VIBE IN LADAKH CHAPTER
SELF- DRIVE EXEPEDITION
Drive Beyond Roads | Explore Beyond Limits
Journey
Vibe in Himalayas x Global Three 6T
Manali – Zanskar – Leh – Umling La
Self Drive Expedition
Duration
12 Days/11Nights
Date
7 September – 18 September
Embark on one of India’s most thrilling overland adventures as you drive through the spectacular landscapes of Himachal Pradesh, Zanskar, Ladakh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, Hanle, Umling La, and Tso Moriri. This expedition combines high-altitude mountain passes, remote Himalayan villages, ancient monasteries, and some of the world’s highest motorable roads. Designed for adventure seekers, this self-drive expedition offers a perfect balance of challenging terrain, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable experiences.
Day 1 | 7 September
Solan – Mandi – Kullu – Manali – Jispa
Distance
Approx. 340 km
Driving Time
9–10 Hours
Your adventure begins early from Solan after a detailed vehicle briefing and convoy formation. Drive through Bilaspur, Sundernagar, Mandi and the beautiful Kullu Valley before reaching Manali.
After a short refreshment break in Manali, continue towards Atal Tunnel, one of the engineering marvels of India. Crossing the tunnel, the scenery changes dramatically as lush green valleys give way to the rugged mountains of Lahaul.
Drive alongside the Bhaga River to reach the picturesque village of Jispa.
Highlights
- Convoy flag-off
- Scenic drive along Beas River
- Atal Tunnel
- Lahaul Valley
- Bhaga River
- Evening briefing
- Night Stay: Jispa
Day 2 | 8 September
Distance
Approx. 220 km
Driving Time
10–12 Hours
Today is one of the most exciting driving days of the expedition.
Cross Darcha and enter the spectacular Shinku La route. Enjoy breathtaking mountain landscapes as you climb to Shinku La Pass (5,091 m) before descending into the remote Zanskar Valley.
Continue through newly opened mountain roads towards Purne. A short hike or local transfer (depending on road access and time) allows you to witness the magnificent Phuktal Monastery, dramatically built into a cliffside.
Proceed to Padum, the headquarters of Zanskar Valley.
Highlights
- Darcha
- Shinku La Pass
- Newly opened Zanskar highway
- Phuktal Monastery
- Remote Himalayan villages
- Night Stay: Padum
Day 3 | 9 September
Distance
Approx. 240 km
Driving Time
8–9Hours
Leave Padum after breakfast and drive through magnificent mountain landscapes towards Leh.
Visit the spectacular confluence of the Indus and Zanskar Rivers at Sangam before stopping at the famous Magnetic Hill.
Seek blessings at Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, which is open to visitors on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Continue to Leh for hotel check-in and evening relaxation.
Highlights
- Nimmu Village
- Sangam Point
- Magnetic Hill
- Gurudwara Pathar Sahib
- Arrival in Leh
- Night Stay: Leh
Day 4 | 10 September
A relaxed day to explore Ladakh's rich heritage while allowing your body to acclimatize to the high altitude.
Visit the magnificent Leh Palace overlooking the town, followed by the Hall of Fame (War Memorial), dedicated to the brave soldiers of the Indian Army.
Later, explore the beautiful Thiksey Monastery, one of Ladakh's largest monasteries. Spend the evening shopping at Leh Market.
Highlights
- Leh Palace
- Hall of Fame (War Memorial)
- Thiksey Monastery
- Leh Market
- Local cafés
- Night Stay: Leh
Day 5 | 11 September
Leh – Khardung La – Hunder – Sumur
Distance
Approx. 160 km
Driving Time
6–7 Hours
Drive towards the legendary Khardung La Pass, one of the highest motorable roads in the world.
Descend into the Nubra Valley and visit Hunder, famous for its white sand dunes and double-humped Bactrian camels.
Later drive across the valley to the peaceful village of Sumur.
Highlights
- Khardung La
- Nubra Valley
- Hunder Sand Dunes
- Diskit viewpoint (time permitting)
- Sumur Village
- Night Stay: Sumur
Day 6 | 12 September
Sumur – Siachen Base Camp – Sumur
Distance: Approx
180 km (Round Trip)
Driving Time
6–7 Hours
Today is dedicated to one of India's most significant military regions.
Drive towards the Siachen Base Camp (subject to permissions and current regulations). Witness the breathtaking landscapes near the world's highest battlefield while learning about the incredible dedication of Indian soldiers.
Return to Sumur.
Highlights
- Nubra Valley
- Siachen Base Camp
- Panamik region
- Hot springs (if time permits)
- Night Stay: Sumur
Day 7 | 13 September
Sumur – Shyok Route – Pangong Lake
Distance: Approx
Approx. 220 km
Driving Time
7–8 Hours
Drive through one of Ladakh's most scenic routes along the Shyok River.
Arrive at the mesmerizing Pangong Lake, famous for its constantly changing shades of blue.
Spend the evening enjoying the peaceful surroundings and spectacular sunset.
Highlights
- Shyok River
- Mountain valleys
- Pangong Lake Sunset
- Photography
- Night Stay: Pangong
Day 8 | 14 September
Pangong Lake – Hanle
Distance:
Approx. 170 km
Driving Time
5–6 Hours
Enjoy sunrise over Pangong before continuing toward the remote village of Hanle.
Drive through Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary and experience the untouched beauty of Eastern Ladakh.
Visit Hanle Monastery and, if permitted, view the famous Indian Astronomical Observatory from outside.
Highlights
- Pangong Sunrise
- Changthang Plateau
- Hanle Monastery
- Hanle Observatory (external view)
- Night Stay: Hanle
Day 9 | 15 September
Hanle – Umling La – Hanle
Distance:
Approx. 180 km (Round Trip)
Driving Time
5–6 Hours
Today is the biggest highlight of the expedition.
Drive to the legendary Umling La Pass (5,798 m / 19,024 ft), among the world's highest motorable roads.
Capture unforgettable photographs before returning to Hanle.
Highlights
- Umling La Pass
- World's highest motorable road experience
- High-altitude driving
- Himalayan panoramic views
- Night Stay: Hanle
Day 10 | 16 September
Hanle – Hot Springs – Puga Valley – Tso Moriri
Distance:
Approx. 190 km
Driving Time
6–7 Hours
Drive across the vast Changthang Plateau towards Puga Valley, known for its geothermal activity.
Witness bubbling hot springs, colourful sulphur deposits, and stunning landscapes before reaching the crystal-clear waters of Tso Moriri.
Highlights
- Puga Geothermal Valley
- Natural Hot Springs
- Nomadic Changpa settlements
- Tso Moriri Lake
- Night Stay: Tso Moriri (Korzok)
Day 11 | 17 September
Tso Moriri – Pang – Baralacha La – Manali
Distance:
Approx. 430 km
Driving Time
11–13 Hours
Begin an early morning drive towards Pang and join the Leh–Manali Highway.
Cross some of Ladakh's most famous mountain passes before descending through Sarchu, Jispa, Atal Tunnel and finally reaching Manali.
This will be the longest driving day of the expedition.
Highlights
- More Plains
- Pang
- Lachulung La (en route)
- Nakee La
- Baralacha La
- Atal Tunnel
- Night Stay: Manali
Day 12 | 18 September
Manali – Kullu – Mandi – Solan
Distance:
Approx. 300 km
Driving Time
8–9 Hours
After breakfast, begin the return journey through Kullu Valley, Mandi, Sundernagar and Bilaspur before reaching Solan.
The expedition concludes with unforgettable memories, lifelong friendships and stories from some of the most remote roads in the Himalayas.
Highlights
- Scenic Kullu Valley
- Convoy drive
- Expedition closing ceremony
- Distribution of participation certificates (if applicable)
- Expedition Ends at Solan
Expedition Highlights
- Self-Drive Convoy Experience
- Atal Tunnel
- Shinku La Pass
- Zanskar Valley
- Phuktal Monastery
- Leh City
- Khardung La Pass
- Nubra Valley
- Siachen Base Camp
- Pangong Lake
- Hanle
- Umling La Pass
- Puga Valley
- Tso Moriri Lake
- Baralacha La Pass
- More Plains
- Sangam Point
- Magnetic Hill
- Gurudwara Pathar Sahib
Important Notes
- All participants must carry valid government-issued photo ID.
- Inner Line Permits are mandatory for restricted areas and should be arranged in advance.
- Driving distances are approximate and may vary depending on road conditions.
- The itinerary may be modified due to weather, landslides, military restrictions, or administrative orders to ensure participant safety.
- Maintain convoy discipline and follow the expedition marshal’s instructions at all times.
- Due to the high altitude, proper acclimatization, hydration, and responsible driving are essential throughout the expedition.
Organized by: Vibe in Himalayas
In Association with: Global Three 6T
