The route at a glance
From Manali, the highway runs through the Atal Tunnel to Lahaul, along the Chandra and Bhaga rivers past Tandi and Keylong to Jispa and Darcha. Beyond Darcha, it climbs to Baralacha La, drops to the Sarchu plains on the Himachal–Ladakh border, winds up the Gata loops, crosses Nakee La and Lachulung La, passes the tented stop at Pang, runs across the high More plains, and climbs to Tanglang La before descending to the Indus at Upshi and on to Leh.
The Atal Tunnel, opened in 2020, removed the need to cross Rohtang Pass and shortened the route by about 45 km. It's now roughly 430 km in total.
- Day 1: Manali to Keylong or Jispa (about 70–90 km)
- Day 2: Jispa to Leh (about 340 km)
- Last reliable fuel: Tandi, near Keylong
When the road is open
The highway is usually open from about late May to mid-November, with the exact dates set each year by snow clearance on the high passes. June is the busiest month; July and August bring occasional landslides and swollen streams on the Ladakh side; September and early October are often the clearest. Outside the season, Leh is reached by air. We check the road status with you before every trip.
Where to stop for the night
Most travellers spend the first night in Keylong or Jispa, in Lahaul, at about 3,100–3,200 m. Keylong has more hotels and services; Jispa is a quieter riverside village with camps. Sarchu, further on, has only seasonal tent camps at around 4,200 m, and sleeping there on the first night out of Manali is a common cause of altitude sickness, so we avoid it for most travellers.
A rest day in Manali before setting off, and a night in Lahaul, help your body adjust. You'll still need to rest on arrival in Leh.
What a taxi costs and why
A one-way taxi from Manali to Leh is a two-day trip for the driver each way, over rough high passes, and outside taxis can't pick up local fares in Ladakh. That's why market prices are well above what the distance alone would suggest: 2026 operator listings put a one-way Innova at roughly ₹20,000–25,000. The Ladakh Taxi Union's own rate card for the reverse direction, Leh to Manali, is in a similar range. Night allowances for the driver and your hotels are extra.
Taxi rules once you reach Ladakh
Taxi associations in Ladakh allow taxis from outside Ladakh to drop passengers in Leh, but local sightseeing, such as Nubra, Pangong and Tso Moriri, has to be done in Leh-registered taxis. So the Manali taxi takes you to Leh, and you hire a local taxi there for the rest of your time in Ladakh. Many travellers then fly home from Leh.
Altitude: the most important part of planning
The passes on this route are higher than Leh itself, and you gain height quickly. Ladakh's tourism department advises at least 48 hours of rest on arrival in Leh. Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, and see a doctor before travelling if you have heart or lung conditions. If anyone develops a severe headache, breathlessness at rest or confusion, descend. Our altitude guide has more detail.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Manali to Leh take by taxi?+
Two days, with about 13–15 hours of driving and a night in Keylong or Jispa.
When is the Manali–Leh highway open?+
Usually from about late May to mid-November, depending on snow.
Can a Manali taxi take us to Pangong or Nubra?+
No. Local sightseeing in Ladakh needs Leh-registered taxis.
Do we need a permit for the highway?+
Not for the highway itself. Some areas around Leh need a permit or registration, arranged in Leh or on the official Ladakh permit portal.
