Short answer: Day one to Sissu, day two through Tandi and Keylong to Jispa, day three up the Manali–Leh road to Deepak Tal, Suraj Tal and Baralacha La if open, and day four back to Manali.
The plan at a glance
| Day | Route | Night at |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manali – Atal Tunnel – Sissu | Sissu |
| 2 | Sissu – Tandi – Keylong – Jispa | Jispa |
| 3 | Deepak Tal, Suraj Tal, Baralacha La; back to Jispa | Jispa |
| 4 | Jispa – Keylong – Manali | Manali |
Who this plan suits
Travellers who want a taste of the Manali–Leh highway without going all the way to Ladakh.
Day by day
Day 1: Manali – Atal Tunnel – Sissu
- Tunnel, Sissu waterfall and lake.
- Easy afternoon to adjust to the height.
Day 2: Sissu – Tandi – Keylong – Jispa
- Tandi confluence.
- Keylong for lunch; Kardang monastery if time allows.
- Reach Jispa on the Bhaga river by late afternoon.
Day 3: Deepak Tal, Suraj Tal, Baralacha La; back to Jispa
- Start early; register at Darcha.
- Deepak Tal, then Suraj Tal just below Baralacha La, at about 4,890 m.
- Spend little time at the top and return for lunch. If the road is shut, walk the river at Jispa.
Day 4: Jispa – Keylong – Manali
- Leave after breakfast.
- Lunch at Sissu; tunnel by mid-afternoon.
Best time for this trip
June to September. Baralacha La is opened by the Border Roads Organisation in stages, usually from around June, and closes with the first heavy snow in autumn.
Practical notes
- Everything on this route is above 3,000 m beyond the tunnel: take the first day easy, drink water and descend if you feel worse.
- There is no mobile network at Baralacha La and little beyond Keylong.
- Carry cash, warm layers and snacks; services are few after Jispa.
- Keep one spare day in hand for a blocked road or bad weather.
What it costs
We do not publish a fixed price: the cost depends on your dates, group size, vehicle and the standard of stays. Tell us those and we will send a written quote that states exactly what is included.
Read more
- Jispa travel guide
- Lahaul valley travel guide
- Manali to Sissu 2-day road trip
- Manali to Leh highway guide
Check before you go
- India Meteorological Department — forecasts and warnings.
- Himachal Pradesh Tourism — official destination information.
- HRTC online booking — state bus timetables.
Want this itinerary planned for you?
Funtoor can adapt this plan to your dates, pace and starting city, and arrange transport and stays. Request a custom itinerary.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Jispa from Manali?
About 140 km through the Atal Tunnel, usually four to five hours with stops.
Can I go to Baralacha La without going to Leh?
Yes, as a day trip from Jispa when the road is open.
Is altitude a concern?
Yes. Sleeping at Sissu first helps; do not rush the high pass.
Is this possible in winter?
No. The road beyond Keylong is closed.
Compiled by the Funtoor team from published sources and official pages, last reviewed in October 2026. It is a sample plan, not a first-hand trip report or a fixed package: driving times are approximate, and rules, fees and road status change, so confirm anything time-sensitive before you travel.
Written by
Funtoor Travel Team
Travel planners based in Chail, Himachal Pradesh. We plan and arrange trips — stays, transport and experiences — across the Himalayas.
