The 434 KM long Srinagar – Leh Highway is like a lifeline in the form of road connectivity between Leh – Ladakh and the rest of India via Kashmir Valley. Srinagar – Leh Highway, also known as National Highway – 1D (NH – 1D), is the most reliable and one of the only two roads to reach Ladakh by road, the other one being Manali – Leh Highway
In this article today, I will share this detailed Srinagar Leh road trip guide in with all of you.
Download your FREE high-resolution version pdf copy of this Srinagar to Leh route travel infographic. If, you liked it and found it helpful, please feel free to share it with your family and friends to help them too.
Let's quickly dive into the details:
Srinagar Leh Travel Guide
Generally, travelers or adventure lovers from all over the world loves or dreams of undertaking this road trip of their lifetime. They want to cover both routes connecting Leh Ladakh to the rest of India, i.e., a lifetime experience road trip traversing Srinagar – Leh – Manali Highways.
Apart from being famous for its enchanting views, the road from Srinagar to Leh via Kargil holds strategic importance for India. Being close to the LOC, you can also see a heavy army presence when you travel through Srinagar – Leh Highway.
The highway runs alongside the Indus River and through some extremely harsh and barren terrain including the three high mountain passes named Zozi La (3528 Mtrs), Namki La (3815 Mtrs) and Fotu La (4108 Mtrs). In any case, Srinagar – Leh highway offers some breathtaking landscapes ornamented by various historical and cultural constructions which are just like a dream treat for any traveler driving/riding through Srinagar – Leh Highway.
Better Acclimatization
Generally, people traveling or flying directly to Leh – Ladakh suffers from acute mountain sickness as Leh (3500 Mtrs) due to a sudden disturbance of altitude with which the body is adapted. However, Srinagar – Leh highway provides a gradual ascent to travelers. Hence, it helps them fight any chances of acute mountain sickness (AMS) caused due to high altitudes and let them enjoy the beautiful vistas in a relaxed manner.
There are other advantages of traveling to Ladakh from Srinagar side than from Manali side.
Season to Travel on Srinagar – Leh Highway
The 434 KM long Srinagar Highway generally remains closed for about six months in a year starting from November to May due to heavy snowfall on the mountain passes mainly Zozi La pass. Zojila pass starts receiving snowfall in November. Then any day of November (generally 15th November) the highway officially ceases to close as it becomes challenging for BRO to clear the snow.
Then, again, as the winter months resides, the BRO guys begin the snow clearance process in the spring season that is in March and repairs the damaged roads, bridges, and other parts of the highway. Finally, after completing this rigorous job of snow clearance and fixing the roads, bridges, etc. BRO announces the opening of Srinagar Leh Highway generally around early May to mid-May.
Pro Tip: You can keep a track of the updated status of Srinagar – Leh Highway using the article Srinagar Leh Highway Status 2020
So, what is the best time to travel from Srinagar to Leh by road?
Hence, the best time to travel from Srinagar to Ladakh via Kargil is from June to October. In late April or early May, if the highway gets open, then generally, the roads are in terrible shape and only improves as the season progress with constant repair work conducted by BRO.
By the end of May, as the road condition stabilizes, June remains mostly stable, and the monsoon comes to the party in July, creates havoc in lower hills connecting Srinagar to Jammu and further to other parts of India.
Is it safe to travel from Srinagar to Leh in monsoons?
The landslides are almost inevitable in monsoon season, which causes road blockages ever now and then. The Amarnath Yatra is in full flow in July – August, do expect heavy traffic and rush from Jammu – Srinagar – Kargil parts of the highway. Even the dominance of armed forces also increase in July – August owing to the security of pilgrims of Amarnath Yatra.
It is almost a nightmare to drive through Zoji La Pass in July – August especially when its raining or has rained previous days but at any day better than Rohtang Pass on Manali – Leh Highway which becomes more than hell during monsoon season.
One may opt to avoid Srinagar – Leh Highway during days alongside Independence Day in India, i.e., 15th August which is when the bandhs and strikes get more active. In the last couple of years (as of 2018), things were mostly stable. I advise you that you keep a check on the latest news on the Kashmir valley for any disruptions and plan to travel from Srinagar to Leh accordingly during this time of the year.
What about September?
As the end of August approaches, the Amarnath Yatra is over, and monsoon starts to reside from Northern India, the conditions improve much more to travel on Srinagar – Leh Highway and in September it could be called as the best time to travel. Still, you will not find any snow, of course. Even in August and late July, snow will be hard to touch except few patches on Zozi La pass.
Since the other side of Zozila Pass mainly Kargil onwards comes under rain shadow area where only the dry winds of monsoon reach. So, in July – August you need to tackle the monsoon rains and their havoc in lower hills only including Jammu, Srinagar, Zoji La pass, i.e., till you reach Kargil where there is very little rain during these months.
Throughout the season, you need to let pass large convoys of army trucks as army also stock up required materials in Leh – Ladakh through Srinagar – Leh road majorly. Traveling behind them may cause a delay of a few hours now and then in your entire journey on Srinagar Leh highway.
Is Srinagar Leh open in Winters?
Due to heavy snowfall at Zojila Pass, the road from Srinagar to Leh remains closed in the winter months from November to April. The actual Srinagar Leh Highway closing time mainly depends on snow in the season, but it is not safe to travel in November due to black ice and cold conditions.
A project has been approved to make Srinagar Leh Highway tunnel at Zojila pass to provide year-round connectivity from Srinagar to Kargil. However, it just got approved, so probably it will take a decade to be realized into reality.
Modes of Travel on Srinagar – Leh Highway
In this section let us look at some of the common modes of commute to make a Srinagar to Leh road trip.
Private Vehicles i.e. Cars and Bikes | Self Drive or Ride to Ladakh
Most people prefer to self-drive or self-ride to Ladakh by their car or own bike, and some also prefer to self-drive or self-ride to Ladakh by hiring a bike or car. In any case, a hired car/bike or personal car/bike, the idea is to live the passion of driving or riding through one of the toughest and adventurous terrains accessible in India.
You can take your own or rented, car or bike to Ladakh, but one must be careful while driving or riding through slushy roads, snow and water crossing or nallas. Also, it is always handy to learn little maintenance tasks of your vehicle before the start of this comparatively less arduous journey than Manali – Leh Highway.
Pro Tip: You must check the article on self drive tips for Leh – Ladakh trip.
Can I take a small car to Srinagar Leh Highway?
For cars, although an SUV/MUV is good to have and a 4WD SUV will help, I have seen hatchbacks (including Altos and Nano) and sedans doing good enough job on Srinagar – Leh Highway then on Manali – Leh Highway. If you want to try your sedan or hatchback drive to Ladakh, then Srinagar – Leh Highway is a better bet when compared to taking a sedan or hatch from Manali – Leh Highway.
However like on Manali – Leh Highway, with sedans/hatchbacks one must drive with extra care and caution even at Srinagar – Leh Highway and especially around Zozila pass (ascend and descend both).
You get less number of challenges on Srinagar – Leh Highway as compared to Manali – Leh Highway with only major hurdle being Zozila Pass. However, even then, whenever you are in doubt, always step out of your car, walk down the path, inspect with your foot and plan the path of exit before crossing a dangerous landslide or water crossing on your vehicle.
You can also park aside and see how others are crossing the risky section to plan your route of escape. In deep water-crossings, try to maintain the momentum without any half clutch measures and complete the entire stretch in one go only.
Similarly, in slush stretches, do not force the issue rather keep the smooth momentum with the required speed to pass you through, without half clutch measures. Do keep an eye on the direction of the vehicle too.
If you get stuck in the mud, then try to back and forth your vehicles to get out of the stuck position. It is always handy to ask your fellow co-travelers to get out of the car and push the vehicle from behind in case the car is struggling to pass through the mud or water crossing stretch.
Things to Carry on Self Drive Trip
Basic toolkit, screwdriver set, small hammer, puncture repair kit, iron rod, two or three “2 ltr” empty bottles of Pepsi / Coke / Limca, etc. to carry extra petrol or diesel (jerry cans will leak, cold drink bottles do not leak), funnel, towing rope, spare tube (must for bikes), Elfy or Fevi-quick (2-3 sachets), jump-start cables/wires, M-seal to prevent leakage, etc. were among the few things which I carried along on my trip to Ladakh. Also, do not forget to get your vehicle (car/bike) serviced about 2-3 weeks before the start of the Ladakh journey.
This will ensure that you have proper time in advance to test your serviced vehicle and get fixed any hitches that may have been introduced in that service
Pro Tip: If you are doing a self drive trip to Leh – Ladakh, then make sure to read my article on 40 Must Have Things to Carry on a Self Drive Trip to the Himalayas
Hiring a Private Taxi | Taxi Number or Private Number
All taxis (except Ladakh registration number) having taxi numbers or tourist permits number plates are only allowed for a drop in Leh Ladakh. As per the taxi union rules, only taxis with Leh number are only allowed to roam in the Ladakh region for sightseeing purposes. No Kashmir based taxis will be allowed for sightseeing.
If you want to travel within Leh Ladakh in your private taxi hired from a place other than Ladakh, then, in that case, you need to hire a taxi with a private number plate only. However, in the latter case, be ready for some queries by the local taxi drivers in Ladakh or police constables on your route. You need to ensure everyone interrogating with you guys have not rented that the vehicle.
If you can get hold of some taxi driver in Ladakh then hire that taxi only else go to Kargil first and change taxi from there. From Kargil, the Ladakh taxi driver can pick you, and you will have the advantage to cover the sightseeing places en-route Leh on Srinagar – Leh Highway like Alchi, Basgo, Likir, etc. before you reach Leh.
If that is not your plan then hire a direct taxi from Srinagar to Leh, but with a taxi hired with Srinagar number plate, you will not be able to do sightseeing en-route especially Sham Valley, as far as I know.
Where to get a taxi from Srinagar to Leh?
To hire a taxi, go directly to Srinagar taxi stand and bargain hard with the local drivers only, for a drop to Leh. Do not involve any tour operator or hotel staff at any stage. The local taxi drivers will charge about Rs 1500-1800 extra for a planned night halt on the way to Leh.
Srinagar to Leh taxi fare is close to Rs 16000 to Rs 17000 for a drop to Leh from Srinagar with a one-night halt, depending on your bargaining power, tourist rush and the time of the year you are visiting. You can refer to the latest taxi rates from Srinagar to Leh via Kargil in the article Leh Ladakh Taxi Rates 2020 – 21.
Srinagar – Leh Bus Service, JK SRTC and Others | Economical mode of travel
JKSRTC ply buses on Srinagar – Leh Highway, which is available at Srinagar Bus Stand near TRC Dal Lake and near Polo Ground in Leh. JKSRTC has both, standard as well as semi-deluxe buses which run on Srinagar – Leh Highway.
The super deluxe bus fare from Srinagar to Leh is around Rs 1320 per person, and semi-deluxe bus fare is Rs 925 per person from Srinagar to Leh. If you prefer to travel by a standard bus from Srinagar to Leh, the bus fare is Rs 470.
There are also private bus operators who run semi-deluxe buses in the form of tempo travelers between Srinagar – Leh. The charges of these buses from Srinagar to Leh is about Rs 1000 – Rs 1500 per seat.
Read the full detailed article on Srinagar to Leh bus services, which talks about their timing from Srinagar and Leh along with bus fare.
Srinagar to Leh buses generally stops overnight at Kargil and Sonamarg for tea and snacks. The bus from Leh does not stop overnight. The JKSRTC standard buses may not be as comfortable, though, but comfort comes with the price.
The bus from Srinagar to Leh starts at 8 AM at present and the bus from Leh to Srinagar starts at 2 PM, runs non-stop at night and arrives at 7.30 AM in Srinagar.
Pro Tip: If you are on a budget Ladakh trip then you can always refer my guide on making a trip to Ladakh by public transport
Shared Taxi | A Cannonball run
You can also buy yourself a seat in a shared taxi that runs every mid-night from Srinagar and reaches Leh on the next evening without any night halt. In the same way, shared taxis are run from Leh to Srinagar as well.
You need to pay about Rs 1800 to Rs 2200 per person for a drop to Leh from Srinagar or a drop to Srinagar from Leh. Of course, since it is shared with 7-8 other people plus the driver and completes the back-breaking cannonball run of Srinagar – Leh in 15-16 hours, you can imagine the level of comfort yourself. This one is the second cheapest mode of travel on Srinagar – Leh Highway but mind you, it could be the toughest on the body too 🙂
Also, not staying at Kargil will mean less acclimatization which may make you feel a bit sick in the first few days when you reach Leh.
Other travel modes
You can also get in touch with some travel agent or taxi union in Srinagar who also runs their private buses or Tempo Travelers on Srinagar – Leh Highway.
You can also travel from Srinagar to Leh flight as well if you want to see some really amazing aerial views of the Himalayas.
Planning Night Stay or Accommodation on Srinagar – Leh Highway
Based on my experience, you can opt to plan a journey on Srinagar – Leh Highway in one of the following ways –
Two Day Trip on Srinagar – Leh Highway
The options of stay or accommodation are minimal on Manali – Leh Highway due to the limited civilization. But on the Srinagar – Leh Highway, you get the respite as there are plenty of civilized places en-route, and you get to find accommodation either one or the other place.
You will find accommodation options every 70-80 odd KMs on an average. But still, a two-day journey on Srinagar – Leh Highway is the most common among all travelers as you tend to see the beauty in a relaxing manner as well as you help your body to acclimatize to the altitude of Leh.
Private Taxis and buses run by JKSRTC also cover the Srinagar – Leh Highway in two days with a night halt at Kargil. Mostly, people break up the journey on Srinagar – Leh Highway in the following ways over two days –
Srinagar – Kargil / Drass (Day 1) and Kargil / Drass – Leh (Day 2)
This option is mostly preferred by people as it evenly distributes the travel time of the entire journey in two days. However, on the second day, you need to leave early in the morning if you are interested in stopping at every other point to take pictures and still reach Leh in time :).
Personally, out of Kargil or Drass, you shall prefer to stay at Kargil due to varied options of accommodation available. But, sometimes, finding vegetarian food becomes difficult in Kargil in the late evening, and hence, you can opt to stay at Drass, which does offer a few accommodation options. However, if you have booked a hotel, you will surely get the veggie food in Kargil too.
The distance between Drass – Kargil is about 60 KMs only which means about 2 hours or more travel time the next day. Hence, prefer to stay at Kargil only.
If you are a vegetarian then most likely, what you can do is that if you are reaching Drass by about early evening, then it is good to take your dinner there and reach Kargil by the late evening or early night time. Maybe tea or coffee with some biscuits will make you feel good for the rest of the night.
It will surely help rather than sleeping without vegetarian food due to its unavailability in Kargil. Many new hotels have mushroomed by 2018, so this is not so common nowadays but something worth keeping in mind and checking with your hotel.
One Day Journey on Srinagar – Leh Highway
Srinagar – Leh (Day 1)
This option of completing the journey of Srinagar – Leh in a single day is most common among local people or people who are in a high rush and is least I recommend if you want to enjoy your travel.
Shared taxis are the preferred way to avail of this option. Although it could be the cheapest or time saving for you, this back-breaking, cannonball run of 15-16 Hrs with least stoppages does put a heavy toll on the body as well as the mind of an average traveler.
This long journey is extremely tiring and by traversing through the varied amount of altitudes in a single day, you are definitely running a risk of acute mountain sickness (AMS) or some severe headaches and for initial days spent in Leh.
Of course, this is true in case you have not stayed overnight in Gulmarg or Pahalgam or Sonamarg on previous nights of your tour. Undertaking this journey in a single day may certainly kill the joy of the journey.
Three Day Journey on Srinagar – Leh Highway
Srinagar – Kargil/Drass (Day 1) and Kargil/Drass – Lamayuru/Alchi (Day 2) and Lamayuru/Alchi – Leh (Day 3)
Well, by extending the journey of Srinagar – Leh Highway in three days, you give yourself a chance to explore the sightseeing places en-route thoroughly. There are many tourist destinations in the Ladakh region, which are situated on Srinagar – Leh Highway and require time if you wish to explore them.
Hence, by extending the journey with one day you give yourself ample time to explore these tourist places before you reach Leh. For more details on sightseeing refer to the section: Sightseeing on Srinagar – Leh Highway, below in the article.
Very few people follow this option due to a lack of time and to save money. If these two things have no place for consideration at your grounds, then I will say go with it, and you will make your journey on Srinagar – Leh Highway much more than a memorable experience :). The comparison of night halts (Drass/Kargil) is made in the first option, so opt as per your taste.
This option will mostly be available if you are traveling by your own vehicle. To be very frank, this option is not even available if you are hiring a private Srinagar registered taxi as well because Srinagar registered taxis are not allowed for local sightseeing in Ladakh region especially Sham Valley where all these tourist places are present.
In such a case you need to book a taxi to Kargil first from Srinagar and then hire yourself a taxi from Kargil to Leh, or you need to hire a Ladakh registered number taxi. Confirm in advance from the driver if he will do sightseeing for Sham Valley before booking it. Then, in the next two days after covering all tourist destinations including Mulbekh, Lamayuru, Redzong, Alchi, Likir, Sham Valley, etc. on the route you can reach Leh.
Staying one night at Alchi, which is lower in altitude than Leh, also make sure that your body is much more acclimatized to the altitude of Leh and you enjoy a lot better conditions once you reach Leh after a stay at Kargil and Alchi on previous nights.
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travelers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
Alternate Route to Leh from Kargil via Batalik and Dah
There exists an alternate route to reach Leh once you reach Kargil, which is a bit more scenic than the usual route. The usual route goes like Kargil – Mulbekh – Lamayuru – Leh and the alternate, the less used route goes like Kargil – Batalik – Dah – Skurbuchan – Leh.
Please make a note that the route via Batalik requires you to get the Inner Line Permits from either DC Office Kargil or DC Office Leh. So, I will advise that you go to Leh from Kargil via Lamayuru following the usual route and then you can come back to Kargil via Batalik after getting the permits from Leh DC office at the time you apply permits for Ladakh sightseeing places like Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, etc.
If you are returning via Manali – Leh Highway then you need to take permits from Kargil DC Office to go via the Batalik route and thereby miss the usual route to Leh which goes via Lamayuru.
Video – What to see on Srinagar to Leh Journey
Sightseeing on Srinagar – Leh Highway
Well while traversing this beautiful road of Srinagar – Leh Highway you also give yourself a chance to visit the following places either on the route or with little diversions from the route:
Maitreya at Mulbek, Lamayuru Monastery, Lunar Landscape, Redzong / Rizong Monastery, Alchi Monastery, Likir Monastery, Basgo Palace, Confluence at Nimmu, Magnetic Hills, Pathar Sahib Gurudwara, Phyang Monastery, Spituk Monastery.
You need to give yourself time to explore these places, especially Lamayuru, Alchi and Likir monasteries. Hence, if you plan to cover these sightseeing places either while going towards Leh from Srinagar or towards Srinagar from Leh, then give yourself at least three days to cover the entire Srinagar – Leh route.
List of Accommodation or Stay Options on Srinagar – Leh Highway
Srinagar – Leh Highway is much better than Manali – Leh Highway in terms of accommodation options it offers and one can find a decent place to stay within 125 odd KMs at max.
At some places like Mulbekh, Sonamarg, Drass, etc. the accommodation options could be very limited and basic guest house/homestay types while places like Kargil, Lamayuru does offer a varied number of accommodation options for different budget types.
So, it always better to break the journey at Kargil or Lamayuru but, of course, there are not many worries for places of stay on Srinagar – Leh Highway than on Manali – Leh Highway. You can also take a diversion to the towns of Alchi / Likir for a stay there as well. Of course, you will find basic homestay types of accommodation at both Alchi / Likir, but it would be a worthwhile experience in any case.
Here is the break up of accommodation options available on Srinagar – Leh Highway with distances –
- Srinagar – Sonamarg (80 KMs) | Decent number of accommodation options available at Sonamarg
- Sonamarg – Drass (65 KMs) | Decent number of accommodation options available at Drass
- Drass – Kargil (55 KMs) | Many accommodation options available at Kargil
- Kargil – Mulbekh (40 KMs) | Few basic / homestay accommodation options available at Mulbekh
- Mulbekh – Lamayuru (70 KMs) | Decent number of accommodation options available at Lamayuru
- Lamayuru – Alchi / Likir (55 – 65 KMs / 65 – 75 KMs) | Few basic / homestay accommodation options available at Alchi / Likir
- Lamayuru – Leh (125 KMs) | Many accommodation options available at Leh
- Alchi / Likir – Leh ( 65 KM / 55 KMs) | Many accommodation options available at Leh
Please keep in mind that Alchi and Likir are not exactly on Srinagar – Leh Highway and you need to take diversions near Sasapol bridge for Alchi. The distance between Alchi – Likir is about 21 KMs only.
Acclimatization and its importance on Srinagar – Leh Highway
Unlike Manali – Leh Highway, the journey on Srinagar – Leh Highway goes through a gradual increase in altitude, thereby helping our body to get acclimatized properly for the altitude of Leh. That is why I always prefer going through Srinagar – Leh Highway for a road trip to Ladakh than going via Manali – Leh Highway.
By going to Leh – Ladakh from Srinagar Leh Highway, one gives himself a chance to properly acclimatize to the high altitudes, thereby decreasing the chances of being hit by AMS. In the return leg, you can go via Leh – Manali Highway so that your body is properly acclimatized by the time you undertake the varied high altitudes on that route. This route helps you enjoy the Manali – Leh highway in a better way as well.
Having said that even on Srinagar – Leh Highway, it is always good that you take little precautions to minimize the effects of high altitude sickness further. Here are some tips which will help to acclimatize the body faster
- Try to cover the Srinagar – Leh journey in two days with a night halt at Kargil most preferably.
- Keep your body properly hydrated.
- Avoid sleeping at high altitudes.
- Avoid overexertion.
- Avoid tobacco and smoking and alcohol and other depressant drugs.
- Keep your body warm and eat lots of carbohydrates.
- Avoid sleep during the day.
- Sleep in an upright position, if possible.
- Carry preventive medicines for AMS.
- Immediately descend, if symptoms increase.
Fuel or Petrol Pumps on Srinagar – Leh Highway
Again, unlike Manali – Leh Highway, it is easy to find fuel or petrol on Srinagar – Leh Highway. One can get fuel or petrol on Srinagar Leh Highway at the places like Srinagar, Kangan, Sonamarg, Kargil, Mulbekh, Wakha, Khaltsi, Leh
ATMs on Srinagar – Leh Highway
As per my knowledge, there are ATMs available at Ganderbal, Drass, Kargil apart from Leh and Srinagar ATMs. But still, I feel you should carry enough cash with you in Ladakh because ATMs at these limited places can run out of money or become un-operational at any day or time. It has happened to me many times 🙂
Srinagar to Leh Road Conditions
- Srinagar To Sonamarg – Good, Very Good
- Sonamarg To Zojila Pass – Average, Bad, Slushy/Dusty
- Zojila Pass To Gumri – Average, Good
- Gumri To Drass – Good
- Drass To Kargil – Good
- Kargil To Mulbekh – Average, Good
- Mulbekh To Lamayuru – Good, Very Good
- Lamayuru To Saspul – Good, Very Good
- Saspul To Leh – Good, Very Good
Places on Srinagar – Leh Highway with their Distances and Altitudes
Generally, the places of on Srinagar – Leh Highway majorly goes like Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil – Mulbekh – Namika La – Fotu La – Lamayuru – Khaltsi – Sasapol – Nimmu – Leh and the approximate distances between these places is shown below briefly –
- Srinagar – Sonamarg (80 KMs)
- Sonamarg – Drass (65 KMs)
- Drass – Kargil (55 KMs)
- Kargil – Mulbekh (40 KMs)
- Mulbekh – Lamayuru (70 KMs)
- Lamayuru – Leh (125 KMs)
Map of Srinagar to Leh with Distances
Here is the map of Srinagar Leh Highway which you can download by right-clicking & then select the option: “Save Image As…”
Download your FREE high-resolution version pdf copy of this Srinagar to Leh Route Map. If, you liked it and found it helpful, please feel free to share it with your family and friends to help them too.
Pro Tip: In order to get more idea about the routes and distances, please refer the Road Map of Srinagar to Leh Highway.
FAQs – Srinagar to Leh Road Trip
Let us look at some of the commonly asked questions about the Srinagar Leh road trip in this section.
In general, it is fine to travel on Srinagar Leh Highway during Independence Day. The tourist areas remain safe mostly, but bandhs can affect the traffic movement. It is always advised that you leave the Srinagar city in the early morning hours in such cases. It is recommended to follow the news about Kashmir during your travel days and take the decision appropriately.
Summarized View of Facilities or Amenities on Srinagar – Leh Highway
| Facility | Places |
| Accommodations / Stay Options | Sonamarg, Drass, Kargil (Many options), Mulbekh, Lamayuru, Alchi |
| Food / Beverages | Ganderbal, Kangan, Gund, Zojila Pass, Gumri, Khaltsi, Nimmu |
| Diesel / Petrol Pumps | Kangan, Sonamarg, Kargil, Mulbekh, Wakha, Khaltsi |
| Mobile Connectivity | Up to Sonamarg both BSNL and Airtel postpaid connections works, then in Drass only BSNL, once you reach Kargil you will get the Airtel signal, but then in Mulbekh and Lamayuru only BSNL works, in Nimmu Airtel is restored along with BSNL and once you reach Leh both Airtel and BSNL work. You should refer 10 Tips on Mobile Phone Connectivity in Leh – Ladakh. Packet data works but only with BSNL that too with EDGE only. Prepaid connections from outside Jammu and Kashmir do not work in Leh – Ladakh. Carry only post-paid. |
| Fixed Phones | Ganderbal, Sonamarg, Drass, Kargil, Mulbekh, Lamayuru, Alchi, Nimmu and in between these places as well |
| Electricity | Almost all the towns en-route have electricity and I wonder if there is any town which lacks it. |
| Medical Facilities | Sonamarg, Drass (limited), Kargil, Lamayuru (limited) |
| ATMs | Ganderbal, Drass, Kargil |
| Mechanic / Puncture Shops | Ganderbal, Sonamarg, Kargil, Lamayuru (Puncture), Mulbekh (Puncture), Nimmu (Puncture) |
| Liquor Shops | Sonamarg, Drass, Kargil |
You can also check this less than 3-minute video on Discover With Dheeraj YouTube Channel to understand why you should choose Srinagar Leh Highway over Manali Leh Highway. If you like my video, please do not forget to SUBSCRIBE to my YouTube channel.
LAST UPDATED: December 2019
This article has been updated with the latest information about Srinagar – Leh Highway and is kept up to date every season to reflect the current status. Feel free to suggest any further updates you deem fit.
Conclusion
I hope this Srinagar Leh guide helps you with all the unanswered questions for making a successful trip from Srinagar to Ladakh. In case, if you still have any questions about your trip to Srinagar Leh Highway, feel free to post them in the comments section of this article.
Have a travel question?? You can subscribe to my YouTube channel and leave a comment to ask your travel questions on traveling to the Himalayas.
In the end, if you have been to Srinagar – Leh Highway before, kindly share your thoughts and other information you might feel is worth sharing with other fellow travelers and help them.
If you know your friends or family are planning a trip to Ladakh, do share this article with them to help them make a memorable Ladakh trip.
2,672 Comments
Comments section gets closed in 90 days. To ask your travel questions, you can follow my YouTube Channel for a faster reply or for a much slower reply follow me on Instagram. :)
sir
you touched upon every possible aspect.i appreciate amount of hard work you put in to help us.
can you touch upon the activities to visit deskit,hundervillage from LEH,such as transportation accomadation. Thanks
Please refer: Nubra Valley Travel Guide
Hello Dheeraj: I need a tip on luggage. What kind of luggage one should use for Ladakh trip. I am going in end of May for 15 days. Do you think a 70 litre sack alone will do for 15 days?
Thank you.
Bella
Bella, yes 70 Ltrs should be able to manage. I have a 60L and I manage all my trips in it along with a small backpack and camera bag. You can cCheck 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.
Hi Dheeraj ,
thanks again for this usefull information but ca you help us with the accommodation facilities available at the alternate route i.e
Kargil – Batalik – Dah – Skurbuchan – Leh.
Thanks in advance.
There will be few guest houses and home stays at Dah – Hanu Villages if you want to stay there. In Leh there are plenty of option and so as in Kargil
Hi,
we are 5 friends and we are planning to Leh via Srinagar we have booked flight Delhi to Srinagar on 16th July to 22 July return to delhi. We want to travel by bike from Srinagar to Leh. So please suggest from where we will get the bikes. and 16 to 22 july is ghood time to travel and its enough days to explore that place.
Ashish there are no bike rentals available in Srinagar. Is your return flight from Srinagar?
We also thought of hiring bikes from Srinagar to Leh ? Is there no option available ? 🙁
No, there are NO Bike Rentals available in Srinagar. You have to take the hired bike from Manali or Delhi
HI,
We are group of three friends reaching srinagar on 26th july and will have return from srinagar to pune on 3rd august, so we have 8 days in hand.
Please suggest how should we plan the traip to cover most of NH1( kargil/drass) and leh ( with near by places).
Rohit, it will take 2 days each to reach Leh and return from Leh to Srinagar. One day of rest in Leh to get permits and acclimatization. Hence, remaining three days can be used for 2 day trip to Nubra Valley and then 1 day trip to Pangong Tso lake.
Hey .. we are planning our trip during the same period .. are you planning a bike trip from Srinagar ? If so, can you suggest us a place where we can hire bikes ?
No, there are NO Bike Rentals available in Srinagar. You have to take the hired bike from Manali or Delhi
planned a vist. need your suggestions and comments
DAY- 1 ARRIVAL TO SRINAGAR AIRPORT, LOCAL MARKET- MUGHAL GARDENS, CHASHMI-E SHAHI, NISHAT, SHALIMAR BAGH, SHIKARA / HOUSEBOAT RIDE ON DAL/ NAGIN LAKE.
DAY- 2 SRINAGAR TO GULMARG SRINAGAR GANDOLA RIDE, SNOW SKIING
DAY- 3 GULMARG TO PAHALGAM, AVANTIPUR RUINS & CRICKET BAT FACTORY
DAY- 4 SRINAGAR TO KARGIL VIA GANDERBAL, SONAMARG & BALTAL (AMARNATH), ZOJILA PASS, DRASS
DAY- 5 KARGIL TO LEH – MULBEKH, LAMARYU VILLAGE, SANGAM
DAY- 6 & 7 NUBRA VALLEY
DAY- 8 PANGONG LAKE, ROYAL MUSEUM, THIKSEY, STAGNA HEMIS MONASTERY
DAY- 8 ALCHI, MAGNETIC POINT, LIKIR, SANGAM, FAME, BACK TO LEH
DAY- 9 TO (KUSHOK BAKULA TERMINAL) LEH AIRPORT
tentative dates 12-22 may
suggest changes if neccessary
parents are accompanying aged 55–56
Hi Mandira,
You itinerary seems OK to me with just one thing. After reaching Leh, you will have to rest for one day to acclimatize there before going to Nubra Valley. So, Shift you day of Alchi, Magnetic point there as you will anyways do that while coming from Kargil. Rest on Day 6 then follow your itinerary. Also, keep day visit to Pangong Tso just for Pangong Tso only and remove all the other monasteries. It will become very hectic in that case.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
Planning a trip from Aritsar with friends (self drive) to leh Via srinagar and return via Manali from 8th August to 18th August. Will it be advisable to go Via srinagar on 8th Aug as Independemce day will be close by and also amarnath yatra will be going on.
Aman, it is something that cannot be predicted. I will suggest to keep a watch of the situation and generally it should be fine if you follow the highways and do not take any inroads. Else keep the plan B with you.
Hello, i am planning to visit leh and all near by places. I am from ranchi can you please help me on planing the routes from ranchi to leh
Mahesh, how many days do you have in hand and which month are you planning for this trip?
Hi, I am planning a road trip with family (wife and a 3 yr old) from Delhi to Leh via Srinagar in self ride mode. Wanted to check, how safe and easy(amidst all talks on terrorism, military and police interference, permits, if any) to drive down to Srinagar, in and around Srinagar, and from Srinagar to Leh – Any specific things to know before going, any do’s and dont’s
Manish, tt depends on person to person to take the children of such age group because AMS do not matter with respect to age. It can happen to anyone of any age. 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 2+ year child, I think 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.
Regarding other safety dimensions, well Kashmir is dynamic in nature so no one can really predict anything. Generally, the highways and tourist sectors are safe to travel. Just follow the highways and avoid interior roads and above all keep a check on conditions prevailing in the valley.
Hi Manish,
you need to be a real expert driver to drive in those terrains, however advisable would be to go upto Srinagar by air/train and hire a taxi for the entire trip.
Taking children along would not be a good idea and that is to a 3 year old. please understand the region (especially after drass & kargil has low oxygen levels hence it may cause nausea, severe headache, bleeding from nose, womitting. If you are confident enough to take care of the little one really well, you can still take your kid along provided you need to cover his head all the time, lot of water or fluids to be fed. carry an oxygen cylinder just in case you or any of your family members feel breathlessness.
I myself went to ladakh from Delhi by raod via Srinagar to Leh and returned via Manali with my parents, wife and kids. the journey was amazing with some uneasy experiences. however, once you are back, you would definitely go back again, as I am planning alone this time.
Precautions to be taken to enjoy it at the full. most of the details are mentioned on the blog / website and helps almost everyone to plan their trips.
my best wishes and have nice/safe trip with family.
Hi Dheeraj and all readers,
I read somewhere that tourits heading to Ladakh via road have to register themselves at Tourist Registration Centre at Drass. Can anyone here re-confirm this?
Hi Joehan,
I have not heard it but taxis does register themselves after crossing Zojila Pass at Minamarg. I will try to check with my sources regarding same and will update.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj, I have to reach Leh 16th May Morning. I am volunteering a project for a month in Leh. I will be travelling solo from Ahmedabad to shrinagar by train. Can you please guide me after reaching shrinagar railway station, where can i get a taxi or bus from? how safe it is for me as a solo female traveler. any contact no of taxi driver from shrinagar to leh drop, so that i can pre book him before i reach shrinagar. This will be a great help from your side. Regards and thanks. Vidya.
Vidya, train does not reach till Srinagar, it is better that you reach till Jammu and then take a shared taxi or bus to Srinagar from there. You are alone and private taxis are very costly in Leh but you will be able to find the shared taxi without much fuss at all. There are lots of flyers which people put at cafes, dine-ins, restaurants, travel agent desks/shops/whiteboards wanting to share the taxis for different trips within Ladakh. Even travel agent organize such shared taxis trip as well but charge a little higher about Rs 200-300 more than it would ideally cost. So, in 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 meet new people and share cultural thoughts and values over the trip. No where else in the world you will find more smiling and helpful people as Ladakhis are 🙂
Even for Srinagar to Leh, it is better that you travel with shared taxi or bus as private taxi will be very costly for you.
Hi. Dheeraj.
You have done a fantastic work. Hats off..
We are 3 friends planning to take a road trip to Leh from Delhi starting on 1st May and plan to return by 9th May in an 4WD SUV. We are all looking for a good adventurous trip. Kindly advice about the routes and weather.
Thank you
Prateek, seeing the weather conditions I doubt that roads to Ladakh (Manali – Leh) OR Srinagar – Leh will be open by that time of the year. Srinagar – Leh has better chance but no surety. Hence, I will suggest to postpone it by a month or so. Also, you have just 9 days in which it is only good that you allow yourself to go via Manali – Leh Highway because going via Srinagar will take about 4 days from Delhi and 4 days to come back. 1 Day is required for rest and acclimatization and permits in Leh.
Thank you very much for the information.
We are planning to go via Srinagar-Leh route and return to Delhi by Manali-Leh route.
As per your comment, I believe we need atleast 10-12 days for this.
We will still try to go on May 1 if highways are open by that time, if not then we have to reschedule it to around May 22.
Anyways which is the best time according to you for roadtrip to Leh?
Prateek, I feel if you need to see snow then better go in June to mid of July else go in September after monsoon resides the Northern region.
Hi,
you have a great blog here. Just loved it.
I am traveling to Leh via Srinagar and departing via Srinagar. My plan is:
12th Jul — Reaching Srinagar at 1.00pm
13th Jul — Leave for Kargil on Stay at Kargil
14th Jul — Leave for Leh early morning, overnight at Leh
15th Jul — Leh Sight seeing & getting permit
16th Jul — Head for Nubrah valley & overnight halt
17th Jul — Back from Nubrah to Leh. Overnight at Leh
18th Jul — Leave for Pangong Lake. Overnight at Lake
19th Jul — Leave from Lake . Overnight at Uley.
20th Jul — Leave from Uley Baxk to Srinagar. Night at Srinagar.
21st Jul — Dept in afternoon.
Now Can you please let me know the sightseeing places in details that I can cover in each day of my trip, so that we do not miss anything. Will a Visit to Zanksar possible in this?
Please provide the s/s places, names and details.
Also can you please let me know where can I get leh number taxi in Srinagar. How much it will be if I hire one taxi for the entire trip. Any idea?
Thanks,
Annie
Annie, given the number of days in hand, it looks decent to me. You will run a bit more on 19th and 20th for sure. For details of sightseeing places, you can refer Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh for the days falling for you. Zanskar Valley is not possible at all, you need about 3-4 days at least on a run basis for it.
For the leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2014 – 15 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.
Dheeraj,
Thanks a lot for your feedback. Now only 2 of us are planning to visit Leh. Now can you please suggest cheaper options of travel in the above mentioned dates?
As Srinagar-Leh, vice versa is very costly. So I am thinking of taking direct taxi to leh. and go to Lamayuru, Alchi etc later. Can you please suggest?
Thanks,
Annie
Hello Annie,
In that case I will suggest that you better take shared taxis to travel between Srinagar and Leh or you can find travel partners online too in DwD Community or other places to share taxi cost. Once you reach Leh, you will be able to find the shared taxi without much fuss at all. There are lots of flyers which people put at cafes, dine-ins, restaurants, travel agent desks/shops/whiteboards wanting to share the taxis for different trips within Ladakh. Even travel agent organize such shared taxis trip as well but charge a little higher about Rs 200-300 more than it would ideally cost. So, in 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 meet new people and share cultural thoughts and values over the trip. No where else in the world you will find more smiling and helpful people as Ladakhis are 🙂
Regards
Dheeraj
Thanks a lot Dheeraj. All year i was planning for this trip and really don’t want to cancel it. So now Say if i don’t get any one to share taxi and take those srinagar-leh non stop taxis then how many days I need in Leh to acclimize?
So.. is it possible if 12midnight/13 morning i take these 16-18hrs taxi I will reach leh at evening of 13th take rest.
14th sight seeing around Leh.
15th Sight seeing around Alchin
16th Nubrah
17th Nubrah to leh
18th Pangong
19th pangong to leh
20th Leh – Srinagr
Please advice.
Thanks,
Annie
Annie, the above itinerary is fine. No issues in it. You can actually descend on 14th to Alchi / Likir and stay there and next day come back to Leh on 15th for sightseeing in Leh local, book your taxi to Nubra and Pangong Tso. This will be the best and economic way to conduct it. Don’t worry much you will do good. Just don’t exert too much on 14th and 15th. Take rest and plenty of fluid intakes in the form of Juices, ORS, Electoral, etc..
Thanks a lot Dheeraj. I have read your blog more than 10 times all of it. Thank you really meant it.
Awesome, Best wishes for the trip and if by chance you happen to be happy to spread smiles, please support the initiatives of DoW Causes in order to help the local community up there in remote Himalayas. You can check more details about them at: DoW – Causes | A Step Towards Responsible Travel and can execute them on your own.
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for your valuable suggestions, have few more questions around the same.
1. Can we go Via srinagar by May10th.
2. Yes we do have contacts in Army so they can arrange the camps for us.
3. What is suggestion, should we go ahead or postpone.
Our team is very excited to go and don’t want to postpone it and the only reason behind it is that we might not be able to go for the same trip for the entire year if not May.
Hi Mayank,
1. Seems much likely that you will be able to go via Srinagar – Leh Highway by second week of May
3. I will suggest to keep the plan and hope for the best.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
This is in regards to the trip that me and my friends are planning from May 10th to May 17th. Have few questions around it, will appreciate if you can guide us accordingly.
1. We are leaving from Delhi on the night of 09th May which is friday and expecting to reach manali by morning of 10th, coz our group wants to have fun by going on bikes to rohtang pass and then back to manali to drop the bikes and pick our cars back.
2. Next day we are planning to go from Manali – Leh, Do we need to stop anywhere in between or we can complete the journey in one day, your suggestion needed looking at the time we have.
3. If we plan this trip via srinigar how much extra it will be in Km’s or do we need any permission to take our private vehicles to leh and ladakh.
4. Do we need any sort of medicine to cope up with with the oxygen problem we usually while climbing up, as we have around 5 gals so do not need any problem in between.
5. We have one I10, Punto and Etios as we are thirteen people in total to travel.
6. What all permissions we require to stay in army camps in Leh or ladakh and for travelling too.
Would appreciate your suggestions.
Many Thanks
Mayank Dhawan
2.
Hi Mayank,
1. Fine, no issues.
2. Manali – Leh Highway might not be open during that time, very high chances seeing so much snow in March too. Already deadline is pushed to quite an extent from 30th April, perhaps couple of weeks.
3. From Srinagar side, it takes a day more (4 Days) as compared to Manali – Leh (3 Days)
4. No one can predict how many of you will fall victims of AMS or not as it does not depend on age, sex, fitness, strength, etc.. of any human. It can impact anyone at any stage. Best is to take precautions, read and know about it. Check the article for tips: Acute Mountain Sickness and Importance of Acclimatization
5. For hatchback/sedan taking on Manali – Leh Highway and Ladakh, please refer the link: FAQ | Can I do Leh – Ladakh trip in Hatchback or Sedan? for more details.
6. You cannot stay in army camps bro. unless you have connections in army or know someone who can arrange it for you on your behalf.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj, Can you please let me know if it is safe to go to srinagar in the month of Sep? We are family and planning for a trip to Leh and go via Srinagar and stay at Srinagar for a couple of days. Is it safe? Thanks.
September is perfectly fine. I generally make my travel plans to trans Himalayas in September only as I love the colors during that time 🙂
Thanks Dheeraj..
Also we are planning to take our aunt who is close to 70 years old but still active and mobile.. As I have seen your other replies, I believe age shouldnt be a factor as well. Right?
Yeah, age does not matter brother with respect to AMS or acclimatization. Just cater on the fatigue levels, nothing more.
Hi Dheeraj,
Me and my husband are planning for a visit to Ladak on July this year. We will reach Srinagar and then we are planning to go by road. We are not planning to drive on our own, so what all options are left for us. After reading your blog i found that personal cab hiring is just tooo expensive.
We have a weeks time in hand. Can you please suggest the places we can visit on our way to Ladak and also in Leh (apart from the sight seen) which all places to visit.
Thanks in advance.
Tania, I just replied in DwD Community at the link: Request to suggest places to visit in Ladakh
Let’s keep the discussion going over in that single thread 🙂
We booked ticked Delhi to Sri Nagar on 27th April.
We are 7 family members (Parents & In-law’s age-60 +. Rest of us 30 +)
27th April:- Sri Nagar local Sight Seen.
28th April:- Planning to visit Gulmarg and come back in Sri Nagar.
29th April :- Pahelgaon or somewhere else.
30th April:- Sri Nagar to Kargil (over night stay at Kargil)
1 st May:- Kargil to Leh
2nd to 4th:- Leh.
5th May:- 7 a.m flight Leh to Delhi.
Please suggest where to stay in Sri Nagar. We want to stay at Dal Lake house boat, Car should be 7 seater Innova.
Total Budget is approximately all inclusive of all 70-80 K entire family including all meals apart from Air Fare.
I would like to request you please suggest and help how to plan our tour. Please suggest every thing.
Regards,
Prasant
Prasant, I have replied to your other comment here
hi dheeraj we r planning leh trip in may end want to know if we hire a transport car like tavera from jammu then how many people r allowed in it? and is it allowed to take tavera all the way to leh and then to manali? and in leh we cant use that car then how much they will cost as we will not use that car for 3/4 days while we r in leh
atul, the taxi hired in Jammu is only allowed to drop you in Leh. Only Ladakh taxis are allowed for sightseeing inside Leh, so you need to hire it again. For Tavera you can tightly accommodate 6-7 BUT I suggest no more than 6 as these are long routes so more than 6 will become very tight as 6 itself is tight. Best is to reach Srinagar and get in touch with the drivers of ladakh listed in the link below. They will come and pick you up from Srinagar and then you be with them till the end of the trip in Manali.
For the leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2014 – 15 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.
Hi,congratulatiion for your efforts in providing valuable inputs in regards to places which make it attractive to visit .Planned to visit Leh ,Ladakh n Srinagar in may (6th may-25th)with family of four .how to plan itinerary as want to take route of Srinagar to leh highway & want to cover Srinagar as well.
kindly let me know how to arrange the vehicle from kargil to leh ,can i do those booking online as you suggested in your blogs that it is advisable to arrange vehicle having ladakh registration no.
Hello,
We intend to leave Srinagar at noon. Can we reach Drass / Kargil by night for a halt?
Nikhar, it is an 8-9 Hrs of drive from Srinagar to Kargil depending upon the condition and traffic mess at Zojila Pass. So, leave accordingly. Till 12 is still fine but beyond that I would suggest to avoid if possible.
Thank you.
Hi We are planning to Visit kashmir in the month of May 14. we 4 will be travelling 2 kids 4 and 7 and my husband. Not planing to visit Leh but wish to visit kargil. What will you suggest
Arati, it depends how many days do you have in hand. If you don’t want to visit Leh then better off sticking to Kashmir only, no point in taking the painful journey over zojila with family just to see Kargil. Better use that time to explore Kashmir with ease.
Hi Dheeraj,
Recently came across your website and find the info immensely helpful.
I am planning a road trip with my 3 friends from Srinagar to Leh from 23 June-27 June. I am requesting your advice in planning our journey and what places should be on our higher priority while journey.
Regards
Akhil
Thank you Akhil. Can you please suggest how are you exiting Leh? Are you planning to come back the highway to Srinagar again? If yes, it takes 2 days to reach Leh from Srinagar and 2 days to come back.
Sir,
We are planning to exit via leh to manali highway from 28-29 June.I want to know about the places we must visit in Leh while our 3 Days stay in Leh and how should we plan our journey.
So, three days you will be in Leh and then start the journey on Manali – Leh Highway on 28th June. OK, so first day you should rest in Leh and acclimatize + arrange for permits. Second day you should visit a day trip to Khardung La OR you can go ahead into Nubra further if you OK leaving early in the day. Third Day you can either make day visit to Pangong Tso OR you can stay overnight at Pangong Tso and then next day leave early again from Pangong Tso and do Pangong Tso to Sarchu in one day. You need to leave Pangong Tso by 6 AM.
Hi Dheeraj,
Excellent write up !!! Hats off …
My important questions :
Srinagar-Leh highway opens on 2 May ? Trip has been planned for first 2 weeks of May. ( wasn’t possible any other time).Don’t care if road condition is bad.
Any forum to find people traveling on similar dates ?
My trip is Srinagar-Kargil-Leh-Mumbai (10 nights).
Is the alternate route to Kargil advisable?
Talkien, Thank you brother. Yeah, you can take the route from Kargil to Leh via Batalik if you want. But, if its first trip then go via Lamayuru. DoW had 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.
Dheeraj,
Along with 3 friends I am plnning trip from 26th Jul 14(arrival at Srinagar by 1pm) till 8th Aug 14.
Bellow is the plan (kept 1 day in hand if reqired).
Suggest if any alterration required.
We have already booked tickets from Mumbai to Srinagar and Delhi to Pune on 9th Aug 14.
When do you think we shall book taxis & hotels for this travel (the numbers provide by you on this site)?
Day 1 | Mumbai-Srinagar
Day 2 | Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil (Stay at Kargil)
Day 3 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh (Stay at Leh)
Day 4 | Leh Sightseeing + Internal Permits (Stay at Leh)
Day 5 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder (Stay at Hunder)
Day 6 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh (Stay at Leh)
Day 7 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake (Stay at Pangong)
Day 8 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh (Stay at Leh)
Day 9 | Rest day at Leh or sham Valley (Stay at Leh)
Day 10| Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang (Stay at Tso Moriri)
Day 11| Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring (Manali – Leh Highway starts) – Moore Plains – Pang / Sarchu (Stay at Pang/Sarchu)
Day 12| Pang / Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali (Stay at Manali)
Day 13| Manali – Delhi (Delhi)
Day 14| Delhi-Pune
Sujit, itinerary is very well done, guess based on most common itinerary of Ladakh on DoW mostly. You cannot go wrong with it. Just that keep rest day 9 as buffer for monsoon hassles if there are any 🙂
Yes Dheeraj, I did refer DoW for this. Thanx to you for that :). I have been refering to DoW from long time, and every time my interest increase. Hats off to your great work. I have already started refering DoW to others for Leh trip. Can you please let me know, when is the right time to book taxi and hotels? Shall I do it now or wait for month or so for it?
Thanx again for your reply in such busy schedule. I think you are from Delhi and hope to meet you on my way back from Leh.
Sujit, thank you so much brother !! Just trying to manage best I can. Well, I feel you should not book hotels brother because you are traveling in Monsoons. This will eventually add up pressure of reaching a particular place. Better strike a deal with any of the drivers listed on Ladakh drivers thread and keep him informed that you are coming, every now and then until you start for the trip. This way he will keep the window for you and you will just need to pay a very small amount for booking his service for taxi, if at all required. This will help you save some good bucks and they will also help you find the accommodation too.
Dheeraj,
I did contaced couple of Taxi Drivers, and they are asking me 60K for entire tour. Pickup from Srinagar till Drop to Manali, as per my schedule mentioned earlier. Do you think this is a OK amount? or shall I reach Srinagar and then look for taxi?
Sujit, considering you are doing a normal itinerary with traditional routes, 60K seems to be on higher side to me. Check with few others. For the leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2014 – 15 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.
Hi Dheeraj, I am planning a trip from 30th may to 9th june approx.9-10days from mumbai. I want to cover both srinagar & leh in one trip. 3nights in srinagar/gulmarg +1 in kargil + 4 in leh/pangong in which road trip will be involved. Is it possible? regards, ankit
Hi Dheeraj, Appreciate your patience and time in answering the queries of the needy…and surely I am one of them.
I am planning for Leh trip with my husband from 15 Aug – 24 Aug. We are planning to board a flight from Chennai to Srinagar on 15 Aug and then back to chennai on 24 Aug.
Could you please suggest a suitable Itinerary for us to explore the places on the travel and in Leh.
Regards,
Sarita
Sarita, I can suggest you the itinerary but 15th Aug does seems like a good idea to be around Srinagar due to its volatile nature. Usually at such time, there are always little trouble and is best avoided so as to have a trouble free trip. Instead, fly directly to Leh and then come down to Srinagar if return ticket is costing too much or even you can come down to Chandigarh via Manali – Leh Highway, which is actually the soul of Ladakh trip.
Thank you Dheeraj.
Sorry for the late reply. We are re-visitng our plan on the trip.
Btw, your website has been very helpful in drawing up our decision. Will reach you once are plan is up.
Thanks once again 🙂
Sure, feel free to post your queries any time you need help 🙂
Ankit, it is too much to cover in just one trip and that too of just 9 days. Are you planning to fly out of Leh or traveling back to Srinagar from there and then flying to Mumbai? It is slightly possible if you can fly out of Leh but will still be hectic one.
Ankit, 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 Dheeraj,
We are planning for a trip to Leh in august (9th-17th Aug) and booked Mumbai-Srinagar return tickets for the same just yestdersay.
Happened to read your post today.. you have mentioned that it is best to avoid these dates due to independence day bands/strikes.
What are the chances of these affecting our trip??
Ankita, such things cannot be predicted and since you have booked the tickets on 9th, you might be OK since 15 remains still distant. You will leave for Kargil any way by 10th of Aug or better can be done the same day to stay at Sonamarg. Are you planning to come back the same route too?
Thanks Dheeraj,
Yes.. planning to take the same route while returning too.
Another thing.. we are 4 people so planning to hire a 4-wheeler (with driver) from Srinagar and BACK. Do you suggest any good car hire agencies?
Traveling both ways by road does not seem too logical to me considering already less number of days. Still, if you want to go for it, you can follow something like below:
Day 1 | Mumbai – 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 + Inner Line Permits
— To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
— For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
— Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Leh (long day so leave early)
— Make day trip to Nubra Valley since you are short on days.
— 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 | Leh – Pangong Tso – Leh
— Day trip to Pangong Tso
— Overnight at Leh
Day 7 | Leh – Lamayuru – Kargil
— Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes
— On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu
— Overnight at Kargil
Day 8 | Kargil – Drass – Zozi La – Sonamarg – Srinagar
— Enjoy the vistas enroute
— Have late drunch meal at Sonamarg
— Overnight at Srinagar
You can take route from Batalik while return from Leh to Kargil to see/explore a different route. So, get the permits done for Batalik as well. I will still advice to take flight out of Leh to easy out few things for you in those couple of days because you do not have any buffer considering rains/monsoons mess at Zojila Pass or around Kashmir upto Kargil
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hey Dheeraj,
i am planning a road trip from Srinagar in 2nd week of April, is it feasible?
last year the roads were open early April.
Indranil, no feasible as Srinagar – Leh Highway gets open with feasible or stable limits by end of April or early may only. Roads were opened last year BUT had frequent closures and got stable only in second week of May. So, even if the road is open that early, they remain unstable for couple of weeks.
thank you for the prompt reply! 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
I am from mumbai and planning to visit Leh-Ladakh around 25th may to 5 june. Flight tickets are too costly (around 80,000) for two person from delhi. Can you please provide alternate modes to reach leh during this time. I dun mind travel in train as I hav few extra days of leaves from office.
Nirav, I will suggest that you take a flight to Srinagar from Mumbai and then from there travel by Srinagar – Leh Highway to reach Ladakh. Spend time in Ladakh and then take Manali – Leh Highway and from Manali take Volvo to reach Delhi. Finally, take flight back home from Delhi.
Thank you very much Dheeraj.
Hi Nirav, I am also planning to visit Leh & Srinagar during same period from Mumbai with my wife. let me know if interested to plan together.
Hii Dheeraj
I am planning a 9 days/ 7 nights trip to Srinagar and Leh
Day 1: reach srinagar at 3Pm
Day 2 & 3: Sight seeing in and around srinagar
Day 4: reach kargil and halt there
Day 5: reach Leh, halt there
Day 6 & 7: sightseeing in and around Leh
Day 8: return to srinagar
Day 9: morning flight and leave back home
Please tell me if this plan is okay and also let me know what all places can i see in Leh Ladhak
Madhu, I will suggest two things before suggesting anything else.
1. Please choose one option, explore Ladakh or explore Kashmir so that to make something worthy out of this trip.
2. Take flight out of Leh to save more days and enjoy other places in Ladakh instead of wasting 2 days running over the same route.
Also, which month are you planning this trip?
Regards
dheeraj
hi Dheeraj, Loved your blog ! Planning to visit Kashmir with my wife and kiddo (11yrs). Planning to visit Leh, srinagar, Pahalgam and Gulmarga. Our travel dates are 12 April for about 7/8 days… Will it be nice time to visit ? We can take flight from Srinagar for Leh ? Or do you suggest carry on from Pahalgam to drass instead of Leh ? Please do recommend as this is my daughter’s first trip to Kashmir and she is all excited.
Hi Ketan,
Firstly, Srinagar – Leh Highway will not be open at that time of the year. Secondly, I will strongly suggest considering the number of days in hand, please choose one of the places either Ladakh OR Kashmir.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
First of all, many thanks for such a wonderful and un-selfish efforts put by you in this blog. May God bless you. It really amazing.
I am planning a 8 night trip to Srinagar and Leh.
My tentative itinery is:
Srinagar (2 nights) 1st & 2nd June
Gulmarg (1 night)
Pahalgam (1 night)
Pahalgam to Kargil & Kargil (1 night)
Leh (3 nights)
Including day trip to Nubra Valley and Panagong Lake.
Would it be feasible. Any suggestions from your side.
Thanks in advance.
Ankit
Thank you Ankit for your praises. I will suggest that given the number of days in hand, PLEASE opt for one of the place either Kashmir or Ladakh to make best out of the trip and have it worthy enough.
Hi Dheeraj,
Excellent follow-up of your journey.
Now my parents won’t let me take the car as I am just 20 now. Nevertheless, am i correct in guessing that the 2-day bus journey should suffice as far as watching good landscape is concerned?
2nd, staying in Kargil. The JKSRTC bus that I take, does it take us to a lodge or hotel in Kargil, or do we just pass the night in the bus, or more excitingly, sleep on the ground?!
If lodge, is that included in the ticket cost already?
3rd, bus stops every now and them to let army convoy pass. Does your estimate include this waiting time or do we add some more time to the already long journey of 2 days?
Exciting a prompt reply, and yeah, thanks in advance!
Hi Shreeman,
Yes, as far as watching the landscape is concerned it will be decent enough but they won’t stop at your need. The buses will not take you to lodge, they will halt at bus stand from where you need to hop on yourself… The estimate is generally according to pit stops on normal travel with all photography stops in general. Of course, these stops matters relatively from person to person. Hence, you will only have limited stops when traveling with bus, so I will say it will take similar time.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for sharing the information..really excellent job
We are 8 ppl live in hyderabad and we are planning to visit Leh around mid August.
We have planned to go to Jammu by flight, also have planned to visit Vaishno Devi Shrine. After visiting, below is what we have planned so far (by road):
9th Aug – Jammu – Srinagar
10th Aug – Srinagar – Sonamarg – Kargil
11th Aug – Kargil – Leh(local sightseeing and permit)
12th Aug – Leh – Pangong Tso – Leh
13th Aug – Leh – Nubra Valley – Leh
14th Aug – Leh – Tsomoriri Lake – leh or leh – Korzok Village – leh
15th Aug – Leh – kargil
16th Aug – Kargil – Srinagar
17th Aug – Srinagar – Hyderabad(by flight)
Below are few queries regarding our journey
1. What are the permits needed when we reach Leh?
2. Can we cover Tsomoriri Lake in one day?
3. Will it be fine to travel from Leh to Kargil on 15th Aug?
4. Please suggest if any modification needed in our itinerary.
Thanks in advance.
Hi Surojit,
Well, you will not be able to follow the itinerary like that. Given the number of days you have in hand, max you can do is:
12th Aug – Leh Rest Day + Acclimatization which is very important and then permits.
13th Aug – Leh – Khardung La – diskit – Leh (Long Day)
14th Aug – Leh – Pangong Tso – Leh (another long day)
15th Aug – Leh – Kargil via Batalik
16th Aug – Kargil – Srinagar
17th Aug – Srinagar – Hyderabad(by flight)
Honest suggestion will be either fly out of Leh OR increase at least 2 days to make it worthy enough to enjoy.
For details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
Regards
Dheeraj
Hello Dheeraj
your blog is really very interesting… Great job..Just wanted to we are going to srinagar on 28th april for a wedding.We were planning for leh from there by road via kargil.We are planning to start by 1st of may for Leh. What you suggest.Is it safe to take that route in first week of May.?? Or should reach leh by air..??
Hello Monika,
Well, there are 50:50 chances that Srinagar – Leh Highway will open by that time. Even if it does, the road conditions will not be that favourable/stable unless you are ready for the adventure. I will suggest that you keep an eye on updates on road opening as well as stability of road and then take a call accordingly. You can book the air tickets and depending upon the situation can cancel the ticket for Srinagar – Leh but eventually fly out of Leh after exploring places in Ladakh. Keep in mind early May, it will be quite cold up there in Ladakh.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Dear Dheeraj
thanks for your reply.. but please clarify.. adventure in the sense road conditions wont be good or is it risky to travel at that time.??
Yes, it is risky to travel at that time because Adventure always has risk associated to it. Since, the road does not stabilize there are may iffs and buts for passing it through. You may end up coming back from the middle or you may also end up being stuck for couple of days in nearest town until the road gets cleared.
You did a fantastic job here. Thank you very much. I am planning to go Leh from Srinagar in end of May. I am travelling myself, as a female do you advise to hire a taxi and go to Leh alone? Is it safe? Please advise. Thank you.
Hello Bela,
Traveling to Ladakh is in general very safe as far as human crimes are concerned and thousands of people visit solo to Ladakh. Once you are in Ladakh you can gel with other tourists to visit different places within Ladakh and share taxi costs with them easily. Please stick to public transport or taxis and you shall be good to go. Or else, better travel with some 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.
Regards
Dheeraj
Thank you very much for a quick reply. I will definitely follow your tips. I read almost all your blog topics and already feeling confident to start my journey! I am sure your blog is an ultimate tool to so many.
Thanks again.
Regards,
Bela
Best wishes for the trip Bela and we will wait for your pictures and trip report back in the community. If by chance you happen to be happy to help the local community, please try and support the DoW Causes up there. You can check more details about them at: DoW – Causes | A Step Towards Responsible Travel
Regards
Dheeraj
Hey Dheeral thank you for such a detailed write up for the trip to leh from srinagar.
I am planning to visit in May with my 4/5 friends.
My plan is as follows:
1. Delhi to srinagar by flight
2. Srinagar to Leh by road.
3. 5/6 days halt at Leh and nearby places.
4. Come back to Delhi by Flight.
I like to know whether we can hire a taxi from Srinagar for Leh and then return back by flight directly to Delhi.
Hi Praveen,
You can refer the thread for a comprehensive list of drivers: List of Taxi Drivers for Ladakh – Srinagar – Leh – Manali . You can call them and fix a deal with them. They will be able to come to pick you up from Srinagar from hotel or point fixed (keep in mind they can’t come to Airport for pickup being Ladakhi taxis) and then you can keep that taxi all time with you till drop to Airport at Leh.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hey dhiraj we are planning to go lhe in june-2014..so can you tell me which is the best bike for this journey and also how much money we should carry for medium budget trip ?
Dhruv, it all depends on which bike are you comfortable with. In then end it depends which bike are you comfortable with riding. 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
Regards
Dheeraj
Dear Mr.Dheeraj , thank you very much . your inputs are quite comprehensive for planning this Srinagar- Leh trip . Our original plan is to go by mid April but after reading your notes, I think we need to defer to May . Thanks a lot . regards
Ramesh
Thank you Ramesh, feel free to get in touch in case any help is required or you have any queries related to your Ladakh trip.
Hi Dheeraj,
Wanted your opinion on the following:
a) Start from Srinagar via taxi and take a 1N stay at Sonmarg
b) Then take 1N stay at Kargil
c) Then take 1N stay at Alchi
d) Reach Leh
Basically we want to spend more time at places which are most scenic on Kashmir-Leh route. Please suggest if we should change the towns.
Regards
Shashwat, I believe you have placed them in nice way 🙂 … May be Uleytokpo would be more scenic than Alchi I believe but if we talk in terms of balancing the distances, Alchi will be my preferred choice.
Hi Dheeraj,
Really nice blog created by you which is very use full for any traveler who love to Ladakh trip. We are group of 2-3 family including 6 adults & 3 kids (10 yrs, 8 yrs,4 yrs) planning our trip to leh some time in Mid June 2014. We will be to travel by self driven hired suv/muv from Jammu/Srinagar & we will plan to complete whole trip in 7 days (Srinagar-Leh-Srinagar. We need your help/suggestion in following points before finalized the things.
1)Is this trip safe for kids of age group as mentioned?
2)We have 2 adults of age group 60 as well so suggest for them as well?
3)How to we plan our trip? we love to see Srinagar as well.
4) From where we get self driven SUV/MUV vehical/vehicals for our trip.
Once again awesome blog which is motivate us to travel and explore.
Lot of thanks & your advice in advance.
Anil
Hello Anil,
Thank you very much. Please find my answers to your queries below:
1 and 2. It is fine to take the children of such age group because AMS do not matter with respect to age or sex or any physical health condition. 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 4+ year children, I think he/she would be able to convey the uneasiness with little efforts. 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!!
3. 7 days is too less a period for a road trip to Ladakh including Kashmir. Are you ready to fly in to Srinagar and fly out of Leh?
4. Depending on your reply of 3. I will suggest best posisble.
Regards
Dheeraj sharma
Hello Mr Dhiraj, Thanks for the reply earlier concerning taking my Honda City car to the Barot Chindi areas of Himachal. But here in the case of Laddakh travel you have not provided the photographs. Csn you provide some photographs through mail.
Thanks and Regards,
Sincerely,
SAEED
Hello Professor Saeed,
You can find tons of photos from Ladakh in the Ladakh section of the blog at the link: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/category/ladakh/
Check for many ladakh Travel Tales in this section and you will have loads of pics. If you are looking for some pictures of specific places, please let me know. Are you planning to take Honda City up there?
I hope this helps. Please let me know in case you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
Its really a great job,
I m Planning Srinagar – Leh tour in 1st week of June 14, our flight tickets are booked from delhi to srnagar on 8th of june & returming srinagar to delhi on 14th june for 7 days. is it safe by road journey w/ my 6years old child & is 7days are enough for up & down, if yes pls suggest itenary for 7days & also suggest any good travel aggent who can help us to give comeplete tour package of srinagar to leh.
Thanks,
Ritu
Hello Ritu,
Thanks alot. It takes two days to reach Leh from Srinagar and 2 days to come back which will leave you just 3 days for Ladakh tour. Are you sure you want to take it? My advice will be to take direct flight back to Delhi from Leh? Is it feasible for you now?
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for reply.
Now its feasible to take delhi to leh our flights are booked & its non refundable.
Anyways we will plan some other time for leh.
But pls suggest any place near srinagar where we can find snow in month of june.
Hello Ritu,
That is good enough to drop Leh out of it as in these many days it won’t be a wise choice to keep running over roads. Regarding Kashmir, you have 7 days with you and can check the following itinerary for yourself:
Day 1 | Srinagar
– Take rest for the day. May be enjoy Shikara ride or stay in house boat itself.
Day 2 | Srinagar – Pahalgam
Day 3 | Pahalgam
– Just relax for the day and spend sometime around
– May be a visit to Chandanwari
– very ancient Mamleshwar temple
Day 4 | Pahalgam – Gulmarg
– Explore ruins of Awantipura
– Enjoy vistas en-route
Day 5 | Gulmarg – Sonamarg
– Enjoy vistas enroute, especially between Tangmarg to Gulmarg
– Enjoy in snow at ski slopes snow points and may be check out Golf course, if you feel like
Day 6 | Sonamarg
Day 7 | Sonamarg – Srinagar
Day 8 | Back Home
I hope this helps. Please let me know in case you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Thank you so much.
Best wishes for your trip. If possible, try and share your Himalayan experience with us at DoW – Himalayan Travel Community as Photo Tale or Travel Tale Or your reviews of the hotels/guest houses where you stayed or dhabhas/restaurants you ate food on your trip… All this might help others planning the similar trip too 🙂 🙂
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dhiraj,
You are doing an amazing job with your blog. Really commendable!
We are a group of four guys from Bangalore, planning a trip to Leh and Manali in Mid – May to June, 2014. We want to cover both Srinagar – Leh and Leh – MAnali Highways. We have 12 days. Could you help us out in planning our trip?
PS: We would love to drive/ride on at least one, if not on both the routes.
Hello Gurudutt,
Thanks alot 🙂 …
Well, I will suggest to be on safest side of opening of roads better delay the trip by at least a week if not two weeks. Secondly, before I suggest the itinerary, please let me know how are you planning to communte? Privately Hired Taxi? Can you fly directly to Srinagar and then on the way back can you fly out of Delhi or Chandigarh?
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi there,
Wonderful piece of information.We are planning to go for our honeymoon to Leh in the month of June. We are planning to travel till Srinagar via train from Trivandrum.
Could you please help us with the travel from Srinagar till Leh?
Thank you in advance!!
Hello Bhagya,
Can you please suggest how many days you have in hand? You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travelers including me at the link here for 14-15 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
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
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
We are a couple planning to go to Leh in December. We fly from Delhi. Was wondering, if you can drive anywhere from Leh in that season. Leh to Nubra. Or even Leh to Kargil? Would you have an idea?
Sir, roads within Ladakh remain open all round the year. So, you can go to Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Kargil, Tso Moriri etc.. all round the year barring few intermittent days of heavy snowfall. Pleas go prepared with heaviest of woolens 🙂
Dear Dheeraj,
I am reaching Srinagar around 12 O clock Noon by flight. I am planning to go to Sonmarg directly and stay over night there so that I can start early to Kargil the next day. Is there taxis(Preferably Leh registered) available at Sonmarg to travel to Kargil- leh. Or is it that I need to retain the vehicle which I am travelling from Srinagar to Sonmarg ?
regards
Supreed
Supreed, just replied it in detail as a response to your other query linked here.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Dheeraj first I must thank you for the efforts you are putting. This is possible only if you have passion of traveling. This exists in many people but by sharing such a helpful travel tips is something really great. Thanks. Great website to share.
Sandeep !! THANK YOU so very much for the warm words of appreciation … Glad you liked the information present at DoW.
Thanks a Ton Dheeraj for this amazing & detailed post on Srinagar Leh Highway. After Considering your suggestions of not choosing October for Manali-Leh Route would you recommend us Srinagar Leh Route around Mid october. Thanks 🙂
Manish, you can still vouch for Srinagar – Leh Highway as it tend to close later in the season. But, do expect cold conditions for sure.
Hi,
I’m travelling to India this coming Sept/Oct. I’ll reach shimla on 27th Sept 2013 and plan to continue the journey to Manali, Leh, Ladakh and Srinagar. I have to return to Delhi on 7th Oct 2013. Is it possible to do this routes? Kindly me on this matter. Your kind assistance is much appreciated.
Let me know your mode of travel. So that I can assist you with proper plan
Mostly will prefer to use bus services. On 7th Oct, will take flight to New Delhi. Additional info, I’m travelling with a friend means two of us.
Liena, October will get very cold for Ladakh and most of the camps will be up by that time of the year. Secondly, Manali – Leh Highway is not recommended to be done in October. Please check the article: 5 Reasons to Avoid Manali – Leh Highway in October
Just answered it here
Hi Dheeraj,
We are 6 guys traveling from Mumbai by flight reaching Srinagar on 14 sep and returning back from Srinagar on 22 sep at 5 pm .
I liked your itenary but i want to make some changes as i dont have much time .
So please suggest that the changes made by me is a feasible option .
Day -6 Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Pangong Tso Lake(instead of going to leh again)
and can I cover one of the monastries Thickey on day -4 with local sight seeing ?
and i want to travel back to srinagar on 21 morning so that i can reach by 2 pm on 22nd to srinagar .
Day 1 | Reach Srinagar
– Fly to Srinagar if you are not self driving because it will almost cost the same and help you save one day plus fatigue of traveling unnecessary in plains or boring hills for 2 days
– 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 + Inner Line Permits
– To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
– For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
– 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 – Lamayuru – Kargil-Srinagar
– Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes
– On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu
– Overnight at Kargil
Please comment on my changes is possible to cover all these places in 14-22 sep .
—
Thanks and Regards,
Ashish Arya
Aashish, Day 9 seems very hectic. If you want you can take the Wari La route to Pangong Tso from Hunder, Nubra which is a bit isolated but doable and then come back to Leh next day while doing Hemis and thicksey. This will save you a day and you can go back to Srinagar in 2 days which will make it less hectic. And also on the return to Srinagar you can visit Batalik – Dha Hanu route to reach Kargil and explore the new route too. But, you need permits for this route and hence, please mention batalik – dha – hanu on the permit form along with Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso.
Hi Dheeraj,
We 5 people from Kerala are planning to visit leh via sreenagar and back to sreenagar from 30th aug to 8th sept. Wheher this is a sufficient time frame. Also we plan to have a motor biking from sreinagar. ia there any bike renting houses in srinagar and if you have some contacts please share. What might be the iternary.
hhey hi ,,,im also planning to go to leh…but is it neccessary to go there on enfield ,cant we go on RX 135 BIKE
PLEASE TELLLL ANY 1
Imran, you can take any bike as long as it is in good condition to last the challenging rough roads. Carry extra spares. You can also check the article in DwD Community: Long Bike Riding Advice
Hello Kiran,
There are no renting bikes available in Srinagar. There are about 10 days that you have which is a good time frame. You can follow the itinerary as below:
Day 1 | Reach Srinagar
— Fly to Srinagar if you are not self driving because it will almost cost the same and help you save one day plus fatigue of traveling unnecessary in plains or boring hills for 2 days
— 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 + Inner Line Permits
— To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
— For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
— 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 – Lamayuru – Kargil
— Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes
— On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu
— Overnight at Kargil
Day 10 | Kargil – Drass – Zozi La – Sonamarg – Srinagar
— Enjoy the vistas enroute
— Have late drunch meal at Sonamarg
— Overnight at Srinagar
I hope this helps.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Thanks a lot for the reply and t is very helpful. One thing now I want to confirm is that is it a good time to go to the route in the light of militancy.
Kiran, people are doing it without any such trouble at all. As of now such things are far away from these main routes, so no trouble reported.
i found a new place in kashmir which is known as GUREZ …IM GOING THERE TOMRRW ON MY RX 100 BIKE WITH MY OTHER FRIEND …ONCE I RETURN I WILL SHARE THE EXPERIENCES WITH U GUYS
If possible, try and share your Himalayan experience with us at DoW – Himalayan Travel Community as Photo Tale or Travel Tale Or your reviews of the property where you stayed or dhabhas/restaurants you ate food on your trip…
how can i add pictures here of my trip
You cannot add here but you can add in the community. Check the link: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/india/himalayan-travel-tales/how-write-travel-tale-t3.html
HEllo Dheeraj,
Do you have the contcat number of Stanzin Chhopsel who is the owner of Camp Watermark and Mountain trails? We need to contact him regarding the booking of camps , as u had mentioned in one of your flags…Thank you
Siten, contact the guys at info@offbeatescapes.com. They have direct tie up with Stanzin as out of Leh office. Guy name is Gaurav and he might have the contact info for Stanzin if required. But, they have a tieup with them from Delhi office.
Thanks a lot Bro…:)
Dear All,
Appreciate valuable Inputs and Advices.
Leh Ladakh Trip
Delhi-Srinagar-Leh-Srinagar-Delhi)
10th August 2013 Delhi (08:30 am) to Srinagar (10:30 am)
Srinagar to Leh Journey will start from Tourist Reception Center. We have to take local taxi from Airport to TRC.
Day1 Srinagar to Kargil
Day2 Kargil to Leh
Day3 Local Sightseeing Leh
Day4 Leh to Nubra-Hunder
Day5 Nubra to Leh
Day6 Leh to Pangong to Leh
Day7 Leh to Korzok
Day8 Korzok to Leh
Day9 Leh to Srinagar Non-Stop with Small-Small Breaks.
Srinagar (12:00 pm) to Delhi (02:00 pm) 18th August 2013
Important Concern: 15th August is Independence Day. Which place is best recommended on 15th Aug?
Please Recommend few Budget Hotels or Guest House (Rs 800-1000)
Waiting for the reply.
Thanks
Rachit
Rachit, itinerary seems OK to me apart from last run to Srinagar. Will be hectic, just keep in mind. Regarding independence day, if you will be at Leh, will be much better to enjoy the ceremony at Polo Ground. 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
Thanks a ton Dheeraj.
Ya, shortage of 1 day so we have to rush for Srinagar. Hope it is ok to drive back non-stop ….
Will this work ?
10th Aug – Srinagar to Kargil
11th Aug – Kargil to Leh
12th Aug – Leh to Nubra-Hunder
13th Aug – Nubra to Leh
14th Aug – Leh to Pangong to Leh
15th Aug – Leh to Korzok
16th Aug – Korzok to Leh
17th Aug – Local Sightseeing Leh (Will leave early evening to Kargil-Srinagar)
18th Aug – Leh to Srinagar Non-Stop
Thanks
Rachit
Rachit, go with the first itinerary with rest day in Leh before heading out to Nubra. It will be much more apt.
Hey Dheeraj, Last night I heard about cloudburst in Kargil causing Srinagar-Leh national highway closed due to landslide.. Do you know what is the latest status on this? IS it still closed or opened?
http://zeenews.india.com/news/jammu-and-kashmir/srinagar-leh-national-highway-closed-due-to-landslide_866230.html
Mangesh, please stay tuned at the community thread which I try to keep updated: Srinagar – Leh Highway Status 2013
thanks Dheeraj.. I was not aware of this community thread till now:)
No issues, Mangesh. Stay tuned in Community and you will have many more updates as soon as they are available 🙂
How is the road from Srinagar to leh??? we r planning to go via road driving own car(swift)….. any suggestions…
Srinagar – Leh Highway is open and at few places not in good condition but generally it is fine enough. For hatchback/sedan taking on Manali – Leh Highway and Ladakh, please refer the link: FAQ | Can I do Leh – Ladakh trip in Hatchback or Sedan? for more details.
Dear All,
Appreciate valuable Inputs and Advices.
Leh Ladakh Trip
(Delhi-Srinagar-Leh-Srinagar-Delhi)
10th August 2013 Delhi (08:30 am) to Srinagar (10:30 am)
Srinagar to Leh Journey will start from Tourist Reception Center. We have to take local taxi from Airport to TRC.
Day1 Srinagar to Kargil
Day2 Kargil to Leh
Day3 Local Sightseeing Leh
Day4 Leh to Nubra-Hunder
Day5 Nubra to Leh
Day6 Leh to Pangong to Leh
Day7 Leh to Korzok
Day8 Korzok to Leh
Day9 Leh to Srinagar Non-Stop with Small-Small Breaks.
(12:00 pm) to Delhi (02:00 pm) 18th August 2013
Important Concern: 15th August is Independence Day. Which place is best recommended on 15th Aug?
Please Recommend few Budget Hotels or Guest House (Rs 800-1000)
Waiting for the reply.
Thanks
Rachit
Guess, I already replied.
sir i m living in srinagar from last 2 years and now i m planning to go to LEH in sep with my wife and one and half year old daughter,sir is it advisible aur not.
Varun, 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 1.5+ year child, I think she will not be able to convey the uneasiness. I will suggest give some more time, may be an year or so and when she is ready to express her feeling vocally, prbably then make a trip.
Thanks dheeraj
Hi can we get hold of taxis easily from Leh to Srinigar
yes, there will be tons of taxis available at Srinagar Taxi stand.
Hello Dheerja, please can you tell me, if I can get standard gas cartridges for camping stoves in Srinagar or Leh?
> Thanx Norbert
Hi Nobert,
Sorry for the delayed reply but I feel in Srinagar it will be very hard to find BUT in Leh you might find them. Again not 100% sure, so keep it handy from wherever you are traveling.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
Can I get a few more contact details of travel agencies or drivers to reach Leh from Srinagar.
We are 5 ppl and would like to book a Xylo or Innova or Scorpio.
Went through an earlier post on this forum. Where they mentioned about the cost. Rakesh had mentioned it around 15K including stay in Kargil.
Can you throw some more light on it.
Regards
Nikhil
Nikhil, I will suggest you reach at Srinagar and then book a cab for yourself. 15K is what Taxi Union says, may be Rakesh got it for a bit more. I feel it should be manageable with 13K types if you talk directly to drivers and after reaching there chances of getting discounted pricing is very much higher.
Thanks Dheeraj,
The cost mentioned by you included stay in Kargil or is it only travel expenses??
If only travel then what could be the cost of staying in Kargil?
Regards
Nikhil
Nikhil, it is only taxi charges. Kargil has many opitons of stay, you will get some decent stay around 800-1000 types.
Anyone interested in joining me for a bike trip starting July 29 – August 7
Manali – leh – srinagar
Kindly connect with me at ankursweb@gmail.com or 00971555085424
The journey has been charted out and the total cost is approx 30,000 inr for bike rental ( royal Enfield ) , stay at camps and hotels, meals and petrol
I am alone in this trip and any other riders would be a great company on this memorable trip.
Thank you and looking forward
Ankur
Nikhil, may be get in touch with Firoz: 09469190694 or Kazim: 09419801538. Firoz is Kazim’s son and not sure if they remember me or not, but you can give my reference to firoz.
hi call 9419021868 …he will charge only 12000 for drop to leh from srinagar
Imran, what is the name of the driver and can you rate him on the skills too? We can have him listed in our forum as well as articles of list of drivers here too so that more people can get benefits out of it. Also, are these charges including the night stop at Kargil
name of the driver is rameez .u can can call him….on 9419021868
i paid him only 12000 rupees for leh drop and first we started at airport at 2pm and rushed towards kargil stayed there for 1 night .and in morning we started towards leh/..u can negotiated with him he can brind rates down to 11000 also
call him on 9419021868
he has xylo and scorpio .but car would stop only at kargil for night and morning u would go towards leh ….he may charge u only 11000 rupees …..car type would be xylo or scorpio
12000 includes everything …driver name is rameez so he would charge u only 12000 .it depends upto u he can bring down rates to 11500 also …but 12000 is a gud rate …and it includes night halt also u need to pay nothing only 12000 .and u will be in leh next day evening .and driver is a very very nice person…he is a smiling person////he will guide u everywhere .
Thanks for the info!!
Driver Hussein from Srinagar to leh via Kargil 09469736891 and driver Mutup uncle in leh 09419269925 are the best u can trust
Thanks alot Sadhana, I have updated the main thread in the DwD Community as well with these contact numbers linked here: List of Taxi Drivers for Ladakh – Srinagar – Leh – Manali
Hi Dheeraj
My friends and I got back from Ladakh a couple of weeks back. On behalf of everyone, I would like to thank you for this informative note and for responding to all our queries. We had a great stay in Ladakh and are going to cherish the memories for a long time.
For the benefit of future Ladakh travelers, I am posting our itinerary and experience below.
Trip duration: 11 days (June 28 2013 – July 8 2013)
Days 1 – 2: Bangalore -> Srinagar (overnight) -> Sonmarg -> ZoziLa -> Drass -> Kargil (overnight)
Srinagar place of stay: JH Bazaz
Rating: Excellent (Stay and food)
JH Bazaz is a homestay on the Boulevard Road in Srinagar and definitely a recommended place. The hosts (Mr. Bazaz and his son) are among the most hospitable hosts one could find. Everything – from the stay to sightseeing to food was perfect here. Do not forget to drink Kahwa here. We spent the night here and headed for Kargil early next morning. Mr.Bazaz had arranged a taxi for us at the best available rate (INR 15,000 from Srinagar to Leh including night stopover at Kargil). The slight drizzle along with lush greenery through the drive was breathtaking! We saw the colorful Amarnath camps on the way to Kargil. The drive to Zozi La was steep and our driver followed all safety instructions.
Driver details: Gulzar Hussain (Native of Kargil)
Contact number: 09419887805
Car: Xylo
Driving skills: Excellent (Being a witness of Kargil War, he shared many interesting facts with us)
Time: 8 hours
We had no pre-booking in Kargil and Gulzar helped us find a good hotel in the main market area. One cannot miss the Kargil War Memorial on the way.
Days 3-4: Kargil -> Lamayuru -> Namika La -> Fotu La -> Leh
The landscapes after Drass change from green to arid, and weather gets warmer.
Driving time: 7 hours (we stopped multiple times in between for photography)
Stay in Leh: Oriental Guest House (recommended by a friend who stayed here)
Rating: Excellent (Stay); Food (prepared from garden-fresh veggies)
Recommended restaurant in Leh: Wonderland on Changspa Road. We ate all our meals here. We tried all cuisines (Italian, Tibetan, Indian, Continental) and none (yes none) was short of perfect.
We spent the rest of the day and next day (day 4) acclimatizing to the high altitude.
Day 5 – 6: Leh -> Khardungla -> Nubra Valley
Gulzar (our Srinagar-Leh driver) had introduced us to his uncle, Zakir Hussain (Ph: 09419341998, 09906991397), who operates cab services from Leh. We booked a Xylo (we particularly wanted a Xylo after our initial experience).
Driver name: Ali (Native of Leh)
Contact number: 09469726152
Driving skills: Excellent
Stay in Nubra: Himalayan Guest House in Hunder
Rating: Highly recommended. The guest house is a homestay and run by a very friendly family. The rooms are spacious and very clean. The chef is superb. Vegetables used for the meals were plucked from the garden.
Plus point: The family arranged a bon fire for us in the night. Next to the guest house is a stream of fresh water. One can enjoy the view and meet Ladakhi children here.
We left back for Leh next morning after breakfast.
Days 7-8: Leh -> Chang La -> Pangong
We booked the same cab and driver for this trip. The drive to Pangong lake was the best part.
Chang La leg was the toughest part of Leh trip. The climb was steep and roads were narrow.
Stay: Pangong Luxury Camping Resort
Plus points: Situated right next to Pangong lake, Large tents with attached washrooms. Decent food.
Negative: The water in washrooms was dirty (muddy and gravel).
Night photography is a must here. Also, watching the first ray of light fall on the snow-capped mountains right behind the camp is a blissful experience. We woke up at about 4:30 AM to watch the sunrise.
Days 9-10: Leh local sight-seeing
Covered Thiksey Monastery, Druk Padma school (this is the 3-Idiots school), Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa (this one is right next to Oriental Guest House)
Day 11: Took the early morning flight from Leh -> Delhi & Delhi -> Bangalore.
Our Ladakh trip is easily the most memorable one for us. We do plan to visit Ladakh again for its landscapes and untouched beauty, but most importantly the hospitable people!
Rakesh, thank you so very much for all this detailed info. This will be helpful for many readers in time to come. If possible for you try and share this Himalayan experience in DoW – Himalayan Travel Community where it will remain persistent in organized manner. Like reviews, experience as travel tale, restaurant reviews etc. in different forums. You can just copy paste the information you posted here for the sake of simplicity and of course we will love to see some pictures there too….
Comments in here are more or less useful only for handful people who read them but community being more organized will be apt plac to have all this info.
Hey Rakesh, that is very good info about this tour… can you tell me roughly your expenses for taxi, staying at hotels etc as we are also planning to visit Leh in next month or give me your number so that I can get info directly from you over the phone..
Hi Mangesh, are you asking the taxi details for the trip from Srinagar to Leh or within Leh? The taxi from Srinagar to Leh cost us 15k. You can speak to the driver (Gulzar: 09419887805)and negotiate a better rate.
Actually I was asking both to and fro fare from Srinagar and Leh. And about hotel rents as well, I will speak with the taxi driver by calling him. Thanks man for your info..
Hi Mangesh, following are the expense details.
Srinagar to Leh taxi: 15k
Stay in Srinagar: 1.5k per double room in JH Bazaz
Stay in Kargil: 3k for a 4-person room
Taxi in Leh (return journey to Nubra and Pangong): 16k+. There is an official rate card in Leh with every travel agent has and adheres to.
Stay in Leh: Room rents in Oriental guest house vary from 800 – 1800.
We took a flight back from Leh to Delhi.
For the leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2013-14 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link [url=https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/leh-ladakh-taxi-rates-2013-14/]Leh Ladakh Taxi Rates 2013 – 14[/url]. 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.
Hi Rakesh,
Thanks a ton for sharing all the details. As mentioned was it really 15K for reaching Leh from Srinagar including stay in Kargil. We are 5 ppl. So can you tell us how much will it cost.
Also can you let us know the cost of staying in Srinagar?
We would be staying in Srinagar for only one night. So we are looking out for some budget hotels or youth hostels..
Hi Nikhil, the road trip from Srinagar to Leh cost us 15K. We were four people and we had hired a Xylo. You can probably negotiate a better deal by speaking to the driver directly (Gulzar: 09419887805). The cost is exclusive of stay in Kargil (add another 3k for Kargil stay in a room that accommodates four). We did not haggle much considering this is their only earning season. They do not earn during the winter months when travel to Leh is restricted.
We stayed at JH Bazaz for one night in Srinagar. The cost was 3k for a double bed room. You will love the place and the people. We had a very comfortable stay here.
Let me know if you need any further info.
Hi Nikhil
I stand corrected, the cost of staying per night in Srinagar was 1500 for a double bed room which might change with season and timing of booking.
Hi Dheeraj,
You had helped us with this itinerary.
Day 1, 14th August | Leh Local Sightseeing + Inner Line Permits
– To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
– For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link ( https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/inner-line-permits-for-leh-ladakh/ )
– Overnight at Leh
Day 2 15th August | 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 3 16th August | 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 4 17th August | 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 5 18th August | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
– Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on return to Leh
– Overnight at Leh
Day 6 19th August | Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang
– Cover Karzok Monastery
– Overnight at Karzok or Tso Moriri
Day 7 20th August | 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
We are also planning for River Rafting. Don’t want to miss Khardungla on the way to Nubra and also stay at Pangong Tso.
Rafting take one day. Kinldy let us know which we can skip to include Rafting and also suggest if we can cover any other place which .can be covered in one day
Don’t skip anything rather do it on Day 3 by starting early from Nubra Valley and being in Leh in the first half. In the second half you can do the rafting. Same is true on Day 5 as well.
Hi
Rakesh
I am also from bangalore ,me and my Friends (5 Members) Planning to Visit ladakh during last week of Sept, Travelling from Bangalore to Srinagar by air, then by Road from Srinagar to leh , v will reaching Srinagar by 2 pm, plan for 7days can be Extended to 9 to 10 days , can u Suggest How v plan the trip, what would be the budget including(taxi fare, accomodation,food, everything excluding air fare) thanks in advance
Hi Dheeraj,
Amazingly informative and comprehensive article and kudos to the efforts you put in to answer comments. I am planning to go from Srinagar-Leh-Manali with only a friend. We plan not to rush and spend enough time for sightseeing,but the travel options and costs are at odds here. For Srinagar to Leh, do the state-owned buses stop at some points in between(other than Kargil)? The same question for Leh-Manali route too. If they don’t stop, the only alternative is to hire taxis for ourselves which shoots up the costs. Is there some chance that we can find another couple of people to share the taxis in these routes? Thank you for replying.
Hello Riyaz,
Public buses do not stop much at such points other than lunch/tea breaks or occasional loo breaks. You are a couple of friends and private taxis are very costly in Leh but you will be able to find the shared taxi without much fuss at all. There are lots of flyers which people put at cafes, dine-ins, restaurants, travel agent desks/shops/whiteboards wanting to share the taxis for different trips within Ladakh. Even travel agent organize such shared taxis trip as well but charge a little higher about Rs 200-300 more than it would ideally cost. So, in 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 meet new people and share cultural thoughts and values over the trip. No where else in the world you will find more smiling and helpful people as Ladakhis are 🙂
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. May be you meet someone online going over the same dates.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hey Deeraj, Its me again… Do you know the latest fare and timing for JK SRTC buses to and fro from Srinagar-Leh with halt timings in Kargil? And how crowded will they be in next month?
Mangesh, you can get in touch with Ladakh Bus Operators at LBOC Ltd, 01982 252792 to get the latest rates and timings. It shall be around 6 AM.
Hi Dheeraj,
I Can you please suggest me small iternary for LEH visit.
I am going for stock kangri trek, which i’ll complete by 12th August. I am planning to explore LEH or Kargil nearby places but confuse about itinerary. If possible please suggest me planning for (2days)12th august to 14th august(My flight is on 16th at Srinagar)as I am considering 2days I’ll spend on coming back to srinagar from LEH
Hey dheeraj,
How do you plan to go to srinagar from leh? We are also travelling in august and want to know how much it would cost if we wanted to rent a taxi
Harish, for the leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2013-14 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.
Hey Dheeraj!
Thanks a lot for your reply. Congrats on keeping up with the website because its extremely helpful.
A couple of friends and I are plannig a trip from Aug 4 – Aug 14 in the following places.
Delhi -> Manali –> Leh –> Srinagar .
I have a few questions to ask you:
1)Would you advise going to manali at this time of the year, especially after the recent floods and monsoons in himachal pradesh?
2) We would like to travel by a taxi from manali to leh. How long would this journey be?
3) We are not travelling by a vehicle. So, what is the best way to sightsee in Leh? are taxis in leh expensive?
4) Our destination after the trip is Mumbai. So, we were contemplating to take a flight from either Srinagar or leh. Which would you advise? I was telling my friends about flying from srinagar since its a lot cheaper.
But, I realised that getting to srinagar from leh is gonna be a hassle. How long of a journey is it from leh to Srinagar if we hire a taxi? can we get hold of taxis easily at leh?
5) final question: One of my friends is from the USA, so will he need some special documents to travel?
I really appreciate the time you dedicate towards your passion.
A Big Thank You,
Harish
Harish, thanks alot. Your query is posted in DoW – Himalayan Travel Community & Forums as well and has been replied here
a very useful & well structured article for the tourists…..excellent
Thanks alot, glad you loved the article and proved useful enough. If you are coming from Manali – Leh, check the similar article for it as well.
Hello Dheeraj,
How are you? Sorry about the delay. I created the account, not able to post photographs, says file size big. Can you mail me your contact no. Pl guide how to upload the snaps for each post. I believe the limit is about 10 snaps per post.
Thanks and Regards,
Chitra
Hi Chitra,
I am really good and thanks a ton for taking out time and writing the log and pictures for us. Yes, the max. file size allowed is 256 KB otherwise, it will be very difficult for the pages to load in our country where bandwidth at homes is still not that capable to make the surfing experience a breeze. Yes, per post attachments are limited to 10 only, I have just increased it to 15.
Otherwise, you can link as many images as possible by using IMG tag [img]URL_OF_IMAGE[/img] in one post … But, for this option to work, you need to host your images at some location like Flicker, Facebook, 500px, Picasa, Dropbox etc. Just provide the URL of the uploaded images in the IMG tag in between there and it will work like charm 🙂
I have mailed you the contact number. Feel free to ask any queries for the same.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hey Dheeraj, We are planning Leh tour in between 9th and 18th August to and fro from Srinagar. I was reading your article and found this incident – “One should always avoid Srinagar – Leh Highway during days alongside Independence Day in India i.e. 15th August which is when the bandhs and strikes gets more active.” As per our plan we will be in Leh that day. So how bad this could get cause you never know what would happen and will it just affect highway traffics only or city stays as well?
Mangesh, it is majorly related to situation around Srinagar. If you are in Leh, then you shall not worry about it much. The situation around Srinagar is always unpredictable and volatile and by above statement I only mean to stay it becomes more volatile at that time.
Thanks Dheeraj… Actually I also wanted to inquiry about renting bikes. Do we get bikes on rent in Srinagar for 8-10 days? If yes, what are the rates for renting per day and requirements? Any contact information will be very helpful..
You will not get bikes on rent in Srinagar. But, 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.
Thanks again Dheeraj.. one more question though out of excitement – how will be the weather during our tour there? Will we be lucky to see snowy mountain on our route? and how are the road conditions from Srinagar to Leh?
Mangesh, sorry for the delay, wa bogged into some official work. Weather will be pleasant may be sometimes with dark skies. Snow will be gone by that time of the year and road conditions will be bad upto Kargil at least. After that generally it is rain shadow, so will be bearable.
Hi Dheeraj, great job on the website and remarkable effort responding to the numerous queries on it. Would you recommend the Srinagar- leh highway over flying into leh? Can the sights on the route I.e. lamayuru, alchi be done in a day trip to leh? I hope you don’t mind me hijacking the query by mangesh: hi mangesh, I too am looking to leave Srinagar on 8 or 9 Aug and am keen to share the costs of transport that way. If you are keen, please drop me an email at baldevbhinder@hotmail.com. Many thanks. Keep up the good work. Baldev
Hi Baldev,
Any day, Srinagar Leh Highway will be better than flying to Leh as it will be easy on your body with respect to AMS. In a day trip to Leh it will be difficult. You need to do usual, Srinagar to Kargil and then Kargil to Leh. Then you can cover Lamayuru & Mulbek on the way. to include alchi and Likir start very early from Kargil.
Hi Dheeraj: Thanks for the quick reply. Apart from the AMS issue, i was wondering whether to do to Srinagar highway or fly into Leh and take a day trip from Leh to explore Lamayuru. Just weighing up whether the travel time on the Srinagar highway would be better spent in Leh and its surroundings. In any event would you recommend taking the JSKRTC bus – won’t it mean I miss stopping at all the sights along the way (e.g. Lamayuru or Alchi). What transport options from Srinagar would you recommend for solo travellers? Thanks again 🙂
Baldev, if you fly directly to Leh then it will not be of that use when compared to Srinagar Leh highway because you need to spend at least 2 days resting in Leh with one day almost at hotel only. You might miss on the sights but you will feel better on reaching Leh and there will be less chances of getting hit with AMS. For solo travelers, in case you get one online to share the taxi costs, it is fine else go with JKSRTC.
Hello dheeraj,
we are planing to leh in oct 10th.We are in srinagar airport by 1pm. if we start 2pm from airport, what time we reach drass? can you suggest accommodation in drass?
Ayan, if you are reaching at 1 PM then it is better you stay at Srinagar or at max Sonamarg and then make a journey to Kargil from there next morning.
Hi Dheeraj,
I saw your reply which you gave to mr. Ayan, but still want to clarify that is there any transport availble after 2 Pm from Srinagar to Kargil?
as I will be reaching Srinagar Airport on 2nd Aug by 1-2 Pm…and need to go to LEH..
I was thinking to go to Kargil same day then night stay at Kargil and next day kargil to LEH…
is it possible? or I have to take A CANNON BALL RUN as I need to reach LEH by 4Th Aug?
hi dheeraj. we are planning to ride to leh via srinagar on 9th jully from bangalore.is it safe after the terrorist attacks in srinagar on monday this week? and how is the weather there? will monsoon hit and make our trip miserable during jully. need advice
Nikhil, it just happened and it is over. It is a volatile region and no one can predict what can happen at what time. I will you should be fine with the trip. Keep an eye on weather updates and if at all, you will face rains only upto Kargil and beyond which you come under the rain shadow region. Once in Ladakh, it does not rain there or very occasionally now a day.
Dear Dheeraj,
I just heard about storms and big mudslides in Himachal Pradesh. There should have been also deads becaus of the storm. Do you know, if on Srinagar – Leh – Manali – Highway are troubles as well! Thank you Norbert
Norbert, there has not been any storms. There was a flash flood that happened in Kinnaur District of Himachal which is quite far from Manali – Leh Highway. As of now, Manai – Leh Highway is fine and completely motorable.
Do you think i should do Srinagar to Leh for a more peaceful ride?
Dear Dheeraj,
Do you have any feedback about the Hotel Pangong at Leh. Please provide some information on this. I am looking for mid range decent accommodation.
Thanks in advance
aks
No idea, Ajay. 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
Hi Dheeraj,
I am planning for trek in LEH(10days). I want to know cheapest and comfortable way to travel from Srinagar to LEH. I would be coming by flight from Mumbai to Srinagar. It would be very helpful if you provide me apx cost for the same.
Hemesh, JKSRTC buses will be the cheapest means of travel. It costs about Rs 650 I think.
Hi Dheeraj, Thank you very much for the response, can you provide me timings for the same if possible.
Hemesh, I think the bus leaves about 5 AM for Kargil, though I am not 100% sure about it. Then again similar time from Kargil to Leh.
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks again. It was really helpful to build confidence for trip. I have finalised my outward journey.
One more thing pop-up in my mind that, I’ll finish my trek on 13 or 14 th August and I’ll be in LEH.FYI(I am going to attempt Stock Kangri)
I just wanted to know in Kargil or LEH is there any location nearby where I can attend Flag Hoisting event on 15th August..
Hemesh, I am sure Flag Hoisting shall happen in Leh as well as Kargil. In Leh, Polo Ground is the place I think where it will happen.
hi dheeraj
i am planning a roadtrip to leh-ladakh via srinagar and then return via manali in may 2014 in my ford figo.I need your suggestions over road conditions considering ground clearance of figo…
Hi Aashish,
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travelers including me at the link here for 14-15 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
For hatchback/sedan taking on Manali – Leh Highway and Ladakh, I will say:
You will indeed face few tough challenges on the route. The hatchback/sedan will increase the level of every challenge even further, sedan is the worst candidate. My suggestion will be to go via Srinagar route as it will help you feel comfortable with the driving, provide more acclimatization and then once you have done the local Leh-Ladakh, then come back via Manali side. Secondly, since you are in hatch/sedan, then you need to drive with extra care as well. There will be some sections on the Manali – Leh highway in which you might need to sacrifice some scratches on the underbelly. Just make sure you do not bump the engine sump (know it before where it is placed in your car). You need to protect it all around the trip. Thirdly, whenever in doubt do not rush into the section rather park aside and feel the section with your foot, see how other vehicles are crossing it and make a planned route in your mind to cross that section. At the very least do carry Mseal, quick fix, funnel, jerry cans and towing rope with you all the time.
Also, I will strongly suggest that you go through and read my series on Ladakh Self Drive tips at the links below:
7 Useful Tips for a Self Drive to Leh – Ladakh, Routes and Road Conditions In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips, Fuel Availability In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Dear Dheeraj,
First of all – awesome work on this page! I really appreciate the effort you have put into it and the continuous effort that you put into responding to queries.
I am planning a Srinagar-Leh Roadtrip from 1-10th October. I really like the itinerary you have suggested above and I think we will follow that.
Do you believe that this will be too late a time this year given that the monsoons are early and we might have an early winter?
Thanks!
Mona
hi Mona,
Thanks alot. No one can predict weather but based on the past data and years of traveling, I did write an article: Best Time to Travel Ladakh & Zanskar Valley
It enlists pros-cons of whole year dissected into months and 5 reasons or risks for traveling in October too.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
At first thanx fr ur valuable suggestions. I need to know one more thing..as i told earlier we planning to visit leh-ladakh on bike on sep start..we will plan to rent a car with 4 bikes for our 10-12people group..we planned fr one way route i.e srinagar route which will end at manali dt also suggested..but we get stuck at the bike rental option..is it true that there is no such rented bike available from srinagar?can u hlp us in this point? isnt it bttr to rent from srinagar and back them at manali? please suggest..
Suvankar, no bikes are rented in Srinagar. Better in that case get some bikes rented from Delhi 🙂
thnx dheeraj sir…
me n my family we are planning to move by 20 june, 2013 pls give me the detail of all regions on the way on my email.
we don’t want to miss any of the sight we can see.
Anish, You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travelers including me at the link here for 14-15 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
This will give you an idea of sightseeing places.
Hi Dheeraj,
We are planning Leh Trip from 9th Aug to 18th Aug from Delhi.
Please suggest the route via srinagar and via manali, Which one would be more better in Aug from road condition perspective and also from enjoying the route. We need to be back in delhi on 18th EOD. so that we can resume our work on 19th.
Thanks
Archi.
Hi Archana,
It is monsoon time 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 …
Regards
Dheeraj
Thanks Deeraj for the Reply…
But i hope Monsoon wont spoil our Trip 🙁
Also can u suggest the main places to visit as now we would be reaching srinagar on 10th Mrng. Booked the Flight ticket from mumbai to Srinagar.
Thanks,
Archi
Hi Archana,
You can follow the plan like below:
Day 1 | Delhi – Srinagar by Flight
— 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 + Inner Line Permits
— To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
— For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
— 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 – Leh
— Make a day trip to Pangong Tso and overnight at Leh
Day 8 | Leh – Taglang La – Moore Plains – Pang – Sarchu
— Stay overnight at Sarchu
Day 9 | Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
— On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only
— Overnight at Manali
Day 10 | Manali – Delhi
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Dear Dheeraj,
The info you have provided is awesome. Need some suggestions.
We are planning for a trip reaching srinagar on 9th Aug afternoon and going back on 19th aug. Need a suotable plan to cover kashmir as well as ladakh-leh.
We are 8ppl and 4 of them are senior citizens.
Regards,
Ashok
Ashok, are you going back from Srinagar OR flying out of Leh? You have 10 days and I think you should stick to either Ladakh or Kashmir.
Thanks Dheeraj – I am flying out of srinagar – looks like i cannot do both.
Will leh be very taxing for senior citizens around 70 yrs old folks ?
Ashok, it depends how much they are used to travel in single day. I feel Leh shall be fine but the amount of travel they will be doing might make i hectic for them since you are doing both by roads.
Hey Acrchana,
We have done our ladakh trip from 8th Aug to 19th Aug. We also carried out a review regarding preferable route from various sources and that answer that we got in srinagar-leh highway. But ya, we will end our journey while travelling manali-leh to take advantage of watching the picturesque of that region.
We have booked tickets for flight and train. Now we are looking for some agents to organize our customized trip.
What you all are going to do? I mean are you going to organize your trip by urself or will go for packaged tour????
hi ronik,
me and my husband are also planned in a way of booked a flight for srinagar and return from chandigarh.for the same dates 8th to 21st. it would be great if your group or archana’s group we can get together to form a group. we are planing on our own no packaged tour. mail me if you feel its nice idea.
Urvanki, 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. May be you meet someone online going over the same dates.
Dear Dheeraj,
Seems like u have put hell lot of work behind this awsome site..!!
we a group of Bikers want to get LEH’D by next year’s season.. We dont know which month is most preferred for Bikers..
June, July August..
we would like to see some snow,but not in bitter cold that takes the fun out of biking.. Also during when it rains less..
We want to prepare for synchornizing the leaves (as NRI’s also involved in the trip).
Please help..
Vijai, please check: Best Time to Travel Ladakh & Zanskar Valley
Hey Dheeraj,
you are doing a gr8 job hats of to u..
i am planning my leh trip from 25aug(delhi-srinagar) to 4sep(leh-delhi)is this the apt time to visit leh or is there any problem of moonsoon…
Within Ladakh there shall not be much issue because it is a rain shadow region. However, while going to Ladakh you might face some hassles on Srinagar – Leh Highway and Manali – Leh highway. Having said all that now a days even ladakh does get some rains but not that much.
so what is the solution…i mean what shall we do to avoid anysuch problem…any precautions you can suggets
Priya, either you mihgt need to change the dates of Travel OR you shall keep some buffer days while traveling in case there are any roadblocks in between temporarily.
Dear Dheeraj,
We plan to reach Leh by flight from Delhi. After covering Leh area, we plan road travel from Leh to Srinagar. Then visiting Srinagar is on agenda. Please advice how many days we shall require. Another query is whether we need to book hotels in Leh in advance or we can manage to get good accomodation on reaching. Our travel is planned starting June 21, 2013.
Hi Narinder,
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.
From Leh instead of flying back, you can go to Kargil on first day and then next day go to Srinagar from Kargil.
It depends on your choice. If you do not plan to stay at any specific hotel and if you are OK with searching the place a bit after seeing the room conditions once reaching the place, then I guess you could save some good amount of money too on the hotel bookings. Secondly, it provides you with more and more flexibility in terms of dates you reach on a particular place and allow you any last minutes changes. In places like Ladakh where road conditions are uncertain enough to force a change in plan, the flexibility always top the list.
Finding a place is not that difficult in Leh and your taxi will be able to help you through. Keep this list handy with you: A preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh including moderate and cheap budget hotels as well in the series of articles starting on the link here
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
We group of 5 are planning a visit to Leh from Mumbai.The trip has been planned from 8th August(fly from Mumbai) to 18th August(Reach back to Mumbai on 18th).We plan to fly to Srinagar and take the Srinagar Leh route both ways.Can you suggest and itinerary.
Many thanks!!
Abhinav, you have about 10 days and can follow the below itinerary:
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 + Inner Line Permits
— To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
— For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
— 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 – Lamayuru – Kargil
— Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes
— On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu
— Overnight at Kargil
Day 10 | Kargil – Drass – Zozi La – Sonamarg – Srinagar
— Enjoy the vistas enroute
— Have late drunch meal at Sonamarg
— Overnight at Srinagar
Day 11 | Fly back
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Many Many thanks for a detailed itenerary!
Appreciate it!!
Hello Dheeraj,
I would like to know,if we would need to book hotels in advance at Kargil?
If yes,which are the possible options?
If no,is it easy to get on spot acco options?
Thanks a lot!
Abhinav, there are good number of options at Kargil. You can find a decent one easily on the spot for yourself.
Hi Dheeraj,
We are planing for a trip to laddakh . i have few questions.
1. Can we get private/public bus from Sonamarg to Leh ? Can you provide contact number of agents?
2. What are the room cost at leh?
3. can you give some update for stay at nubra vally and pangong tso lake?
Thanks and regards
Suraj
Hi Suraj,
1. You will be able to get some taxi form Sonamarg or may be bus too coming from Srinagar if you get to know the time it arrives there. Locals will assist you.
2 + 3. It ranges between 250 to 7000 too 🙂 .. 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
Regards
Dheeraj
Thanks Dherrj,
Your reply is very helpful. regarding travel form sonmarg to leh, i talked to few agents and they asked somewhere between 16-18K for taxi. actually we are only four peoples and the cost is too high for us. Can suggest some link for bus timing and can we book it in advance?
Suraj, For the leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2013-14 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.
Hi Dheeraj,
FOr the hotels at Nubra/Pangong Tso, do we need to book in advance? Also many peoples told that we have to hire a mechanic with us as we are planning to cover Nubra/Pangong Tso on bike? can we get mechanic at leh?
Suraj, I feel if you are not confident enough then better hire a mechanic. But as I say, mechanic is just an advantage though not a necessity. It depends on your choice. If you do not plan to stay at any specific hotel and if you are OK with searching the place a bit after seeing the room conditions once reaching the place, then I guess you could save some good amount of money too on the hotel bookings. Secondly, it provides you with more and more flexibility in terms of dates you reach on a particular place and allow you any last minutes changes. In places like Ladakh where road conditions are uncertain enough to force a change in plan, the flexibility always top the list.
Finding a place is not that difficult in Leh and your taxi will be able to help you through. Keep this list handy with you: A preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh including moderate and cheap budget hotels as well in the series of articles starting on the link here
Thanks Dheeraj,
We are ok with searching the place and as you mentioned it will give us flexibility in dates also. Also for mechanic we will reach there and then decide. Once again thanks a lot for the suggestions and this site which you maintain with all the information needed.
Suraj, best wishes for the trip. If possible, once back from the trip, try and share your Himalayan Travel Tale or experience with us at DoW – Himalayan Travel Community
Hi Dheeraj,
How are you?
We are back from Ladakh. For once I don’t regret my very limited skills at writing a great travelogue. Ladakh left me both spellbound and speechless!! Its beauty can only be experienced, neither can it be described nor can it be captured in a photograph.
We owe a lot to ‘DOW’ and to you of course for the loads of information and tips on planning a perfect trip. Thank You So Much!!
We landed in Srinagar and stayed overnight at Boulevard Road. Dal Lake was an okay experience. We could not cover any of the Mughal gardens. We stayed at Hotel New Park. Except for the location, nothing much to write about New Park.
Next day – Sonamarg. Walked up to Tajiwas Glacier – stayed overnight at Hotel Sonamarg Glacier – Great Stay and Veg Food – real value for money, would highly recommend this place. Rs. 2500 for a night.
The drive from Sonamarg, zozila to Drass, Kargil, mulbek, Namik La Fotu La to Lamayuru……………..this stretch is unbelievable !!! Personally, I think the experience of Ladakh is incomplete without covering this stretch by road. While initially, after perusing ‘DOW,’ we made this part of our itinerary purely from an acclimatization perspective, after the trip I realized this is so very integral to experiencing Ladakh.
None of us had any AMS issues throughout our trip. In fact we had originally planned three break days in Leh after every leg of our trip –first on reaching Leh from Srinagar, after Nubra trip and after Pangong. But we were doing fine, and did not take a single break day in Leh and thus managed to cover 2-3 additional places.
At Leh we stayed at Ashoka Guest House. Rs. 800 a night. Again a great stay and location – no food though, you don’t miss either. We really loved the food at Hotel Lamayuru and Gesmo Bakery.
We covered Hunder, Diskit, Turtuk and Sumur in a 3 day trip. The Diskit Valleys and the route to Turtuk felt like a dream. A mild sandstorm was blowing all over the deep Diskit valleys adding to its intrigue. We stayed at Habib Guest House at Hundar. Very Clean room with attached bath. Excellent Food and great hosts. Cost us about Rs. 600 per night w/o food. Contact –Mr. Rahman nos. 09469736543 / 01980 221039.
We covered Pangong in a 2 day trip. I must mention we had an excellent company in both Rigzin and Chamba. Rigzin due to some personal emergency could not do the complete trip with us. After Nubra valley we took on board Chamba. Chamba was an excellent – skilled driver – great balance of speed and caution and ever obliging. He sportingly drove us all the way from Lukung along the coast of Pangong Lake right upto Man and Merak. In sections there were no roads. He had to just figure out a route through the rocky terrain. What a blissful experience!! Not sure but this may have been a 20-30 km stretch – from pangong to Merak – what a picturesque drive along the lake. We came back to Spangmik and stayed at Pangong Camp Resort. Negotiated a decent price- Rs 2500 including food without any prior booking. Excellent and warm stay and they were high on hospitality too. Real value for money. Chamba’s contact no. is 9906999808 (note this is his new no. you may want to update the info on your website)
After Pangong we immediately pushed off for Tsomoriri. Again a 2 day trip. We went via Mahe and returned via Tanglangla Pass. Just before Tso moriri we came across a small partly frozen lake called Tso chung. It was about ½ a km away from the road. We walked upto it and witnessed heaps of snow on the periphery and almost half the lake covered with fragmented ice. It was an amazing sight!! It was a full moon night at Tsomoriri and watching the moon rising behind the hills over the lake was a heavenly sight. We stayed overnight at Tso Moriri Camp and Resorts. Decent Stay (dint opt for the tents). The room was cold initially but subsequently gets a little more bearable in the night. About 2800 / for a nights stay including food.
On our return the next day we covered Tso Kar and connected to Leh via the Tanglangla Pass. This whole leg was an unplanned Bonus. Its inappropriate to compare, but can’t help mentioning that I found Tanglangla Pass the most beautiful over Khardungla or Changla Pass. Enroute we loved Rumtse – a sweet quaint village before upshi. Both Pangong and Tso moriri are completely different experience. We are fortunate to have covered both. Pangong is more like a destination drive, while Tso moriri both a dream route and destination.
Last day we drove from Leh towards Dah, Hanu intending to cover upto batalik and hoping to see the Aryan Tribes. Drove past Skurbuchan but 20 kms or so before Dah we were forced to return due to slush caused by rains the previous night.
Hope to return to Ladakh sometime in the near future and already looking forward to Zanskar, Hanle and the Leh Manali route.
Thanks again Dheeraj.
Chitra, this is awesome update. If possible will request you to update it in recently launched forums at Himalayan Travel Tale section at DoW – Himalayan Travel Community
This would be a perfect start to it!! Nothing better than having first account of the season, first in the community.
Chitra, it is so good to read about your account. Wanted you to share but after reading the useful information and experience posted above, I could not resist myself to share it in the Community on your behalf. If possible do give us a treat of eyes by posting some pictures along the account. Here is the link where this lovel trip report has been posted in DoW – Himalayan Travel Community: Ladakh Trip Report | Nubra – Pangong Tso – Tso Moriri
Thank you so much for posting it Dheeraj. I was travelling over the weekend and saw your reply to my travelouge only yesterday night. Intended to post the travel report sometime tomorrow but equally glad to see it already posted by you. Thank you so much.
I also spent some time yesterday checking out your Ladakh Photographs and wondering how I could share mine.
How do I now add snaps to my travel account. Can you guide me. Can I add a few detail to the narrative too.
I missed couple of useful information – like for instance we dint take Diamox. Instead we met a homeopathic doctor and he gave us some homeopathic pills for AMS. We dint have any AMS issues as i previously mentioned. Many travellers we met in Ladakh were suffering from AMS and not completely happy with Diamox. I think homeopathy may be a good alternate. We dint even bother taking ORS / electral though we were carrying it with us. I can add this info and a couple more to the post – if you can guide me how to do it?
Regards,
Chitra
Chitra, thank you so very much!! It would be really great if you can share your whole experience with your ID. Posting it with my id still does not have thta charm. I just did not want to loose on the valuable info. you provided here.
I have compiled the steps at the link: How to Write or Post a Travel Tales or Topic It also describes how to add pictures.
You just need to create an account first, you will get the activation mail. Activate the account and follow the steps given in the above article on How to write the travel tale. You will be able to do it easily along with adding the pictures. You can start the whole new thread and post the above information in that too. Once you do that I will remove or merge the one I created. At any time you can post one part and then Click on Post Reply button below that thread to post the second part. You can add 10 pictures in one post at max. So, you need to add more replies to post more pictures.
Do let me know in case you are facing issues anywhere.
Thank you again for taking the step forward to write for the community.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi,
I would be doing a trek in Ladakh from 29 June-6 July. My question is I intend to fly out from Srinagar not Leh due to budget issues. In your opinion is it possible to reach Srinagar airport on 8th July if I start out from Leh on 7 morning without doing the two night stopover at Kargil thing? I need this info urgently to book my flights currently.
Secondly timings wise, what time do buses normally leave leh for Srinagar daily?
Would it be a better option to take a shared taxi instead of a public bus if I’m really rushing? And would the shared taxi stop at Kargil like the buses do.
I hope you could clarify my queries. And thanks for the mind blowing info man.
Cheers,
Mubarak
Mubarak, there will be taxis running on 7th night that is very early morning who will drop you on 7th night or late evening at Srinagar. Guess, buses start at 5 AM. Yes, get the shared taxi rather bus. Shared taxis are available of both types. One that stops at Kargil overnight and one who does cannon ball run of 16-17 Hrs to Srinagar from Leh.
Hi Dheeraj,
I am planning a trip from 28th June to 7 th July starting from Srinagar. I need to rent a self drive private vehicle from Srinagar. Could you help?
Thanks,
Vikrant
Vikrant, you will not get any self drive private vehicle from Srinagar. Best bet will be that you taxi a private taxi and ask the driver to let you drive instead.
Thanks Dheeraj
hi its abhisek this side my only concern here is that we travelling \via bikes from Srinagar to Leh from the 5th August, my only question is the land slides and the rainfall
Could you elaborate more on that????
n how safe it is during this time?
reply awaited on
Thanks for the information that would really help plan our trip
Abhishek, It is monsoon time 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 …
Dheeraj bhai
I am looking forward to hiring a tempo traveller from srinagar. This is for 9 of us for the ladakh 20 day trip coming down via manali. I need contact no. to arrange this. Plz help.
Sorry piyush, no such contact for it.
Hi Dheeraj,
First of all, thank you very much for such informative blog. I am your fan now.
Planning for kashmir/ladakh from 27th July to 5th August, plan is,
27th July- fly to srinagar on 10:50 am
land at srinagar on 14:00 pm explore srinagar nearby places like, dal lake, tulip garden, nagin lake, shankaracharya etc.
at night drive to Gulmarg (assuming that there is public transport)hault at Gulmarg
28th July- Enjoy at Gulmarg till 2 PM then drive to sonamarg, (assuming public transport)hault at sonamarg
29th July- Enjoy at Sonamarg at morning them drive to Kargil, hault at kargil
30th July- Move towards leh, visit at mulbekh, lamayuru, alchi Leh(if possible)hault at alchi/likir or leh
31st July to 4th August- Explore leh-ladakh on rented bikes, so so hotels (rent around Rs 600-1000, we’ll have our food outside) (please advise some more on this halt)
5th August- at 7:45 am fly to Jammu, have a walk in jammu from 9 am to 1 pm, catch flight to mumbai on 2 pm, land to mumbai on 6:30 PM
We are three friends and this is our firm plan, kindly add your comments to make this plan executable. If you have any contact no in Gulmarg, kargil, sonamarg then please share.
Regards,
Vaibhav
Hi Vaibhav,
Thanks alot. Your itinerary is fine. You need inputs on 31st to 4th July Plan?
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
I wants inputs from you for 27th July to 5th August Plan.
Mainly, places where we can make overnight stay comfortably, any hotel, transporter contact no.
Secondly, in ladakh we have to travel alot, please suggest optimal journey plan, so that we can explore maximum places in ladakh.
Regards,
Dheeraj,
Can we enjoy some adventurous sports like Paragliding, river rafting,snow boarding at any place like gulmarg, sonamarg, leh, zansakar valley, nubra valley? what will be the cost per person?
Regards,
Vaibhav
You can do river rafting in Leh and cost is about 1500-1800 per person AFAIK
Will you be staying from 27th to 5th in Ladakh that is you have 9 das in Ladakh or does it include journey time as well? From where are you starting it? Flying directly or by road? Same question for exiting Leh?
dear dheeraj
can u please provide some hotel details of kargil and drass with contact number and room rates
with regards
subhankar
thanks for your prompt reply.
Hi dheeraj,
firstly, kudos man for the great job that you are doing here. so many ppl would have missed out on having a great experience if it wasnt for you helping them plan to the t.
like all the others, i would love to have ur assistance too 🙂
we are a group of 4 planning to do a road trip starting from mumbai to leh.this is going to be done in sx4. we have about 15 days at hand. the date we have fixed is 19th July.
would be great if you could guide in terms of route to take and places must visit to make this a memorable experience.
eagerly looking to hearing from you,
cheers
Parul
Hello Parul,
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travelers including me at the link here for 14-15 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Sorry
I am returning to mumbai from srinagar on 17th june.
Pl advise
Regards
Kavitha
Hi deeraj
My husband me my children aged 10 n 6 alongwith my mother aged 66 are arriving at srinagar frm mumbai on 9th june at 3 pm by flight.
Will b leaving srinagar by flight to mumbai by 2pm.
Pl advice me n suggest a good itenary
I want ti visit leh n see srinagar also
Kavitha, you have just 7 days only and you are with family plus you want to travel Srinagar – Leh both ways. It is difficult to do. You need 2 days to travel to Leh from Srinagar with overnight halt at Kargil and then 2 days to come back in same way. You are left with 3 days in which one day gets over by acclimatization and permits in Leh. Hence, effectively you have just 2 days in hand. In these two days, one day at max. you can visit Khardung La and be back to rest second half and the other day you can do a 10-11 Hrs journey as Day trip to Pangong Tso and be back to Leh by evening.
Hi Dheeraj,
Can you please also share how much time do the Leh Bus Service/JK SRTC/other bus services take to reach from Leh to Srinagar?
TIA!
Ankur, it will take about 15+ Hrs.
terrific job, Dheeraj..
me and my friends will be flying to Leh late nxt month, how costly is staying in Leh? i mean anyhting under 1200-1500/ngt, should that be ok?
nd can we get a cannon-ball ride from leh to srinagar? we don’t want a shared cab, we’ll hire a pvt. taxi.. and can u also provide an insight fr some places we are planning to visit too, once in srinagar?
Cheers!
nd while descending down can we ask the driver to take this route? though we don’t want to have a ngt halt anywhere, Leh- Skurbuchan- Dah– Batalik- Kargil!
cheers!
If you have the permits for the Batalik and Dha Hanu route, yes you can ask them. But, not sure what you will be seeing around it as you will be covering much of the journey in dark too.
Indranil, yes you should be able to get guest houses in that budget though no hotels. Yes, you will get the Leh to Srinagar cannon ball drive easily in case you plan to hire a taxi.
At Srinagar, you can check Dal lake,Shikara ride, floating market, Shalimar Garden, Shankaracharya temple
thanks a load!
1)dark? ok! the thing is i have heard a lot abt that route, i believe it is quite B.E.A.utiful(the route)
P.S.- where can i get the permits for the Batalik and Dha Hanu route? in Leh itself?
2) nd, guest houses, they will be in the main city? fr the last time i went, we ended up staying in Choglamsar that is 8kms, from the main mkt.
3) been there done that, i ws wondering if u can help me out with the places nearby Srinagar, i.e. Gurez Valley(Bandipore District)
4)how costly is renting bikes in LEH? can we take them to Nubra nd Pangong?
cheers!
Hi Indranil,
1. Yes, the route is beautiful but since you will be doing it in a single day , some part you will surely be doing in dark. You can get the permits for Batalik, Dha, Hanu from Leh DC office only. For details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
2. 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
3. How many days do you have?
4. 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.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
since we are taking the early morning flight to leh on 2nd july, we’ll be having 3days with us fr LEH, a day each fr a) local sight seeing nd
b) visiting nubra & pangong,
suggest something more, if i am missing out on something! 🙂
nd, 2days in gurez and a day in the valley shoul be enough rgt?
How are you planning just 3 days in Ladakh and doing Pangong & Nubra both. Since, you are flying you will need to acclimatize two days at least in Leh, Then Nubra Valley will take 2 days and 1 day to Pangong Tso?
nd also, it will be of mighty help, if u can suggest hw to plan our 3-4day stay in Ladakh!
cheers!
i have been to LEH last year too, though by road, nd a ngt over at kargil, nd acclamatizing dint seem to be a problem, may be it ws a road trip, but we only have 6days with us, my friends’ wont be getting more leaves, what should i do?
should i go srinagar first, then leh nd while coming back to delhi should i take the flight?
in that case, wil 1day stay at pangong nd nubra each sounds feasible?
HELP! 🙁
Yes, going over by road is still fine but flying in, you will not be able to cope up. Also, AMS can hit anytime anyone. Even after visiting so many times these high altitude region, I suffered twice in succession in two trips with AMS 😉 … One wrong move and you are in for a game 😀 … I will suggest that within 6 days better enjoy the beauty over Ladakh, may be again and leave out other parts. 2 Days over Srinagar – Leh, 2 day for Nubra Valley (may be visit Turtuk if you did not last time), two days for Pangong Tso.
🙁
ok!
are pangong tso nd nubra in the same way, or diametrically opposite?
nd yes turtuk, i have heard a lot abt this place, friendly people, awesome place, there are staying options there, rgt?
nd, can ti cover nubra in one day, i.e. overngt stay at nubra, nd leave nxt morning fr pangong/turtuk?
nd, i’ll take the cannon-ball ride from Srinagar-leh, hope 15hrs of ascending, will acclimatize us! 🙂
Indranil, they are opposite. You will have to come back to Leh to visit Pangong Tso as the other two direct routes are not recommended at all. For turtuk, you need to sacrifice on one or the other thing. If you really want to squeeze then better reach Turtuk skipping Hunder and Diskit in Nubra Valley. On the way back to Leh next day do Hunder and Diskit and skip Panamik and Sumur.
Nopes, acclimatization shall be supported with overnight sleep at gradual ascending points.
nd, will 5-6days stay in ladakh, cover all fr me, i.e. turtuk, nubra, panggong, leh city?
Yes, it shall be enough to explore but to get Turtuk in, you might have to sacrifice other places in Nubra Valley.
thanks a lot mate, u have been of tremendous help, let me finalize my dates, i shall bug u again then! 🙂 🙂
P.S.- early July, road trip, sounds feasible?
Yes, July is a good time to make it feasible 😉
gee, thanks mate!
i shall get back to u fr ur advise on the itinerary, once dates are finalized!
cheers! 🙂
INdranil, sure and I am sure you will love to be at below link for your itinerary advice in more structured way 🙂 DoW – Himalayan Travel Community | Ladakh Itinerary Advice
the link was of mighty help, thanks, though i would love to add Hanle Village, nd Rafting at Sangam to it..
i am willing to add a day or 2 to my stay in Ladakh, nd goin by your advise, i think taking a road trip to leh, sounds rather appropriate, taking acclimatizing into consideration, though my thanks to my time constraint i guess, i have to take a cannon-ball ride from Srinagar..
P.S.- any advise on hw to fit in Hanle in our itinerary?
You will need some thing Like below plan for Hanle:
Day 1 | Leh – Chumathang – Mahe Bridge – Nyoma – Loma – Hanle
Day 2 | Hanle to Tso Moriri either via Salsal La route OR via Loma – Nyoma – Mahe Bridge route
Day 3 | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – MTaglan La – Leh
thanx for these valuable input, u have been of tremendous help!
though i shall bug you again once dates are finalized! 😛
hi Dheeraj,
well it’s confirmed now, i ‘ll be rching Srinagar early 29th Morning, nd plan a cannon-ball ride to Leh, i have to reach Delhi by 9th/10th, nd i plan to follow this itinerary once i reach Leh:-
Leh Local Sighseeing + Inner Line Permits
Day 1 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
Day 2 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
Day 3 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake
Day 4 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
i also wanna squeeze in Hanle or turtuk in it, or if possible both, is it possible?
P.S.- i will be reaching Leh on 1st of july, will monsoons be a matter of concern?
P.S. (2)- since we’ll be a set of 3-4friends, can we have an Indica, or any other small car, so that we can head without sharing, nd not end up spending too much too?
Indranil, Hanle cannot be squeezed here without at least 2 days in hand or with 1 day and doing Pangong Tso as day trip. For Turtuk you need to skip Sumur Panamik and can be done as:
Day 1 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder – Turtuk
Day 2 | Turtuk – Hunder – Diskit – Khardung La – Leh (Checkout Hunder. Diskit on the way back and enjoy more time at Turtuk)
In Ladakh monsoon rarely affects. Small cars are not available (just Ecco, Van availale) and do not have major difference in pricing. Try hiring a Scorpio which is mid priced.
i don’t wanna miss out on Hanle, have heard & read(your blog) a lot abt that place, can u provide with that itinerary fr Hanle too?
never mind with the itinerary, i jus went through your replies, u have done that earlier! 🙂
bt, is there any other route i mean other than,
Day 1 | Leh – Chumathang – Mahe Bridge – Nyoma – Loma – Hanle
Day 2 | Hanle to Tso Moriri either via Salsal La route OR via Loma – Nyoma – Mahe Bridge route
Day 3 | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – MTaglan La – Leh??????
The above route is the best one to do Hanle and Tso Moriri in three days brother.
thanx! 🙂
nd the renting part, do we need to deposit some cash with them, or is it straight 1500/day/bike?
i went through your itinerary blog, nd i am desperate fr squeezing in hanle too, so i came up with this itinerary keeping in mind that ‘ll be flying straight to leh:-
Day 1- do nothing bt rest, may be go fr an evening stroll
day 2- leh- khardung la- diskit- hunder
day 3- hunder/diskit- turtuk- khardung la- leh
day 4- leh- chang la- pangong tso- chang la
day 5- chang la- leh- hemis- shey- chumathang
day 6- chumathang- maha bridge- nyoma- loma- hanle
day 7- hanle- tso moriri-MTaglan La – Leh
day 8- leave fr srinagar
feasible?
if not, can u edit it for me!
thanks in advance! 🙂
We are group of 7 peoples. We are planning to visit leh-Ladakh after the Amarnath Yatra from Baltal. Please suggest best & possible itinerary for 7 days (included exit travelling till Jammu Station).
Amit, how and where are you planning to come back? Will you fly back from Leh OR will you go over to Manali to Delhi or will you come back to Srinagar and fly from there?
First of all, I would like to appreciate your efforts. We (group of 7 peoples) are planning for Leh & Ladakh Tour starting from 16th July from Baltal point after Amarnath Yatra for 7 days.
Please suggest, best possible & relevant itinerary with the expectation to cover maximum places in both location.
Thanks in advance for your speedy response.
Amit, how are you planning to exit from Leh? Are you planning to fly back or back to Srinagar or towards Manali and then Delhi. Are these 7 days will include this exit travel as well?
hi dheeraj,
I am planing to visit leh on August. I intend to go from srinagar to leh and that too without any night halt at kargil or any other place. can you please provide some information about, how can I go in 1 day, are there bus or car available? where from will I get them ?
Though it is not recommended but still if you wann do it, you can head to taxi stand near TRC and then ask for local/shared taxis to Leh. They leave I think at night and reach next evening.
thank you ..
Hi we are planning a visit Manali-Leh-Kasmir starting May 24th for 15 days, Kindly advice about what not to miss and precautions !
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travelers including me at the link here for 14-15 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
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
does BSNL prepaid works in all the region
BSNL Postpaid works only and BSNL has the largest coverage among all operators.
Do any prepaid phone/internet plans work in Leh? What other options do foreign tourists have?
Ann, no prepaid connection work in Ladakh. You have to get a postpaid connection only. What you may try is that if possible try and get the prepaid number from Leh itself which will work AFAIK.
Thank you.
I did indeed get a prepaid Airtel SIM in Srinagar. I hope it will work in Leh.
this article seems to have been written in 2011.
What is the situation now regarding mobile connectivity in Leh and adjoining areas. I went to Kashmir in 2012 and vodafone postpaid was perfectly working. What about vodafone postpaid connectivity now in 2013 in leh and adjoining areas? please let me know asap. i am leaving for leh in last week of may with a postpaid vodafone.
Most of the connectivity is same as described in the article, it is just Vodafone that works now with Aircel network in Ladakh. However, the connectivity is barely limited to Leh and few adjoining areas. It is always best to carry POSTPAID BSNL to Ladakh.
Thanks a lot. I have a bank postpaid as well, bit my main phone is the Vodafone postpaid. Its good to know that Vodafone does have atleast some connectivity in leh.
Best wishes for the trip brother, please try an update the phone connectivity part in case you find time after the trip here as well.
Thanks for the wishes.
I will definitely post an update about the present situation of connectivity in Leh.
I have just returned from a trip to Ladhak. It was a fabulous trip.
Vodafone postpaid still does not work after anywhere after Srinagar on Srinagar-Leh Highway and towns falling on the said highway.(It works in Gulmarg and Pahalgam). It did not work in Sonemarg, Drass, Kargil, Mulbek, Khaltse, Nimmu and Leh. Bsnl was omnipresent. In Leh, Bsnl, Airtel and Aircel were working. Vodafone, Reliance and Idea were not working.
Anadi, thank you so very much for the update. Not sure, but it worked last time I was with my friend in 2012 🙂 … May be some contract issue with Aircel or something!! Anayways glad that your trip was great and you enjoyed alot. Updated the article too with your comment.
If possible, try and share your Himalayan Travel Tale or experience with us at DoW – Himalayan Travel Community
Hi Dheeraj
We are planning to visit Srinagar, Leh and Ladakh in the month of September this year.
Hope this is a suitable season!!!!
So request you to advise a suitable itinerary for a 10day trip wherein we can cover all the nice places…. We also want to see Gulmarg .. I guess this will have the ice skiing. Hope there is snow in september…
We are from Bangalore so may be we will have to go to Delhi and then hire a taxi from Delhi to Kashmir or you can also suggest what is suitable…
Also it would be of great help if you can advise what precautions to be taken and things that we need to carry most important for the trip.
Regards
Smitha
Hello Smitha,
10 days are tad less if you want to travel by road to Ladakh and Kashmir. Can you fly or increase the number of days?
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
PS: Sorry for the delayed response, I was traveling to Spiti Valley for past 10 days.
Hi Dheeraj
Thanks for your feedback
But cannot. Max we can go upto 11days…
Hnece can you please advise a schedule for 11days covering places as much as possible in Kashmir,leh and ladakh. We really want to see Gulmarg, sonmarg n kargil. But you can advsie the schedule accordingly.
Regards
Smitha
Hi Smitha,
Are you ready to fly in to Srinagar and fly out of Leh?
Regards
dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj
We plan to fly from Delhi to Leh and then go by road from Leh to Srinagar.
Or do you suggest that we fly from Delhi to Srinagar and then go by road to Leh…
So accordingly please advise a suitable itinerary for 10-11 days
Regards
Smitha
Hi Smitha,
Better fly directly to Srinagar and then take a journey to Leh by road. It will help you get acclimatized properly and help in enjoying more. Here is the itinerary you can follow:
Day 1 | Fly to 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 + Inner Line Permits
— To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
— For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
— 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 – Tso Moriri via Chumathang
— Cover Karzok Monastery
— Overnight at Karzok or Tso Moriri
Day 10 | 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 11 | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping OR Monastery tour OR you can do tour to Sham Valley
— Monastery tour may include Hemis, Thicksey, Stakna and Shey monasteries. They come on the route of Pangong Tso but as you will be doing day trip, it will be a bit hectic to include them on that day only.
— Sham Valley include Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, Gurudwara Pather Sahib
— Overnight at Leh
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj
Thanks for the itinery
We also wanted to see Gulmarg and pahalgam… Heard that both are very nice places. Is there ice skiing in Gulmarg, may be we can chk that out..
Is it possible that we skip some of the monastries in leh-ladakh which is not very important as i see that there are many monastries in your itinery.. and go to Gulmarg and pahalgam… Is it possible to make some changes in the itinery so that we can see Gulmarg n pahalgam.. of course not missing much in leh:)-
Regards
Smitha
Smitha, yes what you can do is spare yourself the last day as well as make a single day trip to Pangong Tso. This will spare you 2 days and then you can do one day trip to Pahalgam and other day trip to Gulmarg from Pahalgam.
Hi Dheeraj
Also wanted to know what is inner line permits????
Is it a kind of permission that has to be taken to enter leh..
Regards
Smitha
Hi Dheeraj
Do you also know any good travel agent who can give us a good itinery like yours
Regards
Smitha
Hi Dheeraj
Sorry to bother you again .
Any updates on the above queries…
We need to include Gulmarg, phalgam and vaishno Devi in the itinery that you have advsie above.
Hnce is it possible for you to advise a itinery with these 3 places and not missing some nice places in srinagar, leh and ladakh
Regards
Smitha
Guess, I replied it today.
Do you want itinerary or bookings? If booking based on the above itinerary then try to connect with info@offbeatescapes.com and give my reference. They are startup and will be offering good discount for you. Couple of people who I have referred to them have good praises for them.
For details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
Hi Dheeraj
Thanks for all the information
Regards
Smitha
Have a wonderful trip to Ladakh 🙂
Thanks Dheeraj
I’m planning for leh from kolkata ..But i have a question is there any chance to open leh -manali highway by May 3rd week?
Arnab, I do not feel so that Manali – Leh highway will open in third week of May.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
PS: Sorry for the delayed response, I was traveling to Spiti Valley for past 10 days.
hello Dheeraj
First of all thanx for such a luvly sharing site
i & my spouse are planning for a trip to srinagar – leh in last week of May for around 10 -15 days
our rough plans –
mumbai – jammu – srinagar – sonamarg – gulmarg – pahalgam -leh – delhi – mumbai
ur guidance on the same (route, travelling+ accomodation cost, best places to visit)would be highly appreciated.
this would be our first long trip.
thanx
Hello Pragna,
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travelers including me at the link here for 14-15 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
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
For the leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2013-14 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here. You can get about 10-12% of discount by directly getting in touch with drivers and of course, talking in person rather on phone always help in bargaining more.
For the list of good restaurants in Leh – Ladakh or eateries or food joints where food is enjoyed by many travellers including me, you can check the link here: List of Good Restaurants in Leh – Ladakh | Restaurant Reviews
Check the list of things to carry for Leh – Ladakh or other trip including basic medical kit, clothing, must haves etc. at the link here: List of Things to Carry for Leh – Ladakh trip.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
PS: Sorry for the delayed response, I was traveling to Spiti Valley for past 10 days.