A lot of people ask me this many times on the blog to suggest the best time to travel to Leh Ladakh, and I thought it is better to pen it down in an article so that it helps others too and does not repeat on the blog all over again and again.
Well, there are two roads that lead you to Leh Ladakh popular by the names of Srinagar Leh Highway and Manali Leh Highway. Both of them generally remain closed for more than six months from November to April or Mid-May every year because of heavy snowfall on various mountain passes that comes on these adventurous roads.
So, the only time to travel by road to Leh Ladakh is from Mid-May to Mid – October. And the second half of October is a risky affair to travel and May is the only likely option for Srinagar – Leh Highway as Manali – Leh Highway generally opens by June first week or late May.
But, still, the question is :
Let's quickly dive into the details:
“What is the best time to travel Leh Ladakh in these 5-6 months?”
Leh Ladakh in April to Mid-May
April is the month when tourists or travelers from all parts of the world start to come to Ladakh. Restaurants start to either open or set up for the coming season. Similarly, the guest houses, camps at Pangong Tso, and Tso Moriri lakes also start to be set up.
By the second week of May, generally, the Srinagar Leh Highway opens, and the influx of tourists starts to get into Ladakh. Supplies flow in along with fresh vegetables and fruits. Hence life comes to normalcy in Ladakh.
In late April, all lakes including Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri start to melt, and by mid-May, they completely melt and start radiating the ever-beautiful blue hues under sunlight. Tourists / Travellers visiting these places get good discounts as it is the onset of the season and with fewer tourists around, it is indeed a better place to be.
The high mountain passes in Ladakh including both Khardung La and Chang La, are under heaps of snow, and passing through them is quite an experience in itself. Carrying shades/glares/goggles are highly recommended at this time of the year.
Leh Ladakh in May – June – July
As I said, in May, most likely, you will only find Srinagar – Leh to be open, so if you are interested in the complete circuit, then it is not the right time. In June beginning or May end, Manali road opens with the opening of Rohtang Pass.
In the initial 7-10 days, the roads are pretty much unstable with common snow slides, and intermittent blockages also happen, but gradually it settles down. And from Mid of June to July just before the onset of monsoon season, it is a very nice time to travel, and indeed a lot of people undertake the road journey to Ladakh at this specific window only.
It is the perfect time for those who want to enjoy snow around the road and drive through the snow walls of Rohtang Pass / Rani Nalla and Baralacha La too. However, keep in mind that snow starts to melt which means, ferocious water crossings and rivers are pretty common in this period.
Later you will reach a water crossing in the day, slim are the chances to cross it. So, plan to leave early in the day and reach the early in the day on the destination to have buffer time as well.
from Mid of June to July just before the onset of monsoon season, it is a very nice time to travel and indeed a lot of people undertake the road journey to Ladakh at this specific window only.
Best time to travel for seeing snow in Ladakh
Leh Ladakh in August
In August, monsoons are in a full flurry, and rivers and water crossings go ferocious at times when rain is pouring down. Landslides are common too in this period. However, there is a catch, the region beyond Zozi La Pass towards Leh from the Srinagar side and beyond Baralacha La pass towards Leh from the Manali side, being a rain shadow region does not get much affected by rains.
But, surely you will be facing the monsoon hassles up to Baralacha La pass from Manali side and Zozila Pass from Srinagar side. Of course, as happening for the last few years Rohtang Pass & Zojila are most likely to be a nightmare in this period.
Even the definition of Ladakh being the rain shadow region is changing now. We have started getting rain in Ladakh too or at least overcast conditions with light rains now and then. Few cloudbursts and flash floods also have occurred in a couple of years, including 2018. So, be ready for surprises even in the rain shadow region of Ladakh too in the coming years.
Leh Ladakh in September – October
Personally, this is my favorite season to travel to Ladakh with vibrant & burning colors all over in full glory. Post-monsoon, the region becomes devoid of rains and the chill starts to set in with some intermittent light snowfall.
However, the colors of fall/autumn are almost burning with beauty all over the Srinagar Leh Road, Manali Leh Road, and, of course, the entire Ladakh, including Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri & Nubra Valley. The road conditions also improve a lot in comparison to the rest of the season. You will witness the best roads of the season since the maintenance works also settle by that time. It is the best time to self-drive to Ladakh if you are taking a small car like a hatchback or sedan to Ladakh.
Even the water crossings are timid in flow with less water in them and are easy to pass by. The rivers turn into aqua blue color again, giving an entirely different aura to the region. Your body is at the maximum exposure to UV rays, and due to lack of moisture, it becomes a bit difficult to acclimatize as well. But, the beauty on offer is worth anything in the world 😀
Also, it is time when some camps have closed and packed up, and some still run. There is occasional snowfall as well, which might close the road for a day or two temporarily. The Raid-De-Himalayas rally also happens in this window which also disturbs you as a traveler to some extent.
Personally, this is my favorite season to travel to Ladakh with vibrant & burning colors all over in full glory.
for those who love vibrant fall colors
Leh Ladakh in November
The period of late October and November is when the cold settles into Trans Himalayas completely with sub-zero temperatures at almost all places above 14000 feet especially over the Manali Leh highway and the high-altitude lakes. The colors though are still beautiful in the region, tourists have almost gone away and only a few brave ones remain 🙂 :).
Most of the guest houses, hotels, and restaurants are closed by this time along with camps at Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri lakes, which are packed up by the last week of September. Dhabhas and camps on Manali Leh Highway are also deserted, and locals go away to their homes to get ready for hibernation in cold winters.
Though both Manali Leh Road and Srinagar Leh Road remain open unofficially, it is highly not recommended to travel over them, especially the Manali Leh Highway with such cold conditions. There will not be many shelters available and black ice on roads that make driving a dangerous affair. Black ice is quite common in this period it starts to appear in October starting as well at some places though it does not last long in the early stages or the winter season.
Interesting Read: 5 Reasons to Avoid Manali – Leh Highway in October – November
Leh Ladakh in December – January – February – March
This period is the coldest in Ladakh where January is the coldest month of all seasons, and Ladakh is cut off from the rest of the world by road. Only a few brave and bold tourists are around even though the roads to Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso Lake over Khardung La Pass, and Chang La Pass respectively are kept open all around the year barring a few days of heavy snowfall.
Late January to February is also the time when many adventure tourists come to Leh Ladakh to walk over the frozen Zanskar River from Padum in Zanskar Valley to Leh, popularly known as Chadar Trek.
In this period, you are at the mercy of extreme cold. Snowfall as well is pretty common and mingled with high-altitude terrain; it makes life difficult to survive and acclimatize as well. The key is to take rest, ample rest in the initial days. Then, gradually start overreaching other high-altitude places. The food options are minimal, and most of the restaurant lives are deserted as their cook is out at their homes.
From November to December / Mid-January types, if the sun is shining the colors in the Lakes such as Pangong Tso or Tso Moriri is breathtaking but the options to stay near them are none or limited. Just some Home Stays in nearing villages where basic facilities will be available to brave the extreme cold.
After Mid-January, both Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri along with other high-altitude lakes start to freeze and become solid as earth as you can drive your car over it, leave alone walk over it. Be responsible and don’t do that of course 😉
These lakes remain frozen almost up to April. So, those looking forward to seeing the magical changing colors of these lakes with sunlight in the day shall refrain from making a trip to Ladakh from January to late April, which is almost for four months.
Still confused??
Well, the best time to visit Leh Ladakh is, September to mid-October, if you love the vivid colors of nature or you are a photographer looking for natural colors, or someone who loves to have fewer tourists around you. However, you will not find any snow around you. Otherwise, if you are one of those who loves to see snow up there in Ladakh road trip then make the journey to Leh Ladakh in June when both Manali Leh Highway and Srinagar Leh Highway are open.
Conclusion
Are you still confused?? Don’t worry. I will suggest if you want to see heaps of snow and have a good adventure, then you must plan your road trip to Ladakh starting June first/ the second week up to mid of July types.
However, if you are more interested in nature’s lovely colors pallet and maybe you are very much into photography, then the late season is the time. You do not want to miss out on, i.e., late September up to the second week of October when colors are oozing out vividly all over Ladakh!!
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722 Comments
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Hello
I am planning to visit leh by flight on 29th August 2019 with my wife & 12 year old daughter. Is it save to travel that time considering rainy season.
Bro! We are a group of friends planning our trip from April 28th and fly directly to leh, will we be able to enjoy our trip without any obstructions(like snow ) or the pangong lake being Frozen or unavailability of accommodation ?
You should look at Leh – Ladakh in Winters – Most Common Itinerary
It will answer all your questions 🙂
What about mid May? I really want to see the unfrozen beauty of pangong!!
In that case plan for mid May to late May, it should melt by that time of the year
we have planned and booked flight ticket from Bangalore to Srinagar on 24th April and return from Leh on 6th May 2018. Plan is to spend 4-5 days in Srinagar and then travel by road to Leh and spend 6-7 days there visiting Nubra , pangong and other sorrounding.
Please suggest as we heard that Srinagar – Leh highway is closed till April end.
Sunil, Srinagar – Leh Highway may or may not be open by last week of April. Considering BRO has already opened Zanskar Valley road, I have hopes by mid of April, they will open Srinagar – Leh Highway too.
Hi Dheeraj,
We two friends are planning a leh ladakh trip in September. We want to experience everything including the snow; hence, what would be your suggestion? Is it good in September? Yes, then which part of the month? Waiting for your reply.
Hari, there will be no snow in September. If you want to enjoy snow, then you have to plan the trip in April – May but then roads are not open and only option is to fly to Ladakh. Else June is when you will find plenty of snow at passes in Ladakh and Manali – Leh Highway
Hi! Planning to go Leh by air on 24th Sep n bck by 2 October by road via Manali .i want to know if October first week will be safe by road from Leh to Manali n and also why return airfares are soo high from Leh.i Jst don’t want to get stuck there because of snow on d way bck
Chaand, just keep an eye on weather once you reach Leh and then take a call. Nowadays, usually first week of October os still OK to travel but sometimes it does snow. Also, plan to directly reach Jispa from Leh without halt at Sarchu.
Hello Dheeraj
I was planning for a trip from Manali tto Leh ladakh and back from Aug 26 to Sep 5. Is it a good timeI for travel? Read every where u mentioned that Aug is not a good time to visit Leh,,
Regards
ANimesh
Hi Dheeraj,
So here is what my Ladakh trip looks like… starting on 16th September and ending on 30th September.
Day 1: Noida – Patnitop (Overnight stay at Patnitop)
Day 2: Patnitop – Sonmarg (Overnight stay at Sonmarg)
Day 3: +++ Rest Day at Sonmarg + Sight Seeing in Sonmarg & Gulmarg +++ (Overnight stay at Sonmarg)
Day 4: Sonmarg – Kargil (Overnight stay at Kargil)
Day 5: Kargil – Leh (Overnight stay at Leh)
Day 6: +++ Rest Day at Leh + Sight Seeing in & around Leh +++ (Overnight stay at Leh)
Day 7: Leh – Nubra Valley (Overnight stay at Diskit)
Day 8: Nubra Valley – Pangong Tso Lake (Overnight at Pangong Tso Lake)
Day 9: Pangong Tso – Leh (Overnight stay at Leh)
Day 10: Leh – Tso Moriri Lake (Overnight stay at Korzok)
Day 11: Tso Moriri – Jispa (Overnight stay at Jispa)
Day 12: Jispa – Manali (Overnight stay at Manali)
Day 13: +++ Rest Day at Manali + Sight Seeing in & around Manali +++ (Overnight stay at Manali)
Day 14: Manali – Noida
Day 15: Buffer Days
Day 16: Buffer Days
Do you think that this plan looks good? I am assuming that I have taken enough breaks in between for the body to acclimatize to the conditions up there! Let me know if there are any changes that you want to suggest!
I would also welcome any feedback from fellow members here!
Thanks and Regards,
Abhishek
Hi Dheeraj,
Looking for a suggestion.
Can I visit just Leh -> Zanskar -> Leh in August ? Is this is good time or will there be rains?
Plan:
Sat, Aug 5: Leave Mumbai by flight to Leh, Start on bike / rent car to Kargil
Sun, Aug 6: Kargil to Zanskar
Mon, Aug 7: Back to Kargil
Tue, Aug 8: Back to Leh
Wed, Aug 9: Back to Mumbai
Please let me know if the climate is good this time and if this is doable in such short time.
Well since you are flying directly to Leh, it is rain shadow region and hence, even in monsoon, it is fine. However, Zanskar needs at least 4-5 days from Kargil and for Kargil – Leh you need minimum two days. Hence, in 5 days it is not possible.
ok.. thank you for the quick reply.. will plan it well for next year 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
Me and my husband are planning to visit Leh-Ladakh (via Manali) from Delhi in the third week of September’ 2017 in our “Ford Eco-sport”. We are a little confused whether it will be OK to take Eco – sport to Leh Ladakh.
How much wear and tear can happen to it, and will our Ford Eco-sport will be able to sustain it, as the Ford guys told us not to take it to Leh-ladakh, as it is city car and not made for off road. Can you please guide us?
Also, want to know how to connect with other people who are planning their visit to Leh-Ladakh at the same time as it will be good to stay connected with them while travelling.
Thanks
NJ
Neha, Ford EcoSport is very capable of doing the Leh – Ladakh trip. So, don’t worry much about it, just be cautious in driving. You can read: 40 Must Have Things to Carry on Ladakh Self Drive Trip and 7 Useful Tips for a Self Drive to Leh – Ladakh
Hi Neha,
We are a group of people (2 couples) who would also be travelling to Leh Ladakh (starting on 16th September from Noida and ending on 30th September 2017). But we would be travelling to Leh Ladakh from Srinagar side and would be completing the circuit from Manali side. During the 4th week of September we would be on the Manali side.
It is surely a good idea to connect while travelling.
Cheers!
Abhishek
Mr.Sharma,
This was a wonderful article. Thank you for providing information. I would like to ask if first week of Aug would be a good time to visit Leh. I am planning to go by air to Leh. Please give your opinion.
Thanks.
Since you are planning to go by Air, Ladakh is a rain shadow region and least touched by rains. So, it shall be fine to make a trip by air to Ladakh
Hello dheeraj sir,
Is this itinerary good for the 25th october. is this the right time travel ladakh. can we go all the places ??
Day 1 : Rest n local sights
Day 2 : magnetic hill n pather sahib n acclimatization.
Day 3 : leh to nubra
Day 4 : nubra to pangong via Agham
Day 5 : pangong to leh
Day 6 : Return
Plz reply soon.
Thanks
Given the days at hand, it looks fine. Please keep in mind it will be very cold in October at PAngong Tso, best will be to stay at Tangtse or do day trip from Leh.
Hi dear,
Thanks for your valuable information. Actually we are planning to visit leh ladakh in 2nd wk of september for 10 days.
please tell whether camping is advisable or not during that season if yes mentioned the best place for camping.
also tell either visiting all famous lake i.e. pang, tso moriri etc is possible or not.
Thanks again.
Dann, September is a very good time to travel to Leh – Ladakh. You can read: Top 10 Tips for Camping in Ladakh & Spiti Valley
thanks for your reply.
tell me about permit also , can’t we get them online so that we can save our time over there?
where are these permits required during the traveling
??
Well, the Permits for Leh – Ladakh are available online: Ladakh Inner Line Permits Available Online
However, only permits are applied and you have to take the print out and pay your permit fee in person in Leh at Tourist Info Center or DC office in Leh.
Hi Dheeraj!
I want to ask you very important question regarding bikers?
The tussle going on between bikers of Manali and Leh is only for Rental bikes?
and what about bikers who are on there own bikes, do they also have to face anytype of problems???
There is no issue at all for the own bikes in Ladakh.
Hi,
I’m planning for a trip to Leh via Manali. Is it okay to plan the trip in August, or it is more advisable to travel by end of June. This will be my first experience, and we’re planning for an SUV.
Best is to travel in September for better road conditions and less challenges, else up to mid July is OK. Avoid monsoon travel in August.
Dear Dheeraj,
I am planning a 10 daya trip to Leh with my wife, 7yo son, two brothers starting on 15th June. I will planning to take my Baleno Diesel. It’s the very first time for me to visit Leh. Request your kind suggestions as I am really confused about whether I should make this trip or not. Also request you to advise on travel itinerary and stay options. Look forward for an early response. Thanks.
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.
It will take 4 days to reach Leh from Srinagar side starting from Delhi with stop overs at Jammu, Srinagar, Kargil and 3 days to come back from Leh from Manali side to Delhi with stopovers at Sarchu, Manali. This makes it 7 days. 1 Day is required in Leh for acclimatization. You have about 10 days. 1 Day can be used as Day trip to Pangong Tso and other day can be used as day trip to Nubra Valley or just Khardung La pass.
Opt to go via Manali – Leh Highway and I will suggest that you refer the thread for more details on the route and night halts though it is of 9 days: Manali – Leh – Ladakh – Manali | Itinerary for 9 Days. You can fit in plan I suggested in above para in this plan
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
Thanks again for your valuable suggestions. I have made up my mind for 9 days itinerary suggested by you via Manali -Leh route. Just bit concerned about road conditions vs Baleno. Will be happy if you suggest any precautions.
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.
Actually I am looking for this type of information from very long time but bi cant found it clearly but you describe all this very clearly! Thanks for this article.
That is wonderful to hear, glad the article helped you.
Dheeraj!!
Can we will go to Leh (Manali to Leh via jispa) own car Chevrolet Sail Uva Hatchback 2014 Model.
Can I go Chevrolet Sail Uva Hatchback 2014 Model say Yes or Not
If we go by my own car –
Do you advised me witch route is best for me Manali – Leh – Srinagar/ Srinagar – Leh – Manali .
witch cars can cross the Manali – Leh – Srinagar Plz guide me. Please Car Name
Thanks.
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.
Dheeraj!!
As you advised, i have an iternary for my trip.
at first can i go to leh rout as shown below by Chevrolet Sail Uva Hatchback 2014 Model
I am also running this car to west bangal, char cham, dharmshala, deu all gujrat.
so please advice me this car is suatable for me.
and with equipment is required for this route.
June – 3: Manali – Jispa (overnight stay)
June – 4: Jispa – Sarchu (overnight stay)
June – 5: sarchu – Leh (overnight stay)
June – 6: Leh – ride to sham valley and sight seeing
June – 7: leh – Nubra (overnight stay)
June – 8: Nubra – Pangong tso (camping)
June – 9: Pangong Tso – Tso moriri – Leh (overnight stay)
June – 10: Leh – kargil
June – 11: kargil – srinagar
I am still waiting for your suggestion.
Hello Mahesh,
Please avoid night stay at Sarchu and to Manali – Jispa, Jispa – Leh. Then use that day to make two day trip to Nubra Valley and two day trip to Pangong Tso by regular routes as the direct routes, hatches might not survive or you may get stuck in the middle of no help around. Skip Tso Moriri.
Also, if you do the trip in reverse direction, it will be much better. 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.
Hello Dheeraj you are amazing !
I am much keen for bike trip on Manali Leh Highway in September as that is the time when road conditions will become good.
But some of our female friends wants to live “Jab We Met” moment (or snow ki toh baat hi kuch or hai) so we are travelling in June..
My only concern is for road conditions in mid June specially “Rohtang Pass”
I have heard that in june we have to deal with lots of slush on “Rohtang Pass” but as we are going before monsoon so we are hoping we will get some good roads as compare to july or August ..
Your knowledge is highly appreciable. So what is your take on “Rohtang Pass” in mid of June ???
Shubham, for snow you have to make a trip around mid of June and also have to go through some bad sections of the roads. The roads will definitely be more challenging as snow melts during that time creating slush and water crossings at many places.
Thank you Friend,
Under the guidance of “Devil on wheels” it seems like we are all ready for the trip & the conditions..
Yeah we are expecting water crossings & slush thats the main adventure of this trip
but we hope not as much as you have shown in above pics during mid june “Nightmarish roads of Rohtang Pass” ???
Most likely, you will not face that much of slush during that time unless there is debris of fresh landslide.
Thank you so much Dheeraj 🙂
Hi Sir,
Your page is awsome. We have a plan in August Please tell whether it is feasible or not.
14thAugust :- DELHI – Leh
15th August:- Leh
16th August:- Leh – Turtuk
17th August:- Turtuk – Nubra Valley
18th August:- Nubra – Pangong Via Aghyam Shiyok( We are in a doubt about it)
19th August:- Pangong – Leh
20th August:- Leh – Alchi – Magnetic hill – Kargil
21th August:- Kargil – Padum
22nd August:- Padum
23rd August:- Padum Or Rnagdum or Sankoo
24th August:- Back to Kargil
25th August:- Kargil – Srinagar
26th August:- Srinagar – Kolkata
Your plan looks good to me. On 23rd, you can stay at Rangdum. There is a new guest house there called LA Himalaya with attached bathrooms.
We have contacted Rigzin Da. He is managing except Kargil and Leh. Will it be wise to use Agyam Shiyok road to reach Pangong During August???
Well, as long as you can find some company to travel with you at Agham village, local driver should be able to get you through with that route. You will get to know about the present status once you reach up there.
Thank you so much dheeraj for your precious info 🙂
We are planning to visit Manali-Leh on the mid of June17 and will take halt in Keylong/Jispa & Sarchu but as it is the peak time of tourists attraction.. is it advisable to pre book our accommodations near Keylong/Jispa & Sarchu or we will easily get accomodations after reaching there ???
Arjun, I will not recommend you to have a night halt at Sarchu while going to Leh. You can stay while coming back. Keylong has plenty of options and if you are not particular, you can find. For Jispa, I will suggest to pre-book as limited options are there.
Thank you Dheeraj,
There is no plan to have a halt at Sarchu as altitude is so high there but if we have to
Just for the knowledge
is it advisable to pre book our accomodations at Sarchu or we will get easily after reaching there???
& we will come back through via Srinagar 🙂
Good, yeah, in such a case it should be OK. Also keep Tso Kar in mind in case of emergency for a stay. It is not that far from the main highway.
There will be plenty of options at Sarchu, since, it is not final to stay there, better book it on the spot.
Hii Dheeraj thank you so much for your precious info 🙂
We are planning our trip to mid June17..
as it is the time when most tourists prefer to travel & we are planning to halt on Keylong/Jispa & Sarchu..
So do we have to pre book our accommodations as there are many tourists or we get accommodations easily after reaching there???
Replied on the other thread.
Hi Dheeraj,
I am planning to visit Leh Ladakh in second half of October 2017. Is it advisable ? Will we get a chance to visit all the attractions ?
Please give me your valuable suggestions.
Also to add, I am planning a trip of 10 days. I would request you to suggest me a better schedule.
Will you be flying to Leh or making road trip?
I will be flying. I have two options. Either in October 2017 Or around 15th May 2017. So, which option is preferable ? Please suggest me a better trip of 10 days.
Both the months are not so good for road trip but since you are flying I will suggest May over October with two points
1. In May you will find snow and pleasant weather at least in Leh, Nubra and around not as cold.
2. October, will be windy, cold and dry.
You should refer: Leh – Ladakh | Most Common Itinerary by Air
Are you making a road trip?
Hi Dheeraj, Thanks for the wonderful blog!!
Iam planning for a bike trip to leh via manali-leh route and come back through leh – srinagar highway to Delhi. I am planning to take this trip by either july or september. Also iam planning to complete the circuit in 9 – 10 days. Is it possible to complete it within planned time?? I wish to enjoy in light snowfalls. SO please advise me on the good time to take the rip.
Iam bit confused avout the permits. Do bikers from other state need to get permit in all places throughout manli leh highway??
In leh do we neef to drive j&k registered bikers?? Is own bikes or rented bikes not allowed in leh for expedition???
FInal question.. which is better to take the trip either through some travel agency package or going individual???
please clarify my doubts. Thanks in advance….
Give me your contact mail id……
Thank you Siraj.
It will take 3 days to reach Leh from Delhi via Manali side with stopovers at Jispa, Manali and 4 days to come back to Delhi from Leh via Srinagar side with stop overs at Jammu, Srinagar, Kargil . 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 a lot Dheeraj for clarifying my queries.
Could you please advice me on the best season to start my trip. I wish to enjoy the trip with snowfall. How long snow will be there once the passes are opened up?
On going through blog, i got the clarification about the bike permits in ladakh region. Thanks a lot for the briefly analysed blogs. It’s a really helpful and much needed one for all the new comers.
Do info@offbeatescapes.com provide any packages for the leh-ladak trip?? I have found this one while reading the blog. you have also suggested some to get in touch with them for bike rentals and packages.
Siraj, in that case plan the trip in second week of June when you can see snow on Zojila and Manali – Leh Highway. Snowfall is pure luck based. Yes, those guys provide customized packages of Leh – Ladakh
If you travel form Manali to Rohtang Pass, permit is required for bikes too.
Thanks Dheeraj!!
As you advised, i have an iternary for my trip.
June – 17: Manali – Jispa (overnight stay)
June – 18: Jispa – Sarchu (overnight stay)
June – 19: sarchu – Leh (overnight stay)
June – 20: Leh – ride to sham valley and sight seeing
June – 21: leh – Nubra (overnight stay)
June – 22: Nubra – Pangong tso (camping)
June – 23: Pangong Tso – Tso moriri – Leh (overnight stay)
June – 24: Leh – kargil
June – 25: kargil – srinagar (fly to home)
does this iternary looks good? Need your thoughts on this.
By june 10, the manali-leh highway will be clearing up? So, i need your advice on starting the trip by this date. Becoz, you have specified like wait for 2 weeks once the roads are opened to stabilize.
Siraj, please skip Sarchu as you will not be acclimatized to sleep up there altitude. Better make Jispa to Leh in a day. No need to do Sham Valley but do rest as Sham Valley can be covered while going to Kargil. You cannot do Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri to Leh in a day. Skip Tso Moriri for now. It is probable that Manali – Leh Highway will open by second week of June.
Hi Dheeraj,
Thank you very much for giving lots of useful information which is really needed for all the travelers.
Me and my friends are planning to ley ladhak trip.
please suggest me, which way to choose Srinagar – ley or manalli -ley. and I’m worried about AMS.
kindly suggest the good time to visit.
your suggestion will really help me to make my trip memorable.
Thanks In Advance
Srinivas
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
Dear Dheeraj,
Which would be a better date for arriving in leh this year 17 july or 24 july.
We are 4 friends entering leh via srinagar and exiting via manali as per your suggestions.
We would be taking zoomcar from chandigarh.
We have to complete the chandigarh-leh-chandigarh circuit in 9 days .
Kindly suggest keeping in mind the road and monsoon condition.
Faraz, I will prefer 17th July to travel to Ladakh. It will take 3 days to reach Leh from Delhi via Manali side with stopovers at Jispa, Manali and 4 days to come back to Delhi from Leh via Srinagar side with stop overs at Jammu, Srinagar, Kargil . 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.
Also, I hope you are aware about: Rented Self Drive Cars in Leh – Ladakh Banned “FORCIBLY”
Hi Guyz,
This is Akshay from Mumbai; Me and three of my friends have planned the trip to Leh-Ladakh from 26th May to 4th June.
Actually at the start we were five however one of our friend dropped out due to some reasons;so we are looking for a someone to join us.
If you see blogs and travel tips for Leh-Ladakh trip u will find out that 5 is the best count to have if you are planning for Leh-Ladakh and of course to cut down cost of private vehicle because private vehicle is one of the important factor to have cost effective leh ladakh trip.
So those who want join please contact at my email : akshay.mayekar@gmail.com and contact no :9664823811.
Will explain you all our itinerary on call or mail but for your information we are coming to Srinagar by flight which has halt at Delhi so anyone can join us from Mumbai, Delhi or Srinagar.
P.S : Those who planning leh ladakh for long tym and those who got ditched by their friends this is the tym guyz..we will together make one hell of trip!!!!!!
Regards,
Akshay Mayekar
It is best to post a travel calendar entry as well from the main menu
Hi Dheeraj, firstly thanks a lot for writing this blog. Its very informative. I have always wanted to take a bike trip to Leh. I have not been riding much for past few years & I am someone who is very much susceptible to cold. Going by you blog, road conditions are poor in June-July season and in mid-September temperature will be a challenge. This has got me confused. Can you suggest which time i should go ? Also I want to opt for a packaged tour. Can you suggest any particular group or website ?
Vivek, well, you should be able to do the trip in September. You can do it in second week of September and you should be good with road conditions and temparatures. If you are looking for a package tour, get in touch with info@offbeatescapes.com
Hi Dheeraj,
Last year i had trip from 10 June16 to 21June2016 through Delhi-Srinagar-Leh-Pangong-Sarchu-Manali-Delhi.
In 2017 i want to start the trip in April last week or early may.
What you suggest Please Guide.
BR
Ashish
Ashish, you will be able to only make the trip to Ladakh in April by air only. Are you going by Air? Or in case in May if Srinagar – Leh road opens, you will be able to take that road. How many days you are thinking?
Thanks for your reply Dheeraj.
I am planning around 10-11 Days by Own car.
Please suggest the earliest suitable time and Itinerary.
Earliest will be June month to go from Manali – Leh Highway.
It will take 4 days to reach Leh from Srinagar side starting from Delhi with stop overs at Jammu, Srinagar, Kargil and 3 days to come back from Leh from Manali side to Delhi with stopovers at Sarchu, Manali. This makes it 7 days. 1 Day is required in Leh for acclimatization. You have about 10 days. 1 Day can be used as Day trip to Pangong Tso and other day can be used as day trip to Nubra Valley or just Khardung La pass.
Opt to go via Manali – Leh Highway and I will suggest that you refer the thread for more details on the route and night halts though it is of 9 days: Manali – Leh – Ladakh – Manali | Itinerary for 9 Days. You can fit in plan I suggested in above para in this plan
hey dheeraj,
kiddo to the blogg. honestly i have been researching about my trip for the last one month nothing helped expect your blogg..we are number of 4 on bikes, planning to travel on 1st week of july 17.around 10 days trip .can please help us with details.i have covered almost all the parts of south india on bike,what are the best places to visit during this time and which route preferably. we are planning to rent a bike from LAH or delhi.one of this place preferably what-so over is better.thank you so much in advance .regards shemeem (Kerala)
It will take 4 days to reach Leh from Srinagar side starting from Delhi with stop overs at Jammu, Srinagar, Kargil and 3 days to come back from Leh from Manali side to Delhi with stopovers at Sarchu, Manali. This makes it 7 days. 1 Day is required in Leh for acclimatization. You have about 10 days. 1 Day can be used as Day trip to Pangong Tso and other day can be used as day trip to Nubra Valley or just Khardung La pass.
Opt to go via Manali – Leh Highway and I will suggest that you refer the thread for more details on the route and night halts though it is of 9 days: Manali – Leh – Ladakh – Manali | Itinerary for 9 Days. You can fit in plan I suggested in above para in this plan
Regarding bike rentals in Leh, check: Leh – Ladakh Bike Rental Rates 2017-18
thank you so much dheeraj .do you advice taking flight instead to leh and rent a bike would save some time ?? please advice as me and my friend are looking for a good bike trip :’) is it possible during the 1st week of july
Best option of travel is to reach Srinagar by air and then travel to Ladakh by road. Once in Leh, hire local bike on rent in leh and then do Ladakh sightseeing. Then either take Manali Leh highway with HPTDC bus or shared taxi or fly out of Leh.
Dear Dheeraj,
I am having Safari Storme SUV -Ex (2 wheel drive) and planned to visit Ladakh by road via Manali-Leh route in 3rd week of June-17. I would like to know, other travelers are using 2 wheel drive or 4×4 is compulsory?
Devendra, 4×2 will just do fine. No worries on that front. 10000s of 4×2 cars including hatches and sedans do Ladakh trip every year.
Dheeraj, I am very confused now. I am planning this trip in late August’17. Most probably between 25th August and 10 September. Is it sane to go as I do not have much biking experience. I have done few trips on my bike and I cannot postpone it to 2018 as my friend has already decided to go this year no matter what. Only 2 of us will go on separate bikes. What would you suggest considering we will be on bikes not cars.I am not considering June or July as there will be a lot of rush that time. And its all about peace 😛
August is not far behind in terms of rush Vaibhav. I will recommend that you plan the trip in September second half to beat the rush and help you being a novice biker. The roads and conditions are less troublesome.
lol same here
Hi Dheeraj,
We are four cousins (men) planning to take Manali Leh in mid June’ to July 2017as mentioned in this article (Mid of June to July just before the onset of monsoon season)- Could you share the road time table and also the good time to travel
Pavan, are you making the Spiti Valley trip or Ladakh trip or combination of both?
This is a very nice blog and it was very memorable trip It was such a fantastic post I really really like It
Thanks for sharing
Nice Information
Thank you Dorjay
Thank you so much for your blog. You made my jaw dropped because of many amazing information you have provided.
I plan to solo travel to Ladakh this September with budget trip. My itinerary is as below:
Day 1 (Wed): Arrive Leh from New Delhi, rest in Leh
Day 2 (Thu): Rest in Leh
Day 3 (Fri):
Day 4 (Sat): Tso Moriri, overnight in Changpa
Day 5 (Sun): Tso Moriri, overnight near the lake.
Day 6 (Mon): Back to Leh by bus, overnight in Leh
Day 7 (Tue): Head to Nubra Valley, rest in Diskit/ Hunder
Day 8 (Wed): Diskit/ Hunder/ Nubra Valley, overnight in Spangmik
Day 9 (Fri): Back to Leh by bus
Day 10: Head to Pangong Lake, overnight near the lake
Day 11: Head to Leh, rest in Leh
Day 12: Head to Padum, Zanskar Valley, overnight in Padum
Day 13: Head to Leh
Day 14 + Day 15: From Leh to Delhi.
Do you have any recommendation? Is it ok if I should take a cab to go to Tso Moriri, Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake and back by bus? Is it safe for female traveler to bike in Ladakh?
Look forward to hearing from you soon.
Hi Sol,
You have good amount of days in hand and hence I will suggest you to follow the route as per acclimatization rules. First visit Nubra Valley, then visit Pangong Tso and then visit Tso Moriri. Padum, Zanskar requires 4-5 days at ease from Kargil, so I do not see you having time for it.
Thanks so much Dheeraj! I really love to go to Padum and Zanskar. It’s not easy for me if I skip those places 🙁
But you do not have 4-5 days in hand from Kargil. Can you spare time for it or skip other places?
Do you have any recommendation to change my itinerary so that I can have 4-5 days for Padum and Zanskar? I can skip other places. Thanks Dheeraj.
Hello Sol,
I am going to suggest following plan:
Day 1 (Wed): Arrive Leh from New Delhi, rest in Leh
Day 2 (Thu): Move to Kargil
Day 3 (Fri): Kargil to Padum (Zanskar)
Day 4 (Sat): Rest day at Padum (Visit Karsha, roam around in Padum)
Day 5 (Sun): Rest day at Padum (Visit Zangla, Stongde monasteries)
Day 6 (Mon): Move to Kargil
Day 7 (Tue): Move to Leh
Day 8 (Wed): Move to Nubra Valley
Day 9 (Fri): Nubra Valley to Leh
Day 10: Head to Pangong Lake, overnight near the lake
Day 11: Head to Leh, rest in Leh
Day 12: Head to Tso Moriri
Day 13: Tso Moriri to Leh
Day 14 + Day 15: From Leh to Delhi.
Sending you thousand of kisses! Thank you Dheeraj.
Thank you 🙂
Hi Devil,
This is an amazing website.
I am planning to start my bike expedition from 21st of September. My route is Jammu – Srinagar-Kargil-Zanskar-Leh-Nubra-pangong-Tso moriri-Keylong-Dalhousie-Dharamshala
It will need atleast 25 days to cover all these places and i am least concerned about time as i had quit my job. Now i have questions like,
1) If i start from Jammu on 21st and reach Kargil on 23rd, Is it advisable to reach Zanskar(Padum) on 24-25th? Are roads accessible at that time?
2) If i start from jammu and follow the Sarchu – Manali highway in 2nd week of October, Is it advisable?
3) Contrary, if i start from Manali Leh highway, can i cover zanskar in the second week of October? I had to cover zanskar anyhow, thats why my plans are becoming very confusing.
Please reply as its becoming very confusing for me.
I also manage my personal blog, http://www.theCrazyRider.com
Great to connect Sachendra.
1. Yes, you can reach there to Padum but it will be a bit cold.
2. It will be risky and I do not recommend in general. Read: 5 Reasons to Avoid Manali – Leh Highway in October
Well, same problem will be with Zanskar Valley, I will not recommend that too that late in the season.
Hi Dheeraj,
We have an offer for Pajero white board from a rental company. Do we face any issues in Leh from taxi union check posts?
Best Regards
Gopinath
If they check papers, they need to be in your name or someone you can prove relation with.
Hello Dheeraj,
your website is a bible. I have almost figured out everything reading it. I am planning to visit Leh in the first week of october. Flight from Delhi to Ladakh. Could you recommend some hotels good for this season? ANy special care I should think of since I am travelling with 10 year old.
Thanks.
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.
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 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.
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.
We are a couple from Kolkata planned to travel Kashmir and leh with all sightseeing via kargil road by hiring motorcycle.From 11th October to 21 October… Will it be troublesome?? But we don’t want to cancel it….please suggest me in details…
I will not suggest going beyond Penzi La that late in the season. It will be a bit risky and of course dry and cold.
Thanks for your suggestion .But we are not going to pensi la.we want to travel lamayur,nubra,pangong. in motorcycle.Please suggest in details how safe are these.Is it safe for a single couple to travel Kashmir and leh by bike in that time??
You said Zanskar Valley, so thought you want to go to there. That should be OK but avoid coming back from MAnali side. Srinagar – Leh route is still OK in October. It will be cold, there will be less tourists around and most hotels/restaurants will be closed for the season.
Thanks. But I want to know how safe is pangong and nubra road for bike tour for a single couple in 3rd week of October…?? Please suggest..what may be the difficulties for single couple??
Safety wise, Ladakh is one of the safest places in terms of crime and they treat tourists like guests. But, it will be damn cold and yes of course deserted roads will be there as less tourists will be present. The response time in case of need or any help will be more and more as less people travel on these routes..
Please suggest me where can we get bike for hire in Srinagar and leg in October… Do we need to book it early or available that we can go and burgain there.
Supriyo, most things are shut in Srinagar now a days. You cannot use a srinagar bike in ladakh for sightseeing, so be aware about that. One side drop of bike will cost around 10K more.
Thank you.I have installed and registered in DOW apps but but I can’t post anything..
Anyway, we are a single couple planned a bike tour from 11october to 21 october.We have planned to hire bike in Srinagar for 4 days and travel to leh via kargil by public transport and again hire bike in leh for 5 days.Please suggest for..
1.Where can we hire bike in Srinagar?? Cost??terms?? Anything else that I don’t know??
2.Where can we hire bike in Leg??Cost??terms?? Anything else??
3.Is panggong,nubra,lamayuru routes will be OK in those seasons for bike riding??
4.what are the necessary things we should carry??
5.how to know if anybody want to join us??
6.Budget stays in pangong,nubra etc.
Please suggest anything more to keep in mind that I don’t know…
Your first 5 posts are not visible unless approved. Your posts are already there and answered: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/india/plan-ladakh-zanskar-trip/topic4507.html#p34716
Hi Dheeraj,
Congratulation for your blog.. it is really interesting and useful.
My girlfriend and I would like to go to ladakh the newxt november.. but it seems so cold overthere… so What do you think? are there any other interesting mountains sites in the India Himalaya region that are more accessible in that period?
Or… if I decided to go to Ladakh in that period… where do you think could go around? and how many degrees below zero could I experience?
Thanks so much
Simone
Hello Simone,
In Ladakh, you can very well make a trip to almost all the places within Ladakh but you will have to fly by air to Leh and fly out of Leh. Of course, you will have to bear with cold conditions and limited stay + food options. You can refer the plan at: Leh – Ladakh in Winters – Most Common Itinerary
Hello
Planning to go in mid august with friends and bike trip in and from leh itself..?
Is it recommendable to go during that time of rains..?
Abhi please read: 10 Tips for a Trip to Ladakh in Monsoons
Hi Dheeraj
Your article is quite informative. Thanks. It would be nice if you can help me plan up my trip to Lay-Ladakh .
Myself and my wife ( mid 40) and twin daughters aged 16 planning to travel to Lay from Bangalore on 9th of October, because, that’s when children get holidays and would like to stay at lay-Ladhak till 16th of October. ( basically 5 day, stay in Lay) Can you please suggest the places that we can cover and suggest an itinerary for me. We plan to take up a flight from Bangalore to Delhi. and after that, I have absolutely no idea about the mode of transport or route i should take. Is it better to go on our own or take up a camp. if taking up a camp, which one is better? Hope, that’s not very expensive. Please suggest.
Looking forward to your reply.
Warm Regards,
Niranjan
Hello Dheeraj,
I will be in leh on 12th July till 20th July 2016.
I have some questions in mind so could you please suggest me the best answer
In which place shall I stay in Leh?
Also, where shall I get good accommodation like tent or home stay?
In which place shall visit during the period i.e. between 12th July to 20th July 2016?
Also, it would be better if you suggest me the place where shall I get Bike on rent?
On 22nd July, I have trained from Jammu so is there any public transport or anything else through which I can go from Leh to Jammu via Kargil?
Apart from that you can suggest me better plan.
Awaiting for your prompt reply.
Thank you.
Hello Ashish,
I can answer you better if you tell me how are you reaching Leh on 12th July, I see you will travel by road to Jammu from Leh on 20th
Thank You Dheeraj for the replying .
I will be reaching Leh by plane
Hi Dheeraj,
I am planning to do circuit from Chandigarh – Srinagar – Leh – Manali – Chandigarh.
Dates are 2 nd august to 13 august.
1. What is your opinion above dates of travel?
2. Will it be good for bike riding?
3. As heard of uttarakhand cloud burst.. So any chances of consequences? (I can understand it cannot be assured right now… but still if you have any predictions.)
Hi Swapnil,
You should read: 10 Tips for a Trip to Ladakh in Monsoons which will answer many of your doubts.
Hie
I am planing to travel Leh-Ladakh…we are 6 people…we will be traveling to and fro Leh airport from mumbai…
But we are very much confused about the dates..
Please suggest
Aug 26th to 4th Sep
Sep 2nd to 11th
Any 1..thou there isn’t much difference in the date…we are preferring Sep…but jz rains may spoil the trip so need your guidance
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.
September will be a better time to do so.
Hello Dheeraj,
I am from Bangalore and planning to do a solo trip on a budget in the month of August 2016. I have planned out a small itinerary, would love to have your opinion regarding the same.
Day 1 : Bangalore to Delhi by flight
Day 2 : Delhi to Manali by Volvo bus
Day 3 & 4 : Manali to Leh by bus with overnight stay at Sarchu
Day 5 : Local sightseeing/Rest
Day 6 : Hire a bike in Leh for the rest of the trip. Sham Valley
Day 7 : Leh to Nubra valley. Overnight stay at Hunder.
Day 8 : Nubra valley to Leh
Day 9 : Leh to Pangong Tso. Overnight stay at Spangmik.
Day 10 : Pangong Tso to Leh.
Day 11 : Leh to Delhi by flight. Delhi to Bangalore by flight.
Let me know what you think of this.
Hi Dheeraj,
I am planning to travel to Leh-Ladakh in first week of October 2016 with hubby and 8 year old daughter. Please help me with below questions,
1. Is this time of the year OK for travel ? (considering kid in mind)Will it be too cold ?
2. Planning for self drive from Manali to Leh and then back from Leh by flight.
3. Is it good for traveling around Leh ? Weather conditions ?
4. Is it OK to travel by road with the kid ?
Thanks
Ashwini
Hi Ashwini,
1. No, time is not OK most of the camps are winded up and it gets cold in high places in Ladakh
2. Manali – Leh is not recommended at all in October and especially with kids, will not suggest taking risks, even though now a days it is slightest.
3. Cold mostly.
Hi Dheeraj,
We are following for advice to driver via Srinagar to Leh. But question are we allowed to driver a hire tempo traveller from punjab via Srinagar to Leh. And for local ladakh sight seeing via taxi.
No, ladakh sightseeing you need local ladakh tempo travller
Yes Dheeraj. I’m aware about the local sightseeing must be done via their local transport.
But reaching Leh on our own hire vehicle(Tempo traveller) from punjab – are we allowed that via srinagar.
Or we need to take the tempo from srinagar itself.
We are planning our journey as below from 14th Jul to 25th Jul.
Day 1 – Delhi to Srinagar (flight)
Day 2 – Srinagar to Pahalgam to Srinagar
Day 3 – Srinagar to Gulmarg to Srinagar
Day 4 – Srinagar to Kargil (Via Sonamarg and Dras)
Day 5 – Srinagar to Leh
Day 6 – Leh (Tour of Local Monasteries)
Day 7 – Leh to Nubra Lake
Day 8 – Nubra Lake to Leh
Day 9 – Leh to Panggong Lake and Back to Leh
Day 10 – Leh to Kelyong
Day 11 – Kelyong to Manali
Day 12 – Manali to Chandigarh
1. Need your advice on the plan – is it ok ?
2. Taking tempo traveler from punjab (For day 2 to 5 and 10,11, 12)
3. For local sighting seeing will take the local transport in leh
(For day 6,7,8,9)
Regards,
Karen Sandhu
1. Your plan looks OK to me.
2. Sounds good, local sightseeing you need local tempo traveller
Yes, Karen. you are fine to reach Leh in outside taxi or rented vehicle.
Hi, please give me update infomation for bus service timing from Leh to srinagar nowdays (Days and timing) and also tell me bus service or taxi in Low budget for visit Pangong Lake,Tso morriri , Nubra valley, khardungla top etc.
Please refer: Rates & Time table of Bus Services in Leh – Ladakh
Hi Dhiraj,
I am planning a trip to Ladhak from 6th Aug to 17th Aug. A brief itinerary is as follows
Day 1st Pune – Srinagar airport – Local Trip
Day 2nd Srinagar – Gulmarg– Srinagar
Day 3rd Srinagar – Sonamarg – Kargil – Lamayuru ( We would prefer staying at Lamayuru instead of Kargil. Is this feasible?
Day 4th – Lamayuru – Leh
Day 5th Tour of Local Monasteries
Day 6th Leh – Pangong Lake
Day 7th Pangong – Leh – Khardungla – Nubra Valley
Day 8th Back to leh
Day 9th leh – Sarchu Here can we cover morey plains?
Day 10th Sarchu – manali
Day 11th Manali local sightseeing
Day 12th Manali – Chandigarh Airport Drop
1. Any comments/suggestions on the itinerary?
2. Can we hire open jeep/mahindra thar in leh? If yes, can you share some relevant contacts?Chauffeur driven would also do.
3. You have already mentioned details about the weather conditions in the first week of August, but as we wont be riding on bikes, how much difficulties we might face?
4. How much it would cost approximately for the above itinerary considering we are 4 adults travelling.
1. Changes suggested below
2. No self drive option available in Leh, you can hire taxi there
3. Well, below Ladakh range, there will be rains which will have swollen water crossings, slush on roads, landlsides will be common too
4.
Day 1st Pune – Srinagar airport – Local Trip
Day 2nd Srinagar – Gulmarg– Srinagar
Day 3rd Srinagar – Sonamarg – Kargil
Day 4th – Kargil – Leh
Day 5th Tour of Local Monasteries
Day 6th Leh – Nubra Valley
Day 7th Back to Leh
Day 8th Day trip to Pangong Tso or go to Sarchu/Pang from Panogng Tso next day
Day 9th Sarchu/Pang
Day 10th Sarchu/Pang – manali
Day 11th Manali local sightseeing
Day 12th Manali – Chandigarh Airport Drop
Thanks for the reply Dheeraj.
Need clarification on below two points:
1. Regarding water crossings and slush on roads, how much does it affect while travelling in a four wheeler(we are not riding on bikes)?
2. Regarding open jeep/mahindra thar – We dont need a self drive vehicle. A car with driver will do. But the main requirement is we need an Open Jeep. So would be great if you can share some relevant contacts.
Hi,
I am planning to visit leh on 2 Oct 2016 with my wife for around 10 to 11 days. I will fly from pune to leh. Then will book hotel there and take bike of rent i will visit different place there. So i have some question below:
1. How easily we can get hotel there with affordable rate during given time frame?
2.I will be traveling different place on bike with my wife , my wife don’t ride bike so is it possible to visit place like Chang La Pass,Taglang La Pass,Khardung La Pass,Tso Kar Lake,Pangong Tso Lake etc. in 7-8 days time frame.
3. Is it safe to travel in leh alone with wife ?
Thanks in advance.
Rahul
Rahul in October it is off seaosn in Ladakh and cold too. Most of the camps besides the Pangong Tso lake gets packed up and most hotels/restaurant in Leh gets closed.
Hello, sir I want to know about Local bus service around leh Ladakh Local sightseenig is available on nowdays july 2016.plz Reply
No there is no local bus service in Leh for sightseeing purposes. Local tour operators might be running some taxis for the same.
I am planning to travel Srinagar-Leh-Manali with my mom. The trip would be for around 10-12 days and wil include Sonmarg, Dras, Kargil, Lamayuru, Leh, Nubra, Pangong, Sarchu, Rohtang and finally Manali.
Which would be the best time to travel July end (around 27 July.) or mid September (around 20 Sep.)?
How are the road conditions during the given period?
Any suggestions or must visit places are welcomed!
Mid septembers is a good time to travel Ladakh, always. 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
Thanks for the deails.I have planned somewhat similar itinerary. The only difference is we will finishing the tour at Chandigarh.
How is the weather during the September end (20-30 September)? Are there any chances of rain or snow fall?
Does temperature dip ver much at night or high passes?
Can you please mention some advantages of visiting Leh in September over July or any points which are best to visit in September?
How much time does it take to reach Chandigarh from Manali as the last flight from Chandigarh is at 7 pm. ?
Thank You!
Very little rain or snowfall may happen during that period. Regarding points, please read the article above. Chandigarh – Manali is around 9 Hrs
Thanks!
Hello DOW
We have planned to ride Leh in September starting from 16 -Sep to 1st-Oct.
We are 6 riders on our own starting from Jammu- srinagar-leh-manali-Chandigarh
My main concern is the weather, road conditions & stay in last 2 weeks of September.
My question are :
1: Is riding during this time safe( like landslide & rains) ?
2: is this the good time for the road trip ?
3: What about the camp stay in pangong? will that be open ?
4: Can we setup our own tent ? (with proper Sleeping bag n all)
5: Will there be snow ?
6: What about the land slide & rain in last two week of September ? Will we face that ?
Thanks in Advance
Regards.
Bharat V
Hello Bharat,
1. YEs, time is good to travel, in fact best time to travel to Ladakh
3. Yes, there will be options available
4. Yes you can setup your own camps where other camps are pitched. DO NOT pitch at banks of the lake as it is not authorized and leagal to camp besides the lake.
5. In case it snows the day you visit.
6. Usually things are stable in September
Hi Sir,
I’m Bhoomik From Chennai
What are the places would u suggest to visit if i would like to cover Nook and corner of leh ladakh and near by and how many days will it take.
Please suggest Me everything.
Thank You.
All depends upon how many days you have in hand and your mode of transport
Can Padum and Zanskar valley be travelled in third week of October??
I will not suggest it because the winter sets in by end of September and Penzi La can close for few days in case of heavy snowfall.
Dear sir,
I am planning to travel ladakh in mid of june, and I want to visit Zanskar, I’ll follow your suggested common itinerary for this trip. So is it possible to cover Zansakar in this itinerary and if yes, can u please share me the travel guide to cover the same or any other possibilities.
Thanking you.
Zanskar Valley needs at least 4 days on confortable level ex. Kargil. Do you have 4 more days in hand?
Hello sir, I have planned for visit to Ladakh during 18june to 24 june .Is it the best time to visit .plz Reply
It is good time to visit Ladakh Raj
Dear Dheeraj,
You are doing an excellent job. I would like to thank you sincerely for it.
I have a query that I want to travel with my husband to Leh from 2 sep to 8sep 2016. But I am bit afraid as I have read that weather in leh keeps changing drastically and at that time it would be monsoon so lot of thunderstorm. I was going to follow your iteneary for this short trip of 6 nights stay.
Could you please guide me and clear my mind, Is September a good month to travel? I am planning to viist Nubra & Panong Tso and stay 1 night at each place. If we get stuck at somepoint, Is help available? I know probably I am worrying too much but I woul dbe very thankful to you if you can throw some lights on my query.
Thanking you
If you are flying in and flying out of Leh, there is no issues at all during that time. Ladakh is a rain shadow region and September is a good time to travel
Thank you Dheeraj for your prompt reply. Any extra precaution to be taken care of during the visit?
Hmm, well, do read 9 Mistakes People Commit on a Ladakh Trip AND Acute Mountain Sickness and Importance of Acclimatization
HI Dheeraj,
Me and my wife wish to travel in the second week of August. Do you recommend that time for travel? its her birthday so don’t want to mess it up 🙂
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 …
Please refer the link in our community: FAQ | Is Monsoon season good time to travel to Ladakh? for more details.
Hi Dheeraj. We are 4 persons all adults of a family two gents and two ladies plan to visit zhanskar valley from Jalandhar. Pl suggest best itenry We have a total of 7-8 days from 11 June We will be going in Pajero sports 4by4
Harish, I always suggest: Zanskar Valley – Most Common Itinerary
I am planning to visit ladakh in September so can we find snow at that time of period
Snow will not be present in the month of September in Ladakh unless it snowfall on that very day when you are there
hi Dheeraj.
Your posts are so so awesome.
I need your advice on our road trip plan. We are a group of 8 friends, 25-35 yrs old males & females, planning for Delhi-Leh-Delhi by our own two cars. I am keen to have your advice on the following:-
1. Are Maruti Swift diesels recommended for this trip?
2. Except me, all other 7 friends are first timers for Ladakh trip but all of them have done lot of self driven road trips in north india, so is it advisable for us to go to ladakh during Jun-July or Aug-Sep?
your valuable insights will be highly helpful for all of us. Thanks.
hello Dheeraj,
I will be travelling to Leh Ladakh during 1st october to 12th october on my Santro. Is it doable on a Santro?
i will self drive and travel with my wife and son. Please advice.I will be going via Srinagar.
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for setting up all the information in one place. I have planned trip to LEH during September. Travel plan is for ~22 days, in that I would like to cover kargil/leh/manali/delhi[in and around places ]/Agra and then I would ride back to Bangalore. Here’s what I have planned, please help me to head in right direction and plan better.
TRIP START DATE: SEP 02 2016 [ Friday night ]
END DATE: SEP 25 2016 [ Saturday ]
Sep 2nd [ night ]:- I will be getting my bike [ Apache 180 ] from Bangalore via train and reach Delhi on Sunday 04
Sep 04 : Will head to Pathankot .
[ THAT’s ALL ]
After going through all the places suggested by you for other travelers, I had made a rough plan on where to visit. But then I would like to hear it out from the right person rather than going with one of mine.
Looking forward for advice to plan things even better.
Hi Anoop,
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.
This is from Delhi to Delhi, now depending upon days left in 22 days with you, you can try to spend more time at places example go to Turtuk in Nubra Valley, take three day journey over Manali – leh Highway
Hi Dheeraj,
U r just amazing!!!
I have planned a family trip to Leh – Ladakh during 10 Oct to 16 Oct 2016. It will be a 12 member group with age ranging from 7 years to 65 years. Will be reaching Leh by flight from Delhi and return on 16 morning by flight. The flight tickets are already booked. I have the the following questions:
1. Will it be appropriate to travel with such age group? (Keeping in view the temperature and terrain)
2. Suggest me the places to visit as I have not yet planned the itinerary.
3. Suggest me suitable hotels/ camps/ homestay for your suggested itinerary.
4. What is the minimum temperature expected during our visit?
Needless to say, it will be quite cold up there in Ladakh especially at places like Pangong Tso. You do not have much time on hand so can follow the first 6-7 days of itinerary in: Leh – Ladakh | Most Common Itinerary by Air
Hi dheeraj
I read all your post for leh ladak i was very impress
I would like to take three days journey on Srinagar – leh highway
I would like to use alternate route which goes Kargil ,Batalik ,Dah,Skurbuchan
My back journey is leh to manali iwould like to go to spiti valley too
Can you set my iternary and which is the best season to visit and how many days should I keep no time limite
I
Hello Sonali,
You can follow th below 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 – 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 + Inner Line Permits
— To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
— For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
— Overnight at Leh
Day 6 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
Day 7 | Hunder – Sumur/Kyagar – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Day 8 | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping OR Monastery tour
— Monastery tour may include Hemis, Thicksey, Stakna and Shey monasteries. They come on the route of Pangong Tso but as you will be doing day trip, it will be a bit hectic to include them on that day only.
— Overnight at Leh
Day 9 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on the go towards Pangong Tso
— Overnight at Pangong Tso (Spangmik)
Day 10 | Pangong Tso Lake – Shey – Thicksey – Leh
— Overnight at Leh
Day 11 | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping OR Monastery tour OR you can do tour to Sham Valley
— Monastery tour may include Hemis, Thicksey, Stakna and Shey monasteries. They come on the route of Pangong Tso but as you will be doing day trip, it will be a bit hectic to include them on that day only.
— Sham Valley include Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, , Gurudwara Pather Sahib
— Overnight at Leh
Day 12 | Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang
— Cover Karzok Monastery
— Overnight at Karzok or Tso Moriri
Day 13 | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring (Manali – Leh Highway starts) – Moore Plains – 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 14 | Pang / Sarchu – Baralacha La – Jispa
— On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only
— Overnight at Jispa
Day 15 | Jispa – Chandratal
Day 16 | Chandratal – Kaza on the way (Ki, Kibber, Gette)
Day 17 | Kaza/Langza Homestay (Hikkim, Koumik, Langza)
Day 18 | Kaza – Pin Valley – Dhankar – Tabo
Day 19 | Tabo – Kalpa
Day 20 | Kalpa – Narkanda
Day 21 | Narkanda – Chail / Shimla – Delhi
Add a day from Kargil to travel to Dah – Hanu villages and next day traveling to Leh from Dah – Hanu or Alchi wherever you take the night halt.
Hi dheeraj,
Your blog is amazing and definately a bible for ppl who want to travel to ladakh..i’m planning for 11 day trip to leh ladakh starting from either 3rd sept to 13sept or 9th sept to 19th sept.
Can you please suggest me a gud detailed itinerary and also which dates would be best.
Im from chennai and would prefer taking flight from chennai to leh and back..also can u suggest me whr all can i rent bikes.i would wanna drive a bike around for the experience and thrill of it..would like to do some camping as well..
Thanks in advance
Regards,
Neelam
I think I replied to your other comment