Manali Leh Highway is one of those highways where its difficult to find civilization on majority of its distance. No civilization means lack of accommodation or stay options at disposal. This is why its extremely important to know about the whereabouts of limited accommodation or stay options available on Manali Leh Highway Below in the article, I have jotted down a list of some reliable accommodation or stay options available throughout the Manali Leh Highway and their types like tented, cemented, dormitory tents, rest house etc. In the article I first try to give details about the HP PWD Rest Houses and Circuit Houses and how they can be booked, later I follow it up with the description of Dormitory style dhabha tents with their pros and cons and finally the list of accommodation options avaliable on Manali – Leh Highway.

HP PWD Rest Houses and Circuit Houses in Lahaul Valley

You can contact SDO, PWD Lahaul valley to get an accommodation at PWD Rest Houses and Circuit Houses in Himachal Pradesh. Make sure that you do book it in advance to avoid any last minute hassles. Since, I never book in advance I had tough time in the past with HP PWD Rest Houses and Circuit Houses. Usually, the rooms are quite clean and comfortable at HP PWD Rest Houses and Circuit Houses. At most PWD rest houses and circuit houses, the rooms can easily accommodate 3 persons.

The food can be an issue at certain HP PWD Rest Houses and Circuit Houses. Hence, you need to either arrange yourself or make you ask the Chowkidar (watchmen) of the place to have it arranged for you. I guess he will be the one who will cook for you too or arrange pre-cooked food. You need to give him some tip though.

The price ranges from Rs 50-350 for Rest Houses and Rs 50-500 for Circuit Houses depending upon the type of individual you are, example tourist, privately employed, local to Himachal Pradesh, GOVT. servant etc. The tourists staying at PWD rest houses are charged Rs 350. You can get the complete pricing details at the following link: Rates of HPPWD Rest Houses and Circuit Houses

For bookings at HP PWD Rest Houses in Lahaul Valley, you can call at 01900-222276 which is the PWD contact or phone number for Lahaul Valley.

For bookings at HP PWD Circuit Houses in Lahaul Valley, you can call at 01900-222501 for Keylong or 01909-222224 for Udaipur.

When price is taken into account guess its one of the best deal to stay at these rest houses or circuit houses in remote locations of Himachal Pradesh.

Update: You can read the article for details: How to Book HP PWD Rest Houses or FRHs

Dormitory Style Dhabha Tents on Manali – Leh Highway

Throughout the Manali – Leh Highway you will find tented dhabhas serving Tea, Biscuits, Maggie, Momos, Rice and Dal, Chapati etc sought of meals at many place. These dormitory style tented dhabhas have kitchen inside them at one of the corners, some tables and chairs at the center and beds arranged around the other corners of the tent.  Hence, these tented dhabhas also offer accommodation or stay option on these shared beds (dormitory types) inside them and charge about Rs 50-75 per person per night. There may or may not be metalled beds but you will find quilts and mattresses to get warmth for sure. If metalled beds are not present then beds are made of rocks or stones with mattresses on them.

These dormitory style dhabha tents are NOT suitable types for family as no privacy (like in dorm), mostly there are no toilets or shared toilets, there are holes in the tents as the kitchen is also inside these tents which may trouble at night when winds flow, at times kerosene smell also lasts longer inside the tents.

Since, no phone or mobile signal is present there so no choice of pre-booking available for these dhabhas.

List of Accommodation or Stay Options on Manali – Leh Highway

Find below the list of accommodation options on Manali – Leh Highway according to each place that comes and offer accommodation or stay option starting from Manali and moving towards Leh. I hope it will be useful in planning your trip.

Hotels or Stay Options at Khoksar
HP PWD Rest House, Khoksar

Read more details above in section "HP PWD Rest Houses and Circuit Houses in Lahaul Valley" of this article. Check for food before booking.

Hotels or Stay Options at Sissu
HP PWD Rest House, Sissu

Read more details above in section "HP PWD Rest Houses and Circuit Houses in Lahaul Valley" of this article. Check for food before booking.

Triveni Hotel & Restaurant, Sissu

Sissu although not a regular overnight stop but incase you need to stop (due to some landslide or road block) or you are there to explore Lahaul valley you can stay at Triveni Hotel, Sissu. The hotel has a great location in terms of views and offers real good value for money stay as well as meals. The rooms are large and comfortable enough to accommodate more than 2-3 people at one time. So, if you have to stay at Sissu then Hotel Triveni is a great value for money deal.

Price range for the double bedded rooms is between Rs 400-700 depending upon the number of people want to stay in one room, month you are visiting, availability of the rooms and of course bargaining.

Since, Sissu is almost lowest in the altitude than Keylong and Jispa, it must be preferred option of stay incase someone in the group is suffering from AMS symptoms.

Telephone or Mobile

+91-1900-263044 or +91-9418204944
Hotels or Stay Options at Gondla
HP PWD Rest House, Gondla

Read more details above in section "HP PWD Rest Houses and Circuit Houses in Lahaul Valley" of this article. Check for food before booking.

Hotels or Stay Options at Tandi
HP PWD Rest House, Tandi

Read more details above in section "HP PWD Rest Houses and Circuit Houses in Lahaul Valley" of this article. Check for food before booking.

Hotels or Stay Options at Keylong
HP PWD Rest House, Keylong

Read more details above in section "HP PWD Rest Houses and Circuit Houses in Lahaul Valley" of this article. Check for food before booking.

HP PWD Circuit House, Keylong

Read more details above in section "HP PWD Rest Houses and Circuit Houses in Lahaul Valley" of this article. Check for food before booking.

HPTDC Hotel Chandrabhaga, Keylong

Hotel Chandrabhaga, Keylong is run by HPTDC is nice option of stay. Being HPTDC property, many tourists staying in Keylong prefer this hotel.

The price for a double bed room at Hotel Chandrabhaga costs about Rs 1800(MAP) and for a family suit accommodating four people it may cost 2900-3000(MAP). Since the price is MAP tagged it means, it includes two meals as well including breakfast and either one of dinner or lunch at the hotel.

For bookings you can use the official HPTDC website: Book HPTDC Hotels Online. You can also book the rooms from HPTDC offices at Manali or Delhi too.

Nalwa Guest House, Keylong

Nalwa Guest House is located right on the Manali – Leh Highway and comes onto the right side as you about to exit Keylong town while coming from Manali. Although it is an economic option of stay at Keylong but does not offer good quality food. The rooms are nice and comfortable and also had hot water supply.

Price ranges from Rs 400-500 for a double bed room with attached toilet and Rs 300-400 for a double bed room with shared toilet.

Read the link below for a complete and detailed review: Nalwa Guest House, Keylong, Himachal Pradesh | Hotel Review

Hotels or Stay Options at Jispa
HP PWD Rest House, Jispa

Read more details above in section "HP PWD Rest Houses and Circuit Houses in Lahaul Valley" of this article. Check for food before booking.

Jispa Journeys, Jispa

These tents are located about less than a KM before the Hotel Ibex on the right hand side while going towards Leh from Manali. There are about 20-21 tents available out of which 14 are Swiss tents with attached toilets and 6-7 are normal tents. The tents are nice and comfortable with metal beds having quilts as required usually 4 quilts are given.

Price ranges from Rs 400-600 for normal tent and Rs 800-1200 for Swiss tents both depending on tourist rush, time you reach the place and bargaining you do.

Overall, Jispa Journeys Camps or Tents are totally recommended and much worthy than the over priced Hotel Ibex. Read the link below for a complete and detailed review: Jispa Journeys, Jispa, Himachal Pradesh | Hotel Review

Telephone or Mobile

+91-1902-254055 or +91-9418954313 or +91-9418660225 (Sherab)

Email

jispajourneys@gmail.com

Camp Details

http://www.jispajourneys.com/camping.html

Official Website

http://www.jispajourneys.com/
Padma Lodge, Jispa

I guess, Padma lodge is also located about a KM before Hotel Ibex. The rooms are clean, spacious and comfortable with hot water supply.

Price ranges from Rs 700-1200 for a single room with double occupancy, depending on season and bargaining done.

In the end, if you are not one of those who can live with Tents then after Jispa Journeys, Padam Lodge will the best bet as a stay option at Jispa.

Telephone or Mobile

+91-9418033211 or +91-1900-233211 (Mr. Bir Singh)
Hotel Ibex, Jispa

Hotel Ibex, Jispa is the oldest and well established property or stay option at Jispa. Of course the rooms are clean, comfortable, spacious as well as serve beer too 🙂 but over past few years this Hotel has developed a reputation where Indians are not welcomed owing to steep prices they charge and somewhere a tad lousy attitude towards home tourists (I have not stayed here personally but this is what is written at many established travel forums)… Foreigners pay them better and with a smile, so guess they are much more welcomed. But, I guess over time things may change as more options of stay could come up at Jispa.

The price for deluxe rooms (27 in number) are Rs. 2800(AP), Rs. 2400(MAP), Rs. 2000(CP), Rs. 1800(EP). The price of Dormitory (20 beds) is Rs 150 per day.

Telephone or Mobile

+91-9418625414 (Jai) or +91-9318869620 (Ashok) or

+91-9418487596 (Vijay) or +91-9418282037 (Ravi Thakur, Owner)

Email

hotelibexjispa@gmail.com

Official Website

http://www.hotelibexjispa.com/
Hotels or Stay Options at Darcha

Darcha may be having very few and small guest houses only with very basic stay options, I am not aware of any specific one.

There are several dormitory style dhabha tents as well at Darcha serving food and accommodation. For more information on dhabha tents, please read the section "Dormitory Style Dhabha Tents" above in the article. Some dhabha tents at Darcha have metalled beds as well.

Its always preferable to stay at Jispa / Keylong rather than staying at Darcha which may not offer good stay options.

Hotels or Stay Options at Patseo
HP PWD Rest House, Patseo

Read more details above in section "HP PWD Rest Houses and Circuit Houses in Lahaul Valley" of this article. Check for food before booking.

Hotels or Stay Options at Zingzing Bar

There are about three dormitory style dhabha tents at Zingzing Bar serving food and accommodation. For more information on dhabha tents, please read the section "Dormitory Style Dhabha Tents" above in the article.

Hotels or Stay Options at Bharatpur

At Bharatpur also called Bharatpur City :), you can find few tented accommodations as well but I doubt if there are any Swiss tents available although you may check them, if required. These tents are cheaper as compared to the tents/camps at Sarchu. No phone booking possible, AFAIK.

There are few dormitory style dhabha tents as well at Bharatpur serving food and accommodation. For more information on dhabha tents, please read the section "Dormitory Style Dhabha Tents" above in the article.

Hotels or Stay Options at Sarchu

You will find plenty of tented accommodation at Sarchu running along side the Manali – Leh Highway. Here you will find Swiss tents with attached toilets as well as normal tents as well. There are quite a few groups that run these tented accommodation at Sarchu within 8-10 KMs of distance. As you drive closer to Sarchu the first one you will find is Blue Poppy Camps followed by Antrek Camps, Planet Himalaya Camps, Goldrop Camps and Himalayan Saga camps. There is no power and generators is run for the time of dinner only. Hence, do not forget to carry torch.

I guess there is not any need to book any of these tents in advance else you will end up paying more. Also, if you prefer too much cleanliness then better carry couple of blankets and a bed sheet. You can layer them between the bedding provided to you by tent or hotel and yourself to feel better about cleanliness :)…

Himalayan Saga Camps, Sarchu

Himalayan Saga Camps has about 25 Swiss tents with large dinning tent. They may charge the maximum rate at Sarchu and if there is tourist rush they may not even bargain too.

Telephone or Mobile

+91-1902-251848

Email

travelinfo@himalayansaga.com

Camp Details

http://himalayansaga.com/hotels.php?hotelid=46

Official Website

http://www.antrek.co.in
Goldrop Camps, Sarchu

Goldrop Camps has about 30 luxury tents offers spacious, comfortable stay. Staff is pretty decent and courteous too. You may get a fair deal with them.

Telephone or Mobile

+91-1902-251344 or +91-9418411964 or +91-9816245280

Email

info@ladakhmanali.com or goldropcamps@yahoo.co.in or goldrop@gmail.com

Camp Details

http://www.ladakhmanali.com/camping.htm

Official Website

http://www.ladakhmanali.com
Planet Himalaya Camps, Sarchu

Telephone or Mobile

+91-1902-250083  or +91-9816022839 (Virender) or

+91-9816056115 (Mohinder) or +91-9418264805 (Bintu)

Email

office@planethimalaya.in or planethimalaya9@gmail.com

Camp Details

http://www.planethimalaya.in/camping.htm

Official Website

http://www.planethimalaya.in
Antrek Camps, Sarchu

Telephone or Mobile

+91-1902-252292 or +91-1902-254492 or +91-1902-254006  or

+91-9816022292 (Naushad Kaludi)

Email

info@antrektours.com or info@antrek.co.in

Camp Details

http://www.antrek.co.in/camp.htm

Official Website

http://www.antrek.co.in
Blue Poppy Camps, Sarchu

Telephone or Mobile

+91-1902-253156 (not sure if it works)

The price range for these tents is about Rs 500-1200 depending upon the month you visit, time you reach Sarchu and bargain you can execute. June is the most expensive month as only few tents are setup so bargaining options will be lesser. Similarly, if it is late in the day that you reach Sarchu, there are less chances that you might go ahead and explore. This also limits the bargaining options. Generally, the price include the meals as well. So, do check and keep the meals option open for you while you bargain.

Just aside the police check post where you need register your name, there is a structure with separate kitchen, dining and sleeping tents with about 7-8 tents. Hence, you do not face the issues of normal dormitory tents like smell, ventilation etc however the toilets are again open. He charge about Rs 100-150 per person.

Once you cross the Himachal Pradesh border and enter Jammu & Kashmir then you will find 3-4 dormitory style dhabha tents as well at Sarchu serving food and accommodation. For more information on dhabha tents, please read the section "Dormitory Style Dhabha Tents" above in the article.

Hotels or Stay Options at Pang

At Pang, you will find 3-4 dormitory style dhabha tents serving food and accommodation. For more information on dhabha tents, please read the section "Dormitory Style Dhabha Tents" above in the article.

Hotels or Stay Options at Upshi

Upshi has few basic guest houses where one can spend night if required but I am not aware of any specific one. The food and accommodation would be very basic in any case. Its always better to move ahead to Leh instead of staying at Upshi which is just 49 KMs ahead and almost a straight run. So, within 2 Hrs you will have varied amount of accommodation options available for yourself. Try to find one around Changspa Road or Shanti Stupa Road or Fort Road…

Conclusion

I hope the above article will help you better plan your night stays and pick right accommodation option according to your needs on Manali – Leh Highway. Please feel free to share your experiences of stay as comments below at these accommodation options or places or provide the recommended options of stay which collectively will help others to have the required variety, flexibility and ability to choose best fit to their needs. I will be looking forward to your responses.

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I am Dheeraj Sharma - a traveler, techie, and Himalayan lover. Since 2009, I have been helping thousands of travelers every year plan memorable & budget-friendly trips to the Himalayas - Smartly, Safely, and responsibly.

130 Comments

  1. Comments section gets closed in 90 days. To ask your travel questions, you can follow my YouTube Channel for a faster reply or for a much slower reply follow me on Instagram. :)

  2. Sanjay S Bhargava on

    thanks for this info dear ! I will be driving ( MG 413 ) solo in July 2018 , I may need more later on route thanks again !!!

  3. Bhaskar Roy on

    Hi Dheeraj,

    2 queries on Leh-Manali hoghway.

    1. Time required for travelling JIspa to Leh city – in a xylo.

    2. Where can I have my lunch at afternoon – if I start from Jispa in morning for Leh.

    Regards,

  4. Adityaa Wadee on

    Hi Dheeraj,

    Is it required to prebook tent at Sarchu, Can’t i get gent on arrival there,
    Whay is possibility i will not find any accomodation on arrival.
    What are tentative rates for solo traveller ?

    • No need for pre-booking unless you have a particular place in mind to stay. Try to reach early in the day so that you have more sunlight to bargain better and move ahead in case deal is not getting cracked.

  5. Dennis Devasia on

    Hello Dheeraj, This page is very informative and I would like to thank you for your wonderful effort. I request some help in my cycling trip to Leh from Manali. As of now I am not planning to take any camping stuff to reduce the weight I am carrying. I am ready to take any type of accommodation (from dhabbas to hotel) through out the tour. Could you please advise me, whether I will get places for sleeping for my below tentative itinerary.

    Manali-Marhi
    Marhi-Sissu
    Sissu to Jispa
    Jispa to Zing Zing Bar
    Zing Zing Bar to Brandy Nallah
    Brandy Nallah to Pang
    Pang to Tso Kar
    Tso Kar to Upshi
    Upshi to Leh

    Any suggestions related to itinerary or any thing related to the tour is more than welcome 🙂
    Cheers brother!

    • Hello Dennis,

      Thank you.

      There is nothing much present now at Marhi, not sure you will get anything to sleep there. Best is to reach near Kothi instead of Manali and try to reach Khoksar the next day else confirm from Manali about Marhi stay.

      Sissu has plenty of options, Jispa too, Zingzing bar has dhabhas for stays, then after crossing Baralacha La pass, bharatpur city will have, then Sarchu/Pang, then Rumtse or go to Tso Kar and cross Taglang la next day to stay either at Rumtse or stretch to Upshi and finally Leh.

      • Dennis Devasia on

        Hello Dheeraj,

        Thanks for the reply.

        I am very much interested to do Spiti valley also in my cycling tour. But I am struggling to figure a route which connects Manali-Spiti valley-Leh like a loop without travelling to and fro from Manali to Spiti route. Is it possible to do? What is your opinion if I start from Shimla, then to Spiti valley and to Leh. Its a long way..Is it doable?

        • Dennis Devasia on

          Continued….

          Or another route
          Manali-Spiti valley-Kinnaur-Shimala route for cycling..Starting from Manali in Sep first week. Expecting 20-25 days of cycling to reach Shimla.

          Please give me your suggestion especially in terms of monsoon rains in Kinnaur area.

          Thanks,
          Dennis

        • Hello Dennis,

          If you want to do it in a loop to Leh, you have to follow the plan like from Shimla to Kinnaur to Kaza (Spiti) to Keylong to Jispa to Sarchu to Pang to Leh. This circuit you do not need to go to Manali so Manali will not come on this route but it covers Shimla – Spiti – Leh.

          Are you interested in planning an itinerary for this route?

        • Dennis Devasia on

          Thanks Dheeraj for the response and I am sorry for the multiple questions which lacks clarity.

          I am doing a cycling trip, I would like to do a Leh loop, ie. as you advised Shimla-Kinnaur-Kaza-Keylong-Leh. But the problem is, I am starting in July 3rd week and I read from your topics that it is monsoon season in Kinnaur area and it is dangerous to ride in July-August. So I changed my plan, now I am thinking Sonamarg-Kargil-Leh-Keylong-Kaza-Kinnaur-Shimla. In that in Leh, I am planning to stay 15-20 days. As per my thoughts, I will reach Kaza in Sep first/second week and Kinnaur in second half of Sep and by the end of Sep I will reach Shimla. Now my concerns in above plan is,

          1. From your blogs I understand that Sep is a good month for Spiti valley. But can you advise is Kinnaur area is suitable for riding a MTB in Sep second half mainly in terms of monsoon rains.
          2. Stay options from Keylong-Kaza-Kinnaur area. Since I am riding a cycle, my daily mileage can be around 35-60 kms depends on the road and high altitude passes. Can you advise whether there is staying options for me from Keylong-Kaza-Kinnaur. I am okay with any type of arrangements like tents, dhabbas or hotels etc. I am carrying a sleeping bag but NOT carrying camping stuff.

          I have full dates from July 3rd week to Sep end. Your suggestions are most welcome.

          Thanks,
          D

        • Hello Dennis,

          That’s fine. Hence, for better perspective on tracking previous multiple question I prefer more Travel Questions section :https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/ask-travel-question/ as it is easy to look at all questions at once for me even from admin panel. But, that’s fine. Coming back to your questions:

          1. September is a very good time to be in Spiti Valley as well as Kinnaur Valley as by that time rains will be all gone.
          2. From Leh to Kaza, I will suggest this to you:

          Leh – Karu, Karu – Rumtse, Rumtse – Tso Kar, Tso Kar – Pang, Pang to Sarchu (this is 76 Kms, could be toughest day as there is nothing inbetween. May be hitch hike a bit), Sarchu – Bharatpur city tented colony or Zingzingbar across Baralacha la, then Jispa, then Keylong or Sissu, then Chatru, then Batal, then Chandratal, then losar, then losar to Kaza is 52 Kms, Kaza to Tabo, Tabo to Nako, Nako to Puh, Puh to Ribba / Jangi, Ribba / Jangi to Reckong Peo to Kalpa, Kalpa to Sangla, Sangla to Chitkul, Chitkul to Sarahan, Sarahan to Narkanda, Narkanda to Shimla.

          These are the places you get accommodations in the forms of homestays, make shift dhabhas, camps, guest houses, hotels. You can make a plan depending on the days you wish to stay at these places mainly in Spiti and Kinnaur.

        • Dennis Devasia on

          Thanks a lot Dheeraj for the response. It was very informative. As you said, I am posting my further queries in the link you provided.

          Cheers,
          Dennis

  6. Hi Dheeraj,

    As in this post you have mentioned about the places where we can stay during our journey from Manali to Leh….I was looking in to the List of Rest house/Circuit house and could not find any, neither in Jispa nor in Sarchu. As these are the two most common places to stay while traveling in this route.

    Can you please help me providing information about the Jispa and Sarchu Rest houses, are there any or not ?? Is there any near by Rest house/Circuit house where we can stay in order to solve both the purpose, as in, finish half of the journey in one day and have few people around 🙂

    • Nitin, Jispa does have a circuit house but Sarchu is nothing but a vastland where only camps are setup temporarily to provide shelter to travellers on Manali – Leh Highway. Jispa have couple of decent options to stay like Padma Lodge and Jispa Journeys.

  7. hi dheeraj

    i am planning to visit leh on may 29th i want to know that we can get any homestay or hotel on spot booking directly

  8. Very informative blog write up Dheeraj , thanks a lot …. v are a group of 10 from Bangalore , planing to hit the Manali – leh highway on bikes probably by first week of July . Needed suggestions on itinerary for 10days buddy. Also need to know whether shud v b taking any prior permissions to enter certain military active areas? If s then how?
    Thank u
    Raj

    • And , our group has individual waterproof , insulated tents, can v pitch tents where ever v stop by closing dusk, and spend a privacy group time . Is it suggested ? Lemme know brother

    • It will take 4 days to reach Leh from Srinagar side starting from Delhi with stop overs at Jammu, Srinagar, Kargil and 3 days to come back from Leh from Manali side to Delhi with stopovers at Sarchu, Manali. This makes it 7 days. 1 Day is required in Leh for acclimatization. You have about 10 days. 1 Day can be used as Day trip to Pangong Tso and other day can be used as day trip to Nubra Valley or just Khardung La pass.

      Again Update: April 2017 = Pay environment fees and apply for permits again (those who missed before)

      The environment fees of Rs 400 & Inner Line Permits (most likely as well) will again be required in Ladakh for Indian Tourists / Nationals with effect from April 1st, 2017. This has been recently announced and is available on official website of Leh administration. It is expected that a public circular should follow soon as well. Hence, like it used to happen before 2014, all Indian Nationals or Indian Tourists WILL need to pay environment fees and may need to also get the inner line permits in Leh – Ladakh region in order to visit the restricted places like Dah, Hanu Villages, Pangong Tso, Man, Merak, Tso Moriri, Nyoma, Loma Bend, Khardung La, Nubra Valley, Turtuk, Tyakshi, Digger La, Tangyar (for trekking only).

      https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/inner-line-permits-for-leh-ladakh/

  9. Vidhi Dedhia on

    Hi dheeraj,

    I am planning to travel from srinagar – Chandigarh over a span of 14 days. Do you think this itinerary works? or should we make some modifications? Also We are travelling from August 28- September 10. Do you think we need to pre book? or will finding stay options be easy?

    1 arrival and rest (srinagar)

    2 srinagar local

    3 srinagar to kargil

    4 kargil local

    5 kargil to leh via lamayouru alchi

    6 leh local

    7 leh to nubra diskit hunder

    8 diskit to turruk  night

    9 turtuk to summur panamik ( night summur)

    10 summur to panong

    11 pangong to tsomoriri

    12 tsomoriri to keylong

    13 keylong to manali

    14 manali – chandigarh

    • Your plan looks good to me and is easy enough. I will skip the day at Sumur / Panamik and add it for Hanle which is by far the most beautiful place in Ladakh.

  10. hi there,

    please do tell whom to contact to hire a cab for site seein in leh like going to pangongso, nubra etc… have spoken to few which turned out to be very expensive

    • For the leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2016 – 17 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here. You can get about 12-15% of discount by directly getting in touch with drivers and of course, talking in person rather on phone always help in bargaining more.

    • As per the taxi union rates of year 2016-17 (https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/leh-ladakh-taxi-rates-2016-17/) following is the break up

      Srinagar – Leh in 2 days = 18400
      Leh Local sightseeing = 2500-3000
      Leh – Nubra Valley 2 Day = 10566
      Leh – Pangong Tso 2 Day = 10301
      Leh – Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Sarchu – Manali 2-3 days = 29056
      Leh – Manali 2 Days = 21588
      Leh – Pangong Tso 1 Day = 8653
      Leh – Nubra Valley 1 Day = 8053

      You can usually get about 10-15% discount on these taxi rates after getting in touch with the driver directly.

  11. Hi Dheeraj,
    I am planning to travel to leh end of May 2016. As the routes have recently opened up, I believe the tents might not have been set up in Sarchu. I plan for a stay there on 28th May. Is it possible that I get accommodation there if these camp tents are not set up? Any info on this or any contact details of some person who can help with this will be really appreciated.

    • Sumit, you should stay in Jispa in any case while going to Leh from Manali. Also, at Sarchu, some of the tents might have been setup if you really wish to stay up there what we call Vomit Hilton 🙂

  12. Hi,

    I am planing to travel to leh …in june..Leaving delhi on 18 june ..Can u suggest my the way where to stop as i will be going via srinagar and coming back via manali..Delhi to leh via kargil…where to stop …and coming back from leh to delhi via manali…

    plz sugest me as this will be my first tym traveling..plz email me.

    thanks
    Ankur Chawla

  13. Shubra Acharya on

    Hi Dheeraj

    We are motorcycling from Hunder to Sakti village over Wari La. I was wondering if you know of any stay options in Sakti village. If we don’t find any, my guess is Karu would be the next option? Are there guesthouses in Karu?

    Since we anyway have to come to Karu to fill our tanks before heading to Pangong, would Karu be a better option according to you?

    Also, are there any other petrol bunks en route Hunder-Agham-Sakti-Chang La- Spangmik?

    Cheers
    Shubra

    • Shubra, there is small guest house/home stay at Sakti village but the quality of stay was below par. USe it only in case you need abosolutely else you can opt to stay at Tangtse. Karu does not have stay options, AFAIK. There is no petrol pump on this route.

  14. Nakul Goenka on

    hii
    i and my friends were planning to travel to leh this august that is 2016 by a car,

    i had few questions about manali-leh route i will be very thankful if you can help

    1. we are hiring a self drive cab for our trip so do we need any permits to travel from manali to leh, and if yes where can we get those permits?

    2. If we start early, say 3 am is it possible to reach leh same day or we have to stay at some place in between?

    thank you hoping for your earliest reply

    Thank you

  15. Monika Dabral on

    Veryy Informative Mr.Dheeraj,, Thankuu for making the journey easy by your so helpful advice..

    🙂
    god bless

  16. Hi Dheeraj Ji,
    We are 5 peopl (2 ladies) from Bangalore planning a Leh trip.. I have formed plan based on various inputs from your blog.. By the way I could not find any other site with so comprehensive information.. Great work..

    I would like your opinion on the itinerary especially towards the leh-pangong-tso moriri-jispa-manali leg .. ie whether its doable or is too strenuous

    DATE DAY ROUTE STAY TRANSPORT MODE
    27-Jul MON BLR-DELHI DELHI FLIGHT
    28-Jul TUE DELHI-SRINAGAR-KARGIL (FLT LANDING AT 10.30 am) KARGIL FLIGHT/TAXI
    29-Jul WED KARGIL-LEH LEH TAXI
    30-Jul THU LEH LOCAL LEH TAXI
    31-Jul FRI RIVER RAFTING LEH NA
    01-Aug SAT KHARDUNG LA-NUBRA VALLEY NUBRA BIKE
    02-Aug SUN NUBRA VALLEY-LEH LEH BIKE
    03-Aug MON LEH-PANGONG TSO PANGONG TSO TAXI
    04-Aug TUE PANGONG -TSO MORIRI TSO MORIRI TAXI
    05-Aug WED TSO MORIRI-JISPA JISPA TAXI
    06-Aug THU JISPA-MANALI-DELHI BUS TO DELHI (at 4PM) BUS
    07-Aug FRI DELHI-BLR FLIGHT

    • I will suggest that move the Rafting to half day you will get while coming from Nubra to Leh and use that day to Pangong tso to Leh and next day do Leh to Tso Moriri. For direct route of Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri, you will need to first get permits. Even if you get permits, army might send you back from Chusul post which can jeopardise the whole plan.

      • Thank You.. We may cancel the rafting itself… Do you think either the Nubra-Pangong direct route (Wari La) may be doable on rented bikes (with pillion) during this time?

  17. Chandan Dey on

    Hi Dheeraj,

    I am planning to travel in my own bike from Manali to Leh in the month of August’15. Will you please guide me the permit process for that trip.?

    Chandan

    • Chandan, Indians do not need any permits to travel to Ladakh and normal tourist destination and routes. The rule has changed last year only. So, go ahead without any worry of permits.

  18. Raghvendra on

    Hi Dheeraj,

    Thanks a lot for your informative travelogue, it is really helping a lot of fellow travellers!

    Please guide me on the below points:

    1) On 21 June, I am travelling through Innova from Pagong Lake (Spangmik) to Manali and want intermediate stop at Pang, because reaching Pang will take around 12 hour (I think) and Sarchu is another 70 Kms far from Pang. Moreover I want to cover Tso Kar Lake on the way.
    So a humble request to you to please advice the stay option in Pang and the feasibility of above.

    2) Please also let us know if there is any timing of passing Rohtang Pass as next day i.e. 22 June I will be going from Pang to Manali.

    Thanks in advance!

    • 1. There isn’t much options available at Pang apart from the Dhabha dorm tents and couple of temporary structures/shed again in dorm form. Those are given on rent on shared basis.
      2. If you are coming from Sarchu to Rohtang Pass to Manali direction, it is fine to travel without any permit.

      • Raghvendra Shukla on

        Hi Dheeraj,

        Thanks a lot for your reply.
        Please also suggest if there is any time specified for crossing Rohtang Pass while coming from Sarchu to Manali as I will start from Pang early in the morning by 6:00 AM to reach Manali.

  19. Vishal Kulkarni on

    Hi Dheeraj,
    I got a plan for my group of 6 ppl and need your word on this…!
    we are short on time and budget (short on budget rather than time)

    day 1 : some manali local sight seeing or activities in solang and stay at solang valley
    day 2 : solang valley to jispa
    day 3 : jispa to leh
    day 4 : leh local sight seeing
    day 5 : leh – pangong one day trip
    day 6 : leh to jispa
    day 7 : jispa to manali

    please enlighten me with some changes if needed here in the itinerary!!!
    –>what would be the cost of a jeep if hired on a private hire basis with one night stay?
    –>how about the return jeep arrangements from leh?
    –>stay options in jispa??
    –>will this itinerary do? how about acclimatisation??

    Planning this from 9th june to 15th june (manali – leh – manali)…!

    Thanks in advance!

    • Vishal Kulkarni on

      please do also give an idea about the cheapest stay options in both solang valley and jispa…!
      TY

      • Vishal, Solang is an expensive place, you might need to check on the spot only in case there is one. Else Iceland is a good option of stay up there. Secondly, for Jispa you can go with Jispa Journeys.

        Regards
        Dheeraj

    • Hi Vishal,

      With number of days you have in hand, hardly you can do anything more than this. I am not sure what you mean by return of Jeep, if you talking about self hire Jeep then I do not think there is any possibility to get that. Jispa you can go with Jispa Journeys. Regarding itinerary, I already suggested that it is fine given the days in hand.

      Regards
      Dheeraj

      • Vishal Kulkarni on

        Thanks Dheeraj for the reply..
        I meant to ask what about hiring a jeep from leh to manali for returning back to manali?
        I think from manali the taxi union provides only one way drop service to leh thats why this query?
        Any idea on rates if we hire a 6-seater vehicle ?

        • Vishal, if you want self drive jeep in Ladakh, I do not think you will get one. But, in case you planning a taxi with a driver then you will get it. Yes, Manali taxi is allowed only for drop in Leh but Leh taxi after sightseeing in Ladakh will drop you back in Manali. For the leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2015 – 16 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here. You can get about 10-12% of discount by directly getting in touch with drivers and of course, talking in person rather on phone always help in bargaining more.

  20. Hi

    Lot of informative content Dheeraj. Thanks. We are planning the trip to leh from manali in the montha of July.
    Is that a good time to visit as we don’t want too much tourist’s gathered. Would that be ok if we take our Maruti Swift Dezire for the trip ? We are confused weather we should hire a bike and visit or we should explore by our own car. Pls suggest.

    Thank You

    • Mayank, July is good time to travel to Leh from Manali. It is season time so do expect tourists in any case in Ladakh as it opens just for 6 months only. Swift Dzire will suffer especially on Manali – Leh Highway but people have done it, a lot. For hatchback/sedan taking on Manali – Leh Highway Or Spiti Valley via Manali Or Ladakh, please refer the link: FAQ | Can I do Leh – Ladakh / Spiti / Manali – Leh trip in Hatchback or Sedan? for more details.

      • mayankagarwal012 on

        Dheeraj all the articles that I went through they are written in 2012 or 2013. Is there any recent update on the road conditions ?

  21. Hi dheeraj
    I planning a trip to leh by hired self driven car (Delhi registration). Can I visit nubra valley (diskit, hunder) using the same car?

    • Kamal, as long as it is black number plate then it shall be fine else with yellow plate you will not be allowed for sightseeing in Ladakh to Nubra, Pangong

  22. Anup Meshram on

    Pls avail name of taxi drivers and operators which u having for Manali – Leh that i cn talk to them for hiring taxi.

  23. Anup Meshram on

    Hi, i’m planning for Leh trip from Manali to Leh with 20 fmly members. I wn to hire two tempo travller from chandigarh and back to chandigarg after completion of tour. I wn know that while gng to Leh via Rohtang pass, keylong etc….by taxi hired from chandigarh can we visit local site seen by same taxi after paying green tax to HPTC and same for Leh site seen like Nubra valley, Pangong Lake, Magnetic Hill, etc………….Pls suggest me ur opinion. Waiting for ur reply eagerly ………………..Have a nice day

    • Anup, you need to hire another tempo traveler after reaching Leh for sightseeing in Ladakh. This tempo traveler can only be used to go in and come out of Leh.

  24. syed.m.khan on

    very informative dheeraj,
    we from kerala are planning to drive to kerala would like to go to these above places,had enquired with couple of travel agents ,they r looting,thank god i found ur blog, we are planning to start from trivandrum on the 1st of october, 6th would reach delhi from there we r planning to go manali -srinager -kargil -leh. bck to delhi amritsar back via rajastan gujrat …
    kindly advise as been to delhi and patna only ,since driving all way need the best route,accomadation.
    pls help us in plannig
    rgds
    syed

  25. Farogh mahmood on

    Dear dheeraj, as per our plan we were supposed to reach srinagar on 15-9-14, there is flood in j&k due to which jammu- srinagar & srinagar- leh is closed. Will the roads be doable when they open?

    • It should be open, it is passing stage of rains when a WD is hitting the region. It will be settled by then. Just keep an eye on weather conditions.

  26. rajesh thakkar on

    dear ,
    i have receive lots of information form this blog, nice to read it. i have question, that, can we plan road trip manali to leh in last week of aug.2014 i.e.a bout 27th aug or fist week of sep. we are plan 2 days on manali leh highway drive by force one and with family. kindly guide us

  27. Just called Jispa Journeys and shocked to hear their rates. for a tent which can accomodate 2 people Mr Sherab is charging 2000. This is way too high and just not feasible.

  28. We are group of four person planning to scale leh from Delhi on bike our rough plan is

    Day 1 Delhi-rupnagar

    Day 2 rupnagar -sarchu

    Day 3 sarchu -leh

    Day 4 nd 5 sight seeing

    Day 6 panagong lake

    Day 7 leh – sarchu

    Day 8 sarchu – Chandigarh

    Day 9 Chandigarh Day-Delhi

    Sir we have only 9 days Fr d subject expedition . Ur suggestion or alteration,modification in plan is very much required

  29. Hi Dheeraj,
    Thanks for this wonderful blog.
    We are planning for leh trip via Manali – Leh highway by mid june.

    Below is our plan, can you pls suggest any stay for us and also if the plan can optimized?

    Day 0 (13-June-2014) | Chennai to Delhi & Delhi Station to Rupnagar Railway Station
    Air & Train Travel to Rupnagar Railway Station
     
    Day 1 (14-June-2014) | Rupnagar – Manali
    Start by 8:30am after breakfast to Manali for Sight Seeing
     
    Day 2 (15-June-2014) | Manali – Rohtang Pass – Keylong – Baralacha La – Sarchu – Moore Plains – Tso Kar – Tso Moriri
    Start in the early morning by 5am & travel to Karzok (Tso Moriri) for Overnight stay
     
    Day 3 (16-June-2014) | Tso Moriri – Hemis Monastery Museum(Optional) – Shey Palace –  Leh
    Start in the noon by 1pm after sight seeing & travel to Leh for Overnight stay in Leh
     
    Day 4 (17-June-2014) | Leh – Khardung La – Hunder Sand Dunes – Sumur – Nubra Valley – Panamik
    Sight Seeing (on bike – optional) & Overnight Stay at Leh

    Day 5 (18-June-2014) | Leh – Pangong Tso Lake – Leh
    Sight Seeing & Overnight Stay at Leh

    Day 6 (19-June-2014) | Leh – Lamayuru – Kargil – Drass – Zozi La – Sonamarg – Srinagar
    Start early in the morning with sight seeing & Overnight stay at Srinagar
     
    Day 7 (20-June-2014) | Srinagar – Dal Lake – Amritsar
    Sight Seeing & start in the evening for Overnight Travel towards Amritsar

    Day 8 (21-June-2014) | Amritsar – Golden Temple
    Visit Golden temple and board the return train for Delhi by 23:15 on 21-June-2014 & Overnight Travel to Delhi

    Day 9 (22-June-2014) | Delhi – Sight Seeing and Return to Airport

    • You do not have sufficient number of days to do the road trip to Ladakh. It will take 3 days to reach Leh from Delhi via Manali side and 4 days to come back to Delhi from Leh via Srinagar side. This makes it 7 days. 1 Day is required in Leh for acclimatization. You have about 10 days. 1 Day can be used as Day trip to Pangong Tso and other day can be used as day trip to Nubra Valley or just Khardung La pass.

      Opt to go via Manali – Leh Highway and I will suggest that you refer the thread: Manali – Leh – Ladakh – Manali | Itinerary for 9 Days in DoW – Himalayan Travel Community as you have 9 days in hand.

      Also, our maps of Ladakh will give you a better idea too. Here is the link: DoW – Maps of Ladakh | Nubra Valley & Changthang

      • Hi,

        Can we go to Tso Kar & Karzok on Travels Vehicle?

        or Else we need take Leh Taxi

        Thanks
        Mahendra

        • Mahendra I could not understand your query. Do you mean you are taking outside taxi to Tso Kar and Tso Moriri? If yes, well people can create problem for you in that case and your taxi as it is not allowed.

  30. Poonam Kaura on

    Hi,
    Thanks for good info.I am going to leh by road on 31st may from delhi via manali.Please do let me know if its better to stay at Keylong or Sarchu.We plan to make our first halt at manali and then another one before reaching Leh.How many days do you think we should stay at Leh so that we can see most of the places of interest.
    best regards
    Poonam

    • Keylong or Jispa are always better to stay while going to Leh from Manali as one is not acclimatized to sleep at high altitude of Sarchu. You can stay at Sarchu while coming back however. Regarding stay in Leh, months are even less to explore it. In case you interested in top 3 destinations, then you need 7 days in Ladakh only. Also, Manali – Leh Highway is closed at present and will only open in first week of June as per latest reports.

  31. Hey Dheeraj,
    Thanks a lot for this gr8 article.
    We r a grp of 4 bikers starting from manali. We wish to do the manali leh strech in 3 days and return via the same route. Problem is we are on a tight schedule and will be spared with just 2 days in leh. Can u suggest what to do and what to skip in these 2 days.

    • Manish, while going from Manali to Leh it is highly not recommended to spend time on high altitude places like Sarchu or Pang rather stay at Keylong or Jispa one night and next day start early to reach Leh. This way you do not feel much sickness due to high altitude. So, do Manali to Leh in 2 days only.

  32. HI DHEERAJ AFTER VAISHNODEVI DARSHAN WE WANT TO GO LEH BY ROAD WE COULD START OUR JOURNY FROM KATRA ON 1 JUNE 2014 WHICH ROUTE IS ADVISABLE TO LEH VIA SHRINAGAR OR VIA MANALI WE HAVE TO RETURN DELHI ON 11 JUNE 2014PLEASE ADVISE US

    • Parag, yes you should follow the Srinagar – Leh Highway and reach Leh. On return you can take Manali – Leh Highway. 11 days with 2 day trip to Nubra Valley and 1 day trip to Pangong Tso will be OK.

    • Glad to know, it was helpful for planning your trip to Manali – Leh Highway. Feel free to post any queries you have. Best wishes for the trip 🙂

  33. Jyoti Prakash Bhattacharjee on

    Warehouse of such valuable information. I along with my colleagues driven on this road on intervening night of 2nd & 3rd Oct’13 in 14 hours from manali to break a national record. I remember having seen the some of the hotel signs you mentioned. This year in August I want to drive again on this road with atleast two halts to appreciate the beauty 🙂 Info compiled by you will be really handy.

    • Hello Jyoti,

      That is wonderful to know !! yes, Manali – Leh Highway is indeed quite beautiful and one must give enough time to explore/feel its beauty as well. I am glad the list is helpful for you and would look forward in case you have any queries.

      Regards
      dheeraj

  34. Suvankar Ghosh on

    hello Dhiraj,
    At first thanks. Without you and your blog it is not possible to plan a Leh tour. Its really amazing.Keep it up bro.
    We are now end up with this:

    07-09-2013 HWH: Train

    08-09-2013 Delhi-Manali

    09-09-2013 Manali >> Rent bikes

    10-09-2013 Manali–Palchhan-Koth–Marhi–Rohtang–Gramphoo–Koksar–Sissu–Gondla–Tandi–Keylong-Jipsa

    11-09-2013 Keylong-Gemur–Jispa–Darcha–Baralacha La–Sarchu-Pang

    12-09-2013 Pang–Rumtse–Leh

    13-09-2013 Leh(permits & all)-Khardung la-Leh

    14-09-2013 Rest Day

    15-09-2013 Leh–Shey–Thicksey-Upshi-Tangtse-Pangong Tso

    16-09-2013 Pangong Tso–Hemis-Upshi/Karu

    17-09-2013 Upshi/Karu–chumathang–Mahe–Tso Moriri

    18-09-2013 Tso Moriri–Tso Kar-Morrey Plains–Pang–Sarchu

    19-09-2013 Sarchu–Baralacha La–Jispa–Keylong
    20-09-2013 Keylong–Rohtang Pass–Manali

    21-09-2013 Manali-Delhi

    The tour is on bike as I told you earlier. We exclude Nubra Valley as we don’t have time in hand more than this.IS it seems ok? Also is accommodation available at Pang and Sarchu as well as at Upshi/Karu?

  35. sameer shah on

    Hi Dheeraj,
    Am planning to travel by road from Jaipur to Leh, Srinagar and back with my mother, wife, two daughters (age 18 months and 9 yrs) and my cousin in mid June. Is it advisable to travel by Maruti Esteem and how is the road condition?
    Kind regards,
    Sameer.

    • Sameer, I will not suggest that you travel to Ladakh that too in esteem with you little daughter of aged 18 months. Though the caution is incorrect technically but I see it perfect practically. I also have a 18 yr old son but even after been Ladakh to several times I am refrain myself from thinking for taking the little kiddo to Ladakh.

      The problem is availability of things at such remote places unless you plan to carry everything needed for the little one from home. Secondly, in case there is some issue of AMS, little kids cannot communicate properly how and hwat exactly they are feeling. So, it becomes more of a risk.

      • sameer shah on

        Hi Dheeraj,
        Thanx for the prompt reply.

        U know am spending a lot of time reading ur blog and the more I read the more amazed I get. U have managed to reply to all the queries and you have an answer for all.

        U c I get vacation during this time of the year and i frantically want to do a long road trip with the family. I have very seriously taken your advice and have asked my wife to talk to my lil daughters paediatrician.
        If i do get a green signal then I’ll start from Srinagar side and get back to Delhi via Manali (well i got this idea from ur blog).
        In case of a red signal will do a road trip till Srinagar and back to Jaipur.
        I wanted to do Kedarnath-Badrinath this year and Leh next year but cant travel to Badriniath (some family obligations) this year.

        Thanks again
        Happy blogging
        Sameer.

        • Sameer, even in case you get a green signal brother I will advice that you do go via Srinagar side with two night stops between. One at Kargil and other one at Alchi or Uley followed by at least 2 nights halt at Leh. This will help tremendously in reducing the risks of AMS. Also, please sacrifice the journey over Manali – Leh Highway with a child of such small age. That one road is too isolated and too high to be done with a toddler. Almost 350+ KMs of journey do not have any signs of civilization in between sparing apart the temporary tented colonies.

          All the best and thanks for the warm words of appreciation 🙂

      • Sachin Thukral on

        Hi Dheeraj, Thanks for sharing all the information. They are really very very usefull, especially for the person who is planning to travel on this highway for the first time. We are group of 6 people planning to travel from Delhi to Leh via Manali and returning back via Srinagar. We are planning to go on 5th June and returning on 12th from Leh. We have few doubts in our mind and it will be great if you can guide us on the same. 1. whether Manali Leh highway will be open by this time i.e. 5th June, No. 2 – If we go without booking hotels on the way, can we get descent accommodation on arrival on the way as we might be having 1-2 girls and staying in dhaba will not be possible. No. 3 – Can we get cab (Jeep or Sumo) from Manali itself on the spot for Leh and return via srinagar if we reach Manali by Bus.

        • Sachine, 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

          1. Manali – Leh highway has opened.
          2. Yes, you can get decent accommodation after a little search over there.
          3. Yes, you can get that too. But, that will only be for drop to Leh. After reach Leh, you will have to hire a taxi of Ladakh registration for the entire tour.

          Regards
          Dheeraj Sharma

  36. HELLO DHEERAJ,
    Me and my three friends and planning to go leh on 11 july 2013. do you believe it is the right time to visit leh.
    Moreover can you tell me the cost of accommodation at tents on places like NUBRA VALLEY,PANGONG LAKE, TSO MO RIRI?

    • Hi Archit,

      Yes it is the right time to visit Leh – Ladakh including Pangong Tso , Tso Moriri, Nubra Valley. 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

  37. kishore nair on

    Hi Dheeraj

    Now that we are booked from Mumbai to Jammu>Srinara>Leh>Manali>Chandgarh>Mumbai, I am going through the lots and very relevant info on your website.

    One question for now: I understand that we can take a bus (HPSRTC / private) from Leh to Manali. Since the bus will halt on the way at night, do the bus service arrange accommodation for the passenger (with or without costs is not the issue here> if they do not, how do I know where to book accommodation and at what place?

    Best wishes, Kishore Nair

    • Kishore, yes the HPTDC bus does provide the accommodation at their HPTDC property at Keylong. The prices of bus tickets are both ways inclusive of accommodation and exclusive too.

  38. Praveen Kumar on

    Dear Dheeraj,

    Can u pls tell some low cost hotels in manali for over night stay and thru whom we can take permission in advance to cross rohtang pass.

    Thanks
    praveen

    • You can check out hotels around Manali – Naggar road or Vashishth or Old Manali where you will get some cheap/economic hotel for stay in Manali.

      Regards,
      Dheeraj Sharma

  39. Hi Dheeraj,

    Can you suggest any good value-for-money accomodation in Mandi. We will reach there this Sunday evening.

    Regards,

    Abhishek.

    • Hi Abhishek,

      Though I have never stayed in Mandi but we does stop over at a roadside restaurant cum hotel by the name Roti, always. It is nicely located, right on the highway but we never been into the Mandi town.

      Regards
      Dheeraj Sharma

  40. Hi Dheeraj Sharma,
    Your blog is awesome.
    Me and my wife are going to stay at Johnson's Hotel,The Mall, Circuite House, Manali from 16th Aug to 19th Aug.
    Can you please let me know the list of places we can cover around Manali during our stay. Also I am thinking to return from Manali to Delhi via Chandigarh on 20th Aug using public transport, in day time so that we can see the beauty of the valleys around Manali.
    Can you please help me with an itinerary to visit the places around Manali and for return journey from Manali to Delhi Via Chandigarh.
    Thanks a lot in Advance.
    Regards,
    Hari

    • Hello Hari,

      You might like to follow a plan like below:

      Day 1 – Reach Manali, take rest for half of the day and enjoy the x-mas in the evening including Mall road. (I assume that you will be reaching in the morning by Volvo)
      Day 2 – Manali Local sightseeing which includes Hadimba Temple, Manu Temple, Mall Road, Local Monastery, Vashisth Hot Water Springs (never found it interesting) etc.
      Day 3 – Manali – Snow Point at Rohtang Pass – Manali. Enjoy in snow and come back to Manali
      Day 4 – Manali – Naggar Castle(stay at Naggar and enjoy the place)
      Day 5 – Naggar Castle – Manali – Delhi (Checkout from Naggar Castle by noon. Since, the volvo will be around 5.30 PM types, so either you can spend a sometime hanging around Naggar only and after lunch leave for Manali or come back to Manali and hang around on Mall road and finally take the return bus)

      I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.

      Regards
      Dheeraj Sharma

      • Dheeraj, You are perfect.

        Thanks a lot for detailed itinerary. It is very much helpful to us :)))

        Day1 and Day2 – I guess we don’t need to hire taxi. I assume we can cover by walk.

        Day3 – What will be the taxi fares to reach Rohtang Pass?

        Day4 – Manali – Naggar Castle – Kulu sightseeing – Back to Manali by evening or night, Is this possible? Will this be tiresome or hectic?

        Day5 – Are there any day time bus/Shared taxi services from Manali to Chandigarh to reach Chandigarh by 10.30/11 am so that we can catch PASCHIM EXPRESS train. What will be the fare?

        Is it possible to fit any of Rahalla Falls/ Kothi /Arjun gufa in the itinerary?

        Thanks again for your quick help.

        Regards,

        Hari

        • Hello Hari,

          1. Yes, you can cover mostly on your own without any taxi. If required, get that auto rickshaw for a pick drop at some place.
          2. I guess they charge about 3.5-4K for big taxi and much less than that for small taxi like Alto, WagonR etc.
          3. Yes, very much possible. Not too much tiresome I believe. BTW, there is nothin to see in Kullu, better keep yourself to Manali – Naggar – Manali to enjoy more time at beautiful Naggar.
          4. I am not sure about such buses but yes, of course they do run in evening.
          5. They all comes on the way to Rohtang Pass, if you reach Rohtang Pass early morning as suggested by leaving at 3.30-4.00 AM types, you will start back from Rohtang Pass early as well and on the way back you can visit these places.

          I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.

          Regards
          Dheeraj Sharma

  41. Thanks a lot for all your blogs, our leh ladakh bike trip was almost all planned with your articles here. I have one more question, like you said we stay in solang valley rather than in manali, for better acclimatization, may I request you to suggest some good places to stay please? Thanks a lot again!

  42. Debanjan Das on

    R/H at Chitkul

    B & R Division Karchham, BhawaNagar (Ponda)

    01786-253303

    73 Kms.

    4 Sets

    R/H at Rakchham

    B & R Division Karchham, BhawaNagar (Ponda)

    01786-253303

    66 Kms.

    2 Sets

    R/H at Sangla

    Under Deputy Commissioner Kinnour

    01786-222252

    34 Kms.

    7 Sets

    R/H at Urni

    B & R Division Karchham, BhawaNagar (Ponda)

    01786-253303

    28 Kms.

    2 Sets

    R/H at Tapri

    B & R Division Karchham, BhawaNagar (Ponda)

    01786-253303

    20 Kms.

    4 Sets

    R/H at Panda

    B & R Division Karchham, BhawaNagar (Ponda)

    01786-253303

    8 Kms.

    2 Sets.

    Circuit House at Narkanda

    B & R Division Kumarsain/ Deputy Commissioner Kumarsain

    01782-242434

    20 Kms.

    5 Sets

    R/H at Narkanda

    B & R Division Kumarsain

    01782-205231

    65 Kms.

    5 Sets

    R/H at Kumarsain

    B & R Division Kumarsain

    01782-205231

    Local

    10 Sets

    R/H at Thanedhar

    B & R Division Kumarsain

    01782-205231

    38 Kms.

    2 Sets

    R/H at Luri

    B & R Division Kumarsain

    01782-205231

    20 Kms.

    2 Sets

    R/H at Baragaon

    B & R Division Kumarsain

    01782-205231

    17 Kms.

    2 Sets

    R/H at Jalog

    B & R Division Kumarsain

    01782-205231

    35 Kms.

    4 Sets

    R/H at Suni

    B & R Division Kumarsain

    01782-205231

    70 Kms

    4 Sets

    R/H at Nirmand

    B & R Division Nirmand

    01904-255140

    Local

    5 Sets

    R/H at Arsu

    B & R Division Nirmand

    01904-255140

    13 Kms.

    2 Sets

    R/H at Sarahan

    B & R Division Nirmand

    01904-255140

    28 Kms.

    2 Sets

    R/H at Anni

    B & R Division Nirmand

    01904-255140

    62 Kms.

    4 Sets

    R/H at Khanag

    B & R Division Nirmand

    01904-255140

    85 Kms.

    2 Sets

    R/H at Dalash

    B & R Division Nirmand

    01904-255140

    70 Kms.

    3 Sets

    R/H at Neether

    B & R Division Nirmand

    01904-255140

    66 Kms.

    4 Sets

    New Circuit House at Kaza

    B & R Division Kaza/A.D.C. office Kaza

    01906-222252 / 222202

    1.5 00Km

    10 sets

    Odl Circuit House at Kaza

    B & R Division Kaza/A.D.C. office Kaza

    01906-222252

    1.00Km

    4 Sets

    Class-III R/H at Kaza

    B & R Division Kaza/A.D.C. office Kaza

    01906-222252

    0.500 Km

    3Sets

    Old R/H at Lossar

    B & R Division Kaza/A.D.C. office Kaza

    01906-222252

    56 Kms

    2 Sets

    New R/H at Lossar

    B & R Division Kaza/A.D.C. office Kaza

    01906-222252

    56 Kms

    3 Sets

    R/H at Pangmo

    B & R Division Kaza/A.D.C. office Kaza

    01906-222252

    24 Kms

    3 Sets

    Old R/H at Sagnam

    B & R Division Kaza/A.D.C. office Kaza

    01906-222252

    40 Kms

    2 Sets

    New R/H at Sagnam

    B & R Division Kaza/A.D.C. office Kaza

    01906-222252

    40Kms

    4 Sets

    R/H at Tabo

    B & R Division Kaza/A.D.C. office Kaza

    01906-222252

    47 Kms

    5 Sets

    R/H at Lari

    B & R Division Kaza/A.D.C. office Kaza

    01906-222252

    50 Kms

    3 Sets

    R/H at Sumdo

    B & R Division Kaza/A.D.C. office Kaza

    01906-222252

    74 Kms

    2 Sets

    R/H at Poh

    B & R Division Kaza/A.D.C. office Kaza

    01906-222252

    36 Kms

    3 Sets

    R/H at Kungri

    B & R Division Kaza/A.D.C. office Kaza

    01906-222252

    34 Kms.

    3 Sets

    Circuit House Rampur

    B & R Division Rampur

    01782-233017

    2 Kms.

    8 Sets

    Circuit House Sarahan

    B & R Division Rampur

    01782-233017

    43 Kms.

    5 Sets

    R/H Rampur

    B & R Division Rampur

    01782-233017

    2 Kms.

    5 Sets

    R/H Gaura

    B & R Division Rampur

    01782-233017

    19 Kms.

    2 Sets

    R/H Nirath

    B & R Division Rampur

    01782-233017

    18 Kms.

    2 Sets

    R/H Sarahan (Gharat)

    B & R Division Rampur

    01782-233017

    38 Kms.

    3 Sets

    R/H Daranghati

    B & R Division Rampur

    01782-233017

    42 Kms.

    2 Sets

    New R/H Jeori

    B & R Division Rampur

    01782-233017

    25 Kms.

    4 Sets

    Old R/H Jeori

    B & R Division Rampur

    01782-233017

    25 Kms.

    3 Sets

    R/H Bahli

    B & R Division Rampur

    01782-233017

    42 Kms.

    3 Sets

    R/H Nankhari

    B & R Division Rampur

    01782-233017

    60 Kms.

    5 Sets

    Circuit House at Kalpa

    Under Deputy Commissioner Kinnour

    01786-222252

    8.500 Kms

    8 Sets

    R/H at Kalpa

    B & R Division Kalpa

    01786-226027

    Local

    4 Sets

    R/H at Roghi

    B & R Division Kalpa

    01786-226027

    7 Kms.

    2 Sets

    R/H at Recong-Peo

    Under D.C. & A.C. Kinnour

    01786-222227

    Local

    15 Sets

    R/H at Jangi

    B & R Division Kalpa

    01786-226027

    40 Kms.

    4 Sets

    R/H at Rarang

    B & R Division Kalpa

    01786-226027

    35 Kms.

    4 Sets

    R/H at Ribba

    B & R Division Kalpa

    01786-226027

    35 Kms.

    4 Sets

    R/H at Moorang

    B & R Division Kalpa

    01786-226027

    45Kms.

    2 Sets (under repair)

    R/H at Kanam

    B & R Division Kalpa

    01786-226027

    55 Kms.

    2 sets

    R/H at Pooh

    B & R Division Kalpa

    01786-226027

    82 Kms.

    1 Set (under repair)

    R/H at Yangthang

    B & R Division Kalpa

    01786-226027

    107 Kms.

    3 Sets

    R/H at Namgia

    B & R Division Kalpa

    01786-226027

    97 Kms.

    2 Sets.

    I find it very useful…is a list PWD guest houses.

    • Hello Debanjan,

      Thanks for sharing the list here as well. Please keep in mind that you pre-book them otherwise at most of them you will not be entertained due to lack of interest by caretakers (exceptions apart).

      Regards
      Dheeraj Sharma

      • Debanjan Das on

        thanks for for your comment…can you tell me the actual booking procedure of those PWD guest house and CURCIT house? because i have called them but two officer told me two different process so bit confusing for me!!!!I know you are the person who can help me…

        • Hi Debanjan,

          Sorry, even I do not have clear understanding of the process and all I know is that they need to be booked from the district offices only. Not sure what is the logic behind it but sadly this is what I know 🙁 … Not sure how a person coming from Kinnaur side can book the PWD guest house at Tabo when he will reach Kaza next day :p … So, we generally land directly and try our luck at that very moment. One time we had to sleep in car with my family as no PWD Guest House offered us the room 😥

          Regards
          Dheeraj Sharma

    • Hi Dheeraj,

      Out of all the tented accommodations at Sarchu, which ones are the best in terms of comfort and also has attached toilets.

      Thanks.

      • Hi Nisha,

        I have heard good words for Goldrop Camps at Sarchu most of the time. I have never stayed there so cannot tell from the personal experience rather what I have read and heard by other travelers.

        Regards
        Dheeraj Sharma

  43. Debanjan Das on

    Thanks for your reply Dheeraj but your friends number is missing in your post.Do you know anything about 'CHANDRATAL LAKE CAMP RETREAT'-owner 'Escapades'.

    "If I want to stay there for a night then your friend Sahil will arange it for us",it's great…

    Your site is too good…

    • Hi Debanjan,

      You can contact Sahil at below numbers:
      E: info@nomadicdestinations.com
      M: 91.9650.8242.68(Delhi), 91.9459.1051.44(Losar)

      I do not have idea about that. Also, I just noticed that you are taking a small kid to Chandratal. I will not suggest in such a case that you camp overnight at Chandratal. you guys will not be acclimatized to stay overnight at Chandratal altitude and hence, could mean trouble with the kid. Best option is, first you spend one night at Solang Valley and then go to Keylong or Jispa and spend one night there. Next day explore Suraj tal + Deepakt tal on Manali – Leh Highway and come back to either stay overnight at jispa/Keylong or come back upto Khoksar. Next day leave early morning and go to visit Chandratal, take lunch there and spend sometime around the lake and get back to Losar by evening. This way your body will be better acclimatized. Also, no one allows you to camp on the banks of Chandratal and tents are allowed only 2.5 KMs before the lake.

      Regards
      Dheeraj sharma

    • Hi Debanjan,

      Getting an accommodation near Chandratal depends upon the availability of tents there. If you go through a Travel agency then yes, you will have the tent setup for you. Otherwise, there is a guy who puts up tent about 2.5 KMs from Chandratal, where allowed and if tents will be available you can stay there. Also, there is one Dhabha at Battal which can offer you a stone built room but again only in case if it is available.

      So, better to go either to Losar and stay at Nomad;s Cottage or PWD rest house. Please note, if you refer Devil on Wheels blog to Sahil so being my friend he can offer you the deal at 50% (Rs 1100 only) 🙂 … He can also arrange tents for you in case required. Check with him, his number below.

      There is no place to stay around Suraj Tal, it is just aside Manali – Leh Highway. Closest you can stay is Zingzing bar at dorm tents or prefer staying at Jispa in some good luxury tent or Hotel Ibex or Padma Guest House and then make a day trip to Suraj Tal.

      Regards
      Dheeraj Sharma

  44. A very comprehensive review of the options available. Very good work. Karan