India Trips Travel Guidelines
Start on an adventurous road trip through some of the most challenging and stunning landscapes of India with this thrilling journey from Manali to Padum, Kargil, Leh, Jispa, and back to Manali. This tour is perfect for those looking for an offbeat experience, testing their limits on rugged roads and tough terrains. As you travel from Leh to Kargil, you’ll witness dramatic changes in landscapes, from barren mountains to lush valleys. The route to Padum, nestled in the Zanskar Valley, takes you through remote areas where the roads are often rough, making it a true test of your driving skills.The journey from Jispa to Padum will further push your limits, with winding roads, narrow passes, and breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Finally, the trip concludes with the return to Manali, where the sense of achievement will be immense after conquering such challenging paths. This is a trip that promises not just adventure, but a deep connection with the raw beauty of nature. The combination of rough roads, thrilling terrain, and stunning views makes this a once-in-a-lifetime experience for adventure enthusiasts.
Itinerary
- Start your exciting journey by boarding your bus from Delhi in the evening.
- Enjoy the journey through the winding roads to reach Manali.
- Overnight bus journey.
- Reach Manali - the “Valley of Gods” in the morning and head to your hotel.
- Check in to your cozy hotel rooms and recharge yourself for the adventurous trip.
- You can then rest for some time and have a delicious breakfast at your hotel.
- As soon as you finish your breakfast, gear up for a fun-filled day exploring Manali's charming attractions on your own.
- You can start your sightseeing by visiting the famous Hidimba Temple, which is dedicated to the wife of Bheem.
- Next, you can take a short hike to the Jogni Waterfall - one of the most beautiful spots in Manali.
- Further, you can relax in the natural hot springs of Vashisht Temple which is dedicated to sage Vashisht, teacher of Lord Ram.
- After exploring various attractions, you can shop and eat around the famous Mall Road.
- Head back to your hotel, once you are done for the day.
- End your day with a briefing of the upcoming itinerary, and get ready to sleep in your comfortable hotel bed.
- Overnight stay in Manali.
- Wake up and get ready for an exciting journey from Manali in shared transfers to explore the majestic snow-capped peaks of the western Himalayas.
- Today, we will cover around 86 km via the Leh-Manali Highway, which will give you a glimpse of breathtaking scenery.
- While riding on the highway, we will enter the Atal Tunnel to reach Lahaul Valley.
- Continue the journey to Keylong, the district headquarters of Lahaul & Spiti.
- In the Lahaul Valley, get mesmerized by the stunning Chandra River and the towering peaks that surround it.
- Overnight stay in Jispa.
- Early start; today’s route is remote, unpaved, and thrilling.
- Ascend the rugged Shinkula Pass (16,700 ft) – raw, wild, and snow-dusted even in summer.
- After descending, you'll enter the lesser-known Zanskar Valley, following the turquoise Tsarap Chu river.
- Reach Purne, a tiny hamlet nestled by the river — gateway to Phuktal.
- Overnight stay in Purne
- Hike from Purne to Phuktal Monastery, built dramatically into a cave on a cliff wall — one of the most remote Buddhist monasteries in the world.
- Walk along a narrow trail carved into the mountainside, crossing a wooden hanging bridge.
- Explore the monastery, meet monks, and take in the stunning views.
- Post lunch, begin your bumpy yet scenic journey to Padum, the capital of Zanskar.
- Cross rustic wooden bridges, barren slopes, and tiny settlements.
- Overnight at a guesthouse in Padum.
- Optional walk to local market or monasteries nearby.
- Visit Karsha Monastery – the largest in Zanskar. Walk through prayer halls and interact with monks.
- Drive or hike up to Stongdey Monastery for panoramic valley views.
- Visit Zangla Palace, an old royal residence with sweeping vistas.
- Walk through Pibiting village – traditional mud houses and friendly locals.
- Overnigh Stay in Padum
- Today you traverse the newly developed Padum–Kargil road.
- Cross the beautiful Pensi La Pass (14,400 ft) – gateway between Zanskar and Suru Valley.
- En route: incredible views of the Drang Drung Glacier, one of the largest in Ladakh.
- Descend into the Suru Valley, full of green meadows and apricot orchards.
- Pass villages like Rangdum and Parkachik with views of Nun-Kun peaks (7000m+).
- Evening arrival. Check into a hotel and rest.
- Follow the NH1 along the Indus River.
- Stop at Mulbekh Chamba – giant rock-cut Maitreya Buddha.
- Cross Namik La and Fotu La passes.
- Visit Lamayuru Monastery, set amid surreal moon-like landscapes.
- Optional stops: Magnetic Hill, Indus–Zanskar confluence, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib.
- Check in to your hotel, acclimatize, and enjoy dinner in a rooftop café.
- Thiksey Monastery – known for its striking resemblance to the Potala Palace.
- Shey Palace – former royal residence.
- Shanti Stupa – a panoramic viewpoint for sunset.
- Stroll through the Leh Market, try local handicrafts and momos.
- Cross the Tanglang La Pass (17,480 ft) – the second-highest motorable pass.
- Drive across the vast More Plains, surreal in their emptiness.
- Cross Lachung La and Nakee La passes.
- Descend the Gata Loops – a series of 21 switchbacks.
- Overnight in fixed tented camps.
- Stargazing and wind-whipped mountain vibes.
- Post breakfast in the morning, get ready for the day.
- Today, we will board our transfers to Manali via Atal Tunnel.
- On the way, we will take a quick stop at the iconic Baralacha La located at an altitude of 4850m.
- Then, we will pass the scenic Suraj Taal and Deepak Taal Lakes.
- Further, we will pass the picturesque towns of Darcha, Jispa, Keylong and Sissu until we reach the Atal Tunnel.
- After crossing the Atal Tunnel, pass through the Solang Valley - a hub for adventure activities to reach Manali.
- Upon reaching Manali, head to the Manali bus stop to board your bus to Delhi.
- Overnight bus journey to Delhi.
NOTE: Numerous factors such as weather, road conditions, the physical ability of participants etc. May cause itinerary change. We reserve the rights to change any schedule in the interest of safety, comfort and general wellbeing.
NOTE: The age limit of our group departures is 18 to 40 years due to the power packed itineraries that we provide to our travellers. We can customise trips for travellers beyond the mentioned age bracket.
NOTE: The mode of transportation from Delhi is primarily operated by private entities (third party vendor's), except in cases where the group size exceeds 35 individuals.
NOTE: Extra Mattress will be provided for triple sharing occupancy.
NOTE: You will be travelling to High Altitude cold desert places of India. It's advisable to consult your personal doctors for any sort of medical awareness before travelling. There are very few medical facilities/hospitals available at such remote locations and WanderOn shall not be responsible for any such of Medical emergency thus occurred. However any kind of support with respect to arranging logistics will be arranged if required and the expenses shall be borne by the clients. Please consult your personal doctor and we advise you to be physically fit and healthy before travelling. Do mention any sort of prior health issues before travelling so that we can advise you correctly.
Inclusions
- Entire travel from Manali to Manali by tempo traveler/cab (For Tempo Traveler Option)
- Stay for 9 nights – 1 night in a hotel at Manali, 2 night in camps at Sarchu, 1 night in a hotel at Leh, 1 night in a hotel at Nubra Valley, 1 night in cottages at Pangong Tso, 1 night in Hotel at karzok & 2 Nights in Hanle in Cottage/Homestay on triple sharing basis
- A total of 16 meals – 1 meal Day 1 (B) + 1 meal Day 2 (D) + 2 meals Day 3 (B+D) + 2 meals Day 4 (B+D) + 2 meals Day 5 (B+D) + 2 meals Day 6 (B+D) + 2 meals Day 7 (B+D) + 2 meals Day 8 (B+D) + 2 meal Day 9 (B+D)+ 1 meal on Day 10 (B).
- Riding Gears – Helmet (Standard Size 58 - 60 cms), Riding Gloves (only for riders), Riding Jackets, Knee Pads (Though it is recommended you carry your own helmet for comfort)
- Team Captain throughout the trip.
- Mechanical Backup. Daily bike check up.
- All inner line permits for the trip.
- Driver Night Charges, Toll Tax, Parking Charges, etc.
- Medical Kit & An Oxygen Cylinder 24X7 in the car in case of emergency
Exclusions
- GST (5%) is applicable extra.
- Any other Food and Beverage charge that is not included in the package.
- Any personal expenses like a tip to the drivers, entry to monuments/monasteries, camera/video camera charges, camel safari, river rafting, laundry, telephone bills, tips, etc
- Any cost arising due to natural calamities like landslides, roadblocks etc. (to be borne directly by the customer on the spot)
- Any other expense not mentioned in the inclusion column.
- Any damage to the bike except engine damage must be borne by the client.
- In case of any damage to the riding gears the customer is liable to pay for the damage.
- Any medical or evacuation expenses.
- Volvo Transfers are not included for Self Bike option
- Airport pick-up and drop not inlcuded
Other Info
Must Carry
- Authentic Government ID Card
- Comfortable warm clothing
- Sunscreen & lip balm
- Personal Medicines (if any)
Travel Essentials
gears
- A rucksack bag and a day pack
- 3-litre water bladder or water bottle
clothes
- One cotton long sleeves and 2 short sleeve t-shirt
- 1 pair of gloves
- At least 2 long pants (trek pants and cargo pants are favourable)
- 4 sets of undergarments
- 2 pair of socks
- A small towel
- A rain jacket or a poncho
footwear
- Above-the-ankle waterproof and breathable hiking boots with good grip
- Flip flops/sandals
medication
- Glucose powder
- Medicines for headaches, diarrhoea, motion sickness
- Dettol
- Bandages
- Cotton
personal accessories
- Toothpaste, toothbrush
- Paper soap, or sanitizer
- Sunscreen minimum of spf40 , lip balm, cold creams
- Body spray
- LED torch light
