📖 About This Step

A 12-day Manali-Leh-Manali road trip plan. Vehicle prep, altitude acclimatization protocol, permit logistics for Pangong/Nubra, fuel-stop map, and the homestay network locals actually recommend.

🗺️ Route Overview · 6 stops See on Explore Map
📍
Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Attractions
2
Jispa, Himachal Pradesh
Attractions
3
Sarchu, Manali–Leh Highway
Vibe & Experience
4
Leh, Ladakh
Attractions
5
Diskit, Nubra, Ladakh
Vibe & Experience
🎯
Spangmik, Pangong, Ladakh
Attractions
6 stops on the route
🎯 Trip Highlights
✅Drive the Manali–Leh highway over Baralacha La and Tanglang La
✅Camp at around 4,300 m on the Sarchu plains
✅Cross Khardung La into the Nubra Valley
✅Reach Pangong Tso and watch the lake change colour
💡 What You'll Experience
🛣️
High-altitude road skills
The passes, fuel stops and road conditions
🫁
Acclimatisation protocol
Pacing the climb to avoid altitude sickness
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Permit logistics
Inner-line permits for Nubra and Pangong
⛺
Remote camping
Cold nights and basic stays at altitude
📋 Prerequisites
Vehicle serviced + spare fuel and a tube Inner-line permits for Nubra/Pangong Warm layers for sub-zero nights Reasonable fitness for high altitude
✨
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Tasks (6)
6 tasks total
1
Days 1–2: Manali — prep & acclimatise
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Start in Manali. Two days to prep the vehicle and acclimatise before the climb — service the bike/car, carry spare fuel and a tube, don't skip the rest. Warm up at the Atal Tunnel and Solang Valley nearby.
📍 Manali, Himachal Pradesh
2
Day 3: Jispa / Keylong — into Lahaul
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Cross the Atal Tunnel into the Lahaul valley; first night high at Jispa or Keylong (~3,200 m). Short driving day on purpose to ease the altitude jump. Fuel up at Tandi — the last reliable pump for a long stretch.
📍 Jispa, Himachal Pradesh
3
Day 4: Sarchu — high-altitude camp
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The big day: over Baralacha La onto the Sarchu plains at ~4,300 m. Tented camps only — stark, cold, high. Go easy, hydrate, watch for altitude symptoms. The Gata Loops and Nakee La come next.
📍 Sarchu, Manali–Leh Highway
4
Days 5–7: Leh — arrive & acclimatise
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Crest Tanglang La and drop into Leh. Take a full rest day, then Thiksey, Shey, and Hemis monasteries, and sort inner-line permits for Nubra and Pangong. Your base for the excursions that follow.
📍 Leh, Ladakh
5
Days 8–9: Nubra Valley via Khardung La
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Excursion one: over Khardung La into Nubra. Diskit's giant Maitreya Buddha, a Bactrian camel ride on the Hunder dunes, a night in the valley before heading back to Leh.
📍 Diskit, Nubra, Ladakh
6
Day 10: Pangong Tso — then the long retrace
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Excursion two: the long drive to Pangong, the colour-shifting lake at 4,350 m. Camp overnight at Spangmik for a quiet dawn, then begin the long highway retrace back down to Manali (Days 11–12).
📍 Spangmik, Pangong, Ladakh
📅 Daily Plan View
Day 1
Task 1
Days 1–2: Manali — prep & acclimatise
Day 2
Task 2
Day 3: Jispa / Keylong — into Lahaul
Day 3
Task 3
Day 4: Sarchu — high-altitude camp
Day 4
Task 4
Days 5–7: Leh — arrive & acclimatise
Day 5
Task 5
Days 8–9: Nubra Valley via Khardung La
Day 6
Task 6
Day 10: Pangong Tso — then the long retrace
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