Sedan
Swift Dzire / Toyota Etios
- 4 seats
- 2 bags
- AC
Best for: Couples, airport transfers
On Request
Taxi route
Manali to Leh Taxi
The legendary Manali–Leh highway in a private cab over two days, through the Atal Tunnel and high passes, with an overnight halt at Jispa, Keylong or Sarchu.
Manali Leh
- Distance
- 430 km
- Drive time
- 2 days (overnight halt)
- Via
- Atal Tunnel – Keylong – Jispa – Sarchu – Pang – Upshi
Fares for this route
Fares are per vehicle. Tolls, parking and state permits are confirmed with your booking.
| Vehicle | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|
| Sedan Swift Dzire / Toyota Etios 4 seats 2 bags AC | On Request | On Request |
| MUV – Ertiga Maruti Ertiga / similar 6 seats 3 bags AC | On Request | On Request |
| SUV – Innova Toyota Innova 7 seats 4 bags AC | On Request | On Request |
| Premium SUV – Innova Crysta Toyota Innova Crysta 7 seats 4 bags AC | On Request | On Request |
| SUV – Xylo / Scorpio (high clearance) Mahindra Xylo / Scorpio 7 seats 4 bags AC | On Request | On Request |
| Tempo Traveller 12-seater Force Tempo Traveller 12 seats 10 bags AC | On Request | On Request |
| Tempo Traveller 17-seater Force Tempo Traveller 17 seats 14 bags AC | On Request | On Request |
| Volvo / Luxury Coach 35–45 seater coach 41 seats 35 bags AC | On Request | On Request |
Choose your vehicle
Every cab comes with a driver who knows the hill roads. Fares on request.
MUV – Ertiga
Maruti Ertiga / similar
- 6 seats
- 3 bags
- AC
Best for: Small families
On Request
SUV – Innova
Toyota Innova
- 7 seats
- 4 bags
- AC
Best for: Families, hill trips
On Request
Premium SUV – Innova Crysta
Toyota Innova Crysta
- 7 seats
- 4 bags
- AC
Best for: Premium family & corporate travel
On Request
SUV – Xylo / Scorpio (high clearance)
Mahindra Xylo / Scorpio
- 7 seats
- 4 bags
- AC
- High clearance
Best for: Snow, Spiti & Ladakh roads
On Request
Tempo Traveller 12-seater
Force Tempo Traveller
- 12 seats
- 10 bags
- AC
Best for: Groups, family trips
On Request
Tempo Traveller 17-seater
Force Tempo Traveller
- 17 seats
- 14 bags
- AC
Best for: Large groups, school trips
On Request
Volvo / Luxury Coach
35–45 seater coach
- 41 seats
- 35 bags
- AC
Best for: School & corporate groups
On Request
Images are for representation; the actual vehicle may vary in colour/model within the same category.
About this route
The Manali–Leh highway is one of the great road journeys of the world. It covers around 430 km and crosses several high passes, including Baralacha La, Nakee La, Lachulung La and Tanglang La. The road is usually open roughly from June to September, depending on when the Border Roads Organisation clears the snow, so dates should always be confirmed closer to travel.
From Manali the road climbs through the Atal Tunnel into the Lahaul valley, past Sissu and Keylong to Jispa. Beyond Darcha it rises over Baralacha La to the Sarchu plains, then crosses the Gata Loops and the vast More plains before the final pass at Tanglang La and the descent to Upshi and Leh.
Why break the journey
We strongly recommend an overnight halt at Jispa or Keylong, or at Sarchu for those already well acclimatised. Driving straight through is exhausting and raises the risk of altitude sickness, since much of the route lies above 4,000 metres. A gradual ascent, plenty of water and a slow pace make a big difference.
Road conditions
Large sections are now well surfaced, but there are rough patches, water crossings that run higher in the afternoon, and occasional delays for road work or snow. Early-season and late-season trips can see sudden weather changes on the passes.
Why a private cab
This is not a route for an inexperienced driver. Our drivers have driven high-altitude roads, know where fuel is available (there is a long stretch without pumps), and understand when to wait and when to push on. Traffic permits for the Atal Tunnel side are handled as required. Most guests book this as part of our Manali–Leh road trip, though one-way drops are possible.
Stops along the way
- Atal Tunnel long tunnel under the Rohtang ridge into Lahaul
- Jispa riverside village, recommended overnight halt
- Suraj Tal high-altitude lake near Baralacha La
- Sarchu camps on the high plains, alternative night halt
- Gata Loops series of hairpin bends climbing to Nakee La
- Tanglang La one of the highest passes on the route
Travel tips
- Spend at least two nights in Manali before starting, to begin acclimatising.
- Break the journey at Jispa or Keylong rather than driving straight through.
- Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and tell your driver at once if you feel unwell.
- Carry warm layers, sunglasses, sunscreen and some cash; network coverage is patchy.
- Consult your doctor before the trip if you have heart, lung or blood-pressure conditions.
Route FAQs
When is the Manali–Leh highway open?
The road usually opens around June and stays open until about late September or early October, depending on snow. Opening dates vary each year, so we confirm the status before finalising your trip.
Can we drive from Manali to Leh in one day?
It is technically possible but we do not recommend it. An overnight halt at Jispa, Keylong or Sarchu is safer for acclimatisation and far less tiring.
Other routes to Leh Ladakh
- Full day (7–8 hrs)
On Request
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