2025 Leh Ladakh Road Trip from Delhi: An 11-Day Guide

So, you are thinking about that big road trip to Leh Ladakh from Delhi, right? At the end of the day, it’s one of those experiences that everyone talks about, and for a really good reason. Actually, it’s more than just a drive; it’s a sort of challenge and a massive visual treat all rolled into one. Honestly, planning an 11-day spin for 2025 is pretty much the perfect amount of time to see the highlights without feeling super rushed. This guide is basically my way of sharing what this kind of high-altitude adventure feels like. We’ll go through a day-by-day plan that is, in a way, designed to help you get the most out of every single moment on the road. We are going to cover everything from the long highway stretches to the quiet, oxygen-thin air of the high passes, you know?

Day 1-2: Getting Out of the City and into the Hills

Alright, your first day is honestly a bit of a marathon. The drive out of Delhi is, you know, just what you would expect – a lot of traffic and a little chaos. Still, once you hit the highway and head towards Chandigarh, things start to open up a bit. You will see the landscape slowly, almost unnoticeably, begin to change, which is pretty cool. For example, the plains give way to rolling hills as you push on toward Himachal. Basically, your stop for the first night should really be somewhere before Manali, maybe in Mandi or Kullu, to just break up the long drive. On the second day, well, that’s when you properly arrive in Manali. This place is, kind of, the real starting block for the high-altitude part of your adventure. It’s a good idea to just find your hotel, chill out, and walk around Mall Road for a bit. Seriously, the air here already feels different, cleaner, and you can sort of feel the big mountains looming all around you.

Day 3-4: The Real Adventure Starts – Conquering the High Passes

Okay, this is where things get really exciting, you know? Leaving Manali, you are pretty much heading straight up. Now, you’ll probably use the Atal Tunnel, which is, frankly, an incredible piece of engineering that lets you bypass the tricky Rohtang Pass. After the tunnel, the scenery just transforms completely. It’s like you’ve entered a different world, seriously. The greens of the Kullu Valley disappear, replaced by these enormous, barren mountains that are just awe-inspiring. Your stop for Day 3 will likely be in Jispa or Sarchu. Jispa is a little more comfortable, while Sarchu is, well, very basic tented accommodation on a massive plain, but you are sleeping at over 14,000 feet, which is pretty wild. The next day is a big one, as a matter of fact. You will cross some crazy high passes like Baralacha La and Gata Loops, which is a set of 21 hairpin bends that climb up a mountainside. The views are just immense, but you will definitely feel the altitude, so just take it easy. The drive finally brings you down into the Indus Valley, and you’ll get your first look at Leh by evening.

Day 5-6: Breathing It In – Leh and the Nubra Valley

So, Day 5 is all about taking a breather. I mean, after that massive drive, your body needs it. You absolutely have to acclimatize in Leh. Just walk around the town, maybe check out Leh Palace or the main market, but really, don’t do too much. Drink a lot of water and just let your body adjust to being at 11,500 feet. It’s really a non-negotiable step. Then, on Day 6, you head for one of the most famous parts of the trip: Nubra Valley. To get there, you cross Khardung La, which for a long time was called the highest motorable road in the world. Obviously, that claim is debated now, but it’s still incredibly high and the feeling of being up there is something else. Once you descend into Nubra, the landscape is almost surreal. You have this wide, flat valley floor with a river, and then, you see sand dunes. Yes, actual sand dunes, with Bactrian camels walking around. It’s a very strange and beautiful sight, having a desert in the middle of the Himalayas.

A Little Tip on Altitude

To be honest, altitude sickness is a real thing and can affect anyone. Just listen to your body. If you get a headache or feel nauseous, don’t ignore it. The best thing to do is rest and hydrate. Sometimes, the only fix is to go to a lower altitude. Seriously, it’s better to be safe than to push through and get really sick.

Day 7-8: That Famous Blue Lake and the Return

Frankly, the drive from Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso is another stunner. You’ll follow the Shyok River for a while on a road that is, well, pretty adventurous in itself. The whole way, the scenery is just completely raw and unfiltered. And then, you see it. The first glimpse of Pangong Tso is, honestly, hard to put into words. The water is this shade of blue that just doesn’t look real, and it changes color throughout the day. It’s enormous, stretching all the way to China. Spending the night in a campsite near the lake is an amazing experience, even if it gets really cold at night. Just imagine waking up and seeing that view right outside your tent. On Day 8, you will make the long drive back to Leh. Often, this is done via another high pass, Chang La. It’s another tough, high-altitude pass, and by the time you get back to Leh, you’ll definitely feel like you have accomplished something big.

Day 9-11: Last Looks and the Long Drive Home

Okay, Day 9 is sort of your bonus day in Leh. You can use it to visit some of the famous monasteries nearby, like Thiksey or Hemis, which are culturally very rich. Or, you know, you could just spend the day shopping for souvenirs in the market and eating some good local food. It’s your call, really. Then comes the long haul home. On Day 10, you basically retrace your steps from Leh back to Jispa or even Manali if you’re feeling ambitious. In a way, seeing the same scenery but in reverse gives you a whole new perspective on it. You will probably notice things you missed on the way up. The final day, Day 11, is the last big push from Manali or your last stopover all the way back to the familiar buzz of Delhi. At the end of the day, you will be exhausted, your car will be dusty, but you will have a camera full of pictures and a head full of incredible memories that are, frankly, priceless.

As I was saying about the return trip, it feels surprisingly different. You’re more used to the altitude, so you can arguably appreciate the raw beauty of the landscape even more, without the slight headache, you know?

Don’t Forget These Things:

Proper Clothing: Basically, you need layers. A thermal base, a fleece, and a windproof/waterproof jacket are a must, even in summer.
Medicines: Honestly, carry a basic first-aid kit with medication for headache, stomach issues, and motion sickness. Diamox for altitude is something to discuss with your doctor.
Cash: ATMs are few and far between once you leave Manali. So, it’s a good idea to have enough cash for food, lodging, and emergencies.
Sun Protection: The sun at high altitudes is incredibly strong. You definitely need sunglasses, a hat, and strong sunscreen.
Permits: For certain areas like Nubra and Pangong, you will need an Inner Line Permit. You can usually get this arranged in Leh pretty easily.

Read our full review: 11 Days Leh Ladakh Road Trip From Delhi Full Review and Details

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