to travel to leh after that. I am reaching himachal in the last week of may. Can you suggest me some really unexplored places of himachal like these small Israeli settlements I have heard about. Also I am on a month long trip, so do you suggest homestays for budget accomodation or do you think PWD guest houses will be cheaper. And when do we expect the rohtang pass to open this year.
Thanks in advance
Asim
Hi Asim,
Well, month long vacation. Lucky you!!
… Rohtang Pass is expected to open by first week of June most probably or late May. Well, not sure settlements you talking about 
… but yes you surely spend sometime around Kasol and trek towards Puga, Kulga, Kheerganga, Malana to explore more of such things 
… Not sure, ideally what and where you want to start and how you will be commuting but I can suggest some places like Tirthan Valley, Pabbar Valley, In Spiti Valley – (Mane Villages, Lingti Valley, Pin Valley), then you have Ropa Valley near Kinnaur, Daranghaati, Chitkul (if you haven't been there), Barot is a nice place too in Himachal, Pangi Valley, Udaipur, etc. are some nice places all over Himachal 
…
I feel PWD will be best at many places in terms of facilities but yes, if you can't find one then homestay would do just good too.
Let me know what you want to explore, where you want to start, where you want to end and how you want to commute and then may be we can discuss and iterate over your plan
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Thanks for your reply Dheeraj. Yeah I have quit job long ago and have been a wanderer since then. Traveling, volunteering, writing, theatre, film analysis, etc have been few of the hobbies. So 1 month to travel is part of the exploration
Generally I travel by bullet but I guess this time I am commuting by public transport, want to keep it on a shoestring budget. Also I want to keep a loose plan so that I can just hang around places which I find to be nice. Thanks for the suggestions you have made, will be quite useful for me to figure out where all can be explored. Will get back to you with some plan in bit.
Thanks,
Asim
Hey Asim,
Great buddy. I seriously envy you now
… Feel free to let me know for any queries you have and whenever you wanna discuss about the plan.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hello,
I'm planning to go from Manali to Leh on the 10-15 April 2012 and I wanted to know if the road would be open?
Thanks in advance!
Hii!! Dheeraj. We r planning to go leh via manali in 1st week of may i.e. 3 or 4th may on gypsies for adventure. Should roads be safe till the date? If its not, then when should we go as early as possible?
Hi Gurjeet,
Buddy, the roads might not open by then. I will suggest that you either in last week of May or starting June. Go from Srinagar side and come back via Manali side. For a sample itinerary for entire Leh – Ladakh trip, check the link here
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any doubt or queries.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
what is the procedure for taking permission for rohtang?? how much days should be expected for opening manali leh highway?
Hi Gurjeet,
You can take the permissions from SDM Office Manali and should provide them your valid DL (optional, I guess) and vehicle registration certificate or RC. You can check more details on the link here
Manali – Leh Highway will most probably open by late May or first week of June, but again nothing is certain and all depends upon the weather conditions.
Please note, BRO did aim to open it my mid-April but continuous heavy snowfall had already disrupted the plans. I hope this helps.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi dheeraj, we are visiting manali on 24th march 2012( in another 3 days)..could you pls tel us which snow point would be ideal for us to see snow.
Hi Reena,
You will be allowed to go upto Gulaba I guess and that will be the snow point for you. So, go with Gulaba snow point. On the way back, if you hiring private taxi you can visit Solang Valley too.
Manali Local sightseeing which includes Hadimba Temple, Manu Temple, Mall Road, Local Monastery, Vashisth Hot Water Springs (never found it interesting) etc, Snow Points are at either at Solang Valley or Marhi/Gulaba on the way to Rohtang Pass and do check out Naggar Castle (stay at Naggar and enjoy the place if possible).
I hope that helps. Please let me know incase you need more details or have some queries or doubts.
If interested in more details on Manali including sightseeing places, accommodation options, food joints, etc you can go through the Manali travel guide available at the link here.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hello Mr. Deeraj. I was planning to go to tso mori via Kibber, trekking in Lahaul Spiti and would like to have information on that. Also about the status of kunzum la pass. One thing I would like to mention is that this will be my first time in long duration trekking so would you advise me this route? I would be glad to receive your inputs and would like to have your email id for further communication.
Thank You.
Hi Reynold,
Well, thanks for the liking the info available on the blog and here as well. I guess for a Leh-Ladakh via Lahaul, 10000 will be a bit low budget. I feel you should stick to Spiti Valley only.
1. 2nd week of May, Kunzam Pass will be closed and most likely Rohtang too (but no gurantee and depends upon BRO's urgency and weather)
2. the trek you are talking about is a long 6-7 days trek and the cost for such a trek will be too high IMO. You cannot do it on your own. Just hike around in Spiti Valley as there are many available. Kaza – Ki – Kibber, Kaza – Comic and may be Kibber – Comic/Hikkim might also be available. Demul – Lallung trek, Dhankar Lake trek, Sopona Lak trek from Mane Village etc. are all day hikes if you are interested to take one.
3. Stick to Spiti Valley only.
4. Yes, you will get cheap food and acco. in Spiti as many of the monastery have accommodation facilities and if you can book PWD guest houses then it would be more comfortable too. There runs alot of buses on this route and you will be likely to get the buses.
I am sure now some queries are clear and you will have so many mnore, so feel free to ask any number of doubts or quries you have.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any query or doubt.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
VERY IMPORTENT INFORMATION FOR ALL.
Thanks alot Sandeep. It indeed is great news and I am sure a lot people wait for this time to kick-in. I still feel the target is pretty optimistic as last year but who knows, miracle does happen sometimes.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheerej..Teh information shared by you is very helpfull.
Can you please let me know from where in Manali I can take bike(Bullet) on rent in good working condition.(I will be travelling to Manali-Leh-Ladakh and back) and wht are the charges and requiremnts for renting a bike around 15th June to 27th June?
Hello Tinu,
For renting the bikes in Manali, I will suggest you go through this article: How to Hire or Rent a Bike or Motorcycle in Manali You will find answers to many questions and more.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you need any details or have any queries.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma