Manali - Leh Jeep Safari Tour

Touching some of the prominent and far out destinations of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu, and Kashmir, Manali- Leh Overland Jeep safari attraction is so outwardly, exhilarating and striking. This 14 days jeep safari expedition will take you to the highest motorable roads in the world, some of the nerve-wrenching highways, where you never know what going to happen next, and of course, to Indus Valley monasteries. Not to forget is the contrasting landscapes of Nubra Valley and that's the reason so many adventurers revere it as a life-changing experience.

This fourteen-day tour starts from Chandigarh and takes you through Kullu, Naggar, Jispa, Tsokar, Aghyam, Hunder, Leh, and Uletopko. It takes you to commercial charm and hideaways that only local people know. Balmy breeze and whimsical landscapes stretch throughout the journey. For those who haven't yet experienced the Manali-Leh. The trail is considered as moderate on the scale of jeep safari difficulty, as it passes through the mountain passes, which are as high as 4700 meters and some even more. In these regions the temperature can drop to sub-zero and below, the weather is highly unpredictable - sudden snowfalls are not ruled out. Overland Jeep safari trip, I will just say, try it - it's a pure bliss! To know more about this expedition goes through the itinerary below.

See below for complete itinerary.

Day 01: Delhi - Manali

In the evening catch AC Volvo coach for Manali at 17:30 hrs. Overnight journey.

Day 02: Manali

At around 7 in the morning, you will reach Manali and here meet our executive and transfer to hotel. After relax take a local sightseeing of Manali like Hadimba Devi Temple, Van Vihar, Tibetan Monastery and evening roam near Mall road. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 03: Manali - Jispa, 135 Kms/6-7 hours:

In the morning, you will head towards Jispa, which is 135 km from Manali. Firstly, you will drive straight up the hill to reach Lahaul Valley. Then, you will ride downhill to Koksar, a village in Lahaul valley. Further, you will visit Sissu and Gandla, two other prominent attractions of the Lahaul valley. As the valley opens up, the view of cave monasteries starts getting clear. After riding for 7 km, you will reach Tandi to see the confluence of Chandra and Bhaga River. Next, 32 km ride will take you to Jispa. Overnight stay and dinner at Jispa.

Day 04: Jispa - Tsokar, 200 Kms/ 7 hours:

After watching too much of barren lands, now it's time to look out for some lush areas. On this day, you will cross the high altitude mountain passes, Baralacha La (4900 M), Naki La (4740 M) and Lachalung La (4850 M), to reach Tsokar. The road, going from Lachalung La, starts getting a little curvy as it makes its way through an amazing canyon with sheer cliffs and rocky outcrops looming up on both sides of the road. Further, you will drive straight up the hill to reach Pang Plateau, also known as the More Plains (4617 M). Dinner and overnight stay at Tsokar.

Day 05: Tsokar - Takthok, 150 Kms/ 7 hours:

A fun filled say of excitement awaits you today as you will making your way through Tanglang La (5300 M), the second highest motorable road in the world. From Tanglang La, you will drive straight down the hill to reach Karo and then Thaktok. Dinner and overnight stay at Thaktok.

Day 06: Takthok - Aghyam over Wari La (5250 M) and Khalsar, 105 Kms/ 5 hours:

Start your day with a gradual ascent to reach Wari La Pass (5303.52 m). From the pass, the roads get little curvy, but this nerve-wrenching experience is a visual delight and is worth all the efforts. After cutting across all the mountain passes, you will start travelling downhill, while savouring the view of Karakorum ranges. An hour drive will take you to Aghyam, which is a remote village and a must visit attraction. After spending 15-20 minutes in Aghyam, you will make your way to Khalsar- a junction point for Nubra and Khardung La. Khalsar is a small town in Shyok Valley, on the banks of beautiful Shyok River. The road at sometimes is rough with sandy slopes, extremely adventurous and inspiring. We camp at Khalsar for the night.

Day 07: Khalsar - Diskit, Hunder & Panamik excursion and drive to Sumur, 90 Kms/full day

A 20 km drive from Diskit, will take you to Diskit Gompa, a monastery which was built in 1420 AD. Further, an eight-kilometre ride from Diskit will land you at Hundar, which is famous for its fruit orchids, rye and barley fields, and sand dunes. After spending some time at Hundar, you will make your way Panamik by crossing the Himalayan sand dunes. Panamik is a sleepy village, and famous for its hot springs, which is believed to have therapeutic qualities. After exploring Panamik , you will drive back to Hunder in Nubra Valley for sightseeing. After exploring Hunder, we drive to another village of Nubra Valley- Sumur, which is famous for its Samstanling Gompa and unique village, which looks like an oasis amid the desert. Dinner and overnight stay at Sumur.

Day 08: Sumur - Leh over Khardung La (18280 Ft), 128 Kms/ 7 hours:

Finally comes the highlight of the safari, Khardung La Top, which can be reached by crossing the highest motorable road in the world, Khardung La. After driving for 55 km, you will stop at Khalsar, where you can enjoy lunch at some good restaurant while savouring the view of mountains. From Khardung La, we drive down about 94.5 Kms and reach Leh- the beautiful mountain town of Ladakh. On the way, we can stop at Phyang Monastery and later check into the hotel.

Day 09: Leh full day sightseeing

After spending so many thrilling, nerve-wrenching, and heart throbbing days, now it's time to relax. Today, you will be going for Indus Valley monastery tour. The first stopover of the day will be Shey, an ancient capital of Ladakh and famous for its statue of Buddha Shakyamuni. Then, we will visit the Thiksey Gompa, an impressive monastery standing tall on the hill. In Thiksey Gompa, you can see the 30 m high gold-plated statue of Maitreya Buddha, the Buddha of the future. Next stopover of the day will be Hemis monastery, which is one of the largest and richest Gompas of Ladakh. Later, we will visit the Stok Palace, the Royal residence of the King of Stok & the Museum that has a rich collection of Ancient Ladakhi artifacts including old Thangkas, precious stones, arms and armory, the Queen's necklace and the crown of the King of Ladakh among others. In the evening, we will drive back to Leh for overnight stay and dinner.

Day 10: Leh - Uletokpo, 70 Kms/ 3 hours

Post breakfast, we will make our way to Uletokpo, which is 6 km from Leh, during this 6 km journey, you will visit the Phyang Gompa. Next stopover of the day will be Likir Gompa, which is located on a windy cliff top overlooking the beautiful village of Likir. Then, you will visit Basgo, which houses an impressive Ladakhi citadel. From Basgo, you will cross a river to reach Alchi and visit the monastery. Spend some time at Alchi monastery, drive to Uletokpo for overnight stay and dinner. Uletokpo is an ideal stopover for acclimatizing to Ladakh's climate and altitude.

Day 11: Uletopko - Lamayuru - Leh, 180 Kms/7 hours:

Leave Uletopko and continue your drive to Lamayuru via Khaltsey. Lamayuru, 22 km from Uletopko, is famous for its monasteries which were found in 10th century. Dinner and overnight stay at Leh.