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.
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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.
![How to prepare for long-distance motorcycle ride to Ladakh or Spiti? [6 Things to Know]](https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/yt_vid_thumbs/ladakh/85.png)
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 about 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.
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any info regarding opening of sgr leh highway
It can open anyday within a week now, weather is expected to settle now from Sunday and snow clearance will resume. I am expecting it should open by first week of May now.
Hi Deeraj , the below is the plan ,can you please provide your valid inputs whether its good to go with this plan.
does leh – manali road will be open in June ? your thoughts .
Friday, June 10, 2016 day 1 chennai –srinagar
Saturday, June 11, 2016 day 2 srinagar –leh
Sunday, June 12, 2016 day 3 leh –local visit
Monday, June 13, 2016 day 4 leh –nabura valley
Tuesday, June 14, 2016 day 5 nabura valley –leh
Wednesday, June 15, 2016 day 6 leh –pangong
Thursday, June 16, 2016 day 7 pangong — tsomori (via chushul)
Friday, June 17, 2016 day 8 tso mori manali
Saturday, June 18, 2016 day 9 manali delhi
Sunday, June 19, 2016 day 10 delhi chennai
Thank you
Praveen
Hi Praveen,
1. It takes two days to reach Leh from Srinagar.
2. It takes two days to reach Manali from Tso Moriri.
You do not have sufficient days to make above plan. Can you add mre days?
thank you Dheeraji,
i will add one more day for srinagar-leh and tsomoriri – leh.
i refered your taxi rates PDF for 2015 -2016. do you think drivers will be coming for the below plan based on your experience .
day 1 -leh -pangong
day 2 pangong – tsomoriri (via chushul)
day 3 tsomoriri – might stay (keylon/sarchu)
day 4 sarchu – manali.
i tried to find in the pdf there was no prize column for this , based on your experience what they may charge . kindly assist as usual.
Yes, they should be OK with it. They will charge around 45K for this trip.
thank you Dheeraji .
Hello dheeraj,
I have planned ladakh trip in aug this year. I am looking for budget accomodations in kargil ( 1000-2000 per room per night) guest or hotel anything will do . can you please suggest few reliable ones.
thanks and regards
sumedh
Aaman Guest House (just 3-4 kms after entering Kargil check post), it was a homestay and stay and food was awesome.
Daspa Guest House (confused it with other) near bypass bridge. Name: Mr. Gulam Mohammed; Mob: 09469730240.
Paradise Guest House in Kargil is a decent place to stay
thank you very much!
is there any link for accomodations in kargil like the one for leh ? i could not find any on DOW.
Sumedh, we always go and stay at Greenland Hotel. Or Few readers/members of DoW have suggested below options:
Aaman Guest House (just 3-4 kms after entering Kargil check post), it was a homestay and stay and food was awesome.
Daspa Guest House (confused it with other) near bypass bridge. Name: Mr. Gulam Mohammed; Mob: 09469730240.
Paradise Guest House in Kargil is a decent place to stay
Hi Dheeraj,
Great article, very useful info. specific Qs below, if you can answer them please.
1. is 2nd week of June a good time to visit Srinagar & take on Srinagar-Leh trip?
2. how many days in total it will take for Srinagar-Leh trip (preferred 2-day trip), local sight-seeing in Leh and returning to Manali?
3. it will be me and my friend, just 2 of us, assuming I take a hire taxi from Srinagar-Leh-Manali trip , what will be approx. cost I might incur ?
4. is getting Veg. food a problem in any part of this trip ?
BIG THANKS
Hi Ashish,
1. Yes 2nd week of June is good time to take Srinagar – Leh trip.
2. 2 day required to reach Leh from Srinagar, 1 day of acclimatization in Leh, 2 day trip to Nubra Valley, 2 day trip to Pangong Tso, 2 day trip to Manli over Leh – Manali highway. Add one more day to visit Tso Moriri while coming to Manali over Manali – Leh Highway
3. Srinagar to Manali for above will cost about 60-65K
4. No, veg. food will be available everywhere
Hi Dheeraj,
On our way to Kargil to Leh, is it possible to cover Mulbekh buddha statue, Lamayuru, Likir, Alchi monasteries or can we only cover Mulbekh and Lamayuru?
Also If we are only covering the latter, and we start from Kargil at 7, with all usual stops for pictures, how long does it take to reach Leh provided we do not have any problems in traveling.
Hi Harish,
Except Likir, which needs another hour or so, you should be able to cover rest while coming to Leh from Kargil. If you start at 7 from Kargil, you should reach Leh by evening at 5 at easy pace and stopovers
Hi Dheeraj,
Can you please let me know the best mode of transport to travel from leh to manali. As the HP road transport schedule only starts from July. We plan to start from Leh on 5th June, please let us know the modes of transportation other than bus and Bike
Supriya, you will find shared taxis only to travel on Manali – Leh during that time of the year.
Hi Dheeraj,
First I would like to congratulate you for these amazing posts. Last year in September after taking inputs from you I completed Kinnaur and lahaul spiti circuit after taking valuable advice from you.
This year I am planning bike trip along with few of my friends to leh in june. I have few queries:
1. Is inner line permit also necessary for self driven bikes if we are going to nubra, pangong, moriri, etc.
2. If one of us also takes a car along with us as a back up vehicle will there be problem with local taxi union.
3. And can you suggest some budget stay option in manali and jammu.
Thanks in advace.
1. Abhay, Inner Line permits are not required for Indians now since May 2014
2. If the car is a private car and under your or your father or your wife name, there will not be any issue at all
3. Old Manali, Manali – Naggar road has loads of budget hotels in Manali. In Jammu, near bust stand you will get loads of them.
Dear Dheeraj,
Last year between 31st July to 10th Aug 2015, my husband and I did a bike trip to Leh Ladakh. we took a flight to leh and we have covered the 3 passes, lamayuru, tsokar, pangong and local sight seeing. we did half the manali leh highway enroute to tsomoriri. but halted at tsokar. this year we intend to do srinagar kargil drass. having read your itenary it seems like just a 3 day trip starting from srinagar.
can u suggest an itenary that spans these three locations along with anything you feel we have missed out and should cover as a part of a biking trip? plus the ideal dates in july to cover these?
thanks and regards,
ramya
Yes Ramya, it takes about 2 days only to reach Leh from Srinagar with overnight halt at Kargil.
Hi,
We are a of a group of 3 girls planning to travel to Leh via Srinagar in May end. Can you please tell me how safe is it now to travel Srinagar with all the chaos going on and what is more preferable a shared taxi or the bus, and do we need to book the accommodation before hand.
Hi Supriya,
As long as you stick to main tourist routes/places, it may be OK to travel. Between shared taxi and bus, it is a personal choice. If you feel more comfortable in bus, then go for it but if you feel better with shared taxi or traveling in a car then better go with shared taxi. Advantage of being small vehicle is also there as it can cross sections which a bus may not cross.
thanks dheeraj for your reply. appreaciate it
I have few more questions 🙂
1.Can we book a private taxi to leh in srinagar
2. can we do this trip ourselves or a packaged tour is better as this is the 1st time to Leh.
3. Do we nèed to pre book the accomodation at Srinagar,Kargil, leh , pangong tso, nubra valley
4. To travel around leh can we book taxi .after going there
Hi Supriya,
1. For the leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2016 – 17 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here. You can get about 12-15% of discount by directly getting in touch with drivers and of course, talking in person rather on phone always help in bargaining more.
While going from Srinagar to Leh, you might need to work out few things as there have been some tensions now in taxi unions and to settle it out what they have done is that they have a transit point just before Fotu La while going to Leh from Kargil. All Leh taxis stop there and kargil taxis too. They exchange passengers and move back in respective directions. Leh taxis take passengers to Leh coming from Srinagar/Kargil and Kargil guys take passengers to Srinagar/kargil coming from Leh
2. If you OK to spend some time reading article on DoW and asking right questions that help you in travel plan, then nothing better than that I will say 🙂
4. Nothing much will change over phone by talking to drivers directly or when you reach there.
Hello Dheeraj
Thanks alot for all the efforts you are putting up. I had one question, is it possible to hire bikes from Srinagar? Can you share some contacts or links please?
Thanks
Mayur
For Srinagar bike rental you can refer the link: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/india/ladakh-zanskar-travel-guides/outside-rented-bikes-banned-ladakh-t1009-50.html#p12858
Please keep in mind that outside rented bikes are not allowed for sightseeing with in Ladakh
Hi Deeraj ,
i am gald to mail you again, i am from chennai , i traveled ladakh last year with the help and guidance of DOW and mails from you.
last year i travelled via srinagar to leh in july month and i lost 4 days due to cloud burst and land slide and heavy traffice due to amarnath in sonamarg and zohilla pass.
so this year i planned to reach leh in flight direclty , need your valid guindance again.
please see my itenary planned for august 5th 2016.
Friday CHN – DELHI (night 10:30 PM ) flight reach delhi airport in midnight
Saturday delhi to leh 6:15 AM from delhi fligth reaches LEH by 8:00 AM (full day rest in the hotel) ,book the bullet and just visit in the market
Sunday leh-kahardungala- naubra valley
moday naubra -turtuk-naubra (last time we planned but didnt go, we stayed naubra valley and came back leh ) whats your opinion to visit Turtuk , is it a place to visit ?
Tuesday naubra-leh
Wednesday leh-pangonlake
Thursday pangong to tsomorri ( is it possble to go in two wheeler?)
firday tsomorri-leh
Saturday buffer day
sunday leh-delhi morning 10:30 AM flight
regards
praveen
Hi Dheeraj,
Really appreciate the pro bono work you are putting here with us amateur travelers 🙂
Heres my question –
1. I intend to do the 3 day Srinagar – Leh itinerary sightseeing along the way. But we are visiting Sonmarg too and intend to start from there to save time and reach Kargil/Drass on Day 1, May 21st via JK govt AC bus.
Read somewhere that the buses get jam packed from Srinagar itself and that I will have to come back to Srinagar if I have to get a seat in the bus to Kargil/Drass. Is that true? I know I need to get in touch with JK bus guys to make sure, I am going to do that shortly but wanted to know – is hiring a taxi to Kargil/Drass from Sonmarg a better option??? I was hoping to save some monies by doing this part in bus 🙂
2. Per your comments I want to play it safe and hire a Ladakh registered to taxi to take us from Kargil to Leh in Day 2 and 3 and do sightseeing along the way . Is it possible to reach Kargil and arrange Ladakh taxis from there itself or would I have to call one to come to Kargil and pick us up ?
In such a case would you or someone on this forum have a reliable taxi service no that I could use ?
Looking fwd to hear from you, cheers !
Hello Dhruva ,
1. Yes, you read it correctly. Mostly it is true. You have to be lucky to get the seat in the bus that is for sure.
2. Yes, you will have to call up a taxi guy from Ladakh to pick you up from Kargil. For the leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2016 – 17 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here. You can get about 12-15% of discount by directly getting in touch with drivers and of course, talking in person rather on phone always help in bargaining more.
While going from Srinagar to Leh, you might need to work out few things as there have been some tensions now in taxi unions and to settle it out what they have done is that they have a transit point just before Fotu La while going to Leh from Kargil. All Leh taxis stop there and kargil taxis too. They exchange passengers and move back in respective directions. Leh taxis take passengers to Leh coming from Srinagar/Kargil and Kargil guys take passengers to Srinagar/kargil coming from Leh
@ Dheeraj Sharma.
A brilliant detail you have provided above for which I express my gratitude. I and 3 of my friends (male bachelors in thirties) are planning for a Bhubaneswar-Srinagar-Leh-Manali-Bhubaneswar trip. We are planning to start on 12th June morning and will reach Srinagar in the evening. We are planning to spend 1 day in Srinagar (13th June 2016) and start for Leh on 14th June 2016. We need to be back to Bhubaneswar by 25th June evening and so, we have 14th June 2016 to 24th June 2016 (11 days) for Srinagar to Leh and back to Manali. We want to cover the maximum but in a not so exhaustive way. Could you please state which all places should we visit and which we should not? Also, please state whether should we go for Batalik route or Laymuru route to Leh. Your help in this regard will be of tremendous help.
Bijayashree, You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
You can start refering above article from Srinagar and then follow it as is to Manali. If it is your first time I will suggest that you follow Lamayuru route.
Hi dheeraj, I’m planning to do Srinagar- leh trip by road in my hatchback on 26th April 2016. Will it be fine taking in account the road conditions n other safety measures.
Hello Satendra, well the road to Srinagar – Leh might have just opened by that time of the year and may have stabilized too. You wll surely face challenging drive at Zojila Pass, so will have to drive with care and caution through narrow road.
Hi Dheeraj,
Please find my itinerary below. Can you please advise any changes/additions to the same? Also I have asked my doubts in brackets besides the dates.
Day 1 – 30th May
Mumbai to Srinagar. Land in Srinagar at 12pm. Visit Dal Lake. Local Sight Seeing.
Day 2 – 31st May (Where to get the trasport from? Approximate Cost? Where to stay in Kargil? Do i need to prebook?)
Srinagar – Sonmarg – Kargil
Travel by Private Taxi / Shared Taxi
Day 3 – 01st June (Where to get the transport from?)
Kargil – Leh
Day at leisure.
Day 4 – 02nd June
Leh – Local Sight Seeing
Day 5 – 03rd June (Where to find camping facility? Do I need to prebook?)
Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Nubra Valley
Camping in Nubra Valley.
Day 6 – 04th June
Nubra Valley – Leh. Day at leisure.
Day 7 – 05th June
Leh – Local Sight Seeing
Day 8 – 06th June (Where to find camping facility? Do I need to prebook?)
Leh – Pangong Tso .
Camping in Pangong Lake
Day 9 – 07th June
Pangong Tso – Leh. Day at leisure.
Day 10 – 08th June (What is the mode of transportation available? Where to stay for the night?)
Leh to Sarchu.
Overnight in Sarchu.
Day 11 – 09th June (Where to get the transport from?)
Sarchu to Manali.
Overnight in Manali.
Day 12 – 10th June
Manali Local Sight Seeing.
Day 13 – 11th June (What should be the mode of transportation here?)
Manali – Chandigarh – Amritsar
Golden Temple in the evening.
Day 14 – 12th June
Jalianwala Bagh and Wagah Border
Day 15 – 13th June
Amritsar – Mumbai
This looks good Rahul, can you add a day to add Tso Moriri into the plan?
Yes, I can certainly do that. Also, I have made up my mind to head to Kasol and Tosh from Manali instead of Chandigarh and Amritsar. Need some peace time 🙂 Could you please revise my itinerary to add Tso Moriri to the plan? One more request, can you look at the questions in the brackets beside my dates and help me with that info? Thanks buddy.
I hope you are just looking for peace in Tosh 😉 … You can do Tso Moriri while returning to Manali.
Leh – Tso Moriri
Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring – Pang – Sarchu
Sarchu – Manali
Hahaha. Yes. Just Peace. 😀 Will try fitting that in the plan. Thanks for your help again.
Best wishes for your trip Rahul 🙂
Hi Rahul,
We are planning for a trip to leh around the same time and liked your itinerary might use it as well 😉 Thanks 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
Firstly, this an amazing post. The kind of knowledge sharing and experience sharing that is happening here is unmatched. Thank you for making the life of amateurs like us easy.
My wife & I are planning to do the Mumbai – Srinagar – Leh – Manali – Mumbai trip starting with 1st June 2016. Is this a safe period to go there? Also what is the approximate cost of a taxi from Srinagar to Leh? Would you recommend taking a private taxi or a shared cab? Taking a shared cab would mean that we would miss out on sight seeing along the way to Leh. Is that right?
We plan to hire a Royal Enfield and roam in and around Leh (Pangong, Nubra, etc). What are the things that we need to check while renting the bike? (Documents, Carrier for fuel, luggage, saddle bags, etc) and are these provided by the rental company?
What are the good areas to stay in Leh?
Could you please help me with a detailed itinerary with the modes of transport also?
You can also email me on rahul_0207@hotmail.com. Thank you so much.
Hi Dheeraj, is it okay to reach Leh on the 31st of May?
Yes Rahul, it shall be OK to reach Leh end of May
Yes Rahu, June is good time to travel Ladakh. Srinagar to Leh private taxi is around 14K, so cost will be factor. There are shared cabs but yes you do miss on sightseeing. Please How to Hire or Rent a Bike or Motorcycle in Manali or Ladakh
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
You can check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate (cheap budget hotels as well) in the series of articles starting on the link here
Brilliant. Thanks for the quick response buddy. God Speed.
Hi Dheeraj,
Do you happen to know any reliable shop(s) in Srinagar where I can rent a bike to go to Leh?
I read several forums including,
https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/india/ladakh-zanskar-travel-guides/ladakh-bike-rental-rates-2014-t954.html
But I was unable to find the names of any bike rental shops in Srinagar and their location.
Any help would be much appreciated. I shall come back and share my experience on the forum.
Best
Hello Rohit,
For Srinagar bike rental you can refer the link: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/india/ladakh-zanskar-travel-guides/outside-rented-bikes-banned-ladakh-t1009-50.html#p12858
Bikes rented outside Leh are not allowed for sightseeing inside Ladakh except Tso Moriri and Tso Kar lakes which can be done while going to Manali from Leh. Private bikes are completely allowed. You can use the outside rented bike to reach Leh but then for going to Pangong Tso, nubra Valley, etc.. you need to hire rented bikes from Leh only.
To know more about this rule and present situation, please refer the link: Bikes Rented Outside Leh Banned in Ladakh
This year as per reports, rule is going to be stricter. Manali rental guys have formalized a deal that for the days Manali bike is parked in Leh and Leh bike is rented, they will charge 50% of the rent of the bike. So, confirm with Manali rental guys first about this signoff.
For renting bikes in Leh – Ladakh along with current Bike Union Prices, you can check the DwD Community thread: Leh – Ladakh Bike Rental Rates 2015 – 16 & Reliable Shops
The one way bike rental is quite costly and leave a big dent in pocket for you, sometimes like 12K for just the pickup from Manali. Be sure if you are ready to make that investment or not or if at all it is worth the money spent. My suggestion is unless you are hard core biker and cannot live up the passion of biking, it is not wise to spend that much money just for the pickup of bike.
can we hire pvt cars/SUVs from Srinagar to Leh in mid July 2016.
For the leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2016 – 17 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here. You can get about 12-15% of discount by directly getting in touch with drivers and of course, talking in person rather on phone always help in bargaining more.
Hi Dheeraj,
My friends and I are planning a trip to Leh by road. We are a group of 8 people and we’ve decided to start our journey from Delhi. We want to reach Srinagar via Chandigarh and Jammu. Thereon from Srinagar to Leh. And back from Leh to Delhi via Manali. We have 12 days in hand. Is it possible for you to chalk an itinerary for us. Thank you!!!!!
Hi Nilesh, You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
You can remove the rest day from the above plan after returning from Pangong Tso and that shall make it in the days you have in hand.
Me and my wife both 61 plan to take Srinagar-Leh Manali-Delhi route in mid June. is it advisable? Hw safe is the road journey? We mean risk factor?
Parimal ji, mid June is good time to visit Ladakh. You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
Thanks Indeed Dhiraj. Its been such a helpful and enjoyable reading. The issue still concenrs us is how safe is road journey? is it too tiring too?
Yes it does take a toll on the body and is not just another travel vacation of leisure. It is adventure destination so risk is always associated to it.
Hi,
I will be travelling to leh via NH-1D, are there any options for bike rentals like, rent your bike in srinagar and drop it in leh (on next day evening after reaching leh) ?
Bikes rented outside Leh are not allowed for sightseeing inside Ladakh except Tso Moriri and Tso Kar lakes which can be done while going to Manali from Leh. Private bikes are completely allowed. You can use the outside rented bike to reach Leh but then for going to Pangong Tso, nubra Valley, etc.. you need to hire rented bikes from Leh only.
To know more about this rule and present situation, please refer the link: Bikes Rented Outside Leh Banned in Ladakh
This year as per reports, rule is going to be stricter. Manali rental guys have formalized a deal that for the days Manali bike is parked in Leh and Leh bike is rented, they will charge 50% of the rent of the bike. So, confirm with Manali rental guys first about this signoff.
For renting bikes in Leh – Ladakh along with current Bike Union Prices, you can check the DwD Community thread: Leh – Ladakh Bike Rental Rates 2015 – 16 & Reliable Shops
The one way bike rental is quite costly and leave a big dent in pocket for you, sometimes like 12K for just the pickup from Manali. Be sure if you are ready to make that investment or not or if at all it is worth the money spent. My suggestion is unless you are hard core biker and cannot live up the passion of biking, it is not wise to spend that much money just for the pickup of bike.
Hi Dheeraj,
Thank you for such a detailed information. I was able to find out so many things about leh – Ladakh adventure from your site which I using to plan my trip for this summer(July). I do have few questions and would like your suggestion on my itinerary. I’m planning to make this trip with my brother from Bangalore, and I’m a vegetarian (my brother is not).
Here is my Itinerary
Day 1| Bangalore to Srinagar
(If we reach Srinagar around 2, what are the places we can cover considering we also need to book a shared taxi/bus for next day trip to Kargil)
Day 2 | Srinagar to Kargil (bus or shared taxi one way stop at Kargil)
(Do bus or shared taxi stop at Drass for Drunch considering Kargil is not that vegetarian friendly? or do we need to request them to stop? Don’t think it is good idea to stay without a dinner specially in such trips. Worst case, I’m thinking we pack some food on our way.
Day 3 | Kargil to Leh
– Hire a Ladakh registered taxi, sightseeing enroute to Leh
– Are taxis easily available at Kargil for sightseeing?
Day 4 | Leh sightseeing (Rent a bike )
Day 5 | Leh to Nubra (bike)
Day 6 | Nubra to Leh (bike)
Day 7 | Leh to Pangong Tso (bike)
Day 8 | Pangong Tso to Leh (bike)
Day 9 | Leh to Sarchu ( HPTDC bus if running/shared taxi)
Day 10 | Sarchu to Manali (HPTDC bus if running/shared taxi)
Day 11 | Manali sightseeing
– Manali to Chandigarh (bus)
Day 12 | Chandigarh to Bangalore (flight)
Thank you once again!
Hi Harish,
1. Most of the buses stop at Drass including shared taxis. Your hotel guys should be able to provide veg food in Kargil too. Things have changed now in last couple of years. So, you should be OK
2. HPTDC bus will stop at Keylong
Rest your plan looks good to me, seems you have done your research well 🙂
Hi Dheeraj, thanks for your response. It was all from your site where I got so much information and thank to people like you who post their experience and help us create our own 🙂
Best wishes for the trip Harish, feel free to post any further queries you may have 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
Is it possible to cover Turtuk from Hunder and return to Leh in one day? Will it be a stretch?
Thanks,
Harish
Turtuk is 90 KMs from Hunder, that makes it a 180 KM trip up and down and then further 134 KMs back to Leh. I will say it is too much to add in one day.
Thanks Dheeraj once again
Hi Dheeraj,
We a group of 11 persons travelling to
Day-1 Arrival at Srinagar
Day2- Pahalgam
Day3-Gulmarg
Day4-Gulmarg-Sonmarg-Kargil
Day5-Leh
Day6-Leh
Day7-Leh
Day8-Leh to Srinagar travel & fly back to Delhi
Please help, if this plan is okay?
Ravi, day trip to Pahalgam is not recommended. Gulmarg to Kargil will be long journey. I will suggest to focus just on Ladakh or just focus on Kashmir with days you have in hand. Any chance you can fly from Leh?
Thanks Dheeraj,
We are 3 couples and 5 teenage.
We are reaching Srinagar on 22may morning and have return flight from Srinagar only on 31may morning.
We want to cover
Srinagar houseboat
Pahalgam 1 day
Gulmarg 2 day
Sonmarg 1 day
Leh local 1 day
Leh pangong leh 1day
Leh nubra leh 1 day
Leh kargil Srinagar 1-1/2 day
By two Innova taxi
Please advise itenary with good relax way.
Ravi, I will not suggest these many things in just 10 days in hand. It takes two days to reach Leh from Srinagar and two days to come back, one day is required for acclimatization in Leh. So, you this takes up 5 out of 10 days. 2 day trip to required for Nubra Valley and 2 day for PAngong Tso. So this makes it 9 days. You are left with 1 day which you will spend in Srinagar as the first day. So, it is an option between Kashmir OR Ladakh not both the way you put up there.
Hi Dheeraj ,
I have one query regarding local sight seeing after reaching leh.
1- Can we hire local bike to reach pang lake and nubra velly or we need to go by rented cab only and if we can go by bike than howz the route is it good for bike’s.
2- how much charges will be for local sight seeing permit (nubra velly ,pang lake and that alternate route via batalik)
Hi Dheeraj,
1. You can surely hire bikes in Leh to do trip to Nubra and Pangong Tso. First do nNubra and then Pangong Tso. Yes, you can rent bikes in Leh and Fort Road in Leh is full of such shops that rent bikes. Depending upon the condition, model, make and tourist rush you can get bikes starting from Rs 800 to Rs 1300. Rather than booking over phone, it is much better to visit the Fort road, check 4-5 shops over there and get a good deal after checking the bike conditions. I will suggest you read this for sure to understand few tips on hiring bikes from Manali or Leh: How to Hire or Rent a Bike or Motorcycle in Manali. For renting bikes in Leh – Ladakh along with current Bike Union Prices, you can check the DwD Community thread: Leh – Ladakh Bike Rental Rates 2015 – 16 & Reliable Shops
2. You asking about taxi?
Hi Dheeraj ,
Thanks for the info ,in 2nd question i was asking about permits which i have read somewhere that we need to get permit from DC office in leh for local sight seeing .
also i am planing my trip on 28th April ,will it be good time as you mentioned in the status of highway that it is going to open in march end .
thanks
dheeraj sharma
Dheeraj, you only need permits in case you do not follow the conventional routes in LAdakh to sightseeing places or in case you have a foriegner in the group. Indians do not need permit in Ladakh for conventional routes to sightseeing places like Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso or Tso Moriri. You just need to fill the form and submit them with required info. at the checkposts.
Hello Dheeraj
Thanks for the awesome detailed article, learnt a lot from it.
I want you to create me an itinerary with focus on bus/shared taxi services and approximate charges for the same.
I am from Mumbai and my friend is a Thailand National (I need you to tell me which all and where all the permissions are required for her and for me), We plan to travel in the second week of september (is it a safe period or should i throw in couple of extra days) and I wish to travel without having to use Taxis. I am okay with public transport buses, shared vans, volvo buses. In total I have 17 days, and this is what i have on mind:
Day 1. Fly to Srinagar – Gulmarg (is is possible & safe) – Dal Lake
Day 2. To Kargil by bus overlooking sonmarg (is it worth staying an extra day considering the first day will be wasted in reaching there) or should it be a night in Sonmarg and a night in Kargil
Day 3. By bus (possible?) to reach different places in Sham Valley, Lunar Landscape, confluence at nimmu and stay there at Likir or Alchi (Or will be better to reach Leh first and then join shared tours in each directions?
Day 4 to Day 10 Places in Leh & Ladakh (help me where all) and a way to reach each place by means of public transport (first day i plan to rest and get all permissions for me & my foreigner friend)
Day 11 Tso Morriri (how to reach there and whether stay options are available)
Day 12 a night at keylong (how to reach there from Tso morriri)
Day 13 Manali (bus options)
Day 14 manali
Day 15 Bus to Shimla
Day 16 Bus to Delhi
Day 17 Delhi -agara delhi
Day 18 fly back to Mumbai
Need your detailed suggestions.
Thanks
Kedar
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
Refer it from Srinagar day and carry on. You can very well adjust this plan with shared taxis or buses on major routes. Refer: Rates & Time table of Bus Services in Leh – Ladakh
Hi Dheeraj,
Very nice article.I was planning to visitl eh with my 14 frnds in month of Aug ( 12 Aug we will start from Mumbai). It will be 10 days end to end trip.I was worried about rains. Initially we were planning to visit from Manali to Leh but considering the rains in Himachal I was worried for land slides and road jams. So we were considering the Srinagar leh route.
Please suggest
– if mid Aug will be right time to visit leh
-If yes which route is viable and safe
-also considering 15 Aug will traveling throughKargil a good idea or bad idea.
Thanks in advance.
Hi Deepak,
It is monsoon time in general up there in North and at some parts of Manali – Leh Highway (like before Baralacha La) and Srinagar – Leh Highway (like before Kargil) you might need to face monsoon hassles but once you get closer to Ladakh, then Ladakh being rain shadow region is least affected by monsoon rains, though rains does reach Ladakh now but to minimum and mostly it might remains overcast conditions. There is no thumb rule of certainty about weather conditions but above is generally common pictures seen over last few years except ugly 2010 …
Please refer the link in our community: FAQ | Is Monsoon season good time to travel to Ladakh? for more details.
Regarding security issues during independence day, in general the tourist areas remain safe there but bandhs can affect the traffic movement. It is advised always that you leave the city in the early morning hours in such cases. Usually these bandhs are pre-declared and hence you can leave the city in early morning hours judging the situation around before the bandh gets active. As long as you can stick to main highway and tourist areas, there is in general no issues.
If you are really concerned about it more then probably you can skip the stay at Srinagar and move to Sonamarg the same day you reach Srinagar.
Thanks Dheeraj!! Your comments will be helpful to make our trip decisions.
Glad to know that, best wishes for your Ladakh trip. Feel free to post any queries you may have further.
Hi Dheeraj,
The article is amazing. Thanks a lot for posting it.
I am planning Leh trip for my parents. I believe it will be better if they do road trip from Srinagar to Leh (1 night / 2 night – both the options are open). Besides, I want them to spend a day in Srinagar also. Considering all this is it possible for them to plan this entire trip in 9 days ? Is it possible for you to chalk out itinerary ?
Thank you in anticipation.
Cheers,
Hardik
Hello Hardik, are you planning to make them fly out of Leh after doing sightseeing in Ladakh?
Sorry for such a delayed reply..
They will be flying out of Leh.
Can you please post your query again, somehow could not find it.
Sure.
I am planning Leh trip for my parents. I believe it will be better if they do road trip from Srinagar to Leh (1 night / 2 night – both the options are open). Besides, I want them to spend a day in Srinagar also. Considering all this is it possible for them to plan this entire trip in 9 days ? Is it possible for you to chalk out itinerary ?
They will be flying out from Leh.
Thank you in anticipation.
Yes Hardik, it can be done. You can ask them to follow below plan:
Day 1 | Delhi – Srinagar
— Enjoy walk around Dal lake and may be Shikara ride as well
— If you have time then check out, floating market, Shalimar Garden.
— Overnight at Srinagar
Day 2 | Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil
— Enjoy the vistas enroute
— Have late drunch meal at Drass is you are a vegetarian as sometimes it gets difficult to find veg. food at Kargil
— Overnight at Kargil
Day 3 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
— Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes
— On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu
— Overnight at Leh
Day 4 | Leh Local Sightseeing + Acclimatization
— To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
— Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 6 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Day 7 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on the go towards Pangong Tso
— Overnight at Pangong Tso (Spangmik or Lukung)
Day 8 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on return to Leh
— Overnight at Leh
Day 9 | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping OR Monastery tour
— Overnight at Leh
Day 10 | Fly out of Leh
Hi Dheeraj,
Nice to read you above article. We have planned to visit Leh in the first week of month of June. We planned to start from Jammu and will follow Jammu-Srinagar-Kargil-Leh route. We kept 2 days in Leh.
I just wanted to know that, is it possible to complete to and fro journey from Leh to Pangong Tso in one day? Similarly, on next day, Leh to Khardung Laa and back to Leh in one day? (We have 2 bikes n rest ppl will be travelling in rented car)
Also, is it really necessary to stay at Leh for whole day to get acclamatised to whether? Or time after comming from Kargil will be enough if we start very early from Kargil?
Thanks in advance.
Niranjan, yes Pangong Tso day trip is possible and Khardung La is just 40 odd KMs from Leh so no worries on that front too. Just make day trip to Khardung La first and then day trip to Pangong Tso.
Great!! Thanks a ton.
Hello Mr. Dheeraj,
My name is Ankita, my friends and I (all between 25-27 years of age) are planning a trip to Leh ladakh.
I was extremely confused and was wondering how to plan the trip. I am extremely glad that i have come across this wonderfully detailed forumof yours. Your in depth knowledge about leh ladakh seems vast and its absolutely wonderful how you are helping so many travellers with an itenary. I am hoping you can help me to plan a great trip with my friends too:
We are from mumbai. We have 9 days to complete this trip.
As per your articles, i think i would like to start my trip from srinagar.
could you please help me out with a 9 day itenary from srinagar to leh. we are keen on driving to leh but we could fly back from leh so we can make the most of our 9 days.
Thank you very much! hoping for your swift reply.
Hello Ankita,
Thanks for wonderful words, helps a lot in times of crisis 🙂 🙂 You can follow te below plan in such a case;
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 + Acclimatization
— To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
— Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 6 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Day 7 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on the go towards Pangong Tso
— Overnight at Pangong Tso (Spangmik or Lukung)
Day 8 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on return to Leh
— Overnight at Leh
Day 9 | 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
Day 10 – Fly out of Leh
Hi Dheeraj,
I have read your articles. Thank you for putting all these information at one place. I want your feedback.
We are six people planning to travel Leh via Srinagar-Leh-Manali route. Our tentative itinerary is as per below:
16-Jul: Fly from Delhi to Srinagar and Srinagar to Kargil.
17-Jul: Kargil to Leh
18-Jul: Local sightseeing in Leh
19-Jul: Leh to Nubra
20-Jul: Nubra to Leh
21-Jul: Leh to Pangong
22-Jul: Pangong to Sarchu
23-Jul: Sarchu to Manali and take bus from Manali for Delhi.
Now I was thinking of hiring taxi for entire journey, but read in your posts that it is not possible. Kindly suggest me how to manage taxi booking for this trip. Also provide your feedback on itinerary.
Thanks
Darshit
Pangong Tso to Sarchu is doable and about 12 Hrs of drive easily. So, leave as early as possible in the day that I will suggest. Next day too it is going to be hectic from Sarchu to Manali and then you plan to take buse in the evening, well, all depends upon how much travel endurance you have and test of your fatigue levels. You will need taxi from Srinagar to Leh first and then Leh taxi which can drop you to Manali. In the year end last year, there were disputes and Srinagar taxis were allowed to exchange passengers near Fotu La pass, only season opening will tell if that thing is settled or not.
Hello Dheeraj, thank you for all the great info!
We are planning a trip along the Srinagar-Leh highway in late July and I am worried about landslides delaying the trip. We have already booked our accommodations in both Srinagar and Leh, but have left 4 days open in between the two locations so we have only those four days to allow for travel along the highway. Our original plan was to find a private taxi driver to take us from Srinagar to Leh, but would you recommend opting for flight instead even though it is more money?
We have heard that parts along the highway can be dangerous for tourists, such as Kargil… do you think this is the case or are most tourists OK to pass through for a night or two?
Let me know what you think 🙂 Thank you!
Hello Ariana,
You should not worry much about landslides as they can happen anytime anywhere in Himalayas. July is still OK but August when rains occur is more problematic. Keep a buffer day or two in hand. In the 4 days that you have in hand, in case that includes rest day in Leh, better go with two day trip to Nubra Valley and two day trip to Pangong Tso. In case it does not include rest day in Leh, then do one rest day in Leh, two day trip to Nubra Valley and one day trip to Pangong Tso.
Hi Dheeraj ,
Such a nice and detailed article.Loved it! We are planning to travel to Ladakh from 5th to 10th April(6 Days). Since we are very short on time , we are planning to fly in directly to Leh early morning through the new direct flight which reaches there at 6:45 am. We want to explore all the nearby locations like Srinagar , Kargil etc. Can you suggest the best route map for it.Also , my husband has done the Manali-Leh route 2 years back for a bullet ride to Ladakh and spiti and since both of us like adventurous activities we dont mind backpacking or hiring a bullet to ride around…Can you please suggest on the possible routes
Srinagar and Kargil are not nearby Neha 🙂 … Since you have just 6 days in hand you can try below plan:
Day 1 | Delhi – Leh (By Flight)
— Checkin at Hotel. Many hotels provide free pick and drop from Airport. Ask while you book them.
— Take ample of rest as well as water or anything that keep your body hydrated enough. DO NOT OVER HYDRATE. Take ORS Soluted water or ORS – L tetra packs from home.
— Do not over exert your body at any cost. Avoid too much up-down on stairs or avoid it in entirety, if possible.
— After 5-6 Hrs of rest you can visit Leh Palace, Local Leh market, Shankar Gompa .
— If you feel exerted go back to Hotel, have dinner at Hotel and take rest. Avoid any exertion. Else continue and,
— Follow the sunset by stroll at Changspa road and have a nice dinner on varied cuisines offered in-around Changspa road.
— Go back to hotel for overnight stay at Leh.
Day 2 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Acclimatization
— Hire a taxi from Leh taxi stand or Hotel whichever suits you.
— Bargain with taxi driver and you can refer the thread for a comprehensive list of drivers: List of Taxi Drivers for Ladakh – Srinagar – Leh – Manali
— Take his inputs if you feel reasonable and if required modify the plan accordingly but should suits you best.
— Ask him to be with you guys starting first day itself, if required and charged reasonable else do it at your own.
— Again DO NOT over exert and take little steps and slow walks only.
— If feeling OK then do Local sightseeing. To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
— Do not use stairs at any of these places just to see them as it will exert your body much more.
— Overnight at Leh
Day 3 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 4 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Pangong Tso – Leh
— Make a Day trip to Pangong Tso
— Overnight at Leh
Day 6 | Rest day for Sham Valley tour or Fly back
— Sham Valley include Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, Gurudwara Pather Sahib
Hi Dheeraj , Thanks for the revert.. we will be extending our trip and are now planning to go for 9 days..any tips in that case..i really want to visit kargil in this trip…also in april will the roads be open for tht route?
Also , we will for sure take care of nt exerting ourselves..however we would like to do more of the adventurous things like trekking and backpacking rather than sightseeing ..any suggestions on tht?
Neha, on the rest day I have suggested in the plan in other comment, you can go for Rafting. Trekking and backpacking will be tough in just 9 days in hand.
Neha, roads from Leh to Kargil will be open. You can do it like:
Day 1 | Delhi – Leh (By Flight)
— Checkin at Hotel. Many hotels provide free pick and drop from Airport. Ask while you book them.
— Take ample of rest as well as water or anything that keep your body hydrated enough. DO NOT OVER HYDRATE. Take ORS Soluted water or ORS – L tetra packs from home.
— Do not over exert your body at any cost. Avoid too much up-down on stairs or avoid it in entirety, if possible.
— After 5-6 Hrs of rest you can visit Leh Palace, Local Leh market, Shankar Gompa .
— If you feel exerted go back to Hotel, have dinner at Hotel and take rest. Avoid any exertion. Else continue and,
— Follow the sunset by stroll at Changspa road and have a nice dinner on varied cuisines offered in-around Changspa road.
— Go back to hotel for overnight stay at Leh.
Day 2 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Acclimatization
— Hire a taxi from Leh taxi stand or Hotel whichever suits you.
— Bargain hard with taxi driver. Book that single taxi for entire trip after explaining the complete plan.
— Take his inputs if you feel reasonable and if required modify the plan accordingly but should suits you best.
— Ask him to be with you guys starting first day itself, if required and charged reasonable else do it at your own.
— Again DO NOT over exert and take little steps and slow walks only.
— If feeling OK then do Local sightseeing. To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
— Do not use stairs at any of these places just to see them as it will exert your body much more.
— Overnight at Leh
Day 3 | Leh – Sham Valley Tour – Uley Topko – Kargil
— Sham Valley include Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, Gurudwara Pather Sahib
— Overnight stay in Kargil
Day 4 | Kargil – Lamayaru – Ridzong Gompa – Leh
— Leave for Leh from Kargil in the morning after your breakfast at the camps.
— Visit Ridzong Gompa as well if you like on the return and reach back Leh in the evening.
— Check-in at hotel and stay 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
— Day trip to Pangong Tso as it will be very cold for a stay
Day 8 | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping OR Monastery tour
— Monastery tour may include Hemis, Thicksey, Stakna and Shey monasteries.
— Overnight at Leh
Day 9 | Fly back home
Dear Dheeraj Sharma Sir,
Your forum is extremely detailed and is very useful. Thank you for making this public.
I would like to take your advice for our trip to Leh Ladakh.
We are a group of 6 friends flying to Srinagar from Mumbai on 25th June -2016. We have a return ticket from Delhi on 9th of July. Our plan is to take a road trip from Srinagar-Leh-Manali-Delhi.
We will reach Srinagar on 25th June and stay in srinagar on 26th. Leave for Kargil on 27th morning, stay in kargil and than reach Leh on 28th. We are hiring a taxy for this route. on the return we plan to take the leh manali route so this way we can cover both the routes. We also plan to stay 2 days in kasol/tosh while we are returning. Ill try to put down my questions in a list.
1: After reaching Leh we want to have a private vehicle so that we can have the independence to stay/go/hault at any place as per our convenience. Can we hire a self driven SUV from Leh and return it in Manali? If yes, can you share the details of such companies? I got many bike rental companies but we are looking for a SUV as it seems more economical and we can stay together.
2: All of us are “shy” travellers and would not like to spend more days in a place with many tourists. We all are flexible and can stay out of comfort zones. We would like to stay in a comparatively lonely place while we are in Leh area. would you suggest that we spend more days in Nubra valley/pang gong in such case? Can you suggest different options?
3: Can we pitch our own tents in Leh/Nubra valley/pang gong or nearby places and sleep there?
4: If we hire bikes instead of SUV, can we still return those bikes in Manali as we want to anyway self-drive the Leh-Manali route. What should be the expected cost of hiring bikes/SUV? (I understand from some forums that the rental rates are decided by the association and they do not vary greatly from companies to companies but is it just on paper or do they really follow it?)
5: Are the hotel/guesthouse/camping rates highly negotiable or roughly same?
6: How many days would you suggest for kasol/tosh? what would be the best way to get there? I guess after we return the vehicles in manali, we will probably have to hire a taxy to reach kasol and another to reach delhi from kasol. Can i have your opinion on this please?
7: Considering scenic mountains and a rather laid back trip (we dont want to be visiting every tourist place and run here and there). What places would you recommend to spend more time?
Your experienced response will be highly appreciated and valued.
Thank You
One major question Sir,
During our trip, we would love to donate some things to the children of the himalayas. Considering a road trip and the amount of luggage we will have to carry, can you please suggest what will be really worth sharing with the local communities there? We have a budget of 10K for donation and will be more than happy to put it to use in the most efficient way.
Thank you Nisarg for coming forward and help participating in DoW Causes. You can read about what we suggest to people coming forward to help the locals up there in Himalayas, Well, I will suggest best will be to do in some remote villages. For example: Hunder, Turtuk, Mulbekh, Hanle, Alchi, Likir, Pin Valley, Rangrik, Hurling, Nako even, Shialkhar, Moorang, Geyu Mummy etc.. These are villages that fall on the route and where people in general do not stop overnight in large numbers. They also lack the infra or availability of such things. Hence, best is to pick any random small village on the route you are taking on that very day.
There is no need to have contact of anyone and anywhere for executing these causes. For GYAAN – 500, you can actually walk in to any of the primary school, have a word with teachers / head master up there. They, in all probability, will greet you with smiles and warmth and will help you distribute the stuff in the school by organizing or even calling children of the school from the near by village (if holiday). You MUST distribute the stuff yourself and stay away from handing over to anyone individually. Executing these causes on your own and seeing smiles running around when you do so, is actually the spirit of DoW Causes. This way only you feel connected with this feeling and in future remain connected 🙂 🙂 …
So, any small remote village you see like Turtuk, Hunder, Tangste, Shey, Phyang, Nimmu, Alchi, Likir, Hemis, Tirith, etc.. (except places like Leh, Srinagar, Kargil, Drass which are much like towns), there are primary schools where you can walk in and distribute this stuff.
You can check experiences of others who have come forward and executed the causes: Initiatives of Responsible Travel in DwD Community
We are a group of 6 friends flying to Srinagar from Mumbai on 25th June -2016. We have a return ticket from Delhi on 9th of July. Our plan is to take a road trip from Srinagar-Leh-Manali-Delhi.
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh. Remaining days you can use for Kasol / Tosh when you reach Manali
Regarding queries:
1: For the leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2016 – 17 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here. You can get about 12-15% of discount by directly getting in touch with drivers and of course, talking in person rather on phone always help in bargaining more.
While going from Srinagar to Leh, you might need to work out few things as there have been some tensions now in taxi unions and to settle it out what they have done is that they have a transit point just before Fotu La while going to Leh from Kargil. All Leh taxis stop there and kargil taxis too. They exchange passengers and move back in respective directions. Leh taxis take passengers to Leh coming from Srinagar/Kargil and Kargil guys take passengers to Srinagar/kargil coming from Leh
2: You can check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate (cheap budget hotels as well) in the series of articles starting on the link here
3: You can pitch your own tents anywhere but I will suggest you pitch them at a place where there are some dhabha tents put up by locals or where other camping guy pitch theirs or somewhere near some house in village or in their garden/lawn. All you will need is to gently ask them (villagers/dhabha guys/camping guys) for permissions. Most likely they will allow, other wise negotiate for small little tip or move on to some other such place nearby. This will give you sense of security too.
But, keep in mind that camping at the lakes both Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri is not allowed as they are under Ramsar site. Hence, you need to pitch these camps away from the lakes where either other camps are there or at near by village.
4: For renting bikes in Leh – Ladakh along with current Bike Union Prices, you can check the DwD Community thread: Leh – Ladakh Bike Rental Rates 2015 – 16 & Reliable Shops
The one way bike rental is quite costly and leave a big dent in pocket for you, sometimes like 12K for just the pickup from Manali. Be sure if you are ready to make that investment or not or if at all it is worth the money spent. My suggestion is unless you are hard core biker and cannot live up the passion of biking, it is not wise to spend that much money just for the pickup of bike.
5: Over phone v/s on the spot is always a difference but once you land there it will be more or less same.
6: Two days shall be good enough.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hello Dheeraj Sir,
I have some queries.
We are group of 6 boys planning to visit Leh in first week of May 2016.
We intend to visit these places-
Katra
Srinagar
Gulmarg
Sonamarg
Dras
Kargil
Leh
Pangong Tse and Hemis Monastery.
Then to katra to board our train heading back home.
I would like to know about the tourist cars,its fare and what will be best option to go with accommodation and tourist spots.
Should we hire tourist car from katra only?
Or should we call a car from leh to katra to start our journey.
Or suggest me some better option.
Thank You.
Jayesh, how many days you have in hand to make this trip? How do you plan to return from Leh, by flight?
From katra we have around 7/8 days.
No flight journey.
Jayesh, you have just 8 days in hand and I will suggest you following BUT all will depend upon if Srinagar – Leh Highway is open or not
Day 1 | Katra – Srinagar
— Enjoy walk around Dal lake and may be Shikara ride as well
— If you have time then check out, floating market, Shalimar Garden.
— Overnight at Srinagar
Day 2 | Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil
— Enjoy the vistas enroute
— Have late drunch meal at Drass is you are a vegetarian as sometimes it gets difficult to find veg. food at Kargil
— Overnight at Kargil
Day 3 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
— Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes
— On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu
— Overnight at Leh
Day 4 | Leh Local Sightseeing + Acclimatization
— To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
— Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 6 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Day 7 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on the go towards Pangong Tso
— Overnight at Pangong Tso (Spangmik or Lukung)
Day 8 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on return to Leh
— Overnight at Leh
Day 9 – Fly out of Leh
Hi Mr Dhiraj, We r group of 2 Families, 2 Couples & 3 kids ( 11,7,7 yrs ), planned Leh Trip via Srinagar starting from Vadodara, Gujarat on 28th May’2016. 29th May- Delhi-Srinagar flight , Srinagar stay, 30th May- Srinagar to Kargil, Kargil night stay, 31st May- Kargil to Leh, covering Alchi, Gurudwara etc, 1st June – Leh to Nubra via Khardung la, Nubra stay, 2nd June- Nubra to Leh, Leh local n night stay. 3rd June- Leh to Pangong, Pangong stay, 4th June- Pangong to Leh, Leh Night stay. 5th June- Leh to Delhi Flight. Please Suggest any perticular place to include, specific precautions for High Altitude, etc.
Dr Vipul, the plan seems good to me BUT the only thing that I will really recommend is that you please add a rest day in Leh before you venture out to Nubra Valley. Rest is OK. Keep your body hydrated
Dear Dhirajji,
I am of 62 years, and want to travel Srinagar to Leh Ladakh on 1st week of July after Amarnath yatra. Kindly guide me.
Sir, how many days you you have in hand? How are you planning to travel? Any groups you have ? Mode of transport in mind?
Hi Dheeraj
i was just wondering is travelling the leh sriningar route safe to do for 2 foriegners on foreign bikes alone in september?
thanks
Yeah, there should not be any problem I see on both Srinagar – Leh and Manali – Leh roads in September. Both roads are best in condition during the end of season with less traffic over it.
hi again Dheeraj thanks for your reply..was also wondering if you could recommmend a route for us..we will start in dehli and work our way through to leh via sriningar and back to dehli.. we should arrive in dehli around 1st of september and we are planning a 6months motorbike trip around the whole of india while raising money for a charity aswell..we would like to see as many sights as possible and possible routes for each..what could u recommened for us..as we wont have a problem with time
thanks
Wow, I envy you now 😉 😉 …
Regarding route I will give you a guideline kind of thing in days, you can put in more days of rest in between as you ride and go:
Day 1 | Delhi – Patnitop
Day 2 | Patnitop – Srinagar
Day 3 | Srinagar
Day 4 | Srinagar – Pahalgam
Day 5 | Pahalgam
Day 6 | Pahalgam – Gulmarg
Day 7 | Gulmarg
Day 8 | Gulmarg – Sonamarg
Day 9 | Sonamarg – Kargil
Day 10 | Kargil – Purikutchey/Panikhar
Day 11 | Purikutchey/Panikhar – Penzi La – Drang Drung Glacier – Padum
Day 12 | Padum
Day 13 | Padum
Day 14 | Padum – Kargil
Day 15 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Alchi
Day 16 | Alchi – Likir – Basgo – Leh
Day 17 | Leh Local + Permits
Day 18 | Leh Local Sighseeing
Day 19 | Leh – Khardung La – Nubra Valley (Deskit/Hunder)
Day 20 | Explore Deskit and Hunder
Day 21 | Deskit/Hunder – Turtuk
Day 22 | Turtuk
Day 23 | Turtuk – Hunder – Deskit – Sumur/Panamik
Day 24 | Sumur/Panamik – Khardung La – Leh
Day 25 | Leh – Hemis – Pangong Tso
Day 26 | Pangong Tso (Visit Man – Merak Villages)
Day 26 | Pangong Tso – Thicksey – Shey – Leh (or if OK with basic stay go and stay at Rumste/Upshi)
Day 27 | Leh/Rumste/Upshi – Tso Moriri
Day 28 | Tso Moriri
Day 29 | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring – Pang – Sarchu
Day 30 | Sarchu – Jispa
Day 31 | Jispa
Day 32 | Jispa – Udaipur – Jispa
Day 33 | Jispa – Chandratal
Day 34 | Chandratal – Kaza
Day 35 | Kaza (Ki, Kibber, Gette)
Day 36 | Kaza/Langza Homestay (Hikkim, Koumik, Langza)
Day 37 | Kaza – Dhankar – Pin Valley
Day 38 | Pin Valley – Tabo
Day 39 | Tabo – Geyu Mummy – Nako
Day 40 | Nako – Kalpa
Day 41 | Kalpa – Sangla/Chitkul
Day 42 | Sangla/Chitkul
Day 43 | Sangla/Chitkul – Sarahan
Day 44 | Sarahan – Narkanda – Chail
Day 45 | Chail – Delhi
This 45 days of mammoth trip, makes you touch the most parts of Kashmir, Ladakh, Lahaul Valley, Spiti Valley and Kinnaur Valley at ease.
I hope this helps. Please let me know in case you have any queries or doubts.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
hi deeraj thanks for your rreply..the 45 day mammoth trip sounds amazig but we plan to ride all the way down to kerala and only have a 3month visa..so was thinking if you could recommend a trip from dehli to dehli fro 28 days? also we are a couple..im indian from uk and she is swiss/chinese from switzerland..was wondering how safe it would be around kashmir for us and is it dangerous around them areas or regions at all for us? thanks
In that case you can skip the Zanskar Part in below plan
Day 1 | Delhi – Jammu / Patnitop
— Overnight at Jammu or Patnitop
Day 2 | Jammu / Patnitop – Srinagar
— Enjoy walk around Dal lake and may be Shikara ride as well
— If you have time then check out, floating market, Shalimar Garden.
— Overnight at Srinagar
Day 3 | Srinagar – 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 4 | Kargil – Padum (Zanskar Valley)
— Head straight to Padum
Day 5 | Padum Local Sightseeing
— Enjoy Zangla, Stongde, Karsha
Day 6 | Padum – Zongkhul Monastery – Penzi La Pass – Rangdum
— Start back and stay at Rangdum
Day 7 | Rangdum – Panikhar – Sankoo – Kargil
— Checkout rock carved statue at Khartse Khar
Day 8 | 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 9 | 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 10 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder – Turtuk
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Turtuk
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— enjoy the culture in the Turtuk Village
— do mention Turtuk on the permits
Day 11 | Turtuk – Hunder
— Spend whole day at Turtuk and reach Hunder by evening
— Overnight at Hunder
Day 12 | Hunder – Deskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
— Enjoy drive upto Panamik, visit Yarab Tso Lake and back to overnight stay at Kyagar or Tiger or Sumur
— Enjoy walks in Hunder, Deskit, Sumur villages for the last 3 days
Day 13 | Sumur/Kyagar – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Day 14 | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping OR Monastery tour
— 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.
— Overnight at Leh
Day 15 | Leh – Sham Valley – Leh
— Sham Valley include Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, Gurudwara Pather Sahib
— Overnight at Leh
Day 16 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on the go towards Pangong Tso
— Overnight at Pangong Tso (Spangmik)
Day 17 | Pangong Tso Lake – Shey – Thicksey – Leh
— Mention all the places of this route as mentioned above on the permits and Nyoma as well
— Overnight at Hanle
Day 18 | Leh – Chumathang – Mahe – Tso Moriri
— Overnight at Tso Moriri
Day 19 | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring (Manali – Leh Highway starts) – Moore Plains – Pang / Sarchu
— Try to start early in the day so that you reach Sarchu where the accommodation options are better than Pang
— Overnight at Sarchu or Pang
Day 20 | Pang / Sarchu – Baralacha La – Jispa
— On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only
— Overnight at Jispa
Day 21 | Jispa – Chandratal
Day 22 | Chandratal – Kaza
Day 23 | Kaza (Ki, Kibber, Gette)
Day 24 | Kaza/Langza Homestay (Hikkim, Koumik, Langza)
Day 25 | Kaza – Dhankar – Pin Valley
Day 26 | Pin Valley – Tabo – Nako
Day 27 | Nako – Kalpa
Day 28 | Kalpa – Sangla/Chitkul (if you cannot extend, skip)
Day 29 | Sangla/Chitkul (if you cannot extend, skip)
Day 30 | Sangla/Chitkul – Narkanda
Day 31 | Narkanda – Chail / Shimla – Delhi
Ohh, did I read Chinese? Well, in that case there will be trouble getting the permits for sure and in fact for a chinese national, you need to get permits from MEA, Delhi which will not be a trivial process.
Dude.. who are you man? who gives ATM and mobile connectivity details on blog?
My first question is : How many times have you been to leh to collect all this info?
Second: I am planning Srinagar– 2 days taxi– LEH(8 days)— 1 day taxi — srinagar. (Because srinagar flights are cheaper). How does the coming back in a day sound to you?
Third and last : I read on page 10 of taxi rates about 3 day trip to deskit, hunder, panamic and pangong via shyok. How cool is that? and it starts and ends at leh right?
Again.. you guys are amazing. Keep up the good work.
Kalpesh, well, thank you so much 🙂 … I have been consistently going to Ladakh since 2009 almost every year on an average 🙂 🙂 It is just love to know more about the place, nothing much 🙂 🙂
1. You can come back to Srinagar from Leh in one day. IT will take about 15-16 Hrs.
2. IF you have couple of taxis in the convoy, then you should travel Shyok route else since it is quite desolated route, I will not recommend traveling over it with just single vehicle as in case of any break down there will not be any help at all 🙂
Thanks for the insight. We are only 4 people (3 ladies in that).. So we wont be having a spare arrangement.
But is it worth visiting considering all the risk? Is it something different or just passable?
Again.. Respect for the dedication and love..
And i will make sure i carry a lot of books and stationary for sure..
Kalpesh, ever route of Ladakh has its own beauty and offer its own serenity. However, there is nothing worth against the risk which relates to life and death or being stuck in a place where you are not sure when a help will arrive or if it will arrive or not. I am not being pessimistic here but machines are machines and it may fail any given day.
Thank you so much for participating in DoW Causes for spreading smiles in Himalayas 🙂 🙂
Hi! we’re two friends planning to cover ladakh on a CD100 and a Unicorn. we will start from Jammu on june 1.
im planning to do srinagar to leh via a different route as follows,
Srinagar- Drass- Kargil- Rangdum- Penzi la- Padum- Namtse la- Zanskar- Upshi- Nimu-Leh
So that we will be able to cover zanskar and penzi la too…
what would you suggest?
also, we want to cover Panamik, Hundar, Wari la, Pangong tso, Tso Moriri, and Tso kar then EXIT via manali.
how many days will it take? and how much Kms will we cover doing all this.
thanks.
Sushil, the route you want to take from PAdum to Nimmu (Upshi is not there) is a trek route not a route by road. Road is being constructed there, will take few years to open. So, you have to travel from Padum back to Kargil and then Kargil to Leh via Lamayuru.
Going by the bikes, in case the conditions of bikes are average, I will not attempt to take Wari La route due to its desolation and no one to help in case something goes kaput in 100s of miles. I will suggest you follow conventional routes for this time.
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
Hi Dheeraj sir,
WE the family of 4 planning to visit leh in first week of june 2016. your detailed guidance is of immense help for me to chalk out the plan. But for booking hotels after reaching Leh seems very difficult. please comment.
Sushama
If you are looking for bookings over phone, you can connect with info@offbeatescapes.com as most of the readers in the past three years have had very good feedback about them and especially their transparent policies along with being there with you all the time in need. So, we trust them the most. You can refer my name or DoW to Gaurav, the guy who runs it. He knows us very well and should be able to offer some special rates being a DoW Member. You can just refer him the DwD Community Member Username in such a case or screenshot of this reply here.
Hi Deeraj
We are a family of 3 planning to visit ladakh in June,16 via Srinagar.Will reach Srinagar on 10th June and will halt on 11th June before proceeding to Leh on 12th June. Whether we should stay in house boat instead of hotel? Which is thw better option?
Well, in case you have not ever stayed in houseboat, it is better to try the experience always 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
This page seems really informative. I have been debating between Manali – Leh and Srinagar – Leh, but it seems the logical choice is Srinagar – Leh. I am planning a trip in first week of June, and I guess there is no certainty but this route has a higher probability of being open.
I was curious to know what would be the best way to travel. I will have a group of 4 people. The 9000-12000 that you mention for a private cab is for a hatchback or a bigger SUV? Also, how good are the buses? Does it make sense to go super-economical and take a bus that has a halt at Kargil for the night?
Do the cabs from Leh – Srinagar also cost the same? Where do you book these?
Thanks a lot for the wonderful information!
Cheers,
Anupam.
Hello Anupam,
There are no hatches that run on this route. Now, the taxi fare for private taxis are mostly around 13000-14000 for a two day drop to Leh. The seats in shared taxis cost around 1200-1600 depending upon days of travel over Srinagar to Leh. Buses cost around 700-800
Hi Dheeraj,
Its really nice and informative page in the whole world of internet for ladakh trip. Can see the efforts you have put in. I have few questions. Hope could get help from you.
I am planning for Ladakh with a group of friends in the month of August’16. I read the whole article but could you please let me know what would private taxi mean here. Also wanted to make sure if Kargil has enough Taxi service and we are not stranded once we reach there.
We were also thinking of staying at pangong lake in tents. I had read somewhere that an overnight stay is provided in tents at pangong lake by some trek organizers. Could you please comment on this as well whether it is wise enough to stay in swiss tents as I am not very sure about the climate there in august.
Lastly, how much will be the approx budget for 10 days from Srinagar-kargil-leh-manali?
Thank you Sanchita !! 🙂 🙂
Prvate Taxi mean that the taxi will only belong to you guys not shared with any local or tourists. It will be only your group or the ones you will allow will be allowed in the taxi, not others unless you allow them. The taxi charges will be for the whole taxi while in shared taxis, taxi charges are per seat basis.
Yes, Kargil as loads of taxis, you will not go wrong with them.
No at all, it is wrong info. some one provided to you. You can check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate (cheap budget hotels as well) in the series of articles starting on the link here
For budget, you can take around 800-1200 per day per person for food + stay. Rest wil be your taxi which may cost around 50-60K
Hi,
I want to know the cost of hiring byk from Delhi to Leh for 10 days or in leh for sight seeing or roaming in region.
Are you planning by car or bike?
Bikes rented outside Leh are not allowed for sightseeing inside Ladakh except Tso Moriri and Tso Kar lakes which can be done while going to Manali from Leh. Private bikes are completely allowed. You can use the outside rented bike to reach Leh but then for going to Pangong Tso, nubra Valley, etc.. you need to hire rented bikes from Leh only.
To know more about this rule and present situation, please refer the link: Bikes Rented Outside Leh Banned in Ladakh
This year as per reports, rule is going to be stricter. Manali rental guys have formalized a deal that for the days Manali bike is parked in Leh and Leh bike is rented, they will charge 50% of the rent of the bike. So, confirm with Manali rental guys first about this signoff.
For renting bikes in Leh – Ladakh along with current Bike Union Prices, you can check the DwD Community thread: Leh – Ladakh Bike Rental Rates 2015 – 16 & Reliable Shops
hi Dhreeraj,
we five friends are planning 10 days Srinagar-Leh-Manali 5th may onwards. want to know How to visit,as outside cars are not allowed in leh-ladakh for sight seeing. please suggest mode of transport
Pavan, who told you that outside cars are not allowed? It is outside taxis AND outside rented self drive car which are banned not private cars. Also, you can still take them into Leh and come back from Leh in them. Just for Ladakh sightseeing you need to hire local taxis.
5th May is too optimiztic date to travel Srinagar to Ladakh to Manali as roads especially Manali – Leh opens either in late May or June first week only. This year can be exception with all the no snow in Himalayas everywhere but you never know if it snows tons in March.
dheeraj,
I am big fan of ths web. appreciate your attempt and keep update this website
when i go to leh , i supposed to visit the village turtuk which is last village near to china pak boarder . I have seen tht many peoples gng to tht beautiful village via leh and recently opened for tourists . do you know if there any procedure to enter there ?
Jeswin, if you are an Indian then in that case you can travel upto Turtuk. After acclimatization days in Leh, you can start your journey as below over 3 days
Leh – Khardung La – Deskit – Hunder – Turtuk
Turtuk – Hunder
Hunder – Deskit – Khardung La – Leh
Hi
I am planning a trip to leh via srinagar . I will reach delhi on 28 May 2016. I would like to know from delhi , are there buses available to srinagar ? If yes, where to book the bus seats, place ? Any other mode of transport you can suggest ?
Hi Vaibhav, please refer: Rates & Time table of Bus Services in Leh – Ladakh
From Delhi, you should take a train to Jammu and from Jammu take the shared Jeep/taxis or bus to Srinagar
Hii,
we two are planning for ladakh in june, 2016. I have some queries like…
1. what should be the costing for hiring a car/taxi from kargil to leh via mulbek, lamayuru, alchi, likir including one night stay at alchi ?
2. what types of accomodations are available in panamik/turtuk (nubra valley)?
3. we want to stay 2 nights at nubra valley ( 1 night at deskit and 1 night at panamik/turtuk). would we get shared car? if not, is there any local transportation available for leh to deskit drop? deskit to panamik? then panamik to leh?
4. does the taxi association of leh conduct the triangle tour (leh-nubra-pangong-tsomoriri-leh) ?
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
You can check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate (cheap budget hotels as well) in the series of articles starting on the link here
For the leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2015 – 16 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here. You can get about 10-12% of discount by directly getting in touch with drivers and of course, talking in person rather on phone always help in bargaining more.
While going from Srinagar to Leh, you might need to work out few things as there have been some tensions now in taxi unions and to settle it out what they have done is that they have a transit point just before Fotu La while going to Leh from Kargil. All Leh taxis stop there and kargil taxis too. They exchange passengers and move back in respective directions. Leh taxis take passengers to Leh coming from Srinagar/Kargil and Kargil guys take passengers to Srinagar/kargil coming from Leh
For the list of good restaurants in Leh – Ladakh or eateries or food joints where food is enjoyed by many travellers including me, you can check the link here: List of Good Restaurants in Leh – Ladakh | Restaurant Reviews
Check the list of things to carry for Leh – Ladakh or other trip including basic medical kit, clothing, must haves etc. at the link here: List of Things to Carry for Leh – Ladakh trip.
hey dheeraj,
can we stay in tent at out side through journey?
I did not get the question Jeswin? What do you mean here?
my question is ,i have tent so can i use the tent for stay when i travel from jammu to leh? may be i will go alone on oct first or second week
Jeswin, it will be too cold to stay in tents in October in Ladakh. Upto Kargil, it shall be fine with temperatures not that muuch but beyond that it will be quite cold to stay overnight in tents unless you are used to it.
Hi Dheeraj.
I just registered myself on your site & it’s a treasure trove (Although I have been sneaking in since last few years without registering :-))….so thanks for creating this platform.
We are planning a bike trip for 2 weeks to Leh (July 1st half). We are from Bangalore & will travel to Jammu by train with our bikes & then will ride to Leh & return via Manali route & take a return train from Chandigarh. I’ll of course go through all the Articles seeking the usual answers but here is a tricky one I didn’t find anywhere on net. ” What kind of Bike to use for this trip?”….
I mean Bullet is great & all but I’m planning it on my Honda Shine (125 CC)…I’m a little hesitant to hire a bike & travel…I like my bike & would like to stick to it if possible. Will it be good enough??????
Regards,
Anand
Good to know that Anand bhai and glad you loved the Discover with Dheeraj Travel Platform. I personally suggest that you take a bike with which you are comfortable with not seeing the power of the bike. All bikes are capable enough to make a successful trip to Ladakh and at times you feel less power especially at high altitude passes but that should be OK I guess.
hi anand we are also planing in June / July bike trip srinagar – leh by road.we are two boys.can you give me your contact number ???
Ali, It will be much better that you check the DoW Travel Calendar from the link in the Main Menu. There you can see about 300+ entries of the people planning their trips in this season and see if you can connect with the group. You can filter entries based on the preferences you have.
Hi Dheeraj ,
1st of all thanks a ton for such a nice information which will be very helpful in our upcoming laddak trip.
we are planing for 1st or 2nd week of may when ever srinagar leh highways opens up.
we will be hiring self drive scorpio from delhi and will cover the route as you suggested. Just wanted to check howz the road for driving and what precautions we should take while driving to laddak
Hi Dheeraj
Second week of May should be suitable to you but do not consider it is 100% open passage and stable roads across Zojila pass. Do check the article: Rented Self Drive Cars in Leh – Ladakh Banned “FORCIBLY”
HI,
i am planning to take Srinagar route to ladakh. I will be starting from delhi on 28th may and would be back to delhi on 5th June. So total I have 7 days approx will it be enough to cover the trip. Also in this time roads will be open ?
Thanks in advance
Chinmay, It will take 4 days to reach Leh from Srinagar side starting from Delhi and 3 days to come back from Leh from Manali side to Delhi. This makes it 7 days. 1 Day is required in Leh for acclimatization.
So, ideally you will just be on road only
Hi Dheeraj,
Is it possible to accommodate “Drang-Drung Glacier” while travelling from Srinagar to Leh during 18-22nd May’16? Will this inclusion increase the travel between Srinagar & Leh by another day?
regards,
Debjit
Debjit, visiting Drang Drung will require about 12 Hrs of arduous road journey from Kargil to Kargil. If you have one full day and ready for the arduous journey then you can make it. Yes, this will include tiring one day
Hello dhiraj sir,
I am samir. Did solo bike ride all over Maharashtra. Single day ride almost 850 km. First time planning to leh on bike. I m planning to leave Mumbai on 10july 2016. If all goes well I will take halt at Ajmer. Else somewhere in between. Second or third halt will be Amritsar. 4th Jammu. Onwards according to ur guide route. I m looking for people who can join me. Please suggest me abt this route or shall I make change in this. My contact no. 8767497919. Thank u for ur valuable suggestions and posts.
Samir, You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh post Jammu.
Hi Dheeraj,
Good write up. Touched upon every detail and very much informative. Will help a lot for my up coming tour.
I am planning a tour to Leh Ladakh at the start of June 2016 or mid June 2016. We are planning for 12- 13 days tour and we will be around 6 – 7 of us. We wish to take Srinagar Leh route and return via Leh Manali route.
We will be flying from Mumbai to Srinagar.
Below are some doubts that I have around the tour.
1) Will we get a bike on rent from Srinagar and will we be able to drop the same at Manali?
2) Is the below itinerary ok:
Day 1: Arrive in Srinagar
Day 2: Srinagar to Kargil
Day 3: Kargil to Leh
Day 4: local sight seeing at leh and getting acclimatized
Day 5: leh to nubra and stay at nubra
Day 6: nubra to leh
Day 7: leh to Pangong
Day 8: Camping at Pangong
Day 9: Pangong to Leh
Day 10: Leave for Manali
Day 11: Stay in Manali
Day 12: Leave from Kullu to Mumbai
3) Where do we hire bikes from Srinagar or Leh?
4) Do we need to take a mechanic with us?
5) What should be average rent for a bike on per day basis?
Any additional inputs are welcomed. Please share your contact details if you can which will be of great help.
Thanks in Advance
Hi Lokesh,
Bikes rented outside Leh are not allowed for sightseeing inside Ladakh except Tso Moriri and Tso Kar lakes which can be done while going to Manali from Leh. Private bikes are completely allowed. You can use the outside rented bike to reach Leh but then for going to Pangong Tso, nubra Valley, etc.. you need to hire rented bikes from Leh only.
To know more about this rule and present situation, please refer the link: Bikes Rented Outside Leh Banned in Ladakh
This year as per reports, rule is going to be stricter. Manali rental guys have formalized a deal that for the days Manali bike is parked in Leh and Leh bike is rented, they will charge 50% of the rent of the bike. So, confirm with Manali rental guys first about this signoff.
For renting bikes in Leh – Ladakh along with current Bike Union Prices, you can check the DwD Community thread: Leh – Ladakh Bike Rental Rates 2015 – 16 & Reliable Shops
The one way bike rental is quite costly and leave a big dent in pocket for you, sometimes like 12K for just the pickup from Manali. Be sure if you are ready to make that investment or not or if at all it is worth the money spent. My suggestion is unless you are hard core biker and cannot live up the passion of biking, it is not wise to spend that much money just for the pickup of bike.
I will suggest that you go through the articles mentioned under the DwD Community thread for bike trip to Ladakh or any other part of Himalayas at the link: All About Bike Ride to Ladakh & Himalayas. This will help you cover almost all your queries related to bike trip to Ladakh or Himalayas.
2. Your plan looksOK except that you can make two day trip to Pangong Tso and wil have to use one day saved from there to make two day trip over Manali – Leh with overnight stay at Sarchu
3. Answered above
4. Well, it really is a personal choice between good to have thing.
5. Answered above.
Hi Dheeraj “Spiti baba” ,
First of all thanks a ton for guiding me for spiti valley circuit ride. Am planning for a Gulmarg bike ride at the end of December .Am following itinerary :
25th December : Chandigarh to Patnitop
26th December : Patnitop to Gulmarg
27th December : Gulmarg
28th December : Gulmarg
29th December : Gulmarg to Jammu
30th December : Jammu to Chandigarh
Kindly let me know if it is Ok to go ahead .Am taking my Thunderbird 350 .Please let me know your inputs.
Thanks ,
Tanmay
Tanmay, all will depend upon if the roads will be open during that time or not in ase it snows. In case it snows, it will be very difficult for you to ride the bike else you know how it goes, plan looks OK to me with initial and last leg a bit cramped but doable.
Thanks boss. will plan it accordingly if the weather is suitable .
Best wishes for the trip Tanmay 🙂
i am planning srinagar with my family.when the snowfall will start in 2015 2016
pls mail ur tel no.
Prabhakar, you should plan something in January if you wish to see snow or snowfall in Kashmir
We are planning to cycle from Srinagar to Leh and from Leh to Keylong and afterwards from Keylon to Srinagar again.
What time is best option for cyclists? We reckon september.
Do you think the journey as a complete cycling tour is possible?
As an extra we would like to go over the Kardhung La and back via Agham en Sakti?
As the option via Batalik also an option for cyclists?
And is it safe as a foreigner to travel their on bicycles?
Joris, September is the best time to travel. I will not suggest Agham route as there is nothing up there and any help will not be available in miles of distance in case required. For Batalik route, you will need permits. And yes, totally safe alot of foriengers bicycle every year.
Hi Dheeraj,
First of all I would like to appreciate the prompt replies you are giving for the queries..
Myself and my family (wife and 4.5 year son) are planning to travel srinagar- leh ladakh – manali from September 16th onwards..
Following is my plan
Day1: arrive in delhi
Day2: Delhi to srinagar by flight and leisure at srinagar
Day3: srinagar to Kargil
Day4: Kargil to leh
Day5: local sight of seeing at leh and getting acclimatised
Day6: leh to nubra and stay at nubra
Day7: nubra the to leh
Day 8: leh to Pangong and back to leh
Day 9: leh to jisp
Day 10 : just to manali and stay at manali
Day 11: leisure at manali and start to delhi
By overnight volvo
Considering I have my son with me, now I feel like my day 8 will be little hectic and not that practical. So I want to accommodate one more day for leh so that I can stay one day at Pangong and return only next day.
What would you suggest for this?
My total number of days can’t be extended as I am coming from abroad and my to and fro tickets to delhi cannot be changed.
One thing I can think of rake early morning flight to Srinagar on day 2 and directly proceed to Kargil so that I can save day 3 schedule for an extra day at leh. What do you suggest?
Sorry Razi, I was on trip to Zanskar – Changthang and hence could not make it to reply. I hope you are enjoying your trip to Ladakh now
hi guyz..
I am planning for a trip to leh..
will be reaching srinagar on 13th september & have return flight on 19th september from sringar..
Guys kindly advise me how to plan the trip..how to go as me going with my wife.
Hi Dheeraj,
We are planning to visit leh, Srinagar- Leh-Manali during Oct 30-Nov 5 2015. Heard that BRO is going to keep the road open till nov 31 this year. Please advise if we can visit during this time and also about the roads, hotels.
Thanks in Advance 🙂
Sha, I do not recommend traveling over Manali – Leh Highway anytime after first week of October which in itself has some risks associated to it.
Hi,is srinagar-leh highway is safe for travellers,as my uncle works in army he says Srinagar-leh highway is not safe as very few members will go to leh,there will be very less mode of transportation and there will be firing in between this highway and without permission we can’t go to leh.He is threatening like anything. Is this all true?
I am hearing it for the first time, may be he is joking with you or have no idea about it 🙂 …
Hi Dheeraj,
I really appreciate your efforts of guiding everyone personally about Leh, Ladakh. Coming to my query, we are a group of 5 guys travelling to Ladakh for 7 nights/8days in end of September 2015. We would be going through Srinagar highway.
Our itinerary is as follows:
Day 1: Arrive in Srinagar and proceed towards Leh with overnight stay in Kargil
Day 2: Night stay in Leh
Day 3: Night stay in Pangong
Day 4: Night stay in Leh
Day 5 & 6 : Night stay in Nubra
Day 7: Night stay in Leh
Day 8: Departure from Leh
We have booked our tickets but we are yet to book the hotels, etc. Till now our plan was to book through the agent so as to avoid any last minute delays due to obtaining the permit, etc. But after reading your blogs and the comment of Mr. Justin, we are considering to book everything on our own so as to save on some money.
Now my queries in this regard are as follows:
1) Is it difficult to obtain the permits and all on our own? If no, what is the exact procedure and the time it would take taking those permits.
2) Give us some good reasonable hotel/camp options in Kargil, Leh, Pangong and Nubra with all necessary facilities like heating system, hot water, decent food, etc.
3) Is it worth while staying in Nubra for 2 nights? Or can you suggest some other place which we should see instead of spending 2 nights in Nubra?
4) How difficult it is to obtain taxi from Srinagar to Leh with overnight stay in Kargil?
Thank you in anticipation.
Regards,
Karnik Gulati
Karnik, please replace Nubra Valley with Pangong Tso as you will not acclimatized. You do not need any permits for above plan. Rest all looks OK,. You will get the taxi on the spot too.
Thanks for a super prompt reply Dheeraj. 🙂 I would like to know if there is any difference between Pangong Tso and Pangong. Further, we would be going to Nubra during the last leg of our trip so not getting acclimatise as per you did not convince me or may be i didn’t get your point. Are you suggesting to forget Nubra totally or you meant we should spend only one night instead of two in Nubra? Please elaborate a bit more on this.
Regards,
Karnik Gulati
There is no difference between Pangong tso and Pangong . Nubra is at a lower altitude than Pangong Tso, so you have to visit Nubra Valley first and then go to Pangong Tso. Do not go to Pangong Tso first.
Okay.Got your point.Thanks a ton. 🙂
Hello, which is it better to overnight stay in Sonamarg, Dras or Kargil? We were told that Dras and Leh has almost the similar altitude..
Kargil is a better place in case you are not in hurry and doing the Srinagar – Leh journey in two days.
sir please send your contact no.
Dheeraj-ji,
Your write-up is very comprehensive, incisive and has lots of clarity. I am planning to drive down from Mumbai to Leh via Rajasthan, Srinagar and back in 2016 in my Ford EcoSport. Thanks for all the wonderful details. Cheers!
Thanks a ton, glad they were helpful. Best wishes for your trip 🙂
Please take a test drive of Ecosport to some nearby rough mountain area before driving to tough roads of Leh. I too have a petrol ecosport. it is urban suv..good for city drive but poor car for tough roads. You will reach…but such cars are not powerful enogh to meet dificult situations…
Very thorough details. Srinagar-leh is a proper choice. Hiring taxi only upto Kargil & hiring another from there would help in visiting Lamayuru, Alchi, Likir & gurdwaras on the way to leh. So nice of of you to provide guidance. Will remember you on 12 &13 on the highway.
Thank you Narendra, glad it helped 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
I along with 3 of my friend are leaving for srinagar from mumbai on 8th aug.
2 out of 4 guys have little experience in riding bike. We want to stick to bike ride. |
Few questions i would like to ask you
a. whether double ride is possible or not if we go by srinagar leh highway and we are returning by the same route
b. our return flight is on 16th august from srinagar at 3 PM, so we are covering the highway twice, so would like to know whether NH 1D will open on 15th august?
c. To save travel distance, instead of coming to leh from nubra we are directly going to pangong lake; how can we cover with fuel is a constraint ?
d. People go to Pangong lake or Pangong TSo which is far from lake ? Do we need permit for pangong Tso ?
Hi Lokanath,
1. Cannot really say but with inexperienced riders there will always be some risk.
2. Highway will be open, no reason to close on 15th August
3. At present both direct routes to Pangong Tso from Nubra were closed. Take a call once reach there at Nubra and conforming.
4. I could not get the last question first part. Both Pangong Tso and Pangong lake are same thing as Tso is meant for lake in Tibetan language. You do not need permit for Pangong Tso now being indians.
Hi All Travelers.
we successfully completed the Trip from Chennai-Srinagar-Leh (july 24 -April 1) only 2 people we just followed DOW and guidelines /Response from Dheeraj., Thanks to DOW and MR .Dheeraj Sir.
Please follow the guidelines i am just repeating what Dheeraj sir always used to say and guided us.
1. Always avoid agents for cab booking or hotel room booking. once you reach Srinagar just spend 30 mins to one hour on your own . you will get very good hotels . I repeat avoid agents we saved lot of money. cab from Srinagar to leh (innova – 1700 Rs ). we are 7 people tool 13 hours. to reach. Local and private bus available for 1000 to Rs 1500 based on the confort.
2.we booked brand new Bullet 350(white color) in leh for Rs 13000 per day without petrol.
3 Always carry fuel with you , we cant find any petrol bunk on the way to Nubra valley.
4. No permit needed you just need to fill a normal form on each checkpost.
5. you can drive the bike all the places in the Leh . but be confident while driving and always carry water bottle I bet you will be needed . Myself and my friend hired RE 350 CC and travelled in single bike for 5 days .
Day1- Chennai-Srinagar (stayed in Boat house)
Day2- we travelled srinagar -leh ( our bad luck due to landslide and cloud burst we are blocked at Kangan and sent back to srinagar will be road closed for 4 days ) .same day eveneing we travelled to GUlmarg and we reached
day 3– Gulmarg- Horse ride from bottom to phase 1 – we are luckily weather got better we reacher thr top of glacired phase 2 using the rope care. -evening Gulmarg to srinagar return.
day 4- we are lucky road opened we started traveling Srinagar to leh. but again blocked @ sonogram due to traffic @ Zohilla pass .we reached leh in the mighnight @ 1AM.
Day 5-Woke up very late leh local site seeing hired bike and roamed all the places in Leh
day 6 – leh – kardungla -naubra valley(bike)
day7 — naubra valley – leh (bike)
day8 – Leh – pangong lake (bike)
day 9 –pangong lake -leh(bike)– eveing we started to srinagar (innova)
Day 10:we reached Srinagar morning 9 AM and taken rest in hotel and roamed again ni boats and all the gardens in Srinagar
Day11 -srinagar to chennai returned in Flight.
we finished the entire trip in just 19000 per head (excluding the flight tickets).
Note : make sure you hire very good bullet or new ones though it is 100 Rs or 200 RS extra.
Avoid leh-pangaong -leh on same day if you plan to return on same day you cant spend more time. its such a awesome place you have to stay @ night.
For 800 to 1000rs you will be very very good hotel stays with heaters.
Thanks
Thank you so much Justin for the details, should help others too. Glad DoW website helped you plan a great trip to Ladakh 🙂
Dear Dheeraj,
Wishing you all the best for you and your forum. And a big thans for helping us through ur forum.
I have been planning for a self drive trip from delhi – srinagar – leh- manali – delhi . i have contacted zoom cars and i can to know that there are troubles in leh for self driven cars and also for privet cars.
PLS SEE THE MAIL I GOT.
“Dear Zoomer,
This is a follow-up on the Ladakh Travel Advisory (about ban of non-local vehicles including self-drive rented cars) we had issued earlier. It has come to our notice that the situation has aggravated and all outside vehicles (even personal cars) are being restricted from entering Leh. Cases of violence, including manhandling and stone pelting, have also come to light.
In view of these unfortunate events, we would advise extreme caution to anyone who is planning to take any personal or rented vehicle in the region. ”
Please give your feed back on this situation. I am travelling with two ladies and they are foreigners and we are planning this trip from 10 sept and end by 24 sep in delhi .
thanks in advance
Venu, Regarding Taxi chaos on rented self drive vehicles, you can read the updates under the thread: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/india/travel-news-updates-f33/topic2970-10.html#p24462
Last update linked above I feel sums it all. There will soon a decision published in a week or so clearing all the air as per taxi union in Leh right now.
Hi Dheeraj
Thank you for replying to my earlier post. We have come up with the following itinerary from Srinagar to Leh. We plan to take a taxi (looking for travel partners to share taxi cost) from Srinagar to Leh and hire a bike in Leh.
Please suggest any changes if you think this is not suitable.
1 Aug: Reach Srinagar, overnight stay in Srinagar
2 Aug: Start from Srinagar to Kargil
3 Aug: Kargil to Leh; Cover Mulbekh Maitreya, Lamayuru, Zanskar, Ulley, Alchi
4 Aug: Rest in leh and get inner line permits
5 Aug: Leh-Khardungla-Diskit-Hunder; overnight at Hunder by bike
6 Aug: Hunder – Pangong Tso by bike
7 Aug: Pangong – Hanle; overnight at Hanle/if possible leave for Tso Moriri
8 Aug: Hanle – Tso Moriri; overnight at Tso Moriri
9 Aug: Tso Moriri – Leh by bike
10 Aug: Leh – Keylong; overnight at keylong; On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal
11 Aug: Keylong – Manali
Please suggest if this is a doable itinerary.
Thanks
Manj, it is doable but do read the articles as all the details about the direct routes of Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri and Nubra to Pangong Tso along with tips and risks which they pose are detailed under the articles:
Tips for Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso Direct Route AND Tips for Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri Direct Route
Please read these articles and based on the details/risks highlighted, take a go-no-go decision.
Mr Dheeraj. Let me thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your efforts. I have planned my trip from 4th August to 14th Delhi-Srinagar-Leh-Manali-Delhi. I have not seen such a detailed info on such an important topic. Travellers like you are a blessing for all the love you share. You will always grow in life. Keep up the good work. My team appreciates you.
Thanks a ton Nikhil for taking out time and writing this feedback for us, really appreciate and many a times much needed one to keep yourself running at same pace 🙂
Hello Dheeraj Sir,
6 of us are reaching Srinagar on 25 August, 2015 at 13:00 hrs. We want to visit Nubra, Pangong and TsoMoriri and this is our first time in Ladakh.
I have two questions:
1) We have to reach Manali by 3rd September evening. So what should be our ideal itinerary?
2) We have 3 girls in our team. Should we take any extra precaution on that part?
Thanks in advance.
P.S: I have read almost 40-50 blogs in your website. Respect for you for the effort you put in to showcase in intrinsic details for every single item! Our ladakh would have impossible without DOW.
Hi Ribhu,
Thanks for the appreciation, much needed at times 🙂 🙂
1. You can follow the below plan:
26: Srinagar – Kargil
27: Kargil – Leh
28: Leh rest and acclimatize
29: Leh – Nubra
30: Nubra – Pangong Tso via Wari La, please keep in mind that route is desolated and very few people travel on this route
31: Pangong Tso – Leh/Upshi
1: Tso Moriri
2: Tso Moriri to Sarchu
3: Sarchu to Manali
2. Girls shall be fine too, a lot of girls or females are quite frequent on Ladakh trip now 🙂
Dear Sir,
Thanks a lot for your kind response 🙂
Given Amaranth Yatra is ending on 29th August and we are reaching Srinagar on 25th August, what all things (Hotel, Cars etc) should we book beforehand? And what car should be economically and performance wise perfect for the Wari La route for a team of 6?
Ribhu, you have to hire whatever is available in Leh for sightseeing. Not much in control of that. Better go with Xylo or Scorpio. Rest if you OK with searching few places it should be OK to book on spot too
Dear Mr. Dheeraj,
Need your guidance on places to visit near Srinagar, if i am having 2 (two) days time.
Thanks & Regards.
Avinash, you can make a day trip to Gulmarg and spend one day in Srinagar only explore local region and sightseeing of Srinagar
is there any time bracket to cross sonamarg towards leh as told by some traveller that you have to reach there early because the highway is only open for one way traffic from sonamarg from 10 am to 1 pm.
Vishesh, now there is no timings as the snow has melted and road is wider now to pass two vehicles at a time.
Thanks for the great articles Dheeraj & team DoW. Im gradually getting through them as there is a ton of information here.
We will be doing Srinagar-Leh in mid Sep’15(1 Cab and 2 bikes rented). As recommended by you, was considering 2 nights in Sri , 1 night enroute at Kargil and remainder of the 10 day trip in Leh.
My questions:
1) Any place we can experience snow in this trip? (was thinking of making a night stop at Sonmarg instead of Sri if there is snow there in mid Sep)
2) Any advantage of doing a night stop at Pangong Tso? Since, when I went there last about 5 years ago, we did a day trip and back.
3) Reading all the issues with the taxi union in Leh we are considering surrendering our Srinagar vehicles on arrival and re-renting at Leh. What do you think?
Thanks a lot again,
Anmol.
Hi Anmol,
1. No snow will be there unless if it snows at high passes that day when you cross the pass. Else no snow.
2. Better do it in relaxing manner and stay overnight rather than rushing it. You can go further towards Man – Merak and stay there for sometime or walk along the pangong tso.
3. Yes, you will have to do it, no option out of it 🙂
Regards
Dheeraj
Thanks a lot, appreciate it!
Hi,
I have gone through your site and I would find it helpful if you could advise me on the itinerary of my trip beginning on 1st of august and ending on 9th of august.
On 1st aug- 7.40 am flight from delhi to srinagar. Take a city tour of srinagar.
2nd of aug- leave for leh in a hired cab reach kargil (night stay at kargil)
3rd of aug- leave for leh. enroute visit the shami valley, magnetic hills (night stay at leh)
4th of aug- leave for nubra valley and return to leh (night stay at leh)
5th of aug – leave for Panong tso lake and return to leh (night stay at leh)
6th of aug -leave for srinagar
7th of aug – leave for gulmarg and return to srinagar (night stay at srinagar )
8th of aug- leave for pahalgaum and return to srinagar (night stay at srinagar )
9th early morning flight to delhi.
Please inform me wether this is a gud plan and let me know any permits are required and were can i get it from.
Thanks & regards,
Steffi
Hi, Could you please suggest me on the trip.
Will reply in a while, going through all the comments, was on adventure trip to Sach Pass in Pangi Valley for last week or so 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
Wow your adventure trip sounds tempting!!
Thanks for your reply. In fact was waiting everyday day.
Please let me know about this as my journey dates are coming close!!!!
Replied, to your comment and suggested the alternative plan for your journey.
Hello Steffi,
Thank you, glad you found the site helpful. It is quite a hectic plan as there does not seems to be too many days here. I will suggest that you skip Gulmarg and Pahalgam here and do Ladakh only in these two days. You can keep on day for rest after reaching Leh and make a two day trip to Nubra Valley followed by one day trip to Pangong Tso from Leh. This will ease out things for you to quite an extend.
Thanks…its very helpful
Regarding permits, you can read: Protected Area Permit in Ladakh for Foreigners
I am an Indian 🙂
Since you are an Indian, you do not need any permits for traveling to Inner Line Areas of Ladakh over conventional routes to these places 🙂 .. Try out the below plan:
4th of aug- Leh Rest Day and acclimatization
5th of aug – Leh – Khardung La – Nubra Valley
6th of aug – Nubra Valley – Pangong Tso via Wari La Pass (it is a desolated route, so take it if your driver is confident)
6th of aug – Pangong Tso – Leh/Alchi
7th of aug – Leh/Alchi – Kargil/Sonamarg
8th of aug- Kargil/Sonamarg – Srinagar OR Sonamarg – Gulmarg – Srinagar
9th early morning flight to delhi.
Hi dheeraj
Me and friends have started and reached amritsar. Planning to drive to srinagar starting on Tuesday morning as early as possible.
Meanwhile hearing unconfirmed reports of huge blocks, washed out roads, floods etc on the amritsar-jammu-srinagar-kargil-leh route. Is there any reason to be worried or alter plans? Please advise regarding the current situation.
Thank you
Arun kumar
Sorry Arun I was on Sach Pass trip in Pangi Valley and not updated with current updates of what is happening with roads. Manali – Leh was open when I traveled there on Sunday and Monday
Hi Dheeraj
Firstly, this is a wonderful and informative post.
I could really use some help. We are a couple planning a trip to Leh and Ladhak and plan to leave from Hyderabad on 1st August to reach Srinagar. After reading your post we understood that driving down from Srinagar to Leh is a better option. We would like to rent a bike and drive to Leh from Srinagar and we plan to go back to Manali from Leh. Other than this we don’t have any other information.
It would be great if you could help us understand how we can plan this trip and what are the places we can see in Leh and Ladhak and where we can stay. Is there a bike rental that we can rent in Srinagar and drop off the bike in Leh. How can we travel to Manali from Leh? Are there any buses?
It would be great if you could help us plan this trip of our lifetime.
Thanks
Hi Manj,
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh. You can follow this plan from Srinagar onward.
Regarding bike rental I will advice you to rent bike in Leh only and also read: 5 Tips to Rent Bike in Leh – Ladakh and Ride with Pillion to understand other issues of bike rentals and riding with pillions.
Regards
Dheeraj
Dear Dheeraj,
me and my friends planning to visit Srinagar-Leh-Srinagar / Srinagar-Leh-Manali by late august.
We are starting from kerala on 22nd will reach jammu by 25th morning. please help me to make a feasible itinerary starting from jammu to srinagar-leh-srinagar or srinagar -leh- manali-Chandigarh. (Hired vehicle might be innova)
we are planing for nubra valley,pangong tso, tso moriri. we have to return back to chandigarh by 31st.so how effectively we can plan within this limited period.
please suggest a feasible itinerary also about the hired vehicles.
You can follow the below plan:
25: Jammu – Srinagar
26: Srinagar – Kargil
27: Kargil – Leh
28: Leh rest
29: Leh – Sarchu/Jispa
30: Sarchu/Jispa – Manali
31: Manali – Chandigarh
So, you are just traveling on road only ad seeing nothing in Ladakh with these many days
Thanks Dheeraj,
Just to be sure.. is there any time slot for Private Cars to travel from Srinagar to Kargil? Because in some post I saw it 4 – 7 PM is the private car slot and some other post mentioned there is no specific timing.
Do you have any update on the above?
Regards
Shantanu Banerjee
Shantanu, that is applicable early in the season when roads are narrow due to snow. By this time restrictions are uplifted.
Hi Dheeraj,
Here is our rough plan.
Aug 8: leaving Bangalore to Srinagar,find bike agents [One way deal], stay in srinagar
Aug 9: Start early morning to Kargil,stay in kargil
Aug 10: leaving to Leh. local sight seeing,stay @ leh
Aug 11: leaving to pangong lake, stay in pangong
Aug 12: leaving to leh, stay in leh.
Aug 13: heading towards manali, stay @ sarchu(6hr ride)
Aug 14: leave to keylong,stay in keylong
Aug 15: leave the bike in manali. And catch bus to chandigarh.
Aug 16 : chandigarh to bangalore.
is this feasible? Please let me know.
Regards
Anoop
Anoop, please make the following changes:
Aug 11: Rest day in Leh
Aug 12: Day trip to Pangong Tso.
Thanks for your reply, where would I get one way bike agents in Srinagar.
For Srinagar bike rental you can refer the link: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/india/ladakh-zanskar-travel-guides/outside-rented-bikes-banned-ladakh-t1009-50.html#p12858
Hi Dheeraj,
We(4 members including 2 women) are planning to start from Delhi on 15th Aug by our Zen Estilo. Is it safe to be in Jammu/Srinagar around Independence day?
Thanks
Regarding security issues, in general the tourist areas remain safe there but bandhs can affect the traffic movement. It is advised always that you leave the city in the early morning hours in such cases. Usually these bandhs are pre-declared and hence you can leave the city in early morning hours judging the situation around before the bandh gets active. As long as you can stick to main highway and tourist areas, there is in general no issues.
If you are really concerned about it more then probably you can skip the stay at Srinagar and move to Sonamarg the same day you reach Srinagar.
Hi,
I am planning to travel from Delhi to Leh on 20th August via flight and return from Srinagar side on 28th via flight. How will the road status to travel from Leh to Srinagar during August end by bike and also will the bike be available for one way ( i.e., Leh to Srinagar) and what will be the cost.
It is monsoon time in general up there in North and at some parts of Manali – Leh Highway (like before Baralacha La) and Srinagar – Leh Highway (like before Kargil) you might need to face monsoon hassles but once you get closer to Ladakh, then Ladakh being rain shadow region is least affected by monsoon rains, though rains does reach Ladakh now but to minimum and mostly it might remains overcast conditions. There is no thumb rule of certainty about weather conditions but above is generally common pictures seen over last few years except ugly 2010 …
Hi Deeraj,
Could you please help me in finding good bike rentals in Srinagar? I want to do Srinagar-Leh-Manali bike trip. Will they be willing to rent the bike out only for one way? (I know its expensive but its fine for me given limited time). Thanks a lot. Arvind.
Arvind, For Srinagar bike rental you can refer the link: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/india/ladakh-zanskar-travel-guides/outside-rented-bikes-banned-ladakh-t1009-50.html#p12858
Thanks a ton Dheeraj! 🙂
Hello Dheeraj, Here is my updated plan.
Aug 1st: Flight from Chennai Arrival @Srinagar
Aug 2nd: Proceed towards Leh. Night stay@Kargil
Aug 3rd: Reach Leh. Overnight.
Aug 4th: Rest day @Leh. Overnight
Aug 5th: To Hunder (Hired Taxi Up/down). Night halt @Leh
Aug 6th: To Tso moriri Night halt@Karzok
Aug 7th: Towards Manali. Night halt @Jispa
Aug 8th: Reach Manali. Night bus to Delhi.
Aug 9th: Evening Flight to Chennai.
Awaiting for your suggestion. Thanks.
Shouuld be OK but you might feel AMS affects at Tso Moriri
Hi Dheeraj,
I think my post got moderated out due to penning of my contact number. Apologies for the same. Nevertheless can you please answer my queries?
Please see my reply here: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/how-to-plan-a-journey-on-srinagar-leh-highway/comment-page-11/#comment-339464
If you are still fine I can answer the queries.
Hi Dheeraj,
We are speechless to read such a comprehensive post and the links are quiet self explanatory.
We are a family of three(kid aged 10) will be landing at Srinagar on Sunday 8th Nov 2015 at 8:30AM and have a return flight from Leh on Sun 15th Nov at 8:20 AM. We have the following queries;
1. Would the highway be closed during 8-15 Nov?
2. Is it advisable to take two halts enroute and have more time in leh?
3. Must see places? Places which we can skip for want of time?
4. On 8th Nov by the time we come out of the airport it would be 9:30 AM is it ok to drive to kargil(200KM)? would it be too tiring? or do we plan a night halt in Srinagar on sunday and then start the road trip from Monday.?
5. Is srinagar of any interest during that time as the weather would be bit gloomy.
6. Any good tour operator who could organise the stay, travel and permits.
Thanks in advance.
Harish
09922992360
One more thing. I just checked that there is airindia flight every wednesday from srinagar to Leh . I could book and keep it as backup just in case the highway is closed. The wednesday comes to 11th Nov and the cost is just bit less than 7000 rs for three tickets. The catch is if I cancel i would get only 2000 back. What say? God forbid if the highway is closed during 8th to 10th Nov 2015 then anyway I will loose heavily for cancelling my return ticket from leh and also I will need to shell out huge sums for getting a last minute ticket from srinagar to delhi.
Pls suggest from your experience if the highway could be closed. whats the probability?
Thanks
Harish, unless you are OK with quite very cold conditions I will not recommend you to travel to Ladakh that late in the season.
Hello Dheeraj.,.,
Can u please suggest,whether it is safe to travel Srinagar-Leh with kids??? My daughter is 1 year 5 mnths old..
Thank you
Ankur, It depends on person to person to take the children of such age group because AMS do not matter with respect to age or sex or any fitness level. It can happen to anyone of any age or sex or fitness I shall say :D… The issue with children is that they tend to exert the body considering it the same kind of place they belong to and this elevates the chances of getting struck with AMS. Secondly, they are not much expressive about their uneasy feelings, so it is parents who need to watch out and take care that the child is not suffering from uneasy feelings, headache or nausea and is behaving properly. With less than 3 year child, I think he/she will also be NOT able to convey the uneasiness she may feel. You have to be vigilant and if you notice any such feeling or he/she tells you about such a feeling then please do not ascend anywhere, either descend to lower altitude or stay at the same place to watch things overnight and if symptom increase then start descending immediately. Same is applicable for any adult as well. And yes, do keep the body adequately hydrated!!
Also, PLEASE read the article: Traveling to Ladakh with Kids or Babies. This article covers this topic in complete detail.
Hii Dheeraj…
Thank u so much ..Kids are a big NO I understood.. Now we have a plan to go with friends only..Can we take SWIFT VDI ??? For Srinagar- Leh route.. And How many persons should board for smooth drive ??
Do we take SWIFT to Pangong tso or should we hire local taxi??
Ankur, For hatchback/sedan taking on Manali – Leh Highway Or Spiti Valley via Manali Or Ladakh, please refer the link: FAQ | Can I do Leh – Ladakh / Spiti / Manali – Leh trip in Hatchback or Sedan? for more details.
Hi Dheeraj,
Fantastic info you’ve given here mate. I will be travelling to Leh on 15th Sep to 21st Sep 2015.
We are two friends, we take a flight from Delhi to Leh and vice versa for our return trip.
So, essentially we have 6 full days in hand. My plan in short will be as per below:
15th Sep: Arrive Leh (overnight in Leh)
16th Sep: Leh Sightseeing (overnight in Leh)
17th Sep: Travel to Nubra Valley (overnight in Nubra Valley)
18th Sep: Return to Leh (overnight in Leh)
19th Sep: Travel to Pangong (overnight in Pangong)
20th Sep: Return to Leh
21st Sep: Fly back to Delhi
Can you please suggest if this is doable or not, or alternatively, can you please suggest an itinerary..
I would like to cover Nubra and Pangong, but feel like I’m a day short in this itinerary.
Cheers Mate,
Sahil
Sahil, your plan looks good to go.
I found your post soooo helpful and written in detail. Thanks for all the efforts. We are planning road trip to leh via Srinagar – leh highway next May 2016. But could not resist reading your post.
Thank you, feel free to post your doubts or queries any time near your trip 🙂
Hello Dheeraj, Below is my plan to Reach Leh and Back to Delhi. Please check and tell me the feasibility.
Aug 1st: Flight from Chennai Arrival @Srinagar by Noon. Night stay.
Aug 2nd: Start to Leh. (Hired Innova for 7 people) Reach Kargil for Night stay
Aug 3rd: Proceed to Leh as early as possible. Reach by late noon. Acclimatize. Night stay@Leh
Aug 4th: Proceed to Nubra valley (Hired Bikes). Night stay in Hunder
Aug 5th: Return to Leh. Return the bikes. Local sight seeing. Night halt at Leh
Aug 6th: Hired Innova to drop in Manali. En route divert towards TSO MORIRI lake. Night stay in Karzok
Aug 7th: Early morning proceed to Manali via Tso kar. Reach Jispa or if possible Keylong for night stay ( Will be a tight day i guess as we have to cover 340kms)
Aug 8th: Proceed to Manali from Jispa or Keylong. Bus to Delhi@18:00 hours from HRTC Bus stand
Aug 9th: Morning arrival in Delhi. Afternoon flight from DELHI to Chennai.
Advance thanks for the reply..
Karthic, you are aiming for too much in just limited time on hand. You must have one day rest in Leh on Aug 4. Then go for two day trip to Nubra. So, this will kick out Tso Moriri from the plan. Do Leh to Sarchu/Jispa on 7th, then Sarchu to Manali on 8th and see if you can catch the bus back home in evening.
Hello Dheeraj, Thanks for the reply. I did not consider enough time for acclimatize. Hope your idea will make us cross Khardung la without any sickness. Thanks for the info. I will make the changes.
dear karthic, is it posible to rent bikes from leh?? can you give some more info in this regard?
Arun, please read: 5 Tips to Rent Bike in Leh – Ladakh and Ride with Pillion
Hi ,
We are 8 friends ( 4 boys & 4 girls) planning to travel Leh – via Srinagar -leh highway from 3rd July to 13th July from Delhi.We hired 4 bullets from Srinagar
Below is our plan –
3rd july – delhi to udhampur by train
4th July – Udhampur to Srinagar by traveller
5th July – Srinagar to sonmarg-drass-kargil (halt at kargil)
6th July – Kargil – Lamayuru- Leh(stay at Leh)
7th July-Leh to Pangong
8th July – Pangong to leh and then head direct to Nubra Valley(diskit)- early start from Pangong
9th July – diskit to leh (halt at leh- local sight seeing in evening)
10thJuly- Leh -lamayuru-kargil (halt at kargil)
11th july-kargil -drass-sonamrg-srinagar
12th july – Srinagar to udhampur and train to delhi at 11 pm at night
13th july- Morning will be there in delhi
Please tell us if this is feasible , considering the monsoon and 4 girls & 4 boys on 4 bikes.
or any change you can suggest keeping the dates as same as aobve.
Thanks ,
Abhay Sachan
Abhay, you are at a risk of AMS and also you are just on the road mostly without any rest. On MUST DO change is to do Nubra first and then visit Pangong Tso lake
Hi Dheeraj,
Wanted to plan a self drive trip starting from Delhi. We want to plan a trip between 3rd July and end by 12th July. What plan and route will be best suited in case we want to cover the trip with the above dates?? Would not like to miss any place but just in case required will be willing to miss some.
Regards,
Nikhil
It will take 4 days to reach Leh from Srinagar side and 3 days to come back from Leh from Manali side. This makes it 7 days. 1 Day is required in Leh for acclimatization. You have about 10 days. 1 Day can be used as Day trip to Pangong Tso and other day can be used as day trip to Nubra Valley or just Khardung La pass.
Opt to go via Manali – Leh Highway and I will suggest that you refer the thread for more details on the route and night halts though it is of 9 days: Manali – Leh – Ladakh – Manali | Itinerary for 9 Days. You can fit in plan I suggested in above para in this plan
Thanks a lot for the info Dheeraj. ONe more thing, do we need some permits to cross rohtang pass while going via manali??
Nikhil, yes you need to get permit for Rohtang Pass. The entire process has been detailed: Rohtang Pass Rules & Restriction of Vehicles – Demystified
Our group is also planning for road trip Delhi – Srinagar – Leh- Manali -Delhi in last week of August. We would be travelling by zoomcars.
There are few queries riding our minds, I hope you may be able to answer :
a. Firstly, we would reach pathankot around 6pm, and would like to continue till udhampur/patnitop (around 8/10pm). How well are the road, traffic conditions and is it advisable to continue.
b. How about the traffic and road conditions from Patnitop – Srinagar – Sonamarg.
c. In Leh, will local sight seeing be a problem from taxi union for our travel by zoomcars.
d. I heard inner line permits for Indian travellers is not required now, is this true.
In another blog, I read the local taxi union charge some amount from the travellers using self-drive cars and allow them to pass through. Pls say.
Aniket, regarding Zoomcar or self drive car, read the first hand account or update from Aditya who used it on the recent trip last week: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/india/himalayan-travel-guides/topic2618-10.html#p22481
Regarding qeueries:
1. I will suggest to avoid night drive, may be stretch to Jammu
2. Traffic snarls will be there on this route
3. Answered above
4. Yes, for Indians traveling on conventional routes to Pangong Tso Nubra and Tso Moriri, no permits are required.
hello dheeraj,
i was planning my trip on 3rd july from srinagar but thn i came to know that there are some timings set by army for civilians and tourist on highway from srinagar to kargil or something like that….. it would be helpful if u share some information on this please…
Thanks 🙂
rateek for the Zojila Pass timings, please refer: Srinagar Leh Highway Status 2015
thanks a lot sir for the info 🙂
How comfortable are the buses for the journey Srinagar-Leh and Leh-Manali? Also would visiting during July give us any glimpses of snow on the high altitude passes on the 2 highways??? TIA
Amitoj, Srinagar – Leh you will find normal JKSRTC buses and some tour operators do run semi deluxe buses too. Leh – Manali HPTDC buses run semi deluxe buses. Yes, you will get glimpses of snow in July.
Hi Dheeraj ,
As every visitor to leh-ladakh ,i am very thankful to this great blog and really appreciate all your effort to answer every post whtsoevr.
So, we are 5 and visiting leh in the first week of August.
Our tour plan:
31st July – Flight to Srinagar from Delhi.
31st July – Spend time in Srinagar (Dal lake and stay in Houseboat).
1st Aug – Srinagar to Kargil by rented cab ,
2nd Aug – Kargil to Leh (Overnight stay in Kargil )
3rd Aug – Visit all nearby place and Ladakh.
4th Aug – Leh – Kgardung La – Diskit – Hunder (Nubra Valley) on Bike
5th Aug – Hunder to Leh
6th Aug – Leh to Pangong Tso Lake on Bike
7th Aug – Pangong Tso Lake to Leh On Bike.
8th Aug – Leh to Srinagar -(Travel in 1 day in 1 strech).
9th Aug – Flight to Delhi
Now ,we need to save one day so we don’t have to travel all the way from srinagar-leh in 1 day.
1) How feasible to cover Leh- Nubra- Pangong – Leh on bike in august first week.
As per your other blog there are 2 routes ( Nubra-wari la-Pangong Tso and Nubra-Shyok village-Pangong Tso ) .
2)We would prefer via Wari la. As it will be early monsoon ,can we take this route on bike .Or hired taxi would be a better/safer idea.
3)Are we going to miss anything if we not choose to go leh-nubra-leh and leh-pangong-leh instead leh-nubra valley- Pangong Tso -Leh.
4)Any suggestions on booking camps in Nubra and Pangong Tso.
Looking forward to your expert advice ..:-)
Thanks
Upanshu
Hi Upanshu,
1. Totally feasible in case you are comfortable in riding bike in mountains. Please stick to the conventional routes to these places
2. Wari La is desolated, keep this in mind before going over it. In desolation, numbers are the key so that if one vehicle goes down atleast there is comfort of safety with other
3. Not really
4. You can check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate (cheap budget hotels as well) in the series of articles starting on the link here
Hi Dheeraj ,
Thanks a ton for the reply.
Just one more question.
As i said earlier ,we are running one day short in the schedule. And so we wanted to cover leh-nubra-pangong tso-leh ,but it seems not possible due to unexpected rain .
And we need to book the camps in pangong.
So our option are
1st option- spend 2 days for pangong and one day travel from leh-srinagar ).
(6th Aug leh-pangong tso
7th Aug pangong tso- leh
8th Aug start from leh to srinagar
9th Aug Fly to delhi
2nd option- spend one day for Pangong tso and 2 days for return.
6th Aug Leh- Pangong -Leh
7th Aug leh- kargil
8th Aug kargil – srinagar
9th Aug fly to delhi.
Please suggest which is the better option to choose . And also if we plan to stay in pangong ,what would be the best choice.
Thanks
Upanshu
Upanshu, though I will favour the first one as it gives at least rest for 2 days to me but still I would like to know the flight time on 9th Aug?
hello dheeraj,
i have some bad news. my guest house owner in leh just called me and informed that the taxi union in leh has made a decision not to allow any zoom cars or such rental cars to go from leh to pangong tso, nubra etc. they have put up “check posts” on the roads and are stopping travellers in such vehicles, ( black background nuimber plates with yellow numbering), and harassing the tourists, and not allowing them to proceed.
this puts us in quite a fix as we are from kerala and dont have any contacts in delhi, and so we already booked and paid for a zoom car for our 20 day trip. now it looks like we’re gonna have to leave it in leh and rely on the taxi drivers. i hear that they can charge upto 20K for a stay trip to pangong tso.
worse, the guy told that the district administratio0n is with the union and will not lift a finger to stop this practice.
is the situation likely to change? will someone do something against this??
starting this year, there are many uncertainties over taking a self drive car with even black number plate to Ladakh as taxi union or local taxi guys have started creating nuisances especially on the route to Pangong Tso and Nubra Valley. There have been reports where tyres have been deflated, people have surrounded/questioned and asked for various documents and proofs to be shown even if you have a black number plate self drive car with you. Having said that, some people have fall victim of it and some have been able to escape the troubles and have visited Nubra and Pangong Tso in their self drive cars in this year itself. So, it appears all by luck that if you escape the eyes of such elements who are creating nuisances up there over self drive cars with black number plates, you are good to go. Otherwise, be ready for some confronting if the day is bad up there. This includes Zommcar self drive rented cars too. Not sure if it is legal or not yet
Situation will not change but be assured that no one, read “no one” in Leh will charge you more than what is defined by Taxi Union. They might be fighting for their living caught off guard by self drive services but from heart they are one of the most genuine and honest people you will come across.
For the leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2015 – 16 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here. You can get about 10-12% of discount by directly getting in touch with drivers and of course, talking in person rather on phone always help in bargaining more.
thank you dheeraj.
the rates do look a bit steep, but i dont think we want to spoil the few days we have up there getting into tussles with the union.
will definitely try one of those drivers i think.
Best wishes for the Ladakh trip Arun 🙂
thank you…
HI DheeraJ,
I am Planning to travel on 22th june from Delhi to LEH VIA Srinagar in my Honda city (petrol).
Need your advice if honda city will be fine for the journey.
Also road condition is good for my car. i am following same route in return. will that will be of for my honda city ?
Hi Dheeraj,
We 6 friends from Mumbai have planned for a LEH trip. I will brief you about our plans.
We will be ariving in Srinagar on 15th and a day will be spent there visiting all the local sight seeing. Can you sugggest some good places over there???
We will be leaving Srinagar by car on 16th August with night halt at Kargil, and then next day reaching to Leh on 17th.
In Leh we are planning a bike trip to Khandungla pass for a day, then one day in LEH city and one day to Pangong lake. All these trip within and around Leh will be on bikes. Would it be feasible to Pangong and back in one day on bikes???
From Leh we will be leaving on 20th the to Tsokar lake by a car where we will be night halting and the next day to Manali…Also should i Book a car or will get something on the spot??
I am asking about car booking from Srinagar to Leh and Leh to Manali and bike booking in Leh..coz the rates seem pretty high on various websites, so is it preferrable to book on the spot or in advance???
After reaching Manali we will be travelling to Delhi and then flying to Mumbai. Pls suggest if any changes are required..also the place to visit enroute and at Leh and Manali…
Thanks & Regards,
Kaustubh
Kaustubh, I will suggest to move to Sonamarg when you land on 15th to ease out the journey. Do rest day in Leh before going to Khardung La trip. It will take about 11-12 hrs of ride for Pangong tso one day trip, see if you can manage. Tso Kar to manali will be a bit long, about 13-14 Hrs. Do not book on any site, book on the spot. For the leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2015 – 16 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here. You can get about 10-12% of discount by directly getting in touch with drivers and of course, talking in person rather on phone always help in bargaining more.
Honday city with its low ground clearance is going to struggle brother, plus in case there is any issue then it will be very difficult to get someone to repair it as well.
Dheeraj, you are a rockstar!!
I have finally booked my tickets out of Leh (on the July 16th morning). Reaching there by road (srinagar – Leh) on the 11th evening. What sort of itenarary am i looking at ? for 5 nights and 4 days? I def want to see Pangong and Nubra. Is that possible? and still not rush..
Thank you Arvind. But, you have too little time to do it. May be something like below:
Day 1 | Srinagar to Kargil, if you reaching there before 12:00 noon
Day 2 | Kargil to Leh
Day 3 | Leh rest day
Day 4 | Make a day trip to Khardung La or Pangong Tso, it will risk the chance of AMS
Dheeraj, I prob did not communicate this to you as well as I should have.
Leaving srinagar- 10th morning
Reaching Leh – 11th evening
12
13
14
15
16th morning – Flying out early morning.
Arvind, you can do it like:
12 – Rest Day in Leh
13 – Leh – Khardung La – Nubra Valley
14 – Nubra Valleu – Leh
15 – Leh – Pangong tso – Leh
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks a lot for such a great and detailed post for Srinagar – Leh journey. I am planning a trip from Delhi to Srinagar – Leh – delhi with my family (wife, 2 kids (4 & 7) and parents around 3rd week of July for 15 days approx. Is this a good and safe time (monsoons in mind) to travel especially with kids ? I will be flying into Srinagar from Delhi and then its all by road till Leh and fly out of Leh to Delhi on the last day. What do you suggest for my itinerary ?
Thanks a lot.
Regards,
Sunil Bhandari
Sunil, it is only up to Kargil where you might need to face monsoon hassles. So , a matter of just a day. Rest Leh – Ladakh is a rain shadow region.
HI ,
We are planning trip to Leh on first week of Aug. for 12 days.
We plan to reach Srinagar by flight and hire bike from Srinagar.
Please suggest a best suitable plan for us for bike trip.
Day 1 | Delhi – Srinagar
— Enjoy walk around Dal lake and may be Shikara ride as well
— If you have time then check out, floating market, Shalimar Garden.
— Overnight at Srinagar
Day 2 | Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil
— Enjoy the vistas enroute
— Have late drunch meal at Drass is you are a vegetarian as sometimes it gets difficult to find veg. food at Kargil
— Overnight at Kargil
Day 3 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
— Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes
— On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu
— Overnight at Leh
Day 4 | Leh Local Sightseeing + Acclimatization
— To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
— Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 6 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Day 7 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on the go towards Pangong Tso
— Overnight at Pangong Tso (Spangmik or Lukung)
Day 8 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on return to Leh
— Overnight at Leh
Day 9 | 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
Day 10 | Leh – Taglang La – Moore Plains – Pang – Sarchu
— Stay overnight at Sarchu
Day 11 | 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 12 | Manali – Delhi
WOW!! What an incredible site and such detailed information you’ve provided, Dheeraj. I’m uber impressed with how you respond to every comment – you really care about your readers & travellers :). Found your site as I was looking up information for our trip to Ladakh and have read quite a few posts – your responses have helped me plan about 70% of our trip already, esp this one.
Now I’m turning to you to help fit in the missing links. Thanks in advance for all your help! We’re starting off from Chandigarh on the afternoon of 25th of July and have to be back on August 9th late afternoon / early evening. That’s 15 nights 16 days.
25th – Chandigarh to Jammu (since we are starting at 2pm)
26th – Jammu to Srinagar
27th – Srinagar to Kargil
28th – Kargil to Leh
29th – Leh rest day
30th – Leh to Nubra Valley
31st – Nubra valley & around
1st – Nubra to ???
2nd – ???
3rd – ???
4th – ???
5th – ????? to Leh
6th – Leh – Pangong Tso
7th – Pangong Tso – Sarchu
8th – Sarchu – Manali
9th – Manali – Chandigarh
What else can we do in the area? I would like to fit in Tsomoriri Lake. It’s a relaxed kinda trip, so we prefer to stop at places along the way to our next destination instead of doubling back to Leh every 2nd day (unless there’s no way around that).
We will be travelling in an XUV 500 – do we need skid chains, tow hook, jerrycans, a stove etc? That was recommended to us by a friend who just returned 2 weeks ago.
Once again, thanks a million – let us know if you need anything from there :)!
Also, will we be fine driving around everywhere in our car or are taxis better in some areas? Our friend said he left his Xylo in Leh and hired taxis for sightseeing..
If you guys are good in driving it will be OK to drive in your own car 🙂
Hi Tia,
Sorry for delayed reply, I was on a trip in Pangi Valley with limited connectivity. Thank you for liking the DoW website and super glad to know it answered most of your queries too 🙂 …
I will suggest following plan for you:
25th – Chandigarh to Jammu (since we are starting at 2pm)
26th – Jammu to Srinagar
27th – Srinagar to Kargil
28th – Kargil to Leh
29th – Leh rest day
30th – Leh to Nubra Valley
31st – Nubra valley & around, do go to Turtuk for sure
1st – Nubra to Leh
2nd – Leh – Pangong Tso covering Thicksey and Shey palace
3rd – Pangong Tso to Leh covering Hemis Monastery
4th – Leh – Tso Moriri Lake via Chumathang
5th – Tso Moriri – Tso Kar Lake
6th – Tso Kar to Sarchu
7th – Sarchu – Manali
8th – Manali – Chandigahr
9th – Buffer day for rain hassles
I will suggest that you prefer above because it ends up in much relaxing manner than going direct ways due to limited stay options on direct routes, you end up rushing to destination hurriedly. You do not need any skid chains. Do carry stove and jerrycans as it may be required. A wooden plan to get tyre out of slush in case it gets stuck.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
Me & my husband plan for a trip in the 3rd week of August to Leh. We plan to take a flight to Srinagar and a return from there. We are planning a trip for 10 days. We need your suggestions on the travel from Srinagar to Leh and the best scenic places around Leh. We are not looking for a really hectic trip so if you could suggest the possible places we could cover with enough breaks. Also can we visit Amarnath in this trip? Are there any permissions for ame?
Thanks
Priya, 4 days will be used just in travel over Srinagar – Leh Highway. 1 days is required for rest and hence adding Amarnath yatra will mean too much I will say. You can follow something as below:
Day 1 | Delhi – Srinagar
— Enjoy walk around Dal lake and may be Shikara ride as well
— If you have time then check out, floating market, Shalimar Garden.
— Overnight at Srinagar
Day 2 | Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil
— Enjoy the vistas enroute
— Have late drunch meal at Drass is you are a vegetarian as sometimes it gets difficult to find veg. food at Kargil
— Overnight at Kargil
Day 3 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
— Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes
— On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu
— Overnight at Leh
Day 4 | Leh Local Sightseeing + Acclimatization
— To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
— Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 6 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Day 7 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on the go towards Pangong Tso
— Overnight at Pangong Tso (Spangmik or Lukung)
Day 8 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on return to Leh
— Overnight at Leh
Day 9 | Leh – 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