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Spiti Valley to Ladakh from Manali – Most Common Itinerary

By
DHEERAJ SHARMA — Last updated on Mar 31, 2021
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When you get lost in nature in Ladakh

Sometimes it gets difficult to choose between Leh Ladakh and Spiti Valley. So, nowadays, many people are making a trip to Spiti Valley and
Ladakh together. The most common route adventurists plan for this mega-adventure goes through Spiti Valley to Ladakh from Manali side.

However, some people do want to cover the whole circuit covering Hindustan Tibet Highway, Manali Leh Highway, and Srinagar Leh Highway. In
between, they prefer to visit local sightseeing places in Leh Ladakh and Spiti Valley.
Today, in this article, I will be sharing the details of how to plan a trip from Spiti Valley to Ladakh from Manali side. I will answer some of the
common doubts/questions of travelers who are interested in making such an adventurous yet heavenly road trip to Leh Ladakh in J&K and Spiti Valley
in a remote corner of Himachal Pradesh.
 Leh Ladakh and Spiti Valley together day by day plan

Download your FREE high-resolution version pdf copy of this Leh Ladakh and Spiti Valley together day by day plan infographic guide. If,
you liked it and found it helpful, please feel free to share it with your family and friends to help them too.

Let's quickly dive into the details:

What all places do this common itinerary for Leh Ladakh and Spiti covers?
FAQs on Ladakh and Spiti Tour
16 Day Itinerary for doing Spiti Valley to Ladakh from Manali side
Additional Points
Ladakh from Spiti Valley side and come back from Srinagar side

What all places do this common itinerary for Leh Ladakh and Spiti covers?
The day by day detailed itinerary of Spiti to Ladakh tour covers Srinagar – Leh Highway as well as Manali – Leh Highway. Hence, it is apt for those
looking forward to covering the entire circuit of Ladakh and having enough time to do the Spiti Valley tour as well with it.

In this plan, I have started the trip from Manali – Spiti Valley side because most of the questions from the past ask about making Spiti Valley trip
from Manali side and less from the Kinnaur Valley side. I believe this is mostly due to the less number of days in hand.

However, my personal preference will always be to start from the Kinnaur side and go over to Manali – Leh Highway from there to avoid any AMS
issues either in Spiti Valley or at Manali – Leh. In the next article, I will also share an itinerary to travel to Spiti Valley and Ladakh together from
Kinnaur side as well.

FAQs on Ladakh and Spiti Tour

Let us look at some of the most frequently asked questions on planning a trip from Spiti to Leh Ladakh from Manali or Kinnaur side. These questions
will help you plan your road trip to these places appropriately.
Can I make a trip to Spiti and Ladakh together?
Yes, you can make a trip to Spiti and Ladakh together. However, you need to have a sufficient number of days in hand to make some sense of such a
trip to both Ladakh and Spiti. Both Spiti Valley, as well as Ladakh, requires a decent number of days to make a memorable road trip. When you make
a trip to both Ladakh and Spiti together, it means you need more days at hand.

How to travel to Spiti and Ladakh?

You can travel to Spiti and Ladakh together by various modes as well as many different routes. You can plan to travel to Spiti via Manali and then
move towards Ladakh from Manali Leh Highway. Or you can travel to Spiti via Kinnaur side and exit to Ladakh from Manali Leh Highway. Similarly,
when in Ladakh, you can come back either from Leh to Manali route or exit via Srinagar Leh Highway. Finally, you can altogether reverse the route
visiting Leh Ladakh from Srinagar side and then coming down to Manali – Spiti – Kinnaur – Shimla route.

Which one to choose Spiti Valley vs Leh Ladakh?

When choosing between Spiti or Ladakh, the choice is not easy and depends upon a lot of factors. Both these places have amazing beauty of nature
on offer, the down to earth culture and warmth of hospitality. In the end, it becomes a personal preference along with other factors like time of travel,
budget at hand, group size, number of days, etc.. It is not an easy question to answer in few words. It requires a dedicated article on when to choose
Leh Ladakh over Spiti Valley and when to plan the Spiti Valley tour over Ladakh. Mixing them will surely going to make some fabulous Ladakh Spiti
adventures.

Can I travel from Leh to Spiti Valley by bus?

You can take the HRTC bus from Leh to Keylong, Lahaul Valley, and then there is a direct bus from Keylong to Kaza, Spiti Valley that runs daily early
morning when the road from Keylong to Kaza is open. The Lahaul – Spiti to Leh distance can be covered in one day and then further from Lahaul
(Keylong) to Spiti (Kaza), it will take another day.
16 Day Itinerary for doing Spiti Valley to Ladakh from Manali side
You can find below a 16 Day trip plan for traveling Spiti Valley and Ladakh together. I am sure you should have some questions which I will be happy
to answer, but more or less, the whole plan is self-explanatory and will help you make a memorable trip from Spiti Valley to Leh Ladakh. In case you
are interested only in Spiti, then you can refer my most common Spiti Valley itinerary.

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 by checking: How to get Rohtang Pass
Permits Online
Overnight at Manali/Solang Valley
About 13-14 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between

Day 2 | Manali / Solang Valley – Rohtang Pass – Kunzum Pass – Kaza

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Head early morning to Kaza via Rohtang Pass, headquarters of Spiti Valley
Visit Kunzum Pass and enjoy the moment there
Drive through Batal – Chattru – Gramphu is out of the world
There may be some headache or AMS this night, but enjoy this magical drive over Kunzum Pass to enter the middle land called Spiti Valley. You
will enjoy the drive to Kaza greatly.
About 10 – 11 Hrs drive easily if you do not get messed up Rohtang Pass or stuck in water crossing
Overnight at Kaza

Day 3 | Kaza – Pin Valley (Mud Village) – Dhangkar – Dhangkar Lake – Tabo

Traverse the Pin Valley | Kungri – Sagnam – Mud – Tailing

Visit Dhangkar Monastery and Dhangkar Lake and leave after early lunch
Enjoy the magnificent vistas all-day
About 5 – 6 Hrs of drive in the day
Overnight at Tabo
 The Barren Beauty coming on the way from Spiti Valley to Ladakh

Day 4 | Tabo to Kaza and then Ki – Kibber – Gette – Tashigang – Kaza

Travel back the 47 KMs to Kaza from Tabo and in the second half of the days do sightseeing
 Visit Ki – Kibber – Gette – Tashigang and for more details, you can read: Key – Kibber – Gette – Tashigang – Local Sightseeing in Kaza
About 5 – 6 Hrs of drive in the day
Overnight at Kaza

Day 5 | Kaza – Hikkim – Komik – Langza – Rangrik – Losar – Kunzum Pass – Chandratal / Battal

Today visit the road less traveled or offbeat places near Kaza
Great view of Chau Chau Kang Nelda peak from Langza
Statue of the Buddha near Langza looking down the valley
The Tanggyud monastery at Komik is one of the most important and the highest monastery in the Spiti Valley
You can move to Chandratal if you are short on time else go over to Chandratal next day
About 2 – 3 Hrs of drive in the day and in case you go over to Chandratal, add about 4 more Hrs
Kaza – Losar – Kunzum Pass is the most scenic drive of entire Spiti Valley
Camps are about 2.5 KMs from the lake, either stay there or back to Batal where there is a PWD rest house now though without electricity. But,
no point going back a painful ride to Losar over Kunzum Pass unless you want to stay in the guest house with electricity. Better stay at Batal
and save time as well as energy for the next day.
Overnight at Batal or Chandratal Camps

Day 6 | Battal / Chandratal – Gramphu – Keylong/Jispa

Head towards Keylong / Jispa in the direction of Leh

About 9-10 Hrs drive easily if you do not get stuck between Batal – Gramphu
Overnight at Keylong/Jispa

Day 7 | Keylong/Jispa – Baralacha La – Leh

Leave Keylong/Jispa early next morning, say by 4/5 AM types, so that you reach Leh in the evening
You will witness the beauty of Manali – Leh Highway, with a couple of small lakes like Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal
You will cross over Baralacha La, Lachuchulung La, Nakee La, Taglang La passes
Overnight at Leh
About 11-12 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between

Day 8 | Leh Local Sightseeing + Rest & Inner Line Permits

To know the about the places to visit in/around Leh, check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
Get the inner line permits for Leh Ladakh sightseeing
Overnight at Leh

Day 9 | 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 5-6 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between and at Khardung La

Day 10 | 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

Nakee La, coming on the way to Ladakh from Spiti Valley

Day 11 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake

Cover either of Hemis, Thiksey, 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 12 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh

Cover either of Hemis, Thiksey, and Shey on return to Leh

Overnight at Leh
 About 5-6 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between

Day 13 | Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang

Cover Karzok Monastery

Overnight at Karzok or Tso Moriri
About 7-8 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between

Day 14 | 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 15 | Pang / Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali

On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the roadsides 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

Day 16 | Manali – Delhi

Return Home
About 13-14 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between

Day 17 + 18 | Buffer Days

Keep some buffer day in case of road closure due to landslides or snowfall or perhaps you want to enjoy more in these remote corners of the
Himalayas.
Additional Points
Instead of coming back to Leh from Nubra Valley, you can head towards Pangong Tso via Wari La route. This will give you an additional day
that can be spent in Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso or Leh. If you are riding then you need to carry sufficient fuel for it. However, do read the
article: Tips for Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso Direct Route
You can also make a three day trip to Nubra Valley so that you can spend one night a beautiful village Turtuk and remove rest day at 9 or add
one day to the above plan to visit Tutruk. I bet, you will not regret it at all.
For cheap and moderate budget accommodation or hotels in Leh – Ladakh you can refer the links cheap hotels in Leh and moderate budget
hotels in Ladakh respectively.
Any doubts related to the budget of the trip?? Don’t worry, check: How to calculate cost or budget for Leh – Ladakh trip.

That Aerial view while coming down from Komik Village

Ladakh from Spiti Valley side and come back from Srinagar side
The other option is that you do not come back the same Manali – Leh Highway but go over Srinagar – Leh Highway to return back home from that
route and complete the whole circuit. In this case, you can go back to Leh from Tso Moriri on Day 14 and start towards Srinagar – Leh Highway on
Day 15 as mentioned below:

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Day 14 | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring (Manali – Leh Highway starts) – Taglang La – Upshi – Leh

Come back via Tso Kar and Manali – Leh Highway to Leh
Overnight at Leh
About 10-11 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between

Day 15 | Leh – Sham Valley – Lamayuru – Kargil

Sham Valley include Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, Gurudwara Pather Sahib
Cover Mulbekh Maitreya, Lamayuru Monastery, Lunar Landscapes
Overnight at Kargil
About 8-9 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between

Day 16 | Kargil – Drass – Zozi La – Sonamarg – Srinagar

Enjoy the vistas en route and cross Zojila

Have late lunch meal at Sonamarg, Overnight at Srinagar
About 7-8 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between

Day 17 | Srinagar – Patnitop – Jammu

Enjoy the vistas en route

Overnight at Jammu
About 8-9 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between

Day 18 | Jammu – Pathankot – Ambala – Delhi

Back Home
About 11-12 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between
Day 19 + 20 | Buffer days

Keep some buffer day in case of road closure due to landslides or snowfall or perhaps you want to enjoy more.

Parked alongside Tso Moriri Lake

Conclusion
I hope this itinerary for Spiti Valley & Leh Ladakh together will be useful for travelers planning their journey at least for the first time. I will look
forward to any queries or doubts or valuable suggestions and inputs you have and would love to discuss your custom plan as well in the comments
section. If you plan to make this trip by public transport like HRTC buses or shared taxis, you should plan for some more buffer days or may need to
skip some places.

Have a travel question?? You can follow me on Instagram and subscribe to my YouTube channel to ask your travel questions in a direct
message on Instagram or comments on my YouTube videos.
If you want any customization or deviation from the above plan, feel free to ask any queries, and in case you know a friend who is interested in such
a plan, feel free to share the article with them.

If you know your friends or family are planning a trip from Spiti Valley to Ladakh, do share this article with them to help them make a memorable
adventure road trip.

Are you looking for the CUSTOMIZED TOURS?? Get in touch with our our handpicked & trusted Destination Specialists from the
Himalayas who offer SPECIAL DISCOUNTED RATES to all the readers/followers of the Devil On Wheels website.
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ABOUT AUTHOR

DHEERAJ SHARMA   

Helping travelers, backpackers & tourists in planning memorable trips to the Himalayas - Smartly, Safely, Responsibly and Economically. I am in love with Spreading Smiles in the
Himalayas through DoW Causes. You can read more about me in detail by checking out About Me section from the main menu.

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84 COMMENTS

Comments section gets closed in 90 days. You can follow my YouTube Channel or follow me on Instagram to ask your travel questions. I also conduct a weekly Q&A session every
Saturday evening on Instagram, so see you there !!

HARSHA on
AUG 5, 2018 22:26

Hi Deeraj,

The itenary suggested by you is wonderful, am totally excited about a completing circuit trip of Chandigarh to Chandigarh, going via a manali and coming back via Jammu. I am planning a trip
for 10-12 days. And this is what I had planned as following.
Day 1 – Chandigarh to manali

Day 2- manali to spiti valley

Day 2-3 : wanna spend in spiti valley,

Day 4: hoping to drive from spiti to leh, planned as google says 540km 13hrs drive. So planning to spend the night at leh

Day 5: travel to neubra valley

Day 6: neubra to pangong lake

Day 7: pangong to leh

Day 8: leh to Srinagar

Day 9: Srinagar to Jammu

Day 10: Jammu to Chandigarh.

Have kept 2 day’s buffer just in case required.

My main concern is how safe it would be to drive from spiti to leh considering that it would be only 2 of us, me and my mother.

Would be very kind of you if you can guide us and suggest if any changes needs to be made.

Actually I am coming from bangalore on 22 by flight and land in Chandigarh at 7.40am and planning to fly back on 2nd sept.

Planning to take zoom car from Chandigarh. Hope that should not be a hindrance for me to execute this road trip.

NITIN on
JUL 16, 2018 16:05

Hi dheeraj, great info here….i just wanted to ask . ..which is better..to do spiti valley first or. Leh ladakh first and then spiti…plan is to cover leh and spiti both through public transport mainly….

I am confused between covering spiti valley first or leh ladakh ..with entry from manali side..TIA

DHEERAJ SHARMA on
JUL 16, 2018 16:21

Nitin, I will suggest that you start with Spiti Valley first and then cover Ladakh. It will help you keep motivated and see bigger things like bigger mountains, bigger lakes later 😀

TALHA NUSRAT on
AUG 29, 2017 17:12

Hi Dheeraj,

I’m planning a trip to Ladakh in first week of October starting from Delhi then going to Jammu-Srinagar-Leh-Keylong-Manali and back to Delhi but I also want to cover Spiti Valley in this trip
itself so coming from Leh side which route should I take exactly.

And after seeing Spiti Valley can I cover Shimla, Kullu and Kufri too, I’ve 1 month of time in hand.

DHEERAJ SHARMA on
AUG 30, 2017 16:31

Hi Talha,

I will suggest you to start from Manali side so that Manali – Leh can be done early in the OCtober as possible. Then come from Srinagar side to Manali and go to Spiti Valley and
exit from Shimla side.

TALHA NUSRAT on
AUG 30, 2017 17:33

Thanks for your valuable suggestion and I really appreciate your informative articles.

Actually I’ve been to Ladakh in October 2015 but this time I wanted to complete the full circuit including Spiti Valley but I have also read your other article in which
you suggested not to visit Spiti Valley in October so even this time I’m going to skip Spiti and will look forward to complete the circuit starting from Srinagar side as
I’ve to take my friends from there.

Regarding Spiti Valley I’ll try covering it in my future trip to Dalhousie and Khajjar and then from there going to Manali then Spiti Valley and returning from Shimla
side, one advantage I’ll get in returning from Shimla side is that rather than going to Delhi I’ll head towards Paonta Sahib and then from there to Mussoorie and
Dehradun and via Haridwar-Najibabad to finally my home in Moradabad.
 DHEERAJ SHARMA on
SEP 2, 2017 19:49

Sounds like a plan Talha, do you want to consider including Pangi Valley in it? Like Dalhousie – Sach Pass – Killar – Keylong – Spiti Valley – Kinnaur
Valley – Shimla?

PAWAN PARASHAR on
JUL 18, 2017 21:51

hi, Dheeraj it is possible to make our trip from

BHILWARA -CHANDIGARH–MANALI-SPITI-LEH-KARGIL-SRINAGAR-JAMMU-DEHLI

IN 10 DAYS

mr. Dheeraj…i am from bhilwara rajasthan wants to go to manali to leh via spiti and leh to kargil -sri nagar-jammu-dehli bhilwara………….is possible to make it on enfield 350cc in 10 day…..?/

DHEERAJ SHARMA on
JUL 19, 2017 08:11

It will take 3 days to reach Leh from Delhi via Manali side with stopovers at Jispa, Manali and 4 days to come back to Delhi from Leh via Srinagar side with stop overs at Jammu,
Srinagar, Kargil . 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.

PAWAN PARASHAR on
AUG 6, 2017 14:52

hey bro it is great to know all about it before we start our trip from Bhilwara to Manali………1000km

from Manali to Qaza …………

from Qaza to Leh….without coming back to manali side

from Leh to SRinagar………..

fron Srinagar to jammu

from jammu to Dehli……………

from dehli to bhilwara

how many day at list we must have for this trip bro…?????

may you have any contact to make it

we are about to leave from bhilwara within two days please

guide or way to do it Mr. Dheerij……..

also i need to know the way from Manali to kaza to leh in map if you may prowide us it will be great to know………………….

thanking you for your great response on my curiosity..

we are looking forward your going to start it…………..

pawan parashar and team

DHEERAJ SHARMA on
AUG 8, 2017 08:23

Hi Pawan

You cannot do such a trip and is not possible. Extend the days to 9 days and Opt to go via Manali – Leh Highway and I will suggest that you refer the
thread for more details on the route and night halts though it is of 9 days: Manali – Leh – Ladakh – Manali | Itinerary for 9 Days.

MAJID ANSARI on
JUN 14, 2017 12:05

Hi Dheeraj,

Thanks a lot for such an amazing and detailed itinerary. I have a question related to self driven cars ban in ladakh.

1. Can we use self driven cars (zoom car) to visit spiti valley from Shimla or Manali both?

2. In ladakh till what location can we take self driven cars without any issues I. E. Interference of locals?

Also we are planning to start our trip on 28th July or 4th August, so will there be any problems at this time travelling to spiti valley and ladakh?

We will be bringing our tents with us and will camp near villages, any tips that you want to give us?

Thanks a lot !!!

Majid Ansari
 DHEERAJ SHARMA on
JUN 14, 2017 16:20

Hi Majid,

1. Yes, self driven rental cars can be used in Spiti Valley

2. You can take self driven rental car to Leh and come back from Leh. After reaching Leh, you have to rent a local taxi for further sightseeing in Ladakh

Regarding camping, please read: Top 10 Tips for Camping in Ladakh & Spiti Valley

MAJID ANSARI on
JUN 15, 2017 00:44

Thanks a lot Dheeraj..

About the dates, will there be any problems if we travel at that time?

Thanks

DHEERAJ SHARMA on
JUN 15, 2017 05:55

Well, It is monsoon time in general up there in North and 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 certainty about weather conditions but above is generally common pictures seen over last few years except ugly 2010 …

Please refer the link in our community: FAQ | Is Monsoon season good time to travel to Ladakh? for more details.

RIKIN SHAH on
MAY 22, 2017 11:32

Hi Dheeraj,

Thanks Dheeraj for the awesome itineraries. Even though I havent been on any one yet, I still like to read it for the love of Himalayas and India as I have been living outside India for last 4
years. I was looking to do this whole route & I came across this luckily.

Being Outside, I am not able to gather much info or form any groups to travel. I may find bike trips online from

Chandigarh- Srinagar-Leh-Manali-Chnadigarh but none of offer Chandigarh-Srinagar-Leh-Spiti-Lahaul-Chandigarh or whole circuit as you suggested.

Are there any tour operators that provide a bike trip to this route.

Thank You for the awesome work and the knowledge you provide for the Mecca of riders.

-Rikin

DHEERAJ SHARMA on
MAY 23, 2017 09:32

Thank you for kind words Rikin !!

Well, nowadays I am partially in your boat only, read more and less travel being in US for about a year 😉 … You will not find any tour operators doing this whole trip. How about
riding solo and tag along in the groups? Also, you can find some people entries in Travel Calendar from the main menu to look for them.

RAHUL on
MAY 5, 2017 01:15

Hi, Dheeraj.

So I was thinking to travel in reverse manner i.e, from Srinagar-Leh-Manali including spiti so could you please suggest me an itinerary for this trip I’m so confused.

Thank you.

DHEERAJ SHARMA on
MAY 5, 2017 09:05
 Rahul, you can easily reverse the above plan and fit the same. You can post it here and I will be happy to review it. If you still are unable to do it, I will help you out.

DR SACHIN on
MAY 3, 2017 07:26

Hi

This is the present road status –

Shimla Kaza Road Status 2017 : Open

Manali Kaza Road Status 2017 : Closed

Manali Keylong Road Status 2017: Closed

Rohtang Pass Status 2017: Open

Sach Pass Status 2017: Closed

Kunzum Pass Status 2017: Closed

Chandratal Status 2017: Closed

Expected Manali to Kaza road Opening time 2017: June End

Expected Chandratal opening time 2017: June End

Expected Sach Pass opening time 2017 – June second week

Expected Rohtang Pass Opening date 2017 – Open

Expected Manali Leh Highway opening time 2017 – May 25th

Expected Srinagar Leh Highway Opening Date 2017 – May 15th

Update May 1st: A fresh snowfall around Manali saw the snow clearing work coming to a stand still. Rohtang pass received around 30 cm of snow and locals were turned back from both Manali
and Kokhsar side to avoid any incidents. Kunzum Pass this year received way more snow than usual. As per a latest report from BRO, snow at some places is over 70 ft deep. The Batal
Gramphoo stretch is badly damaged and the entire Manali to Kaza stretch is not expected to open any sooner than June end.

DHEERAJ SHARMA on
MAY 3, 2017 08:19

Thank you Sachin for posting the updates. Rohtang Pass is only open for locals, not for tourists. We will change the status once it opens for tourists.

DR SACHIN on
MAY 1, 2017 17:29

Hi,

Is it possible to consider doing this or reverse during those 15-16 days..?

Will this itinerary solve the problem of closure of manali – kaza road ?

21st may – 4th June 2017

Day 1. Delhi – Narkanda

Day 2. Narkanda – Sangla

Day 3. Sangla – Tabo

Day 4. Tabo- Kaza

Day 5. Kaza

Day 6. Kaza – Batal

Day 7. Batal- Keylong

Day 8. Keylong – Sarchu

Day 9. Sarchu – Pangong

Day 10. Pangong – Nubra

Day 11. Nubra – Leh

Day 12. Leh

Day 13. Leh – Kargil

Day 14. Kargil – Srinagar

Day 15. Srinagar – Jammu

Day 16. Jammu- Delhi

Depending on present road conditions on sx4 ( ground clearance 180) ?

DHEERAJ SHARMA on
MAY 2, 2017 07:50

Well, reversing the plan may give a slight hope at least that Manali – Leh Highway gets open by the time you hit Manali – Leh Highway. However, the opening of Manali – Kaza
road is very optimistic in end of May or early June.

DR SACHIN on
MAY 1, 2017 16:39

Thank you for your suggestions, vl reconsider my plans.

DR SACHIN on
MAY 1, 2017 13:49

Hi dheeraj, congratulations and thanks for such wonderful work.

Pls suggest a 15 days (21st may – 4th June 2017) self drive day wise trip plan from delhi, covering lahaul spiti and leh ladakh combined,preferably starting from kinnaur side, not missing out
on the list of must sees.

Delhi – shimla – lahaul spiti – leh ladakh – manali – delhi.

DHEERAJ SHARMA on
MAY 1, 2017 16:25

Hi Dr. Sachin,

The roads to Ladakh will not be open during that time or may have just opened through Manali – Leh Highway by the time you reach there. However, the road from Kaza to Manali
– Leh Highway will not be open as it will open in June. In case you wish to travel by road to these places, you will have to postpone the trip by at least couple of weeks if not three
weeks and hope Manali – Kaza road gets open by that time.

FIRAZ on
FEB 5, 2017 23:04

Dear

Should I include sach pass here or d route u mentioned is enough??? Is it worth enough to add sach pass??? And what will be the approximate budget required for whole circuit of Spiti and Leh
for 15 days which includes average stay ( not too bad or not too expensive) .

DHEERAJ SHARMA on
FEB 6, 2017 00:55

I will says with just 15 days in hand, exclude Sach Pass for now. You should keep about 900-1200 per day for food + stay on an average in the entire route with average stays.
Rest is your fuel.

FIRAZ on
FEB 6, 2017 09:48

Thank you Dheeraj. You being a real admirer for all of us who’s looking to explore the himalayas. Hope once in life time looking forward to meet u up in person
mostly some where around in himalayas itself Cheers and thank you so much once again. Will get back to you for any other expertise advice.

DHEERAJ SHARMA on
FEB 9, 2017 08:53

Thank you Firaz, sure, gods will we may meet on the highway in Himalayas !! Feel free to post any question you may have for your trip to Ladakh or
Spiti.

FIRAZ on
FEB 5, 2017 19:39

Hi Dheeraj

Would like it know that is this litinery is safe for a solo drive?? I mean if I plan a drive on my own car to spiti and Leh alone will it be safe or will I land up in trouble??? What’s ur expertise
view???

DHEERAJ SHARMA on
FEB 5, 2017 21:54

Firaz, well, there will be 1000s of other fellow travellers too on those routes and you may wish to join or tag along with them in any case I will say. Having said that, every year
1000s of people do the solo ride or drive to Ladakh and Spiti Valley, so I don’t think there shall be any issues.

FIRAZ on
FEB 5, 2017 22:36

Thanks for the prompt reply. As I asked u earlier July 2nd week will be a gud time do d whole circuit alone by drive??? Whether manali will have snow on those
time ???

DHEERAJ SHARMA on
FEB 6, 2017 00:49

Yes July is a good time to travel to Manali, Spiti Valley and Ladakh. Regarding snow, you will only find that on high mountains passes including
Baralacha La pass.

FIRAZ on
FEB 5, 2017 00:36

Dear

I would like to follow up this plan to visit Spity and Leh by own car as am accompanied with one of my friend. But got some doubts as 1. July 10 to July 25th is the planned date Can we find
good amount of snow at rothang pass and places we travel. Other option for this trip is May 5th to May 20th. Is it possible???? As we can’t make in the month of June as it is ramzan month
for us. Please give us your valuable suggestions

DHEERAJ SHARMA on
FEB 5, 2017 21:57

Firaz, I replied to your other comment.

HIMANSHU KAPADIA on
DEC 13, 2016 09:20

Hi Dheeraj,

Respect and thankfulness from the traveller community, this site had become my Bhagwad Gita for my trips to the Cold Deserts in 2015.

With the same belief, support from the Gita, this time though, in May 2017, We plan to sel drive from Mumbai with family (Brother, wife and a 12 year old), while including Zanskar & Dha
Valleys as well as doing Spiti Valley, all which I missed last time, due to time crunch.

We are 2 drivers and plan to enjoy every bit of the circuit to the fullest, God forbidding, leaving none (except Chumathang) for the next time.

Please suggest of this itinerary if doable / to cut short / to give time, at places.

(A day is separated by #*#).

#*# Srinagar – Kargil #*# Kargil – Zanskar #*# Zanskar #*# Zanskar – Kargil #*# Kargil – Dha – Lamayuru #*# Lamayuru – Leh #*# Leh #*# Leh Local + Permit #*# Leh Monastery tour #*#
Leh – Turtuk (Tyakshi) #*# Turtuk – Panamik #*# Panamik – Spangmik (Via Agham) #*# Spangmik – Chushul – Hanle #*# Hanle – Korzok #*# Korzok – Debring – Leh (Wife and Child depart)
#*# Leh – Jispa #*# ONWARDS REQUIRE HELP –>> Jispa – Gramphu – Chandratal #*# Chandratal – Kunzum – Losar – Kaza #*# Kaza – Kibber – Tabo #*# Tabo – Pin Valley – Kaza #*# Kaza –
Rohtang – Manali

Thanks in Advance… CHEERS !!

DHEERAJ SHARMA on
DEC 15, 2016 06:44

Hello Himanshu,

Well, the plan is doable but hectic I will say. I will highly recommend that you add one day in Zanskar Valley and do Kargil – Padum, Padum Rest Day, Padum – Rangdum,
Rangdum – Kargil. Rest is OK.

Add one day in Kaza as well to do Langza, Hikkim, Komik. Must do. Rest is fine.

Regards

Dheeraj Sharma
SIKENDER on
NOV 8, 2016 19:23

N wht abt finding snow on Srinagar-Kargil-Leh highway? Which route opens early N blocks later?

DHEERAJ SHARMA on
NOV 9, 2016 17:15

Snow is available only at Zojila pass on Srinagar – Kargil – Leh Highway and that too when the highway opens up in late April or early May. This is the route that opens early and
remains open almost up to November.

SIKENDER on
NOV 8, 2016 11:27

Which is the best time to visit Leh via Manali side…. so that I can enjoy full snow on the route. I visited Leh in September this year but did’nt find snow on roadsides. I wanna see ice walls on
roadsides.

DHEERAJ SHARMA on
NOV 8, 2016 17:20

That will be late May or early June as soon as the road to Ladakh opens. You have to be flexible with your leave plan.

SONI on
AUG 27, 2016 14:24

Hi Dheeraj,

Guide me with the below Itinerary and guide me with the approximate total expense of the travel as per you.

14TH September – 29TH September SPITI LADAKH TRIP

 14TH SEPT / DAY 1 / MUMBAI – CHANDIGARH – KAZA

MUMBAI TO CHANDIGARH

REACH CHANDIGARH AT 11.30

CHANDIGARH TO SPITI CAR RENTAL / 13 HRS JOURNEY

NIGHT AT HOTEL IN KAZA

 15TH SEPT / DAY 2 / KAZA – PIN VALLEY – DHANGKAR LAKE – TABO – KAZA

KAZA TO TABO 49KM ***** TOTAL 100KM RUN *****

 Traverse the Pin Valley | Kungri – Sagnam – Mud – Tailing

 Visit Dhangkar Monastery and Dhangkar Lake and leave after early lunch

 Enjoy the magnificent vistas all day

 About 5 – 6 Hrs of drive in the day

 Overnight at KAZA

 16TH SEPT / DAY 3 / KAZA – KEY – KIBBER – GETTE – TASHIGANG – KAZA

KAZA TO KEY – 12KM

KEY TO KIBBER – 8KM

KIBBER TO GETTE – 11KM

GETTE TO KEE TO TASHIGONG – 6KM

TASHIGONG TO KAZA – 32KM

• OVERNIGHT AT KAZA

 17TH SEPT / DAY 4 / KAZA – HIKKIM – KOMIC – LANGZA – RANGRIK – LOSAR

KAZA TO HIKKIM – 15.5KM

HIKKIM TO KOMIC – 3.5KM

KOMIC TO LANGZA – 10KM

LANGZA – RANGRIK – 18KM

RANGRIK TO LOSAR NOMADS COTTAGE – 50KM

 Great view of Chau Chau Kang Nelda peak from Langza

 Statue of the Buddha near Langza looking down the valley

 Tanggyud monastery at Komik, is one of the most important and the highest monastery in the Spiti Valley

 NIGHT AT LOSAR , NOMADS COTTAGE

 18TH SEPT / DAY 5 / LOSAR – KUNZUM PASS – CHANDRATAAL / BATAL – GRAMPHU – KEYLONG – JISPA

LOSAR TO KUNZUM PASS 18KM

KUMNZUM TO BATAL 12.6KM

BATAL TO GRAMPHU – 49KM

GRAMPHU TO KEYLONG – 50KM

KEYLONG TO JISPA – 23KM

 Head towards Keylong / Jispa in the direction of Leh

 About 9-10 Hrs drive easily if you do not get messed up Rohtang Pass

 Overnight at JISPA Hotel Ibex / Hotel Jispa

 19TH SEPT / DAY 6 / JISPA – BARALACHA-LA – LEH

JISPA TO BARALACHA–LA – 53KM

BARALACHA-LA TO KARZOK – 251KM

• Overnight at KARZOK

 20TH SEPT / DAY 7 / TSO MORIRI – KARZOK

KARZOK TO TSO MORIRI – 30KM

• OVER NIGHT AT KARZOK

 21ST SEPT / DAY 8 / KARZOK -TSO KAR – DEBRING – SPANGMIK

KARZOK TO TSO KAR – 88KM

TSO KAR TO DEBRING – 31KM

DEBRING TO SPANGMIK – 212 KM (VIA KEYLONG – LEH ROAD )

• OVER NIGHT AT SPANGMIK

 22ND SEPT / DAY 9 / SPANGMIK – LUKUNG

LEISURE TIME AT PANGONG LAKE AND EXPLORE NEAR BY PLACES

• OVER NIGHT AT SPANGMIK

 23RD SEPT / DAY 10 / SPANGIK – HEMIS – THIKSEY – SHEY – LEH

SPANGMIK TO HEMIS – 132KM

HEMIS TO THIKSEY – 26KM

THIKSEY TO SHEY – 10KM

SHEY – LEH 15 KM

• OVER NIGHT AT LEH

 24TH SEPT / DAY 11 / LEH – NUBRA VALLEY

LEH TO NUBRA VALLEY – 160KM

PANAMIK TO HUNDER – 65KM

• KHARDUNG – SUMUR – PANAMIK – NUBRA

• OVER NIGHT AT HUNDER

 25TH SEPT / DAY 12 / HUNDER – TURTUK

HUNDER TO TURTUK – 83KM

• OVERNIGHT AT TURTUK

 26TH SEPT / DAY 13 / TURTUK TO LEH

TURTUK TO LEH – 204 KM

• LEH TO SPITUK

• OVERNIGHT AT LEH

 27TH SEPT / DAY 14 / LEH TO LAMAYURU MONASTERY

LEH TO LAMAYURU MONASTERY 108KM

• OVERNIGHT STAY AT LAMAYURU MONASTERY

 28TH SEPT / DAY 15 / LAMAYURU TO SURU VALLEY

LAMAYURU MONASTERY TO SURU VALLEY – 194 KM

• OVERNIGHT STAY AT SURU VALLEY

 29TH SEPT / DAY 16 / SURU VALLEY – SRINAGAR

SURU VALLEY TO SRINAGAR – 291KM

• OVERNIGHT STAY AT SRINAGAR

 30TH SEPT / DAY 17 / SRINAGAR – MUMBAI

FLIGHT FROM SRINAGAR AT 3:30 PM REACH MUMBAI AT 6:30 PM

 DHEERAJ SHARMA on
AUG 28, 2016 21:41

Hi Soni,

Your itinerary is a bit impractical and since you have 16-17 days in hand, I will suggest you refer: Spiti Valley to Ladakh from Manali – Most Common Itinerary

SONI on
AUG 26, 2016 22:38

Hi Dheeraj ,

Please suggest me if the below plan looks good to go . How much will this trip cost approximately as I do not want any packages? Also if anywhere you think that the trip will get stressful then
please suggest alternative. Also please share your email address.

14TH September – 29TH September SPITI LADAKH TRIP

 14TH SEPT / DAY 1 / MUMBAI – CHANDIGARH – KAZA

MUMBAI TO CHANDIGARH / 6500

REACH CHANDIGARH AT 11.30

CHANDIGARH TO SPITI CAR RENTAL 10500 / 13 HRS JOURNEY

NIGHT AT HOTEL IN KAZA

 15TH SEPT / DAY 2 / KAZA – PIN VALLEY – DHANGKAR LAKE – TABO – KAZA

KAZA TO TABO 49KM ***** TOTAL 100KM RUN *****

 Traverse the Pin Valley | Kungri – Sagnam – Mud – Tailing

 Visit Dhangkar Monastery and Dhangkar Lake and leave after early lunch

 Enjoy the magnificent vistas all day

 About 5 – 6 Hrs of drive in the day

 Overnight at KAZA

 16TH SEPT / DAY 3 / KAZA – KEY – KIBBER – GETTE – TASHIGANG – KAZA

KAZA TO KEY – 12KM

KEY TO KIBBER – 8KM

KIBBER TO GETTE – 11KM

GETTE TO KEE TO TASHIGONG – 6KM

TASHIGONG TO KAZA – 32KM

• OVERNIGHT AT KAZA

 17TH SEPT / DAY 4 / KAZA – HIKKIM – KOMIC – LANGZA – RANGRIK – LOSAR

KAZA TO HIKKIM – 15.5KM

HIKKIM TO KOMIC – 3.5KM

KOMIC TO LANGZA – 10KM

LANGZA – RANGRIK – 18KM

RANGRIK TO LOSAR NOMADS COTTAGE – 50KM

 Great view of Chau Chau Kang Nelda peak from Langza

 Statue of the Buddha near Langza looking down the valley

 Tanggyud monastery at Komik, is one of the most important and the highest monastery in the Spiti Valley

 NIGHT AT LOSAR , NOMADS COTTAGE

 18TH SEPT / DAY 5 / LOSAR – KUNZUM PASS – CHANDRATAAL / BATAL – GRAMPHU – KEYLONG – JISPA

LOSAR TO KUNZUM PASS 18KM

KUMNZUM TO BATAL 12.6KM

BATAL TO GRAMPHU – 49KM

GRAMPHU TO KEYLONG – 50KM

KEYLONG TO JISPA – 23KM

 Head towards Keylong / Jispa in the direction of Leh

 About 9-10 Hrs drive easily if you do not get messed up Rohtang Pass

 Overnight at JISPA Hotel Ibex / Hotel Jispa

 19TH SEPT / DAY 6 / JISPA – BARALACHA-LA – LEH

JISPA TO BARALACHA–LA – 53KM

BARALACHA-LA TO TSO MORIRI – 261KM

• Overnight at TSO MORIRI

 20TH SEPT / DAY 7 / TSO MORIRI – KARZOK – TSOKAR – DEBRING – TSO KAR

TSO MORIRI TO KARZOK – 30KM

KARZOK TO TSO KAR – 88KM

• OVER NIGHT AT TSO KAR

 21ST SEPT / DAY 8 / TSO KAR – DEBRING – SPANGMIK

TSO KAR TO DEBRING – 31KM

DEBRING TO SPANGMIK – 212 KM (VIA KEYLONG – LEH ROAD )

• OVER NIGHT AT SPANGMIK

 22ND SEPT / DAY 9 / SPANGMIK – LUKUNG

LEISURE TIME AT PANGONG LAKE AND EXPLORE NEAR BY PLACES

 23RD SEPT / DAY 10 / SPANGIK – HEMIS – THIKSEY – SHEY – LEH

SPANGMIK TO HEMIS – 132KM

HEMIS TO THIKSEY – 26KM

THIKSEY TO SHEY – 10KM

SHEY – LEH 15 KM

• OVER NIGHT AT LEH

 24TH SEPT / DAY 11 / LEH – NUBRA VALLEY

LEH TO NUBRA VALLEY – 160KM

PANAMIK TO HUNDER – 65KM

• KHARDUNG – SUMUR – PANAMIK – NUBRA

• OVER NIGHT AT HUNDER

 25TH SEPT / DAY 12 / HUNDER – TURTUK

HUNDER TO TURTUK – 83KM

• OVERNIGHT AT TURTUK

 26TH SEPT / DAY 13 / TURTUK TO LEH

TURTUK TO LEH – 204 KM

• LEH TO SPITUK

• OVERNIGHT AT LEH

 27TH SEPT / DAY 14 / LEH TO LAMAYURU MONASTERY

LEH TO LAMAYURU MONASTERY 108KM

• OVERNIGHT STAY AT LAMAYURU MONASTERY

 28TH SEPT / DAY 15 / LAMAYURU TO SURU VALLEY

LAMAYURU MONASTERY TO SURU VALLEY – 194 KM

• OVERNIGHT STAY AT SURU VALLEY

 29TH SEPT / DAY 16 / SURU VALLEY – SRINAGAR

SURU VALLEY TO SRINAGAR – 291KM

• OVERNIGHT STAY AT SRINAGAR

 30TH SEPT / DAY 17 / SRINAGAR – MUMBAI

FLIGHT FROM SRINAGAR AT 3:30 PM REACH MUMBAI AT 6:30 PM

SONI on
AUG 27, 2016 14:25

???????????????

DHEERAJ SHARMA on
AUG 28, 2016 21:45

Replied to your other comment.

RENU MAKHIJA on
AUG 4, 2016 11:59

Hi Dheeraj, Could you tell me if it would be comfortable to travel to Spiti Valley in September, between 17-27 / 2016 !?

I plan to go from Delhi – Manali and back from same route.

Could you guide on the Itinerary to follow !!!

DHEERAJ SHARMA on
AUG 4, 2016 16:25

Hi Renu,

Yes, that will be a great time to visit Spiti Valley. Fabulous vivid colors of nature along with ultra delicious apples all around in Spiti 🙂

Day 01 : Reach Manali and stay overnight at Solang Valley as preferred for acclimatization

Day 02 : Manali / Solang – Kaza

Day 03 : Kaza – Lingti Valley (Lhalung) – Tabo

Day 04 : Tabo – Dhangkar – Dhangkar Lake – Pin Valley

Day 05 : Pin Valley(Mud) – Kaza – Ki – Kibber – Kaza

— Start a trekking tour in Spiti for its most beautiful villages, it is motorable so you can go up there by car and then start day treks in between these villages. Awesome way to
soak in the beauty of trans Himalayas.

Day 06 : Kaza – Langza – Komic – Hikkim – Demul – Kaza | Villages trek (Stay at Langza)

Day 07 : Kaza – Langza – Komic – Hikkim – Demul – Kaza | Villages trek (Stay at Komic)

Day 08 : Kaza – Langza – Komic – Hikkim – Demul – Kaza | Villages trek (Stay at Demul)

— End tour

Day 09 : Kaza – Chandratal

Day 10 : Chandratal – Manali

Day 11 : Manali – Delhi

RENU MAKHIJA on
AUG 4, 2016 18:29

Thank you so much Dheeraj. Do you think I could cover up in 9 days as well. In that case, what should I skip.

And would you be able to tell me decent accomodations and transport contacts if any.

I would be travelling solo.

Any other tips that you could give, I would really appreciate !!

And do you organize tours as well by yourself !?

DHEERAJ SHARMA on
AUG 5, 2016 16:42

Renu we do not organize and tours and beware of people who are doing with our name or similar name like us. You can check a very balanced and
most common itinerary for Spiti Valley followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 10-11 days: Most Common Itinerary for Spiti
Valley.

You can get connected directly to some drivers in Spiti Valley or Kinnaur Valley at the link: List of Taxi Drivers for Spiti Valley & Kinnaur Valley. These
drivers can come and pick you up from Manali / Shimla / Delhi / Chandigarh too, of course with a price of pickup as well.

The rates of the taxis are about Rs 3000-3500 per day depending upon the number of days you plan to travel, more the days, less the price.

Otherwise, taxis in general are also available on the spot from Shimla or Manali from respective taxi stands

For stay options in Kinnaur and Spiti, check the link: Some Good Options of Stays in Spiti Valley / Kinnaur Valley. You can keep an average of 900-
1200 per person per day for food and stay on the tour to Spiti Valley.

BISWARAJ on
JUL 30, 2016 18:08

Hi Dheeraj,

First of all, your blog is a gem and I cannot thank you enough for compiling and putting this together for fellow travelers. I am planning to undertake the Manali -> Spiti -> Leh journey as
suggested on this page. I have some questions regarding stays and transport options, which will be really helpful if answered. Here is my plan:

I plan to start the trip from Delhi on Monday/Aug 1 from Delhi and we are two guys/students on a shoestring budget. We would love wherever things can be done on shared taxis or public
buses, as we are only 2 guys and we dont prefer not to book a full taxi for ourselves. I have marked my questions with **.

> Day 1: Aug 2| Delhi – Manali/Solang Valley

Overnight at Manali on Aug 2

> Day 2: Aug 3| Manali / Solang Valley – Rohtang Pass – Kunzum Pass – Kaza

Overnight at Kaza on Aug 3

** What are the stay options at Kaza? Could you please share any contact details of some cheap and good hotels/homestays/guest houses? Is prior booking needed for this coming week or we
can just drop by at Kaza?

** What are the transport options from Manali to Kaza? Are there buses or options for shared taxis which will drop us at Kaza (and then we book another mode for rest of the days?) or maybe
take a taxi for the Spiti trip only [till Day 7 till dropping us at Leh OR till Day 6 till dropping us at Keylong/Jispa]? What will be the cheapest option to pursue?

> Day 3: Aug 4 | Kaza – Pin Valley (Mud Village) – Dhangkar – Dhangkar Lake – Tabo

Overnight at Tabo on Aug 4

** What are the stay options at Tabo? Could you please share any contact details of some cheap and good hotels/homestays/guest houses? Is prior booking needed for this coming week or we
can just drop by at Tabo?

** Again, what are the best options for travel if we don’t have our own cars/transport?

> Day 4: Aug 5 | Tabo to Kaza and then Ki – Kibber – Gette – Tashigang – Kaza

Travel back the 47 KMs to Kaza from Tabo and in second half do sightseeing

Overnight at Kaza on Aug 5

> Day 5: Aug 6 | Kaza – Hikkim – Komik – Langza – Rangrik – Losar – Kunzum Pass – Chandratal / Battal

We plan to stay at Chandratal

** Again, what will be the best travel options from Kaza to Chandratal and back?

** Could you please share any contact details of the camp organizers at Chandratal? Is prior booking needed?

Overnight at Battal or Chandratal Camps on Aug 6

> Day 6: Aug 7 | Battal / Chandratal – Gramphu – Keylong/Jispa

Head towards Keylong / Jispa in the direction of Leh

Overnight at Keylong/Jispa on Aug 7

Possible options:

• Nalwa Guest House, Keylong

• Jispa Journeys, Jispa

• Padma Lodge, Jispa

** Could you please suggest whether to stay in Keylong or Jispa, based on the mode of transport you suggest for the Spiti Valley journey since we will come from Chandratal?

** Is there option for shared taxis dropping us at Keylong after Spiti and we taking public transport from Keylong to Leh?

> Day 7: Aug 8 | Keylong/Jispa – Baralacha La – Leh

Leave Keylong/Jispa early next morning, say by 4/5 AM types, so that we reach Leh in the evening

Overnight at Leh on Aug 8

> Day 8: Aug 9 | Leh Local Sightseeing + Rest

Overnight at Leh on Aug 9

> Day 9: Aug 10 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder

Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit

Overnight at Hunder / Diskit / Sumur / Turtuk on Aug 10

** Among the villages of Diskit, Hunder, Sumur and Turtuk, which will be the most scenic, less touristy, offbeat as well as cheap? We would prefer a less crowded place (Diskit?), however a more
scenic and beautiful place to stay?

** Depending on the village you suggest, which guesthouse/stay option will you suggest? We will be fine with anything Day 10: Aug 11 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung
La – Leh

Overnight at Leh on Aug 11

> Day 11: Aug 12 | 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) on Aug 12

Possible options:

• Padma / Gongma / Sasoma Guest House – Home Stays at Spangmik

• Tangste (Rs 1000 – 1500): Dothguling Guest house or Yakmik Changla Guest House

** We would love to stay next to the lake and will be ok with cheaper tents if not luxury ones, if nothing works, maybe we will work out a home stay. The tents listed by you are most 3-4K, are
there options to have cheap tents next to the lake? Are we allowed to put our own tents there?

** If we stay in the Home Stays at Spangmik, how far is the lake from there?

** If we stay in Tangste, how far is the lake from there?

> Day 12: Aug 13 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh

Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on return to Leh

Overnight at Leh on Aug 13

> Day 13: Aug 14 | Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang

Overnight at Karzok or Tso Moriri on Aug 14

• Tsomoriri Camp and Resort Tso Moriri, Korzok (2.5-3K)

• Goose Homestay Tso Moriri Lake (Rs 700 – 1000) – Korzok Village

• Lake View Guest House – Tso Moriri, Korzok – 01982-264867

** Could you please suggest if we should pre-book one of the camps or drop by there and see?

** What is your suggestion to balance the price and view (next to the lake)? Are the views from tents worth the extra money? Or is better to spend more for tents in Pangong Tso than here?

** How far is the Goose Homestay from the lake? Is the lake clearly visible?

> Day 14: Aug 15 | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring (Manali – Leh Highway starts) – Taglang La – Upshi – Leh

Overnight at Leh on Aug 15

> Day 15: Aug 16 | Leh – Sham Valley (Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, Gurudwara Pather Sahib)

Overnight at at Leh on Aug 16

> Day 16: Aug 17 | Leh

Overnight at at Leh/Rest/Buffer

> Day 17: Aug 18 | Flight to New Delhi

I would be extremely grateful if you answer my questions, specifically about the travel options we can pursue to minimize cost for the Spiti portion and the stay options.

Also, please fell free to suggest any changes where you feel its getting too hectic or too dangerous.

DHEERAJ SHARMA on
JUL 30, 2016 19:38

Hi Biswaraj,

For stay options in Kinnaur and Spiti, check the link: Some Good Options of Stays in Spiti Valley / Kinnaur Valley. You can keep an average of 900-1200 per person per day for food
and stay on the tour to Spiti Valley.

You can check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate (cheap budget hotels as
well) in the series of articles starting on the link here

Then you can read: How to make a budget Ladakh trip by public transport

The shared taxis are available all through in Spiti and also Spiti is well connected all through the circuit from Manali to Kaza, Kaza to Keylong. Keylong to Leh and rest of Ladakh I
have covered in the article linked above

KUNTAL MUKHOPADHYAY on
JUL 22, 2016 11:09

Hi Dheeraj,

Good Morning…

Thanks for the Itinerary on Spiti Valley..

Two Queries:-

1. Do you have a ready-made Lahaul & Spiti combined itinerary with entry from Shimla and Exit from Manali.

2. Can you suggest a Car-Owner/driver “at-par of Rigzin of Leh” ( I travelled with Rigzin for 14 days in Ladakh last year) on whom i can launch my aspiration of Lahaul & Spiti Travel ?

Thanks in advance for your time to respond on my queries.

Best Regards,

Kuntal

DHEERAJ SHARMA on
JUL 22, 2016 16:12

Hi Kuntal,

1. Here you go: Spiti Valley | Most Common Itinerary

2. Personally I have never used taxi in Spiti and has always driven myself. But, You can get connected directly to some drivers in Spiti Valley or Kinnaur Valley at the link: List of
Taxi Drivers for Spiti Valley & Kinnaur Valley. These drivers can come and pick you up from Manali / Shimla / Delhi / Chandigarh too, of course with a price of pickup as well.

The rates of the taxis are about Rs 3000-3500 per day depending upon the number of days you plan to travel, more the days, less the price.

Otherwise, taxis in general are also available on the spot from Shimla or Manali from respective taxi stands
SHAMSHER SINGH on
JUL 9, 2016 13:07

Hi

ADITYA on
JUL 1, 2016 12:34

Hi,

With the help of your post, I have prepared for following plan for Spiti – Leh.

Travel Mode : EcoSport

30.7.2016 – Start from Mumbai

31.7.2016 Mumbai – Shimla journey

1.8.2016 Reach Shimla

2.8.2016 Narkanda – Chitkul – Approx. 200 km (Google map)

• lunch at Rampur

• About 8 – 9 Hrs of beautiful drive through Kinnaur Valley

• Overnight at Chitkul

3.8.2016 Chitkul – Tabo – Approx. 200 km

• Visit Kamru Fort at Sangla

• Check Out Khab, Confluence of Spiti and Satluj Rivers

• See the Leo Purygal Peak from Khab Bridge

• Have your lunch at Nako Lake

• Meet the dreaded Malling Nalla ahead of Nako

• After Chango – Sumdo you will enter Spiti Valley.

• After Sumdo police registration, detour towards Geyu Village to visit the 500 Year old Mummy

4.8.2016 Tabo – Pin valley – Kaza – Approx. 150 kms

• Visit Dhankar Monastery and Dhankar Lake

• Traverse the Pin Valley

• Visit Ki – Kibber – Gette – Tashigang

5.8.2016 Kaza – Hikkim – Komik – Langza – Losar

• Great view of Chau Chau Kang Nelda peak from Langza

• Statue of the Buddha near Langza looking down the valley

• Tanggyud monastery at Komik, is one of the most important and the highest monastery in the Spiti Valley

6.8.2016 Losar – Chandra Taal – Batal – Keylong

• Visit Chandratal via Kunzum Pass

7.8.2016 Leh Journey

Is this doable?

Am I missing anything?

Regards,

Aditya

DHEERAJ SHARMA on
JUL 1, 2016 16:02

It is doable Aditya, the only challenge I see is sleeping at Chitkul that early in the trip. You may get hit with AMS, so better plan to stay at Rakcham on that day

ADITYA on
JUL 2, 2016 16:00

Thank you Dheeraj for your quick reply.

I will change my plan to stay at Chitkul.

DHEERAJ SHARMA on
JUL 2, 2016 20:10

Best wishes for the trip Aditya !!

ARJUN VENUGOPAL on
JUN 22, 2016 14:08

Hello Dheeraj,

Brilliant site and write ups. I had read your (5 Reasons to choose Srinagar – Leh Road over Manali – Leh Road) and then this / has actually put me in dilemma. I have only 7-8 days. Me and 2 -3
of my friends were planning for a road trip (Bike / SUV) from Manali to Leh. Since its only a Weeks time. I believe we can make it only 1 Trip Either Srinagar – Leh or Manali – Leh or Leh –
Manali. Which one according to you is the best and must do (Apart from Acclimitization factors 😉 ) We will flying in and out of the starting and ending point.

ARJUN VENUGOPAL on
JUN 22, 2016 15:18

Just wanted to add. We are planning the trip for 2nd Week of September. We are 30 years old and travelling without our wives and So we dont have to ponder much over stay and
travel and can take a bit of risk. We will be definitely coming back with our wives for a more leisurely trip. We just want to do the harder/must do part now.

I suppose a peg or 2/smoke wont matter as well 😉 https://devilonwheels.com/top-9-mistakes-people-commit-ladakh-trip/

DHEERAJ SHARMA on
JUN 22, 2016 16:18

Just suggested the plan in other comment. Since, you have already ready the Top 9 mistakes, for other part will leave it at your wisdom to decide 🙂

ARJUN VENUGOPAL on
JUN 23, 2016 15:21

Thanks Dheeraj. Your points are well noted. I guess taking the Manali to Leh will be better for Acclimatization as well.

But the major problem right now is Hiring a self drive SUV from Manali.

I read your link.

https://devilonwheels.com/how-to-hire-self-drive-car-on-rent-for-ladakh-himalayas/

But i believe this can be done only from Delhi. We are looking for a Self Drive car to be picked up from Manali. I Googled the hell out and didnt find
any feasible Solution in this regard 🙁 . Do let me know if you have a solution.

DHEERAJ SHARMA on
JUN 23, 2016 16:02

No Arjun, you can only get a self drive vehicle from Delhi only. Also, Manali to LEh is not better for acclimatization, where did you get that
impression?

ARJUN VENUGOPAL on
JUN 23, 2016 16:49

Read somewhere that …if you land in Leh directly…you would need atleast 2 days to get acclimatized …where as if you are travellling from Manali it
would be “better” due to the gradual increase in height during the 2-3 days travel.

If this is wrong then you can enlighten me and add this to your mythbuster list 🙂

DHEERAJ SHARMA on
JUN 24, 2016 08:35

Manali – Leh is a highway that runs over ~14000 feet in almost 300 KMs of length. In order to be acclimatized to 14000 feet, you need at least three
nights as per rule books. Hence, when anyone travel over Manali – Lhe Highway, he is bound to hit with AMS no matter what, those who claim they
dont get hit, well, except those less than 1% god gifted people, others mostly either are not aware of it or they just dont want to accept. So, the worst
way of making a trip to Ladakh as per recommendations is going by Manali – Leh, followed by directly flying to Leh where you dont reach such height
and with ample of rest it can be controlled, best being traveling from Srinagar and returning from Manali.

ARJUN VENUGOPAL on
JUN 24, 2016 15:43

Dheeraj appreciate it. Your patience and passion in replying to all the queries over here is…..just……unbelievable…..Keep up the good work. Will follow
ur inputs as best as we can :-). Thanks and Godspeed…. :-). See u in d himalayas sometime ind future brother. Cheeerzzzzz
 DHEERAJ SHARMA on
JUN 24, 2016 16:33

Best wishes for the trip Arjun, have fun !! If possible do share the experience with DoW Community !!

ARJUN VENUGOPAL on
JUN 24, 2016 16:41

Still searching for a self drive SUV Option….. what ever it is……will update..and try to contribute to this community. 🙂

DHEERAJ SHARMA on
JUN 22, 2016 16:16

Opt to go via Manali – Leh Highway and I will suggest that you refer the thread for more details on the route and night halts though it is of 9 days: Manali – Leh – Ladakh –
Manali | Itinerary for 9 Days.

ROSHNI on
JUN 21, 2016 17:26

Hi Dheeraj,

Reading your posts itself feels i have traveled the places..:)

Small suggestion is it advice able to go to leh during the dates 13th aug’16 to 28th aug’16??

Will i be able to see snow,since i am too much excited for seeing snow 🙂

Roshni

DHEERAJ SHARMA on
JUN 22, 2016 08:14

Roshni, there will not be any snow during that time of the year.

ROSHNI on
JUN 22, 2016 18:04

Thanks Dheeraj for your reply!

Just need your help in helping me design plan

1.14th Aug’16-Stay in Manali

15th Aug – Manali to Sarchu

16th Aug – Sarchu – leh

17th Aug – leh

18th Aug – leh – numbra

19th Aug – numbra – Pangong Tso

20th Aug – Pangong Tso – tso moriri

21st Aug – tso moriri – leh

22nd Aug – leh – Kargil

23rd Aug – largil-sonmarg-srinagar

24th Aug – leave to desitination from Srinagr

2.14th Aug’16-Stay in Manali

15th Aug – Manali to tabo/kaza

16th Aug – kaza to sarchu (while covering the important monasatries at max 2)

17th Aug – sarchu – leh

18th Aug – leh

19th Aug – leh – numbra

20th Aug – numbra – Pangong Tso

21st Aug – Pangong Tso – tso moriri

22nd Aug – tso moriri – leh

23rd Aug – leh – Kargil

24th Aug – kargil-sonmarg-srinagar

25th Aug – leave to desitination from Srinagr

 Small queries:

1. Which plan is adviceable since we are willing to see spiti valley as well? If not full atleast the important places around spiti valley!

2. We are planning to take the direct routes to ply from numbra-pangong Tso – tso moriri like you had mentioned in your articles

Is it safe to travel in bike(renting it from leh) in those routes during august?

3. In case yes, do we need to get any special permissions for the same?

Thanks in Advance!

Roshni

ROSHNI on
JUN 27, 2016 12:21

Awaiting your reply 🙂

NITHIN on
JUN 19, 2016 11:19

Hi.. Nithin here, photographer based out of bangalore. Got to know about DOW while googling. Am having my trip planned from July 10th till 28th in Srinagar. The report is just amazing. I like
to ask if we (me n friend) can get a cab from Manali with an experienced driver who knows all the photography- not to miss- places ?

DHEERAJ SHARMA on
JUN 19, 2016 17:53

Nithin, you can refer: https://devilonwheels.com/india/ladakh-zanskar-travel-guides/listof-taxi-drivers-for-ladakh-srinagar-leh-manali-t353.html

It has feedback of people who were patient but finding someone with all photography places might be difficult all you can find one is patient driver who does not get frustrated
with frequent stops.

NITHIN on
JUN 19, 2016 18:30

Thanks alot for the quick reply Dheeraj Sharma. Will share my pics and experience with DOW soon after the trip…!

Cheers,

Nidhin GP

DHEERAJ SHARMA on
JUN 20, 2016 01:15

Looking forward to it !!

AADHAAR on
JUN 18, 2016 19:14

Dear Dheeraj

I am planning to undertake a trip from Chandigarh to Leh in my Honda Jazz in mid JUlY 2016. However, i have but 9 days. is it prudent/possible ?

Thanks

Aadhaar

DHEERAJ SHARMA on
JUN 19, 2016 18:41

It will take 3 days to reach Leh from Delhi via Manali side with stopovers at Jispa, Manali and 4 days to come back to Delhi from Leh via Srinagar side with stop overs at Jammu,
Srinagar, Kargil . This makes it 7 days. 1 Day is required in Leh for acclimatization. You have just 9 days. Opt to go via Manali – Leh Highway and I will suggest that you refer the
thread for more details on the route and night halts though it is of 9 days: Manali – Leh – Ladakh – Manali | Itinerary for 9 Days. You can fit in plan I suggested in above para in
this plan

AADHAAR DHOORIA on
JUN 19, 2016 21:58

Thanks a lot Dheeraj

 DILIP SHINDE on
JUN 13, 2016 21:09

Dear Dheeraj, reading about your suggestions as how to take a trip by car from Srinagar to Leh was very exciting. I am a senior citizen and your blog has helped me to make up my mind to
make the trip with my wife and another couple in 2017.

I hope to take your advice at that time. Thank you.

Dilip

DHEERAJ SHARMA on
JUN 14, 2016 04:59

Sure sir, feel free to post any queries you may have for your trip

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