Chasing Mountains: A Wonderful Shimla, Manali, Leh road trip

So, it's your first day and you have arrived in Shimla. Upon arrival, the first thing you are going to do is check into your pre-booked guesthouse or hotel. Shimla, being a very popular tourist destination, offers a variety of guesthouses that are budget-friendly and provide a local experience. At this point, you are probably way too excited and want to head out right away. But since it's your first day, it's recommended you take it slow. No worries, we organized an amazing Shimla Manali leh road trip. you will get plenty of time to explore Shimla tomorrow. Instead, spend the rest of the day exploring the Ridge, a pedestrian mall lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. Enjoy the colonial architecture and panoramic views of the Himalayas. Once ready, head back to the guesthouse and rest up for the next day.

Start your day with a visit to the ViceRegal Lodge, a former residence of British Viceroys, now a museum showcasing colonial history. Museums may not be the first thing on your list, but for anyone interested in the rich history of India and its colonial past, This is the place to be. Now if the museum is not your thing, you can always go sightseeing. take a hike to Jakhoo Hill and enjoy the pleasant but challenging journey. It is the highest peak in Shimla, and at the summit, you will find the Hanuman temple, a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site. Even if that does not suit your fancy, there's plenty else to do. There's an ice skating rink, the oldest surviving theater in Asia(the Gaiety Theatre) and Kalka-Shimla Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This narrow-gauge railway offers stunning views of the Himalayas and lush valleys. In the afternoon, take a stroll through the bustling Lakkar Bazaar, a shopper's paradise known for its wooden toys, handicrafts, and souvenirs. If you're not in the mood for shopping, then simply pick any of the activities mentioned earlier. Regardless of what you do In the evening, be sure to capture the stunning sunset at Chadwick Falls, a cascading waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. Truly a sight to behold. Now that you have experienced what Shimla has to offer, return to your guest house and prepare for the next day of your Shimla Manali leh road trip.

On your third day, hire a taxi or join a shared cab for the scenic journey from Shimla to Manali. This route is highly recommended as it offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas.You can rely on our recommendation. Because we always try to share the best experience. So this shimla manali leh itinerary will be a good one. If you have any interest in architecture or engineering, be sure to make a stop at the Sutlej Yamuna Link project, a marvel of engineering that diverts water from the Sutlej River to the Yamuna River. Upon arrival in Manali, check into your guesthouse. By the time you arrive, it should be evening, leaving little to no time for exploration or sightseeing. But since you have had quite the journey, take this time to relax a bit.

Start your day with a visit to Hidimba Devi Temple, a beautiful wooden temple dedicated to the wife of Bhima, one of the Pandavas from the Hindu epic Mahabharata. Or on the flip side, you can head to Solang Valley, a popular destination for adventure sports like paragliding, zorbing, and rope skiing. In the afternoon, take a walk along Mall Road, a lively pedestrian zone with cafes, restaurants, and shops selling souvenirs and Tibetan handicrafts. you can take this time to shop and enjoy local delicacies. If you want a different experience it's highly recommended that you relax and rejuvenate at the natural hot springs in Vashisht, a small village near Manali. These sulfur-rich springs are believed to have medicinal properties and are perfect for you to unwind and let go of all your stress. In the evening, enjoy a stroll along the Beas River and soak in the stunning mountain views. And with that, your time in Manali is over, and off to Kyelang, we go. Get Recharged to cover the next days of Shimla Manali leh road trip.

Embark on the next leg of your journey towards Kyelang, a small town nested within the Himalayas. On your way take a detour to Rohtang Pass, a high mountain pass offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. During winters, be prepared for road closures due to snow. You must contact your driver beforehand and learn about the state of the road. Upon arrival in Kyelang, check into your guesthouse and explore the local villages to experience its unique culture. Unlike the other places, you will have a shorter stay in Kyelang. It's more like a pit stop rather than a destination. But if you want to, there are designated camping areas in Kyelang, where you can enjoy the mountain range under the starry sky.

Begin your day with a big breakfast at your guesthouse in Kyelang to fuel up for the high-altitude journey ahead. Depending on your chosen mode of transportation (taxi, jeep, or shared cab), depart Kyelang by mid-morning. The highlight of the day arrives as you approach Lachung La Pass, one of the highest motorable roads in the world, reaching an altitude of over 16,600 feet (5,050 meters). The landscape changes drastically as you enter the high-altitude desert region of Ladakh. Barren mountains, vast plains, and unique rock formations sculpted by wind and time. As you get closer to Leh, you might encounter military checkpoints where a routine permit check might occur. Have your travel documents handy for a smooth passage. Arrive in Leh by late afternoon, feeling accomplished after conquering one of the highest motorable passes in the world. Check into your pre-booked guesthouse in Leh and freshen up after the long journey.

Start your day with a visit to the Leh Palace. An amazing  place among all Top places to visit on the Shimla-Manali-Leh route. This is a former royal residence that now houses a museum. Climb the nine stories and lose yourself in the ornamented corridors and artifacts showcasing Ladakh's rich history and culture. Once that's done, it's time for a break. For Lunch Savor traditional dishes like Momos (steamed dumplings), Thukpa (noodle soup), and Tingmo (steamed bread) accompanied by local apricot tea (chhang). After you've filled your tank, head towards the serene Shanti Stupa, a Buddhist monument built to promote world peace. walk up the steps and soak in the gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains and Leh city. Optionally, you can dedicate some time to exploring the spiritual side of Leh. Visit the historic monasteries like Spituk Monastery, atop a hill offering stunning views, or the serene Shey Monastery, famous for its giant Buddha statue. In the evening, As the sun dips below the horizon, unwind at a local cafe and enjoy a cup of steaming Kahwa (green tea with spices and nuts). You can also attend a traditional Ladakhi cultural performance featuring vibrant costumes, captivating dance routines, and soulful music. Capture some moment for sharing the beauty of the Shimla Manali Leh road trip to your social media. If you are up to it, wander through the bustling Leh market, a great place to find souvenirs and local handicrafts.

Pangong Lake is waiting for you on Day 8!  Get ready for an awesome trip filled with breathtaking scenery, and a chance to witness the beauty of this high-altitude lake firsthand. Depending on the distance of your Hotel or Guesthouse from the Lake, you'll likely have to head out early in the morning. To be honest, the drive to the lake is an adventure by itself. Rugged mountains and the occasional glimpses of nomadic settlements will keep you company on this beautiful journey. As you close up on Pangong Lake, prepare to be mesmerized by its beauty. The saltwater lake stretches for miles, reflecting the clear blue sky (depending on the weather of course) and the surrounding mountains. Hungry from the journey? No need to worry. For lunch head to the many small camps and guesthouses near the lake, The meals there are basic but quite delicious. If you don't want to risk it, you can carry food that suits you from Leh as well. Once you're done with lunch, take a short and fun boat ride on the lake. The boat ride is subject to availability, so be mindful of that. However, if you are craving for a more adventurous experience, opt for a Jeep safari instead. It will take you around the lake and will allow you to explore the surrounding areas, spot nomadic settlements, and look at the wildlife of the region, like Marmots and Tibetan wild Donkeys. As the sun begins to set, the lake's colors will intensify so don't forget to take pictures. Be sure to enjoy a cup of hot tea or coffee while taking in the breathtaking beauty of Pangong Lake. With that, your trip to Pangong Lake is officially over. Start your journey back to Leh. As darkness falls, keep an eye out for the star-filled sky.

Sadly, at this point, your trip has come to an end. Today you will be departing from Leh. Depending on your departure time, you can spend some time shopping at the Leh market or just relax at your guesthouse. Take a taxi to the Leh airport and say sayonara to the majestic Himalayas, hopefully carrying unforgettable memories of your glorious adventure with you.