I was in Manali and the Parvati Valley a couple years back. Gorgeous place - bright blue skies, verdant forests, snow capped mountains, etc. Think of it as Switzerland without the high price tag. I didn't have time for Ladakh and the Spiti Valley but I'm dying to check them out. That landscape looks like something from another planet.
FWIW, I read an article stating that Srinagar - Leh - Manali is a better route due to a more gradual ascent and hence easier acclimatization to altitude. You'll be going above 5000 m elevation at times, so it pays to read up on recognizing symptoms of altitude sickness.
FWIW, I read an article stating that Srinagar - Leh - Manali is a better route due to a more gradual ascent and hence easier acclimatization to altitude. You'll be going above 5000 m elevation at times, so it pays to read up on recognizing symptoms of altitude sickness.