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Best Time to Travel Ladakh & Zanskar Valley

Dheeraj Sharma

A lot of people ask me this many times on the blog to suggest the best time to travel to Leh Ladakh , and I thought it is better to pen it down in an article so that it helps others too and does not repeat on the blog all over again and again.

Well, there are two roads that lead you to Leh Ladakh popular by the names of Srinagar Leh Highway and Manali Leh Highway . Both of them generally remain closed for more than six months from November to April or Mid-May every year because of heavy snowfall on various mountain passes that comes on these adventurous roads.

So, the only time to travel by road to Leh Ladakh is from Mid-May to Mid – October. And the second half of October is a risky affair to travel and May is the only likely option for Srinagar – Leh Highway as Manali – Leh Highway generally opens by June first week or late May.

But, still, the question is :

What is the best time to visit Ladakh and Zanskar Valley

Let's quickly dive into the details:

“What is the best time to travel Leh Ladakh in these 5-6 months?”

Leh ladakh in april to mid-may.

April is the month when tourists or travelers from all parts of the world start to come to Ladakh. Restaurants start to either open or set up for the coming season. Similarly, the guest houses, camps at Pangong Tso, and Tso Moriri lakes also start to be set up.

By the second week of May, generally, the Srinagar Leh Highway opens, and the influx of tourists starts to get into Ladakh. Supplies flow in along with fresh vegetables and fruits. Hence life comes to normalcy in Ladakh.

Wondering About Best time to travel Leh Ladakh?

In late April, all lakes including Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri start to melt, and by mid-May, they completely melt and start radiating the ever-beautiful blue hues under sunlight. Tourists / Travellers visiting these places get good discounts as it is the onset of the season and with fewer tourists around, it is indeed a better place to be.

The high mountain passes in Ladakh including both Khardung La and Chang La, are under heaps of snow, and passing through them is quite an experience in itself. Carrying shades/glares/goggles are highly recommended at this time of the year.

Vehicles Lining Up to Khardung La Pass in Snow

Leh Ladakh in May – June – July

As I said, in May, most likely, you will only find Srinagar – Leh to be open, so if you are interested in the complete circuit, then it is not the right time. In June beginning or May end, Manali road opens with the opening of Rohtang Pass.

In the initial 7-10 days, the roads are pretty much unstable with common snow slides, and intermittent blockages also happen, but gradually it settles down. And from Mid of June to July just before the onset of monsoon season, it is a very nice time to travel, and indeed a lot of people undertake the road journey to Ladakh at this specific window only.

It is the perfect time for those who want to enjoy snow around the road and drive through the snow walls of Rohtang Pass / Rani Nalla and Baralacha La too. However, keep in mind that snow starts to melt which means, ferocious water crossings and rivers are pretty common in this period.

Later you will reach a water crossing in the day, slim are the chances to cross it. So, plan to leave early in the day and reach the early in the day on the destination to have buffer time as well.

from Mid of June to July just before the onset of monsoon season, it is a very nice time to travel and indeed a lot of people undertake the road journey to Ladakh at this specific window only. Best time to travel for seeing snow in Ladakh

Water crossings or Nallas over Manali - Leh Highway

Leh Ladakh in August

In August, monsoons are in a full flurry, and rivers and water crossings go ferocious at times when rain is pouring down. Landslides are common too in this period. However, there is a catch, the region beyond Zozi La Pass towards Leh from the Srinagar side and beyond Baralacha La pass towards Leh from the Manali side, being a rain shadow region does not get much affected by rains.

But, surely you will be facing the monsoon hassles up to Baralacha La pass from Manali side and Zozila Pass from Srinagar side. Of course, as happening for the last few years Rohtang Pass & Zojila are most likely to be a nightmare in this period.

Even the definition of Ladakh being the rain shadow region is changing now. We have started getting rain in Ladakh too or at least overcast conditions with light rains now and then. Few cloudbursts and flash floods also have occurred in a couple of years, including 2018. So, be ready for surprises even in the rain shadow region of Ladakh too in the coming years.

Those beautiful curves over Srinagar - Kargil Highway

Leh Ladakh in September – October

Personally, this is my favorite season to travel to Ladakh with vibrant & burning colors all over in full glory. Post-monsoon, the region becomes devoid of rains and the chill starts to set in with some intermittent light snowfall.

However, the colors of fall/autumn are almost burning with beauty all over the Srinagar Leh Road, Manali Leh Road, and, of course, the entire Ladakh, including Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri & Nubra Valley. The road conditions also improve a lot in comparison to the rest of the season. You will witness the best roads of the season since the maintenance works also settle by that time. It is the best time to self-drive to Ladakh if you are taking a small car like a hatchback or sedan to Ladakh.

Even the water crossings are timid in flow with less water in them and are easy to pass by. The rivers turn into aqua blue color again, giving an entirely different aura to the region. Your body is at the maximum exposure to UV rays, and due to lack of moisture, it becomes a bit difficult to acclimatize as well. But, the beauty on offer is worth anything in the world 😀

Also, it is time when some camps have closed and packed up, and some still run. There is occasional snowfall as well, which might close the road for a day or two temporarily. The Raid-De-Himalayas rally also happens in this window which also disturbs you as a traveler to some extent.

Personally, this is my favorite season to travel to Ladakh with vibrant & burning colors all over in full glory. for those who love vibrant fall colors

A Teaser... Even Artist Would Feel Envy There Colors near Drass

Leh Ladakh in November

The period of late October and November is when the cold settles into Trans Himalayas completely with sub-zero temperatures at almost all places above 14000 feet especially over the Manali Leh highway and the high-altitude lakes. The colors though are still beautiful in the region, tourists have almost gone away and only a few brave ones remain 🙂 :).

Most of the guest houses, hotels, and restaurants are closed by this time along with camps at Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri lakes, which are packed up by the last week of September. Dhabhas and camps on Manali Leh Highway are also deserted, and locals go away to their homes to get ready for hibernation in cold winters.

Though both Manali Leh Road and Srinagar Leh Road remain open unofficially, it is highly not recommended to travel over them, especially the Manali Leh Highway with such cold conditions. There will not be many shelters available and black ice on roads that make driving a dangerous affair. Black ice is quite common in this period it starts to appear in October starting as well at some places though it does not last long in the early stages or the winter season.

Interesting Read: 5 Reasons to Avoid Manali – Leh Highway in October – November

Aqua Colored Zanskar River in Zanskar Valley

Leh Ladakh in December – January – February – March

This period is the coldest in Ladakh where January is the coldest month of all seasons, and Ladakh is cut off from the rest of the world by road. Only a few brave and bold tourists are around even though the roads to Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso Lake over Khardung La Pass, and Chang La Pass respectively are kept open all around the year barring a few days of heavy snowfall .

Late January to February is also the time when many adventure tourists come to Leh Ladakh to walk over the frozen Zanskar River from Padum in Zanskar Valley to Leh , popularly known as Chadar Trek.

In this period, you are at the mercy of extreme cold. Snowfall as well is pretty common and mingled with high-altitude terrain; it makes life difficult to survive and acclimatize as well. The key is to take rest, ample rest in the initial days. Then, gradually start overreaching other high-altitude places. The food options are minimal, and most of the restaurant lives are deserted as their cook is out at their homes.

From November to December / Mid-January types, if the sun is shining the colors in the Lakes such as Pangong Tso or Tso Moriri is breathtaking but the options to stay near them are none or limited. Just some Home Stays in nearing villages where basic facilities will be available to brave the extreme cold.

After Mid-January, both Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri along with other high-altitude lakes start to freeze and become solid as earth as you can drive your car over it, leave alone walk over it. Be responsible and don’t do that of course 😉

These lakes remain frozen almost up to April. So, those looking forward to seeing the magical changing colors of these lakes with sunlight in the day shall refrain from making a trip to Ladakh from January to late April, which is almost for four months.

Yet Another Time We Stuck… Towards Khardung La Pass

Still confused??

Sun Playing Hide and Seek at Pangong Tso - Ladakh

Are you still confused?? Don’t worry. I will suggest if you want to see heaps of snow and have a good adventure, then you must plan your road trip to Ladakh starting June first/ the second week up to mid of July types.

However, if you are more interested in nature’s lovely colors pallet and maybe you are very much into photography, then the late season is the time. You do not want to miss out on, i.e., late September up to the second week of October when colors are oozing out vividly all over Ladakh!!

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.

Do you have any questions or suggestions or need any help in planning your trip to Leh Ladakh? If yes, please feel free to post them either in the comments section of this article below. You can also take guidance from many travel experts in our DwD Community Forums and discuss your upcoming travel plans for Ladakh.

If you like the article, please feel free to share it with any of your family or friends who are planning a trip to Ladakh.

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

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Hello I am planning to visit leh by flight on 29th August 2019 with my wife & 12 year old daughter. Is it save to travel that time considering rainy season.

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Bro! We are a group of friends planning our trip from April 28th and fly directly to leh, will we be able to enjoy our trip without any obstructions(like snow ) or the pangong lake being Frozen or unavailability of accommodation ?

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You should look at Leh – Ladakh in Winters – Most Common Itinerary

It will answer all your questions 🙂

What about mid May? I really want to see the unfrozen beauty of pangong!!

In that case plan for mid May to late May, it should melt by that time of the year

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we have planned and booked flight ticket from Bangalore to Srinagar on 24th April and return from Leh on 6th May 2018. Plan is to spend 4-5 days in Srinagar and then travel by road to Leh and spend 6-7 days there visiting Nubra , pangong and other sorrounding.

Please suggest as we heard that Srinagar – Leh highway is closed till April end.

Sunil, Srinagar – Leh Highway may or may not be open by last week of April. Considering BRO has already opened Zanskar Valley road, I have hopes by mid of April, they will open Srinagar – Leh Highway too.

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Hi Dheeraj,

We two friends are planning a leh ladakh trip in September. We want to experience everything including the snow; hence, what would be your suggestion? Is it good in September? Yes, then which part of the month? Waiting for your reply.

Hari, there will be no snow in September. If you want to enjoy snow, then you have to plan the trip in April – May but then roads are not open and only option is to fly to Ladakh. Else June is when you will find plenty of snow at passes in Ladakh and Manali – Leh Highway

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Hi! Planning to go Leh by air on 24th Sep n bck by 2 October by road via Manali .i want to know if October first week will be safe by road from Leh to Manali n and also why return airfares are soo high from Leh.i Jst don’t want to get stuck there because of snow on d way bck

Chaand, just keep an eye on weather once you reach Leh and then take a call. Nowadays, usually first week of October os still OK to travel but sometimes it does snow. Also, plan to directly reach Jispa from Leh without halt at Sarchu.

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Hello Dheeraj

I was planning for a trip from Manali tto Leh ladakh and back from Aug 26 to Sep 5. Is it a good timeI for travel? Read every where u mentioned that Aug is not a good time to visit Leh,,

Regards ANimesh

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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

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Looking for a suggestion.

Can I visit just Leh -> Zanskar -> Leh in August ? Is this is good time or will there be rains?

Plan: Sat, Aug 5: Leave Mumbai by flight to Leh, Start on bike / rent car to Kargil Sun, Aug 6: Kargil to Zanskar Mon, Aug 7: Back to Kargil Tue, Aug 8: Back to Leh Wed, Aug 9: Back to Mumbai

Please let me know if the climate is good this time and if this is doable in such short time.

Well since you are flying directly to Leh, it is rain shadow region and hence, even in monsoon, it is fine. However, Zanskar needs at least 4-5 days from Kargil and for Kargil – Leh you need minimum two days. Hence, in 5 days it is not possible.

ok.. thank you for the quick reply.. will plan it well for next year 🙂

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Me and my husband are planning to visit Leh-Ladakh (via Manali) from Delhi in the third week of September’ 2017 in our “Ford Eco-sport”. We are a little confused whether it will be OK to take Eco – sport to Leh Ladakh. How much wear and tear can happen to it, and will our Ford Eco-sport will be able to sustain it, as the Ford guys told us not to take it to Leh-ladakh, as it is city car and not made for off road. Can you please guide us? Also, want to know how to connect with other people who are planning their visit to Leh-Ladakh at the same time as it will be good to stay connected with them while travelling.

Neha, Ford EcoSport is very capable of doing the Leh – Ladakh trip. So, don’t worry much about it, just be cautious in driving. You can read: 40 Must Have Things to Carry on Ladakh Self Drive Trip and 7 Useful Tips for a Self Drive to Leh – Ladakh

We are a group of people (2 couples) who would also be travelling to Leh Ladakh (starting on 16th September from Noida and ending on 30th September 2017). But we would be travelling to Leh Ladakh from Srinagar side and would be completing the circuit from Manali side. During the 4th week of September we would be on the Manali side.

It is surely a good idea to connect while travelling.

Cheers! Abhishek

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Mr.Sharma, This was a wonderful article. Thank you for providing information. I would like to ask if first week of Aug would be a good time to visit Leh. I am planning to go by air to Leh. Please give your opinion. Thanks.

Since you are planning to go by Air, Ladakh is a rain shadow region and least touched by rains. So, it shall be fine to make a trip by air to Ladakh

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Hello dheeraj sir, Is this itinerary good for the 25th october. is this the right time travel ladakh. can we go all the places ?? Day 1 : Rest n local sights Day 2 : magnetic hill n pather sahib n acclimatization. Day 3 : leh to nubra Day 4 : nubra to pangong via Agham Day 5 : pangong to leh Day 6 : Return

Plz reply soon. Thanks

Given the days at hand, it looks fine. Please keep in mind it will be very cold in October at PAngong Tso, best will be to stay at Tangtse or do day trip from Leh.

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Thanks for your valuable information. Actually we are planning to visit leh ladakh in 2nd wk of september for 10 days. please tell whether camping is advisable or not during that season if yes mentioned the best place for camping. also tell either visiting all famous lake i.e. pang, tso moriri etc is possible or not.

Thanks again.

Dann, September is a very good time to travel to Leh – Ladakh. You can read: Top 10 Tips for Camping in Ladakh & Spiti Valley

thanks for your reply. tell me about permit also , can’t we get them online so that we can save our time over there? where are these permits required during the traveling ??

Well, the Permits for Leh – Ladakh are available online: Ladakh Inner Line Permits Available Online

However, only permits are applied and you have to take the print out and pay your permit fee in person in Leh at Tourist Info Center or DC office in Leh.

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Hi Dheeraj! I want to ask you very important question regarding bikers? The tussle going on between bikers of Manali and Leh is only for Rental bikes? and what about bikers who are on there own bikes, do they also have to face anytype of problems???

There is no issue at all for the own bikes in Ladakh.

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I’m planning for a trip to Leh via Manali. Is it okay to plan the trip in August, or it is more advisable to travel by end of June. This will be my first experience, and we’re planning for an SUV.

Best is to travel in September for better road conditions and less challenges, else up to mid July is OK. Avoid monsoon travel in August.

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Dear Dheeraj, I am planning a 10 daya trip to Leh with my wife, 7yo son, two brothers starting on 15th June. I will planning to take my Baleno Diesel. It’s the very first time for me to visit Leh. Request your kind suggestions as I am really confused about whether I should make this trip or not. Also request you to advise on travel itinerary and stay options. Look forward for an early response. Thanks.

For hatchback/sedan taking on Manali – Leh Highway Or Spiti Valley via Manali Or Ladakh, please refer the link: FAQ | Can I do Leh – Ladakh / Spiti / Manali – Leh trip in Hatchback or Sedan? for more details.

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 You can check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate (cheap budget hotels as well) in the series of articles starting on the link here

Thanks again for your valuable suggestions. I have made up my mind for 9 days itinerary suggested by you via Manali -Leh route. Just bit concerned about road conditions vs Baleno. Will be happy if you suggest any precautions.

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Actually I am looking for this type of information from very long time but bi cant found it clearly but you describe all this very clearly! Thanks for this article.

That is wonderful to hear, glad the article helped you.

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Can we will go to Leh (Manali to Leh via jispa) own car Chevrolet Sail Uva Hatchback 2014 Model. Can I go Chevrolet Sail Uva Hatchback 2014 Model say Yes or Not If we go by my own car – Do you advised me witch route is best for me Manali – Leh – Srinagar/ Srinagar – Leh – Manali . witch cars can cross the Manali – Leh – Srinagar Plz guide me. Please Car Name

As you advised, i have an iternary for my trip. at first can i go to leh rout as shown below by Chevrolet Sail Uva Hatchback 2014 Model I am also running this car to west bangal, char cham, dharmshala, deu all gujrat. so please advice me this car is suatable for me. and with equipment is required for this route.

June – 3: Manali – Jispa (overnight stay) June – 4: Jispa – Sarchu (overnight stay) June – 5: sarchu – Leh (overnight stay) June – 6: Leh – ride to sham valley and sight seeing June – 7: leh – Nubra (overnight stay) June – 8: Nubra – Pangong tso (camping) June – 9: Pangong Tso – Tso moriri – Leh (overnight stay) June – 10: Leh – kargil June – 11: kargil – srinagar

I am still waiting for your suggestion.

Hello Mahesh,

Please avoid night stay at Sarchu and to Manali – Jispa, Jispa – Leh. Then use that day to make two day trip to Nubra Valley and two day trip to Pangong Tso by regular routes as the direct routes, hatches might not survive or you may get stuck in the middle of no help around. Skip Tso Moriri.

Also, if you do the trip in reverse direction, it will be much better. For hatchback/sedan taking on Manali – Leh Highway Or Spiti Valley via Manali Or Ladakh, please refer the link: FAQ | Can I do Leh – Ladakh / Spiti / Manali – Leh trip in Hatchback or Sedan? for more details.

Hello Dheeraj you are amazing ! I am much keen for bike trip on Manali Leh Highway in September as that is the time when road conditions will become good. But some of our female friends wants to live “Jab We Met” moment (or snow ki toh baat hi kuch or hai) so we are travelling in June.. My only concern is for road conditions in mid June specially “Rohtang Pass” I have heard that in june we have to deal with lots of slush on “Rohtang Pass” but as we are going before monsoon so we are hoping we will get some good roads as compare to july or August .. Your knowledge is highly appreciable. So what is your take on “Rohtang Pass” in mid of June ???

Shubham, for snow you have to make a trip around mid of June and also have to go through some bad sections of the roads. The roads will definitely be more challenging as snow melts during that time creating slush and water crossings at many places.

Thank you Friend, Under the guidance of “Devil on wheels” it seems like we are all ready for the trip & the conditions.. Yeah we are expecting water crossings & slush thats the main adventure of this trip but we hope not as much as you have shown in above pics during mid june “Nightmarish roads of Rohtang Pass” ???

Most likely, you will not face that much of slush during that time unless there is debris of fresh landslide.

Thank you so much Dheeraj 🙂

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Hi Sir, Your page is awsome. We have a plan in August Please tell whether it is feasible or not.

14thAugust :- DELHI – Leh 15th August:- Leh 16th August:- Leh – Turtuk 17th August:- Turtuk – Nubra Valley 18th August:- Nubra – Pangong Via Aghyam Shiyok( We are in a doubt about it) 19th August:- Pangong – Leh 20th August:- Leh – Alchi – Magnetic hill – Kargil 21th August:- Kargil – Padum 22nd August:- Padum 23rd August:- Padum Or Rnagdum or Sankoo 24th August:- Back to Kargil 25th August:- Kargil – Srinagar 26th August:- Srinagar – Kolkata

Your plan looks good to me. On 23rd, you can stay at Rangdum. There is a new guest house there called LA Himalaya with attached bathrooms.

We have contacted Rigzin Da. He is managing except Kargil and Leh. Will it be wise to use Agyam Shiyok road to reach Pangong During August???

Well, as long as you can find some company to travel with you at Agham village, local driver should be able to get you through with that route. You will get to know about the present status once you reach up there.

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Thank you so much dheeraj for your precious info 🙂 We are planning to visit Manali-Leh on the mid of June17 and will take halt in Keylong/Jispa & Sarchu but as it is the peak time of tourists attraction.. is it advisable to pre book our accommodations near Keylong/Jispa & Sarchu or we will easily get accomodations after reaching there ???

Arjun, I will not recommend you to have a night halt at Sarchu while going to Leh. You can stay while coming back. Keylong has plenty of options and if you are not particular, you can find. For Jispa, I will suggest to pre-book as limited options are there.

Thank you Dheeraj, There is no plan to have a halt at Sarchu as altitude is so high there but if we have to Just for the knowledge is it advisable to pre book our accomodations at Sarchu or we will get easily after reaching there??? & we will come back through via Srinagar 🙂

Good, yeah, in such a case it should be OK. Also keep Tso Kar in mind in case of emergency for a stay. It is not that far from the main highway.

There will be plenty of options at Sarchu, since, it is not final to stay there, better book it on the spot.

Hii Dheeraj thank you so much for your precious info 🙂 We are planning our trip to mid June17.. as it is the time when most tourists prefer to travel & we are planning to halt on Keylong/Jispa & Sarchu.. So do we have to pre book our accommodations as there are many tourists or we get accommodations easily after reaching there???

Replied on the other thread.

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Hi Dheeraj, I am planning to visit Leh Ladakh in second half of October 2017. Is it advisable ? Will we get a chance to visit all the attractions ? Please give me your valuable suggestions.

Also to add, I am planning a trip of 10 days. I would request you to suggest me a better schedule.

Will you be flying to Leh or making road trip?

I will be flying. I have two options. Either in October 2017 Or around 15th May 2017. So, which option is preferable ? Please suggest me a better trip of 10 days.

Both the months are not so good for road trip but since you are flying I will suggest May over October with two points

1. In May you will find snow and pleasant weather at least in Leh, Nubra and around not as cold. 2. October, will be windy, cold and dry.

You should refer: Leh – Ladakh | Most Common Itinerary by Air

Are you making a road trip?

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Hi Dheeraj, Thanks for the wonderful blog!!

Iam planning for a bike trip to leh via manali-leh route and come back through leh – srinagar highway to Delhi. I am planning to take this trip by either july or september. Also iam planning to complete the circuit in 9 – 10 days. Is it possible to complete it within planned time?? I wish to enjoy in light snowfalls. SO please advise me on the good time to take the rip.

Iam bit confused avout the permits. Do bikers from other state need to get permit in all places throughout manli leh highway??

In leh do we neef to drive j&k registered bikers?? Is own bikes or rented bikes not allowed in leh for expedition???

FInal question.. which is better to take the trip either through some travel agency package or going individual???

please clarify my doubts. Thanks in advance….

Give me your contact mail id……

Thank you Siraj.

It will take 3 days to reach Leh from Delhi via Manali side with stopovers at Jispa, Manali and 4 days to come back to Delhi from Leh via Srinagar side with stop overs at Jammu, Srinagar, Kargil . 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.

Thanks a lot Dheeraj for clarifying my queries.

Could you please advice me on the best season to start my trip. I wish to enjoy the trip with snowfall. How long snow will be there once the passes are opened up?

On going through blog, i got the clarification about the bike permits in ladakh region. Thanks a lot for the briefly analysed blogs. It’s a really helpful and much needed one for all the new comers.

Do [email protected] provide any packages for the leh-ladak trip?? I have found this one while reading the blog. you have also suggested some to get in touch with them for bike rentals and packages.

Siraj, in that case plan the trip in second week of June when you can see snow on Zojila and Manali – Leh Highway. Snowfall is pure luck based. Yes, those guys provide customized packages of Leh – Ladakh

If you travel form Manali to Rohtang Pass, permit is required for bikes too.

Thanks Dheeraj!!

As you advised, i have an iternary for my trip.

June – 17: Manali – Jispa (overnight stay) June – 18: Jispa – Sarchu (overnight stay) June – 19: sarchu – Leh (overnight stay) June – 20: Leh – ride to sham valley and sight seeing June – 21: leh – Nubra (overnight stay) June – 22: Nubra – Pangong tso (camping) June – 23: Pangong Tso – Tso moriri – Leh (overnight stay) June – 24: Leh – kargil June – 25: kargil – srinagar (fly to home)

does this iternary looks good? Need your thoughts on this.

By june 10, the manali-leh highway will be clearing up? So, i need your advice on starting the trip by this date. Becoz, you have specified like wait for 2 weeks once the roads are opened to stabilize.

Siraj, please skip Sarchu as you will not be acclimatized to sleep up there altitude. Better make Jispa to Leh in a day. No need to do Sham Valley but do rest as Sham Valley can be covered while going to Kargil. You cannot do Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri to Leh in a day. Skip Tso Moriri for now. It is probable that Manali – Leh Highway will open by second week of June.

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Thank you very much for giving lots of useful information which is really needed for all the travelers.

Me and my friends are planning to ley ladhak trip. please suggest me, which way to choose Srinagar – ley or manalli -ley. and I’m worried about AMS. kindly suggest the good time to visit. your suggestion will really help me to make my trip memorable.

Thanks In Advance Srinivas

Firstly, I will suggest you that please plan it in other direction as going via Srinagar – Leh Highway will be much much easier on your body and help you acclimatize to the high altitude of Manali – Leh Highway. Also, it allows you to enjoy the beauty of Manali – Leh by splitting the journey almost evenly in two days which is very difficult in the other direction. Thirdly, it will allow you to fit Tso Moriri lake into the itinerary in better way. You can read more reasons on the link here

You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh .

You can check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate (cheap budget hotels as well) in the series of articles starting on the link here

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Dear Dheeraj, Which would be a better date for arriving in leh this year 17 july or 24 july. We are 4 friends entering leh via srinagar and exiting via manali as per your suggestions. We would be taking zoomcar from chandigarh. We have to complete the chandigarh-leh-chandigarh circuit in 9 days . Kindly suggest keeping in mind the road and monsoon condition.

Faraz, I will prefer 17th July to travel to Ladakh. It will take 3 days to reach Leh from Delhi via Manali side with stopovers at Jispa, Manali and 4 days to come back to Delhi from Leh via Srinagar side with stop overs at Jammu, Srinagar, Kargil . 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.

Also, I hope you are aware about: Rented Self Drive Cars in Leh – Ladakh Banned “FORCIBLY”

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This is Akshay from Mumbai; Me and three of my friends have planned the trip to Leh-Ladakh from 26th May to 4th June.

Actually at the start we were five however one of our friend dropped out due to some reasons;so we are looking for a someone to join us.

If you see blogs and travel tips for Leh-Ladakh trip u will find out that 5 is the best count to have if you are planning for Leh-Ladakh and of course to cut down cost of private vehicle because private vehicle is one of the important factor to have cost effective leh ladakh trip.

So those who want join please contact at my email : [email protected] and contact no :9664823811.

Will explain you all our itinerary on call or mail but for your information we are coming to Srinagar by flight which has halt at Delhi so anyone can join us from Mumbai, Delhi or Srinagar.

P.S : Those who planning leh ladakh for long tym and those who got ditched by their friends this is the tym guyz..we will together make one hell of trip!!!!!!

Regards, Akshay Mayekar

It is best to post a travel calendar entry as well from the main menu

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Hi Dheeraj, firstly thanks a lot for writing this blog. Its very informative. I have always wanted to take a bike trip to Leh. I have not been riding much for past few years & I am someone who is very much susceptible to cold. Going by you blog, road conditions are poor in June-July season and in mid-September temperature will be a challenge. This has got me confused. Can you suggest which time i should go ? Also I want to opt for a packaged tour. Can you suggest any particular group or website ?

Vivek, well, you should be able to do the trip in September. You can do it in second week of September and you should be good with road conditions and temparatures. If you are looking for a package tour, get in touch with [email protected]

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Last year i had trip from 10 June16 to 21June2016 through Delhi-Srinagar-Leh-Pangong-Sarchu-Manali-Delhi. In 2017 i want to start the trip in April last week or early may. What you suggest Please Guide.

Ashish, you will be able to only make the trip to Ladakh in April by air only. Are you going by Air? Or in case in May if Srinagar – Leh road opens, you will be able to take that road. How many days you are thinking?

Thanks for your reply Dheeraj. I am planning around 10-11 Days by Own car. Please suggest the earliest suitable time and Itinerary.

Earliest will be June month to go from Manali – Leh Highway.

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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hey dheeraj,

kiddo to the blogg. honestly i have been researching about my trip for the last one month nothing helped expect your blogg..we are number of 4 on bikes, planning to travel on 1st week of july 17.around 10 days trip .can please help us with details.i have covered almost all the parts of south india on bike,what are the best places to visit during this time and which route preferably. we are planning to rent a bike from LAH or delhi.one of this place preferably what-so over is better.thank you so much in advance .regards shemeem (Kerala)

Regarding bike rentals in Leh, check: Leh – Ladakh Bike Rental Rates 2017-18

thank you so much dheeraj .do you advice taking flight instead to leh and rent a bike would save some time ?? please advice as me and my friend are looking for a good bike trip :’) is it possible during the 1st week of july

Best option of travel is to reach Srinagar by air and then travel to Ladakh by road. Once in Leh, hire local bike on rent in leh and then do Ladakh sightseeing. Then either take Manali Leh highway with HPTDC bus or shared taxi or fly out of Leh.

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Dear Dheeraj,

I am having Safari Storme SUV -Ex (2 wheel drive) and planned to visit Ladakh by road via Manali-Leh route in 3rd week of June-17. I would like to know, other travelers are using 2 wheel drive or 4×4 is compulsory?

Devendra, 4×2 will just do fine. No worries on that front. 10000s of 4×2 cars including hatches and sedans do Ladakh trip every year.

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Dheeraj, I am very confused now. I am planning this trip in late August’17. Most probably between 25th August and 10 September. Is it sane to go as I do not have much biking experience. I have done few trips on my bike and I cannot postpone it to 2018 as my friend has already decided to go this year no matter what. Only 2 of us will go on separate bikes. What would you suggest considering we will be on bikes not cars.I am not considering June or July as there will be a lot of rush that time. And its all about peace 😛

August is not far behind in terms of rush Vaibhav. I will recommend that you plan the trip in September second half to beat the rush and help you being a novice biker. The roads and conditions are less troublesome.

lol same here

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We are four cousins (men) planning to take Manali Leh in mid June’ to July 2017as mentioned in this article (Mid of June to July just before the onset of monsoon season)- Could you share the road time table and also the good time to travel

Pavan, are you making the Spiti Valley trip or Ladakh trip or combination of both?

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This is a very nice blog and it was very memorable trip It was such a fantastic post I really really like It Thanks for sharing Nice Information

Thank you Dorjay

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Thank you so much for your blog. You made my jaw dropped because of many amazing information you have provided.

I plan to solo travel to Ladakh this September with budget trip. My itinerary is as below:

Day 1 (Wed): Arrive Leh from New Delhi, rest in Leh Day 2 (Thu): Rest in Leh Day 3 (Fri): Day 4 (Sat): Tso Moriri, overnight in Changpa Day 5 (Sun): Tso Moriri, overnight near the lake. Day 6 (Mon): Back to Leh by bus, overnight in Leh Day 7 (Tue): Head to Nubra Valley, rest in Diskit/ Hunder Day 8 (Wed): Diskit/ Hunder/ Nubra Valley, overnight in Spangmik Day 9 (Fri): Back to Leh by bus Day 10: Head to Pangong Lake, overnight near the lake Day 11: Head to Leh, rest in Leh Day 12: Head to Padum, Zanskar Valley, overnight in Padum Day 13: Head to Leh Day 14 + Day 15: From Leh to Delhi.

Do you have any recommendation? Is it ok if I should take a cab to go to Tso Moriri, Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake and back by bus? Is it safe for female traveler to bike in Ladakh?

Look forward to hearing from you soon.

You have good amount of days in hand and hence I will suggest you to follow the route as per acclimatization rules. First visit Nubra Valley, then visit Pangong Tso and then visit Tso Moriri. Padum, Zanskar requires 4-5 days at ease from Kargil, so I do not see you having time for it.

Thanks so much Dheeraj! I really love to go to Padum and Zanskar. It’s not easy for me if I skip those places 🙁

But you do not have 4-5 days in hand from Kargil. Can you spare time for it or skip other places?

Do you have any recommendation to change my itinerary so that I can have 4-5 days for Padum and Zanskar? I can skip other places. Thanks Dheeraj.

I am going to suggest following plan:

Day 1 (Wed): Arrive Leh from New Delhi, rest in Leh Day 2 (Thu): Move to Kargil Day 3 (Fri): Kargil to Padum (Zanskar) Day 4 (Sat): Rest day at Padum (Visit Karsha, roam around in Padum) Day 5 (Sun): Rest day at Padum (Visit Zangla, Stongde monasteries) Day 6 (Mon): Move to Kargil Day 7 (Tue): Move to Leh Day 8 (Wed): Move to Nubra Valley Day 9 (Fri): Nubra Valley to Leh Day 10: Head to Pangong Lake, overnight near the lake Day 11: Head to Leh, rest in Leh Day 12: Head to Tso Moriri Day 13: Tso Moriri to Leh Day 14 + Day 15: From Leh to Delhi.

Sending you thousand of kisses! Thank you Dheeraj.

Thank you 🙂

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This is an amazing website.

I am planning to start my bike expedition from 21st of September. My route is Jammu – Srinagar-Kargil-Zanskar-Leh-Nubra-pangong-Tso moriri-Keylong-Dalhousie-Dharamshala

It will need atleast 25 days to cover all these places and i am least concerned about time as i had quit my job. Now i have questions like,

1) If i start from Jammu on 21st and reach Kargil on 23rd, Is it advisable to reach Zanskar(Padum) on 24-25th? Are roads accessible at that time? 2) If i start from jammu and follow the Sarchu – Manali highway in 2nd week of October, Is it advisable? 3) Contrary, if i start from Manali Leh highway, can i cover zanskar in the second week of October? I had to cover zanskar anyhow, thats why my plans are becoming very confusing.

Please reply as its becoming very confusing for me.

I also manage my personal blog, http://www.theCrazyRider.com

Great to connect Sachendra.

1. Yes, you can reach there to Padum but it will be a bit cold. 2. It will be risky and I do not recommend in general. Read: 5 Reasons to Avoid Manali – Leh Highway in October

Well, same problem will be with Zanskar Valley, I will not recommend that too that late in the season.

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We have an offer for Pajero white board from a rental company. Do we face any issues in Leh from taxi union check posts?

Best Regards Gopinath

If they check papers, they need to be in your name or someone you can prove relation with.

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Hello Dheeraj,

your website is a bible. I have almost figured out everything reading it. I am planning to visit Leh in the first week of october. Flight from Delhi to Ladakh. Could you recommend some hotels good for this season? ANy special care I should think of since I am travelling with 10 year old. Thanks.

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 .

For the leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2015 – 16 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here . You can get about 10-12% of discount by directly getting in touch with drivers and of course, talking in person rather on phone always help in bargaining more.

For the list of good restaurants in Leh – Ladakh or eateries or food joints where food is enjoyed by many travellers including me, you can check the link here: List of Good Restaurants in Leh – Ladakh | Restaurant Reviews

Check the list of things to carry for Leh – Ladakh or other trip including basic medical kit, clothing, must haves etc. at the link here: List of Things to Carry for Leh – Ladakh trip .

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We are a couple from Kolkata planned to travel Kashmir and leh with all sightseeing via kargil road by hiring motorcycle.From 11th October to 21 October… Will it be troublesome?? But we don’t want to cancel it….please suggest me in details…

I will not suggest going beyond Penzi La that late in the season. It will be a bit risky and of course dry and cold.

Thanks for your suggestion .But we are not going to pensi la.we want to travel lamayur,nubra,pangong. in motorcycle.Please suggest in details how safe are these.Is it safe for a single couple to travel Kashmir and leh by bike in that time??

You said Zanskar Valley, so thought you want to go to there. That should be OK but avoid coming back from MAnali side. Srinagar – Leh route is still OK in October. It will be cold, there will be less tourists around and most hotels/restaurants will be closed for the season.

Thanks. But I want to know how safe is pangong and nubra road for bike tour for a single couple in 3rd week of October…?? Please suggest..what may be the difficulties for single couple??

Safety wise, Ladakh is one of the safest places in terms of crime and they treat tourists like guests. But, it will be damn cold and yes of course deserted roads will be there as less tourists will be present. The response time in case of need or any help will be more and more as less people travel on these routes..

Please suggest me where can we get bike for hire in Srinagar and leg in October… Do we need to book it early or available that we can go and burgain there.

Supriyo, most things are shut in Srinagar now a days. You cannot use a srinagar bike in ladakh for sightseeing, so be aware about that. One side drop of bike will cost around 10K more.

Thank you.I have installed and registered in DOW apps but but I can’t post anything.. Anyway, we are a single couple planned a bike tour from 11october to 21 october.We have planned to hire bike in Srinagar for 4 days and travel to leh via kargil by public transport and again hire bike in leh for 5 days.Please suggest for.. 1.Where can we hire bike in Srinagar?? Cost??terms?? Anything else that I don’t know?? 2.Where can we hire bike in Leg??Cost??terms?? Anything else?? 3.Is panggong,nubra,lamayuru routes will be OK in those seasons for bike riding?? 4.what are the necessary things we should carry?? 5.how to know if anybody want to join us?? 6.Budget stays in pangong,nubra etc. Please suggest anything more to keep in mind that I don’t know…

Your first 5 posts are not visible unless approved. Your posts are already there and answered: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/india/plan-ladakh-zanskar-trip/topic4507.html#p34716

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Hi Dheeraj, Congratulation for your blog.. it is really interesting and useful. My girlfriend and I would like to go to ladakh the newxt november.. but it seems so cold overthere… so What do you think? are there any other interesting mountains sites in the India Himalaya region that are more accessible in that period? Or… if I decided to go to Ladakh in that period… where do you think could go around? and how many degrees below zero could I experience? Thanks so much Simone

Hello Simone,

In Ladakh, you can very well make a trip to almost all the places within Ladakh but you will have to fly by air to Leh and fly out of Leh. Of course, you will have to bear with cold conditions and limited stay + food options. You can refer the plan at: Leh – Ladakh in Winters – Most Common Itinerary

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Planning to go in mid august with friends and bike trip in and from leh itself..? Is it recommendable to go during that time of rains..?

Abhi please read: 10 Tips for a Trip to Ladakh in Monsoons

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Your article is quite informative. Thanks. It would be nice if you can help me plan up my trip to Lay-Ladakh . Myself and my wife ( mid 40) and twin daughters aged 16 planning to travel to Lay from Bangalore on 9th of October, because, that’s when children get holidays and would like to stay at lay-Ladhak till 16th of October. ( basically 5 day, stay in Lay) Can you please suggest the places that we can cover and suggest an itinerary for me. We plan to take up a flight from Bangalore to Delhi. and after that, I have absolutely no idea about the mode of transport or route i should take. Is it better to go on our own or take up a camp. if taking up a camp, which one is better? Hope, that’s not very expensive. Please suggest. Looking forward to your reply.

Warm Regards,

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I will be in leh on 12th July till 20th July 2016.

I have some questions in mind so could you please suggest me the best answer

In which place shall I stay in Leh?

Also, where shall I get good accommodation like tent or home stay?

In which place shall visit during the period i.e. between 12th July to 20th July 2016?

Also, it would be better if you suggest me the place where shall I get Bike on rent?

On 22nd July, I have trained from Jammu so is there any public transport or anything else through which I can go from Leh to Jammu via Kargil?

Apart from that you can suggest me better plan.

Awaiting for your prompt reply.

Hello Ashish,

I can answer you better if you tell me how are you reaching Leh on 12th July, I see you will travel by road to Jammu from Leh on 20th

Thank You Dheeraj for the replying . I will be reaching Leh by plane

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Hi Dheeraj, I am planning to do circuit from Chandigarh – Srinagar – Leh – Manali – Chandigarh. Dates are 2 nd august to 13 august.

1. What is your opinion above dates of travel? 2. Will it be good for bike riding? 3. As heard of uttarakhand cloud burst.. So any chances of consequences? (I can understand it cannot be assured right now… but still if you have any predictions.)

Hi Swapnil,

You should read: 10 Tips for a Trip to Ladakh in Monsoons which will answer many of your doubts.

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I am planing to travel Leh-Ladakh…we are 6 people…we will be traveling to and fro Leh airport from mumbai… But we are very much confused about the dates.. Please suggest Aug 26th to 4th Sep Sep 2nd to 11th Any 1..thou there isn’t much difference in the date…we are preferring Sep…but jz rains may spoil the trip so need your guidance

September will be a better time to do so.

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I am from Bangalore and planning to do a solo trip on a budget in the month of August 2016. I have planned out a small itinerary, would love to have your opinion regarding the same. Day 1 : Bangalore to Delhi by flight Day 2 : Delhi to Manali by Volvo bus Day 3 & 4 : Manali to Leh by bus with overnight stay at Sarchu Day 5 : Local sightseeing/Rest Day 6 : Hire a bike in Leh for the rest of the trip. Sham Valley Day 7 : Leh to Nubra valley. Overnight stay at Hunder. Day 8 : Nubra valley to Leh Day 9 : Leh to Pangong Tso. Overnight stay at Spangmik. Day 10 : Pangong Tso to Leh. Day 11 : Leh to Delhi by flight. Delhi to Bangalore by flight.

Let me know what you think of this.

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Hi Dheeraj, I am planning to travel to Leh-Ladakh in first week of October 2016 with hubby and 8 year old daughter. Please help me with below questions,

1. Is this time of the year OK for travel ? (considering kid in mind)Will it be too cold ? 2. Planning for self drive from Manali to Leh and then back from Leh by flight. 3. Is it good for traveling around Leh ? Weather conditions ? 4. Is it OK to travel by road with the kid ?

Thanks Ashwini

Hi Ashwini,

1. No, time is not OK most of the camps are winded up and it gets cold in high places in Ladakh 2. Manali – Leh is not recommended at all in October and especially with kids, will not suggest taking risks, even though now a days it is slightest. 3. Cold mostly.

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We are following for advice to driver via Srinagar to Leh. But question are we allowed to driver a hire tempo traveller from punjab via Srinagar to Leh. And for local ladakh sight seeing via taxi.

No, ladakh sightseeing you need local ladakh tempo travller

Yes Dheeraj. I’m aware about the local sightseeing must be done via their local transport. But reaching Leh on our own hire vehicle(Tempo traveller) from punjab – are we allowed that via srinagar.

Or we need to take the tempo from srinagar itself.

We are planning our journey as below from 14th Jul to 25th Jul.

Day 1 – Delhi to Srinagar (flight) Day 2 – Srinagar to Pahalgam to Srinagar Day 3 – Srinagar to Gulmarg to Srinagar Day 4 – Srinagar to Kargil (Via Sonamarg and Dras) Day 5 – Srinagar to Leh Day 6 – Leh (Tour of Local Monasteries) Day 7 – Leh to Nubra Lake Day 8 – Nubra Lake to Leh Day 9 – Leh to Panggong Lake and Back to Leh Day 10 – Leh to Kelyong Day 11 – Kelyong to Manali Day 12 – Manali to Chandigarh

1. Need your advice on the plan – is it ok ? 2. Taking tempo traveler from punjab (For day 2 to 5 and 10,11, 12) 3. For local sighting seeing will take the local transport in leh (For day 6,7,8,9)

Regards, Karen Sandhu

1. Your plan looks OK to me. 2. Sounds good, local sightseeing you need local tempo traveller

Yes, Karen. you are fine to reach Leh in outside taxi or rented vehicle.

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Hi, please give me update infomation for bus service timing from Leh to srinagar nowdays (Days and timing) and also tell me bus service or taxi in Low budget for visit Pangong Lake,Tso morriri , Nubra valley, khardungla top etc.

Please refer: Rates & Time table of Bus Services in Leh – Ladakh

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I am planning a trip to Ladhak from 6th Aug to 17th Aug. A brief itinerary is as follows

Day 1st Pune – Srinagar airport – Local Trip Day 2nd Srinagar – Gulmarg– Srinagar Day 3rd Srinagar – Sonamarg – Kargil – Lamayuru ( We would prefer staying at Lamayuru instead of Kargil. Is this feasible? Day 4th – Lamayuru – Leh Day 5th Tour of Local Monasteries Day 6th Leh – Pangong Lake Day 7th Pangong – Leh – Khardungla – Nubra Valley Day 8th Back to leh Day 9th leh – Sarchu Here can we cover morey plains? Day 10th Sarchu – manali Day 11th Manali local sightseeing Day 12th Manali – Chandigarh Airport Drop

1. Any comments/suggestions on the itinerary? 2. Can we hire open jeep/mahindra thar in leh? If yes, can you share some relevant contacts?Chauffeur driven would also do. 3. You have already mentioned details about the weather conditions in the first week of August, but as we wont be riding on bikes, how much difficulties we might face? 4. How much it would cost approximately for the above itinerary considering we are 4 adults travelling.

1. Changes suggested below 2. No self drive option available in Leh, you can hire taxi there 3. Well, below Ladakh range, there will be rains which will have swollen water crossings, slush on roads, landlsides will be common too 4.

Day 1st Pune – Srinagar airport – Local Trip Day 2nd Srinagar – Gulmarg– Srinagar Day 3rd Srinagar – Sonamarg – Kargil Day 4th – Kargil – Leh Day 5th Tour of Local Monasteries Day 6th Leh – Nubra Valley Day 7th Back to Leh Day 8th Day trip to Pangong Tso or go to Sarchu/Pang from Panogng Tso next day Day 9th Sarchu/Pang Day 10th Sarchu/Pang – manali Day 11th Manali local sightseeing Day 12th Manali – Chandigarh Airport Drop

Thanks for the reply Dheeraj. Need clarification on below two points:

1. Regarding water crossings and slush on roads, how much does it affect while travelling in a four wheeler(we are not riding on bikes)?

2. Regarding open jeep/mahindra thar – We dont need a self drive vehicle. A car with driver will do. But the main requirement is we need an Open Jeep. So would be great if you can share some relevant contacts.

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Hi, I am planning to visit leh on 2 Oct 2016 with my wife for around 10 to 11 days. I will fly from pune to leh. Then will book hotel there and take bike of rent i will visit different place there. So i have some question below: 1. How easily we can get hotel there with affordable rate during given time frame? 2.I will be traveling different place on bike with my wife , my wife don’t ride bike so is it possible to visit place like Chang La Pass,Taglang La Pass,Khardung La Pass,Tso Kar Lake,Pangong Tso Lake etc. in 7-8 days time frame. 3. Is it safe to travel in leh alone with wife ?

Thanks in advance. Rahul

Rahul in October it is off seaosn in Ladakh and cold too. Most of the camps besides the Pangong Tso lake gets packed up and most hotels/restaurant in Leh gets closed.

Hello, sir I want to know about Local bus service around leh Ladakh Local sightseenig is available on nowdays july 2016.plz Reply

No there is no local bus service in Leh for sightseeing purposes. Local tour operators might be running some taxis for the same.

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I am planning to travel Srinagar-Leh-Manali with my mom. The trip would be for around 10-12 days and wil include Sonmarg, Dras, Kargil, Lamayuru, Leh, Nubra, Pangong, Sarchu, Rohtang and finally Manali. Which would be the best time to travel July end (around 27 July.) or mid September (around 20 Sep.)? How are the road conditions during the given period? Any suggestions or must visit places are welcomed!

Mid septembers is a good time to travel Ladakh, always. You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh .

Thanks for the deails.I have planned somewhat similar itinerary. The only difference is we will finishing the tour at Chandigarh. How is the weather during the September end (20-30 September)? Are there any chances of rain or snow fall? Does temperature dip ver much at night or high passes? Can you please mention some advantages of visiting Leh in September over July or any points which are best to visit in September? How much time does it take to reach Chandigarh from Manali as the last flight from Chandigarh is at 7 pm. ? Thank You!

Very little rain or snowfall may happen during that period. Regarding points, please read the article above. Chandigarh – Manali is around 9 Hrs

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We have planned to ride Leh in September starting from 16 -Sep to 1st-Oct. We are 6 riders on our own starting from Jammu- srinagar-leh-manali-Chandigarh My main concern is the weather, road conditions & stay in last 2 weeks of September. My question are : 1: Is riding during this time safe( like landslide & rains) ? 2: is this the good time for the road trip ? 3: What about the camp stay in pangong? will that be open ? 4: Can we setup our own tent ? (with proper Sleeping bag n all) 5: Will there be snow ? 6: What about the land slide & rain in last two week of September ? Will we face that ?

Thanks in Advance

Regards. Bharat V

Hello Bharat,

1. YEs, time is good to travel, in fact best time to travel to Ladakh 3. Yes, there will be options available 4. Yes you can setup your own camps where other camps are pitched. DO NOT pitch at banks of the lake as it is not authorized and leagal to camp besides the lake. 5. In case it snows the day you visit. 6. Usually things are stable in September

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I’m Bhoomik From Chennai

What are the places would u suggest to visit if i would like to cover Nook and corner of leh ladakh and near by and how many days will it take. Please suggest Me everything.

All depends upon how many days you have in hand and your mode of transport

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Can Padum and Zanskar valley be travelled in third week of October??

I will not suggest it because the winter sets in by end of September and Penzi La can close for few days in case of heavy snowfall.

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I am planning to travel ladakh in mid of june, and I want to visit Zanskar, I’ll follow your suggested common itinerary for this trip. So is it possible to cover Zansakar in this itinerary and if yes, can u please share me the travel guide to cover the same or any other possibilities.

Thanking you.

Zanskar Valley needs at least 4 days on confortable level ex. Kargil. Do you have 4 more days in hand?

Hello sir, I have planned for visit to Ladakh during 18june to 24 june .Is it the best time to visit .plz Reply

It is good time to visit Ladakh Raj

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You are doing an excellent job. I would like to thank you sincerely for it. I have a query that I want to travel with my husband to Leh from 2 sep to 8sep 2016. But I am bit afraid as I have read that weather in leh keeps changing drastically and at that time it would be monsoon so lot of thunderstorm. I was going to follow your iteneary for this short trip of 6 nights stay. Could you please guide me and clear my mind, Is September a good month to travel? I am planning to viist Nubra & Panong Tso and stay 1 night at each place. If we get stuck at somepoint, Is help available? I know probably I am worrying too much but I woul dbe very thankful to you if you can throw some lights on my query. Thanking you

If you are flying in and flying out of Leh, there is no issues at all during that time. Ladakh is a rain shadow region and September is a good time to travel

Thank you Dheeraj for your prompt reply. Any extra precaution to be taken care of during the visit?

Hmm, well, do read 9 Mistakes People Commit on a Ladakh Trip AND Acute Mountain Sickness and Importance of Acclimatization

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HI Dheeraj, Me and my wife wish to travel in the second week of August. Do you recommend that time for travel? its her birthday so don’t want to mess it up 🙂

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, though rains does reach Ladakh now but to minimum and mostly it might remains overcast conditions. There is no thumb rule of certainty about weather conditions but above is generally common pictures seen over last few years except ugly 2010 …

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

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Hi Dheeraj. We are 4 persons all adults of a family two gents and two ladies plan to visit zhanskar valley from Jalandhar. Pl suggest best itenry We have a total of 7-8 days from 11 June We will be going in Pajero sports 4by4

Harish, I always suggest: Zanskar Valley – Most Common Itinerary

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I am planning to visit ladakh in September so can we find snow at that time of period

Snow will not be present in the month of September in Ladakh unless it snowfall on that very day when you are there

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hi Dheeraj.

Your posts are so so awesome.

I need your advice on our road trip plan. We are a group of 8 friends, 25-35 yrs old males & females, planning for Delhi-Leh-Delhi by our own two cars. I am keen to have your advice on the following:- 1. Are Maruti Swift diesels recommended for this trip? 2. Except me, all other 7 friends are first timers for Ladakh trip but all of them have done lot of self driven road trips in north india, so is it advisable for us to go to ladakh during Jun-July or Aug-Sep?

your valuable insights will be highly helpful for all of us. Thanks.

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hello Dheeraj,

I will be travelling to Leh Ladakh during 1st october to 12th october on my Santro. Is it doable on a Santro? i will self drive and travel with my wife and son. Please advice.I will be going via Srinagar.

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Thanks for setting up all the information in one place. I have planned trip to LEH during September. Travel plan is for ~22 days, in that I would like to cover kargil/leh/manali/delhi[in and around places ]/Agra and then I would ride back to Bangalore. Here’s what I have planned, please help me to head in right direction and plan better.

TRIP START DATE: SEP 02 2016 [ Friday night ] END DATE: SEP 25 2016 [ Saturday ]

Sep 2nd [ night ]:- I will be getting my bike [ Apache 180 ] from Bangalore via train and reach Delhi on Sunday 04 Sep 04 : Will head to Pathankot . [ THAT’s ALL ] After going through all the places suggested by you for other travelers, I had made a rough plan on where to visit. But then I would like to hear it out from the right person rather than going with one of mine.

Looking forward for advice to plan things even better.

This is from Delhi to Delhi, now depending upon days left in 22 days with you, you can try to spend more time at places example go to Turtuk in Nubra Valley, take three day journey over Manali – leh Highway

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U r just amazing!!!

I have planned a family trip to Leh – Ladakh during 10 Oct to 16 Oct 2016. It will be a 12 member group with age ranging from 7 years to 65 years. Will be reaching Leh by flight from Delhi and return on 16 morning by flight. The flight tickets are already booked. I have the the following questions: 1. Will it be appropriate to travel with such age group? (Keeping in view the temperature and terrain) 2. Suggest me the places to visit as I have not yet planned the itinerary. 3. Suggest me suitable hotels/ camps/ homestay for your suggested itinerary. 4. What is the minimum temperature expected during our visit?

Needless to say, it will be quite cold up there in Ladakh especially at places like Pangong Tso. You do not have much time on hand so can follow the first 6-7 days of itinerary in: Leh – Ladakh | Most Common Itinerary by Air

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Hi dheeraj I read all your post for leh ladak i was very impress I would like to take three days journey on Srinagar – leh highway I would like to use alternate route which goes Kargil ,Batalik ,Dah,Skurbuchan My back journey is leh to manali iwould like to go to spiti valley too Can you set my iternary and which is the best season to visit and how many days should I keep no time limite I

Hello Sonali,

You can follow th below plan:

Day 1 | Delhi – Jammu / Patnitop — Overnight at Jammu or Patnitop

Day 2 | Jammu / Patnitop – 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 3 | Srinagar – 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 4 | 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 5 | Leh Local Sightseeing + Inner Line Permits — To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh — For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link  here — Overnight at Leh

Day 6 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder — Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder — On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La

Day 7 | Hunder – Sumur/Kyagar – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh — Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs — Overnight at Leh

Day 8 | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping OR Monastery tour — 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. — Overnight at Leh

Day 9 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake — Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on the go towards Pangong Tso — Overnight at Pangong Tso (Spangmik)

Day 10 | Pangong Tso Lake – Shey – Thicksey – Leh — Overnight at Leh

Day 11 | 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 12 | Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang — Cover Karzok Monastery — Overnight at Karzok or Tso Moriri

Day 13 | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring (Manali – Leh Highway starts) – Moore Plains – Pang / Sarchu — Try to start early in the day so that you reach Sarchu where the accommodation options are better than Pang — Overnight at Sarchu or Pang

Day 14 | Pang / Sarchu – Baralacha La – Jispa — On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only — Overnight at Jispa

Day 15 | Jispa – Chandratal Day 16 | Chandratal – Kaza on the way (Ki, Kibber, Gette) Day 17 | Kaza/Langza Homestay (Hikkim, Koumik, Langza) Day 18 | Kaza – Pin Valley – Dhankar – Tabo Day 19 | Tabo – Kalpa Day 20 | Kalpa – Narkanda Day 21 | Narkanda – Chail / Shimla – Delhi

Add a day from Kargil to travel to Dah – Hanu villages and next day traveling to Leh from Dah – Hanu or Alchi wherever you take the night halt.

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Hi dheeraj,

Your blog is amazing and definately a bible for ppl who want to travel to ladakh..i’m planning for 11 day trip to leh ladakh starting from either 3rd sept to 13sept or 9th sept to 19th sept. Can you please suggest me a gud detailed itinerary and also which dates would be best. Im from chennai and would prefer taking flight from chennai to leh and back..also can u suggest me whr all can i rent bikes.i would wanna drive a bike around for the experience and thrill of it..would like to do some camping as well.. Thanks in advance Regards, Neelam

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The best time to visit Leh Ladakh is from May end to the middle of July as the roads to Ladakh are open both from Srinagar Leh highway and Leh-Manali highway during this time. Also, there is a good amount of snow, especially on the Leh Manali highway. Another good time to visit Leh Ladakh is from the middle of September to October, when Ladakh is at its most beautiful. It is also possible to get good discounts during this time due to the lesser number of tourists. It is advisable to avoid visiting Leh Ladakh during the monsoon from July end to August as the region is prone to landslides. Also, the Srinagar Leh highway and Leh Manali highway are full of sludge, making travel very risky. 

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Tale of 2 Backpackers

The Best Leh-Ladakh Itinerary for 10 days

Featured , Ladakh

Julley Ladakh

Last Updated on: Jul 16, 2023  

Ladakh is a fascinating place. Anyone who has once visited Ladakh can never forget its landscape, its people and the eternal beauty it hides between those colourful layers of mountains. Planning a trip to Leh has never been an easy task. With help from various sites, we were all set for the trip that we were waiting for so long! Here is a detailed report on our travel to Ladakh

The Best Leh Ladakh Itinerary for 10 days

Day 1 (baltal – kargil).

We completed our Amarnath Yatra successfully before we ventured for the anticipated trip to Leh. From Baltal, we hired a car to Kargil. We left the greenery of Baltal and entered the barren dusty mountain roads. The Zozila Pass said to be one of the most treacherous passes of India was just a glimpse of how the trans-Himalayan passes would be.We reached Kargil at the evening and rested for the night.

Ladakh

Ride through the Zoji La

Day 2 (Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh)

The next morning we started for Leh. The journey to Leh was equally exciting. We got the first taste of the magnificent monasteries of Ladakh at Mulbek where the gigantic Maitreya Buddha stood towering over us.

Ladakh

The Maitreya Buddha at Mulbek monastery

We travelled and crossed the Fotu La and the Namik La passes. Just as we crossed the Namik La, we saw something that looked straight out of a Hollywood movie. The breathtaking Lamayuru Monastery stood there with all its glory. With meandering roads leading to the monastery, it was the ethereal beauty of the place that stood out. We were not able to stay the night at Lamayuru, but I can well imagine how enchanting the place would look at a full moon night!

Ladakh

The Lamayuru Monastery

After our visit to the Lamayuru, we headed towards Leh town. Leh in itself is a small and colourful town. The markets are bustling with activities during the day. There are numerous shops that sell Buddhist artifacts, statues of Buddha and other goodies. The Tibetan markets are also there selling garments, shoes, bags and any adventure gear you can think of. Well, many are branded, but I cannot assure you about the authenticity of the brands! And finally, there are shops selling junk dresses (Yes I call those funky, colourful dresses as them junk dresses) and pieces of jewellery as well as pashminas. Leh with all its colours and flavours is a town full of life. With people from various countries (Yes, we see more of foreign tourists and travellers here) the place is buzzing with activity.

Ladakh

Beautiful artefacts – care to buy some?

Day 3 (Leh – Chang La Pass – Pangong Lake)

After a well-deserved rest, the next day we started for Pangong Lake. We had planned to stay the night near the Lake so that we can experience a night beside the lake. The road to the Pangong goes through the Changla Pass, another high trans-Himalayan pass. I was really excited to see the cute marmots on the way. These animals seemed so friendly! As I was looking for more marmots, we saw a glimpse of blue. Yes, that was the Pangong Lake, the huge lake which has only 40% of it in India. The Pangong Lake played hide and seek with us for some time before it revealed us to us in full glory. I had never seen such a shade of clear blue before! The azure lake and the golden mountain ranges at its back looked like a perfect picture postcard. I think the whole of this region is like a postcard at which you can stare for hours and marvel. We camped near the lake, enjoyed the changing colours of the lake at different times of the day and also had a campfire near the lake.  My nomadic heart truly was for a treat that day.

Ladakh

Pangong Lake

Day 4 (Pangong Lake – Hemis Monastery – Thiksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh Palace – Leh)

We were back from Pangong and while returning we visited the Hemis Monastery, Thicksey Monastery, Shey Palace and the Leh Palace along with the Sindhu Ghat. There are no words to describe the grandeur of the monasteries of the Leh. But what surprised me was the serenity of the Sindhu Ghat. A peaceful place where you can just sit with your legs in the waters of Sindhu and contemplate on the journeys you have taken, the sights you have seen.

Ladakh

At Sindhu Ghat

Day 5 (Leh – Khardung La – Nubra Valley)

This day was reserved for Nubra Valley. To reach Nubra, we had to cross the world’s highest motorable pass the Khardung la. Not only the roads, but the weather also become treacherous at Khardung La. The sunny weather of Leh became gloomy once we were near the pass and suddenly snowflakes were all over me. It was snowing at Khardung La. Just imagine the feeling of standing at a height of about 18000 ft and experiencing snowfall! It is simply amazing.

Ladakh

Snowfall at Khardung La

We were in the midst of mountains and rugged terrains so long, but this day we saw stretches of sands and a black road among those sandy stretches. Nubra is one of the coldest deserts of the world and double-humped Bactrian camels are found only here apart from the Gobi desert. And then the colossal statue of Maitreya Buddha came to our sight. That was the Diskit Monastery- a place where the ancient and the modern stands to look at each other. At the mountain over the Shyok river stands the oldest monastery of Ladakh region, the Diskit Monastery and exactly in front of it, stands the 32 m Maitreya or the future Buddha, looking down at the Shyok river.

Ladakh

Gian 230 feet Maitrya Buddha statue at Nubra Valley

A ride on the camels simply completed our day. We stayed at Hunder for the night at a homestay. We were simply bowled over by the hospitality of the people there. The next morning we were all set to be back at Leh.

Day 6 (Nubra Valley – Leh)

The return from Nubra to Leh was equally long and arduous. After returning from Nubra Valley , it ews only roaming aroundthe streets of Leh for us.

Ladakh

Riding camels at Nubra Valley

Day 7 (Leh – Magnetic Hill – Alchi – Likir – Spituk – Leh)

A day of relatively lesser travel when we visited the monasteries near Leh – the Alchi, Likir, Spituk monastery. Each monastery had their own distinct charm and visiting them increased our thirst for knowing about them more. We travelled past the Magnetic Hill this day. and all that we heard about the Magnetic Hill was true! The car really moves ahead even though it is not being driven. The evening was spent viewing the sunset from Shanti Stupa and roaming around Leh markets.

Ladakh

Shanti Stupa, Leh

Ladakh

Likir Monastery

Day 8 & 9 (Leh – Sarchu – Keylong – Manali)

The day to leave Leh had come. But we decided not to let the spirit of adventure die. We were all ready to set on the journey through the Leh- Manali Highway – the route which is there in every wayfarers’ bucket list. And truly so, the Leh- Manali route is simply grand and a saga. The scenery, mountains, terrains everything about this road is epic. We had a stopover at Keylong and reached Manali the next day.

Ladakh

The Leh – Manali Highway – the grand ending to an epic adventure

The remarkable tour has a perfect ending, it was no less than a blockbuster. Due to time restraint, we did not visit the Tso Moriri and HanuDha. We plan to do that soon. It is so very true that Leh is like a mecca to all Indian travellers. The place has all the thrills and excitement. Once you visit Ladakh, you simply cannot stop raving about it.  The same is with us.

Day 10 (Manali)

Some facts:.

Altitude: Leh is at a height of 11480 ft

Best Time to visit: June to September

The best way to visit Leh by road is to enter by the Srinagar-Leh highway and return by the Leh – Manali highway. This also helps in proper acclimatization.

ATMs: ATMs are found in Leh city. But carry cash when you are travelling to Pangong, Nubra or Tso Moriri.

Ladakh

At the Sindhu Ghat

The Best Leh Ladakh Itinerary for 10 days

Agni Amrita

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Found your post interesting to read. Good Luck for the upcoming update.This article is really very interesting

Nice blog post with wonderful pictures.I really like to this article it’s very interesting.

IN the 10 days trip, how many hours will one have to travel in vehicle. I m asking this question as there is issue of travel sichness and hence a littl concerned,

Regards bharat

Yes, there can be problems of travel sickness and AMS while travelling in Ladakh. Please know more about AMS and then make an informed decision.

Really amazing blog. I learn new information from your article , you are doing a great job . Keep it up

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By Air, By Road, By Train: A Complete Travel Guide To Leh, Ladakh

By air, by road, by train: here is everything you need to know before planning a trip to leh, ladakh. bookmark the travel guide now.

By: Karan Kaushik Published: Jan 30, 2022 10:00 AM IST

By Air, By Road, By Train: A Complete Travel Guide To Leh, Ladakh

There are some sojourns in India, where the journey is as blissful as the destination. Mammoth mountain peaks, mesmerising waterfalls, tranquil water bodies, lush fields, and dense forests adorn them. Sometimes, we are fortunate to get a window seat on the flight to marvel at snow-capped mountain peaks that kiss the clear blue sky. And other times, the best views are savoured by train and car. One such journey that offers an incredible experience, no matter what the mode of commute, is the one to Leh. By Karan Kaushik 

Here’s everything you should know before planning your dream trip to Leh

The destination.

Jagged mountains, turquoise lakes, age-old Buddhist monasteries, traditional Ladakhi mud-brick houses, prayer-flag-festooned lanes, charming bazaars, and cool cafes. Only a few places in India reward the discerning traveller as Leh does. From white-water rafting to enriching trails in nomadic and remote villages, the magnificent land of high passes also offers a plethora of thrilling activities for adventure seekers.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Ladakh Taxi Booking (@ladakhtaxibooking)

Leh enjoys good air connectivity with major Indian cities via Delhi and Srinagar. While taking a bike trip to Ladakh is on every traveller’s bucket list, not many know a flight could be as exciting. The air journey to Leh allows you to see the mightiest mountain range in the world in all its glory. You will come across the Shivaliks, the Dhauladhars, and the Pir Panjals. As you go up, you will notice massive glaciers that mark the beginning of the Great Himalayan Range.

The flight offers incredible views of snow-clad peaks, which include Parang chu, Phirse chu, Kharpa 6234, Pangyo chu to name a few. The Tso Moriri Lake is also visible. Here’s a tip: make sure you get a seat on the left side of the aisle.

The flight takes you to the Kushok Bakula Rimpochhe Airport, the main airport of Leh. Taxis for Leh city are easily available at the airport.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Ladakh Planet? (@ladakhplanets)

Considering Delhi is the base, there are two major routes to Leh. These are the Manali-Leh and Srinagar-Leh routes.

Delhi to Leh via Manali

This route takes you through some incredible points like the famous Rohtang Pass, one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. As you start your journey from Delhi, you will be driving on the Grand Trunk Road, or NH44. You can stop at Murthal for a truly memorable breakfast and fancy some ghee soaked paranthas and lassi. As you move towards Manali , the uphill climb begins around Ghanauli.

travelling to leh

After crossing the Rohtang Pass, you will be driving on some of the world’s highest motorable roads. On reaching the Lachulungla Pass, you will be able to witness the entire Ladakh Plateau. During this bike ride, some of the important points that you will be driving through include Karnal, Mandi, Manali, Jispa, Sarchu and Tanglang La. You can take a break in either Manali, Keylong or Jispa and spend a night there before heading forward to Leh.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Kunal Goswami (@_staronearth_)

If you are not in the mood to ride all the way to Leh, you can also book a roadways bus from Manali. There are deluxe and ordinary buses run by HRTC and J&K SRTC between Manali and Leh. You may also hire a cab to reach Leh from Manali.

Note: You’ll have to get a permit to travel beyond Rohtang Pass from Manali.

Delhi to Leh via Srinagar

Perhaps the more popular among the two, this route is a biker’s dream. You start from Delhi, drive through Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Pathankot, Jammu , Patnitop and Anantnag to reach Srinagar. Spend a day soaking in the breathtaking beauty that Srinagar is blessed with. During this journey, you will also be crossing the 9.2km long Chenani-Nashri Tunnel that has reduced the distance between Jammu and Srinagar by 40km.

travelling to leh

Fancy a shikara ride in the Dal, drink lots of kahwa, buy yourself a phiran and some saffron and stay the night in Srinagar. The next day, you will be driving through Sonamarg, Zoji La, Dras, Kargil, Lamayuru, Alchi and Nimmoo before finally making your way to Leh.

In Kargil, you must pay your tributes at the Kargil War Memorial. On your way to Leh from Kargil, you can also visit the age-old Mulbekh Monastery. Other important points where you could take little stops are Namik La Top, Lamayuru Monastery, and Fotula Top, which is the highest point on the Srinagar-Leh road.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Traveling snaps? (@traveling_snaps)

Direct buses to Leh from Srinagar are also available in all categories from the Leh bus stand. The morning bus to Leh reaches Kargil by night, where it takes a halt and reaches Leh the next day.

Here’s a tip. It’s best to take the Srinagar-Leh route during your onward journey so that your body could properly acclimatise. You can take the Leh-Manali route during your return journey.  This way, you’d be able to experience the thrill of both these routes. It’s a win-win situation.

Jammu Tawi, at 700km, is the nearest railhead from Leh. It’s well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. From here, you can hire a taxi or take a JKSRTC bus for Leh. Pathankot, Chandigarh and Kalka are other nearby railway stations from Leh.

  • Things to do in Leh

Here are some of the must-visit attractions in Leh.

Pangong Tso Lake

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Located at a height of 4,350m, Pangong Tso is the highest saltwater lake in the world. Its azure blue waters form a beautiful contrast with the arid mountains that stand in its backdrop. The lake shot to fame after it was featured in the movie 3 Idiots . Create your own yellow scooter moment here and you never know you may end up finding your Rancho.

Thiksey Monastery

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Perched atop a hill towards the North of the Indus River, this monastery dates to 1430 AD and houses the Lakhang Nyerma Temple. The monastery is famous for its iconic statue of Maitreya Buddha, which draws visitors throughout the year. Standing 15m tall, the statue was constructed in a period of four years.

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This palace overlooks Leh and offers panoramic views of the town and its picturesque surroundings. The palace features ancient wall paintings, which depict the life of Lord Buddha. The palace has been beautifully restored by the Archaeological Survey of India and serves as a popular tourist spot in the town.

Hall of Fame

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Located on the Leh-Kargil Road, just 4km from the main city, this museum is dedicated to our brave soldiers, who laid their lives for their motherland. A visit to the museum will fill you with patriotism and make your heart swell with pride.

Shanti Stupa

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A major attraction in Leh, the stupa was built as a symbol of peace to commemorate 2,500 years of Buddhism. Perched atop a hill, the stupa offers peaceful vibes and great views. Sunrises and sunsets are typically beautiful. The relics of Buddha in the stupa were enshrined by the 14th Dalai Lama.

Hemis National Park

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If you are a wildlife lover with an adventurous streak, head to the Hemis National Park when in Leh. Sprawled over an area of 3,350 sqkm, the park is home to the elusive snow leopard and a wide variety of birds. The Snow Leopard trek here is one of the most thrilling experiences you can take in India.

Magnetic Hill

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One of the most fascinating places in the country, the Magnetic Hill lies at a distance of 30km from Leh. It is known for its gravity-defying abilities. There’s a particular point, which has been marked with a square. If you park your vehicle inside that box, you’ll see your vehicle moving in the forward direction on its own. This intriguing experience must be included in your Leh itinerary.

Best Time To Go

If you are travelling by bike, the best time would be around September and October, when the Srinagar-Leh and Manali-Leh highways are open, and the roads are perfect for driving. The tourist season in Leh usually begins in April, but it’s advisable to travel by flight during this time. The Manali road along Rohtang Pass opens around June, making it another good time to visit Ladakh.

For bikers, the months of July, August and September are considered the most suitable. The months between November and March are extremely cold. The highways are closed, and the lakes are frozen. In December, Ladakh is cut off from the rest of the country. If you are planning the Chadar Trek or Snow Leopard Trek, you must visit between January and March.

Related: We Get The Taste Of The Local Life In Ladakh Through Our Immersive Travel Experience

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  • Best Time to Visit Ladakh

When is the Best Season to Visit Leh Ladakh?

Unlike many destinations in India, Ladakh is not an all-year-around destination. Ladakh is a beautiful place that is located in the Himalayan range. It is located on the Indus River bank. This place has amazing scenery and many adventure routes for motorcycle enthusiasts. In short, the best time to visit Leh Ladakh is summer between the end of March to middle of August. The prime tourist time is between June and August.

Summer in Ladakh

The summer in Ladakh starts from April. The temperature can go as high as 30 degree C. During nights, the temperature would reach the minimum of 16 - 20 degree C. The summer here is neither cold nor hot. The climate would be pleasant all throughout the day. the summer ends in September. Summer ends in September. According to many, the best time to visit this place is between June and August. The summer would be at its prime and thus, the snow would all be melted giving the place a good greenery look. You can find a lot of tourists in this place during this period.

There is another reason for tourists to flock during this period. The Hermis Dance Festival is conducted during this time and it is a very vibrant and colourful event to watch. Starting from camping to trekking, you can enjoy a lot of adventure activities during this time. All passes, mountain routes, trekking routes and others would be open during this period. The lakes would be clear and it would be easy to camp near the river.

The top activities to enjoy during summer are Stok festival and Matho festival in March and May, Hemis festival and Phyang festival in June to August. Nubra Valley is a must visit for the summer tourists. Road trips to Manali and Sri Nagar would be at its prime beauty. In short, the best time to visit Leh Ladakh is summer between the end of March to middle of August. The prime tourist time is between June and August.

Monsoon in Ladakh

Rainfall starts in June and end by September. As you would have guessed this place would receive a lot of rainfall. The temperature would not be very cold, but the place would not be at its prime beauty. Most of the motorcycle and trekking routes would be blocked due to the rain. Many attractions would become inaccessible during this season. The temperature would be very pleasant and unless you want to drench in rain every day, it is better to avoid monsoon season. If you are planning to visit Ladakh during monsoon, make sure to watch Diskit and Thiksey festivals. You would be able to find considerable number of tourists during this season as the motorcycle tour passes would be at its prime beauty during this season. The trekking routes would be closed for safety purpose.

Winter in Ladakh

The winter starts from the second week of October and ends by February. The temperature can go as low as -20 degree C and as high as 2 degree C. The lakes would be frozen, motorcycle passes would be closed and trekking routes would be blocked. Almost all adventure activities becomes either dangerous or blocked. Still you can find a lot of tourists here during winter. Those who come to Ladakh for wildlife attraction would choose winter. This is when you can spot a lot of snow leopards here. Moreover, Spituk and Losar festivals happen in winter season. Last but not least, the place would be very beautiful like a fairy tale snow land. A lot of people consider winter as the best time to visit Ladakh due to the scenic beauty of the place

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A 7-Day Leh Ladakh Trip Itinerary For First-Time Visitors

We sent Chandrika on a once-in-a-lifetime Ladakh trip. She came back to tell us how everyone can make it happen.

A land many have heard of, but only the ones with adventure in their hearts have dared to venture to. A land of rugged mountains that coexist alongside the mystical chants of Buddhist prayers – the recently declared Indian Union Territory of Ladakh is this and so much more! 

Located in the northern part of the Indian sub-continent bordering Tibet, Ladakh is shrouded in a certain mystery, despite having gained a lot of popularity in the past few years.

Filled with adrenaline-inducing twists and turns, high mountain passes, and some of the most beautiful mountain ranges in India, a trip through Ladakh is the perfect way to get an introduction to the Himalayan region. 

leh ladakh trip month

Ladakh is a high-altitude region, meaning, no matter which part of Ladakh you are at, you’ll find yourself at a minimum altitude of 3000 meters (9800 feet) above sea level. This is important to mention here because this is considerably higher than most people are used to and the high altitude affects many aspects of travel in this region.

To help you execute that dream Ladakh trip, this 7-day itinerary designed by India Someday and Unplugged Life will take you through some of the biggest highlights of the region, while giving you a sense of what it means to be traveling in a destination as unique as this.

How to get to Ladakh

Before we dive deep into the specifics of the itinerary, it’s crucial to plan your arrival in Ladakh. The best way to reach Ladakh is to fly in. The biggest town in Ladakh is Leh, which is connected by air with India’s capital city, New Delhi.

Daily direct flights are running between Delhi ’s Indira Gandhi International Airport and Leh’s Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, run by 3 Indian airlines – Air India, SpiceJet, and GoAir. If you are traveling from another country or Indian city, you’ll first have to get to Delhi to catch the 1.5-hour flight to Leh.

Although there are multiple flights available daily, do keep in mind that the weather in Leh largely determines flight schedules. Turbulent weather is pretty common in this region so flights taking off an hour early or an hour late is not unheard of. Having said that, we have to admit that the destination is worth all that trouble!

Leh Ladakh 7-day itinerary

Day 1 – land in leh and rest.

leh ladakh trip month

The erstwhile capital of the Himalayan kingdom of Ladakh, Leh is perched at an altitude of 3524 meters (11562 feet) and is home to some of the most popular attractions in the region.

The landscape in Leh is rugged, with a backdrop of barren mountains, while the weather is generally dry and very hot during the day and slightly chilly at night, depending on which month of the year you visit.

Most flights to Leh land sometime in the morning or early afternoon, so you can expect to have more than half a day to spare. But this is a day to take it easy. Remember you’ve just landed at a high altitude destination practically from the sea level (Delhi lies at an altitude of roughly 200m above sea level) and that means your body needs time to acclimatize to this drastic change.

The process of acclimatization can take a while, about 24-48 hours for most people. But no matter how you feel on day 1 (we know you’re excited!), you must take as much rest as you can and keep yourself hydrated. This is a day of barely any physical activity, so go ahead and enjoy the views from your hotel and indulge in the local Ladakhi food to gear up for the next day.

Where to stay in Leh : Gangba Homestay

leh ladakh trip month

A picture-postcard-like setting with a traditional Ladakhi-style building, an apple orchard, and a view of snowy peaks in the distance – Gangba Homestay is truly a home away from home.

leh ladakh trip month

Run by a local family, they are the warmest, most welcoming hosts you could ask for in Leh! To top that, the food served in the homestay is delicious and homely, while the rooms are very spacious, well-equipped, and comfortable. But what sets Gangba Homestay apart is their hospitality and the staff’s mindset to always go the extra mile to care for their guests.

Day 2 – Leh city tour

Your second day in Ladakh will also be spent in Leh to continue with the acclimatization process. However, on this day you’ll be taking a tour of the beautiful city and its surrounding areas. 

Confluence (Sangam) of the Indus and Zanskar Rivers

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Located around 35 Km away from Leh town, the point of confluence of the mighty Indus and Zanskar Rivers is your first stop for the day. The different shades of green of the two rivers’ water are distinctly visible with bare eyes, making it a place worth visiting during your stay in Leh.

You can either choose to drive down to the exact point of confluence, maybe enjoy the view with a cup of steaming hot tea, or you could also get a bird’s eye view of the confluence from a vantage point. Depending on which time of the year you visit, you’ll notice how different both rivers look individually, leading up to their meeting point.

Magnetic Hill

leh ladakh trip month

A very popular tourist attraction in Leh, Magnetic Hill is technically a small stretch of road on the Leh-Kargil Highway. It is popularly known to be a spot where gravitational forces can be defied, due to a so-called magnetic pull from the surrounding mountains. Although this spot has maintained its popularity among tourists, there is not much truth to what happens here.

The landscape of the surrounding mountains and slopes is such that, to our eyes, it looks like the road is sloping uphill, but in reality the road slopes downhill making cars roll down even on neutral gear. But having said that, it’s a great spot to stop by for a while and get a good look at the stunning landscape.

Lunch at a local Tibetan restaurant

Ladakh is not only well known for its natural beauty, but for its delicious local cuisine too. With heavy influences from the neighboring Tibetan cuisine, you’d be missing out on an important cultural element if you don’t give Ladakhi food a try.

Head to Tenzin Dickey Tibetan Restaurant , located less than a kilometer from Leh’s main market, for a sumptuous lunch of local dumplings, noodles, soups, and an assortment of drinks. The restaurant is unassuming and cozy and the food makes you feel right at home.

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Belonging to the Namgyal dynasty of Ladakh, Leh Palace is the former residential palace of the royal family. Perched on top of a hill, the palace overlooks Leh and has now been converted into a museum for visitors to get a glimpse of Ladakhi royal heritage.

A tour of the 9-storeyed palace takes you through almost 450 years of artifacts belonging to the royal family. Although the palace is still under renovation, it is worth a visit for the incredible bird’s eye view of the city it offers.

Leh main market

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Leh’s main bazaar is a colorful, bustling market in the city center and the perfect place to spend a leisurely evening strolling through its narrow alleys. The market is home to shops selling all kinds of local products – from fresh produce to souvenirs and handicraft items.

Pick up Tibetan prayer flags and wheels or silver jewelry, taste local dry fruits like apricots, figs, and walnuts, and end the day with a meal at one of the many cafes lining the street.

Day 3 – Drive to Nubra Valley via Khardung La

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On your third day in Ladakh, it’s time to venture out of the city into the mountains!

The curvy roads of Ladakh can be unforgivable so it is important to be accompanied by an experienced local driver. Some stretches of road are steep and bumpy and you need a good car for better comfort. You can hire a private car but keep in mind that the cost of transport is quite high in Ladakh.

A good option for solo travelers and couples is to use shared taxis that are available for all kinds of tours in Ladakh , including the 3-day Nubra-Pangong tour. This helps saving money by sharing the cost of transport with other travelers. Sharing a car also helps to reduce the number of vehicles on the road, and therefore, the pollution.

The drive from Leh to Nubra Valley takes approximately 5-6 hours. But the biggest highlight of the drive is climbing up to the Khardung La (La is the Ladakhi word for a mountain pass) and crossing it to get to the other side of the Ladakh mountain range.

The pass is situated at an altitude of 17,582 feet (5359m) and is considered to be one of the highest motorable passes in the world.

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The winding mountain road leading up to Khardung La is spectacular and is a treat in itself. Once at the top of the pass, spend 15-20 minutes exploring the surroundings without exerting your body too much.

It is important to remember that there is very little oxygen available to breathe at such high altitude, so take it easy and enjoy the breathtaking views of the snow-covered mountains.

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Once you cross Khardung La and start driving towards Nubra Valley, the landscape changes dramatically. The drive past Shyok River towards the lush green valley of Nubra is worth keeping your eyes peeled for!

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By the time you get to your hotel in Nubra Valley after several pit stops on the way, it’ll probably be late afternoon.

Read more: 8 Snowy Destinations in Asia for Mountain and Winter Lovers

Complete your check-in formalities and head to the famous Hundar dunes to catch the sunset, with herds of Bactrian Camels for company. The Bactrian Camels are native to this region and are known for their ability to withstand high altitudes and extreme cold.

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To say the least, the landscape here is equally fascinating, with rolling sand dunes as far as the eyes can see, enclosed by towering rocky mountains on all sides.

Where to stay in Nubra Valley – Stone Hedge Ladakh

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A gorgeous property located just 10 minutes away from the Hundar sand dunes, Stone Hedge is one of the most luxurious hotels you will come across in Ladakh.

leh ladakh trip month

Like a little oasis in the desert, with a natural spring flowing in the backyard, a lush garden whichever direction you look, and warm and cozy interiors, Stone Hedge sets the bar high.

Their rooms are exceptionally well-furnished with perfect mood lighting, elegant wood furniture, a room heater (rarely found elsewhere in Ladakh), and a lovely balcony that opens up to the backyard.

Day 4 – Drive to Pangong Lake

Check out from your hotel in Nubra Valley this morning and head back to the dunes once again if you want to see it in daylight. The difference is stark and worth another visit. Alternatively, you can directly head to Diskit Monastery in Nubra Valley before starting the drive towards Pangong Lake. 

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The Diskit Monastery is the oldest and largest monastery in Nubra Valley. The iconic statue of the Maitreya Buddha stands tall here at a height of 32 meters and overlooks the vast plains of the Shyok River flowing nearby. 

leh ladakh trip month

After a tour of the monastery, it’s time to get on your way to Pangong Lake. The drive is roughly 6 hours long and takes you through picturesque mountain roads.

Flanked by the Shyok River on one side for most of the journey, this drive takes you from an altitude of about 10,000 feet (3048 meters) to 14,270 feet (4350 meters), where Pangong Lake is located.

leh ladakh trip month

Pangong Tso (Tso is the Ladakhi word for lake) is a saline water lake that spreads across India and Tibet. In fact, 60% of the lake lies in Tibet. But given its massive length and width, it would take roughly 3 hours to drive along its coast only on the Indian side.

leh ladakh trip month

Popular for its stunning turquoise blue water, Pangong Tso is one of the biggest attractions in all of Ladakh. However, do keep in mind that the appearance of the lake largely depends on which time of the year you visit.

The lake is completely frozen in the winter while the peak summer months from June to August are when it reveals all its colors.

leh ladakh trip month

Once you reach Pangong Tso, check into your accommodation for the night. After that, you’ll have the evening free to either take a stroll near the lake or sit at one of the small restaurants, enjoy the view while sipping hot tea.

Do keep in mind that as the sun sets, it tends to get chilly in this part of Ladakh, the extent of which again depends on the season. So get ready to layer up some warm clothes and snuggle in for the night!

Where to stay in Pangong Tso – Native Huts

leh ladakh trip month

There are no permanent hotels near Pangong Lake, so be prepared for a night of adventure staying in these wooden huts specially constructed for tourists while the travel season lasts. The huts come with an attached western toilet and have basic amenities like fresh towels, warm blankets, and charging points (operational from 6 pm to 11 pm).

The owners of these huts are very helpful and accommodating so if you want more blankets or hot water, just let them know. They also arrange fresh, hot meals for guests in a separate dining space inside another hut, and that food at the end of a long, cold day truly warms the heart.

Read more: 10 Awesome Treks And Hikes In India

Day 5 – Drive back to Leh via Chang La

This will be the last day of driving through Ladakh, but expect it to be no less exciting than the previous two days!

The journey from Pangong Lake back to Leh takes close to 6 hours and will take you via Chang La, a mountain pass situated at an altitude of 17,590 feet (5360 meters).

leh ladakh trip month

The drive to Chang La is relatively bumpier than what you would have experienced while driving to Khardung La, but the experience of getting to the top of the pass is incredible. 

leh ladakh trip month

On the way from Chang La to Leh, make another stop at the famous Hemis Monastery. With a long and rich history, the monastery also houses a museum that showcases artifacts from the museum’s heritage.

leh ladakh trip month

Considered to be one of the largest monasteries in Ladakh, the highlight of visiting Hemis is the huge statue of Guru Rinpoche and the monastery’s unique architecture.

Day 6 – Explore Leh

Spend your final day in Ladakh seeing more of Leh and wrapping up your visit. This would be a good day to revisit the local market to pick up souvenirs to take home, in addition to visiting the following places.

Thiksey Monastery

leh ladakh trip month

Start your day early with a visit to the Thiksey Monastery to witness the morning prayer chanting session. Get there by 7 am so you can get in the prayer hall in time without disturbing the monks. It may seem way too early, but the experience is magical!

leh ladakh trip month

As the sun rises and illuminates the surrounding snow-capped peaks, the monks begin their day together by rhythmically chanting Buddhist prayers – an experience not to be missed in Leh.

Shanti Stupa

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Constructed as part of a Peace Pagoda Mission, the Shanti Stupa was built jointly by the Buddhist community of Japan and Ladakh. While the iconic white dome sits at the top, the Shanti Stupa houses the relics of the Buddha at its base.

Visited for its religious as well as architectural value, there’s a certain air of calm surrounding the Stupa, as it sits looking over the vast expanse of Leh.

Stok Palace

leh ladakh trip month

Located on the western bank of River Indus, the Stok Palace was originally built as the summer home of Ladakh’s royal family. Currently, this is where the royal family resides all year long.

The palace also has several museum rooms that display lots of ancient artifacts belonging to the royal family- from precious jewelry and royal attires to weapons and items of daily use.

leh ladakh trip month

A part of the Stok Palace has now been transformed into a heritage hotel and opened up to travelers who want to experience the royal way of living for a few days.

Lunch in the orchard at Chulli Bagh

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After a tour of the Stok Palace, head to the nearby Chulli Bagh, which is essentially the royal family’s orchard, with apricot and walnut trees dominating the scene.

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Settle down for a luxurious lunch amidst the lush greenery of the meticulously maintained orchard and enjoy a delicious meal accompanied by freshly plucked fruits from the garden.

Ladakhi cultural show

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Now that it’s almost time to wrap up your final day in Leh, head back to the hotel to watch a vibrant cultural show displaying the beautiful dance forms and music of Ladakh.

Ladakh has a rich culture comprising beautiful folk dances native to different parts of the region, performed by both men and women, depending on the dance form.

leh ladakh trip month

Decked in traditional costumes and jewelry, it’s a real treat to watch the locals match steps while humming Ladakhi songs. 

Day 7 – Depart from Leh

This is a day of no activity since you have to catch a flight out of Leh back to Delhi. Depending on your flight time, you may be able to squeeze in a couple of hours in the morning to visit the local market or the village if you want, for a final glimpse of life in Ladakh!

leh ladakh trip month

Ladakh is vast and a one-week trip may not entirely do justice to its beauty. But if this is all the time you have, this itinerary is a good place to start planning your trip.

In case you want a curated, personalized itinerary, connect with India Someday and Unplugged Life for an unparalleled experience of Leh and Ladakh after checking these tips to spice your travel itinerary up !

Read the author’s honest review of both companies .

Contributing members are responsible for the accuracy of content contributed to A World to Travel.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10 dos and don'ts on a road trip to ladakh

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

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

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

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

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

Leh-Ladakh-Road-Trip-India-Itinerary-Planning-32

DO carry medicines and supplies

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

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

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

Khardung la road trip ladakh

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

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

Public Toilets on this road trip look a bit like this - errrr ;-)

DO NOT refer to Google Maps for time frames

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

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

It's definitely going to take you longer than any map tells you ;-)

 DO make lots of unsolicited stops along the way

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

rainbow in Drass Kargil India

DO NOT depend on Mobile Connectivity or expect good internet

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

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

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

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

mobile phone Kashmir

DO make sure your paperwork is in order

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

pangong lake ladakh india bird

DO NOT follow your GPS blindly

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

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

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

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

backroad India road trip

DO NOT forget your sunscreen

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

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

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

skincare essentials for a road trip to Ladakh

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

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

Awww! She was so happy to receive some stationery :-)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Totally agree with you Maitry 🙂

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

Hi Radhika,

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

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

Hello Priya,

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

Hope you find them helpful!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stunning photos!

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

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

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

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

Hi Savi Vid, What do u think of this

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

Can you help me with tips, logistics, etc please

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks a lot Loreta 🙂

which month you guys visited leh ladakh?

Hey we visited in May:)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Great information, Thank You for this wonderful help!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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leh ladakh trip month

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

leh ladakh trip month

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

leh ladakh trip month

Which month is best for Ladakh?

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

leh ladakh trip month

Ladakh blog: Leh Ladakh itinerary

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

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

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

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

Day 15: Srinagar – Delhi

  • Day 16: Delhi – Toulouse

leh ladakh trip month

Leh Ladakh itinerary: How to go?

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

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

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

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

leh ladakh trip month

Ladakh travel tips: Prepare before you go

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

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Ladakh travel blog: How much does Ladakh trip cost?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Other things

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

leh ladakh trip month

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

Ladakh blog: Where to exchange money?

The exchange rate at the end of March 2022

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

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

Part 1: Agra

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

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

leh ladakh trip month

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

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

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

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Leh Ladakh itinerary — Day 2: Leh

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There are two ways to Tso Moriri.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Ladakh blog — Part 3: Zanskar

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

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

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

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

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

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

leh ladakh trip month

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

leh ladakh trip month

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

leh ladakh trip month

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Ladakh travel blog — Part 4: Going home

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

leh ladakh trip month

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

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

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

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Beyond Wild Places

Your guide to the wilder side of life

A Complete 10-Day Leh Ladakh Itinerary

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A trip to Ladakh is undoubtedly on many intrepid travellers bucket lists. The mystical Indian Himalayan region is still one of the most underrated places on earth. Despite it being a very remote corner of the Indian subcontinent, you’ll be surprised that you can see a lot in a short time with this Ladakh itinerary.

Over 10 days, you can visit the famous Pangong Lake, ancient monasteries of Hemis and Lamayuru, the former Silk Road trading route of Nubra Valley, and crumbling palaces with panoramic views over the arid, snow-capped landscape. This itinerary I’ve put together covers the best things to do in Ladakh over 10 days based on my multiple trips to the region.

Whether you fly into Leh for a short trip or incorporate this into a longer North India adventure travelling by road, your time in Ladakh will undoubtedly be something you’ll never forget. Buckle up for some long drives, and you’ll be blown away by the incredible land forms and ancient history awaiting in Ladakh.

Disclaimer:  This post contains affiliate links which means I get a commission if you buy a product through my link at no extra cost to you. By doing so, I can keep this blog going and continue to create helpful guides for you. Read more:  Privacy Policy

When to Visit Ladakh

The best time to visit Ladakh is from mid-May until end of September . This is when the region sees its best weather with warm days and relatively mild nights. The roads and trekking routes are also guaranteed to be clear of snow during these summer months, making places easier to access.

Ladakh itinerary pin

Where to Stay in Leh

Leh is the main town and base for exploring Ladakh. The town has hundreds of accommodation choices, from homestays and hostels to high end hotels. I’d recommend picking somewhere that is comfortable for you and your budget, as you’ll be spending most of the time in this Ladakh itinerary based in Leh. Here are my top picks:

Budget:   Raybo Hostel

Budget:   Peace Guest House

Midrange:   Chandan Guest House

Midrange:   Rock Castle Residency

High-end:  Grand Dragon

Read more:   Best Places to Stay in Leh, Ladakh For All Budgets

Basgo Monastery

How to Get Around Ladakh

Travelling by road is one of the best parts of any Ladakh trip. The scenery from the various road trips in the region offer jaw dropping views that you’ll want to savour every minute (even if some of the drives are long, bumpy and windy).

There are a few ways to get around Ladakh to the various sights and day trips in this itinerary. Which way you choose will depend on your budget and comfort level. However, for this 10 day itinerary, I would recommend a combination of taxis for day trips and a shared group tour for the trip to Pangong Lake and Nubra Valley (unless you want to arrange a private tour).

Here’s more specific information for each transport option:

Public bus: Public transport is a little limited in Ladakh. You’ll need a lot of time and patience if you plan on using local buses to get to all the best places. If you only have 10 days, this is not ideal. But if you have more than 10 days, check out my guide to Leh for more information on the public transport options in the region.

Driving to Lamayuru

Taxi: This is very ideal for day trips. You can easily organise taxis in Leh to take you to Thiksey, Lamayuru, Hemis, Alchi and more. A popular day trip combining Shey, Thiksey and Hemis costs around 3700 INR (AU$70) for the day as an example. You’ll have to budget more for the drive to Alchi and Lamayuru.

Group tours: Joining group tours to Pangong Lake and Nubra Valley is a popular option. In high season from June until August, you’ll find groups leaving every day in shared taxis for 3-4 days. You can easily organise this upon arrival in Leh.

Private tours: If you want to organise all your Ladakh trip in advance, then I suggest arranging a 10 day tour through a local company in Leh. They can help arrange taxis for day trips, and a private car for Pangong Lake and Nubra Valley. I highly recommend Gonbo of Lungta Travel . He’s also the owner of Rock Castle Residency Guesthouse in Leh and can help with arranging all of this for you.

For more detailed information on these options: Comprehensive Travel Guide to Ladakh

View of Stok Kangri

Overview of this 10-Day Ladakh Itinerary

Day 1: Fly from Delhi to Leh

Day 2: Acclimatise in Leh

Day 3: acclimatise and explore leh town.

Day 4: Day trip to Thiksey, Hemis and Shey

Day 5: Day trip to Lamayuru and Alchi

Day 6: road trip to nubra valley via khardung la, day 7: drive to pangong lake and stay the night, day 8: return to leh, day 9: relax in leh (optional visit to stok village), day 10: fly back to delhi.

View from Shanti Stupa

Detailed 10 Day Ladakh Itinerary

Here’s how I would spend 10 days in Ladakh, if you’re prepared to take some long driving days and want to see as much as you can in a short time.

Day 1: Delhi to Leh

If you’re opting for a quick 10-day trip to Ladakh, then it’s likely you’ll be flying into Leh from Delhi. There are frequent flights every day from Delhi to Leh, mostly in the morning hours. It’s widely considered one of the most beautiful flights in the world.

Flights are run by Air India, Vistara, SpiceJet, and IndiGo. The flight time is around 1.5 hours and can cost anywhere from 3000INR (AU$60) to 9000INR (AU$180) one way.

If you prefer to travel to Leh, Ladakh by public transport , then you can also come via Manali or Srinagar, depending on how much time you have and your trip plans. Read my guide on getting to Leh by public transport for more information.

Once you arrive in Leh, you’ll want to head straight to your accommodation and rest for the remainder of the day. The altitude will likely hit you after about 2-3 hours of being in Leh, so it’s best to relax and stay hydrated for the afternoon to adjust slowly.

Read more: 20 Best Things to Do in Delhi

Leh bazaar

Your first full day in Leh should also be considered an acclimatisation day. You may wake up on this day with a headache, shortness of breath, and fatigue, which are common symptoms when arriving in Ladakh from Delhi.

The best way to avoid getting sick and easing into the altitude is to rest as much as possible , stay hydrated, and eat regular, small meals to maintain energy.

Try not to do too much on this day, unless you’re coming from somewhere else that is around 2000m or higher. You could walk somewhere into town for dinner, if you’re feeling up to it.

View from Central Asian Museum

You’ll still be acclimatising for at least 48 hours after arriving, so on day three you shouldn’t try to overexert yourself too much. But, you’re probably keen to get out and start exploring this beautiful mountain town. Here’s how I recommend you spend your day:

Morning: Breakfast at your guesthouse or a cafe in the main market area (my top picks include Bodhi Terrace, Bon Appetit, or Asian Corner Restaurant)

Mid-morning: Explore the Central Asian Museum and then wander around the main market

Lunch: Taste the local Tibetan food at Tibetan Kitchen

Afternoon: Explore Leh Palace and Tsemo Maitreya Temple

Dinner: Chopsticks or Wanderers Terrace

Read more: 25 Best Things to Do in Ladakh

Thiksey Monastery

Day 4: Day trip to Thiksey and Hemis Monasteries (plus Shey Palace if you have time)

Get ready for a day trip out to the east of town to some of the most impressive monasteries and villages of the Ladakh area. If you have patience you could get to Thiksey Monastery and Shey Palace by bus, or take a taxi for the day and visit all three places including Shey Palace.

Hemis Monastery is one of the most important in the region. It was originally established in the 17th century and is tucked into a gorge in Hemis National Park. The most impressive part of the complex is the museum, holding the most important Buddhist relics and artefacts of India.

Thiksey Monastery is an imposing monastery built in a similar style to the Potala Palace in Lhasa. The temples at the top of the gompa hold some beautiful Buddhist statues and monuments, plus the view over the valley is incredible.

View from Shey Palace

Another day trip, this one longer than the day before, the drive to Lamayuru is one of the most beautiful in the region. You’ll wind through incredible moonscapes and small villages, with dramatic mountain peaks and raging rivers on either side. After about three hours, you’ll arrive in Lamayuru , the oldest monastery in Ladakh.

Built over several levels across the rocky landscape, it’s easily one of the most impressive sights. Plus, if you time your visit for the midday puja, you can sit with the monks and listen to their their chanting prayers.

On the way back to Leh, stop in at Alchi to visit the unique 1,000 year old Buddhist murals and shrines hidden off the main highway. There’s also some delicious local restaurants there, the standout being Alchi Kitchen, if you time it for a lunchtime meal.

Khardung La Road

Another few days of long drives ahead, but the scenery makes it all worthwhile. Either join a group tour or hire a private driver to take you to two of the most famous sights in Ladakh: Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake.

On this day, you’ll leave Leh and drive first up to Khardung La pass . Connecting Leh with Nubra Valley, Khardung La sits at 5,360m and was once the highest motorable road in the world (now overtaken by another road in India). It’s an essential photo op, before descending down towards Nubra Valley, the Shyok River and the Karakoram Mountains.

Double humped camels in Nubra Valley

Once part of the old Silk Road trading route across Asia and connecting Pakistan with Tibet, Nubra Valley is a stunning place. Visit Diskit Monastery and it’s Maitreya Buddha statue, sitting high above the valley floor, with panoramic views across the eastern Karakoram Mountains.

Then, head to the village of Hunder to take a look at the double humped camels or Bactrian camels roaming the mountain backed sand dunes.

Stay overnight in either Hunder or Diskit.

Where to stay in Diskit?  Ama Guesthouse or  Himalayan Regal House Where to stay in Hunder?   Hunder Stay and Camp  or  Hunder Haven

Jeep tour to Pangong Tso

From Diskit or Hunder drive back through the valley, and towards Pangong Lake. While the drive is quite long and arduous in some parts, keep soaking up the incredible mountain views out the window.

Pangong Lake is one of the world’s highest saltwater lakes sitting at 4,250m. It’s a sacred site for Buddhists, with almost 2/3 of the lake actually lying across the border in Tibet. It’s bright blue colour shimmering against the arid, desert-like mountains makes it an otherworldy sight that draws many visitors each year.

Stay the night on the shores of the lake. The most popular place is  Spangmik , a cluster of glamping style tents and small hotels. However, the overcommercialisation of this village has led many people to continue further to  Man  or even further to  Merak . You’ll find more laidback tents and homestays in the latter villages.

Where to stay?   Nirvana Resort  in Spangmik or Pangong Travel Camp in Man

Pangong Lake

The final long day of driving, as you head back to Leh via Changla Pass at 5,360m. You’ll likely need to relax in the afternoon in Leh after all that driving or head to one of the cafes in Leh to eat good food.

On your final day in Leh, you may not feel like driving anywhere! You can hang around the town of Leh and do some shopping in the main market area instead.

If you want to do some extra sightseeing, head to Stok village , just a half an hour drive from Leh. At the base of Stok Kangri, Stok was home to the royal family of Ladakh, the Namgyals, after they fled during the invasion of the Dogras. Check out the 71-foot Gautama Buddha statue and monastery above the village, or arrange to have lunch at Gyab-thago Heritage Homestay, where you can try a traditional Ladakhi meal in a family home.

Shanti Stupa view of Leh

I highly recommend heading out to Shanti Stupa for sunset, as the perfect ending to this Ladakh itinerary. Shanti Stupa is the white peace pagoda you can see north-west of the Leh bazaar on a small hilltop. It was built in 1991 with funds from the Japanese, and it offers an impressive panoramic view of town.

Flights back to Delhi from Leh tend to leave early in the morning.

Hiking up to a pass on the Sham Valley trek

Want to Go Trekking in Ladakh?

You’ll need to allow a minimum of two weeks in Leh if you want to add a trek to this itinerary. Otherwise, you could skip the day trips to Lamayuru and Hemis if you were really short on time.

The Sham Valley Trek is a three day moderate trek that could be easily added onto this itinerary. The highest point of the trail is just under 4000m, so it’s doable for those with limited time.

If you preferred something longer and more challenging, the Markha Valley Trek is a five day trek that goes over 5000m. I’d recommend undertaking this trail after spending a week in Ladakh or longer, to ensure you’re properly acclimatised.

More Essential Reading for Ladakh

  • Comprehensive Travel Guide to Ladakh
  • Ultimate North India Itinerary: 1 Month in Kashmir, Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh
  • Best Places to Stay in Leh, Ladakh For All Budgets
  • 25 Best Things to Do in Ladakh
  • How to Get to Leh, Ladakh By Public Transport ‘

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Leh Ladakh Itinerary 5 Days

Leh Ladakh Itinerary 5 Days: Ultimate Itinerary (+ Guide)

Discover the stunning beauty of Ladakh in this short Leh Ladakh Itinerary 5 Days.

Undoubtedly, Ladakh is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Located in the northern-most portion of India, Leh Ladakh is a place ripe with unique experiences, must-do activities, incredible sights & astonishing scenery.

Ladakh is a hot summer destination in India . The place gets maximum attention during April and June, with families, teenagers, and road-trippers all making their way to experience one of the best trips in India. Its dramatic landscape is its single biggest draw, with snow-clad mountains and glistening lakes boasting their charm. Likewise, Ladakh’s diverse topography makes your entire trip worthwhile. No matter where you go or which place you visit, you ought to come across valleys, rustic villages, and peaceful Gompas.

Along with Leh Ladakh’s landscape, its tourist destinations such as Tso Moriri , Nubra Valley , Leh City , Siachen Glacier , and Pangong Lake cultivate a lively sense of tourism. The culture, the traditions, and the local customs create a beautiful blend of harmony to enrich your overall Ladakh tour experience .

With so much to see and do around, we thought of creating the best itinerary for Leh Ladakh that can help you nail your first-ever trip. In this guide, we created a schedule that includes terrific places, top experiences, and must-do tours/activities .

So, without further ado, let’s get started with our Leh Ladakh tour itinerary.

Overview of Leh Ladakh Itinerary 5 Days

The itinerary designed for this Ladakh trip is curated for 5 days. The tour will start and end in Leh .

While not many people visit Leh Ladakh on such a short break, there’s a significant portion of travellers who prefer 5-6 days duration. To cater to these tourists, we created a perfect Ladakh itinerary consisting of all the niche experiences & activities .

Although a 5 Day Leh Ladakh itinerary sounds short, it is still packed with good sightseeing spots , road trip journeys, and must-do activities. Even if you’re a first-time traveller, this 5 day itinerary for Ladakh will come in handy to plan your first ever trip!

The trip can be customized entirely according to your style and preference. Thus, you can include or exclude any destination from the journey as you’d like.

Schedule of Leh Ladakh Trip Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrive in Leh – Sightseeing Tours Day 2 : Leh – Nubra Valley (Khardung La Pass – Diskit – Hunder) Day 3 : Nubra Valley – Pangong Lake (Sumur – Shayok – Tangtse) Day 4 : Pangong Lake – Leh (Chang La – Chemrey – Hemis) Day 3 : Depart from Leh

Essential Planning Tips for 5 Days in Ladakh

These are some vital planning tips one should consider before planning their 5 days trip to Ladakh.

Take a Flight

Since our Leh Ladakh trip is only for 5 days, it makes sense to travel via flight. We won’t recommend a road trip journey to & fro Ladakh , as this is not a feasible option for a shorter travel plan. A minimum of 7-9 days is required to plan a full-fledged road journey to Leh Ladakh. Also, ensure that you arrive in Leh a day before your actual trip. This way, you can also take care of getting acclimated to the altitude of Ladakh.

Pre-Plan your Ladakh Tour

We recommend planning your Leh Ladakh trip at least six months before your actual departure . Considering the summer season in India (April to June), most travellers often book their Ladakh tour to avoid hiked hotel prices & airfare tickets.

Secondly, you’ll need to get your Inner Line Permit arranged. This is only applicable to foreigners (non-Indian residents). An Inner Line Permit is basically a ticket that grants you access to enter the protected areas of Ladakh. These places include visiting Nubra Valley , Pangong Lake , Turtuk , Khardung La , and Tso Moriri . One can get their permits sorted by directly  visiting this website .

The charges for these permits are as follows  –

Environmental Fee : INR 300 Inner Line Permit : INR 20 per day per person Red Cross Fund : INR 100

Note : The above prices can change. Please  visit the website  to stay updated on the latest pricing.

Travel Q – Do you need an Inner Line Permit in Ladakh? No. Inner Line Permit is no longer required for Indian citizens. Earlier, you had to compulsory book the pass to visit the protected zones of Ladakh. However, now the government has scrapped the idea of improving logistical tourist routes.

Book Your Transport

The second most important thing for your Leh Ladakh itinerary is to book internal transpor t . For this 5 day tour, we recommend booking a private vehicle for your entire Ladakh trip. Riding a motorcycle can be difficult, especially when you’re just getting acclimatized.

You can directly book a taxi from the airport to the hotel journey from the airport itself. To explore Leh Ladakh’s sightseeing, you’ll need to arrange transport in advance. We recommend Expedia for the rental car service, as they tend to provide affordable rates for their private vehicles.

Altitude Sickness  in Ladakh

Many people ignore the altitude sickness problem in Ladakh and then often waste their sightseeing schedule. The best precaution against AMS (acute mountain sickness) is ample rest. At the same time, it may sound like a ridiculous thing to do, especially when you’re travelling to a beautiful region – getting rest is crucial before you start your sightseeing in Leh Ladakh.

Not doing so will only cause you more problems throughout the trip. If you have any medical conditions, please consult a doctor before this trip. It’s best to clarify your fitness levels before you travel to Leh Ladakh.

Moreover, to help you avoid AMS in Ladakh,  read this guide  as an additional resource. It details some steps to handle altitude sickness in Ladakh.

Cost of Leh Ladakh Tour Itinerary

Ladakh is an expensive region to travel to. Significantly, after COVID-19, many hotels and tour operators have hiked their rates to match their daily expenses. On average, a 5-day trip to Ladakh can cost anywhere between INR 12000 – INR 15000 , which excludes to & fro flights and sightseeing entrance fees. Considering flights, expect the price to increase to INR 28000 – INR 32000.

Note – The above prices are an indicative number based on the history of previous tours/packages. You can explore the below packages to find your perfect Leh Ladakh tour –

5D/4N Leh Ladakh – Explore this tour to book a similar version of this itinerary. 7D/6N Ladakh Sightseeing – Book an all inclusive tour for Ladakh via Delhi.

Detailed Leh Ladakh Itinerary 5 Days

Day 1: arrive in leh.

Leh, the city of adventures, is a bustling cold desert town filled with glorious tourist attractions. It isn’t a developed city boasting great amenities and accessibility; it still marks a vital destination to promote adventure tourism.

The rugged roads, dramatic landscapes, snowcapped peaks, bells of the monasteries, and the deserted cold wind makes you feel alive when you’re in the city of Leh. It isn’t only the attractions that drive most tourism, but its unique blend of Indian and Tibetian culture tends to bring out energetic vibes.

Leh City | Leh Ladakh Itinerary 5 Days

Once you reach Leh, the first thing you need to do – is get acclimatized.

Due to Leh Ladakh’s altitude, oxygen levels are minimum – causing you breathing and exertion problems. To avoid any health-related issues, it’s best to recommend giving yourself the time to get acclimatized to Leh’s atmosphere.

Note : You can spend more than a day in Leh to cover most of the city’s major sightseeing. If you take a day off to get acclimatized to the surroundings, it’s recommended to add an extra day to your Leh Ladakh itinerary to visit its important landmarks.

On this day, you can opt to visit Leh Ladakh’s top most attractions including – Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, Magnetic Hill, and Hall of Fame. To add more sightseeing excursions to your Ladakh trip, you can book a full-day guided tour of the Leh City. This way you can maximize your travel for inner region travel.

Apart from the attractions listed above, there’s plenty to see and do in Leh Ladakh. You can add these places to your Leh Ladakh itinerary – Shey Palace ,  Shey Monastery ,  Gurudwara Patthar Sahib ,  Stok Palace ,  Likir Monastery , and  Thikse Monastery .

Day 2: Leh to Nubra Valley (Drive)

Approx Distance from Leh to Nubra Valley  – 4hr 40mins (160km)

If there’s anything that a traveller might dream of on their Leh Ladakh road trip, it is this journey –  Leh to Nubra Valley . It’s one of the bucket-list activities many adventurers plan for a good reason!

The scenic drive from Leh to Nubra is packed with astonishing scenery, barren landscapes, mighty Himalayas, and the beautiful Zanskar and Karakoram range . These natural settings make the road trip quite memorable!

Nubra Valley | Leh Ladakh Itinerary 5 Days

Visiting Nubra Valley is a must on a Leh Ladakh tour . Every biker dreams of seeing the place and traversing the region to explore its stunning beauty. The valley houses many attractions such as Diskit , Turtuk , Panamik , and many other unspoiled areas. The locals who live here showcase their lively traditions to fascinate tourists from all over the world.

To reach Nubra Valley, you’ll need to start early in the morning. You’ll travel via the Khardung La, which is approximately 38kms from Leh and will take you around an hour to reach. There’s a canteen around the place to stop by and get some refreshments.

Road Tripping across the Nubra Valley

Continue your journey from Khardung La to reach Diskit for some sightseeing tours. The town is famous for its landmark – the  Diskit monastery , which is considered the largest gompa ( Tibetian temple) in  Nubra Valley. Nearby the hill lies another milestone of Diskit –  the statue of Maitreya Buddha . Bactrian camel rides and Hunder dunes also remain popular sightseeing tours of Nubra Valley.

You can spend the night at Hunder Village, located 10kms from Diskit. For more hotel recommendations around Nubra Valley, explore this page .

Day 3: Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake (Drive)

Approx Distance from Nubra Valley   to   Pangong Lake  – 6hr 20mins (140km)

Like the other road trips in Leh, the journey from Nubra Valley to Pangong is one of the scenic drives in the country. Every year, many tourists flock to the region of Ladakh to experience the road trip vibes of the Nubra and Pangong. Especially if this is your first-time exploring Leh Ladakh, you shouldn’t miss out on a trip to these places.

Pangong Lake is one of the gorgeous, most beautiful lakes in India. The expansive views of the contrasting blue lake make the waters look adorning to the backdrop of the rugged mountains. During the winters, the temperatures in the area fall below -20°C causing the lake to get frozen completely. Moreover, the lake’s elevation makes the surrounding scenes truly captivating, making you fall in love with Pangong Lake’s beauty.

Pangong Lake in Ladakh

Travel Q :  Is camping at Pangong Lake allowed? Considering the imbalance in the ecological fragility of the lake, the Government of India has decided to stop overnight camping around Pangong Lake. The sustainability issues made the authorities declare a ban, thus preserving the beauty of the lake. For alternatives around Pangong, check this page.

There are multiple ways to reach Pangong Lake from Nubra Valley. One is via Shyok , where the roads are comprehensive and extensive, and the other via Wari La , which is more of an off-beat experience. Nowadays, most travellers opt to take the Wari La route to explore the mountainous region, and it isn’t the easiest path to drive on and will require profound driving experience to complete the stretch.

Distance from Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake via Shyok route : 140kms (6hr 20mins) Distance from Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake via Wari La route : 375kms (9hrs)

Looking for accommodation near Pangong Lake? Find out the resources below –

Hotels near Pangong Lake : Explore this page to find best hotel stays & deals near Pangong Lake. Campsites near Pangong Lake : The Nature’s Nest Camp near Pangong is the closest you can get to Pangong Lake.

Day 4: Pangong Lake to Leh (Drive)

Approx Distance from Pangong Lake to Leh  – 5hr 30mins (222.9km)

Before returning to Leh, stroll around Pangong Lake to admire the scenic sunrise. You’ll even spot many bird species around the lake, as Pangong is a popular breeding site for migratory birds.

On your way back, you’ll be taking the  Chang La pass . You can visit several attractions here, such as  Chemrey monastery  and  Hemis monastery . The Hemis Gompa is Leh Ladakh’s largest monastery, boasting beautiful shrines and an 8-meter Padmasambhava statue. Before reaching Leh, you’ll also find the famous monastery of  Thiksey . It’s known for its impressive architecture and decorated interior work.

Famous Gompas in Leh

The rest of the day is free for you to explore Leh’s surroundings. Furthermore, if you had spent day one getting acclimatized to Leh’s climate – this is the perfect day to enjoy the serene beauty of Ladakh’s amazing sightseeing spots.

Day 5: Departure

This marks the end of your Leh Ladakh Itinerary for 5 days. You can extend this itinerary to 7 or 9 days, depending on your schedule, and visit places like  Zanskar Valley ,  Kargil ,  Hemis National Park ,  Moonland , and  Tso Moriri Lake .

Accommodation for Leh Ladakh Itinerary 5 Days

When planning your Leh Ladakh tour, accommodation becomes a crucial factor. Firstly, it’s essential to understand that Leh Ladakh isn’t a developed region compared to other metropolitan cities. It boasts many luxury hotel stays, guesthouses, and hostels – but you shouldn’t expect great amenities in places like Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake.

Most of the inner sub-regions feature rustic accommodation with basic amenities & facilities – which is still considered a favorable option amongst travellers who enjoy rustic stays.

For our Leh Ladakh itinerary trip itinerary, we categorized hotels into several price ranges. This will help you select the right hotel for the right price during your stay in Ladakh.

Please find the below resources for the hotel stays in Leh Ladakh  –

Budget Hotels in Ladakh  – Explore this page to find budgeted stays & rental apartments in Leh Ladakh. Mid-range Hotels in Ladakh  – Looking for good amenities? Check this page to find mid-range hotels across Leh. Luxury Hotels in Ladakh  – Fancy a luxurious stay in Ladakh? Check this page to find more.

Recommended : Read this guide to find out the top 5 luxury stays in Ladakh .

FAQs for Leh Ladakh Itinerary 5 Days

How many days are enough for Leh Ladakh? You’ll at least need 10-12 days to cover major sightseeing spots of Leh Ladakh. Considering the distance between Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, and Leh, you should give yourself the time to soak in Ladakh’s serene beauty.

Are 5 Days enough for the Leh Ladakh tour? Factually, a 5 day trip to Ladakh isn’t a sufficient period to admire Leh Ladakh’s scenery. With so many attractions & experiences, a tour of a minimum of 7-9 days is required. However, if you’re short on time and need a quick breakthrough to fizz past Ladakh’s sightseeing, a 5-day tour is worthwhile.

How much does a Leh Ladakh trip cost? Many tour operators across India will charge different prices for their services & sightseeing add-ons. It ultimately comes to the duration you choose, places you visit, and some off-beat experiences. However, an average 5D/4N Leh Ladakh package costs INR 13,000 (excluding flights). You can check these tours here.

What is the best time to visit Leh Ladakh? Indian summers are the best period to enjoy Leh Ladakh’s mild temperatures. The region   attracts most of the crowd between April and July and is the busiest period to travel within Leh. You can expect temperatures ranging between 15°C – 30°C during this season.

Are Ladakh roads safe? The roads in Leh Ladakh are pretty rugged, featuring  steep cliffs , unpaved lanes, traffic jams, and rocky terrains. The highways in Ladakh aren’t the most drivable paths but certainly, boast incredible scenery and amazing landscape.

Further Readings & Resources

Coorg, India – 15 Absolutely Best Things to Do in Coorg, India Ooty, India – 15 Stunning Places to Visit in Ooty in 2 Days Iceland – 12 Stunning Things to Do in Iceland in October

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Experiential Europe  –  10 Day Europe Trip: Germany, Belgium & France to Ireland Magical Europe  –  London Paris Amsterdam Itinerary: Epic 10 Days in Europe Discovery Europe  –  London Paris Barcelona Itinerary: Ultimate 10 Days in Europe

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The 7 day Leh – Ladakh Itinerary

The 7 day Leh – Ladakh Itinerary

The Best of Leh – Ladakh in 7 Days

Leh, the main town in the district of Ladakh, in Jammu and Kashmir, India is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in India . Being at a high altitude, the access remains restricted throughout the year, with roads blocked for as long as 6 months. The roads usually open up in the month of May till Sept / October , and June – August have become the peak season specially after the popularisation of the region in the movie 3 idiots, Jab Tak Hai Jaan . The best time for the 7 day Trip to Leh – Ladakh is June – July . However, visiting Leh Ladakh in Winters is a different charm all together, if you are that adventurous and can withstand the cold .

With the Leh – Ladakh tourist season round the corner, I have made a sample 7 – day Leh – Ladakh Itinerary which covers almost all the major tourism attractions and can be used as a reference for anyone planning a Trip to Leh – Ladakh. 

This 7 Day Trip To Leh Ladakh, also makes for an excellent addition to your One Month India Itinerary !

Day 1 – Arrival in Leh and rest for the day.

Day 2 – leh local sightseeing, day 3 – khardung la pass | nubra valley | hunder sand dunes, day 4 – nubra valley – leh ladakh , day 5 – magnetic hill | indus – zanskar confluence, day 6 – chang la pass | pangong tso, day 7 – back to leh via hemis monastery, recommendations to make the most out of your trip to leh – ladakh, where to stay in  ladakh, pin this 7 day ladakh travel itinerary, share this:.

Start your trip to Leh – Ladakh by landing at Leh Airport during the morning hours. Without wasting too much time, head out to your hotel, make yourself comfortable and stayput for the day in your room. This acclimatization is really important for your body and for you to enjoy the rest of your trip. You may be tempted to step out and explore the city but all you have to do is rope in your excitement for the day and relax in the room and have lots of liquids, to avoid mountain sickness due to less oxygen in the air.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Arnav Mathur (@theetlrblog)

After a light breakfast head out to Shanti Stupa to enjoy a panoramic view of Leh. Your next destination should be Tsemo Fort, which is practically visible from all over Leh.

Situated at a height of 4,267 metres (13,999 ft), the stupa is located 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) from Leh – the former capital of Ladakh – on a steep hill facing the Leh Palace. The stupa can be reached by a drivable road or on foot using a series of 500 steep steps to the hilltop

The stupa is open for tourists between 5:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Sunrise and sunset are considered to provide the best views from Shanti Stupa.

leh ladakh trip month

Built in the 16 th  century is  Tsemo (Victory) Fort, is just 15-minute climb-up opposite Chenrezi Lakhang with its ruins. This structure is actually visible from everywhere in Leh. This fort seems like a crown on the head of the Palace ridge.  This small but ruined palace contains of a number of worship flags. Directly underneath it is Tsemo gompa that is Tsemo monastery that consists of two temple buildings built in the 15 th  century, an eight meter tall gold-faced statue of Maitreya Buddha.

Tsemo Fort Trip to Leh - Ladakh

Enjoy a good serving of typical Ladakhi food at one of the popular restaurants in the market, before heading out to Leh Palace , which is a replica of Lhasa’s Potala Palace . A nine storey structure in dun colour, the Leh Palace rises up against the backdrop of the lofty Himalayas, looking more like a painter’s muse. Built mostly of mud, rocks and wood, it is grand in its simplicity. The palace also houses a rich collection of traditional dresses and crowns, thangka paintings and some impressive traditional ornaments. The best part about Leh Palace is its terrace for you can pore over Leh, Stok Kangri and the Zanskar range from it.

leh ladakh trip month

Spend the later part of the day at the Hall of Fame , located near the Leh Airfield. Hall of Fame is a museum constructed and maintained by the Indian Army in the memories of the soldiers who lost their lives during the Indo – Pak wars. One of the most interesting sections is the one dedicated to a soldier’s life in Siachen Glacier.

Hall of Fame 2

Hall of Fame – Leh City

Do some city shopping if time permits and your body doesn’t give in to the tiredness/fatigue.

One of the major highlights of any  Trip to Leh – Ladakh is crossing the Khardung La Pass, the highest motorable pass built by the brave men of 201 Engineer Regiment, Indian Army. The road was opened to vehicular traffic on 27 August 1973. At an altitude of 18,380 feet, Khardung La Pass is the gateway to Shyok and Nubra Valleys .

Khardung La is 39 km by road from Leh. The first 24 km, as far as the South Pullu check point, are paved. From there to the North Pullu checkpoint about 15 km beyond the pass the roadway is primarily loose rock, dirt, and occasional rivulets of snow melt. From North Pullu into the Nubra Valley, the road is very well maintained (except in a few places where washouts or falling rock occur).

leh ladakh trip month

While at Khardung La, don’t forget to have a cup of hot tea and a plate of hot Maggi at the Highest Cafeteria in the World. It is recommended that the maximum stopping time at the top should not be more than 30 minutes, so once you are done with clicking pictures and having some food, head out to the souvenir shop. The shop also maintained by the Indian Army sells all kinds of souvenirs like, coffee mugs, beer mugs, decorative plates, tee shirts, and caps etc. I personally have all of them with me.

Cross Khardung La Pass and make your way towards Nubra Valley, Diskit Monastery and Panamik . The road from Khardung La pass crosses Nubra Valley goes all the way up to Siachen Base Camp. But  Panamik is the last place up to which civilians are allowed on this road towards Siachen. Panamik is also famous for its hot water sulphur springs. Everyone has seen a camel at some point of time, but you should be privileged if you get to see a double humped camel. Head out to the sand dunes in Hunder and catch a sight of the Double Humped Camels , which are an endangered species and the only place in India to see them is here at Hunder . This will remain a highlight of your trip to Leh – Ladakh.

leh ladakh trip month

Stay for the night at Hunder/Nubra valley.

Start your return Trip to Leh – Ladakh  , cross Khardung La top, enter Leh and head out to Thiksey Monastery, after having a good Tibetan lunch. The USP of this monastery is the 15 m high statue of Maitreya or Tara Devi . Covering almost 2 storeys, this is the largest such statue in Ladakh.

leh ladakh trip month

Just a couple minutes away from Thiksey Monastery is a quaint little spot named as Indus View point or Sindhu Darshan . Go there to enjoy the cool atmosphere and feel the fresh breeze caress your face. A quaint place like that demands some time where you only feel the breeze and only hear the sound of water gushing through.

Sindhu Darshan trip to Leh

Get some rest after the tiring yet fruitful day, only to wake up to a fresh new adventure the next day.

Head out to Pathar Sahib Gurudwara which falls in the east of Ladakh on the Kargil Road and attend the langar prepared by the Sikh soldiers of the Indian Army. Do try to help them in whatever way you can and then head to the point where you can witness the confluence of Indus and Zanskar . One can easily identify the flow the two rivers, as one is muddy and the other one is a bit on the bluish green tinge. While you are in the area, don’t forget to get amused by the weird happenings at Magnetic Hill where, your car goes uphill on its own, when put into neutral gear.

magnetic hill 7 day trip to leh ladakh itinerary

After having an early breakfast, head out of Leh – Ladakh, towards Chang La Pass. When you are at the top of the world’s third highest pass, make sure to click some pictures and have a hot cup of tea and some Maggi. Trust me, the tea and maggi might not have tasted that heavenly ever before !

leh ladakh trip month

Cross Chang La Pass and head out towards Pangong Tso Lake which is 140 Km from Leh. Situated at a height of 4350 m and almost 130 Km long, Pangong Tso is one third in India and the remaining in Tibet. The first glimpse of the tranquil, azure blue waters and shaky lake shore remains etched in the memory of tourists.  On a bright sunny day, one can see as many as 5 different shades of blue along the length of the lake as you drive at the side of it.

Pangong Tso 04

The beauty of Pangong Tso

start trail pangong tso trip to leh

Stay for the night either at one of the camps or at one of the homestay options in the nearby villages of Spangmik and TangTse.

Start early and take your return trip to Leh – Ladakh , and on your way back, stop by at the Hemis Monastery, which is roughly 7 Km from Karu. Hemis Monastry or Hemis Gonpa is one of the richest monasteries in Ladakh,  as it was protected by foreign invasions because of its remote location . It is one of the 9 Buddhist Monasteries in Ladakh , that should be there on your Ladakh Bucket List.

On your way back from Hemis, get your adrenaline rush at an all-time high by trying out White Water Rafting on the mighty Indus or Zanskar.

With loads of memories amidst mesmerising landscapes, it’s time to say good bye to Leh and fly back to your respective places, bringing your trip to Leh – Ladakh , to a memorable end.

  • Leh is full of tourists from all over the globe, so make sure to try out different cuisines like Ladakhi, Israeli, Tibetan, and Russian etc.
  • Tibetan Inspired Crockery
  • Souvenirs from Khardung La and Pangong Tso Lake.
  • Chinese herbs .
  • Home Decorative items ( Tankha, paintings, giant fans)
  • Miniature prayer wheel
  • Tibetan prayer flags.
  • Leh – Ladakh souvenir T Shirts.
  • Sea Buckthorn Juice ( A kind of berry grown in Leh – Ladakh )

For those of you who want to extend their Trip to Leh – Ladakh ,  to enjoy the beauty of Leh – Ladakh for a few more days can try out various trekking options in the Zanskar Valley. There are plenty of tour operators offering competitive prices for these short and long treks.One of the popular treks to do is the Markha Valley trek.

For the biking enthusiasts, the option of renting a bike and riding all the way to Khardung La and beyond is always open. Due to the huge demand, you will be able to find a lot of garages offering Royal Enfield’s on a rental basis.

On your way back, you can drive to Srinagar, via Drass, Kargil and the mighty Zoji La Pass stopping at the Drass War Memorial on your way. And further fly out of Srinagar instead of Leh.

If you like this, you might also like checking out the 7 Day Road Trip Itinerary to Bhutan from India

We recommend staying in home-stays to fully experience the local life of Ladakh and to support the local economy. Apart from that, here are our recommendations :

Guest Houses – Gonbo Guest House | Youthok Guest House  

Hostel – HITCHHIKERS HOSTEL LADAKH | goSTOPS Leh

Mid Range Hotels – Shaolin Ladakh | Tushita Ladakh | Beyond Stay – The Leh Berry Boutique – Leh

Luxury – The Grand Dragon Ladakh | Ladakh Eco Resort | The Indus Valley | Gomang Boutique Hotel | TIH The Zen Ladakh

Day 1 – Arrive in Leh and rest for the day.

Day 2 – In and around Leh city, cover Shanti Stupa, Tsemo Fort, Leh Palace and Hall of Fame.

Day 3 – Cross Khardung La Pass and head out to Nubra Valley, visit Diskit Monastery and witness Double Humped Camels at Hunder. Hot springs at Panamik .

Day 4 – Return to Leh, and head out to Thicksey Monastery and Sindhu Darshan.

Day 5 – Cover Magnetic Hill , Pathar Sahib Gurudwara and Indus – Zanskar Confluence .

Day 6 – Cross Chang La Pass and be spellbound when you get a glance of Pangong Tso Lake .

Day 7 – Return to Leh via Hemis Monastery . Optional River Rafting near Karu

Day 8 – With loads of happy memories, bid adieu to Leh and board your flight back.

Trip to  Ladakh Ends.

I hope you found this 7 Day Ladakh  Travel Itinerary , to be of help to you, as a reliable Travel Resource for planning your Trip to Leh – ladakh.

Don’t forget to Pin these images , and save this Epic One Week Leh Ladakh Travel Itinerary, for future travel planning.

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If you enjoyed reading this 7 Day Leh – Ladakh Itinerary and Travel Guide , you might want to check out some other  7 Day Travel Guides and Itineraries .

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65 thoughts on “The 7 day Leh – Ladakh Itinerary”

Beautiful places , thanks for sharing detail Itinerary…..

Excellent travel route. Excellent, and inspiring article.

Great Itinerary for Ladakh , Thank for providing information.

Thank you for your sharing! Ladakh is truly a remarkable place with its unique culture, stunning landscapes, and peaceful atmosphere.so I want to go again and again there.

Hello, I’ve seen your blog about leh ladakh it was amazing .Thank you for giving us this information.

I visited Ladakh in 2017. Loved the Tso Moriri lake and the monasteries. Stunning beauty everywhere. Thank you for writing this post. I am having fond memories of the trip.

Amazing post. Really, Ladakh is a wonderland with spectacular landscapes dotted with lakes, mountains and monasteries. Everyone must go to this place at least once in a life time.

Thanks for the amazing post…. keep sharing.

Very nice and useful blog!!! Thank you very much for your information.

I have read your blog and found informative for Ladakh Tour information. Thanks for sharing great information.

Great article with such wonderful itinerary. I have heard a lot about the place but never visited after reading this article now I am feeling like to visit the place asap. Thanks for writing such beautiful article and for such amazing photos. Cheers!!!

Most informative article with great thoughts and knowledge to let us know wt all to do in a trip to leh ladakh, thanks for the tips while bike trip and really beautiful pictures, Thanks for sharing with us this helpful knowledge.

I have this blog this is such an amazing place for hill lover and thanks for sharing information.

Hi there! In the first place, thank so much for a post all this information, it is being really helpful. I am planning to reach Tso Moriri by motorbike, but I would like to divide all the way up in two days, doing some stay in the middle of the trip Leh Ladakh is more likely to heaven thanks for the amazing post.

I like your way of blogging Very nice photographs. Thanks for sharing.

I like your way of blogging Very nice photographs. Valuable Information. Thanks for sharing.

I like your way of blogging Very nice photograph. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks for sharing the itinerary through your blog. i am planning to go on a tour to Leh-Ladakh on my own and your blog will surely act as perfect guide. The detailed plan is really helpful. Keep travelling and keep sharing.

Hi Arnav. Loved your blog completely. Just like you, I did Leh Ladakh trip with 3 of my friends from 23rd June to 1st July, 2018. We started from Srinagar and moved towards Leh. I have started writing blog after experiencing and living the days in Leh. Wanted to share the feeling with people and convey them to must visit this place. I would love if you can kindly view and give some comments for my blog. Any appreciation or a critic view will be more than welcome.

Thanks for sharing this amazing information with us. The photograph projects the mesmerizing beauty of Leh Ladakh.

Nice article with good information Thank you for shring.

Awesome post! Thanks. One thing to ask is, shall I make Leh as a base and travel back to and fro from all the valley visits as mentioned in this blog or shall I start with Leh and visit different places and at the end return to Leh?

Hi Rohit, sorry for butting in here but I just visited Leh this April. We stayed in Leh for 2 days, visited Nubra Valley for one night, came back to Leh. Then visited Pangong Lake and came back to Leh again. It can get really cold in the high altitudes, so it would be great to keep Leh as a base. This also depends on how long you go for or how much you budget for stay.

I made a small snippet of my time in Leh as well, if you’d want to check that out!

Planning this june with family. Hoping for some peace time. Is it gone high on tourist inflow?

Planning this June with family. Is it gone heavy on tourist in flow? Want some peace time not that rush all around

I googled where to travel on summer vacation and I reached on your post and Realized Leh Ladakh is nice adventure place. so I plan a trip for Leh Ladakh. Thanks for sharing

A well-written and informative article. Kudos 🙂 Also, visit http://www.wheelstreet.com to rent all your favorite bikes at the most affordable prices in the country and begin your adventure to conquer all the roads that lead to Ladakh!

Hey, Thank you for compiling such useful itinerary. It would really help me plan my summer trip. Keep writing. 🙂

This 7 day itinerary is well detailed and it’ll be very helpfull. India has a lot of surprises and that trip seems to be very interesting. The view from Shanti Stupa is unbelievable! Thank you for sharing.

this article reminds me of my leh-Ladakh trip. Its like am there and I remember every thing in detail. Thanks you so much for sharing this with us much appreciated.

I have often heard that in less than 7 days you can’t do justice to Leh-Ladakh trip. So, your itinerary looks just perfect. Thanks for all the tips and details, I have bookmarked it for future reference. Will really help me plan out mine.

Ladakh is one place which needs a minimum of 7 days to cover the popular spots at the least.

This is an excellent and all-inclusive itinerary, Arnav!

This is a great itinerary. I will follow it step by step when I come because I know nothing about the area. Your photographs are beautiful and make me want to visit soon

You definitely should plan a trip to Leh Ladakh soon, before it gets too touristy and commercialized.

I’d have to give that motorable road a look. And of course, hopefully stay on the road LOL. Awesome pics and post!

This Leh Ladakh trek is so incredibly stunning that it must be so popular with tourists. I would definitely climb to the Shanti Stupa for the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and towns.

The panoramic views from up there are really worth the effort.

It is such a surreal place. I am waiting for my kiddo to grow up a little before visiting here. Since i heard kids sometimes face issues at such altitude. Your itinerary is just a perfect week long one. No matter when I take the trip, I will refer back to it

The first time I visited, my younger brother was in 3rd standard, and he had a gala time. You should plan a trip soon before you find hoards of tourists everywhere.

Ladakh is an absolutely out of the world experience. It is such a surreal experience which touches you at the core of your heart and leaves you with memories for a lifetime.

So true, and am glad I experienced the beauty before the place got touristy.

Very detailed itinerary! Very well paced keeping in mind the altitude and weather Have been to Leh Ladakh for a week long trip….wonderful experience.

So I have never heard of this place at all. Not sure why because it is absolutely amazing!! The pictures are literally to die for. You covered a lot of ground in just 7 days!! The Hot Springs would probably be one of my favorite to just unwind from a long day of travel!

I have never heard of Leh, but you did a great job showcasing the beauty of of this place. Shanti Stupa is so gorgeous when covered in snow. Tsemo Fort looks beautiful from afar – a 15-min climb doesn’t sound too bad at all!

We did a week long trip to Ladakh from Delhi visiting Katra, Jammu and Srinagar on the way. We could do Khardungla and Pangong but our wish to visit the Nubra valley still remains a dream. Hope to make it soon sometime in future.

How was your trip? Did you trek all the way to Vaishno Devi when you were in Katra?

A crisp itinerary! But for the much needed acclimatization time rest of the days are well spent trekking. I am keen to see the magnetic hill, the science of it is so interesting.

That’s a wonderful itinerary. I was in Ladakh for 16 days last year and had covered exactly the same places in the first week. The remote Diskit and Nubra valley were my favourite. Hope to go there again this year.

The last time I went, was not that lucky to visit Nubra Valley, as the road was blocked, but this time am all set to experience the untouched beauty of Nubra valley and the Diskit Monastery.

I would love to visit this region! The palace, the highest cafeteria in the world, and even rafting all sound like an adventure. It would take a while to adjust to that altitude though. Very interesting and looks beautiful!

This looks amazing!!! Great itinerary!

Thanks for sharing your itinerary for the tip. We haven’t considered coming here so if we did we would use your itinerary. The details you go into are great and so useful

I’ll be honest, I hadn’t heard of Ladakh before reading this but your itinerary and the beautiful pictures are making me want to book a flight! I have a colleague that visits Kashmir a lot and he constantly talks about it’s beauty but this post has confirmed it!

You should definitely tag along with your colleague on their next visit to Kashmir, to see the beauty of Leh Ladakh for yourself.

Just looking through these stunning photos, I completely understand what you mean when you describe this as one of the most beautiful places in India. I feel it would be one of the most beautiful places in the world. This would be such a fabulous thing to experience and your advice in the early stages about being careful to get used to the high altitude is a very good point. But it would be so worth it to see this in person.

Yes it would be. And you should definitely plan a trip to see this beautiful part of India soon.

Wow, that first photograph is stunning. I’d love to visit the mountainous regions in India. I’ll be honest, I’m not much of one for huge cities and crowds but this places appeals to me.

Even though Leh, is in the Himalayas, the terrains are not something which you see in any other Himalayan destinations.You should definitely plan to keep Leh on your mind, he next time you visit India.

Quite a useful itinerary. This sums up all the must dos of the region along with the time taken in each. Great tips to sum it up too. Thanks for sharing this!

Thank you . Waiting for you to get mesmerized too with the beauty of Leh

Ladakh – my favourite place in the world. I have done it several times and still can’t get enough of it. Good post.

Pretty interesting ways to spend your days in Leh Ladakh. I’d love to have a cup of hot tea and a plate of hot Maggi at the Highest Cafeteria in the World, sounds unique!

It is truly a heavenly experience.

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Vargis Khan

Leh Ladakh in April – COMPLETE Travel Guide and Itinerary

leh ladakh in april

Can we go to Leh Ladakh in April? The answer to this question is a definite yes. April marks the beginning of the Spring season in the hills. With the changing weather, all the snow at high altitude passes starts to melt and BRO works rigorously to open the roads as early as possible.

Winter starts to fade away in April. The locals prepare for the upcoming tourist season. It may not be the best time to visit Ladakh but there are certain charms and benefits that only the month of April can offer you.

Things will not be as crowded as they get in the later months. The chances of finding budget accommodation will be higher and you will get to see plenty of snow all around.

How you can plan your trip to Ladakh in April is what I will provide details on further in this article. If you have any questions,  you can contact me on Instagram  and I will be happy to answer. You can also consider  subscribing to my YouTube channel  and asking a question there.

To organize your trip to Ladakh, book a taxi, rent a bike, or get the best hotel rates, you can contact  Kunal @ 9910402252 . From luxurious hotels to budget stays, he can help get you the best rates possible.

Vargis Khan

Vargis Khan

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How to Plan a Trip to Leh Ladakh in April

 The first and most important thing here to know is that a road trip to Ladakh in April highly depends upon the weather conditions. Srinagar Leh highway is the first to get declared open in either April or early May, followed by the Manali Leh route in late May to early June.

So before you finalize your plan, wait until at least mid of March to get an update on the road opening. However, if you were planning to catch a flight to Leh City, you are free to plan at your convenience in April. Read on to find out more.

For more details on visiting Ladakh other than in the month of April, you can also take a look at How to Plan a Trip to Ladakh – A Complete Travel Guide .

leh ladakh in april

How to Reach Leh Ladakh in April

Let us first talk about how you can reach Ladakh in April. Your options in all probability will be limited to either catching a flight or driving on your own via Srinagar. Let us take a look at these options in detail.

Srinagar to Leh in April

Historically, the Srinagar Leh highway is declared open sometime in April, either towards the mid of it or the end. There have been instances when it opened even earlier than that, in March itself, but the chances of that happening are rare.

Even if the road did open early, it is always followed by temporary closures. Zojila Pass receives snow even in the month of April so it is highly possible that the road may get closed again for a couple of days until it was safe to travel again.

To be on the safer side, if you were planning to reach Leh via Srinagar in April, keep your plans towards the end of the month. Before you do that, make sure you check the status of the road and the traffic timings around Zojila Pass. You can refer to Srinagar Leh Highway Status, Road Conditions & Updates to get the latest word on it.

leh ladakh in april

Manali to Leh in April

Manali Leh highway remains closed in April. Road clearing operation by BRO remains on throughout the month but civilian traffic is not allowed. There is absolutely no way that you can plan a journey on Manali Leh Highway in April. Even the Manali Leh Bus will not be operational until June 15th.

By Public Transport

There is no public transport available to Leh in April. Even if the Srinagar Leh route was opened early, the bus service will not resume at least until May due to safety reasons.

Private and shared cabs from the Srinagar side may become available but entirely depends on the status of the road and its condition.

So your safest bet to travel to Leh Ladakh in April would be by Air. This is the only way you can be sure that your plans would not be at risk of getting canceled. If you booked a few months in advance, then you may even get a good deal on the flight tickets.

Local Commute

After you arrive in Leh, for your local commute, you can either hire a private taxi, rent a bike in Leh or travel around by public transport. A private taxi will be the most comfortable and easiest way to travel but it will also be the costliest. Take a look at Leh Ladakh Taxi Rates List to get an idea of how much it will cost you.

A bike is a good option if you have plenty of biking experience and you know how to handle it in the hills. It will also not cost you as much as a taxi.

Buses from Leh to other parts of Ladakh like Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake become operational in April. Even if there was no bus available, you should still be able to find a shared cab from the Leh bus stand.

The only catch is that the number of shared cabs becomes greater towards the end of the month. If you were traveling in the early part of the month, you may struggle to find both a bus or a shared cab.

leh ladakh in april

Where to Stay

The face of tourism in Ladakh is rapidly changing. Until a few years ago, the majority of the hotels and guest houses will remain closed in early April, both in Leh City and other areas of Ladakh. But that is not the case anymore.

If you were to visit Ladakh in April now, you will find the majority of the hotels up and running and will have no problem finding a place to stay.

Most of the hotels in Leh will start accepting guests in April. Depending on your budget, you may have to ask around a bit but will definitely find a place to stay to your liking.

As a matter of fact, since there will not be too many tourists around at this time, there is a great chance that you may actually get a good deal. The same logic applies to other places like Srinagar, Kargil, Sonamarg, and Drass as well.

Whether or not to book in advance is a personal choice entirely. If it gives you peace of mind, you may call in and book a room. Otherwise, you could just arrive here, find a hotel per your liking and negotiate an on-the-spot deal.

leh in winter season

Places to Visit in Ladakh in April

Let us now talk about places to visit in Leh Ladakh in April. As I was just discussing, all the internal roads will remain connected so you can pretty much cover all of Ladakh and visit all the places you want to see.

The only hitch in the plan could be that if you were traveling in early April and if it snowed at any of the passes en route, the road may close temporarily and you may not be able to travel to your desired destination.

But the chances of that happening are quite less in April. Let us take a look at the places one by one.

Nubra Valley in April

Nubra Valley remains open in April completely. The critical road to Siachen Base Camp runs through Nubra valley due to which, Indian Army keeps it open all year long. Even if it snowed at Khardung La and the road shut down for a while, BRO will clear it and restore connectivity as soon as they can.

So during your Ladakh visit in April, You will be able to visit all the local villages like Diskit, Hunder, Turtuk , Sumur, and Panamik.

In terms of accommodation, I would recommend that you plan to stay at Diskit for the night. It has the greatest number of hotels in the valley and considering the cold weather, finding a good enough hotel that suits your needs will be easier here.

But this is just an option though. Even in other places like Hunder, Turtuk, and Panamik, you will easily be able to find a place to stay. For more information, please read How to Plan a Trip to Nubra Valley .

nubra valley

Pangong Tso Lake in April

If you were hoping for a completely frozen Pangong Lake, then you will not find it so in April. The Lake freezes over towards the end of January but starts to melt by the end of March. In April, it is more blue than white.

The good news, however, is that you will be able to visit here with no problem at all unless it snowed at Chang La and the road got closed temporarily.

In terms of accommodation, all of the campsites may not be available so early in the season. In this case, you will have to stay at a guest house in Spangmik, Man, or Merak villages.

But if you were visiting Pangong Lake at the April end though, campsites too will be operational and you will have no problem finding a place to stay.

The Shyok route is the one that connects Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso. Taking this road, you can travel directly between the two places without having to back to Leh City.

Earlier, this road used to remain closed until June but now, even this route will be open in April. You can reach Nubra and then go directly to Pangong from there. For more details, please read How to Travel from Nubra Valley to Pangong Directly .

Tso Moriri in April

Like Nubra and Pangong, Tso Moriri also remains open in April but it too will not be in a frozen state. Your chances of finding accommodation here are actually even better than at Pangong as there are a lot of guesthouses and homestays in Karzok.

Campsites in all probability will only be available only by the end of the month. For more details, please read How to Plan a Trip to Tso Moriri .

Visiting Tso Kar may not be possible this early in the season. The high-altitude pass of Tanglang La remains closed in April so you will not be able to cross it and get to the other side on Moore Plains, to reach Tso Kar.

You can get there though from the Tso Moriri side but will then have to go back to Karzok itself. There will also not be any accommodation available at Tso Kar at this time.

Chushul Route & Hanle

The route via Chushul is the one that you can take to travel directly to Tso Moriri from Pangong Lake without having to go back to Leh City.

You will travel from Pangong to Chushul via Man and Merak. After Chushul, you will take the road via Tsaga, Loma, Nyoma, Mahe, and Sumdo to arrive at Karzok (Tso Moriri). Please read How to Plan a Trip from Pangong to Tso Moriri for more details.

This route also remains open in April completely and you can easily travel on it if you had a car with good ground clearance.

Hanle is a small village that is located near Chushul. To get here, you will have to take the Hanle road from Loma, a stretch of about 50 kilometers.

An ideal way for the journey would be that you reach Loma from Pangong Tso and go to Hanle to spend the night. From Hanle, on the next day, you will then return to Loma and continue to Tso Moriri.

pangong lake

Leh to Kargil Route & Sham Valley

The road from Leh to Kargil remains open all year long. So yes, you will be able to travel on this road even if the Srinagar Leh highway was not entirely open.

You can catch a flight to Leh and then plan a road trip to Kargil while visiting places like Gurudwara Patthar Sahib , Indus Zanskar Confluence, Magnetic Hill , Mulbekh Maitreya, Moonland, and Lamayuru Monastery on the way.

Sham Valley also remains open at this time and you can easily plan a trip here as well during your travel to Ladakh in April. Hemis Shukpachan is the village where most tourists stay overnight in Sham Valley.

You may not be able to reach Umling La Pass in April if traveling early in the season. Due to its altitude, the pass gets buried under the snow in the winter season. You may be able to get to Hanle but will have to keep Umling La out of your itinerary.

If you were traveling in the later part of the month, you may be able to cover Umling La as well depending on the weather and the road conditions.

Zanskar Valley in April

You cannot reach Zanskar Valley in April. You can get to Kargil from Leh but the road ahead to Padum will definitely be closed at this time. Since you cannot also take the Chadar trek route, there is absolutely no way to access Zanskar in April.

This, however, depends highly on the weather. If there was less snow in the winter, the road from Kargil to Padum can actually be declared open in April as well. But even at the earliest, it will only be after 15th April.

Snow in Ladakh in April

There are two ways to look at it. If you were hoping to catch a live snowfall in Ladakh in April then your chances are brighter if you went in the early part of the month.

At this time, there will be a good amount of snow on the ground, at the passes, and along the routes. If you were lucky, it may even snow while you were still there.

But if you went to Ladakh in April end, then the chances of snowfall are much less. If you were, however, thinking about finding snow on the ground; then you can go in any part of the month and will still find plenty of snow at the high-altitude passes.

There will be no snow in the lower areas like Leh and Nubra Valley though. The snow would be mostly all gone from the lower areas but there will still be plenty of it in the higher reaches. For more information on this, please read When is the Best time to visit Ladakh .

drang drung glacier

Leh Ladakh Weather in April

Leh Ladakh in the month of April will still be cold. It will not be on the extreme side like in the months of peak winters but still enough to leave you shivering. Days will be pleasantly warm but nights will definitely be freezing still.

It will also depend on the time of your visit. If you were visiting in early April, it will definitely be colder than towards the end of the month. The temperature will be around 10 to 15 °C maximum and 0 °C on the minimum side.

Other than the time of the month, it will also depend on which part of Ladakh you were in. The temperature around water bodies like Pangong and Tso Moriri will drop down to around -5 °C (or even further down) even in April.

Clothes to Pack

What kind of clothes to pack for Ladakh in April? There are two aspects to it. The first is that you will definitely need warm woolen clothes but the second side is that you cannot pack all heavy woolen only.

The weather in Ladakh at this time is a bit tricky in the way that it will be warm during the day and cold during the night. You will feel hot standing in the sun but will feel the chill standing in the shade.

If you were in the town of Leh , you will be comfortable but if you were at the top of a mountain pass like Khardung La, you will definitely be shivering.

So your packing must be in a way that you are able to handle all kinds of situations. For example, if it was me, I will pack a pair of thermals, regular cotton clothes, some light woolens, and a heavy jacket . I will definitely not pack any tight or body-hugging clothes.

What I did here was to pack my clothes in layers that I can wear on top of one another. If I was cold, I can just add another layer of clothes, and if warm, remove a layer until I was comfortable. Good quality gloves, warm socks, a monkey cap, and a muffler will also be required.

Some other helpful items can be a pair of sunglasses, lip balm, cold cream, moisturizer, and some regular cold, flu, stomach ache, and headache medicines. For more details on this, please read Clothes for Ladakh Trip – What to Pack .

What to do in Leh Ladakh in April

Other than visiting all of the places I mentioned above, there isn’t much else left to do actually. Rafting in Ladakh in April is not possible because the water will be too cold and not suitable.

If you are into trekking, you can try a few treks in Sham Valley. Please read How to Plan a Trip to Sham Valley for more details on this.

You can also rent a motorcycle (if you reached by flight) and enjoy biking to your favorite places. There will be plenty of snow left at the top of the passes like Khardung La and Chang La.

If you were lucky, you may even catch a live snowfall in the earlier part of the month. So yes, if you were traveling with family, having some fun in the snow will definitely be a thing to try.

Experiencing the local culture of Ladakh is one of the best things to do here. It is a mix of Tibetan, Indian, Kashmiri, Buddhist, and Muslim cultures and is really unique.

You must also try eating out at the restaurants in Leh and try some local dishes. For more details on this, please read What to eat in Ladakh – Foods you must try in Ladakh .

Shopping should also be on your list. Though the markets will not be at their best in April since it is just the beginning of the tourist season, you can still buy some local stuff as a souvenir. Please read Shopping in Ladakh – What to buy in Ladakh for more details on this.

Festivals in Ladakh in April

There are no festivals celebrated in the month that I am aware of. There could be a local festival in any of the small village monasteries but not in Leh City or any other major tourist spot. For more information on festivals in Ladakh and their dates, please read the Details & Dates of Festivals in Ladakh .

Camping in Ladakh in April

Campsites in April will mostly be limited to either Pangong or Tso Moriri. There will be no campsites at this time on the Srinagar-Leh route and Manali to Leh will be closed anyway.

However, you can definitely pitch your own tent if you were carrying all the necessary gear. Just make sure you bring in the best quality sleeping bag to keep you warm in below-0-degree temperatures.

You can also rent camping gear and sleeping bags in Leh City as well. For some more tips on camping in Ladakh, please take a look at Tips for Self-Camping in Ladakh .

kargil war memorial

Mobile Network & Data Connectivity

BSNL   has the largest network in Ladakh and works even in the remotest areas. The problem however is that the voice clarity may or may not be that good. The network is intermittent and will come and go as it pleases. Data connectivity would either be slow or not available at all.

Airtel and Jio work very well in Leh and Nubra Valley with 4G data speed. You will get reception even on Leh Kargil Road with these networks.

All other networks including Vodafone and Idea only work in Leh City. You will not get any service on these networks anywhere else in Ladakh.

The most important thing to remember is that only a postpaid phone works in Ladakh. If you have a prepaid connection, it will stop working the moment you land in Leh. For more details, please take a look at  Mobile Network & Data Connectivity in Ladakh .

ladakh in april

Medical Assistance

Leh has a large hospital that is capable of handling any sort of medical emergencies. I believe there is a small dispensary in Nubra Valley as well. Other than these two places, there are no hospitals or clinics anywhere else in Ladakh.

Hence, it becomes of extreme importance that you keep a close watch on how you were feeling. If you start to feel unwell, it will be in your best interest to get back to Leh and wait it out there. If your condition worsens, seek medical help immediately.

You should also carry a medical kit of your own. Include medicines for ailments like fever, cough, cold, body ache, headache, and upset stomach.

Carry a pain relief spray, an antiseptic lotion, lip balm, cold cream, moisturizer, sunblock lotion, and a few Band-Aids. In case of an emergency, you can also seek medical assistance at the nearest Army post.

Also read: Ladakh Checklist – What to Pack

Road Connectivity and Condition

Internal roads in Ladakh remain open and connected for all 12 months, except for the times when heavy snow may block the passes during the peak winter season. But in April, you will have no problem getting to any part of Ladakh from Leh City.

Manali Leh highway , of course, would be closed and since the Srinagar route would just have opened, it will be in its worst-ever shape. Melting snow would have created numerous water streams and slush all across.

The worst section, however, will be between Sonamarg and Drass in the form of Zojila Pass. You will have to tackle a lot of mud and slush while crossing over Zojila at this time. Between Drass and Leh, roads will be good with a few bad patches in between.

After you have reached Leh, roads towards Nubra Valley, Pangong, and Tso Moriri will be a mix of good and average. Bad sections will be limited to the top of Khardung La and Chang La. The presence of snow and water streams creating by melting of it will be in plenty on these routes as well.

ladakh in april

Itinerary for visiting Ladakh in April

With all of the above being said, let me suggest a sample itinerary that you can follow for this trip. Your final plan will of course depend on how many days you have in hand but it should at least give you an idea of how to plan your journey.

If reaching Ladakh by Air, below is the itinerary you can follow.

  • Arrive in Leh. Rest and arrange Permits – Day 1
  • Leh to Lamayuru to Leh – Day 2
  • Leh to Diskit – Day 3
  • Diskit to Leh – Day 4
  • Leh to Pangong – Day 5
  • Pangong to Leh – Day 6
  • Leh to Tso Moriri – Day 7
  • Tso Moriri to Leh – Day 8
  • Fly Out – Day 9

This of course is just a sample itinerary but it is one plan that you can follow irrespective of your time and mode of travel. The connecting roads between Nubra, Pangong, and Moriri may not be open in April in which case you will have to come back to Leh from each of these destinations.

If you hired a motorcycle in Leh or a private cab, you can follow this itinerary but in case the connecting roads are open as well, then you can travel directly between Nubra and Pangong via Shyok road; and Pangong and Moriri via the Chushul route.

If however, you were looking for a bus or shared taxi, then you will have no other choice but to return to Leh City every time. There is still no public transport available on Shyok Road, across Wari La or Chushul / Hanle route.

Leh Ladakh Road Trip in April

If you want to make it a road trip to Ladakh then there are two things you will have to keep in mind and both will heavily depend on the weather.

The first is that you must plan for the latter part of April. The second is that you must plan only via Srinagar. This too however can only happen if the weather was favorable and the Srinagar Leh route was declared open in April that year.

Below is the itinerary that you can follow. For the sake of this article, I will assume Delhi is the starting point.

  • Delhi to Jammu – Day 1
  • Jammu to Srinagar – Day 2
  • Srinagar to Kargil – Day 3
  • Kargil to Leh – Day 4
  • Leh – Day 5
  • Leh to Diskit – Day 6
  • Diskit to Pangong – Day 7
  • Pangong to Leh – Day 8
  • Leh to Batalik / Kargil – Day 9
  • Batalik / Kargil to Srinagar – Day 10
  • Srinagar to Jammu – Day 11
  • Jammu to Delhi – Day 12

Following this itinerary, when you reach Leh from Kargil on Day 4. You will do so via Lamayuru. But on your way back on Day 9, you can choose an alternate route via Batalik.

In case Shyok Road is closed at your time of arrival then you will have to return to Leh from Diskit on Day 7 and go to Pangong the next day. If you have more time in your hand, then you can plan a trip to Tso Moriri as well; either from Leh via Chumathang or from Pangong via Chushul.

Keep Buffer Days

While we are talking about the itinerary, let me also mention that you must keep at least 2 days in your travel plan as a buffer. This actually applies irrespective of your time of travel.

A trip to Ladakh will always have a bit of uncertainty factor to it. You may be visiting Nubra Valley or Pangong and the road across Khardung or Chang La may get snowed out, forcing you to stay back for a day or two.

To handle it better, you should plan your trip in a way that if you had to extend your stay in Ladakh by a couple of days, you would be able to do so without any problem back home.

ladakh in april

Honeymoon in Leh Ladakh in April

Yes, a lot of people have now started to consider Ladakh for their honeymoon as well. If you were thinking that too then my answer is yes you can do it.

The weather will be pleasantly cold. There will not be too many tourists around, making it a perfect place to plan for a honeymoon.

Just make sure that you call your hotel in advance, book your stay and inquire about facilities like hot water. I am sure squatting every morning over a dry pit on your honeymoon isn’t what you would want to do.

Leh Ladakh Bike Trip in April

The itinerary I suggested above is perfect for planning a trip to Ladakh by motorcycle. Before you do so, please make sure that your bike is completely ready for Ladakh.

Get it serviced, learn some minor repairs yourself like changing tubes, and carry some spares. For more details, please read How to Prepare your Motorcycle for Ladakh Trip .

Pangong Lake Weather in April

Please note that the weather and temperature at Pangong are always a lot colder than that of Leh or Nubra Valley. The large water body forces the temperature to fall a few degrees below the average temperature elsewhere in Ladakh.

Add to it the fact that Pangong is at a much higher altitude than Leh city and you will know why the night at the lake becomes problematic for so many people.

The temperature at Pangong Lake in April will remain between 0 to 5 degrees Celsius during the day and will fall below 0 at night.

I believe that covers most if not all that you should know about visiting Ladakh in April. If you have any questions, you can contact me on Instagram and I will be happy to answer. You can also consider subscribing to my YouTube channel and asking a question there.

Please go to the Instagram Feed settings page to create a feed.

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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 !!!

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How to plan a trip to leh ladakh, srinagar leh highway status 2024 – 2025, zojila pass road status and condition 2024 –..., 41 comments.

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Can we go in first week of April of 2024, is it fine, any thing if you can please mention which I need to think?

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Hi… thank you for your detail information. I’m planning to visit Leh 22 -30 april 2023 and since the cost of fligt to Amritsar compare to Delhi almost the same and to avoid more transit fligt is it possible i chose to landed at ATQ instead? Or it’s still best option fly to Delhi then to Leh? Any link to more detail info like this if the journey starting from Amritsar? Thankyoi

It is entirely your choice but yes, Delhi Airport is busier and crowded than Chandigarh

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Great and useful blog. Doing a 7 day trip from 29 April to 6may 22. What can we expect weather wise, roads wise. Doing sham Valley, Nebraska,pangong hanle and tsomori.

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I’m planning for a bike solo trip from Delhi to Leh. As you suggest I will go by the Srinagar highway. Is all roads are open? Can I go by bike? What is your suggestion?

Srinagar Leh highway is open Nik but Manai Leh is not. When are you planning to go?

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Hello! Thank you for creating this blog. My friend and I are visiting during the 2nd week of April. Do you know if river rafting, skiing and/or cycling will be available? Also, is Turtuk Village worth the long travel?

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Hello Mr. Khan nice blog. We are planning to visit Kashmir and travel to Leh by road by last week of April. We are all women group is it ok and safe?

Hello Ms. Appaji – I think the article below will be able to answer your questions.

https://vargiskhan.com/log/memoirs-first-solo-trip-to-ladakh/

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Hi Vargis, amazing blog. Lots of information. Thanks!!

I am planning to travel to Leh/Ladakh in April mid (15th). I am planning to travel by air. There on the 3rd day I am planning to rent a bike and then travel to Khardung La, Pangong Tso, Nubra Valley. Can I do it?

I ride bikes in cities and have grip with Himalayan but will it be too difficult to ride? Please let me know. Thanks!

Hi Varun – As long as you have good enough riding experience, it is doable.

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Hello sir , we r planning to go leh in apr frst week . How was the weather n pinging lake condition that time does it runny or freeze . What’s d best time such we can enjoy snow n lake both

April is a good time to go for that Priyanka

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Hi if sonmurg toLeh by road open via zojila pass?

Yes it is open

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Hello Can you tell me all the treks I can undertake in April (I’m travelling between 4-18th April)

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Heyo. How much it cost to complete leh Ladakh trip??

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Great Blog Sir.. We are planning for the trip on 3rd week of April. We have a doubt regarding the lakes. All the lakes especially pangong lake, will they be looking in bright blue color or due to running water from mountain due to melting snow will make it look grayish.

It will be all Blue by April Raj.

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we are going by flight starting of the April so is it good kya , people go in April or not or we should plan in june.

If you are going by flight then April is better

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Thanks for the post. Just read that Nubra to Pangong (direct road) is closed in April, does this still apply- considering that road conditions have improved vastly in last 2 years? I had taken this road in my earlier trips and am keen on doing it again this year- is there a way the road can be accessed? Is the road from Pangong to Tsomoriri also closed during this time?

Just to add, our entire trip will be on the BIKE.

No, it remains open now, even in April. I will update the post as well. All the internal roads remain open in April.

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Hi, i am planning a Leh trip in the last week of April. I would like to know your opinion, is it safe to plan a trip now, considering activities happening in the north in last 3 months.

Yes it is safe enough

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Hello vargis,

The details provided are great! Thanks for the itinerary! However i would like to know if self-driven cars and bikes are available in Leh during 2nd week of April, also is it safe to drive on those roads during that time. Any references regarding the renting points will be highly appreciated.

Hi Pooja – You can get motorcycles on rent but self drive cars are not an option in Ladakh. There may be some snow on the roads in early April at top of the passes but should be manageable.

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We wish to visit Srinagar Gulmarg &Leh in the first week of April. What’s ur opinion regarding visiting these places in the context of the ongoing tensions in the valley? Are Hotels Transport and Sight seeing normal in the city of Srinagar

It is not safe to go right now and tourists are rather trying to get out of the valley. Keep your plan open to visit some other place if the situation did not improve by April

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Thanks for the much needed info. .iam travelling to Ladakh from 14th to 20th April 2022 by flight ✈️ from ranchi ,want to know about AMS and should i take diamox or any other medicine to prevent AMS iam a young 32 year old fit boy!

Take a look at this post Arihant

https://vargiskhan.com/log/dealing-acute-mountain-sickness-ladakh/

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Hi. Any recommendation for a good hotel, a guide/agent based in Leh Ladakh? I’ll be travelling to Leh Ladakh this midweek of April for 7days approx. Thank you.

You can talk to Rohit Mishra in Leh at 9910 722 252.

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Hello vergis .i will plan to visit leh.in last of april. I dont know any thing about leh. How many days required for leh ladak. I am having 2 yr. Old son. Any problems related to less oxygen in that area. And please help me how i plan to see leh ladak area in minimum days. Thank you

How many days required for leh,ladak

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Hi. I m planning to visit Leh Ladakh at the end f March or 1st week f April wid my friends.. Plz let me knw during dis period can i cover Nubra valley, khardunga pass, pangong lake?? Wil dis b open as me coming from Kolkata by air.?nd we r total seven people including six yrs baby boy.. So wil dis b fyn to travel wid a kid??

Yes you will be able to visit all these places. For traveling with Children, please see the post below.

https://vargiskhan.com/log/traveling-to-ladakh-with-children/

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Hi. I’m planning to visit leh ladakh at the end of March or very first week of April with my friends. Pls let me know whether the time is suitable for us as we will be going there from kolkata. Do we find hotel rooms and folding easier at that time.

Thank you. Irfan

Yes you will be able to find hotels in early April. It will be very cold at that time so pack accordingly please.

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Hi,i’m a student. I’m thinkinh of going to Ladakh with my friends from 30th March to 7 April 2019(our only last holiday before we leave india permanently) I think we’ll go by air since i’m worried the road from manali to leh will be closed. However,during this time,will there be activities to do/are the scenery ok? Or do you think its not a good idea to go at this time at all? Really wish you can help us out as we heard that Ladakh is really beautiful and if possible,we would like to go there once before leaving India.

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leh ladakh trip month

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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 

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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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Leh Top Attractions

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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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  • Ladakh in May

leh ladakh trip month

Summers commence from the last week of May and it is probably the best time to visit Ladakh too. Although there is a constant debate on visiting Ladakh in May, there are still many perks of traveling to the union territory early in the peak months.

From the end of May, Srinagar-Leh Highway reopens for tourists, and the visitors can enjoy early birds, discounts on hotels, and a lot of other things. It is one of the two routes to reach Ladakh by road in May. The month of May means less crowd in Ladakh and a better chance to witness the high snow walls on both sides of the roads.

 For those who want to enjoy a bit of adventure, May is the perfect time to go! Hence it won’t be wrong to say that May is one of the best times to plan vacations amidst the snowy Himalayas and rugged valleys.

In this guide of “Ladakh in May 2024”, we have covered all the possibilities and questions that you may have in your mind regarding your Ladakh bike trip.

Factors That Contribute to the Decision of Traveling to Ladakh in May 2024

There are a lot of factors that constitute the decision of traveling to a certain destination, and that also happens when you plan your trip to Ladakh by road or any other means. It is the weather, temperature, transportation options, highway status, things to know before you go, and other similar information. The land of cold desert, Ladakh lures tourists of all age groups to arrive and spend some time amidst the tranquil environment. 

But before you pack your bags and head to Ladakh, there is a certain thing to know about it! This will make your trip smoother, better, and more convenient. So, let’s discuss the best possible ways to travel to Ladakh in May 2024. It includes motorbikes, cars, air, public transportation, things to carry, information on accommodation, etc.

Ladakh Explained: Briefly in All Three Seasons

The terrain of Ladakh challenges thrill-seekers in winters, lush green lovers in monsoon, and family holiday lovers in summers. It entirely depends on the tourists' travel theme which month or season they choose to visit Ladakh. We will dig deep into every possibility of traveling to Ladakh in May 2024, including motorbike, car, air, public transportation, things to carry, information on accommodation, etc.

You are allowed to jump to any section that interest you:

Is may a good time to visit ladakh.

  • Routes to Reach Ladakh in May
  • Manali Leh Highway Status in May
  • Is It a Good Option to travel to Leh Ladakh in May By Bike Over A Car?
  • Is It a Good Option to Arrive in Ladakh By Air in May?
  • Availability of Public Transportation to Reach Ladakh in May?

Is Public Transportation Within Leh in May Smooth?

  • Weather in Ladakh in May?
  • Clothes to Wear in Ladakh in May?
  • Snow in Ladakh in May 2024?
  • Must Try Experiences in Ladakh in May 2024?

Do’s And Don’ts In Ladakh

Yes! May is a good month to visit Leh Ladakh in 2024 but towards the end of the month. It is the time when Ladakh becomes accessible with snow melting away. But you still can enjoy the snow at high altitude passes like Khardung La. Weather in Ladakh in May marks the summer season and not a lot of tourists visit here during this month. You can consider Ladakh in May as a shoulder season which delightfully results in lower accommodation prices and less tourist crowd.

How Many Routes Are There to Reach Ladakh in May?

Although, there are two highways to reach Leh Ladakh; Srinagar-Leh Highway and Manali-Leh Highway. But you can travel through Srinagar-Leh Highway only! Manali-Leh Highway remains closed till June due to snowfall. 

What About the Srinagar-Leh Highway Status in May 2024?

Srinagar-Leh Highway usually reopens towards the end of May for tourists but it is highly advisable that one should check the weather forecast before heading. The total stretch of this highway is 434 kilometers (approx.). However, Border Road of Organization officials try to clear the snow as fast as they can. It will not cause any hindrance in your travel plan except a few road challenges due to water streams and still snow. 

What About the Manali Leh Highway Status in May 2024?

The Manali Leh Highway remains closed in May, and it reopens up in early/mid-June for travelers. The snow cleaning operation is in process and depending on the weather conditions there would be allowance for the visitors.

Is It a Good Option to travel to Leh Ladakh in May By Bike?

Yes! It is a good option to travel to Leh Ladakh by bike in May because the thrill is in store for you. Remember that you can only travel via Srinagar-Leh Highway and the roads will still be highly challenging because of the recent snow melting and there will also be water puddles at multiple places. Crossing and overcoming the slush at Zojila, Khardung La, and Chang La will also be thrilling, even for avid bike riders. However, it does not signify that car travel to Leh Ladakh is not possible in May so you can pick between these two vehicles and you should go for the one that you are proficient in. 

Is It A Good Option to Arrive Ladakh By Air in May?

Yes! Ladakh is accessible through the air throughout the year and even in May- it will be a good choice to pick this mode of traveling. And if you are traveling with your family, this will be the best way- at least in May. Moreover, this approach will remove all the ifs and buts and assure you that your trip will not get canceled at any cost. Traveling to Ladakh in May will also be a good choice if you are short on time and wish to take a quick trip. Reaching Ladakh by air gives you the assurance that you can spend more time in the serenity of the union territory because a road trip to Ladakh is supposed to be 9 days (approx.) or more! We suggest you book your flight ticket a few months in advance before your travel dates. 

Advice : The only challenge to reach Ladakh by flight is Acute Mountain Sickness. To overcome it, take time to acclimatize yourself for at least 1-2 days in the lower altitude regions in Leh Ladakh.

How is The Availability of Public Transportation to Reach Leh Ladakh in May?

If you are planning to take public transport to Leh Ladakh in May then the best thing is to take a train to Jammu Tawi and then take a bus from there. Otherwise, you will have to change multiple buses throughout your travel. Before deciding this, make sure that buses are allowed on the route. Because at times, even when the roads get cleared; buses are barred from plying in the initial days. Just for the safety purpose. 

Yes! Once you reach Leh, you will find public transportation easily for several routes. This includes Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, and Tso Moriri. There are bus stands from where you can hire shared/private cabs and commute within Leh. Remember, buses mostly leave Leh in the morning to cover the major attractions. In a very rare case, you will find less availability of buses, moreover, buses do stay at multiple attractions for quite sufficient time. You will easily find Sumo or Bolero for commuting within Leh and its famous attractions for the safer side. However, the price of private taxis/cabs is higher than public transportation like buses.

How About the Weather and Temperature in Ladakh in May 2024?

The weather in Ladakh in May 2024 would be comfortable and one can enjoy sightseeing throughout the union territory. But it still feels cold at night and chilly on days when you visit higher altitude regions. The sun shines brightly in the daytime and it becomes comfortable whenever there is a clear sky.

with an average temperature of 15°C to 20°C (approx.), and nights turn pleasantly cold. Overnight temperature can drop by 5°C (approx). If you are lucky, you will get a chance to see snowfall at the top of the Khardung La and other high-altitude regions. However, such a sight is rare to behold! To know more details about Weather in Ladakh

Are There Any Specific Clothes to Wear in Ladakh in May 2024?

Yes! Even when you visit Ladakh in May, you will have to wear a few warm clothes to keep away the cold. Windproof jackets, light woolens, thermals, and regular cotton clothes are the clothes that you will have to keep while visiting Ladakh in May. It is because, at such a high altitude, the weather is highly unpredictable and tricky. By this, we mean to say that within Leh, you will find several different elevations where the temperature goes down abruptly in a matter of minutes. There is a huge difference in weather when you are in the capital Leh, and at Nubra Valley or Pangong Lake. During the nights, the temperature would be cold in high-altitude regions like Stok Kangri, near the lake, and at high altitudes.

Can I Witness Snow in Ladakh in May 2024?

Yes! You can witness snow in Ladakh in May 2024 at higher altitudes like Khardung La, Chang La Pass, and Baralacha La Pass to say the least. But it completely depends on your luck. Most of the snow would have melted away till May. You can also witness the snow walls on both sides. 

Must Try Experiences in Ladakh in May 2024

Make your Ladakh trip in May 2024 memorable with the best experiences like visiting Buddhist monasteries, trekking to the Himalayas, meeting with heartwarming locals, and satiating your dream of mountain biking across Ladakh. You can also visit multiple attractions and go for a sightseeing trip to different places.

1. Enjoy the Thrill of Mountain Biking Across Khardung La

Khardung La pass is one of the best places to visit for people who love mountain biking. If you seriously want to satiate your hunger for wanderlust, you should land or arrive at Leh, rent a motorbike and go on a day trip to Khardung La Pass. It is just 40 kilometers (approx.) from Leh. You will find lots of nooks and corners that are photogenic.

There are a few roadside eateries selling mountain tea and Maggie. Enjoy the lip-smacking food while gazing at the breathtaking snow-capped vistas all around the Khardung La point at 5300+ m above sea level. Khardungla Pass is the paradise for snow lovers in India in May and the rest of the year as well!

2. Explore the Monasteries That Stood the Test of Time

Respect the cultural beliefs and follow the rules of Tibetan Buddhists at monasteries in Ladakh . By doing this, you will get access to the centuries ago monasteries like Shey, Thiksey, Alchi, Hemis, Stok, and Spituk. Leh Ladakh monasteries in May 1st week start getting visitors. This experience is an amazing one for the people who want to witness snow in Ladakh in May 2024.

3. Witness the Emperor of Himalayas - Snow Leopard

Don’t miss out on the wildlife at the Hemis National Park in Leh Ladakh in May 2024. It is where you will get the opportunity to spot the rightful emperor of the Himalayas, Snow Leopard. It is always advised to go on a guided trip to the national park and spot the Himalayan Beast. The only way to explore the park is on foot.

  • Note: The entry fee for Indians is 20 INR (approx.) and 100 INR (approx.) for foreigners. You should avoid night trekking because Hemis National Park is a hunting playground for Himalayan animals.
  • Advice:   Keep the map of Hemis National Park with you and try to get a guide for the trip!

4. Get Bewitched With the Partially Frozen Pangong Tso Lake

Pangong Tso Lake is one of the finest places to visit in Ladakh. The pristine Pangong Lake is unique, serene, and beautiful. While you stay overnight at the camps here, get ready to watch how colors change in the Pangong Lake from the morning to evening! This lake is just like a heaven on earth for wandering nomads. The distance from Leh to Pangong Tso is 225 kilometers (approx.).

Note : Inner Lines and Outer Line Permit is required to visit the Pangong Tso Lake and regions like Nubra Valley and Turtuk Village. The reason behind this is the Indian Armed Forces presence in these regions due to national security purposes.

5. Watch the Textures and Colors of Nubra Valley

Located 116 kilometers (approx.) from Leh; Nubra Valley is a beautiful place where beauty meets adventure. At some places, you will find green hills; and at some places, there is a cold desert, and rocky in some. Nubra Valley is another enchanting reason to visit Ladakh. Don't miss to enjoy the double-humped Bactrian camel safari. When you go from Diskit to Hunder village in Nubra Valley, don't get surprised by the ever-shifting dunes. You would require an Inner Line Permit to enter into Nubra Valley.

There are a few do’s and don’ts that one should follow while visiting Ladakh. Here are some of the most important ones:

  • Do not forget to get the inner-line permit for your journey onwards from Leh.
  • Make sure that you keep enough water and snacks in your backpack. Ensure that you keep yourself hydrated.
  • Do not drink or smoke while in Ladakh and refrain from doing this at all cost. 
  • Do not take Acclimatization as a joke and do respect the heights. If you are taking a flight, just let your body adjust to the altitude changes.
  • If you are planning on a road trip to Ladakh in May, just have a look at the weather forecast before leaving. 

I hope this ultimate guide to travel to Ladakh in May 2024 makes you realize that a Ladakh trip is possible after ending April. Depending on the travel interest and comfort, you can choose to visit Ladakh either by road or airways. Make sure you need to acclimate yourself to the changing environment in Ladakh to avoid Acute Mountain Sickness. Renting a bike option is available in Leh town.

FAQs About Ladakh in May

Q: is there snow in ladakh in may.

Ans: Yes, you can see snow in Ladakh in May at higher altitudes. But that all depends on your luck because this is a very rare thing to happen.

Q: What is the temperature in Ladakh in May?

Ans: The temperature remains between 15°C to 25°C. At times and at places the temperature can go below 10°C and higher to 28°C at other places in the daytime.

Q: Which are the Best Routes to Reach Ladakh in May? Via Manali or Srinagar

Ans: There is only the Srinagar-Leh highway that reopens in the last week of May. So, you just have one way in this month.

Q: What should I wear in Leh Ladakh in May?

Ans: The weather will remain comfortable throughout the day unless clouds come in. You will have to wear a cardigan or a windproof jacket if the weather becomes chilly. Ladakh is located at an astonishing altitude and you need to be prepared for adversities as well.

Q: Is It a Good Option to travel to Leh Ladakh in May By Bike Over A Car?

Ans: We can’t compare because both of them have their share of comfort, enjoyment, and thrill. But most people prefer a bike trip.

Q: Is Manali Leh Highway open in May?

Ans: Manali-Leh highway remains closed in May and at times in early June. It completely depends on the snow clearing process and weather. But mostly Manali-Leh highway starts to function for travelers from June.

Q: Is Srinagar Leh Highway open in May?

Ans: Yes, it is open in May and is the only way that makes Ladakh accessible by road.

Q: Which Festivals are celebrated in Ladakh in May?

Ans: There are no festivals that are celebrated in Ladakh in May.

Q: What is there to do in Leh in May?

Ans: Sightseeing, exploring, visiting multiple attractions, enjoying the local market, and savoring the local cuisines are some top things to do in Leh in May.

  • Monasteries
  • Attractions
  • How to Prepare for Ladakh Trip
  • Facilities in Ladakh
  • Family Trip to Ladakh
  • How and Where to Carry Spare Fuel
  • Ladakh With Parents - Senior Citizens
  • How to Carry Laptop
  • ATM and Bank Facilities in Leh City
  • Things to Carry for Ladakh Winter Trip
  • Where & How to Rent an Oxygen Cylinder
  • Ladakh in June
  • Ladakh in July
  • Ladakh in September
  • Ladakh in October
  • Ladakh in August
  • Ladakh in November
  • Leh to Nubra Valley
  • Delhi to Ladakh
  • Bangalore to Ladakh
  • Pangong Lake to Tso Moriri
  • Travel from Manali to Leh
  • Leh to Tso Moriri
  • How to Travel to Pangong Tso
  • How to Travel Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso via Wari
  • Srinagar to Leh
  • Leh to Khardung La
  • Stay in Ladakh
  • Rent a Bike in Ladakh
  • Rent a Bike in Leh
  • Rent a Bike in Srinagar
  • Rent a Bike in Manali
  • Mobile Phone Services in Ladakh
  • Hotels on Manali Leh Highway
  • Hotels on Srinagar Leh Highway
  • Hotels Near Tso Moriri
  • Hotels in Leh
  • Hotels Near Pangong Lake
  • Hotels in Nubra Valley
  • Mountain Biking
  • Leh Jeep Safari
  • Adventure Sports
  • Mountaineering in Ladakh
  • Camping in Ladakh
  • Buddhism in Ladakh
  • Cuisine in Ladakh
  • River Rafting in Ladakh
  • History & Culture
  • Shopping in Ladakh
  • Trekking in Ladakh
  • Wildlife in Ladakh
  • Tips and Suggestions
  • Ladakh in January
  • Ladakh in December
  • Clothes to carry for your Ladakh Trip
  • Medical Facilities

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