Manali to Leh Road Trip: Your Complete Guide

The Manali to Leh highway is one of the most spectacular road trips in the world. Spanning 480 kilometers through the mighty Himalayas, this journey takes you across high mountain passes, pristine valleys, and ancient monasteries.

Route Overview

**Distance:** 480 km
**Duration:** 2-3 days (recommended)
**Best Time:** June to September
**Road Condition:** Mix of paved and rough patches
**Difficulty:** Moderate to Challenging

Detailed Route with Stops

Manali to Jispa (140 km, 6-7 hours)

**Key Attractions:**
- **Rohtang Pass (3,978m)** - First high pass, stunning snow-covered peaks
- **Gramphu** - Junction to Spiti Valley
- **Koksar** - Small settlement, checkpoint
- **Keylong** - District headquarters, lunch stop
- **Sissu** - Beautiful waterfall
- **Jispa** - Overnight stay, camping options available

**Altitude Gain:** 2,050m to 3,200m

Jispa to Sarchu (85 km, 4-5 hours)

**Highlights:**
- **Baralacha La Pass (4,890m)** - Spectacular mountain views
- **Suraj Tal** - Third highest lake in India
- **Bharatpur** - Camping site
- **Sarchu** - Border of HP & Ladakh, overnight camp

**Altitude:** Up to 4,290m at Sarchu

Sarchu to Leh (250 km, 9-10 hours)

**Major Attractions:**
- **Gata Loops** - 21 hairpin bends
- **Nakee La (4,739m)** - Beautiful pass
- **Lachulung La (5,065m)** - High altitude pass
- **Pang** - Tea/breakfast stop
- **More Plains** - Vast plateau
- **Tanglang La (5,328m)** - Second highest motorable pass
- **Upshi** - Entry to Leh district
- **Leh** - Final destination

Best Stops & Attractions

Must-Visit Places En Route

1. **Rohtang Pass** - Snow activities, photography
2. **Keylong** - Kardang Monastery, local markets
3. **Deepak Tal** - Sacred lake before Baralacha La
4. **Baralacha La** - 360-degree mountain views
5. **Sarchu** - Stargazing and camping
6. **Gata Loops** - Engineering marvel
7. **Tanglang La** - World's second-highest motorable road

Photography Spots

- Sunrise at Sarchu
- Baralacha La mountain views
- Gata Loops aerial perspective
- More Plains landscapes
- Tanglang La signboard

Accommodation Options

Budget (₹500-1,500/night)

- Camps at Sarchu, Pang
- Basic guesthouses in Keylong, Jispa
- Dormitory beds

Mid-Range (₹1,500-3,500/night)

- Hotels in Keylong
- Comfortable camps with attached toilets
- Guesthouses in Leh

Luxury (₹3,500+/night)

- Premium camps with all facilities
- Boutique hotels in Leh

Best Vehicles for Manali-Leh Highway

Recommended Cars:

1. **SUVs** - Mahindra Thar, Scorpio, XUV700
2. **Crossovers** - Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos
3. **Sedans** (if driven carefully) - Swift Dzire, Honda City

Why Self-Drive SUV is Best:

- Better ground clearance
- 4x4 capability for rough patches
- Spacious for luggage
- Comfortable for long drives

Car Rental Options with TransRentals

**Popular Choices:**
- **Mahindra Thar** - ₹3,500-4,500/day
- **Mahindra Scorpio** - ₹3,000-4,000/day
- **Toyota Fortuner** - ₹5,000-7,000/day
- **Hyundai Creta** - ₹2,500-3,500/day

**Rental Includes:**
- Unlimited kilometers
- Basic insurance
- 24/7 roadside assistance
- Driver's accommodation (if with driver)

Permits Required

1. **Inner Line Permit** - Not required for Manali-Leh highway
2. **Vehicle Permit** - Check at checkpoints
3. **Environmental Fee** - Paid at Rohtang

Safety Tips

1. **Start Early** - Begin each day's journey by 6-7 AM
2. **Carry Oxygen** - Keep oxygen cans for emergencies
3. **Altitude Sickness** - Watch for symptoms, descend if severe
4. **Fuel Strategy** - Fill up at every available petrol pump
5. **Emergency Kit** - First aid, medicines, warm clothes
6. **Phone Coverage** - BSNL works best, inform family regularly

Packing Essentials

**Documents:**
- Driving license
- Vehicle registration
- Insurance papers
- ID proofs
- Permits

**Clothing:**
- Layered clothing
- Waterproof jacket
- Woolen wear
- Caps and gloves

**Food & Water:**
- Dry snacks
- Energy bars
- Bottled water (at least 5 liters)
- ORS

Budget Estimate (4 people)

**Self-Drive:**
- Car Rental (3 days): ₹10,500-13,500
- Fuel: ₹8,000-10,000
- Accommodation: ₹6,000-8,000
- Food: ₹4,000-6,000
- Permits & Fees: ₹1,000
- **Total: ₹29,500-38,500**

**With Driver:**
- Add driver charges: ₹1,500/day
- Driver accommodation: ₹500/day

Why Book with TransRentals?

✓ **Well-maintained vehicles** checked for high-altitude travel
✓ **Flexible pick-up/drop** - Manali to Leh or return
✓ **Emergency support** with local garage network
✓ **Experienced drivers** familiar with the route
✓ **Competitive pricing** with no hidden charges
✓ **Free itinerary planning** assistance

Book Your Manali-Leh Adventure

Turn your Himalayan dream into reality! Book your SUV or car rental with TransRentals.

**Call:** +91-XXXXXXXXXX | **WhatsApp:** +91-XXXXXXXXXX

*Experience the journey of a lifetime with India's trusted car rental partner!*