Day 1: Delhi to Manali (Volvo Bus)
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Evening: Board the Volvo bus from Delhi to Manali (approximately 12-14 hours).
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The bus typically departs from Delhi in the evening, and you will travel overnight.
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Enjoy the comfort of the Volvo, which includes reclining seats, air conditioning, and a smooth journey as you head towards the beautiful hill station of Manali.
Day 2: Manali Arrival and Local Sightseeing
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Morning: Arrive in Manali in the morning, check into your hotel, and rest for a while after the overnight journey.
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Afternoon: After lunch, go for a local sightseeing tour of Manali:
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Hadimba Temple: A unique temple surrounded by cedar forests.
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Manu Temple: Dedicated to the sage Manu, the mythical creator of the human race.
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Solang Valley: Known for its adventure activities, such as paragliding, zorbing, and skiing (seasonal).
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Evening: Spend time exploring the Mall Road of Manali and enjoy some shopping.
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Overnight: Stay in Manali.
Day 3: Manali to Sarchu (By Road)
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Morning: After breakfast, begin your journey towards Sarchu (approximately 8-9 hours by road), passing through scenic mountains, rivers, and valleys.
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En route, stop at Rohtang Pass (if open) for a photo session and take in the view.
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Baralacha La Pass is another major stop before reaching Sarchu.
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Afternoon: Continue the journey to Sarchu, a high-altitude camping site on the Manali-Leh Highway.
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The landscape here is stark and beautiful, with towering peaks on either side.
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Overnight: Stay in tents at Sarchu for a unique experience in the middle of the Himalayan mountains.
Day 4: Sarchu to Leh (via Tanglang La Pass)
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Morning: After a light breakfast, continue your drive towards Leh (approximately 7-8 hours).
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The route will take you over Tanglang La Pass (17,480 feet), one of the highest motorable passes in the world.
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Afternoon: Enjoy the stunning views of the rugged terrain, barren landscapes, and snow-capped peaks as you approach Leh.
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Upon arrival in Leh, check into your hotel or guesthouse.
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Evening: Rest and relax to adjust to the high-altitude environment. Leh is situated at 11,500 feet, so acclimatization is key.
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Overnight: Stay in Leh.
Day 5: Leh Local Sightseeing
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Morning: After breakfast, explore Leh's major sights:
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Leh Palace: A 17th-century royal palace with panoramic views of Leh.
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Shanti Stupa: A beautiful white stupa with incredible views of the town and surrounding mountains.
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Hemis Monastery: The largest and wealthiest monastery in Ladakh, home to the famous Hemis Festival.
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Thiksey Monastery: Known for its large Buddha statue and incredible hilltop views.
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Afternoon: Visit the Leh Market for some shopping or a walk through the local streets.
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Evening: Enjoy some time to relax and acclimatize further.
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Overnight: Stay in Leh.
Day 6: Leh to Nubra Valley (via Khardung La Pass)
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Morning: After breakfast, start your journey towards Nubra Valley (approximately 5-6 hours).
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Travel over Khardung La Pass, the highest motorable road in the world (18,379 feet).
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Stop at the pass for photos and enjoy the views.
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Afternoon: Reach Nubra Valley and visit Diskit Monastery with its large Buddha statue.
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You can also take a camel ride in the Hunder Sand Dunes with the famous Bactrian camels.
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Evening: Relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Nubra Valley.
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Overnight: Stay in camps or guesthouses in Nubra Valley.
Day 7: Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake
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Morning: After breakfast, continue your journey to Pangong Lake (approximately 5-6 hours).
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The road is scenic, passing through Shyok River and narrow mountain paths.
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Afternoon: Arrive at Pangong Lake, which is known for its mesmerizing blue waters. Spend time exploring the lake and surrounding mountains.
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Evening: Watch the sunset at the lake, as the colors of the water change dramatically during this time.
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Overnight: Stay in tents or guesthouses near Pangong Lake.
Day 8: Pangong Lake to Leh and Departure
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Morning: After breakfast, head back to Leh (approximately 5-6 hours).
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Stop at Chang La Pass (17,590 feet) on your way back to Leh.
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Afternoon: Upon arrival in Leh, relax or explore any remaining sights in the town.
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Evening: Take an evening flight back to Delhi (the flight duration is about 1.5 to 2 hours).
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Alternatively, if you're taking a return Volvo, you can board the bus in the evening and travel back to Delhi overnight.
Additional Information:
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Best Time to Visit: June to September is the ideal time to visit Leh Ladakh by road. During this time, the roads are open, and the weather is pleasant for travel.
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What to Pack:
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Warm Clothing: Even in summer, Ladakh can get very cold at night. Pack thermal wear, jackets, gloves,and woolen socks.
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Sunscreen & Sunglasses: The sun is very intense in high altitudes, so make sure to carry sunscreen and UV-protection sunglasses.
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Personal Medications: Carry any necessary medications, including Diamox for altitude sickness (consult your doctor before taking it).
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Comfortable Shoes: For walking around monasteries and trekking.
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Camera: Ladakh offers some of the most stunning landscapes, so make sure to bring a good camera.
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Travel Tips:Acclimatization: Spend enough time in Leh and Sarchu to acclimatize to the high altitude before proceeding to higher elevations.Stay Hydrated: Dehydration is common in high altitudes, so drink plenty of water.Cash: Carry sufficient cash as ATMs are limited in Ladakh.
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Road Conditions: The roads are generally well-maintained, but be prepared for some rough patches, especially as you cross high passes

