• By Travelspoc

The Ultimate Road Trip to Leh: From Delhi and Chandigarh

Embarking on a road trip to Leh is a dream for adventure enthusiasts. With its stunning landscapes, thrilling mountain passes, and serene monasteries, Leh-Ladakh is a once-in-a-lifetime destination. Whether you’re starting your journey from Delhi or Chandigarh, the adventure promises breathtaking views and unforgettable memories. Here’s a guide to help you plan your road trip.

The Route to Leh
There are two primary routes to reach Leh:
1. Delhi → Manali → Leh
2. Delhi → Srinagar → Leh
Both routes have their unique charm. If you’re starting from Chandigarh, you can join the Delhi-Manali-Leh route at Manali or the Srinagar-Leh route at Jammu.

From Delhi to Leh
Day 1: Delhi to Manali (550 km)
• Route: Delhi → Panipat → Karnal → Ambala → Chandigarh → Kullu → Manali
• Travel Time: 12-14 hours
• Highlights: Start your journey early to avoid traffic. Take breaks at Murthal for a hearty paratha breakfast and enjoy scenic views along the Beas River as you approach Kullu and Manali.
Day 2: Manali to Jispa (140 km)
• Route: Manali → Rohtang Pass → Keylong → Jispa
• Travel Time: 6-8 hours
• Highlights: Cross the famous Rohtang Pass (3,978m), offering snow-capped vistas. Spend the night at Jispa, a tranquil village by the Bhaga River.
Day 3: Jispa to Leh (340 km)
• Route: Jispa → Baralacha La → Sarchu → Tanglang La → Leh
• Travel Time: 10-12 hours
• Highlights: Drive through some of the highest passes, including Baralacha La and Tanglang La. Experience the vast plains of Sarchu before descending into Leh.

From Chandigarh to Leh
Starting from Chandigarh gives you the advantage of shorter travel time. Here’s how you can plan:
Day 1: Chandigarh to Manali (300 km)
• Route: Chandigarh → Bilaspur → Mandi → Kullu → Manali
• Travel Time: 8-9 hours
• Highlights: Enjoy lush green valleys and gushing rivers along the way. Stop by the Pandoh Dam and the Hanogi Mata Temple.
Day 2: Manali to Sarchu (200 km)
• Route: Manali → Rohtang Pass → Keylong → Jispa → Sarchu
• Travel Time: 8-10 hours
• Highlights: Camp overnight at Sarchu, known for its stunning night skies and rugged terrain.
Day 3: Sarchu to Leh (250 km)
• Route: Sarchu → Pang → Tanglang La → Leh
• Travel Time: 8-10 hours
• Highlights: The dramatic landscapes of Pang and the ascent to Tanglang La, the second-highest motorable pass in the world.

Essential Stops Along the Way
• Rohtang Pass: Snow-clad mountains and pristine landscapes.
• Sarchu Plains: A surreal camping spot between Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh.
• Tanglang La: One of the world’s highest motorable roads.
• Magnetic Hill: Experience the optical illusion of uphill movement.
• Monasteries: Visit Hemis, Thiksey, and Shey monasteries for a spiritual touch.

Travel Tips
1. Acclimatization: Spend a day in Leh to adjust to the altitude.
2. Permits: Obtain Inner Line Permits online or in Leh for restricted areas like Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake.
3. Packing Essentials: Carry warm clothes, sunscreen, a first-aid kit, and high-energy snacks.
4. Vehicle Check: Ensure your vehicle is in top condition; consider carrying extra fuel and a toolkit.
5. Driving Tips: Be cautious of landslides, water crossings, and narrow roads, especially in high-altitude areas.

Best Time for the Trip
• May to September: The roads are open, and the weather is pleasant.
• July to August: Ideal for monsoon lovers but expect challenges due to rain and landslides.

A road trip to Leh from Delhi or Chandigarh is more than just a journey; it’s a test of endurance, an exploration of raw beauty, and a story worth sharing. Whether you take the Manali-Leh route with its rugged charm or the Srinagar-Leh route with its historical allure, the experience will leave you awestruck. So pack your bags, fuel up your car, and let the adventure begin!
Have you taken this trip? Share your experiences in the comments below!