A taxi from Leh to Manali covers about 431 km and usually takes about 12 to 14 hours, over 2 days. Multi-day fare quoted before booking. Almost everyone breaks the drive with one night at Jispa, Keylong or Sarchu.
Leh to Manali at a glance
| Route | Leh to Manali, via Atal Tunnel, Keylong, Jispa, Baralacha La, Sarchu and Tanglang La |
|---|---|
| Distance | About 431 km |
| Drive time | about 12 to 14 hours, over 2 days |
| Road | High-altitude mountain highway with passes up to 17,582 ft |
| Fare | Multi-day fare quoted before booking |
| Vehicles | Sedan (4 seats, 2 bags), SUV or MUV (6 seats, 4 bags) and Tempo Traveller (12 seats) |
| Pickup | Leh town, Leh airport, Leh bus stand or any hotel in Leh |
What the drive is like
This is one of the highest road journeys in the world. From Leh the highway goes south over Tanglang La at 17,582 ft, crosses the Moray Plains, then climbs Lachulung La and Nakee La and drops through the Gata Loops to Sarchu. After Baralacha La it follows the Bhaga valley to Jispa and Keylong and then goes through the Atal Tunnel into the Kullu valley.
Altitude is the main risk. If you have just flown into Leh, give yourself two full days to settle before starting this drive. We keep the driver and car ready for an early start on a day you feel well.
Good stops between Leh and Manali
- Atal Tunnel and Sissu – gateway to Lahaul, about 40 km from Manali
- Keylong – the main town of Lahaul and a good halt
- Jispa – quiet river camps, a popular night stop
- Baralacha La – 16,047 ft pass
- Sarchu – high camp area on the Himachal–Ladakh border
- Gata Loops and Nakee La – the 21 hairpin bends and a 15,547 ft pass
- Pang and Moray Plains – high plateau stretch before Tanglang La
- Tanglang La – 17,582 ft, the highest pass on this road
Fare and what is included
Leh is a two-day trip with a night halt, so the price depends on the vehicle, the halt you choose and the travel dates. It is not a standard trip fare. Send us your date, group size and luggage on WhatsApp and we reply with a fixed fare before you book.
Vehicle choices: Sedan (4 seats, 2 bags), SUV or MUV (6 seats, 4 bags) and Tempo Traveller (12 seats). Local sightseeing in Manali with the same driver can be added on request.
Best time and road conditions
The Manali–Leh highway is open only part of the year. In 2026, civilian traffic ran from 1 June and reports in September showed the road open with two-way traffic. It usually closes between late October and mid-November when snow comes, and the exact date changes every year. If you are planning a trip in October or November, check with us first. Your trip can be cancelled or turned back by snow, and we do not travel on a road the authorities have closed.
Leh to Manali Taxi: common questions
How far is Leh from Manali by road?
About 431 km by the usual route (via Atal Tunnel, Keylong, Jispa, Baralacha La, Sarchu and Tanglang La). The exact distance changes a little with the road your driver takes on the day.
How long does the Leh to Manali taxi ride take?
Plan for about 12 to 14 hours, over 2 days. Traffic, weather, road work and meal stops can add time, so do not book a tight train, flight or hotel check-in without a buffer.
How much does a Leh to Manali taxi cost?
Leh is a multi-day trip, so there is no single fare. The price depends on the vehicle, the night halt and your dates. Message us and we quote a fixed fare before you book.
Do I need a permit for the Leh to Manali road?
No permit is needed for the highway itself. An Inner Line Permit is needed only if you go beyond Leh to places like Nubra, Pangong or Tso Moriri.
Is this trip safe for people who get altitude sickness?
The road reaches above 17,000 ft, so altitude sickness is a real risk. Take the two-day plan, sleep at a lower halt like Jispa or Keylong, drink water and keep a doctor’s advice ready. If anyone feels unwell, tell the driver and we go down.
Can I book the Leh to Manali taxi on WhatsApp?
Yes. Message +91 70307 30001 on WhatsApp with your pickup point, date, number of passengers and luggage. We reply with the vehicle options and a fixed fare.
Book your Leh to Manali taxi
Call +91 70307 30001 or message us on WhatsApp. Tell us your pickup point, date, group size and luggage. You can also use the Request a quote button on this page. Details on this page were last checked on 12 October 2026. Road and permit rules in the hills change, so we confirm the latest position with you when you book.