ladakh travel guidelines

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

We use cookies to improve your website experience and provide more personalized services to you, both on this website and through other media. By continuing to use this website, you agree to our use of cookies as explained in our Cookie Policy . Please read our Cookie Policy for more information on how we use cookies and how you can disable them.

New User? Register

• Manage bookings
• Cancellation
• On Behalf Booking
• My Quotation

Login to SOTC

We're unable to sign you in because the password entered incorrect.

Your request for OTP will be sent to registered email id and mobile number, if not registered please do the same.

You exceed the OTP limit. Please try again after some time

Don't have an account?

To deregister, please email us at

• Contains between 8-12 alphanumeric characters.
• Can add special character but not mandatory(Only !, @, #,$,%,^,&,* to be used).
• Does not contain White spaces

I would like to be kept informed of special Promotions and offers. I hereby accept the Privacy Policy and authorize SOTC and its representatives to contact me.

Already have an account?

• Your existing Google or Facebook Id will be a SOTC ID
• No need to remember different Ids & Passwords
• One click login

Forgot Password

Fill in the email Address that you used to register or book with SOTC.

We will reset and send your new password.

Please enter the valid email address

SOTC Staff / Preferred Agents / corporate's, please enter your Login-id only. E.g. Tcil_aalok / Jaft_prakash / Rc_mumbai

Your request for new password has been accepted.

The new password would be emailed to the registered email address only.

Please do write us at [email protected] in case you any require any assistance.

• Honeymoon Packages
• Travel Guidelines
• India Honeymoon Packages

Experience spirituality

Enjoy 4-Day Free International Holiday

Additional 5% CashBack up to Rs. 6,000 SBI Credit Cards*

I hereby accept the Privacy Policy and authorize SOTC and its representatives to contact me.

Ladakh Travel Guidelines

• Covid -ve Certificate Mandatory
• Epass is not required.
• Health Screening:
• Negative RT-PCR report on arrival (not earlier than 96 hours prior to arrival) is required for all passengers arriving into Leh. RT-PCR timeline starts from the swab collection time. Passengers in possession of final vaccination certificate, i.e., those who have taken both doses and have completed 15 days since the receipt of the 2nd dose shall be exempted from pre-departure RT-PCR requirement. All passengers arriving into the UT of Ladakh shall be required to undergo an RTPCR test free of cost irrespective of whether they are carrying a negative RT-PCR test or their vaccination status.
• In Airport Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) will be conducted on all the incoming passengers/ Tourist
• Fully Vaccinated: Passengers traveling to Ladakh have taken both doses and completed 15 days from the receipt of the 2nd dose shall be exempted and now travel to Ladakh without any RT-PCR Test
• Not vaccinated/ Single doses : Can travel with an RT-PCR Test conducted under 96 hrs to travel to the destination
• Quarantine -
• Travellers from other states are allowed to travel in Ladakh
• Persons travelling from the states namely; Maharashtra, Kerala, Punjab. Karnataka. Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh. Delhi and Rajasthan by road, air and train to Uttarakhand are advised to carry negative RT-PCR test report (test done 72 hours prior to the time of arrival to Uttarakhand state).
• Persons coming from above mentioned states as well as persons residing in Uttarakhand shall strictly adhere to the norms of safety and social distancing as per the guidelines of MHA. MoHFW and State Government. Violation of norms shall be liable to be proceeded under the relevant provision of DM Act 2005, Epidemics Act 1897 and sections of IPC.
• Persons above 65 years of age, persons with co-morbidities, pregnant women and children below the age of 10 years (vulnerable section of the people) are advised to travel only in unavoidable circumstances.
• District administration shall make arrangement for random COVID-19 testing/ checking at airport, railway station and at all border check posts. If any inbound person found positive, the currently prevailing SOPs shall be followed for further care.
• However, there shall be no restriction on "Inter-State and Intra-State movement of essential services and goods" in the state.
• Passenger obligation as per ladakh travel guidelines.
• COVID-19 Negative Certificate is mandatory while travelling.
• All passengers travelling to Uttarakhand need to register on state website.
• All passengers must download Aarogya Setu App .
• Operating Status:
• Hotels are Open
• Nubra and Pangong visit will be allowed to all the tourist with special permit
• All sightseeing points are open for Tourists

"Reserve Your Getaway for Ladakh Tour Packages !"

You will be redirected to your dashboard shortly. We will also call you back in 24 hrs .

• A Detailed Post-Covid Travel Guide To Ladakh

23 Mar 2023

Ladakh is a place like no other. The beauty of the place cannot be expressed in words. Visiting Leh Ladakh can be a great experience as these places have a bounty of natural beauty. After a long period of Ladakh tourism restrictions , the place has finally provided some travel relaxation to the wanderers. This post-covid travel guide to Ladakh provides all the latest information that is required to enter the state. Here is all you need to know while planning a trip to the state during covid-19.

Ladakh Travel Advisory During Covid

Wondering that can we travel to Ladakh now? Ladakh travel guidelines has been issued by the state travel ministry and the authorities are ensuring that the rules are followed carefully. Ladakh has allowed some relaxation to travelers during this pandemic. Here are the latest travel guidelines issued by the Ladakh government for those who are travelling to Ladakh :

• According to the reports, passengers arriving in Ladakh, both by air and road, must have a negative RT-PCR report not older than 96 hours.
• Passengers must provide valid contact and address details of their stay in Leh.
• It is mandatory for travelers to install the Aarogya Setu app in their phones and register their details.
• Thermal screening will be done for all incoming and outgoing passengers as well as staff.
• Medical camps will be set up at the airport with ambulances on standby.
• Domestic travel is now open in Ladakh only through Curfew Passes.
• In case of any symptoms during the journey follow the Ladakh quarantine rules  to ensure a safe ambiance.

Markha Valley Trek: A Gateway To Ladakh’s Hidden Villages And Valleys

Best Time To Visit

It is advisable to visit Ladakh during the dry season, which is from April to June. You can feel some sunshine and heat during the day. The summer season is the best time to travel here by all ages of people. You can go exploring the glaciers, Indus River, trekking in its mountain pass and valleys. Don’t forget to follow Ladakh Leh quarantine rules for a safe experience.

How To Reach

Ladakh is open for domestic travel and travelers can board a flight from all major states in India including Delhi, Kolkata,

Getting Around

Travelers can access local transport in the state including buses, taxis and cabs. However, if you are traveling to Ladakh during covid, it is advisable to book your private cab or taxi that will take you around the state. You can also seek assistance from the hotel staff that will help you arrange for private transfers.

4 Ladakh Guest Houses To Plan A Comfortable And Budget Friendly Stay At In 2022

Places To Visit In Ladakh During Covid

Going on a holiday to a charming land like Ladakh is surely an experience of a lifetime. So, why would you want to miss out on anything best there? Monasteries, rivers, valleys, lakes, villages and museums – this place is a confluence of so many popular and awesome things. Here’s a list of the top places in Leh Ladakh for a fantastic vacation. Most of the tourist attractions are now open in Ladakh and some of the best places to visit in Ladakh are Khardung-la Pass, Nubra Valley, Magnetic Hill, and Royal Leh Palace. Ensure that you follow all covid safety guidelines when traveling to Ladakh during the pandemic.

Things To Do In Ladakh During Covid

Ladakh is known for its unique culture and awe-inspiring landscapes. The snow-clad high peaks, cold deserts, and massive glaciers define the topography of the region. And then there are some breathtaking lakes & rivers that captivate the visitors and offer ample opportunities for rafting. Other than river rafting and taking a sightseeing tour of the beautiful places to visit in this region, there are some of the best things to do in Ladakh that you simply cannot miss including camping, cycling, sightseeing and food tours.

Shopping In Ladakh 2022: A Detailed Guide For All Shopaholics!

Accommodation

Image Source: Booking.com

Almost all the hotels in Ladakh are now open to welcome travelers with all covid-19 guidelines issued by the state government. Proper sanitization of the hotel premises is ensured by the staff and guests are required to wear masks at all times.

Restaurants

The restaurants in Ladakh have reopened and as per the guidelines issued by the state government, the hotel staff is following all rules and regulations. Seating arrangements are made keeping social distancing norms in mind and the staff is wearing gloves and masks throughout.

What To Pack

• It is advisable to bring warm jackets, furry socks and glows, mufflers, sweaters, and pairs of boots above ankle level.
• Travelers must also carry two pairs of boots, jerkins, and woolen accessories to keep warm.
• Do not forget to pack emergency lights, torch, and a portable gas stove when traveling to Ladakh during covid-19.
• Also, carry an extra pair of masks, sanitizers, and gloves.

8 Temples In Ladakh To Visit For A Spiritual Sojourn

Travel Checklist

• Download and register your details on the Arogya Setu App before travel.
• Also fill the online self-declaration form before boarding your flight.
• Pre-book all your accommodations and transfers in advance to ensure a smooth travel.

Covid-19 Prerequisites And Consequences In Ladakh

• Not even asymptomatic travelers will be allowed to board after thermal screening.
• Wearing face masks and maintaining social distance is mandatory in public areas.
• One must not spit in public places and a fine can be imposed on travelers caught in the act.

Further Travel Tips

• Avoid touching open surfaces of tables, and shelves at hotels and restaurants.
• Wear a mask whenever in public areas and also maintain social distance.
• Apply sanitizer regularly before and after touching anything.
• Avoid making payments in cash and practice online payment methods.

7 Valleys In Ladakh 2022 That Prove It Is Indeed A Paradise On Earth

If you can’t keep your adrenaline rush at bay and want to experience the best sightseeing around this pristine land, then make sure to take notes from this post-covid travel guide to Ladakh. The most pristine highlands with vibrant cultural aesthetic awaits so plan a trip to Ladakh and enjoy your vacation to the fullest while following all covid guidelines.

For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here .

Frequently Asked Questions about Ladakh

What are the best places to visit in Ladakh?

Zanskar Valley, Pangong Tso Lake, Kargil, Khardung-la Pass, Nubra Valley, Magnetic Hill, Spituk Gompa, Hemis National Park, Shanti Stupa, Hemis Monastery, Royal Leh Palace, Tso Moriri Lake, Chadar Trek, Alchi, Thiksey Gompa, Diskit Monastery, Stakna Monastery, Phyang Gompa, Likir Monastery, Phugtal Monastery, etc. are the popular places to explore in Ladakh.

What is the best time to visit Ladakh?

The best time to visit Ladakh is during the summer season, especially between April to July. The temperature remains pleasant during this time temperature, ranging between 15 to 30 degrees Celsius. Ladakh is known for its extremely low temperatures almost all through the year.

Where can I go shopping in Ladakh?

The following are the best choices to shop in Ladakh - Moti Market, Women's Alliance Of Ladakh Shopping Hub, Zanskar Arts, Main Bazaar, Himalayan Pashmina Shawls, Ladag Apricot Store, Tibetan Handicraft Emporium, Dalai Lama Charitable Trust Handicraft Emporium, etc.

Where can I stay in Ladakh?

The following are the popular places to stay in Ladakh - The Grand Dragon Ladakh, Hotel Ladakh Palace Boutique, The Bodhi Tree Hotel, Grand Himalaya - Luxury Hotel, etc.

People Also Read:

Post-Covid Travel Guide To Gujarat Post-Covid Travel Guide To Bhutan Post-Covid Travel Guide To Tamil Nadu

Recent Posts

Manali To Leh Road Trip: A Comprehensive Guide For Your Next Adventure

Leh To Nubra Valley: A Comprehensive Guide To Plan Your Next Trip

The Complete Guide To Tam Coc In Vietnam: The Mysterious Caves Of North Vietnam

The Ideal Nha Trang Travel Guide To Help You Plan Your Vietnam Trip Well

This Comprehensive Sofia Travel Guide Will Make Your Trip Hassle Free!

Know What Makes Bugis Street In Singapore Every Shopaholic’s Delight In 2023

Trending Blogs

20 Mysterious Places In India To Visit In 2023 More Bizarre Than The Bermuda Triangle

10 Scariest Roads In India That Are A Driver’s Nightmare

101 Places To Visit In India Before You Turn 30 in 2024

35 Exotic Places To Visit In December In India 2024 To Enjoy A Surreal Vacation

60 Best Honeymoon Destinations In India In 2024

95 Best Honeymoon Destinations In The World In 2023 For A Romantic Escape!

Best Places To Visit In India By Month

Best places to visit outside india by month.

• TravelTriangle
• Ladakh »
• Tour Packages
• Honeymoon Packages
• Family Packages
• Budget Tour Packages
• Luxury Tour Packages
• Adventure Tour Packages
• Group Tour Packages
• Kerala Tour Packages
• Goa Tour Packages
• Andaman Tour Packages
• Sikkim Tour Packages
• Himachal Tour Packages
• Uttarakhand Tour Packages
• Rajasthan Tour Packages
• Tour Packages From Delhi
• Tour Packages From Mumbai
• Tour Packages From Bangalore
• Tour Packages From Chennai
• Tour Packages From Kolkata
• Tour Packages From Hyderabad
• Tour Packages From Ahmedabad
• Kerala Tourism
• Goa Tourism
• Sikkim Tourism
• Andaman Tourism
• Himachal Tourism
• Uttarakhand Tourism
• Rajasthan Tourism
• Hotels in Kerala
• Hotels in Goa
• Hotels in Sikkim
• Hotels in Andaman
• Hotels in Himachal
• Hotels in Uttarakhand
• Hotels in Rajasthan

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

We use cookies to improve your website experience and provide more personalized services to you, both on this website and through other media. By continuing to use this website, you agree to our use of cookies as explained in our Cookie Policy . Please read our Cookie Policy for more information on how we use cookies and how you can disable them.

New User? Register

• Manage bookings
• Cancellation
• On Behalf Booking
• MyQuotation

We're unable to sign you in because the password entered incorrect.

Your request for OTP will be sent to registered email id and mobile number, if not registered please do the same.

You exceed the OTP limit. Please try again after some time

Don't have an account?

• Contains between 8-12 alphanumeric characters.
• Can add special character but not mandatory(Only !, @, #,$,%,^,&,* to be used).
• Does not contain White spaces

I would like to be kept informed of special Promotions and offers. I hereby accept the Privacy Policy and authorize Thomascook to contact me.

Already have an account?

• Your existing Google or Facebook Id will be a Thomascook ID
• No need to remember different Ids & Passwords
• One Click login

Fill in the email Address that you used to register or book with Thomascook.

We will reset and send your new password.

Please enter the valid email address

Your request for new password has been accepted.

The new password would be emailed to the registered email address, if not registered please do the same

• travel guidelines
• india travel guidelines
• ladakh travel guidelines

I accept the Privacy Policy   and I authorise Thomas Cook to contact me with details

• A. 15th June 2020

Ladakh Travel Guidelines

Covid -ve certificate mandatory.

• Epass is not required.

Health Screening:

• Negative RT-PCR report on arrival (not earlier than 96 hours prior to arrival) is required for all passengers arriving into Leh. RT-PCR timeline starts from the swab collection time. Passengers in possession of final vaccination certificate, i.e., those who have taken both doses and have completed 15 days since the receipt of the 2nd dose shall be exempted from pre-departure RT-PCR requirement. All passengers arriving into the UT of Ladakh shall be required to undergo an RTPCR test free of cost irrespective of whether they are carrying a negative RT-PCR test or their vaccination status.
• In Airport Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) will be conducted on all the incoming passengers/ Tourist
• Fully Vaccinated: Passengers traveling to Ladakh have taken both doses and completed 15 days from the receipt of the 2nd dose shall be exempted and now travel to Ladakh without any RT-PCR Test
• Not vaccinated/ Single doses : Can travel with an RT-PCR Test conducted under 96 hrs to travel to the destination

Ladakh Quarantine Rules

• Travellers from other states are allowed to travel in Ladakh
• Persons travelling from the states namely; Maharashtra, Kerala, Punjab. Karnataka. Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh. Delhi and Rajasthan by road, air and train to Uttarakhand are advised to carry negative RT-PCR test report (test done 72 hours prior to the time of arrival to Uttarakhand state).
• Persons coming from above mentioned states as well as persons residing in Uttarakhand shall strictly adhere to the norms of safety and social distancing as per the guidelines of MHA. MoHFW and State Government. Violation of norms shall be liable to be proceeded under the relevant provision of DM Act 2005, Epidemics Act 1897 and sections of IPC.
• Persons above 65 years of age, persons with co-morbidities, pregnant women and children below the age of 10 years (vulnerable section of the people) are advised to travel only in unavoidable circumstances.
• District administration shall make arrangement for random COVID-19 testing/ checking at airport, railway station and at all border check posts. If any inbound person found positive, the currently prevailing SOPs shall be followed for further care.
• However, there shall be no restriction on "Inter-State and Intra-State movement of essential services and goods" in the state.

Passenger obligation as per ladakh travel guidelines.

• COVID-19 Negative Certificate is mandatory while travelling.
• All passengers travelling to Uttarakhand need to register on state website.
• All passengers must download Aarogya Setu App .

Operating Status:

• Hotels are Open
• Nubra and Pangong visit will be allowed to all the tourist with special permit
• All sightseeing points are open for Tourists

"Grab Best Deals on Ladakh Tour Packages "

Cookie policy

Ladakh Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors

By: Author Tashi Lundup

Posted on Last updated: June 11, 2020

In this Ladakh travel guide, you'll learn the best time to visit Leh and Ladakh, how to get around, and what to see and do once you get there.

Ladakh, comprising Leh and Kargil districts, is situated amidst the Himalaya and the Karakoram mountain ranges.

Famous as a Buddhist ex-kingdom, Ladakh is well-known for its monasteries or gompas .

Ladakh is referred to as “Little Tibet” due to the strong influence of Tibetan culture on the region and “Land of High Passes” as it has natural beauty in abundance.

Ladakh is sandwiched between Tibet in the east, Kashmir in the west, the Xinjiang province of China in the north, Pakistan in the north-west, and Himachal Pradesh's Lahaul and Spiti valleys in the south.

Leh, the capital of Ladakh and one of the most popular destinations for tourists in the region, is located at an altitude of 3,500 meters.

The town of Leh was an important trade center for Central Asia on the Silk Route and also served as a transit point for traders on the Leh-Yarkand (presently in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China) route.

Table of Contents

How to Get to Ladakh

When to visit, how to get around , things to do , eco-responsible tourism in ladakh.

Ladakh is accessible either through the air or by road.

There are direct flights from New Delhi to Leh on all days, whereas direct flights are also available to Leh from Mumbai in summer.

Two roads connect Ladakh with the rest of the country.

One could reach Leh by road from Manali or Srinagar. The 490 km-long Leh-Manali highway is open from May or June until mid-October.

One has to cross three passes – Rohtang La (3,980 m), Baralacha La (5,030 m), and Taglang La (5,328 m) to enter Ladakh region from Manali.

On the Leh-Srinagar road, one has to cross two passes – Fotu La (4,108 m) and Zoji La (3,528 m) to reach Leh.

Summer is the best time to visit Ladakh. One could visit Ladakh from May to September when the weather is pleasant.

Ladakh is not accessible by road throughout the year as both the Leh-Manali and Leh-Srinagar roads are closed for more than six months due to heavy snowfall.

However, the roads within Ladakh are still open in winter.

When the roads are closed in winter, the airlines become the lifeline of the people.

It is altogether a different experience in winter with sub-zero temperatures and plenty of snowfall.

The Chadar Trek and Snow Leopard sighting trek are the major activities that are organized for tourists in Ladakh in winter.

See also: 5 Surprising Things About Backpacking Pakistan

The bus services in Leh are limited. While the remote and far-flung areas are connected through a bus run by the road transport corporation (RTC), the bus services in Leh town and peripheral regions are privately-owned.

As a result, the schedule of the bus service is often erratic.

Taxis are available for traveling in and around Leh.

One can choose different types of taxi, ranging from Toyota Innova to Maruti Van, depending on the budget.

People traveling alone or in a small group are encouraged to book shared taxi tours while visiting Ladakh .

Shared taxis are available for tours to all the major tourist attractions (Nubra valley, Pangong lake, Indus valley, etc.).

Using shared taxis will not only save money but also reduce the impact of carbon emissions on the environment.

It's not only weather that one should keep in mind while planning a trip to Ladakh. One has to keep acclimatization to the altitude in mind too.

At a minimum, allow for a full day of rest on the day you arrive in Leh. It is vital to drink a lot of water to stay hydrated at high altitudes.

Inner line permits (ILP) are required for both domestic and foreign tourists visiting any of the sensitive zones such as Nubra, Pangong, Tsomoriri, and the Aryan valley due to security reasons.

ILPs are available online for both domestic travelers and foreigners and are valid for 15 days.

1. Monasteries of the Indus valley: Leh, Shey, Thiksey, and Hemis

As Ladakh is a Buddhist-dominated area, the region is peppered with monasteries of different sects and size.

Perched high on the hill behind the nine-story high Leh Palace is the Namgyal Tsemo Monastery.

Constructed in the 15th century, the monastery is famed for its three-story high gold idol of Maitreya or the Future Buddha.

Shey, once the summer capital of Ladakh, is the house to Shey monastery renowned for a giant copper statue of Buddha gilded with gold.

On the way to Pangong Lake is the majestic Thiksey monastery that is famed for its resemblance to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet.

The monastery is famous for its 15-meter high statue of the Maitreya Buddha.

Perhaps the most famous and well-known monastery in Ladakh is the Hemis Monastery, located at a distance of 45 km from Leh.

One of the largest and wealthiest monasteries in Ladakh, Hemis Monastery is famous for the Naropa Festival, which is held every 12 years according to the Tibetan lunar calendar.

See also: Song Kol Lake: Horse Trekking in Kyrgyzstan

2. Nubra Valley

One of the major attractions in Ladakh is the Nubra Valley or “the valley of flowers.”

Compared to Leh (3,524 m), Nubra is at a lower altitude of 3,048 meters above sea level.

Nubra is also the gateway to the famous Siachen Glacier , which lies to the north of the valley, whereas the Karakoram Pass is in the northwest of the valley.

Hundar and Turtuk are the two most visited villages in Nubra valley.

Hundar is renowned for its dunes and the double-humped Bactrian camel.

The village of Turtuk, famous for the Balti tribe, was opened for tourists in 2010. The Balti tribe still follows its age-old customs.

Diskit monastery is the largest gompa in the valley, located just 7 km from Hundar.

3. Pangong and Tsomoriri Lakes

The other major attractions for tourists are Pangong and Tsomoriri lakes.

Pangong Lake, situated at the height of 4,350 m, is a five-hour drive from Leh.

Pangong Lake is 134 km long, and almost 60% of the length of the lake is in the Tibetan Autonomous Region.

Pangong Lake is an important breeding ground for a variety of birds, including many migratory birds.

Meanwhile, to the southeast of Leh in eastern Ladakh at a distance of 240 km far from Leh is the Tsomoriri Lake situated at an altitude of 4,522 m.

The lake is the breeding ground for the highly threatened black-necked crane.

One of the outstanding features of the area around Tsomoriri Lake is the nomads known for moving from one place to the other.

Tsomoriri, one of the highest brackish water lakes in the world, is 19 km in length.

Ladakh's ecosystem is fragile. Since Ladakh is a cold desert, water is a precious resource in the region.

However, due to rapid urbanization and an increase in the number of hotels and guesthouses, mainly in Leh town, people have abandoned centuries-old practices.

Instead of traditional dry compost toilets, flush toilets are being used in hotels and households. 

These are putting a lot of strain on the already depleted sources of water, such as natural springs and it's also contaminating the groundwater.

It is, therefore, advisable to save as much water as possible by taking a bath using buckets instead of showers.

Also, because Ladakh has limited waste management infrastructure, make efforts to reduce garbage by consuming less packaged food and plastic bottles.

It is estimated that more than 3.5 million plastic bottles for mineral water and carbonated drinks are generated in Leh each tourist season.

Instead of buying plastic bottles, refill water bottles from the hotel or water vending outlets in Leh, such as Dzomsa.

I hope this Ladakh travel guide has provided insight into what it would be like to visit this wondrous region of northern India.

Tashi Lundup has been working as a guide with Ju-Leh Adventure for almost 10 years; he has accompanied hundreds of tourist groups during treks and cultural tours in Ladakh. Tashi is also a writer for local magazines such as Stawa .

Planning a trip? Go Backpacking recommends:

• G Adventures for small group tours.
• Hostelworld for booking hostels.

Friday 3rd of April 2020

Thanks for this very useful guide. I'm supposed to travel to Ladakh this summer, I hope it will be possible!

Hi Thom, I'm envious. I considered going to Ladakh overland while in McLeod Ganj (northern India) but ran out of energy after having been in India for seven weeks.

Whether you're able to go this summer or further in the future, I hope you have a wonderful time!

Supriya Kumar Mitra

Thursday 19th of March 2020

This year I will visited this place, Have you faced any breathing problem?

I did not travel to Ladakh personally, so I can't speak from personal experience. The high-altitudes do require you take time to acclimatize upon arrival, drink lots of water, try to get rest in the first few days and eat well.

The ultimate travel guide to Ladakh

By Joan Torres 10 Comments Last updated on August 25, 2023

Ladakh is a remote place belonging to a northern Indian state, which for some reason doesn’t receive as many tourists as the rest of the country.

I was wondering: Why is that i wonder? This region is a bit remote and of difficult access. Normally, people don’t know about it or haven’t even heard of it. Why? Maybe it’s because Hindu culture can’t be enjoyed here, which is one of the mains reasons for going to India.

So what can you do and find in there? Ladakh is basically a Himalayan region where authentic Tibetan people live in. It’s often called the little Tibet, and for the Indians themselves, this is the best spot where to spend their vacations in India. Why? In India chaos rules, it’s overpopulated and there’s traffic everywhere.

Ladakh is a different place which differs from all these stereotypes. Here you find peace and silence, which combined with the stunning Himalayan landscape and the  Tibetan culture visible in every corner, sometimes you may even forget that you are actually in India.

That being said,  the following Travel guide to Ladakh aims to provide you with detailed travel tips such as prices, accommodation, and transportation, as well as an overview of the main things to do and see, so you know what to expect upon your arrival in Ladakh.

If you are seeking more in-depth and detailed information, I recommend you to find inspiration on any of the following posts:

Markha Valley Trek, the ultimate budget guide Tibetan culture in Ladakh: Buddhism and gompas A guide to Tibetan food in Ladakh Khardung La: Driving over the highest road the world on a scooter

Ladakh is a region that belongs to the Indian state Jammu and Kashmir, which extends from the Kunlun mountain range to the Great Himlayas .

The whole area of Ladakh is located at a very high altitude. Its capital, Leh, is at 3,500 meters above sea level, and has a large number of peaks reaching over 6,000 meters

Here you find:

Top things to do in Ladakh The people Travel Insurance for Ladakh Language Religion Food Alcohol How much does it cost Trekking Transportation Altitude sickness Safety Visa When to go Get in Money Internet

Top things to do in Ladakh

Ladakh might be a small region within India, but it’s actually double the size of Switzerland. Nevertheless, the unpopulated mountains occupy most part of it. In my opinion, the  top things to do and see in Ladakh are:

If you arrive by plane, the capital is going to be your first destination. Leh is a fantastic place to explore. Leh palace, the most iconic building of the city, is definitely worth a visit. You can also watch the sunset from Shanti stupa, visit Tibetan refugee markets or simply wander around its narrow alleys and streets.

In Leh, you will get a first glimpse of what Tibetan culture   is like.

Nubra Valley

A vast sea of sand dunes in the Himalaya itself. Can you believe it? Nubra Valley is a desert similar to those of Arabia but located at 4,000 meters above sea level and surrounded by the Himalayan range. Here you also find two-humped hairy camels.

Tibetans claim that the origin of this desert comes from Tethys , a sea from the depths from which the Himalayas are supposed to have risen.

Khardung La

This is nothing less than the highest motorable road in the world . It connects Leh with Nubra Valley and its highest point passes over 5,600 meters.

Pangong Tso Lake

A lake located at 4,350m above sea level which extends across India and China. People go to this lake to see the stunning landscape and for hiking.

Chemrey gompa

In my opinion, the most beautiful gompa out there in Ladakh, having been built and perfectly shaped on the top of a steep hill. Looking at it is merely impressive.

Tso Moriri Lake

The highest lake in Ladakh (4,522m) and one of the most beautiful ones owing to its surroundings, green pastures and white peaks

Thiksey gompa

Though the most touristic gompa , this fortification is almost like a small town. It has shops, restaurants, a hotel and a huge monk community living there.

Learning Tibetan culture

Ladakh is the place in the world where Tibetan culture is more accessible. Whereas foreigners have always had restrictions when going to Tibet, in Ladakh you can talk freely, walk around and go wherever you want. If you want to know more about it, I suggest you read this post about Tibetan culture in Ladakh .

Hemis gompa

If you travel to Ladakh during July, Hemis monastery is a must to visit since it’s where the Hemis Festival takes place, a popular festival famous for its masked parade. It’s one of the most sacred rituals in Ladakh.

Hiking around the unique Himalayan range of Ladakh is one of the biggest highlights of the trip. There are an endless number of treks adapted for any kind of traveler. For more information, check on the Trekking section of this guide .

Keep reading: Kashmir Travel Guide

Getting off the beaten track

Ladakh region is already off the path, but during high season (July & August), some spots may get busy. Places like Leh, popular gompas , Khardung La pass and Nubra Valley are probably among the most crowded ones.

If you want to avoid the crowds, Pangong Tso Lake and  Tso Moriri Lake are the perfect options. Trekking is also a good way to get off the beaten track, even in popular treks like Markha Valley .

Last, if you are renting a vehicle,  driving the empty roads of Ladakh is an awesome experience and there are endless unexplored villages where you can randomly stop and look around. I suggest you drive to Chemrey and explore the surrounding area.

By the way, if you decide to visit popular gompas like Thiksey or Hemis, it’s better to go in the afternoon or early evening to avoid the crowds.

The people: the Ladakhis

Ladakhis are both ethnically and linguistically close to Tibetans. During the 8th century, a royal Tibetan annexed the region to himself and as a consequence, a huge number of Tibetans came and established roots there.

In addition, in the past decades, after the invasion of China, thousands of Tibetans have been seeking refuge in Ladakh. Ladakhis are kind people always willing to help or establish a conversation.

Ladakhis neither look like Indians nor feel like Indians. I turned out that i was in Ladakh during Indian Independence Day. In India, this day is quite a big deal, but in Ladakh, it was just a normal day like any other one. Yes, there were a few flags hanged from a few balconies, but that’s it. They told me they don’t feel Indian. Nevertheless, don’t get confused and think that they don’t get along with the rest of the country. In fact, they are really happy with the Indian government because it gives them a significant level of autonomy and freedom.

Travel Insurance for Ladakh

Like any trekking destination, traveling with proper travel insurance is a must.

In the mountains, you can get injured very easily and, if you got seriously injured, you may have to be rescued.

Therefore, I always recommend World Nomads , as it is the only company that provides with unlimited medical coverage plus it covers a big bunch of adventure activities. For example, the basic plan already covers for trekking up to 6,000 meters.

Get your free quote here

Ladakhi is the most common language used across the region and it’s merely a Tibetan dialect . Additionally, Hindi and Urdu are widely used among educated people.

Some useful Tibetan words are:

Hello:  Jullay How are you?:  Khamzang ina-le? Thank you: Jullay – Same as ”Hello”. Literal translation would be ”Greetings” You’re welcome:  O’-Jullay I am sorry:   Gongspa salazad Excuse me:  Gongspa salazad – Getting attention

English in Ladakh

I think Ladakh is one of the places in Asia where English is more widely spoken. In cities and larger towns, almost everybody speaks a fairly comprehensible English. But the surprising thing came on the day when, while driving with my scooter, I randomly stopped to take a picture of an old peasant lady who was collecting wheat. I approached her and kindly asked her if I could take a picture. Then she told me in  English: ”Can I see it?”. I was shocked. We started to talk and she even gave me her address so I could send her the picture.

OK, her English was not great, but if you guys have ever traveled around Asia you will understand what am I talking about. It was the first time ever I could establish a conversation with a random peasant in Asia.

Since most of the population is Tibetan, Tibetan Buddhism is the predominant religion in Ladakh and it plays a key role Ladakhi everyday life. According to a monk I met, families turn at least one of their sons in to Buddhism. Strong Buddhist faith can be felt across all Ladakh, in every village and in every monastery, and that is definitely one of the highlights when traveling to Ladakh.

Nevertheless, a large  Muslim population also lives in this region, especially in the area bordering Kashmir Valley.

Tibetan Food

Food in Ladakh is sort of unique and that’s why I thought it should deserve an extensive separate post. Click here to read about what Tibetan cuisine is like in Ladakh .

Alcohol in Ladakh

Sadly, alcohol in Ladakh is sort of a sensitive topic and it’s not widely available. Apparently, there’s been some issues with alcohol and nowadays it’s quite regulated. You can find it, but only in a few places.

Bars and restaurants have to pay huge fees and mostly can’t afford them. Nevertheless, please don’t start crying yet. There are loads of restaurants who serve it illegally (or unofficially, like they like to call it). They bring it inside paper bags and instead of a glass you get a coffee cup.

Typically they just serve beer and two brands are available: King Fisher , a 5.5% beer brewed in Bangalore which I personally don’t like it because it doesn’t have much gas and God Father , which is the Kashmir state local beer. The label claims to have 8% alcohol but it’s not true. It’s a very light beer but then I realized that the label actually says: maximum 8%. Strange, right?

Note: Remember that Ladakh is a high altitude region and therefore you get drunk way quicker. It can be fun, I know. But if you are having a headache or you are not sure about your acclimatization, you had better stay away from it.

How much will cost you traveling to Ladakh?

While Ladakh is a cheap destination, according to Indians it’s the most expensive place within India. Let me tell you what’s the cost of the most typical things:

Accommodation

I have never in my life seen as many guesthouses as in Leh. There’s a guest house on absolutely every street and corner. That’s the way locals make a living. Please note that these prices refer to high season (summer).

Budget option: You can find very basic rooms for as cheap as 500-800 rupees per night. Normally, these guest houses won’t have internet, and other than a thin mattress and a toilet you won’t get anything else. Nevertheless, most of them have a beautiful garden where you can read, relax or have breakfast. A lot of budget guest houses may be found in Karza road, just 5 minutes away from the city center. I don’t think so you need to book in advance. I found one very quickly during the busiest season in August.

More comfortable option: If you are looking for a slightly better option with a comfortable mattress and wifi, you can find rooms for 1,600 rupees. I stayed one night in Shaolin guest house . Mattresses were superb and they had quite a nice common area with pillows. The staff is a lovely and kind Tibetan family. They speak perfect English. They have a garden as well. It’s a bit far from the busy city center, which means that there’s complete silence.

In restaurants where locals eat, meals typically cost between 60 and 100 rupees. In more touristy (and hygienic) restaurants, meals start at 180 rupees, depending on what you order. Water costs 30 rupees per liter and coffee 50 rupees.

For a half liter beer, you will pay an average price of 170 rupees.

Transportation

Private taxis within Leh: Short taxi rides cost around 200 rupees.

Private taxis to other places in Ladakh: Prices vary depending on where you go. Round trip to Nubra Valley costs 6,800 rupees. Khardung La costs 2,600 rupees and Pnagon Lake, 9,500 rupees. Prices are standard and set by the Ladakh government. They shouldn’t charge you more. Please note that all agencies have shared taxi service and they help you out finding other people to share the car with.

Shared local taxis: Using the local transportation is the cheapest way to move around. For example, going from Leh to Thiksey (20km) costs as cheap as 100 rupees.  For more information, check on the How to move around  section of this guide .

Scooter rental:  Price per day for renting a scooter is 800 rupees. By the way, gas costs 70 rupees per liter.

Motorbike rental: Big bikes cost 1,300 rupees per day. If you are planning to rent it for a long term, I met a guy who managed to pay only 800 a day for a full month rental.

Entrance fees

Entrance fees to gompas cost either 0 or 50 rupees. The only expensive fee I ever paid was when I went to Leh Palace (300 rupees).

Do you need to tip?

You are not forced to tip, but people involved in tourism might expect a tip from you. According to locals, both guide and porters may expect a $1-$2 tip per day. But again, tipping is not mandatory.

Minimum average price per day

Accommodation: Budget single room: 700 rupees

Food: Local breakfast + Lunch in a local restaurant + Dinner in a touristy restaurant: 60 + 80 + 220 = 360 rupees

Beer: 2 beers: 340 rupees

Transportation: Scooter rental + 2 liters of gas: 800 + 140 = 940 rupees

Miscellaneous:  Water + snacks + personal care products =  300 rupees

Total price = 700 + 360 + 340 + 940 + 300 = 2,640 rupees = 40$ a day

Trekking in Ladakh

Hiking the deserted and remote mountains of Ladakh is one of the best trekking experiences you will ever have, and this is not only my opinion but experienced trekkers who said that the Himalayan range of Ladakh is the wildest, most stunning and dramatic you can ever encounter.

Which trek should I choose?

This is a very good question. First, you need to ask yourself: How many days do I want to be trekking? Do I want to sleep in homestays or in a tent? Do I want to go independently or with a guide? Do I want to see people and experience Tibetan culture or just landscape?

There are a lot of different treks which can be adapted to any kind of need. Once you are in Leh, you should go to each and every agency and ask for all options and details. Nevertheless, here’s a quick overview of some of the most popular hikes in Ladakh:

Markha Valley (4 to 9 days): This is the most flexible and adaptable one. It has both culture and amazing landscape. Some sections are pretty challenging. The highest point is 5,200 meters. You can complete the trek in just 4-5 days depending on from where you start. Markha Valley may be one of the most popular treks in Ladakh but still, it is way more authentic than most of the treks offered in Nepal.

Nubra Valley trek (2 to 6 days):  One of the least frequented treks. There are no home-stays and you need to bring your own camping equipment.

Rumtse to Tsomoriri Trek (8 Days Trek) : Local guides claim that this is their favorite trek. It’s characterized by arid plain mountains, nomads and amazing high altitude lakes, the most famous being  Tsokar & Tso Moriri.

Spituk to Matho (3-4 days) : One of the shortest treks and just perfect for those seeking something moderate. This trek goes through Hemis National Park, a place where snow leopards have been spotted.

Lamayuru to Darcha Trek (18 days) : This is one of the longest treks, yet one of the richest in terms of culture. It passes by a big number of Tibetan villages and monasteries, the most famous being Phuktal, a gompa located literally in a waterfall.

Do you need a guide or agency?

First of all, I just want to tell you that there’s no need for booking a trekking tour in advance from your home country . Booking a tour in Leh is significantly cheaper and there are literally dozens of trekking agencies looking desperately for trekking groups. Don’t worry, you won’t miss your trek.

Second of all, you might be wondering… Do I actually need a guide? Or can I do it on my own? That mainly depends on your level of expertise. Me for example, I am not a beginner but I am also not an expert. If I had to go on a 10 days trek on my own, having to bring my own camping equipment and cooking my own food, I would probably starve to death. I don’t know about coordinates or how to use a compass. On the other hand, if a trek has plenty of homestays and a clear route to follow (like Markha Valley for example), then I would feel comfortable to do it on my own.

My suggestion? Trekking agencies are very helpful and they don’t hesitate in providing you with all the information you need. You can ask them whether it’s feasible or not to do it on your own. They will give you the itinerary and all details and then you just make your own judgment.

How to choose the right agency in 4 easy steps

Step 1: Go to 10 trekking agencies and ask for all trekking options and details

Step 2: Once you have decided which trekking are you going to do, ask for prices and choose the 3 cheapest agencies

Step 3: Ask these 3 agencies if the guide who will you trek with is actually a local from Ladakh. When summer comes, some Indians from other regions come to Ladakh to work as guides. Dismiss agencies without a Ladakhi guide. An actual local guide will be a richer experience.

Step 4: Say that you would like to meet the guide in person. Choose the agency with the guide you get best along with.

If you want to know more in depth about prices, accommodation, itinerary, etc., I have written a very detailed guide containing all you need to know to complete the Markha Valley trek .

How to move around: Transportation

Public transportation as such doesn’t exist in Ladakh. Main ways to move around are:

Private taxi

Within Leh , taxi is the only way to move around. Please note that Leh is built on a hill and distances are not short. If you got into Leh by plane, first you need to acclimatize to the high altitude before starting to ascend Leh streets. If your guest house is close to the city center then that’s fine. But if not, on the first day, I strongly recommend you take a cab every time you go back to your guest house. Trust me, I know it by experience. On my first day, I started walking up and down and got a strong headache by the end of the day. For more information, check out High altitude sickness section

For traveling  outside of Leh , any guest house or trekking agency can arrange a taxi for you. Prices are standard, therefore there’s no place for negotiation. Moreover, all trekking agencies offer shared taxi service with other tourists. They just find them for you. The downside of it is that finding someone else might take a while. I suggest you ask as many agencies as possible until you find a full taxi.

Local shared taxi

Local transportation in Ladakh consists of small vans where people go all squeezed up inside. It’s the cheapest way to move around and can be found pretty much everywhere. In Leh, there’s one station right at the city entrance. They are quite effective if you are planning to go to other villages or gompas . The bad side of it, is that they usually don’t go to remote touristic places like Nubra Valley or Khardung La.

Renting a vehicle

All sorts of vehicles are available for rental at many agencies in Leh. I traveled around the region by scooter, but if you really want to enjoy the roads of Ladakh and want to drive further, you should definitely get one of the big bikes that can be found everywhere.

High altitude sickness

Getting sick due to high altitude is such a common issue among most travelers that come to Ladakh, especially those who come by plane. Leh is already located at 3,500m above sea level. If you come by plane, the altitude change is too drastic and your body doesn’t have time to acclimatize. Almost everybody I met, suffered a headache at least during the first couple of days. The first day you arrive in Leh, just rest and don’t make any efforts or you’ll get sick.

While trekking, high altitude sickness may be an important issue. Here’s a detailed article on medical advice .

Is it safe to travel to Ladakh?

Yes, Ladakh is a safe place to travel to. Kashmir state has been a turbulent region since India acquired its independence in 1947. Why? Because it has been heavily disputed with Pakistan and there have been multiple insurgencies and protests that involved numerous deaths.

However, Ladakh has always stayed away from all this. There has never been any signs of terrorism or violent protests. Tension has fundamentally taken place in the Kashmir Valley, located in the western part of the state, bordering Pakistan.

How do you get a visa?

A regular Indian visa is required to travel to Ladakh. You can get a 30 days tourist visa by filling the application form in this link .

For most nationalities, visa fee is $45. After payment, it takes less than a day to receive the visa.

When to go: the weather

Summer (June to mid-September):  Summer is high season in Ladakh. During the day the sun is very harsh and it gets pretty hot. At night, temperatures drop and the weather is pleasant. Snow has completely melted except on the highest peaks. This is the best season for trekking.

Spring (April to May) and autumn (mid-September to November):  Snow starts melting and days become pleasant. Nights are still cold, though. Restaurants start opening (or start closing in autumn) and some mountains are already feasible to hike. The best of it is that you won’t see many tourists around.

Winter (November to March:  Ladakh is completely covered by snow and temperatures are always below 0. Roads to Ladakh are closed, which means the only way to get in is by plane. Restaurants and guest houses are practically all closed. There are a few trekkings which go over a frozen lake, but other than that, hiking during this season is not advisable, as weather is highly unpredictable.

How to get in

The are daily flights from both Delhi or Mumbai to Leh. Landing in Leh is one of the most memorable landings I’ve ever experienced, as you basically fly over the Himalayan range, and then you approach through the Indo Valley.

Getting into Ladakh by land is only possible between June and mid-October . During the rest of the year, roads remain closed. There are two main places  to come from:

Srinagar: Located 434km from Leh, this journey is a trip in itself because it goes through three high mountains passes: Zozi La (3528m), Namki La (3815m) and Fotu La (4108m). Everybody says that this is an unforgettable experience, as you get to see some of the most dreamy views ever. However, the trip may take up to 24 hours, but normally the bus stops halfway between both destinations so to spend the night.

Manali: This is the second route, and instead of coming from the west, you come in from the south. Manali is located 479km from Leh. This road goes through Tang La pass, which is above 5,300 meters.

Ladakh belongs to India and therefore Indian rupees  are the official currency used.

1 US Dollar = 66 Indian Rupees

Cash, credit cards and ATM

In case you are wondering, in Leh at least I counted 5 different ATMs but I wouldn’t rely on them too much. Bring extra cash just in case. You can pay with credit card only in expensive hotels. By the way, outside of Leh doesn’t even dream to find a connection.

Currency exchanging

In Leh, there are plenty of exchange offices and are open until 10pm at least. Exchange rates are good, around 62-63. Outside of Leh it is unlikely to be able to exchange.

Internet signal is really bad in Ladakh. Even in expensive cafes or hotels in Leh, signal is unstable. You won’t be able to connect every day.

10 comments

Hey Joan, Really useful information.The details about People, Language, Religion, Food, Trekking, and Transportation of Ladakh.Thanks for sharing valuable information with us.

Thanks, enjoy Ladakh!

Very Nice information. We got just 7 days. Best option would be flying into Leh than moving around by scooter?

Hi Tiago, yes, that is what I did!

Many thanks Joan, great article. I have a question for you: I’m torn between the Ripchar Valley trek and the Markha Valley trek – I love the idea of remoteness, so a bit worried about how popular Markha is and how busy. On the other hand, I’m not sure how beautiful Ripchar Valley is vs Markha. Any insights? Cheers

Hi Edu, I have never been to Ripchar Valley, so I can’t tell

I’m so amazed by the detail of your page here. It really is an ultimate guide to Ladakh! I just did my first research and more to come! Thank you!

Hey Joan, Thanks for sharing all of that information! Although, I do need to mention that your description of the wifi in Leh is very inaccurate. The telecom provider Airtel now offers fiber optic wifi in Leh. I just ran a speed test while using the network at my guest house and got a download speed of 159 mbps, an upload speed of 95 mbps, a latency value of 13 and a jitter value of 3. Those are great network performance metrics even by first world standards.

Hi Joan, I’m sure it always changes, however as a current update, I came from Srinigar to Leh by local bus mid July. We left Srinagar at 7am and arrived Leh at 9pm. No overnight stop in Kargil, just two 30mins meal breaks along the way. Same driver the whole way who seemed to remain perky. Thanks for your detailed guides as always. It’s nice to have honest info for the lesser traveled paths. So many of us get lost in clickbait travel sites these days. Cheers.

Hi Joan, We are planning to go there July 2024. Do you see any political tensions or protests going on there for its statehood? Just want to check the safety before planning anything. THanks a lot

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  Notify me when new comments are added.

Join our Expeditions

From Syria to Iraq in Pakistan, Against the Compass is finally running expeditions to the most epic and off-the-beaten-track countries.

We have scheduled expeditions for every month of the year.

Latest posts

• Backpacking Venezuela Travel Guide (2024)
• How to travel to Afghanistan during Taliban rule (2024)
• How to visit Los Llanos in Venezuela
• How to visit Angel Falls and Canaima National Park
• Things to do in Haiti in a 1-week itinerary

• Southeast Asia
• North America
• Central & South America
• Australia & South Pacific
• Middle-East
• Solo Travel
• Zodiac Travels
• Wellness & Spas
• Family Travel
• The Conscious Traveller
• Accessories
• Points and Miles
• Manushi Chhillar
• Quick Style
• Rajkummar Rao
• Chefs Himanshu Saini & Neha Mishra
• Poorna Jagannathan
• Guru Randhawa
• Edition 2023-24
• Edition 2022-23
• Edition 2021-22
• T+L Experiences
• Web Stories
• Destinations

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

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.

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.

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

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by @girlwithtravellingtoes

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

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by rigzin/nurboo (@_brushandpaint)

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.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Ritu Mittal (@keepclicking2022)

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

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Ramnath Srinivasan (@ramnathsrinivasan)

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

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Елена ?? Медитации ? Интуиция (@blisstara)

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

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Niaz Khan (@northnomad_)

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

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Shiv Ashish ?? (@shiv_ashish)

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

• leh airport
• Manali-Leh Highway
• Srinagar-Leh highway
• Travel Guide to Leh
• travel to leh
• Travelling to Leh

Karan Kaushik

Related stories.

Souk Stories: Explore The Best Flea Markets In India For A Shopaholic's Delight

By Pyusha Chatterjee

Himachal's Hidden Gem: Exploring The Quaint Town Of Naggar

Jibhi And Bir-Billing: Explore The Hidden Havens Of The Himalayas

By Esha Dasgupta and Japleen Kaur

Amar Singh Chamkila ">Retrace The Footsteps Of A Legend: Shooting Locations Of Amar Singh Chamkila

By Priyaja Bakshi

Sidestep The Heat At These Charming Hill Stations In Rajasthan

By Yashita Vashishth

Indulge In Jam Making, Wine Tasting And More At Meghalaya's Strawberry Festival 2024

NDMC To Unveil New Heritage Park Near Red Fort In Delhi

By Esha Dasgupta

Embark On A Storybook Journey Aboard India’s Toy Trains

Temples, Treks And Culinary Escapes: Best Places To Visit In South India This April 2024

Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest on travel, stay & dining.

You’re all set

Thank you for your subscription.

Beyond Wild Places

Your guide to the wilder side of life

Comprehensive Travel Guide to Ladakh in North India

Ladakh is the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen. Located in the far northern corner of the Indian Himalayas, the rugged and remote region is surrounded by snow-capped peaks of the Zanskar, Ladakh and Karakoram ranges. While hilltops are dotted with crumbling ancient monasteries and valley floors are decorated by irrigated green crops and tiny villages.

It’s a region that promises a great adventure, sitting at a lofty 3,500m+. From high altitude lakes, to trekking between remote villages, there’s so many memorable and otherworldly experiences and places to explore in this corner of the world.

I’ve now visited Ladakh twice; spending nearly six weeks each time based in Leh. Based on my own experience, I’ve decided to put together this comprehensive travel guide to Ladakh, with absolutely everything you need to know about travelling to Leh and beyond.

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

Overview of Ladakh

Ladakh covers the far northern extent of the Indian subcontinent and is bordered by Pakistan to the west and China and Tibet to the north and east. Technically, the broader Ladakh region is also partly in Pakistan, which is known as Gilgit-Baltistan. Together, Ladakh and Gilgit-Baltistan are culturally, ethnically and historically very similar.

Ladakh was part of the former Tibetan Kingdom and is still home to a predominantly Buddhist population today. This means that the culture, language, food, atmosphere and architecture of the region are completely different to what you might find elsewhere in India.

Ladakh was also considered part of Jammu and Kashmir state in India, but since 2019, Ladakh is now a Union Territory.

Leh is the capital and transport hub of the Ladakh region. This is where you’ll want to base yourself when exploring Ladakh. While some people confuse Leh and Ladakh as being the same thing, Leh is the town while Ladakh is the name of the broader region.

When is the Best Time to Travel to Ladakh

High season runs from  June to August  in Ladakh. This is when the region sees its best weather with warm days and relatively mild nights. The roads are also almost guaranteed to be clear of snow during these summer months, making places easier to access.

If you want to join any tours or treks from Leh, then this is the perfect season to meet other travellers and join groups. Outside of these months it can be hard to find regular departures for tours. 

The roads connecting Leh with Manali and Srinagar are usually open from April or May until September or October, depending on conditions. The Leh-Manali Road tends to open later and close earlier due to its higher elevation.

If you’re interested in trekking in the region, try to visit from August up to mid-September. This is when the weather is warm and the trails are cleared of excess snow and ice. High passes and peaks are usually much safer to cross during these months.

How to Get to Leh, Ladakh

Now, this is where the adventure really begins. You can reach Leh, Ladakh by road or by air. Flying is the only option available all year round, while travel by road is possible usually from May until October. There are shared and public transport options by road from either Kashmir or Himachal Pradesh.

If you’re short on time or aren’t up for many days spent doing long drives on some pretty rough roads, then flying is the better option. There are frequent flights throughout the year from Delhi to Leh. In winter, this is the only way into the region.

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

Undoubtedly, the road trip to get to Leh is one of the best in the world. It’s not for the faint-hearted though as the roads are rough, with steep drops down one side. However, improvements are made each year with large parts of the drive now sealed.

To reach Leh by road, you can come from two directions: Srinagar in Kashmir to the west or Manali in Himachal Pradesh to the south-east. There are public buses, government tourism buses and shared taxis plying these routes during the summer months.

For most travellers, coming from Manali is most convenient and the more popular option, although the road is far more arduous. The Srinagar-Leh road is less travelled but is a great option if you plan to explore Kashmir or think you might have problems with sudden changes in altitude.

The highest point on the Srinagar-Leh route is Fotu La at 4,100m, having a more gradual altitude change up to Leh at 3,500m. Whereas the Manali-Leh road runs at an average height of 4,000m, including three passes over 5,000m, the highest being Tanglang La at 5,320m.

For a detailed look at all these transport options running between Srinagar and Leh and Manali and Leh, read this: How to Get to Leh, Ladakh by Public Transport

Is it Safe to Visit Ladakh?

The politics of the region can be confusing and can flare up at any time. However, Leh town has remained peaceful for many years now. The border regions close to Pakistan and close to Tibet occasionally have tensions flare up, so keep your eye on local news if you plan on heading up to Ladakh, but in general this occurs far from Leh.

However, I would say Ladakh feels very safe when travelling there. There’s a huge military presence everywhere you look, so border clashes rarely spillover anywhere close to Leh.

Ladakh also has one of the lowest crime rates in India. The people are extremely lovely and welcoming; it’s definitely one of the most relaxing places to experience in India.

Read next: Ultimate North India Itinerary: Kashmir, Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh

Where to Stay in Leh

There are so many accommodation options in Leh, from backpacker hostels to 5 star high end hotels. The best option in my opinion is one of the many local guesthouses. These are usually family owned and a great way to get to know the Ladakhi culture. I’ve stayed at many different places in Leh, so I can recommend a few at different price points.

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

Where to Eat in Leh

The food is one of the highlights of Leh for me. The town is packed full of great cafes and restaurants, serving local Tibetan and Ladakhi food , as well as a range of cuisines from Thai to Italian. Some of my favourites include:

• Bodhi Terrace
• Tibetan Kitchen
• Wanderers Terrace
• Asian Corner

Read more: 10 Best Cafes in Leh, Ladakh

How to Get Around Ladakh

Once you find yourself in Leh town, getting around Ladakh is relatively easy with a variety of options. Whether you hire your own transport or opt to go with public transport, travelling by road in Ladakh is one of the best experiences in the region.

I opted for a combination of public transport and organised group tours to get around to most places. I found this the perfect balance as a budget traveller. Although taxis come in handy too, especially to more obscure places.

Here are your options:

Public Transport

Once in Leh, public transport is a little limited. You’ll need a lot of time and patience if you plan on using local buses to get to all the best places.

Heading east of Leh, if you want to explore Shey Palace, Thiksey Monastery, and Stakna Monastery , you can start by taking one of the local buses leaving from Leh main gate to Choglamsar. From there, you can take another local bus which runs along the main road past Shey and Thiksey. Tickets cost as less than 50 INR and these buses run regularly throughout the day when full. Getting back to Leh can be difficult, as you’ll have to wait on the highway and flag down a passing bus. Hitchhiking is an option.

It is also possible to get to other popular destination further afield by bus. There are usually weekly buses to Diskit in Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, and Tso Moriri . But you’ll have to check at the main bus station in Leh for the latest timetable.

For other places out west, there are daily buses to Lamayuru . Usually a few buses per week to Likir (for the Sham Valley trek) and Chilling (for the Markha Valley Trek). But again, check at the station for the latest timetable. Photos above are the current schedule as of 2023.

Note: The local bus timetable tends to change each year and throughout the season depending on demand. Heading down to the station to ask in person is usually the only way you’ll find out the latest information. Unfortunately, the buses aren’t overly reliable in Ladakh.

Shared Taxis and Group Tours

By far the most convenient way of getting to the main attractions is by joining a group tour. While I don’t usually do this while travelling, in Ladakh it makes a lot of sense for budget travellers.

Agencies in Leh organise group tours to Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley and Turtuk . These are generally four days, three nights, or three days, two nights if you omit Turtuk.

Prices start from 24,000 INR (AU$450) for a whole vehicle and driver for three days to Pangong Lake and Nubra Valley. More if you add Turtuk. You can then divide this amongst 6-7 people to share the cost.

Accommodation is then up to you to organise and pay for yourself. You can either wait until you arrive and find something that the driver’s recommend, or you’ll find many options for Pangong Lake and Diskit or Hunder (Nubra Valley) online.

Prices will be much the same across all agencies as the drivers work as part of a union with set pricing structures. You can simply walk around Leh and just find an agency that has a group leaving on the your preferred date. They often have signs on their doors displaying the next departures.

Private Taxis

For closer day trips around Leh, getting a taxi can be a convenient and relatively inexpensive way to go. As mentioned above, the taxis are part of a union, so they all carry a booklet and price list inside their cab. You can simply ask to check the price, with no room for bargaining.

Popular day trips include combining Shey, Thiksey and Hemis together, which can cost around 3700 INR (AU$70) for the day.

Otherwise, taxis are also convenient if you want to get dropped at the trailhead of a trek for example, like to Likir (2000 INR or AU$40) or Chilling (3600 INR or AU$70).

Hiring a Motorbike

Hiring a motorbike is a popular choice for Indians who love to explore the Ladakh roads on two wheels. There’s plenty of places in Leh to hire a Royal Enfield , with prices starting relatively low per day.

However, the roads are not for inexperienced riders and I would suggest making sure that you’re competent and have a motorbike license before thinking about hiring a bike in Ladakh.

I noticed a lot more scooter rentals around Leh on my last visit. This would be a good alternative to get around if you’re not confident on a motorbike.

How Long to Spend in Ladakh

You’re asking the wrong person! I’ve spent 12 weeks in total over two trips to the Ladakh region, so I will likely encourage you to spend as long as possible. But if I’m being practical, I would say 10 days minimum if you want to do some sightseeing outside of Leh. Two weeks if you want to also add on a short trek like Sham Valley or Markha Valley.

You can spend much longer than that as well, if you want to add on lesser visited places like Zanskar Valley or Tso Moriri.

Read next: A Detailed 10 Day Leh Ladakh Itinerary

Sightseeing Permits for Indians and Foreigners

While you generally only need your passport to travel to Leh, you will also need a permit to reach some places considered sensitive. Both Indians and Foreign Nationals require permits to visit some places. For Indians, this is called an Inner Line Permit and for foreigners, it’s called a Protected Area Permit .

The following places require this permit:

Pangong Lake

Nubra valley.

• Tso Moriri Lake
• Dha-Hanu Valley

You can either do all the work yourself at the Permit Office (Deputy Commissioner Office) in Leh or if you book a tour with an agency like to Pangong Lake etc., they will do the permits for you. It takes just a few hours to get a permit usually, although it depends how busy the office is.

The cost of the permit is 400 INR environment fee, 100 INR Red Cross donation, and 20 INR per day for wildlife protection fee. So, for a three day trip to Pangong Lake and Nubra Valley, expect the permit to cost 560 INR (AU$11).

For other places like Thiskey, Hemis, and Lamayuru, you just need to cary your passport on you for ID. A permit is not required for these places.

Best Things to Do and See in Ladakh

There are plenty of things to do and see in Ladakh such as remote valleys, rural villages, hilltop monasteries and high altitude lakes. Here are the essential places to visit during your time in Ladakh:

The main hub and tourist centre of Leh is the market. The main thoroughfare is Leh Bazaar Road, which is a wide pedestrian market and shopping street. Filled with souvenir shops, book shops, general stores, trekking gear stores, tour agencies, cafes and banks, you can get whatever you need around the market area.

At the northern end of the Main Bazaar Road is Jama Masjid (main mosque), and you’ll also find the main Leh Buddhist Temple on the western arm of the bazaar road. Decorated with prayer flags and with the towering Leh Palace above the old town, it’s undoubtedly the most vibrant place to be in Leh.

Shanti Stupa

Offering one of the best views in all of Leh town, Shanti Stupa is the white peace pagoda you can see north-west of the bazaar on a small hilltop. It was built in 1991 with funds from the Japanese, similar to the one in Pokhara, Nepal.

The platform around the stupa offers a panoramic view of the town and surrounding valley. It’s undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Leh at sunset time, when the last light of the setting sun streams through the valley creating some beautiful shadows on the ridgelines of the mountains.

You can take a taxi up to the stupa and temple complex or walk up the 500 stairs from the end of Changsha Road. A taxi from Leh market up to the stupa and back, including waiting time costs about 400 INR (AU$8) per car.

Entry fee is 50INR (AU$1).

The most imposing landmark of Leh town, the old palace has undergone plenty of renovations over the last few years and has been opened to the public as a museum and incredible vantage point.

It was originally built in the 17th century by the royal family, Namgyal, as they ruled over the Himalayan Kingdom of Ladakh, in Western Tibet. It was then abandoned in the mid-19th century when the Dogra forces invaded Ladakh and the royal family was forced to flee to Stok.

Today, you can explore the nine levels of the palace, although it’s mostly empty with not much remaining from its time as a palace. There has been a lot of effort to turn some rooms into a museum, which makes it a really interesting place to visit. Plus, the view from the ninth floor is outstanding, looking right across the town below.

You can drive up to the palace, but it’s much quicker to walk up from the bazaar and old town area with stairs leading up from the bottom.

Entry fee is 100 INR (AU$2)

Tsemo Maitreya Temple

The beautiful monastery that sits perched above Leh Palace is my favourite place to be at sunset time. This incredible ruined fort complex and Buddhist temple is one of the highest points in town to enjoy the view of the valley as the sun sets.

You can drive up to the temple, or hike up to it from two different directions. The walk up from Chubi is done on a paved trail with stairs. It starts beside the Chubi HP Petrol Station on Sankar Road. But, most people hike up from Leh Palace, with a dirt trail cut into the mountain. It’s a bit of a workout if you’re not yet acclimatised to the altitude.

Entry fee is 30 INR (AU$0.60)

Khardung La Road Pass

Ladakh is known as the Land of High Passes for a reason. There are several high passes you can drive or hike over in the region, but none are as famous as Khardung La. Once the highest motorable road in the world (now overtaken by another road in India), Khardung La sits at 5,360m.

It connects Leh with Nubra Valley and is the most used pass for tourists heading over to Hunder, Diskit and Pangong Lake. However, some also just drive up to the pass as a day trip and drive back to Leh, but the real adventure is continuing onto Nubra Valley.

The road is generally in decent condition and mostly sealed, but it can close suddenly due to landslides or snow fall, so check ahead of time. It’s generally only open from June until September for tourists.

The most popular excursion from Leh is to Nubra Valley. This fabled valley carved out by the Shyok River and bordered by the Karakoram Mountains was once part of the old Silk Road trading route across Asia. Connecting Pakistan with Tibet, it is one of the most remote parts of India that has only been open to tourism for a couple of decades.

To reach the valley, you must cross the Khardung La pass from Leh and then head to Diskit, the main town in Nubra. Diskit is home to an old monastery built into the side of the rocky cliffs. There is also a large 100 ft Maitreya Buddha statue with incredible views down both sides of the valley.

Heading west of Diskit is Hunder, where you’ll find sand dunes backed by snow-capped mountains. If the landscape was enough to blow you away, there are also double humped camels or Bactrian camels roaming the dunes as well.

Entry fee for Diskit Monastery is 40 INR (AU$0.80)

As one of the world’s highest saltwater lakes, Pangong Tso is also one of Ladakh’s most famous attractions. Located at 4,250m, it’s a long drive to reach the lake from Leh over at least one high pass. Most people include a trip to Pangong with Nubra Valley, but you can also simply head to Pangong Lake from Leh, crossing the Changla Pass at 5,360m.

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 against the arid, desert-like mountains makes it an otherworldy sight that draws thousands each year.

Due to the long drive, most people spend a night at 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 . Here, you’ll find more laidback tents and homestays.

If you can allow an extra couple of days, I highly recommend heading to Turtuk from Nubra Valley. This is the northernmost accessible village in India and is home to ethnic Balti people, who now mostly reside in Baltistan across the border in Pakistan.

The remote village is a beautiful spot to explore, with friendly people who are very welcoming and happy to show you their traditional lifestyle. Because of the long drive, you must stay the night in the village, which only adds to the experience.

You’ll find plenty of homestays who provide beds and meals to travellers fro about 1000INR (AU$20) per night.

Thiksey Monastery

A short drive from Leh along the Keylong-Leh Road, you’ll find several outstanding monasteries to visit. However, arguably the most beautiful is Thiksey Monastery. It’s known to have a distinct resemblance to Lhasa’s Potala, the former seat of the Dalai Lamas in Tibet.

Built cascading over a small hill with the grandest temples sitting at the top, you can either walk up to the top through the alleyways passing monk residences on the way. Or you can drive closer to the top, and simply walk to the temples.

Entry fee is 50 INR (AU$1)

Hemis Monastery

Arguably the most important monastery to visit during your time in Ladakh, Hemis Monastery is the largest in the region. While it was officially established in the 17th century, many believed that it’s meditation caves go as far back as the 11th century.

The monastery is hidden, tucked into a gorge in Hemis National Park about an hour’s drive from Leh. There is a large courtyard in the middle of the complex, from where you can visit the main temples and the museum.

The museum is fascinating, holding some of the most important Buddhist monuments, artwork, relics and artefacts. It also provides an interesting insight into the local culture and history of Buddhism in Ladakh.

Hidden away off the main highway connecting Srinagar to Leh, Alchi Monastery has remained untouched throughout centuries of invasions and attacks. This is not a typical monastery that you see in Ladakh, but a complex filled with sacred shrines and important Buddhist art.

Some of the nearly 1,000 year old murals are considered to be some of the best preserved in the world. Even if you think you’ve seen enough monasteries in Ladakh, this is an important one you’ll want to make time for.

Lamayuru Monastery

Lamayuru is the oldest monastery in Ladakh. Back in the 11th century, it is said that Mahassidha Naropa came to meditate in a cave there. A temple was built around the cave (which can still be visited today) and then the remainder of the complex was built in the 16th century by King Namgyal. 

Built over several levels across the rocky landscape, the Srinagar-Leh Highway passes right through the village and monastery. It’s easily one of the most impressive sights, with the towering peaks surrounding it and the incredible geological area known as moonland running through the valley.

It’s a long but beautiful drive along a sealed highway from Leh to Lamayuru, it takes around 3 hours one way. There are restaurants and homestays around Lamayuru village if you want to stay the night.

Enty fee is 50 INR (AU$1)

Want more? Read next: 25 Best Things to Do in Ladakh

Trekking in Ladakh

Trekking in the Indian Himalayas is completely different to trekking in Nepal. The ranges around Leh are rugged, wild and far less trafficked. Plus, it’s one of the best ways to get to know Ladakhi culture and spend time in rural villages.

Homestay Treks

If you’re interested in trekking in Ladakh, there are two main trekking routes that are popular for independent hikers (without a guide) which utilise homestays as nightly accommodation:

Sham Valley Trek: Known as the “Baby Trek”, although that’s a bit deceiving. This three day trek is a great introduction to the region. With relatively short distances to cover each day and beautiful villages to stop and spend the night in homestays, it’s easy to organise with minimal planning. The maximum elevation is just under 4000m, so it doesn’t ascend too much higher than Leh itself, making it a nice one to do for those short on time and not yet acclimatised to the region. Read my guide to the Sham Valley Trek .

Markha Valley Trek: The more popular option and one I highly recommend to keen hikers. The Markha Valley Trek is a 4-5 day one way trek through the Markha Valley just south of Leh. It also utilises a homestay system across all the villages along the valley floor, making it a convenient trek with minimal planning involved as well. It’s highest point is Kongmaru Pass on the final day at 5,250m, which means you’ll want to at least have spent a few days in Leh acclimatising before attempting this trek. Read my guide to the Markha Valley Trek .

Camping Treks

If you prefer to get off the beaten track and explore the landscapes beyond the villages, then you’ll have to opt for a camping trek. This means you’ll have a guide and a team of mules to help carry all the necessary gear and food. These require a bit more organising, but any of the agencies in Leh will be able to help.

Kibber to Tso Moriri (Parang La Trek): Certainly one of the most spectacular and challenging of the longer treks in Ladakh, the hike from Spiti Valley to Tso Moriri follows an old trading route between Ladakh and Spiti. Almost all of the 10 day trek is above 4000m, with the highest point being Parang La at 5,580m, meaning it’s quite a difficult one and is for experienced and keen hikers only.

Rumtse to Tso Moriri: Another stunning trek across rugged and remote country, this 8 day trek links Rumtse near Hemis National Park to the high altitude lake Tso Moriri, passing Tsokar lake and Changpa nomads along the way. Most of this trek is well over 4000m, with the highest point being at 5,400m, making this a very difficult trek as well.

Zanskar Valley (Padum) to Darcha: This used to be a popular long trek in the Zanskar region, but with road construction between Padum and Darcha, there is no real need to trek the route anymore. However, the 10 day trek will still be a regular offering at least for another couple of years until traffic really builds on the new road. It takes you from the remote Zanskar Valley down to Lahaul Valley, mostly sitting between 3,500 and 4,000, with one pass over 5,000m, Shingo La.

Trekking Agencies

For those longer camping treks, you’ll need the help of a local trekking agency. While there are plenty of them in Leh, you can simply go around and talk to multiple agencies about cost, inclusions, and the general quality of gear.

However, it’s important to go with a decent company for these kinds of expeditions. Quality of gear, guide experience and reliability are extremely vital on high altitude treks. If you’re wondering what trekking agency to trust, I have two recommendations:

• Ladakhi Women’s Travel Company: the first and only female owned and operated trekking agency in Ladakh, they only employ local women as guides and support local communities. Check their website .
• Lungta Tours and Travel (based at Rock Castle Residency): for bigger expeditions and longer treks, I highly recommend Gonbo. He can organise a range of treks with over 20 years of experience in adventure tourism. Email: [email protected]

More Important Info for Exploring Ladakh

• Water: The local water is not safe to drink straight from the tap, but take a LifeStraw bottle or other filtered water bottle and you won’t have to purchase single use plastic water bottles that end up in landfill.
• SIM: A regular Indian SIM card will not work in Ladakh and Kashmir. You’ll have to purchase a new local SIM in Leh. The Airtel shop is tucked down a side alley at the southern end of the Leh Market. It’s listed as Airtel Store on Google Maps.
• Money: There are a couple of SBI ATMs in the main Leh Market street. There is almost always a queue and they occasionally run out of cash, but generally fixed pretty quickly.
• Alcohol: Drinking is not part of the culture in Ladakh and you won’t find it offered much at restaurants or cafes. However, there are a couple of wine and beer shops with limited hours.
• Language: The local language is Ladakhi, but you’ll also hear other languages like Tibetan, Hindi and Kashmiri. English is pretty widely spoken, although some of the taxi drivers only speak basic English.
• Festivals: There are many festivals and events on throughout the year in Ladakh and timing your visit with one is ideal. Each of the monasteries have their own festival, including a masked dance of the monks. Your guesthouse owner will be able to tell you if there is one going on during your stay. The Dalai Lama also visits Ladakh most years during the summer and conducts live teachings. Check his schedule online to see if you can time your visit for that as well.
• Clockwise: Remember to walk clockwise around any stupa or prayer wheel you pass in Ladakh. For Buddhists, this purifies negative karma and is a sign of respect.

Altitude Sickness and How to Avoid

No guide to Ladakh would be complete without mentioning the altitude. Leh sits at an elevation of 3,500m making it one of the highest places in India. Almost everyone who arrives in Leh will feel the sudden change in altitude within a few hours and it will likely continue for a couple of days until you acclimatise.

Flying in from Delhi obviously leaves you more susceptible to altitude sickness because your body will have no time to adjust. Those who come from Kashmir or Himachal Pradesh will have had more time to slowly acclimatise on the way.

The common symptoms are headache, nausea, shortness of breath and tiredness. These are completely normal and will likely go away after a couple of days. More serious symptoms include, vomiting, difficulty walking and dizziness, persistent coughing, chest tightness, confusion or coordination problems.

Tips to Avoid Altitude Sickness in Ladakh

• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Drink plenty of water starting from before you arrive in Leh. This is the best way to help your body acclimatise.
• Rest. Prioritise rest in the first 2-3 days of arriving in Leh. This means minimal walking and activities for at least 48 hours. Try to eat in at your guesthouse and only go for a short walk of less than a kilometre at a time.
• Eat small, regular meals. Nausea is a common initial symptom, so eat small, simple meals for the first couple of days regularly. Energy is important.
• Diamox or other altitude medication. Some people like to take diamox or other medication to help prevent altitude sickness. However, they can have serious side effects, so talk to your doctor first.
• Don’t ascend any higher for a few days. Plan your trip so you’re spending the first few days of your visit around Leh without going any higher. Try to allow at least 3-4 days in Leh before heading off on any trek or over Khardungla to Nubra Valley.

How Much Does a Ladakh Trip Cost?

If you’re on a budget, then here’s what you can expect to pay for things in Ladakh (if you want to spend more, you definitely can):

• Accommodation: 450INR (AU$9) for dorm bed or 800INR (AU$16) for private room at a guesthouse
• Meals: 150INR (AU$3) at a local restaurant or 350INR (AU$6) at a more tourist-oriented place
• Entrance fees: Most monasteries charge around 50INR (AU$1) for entry
• SIM card: They charge around 500INR (AU$10) for registration, setup and a 28 day package at AIRTEL in Leh
• Three day tour to Pangong Lake and Nubra Valley: 4,000INR (AU$80) for a seat in a shared group tour
• Permit: 560INR (AU$11) for three days to Pangong lake and Nubra Valley

Looking for More North India Travel Guides?

How to explore zanskar valley in north india.

• A Travel Guide to Spiti Valley
• A Travel Guide to Aru Valley in Kashmir
• 10 Best Things to Do in Srinagar
• Ultimate North India Itinerary for 1 Month

Pin this post

Share this:

12 Best Places to Visit in India for Solo Travellers

Best Rajasthan Itinerary for 2 Weeks in India

A Travel Guide to Sikkim in Northeast India

[…] Tibet and is characterised by awe-inspiring landscapes that seem almost unbelievable. Similar to Ladakh, you’ll travel through a dry, desert environment flanked by rugged snow-capped mountains to […]

[…] 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 […]

[…] Comprehensive Travel Guide to Ladakh […]

[…] Essential Reading: Comprehensive Travel Guide to Ladakh […]

[…] Valley is separated from Ladakh by the rugged Zanskar Range in North India. Part of the Greater Himalayan region, it’s a high […]

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Discover more from beyond wild places.

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

How to plan for a trip to Ladakh: Ultimate Guide

Ladakh, located in the Himalayas, is one of the most beautiful places in India. Ladakh has very diverse landscapes with snowy mountains and vast deserts to explore. The trekking trails of Ladakh range from short walks to multi-day treks which include camping along the way! You can even trek across the frozen Zanskar River ! Ladakh makes an ideal destination for nature lovers who want to spend some time away from the noise and pollution of the cities. Trekking in Ladakh will also give you an insight into the lives of locals, who live in remote areas away from all basic amenities. This guide on how to plan for a trip to Ladakh will walk you through everything you need to know about this popular trek, from choosing your company and guides to packing and more. By following our advice in this guide, you’ll be ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

Preparation

The Himalayas are beautiful and majestic, but they’re also unforgiving. When planning your trip , be sure you have enough money saved up in case anything goes wrong; basic travel health insurance is highly recommended. The most dangerous part of your journey will likely be flying into Leh Airport, which sits at 13,500 feet above sea level. You need special permits to take flights into or out of Leh Airport. Those wanting to fly in or out need approval from local police and aviation authorities, who require detailed information about members of your party as well as emergency contact information—basically, it needs to be clear that you won’t go rogue on your way back home.

Train yourself for walking

Start by walking every day, maybe right after you wake up or before you go to bed. If possible, walk outside. Try not to take your phone with you—leave it at home and give yourself time for reflection. This will help you make sense of what is happening around you, which in turn will make it easier for you when it comes time for your trek. You can start small; instead of trying to cover 10 miles in one day, aim for 5 and work your way up from there as necessary. Start out slow if you have done little or no physical activity—it’s important that you feel good about walking before doing something more challenging like hiking up mountains.

Packing List

The checklist is critical—you do not want to end up on your trip only to realize you have forgotten something important. For clothing, pack more than you think you need. It’s helpful to keep in mind that if you get anything soiled, you can send it home and buy more when you arrive at your destination. Be aware of regional cultural standards as well. In some places, there may be different dress requirements for men and women or other norms that differ from what travelers are used to backing home; checking with someone who has already been there will help avoid any unfortunate surprises along these lines. Please check our trekking gear checklist for the Himalayas for more information.

Hiring a Guide

Perhaps you have attempted some smaller treks, but now it’s time to take on a larger challenge. As one of India’s most popular destinations, there are countless companies offering tours in and around Leh. If you have your heart set on exploring its hills and valleys but don’t want to go it alone, hiring a guide is certainly recommended. It will ensure that your trip goes smoothly and you see as much as possible while away from home. Guides can help with everything from local etiquette and language skills to identifying animal tracks along trails; they even make sure that you’re keeping up with group hiking times.

Trekking Through Leh

With mountains surrounding it, Leh has many beautiful treks and hikes. The higher altitudes mean that oxygen is more sparse, making these trips quite challenging. Despite that, Ladakh has an extremely strong trekking community which makes sure that even novice hikers have an incredible experience in a safe environment. For people who don’t live in Leh and are only planning on visiting for two or three days, however, it can be difficult to find good trekking guides and set up reliable transportation.

The best time to visit Ladakh

The best treks in Ladakh can be planned at any time of year, and are particularly popular during May-June and September-October. Some treks are best done in winter when there is less snow and freezing cold temperatures; winters have on average 35 days of bright sunshine and fresh icy landscapes. If you prefer to avoid traveling with large crowds, June maybe your ideal month. Fall months tend to be rainy so if you want clearer skies, avoid September through November. During these months, travel might be difficult due to heavy rains in some regions but it does make for gorgeous scenery as well as more solitude at certain monasteries along your route.

The Last Leg of the Journey

Make sure you do your homework and research where you’re going. Of course, we have no way of knowing what sort of treks will be available in the future, but here are some general considerations: During winter months (November-March), expect snow and frigid temperatures—something to keep in mind if you’re planning on hiking higher altitudes. While there is the accommodation on site, many hotels operate as teahouses with limited amenities—think bunk beds and thin blankets. If you can swing it, consider staying at one of Ladakh’s resorts or guesthouses from late March through early November; they offer much more comfortable accommodations at slightly higher prices than teahouses.

Suggested Itinerary

The trip of a lifetime will take you up and over some 20,000-foot peaks. That means there are no shortcuts; you’ll have to acclimatize slowly and carefully. Make sure that your itinerary includes rest days—and plenty of them. You can never spend too much time in Manali, Leh, or Srinagar, so be sure not to race through these towns. If your budget allows, make reservations at one of these gorgeous hotels in India’s highest city! From rest days, it’s on to Kargil: While popular with Indian tourists, foreigners often skip Kargil on their way from Delhi to Leh—but don’t!

Daily Schedules

Planning and preparing in advance is vital when it comes to any significant trip. It doesn’t have to be hard, though: A basic daily schedule goes a long way toward ensuring that you don’t forget something critical. When making your schedule, think about what time of day you are at your best level physically, mentally, and emotionally.

If possible, give yourself an hour or two between each daily activity so that you can feel refreshed and energized before moving on to something else. With adequate rest—and some luck—you will find that you are more capable of handling unexpected situations like blisters or lost keys than if you were exhausted after every physical task is completed. Try not to underestimate how much energy it takes just being in a different environment with different people!

Should I Trek Alone?

Consider that solo travel can be both thrilling and terrifying, liberating and frustrating. Some may argue that it’s more dangerous because you’re less likely to be noticed in an emergency—and that you won’t have anyone around who can help you. In reality, there are pros and cons regardless of your choice.

What matters is whether or not you feel comfortable traveling alone. This is not only about the solo trek, if you are a female hiker, HikePackers will not recommend trek alone in India due to sexual assault and rape rates in India being quite high. Here is the report from Statista .

Safety Precautions While Trekking in Ladakh

If you are planning on going on a hike, then take precautions like carrying sufficient first aid kits, torchlight, and extra clothes. Make sure that your trekking guide knows all about first aid and can handle any emergency situations if you fall sick or get injured during your trip. The altitude sickness can be life-threatening; it is important that you carry oxygen cylinders if you have medical conditions such as heart or lung diseases. Avoid traveling alone, especially in off-season periods; bring along people who are known to each other at least 4 days prior to the start of your trip. Choose smaller hiking trails rather than longer routes so that accidents don’t occur during a long journey back home.

Ladakh is one of India’s most beautiful tourist destinations, with high altitude valleys surrounded by snow-capped mountains and terraced fields that spread out beneath. This makes it a fantastic place for hiking or trekking, and there are many companies that offer trips around some of its key sights. However, before embarking on your trip make sure you have taken all precautions.

Share this:

Hiking For Beginners: The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your First Hike

Die 10 besten Trekkingschuhe für Herren

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

Sign up for our newsletters

The best of hiking news, in your inbox.

Getty Images/Lonely Planet Images

Spectacularly jagged, arid mountains enfold this magical Buddhist ex-kingdom. Picture-perfect gompas (Tibetan Buddhist monasteries) dramatically crown rocky outcrops next to fluttering prayer flags and whitewashed stupas, while prayer wheels spun clockwise release merit-making mantras. Gompa interiors are a riot of golden Buddhas and intricately colourful murals and home to red-robed monks. It's a little corner of Tibet marooned in the furthest reaches of India.

Leave the planning to a local expert

Experience the real Ladakh. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Bearing a passing similarity to the Potala Palace in Lhasa (Tibet), this nine-storey dun-coloured edifice is Leh's dominant structure and architectural…

Thiksey Gompa

Glorious Thiksey Gompa is one of Ladakh’s biggest and most recognisable monasteries, photogenically cascading down a raised rocky promontory. At its heart…

Choskhor Temple Complex

The original murals and statues within these four outwardly modest 11th-century temples are considered the crowning glory of Ladakh’s Indo-Tibetan art…

Wanla Gompa

Above Wanla village, tiny medieval Wanla Gompa is dramatically perched on a towering knife-edge ridge flanked by two shattered tower remnants of a now…

Leh Old Town

Behind Leh’s central Jamia Masjid, winding alleys and stairways burrow between and beneath a series of old mud-brick Ladakhi houses and eroded chortens…

Diskit Gompa

Nubra Valley

Directly above Old Diskit, a 2km spaghetti of hairpins winds up to this photogenic monastery complex, much of which dates to between the 14th and 17th…

Yungdrung Gompa

Lamayuru's gompa is one of the most photogenic Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh. Behind glass within the gompa’s main prayer hall is a tiny cave-niche in…

Spituk Gompa

Founded in the late 14th century as See-Thub (Exemplary) Monastery, impressive Spituk Gompa surveys the Sengye Tsangpo (Indus) Valley, with surreal views…

Plan with a local

Experience the real India

Let a local expert craft your dream trip.

Latest stories from Ladakh

Filter by interest:

• All Interests
• Adventure Travel
• Art & Culture
• Beaches, Coasts & Islands
• Food & Drink

Jan 28, 2021 • 5 min read

With suggested itineraries and ideas for alternative destinations, here's everything you need to plan your dream trip to the Himalayan region.

May 1, 2018 • 1 min read

Feb 6, 2014 • 9 min read

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks

Get to the heart of Ladakh with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.

Ladakh and beyond

thetarzanway

Experiences, travel guides.

• Ayushi Singhal
• Mar 8, 2022

Ladakh Checklist: 6 Must-Know Things Before Visiting Ladakh

Updated: Sep 16, 2022

Are you excited about the Ladakh trip?

The trip you have been planning since your school days is finally happening!

But a lot of questions come up in our mind about restaurants, atmosphere, necessary things to pack, safety and whatnot.

We have tried to answer some of the most commonly asked questions in this blog. In this Ladakh checklist , you will get to know about 6 must-know things before visiting Ladakh, so you do not regret it later, “Wish I knew this before”.

Follow the below list of contents for better navigation!

What should I pack for the Ladakh trip?

What medicines should I carry?

Is it safe to go to Ladakh?

Can I visit Ladakh with my kids?

What documents are required to visit Ladakh?

What permits are required to travel to Ladakh?

01. What should I pack for the Ladakh trip?

Clothing: Irrespective of the season you choose to visit Ladakh, it gets always cold there. You should always carry some warm clothes to Ladakh. Comfortable jeans and trousers for hiking/trekking. A wind-proof jacket , thermal inners , gloves, and extra pair of socks .

If you are traveling during summer, carry light woolen clothes so you can layer up comfortably. It will help you protect yourself from fluctuating temperatures and keep you warm. If you are planning to visit in winter, carry heavy woolen clothes to sustain the weather conditions. Read out this blog to learn about which season is best for the Ladakh trip.

Always carry a lightweight bag while traveling to the mountains. A 70-80L bag will be suitable for trekking as well. Also carry sunglasses , sunscreen , SPF lip balm , flashlight , candles and matchbox , power bank , a light blanket , tissue rolls , sanitizer , and bag locks .

You can carry some nutritious snacks like nuts and dry fruits, fresh juices, or cup noodles. Completely avoid alcohol , tobacco, or other drugs, or else you may suffer from acute mountain sickness.

02. What medicines should I carry?

You should always keep some general medicines, for headache, painkillers, or mild fever, handy as you might feel a bit low due to higher altitudes.

Keep your first aid kit with you to help in case of any injuries. You can also take glucose drinks to give you energy and keep your body hydrated. It is best to consult a doctor beforehand to get some medicine for acute mountain sickness.

Take oxygen tablets with you as you may need some time to adjust to the low level of oxygen in Leh Ladakh. You can prefer any of the following tablets: 1. Diamox, 2. Aspirin/ Disprin, 3. Dexamethasone.

We advise you to first consult your doctor before taking any medicines with you. Do tell them about what health issues you have, if any.

You can also rent oxygen cylinders which are easily available in Leh Ladakh to avoid any intake of medicines.

03. Is it safe to go to Ladakh?

Absolutely YES ! Whether you are planning to go with your family, friends, or your soulmate, Ladakh always ranks first in your favorite tourist destinations.

Not only does it give you wonderful memories to cherish for your life, but it is also safe to travel to. Here are multiple reasons, and to-do activities for the Ladakh trip with your better half.

There have been attacks in Kashmir by Pakistan or China but only limited to the villages situated close to the borders. Leh Ladakh has never been affected by them. There is zero political turmoil in tourist destinations. So, you can be tension-free while traveling to Ladakh.

Solo Traveler:

As a solo traveler, even for a female solo traveler , Ladakh is one of the safest places to visit. You get an opportunity for exploring the city in your own way.

With the easy-to-access facilities and amiable people of Ladakh, it becomes really convenient to go even as a solo traveler.

Just be careful of your safety and do not take on unnecessary overnight trips. Find a suitable hotel or tent to stay in and enjoy the trip hassle-free.

04. Can I visit Ladakh with my kids?

Even though Ladakh is very enjoyable, the harsh weather conditions may not be very suitable for young kids. As a parent, you need to take special precautions. Consult your pediatrician to know if your child is healthy enough to go on a Ladakh trip.

The children need time to acclimatize to the high altitudes and low levels of oxygen. Give them a complete day's rest while you stay at your hotel to avoid any problems. Do not travel to very high altitudes as not all children are able to adjust themselves. They might feel nauseated or experience diarrhea issues but it is completely normal for a child. Just make sure that you carry their medicines with you all the time.

05. What documents are required to visit Ladakh?

Whenever you are traveling you must carry some essential documents because you never know when they are needed.

So it is best to keep a few documents, if not all, to avoid any inconvenience in traveling. If you are an Indian, carry any of the following:

Aadhar Card

Voter Id Card

Driving License

Any other document issued by the Govt. of India

If you belong to any other nationality, carry your Passport and Visa valid for your stay in India during the period in which you want to visit Ladakh.

Carry copies of your identity proof as you will have to furnish them and fill up forms at many places. You also need to get an ILP to access some parts of Ladakh.

06. What permits are required to travel to Ladakh?

You can travel to Leh without any permits. Post-2014, many permits are no longer needed to visit most of the areas in Ladakh. You can visit Pangong Tso Lake, Khardung La, Merak, Tso Moriri, Nubra Valley, and other unrestricted areas with your ID Proof only.

You need ILP to visit some restricted areas in Ladakh such as Batalik Sector, Chumur, Hanle, Tsaga, Chushul, and areas beyond Loma Bend. An ILP or Inner Line Permit is issued at Leh. It is valid for only three weeks from the date of issue. It costs around Rs. 400 per person to obtain ILP.

As a foreign visitor, PAP (Protected Area Permit) is required to visit most parts of Ladakh. A fee of Rs. 550 (approximately) will be levied per person while you apply for PAP. Apply at least one day before you travel and mention the specific places you wish to visit.

You can apply to District Commissioner in Leh or simply ask your hotel reception to get you the required permits. You will need to submit your ID Proof as well.

We hope we have been able to answer most of your queries. You can check out our more blogs that will help you decide the best season, restaurant, and in fact, reasons to travel to Ladakh. Make sure to read them for a complete guide to Ladakh.

• Travel Guide

Recent Posts

Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Beyond Beaches - Trekking Adventures

Unveiling the Hidden Gems of Himachal Pradesh

Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Diving into Underwater Wonders

• Logout Login
• Adventure Holidays
• Weekend Getaways
• Driving Holidays
• Travel News

Top Searches

Scenic Train Journeys

India Hill Stations

Uttarakhand Luxury Resorts

Sri Lanka Visa

India Stargazing Guide

Fully vaccinated travellers to Ladakh do not require RT-PCR test report

Times of India TIMESOFINDIA.COM / TRAVEL NEWS , LADAKH / Updated : Sep 6, 2021, 14:27 IST

You're Reading

Good news for fully vaccinated travellers. The Leh District Administration has said that fully vaccinated travellers are not required to show an RT-PCR test report in the Union Territory.

Good news for fully vaccinated travellers. The Leh District Administration has said that fully vaccinated travellers are not required to show an RT-PCR test report in the Union Territory. Read less

More from Travel News

Comments (0)

Refrain from posting comments that are obscene, defamatory or inflammatory, and do not indulge in personal attacks, name calling or inciting hatred against any community. Help us delete comments that do not follow these guidelines by marking them offensive . Let's work together to keep the conversation civil.

Comments ( ) Sort: Newest UpVoted Oldest Discussed Down Voted closecomments

SIGN IN WITH

Or post without registration.

Visual Stories

Popular Galleries

A first-timer's guide to exploring Bangkok: 5 handy tips

Luxury resorts in Uttarakhand that are unique and best for adventure travellers TRAVEL TRENDS , UTTARANCHAL

8 coolest hill stations in India accessible via direct flights! TRAVEL TRENDS , INDIA

Trending stories.

Mashobra, Himachal’s hidden secret for a serene vacation

• Kedarnath Dham: A quick guide on how to book helicopter tickets

• Visiting Iceland's Elephant Rock, which bears uncanny resemblance to an elephant!

What’s it like to be on the Matheran Hill Railways?

• 1 Fully vaccinated travellers to Ladakh do not require RT-PCR test report
• 2 Colorado Mushroom Festival: a celebration of a kind!
• 3 World’s northernmost island discovered by chance off Greenland
• 4 Indians have travel permit to Canada through a third country
• 5 Tamil Nadu government has big plans to boost tourism in the state

THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO DESTINATIONS, ITINERARIES, THINGS TO DO, RESTAURANTS, NIGHTLIFE and LOTS MORE!

FOLLOW US ON

Places to visit.

• Places to visit in Bangalore
• Places to visit in Mumbai
• Places to visit in Delhi
• Places to visit in Goa
• Hotels in Goa
• Hotels in Jaipur
• Hotels in Shimla
• Hotels in Mumbai

Things To do

• Things to do in Goa
• Things to do in Mumbai
• Things to do in Bangalore
• Things to do in Delhi

Travel Inspiration

• Visa on arrival for Indians
• Honeymoon Places in india
• Hill Stations in India
• Weekend getaways in Mumbai
• Weather in Delhi
• Weather in Chennai
• Weather in Bangalore
• Weather in Mumbai

Best Beaches

• Goa Beaches
• Mumbai Beaches
• Pondicherry Beaches
• Kerala Beaches
• Restaurants in Bangalore
• Restaurants in Chennai
• Restaurants in Pune
• Restaurants in Jaipur
• Hill Station near Delhi
• Winter trip to Ladakh
• Places to visit in Kerala
• Winter Honeymoon Destinations
• UK visa guide for Indians
• Winter Trip to Manali
• Vaishno Devi Yatra
• Special Train Ticket Booking
• HP inter-state Bus
• Honeymoon Destinations India

Latest News

Congratulations.

You have been successfully added to the mailing list of Times of India Travel. To complete the subscription process, kindly open your inbox and click on the confirmation link which has been emailed to you.

Share with friends

Thank You for sharing! Your friend will receive the article link on email mentioned.

• (For more than one recipient, type addresses separated by commas)

A complete guide to Ladakh Trip Plan – FAQs answered

Last Updated on: May 20, 2021  

Ladakh is no doubt a fascinating place. Anyone who has once visited Ladakh can never forget its landscape, its people and the eternal beauty hidden between those colourful layers of mountains. Of late, Ladakh has been hit by overtourism and it has definitely taken a toll on its fragile ecosystem. Even then, the place remains gorgeous and there are many who has not yet visited this wonderland. So here we share our Ladakh Travel Guide that will help you in Ladakh trip plan .

Ladakh Trip Plan

We have tried to answer most of the questions that we usually get about planning a Ladakh trip. We will try to update the information also with time.

When is the best time to visit Ladakh?

Now that you have decided to visit Ladakh, the first question that might come to your mind is that when to visit. Please keep in mind that Ladakh is a cold desert located in the trans-Himalayan region. The place remains cut off from the rest of the country by roads during the winter season.

Most of the tourism in Ladakh happens between the months of June to September. During this time, the roads to Ladakh remain open from both Manali and Leh side. In June, you might find a good amount of snow on the roads.

In short, mid-June to September is the best time as well as the season to visit Leh and Ladakh.

If you want to experience how the cold desert looks with a blanket of snow, then visit during the winter. But remember, the weather remains extremely cold during this time, often going down to subzero in the morning and as low as -25 degrees in the night.

How to Reach Leh, Ladakh?

The easiest way to enter Leh (it also takes the shortest time) is by taking a flight. There are regular flights from Leh to New Delhi. On a clear day, you can get magnificent views of the Himalayas from the flight. During the winter months, when the roads are closed, flights are the only option to reach Leh.

The nearest railway head is Jammu. From Jammu, you can reach Srinagar and then travel onwards taking the Srinagar Leh Highway to Leh. The Indian Government has announced an ambitious project from Jammu to Leh. When it will happen, it is definitely going to be an engineering marvel just like the Darjeeling Himalayan Railways, Nilgiri Railways and Kalka-Shimla railways.

There are 2 routes to enter Leh by road.

Entering Leh by Srinagar-Leh Highway

The distance covered is almost 419 km in this route. The Srinagar Leh Highway connects the Valley of Kashmir to the trans-Himalayan region of Leh. The change in the landscape in this route is quite stark. From the green valleys of Kashmir, you will enter the rugged landscape of Ladakh. A stopover at Kargil or Drass is recommended. Infact, we would suggest you to stay at Kargil for a couple of days if you have time. There are a lot of things to do in Kargil itself.

Entering Leh by Manali-Leh Highway

The distance covered in this route is 473 km. The Manali Leh highway is full of adventure. The road crosses through rugged territory and wilderness very unlike the Srinagar Leh Highway. You have to cross 5 mountain passes and several water streams on your way. The Manali Leh Highway is one of the most exciting and visually stunning routes that you will come across in the country. A stopover is recommended in this route as well at Sarchu or Keylong.

Should I enter Leh by Srinagar side or Manali side?

We would suggest you to enter Leh from the Srinagar Leh Highway, as it helps to acclimatize better.

While returning take the Manali Leh Highway. Stop for the night at Sarchu so that your trip is well divided into 2 days and you can enjoy the beauty of the Manali Leh Highway.

How to move around in Ladakh?

Once you are in Leh, there are so many places to see in the city itself as well as around. The easiest way to move around in Ladakh is by hiring a car. If you are going with your family or a number of friends, then this is the best option.

You can also rent a bike and do sightseeing in Leh city and around. For long-distance journeys also, bike rentals are available. Infact, a lot of people travel to Ladakh from their hometown in a bike for an ultimate adventure. Ladakh is a bikers’ paradise where you can proudly ride your beast in full glory!

For those looking for budget options, there are no public bus services available in Ladakh for different destinations like Diskit in Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso-Moriri and others. However, these buses do not ply everyday. The buses are available only on certain days of the week and at a fixed time. So if you want to avail public transport, keep in mind about the bus schedule and timings.

You can also look for travel partners while you are in Leh. You will find that the travel shops in Leh put up notices for travellers wishing to join a certain trip. If you join such trips, then the cost of travel reduces to some extent.

Is there any permit required for Ladakh trip?

You do not require any permit to visit Leh and the places around it. But you will need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit the remote places in Ladakh like Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley Tso Moriri and others.

Places that do not require an ILP to visit

• Leh city, Shanti Stupa, Shey Palace, Hemis Monastery, Alchi Monastery
• Zanskar Valley
• Suru Valley – Phey, Nimmoo, Alchi, Likir, Lamayuru, Mulbek
• Places on Srinagar Leh Highway
• Places on Manali Leh Highway

Where to apply for ILP

The ILp is issued from the DC Office at Leh which remains opened from 9 AM to 5 PM from Monday to Saturday. ILPs are issued between 10 AM and 3 PM. A self attested photocopy of a valid ID proof is required for obtaining the permit. You can either visit the DC Office yourself to get the permit or can get it done by any travel agent or your hotel.

The cost of the Inner Line Permit for Leh is divided into 3 parts – INR 400 per person for environment tax, INR 20 per person per day for wildlife protection fees and INR 20 per person per day towards Red Cross Society.

Now, you can apply for ILP online.

For foreign nationals applying for permit in Ladakh, passport and visa documents are required. Also you need to travel through an approved travel agent in Ladakh.

Places to visit in Leh Ladakh Trip

Ladakh is such a place that stores surprise in every nook and corner. It is one place where not only the destination but also the journey is spectacular. There is so much beauty and so much to see in Ladakh, you will find that a single visit is not enough! Whatever you see and experience will be cherished forever. Both the highways that connect Leh to the rest of the country are full of surprises.

What are the places to see in Srinagar Leh Highway?

The best part of the Srinagar Leh Highway is that you get to see the transition in the landscape so well. From the lush green valleys of Kashmir, you enter the rugged terrains of Ladakh. Starting from Srinagar, you will pass through the beautiful Sonmarg. Zojila Pass is the next that you cross, followed by Drass, Kargil War Memorial and Kargil.

Next, you will encounter the giant Maitreya Buddha Statue at Mulbekh , Fotu La and Nakee La pass followed by Lamayuru Monastery, the moonland. Just as you are approaching Leh, there are many other places of attractions as well. The magnetic Hill, the confluence of Zanskar and Indus River at Nimmu, Gurudwara Patthar Sahib and the Alchi and Likir Monastery are located in Sham Valley and will fall on your way to Leh.

We would recommend keeping a separate day for Sham Valley sightseeing. The rest you can visit while on your way to Leh from Srinagar.

What are the places to see on Manali Leh Highway?

Manali Leh Highway is known for the high altitude mountain passes, rugged landscape and the hairpin bends. You will encounter the Rohtang pass, Baralacha La Pass, Namik La and Tanglang La Pass . The beautiful Suraj Taal will also fall on the way.

This route is full of adventure crossing over water streams, taking the hairpin bends at Gata Loop or driving over the rough rocky terrain. This journey is going to be one of the most memorable ones. We are sure that you will not be bored even for a moment on this highway!

What are the places to see in Leh and around?

Leh is the district headquarters of Ladakh and its main town. It is a quaint town and has a very cosmopolitan vibe to it. The markets are quite colourful and full of life.

At Leh, you can visit the Leh Palace, Hall of Fame, Sindhu Ghat, Leh local Market, Shankar Gompa and the magnificent Shanti Stupa . If you want to climb the Shanti Stupa, do it during the sunset or sunrise. You will get some amazing views from there.

If you are interested in monasteries, then keep 1 day aside for visiting the Hemis Monastery, the largest one in Leh. The Hemis Festival is one of the major festivals around here visited by a number of people. Along with it, visit the Thiksey Monastery, Phyang, Spituk, Stakna Monastery, Shey Palace and Stok Palace .

WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE MONASTERIES OF LADAKH ?

Finally, another day should be lept aside for Sham Valley that includes Alchi Monastery, Likir Monastery, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Gurudwara Patthar Sahib and the confluence of Indus and Zanskar River at Nimmu .

Popular places beyond Leh

Pangong tso or pangong lake.

This is perhaps one of the most famous destinations in Ladakh. And also hit by overtourism the most. The place is beyond beautiful. We have no words to describe our feeling when we first saw the azure waters of the Pangong Tso from a distance. The time spent by the blue waters of the lake surrounded by the ochre mountains is simply magical.

The journey from Leh to Pangong Tso is about 170 km and you have to cross the Chang La Pass. You can do a day trip to Pangong Lake , but in that case, you will be able to visit upto Spangmik only. We would highly recommend you to stay for a night there.

Homestays are available in the villages around the lake. The luxury tents at the lake have been banned as of 2019.

If you have an extra day, then you can visit the villages of Man and Merak . But you have to mention this in your ILPs specifically.

The Hemis Monastery , Thiksey and Stakna Monastery and the Shey Palace will fall on the way to Pangong Lake from Leh. You can plan a visit to these places on your way to Pangong.

Nubra Valley

Nubra Valley is situated to the north of Leh. The famous Khardung La Pass connects Nubra Valley to Leh. Nubra Valley is strikingly beautiful. A cold desert and the home of the double-humped Bactrian camels, Nubra Valley is a place of dreams. At night the sky lits up with thousand stars.

Diskit is around 120 km from Leh. We recommend minimum of 2 days at Nubra Valley if not 3. If you want to visit Turtuk, then 3 days are required. You can visit these places in the Nubra valley:

• Diskit: Diskit Monastery is the largest and the oldest monastery in Nubra valley. Just opposite the monastery is a huge statue of Maitreya Buddha
• Hunder: This is the home of the double humped Bactrian camels. The place is known for its sand dunes, camel safari and breathtakingly beautiful landscapes.
• Turtuk: Further Hunder, the road goes to Turtuk, the last village of the Indian Territory and the base of Siachen glacier. Turtuk has a much different landscape than the Nubra Valley and you will get a close view of the Karakoram range.
• Panamik: From Diskit, one road goes along the Shyok River to Sumur Village and further to Panamik. The place is known for hot springs.

Tso-Moriri Lake

Tso Moriri is located about 250 km from Leh and is a high altitude mountain lake in Ladakh. The landscape is simply breathtaking at Tso Moriri . Korzok is the base village for the lake.

The distance of 250 km means that you Tso Moriri cannot be covered on a day trip. The trip from Leh takes almost over 8 hours. Camping is not allowed beside the Tso Moriri Lake as it is a protected wetland. You can stay at the homestays in Korzok.

While travelling to Tso Moriri from Leh, you can stop at the Upshi villages , hot springs at Chumthang and at Tso Kiagar , a lesser-known lake.

After visiting Tso Moriri Lake, you can either come back to Leh after visiting the Tso Kar Lake, or you can also take the route that connects the Leh Manali Highway. You can keep a visit to Tso Moriri at the end of your trip and can exit Ladak by this route. But this can be done only if you have your own vehicle at disposal or travelling by private taxi.

The Aryan Villages of Dah Hanu

This is said to be the villages of the Aryan tribe. The race is referred to as Drokpas or Dard. There is actually a cluster of 5 villages, and you can visit only Dah and Hanu village. Tall and fair-skinned with high cheekbones and light eyes are said to be the key features of the tribe. A trip to this village will be culturally enriching. Apart from the beautiful natural landscape and the interesting Brokpa culture, you will stumble upon ruins of history here and there in the village.

A permit is needed to visit Dah Hanu villages. From Leh, you can visit Dah crossing Nimmu and Khaltse. Public buses are available to Dah, but you need to check the timings. If you want to stay, there are a couple of homestays available too.

Alternative travel routes in Ladakh

In the last few years, with the influx of more tourists, more routes have been opened for tourist traffic. These alternate routes mean you can travel directly from Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake or from Pangong to Tso Moriri without returning back to Leh. But do remember, that these routes, though operational are not among the priority routes. These routes pass through the remote regions and are often not in the best conditions. Traffic is also very low on these routes. So if you are taking any of these alternative routes, ask first about the conditions. Take a calculated risk while travelling on these roads. It is better if you could tag along with some other vehicles and move as a convoy. Even if you have planned to travel on these routes, be prepared that you might be stopped at any place. Often road conditions are not conducive and you will be not allowed to move in a particular way. So keep buffer days and be prepared to be flexible in your plans.

Is it possible to travel directly from Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso?

There are 2 routes from Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso:

The shorter route via Agham and Shyok village that directly reaches to Pangong Tso and takes around 5 hours time. However, the road conditions from Shyok village to Pangong Tso has some bad stretches and some landslide prone sections also. So it is better to inquire about the road conditions before starting off in this route.

The second one is the longer route through the Wari La pass. It takes about 10 hours from Nubra Valley to reach Pangong Lake. This route takes you to the Chang La Pass that falls on the Leh to Pangong Tso route. Though this road is in better condition than the other, it remains quite desolate and thus has its own risk associated with it.

Is it possible to go directly from Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri?

Indians are allowed to travel directly from Pangong Lake to Tso Moriri. Foreign nationals are not yet allowed to travel beyond Man and Merak village checkpost.

You can take the route through Man – Merak – Chusul – Loma – Mahe – Sumdo to reach Tso Morir i.

You have to separate permit from DC Office in Leh to travel through this route. You have to visit the DC office in person to get this pass.

Travelling to Hanle

Hanle is a lesser-visited place in Ladakh, located 275 km from Leh. Hanle has a monastery located on a hilltop from where you can get panoramic views of the area. It also has the World’s highest observatory at a height of 4500 metres. The Hanle Observatory is operated by Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bengaluru and is currently the highest optical observatory in the world.

Hanle can be reached by two routes – one from Tso Moriri and the other from Pangong Tso. You can add an extra day to your Tso Moriri trip and visit Hanle.

You can also visit Hanle from Pangong Tso by taking the road from Man and Merak towards Hanle via Chushul.

Remember, that to visit Hanle, you need to visit the DC office at Leh in person. A special permit is required for travelling to Hanle.

If you want to visit Hanle, a probable itinerary can be: Leh – Pangong Tso – Man – Merak – Hanle – Karzok (Tso Moriri) – Leh

Is it possible to travel to Umling La pass?

Umling La Pass is the highest motorable mountain pass in the world at 19300 feet. Since May 2018, civilians are no longer allowed to travel to Umling La, due to its close proximity to the China border.

How many days are required for a Leh Ladakh trip?

The number of days you want to spend in Ladakh depends entirely on you. It also depends on the way you want to travel to and from Leh. We would recommend a minimum of 5 days in Ladakh excluding the days you need to get in and out of Ladakh. Once you decide on the number of days, plan your itinerary and also include the number of days to get in and out of Ladakh.

Do not rush to tick off the checklist here. Ladakh is to be experienced and you cannot do that if you rush. The distances are long through not very well maintained roads. The journey is going to be tough. Also, try to add a couple of buffer days to your itinerary .

HERE IS A TENTATIVE 6 DAYS ITINERARY OF LADAKH

Ladakh and Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) – how to deal with altitude sickness in Ladakh?

Leh is located at an altitude of over 11000 feet or 3500 m. altitude acclimatization is very important in order to travel in Ladakh. This means giving your body complete rest so as to let it get used to the reduced oxygen level there. Even if you have visited Ladakh before, it is important for you to get acclimatized and you will be knowing better!

• It is advised to get 3 days of complete rest to get yourself acclimatized. Even if you are visiting for a short duration, you should keep one full day to acclimatize. Do not travel much during the day. It is better to stay inside your hotel or guesthouse for the day.
• Do not climb the Shanti Stupa on the first day of your visit to Ladakh.
• Keep yourself hydrated. You might not feel thirsty at the cold weather, but water intake is important to prevent AMS.
• Refrain from having alcohol or smoking too much. Alcohol is your worst enemy at high altitudes.
• Increase your altitude gradually. This is why it is better to enter Leh through the Srinagar Leh Highway and exit through Leh Manali Highway.
• Take your time to do things. Avoid overexertion. Do not rush, do not hurry! In this way, you will not only help yourself, but also be able to appreciate the beauty of the place.
• Avoid sleeping during the day.

Is mobile network available at Leh and Ladakh?

Only postpaid mobile connections work in Ladakh, as well as in entire Jammu & Kashmir. BSNL is by far the best network in terms of coverage followed by Airtel. You will get full connectivity in Leh city. With BSNL you will be connected at most of the places in Nubra Valley except Turtuk. Connectivity is negligible in Pangong Lake and you will get intermittent BSNL connectivity at Tso Moriri.

As for Airtel , you will get a full 4G connection in Leh city. At Nubra Valley you will get a connection at Hunder and Diskit, but not at Turtuk. There is no Airtel connectivity at Pangong and Tso Moriri Lake. You will remain connected at Kargil and Drass as well.

Your JIO phone will have 4G connectivity in Leh city and Kargil. You will get connectivity at Hunder and Diskit, but not at Tso Moriri and Pangong Lake.

Tips for Ladakh trip on a budget

Travelling to Ladakh is a bit costly. Over a few years, many travellers and tourists are visiting Ladakh and there are still a few budget travellers who want to enjoy Ladakh without pinching their pocket too much. A few tips for them:

• Try to visit in the shoulder season in April/May or August/September.
• If you are planning to travel by air, book your tickets in advance.
• Do not pre-book your accommodation and taxis. Do on spot booking. You might get some good deals.
• Travel and stay in groups. This will help you to share the transport cost.
• Choose your accommodation and places to eat in a wise manner.
• If you are travelling solo, you can join other solo and group travellers who are looking to  fill up their cars. The restaurants and shops in Leh usually put up notices like these. This is another way to reduce your travelling expenses.

Overtourism and Ladakh

Even though we have covered this at last, but this is the most important point . Of late, we have seen Ladakh has been affected by overtourism to a great extent. While this had caused a lot of problems for the locals, it has also hit the natural ecosystem. Pangong Lake, the place that we had all to ourselves when we visited Ladakh for the first time in August 2014, can now be seen full of people and vehicles. We definitely do not want people to stop visiting Ladakh, but we definitely want you to remember this while making your planning your Ladakh trip. A few things that you do might help lessen the impact on the environment. Travel with responsibility, because you have to leave the place as beautiful and grand for your future generation!

• Respect the nature and environment. Do not litter, do not throw plastics and other garbage around. I keep iterating this time and again, so please bear with me.
• Carry cleanliness drive wherever you go.
• Please do not demand luxury here. Although Leh now has a number of luxury stays, but for places beyond Leh like, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri, please do not demand such treatments. These places are best experienced close to nature without all the lavishness. Stay in eco-friendly accommodations wherever possible.
• Do not waste water.
• Carry a water bottle with you for refilling. Please shun the plastic bottled water.
• Be sensible to the local people, culture and traditions.
• Ask for permission before taking photographs.
• Do not disturb the wildlife. On our way to Pangong Lake, we saw many going near the marmots and feeding them. While it seems fun apparently, but it is disturbing them and should not be done.
• Drive responsibly and try to help others. If possible, consider sharing transport.
• Listen to music, but keep the volume to yourself.
• Try to benefit the local population in every way.

A few more Pictures of Leh & Ladakh

Ladakh is a panacea for all the wanderlust souls. It is one place that we can blindly point at and say “I want to go there again and again”. We have tried to cover the most important questions related to travelling to Leh and Ladakh. If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask by commenting below. If you find this Ladakh Trip Plan useful, please share it with your family and friends.

Pin it for a later read!

Agni Amrita

Related posts.

Hunderman – Ghost Village near Kargil with Museum of Memories

A Trip to Changthang Valley in Ladakh and a Failed one to Tso Moriri

Changpa Tribe of Changthang, Ladakh – The Story of Pashminas

Sham Valley in Ladakh – A Complete Travel Guide

Basgo Monastery, Ladakh – Ruins of Palace and Fort

Saspol Caves – Best-kept Secret of Sham Valley, Ladakh

21 comments.

Loving your blog- you have gone to a great deal of effort, so thanks!

I was wondering if you could advise me a little?

I am fortunate enough to be flying solo into Leh early September until early October- I have 30 days including arrival and departure day. I have trekked/camped/hiked and travelled a lot on my annual leave breaks, prefer low key stuff, on a budget but will be able to cover the routes I really want to do. Not crazy on hostels, more homestay style with the very occasional mini modest splurge. Not a young woman anymore- > 50, but fit and strong and resilient.

I was thinking of going directly down to Likir/Uleytopko region (Uley eco place $$?/Likkir farmhouse $?) area to spend 3 nights acclimatising and easy day walks. Loosely I have come up with the following-

Day 1-4 Likkir/Uleytopko

Day 4- 8 Sham Valley homestay or camping trekking from Likir (inc Hemis monastery, etc), back to Leh

Day 8-10 Leh based

Day 10-17 Markha Valley trekking (inc Shey/Thiksey/Stakna Monasteries, etc) (or I could do a fixed departure group trek Rumtse-TsoMori that leaves a week later taking 11 days -this one takes in the first few days in Zinchen/Spituk/Rumbak/Stok La plus monasteries before starting in Rumtse- this would change up my order a bit obviously)

**Day 17- from here I have 12 days available to see other regions. My thoughts are Nubra/Pangong/Turtuk and Zanskar with acouple of rest days inbetween – what do you think? How would you put a 28 night trip together for good flow?

Love to hear from you if you have time- I have reached that info overload stage and as am going solo have no one really to discuss it with.

Thanks so mych again for your great blog! Gill

Is it safe to visit Ladakh during mid of October?

Yes, you can.

Agni and Amrita – Super blog, what i liked most is the simple narrative with the right amount of relevant information supported by pictures. Minute but very crucial details, so very important for travellers in the planning stage, is extremely invaluable and your post does just that.I am in the planning stage for a Sept Ladakh trip and a bit unclear on the subject of Pangong Tso Day trip.Let me explain my predicament : I don’t want to stay overnight in Pangong tso ( Not sure if we are allowed at all now ) due to the threat of AMS, sleeping at 4225 mtrs elevation ( This would be the penultimate day of a 15 day trip coming from Srinagar side. I would have been properly acclimatised, spending 1N in Sonmarg, 2N in Kargil, 2N in uleytopko,2N in leh, 3N in Nubra valley and yet i dont want to sleep @ 4225 mtrs Therefore, if i have to see Pangong, i am left with only a day trip option. I have the following questions : On google maps, if i put leh to Pangang tso, it shows 223 Kms ( 5 1/2 hrs ) and a point on the opposite side of Merak. Is this the point when we say Pangong lake?. Is viewing the lake near Spangmik not good? ( 156 kms – 4 hrs ). Assuming the answer is yes to this question How many hours of travel by Innova crysta from Leh to spangmik ? ( Difficult to believe Google ) Is the day trip doable ?. Is September 3rd week easy or difficult to cross Chang La ? Apologise for a lengthy request. Brevity was never my forte. Appreciate responses to my questions and any other advise on the day trip to Pangong tso. Thanks

Thank you for your kind words. Leh to Spangmik will take around 5-6 hours depending on the number of breaks you take. Also, if you wish to stop at Hemis, Thiksey and Shey Monastery on the road, then it will take more time. September 3rd week will be a good time to visit. I don’t think crossing the Chang La will be an issue. However, everything depends on the weather. We visited in July and there was quite a bit of snowfall at Khardung La (which is again not expected). Please keep reading our blog and encouraging us. Thank you, again!

Ladakhi people are celebrating its union territory status. Good time to visit. Ladakh will develop now more rapidly

Yes, true that is. It is a good time to visit Ladakh.

I have been to Ladakh many times and still want to go again! That is a very comprehensive guide you made. I really want to go to the Aryan Villages of Dah Hanu. Maybe someday! Places like Alchi monastery and Umling La pass have also been on my mind. I think people should travel responsibly in Ladakh. I have seen how it has become a victim of overtourism.

Thank you Abhinav! Hope Ladakh remains as beautiful in future also.

Wow thats one exhaustive blog on Ladakh i must say . I have read innumerable blogs on the same but yours covers the information so well. Ladakh is still due on my list and have to make it soon before ut becomes a prohibited zone.

Thank you Debjani!

Ladakh landscape is awesome! It looks like a hidden Indian gem! As the 4G is also available, I think it soon will be a popular destination.

Thank you so much. 4G is available only in the main towns.

Hey, this is such an in-depth guide with literally all the information anyone could ask for. To be honest, I didn’t even know where Ladakh was before I came across your blog post! But now I feel like this is definitely a place I would enjoy visiting – these mountains are just absolutely stunning!

Thank you Sarah! Ladakh is a trans-Himalayan region in India – a place for the ultimate adventure. Please do visit Ladakh, I am sure you will love the place.

Great guide for visiting Ladakh. I’ve heard about this Himalayan region, but didn’t realize it was so beautiful. I’d love to visit it someday, so I’ll bookmark your post for future reference. It contains a lot of useful information. Do you have to ask for permission when photographing people, or just about everything?

Thank you Anda! It is better to ask permission for photographing people. For landscape and monasteries, you do not need permission. But a lot of the places are near the international border. At these places and army camps, you are not allowed to take any photographs. Don’t worry, you will see notices of “no photography” at those places. Rest, all good. 🙂

If anyone is planning a trip to Ladakh, they need to read this post. So much useful information to help get the most out of the trip. I was particularly interested in the advice about altitude sickness.

Thank you Laura. Yes, Altitude Sickness is something that you have to keep in mind while visiting Ladakh.

This is an excellent guide to visiting Ladakh. I’d never heard of it before reading this, and I’d love to visit one day! The landscape is incredible, and I love the remoteness of it all. I’m certain I’d suffer from altitude sickness, so I appreciate you listing your tips here. It’s an amazing place and I’m adding it to the India list if I ever get to visit.

Thank you Lisa. Ladakh is truly amazing – a difficult place to visit, but once you are there, you will definitely fall in love with it!

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Submit Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Pin It on Pinterest

• ladakh covid updates

Search for Bus Tickets

Ladakh Travel Guidelines

Last Updated on: 18th Apr 2022

The state of Ladakh has released new travel guidelines considering the ongoing situation of Covid-19 pandemic. While the Government lifted most of the travel restrictions in several phases post Covid-19 lockdown, the third wave of Covid in Ladakh has made the Government rethink on travel guidelines.

In a bid to deal with the second onslaught of Coronavirus, the Government has issued new restrictions on traveling and fines for rule-breaking. Given below are the intra-state and inter-state travel guidelines for Ladakh. The information is subject to change as per the updates issued by the Ladakh Government.

Ladakh Interstate Travel Guidelines

• Full vaccination certificate or RT-PCR negative report needed for travel.
• No interstate travel restrictions as per the latest guidelines.

Ladakh Intrastate Travel Guidelines

• No intrastate travel restrictions as per the latest guidelines.

For more information, check out:

COVID State-wise Status

COVID Information Portal, Ladakh

You can visit redBus.in to check bus boarding points, bus schedule, and book bus tickets in Ladakh. For extra safety and comfort, you can book Primo buses. redBus provides a hassle-free experience of booking bus tickets online in Ladakh.  

Disclaimer:

Please note that according to the guidelines issued by States/UTs, all passengers will have to undergo mandatory thermal screening at the point of departure and only asymptomatic passengers will be allowed to board the flight/train/bus. Thermal screening at the exit point shall also be arranged.  

Other Top States' Travel Guidelines:

• Telangana Travel Guidelines
• West Bengal Travel Guidelines
• Karnataka Travel Guidelines
• Gujarat Travel Guidelines
• Rajasthan Travel Guidelines
• Odisha Travel Guidelines
• Assam Travel Guidelines
• Haryana Travel Guidelines
• Madhya Pradesh Guidelines
• Jharkhand Travel Guidelines
• Maharashtra Travel Guidelines

• SKIP TO MAIN CONTENT
• लद्दाख केंद्र शासित प्रदेश
• UNION TERRITORY OF LADAKH

• A+ Font Size Increase
• A Normal Font - Selected
• A- Font Size Decrease
• A High Contrast
• A Normal Contrast - Selected

District Leh - Ladakh

Know Your BLO (Booth Level Officers) || CITIZENS OF COUNTRIES and PASSPORT HOLDERS REQUIRING PROTECTED AREA PERMIT TO VISIT PROTECTED / RESTRICTED AREAS of Ladakh. Click to know details. || Ladakh Heli Services Open for Tourists and General Public. Please visit https://heliservice.ladakh.gov.in/ for booking and more details.

Recruitment

Orders & circulars.

• FORM 12D-For absentee Voters
• Conduct of General Elections-2024- Prohibitory Orders for carrying licensed arms in District Leh.
• User charges notification for waste collection from household and other establishments
• Appointment of the candidates to the post of Orderly (Group ‘C’ Non-Gazetted) in the Revenue Department of the Administration of Union Territory of Ladakh, District Cadre Leh in Level-SL-1 of Pay matrix ( Rs. 14800-47100).
• Notification: Conduct of Lok Sabha Election, 2024-voting facility to the Absentee Voters through Postal Ballot-reg.
• Notificaton regarding Conduct of General Elections- 2024- Prohibitory Orders for carrying licensed arms in District Leh
• Notice regarding The rates of immovable property of Leh District for calender year 2024.

Har Ghar Tiranga

Celebrating “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav”

District At a Glance

• Population: 1,33,487
• Literacy Rate: 77.19%
• Villages: 113
• Panchayat: 95

Quick Links

• Election Commission of India
• CEO, UT Ladakh
• General Elections 2024-ECI
• Download Electoral Roll
• National Voters' Service Portal

Upcoming Events

Photo gallery.

Public Utilities

• 1 Electricity
• 1 Hospitals
• 1 Municipalities
• Tourist Information
• Apply for Online PAP/ILP
• How to reach
• PAP/ILP Notice
• Chaddar Trek - SOP & Regulations
• Application For Rent Collection
• Law and Justice
• District Court
• Food and Civil Supplies
• Revenue Department
• Union Territory of Ladakh
• Ladakh Gazette Portal
• Ladakh Police
• University of Ladakh
• Leh AEBAS Portal
• LAHDC Leh Online Permit Portal
• Ladakh UT e-Tender Portal
• Ladakh Affairs Department
• GPF - Employees login
• Electoral Rolls

Helpline Numbers

• COVID-19 Helpline- 01982-257416
• COVID-19 Helpline- 01982-255530
• Police Control Room - 100
• Fire Service - 101
• Medical Helpline - 102
• Casuality - 253629
• Election Toll Free No. - 1950

Media Gallery

• Video Gallery
• Audio Gallery

• South Africa
• Afghanistan
• North Korea
• Adventure + Outdoors
• Amusement Parks
• Backpacking Trips
• Boating + Cruises
• Budget Travel
• Bus + Train Travel
• Coasts + Islands
• Country Trips
• Fall Vacations
• Family Vacations
• Green Travel
• Heritage + History
• Honeymoons + Romance
• Inspiration + Guide
• Landmarks + Attractions
• LGBT Travel
• Markets + Bazaars
• National Parks + Reserves
• Nature + Wildlife
• Parks + Gardens
• Pets + Animals
• Photography
• Airlines + Airports
• Budgeting + Currency
• Business Travel
• Celebrity Travel
• Customs + Immigration
• Deals + Rewards
• Family Travel
• Hotels + Resorts
• Luggage + Packing Tips
• Offbeat News
• Photography Tips
• Responsible Travel
• Solo Travel
• Tech + Gear
• Travel Etiquette
• Travel Warnings
• Bars + Clubs
• Celebrity Chefs
• Restaurants + Cafés
• Wine + Vineyards
• Beach Hotels
• Boutique Hotels
• Hotel Openings
• Hotel Reviews
• Luxury Hotels
• Mountain + Ski Resorts
• Spa Resorts
• Vacation Rentals
• Asia Cruises
• European Cruises
• Festivals + Events
• Museums + Galleries
• Style + Design
• Travel’s Best
• Hotel with Agoda.com
• Hotel with Booking.com

Must eat in Hong Kong — 7+ must eat & must…

Coron itinerary 5 days — What to do & how to…

Arashiyama travel blog — The fullest Arashiyama travel guide with top…

India trip tips — 9+ things to know before going to…

Explore Fenqihu old street — What to do in Fenqihu in…

Where to go in Kunming? — 15+ top Kunming attractions &…

All about tips in Nepal — How much to tip in…

Cambodia travel tips — 15+ what to know & things to…

When is the best time to visit Kyoto? — The best,…

Must eat in Georgetown — 10+ famous, must-eat & best street…

Must eat in Melaka — 10+ famous Malacca street food &…

Hong Kong Soya sauce Chicken Rice and Noodles — The first…

Top hotels in Siem Reap — 8+ best places to stay…

Top hotels in shanghai — 15+ best hotels in Shanghai

Top hotels in Malacca — 10+ good & best hotels in…

Top places to stay in Bali — Top 10 best areas…

10 must-know things for your best first time European river cruise

Top 3 best luxury cruises in Halong Bay, Vietnam

Cherry blossom festival Korea 2024 — Top 5 cherry blossom festivals…

Ghibli museum blog — The fullest Ghibli museum guide for first-timers

Kyoto festival — Top 10 best events & most famous festivals…

National Palace Museum Taipei blog — What to see in National…

Japanese waterfall — Top 10 most beautiful waterfalls in Japan in…

19+ most beautiful towns in Europe every tourist need to visit…

Georgia travel photos — 20+ captivating photos show Georgia is heaven…

Explore Damnoen Floating Market — The oldest floating market of Thailand

Visiting Fenghuang Ancient Town — One of the most charming ancient…

Mekong Delta travel blog — Beyond rivers of Southwestern Vietnam

14 reasons why you should travel when you are young

Shigaraki Tanuki – An animal symbol of good luck in Japan

Living in the charms of cave houses in Andalucia, Southern Spain

20+ jaw-dropping tiny homes around the world

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

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

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

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

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

Which month is best for Ladakh?

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

Ladakh blog: Leh Ladakh itinerary

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

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

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

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

Day 15: Srinagar – Delhi

• Day 16: Delhi – Toulouse

Leh Ladakh itinerary: How to go?

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

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

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

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

Ladakh travel tips: Prepare before you go

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

Ladakh travel blog: How much does Ladakh trip cost?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other things

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

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

Ladakh blog: Where to exchange money?

The exchange rate at the end of March 2022

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

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

Part 1: Agra

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

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

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

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

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

Leh Ladakh itinerary — Day 2: Leh

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There are two ways to Tso Moriri.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ladakh blog — Part 3: Zanskar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ladakh travel blog — Part 4: Going home

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

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

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

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

Related articles

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Coron itinerary 5 days — what to do & how to spend 5 days in coron, arashiyama travel blog — the fullest arashiyama travel guide with top things to do in arashiyama, india trip tips — 9+ things to know before going to india, explore fenqihu old street — what to do in fenqihu in a day trip, where to go in kunming — 15+ top kunming attractions & best places to visit in kunming, must eat in melaka — 10+ famous malacca street food & must try food in melaka.

What to do in Alishan? — 5 top attractions & best things to do in Alishan, Taiwan

Hong Kong food culture — Hong Kong cuisine tells the historical story of the whole land

Melaka food blog — Experience Melaka delicacies, arrived at by Trishaw

Editor picks.

Must eat in Hong Kong — 7+ must eat & must...

Coron itinerary 5 days — What to do & how to...

Arashiyama travel blog — The fullest Arashiyama travel guide with top...

Popular posts.

What to buy in USA? — 17+ must buy in USA...

Must buy souvenir in Taiwan — Top 17+ most famous, cheap...

Must buy in Korea — Top 23 cheap, famous & best...

Popular category.

• Inspiration + Guide 1456
• Trip Inspiration 468
• Thailand 209
• Food + Drink 208
• Coasts + Islands 193
• South Korea 168
• Vietnam 166
• Travel Photos 144
• Work for Us
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy

A Complete Guide: How To Plan A Trip To Ladakh?

Ladakh located in the northernmost region of India, Ladakh stands as a beacon of mystical allure and untouched natural beauty. This high-altitude desert, often revered as ‘Little Tibet’, is more than just a destination; it’s a canvas where nature has expressed itself in dramatic landscapes. From the rugged mountains that seem to touch the sky to the serene glacial lakes reflecting the vast heavens, Ladakh’s scenery is an ever-changing, ever-enchanted spectacle.

The region’s unique geographical features have not only sculpted its breathtaking terrains but also shaped a distinct cultural tapestry. Influenced by Tibetan Buddhism, the culture of Ladakh is a colorful mosaic of monasteries, festivals, and ancient traditions, existing in harmony with the harsh climatic conditions.

Table of Contents

Why Visit Ladakh?

Ladakh, with its unparalleled beauty and cultural richness, is a destination that speaks to the soul. Here’s why it’s worth visiting:

Unique Landscapes : The stark beauty of Ladakh’s landscapes, from the moon-like surfaces of Nubra Valley to the mesmerizing Pangong Lake, offers an otherworldly experience. Each valley, mountain pass, and river tells a story of nature’s grandeur.

Cultural Richness : The region is dotted with centuries-old monasteries like Thiksey, Hemis, and Diskit, which are not just places of worship but also custodians of Ladakh’s rich heritage. The vibrant festivals, such as Hemis Tsechu, showcase masked dances and traditional music, offering a glimpse into the spiritual depth of Ladakhi culture.

Adventure Galore : For adventure enthusiasts, Ladakh is a paradise. It offers some of the most thrilling trekking routes, challenging mountain biking trails, and exciting river rafting experiences. The Khardung La Pass, one of the world’s highest motorable roads, is a dream journey for many bikers.

Tranquility and Solitude : In today’s fast-paced world, Ladakh provides a sanctuary of peace and solitude. The quiet monasteries, the tranquil high-altitude lakes, and the vast, uninhabited landscapes offer a perfect setting for introspection and rejuvenation.

Wildlife and Flora : Despite its arid conditions, Ladakh is home to unique wildlife like the snow leopard, Tibetan antelope, and wild yak. The region’s flora, adapted to survive in harsh conditions, adds a subtle yet captivating charm to the landscape.

Ladakh is not just a travel destination; it’s a journey into the unknown, a place where one can reconnect with nature’s primal beauty and explore a culture deeply rooted in spirituality and simplicity. This land of high passes promises an experience that is as unforgettable as it is transformative.

Planning Ladakh Trip: A  Blueprint

Planning a trip to Ladakh requires careful planning to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience. Here’s how to get started:

Determine the Duration and Timing : Deciding how long to stay in Ladakh is crucial. A minimum of 5-7 days is recommended to acclimatize and explore the major attractions without feeling rushed. Additionally, plan your trip during the best months – typically June to September – when the weather is most favorable, and all passes are accessible.

Budgeting : Your budget will influence many aspects of your trip, from accommodation to activities. Consider all potential expenses including travel, food, lodging, permits, and any extra activities or excursions you may want to indulge in.

Itinerary Planning : List down the places you wish to visit and activities you want to do. Ladakh offers a variety of experiences, from monastery visits and trekking to river rafting and cultural tours. Prioritize based on your interests and the time you have.

Accommodations and Logistics : Book your accommodations in advance, especially if you’re traveling during the peak season. Decide whether you’ll be renting a vehicle, using public transportation, or booking guided tours for your travels within Ladakh.

Permits and Documentation : Ensure you have all the necessary permits, especially if you’re a foreign national or planning to visit restricted areas. These can include Inner Line Permits (ILP) and Protected Area Permits (PAP).

When Should You Visit Leh Ladakh?

Now that you’ve decided to visit Ladakh, the first thought that could cross your mind is when to go. Please be aware that Ladakh is a desert location in the trans-Himalayan range that is freezing. In the winter, no highways are connecting the area to the rest of the nation.

June to September : This period is the most popular for visiting Ladakh. The weather is warm and inviting, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. All the mountain passes, including Khardung La and Chang La, are open, offering full access to various regions.

Winter Months : For those who seek a more challenging and unique experience, winter in Ladakh (December to March) offers a different perspective. The landscape transforms into a white wonderland, and it’s also the best time to spot elusive snow leopards.

In short, the best season to visit Leh and Ladakh is from mid-June to September. Visit the desert during the winter if you want to see how it seems covered with snow. But keep in mind that it stays very cold during this time, with morning temperatures often below zero and nighttime temperatures as low as -25 degrees.

Budgeting Your Ladakh Trip

Cost analysis.

Understanding the cost structure of a trip to Ladakh is essential for effective budgeting:

Travel Style : Your choice of travel style greatly impacts the cost. A week-long budget trip may range from INR 15,000 to INR 35,000 per person while opting for more luxurious accommodations and services will increase the budget.

Accommodation : Options vary from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Booking in advance can help secure better deals.

Transportation : Consider the cost of reaching Ladakh (flight or road) and getting around (taxi, bike rental, public transport).

Food and Miscellaneous : Include a daily budget for meals and additional expenses like souvenirs or unplanned activities.

Smart Savings Tips

Shared Accommodations : Consider staying in hostels or guesthouses where you can share rooms to cut down on costs.

Local Eateries : Eating at local dhabas and restaurants is not only cheaper but also gives you a taste of authentic Ladakhi cuisine.

Public Transport and Shared Taxis : Opt for these over private cabs to save on commuting costs within Ladakh.

Off-Season Travel : Visiting during the shoulder season (April-May or October-November) can also reduce costs, as prices for accommodations and services are generally lower.

Planning your trip to Ladakh with these guidelines will help ensure a more organized and enjoyable experience.

Routes For Travelling To Leh Ladakh

Here is a guide on the Ladakh routes if you’re wondering “how to plan a road trip to Leh Ladakh”. You can access Ladakh via two different routes. The Manali-Leh Highway is one, and the Srinagar -Leh Highway is the other. There is no other way to travel by road to Ladakh. The Leh-Srinagar and Leh-Manali roads open in April, June, or early July, respectively.

Srinagar – Leh Highway

Nearly 419 kilometers of distance are covered along this journey. The Kashmir Valley and the Leh region of the trans-Himalayas are connected via the Srinagar-Leh Highway. Along this path, the terrain drastically changes. You will travel into the rough terrain of Ladakh from the verdant slopes of Kashmir. We advise you to stay in Kargil for a few days if you have leisure.

Manali  – Leh Highway

The Manali-Leh highway is jam-packed with excitement. Unlike the Srinagar–Leh Highway, this road travels through a harsh landscape and wilderness. You must pass via five mountain passes and numerous water streams on your journey. One of the most thrilling and breathtaking routes you’ll find in the nation is the Manali Leh Highway.

• 12 Days Kashmir Ladakh Manali Tour
• Srinagar Ladakh Manali Trip 11 Days
• Ladakh Kargil Nubra Pangong Trip
• 8 Days Ladakh Travel Itinerary
• Pangong Kahrdungla Tour 5 Days
• 5 Nights 6 Days Ladakh Package
• Ladakh With Turtuk Travel 7 Days
• 9 Days Ladakh Package via Manali

The Bike Trip of Ladakh

You need to consider the month of your vacation while planning your bike ride to Leh Ladakh . Avoid the rainy months towards the end of July and September since the roads will get slick, and more accidents will occur. The roads are also in great shape, and there are fewer streams to cross in June, so it’s the greatest time to go.

For many, the allure of Ladakh is inseparably linked to the thrill of a bike journey through its challenging terrain. Choosing the right bike is crucial for a successful and enjoyable trip:

• Royal Enfield Himalayan, Bullet, and Bajaj Pulsar : These bikes are popular for their robust performance in tough terrains. They offer a comfortable ride, and good suspension, and are reliable companions on the rugged paths of Ladakh.
• Other Options : Bikes like KTM Duke and Yamaha FZ also offer good performance and are suitable for the rough roads of Ladakh. Your choice should be based on comfort, bike condition, and personal riding experience.

Driving to Ladakh

The journey to Ladakh is an adventure in itself. Whether you’re driving from Delhi, Manali, or Srinagar, the road to Ladakh offers breathtaking views and challenging routes:

• From Delhi : The distance to Ladakh is approximately 1,000 km, usually a 24-hour drive. The route takes you through Manali, and then to Leh, crossing spectacular mountain passes.
• From Manali : The Manali-Leh Highway is about 470 km and offers one of the most scenic road trips in India, crossing high-altitude passes like Rohtang Pass and Baralacha La.
• Travel Tips : Ensure your vehicle is in good condition, carry spare fuel, and prepare for sudden weather changes. Acclimatization to high altitude is crucial, so plan for gradual ascents and rest days.

Travelling By Air

If you travel with senior adults, air travel is the best way to get to Ladakh. Remember, they cannot travel to very high elevations because doing so will harm their health. A convenient and fun mode of transportation is flying. Additionally, it will reduce the number of days you must travel, allowing you to enjoy Ladakh’s attractions immediately.

In light of this, reserve your Ladakh flights well in advance to prevent last-minute disappointments. Leh Airport, also known as Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, has regular flights to Jammu, Chandigarh, Delhi, and other Indian cities. A printout of your e-ticket should also be brought, as access to the airport may be denied if you don’t.

Ladakh’s Public Transportation

Leh offers affordable, regularly scheduled buses and shared taxis. However, you can only utilize a bike you rent in Leh if you travel from Manali or Srinagar to Ladakh. Leave the bike at your hotel after you get there and rent a new one in Leh to go sightseeing in the area, including Pangong Tso, Nubra Valley, and Tso Moriri.

Be cautious because if the authorities find you, they will send you back to the hotel. Besides HRTC buses from Manali , some buses travel from Srinagar to Leh. There will be buses and shared vehicles available to explore Ladakh.

Permits For Ladakh

For the most part, including Leh and Kargil , you can travel around Ladakh without a permit. However, you require an Inner Line Permit to enter certain areas, including Nubra Valley, the Durbuk Block (north of Changla Pass), Pangong Lake, Tso Kar, Tso Moriri , the Indus River east of Upshi, and Dha-hand.

Foreign nationals cannot travel far from the frontier or Line of Control (LOC) with China and Pakistan. They can, however, go to the edge of Pangong Lake, Maan and Merak Villages, and a few other sites. Furthermore, no open border passages exist with Xinxiang (China), Tibet Autonomous Region, or Gilgit-Baltistan (Pakistan).

Where Should You Stay in Ladakh?

There is a good selection of hotels in Leh town and Kargil, ranging from pricey 5-star hotels to low-cost lodging. Most of them can be reserved online by using the resources for the booking area. On the other hand, there aren’t many options for lodging in locations like Tso Moriri, Pangong Tso , Hunder, and Nubra Valley.

You must make reservations via a local agency for most of these locations’ tent lodgings. Most of them have simple, clean restrooms and kitchen facilities. Remember that while most of these hotels and places to stay in Ladakh are open in the summer, many are closed in the winter.

Internet and Mobile Connection in Ladakh

In Leh, only BSNL and Airtel postpaid connections are functional. Even these are likely to disappear once you leave Leh. There is hardly any Internet access here. You must inform your family and friends that you will be out of contact. The lack of connectivity affects your cashless purchases. Carry cash wherever you go since cards just do not work.

Attractions in Leh-Ladakh

1. pangong tso.

Despite being a tourist hotspot, if you travel far enough, you’ll discover a place where you may sit and savour its beauty alone. The lake is 106 km long and terminates in China, so proceed and walk as far as you can!

2. Nubra Valley

Nubra Valley is a well-known tourist destination known for its double-humped camels and sandy sands in the mountains. The scenery, which has been painted in tones of brown, grey, white, and golden, is stunning, especially around sunset.

3. Hunder & Diskit

Nubra Valley has two little, lush villages called Hunder and Diskit . They resemble childhood landscapes in every way. Small and large streams flow along all of its streets, and stone and brick homes are disseminated, separated by antique trees’ needle-like, violet, dry stems.

The finest village in India is located 80 kilometers away from Hunder. Turtuk is a joy to the heart and is only a few miles from the northern border. The settlement abounds in cultivating cherries, blueberries, and even apricots despite being tucked between the Shyok River and mountains.

5. Tso Moriri

Tso Moriri , one of the less well-known lakes, displays incredible beauty crowned with tranquility. There are lots of lakes and mountains, which is why the name “Tso” means “lake” and “Moriri” means “mountain”. Visit there even if there is no lake because of the breathtaking scenery along the way.

6. Leh Palace

Let’s go to the Leh Palace, which served as the King and Queen’s old home. It is situated in a gorgeous area with views of the stunning city of Leh and towering mountain ranges. This nine-story structure will allow you to see the royal lifestyle.

7. The Hemis Monastery

The Hemis Festival is an annual event put on by the Hemis Gompa (Monastery), which draws many visitors worldwide. On the tenth day of the Tibetan lunar month, a two-day festival attracts travellers and photographers from around the globe.

• Ladakh Travel from Delhi
• Trip to Ladakh from Mumbai
• Ladakh Tour from Bangalore
• Tour of Ladakh from Kolkata
• Ladakh Holiday from Chennai
• Package for Ladakh from Pune
• Ladakh Itinerary from Hyderabad
• Travel to Ladakh from Ahmedabad
• Ladakh Package from Srinagar
• Itinerary for Ladakh from Manali

What Should You Do in Leh Ladakh?

It is time for some fun once you have experienced everything Leh Ladakh has to offer and taken as many pictures as you like, with the stunning mountains as the backdrop. You ask what’s fun.

#1. Go Hiking

Thanks to its untamed mountains and secret paths, Ladakh is a trekker’s paradise. Sham Valley Trek, often known as “the baby trek”, is the most well-liked hiking route for novices. Start by going on this 44-day trip. Other well-known hiking routes include Markha Valley , Lamayuru to Alchi , Chadar trip, and Ripchar Valley trek.

#2. River Rafting

Indescribably amazing is the Zanskar river rafting trip in Leh. If you enjoy adventures, river rafting here should be tried at least once in your lifetime. Begin by inquiring about the procedure with someone in the Leh Tourism department. You can enjoy the thrill and take in the panoramic beauty like never before!

#3. Go Shopping

Any trip would be incomplete without shopping, right? While in Ladakh, you must go shopping. Leh is an excellent spot to buy some local items, like silver, Tibetan jewellery, postcards, and home décor. There are so many different stores lining the streets!

The Ladakh Experience

Stay and exploration.

• Duration : Spend a minimum of 7-10 days in Ladakh to truly absorb its essence and visit key attractions like Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, and various monasteries.
• Staying at Pangong Lake : Experiencing a night by Pangong Lake is magical. Several campsites offer comfortable stays with basic amenities, allowing you to enjoy the serene beauty of the lake under the stars.

Unique Stays

• Honeymoon Destination : Ladakh’s tranquil and picturesque environment makes it an increasingly popular honeymoon destination. Couples can enjoy intimate moments against the backdrop of the majestic Himalayas.
• Safety for Couples and Families : Ladakh is generally safe for all types of travelers. However, it’s important to respect local customs and be prepared for the remote and rugged conditions of the region.

Travel Essentials

Navigating permits.

To travel in Ladakh, especially in border areas, you will need permits:

• Inner Line Permit (ILP) : Required for Indian nationals to visit certain areas like Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, and Tso Moriri.
• Protected Area Permit (PAP) : Mandatory for foreign nationals. It can be obtained through a registered travel agent or at the DC office in Leh.

Health and Safety

• High Altitude Sickness : Be aware of symptoms like headaches, nausea, and dizziness. Acclimatize properly, stay hydrated, and avoid strenuous activity for the first few days.
• Medical Facilities : While basic medical facilities are available in Leh, it’s advisable to carry essential medicines and a first-aid kit.

Ladakh for Everyone

Romantic getaways.

Ladakh’s ethereal beauty offers an unconventional yet captivating setting for couples. Its tranquil lakes, starlit skies, and peaceful monasteries create a romantic ambiance unmatched by more traditional destinations.

Family and Couple Safety

Ensuring safety in Ladakh revolves around being prepared:

• Travel Insurance : Consider getting travel insurance that covers high-altitude travel.
• Local Customs : Understanding and respecting local customs and traditions is important for a harmonious experience.
• Stay Informed : Keep up-to-date with local news and weather forecasts, and always inform your hotel or guide about your travel plans.

Arrival and Accommodations

Flying into ladakh.

The Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh is the main gateway by air. There are direct flights from major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Srinagar.

Accommodation Options

Ladakh offers a range of accommodations, from luxury resorts to budget guesthouses and homestays. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season.

Local Insights

Cultural highlights.

Ladakh’s monasteries, like Hemis, Thiksey, and Lamayuru, are not just religious sites but also cultural hubs. Festivals such as the Ladakh Festival and Hemis Tsechu are great times to experience local traditions, dances, and music.

Savor and Sip

The local cuisine, influenced by Tibetan flavors, is a must-try. Momos, Thukpa, and Tsampa are local delicacies. While alcohol is available, moderation is key due to the high altitude.

Embracing the Adventure

Trekking and outdoor activities.

Ladakh is a haven for trekkers and adventure seekers. The Markha Valley trek, Chadar Trek on the frozen Zanskar river, and Stok Kangri trek are some of the exhilarating experiences that attract trekkers from around the world. Mountain biking, river rafting in the Indus, and camel safaris in the Nubra Valley are other popular activities that offer a unique way to explore Ladakh’s diverse terrain.

Wildlife Encounters

The region’s wildlife is as unique as its landscape. The Hemis National Park, home to the elusive snow leopard, is a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts. The Nubra Valley and Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary also offer opportunities to see rare species like the Tibetan wild ass (Kiang), Tibetan antelope, and various migratory birds.

Sustainable Travel

Eco-friendly practices.

Ladakh’s environment is fragile, and sustainable travel practices are essential. Choosing eco-friendly accommodations, minimizing plastic use, and respecting wildlife habitats are ways travelers can help preserve this pristine region.

Supporting Local Communities

Engaging with local communities through homestays and purchasing local handicrafts not only enriches your travel experience but also contributes to the local economy.

Preparing for the Unexpected

Emergency preparedness.

While Ladakh is generally safe, it’s remote and can pose challenges:

• Altitude Sickness : Carry medication and be aware of the nearest medical facilities, especially in remote areas.
• Communication : Mobile connectivity can be unreliable in remote areas, so inform your family or friends about your itinerary.

Travel Insurance

Opting for travel insurance that covers high-altitude activities, medical emergencies, and trip cancellations is a wise decision when traveling to places like Ladakh.

Cultural Etiquette and Practices

Respectful interaction.

Ladakhis are known for their hospitality. Showing respect for local customs, dressing modestly, and seeking permission before photographing people are ways to ensure a respectful interaction with the locals.

Monastery Etiquette

When visiting monasteries, dress conservatively, remove your shoes before entering prayer areas, and follow the clockwise direction while spinning prayer wheels.

Connectivity and Networking

Internet and communication.

Leh has reasonable internet connectivity, but as you move to more remote areas, the connectivity can be sporadic. It’s advisable to download offline maps and important information beforehand.

Local Guides and Tours

Hiring local guides or joining organized tours can enrich your experience. They provide invaluable insights into local culture, history, and the best spots for sightseeing.

Departing Ladakh

Leaving with memories.

As your journey in Ladakh comes to an end, you’ll depart with memories of breathtaking landscapes, spiritual encounters, and heartwarming hospitality. The essence of Ladakh is not just in its scenic beauty but in the experiences and connections you forge along the way.

Lasting Impact

Reflect on your journey and consider how you can incorporate the lessons and experiences from Ladakh into your daily life. Ladakh often leaves a lasting impact on its visitors, inspiring a deeper appreciation for nature and culture.

Capturing the Moments

Photography in ladakh.

Ladakh’s landscape is a photographer’s paradise. From the panoramic vistas to the intricate details of monastic life, there are endless opportunities to capture stunning images. Remember to respect local customs when photographing monasteries or people. Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, especially for capturing dramatic landscapes.

Journaling Your Experience

Keeping a travel journal is a wonderful way to document your experiences. Note down your thoughts, sketches, and stories as you traverse through this majestic land. These personal accounts will become priceless mementos of your journey.

Beyond Ladakh

Exploring nearby regions.

For those with extra time, extending your journey to nearby regions like the Kashmir Valley or Spiti Valley can offer additional layers of cultural and natural beauty. Each of these regions has its unique charm and is well worth the visit.

Plan for Future Adventures

Ladakh often leaves travelers yearning for more. Start thinking about your next adventure. Perhaps a different season or a new route? Ladakh has much to offer, and each visit can be a unique experience.

Reflecting on Sustainability

Impact on the environment.

Reflect on the environmental impact of your travel. Ladakh’s ecosystem is delicate, and responsible tourism is crucial for its preservation. Consider supporting environmental initiatives or engaging in eco-friendly practices back home, inspired by what you’ve seen and learned.

Cultural Preservation

Appreciate the importance of preserving Ladakh’s rich cultural heritage. Share your experiences and insights with others, but also emphasize the need to respect and protect this unique culture.

Staying Connected

Follow-up with new friends.

You may have made new friends, either locals or fellow travelers, during your journey. Stay in touch and share your memories. These connections often add significant value to our travel experiences.

Join Online Communities

There are many online forums and communities of Ladakh enthusiasts where you can share stories, seek advice, and plan future journeys. Being part of such communities keeps the spirit of travel alive and provides a platform for continuous learning and connection.

Ladakh – A Journey Within

Personal growth and insights.

Reflect on how the journey has impacted you personally. Traveling to a place like Ladakh can be a transformative experience, offering insights into a different way of life, resilience in the face of challenges, and the importance of harmony with nature.

Carrying Ladakh in Your Heart

As you assimilate back into your daily life, find ways to carry the essence of Ladakh with you. Whether it’s a newfound appreciation for simplicity, a commitment to sustainability, or a deeper sense of inner peace, let your experience in Ladakh shape a part of who you are.

The Bottom Line

Many tourists who want to experience the Himalayas’ splendour and adventure consider Ladakh their ideal vacation spot . Ladakh does offer something for everyone, whether you’re seeking a tranquil retreat, a chance to immerse yourself in the culture, or an adrenaline rush. Prepare for an amazing vacation by making your Ladakh travel plans right away!

Explore More:

• Top 11 Destinations to See Leh Ladakh in June 2024
• Ladakh Itinerary: How to Spend One Week in Ladakh
• Chadar Trek Ladakh: Your Ultimate Wonderland Expedition Guide
• Top 10 Famous Trekking Places in Ladakh
• Most Popular Offbeat Places in Ladakh
• 10 Tourist Places to See in Ladakh in July 2024
• Ladakh Traditions, Arts, Culture & Lifestyle of Ladakhi Peoples
• Top 10 Popular Local Food in Ladakh

About The Author

Tusk Travel Team

Related posts.

10 Best Monasteries in Ladakh That You must Visit

Ladakh reopen Pangong Lake for tourist after Covid 19

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Complete Guidelines for Your Ladakh Road Trip

Ladakh, being located in the Trans-Himalayan region of Jammu & Kashmir, in North India makes it a popular spot amongst nature and adventure enthusiasts. This mountainous region remains thronged by the tourists from all across the world to explore its mesmerizing nature.

It is not only popular for its scenic beauty but is also known throughout the world for its amazing Buddhist Monasteries of ancient times. It is considered as ‘Little Tibet’ for sharing its border with Tibet and having a population that follows Tibetan Buddhism.

Ladakh offers a lot to its visitors but while traveling to Ladakh, one has to keep in mind certain things and need to take some precautions to have a pleasant trip in this barren land, at higher altitudes with low atmospheric pressure and low level of oxygen.

Here we’ll discuss about some essential points that one should know before planning out a trip to Ladakh . We will give you some important information about inner-line permits, petrol pumps, ATMs, and mountain sickness to make your Ladakh tour pleasant and memorable.

Dealing with High Altitude in Leh Ladakh

It is very important to get adapted to the low atmospheric pressure before choosing the itineraries for Ladakh . Therefore, don’t be in a hurry during your trips and let your body to adjust with the high altitude of the place by staying two days in Leh.

Don't try to head towards Nubra or Pangong soon after your arrival in Leh, doing so may lead you to suffer from acute mountain sickness such as severe headaches, restlessness, nausea and ataxia. It may leave you unable to walk or think, spoiling your holiday.

Acute mountain sickness may affect physically fit people as well. Therefore, one should keep in mind the following points:

• One has to be physically fit in-order to take a trip in the region of Ladakh.
• Climb the mountain gradually to let your body get adjusted with the atmosphere.
• Halt for at least 2 days in Leh to adjust with the low atmospheric pressure.
• People suffering from heart disease, high blood pressure and asthma should avoid visiting Ladakh.
• Over Hydration could harm you. So, increase the intake of water slowly.
• To prevent your head from the harsh winter winds, cover your head and ears with woolen.
• As the level of oxygen remains low at this altitude, don’t include too much of physical activities in-order to avoid fatigue, breathlessness and not to run out of excitement.
• Carry a box of first-aid having preventive medicines to treat altitude sickness. The must to have medicine in the box is Diamox (its natural version is garlic soup).
• As soon as you notice any sign of acute mountain sickness like headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, etc. then take rest at a high altitude.
• Smoking and drinking at a high altitude should be avoided to prevent acute mountain sickness.
• Keylong, Darcha and Jispa will be your stoppage if you are taking Leh-Manali Highway. Kargil will be your stoppage if you are traveling through Leh-Srinagar Highway. Avoid staying at Sarchu.
• You need to take rest for 2 days if you are flying directly to Leh. Short trips to Hemis , Thiksey , Nimoo, Shey and Stok etc. for visiting palaces and monasteries are recommended during this period.

Suggested Tour : 15 Days - Ladakh Lamayuru Trekking Tour

Essentials to be Packed for Ladakh Trip

Being located in the lap of Himalayas, it is one of the coldest regions to be visited in India . You will notice a difference in the landscape and the weather condition on crossing Keylong, being on Leh-Manali Highway. You will observe the same changes after crossing Zoji La on Leh-Srinagar Highway.

The weather remains sunny and warm at the altitude during the daytime. Ladakh rarely receives rainfall and so it is reckoned as one of the best monsoon destinations in India .

• Proper woolen clothes such as jackets, pullovers, hand gloves, caps, mufflers, thermal inner and socks should be packed.
• As you will come across water streams on Chang La, Baralacha La, you need to pack a good pair of waterproof shoes for comfortable riding and trekking.
• General medicines and medicines to prevent acute mountain sickness like Avomine, Dexamethasone, Diamox and Acetazolamide.
• Carry lots of eatables such as biscuits, chocolates and dry fruits as you will not find things easily in the interiors.
• If you are interested in camping, then carry warm sleeping bag with you.
• Electronic gadgets like camera, cell phone and power bank should be packed to avoid your devices from running out of lives.
• Other essentials such as bandages, soaps, towels, etc. should also be packed.

Must to have Packing for Bikers

• The bikers need to pack some additional stuff during their trip to Ladakh which include a pair of raincoats. The raincoats will protect you from rain on Leh-Manali Highway, after crossing Chandigarh and before crossing Rohtang La Pass and on reaching Zoji La while traveling through Srinagar-Leh highway. It will also keep you away from dirt, keeping your clothes clean and dry while traveling through the passes and Moore Plains.
• Do carry a good pair of waterproof gloves.
• Boots are essential for the bikers to prevent their feet and socks from getting wet by the stream water flowing on passes such as Baralacha La and Chang La.
• Carry a puncture kit, spare tube, clutch & break wire, chain lock, gear & engine-oil, spark plugs along with a jar of petrol containing 10 to 20 liters of petrol. These are the must to have stuff on Leh-Manali Highway as you will not find things easily in the interior areas. You will get petrol pumps at Tandi and Karu.

Suggested Tour : 17 Days - Ladakh Biking tour

Requirement of Inner Line Permits

The foreign tourist must get the inner line permits to visit areas like Changthang, Hunder, Khaltse, Panamik, Pangong, Turtuk, Tso Kar, Tso Moriri and few others like Chusul, beyond Loma bend, Chumur, Hanle, Tsaga, Marsimik La and Batalik Sector.

These permits can be acquired from the Leh DC Office with the help of local operators. These permits are valid for 3 weeks from the date of issue.

To obtain the inner line permit, tourists must carry Photo ID proof such as Passport or Driving License or Voter's ID.

To visit destinations in Ladakh , Indians need no inner line permits. Not even to visit areas like Changthang, Hunder, Khaltse, Pangong, Panamik, Nubra Valley Tso Kar, Turtuk and Tso Moriri etc.

Indians have to carry their Nationality ID proof such as Driving License or Voter ID to be presented at the check posts.

But Indians need to obtain inner line permits, if they ride a bike en-routing or even if they wish to visit the areas like Chusul, Chumur, Hanle, Marsimik La, Tsaga and Batalik sectors or areas beyond Loma bend.

Now-a-days, travelers don't have to return back to Leh after Tso Moriri and will go straight to Manali and will save a day.

Also Read : Nubra Valley Ladakh – High Altitude Desert of India

Traveling to Ladakh by Air

You can take a direct flight from the capital city of India- Delhi , Srinagar or Jammu to Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, which is the major airport of this region and the Bhuntar Airport and Kullu. In the month of May to October, which is known as the peak season for tourists, one can avail air services as there are regular flight services during this period.

Several flights are operated from Delhi, Srinagar and Jammu airport to Leh-Ladakh. The schedules for the flights are subject to change on the basis of weather. Therefore, it is recommended to rush your plans, keeping them flexible.

We can help you get your flight tickets without any mess. Just click at the below link to contact us

https://www.travelogyindia.com/about-us/contact.html

Traveling to Ladakh by Road

Those who love to travel through bus or would like to go for a budget trip to reach Ladakh must know that they would become restless and their schedule will be busy due to less connectivity, long drives on mountainous regions and high altitude passes.

Bus services to Leh-Ladakh can be availed from Delhi, Manali and Srinagar. Know the details mentioned below.

• From Delhi to Leh - Bus services from Delhi to Leh can be availed everyday in between 1st of July and 15 th of September, operated by HPTDC every year. During this period, the road conditions remain favorable to cross the Rohtang Pass. It takes 35 hours to reach Leh with a numerous halts on the way along with a night hold in Keylong. Even the driver and the bus are changed during the trip.The journey includes crossing of Gata Loops and Moore Plains along with majestic passes - Baralacha Pass, Lachungla Pass and Tanglangla Pass. Learn about the passes where you can have biking adventure
• From Manali to Leh - HPTDC operates a deluxe bus service from Manali to Leh twice in a week. This trip crosses mountainous terrain, high altitudes and deserts. The deluxe bus also halts providing opportunities for sightseeing. There will be a night halt as well. A journey through this route will cover 475 km.The highlight of road trip is that it passes through Rohtang Pass, Baralacha La, Nakee La, Lachulung La and Taglang La.
• From Srinagar to Leh - In this route one can avail both Government and private operated bus services every day. Distance covered during this trip is 419 km. There will be a night halt at Kargil on the route of Srinagar to Leh. During the journey passes such as Zoji La, Namki La and Fotu La will be covered.

Read More : Best Safari of Ladakh

Suggested Tour : 12 Days - Ladakh Jeep Safari Tours

Lodging in Ladakh

Luxury accommodation or hotels are not available in Ladakh, because of its adverse weather conditions and nature. Grand Dragon is the only luxury hotel in Leh. One can find luxury, deluxe and budget tents & camps with basic facilities and attached western toilets. Home stays for nights can also be availed at nominal price.

To get hassle-free advance booking of accommodation, you can contact through online here https://www.travelogyindia.com/about-us/contact.html or call us at +91 0120 411 3120.

Important Information for Bikers & Four Wheelers

You should have complete knowledge about petrol pumps in Ladakh, traveling by motorcycle or four-wheeler. It is essential to reserve petrol in cans or jars in-order to avoid running out of fuel on the way.

The last petrol pump on Leh-Manali Highway is at Tandi. Therefore, it is important to reserve fuel for the journey, while traveling through this route. The next petrol pump is at Karu about 380 km away from Tandi.

If your tour includes places like Leh to Pangong to Tso Mosriri to Rumtse to Leh or from Leh to Nubra to Pangong to Leh that will cover more than 700 km to 900 km, it is recommended to get your vehicle’s tank full. Also reserve plenty of petrol to be used when required.

Though one can get petrol from the local shops or roadside residences at a very high rate in some places, the quality of petrol availed from such places might not be good.

But on Leh-Srinagar Highway there are many petrol pumps. So, one need not have to worry about carrying petrol during the journey.

Importance of Cash During the Trip

If possible carry enough cash during your Ladakh tour. You can also carry your debit cards to withdraw money from ATMs when needed. Remember that credit cards are only accepted in some antique shops, it is neither accepted in the hotels nor by the travel agents.

Leh has a number of ATMs like J&K Bank, SBI, PNB, AXIS Bank and others but interior places like Changlang and Pangong, etc. don’t have so. Therefore, it is better to carry cash while traveling to these remote places.

Points to Remember

While traveling to Ladakh you need to keep in mind the below mentioned points:

• Respect the local culture of Ladakh during your journey. Dress properly by covering your body as much as you can and do not try to harm the Tibetan Buddhist culture. Take permission before clicking any photograph of the natives.
• STD booths located in the market places of Ladakh make communication smooth but the facility is limited as they shut down before 10 PM at night. Kargil is well connected through global direct dialing telephone facility along with telegraph and post facility. During the peak season, Jammu and Kashmir set up wireless mobile stations in the interior regions. It also has a wireless radio phone network service with field stations at Padum, Leh and Kargil.
• Plastic bags are banned in Ladakh. Therefore, do not carry plastic bags or litter the place while traveling.
• Bikers need to carry their proper documents during the trip, as they have to present their documents at the check posts while entering highland passes such as Zojila Pass, Changla Pass, Khardungla Pass and Fatula Pass. The documents should consist of a permit, driving license, vehicle registration and bike insurance documents.

Travelogy India wishes you a safe journey in the majestic land of passes by sharing the basic and essential information you need to know before beginning the tour to Ladakh.

Most Selling Packages of Ladakh :

• 5 Days - Trip to Ladakh
• 9 Days - Srinagar Leh Manali
• 10 Days - Trip To Ladakh
• 14 Days - Ladakh River Rafting Tour
• 14 Days - Manali to Khardongla Pass

Related Packages

5 Days - Rajasthan Tour - Jaipur Pushkar Mount Abu

4 Days - Madurai Rameshwaram Kanyakumari Temple Tour

10 Days - Nepal Tour Packages

7 Days - Lakshadweep Tour from Kerala

5 Days - Lakshadweep Honeymoon Tour

5 Days - Itinerary of Lakshadweep Tour

7 Days - North East India Tour Packages

4 Days - Srinagar Tour

6 Days - Tour Itinerary Lakshadweep

4 Days - Coorg Madikeri Hill Station Tour Karnataka

• North India
• Uttarakhand
• South India
• Andhra Pradesh
• Central India
• North East India
• Arunachal Pradesh
• Other Destinations
• Jammu & Kashmir
• Andaman & Nicobar
• First Timers
• Family Holidays
• Golden Triangle
• Himachal Pradesh
• Lakshadweep
• Jammu Kashmir
• Andaman Nicobar
• First Timer Tours
• Wildlife Tour
• Honeymoon Tours
• Heritage & Culture
• Adventure Tours
• Spa & Ayurveda
• Taj Mahal Tour
• Luxury Train
• Beaches Tours
• Hill Station Tours
• Pilgrimage Tours
• Chardham Yatra

Luxury Trains

• Palace on Wheels
• Maharajas' Express
• Deccan Odyssey
• Golden Chariot
• 1 to 5 Days
• 6 to 10 Days
• 11 to 15 Days
• 16 to 20 Days

Help Center

• Business Today
• India Today
• India Today Gaming
• Cosmopolitan
• Harper's Bazaar
• Brides Today
• Aajtak Campus

• Magazine Cover Story Editor's Note Deep Dive Interview The Buzz
• BT TV Market Today Easynomics Drive Today BT Explainer
• Market Today Trending Stocks Indices Stocks List Stocks News Share Market News IPO Corner
• Tech Today Unbox Today Authen Tech Tech Deck Tech Shorts
• Money Today Tax Investment Insurance Tools & Calculator
• Mutual Funds
• Industry Banking IT Auto Energy Commodities Pharma Real Estate Telecom
• Visual Stories

INDICES ANALYSIS

Mutual funds.

• Cover Story
• Editor's Note
• Market Today
• Drive Today
• BT Explainer
• Trending Stocks
• Stocks List
• Stocks News
• Share Market News
• Unbox Today
• Authen Tech
• Tech Shorts
• Tools & Calculator
• Commodities
• Real Estate
• Economic Indicators
• BT-TR GCC Listing

Canada advises citizens not to travel to India during Lok Sabha elections

According to the advisory issued by the canadian government, citizens have been asked to "exercise a high degree of caution in india".

• Updated Apr 18, 2024, 2:34 PM IST

Canada has advised its citizens against travelling to India between May and June 2024 during the Lok Sabha elections 2024 due to the threat of terrorist attacks throughout the country. According to the advisory issued by the Canadian government, citizens have been asked to "exercise a high degree of caution in India".

"In the context of recent developments in Canada and in India, there are calls for protests and some negative sentiment towards Canada in traditional media and on social media. Demonstrations, including anti-Canada protests, could occur and Canadians may be subjected to intimidation or harassment. In Delhi and the National Capital Region, you should keep a low profile with strangers, and not share your personal information with them. Avoid crowded areas, including public transportation. You should always travel with someone and inform a friend or a family member of your travel plans," the advisory added.

The advisory mentioned cities like Bengaluru, Chandigarh and Mumbai should be avoided for non-essential travel. "Consular services in-person are temporarily unavailable in those cities or surrounding areas. If you need consular services, contact the High Commission of Canada in India, located in New Delhi. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa,” the advisory read.

It also advised citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Assam, Manipur due to the risk of terrorism and insurgency, and asked its citizens to avoid the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir due to the unpredictable security situation due to threat of terrorism, militancy, civil unrest and kidnapping. This advisory excludes travelling to or within the Union Territory of Ladakh.

The guidelines also asked Canadians to remain alert about demonstrations that could take place around the general elections, which are scheduled to take place between April 19 and June 1.

It asked citizens avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place, follow instructions of local authorities, monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations and mass gatherings.

Recently, Canada trimmed the number of diplomatic personnel deployed in New Delhi and other parts of the country due to a fallout over allegations of India's involvement in the killing of a Sikh separatist Nijjar. The Justin Trudeau-led government had said that staff had been reduced to "effectively manage in-country operations."

In September 2023, India had temporarily suspended visa services to Canadian citizens amid a diplomatic standoff. There were speculations at the time about Canada retaliating with a similar visa suspension.

TOP STORIES

• Advertise with us
• Privacy Policy
• Terms and Conditions
• Press Releases

Copyright©2024 Living Media India Limited. For reprint rights: Syndications Today

Add Business Today to Home Screen