Chandigarh is one of the closest major cities to Leh Ladakh by road. The Chandigarh–Manali–Leh road route is approximately 820km and the most natural road trip option for North Indian travellers. Chandigarh is also one of the top origin cities for Ladakh searches in Google Trends — the region has a strong tradition of Ladakh road trips.
Chandigarh to Leh: Road vs Flight
| Option | Distance / Duration | Cost (per person) |
|---|---|---|
| By road via Manali | 820km, 2–3 days driving | ₹2,000–4,000 (shared) or vehicle hire |
| By road via Srinagar | 870km, 2–3 days | ₹2,500–4,500 (shared) |
| By flight (via Delhi) | ~3h total | ₹6,000–14,000 |
Chandigarh to Leh by Road: The Route
Via Manali (most popular): Chandigarh → Mandi → Kullu → Manali (300km, 6–7 hours on NH3/NH21). Rest night in Manali. Next day, Manali → Jispa or Sarchu (200–250km, crossing Rohtang Pass at 3,978m and Baralacha La at 4,890m). Day 3: Sarchu → Leh (250km, crossing Tanglang La at 5,328m). Total: 820km over 3 days of driving.
For a road trip, Chandigarh travellers have an advantage over Delhi — you save 4–5 hours of driving by starting from Chandigarh, making the Chandigarh–Manali leg just one manageable day's drive. Our 9-night Delhi–Leh trip can easily be modified for a Chandigarh start at the same price.
Chandigarh Leh Ladakh Trip Cost
- Private vehicle hire (SUV, 10 days): ₹40,000–55,000 for the vehicle (shared by 4 = ₹10,000–14,000 per person)
- Accommodation (10 nights): ₹12,000–25,000 per person
- Fuel Chandigarh–Leh–Chandigarh: ₹8,000–12,000
- Permits, food, miscellaneous: ₹4,000–7,000 per person
- Total (per person, group of 4): ₹30,000–50,000