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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hey there,
its amazing how you’ve taken so much effort and time to make trips to Leh memorable for everyone around. thank you so much.
so i have a query.
DATE FROM TO KMS SIGHT SEEING
CHENNAI SRINAGAR
Day 1 4:15-7:00 Indigo (CHN-DEL) 24/06/16
23/06/16 9:40-11:00 Goair (DEL-SRINAGAR)
Day 1 15:00-22:00 SRINAGAR KARGIL 200
24/06/16 srinagar sonamarg 80 Zozi la pass
sonamarg drass 65
drass kargil 55
OVERNIGHT HALT
Day 2 8:00-18:00 KARGIL LEH 235 Mulbekh maitrey
25/06/16 kargil mulbekh 40 Lamayaru Monastery
mulbekh lamayaru 70 Lunar landscapes
lamayaru leh 125 Gurudwara pathar sahib
magnetic Hills
Confluence at Nimmu
Day 3 LEH Leh Palace
26/06/16 Shanti Stupa
Spituk Monastery
Sindhu ghaat
Day 4 LEH -DISKIT 116 Nubra valley
27/06/16 leh khardung la pass 40 Monasteries at diskit
khardung la pass khardung village 34 sand dunes/bacterian camel safari at hunder
khardung village khalsar 23
khalsar diskit 19
OVERNIGHT HALT
Day 5 DISKIT LEH Samstanling Monastery at Sumur
28/06/16 diskit sumur Hot water springs at Panamik
sumur panamik
panamik sumur
sumur khardung la
khardung la leh
Day 6 LEH PANGONG TSO LAKE 140 hemis monastery
29/06/16
OVERNIGHT HALT
Day 7 PANGONG TSO LEH 140 Shey palace
30/06/16 Thicksey Monastery
OVERNIGHT HALT
Day 8 LEH SRINAGAR
01/07/16
Day 9
02/07/16 SRINAGAR CHENNAI
14:40-20:50 spice jet 01/07/16
SGG 188-109
spice jet
I really need you to tell me if this okay. if yes, can u suggest two treks in the middle somewhere? and also what the cost for this entire trip approx. 4 or 5 of us are going.
Thanks
Divya
Hi Divya,
Leh to Srinagar is about 16+ Hrs of journey and on Day 8, it will be very tough for you to make it. I will suggest that either add a day to do it in relaxed manner, or may be fly out from Leh OR on Day 8 do up to Sonamarg and do last three hours of journey in the morning before catching the flight in the noon.
that is the idea. to fly back from leh.
let me know what treks i can include, and also how much my trip would cost.
Thanks much
Even if you fly out from Leh, you only save one day. There is nothing as such called a one day trek, you can hike any mountain you like in Nubra Valley or hike around in Turtuk Village if you do 3 day trip to Nubra Valley
Hello Dheeraj,
We are planning to visit Leh via Srinagar during 1st week of July 2016. Its overall 9 day trip covering Srinagar, Kargil, Leh, Nubra & Pangong.
1) We have only half a day to relax at Leh, is this sufficient for acclimatization?
2) Shall we go for tour package or do individual hotel & transport booking? Your comments.
3) What are the Hill Development charges & where, to whom and when to pay?
Thanks & regards
It will take 3 days to reach Leh from Delhi via Manali side and 4 days to come back to Delhi from Leh via Srinagar side. This makes it 7 days. 1 Day is required in Leh for acclimatization. You should have 10 days. 1 Day can be used as Day trip to Pangong Tso and other day can be used as day trip to Nubra Valley or just Khardung La pass.
Hi Dheeraj.
Me and My friends are planning to do a self drive trip to leh via srinagar and back from manali. we are sticking to the most common itinerary suggested by you.
we are planning to do the trip from 20 august to 5 September. is this a good time to do this trip? also this self drive trip is our first time to leh.
my worries are will the amarnath yatra and rains block us?
this is a tentative date and we are flexible on our dates so should we chose another or this is a good time
waiting for your suggestions
thank you
You will sace some hassles of monsoons in lowers hills during that time of the year. Beter if you will choose early September.
Dheeraj planning to go leh- ladakh through srinagar in the month of october please suggest us whether we should leave in the month of 8th oct to 15 oct
Akash, taking Srinagar – Leh route is fine in October but avoid the journey over Manali – Leh that late in the season.
I am planning for LEH-Ladakh from sept 2 – sept 20. We are going from chandigarh – srinagar – leh – manali.
Is it a good time for riding. how are the road and weather . what about permit for pangong tso , nubra valley and rohtang.
Yes, it is a very good time to travel in Ladakh. Roads are best in comparison to rest of the season and beautiful colors all around Ladakh. If you all are Indians in the group, there is no permit needed.
what bout the permits for rohtang ? will it be given during sept ? we will return from leh around 15th or 16th sept via rohtang.
around 7th and 8th we will be going to pangong tso.
If you are planning to travel from Leh to Manali over Rohtang Pass then no permits are required. If you planning the other way round that is from Manali to Leh, then you need permits. Check: How to get Rohtang Pass Permit Online
Hi Chiranth,
I am from Bangalore and even I am planning for same date, only one change is, i would be starting from bangalore by train ( will be transporting my bike as well ) to delhi. Will reach delhi by 4th morning and then set to Phatankot – leh ( other places closer by ) – manali – delhi. If you are interested to tag along, please email me anoopraj.td@gmail.com
Well i am planning to visit ladhak in April 2016, my route plan is 1st kashmir then ladhak by road then ladhak to manali by road, So, is it possible to go ladhak from kashmir by road in April 2016………
Thank you………
April mid is expected to open Srinagar – Leh Highway, you cannot for sure come from Manali side.
Thank u, and what is the expected time to open Leh – Manali Highway in 2016………….
Manali – Leh is expected to open by third week of May if weather remains favourable.
So, if i will go 2nd week of May then I will go Kashmir to Ladhak by road for sure is it, and Ladhak to Manali road may be close is it………….
Yes, you got it right.
Hi, DHEERAJ,
Could u pls give me a detail trip plan to visit Kashmir (including Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonamarg and what I must see according to u) and Ladhak (including Pangong lake, Tso moriri lake, Nubra valley, Magnetic Hill and what I must see according to u). By the way, I will go by road………
Here you go:
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 – Pahalgam
— Overnight at Pahalgam
Day 4 | Pahalgam – Gulmarg
— Overnight at Gulmarg
Day 5 | Gulmarg – Sonamarg
— Overnight at Sonamarg
Day 6 | Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil
— Enjoy the vistas enroute
— Have late drunch meal at Drass is you are a vegetarian as sometimes it gets difficult to find veg. food at Kargil
— Overnight at Kargil
Day 7 | 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 8 | Leh Local Sightseeing
— To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
— Overnight at Leh
Day 9 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
— Overnight at Hunder
Day 10 | Hunder – Deskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
— Enjoy drive upto Panamik, visit Yarab Tso Lake and back to overnight stay at Kyagar or Tiger or Sumur
— Overnight Leh
Day 11 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on the go towards Pangong Tso
— Overnight at Pangong Tso (Spangmik or Lukung)
Day 12 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on return to Leh
— Overnight at Leh
Day 13 | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping OR You can do tour to Sham Valley
— Sham Valley include Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, Gurudwara Pather Sahib
— Overnight at Leh
Day 14 | Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang
— Cover Karzok Monastery
— Overnight at Karzok or Tso Moriri
Day 15 | 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 16 | Pang / Sarchu – Baralacha La – Jispa
— On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only
— Overnight at Jispa
Day 17 | Jispa – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
— On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only
— Overnight at Manali
Day 18 | Manali – Delhi
— Return home
Day 19 + 20 | Buffer Day
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Well Thank you, can u tell the total cost for that plan which u gave me………
For doubts related to budget for Leh – Ladakh trip, I am sure the link below will help you alot for getting an idea of overall budget:
How to calculate cost or budget for Leh – Ladakh trip
Also, check the article: 5 Tips for a Budget Trip to Ladakh
Hi DHEERAJ,
Is Srinagor-Leh highway are open right now or not???
And what about Leh-Manali highway????
Srinagar – Leh is open, Manali – Leh will be open by end of May types or third week of May
Hi Dheeraj,
Very nice blog with all the essential information !!
I’m from Kerala would want to your suggestions in planning to do a K2K with Leh starting this june along with a friend of mine…two bullets..
*) was planning to ride to delhi and take the manali-leh highway and return via Srinagar, but I’ve seen you suggesting vice-versa…have quickly gone through the suggested itinerary and it seems good..but what will be the main differences if we do Delhi-Manali-Leh-Srinagar ?
*) the total no: of days would be 35-40 days including the leh ity of about 15 days…what would you suggest as a pre-preparation for such a long ride…(I’ve only done rides extending to 2 or 3 days..that too in the South / my friend have been upto Manali, though not on a ride)
*) do you have a preferred riding gear list? (keeping in mind the travel will be June-July)
*) how good is the usage of cards for payments while riding in the Himalayas?
Hope the highways would be open if we reach delhi around 14th of June..
Many Thanks in Advance,
Geo.
Hello George,
1. 5 Reasons to choose Srinagar – Leh Road over Manali – Leh Road
2, 3. I will suggest that you go through the articles mentioned under the DwD Community thread for bike trip to Ladakh or any other part of Himalayas at the link: All About Bike Ride to Ladakh & Himalayas. This will help you cover almost all your queries related to bike trip to Ladakh or Himalayas.
4. Please carry enough cash, cards are seldom accepted.
Thanks for the revert and the links…very much helpful and in detail…
Will get in touch once I have detailed out the plan 🙂
Sure, best wishes for the trip.
Mid-september to mid-octomber leh-ladakh to zanskar road is good??
And there is any restutant in between??
Dhairya, I will say plan to make a trip up to end of September as October becomes quite cold and things start to turn tricky. There are lots of places where you can eat up to Kargil. Kargil to Padum has Sankoo, Rangdum for places to eat. Rest no place to eat on Kargil – Padum road.
Hello
We (family) are planning to visit Leh On first week of May, 2016. What are the chances to open road way from Srinagar to Leh by this week?
Chitra, Srinaagr – Leh road will be opened by that time of the year.
Your blog is a wealth of information for anybody planning to visit the Ladakh area for the first time, like I am later this year. Thanks for the wonderful help you are providing us.
I am planning a motorcycle trip, the full circuit 2 week one that you recommend in your blog.
Still debating between late June and end Aug for when to start the trip.
How hard is it to find accommodation in Leh and along the route around end June/early July? Are there hotels along the way that take advance reservations?
Regarding the option of late Aug start, would it still be raining in the Srinagar area around end Aug?
Would love to hear your suggestions.
Thanks,
Prakash.
Prakash, if you are OK searching few places, you should get the stay there on the spot bookings as well. At times on unlucky days it becomes few more search options especially when any festivals are going around. All depends upon when the monsoon hits this year in Northern India.
Thanks Dheeraj.
Which week of July does the monsoon typically hit the Manali area?
Prakash, expect it to hit in the Last week of July.
Hi,
I am planning t visit Leh from 20th June to 26th June’ 2016. I will be arriving by flight from Mumbai , and wish to visit and travel by bike in leh, leh – nubra valley & return, leh-pangong lake & return. So it is possible to travel on bike to all these places ? And will I get bike from there directly after I reach ? Also I was curious as to whether I will get to see snow covered mountains during this period ?
Hi Siddhartha,
You can follow below plan:
Day 1 | Delhi – Leh (By Flight)
— Checkin at Hotel. Many hotels provide free pick and drop from Airport. Ask while you book them.
— Take ample of rest as well as water or anything that keep your body hydrated enough. DO NOT OVER HYDRATE. Take ORS Soluted water or ORS – L tetra packs from home.
— Do not over exert your body at any cost. Avoid too much up-down on stairs or avoid it in entirety, if possible.
— After 5-6 Hrs of rest you can visit Leh Palace, Local Leh market, Shankar Gompa .
— If you feel exerted go back to Hotel, have dinner at Hotel and take rest. Avoid any exertion. Else continue and,
— Follow the sunset by stroll at Changspa road and have a nice dinner on varied cuisines offered in-around Changspa road.
— Go back to hotel for overnight stay at Leh.
Day 2 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Acclimatization
— Hire a taxi from Leh taxi stand or Hotel whichever suits you.
— Bargain with taxi driver and you can refer the thread for a comprehensive list of drivers: List of Taxi Drivers for Ladakh – Srinagar – Leh – Manali
— Take his inputs if you feel reasonable and if required modify the plan accordingly but should suits you best.
— Ask him to be with you guys starting first day itself, if required and charged reasonable else do it at your own.
— Again DO NOT over exert and take little steps and slow walks only.
— If feeling OK then do Local sightseeing. To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
— Do not use stairs at any of these places just to see them as it will exert your body much more.
— Overnight at Leh
Day 3 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 4 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on the go towards Pangong Tso
— Overnight at Pangong Tso (Spangmik or Lukung)
Day 6 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on return to Leh
— Overnight at Leh
Day 7 | Fly back home
Yes you will get lots of bike rental options with in Leh. Yes, you can rent bikes in Leh and Fort Road in Leh is full of such shops that rent bikes. Depending upon the condition, model, make and tourist rush you can get bikes starting from Rs 800 to Rs 1300. Rather than booking over phone, it is much better to visit the Fort road, check 4-5 shops over there and get a good deal after checking the bike conditions. I will suggest you read this for sure to understand few tips on hiring bikes from Manali or Leh: How to Hire or Rent a Bike or Motorcycle in Manali
Hello,
I want to have a road trip in the 1st week of April’16 as no other time is possible for me. Will it be possible to have a road trip at that time? Bike or car what sounds best at that time?
Moreover I have no one to come with me so if anyone planning something like this, can contact me @ backstreet.bs4@gmail.com
Ashwin, it is very very hard that road to Ladakh from Srinagar – Leh Highway will be open by that time. I am optimistic for the mid of April to end of April if weather holds good.
Okay. How will I know about the roads status of mid April? Is there any other way for me to see best of Ladakh as a traveller photographer?
Ashwin, please stay tuned to the thread: Srinagar Leh Highway Status 2016
Hi Dheeraj,
Your blog is very helpful.
Me and my friends are planning a trip from Hyderabad to Leh 2 June 2016 By car(XUV) for 10+ days.
Does the Leh Manali road opens by that time this year. Am planning to go via Srinagar-Leh and Leh -manali road.
Do you recommend Leh-Manali would be safe to drive in that time since am a not that off roader.
And I heard in some other post that the local taxi drivers will oppose the private vehicles to ply belonging to other states. Is it true. for you reference here is the link team-bhp.com/forum/street-travel-experiences/166108-car-convoy-attacked-ladakh-taxi-mafia.html.
After seeing this post am wondering whether to go by self drive.Please advice .
Thank You Very much.
Hi Raja,
1. Yes, Manali – Leh Highway is expected to open by June or end of May this year: Manali Leh Highway Status 2016. So, by the time you return from Leh – Manali road, it should be open.
2. Safe, I am not sure what you mean by it. For sure it will be challenge but SUVs, if you drive with caution and care will be fine.
3. Don’t worry about that post !! We made a trip in 2015 September and there was no issue whatsoever. The issue is when you will break their forced rules of taking a rented car outside of Leh to the sightseeing places in Ladakh. You can use that rented car to reach Leh and get out from Leh but not for sightseeing within Ladakh. If you want to do sightseeing within Ladakh, then you need to hire local taxi. All said, private vehicles which are not rented, have no issues whatsoever.
Hey Dheeraj,
Thanks for this atmost useful guide, quite useful and minute details being captured.
I am planning to be in Leh for 3 days on 24, 25, 26 of coming March and flying from Delhi. Return on March 27 morning Want to cover one destination just to refresh the memories. Which one would be best place to visit that time.(i would rent a Enfield in Leh and would be riding that)
I have visited on bike in past and have covered Pangong, Nubra, Turtuk (Pakistan border) , Khardung-la, chang-la, surrounding of Leh 80-100 Km, and part of Srinagar highway.
I dont mind visiting any of these again , just wanted to check is it motorable in this time of year.
Pls suggest .
Thanks a ton in advance
Sunny, unfortunately you can only cover at max. Khardung La on the 26th March
And many a times they do not allow bikes to be taken up there at Khardung La or Chang La due to snow slippery conditions. Road is kept motorable whole year round.
Hey Dheeraj,
We are a group of 4, planning for a trip to Leh via Leh-Manali highways. Will it be feasible enough to start our journey around April last week by road. And we have utmost 6 days(backnforth) starting from delhi. Is it realistic to complete the trip in such a short time.
Regards,
Sayeed
No Sayeed, MAnali – Leh Highway usually opens late May or early June. Also, it takes 3 days to reach Leh from Delhi, 1 day rest is mandatory and then 3 days to come back. So, 7 days with no sightseeing within Ladakh 🙁
Hi everyone,
Awesome blog for people who want to travel on their own.
Even i traveled leh-ladakh 2years back following this blog.
We went from Kashmir after a relaxing day in houseboat. We rented Nasir Bhai’s car from Leh (Because only Local cabs are allowed inside, atleast that was what we were told). So Nasir came from Leh to pick us up in Kashmir. In between Kargil is a must place to visit. It was an awesome journey. Sometimes i feel if you have the right driver in such trips who can stop where you want, Have patience to stop again for your pics, take you to some of the best places, warn you of potential dangers and care to be taken etc.., The overall trip results in much fun. I would highly recommend Nasser (mobile :9469293183) for affordable car renting for Leh Ladakh Trip
Very glad to know that Abhishek that you had a wonderful trip to Ladakh.
hi , I appreciate your effort with this website. Lots of information at one place. You wrote that Manali-Leh highway will open only from April. I’m planning to visit manali during second week of march. how far i can drive from palchan, on manali-leh highway during that season ?
thanks in advance dheeraj
Ashar, I did not write it bro 🙂 🙂 … I wrote BRO is expecting to clear the Manali – Leh Highway by that time if weather remains clear and it does not snow much 🙂 🙂 … In March, going by the conditions, in case there isn’t much snow, you should be able to reach Keylong / Jispa / Darcha but all depends upon if weather remains clear.
Hi Dheeraj,
First let me thank you for this wonderful website. You are doing an awesome job! 🙂
I am planning for Leh via Srinagar starting 20-Aug-2016 and planning to reach manali by 3-Sep-2016.
Will It be peak of monsoon that time?
or should i start by last week of sep to avoid monsoon? as I cannot travel in 2nd week of sep.
Thanks in advance
Syed, I will say last week of September will be much better than mid of August
thank you Dheeraj
Hi!
I was wondering how bad AMS would be i keep reading about it while googling ladakh trips etc. Now im not the most healthy person but i have travelled the himalayas about 4 times ( darjeeling, kullu manaly , shimla, arunachal) my recent trip was to Tawang, Arunachal which is seriously remote! and i had no trouble wrt AMS on any of these trips. It’s just reading about AMS so often in relation to Ladakh has gotten me a liitle worried!
Hello Priya,
For a successful trip to Ladakh, you should understand AMS for sure. AMS do not matter with respect to age or sex or any fitness level. It can happen to anyone of any age or sex or fitness I shall say and even if someone has done many high altitude trips without truble does not assure that he will not get hit :D… It has been more than 6 yrs of high altitude travel for me and it does hit me at times too 🙂
To know about AMS and acclimatization including the tips to combat AMS, please DO READ: Acute Mountain Sickness and Importance of Acclimatization
Hi!
I’m planning a trip with 3 other friends to leh this may. We wish to visit tso moriri and pangong lakes (for camp stay) zanskar river valley (rafting n camel ride) magnetic hill while on the trip. these are our main items on our itinerary (we will be visiting monasteries and leh palace etc too) . could you suggest a suitable route? none of us have planned a trip before and we are not sure what route to take and where to stay.
Hello Priya,
Please let me know how many days do you have in hand for your ladakh trip to suggest a suitable itinerary and what is your start and end points.
Hi! We have a lot of time . . .2 weeks easily . . .
Hello Priya,
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
You can check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate (cheap budget hotels as well) in the series of articles starting on the link here
For the 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.
While going from Srinagar to Leh, you might need to work out few things as there have been some tensions now in taxi unions and to settle it out what they have done is that they have a transit point just before Fotu La while going to Leh from Kargil. All Leh taxis stop there and kargil taxis too. They exchange passengers and move back in respective directions. Leh taxis take passengers to Leh coming from Srinagar/Kargil and Kargil guys take passengers to Srinagar/kargil coming from Leh
For the list of good restaurants in Leh – Ladakh or eateries or food joints where food is enjoyed by many travellers including me, you can check the link here: List of Good Restaurants in Leh – Ladakh | Restaurant Reviews
Check the list of things to carry for Leh – Ladakh or other trip including basic medical kit, clothing, must haves etc. at the link here: List of Things to Carry for Leh – Ladakh trip.
To know about AMS and acclimatization including the tips to combat AMS, please DO READ: Acute Mountain Sickness and Importance of Acclimatization
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi,
We are planning for leh via srinagar on 9th Sept 2016,
This is the tentative itinerary:
09th Sep: Kolkata to Srinagar Flight
10th -11th Sep: Road Trip Srinagar to Kargil, Stay At Kargil, Kargil to Leh
12th Sep: Local Sight Seeing and Acclimatization (Shey, Thiksey, Hemis, Stok-Range, Spituk Range)
13th Sep – 17th Sep: Khardungla, Diskit, Hunder, Sumoor, Panamik, Pangong via Wari La via Tsaga La, Tso Moriri, Tso Kar
18th Sep: Leh to Srinagar Flight+ Srinagar to Kolkata Flight
What I need to know that whether this is feasible or should we add anymore extra days?? Also what is the possibility of finding snow during this season?? What type of weather can we expect??
Also can we shift this plan to 2nd week of Oct, if sept doesn’t work out?
Thanks
An extra day will ensure two day trip to each of Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri from 13-18 and that will be perfect. September will be good time to visit as by end of September the stay options wrap up at lakes.
Hi Dheeraj.
Planning to Visit leh Ladakh this year in the month of July,How safe is it to carry an Infant(1.6 Year old),
Syed, It depends on person to person to take the children of such age group because AMS do not matter with respect to age or sex or any fitness level. It can happen to anyone of any age or sex or fitness I shall say :D… The issue with children is that they tend to exert the body considering it the same kind of place they belong to and this elevates the chances of getting struck with AMS. Secondly, they are not much expressive about their uneasy feelings, so it is parents who need to watch out and take care that the child is not suffering from uneasy feelings, headache or nausea and is behaving properly. With less than 3 year child, I think he/she will also be NOT able to convey the uneasiness she may feel. You have to be vigilant and if you notice any such feeling or he/she tells you about such a feeling then please do not ascend anywhere, either descend to lower altitude or stay at the same place to watch things overnight and if symptom increase then start descending immediately. Same is applicable for any adult as well. And yes, do keep the body adequately hydrated!!
Also, PLEASE read the article: Traveling to Ladakh with Kids or Babies. This article covers this topic in complete detail.
Thank You Dheeraj.
Best wishes for your trip to Ladakh 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
Article is very helpful and informative.
We 4 guys are planning to explore Leh ladhakh from 25th June to 10th July 2016 through road trip, we’ll be coming by air from Bangalore.
1 is it right time to visit if one wants to take a glimpse of nature and scenic beauty of leh ladhakh ?
2. Chandigarh or Manali which place is better for flight from Bangalore ?
3. We want to explore both routes Manali – Leh and Srinagar – Leh. \Which one we should take while going to leh?
4. Can we get bikes on rentals, sleeping bags etc . there it self
Thansk,
Hi Kuldeep,
1. Yes, it is right time to visit Ladakh, you will enjoy the beauty
2. Best is you fly to Srinagar and then come down from Manali side and take flight back from Chandigarh
3. You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
4. Yes, you will be able to rent everything you want in Ladakh from bikes to clothes to tents.
Hi,
We are planning to visit to ladakh in the month of June or july and we are coming from bangalore via Airways for probably 7-10 days. Please let us know detailed plan as to from where we can start and what all places we can cover and also advice if it would be better to go to sikkim or any other place around first and then travel to ladakh or vice versa? We are not planning to hire a bike, either it would hired 4 wheeler or shared taxi’s. Also would like to know the itinerary that need to take with us.
Appreciate your help and thank you so much in advance.
Anil, 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.
Hello Dheeraj!
We r a group of 4 from Bangalore and planning to be in Manali by 2nd week of May 2016, then take a road trip to Ladakh. Can I get any source from which I can get information once the Manali-Leh highway opens for public?
Regards,
Prashanth
May second week is not the time to make a trip to Ladakh from Manali – Leh Highway as the highway usually opens up in May end of June early types and gets stabilized by mid of June only.
Hello Dheeraj!
We r a group of 4 from Bangalore and planning to be in Manali by 2nd week of May 2016, then take a road trip to Ladakh. Can I get any source from which I can get information once the Manali-Leh highway opens for public?
May second week is not the time to make a trip to Ladakh from Manali – Leh Highway as the highway usually opens up in May end of June early types and gets stabilized by mid of June only.
Hello Mr.Dheeraj,
Shall I plan Leh tour on Srinagar-Kargil -Leh road in 2 nd week of May 2016 ?
We are planning to return by Air from Leh.
Please advice, whether the road will be open on 7- 8 May 2016 ?
Waiting for your reply,
Vishwas
Vishwas, things will be like 50:50 that road might be open mostlikely from Srinagar to Leh in second week of May as per last year but only weather can tell the last state. You can suubscribe to our thread here in DoW on Srinagar – Leh status which we start in March and take a call based on the updates.
Hi Dheeraj,
Manali – Leh bike trip has been in buck-list for a long time. I’m planning that trip finally in June 2016 with my partner. Can you please let me know, is it a good idea to do complete bike trip as he will be riding all through the journey for 14 days?
Warm Regards,
Manu
Hi Manu,
Yes, a lot of people do it every year and all depends upon if you are comfortable with the long day rides like 14 Hrs because some days it will need it. Otherwise 14 days is good comfortable time to do a Ladakh trip. You can refer the most common Ladakh trip itinerary from the menu of Ladakh above and can follow as is.
Hi Dheeraj, Myself Deepak. I was planning a trip to Khardung la from cochin in kerala. I had September 2016 in mind. I dont want any snow and take pictures of the landscapes with all the colours (I’m a photography freak). Is it the right time for the trip? Most probably I’ll be riding alone but a few friends may join. I am not familiar with the places there. Can you provide me with an itinerary for the places to visit?? As I am guessing it may be a once in a lifetime journey for me. So i want to visit all the places (only the passes, valleys, lakes and natural beauty. Not interested in monastries,temples etc)and not miss any. Can you help with the same? I have set apart 30 days just for delhi-ladakh-delhi part of the ride. Thanks in advance. ✌
Hello Deepak,
Yes, you got it right. September mid to end is quite a good time to travel Ladakh for vivid colors. 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
Hello Dheeraj. Thank you for your help. 14 days is good. We altered our plan a bit. We are visiting all the states in the country. An all india tour.
Awesome Deepak, seems good to know. How about sharing your mega journey with us in DwD Community Forums?
Or do you really need a plan for 30 days only 😉
Dear Dheeraj,
First of all hearty congrats on being such a helping hand for all travelers.
I want to travel to Leh region along with my family and friends in a group of 6-12 people including 3 children. Would it be good to go around 15th of May? The reason being school vacations. In the month of September schools are running full swing with lots of tests and activities.
Secondly, can we hire a taxi like Scorpio, which is 24 hours at our disposal, for the entire trip from airport to airport?
Hi Swati,
How many days do you have in hand? Are you open to fly to Leh and fly out? OR are you planning to fly to Srinagar and come back from Srinagar?
Thanks Dheeraj for quick reply.
We can plan the trip for upto 13 days including the days of travel.
We are thinking of to and fro travel by air only, because after reading through the road conditions and weather we felt that the roads may not be in good condition immediately on opening. Earlier we were planning to take the road from Srinagar.
I also wanted to ask you about the scenery in this period. Will there be only snow or some greenery also? I request you to please share a few photographs during this time of the year.
hello,
my self chirag. I’m planning to road trip to leh n ladakh in mid January. is it good time period. the main reason behind this time period is one of my frnd who is available for this time period only..
thnx
jay hind
Chirag, the roads to Ladakh will open now in May-June next year and have been closed for the season.
Hi dheeraj,
I want to go ladakh on 22nd november…can i go from swift.
Dilkash, roads to Ladakh are already closed. Better plan in next season now.
When dheeraj
Dilkash, Ladakh roads will now open in the month of May mid / June.
Hi
Let me first thank you for the really informative article.
I am planning to take a trip to Ladakh in the last week of November for 4-5 days. I have a few questions
1. Is this a good time to take up this travel? Its not only from the weather’s perspective but also from accessibility to various places is why the question has been asked.
2. The trip shall involve visiting various monasteries, the palace and stupas in addition to the Pangong lake. Do any of these places close during this period?
3. Do local tour operators operate during this time or is it that most of the business close down?
Thanks a lot.
Hi Soumya,
1. Weather will be harsh. Regarding accessibility, unless it snows a day or two near the day of your travel, the places will be accessible.
2. No, these places will be open and accessible.
3. Most of the business close down. But you will get limited support from hotels and taxis directly.
HI,
Due to logistics & time constraints, I am planning a trip with my spouse and 10 year old daughter to Leh/Ladakh around the 20th of April for about a week. If you suggest this isnt the right time to go, I may just have to cancel the plan.
Please do give me an idea on the weather conditions and how I can slot my itinerary say from the 20th thru 27th/28th of April. If its going to be cold there, any decent hotel with good heating facility could be recommended? Thanks
Hi Anand,
Yes, for suire it will be quite cold to travel to Ladakh in April. The lakes will be frozen, both Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri at that time of the year. Hotels will start to open by that time and only way to travel is by air.
Regards
Dheeraj
Is the cold unbearable ?
My daughter was keen on seeing the snow. Apart from being frozen, would it be even possible to reach the lakes ? What about Nubra valley ?
The plan was always to fly in from Delhi and then acclimatise for a a day before embarking on any trip.
Anand, in case you are taking flight, please follow the plan as: Leh – Ladakh in Winters – Most Common Itinerary & Tips and 6 Special Tips for a Winter Trip to Ladakh
hi Dheeraj, im rajitha from Hyderabad. me and my husband are planning to go to north India trip especially leh-ladhak on bike in the 1st weak of November. but lately i came to know through your posts that November is not a good time to visit leh. but we still want to go to north India trip. delhi to shimla, shimla to manali via kinnaur and spiti valley, manali to leh this was our itinerary initially but now since leh would be closed in novemeber could you please suggest an itinerary were i can come across scenic landscapes (lush green fields and alpine trees). kindly help me and make my holiday a joyful time. thanks in advance
Rajitha, sorry for delayed reply. But are you open to travel to extreme cold conditions. I will suggest at max. up to Kinnaur Valley and add Tirthan Valley and Manali over the Jalori Pass for your trip. How many days do you have in hand?
Any idea of trekking in markha Valley ?
Is it possible in first week of october ??
Sorry Ravi, but I am just guessing that till first week should be OK but there is always a risk of snowfall at high passes during this time.
Hi Dheeraj,
I am arriving Delhi on Oct 6th. Am I too late to plan about a 7-8 days trip to Leh-Ladakh ? 🙁 If not, Can you please make a best possible itinerary to cover as many must visits as possible? We will be taking train to/from Delhi-Jammu and then all by local/public/shared transit. Duration can be adjusted a day or two.
Thanks 🙂
You need at least 9 days brother on which you will be just on road only for more than 8 Hrs a day to make a Ladakh trip from Delhi. Hence, with 8 days in case you are not flying in and out of Leh, then you cannot make a Ladakh trip.
Hello Dheeraj,
I am planning to visit Leh-Ladakh on 3rd week of October 2015. I have 2 kids aged 3 and 8 yrs. They want to see and possibly touch snow/ice covered areas (even a small area, no problem). I am planning to take flight from Delhi to Leh and return also.
My tour program is given below:
Day 1 : Arrival to Leh around 8 AM and refresh. Local sightseeing (some Monasteries) for 4 to 6 hrs
Day 2 : Leh – Pangong Tso lake – Leh and any good place to see on the way (please suggest)
Day 3 : Any nearby place in Leh (close to Leah) where snow/ice covered – please suggest
Day 4 : Dep to Delhi around 8 AM
Can you please suggest as mentioned in Day 2 and 3 in the itinerary? Look forward to hear from you soon to finalize the trip.
Thanks
Thaniks
Hello Thanik,
Ladakh is a high altitude region, you cannot just land and start exploring. You have to acclimatize to at least 36 Hrs to high altitude of that place. Hence, first two days are only rest. You have just 4 days, I will suggest that you make a trip when you have at least 5-6 days to make anything worth of it.
Hello Dheeraj,
Thank you for your response.
I will visit Ladakh on 4th April next year. My tour program is given below:
Day 1 : Delhi Leh – full day at rest
Day 2 : Leh –Alchi-Leh (Likir monastery, Sangam of Indus & Zanskar rivers, Magnetic Hill and military Hall of Fame)
Day 3 : Leh –Khardungla Pass-Leh (with Thiksey Monastery)
Day 4 : Leh –Pangong -Leh
Day 5 : Leh – Delhi
can you please confirm is that correct itinerary?
Given the amount of time in hand, the plan looks OK to me for your Ladakh tour.
HI, planning Pune-Ladakh-pune starting from 1st june.
will the passes be open until 4th june? how will be the climate there at that time?
we’re taking a 150cc commuter and an old 2002 CD100. will we able to do it?
Sushil, most likely by the time you hit Manali – Leh Highway from Leh side, it should be open in likely chance.
Hello,
I will visit leh in April 1st week. Can you please confirm me if Khardungla pass & Pangong lake open in April 1st week?
Soumyadip, all the passes and routes remain open in Ladakh all round the year barring days of snowfall at passes. IN case snowfall happens on the day you plan to visit, it will be closed else it will be open. Please go through my experience of Ladakh in April: Leh – Ladakh in April
Hi All,
I really want to go for a Leh Ladakh trip since forever but I am running short of friends with the same interest.
Is anyone planning a trip around 3rd-4th week of September and would like some company. Kindly revert back, You can reach me on facebook/Email. I am more of a car driver since the past 5-6 years and have traveled to a lot of hilly areas in India like Manali and others. But I am more interested in a Bike trip.
I am about to become a father soon and dont think will get a chance post baby for some time 🙂
So Guys please let me know if you would like a new friend to tag along with you.
Thanks & Regards
Ankur Jokhani
Hi Ankur,
Please check in DoW Travel Calendar from the Menu and filter the calendar entries based upon your interest.
Hi dheeraj,
We are planning to go to leh via manali between October last 30- November 5. Also we’ve heard that this year BRO is going to keep the roads open till nov 31. Please let us know if we can travel during this period and also about the roads, hotels
Replied here: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/how-to-plan-a-journey-on-srinagar-leh-highway/comment-page-12/#comment-350106
Hello
I have planned to visit leh on 19th may next year . I am going to travel with my wife , 10years old daughter & 2of my cousins by air .is it safe ? What precautions should be taken?
Hi Harmit,
In case you are planning by air, you need to follow: Leh – Ladakh | Most Common Itinerary by Air Read about acclimatization: Acute Mountain Sickness and Importance of Acclimatization
HI Dheeraj,
I am planning a trip to Ladakh in Novemeber ( 8th to 15th ) with my wife , it will be diwali holidays . Will it be wise to go by then , I am planning to go & return by flight . A lot will depend on your suggestion 🙂 . Can I travel to Pangong , Tsomori , Tsokar and Nubra at that time ?? Please help .
Himadri, it will be very cold up there during that time of the year. Cold is quite dry and harsh in Ladakh and does take a beating. Also, visiting of Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri will be very very challenging as there will not be any place to stay there apart from basic homestays. In that extreme cold in case you are not accustomed it could be a challenge.
Hi,
We are planning to go on 25 dec to 28dec by air. can u suggest us on this trip. Like accomodation & transportation in local & food & water.
Hello Dalbir,
Are you sure? It is damn cold up there in Ladakh during that time. Please check: Leh – Ladakh in Winters – Most Common Itinerary & Tips
Hi, thanks for your helpful articles! We are planning to travel to Leh by plane around the 10-15th October, and stay for roughly 12 days. We would like to visit the high altitude lakes and other places around, will there still be places open for us to stay at? Also would you suggest hiring a driver and car from Leh and making our way to the lakes in this way? Do you know how much this would cost? We can drive bikes but prefer not to do long journeys.
Thanks so much!!
Shareen, yes they will be open but the stay options will be closed by then and you will have to suffice by home stays or basic stays only. Also it will be quite cold up there at the lakes during that time.
Can someone please let us know whether the roads will be open during March 2nd week as we are planning for road trip next year. Multiple websites claim its a good time whereas others say its worst.
Anyone been during march ? could you please share us your experience
Pradeep, all those websites that claim that Manali – Leh or Srinagar – Leh will be open, please stop following them immediately 🙂 .. The Manali to Leh open late May or June types whereas Srinagar – Leh opens around mid May and sometimes early May
Sir
I am planning my tour to leh via Manali from 29th Aug to 6th Sept. But I am very confused about weather conditions and road conditions. Is it the right time to visit leh. Please help me out. Can I get your phone no for any query.
Sumit, please keep a tab on weather updates in IMD site and plan it. Usually by September first weeek things get stable.
Hi,
I am planning to do a trip from September 3rd to September 14th, Starting from Chandigarh to Leh through manali to and fro on bike and do you think 10 days are sufficient for this ?
And ours is non HP vehicle any permissions required for this and
September I am concerned about recent floods in Leh, hope they will be less by that time
Thanks,
Ram
Ram, yes you need to get permissions from DC Office in Manali. Check the detailed process: Rohtang Pass Rules & Restriction of Vehicles – Demystified
September is in general right time to travel to Ladakh with best of the condition roads and less chances of rains. From where do you have these 10 days? Delhi or Manali?
Hello, Mr. Sharma,
Many many thanks for your effort to the website and the update information you keep here. I am taking my mom to the Manali-Leh road in mid-September. The news and floods in Srinagar and Leh nowadays worry me. Hope weather will improve by the time. Thanks again for the information you provide here. It’s very helpful.
Lisa
Lisa, by September rains fade away and weather becomes quite beautiful in entire Ladakh. So, I do not think you should have any concerns during that time.
We are planning to trip ladakh, Kargil and Srinagar from late September to early october. Probably (26th september to 5th Oct) . Any risk of shutdown of any places these days?
Sujith, it starts snowing towards the end of September Ocotber so in case it snows there can be intermittent hassles or blockades.
Hi,
i’m planning to leave for leh via srinagar on 1st Aug 15
but heard the weather conditions are not good and there are chances of flood i’m not able to get any info about the current status of srinagar and even i dont want to go there and stuck in landslide.
can you help me should i leave and about the present condition of srinagar
Srinagar – Leh road is open. It is monsoon time in general up there in North and at some parts of Manali – Leh Highway (like before Baralacha La) and Srinagar – Leh Highway (like before Kargil) you might need to face monsoon hassles but once you get closer to Ladakh, then Ladakh being rain shadow region is least affected by monsoon rains, though rains does reach Ladakh now but to minimum and mostly it might remains overcast conditions. There is no thumb rule of certainty about weather conditions but above is generally common pictures seen over last few years except ugly 2010 …
Hi Dheeraj,
Thank for such nice posts on this wonderful website.
We are 9 perople planning to travel Leh-Ladakh on 7th August. I have heard about heavy rainfall in this area lately.
Someone has told me that there is too much water around the area and roads are in very bad condition right now. Even he has advised that better not to travel as you will not be able to visit places properly.
Do you have any information on this? Your suggestions are valuable and can really help us to decide if we should go ahead or should we scrap our plan?
Regards,
Ankush Goyal
Ankush, all rains happen in lower hills up to Kargil from srinagar side and up to Keylong-Darcha from Manali side because beyond that Ladakh is a rainshadow region. So, not much rains happen there. However in lower hills there will be monsoon hassles for sure.
Thank you Dheeraj for your prompt response.
One more quick query. Do you have any idea about roads condition from Leh-Nubra and Leh-Pangong?
Ankush, apart from few KMs here and there of the Khardung La Pass and Chang La pass, it is fine mostly.
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for the article and am glad we have someone to answer our questions 🙂
We have planned a bike trip to Leh and the route we are planning to take is : Chandigarh – Amritsar – Srinagar – Leh – Manali – Chandigarh
We are starting from Chandigarh on 2nd Aug and returning on 14th Aug. Our main concern is that the entire route has rainfall and thunder storms as per weather report. Do you suggest we still continue with the bike tour , is it safe and doable ? There are three bikes out of which two have pillion riders.
Your valuable suggestion will be much appreciated as we are in a dilemma. We are starting from Bangalore so we need to transport the bikes in a day or two.
We look forward to your response.
Thanks
Yash
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, I am planning my visit to Leh via Direct flight from delhi in Mid of August, Will there be rains in Leh, Nubra Valley & Pangong Lake, Would it be the idle time to visit there or shift my plan towards last week of August.
Rahul, Ladakh is a rain shadow region and it does not rain much up there. The rains are in lower hills only upto Kargil from Srinagar side and upto Baralacha La from Manali side.
Hi Dheeraj,
I am planning to travel to Leh with my husband from September 5th to 11th 2015. Given the floods in Kashmir, is it safe to travel to Leh. I am planning to visit Leh by air.
Should I take a package from a travel site or is it safe/advisable to travel by self?
Prerna, there are no floods in Kashmir. Srinagar – Leh Highway is now open. You can plan the entire trip on your own too.
Hi Dheeraj,
Thankyou so much for the article.It is indeed very helpful and detailed. I’m planning to go to Ladakh by Air in august. I also have a option of taking a road trip. Could you please suggest if going by Air is more fatal(as suddenly going into a high altitude may leads to AMS) or by road?
Komal, in case you are going by air to Leh, then you can follow the plan: Leh – Ladakh | Most Common Itinerary by Air else you can fly to Srinagar, then go by Leh over two days to Leh, rest in Leh for a day and then follow the plan as described in the link above.
Hello Dheeraj
I am planning my trip to Ladakh via Manali on bike in the first week of september.
Plan is to cover pangong tso, nubra valley-hunder, tso moriri.
I have Avenger 220, will that be going to hold up in steep regions of Ladakh?
Are 15 days going to be sufficient in covering all those?
How can we get the permits for specific regions in advance ? can it be done via email or post; Or do we have to physically fill the form in Leh DC office?
Any bikers from delhi (anywhere) are most willing to join. We are currently two people.
Avenger shall be fine. Yes, 15 days are good enough and in case you follow the normal routes you do not need any permit being indians. You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
Hi dheeraj. 😉
Thx for your comment i just want to ask one more thng that we will rent 3 bikes from manali to ladakh so is there any issue regarding this bike rent thng that rental bikes are not allowed in ladakh coz we will spend above 30k only on bike so plzz i need ur healp in it..
Shubh, yes outside rented bikes are not being allowed by union for sightseeing to Nubra and Pangong tso in ladakh.
So, you have to hire it again.
Helo। Sir I। Am planning trip to leh laddakh via। Manali। Leh highway। About 15 days of tour। With royal Enfield tour starts। From 11th। July is that safe to travel now these days
Should be fine during that time Akash
Hi,
We are planning to visit ladakh sometime around 16 August, driving from manali to ladakh. We will have to also return from the same route as we have to return the bikes at manali which seems to be the waste of time. Instead is it not possible that if some other group is travelling at the same time from srinagar to manali, we can exchange our bikes, and can see the route of leh-srinagar and other group can also enjoy leh-manali route.
Raj, thought is good but not quite feasible as bike rentals will not allow. May be in case you can find some group and get in agreement with the bike rental guys, there could be a way out. Also, please ensure that you know Outside Rented bikes will not be allowed by the rental union for sightseeing within Ladakh to Nubra and Pangong Tso, hence, you need to again hire a bike there in Leh.
Hi deeraj, 😉
I must say ur advise is very useful we are planning to go LADAKH on September 4th so is it a good time for LADAKH coz we hire bike in MANALI and will do the MANALI-LADAKH road trip I need ur concern
September is a very good time to travel to trans Himalayas including Ladakh and Spiti Valley
Dheeraj, thanks for a very informative article. I have booked a 28dec to 2 jan trip to Leh mainly for snow and landscape photography. Would there be 4wd available for nearby trips for photography. I am not interested in too much trekking anyway. Thanks
Pankaj, people are used to drive in snow up there, so with local driver even 4×2 will do perfectly fine. They will be available.
Hi Dheeraj, first of all would like to thank you for such informative article.
Like one of the questions above, we are 4 people planning as under
30th Sep- Del~Manali – overnigt journey and stay at Manali on 1st Oct
2nd Oct- Manali~Leh – Would like to start early in the morning from manali so as to cover maximum distance. Like to hire local taxi from Manali to Leh. If you can guide the cost for the same would be helpful. On the way to leh will stay overnight at some place, please suggest
3rd Oct – Reach Leh and check in to hotel and stay
4th Oct – Visit to Pangong Lake and back
5th Oct – Visit to Nubra valley and back
6th Oct- Flight from Leh~Del
I understand this is very tight but this is the time window i have and love to go by Road to Leh
Kindly advise if it will be ok for travel during that period. Also the accomodation pre-booking on the way to Leh
Your suggestion for any change is solicited.
Chittranjan, it is a very risky plan and pose severe threat of getting hit with AMS and can be quite a disaster. Please plan a trip from Manali side with more days in hand. It takes 2 days from Manali to reach Leh and then you need to at least rest for a day in Leh. Then have couple of days trip to Nubra and then have a day trip to Pangong Tso during that time of the year
Thanks for your reply. I have only this time duration. Can it be otherway
1-Oct- Del~leh – by air and rest at Leh
2 & 3rd – Oct – visit to Nubra Valley & Pangong Lake
4 Oct – Depart for Manali
5 oct – Overnight at Manali
6- Oct – Depart for Delhi
I read somewhere in this page we can save one day if the return is from leh~Manali.
This is the time i have, i would like to know your recommendation. Otherwise i will cancel the trip for next time
2 days you need rest, then two day trip to Nubra and then you are departing to Manali on a two day trip and leave for Delhi in evening of 6 Oct to reach early morning at Delhi
Dear Dheeraj
Thanks for your reply. Unfortunately i have limited time and i can not visit all places. I have following 2 options
Option-1
Day 1 30-Sep Delhi~Manali Overnight journey
Day 2 1-Oct Manali Arrive at Manali
Overnight stay at Manali/Solang Valley
Day 3 2-Oct Manali/Solang Valley~Jipsa Overnight stay at Jipsa
Day 4 3-Oct Jipsa~Leh Overnight stay at Leh
Day 5 4-Oct Leh Stay at hotel/Local sight seeing
Day 6 5-Oct Leh~Pangong Lake~Leh Overnight stay at Leh
Day 7 6-Oct Leh~Del Flight
Option-2
Day 1 30-Sep Delhi~Manali Overnight journey
Day 2 1-Oct Manali Arrive at Manali
Overnight stay at Manali/Solang Valley
Day 3 2-Oct Manali/Solang Valley~Jipsa Overnight stay at Jipsa
Day 4 3-Oct Jipsa~Leh Overnight stay at Leh
Day 5 4-Oct Leh Stay at hotel/Local sight seeing
Day 6 5-Oct Leh~Khardung La~Diskit~Hunder Overnight stay at Diskit/Hunder
Day 7 6-Oct Hunder/Diskit~Sumur~Panamik~Sumur~Khardung La~Leh Overnight stay at Leh
Day 8 7-Oct Leh~Del Flight
which option is your recommendation in the limited time frame or your suggestion for any change within this time
I am sorry if i am asking you too much, but time is contraint for me.
I will say in the second option, make day trip to Hunder Deskit on Day 6, then next day make day trip to Pangong Tso on Day 7.
Hi Dheeraj
I m planning a leh tour on bike from delhi to leh. delhi to manali by bus and from manali to leh on rented bike from 2 oct to 11 oct 2015. Is it possible in these 10 days.
Sanjay, it is possible but there is risk associated. Please read: 5 Reasons to Avoid Manali – Leh Highway in October
I have posted a question on your Nubra Valley post, Please answer.
We are a group of 4 coming from Delhi on 18 July and planning around 10 days.
Please suggest us.
Sure, I am answering one by one, will try to wrap up all unanswered today
Hi Dheeraj, First I must thank you for putting all your efforts in helping fellow travellers like us to explore Himalayas. Many Congratulations & best wishes brother. Keep up the good work 🙂
We are 4 members and planing to visit Ladakh starting from Manali and returning Srinagar. We would be going on a private car (& driver from Manali).
We will be starting from Manali on 1st October.We cannot go prior to that due to other priorities. I have created a tentative itinerary below. Please assist us with the same.
(1 Oct) | Manali – Keylong | Over night at Keylong.
(2 Oct) | Keylong – Leh | Over night at Leh.
(3 Oct) | Leh local
(3 Oct) | Leh – Khardungla – Nubra |
(4 Oct) | Nubra – Khardungla – Leh |
(5 Oct) | Leh – Pangong
(6 Oct) | Pangong – Leh
(7 Oct) | Leh – Tso moriri
(8 Oct) | Tso moriri – Leh
(9 Oct) | Buffer / local leh
(10 Oct) | Leh – Kargil
(11 Oct ) | Kargil – Srinagar
Plan to Ladakh over Manali – Leh Highway seems OK. But, stay options at Pangong tso will be limited to few and at Tso Moriri it will be like only basic home stays.
Thanks a lot Dheeraj bhai,
please help us with the below as well 🙂
1) What problems can we face going with the above itinerary ? Do you see any risks ?
2) Should we halt at keylong or Jispa & what are the best stay option in keylong/Jispa considering October ?
3) Can we directly go to Tso moriri when coming from manali side ? Do we require any permits for the same ?
4) If we directly go to Tso Moriri from Manali is there any risk of AMS ?
5) Please suggest stay options in Pangong and Tso Moriri considering October.
6) Can we take a private car to commute the above itinerary ? Also, Can you suggest any reliable driver for the same?
Please find replies inline below:
1. I do not see much except only basic stays
2. Both shall be good. Jispa is more close to nature
3. No, you should not as you will not be acclimatized to sleep at that high altitude
4. Yes
5. Pangong Tso, Himalayan Wooden Cottages will be running
6. If should have white number plate as it will not be allowed in Ladakh. You need to hire ladakh taxi only for sightseein in ladakh
Can you please elaborate ” If should have white number plate as it will not be allowed in Ladakh. You need to hire ladakh taxi only for sightseein in ladakh”
We will be traveling in a private car having white number plate. Is that not allowed to visit Pangong, Tso moriri & Nubra. And what about shey thiksey hemis monastaries and alchi lekir lamayuru ?
Also can we face any problems traveling from Manali to Leh and then Leh to Srinagar in a private car ?
Private car with white number plate is allowed.
No sir…
As we are emoloyed so our company will not give us enough leave..
we have only 12 days..
Now what should we do??
It will not be possible in 12 days. You can only do Ladakh in 12 days.
Hello Dheeraj Sir,
As i have already taken your views about our trip to ladakh but we are little but confused.
Can you please guide us as we are planning to explore from Delhi-Shimla-Spiti-Lahaul-Jispa-Leh-Srinagar-Delhi on our bikes and we want to explore each and every place.
Can you please guide us as what places we should explore and we dont want to miss campaign at Tsomori lake.
How many days it will take to cover all the places?
Any suggestions from your side??
Thank you
Aashish it will easily take about 20-22 days of the trip. Do you have that many days?
HELLO DEERAJ SIR
CAN I TRAVEL TO MANALI TO LEH ON MY YAMAHA FZS BIKE….IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL ON A 150CC BIKE THERE.
HOW CAN I TAKE MY BIKE TO MANALI.. PLZ REPLAY
Yes Shubham, you can surely travel Manali to Leh on your yamha fzs. 150cc bike is completely fine to take over the Manali – Leh bike
THANKS YOU SIR… THANKS A LOT….:)
I went there with my NEW FZ 3000 KM ON THE CLOCK..and it went down at SARCHU PASS…no mechanical fault..but was not accelerating. We came back to Manali on ARMY TRUCKS…and it started working fine there…some mechanics told us..that FZ gives problem in High Alltitude..our trip was ruined coz of that…so think twice..however on the other hand I have seen people with 100 cc bikes.
Now we are going again on 18 July from Delhi on 2 Pulsar 220 and 2 350 CC eNFIELD.
bhai….
Actually after reading the Bes ttime for Ladakh zanskar thread, & since I heard in your post that Zanskar valley is open for all, I am planning to add this in my tour.
Hopefully we will reaching Kargil from Srinagar on June 28 [or 29 if delayed] evening.
If we start for Padum from Kargil on 29 june early morning, can you give me a mixed option of both bus and taxi [for cost minimizing] for Kargil-Rangdum-Padum-Zanskar [no trekking this time]
I have the time to reach Leh till 3 july evening.
So, pls give me an [ITINERARY WITH PRICE IDEA] for this period [29 june to 3 july] for covering Kargil, padum, & Leh sightseeing.
one more point:
I am interested in magnetic hill, sangam area, mulbek, lamayuru, Alchi, Nimmoo + monastery visit too. Which option will be better? – # On the way from Kargil to Leh with 1 night stay anywhere near OR
# Going directly to Leh from Kargil without nightstay in between & after reaching Leh, hiring taxi next day for the places mentioned above.
Ripan bus might not be possible rest I have given you the drop details. You can check there the shared taxis if possible to drop at Padum. If will need 4-5 days minimum from Kargil as you would have read in the plan I shared.
Dear @dheerajsharma14 bhai:
AS I always asked you: any restriction issue?
Would you pls RECHECK with the Permit & related circular you posted [as I found nothing restricted & no permit issue] for this Padum route.
-Ripan
AFAIK, no permits required for Zanskar Valley.
Hi dheeraj,
Need ur advice..me and my husband are planning our trip from 14aug to 18aug with our seven year old daughter..is that period safe to Travel by car from Srinagar to leh and how many minimum days should we spend in leh Ladakh..
Thanks
Nidi, it will take couple of days just to reach Leh from Srinagar with overnight halt at Kargil. Then you need at least one day rest in Leh. You will only be left with one day only then, do either day trip to Pangong Tso or Nubra Valley
Thank you so much dheeraj..
Hi Dheeraj,
We (2) are planning for total 7 day trip to Leh from mumbai through air. We want to cover the main monastries, Pangong lake, Tso moriri lake and Nubra valley for sure. All packages dont cover the Tso moriri lake. Please tell us a itenary to cover these in 6 days, 7th day morning we are returning back to mumbai. Also please advice if its good to take package and customize or hire a taxi there.
Thanks
Saranya
Saranya, in just 6 days it will not be possible to visit Tso Moriri lake.
Day 1 | Delhi – Leh (By Flight)
— Checkin at Hotel. Many hotels provide free pick and drop from Airport. Ask while you book them.
— Take ample of rest as well as water or anything that keep your body hydrated enough. DO NOT OVER HYDRATE. Take ORS Soluted water or ORS – L tetra packs from home.
— Do not over exert your body at any cost. Avoid too much up-down on stairs or avoid it in entirety, if possible.
— After 5-6 Hrs of rest you can visit Leh Palace, Local Leh market, Shankar Gompa .
— If you feel exerted go back to Hotel, have dinner at Hotel and take rest. Avoid any exertion. Else continue and,
— Follow the sunset by stroll at Changspa road and have a nice dinner on varied cuisines offered in-around Changspa road.
— Go back to hotel for overnight stay at Leh.
Day 2 | Leh Local Sightseeing + Acclimatization
— Hire a taxi from Leh taxi stand or Hotel whichever suits you.
— Bargain hard with taxi driver. Book that single taxi for entire trip after explaining the complete plan.
— Take his inputs if you feel reasonable and if required modify the plan accordingly but should suits you best.
— Ask him to be with you guys starting first day itself, if required and charged reasonable else do it at your own.
— Again DO NOT over exert and take little steps and slow walks only.
— If feeling OK then do Local sightseeing. To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
— Do not use stairs at any of these places just to see them as it will exert your body much more.
— Overnight at Leh
Day 3 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 4 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Pangong Tso – Leh
— Do not plan to stay overnight at Pangong Tso as you will not be acclimatized and may fall sick. So, make a day trip only.
— Overnight at Leh
Day 6 | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping OR Monastery tour OR Sham Valley tour OR Fly back home
— Overnight at Leh
— Monastery tour may include Hemis, Thicksey 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
My Dear Dheeraj,
First of all I like to give you huge honour for such a wonderful resource of Ladakh……….It is the best till now……I am going to have a glimpse of this haven with my Wife and 11 year old daughter from 2nd October 2015 to 16th October 2015. Flight already booked. I like to start from Srinagar—–Kargil——-Lamayuru——-Zanskar——Padam——Leh—–Pangong—–Tso Moriri——Nubra——-
Is there much problem of finding hotels or is it too cold to tolerate for my family?
Any precautions?
Any other tips?
Regards.
Partha
Hello Partha,
Not at all, it is off season and hotels will be aailable on the spot for most places except Pangong Tso lake and Tso Moriri lake. Both these places have camps winded up and at pangong tso at least you can stay at Himalayan Wooden cottages as they will be running for sure. Yes, it will be quite cold especially at places like Pangong tso and Tso moriri.
For Tso moriri, there will only be home stays available during that time.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
My wife and I are planning to visit Leh from 25th june to 1st of July. Our air tickets are booked for the journey and we are interested in renting a bike in Leh to roam in local areas.
After reading your blog – we have realized that we can defer our journey to 18th – 24th of August period.
Kindly suggest best time to visit Leh. Also, suggest best itinerary for 6 days period. Thanks.
Regards, Ashish
Ashish, the time you have picked is also a good time to travel to Ladakh. Much better than of August I will say. Regarding itinerary:
Day 1 | Delhi – Leh (By Flight)
— Checkin at Hotel. Many hotels provide free pick and drop from Airport. Ask while you book them.
— Take ample of rest as well as water or anything that keep your body hydrated enough. DO NOT OVER HYDRATE. Take ORS Soluted water or ORS – L tetra packs from home.
— Do not over exert your body at any cost. Avoid too much up-down on stairs or avoid it in entirety, if possible.
— After 5-6 Hrs of rest you can visit Leh Palace, Local Leh market, Shankar Gompa .
— If you feel exerted go back to Hotel, have dinner at Hotel and take rest. Avoid any exertion. Else continue and,
— Follow the sunset by stroll at Changspa road and have a nice dinner on varied cuisines offered in-around Changspa road.
— Go back to hotel for overnight stay at Leh.
Day 2 | Leh Local Sightseeing + Acclimatization
— Hire a taxi from Leh taxi stand or Hotel whichever suits you.
— Bargain hard with taxi driver. Book that single taxi for entire trip after explaining the complete plan.
— Take his inputs if you feel reasonable and if required modify the plan accordingly but should suits you best.
— Ask him to be with you guys starting first day itself, if required and charged reasonable else do it at your own.
— Again DO NOT over exert and take little steps and slow walks only.
— If feeling OK then do Local sightseeing. To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
— Do not use stairs at any of these places just to see them as it will exert your body much more.
— Overnight at Leh
Day 3 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 4 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Pangong Tso – Leh
— Do not plan to stay overnight at Pangong Tso as you will not be acclimatized and may fall sick. So, make a day trip only.
— Overnight at Leh
Day 6 | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping OR Monastery tour OR Sham Valley tour OR Fly back home
— Overnight at Leh
— Monastery tour may include Hemis, Thicksey 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
Hi Dheeraj,
I love your website and following it.
I am planning a road trip to Leh from Delhi by Swift ( 25th Sept – 6 October). I have couple of questions, if you can please answer:
1) Can we go on Swift (Diesel and petrol)
2) Do we need any permit
3) Is 25th September is right time to explorer Leh ( considering Temperature, Roads etc)
4) which route to follow : Delhi – Jammu – leh or delhi – Manali – Jammu
5) Do we need to do hotel bookings in advance or we can directly go there and get the accommodation
Hi Tushar,
1. 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.
2. No in case you going from Srinagar side and coming from Manali, you do not need any permits anywhere as long as all in the group are Indian citizen.
3. It will start to get cold up there during that time of the year.
4. Go from Srinagar side and come from Manali side. In Leh, check the weather updates and in case it says snowfall then better avoid Manali – Leh highway and come back from Srinagar side else wait in Leh for weather to get cleared.
5. It is season end and you can walkin during that time unless you want to stay at somewhere specific.
Regards
Dheeraj
HI Dheeraj,
As per your article , you have mentioned the best time is to visit after MID September to MID Oct, so is it good or bad? yes we want to see Ladakh in full colors and dont want to face SNOW for obvious reasons. Kindly advise as we have more girls in group. So dont want to take chances caused by weather.
Aayush in that case you can goin between 10-25th Sept to see the burning colors of Ladakh.
Hi Dheeraj,
Very informative blog! Keep it up!
I was planning to visit Ladakh in first week of September. Would I be able to see the autumn colours in Ladakh itself or are they visible only on the Leh-Manali route? I am flying into and out of Leh.
Thanks,
Meghna
Meghna, to an extent No, but colors will be beautiful by that time. Automn colors now a days start to appear by mid of September or later September types.
Hi – lovely article with all the information you need. So a Thank you to begin with! 🙂 So from what I read above, it seems that travelling to Leh during the second half of July looks a bit adventurous. I was planning a trip (on my own bike) along with my wife (who wants to ride pillion) and a group of friends who prefer to drive. So a couple of questions.. Is August second half an apt time to travel? I dont want extreme river crossings or crazy slippery roads to venture on since I will have my wife with me. We want to enjoy the ride along with nature. Second question is – my friends want to rent a Thar for travelling to Leh. Would you have any recommendations from where to hire? Also if you would have an estimated cost to rent a car (any that can accomodate 4-5 folks) for a trip of about 10 days. Lastly, since I will be the only one who is going to be riding is it a good idea? As other folks are going to be in the car. Is it more advisable to travel with atleast one more biker? Thank you.
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 …
If you want to have it a little easy and less risky, better make plan in September. Sorry on the question of renting a thar, no idea on that front.
Unless your group can remain with you in car, it should be fine to travel as I cannot figure out what other bike will add value here.
Dheeraj,
As I told you that we are planing for ladakh on october last, we have a plan to stay one night at sonmarg. My question is, can we hire a cab at sonmarg for ladakh…?
Romit, you should take the taxi from Srinagar only and take it over to stay at Sonamarg.
Hi Dheeraj,
I am planning to drive from jaipur to Leh via Manai in 1st week of June. I have around 10 days. What all can be covered in 10 days?
Thanks
-Ashish
Ashish, well 10 days are less and since Manali – Leh will be closed it will be more difficult to make it in just 10 days.
Manali -leh will be closed during 1st week of June ? I heard, it usually open by mid week of may.
Ashish, this year is little weired, please read all the updates on Manali – Leh at the thread: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/india/road-status-conditions-f32/manali-leh-highway-status-2015-2016-t2384.html
Yesterday I sent a mail to official email address of “official website of Leh district (http://leh.nic.in/)”.
Surprisingly, i got a very quick reply. According to the mail, they are planning to open Manali- Leh route in 1st week of June.
Finger crossed. 🙂
Ashish, hope so it opens but I feel it will open by mid of June only as BRO has estimated it. Let’s keep fingers crossed and see if their first deadline of opening Rohtang Pass meets tomorrow or not 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
You are doing a great Job !!!!
I have one small query, As I have pre-booked by flights from delhi to srinagar in Mid of August and return Leh to delhi -10days after.
Can i get the Bikes in Srinagar which i can drop in leh?
Or
would i get Cab in srinagar, which can drop us in Leh and i can hire Bikes in Leh for rest of the days?
Regards
Rahul
Rahul, I will suggest for bike rent tips and answers in detail that you read: 5 Tips to Rent Bike in Leh – Ladakh and Ride with Pillion. For Srinagar bike rental you can refer the link: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/india/ladakh-zanskar-travel-guides/outside-rented-bikes-banned-ladakh-t1009-50.html#p12858
It will be better that you get a cab which can drop you in Leh and then explore Leh on bikes. You will get shared taxis as well as personal taxis which can drop you in Leh.
hi Rahul
I am planning a ladakh bike trip in mid august. let me know if I can join u.
email me: msrikanth6@yahoo.co.in
Hi Dheeraj,
Can we plan Ladakh in the last week of october..? Actually I can’t manage time at summer.. Please suggest us.. Thank you..
Romit, if you are planning from Srinagar – Leh Highway and can fly out of Leh then it is fine to travel but be preapred for quite cold conditions.
HII DHEERAJ
YOUR SITE IS VERY INFORMATIVE AND IN DEPTH.
PLEASE CAN YOU ADVICE ON HAVING A HONEYMOON TOUR IN LEH LADAKH. I WOULD BE TRAVELLING BY MID OF AUGUST.
THANKS IN ADVANCE
MURTAZA
Murtaza, Ladakh is an adventure destination where air is thin and many people struggle at times. It is not that much ideal for honeymoon unless both of you are too much adventurous 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
Me along with my friends are visiting Ladakh on mid of August. Please review our itinerary and give your valuable suggestions. And also what about the weather in Ladakh and what are the thinks to carry. Mode of travel and detailed itinerary in given below.
Travell around leh to nubra, pangang is 5 in one Innova and 3 Enfields 350CC, travel from Leh to Srinagar in a Tempo traveller.
August 10, 2015 Arrive in Leh (Flight reaches at 07:00AM), After Lunch Excursion around Leh (Alchi, Magnetic hill, Sangam)
August 11, 2015 Leh to Nubra (Diskit ,Hundur) (Stay in Nubra) (no stop in Kahdungla)
August 12, 2015 Nubra to Kahadungla Top to Leh
August 13, 2015 Leh to Pangong enroute Shey Thiksey (Stay in Pangong)
August 14, 2015 Pangong to Leh via Hemis
August 15, 2015 Leh to Srinagar
August 16, 2015 Fly-out (Srinagar)(Flight at 10:30AM)
Thanks and Regards,
Shyamanth Shetty.
Weather in Ladakh shall be pleasant. Leh to Srinagar is 18-19 Hrs of journey, I really do not think you should do it. That too in monsoon when rains will be there and zojila will be in mess state in rains. Also, you need to add a day of rest more before you travel to Nubra. And on first day it shall be complete 100% rest only.
Thank You.
Hi Dheeraj,
I took your advice and am now going for the trip in September end. My friend and I wish to cover Tso Moriri, Pangong Tso, Nubra valley, in a span of 9 days/8 nights. What more should we do there? Or these places are sufficient for the time at hand?
Got the airtickets booked, but not the accomodation.
Can you help me with my itinerary there? If we want to move about on a bike, is it advisable at that time? How can it be arranged?
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 covering all these three places in Ladakh: Leh – Ladakh | Most Common Itinerary by Air.
Well, bikes shall be fine but I will suggest you should first get feel of it by riding in Leh local and in case you feel comfortable then take them up further.
Hi Dheeraj
I am planning a trip to ladakh with my friends on bike from12th June.Is it viable to go at that time. and can we finish our trip in 10 days if we go via Srinagar and come back from manali. if possible Please suggest Itinerary.
Thanks
Vikas Bhadwal
Vikas, It will take 3 days to reach Leh from Delhi via Manali side and 4 days to come back to Delhi from Leh via Srinagar side. This makes it 7 days. 1 Day is required in Leh for acclimatization. You have about 10 days. 1 Day can be used as Day trip to Pangong Tso and other day can be used as day trip to Nubra Valley or just Khardung La pass.
Thanks for your reply.
One more thing i want to ask if we choose to go via Srinagar, is it safe to go via Srinagar considering Political or any other reasons ? One of my friend has doubt about this.
Thanks,
Vikas mostly if you stick to tourist places as well as main highway, things should not much affect.
Also we are planning to setup our own camps while we will in Ladakh (Pangong, Tso Moirri). Can we do that ? Can be set up our own camps there ?
For information on pitching your own camps in Leh – Ladakh, please refer our FAQ in the community: FAQ | Can I pitch my own tents or camps anywhere in Ladakh?
hi Dheeraj , in your opinion what u think of the alternate ways of getting to keylong other way than manali-rohtang, coz I was reading about some kind of permit that we would need to get from manali to follow through rohtang , other thing is ofcourse the bad traffic ….
Pranjal, in case you are coming from Spiti Valley via Shimla – Kaza road post mid of June that takes at least 2 days of 8+ Hrs journey just to reach Kaza from Shimla, there is no other way to reach Keylong. Only two route that is Manali to Keylong over Rohtang Pass and then Kaza to Keylong over Kunzum Pass exist. You can also reach Keylong by third route that is Sach Pass from Dalhousie but it will take two days from Dalhousie to reach Keylong at the very least again over Sach Pass that will be accessible post third week of June.
Hi Dheeraj,
Very informative post….
I am planning to do a longish bike trip to Leh. I am interested to ride from Delhi-leh-Srinagar. What period will you recommend? I’ll be most probably riding solo…and do not want end up stranded in the night with ice all around
hey dheeraj,
I am from bangalore and planning a solo ride to leh ladakh starting from delhi itself. please contact me on munazzirshaikhji@yahoo.com so that i can get some company for the ride.
Please look for DoW Travel Partners Calendar from the menu and see if you can find yourself some like minded people to travel together.
Geo, 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 add the required rest days in between where you feel like 🙂
Hi Dheeraj
Information you sharing is very useful. I wanna know about Leh trip for August end or September first week. Is August last week right time to visit Leh? How about rainy season at Leh during August and september if we consider land slide and all. Is it risky to go there at this time? Kindly give your advice.
Prateek, apart from some rains on the way to Ladakh from Srinagar side or Manali side, within Ladakh is should be OK time to visit. Ladakh is rain shadow region so rains do not affect much in Ladakh but yeah it does on the way to Leh.
hello dheeraj
can i go ladakh in last of April with my wife…. can i see lake at that time. i m planing by flight ..
Anu, yes, you can travel to Ladakh by air in last week of April. Also, you can visit the lakes as well but lakes might be partially frozen during last week of April.
Hi Dheeraj,
Is this place is advisable for honeymoon couple as people consider this place as adventurous instead of romantic.
What if I have 5 days of time for trip and origin city would be delhi.
How should I plan the tour
Abhishek, Ladakh is not a honeymoon destination and I never recommend it. Kashmir will be much better choice in such a case with Aru Valley and Pahalgam preferred as night stays
Hi Dheeraj,
Your website is really appreciable. Its helps us to plan our trip to Ladakh very much. I need to ask u a question that I am planing to have a trip to Leh- Ladakh on bikes from Delhi via Srinagar. Return trip will be via Manali. Can u suggest me if 23rd June to 17th July is the right time to plan my trip or not.
Shankha, the time window that you have planned is fine. You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
Hi Dheeraj,
I am planing to go leh in the month of May second week is that good time to visit leh ladhak via manali.
Please advise rode will be open or not at that time.
vinit
Vinit, Roads to Leh – Ladakh might not be open during that time of the year.
Hi Dheeraj,
If I plan my trip to leh ladaakh from 30th Aug to 5th sep 20. Will I able to see snow as well as colors of nature
Thanks
Prerna
No Prerna, unless it snows during those days of your travel, you will not be able to see snow during that time of the year.
Ohh…so when should one can plan to.see snow there??
But do let me knw how good is a plan for Sep 1st week?
To see snow, you must do it before mid of July. Sept 1st week is fine provided no snow may be present at all.
Hi Dheeraj, Awesome information available here….I was going through the mails , but i did not find the guidance for 1 st week of june. Will it be advisible ti travel to ladakh for 1st week of june. To enjoy every bits & pieces of leh & ladakh.
Aakash, it depends if the roads are open or not. Most likely the roads to Ladakh from Srinagar to Leh as well as Manali to Leh remains open during that time of the year.
thanks Dheeraj for your hard work , as i am planning to go to leh in the month of June , can you please let me know as how many days would suffice for sigh seeing in leh and also is there any risk for people having any Heart problems/diseases??????
thanks in advance
rgds
Mukesh
Mukesh, I am not sure how are you planning the journey to Ladakh. 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.
OR
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
Hi Dheeraj ,
Can you reccomended any shops/people in New Delhi to buy a good condition used royal enfield?
Thanks in advance, your site has been really helpful planning our trip! Thank you for doing all of this!
Shane, I am sorry but I do not have such contacts 🙁 … And thanks for appreciating the efforts put in to the Discover with Dheeraj Website 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
Nice blog. Thanks for the load of information.
As crazy as it may sound, I hv planned for a leh trip in the month of March along with 4 friends of mine.
March 7,8,9 to be precise… We are a bunch of daredevils, needless to say we love doing some crazy stuff.. I need your travel advisory for our trip..
We are looking forward to visit either pangong tso or nubra valley in these the days, would be great if you can sketch us an itinerary for our three days stay… Much obliged.
Thanks.
Ashwin, no matter how crazy you are but you will have to acclimatize for two days in Leh. You have just three days only on which you can either make a day trip to Nubra Valley or Pangong tso.
Hello Dheeraj,
A mere ‘thank you’ would fall short of appreciation of the vast knowledge you have made available on your blog. Truly fascinating.
I am looking forward to your valuable suggestion on my biking itinerary to Leh as below-
2 May – reach Leh by ddel-ixl flight , Rest and acclimatization , local sightseeing
3 May – Leh – Lamayuru -Leh
4 may – Leh -Khardungla – nubra/hunder
5 may – nubra -tutruk -Nubra
6 May – Nubra – Khalsar -Leh
7 May – Leh – Pangong (spangmik /Lukung)
8 May – Pangong – hemis – Leh
9 May – Buffer day
10May – IXL – DEL flight
I spoke to a couple of tour operator/traveller , who said in early , most of the roads will be motorable by bike except few snow-covered stretch on Khardung la and chang la.
Will the road be motorable during this time ?
how safe will it be to take motorcycles ?
How safe will be road Nubra – Argham – Durbuk – Pangong and Nubra – Wari La – Pangong ?
Any idea on the accommodation options in turtuk in that time ? I will prefer to stay a night in turtuk.
Any extra precautions you can suggest for this self-ride trip?
A big thanks again for the wonderful blog.
Sincere regards
K.
Hello K,
Your itinerary seems fine though Lamayuru trip may prove a bit hectic on Day 2 itself. In case someone in the group have difficulty in sleeping at night 1 then better drop Lamayuru and do just up to Alchi covering whole of Sham Valley. Roads are mostly motorable in Ladakh all round year barring few days of heavy snowfall and that will be same here as well. In May Pangong Tso will not have much accommodation open for stay, so better go prepared in advance else stay at Tangste. I will not suggest the other routes to Nubra Valley during that time of the year. Agham – Shyok – Durbuk can be considered only when there is 100% surety that route is open. Wari La will be closed. Both these routes are very isolated with no ones move around on them so it will be difficult to find any help in case required.
Turtuk should have accommodation running.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
Came across your website last July when we were scheduled to travel to Ladakh. Unfortunately we had to cancel our trip due to the floods. It is highly informative and detailed, good work!
We are planning to go in Summer and was wondering if late April-early May is a good time? Will the roads be opened out? Are things almost back to normal in Srinagar?
I want to plan and book by this month-end or so. Appreciate your help and advise on travel.
Thanks!
Uma
Hi Uma,
Roads does not open by that time to Ladakh. Ifyou interested in flyin in and out of Leh, it can be done then. But, if you want to travel from Srinagar – Leh or Manali – Leh then best time would be second week of June to mid of July type and then September when rains reside.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
Your website is a real boon to those plenty of tourists looking forward to plan for a magical Leh/Ladakh trip. I did the Chadar Trek last year, and its time for the bike ride this year. I wanted your guidance on the itinerary I have planned after going through multiple forums. Along with a few friends, we are planning the bike ride in the last week of May.
23rd May: Reach Leh by the early morning flight from Delhi. Rest + local sight-seeing (market, etc)
24th May: Leh to Nubra valley via Khardung La (Camel Safari at Diskit – would it be there in end May?)
25th May: Nubra to Pangong via Shyok (Is this doable via the Shyok river route during end May? I think Wari La would be closed, right?)
26th May: Pangong to Tso Moriri (Via Man-Merak-Chusul – Wont need ILP here I guess?)
27th May: Tso Moriri to Leh via Tso Kar (Will the last part of the Manali Leh highway be open during end May?)
28th May: Leh to Kargil via Lamayuru (Visiting hall of fame and Gurudwara on the way)
29th May: Kargil to Leh
30th May: Rest in Leh
31st May: Leh to Delhi (And return to Mumbai)
Thanks in advance!
Kedar
Thank you so much Kedar. Since, you are taking flight to Leh, you will have to acclimatize in Leh for at least 36 Hrs and follow the first two days as below:
Day 1 | Delhi – Leh (By Flight)
— Checkin at Hotel. Many hotels provide free pick and drop from Airport. Ask while you book them.
— Take ample of rest as well as water or anything that keep your body hydrated enough. DO NOT OVER HYDRATE. Take ORS Soluted water or ORS – L tetra packs from home.
— Do not over exert your body at any cost. Avoid too much up-down on stairs or avoid it in entirety, if possible.
— After 5-6 Hrs of rest you can visit Leh Palace, Local Leh market, Shankar Gompa .
— If you feel exerted go back to Hotel, have dinner at Hotel and take rest. Avoid any exertion. Else continue and,
— Follow the sunset by stroll at Changspa road and have a nice dinner on varied cuisines offered in-around Changspa road.
— Go back to hotel for overnight stay at Leh.
Day 2 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Acclimatization
— Hire a taxi from Leh taxi stand or Hotel whichever suits you.
— Bargain with taxi driver and you can refer the thread for a comprehensive list of drivers: List of Taxi Drivers for Ladakh – Srinagar – Leh – Manali
— Take his inputs if you feel reasonable and if required modify the plan accordingly but should suits you best.
— Ask him to be with you guys starting first day itself, if required and charged reasonable else do it at your own.
— Again DO NOT over exert and take little steps and slow walks only.
— If feeling OK then do Local sightseeing. To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
— Do not use stairs at any of these places just to see them as it will exert your body much more.
— Overnight at Leh
Regarding Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso route, in order to take Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso via Shyok village, you need not need any permits. However, with such a small distance it appears tempting to be done BUT just to analyze the difficulty I will strongly suggest that you read:Trip Report | Nubra – Shyok Village – Pangong Tso Route. The report is from couple of year back in June. So better confirm first, analyze the high risk involved and then only attempt it or better avoid it unless very much sure.
Wari La will be closed by that time and regarding Shyok, all depends upon your luck.
Regarding Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri route or Pangong Tso to Hanle, the permits to Man – Merak – Chusul – Tsaga or remote Changthang routes are being given by DC office in Leh at ON and OFF basis, so keep your fingers crossed and hope for the best if they start issuing the permits by the time you visit or issue you on your lucky day. Also, even if the permits are given then as well there is no guarantee that you will be allowed to cross Chusul Post or not because since last year several such incidents happened and people with permits also had to return via same route. The story is same this year too and only handful of people have passed through Chusul this year too on their lucky days. All this will mean that you will have to risk it for at least a day getting wasted if you are not allowed because there will be no guarantee until you cross Chusul and Tsaga post. Otherwise, you have to take the traditional routes only via Leh.
You can drop Srinagar – Leh Highway and use those three days to make a balance between Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri routes and also a much needed day of rest in Leh on Day 2.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
Ur website is true guide to a traveller. I just want to know that can I plan for river rafting in mth of June.
Niketa, thank you. yes you can plan river rafting in the month of June.
Dheeraj
I need ur advice ,actually we r planning to go to Leh on 22 March 2015 with our two sons age 10 & 15 is it adviseble to go by that time
Deepak, it will be very cold up there with less stay options as most of the hotels remain closed. Also, the lakes will be frozen as well. Unless you interested in white frozen lakes, better make the journey in mid May to Sept. period