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

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

• Leh Ladakh bike trip itinerary — How to spend 6 days in Ladakh by motorbike?
• Leh Ladakh bike trip blog — Ladakh bike trip guide & tips for first-timers
• Ladakh trip cost per person from Delhi — How much does Ladakh trip by bike cost?
• What to buy in Ladakh 2024? — Top 9+ Ladakh souvenirs & must things to buy in Ladakh
• Ladakh travel tips — 11+ Ladakh tips & things to know before going to Ladakh

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

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

Which month is best for Ladakh?

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

Ladakh blog: Leh Ladakh itinerary

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

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

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

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

Day 15: Srinagar – Delhi

• Day 16: Delhi – Toulouse

Leh Ladakh itinerary: How to go?

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

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

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

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

Ladakh travel tips: Prepare before you go

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

Ladakh travel blog: How much does Ladakh trip cost?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other things

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

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

Ladakh blog: Where to exchange money?

The exchange rate at the end of March 2022

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

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

Part 1: Agra

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

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

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

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

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

Leh Ladakh itinerary — Day 2: Leh

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There are two ways to Tso Moriri.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ladakh blog — Part 3: Zanskar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ladakh travel blog — Part 4: Going home

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

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

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

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

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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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Leh Ladakh Travel Guide (2024) – Explore the Unforgettable Land of High Passes!

By: Author Sophie Pearce

Posted on Last updated: January 1, 2024

Categories INDIA , JAMMU & KASHMIR

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

Julley from Leh! That means Hello in Ladakh and you’ll find that everyone here is itching to say it to you.

Leh is the super friendly mountain city that is waiting for you to visit them.

When you arrive here, either by bus or plane, you’ll be greeted by the most spectacular panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, ancient palaces, and Buddhist stupas.

It’s also a welcome paradise from the busy, dirty cities like Delhi and Rajasthan.

Here’s the ultimate Leh Ladakh travel guide including how to reach Leh, top things to do, where to stay, and what to eat!

The ultimate Leh Ladakh travel guide

Where is leh ladakh in india.

Leh Ladakh has an interesting mix of cultures and food as it’s on the border of China and its history is closely related to Tibet!

You’ll probably question what country you’re in a lot while you’re here and that’s the beauty of Leh.

What is the best time to visit Ladakh?

The best time to visit is actually in the monsoon season between June – September as Ladakh is a dry spot in a country of constant rain!

They also shut the road after mid-September so it’s best to visit before then or fly!

It’s beautifully sunny every single day at this time and everything almost looks saturated as you’re closer to the sun and higher up at 3,500 metres!

It’s also perfect weather for trekking and is what most travellers flock here for.

How to reach Leh Ladakh: flying vs. the road

There are usually two choices for approaching Leh Ladakh.

You can directly fly to Leh Ladakh from Delhi which is what most travellers prefer as you can skip the long bus journeys up through the Indian states of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir.

But, this means that you cannot acclimatise very easily and you may suffer from altitude sickness and need a few days to adjust.

If you are prone to altitude sickness, you can get tablets to help with it. The other is to take the long bus journey from Manali to Leh.

This is the cheapest option and actually is not as dangerous as people make out.

Yes, the roads are crazy but the views are absolutely jaw-dropping and are worth the time spent alone.

You’ll pass through valleys, mountain passes, and waterfalls. There’s absolutely no sign of life around in many parts and it’s an experience you won’t forget.

For more information, check out my post ‘Travelling from Manali to Leh by road: all you need to know’.

Taking the bus from Manali to Leh

I took the 18-hour bus from Manali to Leh, which was actually 20 and we arrived in the middle of the night.

Our bus driver did a great thing by dropping us off in the backpacker district of Changspa where there are tonnes of guest houses. But, little were we to know that none would be open for business after midnight!

For a little while, we hung out with some other travellers from the bus in a bakery which turned into a bar late at night and just played the same Ed Sheeran song over and over again.

We had chai while deciding the next plan of action, which was basically to try every guesthouse in the area!

After a little while, we couldn’t find anywhere and a bar called KC garden offered for us to stay at their place for the night. It was an, which was used for group get-togethers and parties!

It had no windows, was freezing cold, and let in all the noise of dogs barking. However, it was a place to crash for the night and we had loads of blankets to keep warm.

It was really generous of him as he didn’t have to offer anything at all. He also didn’t charge which was really kind.

We were stranded in Leh Ladakh

The guy who owned the place said we could sleep in until noon, but when the workers came in the next morning at 7 am – they played really loud music so we would get up!

At first, it was just Buddhist chanting music which was actually really nice.

By 9.30 am, they upped the ante with techno music and that’s when everyone groggily got out of their sleeping places.

The next day, we had a chai together, thanked the guys at KC garden, and then went to try and find a room.

Where to stay in Leh Ladakh: Changspa 

We ended up staying at Hotel Asia which turned out to be the cheapest.

It was 500 a night with a shared bathroom, I hardly slept each night due to the light and noise but it did have hot water every single day!

With a view like this of the mountains, you can’t complain about £5 a night! For bookings see here.

The top things to do in Leh Ladakh

Most people use Leh as a base in Ladakh as it’s the main city with good connections to Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, and Srinagar in Kashmir.

But, there are lots of things to do in Leh Ladakh itself.

It is really gorgeous to explore too with an epic mountain range, historical palaces, and the iconic Shanti Stupa.

You can’t really get bored, even just if you gaze at the scenery around you.

This would probably be a good first point of call to start off your adventure in Leh. The ancient palace looks down on the rest of the city.

This was the home of Ladakh royalty and was modelled on the Tibetan Potala Palace in Lhasa.

Even though it was built in the 17th century and steeped in history, not many of the ancient artifacts of the royal family remain in the palace.

It’s nine floors of empty rooms save the antique pictures which hang on the walls.

The best part of wandering around this palace is actually the viewpoints from the rooftops!

You can get great panoramic views from all over the city. There aren’t really any restrictions on where you can go here so explore away!

Castle Tsemo

Castle Tsemo stands high on the hill above the Leh Palace.

To reach it in Leh Ladakh, you can get a taxi for around 250 rupees or take the steep winding trek uphill!

There are two parts to Castle Tsemo, a Buddhist temple, and the castle and the Namgyal Tsemo Monastery.

When you’ve caught your breath from the walk, take a peek inside at the beautiful golden Buddha which is perfectly preserved inside.

Next is a climb up the monastery, you’ll pay 20 rupees to head on inside.

At first, I thought this was awesome as it was so cheap, but then I realised that you had to head on up the rooftops of the monastery on these ladders from hell!

These weak, feeble ladders were not attached to the wall in any way and so it was a dodgy climb to the top!

Although these ones were low, the others were pretty much vertical!

Although the views were totally worth it, there was one problem – how was I going to get back down?!

I was petrified and my boyfriend literally had to place my feet on each step of the ladder.

When I got to the bottom, I literally couldn’t breathe haha!

I can laugh now, but I genuinely thought I was a goner. It’s totally ridiculous so if you’re afraid of heights, I wouldn’t recommend it.

Shanti Stupa in Leh Ladakh

The Buddhist Shanti Stupa was one of my favourite attractions in Leh Ladakh. It was donated by the Japanese, built-in 1991, and blessed by the Dalai Lama himself.

Although it is a 500 step walk to the top, the views and the stupa are so worth it! We arrived at around 10 am in the morning and there was literally no one around.

The best time to visit the Leh Ladakh Shanti Stupa is at sunset when the temperatures aren’t so hot and the sun creates a beautiful red glow on the mountains surrounding it.

There is also some really beautiful Buddhist chanting music which is broadcast live from the temple nearby.

When the lights go down on Leh Ladakh, the Stupa lights up and you can see the many stars which appear here due to the limited light pollution. It was magic.

When we visited in the evening time a government official was there, so naturally, some of the Kashmiri soldiers were here on guard.

One of them let me hold this! Stranger things have happened…

Before I got to Leh, I had this awful feeling there wouldn’t be anything around.

Most places in Himachal had a mall road, but I wasn’t sure about Leh.. luckily, I was proved very wrong!

There is a massive main market here which has everything you could wish for.

Restaurants, shops, supermarkets, chemists, the lot. So, don’t worry about getting access to the basics.

There were also these great little fruit and veg markets from the local farms here. The mini peaches, locally called aadu , were to die for!

Trekking Leh Ladakh and Day trips from Leh Ladakh

There are endless options for treks from Leh Ladakh that you can get involved with.

Pangong Lake and Nubra Valley were popular trips also which was a 2-day and 1-night stay.

There were 3, 4, 5 days, and even 20-day treks out of Leh. So, it will be down to personal preference if you wanted a guided trek.

There are a lot of treks that you can do self-guided also. Nubra Valley is around a 3-day trek each way which is supposed to be easy.

But bear in mind that there isn’t any phone signal here so you won’t have Google maps to help you!

Best to download a walking trail map beforehand or buy one from the local shops here.

Read more about day trips from Leh here

Multi-day sightseeing tours in Ladakh

There are many interesting multi-day tours  that can be organized from Leh.

The famous tours are the 2-day Indus river tour where you get the chance to visit some of the most impressive monasteries in Ladakh (Alchi, Likir, and Lamayuru among others), the 3-day Nubra valley tour via the famous Khardung La pass (the world’s highest motorable road) and the tours to the stunning high-altitude lakes of Pangong and Tso Moriri.

You will not find many buses in Ladakh that go to these places. One of the options is to hire a car with a driver, but the cost of transport is not cheap in Ladakh…

If you are a solo traveller or travelling in a small group, using a shared taxi is a great way to reduce the cost of the trip as well as its carbon footprint! 

Where to eat in Leh Ladakh: wonderland restaurant and bakery

The wonderland café was where I usually went for breakfast most mornings.

Loads of their breakfast combos come with coffee and apple juice!

It has a really nice relaxed vibe and an amazing bakery downstairs which offers some great doughnuts and pastries.

Also, If you’re a fan of falafel, these guys do the best I have tasted so far in India. It was light, crispy, and delicious!

World Garden Café

Serving up a huge range of international cuisines, the world garden café is an excellent place to eat at any time of day.

The guys here speak excellent English, are really friendly and the food is cheap and tasty.

This was one of my favourite places to eat in Leh, so don’t miss out!

Dust pollution in Leh Ladakh and harsh temperatures

As the terrain and surroundings are in quite harsh conditions (sometimes it looked like how I imagined Mars to be like) you’ll find it to be dry and dusty.

The pollution in Leh Ladakh was quite high around the main town and so if you have anything like asthma, you’re best to come prepared.

Most days I found myself using my scarf to protect my mouth, nose, and eyes from the dust.

As we’re closer to the sun here, you should always make sure you wear suncream.

When I visited in August, it was boiling hot every day and it was definitely summer clothes weather.

A lot of people had tiny dresses and shorts on which is a nice change from covering up but just make sure you don’t get sunburn!

Staying connected and WiFi in Leh Ladakh

As soon as I set off from Manali on the Rohtang pass my UK and Indian SIM phone numbers lost service and data. But, I thought when I got to Leh, it would come back – how silly I was!

There was absolutely no phone service in the whole town. I’m sure you could get a SIM from Leh if you have an unlocked phone, as most phone packages are regional in India.

This would mean you would lock into their own phone service here. But, for a few days, I just didn’t think it was worth it.

The wifi is also pretty bad and almost non-existent. Most cafés and restaurants offer wifi services but this wouldn’t work half of the time. In fact, on the first day we got here – there was no wifi in the whole town!

If I did get wifi, only certain apps would work like WhatsApp, which was perfect to tell my mum I was alive (mum’s always worry).

There are internet cafés which you can use which are 90 rupees an hour. I actually quite liked not having wifi and being contactable. I’m a 90s kid, so I remember a time before the internet!

It just means that you have a few days to truly enjoy where you are. You’re not constantly looking at your phone, but actually appreciating the scenery and meeting people!

Sometimes, we get so caught up in social media that it’s refreshing to sign off. Get a map, read a book, and talk to people. There was a world before wifi, you know!

That’s my complete travel guide to Leh Ladakh, save it for later!

Leh Ladakh would be a place I would highly recommend travelling to if you visit India.

In fact, I would say it’s on my list of ‘must-sees’. It’s a beautiful mix of culture, colour, history, and scenery which will transport you into another world!

Make sure you put it on your list. If you’d like to read more about the beautiful surrounding areas of Ladakh, read my article ‘the absolute best off the beaten track Ladakh’!

Want to read more on the far North of India?

Manali to Leh by road, all you need to know

A guide to Manali, the hippie town in Himachal

Why you need to visit Shimla

Top things to do in Mcleodganj

A complete Bhagsunag waterfall guide

My complete Rishikesh travel guide

Visiting the Beatles Ashram in Rishikesh

Things to do in Amritsar

Mussoorie Hill Station guide

Wednesday 27th of December 2023

Many Indian’s primary wish to travel Ladakh by a road trip on their own bike. Definitely my dream also. Hope I will also achieve it.

Sophie Pearce

Thursday 11th of January 2024

Yess, it's an epic road trip to Ladakh by road. I have to admit I wouldn't do it again though and would fly haha! Sophie x

Tuesday 29th of August 2023

Wow, this destination looks absolutely breathtaking! Adding it to my bucket list for sure.

Wednesday 30th of August 2023

Hi Suman, totally agree! Leh Ladakh is an epic destination :) Sophie x

Neha Shinde

Thursday 11th of May 2023

Fantastic article. I am very pleased to say that your article is fascinating to read.I always find myself wanting to comment on it.You're doing an excellent job.Keep your writing up

Wednesday 28th of June 2023

Thanks Neha for your kind words. Sophie x

Wednesday 7th of December 2022

Ladakh is not a place where you can go without planning. You will have to consider all the do's and don'ts while deciding on the trip. From the right clothes, the right vehicle, comfortable stay, and places to visit, everything should be pre-planned so that one doesn't miss out on the site's vibe.

Thursday 8th of December 2022

Hi Kamalesh, completely agree with you! Sophie x

Esha Sawant

Tuesday 1st of February 2022

"Hello Admin, Intresting Article, you are doing a great job . Keep it up"

Hi Esha, thank you so much! I'm glad you liked the post :) Sophie x

Global Gallivanting

My 7 day leh and ladakh itinerary + ladakh travel tips.

Ladakh is a land of mountains and monasteries – epic scenery that captivates and changes with every turn and a colourful Buddhist culture that makes you feel more like you’re in Tibet than India .

Ladakh is a mesmerising and unique part of India, but a trip to this remote, high altitude region requires more planning than the rest of India.

After my amazing trip, I wanted to share my Leh and Ladakh itinerary along with some essential travel tips to help you out if you are also planning a trip to Ladakh.

Why I Loved Ladakh

Ladakh is a unique place that everyone should visit at least once in a lifetime. It really feels a world away from anywhere else I’ve been.

The scenery is just out of this world – think jagged, barren mountains and arid, snow capped peaks complete with colourful prayer flags fluttering in the wind. The moon like mountains are interlaced with fertile valleys, rushing rivers, crumbling stupas, timeless monasteries, prayer wheels and whitewashed houses.

My words and photos can’t really do it justice so you’ll just have to visit to experience this surreal land for yourself.

How Long To Spend in Ladakh

Bear in mind when planning your Ladakh itinerary that its important to factor in time for acclimatisation and that there are some long mountain drives, including the world’s highest motorable road!

So it’s best to visit Ladakh for as long as you can. While this itinerary will show you that it is possible to see the highlights in 7 days/ 1 week, there’s still so much more to see.

It’s best to take it easy and not be in too much of a rush, due to the altitude, so spending 10 – 14 days in Ladakh would be even better if you have more time.

My 7 Day Leh and Ladakh Itinerary

There’s loads more tips at the end of this blog post, but without further ado, here’s the itinerary for Leh Ladakh that I followed for my 1 week trip.

Day 1: Arrive in Leh (3,500m)

The quickest way to reach Ladakh is to fly from Delhi into Leh airport. Leh sits at an altitude of 3,500m so if you arrive by plane, like I did, then you’ll be treated to one of the most scenic flights over the mountains.

Once you reach Leh you will need to spend most of the day resting and acclimatising to the altitude in your hotel. It’s best to take a nap for a few hours to rest and start adjusting to the altitude, although it takes a few days to properly acclimatise.

It’s advised to drink plenty of fluids and not to smoke, drink alcohol or physically exert yourself.

If you feel like it then in the evening you could stroll into Leh and check out Leh Bazaar with it’s colourful shops selling Kashmiri handcrafts and pashminas, Tibetan antiques and jewellery stalls run by Tibetan refugees.

Stay : We stayed at the lovely Gangba Homestay which is run by a lovely family with spacious clean rooms with gorgeous mountain views just on the outskirts of Leh. I loved the colourful Tibetan style of the décor and the food here was the best I had in Ladakh. It’s also only a 10 minute walk from Leh Bazaar.

Check out this post for more recommendations for hotels in Leh.

Day 2: Sightseeing in Leh

Leh is dominated by the ruins of the 350 year old 9 storey high Leh Palace which is made out of mud, stone and wood and used to be the home of the Ladakhi royal family.

Leh Palace looks similar to Lhasa’s Potala Palace and offers spectacular views over Leh and the mountains beyond. I also found Tsemo Fort and Gompa very photogenic.

Another spot that can’t be missed off your Ladakh itinerary is visiting Shanti stupa which also has amazing views over Leh.

We also visited the sangam (confluence of 2 rivers) between the Indus and Zanskar river (you can go rafting here in Summer,) Magnetic Hill, Spituk Gompa, Gurudwara Shri Pathar Sahib and the Indian Army’s Hall of Fame.

If you have time I would add another day in Leh to your Ladakh itinerary and split up this sightseeing into two days to allow you to take it more easy and acclimatise.

Day 3: Leh – Nubra Valley (3050m) via Khardung La Pass (5,359m)

Outside Leh, Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake are the most popular destinations in Ladakh.

Leave early as it’s a long but incredibly scenic drive out of Leh and over one of the world’s highest motorable pass – Khardung La.

Due to the attitude and cold we were only allowed to stay 15 mins on top of the pass but there are some great photo opportunities with the snowy mountains, views and fluttering prayer flags.

After crossing over Khardung La soak up the barren beauty of the Nubra Valley. Don’t miss the colourful 100 ft high Maitreya Buddha statue at Diskit Monastery.

Carry on to Hunder and admire the sand dunes and the double humped bactrian camels that came here with the silk route caravans. You can ride quad bikes (ATV’s) or camels across the sand dunes – don’t forget to look up at the stars.

Stay: Hunder has plenty of accommodation but mainly it’s tented Summer camps. After a long, cold day of driving over the mountains I was delighted to find that the newly built eco luxury Stone Hedge Hotel in Hunder has central heating! A very rare find in India.

Because we kept stopping to take so many photos it took all day to reach Hunder. You can go further onwards to Turtuk but we didn’t have time.

If you have more time for your Ladakh itinerary I’d recommend adding another day in Nubra Valley so you have more time to explore.

Day 4: Nubra Valley – Pangong Lake (4,250m)

Another scenic drive, this time along the Shyok River Valley to Pangong Tso (Tso means Lake in Tibetan). Pangong Tso is one of the world’s largest high altitude lakes stretching over 150km long. 60% of it actually lies in Tibet, China and in the winter the entire lake freezes over.

When we visited (in October) it was very cold, windy and overcast. But in July or August the high altitude lake boasts crystal clear, cerulean blue waters and is backed by a spectacular kaleidoscope of mountains behind making for mesmerising views.

Just don’t expect to have it all to yourself in peak season – this place became famous after a movie called ‘The Three Idiots’  was filmed here,

Stay : There are a handful of tented camps with basic bathrooms and restaurants on the shores of Pangong Lake. We stayed at Pangong Lake View Cottage Camp. Due to the remote location the camps are quite overpriced (ours was about 4,000 INR) but there’s no other accommodation option and it can be a fun experience camping by the lake under the stars.

Day 5: Pangong Lake – Hemis Monastery & Leh via Chang La Pass (5,360m)

We drove back from Pangong Lake over Chang La Pass which was quite a rough road and snow covered at the top at 5,360m. The top is home to an army base, stupas and a Hindu temple at the top adorned with hundreds of colourful prayer flags.

On the way to Leh we stopped at Hemis Monastery – Ladakh’s biggest, oldest monasteries famous for the colourful Hemis festival in the summer but when we visited in October we were the only tourists there. The monastery dates back to the 11 th century and is also home to an interesting museum.

Stay : We returned to Gangaba Homestay in Leh.

Day 6: Thiksey Monastery and Stok Palace

Thiksey Monastery is an impressive complex located on top of a hill and rising early was totally worth it for the sunrise views over the mountains and the privilege to join the monks in their morning chanting . Try the traditional butter tea and check out the Maitreya Buddha temple here too.

After a quick visit to the Shey Palace and Shey Monastery, in the afternoon we visited Stok Palace – it dates back to 1820 and is the home of the Ladakhi royal family.

It’s now a unique and fascinating heritage hotel so definitely consider staying here if you want to immerse yourself in Ladakhi heritage. The manager was a wealth of knowledge about Ladakhi history and culture and there’s also an interesting museum.

When we returned to Gangba Homestay they had put on a lovely Ladakhi cultural dance show for our final evening.

Day 7: Fly Back to Delhi

After our lovely last evening in Leh we did some souvenir shopping in Leh Bazaar and took a flight back to Delhi.

How to Plan A Trip To Ladakh

There’s a lot to think about when planning a trip to Ladakh – transport, accommodation, visas, permits, weather, altitude.

I’ve got loads of travel tips for Ladakh in this article but, honestly, it’s quite difficult to travel Ladakh independently so you’re better off getting a local travel agent to help you out.

My trip to Ladakh was organised by expert trip planners India Someday ( who I’ve travelled with several times before ) in collaboration with their local expert partner Unplugged Life.

They put together this 1 week Leh Ladakh itinerary, advised us on packing and organised all the accommodation, transport, permits and also some extra treats and surprises.

Here’s some more things to consider and travel tips to help you plan your Ladakh trip:

Best time to visit Ladakh

The peak season for Ladakh is during the Summer from June – September. It can get pretty busy in July and August and prices are higher. In the Summer temperatures can be up to 20 °C. In Winters they can go as low as – 25 °C.

As Ladakh is high altitude (Leh sits at 3,500 m) the region doesn’t receive as much monsoon rains as the rest of India. I visited in early October and days where pleasant in the sunshine and around 12 °C. It often fell to 0 °C at night and most hotels don’t have heating so make sure you take plenty of warm clothes.

Visas and Permits for Ladakh

As Ladakh is part of India you will need an Indian visa. Citizens of 161 countries can now get online tourist, business and medical Evisas which are valid for upto 1 year so it’s never been easier to visit India!  Read this post for all the info you need and a complete guide on how to apply. 

You’ll also need Inner Line Permits (ILP) to visit Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake and some other places. These are valid for 7 days and can be arranged by a tour agency.

Getting to Ladakh

There are 2 ways to reach Ladakh. In the Summer you can go overland from either Manali or Srinagar by bus, car or motorbike.

The journey between Manali and Leh takes about 20 hours and crosses some high altitude passes and there are some basic cafes and accommodation on the way.

From October – May the roads are closed due to snow so the only way to reach Ladakh is to take a 1.5 hour flight from Delhi to Leh which is what we did as we visited in October. There are many places to rent motorbikes once you reach Leh.

Getting around Ladakh

Apart from cramped shared jeeps, public transport is very limited outside of Leh, so you’ll need to hire a car and driver to get the most out of your Ladakh trip.

Unplugged Life arranged cars and local drivers for our whole trip. It would have been very difficult and time consuming to get around on public transport and impossible to fit so much into our 1 week itinerary.

Accommodation in Ladakh

There are many guesthouses and hotels for all budgets in Leh and Nubra Valley, but be aware that most do not have central heating and can be very cold in winter. In Pangong Lake the only accommodation available is in (overpriced) tented camps.

Budget for Ladakh

While in the rest of India you could get by on a backpacking budget of around $25 per day prices in Ladakh are more expensive. This is due to the short tourist season, the lack of public transport and the cost of getting everything up to this remote region. Allow at least $40 – $45 / 3,000 INR per day per person in Ladakh.

Tours of Ladakh

Exploring the remote, mountainous region of Ladakh is made so much easier by using the services of a local tour guide.

My trip was planned by India Someday and their local Ladakhi tour partner Unplugged Life who arranged the itinerary, transportation, accommodation, permits and everything else so we could have a hassle free trip and could just enjoy the spectacular scenery and culture.

Unplugged Life promote responsible eco tourism and are so passionate about this region. They only employ and are also very conscious about waste disposal which is really important in Ladakh as waste management is not well developed.

Staying Connected

Only post-paid networks work in Ladakh and outside of Leh only BSNL post paid connections work. Most accommodation and cafes in Leh have wifi, but outside of Leh prepare to be disconnected and offline for a few days.

Staying Warm

Most hotels do not have heating so make sure you bring plenty of thermal layers and warm clothing. Keep your head, hands and feet warm at all times and carry a stainless steel bottle for hot water.

You could also ask for a hot water bag to warm up the bed. Even though it can be cold don’t forget your sunscreen and sunglasses as the suns rays are intense.

Altitude Sickness (AMS)

Drink plenty of liquids (warm water is better to help avoid sore throat or cold due to the cold. Take it easy and don’t exert your body, especially on the first few days.

Avoid smoking and alcohol. Diamox, oxygen and medical help are available if you struggle with altitude sickness. Check out this post for more tips of altitude sickness in Ladakh.

Guide Books

I traveled with the Lonely Planet India Guidebook which has a good section on Ladakh. Its really useful for practical info, maps, things to do, how to get around etc. Buy it before you go on Amazon to save money

Wow, so that’s it for my Ladakh trip! What an amazing experience. If you’re planning a trip to Ladakh I hope you’ve found my travel tips and itinerary useful. I hope that you fall in love with this unique and magical place as much as I did!

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I was not knowing about the two ways to get to Ladak…This article give me a clear idea about…Thanks

Thanks for sharing such a valuable content. Interesting blog and very informative!! Thank you 🙂

You and your work always stood by the expectations and has a meaningful contribution to the success of the company. We value your presence and are proud of you.

[…] beautiful scenery without the climb, Ladakh is the place to visit. The region was once described by the Mughal Emporer Jehangir as “Heaven on […]

I have been to Ladakh myself (twice) and if I were a blogger, I too wouldn’t have written things with such finesse. You have covered almost everything that’s important. It is a great and insightful blog. Here are a few of my inputs to make this blog better:

• Do acclimatize properly before heading towards other attractions from Leh. • Get yourself checked in your hometown so that you can keep the medicines if you require any. • Keep drinking water regularly. • Do not exert if it’s your first time at such a high altitude.

Rest everything you have already mentioned in your article 

Thanks for the tips! 🙂

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Talk Travel

One week in Ladakh – How and what to do

Planning a trip for Ladakh is both exciting and overwhelming. On one hand you are constantly thinking about a lifetime of memorable moments. On the other, you must be worried about how to go, when to go, what will be the cost and all that.

Well, that is why I am here. I have been to Ladakh and (spoiler alert) it will be one of the best vacations that you will have. So, be prepared to be amazed, excited, to feel great, to experience nature like never before.

I am going to talk about everything that you should do, places to visit, when to travel, how to go there, and the whole package.

1) How to Reach There? Well, the euphoria of going there by bike will plummet swiftly if you have not prepared well. So, if you want to take this route, then make sure of a few things:

• You have a good bike that can handle long-distance riding in a stretch. (No, not necessarily a Royal Enfield. Any bike which has more than 350CC of power will do).
• Pack yourself up, as if you take the Manali-Leh Highway, the winds will be teeth-shattering cold.

There are a lot of other considerations that you should know like hyperventilation, nausea, and others before going. There are steps to prepare yourself and your bike for such a trip. Consider them first.

Secondly, if you are going by car, take a taxi instead of your own car. The cab driver will guide you throughout the road. They know the precautionary measures, safe passages, and everything else.

If you have come here by a private taxi or by public transport, then you can also utilize the time to hire a bike for local travel. Indeed, travelling all throughout Ladakh and Leh on a bike is entirely different. However, this comes with an additional set of precautions and responsibilities.

Going to Ladakh by air-plane is one of the best options. It will give you more time to explore the so-called “Heaven on Earth” with more time in hand.

Passport and Registration: Indian citizens and Foreign nationals need to get an Inner Line Permit to explore Ladakh. You can get it online or register yourself once you get there.

Safety is also a concern when you visit such a place. Mind you that if Ladakh is majestic it is also rough. Especially if you are travelling from a non-mountainous region.

Precautions and Safety:

• You will face some issues as the altitude increases. Altitude Sickness as we call it manifests as you climb. So, as a precaution it is best to take some rest after you climb 2000ft.
• Carry medicines to help with headache, fever, and stomach ache.
• Map out the ATMs, hospitals, and police stations before you start your journey.
• Ladakh’s climate does not favor any of the travelers. So, it is best to carry some woolen clothes even if you are visiting here in the months of June through September.

2) Cost of a Ladakh Trip In any case, planning a trip to Ladakh means that you need to be prepared to spend somewhere around INR 25,000 to INR 40,000 per person for a 7 day trip.

3) 7-Day Itinerary for Ladakh We went during mid-September, which is considered as the best season to visit here. Other than this, if you like to visit in the peak season try going between April to May. Further, for an adventurous trip to Ladakh, March is the best time of year. However, it is entirely possible that the roads to Ladakh remain blocked from October till In the months of March, due to snow.

Even though the authorities are tasked with removing the snow and clearing the road, it depends on the conditions existing during that time. So, if you are planning an adventurous trip, confirm about the road conditions.

Since there are a lot of seasonal changes, the right time to travel depends. But from July till before the winters arrive, the roads are clear and running.

a) Day One On the first day, let it settle in that you have finally come to your dream destination and that’s another thing on your list of “things to do before I die”.

Apart from this, on the first day, some people would also like to take rest and let their body acclimatise. It all depends on individual to individual. This is especially important if you have taken a flight to Srinagar and then came by a taxi till here.

On bikes, the riders get enough time to acclimatise on the way. But, coming by a plane involves two things, a probable jet lag and not enough time to acclimatise. So, some people would also suggest that once you reach the hotel, call it a day and take rest.

I know the excitement and that eagerness to go out and explore outweighs the fatigue and body issues. But, it is good if you rest and let your body adapt to the climate changes.

However, if you have already acclimatised and are ready to go on an adventure, head out to explore Leh City.

Leh Palace is a great place to visit if you are a history buff. There are various artifacts inside that will take you to a journey of what ancient Ladakh was like. There are paintings, traditional attire, and ornaments worn by the royal family in the past. All in all, this seemed like a good place for us to start. It was not too hectic, we took our time to understand everything. This was all a bit refreshing too. If you want to go even higher, trek to the Tsemo Castle.

Tsemo means victory and this beautiful yet ruined palace is visible from the ground surface too. You can also visit Namgyal Gompa lying on the same hill as the castle. One of the most amazing things about this place was the three storey high gold statue of Lord Buddha. This massive statue was totally made of gold and its shine was lighting up the whole room. It was awesome.

In the evening we stumbled upon the Gesmo Restaurant. Let it be a surprise for you. You must eat here when you reach Leh on day one.

b) Day Two Start early as you need to head to the Nubra Valley. It takes around 5 hours to reach there by car but that is if you don’t stop anywhere. But we all know that it is not going to happen. On every corner, you will find an amazing view of the valley, the mountains flanking the majestic plains of Leh.

First head to the Sanchi Stupa . This is a dome-shaped stupa built on the hilltop in Changspa. On the way, your driver will also let you know about the best places to visit. However, if you would listen to me, go to the Wheel of Ladakh , visit a couple of monasteries on the way. Don’t forget to click some pictures with the Bactrian Camels in the Nubra Valley.

More important is that you will be crossing the Khardungla Pass today. This is also the highest motorable road in the world, so this small excursion is like a whole new adventurous trip in itself. Don’t come back on the same day, and stay in Hunder.

In total the Khardungla Pass extends for 39 kms. And this is one of the most splendid rides that I have taken in my life. The entire road is just a personification of utter beauty and magnificence. Up until South Pullu, where you will find a checkpoint, the road is smooth and paved.

But after this checkpoint, the road is rocks, dirt, and pebbles. So, if you are on bikes, tread carefully. Be ever vigilant on this road. Let the pillion take all the pictures and gaze upon the beautiful valley on both the sides.

And yes, how can I forget. At the world’s highest cafeteria, you must have a hot cup of tea and maggi. This is mandatory. No matter how you are traveling, this thing is a must. Also, you are not allowed to stay here for more than 30 minutes. So, once you are there giddy up, have your tea, eat your maggi, click some pictures and move on to the next stop to the Nubra Valley.

You must not stay nearby to the Nubra Valley, a better choice would be to go to Hunder which is 85 kms away from the Nubra Valley. There are some good hotels in Hunder and even though Hunder is the coldest desert in India, you will get the required utilities to keep yourself warm enough in the hotels.

To reach Hunder, start your way back to Leh and after you cross the bridge on the Shyok River, turn right towards Diksit. On this turn, you will find a good resort and this would be an idle place to get some refreshments too.

c) Day Three Hunder has sand dunes and here you will find the double humped camel. An endangered species, it is said that you are fortunate if you get to see a double humped camel here.

They are a rare sight in these areas, but the thing is that you will only find such species of camels in Hunder and nowhere else in India. But for that, you must pre-book the Hunder Sand dunes tour for convenient sightseeing.

Today you must come back to Leh via Panamik. Take the same road back to Leh and turn towards Panamik. Down there, you will see a lot of hot water springs and visit Khalsar.

But before you start for Leh, take a detour towards Turtuk. There isn’t much to see here, but you will get to see the village life, meet the soldiers, and be very close to the Pakistan Border. And don’t worry, there is no firing in this region, it is safe and quiet.

d) Day Four: The pride of Leh, Pangong Tso is the next destination on your trip. Tso means lake, so the name Pangong Lake is also fine. On this route too, there are a lot of monasteries and it will take around 7 hours to reach there.

This is a tipsy turvy road. Although you will find many amazing spots to relax and get some fresh air, don’t stop too often because you would want to reach the final destination on time.

On the way, you can stop at the Chang La Cafe. There are two points to stop here, one is where the road you are treading will be the closest to the lake. There you can stop and take some pictures.

But the real fun begins when you are in the middle of the lake. The pictures that you may have seen on the web, it is that mid of the lake point. Bikes and cars can travel there, but the road is a bit rough.

There are campsites, wooden huts, and chadar tents that you can rent out here. Focus on the journey till here, because there isn’t much to see around here apart from the lake.

You can either rent the wooden huts or stay at the campsites. However, if that does not suit, there are various hotels nearby to the Pangong Tso lake.

e) Day Five: On the way back, you are going to take the same road, so don’t make many stops. Try to reach Leh on time if you want to take a short excursion to another destination. However, on the way back you can pay a visit to the Thiksey Monastery for some spiritual encounters.

On the way to Thiksey, we stumbled upon Shey (not from GoT), but it is a small town near to Leh. Shey is basically a palace where the royal monarchs of Leh used to live. This is a super nice and calm place. The way their palace is carved inside the mountains is just amazing, a sight for the sore eyes.

Another magnificent thing about Shey is the three storey statue of Lord Buddha. We were stunned at the size. Another interesting thing happened here, inside there is a school named Rancho’s School. Yes, you are guessing it right. The school shown in the movie was this one and after the movie, it was renamed to Rancho’s School. And we also saw the wall where Mr. Chatur was electrocuted in the movie. Believe it or not this spot has its separate fanbase.

Once you are back in Leh, get something to eat and if you want, pay a visit to the Magnetic Hill. it is only 30 minutes away from the city, but the experience is worth it. Here, your car or bike will be pulled uphill without any engine power. Yeah, this is a natural phenomenon.

f) Day Six Next destination is Tso Moriri Lake. Before going ahead, note that you cannot stay the night here. This is because some essential utilities like electricity and running water are still scarce here. So, you must visit the lake at an appropriate hour. So, start early.

You can take any one of the three routes to reach Tso Moriri. I preferred to go from Chumathang. On your way you will come across a junction, one road goes towards Manali and the other towards Mahe. Once you reach Sumdo, the road ascends towards Namshang La. From here till Karzok, there is no concrete road, they are all dirt tracks. So, tread carefully.

Karzok is on the banks of the river. Tso Moriri is a freshwater lake, so you will find some wildlife around too. Overall, the journey to Tso Moriri will again be decorated with some of the most beautiful scenic views and mountains that you will ever see. It is said that the Tso Moriri lake showcases 7 shades of blue.

However, it is suggested that you come back to Leh before the night falls, if you want to stay there, you can stay in Karzok. There are a couple of good hotels in the area.

g) Day Seven: On the last day of your trip, you may explore Leh City or give the market another run. I would recommend visiting the Hall of Fame first and heading towards Gurudwara Pathar Sahib. Take the road to the city from the Gurudwara and then divert towards Sindhu Ghat. After getting a serene and calm experience at the Ghat, head towards Mani Wall, which is the longest such wall in the world.

And that’s hit. Come back to the hotel, get something to eat, and start your way back home.

So, this marks the end of your 7-day trip to Ladakh.

In the end, I would like to say that once you are here, be your own boss. Almost everyone who has visited here before will give their suggestions, it is like too many cooks in the kitchen. But, it is up to you to make your trip memorable.

So, don’t be afraid to try out some new things. Go to places that nobody has even been to or eat at a place that has less footprint. What I mean to say is don’t go after the herd. And this works best if you are traveling on a bike or a car.

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Best Places to Stay in Leh, Ladakh for All Budgets

There are literally hundreds of places to stay in Leh, Ladakh. The number of guesthouses, homestays and hotels has exploded over recent years, making it a difficult decision to pick the right place.

Whether you’re a backpacker looking for somewhere cheap and convenient or happy to spend a bit more on a family-run guesthouse to get a local insight, I’m detailing my top picks for accommodation in Leh. After spending 12 weeks in total over two different trips to Ladakh, I’ve stayed at my fair share of places.

You’ll find suggestions below for budget, midrange and even luxury accommodation, so you can decide what suits you and your trip to the Land of High Passes in North India.

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

Why Visit Leh, Ladakh?

If you’re reading this blog about the best accommodation in Leh, then I’m assuming that you’re already planning to travel to Ladakh. But if you need some more convincing; Ladakh is one of the most beautiful places in the world.

With the contrast of arid desert-like slopes, soaring rugged peaks capped with snow, braided rivers carving out valleys and crumbling monasteries perched atop hilltops and on the side of cliffs, there’s nowhere else quite like it.

As one of the last places in India for true adventure, there’s plenty of things to see and do in Ladakh. From following the famous Silk Road to trekking in the otherworldy Himalayas, you can easily spend plenty of time there.

Read some of my in-depth blog posts on Ladakh:

• Comprehensive Travel Guide to Ladakh
• Best Things to Do in Leh, Ladakh
• Detailed 10 Day Leh Ladakh Itinerary
• Best Cafes in Leh
• How to Get to Leh by Public Transport
• How to Explore Zanskar Valley

A Guide to Hiking the Markha Valley Trek

When to Visit Leh, Ladakh

High season runs from June until September in Ladakh as this is when the summer months bring the best weather and ideal conditions for exploring the surrounding peaks, valleys, towns and attractions.

Outside of these months, the temperatures are colder, roads can be blocked due to landslides or snow and trekking becomes too dangerous. Generally, the roads are open from May until October, although it’s possible to fly into Leh at any time of year.

Unless you’re planning on snow leopard tracking, winter is a very harsh time in Ladakh and not recommended unless you’re well prepared. In fact, most accommodation closes down for the winter, so you’d have to plan well in advance.

Best Places to Stay in Leh, Ladakh for Every Budget

No matter whether you’re travelling on a shoestring budget to Ladakh or looking for a more comfortable stay, there’s plenty of accommodation to choose from.

With Leh being the main town and hub of the region, this is where most of the accommodation is found and also where most people base themselves for their trip. So, below I’m outlining my top picks for backpackers, budget adventurers, midrange and luxury travellers in Leh.

There are more and more hostels popping up in Leh now. You’ll find a couple of the main Indian hostel chains like GoStops and Zostel, but also some independent ones too. Here’s my favourite hostel in Leh:

Raybo Hostel

Distance from Leh market: 1.2 km

Definitely the best hostel in Leh, Raybo Hostel is a great place to stay near town to meet people from all over the world. Located in the Chubi area, it’s a quiet spot away from the hustle of the market but also a short 15min walk if you want to head in for food.

The dorm beds were really comfortable, with personal charging points and lamps and ensuite bathrooms. There’s a nice common area downstairs where a filling breakfast was served every morning. Plus, there was space in the garden to relax and meet new friends.

Staff were really friendly, even helping us check in at midnight despite not having a booking. I’d definitely head there again for a budget stay.

Price: From 450 INR (AU$9) per night

There is an endless supply of budget accommodation in Leh. There are hundreds of guest houses, mostly family run, which charge a reasonable price for private rooms. They’re usually small scale places tucked down back streets, but with very welcoming hosts.

Here are my top picks:

Peace Guest House

Distance from Leh market: 250

I stumbled upon this guesthouse when I was looking for a place to stay on my recent trip to Leh. Tucked down a side street off Upper Tukcha Road, you can’t get much closer to Leh market than this. I found it was super convenient with everything so close.

The property is basic but the rooms were large, clean and comfortable for the relatively cheap pricetag. It has a lovely garden area to sit as well, with strong WiFi.

They offer some basic food and drinks onsite, but there’s so many places to eat nearby that I never ate there. The staff were friendly and helpful, and I was happy enough to stay there again.

Price: From 800 INR (AU$16) per night

Chandan Guest House

Distance from Leh market: 1 km

Located down Upper Tukcha Road, this guest house has a very nice homely feel and is run by a very caring and helpful lady. It’s a family guesthouse, so it feels almost like a homestay, offering an insight into the local people.

They have some older rooms above the family home, as well as the newer building with large double rooms and private balconies (it’s worth spending the extra couple of dollars for the newer rooms). It’s just a short 15 minute walk to the main market, or just a 7 minute walk to Changspa Road for restaurants and cafes.

Some of the rooms have exceptional mountain views, plus there’s a nice little garden with outdoor furniture to relax in, if you don’t get a balcony room.

Price: From 1500 INR (AU$30) per night

There’s often not too much difference in room quality when it comes to midrange guesthouses compared to more budget places. But you can expect better service, a restaurant onsite or breakfast included, and nicer facilities. However, these mid-range options are still family run and smaller scale to more upmarket hotels.

Rock Castle Residency

Distance from Leh market: 800m

A place that feels like home to me now. I stayed here for nearly a month on my last trip and I can’t speak highly enough of Gonbo and his family guest-house. Located in Chubi, just a short walk up from the main market, it’s a beautiful place to stay with huge rooms, featuring big double beds (probably the comfiest I’ve had in India!), private bathrooms, and some with balconies.

The garden area outside is a great place to relax amongst the flowers, plus the organic vegetables and herbs are picked fresh every day and served in their onsite restaurant. Gonbo and his manager Rigzin, plus all the staff, do everything to make your stay as comofortable as possible.

Plus, Gonbo has over 25 years experience in adventure tourism, so they can easily arrange tours and treks for you too.

Price: From 3000 INR (AU$60) per night

Raku Guesthouse

A longstanding family guesthouse on Upper Tukcha Road, this is a great place to be shown the local hospitality. The family take care of each guest like their own family member, offering their recommendations for things to do and able to organise tours as well.

The rooms have comfortable beds with private bathrooms, along with a communal dining area and lounge with traditional floor seating. There’s also a large garden, where you can relax amongst the fresh vegetables and herbs.

Gomang Boutique Hotel

Located north-west of town on Upper Changsha Road, this small but friendly hotel is a beautiful place to stay for those looking for a combination between a personal guesthouse experience and more luxury hotel stay.

It features large double rooms, each with private bathrooms, lounges, electric kettle, and cable TV. Plus, there’s large indoor and outdoor dining areas, a garden and common lounge to enjoy during your stay.

Price: From 6000 INR (AU$120) per night

Luxury accommodation used to be much more limited in Leh. However, in recent years, new places have sprung up offering 5 star service. These are usually large hotels that are outside of the main centre and with less personal touch, but with all the facilities you would expect from an upscale hotel.

The Grand Dragon

The first and most famous luxury 5 star hotel in Leh, The Grand Dragon has become a landmark in the town centre. It’s a large, multi-storey hotel built around a flat garden area, with outdoor seating and dining under umbrellas.

The onsite restaurant serves exceptional Ladakhi, Kashmiri, and Indian food, as well as other cuisines if you prefer. Plus, expect bonfires and cultural dances on in the evenings during high season.

The luxury double rooms have mountain views, separate lounge areas, Italian marble bathrooms with a bath, along with traditional textiles and art throughout.

Price: From 15,000 INR (AU$290) per night

Stok Palace Heritage Hotel

Distance from Leh market: 15 km

If you want a truly special and unique place to stay in Ladakh, then you can’t go past the Stok Palace Heritage Hotel. Housed inside the former royal family’s last palace in Stok village, this magnificent landmark has been turned into a heritage hotel.

Blending old world legacy with upscale luxury, the rooms are decorated in a very traditional Ladakhi style, with four poster beds, Kashmiri rugs, intricately carved wooden windows and doors, and antique furniture.

While it’s 15km from Leh town, you’ll be able to experience traditional village life in Stok, plus enjoy the much quieter nature being away from the bustling centre.

Price: From 18,000 INR (AU$350) per night

Exploring More of North India?

• A Travel Guide to Spiti Valley
• 10 Best Things to Do in Srinagar
• A Travel Guide to Aru Valley in Kashmir

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to get to Ladakh

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

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

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

Leh Ladakh 7-day itinerary

Day 1 – land in leh and rest.

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

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

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

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

Where to stay in Leh : Gangba Homestay

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

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

Day 2 – Leh city tour

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

Confluence (Sangam) of the Indus and Zanskar Rivers

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

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

Magnetic Hill

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

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

Lunch at a local Tibetan restaurant

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

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

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

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

Leh main market

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

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

Day 3 – Drive to Nubra Valley via Khardung La

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to stay in Nubra Valley – Stone Hedge Ladakh

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

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

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

Day 4 – Drive to Pangong Lake

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to stay in Pangong Tso – Native Huts

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

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

Read more: 10 Awesome Treks And Hikes In India

Day 5 – Drive back to Leh via Chang La

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

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

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

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

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

Day 6 – Explore Leh

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

Thiksey Monastery

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

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

Shanti Stupa

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

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

Stok Palace

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

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

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

Lunch in the orchard at Chulli Bagh

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

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

Ladakhi cultural show

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

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

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

Day 7 – Depart from Leh

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

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

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

Read the author’s honest review of both companies .

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

• Group Tours Calendar
• Planning, Sightseeing & Routes
• Preparing for Ladakh Trip
• Stay, Eat, Permits & Others
• Taxis, Self-Drives & Bike Rentals
• Public Transport & Budget Travel
• Preparing for Spiti Valley Trip

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

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

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

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

Let's quickly dive into the details:

Why travel Ladakh from Srinagar side?

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

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

Dheeraj Sharma

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

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

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

12-14 Days Itinerary for Leh Ladakh by Road

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

Day 1 | Delhi – Jammu / Patnitop

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

Day 2 | Jammu / Patnitop – Srinagar

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

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

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

Day 4 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh

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

Day 5 | Leh Local Sightseeing

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

Day 6 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder

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

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

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

Day 8 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake

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

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

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

Day 10 | Rest day at Leh

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

Day 11 | Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang

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

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

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

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

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

Day 14 | Manali – Delhi

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

Day 15 + 16

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

Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso Direct Route Option

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Additional Points for Ladakh trip from Srinagar

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

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

Have a travel question?? You can subscribe to my YouTube channel and leave a comment to ask your travel questions on traveling to the Himalayas.

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

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

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

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

Hey Vimal, you can refer: Ladakh and Zanskar Itinerary

Hi Dheeraj,

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

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

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

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

Great, have a wonderful trip

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

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

Hoping to hear from you..

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

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

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

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

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

Cheers Rene

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

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

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

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

Thanks Sehaj

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

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

Thanks Saurabh

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is this fine???

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I am Deepak,

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

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

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

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

Day2: Jammu to Srinagar

Day 3 : Srinagar to Kargil

Day 4: Kargil to Leh

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

Day 6: Leh to Nubra Valley

Day 7: Nubra to Pangong

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

Day 9: Tso moriri to Sarchu

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

Day 10: Sarchu to Manali

Day 11: Manali to New Delhi.

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

With Best Regards

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

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

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

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

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

Appreciate your valuable reply.

Thanks. Mubarak Srilanka

You can follow the below plan:

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

Dear Dheeraj,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks and regards, Ankit

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

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

Hello Dheeraj, Thanks for your reply.

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

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

Hello Dheeraj,

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hey Dheeraj,

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

This is what I will recommend you

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You can refer: Ladakh from Manali – Most Common Itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank You Dheeraj,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 7 Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso Lake

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1 | Haldwani – Delhi

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 11 | Rest day at Leh – Overnight at Leh

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

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

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

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

Day 16 | Delhi – Haldwani

Personal requirements

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

Essential tools:

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

Essential Spares

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

waiting for your valuable feed back.

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

thank you dheeraj.

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

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

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

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

Prem, the plan looks good to me.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As per my estimates

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

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

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

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

Hi Sayanta,

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

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

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

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

Thanks again.

Regards, Santosh

Hi Santosh,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you so much for your valuable suggestions.

Dheeraj ji,

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

Thanks a lot.

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

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

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

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

I would also welcome any feedback from fellow members here!

Thanks and Regards, Abhishek

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

Hi Dheeraj Ji,

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

Please let me know!

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

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

Thank you very much for your advice!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 9 | Fly back

Just replied to the other comment.

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

—— Itinerary 1———–

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks, Amit

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

please help me if any corrections needed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Please find the itinerary below:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 11 | Fly back

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

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

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

Replies below:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you in advance!

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

Thank you so much for the feedback.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Overview of Leh Ladakh Itinerary 5 Days

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

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

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

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

Schedule of Leh Ladakh Trip Itinerary

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

Essential Planning Tips for 5 Days in Ladakh

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

Take a Flight

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

Pre-Plan your Ladakh Tour

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

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

The charges for these permits are as follows  –

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

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

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

Book Your Transport

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

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

Altitude Sickness  in Ladakh

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

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

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

Cost of Leh Ladakh Tour Itinerary

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

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

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

Detailed Leh Ladakh Itinerary 5 Days

Day 1: arrive in leh.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 2: Leh to Nubra Valley (Drive)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 3: Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake (Drive)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 4: Pangong Lake to Leh (Drive)

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

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

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

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

Day 5: Departure

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

Accommodation for Leh Ladakh Itinerary 5 Days

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

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

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

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

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

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

FAQs for Leh Ladakh Itinerary 5 Days

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

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

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

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

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

Further Readings & Resources

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

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

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Ladakh in 5 Days – How to Plan Leh Ladakh 5 Days Itinerary

Is a Leh Ladakh 5 days trip possible? It is only if you travel by air. Making a road trip to Ladakh in 5 days is not doable at all. But if you were ready to catch a flight, you will be able to arrive in Ladakh and cover some of the major tourist attractions like Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, and Tso Moriri.

Your final itinerary will depend on several factors like your mode of travel, budget, and personal preferences. But in the post below, I will share a few examples of itineraries that can be followed.

You can either pick one of these or amend it to draft your own travel plan. Either way, it will be enough to at least give you an idea and get started. If you have any other questions,  you can  contact me on Instagram  and I will be happy to answer. You can also consider  subscribing to my YouTube channel  and asking a question there.

To organize your trip to Ladakh, book a taxi, rent a bike, or get the best hotel rates, you can contact  Kunal @ 9910402252 . From luxurious hotels to budget stays, he can help get you the best rates possible.

Vargis Khan

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How to Plan a Trip to Leh Ladakh in 5 Days?

Let us first take a look at some of the important things that you should keep in mind while planning to visit Ladakh in 5 days.

If you want to take a look at a complete travel guide on Ladakh, including details like different ways to reach, where to stay, all sightseeing places, budget planning, and other tips, please read How to Plan a Trip to Leh Ladakh .

Go by Flight

The most important thing to remember here is that you will have to reach Leh by flight. There is no possible way at all that you can make this a road trip. You will not be able to travel on Manali to Leh or Srinagar to Leh roads. For now, you will reach Leh by air and spend the next 5 days on local sightseeing.

Be Ready for Altitude Sickness

The second concern will be altitude sickness. A slow gain in altitude and an ample amount of rest are the best precautions against acute mountain sickness or AMS. A 5 days Ladakh tour will however result in the exact opposite of it.

First of all, you will reach Leh by Air which results in a sudden gain in altitude. Then, in order to cover as many places as you can, you will be rushing for the most part of your trip which may trigger the symptoms of altitude sickness. For more details on what AMS is and how you can avoid it, please read How to handle acute mountain sickness in Ladakh .

Arrange Permits in Advance

A couple of things you can do to make your first day a bit easier is to take care of a few things in advance, before your arrival in Leh town. This will include booking a hotel, and a taxi, and arranging the Inner line permits as well.

You can apply for the permit online and keep a copy of it on your phone. The requirement of getting the permit stamped in the DC office Leh was removed in 2021 due to the COVID situation but may get implemented again in the later years.

Arrange Transport

The second thing to take care of would be to book a taxi rather than relying on a motorcycle. Suffering from high altitude sickness will just make it more difficult to ride around a motorcycle.

Book a taxi in advance, have your driver pick you up from the airport, and drop you straight at the hotel. Since your permits too will be already arranged, you can rest all day long and let symptoms of AMS subside.

Sightseeing

How much sightseeing you can really do on a 5 day trip to Ladakh? Your list of places to visit will strictly be around the most known tourist destinations. Don’t worry, you will still get to witness the beauty that Ladakh is. You will experience the enchanting culture, get a taste of adventure, and have plenty of time to click loads of pictures.

The remote regions, however, like Changthang Valley, places like Hanle, and both the roads leading to Leh cannot be covered.

Cost of the Trip

Last but not least is the overall cost of the trip. To be honest, your options to make this a budget trip are next to none unless you got a really cheap deal on flight tickets and are traveling in a group of 5 to 6 people. You cannot rely on public transport of course because of strict timelines and renting motorcycles may become a little stressful.

The best way out is to rent a private taxi and their charges are quite steep in Ladakh. Unless you are in a group and the overall cost of the cab can be split between multiple people, you may have to shed quite an amount for your 5 day Ladakh tour.

Leh Ladakh Itinerary 5 days

With all the above said and done, mentioned below is how you can plan your 5 day Itinerary for Leh Ladakh. I will first post the itinerary that I recommend, followed by a few variations. You can choose either of these travel plans that suit you the most.

• Arrive in Leh – Day 1
• Sham Valley Tour – Day 2
• Leh to Nubra Valley – Day 3
• Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso – Day 4
• Pangong Tso to Leh – Day 5
• Fly Out – Day 6

This way, you will spend 5 days in Ladakh and catch a flight home on the morning of Day 6. However, If you were looking for an itinerary where you can fly out of Leh and reach home on Day 5 itself, then please read How to Plan a Trip to Ladakh in 4 Days .

Most of the flights to and out of Leh are early in the morning which really works in your favor while visiting Ladakh in 5 days. It means that you will arrive in Leh early in the morning on Day 1. This will give you an entire day to rest, acclimatize and take care of a few necessary things.

On Day 6, you can take a flight out early in the morning again and be home in a couple of hours. Below is a detailed explanation of the itinerary mentioned above.

Also read: What clothes should you pack for Ladakh Trip

Day 1: Arrive in Leh

The first task of the day would be to find a hotel first and check in which is not really a big deal. No matter what your budget is, you will easily find a hotel in Leh. Read   Good Budget Hotels in Leh for a list of some recommended places you can stay at.

The second task would be to get an Inner Line Permit if you already did not arrange for it. The third thing that you will need to take care of is to arrange your mode of travel for the next two days.

You can either hire a private taxi or rent a motorcycle after you land in Leh. In case you hired a taxi, then I recommend that you book it in advance and have the driver pick you up from the airport itself.

In the case of a motorcycle, it is best that you first reach Leh, and check out a few motorcycles to ensure they are working in the best possible condition before you rent one. Please read Leh Ladakh Motorcycle Rental Rates to know how much it will cost you.

After taking care of this, you can either choose to rest in the hotel or do some local sightseeing in the town. Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, local markets, and monasteries are some of the places you can visit.

Day 2: Leh to Lamayuru to Leh

The plan for today is to take a drive on the Srinagar Leh highway and return to Leh by evening. Do not plan Nubra Valley or Pangong Tso for this day as it is just your second day in Ladakh.

AMS can still hurt so it is best to not go towards a high-altitude pass on Day 2, which you will have to cross in order to reach Nubra and Pangong both.

For the second day, ask your driver to pick you up from the airport early in the morning and start driving towards Lamayuru. On the way, you will see Gurudwara Patthar Sahib , Indus – Zanskar Confluence, and Magnetic Hill , apart from the natural beauty of Srinagar Leh road.

Go as far as you are able to until noon and then start your return journey.

Day 3: Leh to Nubra Valley

By now, your body would already have acclimatized to high altitude and symptoms of AMS subsided. On this day, you will cross your first high-altitude pass, Khardung La, and reach the enchanting Nubra Valley.

An early start from Leh is highly recommended as it would give you ample time for sightseeing on the way. Khardung La is merely 30 odd kilometers from Leh and it shouldn’t take you more than a couple of hours to get there. At the top of the pass, there is an Army canteen where they serve tea and some refreshments.

Have a cup of tea, click a few pictures, see the snow-capped peaks around, and be on your way. Road conditions are mostly OK except for around the top of the pass, between South and North Pullu.

From Khardung Top, you will descend down towards Nubra Valley while crossing the village of Khardung on the way. You can either stay at Diskit, Panamik, Sumur, Hunder, or Turtuk. Of all these, I will recommend that you stay at Diskit because the choice of hotels and guest houses here is the widest.

For a list of hotels in Nubra Valley and their contact numbers, you can read Recommended Hotels and Guest Houses in Nubra Valley .

Depending on your breaks and speed, you should reach Diskit well in time for some sightseeing as well. Diskit Monastery, the Buddha statue, Hunder sand dunes, and Bactrian camels are some of the most famous tourist attractions in Nubra Valley and can easily be covered in 2-3 hours.

For a complete list of places to see here, please read Tourist Attractions in Nubra Valley .

Day 4: Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso

The plan for today is to visit Pangong Tso, the lake that has over time become the very symbol of Ladakh. You will not have to come back to Leh and will take the direct road connecting Nubra to Pangong.

There are two connecting routes, one via Shyok village and the other via Wari La. Of the two, I will recommend that you take the Shyok Road because it is the shortest of the two. Traveling via Shyok Road will see you at the banks of Pangong within 5-6 hours whereas the road across Wari La will easily take you about 10-11 hours.

There is not really much to see on this road except for the natural beauty. You will be traveling right next to the Shyok river and the journey will be quite scenic.

Once at the lake, you can choose to stay at either the campsites or guest houses available. For a list of accommodation choices at the lake and their contact information, please read Hotels, Guest Houses, and Camp Sites at Pangong Tso .

Day 5: Pangong Tso to Leh

On the last day of your trip, you will cross the second high-altitude pass of your journey, Chang La, and will return to Leh. Overall it will be about 8 hours of journey depending upon your breaks and speed. On the way, you can also visit  Thiksey Monastery which will be on your way from Karu to Leh.

Day 6: Fly Back Home

You will take a flight back home on Day 6, bringing an end to your 5 days trip to Leh Ladakh.

Leh Ladakh in 5 Days

If you would like to look at some other travel plans, mentioned below are a few other 5 day Ladakh itineraries that can also be followed.

• Leh to Nubra Valley – Day 2
• Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso – Day 3
• Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri – Day 4
• Tso Moriri to Leh – Day 5

Following this itinerary, the journey until Pangong Tso will remain the same, as I explained in Itinerary 1. You will however skip the day-long trip on the Srinagar Leh highway though and head straight to Nubra Valley on Day 2.

From there, you will then go to Pangong Tso on Day 3 via Shyok Road. On the 4th day of the trip, you will head to Karzok, the village located on the banks of Tso Moriri Lake via Chushul.

The advantage of this itinerary is that you will be able to cover Moriri as well. The downside however is that the journey from Pangong to Moriri may very well take up to 10-11 hours. So you must start from Pangong by the first light of the day.

For a list of items that you should pack for the trip, please read Ladakh Checklist – Things to Carry for Ladakh Trip .

Itinerary 3

A third version and probably the least recommended is as below.

• Rest in Leh – Day 2
• Leh to Lamayuru to Leh (Sham Valley Tour) – Day 3
• Day-long trip from Leh to Nubra Valley to Leh – Day 4
• Leh to Pangong Tso to Leh – Day 5

Following this plan, you will reach Leh on Day 1, rest there on Day 2 and take the drive towards Sham Valley (Srinagar Leh highway) on Day 3.

On Day 4, start by 6 AM from Leh and reach Diskit in Nubra Valley by noon. Have lunch there and return to Leh by evening.

In the same way, on Day 5, start by the first light of the day and reach Pangong before noon. Spend some time at the lake and return to Leh by evening.

The only advantage this itinerary holds is that this gives you plenty of time and rest to adjust yourself to high altitude; as you spend two days in Leh itself. You may want to consider following this travel plan if,

• Traveling with children
• You have your parents or other elders accompanying you
• You continue to suffer from AMS on Day 3 as well and not feeling at all

Another advantage this itinerary holds is that it avoids spending nights at either Nubra Valley or Pangong. This is why I mentioned that if you continue to suffer from AMS as point 3 above.

Staying in Leh only for the night will ensure that you can seek medical assistance at night if not feeling well. Pangong Tso is another place where most people suffer from AMS so it will be a good thing to avoid staying there in all three situations I mentioned above.

Itinerary 4

Mentioned below are a few other versions of a  5 day itinerary to Ladakh.

• Arrival in Leh – Day 1
• Leh to Kargil – Day 2
• Kargil to Leh via Batalik – Day 3
• Leh to Diskit to Leh – Day 4
• Fly Out – Day 5

Itinerary 5

• Leh to Pangong to Leh – Day 4

Itinerary 6

If Zanskar was on your mind then plan like this.

• Kargil to Padum – Day 3
• Padum to Kargil to Leh – Day 4 (About 18 hours of non-stop journey including night travel so start early)

Itinerary 7

If you wanted to cover Srinagar Leh Highway then plan in the manner below. Fly into Leh City and fly out of Srinagar.

• Leh to Pangong to Leh – Day 2
• Kargil to Diskit to Leh – Day 3
• Leh to Srinagar – Day 4 (Take the noon Bus from Leh at 2 PM. It will run non-stop and bring you to Srinagar early morning on Day 5)
• Fly Out of Srinagar – Day 5

If you are traveling with kids or infants, please read How to Plan a Trip to Ladakh with Children or Infants .

Ladakh in 5 Days – Conclusion

I would still advise adding a couple of days to your trip if at all possible to make the journey more enjoyable. However, if you cannot, then you can plan your visit to Ladakh in 5 days in the above manner.

I hope the information above on visiting Ladakh in 5 days was of help. If you have any questions, you can  contact me on Instagram  and I will be happy to answer. You can also consider  subscribing to my YouTube channel  and asking a question there.

Please go to the Instagram Feed settings page to create a feed.

Vargis.Khan

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

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How to plan a trip to leh ladakh, srinagar leh highway status 2024 – 2025, zojila pass road status and condition 2024 –..., 19 comments.

Hi vargis ji!! enjoyed your blog..it’s perfect..need to contact you for some other itinerary too.pls share ur contact details.

Hi Vargis, Could you please tell me Permits are required for which places in Leh? Abhishek Bose

Hi, I am planning to come to leh from 9th april to 14th april with family..is this the good time to visit leh??pls suggest.

Yes it is but be prepared for the cold weather

Beautifully written…. I am from patna i just want to come leh, ladakhh with my friend for five days,… In March third week…leave the expense of patna to leh and leh to patna Just told me how much minimum amount we should have each to stay there for five days… Thanks in advance….

Hi vargis I am from Goa and I am thinking of visiting Leh on 12 may 2019 by flight for 5 days with family Is wheather condition favourable during that period

Yes, beginning of May is a good time to visit Akash. At least the tourist rush still won’t be that much

You are welcome !!!

Hi Vargis, I am planning atrip in first week of September 21. Is is safe to go there right now. Also, what will be the avg expense for 5 days trip leaving the air travel. Thanks in advance ! Sneha

Dear Vargis khan Can you please help with some contacts in Drass for accommodation , we are planning to reach drass on 27th sep (thursday )Tried calling Jammu kashmir tourism dept.but No response yet. Thank you

Hi Ranees – I am sorry but I don’t have any contact in Drass really.

Your article was so helpful ,just the right amount of info nothing more and nothing less …perfect ..many thanks

Thanks Rachna

Hi! Varg is, We are planning to visit Leh on 22.09.21 for 5 days.is it ok to do so considering weather and vividh situation.

Hi vargis bhai enjoy reading your blog. Quick question we are visiting leh on 30 June and was wondering on you’re thoughts on our itinerary from a acclimatising perspective, arrive leh 30 June by flight and rest , also organise PAP etc. day 2 leave for Nubra Valley early morning and spend very minimal time at Khardung la, stay in Nubra Valley for 2 nights and continue to be acclimated , day 4 leave for Pangong and stay the night , day 5 back to leh and fly back , any suggestions , thanks a lot

Hi Harshal Bhai – Sorry I missed responding on your comment, just noticed it now. My apologies for not responding in time.

Excellet article! thank you.

Thanks Wesley

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The best time to visit Ladakh

By Arundhati Ail

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

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

When is the best time to visit Ladakh?

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

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

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

Temperatures through the year in Ladakh:

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

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

When does it snow in Ladakh?

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

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

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

What is the cheapest time to visit Ladakh?

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

When is the busiest time to visit Ladakh?

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

How many days are enough for a Ladakh trip?

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

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

A Complete Guide to Your Most Awaited Leh-Ladakh Bike Trip | Itinerary, Hotels, and More

Leh Ladakh - A Dream Ride!

Want to explore more road trips that you can take in 2022? Head to this page to find your next favourite holiday!

If you are reading this very post, I see that Leh-Ladakh has been on your mind since quite some time now. I have compiled a comprehensive itinerary to the dream land Ladakh - The Land of High Passes.

This was originally posted on my blog Little Detours 👇

I am writing this post from a perspective of a rider, who has completed this circuit successfully. The itinerary starts from Manali and ends at Jammu. So, you could probably follow the same itinerary even if you are riding the Delhi - Manali - Leh - Jammu - Delhi circuit. The day's numbers would be according to Manali - Leh - Jammu circuit. Follow along.

Things to know before the trip: If you want to know about how to prepare yourself and your bike for this trip, please visit my another post Preparing for Leh Ladakh trip .

Ladakh trip is a journey in the higher altitudes. Higher altitudes also means rarity of oxygen. The oxygen level is less than compared to the regular sea levels. When you are moving from a lower region to higher altitude region, the body has a difficult time adjusting to this drop in oxygen levels. If you do not take precautions, it can lead to Acute Mountain Sickness aka AMS or some other serious symptoms. One way to keep AMS at bay is to keep yourself hydrated even if you don't feel thirsty.

Day 1: Arrival at Manali

This is day when you arrive in Manali. You are probably driving from Delhi or planning to ride from Manali itself. Since this drive is gonna be long enough it advised to have a rest day at Manali if riding from Delhi. Get your bikes checked for issues if any. Make sure you double check everything about your bike here, unless you have hired a mechanic for your trip, who will come along. Most importantly, get your permits ready!

Day 2: Manali to Keylong via ATAL Tunnel

Image: wikipedia.org

Image Credit: wikipedia.org

With the opening of the Atal tunnel (aka Rohtang Tunnel) along the Leh-Manali highway, the time and distance between Manali and Keylong has been significantly reduced. The road which was once dreaded among bikers and travelers alike has just become a journey of fewer than 2 hours compared to over 6 hours before.

Atal tunnel, at a length of 9.02 km, it is the longest tunnel above 10,000 feet in the world and is named after former Prime Minister of India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The South Portal of the tunnel towards the Manali end is just 24 km away from Manali. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes to reach the North Portal of the tunnel and Keylong which just 37 km from this end, can be reached in just 60 minutes.

Although riding through the Atal tunnel at such a height is a feeling in itself, adventure seekers will miss out on the sceneries and the tough riding conditions but will save a lot of time. If you are taking the tunnel, you can even cover Day 3's journey today. If you don't want to take the tunnel, you can skip through to the next section

Should I take the Atal Tunnel?

1. If you are traveling with kids and aged people over 50-60, it's advised to take the tunnel, as the altitude gain will be minimal today.

2. If you are tight on the budget or number of days available, you can take the tunnel and save some time and a lot of fuel.

3. If you are an adventure rider, who wants to see what it takes to ride in the mountains, you shouldn't take the tunnel. Refer to the next section.

Start time: 8 AM. The earlier the better.

Altitude gain: 6,726 ft to 10,100ft

Highest altitude reached: 10,171 ft at Atal Tunnel

Prone to AMS? No. Drink lots of water though.

R oad conditions: At the time of writing, the roads are in pretty good condition. The Atal Tunnel is just amazing!

Fuel points: Fill up your tanks at Manali and make sure you carry at least one empty can of 5 liters minimum. The next fuel point is at Tandi (just before Keylong), which is the last fuel point until next 365 kms. Be sure to fill up your tank to the brim, and fill up the extra cans.

Accommodation at Keylong: There are many tents/ rooms available at Keylong.

(Alternate Route) Manali - Rohtang Pass - Keylong (120 kms - 8 hours)

First view of the snow clad mountains from Manali!

If you are not taking the road via the Atal tunnel, you my friend are up for a challenge!

This is the first day of your ride. You would want to start early and ride rather slow today. This is the day you will sight the snow-capped mountains for the first time, while slowly gaining altitude. You will drive through the dense forests for the first part of your ride.

Highest altitude reached: 13,050 ft

Prone to AMS? Yes! The altitude gain is very rapid. It is advisable to take a doctor advised medicine like Diamox.

Road conditions: At the time of writing, the roads are pretty good till Rohtang La Pass. The road from Rohtang Pass to Koksar (50 kms before Keylong) is worse.

Day 3: Keylong - Jispa - Zing Zing Bar - Baralachla Pass - Sarchu (110 km - 8 hours)

Sunny Morning at Keylong!

This is the most happening day of the trip. You would find everything from simple streams running across the roads to some deadly ones, to the turquoise blue waters of some of the most beautiful lakes like Deepak Tal and Suraj Tal.

Altitude gain: 10,100 ft to 14,070 ft

Highest altitude reached: 16,040 ft

Prone to AMS? Yes, very much. Consider taking a doctor-prescribed tablet (ex Diamox) before starting the journey and you are good to go. You can have another one after a gap of 4-6 hours as advised by your physician. As said before, consult a doctor about the usage of Diamox

Road conditions: Except for a few kms near Keylong, and near the streams, the roads are in good condition. Last few kms to Sarchu are pathetic. It's all mud and gravel.

Fuel points: No fuel points today!

Accommodation at Sarchu: There are many tents/camps available at Sarchu. You may book online or try to find one on the fly.

Day 4: Sarchu - Lachung La - Pang - Taglang La - Leh ( 265 kms - 10 hours)

Starry night at Sarchu!

The Day of High Passes. This is the longest you will ride on a single day during this journey. This ride is difficult. Although there is an overall drop in altitude from Sarchu to Leh, you would pass through some of the highest passes along ranging from 15,500 ft (at Nakeela Pass) to 17,500 ft (Taglangla Pass). The Gata loops and the Moore plains along the highway from Pang to Leh is the highlight for today.

Start time: 7 AM. Anything later than 8 AM is trouble.

Altitude drop: 14,070 ft to 11,480 ft

Highest altitude reached : 17,480 ft at Taglang La Pass

Prone to AMS? Yes! Strongly advised to take a doctor prescribed tablet (ex, Diamox)

Road conditions: The roads are decent till Nakeela Pass just after Gata Loops. From Nakeela Pass to Pang, the roads are pathetic. Do not take shortcuts to avoid the hairpins. You will find the best roads from Pang to Leh.

Fuel points: No fuel points until Leh.

Accommodation at Leh: Although there are plenty of Guesthouse and hotels in Leh, it's recommended to book early and find a good guest house which is near to the highway.

Day 5: Rest Day at Leh

Today is the rest day. After riding for 3 days non stop and covering close to 500km, both you and your bike needs rest. You would need to acclimatize for at least a day before you continue the onward journey.

You could as well use this day to get your permits ready and get your bike checked for any issues. If you find any issues, now is the time to fix it. You can explore the Market in the evening, and enjoy the lazy strolls around the streets of Leh.

Day 6: Leh - Hall of Fame - Magnetic Hills - Sangam (Confluence of Indus and Zanskar) - Thikse Monastery - Stakna Monastery - Leh

A beautiful confluence of two greatest rivers Indus (left) and Zanskar

Enjoy a lazy ride in the city of Leh and visit some of the nearby monasteries and other places. You would witness some of the calm and serene regions of Ladakh when you visit these monasteries. If you are a shutterbug like me, ask no more! The mesmerizing calmness in the air makes you forget everything for a while.

Start time: 9-10 AM

Distance covered: ~ 60 - 70 kms

Altitude avg: 11,500 ft. Not much change in altitude today.

Fuel points: Easily available in the city. One of them is present at the junction of Srinagar and Manali highway.

Day 7: Leh - Khardung La - Nubra Valley (160 kms - 6 hours)

View of valleys and civilization on the way to Khardugla Pass!

Khardung La was once deemed the Highest Motorable Road at 18,379 ft. There were lot of debates about the incorrect altitude measurement. Many reports proved that the altitude was actually 17,582 ft. However, with the new road to Umling La Pass at 19,300 ft built by Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in November 2017, has put a rest to all the discussions about whether Khardung La was really the highest motorable road.

Nubra Valley is a beautiful valley along the Nubra river, which offers a picturesque view of the sand dunes at the valley.

Start time: 7 - 8 AM

Altitude drop: 11,480 ft to 10,000 ft

Highest altitude reached: 17,582 ft at Khardung La Pass

Prone to AMS? Yes! Consider taking a tablet as prescribed by your doctor. Most people take diamox.

Road conditions: The roads are decent till South Pullu checkpoint. The last 10 kms on either side of Khardung La pass will put and your bike to a treacherous test! Be sure to maintain balance, and ride at your own pace.

Fuel points: Only one fuel point near Diskit. Don't forget to fill up, and carry extra fuel!

Accommodation at Nubra: You could find tent houses easily at Nubra.

Nubra Valley

Day 8: nubra valley - pangong lake (200 km - 8 hours).

Pristine lake - Pangong Tso! Courtesy : wikipedia.org

Pangong Tso - Tso meaning Lake, has gained a lot of popularity after the ending sequence of the Bollywood movie 3 Idiots. Since then, the place has seen more travelers and tourists than ever. Nonetheless, the place is a must visit if you are in Leh!

The blue turquoise waters of the lake against the mighty mountains in the backdrop is a sight you would cherish forever!

Start time: 7 AM

Altitude gain: 10,00 ft to 13,940 ft

Highest altitude reached: 13,940 ft at Pangong Lake

Prone to AMS? Not really!! But don't take chances. Drink lots of water

Road conditions: The road conditions have improved over the last couple of years. The road which was once a dreaded one has got a tarring now.

Fuel points: No fuel points until Leh via Pangong. Carry extra fuel. Diskit has the last fuel point.

Accommodation at Pangong Tso: Since this place receives a lot of visitors in any season, its best to book a hotel/tent in advance.

Pangong Lake

Day 9: pangong lake - chang la pass - leh ( 180 kms - 7 hours ).

Towards Changla Pass on a snowy day!

The next day, go out and click some pictures. If you are photography buff, then you better start clicking early. Leaving Pangong lake early is a good idea, especially if you are visiting during the peak time.

Start time: Not later than 9AM

Altitude gain: 13,940 ft to 11,480 ft

Highest altitude reached: 17,590 ft at Chang La Pass

Prone to AMS? By now, you should be acclimatized already. In any case, it's better to take precautions

Road conditions: The road from Pangong is good for about 10-15 kms, after which the condition deteriorates. The road near Chang La pass is pathetic, and there will be streams near Chang La. Again, after Chang La, the roads are better near Sakti village.

Fuel points: No fuel points until Leh

Accommodation at Leh: There are plenty of hotels and homestays at Leh. If you do not want to spend any time looking for a stay, book online.

Day 10: Leh - Kargil - Dras (280 kms - 8 hours)

First views of Kargil

Today you would witness the best views of this entire trip! Be prepared to be blown away by the picturesque landscapes and views! Also, the War Memorial at Dras simply cannot be missed.

Altitude drop: 11,480 ft ft to 10,830 ft

Prone to AMS? No

Road conditions: The road from Leh is in absolutely top condition, except for a couple of rough patches near Kargil

Fuel points: Fuel point are available in Leh city, just the city limits of Leh on the way to Kargil. The fuel points are also available at Kargil.

Accommodation at Kargil/Dras: There are a decent amount of hotels and homestays at Kargil/Dras. If you do not want to spend any time looking for a stay, book online.

Day 11: Dras - Sonamarg - Srinagar (140 kms - 5 hours)

A Jawan stands guard at the Vijay Sthamba at War Memorial, Dras

Get ready to be blown away by the beauty that is called Jannat meaning Heaven, another name for Kashmir! Beautiful fields, valleys, and mountains! Also, today you will cross the dreaded Zojila Pass. Since you reach Srinagar in the afternoon, you can book a boat house and enjoy a beautiful evening on the boats at Dal Lake.

Start time: 8 AM

Altitude drop: 10,830 ft to 5300 ft

Highest altitude reached: 11,650 ft at Zojila Pass

Road conditions: The road from Dras to the start of Zojila Pass is pathetic, (unless its repaired recently). The road condition improves only after descending a bit from the Zojila Pass

Fuel points: Fuel point are available just a few kilometers ride from Sonamarg on the way to Srinagar. Fuel points also available at Srinagar.

Accommodation: Stay at a boathouse near Dal Lake. Enjoy the beautiful sunset vibes at Dal Lake!

12. Srinagar - Jammu (267 kms - 9 hours)

The last day of the trip is here! Based on your further plans, the ride may continue. Today can be a tiring day if you don't start on time. You would witness some winding, seemingly endless roads around the mountains. Also, its time to experience few of the longest tunnels in India!

Start time: 5 AM (To beat traffic, and also to avoid night ride)

Road conditions: The road is excellent, only for a few rough patches.

Fuel points: Apart from Srinagar and Jammu, you can get fuel near Udhampur. Better to have enough fuel filled at Srinagar.

Pro Tip: Skip Patnitop, and take the Chenani Nashri Tunnel towards Jammu, which saves a couple of hours and lot of fuel.

Accommodation: Plenty of hotels available at Jammu. Book on the fly based on your plan.

Follow me on my Instagram handle @little_detours for more stories.

Also witness some amazing travel stories and vlogs on my Youtube Channel Little Detours .

At Rohtang Pass!

An Alpenglow at Sunset near Tandi enroute toKeylong

Triple peaks, towards Keylong

Turquoise lake - Deepak Tal

At Deepak Tal

Aqua blue Suraj Tal at Baralachla Pass

Reflections of time!

Rock tower near Nakeela Pass

Canyons near Pang

The most serene road on the Journey - Moore Plains

Vivid prayer flags at a temple at Taglangla Pass

Tri color flying high in the mountains - Hall of Fame, Leh

A tribute to the heroes - Hall of Fame, Leh

Valleys near the confluence

A monastery (also callled Gompa) down the valleys

Road down the valleys

The beauty that is - NH1 towards Srinagar

Those winding roads in the mountains

Near Kargil

Tricolor and Tololing in the backdrop!

At Sonamarg

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11 Tips Before Planning a Bike Ride to Leh-Ladakh in 2023

• Rahul Arora

For the motorcycling community, Leh and Ladakh are the ultimate destinations for a great motorcycling experience. Ladakh is located in the Northern region of Jammu and Kashmir and it has gained great popularity among tourists. 

You can always buy any one of the popular Leh Ladakh tour packages and see visit all the key destinations. But, the experience of riding a bike through the picturesque background of the mountains and vast landscapes is something that cannot be described in words.

The experience of bike riding in these areas is known to only a handful of people who chose to challenge themselves to take a bike ride to these distant places. You will come across several Buddhist monasteries and high-altitude mountain passes with various camping sites that offer a great experience of solitude in the raw nature.

Taking a Leh Ladakh bike trip through the rugged landscape of Ladakh is not an easy task. But the challenge is worth all the effort and time you put into it. The very journey to Leh and Ladakh on a bike has the potential to give you a totally new perspective on life and even give you an unforgettable experience of a lifetime.  

Taking a bike trip to Leh Ladakh requires a significant amount of mental and physical preparation. This short guide will provide you with the necessary tips on how to make a great Leh Ladakh bike trip plan. Following are some of the major considerations that you will need to understand before your bike ride to Leh and Ladakh.

Tip for Leh Ladakh Bike Tour

Choosing a Bike

Biking Gear & Equipment

Acclimatize to avoid (AMS) Acute Mountain Sickness

Choose the best route

Permits & Documents

Connectivity

Cost of your Trip

The months from June to September are considered the best time to visit Leh and Ladakh. The motorcyclists can particularly pass through the various passes which are generally open during this time. Although some people have attempted a bike journey during the monsoon and winter season, this has made their journey harder than usual.

It is recommended that you travel during the summer months to avoid the harshness of the weather elements as well as bad road conditions during certain months. If you are planning for a Leh Ladakh bike trip from Delhi then the best route to take is from the Manali-Leh highway.

Do remember that the roads get blocked for many hours and even days due to bad weather conditions. The ride through certain routes also becomes quite dangerous during certain times. You can consider the time from the middle of May until the middle of October to be a good window to start your journey. 

Also Read: Things to do in Ladakh

2. Choosing a Bike

One thing to understand is that taking a bike trip to Leh Ladakh means that you will be riding on some of the most dangerous roads in India. So, you need to choose the right bike for your journey.

It is not wise to pick an incompatible bike that will create problems for you on your journey and also make your ride dangerous. A bad bike can compromise your safety on your journey. The best bike for the Leh Ladakh trip that is mostly recommended is the Royal Enfield with a 350cc engine. Another choice is the Enfield Bullet bike which is also great. 

The Leh Ladakh bullet trip on Enfield bullet bike can make your ride smooth and will help you conquer some of the most treacherous roads in India. The least popular but still ‘good enough’ is the Bajaj Pulsar (180cc and above) which can also help you finish your journey with the least hassle. If you do not own any of the compatible bikes, you can always rent them from the many dealers available in Manali.

According to the motorcycling community, some of the best bikes for the Leh Ladakh trip are as follows.

•Royal Enfield (350cc and above)

•Royal Enfield Himalayan

•CBR 250 (without the Contigo tires)

Also Read: Famous Lakes of Ladakh

3. Biking Gear & Equipment

There are some key bike components and parts that you need to carry in case of any breakdown. After some research on the online forums, we have found a few essential parts that are very crucial to help you fix your bike in case of any potential emergency. These parts include the following.

•   Extra Bike Key

•   Extra Chain Lock

•   Spare Tyre

•   Spare Bungee Cords

•   Spare Clutch

•   Accelerator Cable

•   Chain Lubricant

•   Extra Engine Oil

•   Extra Headlight Bulb 

•   Extra Tire Tube

Carrying these things will ensure that you will be fully prepared. Apart from these, you will also need some protective gear for your safety. Your safety gear should include the following.

•   Helmets

•   Knee & Elbow Guards

•   Waterproof gloves

•   Good pair of Shoes

•   Riding jacket

•   Sunglasses

Along with carrying the above-mentioned gear and equipment, make sure your bike is serviced well before the journey. Once your Leh Ladakh road trip bike is ready, your journey will be smooth and full of adventure without any hassles. 

Also Read: Cool and Unusual Things to do in India

4. Acclimatize to avoid (AMS) Acute Mountain Sickness

Acclimatization is one of the most important things to consider before making your Leh Ladakh bike trip plan. Please remember Leh and Ladakh are situated at a very high altitude. Rushing your journey and traveling quickly to such a height will result in fatal issues for your health. Low atmospheric pressure and lack of oxygen will make you feel tired and create further health problems for you.

It is advised that you should rest for at least 2 days after you reach Leh. After resting, slowly start your journey as your body adjusts to the height and acclimatize. You should make sure that you drink enough water but don’t overdo it as it can also make your health suffer.

Some of the main symptoms that you may experience are headaches, nausea, and fatigue. If you feel the symptoms are getting worse, you must travel to a lower altitude and rest. If you are someone who is taking a Leh Ladakh bike trip from Delhi, then you might consider taking a lot of breaks on your way to Ladakh and slowly ride to your destination.

Make sure to carry medications such as ‘Diamox’ to combat mountain sickness. It is good that you avoid drinking alcohol and smoking as the low oxygen levels will make you breathe even harder than it already is. People who avail the Leh Ladakh trip package and travel by air or bus also take their time to acclimatize themselves before reaching the height altitude.

It is one of the most important considerations as it concerns your health and safety. If you have low immunity and have heart-related issues, then it is good that you check with your doctor if you should take this journey. 

Also Read: Must Visit Places to Visit in India

5. Choose the best route

There are 2 main routes that you can take to Leh. The most popular one is through Manali by taking the Manali-Leh highway. This route is filled with difficult road conditions that can make your trip to Ladakh quite challenging. If the weather turns against you, then the journey can be very difficult.

Another route which is through Srinagar to Sarchi and Upshi is less difficult and is preferred by many riders as well. Following are these two main routes in detail especially for the riders taking the Leh Ladakh bike trip from Delhi.

Route 1 with a total distance of around 2300 kilometers. 

•   Delhi – Jalandhar – Jammu – Srinagar – Kargil – Leh – Sarchu – Manali – back to Delhi

Route 2 with a total distance of around 2000 kilometers.

•   Delhi → Manali → Sarchu → Leh → Khardung La → Nubra Valley → Kargil → Srinagar → Delhi

Also Read: Top Attraction in Leh Ladakh

6. Permits & Documents

Your Leh Ladakh bike tour requires you to be prepared in terms of acquiring all the important permits and documents that you have to show at various checkpoints on your way. The District administration and the Green Tribunal are the 2 authorities that authorize all the required permits you need for your journey.

Many people think that the Rohtang Pass Permit is the only permit you need. But this permit is only for visiting Rohtang pass and it does not allow you to go beyond Rohtang La. if you are planning a Leh Ladakh bike trip, then you need to acquire Inner Line Permit (ILP). This travel document issued by the Government of India allows you to travel to the following areas.

•   Nubra valley

•   Khardung La

•   Pangong Tso

•   Tso Moriri

•   Dah and Hanu Villages

•   Loma Bend

•   Tyakshi

•   Digger La

•   Tangyar (for trekking purposes only)

For non-residents of Jammu and Kashmir, this document is mandatory for traveling. The validity of this document is for 3 weeks for Indians and 1-week validity for the foreign nationals. You can submit your application for this permit online. 

Do remember to check for the latest updates on permit-related news and information as it seems to change according to the political climate near Jammu and Kashmir. 

Also Read: Soul Relaxing Places to Visit in Kullu and Manali

7. Carry Cash

Your Leh Ladakh bike tour will mostly be on your bike riding through the barren vast rugged landscapes of Jammu and Kashmir. So, it is important to carry enough cash with you before starting your journey. You will not be able to find many ATMs on your way.

The small food shops and restaurants might not be able to accept your ATM cards or digital payments due to low connectivity. Paying them in cash is mostly the case. To avoid and inconvenience, make sure you have some cash ready to make the necessary payment for your fuel and food. 

There are certain points where you can find an ATM or two. So, do your research and make sure you know where the locations are. This will help you keep your journey hassle-free.

Also Read: Secret Places to visit in Himachal Pradesh

A trip to Ladakh on a bike is totally different from taking a vacation offered by the popular Leh-Ladakh tour packages. The tour package includes your food and accommodation in its itinerary and you do not face much of a challenge in finding the right place to eat.

When taking a trip on a bike to Leh-Ladakh, you might face many situations where the street vendors will not have food available for you. It is recommended that you do not expect to find food whenever you are hungry. It is good if are well-prepared in advance and carry some snacks and easy-to-make foods to avoid staying hungry. You must stay well hydrated and well-fed on your bike ride to Leh & Ladakh. Try packing some cookies, easy-to-cook noodles, chips as emergency food items. You can also pack protein bars and energy foods to keep you going. 

Also Read: Best Time to Visit in Leh Ladakh

9. Carry Fuel

You might have the best bike for your Leh-Ladakh trip, but it is useless if it runs out of fuel in the middle of nowhere. So, according to the seasoned adventurers who regularly ride to Leh & Ladakh, advise carrying around 20 liters of extra fuel for your bike.

These experienced riders learned from their mistakes and there are many online forums where they share their experiences of being stranded alone for long hours. To avoid such a scenario, you must be well-prepared for a long ride to your cherished destination. 

You will find many petrol stations on your way but they are quite far from each other. Your Leh Ladakh bullet trip will be a long ride, so make sure that you carry an extra can where you can carry fuel for your favorite bike to keep it hydrated.

Also Read: Must Visit Destinations in India

10. Connectivity

It is very important to inform your loved ones about your location and the status of your journey. Since your bike ride will be quite challenging and full of difficulties, your phone connection needs to work well.

However, only a few service providers work in Ladakh and that too some cellphone plans that charge you monthly. Most ‘Pre-Paid’ plans might not work or have low connectivity. So, be prepared and know when your network is working and update your loved ones on your current location.

Also Read: Best Places to Visit in Himachal Pradesh

11. Cost of your Trip

The overall cost of your bike trip depends on a lot of factors such as your choice of a bike, food, accommodation, and duration of your stay. You need to plan carefully about the budget you need to finish your journey successfully. Make sure to include the cost of any unforeseen difficulties that may arise. 

The average budget for 2 weeks long ride from Delhi on a bike might cost you around 35,000 – 40,000 India Rupees. This is just an average approximation of the amount you will spend on food, accommodation, and other basic requirements of a bike ride. 

Once you have selected your Leh Ladakh road trip bike, make sure to check the weather conditions, your health condition, equipment and gear, and all the other above-mentioned requirements while planning your journey.

Do remember, that traveling to Leh & Ladakh by road is not an easy feat. It requires a strong spirit of adventure and some mental stamina to withstand any challenges that come your way. Despite all these challenges, the bike ride to Ladakh is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have in your life. Many experienced riders swear by the authenticity of the feeling that you experience on your journey. It opens your spirit to an experience that is beyond words. 

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• Leh Ladakh Detailed Travel Itinerary

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Leh Ladakh Itinerary

The Leh itinerary by Thrillophilia is designed to offer tourists a once in a lifetime experience of the challenging routes and the extreme conditions. The itinerary is designed keeping in mind the expectations of all kinds of travellers including family vacationers, romantic couples, and adventure enthusiasts. Tourists will get to stay in handpick hotels and get assistance from well experienced tour guides who will give their best to let you have a clear picture of all the places you will be visiting. The Leh Ladakh itinerary is designed in such a manner that you will be able to reach your intermittent destinations before sunset so that you don’t need to face the night time challenges of driving in the rugged conditions. You can visit the Zanskar Valley for absolute peace, head out to Kargil for a tinch of adventure, and visit the famous Magnetic hill for an intriguing experience. During your Leh Ladakh trip itinerary , you will able to try out bactrian camel safari tour in Hunder, hang out with the monks in the Buddhist monasteries, interact and stay with the locals, head out on thrilling expeditions on the adventurous roads, chill and rejuvenate in the  Tso Moriri .

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6 Days Leh Ladakh Trip Itinerary

Day 1: arrival in leh.

On the very first day of the Leh Ladakh tour itinerary, you will be landing in Leh and then our agents will welcome you and transfer you to the hotel that has been booked for your stay. 

Once you arrive at the hotel, you need to complete all the check in formalities at the reception and then head out to your room to spend some time in leisure. 

You will then be served a heart delicious breakfast in your room and you are free to spend some time getting acclimated to the climate.

Then you can head out for a sightseeing tour in the evening hours. You will be visiting the famous Shanti Stupa, which was constructed as a testament to 2500 years of Buddhism, and is one of the main stops in your Leh Ladakh trip itinerary.

Then you will be taken to the famous Leh Palace which dates back to almost the 17th century and you will get to know a lot about the bygone golden era of Leh. 

You will then head out to the local marketplaces for a shopping tour. You can buy some Tibetan Handicrafts or else go cafe hopping with your loved ones to try some delectable Ladakhi cuisine. 

At the end of the first day of Leh Itinerary, you will be returning back to the hotel for dinner and restful sleep. Book Now:  Leh Ladakh Bike Trip

Day 2: Leh to Sham Valley

On the second day of the Leh Ladakh tour itinerary, you will be offered a delicious breakfast at the hotel and then you  can get ready for the activities planned. 

You will be heading out on an adventurous ride to the Sham Valley which nestles around the Srinagar - Leh Highway. 

You will pay homage to the martyrs at the Indo-Pak war memorial which is known as the Hall of Fame. 

You will then visit Spituk Gompa which is an age-old museum and is home to a number of ancient relics like the ancient masks, weapons and Buddhist paintings. 

Then you will be heading over to Gurudwara Pathar Sahib where you will be served delectable Langar.

The next spot on your Leh Ladakh itinerary is Magnetic Hill where you will get a chance to experience the phenomenon of defying the law of gravity. 

Then you will be heading over to the Indus Sangam Viewpoint in order to capture the views of the Zanskar and Indus river. 

The last spot of the day is Secmol which was picturised in the Bollywood Movie - 3 Idiots. It is the real 3-idiots school and you will have a great time at this place. 

• At the end of the second day of Leh itinerary, you will head back to the hotel to relish a lip smacking dinner and have an overnight stay. Click Here To Book:  Manali to Leh Bike Trip Package from Delhi

Day 3: Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung-La Pass

After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, get ready for the day's activities on your Leh trip itinerary.

On this day, you will be visiting some of the highest mountain passes and come across some amazing views of nature. 

The next stopover will be at a cafe on Khardung La Pass which is considered to be the highest motorable road in the world. 

While descending down, you will come across the changing beautiful landscape of barren cold desert to white sand desert full of Nubra Sand Dunes. 

Then you will be visiting Diskit Monastery which is considered to be the largest monastery of Ladakh. This monastery has also got one of the largest Buddha statues in the world. 

Then you will get a chance to indulge in an exquisite double humped Bactrian Camel Ride and then enjoy camping under the sky full of stars. 

• There will be an overnight stay in the campsite at Nubra Valley on the third of Leh itinerary and you will get to relish barbeque meals with your loved ones. You Can Also Book:  Leh Ladakh Bike Trip from Delhi

Day 4: Nubra Valley to Leh

In the morning hours, wake up in the gorgeous Nubra Valley and have a delicious breakfast.

You can then prepare for the most anticipated day of your life as you go to Pangong Lake on the Indo-China border.

The first destination in your Leh itinerary is Pangong Tso, which is one of the highest altitude saline water lakes, and will welcome you with its shifting colours of blue, green, and red.

Spend the remainder of the day visiting the Pangong Lake surroundings, which include views of the Shyok River on one side and the mountains on the other.

You can even recreate scenes from your favourite Bollywood films, such as 3-idiots and Jab Tak Hai Jaan, and have a Bollywood-style experience.

You will be served dinner at a campground near Pangong Lake and there will be an overnight stay as well. You Can Also Book:  Leh Ladakh Tour Package from Delhi by Air

Day 5: Leh to Pangong Lake

Enjoy a great breakfast while gazing out the window at the gorgeous Pangong Lake.

Take a short detour to the Chang-La Pass , which is one of the world's highest mountain passes, on your route back to Leh.

You should make sure that you stopover at the Chang-La Cafe, which is located right on the Changla Pass.

You can then visit the Changla Baba Temple at the top of the pass, which gave the pass its name and is thought to be the guardian of visitors to Chang La.

The next destination in your Leh itinerary is Druk Padma School, which was featured in the film "3 Idiots" as the location for the last scene.

On the fifth day of the Leh Ladakh tour itinerary , you can also visit Thiksey Monastery and Shey Palace along the way.

• At the end of the fifth day of Leh itinerary, you can come back to the hotel for an overnight stay in Leh. Click Here To Book:  Premium 6 Days Leh Ladakh Sightseeing Tour

Day 6: Departure

This is the last day of the tour and you will need to complete the check-out procedures at the hotel after having breakfast.

You will then be transported to the airport for your next flight. Click Here To Book:  Leh Ladakh Package For Couple

7 Days Leh Ladakh Trip Itinerary

You will arrive in Leh on the first day of the Leh trip itinerary, when our representatives will greet you and bring you to the hotel that has been reserved for your stay.

When you get to the hotel, go through the check-in process at the front desk and then retire to your room for some rest and relaxation.

After that, you'll be served a hearty breakfast in your room, and you'll have some free time to get used to the climate.

After that, you can go on a sightseeing tour in the evening. You'll go to the famed Shanti Stupa , which was built to commemorate 2500 years of Buddhist history.

Then you'll be transported to the historic Leh Palace , which dates back to almost the 17th century, where you'll learn all about Leh's golden era.

After that, you'll go on a shopping trip to the local markets. You can buy Tibetan handicrafts or go café hopping with your friends and family to sample some delectable Ladakhi cuisine.

You'll return to the hotel for dinner and a good night's sleep at the conclusion of the first day of Leh Itinerary. Explore More: Manali to Leh Ladakh Highway Guide

You will be served a great breakfast at the hotel on the second day of the vacation, after which you can prepare for the activities planned.

You'll be taking an exciting ride to the Sham Valley, which is located along the Srinagar-Leh Highway.

The Indo-Pak war memorial, also known as the Hall of Fame, is where you will pay your respects to the martyrs.

Then you'll go to Spituk Gompa, a historic museum with a number of antique treasures such as ancient masks, weaponry, and Buddhist paintings.

After that, you'll be taken to Gurudwara Pathar Sahib , where you'll be fed exquisite langar.

The next stop on the Leh trip itinerary is Magnetic Hill, where you may witness the phenomenon of gravity defying.

After that, you'll head to the Indus Sangam Viewpoint to take in the views of the Zanskar and Indus rivers.

The day's final stop is Secmol, which was featured in the Bollywood film 3 Idiots.

You will return to the hotel at the end of the day for a delectable dinner and an overnight stay. Also Checkout:  Delhi to Leh Ladakh by Road Guide

Get ready for the day by sampling a delicious breakfast at the hotel.

On this day, you'll travel to some of the highest mountain passes in the world and see some breathtaking natural sights.

Your first stop will be to a cafe on the Khardung La Pass, which is regarded as the world's highest motorable road.

While descending, you will pass through a stunning environment that shifts from harsh cold desert to white sand desert with Nubra Sand Dunes.

Then you'll go to Diskit Monastery, Ladakh's largest monastery, which also houses one of the world's largest Buddha statues.

After that, you'll have the opportunity to ride a magnificent double-humped bactrian camel and then camp under the stars.

There will be an overnight stay at Nubra Valley's campsite, where you will be able to enjoy BBQ meals with your loved ones. Also Checkout:  Ladakh Trip Packages From Bangalore

Day 4: Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake

Wake up in the beautiful Nubra Valley in the morning and have a great breakfast.

Then, as you go to Pangong Lake on the Indo-China border, you can prepare for the most awaited day of your life.

The first stop of the day is Pangong Tso, one of the highest altitude saline water lakes in the world, which will greet you with its changing colours of blue, green, and red.

The rest of the day can be spent exploring the Pangong Lake area, which includes views of the Shyok River on one side and the mountains on the other.

You can also replicate scenarios from Bollywood movies like 3-idiots and Jab Tak Hai Jaan to have a Bollywood-style experience.

Dinner will be served at a camping near Pangong Lake, and an overnight stay will be included. You can Also Checkout:  Leh Ladakh Packages From Nagpur

Day 5: Pangong lake to Tso moriri

The vista of Pangong Lake greets you in the morning on the fifth day of Leh Ladakh itinerary.

The trek from Pangong Lake to Tso Moriri passes through some breathtaking scenery.

The route follows the shoreline of Pangong Tso Lake before heading deep into Tsaga La Pass, on to Loma - Nyoma, and finally meeting at Mahe Bridge.

With a journey to Tso Moriri, you may witness the shifting hues of the lake and fall in love with nature all over again.

Gather around the bonfire for a great meal beneath the stars.

There will be an overnight stay at a tent near Tso Moriri Lake for the night on the fifth day of Leh Ladakh itinerary. Checkout The Best Time to Camping in Ladakh:  Camps in Leh Ladakh | Get UPTO 40% OFF

Day 6: Tso Moriri to Leh

On the day 6 of the tour, you will be returning back to Leh after a great breakfast.

You will pass through some of the beautiful scenery that surrounds you, giving this location a romantic and majestic vibe.

You will get to experience the unique adventure bathing experience aside from the Indus River in Chumathang Hot Water Spring.

Arrive at Leh after a stop at a traditional attraction.

You can spend time shopping for souvenirs and sampling some Ladakhi food in the Leh market.

There will be an overnight stay at the hotel in Leh. Also Checkout: Best Time to Visit Leh Ladakh on Bike Click Here to Book:  Ladakh Tour Packages From Hyderabad

Day 7: Departure

This is the last day of the Leh Ladakh itinerary and you can start completing all the check-out procedures at the hotel after sampling a delicious breakfast.

You will then be transported to the airport for your next flight. Explore More: Mumbai to Ladakh -Travel Guide Must Checkout:  Leh Ladakh Tour Packages from Chandigarh

Leh Ladakh 10 Days Itinerary

Day 1: delhi to manali.

On the first day of the Leh Ladakh itinerary, you will be arriving in Manali after a tiresome journey from Delhi of about 13 - 15 hours. 

You will be greeted by our agents who will also transfer you to the hotel that has been booked for your stay. 

You can complete the check in formalities at the hotel and spend some time in leisure. 

There will be an overnight stay in Manali . Must Checkout: Leh to Tso Moriri-Travel Guide

Day 2: Manali to Jispa / Sarchu

Eat a hearty meal before setting out on your journey to Jispa.

On your way to Jispa, you'll pass through the famous Atal Tunnel, one of the world's longest underground roadways.

After that, you will travel to Sissu and Keylong, a relaxed region where natural beauty is kept in its purest form.

The gorgeous Sissu Lake and the Sissu Waterfall will be visited after that.

You will then travel to Jispa once you've finished exploring the lovely green Bhaga Valley.

After that, you'll arrive in Jispa, which is known for its distinctive routes and lush green forests.

In the evening, check into the Jispa camp and unwind with a cup of tea and some snacks.

There will be overnight stays in the designated campsites in Jispa. Planning a Bike Trip In Ladakh, Checkout Now:  Leh Ladakh Bike Trip Packages

Day 3: Jispa / Sarchu to Leh

On the third day of the trip, you will be starting your journey from Jispa to Leh. 

It is recommended to keep the stopovers limited as it is necessary to reach the destination by evening as the conditions of roads are not at all convenient for night time driving. 

While covering the distance, you will get a chance to have stopovers at some of the notable places like Deepak Tal, Baralacha La, Suraj Tal, Lachulung La, Nakee La, Gata Loops, Tanglang La, and Moore Plains. 

There will be an overnight stay in Leh. Must Read:  Ladakh Weather Guide

On this day, you will be exploring the popular places in and around Leh. 

You can have your breakfast at the hotel and get your permits. 

Once you have all the permits, you can start exploring the popular attractions around Leh. 

During your stay, you will be acclimating your body in the new high altitude environment. 

There will be an overnight stay in Leh.  Checkout The Best Place to Visit:  Leh to Hanle -Travel Guide

Day 5: Leh to Diskit

On the fifth day of the trip, you will be starting your journey from Leh to Nubra Valley. 

You should make sure that you make your start early as it would give you a chance to spend some time sightseeing. 

Once you are ready to leave, you can check out from the hotel at Leh and start your journey. 

The first stopover for the day would be at Khardung La which is about 35 kilometres from Leh. 

You will then be on your journey to reach Khalsar descending on the Nubra Valley. 

The next destinations for  the day are Diskit Monastery, and Hunder Sand dunes. 

You can also take a ride on the bactrian camel. 

There will be an overnight stay at Diskit.  Also Explore:  Jammu to Leh Distance -Travel Guide

Day 6: Diskit to Turtuk to Panamik

On the 6th day of the trip, you can head out to the village of Turtuk after having breakfast at the hotel. 

Then you can drive to Thang which is located at a distance of 10 kilometres. 

This is the last point on the India-Pakistan border and it is a must visit. 

There will be an overnight stay at Panamik in some of the guesthouses and homestays.  Explore More:  Leh to Pangong Lake -Travel Guide

Day 7: Panamik to to Pangong Tso

On the 7th day of the tour, you will be visiting the famous Pangong Lake. 

Wake up early in the morning and then relish some delicious breakfast before heading out for the activities planned in the day. 

The next destination for the day is Shyok Village and then you will be heading towards Durbuk. 

Then you can head straight towards Spangmik which is located on the banks of Pangong Lake. 

The distance between Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake will take about 5 - 6.

You can choose to stay at campsites or guesthouses or homestays near Pangong Lake.

Day 8: Pangong Tso to Pang / Sarchu

On day 8 of the trip, you will travel to Sarchu from Pangong. You can wake up early and then have breakfast at the hotel. 

You will pass through Chang La Pass during the transfer. 

You can choose to spend your night at either Pang or Sarchu whichever seems to be reachable early. 

If you reach Pang by 3 PM in the afternoon, you can continue to Sarchu and have an overnight stay. Must Checkout:  Mountain Passes in Ladakh

Day 9: Pang / Sarchu to Manali

You need to wake up early on the day 9 of the trip and then start for Manali. 

Starting early will give you a chance to reach your destination early at most by 5 PM. 

You can have your breakfast at the hotel and then complete all the check out formalities at the hotel reception. 

During the drive, you will be passing though the famous Rohtang Tunnel to reach Manali. Must Checkout:  Adventure in Leh Ladakh

Day 10: Manali to Delhi

This is the last day of the tour and you will be returning back to Delhi in order to continue your onward journey back home. 

You can relish a delicious breakfast at the hotel in the morning and then get ready for the departure. 

You would need to complete the check out formalities and then our agents will drop you at the airport or railway station for the journey to Delhi. You can Also Book:  Ladakh Honeymoon Package from Delhi

Leh Ladakh 12 Days Itinerary

Day 1: arrival at delhi and transfer to manali.

Your trip to Manali starts with your arrival at Delhi. 

Once you arrive at the reporting location, board the volvo and begin your journey towards your dream location Manali. 

You will be reaching the next morning  hours. 

While taking the bus journey, you will pass through some of the beautiful natural vistas on the way. While in Ladakh Also checkout: River Rafting in Ladakh

Day 2: Arrival at Manali | Land of Scenic Beauty

You will be arriving at Manali and then you will be taken to the pre booked hotel that has been booked for your stay. 

You will then offer to enjoy breakfast in the hotel while admiring the valley's splendour.

The remainder of the day is free for you to explore Manali at your leisure.

Then you can head out for the sightseeing tour. You can choose to visit the Solang Valley and then participate in a wide range of adventure sports like cable car rides, skiing, snow scootering, paragliding and much more. 

On the second day of the tour, you can also head out to visit Hadimba temple, Manu Temple, or the old colonial town of Manali.

In the evening, spend some time on Mall Road, where you may either shop or go cafe hopping.

Return to the hotel in Manali for dinner and an overnight stay. Also Checkout: Leh Ladakh In Winter -Guide For Your Trip!

Day 3: Manali To Jispa

Before you begin your journey to Jispa, eat a delicious breakfast.

You'll pass through the famed Atal Tunnel, one of the world's longest underground roadways, on your route to Jispa.

You can then continue on to Sissu and Keylong, a laid-back region where natural beauty is preserved in its purest form.

You will then be visiting the magnificent Sissu Lake and Sissu Waterfall may be found here.

Once you are done exploring the lush green Bhaga valley, you can then travel to Jispa.

You will then arrive in Jispa which is considered to be a place full of unique trails and lush green woods.

You can then check into the Jispa camp and relax with a cup of tea and some nibbles in the evening.

There will be overnight stays in the designated campsites in Jispa. Checkout & Book:   Ladakh Family Tour Packages

Day 4: Jispa To Sarchu via Baralacha-la

Get up early in the morning and eat a nutritious breakfast before beginning your trek to Sarchu.

You will then visit Deepak Tal along the way, which reflects the tranquillity of the surrounding snow-capped peaks.

You can take a break at the Zingzing Bar, which is one of the world's highest roadside bars.

Stop by the Suraj Tal, which translates to "Sun God's Lake" and appears to be a green emerald nestled in the barren Himalayas.

Your next destination is Baralacha La Pass, a magnificent mountain pass at 16000 feet that provides stunning views of the three valleys' confluence.

You will be having lunch at the Bharatpur tent colony or in the surrounding neighbourhood.

Later in the evening hours, you can enjoy the views of the beautiful brown mountains and the amazing sunset from the campsite.

There will be an overnight stay at the campsite in Sarchu. Book Now:   Leh Ladakh Group Tour Packages

Day 5: Sarchu to Leh

Have your breakfast at the hotel and then head out towards Leh. 

On the way, you will get to enjoy the journey via Gata Loops, a series of 21 hairpin bends that leads to the summit of NakeeLa Pass. 

You will then visit The Lachung La Pass, which is another high mountain pass in the area.

You can then take a photo stop on the More Plains, where a huge swath of verdant countryside is surrounded on all sides by the majestic Himalayas.

You will be having Lunch at Pang or in the surrounding neighbourhood.

Later, complete all the check-in formalities once you reach Leh in the evening.

Indulge in a delectable meal at the hotel and have an overnight stay in Leh. Must Checkout:  Leh Ladakh Tour Packages From Mumbai

Day 6: Leh Local Sightseeing

Get acclimated by waking up to a magnificent dawn and eating a delicious breakfast in the hotel.

Begin your evening touring with a visit to the stunning Shanti Stupa, which was created to honour Buddhism's 2500-year history.

Visit the Leh Palace, which was constructed in the 17th century and provides a glimpse into Leh's golden era.

After that, go shopping for Tibetan handicrafts at the local Leh Market or go cafe hopping to sample some delectable Ladakhi cuisine.

Return to the hotel for a delectable meal. You can Checkout:   Ladakh Tour Packages From Delhi

Day 7: Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung-La Pass

Prepare for the ultimate experience after a hearty breakfast in the morning.

This journey will take you past some of the world's highest passes, with ever-changing views of the desolate land to meet you.

Stop at a cafe on the Khardung-La Pass, the world's highest all-season motorable road, to take in the vistas and feel like you're on top of the world.

As you descend from Khardung-La, the terrain changes from barren cold desert to white sand desert as you enter Nubra Valley, which is home to the Nubra Sand Dunes.

If time allows, visit the Diskit Monastery, Ladakh's oldest and largest monastery, which houses a massive Buddha statue.

Enjoy the gorgeous double-humped bactrian camel ride, which is unique to this region because it was once part of the famed Silk Road.

Later, enjoy camping with a bonfire under a star-studded sky, and spend the night in the Nubra Valley campsite. Checkout & Book:   Ladakh Tour Package From Kolkata

Day 8: Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake

In the morning, wake up in the gorgeous Nubra Valley and have a delicious breakfast.

Prepare for the most anticipated day of your life as you go to Pangong Lake on the Indo-China border.

Pangong Tso, one of the highest altitude saline water lakes, will welcome you with its shifting colours of blue, green, and red.

Spend the remainder of the day visiting the Pangong Lake surrounds, which include views of the Shyok River on one side and the mountains on the other.

There will be an overnight stay at the campground and you will be offered dinner at the same place. Explore More:  Trekking in Ladakh | Get 50% Off on Treks in Ladakh

Day 9: Pangong Lake to Leh

On the 9th day of Leh Ladakh trip itinerary, enjoy a great breakfast while gazing out the window at the gorgeous Pangong Lake.

Take a short detour to the Chang-la Pass, which is one of the world's highest mountain passes, on your route back to Leh.

The Chang-La Cafe, which is located right on the Changla Pass, is also worth a visit.

Visit the Changla Baba Temple at the top of the pass, which gave the pass its name and is thought to be the guardian of visitors to Chang La.

Visit the Druk Padma School, which was featured in the film "3 Idiots" as the location for the last scene.

If time allows, visitors might also stop by the Thiksey Monastery and Shey Palace along the way.

After arriving in Leh, relax for a little before heading to the hotel for supper.

There will be an overnight stay in a hotel in Leh for the night. Also Checkout:  Srinagar to Kargil -Travel Guide

Day 10: Leh to Kargil

Enjoy a substantial breakfast while enjoying a gorgeous morning in the highlands.

Prepare for an exciting drive to 'Sham Valley,' which is situated around the Srinagar - Leh highway.

Begin your tour at the Hall of Fame, where you can pay your respects to the martyrs of the Indo-Pak War.

At Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, savour delectable langar while learning about the army's role in the Gurudwara's construction.

Magnetic Hill, a little length of road that resists gravity, is another amazing spot to explore on this day.

You will get a chance to view the confluence of the Zanskar and Indus Rivers from the Indus Sangam Viewpoint.

You’ll also pass through Lamayuru Village to see a transformation in the terrain that resembles the surface of the moon.

You will then visit Basgo Palace and Monastery, which are positioned on a steep slope and resemble massive anthills rising from the ground.

• There will be an overnight stay in Kargil on the 10th day of Leh Ladakh trip itinerary. Also Read:  Manali to Sarchu-Travel Guide

Day 11: Kargil to Srinagar

On the 11th day of Leh Ladakh trip itinerary, prepare to leave after breakfast and begin driving towards Srinagar.

Pass through Drass Village , the world's second-coldest inhabited settlement.

Take in the breathtaking vistas of Kargil, Tiger Hill, and other iconic Kargil War peaks.

You might make a brief halt at the Kargil War Memorial to pay your respects to the Kargil war's martyrs.

To go to Srinagar, drive via the Zoji La Pass.

Check into your Srinagar hotel and relax for a while.

The rest of the day is yours to do as you like, including taking a relaxing Shikara ride on Dal Lake.

There will be an overnight stay in Srinagar on 11th day of Leh Ladakh trip itinerary. Must Checkout: Best Time to Visit Leh Ladakh on Bike

Day 12: Departure from Srinagar

Complete the check-out procedures at the hotel after breakfast.

You will be transferred to Srinagar Airport by our agents to continue your onward journey. Must Checkout: Chandigarh to Leh Ladakh -Travel Guide

People Also Ask About Ladakh

How many days are sufficient for leh ladakh.

In order to cover most of the important places of tourist attraction in your Leh Ladakh trip itinerary, you will need to spend at least 7 to 10 days. In this time, you will be visiting some of the age-old monasteries and heritage sites but you will also get to enjoy the most of nature. Also Checkout:  Leh Ladakh in January

How much will it cost for the Ladakh trip?

How can i plan my 5 day trip to ladakh.

DAY 1: 

Acclimatise for the first 24 hours

Day 2: 

Explore the cultural & historic abundance at Hemis Monastery

Take the impressive Leh Palace tour

Catch the sunset at Shanti Stupa

Day 3: 

Marvel at the Thiksey Monastery

Drive to Khardung La

Shopping haul at Leh Main Market

Day 4: 

Drive over to Sangam for a day trip

Pray at the legendary Alchi Monastery

Day 5: 

Marvel at Pangong’s Beauty Also Checkout:  Leh Ladakh in February

Is 7 days enough for Ladakh?

Ladakh Top Attractions

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

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

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Leh Ladakh Bike Trip from Delhi: The Essential Guide

Leh Ladakh is the dream destination for bikers and adventure enthusiasts. This place offers some exceptional opportunities for a road trip to Ladakh . Leh Ladakh belongs to one of the world’s highest motorable roads. The riders can enjoy a visual treat of this enchanting region. The Leh Ladakh bike trip is like a dream come true opportunity.

Though it sounds very interesting, the bike trip to Leh Ladakh is not very easy. The unpredictable weather may cause difficulties at any time during your bike trip. So, if you are planning your Leh Ladakh bike tour all by yourself, you must have proper knowledge about the entire trip. Therefore, this post will discuss the essential guide for the Leh Ladakh bike trip from Delhi.

Table of Contents

Why is Leh Ladakh the favorite destination for bikers?

Usually, bike riders prefer thrilling destinations that unfold the layer of excitement. And when it is about the thrill, Leh Ladakh is the ultimate destination. The main reason for that craze for the Leh Ladakh bike trip is the incredible beauty of the entire trip.

The spectacular landscapes, breathtaking passes, ancient monasteries, steep and narrow curves, snow-clad mountains, and the crystal clear blue sky everything makes the bike trip truly worthy. People who love to enjoy the natural beauty at its best can’t resist going on the Leh Ladakh bike trip.

Check out the Best Leh Ladakh Bike Tour Packages:

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The Best Route for the Leh Ladakh bike tour from Delhi

Delhi is the starting point for the Leh Ladakh bike trip route. Manali to Leh and Srinagar to Leh are the two best routes for this bike trip. On both of these routes, you will get the best road conditions and breathtaking picturesque views. Manali to Leh Ladakh route includes the best views.

Route 1: Delhi to Leh via Srinagar

Route Map: Delhi → Jalandhar → Jammu → Srinagar → Kargil → Leh → Karu → Sarchu → Manali → Delhi

Distance Covered: Approximately 2,295 kilometers

Route 2: Delhi to Leh via Manali

Route Map: Delhi → Manali → Sarchu → Leh → Khardung La → Nubra Valley → Kargil → Srinagar → Delhi

Distance Covered: Approximately 2,569 kilometers

Route 3: Delhi to Leh via Patnitop & Sri Nagar

Delhi → Patnitop → Srinagar → Kargil → Leh → Tanglang La → Sarchu → Jispa → Manali → Mandi → Karnal → Delhi

Delhi → Patnitop → Srinagar

In this route, most of the journey will be via NH 44. However, the initial journey of this route will be pretty comfortable. But when you reach closer to Patnitop, the way becomes narrow. Also, there you may find a bit of traffic. Here, you must visit the Nag temple in Patnitop. The ride from Patnitop to Srinagar is short yet descent. The way to the Titanic Point is a bit bumpy. After this part, the road to Srinagar is mesmerizing.

Srinagar → Kargil

The way to Kargil from Srinagar is the most breathtaking part of the entire journey. From Srinagar to Sonmarg, the path is smooth. Here you may find a bit of traffic near the Gumri Post. Before reaching Kargil, you have to pass Drass, which is the coldest place in India. After reaching Kargil , make sure to visit the Kargil War Memorial and the Gumri War Memorial.

Kargil → Leh

It will be the last stretch of the road trip to Leh. On the way to Leh from Kargil, there are a lot of significant sites to witness. Here, you can explore the Namik La Top, Mulbekh Monastery, and the Lamayuru Monastery. In this way, you also can explore the gorgeous mountains in various colors.

Leh → Tanglang La

Tanglang La is the first stop from where you can make your way back to Delhi . His place is situated at the height of 17000 feet above sea level. In India, it is one of the highest passes. While driving, you can witness a lot of scenic beauties on both sides of the road. Riding on this route is challenging yet exciting.

Tanglang La → Sarchu

You have to drive down the Leh-Manali Highway until you reach the Lungta Restaurant. Here you will find a homestay in Sarchu where you can spend the night also. If you want to enjoy your trip to the fullest, you can also attempt the short trek to Zanskar.

  Sarchu → Jispa

You have to leave early in the morning to reach Jispa . Here you have to pass through the Rohtang Pass. This place is always crowded with tourists. To avoid the crowd, you must leave Sarchu early. When you reach Jispa, make sure to visit the Triloknath Temple.

Jispa → Manali

The route to Manali from Jispa is spectacular. It is the last part of the Leh Manali Highway. Here, you will pass through the Leh Ladakh bridge. Then you have to drive through National Highway 3. On this highway, you may stop at Kothi to have some food.

Manali → Mandi → Karnal → Delhi

The route to Mandi from Manali is a bit difficult to drive. In this way, you can stop at the Gurbaksh Dhaba in Roopnagar. Here you can enjoy delicious food. After passing Karnal , the roads are excellent. So it will be ultimate fun.

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Popular stopovers during a bike trip to Ladakh

• Drass Valley

Popular Attractions of Ladakh during bike trip:

Listed below are some of the must-see places in Ladakh that we recommend for the next bike trip.

• Pangong Tso
• Hemis Monastery
• Namgyal Tsemo Gompa
• Tso Moriri Lake
• Khardung La Pass
• Lamayuru Monastery
• The Zanskar Valley
• Nubra Valley
• Shanti Stupa
• Jama Masjid
• Sankar Gompa
• Stok Palace
• The Victory Tower

Duration for a Bike Trip to Leh Ladakh

The duration depends on a few factors, including the route you have taken and the weather. However, on average, it will take approximately 15 days or more to complete the Leh Ladakh bike trip. However, to enjoy a more convenient journey, you can go for the Manali to Leh route from Delhi.

Best Time for the Leh Ladakh Bike Tour

From June to September is the best time for the Leh Ladakh bike tour. During this time, you can enjoy your bike trip at its best. Also, at this time, you can attempt the Lahaul and Spiti trip . Many bikers also prefer to start their new year with this amazing bike tour to Leh Ladakh. You need to avoid the monsoon season as the adverse weather may cause road blockages and ruin the excitement.

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Cost of the Leh Ladakh Trip

Before going on the Leh Ladakh bike trip, you need to figure out the approximate budget. However, the major part of the cost depends on the vehicle you will use for the journey. Also, the road trip cost varies on the food and accommodation. Under normal consequences, the approximate cost will be INR 35,000 for a Leh Ladakh bike trip for almost 15 days. However, the cost will depend on the specific route that you will choose to reach Leh Ladakh.

Accommodation Cost:

In Leh Ladakh, you will find a lot of budget-friendly hotels. Such hotels charge within Rs 500 to Rs 2,500 per person approximately. So, considering a lower budget plan, the 15-days trip will cost you around INR 7,500 to INR 8,000 for accommodation.

Cost of Meals:

The cost of the meals also depends on the specific preference of individuals. If you eat in a Dhaba, it will cost around INR 100 to INR 150. Where dining in a restaurant may cost around INR 400 to INR 500 per person. So, the approximate meal cost will range between INR 2,250 to INR 6,000.

Cost of Petrol:

For a bike, trip petrol is an essential thing. On this bike trip, you will cover around 3,500 kilometers. You should choose a bike with an average mileage of 35 kilometers per liter. So, you will need almost 100 liters of petrol for the entire journey that will cost almost INR 7,000 to INR 8,000.

Miscellaneous- For emergency purposes, you can have an extra amount of INR 2,500 to INR 5,000.

Best Bikes For Leh Ladakh Road Trip

When it is about the Leh Ladakh bike trip, every bike must give their total attention to their bike. When you are choosing a bike for a road trip, you should go for the sustainable ones. Choosing the perfect bike is the most essential part of the Leh Ladakh bike trip. You should pick bikes that are easy to handle and easy to maintain. Here we will share the five best bikes that will be suitable for the Leh Ladakh bike tour:

Royal Enfield – It is the best bike for the Leh Ladakh bike trip. This powerful bike comes with a 350 cc or 500 cc engine. This bike is sturdy and easy to handle for road trips.

Royal Enfield Himalayan – This bike comes with an engine of 400 cc. Undoubtedly, this bike will make your ride smooth and hassle-free on offbeat roads.

CBR 250 – Honda CBR 250 is an excellent bike for a road trip. However, the Contigo tires can be a bit tough to handle the terrain of Ladakh in some adverse weather. If you can replace the tires, these bikes will be perfect for the Leh Ladakh bike tour.

KTM Duke – As this bike is very lightweight, it is suitable for road trips on adventurous roads like Ladakh. You can choose from Duke 390 and Duke 250 for this Leh Ladakh bike trip.

Bajaj Pulsar – Except for the bullets, and KTM, Bajaj Pulsar is one of the most favorable bikes of riders. You can choose from the 150CC, 200CC, and 220CC as per your preference.

Apart from these five best bikes, some bikes will be suitable for the Leh Ladakh bike tour. Such bikes are; Bajaj Vikrant, Yamaha Fazer, Hero Impulse, and Yamaha FZ. However, these bikes are not very heavy on the engine.

Leh Ladakh Bike Rentals

People who don’t have a bike but want to experience the Leh Ladakh bike tour don’t need to worry. They can rent bikes from Delhi and Manali for the Leh Ladakh tour. You just need to submit the necessary documents. From Karol Bagh, you can rent a bike in Delhi. It will cost INR 900 for each day. To rent a bike, you have to submit a driving license, and photo id proof. Also, the bike renter will take INR 10,000 as the security deposit. Also, you have to submit a consent letter from your parents if you are under 25.

You also can rent a bike from Manali to reach Leh Ladakh. Here, the cost will be INR 1000 to INR 1800 for the bike each day. And you have to pay a deposit amount of INR 12,000 to INR 18,000. Also, you have to submit the original copy of your valid ID proofs. Here you can also hire a mechanic on the daily wage base for the entire trip of the Leh Ladakh bike tour. Before renting a bike, make sure to have a test ride to be on the safe side on your Leh Ladakh bike trip.

Ladakh Places Visit by Months:

• Top 10 Tourist Places to See Ladakh in May
• Ladakh Destinations to Visit in June
• In August Visit Ladakh for Popular Places

Important things to carry for the Leh Ladakh bike trip

The important documents that you will need for this bike trip are:

• Valid Driving License
• Government-issued identity proof
• Original motorcycle registration certificate
• Valid motorcycle insurance & PUC
• Inner Line Permit or Protected Area Permit

Motorcycle essentials

The necessary motorcycle essentials that you will need are:

• Extra tubes
• Spare key of motorcycle
• Puncture repair kit
• Clutch and brake lever, with the yoke

Riding gear-

The required riding essentials are:

• Gloves for riding
• Jackets for riding
• Pants/knee guards for riding
• Riding boots or hiking boots

Luggage solutions for motorcycles-

The luggage solution that you will need on this trip are:

• Saddle Bags

Miscellaneous-

The other necessary things are:

• Phone Charger
• First Aid kit
• Tissue Papers, Torch
• Lighter / Matchbox

Physical fitness requirements

Before going for the bike trip to Leh Ladakh, make sure to go for a check-up. It is necessary because you can’t go on this bike trip if you have any serious health concerns. Otherwise, mountain sickness is one of the biggest issues for riders. To deal with such a problem, you need to take time to adjust yourself to the high altitude of Ladakh. Also, you have to be prepared mentally to ride to the high-altitude zone. We recommend taking proper halts while you ride for such a long distance.

So these are the basic guidelines that you need to follow while planning a Leh Ladakh bike trip . On this trip, make sure to visit popular destinations such as; Namgyal Tsemo Gompa, Zanskar Valley, and Pangong Tso. The spectacular views of the entire trip will surely make this bike tour worthy.

• Interesting Facts in Ladakh
• Ladakh Famous Places
• Beautiful Lakes in Ladakh
• 5 Star Hotels in Ladakh
• Diskit Monastery Travel Guide
• Guide to Visit Tso Moriri Lake
• Travel Guide to Zanskar Valley
• Adventure Activities in Ladakh
• Fuel Availability in Ladakh (Petrol Pumps)
• Zanskar Festival, Ladakh
• Hemis Festival, Ladakh
• Ladakh Famous Festival & Events
• What to Do in Ladakh
• 10 Reasons to Visit Leh Ladakh

About The Author

Tusk Travel Team

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