How to Travel from Manali to Leh

Are you thinking of traveling from Manali to Leh? The journey is one of the most exhilarating travel experiences you can embark on. Winding through the breathtaking Himalayas, this route offers stunning landscapes, high-altitude passes, and unique cultural encounters. While planning the Ladakh trip, the most common thought that crosses the mind of a traveler is about the Manali to Leh distance in km by road and things that need to be considered for the trip.

However, for a truly hassle-free trip, book your tour with Leh Ladakh India. Our experts will take care of all the facilities, offering customizable packages to ensure you have a smooth and memorable Ladakh holiday. Further, our detailed guide covers everything you need to know, from the routes and road conditions to accommodations and travel tips. So, let’s swiftly go over everything necessary for this trip!

How to plan a trip from Manali to Leh: Important things you should know!

How to reach Leh from Manali

The best way to travel from Manali to Leh is via road, which will inspire and awe you. As you traverse this route, you’ll be treated to enthralling high-altitude passes and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Here is the Manali to Leh route map to guide you on this inspiring journey.

Popular Manali to Leh Ladakh Route

Manali- Rohtang Pass- Gramphu- Tandi- Keylong- Jispa- Darcha- Patseo- Zingzing Bar- Baralacha La- Sarchu- Nakee La- Lachulung La- Pang- Tanglang La- Upshi- Karu- Leh

Note: The buses from Manali to Leh also follow the same route. Those taking the Manali to Leh bus service for this trip can stop at the stopover locations for some photography sessions.

• Manali to Leh Ladakh Distance: 472 km (approximately)
• Total Time: 2-3 days (depending on a lot of factors)
• Best time to travel through this route– June to September (it highly depends on the weather as it starts to snowfall in mid-October in Rohtang and other higher passes)

Manali to Leh Road conditions

It’s understandable that most people traversing the Manali to Leh road might be concerned about the road conditions. However, these conditions can be easily conquered with some preparation and knowledge. Our guide provides an overview of how the Manali to Leh road conditions might turn out throughout the stretch, giving you the confidence to plan your journey.

Petrol Pumps Availability: Manali to Leh Ladakh Road Trip

One of the most critical things to keep in mind on the Manali to Leh road map is carrying extra petrol. You can keep jerry cans or even airtight bottles for your fuel reserves. However, you’ll get the fuel stations at a few places here from where you can refuel your vehicle. The fuel stations are at Manali, Tandi, Karu, and Leh. It’s important to note that the distance between these fuel stations can be significant, so it’s advisable to plan your fuel stops accordingly.

Note: In emergencies, you can ask the locals at Sarchu, Pang, Zingzingbar, and a few other places for fuel in black. Also, if you buy that, put a thin cloth to filter out the fuel.

Route: Delhi- Manali- Leh Highway

To know more about Fuel Availability in Leh Ladakh Click Here!

Places to Stay and Eat On The Manali-Leh highway

Undoubtedly, the Manali to Leh highway is one of the most challenging roads in India, with many high-altitude passes throughout the route. This travel guide includes important points about places to eat and stay on the Manali – Leh highway.

Note: You can rest and eat at any of the above-given places.

Availability of ATMs

The Leh Ladakh bike tour from Manali is one of the most intriguing activities that lures many riders annually. The Manali-Leh highway lacks many basic facilities, one of which is the availability of ATMs. There is just one place where you will get an ATM between Manali and Leh, and that is in Keylong. You are advised to withdraw enough cash in Manali itself. It’s important to note that many places on the route, including hotels, eateries, and petrol pumps, may not accept card payments, so carrying enough cash for your expenses is advisable.

Note: You will have to pay in cash at the hotels or places you stay on the way and even at the petrol pumps (Tandi or Karu). Therefore, it is highly recommended that you withdraw enough cash at Manali itself. To know more click here!

Availability of Mechanics

In emergencies, if your bike or car needs mechanical attention and you don’t know anything about it, you can stop at the places below for a quick check-up. On the entire Manali to Leh road, you will find mechanics at these places:

• Khoksar
• Tandi
• Keylong
• Darcha
• Sarchu
• Pang
• Upshi

Emergency medical help (if needed)

Due to the lack of civilization on the Manali-Leh highway, getting medical help everywhere can be difficult. It can be found in a few places only. Medical facilities are available in Sissu, Keylong, and Sarchu. People can also stop by the army’s Pang medical facility in an emergency. You can get first aid and a few more quick medical help at these places. It’s important to note that these medical facilities may not be equipped to handle all types of emergencies, so carrying a basic first aid kit and any necessary medications for your journey is advisable.

Therefore, while choosing a Manali to Leh itinerary, it is always essential to keep important things in mind, like the availability of medical support. If one feels uncomfortable, stop at any of these places for a regular checkup or medicines for the problem.

Availability of mobile networks

Another problem travelers must face while traveling to this wonderful place is the Mobile connectivity in Leh. Airtel networks will be connected near Keylong, Upshi -Leh, whereas BSNL networks are the best throughout. People will get decent coverage throughout the route and even in Leh-Ladakh. Jio is in progress and will be available at any time.

Note: Do keep in mind that no prepaid connections will work anywhere in the Leh-Ladakh region.

Tips to keep in mind while traveling from Manali to Leh

There are a few general tips that every traveler using the Manali Leh highway should keep in mind. Some of the important ones are listed below:

• Ensure your bike is in optimum condition and serviced before starting this journey. It will be a challenging road, and the bike will take a beating. Ensure that the brake pads, chain, engine oil, oil filter, and other essential parts are changed if required, or else you might be stranded in the middle of nowhere.
• Finding help on this highway can be difficult, so keep an extra brake wire, clutch wire, and chain clean and lube. Lubricate the chain and leavers every 200 km.
• Keep a puncture kit and a foot pump for emergencies, as the highway lacks settlement and civilization in significant portions.
• Keep all the AMS preventive medicines and those that can come in handy while you go on this trip. If possible, consult your doctor before keeping any medicine in the backpack. It is the best way.
• Keep all the essential documents in your backpack and get multiple copies. If you wish to visit the Rohtang Pass, get the permit from the Manali DC office.
• Refrain from taking any alcohol and antidepressant drugs throughout the trip, as it can make things worse during the journey.
• All the places you will cross throughout the journey are situated at a high altitude, so it is recommended that you do not exert more. Overexertion can lead to breathlessness and further problems.
• As mentioned above, travelers are never recommended to spend a night at a high altitude. The best places for an overnight stay throughout the journey are Keylong and Jispa. Most of the basic amenities and facilities are available here, and they are at a low altitude compared to others on the route.
• Keep eating now and then to ensure your body has the energy required. Don’t consider riding an easy task on this highway. One needs to be cautious and concentrated. So keep your belly full. Another essential thing is keeping your body hydrated. At such a height and cool temperature, people usually don’t prefer drinking much water because they simply don’t feel thirsty. Don’t do this. Keep drinking a small portion of water in gulps to keep yourself hydrated.
• One of the biggest problems on the Leh-Manali highway is finding a petrol pump. It is advised to keep jerry cans in your bag (filled) so you don’t have to worry about petrol.
• Apart from Manali, you will have ATMs at Keylong and then straight to Leh. There are no machines throughout the way except these. So it is better to keep cash in hand to spend on food wherever you stop.

This comprehensive guide ensures that your Manali to Leh road trip is well-planned and enjoyable. It covers everything from the distance between Manali and Leh to the best way to go to Manali and beyond. Enjoy your journey through one of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth with Manali to Leh travel packages from Leh Ladakh India!