Chandigarh to Leh-Ladakh: 10-Day Ultimate Self-Drive Expedition

The Most Complete Road Trip Guide with Rentifyr

Why This Itinerary Dominates?

✅ Battle-Tested Route – 120+ successful expeditions in 2025
✅ Secret Stops – Army-approved viewpoints most miss
✅ Real-Time Intel – Current BRO road conditions included
✅ Vehicle Hacks – Exactly when to switch fuel mixtures

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Day 0: Pre-Departure (Chandigarh)

18:00 – Vehicle Pickup

• Only accept white/khaki SUVs (less overheating)
• Mandatory checks:
  • Spare oxygen cans (2L minimum)
  • Satellite phone test call
  • Engine oil grade: 15W40 for high altitude

Pro Packing Tip:

• Use vacuum bags for clothes – saves 40% space
• Red bull cans work better than Diamox for some (secret army trick)

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Day 1: Chandigarh → Manali (310 km | 8 hrs)

04:30 AM Departure

• Route: NH154 → Mandi Bypass
• Critical Stop:
  • 06:00 AM – Pandoh Dam Viewpoint (last clean toilets for 3 hrs)

Manali Arrival (2:30 PM)

• Stay: Johnson’s Cafe (Old Manali)
  • Why? In-house mechanic + oxygen refill station
• Evening Prep:
  • Buy BRO road condition printout from Mall Road cyber cafe

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Day 2: Manali → Jispa (145 km | 6 hrs)

03:00 AM Departure – Beat Atal Tunnel traffic

• 04:15 AM – Enter tunnel (strictly no AC – prevents engine stress)
• 05:30 AM – Sissu Waterfall (empty for perfect shots)

High-Altitude Transition:

• At Tandi (2,850m):
  • Mix 1L petrol with 100ml 2T oil (protects engine)
  • Last proper fuel until Leh

Jispa Stay:

• Camp Whispering Meadows
  • Only camp with 24hr oxygen supply
  • Dinner order by 7 PM (chef leaves early)

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Day 3: Jispa → Sarchu (85 km | 4 hrs)

05:00 AM Departure

• Critical Section: Baralacha La (16,043ft)
  • Switch Off AC before ascent
  • Gear Rule: 2nd gear for entire climb

Army Checkpoint Protocol:

• Have ID copies x3 ready
• No photos of BRO machinery (₹5,000 fine)

Sarchu Survival:

• Stay at Himalayan Camp
  • Tent numbers 5-8: Least windy
  • Drink garlic soup (altitude hack)

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Day 4: Sarchu → Leh (255 km | 10 hrs)

03:30 AM Departure – Crucial!

• 04:45 AM – Nakeela Pass (sunrise magic)
• Fuel Hack: Siphon 5L from backup can at Pang

Leh Entry Formalities:

1. Police Checkpoint – Show original RC
2. Medical Check – Oxygen levels tested
3. Permit Office – Opens at 10 AM sharp

Leh Stay:

• Grand Dragon Ladakh
  • Rooms facing Stok Range
  • Only hotel with garage for overnight checks

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Day 5: Leh Acclimatization

07:00 AM – Shanti Stupa (empty)
09:30 AM – Hall of Fame Museum (must see before Pangong)
12:00 PM – Leh Market Prep:

• Buy Chinese oxygen cans (cheaper than Indian)
• Rent walkie-talkies (₹300/day)

Pro Tip:

• Visit Lamayuru Monastery instead of crowded Thiksey

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Day 6: Leh → Nubra (120 km | 5 hrs)

05:00 AM Departure

• Khardung La Strategy:
  • Reach by 6:30 AM – no crowds
  • Engine off within 5 mins (prevents fuel vapor lock)

Nubra Secrets:

• Hunder Dunes: Go left side – cleaner sand
• Stay: Mystic Meadows Camp
  • Tent 12 has best star views

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Day 7: Nubra → Pangong (150 km | 7 hrs)

04:00 AM Departure

• Shyok River Crossing:
  • Water level check at 7 AM with BRO
  • Always cross in low-range 4WD

Pangong Hacks:

• Stay at Spangmik (not Lukung)
• Photography: 4-5 PM – perfect reflections

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Day 8: Pangong → Leh (160 km | 6 hrs)

05:30 AM Departure

• Chang La Stop: Army canteen serves best maggi
• Enroute Visit: Druk Padma School (3 Idiots school)

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Day 9: Leh → Sarchu (255 km | 10 hrs)

Reverse Route Tips:

• Tanglang La: Descend in 3rd gear only
• More Plains: Full tank at Karu

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Day 10: Sarchu → Manali (305 km | 12 hrs)

02:30 AM Departure – Critical!

• Rohtang Strategy:
  • Cross before 9 AM (melting starts)
  • Use snow chains if notified

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