India’s Little Tibet

Bite-sized trip

Itinerary:
Manali - Jispa - Leh
Duration:
6 days / 5 nights (flexible)
Price:
from £ 775.- person (excluding flights)

Explore a gentle mountain world of fluttering prayer flags and snowy peaks. Cross high Himalayan passes, meet red-robed monks and soak up the staggering views. Travelling from Manali to Leh, you’ll journey through deep valleys and lonely plains, stopping at secluded villages and sipping masala chai. Leaving behind the cosy teahouses and natural hot springs of Manali, you’ll pass through an empty world flanked by zig-zagging mountain peaks. Travelling by private car, you can stop as often as you like to stretch your legs or take a few snaps. You’ll sleep in simple guesthouses and meet the locals on the way to Leh, where you’ll spend a day hopping between colourful monasteries.

Day 1 – Arrival in Manali

You’ll arrive in Manali either from Dharamsala or Shimla, ready for your journey over the second highest black-top road in the world. Tucked away between rich green hills, Manali is an easy-going town popular with Indian honeymooners and nature-loving hippies. The valley is a mountain Shangri-La filled with traditional farmer’s houses, orchards, fields and refreshing waterfalls. In the afternoon, you can enjoy a relaxing soak in the natural hot springs at nearby Vashisht, next to a fast-flowing river and flower-filled meadows. Your welcoming hotel is located in the Old Quarter, nestled amongst thick pine trees.

Day 2 – Manali to Jispa

Today, you’ll make an early start for the drive from Manali to Jispa. From Manali, you’ll climb higher and higher, leaving the green landscape behind you as you pass the tree line. On the way, you’ll climb over a mountain pass at 4,000 metres and you’ll really feel the altitude as the cool wind whips about your face. Soon, you’ll be surrounded by gigantic peaks towering at over 6,000 metres, stopping regularly to enjoy the jaw-dropping views. Finally, you’ll descend a little into the small village of Jispa, where you’ll spend the night in a simple but comfortable hotel.

Day 3 – Jispa to Leh

Today, you’ll set off on the journey to Leh, climbing even higher into the Himalayas. Already well above the tree line, you’ll find yourself amidst a stony desert sprinkled with snowy patches. You’ll cross high mountain passes and vast sandy plains with no signs of life. When you make rest stops, you can enjoy some steaming masala chai, spiced with cardamom and cloves. Finally, you’ll pull into the green Leh Valley, where you’ll settle into your cosy guesthouse.