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Srinagar–Manali Highway — India — Mountain
South Asia

Srinagar–Manali Highway

India

In short: Srinagar–Manali Highway is a 480 km mountain road trip in India, typically driven over 4–6 days, best in Jun–Sep. Highlights: Srinagar, Sonamarg, Zoji La Pass.

Distance
480 km
Duration
4–6 days
Best Season
Jun–Sep
LegendaryHardSUV onlyMountainOff-road sectionsPermit required

One of the world's highest motorable roads, from Kashmir's lakes and Mughal gardens over three mountain passes above 4,000m, through the moonscapes of Ladakh, to the green Kullu Valley. Staggering altitude, staggering beauty.

~0 refuels
~1 charge
Practical notes
Inner Line Permits are required for certain Ladakh sectors and must be obtained before travel. Passes above 4,000 m can close without warning due to snow, even in summer, so monitor road bulletins daily. Carry fuel reserves, warm clothing, and a basic toolkit as mechanical help is scarce.
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Stops along the route

Srinagar — Departure — Srinagar–Manali Highway — India
Departure
Srinagar
Houseboats on Dal Lake, Mughal gardens terracing the hillside, and saffron fields outside the city.
Hotels
Kargil — City — Srinagar–Manali Highway — India
City
Kargil
A market town at the crossroads of ancient trade routes, with a war memorial and stunning Suru Valley views nearby.
Leh — City — Srinagar–Manali Highway — India
City
Leh
Ladakh's capital at 3,500m. A 9-storey ruined palace towers above town; Thiksey Monastery gleams on a nearby ridge.
Manali — Arrival — Srinagar–Manali Highway — India
Arrival
Manali
A mountain resort where the Himalayan descent ends. Hadimba Temple, Old Manali cafes, and the Beas River below.
Hotels

Things to Do

Sonamarg — Nature — Srinagar–Manali Highway — India
Nature
Sonamarg
The Meadow of Gold: alpine wildflowers below the Thajiwas Glacier, the last green valley before the high desert.
Zoji La Pass — Landmark — Srinagar–Manali Highway — India
Landmark
Zoji La Pass
At 3,528m, this treacherous pass is the gateway to Ladakh, snow-blocked nine months a year and dramatic when open.
Tanglang La — Nature — Srinagar–Manali Highway — India
Nature
Tanglang La
At 5,328m, one of the highest motorable passes in the world. Vast empty plateau, prayer flags, and icy thin air.
Sarchu — Nature — Srinagar–Manali Highway — India
Nature
Sarchu
A tent-camp settlement at 4,290m on the Ladakh-Himachal border, surrounded by eroded canyon badlands and open sky.
Baralacha La — Nature — Srinagar–Manali Highway — India
Nature
Baralacha La
A 4,890m pass where three valleys meet at the edge of the Himalaya. Snow lies on the road well into summer.
Rohtang Pass — Nature — Srinagar–Manali Highway — India
Nature
Rohtang Pass
A 3,978m pass connecting Lahaul to the Kullu Valley. Snow lies here even in July; the descent into green is sudden.
Shankaracharya Temple — Historic Site — Srinagar–Manali Highway — India
Historic Site
Shankaracharya Temple
An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, offering panoramic views of Srinagar from its hilltop location.
Magnetic Hill — Natural Phenomenon — Srinagar–Manali Highway — India
Natural Phenomenon
Magnetic Hill
A gravity hill near Leh where vehicles appear to move uphill against gravity, creating an optical illusion.
Pangong Lake — Lake — Srinagar–Manali Highway — India
Lake
Pangong Lake
A stunning high-altitude lake known for its changing colors and serene beauty, extending into Tibet.
Hadimba Devi Temple — Historic Site — Srinagar–Manali Highway — India
Historic Site
Hadimba Devi Temple
A unique wooden temple dedicated to Goddess Hadimba, set amidst a cedar forest in Manali.

Where to Eat

Ahdoos Restaurant — Kashmiri — Srinagar–Manali Highway — India
Kashmiri
Ahdoos Restaurant
Renowned for authentic Kashmiri Wazwan cuisine, offering dishes like Rogan Josh and Gushtaba in a traditional setting.
The Tibetan Kitchen — Tibetan — Srinagar–Manali Highway — India
Tibetan
The Tibetan Kitchen
Offers a variety of Tibetan delicacies such as momos and thukpa, providing a cozy dining experience in Leh.
Chopsticks Noodle Bar — Asian Fusion — Srinagar–Manali Highway — India
Asian Fusion
Chopsticks Noodle Bar
Serves a mix of Chinese, Japanese, and Thai dishes, with favorites like sushi and stir-fried noodles in a vibrant atmosphere.
Johnson's Café — Continental — Srinagar–Manali Highway — India
Continental
Johnson's Café
Known for its wood-fired pizzas and trout dishes, set in a charming ambiance with mountain views in Manali.

Explore related routes

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Nearby and similar drives

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Srinagar–Manali Highway drive?

The Srinagar–Manali Highway covers 480 km from start to finish.

How long does the Srinagar–Manali Highway take to drive?

Most travellers spend 4–6 days on the Srinagar–Manali Highway, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Srinagar–Manali Highway?

The recommended season for the Srinagar–Manali Highway is Jun–Sep.

Where does the Srinagar–Manali Highway start and end?

The Srinagar–Manali Highway runs from Srinagar to Manali.

What are the main stops on the Srinagar–Manali Highway?

The Srinagar–Manali Highway passes through Srinagar, Sonamarg, Zoji La Pass.

How difficult is the Srinagar–Manali Highway to drive?

The Srinagar–Manali Highway is rated hard and is best handled with suv only.

Do I need a 4WD for the Srinagar–Manali Highway?

Yes — the Srinagar–Manali Highway includes off-road or rough sections that require suv only.

Do I need a permit or border paperwork for the Srinagar–Manali Highway?

Yes — the Srinagar–Manali Highway requires permits, fees, or border paperwork. Plan ahead: Inner Line Permits are required for certain Ladakh sectors and must be obtained before travel. Passes above 4,000 m can close without warning due to snow, even in summer, so monitor road bulletins daily. Carry fuel reserves, warm clothing, and a basic toolkit as mechanical help is scarce.

How many fuel stops are needed on the Srinagar–Manali Highway?

Plan around 0 refuels (or about 1 EV charges) along the Srinagar–Manali Highway, based on its 480 km length.

Is the Srinagar–Manali Highway safe to drive?

Inner Line Permits are required for certain Ladakh sectors and must be obtained before travel. Passes above 4,000 m can close without warning due to snow, even in summer, so monitor road bulletins daily. Carry fuel reserves, warm clothing, and a basic toolkit as mechanical help is scarce.

What scenic tier is the Srinagar–Manali Highway?

The Srinagar–Manali Highway is a legendary drive — The world's most extraordinary drives — once-in-a-lifetime road trips with cinematic scenery, legendary roads, and unmatched cultural depth.