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.

Hindi – Best Time to visit Leh Ladakh 2023 | Best Month to visit Ladakh | Best Time for Ladakh Trip Bike Car

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.

Hindi – Best time to visit Zanskar Valley in 2023 | Best month for Zanskar Valley Trip

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 :

What is the best time to visit Ladakh and Zanskar Valley
What is the best time to visit Ladakh and Zanskar Valley?

β€œWhat 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.

Wondering About Best time to travel Leh Ladakh?
Wondering about the best time to travel to Leh 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.

Vehicles Lining Up to Khardung La Pass in Snow
Vehicles Lining Up to Khardung La Pass in Snow

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
Water crossings or Nallas over Manali - Leh Highway
Water crossings or Nallas over Manali Leh Highway
That is Zing Zing Bar Nalla at Manali - Leh Highway
That is Zing Zing Bar nalla at Manali – Leh Highway…

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.

Those beautiful curves over Srinagar - Kargil Highway
Nightmarish roads of Rohtang Pass
Those beautiful curves over Srinagar - Kargil Highway
Nightmarish roads of Rohtang Pass

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 πŸ˜€

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
A Teaser... Even Artist Would Feel Envy There Colors near Drass
Even Artist Would Feel Envy There Colors near Drass

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 πŸ™‚ :).

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

Aqua Colored Zanskar River in Zanskar Valley
Aqua Colored Zanskar River in Zanskar Valley

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 πŸ˜‰

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.

Yet Another Time We Stuck… Towards Khardung La Pass
Yet Another Time We Stuck… Towards Khardung La Pass…

Still confused??

When to visit Ladakh?

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.Sun Playing Hide and Seek at Pangong Tso - Ladakh

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!!

English – The best time to visit Ladakh

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Do you have any questions or suggestions or need any help in planning your trip to Leh Ladakh? If yes, please feel free to post them either in the comments section of this article below. You can also take guidance from many travel experts in our DwD Community Forums and discuss your upcoming travel plans for Ladakh.

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

722 Comments

  1. Comments section gets closed in 90 days. To ask your travel questions, you can follow my YouTube Channel for a faster reply or for a much slower reply follow me on Instagram. :)

  2. 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.

  3. 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 ?

  4. 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.

  5. Hari Patel on

    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

  6. 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.

  7. 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

  8. Abhishek Kumar on

    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

  9. Anubhav Raikar on

    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.

      • Anubhav Raikar on

        ok.. thank you for the quick reply.. will plan it well for next year πŸ™‚

  10. 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

  11. Jayashree sriram on

    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

  12. Rajat goel on

    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.

  13. 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.

  14. Shubham Mishra on

    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???

  15. 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.

  16. Rohit Kaushik on

    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

    • Rohit Kaushik on

      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.

  17. Sunil Chauhan on

    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.

  18. Mahesh Sahu on

    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.

  19. Mahesh Sahu on

    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.

  20. Shubham Mishra on

    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.

    • Shubham Mishra on

      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” ???

  21. 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.

  22. Arjun Singh on

    Thank you so much dheeraj for your precious info πŸ™‚
    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.

      • Arjun Singh on

        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 πŸ™‚

        • 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.

  23. Arjun Singh on

    Hii Dheeraj thank you so much for your precious info πŸ™‚
    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???

  24. 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.

  25. 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

      • 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.

  26. jsreddy2105 on

    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

  27. 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 β€œFORCIBLY”

  28. Akshay Mayekar on

    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

  29. 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 ?

  30. 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

  31. 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

  32. Devendra Thakar on

    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.

  33. 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 πŸ˜›

    • 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.

  34. 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

  35. 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

  36. 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 πŸ™

        • 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.

  37. Sachendra Pal on

    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

  38. 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

  39. mamatha n on

    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.

  40. Supriyo Das on

    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…

      • Supriyo Das on

        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.

        • Supriyo Das on

          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..

        • Supriyo Das on

          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.

        • Supriyo Das on

          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…

  41. 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

  42. Abhi Punglia on

    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..?

  43. 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

  44. 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

  45. 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.)

  46. Harshlata sharma on

    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

  47. Supratik Das on

    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.

  48. 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.

  49. Karen Sandhu on

    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.

      • Karen Sandhu on

        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.

        • Karen Sandhu on

          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

  50. 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.

  51. Sagar Agarwal on

    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

      • Sagar Agarwal on

        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.

  52. 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.

  53. Hello, sir I want to know about Local bus service around leh Ladakh Local sightseenig is available on nowdays july 2016.plz Reply

  54. Siddharth on

    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!

  55. luckyverma4u on

    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

  56. 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.

  57. 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.

  58. Raj Rangi on

    Hello sir, I have planned for visit to Ladakh during 18june to 24 june .Is it the best time to visit .plz Reply

  59. 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

  60. Vishal Gupta on

    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 πŸ™‚

    • 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.

  61. Harish chander on

    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

  62. Rekha Lodha on

    I am planning to visit ladakh in September so can we find snow at that time of period

  63. Gautam Jindal on

    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.

  64. VISHAL BHATIA on

    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.

  65. anoop raj on

    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

  66. Debjyoti (Kolkata) on

    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?

  67. 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 linkΒ 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.

  68. 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