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Driving from Bangalore to Ladakh & back in our BMW X3: 30-day road trip

We decided to drive up through Srinagar & drive down through Manali covering around 8500 km, including sightseeing.

BHPian worldcrawler recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

"When the road ahead seems impossible - start the engine"

Driving ~8500 kms is much easier than writing a travelogue of 8500 words! I will refrain from writing a lot of words and instead let the photos tell the story of 2.1/2 travellers who went on to witness the breathtaking beauty of this place called Ladakh - The land of high mountain passes. While I am not good at telling stories, Ladakh is a place where you make stories to remember.

"The goal is to die with memories not dreams"

Not mentioning a lot of technical details in this post, a bit of it just so that a fellow traveller can refer to some pointers towards the planning and some really important answers. Let's start this story with an image that represents the land. Peace and the struggle. All the credit goes to the men in uniform and BRO ( Border Road Organisation ) to make this place what it is.

Peace and Protection

Ladakh is known for shades of blue alongside green patches and colourful mountains. Let's celebrate the majestic nature this region offers with some snaps. No camera on earth can truly capture the depth and vividness of the landscape offered here, these pictures are going to represent just a tiny piece of the beauty.

It was a bucket list item for a long time but driving to Ladakh from Bangalore with family ( especially with a kid ) is no small plan to do! It needs 4 weeks to cover the place properly and 40 weeks to plan...

Thankfully though, my family was super excited about the adventure and we started slowly fleshing out the plan. First was the route, ideally one should complete the circuit of Srinagar - Leh - Manali to experience the beauty. Our plan looked like this, trust me, it looked impossible initially.

Planning had 3 different items:

• How do we drive up to Leh/Ladakh?
• What to do there?
• How do we drive down to Bangalore?

We decided to drive up through Srinagar and drive down through Manali. Planned exactly 30 days drive, ~8500 kms including sightseeing!

This is what our Ladakh plan looked like on Map!

The Preparation

The bimmer had a change of brake pads in March 2022 end and got its 3rd service completed. The car informed us that it would be another 12000 kms before it needs a service. However, for safety, I sent it for a thorough checkup. It was a paid checkup although the car is covered under BSI as the nature of the service was adhoc and purely on customer request.

However, one thing that was noted is that - the rear tyres lost a lot of treading depth and would hardly be safe for another 2 thousand kms. Treads inwards were completely gone, the car did around 22.5k kms barely. I knew RFTs would have less life but never expected them to last for barely 20k! Anyways, to make the drive peaceful, decided to change all the tyres.

The real struggle started here! Due to the pandemic and then the war, the supply chain for imported tyres has completely been disrupted. Finding 4 tyres together was proving to be a real struggle. Finally, a Bridgestone SELECT dealership got new tyres and luckily was very close to home. Made a visit and got all the tyres changed at roughly 1.2 Lakhs including everything. BTW, BMW quoted almost 1.5 lakhs for the exact same job.

245/50/R19 Run flats

Next thing to ensure and one of the most important preparations for this road trip was to get all necessary permits to avoid any surprises on the road. As we planned to drive to most corners of the region including some restricted regions like Turtuk and Hanle, we had to plan everything in advance and keep some buffer dates as well to tweak the plan during the trip if required.

Reference Inner Line Permit ( ILP )

Recording Equipment

All of us including our 9 year old are shutter happy. But as we had to carry a lot of stuff we had to leave a few pieces of equipment and choose what we absolutely need. We are hobbyist photographers and believe in - "the best camera is what you have". Without any more buildup, here is a list of cameras we used in order of their usage ( descending order ).

• Nikon Z6 ii + Nikkor Z 24-70 F2.8 S + K&F Concept Variable Fader ND2-ND32 ND Filter
• Fujifilm XT 20 + Fujifilm XF 18-55 F2.8-4 R LM OIS
• Nikon D7200 + Nikkor AF-S 200-500 F5.6-F32 ED VR
• Nikkor AF-S 50 mm f/1.8G
• GoPro HERO9 Black
• DJI Air 2S FMC
• Manfrotto 127.5 cm Height Traveller Tripod with ball head

A closer look at some of the equipment

Continue reading worldcrawler's road trip experience for BHPian comments, insights and more information.

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Bangalore to Ladakh by Road with Family

by | | Travel | 0 comments

In the excitement of adding a new category to my blog I thought of sharing one of our long road trip so far which was from Bangalore to Leh Ladakh. We had made many short trips in south India but this was the only one we did which took 18 days. My husband was the one who came with the place Ladakh and I always turned my face because I thought that it was never going to happen. I discouraged him when I heard that it was going to be a road trip. We had a plan of changing our vehicle during 2015. At the end of 2015, the decision of buying a new vehicle became strong when he thought of the road trip. I was still not so serious even in the decision of changing our vehicle. In the month of March 2016, we bought a new vehicle XUV 500 and I started little bit nervous thinking about the road trip. Till buying everything was going in a slow pace, but things changed after getting the vehicle. He assigned me the work of collecting all the information regarding the trip.

Check the video here!

I searched every articles regarding the trip got as much information as possible. Thanks to everyone who shared their experience as it was very much helpful. Team BHP was of much help even we were not a member while travelling, we got loads of information from that. My husband got a 3-week vacation from office, took that in advance. We planned it in the second week of May.

We also have a daughter and she is 6 years old. We also had to consider much about her.  But we know she will not make any problem in the back seat if she has something to eat and draw. So, we had to arrange that as a priority.

We really did not spend much time in planning, because we were unsure of buying the vehicle itself. So from March to May, we had only a little time to plan things. We were not worried about the vehicle as it was new, but we had to do the first service. That was another funny part. So need to cover the kilometers. Somehow we made it to 4000 Kilometers just 1 week before our trip and completed the service. We told the service guys that we are planning a long trip, they said the vehicle is fine and you can do it. But we took a tyre inflator with us.

Zoji la Pass

Pangong Lake

Then came the route. Route was finalized by my husband very quickly by selecting the Golden Quadrilateral road to reach there and while returning we choose North South Highway. Used vehicle navigator (it was nearly 100% accurate!), Offline Navi Maps downloaded in the mobile and also some images of maps from Leh to Pangong was taken in case if needed. We started collecting our stuffs in 3 weeks before leaving. Just went to Commercial Street and got almost everything including woolen clothes (Of course did not use few of them..but suggest others to carry those thing  :)).

Medicines were bought just one day before leaving. Thankfully we did not have to use anything. Did not have any plan of the hotels that we are going to stay. Only one thing I made sure was every day by 5pm to 6pm we are going to reach any of the town nearby and look for a stay. No driving on highways beyond 6 Pm. And we could maintain that to an extent.

Goibibo helped us in searching for our daily stay and we could get that for reasonable prices. My husband was the sole driver throughout the journey. As we had to cover the high altitude areas, we were much worried about having breathing difficulties and my Husband had Asthma Problem. So apart from the below listed medicine we also carried Theoasthalin and Asthalin Rotocap. But 3 of us did not had any health related issues. We only had vegetarian food throughout our journey except 2 days as we were worried it would upset our stomach but I was bit tired of eating Paratha most of the days. Packed with many dry fruits, biscuits, few chocolates and some snacks items.

So almost everything was ready by 13th May and we started our journey on 14 th of May. Halted at Satara at Hotel Sagar Deluxe. On May 15 th we had to reach Vadodara , and we stayed there at Hotel Aditi. On 16 May, we reached Ajmer , stayed at Hotel Royal Melenge, visited Ajmer Sharif Dargah . On 17 May, we started early morning reached Jaipur visited Amber Fort , Hawa Mahal , Jal Mahal and left Jaipur around 12 PM.

We reached Ambala by evening and stayed at Kingfisher Resort on the Highway. We had a plan of starting early next morning so that we will have some time at Amritsar. On 18 May We stayed at Vitana Hotel, Amritsar. We went to Wagah Border for the gate opening Ceremony and had a visit to Golden Temple. On 19 May We reached Srinagar, but it was dark when we reached there because of heavy traffic and stayed at Hotel City Plaza and was not very much comfortable.

On 20 May we had a plan of changing the room and also had to find time for sightseeing. We came out to have our Breakfast and just checked nearby for a good stay and changed to Akbar Residency. It was close to the other one. At 3Pm we hired a rickshaw and covered Srinagar with lots of information about the place from the rickshaw driver. He was so helpful and safely took us to all places and gave the guidance too.

On 21 May, we started early morning to Sonamarg and stayed at Snowland Sonamarg. We went to the Snow glaciers which was just in front of the hotel we stayed and had to face little problem from the locals while visiting Snow Glaciers.

By then we were little worried as next day we are going to face the Zoji La, I already had a clear view of Zoji La from all the articles I went through. My husband had the confidence but I was disturbed. My daughter felt so adventurous.  We just discussed with few people about the road condition. Everyone warned us to go so slow and not to worry at all.

On 22 May, morning we just stated and in few minutes, we had to wait near the checkpost as they will leave the vehicle only at 11 AM. So we had many vehicles in queue. And we completed Zojila Pass and the landscapes totally changed. It cannot really be explained. We reached Kargil and stayed at Zojila Residency. On 23 May, we started to Leh and I think I need to write an another article to explain Leh. We stayed at Kanika Mountain View. The owner of the Hotel shared his experience with Zojila Pass and spent some quality time with him discussing about nearby places.

On 24 May, we started to Pangong Tso, and reached there by 12:30 PM. Returned from there at 2:30 PM and reached back to the hotel at 8:00 PM. On 25 May, We visited a Monastery and Lamayuru Monastery and reached back to Kargil by evening and stayed at the same hotel. On 26 May, we started from Kargil early morning at 2 AM as there was a land slide the day before and the road was closed. We reached Udhampur by night and stayed there at Hotel Singh Axis.

On 27 may we reached Noida and stayed at Golden Gate Residency. On 28 May, we started to Agra to visit Taj Mahal. By afternoon we reached Taj Mahal, and stayed at Agra Regal Vista. We did some shopping there.  On 29 May, we reached Nagpur and stayed there at Asian Inn and completed our shopping from there. We changed our plan of returning to Bangalore and thought of reaching Kerala our native and halted at Kurnool – Sign Regency on 30th May. Reached Kerala on 31 May and we completed our trip.

Here is a brief about the kilometers we covered each day and spent for toll

Toll Charges & Kilometers

14 May: 780 – 740 KM

15 May: 704 – 654 KM

16 May: 666 – 677 KM

17 May: 723 – 618 KM

18 May: 272 – 315 KM

19 May: 245 – 458 KM (19 & 20 May)

21 May: 150 – 89 KM

26 May: 70 – 445 KM

27 May: 611 – 680 KM

28 May: 360 – 212 KM

29 May: 1145 – 840 KM

30 May: 719 – 735 KM

31 May: 360

Norflox – Anti Diarrheal, Domstal – Anti Vomiting, Dexona – Anti Mountain Sickness, Gerbisa – Constipation, ORS, Ciplox Eye Drops, Throat Lozenges, First Aid Bandages and Plaster, Crocin, Otrivin Nasal Spray, Paracip were the medicines we had with us. There was many long list out there in many articles when I searched but I just selected what we needed the most.

The places we visited during our journey are Great Banyan Tree at Gujarat and Durghah at Ajmer. Amber Fort, Hawa  Mahal & Jal Mahal at Jaipur, Wagah Border and Golden Temple at Amritsar, Botanical Garden, Pari Mahal, Dal Lake, Mughal Garden at Srinagar and Taj Mahal, Agra on the way back.

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10 Dos and Donts for a road trip to Leh Ladakh, India

This is Part 4   of our 5 part series on planning the ultimate road trip to Leh Ladakh in India. We will cover every aspect – itinerary, accommodation, packing, driving – of planning an unforgettable Ladakh road trip!

Read Part 1 – Leh Ladakh Road Trip I (Gulmarg and Leh Ladakh) (opens in new tab)

Read Part 2 – Leh Ladakh Road Trip II (Nubra, Pangong, and Manali) (opens in new tab)

Read Part 3 – Packing for a road trip to Leh and Ladakh (opens in new tab)

Read Part 5 – Accommodation: Luxury Camping in Ladakh (opens in new tab)

Ladakh is the forbidden land – it boasts of twinkling stars, the highest motorable road in the world, panoramas dotted with monasteries, some of the highest mountain passes in the world, and the brightest rainbows ever! Its  soundlessness and cobalt blue skies seduce visitors in no time. But be warned! There are also treacherous roads by the dozen, patchy connectivity, lack of infrastructure, and traffic jams on aforementioned dubious roads overlooking steep cliffs (no kidding!).

We’ve driven through beautiful scenery in Iceland and New Zealand , so we didn’t quite know what to expect from our Ladakh road trip. Now that we’re back, we can safely say that it surpassed all our expectations. That said, it’s all very good to dream of floating and gliding through this surreal faraway land but keep these 10 things in mind before you plan a road trip to Ladakh:

DO make sure you’re a good driver and comfortable off-roading

Roads start getting worse once you enter the state of Jammu and Kashmir during your road trip to Ladakh. The terrain is gorgeous but quite inhospitable at times – think winding roads, unpaved alleyways overlooking steep cliffs, and traffic jams on high mountain passes. Make sure you’re comfortable with hill driving and never drive if you’re the slightest bit tired. The roads in and around Ladakh need your full attention every second of the way.  Confidence is good, but overconfidence can be hazardous so make sure you never get complacent. Also, try to drive a 4X4 or SUV if possible. It’s not essential but it will make your life easier.

If you’re driving back from Ladakh to Delhi via Manali, expect to encounter slippery roads, potholes, unpaved roads, and stretches of rubble and grit. It’s an ultra-scenic drive – one of the prettiest we’ve been on anywhere in the world – but it’s also a back-breaking one. My backside is hurting just thinking about it 😉

So make sure you’re a competitive driver and you’re comfortable off-roading before you set off on your road trip of Ladakh. Vid drove the entire Delhi-Srinagar-Ladakh-Manali-Delhi stretch himself and LOVED it. However if that doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, you can fly to Leh City or Srinagar and rent a cab with a driver.

DO carry medicines and supplies

Ladakh is one of the remotest areas in the world. Medical supplies can be hard to find in certain areas but it’s best to go well-equipped. Carry a first-aid kit and any medicines that you use on a daily basis. Here are 3 things we feel you should keep in mind:

• Don’t forget to carry tablets for altitude sickness (We carried Diamox but didn’t need it)
• Try to acclimatise to high altitude gradually . This isn’t a problem at all if you’re driving to Ladakh and stopping along the way. The gradual rate of ascent will give you plenty of time to acclimatise to higher altitudes.
• Try to choose hotels or camps that have oxygen supplies, should you need them . Confirm this in advance before booking your accommodation.

Don’t let all this scare you. These are just precautionary measures for it’s better to be safe than sorry. I should add that neither Vid nor I needed to use a single medicine during our 3 week long road trip to Ladakh . As some of you might know, I suffer from allergic bronchitis. Everyone around me kept telling me to be cautious at such high altitudes because oxygen is rare in some parts of Ladakh. However, I did not need to use my inhaler even once in Ladakh – the air is pure here and both of us breathed well. It was only on reaching back to Delhi (and with it, pollution) that my breathing trouble came back 😉

DO carry toilet paper – public toilets are a rarity (and grubby!)

If, like us, you start your road trip of Ladakh in Delhi, then you’ll find the occasional public toilet at a gas station till you reach the state of Jammu and Kashmir. After that, public toilets are few and far in between. Well, you’ll have no option but to err commune with nature 😉 I remember we were repeatedly told to use the ‘Incan Style’ toilet while exploring the Peruvian countryside – it’s the same in India! Ergo don’t forget to carry rolls of toilet paper and hand sanitiser. You’re going to need it!!

DO NOT refer to Google Maps for time frames

Now we drive around in most countries we visit. Usually we refer to Google Maps to estimate the time it will take for us to cover a certain distance. But this apparently common-sensical method doesn’t work in the land of chaos. Don’t ever refer to Google Maps to estimate the time for driving a stretch of road on your road trip to Ladakh.

Let me give you an example: The drive from Gulmarg (Jammu &  Kashmir) to Kargil (Jammu &  Kashmir) is 230 km long i.e. 4-5 hours on paper. Realistically it takes 12-13 hours if you’re driving yourself to Ladakh. As a rule of thumb, start your days early in order to avoid driving on treacherous roads once it’s dark .

 DO make lots of unsolicited stops along the way

Safety isn’t the only reason you should start your drives early on the way to Ladakh. This road trip is one of the most scenic in the world – there are incredible panoramas at every corner. We found ourselves stopping our car every 10 minute to click photographs of azure skies, glaciers, gushing rivers, and rainbows. Drives that were supposed to take 2 hours would often take us 4 hours – but this is Ladakh, the journey is truly what matters. It will leave you gob-smacked!

DO NOT depend on Mobile Connectivity or expect good internet

Mobile connectivity is extremely sparse in Ladakh. Only postpaid Airtel and BSNL connections work in the state of Jammu & Kashmir. However once you cross the town of Sonmarg on your road trip of Ladakh, you will only get connectivity only in a couple of major towns. After the town of Kargil, connectivity is extremely sparse.

Airtel connections work in Leh City and BSNL connections work in most major tourist centres of Ladakh including Leh city, Pangong Lake, and Nubra Valley. Mobile data is but a myth in these parts – there is no 3G connectivity, so it’s next to impossible to browse the internet using your mobile phone. A perfect excuse for a digital detox 😀

Here’s the thing about internet in Ladakh – the speed is pretty decent when wifi connectivity is working well. Most guesthouses, B&Bs, cafes, and hotels have free wifi. However internet in the area is available through BSNL landlines and these are ‘down’ (i.e. not functional) for entire days at a time. If you’re lucky, you’ll get internet in Ladakh but don’t bank on it – or you’ll be disappointed.

If you’re happy disconnecting for a few days, you’ll be in your happy place in Ladakh. As for wifi fiends like yours truly, expect to get frustrated….very frustrated 😉

DO make sure your paperwork is in order

Ladakh is close to the borders with neighbouring countries and as a result there’s a big army presence in the area. If you are a foreign national, in addition to a Visa for India , you will need special permits to visit certain parts of Ladakh. If you are driving a rental vehicle, make sure you have all the documents for the car handy. Please also bear in mind that since 2015, rental cars are not allowed in Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, or Tso Moriri – if you have driven a rental car to Leh, you’ll have to hire a local taxi to visit places beyond Leh City.

DO NOT follow your GPS blindly

We follow our GPS blindly (we love Maps.me !!) in most countries we visit. However this is not a good idea in India. Your GPS will always guide you to the shortest route but there is a high chance of roads on this route being in extremely bad shape.  Let me give you an example of a mistake we made on our road trip of Ladakh :

On crossing the city of Jalandhar (Punjab), our GPS advised us to take ‘shortcuts’ towards Gurdaspur and Binanagar. Instead of following the highway and driving towards Pathankot, we obeyed the GPS. This was the worst idea ever! The roads around Gurdaspur were in horrible condition and we ended up wasting over 2 hours on an already long day.

To avoid such errors, it’s best to follow these 3 things:

• Read up a bit about the route in advance – a number of websites and blogs provide detailed information about these routes. Make sure you read a few recent entries so you are updated about the condition of roads in a particular area.
• Try to stay on the highway as much as possible , even if your GPS suggests otherwise.
• Always ask locals – people  in India are friendly and will go out of their way to help and guide you

DO NOT forget your sunscreen

You can refer to our guide on packing for a road trip in Ladakh for a list of everything we packed for Ladakh.

If you, like me, burn easily, then don’t forget to take a bevy of sunscreens for the face and body. Ladakh’s sun is searing even when the weather is chilly. We like and carry sunscreens by Avene or Kiehls. Shieseido makes some great sunscreens as well.

The altitudes are bound to leave your lips and skin feeling dry and parched. Make sure you carry an ultra moisturising lipbalm with a high SPF.

DO give back (in whatever way you deem fit!)

There’s something I haven’t told you about our road trip to Ladakh. But first look at that cherubic smile??

As some of you might know, it was my birthday just before we left on our road trip of Ladakh. Instead of birthday gifts, I asked all my friends and family to give me as much stationery as they possibly could. They got me TONS of stationery. Vid and I went and added some more stuff to this stash and set out on our road trip to Ladakh with a whole backseat full of stationery- notebooks, crayons,paints, pens etc 🙂 Throughout our road trip we visited local schools that work with less privileged kids in order to give them however much stationery they need for their kids.

The more I travel, the more I realise something : education, something most of us take for granted, is truly the greatest gift of them all. It’s the ONLY way to dispel ignorance and all sorts of societal evils (be it patriarchy, homophobia, casual sexism, or casteism).

So try to give back in some way on your roadtrip to Ladakh. It DOES NOT have to be an earth-shattering endeavour because every little helps. You could teach less-priveleged kids while travelling, take 1 child under your wing, volunteer at a local orphanage, or donate wherever you deem fit – do WHATEVER it takes to spread the gift of education. It’s so rewarding and SO much fun.

And if you ever travel to Ladakh make sure you carry food or stationery (pens, pencils, notebooks) instead of money. Donate it to the local schools here- they could use a helping hand or two!!

That’s it – everything you need to know about planning a road trip to Ladakh. Don’t litter plastic bottles and other such, travel responsibly in this remote area, and have fun savouring gorgeous panoramas 🙂

Previous Post

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Travel Fashion – Packing for a road trip to Leh and Ladakh

46 thoughts on “ 10 dos and donts for a road trip to leh ladakh, india ”.

What a beautiful place! I had no idea a landscape like this exists in India!

Hey Rachel – Ladakh is stunning. Saving some of our favourite photos for our next post 🙂

Rachel, Much more than this , too. I mean in scenic part . I spent almost month in Jammu and Kashmir valley , Zanskar most rural villages of Ladakh & Kargil district and Leh ladakh , Pangong, Nubra and much more beauty in Himachal Pradesh too.

Totally agree with you Maitry 🙂

Hey, I am planning my trip to ladakh in september and I really need your guidance…thank you guys for this do’s & dont’s article..

Hi Radhika,

Hope this helped 🙂 We’ll also be publishing a detailed article on the itinerary soon!

Hi Savi Vid, Is thee any post on itinerary as well? Couldn’t find it.

Hello Priya,

The links to the itinerary and other posts on Ladakh are the first thing in this article 🙂

Hope you find them helpful!

Awesome twosome you both!! Absolutely brilliant you both are not to forgot even ur pics!! Thanks a ton for all the info much needed as we are riding from Bangalore to Leh starting 16th July. Just Looking at ur pics and post makes me go SWAG…hahaaa!! Thank you once again guys.Enjoy, Cheers!!

Thanks a lot Advaith 🙂 Have a look at all our detailed posts on Leh Ladakh here: https://www.bruisedpassports.com/category/india

Enjoy the drive – it’s going to one of the best experiences of your life 🙂

Hi , thank you so much for giving all the detailed information. I have been searching it all before on internet as my friends and I were planning to go to LEH via road, but now all sorted out. Thanks again. I am sure, this will gonna help other too. ??

Hey Nisha – yay – so glad you found our guide helpful 🙂 We wanted to pen down everything one could possibly need for planning a trip to Leh & Ladakh 🙂 Do send us photos when you visit

Hi, Savi & Vid ..I am speechless while reading this post!! All pictures are so alive & breathtaking.. And the way you guys are spreading the gifts of Education is truly splendid! Thanks for being a inspiration for me & my husband! Cheers!

Hey Trisha – thank you so much for that comment 🙂 We’re just doing our bit – hopefully it’ll inspire some of our readers to spread the gift of education as well. Yay

Stunning photos!

I had a question re: Diamox – did you guys take it during your Uyuni adventure? Husband and I are going to Peru and Bolivia next week and have Diamox with us. But I can’t decide whether to take it or not but Uyuni is so high! And they say it’s better to take before going there as it’s more a preventative measure.

Hey Naima – we took it along but never needed to use it. Make sure you send us photos from Peru and Bolivia – we’d LOVE to share them with our readers 🙂

Thank you! Will do…if I can get amazing shots like you guys! :). Should I email them to you guys?

Hey Naima – yes please email them to us 🙂 Happy Travels

Hi Savi Vid, What do u think of this

Doing a campaign called the Spreading Hope – INDIA kidney aware Campaign. For this I am driving from Pondicherry all the way to Ladhakh. Planning on driving from Sept 16 – October 10th or November 1st -25th 2016 I have Manipal group of hospitals, Davita health care, Mohan foundation, bridge of life foundation backing me on this with a huge media campaign. – trying to educate people about pledging their organs. – free screening and educating people about CKD (chronic kidney disease) and offering preventive health care in case they are in the 1st stage of CKD. – spreading awareness among family members to reach out people immediately for organ harvesting after death. – I am a transplant survivor so showing people and giving them hope that we can live normal lives.

Can you help me with tips, logistics, etc please

Hey there – all the best 🙂 You’ll find all our tips and suggestions in the 3 articles linked at the top of this particular article.

Great post. They are all such spectacular landscapes! India is certainly beautiful, and there’s so many things to do there! Traveling certainly presents such an amazing opportunity and can really broaden your perspectives on life and strengthen your understanding and appreciation for other cultures. Thanks for sharing your trip and journey.

Thanks Jane – that is so true. Travelling truly is the greatest teacher of them all – it sounds clichéd but it’s so true 🙂

Thank you so much for sharing your experience.Well i’ve a query..I’m visiting leh-ladakh this month 14 to 23rd with my sweet husband..:)Well, i’ve suggested him to try a bike ride form leh- Hunder via kardungla ..well i would like to to know if that would be safe to travel as a pair to such long distance ..So kindly take some time and update me on this. it would be extremely thankful to ou

Hey Priya – it shouldn’t be a problem. We saw lots of couples on bikes in the area 🙂

Lot of detail to help us plan our trip. Tysm. Savid you’ll are too cute and beautiful inside out.

Thanks a lot Loreta 🙂

which month you guys visited leh ladakh?

Hey we visited in May:)

i’ve a query..I’m visiting leh-ladakh next month 25th May o 03 June with my 2 more friends but SUV Crete ..well i would like to to know if that would be safe to travel as a pair to such long distance ..So kindly take some time and update me on this.

Hi yes it is absolutely safe to travel as a couple in Ladakh. That’s what we did too 🙂

Hey SaviVid, I have been following your trips since a long time now. They have been really helpful. I myself am planning a trip to Leh Ladakh in August , so can you suggest the must eat food to eat there. I am a food blogger so, will help me a lot. Thankyou.

Hey Pragati – food is quite precious is Ladakh as the area is snowed under most of the year, so unfortunately you’ll mostly find momos, maggi noodles, and north indian staples like dal makhani 🙂

Amazing! I am planning a trip to Ladakh with my friends and this is just the article I need. Thank you so much for giving all the detailed information about your trips and experiences. I have been searching it all before on the internet before stumbling upon your blog as my friends and I are planning to go to Leh-Ladakh trip via road. Thanks for sharing this wonderful blog. I loved it

So happy to hear that you found our detailed narrative of a road trip in Ladakh helpful. Have fun 🙂

planning to go on bikes coming month. dare to do…. oppsssss.. kindly suggest some more tips,if ur went there.

All tips for a road trip to Leh Ladakh already in the 4-5 articles on Ladakh on our website 🙂

Very informative blog, I got more information before visiting ladakh through this article. Thank You for this wonderful help. Please tell me, do we get get any permit issues while driving from one place to another place in ladakh?

There shouldn’t be any permit issues as long as you’re in your own vehicle – they don’t let you take rental vehicles from Leh to say Pangong or Khardung-La or Tso Moriri.

Great information, Thank You for this wonderful help!

Hii … i just need 1 suggestion that i just recovered from covid in May 01st eek … can i go to leh now ??? can i have oxygen problem there ???

Hi Akshay – I believe you should wait for at least 3 months and then consult with your doctor before visiting Leh as oxygen levels can be really low there

Thanks for providing this informative blog on Ladakh, I am planning to visit Ladakh this winter, and after reading your blog here, it helped me clear all the doubts.

am going for solo trip tp himachal …. and this is the first time am going to mountains …… so should i prefer bike but dad keeps me saying that you should go through a car

Hello guys!! Wonderful article with lovely insights! Was planning a road trip to Leh Ladakh in my private vehicle from mid May to mid June. Will that be an ideal time to travel?? Will the Srinagar-Leh highway be functional ??

I took the trip on the old winding road back in the seventies with my husband and young son. It was scary, but unbelievable. We visited monasteries on the way. I can’t remember the names. My son was a birder and collecting pictures of birds to take back to school. The monks asked him if he would exchange his bird book for one of their books. They consisted of sheets paper wrapped in a silk cloth and held together with polished wood covers. The monks invited us to join them in their evening prayer and meditation. They served us yak butter tea. It tasted terrible, but we had to pretend it was delicious!

Wow Sheila!! that does sound like such an adventure in Ladakh 🙂

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Ladakh blog — how to plan leh ladakh trip & suggested ladakh itinerary 15 days.

As soon as I sat down in the plane that would finally take me home, I closed my eyes and remembered my first journey in India. In the colorful pieces of Ladakh, I forever remember the small craggy roads and narrow, steep trails, the majestic snowy mountains, the stunning turquoise rivers bending between the narrow rocky banks, the strong winds blowing the Buddhist prayer flags (lungta), kind indigenous people I met… In that place, people quietly mingled with nature as if everything had been settled for eternity.

• Ladakh travel tips — 11+ Ladakh tips & things to know before going to Ladakh
• What to buy in Ladakh? — Top 9+ Ladakh souvenirs & must things to buy in Ladakh
• Ladakh trip blog — The journey to the fairyland of India
• Zanskar Ladakh travel blog — The ultimate guide with top things to do in Zanskar Valley for first-timers
• New Delhi travel blog — The fullest New Delhi travel guide for first-timers

So, how to plan Leh Ladakh trip from Delhi, how to travel in Leh Ladakh and how to spend 15 days in Ladakh? Let’s check out our Ladakh blog (Ladakh travel blog, Ladakh trip blog) to find out the best itinerary for Ladakh from Delhi (Ladakh itinerary from Delhi, Leh Ladakh itinerary, Ladakh trip itinerary) on how to spend 2 weeks in the fairyland of India as well as how much does a trip to Ladakh cost, useful Ladakh travel tips before you go and which month is best for Ladakh!

I have never been to a place where I was as well prepared as I was to go to Ladakh. Partly because Ladakh is remote land in the far north of India, located in the state of Jammu & Kashmir, where is considered the crown of India, and bordered by Tibet and Pakistan. Here, the media is limited, goods are not as much and available as the places I usually have been to. Ladakh already was deserted, very high altitude, the lowest place was 3000m above sea level but the highest pass even over 5000m. Knowing that my health was not very good, I did not know, if I could reach that altitude, how my health would be. Fortunately, after experiencing of 17 days there, there were no serious problems, except for the boundless appetite for “meat” and the absent-mindedness as a pregnant-like woman in the first few days when I returned home. Some of the little experiences I’ve recorded below for the next time and I hope it will help you on your upcoming trip to Ladakh :).

Which month is best for Ladakh?

The best time to come is from May to early October. The rest of the months, the weather is bad, the snow is thick, the temperature is down to -30 degrees Celsius, many roads will be banned, tourist areas, hotels, houses and shops will be closed.

Ladakh blog: Leh Ladakh itinerary

Here is my summary of my Ladakh itinerary from Delhi, I followed a tour and I think it would be the best itinerary for Ladakh in 15 days (approximately 2 weeks).

• Day 0 : Toulouse – Delhi
• Day 1: Delhi – Agra – Delhi (each way: 240 km, 5 hours)
• Day 2: Fly from Delhi to Leh, resting to get used to the altitude
• Day 3: Visit monasteries around Leh (Hemis, Thiksey, Leh Palace)
• Day 4: Leh – Chang La – Pangong Tso or Pangong Lake (200 km, 6 hours)
• Days 5 + 6 : Pangong – Tso Moriri (11 hours), Tso Moriri – Leh (8 hours)
• Day 7: Ride a motorbike in Leh, visit Stok, Matho, Starna monasteries

Day 8: Leh – Pasgo Monastery – Alchi Monastery – Lamayuru – Mulberk- Kargil (222 km, 8 hours)

• Day 9: Kargil – Suru valley – Rangdum – Lang Tso, Stat Tso Twin Lakes – Drang-Drung Glacier – Padum (240 km, 12 hours)
• Day 10: Sani Village, Karsha Monastery, Dzongkul Gompa Fortress
• Day 11: Trekking to Phuktal Monastery, through Cha village (12 km, 6 hours trek)
• Day 12: Trekking from Phuktal to Anmu, through Purney village (Purne, Purni) (13.5 km, 7 hours trek)
• Day 13 : Padum – Rangdum Monastery – Kargil (240 km, 12 hours)
• Day 14: Kargil – Zoji La – Srinagar (200 km, 6 hours)

Day 15: Srinagar – Delhi

• Day 16: Delhi – Toulouse

Leh Ladakh itinerary: How to go?

We bought a tour from a local tour agency for 15 days, from the time when we got off the plane in Leh to the time when we got to the airport in Srinagar. In the preparation, my friend made a detailed itinerary, then contacted the tour operators in Ladakh to ask for a quote, then bargain and choose. The 15-day tour included accommodations (or tent in Pangong), a private car with driver, daily breakfast and 2 dinners at 2 lakes. The hostel is very good, the room for 2 people, clean, with hot water (except stay in tents at 2 lakes), so the bathing is very comfortable and pleasant.

Link to the tour company that my friend booked at: http://www.triptohimalayatours.com/

You also can directly contact with the driver Kunga for my group. He is enthusiastic and drives very careful and is about to start his own company. Facebook: Skal Kunga Kndguys Aback , Whatsapp: +919469229149.

Tour prices vary greatly from company to company. There was a group of 4 people traveling on the same day with us and the per capita price was 3 times more expensive for a slightly shorter itinerary.

Ladakh travel tips: Prepare before you go

• Applying for a visa or e-visa. E-visa is cheaper, only 50 USD (price in 2019, has now increased to 80 USD), e-visa is valid for 2 months from the time of first entry, can go in and out twice. Applying an e-visa is very quick, only after 2 days to receive it. When you receive an email with an e-visa, you need to go back to the ETA page to print the visa sheet (the sheet with the photo, the confirmation email is not valid on arrival). With an E-visa you can only enter India by air. Arriving at Delhi airport, the queue maybe is short, but the wait will be a bit long. Link to apply for e-visa: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html . Visitors in Hanoi or Saigon can apply for a paper visa, which costs $103 and is valid for 1 year, multi-entry.
• Buy a good type of travel insurance because this trip is going to the very very far, one of the most isolated places in the world along with risks and dangers.

Ladakh travel blog: How much does Ladakh trip cost?

You can refer the trip costs for a Leh Ladakh itinerary for 15 days as follows:

• E-Visa: $50 (price in 2019, now increased to $80).
• Travel insurance: $100.
• International airfare and 2 domestic flights: $550 + $150
• Day tour from Delhi to Agra including car with driver pick up and drop off at hotel: 8000 INR ($125) for 5 people.
• Tour for 2 weeks in Ladakh including accommodations (except a night in Phuktal), car with driver, daily breakfast, 2 dinners at Lake Pangong and Tso Moriri: $375 / 1 person, group of 10 people, sleeping in a double room.
• Porter cum guide to Phuktal Monastery from Anmu village (will go with group from Padum): 2400 INR ($38) / 1 porter.
• Overnight at a guesthouse at the foot of Phuktal Monastery: 1000 INR ($15) / 1 person. The guesthouse has only 4 rooms, there is no way to book in advance, anyone who comes early will have a room, otherwise can ask to sleep at the monastery or go back to Purney.
• Overnight at a hotel near Delhi airport: $30 to $50 / 1 good double room. With $50 you could stay at 4-star hotel.
• Eating, cooking, admissions: $150.

Total cost, excluding gifts: 1300 – 1400 USD / 1 person.

Ladakh travel blog: What to prepare for a Ladakh trip?

Bring enough for 15-20 days in autumn, late September, early October, if you stay in a place for a few days, for example in Leh, you can use a laundry service, so you can bring less clothes).

• 1 3-in-1 jacket with duck feather inner layer, windproof and waterproof outer layer, 2 layers can be separated.
• 3 merino sweaters (this is thin, light, cool when you need it, warm when you need it) or heattech.
• 3 breathable, quick-drying sport short-sleeve t-shirts.
• 4 pairs of socks.
• A hat or corset.
• 1 pair of thin gloves. I use tennis gloves, which are thin but have grip and hold the camera well.
• 3 light trek pants or skinny jeans, no need to wear thick pants because it’s not too cold.
• 1 wide cloth scarf, no need to be too thick to wear and block the sun.
• 1 pair of low-cut trekking shoes, the trekking route into Phuktal is not too thorny, so you can wear low-cut trekking shoes, not necessarily to wear high-cut shoes.
• 1 pair of flip-flops or bathroom slippers.

Our group suffers from the food in Ladakh because the people here are mainly vegetarian. If lucky can find an eatery with meat, it is also very salty and spicy, with a lot of curry, difficult to eat. However, if you just go around Leh, you don’t need to bring much food because here you can go to the market to buy chicken or goat to cook for yourself, the food sold at restaurants in Leh and around is also okay. Going towards Zanskar, the good food is harder to find and you can’t buy meat at markets, only eggs and eggs.

• Spices, soup powder, soy sauce in packs, small bottles.
• Noodles, vermicelli, snacks, instant porridge… (should bring many kinds of foods because you will have to eat continuously).
• Pork, shrimp (can make soups).
• Jerky beef, chicken, pork.
• Cured meat.
• Canned meat, pate, fish (I can’t find fish anywhere in Ladakh, so this dish is very rare).
• Herbal tea, ginger tea.
• Dried seaweed to make soup.
• Dried soup.
• Rice and glutinous rice to make sticky rice (if you like, because the rice in Ladakh is very hard and foul).

• Headache, runny nose, cough drugs.
• Diarrhea drug.
• Multi-vitamin tablets.
• Wound bandage (ego).
• Those who often get sick should bring medicine to prevent that disease.
• Sunscreen, the sun at high altitudes is very bright and harmful to the skin.
• Moisturizing cream for lips, face, hands, body.
• Nasal medicine to avoid nosebleeds at high altitudes and cold and dry weather: 5g tube of Bepanthen.
• Water purification tablets (if going on a trek, so that I don’t have to carry a lot of water for days, go anywhere, get spring water there), I use Micropur of Katadyn brand, bought in France for €11 / 100 tablets, can purify 100 liters of water (with a box of 50 tablets).
• Vitamins to increase brain blood circulations, start taking it 2, 3 weeks before going.
• Drugs for high altitude sickness. Below is the prescription the doctor wrote for me. However, if you want to use it, you should see a doctor for a prescription that is suitable for your health, not everyone can take anti-altitude medicine. These drugs, only use if you feel symptoms, don’t need to take them first:  Prednisolone 20 mg (2.5 tablets / day, suck in mouth in morning after breakfast, should not be taken in evening because the drug contains cortisoide causing difficulty sleeping), this dosage is for people weighing 50 kg. Or Diamox (Acetazolamide) 250 mg: If the above drug still does not help, then take this drug, maximum 2 tablets in the morning and afternoon.

Other things

• Compact sleeping bag, no need to be too warm because in guesthouses have all blankets. I use Quechua’s FORCLAZ 15° LIGHT, which can be combined into a double bag, very compact, weighing just over 600 gr.
• 1 quick-drying microfiber bath towel.
• Thermal water bottle.
• Normal water bottle, at night you can pour hot water into it to hug to keep warm.
• Trekking water bag (if any).
• Sunglasses.
• Shampoo, conditioner packs.
• Wet tissue wipes body and other parts.
• Dry hand sanitizer.
• 1 roll of toilet paper in case something goes wrong.

• Wet makeup remover wipes.
• Sanitary napkins (in high mountains prone to early).
• Mini hair dryer for travel (if needed).

Ladakh blog: Where to exchange money?

The exchange rate at the end of March 2022

• In Delhi airport : $1 = 76 INR
• Near hotels next to Delhi airport and in Agra next to Taj Mahal: $1 = 80 INR, €1 = 83 INR
• In Leh airport : $1 = 79 INR

Below I summarize my Leh Ladakh itinerary for 15 days (2 weeks) which divided into 4 parts as follows.

Part 1: Agra

Day 1: delhi – agra – delhi (each way: 240 km, 5 hours).

I flew with Turkish Airlines from Toulouse and landed at Delhi airport (transiting in Istanbul) at 6am. My friends from Saigon arrived at 4am. After queuing for entry (I have already e-visa), I went straight to the door to get in the car to Agra in the pouring rain.

In Delhi, vehicles don’t seem to follow any rules. Each lane of motorbikes, cars, passenger cars, trucks, is crisscrossing each other. The rain was getting heavier and heavier, streaming on the glass, soaking the dusty road, forming a slippery brown mud. Many accidents, big and small, normal and serious were scattered over the distance of more than 200km until we reached Agra at past noon.

Agra is famous for having the Taj Mahal, which Karl Pilkington in “An Idiot Abroad” movie once described as “like a diamond in a turd”. That funny and sarcastic say prompted me to come here. There are three entrance gates to the Taj Mahal, of which the east gate is the most deserted. The entrance fee for foreigners is 1000 INR ($15.5). Buying tickets to the Taj Mahal first, you will get you free admission to the Baby Taj (Tomb of Itimah-ud-Daulah), one of Agra’s other interesting attractions.

Ladakh blog: Part 2: Leh, Lake Pangong Tso, Lake Moriri Tso

Leh Ladakh itinerary — Day 2: Leh

Returning to Delhi from the night before, this morning we boarded a plane to Leh, the heart of Ladakh. Delhi morning is still white clouds. Yet Leh welcomed me with the blue sky and golden autumn sun on my shoulders.

Leh is a lovely town that made me fall in love at first sight. Located at an altitude of 3500m, the air here has thinned a lot, made me struggle to breath after each step. All day today we have only one thing to do: Resting, take a gentle walk to get used to the thin air, avoid high altitude shock (with symptoms of shortness of breath, headache, dizziness, insomnia, worse will be vomiting, fainting).

Vegetables and fruits in Leh are many, freely to buying apples and apricots were in season. We came right during on the occasion of 9 days of local vegetarianism, so it was difficult to buy meat and the restaurants also only sell vegetarian food or a little bit of chicken. Wanting to cook for ourselves, we went to the only frozen chicken shop open these days located in the basement of Golden Bakery in the Main market area.

Best itinerary for Ladakh — Day 3: Monasteries around Leh (Hemis, Thiksey, Leh Palace)

Around Leh, there are many large and small monasteries, of which I like Thiksey the most with a beautiful view from the top of the monastery down to the valley that is turning golden in early autumn, surrounded by majestic snow-capped mountains.

The sun was setting behind the mountains in western Leh as I climbed to the roof of the 16th-century fortress of Tsemo (Victory), above Leh Palace with simple, makeshift wooden ladders. The wind blew the lungta strings (Buddhist prayer flags), a little cloud drifted, and darkness fell over Leh.

Day 4: Leh – Chang La – Pangong Lake (200 km, 6 hours)

After the first night of having trouble sleeping because of the cold and the side effects of anti-altitude drugs in Leh, I slept a little better tonight. We left Leh for Pangong early in the morning. The road is more than 200km long but it takes more than 6 hours of continuous driving, going through 2 TCP (Traffic Check Point) to check permits and passports. The presence of Indian troops closer to Pangong Lake becomes more apparent as the area has remained a hotbed of hostilities with China until now.

The car passing the breathtaking curves of the road, taking us higher and higher. The leaves became more and more yellow, until the ground was covered with only a little moss, and then there were only gravel and stones. The air outside was getting colder and colder. The clock shows altitude of 4000m, 4200m then 4500m. I felt a little chest tightness when the car crossed the 4800m line. And then when the road seemed to be endless, the driver informed us that we were at Chang La (Southern Pass), at an altitude of 5360 m.

Stepping out of the car, I felt as if I was getting drunk and had to run a cross country. The wind seemed stronger, the sun seemed brighter, making me stagger and dizzy. At this altitude, a coffee shop was erected right next to 3 toilets built in a very “Ladakh” style. The concrete floor is carved a hole with the size as big as a brick in the middle, below is a deep mountainside that sucks in the wind, sitting here was extremely cool.

Through Chang La Pass, the car gradually decreased in altitude until the blue color of Pangong Lake – “Lake of the high green steppes” appeared. Pangong Tso is the largest saltwater lake in the state of Jammu & Kasmir at an altitude of 4300m above sea level. Close to the lake, a few restaurants were set up to serve tourists. Walking a little further from this area, only a few hundred meters, the lakeside was much quieter, almost empty. The lake is very long, wide and very blue, reflecting the mountains and the sky. I put my backpack and sat down in the middle of a strip of land by the lake. The cold wind and fresh air made me suddenly feel at peace.

The sunlight was not yet golden when the sun went down behind the mountain. The air was warm but suddenly someone’s hand was turned off.

Night falls, bringing with it the twinkling stars. Here the sky is high and clear, looking up I can clearly see the galaxy and sometimes a shooting star pass by, bringing a wish.

Ladakh blog: Day 5, 6: Pangong – Moriri Tso (11 hours), Tso Moriri – Leh (8 hours)

Early this morning I set off from Pangong to Tso Moriri. There is a straight road connecting the two lakes, but this road is close to the Chinese border, only Chinese and Indians can go. So, the car had to go around to check point Karu, right near Leh, making the journey will be 11 hours long.

This morning, after a tiring and cold night in Pangong, everyone in the car was asleep. I have more time to enjoy the view. The morning sun also makes the sky bluer. The mix of light and dark makes the scenery of mountains, lakes and streams more depth. Suddenly I found myself relaxing to the music, swinging along every curve of the pass. Before the vast and majestic natural landscape, with the height about to reach the top of 5300m, I dream with a bit adventure.

In this area, Indian troops are present everywhere. The road from Chang La to Leh is often congested because many army trucks go up and down, entangled with tourist cars, avoiding each other on the narrow stone road.

If the road to Pangong is mostly spectacular bends with a wide view of the valley on both sides of Chang La pass, the road to Tso Moriri is completely different, I personally find it a bit more romantic.

There are two ways to Tso Moriri.

Departure route: Karu – Chumathang – Tso Kiagar – Tso Moriri

Initially, the car followed the banks of the Indus River (Singee Tsangpo River), the leaves dyed yellow on both sides, making the scene both wild and charming. After riding for about three hours, the road gradually moved away from the river bank and got lost in the middle of the towering gorges. Then the car went uphill, back to the stunning bends but not as long and high as going to Pangong. At an altitude of about 4,600m, in front of me is a vast steppe, in the middle is Tso Kiagar lake. This season, the grass and moss have both turned light brown, highlighting the deep emerald water color. I love that emerald color, love the late afternoon sunlight, love the horses grazing freely, love the winding road along the lake that throws dust every time a car passes by.

Then Tso Moriri also appeared in front of me when the sun had completely set behind the mountains, leaving only one last halo.

Return way: Tso Moriri – Tso Kar (salt lake) – Tanglang la (5328 m) – Karu – Leh

The scenery on this way is more wild than the road along the Indus River yesterday. The car go through the desert. Tso Kar salt lake has a strange beauty, both thorny and lonely. The bends bring the car up to Tanglang La pass at an altitude of 5,328 m (there is also a sign that says it is the second highest pass in the world just like Chang La pass). On the other side of the pass, the brown mountain ranges stretch, connect, immense and attract the eye.

At the end of the road, the car took us back to the Indus river valley. I was going back to Leh. After a long and hard journey, returning to Leh was as warm as coming home!

Ladakh itinerary — Day 7: Motorbike ride in Leh, Stok Monastery, Matho, Starna

Today we spent a day traveling around visiting monasteries near Leh (Stok, Matho, Starna) by motorbike. Unlike Hemis, these places are quiet and peaceful, bringing the true purity of a religious site. I could stand all day at the top of Matho Monastery without getting bored, watching the Indus River valley turn golden in autumn, letting the wind from the snow-capped peaks blow my hair.

Starna Monastery, which people often call Tiger Temple, is located on a small ridge close to the banks of the green Indus river that bends as soft as a silk. Looking back from afar, Starna seems to have stepped out of a fairy tale, where the scenery is harmonious and emotions are at ease.

Ladakh blog — Part 3: Zanskar

This morning we left Leh, turning our faces one last time, Leh has become so dear since.

The road from Leh to Kargil with many small monasteries, somewhat older than the area around Leh, especially Alchi, built in the 11th century, inside there are many ancient statues and a quiet small garden, making anyone who come here to visit has a peaceful feeling, all fatigue and sorrow are all gone.

Thanks to its special geological structure, the area around Lamayuru is called Moonland. It is said that this place a few hundred years ago was located at the bottom of the lake, now it has dried up.

After a long day of traveling, we reached Kargil when the last rays of the day had disappeared. Kargil is a strange piece, a dark puzzle piece in the colorful picture of Ladakh. I came across a desolate city. It was only 6 or 7 pm on Saturday, most of the shops were closed, only a few restaurants remained, in the dim lights. Our driver, Kunga, explained that tomorrow is a major Muslim holiday (Muslims account of 90% of the city’s population), everything closes early, and tomorrow morning the whole city will be isolated completely.

In the only restaurant still open and selling meat, a popular eatery, a few Kargil people leaned down to eat, silent, austere glances bent over the table.

Ladakh trip itinerary — Day 9: Kargil – Suru Valley – Rangdum – Twin Lakes of Lang Tso and Stat Tso – Drang-Drung Glacier – Padum (240 km, 12 hours)

We left Kargil very early, before the city woke up, both to avoid being stuck here when the roads were blocked, and to reach Padum before dark. That day was a very long day, even though it was just over 240 km, it took us 12, 13 hours of traveling because the road was bad, there were many narrow sections like trails.

The bends took us to the high valley of Suru (Valley of Flowers) located between the rugged mountains, including the two highest peaks in region: the Nun and Kun, more than 7,000m above sea level. Surrounded by sharp mountains, covered with snow all year round, Rangdum is located in the middle of a vast basin, in what seems to be a lonely, solitary place, with nothing but strong winds and blazing sun.

The twin lakes of Lang Tso – Stat Tso and the Drang-Drung glacier are located on both sides of the Pensi pass (Pensi La), the gateway to the Zanskar valley. On the other side of the pass, towards Padum, the arid, rocky desert gives way to a more lively, cozy scene. Small villages nestled at the foot of the mountains, several long-haired black yaks roaming here and there. On the hillside, along the stream, the yellow leaves were caressing, warming a sunny autumn afternoon.

In Ating village, about 30 minutes by car from Padum, people were shooting the last arrow of the archery semi-final round as we passed. We all jumped out of the car, drank wine and sang together as if we had known each other for a long time. The Zanskar people welcomed us with warm arms. So, who wouldn’t love?

Leh Ladakh itinerary — Day 10: Sani Village, Karsha Monastery, Dzongkul Monastery

Padum lies in the heart of a vast valley, under the shadow of high sharp, serrated mountains covered with snow. Around here, there is no shortage of beautiful monasteries hanging on the mountainsides, peacefully standing for many generations.

I love Karsha Monastery the most, located across the valley from Padum. Squinting at the high mountains rising from Karsha, I felt so small in front of the vast but fierce nature. In the campus, the late afternoon sunlight left leaves shadows on the white walls with brown doorways. This place was so quiet, so lonely. Stopped for a minute, I just noticed the wind was blowing and the sun was lazily, sad and warm.

Ladakh blog Day 11 — Trekking to Phuktal Monastery, through Cha Village (12 km, 6 hours trek)

Standing in front of Phuktal in the dark purple afternoon, my friend said, “In a such place like this, if you don’t practice meditation, what can you do?”. The say made me laugh, forgetting even tired after a long trek of about 12 km, precarious at an altitude of 4,000m.

Phuktal is the oldest monastery in Zanskar, isolated from the outside world, and in my opinion, the most beautiful. Maybe I find Phuktal beautiful ten thousand times more because of the effort it takes to reach this place once. Leaving Padum at 6:30am, the car took me over a road of more than 30 km, poetic but unbelievably dangerous, arriving in Anmu at 9:10am. From here, the trek began gently, not too up, not too down, reaching Cha village after 2 and a half hours.

Leaving Cha village, a steep slope waited for us just as the sun was setting overhead. After that, the road gently sloped down, there were a few sections of rock falling close to the edge of the road, a bit difficult to go but no one had any serious problem.

From above, I dreamily watched the Tsarap River twist between two narrow gorges. The river was so clear, yet so green. The mountains was so high, yet so majestic. The afternoon sun touched the top of the mountain, melting into rays, making the water glitter, making the rock face pink. Why was it so beautiful, mesmerising!?

7 km from Cha village, it took us more than 3 hours to reach the guesthouse located at the foot of the monastery. Phuktal is located completely isolated, no phone signal, no internet. Here, just me and nature, we can forget all our troubles.

Day 12: Trekking from Phuktal back to Anmu, through Purney Village (Purne, Purni) (13.5 km, 7 hours trek)

The road from Phuktal to Anmu through Putney village is a bit longer (1.5 km) than the road through Cha village (on the other side of the river). This road is not as smooth as yesterday, up and down non-stop, across three small passes and two wooden suspension bridges over the Tsarap River. Leaving Phuktal at 6:50am, after 3 hours, I arrived in Purney.

Purney is located at the confluence of rivers. Just below, the turbid green Kargiakh River flows from the Shingjula Pass (Shingo La) into the clear flow of the Tsarap River. Purney is so beautiful this season, the endless yellow leaves on the mountainside, the small white houses are quietly nestled in the early morning sun.

Another 2 hours from Purney, I reached the second suspension bridge at 12am. The climb up from the river bank is very steep and full of crushed rock, it is not recommended to go down this road. If you want to trek Phuktal by two different routes, going through Cha village and back through Purney is the most reasonable.

Day 13: Padum – Rangdum Monastery – Kargil (240 Km, 12 Hours)

Kargil is an almost mandatory break on the 18-hour journey from Padum to Srinagar. The scenery of Zanskar in my eyes has gradually become familiar although everything is still beautiful on every bend. A strong wind swept over the mountainside today, swirling dust around the valley.

I went to Kargil tonight, I thought I was in another city, not as lonely as 4 days ago, the streets were bustling and busy again. Only the internet was cut off for all day without any reason.

Day 14: Kargil – Zoji La – Srinagar (200 Km, 6 Hours)

Today was our last day in the car. After over ten days of wandering, swaying on short distances but long in time, I was able to get used to the feeling of sitting on potholes, no longer sure I will miss it.

The road from Kargil to Sirinagar can be called smooth. The road has been paved to a large part, with only a few sections left unfinished or under repair. This road passes many military barracks, trucks and passenger cars follow each other. Referring to trucks, vehicles in Ladakh are very special. Most of them are decorated with elaborate colorful patterns, the words “Blow horn” are capitalized on the back, which my sister roughly translates to “Blow horn”.

Arriving in Srinagar, I found myself revived. How much fatigue after a long trip seemed to disappear when the beautiful small boat took me surfing on the calm and cool lake. Srinagar’s Dal Lake is very beautiful, although not as deep and blue as Pangong or Tso Moriri, but much more rustic and warm.

In a corner of the lake, wooden floating houses are anchored as accommodations for tourists. Small boats, hand-rowing, taking guests from floating houses to shore and go around. The afternoon sun spread down the golden lake surface. So serenity, tranquil, so peaceful.

Morning boat ride on Dal lake is also very interesting and lively. If you want to go to the local floating fruit and vegetable market, you will have to get up early because the market only opens from 5 am to 7 am.

This afternoon I went to the airport to return to Delhi, preparing for the long journey back home. Srinagar Airport is about 30 minutes by car from the city. I don’t know if it’s because Srinagar is still in the combat zone but I’ve never seen the baggage check so many times.

Near the airport, all passengers have to show their air tickets and get off the bus, check our belongings and do a first body check. Men can stay on spot, women have to go into a curtained box like a dressing room, private check.

Upon entering the airport, passengers have to present their tickets, check their belongings and check body a second time.

After queuing for checked baggage, passengers have to check their hand luggage and undergo a third body check. Then go to identify the checked baggage inside. Only suitcases that are identified and marked will be allowed bring on board.

At the boarding gate, after checking the boarding pass, the passenger is entitled to a fourth personal check-up, and any bag can be opened and checked again.

On the way to the plane, don’t put your boarding pass away because the flight attendants will check the boarding pass and passport twice more.

My plane transited in Jammu, close to the Pakistani border. Jammu airport is surrounded by a camouflage fence, along the runway there are armored vehicles waiting. When stopping at Jammu, after a part of the passengers disembarked, the airport staff went to open each carry-on luggage compartment, asking each of the remaining passengers who the remaining luggage belonged to. Seeing that they checked too closely, I was also a bit embarrassed. But hey, already sitting here, if we don’t know the reason, we don’t have to worry!

Ladakh travel blog — Part 4: Going home

When I staggered with each heavy step on the slope covered with dust and wind blowing, I wondered: “I have a cozy home, a warm bed and a soft mattress, why not enjoy it but bring myself here to do something for the extreme?”. Then at that moment, I remembered the people I met on the roads, the gentle smiles of the old women standing in front of their white houses with the brown door frames, the gentle eyes of the mothers holding their children, the innocent faces of children born in the wilderness, growing up like weeds. I also recall the moments when the blue lake appeared behind a bend, or when the sun rose and lit up the whole space bring vitality to everything, when two rivers of different colors merged into one. And from there, I know why I’m here. Every trip makes me happy twice. Once when I walked on a long road, when beautiful images filled my eyes and beautiful emotions filled my heart. And the other time is when I return, push the door to the house, where the people I love still waiting.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Leh-Ladakh-Zanskar you can refer to

• 10D9N Discover Ladakh, India from Singapore [All-Inclusive]
• 7D6N Ladakh Private Tour
• 6D5N Ladakh Private Tour
• 9D8N Chadar Frozen River Trekking Experience
• 11D10N Stok Kangri Summit Trek from Leh

Read more Ladakh trip blog: Ladakh trip blog — The journey to the fairyland of India and India guide here .

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Road Trip to Leh Ladakh: Everything You Need to Know

Imagine driving through rugged mountain landscapes, crossing high-altitude passes, and exploring remote villages nestled among the mighty Himalayas. A road trip to Leh Ladakh offers all this and more, making it an adventure of a lifetime. Situated in the northernmost part of India, Leh Ladakh is a region synonymous with breathtaking beauty, ancient monasteries, and an unmatched sense of tranquility. Whether you are a nature lover, thrill-seeker, or simply in search of a unique travel experience, a road trip to Leh Ladakh should be at the top of your bucket list.

But embarking on a road trip to this mystic land is not just about packing your bags and hitting the road. It requires careful planning, knowledge about the weather conditions, understanding the logistics, and being prepared for the challenges that come along the way. From obtaining the necessary permits to acclimatizing to high altitudes, there are several factors to consider to make your journey safe, comfortable, and truly memorable.

In this comprehensive guide, we bring you everything you need to know about planning a road trip to Leh Ladakh. From the best time to visit and the different routes you can take, to the essential items you must pack and the precautions you should take, we’ve got you covered. So, fasten your seatbelts and get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure as we unravel the mysteries of Leh Ladakh and help you make the most of your road trip.

First and foremost, let’s talk about the best time to plan your road trip to Leh Ladakh. Due to its high altitude and extreme weather conditions, Leh Ladakh is only accessible for a few months of the year. The best time to visit is generally from May to September when the snow melts, and most of the roads are open. During this period, the temperatures are milder, and the landscapes are adorned with vibrant colors, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

When it comes to choosing a route for your road trip, there are several options to consider, each offering its own unique charm. The most popular and commonly taken routes are the Srinagar-Leh Highway and the Manali-Leh Highway. The Srinagar-Leh Highway takes you through picturesque valleys, enchanting lakes, and the famous Zoji La Pass, while the Manali-Leh Highway treats you to mesmerizing vistas of snow-capped peaks, dramatic gorges, and the challenging Rohtang Pass.

Before you hit the road, it’s crucial to understand that a road trip to Leh Ladakh is not your typical leisurely drive. The terrains can be rough, the weather unpredictable, and the mountain passes can be treacherous. It is essential to be well-prepared and have a well-maintained vehicle, suitable for tackling the challenging conditions. Additionally, it is highly recommended to acclimatize to the high altitudes gradually and stay hydrated to avoid altitude sickness.

As you embark on this epic journey, there are also a few permits and documents that you need to arrange beforehand. Foreigners visiting Leh Ladakh need to obtain an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to explore certain areas restricted for non-Indians. Indian nationals also require an ILP if they plan to visit areas like Pangong Tso, Nubra Valley, or Tso Moriri. These permits can be obtained online or from tourism offices in Leh or other designated places.

In this guide, we will dive deeper into these aspects and provide you with valuable information on accommodation options, places to visit, local customs, and much more. So, get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey as we uncover the treasures of Leh Ladakh and equip you with everything you need to know to make your road trip an extraordinary experience.

Best Time to Visit Leh Ladakh

When planning a road trip to Leh Ladakh, it’s important to consider the best time to visit. Due to its location in the high Himalayas, Leh Ladakh experiences extreme weather conditions throughout the year. Therefore, choosing the right time to visit can significantly enhance your overall experience. Here are the two main seasons to consider:

• Summer Season (May to September):  The summer season, from May to September, is considered the best time to visit Leh Ladakh. During these months, the weather is pleasant and the temperatures range from 15°C to 30°C during the daytime. The roads leading to Leh Ladakh are accessible and most passes, such as the famous Khardung La, are open for tourists. This is also the peak tourist season, so you can expect a higher number of travelers and more services available.
• Winter Season (October to April):  The winter season in Leh Ladakh, from October to April, is known for extreme cold and heavy snowfall. The temperatures during this time can drop well below freezing point, reaching as low as -30°C. Many of the roads leading to Leh Ladakh are closed due to heavy snowfall, making accessibility limited. However, if you are an adventure seeker or a photographer, the winter months offer a unique opportunity to witness the surreal landscapes covered in snow. It is essential to be well-prepared with proper winter gear and to check road conditions before embarking on a winter trip to Leh Ladakh.

It’s important to note that the weather in Leh Ladakh can be unpredictable, even during the recommended seasons. Therefore, it’s advisable to check the weather forecast and road conditions before planning your visit. Keep in mind that early and late summer months, such as May and September, may have slightly colder temperatures and limited accessibility to some areas due to melting snow or early winter conditions.

In conclusion, the best time to visit Leh Ladakh is during the summer season (May to September) when the weather is pleasant, roads are open, and most tourist services are available. However, if you are an adventurous traveler and well-equipped to handle extreme cold, the winter months (October to April) can provide a unique and enchanting experience amidst snowy landscapes. Plan your trip accordingly and always stay updated with weather and road conditions for a safe and enjoyable journey.

How to Reach Leh Ladakh

Reaching Leh Ladakh, the picturesque region nestled in the Himalayas, requires careful planning and consideration of various transportation options. Whether you are traveling by air, road, or rail, each mode of transportation offers its unique advantages and challenges. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to reach Leh Ladakh, providing you with all the necessary information to make your journey smooth and enjoyable.

For those seeking a quicker and more convenient option, reaching Leh Ladakh by air is an excellent choice. Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh is the main airport serving the region. Several airlines operate direct flights from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Srinagar to Leh. The flight duration from Delhi is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, making it the fastest way to reach Leh Ladakh.

Upon arriving at the Leh airport, you will be greeted by the breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains. It is essential to acclimatize yourself to the higher altitude and colder climate, especially if you are arriving from a lower altitude city. Ensure that you take sufficient rest and hydrate yourself adequately to avoid altitude sickness.

If you crave adventure and want to experience the stunning landscapes of the region, a road trip to Leh Ladakh is the perfect option. There are two primary routes to reach Leh by road: via Manali and via Srinagar.

1. Leh-Manali Highway : The Leh-Manali Highway is one of the most thrilling and scenic routes to reach Leh Ladakh. Starting from Manali in Himachal Pradesh, this route takes you through high mountain passes, including the famous Rohtang Pass and Baralacha La. The journey covers approximately 474 kilometers and can take around 2 to 3 days, depending on road conditions and stopovers. It is advisable to plan your road trip during the summer months when the highway is open and accessible.

2. Leh-Srinagar Highway : Another popular road route to reach Leh Ladakh is via the Leh-Srinagar Highway. This route provides a mesmerizing journey, passing through picturesque valleys, lush greenery, and snow-clad mountains. Starting from Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir, this highway covers a distance of about 434 kilometers, which can be completed in approximately 2 days. The road is open from late April to early November, offering a window of opportunity for travelers to explore this route.

Although Leh Ladakh does not have a direct railway link, the nearest railway station is Jammu Tawi, located in Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu Tawi is well-connected to various major cities across India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai. From Jammu Tawi, travelers can opt for either road or air transportation to reach Leh Ladakh.

Reaching Leh Ladakh is an adventure in itself, with diverse transportation options to suit different preferences. Whether you choose to fly, drive, or take a train, the journey to this mesmerizing region is as captivating as the destination itself. Make sure to plan your trip well, consider the weather conditions, and allow yourself enough time to acclimatize to the high altitude. Embrace the beauty of the journey and create everlasting memories as you explore the enchanting landscapes of Leh Ladakh.

Top Attractions in Leh Ladakh

Leh Ladakh , located in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, is a region renowned for its breathtaking scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage. With its majestic mountain ranges, ancient monasteries, and enchanting lakes, Leh Ladakh offers a plethora of attractions for visitors to explore. Here are some of the top attractions that should not be missed during a road trip to this stunning destination:

• Pangong Tso Lake : Situated at an altitude of 4,350 meters, Pangong Tso Lake is one of the most famous and picturesque lakes in the region. Its crystal-clear blue waters, surrounded by rugged mountains, create a surreal and mesmerizing landscape. Visitors can spend a peaceful and serene time by the lakeside, camping or simply taking in the breathtaking views.
• Nubra Valley : Located in the northern part of Ladakh, Nubra Valley is a strikingly beautiful region known for its unique landscape. The valley is adorned with lush green villages, towering sand dunes, and the famous Diskit Monastery, which offers panoramic views of the valley. Adventure enthusiasts can also enjoy a thrilling camel ride on the sand dunes.
• Leh Palace : Perched on a hilltop overlooking the Leh town, Leh Palace is a historic landmark that offers a glimpse into the royal past of Ladakh. Built in the 17th century, this nine-storied palace reflects the architectural style of the Tibetan palaces. Visitors can explore the palace’s rooms, which are adorned with beautiful paintings and artifacts, and enjoy panoramic views of the city from its rooftop.
• Hemis Monastery : As one of the largest and wealthiest monasteries in Ladakh, Hemis Monastery is a significant religious and cultural site. It is known for its stunning architecture, colorful frescoes, and an impressive collection of ancient relics and thangkas (Tibetan Buddhist paintings). The monastery also hosts the famous Hemis Festival every year, attracting a large number of tourists.
• Magnetic Hill : A mysterious natural wonder, Magnetic Hill is located on the Leh-Kargil-Srinagar highway. Here, the layout of the surrounding landscape creates an optical illusion that makes vehicles appear to defy gravity and move uphill on their own. It’s an intriguing and puzzling phenomenon that lures visitors to experience the wonder for themselves.
• Spituk Monastery : Situated near Leh, Spituk Monastery is an important Buddhist monastery housing various age-old artifacts and spiritual treasures. It offers stunning views of the Indus Valley and is known for its annual Gustor Festival, featuring religious ceremonies, masked dances, and music performances.
• Khardung La Pass : Known as the “Highest Motorable Road in the World,” Khardung La Pass is a thrilling destination for adventure lovers. Located at an altitude of 5,359 meters, reaching the pass offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and the Nubra Valley.
• Zanskar Valley : Nestled amidst towering mountains, Zanskar Valley is a remote and pristine location offering an unspoiled natural beauty. It is famous for its frozen river trek, where visitors can walk on the frozen Zanskar River and witness the mesmerizing frozen waterfalls along the way.

Leh Ladakh is truly a paradise for nature and adventure enthusiasts. These top attractions offer a glimpse into the fascinating culture, scenic landscapes, and spiritual heritage of this exquisite region. Exploring these attractions will undoubtedly leave visitors with unforgettable memories of their road trip to Leh Ladakh.

Where to Stay in Leh Ladakh

Leh Ladakh offers a wide range of accommodation options for travelers, ranging from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels. Here are some places to consider when planning your stay in Leh Ladakh:

• Leh City : The capital city of Leh is an ideal base for exploring the region. It offers a variety of accommodation options, including guesthouses, homestays, and hotels. You can find hotels that cater to different budgets and preferences. The city also has plenty of restaurants and shops, making it a convenient place to stay.
• Nubra Valley : Located about 150 kilometers north of Leh, Nubra Valley is known for its picturesque landscapes and scenic views. The valley offers a unique experience with its sand dunes, monasteries, and hot springs. There are several guesthouses and campsites available in the area, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature.
• Pangong Lake : This iconic lake is a must-visit destination in Leh Ladakh. It is famous for its ever-changing colors and scenic beauty. There are a few campsites near the lake where visitors can spend the night and wake up to the breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains and water.
• Alchi : Located about 70 kilometers west of Leh, Alchi is a small village known for its ancient monasteries and stunning landscapes. It offers a peaceful and serene environment for travelers seeking a quieter stay. There are a few guesthouses and homestays available in Alchi, allowing visitors to experience the village life and explore the nearby attractions.
• Hemis : Hemis is a remote village situated in the Hemis National Park, about 45 kilometers southeast of Leh. It is home to the famous Hemis Monastery, one of the largest and richest monasteries in Ladakh. Travelers can choose to stay in guesthouses and campsites near the monastery, providing an opportunity to explore the beautiful surroundings and indulge in spirituality.
• Tso Moriri Lake : Situated in the Changthang region, Tso Moriri Lake is a high-altitude lake renowned for its pristine beauty. The area is less crowded and offers a peaceful retreat for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. There are a few accommodation options available near the lake, allowing travelers to stay close to this natural wonder.

When choosing your accommodation in Leh Ladakh, it is advisable to book in advance, especially during the peak tourist season (May to September). It is also recommended to check the facilities and amenities offered by the property, such as hot water, heating, and access to essential services.

Whether you prefer a comfortable hotel in Leh City or an adventurous campsite near a natural wonder, Leh Ladakh offers a variety of options to suit your preferences and budget. Choose your accommodation wisely to make the most of your stay and enjoy the surreal beauty of this enchanting region.

What to Pack for Leh Ladakh

Packing for a road trip to Leh Ladakh requires careful consideration, as this region presents unique challenges due to its rugged terrain and extreme weather conditions. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey, here is a list of essential items to pack for your trip:

• Clothing : It is crucial to pack a combination of warm and lightweight clothing. Layering is key, as temperatures can fluctuate significantly throughout the day. Include thermals, fleece jackets, windproof and waterproof outer layers, woolen socks, and comfortable trekking shoes. Don’t forget to pack a hat, sunglasses, and gloves to protect yourself from the harsh sun and cold winds.
• Medications and First Aid Kit : Leh Ladakh is situated at high altitudes, which can pose health challenges for some individuals. It is advisable to carry essential medications for altitude sickness, such as Diamox, painkillers, and any prescription medicines. Additionally, pack a comprehensive first aid kit, including band-aids, antiseptic creams, and basic medication for common ailments.
• Travel Documents : Ensure you have all the necessary travel documents, including your passport, permits, identification cards, and driver’s license. Keep them in a waterproof folder or bag to protect them from rain or snow.
• Personal Care Items : Carry eco-friendly toiletries, such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and a toothbrush. Since water scarcity is a common issue in Leh Ladakh, it is advisable to bring wet wipes or sanitizing gel for times when water is not readily available.
• Snacks and Water : Stock up on dry snacks, such as energy bars, nuts, and granola, to keep you fueled during long journeys. Bottled water is readily available in Leh, but it is always wise to carry your own bottle to ensure hydration at all times.
• Electronics and Gadgets : Leh Ladakh has limited connectivity, and electricity supply can be unpredictable. Carry portable power banks, extra batteries, and chargers for your phone, camera, and other electronic devices. A good quality camera is a must to capture the breathtaking landscapes.
• Cash and ATM Card : Although there are ATMs available in Leh, it is advisable to carry enough cash for emergencies or in case machines are not working. Local shops or roadside stalls may not accept cards, so having cash on hand is essential.
• Miscellaneous Items : Don’t forget to pack a sturdy backpack, sleeping bag, and camping gear if you plan to stay overnight in tents. A small flashlight or headlamp, a Swiss army knife, and a reusable water bottle are also handy items to have.

Remember to keep your luggage lightweight and manageable, as you’ll be traveling on winding mountain roads. Pack smartly, taking into account the duration of your trip, the season you are visiting, and any specific activities you plan to engage in.

By packing these essential items, you’ll be well-prepared for the adventure that awaits you in Leh Ladakh. Enjoy the breathtaking landscapes, ancient monasteries, and the unique culture of this beautiful region.

Tips for a Memorable Road Trip to Leh Ladakh

A road trip to Leh Ladakh is an adventure of a lifetime, promising breathtaking vistas, serene landscapes, and an opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich culture of the region. To make the most out of your journey, here are some essential tips to consider:

• Plan your route and itinerary : Before embarking on your road trip, it is crucial to plan your route and create a detailed itinerary. Research the roads, distances, and attractions in the region to determine the best route that suits your preferences and time constraints.
• Choose the right time to visit : Leh Ladakh experiences extreme weather conditions, with harsh winters and moderate summers. The best time to visit is during the summer months, from May to September, when the roads are open and most of the tourist attractions are accessible.
• Pack wisely : As you’ll be spending a significant amount of time on the road, it is essential to pack wisely. Make sure to carry warm clothing, as temperatures can drop significantly at higher altitudes. Don’t forget to pack essentials such as sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, and comfortable shoes.
• Acclimatize properly : Leh Ladakh is situated at a high altitude, and altitude sickness can be a common concern. It is advisable to spend a couple of days in Leh to acclimatize before venturing into higher altitudes. Stay hydrated and take it easy during the first few days to allow your body to adjust.
• Fuel and supplies : Fuel stations are limited in the region, so it is crucial to plan your fuel stops accordingly. Carry extra fuel in jerry cans to avoid any inconvenience. Additionally, stock up on food and water supplies, as finding restaurants or grocery stores along the way might be challenging.
• Ensure vehicle fitness : Before setting off on your road trip, ensure that your vehicle is in good condition. Get a thorough check-up of the engine, brakes, tires, and suspension. Carry spare tires, a toolkit, and basic repair equipment to handle any emergencies along the way.
• Drive cautiously : The roads to Leh Ladakh can be treacherous, with steep ascents, narrow passes, and unpredictable weather conditions. Drive cautiously, follow traffic rules, and maintain a steady speed. Take breaks at regular intervals to rest and admire the breathtaking views.
• Respect the culture and environment : Leh Ladakh is home to a vibrant and unique culture. Respect the local customs, traditions, and environment. Do not litter, and avoid disturbing the natural habitat by staying on designated paths and trails.
• Carry necessary permits : Certain areas in Leh Ladakh require permits for tourists. Ensure that you obtain the necessary permits in advance to avoid any complications during your journey. Check with local authorities or hire a tour operator to assist you with the permit process.
• Stay connected : While Leh Ladakh offers a chance to disconnect from the outside world, it is still important to stay connected for safety reasons. Carry a mobile phone with a working network connection and keep emergency contact numbers handy.

With these tips in mind, your road trip to Leh Ladakh is sure to be a memorable and enriching experience. Prepare well, enjoy the journey, and embrace the beauty of this enchanting region.

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Leh Ladakh Road Trip – Ladakh Road Trip Itinerary

Leh Ladakh road trip is a different adventure altogether. The breathtaking views of the mountains and green valleys is a once in a lifetime experience.

Leh Ladakh road trip is a different adventure altogether. When you travel by road to Ladakh, it is a road trip to paradise. The journey is adventurous and amusing. The breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains and green valleys can bring you a once in a lifetime experience.

The scenery around is never to be seen anywhere. The views of the mountains and also the incredible sights of the lakes and above them the ancient monasteries hold the whole spiritual and cultural value in them for years. The great Leh palace is the charm of Ladakh’s history.

Table of Contents

Leh Ladakh Road Trip – Ladakh Road Trip Itinerary 

The path to follow.

You can take two routes for the Ladakh road trip . One is the Srinagar – Leh highway and the other is the Manali-Leh highway. It is a two-day journey from Srinagar to reach Ladakh by road which includes a night stop at Kargil in between. The total distance from Srinagar to Leh is 430 kilometers and Kargil lies in the middle which is about 200 kilometers from Srinagar towards Leh. The Leh-Srinagar highway, also known as NH-1 is said to be more relaxed and comfortable than the other route. Due to cold weather, this highway remains closed from mid-November to April/May.

The journey from the other route, that is, from the Manali-Leh highway is also a two-day journey with a night halt at Sarchi or Jispa. This highway is 474 kilometers long. The appropriate time for a road trip on this highway is in summer because it is closed during winters due to heavy snowfall. This route is perfect for adventurous off-road biking or jeep ride.

List Of The Essentials

These essentials are necessary to carry on any kind of Leh Ladakh tour .

While going to Ladakh, you need to carry your warm clothes due to its cold climate which persists throughout the year. Also, there are chances of a little rain so carrying rainwear and waterproof jacket along is necessary. Apart from the clothes, there are certain accessories you need to carry along like sunglasses, scarfs, hand gloves, handkerchiefs as well.

Always carry necessary medications in case of an emergency. If you or someone you are traveling with has mountain  sickness or has stomach issues, etc; then important medicines should be carried along while on the Leh Ladakh road trip.

To always keep your energy intact, do carry some energy drinks too and for personal hygiene, toiletries like toothpaste, mouthwash, face wash, toothbrush, etc; should be kept with the belongings.

Some places in Ladakh need permits even for Indian residents so for those permits do carry some important documents like Aadhar card, license, voter ID card, even carry a copy of your tickets, passport size photographs, hotel reservation slips, for safety purposes.

For your electronic gadgets like mobile phones and cameras, you must carry a power bank along because the stoppages on a road trip are not for a very long time.

And last but not least, the most important thing to carry is some water bottles and some eatables for your journey.

Itinerary For Ladakh Road Trip – Best route for Ladakh

  The Srinagar to Manali suggested itinerary is as mentioned below :

• Day 1- Srinagar to Kargil

The distance between Srinagar to Kargil is 225 kilometers. You will cross the Zoji La pass and Drass village on this route. Sonmarg lies on the route where you can plan to stay overnight.

• Day 2- Kargil to Leh

Kargil is considered to be the most important town on the route. The beautiful landscapes and museums are the attractions and also the famous Lamayuru monastery . The distance from Kargil to Leh is 220 kilometers.

• Day 3- Leh to Nubra valley

Nubra valley is said to be one of the most visited valleys on the Ladakh trip by road. It is famous for sand dunes and also the Diskit monastery. The distance between Leh to Nubra valley is 180 kilometers.

• Day 4- Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake

Pangong Lake is the most famous lake in Ladakh. The distance from Nubra valley to Pangong Lake is 270 kilometers.

• Day 5- Pangong to Leh

Leh and Pangong are 150 kilometers away from each other. The places to visit in Leh are Leh Palace and the Leh market.

• Day 6- Leh to Sarchu

From here you can begin your journey to Manali from the Manali Leh highway after having a relaxing stay overnight.

• Day 7- Sarchu to Jispa

The Himalayan landscapes are the beautiful attractions on this route. Passing through Baralacha pass which connects Jammu Kashmir to Lahaul.

• Day 8- Jispa to Manali

The distance between Manali and Jispa is 150 kilometers. On this route of Leh Ladakh road trip, you will cross the Rohtang Pass and Lahaul Valley as well.

The Manali to Srinagar suggested itinerary is as described below :

• Day 1- Manali to Jispa

Jispa is 150 kilometers from Manali . To avoid delays in your journey, you should start early in the morning. Passing through Rohtang pass and Lahaul valley on this journey you’ll reach Keylong. There are two monasteries to visit here, Shashur and Kardhang. Staying in Jispa is comfortable at night.

• Day 2- Jispa to Sarchu

The journey ahead is filled with beautiful landscapes. For a small break, there is a Zingzing bar on this route, where you can relax for a while. Ahead comes Baralacha pass which is at an altitude of 5000 meters above sea level. Sarchu is 120 kilometers from Jispa.

• Day 3- Sarchu to Leh

The distance from Sarchu to Leh is 215 kilometers, passing through Tanglang pass at a height of 5300 meters above sea level, you can also visit the monasteries Thiksey and Shey.

• Day 4- Leh to Nubra valley

Nubra valley is famous for sand dunes. The highest motorable road, Khardung La also lies on this route and Diskit monastery as well.

• Day 5- Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake

Amongst all the lakes in Ladakh, Pangong Lake is the most visited lake in the Leh Ladakh road trip. The distance from Nubra to Pangong is 270 kilometers.

• Day 6- Pangong to Leh

Leh Palace is a must-visit place to observe the beauty of Leh. The distance from Pangong to Leh is 150 kilometers.

• Day 7- Leh to Kargil

The distance from Leh to Kargil is 220 kilometers and the Zanskar and Indus river are the sights on this route as well as the famous Lamayuru monastery.

• Day 8- Kargil to Sonmarg

The most important town on this route is Kargil. Drass village and Zoji La pass lie on this route from Kargil to Sonmarg.

• Day 9- Sonmarg to Srinagar

The beautiful and adventurous Ladakh tour ends here. You can continue your journey towards Delhi from Jammu after Srinagar.

The adventure and experience of the Leh Ladakh road trip are beautiful and something to be remembered for the entire lifetime. The journey is known to be heavenly because of the views like that of paradise which will make you awestruck. Whether you take the road trip with your friends or the family, it is always going to be one of a kind.

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17 thoughts on “leh ladakh road trip – ladakh road trip itinerary”.

My dream destination dear. Your details and amazing pictures are intriguing me to fix my next trip.

Wow what a detailed and wonderfully laid out post. I will definitely save this one in the hope that I take a road trip in that part of India!

Ladakh is on my bucket list since long. Don’t know when it will happen. Your detailed post will help then.

The word Leh instantly evokes wanderlust and so many times there are plans being made amongst us friends but we just don’t make it to that trip. However, when we do make this trip as planned, i am gonna use this itinerary.

I have heard a lot about Let Ladakh trip .I loved how you have detailed out everything required for planning this trip .This is really helpful for anyone planning a trip .

Leh Ladakh is a beautiful vacation spot. I’ve saved so many pictures and added this place to my bucket list. The itinerary would help me to plan a trip with my family.

This is such a in depth post well who do not want to visit Leh and Ladakh thank you for giving so much information about the trip

Very helpful guide for leh laddakh road trip. This definitely gives a proper approach in planning next trip to this beautiful place

Ladak is indeed a beautiful city. Thanks for sharing such helpful road trip guide to ladak.

I really want to visit leh ladakh. Its a beautiful place. Its a helpful post for travelers.

Leh ladakh road trip is the most amazing thing to do with friends! It is a dream for me! Loved the post!

Ladakh has always been on my bucket list. Thanks for sharing this post. Will plan a trip soon.

Those pics are simply mesmerizing just like this place! On my wishlist for a long time and must visit…

I am planning to go in August is that the right time? Also is the entire in car? I mean for ppl with motion sickness is that gona be a problem?

We opted for Manali route some 4 years back and I must say it was bliss watching the beautiful nature unfold at every level.

And its my dream place to visit. Want to go there once. The heaven right? Tha ks for this post. Bookmarking it

I am so intrigued with the post. Beautiful pictures and a great itinerary. I am planning my trip to Leh. I guess, i will give road trip a thought as its sooo mesmerizing

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Best / Most Common Itinerary for Leh Ladakh Road Trip in 2023

On request of some avid readers of the blog and so many like-minded travelers seeking guidance for their tour to Leh – Ladakh, I would like to sketch below one of the most popular Ladakh itineraries. Many of Leh – Ladakh lovers follow it, including me, as it covers all three major tourist destinations of Ladakh, including Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso Lake, and Tso Moriri Lake.

The itinerary also covers Srinagar Leh Highway as well as Manali – Leh Highway, so it is apt for those looking forward to covering the entire Ladakh circuit. If you are making a trip to Ladakh in winter, then better refer most common itinerary for a winter trip to Ladakh

Download your FREE high-resolution version pdf copy of this Leh Ladakh day by day plan infographic guide. If, you liked it and found it helpful, please feel free to share it with your family and friends to help them too.

Let's quickly dive into the details:

Why travel Ladakh from Srinagar side?

I have started from Srinagar side because it gives at least two benefits, if not more. First, the body gets better acclimatized due to gradual ascent by the time you reach Leh and when you return from Manali Leh Highway , hence fewer chances of getting stuck with Acute Mountain Sickness ( more info on AMS ) and more enjoyment of views on Manali – Leh Highway.

If you start via Manali – Leh Highway, then most of the terrain runs over 4000 Mtrs of altitude, and by the time you reach such altitude, your body is not properly acclimatized. Hence, many people fall sick on Manali – Leh Highway despite covering in a 25:75 ratio (Manali – Keylong, Keylong – Leh) in terms of distance.

Secondly, you save one day as Tso Moriri and Tso Kar Lakes can be adjusted once you start towards Manali from Leh. This way, you are not required to return to Leh from Tso Moriri to go toward Kargil or Srinagar.

Finally, you need to get inner line permits to travel to Tso Moriri which you will not get when traveling from Manali side. The permits need to be stamped in Leh Information Center or Leh DC office . As of 2022, permits are not required for domestic tourists to travel anywhere in Ladakh including the  Umling La pass . You only need to pay the environment/green/ecology fee and carry a receipt of the payment

For now, these reasons are good enough to start your Ladakh journey from Srinagar side 🙂 …

12-14 Days Itinerary for Leh Ladakh by Road

When you plan for the Ladakh trip, it is better to plan the trip with a good number of days in hand. Cramming too many places in the Ladakh road trip does not make any sense because you will not enjoy the real beauty of the trip. Hence, I have kept about 12-14 days for this common itinerary of Ladakh trip.

Day 1 | Delhi – Jammu / Patnitop

• Overnight at Jammu or Patnitop
• About a 12-13 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between

Day 2 | Jammu / Patnitop – Srinagar

• Enjoy a walk around Dal lake and maybe Shikara ride as well
• Overnight at Srinagar
• About an 8-9 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between

Day 3 | Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil

• Enjoy the vistas en route near Sonamarg
• Have a meal at Drass during lunch
• Overnight at Kargil
• About 8 Hrs drive, depending upon the traffic movement at Zozila and breaks you take in between

Day 4 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh

• Cover Mulbekh Maitreya, Lamayuru Monastery, Lunar Landscapes
• On the way, you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu and other parts of Sham Valley
• Overnight at Leh
• About a 9-10 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between

Day 5 | Leh Local Sightseeing

• To know about the places to visit in/around Leh, check my Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
• As of 2022, permits are not required for domestic tourists to travel anywhere in Ladakh including the  Umling La pass . You only need to pay the environment/green/ecology fee and carry a receipt of the payment. Get the online Ladakh inner line permits stamped in Leh Tourist information center or Leh DC office
• Check the Leh – Ladakh taxi union rate list for 2022 – 23 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh.
• You can call the local drivers directly to connect with them and check the more comprehensive List of Taxi Drivers for Ladakh – Srinagar – Leh – Manali with recommendations/reviews for DoW community members.

Day 6 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder

• Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
• On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
• Diskit has monasteries with the tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
• About a 5-6 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between and at Khardung La

Day 7 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh

• Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
• About a 7-9 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between

Day 8 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake

• Cover either of Hemis, Thiksey, and Shey on the go toward Pangong Tso
• Overnight at Pangong Tso (Spangmik or Lukung)
• About a 5-6 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between

Day 9 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh

• Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey, and Shey on return to Leh

Day 10 | Rest day at Leh

• Enjoy local culture, shopping, or rest in Leh
• Sham Valley includes Alchi, Likir , Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, Gurudwara Pather Sahib

Day 11 | Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang

• Cover Karzok Monastery
• Overnight at Karzok or Tso Moriri
• About a 7-8 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between

Day 12 | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring (Manali – Leh Highway starts) – Moore Plains – Sarchu

• Try to start early in the day so that you reach Sarchu where the accommodation options are better than in Pang
• Overnight at Sarchu
• About 8 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between

Day 13 | Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Atal Tunnel – Manali

• On the way cover Suraj Tal, and Deepak Tal which are on the roadsides only
• Overnight at Manali
• About 6 Hrs drive

Day 14 | Manali – Delhi

• Return Home
• About a 12-14 Hrs drive from Manali to Delhi, depending upon the breaks you take in between

Day 15 + 16

Buffer days to be kept in case of road closure due to landslides or snowfall or perhaps you want to enjoy more.

Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso Direct Route Option

You can save a day by making a direct trip to Pangong Tso from Nubra Valley as suggested below.

Day 7 | Hunder / Diskit – Shyok village / Wari La route – Pangong Tso

• Take the direct route from Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso either via Shyok village or Wari La pass whichever is open.
• In the last couple of years (as of 2023), the direct route between Nubra Valley – Shyok Village – Pangong Tso has stabilized a lot. It is not at all desolate in the season anymore as it used to be a few years back.
• A lot of people do this route nowadays, so it should be fine for you to do that route as well. Just enquire at Agham village on the safer side or wait for a couple of cars to tag along on the route.
• Overnight at Pangong Tso.
• About a 6-10 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between and the route you take between Shyok and Wari La.

Day 8 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh

• About a 6-7 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between

Alternatively, you can also make a day trip to Pangong Tso (if Shyok village and Wari La pass routes are closed) as below but that makes it a bit in case.

Day 8 | Leh – Chang La – Pangong Tso – Chang La – Leh

• Make a Day trip to Pangong Tso via Chang La Pass.
• Overnight at Leh.
• About an 8-9 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between.

Additional Points for Ladakh trip from Srinagar

• You can also make a three-day trip to Nubra Valley so that you can spend one night in the beautiful village of Turtuk and remove the rest day at 9 or add one day to the above plan to visit Turtuk . I bet, you will not regret it at all visiting Turtuk in Nubra Valley.
• In Srinagar, you can also visit the Floating market > Shalimar Garden.
• For accommodation, check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in the entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate and cheap budget hotels.
• Any doubts related to the budget of your Ladakh trip?? Don’t worry, check this complete guide on How to calculate the cost or budget for Leh – Ladakh trip

I hope this plan or itinerary for Leh Ladakh from the Srinagar side will be useful for travelers planning their journey at least for the first time.

Have a travel question?? You can follow me on Instagram and subscribe to my YouTube channel to ask your travel questions in a direct message on Instagram or comment on my YouTube videos.

I will look forward to any questions or doubts or valuable suggestions and inputs you have and would love to discuss your custom plan as well in the comments section.

You can share your valuable suggestions and inputs you have or you would love to discuss your custom plan as well in the comments section. If you want any customization or deviation from the above plan, feel free to ask any questions, and in case you know a friend who is interested in traveling Ladakh from Srinagar in such a plan, feel free to share the article with them.

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I am Dheeraj Sharma - a traveler, techie, and Himalayan lover. Since 2009, I have been helping thousands of travelers every year plan memorable & budget-friendly trips to the Himalayas - Smartly, Safely, and responsibly.

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Very comprehensive. This excludes the Zanskar valley. What would be the suggested itinerary change if that also needs to be included. Would it be a good idea to reach Srinagar by flight and then travel by road ?

Hey Vimal, you can refer: Ladakh and Zanskar Itinerary

Hi Dheeraj,

Thanks for the prompt reply. On the taxi related rules – i hope there would be no problem if i have a car rented from Delhi or elsewhere for the complete trip, or if I am having a zoomcar or my own car.

Hi Dheeraj, Your information is very useful for me, a 1stimer to Leh !!! Thanks ! I will fly to Leh and here is my plan: Day1: Leh (guesthouse) Day 2: Leh – Turtuk (guesthouse ?) Day 3: Turtuk – Pangong (camping or guesthouse ?) Day 4: Pangong – Tso Morri (camping or guesthouse ?) Day 5: Tso Morri – Tso Kar – Hemis – Leh (guesthouse) Pls advise if it”s ok ! Thanks ! Hung

Day 2 is required at Leh for acclimatisation. One day is not enough. This plan looks too hectic. Hall of Fame at Leh is must visit, without which your trip is incomplete. Turtuk to PangongTso in one day is feasible only through Shyok/ WariLa route, but you will have to check if this route is open. You are stretching yourself a too much with the trip.

Thanks a lot for your advise I will replan my trip cheers ! Hung

Great, have a wonderful trip

I along with my parents are planning a road trip to srinagar from delhi. we will start from delhi on 15th early morning. We wish to be back to delhi by 24th sep.

In this time frame is it possible for us to cover drass/kargil? If yes can you suggest an itinerary? What kind of weather can we expect there?

Hoping to hear from you..

Rene, are you just visiting Srinagar or visit Ladakh as well? If you want to just visit Srinagar and other parts of Kashmir, then yes it is possible.

Day 1 | Delhi – Jammu Day 2 | Jammu – Srinagar Day 3 | Srinagar Day 4 | Srinagar – Zoji La – Drass – Kargil Day 5 | Kargil – Drass – Sonamarg Day 6 | Sonamarg – Gulmarg Day 7 | Gulmarg – Patnitop Day 8 | Patnitop – Delhi Day 9 | Buffer day

Thank for prompt reply. I really appreciate that. Initially we planned for Leh Ladakh but had to drop it because of time constraint.

So now we have limited days i.e. 15-25 sep. and we are mainly visiting srinagar. But I want to take my parents to Drass and Kargil.

The plan you suggested seems good. I will reach to you for any further help and request you to help me as I am chalking out the plan all alone with no travel exposure.

Cheers Rene

No problems Rene, feel free to post as many questions as you would like 🙂

First of all many thanks for such a wonderful and informative blog.

We are planning for Delhi – Srinagar – Leh – Manali – Delhi road trip (by own diesel car) in September mid this year. It will be a 12 – 13 days trip. My question is:

– Is it wise to book all hotels for all (12 days) in advance or is it fine if we directly reach to the destinations and search for hotels?

Thanks Sehaj

September is not a peak season and you can travel to Ladakh without much issues without any bookings. You will be able to find them on the spot.

we too are planning leh ladakh trip in mid september from Delhi. Have you finalized your trip?

Thanks Saurabh

Seems, wonderful, let me know incase you guys have questions on planning the trip to Ladakh or your itineraries.

HI Sir This is Ahmed we are travelling in Aug last week. we will start from Delhi and our tour is for 10 to 12 days. 1) From Delhi its good to start from Srinagar then Leh manali and all or we should start from Manali. 2) We are 6 frnds and we want to hire taxi from Delhi to cover all the places how much will be total cost if we hire from Delhi to Srinagar Leh Manali and all and coming back to Delhi? 3) Kindly suggest few places where we should go by bike coz we want to explore the places by bikes? 4) What will be the approx. cost including Rental car, Bikes in few places, Budget hotels and meals for 12 days? places will Start from Delhi and cover Manali leh Ladakh Srinagar kargil and all places which we should go? 5) Kindly suggest the best route map to cover max places which are worth and duration we should stay there?

Replied https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/how-to-calculate-cost-or-budget-for-leh-ladakh-trip/comment-page-13/#comment-466981

can we plan in December or January for Leh ladhak bike ride along with Manali, Jammu and All…. plz suggest

No, the roads from Manali to Leh gets closed by mid to late October nowadays.

Dear Dheeraj We are planning to travel in Aug last week and we are planning for 8 to 10 days . kindly suggest the plan from Delhi and end Delhi and Second plan if we go by flight to Leh and start our tour. so how we proceed and best places to go by Bike in this tour. What are things we should carry

You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh by Air followed by many travelers including me at the link here for 9 days: Leh – Ladakh | Most Common Itinerary by Air .

It will take 4 days to reach Leh from Srinagar side starting from Delhi with stop overs at Jammu, Srinagar, Kargil and 3 days to come back from Leh from Manali side to Delhi with stopovers at Sarchu, Manali. This makes it 7 days. 1 Day is required in Leh for acclimatization. You have about 10 days. 1 Day can be used as Day trip to Pangong Tso and other day can be used as day trip to Nubra Valley or just Khardung La pass.

Opt to go via Manali – Leh Highway and I will suggest that you refer the thread for more details on the route and night halts though it is of 9 days: Manali – Leh – Ladakh – Manali | Itinerary for 9 Days . You can fit in plan I suggested in above para in this plan

Hi Dheeraj….This is our plan….. Aug 1st – Srinagar to Leh Aug 2nd – Kargil to leh Au 3rd – Leh Aug 4th – Leh to Turtuk Aug 5th – Turtuk,takshi village Aug 6th – Hunder,diskit, leh Aug 7th – Pangong Lake Aug 8th – Psomoriri,tsokar lake Aug 9th – Tsokar to Jispa Aug 10th – Jispa to Kaza(Chandratal) Aug 11th – Kaza(Hikkim,komic etc) Aug 12th – Dhankar, Tabo, Nako Aug 13th – Nako to Shimla Aug 14th – Shimla to Delhi

Is this fine???

My inputs below: 1. I believe you meant Srinagar to Kargil 2. Aug8: Are you doing PAngong Tso to Tso Moriri to Tso Kar? It will be too much, better add a day or stay at Tso Moriri only 3. Then do Tso Moriri to Jispa 4. Jispa to Chandratal, Chandratal to Kaza covering Lagnza, Hikkim, Komic

Rest you are just being on road mostly not soaking in except Turtuk.

Yes almost full on roads..It is possible knw?or any change needed apart from tsokar one..yes its srinagar to kargil only

Well, I will recommend add some rest days in Kaza and Kinnaur to ease out the trip in that leg

Hi Dheeraj…One more clarification pls…We got a rate of 65k for innova to cover our entire trip(srinagar-leh-turtuk-tsomoriri-jispa-kaza-nako-tabo-shimla)..is this rate fine…some says its high..

It seems to be a fine rate to covering the entire stretch including Spiti Valley

This plan is not doable. I recommend that you study the geography and topography od Ladakh and Spiti Valley. Also, only JK10 registered vehicles are permitted in Ladakh, so be sure that the innova you are hiring is JK10 registered. Innova for 65k for the entire trip. There is something amiss. Please check again.

I am Deepak,

The information and tour plan you have shared is awesome. Even I am planning for the similar type of tour.

Please let me know how viable is the below mentioned plan. I am planning to transport my 2010 model CBZ Xtreme (90000KM Driven, which is well serviced) to Delhi and start the journey from there.

Even let me what need to be checked with the bike as this my first bike trip.Please let me know at what places fuel is available and what kind of possible vehicle break down might happen.

Actually I am planning to reach Delhi from hyderabad on 16th June by train and on the same day start for Jammu.

Day2: Jammu to Srinagar

Day 3 : Srinagar to Kargil

Day 4: Kargil to Leh

Day 5: Leh sightseeing, inner line permit and acclimitization.

Day 6: Leh to Nubra Valley

Day 7: Nubra to Pangong

Day 8: Pangong to Tsomoriri ( Avoid returning to Leh)

Day 9: Tso moriri to Sarchu

(From leh to Sarchu it is almost 1050 Km, milege of my bike in city is 40KM/L. If I take 30Km/L for this terrain, I will be needing 35 to 40 Litres of fuel. Even if i start with full tank of 12 Litres and 2 jerry cans of 20 litre capacity, I will be having shortage of 10 litres. Is there any fuel station available in this route or is it is better to return to Leh after pangong and then leave to Sarchu via Tso Moriri)

Day 10: Sarchu to Manali

Day 11: Manali to New Delhi.

If possible please share me information about place must to see in the whole trip or else please share me any web links.

With Best Regards

For fuel, please check: Fuel Availability In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips

You will have to carry the fuel with you if you plan to do above circuit. There are places where you get black fuel too. Please refer article above.

Its my pleasure to thank you for giving amazing tips to make our trip easy.

On 26th June morning at 9:55 I will be reaching Delhi and start my journey to manali on a public transport and will be reaching Manali in early morning on 27th June. From there only I am going to start my bike ride following the same itinerary suggested by you in this top of the page. And I have to end my bike tour in manali 0n 8th June evening and need to travel to delhi by public transport and next day evening (9th evening 3:00) I have to get my flight back in Delhi to Srilanka.

So, according to given period, kindly adjust your itinerary according to my period and suggest me a good plan.

Appreciate your valuable reply.

Thanks. Mubarak Srilanka

You can follow the below plan:

27th – Manali rest day 28th – Manali – Jispa/Keylong 29th – Jispa/Keylong – Leh 30th – Leh rest day and find shared taxis or bikes and apply for Protected Area Permits 1st – Leh – Nubra Valley 2nd – Nubra Valley – Leh 3rd – Leh – Pangong Tso 4th – Pangong Tso – Leh 5th – Leh – Tso Moriri 6th – Tso Moriri – Leh 7th – Leh – Jispa/Keylong (start back for Manali) 8th – Reach Manali and take the evening Volvo back to Delhi from Manali.

Dear Dheeraj,

Problem is, i am going to Srinagar via Pathankot from Manali in the bike. from srinagar to Leh and Leh to Manali on the same dates above mentioned.

Please revise your suggested itinerary plan according to this and send it to me for my convenience. Your help much appreciated.

Although I will suggest to drop Srinagar – Leh Highway in that case because else you will have to drop Tso Moriri lake. Still, if you want to do it, you can follow below

27th – Manali rest day 28th – Manali – Pathankot 29th – Pathankot – Srinagar 30th – Srinagar – Kargil 1st – Kargil – Leh 2nd – Leh rest day and find shared taxis or bikes and apply for Protected Area Permits 3rd – Leh – Nubra Valley 4th – Nubra Valley – Leh 5th – Leh – Pangong Tso 6th – Pangong Tso – Leh 7th – Leh – Jispa/Keylong (start back for Manali) 8th – Reach Manali and take the evening Volvo back to Delhi from Manali.

Hello Dheeraj, Thanks for starting this blog. It has been very useful for planning our trip. We are 2 couples travelling from srinagar and reach leh on 25th June. In leh we will be covering nubra, turtuk, pangong, tso moriri, the leh itenary is as follows:

Our driver-thanks again as we got his contact from your suggested list- said travelling direct pangong to tso moriri won’t be possible as the road has been closed. And he suggested this plan. 1 day: Leh local (26th june) 2 day: Leh to nubra, hunder stay. 3 day: hunder to Turtuk and back hunder 4 day: Nubra to pangong via shayok and pangong stay. 5 day: pangong to chumathang stay. 6 day: chumathang to Tsomoriri and back Leh.

1. So is it possible to travel direct from pangong tso to tso moriri instead of long chumathang route? 2.On day 6, other couple is planning to head leh along with the cab and fly back while two of us wana go ahead via manali route. So would we able to get public transport or tag along with other grp till manali. I read there is HPTDC bus operating from leh to manali, but for that do l have to come back to leh from tso moriri or can join keylong/jispa/sarchu? Please suggest.

Thanks and regards, Ankit

Considering driver is suggesting it, better take his words and yes Chusul road is on and off this season. It depends on the permit if you get from DC office in Leh. If you get it, then go with it else take Chumathang route

It is better for other couple to return to Leh on Day 5 because it does not make sense to travel to Chumathang and return.

Hello Dheeraj, Thanks for your reply.

2.I m confused, do u suggest to skip travel to tso moriri. And leave for manali from Leh by HPTDC bus after coming from Pangong ? Or Is there any other way. Can we find info about HPTDC buses anywhere. Like do they operate everyday now and do the bookings. Because I read couple of years back it used to operate alternate days.

No, I am saying that the other person who will come back to Leh, should not go to Chumathang. I believe you are going to cover Tso Moriri, come back to Leh and then from Leh will take bus to Manali? HPTDC will publish the details as soon as the road gets open.

Hello Dheeraj,

Ok, actually we are starting from chumathang in morning and head to tso moriri and then reach leh by night by car..car rental ends there.. And take bus to manali next day morning.

So rather is there any way to reach manali from tso moriri if you don’t have a cab.

No Ankit, from Tso Moriri in case you have personal vehicle or hire the taxi, you cannot reach Manali by public transport.

I am from Singapore and have 13 days to travel around Leh on a motorbike trip this September, would the following itinerary be comfortable?

Day 1: fly into Leh Day 2: Leh (Rest Day) Day 3: Nubra Valley via Khardung La Day 4: Leh Day 5: Tso Moriri via Chumathang Day 6:Sarchu Day 7: Manali Day 8: Dharamshala Day 9: Jammu Day 10: Srinagar Day 11: Kargil Day 12: Leh Day 13: Buffer Day

Franz, I will recommend that you focus on Ladakh only ad skip other places for some other time. Also, it is better to fly to Srinagar and then go to Ladakh and after covering Ladakh go over to Manali – Dharamshala. This way it helps in acclimatization and better planning of the trip. Let me know if are unable to work out the itinerary from the plan mentioned in the article above.

Hey Dheeraj,

Based on what you said, is it safe to assume the pace I am going at would not be safe or comfortable? In that case, would it be better to just focus on leh and Manali by doing a round trip from Leh to Manali and back to leh again? Thank you so much for your help

This is what I will recommend you

Day 1 | Delhi – Srinagar — Enjoy walk around Dal lake and may be Shikara ride as well — If you have time then check out, floating market, Shalimar Garden. — Overnight at Srinagar

Day 2 | Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil — Enjoy the vistas enroute — Have late drunch meal at Drass is you are a vegetarian as sometimes it gets difficult to find veg. food at Kargil — Overnight at Kargil

Day 3 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh — Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes — On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu — Overnight at Leh

Day 4 | Leh Local Sightseeing + Acclimatization — To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh — Overnight at Leh

Day 5 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder — Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit — On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La — Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari

Day 6 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh — Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs — Overnight at Leh

Day 7 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake — Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on the go towards Pangong Tso — Overnight at Pangong Tso (Spangmik or Lukung)

Day 8 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh — Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on return to Leh — Overnight at Leh

Day 9 | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping OR Monastery tour OR you can do tour to Sham Valley — Monastery tour may include Hemis, Thicksey, Stakna and Shey monasteries. They come on the route of Pangong Tso but as you will be doing day trip, it will be a bit hectic to include them on that day only. — Sham Valley include Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, Gurudwara Pather Sahib — Overnight at Leh

Day 10 | Leh – Taglang La – Moore Plains – Pang – Sarchu — Stay overnight at Sarchu

Day 11 | Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali — On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only — Overnight at Manali

Day 12 | Manali – Delhi Day 13 + 14 | Buffer days to be kept incase of road closure due to landslides or snowfall or perhaps you want to enjoy more.

what would be the itenerary from chd to leh via manali… would be highly appreciate if u could share it. thanks.

You can refer: Ladakh from Manali – Most Common Itinerary

Hello Discover With Dheeraj Team we have planned to Start On 18th of May 2018, From Chandigarh-Srinagar-Jammu-Kargil Leh. Will the Route Open Thank You Waiting For Reply

Most likely this year the road should be open. Srinagar – Leh is already open.

Hey, we are also planning for a similar itinerary. May be we can catch up / plan together?

How can i break down this itinerary into 9-10days following the same route as Delhi-Srinagar-Manali-Delhi

I am very extremely excited after going through your website and way you are updating every information for travelers so well. However, i am very much satisfied and agreed on advantages you have mentioned to take Delhi-Srinagar-Manali-Delhi route. considering the same, i have listed down below itinerary covering 10days, could you please review and help me out. I am planning to drive my I20:

Day 1 — 25-May-18 — Delhi to Patnitop Day 2 — 26-May-18 — Patnitop to Srinagar Day 3 — 27-May-18 — Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil Day 4 — 28-May-18 — Kargil to Lamayuru – Leh Day 5 — 29-May-18 — Leh to Leh Local Sighseeing Day 6 — 30-May-18 — Leh to Nubra Valley Day 7 — 31-May-18 — Leh to Pangong Tso Lake Day 8 — 1-Jun-18 — Leh to Taglang La – Pang – Sarchu Day 9 — 2-Jun-18 — Sarchu Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali Day 10 — 3-Jun-18 — Manali to Delhi

Thank you Arun. I will highly recommend that you add one more day in the plan and also consider the option below if that is not possible

Day 6 — 30-May-18 — Leh to Nubra Valley Day 7 — 31-May-18 — Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso Lake Day 8 — 1-Jun-18 — Pangong Tso Lake – Taglang La – Pang/Sarchu

Thank You Dheeraj,

Highly appreciated with your promptness. If i add one more day, where do i fit that day with what all other options i have to explore?

Also, reason i have opted Srinagar route with 10-11days plans is what i am really convinced with acclimatized, no road pass (rohtang pass), by this i covered both the highways. I hope i am going in a right way. Hope with I20 drive is manageable as i have read lot of people recommend SUV

Wonderful, yes Srinagar – Leh is better option always for acclimatization. For hatchback/sedan taking on Manali – Leh Highway and Ladakh, I will say Possible = Yes, Difficult = Yes, at quite a few place:

You will indeed face few tough challenges on the route. The hatchback/sedan will increase the level of every challenge even further, sedan is the worst candidate. My suggestion will be to go via Srinagar route as it will help you feel comfortable with the driving, provide more acclimatization and then once you have done the local Leh-Ladakh, then come back via Manali side. Secondly, since you are in hatch/sedan, then you need to drive with extra care as well. There will be some sections on the Manali – Leh highway in which you might need to sacrifice some scratches on the underbelly. Just make sure you do not bump the engine sump (know it before where it is placed in your car). You need to protect it all around the trip. Thirdly, whenever in doubt do not rush into the section rather park aside and feel the section with your foot, see how other vehicles are crossing it and make a planned route in your mind to cross that section. At the very least do carry Mseal, quick fix, funnel, jerry cans and towing rope with you all the time.

Also, I will strongly suggest that you go through and read my series on Ladakh Self Drive tips at the links below:

7 Useful Tips for a Self Drive to Leh – Ladakh , Routes and Road Conditions In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips , Fuel Availability In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips

I have started my preparation and following your great guidance and reading your website all day long. now i will be starting my journey from June 8th instead of May. now i am little scared on following option after going through the route details on : https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/tips-for-nubra-valley-to-pangong-tso-direct-route/ . Me and wife will be the only one and we will be going via a hatchback. Is it really advice able to do this route. Is there any other route which i should take to avoid any difficulties for us. Is there any better road which is available now in year 2018? or i should go back to Leh from Nubra Valley??

Day 7 Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso Lake

In a hatchback, this kind of route I will say not to take unless you are prepared to turn back because of some section that you could not cross. In last couple of years the road condition has been much better but I am not sure if you are ready to take up the chance. You should also wait for other vehicles to arrive and join them in a convoy so as to get some help. Else avoid the route and take conventional route to Pangong tso from Leh.

Dear Is it possible to do a day trip to Pangong from Leh as I want to avoid staying at Pangong due to high altitude area. Pls suggest as I will be travelling alone on my suv.

Yes Firaz, many people do a day trip to Pangong Tso. It takes about 12 hrs

I have planned a trip as per your recommended itinerary and made few tweaks, please advise if I am missing out anything and also please suggest a tentative budget for the trip on own Enfield 350\’s. Thanks

Haldwani-Delhi-Shrinagar-Leh-Manali-Delhi-Haldwani (May/June 2018)

Day 1 | Haldwani – Delhi

Day 2 | Delhi – Jammu / Patnitop – Overnight at Jammu or Patnitop. About 12-13 Hrs drive

Day 3 | Jammu / Patnitop – Srinagar – Overnight at Srinagar. About 8-9 Hrs drive

Day 4 | Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil – Overnight at Kargil. About 8 Hrs drive

Day 5 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh – Overnight at Leh. About 9-10 Hrs drive

Day 6 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Inner Line Permits – Overnight at Leh

Day 7 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder – Overnight at Hunder / Diskit . On the way Khardung La. About 5-6 Hrs drive

Day 8 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh – Overnight at Leh. About 7-9 Hrs drive

Day 9 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake – Overnight at Pangong Tso. About 5-6 Hrs drive

Day 10 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh – Overnight at Leh. About 5-6 Hrs drive

Day 11 | Rest day at Leh – Overnight at Leh

Day 12 | Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang – Cover Karzok Monastery. Overnight at Karzok. About 7-8 Hrs drive

Day 13 | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring– Moore Plains – Pang / Sarchu – Overnight at Sarchu About 11-12 Hrs drive

Day 14 | Pang / Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali – About 11-12 Hrs drive

Day 15 | Manali – Delhi – About 13-14 Hrs drive

Day 16 | Delhi – Haldwani

Personal requirements

Rucksack, Helmets, Bike Carrier for fuel and luggage Riding gear or Jacket, gloves, knee guards, helmet and balaclava. Rain Covers Jackets and 2-3 pullovers A pair of hand gloves preferably woolen, and warm clothes/caps to cover your ears and neck Soaps, towels, general medicines, bandages etc. 2 pairs of thermal inner, 4-5 pairs of socks Waterproof shoes, Sleeping bag Medicines for Acute Mountain Sickness such as Avomine, Dexamethasone, Diamox and Acetazolamide Chocolates, biscuits, and dry fruits Camera, chargers for cell phone and other basic things Torch, Mobile chargers, Camera kit etc.

Essential tools:

Tool kit, Ring spanners size 8 to 17 Screw Driver set, Steel wire Electrical & Scotch tape Foot or Electric air pump Puncture repair kit  

Essential Spares

Engine oil 90w Gear oil Headlight and brake light bulb Chain links Clutch and front brake lever, Clutch and accelerator wires Spare tube for front and rear tyre Spark plug Spare key Spare Fuse Nylon Rope & Bungee cords, Electrical wire Few nuts and bolts of various sizes Petrol pipe

Your plan looks similar to our most common itinerary and is good enough for enjoyable trip to Ladakh. The essential kit also is good.

Thank you very much for prompt response Dheeraj, much appreciated. Could you please also help me with a tentative budget that we can keep in mind while planning for the trip including fuel, stay, food etc. It would be of great help.

For doubts related to budget for Leh – Ladakh trip, I am sure the link below will help you alot for getting an idea of overall budget: How to calculate cost or budget for Leh – Ladakh trip

Also, check the article: 5 Tips for a Budget Trip to Ladakh

Hello, I am also interested in the trip but don’t have a group as of now. Please let me know if I can join you guys.

It will be much better that you check the DoW Travel Calendar from the link in the Main Menu of website. There had been about 600+ entries of the people planning their trips in last couple of seasons which helped them have better visibility for finding out travel partners. You can filter entries based on the preferences you have and increase chances of visibility. Hence, kindly explore DoW Travel Calendar and also post your entry too. This will help you find other fellow travellers looking for company and increase probability of finding your post by others too.

You can also post a DoW Travel Calendar entry by using the Main Menu and clicking on Submit New Event option in it. Here is the link: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/dow-travel-partners-calendar/

thank you for your feed backs and forums regarding Ladakh tours.

i am from kerala and am planning to visit leh-ladakh on the month of may 2018 (9 /5/218 to 25/5/2018) . we are confused about rotang pass and srinagar -leh high way opening time.please find our detailed the itinerary and comment! 1)9 may 2018 Delhi to Amritsar 2)10 may 2018 Amritsar sight seeing 3) 11 may 2018 Amritsar -Srinagar 4) 12 may 2018 Srinagar sight seeing 5) 13 may 2018 Srinagar to Kargil 6)14 may 2018 Kargil to leh 7) 15 may 2018 Rest at leh 8) 16 may 2018 leh to Nubra valley (via thunder ) 9) 17 may 2018 nubra to Pan gong 10) 18 may 2018 Pan gong to leh 11) 19may 2018 leh to tso moriri 12) 20 may 2018 tso moriri to sarchu /jispa or keylong 13) 21 may 2018 sarchu to manali /kasol 14) 22 may 2018 kasol to delhi 15) 23 may 2018 buffer day and flight back to home

waiting for your valuable feed back.

Well, your plan looks OK to me. I will recommend that you make a delay of one week for Manali – Leh Highway to open.

thank you dheeraj.

could you please tell Approximate time srinagar-leh & leh- manali high ways open? And we are planning to travel in car.is it ok in this period of time ?

You can track them under: Manali Leh Highway Status 2018 and Srinagar Leh Highway Status 2018

Hi Dheeraj, Please check my Itinerary below and let me know if any changes is required. We are travelling in a bike. Give me some inputs if there is any hectic schedule involved and suggest me what to modify.

Day 1: Chandighar – Patnitop Day 2: Patnitop – Sonmarg Day 3: Sonmarg – Kargil Day 4: Kargil – Leh Day 5: Rest day in Leh Day 6: Leh – Khardungla – Nubra Day 7: Nubra – Pangang Tso via Wali la Day 8: Pangang tso to Leh day 9: Leh to Tso moriri Day 10: Tso moriri – Sarchu Day 11: Sarchu to Manali Day 12: Manali to Chandighar

Prem, the plan looks good to me.

How is Nubra to pangong route now? Will you advise to that this route or come back to Leh?

Now a days many people do direct route from Pangong tso to Nubra Valley, so it shall be fine. Unless people at agham village says otherwise, you can very much take this direct route.

Dheeraj, I’m more worried about rain during July first week. Im not planning in June cos roads will not be good(as i read from your blogs). So Please let me know if July first week doable and how usually the weather in July first week (esp zozila)?

July first week is still good time to travel Suhas, rains mostly start from middle – late July

hey prem when are you plan this trip? in May or June?

Dear We planned to travel along Leh by June last week. Will be following exactly as per your itinerary. Got a small quiry that Is it possible to cover Nubra Valley to Leh via Pangong in one day?? Will it be hectic as we will be heading to Nubra Valley and stay over der, very next day will be headed towards Pangong and den to Leh from there on the same day. Is it possible?? Or worth enough to save one day???

Furu, Nubra to Pangong tso to Leh will surely be hectic and you will not enjoy much. It is same as doing day trip to Pangong Tso from Leh especially from Shyok route.

So it’s better to get back to Leh from Nubra. And den do a day trip to Pangong Tso. Will it be fine and easy to do a day trip to do a Pangong???

Furu, I will say add one more day to make it comfortable or stay at Pangong Tso. Then come back to Leh next day.

we are group of 6 (3 couples) visiting the region by an SUV (Innova/Scorpio) from July 6 this year 

Please review below itinerary and advise if the same is possible: Srinagar – Leh – Manali – Delhi Day 1 (July 6) Hometown to Srinagar (Flight) Day 2 srinagar – kargil Day 3 kargil – Leh Day 4 Acclimatization + local sightseeing Day 5 Leh – Nubra valley Day 6 Nubra valley – Pangong lake – Leh Day 7 Leh – Tsomoriri Day 8 Tsomoriri – Manali Day 9 Manali – Delhi Day 10 Delhi – hometown Also advise if is it possible to reach Manali directly from Tsomoriri lake within a day.

Which option is better for day 6 night stay per above itinerary? Leh (going back from pangong) or pangong itself considering next day is for tsomoriri?

Just replied to your comment here: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/question/srinagar-leh-manali-itinerary/

Hello Dheeraj, Thank you for the reply. We are planning through a tour operator so inner permits will be taken care of by them. Also, Which option is better for day 6 night stay per above itinerary? Leh (going back from pangong) or pangong itself considering next day is for tsomoriri? How are the accommodations at Pangong?m

Well, if you go back to Leh, it makes it less tiring. Otherwise, if you stay at Pangong tso, you will need to make a 12 Hr journey on bumpy roads to reach Tso Moriri next day. Please note that Nubra to Pangong tso to Leh will be like 12 hrs journey and I see that it is already hectic.

I will recommend that you drop to Tso Moriri lake visit. Rest at Pangong tso.

Dropping Tsomoriri is not option ! Already dropped once during my first visit because of last minute hotel cancellation 🙁

Google maps show Pangong to Tsomoriri 208 kn (5.5 hours journey). Are roads that bad that it will take 12 hours?

Yeah brother, do not follow Google maps for a trip to Ladakh, you may end up in a bad situation. Do not expect driving more than 20 KMs per hr on an average with breaks and all. So, 10-12 hrs it will surely take.

Hi Dheeraj, We are planning Delhi-Srinagar-Leh-Manali-Delhi circuit. Will the itinerary be suitable?

Day 1: Leave Delhi for Patnitop. Overnight at Patnitop Day 2: Patnitop to Kargil Day 3: Kargil to Leh (Overnight at Leh) Day 4: Leh to Nubra Valley (Overnight at Nubra Valley) Day 5: Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso (Overnight at Pangong Tso) Day 6: Pangong Tso to Hanle (Overnight at Hanle) Day 7: Hanle to Sarchu (Overnight at Sarchu) Day 8: Sarchu to Manali (Overnight at Manali) Day 9: Manali to Delhi

Some more details We will be a group of 8-10 people and will be taking own cars. (However experienced drivers will be driving) All of us are aged 27. We would not like to spend heavily on accommodation. approx 500-700 per night will be great and no problem in twin-triple or even 4 sharing rooms if there are any.

As per my estimates

Daily Food will be around 1000 max. 9k Accommodation (at 750 per night) 6k Tolls and Fees 1k max per head Fuel and Driver Cost as incurred.

So Delhi to Delhi should be 16k per head + car expenses

Is there anything I am missing out like 1) Are permits needed at any of thee places? 2) Are private cars not allowed at any of these places? 3) Any reason to not do a road or any alternate route you would suggest.

We have 9 days in hand. So please do help us in getting this sorted out.

Hi Sayanta,

The above plan is too rushed, does not take care of acclimatization. With that large group, someone may fall ill as the probability is high in large group. Permits are required, there is no rest in between and I am not sure if you have ever taken such hectic trip.

Thanks a lot for your very informative website for ladakh first timers like me.

Please find below our itinerary and let me know your suggestions. We have booked zoomcar for the entire trip and plan to hire bike at leh. Also considering no peak season we are not planning to book any stay now. We’ll explore once we reach there. Is it risky not to plan stay in advance?

Date Start End Distance Approx travel time in hour [w/o break]/per google map Stay Places to see Remarks DAY 1 14th sept Chandigad Pathankot 235 4.5 Stay at Pathankot Need to check for stay DAY 2 15th sept Pathankot Srinagar 331 7.5 Stay at Srinagar Gardens & Shikara ride Need to check for stay DAY 3 16th sept Srinagar Kargil 202 4 Stay at Kargil War Memorial at Drass Need to check for stay DAY 4 17th sept Kargil Leh 217 4 Stay at Leh Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu Need to check for stay DAY 5 18th sept Leh Leh 0 Stay at Leh Local sight seeing if possible “DAY FOR ACCLIMATIZATION. Collect bikes, fill petrol in bike and jerry cans. IMP: Get all required permissions” DAY 6 19th sept Leh Hunder 127 3.5 Hunder/ diskit “Khardung La tallest lord Buddha statue sand dunes and bacterian camel safari” Need to check for stay DAY 7 20th sept Hunder Leh 127 3.5 Stay at leh “monastery hot water springs” Need to check for stay DAY 8 21st sept Leh Pangong 225 5 Stay at Pangong Tso (Spangmik or Lukung) On the way Hemis/Thicksey/ and Shey Need to check for stay DAY 9 22nd sept Pangong Leh 225 5 Stay at Leh On the way Hemis/Thicksey/ and Shey Need to check for stay DAY 10 23rd sept Leh Tso moriri 220 5 Stay at Tso moriri Need to check for stay DAY 11 24th sept Tso moriri Sarchu 228 7 Stay at Sarchu Need to check for stay DAY 12 25th sept Sarchu Manali 223 7 Stay at Manali Need to check for stay DAY 13 26th sept Manali Chandigarh 309 8 Need to check for stay Total [approx] 2669 64

Thanks again.

Regards, Santosh

Hi Santosh,

I thought I would share my thoughts. Hope you don’t mind as I know you have asked for Dheeraj Ji’s inputs here! I am taking the liberty to express my opinions here!

1. I am also traveling during this time to Ladakh (look at the below post for my plans, I am starting on 16th from Noida) and I have booked the stay for the entire trip as I did not want to shell out extra money + search for stay there (although that might turn out to be cheaper as you can bargain). The main reasons for my decision are as follows:

a. Looking at various hotel booking website like MMT and booking.com, it seems that there would be people traveling on that month too and rooms/stay options are flying off the shelf and getting expensive by the day!

On the flip side, if you go for a home stay kind of arrangement, then you can definitely check them out when you reach there but I am more comfortable knowing that I have stay booked.

b. When I look at your plan, everything seems to be in perfect order apart from your planned stay @ Sarchu which might not be advisable as most of the camps/cottages would close down by that time and then there would be very limited number of options available. The reason for this as per the camp owners is that it starts getting very cold out there around last week of September and sometimes the weather also gets very bad! I personally talked to 2-3 camp/cottage owners and all of them said that they would wind up the camping latest by 15/16th of September.

Hence, I had to change the stay from Sarchu to Jispa which is further down and stay options there are easily available.

You can reach out to me @ [email protected] for any comments that I have put above!

In general, if you are OK with basic guest houses and home stays, there will not be any issue at all for booking on the spots. Your plan is well laid and comfortable. As Abhishek pointed in September, Sarchu camps starts to pack up and few properties remains. Nowadays road conditions are much better and Leh – Jispa can easily be done in a day. Since you are not booking in advance, take the decision to stay at Sarchu and Jispa on the day or a day before.

Thank you so much for your valuable suggestions.

Dheeraj ji,

I have following questions… 1. After after Pangong & Nubra is done with local bikes we plan to take our selfdrive/zoomcar to Tso moriri… then Jispa and back to Chandigarh via Manali. Will there be any problem if we take zoomcar to Tso moriri? 2. Can we take Zoomcar to Hanle? 3. Can we take Zoomcar to Turtuk?

Thanks a lot.

You can only take outside rented car to Leh and for all above places you need local Leh taxi.

So here is what my Ladakh trip looks like… starting on 16th September and ending on 30th September.

Day 1: Noida – Patnitop (Overnight stay at Patnitop) Day 2: Patnitop – Sonmarg (Overnight stay at Sonmarg) Day 3: +++ Rest Day at Sonmarg + Sight Seeing in Sonmarg & Gulmarg +++ (Overnight stay at Sonmarg) Day 4: Sonmarg – Kargil (Overnight stay at Kargil) Day 5: Kargil – Leh (Overnight stay at Leh) Day 6: +++ Rest Day at Leh + Sight Seeing in & around Leh +++ (Overnight stay at Leh) Day 7: Leh – Nubra Valley (Overnight stay at Diskit) Day 8: Nubra Valley – Pangong Tso Lake (Overnight at Pangong Tso Lake) Day 9: Pangong Tso – Leh (Overnight stay at Leh) Day 10: Leh – Tso Moriri Lake (Overnight stay at Korzok) Day 11: Tso Moriri – Jispa (Overnight stay at Jispa) Day 12: Jispa – Manali (Overnight stay at Manali) Day 13: +++ Rest Day at Manali + Sight Seeing in & around Manali +++ (Overnight stay at Manali) Day 14: Manali – Noida Day 15: Buffer Days Day 16: Buffer Days

Do you think that this plan looks good? I am assuming that I have taken enough breaks in between for the body to acclimatize to the conditions up there! Let me know if there are any changes that you want to suggest!

I would also welcome any feedback from fellow members here!

Thanks and Regards, Abhishek

You should use your buffer days and plan for Leh – Nubra – Leh in two days and then Leh – Pangong Tso – Hanle – Tso Moriri – Jispa direct trip. Rest your plan is very nicely laid out.

Hi Dheeraj Ji,

Any specific reason why you would recommend doing Leh – Nubra – Leh? I was thinking that I could do Nubra and Pangong Tso Lake in one go and then come back to Leh before exiting out from there and covering Tso Moriri….

Please let me know!

It will ease out the trip and you will enjoy more with Leh – Nubra – Leh in two days. You will fuel up and then best will be to do Leh to Pangong Tso, Pangong Tso to Hanle and Hanle to Tso Moriri, finally exit to Jispa from Tso Moriri

So I took your advice and have added a day in between to return to Let from Nubra Valley and then proceed towards Pangong Tso Lake next day. I guess that would be the best approach for me considering that this is my first trip to Ladakh.

Thank you very much for your advice!

Yes Abhishek, you will have wonderful and memorable trip, I am sure. We will look for your updates.

Thanks a lot for your wonderful work.really your suggestion and planning are fantastic. We are 3 above 45 reach Leh by flight on 27th september and back from srinagar on 5th October. Pls suggest itinerary. wants to visit best of ladakh and kargil.it will be our 1st and last visit of ladakh. We want to see the villages of ladakh closely.how is TSOGSTY.can I get home stay there??we want budget trip.Pls reply.Thanks in advance

I see you have 9 days at hand, you can follow something like below:

Day 1 | Delhi – Leh (By Flight) — Checkin at Hotel. Many hotels provide free pick and drop from Airport. Ask while you book them. — Take ample of rest as well as water or anything that keep your body hydrated enough. DO NOT OVER HYDRATE. Take ORS Soluted water or ORS – L tetra packs from home. — Do not over exert your body at any cost. Avoid too much up-down on stairs or avoid it in entirety, if possible. — After 5-6 Hrs of rest you can visit Leh Palace, Local Leh market, Shankar Gompa . — If you feel exerted go back to Hotel, have dinner at Hotel and take rest. Avoid any exertion. Else continue and, — Follow the sunset by stroll at Changspa road and have a nice dinner on varied cuisines offered in-around Changspa road. — Go back to hotel for overnight stay at Leh.   Day 2 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Acclimatization — Hire a taxi from Leh taxi stand or Hotel whichever suits you. — Bargain hard with taxi driver. Book that single taxi for entire trip after explaining the complete plan. — Take his inputs if you feel reasonable and if required modify the plan accordingly but should suits you best. — Ask him to be with you guys starting first day itself, if required and charged reasonable else do it at your own. — Again DO NOT over exert and take little steps and slow walks only. — If feeling OK then do Local sightseeing. To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh — Do not use stairs at any of these places just to see them as it will exert your body much more. — Overnight at Leh   Day 3 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder — Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit — On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La — Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari   Day 4 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh — Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs — Overnight at Leh   Day 5 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake — Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on the go towards Pangong Tso — Overnight at Pangong Tso (Spangmik or Lukung)   Day 6 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh — Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on return to Leh — Overnight at Leh

Day 7 | Leh – Lamayuru – Kargil — Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes — On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu — Overnight at Kargil

Day 8 | Kargil – Drass – Zozi La – Sonamarg – Srinagar — Enjoy the vistas enroute — Have late drunch meal at Sonamarg — Overnight at Srinagar

Day 9 | Fly back

Just replied to the other comment.

Hi, I am planning to go to Leh-Ladakh on Aug 14th- Aug 25. I have prepared 2 sample itinerary . Would you please go through them and suggest if any changes need to be done

—— Itinerary 1———–

Aug 14 : evening flight to Delhi, stay at Delhi Aug 15 : renting bikes from Delhi, move to Chandigarh Aug 16 : Chandigarh to Solang Aug 17 : sightseeing in Solang Valley, Solang – Jispa Aug 18 : Jispa -Leh Aug 19 : leh sightseeing, permit, stay @ Leh Aug 20 : Leh-Khardung La- Diskit-Hunder-Leh Aug 21 : Leh-Pangng-Leh Aug 22 : Leh-Sonamarg Aug 23 : sightseeing in Srinagar Aug 24 : Srinagr – Jalandhar Aug 25 : Jalandhar- Delhi

———– Itinerary 2 ———- Aug 14 : evening flight to Delhi, stay at Delhi Aug 15 : renting bikes from Delhi, move to Chandigarh Aug 16 : Chandigarh to Solang Aug 17 : sightseeing in Solang Valley, Solang – Jispa Aug 18 : Jispa -Leh Aug 19 : leh sightseeing, permit, stay @ Leh Aug 20 : Leh-Khardung La- Diskit-Hunder-Leh Aug 21 : Leh-Pangng-Leh Aug 22 : Leh-Taglang La-Sarchu Aug 23 : Sarchu-Manali Aug 24 : Manali-Chandigarh Aug 25 : Chandigarh-Delhi Aug 26 : evening flight

Is it ok to go with this plan ?? We wish to return via Srinagar but if any issues there at that time we will return via Manali

Given the number of days at hand, the plans looks fine to me.

Thank you so much for replying. N this DoW is loaded with information for Ldakh trip. We will go ahead with this plan and let you know once done

Great, thanks a lot. Feel free to post any further questions.

We are planning for a similar trip starting from Chandigarh from sept 29-oct8. Is it a good time to visit? Will the roads(kargil-leh) be open during this period?

Thanks, Amit

Amit, the roads are open during that time but it starts to get cold especially in morning and night and plus the stay options are mostly winded up especially on Manali = Leh Highway. People do make the journey during this time but it has its own perils along with occassional snowfall.

Hi Dheeraj Would like to know your expertise view as planning for my maiden drive to Leh. Is it worth enough to have a journey from Manali – Leh -Manali Aug 1st to Aug 10th. Is it safe as I will be having solo drive in my car??? Is it worth enough to plan a journey at this time of year ( Aug 1st to Aug 10). Or should I wait till next year and leave as soon as the road opens next year. Pls help me out

It is monsoon time in general up there in North and at some parts of Manali – Leh Highway (like before Baralacha La) and Srinagar – Leh Highway (like before Kargil) you might need to face monsoon hassles but once you get closer to Ladakh, then Ladakh being rain shadow region is least affected by monsoon rains. Landslides or slush or road blocks are pretty common in the month of monsoons but these landslides are cleared in a day or two unless there is a very major one. Having said that, rains does reach Ladakh nowadays but in general, it is overcast days or in form of light drizzles. I will suggest you also read my article on 10 Tips for a Trip to Ladakh in Monsoons .

You can also refer to the link in our community: FAQ | Is Monsoon season good time to travel to Ladakh? for more details.

Dear I can even fit 12 – 13 days doesn’t matter but am bit confused about going in the month of august 1st. Is it worth enough to take this journey at this time or should I wait till next June. Because these trips won’t happen oftenly in life as am from Kerala. Requires lot of effort and plan that’s why I asked. Should I carry on with August 1st to 15th or Should I wait enough for June 2018??? Pls give your experienced feedback. Thank you

Sijas, you will sure be going through monsoon hassles. It is monsoon time in general up there in North and at some parts of Manali – Leh Highway (like before Baralacha La) and Srinagar – Leh Highway (like before Kargil) you might need to face monsoon hassles but once you get closer to Ladakh, then Ladakh being rain shadow region is least affected by monsoon rains. Landslides or slush or road blocks are pretty common in the month of monsoons but these landslides are cleared in a day or two unless there is a very major one. Having said that, rains does reach Ladakh nowadays but in general, it is overcast days or in form of light drizzles. I will suggest you also read my article on 10 Tips for a Trip to Ladakh in Monsoons .

I will suggest based on above articles and suggestions in them, you can easily make up your mind.

Hi Dheeraj Thanks a ton for all the blogs.. Me along with 2 friends planning to go to Manali-Leh-Ladakh-Sringar-Punjab strating this July 8th. I have worked out a rough itinery. Please suggest me any changes in this as we 3 are first timers and confused with the ride time and all. july 8 th-TVM -Delhi by flight-Manali by Bus july 9th- Manali local- Night stay at Solang 10th- Solang- Jispa-Night at Jispa/Pang 11th-Jispa- Leh- Night at Leh( reach by evening,obtain permit, bike for ladakh) 12th- Leh-Nubra-Leh (visit hunder,sumur, panamik and back to leh) night @Leh 13th- Leh- Pangong Lake(return and visit Hemis,Shey,Thicksey,Tsemo)-night @Leh 14th-Leh to Srinagar ( Visit pather sahib, hall of fame, Lamayaru, pass Dras,Kargil and reach Srinagar-night @srinagar)(Confused whether we could ride this at a stretch or to take night halt at Kargil) pls advice. 15th- Srinagar Local + Gulmarg- night @ srinagar 16th- Srinagar-Pahalgam-Jammu (night @jammu) 17th-Jammu-Pathankot-Punjab-night 18th-punjab-amritsar-wagah-night @punjab 19th-Chandigarh-Kerala reach kerala by 21st

please help me if any corrections needed.

I will suggest that you rest in Leh after reaching to Leh for at least one day. Then make two day trip to Nubra Valley and then one day trip to Pangong Tso. Then go over to Srinagar. this should be minimum plan even if it means dropping Kashmir places and others. Else it does not make sense for the trip.

Hi Dheeraj, I am confused whether to prebook hotels or book hotels going there especially because we are 7 of us and will be staying at Hunder, Pangong tso, tso moriri, Hanle. We will be visiting in aug end. I have similar doubt on pre renting cab and bike or renting over there. Could you please advice me. Thanks!

Kruthi, if you are not too much fussy about places to stay and do not mind staying at small family run guest houses or home stays, there will not be any issue searching stays on the spot all over in Ladakh

Hi Dheeraj, I am confused whether to prebook hotels or book hotels going there especially because we are 7 of us and will be staying at Hunder, Pangong tso, tso moriri, Hanle. Online rates seems very high as of now. We will be visiting in aug end. I have similar doubt on pre renting cab and bike or renting over there. Could you please advice me on this. Thanks!

I am planning to go with my family ( 2 adults and 2 child 7 year and 12 years ) in a self drive SUV for the 14 days iterinary mentioned above from Delhi on July or August 1st week. How is the current security situation throughout this journey. Is it safe to go with family now? Please advice

In general as per reports by other members of the community, it looks fine. No major issues reported.

Hi Dheeraj, thanks for all the good work you do for all of our benefit. Is there also an itinerary on the portal for Delhi-Manali-Ladakh-Delhi, where Manali to Ladakh is by road, and Ladakh to Delhi is by flight

Please find the itinerary below:

Day 1 | Delhi – Manali/Solang Valley — Better stay at Solang Valley and avoid Manali as sleeping at Solang Valley does help in acclimatization — If going by own car, get the permit made in advance to drive on Manali – Rohtang Pass road through hotel/travel agent in Manali — Overnight at Manali/Solang Valley

Day 2 | Manali/Solang Valley – Keylong/Jispa — It is always better to stay either at Keylong/Jispa so that you do not feel sick or hit by AMS. — Avoid sleeping at Sarchu at any cost while going to Leh from Manali because your body will not be acclimatized by the time you reach there. — I prefer staying at Jispa more because Keylong gives the feeling of a town while Jispa is more closer to nature having Bhaga river running just aside the Manali – Leh Highway at Jispa. — Overnight at Keylong/Jispa

Day 3 | Keylong/Jispa – Leh — Leave Keylong/Jispa early next morning, say by 4/5 AM types, so that you reach Leh in the evening. — Overnight at Leh

Day 7 | Leh – Pangong Tso Lake – Leh – Day trip to Pangong Tso – Overnight at Leh

Day 8 | Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang — Cover Karzok Monastery — Overnight at Karzok or Tso Moriri   Day 9 | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring (Manali – Leh Highway starts) – Taglang La – Upshi – Leh — Come back via Tso Kar and Manali – Leh Highway to Leh — Overnight at Leh

Day 10 | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping OR Monastery tour OR You can do tour to Sham Valley — Monastery tour may include Hemis, Thicksey, Stakna and Shey monasteries. They come on the route of Pangong Tso but as you will be doing day trip, it will be a bit hectic to include them on that day only. — Sham Valley include Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, , Gurudwara Pather Sahib — Overnight at Leh

Day 11 | Fly back

Thanks Dheeraj. We will hire a taxi from Manali and spend the night at Solang Valley. We plan to reach Manali around 1 PM on Saturday 23rd Sep and plan to start driving early on Sunday morning from Solang. We plan to not pre-book and go to the taxi stand on Saturday and negotiate and finalize. 1. Will we have enough time to book a cab that day? 2. Are there any permits we will need to take? Will the offices for that be open on Saturday afternoon? 3. Are the drivers generally OK picking up from Solang valley?

Also, if we reach Manali early, say 7 AM, will it be possible to go to the taxi stand and book a taxi then? If not, it may make sense to come into Manali only around noon, because we want to book a taxi and then go and stay at Solang Valley

It might be difficult at 7 AM as most drivers come by around 8-10 AM types. But, any early starters you may be able to find.

Replies below:

1. Yes, you will have enough time to book the taxi 2. No, in case of taxi the taxi guys has to arrange the permit for his taxi 3. Yes, they will pick up guests from Solang Valley.

My hotel owner is telling that inner line permit is still required even for Indians for nubra and pangong. Is it true? All my colleagues had to take this permit during their visit in 2017.

Yes, this is very much true. Starting 2017, the inner line permit are again required in Ladakh

Thanks a lot for your excellent support with this DOW page, got to know a lot about leh trip. Thanks again.

Really exciting itinerary. Shall be working on finalizing my itinerary soon!

Sure, feel free to post any further questions you have for your trip.

Your posts are extremely informative for first-timers. So first of all, I owe you a big thank you!

I will be going to Leh-Ladakh late September and my itinerary goes as follows:

Day 1: Morning flight to Srinagar. Srinagar to Kargil. Night stay there. Day 2: Kargil-Drokhpa region-Kargil Day 3: Kargil-Padum Day 4: Sight-seeing around Padum. Night stay there Day 5: Padum-Kargil Day 6: Kargil-Leh Day 7: Sight-seeing around Leh Day 8: Leh-Nubra Valley Day 9: Nubra Valley-Pangong Tso Day 10: Pangong Tso-Tso Moriri Day 11: Tso Moriri-Tso Kar-Leh Day 12: Buffer Day 13: Fly out of Leh

1. I wanted to know if Day 9 and Day 10 back-to-back will be too hectic, and if we should return to Leh from Pangong. Also, how long is the journey from Nubra to Pangong, because I really want to spend some time in Pangong.

Some of us will be flying out on Day 13 itself, so if it’s not a big deal, we want to complete the trip within Day 12.

2. Can I include Hanle in the buffer day (in case you advice me to not travel directly to Tso Moriri) as : Pangong Tso-Hanle, and then Hanle-Tso Moriri on the following day? Also, what are the procedures for getting the permit at Hanle?

3. What are the places I can cover around Leh and Padum in the limited time that I have? (I prefer to travel on the roads less traveled, so feel free to suggest non-touristy places)

Thank you in advance!

There is no point going for the Padum in just two days at hand, it will put you through treacherous journey just to sleep one night and come back again. Rather best you can do is Kargil – Rangdum (cover Penzi la), Rangdum – Lamayuru, Lamayuru – Drokpa region – Leh. The extra day now you have got is to be used to visit Hanle like Leh – Nubra Valley, Nubra Valley to Pangong tso, Pangong tso to Hanle, Hanle to Tso Moriri.

Thank you so much for the feedback.

In one of your blogs, I read that the conditions are more harsh at Rangdum and hence I opted to stay at Padum.

If it’s not too inconvenient for you, can you share the places I can visit if I choose to stay at Rangdum and follow the route you suggested?

Also, is it feasible to go from Pangong to Hanle to Tso Moriri in a day?

We will be booking a cab for ourselves, so you can advice accordingly.

Yes, that is true but it does make sense if you have days in hand but for just 2 days going another 5 Hrs of a bumpy ride in a day is not advisable. LA Himalaya home stay has attached toilets too now at Rangdum, so facilities have improved there. When you stay at Rangdum, you can visit Penzi La Pass and the two lakes that comes on the way to it. Plus it is the nature and the journey which is enjoyable to Rangdum. Of course, Rangdum monastery too offers very nice views.

Pangong tso to Hanle = Day 1 and Hanle to Tso Moriri – Day 2.

I am thinking of extending the stay at Padum to 2 days. Then what are the possible places I can explore?

Also, if I have to choose between going to Tso Moriri or Hanle, which one will you advise?

Again, thank you and my apologies for bothering you so much!

That sounds good then, you can refer: Local Sightseeing in Padum – Zanskar Valley

I will choose Hanle because it has a different beauty than the lake which you anyways will visit Pangong Tso.

I’ve gone through the recent notification given by the bikers union. We are hiring delhi registered bikes for our ladakh trip. Will this be a problem?

Jitesh, it depends on the mood to be very frank now a days !! Best is to do Leh rented bike journey only within Ladakh

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Journey To The Top of The World: The Ultimate 2024 Guide To Road Trip From Delhi To Leh Ladakh

Leh ladakh: an overview .

Leh Ladakh is also home to a unique culture preserved for centuries. The region is predominantly Buddhist, and visitors can explore the various monasteries, temples, and  cultural festivals throughout the year.

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Planning Your Trip

• Best Time to Visit- The best time to visit Leh Ladakh is from May to September, when the weather is pleasant and the roads are open. Remember that the region experiences heavy snowfall during wintertime, and the roads are closed.
• Route- The most popular route to Leh Ladakh is from Delhi via Manali. The distance from Delhi to Leh Ladakh via Manali is around 1,000 km, and the journey takes approximately 2-3 days. Another route to Leh Ladakh is from Srinagar, which is around 434 km and takes about 12-14 hours.
• Permits- Visitors might require permits for Ladakh road trip to enter certain areas of the region. You can obtain these permits from the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Leh. The permits are usually issued for a specific period and are valid for a particular area only.
• Transportation- You can opt for a self-drive road trip or hire a taxi from Delhi to Leh Ladakh. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Delhi to Manali or Srinagar and then take a taxi or bus to Leh Ladakh.
• Accommodation- There are various accommodation options available in Leh Ladakh, including budget guesthouses, luxury hotels, and homestays. Booking your accommodation well in advance is essential, especially during peak tourist season.

Things to Do in Leh Ladakh

• Visit Monasteries – There are numerous monasteries in Ladakh, including the famous Hemis Monastery, Thiksey Monastery, and Diskit Monastery. Visitors can explore the rich culture and traditions of the region through these monasteries.
• Explore Lakes – Leh Ladakh is known for its crystal-clear lakes, including Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri, and Tso Kar, amongst other beautiful lakes in Ladakh. These lakes offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes and are a must-visit for nature lovers.
• Trekking – There are several trekking spots in Ladakh, including the Markha Valley Trek, Chadar Trek, and Stok Kangri Trek. These treks offer a unique perspective of the region’s natural beauty and are a must-do for adventure enthusiasts.
• River Rafting – The Zanskar River in Leh Ladakh offers some of India’s best river rafting experiences. The river runs through a narrow gorge, and visitors can enjoy the thrill of navigating the rapids.
• Shopping – Leh Ladakh is also known for its unique handicrafts and souvenirs. Visitors can buy traditional Tibetan and Ladakhi handicrafts, such as prayer wheels, thangkas, and pashmina shawls, at the local markets in Leh.

Challenges of the Road Trip

• Altitude Sickness – Leh Ladakh is a high-altitude region, and some travellers might experience acute mountain sickness in Ladakh. Acclimatizing to the altitude is essential by taking it slow and drinking plenty of fluids.
• Rough Roads – The roads to Leh Ladakh are notorious for their rough patches. Therefore, travellers must remain well prepared for long stretches of bumpy rides.
• Limited Amenities – The region is sparsely populated, and certain areas may have limited amenities such as petrol stations, ATMs, and medical facilities.

Preparing for the Road Trip

• Vehicle – The Delhi to Leh Ladakh road is challenging, and you need a vehicle that can handle the rough terrain. SUVs and 4×4 vehicles are the best options for this road trip. Getting your vehicle serviced before the trip is essential to ensure it’s in top condition.
• Spare Parts – Carrying spare parts and tools is essential for a Delhi to Ladakh Trip. Some necessary spare parts include spare tires, fuel, engine oil, coolant, brake oil, and fuses.
• Navigation Tools – Carrying navigation tools, such as GPS devices and maps, is essential for a road trip to Leh Ladakh. The roads in the region need to be better marked, and these tools can help you navigate the area.
• Clothing and Gear – The weather in Leh Ladakh can be unpredictable. Therefore, carrying suitable clothing and gear is essential. Some essential items include warm clothing, sturdy boots, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, and hats.
• Food and Water – The region is sparsely populated, and you may need help finding restaurants or food stalls along the way. It’s essential to carry enough food and water for the journey.

Route and Itinerary

Day 1: Delhi to Manali

The journey from Delhi to Manali is around 540 km and takes approximately 12 hours. You can break the trip into two days and stay overnight in Chandigarh.

Day 2: Manali

Explore Manali and its surrounding areas, such as Rohtang Pass and Solang Valley.

Day 3: Manali to Jispa

The journey from Manali to Jispa is around 140 km, and it takes approximately 5-6 hours. The route takes you through the scenic Rohtang Pass and the Lahaul Valley.

Day 4: Jispa to Sarchu

The journey from Jispa to Sarchu is around 80 km and takes approximately 3-4 hours. The route takes you through the Baralacha Pass and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.

Day 5: Sarchu to Leh

The journey from Sarchu to Leh is around 250 km and takes approximately 9-10 hours. The route takes you through the Gata Loops, Nakee La, Lachung La, and Tanglang La passes.

Day 6-8: Leh and Surrounding Areas

Explore  Leh  and its surrounding areas, including monasteries, lakes, and trekking routes.

Day 9: Leh to Srinagar

The journey from Leh to Srinagar is around 434 km and takes approximately 12-14 hours. The route takes you through the Zojila Pass and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas.

Day 10: Srinagar

Explore Srinagar and its surrounding areas, such as Dal Lake and Mughal Gardens.

Day 11: Srinagar to Delhi

The journey from Srinagar to Delhi is around 875 km and takes approximately 22 hours. You can break the trip into two days and stay overnight in Jammu.

Safety Tips

• Acclimatization: Acclimatization to high altitude is essential to prevent altitude sickness. It’s necessary to take it slow and spend a few days in Leh to acclimatize before venturing further.
• Driving: The roads on  Delhi to Ladakh Trip can be treacherous, and driving carefully is essential. Always wear seat belts, drive within the speed limit, and be cautious while overtaking. Keep your headlights on at all times, especially while driving through tunnels.
• Communication: The region has limited mobile connectivity, so informing your family and friends about your itinerary is essential. Carry a satellite phone or a walkie-talkie for emergencies.
• Permits: Visitors require permits to visit certain areas in Leh Ladakh. Obtaining the necessary permits from the local authorities before starting your journey is essential.
• Medical Kit: Carry a medical kit with essential medications, first-aid supplies, and altitude sickness medication.
• Environmental Responsibility: Leh Ladakh is a fragile  ecosystem  responsibility is essential while visiting the region. Here are things you can do to minimize your impact:
• Carry your garbage and dispose of it in designated areas; 
• Use reusable water bottles and avoid single-use plastic; 
• Respect the local culture and traditions; 
• Do not disturb the wildlife or damage the natural habitats; 
• Choose suitable accommodation options

Accommodation Options

• Budget Guesthouses – Budget guesthouses are a popular option for backpackers and budget travellers. They offer basic amenities like clean rooms, hot water, and Wi-Fi. Some popular guesthouses in Leh include Zostel Leh, The Auspicious Hotel, and Padma Guest House et al.
• Mid-Range Hotels – Mid-range hotels offer more amenities and comfort than guesthouses. They usually have attached restaurants, parking facilities, and tour packages. Some popular mid-range hotels in Leh include The Grand Dragon Ladakh, Hotel Caravan Centre, and Hotel Hill Town etc.
• Luxury Hotels- Luxury hotels give the highest level of comfort and amenities. They usually have spas, swimming pools, and fine-dining restaurants. Some popular luxury hotels in Leh include The Stok Palace Heritage Hotel, The Indus Valley Hotel, and The Ladakh Sarai. Check the Leh Ladakh packages for the best experience.
• Homestays – Homestays are an excellent option for visitors who want to experience the local culture and traditions. They offer a unique opportunity to interact with locals and learn about their way of life. Some popular homestays in Leh include The Lchang Nang Retreat, Tukchu Homestay, and The Shanti Stupa Homestay.

Places to Visit During Leh Ladakh Road Trip

Silk sunset, various shades of white, tar on the roads, the gloom beyond the oil lamp floating over the lake, ripples in the water, fog on the mirror, the garden of the spring, the fairy palace, subject of the poems, emptiness in the eyes, absence of words, forever in ordinary things, and the old roses on a breeze—all these things can be found in Srinagar, where love arrives in memories of forever to liberate us into life! Insane views and entrancing locales may be found at Srinagar’s tourist destinations.

Sonmarg, which translates to “the Meadow of Gold” in English, is a neighbourhood in the Ganderbal region. It is renowned for its breathtaking views of the Kolhoi and Machoi glaciers. It is certainly located in one of the most beautiful areas of the Himalayan glaciers.

It is a well-known tourist destination since it is an alpine valley, and grassy meadows offer commanding views of the glaciers when travelling to Ladakh by car. From here, there are trekking paths to many lakes, including Vishansar Lake, Krishnasar Lake, and Gangabal Lake. The sacred cave of Amarnath is also accessible by travelling to the surrounding Baltal valley.

Drass Valley

The Drass Valley in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kargil District is frequently called the entrance to Ladakh. Drass has contributed significantly to the infamous Kargil War. The war between India and Pakistan began in 1999 when the Pakistani Army dumped shells on Drass and the nearby villages.

In the end, India took over Drass and other areas of the grounds, and from that point on, Drass was acknowledged as the Kargil War Memorial. At the height of 3230 meters above sea level, Drass lies tucked away among the snow-capped peaks along the Leh-Kargil National Highway. Drass Valley in Ladakh begins at Zojila Pass.

You will pass through this unique place from Delhi to Leh on your drive. Many of you have heard of this place. In India’s Jammu and Kashmir province, Kargil is a part of the Ladakh division. It is one of the top stops on a road trip to Leh and is the second-largest town in Ladakh after Leh. Check the complete guide   for the full information.

The region was believed to be affected by Ali Sher Khan Anchan’s rule over Skardu between the late 16 th and mid-17 th centuries. Additionally, stop through the Suru valley on your way to Kargil. This valley separates the Zanskar valley from the Kargil valley. Despite being over 3000 meters high, the Suru stream that runs through the valley keeps it remarkably green. The Greater Himalayas’ greenest valley is that one.

The Mulbekh Monastery, 45 kilometres from Kargil atop a mountaintop, is well-known for its two Gompas. The Drukpa and Gelugpa sub-monasteries are within the grounds of this famous religious site. On the Srinagar-Leh Highway, the structure may be seen from a distance. The Maitreya Buddha statue is this location’s main draw.

Beautiful artefacts and frescoes enhance the Gompa’s aesthetic appeal and spirituality. It is made of limestone and measures 30 feet. This sculpture was thought to have been created by Buddhist missionaries to spread the religion of Buddhism. One of the best places to visit while driving through Leh Ladakh is the monastery, from which you can see the surrounding areas from above.

Ladakh is called the “Heaven of Passes,” while the Moonland is the “Heaven of Adventure.” On a road trip to Ladakh, this is one of the most excellent spots to stop in Jammu & Kashmir. The breathtaking views of the area, frequently called a photographer’s paradise, are guaranteed to enthral tourists.

The surrounding areas’ tranquil, scenic scenery enhances Moonland’s allure. Everything about this region, from the lovely surroundings, picturesque valleys, and breathtaking views, makes it a slice of heaven on earth.

Another name for this monastery is “Place of Freedom.” One of Ladakh’s largest and oldest monasteries dates back centuries. The Lamayuru Monastery, affiliated with the Red Hat Buddhist sect and situated on a steep mountain about 127 kilometres from Leh, is located there. This location is a must-visit after you arrive in Leh because of its elaborate paintings, holy texts, and Buddha statues.

You must visit another important location on your Delhi to Ladakh Trip. This monastery, which is 70 kilometres from Ladakh, was reputed to have been a traditional location for studying and preaching Buddhism. The Alchi Monastery was erected in the 12th century and is situated on a level terrain. The buildings Du-khang and Sum-tsek are located inside the monastery.

The Manjushri Temple is another temple located there. The monastery’s assembly hall, or Du-khang, is one of the most beautiful stops on your road journey to Ladakh because it features multiple murals depicting the various forms of the Lord Buddha as well as antique paintings.

A Delhi to Leh Ladakh Guide is an adventure of a lifetime. With its breathtaking landscapes, unique culture, and challenging terrains, Leh Ladakh offers an unforgettable experience. By planning your trip carefully and being prepared for the challenges, you can make the most of your visit to this incredible region. So pack your bags, fill up your tank, and embark on a journey to Leh Ladakh that you’ll remember for years.

A road trip from Delhi to Leh Ladakh is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure offering breathtaking Himalayas views, unique culture, and challenging terrains. With careful planning and best possible preparation, visitors can make the most of their trip and create unforgettable memories.

It’s essential to be mindful of the challenges and safety concerns while exploring the region and to be responsible for the environment and local communities. So pack your bags, gear up your vehicle, and embark on a memorable journey to Leh Ladakh that you’ll cherish forever.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

Q: 1. how to plan a delhi to ladakh road trip, q: 2. how much does a ladakh trip cost from delhi, q: 3. how much money is needed for a ladakh trip, q: 4. how can i plan my itinerary in ladakh.

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Road Trip to Leh Ladakh

Route 1: srinagar to leh, route 2: manali to leh, quick navigation.

Places to Visit During Srinagar to Leh Road Trip

Srinagar (434 km from leh).

If you are on a Ladakh tour then this is one destination which you will come across en route. Srinagar is a destination which is a must-visit destination for all. Srinagar lies on the banks of the Jhelum River, a tributary of the Indus, and Dal and Anchar lakes. The city is acclaimed for its patio nurseries, waterfronts, and houseboats. 

It is additionally known for customary Kashmiri crafted works and dried natural products. Ringed by a circular segment of green mountains, is the mesmerizingly peaceful Dal Lake, on which a splendid cluster of stationary houseboats shape a vivid scene and an exceptional open door for sentimental chill-outs and it is one of the best destinations to go while traveling Leh Ladakh by road. Distance from Leh: 434 km

Top Experiences To Do in Srinagar

Sonmarg (342 km from Leh)

Translated as the Meadow of Gold in English, Sonmarg is located in the Ganderbal district. Situated in the finest regions of the Himalayan glaciers, this place is known for its majestic views of the Kolhoi Glacier and Machoi Glacier.

Being an alpine valley, it is a popular tourist destination with grassy meadows providing imposing views of the glaciers while taking a road trip to Ladakh. There are trekking routes from this place to numerous lakes such as Gangabal Lake, Krishnasar Lake, and Vishansar Lake. You can also visit the nearby Baltal valley and reach the Amarnath sacred cave. If you are a trek freak then check our list of best trek trails of Ladakh and tick this adventure off your list. Distance from Leh: 342 km Click Here to Book:   Ladakh Travel Packages

Drass Valley (283 km from Leh)

Starting from the base of the Zojila pass, this is a Himalayan getaway like no other! Located in the Kargil district of Jammu & Kashmir, this place is also known colloquially as the Gateway to Ladakh. The Drass Valley is an adjacent land that runs along the Drass River and it is one of the best destinations on Leh road trip.

Distance from Leh:  283 km

Top Experiences To Do in Drass Valley

Kargil (218 km from Leh)

On your Delhi to Leh road trip , this is another destination which you will be passing on your journey. A lot of you might have heard about this destination. Kargil is a region of Ladakh division in the Indian condition of Jammu and Kashmir. It is the second biggest town in Ladakh after Leh and one of the best destination in Leh road trip.

Distance from Leh:  218 km Checkout & Book:   Manali to Leh Bike Trip from Delhi                                 Leh Ladakh Tour Packages from Chandigarh

Mulbekh (180 km from Leh)

Located around 45km from Kargil over a hilltop, the Mulbekh Monastery is well-known for its two gompas. A revered place of faith, there are two sub-monasteries called Drukpa and Gelugpa within the premises. You can see the building from afar when on the Srinagar-Leh Highway. The highlight attraction here is the statue of Maitreya Buddha.

Built of limestone and measuring 30ft, splendid relics and frescos add to the beauty and spirituality of this gompa. This sculpture was believed to be the work of Buddhist missionaries to propagate the Buddhist faith. From atop the monastery, you get an aerial view of the surrounding regions  and it is one of the best destinations to go while traveling Leh Ladakh by road. Check out our guide of all the best attractions and activities of Ladakh , so that you are aware of the things to do, once stepping on this surreal landscape on earth. Distance from Leh: 180 km Click Here to Book:   Leh Ladakh Bike Trip From Delhi Recommended Read:   Road Trip to Leh Ladakh

Moonland (114 km from Leh)

If Ladakh is known as the ‘Heaven of Passes’ , the Moonland is known ‘Heaven of Adventure’. This is one amongst the best places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir while doing a road trip to Ladakh. Often referred as paradise of the shutterbugs, the spectacular views of the region is sure to captivate its visitors.

The serene picturesque settings of the vicinity add to the enchanting beauty of the Moonland. Be it the scenic terrains, picturesque valleys or the stunning views of the surroundings, every element makes this place, a heaven on earth! Distance from Leh: 114 km Checkout & Book:   Premium 6 Days Leh Ladakh Sightseeing Tour                                  Ladakh Honeymoon Packages from Delhi

Lamayuru (127 km from Leh)

Alchi (70 km from Leh)

On your trip from Delhi to Leh by road, there is another place which is a must visit for you. Located 70km from Ladakh, this monastery was known to be an ancient place for learning and preaching Buddhism. Situated on a flat ground, the Alchi Monastery was built during the 12th century. Inside the monastery are the structures Du-khang and Sum-tsek. There is also a temple on premises called the Manjushri Temple. Du-khang or the assembly hall of the monastery houses ancient paintings and also showcases numerous murals that depicts the various forms of Lord Buddha and it is one of the amazing places in your road trip to Ladakh.

Managed by the Archaeological Survey of India, this monastery is located in the picturesque Alchi village. On a tour to this sacred place, you can also visit the nearby village and witness the life and culture of the local people. Distance from Leh: 70 km Recommended Read:   Mumbai to Ladakh Tour Guide You can Also Book:  Ladakh Group Tour Package s

Likir (54 from Leh)

There is another destination which is a must visit for you on your Ladakh trip. Likir is a town in the Leh area of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is situated in the Leh tehsil, in the Ladakh region.  This village is mainly famous for the Likir Monastery which is just nearby the village. On your trip from Delhi to Leh by road, there is another place which is a must visit for you. 

The famous monastery was built in the 11th century and is known for the 75 m tall Buddha statue. The Likir monastery houses about 120 lamas. They also provide elementary education to around 30 students out of which some of them will be selected as Lamas. Distance from Leh: 54 km from Leh Checkout & Book:   Leh Ladakh Tour Packages from Delhi

On your Leh Ladakh road trip, there is another  place which you can’t miss in Leh . It is the Leh district, with a region of 45,110 square km, is the second biggest region in the nation, after Kutch, Gujarat. The town is ruled by the ruined Leh Palace, the previous manor of the illustrious group of Ladakh, inherit a similar style and about an indistinguishable time from the Potala Palace-the main living arrangement of the Dalai Lama. 

Soak in the amazing beauty of the region dotted with stupas and disintegrating mudbrick houses, the Old Town is overwhelmed by a blade of soak rough edge bested by a forcing Tibetan-style castle and fortification.

Top Experiences To Do in Leh

Things You Should Know during Srinagar to Leh Trip

Petrol pumps on srinagar-leh highway.

1) Mangan: Starting from Srinagar, the first petrol pump is available at Mangam, which is situated at around 32km from Srinagar.

Distance from Srinagar: 32 Kms

2) Sonamarg: The next refueling can be done at Sonamarg; around 80km from Srinagar and 48km ahead of Mangam.

Distance from Mangan:  48 Kms

3) Kargil: Make sure, you fill enough fuel in Sonamarg as the next petrol pump is located around 124km from Sonamarg or 204km from Srinagar.

Distance from  Sonamarg : 124 Kms

4) Mulbekh: From Kargil, the next filling station lies in Mulbekh; around 40km, and 242km from Srinagar. Fuel stations are also available in Wakha and Khaltsi, which can be easily reached from Mulbekh.

Distance from Kargil: 40 Kms Your search for the best bike trip ends here, here is our guide of the best Ladakh bike trip that is every biker's dream. Click Here to Book:   Ladakh Packages from Mumbai

ATMs on Srinagar-Leh Highway

Mechanics on Srinagar-Leh Highway

Places to Visit During Manali Leh Road Trip

Manali (472 km from leh).

While on your Delhi to Leh by road journey there is another place which you will touch on this journey. Manali the land surrounded by the majestic hills and the forest is something which is a must-visit place in Ladakh road trip

for you. This quaint charming place has captured the attention of people around the world. One can see the pristine River Beas which flows right through the town making offering magnificent views. 

Manali is a popular hill station with attractions such as the Rohtang Pass and Solang Valley nearby. The best thing about this place is the snow which covers the whole region making it look like a cottony world. On your trip from Delhi to Ladakh road trip, there is another place which is a must visit for you.  Distance from Leh:  472 km

Top Experiences To Do in Manali

Keylong (357 km from Leh)

Being the headquarters of the Lahaul Spiti region, Keylong is known to be a slice of paradise. A place with an abundance of greenery, you can easily find willow trees, rivulets and snowcapped mountains in this region. Whether you want to explore the scenic countryside or visit the quaint villages, Keylong presents you an eclectic mix of sightseeing locations on the Leh Ladakh road trip.

You can visit the flourishing Bhaga Valley and embrace the richness of the ecosystem when in Keylong. There are two important monasteries, namely Shashur and Gemur that you can visit as well. Besides the Himalayas and the various biker trails, Ladakh is also home beautiful lakes on the planet, don't forget to visit them on your Ladakh trip. Distance from Leh:  357 km

Rohtang Pass

Rohtang Pass is quite famous among Ladakh travelers but the unpredictable avalanche and severe climatic conditions make it scary some times. Nonetheless, it had made adventure seekers’ tour of Ladakh mind-blowing. A high mountain pass at an elevation of 3978 meters above the sea level, Rohtang is just 51 km from Manali. It is a part of the proud Pir Panjal Range of the mighty Himalayas and it is one of the Kullu famous places.

Top Experiences To Do in Rohtang Pass

Jispa (335 km from Leh)

Located along the Chandra River is Jispa, a paradisiacal place where uninterrupted beauty is the norm. Although tourists visit this place for an overnight stay, this region is filled with sightseeing locations. The open fields present perfect Jispa camping sites for travelers on the Delhi to Leh Ladakh by road journey via Manali to halt for an overnight stay. On your trip from Delhi to Ladakh road trip, there is another place which is a must visit for you.

The natural architecture that encompasses you when in Jispa is an inexplicable reality. Being a high altitude place, this place has an ecosystem that is characteristic of high altitude lands in excess of 10,000ft. Distance from Leh:  335 km

Darcha (325 km from Leh)

The famous Darcha Lamayuru journey is an excursion that interfaces the far-off landscapes of Himachal Pradesh with the antiquated tints of Indo – Tibetans in Lamayuru at Ladakh.  The path goes through a thrill-filled scene, snow-filled mountains, mountain passes, and towns. One gets to see snow-capped lakes and the wild murmurs of a few Himalayan untamed life, which includes few birds and mountainous animals. This hard rocked journey of Lamayuru from Darcha will include several passes.  On the journey you will cross a few water bodies like Chandra, Bhaga, Tsarap, Doda, Zanskar and Indus. The Darcha Lamayuru journey will take you along the Monasteries and gompas too.

Zingzing Bar (304 km from Leh)

Baralacha La (282 km from Leh)

Located in the Zanskar region and created within the high altitudes of the Himalayas, the Baralacha La connects Lahaul to Ladakh. Overlooking the pass is the beautiful Pir Panjal ranges, from this pass you can see the three valleys that surround it.

At over 16,000ft above sea level, Baralacha La is definitely one of the beautiful mountain passes in Ladakh region . Trekkers use this region to start their trek to the Suraj Tal Lake; be prepared to witness and interact with trekkers from different parts of the world within this route. On your trip from Delhi to Ladakh by road, there is another place which is a must visit for you.  Distance from Leh:  282 km Click Here to Book:   Manali Leh Manali Jeep Safari

Sarchu (242 km from Leh)

Locally known as Sir Bhum Chum, Sarchu is yet another beautiful region surrounded by snow-capped glaciers and abounding greenery. Tourists during Delhi to Leh by road journey use the open fields to set up an overnight camping stay in Sarchu . 

This is a place to enjoy the riches of a unique ecosystem. At an altitude of 14,000ft, Sarchu posses an embarrassment of visually enticing scenery. The abundance of majestic mountains draped in a blanket of snow and the murmuring sounds of the rivulets add to the heavenly beauty of this region. Distance from Leh:  242 km 

Gata Loops (218 km from Leh)

If you are on you Leh bike trip then you will definitely pass the Geta loops. It might be a bit eerie about this place but there has been a lot of stories on the ghost which is seen here. This road takes you to the top of the 3rd high altitude pass on this highway, Nakeela, at a height of nearly 16000 ft. and it is one of the best destinations to go while traveling Leh Ladakh by road.

Gata loops is known for offering some of the best views of the stunning region. One can see a number of water bottles while you pass this road.  If you are planning a bike trip or looking for other information, then here is our guide for the best time to visit Ladakh on a bike only for you. On your trip from Delhi to Ladakh by road, there is another place which is a must visit for you.  Distance from Leh: 218 km

Nakee La (214 km from Leh)

While you are on your Ladakh tour, you will come across this another pass, Nakee la. Nakee la Pass is third of the five goes to be crossed while heading out from Manali to Leh. It is amongst Manali to Sarchu route or Pang. The tallness of the pass is 4750m. The pass is situated in the Manali-Leh-Highway,on approach to Manali from Taglang La. 

The surface of the street is cleared, however incorporates some hammer areas. Torrential slides, substantial snowfalls and avalanches can happen at whatever time and can now and again hinder a few segments of the street, being to a great degree risky because of regular patches of ice. On your trip from Delhi to Ladakh by road, there is another place which is a must visit for you.  Distance from Leh:  214 km

Lachulung La (188 km from Leh)

If you are taking a trip to Ladakh you will come across another pass known as the Lachulung La. Situated in the Himalayas, on the limit between Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh lies the Lachulung La a high mountain go at a rise of 5,059. The pass, otherwise called Lachulung La and is navigated by the Leh-Manali thruway. It is open for just around four and a half months in a year in summer between May or June. It is one of the best places to visit in Ladakh in June and July .

The pass is found 54 km (34 mi) from Sarchu and 24 km (15 mi) from Pang. While crossing the pass, the traveler transports and cabs take a stop here a large portion of the circumstances, to give the voyagers a chance to respect the neighborhood common magnificence of the encompassing mountains. It is one of the most loved goes among the climbers and additionally trekkers. Distance from Leh:  188 km

Tanglang La (108 km from Leh)

Settled at an elevation of 5328 m over the ocean level, in the Zanskar extend, Taglang La pass is the second most noteworthy mountain passes in Ladakh, the first being Khardungla Pass. It is the home of the roaming Changpa herder who can be seen grouping their cows and goats and it is one of the best places to see while traveling to  Leh Ladakh by road. The pass is adjoining the Leh-Manali thruway and is come to by means of 21 Gata loops.

The pass accommodates a beautiful view as it influences far from the principle parkway. Sufficient vegetation on both sides additionally cools the as of now chilled air and now and again, the sharp twists give only the adrenaline push adventurists need. On your trip from Delhi to Leh Ladakh by road, this place which is a must visit for you. 

Planning a road trip?  Manali to Leh road trip guide includes a wide array of options such as bike tours, jeep safari tours, and cycling expeditions so that you can plan accordingly. Distance from Leh: 108 km

Upshi (47 km from Leh)

Karu (34 km from Leh)

Things to Know during Manali to Leh Trip

Petrol pumps on manali – leh highway.

While in Manali, you can find an abundance of petrol pumps. This hill station town has a total of 6 petrol pumps.

Moving 110 km from Manali, you can find a petrol pump in Tandi.

Distance from Manali to Tandi:  110 Kms

345 km from Tandi and 30km before Leh, you can also refuel your vehicles in Karu.

Distance from Tandi to Karu:  345kms

Arriving in Leh, one can also find quite a few petrol pumps. In addition to the few petrol pumps in Leh, you can refuel your vehicles at the petrol pump near the Leh Airport (25 km from Leh).

A convenient mode of travel while commuting from Manali to Leh by taking a bus . The smooth availability of bus service creates travel convenience for many people traveling from Manali.

You Can Checkout Great Discounts On  Royal Chapel Of Granada Tickets

ATMs on Manali-Leh Highway

Mechanics on Manali-Leh Highway

Places to Eat

Must Visit Places in Ladakh

Pangong lake.

Top Experiences To Do in Pangong Lake

Nubra Valley

Most of you might have heard about the beauty of this destination. Nubra valley is famous among the tourist around the world for its scenic beauty. This magnificent  Nubra valley lies 50 km north of Leh where the rivers, Shyok and Siachen and separates Ladakh from Karakoram Ranges. Don't forget to  indulge yourself in camping in Nubra valley  which fascinates thousands of visitors every year. 

The ultra-wide scenes, humongous mountain confronts, exquisite trails, the wide assortment of hues and melodic Shyok stream streaming middle the valley will blow your mind at first sight. The real fascination of an excursion to Nubra Valley is the most noteworthy motorable road , Khardung La Pass Being at a lower height than Leh at a normal elevation of 10000 Feet or 3048 Mtrs.

Top Experiences To Do in Nubra Valley

Magnetic Hill

There are a lot of attraction that you will come across while you are on your Ladakh tour. Standing tall at an altitude of 14,000 feet these hills said to have some magnetic energy that can pull cars uphill. This hill is on the Leh-Kargil-Batalik national highway and is bordered by the Sindhu River. 

These mystics Magnetic Hills still amazes the people coming to visit this destination. The optical illusion created by these hills is the perfect example of natural wonders. Spend some time lazing around these hills and don’t forget to click some memorable pictures while you are on the magnetic grounds.

Tso Moriri Lake

Shanti Stupa

While you are taking Delhi to Leh by road trip than this is a must-see place for you. A Buddhist shrine that has relics at its base revered by 14th Dalai Lama himself. It is a magnificent white-domed stupa on the top of the hill in Changspa, Leh. It was built by Japanese Buddhist Bhikshu Gyomyo Nakamura in 1991. The motive to build it was to promote peace as it is also a part of the peace pagoda program. It is one of the main attraction around Leh and it a symbol of love between the people of Japan and Ladakh. Summer is the best time to visit this place with the warm sun and clear blue skies. Tourist around the world visit this place to see sunrise and sunset which is simply enchanting.

Khardung La

If you are planning for that perfect Leh Ladakh road trip you might have definitely come across the name of this place.  Khardungla Pass is the most noteworthy motorable street in the world. At a height of 5,359 meters this pass offers a portion of the best perspectives. Khardungla Pass is a vital door to the Nubra and Shyok Valley. 

The pass is another essential door to Siachen Glacier. A troop of around 10,000 stallions and camels explored this street every year on their approach to Kashgar in Central Asia. The pass is deliberately essential as a result of the strained Indo-China connection. Several bikers take this street day by day. On your trip from Delhi to Leh road trip, this place which is a must visit for you.

Shey Monastery

Hemis National Park

On your trip to Leh to Ladakh by road, this is another place which is a must visit for you. Known for its vivid wildlife this sanctuary definitely falls under the radar of the nature lovers and animal lovers. Located 40 km souteast of Leh untruths this stunning National park.The Hemis High Altitude National Park that reaches out more than 600 sq. km. is named after the renowned cloister, Hemis gompa. On your trip from Delhi to Leh road trip, this place which is a must visit for you.

The National Park includes the catchments of Markha, Rumbak and Sumdah nalas. It is known for some uncommon species like the bharal and the snow panther. This National Park is a must visit for you while you visit Ladakh.

Namgyal Monastery

Spituk Gompa

While you are visiting this exotic destination, there is another place you would not want to miss. Established in the late fourteenth century as See-Thub ('Exemplary') Monastery, amazing Spituk Gompa reviews the Indus Valley with various mudbrick structures tumbling happily down a lofty hillock towards Spituk town. 

The monastery is around 5km from focal Leh, incoherently roosted neglecting the air terminal runway. Inside the fundamental religious community complex, the most attractive structure is the Skudung Lhakhang, with ambiguously Chinese-looking into swung corners to its plated rooftop. The brilliant old dukhang (Tibetan petition corridor) contains an unmistakably yellow-hatted statue of Tsongkhapa. 

Tso Kar Lake

Most of you might have heard about this magnificent lake in the Ladakh. Also called ‘White Lake' is one of the three high height salt water lakes in Ladakh. The Tso-Kar Lake is known as 'White Lake' on the grounds that the white salt of the water stores everywhere throughout the lake shores. This spot is very famous with the bird watchers. 

The range encompassing Tso-kar lake is rich with wildlife and birds. Be that as it may, the principle fascination among the birds life at Tso Kar is dark necked cranes

Sangam Point

Gurudwara Pathar Sahib

Hall of Fame

You might have definitely heard about this place while on your Leh Ladakh road trip . This is another place which falls in the Ladakh map . This place is a must-see on your Leh Ladakh trip. The Hall of Fame, situated close to the Leh Airfield, is an exhibition hall developed and kept up by the Indian Army in the memory of the warriors who had lost their lives amid the Indo-Pak wars. 

It is additionally named as a remembrance for the war saints. This building comprises of two stories. There are relics of different wars for the most part Kargil war, like the weapons utilized amid the war and some imperative archives, identified with the same. A Detailed Travel Guide For Delhi To  Leh  Ladakh

Thiksey Monastery

Hemis Monastery

Hemis Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery (gompa) of the Drukpa Lineage, situated in Hemis, Ladakh, India. Arranged 45 km from Leh, the cloister was re-set up in 1672 by the Ladakhi ruler Sengge Namgyal. Hemis Gompa is the biggest religious community in Ladakh. 

The gigantic architectural structure of Hemis Monastery is remarkable and speaks to a particular style of engineering from the other critical cloisters of Ladakh. Hemis festival is one of the biggest festivals celebrated in Ladakh . An essential yearly celebration of Ladakh recognizing the birth commemoration of Guru Padmasambhava is held at this religious community successively for two days in June-July.

Diskit Monastery

There is another monastery which is a must visit for you on your Delhi to Ladakh road trip. Within the Nubra region of Ladakh, Diskit is arranged at an elevation of 3142 meters above ocean level, and lies 15 km north-west off the Khalsar-Panamik course, at the edge of the abandon in Shyok valley. Diskit is well known for its fourteenth-century monastery, which is accepted to be the biggest and most seasoned cloister in Nubra valley. 

This monastery can be reached from Diskit town through a rough and dusty street that crosses a stream amidst the town. The monastery has a place with Gelugpa arrange or the Yellow Hat order of Tibetan Buddhism. Click Here To Book:  Premium 6 Days Leh Ladakh Sightseeing Tour

Royal Leh Palace

While you are heading out for your Leh to Ladakh by road there is another place you would not want to miss. Located at the Leh city, Leh Palace is one of the main tourist attractions in the Leh city. This palace is one of the tallest buildings of its time with nine storeys. One can enjoy the amazing views of Stok Kangri and the Ladakh mountain range. 

The building was started in the year 1553 and the construction was completed by the 17th century during the reign of Sengge Namgyal. The walls of the palace are building of stones, wood, mud, and sand. A statue of Lord Buddha graces the monastery of the palace.  Click Here to Book: Sok Kangri Trek

Essential Info About Leh Ladakh Road Trip

Things to keep in mind.

- Clothing essentials to carry are jackets, hand gloves, thermocot inners, socks, warm sleeping bags, chocolates, dry fruits, biscuits, camera and cell phones.

- Carry ample bottles of water and buy water whenever you stop by at dhabas.

- It is advisable to drive on a full tank as the density of fuel stations are very sparse.

- ATMs can also be found only in a few places. Make sure you carry enough cash to sustain any uncertain circumstances

- Foreign nationals have to obtain a permission called the Protected Area Permit and this can be arranged by a local tour operator during a trip to Ladakh.

Safety Tips on Road Trip to Ladakh

Inner Line Permit

Getting the inner line permit is not at all a tough task these days as everything is easily available on the websites. All you need to do is visit the website and fill up the details of your trip which includes the stay period, dates and more such basic details. Without an inner line permit, you cannot explore the wonders of this beautiful land. Apart from this, you even need to fill up the identification details like the Aadhar number. The permit is valid for 3 weeks for the Indian nationals and 1 week for the overseas. Every time you visit Ladakh this permit is needed and is available at a nominal charge of INR 400 with an additional environmental fee of INR 20 per day. Though some of the major attractions do not require a permit, but destinations like Nubra Valley, Khardung La, Pangong Tso, Chusul, Hanle, Digger La, Tangyar and many more such places which mark the tourism of Leh could be toured only if you have a permit. You can either carry a hard copy or a soft copy of it!

Manali to Leh Ladakh Road Trip Packages

Leh ladakh bike trip | free excursion to chang-la pass.

About the tour :

Get ready to make your dream of riding in Ladakh come true in the action-packed bike trip where one would be experiencing the fusion of thrill, serene beauty, and culture of the "Land of High Passes". The tour offers you a stay amidst a beautiful valley of mountains and a starlit sky at night. The unique thing about the Ladakh terrain is that it has mountains, forests, deserts, lakes, rivers, and waterfalls in one beautiful and dynamic geography.

Quick Info :

• Route: Leh - Sham Valley - Khardungla - Nubra Valley - Pangong - Chang La - Leh
• Duration: 6 Days and 5 Nights
• Start Point: Leh Airport
• Endpoint: Leh Airport

Manali to Leh Jeep Expedition with Tso Moriri Lake

Fixed departure dates:  Multiple dates open to Join a Group departure in June, July, August and September and can be customized on request for separate group also.

About the Activity: 

• From the pleasantly hospitable town of Manali, the Manali to Leh Jeep expedition takes you on a roller coaster drive through distinct geographies portraying diverse geographies. From hill town to high altitude arid desert, this safari is one mega experience.
• The Manali to Leh by road traverses over five high altitude Himalayan passes such as Rohtang (3,978m), Keylong (3,350m), and Tanglang La (17,585ft) showcasing an ever changing dynamic landscape that alters from barren lands to lush green pastures. With our Ladakh tour packages, you can head out for an amazing vacation with your gang.
• Tsomoriri Lake is the one attraction that demands all your attention during this jeep ride which is now Tso Moriri Wetland Conservation Reserve. It is the largest of the high altitude lakes entirely within India at an altitude of 4522 meters.
• Interact with the amazing landscapes beautified by the natural formations throughout the journey. You will come across the undeniable beauties of Khardung La Pass, Pangong Lake, Deskit, Hundar, the confluence of Zanskar and Indus Rivers, Nubra Valley etc. which all are covered in this Ladakh tour packages.
• These places have been occupied by multitudinous mountains, valleys, small streams, rock formations, monasteries, gompas and what not.
• By the end of the journey multi-hued prayer flags, Tibetian chortens, and friendly locals would be etched in your memories for a very long time to come.
• Number of PAX       Standard               Deluxe                 Super Deluxe
• Min 02 pax               Rs. 37470            Rs. 38090                Rs. 39660
• Min 03 Pax               Rs. 28530            Rs. 29260                Rs. 30620
• Min 04 pax               Rs. 24950             Rs. 25280                Rs. 27140
• Min 05 Pax               Rs. 22090             Rs. 22780                Rs. 24220
• Min 06 Pax               Rs. 20780              Rs. 21400                Rs. 22970
• Min 07 Pax               Rs. 22540             Rs. 23220                 Rs. 24700
• Min 08 Pax                Rs. 21500            Rs. 22130                  Rs. 23700
• Min 09 Pax                Rs. 20300            Rs. 20960                  Rs. 22460
• Min 10 Pax                Rs. 19690             Rs. 20320                  Rs. 21880
• Min 11 Pax                 Rs. 18870             Rs. 19520                 Rs. 21040
• Min 12 Pax                  Rs. 18480            Rs. 19100                 Rs. 20670
• Extra Bed Child            Rs. 8800             Rs. 9800                    Rs. 10700

Manali Leh Srinagar Car trip with Tsomoriri and Hanle

About the Tour:  

Explore the beautiful valleys of Himachal, along with the adventurous routes of Ladakh and the delightful lakes of Srinagar. This circuit features some of the world’s highest motorable passes with the spectacular beauty of snow-capped mountains, Lakes, rivers on their side while covering these breathtaking destinations, Solang valley, Gata Loops, Hanle, Tso Mori Ri, Zojila pass, Kargil, Magnetic hill, Confluence of Indus And Zanskar River, Dal lake and much more waiting on the way!

Admired for its unparalleled scenic views, pristine icy lakes, and swirling roads, This circuit is becoming the most Instagrammable place in India and is on everyone’s bucket list, it offers you a stay amidst the beautiful valley of mountains and a starlit sky in the night.

Quick info:

Route: Manali-Jispa-Sarchu-Tsomoriri-Hanle-Pangong Tso-Nubra Valley-Leh-Kargil-Sonamarg-Srinagar.

Duration: 11 Days & 10 Night 

Start point:  Manali

Endpoint: Srinagar

Passes covered: Khardung-la (18,000 ft), Rohtang Pass (16,051 ft), Lachung La(16,600 ft), Baralacha la ( 16,000 ft), and Zojila pass (11,500 ft)

Manali to Ladakh Bike Trip from Delhi | Book Now & Get 3000 Cashback

Quick Facts:

Temperature:  Day: 8°C to 15°C and Night: -5°C to 3°C

Maximum Altitude:  5,328 m (17,480 ft) at the Taglang La mountain pass.

Difficulty Level: Moderate 

Railway Station: Nearest is the Jammu Tawi Railway Station (700 km)

Airport: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Leh

ATM: On a bike tour to Leh Ladakh through the Manali to Leh route, you will find only one ATM at Keylong, but later there are several ATMs at Leh. Stay during your Manali to Leh Bike Trip Accommodation on double (for couples) and triple (for others) sharing basis in Guesthouse/hotel/Camp Meals during your Manali to Leh Bike Trip: Day 2: Dinner Day 3- Day 11: Breakfast Mode of transport during your Manali to Leh Bike Trip: AC Semi sleeper tickets from Delhi to Manali and return (depending on the variant selected) The bikes are provided with fuel from day 2 to day 11  350cc Royal Enfield motorbike for Single riders  500cc Royal Enfield for Double riders

Variants of the package

Cost without Bike & Fuel: INR 35300/- per person Double Rider RE 500cc with Fuel & Helmets: INR 42300/- per person  Single Rider RE 500cc with Fuel & Helmets: INR 48900/- per person

Manali Leh Srinagar Bike Adventure

About the Tour :  

Get ready to make your dream of riding in Ladakh come true in the action-packed bike trip where one would be experiencing the fusion of thrill, serene beauty and culture of the "Land of High Passes", as the entire tour is exclusively elected by Thrillophilia's outdoor experts. This circuit features some of the world’s highest motorable passes with the spectacular beauty of snow-capped mountains, Lakes, rivers on their side while covering these breathtaking destinations, Solang valley, Gata Loops, Zojila pass, Kargil, Magnetic hill, Confluence of Indus, And Zanskar river, Dal lake and much more waiting on the way!

Quick Info:

Route: Delhi - Manali - Jispa - Sarchu - Leh - Nubra via Khardung La Pass - Pangong Lake - Leh - Lamayuru - Kargil - Zojila Pass - Sonamarg - Srinagar.

Duration: 12 Days & 11 Night 

Start Point: Delhi

Passes Covered: Khardung-la (18,000 ft), Chang-la (17,688 ft), Rohtang Pass (16,051 ft), Lachung La(16,600 ft), and Baralacha la ( 16,000 ft)

Manali to Leh Jeep Safari

From the pleasantly hospitable town of Manali, the Manali to Leh Jeep expedition  takes you on a roller coaster drive through distinct geographies portraying diverse geographies. From hill town to high altitude arid desert, this safari is one mega experience.

The Manali to Leh by road traverses over five high altitude Himalayan passes such as Rohtang (3,978m), Keylong (3,350m), and Tanglang La (17,585ft) showcasing an ever changing dynamic landscape that alters from barren lands to lush green pastures. A drive through Skyangchu Thang, the biggest and highest plateau on earth on a stretch of 42kms leaves you breathless. For you to capture moments like these, the safari also includes a brief photography workshop to help arrest high altitude frames with more panache.

By the end of the journey multi-hued prayer flags, Tibetian chortens, and friendly locals would be etched in your memories for a very long time to come.   

Manali To Leh Cycling Tour

About the Destination:

Ladakh is the emergent favorite of travelers, not just from India, but from the entire world. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains on all sides, the beauty of this place is unparalleled, and you will agree to that as soon as you set foot here. And despite being so far off and on the rain shadow side of the Himalayas, Ladakh is very well connected, especially the capital city of Leh. Apart from the main airport in the capital, you can arrive in Ladakh via road too, with highways coming in from Srinagar and from Manali, the latter being one of the most beautiful highways in the country.

And this is another reason why Ladakh is a favorite of adventure junkies. You can ride a bike till here, or can even cycle up to this beautiful land of Leh, some 11,400ft above sea level.

Quick info about Manali To Leh Cycling Tour :

Route: Manali - Marhi - Sissu - Jispa - Patseo - Sarchu - Pang - Tsokar - Rumptse - Leh - Khardung-La - Leh

Duration: 13 Days & 12 Night 

Start point: Manali

Endpoint: Leh

Passes Covered: Rohtang La (3879m), Baralacha La (4892 m), Nakli La (4800m), Lachalung La (5100m), Tanglang La (5350 m), and Khardung La (5602 m)

Leh Sightseeing Tour with Stay at Pangong

About the Activity:

• Make your vacation a special one with this exciting 7 days 6 nights sightseeing tour in Ladakh.
• Ladakh, a muse for writers, a haven for bikers and a perfect getaway for the experience loving travellers! 
• Experience one of the best Ladakh tour packages while you're cuddled in the laps of the mighty Himalayan and Karakorum ranges, it is a destination that is beautified by contrasts!
• During the course of this tour, you will get to explore Sangam, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, Nubra valley, Leh and Pangong Tso lake. 
• Explore the amazing beauty of the region with the valleys and the serene surroundings.
• Experience the joy of riding in a double hunk camel in the Nubra valley and enjoy the beauty of the Pangong Tso lake as it slowly changes its colour.
• This Ladakh tour package boasting this destination is deservedly among the gorgeous natural spectacles in the world!
• Conclude your tour after getting transferred to the airport and head back home with wonderful memories from this Ladakh trip.

Duration of the Tour:  7D/6N

Highest Altitude: Khardung La Pass (18,380 feet)

Group Size: 6 PAX

Tour Type: Group Departure

Leh Ladakh to Manali Bike Trip Package 2023 | Flat @ 15% off

Price Variants

Cost with Own Bike: INR 27950 per person Double Rider(2 people sharing 1 bike): INR 34300 per person Single Rider(1 person on 1 bike): INR 41300 per person Group Size-  18 to 20 Participants/ 10 Bikes | Open for Solo or Groups About the Destination The land of high passes, Ladakh is a true beauty and a gift of nature to the already beautiful land of Kashmir in India. Known for being the land of adventures and mysteries, Ladakh has a lot of tricks up its sleeve and reveals them all to its visitors in due time. Home to Ladakhi culture and people, surrounded by some of the most beautiful mountain ranges of the world, and gifted with stunning landscapes like the Dunes of Hundar and Pangong Lake, Ladakh will beckon to you to visit again when you leave. So might as well listen to it About the Trip

• A bike trip through the Ladakh is almost every Indian's dream trip
• Bike trip of Ladakh is not only an Indian but is also an international favorite because of the many high mountain passes here
• Experience the culture of Ladakh and the lifestyle in these harsh conditions of living
• Ride on one of the highest motorable passes in the world, the famous Khardung La
• Visit the grand Pangong Tso Lake, which will easily take your breath away
• Also, visit the Diskit Monastery
• These 10 days will be the forever favorite of your life

Ladakh Sightseeing Tour

• A perfect place to witness the unmatched beauty of nature with all its purity is Ladakh, the land of mountain passes, confluences of rivers and what not.
• Here is a 11 day tour letting you recognize the exact treasures of the district hidden, ranging from the Buddhist monasteries and gompas to war memorials, motor-able passes, unseen fauna and flora etc.
• Diskit, Khardung La Pass, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Kargil or Drass etc are the favourite locations you will cover during the tour. You will be witnessing the vibrant colours of these places which are together weaving the beautiful stories of Ladakh tourism.
• The tour starts from Leh and ends at Leh, a small town of replenishing nature and vibrant markets, local places etc.

Women Only Sightseeing Group Tour of Ladakh

Call our destination expert to book: 8619833383 

The crown of India is beautified by Ladakh, the land of high passes, situated in the picturesque state of Jammu and Kashmir. Regarded as an exotic tourist destination, it is a land filled with breath-taking natural beauty and mystique.

From majestic mountain passes and tranquil monasteries to magical lakes, Ladakh trip is sure to take your breath away. During summer, this beautiful region is adorned with a plethora of vibrant colors, but come winter time it is transformed into a snowy white wonderland, often cut off from the rest of the world.

As a destination, Ladakh is replete with every sight imaginable; from sapphire blue lakes to jade green meadows and even dry and arid grasslands serve to make this land of extremes a must-go destination on every traveler's bucket list, and that is the very reason that no one should ever miss the chance of visiting this Paradise. That is why this Ladakh tour package is here to bring everyone on an equal pedestal by bringing together women of a different metal and organizing a women-only trip to Ladakh.

Treat yourself to 6 nights 7 days of mystery with the women-only tour to Ladakh. Start your trip from the charming town of Leh, which will woo you with its quaint markets and charming palaces. Visit the beautiful Sham valley and the ancient monasteries.

Take a trip down to enchanting Nubra valley and visit the famous Diskit Monastery and the Hall of Fame, to experience local culture at its best.

With this one of the unique Ladakh tour packages of ours, lose yourself in the hypnotizing beauty of the colorful Pangong Tso and enjoy a memorable sunrise and sunset by the lake. A thrilling camel safari and drive through the highest motorable road in the world, seems just too good to be true!

Departure Dates:  May (19,25,31), June (6,12,18,24,30), July (6,12,18,24,30),  Aug (5, 11,17,23,29),  Sept (4,10,16,22)

Leh Ladakh Jeep Safari Package from Manali

Known as the most beautiful destinations in the world, Ladakh had been attracting a lot of tourists.   Leh Ladakh jeep safari package is the perfect one for the adventure seekers where they can explore the beauty of region while driving through the barren roads. Each day will hold something new for you during this incredible journey. Soak in the beauty of the region with the mountains, valleys, scenic monasteries etc.

Not just this you also get a chance to learn about the rich culture and traditions of this region. Meet the local people and enjoy a cup of hot tea with them. Visit some of the places like Thiksey Monastery, Shey Monastery, Leh Palaces etc. Don't miss your chance to enjoy the wonderful camping by the Pangong Lake and feel the thrill as you ride through Khardungla, highest motorable road in the world.

People Also Ask About Ladakh

What are the best things to do on a ladakh road trip, what are the best places to see in leh road trip, which route is best for ladakh road trip.

There are 5 best routes for Ladakh road trip: - Chandigarh - Manali - Jispa - Leh/Ladakh - Delhi - Srinagar - Kargil - Leh/Ladakh - Delhi - Amritsar - Dharamshala - Manali - Jispa - Leh/Ladakh - Delhi - Delhi - Leh/Ladakh - Khardung La - Nubra Valley - Chang La - Tso Pangong - Tso Moriri - Tso Kar - Tanglang La - Leh - Delhi - Srinagar - Kargil - Leh/Ladakh - Khardung La - Nubra Valley - Chang La - Tso Pangong - Tso Moriri - Tso Kar - Tanglang La - Sarchu - Manali - Chandigarh.

How can I plan a road trip to Leh Ladakh?

When planning your road trip to Ladakh you can make endless customizations. The first step towards planning is bypassing the whole ride by taking a flight to reach Ladakh. Decide upon your starting point for the ride between Srinagar-Manali, and Chandigarh-Delhi. Choose an approximate route/destination, prepare your vehicle’s insurance and documentation. When you are done with the things mentioned above, pick a reasonable length for the route you will take to enjoy the attractions along the way, plan your food and accommodation, and pack essentials like woolen socks, electrolytes, ID proofs, doctor-prescribed headache tablets, inhaler, portable oxygen cylinders, and power bank.

How is the Ladakh road condition for bike trip?

How much does the ladakh trip cost.

There are multi-adventure trips to Ladakh that are priced differently. For instance, if you choose a road trip to Ladakh from Manali on a bike, for eleven nights and 12 days then the price starts from INR 35,300 per adult. But, if you choose a 7 days/6 nights backpacking tour then you may have to shell out INR 9,950 per adult, or more.

Which is the best month to go for Ladakh road trip?

How can i plan a budget for the leh ladakh road trip, dos and don'ts for a road trip to leh ladakh, can i take my vehicle to ladakh, are there any permits required for the ladakh road trip, what are the things to know before planning ladakh road trip, where should we take a halt during a road trip to leh ladakh, should we keep traveling during nights while on a leh road trip, what to do if my vehicle gets broken on the way to leh, how do i plan a trip to ladakh.

You need to have a properly planned itinerary for a trip to Ladakh. So the very first thing is to decide on the time when you want to visit Ladakh. It is ideal to visit during the summers because the winter season is harsh. The next step is to plan the budget by classifying everything. After running good research, calculate your rough estimate and decide on the transportation mode. If you desire to take your vehicle on the tour then get it serviced. Chalk out the schedule and decide on the number of days you will be spending and accordingly make a list of the attractions you wish to explore on the allotted number of days. Lastly, do get permits so that you can visit the gorgeous Nubra Valley, Tso Moriri, and Pangong Tso.

Which are the best Ladakh packages that I can book from Thrillophilia?

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Trending in Ladakh

Jeep safari in ladakh.

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Ladakh Top Attractions

Heaven, Peace, Silence, and Tranquility at one place? Come and spend a few hours at Pangong Lake in Ladakh! A pristine place in Ladakh marked by subtle to high peaks around, crystal blue waters and the vast expansion catches the eye so much, so long as if a magic is happening right in front of the eyes. Let our Ladakh holiday packages transport you to this mesmerizing destination, where nature's grandeur unfolds in every corner.Pangong Lake, also known as Pangong Tso, lies calmly at a breathtaking elevation of 14,270 feet. Interestingly, the lake is 12 km long and marks itself between the laps of India and China. Rather, 60% of the portion is stretching in the neighboring nation and this excites every traveler to be here.The surreal clean blue waters are actually brackish or salty in nature and this feature doesn’t let any aquatic life survive in the same. Moreover, the temperature range between -30 to -10 degrees make even this salty lake freeze with thick ice sheets, which is quite opposite in case of salt ridden water bodies.This picturesque landscape location enhances its beauty with the arrival of migrating birds every year and attracts many travelers in search of adventure, photographs, bird-watching and chilling experience. Pangong has another unique and catchy feature; when it acts like a chameleon and changes its color from blue to green to even grey at times. The brackish water of Pangong attracts the migratory birds every year during winters in Ladakh.

One of the most beautiful parts of the moonscapes of Ladakh, Nubra Valley is a deep-cut gorge created by the combined effects of Shyok and Nubra (Siachen) rivers. A high altitude cold desert, Nubra Valley is actually an extension of the Tibetan Plateau (Qing-Zang Plateau) that starts in China and extends up to Ladakh. This valley in the plateau separates the Ladakh Range from the Karakoram Range. But more than anything, Nubra Valley is the most beautiful region in all of Ladakh. Home to wonders like the Diskit Monastery,Hunder Sand Dunes, Samstanling Gompa, Yarab Tso Lake, and the villages of Turtuk and Panamik.Located about 160 km from Leh, the capital of Ladakh, Nubra Valley is a great attraction to all those who come here. The gateway to the upper reaches of the country, especially Siachen, Nubra Valley has an oasis of a town in the heart, Diskit, making a great place to stop you and reflect at the beauty around. And while you are at it, take a short detour to the famous white sand dunes of Hunder. The shapes and forms that these dunes take during different times of the year mesmerize every visitor who comes here. To make it further interesting, there are the double-humped Bactrian Camels, offering rides through the dunes.And when it turns dusky, head to the Diskit Monastery and visit the towering statue of Maitreya Buddha which looks over the entire valley and blesses it for another day to come.Planning a Trip to Ladakh, Experience of Chadar Trek - The Frozen River Trek

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Leh Ladakh Bike Trip (6D/5N)

• Group Size: 8 - 12

Hello Bikers!

Few places on Earth don’t need a lot of introduction.

Situated at a height of 11000 feet above sea level in the rugged mountains of the Himalayas, Ladakh offers stunning landscapes and enthralling views for travelers.

It’s tough to explain the beauty of Ladakh. The extreme chill of the place is well complemented by the warmth of the Buddist community here. A Bike Trip to this dreamland will thrill and captivate you to its Monasteries, naked snow-clad Mountains, cold Desert, gravity-defying Hill, pristine Valleys, fast-flowing Rivers, and the best of all: a combination of the highest motorable Pass with insanely stunning Lake.

This road trip takes you to all the important attractions of Ladakh. At the same time, starting your bike ride from Manali will give you time to get acquainted with the high altitude and lack of oxygen.

Land of an ancient civilization and captivating people, Ladakh is both alluring and awe-inspiring. Nicknamed ‘Little Tibet’, this sparsely populated, absolute gem of a destination with it’s incredibly sweet and friendly locals is a treat to backpackers.

It’s time to witness the clear blue skies. It’s time to marvel at countless stars. It’s time to dream. It’s time to live it. All at the same time.

Come join Muddie Trails in this incredible journey to the Roof of the World.

Highlights of the trip:

• The Out of The World: Pangong Lake
• World’s highest motorable pass: Khardung La
• The dreamy Nubra Valley
• Hunder: Desert in the sky
• Double humped Camel Ride
• Giant Buddha statue of Diskit
• The gravity-defying Magnetic Hill illusion
• Sangam – Confluence of Indus & Zanskar rivers
• Thikse monastery and Shey palace.
• The serene Pathar Sahib Gurudwara
• Airport Pickup/Drop (fixed timings)
• Warm stay at Guest Houses and Swiss Tents
• Inclusive of Bike, Fuel, Tour Captain, Backup vehicle, Oxygen cylinder, Permits etc.
• Bike: Himalayan
• Fuel & Helmet
• Stay for 5 Nights on 3/2 sharing basis
• 5 Breakfasts
• 5 Dinners (Veg)
• Tour Captain (Educated, experienced, and fully-trained for any kind of emergencies)
• Mechanic/Technician with toolkit/spares
• Oxygen Cylinder
• First-Aid Kit
• 2 times Bonfire in the entire trip
• Permit for the restricted areas
• Once in a lifetime experience of Leh Ladakh by Bike.
• Riding gears like arm/knee bands, jackets etc.
• Any misc. expenses that are not in inclusions above
• Bike transportation charges if someone leaving bike on the way due to any reason.
• Any cost arising due to natural calamities like landslides, road blockage, political disturbances (strike, war), or any other scenario not in control of Tour Captain (to be borne by the clients, who shall pay on the spot).

Day 1 - Acclimatization

• Altitude: 3600 meters (11600 ft)
• Once you deboard your flight at Leh airport, we will arrange a taxi to reach our guesthouse.
• Spend a relaxing day to get acclimatized to the high altitude of Ladakh.
• It is highly advisable not to move around today as travelers may suffer from dizziness, headache, or acute mountain sickness (AMS). Note that acclimatization is an important part of every Ladakh trip.
• You can still explore Leh market on foot in the evening if you wish (though its not recommended).
• Our operations manager will brief you about the incredible Bike trip of Leh ladakh.
• Overnight stay on cozy beds of the Leh guest house.

Day 2 - Around Leh - Shanti Stupa, Sham Valley: Sangam, Magnetic Hill, Pathar Sahib

• Altitude: 4275 meters
• Bike assignment.
• Start time around 9 to 10 AM after having Breakfast.
• Today we will explore Leh and the surrounding attractions starting with Shanti Stupa – Buddhist White Domed Statue located on a hilltop.
• Head towards Sangam, the beautiful confluence of two mighty rivers: Indus and Zanskar. The Indus river originates from the Holi Mansarovar in Tibet, flows into Ladakh.
• Give a visit to Hall of Fame – every Indian’s pride.
• Head to Magnetic Hill – an optical illusion created by wondrous nature, where a slight downhill slope appears to be an uphill slope because of the surrounding terrain.
• Visit legendary Pathar Sahib where Guru Nanak Dev, founder of the Sikh religion, is believed to have conquered a demon. Spend some time in the warmth of Gurudwara built in the 15th century and sit down for a quiet meditation for few minutes.
• Head to the guesthouse  by late evening, finish Dinner and rest for the night.

Day 3 - Nubra Valley via Khardungla Pass, Diskit Buddha Statue, Hunder Cold Desert

• Max altitude: 5350 meters (17,800 feet)
• Start time around 9 AM
• Roadtrip to amazingly pretty Nubra Valley, known for its Ldumra (flower garden) via one of the world’s highest motorable passes called Khardung La.
• Enjoy hot Kawa tea and Maggy noodles at the top of the pass.
• Descend towards Diskit Monastery with 100 feet Future Buddha statue to get a stunning view of the valley.
• The road to Nubra valley will continue towards international LOC, till the base camp of great Siachen Glacier (which we cannot go) which is well protected by Indian Army.
• Stop by at Hunder which is also called ‘Desert in the sky’ to witness double-humped giant Camels. Want more? Take a Camel joy ride and make those cool reels for your Instagram. Hunder is also famous for its adventurous ATV rides.
• Explore sand dunes and reach our campsite of Swiss tents by evening.

Day 4 - Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso

• Altitude: 4250 meters
• Early morning start! Head out on a road trip to one of the prettiest places on Earth: “Pangong Lake”, driven by the free-flowing river Shayok at one end and giant mountains with amazing landscapes at the other end. You cannot help but keep your eyes out of the windows as we cross many streams and barren mountains special to Ladakh.
• Enjoy the stunning view of Pangong Tso with the purest & bluest sky in the background, pose for those photographs you have been longing for.
• Pangong is the only lake we share a border with China, with more than half in its control. You would have had a glimpse of it in the Bollywood 3 Idiots movie.
• Experiencing a change in colors of the lake during the course of the day by spending time here is so relaxing to the senses.
• Have long conversations for evening get together.
• Rest in the Swiss tents of Pangong or Homestay at Tangtse, which we would have pre-booked based on availability.
• Nights are usually very cold at Pangong/Tangtse because of very high altitude.
• Dinner and rest.

Day 5 - Pangong Tso to Leh

• Altitude: 3600 mt
• Wake up early, go for a walk by the Pangong to witness the breathtaking spectacle of Sunrise at Pangong lake.
• Start driving back towards Leh by another route via Chang La Pass which is 17300 feet above Sea level.
• En route, we will visit Thikse monastery and Shey palace.
• Get back to Leh guest house and say goodbye to our driver who has been with us past few days taking us through most rugged routes.
• Finish Dinner, and gather around for social gathering one last time at our stay.
• Overnight stay in Leh.

Day 6 - Return Home

• Check out of the guest house as per your flight timing. We will arrange 2 rounds of cab to Airport as written in “Basic Details” section.
• Take back memories of a lifetime. You will surely want to return to this magical place once again. But this first trip of yours will be etched in your memories forever.
• Till the next time, say  JULAY  to Ladakh.

What to Expect

• Trip start/end point: Leh Airport
• Vehicle: Himalayan

Things to carry

Basic Essentials

• Backpack (50-60 liter) with Rain Cover
• 2 water bottles
• Personal Medicines (if any)
• Original ID Card

Clothing Essentials

• Riding Jacket
• 2 pairs of Gloves (1 Woolen, 1 Bikers waterproof)
• Comfortable shoes / Gumboots
• Warm Inner-wears
• Woolen socks
• Handkerchief/towels,
• Track pants, Full sleeve T shirts

Personal Utilities

• UV sunglasses
• Sunscreen lotion (SPF 50+)
• Tooth Brush & Paste
• Quick Dry Towels
• Body Lotion
• Toilet Paper
• Camera/Go pro (if you wish)
• Crocin or Dolo 650 – ( Fever / High Fever )
• Combliflam – ( Fever + Reduce Muscle Pain )
• Zintac/Aciloc/Rantac/ Omez ( Acidity)
• Allegra ( Allergy )
• Disprin ( for headache, try not to use at high altitude. instead drink more water and rest. ** Symptom of AMS, DO NOT SUPPRESS)
• Antibiotics (Azithromycin) ( For infections. Do not take antibiotics when at high altitude. Descend if the problem persists)

What's next after booking your trip?

• Organizers will get in touch with you, or vice versa.
• Once minimum number of people book this trip (at least 4 members), Organizing team will give a green signal to book your flights.
• A Whatsapp group will be created for all the registered folks 5 days before the event.

Terms & Conditions

• The itinerary is fixed. No special requests to change itinerary/schedule shall be entertained. Travellers are not allowed to advice/instruct the Organizers (Driver or Trip Leader or Operations Manager) to change the itinerary.
• Cooperate with the Organizers in following the schedule set for the day (especially getting up and getting ready in the morning). This will ensure travellers won’t miss out on the real fun part that is traveling and visiting all places in itinerary.
• Every traveler is responsible for his/her for your own safety. Do not indulge in any illegal or silly activity that causes harm to self or fellow travelers.
• Do not wander into the forest away from the designated trail for treks. There may be snakes, scorpions, and dangerous animals.
• Unexpected situations: In rare scenarios, we might not be able to cover all the places mentioned in the itinerary because of unpredictable reasons like bad weather, landslides, wild animal presence, abrupt blocking of sites by the police/forest/local authorities, delay in travel because of an issue with our group itself, traffic conditions, etc. In most cases, if the time permits, the Organizers will take travelers to an alternative place. But in some cases, we may have to skip places altogether.
• No alcohol & smoking during travel, treks, and other outdoor activities. There would be a separate window and space (usually at night) to have these at the stays for interested people.
• Travelers are expected to respect each other and help one another. Avoid discussing sensitive matters like sex, politics, and religion/caste/race.
• Using foul or abusive language, eve-teasing, arguing with fellow travelers/Organizers, and/or involving in the physical assault will not be accepted and will stand a chance of being deserted by the group then and there.
• Every traveler is expected to digitally fill & submit a liability/waiver form given by the Organizers before the trip. This liability form will discharge Muddie Trails of any unexpected incident like injury/death/theft etc.

Cancellation Policy

• 80% refund if a cancellation request is sent 30 days before the trip start date.
• 50% refund if a cancellation request is sent between 29 to 15 days before the trip start date.
• No refund/postponing within 15 days of the event start time whatever is the reason (Health, COVID, Accident, Family crisis, Office issue, or anything else).
• No refund/postponing request will be entertained on the partial payment (advance) done to block your seat for the trip.

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+91 98805 39183 [email protected]

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