Cheap Budget Hotels or Accommodation in Leh – Ladakh

At some places you will get branded beers/liquor too. But, don’t have too much of expectations 🙂

Day 1 | Reach 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 2 | Srinagar – 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 3 | 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 4 | Leh Local Sightseeing + Acclimatization
— 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 5 | 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 6 | 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 7 | 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 8 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on return to Leh
— Overnight at Leh

Day 9 | Leh – Dah – Hanu – Kargil via Batalik
— If you take Batalik route then you need to get Inner Line Permit for it to cross Batalik

Day 10 | Kargil – Drass – Zozi La – Sonamarg – Srinagar
— Enjoy the vistas enroute
— Have late drunch meal at Sonamarg
— Overnight at Srinagar

Regards
Dheeraj

Rahul, you can check the stay options mentioned in the article above and contact them for stay. Better keep in touch with them, most of them don’t ask for money deposit as small guest houses. Only hotels will need advance. If you OK with searching a bit then there is no issues, better go there, hunt and choose on the spot. I can help you with itinerary but please tell me how you are reaching Leh and how + when you plan to start back from Leh

Poonam, 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 8 days: Leh – Ladakh | Most Common Itinerary by Air.

You can check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate (cheap budget hotels as well) in the series of articles starting on the link here

You can get the vehicles at the last moment as well. No worries on that. Postpaid connection will work in Leh, guess idea works with Aircel there in Leh. no other place in Ladakh it will work.

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.

Regards
Dheeraj

Hi Mahesh,

1. Yes fort road is near the taxi stand and lots of dine ins are around it. You get rented bikes too over there at walking distance. Leh is the central place to other parts of Ladakh.

You will find options for sure during end of May. Season just kick starts during that period. Check with Paul Guest House.

2. No the frequency of public buses are too low unless you ave ample of time to spend in Ladakh. Hence, it is better to find travel partners or check the flyers put in there at dine-ins, restaurants, travel desks, etc.. by various other people looking to share the taxi cost. Else, book you seat with some travel agent for such shared taxi tours to Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso and other parts.

3. Yes, you can obtain the permit the same day. No need fr advance booking of permit.

Regards
Dheeraj

Mahesh, they will be suitable but these are guest houses and there will be least or no service, most likely food will also not be option in many of them. Regarding travel partners, DoW has started an initiative under DoW – Himalayan Travel Community for finding Travel Partners or Companions, leave your message in Travel Partners section at the link: Ladakh & Zanskar – Travel Partners Section. There is also a DoW Travel Calendar linked here which can be used to easily and quickly spot a travel partner with similar dates of all the people looking for Travel Partners for their trips. May be you meet someone online going over the same dates.

Hi Jagan,

1. There will certainly be difference if you book on the spot v/s over phone. I will suggest if you OK with searching a bit after reaching there, better book on the spot.
2. 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

Regards
Dheeraj

Sumanth, in Kargil you can check out Greenland, PC Palace. In Srinagar, you can check with houseboats at dal lake, Hotel York. In Jammu, sorry never stayed there.

Yash, you need 2 days at least to acclimatize in such extreme cold conditions and then you have just 2 days left with you for any sightseeing!! Are you OK to go for it?

Sagar, yes it is very much a suitable time to travel. Let me know in case you need any inputs or have any doubts.

Thank you so much brother!! How are you planning to exit Gaurav. It will take two days to reach Leh from Srinagar with overnight halt at Kargil. You have 5 days, so third day you need to rest in Leh and acclimatize. 4 day I will suggest again take rest. 5 th day try to visit Pangong Tso or Diskit – Khardung La as day trip. 6th day fly back.

Regards
Dheeraj

Nagesh, go with Atisha or Greenland. If you are looking for moderate budget then go with Sia La guest house.

Hello Saurabh,

Please check Leh – Ladakh | Most Common Itinerary by Air. I think it perfectly suits your needs. Well, do local stuff only on bike because you will have snow over roads to passes and if you are not experienced things will be tough for you.

I hope this helps. Please let me know in case you have some queries or doubts.

Regards
Dheeraj Sharma

Indrajit, no one can predict weather and especially in Ladakh 🙂 … There the Mountain rules and weather always have their own say :). Regarding the itinerary, I will suggest you to do following:

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 + Inner Line Permits
— For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
— 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
— Make a Day trip to Pangong Tso
— Overnight at Leh

Day 6 | Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang
— Cover Karzok Monastery
— Overnight at Karzok or Tso Moriri
 
Day 7 | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring (Manali – Leh Highway starts) – Taglang La – Upshi – Leh
— Come back via Tso Kar and Manali – Leh Highway to Leh
— Overnight at Leh

Day 8 | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping OR Monastery tour
— 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.

Since, you have more days so make a two day trip to Pangong Tso and also make a day trip from Hunder to Turtuk when you stay in Nubra Valley. Do not forget to write Turtuk in permit form.

Regards
Dheeraj Sharma

Thank You so much Raj!! It is extremely easy to surf the net and get the required info. but equally difficult to praise the info. present which is helpful. such words of appreciation keeps me going with positive frame of mind and helps alot and boosting the morale. Thanks again for such warm words

Cheers!!
Dheeraj Sharma

Hello Babu,

Thanks alot. I am not sure how much time you have in hand and you might need luck too with weather that roads should be open atleast via Srinagar side. Manali side most likely to be not open by that time of the year. The cheapest way to reach would be to get a train to Jammu and then from there take some shared jeep to Srinagar and again shared jeep to Kargil and finally a shared jeep to Leh from Kargil. JKSRTC buses would be the cheapest deal but might be a bit slow. Also, since it is early time so chances of going via jeep would be high via Zozi La pass as compared to heavy vehicles.

I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you need any inputs or queries.

Regards
Dheeraj Sharma

Hi Mukul,

Yes, not much of a worry as there are ample of places to look forward. Just that you might need to check here and there, so if you are ok with that then it is fine. Check the list of accommodation on my blog and take its print out with you, may be prove helpful in contacting them when you are reaching there.

For accommodation, check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate and cheap budget hotels as well in the series of articles starting on the link here

I hope this helps. Please let me know in case you have any query or doubt.

Regards
Dheeraj Sharma

Hi Pankaj,

Yes, there are couple of hotels that run in Leh all throughout the year like Santi Guest House, Oriental as well, Lasermo, Omasila, may be Shaynam as well. All of them would offer you acco. with food since most of the restaurants and eating places are closed. But, I doubt if the best ones likes Lamayuru or Gesmo are closed or not. Do give a shot. In the night and morning you will rarely be able to go out I feel in the 4 days you have in hand, so take that hote/guest house that can serve you food as well, mostly they will servev what they make for themseleves or ask you what to cook that day.

Getting a bikeugh but yes you will be able to get taxis for sure. You can check with Rigzin any of below:

Rigzin – 09622954779, 9469472772 (he know me personally and being more of a friend, he might help arrange some alternative in case he is busy or booked already in the season)
Manzoor – 09622973951 | Very nice person, recommended by readers below as well
Naseer – 09906229203 and 09469293183
Dorjey – 09419372742, 0962296931

Regards
Dheeraj

Hello Sanjay,

Better do it in other direction. Reach Srinagar, stay there for couple of nights if you want and then head to Kargil for overnight stay and then finally to Leh. This will help you better acclimatize for the altitude of Leh and enjoy your trip more. Enjoy there for 4-5 days and then fly back to Mumbai.

I hope this helps. Please let me know in case you have any queries or doubts.

Regards
Dheeraj Sharma

Could not help out, just stuck with some personal constraints. Shared my contact info. with you.

Regards
Dheeraj

Hi Sanjay,

For 7 days, you can follow a plan like 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 + Inner Line Permits
— For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/inner-line-per…
— 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 include Namgyal Gompa, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Shankar Gompa, Main Market, Hall of Fame, Spituk Gompa, Changspa Road Stroll in evening
— 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
— Make a day trip to Pangong Tso.
— Overnight at Leh

Day 6 | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping OR Monastery tour OR Sham Valley tour
— 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

Day 7 | Fly back home
– Reach back home

I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.

Regards
Dheeraj Sharma

Hi Avit,

Thanks buddy!! For Kargil I do not have anything but yes for Sarchu check the link here

I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.

Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma

Hi Dr. Ankit,

Prefer to stay at Solang Valley about 16 KMs ahead of Manali but it helps in acclimatization being at about 2600 Mtrs while Manali does not help being lower than 2000 Mtrs. Then for the second night, you can either stay at Keylong or Jispa and then on thrid day you can move directly to Leh by leaving Keylong/Jispa early in the morning, say by, 5 AM types.

I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.

Regards
Dheeraj Sharma

Hi babli,

For 5-6 days and reaching by flight to Leh, you can follow the following 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 Sighseeing + Inner Line Permits
— For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here:
— 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 include Namgyal Gompa, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Shankar Gompa, Main Market, Hall of Fame, Spituk Gompa, Changspa Road Stroll in evening
— 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 Zanskar, Gurudwara Pather Sahib

I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.

Regards
Dheeraj Sharma

HVK sir, these rates are general and yes holds good for peak season as well on the higher end of the range. Yes, they may be cheaper in September – October but only to the lower end of the range specified. That means some of them may be around Rs 400-500 in peak season while in lean season these rates may come down to Rs 200-250. I feel apart from few exceptions, anything below Rs 200 will be hard to find even in lean season. Most of these guest houses remain open till mid-October types, AFAIK but they start packing up by mid-September types. By packing up I mean, in late season some of them may be missing cooks so no food available, service will be more lethargic due to lack of helping hands etc. But again, if you are there only for a cheap or economic stay and OK with the fact of eating out then these may be the perfect choice.

Just published the second list of hotels having moderate budget (Rs 600-1500) here.

Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma