One of the most frequently asked questions I receive is about the budget for a Ladakh trip. “How much will it cost?” is something every first-time traveler to Leh Ladakh wants to know, and rightfully so. Planning a trip to Ladakh is exciting, but without a clear idea of expenses, it can also be stressful. So let me break it down for you in the simplest way possible, covering every mode of transport and travel style.
To be very frank, the cost of a Leh Ladakh trip depends a lot on how you travel, what comfort level you prefer, and how many people are in your group. A solo biker’s budget will look very different from a group of 4 sharing a taxi. Hence, in this article, I will walk you through all the major scenarios so you can calculate your own Ladakh trip budget with fair ease.
Last Updated: February 2026
Let's quickly dive into the details:
How Much Does a Ladakh Trip Cost in 2026? Quick Overview
For a standard 12-13 day Leh Ladakh trip from Delhi covering all major destinations, you can expect to spend between Rs 25,000 to Rs 60,000 per person depending on your mode of transport. Budget travelers using public transport and shared taxis can manage at the lower end, while solo bikers on rented machines will be closer to the higher end.
| Travel Mode | Total Cost Per Person (12-13 Days) |
|---|---|
| Self-drive (own bike/car) | Rs 27,000 – Rs 35,000 |
| Rented bike from Delhi | Rs 48,000 – Rs 60,000 |
| Private taxi in Leh + public transport | Rs 30,000 – Rs 38,000 |
| Shared taxis / travel partners (group of 5) | Rs 25,000 – Rs 33,000 |
| Fly to Leh + local taxi (7-9 days) | Rs 40,000 – Rs 55,000 |
Keep in mind, these are per-person estimates for budget to mid-range travel. If you prefer luxury hotels and high-end dining, the numbers will go up considerably. I have tried to keep things practical and realistic here, based on what the majority of DwD community members spend on their Ladakh trips.
What Itinerary Are We Using to Calculate the Ladakh Trip Budget?
Given below is a basic itinerary for Leh Ladakh tour from Delhi (without any buffer days) covering all major tourist destinations of Leh Ladakh. This is the itinerary followed widely by many travelers including me. We will use this as our reference for calculating the total trip cost.
- Day 1 | Delhi to Jammu/Patnitop
- Day 2 | Jammu/Patnitop to Srinagar
- Day 3 | Srinagar to Kargil
- Day 4 | Kargil to Lamayuru to Leh
- Day 5 | Leh Local Sightseeing + Rest for Acclimatization
- Day 6 | Leh to Khardung La to Diskit (Nubra Valley) to Hunder
- Day 7 | Hunder/Diskit to Pangong Lake via Shyok route
- Day 8 | Pangong Tso to Hemis to Thiksey to Shey Palace to Leh
- Day 9 | Leh Rest Day or Sham Valley Tour (Magnetic Hills, Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Alchi, Likir, Basgo, Confluence at Nimmu)
- Day 10 | Leh to Tso Moriri via Chumathang
- Day 11 | Tso Moriri to Tso Kar to Moore Plains (Manali – Leh Highway) to Pang to Sarchu
- Day 12 | Sarchu to Manali
- Day 13 | Manali to Delhi
So you can see that for our sample Ladakh itinerary, we have taken 13 days (with one rest day in Leh for acclimatization). You can add or remove days according to your needs. The budget outcome will depend a bit on that, but once you understand the per-day breakdown, it becomes very easy to customize.
Also, consider that while traveling alone, the cost of accommodation and transportation is bound to increase. However, while traveling in evenly balanced groups of 3-5 people, the cost of the Ladakh trip will surely decrease. For this calculation, I will assume you are two in number (twin-sharing basis).
How Much Does Food, Accommodation, and Miscellaneous Cost in Ladakh?
Let us break down each of these components to understand the daily cost in Ladakh. This is the “fixed” part of your budget that stays roughly the same regardless of whether you drive, ride, fly, or take a bus.
What Are the Accommodation Costs in Leh Ladakh?
Ladakh offers a wide variety of stay options. You can find everything from dhaba tents at Rs 200-300 per bed to luxury hotels at Rs 5,000 and above per night. For most travelers looking for decent comfort without overspending, here is what to expect as of 2026.
| Accommodation Type | Cost Per Night (Double Room) |
|---|---|
| Dhaba tent / basic camping | Rs 200 – Rs 500 per person |
| Budget guesthouse / homestay | Rs 800 – Rs 1,500 |
| Mid-range hotel | Rs 1,500 – Rs 3,000 |
| Comfort / premium hotel | Rs 3,000 – Rs 5,000+ |
For a budget to mid-range traveler staying in guesthouses and decent hotels on twin-sharing basis, you can expect to pay about Rs 500 – Rs 1,000 per person per night. At remote locations like Pangong, Tso Moriri, and Sarchu, accommodation options are limited and slightly more expensive. For more details, you can check our guide on budget accommodation options in Leh Ladakh.
What Are the Food Costs During a Ladakh Trip?
Food costs in Ladakh vary significantly based on where you eat. A meal at a dhaba or tent along the highway will cost Rs 100-200 per person (dal chawal, rajma chawal, Maggi). At restaurants in Leh’s Changspa Road or Main Bazaar, you might pay Rs 250-500 per person for a proper meal. Cafes serving pizza, burgers, and continental food can cost Rs 400-800 per meal.
For a budget traveler eating at dhabas and local restaurants, plan for about Rs 500-700 per person per day for three meals plus chai and snacks. Mid-range eating at a mix of local restaurants and cafes will set you back about Rs 800-1,200 per person per day.
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 About Permits, Entry Fees, and Other Miscellaneous Costs?
There are some unavoidable expenses that you need to factor in. These include the Ladakh environment fee and Inner Line Permit (approximately Rs 500-600 per person for all areas), entry fees at monasteries (Rs 30-50 each), tolls, parking fees, and emergency supplies. In total, keep aside about Rs 1,500-2,500 per person for miscellaneous expenses over the entire trip.
If you plan to do adventure activities like river rafting in Zanskar (Rs 1,500-2,500 per person), ATV rides at Hunder (Rs 500-800), or camel/double-humped camel rides at sand dunes (Rs 300-500), budget for those separately.
Hence, for a budget to mid-range traveler staying in decent guesthouses, eating at dhabas and local restaurants, and including mandatory miscellaneous charges, you may need to shell out Rs 15,000 – Rs 22,000 per person for food, accommodation, and miscellaneous over a 12-13 day Ladakh trip. That comes to about Rs 1,200 – Rs 1,700 per day per person.
What Is the Transportation Cost for a Ladakh Trip?
On a trip to Leh Ladakh, the major cost comes from transportation or fuel, depending on your mode of transport. Using public transport inside Leh Ladakh is possible but challenging, as the frequency of buses is limited and based on their schedules, you may require 18-20 days to complete the above trip. So most travelers commute either by privately hired taxis, shared taxis run by tour operators, rented bikes, or self-drive in their own vehicles.
Let us look at each option below so you can calculate the total cost for your Leh Ladakh trip.
How Much Does a Self-Drive Ladakh Trip Cost? (Own Vehicle)
You will be traveling about 3,300-3,600 km for the above Ladakh trip (Delhi – Srinagar – Leh – Manali – Delhi loop). The major expense here is fuel only since you already own the vehicle.
If your bike gives a mileage of about 25 KMPL on average (factoring in both plains and mountains), then you are looking at about 132-144 liters of fuel. At an average petrol price of about Rs 105 per liter as of 2026, the fuel cost comes to approximately Rs 14,000 – Rs 15,000. For more on fuel availability and petrol pumps in Leh Ladakh, do check that dedicated article.
Similarly, you can calculate for a car. Keep in mind that in hills, your car or bike will give much lesser mileage than in plains. So calculate accordingly and divide the fuel cost among the people traveling in the car. For a car averaging 12-15 KMPL, you are looking at Rs 23,000 – Rs 30,000 in fuel, which divided among 3-4 people comes to about Rs 6,000 – Rs 10,000 per person. It is difficult to travel to Ladakh with a pillion on a bike for long distances, so the bike fuel cost is usually borne by one person.
Finally, taking food + accommodation into account, traveling to Ladakh by self-drive on your own bike, you are looking at approximately Rs 27,000 – Rs 35,000 as the total cost. For a car with 4 people, the per-person cost comes to about Rs 20,000 – Rs 28,000.
What Is the Cost of a Ladakh Bike Trip on a Rented Bike?
Here, the cost of fuel would be the same as above, but you will also add the bike rental charges. As of 2026, the rental rates set by the Leh Ladakh Bike Rental Association are as follows.
| Bike Model | Rental Per Day |
|---|---|
| Royal Enfield Standard 350cc | Rs 1,800 |
| Royal Enfield Classic 350cc | Rs 2,000 – Rs 2,100 |
| Royal Enfield Himalayan 411cc | Rs 2,500 |
| Bajaj Avenger | Rs 1,200 |
| Pulsar / Budget bikes | Rs 1,000 |
You can check the detailed Leh Ladakh bike rental rates for 2025-26 for the complete list. For a 13-day trip renting a Royal Enfield Classic from Delhi, the bike rental alone comes to about Rs 26,000 – Rs 27,000. Adding the fuel cost of Rs 14,000 – Rs 15,000, the transportation expense becomes approximately Rs 40,000 – Rs 42,000.
This is a solo Ladakh ride cost. So if you have a pillion then divide the total by two.
Finally, taking food + accommodation into account, traveling to Ladakh on a rented bike, you are looking at approximately Rs 48,000 – Rs 60,000 per person as the total cost. With a pillion, it comes down to about Rs 32,000 – Rs 40,000 per person.
How Much Does a Private Taxi Cost in Leh Ladakh?
The taxis from outside Leh are not allowed to operate within Ladakh, so you always need to hire a local Leh taxi for sightseeing. I am considering the case where you hire a private taxi in Leh and use public transport (buses, shared taxis) to reach Leh and return from Manali.
As of 2026, the Ladakh Taxi Union rates have remained stable with no hike since 2022. Here is an approximate breakdown for 4 people sharing a taxi.
- Day 1-4 (Delhi to Jammu to Srinagar to Kargil to Leh by bus/shared transport) = Rs 3,000-3,500 per person
- Day 5 (Leh Local Sightseeing by taxi) = Rs 2,500 / 4 = Rs 625 per person
- Day 6-8 (Leh to Khardung La to Nubra to Pangong to Leh, 3 days) = Rs 23,000 / 4 = Rs 5,750 per person
- Day 9 (Sham Valley Tour) = Rs 2,500 / 4 = Rs 625 per person
- Day 10-11 (Leh to Tso Moriri to Tso Kar to Leh) = Rs 15,000 / 4 = Rs 3,750 per person
- Day 12-13 (Leh to Keylong to Manali to Delhi by bus/shared transport) = Rs 4,000-4,500 per person
For the updated and complete rate card, do check our Leh Ladakh Taxi Rates article. After factoring in a 10% discount (which is very much possible after polite bargaining), the total transport cost comes to approximately Rs 16,000 – Rs 18,000 per person when 4 people share the taxi.
This cost will come down further if 5-6 people are traveling together. I recommend that 4-5 people in one Scorpio or Innova taxi is the sweet spot for sharing costs comfortably 🙂
Finally, taking food + accommodation into account, traveling by privately hired taxi in Leh and reaching Leh by public/shared transport, you are looking at approximately Rs 30,000 – Rs 38,000 per person as the total cost for the entire trip.
In case you plan to hire a private taxi to travel on Srinagar – Leh Highway and Manali – Leh Highway as well, then the cost will go much higher. A private taxi on Srinagar – Leh charges about Rs 22,000-25,000, and Manali – Leh charges about Rs 26,000-28,000 as of 2026. You can find reliable taxi drivers for Ladakh, Srinagar, and Manali routes on our recommended list.
Wondering if there is any cheap mode of hiring a private taxi to Leh Ladakh from Manali or Srinagar? I shall say Yes as well as No. You can find the details in my article on Cheap private taxi to Leh Ladakh | A Myth or A Reality?
What Is the Cost of Ladakh Trip by Shared Taxis or Travel Partners?
If instead of hiring a private taxi you plan to travel by shared taxis run by tour operators, or you join with other travel partners to share the cost, or you are about 5 in number, then the transport cost comes to approximately Rs 13,000 – Rs 15,000 per person.
If you further plan to travel in Ladakh by public buses, then this figure will go down further. However, at the same time, you may need to stay for a longer period adjusting to bus schedules, which means an increase in lodging + food costs. In case you have the time, this is by far the cheapest way to explore Ladakh.
Finally, taking food + accommodation into account, traveling by shared taxis, public transport, or with travel partners, you are looking at approximately Rs 25,000 – Rs 33,000 per person as the total cost for the entire trip.
What If You Fly Directly to Leh?
Flying to Leh is a popular option for travelers with limited leave days. A round-trip flight from Delhi to Leh costs approximately Rs 8,000 – Rs 15,000 per person depending on how early you book and the season. If you book well in advance (2-3 months before peak season), you can sometimes get tickets for Rs 6,000-8,000 round trip.
Once in Leh, you will need to hire a local taxi for sightseeing. For a 7-9 day trip covering Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, and Tso Moriri, the taxi cost for 4 people comes to about Rs 12,000 – Rs 14,000 per person. Add food and accommodation for 7-9 days (about Rs 10,000 – Rs 14,000 per person), and the total comes to approximately Rs 35,000 – Rs 45,000 per person. For a detailed day-wise itinerary by air, check our guide on Leh Ladakh itinerary by flight.
Keep in mind that if you fly to Leh, you MUST spend the first day resting for acclimatization. Do not plan any sightseeing or driving on your arrival day. This is not a suggestion, this is a safety requirement.
How Can You Reduce the Cost of Your Ladakh Trip?
Over the years, I have seen many DwD community members travel to Ladakh on surprisingly tight budgets. Here are some practical tips that actually work.
- Travel in a group of 4-5 people. This is the single biggest cost saver. Taxi fare, fuel, and accommodation all get divided. 4 is the magical number for Ladakh trips.
- Find travel partners. If you do not have a group, use the DwD Community forum or the DoW Travel Calendar to find like-minded travelers heading to Ladakh around the same dates.
- Stay at homestays and guesthouses. They are cheaper than hotels, and the food is home-cooked and often included. In places like Nubra and Tso Moriri, homestays are sometimes the only option anyway.
- Eat at dhabas and local restaurants. Skip the fancy cafes in Leh Main Bazaar (unless you really want pizza). Dhaba food is filling, affordable, and honestly quite good at most highway stops.
- Book flights early. If flying, book 2-3 months in advance. Prices double during peak season (June-July).
- Carry your own snacks and water. At remote locations like Pang, Sarchu, and along the Changthang plateau, prices are higher. Carry biscuits, dry fruits, and a refillable water bottle.
- Use public transport where possible. The JKSRTC bus from Srinagar to Leh and HPTDC bus from Manali to Keylong/Leh are reliable and cost a fraction of private taxis.
What Is the Complete Budget Summary for a Ladakh Trip in 2026?
Let me put it all together in one comprehensive table so you can quickly reference the total cost based on your travel style.
| Expense Category | Budget (Per Person) | Mid-Range (Per Person) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (12-13 nights) | Rs 6,000 – Rs 8,000 | Rs 9,000 – Rs 13,000 |
| Food (12-13 days) | Rs 6,000 – Rs 8,000 | Rs 10,000 – Rs 15,000 |
| Miscellaneous (permits, entry, tolls) | Rs 1,500 – Rs 2,500 | Rs 2,500 – Rs 4,000 |
| Sub-total (fixed costs) | Rs 13,500 – Rs 18,500 | Rs 21,500 – Rs 32,000 |
| Transport: Own bike (fuel only) | Rs 14,000 – Rs 15,000 | Rs 14,000 – Rs 15,000 |
| Transport: Own car (fuel, 4 people) | Rs 6,000 – Rs 10,000 | Rs 6,000 – Rs 10,000 |
| Transport: Rented bike (rental + fuel) | Rs 40,000 – Rs 42,000 | Rs 40,000 – Rs 42,000 |
| Transport: Private taxi (4 people) | Rs 16,000 – Rs 18,000 | Rs 16,000 – Rs 18,000 |
| Transport: Shared taxi / group (5 people) | Rs 13,000 – Rs 15,000 | Rs 13,000 – Rs 15,000 |
| Transport: Flights (round trip) | Rs 8,000 – Rs 15,000 | Rs 8,000 – Rs 15,000 |
So depending on how you combine the fixed costs with your chosen transport mode, you get your total budget. For example, a budget traveler on a rented bike spends Rs 13,500 + Rs 40,000 = approximately Rs 53,500. A group of 4 using private taxis and mid-range accommodation spends Rs 21,500 + Rs 16,000 = approximately Rs 37,500 per person.
What Are the Important Things to Keep in Mind About Ladakh Trip Budget?
Before you finalize your budget, here are some things I always suggest keeping in mind.
- Buffer money: Always carry 15-20% extra cash beyond your calculated budget. Breakdowns happen, weather delays happen, and you do not want to be stuck without funds in a place with no ATMs. Keep at least Rs 5,000 as emergency cash.
- ATM availability: ATMs are available in Leh (SBI, J&K Bank, PNB) but they frequently run out of cash during peak season. There are no ATMs beyond Leh in Nubra Valley, Pangong, or Tso Moriri. Carry enough cash from Leh for the circuit days.
- UPI payments: As of 2026, many hotels and restaurants in Leh accept UPI payments (PhonePe, Google Pay). However, at remote locations, mobile connectivity is limited and cash is still king. For details on where your phone will work, check our guide on mobile phone connectivity in Leh Ladakh.
- Fuel planning: Petrol pumps exist at Leh, Karu, Kargil, Tangtse (for Pangong route), and Nyoma. There is no petrol pump on the Manali – Leh Highway between Manali and Karu (about 470 km). Carry a spare jerry can if self-driving. Full details in our fuel availability in Leh Ladakh guide.
- Medical insurance: I strongly suggest getting a basic travel medical insurance before heading to Ladakh. AMS can require emergency evacuation, and the cost of an air ambulance from Leh is significant. A basic policy for 2 weeks costs about Rs 500-1,000.
- Seasonal price variation: Prices for accommodation and flights peak in June-July (peak tourist season) and are lower in September. If you have flexibility, traveling in late August or September can save you 20-30% on accommodation alone.
Do not forget to check the top 15 tips on Responsible Travel in the Himalayas. Carry some stationery for village schools, medicines for dispensaries, and woolens for villagers. It costs very little but makes a huge difference.
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.
Conclusion
If I look at all the scenarios above, the bottom line is this: a well-planned Ladakh trip does not have to burn a hole in your pocket. With smart planning, traveling in a group, and being flexible about accommodation, you can explore all of Ladakh’s major destinations for Rs 25,000 – Rs 35,000 per person. Solo bikers on rented machines will spend more (Rs 48,000 – Rs 60,000), but that is the price of the freedom of riding through some of the most spectacular roads in the world.
There can be many other combinations. You might fly to Leh and rent a bike locally. You might take a bus to Manali and then ride onwards. You might hire a private taxi only for Nubra-Pangong and do Tso Moriri by bus. I have tried to cover the most common scenarios here, and we can surely discuss your custom case in the comments section below.
I hope this budget breakdown for a Ladakh trip in 2026 helps you plan your journey with confidence. If you know friends or family who are planning a road trip to Ladakh, feel free to share this article with them. For finding travel partners, checking the latest road conditions, or discussing your plans, head over to the DwD Community. I will be happy to hear from you and help you plan your dream Ladakh trip 🙂 …
Related Reading
- Most Common Itinerary for Leh Ladakh Road Trip
- Leh Ladakh Taxi Rates 2025-26 (Updated)
- How to Apply for Ladakh Inner Line Permits Online
- Best Time to Travel to Ladakh and Zanskar Valley
- 7 Useful Tips for a Self-Drive Trip to Leh Ladakh
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum budget for a Ladakh trip from Delhi?
The minimum budget for a 12-13 day Ladakh trip from Delhi is approximately Rs 25,000 per person. This assumes traveling in a group of 4-5 using shared taxis, staying at budget guesthouses and homestays, and eating at dhabas. Solo travelers should budget at least Rs 30,000-35,000 due to higher per-person accommodation and transport costs.
How much cash should I carry to Leh Ladakh?
Carry at least Rs 15,000-20,000 in cash per person for the circuit days (Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, Tso Moriri) where there are no ATMs. While Leh has ATMs from SBI, J&K Bank, and PNB, they frequently run out of cash during peak season (June-July). Many places in Leh now accept UPI, but do not rely on it at remote locations.
Is it cheaper to fly or drive to Ladakh?
For a solo traveler or couple, flying is often cheaper when you factor in fuel, accommodation, and meals for the additional 4-5 driving days each way. A round-trip flight costs Rs 8,000-15,000. However, for a group of 4-5 in a car, driving is usually more economical and you get to experience the incredible road journey through either Srinagar or Manali.
What is the cost of renting a bike in Leh for local sightseeing?
If you fly to Leh and want to rent a bike locally for sightseeing, the daily rates in 2026 are Rs 1,800-2,500 per day depending on the model. A Royal Enfield Himalayan costs about Rs 2,500/day and a Standard 350cc costs about Rs 1,800/day. You will also need to pay a refundable security deposit of Rs 5,000-10,000.
How much does a private taxi cost in Leh for the complete circuit?
A private taxi (Innova or Scorpio) for the complete Ladakh circuit covering Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, and Tso Moriri costs approximately Rs 45,000-55,000 for 6-7 days as per the Ladakh Taxi Union rates. This rate has been stable since 2022 with no hike. Divided among 4-5 passengers, it comes to Rs 9,000-14,000 per person for the in-Ladakh portion only.
Can I do a Ladakh trip under Rs 20,000?
It is very tight but possible if you travel by public transport (JKSRTC/HPTDC buses), stay at the cheapest guesthouses and dhaba tents, eat only at dhabas, travel in a large group to share costs, and are willing to spend 18-20 days due to limited bus schedules. You will need to sacrifice comfort, but Ladakh on a shoestring budget is doable for the truly dedicated backpacker.
When is the cheapest time to visit Ladakh?
September is the cheapest month to visit Ladakh. Tourist numbers drop, hotel prices come down by 20-30%, flights are cheaper, and the weather is still pleasant. Early June and late August are also good value periods. Peak prices are in late June and July when demand is highest. For a detailed month-by-month guide, check our article on the best time to travel to Ladakh.
Do I need to carry fuel cans on a Ladakh road trip?
If you are self-driving on the Manali – Leh Highway, yes. There is no petrol pump between Manali and Karu (about 470 km). Carry at least 10 liters extra. On the Srinagar – Leh Highway, petrol pumps are available at Srinagar, Kargil, and Leh. Within Ladakh, pumps exist at Karu, Tangtse, and Nyoma (for Changthang routes). Check our detailed guide on fuel availability in Leh Ladakh.
