Should I travel to Ladakh from Srinagar or Manali? Or should I travel from Manali to Ladakh and come back from Srinagar side? It is one of the most common questions on my blog, and I will write a detailed article on this topic today.
Every year in May – June, the heavenly place called Leh Ladakh open its door, and lots of adventure travel freaks hit the highways to the Himalayas from various parts of India to live their adventure of the year. The ride or drive to this adventure-filled journey to Leh Ladakh is nothing less than an adventure pilgrimage.
Download your FREE high-resolution version pdf copy of this infographic guide to learn why to choose Srinagar – Leh Road over Manali – Leh Road?. 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:
Should you travel to Ladakh from Srinagar Leh Highway?
Well, this is the most recommended suggestion I give on my blog that you should always travel to Ladakh from Srinagar Leh Highway and come back from Manali Leh Highway. I seldom share the reason in detail why do I suggest to travel to Ladakh in this direction.
Many folks also suggest or argue that traveling to Ladakh from Manali side is more adventurous and beautiful than travel in the direction from Leh to Manali side.
I will say, it depends upon with whom you are traveling and what kind of traveler are you? If you are alone/solo adventure traveler used to situations of getting stuck or returning in the middle, well the answer is you can give it a try.
However, if you are traveling to Ladakh with family or a kind of a traveler who prefers low risks and more comfort plus, then better travel to Ladakh from Srinagar side and comes back from the Manali side.
Still, not answered? Let’s look into more details.
I will try to enlist five reasons below why I suggest traveling to Ladakh from Srinagar to Leh over Manali to Leh direction.
1. Better Acclimatization, Less Health Trouble
When you travel to Ladakh via Srinagar Leh Highway, you ascent in altitude in a gradual manner. This means that your body gets more time to get acclimatized for the high altitude of Leh and you feel much better plus relaxed upon reaching there.
Always remember, when traveling to high altitude places such as Ladakh, the more acclimatized your body is, the less health (acute mountain sickness) issues you will face. And when you travel to Ladakh from Srinagar – Leh Highway, it indeed holds true and hence a good reason to prefer it over Manali Leh Highway.
If you start your Ladakh trip via Manali – Leh Highway then most of the terrain runs over 4000 Mtrs of altitude (you hit above 5000 Mtrs on the second day itself). Hence, by the time you reach such a high altitude, your body is not properly acclimatized. Traveling becomes a bit harsh on Manali Leh road.
So, there is a very high chance of falling sick due to AMS and ruining the trip altogether or returning in the middle. When you are traveling with family including children or old age people, going via Srinagar – Leh Highway makes even much more sense.
Read all about Acute Mountains Sickness and Importance of Acclimatization including some very important tips on how to prevent it. Even if you choose to travel from Srinagar Leh Highway, it does make sense to read this article.
2. Better Enjoyment of Views on Manali Leh Highway
As I said, many people argue that going from Manali Leh Highway to Ladakh offers much more scenic views than the other way round. I have covered Manali Leh Highway in the last decade years from all directions. Although I do agree to the extent that the views may be better it has to do with excitement and seeing such views early in the trip.
However, you should first ask yourself that “Is it worth risking (even about 30%) the AMS, fatigue or turning back in the middle of the trip ruining the entire Ladakh trip?”. If you say, yes, it is worth the risk, then go ahead.
When you travel to Ladakh from Srinagar – Leh Highway and then do sightseeing within Ladakh, your body gets very much acclimatized to the high altitude of Manali – Leh Highway. Hence, rather than worrying about your health, you definitely enjoy the beauty and explore Manali – Leh Highway in a much better way as compared to when you travel the other way round.
If you are traveling via Manali Leh Highway in a tweaked manner and get stuck at some high altitude pass (there are five passes on the way) due to some mechanical failure or landslide or road blockage, it will mean some serious trouble for you.
Without proper acclimatization, there are high chances of worsening the symptoms if you prolong your stay at such high altitudes. This may cause some serious health issues at one of the remotest places where even help would be hard to find for a long time. You know what it could mean.
Having said all that, I am not scaring you at all to travel on Manali Leh Highway. Rather, my job is to help you understand the risks and make an informed decision.
You should always carry your water bottle and refill it as many times as you need water. It will not only keep you hydrated always, but you will also help in saving the Himalayas from plastic garbage. Remember, every tiny step counts and your step in this direction can help save the Himalayas too !! 🙂 🙂
3. Evenly Balanced Travel Distance and Time on Manali – Leh Highway
In order to combat acute mountain sickness issues, many travelers going via Manali – Leh Highway tweak the itinerary and tend to sleep at Keylong or Jispa (about 120 KMs from Manali) at the first night. Then they start very early in the next morning from Keylong or Jispa to reach Leh (about 350 KMs from Keylong) by nightfall.
Sarchu about 222 KMs from Manali, almost a midpoint, is almost at a height of 4200 Mtrs and causes some, mountain sickness issues many times to many travelers. Hence, the travelers prefer/suggest breaking the journey into 25:75 ratio when you travel to Ladakh via Manali – Leh Highway and still you feel heavy head/nausea in many cases.
All these tweaking means you will have less time on the second day to thoroughly enjoy the views on Manali Leh Highway as you are covering the distance of Keylong to Leh in about 10-12 hrs in a single day. Hence, you make a rushed journey on Manali Leh Highway when you travel in such a direction. Of course, if you travel to Ladakh by Manali to Leh bus service, you do not have any choice in either direction of travel.
However, if you are traveling from Srinagar – Leh Highway and coming back from Manali – Leh Highway, you are acclimatized in a much better way to sleep at the high altitude Sarchu where you find good accommodation as well.
Hence, halting your journey at Sarchu means, you divide the overall 474 KM long journey of Manali Leh Highway very much evenly between the two days.
What does it mean?
It means that you enjoy the journey of Manali Leh Highway over two days of evenly traveled distance and time. So, you can capture the views in both directions easily rather than rushing through the journey.
4. Better Placement of Tso Moriri Lake in the Itinerary
As you can see in my most recommended itinerary for Leh Ladakh followed by many travelers including me, if you travel towards Manali from Leh then you can better place Tso Moriri lake in your itinerary and save a day for you.
You should not visit Tso Moriri while coming from the Manali side because first, you will not have any permits and secondly, even if you get the permits somehow your body will not be acclimatized to sleep at a very high altitude of Tso Moriri lake.
So, you will have to go to Leh first, get the permits for Tso Moriri, do all your sightseeing in Leh Ladakh and then visit Tso Moriri from Leh. Finally, then again, go back to Leh from Tso Moriri to exit from Srinagar – Leh Highway. All it means is that you should have one more day in your Ladakh itinerary.
Since you can always exit from Tso Moriri lake towards Manali via Tso Kar lake over Manali Leh Highway, it gives more flexibility to place it in the itinerary when you travel from Leh towards Manali.
For more details, you can check this comprehensive Travel Guide of Tso Moriri.
5. No worries of Manali – Rohtang Pass Permits for Non-HP Vehicles
In 2011, the Himachal government floated a strange rule which disallowed any non-HP vehicle (now) including two-wheelers (bike/scooters) to ply on Manali to Rohtang Pass road. The GOVT. stated that this rule was brought into effect to regulate un-necessary traffic plying on Manali – Rohtang Pass road and make the traffic situation a bit better.
Later the blanket ban was lifted and only 1200 tourist vehicles are permitted on Rohtang Pass every day. You have to get the Rohtang Pass permit to visit Rohtang Pass from Manali now.
For the people going past Rohtang Pass towards Lahaul or Spiti Valley or further to Leh Ladakh, the rule required to get a Beyond Rohtang Pass permit which is available online or using the mobile app now. If you plan to rent a bike, this will mean a delayed start from Manali as it required you to provide vehicle RC number to apply for Beyond Rohtang Pass permit.
The FUNNY thing about this Rohtang Pass rule is that only vehicles going from Manali towards Rohtang Pass need that permit but any vehicle coming from Rohtang Pass (i.e Leh Ladakh or Lahaul Spiti) to Manali do not require any permit.
Hence, if you are coming from Leh Ladakh towards Manali or Spiti Valley to Manali, you do not need any permit to cross Rohtang Pass 🙂 .. Yes, weird but true.
So, you can see by traveling from Srinagar to Leh to Manali, you save yourself from the political hassles of getting Rohtang Pass permit. However, by 2018, the Rohtang Pass permit process has matured a lot, and now the permit is available using the mobile app as well.
Itinerary for Ladakh from Srinagar Leh Highway
It will take four days to reach Leh Ladakh from Srinagar side starting from Delhi with stopovers at Jammu, Srinagar, Kargil, and three days to come back from Leh from Manali side to Delhi with stopovers at Sarchu, Manali. Finally, a day is required to sleep overnight in Leh for acclimatization. This plan makes it eight days.;
So, you can add three more days to make a three day trip to Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso by traveling directly to Pangong Tso from Nubra Valley.
Here is the basic flow of this travel plan
- Day 1 | Delhi – Jammu / Patnitop
- Day 2 | Jammu / Patnitop – Srinagar
- Day 3 | Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil
- Day 4 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
- Day 5 | Leh Local Sightseeing + Acclimatization + Permits
- Day 6 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
- Day 7 | Hunder / Diskit – Shyok route – Pangong Tso
- Day 8 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
- Day 9 | Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang
- Day 10 | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring (Manali – Leh Highway starts) – Moore Plains – Pang / Sarchu
- Day 11 | Pang / Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
- Day 12 | Manali – Delhi
To answer it in the end
As we learned, going to Ladakh from Srinagar Leh Highway will be much easier on your body, help you acclimatize to the high altitude of Manali – Leh Highway, enjoy the beauty of Manali Leh at an easy pace and will allow you to fit Tso Moriri lake into your Ladakh itinerary in a better way.
I think it is a matter of getting to see such majestic views early in the trip v/s getting used to such barren yet beautiful landscapes upfront within Ladakh and then making a trip over Manali Leh Highway.
Video | Why travel to Ladakh from Srinagar side?
Don’t have time to read the full article? Check this less than 3-minute video on Discover With Dheeraj YouTube Channel to understand why you should choose Srinagar Leh Highway over Manali Leh Highway. If you like my video, please do not forget to SUBSCRIBE to my YouTube channel.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed this article and now understand why we should choose to travel to Ladakh from Srinagar – Leh Highway and opt to travel on Manali – Leh Highway while you return from Leh Ladakh towards home 🙂
Have a travel question?? You can subscribe to my YouTube channel and leave a comment to ask your travel questions about traveling to the Himalayas.
If you have been to Ladakh before, I would love to know your thoughts too on choosing Srinagar – Leh over Manali – Leh in the comments section of this article below. In case, you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment or connect with me on Instagram.
If you know your friends or family are planning a trip to Ladakh, do share this article with them to help them make a memorable Ladakh trip.
1,041 Comments
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I with my friend will travel from Jammu to Leh on a RE Thunderbird350 from 1st aug-13th aug. Route: Jammu-Srinagar-Kargil-LEH-Keylong-Manali-Delhi. What r the documents and permissions needed..?
Goutam, you will not need any permit for this route. There is a form which is available at all photostat shops in Leh which should be filled and deposited at checkposts on route to sightseeing in Ladakh.
I can join from jammu onwards i am with fz 16 and plannig to go alone please mail me on vinaysangwan95@gmail.com
Sir ham 13 august ko delhi se leh ka plan kar rhe h via sinagar to kya ham dream yuga 135cc se ja skte h aur usk bad waha se pangong lake..
Yes Raaj, ja sakte ho. Bas, 1-2 din buffer mein lekar jana because of rains.
Hello,
We are leaving in delhi and planning to go to kashmir leh ladak and manali, and our plan is of approx. 10 days and we are planning to go by bike. So which is best route so that we cover allmost all of the tourist support and enjoy it completely.? And whether bullet 350 is good for it or not?? And can you best time for it i mean which month is best so that we get access to every spot.
September will be the best time. 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.
Is going by bullet 350 a right option? And we can increase days so please can u tell me whole plan?? So that all spots could be covered. and can u also tell the approx. Budget of this trip.
YEs, bullet is good to go. 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.
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
And also a big thanks to giving information and helping us making the plan
Pleasure is all mine 🙂
HI Dheeraj,
First of all a big thanks for all the information you have shared here. I want to make this journey alone in mid of August. So I would like to know whether it is a good time or not. Secondly I want to know if there are any tour agency who also provide bikes on rent along with the package. And one more thing, as it will be extreme cold in those area can one consume alcohol on the way.
Thanks a lot
Hi Anshuman,
1. Well, August is monsoons and you will have to go through the monsoon hassles in lower hills while in Ladakh being rain shadow, there will not be much issues
2. you can connect with info@offbeatescapes.com as most of the readers in the past three years have had very good feedback about them and especially their transparent policies along with being there with you all the time in need. So, we trust them the most (please note that DoW except reliable reference has nothing to do with them so please don’t copy/mail us :))…
3. No, August is a pleasant time in Ladakh. You should not consume alcohal in high altitude as it affects body ability to acclimatize.
Hi Dheeraj,
We are planning a trip to Leh in the month of August.
Can you please share your number, require some suggestions.
Unable to get proper itinerary till now.
How many days do you have in hand?
Will be reaching Delhi by 12:00 hours on August 5th and should return back to Delhi airport by August 15th 15:00 hours.
Effectively we have 9 complete days.
Please guide.
Hi Dheeraj I am going to leh in the monthe of 5 August if you going You can join me
Hi Dheeraj !!!
I wanted to go by Jupiter 125 cc scooter , is it possible ? please suggest.
Yes Rajesh, have known people who have done it.
Thanks for reply,Can you share number, so that I can get better idea please.
Hi Dheeraj,
We are planning a road trip to leh via Srinagar starting from June 9 till June 21. I had a few queries and would be really grateful if you could provide your suggestions.
1.Have heard about some terrorist activities in Srinagar. So is it still safe to go from there.
2.Secondly we are taking our friend’s car but I read in your post that we can’t take personal vehicle beyond Leh, I mean to pangaong and Nubra if the Car owner is not present. However some people suggest that you can take it provided you have some document which verifies that the vehicle isn’t hired for commercial purpose. So what should we do?
3. Which route should be best Chandigarh- Manali- Leh or Srinagar-Leh. Have heard about some terrorist activities in Srinagar lately so is it safe?
Hello Gitanshu,
1. Mostly tourist areas remain unaffected. You can check with hotels for present situations
2. You should take it I will say but carry a NOC notary signed saying no commercial use. This might help if confronted.
3. I always prefer to go from Srinagar side and come back from Manali side as you can read the article above.
Hi Dheeraj,I am planning for trip to Srinagar,sonamarg, leh-ladakh for 10 days with my 6 friends from rented car innova, which i starts from Agra on 10th june. can you please suggest us the best route to go there. right now we plan it via manali. we want best nature experience in this trip & please tell the adventurous place to visit in Kashmir & leh – ladhak.
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.
Hi Dheeraj,
Very informative blog. Have read through few links and comments of yours and got most of my queries answered. However the Leh-Manali or Manali-Leh is bit troubling me either way since I dont have Srinagar in my plan. I can fly from Delhi to Leh direct and travel to Manali or the reverse way. Im worried entering Leh directly could also make me sick from day 1 with the high altitude problem, or the body should just get used to it in 2 days. So tats the worrying part of getting directly into Leh. I understand the Manali – Leh route problems as given in your blog. My question is which would be more worser?
Im planning the trip from Sep 2 – Sep 11 (including to and fro delhi). I have 3 months of time to prepare and stay fit. Hoping general cardio, some running and strength training would help me stay fit for the trip.
Thanks a ton dheeraj.
Please let me knkw only the travel expenses while traveling from manali to leh.
Can you also help with the transport facilities present from manali. Bus or taxi fare?
Hi dheeraj,
Please help me with the shortest route to reach leh from jalandhar(punjab) and the approx expenditure.
Sahil, the shortest route will be from Manali to Jispa, then Jispa to Leh. Budget depends upon how many days you are planning. Keep around 1200 per person per day for food + stay.
Hi Dheeraj, I plan to do a trip in August with my sister. Plan as of now – fly Delhi to Srinagar and then travel on to Leh and return via Manali. However, we want to take public transport where ever possible to ensure we are within budget. We want to do this in 8-9 days. Please suggest what is best? Thanks!
Whole route is connected bu buses as well as shared taxis and HPTDC buses. You can very well do it. 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 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
Many thank to you for your article and prompt responses to all the travelers’ queries. It can work like an encyclopedia for Leh/Ladakh travelers.
I along with a friend intend to do a circle from Delhi via Sri Nagar to Leh and return via Manali in August / September this year. I own a small car Toyota Liva. Do you recommend taking a small car on this route? I have driven the same up to Rohtang earlier and have been to Keylong earlier in 1997 on a Maruti Zen. I can imagine the route will be difficult. But have you seen small cars running on this route?
Thank you Mohit. For hatchback/sedan taking on Manali – Leh Highway Or Spiti Valley via Manali Or Ladakh, please refer the link: FAQ | Can I do Leh – Ladakh / Spiti / Manali – Leh trip in Hatchback or Sedan? for more details.
Many thanks for the link….
Dheeraj ji
I am planning fr the 5th of augus.we want to start from delhi travelling by self driven xuv.
Looking fwd to your kind response
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
You can check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate (cheap budget hotels as well) in the series of articles starting on the link here
For the list of good restaurants in Leh – Ladakh or eateries or food joints where food is enjoyed by many travellers including me, you can check the link here: List of Good Restaurants in Leh – Ladakh | Restaurant Reviews
Check the list of things to carry for Leh – Ladakh or other trip including basic medical kit, clothing, must haves etc. at the link here: List of Things to Carry for Leh – Ladakh trip.
To know about AMS and acclimatization including the tips to combat AMS, please DO READ: Acute Mountain Sickness and Importance of Acclimatization
Dheeraj ji . Ihave read almost all articles and replies given in by you .
well I would request you to help me with an itenary since I am planning to Ccover kashmir and leh in my trip . Sir this is my much awaited trip to my country after years would be highly obliged if you can help me with the same . We are planning to travel by road. In the month of August . A much awaited trip to my country india after years need your guidence. Please help .
Ekta, for sure I will be able to help. But, please let me know your days in hand, what will be the starting point, the mode of transport.
Hey Dheeraj,
We will be travelling to Leh via new delhi on June 9.
The route is as follows : Delhi – Patnitop – Srinagar – Kargil – Leh – Nubra – Pangong – Jispa – Solang – Delhi.
We will reach delhi back late night on 19th June.
I was just wondering, that is it totally safe to travel via Srinagar – Leh Highway ?
Thanks
Regards
Sourabh Madan
Dear Dheeraj,
Thank you very much for this wonderful blog, I could not find any guide book that would cover this are any better! Nevertheless, I have one question, I could not find an answer for on your blog:
We are doing a round trip in July from Delhi for one month. Since you write at every opportunity that it is better do do it Delhi – Shrinagar – Leh – Manali – Delhi, we would of course do it. Just one problem: my brother joins us for only two weeks (a bit jetlagged since he is coming from Europe). So or we do it the other way around trying to acclimatize as long as possible on the way up and hoping that nothing goes wrong or he just gets to see the first half and misses Leh-Manali. How bad is the latter? I mean: does Delhi-Shrinagar and maybe until Leh make up for missing Manali-Leh? He can’t join us in Leh, I guess, because he would need too long to acclimatize since from Leh we of course want to go to Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso. So: How are the beauties in comparation????
Thanks a ton!
Best, Caroline
Hello Caroline,
Since, he is visiting for two weeks, can;t he fly into Leh from Delhi? Or may be fly to Srinagar travel on his own to Leh from Srinagar? This will mean you guys just need to overlap 2-3 days in one or other way. If he flies into Leh, he will need two days of acclimatization before going to Nubra Valley with you guys and if he flies in to Srinagar and then travel to Leh in 2 days, he will need 1 day of acclimatization in Leh. Then you can cover Leh to Manali journey together.
Dear Dheeraj,
thank you so much for your quick answer – I checked back with my brother, he can only come in the first two weeks. But I figured out that we can reach Leh in that time. So I still have to decide: or he sees Manali-Leh (in that direction) or Dharamsala, Srinagar, Kargil and Leh (and maybe Nubra Valley) or the second part (with difficulties at adaption to height). How would you decide???
Thank you so much!
Caroline
hi Dheeraj,
Your tips and plan are perfect and very helpful but i have a query i may be taking either of the routes due to timing and budget constraint but v r 6 ppl and carrying our own Tents, is it safe to camp and stay overnight ? any changes in that case ? pls help
Hitesh please read: Top 10 Tips for Camping in Ladakh & Spiti Valley
Hello Sir,
I live in Chandigarh. Me and my friends are going to visit Leh-Ladakh for a trip in June. We are going by road and we have booked our flight for return journey from Srinagar – Chandigarh.
1. Our initial plan was to travel through manali – sarchu – Leh route. Please suggest if it is a good route and anything we can add to this. You may also suggest us any alternate route if it is better and more convenient.
2. We are 8 in person. I need your recommendation as to which vehicle / transport service we should prefer.
*Note (7 of my friends will be joining me from Chennai through a flight.)
Hallo Manish,
1. You can read the article above and understand why it is not suggested to travel from Manali side.
2. 8 you should go for small tempo traveller or winger type of vehicle to save cost and travel together else book two taxis which will be costly but much comfortable.
some people r going leh ladakh in month of 5 June manali road choose by bullet
Yes Surinder ji, Manali – Leh will open by that time of the year.
hi. me and my husband are planning this trip and we want to know transport options. we are not bike fans and choose a car with a driver cum guide to commute. we want to start our journey from Srinagar and end the journey in Manali ( as suggested by you). the date we are looking forward are from 23rd August to 2nd September.
You are a 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 🙂
HI Dheeraj,
Thanks for such a nice article. Me and three other friends are planning to visit leh- ladakh sometime between june end to first week of july. We are from kolkata and will be going through Delhi. Can we follow the same route as suggested by you in the previous request-
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
— 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 – Pangong Tso – Leh
— Do not plan to stay overnight at Pangong Tso as you will not be acclimatized and may fall sick. So, make a day trip only.
— Overnight at Leh
Day 7 | Leh – Taglang La – Moore Plains – Pang – Sarchu
— Stay overnight at Sarchu
Day 8 | 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
Just to add, we want to witness snow and it would be better if you can suggest where we can get snow covered snaps.
Ankit, the above plan looks fine. You can also stay overnight at Pangong tso and next day leave at 5 AM for Sarchu to make your time more count in Pangong Tso.
Hi Ankit,
Me and some of my friends are planning a similar trip in June from Kolkata. Can we tag along together? I guess that would give us a better budget. My mail: soumyadipto.ghose@gmail.com
Thanks
Hello Dheeraj,
Me n my 5 friends are planning to go on Delhi-Srinagar-Kargil-Leh-Ladakh-Manali_delhi route. we are planning to take a car for rent from Delhi and reach Leh via mentioned route. From Leh as outside rent cars are not allowed for sight seeing we are planning to take Bikes for covering Leh and ladakh. and after that return via manali to Delh in car. This is our plan. planned dates are May 9th-20th (Delhi to Delhi).
Is This a good plan? Please suggest any changes if needed.
Thank you
Rashik, seems like a good plan I will say. You already have taken care about outside rental car issu.
Will the routes be open on mentioned dates. (as the snowfall is low this year).
Srinagar – Leh Highway will be open for sure but for Manali – Leh Highway though tentative dates are mid of May but you never know with the freaking weather now a days.
Dheeraj, Could you please take a look at the below link, our Detailed Itinerary.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1HT3anYJx844yoatxZu0ZVwvmI46NYMAxSFYCtVjvH1s/edit?usp=sharing
Just wanted to know if we can use the rented car to go from Leh to Tso moriri on our way back to manali. Would there be any issue with Taxi union?
Yes, there will be very much issues if you plan to do it. The taxi guys who will see you up there will surely create ruckus as you will not be following the rules forced by them.
Hi Dheeraj,
First of all I would like to thank you for putting such a valuable information all together. My friends and I are planning a 7 day trip to Leh, on our own bikes on first week on June this year. I have few questions to ask:
1. What are the best options to transport our bikes from Delhi (where some of my friends are staying) and Chandigarh (where I am staying) to Manali or Sundernagar (Where I have a relative’s address to deliver them) as I have heard that rented bikes don’t go very well many times.
2. As the number of days are less, what you suggest, should we start from Manali – Leh highway or Start from Srinagar – Leh highway and back to manali (in this case also suggest bike transportation options to srinagar).
3. Can we take along our tents, sleeping bags etc and do camping somewhere like Jispa (along river side, Sarchu or anywhere else in between the Journey).
4. How early we have to book hotels in Manali, Srinagar, Leh etc before the Trip.
5. Can we do all the sightseeing in Ladakh by just staying at one hotel/gues house or they are far away that we have to book 2-3 places to roam around places like Pangong , Morri etc.
Thanks in advance.
Hi Ranjan,
Before answering anything, 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. 1 Day is required in Leh for acclimatization. And you have just 7 days?
I have excluded the time from Delhi to Srinagar and from Back Manali to Delhi. We have 7 days from Srinagar to come back to Manali.
In that case you can add one more day to make it 8 and follow the way it is mentioned 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
— 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 – Pangong Tso – Leh
— Do not plan to stay overnight at Pangong Tso as you will not be acclimatized and may fall sick. So, make a day trip only.
— Overnight at Leh
Day 7 | Leh – Taglang La – Moore Plains – Pang – Sarchu
— Stay overnight at Sarchu
Day 8 | 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
I love the plan of 7-8 days Srinagar-Leh-Manali tour. @Dheeraj, could you suggest any bike tour group for the same? Me and my wife are planning for the same this late Aug/early Sep.Thanks in advance.
Hello sir
I am planning a trip with friends to leh via srinagar-leh-manali on my own Royal enfield in May 2016
please give me some suggetion like best time to go
where to go and what mistakes not to do
any kind of suggetions will be appritiated
Thax
Hi Gurpreeet, best time is September when colors are beautiful. Please read: Top 12 Myths About Traveling to Ladakh and 9 Mistakes People Commit on a Ladakh Trip
Hello friend
I will plan to go leh via manali leh highway in 13th May 2016 with my family. Is it possible to open this highway? If no , what is the other options to reach the leh from manali or near city.
Sarvesh with family during the initial days of opening of Manali – Leh Highway that too if at all it opens this year, I will not advice you the journey. You should try either to push the trip by a month or go from Srinagar side and return from Manali side after enquiring the conditions of Manali – Leh
Hi Dheeraj,
I was planning on the same trip to Leh for June. Can you please suggest that are there any bike rentals which you might know of, in Srinagar, who give you the service of taking the bike from Srinagar and then leaving them at Manali? I think services who have their offices at both the places must be giving such services, isnt it?
Hi Himanshu,
There is no such service or rental agency.
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 2015 – 16 & Reliable Shops
The one way bike rental is quite costly and leave a big dent in pocket for you, sometimes like 12K for just the pickup from Manali. Be sure if you are ready to make that investment or not or if at all it is worth the money spent. My suggestion is unless you are hard core biker and cannot live up the passion of biking, it is not wise to spend that much money just for the pickup of bike.
I will suggest that you go through the articles mentioned under the DwD Community thread for bike trip to Ladakh or any other part of Himalayas at the link: All About Bike Ride to Ladakh & Himalayas. This will help you cover almost all your queries related to bike trip to Ladakh or Himalayas.
For Srinagar bike rental you can refer the link: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/india/ladakh-zanskar-travel-guides/outside-rented-bikes-banned-ladakh-t1009-50.html#p12858
Hi Dheeraj,
We are planning a bike trip through the route in july this year , “delhi – manali – leh – pongong – khardungla – tso moriri – kargil – srinagar- delhi”…we are planning that we can hit this (without any buffer days) in 15 days, is it possible to do within this time frame??
OR, can we suggest minimum how many days required to do this?
we have some confusions actuully.
RBK, the time window is fine BUT…
Firstly, I will suggest you that please plan it in other direction as going via Srinagar – Leh Highway will be much much easier on your body and help you acclimatize to the high altitude of Manali – Leh Highway. Also, it allows you to enjoy the beauty of Manali – Leh by splitting the journey almost evenly in two days which is very difficult in the other direction. Thirdly, it will allow you to fit Tso Moriri lake into the itinerary in better way. You can read more reasons on the link here
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
Thanks Dheeraj.
To complete the complete circuit in 15 days, will it cause hurry everywhere ? e.g. hurry in riding, sightseeing, taking rest and all?
we are mostly like to start from delhi to srinagar instead of delhi to manali, considering the facts and advantages of this route over the other one. Actually i am planning to hire a bike from delhi for this complete round trip, any referrence for bike rental and other information will help a lot. Currently checking with SHB guys for a KTM duke 200.
you can write to me directly at borkakoty09@gmail.com
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 2015 – 16 & Reliable Shops
The one way bike rental is quite costly and leave a big dent in pocket for you, sometimes like 12K for just the pickup from Manali. Be sure if you are ready to make that investment or not or if at all it is worth the money spent. My suggestion is unless you are hard core biker and cannot live up the passion of biking, it is not wise to spend that much money just for the pickup of bike.
I will suggest that you go through the articles mentioned under the DwD Community thread for bike trip to Ladakh or any other part of Himalayas at the link: All About Bike Ride to Ladakh & Himalayas. This will help you cover almost all your queries related to bike trip to Ladakh or Himalayas.
thanks for the helpful article. We are driving up from Bangalore to Leh in May (given the snowfall has been much less this year and the roads are supposed to be open by April end), and want to travel via Delhi-Srinagar.
We have not gone on that road before, so would need some possible itinerary. We plan to reach Delhi in two days and from there we want to know what kind of time it takes to reach Srinagar and from there to Leh. A breakup of how much to do per day will help. On the plains we are used to doing about 1000-1200 kms in a day, so we are seasoned travelers, but need info about the hills. a realistic estimate will help. Thanks so much.
Arijit, please stay tuned to the road conditions thread as snow has started to pileup now even being having less snowfall in winters. In case March, we have lot of snow, the plan can go hayway. I am sharing a plan below but it will always be at mercy of road conditions.
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.
Hi, We are also planning for Leh-Ladakh trip in May end and want to know details. Any information would help our trip.
Thanks.
Veena, what help are you looking about. Travel Plan, hotel stays, any general quires?
I am planning a road trip from manali to leh on 3rd june dis year 2016. Is it safe to go from this route on these dates..??
Hi Bhuvan,
Yes, it is fine to travel and most likely the road of Manali – Leh gets open. Firstly, I will suggest you that please plan it in other direction as going via Srinagar – Leh Highway will be much much easier on your body and help you acclimatize to the high altitude of Manali – Leh Highway. Also, it allows you to enjoy the beauty of Manali – Leh by splitting the journey almost evenly in two days which is very difficult in the other direction. Thirdly, it will allow you to fit Tso Moriri lake into the itinerary in better way. You can read more reasons on the link here
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
You can check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate (cheap budget hotels as well) in the series of articles starting on the link here
HAi Dheeraj,
Brother v r planning a road trip from manali to Kashmir. Actually am from Kerala. So v r looking to take bike rent from manali. Can u pls help us to get the correct formalities , rent amount , v want to pay any advance to get the bike. August v r planning is it good time? Please help me brother with ur exprnce and with ur advice.
Jenu
Hello Jenu,
Firstly, I will suggest you that please plan it in other direction as going via Srinagar – Leh Highway will be much much easier on your body and help you acclimatize to the high altitude of Manali – Leh Highway. Also, it allows you to enjoy the beauty of Manali – Leh by splitting the journey almost evenly in two days which is very difficult in the other direction. Thirdly, it will allow you to fit Tso Moriri lake into the itinerary in better way. You can read more reasons on the link here
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
You can check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate (cheap budget hotels as well) in the series of articles starting on the link here
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 2015 – 16 & Reliable Shops
The one way bike rental is quite costly and leave a big dent in pocket for you, sometimes like 12K for just the pickup from Manali. Be sure if you are ready to make that investment or not or if at all it is worth the money spent. My suggestion is unless you are hard core biker and cannot live up the passion of biking, it is not wise to spend that much money just for the pickup of bike.
I will suggest that you go through the articles mentioned under the DwD Community thread for bike trip to Ladakh or any other part of Himalayas at the link: All About Bike Ride to Ladakh & Himalayas. This will help you cover almost all your queries related to bike trip to Ladakh or Himalayas.
Hi Dheeraj
I am from Mumbai. 11th September 2016 (sunday) I want to participate in half marathon in Ladakh.
Can’t take leave for more than 6-7 days (excluding weekends). Please suggest me how should I plan my trip.
I need proper acclimatization before my 21km run. Please guide me how to plan my trip.
When is the marathon also doing marathon in plains is much different than doing in Ladakh. Have you ever done before?
11th September is half marathon date. Yes I have done quite few of half marathons but as you rightly said running at that altitude is different ball game all together. I got 7-8 days for this trip. Travelling from Mumbai.
I amy not be the expert to comment on it. All I know is that different bodies react to acclimatization differently and at different pace. All depends how your body adapts to it in fast manner.
dheeraj after reading your article we are very much interested to take SRINAGAR Leh route. As of now Iam in Srinagar with my family I already went upto gumri but now Iam interested to go to Leh from SRINAGAR here the driver is telling he can take me to Leh in single day if I i start early is it possible and advisable I have some health issues relating to stomach like digestion and gastroenterology do you think people with this type problem can visit Leh your suggestion is requested please with regards kumaresh
Kumaresh, I am not sure if indigestion is linked to high altitude in any way but you should consult a doctor in case you have a doubt. It will take about 16-17 Hrs to reach Leh from Srinagar in a single day and altitude increases abruptly too.
People affected by AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) will exhibit different symptoms, like breathing difficulties, insomnia, vomiting, nausea, indigestion, gastric disorder, heaviness, high blood pressure, head-ache, confusion, inability to concentrate, etc. All due to lack of oxygen content in the air and the variation in the atmospheric pressure. Elevation from sea level to Leh at 11,562 feet must demands a good deal of acclimatization of gradual elevation. Travelling from Srinagar to Leh in one day will be extremely risky for a first time traveller to such high altitude, without any acclimatization. Such distance must be covered in minimum 2 – 3 days in order to avoid AMS which can be fatal if not addressed properly.
Very true Dev, AMS is not something to be neglected.
Baralacha Pass was closed for 3 days -22 Sept ’15 around 11AM to 24th Morning after that I choosed to returned to manali after waiting almost 3 days at Jispa.So as of now you must have 2-3 days extra in your itinerary to travel to leh via manali – leh highway as BRO will start clearing roads only after once weather is cleared.
Thank you for the update Deepanshu. Unfortunate that you could not make the trip 🙁
Sorry to hear that Deepanshu..
We are planning to reach Ley on 1st October and to return immediately by seeing the situations there as we are supposed to be in Delhi latest by 6th October.
While returning from Leh to Manali we are planning to take a bus.. Will it be ok or can you suggest a better mode of commute to be safe during some risks like road blocks, etc.,
But Puvi, buses have been stopped in service AFAIK now. Have you confirmed any bus is running now on Manali – Leh Highway?
Hi Dheeraj,
While surfing through the Internet found the perfect information by you here..I need your help to plan a vacation. Can you please help me with full itnerary to Ladakh trhu Shrinagar Road upto Manali via Taxi ?
And what would be the perfect time for that and days for a trip?
Please advice to plan accordingly please..
Thank you once again
Chirag, which time of the year you wwant to plan next year? Season has ended for this year now. 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.
Hi Dheeraj
I plan to got to Leh via Srinagar starting 30th September. Need your help in planning the itinerary
Delhi to Srinagar – road/train/flight?
Srinagar to Leh – shared taxi or Bus
itinerary for Leh and surrounding places
Leh to Delhi – flight or Leh-Manali-Delhi road route.
I am travelling solo and 1st time to Ladakh. All your help will be extremely appreciated 🙂
thanks in advance
Hi Esha,
1. Delhi to Srinagar – Do by flight
2. Srinagar to Leh, do by shared taxi or bus
3. Around Leh and in Ladakh, it will be quite difficult with season end to find travel partners BUT you might try with some agents running shared tours if that is possible
4. Come back by flight from Leh to Delhi. Leh – Manali road is not much advisable in October.
Hey, Thanks a ton for the response. really helpful.
Namaskaram Dhiraj! Great to read about you and your suggestions so passionately shared. Am flying to leg by go air on 1st October and would like to take leh manali by bike with my wife and take a bus to Delhi…..I need to be in Delhi on 5th night or 6th morning, please can you suggest if this is feasible or suggest an alternate plan. But our onward tickets are booked already. Thanks/Puvi
Puvi, Namaskaram !!
High passes have already started getting snow and I feel it is a risky affair to travel on Leh – Manali highway after season time now. Please check the weather conditions before venturing out there as due to season end traffic will be quite less too on the highway.
Namaskaram Dheeraj !
So you mean we have to restrict ourselves to leh and around is it if we are travellin during this time.????
Will those roads closed officially aswell ?
What about travel by a jeep or a buss …. Is that also a risky affair ??
If we have to restrict to leh alone are there enough to do for the gown days.
Please can you suggest how we can return from there because we don’t want fly back because it could be very expensive to book that ?
Hello Puvi,
Roads in general close officially by mid of October. However the camps setup wind up by end of September. Baralcha La was closed for last three days and opened yesterday only. So, such things you might face.
Thanks for that Dheeraj!
But if suppose any road block in this time half the way how do we manage like stay food etc….?
How can we book the Leh to Manali bus as we are not able to find any online facility for booking
How much it would cost to hire a taxi or a jeep from Leh to Manali.. We are a couple and is it easy to get a shared taxi….
Any alternate facility available to handle all these risks….
we are in a big dilemma but how ever we don’t want to cancel this trip… Please help!!
Puvi, that is the risk which is all about gambling while traveling in such a lat season. If you are on the other side of Baralacha La towards Sarchu then you are in big trouble in case even dhabhas are winded up in Sarchu because you will not have anything to sleep and eat in case Baralacha La is closed. Late season it becomes again difficult to get shared taxis due to less number of tourists. Taxi cost around 17-18 K for a drop in two days to Manali from Leh. Shared taxis charge around Rs 1500 per seat.
Hi Dheeraj, While surfing through internet I came to know about your website and found this as very useful blog. I also need some expert guidance from you.
Actually, I am planning a road trip to Leh, Ladakh from Delhi on 16th Sep on my XUV with my family with no experience about that terrain, roads, climate etc and thus have lots of questions:
1) Are 6 days sufficient for the entire road trip from Delhi-Leh-Delhi?
2) I know your preference is via Srinagar so would you recommend Delhi-Srinagar-Leh-Manali-Delhi for me?
3) Depending upon the route recommended, can you let me know the right places to halt during evening so that we lose minimum time and is convenient for us ? How many halts are required / recommended?
4) How to ensure that we don’t get sick and things we should carry with us.
5) Do I need any permits for my vehicle ( I have a HR-26 number )
6) Do we need to carry heavy woolens or just light jacket/woolens would do?
7) I am vegetarian so any suggestion on where to look for right food on the way to Leh?
Thanks and an early response would be much appreciated.
Regards
Gautam
96507 55400
Hello Gautam,
Minimum of 9 days are required for a road trip to Leh – Ladakh and that too makes you almost be on road only all days, quite tiring. Forget about to do it in 6 days. Do you have about 10-11 days in hand?
Hi Dheeraj
Thanks for your reply. Okay, I am cancelling my trip in that case as I don’t have more than 6-7 days right now. I will try to plan it later. How long can I delay my trip within this year? I think it starts getting cooler in Oct and not advisable to travel after that?
Gautam, it is already cold in Ladakh not cooler 🙂 … I returned a day before and it was minus 6 in the morning at 7 AM at Tso Kar lake 🙂 … I will not suggest first timer to go any time beyond mid of october by flight.
Hi Dheeraj,
We are thinking of a trip to Leh in April May, by own jeep from Delhi or Chandigarh. Thru Srinagar – Leh and exit via Leh manali.
would you pl advice us on:
1. Is it doable? considering weather
2. are the highways open by then? permit required?
thanks,
Roopesh
Roopesh, it is quite optimistic to believe that Srinagar – Leh road will be open by that time of the year. Srinagar – Leh in general open plus stabilize mid of May and Manali – Leh in June.
Dear Dheeraj,
You are very patient an dedicated to this topic.
We all appreciate the effort you put in here and respond to people.
Very helpful info. Thanks a lot 🙂
-Reema
Thank you so much Reema, at times it really help to read and go through such wonderful comments 🙂 🙂 .. Glad you liked the info. present on DoW
Dear Dheeraj,
So finally after getting inspired from all the blogs, photos & stories, my Brother and I have decided to do this trip – Sep 15 to Sep 27
We plan to ride:
Srinagar – Leh – Sarchu – Leh – Srinagar
Slightly odd route, for various reasons.
Now where we need your help is to advice on Bike rental in Srinagar.
We have found 1 so far… but would you know any1 else ?
Can Gurmat help in any way ?
Thanks in advance 🙂
Reema, yea please check with Gurmat, he may help in some way. Also, read the article: 5 Tips to Rent Bike in Leh – Ladakh and Ride with Pillion
Hello sir
I heard about ceasefire in poonch so is it safe to visit srinagar in September first week or we should change our plan and go ladakh via manali route. And is manali -laddakh route safe to visit in rainy season I mean in September 1st week?
Things are fine as of now in Srinagar, nothing much which affects tourists or tourism. We will be there too in first week of September 🙂
N sir if we change plan n take the route from Manali to ladakh in September first week is it safe I mean it would be safe in the rain
Well, in case it rains, both route will cause issues on your travel. But, Srinagar – Leh is less taxing on body because altitude increases gradually while if you will go from Manali side then altitude will increase all of a sudden to 14000 feet and many people feel headaches and nausea mostly while going to Leh from Manali side.
Hello Mr dheeraj
Sir I want to visit srinagar and stay There for 5 days n thn take srinagar to laddakh trip via road for 5 days and then wanna visit manali also again via road and want to hire a cab for entire trip would you please tell me how much money will be required for the entire trip.
N one question more sir we are planning for this trip in September first week should be keep some warm clothes?
Hi meenakshi,
September is a good time, I will suggest to carry some light woolens and a pair of heavy woolens for sure. Srinaagar to Manali trip of Ladakh with all sightseeing of Nubra, Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri cost about 65K for taxi and then consider around 20-25K taxi of 5 days within Srinagar and Kashmir. Apart from this consider a cost of about 800-1000 per day per person for food + stay
Thanks sir
Hi Dheeraj,
We are from Delhi. We are planning Road trip to leh for 4 days in Sep last week( Sep 24 to Sep 27)
Could you please suggest how we can plan this from below options
1. Travel to Manali by Bus – road trip from manali to Leh for 4 days – take flight Leh to Delhi
2. Take flight to Leh from delhi – road trip from Leh to manali – Take bus from manali to delhi
3. Take flight to Leh from delhi – Road trip from Leh to Srinager – Take flight from sri nager to delhi
If you have better options please share and also climate details on that duration, based on ur exp.
Thank you
Vinay Mendu
Hello Vinay,
I will suggest that you go with Option 2 in case you looking for adventure else go with option 3. You cannot travel on Manali to Leh in that direction in 4 days because the altitude increase is sudden and body is acclimatized that early in the trip
I want to know cost of manali to leh route (personal & government )??
we are planning to go in august around 15 to 29
and tell me weather condition is good or ok ok ?
oxygen bottle or something available in manali or not?
Did not understand personal or govt.? Well, you can get a taxi on Manali – Leh around for 18-19K. Weather now a days is quite bad
Hi Dheeraj…really appreciate all the information that you have provided. We are planning a 7 day trip to Ladakh from Chandigarh. I know we are very tight on time but we are planning on flying back from Leh to Delhi. I really want to go through the Manali as there are more places to see through this route. My concern is that my husband has asthma problems, can you please suggest whether its advisable for him to travel to such a height?
Thank you.
Well, people with asthama have done Ladakh trips I know BUT still I will highly recommend that you visit the doctor and get his advice over it. Also ask him about the precautions need to be taken. Manali – Leh in itself is quite taxing to go.
Hi Dheeraj , I’m planning my trip to leh via Manali by road , my dates are from 7th August and leave from Delhi , can you suggest how is roads and weather their and do i need to take any permit if I’m going via manali , I have my private number suv? Also pls confirm what is the current status of roads if take Srinagar route. Is it good to go or not. Pls revert with your valuable feedback .
Thanks
Prateek
It is monsoon time in general up there in North and at some parts of Manali – Leh Highway (like before Baralacha La) and Srinagar – Leh Highway (like before Kargil) you might need to face monsoon hassles but once you get closer to Ladakh, then Ladakh being rain shadow region is least affected by monsoon rains, though rains does reach Ladakh now but to minimum and mostly it might remains overcast conditions. There is no thumb rule of certainty about weather conditions but above is generally common pictures seen over last few years except ugly 2010 …
Hi Dheeraj
I am planning to visit Leh via Manali. The reason i chose Manali is because rains on Shrinagar side and terrorist activites. We are planning to reach Leh via Bus and rent bike from leh to visit Pangong and Nubra Valley. I could not find any information regarding return Journey from Leh to Manali, what are the options available?
Bus ? Shared Taxi and how much it cost?
Ganesh, you can check out: How to plan a journey on Manali Leh Highway and yes there are shared taxis as well as buses HRTC and HPTDC available on this route. Please also check: Rates & Time table of Bus Services in Leh – Ladakh
Srinagar – Leh road is open
I found that most toilets in hotels have hygeine problems & on a recent visit found this product spray & sit seat sanitiser too good to use.. It solved all my problems of using a unhyegenic toilet on my trips…
Their website is sprayandsit.com
this seems to be some thing novel…
Dheeraj sir I have vomiting problem In hills and Iam planing to go Ladakh …so please advice me something which can make my trip this v free
Hi Gaurav,
There are two things one is Motion Sickness and one is Altitude Sickness and in Ladakh one gets to suffer with both of them. While first one is not so serious but latter one can be fatal as well. I will advice that you consult your doctor for a medicine for Motion sickness or nausea and I am sure he will be able to suggest you some as my wife also takes one.
Regarding Altitude Mountain Sickness, please read: Acute Mountain Sickness and Importance of Acclimatization
Hi Dheeraj , I’m planning my trip to leh via Manali by road , my dates are from 7th August and leave from Delhi , can you suggest how is roads and weather their and do i need to take any permit if I’m going via manali , I have my private number suv? Also pls confirm what is the current status of roads if take Srinagar route. Is it good to go or not. Pls revert with your valuable feedback .
Thanks
Prateek
Prateek, It is monsoon time in general up there in North and at some parts of Manali – Leh Highway (like before Baralacha La) and Srinagar – Leh Highway (like before Kargil) you might need to face monsoon hassles but once you get closer to Ladakh, then Ladakh being rain shadow region is least affected by monsoon rains, though rains does reach Ladakh now but to minimum and mostly it might remains overcast conditions. There is no thumb rule of certainty about weather conditions but above is generally common pictures seen over last few years except ugly 2010 …
Yes, you need permits to travel from Manali to Rohtang Pass. Rohtang Pass Rules & Restriction of Vehicles – Demystified
Hi Dheeraj! Your article is immensely knowledgeable and really nicely put. Cheers for that! I’m planning a trip by car from Delhi onwards towards Leh and back. My friends and I are confused as to what route to take. Our basic itinerary is:
1. Arrive at New Delhi from Kolkata on the 11th of August and spend a day there.
2. Leave onwards towards Srinagar by train the next day.
3. Travel towards Leh via Srinagar Leh route. (Can you advise me how much time will this take? And please suggest a schedule which will take into account acclimatization to the altitude.)
4. Reach Leh and spend around 3 days in and around there)
5. Return via the Leh-Manali route. We leave Leh around the 17th of August. (We are taking into account around 2 days of travelling back towards Delhi)
6. We leave Delhi towards Kolkata on the 19th of August.
This was roughly our entire itinerary. Is this advisable? (If not, please advise the necessary changes needed to be made)
Thanks!
Hello Taiyeb,
3. It will take two days to reach Leh from Srinagar with overnight stop at Kargil 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
— 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
4. As you see one day is for rest and acclimatization, next day you can go to Khardung La day trip and third day go to Pangong Tso day trip.
5. You can do as below for Manali – Leh Highway:
Day 1 | Leh – Taglang La – Moore Plains – Pang – Sarchu
— Stay overnight at Sarchu
Day 2 | 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
Find my inputs above 🙂
Regards
Dheeraj
Dear Dheeraj,
Excellent article. Thank you and God Bless you.
My plan is to go to Valley of Flowers this August, which might not happen due to rains. Plan B is to do the Srinagar – Leh – Manali road trip. I have changed the approach as per your suggestions. Thank you. I plan to drive my diesel Dzire.
Is there any anti-freeze required for diesel?
The links to acute mountain sickness and others are fantastic and much required. Thank you again.
best wishes
Pankaj
Pankaj, during August anti-freeze is not required at all. Glad you loved the information present on DoW Blog 🙂
Hi dheeraj
I have read ur article and all are very nice,I was planning to visit ladakh in July 23 and for some reason it got postponed but now planning again ,but the flight rate has gone to high now.
Can you suggest road trip via Srinagar or manali which will be best and with itinerary for 6-7 days and also the cost it will be.Also I have not done any hotel booking yet so what would be best on this, awaiting reply
Naveen, It will take 4 days to reach Leh from Srinagar side and 3 days to come back from Leh from Manali side. This makes it 7 days. 1 Day is required in Leh for acclimatization. You have just 7 days, are you sure you want to make a road trip to Ladakh?
what itiniery and for how much days trip you suggest via road trip, i can extend the days based on suggestion, thanks for guiding
Naveen, 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.
Good job dear.
Keep it up
Thank you 🙂
Hello
I have planned a leh bike trip from 23rd Aug 2015 – 6th sept 2015
Srinagar – kargil – leh – sarchu – manali…
But today i hear something bad…
Is the ban for bikes real?
Any idea about this?
Aniket, yes the ban on bikes is real brother but it is not that of a blocker or surprise, please read the instructions: Rohtang Pass Rules & Restriction of Vehicles – Demystified
Hi dheeraj. . I have my bookings of bus on 8th July, from delhi to manali and taxi from manali to leh with a stay in sarchu!
I saw in news the heavy rain in kullu-manali so will it be safe travelling via this route? Or i should cancel them all and change my route from delhi to Srinagar to leh!? Hope to get a reply soon 🙂
Prattek, yeah currently rains are running but is expected to clear up in couple of days. You will face any hassles if at all in lower hills only up to Sarchu as beyond Sarchu it is all rain shadow.
So I should not worry about landslides or anything and be relaxed for the trip? Thanks though
Prateek, you can go ahead brother because as per reports there aren’t any major blockades. So, it should be fine. Though no one can give you 100% assurance for landslides
hello guys.!!
We are planning to come next week to Srinagar from Delhi by bike. our own vehicle. So do we need to take any police permission to travel or else all we need is to cary our original Vehicle Papers..??
Between how is the route from Delhi to Srinagar. Is road good.? Can any one help me out on this.?
Ni Saikumar, no permission required. You need to carry all the originals, just that.
Hi Dheeraj,
Im coming over from singapore on 2nd august and would like to visit shimla manali and leh and agra as well.
As I will arrive at delhi, which route should i get to first and so on.
And what transportation is the best recommendation.
And btw, I only have 9days to travel to these places, will that be enough?
Thanks.
Jafar are you open to fly to Leh from Delhi and fly back in Delhi?
Hi dheeraj,
Can i know how much does it cost?
Thanks.
Ive checked its about 1000sgd so i dont think im ok with it. Therefore id rather go by road.? If it is too far and not recommended then it is ok.
Yes, it takes 3 days to reach from Manali side and 4 days from Srinagar side, one day rest is mandatory. So, 8 days it is just in travel.
Hi Dheeraj ,
First of all thanks a ton for your articles , I have just started planning my trip to Leh ladakh and everywhere I go for information on the web, I finally end up on your page, and I love how detailed and clear you are .So two of us are planning a bike trip for 16 days from Delhi and back during the last week of September and 1st week of October . I really like your general itinerary https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/most-common-itinerary-for-leh-ladakh/ and we are planning on using this as our base and tweaking it a little here and there .
The main issue for us being, we would like to keep the ride time per day to a maximum of 9 hours , so as a first step towards that we decided to do Delhi to Manali by bus and start our road trip on bikes from Manali . However I would like to do a circuit as suggested by you which covers both the legs: Srinagar-leh highway and the leh-manali highway and we want to enter Leh through Srinagar and exit through Manali for all the above advantages you have mentioned in this article.
My question is what are your thoughts on this in which the first two days maybe would be from Manali to Srinagar and from then on we are on day 3 of your itinerary . I can’t find anything on the web regarding anyone experience having gone this way . The highway as I can see through Google maps is NH 1B . I am guessing two days should be enough for the leg . Would love your feedback on the feasibility of such a route and also if the route is feasible could you suggest any cities or villages on the this route where we could spend the night .
Thanks again for all the information
Hi Arun,
It might take you 3 days to reach Srinagar from Manali. Many people do it like Manali to Dharamshala/Pathankot, then Dharamshala/Pathankot to Patnitop and finally to Srinagar from Patnitop
Hi Deeraj,
I am planning for trip to ladakh which i starts from Agra-chandigarh-srinagar-leh-manali-chandigarh-Agra in my personal car renault duster (1456cc, 2WD-front, already completed 50,000 kms) along with my wife and 2 younger brothers on 9th july 2015.
kindly suggest me that, my duster car is good enough or its better to opt 4WD car then my duster car to travel on this high altitudes & rough terrains of ladakh.
eagerly waiting for your reply.
thanks
shishir singh
+91-9837991888
Duster will do just good without much of an issue. It is always high ground clearance that matters than anything else for a Ladakh trip.
thanks for your valuable suggestion sir.
there are some more doubts in my mind…..
1. what will be expected climate in july.
2. is it monsoon/rainy climate.
3. what are the negative part if there is rainy climate.
4. is the landslides are common in rainy climate.
5. what can happen if we stuck in worse climate, what we should do.
6. most of the time we saw news of worse climate in hills like in amarnath yatra, badrinath and many. Is the monsoon climate in ladakh trip is also get this kind of worse.
thanks
regards
shishir singh
Shishir,
1. It will be pleasant time to be there in Ladakh
2. Ladakh is rain shadow region, so rains do not affect it. Lower hills may have some monsoon hassles post mid july
3. Lower hills
4. Only limited to lower hills post mid July
5. Don’t panic and relax, authorities will do something to get you out
6. Like i said, Ladakh is rain shadow region and cold desert, rains does not reach up there in plenty.
Hi Dheeraj Sharma,
I am planning to travel to Srinagar from Hyderabad in August between August 1-6.
Thinking of reaching Srinagar by flight and back to Hyderabad via Delhi on Train,
Can you help me plan the trip.
Is it the right time to travel?
Siva, it will require 2 days to reach Leh from Srinagar and then 1 day rest, then at least 2 days to reach Manali and one to reach Delhi.
bhai leh ka tour krna h…via shrinagar….
leh se manali ka rout kese kre…bike ya car…
if bike then rent kya rhega…securities kese return hogi bike ki…
Arpit bhai, please read: 5 Tips to Rent Bike in Leh – Ladakh and Ride with Pillion
Hi Dhiraj,
I am planning to Ladakh trip with some of my friends.
We will reach Srinagar airport on 27th Aug: around 3:00 PM and returning flight also booked on 6th Sep.
Could you please answer some of my queries listed below?
1. If we plan to go Leh-Ladakh from Srinagar by bike, how much time will it require to cover all places i.e. Draas, Kargil, Leh, Ladakh, Zozila pass, KhardungLa pass, Pangong Lake and any other place which you can recomend.
2. While travel from Srinagar to Leh which is around 500 Km which is not possible on single day. So is there any place where we can stay for a night or for some hours (Preferably at Kargil or Drass or any other place which is good to stay, safe and attractive).
3. If we plan to return from Ladakh to Srinagar via Manali, is it feasible?
4. How much time is OK to complete the whole circle?
5. Will bike providers also provide tenting and other things (I heard from some of the sources, but not sure)
6. Is there any contact in your list in Srinagar who can provide rental bikes?
Thanks in advance,
Mehul
Hello Mehul,
1,2. Will suggest a plan once below queries sorted.
3. Possible but you said tickets booked from Srinagar?
4. Again you have booked tickets, so does it matter?
5. No, only bikes
6. For Srinagar bike rental you can refer the link: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/india/ladakh-zanskar-travel-guides/outside-rented-bikes-banned-ladakh-t1009-50.html#p12858
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for you response to the queries.
We decided to travel from Srinagar to Leh(Skipping manali).
Now could you please respond to my remaining doubts:
1. If we plan to go Leh-Ladakh from Srinagar by bike, how much time will it require to cover all places i.e. Draas, Kargil, Leh, Ladakh, Zozila pass, KhardungLa pass, Pangong Lake and any other place which you can recomend.
2. While travel from Srinagar to Leh which is around 500 Km which is not possible on single day. So is there any place where we can stay for a night or for some hours (Preferably at Kargil or Drass or any other place which is good to stay, safe and attractive).
3. Also, could you please suggest me a decent and cheap place to stay in Ladakh/Leh for 2-3 days.(Any guest house or lodge instead of any 2 or 3 star type hotels) SInce we have planned to drop all our luggage at Ladakh and will cover Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley, Khardungla Pass etc.
Adding some more queries to above:
4. Is there any permit require to visit some border places?
5. Is there any problem if I am renting the bikes from Srinagar?(www.theliontravels.com). I saw such type of posts on this forum.(We are total 6 persons, renting 3 bikes.)
Continuing,
4. No if all are Indians and you are following conventional routes, you do not need any permits
5. Outside Leh rented bikes are not allowed inside Ladakh for sightseeing to Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso. So, you will again have to hire bikes. So, go through the article: 5 Tips to Rent Bike in Leh – Ladakh and Ride with Pillion
Hi Mehul,
1. It will need minimum of 9 days from Srinagar to Srinagar trip covering Nubra Valley and Pangong tso along with rest day in Leh at ease.
2. You will have to halt a night in Kargil
3. You can check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate (cheap budget hotels as well) in the series of articles starting on the link here
Hey Dheeraj – I have been planning the Leh trip for a while and finally I’m able to do it this year with my wife. I had originially planned the Delhi-chandigarh-Manali-Jispa- Sarchu-leh over 4 days with 2 days stay and leh and return within 3days on the same route. But i have now changed my mind and will cover Delhi-Srinagar route to Leh but will need your help in planning this returning via the Rohtang-Manali route.
Appreciate if you can help me with an iterenary for 9-10days to start from delhi at 28 or 29th Aug (want to be in Leh by Friday to enjoy the weekend than reaching there during weekday).
Thank you in advance
Arvind, It will take 4 days to reach Leh from Srinagar side and 3 days to come back from Leh from Manali side. 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.
Hi Dhiraj – Once you let me know, I’m planning to book my tickets and make all required arrangements while my Bullet is at the mechanic’s getting its all due attention for this majestic trip. Appreciate your advise.
Arvind bhai, I replied above. Do you want to know the details 10 day plan?
Yes Dheeraj, thanks for the earlier note and I have now booked my tickets.
If you have a 10day plan, appreciate if you can share the same. Also, this is a great webiste and I’m picking a lot of preparation inputs from here.
Arvind, you can follow the below 10 day plan:
Day 1 | Delhi – Jammu / Patnitop
— Overnight at Jammu or Patnitop
Day 2 | Jammu / Patnitop – Srinagar
— Enjoy walk around Dal lake and may be Shikara ride as well
— If you have time then check out, floating market, Shalimar Garden.
— Overnight at Srinagar
Day 3 | Srinagar – 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 4 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
— Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes
— On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu
— Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh Local Sightseeing + 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 6 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Leh
– Head for Nubra Valley very early in the day and come back by late evening after visiting Deskit. If you have time go little further and see Hunder sand dunes too
– 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 7 | Leh – Pangong Tso Lake – Leh
– Day trip to Pangong Tso
– Overnight at Leh
Day 8 | 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 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
Day 10 | Manali – Delhi
Many thanks Dhiraj, you iterinary is perfect and I can use the extra hours to spend working on my bullet. All the best and I will share my experience here once I’m back from the trip.
Cool Arvind, If possible, try and share your Himalayan experience with us at DoW – Himalayan Travel Community as Photo Tale or Travel Tale Or your reviews of the hotels/guest houses where you stayed or dhabhas/restaurants you ate food on your trip… All this might help others planning the similar trip too 🙂 🙂
Will surely do Dhiraj. Until then Adios till I’m back from the dream land.
Hi….Dhiraj bhai….we 3 riends are palnning to explore Manali-Leh-Srinagar on rented Bikes.
Please infrm us.
What is the best time ….July- aug or september.
will say go in September
धीरज भाई हम 21 जून को दिल्ली से निकलने का प्लान बना रहे हैं अपनी कार से, 28 तक वापस आ सकते हैं क्या लेह से ?? समय की बड़ी कमी है, आपकी सलाह महत्वपूर्ण होगी !!
Atul bhai, kafi mushkil hai. 4 din Srinagar ki side se pahuncne mein lagenge, 3 din wapis aane mein manali ki side se. Ek din bast rest karoge Leh mein. Check: Manali – Leh – Ladakh – Manali | Itinerary for 9 Days
Hi Dheeraj Sharma,
I and two of my best friends planning to go Leh from Hyderabad,,,,We booked flight tickets to srinigar based on your advises listed Srinagar is the best place to start…. We will reach Srinagar on August 15th…..
My main issue is due to Independence day , Is there will be any obligations regarding security at major places of borders and any closer of places?Do we need any security permisions to see China borders..
Could you please gice a plan for 9 days of Bike Trip also…What all to cover and how to plan our visit …We are First time visitors….It will be great if you provide any best Travelers and estimation of Budget..
Kind Regards,
Shaz.
Regarding security issues, in general the tourist areas remain safe there but bandhs can affect the traffic movement. It is advised always that you leave the city in the early morning hours in such cases. Usually these bandhs are pre-declared and hence you can leave the city in early morning hours judging the situation around before the bandh gets active. As long as you can stick to main highway and tourist areas, there is in general no issues.
If you are really concerned about it more then probably you can skip the stay at Srinagar and move to Sonamarg the same day you reach Srinagar.
Are you planning to fly out of Leh or Delhi?
Thanks for your prompt reply dheeraj bhai… Based on trip we will fly accordingly either by leh or Delhi…. Please advice if you know any better plan and good tourist for 9 days trip
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.
I pen down our (self [aged 58] and my brother [aged 52 years]) experience on our (mis) adventurous trip to Leh and its territories. We took a sharing Innova taxi from Srinagar to Leh. Reached Johilla Pass around 1100 hours. As we were late by 1 hour from Srinagar, Johilla Pass was closed for maintenance and the locals told that it will now open at 1500 hours and it did. We had dinner on our way and reached Leh late in the evening by about 2230 hours. Took a hotel and went to sleep. We travelled in the local magnetic hill etc., booked a 350 cc bullet for going to Pengong lake the next day. We had everything with us, warm clothes, rain coat, shoes, hand gloves and some medicines (which we picked up from the tips on the web). However, when we started from Leh at 0700 hours we did not take any rain-coat or warm clothes as the weather was warm and clear, I even put off my vest and was on just a full shirt. We reached Charu by 0800, had breakfast and then proceeded further. By 1030 as we reached Chang La-Pass (altitude of almost 18000 feet), the weather suddenly became rough and it started raining followed by heavy winds, they were chilly very chilly. There is a hotel at Changla which provided us much needed protection from rain, however the cold was unbearable. As my younger brother was not feeling well, the hotel owner so kindly provided us a snow jacket which my brother wore. After half an hour, came the snow (which I always wanted to experience). My brother picked up the syndrome of Acute Mountain Sickness. Some co-travellers provided him with a couple of Diamox, which did not help him much. He started feeling very uneasy and lied down on the sofa. Everybody advised that he should be immediately shifted to Military Hospital which was down the hill and an hour’s travel. I requested passing taxies for help and they very kindly agreed to take him down. We got separated and lost communication although he had a postpaid Airtel connection. It was about 1200-1230 by this time, and there seemed no prospects of any improvement in the weather condition. All along I was in the hotel having tea and ‘Noodles’. At this juncture two young men approached me and asked if I had a spare hand gloves, which I did have. In turn I asked them to assist me in taking my bullet down the hill to the hospital where my brother would have been taking treatment. They agreed. Just when we were about to leave I realised that the key of the bullet with not with me. I searched frantically in my bags, the overcoat and the hotel but to no avail. I realised that my brother had parked the bike and it had gone with him. I was in a hapless situation. Just when the two gentlemen were about to leave the hotel, I gave them my brother’s number and asked them to get in touch with my brother and send the keys back to me. I waited and waited and nothing happened untill 1600 hours. I was stranded at Chang La. I went to the military base camp for assistance. They tried calling my brother and those young guys but due to rough weather no contact could be established. The military officials advised me to let the bike be where it was and leave Changla immediately as night halt would be a problem for me due to cold weather and low oxygen. I took lift by a DRDO vehicle and went down back towards Leh. The DRDO officials kept on trying calling my brother whenever there was signal but there was no response. Finally when we were approaching Charu the call went through and my brother told that he was at Charu. I took a sigh of relief and reached Charu and saw my brother sitting and sipping tea at a hotel. He told me that he was taken to Military Hospital where they gave him oxygen and some medication. He also told me that he vomited blood 2 times due to his sickness and when he was feeling better the Military doctors sent him down to Charu. We reached Leh and did not go to any other place thereafter and returned back to Srinagar.
I share this experience with the tourists going to Leh & Ladhak region for the reason that nothing is certain there and one should not ever take a chance with the unpredictable climate. Be always fully prepared to face any situation.
We are sorry Mr. Deeraj Sharma for not sticking to the advises/guidelines/tips posted by you and your readers. Had we done so we would have saved ourselves lot of trouble and our visit to Leh and its surroundings would have been much more enjoyable, adventurous and pleasant. Anyway there is always a second time.
Thanks and kind regards,
Chandrashekhar ji, very glad to read that even after vomiting blood couple of times, your brother survived. Thanks to almighty !! 🙂 🙂
Ladakh is not a vacation place like other hill stations, it is an adventure destination which MUST be respected and advices shall be followed. No words to thank our military for the help they offer save so much lives.
Hi Dheeraj,
Thank you so much for providing a nice article.
You have given us a nice idea to plan a trip to leh. 🙂
We are a group of 5 people planning to visit leh in mid August from Pune.
First we were planning for Pune-chandigarh-Manali-keylong-leh and return with same route. After reading this article I’m planing to change my route to Pune-srinagar-leh-manali-chandigarh-Pune.
But Now a big question in front of me is how we can take our bikes till Srinagar? As there is no direct train to srinagar from pune.
We have around 12nyts and 13days for this trip and the budget around 25k/person. Budget may vary according to your needs
Also is Mid Auguest fine to travel places like srinagar kargil? As independence day security will be on high level.
Let me know your input.
Thanks in advance.
niket, you can fly to Srinagar and then follow a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 12-13 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
Hello Aniket,
I am also from Pune and want to visit leh. The only thing is as i am alone, I need travel partners for the trip. Would it be ok if I join along with you guys?
Hi Nachiket,
We are group of 3 leaving to Jammu on 16’th July and will be back to Pune on 2’nd August. We will be following route as: Pune-Jammu-Patnitop-Srinagar-Drass/Kargil-Leh-Hunder/Diskit – Leh-Pangong Lake-(Leh- to Manali in 2 to 3 days) – then Manali to Chandigarh-Delhi-Pune.
Please contact us on our mobile – 7276800389/9764997606. Let us go together.
Hi DeerajSharma,
We 4 persons travelling to leh in our car from delhi to srinagar and Srinagar to leh and then back through leh , manali road .we are starting our jounery from delhi on 22 june15 i hope till this date manali leh road should be open and i want to know should we need to pay any extra toll tax while entering in j&k state from sri nagar side or not
No Manoj, no extra toll or charges required. And Manali – Leh Highway is no open
Friend
If I fly to Leh, stay there and then return via Manali by Road, will i face any High AL. Sickness ?
You need to rest for 2 days in Leh completely with very less physical activity and quite hydrated body, then you can plan to travel down Manali – Leh Highway but that as well does not guarantee though it lessen the risk
Hi Dheeraj,
Thank you so much for your invaluable advice. I have just a few final questions. Hope you answer them too.
1] For Srinagar – leh route by bicycle, where all do you suggest i take night halts if i plan to do this route over 5/6 days.( excluding Zhanskar). I read that article but its about motor bike and halts given are kargil and then leh.
2] on this route is it easy to find common tented beds like we get on the Leh – manali highway?
Thanks once again.
Hi Vinni,
1. It shall be like: Sonamarg, Drass, Kargil/Mulbekh, Lamayuru, Alchi, Leh
2. Yes on this Srinagar – Leh route the villages are more frequent and spaces at a distance of around about 80 KMs apart on an average, so you will get something or other every 80 odd KMs though tents are not common rather guest houses.
Regards
Dheeraj
I have planned a solo backpacking trip to Himachal for 10 days, The plan is srinagar-leh-manali, let me know if you happen to travel around the same time. It will be nice to meet you.
starting from chandigarh on 12 june 2015 and back on 22 nd june.
Hi,
This Aug, I am planning to cycle fom Srinagar to Zhanskar to leh to Tso-moriri to Spiti valley.
Can you suggest a possible itinerary for the Srinagar to Leh route? For the rest of the route i have done this before and have things sorted out. This is my first time on Srinagar – leh route. Previously i have done Leh – lamayuru – leh.
Things that i need info about are
1] Number of days
2] Possible night halts ( i plan to carry my tent, but are their tented beds ( common ones) available on this route like they are on Manali – leh route?
3] detours if any ( like i plan to do Zhanskar and possibly Dha and Hanu)
4] Any additional advice or suggestions.
Thanks
Vinni
Vinni, wow, sounds awesome !! well Srinagar to Lamayuru is about 310 KMs. Lamayuru to Leh is about 125 KMs. How much time did you take to reach Lamayuru from Leh? You can double the days in hand with additional 2-3 days as you will be scaling three passes as well in these 300 odd KMs. Regarding the viable places to stay, please refer the article: How to Plan a Journey on Srinagar – Leh Highway
Dah – Hanu can be managed but Zanskar is about 250+ KMs from Kargil with very bad roads. Do you have enough time?
Thanks Deeraj for the quick reply.
Last year i did Leh to Lamayuru in one day. Hence i guess i can do 80 to 130 kms a day in leh route provided its not as tough and bad as khardung la or Chang la road.
I have roughly 20 days to do this entire planned route. I know its going to be tough and i may hitch a ride from Leh to Tso moriri to gramphoo to save some time as i want to do chandratal also.
for zhanskar – where do i take a deviation from?
For Zanskar you need to take the diversion from Kargil towards Panikhar – Parkachik – Rangdum – Penzi La Pass – Padum. The whole road is quite bad after Panikhar, much like Chang La, Khardung La. So, I will suggest to skip it with just 20 days in hand.
Regarding road conditions from Kargil to Lamayuru, they are much or more good with laid tarmac. However, road from Sonamarg to Kargil will have some bad pacthes especially up to Minamarg over the other side of Zojila Pass. Srinagar to Sonamarg is a breeze. Rest all roads are good.
Hi Dheeraj,
I am planning for trip from 12th June 2015. Can you please create a plan and places to visit in route . We are going in Altok10 and have 10 days in hand. Plan is to leave 13th early morning from Chandigarh. we are only couple for now in car.
Neeraj, It will take 4 days to reach Leh from Srinagar side and 3 days to come back from Leh from Manali side. 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.
Hi Dheeraj,
Two of us riding to Leh first time from Delhi only for 6 Days..Please advise us what is the best route to go in month of July and also want to know that we are riding on Yamaha bike is it okey on leh road or need to choose different bike.
Yogesh, it takes 4 days to reach Leh from Srinagar side and 3 days to reach Leh from Manali side. In just 6 days in hand, it does not look practically possible to do a Ladakh trip by road.
HI Dheeraj
Two of us are riding to Leh for the first time…
Delhi- Srinagar-Kargil Leh-Manali-Delhi … Starting from Delhi on June 17th Noon .. Back to Delhi on July 2nd
Do you suggest this time frame will do?
Any particular advises for first time riders?
Kishore
Ph:9959000800
Kishore, time you have chosen is fine. 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.
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanx for yours valuable experience shared with us.
We are a group of 7-8 peoples from pune planned for leh-ladakh on 13 jun to 24 jun. We are travelling from delhi to leh by car.
So, I would like to know which is the right time to visit LEH-LADAKH? Is it right time(june) to visit leh-ladakh? I was little worried, because still manali-leh road not open. and suppose, if that road will be open in next couple of days, then is it ok to travel on this road by innova, which was not in ok condition? After reading all your thoughts, I suggested all of my friends to go leh-ladakh by shrinagar, but they told that was little bit expensive than manali-leh. and also I suggested them to postpone plan in july or aug. but they are not ready. So please suggest if any…… and please let me know how to go from delhi to shrinagar?
If you can plan the trip after a week or so then it will be much better as Manali – Leh will be open by then and also road will get stabilized to some extent by the time you hit the section which is not yet open. Innova should be OK to drive.
Thnx. but what would be the good period to visit leh-ladakh??
Yeah, Harshad that will be a good time to travel to Ladakh over Manali – Leh Highway.
Hi Dheeraj and Harshad.
good info on this blog. Really appreciate it. We are 6 friends planning to make a tour to ladakh via Manali -Leh highwayfrom july 29 to august 5 from hyderabad. We are planning to go by car from delhi.
I would like to know, what is the best way to reach there? Delhi to manali and in manali stay for two days for sightseeing. Then go ahead from manali to ladakh. Stay for 2 days in ladakh and sightseeing.
this is what i have planned. Any expert advices are encouraged.
I also like to know, is it easy to find a travel agency in delhi who can provide us with a car and an expert driver for this journey?
End of july ideal time to visit?
Abid, Just 8 days ex. Delhi for a Ladakh trip is too much to ask for. Have at least 9 days, Opt to go via Manali – Leh Highway and I will suggest that you refer the thread: Manali – Leh – Ladakh – Manali | Itinerary for 9 Days in DoW – Himalayan Travel Community as you have 9 days in hand.
Read all the comments and also many articles on this website. So nice of you Mr. Dheeraj Sharma that you reply each and everyone with great content and description. Hats-Off to you. Great yaar…….
Thank you Sandeep, glad that it helped you and help all others as well 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
We are 7 people planning to LEH from Bangalore for 10 days. We are planning to go via Srinagar and then back to manali.Could you please suggest that July last week will be a good timing to go.
Also could you please suggest an intenerary for us to complete the journey in 10 days(including back to delhi)
Thanks,
Prabhash Jain
Prabhash, july is a good time to travel. It will take 3 days to reach Leh from Delhi via Manali side and 4 days to come back to Delhi from Leh via Srinagar side. This makes it 7 days. 1 Day is required in Leh for acclimatization. You have about 10 days. 1 Day can be used as Day trip to Pangong Tso and other day can be used as day trip to Nubra Valley or just Khardung La pass.
Thanks Dheeraj for your suggestions,
We have chalked out a plan for us, please suggest if anything can be changed:
July 30 : Fly in Srinagar from Bangalore in afternoon
July 31 : Start for Leh, overnight at Kargil
Aug 1 : Reach Leh Till Afternoon and Night Stay at Leh
Aug 2: Start for Pangong Lake, halt at pangong
Aug 3 : Back to Leh and Night Halt
Aug 4 : Start to Nubar Valley nad halt at night
Aug 5 : Back to Leh, and Night Halt
Aug 6 : Could u suggest anything good here
Aug 7 : Start for Manali at Night
Aug 8 : Reach Manali till Night
Aug 9 : Start from Manali to Chandigarh, Back to Banaglore
Please Suggest. Thanks for your comments
Regards,
Prabhash Jain
Hello Prabhash,
It is OK with only thing that MUST be changed is that you go to Nubra Valley first and then to Pangong Tso so that body is more acclimatized and you enjoy better rather than risking AMS and health issues. On Aug 6, best was that you should have done a rest day in Leh before even going to Nubra as well but in case you do not want and will be OK to take the risk, then on Aug 6, go over to Tso Moriri from where you can directly exit to Manali Leh Highway on 7th Aug.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
First of all thanks for this wonderful website. i planed my tour after reading lots of article and comments on these website. i am visiting leh between 1stjune to 9th june. well i am Traveling by Srinagar-leh highway. I have planned 1 day journey from leh to Srinagar at end of my tour. It’s about 400 kms, my worry is whether it is possible to travel that distance within 14-15 hours..? Road condition are better to plan 50 kms per hour..? Also some of my friends were saying that there is some new rule that if you don’t pass kargil by 4 p.m than you won’t be allowed to go further until next morning. Is it true..? would you recommend to travel that much distance at one go or do you suggest night stay at kargil and than carry on next morning..?
Ajay, most of the buses leave around 2 AM and reaches Srinagar by evening. It is possible but around 16-18 Hrs journey. Also, it all depends if you come in the window when traffic is allowed from Drass to Srinagar. Check for timings: Srinagar Leh Highway Status 2015
Hi Dheeraj,
first of all, I must say very nice and informative blog on Leh. So, I am planning a leh trip with my parents around 8th june. We plan to fly from delhi to Srinagar and then take the road to Leh. While coming back I want to take the Leh-Manali road(as suggested by you). How should I hire cab or car? The one I will hire in Srinagar to go to leh, will not take me to Manlai or will it? Please suggest. And also is second week of june is good time to travel to leh?
Thanks,
Muskan
Hello Muska,
The road from Manali to Leh is expected open between 15-20 June. It may or may not open by the time you will be crossing it. You can ask the Ladakhi driver to come and pick ypu up from Srinagar and drop you at Manali. Refer the link: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/india/ladakh-zanskar-travel-guides/listof-taxi-drivers-for-ladakh-srinagar-leh-manali-t353.html
Regards
Dheeraj
Dear Dheeraj
We are a group of four planning for an adventurous 10 day road trip to Leh from Delhi. We are planning to rent a car in Delhi and drive it our self. What should be our itinerary for making the best of this 10 day trip? Would really appreciate your help.
Hello Sai,
You can follow something as below:
Day 1 | Delhi – Jammu / Patnitop
— Overnight at Jammu or Patnitop
Day 2 | Jammu / Patnitop – Srinagar
— Enjoy walk around Dal lake and may be Shikara ride as well
— If you have time then check out, floating market, Shalimar Garden.
— Overnight at Srinagar
Day 3 | Srinagar – 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 4 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
— Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes
— On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu
— Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh Local Sightseeing + 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 6 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Leh
– Head for Nubra Valley very early in the day and come back by late evening after visiting Deskit. If you have time go little further and see Hunder sand dunes too
– 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 7 | Leh – Pangong Tso Lake – Leh
– Day trip to Pangong Tso
– Overnight at Leh
Day 8 | 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 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
Day 10 | Manali – Delhi
Regards
Dheeraj
Dear Dheeraj
Thank you for your prompt reply.
We are also looking at an alternate plan.
Could you please assist us in making a 8 day plan starting from Manali and ending in Srinagar. We plan on going to Manali from Delhi on bus. Stay a day in Manali and try adventure activities. (Day 1)Then book a vehicle with driver and and proceed to Leh and end up in Srinagar on Day 8 . We then fly to Delhi.
We really appreciate your previous detailed response and look forward to your advise on this matter.
Regards
Sai
I will suggest that you refer the thread: Manali – Leh – Ladakh – Manali | Itinerary for 9 Days in DoW – Himalayan Travel Community as you have 9 days in hand.
Hi Dheeraj
We are 4 couples,planning a road trip from delhi via manali-leh highway on 27/06/15 by our own car safari and scorpio. As by your blogs we have decided the dates and have done all the bookings.So i hope manali-leh highway to be opened by 27/06/2015.
Any special advise you will suggest that we should keep in mind?
secondly reading blogs about all the permits(for rohtang pass) and all, i am confused that how we can get permit from rohtang? do we need the permits as we will be going to Leh if yes then how can we get it, as now only 1000 vehclies are allowed and our cars have non-hp registerations.
Waiting For your reply
Thanks
Kavish, Manali – Leh should open by that time. There is a complete mess around the permits fiasco of Rohtang Pass as of now. Yes, the vehicles bounded to Rohtang Pass are capped to 1000 only. But, it is yet to clear what happens to vehicles which will go beyond Rohtang Pass to Lahaul or Spiti or Leh. We assume that it will be same as previous year where you take permit from SDM office at Manali to go beyond Rohtang by paying a congestion charge of Rs 50
Thank you dheeraj for your reply
Please i need some more information about the permits as if permits are not issued to us then our whole planning will be spoiled.
So as of now supreme court has also restricted the entry to 1000 vehicles to rohtang and spiti and Leh.I want to know that we will be driving from manali to sarchu on 28/07/15. ie .sunday permits are issued on sunday or not??? if not then how can we get the permits in advance..please GUIDE
Thanks
The permit is issued all 7 days a week at Gualaba checkpost.
Hi dheeraj.. Your blog is really helpful with regard to leh ladakh. You seem to have a lot of experience in this.
Me and my partner are planning for leh-ladakh in the month of July. But we are able to afford only 8 days totally. So can you please suggest if it’s possible and we are planning to return from Srinagar in flight. Can you please help?
Rupa, it takes 2 days to reach Leh from Srinagar and 2 days to come back. So, you are left with just 4 days assuming your flight is on 9th day and on 1st day you land in Srinagar before 9 AM. In these 4 days one day goes for rest and acclimatization in Leh. Then for the remaning three days you can do a 2 day trip to Nubra Valley and 1 day trip to Pangong Tso
Hi Mr Dheeraj,
Its always nice to read your blogs related to leh . finally i am planning to visit leh by road along with family with 2 kids of 3yrs and 5yrs of age . we are planning to go and return by Srinagar – leh highway. from 20th June to 28th June by my own car Duster.
As i am planning to go with family and kids , kindly suggest me is this journey is safe to travel with kids.
I am very much confused.
kindly guide.
Hi Deepankar,
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 physical health condition. 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 3 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.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi All,
You can take your kids along with you- No problem at all. Just give them water/juice/frooty on time to time.
I am going to Leh every year from last 4 years and in 2012 when I went then my kids were of 5 years and 2.6 years old. They didn’t feel the AMS.
I am also going this time on 5th June with a group of 8 people – On bike and one SUV.
Rgds,
Mithlesh
Mithlesh, it does not matter in case they hit by AMS or not as it does not guarantee that they will not get hit anytime. It is good to know that you have been lucky but saying “No problem at all” may be without seeing or knowing about problem can send a wrong message to many. If you have time to trove through 30K comments here on the website you will come to know that there have been instance where people have died, there have been instance when people had to run all night risking lives of everyone over Manali – Leh Highway to save the life of their kid, you will come to know that there have been people who have to send their families in trucks on the very night or day as they started turning faint because their vehicles were dead in the middle of nowhere, etc.. etc..
I am not saying you cannot take them, medically you can, but there are other problems associated which people must be aware and should consult their doctor before taking such a step.
Mr Dheeraj,
We have planned a road trip to Leh Ladakh from New Delhi. I’d love if you could provide information on the following.
Can you please provide a route map for the journey via car ?
What are the attractions/ must visits along the way ?
Is going to Srinagar and then Leh and coming back via Manali better or vice versa and why ?
Thanking You,
Ananya Tripathi.
Hello Ananya,
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
You can check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate (cheap budget hotels as well) in the series of articles starting on the link here
Also, our maps of Ladakh will give you a better idea too. Here is the link: DoW – Maps of Ladakh | Nubra Valley & Changthang
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
Firstly thanks for giving lot of helpful information. We are group of 8 persons including 1 infant (1.5 years and 1 child(2.5 years). And plan to leh with 5 night stay at leh. We are starting from srinagr-kargil-leh and also returning the same route. Now after reading the information on this site i want to see the natural beauty of leh-manali route. As we are traveling with 1 infant and 1 child we choose leh-srinagar. So suggest me how to plan as i already booked the palne ticket and return date from srinagr is on 23 JUN 2015 at 15:05 hrs. Also please tell me that what type of care i have to take while traveling with infants .
My plan is
13-Jun-15- Srinagar
14-Jun-15 Srinagar
15-Jun-15 kargil(stay while travel to leh)
16-Jun-15 leh
17-Jun-15 leh
18-Jun-15 leh(nubra vally)
19-Jun-15 leh(pangon lake)
20-Jun-15 leh ( journy to srinagar)
21-Jun-15 kargil
22-Jun-15 srinagar stay
23-Jun-15 return to mumbai on 15:05
srinagar srinagar kargil leh leh leh leh leh kargil srinagar srinagar
Manali – Leh Highway is not a place to be with Infant. I will never recommend you going there and that too during the time you have planned when the highway will just open. Better that you let the children grow and then make a trip as these places will remain there only but it is a life threatening trip to take. 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 3 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.
Hi there,
We have planned a bike trip to Leh between 12th and 23rd June 2015. We have chosen Chandigarh as our starting point.
We need to rent bikes Chandigarh. Do you have any contacts for Motorcycle rental in Chandigarh?
BR,
Sandeep
Sorry Sandeep, I do not have any contacts for bike rent in Chandigarh.
No problem mate! And yes, Thanks for the immense amount of useful info you have put up here, really appreciable. Cheers! 🙂
Thank you 🙂
Hi Dheeraj
Am very very impressed with your in-depth knowledge and passion to help and guide others .
I am a practising doctor in Chandigarh and plan to take the trip from Chandigarh to Leh by my Fortuner vehicle . I have absolutely no idea of how to go about it . I have certain questions , i would be very grateful for answers
1. Which is the best and safest time to go ?
2. What are the permissions that are needed and how difficult are they to get for a layman like me ?
3. How many days should the trip be planned for ?
4. Reading your blog , i think the Srinagar – Leh route is better and with the hassle of restricted passing of vehicles from the Rohtang valley onwards ? But i would like your expert advice on it .
5. Can you please guide me with the night halts and the best places to stay through out the journey ?
I have many other questions and apprehensions but would like to start with these .
Thank you
Hello Dr. IP Singh,
1. In case you want to see snow, then 20th June to 20th July else in September.
2. No permissions required as long as you follow conventional routes.
3. 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.
4. Yes. You can follow the plan suggested in 3.
5. You can check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate (cheap budget hotels as well) in the series of articles starting on the link here
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi, Dheeraj. Your website is very great. We are 6-8 people planning to go to leh in the first or second week of june from Delhi. How many days would it take to cover the entire trip? Delhi-Manali-Leh or Delhi-Srinagar-Leh, we still havent decided on the route. We will take a rented SUV. Approximately how much is it going to cost per person?
Firstly, I will suggest you that please plan it in other direction as going via Srinagar – Leh Highway will be much much easier on your body and help you acclimatize to the high altitude of Manali – Leh Highway. Also, it allows you to enjoy the beauty of Manali – Leh by splitting the journey almost evenly in two days which is very difficult in the other direction. Thirdly, it will allow you to fit Tso Moriri lake into the itinerary in better way. You can read more reasons on the link here
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
You can check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate (cheap budget hotels as well) in the series of articles starting on the link here
please contact me on +91-9820649002 or +91-9166220714 whatsapp or call, we are 4-5 friends also planning the same trip from delhi to leh via manali around 12 june 2015 …. could go in group and enjy the scenery more !!
Hey,
We are 4 friends planning a trip to Leh from Delhi. We want to do the delhi-manali-leh route and take a flight back from leh, so we get to spend more time in Leh. Is it advisable? And if so what should be the proposed itinerary. We are planning to leave 2nd week of June.
Alternately, can we take a flight to srinagar, drive to leh and travel around and take a flight back from leh. Would that allow us to cover and explore more places in Ladakh. And proposed itinerary for that?
We at max can spare 10 days.
Thanks in advance
TUSHAR.
Tushar, my preferences are always as follows:
1. Fly to Srinagar, start road trip to Ladakh and then follow road trip to Manali, if you have about 12-13 days from Srinagar to Delhi
2. Fly to Leh, rest for couple of days, have road trip back to Manali in case you looking for more adventure
3. Fly to Srinagar, start road trip to Ladakh and then fly out of Leh, in case you looking for little less adventure and easy to go trip
Hey Dheeraj , we group of 2 friends planing to visit leh ladakh via manali leh highway by 2nd week of June. What will be the status of highway by that time. Or we postpone it to some other date n please advice suitable dates to start the trip
Rash, Manali – Leh Highway is expected to be open by 15th of June as per BRO and weather remains clear.
Hello Mr Dheeraj Sharma,
WE are planning to travel in July.Planning to take Srinakagr- Leh – Manali Road.
We are falling short of days and would like to cut on the stay or the journey.
We will definately travel from Srinagar to Leh – But should we cover Leh – Manali Route too or we shall take a Flight from Leh and come back to Delhi.
Which route is advisable as in beauty and NOT TO MISS ELEMENT – Srinagar to LEH or LEH to MANALI
Kindly guide us…
Thanks
Dhaval, how many days do you have from Delhi?
Hi Dheeraj,
love ur blogs about Leh and thank u for spreading so much info abt this place. We a grp of 6 ppl are planing one week trip at leh. we had chosen the delhi-Manali- Leh-srinagar-delhi route and we have flight frm srinagar to delhi. Its a budgeted trip so can u please suggest the onward journey? we want to stay at pangong lake for a night, is it possible?
It will take 3 days to reach Leh from Delhi via Manali side and 4 days to come back to Delhi from Leh via Srinagar side. This makes it 7 days. 1 Day is required in Leh for acclimatization. You have 7 days but you flying to Srinagar will save you one day. So, that 1 Day can be used as Day trip to Pangong Tso OR can be used as day trip to Nubra Valley or just Khardung La pass.
Hi Dheeraj, we are pplanning a family trip to leh ladakh around 15th of july. Is it right time?
what car u suggest and route. we reach leh via srinagar and return via manali?
Your advice would be greatly appreciated…
Yes, July is good time to visit Ladakh. Better to have a car which is having high ground clearance.
Hello,
I want to go to leh via kargil in mid june by ALTO car and in return via manali…Is this right vehicle for this trip.Please advice.
Thanks
Amit
For hatchback/sedan taking on Manali – Leh Highway Or Spiti Valley via Manali Or Ladakh, please refer the link: FAQ | Can I do Leh – Ladakh / Spiti / Manali – Leh trip in Hatchback or Sedan? for more details.
i m planning to visit Leh Laddakh on 1st of Julyfor 7-10days .Is it the right time to visit Laddakh.I shall be travelling from Kolkata to Delhi.Is it advisable to hire a vehice from delhi to Laddakh
Rishi, outside taxis are not allowed inside Ladakh for sightseeing purposes. So, you will need to hire another taxi in Leh again. Hence, it better that you fly to Srinagar first and then take a taxi from there and then once reaching Leh get another taxi and fly out of Leh. Or are you planning end to end by road only?
Hi Dheeraj,
We a group of 10-12 people including 4-5 kids age group of 3 + are planning to visit Leh .
Route which we are planning is Srinagar – Leh- Manali with our Personal Cars ( Scorpio and Duster ). Expected date of departure from Srinagar will be 7-8 June.
I have some queries , we need your guidance kindly suggest.
1- IS it safe to travel with kids of these age group ?
2- IS it safe when we had face a big Earthquake recently.?
3- Till 8th -9th June Srinagar – Leh – Manali highways will open ?
4- How many days we need to cover this round trip ?
kindly reply.
Vishal….
Hi Vishal,
1. 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 physical health condition. 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 3 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.
2. Nothing reported as any aftermath of it.
3. Srinagar Leh for sure and Manali – Leh very much likely.
4. 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.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hey Dhiraj!
We get a high just reading your posts. Thrilling!
I am from Bangalore. We are a fit and slim 62 year couple planning to do the Srinagar – Leh/Ladhak – Manali trail in the 3rd or 4th week of September this year. My queries:-
(a) Is it a good time?
(b) Is it possible to hire a good taxi (Innova) from Srinagar all the way to Manali for around 10 to 12 days?
Thanks for your attention
Cheers!
Arun
Hello Arun ji,
1. Better keep in third week of September. Cold increases especially at nights and morning and at high altitude lakes. Apart from that, it is one of the best time to visit Ladakh
2. Very much possible. You need to call a taxi driver from Ladakh who can come and pick you up from Srinagar and be with you till Manali. 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.
For the leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2015 – 16 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here. You can get about 10-12% of discount by directly getting in touch with drivers and of course, talking in person rather on phone always help in bargaining more.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hey Dheeraj!
Thrilled to receive your reply. Will follow your advice.
Cheers!
Arun
Hi dheeraj,
Me and my 4 friends are planning a trip to leh-ladakh in mid of may and i have planned this trip on my own vehicle so do we have to hire driver in leh or we’re fine i mean is there any problem in road driving? And also do we need etra gallon of diesel in our car?
IF it is a personal car with white plate or black plate, it is totally fine to travel using it in Ladakh. If you follow the general route, you will not need fuel as you will keep refueling in Leh. 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.
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
hi dheeraj
can activa 110 cc scooter good for riding on this jammu to leh road..d person who will riding activa will b around 80kg and his bag will b 2-3kg..overall weigh on activa will be 85 kg..so is it good for ride..i saw d roads in videos..i think activa can take it..wat u say?
waiting for ur reply
Well though it is not required to have more powerful bike like Bullet/RE but always preferable. 110cc might be able to do it as I have read few accounts of it in the past but surely will struggle at some places where it might be required to push manually, especially I believe if you get stuck in some water crossing. DO NOT push/accelerate the bike beyond its limit in case your stuck rather user your own physical power to get it out.
Hello Dheeraj!
I would also like to know whether it takes equal time to reach leh from chandigarh regardless of which way we opt for ( either manali or srinagar)??
Apoorv, Chandigarh to Leh via Manali will take 3 days and via Srinagar will also take 3 days but distance and drive time will be more from Srinagar side.
Hi Dheeraj, Nice to read about you here..pretty cool!!! We are 5 friends (aged between 30 to35) who have planned for Leh Ladakh trip from 13th may to 21st may travelling by Innova from Delhi via Kashmir. We will stay in Leh for 3 days…It would be great help if you can recommend us regarding safety measures, any special care, do’s and dont’s …Looking forward to hear from you!! Thanks
Hi Sahil,
Outside taxis are not allowed to roam in Ladakh and it takes 4 days from Srinagar side to reach Ladakh from Delhi and 4 days to come back. You have just 9 days. Are you sure you want to make this trip happen with one day in Leh where it is mandaotry to rest in Leh only for acclimatization to high altitude.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hello dheeraj!
Its so nice to read your blogs. I have been through to all your blogs relating to leh and himalyas. Now I have some queries regarding it.
Me and couple of my friends (around 5 including me) are planning a trip to leh in the 1st week of july (most probably 2nd july). Our starting point will be from chandigarh. We would be hiring innova or something from chandigarh itself. I would like you to please suggest me as what way we should opt for from chandigarh to leh as we are very much time bounded. We have a return flight from chandigarh on 10th july. it shall be highly appreciable if you would suggest me with an whole itinerary including proper halt that we should take at proper places. We are planning to stay in leh for 4 nights and 3 days.
Looking for a detailed reply from your side.
Thank you!
Opt to go via Manali – Leh Highway and I will suggest that you refer the thread: Manali – Leh – Ladakh – Manali | Itinerary for 9 Days in DoW – Himalayan Travel Community as you have 9 days in hand.
If you ready to travel per day more you can go from Srinagar side too.
Hi Dheeraj,
We are 2 person planning for bike trip in July or August by taking rental bike from Manali.. Is it really need
To take mechanic with us? Is there any mechanic shops on the way? Does remtal bikes have the option to keep our bags? Planning to take only one bike for rental.. Other person who is coming with me doesn’t know the driving
Prakash, there are not many mechanic shops available on the way. In fact after Darcha you get a shop at Sarchu and then almost not before Upshi. Pang is tentative. So, you will be on your own in case anything goes wrong with bike on Manali – Leh Highway.