One of the most frequently asked questions by readers and members of the Devil on Wheels Travel community is, “Can I make a budget trip to Ladakh by public transport in 2026?” I know the budget is an integral part of any trip but becomes critical when we make a trip to Ladakh because of the higher number of days required to complete even a basic trip.
This means the cost of the stay as well as having food while on the Ladakh trip increases proportionally to the number of days you have planned your trip. Combined with the fact that self-drive cars are not allowed for sightseeing in Ladakh, most people are left to opt for taxis whose rates are considerably high due to rough terrain, bad roads, and a short tourist season window in Ladakh.
So, a question like, if I can make a budget trip to Ladakh by public transport is not surprisingly the topmost among the other frequently asked questions for a Ladakh trip. The short answer is yes, you absolutely can. In fact, with proper planning, you can cover Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, and Tso Moriri within a budget of Rs 20,000-22,000 for 14 days. Let me help you plan it step by step.
Let's quickly dive into the details:
How Much Does a Budget Ladakh Trip by Public Transport Cost in 2026?
A 14-day budget trip to Ladakh covering Delhi, Srinagar, Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri, and returning via Manali costs approximately Rs 20,000-22,000 per person using public transport and shared taxis. This includes transport, accommodation on twin-sharing basis, food at dhabas, and permits. Keep reading for the complete day-by-day breakdown.
Practical Info Box
- Route: Delhi, Srinagar, Kargil, Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri, Manali, Delhi
- Duration: 14 days minimum
- Total Budget: Rs 20,000-22,000 per person (twin sharing)
- Best Time: June to September (buses run only in summer)
- Permits Required: ILP for Nubra, Pangong, Tso Moriri (apply at lahdclehpermit.in)
- Permit Cost: Rs 400 EDF + Rs 20/person/day ILP + Rs 10/day Red Cross
- Key Operators: JKSRTC (within Ladakh), HRTC (Manali-Leh-Delhi), Indian Railways (Delhi-Jammu)
- Booking: No online booking for JKSRTC local buses. Buy tickets at the bus stand counter.
- Last Updated: March 2026
How Can You Travel to Ladakh by Public Transport?
Ladakh is well connected by government buses on both the Srinagar-Leh and Manali-Leh routes. JKSRTC runs daily buses from Srinagar to Leh, and HRTC operates the Manali-Leh and even a direct Delhi-Leh bus service. Within Ladakh, JKSRTC runs local buses to Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, and Tso Moriri on specific days of the week.
In the past, I shared an article about getting an idea of the overall budget of a Ladakh trip. However, today, in this article, I will share tips and tricks with an example of how you can make a budget Ladakh trip by public transport. I am sure this article will be helpful to all those who are planning a solo Ladakh trip using public transport.
Can I Travel Solo on a Budget Ladakh Trip?
Absolutely. If you are alone or a couple and private taxis are very costly in Leh, you will be able to find a shared taxi without much fuss at all. There are lots of flyers that people put at cafes, restaurants, travel agent desks, and whiteboards wanting to share the taxis for different trips within Ladakh.
Even travel agents organize such shared taxi trips as well but charge a little higher, about Rs 200-300 more than it would ideally cost when you share with other tourists. So, in the worst case, you can always go back to them and book a seat for yourself. Gelling up with people in Ladakh is more or less easy because many people travel solo and look forward to meeting new people and sharing cultural thoughts and values over the trip.
I will outline an example which will be a mix-and-match approach of using public transport in Ladakh as well as the shared tourist/public taxis and also try to share the other available options in different legs.
What Is the Day-by-Day Plan for a Ladakh Trip by Bus?
In order to outline the budget and cover all places of sightseeing in Ladakh, let us consider our Leh Ladakh most common travel plan as an example that covers the entire circuit as Delhi, Srinagar, Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri, Leh, Manali.
Now, let us take a look at this Ladakh itinerary day by day, including the options of travel on these days, the cost of travel, and the cost of stay + food (twin sharing basis) at these places.
Also, I am assuming that since you are on a budget Ladakh trip, you will be finding the places of stay on the spot and not pre-booking them 🙂
Day 1 | Delhi to Jammu
- Options of travel: There are buses available between Delhi and Jammu that cost around Rs 700-800 as well as between Delhi and Srinagar (sleeper costs around Rs 2,000-2,200, non-sleeper costs around Rs 1,800). However, the most economical way to travel from Delhi to Jammu is by train. You need to pay around Rs 500-550 for the sleeper class on the train and around Rs 1,200-1,300 for the third AC.
- Cost of travel: Rs 550 by sleeper class on the train.
- Cost of stay: You will find many budget guesthouses and stays near the bus stand at Jammu ranging from Rs 800 to 1,500. So, you can consider Rs 500-600 for a stay in Jammu on twin sharing.
Hence, at the end of Day 1, the total cost spent on transport and accommodation on your budget trip to Ladakh by public transport is Rs 1,050-1,150 (Rs 550 + Rs 500-600).
Day 2 | Jammu to Srinagar
- Options of travel: There are plenty of buses running between Jammu and Srinagar. The cost ranges from Rs 750-800 (tempo travelers, deluxe) to semi-deluxe around Rs 600-650 to ordinary state transport at around Rs 550. Finding shared taxis from Jammu to Srinagar is easy from the Gumat taxi stand. These shared taxis charge around Rs 1,000-1,200 per person.
- Cost of travel: Rs 600 by state transport bus.
- Cost of stay: You will find many budget guesthouses and stays near Nageen Lake or Dal Lake ranging from Rs 1,000 to 1,500. So, you can consider Rs 500-600 for a stay in Srinagar on twin sharing.
Hence, at the end of Day 2, the total transport and accommodation cost on your Ladakh budget trip using public transport is Rs 2,150-2,350 ((Rs 1,050-1,150) + Rs 600 + Rs 500-600).
Day 3 | Srinagar to Sonamarg to Zoji La to Drass to Kargil
- Options of travel: Plenty of shared taxis and daily buses of JKSRTC run between Srinagar and Kargil. Shared taxis to Leh from Srinagar cost around Rs 3,500-4,000 per person with a night stop at Kargil. There is also a direct JKSRTC semi-deluxe bus from Srinagar to Leh which costs about Rs 925, and the super deluxe bus costs around Rs 1,320.
- Cost of travel: Rs 925 for Srinagar to Leh by JKSRTC semi-deluxe bus (2-day journey with halt at Kargil).
- Cost of stay: You can easily find a guest house in Kargil ranging from Rs 800 to 1,200. So, you can consider Rs 500-600 for a stay in Kargil on twin sharing.
Hence, at the end of Day 3, the total expenses for transport and accommodation on your Ladakh trip using public transport is Rs 3,575-3,875 ((Rs 2,150-2,350) + Rs 925 + Rs 500-600).
Day 4 | Kargil to Lamayuru to Leh
- Options of travel: Plenty of shared taxis and daily buses of JKSRTC run between Kargil and Leh. The JKSRTC bus fare from Srinagar to Leh is already covered on Day 3. You may miss the visit to the Lamayuru monastery when traveling by bus, so keep that in mind. If the monastery is on your list, consider taking a shared taxi for this leg.
- Cost of travel: Rs 0 as already covered on Day 3 for a drop till Leh from Srinagar.
- Cost of stay: You can easily find a guest house or homestay in Leh ranging from Rs 800 to 1,500. So, you can consider Rs 500-600 for a stay in Leh on twin sharing.
Hence, at the end of Day 4, the total cost of travel and stay on your trip to Ladakh by public transport is Rs 4,075-4,475 ((Rs 3,575-3,875) + Rs 0 + Rs 500-600).
Day 5 | Leh Local Sightseeing + Acclimatisation
- Options of travel: Here you are not left with many options but either rent a scooter or a bike costing around Rs 1,200-1,500 for the day or hire a local tourist shared taxi that might cost you around Rs 800-1,000 per seat. It is very important to rest during the day to avoid AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). Do not rush. Leh is at 11,520 ft and your body needs time to adjust.
- Cost of travel: Rs 800 for a shared tourist taxi for local sightseeing in Leh.
- Cost of stay: You can easily find a guest house or homestay in Leh ranging from Rs 800 to 1,500. So, you can consider Rs 500-600 for a stay in Leh on twin sharing.
Hence, at the end of Day 5, the total cost spent on transport and accommodation on your budget trip to Ladakh by public transport is Rs 5,375-5,875 ((Rs 4,075-4,475) + Rs 800 + Rs 500-600).
Day 6 | Leh to Khardung La to Diskit to Hunder
- Options of travel: Tourist-shared taxis are available to travel for a two-day trip to Nubra Valley costing around Rs 2,500 for a two-day trip. You will also get a public shared taxi for Nubra Valley near the polo ground in Leh for Rs 700-800, so the return would cost you around Rs 1,400-1,600 by public shared taxis. Also, if you are lucky, you can get the JKSRTC state transport bus to Diskit which runs on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 6:00 AM for Rs 200 one way, which means Rs 400 for return. However, it depends on if the bus is running that day or not.
- Cost of travel: Rs 1,600 considering you will opt for public shared taxis to Nubra Valley and within Nubra Valley for getting to Hunder, Sumur, and Panamik.
- Cost of stay: You can easily find a guest house or homestay in Nubra Valley (Hunder, Diskit) ranging from Rs 800 to 1,200. So, you can consider Rs 500-600 for a stay in Nubra Valley on twin sharing.
Hence, at the end of Day 6, the total transport and accommodation cost on your Ladakh budget trip using public transport is Rs 7,475-8,075 ((Rs 5,375-5,875) + Rs 1,600 + Rs 500-600).
Day 7 | Hunder/Diskit to Sumur to Panamik to Khardung La to Leh
- Options of travel: Covered on Day 6.
- Cost of travel: Rs 0 as already covered on Day 6 for a drop till Leh.
- Cost of stay: You can easily find a guest house or homestay in Leh ranging from Rs 800 to 1,500. So, you can consider Rs 500-600 for a stay in Leh on twin sharing.
Hence, at the end of Day 7, the total expenses for transport and accommodation on your Ladakh trip using public transport is Rs 7,975-8,675 ((Rs 7,475-8,075) + Rs 0 + Rs 500-600).
Day 8 | Leh to Pangong Tso Lake (Saturday)
- Options of travel: Tourist-shared taxis are available to travel for a two-day trip to Pangong Tso costing around Rs 2,500 for a two-day trip. However, assuming you started your trip on Friday evening from Delhi, it will be Saturday on this day. Hence, you can also get a JKSRTC bus to Pangong Tso (Spangmik) scheduled on Saturday and Sunday at 6:30 AM for Rs 256 one way, which means Rs 512 for return.
- Cost of travel: Rs 700 for a return trip considering you get the JKSRTC bus to Pangong Tso, Tangtse scheduled on Saturday.
- Cost of stay: You can easily find homestay or dormitory tents at Pangong Tso ranging from Rs 600-800 per person per day. So, you can consider Rs 600 for a stay at Pangong Tso. Of course, the cost will be high in case you plan to stay in tents with attached toilets and better guest houses. But, I am assuming you are on a budget trip to Ladakh.
Hence, at the end of Day 8, the total cost of travel and stay on your trip to Ladakh by public transport is Rs 9,275-9,975 ((Rs 7,975-8,675) + Rs 700 + Rs 600).
Day 9 | Pangong Tso Lake to Leh
- Options of travel: Covered on Day 8.
- Cost of travel: Rs 0 as already covered on Day 8 for a drop till Leh from Pangong Tso.
- Cost of stay: You can easily find a guest house or homestay in Leh ranging from Rs 800 to 1,500. So, you can consider Rs 500-600 for a stay in Leh.
Hence, at the end of Day 9, the total cost spent on transport and accommodation on your budget trip to Ladakh by public transport is Rs 9,775-10,575 ((Rs 9,275-9,975) + Rs 0 + Rs 500-600).
Day 10 | Leh to Tso Moriri via Chumathang
- Options of travel: Tourist-shared taxis are available to travel for a two-day trip to Tso Moriri costing around Rs 3,000-3,500 for a two-day trip. Details are mentioned in the third paragraph of the article on how to get a tourist-shared taxi in Leh. There is a JKSRTC bus that runs every 10th, 20th, and 30th of the month from Leh to Tso Moriri (Korzok) at 6:30 AM for Rs 370 one way, with the return on the 11th, 21st, and 31st/1st. If your dates match, you can save about Rs 2,000 on this leg.
- Cost of travel: Rs 3,000 considering you will be taking a shared taxi in case your dates are not matching the dates on which JKSRTC buses to Tso Moriri run.
- Cost of stay: You can find a guesthouse or homestay at Tso Moriri (Korzok village) ranging from Rs 800 to 1,200. So, you can consider Rs 500-600 for a stay at Tso Moriri on twin sharing.
Hence, at the end of Day 10, the total transport and accommodation cost on your Ladakh budget trip using public transport is Rs 13,275-14,175 ((Rs 9,775-10,575) + Rs 3,000 + Rs 500-600).
Day 11 | Tso Moriri to Tso Kar to Debring to Taglang La to Upshi to Leh
- Options of travel: Covered on Day 10. The return route via Tso Kar and Debring connects to the Manali-Leh Highway at Rumtse/Upshi.
- Cost of travel: Rs 0 as already covered on Day 10 for a drop till Leh.
- Cost of stay: You can easily find a guest house or homestay in Leh ranging from Rs 800 to 1,500. So, you can consider Rs 500-600 for a stay in Leh.
Hence, at the end of Day 11, the total expenses for transport and accommodation on your Ladakh trip using public transport is Rs 13,775-14,775 ((Rs 13,275-14,175) + Rs 0 + Rs 500-600).
Day 12 | Leh to Taglang La to Pang to Sarchu to Baralacha La to Keylong
- Options of travel: Daily HRTC buses are available to travel to Keylong on the first day and then on the second day to Manali. There is also a direct bus to Delhi from Leh by HRTC which costs Rs 1,657 and covers the journey in two days with an overnight halt at Keylong. The buses are also available just up to Keylong and Manali. Also, there is an HPTDC tourist bus available for tourists which stops overnight at Keylong and then goes to Manali the next day. Lots of shared taxis are available both local as well as tourist-shared. We will consider a direct HRTC bus to Delhi from Leh via Keylong and Manali. This bus departs from Leh bus stand early morning.
- Cost of travel: Rs 1,657 for a direct HRTC bus to Delhi from Leh.
- Cost of stay: You can easily find a guest house or homestay in Keylong ranging from Rs 800 to 1,200. So, you can consider Rs 500-600 for a stay in Keylong.
Hence, at the end of Day 12, the total cost of travel and stay on your trip to Ladakh by public transport is Rs 15,932-17,032 ((Rs 13,775-14,775) + Rs 1,657 + Rs 500-600).
Day 13 | Keylong to Atal Tunnel to Manali
- Options of travel: Leh to Keylong to Manali. Daily HRTC buses are available from Keylong to Manali. The route now goes through the Atal Tunnel (9.2 km, opened October 2020) instead of the old Rohtang Pass route, making this leg much faster and more reliable. The HPTDC tourist bus is also available for tourists who halt at Keylong and then go to Manali. Lots of shared taxis are available too.
- Cost of travel: Rs 0 as already covered on Day 12 for a drop to Delhi by HRTC bus.
- Cost of stay: Rs 0 as the direct bus to Delhi from Leh does not stop overnight at Manali.
Hence, at the end of Day 13, the total cost spent on transport and accommodation on your budget trip to Ladakh by public transport is Rs 15,932-17,032 ((Rs 15,932-17,032) + Rs 0 + Rs 0).
Day 14 | Manali to Delhi
- Options of travel: Covered on Day 12. Also, there are plenty of HRTC, HPTDC local, deluxe, and Volvo buses available which you can take as per comfort, convenience, and budget in case you are not taking the direct bus to Delhi from Leh. However, in this example, we are only considering the HRTC bus to Delhi from Leh.
- Cost of travel: Rs 0 as already covered on Day 12 for a drop to Delhi by HRTC bus.
- Cost of stay: Rs 0 as you reach sweet home 🙂
Finally, at the end of this itinerary, the total cost of transport and accommodation on your trip to Ladakh by public transport is Rs 15,932-17,032.
How Much Does Food Cost on a 14-Day Budget Ladakh Trip?
Food all over Ladakh is quite economical unless you wish to lavishly spend on restaurants in Leh and hotels. If you eat at regular dhabas where the buses or shared taxis stop and do not wish to go into the high-end restaurants in Leh or Manali, you will not be spending more than Rs 400-500 per day on food in 2026.
A typical meal at a dhaba along the highway or in smaller towns like Kargil, Keylong, or Diskit costs Rs 100-200 per plate. In Leh town, budget cafes serve meals for Rs 150-250. So for three meals a day, you are looking at Rs 400-500 per person.
DO NOT forget to check the top 15 tips on Responsible Travel in the Himalayas.
Taking this factor into account, the 14-day road trip to Ladakh will cost you approximately Rs 5,600-7,000 for food.
What About Permit and Entry Fee Costs?
Starting from 2024, Ladakh introduced an Environmental Development Fee (EDF) that every tourist must pay. As of 2026, here is the breakdown of permit costs you should factor into your budget:
- EDF (one-time): Rs 400 per person
- ILP fee: Rs 20 per person per day
- Red Cross fee: Rs 10 per person per day
For a 7-day permit (covering Nubra, Pangong, Tso Moriri), the total comes to approximately Rs 400 + Rs 140 + Rs 70 = Rs 610 per person. You can apply for the ILP online at lahdclehpermit.in or at the DC office in Leh. For more details, check our complete guide to Ladakh Inner Line Permits.
You should always carry your water bottle and refill it as many times as you need water. It will not only keep you hydrated always, but you will also help in saving the Himalayas from plastic garbage. Remember, every tiny step counts and your step in this direction can help save the Himalayas too !! 🙂 🙂
What Is the Total Budget for a Ladakh Trip by Public Transport in 2026?
The total cost of your Ladakh trip by public transport comes out to be (Rs 15,932-17,032) + (Rs 5,600-7,000) + (Rs 610) = approximately Rs 22,142-24,642 per person.
Here is a quick summary table for easy reference:
| Expense Category | Low Estimate | High Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Transport (buses, shared taxis, train) | Rs 9,232 | Rs 9,232 |
| Accommodation (13 nights, twin sharing) | Rs 6,700 | Rs 7,800 |
| Food (14 days) | Rs 5,600 | Rs 7,000 |
| Permits and EDF | Rs 610 | Rs 610 |
| Total | Rs 22,142 | Rs 24,642 |
What Are Some Tips to Save Even More on Your Ladakh Trip?
If you are really lucky and you get the public transport buses within Ladakh as well for Nubra Valley (Rs 200 one way) and Tso Moriri (Rs 370 one way), you can save approximately Rs 3,000-4,000 more, making a budget trip to Ladakh possible in approximately Rs 18,000-20,000 🙂
In case you drop Tso Moriri from the plan and only travel to Pangong Tso and Nubra Valley via the direct Shyok route, then you can make a Ladakh trip by public transport on a budget of Rs 18,000-20,000 even without getting lucky with bus timings.
Here are a few more tips to keep your costs down:
- Carry a sleeping bag: Some homestays charge less if you carry your own bedding. A good sleeping bag also helps on overnight bus rides.
- Eat at local dhabas: Skip the fancy cafes in Leh. Tibetan and Ladakhi food at local eateries is both cheaper and tastier.
- Fill water bottles: Buy a reusable water bottle and fill it at guesthouses instead of buying packaged water.
- Book trains early: Delhi to Jammu Tatkal charges are almost double. Book at least 30 days in advance for the lowest fare.
- Travel in groups: Even if you start solo, you will find people to share taxis with in Leh. Check the notice boards at cafes along Changspa Road and Fort Road.
- Consider flying one way: If you are short on time, you can fly to Leh (fares start from Rs 3,500-5,000 if booked early) and return by bus. This saves 3-4 days and can sometimes work out cheaper than the total bus + hotel cost for those extra days.
What Are the Key Bus Routes and Schedules for Ladakh in 2026?
Here is a quick reference table of all the public transport bus services you will use on this trip. Keep in mind that schedules may vary seasonally, so always verify with the bus stand before finalizing your plans.
| Route | Operator | Fare (2026) | Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi to Jammu | Indian Railways | Rs 550 (SL) / Rs 1,300 (3AC) | Multiple daily trains |
| Jammu to Srinagar | JKSRTC | Rs 550-650 | Multiple daily buses |
| Srinagar to Leh | JKSRTC | Rs 925 (Semi-Deluxe) | Daily, 2-day journey via Kargil |
| Leh to Nubra Valley | JKSRTC | Rs 200 one way | Tue, Thu, Sat at 6:00 AM |
| Leh to Pangong Tso | JKSRTC | Rs 256 one way | Sat, Sun at 6:30 AM |
| Leh to Tso Moriri | JKSRTC | Rs 370 one way | 10th, 20th, 30th at 6:30 AM |
| Leh to Delhi (direct) | HRTC | Rs 1,657 | Daily (summer only), 2-day journey |
| Leh to Manali | HRTC | Rs 833 | Daily, departs 4:00 AM |
Important: None of these local Ladakh buses can be booked online. You need to buy tickets at the bus stand counter in the morning, first come first served. For the HRTC Delhi-Leh bus, tickets are available at the HRTC counter at Kashmere Gate ISBT in Delhi or at the Leh bus stand. Reach early because seats fill up fast in peak season (July-August).
Hence, you can see that if you plan to make a budget trip to Ladakh by public transport and plan it properly as described above, you can cover Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, and Tso Moriri within a budget of Rs 22,000-25,000 per person in 2026. With some luck on bus timings, it can come down to Rs 18,000-20,000.
You can also check this less than 3-minute video on Discover With Dheeraj YouTube Channel on these essential tips for making a budget trip to Leh Ladakh. If you like my video, please do not forget to SUBSCRIBE to my YouTube channel.
Last Updated: March 2026
This article has been updated with the latest 2026 bus fares, accommodation prices, permit costs, and public transport schedules for Ladakh. It is kept up to date every season to reflect the current status. Feel free to suggest any further updates you deem fit that I may have missed.
Conclusion
I hope the above article helps you evaluate the cost of travel for your trip to Ladakh by public transport. This example will help you fit your customized plan to give a general idea of the budget to expect out of it. You may skip the places you are not visiting on your Ladakh trip.
I am sure now you will have the confidence that yes you can make a budget trip to Ladakh by public transport for around Rs 22,000-25,000 budget in 2026 🙂 And remember, the journey through Ladakh is as much the destination as the destination itself.
Have a travel question?? You can subscribe to my YouTube channel and leave a comment to ask your travel questions about traveling to the Himalayas.
Feel free to share any tips or updates you have to make it more helpful for other fellow travelers looking to make a trip to Ladakh. I will be happy to update the article with your input in the comments. If you found this article helpful, do share it in the DwD community group or with your friends and family planning a budget trip to Ladakh by public transport 🙂
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I travel to Ladakh entirely by public transport?
Yes, you can travel to Ladakh entirely by public transport. JKSRTC runs daily buses from Srinagar to Leh, and HRTC operates daily buses from Manali to Leh (and a direct Delhi-Leh service). Within Ladakh, JKSRTC buses connect Leh to Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, and Tso Moriri on specific days. The only challenge is that local Ladakh buses do not run daily, so you need to plan your itinerary around the bus schedule.
What is the cheapest way to reach Leh from Delhi?
The cheapest way is to take a sleeper class train from Delhi to Jammu (Rs 550), then a JKSRTC bus from Jammu to Srinagar to Leh (Rs 600 + Rs 925). Total comes to approximately Rs 2,075. The direct HRTC bus from Delhi to Leh via Manali costs Rs 1,657, which is cheaper but takes a more demanding route over high altitude passes.
Is it safe to travel solo in Ladakh by public transport?
Yes, Ladakh is one of the safest places in India for solo travelers, including women. Public transport buses are government-operated and reliable. You will find many solo travelers in Leh looking to share taxis. The locals in Ladakh are very friendly and helpful. Just take standard precautions for altitude sickness and carry enough cash as ATMs can be unreliable outside Leh.
Do I need permits for Ladakh in 2026?
Yes, Indian tourists need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) for visiting Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri, and other restricted areas. The ILP can be obtained online at lahdclehpermit.in or at the DC office in Leh. Additionally, an Environmental Development Fee (EDF) of Rs 400 per person is mandatory for all tourists visiting Ladakh.
Can I travel from Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso directly without returning to Leh?
Yes, there is a direct route from Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso via the Shyok River road. However, there is no public bus on this route. You will need a shared taxi or private vehicle. The route is approximately 160 km from Diskit and takes 5-7 hours. Check our detailed guide on the Nubra to Pangong direct route for more information.
Is there mobile network available in Ladakh for budget travelers?
BSNL postpaid has the widest coverage in Ladakh, working in Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong, and along the highways. Jio and Airtel now have 4G/5G coverage in Leh city, but coverage drops significantly outside the town. Prepaid SIMs from outside Jammu and Kashmir / Ladakh do not work. If you need connectivity, get a BSNL postpaid SIM before your trip. For detailed coverage maps, check our guide on mobile connectivity in Ladakh.
What is the best time to make a budget trip to Ladakh by bus?
The best time for a bus trip to Ladakh is June to September. The Srinagar-Leh highway opens around mid-May and the Manali-Leh highway opens around mid-June. Peak season is July-August when all bus services run at full frequency. September offers slightly lower prices and fewer crowds, but some bus services start reducing frequency. For a complete month-by-month breakdown, check our best time to visit Ladakh guide.
62 Comments
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Hello Dheeraj,
Good to see and follow your blog & directions you show respectively.
I would need your support to plan out for bullet ride for three friends of us so far, it would be 15 days atleast , might extend up to 18 days.
– Main aim would be to cover most of the places across Leh-Manali-Srinagar….
– we would prefer to pick the rented bullets from Delhi / any other best option
– Need to find the organizer who can provide bikes, backup van support through out travel / we might need to disconnect yet times to cover up some additional places as most of the organizer won’t cover up all the places . If any leads towards organizer will be really appreciated.
– Need to get an approximate damage for 15days / 18 days trip.
It would be really great if I can email you for more discussion .
Thanks Nagesh,
Leh rented bikes are only allowed for sightseeing in Ladakh rest are not allowed. So, if you rent from Delhi you need to pay twice. 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,
Thankyou so much for your valuable information! Your itinerary is perfect! I do have a few questions tho, I’m only gonna be in Leh for 5 full days so probably gonna be able to do 2 out of those 3 destinations. Should I do the 2 lakes or go with Nubra and choose one of the 2 lakes. And which one is the better option Pangong or TsoMoRiRi?
I’m traveling solo and I’m a foreigner. I realize that I will need permits to go to these places, How long does it take to get these permit? Can it be organized before arrival in Leh or will I be needing an extra day to wait for my permit? I will be taking the HPTDC bus from Manali and I’m not sure what time my bus will arrive in Leh, will I be able to organize the permit the same day as my arrival day to Leh or will it be too late?
Again, Thanks for your wonderful post, Dheeraj!
Hello Ruth,
I will recommend that you do Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso. Permits can be applied online by foreigners now at lahdclehpermit.in and you can pay the fee through an agent.You will not have time to organize the permit when you come to Leh. It can either be organized next day when you rest in Leh OR online.
Regards
Dheeraj
Thanks Dheeraj!
I’ve checked the website for online permit, there’s a section where I should choose a travel agent. There are so many options should I just choose any of them? Do I have to contact the travel agent separately or I just choose whichever travel agent? And the payment will be during the online registration or after I received the permit once I arrived in Leh?
Ok, so Nubra and Pangong then… I’ve asked a few people and most of them said that Tsomoriri is the better option because Pangong is too crowded and all… but to think again, this is my first trip to Ladakh so there’s no way I’m skipping Pangong.
Thanks once again!
Ruth
Aah, I am sorry I never applied the permit for PAP. Can you try out selecting the operator and then paying the fee.
Yes, since it is first trip to Ladakh, it is better to visit Pangong Tso. No doubt I always visit Tso Moriri now but have seen Pangong Tso in all shades by now 🙂
Hi Dheeraj
I am not clear your 1st point. Pls clear me better way. Shall I go or not there. As per other people there is no issue to go there my time visit. Pls let me know cheapest way as well as in terms of rented vechile. Thanks
What I mean is do not follow the plan you have proposed in your first point. Refer the article and try to come up with similar plan for 5 days.
Hi, I amhave Gaurav I want to know few questions answer pls reply me pointwise.
1. I am going Leh on 2nd October & returning back on 5th October. But my plan is 3rd October I am planning to go Panganog lake & same day rerun from Panganog lake which is best way of transportation safe and cheap actually we care only 2 person. Pls advise this regards.
2. Any idea wheather in October 1st week as per your experience.
3. Local Leh sighting which is best transportation.
4. Pls let me know Kardula pass 4th October schedule as well as same day return to my Leh hotel.
Thanks in advance.
Please find replies inline:
1. It will make you end up in a hospital or badly suffer from AMS. Please read: How to make trip to Ladakh in 5 Days?
2. Weather will be cold in October and especially very cold nights and early morning at high altitude passes and lakes
3. October is end season, best will be rent a bike and move around Leh
4. Khardung La pass remains open all round the year
hi Dheeraj,
we are planning to visit leh from may 27th to june 3. we have booked air tickets to srinagar and thought of having a drive from there to leh. we would like to get clarification on following queries.
1- is srinagar -leh highway is opened?
2-whether it is safe to have drive soon after opening?
3-if we hire a taxi from srinagar, can we use the same for the local travel in leh and return trip?
Hi,
1,2. The road from Srinagar to Leh is open but not yet opened for vehicular traffic. If the weather holds up, it is likely that Srinagar – Leh road will be thrown open for vehicles by end of this week. If it opens by this week, two weeks are OK to let it stabilize
3. Srinagar taxi can only be used for a drop to Leh only. Then Ladakh based taxi needs to be hired. You can call the local drivers directly to connect with them and check the more comprehensive List of Taxi Drivers for Ladakh – Srinagar – Leh – Manali with recommendations/reviews for DoW community members.
Hi, is it possible to skip jammu, patnitop, sonmarg, drass, kargil?
Not sure, if these are connected in the same route.
I was thinking of returning from Leh to Srinagar (by taking any shared taxi/bus), and then take flight to Pune from srinagar airport, is it possible?
and I will be reaching leh via delhi-manali-keylong-leh route. I will take the direct bus from delhi to leh and stopover at keylong. Thanks.
Not really, these places fall on the route.
Dear Dheeraj, thank you for the excellent information, we are planning a similar trip according to your itinerary. However, i realise each place we will only stay one night and the travel time from one point to another seems long, does it allow us enough time to see one place?
Thank you!
Hello Louise,
It is balanced itinerary to feel a bit of place and then next morning reach the other place with time. However, it will not let you soak in the place. If you want to soak in the place and explore it more, you should either drop couple of places or add more days.
Thank you Dheeraj! I have been searching around but did not see any shared taxi or public transport option from Tso Moriri to Keylong, trying to save two days instead of doing Tso Moriri to Leh, Leh to Keylong, Keylong to Manali…. i only saw people did the direct with their own vehicle, is this still the case?
Yeah, the only shared taxis that you will be able to find for three day trip to Leh – Tso Moriri – Sarchu – Manali will be on the spot in Leh main market or changspa road where people put up such tours and look forward for people to share costs. Or you find such a group over online travel partners. Other than that local tour agents also run such shared tours and once you are in Leh, you should be able to get that seat with a bit more premium for it.
Thank you Dheeraj for the great advice and information!! Look forward to the trip!
Awesome, have a great trip and feel free to post any further questions you may have.
Again dheeraj one other great article from your side…well explained….thanks for briefing
Thank you so much Deepika, glad it is useful to you.
Hey!
It’s really cool to read such an article .. it seems like it’s in your soul.. we (with my hubby) did kinnaur,Sangla, pin valley,spiti valley road trip(public transport) on july2016 for 10 days.. want to thanks Dow team for the help I got do making our itinerary.. now this year we are planning for leh trip …Sept28- oct5.. just want to know if there is bus available in manali- leh route at this time of year.. route is delhi- keylong- baralacha la pass- leh…
Thank you Joshi, glad DoW was helpful to you 🙂
Only HRTC bus will be available in case weather permitting on Manali – Leh in September end. HPTDC buses stop running on this route.
Hi Dheeraj you’re more than an encyclopedia/Wikipedia on Leh.Travellers need to just take your step by step planned itinerary. you’ve made it very simple for us.Thanks so much.We are planning a trip around the last week of August 2017 so I just have a few queries. as I went thru the list of hotels at a glance,I found many are sold out for the dates we are planning.so, in that case do I need to do my booking now or can I reach Leh and do it.Also regarding the ILP can we get it done after reaching Leh with the help of drivers you have recommended.please let me know if we can do pangong lake and Tso Morri in one day.If so,what formalities to be taken care of and how to go about it?
Dheeraj also let me know if I can start from Srinagar to kargil by share vehicle at about 11in the morning.if so,what time will I reach kargil? Please please put up the list of budget hotels at Kargil,Leh,Pangong so,Khardung last, Tso Morri, Kelong and Manali. regards,Mrs. M P Fernandes , Mumbai
Thank you Mrs. Fernandes !!
You can reach Leh and find out guest houses after reaching as well. Searching few places, you should get one you deem fit. Being Indian, you do not need any permit to cover most tourist places in Ladakh including Nubra, Pangong Tso and tso Moriri. Do you mean you want to do Pangong tso to Tso Moriri?
11 in the morning is too late to get a shared vehicle, most vehicle leave for Kargil between 6-8 AM. You can check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate (cheap budget hotels as well) in the series of articles starting on the link here
Thanks so much Dheeraj.
We are following your 9 day trip to Ladakh itinerary with some small changes.Trying to go to Marsimik la on the way back from Pangong so to Leh. Just advice us on how to get the ILP for this. Can we get it without any hassle after reaching Leh. What I mean is does it take time to be issued out or can we get it as and when we apply?
We have applied for hotel bookings via DOW link for Pangong so and Tso Moriri. am waiting for response. haven’t been able to get a decent hotel at Kargil. Please help me with some suggestions. Most of the moderate ones show they are not available for 27th Aug 2017.
Hoping to get a solution for all my queries Dheeraj. You make us feel safe and secure at this forum. God bless u n your team for the wonderful work you r doing.
Purabi, you can check: Inner Line Permits for Leh – Ladakh to know about the process to get the permits.
Kargil you have Greenland hotel which decent enough for a stay and I have always stayed up there. Gaurav from Offbeat Escapes must have replied to your queries by now for Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri. He can help you find the booking in Kargil too. You can talk to him.
Thank you for the warm words, glad we are helpful.
Thanks Dheeraj,
This article is Amzing and very economical
lit covers Jammu – Srinagar way to come back via Manali -Leh way .
it is excellemt
Thank you Mukesh, glad it is helpful for you.
This is a very nice information and very helpful for traveling It was really amazing & fantastic I really like it
Thanks for sharing
Nice Information
Thank you Dorjay
Sir,
Thank you for such a great blog.
Please provide information for my queries.
1. Can we take ZOOM Car, Myles Car from Delhi to Ladhak. Means is it fine to take self driven rented car there. And are we allowed to take car anywhere in the local. Means will it be mandatory to take Taxi for sightseeing.
2. Is there any government accommodations in Leh- Ladhak like Banks Guest House, PWD Guest House, Circuit House or Forest rest house etc.
3. We are student, what should be the ideal budget for a 6 Day/7Night Trip. Or is there anyone who will get us a package for person to see the whole tour.
Please reply soon.
We are planning to come in Mid September.
Thank You.
Hi Bhaskar,
1. You will not be allowed for any sightseeing in the outisde rented car.
2. I hope there should be but not 100% sure. Otherwise there are tons of great home stays or guest house where you guys can stay.
3. Best is the plan the tip yourself in case you want to save some bucks. Also, 6 day means, you will be flying to leh, right?
Hi
I am travelling to ladakh for a marathon on 11 sep but arriving on 1sep . Am a solo traveller . A group tour to nubra and pangong for 3 nites is about 25 000 rupees . I have about another 5 whole days and i was planning to go Sham Valley and how do i get a shared taxi with another female traveller ?
Jess the article explains in detail, read the the third paragraph which talks about how to get a shared taxi within Ladakh. Also, the cost of two day trip to Nubra Valley is just 10,000 and then how come you guys are paying 25000 even for three day drip as extra day cost only around 2200? 😯
If it is a tour program better kick it and plan on your own using above article. It will save alot of money 🙂
Hii DoW,
I have few questions for my leh Trip.
1. I will reach delhi on 14-Aug-16 @ 10.00 AM. So it is possible to take bus to manali @ 11.00 PM reach manali at night or midnight and take bus for Keylong @ 4.00 AM in next morning. Reach Keylong Before last bus of 12.00 PM. and take that bus and reach leh on 15-Aug @ mid night (I can manage acclimatization)
2. Is there any share taxi available from Delhi to Leh, If you have contact details then please share it and if not then name of area from where in delhi i can find taxies for Leh.
3. I am not able to find our schedule of HPTC bus, so it there other website where i can get that.
Thanks in advance
Hi Jaydeep,
1. Not sure how can you manage acclimatization but the plan does not seems OK and also buses, AFAIK last leaves by around 10 from delhi to Manali
2. No shared taxi available but bus is available from ISBT in noon around 3-3.30 PM
3. hptdc.nic.in/bus.htm
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for the very informative write up.
Can you give me some numbers of shared taxis available for Srinagar to Leh.
Also would you suggest to stay in Kargil for a night or go directly to Leh?
I am reaching Srinagar on 5th August and would want to start to Leh on 6th August.
Cheers
Rama
Shared taxis do not have any contact details. They run if they make the trip to that place and are returning. You will get many places.
Hello Dheeraj
Thank you for answering all my questions in detail and with precision .
All your inputs have been very helpful and the links have nearly all the info I was looking for my trip .
Keep the great work up !
All best
Thank you, glad it was useful to your Ladakh trip.
Hello is it ok to visit Leh by road in month of August we r planing to go there in mid August. Say 13th of August
I will suggest that you please read: 10 Tips for a Trip to Ladakh in August or Monsoons
Raman, do you just walk in for the hotel or make a reservation? visiting this Sept.
You can walkin just in Setpember
Amazing and very useful article ..
Thank you, glad you likes it 🙂
Dear Dheeraj
Planning a trip to Laddakh in this season . I have two slots available 15-30 th August or 1st to 15 th September . Which one would be better ? Also would I see snow during my Srinagar – leh or leh- manali bus route ?
I will take a flight from Delhi to Srinagar and later from kuki to Delhi . Apart from these how much will it cost me per day ( food+ accommodation ) I will travel alone .
Thanks a ton for answering
V
I will suggest he september one. There will not be any snow during that time of the year. Snow will not be available in winters or next early season. Rest the article explains the budget day wise in detail.
Thanks a ton .
Hi Dheeraj
For bookings on bus travels ( jk state transportation ) Srinagar-leh and leh- Manali , do I need to book in advance , Or can I book my ticket for the next morning when I arrive in Srinagar?
Also for a) night stay in Kargil
b) stay in Leh
C) camping and trekking bookings for places to be visited from Leh , do I need advance bookings ?
If yes could you please mention some names ? Do I need to see a travel agent ?
I will be visiting from Paris and advance booking seems so complicated . But please throw some light on the scenario if I visit in beginning of September?
Thanks so much .
Hi Pallavi,
1. You will have to book then and there as mostly advance booking for JKSRTC is not possible at lest. For Leh – Manali as well better book on the spot as things are unpredicatable in Ladakh
2,3 You can get on the spot places to stay in Leh as well as Kargil, just that you may need to roam a bit here and there.
You do not need any travel agent. 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
You can print these names and call them while nearby. So, it is totally fine to book on the spot.
Great Work Bro…
If anyone want luxury and budget both then he can visit Ladakh after 15 August as the peak season starts to fallen down and mid Aug to Mid September not a bad time.
I traveled with my 2 friends in last 1st Sep to 7th Sep from Delhi via Flight. Stay 2 night in Leh at a 3 star category hotel, 1 night at Swiss tents Pangong , 4 day taxi to visit Nubra and Pangong and one day rented bike for local sightseeing. This all I have done in 12000/-.
This seems really costly to me but when we get to know that people’s spend more than 20000/- for same typo trips then we feel awesome that we have done it at our best with the skills of bargaining and to be aware about the Airlines offers.
Yes, Raman very true. But, when you extend the trip from Delhi to Delhi it end up costing more at times than flight tickets got in deal.
Fantastic ..domestic flight included in your 12000??
No Jess, flights are not included above presents the example of a road trip starting from Delhi and ending at Delhi.
Raman Kumar
Can you please share the hotel and taxi details
With regards
Dhanapal
Which hotel and taxi details you require?
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 2016 – 17 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here. You can get about 12-15% of discount by directly getting in touch with drivers and of course, talking in person rather on phone always help in bargaining more.
It would be great if you can detail the same budget travel n accomodation options for a spiti valley trip too
Yes, Sudeep very soon for Spiti Valley too 🙂
How soonWaiting bro dheeraj!