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Manali to Leh Highway
IndiaLadakhMountain Pass

Manali to Leh Highway

Two days, five passes above 5,000 m, and air so thin your bike loses 20% power. A rite of passage for Himalayan riders.

At a glance

The Manali to Leh Highway is a 490 km mountain pass in Ladakh, India. It runs from Manali to Leh in about 18 hours of driving. Highlights include Rohtang La, Sarchu and Taglang La. Best driven July – September; rated expert difficulty.

Road length
490 km
Duration
18 hrs
Vehicle
Motorcycle
Difficulty
Expert
Best season
July – September

Road length is the scenic route itself — your actual door-to-door driving distance depends on where you start and which stops you take.

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When to go

Best time to drive

Recommended window

July – September

What to expect

Expect more visitors in July–August peak season; shoulder months (May–June, September) are usually quieter and often offer better light.

Seasonal closures

High mountain passes on this route can close in winter due to snow. Always check local road status and seasonal closures before setting off.

General guidance only — always confirm local road and weather conditions before departure.

Plan your days

How many days for Manali to Leh Highway?

Driving pace per day
Suggested plan

Plan around 4 days for this route.

At ~5 hours of driving a day, you'll want 3 overnight stops along the way. The route has 5 recommended stops to help you break it up.

Estimate based on total driving time — actual pace depends on stops, traffic, and breaks.

Map preview

The route at a glance

Itinerary

Stops along the way

  1. ●
    Start
    Manali
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  2. 01
    Manali

    Acclimatise 2 days.

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  3. 02
    Rohtang La

    First high pass.

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  4. 03
    Sarchu

    Tented camp halfway.

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  5. 04
    Taglang La

    5,328 m summit.

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  6. 05
    Leh

    Old town, monasteries.

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  7. ◆
    Finish
    Leh
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Field notes

Travel tips

  • ★Acclimatise — AMS is real.
  • ★Carry oxygen + petrol cans.
  • ★Closed Oct–June by snow.
Soundtrack

Music for the road

AI-curated mood for this route — open in your favorite player.

Wide-open desert
Desert Highway
Americana · blues rock · slide guitar
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Common questions

Frequently asked

How long does it take to drive the Manali to Leh Highway?

The Manali to Leh Highway takes about 18 hours of driving non-stop to cover its 490 km. Actual trip length depends on how often you stop at viewpoints and towns along the way.

How long is the Manali to Leh Highway?

The Manali to Leh Highway is 490 km long, running from Manali to Leh.

When is the best time to drive the Manali to Leh Highway?

Best driven July – September. Expect more visitors in July–August peak season; shoulder months (May–June, September) are usually quieter and often offer better light. High mountain passes on this route can close in winter due to snow. Always check local road status and seasonal closures before setting off.

Is the Manali to Leh Highway hard to drive?

The Manali to Leh Highway is rated expert difficulty. It is classified as a mountain pass.

What are the main stops on the Manali to Leh Highway?

The route runs from Manali to Leh, with key stops including Rohtang La, Sarchu, Taglang La.

Where is the Manali to Leh Highway?

The Manali to Leh Highway is located in Ladakh, India. It runs between Manali and Leh.