Leh Ladakh Map and Bus Timings – Ladakh Itinerary from Manali to Leh

Duration – 10 Days

Delhi – Manali – Keylong – Jispa – Sarchu – Leh – Pangong Tso – Nubra Valley – Srinagar

There are two common itineraries that traveler follows to reach Leh – from Manali and another one from Srinagar. I am providing a comprehensive Ladakh Itinerary that you can follow, as well as a Leh Ladakh map along. I am also talking about the bus schedules if in case you want to explore this hill station at a minimum cost.

Manali is chosen for many reasons as the start point. Travelers find this route very beautiful and this route also provides access to bikers to easily rent out or hire bikes from Manali.

From mighty mountains to cold desert, this route is scenic and worth the visit. But please be a responsible traveler and ensure that you leave nothing but just your footsteps behind. Please take back all the plastic and waste with you.

Below is a step by step ‘Leh Ladakh Map’ (from Manali to Leh) to help you plan your Ladakh tour a little better –

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Day 0 – Leave from Delhi

There are daily buses that leave from ISBT Kashmiri Gate of Delhi to Manali. You need to reach Manali to acclimatize your body to get used to the high altitude.

You can also take the private buses from Majnu ka Tilla.

Bus Duration from Delhi to Manali – 14 hours

Distance between Delhi and Manali – approx. 600 KMs

Day 1 – Acclimatize Yourself in Manali

Note – Rohtang Pass is closed every Tuesday for maintenance.

The major reason for staying in Manali for a day, instead of heading to Leh directly is to get acclimatized. Moreover, since people from cities are not used to high altitudes and low oxygen, staying in Manali for a day helps. After reaching Manali somewhere around 8 AM, freshen up and start exploring. There are many things you can do, either go to the hidden gems, or explore Old Manali, or trek to Jogni Falls.

Furthermore, you can also rent bikes from here.

Permits

The Rohtang Pass lying on the Manali Leh route is so vulnerable that the government keeps changing rules to pass through Rohtang Pass. NGT enforced the restriction in 2011 and currently, you need to obtain the permit to visit the Pass. Hence, please respect the environment and keep it clean – let us preserve Rohtang Pass with all our small efforts 🙂

Types of Permits of Rohtang Pass

• Just to Visit Rohtang – There is a certain restriction in the number of vehicles that can go to Rohtang for tourism purpose
• Beyond Rohtang Pass to Leh – No restriction on the number of vehicles

Ways to Get the Rohtang Pass Permits

• Getting the Rohtang Pass Permit Online – You can apply for the Rohtang Pass permit here – link. And as per the website, you cannot cross Rohtang Pass on Tuesday as the Pass is closed for maintenance.
• Getting the Rohtang Pass Permit Through Mobile App – You can easily download the ‘Rohtang Permit’ application on both Android and iOS devices
• Getting the Rohtang Pass Permit in Person – You can get the permit from SDM office or Tourist Information Center

• Opening hours – 10 AM to 8 PM every day

Accommodation in Manali

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

Day 2 – Manali to Keylong

Once you have sorted out your permit leave for Keylong from Manali. In Keylong is that here you will get many options for accommodation. Staying in Keylong of Jispa is essential to get you acclimatized. You attain height from Manali to Leh very quickly, so the slower you go the better it is.

Road Condition – The road till Rohtang Pass is really smooth, but after Rohtang Pass, the real challenge begins. The road becomes really rugged from here

Duration from Manali to Jispa – 5 hours

The distance between Manali and Jispa – approx. 120 KMs

Manali to Keylong Bus Timings

There are two types of bus services running from Manali to Leh – budget and luxury, run by HPTDC and HRTC respectively.

Both of them take two days to reach Leh, that means you have to automatically stop in Keylong for an overnight stay.

HPTDC Bus Service

This is the luxury bus whose fare is obviously higher than the HRTC bus. However, the best thing about this bus is that your stay in Keylong is included in the fair itself.

Accommodation at Keylong – Hotel Chandrabhaga where tents are set up in the lawn area

Fare of HPTDC Bus – INR 2,900 /- (including accommodation and 3 times meals); a one time payment till Leh

Timings of HPTDC Bus –  The bus leaves at 10 AM from Manali and reaches by 5 PM in the evening

HRTC Bus Service

There are several HRTC buses from Manali to Keylong which are budget friendly as well.

Fare of HRTC Bus – INR 150/-

Timings of HRTC Bus –  The first bus leaves at 4 AM. Prior to this, there are regular buses to Keylong until 1 PM

Accommodation in Keylong

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Read our tips on solo travel here – link.

Day 3 – Keylong to Sarchu to Leh

This is the most challenging day of the entire Ladakh trip. The roads have so many pins and there is a sharp rise in the altitude from Sarchu onwards. There are many stoppages you can take in between to eat. You can stop either at Sarchu or at Pang.

You will cross over Baralacha La, Lachuchulung La, Nakee La, Taglang La passes

Duration from Jispa to Leh – 10 hours

The distance between Jispa and Leh – approx. 340 KMs

https://youtu.be/7_n3mCw-3RQ

Keylong to Leh Bus Timings

HPTDC Bus Service

HPTDC provides a service of a semi-deluxe bus which provides a comfortable journey. 

Timings of HPTDC Bus – From Keylong, the bus leaves the next day at 5 AM and reaches Leh at 7 PM. The tickets can be bought on mall road, Manali.

Fare of HPTDC Bus – INR 2,900 /- (including accommodation and 3 times meals); a one time payment from Manali till Leh

HRTC Bus Service

HRTC bus will be the cheapest most of transport to opt.

Timings of HRTC Bus – From Keylong, the bus leaves at 5 AM and reaches Leh at 7 PM

Fare of HRTC Bus – INR 500 for Keylong to Leh

Accommodation in Leh

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Day 4 – Exploring Leh 

Leh has many points and adventurous activities which you certainly do not want to miss. Start early again and explore

• Shanti Stupa,
• Leh Palace,
• Gurudwara Pathar Sahib,
• Hall of Fame,
• Enjoy rafting on the Zanskar river

How to Travel Inside Leh City

The best way is to rent a scooty or a bike to ride to the nearby places. The cost of renting is INR 1000 and can be easily rented from the main market

Leh Ladakh Permits

Residents of J&K state and children below the age of 12 years do not need a permit. You can show just your valid photo proof ID and you are good to go 🙂

Further, have at least 10 photocopies of your permit as the check posts will ask you to show the permits whenever you visit these inner line places.

For Indians – Inner Line Permit

The need to take a permit to visit the places in Ladakh was established in the year 2017. Since then several new and easy ways have been incorporated for the ease to take these permits.

Cost of the Permit – Environment fee of INR 300, Red Cross Fund fee of INR 100 and Inner Line Permit fee of INR 20 per day per person

Where to Apply – You can obtain the Inner Line Permit online – link

For Foreigners – Protected Area Permit

Protect Area Permit (PAP), can only be applied in a group at DC Office, Leh through a registered Travel Agent in Leh. You can also apply it online, however, only in a group

Tip for Solo Travelers – If you are traveling solo, do not worry. Registered travel agents can help you with the groups. You will get the permit and still travel around solo

Duration of PAP – Seven days; if you need to extend your stay then you need to re-apply for the PAP

Where to Apply – You can obtain the Inner Line Permit online – link. If you want to apply it offline then please download the form here – Protected Area Permit Form and Application.

A Few Tips for Leh

• You can divide the day in this order – Shanti Stupa, Hall of Fame, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, river rafting, Leh Palace, and monasteries
• Try to reach Gurudwara Pathar Sahib by noon so that you can have langar
• Rafting takes approximately 1-1.30 hours
• The entry for Hall of fame is only till 6 PM. So manage your time accordingly
• From Leh, you can also go on Markha Valley trek, a beautiful however difficult trek that starts from Leh

Day 5 – Leh to Pangong T­­­­so

Leh – Karu – Sakti – Chang La – Durbuk – Tangste – Lukung – Spangmik 

Again leave from Leh early in the morning to reach Pangong Tso –

• Cross Hemis, Thicksey and Shey monastery on the way
• Enjoy the view of Sakti Village on the way – the greenest village I have seen in Ladakh yet
• Cross Changla Pass, the third highest motorable road in the world
• Stop at Changla Pass and enjoy good views with snacks and tea

Stuff a lot of warm clothes. Changla Pass is no joke the temperature drops significantly and be prepared with windcheater and gloves

Duration From Leh Pangong Tso to Pangong Tso – 6 hours

The Distance Between Pangong Tso and Leh – approx. 230 KMs

Camp overnight near the lake, in (Spangmik or Lukung). You will be able to find many camping areas, along with the entire stretch of the lake. So accommodation is not a problem here during the season. However, these camps are only for the months of June – September. If you are visiting Pangong in any other month and still want to camp, carry your tents here.

Bus Services from Leh to Pangong Tso

Bus from Leh to Sakti (via Hemis, Thicksey, and Shey) – 8.15 AM, 1.30 PM, 2.30 PM, 3.30 PM, 4.30 PM

Bus from Leh to Pangong Tso – Every Saturday and Sunday at 6:30 AM, Cost: INR 256

Shared taxi to Pangong Tso – You can also opt for shared taxis and will be able to easily find one without any hassle. There are many shops and cafes with fliers that provide you with shared taxi options. This is essential when you are traveling solo in Ladakh. The cost of a shared taxi would be INR 1800 to Pangong Tso

Accommodation in Pangong Tso

https://youtu.be/KLrvD11OTso

Day 6 – Pangong Tso to Leh

It will be better again to leave early from here, however, do not miss the sunrise. I suggest you leave early because if in case you missed any spot in Leh the previous day you can easily cover on this day instead.

Bus Services from Pangong Tso to Leh

Every Saturday and Sunday a direct bus leaves from Leh early in the morning at 6 AM for Pangong Tso. This bus reaches late in the afternoon and has an overnight halt. So you do not have to worry about not catching the bus the next day.

The bus has no advance booking system. Reach the Leh bus stand early morning and book the tickets that time itself.

Day 7 and 8 – Leh to Nubra Valley and Back

Leh – South Pullu – Khardungla Pass – North Pullu – Khardungla Village – Khalsar – Sumur – Panamik – Warshi – Dikshit – Hunder – Thoise – Bukdang – Turtuk

Start early from Leh and stop at South Pullu. The view is really good from here also the roads are really nice. Despite the slope and reaching a very high altitude at such a short span of time, you won’t feel sick on this pass.

At South Pullu, submit copies of the permit. Take more than one copy with you all the time, since you will be required to submit copies at several check posts.

You will cross the highest motorable road in the world this time – Khardungla Pass.

Road Condition – From Khardungla Pass the road is really bad and rugged. But it is only for half an hour of a distance. You will have your best ride on this stretch. The roads are so amazing and lovely to ride on.

Warshi is the last village until the tourists are allowed. From here take a U-turn to visit the Dikshit Monastery. After this, take the other route towards Hunder to reach Turtuk. On this route, Turtuk is the end village accessible by civilians on this road

The distance between Leh and Khardung La – 39 KMs

The distance between Khardung La Warshi – 90 KMs

Bus Services from Leh to Nubra Valley

The bus runs on three days to Dikshit Monastery – Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and leaves at 6 AM. It returns the next day from Dikshit Monastery at 7 AM.

There is also a bus for Sumur and Panamik every Tuesday and departs from Leh at 6 AM.

Accommodation in Nubra Valley

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Day 9 – Leh to Srinagar

Leh – Nimmu – Khalsi – Lamayuru – Fotu La – Namika La – Mulbekh – Kargil – Dras – Zoji La – Sonamarg – Kangan – Ganderbal – Srinagar

You can take two types of buses from Leh – either the government one, which is operated by Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation or the private ones.

Time – The bus leaves at 2 PM and will reach by 7:30 AM the next day. The bus takes very fewer breaks and completes the entire journey in about 18 hours

Cost – The private bus operators charge between Rs 1000-1500

I hope this Leh Ladakh Map was helpful. Do comment below if you have any questions regarding the Ladakh Itinerary. We love to answer questions! 🙂

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