Every year, as soon as July and August roll in, one question floods my inbox and the DwD Community: “Can I visit Ladakh in monsoon?” The short answer is yes, you absolutely can. I have done it myself, and some of my most memorable Ladakh trips happened during peak monsoon months. But there are a few things you need to prepare for, and that is exactly what this guide covers.
Ladakh sits in a rain shadow region behind the Great Himalayas, which means the monsoon rains that drench the rest of North India barely touch Leh or Nubra Valley. The real challenge is not Ladakh itself. It is the roads that take you there. The highways from Manali and Srinagar pass through heavy monsoon zones before entering the rain shadow. That is where the landslides, water crossings, and slush will test your patience and preparation.
In this article, I will share 10 practical tips from my own monsoon trips to Ladakh. These will help you plan a safer and more comfortable journey, whether you are self-driving, riding a motorcycle, or traveling by bus. If you are still deciding whether to go, check my detailed guide on the best time to travel to Ladakh.
Let's quickly dive into the details:
Is It Safe to Visit Ladakh During Monsoon?
Yes, visiting Ladakh during July, August, and early September is safe, provided you plan carefully and stay flexible. Leh itself gets very little rain, typically under 15 mm in August. The actual risk zones are on the approach highways, not in Ladakh proper. The Manali-Leh Highway faces landslides between Manali and Sarchu, while the Srinagar-Leh Highway gets tricky around Zojila Pass. Once you cross into the rain shadow region (past Baralacha La from Manali side, past Drass from Srinagar side), conditions improve dramatically.
However, I must mention that climate change is shifting patterns. Ladakh has experienced unexpected cloudbursts in recent years, including the devastating 2010 flash floods in Leh that I witnessed firsthand. I feel grateful to have survived that event. So while Ladakh remains largely dry in monsoon, keep in mind that surprises are always possible in the mountains.
What Are the Road Conditions on Manali-Leh Highway in August?
The Manali-Leh Highway is the most affected route during monsoon. The troublesome sections include Manali to Keylong (especially around Sissu and Tandi), the stretch near Darcha, and between Jispa and Baralacha La. In August 2025, the highway was blocked at Pang following a heavy landslide, and flash floods disrupted traffic near the Atal Tunnel multiple times.
The good news is that the Atal Tunnel (opened in 2020) has eliminated the old Rohtang Pass crossing, which used to be a nightmare in monsoon. You still need to deal with water crossings between Jispa and Sarchu, but BRO (Border Roads Organisation) has been improving these sections with pipes and small bridges over the years. If you are planning a road trip, I strongly recommend checking the highway status updates before you leave.
How Should I Prepare for Monsoon Hassles in the Lower Hills?
The first rule of a Ladakh trip in monsoon: expect delays in the lower hills and plan for them. August is peak monsoon across Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir. At certain sections of the Manali-Leh Highway (before Baralacha La) and the Srinagar-Leh Highway (before Drass and Kargil), you will face heavy rains, landslides, and road closures.
The Mandi-Pandoh section on the way to Manali from Delhi is notorious for monsoon disruptions. Rivers swell, sections of the road get washed away, and traffic jams can last hours. Similarly, the Jammu-Srinagar highway and the Sonamarg-Zojila stretch are high-risk during heavy rains. Keep in mind that these are not Ladakh problems. These are approach road problems. Once you enter the rain shadow zone, conditions improve significantly.
My advice: always add at least one extra day for each highway leg to absorb potential delays. If you are coming from Delhi to Manali, do not assume you will reach Manali in 12 hours during August. Budget 14-16 hours or even an overnight halt at Mandi.
How Do I Handle Water Crossings on the Highway?
Water crossings are the signature challenge of a monsoon Ladakh trip, especially on the Manali-Leh Highway between Jispa and Sarchu. In August, snowmelt combines with monsoon rain to turn small streams into powerful torrents by afternoon.
Here is the most practical tip I can give you: cross water crossings early in the morning, ideally before 10 AM. Glacial streams are at their weakest in the early morning hours when temperatures are low. By afternoon, the water volume can double or triple. I have seen people stuck at crossings for hours in the afternoon that were easily passable at 7 AM.
For self-drivers, know the location of your car’s engine air intake. If water enters the air intake, it can hydro-lock the engine and your trip is over. For motorcycle riders tackling water crossings, gumboots are an absolute must. They cost Rs 200-300 and will save your riding boots and keep your feet dry for the rest of the day. If you get stuck in slush, do not rev the engine hard. Use the back-and-forth rocking technique, or place a rubber mat or wooden plank under the wheels.
Should I Be Worried About Landslides and Shooting Stones?
Yes, but with awareness rather than fear. Landslides and shooting stones are a reality of Himalayan travel in any season, and monsoon amplifies the risk. Sections with loose gravel and overhanging rock faces are the most dangerous. On the Manali-Leh Highway, the stretch between Keylong and Jispa, and the area around Pang, are known trouble spots. On the Srinagar-Leh Highway, the Zojila Pass area is the most vulnerable.
Inside Ladakh, the road from Khardung village to Hunder in Nubra Valley has stretches with loose mountains that are prone to shooting stones. Even a small stone can crack your windshield at speed.
My practical advice: keep your windows rolled up when passing through shooting stone zones (look for BRO warning signs). Drive at moderate speed so you can react. If you see dust rising from the mountainside above, stop immediately and wait. Do not try to speed through. I have seen people make that mistake, and it never ends well.
What Should I Pack for a Ladakh Trip in Monsoon?
Packing right can make the difference between a miserable trip and a comfortable one. Here is my monsoon-specific packing checklist based on what I have learned over multiple trips:
Rain gear (non-negotiable): A good quality rain-cut jacket, waterproof or quick-dry lower, and waterproof shoes or sandals. For motorcycle riders, gumboots are essential for water crossings. You can read my detailed tips on carrying clothes to Ladakh for a complete packing guide.
Waterproof protection for luggage: Carry tarpaulins and dry bags to protect your clothes, electronics, and documents. If you are putting luggage on the car roof rack, a waterproof cover is mandatory. Even a heavy-duty garbage bag can serve as emergency waterproofing for your backpack.
Camera protection: Moisture is the enemy of camera gear. Keep silica gel packets in your camera bag. Remove CPL filters on overcast or rainy days as they reduce light further and can add unwanted color shifts. I have ruined plenty of shots by forgetting to take off my CPL in overcast conditions 🙂
Extra car essentials: Carry a spare pair of windshield wipers. It sounds excessive, but I have personally seen trips get derailed because old wipers stopped working in heavy rain and there was no replacement available for hundreds of kilometers. Also carry a tow rope, basic toolkit, and a full self-drive essentials kit.
Why Is Starting Early So Important During Monsoon?
I keep saying this on every Ladakh article, and I will say it again: sleep early and leave early. This is the single most important habit for a safe monsoon trip. Here is why it matters even more during monsoon:
Water crossings are smaller in the morning. Glacial melt peaks in the afternoon, so crossings that are ankle-deep at 7 AM can be waist-deep by 2 PM.
Landslides are more common after noon. As the sun warms the mountainsides and rain loosens the soil, the risk of rockfalls and landslides increases through the day.
You get a buffer for delays. If you leave at 5-6 AM and hit a roadblock, you still have daylight hours to wait it out or find an alternative. If you leave at 9 AM and get stuck, you might end up driving in the dark, which is dangerous on mountain roads.
Hence, starting early is not just a good habit in monsoon. It is a safety requirement.
How Many Buffer Days Should I Keep for a Monsoon Ladakh Trip?
At least 2-3 buffer days beyond your planned itinerary. This is non-negotiable for monsoon travel. I have been stuck behind landslides for a full day on multiple occasions. If your itinerary is packed neck-to-neck with no room for delays, you will spend the entire trip worrying about missing your return flight or train instead of enjoying the journey.
Here is how I plan buffer days: if my core Ladakh itinerary needs 8 days, I book 10-11 days of leave. The extra days absorb one major roadblock and still leave me relaxed. If everything goes smoothly, I use the extra days for local sightseeing in and around Leh or simply resting at a cafe in Leh market.
If you are flying in and driving one way, your buffer is naturally smaller. But even then, keep at least one extra day on the highway route. For those planning a round trip by road (Delhi-Manali-Leh-Srinagar-Delhi or vice versa), I strongly recommend 3 buffer days during monsoon.
What Are the Advantages of Visiting Ladakh in Monsoon?
It is not all doom and gloom. In fact, there are genuine advantages to a monsoon Ladakh trip that most people overlook:
Fewer crowds. July-August is when most Indians take their annual vacations, but many avoid Ladakh in monsoon due to road fears. This means popular spots like Pangong Tso, Nubra Valley, and Khardung La are noticeably less crowded compared to June or September.
Pleasant daytime temperatures. August in Leh has comfortable daytime temperatures of 20-30 degrees Celsius. Nights drop to 10-15 degrees in Leh, and can go lower at Pangong and Tso Moriri. It is warm enough to explore comfortably but not scorching.
Green landscapes. The little rain that Ladakh receives in August brings out patches of green in the otherwise barren brown landscape. The contrast of green valleys against stark mountains creates stunning photography opportunities.
All passes are open. By August, all high passes (Khardung La, Chang La, Tanglang La, Baralacha La) are fully open and clear of snow. You will not face snow-related closures within Ladakh itself.
What Permits and Practical Arrangements Do I Need?
The permit and practical requirements remain the same in monsoon as any other season, but here are the key things to sort before you leave:
Inner Line Permit (ILP): Indian nationals need an ILP for Ladakh to visit Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri, Hanle, and other protected areas. You can get it online before your trip or from the DC office in Leh. The process takes about 30 minutes in Leh.
EDF (Environmental Development Fee): As of 2026, the Ladakh EDF is Rs 400 per person plus Rs 20 per person per day plus Rs 10 Red Cross fee per day. This is payable in Leh and is mandatory.
Fuel: Fill up at every opportunity on the highway. The last fuel pump on the Manali side is at Tandi (32-35 km before Jispa). Inside Ladakh, Leh has multiple pumps, and a pump at Tangste (34 km before Pangong) opened in 2023. For Nubra Valley, Diskit has the only pump. Read my fuel availability guide for Ladakh for complete details.
Mobile connectivity: BSNL postpaid has the widest coverage across Ladakh, including Nubra and Pangong. Jio and Airtel have expanded to Leh city with 5G (as of 2024-2025), and Jio 4G works at Sarchu. Prepaid SIMs from outside states will not work. Read the complete mobile connectivity guide for location-wise details.
AMS precautions: Monsoon does not reduce the altitude, my friend. You still need proper acclimatization and AMS awareness. Spend at least one full day in Leh before venturing to higher passes.
Which Route Is Better for Ladakh in Monsoon: Manali or Srinagar?
This is one of the most common questions I get for monsoon trips. Here is my honest assessment:
Srinagar-Leh Highway is generally more reliable in monsoon. The road surface is better maintained, there are more habitation points for emergency stops, and the army presence ensures faster road clearance. The main risk zone is Zojila Pass, which can be a nightmare in heavy rain. But once past Zojila, the road through Drass, Kargil, and onward to Leh is usually manageable.
Manali-Leh Highway is more adventurous but riskier in monsoon. The water crossings between Jispa and Sarchu, the loose sections near Darcha, and the high passes (Baralacha La, Lachalung La, Tanglang La) all present challenges. If you take this route, I recommend halting at Jispa or Keylong instead of Sarchu for your first night stop. Sarchu is at 14,070 ft with AMS risk, and finding help there during a monsoon night is nearly impossible.
Flying to Leh is the safest option if monsoon road conditions worry you. You can fly into Leh and plan your itinerary from there, then drive one way out via either highway. This saves time and reduces monsoon road exposure to just one highway leg.
Video: Tips for a Ladakh Trip in August
If you prefer watching over reading, here is a quick video summary of these monsoon tips on the Discover With Dheeraj YouTube channel.
Quick Monsoon Checklist Before You Leave
Here is a quick reference checklist to review before your monsoon Ladakh trip:
- Check highway status and BRO updates 2-3 days before departure
- Add 2-3 buffer days to your itinerary
- Apply for Inner Line Permit online before the trip
- Pack rain jacket, waterproof shoes, gumboots (bikers), tarpaulins, dry bags
- Carry extra windshield wipers and a complete self-drive kit
- Fill fuel at every available pump, especially at Tandi (last before Jispa)
- Carry sufficient cash (ATMs can be unreliable in monsoon)
- Start each driving day before 6 AM
- Cross water crossings before 10 AM when water levels are lowest
- Carry a BSNL postpaid SIM for best coverage in Ladakh
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ladakh safe to visit in August?
Yes, Ladakh itself is safe in August as it receives very little rainfall due to being a rain shadow region. The main risks are on the approach highways (Manali-Leh and Srinagar-Leh) where landslides and water crossings can cause delays. With proper planning, buffer days, and an early start each day, August is a perfectly viable time to visit Ladakh.
Does it rain in Ladakh during monsoon?
Ladakh gets minimal rainfall during monsoon, typically under 15 mm in August in Leh. However, climate change has brought occasional cloudbursts and drizzles that were uncommon earlier. The lower hills on the approach routes (Manali to Keylong, Srinagar to Drass) receive heavy monsoon rain. Inside Ladakh, you might see overcast skies and light drizzles, but sustained heavy rain is rare.
Which is better for a monsoon trip: Manali-Leh or Srinagar-Leh Highway?
The Srinagar-Leh Highway is generally more reliable during monsoon. It has better road surfaces, more habitation points, and faster road clearance by the army. The Manali-Leh Highway has more water crossings and remote stretches where help is harder to find. However, both routes are doable with proper preparation and an early morning start each day.
Can I ride a motorcycle to Ladakh in August?
Yes, many riders successfully complete the Ladakh motorcycle trip in August. Carry gumboots for water crossings, waterproof panniers or dry bags for luggage, and a good rain suit. Start early each day and avoid crossing water streams after noon when glacial melt peaks. Read the water crossing tips for motorcycles before you go.
How many days should I plan for Ladakh in monsoon?
Plan at least 10-12 days for a road trip (Delhi-Manali-Leh-Srinagar-Delhi), including 2-3 buffer days for monsoon delays. If flying to Leh, 7-8 days is sufficient for covering Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, and local sightseeing. Add one extra day for acclimatization in Leh regardless of your mode of travel.
Are all roads inside Ladakh open during monsoon?
Yes, all internal roads in Ladakh (Leh to Nubra, Leh to Pangong, Leh to Tso Moriri) are fully open by July and remain open through September. All high passes including Khardung La (17,582 ft) and Chang La (17,585 ft) are clear of snow. The Nubra to Pangong direct route via Shyok is also open but can have landslide-prone sections near Agham during heavy rain in July-August.
Conclusion
A monsoon trip to Ladakh is not something to fear. It is something to prepare for. The roads will test you, the water crossings will make your heart race, and you might lose a day or two to a landslide. But you will also find fewer crowds, pleasant weather in Ladakh itself, and a sense of accomplishment that only a monsoon trip can bring.
If you found these tips helpful, feel free to share this article with friends or family who are planning a Ladakh trip in August or monsoon. And if you have your own monsoon trip experiences or additional tips, I would love to hear them in the comments or the DwD Community. Safe travels, my friend 🙂
Last Updated: March 2026
71 Comments
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hi dheeraj
I received lots of valuable tips from ur side in my last kinnaur trip last may, now we have a plan for ladakh trip in first week aug 17. reaching leh by air and ending @srinagar. covering leh-nubra-pangong-moriri-leh-kargil-srinagar. in 8 days. ur expert advice for the following
1. chance of rain in those areas
2. mobile network
3. ams
4. condition of srinagar (our return rout)
thanks in advanve
Hello Somnath,
1. Above article describe rain topic in details
2. Please refer: 10 Tips on Mobile Phone Connectivity in Leh – Ladakh
3. Do first few days as per 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 Sightseeing + 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
thanks for your quick response Dheeraj ji . we have a personalized package for 8 days. We need the information regarding leh srinagar route as we returning on that route.
Any specific question you have in mind for Srinagar – Leh route? Else you can also read: How to plan a journey on Srinagar – Leh Highway
Hi dheeraj,
Me and 8 of my friends are planning a trip to leh-ladakh on July first week.We are planning to rent 2 bikes and one car from Delhi and go to Leh via Manali and return via Srinagar to Delhi.We are planning a 14 day trip.What routes do u recommend or suggest?Can you suggest me an itinerary on the places I need to visit during tne travel.Is it going to be Cold during July time,do we need to carry proper woollen clothes?
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
Bikes rented outside Leh are not allowed for sightseeing inside Ladakh except Tso Moriri and Tso Kar lakes which can be done while going to Manali from Leh. Private bikes are completely allowed. You can use the outside rented bike to reach Leh but then for going to Pangong Tso, nubra Valley, etc.. you need to hire rented bikes from Leh only.
To know more about this rule and present situation, please refer the link: Bikes Rented Outside Leh Banned in Ladakh
This year as per reports, rule is going to be stricter. Manali rental guys have formalized a deal that for the days Manali bike is parked in Leh and Leh bike is rented, they will charge 50% of the rent of the bike. So, confirm with Manali rental guys first about this signoff.
For renting bikes in Leh – Ladakh along with current Bike Union Prices, you can check the DwD Community thread: Leh – Ladakh Bike Rental Rates 2016 – 17 & Rental Shops
Hi Dheeraj,
Thank you for the very helpful article. We are two people hoping to travel to Ladakh via Manali from Jaipur but are concerned about getting there due to the rains. What would you recommend in terms of transportation? A direct bus (Volvo) is available from Jaipur to Manali but some people have advised us against going since the roads may be washed out this season and so to be on a bus for 22 hour may be a bad idea. What is your opinion?
Also, to get home we are supposed to be taking a train on August 26 from Jammu Tawi back to our home in Sikkim. We are thinking that we may have to go an alternate way as to avoid that area. Is it possible to get on the train at a later stop?
Any advice is sincerely appreciated.
Hmm, 22 Hrs bus journey to me is always a bad idea unless you are not used to it. It would be much better to start the trip from Delhi to split the long journey so that you can enjoy in Manali once you reach there to an extent. Do not use any private volvos and book only GOVT HPTDC or HRTC volvos. Regarding rains, it is better to check the site yr.no to see forecast before a week of the trip in its long term forecast section for Manali.
For situation in Srinagar, the account of an individual member of DwD Community who got himself out from Srinagar a few days back and shared his suggestions: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/india/travel-news-updates/topic4531-10.html#p35618
For me safety always comes first but so better avoid the route incase the unrest still persist in the valley and come back from Manali only.
Hi, we a group of 8 people on a bike trip from Srinagar – Leh – Manali – Jammu…I want to know midst of recent unrest in Srinagar shall we go ahead with our plan or not. We already have booked our flight and bikes so any change in plan can seriously hurt our pockets.Since the curfew has been removed is it safe to continue to what we are upto? Please give your wise decision.
Please keep a tab on situation for next couple of weeks and then take a call. If things are smooth it should be OK else I will suggest to avoid it and go by Manali – Leh route.
Hi,
I want to travel to Leh (via Air) from 26 aug to 01 sep 16, along with my spouse , mom and baby (2.2 yrs) – Is it safe travelling with baby? He does not have any established illness. We had been to Manali via Car and he was fine. What precaution should we take? Please reply ASAP and if possible on below email id.
Thanks alot.
Hi Arun,
It depends on person to person to take the children of such age group because AMS do not matter with respect to age or sex or any fitness level. It can happen to anyone of any age or sex or fitness I shall say :D… The issue with children is that they tend to exert the body considering it the same kind of place they belong to and this elevates the chances of getting struck with AMS. Secondly, they are not much expressive about their uneasy feelings, so it is parents who need to watch out and take care that the child is not suffering from uneasy feelings, headache or nausea and is behaving properly. With less than 4 year child, I think he/she will also be NOT able to convey the uneasiness she may feel. You have to be vigilant and if you notice any such feeling or he/she tells you about such a feeling then please do not ascend anywhere, either descend to lower altitude or stay at the same place to watch things overnight and if symptom increase then start descending immediately. Same is applicable for any adult as well. And yes, do keep the body adequately hydrated!!
Also, PLEASE read the article: Traveling to Ladakh with Kids or Babies. This article covers this topic in complete detail.
With just 6 days in hand, you can follow the below plan:
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
Hello Dheeraj,
We are 2 persons planning our so wanted Leh/Ladakh road trip as follows, Delhi-Srinagar-Leh-Manali- Delhi.
We will start the trip on 31st July and planning to come back by 11th August, 2016. I read about the curfew in Sir Nagar, will be it safe to use Sri Nagar road by that time? i read the above comments though but we are starting beginning of August and there will be only 2 of us.
In case, we decide to drive through Manali, what are the interesting places to see on the way?
Your suggestions would be really welcomed and appreciated :). Thanks in advance for your kind help.
Cheers,
Neha
I will not suggest right now to go through Srinagar unless unrest settles for a few weeks. As per news reports, the things are still tensed. Manali – Leh Highway is the soul of any Ladakh trip and without it, any Ladakh trip is incomplete. So, you will be seeing abundance of things at almost every of the curve or side of mountains on Manali leh highway. You can also check: Places on Manali – Leh Highway | A Detailed Description
Thank you very much for your prompt reply. Much appreciated :).
Best wishes for the trip 🙂
We couple without kids re from ghaziabad planning for trip frm delhi
Owned 2012 model suv
But time is constraints for us
Can u whatsapp me on 9310167506
hi Dheeraj,
im planing to leave alone from Delhi on a SUV, to leh from manali side and driving back from srinagar side. I’ll be leaving this Tuesday i.e.19 july 16. just want to ask– is it safe in terms of quality of roads ?? and any special instruction?? or essential things- must have s??
Manu, the roads are OK, much better than last year on Manali – Leh Highway BUT, coming back from Srinagar side, please take care and only come if the unrest in the valley is eased out.
Hi dheeraj,
Is there any chance where we can find snow valley apart from khardungla pass. We will be visiting on 18th july.
Not really, apart from high altitude passes with patches of snow there will not be much snow present.
Hi Dheeraj,
I have to leave for Leh on friday 15th july, my plan was to go via srinagar and come back via manali.
As the condition of srinagar is not good, however the amarnath yatra has been started as per today’s news. Also if I go via manali I have to face heavy rains.
Please suggest what would be better.
Regards,
Piyush
I will suggest to have a word with some hotel guy in Srinagar and then take a call to go from Manali side. These things are dependent from person to person judgement call and what a person feels is OK to him or her given the circumstances. So, best is to talk to a local hotel guy in Srinagar and confirm about the ground situation in tourist places and Srinagar – Leh route. Having being stuck in riots/curfews myself at times, my personal suggestion will be to avoid unless unrest is over and take the Manali route.
Hi Dheeraj,
We are planning to reach Manali on 15th and then will be off to Leh on 16th via tempo traveller vehicle. How safe is it between Manali and Leh during rains? Have there been incidents in the past due to landslides?
Thanks
Anon, most of the things are ansewered in article above. Manali to Keylong/Jispa, you may need to face rains and challenges posed by it. Rest once you corss over Baralacha La, you should be OK in rain shadow region.
Recently (july 17-31, 2016) we visited Jammu-Srinagar-Leh return via Manali-Keylong.
Yes you can go via Manali-kaylong route. HImachal Roadways run a bus daily. from Kaylong to Leh is more than 12 hours travel. If rain in middle, some difficulty may be there. Also I understood that side not much heavy rain local people say. but you will not find any civilization or any vegetation etc. Every 100-150 km you will find small tent tea shop where you get something at higher rate. Chips here cost you 20 Rs. there it will cost Rs.30. Cool drink Rs10-15 extra. Desert Hill area. Some where, dangerous terrain. But you will see so many vehicle going/coming including Oil Tankers Srinagar route also not good now. . But you will enjoy the thrilling. Really Adventure.
Thank yo so much for the updates. I am sure it will help many others.
Hii Dheeraj
We request you to suggest us a detailed itinerary for our trip starting at 03 Sep 2016, 8 AM from SriNagar Airport and ending at 11 Sep 2016 6 PM in Manali. We have read your blog entirely but still confused about what to take and what to leave. Following points may be considered before suggesting us the plan:
1. We are a group of six person, age 30, fit body, all males from Shimla
2. None of us suffers from vomiting etc. during travel to higher mountains in Kinaaur, Chamba etc.
3. We have completed arduous Gangotri- Gaumukh trek (18 km each way) in a single day.
4. We are comfortable with sub zero temperature.
5. We wish to enjoy both SUVs & bike riding during the trip.
6. Our budget Rs. 2,40,000/- for all (negotiable up & down)
7. Do not wish to see srinagar local.
8. Wish to see all places enroute to leh via Kargil, at Leh itself, Nubra valley , Pangong Tso & Tso moriri, Sarchu & Keylong with camping at various places, local food etc.
9. We are not rigid in our plan except the arrival & departure time on 3rd & 11th of Sep 2016
Suggest us the best plan
Waiting for an early reply
Sir pl reply to me also when you find time..
Just replied.
Vishal you can follow the plan as below:
Day 1 | 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 2 | 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
— Sham Valley include Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, , Gurudwara Pather Sahib
— Overnight at Leh
Day 3 | 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 4 | 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 5 | 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 6 | 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 7 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on return to Leh
— Overnight at Leh
Day 8 | Leh – Taglang La – Moore Plains – Pang – Sarchu
— Stay overnight at Sarchu
Day 9 | 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
Hi Dheeraj Ji,
I have read most your posts but just wanted to get a confirmation from you. 🙂
We (group of 7 members) planned for Manali – Leh – Manali trip from 5th – 15th August by road.
1. I was wondering if you can help with sample itinerary for the same. [ we do have made one, but wanted to get it from someone who is more experienced than us] 🙂
2. Also wanted to know how the weather would be like during that time : (Too much rain or just cloudy)? [ my Major Concern].
3. I don;t think we need any kind of inner permits for (Nubra, Pangong) OR in Manali – Leh highway ?
4. Does bikes rented at Manali are allowed in Leh or for further journey ?
5. I have read over the search that we need to carry oxygen cylinder, is it the BIG one OR we can just do normal by the sprays/inhalers available at the cost of 300-400/- [if bigger one then can we get it on rent from Manali] ?
6. How much extra fuel approx. we need to carry from Manali? [assuming 4 bikes – RE 350]
7. Seeking for any kind of an extra advice during the journey.
Thanks in Advance, hoping for your response.
Hello Dheeraj,
Hope you got a chance to review my queries, awaiting response.
Thank you in advance 🙂
Just replied Ravi, let me know in case there is any further queries.
Hi Ravi,
I have read most your posts but just wanted to get a confirmation from you.
We (group of 7 members) planned for Manali – Leh – Manali trip from 5th – 15th August by road.
1. Please refer below
2. You can read the article above
3. You need permit to cross Rohtang Pass from Manali side. Rest no permits needed
4. No, you need to hire local rented Leh bikes to do sightseeing in Ladakh
5. Small canisters do no good at all. If you are carrying a bigger cyclinder that lasts around 4-5 Hrs at least
6. Make sure to carry around 10-15 Ltrs at the very least. Do not miss any fuel pump.
Here is the plan for 11 days on hand:
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 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 | 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 8 | Leh – Pangong Tso Lake – Leh
— Day trip to Pangong Tso
— Overnight at Leh
Day 9 | Leh – Taglang La – Pang – Sarchu
— Try to start early in the day so that you reach Sarchu where the accommodation options are better than Pang
— Overnight at Sarchu or Pang
Day 10 | 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 11 | Manali – Delhi
Thank you so much for your response. 🙂
This is really gonna help us for the entire trip.
What about the travel during Aug 18 – 27… Does monsoon is heavy during this period ?
Hi Dheeraj,
we are four people planning to visit leh from srinagar leh highway on 14th August. We will be taking taxi from srinagar to leh wit night stay at kargil. Can we hire bike for local sight seeing ,nubra valley,khardungla,pangong Tsa from leh? whether we should pre book our taxi from srinagar to leh?what will be an approximate fare?
Thanks
Hi Dheeraj,
I have trek to stok kangri from 23rd July to 31st July. Now I am planning to extend my stay by atleast 5 days to travel around. I prefer local transport. With your information I may not have bus for pangong and moriri, on my travel dates. However accordingly I may get a shared cab. Are the cabs/ Shared cab avail next morning ? I believe they return the same day.
Also can you please name budget homestays which you may recommend in leh.
Thanks a lot for the very valuable and insightful information. Indeed is poring.
Regards,
Vivek Upman
The shared taxis to Pangong Tso are available both for one day and two days as they are only by tourists only. Also, many travel agents also run tempo travellers and shared taxis which you can book a seat as well. Cheap Budget Hotels or Accommodation in Leh – Ladakh
Thank you INDEED. Best wishes…..
Hi Dheeraj
I am taking my bike (pulsar 180) to ladakh from srinagar route.
Please suggest if it’s fine to take this make to leh.
Also, my main concern is that my bike is registered on my real brother’s name.
I know that i will have to carry a NOC and a relationship proof or address proof of the registered owner.
But I am concerned how exactly do I get a NOC, is it a normal handwritten letter or is it some legal document.
Please suggest
Regards
Amit
Yes Amit, pulsar will do just great. You can get a document signed and notorized.
Ok thanks brother.
One last question. Is there a set format for the same (NOC) if yes, please share the link or something.
Sorry bhai, do not have any set format for it.
Hi Dheeraj,
I am from Firozpur Punjab. I am planning to go to Ladakh by my own maruti swift Dzire. We are four in numbers 2 males and our wives. We are planning to go in last week of august or 1st week of sept.. We have 5 days and could be stretched to 7 days. Your opinion?
Thanks you in advance!! 🙂
Rajan, It will take 4 days to reach Leh from Srinagar side starting from Delhi and 3 days to come back from Leh from Manali side to Delhi. This makes it 7 days. Are you sure you want to make this trip?
Thanks Dheeraj for your quick revert.. 🙂
We have postponed it right now and will plan in September so that we have enough time to enjoy the tour..
Thank you!
That is a good decision and September is most beautiful time to visit Ladakh
Hey Dheeraj,
We are 2 riders planning the trip from Delhi-Srinagar-Leh-Manali- Delhi.
We are planning to start the trip on 23rd July and coming back by 3rd August, 2016.
The rain in Leh region is predicted during that time, just wanted to know if the given days would be sufficient for the trip keeping couple of buffer days as well.
Any other suggestions for the trip would be welcomed.
Regards
Hi Rohit,
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 12 days. You can make two day trip to Nubra and Pangong Tso each in rest 4 days. So, it seems OK but then you are not left with any buffer days.
Thanks a ton brother
Hi Rohit,
I am also planning to go Leh on the same day, however, while coming back I am going to Spiti also. I am planning solo, will you mind if we can join together? If yes, my number is +91-9899607073, Prakash Sharma please do let me know.
Cheers! Prakash
Hey there! I’m planning on my first solo backpacking trip to Leh in August, 2016. I’m very confused on how to plan my trip. I have to book for my stay in Leh hotels for a minimum of three nights at least in advance because it’s very expensive otherwise. I’m on a budget and I’ll be in Ladakh for 4-5 days. The places I want to visit are Pangong Tso, Nubra valley, Khardung La. How do you reckon I should plan this trip so I can visit all of these places within a span of 5 days? Also what are the major places to see in Leh, how long should I spend in Leh? Should I book my hotel stay for four nights in Leh it self or just for two nights and spend one night in Pangong? As you can see, I’m very confused. Could you please help me out? Please get back to me asap. Thank you so much!
Hello Soundarya,
If you are making a budget trip, no need to make any bookings. There are plenty of home stays or guesthouses/homestays in Leh within the range of Rs 400-700 per day which you can easily get upon arrival with little search. You are alone/couple and private taxis are very costly in Leh but you will be able to find the shared taxi without much fuss at all. There are lots of flyers which people put at cafes, dine-ins, restaurants, travel agent desks/shops/whiteboards wanting to share the taxis for different trips within Ladakh. Even travel agent organize such shared taxis trip as well but charge a little higher about Rs 200-300 more than it would ideally cost. So, in worst case you can always go back to them and book a seat for yourself. Gelling up with people in Ladakh is more or less easy because many people travel solo and look forward to meet new people and share cultural thoughts and values over the trip. No where else in the world you will find more smiling and helpful people as Ladakhis are 🙂
Rest to reach Leh from Srinagar, you can either use shared taxi or JKSRTC bus service. For coming back to Manali, HRTC ordinary bus service is also there but HPTDC also offers a deluxe bus for tourists only including stay at Keylong in camps. So, you can opt too.
Man I’m going to hitchhike from manali to leh to shrinagar , is there anything to take care of ??
Nothing, just enjoy the road and company of many other travellers 🙂
Hi,
I am Planning to rent a bike from delhi but as you said. rented bike are not allowed to do sightseeing. but what if I can get a NOC for that bike?
Do we need to carry fuel with US.? and last question is 26aug to 4h sept 2016 is a god time to visit leh by road? 🙂
Anshul, they know the business of bike rentals better than we do 🙂 🙂 … So, even if you try to fake an NOC of a rented bike, they in most cases will be able to identify by one means or other. If not, you have a lucky day with unexperienced person. Though by end of August, rains start to ade away but still wise to follow tips mentioned in the article above. Regarding fuel, mostly not needed for usual routes.
Hi,
Thanks a lot for the suggestion 🙂 your are always helpful 🙂 experience count 🙂 .
Need one more suggestion from you. Is there any problem with the rented car (Zoom Car)? or that rule is only for rented bikes ?
After reading your “https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/best-time-travel-ladakh-zanskar-valley/” link. I have changed my travel plan from August to Sept 🙂
Thanks
Anshul
Hi,
I got the answer 🙂 by this link ” https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/rented-self-drive-cars-in-leh-ladakh-banned-other-updates/”
Thanks
Anshul
You got the answer I know 🙂
Thanks Dheeraj. I am riding my own bike , its kerala registered. Also you know how is the condition of Jammu – Srinagar highway ? Is it raining there now ? Also how long will be the road remain closed ?
It should be fine in that case. Roads remain closed from few hours to couple of days but mostly depend upon extent of damage occurred.
Thanks for reply Dheeraj
Hope to have a safe trip. we are leaving on 5th August from Bangalore and back from Leh on 13th and we have a week. Plan is to explore Himachal Pradesh/Uttarakhand. Hope the monsoon is kind with us.
Best wishes for the trip, please take care and do check for heavy rains predictions.
I am planning to ride bike from Chandigarh to Srinagr and then to leh on next week. Is there any issue like non JK vehicles to enter in Srinagar. And is there any chance for road blocks in Jammu – Srinagar highway due to rain or landslides ?
Thanks in advance
Very useful
Thank you 🙂
Joby, you will be allowed to reach Leh on outside rented bike but you cannot do sightseeing in LAdakh to Nubra, Pangong Tso on outside rented bike. You will have to take Leh registered bike to visit these places. Regarding road blocks, if it rains, well, yeah it might close.