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A Complete 10-Day Leh Ladakh Itinerary

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

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

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

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

When to Visit Ladakh

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

Where to Stay in Leh

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

Budget:   Raybo Hostel

Budget:   Peace Guest House

Midrange:   Chandan Guest House

Midrange:   Rock Castle Residency

High-end:  Grand Dragon

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

How to Get Around Ladakh

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

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

Here’s more specific information for each transport option:

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

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

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

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

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

Overview of this 10-Day Ladakh Itinerary

Day 1: Fly from Delhi to Leh

Day 2: Acclimatise in Leh

Day 3: acclimatise and explore leh town.

Day 4: Day trip to Thiksey, Hemis and Shey

Day 5: Day trip to Lamayuru and Alchi

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

Detailed 10 Day Ladakh Itinerary

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

Day 1: Delhi to Leh

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

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

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

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

Read more: 20 Best Things to Do in Delhi

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lunch: Taste the local Tibetan food at Tibetan Kitchen

Afternoon: Explore Leh Palace and Tsemo Maitreya Temple

Dinner: Chopsticks or Wanderers Terrace

Read more: 25 Best Things to Do in Ladakh

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stay overnight in either Hunder or Diskit.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Want to Go Trekking in Ladakh?

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

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

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

More Essential Reading for Ladakh

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

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[…] Read more: A Detailed 10 Day Leh Ladakh Itinerary […]

Thank you author for your blog. Keep it up.

how much would be approx budget for this, assuming we start from mumbai and not delhi, and stay in budget hotels + group trips instead of prrivate

I have a budget breakdown on my Ladakh Travel Guide, so you can find prices for everything there. Accommodation can be 800-1000inr per night, three day tour to pangong and nubra can be 4500inr per person. Also depends whether you’re flying into Leh or driving.

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Leh-Ladakh Road Trip

Why leh-ladakh road trip.

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

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

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

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

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

        Quick Navigation Index:

• Getting ready for Leh Ladakh Road trip

How to reach Leh?

Choosing the perfect bike for leh-ladakh road trip.

• Why Bajaj Dominar 400?

Essential Riding Gears

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why did I choose Bajaj Dominar 400?

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

The reasons for choosing Dominar 400 are:-

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Cloths & accessories

Essential Toiletries

• First aid kit & Medicines

Must have Tools

• Bike Maintenance Kit

Important documents to carry

Laptop & camera gears, cloths & accessories.

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

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

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

First aid kit & Medicines

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

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

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

Bike Maintenance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Summer Season (April - June)

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

Monsoon Season (July-August)

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

Pre-winter Season (September - October)

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

Winter Season (October-November)

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

Full Winter Season (November to March)

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

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

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

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

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

However, there is good news for all riders!

Rohtang Tunnel (Atal Tunnel)

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

Our route (Mumbai to Leh)

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

Srinagar to Leh via Gulmarg & Sonamarg (517km)

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

Leh Sightseeing (Alt. 11,562 ft.)

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

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

Leh - Khardung la pass - Hunder (Alt. 11,562 - 18,380 - 10,000 ft.)

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

Our Route : Leh – Khardungla Pass – Khalsar – Diskit – Hunder  (Total distance 125 km)

Hunder - Turtuk - Tykashi - Thang - Hunder (Alt. 10,000ft. - 12,000 ft.)

In the morning, first, we will be visiting Thang, The Last Village in India. After spending some time at Thag we return to Tyakshi. Tyakshi is a remote village in the Leh district of Ladakh, India, located on the banks of the Shayok River in the Nubra Valley .  It is situated on the Line of Control, We will be spending some time there, and then we’ll visit one more Famous village named Turtuk. Turtuk is one of only four Balti villages under Indian administration. Then we continue our journey back to Hunder. 

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

Hunder - Khalsar - Panamik - Siachen Base Camp - Panamik (Alt. 10,000ft. - 12,000 ft.)

Then we will be visiting Siachen Base camp. Earlier, a special permit was required to visit Siachen. But, recently Defense Minister Rajnath Singh announced that tourists can now visit Siachen Glacier, which is the highest battlefield and one of the most difficult terrains on Earth. Now you don’t require any separate permit to visit Siachen. 

But at Panamik, Sasoma or Warshi Army Check Post is located, you have to show your existing ILP permit & providing your ID details they will allow you to visit Selfie Point & OP Baba Temple. In night we camped at Yarab Tso Lake near Panamik Village. You can stay Panamik or Sumur Village. 

Our Route :  Hunder –  Khalsar – Sumur – Panamik – Sasoma – Warshi – Siachen Base Camp – Yarab Tso

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

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

Our Route : Panamik – Khalsar –  Agham – Shyok – Durbak – Tangtse –  Spangmik –  Maan    (Total distance 235 km)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Things to remember before you plan for Umling La Pass:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Return route (Manali to Mumbai)

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

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

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

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

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

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Leh Ladakh Road Trip – Detailed Travel Guide for Beginners

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

Leh Ladakh Road Trip – Overview

Leh Ladakh Road Trip Route Maps

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

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

Best Time to Visit Leh Ladakh

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

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

Camping Spots in Leh – Ladakh Road Trip

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

Eateries Locations in Leh – Ladakh Road Trip

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

Checklist Infographic for Leh – Ladakh Road Trip

Things to Carry for Leh – Ladakh Road Trip

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

Clothing and Footwear

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

Medical Supplies and Toiletry

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

Accessories

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

Electronic Devices and Accessories

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

Others (Important)

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

Self-Driving Info for Leh-Ladakh Road Trip

General Tips

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

Fuel Stations

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

Mechanic Workshops

Manali – Leh Route: Manali and Keylong

Srinagar – Leh Route: Srinagar and Kargil

Vehicle Permits

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

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

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

Avoiding Acute Mountain Sickness in Leh – Ladakh Road Trip

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

Medical Aid Locations

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

Inner Line Permits for Travellers

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

Must See Places in Leh – Ladakh Road Trip

Places to see in manali to leh route.

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

Photography Tour from Manali To Leh

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

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

Places to see in Srinagar to Leh Route

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

Photography Tour of Srinagar to Leh route

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

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

Leh Ladakh – Land of Festivals

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

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

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

Other Places to Visit from Leh – Ladakh

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

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

Leh to Pangong Lake: 156 kms

Famous locations in the Leh to Pangong Lake route

• Spangmik (Pangong Lake)

Leh to Nubra Valley: 140 kms

Famous locations in Leh to Nubra Valley route

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

Leh – Tsomoriri Lake: 240 kms

Famous locations in Leh to Tsomoriri Lake route

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

Leh – Dah/Baima: 162 kms

Famous locations in Leh to Dah / Baima route

• Achinathang

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

Famous locations in Leh – Zanskar Valley route

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DO carry medicines and supplies

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

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

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

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

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

DO NOT refer to Google Maps for time frames

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

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

 DO make lots of unsolicited stops along the way

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

DO NOT depend on Mobile Connectivity or expect good internet

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

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

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

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

DO make sure your paperwork is in order

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

DO NOT follow your GPS blindly

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

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

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

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

DO NOT forget your sunscreen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Totally agree with you Maitry 🙂

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

Hi Radhika,

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

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

Hello Priya,

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

Hope you find them helpful!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stunning photos!

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

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

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

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

Hi Savi Vid, What do u think of this

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

Can you help me with tips, logistics, etc please

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks a lot Loreta 🙂

which month you guys visited leh ladakh?

Hey we visited in May:)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Great information, Thank You for this wonderful help!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Ladakh Expedition (Via Manali)

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The day has finally arrived when we flag-off one of our most adventurous expeditions! Meet and greet your fellow road trippers, who will be akin to your family for the coming 15 days. We will start driving early morning from Chandigarh to reach Manali by late evening. The drive is superbly scenic as lush green mountains present awelcome sight once you cross Bilaspur. We would halt for lunch during the daytime, followed by another quick halt for tea and refreshments later. On arrival at Manali, check-in to the hotel and relax as the first day of this inspiring journey culminates. The upcoming days are going to be challenging as we make our way past numerous mountain tops that promise a vision of unparalleled beauty.

14 Nights / 15 Days

After a long and exhausting drive the previous day, wake up at leisure in the lap of nature and enjoy breakfast and lunch in the resort. Post lunch, we will start the drive and head towards Jispa. En route, we will cross the world famous Atal Tunnel, at a length of 9.02 km, it is the longest tunnel above 10,000 feet in the world. On the way, stopover at Keylong Village from where you can view the awe-inspiring Bara-Shigri Glacier in all its splendour and continue our onward journey to Jispa, after a quick stop for refuelling at Tandi, the last fuel pump before we reach Ladakh! Grab a sumptuous dinner on arrival, as we bid goodbye to the second day of this trip.

Waking up to the views of the majestic mountain peaks and mist-laden surrounds will make you never want to leave this quaint village. We use this day to explore the picturesque village of Jispa while allowing our bodies to acclimatise and prepare for the steep climb ahead of us. The process of acclimatisation can be accelerated by consuming lots of water which helps in keeping altitude mountain sickness at bay. Located along the Bhaga River, Jispa comes dotted with several Buddhist stupas which make for a pretty sight indeed. Take your vehicles for a spin at the banks of the river as we enjoy lunch in the lap of nature. Later, we return to the hotel for dinner and spend the night amongst gloriously verdant mountains encircling us.

The sun rises on what promises to be one of the most exciting days of the journey so far. Today, we would be ticking quite a bit off our bucket list. We leave Jispa early morning and drive through Zingzingbar to reach Baralacha La, situated at 16040 ft above sea level. Take in the rugged gorgeousness of the Himalayas as the road leads you towards Sarchu - the border area connecting Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh region. From here, we drive and cross the daunting Gata Loops which is a site famous for its 21 hairpin bends. The topography is rocky, the air is crisp, and the locals here are friendly and simple folk. The long and exciting day draws to a close as we reach Leh by late evening.

A well-deserved break is what awaits you, as we use this day to explore Leh and immerse ourselves in the local culture. Kickstart your day by visiting Leh Palace. Also known as ‘Lhachen Palkhar’, it was built by King Sengge Namgyal during the 1500s and completed by the 17th century. Its facade resembles that of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. Leh Palace’s roof offers amazing views of the Ladakh region and the Stok Kangri. We will also visit Shanti Stupa, a chorten situated on a hilltop which affords remarkable bird’s eye view of the Leh town. Post the sightseeing, feel free to take a stroll through the local market and experience the vibe of this lively city.

A new day offers new scope for adventure! Start your day driving towards Nubra Valley situated to the north of Leh. This deep-cut marvel of nature abounds with incredible views as far as the eye can see. We would be driving across one of the World’s Highest Motorable Passes, Khardung La. Not for the faint-hearted, this pass is situated approximately at an elevation of 18300 ft above sea level. After crossing the pass, we will reach the Khardung Village, followed by a lunch halt at Khalser. Further ahead, we cross Diskit and reach Hunder Village which lies on the ancient Silk Route and is famous for its sweeping sand dunes and double-humped Bactrian Camels. Spend the rest of the day at leisure and allow the stunning setting to captivate your senses.

Today is the day to let yourself be overwhelmed by the beauty of unspoilt nature. An oasis of green, surrounded by mighty mountains that sport every shade of brown, the deep Nubra Valley is nature’s dramatic encore. Go ahead and explore the valley through a safari on the double-humped Bactrian Camels, or a thrilling ATV ride. Lying about 150 km from the town of Leh, the valley is perched at the confluence of Shyok and Siachen Rivers. The valley is also home to the famous pashmina goat. Post lunch, we head back to the campsite to spend the rest of the day at leisure. A delectable dinner will be then followed by a night of rest amidst the fabulous backdrop that will revitalise you completely.

Start your date with sumptuous breakfast and then get ready to drive back to Leh via Khardung La once again. We will halt to visit the Diskit Monastery. Belonging to the 14th century, the monastery is considered to be the largest and oldest monastery in Nubra Valley. Also known as Diskit Gompa, the monastery’s most prominent attraction is the huge Maitreya Buddha statue atop it which was inaugurated by HH Dalai Lama. From the base of the statue, one can get a gorgeous panoramic view of the Nubra valley. Further ahead, we will cross North Pullu and South Pullu to finally reach Leh. Upon arrival at the hotel, give your body a much-needed break and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

The day is finally upon us when we get the opportunity to visit the memorable site where an unbelievably pristine body of water lies unperturbed in stark contrast to surrounding mountains. Situated roughly at 14270 ft, Pangong Tso is a sight to behold! This charming, endorheic lake is approximately 135 km long and extends from India to Tibet. Post a hearty breakfast, we drive to Pangong Lake crossing Chang La, the second highest mountain pass in the world. En route, we also visit one of the largest and the most famous monasteries in Ladakh which resembles Tibet’s Patola Palace - Thiksey Monastery. Further on, we continue driving towards the lake and after spending a while appreciating this marvel of nature, get ready to drive back to Leh.

Tuck in a splendid breakfast and get ready to leave for Leh today. We will make a stop to visit the Hall of Fame - a museum built and run by the Indian Army. We will also visit Pathar Sahib Gurudwara which dates back to 1517, and marks the visit of Shree Guru Nanak Dev to Ladakh. Next up is the mysterious Magnetic Hill, where one can switch off the ignition and still move uphill. While driving in the region, we will bear witness to unearthly looking landscape and the extraordinary site of Sangam, where the different coloured waters of Zanskar and Indus Rivers congregate, is unmissable. We halt for lunch and settle into our comfy hotel upon finally reaching Leh.

We leave for Kargil on this morning after breakfast, crossing the famed Zoji La (11575 ft). We will pass Dras, situated at the height of 10990 ft above sea level and the 2nd coldest inhabited village in the world. Popularly known as ‘The Gateway to Ladakh’, its stark beauty is mysteriously alluring. Intensely beautiful, challenging and numbingly cold, this Himalayan getaway is like none other. Relish the superb views of the renowned Tololing Heights, Tiger Hill, and Point 4875 (Batra Top) from the Kargil War Memorial, where we halt to pay our humble homage to the martyrs who sacrificed themselves for our safety. Upon arrival in Kargil, spend the rest of your day at leisure.

Today you are free to spend the day as per your liking. Surrounded by mountain peaks, lush green valleys, glistening lakes, temples and spectacular Mughal-era gardens, the city has inspired poets through centuries. The summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar, is situated in the heart of the Kashmir Valley with the Nagin and the Dal Lake adding to its beauty. Indulge in a Shikara ride at the celebrated Dal Lake or visit the exquisitely romantic Shalimar Bagh Mughal Garden. Originally named ‘Farah Baksh’, Shalimar Bagh was built in the year 1619 by Emperor Jehangir for his cherished Queen Nur Jehan. Apart from sightseeing, don’t forget to sample the charms of flavourful Kashmiri cuisine, apples and walnuts that this city has to offer.

Post breakfast, we get ready to drive to Patnitop today. This will be your last night in the lap of plush emerald mountains, so make it count! Breathe in the crisply fresh air, and admire the vastness and magnificence of the great Himalayas. Surrounded by the majestic, snowclad mountains of the Pir Panjal range, Patnitop sits atop a plateau in the Shivalik belt and remains shrouded by a thick canopy of green pines and dense woods. Cut by the pristine Chenab River, it has mesmerising natural charms that will leave you in awe of it. The hill station is also home to three freshwater springs whose cold water is believed to harbour medicinal properties. We subsequently reach Patnitop and retire for the nightafter a lipsmacking dinner.

The time has come for us to drive to the historic city of Amritsar in Punjab. Observe the landscape gradually changing back to the usual, as you fondly look back at the incredible feats you have achieved in the past two weeks. Amritsar holds one of the holiest of Sikh ethos at its heart - Golden Temple. Any trip around this region would be considered incomplete without a visit to the divinely beautiful Golden Temple. Covered in 400 kg of gold and surrounded by a serene pond, one is immediately swamped by the humbling sight of the glistening structure. After paying our respects at this holy site, we head to the hotel to spend the rest of the day at leisure, followed by a farewell dinner.

“Travel! As much as you can, as far as you can, as long as you can. Life’s not meant to be lived in one place.” The last day of the expedition is here, and it’s time to head back to Delhi or your chosen destination. We are certain you cannot fathom how swiftly the past two weeks went by. All good things are destined to come to an end, and so is this journey. Bid adieu to the team and your mates with whom you have now created some great memories, full of thrill and adventure. But not all farewells have to be lasting, and we promise to lend our hand again when you seek to explore another fascinating part of this world.

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The optimal time for a road trip to Ladakh via Manali is from June to September. During this period, high-altitude passes like Baralacha La open up, making it the best window for a journey through the region.

The total driving distance from Manali to Leh via NH-3 is approximately 430 kilometers.

Typically, the journey by road takes around 2 days, with an overnight stop in between.

The journey from Manali to Ladakh is a breathtaking road trip that takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes in the Indian Himalayas. Here are some must-visit attractions along the way: Rohtang Pass, Keylong, Baralacha La, Sarchu, Gata Loops, More Plains, Tanglang La, Leh, and Pangong Lake.

A Ladakh road trip via Manali is an adventurous journey through the stunning landscapes of the Himalayas. It’s important to be well-prepared for this challenging terrain and high-altitude environment. Here’s a list of essential items to carry for a Ladakh road trip via Manali: Documents, Vehicle Essentials, Clothing, Camping Gear, Health and Safety, Communication, Cash and Cards, Food and Snacks, Camera and Accessories, Miscellaneous.

Once you book your seat with Adventures Overland, we will take care of all the luxury hotel accommodations for you.

In that case you will be given immidite assistance and provided with oxygen, and maybe taken to lower altitude.

The Manali-Leh Highway is known for its challenging and unpredictable road conditions. It passes through high mountainous terrain, including several high-altitude passes, and is subject to weather-related challenges, especially during the winter months.

Testimonials

Explore the firsthand accounts of participants who have embarked on journeys with adventures overland and delve into their immersive experiences..

Monisha Karnani

Ladakh Sep 2021

Utkarsh Agarwal

Ladakh July 2021

Anita Patel

Nooruddin Kantawalla

Ladakh 2021

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