India, Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh
Five Himalayan passes, thin air and a plateau that feels like another planet.
Length
428 km
In miles
265.9 mi
Driving time
13 hr 23 min
Atlas rating
9.7 / 10
The run
Manali to Leh, following the NH3. Drive it in either direction, though the views usually favour the climb.
Season
Open roughly from late May to early October only
Checked by the Drivers Atlas desk
Scored and written by the Drivers Atlas editorial desk, drawing on driven routes across the UK and Europe, mapping data and member road reports. Every road in the library carries a driving and scenery score set by the same method. How we score roads.
Last reviewed 6 March 2026
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