Manali To Leh Road Trip With Turtuk

Manali To Leh Road Trip With Turtuk

About this activity

The Manali to Leh Road Trip with Turtuk isn’t just about crossing high passes or clicking photos at famous lakes – it’s about going deeper into the Himalayas and discovering something truly unique.

This special version of the classic Leh trip adds a rare stop to your route: Turtuk, the last Indian village near the Pakistan border. Tucked away in the Shyok Valley, it offers a completely different experience from the usual Ladakh tourist spots.

Starting from Delhi, you will travel through Manali, the Atal Tunnel, Sarchu, and Leh. From there, the journey takes a different turn – into Nubra Valley and further to Turtuk. It’s a peaceful village known for its Balti culture, apricot orchards, and stunning views.

Turtuk was part of Pakistan until 1971 and was opened to Indian tourists only in 2010.

This small village feels like another world – stone houses, green fields, smiling locals, and a calm vibe you won’t find in busier places like Pangong or Leh market. It’s a place for slow walks, warm conversations, and simple joys.

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If you love stories more than selfies and want to explore new cultures, not just cover distances, this Manali to Leh road trip is for you. It’s perfect for travelers who want more than the usual Ladakh circuit. It’s about discovering life at the edge – geographically, culturally, and personally.

Quick Facts About Manali to Leh Road Trip

  • Starting Point: Delhi
  • End Point: Delhi
  • Route: Delhi -> Manali -> Sarchu -> Leh -> Nubra -> Turtuk -> Pangong -> Leh -> Jispa -> Manali ->Delhi
  • Maximum Altitude: 5,359 m (Khardung La)
  • Distance Covered: ~2,300 km

Best Time for Manali to Leh Road Trip

The Manali to Leh road trip is best done between mid-May and mid-September, when the weather is favorable and the roads are open.

May to June

  • Temperature: Day: 5°C to 15°C | Night: -5°C to 5°C
  • Scenery: Snow can still be found near high passes like Baralacha La and Rohtang (if open). Roads may be slushy in patches, but the views are stunning with melting snow and clear skies.
  • Temperature: Day: 5°C to 15°C | Night: -5°C to 5°C

Scenery: Snow can still be found near high passes like Baralacha La and Rohtang (if open). Roads may be slushy in patches, but the views are stunning with melting snow and clear skies.

July to August

  • Temperature: Day: 10°C to 20°C | Night: 2°C to 10°C
  • Scenery: Most roads are fully open. Occasional rain in lower Himachal, but Ladakh stays dry. Good time for smooth travel and green valleys.

September (Early)

  • Temperature: Day: 8°C to 18°C | Night: 0°C to 8°C
  • Scenery: Clear skies, less traffic, and sharp mountain views. Ideal for photographers and those looking for a quieter trip before the route closes for winter.

Note: The route usually closes by early October due to snowfall at high passes like Baralacha La and Tanglang La. Always check road status before planning.

How to Reach the Starting Point Manali

While the Manali to Leh road trip begins in Delhi, the adventure kicks off from Manali. Here’s how you get there:

By Road

  • From Delhi: Approx. 12-14 hours (530 km). Comfortable AC buses are available from Himtrek and other operators.

By Air

  • Nearest Airport: Bhuntar Airport (Kullu), 50 km from Manali. Limited flights, best to check in advance.
  • Most travelers prefer flying into Chandigarh or Delhi and driving to Manali.

Pro Tip: Acclimatize well in Manali before heading toward high altitude.

Why Manali to Leh Road Trip is Special

Unlike the regular Manali to Leh circuit, this Manali to Leh road trip dives into India’s northernmost frontier – a side of Ladakh that still feels untouched.

Turtuk – The Hidden Jewel of Ladakh

  • A remote Balti village with ancient roots and unique traditions.
  • Famous for its apricot farms, scenic riverbanks, and stone houses.
  • Only opened to tourists in 2010 – still refreshingly free of crowds.
  • Visit the Balti Heritage Museum, interact with locals, and walk narrow trails past barley fields and wooden bridges.
  • Feel the weight of history – Turtuk was part of Pakistan until the 1971 war.

Cultural Meets Adventure

  • Visit Khardung La, the highest motorable road in the world.
  • Stay by the serene Pangong Tso, with its surreal blue waters.
  • Experience Ladakhi hospitality in Nubra and Turtuk, far from typical tourist hotels.
  • Witness life at the border in a way no other road trip offers.

Packing Tips & Health Advice

Here are some tips and advice that can make your Manali Leh road trip more easier and unforgettable one.

What to Carry for Manali to Leh road trip

  • Thermals, fleece layers, down jacket
  • Trek-friendly shoes or hiking boots
  • Gloves, caps, UV sunglasses
  • Power bank, torch, ID proof
  • Small backpack for day use
  • Snacks and a water bottle

Health & Acclimatization

  • Avoid alcohol or smoking at high altitudes
  • Stay hydrated, even when it’s cold
  • Start mild cardio or walking 2-3 weeks before the trip
  • Carry basic meds (consult your doctor beforehand)

So, if you are planning to go for Manali to Leh road trip, its vital to know tips and tricks for the safe and easy journey.

Highlights

  • Drive through breathtaking passes like Baralacha La, Lachung La, and Tanglang La.
  • Cross the iconic Khardung La Pass (5,359 m) - the highest motorable road.
  • Camp at Sarchu and Pangong Lake under a million stars.
  • Explore Turtuk’s Balti culture - a unique side of Ladakh few ever see.
  • Ride along the Shyok River, one of the most scenic and raw stretches of the journey.
  • Visit ancient monasteries, temples, and local markets in Leh.
  • Take a camel safari in the cold desert of Nubra Valley (optional, self-paid).
  • Make unforgettable memories with new friends, surrounded by landscapes that look like another planet.

Included/Excluded

  • Accommodation in Double / Triple Sharing rooms in Hotels / Camps.
  • Volvo Transfers from Delhi to Manali & Back.
  • Bike Rental for 10D days including fuel from Manali to Manali.
  • Entire travel from Manali to Manali.
  • Mechanical Backup.
  • All inner line permits for the trip.
  • Team Captain throughout the trip.
  • Availability of oxygen 24x7 in case of any emergency.
  • Riding Gears - Helmets, Elbow Guards, Knee Pads (Though it is recommended you to carry your own gears for comfort.
  • GST 5% applicable extra.
  • Any kind of food and beverages that are not mentioned in the inclusions like Alcohol, Mineral Water, Meals.
  • Refreshments and Lunches while traveling on highways.
  • Any personal expenses like tip to drivers, entry tickets.
  • Photography/videography charges and any kind of activities on the trip.
  • Any costing arising due to natural calamities like landslides, roadblocks etc. (to be borne by the customer on the spot).
  • Anything not mentioned in the inclusions.
  • Any damage to the bike except engine damage must be borne by the client.

Itinerary

Day 1: - DEPARTURE FROM DELHI TO MANALI
  • We depart from Delhi around 6 PM in an AC Vehicle.
  • Pit stop for dinner at any decent roadside restaurant.
  • Check in to the hotel, freshen up & have breakfast.
  • A short brief for the next day to start our trip further.
  • We have kept this day for acclimatization purposes.
  • Later head-out for self-exploration of Manali – Like Vasishta Temple, Hadimba temple, The Mall road, Jogini Waterfall.
  • Come back to the Hotel, Overnight stay at the hotel.
  • Call it an early night to rest and prepare for the upcoming adventures.
  • Wake up early in the morning, have breakfast and check-out the hotel.
  • Later start your much awaited Ladakh trip on the famous Leh Manali highway.
  • We’ll cross the Atal Tunnel to enter Lahaul Valley.
  • We’ll also cross Darcha, Baralacha Pass for the enormous panoramic views.
  • Reach Sarchu by evening.
  • Overnight Stay in Sarchu under million stars.
  • Wake up, have breakfast and check out of the camps.
  • It’s a day of high passes. We’ll need to cross one after the other to reach our destination.
  • Initially, we’ll cross the Gata Loops followed by Nakee-La and Lachung-La.
  • Reach Pang by afternoon and have lunch in these gorgeous plains.
  • Later on, we’ll cross Tanglang La (second highest pass of the world) to reach Leh.
  • Evening free for leisure and acclimatization.
  • Overnight stay in Leh.
  • Wake up and have breakfast at the camps and then check out.
  • Head for the beautiful Nubra Valley via Khardungla (Highest motorable road at 5359mt.).
  • You will find yourself surrounded between the Karakoram and Ladakh ranges of Himalayas.
  • Check in to the hotel and visit the Sand dunes (Cold desert of India), take a camel safari (Self paid).
  • Dinner and overnight stay in Nubra Valley.
  • Rise and Shine! Today, we’ll be heading out to Turtuk which is the last village of India on the Indo-Pak border renowned for its apricots.
  • Upon our arrival in Turtuk, we’ll spend some time exploring the beautiful village on foot.
  • Sun bask by Shyok River, explore the nearby Balti Museum and relish in surreal views.
  • We’ll head back to Nubra by the evening where we’ll have dinner followed by an overnight stay.
  • Wake up to see the first ray of sun falling on the mighty Himalayas.
  • Post breakfast, head to Pangong via Agham and Shyok villages.
  • Pangong Tso is a high altitude alpine lake and is the most fascinating lake because it changes its color according to the surroundings.
  • Reach Pangong lake by evening and check-in to the campsite.
  • Dinner and Overnight stay in Pangong.
  • Wake up early morning to witness a mesmerizing sunrise.
  • After having breakfast, head back to Leh.
  • Enroute visit Chang-La, the 2nd highest motorable road in the world at 5350 m.
  • Reach by evening time and self explore the local market/cafe’s since it will the last day in Leh.
  • Shop something for your friends/relatives back home.
  • Come back to the hotel by evening.
  • Dinner and overnight stay in Leh.
  • Post breakfast, head towards Jispa for the overnight stay.
  • We will take the same route that we took to reach Leh from Manali.
  • Reach Jispa by evening.
  • Overnight stay in Jispa.
  • Wake up early morning & post breakfast depart for Manali.
  • Reach Manali & depart for Delhi by evening.
  • Reach Delhi by morning with amazing trip memories.

Frequently asked questions

What is the route for the Manali to Leh road trip?

The trip follows this route: Delhi -> Manali -> Sarchu -> Leh -> Nubra -> Turtuk -> Pangong -> Leh -> Jispa -> Manali -> Delhi.

5,359 meters at Khardung La, which is known as the highest motorable road in the world.

2,300 kilometers.

Mid-May and mid-September, when the weather is favorable and the roads are open. Each month offers different scenery and temperatures, with July to August being ideal for smooth travel.

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