Manali is a popular hill station in Himachal Pradesh, nestled in the mountains of the Indian Himalayas. Leh, located in the union territory of Ladakh, is known for its stunning landscapes and Buddhist culture. Traveling from Manali to Leh is a famous route for adventure seekers and nature lovers.

This guide will help you understand the main travel options, step-by-step plans, practical tips, and what to expect on arrival. Whether you prefer road trips, buses, or flights, you will find useful information to plan your journey confidently.

Getting from Manali to Leh – Main Options

Train

There is no direct train connectivity between Manali and Leh due to the challenging terrain. The nearest railway stations are quite far, so train travel is not a practical option for this route.

• Manali does not have a railway station; the closest major station is Joginder Nagar, about 140 km away, but it has limited connectivity and no direct trains to Leh.

• The nearest broad gauge railway station is Chandigarh, approximately 310 km from Manali, requiring a long road journey to reach Leh.

• Train travel involves multiple transfers and long road segments, making it unsuitable for direct travel between Manali and Leh.

• Train travel is more feasible for reaching Manali from other cities like Delhi, but not for the Manali-Leh leg.

• For travelers preferring trains, combining train to Chandigarh or Jammu and then road travel is an option but takes significantly longer.

Bus

Buses are a popular and budget-friendly way to travel from Manali to Leh, especially during the summer months when roads are open. They offer a chance to experience local travel and scenic routes.

• Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) runs regular buses from Manali to Leh via the Atal Tunnel and Rohtang Pass, covering about 475 km in 14 to 16 hours.

• Bus fares typically range from ₹700 to ₹1,200 depending on the type of bus, such as ordinary, deluxe, or Volvo services.

• Buses usually depart early morning around 5 AM to avoid afternoon traffic and weather disruptions on the mountain roads.

• The route passes through high-altitude passes like Baralacha La and Tanglang La, so buses are equipped for mountainous terrain but can be crowded during peak season.

• During monsoon and winter months (October to May), bus services are suspended due to heavy snowfall and road closures.

• Food options on the route are limited to dhabas and small eateries at rest stops like Sissu and Keylong, so carrying snacks is advisable.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Manali to Leh is a thrilling option for those who enjoy road trips and want flexibility. The route is challenging but offers breathtaking views and adventure.

• The Manali-Leh highway (NH3) covers approximately 475 km, taking around 14 to 16 hours depending on road conditions and stops.

• Roads are narrow, winding, and at high altitude, with passes like Rohtang (3,978 m), Baralacha La (4,890 m), and Tanglang La (5,328 m), requiring careful driving experience.

• Self-drive vehicles should be well-maintained SUVs or bikes suitable for rough terrain; fuel stations are sparse, so refuel at Keylong and Sarchu.

• Permits are required for entering Ladakh; you can obtain Inner Line Permits online or at Manali before departure.

• Travelers should start early morning to avoid afternoon weather changes and ensure daylight driving through difficult passes.

• During monsoon and winter, the highway is closed due to landslides and snow, so plan travel between June and September.

Flight

There is no direct flight from Manali to Leh because Manali does not have an airport. However, flying is an option by combining road and air travel.

• The nearest airport to Manali is Bhuntar Airport (Kullu), about 50 km away, with limited flights to Delhi and other cities.

• From Bhuntar, you can fly to Leh via Delhi or Jammu, but this involves multiple connections and longer total travel time.

• Leh has Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport with regular flights from Delhi, Jammu, and Srinagar, offering the fastest way to reach Leh.

• Flight fares from Delhi to Leh range from ₹3,000 to ₹7,000 depending on the season and advance booking.

• During peak tourist season (May to September), flights can be crowded and prices higher, so book tickets well in advance.

• Weather conditions like fog or strong winds can cause flight delays or cancellations, so keep flexible plans.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

If you are traveling from Manali to Leh for the first time, this step-by-step plan will help you prepare and enjoy a smooth journey.

• Step 1:

  Decide your travel mode based on budget, time, and comfort. Bus and self-drive are popular for adventure, while flights save time but need road transfers.

• Step 2:

  Book tickets or arrange vehicle rentals early, especially during summer. Use official websites like HRTC for buses and IRCTC for trains to avoid scams.

• Step 3:

  Obtain necessary permits for Ladakh travel. Inner Line Permits can be applied online or at Manali’s DC office; keep copies handy during the journey.

• Step 4:

  Pack essentials like warm clothes, medicines for altitude sickness, water bottles, and snacks. High-altitude passes can be cold even in summer.

• Step 5:

  Start your journey early in the morning to avoid afternoon weather issues and traffic jams, especially on the Rohtang and Baralacha La passes.

• Step 6:

  Keep your phone charged and carry power banks. Mobile network is patchy in many areas, so download offline maps and emergency contacts before departure.

Practical Travel Tips

• Altitude sickness is common; acclimatize in Manali or Keylong before ascending. Carry Diamox or consult a doctor for medication advice.

• Drink only bottled or boiled water to avoid stomach issues. Carry reusable water bottles and refill at safe points like dhabas or rest stops.

• Book bus tickets or vehicle rentals through official channels like HRTC or reputed travel agents to ensure safety and reliability.

• Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber in Manali and Leh for local travel; avoid unmetered taxis to prevent overcharging.

• Pack light but include warm layers, rain gear, and sturdy shoes. Weather can change quickly in the mountains, and roads may be dusty or muddy.

• Check weather and road conditions daily during monsoon and winter. Landslides and snowfall can cause sudden closures, so stay updated through local news or transport offices.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Manali to Leh is between June and September when the roads are open and weather is relatively stable. Winter months see heavy snowfall, closing the highway.

During peak summer, tourist traffic increases, so expect crowded buses and busy roads. Early morning departures help avoid afternoon traffic and weather issues.

• Avoid traveling during festivals like Diwali or local Ladakhi festivals when transport and accommodation are in high demand.

• Monsoon season (July-August) can cause landslides and roadblocks on the Manali-Leh highway, leading to delays and cancellations.

• Early mornings are best for starting your journey to avoid afternoon fog, rain, or snow on high mountain passes.

• Winter travel (October to May) is not recommended due to road closures and extreme cold, except by air from Leh to other cities.

Arrival at Leh & What to Expect

Leh is a small town with limited but adequate facilities for travelers. Upon arrival, you will find several options for local transport, including taxis, shared cabs, and rental bikes.

Most visitors stay near the Leh Market or the main town area, where hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants are concentrated. Prepaid taxi counters are available at the airport and bus stand to avoid overcharging.

Conclusion

Traveling from Manali to Leh is an unforgettable experience offering stunning landscapes and adventure. The most efficient option depends on your preferences: buses provide budget-friendly scenic travel, while self-drive offers freedom and excitement. Flights save time but require road transfers.

Plan your journey carefully by booking tickets early, checking weather and road conditions, and preparing for high-altitude travel. With the right preparation and knowledge, you can enjoy a safe and memorable trip from Manali to Leh.