Explore a gentle mountain world of fluttering prayer flags and snowy peaks. Cross high Himalayan passes, meet red-robed monks and soak up the staggering views. Travelling from Manali to Leh, you’ll journey through deep valleys and lonely plains, stopping at secluded villages and sipping masala chai. Leaving behind the cosy teahouses and natural hot springs of Manali, you’ll pass through an empty world flanked by zig-zagging mountain peaks. Travelling by private car, you can stop as often as you like to stretch your legs or take a few snaps. You’ll sleep in simple guesthouses and meet the locals on the way to Leh, where you’ll spend a day hopping between colourful monasteries.
Day 1 – Arrival in Manali
You’ll arrive in Manali either from Dharamsala or Shimla, ready for your journey over the second highest black-top road in the world. Tucked away between rich green hills, Manali is an easy-going town popular with Indian honeymooners and nature-loving hippies. The valley is a mountain Shangri-La filled with traditional farmer’s houses, orchards, fields and refreshing waterfalls. In the afternoon, you can enjoy a relaxing soak in the natural hot springs at nearby Vashisht, next to a fast-flowing river and flower-filled meadows. Your welcoming hotel is located in the Old Quarter, nestled amongst thick pine trees.
Day 2 – Manali to Jispa
Today, you’ll make an early start for the drive from Manali to Jispa. From Manali, you’ll climb higher and higher, leaving the green landscape behind you as you pass the tree line. On the way, you’ll climb over a mountain pass at 4,000 metres and you’ll really feel the altitude as the cool wind whips about your face. Soon, you’ll be surrounded by gigantic peaks towering at over 6,000 metres, stopping regularly to enjoy the jaw-dropping views. Finally, you’ll descend a little into the small village of Jispa, where you’ll spend the night in a simple but comfortable hotel.
Day 3 – Jispa to Leh
Today, you’ll set off on the journey to Leh, climbing even higher into the Himalayas. Already well above the tree line, you’ll find yourself amidst a stony desert sprinkled with snowy patches. You’ll cross high mountain passes and vast sandy plains with no signs of life. When you make rest stops, you can enjoy some steaming masala chai, spiced with cardamom and cloves. Finally, you’ll pull into the green Leh Valley, where you’ll settle into your cosy guesthouse.
Day 4 - Relax and settle into Leh
Today is all about taking it easy and giving yourself time to adjust to the altitude. Leh sits at around 3,500 metres above sea level, so there’s no rush to fill your day with activities. Take a gentle stroll through the historic centre, where you’ll find the old royal palace perched above the town, or wander through the bazaar for traditional jewellery, handicrafts and Tibetan treats. You could also simply find a sunny spot, order a cup of tea and soak up the unique atmosphere of Ladakh. After the adventures of the past few days, it’s a good chance to slow down and enjoy being here.
Day 5 – Monasteries around Leh
Today you’ll head out with your guide to explore some of Ladakh’s most impressive Buddhist monasteries. Your first stop is Shey, beautifully set against the mountains, followed by Thikse Monastery, one of the most striking in the region. Its whitewashed buildings rise up the hillside in a series of terraces, giving it a distinctly Potala Palace-like appearance. If you’re lucky, you may even catch the monks during a traditional prayer ceremony.
You’ll then continue to Hemis, the largest and most important monastery in Ladakh. Take some time to explore the colourful murals, prayer flags and atmospheric courtyards before heading back to Leh in the late afternoon. It’s a day packed with culture, mountain scenery and a glimpse into the spiritual side of Ladakh.
Day 6 - Time to move on
Enjoy one last breakfast in Leh with the mountains as your backdrop. This marks the end of your time in Leh, and we can arrange a flight back to Delhi if you’re heading home. But if you’re keen to see more of Ladakh, why not continue to Nubra Valley? The journey takes you into a remote Himalayan landscape of snow-capped peaks, lush river valleys and even sandy dunes. It’s a completely different side of Ladakh and a great next stop for your adventure.
Accommodation
