When it comes to Ladakh, people always dream of making a self-drive Ladakh road trip, or others dream of making a Ladakh bike ride. However, there is altogether a different fun and experience when you travel to Ladakh by bus or public transport. These 5 reasons on why to make a Ladakh road trip by bus will plan it without fear.

Planning Ladakh trip using Public Transport

Ladakh is a remote place that is often on the list of many a wanderer. Of course, a few kindred spirits visit this place, and fewer still make the trip by public transportation. If you’re an ardent reader of this blog, you are like us.

And, you’ll not hesitate for a heartbeat to interact with kind, beautiful people and culture of the Land of Lamas.

Why do the Ladakh Road Trip by Bus

Now, these days, there are many ways to reach the wonderland – including a direct flight into the capital city – Leh.

However, the road journey is where the magic lies. Trust me when I tell you this, you need to make the Leh trip by road. However, people are often keen on visiting the place by riding their motorcycles or driving their vehicles. Some venture out and get into visiting by hiring a personal cab. But, I am here to tell you – why you need to visit Ladakh by bus.

There are multiple sources of details we have covered for your convenience. Head on over to get all your questions answered for making a trip to Ladakh by bus or public transport.

Remote corners of unseen & offbeat Ladakh
Remote corners of unseen & offbeat Ladakh

1. It is cheap to travel to Ladakh by public transport

First and foremost, a lot of us dreamers who have Ladakh on their bucket list are often hesitant given the budgetary constraints. A Ladakh road trip requires a huge commitment in terms of the number of days required to enjoy the place truly. Now, with longer the duration of any trip, the expenses are bound to add up.

The two biggest expenses for any vacation are, of course, lodging expenses and transportation expenses. Food makes up for the third biggest chunk. However, that is not much of a concern for a Ladakh trip – you eat what you get, and that’s sustenance enough.

With public transport – you have multiple options in terms of comfort. These range from luxury to local/non-AC buses – and you can fit your budget into your travel plans. With the biggest hurdle behind you – it becomes easier to focus on truly enjoying the trip in the Himalayas.

Thiksay Monastery is located on top of a hill in Thiksey village, outside of Leh in Ladakh, India.

2. You meet new people

Ladakh is stunning, and the memories you will make here will be unmatchable. While solo trips are also a welcome affair, the real joy lies in sharing the place with someone. Imagine, to have someone who can connect with what you’re feeling in the moment and understand the gravity of the views in front of you.

This is no small connection. When you’re traveling by bus – you will get to meet very like-minded people that come from diverse walks of life. Everyone has had their journey and hopes and dreams of wanting to visit Ladakh – and getting to interact with such folk will alter your perspective on life forever.

Also, public transport will offer you ample opportunities to interact with locals and pick their brains on secluded, never-before-seen-or-experienced places that most tourists won’t be aware of.

3. You never get lost when traveling by bus to Ladakh

The bus drivers and conductors will do their job. You’ll get from point A to point B. Also, the drivers have made this trip so many times that they know all the best places to stop. They will know from experience how much time to devote to a stop. Staying too long on high altitude places can cause AMS. I can tell you from experience that these are the biggest concerns when you’re planning and researching your trip to Ladakh.

And, having these biggest concern points off your plate makes you concentrate your efforts on what truly matters – experiencing Ladakh to its fullest. Other things that will be perfectly planned would be food stoppages, adequate water availability – and knowledgeable minds, keeping an eye on your health. Isn’t that just wonderful?

4. Eco-friendly mode of transportation

When you’re visiting such far-flung places in the world, you’ll start appreciating the value of nature. Chances are, however, that you already yearn for a life outside of the city bustle. It is what makes you unique. It gives you an entry into the highly exclusive club of Ladakh visitors.

For, if you don’t appreciate nature and all that the natural wonders stand for – you won’t be craving a visit to this magical land. Not only are you saving a lot of carbon emissions, but you’re also ensuring the atmosphere remains clean in the region. Given that you’re visiting experience nature at its finest – why not invest in keeping the environment safe, healthy, clean, and pristine!

5. Public transportation allows you to relax and enjoy the views

Given that most of your journey is planned and taken care of for you, you can just sit back and enjoy every passing moment and view. You don’t need to worry about where the vehicle is going if you’re on the right path, what time do you need to reach your pit stop for the night.

All you have to do is soak in the moment and be 100% present without having to sweat out about the logistics. How is that not perfection waiting to happen?

Stupas at Hemis
Stupas at Hemis

Reference Articles for making a trip to Ladakh by Bus

FAQs about Traveling to Ladakh by Bus

Conclusion

If you want to visit Ladakh and for any of the above reasons are stopping, you – fret no more. Book your next bus out, and you’re sorted on a lot of fronts.

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Have any questions regarding the bus service to Ladakh – ask your questions below!

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.

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Shefali spends most of her time day dreaming about her next big vacation. A happy-go-lucky personality, she is an amalgamation of all the places she’s lived in and experienced! She is always confused as to where to call home, having lived in Chandigarh, Shimla, Dehradun, Mumbai, Hyderabad in India and Vancouver, Abbotsford in Canada. Her love for travel is only challenged by her love for reading and eating delicious food! In order to sustain her dreams, she brought out her inner geek, got an MBA and has a job in the corporate world crunching numbers. Do follow @notravelplans on Instagram for updates on her next great adventure.

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