leh ladakh road trip in april

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Ladakh in April

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A wonderful ride on the Double-humped Bactrian camels exclusively found at Nubra valley

How to Reach Ladakh in April?

Manali leh highway in april.

Manali Leh Highway in April

Srinagar Leh Highway in April

Srinagar Leh Highway in April

Leh Ladakh Trip in April by Flight

Leh Ladakh Trip in April by Flight

Essential Info About Ladakh in April

Weather & temperature in leh ladakh in april.

Weather & temperature in Leh Ladakh in April

Things to carry in Leh Ladakh in April

Things to carry in Leh Ladakh in April

Travel Tips for Leh Ladakh in April

Travel Tips for Leh Ladakh in April

Snow in Ladakh in April

Snow in Ladakh in April

Inner Line Permit for Ladakh

Inner Line Permit for Ladakh

Itinerary for Visiting Ladakh in April

Itinerary for Visiting Ladakh in April

Routes Conditions

Leh to pangong route in april.

Leh to Pangong Route in April

Leh to Nubra Valley in April

Leh to Nubra Valley in April

Leh to Tso Moriri in April

Leh to Tso Moriri in April

Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake Direct Route

Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake Direct Route

Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri Direct Route

Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri Direct Route

Places to See & Things to do in Ladakh in April

Nubra valley.

Nubra Valley

Pangong Lake

Pangong Lake

Shanti Stupa

Shanti Stupa

Hemis Monastery

Hemis Monastery

Thiksey Monastery

Thiksey Monastery

Go shopping

Go shopping

Hall of Fame

Hall of Fame

Deskit Gompa

Deskit Gompa

Zanskar Valley

Zanskar Valley

People Also Ask About Leh

How to plan a trip to leh ladakh in april.

The first thing to be noted while planning a trip to Ladakh in April is the weather and road conditions. It is important to make sure if the roads are cleared and snow and open for civilian traffic. Also, make a list of the things to carry like apparel, necessary documents such as IDs and permits. Click Here to Book:  Manali to Leh Jeep Safari 

How to reach Leh Ladakh in April?

What are the things to do in ladakh in april, how is ladakh in april, what are the best selling ladakh tours that i can book via thrillophilia.

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Nothing equals the sheer pleasure of riding a bike

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Biking in leh.

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Leh Top Attractions

Leh

Chumathang Hot Spring is a natural wonder located in the Leh district of Ladakh, India. Situated at an altitude of approximately 4,000 meters (13,123 feet), it is one of the most well-known hot springs in the region. The site is renowned for its therapeutic and healing properties, attracting visitors seeking relaxation and relief from various ailments.The hot spring's mineral-rich waters are believed to have medicinal benefits, especially for joint and skin conditions. Many travelers make the journey to Chumathang to take a rejuvenating dip in the warm waters and experience its therapeutic effects amidst the stunning Himalayan landscape.Apart from its healing properties, Chumathang Hot Spring offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and the tranquil Indus River flowing nearby. The surrounding region is also rich in biodiversity, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers.Chumathang Hot Spring is a unique attraction that not only provides a calming escape but also offers an opportunity to connect with nature's soothing elements in the high-altitude beauty of Ladakh.

Tsaga La Pass

Tsaga La Pass is a breathtaking mountain pass located in Leh district of Ladakh, India. Situated at an elevation of around 15,000 feet above sea level, it is a significant route that connects the Indus Valley with the Nubra Valley. The journey to Tsaga La Pass is a thrilling adventure, offering travelers mesmerizing vistas of the surrounding landscapes on the Leh Ladakh tour.The drive to the pass is an exhilarating experience, taking you through rugged terrains, barren mountains, and occasional streams. The rugged beauty of the region, with snow-capped peaks contrasting against the clear blue skies, leaves a lasting impression on visitors. Tsaga La Pass also holds historical importance as it was once a part of the ancient Silk Route.Travelers often make stops at vantage points along the pass to capture the stunning scenery with their cameras. The pass is accessible from Leh, and the journey typically takes a few hours, but it is advisable to check road conditions before embarking on this adventurous trip. Tsaga La Pass is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and those looking to immerse themselves in the awe-inspiring beauty of Ladakh.

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Tusk Travel Blog

Ladakh in April 2024: Guide to Top Destinations and Trip Planning

Tusk Travel Team

  • April , Ladakh

leh ladakh road trip in april

April heralds the arrival of the enchanting beauty of Ladakh in full bloom. It makes it optimum time who is it leh? The city radiates charm with its amazing clear blue skies, the gradual thaw of snowcapped peaks, and the emergence of fascinating weather. You can say that this period marks the onset of liveliness in Ladakh as tourists start to flock to this picturesque region.

The sun gradually makes its presence felt during the day despite the lingering cold in the city. It facilitates enjoyable sightseeing experiences. You can explore iconic spots including nubra valleys and Scar Valley Shanti Stupa and the serene monasteries. No doubt you would be attracted to the mesmerizing sites of Ladakh; you should familiarize yourself with travel options potential challenges on the road trips and important items to carry for a seamless and comfortable journey.

In This Article:

How to Reach Ladakh in April

Srinagar to leh in april.

The Srinagar Leh highway generally opens in April, which is around mid to late month. However occasional temporary closures happen due to ongoing snowfall at Zojila Pass. It can cause some travel disruptions. You should plan your trip towards the month’s end for a safer journey. You must stay updated on the road conditions as sudden closures are possible.

Manali to leh in April

Unfortunately, the Manali Leh highway remains closed in April. Civilian traffic is not permitted even though the border road organization works on road clearance. The highway and even the Manali Leh bus service remain nonoperational until mid-.

Public Transport

There is no general public transport available to Leh in April. Even if the Srinagar leh route opens early bus services are not available until May because of safety concerns.

The most reliable means to reach Leh is by flight. You need to book flights well in advance to secure your travel plans without risk of cancellation.

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How to Travel in Ladakh?

After arriving late, there are different options for local commuting including hiring a private taxi renting a bike, or using public transport. Private taxis offer optimum comfort but are generally costly. If you are an experienced rider, then biking is feasible. Buses to other Ladakh regions including Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake start operating in April. You can also find some shared cabs at the labor stand.

Places to See in Ladakh in April

April in Ladakh offers plenty of opportunities to explore mesmerizing destinations given the generally accessible internal roads.

1. Nubra Valley

Nubra Valley, Ladakh

Nubra Valley truly remains completely accessible during April allowing you to local villages like Diskit, Hunder, Turtuk , and others. Diskit Offers you plenty of lodging options making practical choices for overnight stays. But you can truly find accommodation in other places also.

2. Pangong Tso Lake

Pangong Lake (India-China Demarcation)

Pangong Lake unveils vivid blue waters in April as the eyes start melting. Road access to the lake remains unhampered unless snowfall temporarily closes Changla Pass. Accommodation options might be limited in early April, but campsites generally start operating at the end of the month.

3. Tso Moriri

Tso Moriri, Ladakh

Tso Moriri remained accessible in April. It presents better accommodation availability as compared to Pangong Lake. Guesthouses and homestays are viable options as campsites are available only later in the month. The accessibility might be limited so you need to check the road condition before you visit this place.

Things to Do in Leh Ladakh in April

#1. camping.

Camping in Pangong Lake in Ladakh

Camping is an exciting activity to party in Ladakh in April all thanks to the pleasant weather. You can sleep under the stars and wake up to the view of the snowy Himalayas. It is a great experience that you will treasure forever.

Famous campsites of Ladakh are Pangongand Tso Moriri overlooking the pristine lakes. The best time for camping in Ladakh is between April and June when it is pleasantly cool in summer.

#2. Explore the Markha Valley Trek

Markha Valley Trek, Ladakh

It is one of the most treasured destinations in Ladakh. It is known for its breathtaking landscapes with no-tipped peaks and fantastic monasteries April emerges as a great time for tracking here. You can get pleasant weather post-snow melt. The expedition unveils the natural splendor while immersing you in the local culture.

#3. Embark on a Wildlife Safari at Hemis National Park

Snow Leopard, Hemis National Park, Ladakh

The National Park shelters a unique wildlife spectrum from illusive snow leopards to Himalayan black bears. The park becomes lively in April with pleasant weather offering you a great time for the safari. It is an amazing choice to appreciate the natural allure of Ladakh and witness some of the iconic fauna in action.

#4. Soar in a Hot Air Balloon

A hot air balloon grants a unique aerial perspective of the breathtaking vistas of Ladakh. The pleasant weather and clear skies provide you with the optimum setting for this remarkable experience.

#5. Leh to Kargil route and Sham Valley

The Leh to Kargil Road. Remains open throughout the year. It allows you to check out attractions including Gurudwara Patthar Sahib Magnetic Hill and Lamayuru Monastery. Sham Valley includes Hemis Shukhpachan Village. It is accessible and offers overnight stays.

#6. Umling La

World's New Highest Road to Rise in Ladakh, Surpassing Umling La

You can get access to Umling la where there can be some barriers due to snow accumulation especially earlier in April. The pass remains buried under the snow during this time. It makes it inaccessible until weather conditions improve.

#7. Zanskar Valley

Zanskar Valley, Ladakh

It is not feasible for you to travel to Zanskar Valley from Kargil in April on the road. Access to the valley depends on the weather conditions with the possibility of opening after mid-April. It is dependent on reduced snowfall.

So, visiting Leh Ladakh in April is a great decision and you should not think twice before visiting the amazing place. There are plenty of things that you can do. You just need to decide the right route and you can be sorted. This is all you need to know about Leh Ladakh in April!

Additional Reading:

  • Top 10 Destinations to Visit Ladakh in May
  • Ladakh Travel in June Visit Famous Places
  • Famous Places to See in Ladakh in July
  • Top 7 Places for Ladakh Visit in August
  • Best Destinations to See Ladakh in September
  • How To Plan A Trip To Ladakh? – A Complete Travel Guide
  • Best Time to Visit Leh Ladakh via Manali
  • 14 Things You Need to Do in Ladakh

Tusk Travel Team

Tusk Travel Team

Tusk Travel is dedicated to delivering precise, genuine, and reliable travel guides through a dynamic team of writers, editors, and destination experts. We aim to provide comprehensive information in its simplest form, sharing insights to influence perspectives nationwide.

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Cliffhangers India

Experience Leh Ladakh in April

  • March 10, 2023 August 23, 2023
  • Cliffhangers India
  • Travel Guide

leh ladakh in april

Leh Ladakh in April is a beautiful place to explore. Many people are enthusiastic to visit Leh-Ladakh at least once to watch the scenic beauty of this union territory of North India. The cliffs, lakes, wildlife, treks, and of course the monasteries are the top five attractions of Leh Ladakh. Travelers from India as well as the world over are interested in coming to this place and experiencing an adventurous tour of Leh Ladakh. Leh Ladakh may be open for its tourists almost the whole year round however, in this blog by Cliffhangers India, we are going to talk about Leh Ladakh in April.

  • Read here complete blog on places to visit in Leh Ladakh.

Is April a good time to visit Leh Ladakh?

In April it’s the spring season in Leh-Ladakh and a good to visit this place. From the dawn of April in Leh Ladakh the snow starts melting. Still if you are lucky and want to experience the beauty of snowfall you may enjoy some snow time till mid-April in Leh Ladakh. One can also see the blue water lakes flowing again which get frozen during winter. April may not be the best month to visit Leh-Ladakh but it’s not even the inconvenient one like any of the winter months.

Since reaching Leh Ladakh and touring here involves travel by road, it’s important to know about the road conditions. In April, the snow is cleared off and the Srinagar-Leh Highway opens up for traveling.

The best thing about visiting Leh Ladakh in April is that it’s less crowded and the stays are pocket friendly. Travellers can enjoy peaceful stays and sightseeing during April. There’s more on, ‘why should you visit Leh Ladakh in April?’ Read ahead to know more.

  • Read the complete blog on best time to visit Leh Ladakh.

Places to see in Leh Ladakh in April

There are plenty of places to see in leh ladakh in April. For adventure seekers and nature lovers, ladakh in april offers the picturesque palces. Here is the list of some of the places you can visit in April in Ladakh.

Nubra Valley is a beautiful place having pristine lakes, sturdy Karakoram mountains, orchards and monasteries. You can enjoy camel rides here too.

Pangong Lake is a wonder of Leh Ladakh. This color-changing lake looks stunning whether it’s blue, green, or red. Pangong Tso as it is known in Ladakh is a famous tourist and camping spot in April.

Tso Moriri gives you a chance to enjoy the amazing bird and wildlife along with the beautiful lake view in April.

Tso Kar or the White Lake in Ladakh is a unique entity of nature. It is also a host to some beautiful birds such as ducks, grebes, geese and cranes.

Leh Palace is a stunning structure and an attraction for all the tourists visiting Leh Ladakh. Lachen Phalkar or Leh palace dates back to the 17th century and it belongs to the Namgyal Empire. A visit to this beautiful royal presence can indeed be a unique experience.

Thiksey, Diskit, Hemis monasteries and the Shanti Stupa are some other exciting places to visit in Leh Ladakh. Your visit to these places is going to fill you with peace and happiness.

The Hall of Fame can be a great idea to pay respect to the Indian Army soldiers and their bravery. This museum is a must-visit for all the Indians coming to Leh Ladakh.

Things to do

In April you can do all the touristy things in Ladakh. Since all the places are accessible and safe, there are diverse things to do in Leh Ladakh in April.

Bike riding can be done in Leh Ladakh during April since the snow is cleared off the roads and some important road routes are open for travel.

Camping is one of the best activities to do in Leh-Ladakh in April. Many campsites in Leh-Ladakh offer picturesque daytime landscapes and amazing night sky views. Plan your camp with the help of a good travel planner or if you want to do it by yourself then know in detail about camping in Ladakh and its dos and don’ts.

Trekking go hand in hand with camping. Many campsites in Leh Ladakh are essentially resting spots for trekkers. Leh Ladakh is an ideal place for high-altitude trekking. The care to be taken while trekking in Leh Ladakh is an elaborate topic but to keep it short be prepared for cold, high-altitude sickness, inconvenient road travel, lack of public toilets, etc. Even though trekking in Leh Ladakh is challenging, a trek here is sure to turn you into a champion after overcoming the hurdles and challenges and accomplishing a unique experience of a lifetime.

Monasteries in Leh Ladakh are the must-visit places in April. You can also stay at these monasteries with the monks. Exploring Tibetan culture and the lessons of Buddhism from the monks can be an amazing experience. The peace, tranquility, and happiness obtained from being at these wonderful cultural and architectural entities is beyond words.

Shopping is one of the most fulfilling leisure activities in Leh-Ladakh. You can enjoy buying local handicrafts, wearables, and souvenirs in April.

Food of Ladakh or Ladakhi delicacies are a must-try for all the visitors of Leh Ladakh in April. The local people as well as the restaurant and café owners here can provide you with sumptuous breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner.

Weather and Temperature

The weather in Leh Ladakh in April is pleasant as well as cold. It’s spring here till mid-April so, one can still experience chills and snow. From mid-April, though the temperatures start rising and you can feel the summer setting in, the overall climate in Leh Ladakh remains cold even in April. The temperatures in April can fluctuate from around -5°C to 15°C depending upon the time of the day and your location in Leh Ladakh. The regions near lakes and/or on higher altitudes are colder.

Hope you liked reading about Leh Ladakh in April in this blog. For more information on Leh Ladakh tours in April contact Cliffhangers India.

  • Book here Leh Ladakh tour packages.

Frequently asked questions?

Leh Ladakh is one of the stunning sights but visiting in the month of April brings it to full glory and it is the best time to visit Leh Ladakh. The entire region looks beautiful with the clear blue skies, snow starts melting from the mountain passes and the weather will be pleasant for sightseeing. This is the starting month of summer and there is no heavy snowfall.

Is Pangong Lake closed in April?

No, Pangong Lake remains open in April. This is one of the major tourist attractions in Leh Ladakh. You can visit here anytime in 12 months. The Lake offers breathtaking views in the summer season but in winter months, from December to March, it remains frozen. 

Can we visit Nubra Valley in April?

Yes, you can visit Nubra Valley in April. The valley remains open for tourists in all 12 months and April is the best time to visit this beautiful place. The valley is in its full glory with the blooming wildflowers from all sides at that time. In the winter season, the valley remains covered with heavy snowfall.

Can we get snow in Ladakh in April?

Yes, you can see snow occasionally in Ladakh in April. The weather remains still cold but the snow starts melting from the mountain passes. High-altitude places like Khardung La Pass have snow and ice in the month of April. It is the starting month of summer here in Ladakh, the weather is pleasant and it is the ideal time to enjoy vacations.

What is the weather like in Pangong Lake in April?

The weather is delightful in Pangong Lake, neither hot nor cold. The Lake offers breathtaking views from all sides and it looks stunning at that time. Therefore, visiting in April is best to enjoy sightseeing in this place.

What is the best month to visit Leh Ladakh?

Leh Ladakh is stunning throughout the year. It depends on what kind of trip you want, if you are looking for sightseeing in Ladakh, then summertime is the best time to visit Ladakh and if you are looking for some snow and adventure activities such as skiing, photography, trekking then wintertime is the best time to spend holidays in Leh Ladakh.

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  • Ladakh In April 2024: When Your Adventurous Heart Yearns For The Himalayas!

23 Mar 2023

In the month of April, the trees of the barren land standstill, like the silent observers of the snowy mountains, the low-hanging clouds, and the midnight sky of Ladakh. The mountains of Ladakh lay in a never-ending line like the spine of the earth, the curling trails are no more covered in snow blanket, the old shelves of the local shops are once again filled with colorful prayer flags, and the hotels & homestays are all set to welcome you with a warm embrace.

Leh is amongst those places in the world that welcomes visitors throughout the year for its exclusive experience but April brings a new life to the entire region of Leh and Ladakh. Are you ready to experience Ladakh in April ? Read our blog until the end before embarking on the trip of your dreams.

9 Best Things To Do In Ladakh In April

Planning of visiting Ladakh in April ? From adventurous expeditions to refreshing getaways, a vacation in Ladakh during summer months is truly delightful experience! Here is the list of experiences you should definitely have while you are on your adventurous Ladakh trip in April . Take a look at the best things that you can try in Ladakh!

  • Take A Thrilling Bike Trip
  • Enjoy Staying Amid Nature
  • Go For A Trek 
  • Witness The Hues Of Blue And Red At Pangong Tso Lake
  • Feel Magnetic At Magnetic Hills!
  • A Ride To Umling La
  • Witness The Enchanting Zanskar Valley
  • Relax By The Gorgeous Moriri Lake
  • Relish The Flavoursome Delicacies

1. Take A Thrilling Bike Trip

men riding bike on the roads of ladakh

Imagine this: snow-clad mountains, rugged landscape, soaring peaks, dangerous routes, and roaring bike engines. Going on a Ladakh bike tour is all about good vibes and the undying spirit of a rider. Every biker dreams of going on a Leh Ladakh bike trip once in their lifetime. The best time to go on a bike trip to Leh Ladakh is from the months of June to September. These months enable the bikers to enjoy the best of Ladakh. The Ladakh temperature in April is pleasant enough for a bike trip.

Must Read: Leh Ladakh Bike Trip: Everything You Need To Know From The Scratch!

2. Enjoy Staying Amid Nature

a hotel with mountains in background

Image Source

You can experience Ladakhi hospitality that is famous all over India by staying at any of the best hotels in Ladakh. You get brilliant service, organically produced food, surreal views, and lavish interiors. The hotels in Ladakh are not exorbitantly priced. They will fit your budget. Most of the hotels are a stone’s throw away from popular tourist attractions. They’re nestled amidst lush greenery and scenic valleys. Who wouldn’t want to book a room here?

Suggested Read: 50 Places To Visit In Leh Ladakh For A Spell Binding Vacation In This Year

3. Go For A Trek!

a man hiking in mountains

Trekking in Ladakh enables us to view the unusual wildlife on the trek trail. Some of them are nimble ibex, the Tibetan wild ass, Tibetan antelope, various species of wild sheep and goats, snow leopard, yak, marmot which can be seen throughout the year. Rare birds such as hoopoe, Tibetan snowcock, lammergeyer, golden eagle and others migrate to Ladakh during summers. These uncommon visuals of enchanting animals and birds cannot be seen in our city life. The Ladakh weather in April is pleasant enough for trekking.

Suggested Read: 40 Best Things To Do In Ladakh

4. Witness The Hues Of Blue And Red At Pangong Tso Lake

rainbow in mountains over a lake

Pangong Tso (translated as “high grassland lake” in Tibetan) is a spectacular lake in the Himalayas situated at a height of about 4,350 m and 134 km long. The colour of Pangong Tso Lake changes to the different shades of blue, green and an unusual red. You must stop by this lake on your vacation in Leh Ladakh in April 2024. Pangong Tso is an endorheic lake because the water flow is terminated before reaching the ocean hence the minerals and salts are retained in this lake. Since there is no way for salt outflow, the water in the lake is salty. The average temperature of Ladakh in April hovers between 6-20 degrees.

Suggested Read: 7 Secrets Of Ladakh That Only The Hills Whisper

5. Feel Magnetic At Magnetic Hills!

a car on Magnetic hill road

The Magnetic Hill in Ladakh is a road stretching on the Leh to Kargil national highway in the Himalayan region at an altitude of 14,000 KMs which is about 30 km from Leh. Magnetic Hill has Sindhu River flowing in its east which gives it picturesque beauty with the background of magnificent Himalayan Mountains. It is also known as the ‘gravity hill’ since the area layout and the surrounding land creates an optical illusion by making a downhill slope appear to be an uphill slope. So, if a car is kept in neutral gear, it will start rolling uphill against gravity up to 20 Km per hour speed on its own. It is conceived that this mysterious wonder happens due to the magnetic force. This is amongst the best places to explore in Leh Ladakh in April .

Suggested Read:   Head To Ladakh In Winter For An Adventure Of A Lifetime

6. A Ride To Umling La

Bike trip to Leh, India

Riding on a bike through Umling La is one of the best things to do in Ladakh in April 2024 . Umling La is higher than Khardung La and passes through Umling La Top, at an elevation of over 19,300 feet. Before the construction of this road, Bolivia is believed to have held the record in the past for having the highest motorable road. Its road to the dormant volcano Uturuncu was at an elevation of 18,953 feet. The 86 km long road was completed under BRO’s Project Himank.In the past, Project Himank has constructed roads such as Khardung La and Changla Pass in Leh.

Suggested Read: 7 Valleys In Ladakh That Prove It Is Indeed A Paradise On Earth!

7. Witness The Enchanting Zanskar Valley

Zanskar Valley is the best valley

If you are looking for the most beautiful places to visit in April then Zanskar Valley is another beautiful site that will surely enthrall you with its majestic beauty. Located in the eastern corner of Jammu and Kashmir, the beautiful valley is surrounded by the Zanskar Mountain Range. The valley is known for offering panoramic views of the surrounding area that makes tourists fall in love with this beautiful place! Visiting Zanskar Valley must surely be a part of your Leh Ladakh trip in April . 

Suggested Read:  River Rafting In Ladakh: Here’s A Handy Guide To Help You Do It Right

8. Relax By The Gorgeous Moriri Lake

Tsomoriri_Lake

Located within the premises of Changtang Wildlife Sanctuary, Tso Moriri Lake is a twin to Pangong Lake and this gorgeous site is known for offering relaxing and rejuvenating moments to its visitors. The place is truly a delight for nature lovers and those who love to spend peaceful moments amid nature.  This is one of the best things to do in Leh Ladakh in April .

Tso Moriri has been declared as a wetland reserve and you would be witnessing many rare species of birds here including the great-crested grebe, bare-headed goose, the Brahmin duck, and the brown-headed gull.  

9. Relish The Flavoursome Delicacies

Tibetan Cuisine

Who doesn’t want to taste the delicious food of this multi-cuisine city that serves Indian, Chinese, Tibetan, and ever Korean recipes? You will realize the essence of foreign flavors once you taste the food here. Some of the must-try dishes of Leh, especially in the month of April are Thukpa, Tsampa, Dumplings, and Skyu. Beverages include coffee, tea, beer, and chang. Chang is an alcoholic drink which served during festivals.  

Further Read: 11 Experiences That Make Ladakh In May A Heartwarming Trip

The temperature in Ladakh in April is perfect for planning a trip to Ladakh for sure. The mountain of Ladakh and the vast green patches lay like a beautiful storybook picture. Let’s visit the land of cold desert mountains this month to be a part of the beginning of summer.

Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing  proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.

Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ladakh In April

Is KhardungLa pass open in April?

Yes, KhardungLa pass is open in April.

Is there snow in Leh in April?

Your chances are brighter if you visit Leh in early April, preferably the first week.

Which car is best for Ladakh trip?

Mahindra Thar, Mahindra Scorpio, Tata Safari Storme and Mitsubishi Outlander are the best cars for Ladakh trip.

Which is the best month to visit Ladakh?

It is a tie between April and May.

How many days are enough for Leh Ladakh?

For exploring Leh Ladakh properly you will need around 3 to 4 days.

Is Passport required for Leh Ladakh for Indians?

No, a passport is not required for Leh Ladakh if you are an Indian citizen.

Is it safe to travel to Ladakh in April?

Yes, it is one of the most preferred month to plan a visit.

Is Ladakh safe for women?

Yes, Ladakh is safe for women and solo travellers.

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Leh-Ladakh Road Trip

Why leh-ladakh road trip.

A Leh-Ladakh road trip is a journey through the breathtaking and rugged terrain of Ladakh, a region located in the northernmost part of India. Ladakh is known for its high-altitude mountain passes, barren landscapes, crystal-clear lakes, and ancient monasteries.

The road trip typically starts from cities like Delhi, Manali, or Srinagar, and takes you through some of the most scenic and challenging roads in the world. The journey usually lasts for 10-15 days, depending on the route and itinerary.

During the road trip, you’ll experience the unique culture and traditions of the region, interact with friendly locals, and witness the stunning beauty of the Himalayas. Some popular attractions that you can visit during the Ladakh road trip include Pangong Tso Lake, Nubra Valley, Khardung La Pass, Hemis National Park, and Diskit Monastery.

Ladakh Ride Banner 2023

A Ladakh road trip is not for the faint-hearted, as the roads can be challenging and the weather conditions can be extreme. However, for those seeking adventure and a truly unforgettable experience, a Ladakh road trip is a must-do. It allows you to connect with nature, push your limits, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

I am also planning this trip for the last 3 years, with hours of research & homework, now, I am sharing my entire Leh-Ladakh road trip planning with you.

        Quick Navigation Index:

  • Getting ready for Leh Ladakh Road trip

How to reach Leh?

Choosing the perfect bike for leh-ladakh road trip.

  • Why Bajaj Dominar 400?

Essential Riding Gears

Things to carry on leh-ladakh road trip, best time to visit leh-ladakh, leh-ladakh route planning, budget for leh-ladakh road trip, getting ready for leh-ladakh road trip.

I am staying in Mumbai, so I will be starting my journey from here. Meanwhile, while planning this trip, I have also gone through some famous blogs & YouTube videos, which have helped me a lot. Undoubtedly, the most important factor is Passion. Because this type of journey will test all your limits. For that, you have to be well-prepared both, physically & mentally.

Physical fitness is one of the most important factors, which we have to take care of. Because during the entire journey, we are passing through different types of landscapes & weather conditions. And the most extreme terrain of Leh-Ladakh, the land of high passes, with an altitude of more than 18,000 feet. Since the oxygen level is very less at a higher elevation, we must practice some breathing exercises & yoga. Apart from this, swimming and cycling will also help you to increase your stamina.

Man doing Yoga & Pranayam

How to reach Leh-Ladakh? First things first, route selection plays a major role in planning any trip. Furthermore, there are three options available to visit Leh-Ladakh. The shortest route to reach Ladakh is by Air. The nearest airport is located in Leh. Therefore, Leh has good flight connectivity with almost all major cities. From Leh, you can hire a Car or Bike as per your desire for your onward journey.

However, if you wish to travel by Train, first you have to reach Delhi or Jammu Tavi. Mostly all travelers or Riders prefer to begin their journey from Delhi. Because from Delhi they get more travel options. Hence, I also recommend you start your journey from Delhi.

Welcome to Leh board with Airport in background

And the last but the most favorable mode of traveling to Leh-Ladakh is by Road. Ladakh is the dream destination of all Bikers. According to me, the best way to explore Ladakh is on the Bike. In most cases, many bikers ride their own bike. But, some of them hire it from various locations like Delhi, Manali, Shrinagar, or even Leh. In short, here you will get any bike of your choice.

For a road trip, your bike is the second most important thing after you. Right now there are many choices available in the market, from which you can select your bike. If you already have a bike, then it’s a wonderful thing. However, you must know the capabilities of your bike. Because this ride will be full of extreme challenges. Furthermore, if the rider has passion, then one can ride any vehicle anywhere. 

100 cc bike near Jispa signboard

But, still, if you want to make your ride more convenient, you must select a bike with higher CC. (more than 200 CC) At present, I personally own a 100 CC bike, but I know the limits of my bike. The engines of 100-200 cc bikes are built for city commuting. And during this trip, most of the time, I will be riding on highways, covering 400-500 km in a day. Hence, I decided to buy a new bike with a higher CC engine & advanced features. Now, the question arises “Which Bike to Buy?” After a comprehensive analysis of the Pros & Cons and a comparison among various bikes, I finally selected the    BAJAJ DOMINAR 400 BS6  as my touring companion.

Why did I choose Bajaj Dominar 400?

I know there will be a question arising in your mind. That is why haven’t I chosen Royal Enfield for my trip, which was the most popular touring bike among riders. Actually, earlier I also planned for Royal Enfield Himalayan, but after reading many negative reviews and watching  shocking videos  on YouTube. I dropped my plans for RE & finalized the Bajaj Dominar 400 BS6.

The reasons for choosing Dominar 400 are:-

373 cc liquid-cooled BS6 engine, Dual-channel ABS, Slipper clutch, 6-speed Gearbox, USD fork in front & mono-shock at the rear, Best in class LED headlights, Full Digital Instrument cluster, Twin Barrel Exhaust, Tubeless tires, Better mileage, Touring Friendly, Availability of spares & service stations all across India.  

Dominar 400 2022 edition

We are getting all these premium features at a price of Rs.2,75,000 on-road. That’s why I called it the Best value-for-money Bike . Apart from this, we also require some essential touring accessories for our bike like  Saddle Stay & Top rack, Crash guard , Windshield , Saddlebags, Tank Bag & Top box, etc.  To know more about the essential touring accessories buying guide click the button below.

Riding a bike, for a longer period is not as easy as we think. Before leaving for such a long ride, we must start practicing with short-distance rides. And for a safe & comfortable ride, we need some essential Riding gear for us too.

During, a bike ride, safety gears are very essential for the rider. Proper riding gears will keep you comfortable in a wide range of situations, and when you’re comfortable you’re a better rider. Good riding gears are designed for more than just crash protection; It’s act like your second skin and protects you from hash sun rays, blowing wind, and any unknown object that is flying through the air. Therefore, you must choose your gear wisely.

Dominar riding gears

At high speed, the road surface acts like a big belt sander. Good gears are designed for abrasion resistance and are armored against impacts at your joints. For a complete list of riding gear & detailed   buying guide, click on the read more button below.

This ride is going to be very long, so you must choose your luggage wisely. Avoid carrying unnecessary stuff. Because carrying less luggage will make your ride more comfortable. In this section, I will try to shortlist all the necessary items you will require during this long trip.

  • Cloths & accessories

Essential Toiletries

  • First aid kit & Medicines

Must have Tools

  • Bike Maintenance Kit

Important documents to carry

Laptop & camera gears, cloths & accessories.

You must choose your clothes according to your necessity. Avoid carrying excess luggage during such long trips. Because, at the end of the day, loading & unloading luggage from the bike, after a long tiresome ride, becomes tedious.

leh ladakh road trip in april

You can also carry a sleeping bag with you for extremely cold weather. If you forget to buy something, then you can also get it from Delhi Karol Baug Market.   Also, carry some extra polythene bags for wet kinds of stuff.

I know, I don’t need to mention all this. But, still, I added this section just as a gentle reminder. So we can prepare all the pieces of stuff properly.

List of Essential Toiletries for Ladakh trip

First aid kit & Medicines

Medical emergencies can occur anytime & anywhere. So, we should be prepared for it, by carrying some essential generic medicines. The following,  are the medicines that I personally use, & are not prescribed by me. One should take medicines as per his/her body’s requirements.

First aid kit

*AMS is the most common form of altitude sickness we see. It starts off with relatively mild symptoms. But if left untreated, it gets severe and could form into either HAPE or HACE. To Know more about AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) Click on read more

Tools are a vital & essential part of any journey or trip. During an unexpected situation. Especially,  when you are in the middle of nowhere.  In such a situation, if you don’t  even  have the basic tools, then you can be in big trouble. Therefore, tools are the must-have items on your list. The following are the tools, which I personally suggest you carry along with you on your trip.

Box of 46 pcs socket set for bike

Bike Maintenance

During this trip, your bike  will   be going beyond its limit. So, periodic maintenance becomes necessary. For that, you require some basic kinds of stuff like Motul Chain cleaner & Lube, Compatible Engine Oil & Coolant, WD-40 Multipurpose spray, Puncher repair kit, 12V Tire inflator, or foot pump. You can also use a puncher-proof solution for your Tubeless tires. T hese are some very important things that every biker should carry. 

Motul Compatible Engine Oil Bottol

Before stepping out for this trip, there are some very important documents that you should be carrying. Like, as Driving License, PAN card, Aadhar Card, extra photographs, and Printed map of the Ladakh region. (also Download Offline maps of the entire region in Google Maps) Take extra copies of all documents. The  MOST IMPORTANT DOCUMENT   for the Ladakh trip is the Inner Line Permit (ILP). To know more about the process of applying for an Inner Line Permit  online, with an Update of March 2023, Click Below.

Ladakh Road Trip Map 9.0.2023

The above map of the Ladakh full Circuit including Umling La, Marsimik La, Shilung La, Kela Pass, Zanskar, Sach Pass, & Aryan Villages was specially designed for my fellow Riders. This is not the perfect Map I am still working on it, and inputs from readers who have already visited these places is always welcome. To download the Ladakh Map JPEG Click Here.  

To Download Ladakh’s full Circuit Map in PDF format Click here .

Visiting Leh-Ladakh is a lifetime experience. So, Capturing those moments with cameras is as important as the entire Leh-Ladakh trip itself. Therefore, camera gears are an integral part of this trip. Here are some of the gear which I will be carrying on my Leh-Ladakh road trip.

Sony A7 III Mirror less Camera

Apart from these, don’t forget to carry all the chargers & some extra USB cables with you. And pack all these gears in a Waterproof & Impact resistant bag. Charge your batteries & power bank regularly to avoid sudden discharge. Because at some remote locations, you will not even get a power point for charging.

Capturing footage is a task that comes with great responsibility. Especially, when you are in a Military zone, you should always make sure that National Security is undistributed.

Once you prepare your luggage, now it’s time to decide the best season for visiting Leh-Ladakh. Choosing the proper season is an important factor behind the success of your Leh-Ladakh road trip. With the arrival of summer, tourist season starts, as all the high passes are open. However, the first highway opens in mid-April which is the NH-1, Srinagar-Leh Highway via Zojila Pass. (Alt. 11649 ft.) And from mid-May, the Manali- Leh  Highway also opens up via Rohtang Pass.  (Alt. 13050 ft.) 

Snow at Zojila Pass in april May

Summer Season (April - June)

With the beginning of April, the peak season starts in Leh-Ladakh. Most of the tourists & bikers visit Ladakh during this period. Therefore, everything becomes expensive including food & stay. But, if you want to experience the snow then, this is the best time to visit Leh-Ladakh.

leh ladakh road trip in april

Monsoon Season (July-August)

After mid-July, the monsoon season starts here, which lasts till the end of August. During this, you may face extreme weather in Ladakh. With frequent landslides, roadblocks, black ice, etc.

leh ladakh road trip in april

Pre-winter Season (September - October)

September to mid-October is an amazing time to visit Leh and Ladakh. After the monsoon, the sky gets clear, the landscape becomes greener. Due to fewer tourists & bikers, you can get everything at a cheaper rate.

Ladakh in August Pangog tso

Winter Season (October-November)

By the end of October, the cold has completely taken over the area. The temperature drops below zero degrees at all locations. Almost all the tourists leave the place. Most of the hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants shut down their businesses and start leaving the place until next summer.

leh ladakh road trip in april

Full Winter Season (November to March)

This is the coldest time in Ladakh. Even the region gets completely cut off from the rest of India by road. The only way to reach Leh is by flight. From mid-January to mid-March, the adventure starts. The tourists arrive in Ladakh for the famous Chadar Trek, where they walk over the frozen Zanskar River.

People trekking on Chadar trek on Frozan Zanskar River

In Leh-Ladakh every season has its own charm, and it’s totally depending upon you, which type of adventure you like. 

The next important step is to choose your route. There are two routes popular among the riders. Both routes start from Delhi. Further, you have two options, one is from Manali & other is via Srinagar. However, for a return journey, you also have two choices. Either you can return by the same route or choose an alternate one. 

Route 1:  Delhi → Srinagar → Leh → Khardung La → Nubra Valley → Pangong Tso  →  Karu → Sarchu → Manali → Delhi. Route 2:  Delhi → Manali → Sarchu → Leh → Khardung La → Nubra Valley →  Pangong Tso  →  Leh → Srinagar → Delhi Distance:  Approximately 2,850 km for both routes.

Both routes have their own characteristics. The srinagar to Leh route offers better road conditions and picturesque views. Whereas the route from Manali offers more scenic views but with extremely rugged terrain. Which increases the level of difficulty and danger as well. 

However, there is good news for all riders!

Rohtang Tunnel (Atal Tunnel)

On 3rd October 2020, The newly constructed Rohtang Tunnel aka the Atal Tunnel was inaugurated by our Hon. PM Shri Narendra Modi. This tunnel will start from Dhundi (south portal) and ends at Sissu (north portal). This 8.8 km long tunnel will reduce the distance between Manali and Keylong by about 46 km. The Rohtang tunnel will be one of the longest road tunnels in India built at an altitude of 3100 mt.

Atal Tunnel Map

Our route (Mumbai to Leh)

Our journey will start from Mumbai, the distance from Mumbai to Leh is approximately 2,845 km. I have often seen many riders riding in a hurry. They just focus on their final destination & skip many important places which are coming on the way. I personally believe that we should enjoy our journey, so we decide to spend enough time at each & every location coming on the way.

Mumbai to Leh Route Map

Srinagar to Leh via Gulmarg & Sonamarg (517km)

After spending one day in Srinagar, the next day we will be leaving for Sonamarg via Gulmarg. We will have our night stay in Sonamarg, &  the next  morning we will proceed to Leh via Kargil. We have chosen the Srinagar route because in this route the altitude rises gradually. As a result, your body gets used to high altitudes & which reduces the chances of AMS . 

leh ladakh road trip in april

Leh Sightseeing (Alt. 11,562 ft.)

On our first day in Leh, we will be exploring places in Leh namely, Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, Magnetic Hill, Spituk Monastery, Hall of Fame, Thiksay Monastery, and Leh Market. This would also help us in acclimatization. We will also be visiting the DM office to put a Hanle & Umling la Stamp on our ILP permit on the same day.

I would like  to mention o ne more important thing. Throughout the entire Leh-Ladakh road trip, you will be passing through various altitudes. So, you might face some difficulties in breathing. Therefore, I recommend you to travel taking proper halts. Keeping this point in mind, I have also mentioned the altitude of every place which we will be visiting.

Shanti Stupa Leh Sightseeing

Leh - Khardung la pass - Turtuk (Alt. 11,562 - 18,380 - 9,846 ft.)

The next day, early morning we will be proceeding to Khardung la Pass, the highest motorable road in the world at an altitude of 18,380 ft.  From there we will be going towards Nubra valley via Khalsar – Diskit and will Reach Hunder. This place is famous for its cold desert & double Hump Camels. Later we will have our night stay in Hunder.

Our Route : Leh – Khardungla Pass – Khalsar – Diskit – Hunder  (Total distance 165 km)

Khardungla pass

Hunder - Turtuk - Tykashi - Thang - Hunder (Alt. 9,846 - 12,000 ft.)

In the morning, first, we will be visiting Thang, The Last Village in India via Turtuk and Tyakshi. We will be spending some time there, and then we’ll continue our journey back to Hunder. Then we will be visiting Siachen Base camp. Earlier, a special permit was required to visit Siachen. But, recently Defense Minister Rajnath Singh announced that tourists can now visit Siachen Glacier, which is the highest battlefield and one of the most difficult terrains on Earth. However, you require a separate permit to visit Siachen. 

Nevertheless, there is no clarity on how to apply & from where you will get the permit. But from Panamik  Army Check Post you can show your existing permit & providing your ID details they will allow you to visit Selfie Point & OP Baba Temple. We will try to spend our night in a Homestay in Warshi. 

Our Route : Turtuk – Tyakshi – Thang – Khalsar – Sumur – Panamik – Sasoma – Warshi – Siachen Base Camp – Warshi.   (Total distance 220 km)

Thang Last village

Warshi - Khalsar - Pangong Tso (Alt. 12,000 - 13,860 ft.)

The next day, we will be visiting the iconic Pangong Tso. Pangong lake is a bit far away from Warshi, so we need to start our journey as soon as possible. Because we need to reach Pangong lake before sunset. The starch of Pangong lake is very long. There are many tents stays available here for tourists. We will be spending our nights in tent stays or homestays near Spangmik, Man, or Merak Village.

Our Route : Warshi – Khalsar –  Agham – Shyok – Durbak – Tangtse –  Spangmik –  Pangong lake.   (Total distance 235 km)

Agham

Pangong Tso - Hanle (Alt. 13,860 - 14,800 ft.)

Here we will get up before Dawn to capture the time-lapse of this Beautiful lake. After spending some time we will start our journey toward Hanle. But Hanle is a bit far away from Spangmik & road condition is not good. Hence, we will try to reach Hanle as soon as possible. We will be staying in Home Stay here.

Our Route : Spangmik – Merak – Chushul – Loma Bend – Hanle  .   (Total distance 162 km)

Pangong Lake View

Hanle - Umling-la - Hanle (Alt. 14,800 - 19,024 ft.)

From Hanle, we will be going to visit the  Umling La Pass in Ladakh at an altitude of 19,024 Feet. Now it’s the highest motorable pass in the world. The BRO opened this pass for military use in 2017. But now in 2022, Civilians can also be allowed to visit here. (depends upon political conditions on Indo-Chine Border)

BRO had built and opened the world’s highest pass over Umlingla pass, connecting the Chisumle and Demchok villages. Umling La pass is about 105 km from Hanle Village and about 235 km from Leh. 

There are 5 routes through which you can reach Umling La Pass and each of them gives you a unique experience. Let us have a look at all 5 routes for Umling La Pass.

Route 1: Loma-Dungti-Koyul-Demchok-Umling La (132Km approx)

You need a special permit signed by the District Magistrate of Leh to travel on this route.

Route 2: Loma-Dungti-Koyul-Chisumale-Umling La (125Km approx)

Route 3: hanle-photi la-chisumale-umling la (photila offroad | 77km approx).

The Normal permit is enough for traveling on this route. However, you can descend to Demchok from Umling La Pass and back to Hanle.

Route 4: Hanle-Punguk-Ukdungle-Nerbole-Chisumale-Umling La Pass (Punguk to Nerbole Offroad | 93Km approx)

For traveling on Hanle-Ukdungle-Nerbole -Umling La Pass, a normal permit is all you need.

Route 5: Hanle-Boog-Nerbole-Chisumale-Umling La Pass (Boog to Nerbole Offroad | 75Km approx) 

For traveling on Hanle-Boog-Nerbole -Umling La Pass, a normal permit is all you need.

The Navigation to the Umling La pass is not available on Google maps. Hence, you can’t find turn-by-turn Navigation here, so don’t rely on it.

For a better understanding of the route, you can download the route map given below. To Download the Route Map of Umling La Pass in PDF format Click Here.

Things to remember before you plan for Umling La Pass:

  • Umling La Pass is located at a massive altitude of 19,024ft and is characterized by extremely thin air, which makes even normal breathing very difficult.
  • If you are suffering from any respiratory problems or any other kind of breathing or heart issues, you should avoid traveling to this pass.
  • In Ladakh, AMS (altitude mountain sickness) is quite common, and you should properly acclimatize yourself before deciding to take a trip to Umling La Pass. To know more About  AMS & how to prevent it click here.

My Tentative Route: Hanle – Ukdungle – Chisumle – Umlingla – Demchok – Koyul – Photi-la – Hanle

Umling La Route map 2023

Hanle - Tso Moriri (Alt. 14,800 - 14,840 ft.)

From Hanle, we will be going to Tso Moriri, also known as Mountain Lake. It is located at an altitude of 15,075 feet. The lake is surrounded by high mountains. To reach Tso Moriri, you will have to reach Karzok first. Here we will spend our night in Homestay.

Our Route: Hanle – Loma Bend – Nyoma – Mahe Bridge –  Sumdo – Karzok (Total distance 150 km)

Way to Tso Moriri

Tso Moriri - Pang (Alt. 14,800 - 15,600 ft.)

After capturing some photos of this picturesque Lake, we will start our return journey towards Pang. We will be passing through one more beautiful lake called Tso Kar & Thukje Monastery. And we’ll try to reach Pang for our night stay. Pang is located on the Leh-Manali highway.

Our Route: Karzok – Sumdo – Tso Kar – Thukje – More Plains – Pang (Total distance 150 km) 

Morning at Tso Moriri

Pang - Manali (Alt. 15,600 - 6,730 ft.)

From Pang, we will start our return journey to Mumbai via the Leh-Manali highway. This route is very scenic and passes through many high passes. We will try to cover the maximum distance, but with proper halts at every spot mentioned below. We will try to reach Manali before evening. After passing Keylong we have two routes to reach Manali. One is via regular Rohtang Pass, and the other via the newly opened Rohtang Tunnel (Aka Atal Tunnel) from Sissu to Dhundi. This 8.8 km long tunnel reduces the distance by about 46 km. After reaching Manali we will stay there & relax for one day.  However, there are many Camps or tents available for tourists in all spots. So, we will halt anywhere, when it’s dark, as we avoid night driving.

Our Route: Pang – Lachung La – Whisky Nala – Naki La – Gata Loops – Sarchu – Baralacla pass – Jispa –  Keylong – Sissu – Atal Tunnel,  Rohatang  – Dhundi – Manali  (Total distance 255 km) 

More Plains

Return route (Manali to Mumbai)

From Manali, we will start our return journey to Mumbai. But, we will not be following the same route from which we used earlier. While returning we will try to explore each & every popular place coming on the way. Our entire return route is given below. (Total Distance 2785 Km)

Manali to Mumbai return Route

Budget is a very important part of every trip. Especially, for a long road trip. Yes, this trip is going to take more than 25 days. Because, we will be staying one or more days at every major location like Ahmadabad, Jaipur, Delhi, Srinagar, etc. So, I am giving my tentative budget for this entire trip, including Petrol, Stay, food, bike maintenance, etc. (rates given below are based on Jan-2022. prices are Subject to change)

Ladakh trip Budget Chart

The above prices are given as per my calculations, it may vary from person to person. The prices mentioned above are excluding Bikes, Accessories, Riding gear, Camera gear, etc. You can choose them as per your choice & budget. 

By writing this article I have just tried to share my personnel views & plans of my upcoming trip. Apart from this, you have any queries please feel free to comment below or contact us.   

In the future, I will be sharing complete videos on the topics mentioned above. to stay updated please subscribe to our YouTube channel. & if you like this article please share it with your family & friends.

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Accommodation

An epic road trip to leh ladakh, nubra, and pangong lake.

This is Part 2   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 3 – Packing for a road trip to Leh and Ladakh (opens in new tab)

Read Part 4 –  10 Dos and Donts for a roadtrip to Leh-Ladakh, India  (opens in new tab)

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

Day 11: Drive to Nubra Valley

Once you’re done exploring Leh City, it’s time to head to one of the most remote and barren corners of the world – The Nubra Valley. Do beware: It isn’t possible to drive rental cars within Ladakh, so you will have to rent a cab . It’s probably for the best because roads here are in bad shape and can be extremely challenging for outsiders! However local drivers know them well as they ferry thousands of passengers to and fro every day.

The road might be bad but the drive is one of the most scenic ones so far. Expect barren panoramas blanketed by snow . This drive also takes visitors through one of the highest motorable road of the world – Khardung La. The mountain pass is crowded but provides the perfect photo opportunity.

Head to the taxi stand in Leh City to find a cab and a driver at a competitive price. Expect to pay £100 (INR 8000- 10,000) for an overnight trip to Nubra Valley.

We were so impressed by our well-appointed luxury tents in Leh, so we decided to stay at The Ultimate Travelling Camp’s glamping site in Nubra as well. Chamba Camp Diskit boasts of canvas tents overlooking the resplendent Diskit Monastery. We woke up to huge rainbows, clouds suspended over our tent, and gourmet breakfasts every day. The butler service, extensive menus, and We also had a dreamy glamping lunch, one I won’t forget for a long long time at Chamba Camp Diksit.  We had pan-seared scallops with cauliflower foam and a watermelon-feta salad to THIS view – a glistening lagoon, towering peaks, and the Diskit Monastery in the distance:

Luxury scenic camping lunch in Ladakh at Chamba Camp Diksit

Day 12 & 13: Explore Nubra Valley and Diskit

You could spend 1 or 2 days exploring Nubra Valley. The area offers a whole host of things to do – you could:

  • explore the gorgeous Diskit Monastery
  • marvel at the gigantic Maitreya Buddha (Future Buddha) at Diskit
  • go offroading and search for the hidden lake, Tso Kar
  • visit the sand-dunes at Hunder and go for a camel ride or admire bactrian camels from a distance
  • Explore Turtuk village or go for a trek in the area

However as with Leh City, the panoramas are the highlight of a visit to the Nubra Valley. They are surreal to say the least – rainbows play hide and seek, sand-dunes appear out of nowhere, and barren valleys offer an obscurity that is truly liberating for the passionate traveller. It’s easy to feel like one is on the moon or Mars – but it’s just Nubra Valley hellbent on exerting its charms on visitors! 🙂

It’s easy to get caught up in wanting to check everything off a list but when you’re in Nubra Valley set aside 1 morning for doing nothing – just stare at fresh rainbows or marvel at the way suspended clouds form patterns over towering mountains. You’ll find yourself falling irrevocably in love with Ladakh all of a sudden 🙂

Matreya Buddhah Diskit monastery Nubra

Day 14 & 15: Drive to Pangong Lake and savour Pangong Lake (optional Tso Moriri)

You could head to Pangong Lake in your cab straight from Nubra Valley. However the road that connects Nubra & Pangong is often closed to tourists. In that case, head back to Leh City and head out to Pangong the next day.  Pangong Lake left us mesmerised to say the least. It might have been the highlight of our road trip to Ladakh 🙂

Ladakh’s peacefulness and blue skies are nowhere as impressive as they are at Pangong Tso (Pangong Lake). Cradled between mountains, the glimmering water body, that extends from India to China, changes colour every hour. Just sit by the lakeside and try to count the shades of blue! Watch the sun set over the expansive lake before you hit the sack.

Stay overnight at Pangong Lake, spend a couple of hours walking by the lake, sitting on the shore, or photographing its waters before departing for Leh City in your cab.

  • There are 4-5 shacks selling a mix of India and Tibetan food at Pangong Lake. Hot food is quite reasonable. Snacks including biscuits, chocolates, aerated drinks, and crisps are available but overpriced. Stock your car with snacks in Leh City if you can.
  • If you have a couple of extra days at hand, head over to Tso Moriri, another lake in the area. We did not visit Tso Moriri but heard great things about it.

Accommodation 

A number of people choose to see Pangong Lake as a day trip from Leh City. The drive takes 5 hours/way. So this leaves little time to see the lake or absorb the surroundings. So  we would strongly recommend staying at the lake at least for a night . Make sure you book in advance as accommodation is extremely limited and in high demand in the area. Do beware – a lot of other campsites in the area don’t have toilets or blankets. Make sure you confirm before booking a place.

We stayed at Pangong Inn – it’s a concrete structure (the only one in the area!) with electricity, hot water, and hot meals. This is as luxurious as it gets in this remote an area. Rooms are basic but boast of en-suite toilets (a rarity in the area), proper beds, and running water. Besides, the view from Pangong Inn is breathtaking – check it out for yourself in the photo below:

View of Pangong Lake from Pangong Inn

Day 16: Drive from Leh City to Jispa (optional Lahaul-Spiti)

It was hard for us to say good bye to Ladakh but after a week or so in this enchanted land, it was time to pick up our rental car from Leh City and continue our road trip back to Delhi. On the way back, the road from Leh to Pang is in good shape but it deteriorates after Pang. The stretch from Pang to Sarchu is mostly unpaved and in really bad shape (we hear it will be better in September).

The scenery between Rumtse village and the world’s second highest pass Tanglangla Pass , is nothing short of spectacular – think towering multi-hued mountains, terraced green fields, wild horses, and streams. It reminded us a lot of Iceland’s countryside .

But that’s not all – this route is FULL of surprises. It’s home to numerous offbeat sights that don’t make it to guidebooks. The More Plains (pronounce Mo-ray) are home to a 40 kilometre stretch of road flanked by towering mountains in variegated colours on both side. The More Plains are uninhabitable, so there is no sign of civilisation here – just azure skies and unending open spaces!!

Then there are the Gata Loops, a series of twenty one hairpin bends that took us down from 16000 feet – self-drive road trips are the only way to see such crazy wonders of nature!! Loved them

Stop by the little-known Debring “village” for a quick brunch – there are just a couple of roadside shacks here. The food isn’t the draw but the view is!! This is also the start of the little-known but incredible More plains. The roads were in great shape when we visited and we found ourselves stopping every 5 minutes for a photo (or 10!) 🙂 The stretch from Leh to Pang was by far the best stretch of road in terms of quality on our Leh Ladakh road trip.

Once you leave Leh / Karu, the next fuel station will be at Tandi (after Keylong). That’s around 360 kms from Leh. Make sure you top up your fuel tanks in Leh city or Karu.

Accommodation:

Sarchu and Jispa offer a number of camping sites and guesthouses. All accommodation in the area is extremely basic. We stayed the night at a small hotel called Padma Lodge . The hotel complex is next to the gurgling Bhag river and quite scenic during the day. Rooms are basic but clean and hot food is plentiful – ok for a quick stopover to break the journey!

Leh-Ladakh-Road-Trip-India-Itinerary-Planning-144

Day 18-20: Drive from Jispa to Manali & explore the villages around Manali

The drive from Jispa to Manali is quite a short one on paper but it can take anything between 5-8 hours. this is because the road from Jispa to Rohtang Pass is in bad shape and Rohtang Pass itself can get extremely crowded. Hundreds of tourists flock to Rohtang Pass every day because its an easy day trip from Manali. Consequently the traffic situation is nightmarish, to say the least!!

Once you’re settled in a little corner of Manali, spend your days discovering quaint bakeries, visiting orchards or devouring freshly-picked cherries and peaches, knocking back a few beers by the banks of River Beas, or going for rambly walks and hikes in the area.

  • Manali is the perfect place to stock up on fresh fruits – cherries, apples, and peaches – for the long drive back to Delhi. You won’t have to go too far looking for fruits – dozens of vendors can be found selling cartons of fresh fruits on the roads surrounding Manali.
  • When you leave Jispa, make sure you top up your fuel tank at the petrol station in Tandi.

Manali is an extremely popular getaway for Indian tourists so the main town can get crowded, cramped, and chaotic. We’d suggest staying away from Manali, in a peaceful village in the Parvati Valley if you’re there for more than 2 days. Vashisht, Old Manali, Tosh, and Kalga are some of the villages that are peaceful and slightly off-the-beaten path.

If you’re there for a shorter period of time and are just breaking your journey in Manali, then a hotel like  Holiday Cottages and Resorts  in the neighbouring Simsa is apt as it is just a couple of kilometres away from Manali but far from the madness. Rooms are spacious, well-equipped with hot showers, electric kettles, and other such and overlook Himachal’s lush green valleys.

Ladakh road trip drive from Leh to Manali

Day 21: Drive from Manali to Delhi

Just like the first day, the last day of this roadtrip is not particularly spectacular. The first few hours comprise of winding roads through hills but soon enough you’ll find yourselves in the plains.  The route we followed is –  Manali- Kullu-Mandi-Swar ghat – Kiratpur- Ropar (Roopnagar) – Ambala – Karnal – Panipat –  Delhi . Once again, do not refer to your GPS blindly. Study the route beforehand and map it out before you set out on the drive. It took us 14 hours from Manali to Delhi including a few stops for meals and coffee.

That’s it! A road trip to Ladakh is truly the road trip of a lifetime. We saw panoramas that didn’t seem real at every step and found it so easy to fall in love with this forbidden remote land. As you probably know, we’ve driven thousands of miles in dozens of countries, but this road trip to Ladakh will forever rank as one of our favourites 🙂

Ladakh road trip drive travel fashion

* All costs and road conditions true of June 2016

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Bohemian skirt Packing for a road trip to Leh and Ladakh India-11

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

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Leh Ladakh Road Trip: An Unbelievable Drive In India

33 thoughts on “ an epic road trip to leh ladakh, nubra, and pangong lake ”.

We are going to Ladakh this September and this post will come in so handy for us. The route we planned on is very similar to yours. We will be driving from Hyderabad though. And your pictures have got me even more excited for our trip.

That’s awesome Harini 🙂 Hope you have an awesome time on your road trip of Ladakh and find everything you need to plan it right here 🙂

Those landscapes are compelling and calling out loud to explore. Soon!

Thanks Lila – hope you make it to Ladakh super soon 🙂

OMG!!! Those views! And Manali looks SO amazing! U guys are seriously tempting me to go there this year 🙂

Ramya – you know I always love hearing from you 🙂 Manali itself isn’t great -it’s too crowded but the villages around it are really nice

Who was taking these pictures man!!? Btw it looks like a life-long memorable experience.

Hey Abhinav – Vid’s a professional travel photographer. All these photos have been clicked by him or a tripod (under his direction) 🙂

Your picturesque story is beyond words!!!

Thanks a million Jahanvee 🙂

@bruisedpassport just gone thru ur leh-ladakh travelogue.its fascinating & tempting. All snaps r jst awsm.Hope u won’t mind if I ask u which Camera you used in this trip.

Thanks Kunal – we use Nikon D610 for all our photographs. You can read this article for details of the lenses we use with the Nikon D610 https://www.bruisedpassports.com/featured/travel-photography-essentials

What an amazing website.I checked your full leh story with that wonderful information you’ve posted really appreciated. One thing is the best that when reading through the journey you’ve posted is the do and don’t,tips,places to stay,all gathered in one place as if no need to go anywhere just your page makes notes and start the trip.

THANKS FOR THE JOB AND WONDERFUL IDEA. WOULD ONE DAY BE A PART OF ALL THE STORIES YOU’VE POSTED HOPE SO COMES TRUE.

Hey Arvinder – so glad you appreciate it. Putting together the guide to a roadtrip in Ladakh took really long as we wanted to include as much information as possible but we’re so happy to hear it’s helpful for our readers. Yay 🙂 Hope you get to travel tons super soon

We’ll we doing a similar road trip (Delhi-Srinagar-Leh-Manali-Delhi) in June this year and your article has been really useful for us!

I just have 2 questions regarding it and it’ll be great if you can assist us:

1) Regarding the Rohtang Pass, is it true that it is closed on Tuesdays? Also, are there any restrictions on the timings during which vehicles coming from the north going towards Manali can enter the pass? (On another website I read that vehicles coming from the north can only pass between 6pm and 5am).

2) How long did you guys take to drive from Leh to Jispa?

So sorry for not replying sooner. Seems like you’d already be on your road trip – please do share your experiences with us 🙂

1) We did not face such time restrictions. We were at Rohtang at around 1 p.m. and there was no restriction on the entry towards Manali. There was a massive traffic jam though 😉

2) Leh to Jispa – well it took us around 12 hours but this included photo and rest stops. As a rule for this road trip, add a couple of hours to what Google maps suggests 🙂

Once again, apologies for not getting back sooner – hope you had a great trip and that our article was helpful.

Hi, Your travelogue has been amazing and the pictures are a treat to watch. However, there is one thing I would like to mention honestly. I felt, you could have taken your self drive rental scorpio to the Khardung La top. Driving yourself to the highest motorable road is a matter of pride and not everyone gets that chance to savour. Being a travel enthusiast Khardung la pass is like a Holy Grail to me and I am a bit disappointed that being travel enthusiasts you took a taxi ride to the heaven instead of driving yourself. Apart from this no other issues. Thank you.

Hi Abhinav,

Thanks – glad you like the pictures 🙂 We were driving a rental car which is not allowed beyond Leh (as of 2015). We would have loved to drive to Nubra valley in our rental car but the local authorities don’t allow that. Moreover, we have driven on even higher and more dangerous roads so the “holy grail” is always subjective 🙂

Hi Sasi Vid,

We are also planning to do the same trip this year July. Your write up will definitely help us a lot. Thanks for sharing such a nice experience.

Regards – majeed

Thanks so much Majeed for this information-makes us so glad that our posts are of help to our readers:)

Thank you for sharing such nice experience.

You’re welcome 🙂

Hii guys!! Your tips are quiet helpful as usual. Thanx a lot for that. Can u help me buy the Gorgeous jackets u both r wearing to Ladakh? Where did u guys pick from?? 2). Am lil scared of heights. Do u think I’ll manage a road trip to Leh? As in are roads really very scary??

Hey Mani – they are from Icewear, Uniqlo, and Jack Wolfskin 🙂 The roads are quite steep, so would suggest being cautious if you are scared of heights. Have fun 🙂

Hey guys! Thanks for sharing your experience with all of us and tempting us to do the same 🙂 Would a road trip be possible in early March? I have heard that the roads would be blocked due to snow. I am planning my honeymoon in March and would love to go for this road trip.

Hi Vani- if you are going in March, would suggest flying into Leh instead and renting a local cab with driver to explore 🙂

Cant thank you enough for all the information… Well described and amazing pics.. every pic of yours tells us a story and shows your fascination… I just have one question..How did you all deal with AMS ?

Thank you so much 🙂

We drove from Delhi to Leh via Srinagar and Kargil over 2-3 days so it helped us acclimatise to the altitude.

Last year we flew to Leh (winter trip), and could feel the effects of AMS the first day. The key is to eat light, not do too much activity, and have lots of water. Keep diamox tablets with you in case needed 🙂

Hi Vid and Savi,

We are planning for a trip to Leh and Ladakh this september, is it a good time to travel there? What other destinations we can pick other than this?

Hi Vid and Savi, This guide is of great help !! Is Leh to Jispa journey manageable in a single day ? We are planning to stopover at Jispa instead of sarchu on our way to manali but not sure if that would be doable !!

Sure you can do that in 1 day 🙂

Hi amazing pictures as always and thanks for a detailed Itinerary. Can you please let me know in which month of the year had you been for this trip to Leh-Ladakh and what’s the best time f the year to visit according to you.

Thanks Much, Jalpa

Hello – June is a great month to visit and plan a summer road trip in Leh – snow has melted from most roads and the drive is beautiful 🙂

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Journey to Ladakh

Journey to Ladakh

Leh ladakh travel essential information.

Acclimatization

Acclimatization

Getting your body acclimatized to the altitude and lack of oxygen is one of the most important things to keep in mind while planning your Ladakh Trip.

Innerline Permits

Innerline Permits

Know everything about the inner line permit before heading to Ladakh because a lot of things have changed since 2017.

Best Time to Visit

Best Time to Visit

Know more about the best time to visit Leh-Ladakh for enjoying your time better in the land of high-passes.

Ladakh By Road

Ladakh By Road

There are two highways that make Ladakh accessible by road. One from Srinagar and the other one from Manali. Know everything that will help in your planning.

Festivals of Ladakh

Festivals of Ladakh

Want to check whether you will be able to become a part of Ladakh during your visit? We have information that might help you.

How to reach Ladakh

How to reach Ladakh

One of the most vital things about Ladakh is knowing the different ways to reach here. We have an entire guide to help you with “How to reach Ladakh”.

Want Something Different?

Are you planning a trip to Ladakh? There are a lot of things that have to be kept in mind during the visit. Let us take up all the hassles from your shoulders so that all that’s left for you is ENJOYMENT and MEMORIES.

Events & Festivals in Ladakh

Saka Dawa Festival

Frequently Asked Questions on Ladakh Tourism

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  • Royal Enfield Himalayan
  • Royal Enfield Interceptor 650
  • Royal Enfield Bullet 350/ Classic 350
  • Bajaj Dominar
  • Bajaj Avenger

How far is Ladakh from Delhi?

What is the temperature of ladakh, is there snow in leh in may, is ladakh worth visiting, is ladakh good for a honeymoon, how far is pangong lake from leh, is ladakh safe for couples, how far is ladakh from manali, i am a foreigner, do i need to apply for a permit to visit ladakh, how many days are enough for the leh-ladakh trip, what are the bikes that can be considered for the ladakh road trip.

  • Royal Enfield Classic 350
  • Royal Enfield Interceptor

Is Ladakh safe for tourists?

Which airport is near ladakh, can we go to ladakh by car, how can i reach leh by flight, is there an oxygen problem in ladakh, why is ladakh famous, what attracts tourists to ladakh, is a passport required for leh ladakh for indians, can we stay at pangong lake, is liquor allowed in leh ladakh, how do i apply for inner line permits, what is a protected area permit, how do i apply for a protected area permit, how do you apply for a permit for rohtang pass, which is the best time to visit ladakh, do i need a permit to cross rohtang pass by car or motorcycle, how far is leh from pangong lake, ladakh tourism: guide for ladakh trip.

Ladakh is a paradise on Earth and boasts of unparalleled beauty. It is a 'Land of high passes' and dotted with high altitude lakes and lofty mountains. It is wedged between the high Himalayas and renowned as the 'Shangri La of India'. Trip for Ladakh is one of the most sought after road trips. Drive through the high mountain passes and wandering in the winding lanes is once in a lifetime experience.

Are you planning a trip to Leh Ladakh or looking forward to exploring high passes, Buddhist monasteries, scenic hamlets and local culture of Ladakh? Do you wish to be a part of the delightful festival of Tibetan Buddhists? Does living on the edge of thrill and excitement fascinate you? If yes, then you have arrived at the right place. Here is the complete Ladakh Travel Guide and detailed information about 'India's Own Moonland'!

Listen to the age-old story about the numerous conquests, invasions and journeys along the Silk Road. Pacify your adrenaline rush by partaking white water rafting or enjoy the sightseeing during the Ladakh travel. In addition to all these, the spectacular views en route will serve as a visual retreat. Thereby, making your Ladakh trip a memorable one.

LehLadakhIndia.Com is a popular Ladakh travel agency which provides you with a one-stop solution for all your inquiries about this paradise. The information includes history, culture, mountain passes, lifestyle, local lifestyle, shopping opportunities, wildlife excursions and other trivia like how to reach Leh, the best time to visit Leh Ladakh, how to plan a road trip in Ladakh and getting inner line permits.

We have also introduced a new section called "Try Our Trip Wizard" where you can plan out an itinerary of your choice and our team of qualified professionals will do their best to meet your expectations. We have tour packages beginning from 3 nights and 4 days up to 21 nights and 22 days. Besides Ladakh tour packages, you can also check out our list of accommodation options available in Ladakh.

We are a popular Ladakh tour operator and offer an extensive range of choices that can make the most discerning traveller reconsider their choice. Our years of association with direct vendors allow us to quote rates that are hard to match and ensure the best deals for our clients.

Leh Ladakh India is the business division of Indian Holiday Private Limited, a leading Indian tour operator for more than 33 years now. The company has got recognition from the Ministry of Tourism, India and international travel bodies such as PATA, ASTA, IMTA and IATO. Here is the breakdown of services offered by LehLadakhIndia.com

  • Segregation of tour packages as per different categories
  • Lowest possible rates for the Ladakh hotels
  • Airport/Railway Transfers
  • Facility to plan your own itinerary
  • A comprehensive travel guide for information about Ladakh

Keeping in mind the current foreign exchange rate, travelling in India is quite a reasonable deal for overseas travellers. Within a reasonable budget, you can explore Ladakh region to the fullest. Furthermore, with LehLadakhIndia.Com in the scene, rest assured that you'll get much more than the money spent by you.

The best time to visit Ladakh is between June and October. This is the perfect time for partaking in adventure activities among which Trekking in Ladakh is one of the most popular activities. The sightseeing of Ladakh also includes a trip to lakes in Ladakh like Tso Moriri and Pangong Tso. This spectacular lake earned much of the fame after the shooting of super hit Bollywood movie 3 Idiots starring Amir Khan and Kareena Kapoor. Mountain biking is also popular among travellers.

For adventure enthusiasts, embarking a bike trip to Ladakh is a dream come true. Every year, thousands of bikers arrive in Leh from as far as Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai by crossing high altitude mountain passes. The thrill of riding across Khardung La which is believed to be the highest motorable pass in the world is beyond description. For bikers, July - August is the most appropriate time as all the routes and passes are open. You can travel to Ladakh by air as well. There are regular flight services from Jammu, Srinagar, Delhi and Chandigarh. flight services from Shimla take only 40 minutes to reach this wonderland. A trip to Ladakh requires comprehensive planning. But, with LehLadakhIndia.Com you can make the most of your holidays without any hassle.

How To Reach Leh Ladakh By Road

There are two routes to reach Leh by road. One is from Srinagar, it is around 434 km away. The road leading to Leh remains unblocked from June to November for the tourists. Another way to tread up the place is via Manali. The Manali-Leh road stretches around 485 km and is open from July to October.

Leh Manali Highway is one of the most popular among bikers as the ride involves crossing some of the very challenging and high mountain passes. The list includes the second highest motorable pass Taglang La. Ladakh by road is only accessible from late May to early October as during winter high mountain passes remain closed due to heavy snowfall.

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Leh Ladakh Road Trip – Ladakh Road Trip Itinerary

Leh Ladakh Road Trip

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.

Leh Ladakh Road Trip

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

Leh Ladakh Road Trip

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.

Leh Ladakh Road Trip

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.

Leh Ladakh Road Trip

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.

Leh Ladakh Road Trip

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.

Pinit

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Leh Ladakh Road Trip - Ladakh Road Trip Itinerary

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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leh ladakh road trip in april

Leh Ladakh Road Trip – Detailed Travel Guide for Beginners

The ultimate road trip of the season is here. Leh Ladakh road trip is one of the highly rated road trips on the earth. Road trips to Leh Ladakh are filled with colourful monasteries, narrow roads with steep curves, the most scenic snow topped Himalayan range and Karakoram mountain ranges, and many other surreal spots. Apart from offering such stunning views of surroundings, these trips also challenge you physically and mentally through the rugged terrains and slightly unpredictable climatic conditions. Hence, here is our attempt to provide you a complete travel guide on the famous Leh Ladakh road trip

Leh Ladakh Road Trip – Overview

Leh Ladakh Road Trip Overview

Leh Ladakh Road Trip Route Maps

leh ladakh road trip in april

There are two different routes that reach us to Leh. One from Srinagar and the other one from Manali. Manali is the preferred route for a Bike trip to Leh Ladakh as it is just a day’s drive from city and is also provides a very thrilling ride over the gorgeous and dangerous roads, along the highest motorable passes in the world. However, if time is on your side, complete road trip to Leh Ladakh following the route Srinagar – Leh – Manali is a once in a life time experience. Manali to Leh road trip is around 476 kms and Srinagar to Leh road trip is around 434 kms

There can be many ways to experience the Leh Ladakh road trip depending on the start and ending destination and duration. Weekend Thrill provides you 8 different leh ladakh road trip packages for 2017 at the best price possible.

Leh Ladakh Road Trip Routes

Best Time to Visit Leh Ladakh

Best Time for Road Trip to Leh Ladakh

Best Time to Visit Leh Ladakh through road trip is from Mid-May to October. Roads from Srinagar are open from Mid-May. But, Rohtang pass in Manali – Leh route is open only after May as the roads would be slippery till then. Bike trips to Leh – Ladakh begin as soon as the roads are open. The roads remain open till November. Only during summer and autumn seasons, one can go via road to Leh – Ladakh. From November to April, one can reach Leh only through airway. Flights are available to Leh from Srinagar and Delhi. While traveling through Manali-Leh route, start early to reach Rohtang Pass to avoid getting stuck in traffic

The Leh Ladakh Road Trip packages provided by Weekend Thrill have fixed departures from May to September 2017

Camping Spots in Leh – Ladakh Road Trip

Camping Spots for Leh Ladakh Road Trip

Camping spots in Manali – Leh route are available at Tandi, Jispa, Keylong, Sarchu and Pang. Camping spots in Srinagar – Leh route are available at Drass, Kargil, Shargol, Tingmosgang and Sham Valley

Eateries Locations in Leh – Ladakh Road Trip

Eateries are available at Marhi, Sissu, Keylong, Sarchu, Jispa and Pang in Manali – Leh route. In Srinagar – Leh route eateries are available at Songamard, Drass, Kargil, Mulbekh and Lamayuru

Checklist Infographic for Leh – Ladakh Road Trip

Camping Spots for Leh Ladakh Road Trip

Things to Carry for Leh – Ladakh Road Trip

Things to Carry for Leh Ladakh Road Trip

Always use waterproof rucksacks to pack your things. Here are some essentials that you need to carry for the Leh Ladakh road trip

Clothing and Footwear

  • Wear heavy gumboot shoes which are useful for trekking and hiking. If possible, have an extra pair as well
  • 2 – 4 pairs of woollen socks, helpful for bike riders in those slightly unpredictable climatic conditions and rough terrains
  • Pack adequate number of woollen clothes like jackets, sweaters, shawls, comforters, gloves, etc. Wear the clothes in layers
  • Carry a rain jackets to survive the unexpected showers of rain/snow

Medical Supplies and Toiletry

  • Carry sunscreen lotions (SPF 40+), moisturisers and lip balm
  • Pain relieving sprays (volini) and inhaler. Headache tablets (prescribed by doctor)
  • Re-hydration liquids like Gatorade
  • Always carry ample amount of water and always be hydrated

Accessories

  • Hat and scarf
  • Sunglasses with UV protection
  • Multi tool knife and large plastic bags to keep items dry in case of rain during treks

Electronic Devices and Accessories

  • A good quality camera is advised for Leh Ladakh road trip to capture the magnificent views of surroundings which are for sure memories of life time. Carry charged batteries and charger
  • Carry mobile charger and power bank. Batteries tend to loser their charge quickly at higher altitudes

Others (Important)

  • Beginners who never experienced high altitude locations are advised to carry the portable oxygen cylinders which last for few minutes which are available in chemist’s shops in your cities. Buy them at your residing locations itself, as there is possibility of them being out of stock in Manali due to demand-supply gap in season time
  • Carry adequate cash at any time, as the ATMs are mostly out of order during season time

Self-Driving Info for Leh-Ladakh Road Trip

Driving Tips for Leh Ladakh Road Trip

General Tips

  • In case of road trip to Leh – Ladakh through cars, only high ground clearance vehicles like SUV or MUV are preferred
  • Get your vehicle properly serviced before trip. It is good to know few quick and easy fixes, so that you are less dependent on mechanic shops which are very few
  • Carry spare tyres and mechanical tool kit as you will be travelling through rugged terrain
  • Drive safe. Don’t try to rush through risky sections of the roads like rough road, landslides, water crossing etc.
  • Always start your trips for the day early in the morning to avoid traffic and to not to miss the amazing views

Fuel Stations

  • Petrol Pumps are available at very few places in the entire 900 kms stretch (Manali – Leh – Srinagar) of Leh-Ladakh road trip. You can find them at Manali, Tandi, Upshi, Leh, Kargil and Srinagar
  • Carry at least 2 extra fuel cans which are fully filled. 360 kms stretch from Tandi to Upshi in Manali – Leh Road trip doesn’t have any petrol pumps

Mechanic Workshops

Manali – Leh Route: Manali and Keylong

Srinagar – Leh Route: Srinagar and Kargil

Vehicle Permits

  • 4 – wheeler Vehicles which aren’t registered from HP require permit to clear the Manali – Rohtang Pass route. This permit is issued at sub-divisional magistrate office, Manali
  • Office is open from Monday to Saturday between 10 AM to 5 PM

Health Precautions That Are to Be Taken During Leh – Ladakh Road Trip

One of the most common illness observed in the first-timers is Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). As one ascends these mountain ranges, the reduced oxygen levels and air pressure which one might not be habituated to, will lead to AMS which has multiple symptoms that cause great inconvenience to entire journey. Symptoms of AMS are headache, vomiting, sleeping difficulty, dizziness, shortness of breath, fast heart rate and insufficient urine production. In serious cases, colour of skin turns blue, cough up blood, chest congestion and cannot walk in a straight line

Avoiding Acute Mountain Sickness in Leh – Ladakh Road Trip

  • Drink plenty of fluids and stay hydrated
  • Eat regularly and eat light. Carry chocolate bars, chewing gums and have them regularly in the journey to avoid tiredness
  • Strictly avoid intake of alcohol
  • Have garlic to increase oxygen capacity. Take ginger water
  • Try to sleep at lower altitudes
  • Ascend the mountain gradually

Medical Aid Locations

Hospital are present at very few locations. They are available at Manali, Keylong, Leh, Tangste, Diskit, Kargil and Srinagar. Army medical camps are placed at Pang and Sarchu

Inner Line Permits for Travellers

Indian travellers don’t required any permits to visit places around Leh. One should carry a proper ID proof to avoid restrictions. However, foreign travellers need to obtain to permits to visit few of these inner line areas like Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso etc. Permits can be obtained from registered travel agencies in Leh or from District Collectorate (DC) Office in Leh. Office timings are from 10 AM to 5 PM

Must See Places in Leh – Ladakh Road Trip

Places to see in manali to leh route.

Manali to Leh Route

From snow-capped mountains to trees covering both sides of road, breath taking views of mountain ranges to beautiful monasteries, challenging roads to insane hair pin bends, Manali – Leh route offers an awe-struck experience to adventure travellers and photographers.

Photography Tour from Manali To Leh

Here are some of the famous points across the Manali – Leh route on your Leh – Ladakh road trip

  • Manali (2050 mts): Tourist destination , view of Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges
  • Rohtang La (3980 mts) – 53 kms: Pass in Pir Panjal range. Connecting point for Kullu, Lahaul and Spiti Valleys
  • Keylong (3348 mts) – 117 kms: Kardang Monastery
  • Jispa (3142 mts) – 140 kms: Hotel , Bhaga river and amazing views
  • Darcha (3400 mts) – 147 kms: Village, Photographer’s paradise
  • Patsio (3820 mts) – 161 kms: Campsite
  • Baralach La (4892 mts) – 192 kms: Pass. Connects Lahaul to Ladakh
  • Sarchu (4253 mts) – 224 kms: Campsite. Halt point for tourists
  • Lachang La (5065 mts) – 277 kms: Pass. Close to Pangong lake
  • Pang (4630 mts) – 301 kms: Campsite
  • Taglang La (5360 mts) – 365 kms: Pass. Highest point in the trip
  • Rumtsey (4325 mts) – 397 kms: Monastery
  • Gya (4100 mts) – 403 kms: Historical place
  • Hemis (3518 mts) – 426 kms: Monastery
  • Thiksey (3370 mts) – 455 kms: Monastery
  • Shey (3365mts) – 460 kms: Palace/Monastery
  • Leh (3348 mts) – 475 kms: Your final destination

Places to see in Srinagar to Leh Route

Srinagar to Leh Route

Srinagar to Leh route is filled with beautiful villages, war memorials, valleys, monasteries, the strange magnetic hill and more. This 434 kms stretch of mother earth is a true paradise

Photography Tour of Srinagar to Leh route

Starting from Srinagar, here is list of some important places along the route

  • Sonamarg (2743 mts) – 84 kms: Tourist Resort
  • Zojila Pass – 127 kms: Pass
  • Drass (3033 mts) – 147 kms: Valley
  • Kargil (2650 mts) – 204 kms: War Memorial
  • Mulbek – 259 kms: Rock Engraves
  • Fotu La (4108 mts) – 299 kms: Pass
  • Lamayuru (3440 mts) – 309 kms: Hanging Monastery
  • Ridzong (2985 mts) – 361 kms: Nunnery
  • Uletokpo (2985 mts) – 362 kms: Village / Campsite
  • Alchi (3345 mts) – 367 kms: Ancient Monastery
  • Likir (3265 mts) – 374 kms: Ancient Monastery
  • Basgo (3343 mts) – 394 kms: Palace/Monastery
  • Phyang (3490 mts) – 417 kms: Monastery
  • Spituk (3380 mts) – 422 kms: Ancient Monastery
  • Leh (3348 mts) – 434 kms: Your final destination

Leh Ladakh – Land of Festivals

Leh Ladakh Trip Travel Guide - Festivals

Ladakh comes alive during festivals, every monastery in Ladakh has an annual festival it is famous for. The main features of these festivals are the dance-dramas enacted by Lamas donning colourful robes and fearsome masks representing various Buddhist deities

There are cultural festivals too. Summer archery festivals are held in many villages as per local traditions. The 15-day Ladakh festival (1-15 September) is a major event sponsored by J&K Government to showcase rich cultural heritage of Ladakh

All this truly makes Ladakh a land of celebrations. Below is the list of festivals lined up sourced by mountain trails

Other Places to Visit from Leh – Ladakh

Apart from the two main routes which connect the outside world to Leh, to make the Leh – Ladakh road trip complete there are few destinations around Leh Ladakh that one must visit during their road trip to Leh Ladakh. If you don’t have enough time and yet you want to experience the beauty of Leh and awesomeness in a bike or road trip in Leh. A short duration road trip in Leh can fulfill your thirst

One should also experience the road trip to Spiti Valley, one of the best alternative to Leh Ladakh Road Trip

Leh to Pangong Lake: 156 kms

Places to Visit Near Leh

Famous locations in the Leh to Pangong Lake route

  • Spangmik (Pangong Lake)

Leh to Nubra Valley: 140 kms

Leh-Ladakh-Road-Trip-Travel-Guide

Famous locations in Leh to Nubra Valley route

  • Khardung La: Highest motorable road in the world
  • Hunder: Sand dune and camel safari
  • Samstanling

Leh – Tsomoriri Lake: 240 kms

Places to Visit Near Leh

Famous locations in Leh to Tsomoriri Lake route

  • Tsokar Lake
  • Polokang La
  • Korzok (Tsomoriri lake)

Leh – Dah/Baima: 162 kms

Famous locations in Leh to Dah / Baima route

  • Achinathang

Leh – Kargil – Rangdum (Suru Valley) – Padum (Zanskar Valley): 464 kms

Leh Ladakh Road Trip Zanskar

Famous locations in Leh – Zanskar Valley route

  • Panikar: View of NunKun Peak
  • Padum: Zanskar Valley, Zanskar river popular for white water rafting in summer and Chadar Trek in winter

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Vargis Khan

Srinagar Leh Highway in April – Trip Planning & Other Tips

I am sharing some pictures here that were sent to be by Prakash Olakiya of his recent trip to Ladakh. Prakash Bhai traveled in his Maruti Swift on Srinagar Leh Highway in April first week and returned the same way. I will copy-paste the details that he sent me from his trip.

Ahmedabad to Ladakh Road Trip

We traveled in our swift car from Ahmedabad (Gujarat). We were a total of 3 people and along with a driver for the trip. The journey started from Ahemdabad early in the morning at 6:00 AM.

For the first day of the trip, we stayed at Amritsar for the night. We reached Amritsar by an evening at 8 PM after a total of around 14 hours of the journey, found a good hotel, and checked in.

Our journey for the second day began from Amritsar at 10:30 am. We reached Srinagar at 7:00 pm. For anyone traveling this way, I would advise driving between Udhampur and Srinagar during the day only because of the recent stone-pelting issues.

In Srinagar, we stayed in a houseboat. The experience was absolutely amazing and highly recommended for everyone visiting Srinagar . As a tourist, we did not face any problem at all in Srinagar.

Srinagar Leh Highway in April

We left Srinagar the next day at 9:00 AM. There is a check post just outside the Srinagar City where Army will check your vehicle and ask a few questions like where are you coming from and where do you want to go.

Srinagar to Sonamarg highway is too good and not really much of a typical hilly area, to be honest.

At Sonamarg there is a forest police check post. They will ask you for valid identity proof and papers of your vehicle. They may also try to make some story around, just so they could fool some money out of you. As long as you have all the paperwork and were driving in the right manner, do not give any money.

At Baltal also there is one check post. You may or may not have to stop there. After Baltal the road gets bad and a bit dangerous so please drive carefully. This is where you start climbing up to Zojila Pass.

There are numerous small eateries on the way to Zojila top that you may want to stop at and eat something. If traveling in April, you will find plenty of snow at Zojila pass.

After you climb down from Zojila, there is another check post(Army) where you will have to get your car registered as well as yourself. After the check post, the road is super smooth all the way to Leh city. You can easily drive at a speed of 60 to 70 kilometers per hour. But please be very careful and do not over-speed.

If possible and needed, you may also want to carry an oxygen kit. We faced a low oxygen issue and felt a bit of AMS after Kargil and as we approached Leh.

On the 3rd day, we reached Leh at around 7:00 pm. Please book in advance your hotel in Leh if traveling in April. Or else you may have a bit of a problem finding accommodation at this time.

If you want to go to Pangong Lake and Khardung La pass, then you must obtain an Inner Line permit from DM office, Leh.

Also read: How to Plan a Trip to Ladakh in April?

kashmir valley

Srinagar Leh Highway in April – Conclusion

I hope the information above on Srinagar Leh Highway in April was of help. If you have any further questions please feel free to ask in the comments section below or at our Community Forum , and I will be happy to answer.

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Vargis.Khan

Not much to write about me really except for that I love to travel around whenever I can and to wherever I can. This blog is just a small attempt to share my travel experiences with the world. Hope you like it !!!

Related Articles

How to plan a trip to leh ladakh, srinagar leh highway status 2024 – 2025, zojila pass road status and condition 2024 –..., 20 comments.

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Hi Vargis, I’m planning to do Srinagar-Leh by bike starting next weekend. Ie. May 4th or 5th assuming the highway opens. In the absence of friends due to last minute notice I might go solo. Do you suggest I take some tour package or join a group that’s riding?

It is entirely your choice Naveen. I personally would recommend solo ride rather than a package.

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Hi Vargis, what a helpful blog. me and my friend have a plan to travel overland from srinagar to leh as well. I heard that the road between srinagar – leh is closed in winter and will open at the beginning of May, but I’m happy reading your blog which give us a hope to do overland trip from srinagar-leh. thank you very much. by the way, is there any available public bus in first week of april from srinagar to leh? how much if we rent a small car plus driver to bring us from srinagar to leh? thank you very much

Hi Arfah – Thank you for your kind words. It all depends on the weather really and on how fast Army is able to clear the snow next year. If the road is open then yes, you will be able to find a shared cab on the route. Bus won’t be available that early in the season.

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Hello Vargis Bhai,

Thank you for posting wonderful and detailed blogs which helps to plan in better manner. I and my one friend have planned for ladakh on 30th May via srinagar route from Ahmedabad, Gujarat. We want to include Amritsar in our list of places. Can you suggest us how to fit it in our itinerary ? Our first stop will be at Ajmer, Rajasthan.

Thanks in Advance.

Regards, Rutul

Hello Rutul Bhai, Are you by bike or traveling by a Car? I am asking because if by a Car, then you can do Ajmer to Amritsar in about 13-14 hours.

We are going by bike.

Bhai in that case break it in two days. Do Ajmer to Hisar and then Hisar to Amritsar.

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Sir, we are planning srinagar to leh bike trip from 19th may to 26th may. It is necessasry to prebook our bikes because Kashmir travel bike booking said they habe only 2 bikes left. Also do we need a maintenance vwhicve with us and do we need to prebook hotel? This is our first time visiting leh so please give us guidance. P.S. I want to Thank you for the detail and updated blog, this helped us very much. My main concern is only about the need of maintenance vehicle and hotel prebooking.

Hi Nikhil – Did you speak with Faisal about booking the bikes? If not then give him a call at 9596 410670. He rents out motorycles in Srinagar.

No need to prebook your stay anywhere and a backup vehicle is not really recommended unless you are in a large group.

And thank you for your kind words. I am glad the information was of help.

Yes i used that number Kashmir travel. Now they are saying all the bikes are booked.

What dates do you need to book bikes for?

19th to 26th of May. We are a group of 4 people so thinking about 3 bikes because I think because of all the luggage pillion rider might not be comfortable. I may be wrong Please correct me if i am.

You are right. 3 will be better. I will check with Faisal and let you know.

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And also we completed from Leh(5:24am early morning) to bhatinda(1:00am night hold) 19:30 hour with 1 hour dinner break.

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Prakash Bhai, could you please share the details of the house boat you stayed at Srinagar and where you parked the car in the night.

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Hello Amit, There are four parts of the Dal lake. We stayed in Char chinar Dal lake part at Fairy land, house boat (Full rate: 2000rs/night). Boat owner provides you a parking space for car. But my suggestion is you should stay in Golden lake part (Dal lake). It is best for an amazing view and staying. Houseboat rate is around 6000rs/night for max 10 persons.

Thanks for the information.

Sir we completed our way fromLeh (5:24am) to Srinagar (2:30pm) 10 hours only it also record sir no one can believe on us.

' src=

Ahmedabad Gujrat to Amritsar in 14 hours. Sounds too unrealistic. I doubt if its doable?

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The best time to visit Ladakh

By Arundhati Ail

best time to visit ladakh

The mesmerising landscapes of Ladakh have something to offer in every season, and when you plan your trip can make all the difference to your experience. Whether you’re looking to explore Leh, spot the snow leopard, trek through lush valleys or catch spring blossoms, a trip to Ladakh will require a fair bit of planning. Here are all the details you need on the best time to visit Ladakh.

Jump to: Best time to visit Ladakh Temperature in Ladakh When does it snow in Ladakh? Best time to spot snow leopards in Ladakh Cheapest time to visit Ladakh Busiest time to visit Ladakh How many days are enough for a Ladakh trip?

When is the best time to visit Ladakh?

The best time to visit Ladakh is in the summer. From April to mid-September temperatures are warmer and this is the peak season in Ladakh. The snow typically clears up by early April, and the Srinagar-Leh highway opens up for visitors. However, if you’re visiting between April and June, it’s best to fly in, as not all roads are fully functional during this time.

Summer is the best time to visit Leh, the Nubra Valley and high-altitude lakes like Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri, as temperatures are pleasant and roads are open. This is also the best time to visit Ladakh for treks like the Sham Valley trek and Markha trek. April is the apricot blossom season in Ladakh, and this is also a good time for birding and spotting wildflowers.

June to September is the best time to visit Ladakh for a road trip. The Manali road along Rohtang Pass opens up in June, and all the roads and passes in the region clear up by this time, making it the best time for bike trips in the region. Come winter , the lakes in Ladakh freeze over and are covered with a sheet of ice. The region receives heavy snowfall and the only way to reach is by air.

Temperatures through the year in Ladakh:

  • Summer (April to July): 3°C-25°C
  • Monsoon (July to September): 3°C-17°C
  • Winter (October to March): -11°C-15°C

Ladakh lies in a rain shadow region and does not experience a heavy monsoon. While rainfall peaks in August, anticipate irregular showers even in the summer and winter.

When does it snow in Ladakh?

Zanskar river

Snowfall in Ladakh typically begins in October, as temperatures drop and winter sets in, and can continue until late March. High-altitude passes like Khardung La can receive intermittent snow throughout the year. If you’re looking to visit for snow, it’s best to keep a watch on the weather forecast in the region for accurate updates.

When is the best time to spot snow leopards in Ladakh?

While winter in Ladakh is harsh, with minimum temperatures touching -11°C, it is also the best time to spot the elusive snow leopard. While November to April are best for snow leopard tours, Naturalist and guide Payal Mehta, who often leads snow leopard tours in Hemis National Park, advises against visiting during the bitter cold months from mid-December to late January. Winter tours are focussed on snow leopards, but Mehta also recommends looking out for smaller animals like the Himalayan wolf, red fox, bharal and urial, woolly hare, pika and more. Find a full guide to Hemis National Park here .

Paw tracks of a Snow Leopard in Hemis National Park

What is the cheapest time to visit Ladakh?

The harsh winter months make up the off season in Ladakh , which means hotel and flight prices are lowest during this time. It is not advisable to travel to Ladakh in peak winter (December to February). Heavy snowfall and extreme temperatures mean that several roads and passes are blocked or closed. While Leh Airport is operational throughout the year, flight diversions and cancellations are likely during this time.

When is the busiest time to visit Ladakh?

April to September is the peak tourist season in Ladakh, though road traffic tends to be at its highest between June and September when tourists opt to drive or bike to the region. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, visit between October and November or March to May.

How many days are enough for a Ladakh trip?

About 7-10 days are ideal for a trip to Ladakh, given the travel time and acclimatisation. Irrespective of when you visit, account for 2-3 days to acclimatise to the high altitude at your accommodation. Ladakh is at an altitude of 3,000m and skipping this step can lead to altitude sickness. If you plan a 7-10 day trip, you can have five or more days to explore the region once you have acclimated. Most treks in the region last 5-10 days, except the beginner-friendly Sham Valley Trek that lasts three days. Beyond wildlife and treks, there’s a lot the region has to offer, including beautiful homestays and luxury tents , a dark sky reserve for stargazing and delicious local food .

Discover with Dheeraj

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Discover with Dheeraj

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

Dheeraj Sharma

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

Most Common Itinerary for Leh 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 🙂 …

Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso Direct Route via Shyok Village

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.

Chusul Village - Leh to Pangong Tso Bus Service ends here

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 – Shyok – Pangong Tso Route

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

Taxi for your Most Common Itinerary for Leh Ladakh

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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  • X (Twitter)

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.

Related Posts

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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 ?

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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.

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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

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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

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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 🙂

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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

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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.

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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

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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

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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/

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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

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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

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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Just replied to the other comment.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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

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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.

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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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  • How to plan a Leh Ladakh trip – A complete guide
  • Ladakh Tourism Guide
  • February 11, 2024 February 11, 2024

How to plan a trip to Leh Ladakh

Planning a Leh Ladakh trip involves several key steps that should be followed to make your trip smooth, healthy and hassle free. Ladakh is a high-altitude dry area with low air pressure and low oxygen level. Some preparations, precautions and a set of rules are required to follow if you are visiting Ladakh.

  • Research and Itinerary:

– Research the best time to visit, considering weather conditions. Generally May to September is best time to visit Ladakh with pleasant weather. April and October are the months with mild cold. If you wish to experience the winter of Ladakh, November to March is the best time.

– Plan your itinerary, including places you want to visit and the duration of your stay at each location. If you want to visit only major places in Ladakh, 6 to 7 days are enough. Otherwise, 10-11 days are enough to visit almost all the tourist attractions. However, if you want to visit Zanskar valley, add 4-5 more days.

– Check and obtain necessary permits for restricted areas in Ladakh, such as Pangong Lake , Khardungla pass, Nubra valley and Tso Moriri . Indian nationals can book their permits online . Foreigners need to show their passport and visa at DC office. If you are booking tour package through travel agent, they will take care of your permits.

  • Transportation:

– Decide on your mode of transportation: road trip, bike, or flight. You can take a direct flight to Leh airport.

– If traveling by road, plan your route and acclimatisation stops. You can reach Leh by road from Manali or Srinagar. Both the roads remain closed in winter season after snowfall.

– In Ladakh, you can hire a local taxi for sightseeing tours. Please note that taxis from other areas are not allowed here. If you are planning to ride bike, either ride in group or hire a back-up jeep to ensure your safety as terrains are difficult with limited service options.

  • Accommodation:

– Book your hotels and camps in advance, especially during peak season.

– Consider staying in a mix of hotels, guesthouses, and campsites for a diverse experience.

  • Pack Appropriately:

– Pack clothing suitable for varying temperatures, as Ladakh has extreme weather conditions. You need to carry warm clothes as temperature may plunge below 5 degrees C anytime. And temperature at Khardungla, Changla, Pangong and other higher regions always remain close to freezing point if its windy and cloudy.

– Carry essential items like sunscreen, sunglasses, and a medical kit.

  • Acclimatisation:

– Plan for gradual acclimatization to the high altitude. Spend first two days in Leh to adjust before heading to higher altitudes. Read the details about acclimatisation and risk of altitude sickness.

– Estimate your budget, including transportation, accommodation, permits, and meals. Yes, Ladakh is little expensive than other tourist destinations of the country due to its remoteness, limited tourist season, high transport charges due to distant tourist places and hotels remaining open for a limited time.

– Be prepared for limited ATMs in remote areas, so carry sufficient cash. Debit/credit cards are not accepted at most places.

  • Local Culture and Customs:

– Familiarize yourself with Ladakhi culture and customs, respecting local traditions. Don’t touch the thangka and wall paintings in monasteries. Do not take photographs inside monasteries or with monks without their permission.

– Learn basic greetings in Ladakhi for a more immersive experience. Julley is the word to greet people in Ladakh.

  • Backup Plans:

– Be flexible with your plans, as weather conditions can affect travel schedules. For instance, snowfall at Khardungla and Changla can block roads to Nubra and Pangong lake anytime. Landslides and floods are rare but can also block the roads.

– Have a backup itinerary in case of unforeseen circumstances.

  • Health Precautions:

– Consult your doctor for altitude sickness prevention and carry necessary medications. Follow acclimatisation rules; don’t rush to Khardungla/Pangong/Tsomoriri or other higher places in hurry without spending at least two days at Leh.

– Stay hydrated and avoid overexertion, especially in the first few days. Drink plenty of water and avoid or limit smoking/drinking.

  • Communication:

– Check mobile network coverage and carry a local SIM card for connectivity. Only post-paid mobile numbers from other states work in Ladakh (also in Kashmir). Jio, Airtel and BSNL work here but many places have no coverage. You can also buy a local prepaid sim. Most hotels generally provide wi-fi connectivity.

– Inform someone about your travel plans for safety. As your family members could not contact you while you are travelling in Ladakh, you should share your travel agent’s/driver’s number with them.

  • Environmental Responsibility:

– Respect the fragile ecosystem; follow “Leave No Trace” principles. Ecology of Ladakh is very very fragile, but many tourists are ruining the sanctity of the place by being litterbugs. Please act responsibly.

– Contribute to the local economy by supporting sustainable practices.

Remember, Ladakh’s beauty comes with challenges, so thorough planning is crucial for a memorable and safe trip. Ask all the Dos and Don’ts from your travel agent before heading to Leh Ladakh.

5 Nights 6 Days Leh Ladakh Tour Package

Challenges in planning Leh Ladakh Trip

A trip to Ladakh, while incredibly rewarding, comes with its own set of challenges, primarily due to the high-altitude environment, rugged terrain, and the remoteness of the region. Here are some common difficulties that travelers may face during a Ladakh trip:

  • Ladakh is situated at a high altitude, with Leh, the main city, located at around 3,500 meters (11,500 feet) above sea level. Altitude sickness is a common challenge for visitors, and symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath. Acclimatization is crucial, and travelers are advised to spend the first couple of days in Leh to adjust.
  • Ladakh experiences extreme weather conditions. Winters are severe with temperatures dropping significantly below freezing, while summers can be hot during the day and chilly at night. Sudden weather changes are common, and travelers need to be prepared for fluctuating temperatures.
  • The high altitude results in lower oxygen levels, which can make physical activities more demanding. It’s essential to stay hydrated and avoid overexertion, especially in the initial days of the trip.
  • Ladakh is a remote region with limited infrastructure in certain areas. Some popular tourist destinations may be in remote locations, and the journey to these places can involve rough and unpaved roads.
  • Some areas in Ladakh have limited or no mobile network coverage. Travelers should be prepared for sporadic connectivity and plan accordingly, informing family and friends about their itinerary.
  • The roads in Ladakh, especially in the mountainous regions, can be challenging. Steep ascents, hairpin bends, and rough terrain are common, particularly on routes like the Manali-Leh Highway and the road to Pangong Lake .
  • Apart from altitude sickness, some travelers may experience other altitude-related illnesses such as high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) or high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE). It’s crucial to recognize symptoms and seek medical assistance if needed.
  • While Leh has some medical facilities, more remote areas may have limited healthcare options. Travelers should carry basic medical supplies and any necessary medications. Travel insurance is also recommended.
  • Flights to and from Ladakh are subject to weather conditions. Delays or cancellations are not uncommon, so travelers should plan their itineraries with some flexibility, especially when relying on air travel.
  • Some areas in Ladakh require permits for tourists . Travelers need to obtain these permits in advance to access certain regions, and it’s essential to check the specific requirements for the intended destinations.

Despite these challenges, many travelers find the unique landscapes, vibrant culture, and spiritual atmosphere of Ladakh well worth the effort. Proper planning, acclimatization, and a flexible mindset can contribute to a more enjoyable and comfortable trip to this captivating region.

6 Nights 7 Days Leh Ladakh Tour Package
Delhi – Manali – Leh Ladakh – Srinagar Jeep Safari (Road Trip)

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Leh Ladakh: The Hidden Beauty of North India

Leh Ladakh is a Land of mystical mountains and serene monasteries, surrounded by Tibet on the east and Himachal Pradesh to the south.

Leh Ladakh is the hidden beauty of North India. It’s a mysterious place known best for the Landscapes, Food, People, and the mighty Himalaya mountains. It Is a place that has been a dream destination for Adventure Junkies, and recently families have also been making rounds to this glorifying destination.

What makes Leh-Ladakh so unique? Is it over-hyped? Is it safe? Let’s get started to know All about Leh Ladakh.

Where is Leh Ladakh?

Well, Leh and Ladakh were not the same. Ladakh was a division in Jammu & Kashmir, India, and Leh was the capital of Ladakh. However, after the new Act passed in 2019,  Leh  is now the joint capital and largest town of the union territory of  Ladakh  in India . Since it is the land of Passes and mountains, one needs to be prepared well in advance. Once you have decided that you are making this trip, you have to know when is the best time to visit Ladakh. Owing to the extreme climatic condition, Ladakh remains closed for several months.

To truly enjoy your Ladakh trip, the Best Time to visit is from April till October. There are some parts which will be open from November till March. However, you will see lots of snow. 

Ladakh in October until April

October symbols the commencement of winters, and cold starts to settle everywhere. Hotels and Transportation shut down. The military would advise people not to travel during this period. Since temperature drops as far as minus 20 and landslides are so frequent. There have been instances of Bikes and cars getting stuck in the snow, and the military had to come to escape them. The Srinagar-Leh road closes at the start of November. As a result, Ladakh is accessible only by air. All the lakes, including Pangong, Tso Moriri, become frozen. One cannot camp nor enjoy the road trip. You might also face a shortage of Running hot water and electricity cutdown. One must understand that this place is situated high above the ground, and electricity gets generated using Solar so you cannot expect to get Power consumption throughout the day, at least near Pangong Lake camps and Tso Moriri.

Ladakh in May Until September

The months of May until September are the perfect months to visit Ladakh. Here, you will find tourists from all walks of life flocking to this beauty. However, you will still see snow all over the place, and BRO (Border Road Organisation) starts clearing the snow. One can take either of two road routes Srinagar to Leh or Manali to Leh. If you are planning a Road trip on a Bike, then you have to be careful as there will be a lot of melting snow and river streams even on high altitude. July is, in fact, the most preferred month if you can make it in the first half before Monsoon hits the Himalayan region.

If you are not a snow person and want to see the Himalayas covered in green and want to know the wildlife open on the road, then plan a trip in September. Ladakh blossoms with colors everywhere. Accommodations are all functional, and roads are in near perfect condition. The entire Ladakh brims with astonishing and pleasant beauty at this time.

I visited Leh-Ladakh during August, and I was lucky to experience A bit of rain, snow patches, greenery as well as some snowfall at high altitude

Ladakh by Bike

If you are traveling with a group of friends or even solo, then I suggest going by bike. There are two routes for Ladakh tour by bike; Srinagar to Leh through Zoji La Pass, which is approximately 265 Km and Manali to Leh, which is 475 Km. Manali to Leh. This Manali route is comparatively more difficult to travel due to its higher altitude. You can take Bikes on Rent in either Srinagar or Manali. You can also Start your Bike trip from Leh. However, you would miss the Manali – Leh and Srinagar – Leh highway entirely.

To Rent a motorcycle from either of these places, you have to pay a daily rental. Then, depending on the motorcycle you chose, it can be anywhere between Rs. 1200 to Rs. 1800 per day. Other than this, you will also need to pay a security amount. I traveled by bike as well as a rental car. 

Ladakh by Car

You can either get your car or hire a rental car along with the driver. The high altitudes are roads at the peak quite unpredictable. It is better to hire someone who already has experience driving on this road. However, if you still want to get your car, an SUV will be the best choice. 

Places To See On a Road Trip from Srinagar to Ladakh

On the route to kargil.

leh ladakh road trip in april

Once you have commenced your journey from Srinagar, it will take approximately 6 hours to reach Kargil. The distance between Srinagar to Kargil is 204km. There are a few must-visit places that you should not miss. Thajiwas Glacier, Zoji-La Pass, Baltal Valley, and Nilagrad River are some of the spots.

Thajiwas Glacier is a beauty to behold. It is not far from Srinagar, and one can choose to Trek or Hire a Pony and spend a few minutes or an hour to enjoy the serenity of the place. Next on the way is the unmissable Zoji-La pass. Its altitude is 3528 m above the sea level and is the door to Ladakh. The locals know Baltal Valley for the Blue mountains laced with snow. A perfect picturesque landscape.

Kargil is the second largest district in Ladakh and has beautiful views, and it’s safe to travel. Also, Kargil is best known for the Indo-Pak war in 1999. As you enter this district, you will find Quarters for Army men as well as locals living there in communal harmony. You will also find a Drass War memorial built by the Indian army, which is a must-visit spot. This memorial is in the memory of the martyred soldiers who died in the war. There is a museum that holds the weapons and all equipment used during the war.

Additionally, the museum holds weapons seized from Pakistan at that time. There is a small café and a shop to get souvenirs as well. Main Bazaar serves as one of the prominent attractions for food lovers visiting Kargil. With its wide variety of local and cross border flavors and cuisine, Kargil is truly a delight.

Visit Drass village and Lamayuru monastery in Kargil

Drass village is the second coldest inhabited place in the world. You will be intrigued to see the architecture of the accommodation in Drass. It is eco-friendly and Equipped with basic amenities. Warm clothes are a must even in summer. Lamayuru Monastery is hugely famous among travelers because of its architectural beauty. With Mysterious mountains around it and the teachings of Buddha floating in its air, Lamayuru Monastery wouldn’t disappoint you. One point to note is that you will find a lot of Monastery, as the majority of the population here is Buddhist.

Magnetic Hill in Kargil

Out of the numerous captivating places in Ladakh, there is one that has bewildered people for long and continues to do so is the Magnetic Hill. It is a small stretch of road located about 40 kilometers from Leh towards Kargil. Upon reaching, one can stop the engine of the vehicle and observe that the car moves in the upward direction. Here, magnetic forces are so strong that it pulls vehicles upwards. So try this and see it for yourself. I tried and experienced it, and I got surprised!

“Ladakh has a characteristic that’s a unique blend of Indian, Tibetan as well as Buddhism linings make it a place which is worth paying a visit to.”

Leh is the largest district in the Union Territory of Ladakh. It’s one of the villages where you will find tourists from all over the world living peacefully in the backdrop of the Mighty Himalaya Mountain. This place comes straight out of the Dreamland. Once you reach Leh, you must visit Khardung La Pass, which is 39 km by road from Leh. The locals know Khardung La to be the highest motorable pass in the world. Also, It is at the height of 5,359 m (17,582 ft). Khardung La bids a panoramic view of the Karakoram range and offers the tourists an experience like no other. Your Bike tour to Leh isn’t complete until you have been to Khardung La pass. It is a heaven for Bike Riders and others alike.

Visit the great Shanti Stupa in Leh

You will find Shanti Stupa at a hilltop in Chanspa, Leh. It’s a white, dome structure, which looks extremely beautiful during the night when lit up. The significance of Shanti Stupa is that it is the symbol of Peace and Prosperity. The core idol of Buddha is in the form of “turning wheel of Dharma” or the Dharmachakra. The second level houses are remnants that depict Buddha’s birth, death, and how to defeat evil by meditating.

Gurdwara Pathar Sahib

Even though you will find a lot of Monastery in Leh, other religions coexist in harmony. You will find Hindu temples and Gurudwaras as well. Amongst them is one such, Gurdwara Pathar Sahib. It has an astonishing history, religious importance, and stories of inception. With Sikhism in its roots and Indian army managing its day to day functioning, Gurdwara Pathar Sahib has become a significant tourist and religious attraction for people visiting Leh.

Nubra Valley

You will find Nubra Valley around 100 kilometers from the city of Leh; on the other side of mighty, Khardung La.Nubra Valley offers various unmissable spots and activities like Camping, activities on Sand Dunes, Riding on Double-Humped camels. Nubra valley is famous for breathtaking landscapes, adventurous roads, and generous people. The one place that you must visit in Nubra is the beautiful Diskit Monastery. If you plan to visit Ladakh in February, you can experience the festival known as Dosmoche or the “Festival of the Scapegoat.”

Pangong Lake 

Visit Sightseeing places like Shey Monastery, Thiksey Monastery, Sindhu Ghat, and Hemis on the route to Pangong Lake. Pangong Lake has become famous for Bollywood movie shootings. You can visit the filming locations where the Famous Bollywood movie “3 Idiots” got shot. You can also stay overnight at Exotic Royal Camps overseeing the lake. Mountains surround Pangong Lake or Pangong Tso. This crystal clear lake is a sight to behold. And did you know that the water appears to be changing its color throughout the day? I experienced it by myself. The visitors are not allowed to swim or even taking a dip in the lake.

Tso Moriri is yet another lake which is a bit far from Leh village in Ladakh. Also, Tso Moriri has a variety of flora and fauna around it. Snow-capped mountains and barren hills surround it, Tso Moriri is the place less traveled. You will be amazed to gaze at numerous stars in Tso Moriri. It was declared a marshland reserve hence is a place of importance for the region and its tourism.

Shopping in Leh Market

statues for sale at a market in Leh Ladakh

The Leh primary market is home to Tibetan antiques, jewelry, and soaps. You can buy handcrafted carpets and pashmina shawls. Visit the Ladakh Apricot store for organic jams made with locally sourced apricots. You will find vendors from other nationalities selling things. Even the most jaded shopper will want to spend at least some, if not all, of their money !

One can buy:

  • Buddha statues
  • Tibetan Handicrafts
  • Organic Soaps
  • Organic Jams
  • Handcrafted Rugs
  • Exclusive Stones and Gems
  • Singing Tibetan Bowls
  • Ladakh Prayer Wheels and Flags

Leh Ladakh is famous for Apricots. Buy them in bulk, Get Apricot Jams, and skincare products. If you have very little time to shop for souvenirs and gifts, this Leh Market is the right place. You will find everything you want in one place.

Tip: Carry Cash, as a lot of shops accept only cash. Also, ATMs are not only rare but are frequently out of money.

What to Eat in Leh Ladakh?

Nepalese, Tibetan, and Kashmiri food influences the food of Ladakh. Since this place has people from all the regions and different communities, you will find the food to be different than the rest of India. Over time, these places have grown to produce foodstuffs of their kind and taste. The menu focuses a lot on soup, bread. Spices, brew, barley, dry fruit are also part and parcel of Ladakhi cuisine. Most of the food grown is organic. They tend to produce barley flour, potatoes, beetroots, pumpkins, beans, etc

You can choose from Thukpa, Sugu, and Meat Rice to Kashmiri, North Indian cuisines.

Ladakhi-Kashmiri Food

You must eat traditional local food. Below is the list of some lip-smacking Ladakhi-Kashmiri Food.

  • Ladakhi Pulao

Some of the Ladakh – Tibetan Food consists of

  • Chutagi – dumpling and vegetable soup is an iconic Ladakh dish.
  • Skieu – This is a wildly popular soup-based dish 
  • Khambir- A pan-shaped, whole wheat bread, baked to perfection with a thick crust, it is incredibly filling. 
  • Momo- Dumpling
  • Thukpa- A Tibetan noodle soup, this is popular comfort food to warm you up, inside and out
  • Tapu- Grain flour of wheat, barley, or buckwheat is mixed with ground apricot seeds until it becomes a smooth texture.
  • Tigmo, Thenktuk and Mokthuk amongst others

While in Leh Ladakh, Don’t Forget To Try

Chhupri – yak milk cheese.

Yak milk is treated with citrus fruits to become a yummy Himalayan cheese called a Chhupri. Chhupri is can be eaten in many ways. For example, it’s added to Butter Tea, eaten with rice, or even as a snack.

Butter tea, or Gur Gur Chai (also known as Tsaza)

This signature drink of Ladakh is pink in color with a distinctive aroma. It has Water, Himalayan salt, and Fresh yak butter.

The Perfect Leh Ladakh Road Trip

Not days, but months won’t be enough to get you hold of this stunningly beautiful place. You can spend months and won’t get tired of exploring in nature’s lap. However, you must take at least 30 days if you live in India. If you are an International Traveler, then of course at least a month would be required.

Some Important things to remember:

If you’re an Indian citizen or a foreign tourist,  Carry government photo-identity proof like driving license, PAN card, and Aadhar card(for Indians), which come handy at checkpoints and in case permits are required.

Secondly, Carry biodegradable paper bags, as Plastic is not allowed in Leh Ladakh.

Lastly, Prepaid SIM cards don’t work well in Leh, but postpaid do. So Ensure that you have Postpaid connections for your Mobile phones.

The weather frequently changes; as a result, it is essential to carry clothes for all weathers. Jackets, Raincoats, Warmers, as well as Cotton T-shirts, will be required.

Since the passes like KharDungla, Rohtang, etc. are at an elevated height, one can suffer from altitude sickness and bleeding from nose due to low oxygen. Carry Prescribed First aid kit and medicines.

Carry Extra Batteries for your Camera and Power Bank.

As mentioned throughout, visiting Leh Ladakh isn’t like any other trip. It requires stamina, strength, meticulousness, and enthusiasm to complete the journey.

Plan and be prepared for the journey of your lifetime.

Ummul Kadri

Ummul is the curator and writer of thathumblepost.com. She is passionate about traveling to new places and loves Whales.You heard it right! Her blog is about the experiences of a lifetime. It is a fantastic mixture of Travel Itineraries & Diaries, Food, Some Inspirational words, and many more. You can follow Ummul at her blog ThatHumblePost

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Hey! A great blog but the cover picture is that of Golden Temple which is in Punjab and Ladakh is far up in India. Might want to take a look at that.

My comment exactly – the cover picture is of the Golden Temple in Amritsar. I actually organised and escorted the first group tour to Ladakh when is opened to international tourism in 1980. I persevered with it for five years until it became logistically too difficult. Read about it extensively in book one of my series: Every Nook and Cranny: A World Travel Guide.

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leh ladakh road trip in april

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Leh ladakh road trip—the ultimate travel guide.

leh ladakh road trip in april

October 11th, 2018 by OYO Team

A road trip to Leh Ladakh is perhaps a dream for many adventure enthusiasts. This road trip comprises of some of the highest motorable mountain passes of the world. In spite of the risks it contains, the fervour to embark on this trip does not reduce among the adventurers. Dotted with colourful monasteries, rustic villages, freshwater streams and of course, snow-capped mountains, the otherwise risky road motivates you to keep moving ahead. So, if you are planning a Leh Ladakh road trip anytime soon, here’s an ultimate travel guide you should not miss.

How to reach Leh Ladakh by road?

There are two routes to reach Leh Ladakh. It takes two days to reach Leh Ladakh via these routes:

  • Manali to Leh (NH3) – 475km
  • Srinagar to Leh (NH1D) – 422km

2019 Update

  • Srinagar – Leh route is expected to open in April 2019.
  • Manali – Leh route is expected to open in May 2019.
  • Sindhu Darshan Festival will be celebrated from June 12 to June 14, 2019, at Sindhu Ghat near Leh. Symbolizing communal harmony and peace in India, this festival is a must-do if you visit Leh.

(Note: If you plan to take the Manali – Leh Highway, start your trip early in the morning to avoid the heavy traffic jam at the Rohtang Pass. On your way, you will come across Rani Nallah, which is a wet area and needs to be paced carefully).

Modes of transport for Leh Ladakh Road Trip

  • Own vehicle

You can drive in your own vehicle to Leh Ladakh. If you are planning to travel via car, SUV or MUV will be better options instead of a hatchback or sedan.

Himachal Pradesh Tourism and J&K Tourism operate daily deluxe and ordinary buses between Manali and Leh for a two-day journey with a stopover, which is usually at Keylong. Groups can take ordinary, deluxe or an A-class bus to Leh, Kargil or Padum (Zanskar) from the J&K SRTC at Srinagar.

Taxis (cars and jeeps) are also available at Srinagar and Manali for the journey to Leh Ladakh.

Stops on Leh Ladakh route

  • Keylong (118km)
  • Jispa (140km)
  • Sarchu (225km)
  • Kargil (202km)

Passes on Leh Ladakh route

Manali to Leh

leh ladakh road trip in april

  • Rohtang Pass (3978m) – This pass lies on the eastern Pir Panjal Range and is 51km from Manali. The route generally opens in early June (opening time may vary according to the weather conditions). You must leave early in the morning to avoid traffic jam. The route remains closed on Tuesdays for maintenance purpose.
  • Baralacha La (4890m) – This is a high mountain pass in the Zanskar Range. The route is accessible by the end of April.
  • Tanglang La (5328m) – The signs put on the road claim it to be the world’s second largest motorable road. It is advisable not to spend more than 15 minutes here, as you may face breathing issues.

Srinagar to Leh

leh ladakh road trip in april

  • Zoji La (3528m) – This route connects Ladakh to Kashmir. This becomes accessible by late May or early June.
  • Fotu La (4108m) – This is the highest point on the Srinagar-Leh route.

Best time to visit Leh Ladakh

June till August is the peak season that attracts a large number of tourists to visit Leh Ladakh. The roads are also open in September and October. However, it gets extremely cold to ride or find places to stay.

Temperature

  • Summer (June to September) – Minimum: 5 °C, Maximum: 30 °C
  • Winter (October to May) – Minimum: -25 °C, Maximum: -1 °C

Things to carry

  • Carry waterproof backpacks and handbags for day hikes.
  • Avoid strollers and heavy suitcases.

Toiletry and medical supplies

  • Since you will be travelling under the scorching heat of the bright sun, you must carry high SPF sunscreen (UV40+) to avoid getting sunburned.
  • Moisturizers
  • Pain relievers
  • Camphor (helps in breathing at high altitudes)
  • Advil or Tylenol, for headaches etc. (NOT Codeine based painkillers)
  • Insect repellent
  • Antiseptic cream
  • Rehydration salts (oral): 6 to 8 sachets
  • Iodine-based water purification tablets

Clothing and footwear

  • Trekking shoes
  • Extra pair of socks
  • Carry proper woollen clothes like jackets, sweaters, comforters, shawls etc.
  • Rain jackets/raincoats and umbrellas.

Electronic devices

  • Memory cards
  • Extra batteries

Accessories

  • Wide brim hat/scarf
  • Sunglasses with UV protection
  • Lightweight gloves/mittens
  • Small towel
  • Multi-tool knife
  • Large plastic bags (for waterproofing purpose)

Self-drive essentials

Important tips

  • Make sure your vehicle has a high ground clearance. A vehicle which is 4×4, SUV or MUV is more suitable than a sedan or a hatchback.
  • Get your vehicle serviced adequately before the trip.
  • Carry a spare tire and a mechanical tool-kit
  • A large container for fuel. (Note: Even if your fuel tank is full, pick fuel from Tandi as the next petrol pump is available only at Upshi, which is 365km away from Tandi).
  • Start early in the morning for all journeys as this will help you reach your destination on time by avoiding the heavy traffic jam. You will also not miss the beautiful views en route.
  • Out of state vehicles (only four wheelers) need a permit to travel from Manali to Rohtang Pass, which is issued by the Office of Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Manali.
  • Permit office timings are 10 am to 5 pm from Monday to Saturday.

Manali – Leh Route

  • The starting point of this trip is Manali.
  • After reaching Rohtang Pass, leave for Keylong which is 66km away.
  • Crossing Jispa and the Baralacha pass en route, reach Sarchu after covering a distance of 112km.
  • Travel 205km ahead and you’ll arrive at Upshi village.
  • 55km ahead is your final destination, Leh.

Srinagar – Leh Route

  • The starting point of this route is Srinagar.
  • After crossing Sonmarg (85km), you’ll reach Drass via the Zoji La Pass after travelling for 62km more.
  • Leave early in the morning to avoid the heavy traffic jam.
  • You can halt at Drass or you can travel 58km ahead to reach Kargil.
  • Travel 110km more and you’ll arrive at Lamayuru.
  • From Lamayuru, Leh is just 125km away.
  • One needs an inner line permit to travel from Kargil to Leh.

Altitude sickness

  • Chewing coca leaves and drinking coca tea cures altitude sickness.
  • You must pack a lot of chocolates and energy bars to relieve the fatigue.
  • Garlic can be used to increase oxygen intake capacity.
  • Ginger water is also helpful to dodge altitude sickness.
  • Staying hydrated is the key to acclimatisation. You must intake a good amount of liquid (non-alcoholic).
  • Similar to staying hydrated, eating light food regardless of not being hungry is also important for acclimatisation.
  • You must avoid any kind of depressant drug.

Oxygen cylinders

  • Carry small and portable oxygen cylinders (five to six) that last for a few minutes and provide immediate relief. (These are available in almost every leading chemist shop of a metro city).

For the women travellers

leh ladakh road trip in april

  • Since there are no toilets on the way, use loo available in the camps. Do not avoid drinking water due to this reason as it’s important for acclimatization.

Places to visit

leh ladakh road trip in april

  • Vashisht Hot Pools
  • Hadimba Temple

leh ladakh road trip in april

  • Chashme Shahi

leh ladakh road trip in april

  • Hemis Monastery
  • Shanti Stupa
  • Main Market

leh ladakh road trip in april

  • Nubra Valley
  • Khardung La
  • Pangong Tso
  • Thiksey Monastery

Details related to Inner Line Permits

  • According to the Indian government guidelines, Indian tourists no longer require permits to visit protected areas like Pangong Tso, Nubra Valley and Dha Hanu etc. (Only photo identity proofs issued by the government of India like passport, driving license, voter ID, PAN card etc. are needed).
  • Foreign tourists, however, still need to obtain protected area permits to travel in these areas.
  • Permits can be obtained through registered travel agencies in Leh or from the DC office in Leh. You can ask your tour operator or hotel manager to arrange this for you.
  • Remember to carry six photocopies of the permit to submit at various checking points along with your ID proof.
  • You can take out a day to spend in Leh and get your permit. Remember to download the online application for the permit and fill it in advance.
  • The timings for the DC (District Collectorate) office in Leh are from 10 am to 5 pm and the office remains closed on Sundays. It is advisable to visit the office early (before 12 pm).

Local Languages in regions en route Leh Ladakh

  • Himachal Pradesh – Hindi, Pahadi
  • Leh – Ladakhi
  • Nubra – Balti
  • Choglamsar – Tibetan
  • Kargil – Purik, Shina

Some of the common Ladakhi phrases are listed below:

  • Julley: Hello
  • O-ley: Yes, please
  • Nyerangi-Ming Chi in-ley: What is your name?
  • Kule-kule: Slowly-Slowly
  • Nge-ming…in-ley: My name is…

Hotels and guesthouses

You can find multiple hotels and guesthouses at Manali and Srinagar. Leh, too, offers a wide range of hotels and guesthouses.

Pangong, Tso Moriri, Sarchu, Jispa, Tso Kar and Hunder have well-equipped camps.

Photography points

  • Waterfall at Sissu (88km)
  • Confluence of Chandra and Bhaga rivers at Tandi (113km)
  • Suraj Tal near Baralacha La (190km)
  • 21 Hair Pin Bends – Gata Loops (249km)
  • Natural arch at Pang (301km)
  • Nomads and wildlife (wild asses, marmots, etc.) at Moore Plains (313km)
  • Natural rock sculptures
  • Khardung La (world’s highest motorable road) (40km)
  • Diskit Monastery (116km)
  • Maitreya Buddha
  • Sand dunes of Hunder (128km)
  • Double-humped camels/Bactrian camels.
  • Chang La (76km)
  • Sunrise at Pangong Tso (225km)
  • Migratory birds
  • Gurudwara Pathar Sahib (23km)
  • Nimoo (Indus – Zanskar confluence) (28km)
  • Basgo (33km)
  • Lamayuru (109km)
  • Fotu-la (123km)
  • Kargil – Srinagar Photography Points
  • Drass (64km)
  • Zoji La (97km)
  • Sonmarg (123km)

Essential utilities

  • Fuel Points

Manali – Leh

  • Tandi ( 113km)
  • Upshi (365km)

Srinagar – Leh

  • Kargil (203km)
  •       Medical Aid
  • Manali, Keylong, Leh, Tangtse, Diskit, Kargil and Srinagar
  • You can also find medical aid at army camps at Pang and Sarchu.

Mobile and telephone network connectivity

  • Only the networks of BSNL, Aircel and Airtel work in Leh.
  • Nubra Valley (phone booth in Diskit).
  • BSNL works in Diskit, Hunder and Sumur.
  • There’s no network connectivity in Tso Moriri. However, there are mobile networks available in Chumathang (60km before Tso Moriri).
  • There’s no mobile connectivity near Pangong Tso lake. However, Tangste (15km towards Pangong) has a satellite phone booth and weak BSNL connectivity.
  • Zanskar has mobile connectivity (BSNL) in some parts.
  • Internet and email services are available only in Leh.
  • Telephone, fax and post facilities are available in Leh, Padum, Kargil and Nubra Valley.

Last but not least, don’t forget to wear your smile. You will win many friends while on this zealous road trip. Now that you know what is required for Leh Ladakh road trip, why not mark your calendar and travel to this breathtaking place.

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Go2Ladakh

Ladakh Road Trip

Get the best holiday planned by experts, ladakh road trips, popular leh ladakh road trip packages, leh ladakh road trip guide.

Friedrich Nietzsche, a German philosopher of the late 19 th century has quoted, “He who climbs upon the highest mountains laughs at all tragedies, real or imaginary.” Ladakh tourism offers you this life-changing thrilling experience that teaches you a lot about Mother Nature and takes you right in the lap of it. The only thing you will need to keep going through the Leh Ladakh trip is passion for travelling, and this landscape will give you enough of it. ...

Leh Ladakh road trip has been a dream of most of the individuals across the globe. Traveling across the beautiful landscapes of Ladakh by road is perhaps one of the most enticing and thrilling road adventures in India. Ladakh road trip takes you through some of the highest motor-able mountain passes in the world. The road trip takes you through the beautiful green plateaus driving through vast semi-arid planes, and the topsy-turvy curves of the Himalayan mountain ranges. Colourful Tibetan prayer flags that most tourists take back as a souvenir, prayer bells, and different monasteries including the latest one by Dalai Lama, and Tibetan Buddhist populace that one encounters with-along the way of Leh Ladakh road trip are some unique aspects of traveling to this region by road.

Overland Drive to Leh Ladakh

A road trip to Leh Ladakh is one of the most adventurous and thrilling experiences of a lifetime. Crossing few of the highest motorable passes and mountains in the world, driving through the rough terrains and semi-arid planes leaves an everlasting impression on our lives wanting for more. It is only during this trip that you will be so lost in the enchanting views of stunning panoramas, sweeping valleys, barren mountains covering this region of the great Himalayas along with glimpses of small villages and nomads settled there. The Tibetan Buddhist statues, beautiful monasteries, cultural vibes, Tibetan prayer flags, distinctive cuisine, ethnic artefacts that you encounter on the journey will add more diversity and value to this journey. 

Ladakh is very famous for its magnificent landscapes, natural beauty, and snow-capped mountains, lakes which change colour as per the season, festivals and rituals. The overland trip to Ladakh promises you pristine real beauty of the mesmerizing land. You can gaze under the sky to see the stars that appear as a garland. On this Leh Ladakh road trip you will enjoy eating fresh organic food instead of chemically fermented foods available across the country. 

The rugged mountains, exotic lakes and ethnic culture in this land of immense beauty will make your journey exciting and enriching. Travel to Ladakh by road is on top of the bucket list destination for tourists who want to experience the thrill and adventure with dreamy backdrops and unexplored locations. Your trip to Ladakh will include visiting enchanting monasteries, enjoying Tibetan Buddhist festivals and picture-perfect scenes with enthralling treks, challenging rocky roads and high passes and much more. It is going to be a road trip of a lifetime for all kinds of tourists. 

The entire region of Ladakh is filled with various such places of natural beauty that will take your breath away. While you embark on the Ladakh Road Trip, initial few moments might crush your enthusiasm, and mountain sickness can make you afraid. The only thing you need to keep going will be the kick to explore more. And Ladakh offers you a lot of new experiences each day to keep you going for days. One can just not have enough of this region ever.  If you are a fun-loving explorer who wants to know the most about the inhabitants and see the best of Ladakh while passing through the numerous places, and some of the stunning destinations, this place is guaranteed to be your paradise. 

Planning a bike trip or a car trip to Ladakh needs your involvement and time. The deciding factors depend on the timing and base destination that you select. Some of the best routes for a road trip that offer the most amazing experience and are chosen by most adventure seekers and bikers are discussed below.

Let’s find the best route for Leh Ladakh Road Trip

Ladakh has almost become a synonym for the best road trip in India as it offers distinct enticing and pleasant experiences all along the journey.There are several ways of doing a Ladakh road trip. 

Srinagar - Leh - Manali Road Trip

Our road trip from Srinagar to Manali for ten days and nine nights passing via Leh and Ladakh is one of the best road trips that can cover the most prime regions of the Himalayas. It is one of the most debated road trips around the areas of Ladakh. Many people will recommend you take the Srinagar-Leh Highway to reach Ladakh and then return on the Manali-Leh highway to complete the Srinagar-Manali road trip. And many would advise you otherwise. So, let’s see what the day wise itinerary of the Srinagar - Leh highway is for your Ladakh road trip.

Day 01 

Your journey starts from Srinagar – The land of wonderful heritage and ethnic, cultural experience. On landing at the Srinagar airport, our executive will transfer you to Hotel. After check-in and a bit of rest, proceed to go for a shikara ride on the Dal Lake and see the Mughal Garden along with the Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Garden. Drive back to Hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 02 

After breakfast, get charged up to take on the most adventurous ride to Kargil via Zojila Pass. This drive is extremely challenging, as well as most beautiful. Visit Sonmarg and other popular places like Drass Village, which is also the second coldest inhabited place in the entire world, to see the war memorial hall and museum. Drive back to Kargil by evening. Overnight stay at Kargil

After early morning breakfast, you shall depart for the scenic and mesmerizing journey towards Leh. While on your way you will visit Lamayuru Monastery. This monastery is so breathtaking with the moon-land view. After spending some good amount of time at Lamayuru, continue to ride towards the Alchi monastery. This monastery is one of the world heritage monasteries. Later have lunch at a local restaurant and proceed to pass by the confluence of Indus - Zanskar rivers. You can also do white-water rafting here if time permits. Later visit the Magnetic Hill, Patthar Sahib Gurudwara and Hall of Fame museum on your journey to Leh. Check-in to Hotel at Leh.

Get up early in the morning and proceed to visit the highest motorable road in the world – The Khardungla Pass at an altitude of 18,380 feet. Post lunch drive to Diskit and Hunder village to enjoy the camel safari in the sand dunes at the cold desert. Arrive at Nubra Valley and check-in to the Hotel. Overnight stay at Nubra Valley. 

After breakfast, get ready for a beautiful drive to Pangong Lake en-route the Shyok river. On the way, we will visit Diskit Monastery, which is one of the oldest and largest Buddhist centres. Catch the magnificent view of Nubra Valley from the monastery and get lost in the beauty of the region. Continue riding towards Pangong Lake. The route from Shayok river is very challenging and tough. Reach Durbuk and break for lunch and tea. Drive to Pangong Lake and check in the camp or Hotel. Rest for some time and then proceed for sightseeing of the sparkling Pangong Lake. Click beautiful pictures and enjoy sitting by the Lake for some quiet moments. Back to the camp in the evening and stay overnight. 

Enjoy your ride from Pangong Lake to Leh after breakfast and watch the beautiful sunrise from the Lake. Chang La claims to be the third highest motorable road in the world at the height of 17,585 ft. After crossing the Changla pass, drive through valleys and hills to reach Leh. 

Day 7 

In the early morning, visit heritage Hemis Monastery and drive to Thiksey and Shey Palace. Drive back to the Hotel at Leh and rest overnight.

After early morning breakfast, visit Sarchu passing through the Skyangchu Thang. Enjoy your lunch at Pang after crossing Nakeela and Lachlung La. Continue driving towards Jispa. Arrive at Jispa by the evening and stay overnight at Jispa

You are all set to drive towards Manali. Get ready after breakfast for the most adventurous ride. A beautiful scenic drive awaits you while you cross Baralacha La at the height of 4845m. Stop by for lunch at Sissu village and ride towards the most famous Rohtang Pass at the altitude of 13050 ft. Check-in Hotel after reaching Manali. Do local sightseeing at places as time permits.

Day 10 

Your beautiful journey to the land of high passes has come to an end now. When you select this route in your Leh Ladakh road trip, you will find the ascent in altitude in a gradual manner allowing your body to adjust gradually. This gives you more time to get adapted and acclimatized to the high altitude of the Leh region.

Manali to Ladakh Road Trip via Tso Moriri Lake 

The Leh Ladakh Road Trip through Manali-Leh highway takes you through the most beautiful Tso Moriri Lake that you can’t afford to miss. If we break down this trip, it includes an almost nine-day long journey if you want to enjoy all the beautiful places to the fullest and rest properly at different sites. 

On the first day when you reach Manali, take the day off. Rest, go for some sight-seeking, contact your travel guide (if any) and prepare your bag-pack for the rest of the journey. 

On the next day you will travel from Manali to Jispa which is a 7-hour drive. The best time to embark on this journey is as early as you can. Have a light breakfast and take on the most-memorable 13,051 feet high Rohtang pass which offers the best view in the morning. When you reach Jispa, you can rest for the day, straighten your body, and enjoy the night.

Take the road from Jispa to Tsokar which is an 8 to a 9-hour drive. This entire journey will take you from the lush green landscapes of Jispa to the stark moonscape and the scenic beauty which Ladakh is quite famous for. This journey is very scenic passing through small lakes, waterfalls and streams that will take your breath away.

The fourth day journey will take you from TsoKar to Tso Moriri Lake which is a 5 to 6 hour ride of about 145 KM. This is a breath-taking journey including ‘no mans’ land where nomadic people can be seen moving around, grazing herds of goats, sheep and yaks. After reaching the lake you can stay at the campsite.

After breakfast on the campsite, the traveller can start riding towards Hanle which is a restricted area in Ladakh. Only domestic tourists can visit this place with permits. You should follow this route till Loma Bridge and then reach Hanle. You can find many affordable stays in this region. Ensure that you stay here for the night to witness the glittering galaxy with hundreds of stars on a dark night.

Day 6  

After Breakfast, you will drive to Pangong Lake 14,500 ft, through Changla Pass 17,350 ft. It is the 3 rd highest motorable road in the world. Pangong lake is the highest saltwater lake in the world touching the borders of India and China. You shall be provided with a hot lunch here. The view of the colour changing lake is so fascinating and beyond words. Enjoy and take loads of pictures at the bank of Pangong Lake while appreciating its beauty.

Wake up early in the morning and start your drive to the exotic Nubra valley. you would be passing through Khardung La, which is the highest motorable pass in the world. Upon your arrival in Nubra valley, check in to a hotel / camp to wear off your tiredness. Later, explore the sand dunes of Nubra on a Double humped camel back. After all the sightseeing, return to your hotel/camp and spend the night at leisure.

After Breakfast, you can visit Diskit Monastery, from where you can take amazing pictures of the stunning view of Nubra Valley and then drive back to Leh by the same route, crossing Khardungla Pass. 

Day 9 

Your Ladakh road trip comes to an end today. Leave with unforgettable memories while you are back to Leh airport to fly to your home destination. 

During this trip, ensure that you have all the medical supplies you need and always carry your own water bottle. Taking regular sips of water would save you from the trouble of mountain sickness.

Things you must carry on the Ladakh Road Trip

On a road trip to Leh Ladakh, the journey is what you must make the most of. The scenic natural beauty all along the route is breath-taking. While the high-altitude journey makes for amazingly beautiful landscapes, it also brings with it the difficulty of facing the harsh cold weather. A trip to any location requires preparation. Most times the preparation is with reference to travel planning, itinerary, stay etc. However, a lot of preparation and planning is required for a Leh Ladakh road trip.

There will be times when you don’t come across human habitat for 100s of kilometres. If you run into trouble on the way, it is very difficult to find help. Hence, a Ladakh trip requires a lot of preparation for yourself, physically as well as mentally; and for your vehicle to get ready for the adventurous journey ahead. Acclimatization, day travel durations, overnight stay locations, preventing AMS, fuel refill stops, ATMs, permit requirements etc. are few of the most important things to consider while planning and preparing for the Ladakh road trip. 

'Prevention is better than cure', and that here is only possible if you are fully prepared. Some of the important thing to carry while on a Ladakh road trip are mentioned below:

  • Miscellaneous toiletries such as soaps, comb, toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, face wash, toilet paper etc.
  • It is important to keep general medicines for fever, headache, cold, cough, bandages, ointments handy always. Painkillers should be avoided when at high altitude cold locations. Mustard oil and lip balm must be carried along for moisturizing the skin and lips.
  • You should also carry eatables with high nutritional value. For example, carry multiple packets of nuts, dried fruits, energy bars, glucose, energy biscuits, and other food items that quickly energize the body. You may feel nauseated on the bike, hence always keep some chocolates handy with you. Frequent snacking will help you to keep the body charged. Also do not forget the regular intake of water to keep yourself hydrated.
  • Sundries such as moisturizer, lip balm, cold cream and mustard oil will keep your skin safe from the dryness in such a cold climate.
  • Don't forget one warm sleeping bag if you are planning to camp along the route. 
  • One of the most important things is not to forget your identity proof documents. Most roads on this route would not require specific permits for bikers, but some do. In either case, it's best to keep your personal IDs such as Aadhar Card, Passport, driving license, or Voter ID and bike's documents with you at all times through the trip in case of checking by local authorities or military.
  • Gadgets such as Mobile phone, camera, sim card, memory card, needs to be taken care of. If you are a landscape lover, this place will bring you unbelievable pictures of nature never seen before. BSNL network has good coverage in Leh Ladakh. Use a BSNL SIM if available, on your mobile phone. Be sure to carry extra power banks and batteries for the phone. It would be wise to save some of the major routes and directions from Google Maps on the mobile phone.
  • For a biker, it's a must to keep 4–5 pairs of socks along with them.
  • Do carry protective biking gears for all types of protection such as gloves, bandana, balaclava, elbow pads, knee pads, helmets, UV sunglasses and sunscreen lotions.
  • It's a must to carry a waterproof winter jacket, thermal inners, woollen gloves and socks, woollen/fleece upper layer, quick dry t-shirts and pants, water resistant trekking shoes for your bike trip.

Which is the best vehicle for a Leh Ladakh Road Trip?

Making the right choice of vehicle for the roads of Ladakh is very important. While identifying the best mode of travel, one needs to be very careful and choose on the basis of sustainability rather than popularity or good looks. On a road trip to Ladakh or Leh, you will be traveling almost about 3300 to 3600 Kms, so if you choose a bike with an average mileage of about 25 KMPL on an average, then that will cost you around Rs 10200 – 11500 for fuel roughly. Similarly, you can determine the cost of travelling for different cars based on mileage. You can also hire private taxis available in the region that will have different costs based on the trip you select and the stays you plan.

If you are deciding over a car, you can go for an open Mahindra Thar if you are with your partner or friends. However, if you are on a family trip, including kids, in that case, any other 4X4 SUV like Fortuner, Safari, Scorpio will prove to be a good choice.

When you want to rent a bike for a Leh Ladakh road trip, make sure it should be strong and powerful enough to bear the high–altitude conditions, climb up the steep roads, and cold weather. Essentially, it needs to be easy to handle, comfortable, and safe for the riders to make this journey successful and enjoyable. While Royal Enfield is considered as the best weapon of choice for Leh Ladakh bullet Trip. The engine of 350 CC or 500 CC gives you an edge over other riders. With good suspension and seating position, this bike is most comfortable for long journeys. You can also opt for Thunderbird, Royal Enfield Himalayan, or the KTM Duke and Bajaj Avenger, which are considered as some of the best choices and the most common vehicles hired during your trip.

Best Time for Leh Ladakh Road Trip

Geographically Ladakh is located at a high-altitude ranging from 8,370 ft. to 18,875 ft. above sea-level. Weather here is extremely cold and unpredictable with rain and snow showers. Roads are rough and tricky to commute on especially in bad weather. These factors need to be considered when planning to do a Leh Ladakh Road Trip. Hence, it is very important to identify the best time to visit Leh Ladakh.

Summer is the best season for doing the Leh Ladakh tour. Summers in Ladakh are from June to September. The weather is nice and warm during the day at an average 25 degree Celsius during the day and drops to a pleasant 15-17 degree Celsius. The skies are clear blue during the day and filled with bright twinkling stars in the night best for stargazing. You can even spot the Milky Way from here. The roads and passes to Leh Ladakh and the surrounding locations, including the Manali – Leh route opening in mid-June. It makes it easier to follow your itinerary and enjoy your sightseeing to the fullest. There are some off-beat roads that you can explore too. June to September is the absolutely the best time to view the spectacular landscapes and beauty of Leh Ladakh.

While most of the tourists prefer to visit this precious possession of India during the summers as the weather is most friendly and pleasant during that time. The snow starts melting, and the beauty of the land is in its full bloom. You will find a lot of tourists who come to attend the Hemis Festival and enjoy the colourful and vibrant atmosphere. However, some thrill-seekers look to visit this place during winters for taking part in various adventure activities like the famous Chadar Trek. Walking on the frozen Zanskar river brings them a different feel altogether.

Since Ladakh is always stunning and beautiful during all seasons, it entirely depends on the tourist as to what they want to experience. The scenic picturesque is different in different seasons. You need to know what time of the year suits your journey and decide accordingly.

Must Visit Places of Ladakh Road Trip

The Leh Ladakh road trip has a lot of uniquely beautiful landscapes, lakes, circuits, and plateaus that you can enjoy along the route. The beauty of this entire region just can’t be expressed in words. Going through a Leh Ladakh trip can be one of the greatest experiences you ever have as these places have an enormous bounty of extreme natural pristine beauty. Some of the popular places to visit in Ladakh are:

  • Pangong Tso Lake
  • Kargil War Memorial
  • Khardung La Pass
  • Indian Astronomical Observatory at Hanle
  • Hemis National Park
  • Shanti Stupa
  • Magnetic Hill
  • Royal Leh Palace
  • Tso Moriri Lake
  • Stok Palace
  • Changthang Wildlife sanctuary
  • Hall of Fame
  • Rohtang Pass
  • Monasteries in Ladakh

Some of the best monasteries in Ladakh are the Hemis Monastery, Spituk Monastery, Alchi monastery, Shey Monastery, Thiksey Monastery, Diskit Monastery, Stakna Monastery, Phyang Gompa, Likir Monastery, Phugtal Monastery, Lamayuru Monastery.

12 Packages Found

Srinagar to Manali Road trip

10 Nights / 11 Days

Srinagar to Manali Road trip

Ladakh Delight with Siachen flight included

6 Nights / 7 Days

Ladakh Delight with Siachen flight included

Ladakh Backpacking Trip

Ladakh Backpacking Trip

BEST OF LADAKH

9 Nights / 10 Days

BEST OF LADAKH

SPITI VALLEY TOUR

SPITI VALLEY TOUR

WONDER OF LADAKH

WONDER OF LADAKH

BACKPACKERS TRIP

7 Nights / 8 Days

BACKPACKERS TRIP

SPECIAL WOMEN TOUR

SPECIAL WOMEN TOUR

AMAZING LADAKH WITH KASHMIR

8 Nights / 9 Days

AMAZING LADAKH WITH KASHMIR

LADAKH TRAILS

LADAKH TRAILS

LADAKH OVERLAND

LADAKH OVERLAND

HIMALAYAN ESCAPE

HIMALAYAN ESCAPE

Make the most of your leh ladakh road trip, how much does it cost for a leh ladakh road trip.

The cost of the entire journey would depend largely on your preference for stay and food. Leh Ladakh region, though not a very expensive location does have few luxurious options. Whether you want this to be a budget journey or a lavish one, it is entirely up to you. Besides, there is fuel, lunch and maintenance cost if any to be taken care of. Here’s an estimated cost break-up per person per day -

If you travel by solo by local transport, following is the basic cost transport and accommodation: Transport Cost: INR 3000 sharing seat each route Stay Cost: INR 2000 Budget Hotels Permit: INR 650 Food Expense: INR 800 per day meals Oxygen: INR 500 per day If you travel by solo by Bike, following is the basic cost of Bike and accommodation: Bike Cost: INR 1400 per day without fuel Stay Cost: INR 2000 Budget Hotels Permit: INR 650 . Food Expense: INR: 800 per day meals Oxygen: INR 500 per day Fuel: INR 300-600 per day depend on your routes and distance Alternatively, you can opt from a variety of Ladakh Road trip packages by Go2Ladakh.in which starts around INR:25000/- per person.

FAQs on Leh Ladakh Road Trip

  • Vehicle registration papers
  • Driving License
  • Vehicle insurance papers
  • PUC (Pollution Under Control) check receipt
  • A few passport-size photographs
  • Aadhar card

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ThePrint

Ladakh is future-proofing against climate change with ice stupas—less snow, melting glaciers

Bengaluru: When Chewang Norphel was growing up in Ladakh, it used to snow heavily in June. Today, at 88, he hasn’t seen June snowfall in years. This winter was a wake-up call when snow arrived only after mid-January. As melting glaciers and decreasing snowfall threaten the agrarian economy and livestock farming, Ladakh is future-proofing itself against climate change.

Engineers are considering spraying the tops of natural glaciers with snow to mitigate black soot that accelerates melting. Innovator and engineer Sonam Wangchuk has started using discarded plastic bottles for insulation instead of cement or mortar. Engineers are increasingly switching to local materials like wood and earth, citing the resilience of centuries-old seismic-proof structures compared to crumbling cement homes.

Key to Ladakh’s climate-resilient future is building and maintaining artificial glaciers such as ice stupas. More than 30 years ago, Norphel created an artificial glacier at 4000 m. In 2013, Wangchuk developed ice-stupas resembling Buddhist monasteries; they melt during arid months to irrigate fields. Since then, many small villages in Ladakh have been resuscitated. Now, engineers in Ladakh collaborate with teams in the Andes and Switzerland, building artificial ice structures and stupas.

But as the atmosphere warms, these reservoirs struggle to endure. The urgency has mobilised communities, organisations, and researchers to actively protect water storage for the critical dry months of April to June before glaciers begin to thaw again in the summer.

The same innovators spearheading frozen reservoirs in the 1990s now leverage decades of experience for efficient, sustainable water management as temperatures rise.

“Communities like Ladakh feel the impact of climate change years and decades before big cities do,” says Nishant Tiku, 32, Ice Stupa Project director, an initiative by Wangchuk’s NGO, Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh.

“All this consumption does have an impact, and we see it here first-hand immediately.”

From glaciers to stupas

When he was studying Ladakh’s glaciers, Norphel noticed  small diversions where trickling water could freeze naturally. “When we have so much ice in the winter, why can’t we come up with a system to conserve it?” he said.

His solution was artificial glaciers—like slabs of ice held by rocks. As water slowly trickles down beginning November, it starts to freeze. By March, giant, solid ice blocks have formed that start to melt around April while the water flowing downstream remains frozen up in the snow cap.

Norphel is credited with ushering in the era of artificial glaciers. The “Ice Man of India” joined the Leh Nutrition Project (LNP) under the central Watershed Development Programme in the 1990s, and built several artificial glaciers.

Norphel explained that artificial glaciers act like a temporary source in April-May, when the sowing season begins, until the river starts flowing again in full force in June.

But artificial glaciers are based on horizontal ice formation , and need high altitude locations — above 4,000 metres—making them difficult to maintain. Wangchuk solved this problem through ice stupas by freezing stream water vertically. Around 30-50 metres high, they look like cones and can be built wherever water is needed. Many of them drain into a naturally flowing stream that has temporarily dried up, while some supply water to tanks.

The popular innovation led to the Ice Stupa Project in 2014, launched under Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL). The project has engaged 24 villages in Ladakh, including eight in Kargil, to build over 67 million litres of ice capacity.

“Artificial structures like ice stupas are easy to construct and can be quickly adopted by anyone,” explained project director Tiku, adding that most of the work is undertaken by the NGO sector with the involvement of villagers.

Ice stupas are built by assembling a conical structure made of earth, rope, and grass, while water from a stream or spring is fed into the stupa through a pipe, either from below (fountain-style) or the top (sprinkler-style). This allows a tiny ice mountain to form underneath.

“You can let a stupa fully build and freeze, and then place a pipe and build another one over it,” explained Tiku. “Geodesic domes with local materials like poplar and willow are used, and water is sprinkled on them. Once the freezing process begins, we place the pipe above.”

“Understanding the geography and topography in a region is very important,” said Chhotak Gyatso, the executive director of LNP. He has been engaged in building artificial ice structures for nearly two decades along the side of the Indus River that has started to become deficient in rainfall.

Many of these regions have also started to adopt cash crops, which need to be harvested at the right time and thus require water in spring.

Data collection tracking ice flow, water flow, ice accumulation, and related metrics has allowed quantitative evaluation of these ice reservoirs’ effectiveness. Analysis consistently demonstrates increased water availability in correlation with reservoir usage

“We have received consistent feedback that artificial glaciers have been very helpful to villagers, and especially farmers, and this helps sustain the economy as well,” said Gyatso.

Building reservoirs

Despite widespread adoption, building artificial ice reservoirs comes with its set of problems.

“There isn’t enough data yet. We have just recently started tracking the quantity of water and ice,” said Gyatso. “And the problem is that you have to often rebuild the structure every year, which could take a month and is laborious.”

Research is key in building these frozen storage structures. Community needs are surveyed and villagers are trained. There are five types of ice reservoirs in use today in the Ladakh region — basin, cascade, diversion, ice stupa, and ice mountains or ice fall.

Basin types (traditionally referred to as ‘ice reservoirs’) simply allow water to collect and freeze. They are dug near perennial streams in areas with natural depressions. Walls can be constructed along the sides to hold the water. On the other hand, the cascades resemble a series of steps made from dry stone walls, built over small streams or diverted water channels. In a diversion reservoir, stream water is diverted to slopes or shady areas away from the sun by digging a series of channels and allowing the water to freeze, resembling frozen pipes of ice. Cascade and diversion types are typically used together.

Ice mountains and ice falls involve diverting a stream through a pipe to a shaded area, and then spraying the water over a cliff, causing it to freeze instantly.

The cascade reservoir is popular in Ladakh, with 17 villages adopting it after a successful experiment in Mudh, Himachal Pradesh. According to Gyatso, they are the most cost-effective, built by villagers using only local and sustainable materials. The maximum any structure has cost is Rs 1 lakh.

“The community participates in everything. We even now have ice climbing competitions every year [on] artificial structures,” explained Tiku, who has helmed stupa work in over 100 villages in six years. He is currently collaborating with teams in the Andes for Chile and Peru, and in Switzerland, building artificial ice structures and stupas.

While most of the ice in these artificial reservoirs are expected to melt in April and May, and become obsolete by June due to river flow, some sustain themselves to the next year. Even if all the ice melts, the structure underneath remains, and the building of the reservoir commences again next November as temperatures drop enough to freeze water.

But this will not remain the case forever.

Fight against a warming world

In an ever-warming world, glaciers, both artificial and natural, are under serious threat. And the engineers know that. Many of the artificial glaciers built by Norphel in the 1980s and 1990s have been washed away.

“Artificial glaciers can be built only as long as natural glaciers exist,” said Tiku. As natural glaciers retreat further, so will artificial ones. “We need to build innovative projects.”

For example, engineers are considering spraying snow layers on natural glaciers to prevent black soot (which accelerates melting) from settling on them. The Ice Stupa project is also collaborating with engineers in Switzerland of Glaciers Alive to try the same method.

Many are trying to hit two birds with one stone — glacial lakes in the Himalayan region are known to be at high risk of deadly glacial lake outburst floods, considering the high seismicity in the region. While lake water is drained to prevent overflowing, it is also being diverted to an artificial glacier downstream.

But local communities are aware that it doesn’t end at just water management. There are other measures being taken to mitigate warming and preserve the fragile ecosystem.

Back in 2017, a group of Ladakhi students returning to Leh to reform their home region built and established Wangchuk’s SECMOL campus. Tiku likes to describe this campus with all its building as being “carbon negative”—not only does it not consume any form of fuel other than solar, it even provides energy to neighbouring buildings. The structures are also built sustainably, utilising local materials. Discarded plastic bottles filled with water act as heat sink during the day and release heat at night. There is no cement or fossil fuel involved, and the pioneering campus was constructed with low-cost techniques.

Using earth and naturally occurring soil to build structures offers many advantages. Earth homes remain insulated to a comfortable 20°C irrespective of temperature outside. They also are more suited to sustain local weather and climate conditions.

“Structures built with cement crumble easily, especially in this high seismic zone. However, there are several castles and monasteries built centuries ago that are structurally large and still standing,” explained Tiku. But these too are not adopted in a widespread manner due to the association of earthen built homes with poverty.

It’s a high-stakes innovation race to counter the devastation that climate change can wreak.

“Glaciers are retreating higher up, and we can build artificial ones only when we have the time to address current problems immediately and easily. But even if we do that, unfortunately, the climate is warming so fast we have to keep innovating all the time,” said Gyatso.

(Edited by Prashant)

Ladakh is future-proofing against climate change with ice stupas—less snow, melting glaciers

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  23. Leh Ladakh Road Trip—The Ultimate Travel Guide

    A road trip to Leh Ladakh is perhaps a dream for many adventure enthusiasts. This road trip comprises of some of the highest motorable mountain passes of the world. ... Srinagar - Leh route is expected to open in April 2019. Manali - Leh route is expected to open in May 2019. Sindhu Darshan Festival will be celebrated from June 12 to June ...

  24. Ladakh Road Trip

    Rs 34700. Book Now. Wonder of Ladakh (without Flight ) 11 Days/10 Nights. Rs 25000. Book Now. Manali-Ladakh-Srinagar (Bike Tour with fuel) 10 Days/9 Nights. Rs 33500.

  25. 10 Best Places To Travel In May In India If You Like Mountains

    Discover the top 10 places to travel in May in India if you're a mountain lover. From the stunning landscapes of Leh-Ladakh, experience the best of the Himalayas in pleasant May weather. ... Leh-Ladakh, Jammu and KashmirLeh-Ladakh offers awe-inspiring landscapes, including high-altitude lakes, monasteries, and thrilling roads like Khardung La ...

  26. The Travel Story

    Welcoming the thrilling Ladakh ro..." The Travel Story | Spiti Valley • Ladakh • Kashmir on Instagram: "Are you ready to commence for the 'Baap' of Indian road trips? Welcoming the thrilling Ladakh road trip expedition starting at just Rs.14,999 Date 🗓️: Ladakh trips will be starting from April onwards.

  27. M/S ENDEAVOUR LADAKH on Instagram: "Leh Ladakh, where the journey is as

    5,527 likes, 21 comments - ladakh_bike_trip on February 27, 2024: "Leh Ladakh, where the journey is as beautiful as the destination ️ LADAKH RIDE | season 202 ...

  28. Leh Ladakh

    523 likes, 3 comments - leh.ladakhtour on February 29, 2024: "Share with someone who wanna visit Leh Ladakh 2024凉, We are organising Leh Ladakh tour, Dm us ...

  29. Ladakh is future-proofing against climate change with ice stupas ...

    Key to Ladakh's climate-resilient future is building and maintaining artificial glaciers such as ice stupas. More than 30 years ago, Norphel created an artificial glacier at 4000 m. In 2013 ...

  30. M/S ENDEAVOUR LADAKH on Instagram: "LADAKH RIDE

    5,244 likes, 16 comments - ladakh_bike_trip on February 28, 2024: "LADAKH RIDE | season 2024 BOOK NOW Starts INR 16000 per pax No advance Payment You can pay full amount in Leh only Complementary for the trip : Riding Jacket / Helmets / knee guards / Bonfire Entire trip video footages L2L ( 5N/6D ) Inclusions: Himalayan bike bs6 / fuel ☑️ Hotel / Camps with meal ☑️ Helmets ( half ...