Manali-Leh-Srinagar-VaishnoDevi Itinerary

[HK Thaker]

Hi! I am planning a self drive car trip in the second week of September 2018. The route will be as under:
Journey will start from Rajkot (Gujarat), Udaipur, Amritsar, Pathankot, Manali, Sarchu, Leh, Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley, Kargil, Srinagar (including Sonmarg & Gulmarg), Vaishno Devi, Pathankot, Amritsar and back to Rajkot. We are senior citizen Couple, traveling by car - self driven. What I am interested to know is whether it is advisable to travel in the month of mid-September to mid-October? What would be the road conditions like? How would be the weather like - rainy, snowfall, chilly winds, etc. Please advice accordingly.

 

[Mohit Eagle]

While the road trip you planned covers some breathtaking locations in North India, undertaking it in September might be challenging due to the weather conditions, especially for senior citizens. Here's a breakdown to help you decide:


Weather Considerations:

• Mid-September to Mid-October: This period falls in the tail end of the monsoon season in the Himalayas. You'll likely encounter rain and potential landslides on some stretches, especially between Manali and Leh.
• Manali, Sarchu, Leh: These places experience snowfall as early as mid-September, making road closures a possibility. Temperatures can drop significantly, and driving in these conditions can be dangerous.
• Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley: These places experience similar cold and unpredictable weather conditions in September.

Road Conditions:

• Monsoon rains can lead to road blockages and landslides. This can significantly impact your travel time and itinerary.
• High-altitude mountain passes like Rohtang Pass (between Manali and Leh) might be closed due to snow in September.
• Driving in the Himalayas requires good experience and awareness of mountain driving conditions. If you're not an experienced mountain driver, this route might be challenging.

Alternate Considerations:

• Consider a Different Time: The ideal time to visit Ladakh (Leh, Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley) is from June to mid-September. If you're keen on covering these destinations, consider planning for this timeframe instead.
• Shorter Trip: If your heart is set on traveling in September, you could shorten the trip and focus on lower-altitude locations like Udaipur, Amritsar, Srinagar (including Sonmarg & Gulmarg), and Vaishno Devi.

Recommendation:

While a road trip through these beautiful locations can be a memorable experience, considering the weather conditions and potential challenges in September, it might be best to adjust your itinerary or travel dates. The safety and comfort of you and your spouse are paramount.

 

[Shivangi]

Manali - Leh - Srinagar - Vaishno Devi Itinerary (Updated 2025)​

This is one of the most scenic and adventurous road trips in India, covering Manali, Leh, Srinagar, and Vaishno Devi. Below is an updated itinerary for a well-paced journey.

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Suggested 10-Day Itinerary​

Day	Route / Destination	Distance	Travel Time	Key Attractions
Day 1	Manali to Jispa / Keylong	140 km	5-6 hrs	Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley
Day 2	Jispa to Leh	330 km	9-10 hrs	Baralacha La, Tanglang La, More Plains
Day 3	Leh Local Sightseeing	–	–	Magnetic Hill, Hall of Fame, Shanti Stupa
Day 4	Leh to Nubra Valley	160 km	5-6 hrs	Khardung La, Diskit Monastery, Sand Dunes
Day 5	Nubra to Pangong Lake	270 km	6-7 hrs	Beautiful Pangong Tso
Day 6	Pangong to Leh	230 km	6 hrs	Chang La, Shey Palace
Day 7	Leh to Kargil	220 km	6 hrs	Lamayuru Monastery, Fotu La
Day 8	Kargil to Srinagar	200 km	6 hrs	Zoji La, Sonmarg
Day 9	Srinagar to Jammu	270 km	8-9 hrs	Dal Lake, Shankaracharya Temple
Day 10	Jammu to Vaishno Devi	50 km	2 hrs	Trek to Vaishno Devi Temple

Tip: If short on time, you can take a flight from Leh to Jammu and proceed directly to Vaishno Devi.

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Important Travel Tips​

Best Time to Visit: June to September (Roads remain open)
Permits: Inner Line Permit (ILP) required for Nubra, Pangong, and Tso Moriri
Altitude Sickness: Acclimatize in Leh for 1-2 days before visiting high-altitude areas
Petrol Availability: Carry extra fuel; few fuel stations after Leh

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FAQs – Manali to Vaishno Devi via Leh & Srinagar​

1. Is it better to travel from Manali to Leh or Srinagar to Leh?

• Manali to Leh is more challenging, with higher altitude passes.
• Srinagar to Leh has a gradual ascent, making it easier for acclimatization.

2. How many days are needed for this trip?
A minimum of 10 days is recommended for a relaxed trip.
3. What kind of vehicle is suitable for this journey?
A 4x4 SUV or bike (Royal Enfield, Himalayan, or KTM) is ideal for these terrains.
4. Are there ATMs along the route?
ATMs are available in Manali, Keylong, Leh, Kargil, and Srinagar, but it's best to carry cash.
5. Can we visit Vaishno Devi after Srinagar?
Yes! You can take a direct bus or taxi from Srinagar to Katra (Vaishno Devi base).