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.
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.
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2,672 Comments
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Dear Dheeraj,
I have booked tickets for Srinagar in 2 nd week of Sept, 2016. Since the situation in the valley still remains tense, I would like to go to Leh instead. Would I be able to sneak out of Srinagar without much problems?
Dhanya, I will not advice you to travel from Srinagar side considering the present situation. The situation may improve but if you are at the verge of making decision based on current situation, my advice will be to either fly in to Leh or go from Manali side.
HI DHEERAJ,
we have planned to go to srinagar via leh from delhi but we are bit confused whether we go to srinagar or not we only planned for gulmarg and dal lake is it possible to go srinagar from leh.our plan is like this delhi to leh by flight stay in leh for 5 days then from leh to srinagar by road via kargil then srinagar to delhi by flight.please tell me is it possible or not otherwise we have a alternate plan if srinagar dont work out we will go to manali from leh and from manali to delhi by bus kindly suggest soon.our trip starts from aug 28 & ends on i mean back to delhi is 6th september.
SIDHANT, it is not recommended to travel from Srinagar side. Please take the Manali route while returning.
Hi Dheeraj,
What if I plan from jammu to leh? Reach srinagar the same evening make an overnight stay and leave for kargil the early morning the next day? Is it advisable for 19th sep 2016??
Saket, based upon current conditions in Srinagar I will not recommend it.
I think the main worry issue is the journey from Patnitop to Sonamarg. Once one past Sonamarg…….will it b fine or more worries ahead?
Hi Every one,
We are planning to start our trip in the 1st week of October from Srinagar to Leh. And we are planning to rent bikes in tat region. Can we get bikes for rental in Srinagar? If we can what will be the approx rate at which bikes are provided for rent?
Guess I replied to your othef comment.
Does anyone have recently done srinagar to leh?
We have a flight to Srinagar on 28th Aug. And hearing a lot about curfew & militant activities.
Will that route be open & safe by 28th Aug.
Thanks in advance.
Ajay, it is not recommended to travel from Srinagar side. Better go from Manali side to be safe than sorry of being stuck in curfew.
Hi Dheeraj!
I am planning a 12 Night trip to Ladakh next week , starting and ending at Leh. Here is my itinerary; would be grateful if you could give your inputs …is it too packed (specially the day 2-3 etc. We are a couple in late thirties. Cant tell you how much it would mean to us. Would be grateful for a quick revert.
Day1: On arrival at airport move to Alchi Night@Alchi
Day2: Khaltse-dhomkhar-dha-batalik-Kargil Night@Kargil
Day3: Kargil – Drass – Kargil – Lamayure – Leh Night@Leh
Day4: Leh Night@Leh
Day5: Leh- Nubra Night@Nubra
Day6: Nubra – Turtuk – Nubra Night@Nubra
Day 7: Nubra – Leh Night@Leh
Day 8: Leh – Pangong Night@Pangong
Day 9: Pangong – Hanle Night@Hanle
Day 10: Hanle -Tsomoriri Night@Tsomoriri
Day 11: Tsomoriri – Tsokar Night@Tsokar
Day 12: Tsokar – Taglan La – Leh Night@Leh
Day 13: Leave for Del
This looks perfect 🙂
How much was ur budget for this 12 night trip?
Hi Dheeraj, pretty useful info you have here,
so, i will be in Leh in the first week of September, and by end of second week i will be heading to Srinagar via Kargil.
I read your previous feedback to avoid that region and your posts regarding bus timings, although i am looking to spend a day in Kargil.
so how can i make this possible.?
leh to kargil- a days stay in kargil- and leave for srinagar on the day after
any info on the above would be really helpful
Cheers
Harsh
Harsh, I feel I have replied to your other comment. Feel free to post any queries you have further.
OMG. Even outside Taxis r not allowed their. So it means one have to pay them rent for 3-4 days in free.
Outside bikes r not allowed in Leh for local sightseeing. R they allowed to visit towards Nubra Valley n Khaardungla Pass. N wht outside taxis?
No, both are not allowed for sightseeing in Ladakh which means Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri.
Hello dheeraj!
Very well planned itinerary.. I followed the same for my trip in last week of july. The situation in srinagar was very tense, we did encounter the hostile elements on our way to gulmarg (we didn’t stay at srinagar due to curfew), but thanks to our armed forces that we escaped unhurt. We also had planned for amarnath yatra on our way to leh, and successfully completed it! At leh, we did meet rigzin and rented out his vehicle for rest of the trip which was a pleasant experience. Many thanks for the elaborate planning which was our only guide in situation with no mobile networks or internet..
Thank you so much Rohit for writing back. Glad to know about that you had a safe and rest of the wonderful trip. I am sure with Rigzin, it had been a much better experience. He is a really nice chap 🙂
Many thanks for reply!
I would like to add to the itinerary. Going by the shok river from nubra valley to Pangong lake via agham saves a day’s travel..
Also, I would advise all planning the trip to avoid srinagar completely..
Thanks Rohit.
We have booked our flights Srinagar-Delhi on 25 Sept. And are now planning to fly Delhi-Srinagar too on 15 September.
Is the situation really bad? Cannot even transit in/out of Srinagar the same day?
HI DHEERAJ
YOUR BLOG IS VERY MUCH USEFUL. I AM FROM MUMBAI
I HAVE PLANNED FAMILY TOUR OF 3 FOR 10 DAYS FROM 1st SEPT TO 11th SEPT FROM SRINAGAR TO LEH.
IS IT NECESSARY TO TAKE HALT AT ULE AFTER KARGIL HALT. OR WE CAN GO DIRECTLY TO LEH FROM KARGIL HALT. MY PLAN IS AS BELOW.
DAY 1- SRINAGAR SHANKARACHARYA IF POSSIBLE. AS WE WILL REACH HOTEL AT ABOUT 4.30 TO 5 PM.
DAY 2 – GULMARG & RETURN ( ONE GARDEN IF POSSIBLE ON RETURN WAY)
DAY 3 – PAHELGAM & RETURN (SIGHT SEEING SRINAGAR ON RETURN WAY)
DAY 4 – TO KARGIL & ON WAY SONMARG JOZILA STAY KARGIL
DAY 5 – TO LEH FROM KARGIL
RAJIV
Seeing the things in Valley, I will not suggest that you plan anything in Kashmir right now.
Hi again Dheeraj,
Could you please guide me further on the bus timings from Srinagar for LEH. I will be arriving in Srinagar at 1100 hrs (by air) on the 19th and would prefer to depart out of SXR the same date, what would the best option?
Given the current situation in SXR, would you suggest us to find an alternative route instead?
Thank you once again for your kind assistance.
Regards,
Girish
Girish, it is better to avoid traveling from Srinagar side at present.
Kindly suggest me the tour plan from Manali side n return back from Manali too. I want to travel upto Sonmarg n then return back. We have 12 days in hand. Leaving Chandigarh on 4th Sept. n back to Chandigarh on 15th Sept. I want to visit every possible place when leaving from Manali itself bcoz if situation improved……I’ll exit from Srinagar side……n if doesn’t then return back from Manali side.
Please check: Ladakh from Manali – Most Common Itinerary. follow the same path on return.
Hi Dheeraj,
We are planning to start on 16th August 2016 from Ahmedabad to Leh via Srinagar.
We are four people and will drive a XUV500.
Probably will stay after Jammu and cross Srinagar the next day and stay at Sonmarg.
Is it advisable as we are not going to stay at Srinagar and if any bypass available we will take it.
From Leh we will take Manali route to return.
Kindly suggest
Thanking You
It is not a good decision to go from Srinagar side amidst all the curfew news all around.
HI , DHEERAJ
WE ARE PLANING FOR THE LADAKH TRIP FROM 12TH AUGUST FROM SRINAGAR BY CAR
CAN U PLZ UPDATE THE CURRENT SITUATION AROUND SRINAGAR , WILL IT BE SAFE TO TRAVEL
ROUTE :
SRINAGAR – KARGIL – LEH –
I will suggest to change your plan and go from Manali side instead of Srinagar side.
Hi
Can u plz suggest itenary from delhi starting on 12th aug reach leh on 14th
Seems, I am late in seeing this one. Have a great trip.
Hi Dheeraj,
I am in awe of your blog cum website. It is thoroughly informative. It’s like that fresh oxygen a tourist gasps for when in Himalayas.
Like the others, I too seek some information of you, please reply at your convenience.
I plan to rent a self drive car from Leh to Srinagar, following the path you have suggested. But it seems there are options to hire from other places to Leh and not the other way around. I may be completely wrong here, but could you please help me solve this query?
Sincere regards,
Girish
Girish, you want to travel from Leh to Srinagar in self drive car? If yes, you will neither find self drive cars in Srinagar nor in Leh
Thank you , Dheeraj for your reply.
So, now the only option left is to take the local bus.
Good day, Dheeraj
Thanks, have a great trip 🙂
Hi,
I am planning to take the Srinagar – Leh trip on 12th August. Can you tell me the timing of Zojila pass towards Leh for two wheeler so that i can plan it well without wasting a day. Thanks in advance :)!
Hi Dheeraj,
Kindly update me on the current srinagar situation. Although the bike rental guy says its safe to take the Srinagar – Leh highway on August 12th. Awaiting you reply 🙂
Well, the unrest is till there in the valley. There have been fresh clashes which had injuries to 35 odd people: http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/jammu-kashmir/35-injured-in-fresh-clashes-in-kashmir/274578.html
I am not sure why he is saying it is safe to travel. By the news in newspapers, it does not seem so.
Thanks dheeraj. It ‘ll be great if you can update if the situation improves
Sure, I will update here.
There are no timings in force now a days, the timings are only applicable at the start of the season when road is narrow due to snow.
Hi,
Your webpage is really informative and gives in depth knowledge.
I am planning a trip with my wife to Leh through Srinagar route in first week of September however slightly in confusion about the vehicle to drive through. I have an Audi Q3 and a Maruti S-cross while Audi being a sophisticated vehicle might give trouble in case of any breakdown due to lack of any service network / spares though it is just 7000 KMs on ODO while S-cross being a Maruti car can find some service support if needed in Srinagar or Leh I believe though it has lower ground clearance.
I was earlier planning to hire a self drive XUV / Fortuner from Delhi however that will have a taxi number and would not be allowed for sight seeing around Leh so this has brought me to a bad situation now.
What do you suggest.
Thanks in Advance.
Rishi, I will suggest that you go ahead with S-cross. Not only spares, even the damages if at all will be less taxing on it. It is capable enough car now to make a trip since most of the water crossings at Manali – Leh Highway has been covered with bridges. I will strongly suggest that you go through and read my series on Ladakh Self Drive tips at the links below:
7 Useful Tips for a Self Drive to Leh – Ladakh, Routes and Road Conditions In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips, Fuel Availability In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips
Hi Dheeraj,
Great Information and excellent Blog 🙂
I am planning to travel in October from Srinagar to Leh and then to Manali in 2 weeks.
Could you suggest if it is good time to do, how the climate will be , please give some input.
Thanks,
parthi
Especially for Manali – Leh, please read: 5 Reasons to Avoid Manali – Leh Highway in October
Hi dheeraj,
We are going to leh ladkh trip from august 6th onwards from delhi. We thought of follow the srinagar route to leh. since the situation in srinagar is not good. please can we avoid go to srinagar and follow the manali route to leh and come back to manali and then to delhi.
regards,
deepak
Yes Deepak, you shoudl avoid traveling from Srinagar side and only take Manali route.
Hi Dheeraj,
Whom ever i ask, they mention DOW website and say your name. 🙂
Anyways, We are 3 planning to reach Srinagar on 10th September from Bangalore and fly back to Bangalore on
17th/18th from Srinagar. Since we are not yet booked the tickets we can move around the dates and if possible(i.e if 9 day trip allows) visit Manali.
My first question is, is the date mentioned(9th sept to 17th Sept) is good time to visit leh? (we would like to rent Bikes in leh to visit Nubar, Pangong,Tso Moriri etc)
and also could you please suggest an itinerary for the mentioned dates? it would be really helpful.
Thank you Nischith. September is a good time to visit Ladakh. Can you make it like 10-11 days from Srinagar to Chandigarh? You can rent bikes after reaching Leh for Nubra, Pangong Tso. Tso Moriri, you may need more days as you will have to return bikes to Leh instead exiting from Tso Moriri to Manali
Thanks a lot Dheeraj!
I have few more queries, hope you don’t mind. i know i’m bugging you here with some silly questions.
1) Which is the better dates to visit, 3rd sept – 12th sept or 9th sept to 18th sept ? the reason i am asking is, i have been told that, it might be raining and there is risk of floods in the end of August and also i have read your article which says mid sept is the best season to visit. So just curious, which one would you suggest. will be it make major difference ?
2) Could you please suggest a day to day itinerary for the dates and also advice where to stay overnight and which places to visit?
Would really appreciate you thoughts and suggestion…
No worries, happy to help 🙂
1. I will go with 9-18 window. Reason you already know 🙂
2. You starting from Srinagar and ending at Manali? These 10 days are from Srinagar to Manali? or Delhi to Delhi?
Thanks again Dheeraj! 🙂
1.Don’t think it is feasible to cover Blore- Delhi- Srinagar -Leh-Manali-Chandigarh-Blore in 10-11 days, If it is i would love to give it a go.
2. Could you give me a 9 day itinerary for Srinagar- Leh- Srinagar
Read that there is also a alternative way from kargil to reach leh, so would like to cover both the routes while, going and coming back. your suggestion would be helpful.
1. That’s why I asked if possibel can you extend the days to make Srinagar to Chandigarh as 10-11 days.
2. If you intend to stick to just srinagar route, then,
Day 1 | 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 2 | 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 3 | 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 4 | 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 5 | 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 6 | 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 7 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on return to Leh
— Overnight at Leh
Day 8 | 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 9 | Kargil – Drass – Zozi La – Sonamarg – Srinagar
— Enjoy the vistas enroute
— Have late drunch meal at Sonamarg
— Overnight at Srinagar
Thanks Dheeraj!
I guess, i can try for Srinagar-Chandighar if its is 10-11 days. Gotto check with my manager for extra days of leaves.
So could you please give me itinerary for the Srinagar-Chandighar also and how to travel to Chandighar from Leh?
You can follow below plan in such a case
Day 1 | 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
— Sham Valley include Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, , Gurudwara Pather Sahib
— 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 4 | 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 5 | 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 6 | 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 7 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on return to Leh
— Overnight at Leh
Day 9 | Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang
— Cover Karzok Monastery
— Overnight at Karzok or Tso Moriri
Day 10 | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring (Manali – Leh Highway starts) – 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 11 | Pang / 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 – Chandigarh
— Return
Thank you very much Dheeraj! 🙂
Hopefully Srinagar situation would be settled by then 😐
Hello Dheeraj I am Planing to Visit Leh-Ladhakh from 19th Aug to 29th Aug By Air can you please Provide me iterenary for the same so that i can cover Whole Leh-ladhak tourist point. If you can provide me a Iternary including Manali that is fine .
Dhiren, you can refer below:
Day 1 | Delhi – Leh (By Flight)
— Checkin at Hotel. Many hotels provide free pick and drop from Airport. Ask while you book them.
— Take ample of rest as well as water or anything that keep your body hydrated enough. DO NOT OVER HYDRATE. Take ORS Soluted water or ORS – L tetra packs from home.
— Do not over exert your body at any cost. Avoid too much up-down on stairs or avoid it in entirety, if possible.
— After 5-6 Hrs of rest you can visit Leh Palace, Local Leh market, Shankar Gompa .
— If you feel exerted go back to Hotel, have dinner at Hotel and take rest. Avoid any exertion. Else continue and,
— Follow the sunset by stroll at Changspa road and have a nice dinner on varied cuisines offered in-around Changspa road.
— Go back to hotel for overnight stay at Leh.
Day 2 | Leh Local Sighseeing + 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 – 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 – 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 6 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on return to Leh
— Overnight at Leh
Day 7 | 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.
— Sham Valley include Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, Gurudwara Pather Sahib
— Overnight at Leh
Day 8 | Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang
— Cover Karzok Monastery
— Overnight at Karzok or Tso Moriri
Day 9 | 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 10 | Pang / 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 11 | Manali – Chandigarh
— Return
Day 12 – Buffer day to be kept incase of road closure due to landslides or snowfall or perhaps you want to enjoy more.
Hello Dheeraj,
I am planning to visit a tour to Srinagar-Leh-Manali In August. I will reached at Srinagar on 11th of Aug in evening. Now then i want to proceed to Leh/Ladhakh & want to return from Leh-Manali Route. I want to reach at Manali on 18th of August.
We are 3 person, from Srinagar to Leh we will take private vehicle & in Leh we planning to take bikes and again for rest of journey we will take private vehicle to complete the rest of journey.
Kindly suggest me the itinerary for this route & also inform me where i need permit to visit a place.
Hi Jitesh, you do not need any permit to do this trip. You can follow the below plan:
12: Srinagar – Kargil
13: Kargil – Leh
14: Leh rest and acclimatize
15: Leh – Nubra/Khardung La day trip
16: Leh – Pangong Tso day trip
17: Leh – Sarchu/Jispa
18: Sarchu/Jispa – Manali
Thnks Dheeraj for your prompt reply
Hi Nikhil,
A few queries.
I have a Scross and I have to make a 12 day program starting from Jammu to Leh and back.
Plan –
day 1 – Jammu – Sonmarg
day 2 – Sonmarg to Kargil.
day 3 – Kargil to Leh
day 4&5 – Leh
day 6 – Leh to Nubra Valley and BAse Camp of Siachen. Ni Halt ?
day 7 – Halt? – Turtuk & Back to Leh
day 8 – Leh to PsongSo & Ni Halt?
day 9 – Ni Halt to Leh via Chushul
day 10 – Leh to Drass via Batalik
day 11 – Drass to Batote/ Patnitop
day 12 – Patnitop to Jammu
Suggest changes, if I have to?
Will Scross go over to all these places?
Plan is from 3 – 14 Sep 2016.
Sorry Dheraj for addressing you as Nikhil. Was on call with Nikhil while typing.
Puneet, are you not interested to come back from Manali side? 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.
Hello Dheeraj
I found your site very informative and a great guide for planning road trips. I was hoping you could help us out as well. We are a group of 2/3, planning to drive to Leh-Ladhakh probably via Srinagar. Our starting point would be Chandigarh. We will be hiring a Scorpio (4WD) and driving it ourselves till Leh and thereafter hire a cab for further exploration. Our intended date of departure from Chandigarh is 24/9/2016, early morning. We have around 10 days in hand to make the trip and back of which the detailed itinerary is below :
Day 1 – Chandigarh to Patnitop
Day 2 – Patnitop to Kargil
Day 3 – Kargil to Leh
Day 4 – Leh rest
Day 5 – Leh touring
Day 6 – Nubra valley overnight camp
Day 7 – Pangong Lake overnight camp
Day 8 – Tso Kar lake, hunder dunes, Hanle if camp option available
Day 9 – Leh
Day 10 – Return journey via Srinagar.
We would appreciate it if you would address the following concerns for us :
1. Is our day 1-3 target achievable bearing in mind the road conditions, can we try to do it in 2 days so as to have more time for sightseeing? We wish to avoid staying in Srinagar as we are not sure how the political climate will be at any given time.
2. We will be hiring/renting a car so what are the points to be kept in mind? We were thinking of a Scorpio 4 x 4. We’ve gone through your following posts and feel it amost covers everything but still have few concerns below and would like some confirmation:
https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/how-to-plan-a-journey-on-srinagar-leh-highway/
https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/7-useful-tips-for-a-self-drive-to-leh-ladakh/
https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/list-of-things-to-carry-when-you-go-on-trip/
3. Any other important things regarding permits etc we need to keep in mind so as to have a smooth journey?
4. Any decent pit stops or must visit pit stops ?
5. How to get an update regarding the road conditions at the time of our departure?
If we missed out on anything, please feel free to add/recommend in your reply.
Kindly let us know as soon as is possible for you.
Looking forward to the trip.
Thank you in advance.
Hi Nikhil,
1. You should do it like below
Day 1 – Chandigarh – Srinagar (12 Hr)
Day 2 – Srinagar – Kargil
Day 3 – Kargil – Leh
Day 4 – Leh Rest day
Day 5 – Leh – Nubra Valley
Day 6 – Nubra valley – Leh
Day 7 – Leh – Pangong Tso
Day 8 – Pangong Tso – Leh
Day 9 – Leh – Sarchu
Day 10 – Sarchu – Manali
2. You should be good with these items. You car is perfect for this trip.
3. No permit will be required on above route
4. Refer Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh for day wise details of above plan along with sightseeing places from point to point
5. Well, you can check thread in Road Conditions forum in DoW.
Hello Dheeraj,
I really appreciate your response and sorry for the late acknowledgment.
So as we’re planning our trip to Leh via Srinagar for the dates mentioned below and inquiring about our logistics and accommodations, we ran into a couple of queries which are mentioned below:
24/09 – Srinagar to Leh (Reach Srinagar by air early in the morning and leave for Leh by road). Stay overnight at Kargil.
25/09 – Kargil to Leh
26/09 – Rest/acclimatize in Leh
27/09 – Nubra Valley (Overnight stay)
28/09 – Back to Leh
29/09 – Pangong Tso (Overnight stay)
30/09 – Back to Leh
01/10 – Tso Moriri Lake (Was planning to stay overnight)
This leg of our journey has brought us some doubts. It seems that camps/resorts at this time of the year are closed as that’s what we heard from the guys at Camps of Ladhak. Couple of questions regarding this:
-Is the road to Tso Moriri lake closed or just the resorts/camps?
-Considering the camps are closed and we can’t stay overnight, would a day trip to Tso Moriri be feasible?
-Any other accommodations/staying options you can recommend or would you recommend a day trip?
02/10 – Back to Leh
03/10 – Leh/Local Sightseeing or just relax
04/10 – Leh to Delhi
Looking forward to hear from you soon.
Thank you in advance.
Regards,
Nikhil
Hi Nikhil,
1. The guest houses and home stays at Tso Moriri will be open by that time. You can stay there. Roads are open all round the year to Tso Moriri. Else Chumthang, about 80 KMs from Korzok has a small guest house as Hot Springs resorts.
Thank you. Today morning he has taken the Manali route after confirming from locals.
Good to know that, hope it will be a great trip to Ladakh for you guys.
Hi Dheeraj ji,
Could you please help me with a accommodation suggestion for Kargil?
I am planning my trip from 30th August to 11th September and on 31st I will be staying at kargil.
Apart from my one stop Greenland hotel, 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
Hey Dheeraj,
Given the recent disturbances in Kashmir which we see in News, is it advisable to take road trip from Srinagar to Leh in current month or August ?
Thanks,
Sandeep
I will suggest to have a word with some hotel guy in Srinagar and then take a call to go from Manali side. These things are dependent from person to person judgement call and what a person feels is OK to him or her given the circumstances. So, best is to talk to a local hotel guy in Srinagar and confirm about the ground situation in tourist places and Srinagar – Leh route. Having being stuck in riots/curfews myself at times, my personal suggestion will be to avoid unless unrest is over and take the Manali route.
Hi Dheeraj,
We had planned to go Leh from Srinagar because we did not want any AMS issues. But due to the current situation in Srinagar, will there be any bus operating to Leh. I mean not now, but in next few weeks? Security is a big concern in Srinagar too.
I will suggest to have a word with some hotel guy in Srinagar and then take a call to go from Manali side. These things are dependent from person to person judgement call and what a person feels is OK to him or her given the circumstances. So, best is to talk to a local hotel guy in Srinagar and confirm about the ground situation in tourist places and Srinagar – Leh route. Having being stuck in riots/curfews myself at times, my personal suggestion will be to avoid unless unrest is over and take the Manali route.
we are start from kolkata to srinagar (1 day)via flight and manali to kolkata via kalka mail(2 day), then we have 6 to 7 days for complete the journey from srinagar to leh to manali. please suggest.
2 days are required to reach Leh from Srinagar, 1 day acclimatization in Leh, 2 days to reach Manali from Leh. So, you have 1 day left in which you can make a trip to Nubra or Khardung La
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for all the great and helpful information.
Are there any restrictions on the Sonmarg to Kargil highway. I j=have heard that traffic from Sonmarg towards Kargil is allowed only after 1100 AM?
Is this true
Thanks
Nidhi
Nidhi, that is usually when the road is just opened. Teh restrictions for light vehicles have been lifted by now as the snow has melted on zojila and there is enough space to pass two light vehicles at a time.
Thanks for giving your valulable time and invaluable inputs. My son is doing the trip and I was a bit worried. He followed the route Amritsar – Mandi- Bhuntar – Rohtang- Kehlong – Pang – Leh. Today Nubra valley and from there Pangon Lake. After reading this article , i am breathing a sigh of relief that the worst part of the journey seems to be over as he will be coming by Kargil route. Your article has eased my tension. Thank you very much.
Glad to know that sir, I am sure your son will be having great fun in Ladakh.
Thanks for your reply. One concern over , another started . Unrest in Kashmir so he cannot come by Kargil route.
Yeah, I will suggest to have a word with some hotel guy in Srinagar and then take a call to go from Manali side. These things are dependent from person to person judgement call and what a person feels is OK to him or her given the circumstances. So, best is to talk to a local hotel guy in Srinagar and confirm about the ground situation in tourist places and Srinagar – Leh route. Having being stuck in riots/curfews myself at times, my personal suggestion will be to avoid unless unrest is over and take the Manali route.
Hi Deeraj,
Need your suggestion on the itinerary which i have planned.We would be visiting Srinagar on 28th July and would be traveling to Leh.(3 members)
1)28th July after by 1:00 AM reaching Srinagar – Planning to Visit Dal Lake, Tulip Garden, Hazratbal Dargah Sharif, Nigeen Lake, Nasim Bagh(When i searched these all places was nearby, is it possible to vist them?, if you have timings information of tourists place, please share).
2)Either 28th Night or 29th early morning start to leh.(Have plans to stay at kargil and move on to Leh)
30th after noon reach Leh.
3)31st Local sight seeing, Till 6th Engaged with Stok Kangri trek.
4)7th early morning leave to Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake(Stay near lake).
5)8th Morning Cover either of Hemis, Thiksey and Shey on return to Leh.
6)9th early morning Leh to Khardung La, Nubra valley, and planning for Zankar river rafting, magnetic hill.(Is it feasible)Planning to leave evening or night to Sonamarg or next day early morning based on time.
7)10th Leh to Sonamarg and stay at sonamarg.
11)Early morning from Sonamarg or Srinagar to gulmarg(Optional).Having flight from Srinagar around 2:00 in afternoon.
=========
Waiting for your valuable feedback.
Thanks,
Ranjit.C
Deeraj Waiting for your reply, can you kindly check and revert back…
Going through all the pending comments, one by one, please bear with me will repply for sure.
i want a economy plan to tour leh,including zansker,can you help?
You can check with info@offbeatescapes.com
ok zansker cancel,but srinagar-leh-manali by road and staying at budget hotel but travel in a car like scorpion or something like that. We are 6 to 10 people looking for your opinion for budget and tour plan.we have only 10 days leave . please suggest.
It will take 4 days to reach Leh from Srinagar side starting from Delhi with stop overs at Jammu, Srinagar, Kargil and 3 days to come back from Leh from Manali side to Delhi with stopovers at Sarchu, Manali. 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.
As per the taxi union rates of year 2016-17 (https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/leh-ladakh-taxi-rates-2016-17/) following is the break up
Srinagar – Leh in 2 days = 18400
Leh Local sightseeing = 2500-3000
Leh – Nubra Valley 2 Day = 10566
Leh – Pangong Tso 2 Day = 10301
Leh – Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Sarchu – Manali 2-3 days = 29056
Leh – Manali 2 Days = 21588
Leh – Pangong Tso 1 Day = 8653
Leh – Nubra Valley 1 Day = 8053
You can usually get about 10-15% discount on these taxi rates after getting in touch with the driver directly.
Hi dheeraj we r planning a trip to ladakh in August this year.we r 4 friends.I want to know can we do this trip in August..? And also can
we do turtuk /hunder / agham via shyok river to pangong so to tso moriri…..?
Shyok village route to Pangong Tso has started getting submerged in water in later part of the day now, not sure if it will continue to be open by August. Rest you can read: 10 Tips for a Trip to Ladakh in Monsoons
Thanks dheeraj….just one more help can we expect to see tourist in August..? This is our first ladakh trip so family r concern about visiting it in agusut… I hope we r not the only ones there in August…. Is it still peak tourist season there..? Tnx in advance
Yes, Mayur there will be many tourists in August. September end is the time when season starts to wrap up.
Hello dheeraj
Am Ravikiran if we want travel on our own bike in following route that is delhi-srinagar- kargil- leh-manali- Delhi
We want to cover these sightseeing places in our bikes only
So is there any objections from taxi unions because you mentioned local taxi people not allowed to sightseeing other than their taxi
And to do this kind of round trip which will be the perfect time…
Thanks in advance
Reply will be appreciated
If those are your bikes, it is perfectly fine to make a trip without any issue. You should plan this round trip in September.
Hi dheeraj. Thanx for sharing so valuable imformation. M planning to visit leh on 15 th july. M an former anxiety sufferer but now m absolutely ok. I get panic sometime when my heart rate goes up but it returns to normal and i also do joggings normally n m fine. But m afraid of altitude sickness as i googled and they day it may be life threatning. So kindly tell me if its safe to visit leh? And m planning to stay at drass or kargil before reaching leh.. So can it be helpful? My soul wants me to be there but m afraid that altitude sickness may put me in serious trouble.. Hope u reply.. Thanx in adv..
Sorry Rahul, I may not be the right person to comment without knowing any meddical complexities that can arise. Altitude is a serious concern and heart rate does go upwards when traveling to high altitude places. So, I will advice that you consult the doctor before visiting it.
Thanx for the reply dheeraj ji.. I will consult my doctor first.
But dheeraj ji do altitude sickness life threatning?
Yes Rahul, very fatal. If not taken under control, people die of AMS. So, do not take a risk. Do read: Acute Mountain Sickness and Importance of Acclimatization
Good Rahul, please do so and then only take next step to high altitude. It is not just high altitude but the remoteness of region with lack of facilities and urgent care if the need arise that shall be taken into account while making the decision.
Hi Dheeraj,
Really appreciable the blog you are doing, thanks a lot for giving that valuable information .
We are 4 people and planning to start from Srinagar to Leh and then back to manali by my car Maruti Ciaz. Please suggest that ciaz is enough capable to do leh or not.
I would like to know that can I get a driver only who can drive us to Leh from Srinagar in my car, . If yes, then at what charges he will be available
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.
Driver will be difficult to find, but you can check at Manali taxi stand if one gets ready for it.
Is it better to travel to srinagar to ladakh to manali during 19-25 july 2016?
Yes, it is always better to travel from srinagar to Ladakh to Manali.
Sir, I’m concerned with the dates i.e. 19 – 25 July.
You mean rains?
Yeah! Weather conditions and road conditions
It should be OK. Also, I will suggest that you read: 10 Tips for a Trip to Ladakh in Monsoons
You should read about: 10 Tips for a Trip to Ladakh in Monsoons
Hi Dheeraj,
Really appreciable the blog you are doing,it has helped a lot fellow travellers like us to plan our trip in a better way.
I have done trip to spiti valley also this year in May was a very good experience, had a real good time exploring some remote areas of spiti valley and enjoying the beauty of the wonderful spiti valley.
So, this time around me and my friend are planning trip to leh from delhi via srinagar-leh-manali on ertiga, we will be self driving.
We are planning from 12 August to 21 august.
We are planning as follows:
12 August: Delhi to patnitop(Stay at patnitop)
13 Aug: Patnitop to Kargil(stay at Kargil)
14 Aug: Kargil to leh(with sight seeing on the way to leh).
15 Aug: Rest, acclimatize and local sight seeing.
16 Aug: Leh to nubra valley (stay at nubra valley).
17 Aug: Nubra valley to pangong Tso(Stay at Pangong Tso).
18 Aug: Pangong Tso to Tso moriri(Stay at Tso moriri).
19 Aug: Tso moriri to kharu to fuel up and want to visit Tanglang la and back same day and stay at jispa/sarchu.
20 Aug: Sarchu/jispa to mandi/manali(Stay at mandi/manali),covering Chandertal en route).
21 Aug: En route to Delhi.
Will ertiga be a good option?
Is the itinerary good.Any change would be appreciated.
Whats the condition of road from nubra valley to pangong Tso and Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri. Is it doable.
Is any permit required for visiting Tso moririr from Pangong or inner areas of ladakh(like hanle)?.
Hi dheeraj plz rply
Just replied
Hello Manmeet,
Sorry for delayed reply, 13th August seems very very hectic. You should try for only Sonamarg at max and then may be to Leh with 14 Hrs drive back to back in two days. egarding Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso route, in order to take Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso via Shyok village, you need not need any permits. However, with such a small distance it appears tempting to be done BUT just to analyze the difficulty I will strongly suggest that you read:Trip Report | Nubra – Shyok Village – Pangong Tso Route. The report is from couple of year back in June & in July/August, most likely the route is washed away. Similar, reports are there from last year as well. So better confirm first, analyze the high risk involved and then only attempt it or better avoid it unless very much sure.
Next possible way is to attempt Wari La route, which is also a bit desolated but doable enough. If your driver agrees to travel on this route then take the Wari La route to Pangong Tso. Remember that any help required on both these routes will be HARD to find in miles of distance. If you have couple of vehicles then only take this route otherwise best is to avoid it.
Regarding Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri route or Pangong Tso to Hanle, the permits to Man – Merak – Chusul – Tsaga or remote Changthang routes are being given by DC office in Leh at ON and OFF basis, so keep your fingers crossed and hope for the best if they start issuing the permits by the time you visit or issue you on your lucky day. Also, even if the permits are given then as well there is no guarantee that you will be allowed to cross Chusul Post or not because since last year several such incidents happened and people with permits also had to return via same route. The story is same this year too and only handful of people have passed through Chusul this year too on their lucky days. Then this is completely a dirt track all the way with quite a bumpy ride upto Tsaga. That churns most things in your stomach 😀 … Finally, totally isolated with no one around you in miles. All this will mean that you will have to risk it for at least a day getting wasted if you are not allowed because there will be no guarantee until you cross Chusul and Tsaga post. Otherwise, you have to take the traditional routes only via Upshi – Chumathang.
Hi Dheeraj,
First of all thanks a lot for giving valuable information for all fellow travellers, this information helps lots of people to make there experience better.
We 4 people are planning to start Srinagar to Leh and then back to Srinagar due to our flight schedule.
We would be arriving Srinagar on 14th August 2016 Noon and would like to be again back to Srinagar on 20th August 2016 Noon.
Request you to please help on following queries:
1) Can we travel from Srinagar to Leh and then again back to Srinagar in given timeframe without getting stressed too much because of travel, please suggest
2) We are planning to book taxi for whole trip, what would be the best way to do so
3) Also we have not booked any hotels, as many people suggested that hotel booking wont be problem
4) Above blog says this independence day time period would be crowded and rainy too, is it safe to take up the trip by security and climate wise during this period
5) What would be the reasonable budget, we thought it would something around 15K to 20K per person
Thanks in Advance Dheeraj !
Hi Sandeep,
1. You just have 5 days brother to make this trip. Best I can suggest is below and monsoons for sure will be having little trouble in store for you.
2. You can get connected with the Ladakh drivers listed under the Taxi rate article who will be there for the whole trip.
3. Do not book them, by searching few places you will get some.
4. For sure unless you cross Kargil, there may be rain trouble
5. Yeah, 20K is decent for such a duration trip.
14: Reach Sonamarg by evening and sleep
15: Sonamarg to Leh, leave by 5 AM
16: Leh rest day and acclimatize
17: Leh – Nubra Valley
18: Nubra Valley – Leh
19: Leh – Sonamarg
20: Catch the flight.
Instead of two day trip to Nubra, you can do one day trip to Khardung La and one day trip to Pangong Tso
HI Dheeraj thanks a lot for suggestion, as suggested we have readjusted the dates, to 12th August to 21st August.
We would arrive on Srinagar on 12th August noon and would be returning on 21st August noon from Srinagar.
Request you to please suggest the iternary so that we can make most of the time an visit must visit places.
Thanks in Advance !
Sandeep, you can follow below plan:
Day 12 | Reach Srinagar
— Enjoy walk around Dal lake and may be Shikara ride as well
— If you have time then check out, floating market, Shalimar Garden.
— Overnight at Srinagar
Day 13 | 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 14 | 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 15 | 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 16 | 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 17 | 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 18 | 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 19 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on return to Leh
— Overnight at Leh
Day 20 | Leh – Lamayuru – Kargil – Drass – Zozi La – Sonamarg
Day 21 | Leave early from Sonamarg for Srinagar airport and catch the flight.
Hi Dhreej I am planning to Leh via baltal by my car in ertica we total five friends are planning to go via Kargil drass n come back via manali so plz tell me that We can go by ertica. It run on Leh highway e
Yes Ashwani, Ertiga is capable enough to do Ladakh circuit including Manali – Leh Highway
Thanks Dhreej plz suggest some tips
Here you go: 7 Useful Tips for a Self Drive to Leh – Ladakh
Hi Dheeraj,
We will be doing Manali to Leh from 11th july to 19th july. Everything related to itenary is set. Thanks to Team DoW.
We will be starting from Leh to Kargil on 20th july morning. As of now we have no idea of places to be covered and spots not to be missed. we have a return flight to Mumbai from Srinagar on 23rd July
Option 1 : Night stay at Kargil and reach Srinagar next day.
Option 2 : Leh to Srinagar direct without night stay and enjoy srinagar more better.
Also, shall we consider tips from “Srinagar to Leh” article for the opposite direction i.e. “Leh to Srinagar”
Please suggest.
TIA
You can do it like below:
Day 1 | 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 2 | Kargil – Drass – Zozi La – Sonamarg – Srinagar
— Enjoy the vistas enroute
— Have late drunch meal at Sonamarg
— Overnight at Srinagar
Hi,
Is srinagar to Leh can be done in 1 day? what are the downsides?
Thank you very much for your help.
You miss enjoying the high beauty, it will take about 16-18 Hrs to do Srinagar to Leh.
Thank you Dheeraj. You are doing wonderful job for fellow travellers!
Thank you Gopinath 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
great insight and info . I am planning to travel to srinigar from leh on the 18th or the 19th of august. What i douubt is the comfort while travelling because of my parents along with me (6 people).
1) will there be no problem to acccess after the 15th of august just over. will there be brobable problems for travel as in security risks?
2) how good is it to travel if it rains during this time of the year ( 18th aug)
3) is it necessary to halt over at kargil for better and comfort travel or non stop?
4) what are the available luxury sedans or suv’s available / and if you can also the rate of hiring such a car? from leh to srinagar . ?
lastly is it best if i book flight tickets from delhi to leh as soon as possible or to wait for fares to drop for the first week of august (9th august)
thank you ,
Hi Wangchuk,
1. Not really if you mostly stick to highways.
2. Rains will surely be a trouble makes until you cross Kargil and enter the rain shadow region
3. Yes, it is best to stay at Kargil before reaching Leh
4. Only SUVs will be available. Please check: Leh – Ladakh Taxi Rates 2016 – 17
First of all Thank you Dheeraj for all the valuable information. I had a quick question. Should I book accommodation in advance for Kargil, Dras, Sarchu etc. Or can i book it when i reach there? I will be traveling from 3rd July to 17th and wanted to make sure accommodations are available as it is the peak season. If yes then how can i go about booking the same. Are there any contact info you can provide ?
Shail, if you are OK on searching 4-5 places after reaching there or not traveling in a large group, then there isn’t any issue and you should be able to find one unless you are extremely unlucky on that day.
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks so much for the detailed information in this article. We are planning to travel to Leh between 13th – 21st August’16. Have a few queries if you could please answer :
1. Can we get a open jeep on rent to self-drive from Srinagar to Leh ?
2. As this period is close to Independence day, will there be any restriction on road travel ?
3. If we take a bike on rent from Srinagar to Leh, is there a way we could transport our luggage from Srinagar to leh separately ?
Hi Radhika,
1. No self drive cars are avaiilable in Srinagar or Leh
2. If you stick to highways, mostly it is safe. Most bandhs are declared up front so you can leave town in early morning hours
3. No, there isn’t you have to either hire a backup vehicle or take it on the bike
Hello sir , i am planning a tour from haryana to leh via sirinagar . Sugesst me the sight seeing locations and stoppage for nights in the journey . We will be leaving on 26 of this month
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.
Hello
Is it possible to cover the Lamayuru monastery, the confluence of the rivers and the magnetic hills on the same day while going from Kargil to Leh?
Will it be too hectic?
Waiting for your reply.
Yes, all falls on the route and you should plan visit + lunch at Lamayuru
Hi Dheeraj, Thanks for providing the information. I am traveling alone from Leh to Lamayuru. Please suggest bus timings from Leh to Lamayuru on Day 1 and Lamayuru to Leh on Day 2. Further, would you suggest going on bike or bus? As I am planning to leave for Khalsar / Disksit on Day2. Thanks.
Mani, I am not sure if there is a direct bus between Leh and Lamayuru, you can check: Rates & Time table of Bus Services in Leh – Ladakh
Hi Dheeraj,
I really appreciate the way you describes each and every essential information about this phenomenal trip. I must say keep doing the great job 🙂
Well, i would like to know, as we are travelling my our private car from delhi to Leh via srinagar.
A) What kind of permits we required through out the journey ?
B) Are these permits available online ?
C) Is there any destination via srinagar where vehicles have been stop overnight by Army or other Govt. Spocs
Hi Gaurav,
1) No permits required if you go from Srinagar and come from Manali
2) NA
3) Not now, as Zojila timings are lifted for light weight vehicles.
Hi Dheeraj
Thx for your reply, well I have one more question if you can help me with that. We are planning to carry some liquor along with us. Do u have any idea that how much would be the maximum we can carry as per 1 vehicle and 4 passengers. Although, we will get the bill for that purchasing but still interstate might vary the rules.
Yes, legally I do not think you can carry liquor across states.
Sir,
I AM going to Amarnath Yatra this year and returning I will go to Leh via Kargil…My question is ,in Amarnat Yatra the camera (DSLR) is not allowed so how can i manage this because i need my camera for leh trip and i can not leave my camra on Jammu or Pahalgam because I get down in Baltal for Kargil..
Kindly suggest …matter urgent.
I think so that camera are allowed.
Hi dheeraj, I am planning to do Delhi – Srinagar – Leh – Manali – Delhi mid july this year. Planning to hire a bullet from delhi. Will be following the common itenerary suggested by you. Can you suggest reliable rental places in delhi. Also i heard rental bikes are not allowed from manali side. Are there any restrictions from srinagar side or while returning from manali
No there are no restrictions from Srinagar side and no permit is required. Regarding bike rentals in Delhi, try searching for Laali Singh
Hi dheeraj
Thanks a ton for all information
So we are 2 adults and have planned our trip with all the information on your website !
Below is our program
12 Aug – Srinagar (arriving 4pm)
13 Aug – Srinagar – explore
14 Aug – Srinagar to Kargil – will bus be possible on this day? As it’s close to independence day
15 Aug – Kargil to Leh – relax
16 Aug – Leh – little sightseeing
17 Aug – Leh to Nubra Valley
18 Aug – Leh
19 Aug – Leh – visit places near Leh
20 Aug – Leh to Pangong Lake
21 Aug – Back to Leh
22 Aug – Depart from Leh
Our flights are already booked.
First query about the bus possibility around independence day
Second query – can I fit Tso Moriri in above plan?
Awaiting your reply ! Thanxx
Regards
Danny
It should be available, regarding tso moriri, it needs two days but i see you have one spare day only.
Hi ! thanks for replying.
so we have shortened the day in Srinagar in order to fit in Tso Moriri.
Below will be the program now:
12 Aug – Srinagar (arriving 4pm)
13 Aug – Srinagar to Kargil
14 Aug – Kargil to Leh – relax
15 Aug – Leh – little sightseeing
16 Aug – Leh to Nubra Valley
17 Aug- Back to Leh
18 Aug – Leh to Pangong Lake
19 Aug – Back to Leh
20 Aug – Leh to Tso Moriri Lake
21 Aug – Back to Leh
22 Aug – Depart from Leh
From Srinagar to Leh – we will be taking a shared taxi.
-Regarding Tso Moriri – you have mentioned in one of your links that there is a bus on 20th of the month…does this normally get full in advance?
-How much duration is the bike ride to Nubra? We are currently deciding whether to take a shared taxi or take a bike.
Regards,
Danny
Danny, this looks good to me. Bus wont be running full. Bike ride to Nubra will be around 5-6 Hrs
Hello DoW,
Glad to get so much info from your website, it really helped a lot with our trip planning.
We are a group of 4, two guys & two girls planning a Srinagar to Chandigarh trip spread over 15 days.
Below is our itinerary
Day 1 : Flight to Srinagar
Day 2 : Srinagar to Kargil (Innova)
Day 3 : Kargil to Leh (Innova)
Day 4 : Leh to Nubra (2 no. bullet for 4 ppl)
Day 5 : Nubra to Leh (2 no. bullet for 4 ppl)
Day 6 ; Leh Sightseeing
Day 7 : Leh to Pangong (2 no. bullet for 4 ppl)
Day 8 : Pangong to Hemis (2 no. bullet for 4 ppl)
Day 9 : Hemis to Hanle (2 no. bullet for 4 ppl)
Day 10: Stay in Hanle
Day 11 : Hanle to Tso Moriri (2 no. bullet for 4 ppl)
Day 12 : Tso Moriri to Sarchu (Bullet will be exchanged with Innova at Pang and onward journey will be in Innova to Sarchu)
Day 13 : Sarchu to Manali (Innova)
Day 14 : Manali local sightseeing,start to chandigarh at night
Day 15 : Flight from Chandigarh
Can you pls give any suggestions on our itinerary ?
Bibin, your plan is OK except Your Day 6 must be Day 4. You have arrange permits as well on this day for Hanle.
Hi Dheeraj,
Your website is as good as the Himalayas. The knowledge and information you have put here is soo soo wealthy. God bless you for all your hardwork.
We are four travelling on 6th August from Srinagar and we will be there in Leh till 13th August and we have referred to the most common itinerary from Srinagar on DOW. We haven’t yet decided if we are coming back via Manali or Srinagar. The tickets are booked from Bangalore, but wondering that time of August is a good time to visit?
We have called the most preferred Taxi owner RigZin. Like you said speaking F2F is better than call, he said he will be available. Since we plan to halt at Kargil on Day 1, what taxi option we should prefer from Srinagar? Should we take taxi till Kargil? or from Leh the drivers will come to Srinagar, considering the cost too.
I haven’t checked the DOW App yet, is it available on APP Store?
Thank you for all the good work Dheeraj!
Hello Sims,
Thank you for the kind words. 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 …
Talk to Rigzin about the present situation from where they are allowed to pick up tourists. If it is from Srinagar, then get him engaged from Day 1 else it is better off to take taxi up to Kargil or drop point below Fotula and from there Rigzin can come and pick you.
Yes, DoW App is available at both Apple iOS Store as well as Android store.
Wow, you work on your toes here Dheeraj. Thank you so much for the information. Hope rains won’t bother us much, fingers crossed. We will have to talk to RigZin about the plan, we’ve shared him our iterinary to him. I’ll soon download the DOW app. Thumbs Up!!
Thank you so much Sims !! Glad to know that and have a wonderful trip to Ladakh
In a great dilemma about the return Dheeraj. We have booked flight from Dehradun and I’m worried if the monsoon will be terrific? What do you suggest, should we go ahead with the plan or change immediately?
Well, yeah, beter go from Delhi. May be more options and less chances of cancellations
Hey, i was going through your blog and it is really nice and helpful. Thank you for writing such an informative article.
In your above line you have mentioned ” avoid Srinagar – Leh Highway during days alongside Independence Day in India i.e. 15th August” can you please explain why so any particular reason, as we have planned during 15th august only because of holidays. we are 4 of friends and will be travelling from srinagar to leh on 15th august 2016 only.
Please guide us for this. will really appreciate a prompt reply.
Regards
Neha
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 Dheeraj,
I am visiting with my wife and few friends this August. The air tickets are booked. My Itinerary is as follows:
Day 1 Srinagar Airport Pick up + City Tour
Day 2 Srinagar City to Leh via Kargil Day 1
Day 3 Srinagar City to Leh via Kargil Day 2
Day 4 Leh-Nubra-Leh with Sumoor Day 1
Day 5 Leh-Nubra-Leh with Sumoor Day 2
Day 6 Leh-Pangong Day 1
Day 7 Leh-Pangong Day 2
Day 8 Drop to Leh Airport
I have spoken to couple of travel agents in and around Leh for the complete package tour. They have given me few promising quotes(traveling on budget). I am little concerned as to how to trust to pay them in advance. Few asks 25% in advance while other say 50-100%. Any idea?
Thanks for your help!
Hi Dheeraj,
First of all it is really nice of you to guide people about these trips with your experiences and tips. Can you please advise me on my plan.
I wanted to know if you could tell me how the weather can be in the month of September as we a group of 8 are reaching Srinagar on the 15th September (just an overall idea as its of course unpredictable).
To just give you an idea about our itinerary,
15th Reach Srinagar and drive to Sonmarg (overnight Sonmarg)
16th Leave for KArgil/Mulbekh/Alchi (where should we possibly stay overnight to get a local experience
17th Leave for Leh (overnight at Leh)
18th Leave for Nubra valley (overnight there)
19th Leave for Pangong lake via Leh (to not waste a night in Leh)
OR 19th Stay in LEH (if this is advised then the whole plan will shift by 1 day)
20th Leave for Tso-moriri from Pangong
21st Back to Leh and just spend time there
22nd Possibly visit Turtuk village
23rd just explore local markets and etc.
24th fly back from LEH.
Also we are really keen on experiencing bike rides to Pangong and Tso-moriri from Leh, can we rent 3 bikes and go with a mechanic support with us? Not too sure about the fuel pumps and road conditions.
If you could advise me about the DO’s and DONT’s on the above itinerary. Or if you suggest something different to this.
Hi Dheeraj,
I really appreciate the effort you had putted so far to bring DOW at this level.
It greatly helps a lot to plan the trips for first timers.
I wonder if you have contact details about some taxis plying from Srinagar to Kargil.
I learnt it from your articles only that only Srinagar vehicles are allowed in Zanskar valley.
We want to hire a taxi from Srinagar who can take us to Kargil and then to zanskar valley and finally drop us to Kargil. Please do share the Contact numbers and an idea about the cost, if you have any.
Akshit, you can check the comprehensive list of direct contacts of drivers in that entire region: List of Taxi Drivers for Ladakh – Srinagar – Leh – Manali
Hi Dheeraj,
Immensely well detailed blog !!! Loved it.
We are a group of 10 guys going to Ladakh trip during June 25th to July 3rd and booked flight tickets from Hyderabad to Srinagar. We will be in Srinagar by 25th Afternoon 12 Pm and return tickets on 3rd July afternoon at 2.00pm from Srinagar .
Please suggest us Which route will be the best to cover most of the ladakh sceneric beauties between Srinagar-Leh. Also can you please chalk out an itenary for us to follow, that would be really helpful.
Waiting for you reply. Thanks in advance.
Well Manoj, it is a tricky situation here is what I see. You have just 9 days, literraly 7 days because you have to reach back Srinagar and dont left to go over too. I will suggest something like below:
Day 1 | Srinagar rest
Day 2 | Srinagar – Kargil
Day 3 | Kargil – Leh
Day 4 | Leh acclimatization
Day 5 | Leh – Khardung La – Nubra Valley
Day 6 | Nubra Valley – Leh
Day 7 | Day trip to Pangong Tso
Day 8 | Leh – Kargil – Sonamarg
Day 9 | Leave early to get the noon flight from Srinagar
HY DHEERAJ;
WE ARE PLANNING TO LEAVE FROM PUNE TO LEH -LADAKH IN SUV ON 15TH JUNE TO 3RD JULY BY ROAD. SUV IS IN THE NAME OF MY ELDER BROTHER WHO IS NOT ACCOMPANING US IN TOUR. IS THIS ALLOWED AT SHRINAGAR LEH? OR I HAVE TO GO BY MY OWN CAR ONLY.
PLEASE GUIDE ME AS DEFFERENT OPINIONS RECIEVED FROM DIFFERENT PERSONS
Hi Dheeraj,
Again, I had drafted out my itenaries and would love to have your comment regarding it, below will be the plan.
15 June – reach delhi by night
16 June – fly to srinagar early morning, from srinagar take a taxi to kargil
17 June – kargil to leh
18 June – sight seeing in leh,
19 June – leh to nubra valley
20 June – nubra valley to leh
21 June – leh to tao pangong and back
22 June – leh to tso morari
23 June – tao morari to sarchu
24 June – sarchu to manali
25 June – visit around manali
26 June – manali to delhi
27 June – delhi day trip to taj mahal night flight back at 11pm night
questions
1. wil the check in process takes time in delhi airport? izzit sufficient to arrive 2 hours before flight time to check in? for domestic as well as international.
2. will my journey along leh-manali being too rush? will it be too tired to do so?
3. sorry for out of topic but will it be alrite to do a day trip to taj mahal? will it be too rush?
thank you in advance..
Hey Dheeraj,
Thanks for this very valuable information you shared. I am also planning the same road trip. I will be departing from Chandigarh on 11th June with 3-4 friends on private SUV. Route would be from Chandigarh–Srinagar–Leh–Manali–Chandigarh. Plan is like:
11th June stay at Patnitop
12th June stay at Srinagar
13th June stay at Kargil
14th June at Leh
I need to reach back to Chandigarh on 19th June. Could you please help me in planning rest of the Itinerary after reaching Leh. Is visiting Nubra Valley worth? Should we have a night stay at Pangong Lake or not? Enroute Leh-Manali, where can we have the night halt?
Thanks
If there is any need of permit from Leh to Manali crossing Rohtang Pass?
I just bought a bike in Varanasi, and plan to travel around Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and of course J&K with my Indian visa expiring in mid September. After reading a fair bit of info on this site as well as other sources, i’ve also decided to do the Ladakh tour in a clockwise direction (Srinagar > Leh > Manali). Given that I can travel through Uttarakhand now as I’m close, or can do it towards the end of the trip as I plan to cross overland to Nepal, when do you think the best time to try tackle the Srinagar-Leh and Leh-Manali Highways are? Should I head up now and try beat the monsoons or is it worth taking my time to enjoy the ride towards Srinagar, stopping in at a few places and then finishing off what I did not get to see after coming back down from Leh?
Basically, if I spend a few weeks in Leh, my options for the two highways (Srinagar-Leh & Leh-Manali) are June & July, July & August or August & September. Everything else can be worked around this anyway I guess.
Thanks,
Sean
Hello Dhiraj bhai,
First of all thank you for wonderful blog with full of worthy information!
We are 2 couples planning to visit Leh via Srinagar between 27th July to 3rd August, 2016.
Here is our plan
July 27 : 8 AM we will be land at Srinagar via plane from Ahmedabad. Travel to Kargil via Sonmarg and Tiger Hill. Night – Kargil
July 28 : Travel to Leh via Alchi, Magnetic Hill. Night – Leh
July 29 : Travel to Nubra valley. Night – Nubra
July 30 : Travel to Leh. Night – Leh
July 31: Travel to Pangong lake and back to Leh. Night – Leh
August 1 : Local siteseeing include Monastery aroung Leh. Night – Leh
August 2: Non stop journey from Leh – Srinagar. Night – Srinagar
August 3: Morning local siteseeing. Evening flight back to Ahmedabad aroung 4 PM
Queries:
1. We are planning 1 night either in Nubra valley or Pangong lake. So which one would you suggest? Rest one will be included in one day tour then.
2. Is my given time period is okay for planned journey? I mean weather conditions.
3. We want to hire one car for entire journey from Srinagar and back to Srinagar airport. So are those contacts which you posted in another thread are okay for this journey? One of them I have contacted and he asked me for 50k for whole trip. Can I get discount in this? I know this is too much favor, but if you have reference then kindly give me for discount. You know we Gujju!! 😀
4. Last one please bare with me, Is journey is feasible?
I am really thankful for this forum.
Thanks,
Parixit
1. It is a tough call to make, will go ahead with Pangong Tso if I ever were in that situation and visiting ladakh for first time
2. Weather should be OK
3. Yes, most of them are direct driver contacts which means you are not paying any commission in between to anyone
4. August 1 should ideally be one day rest in Leh after you reach Leh from Kargil
Thank you for reply.
So for the response of above answer,
1. If I stay in pangong Tso, then can Nubra vally cover in day visit, from Leh – Nubra – Leh?
4. I mean you are talking about instead of August 1, I should adjust in Leh weather on 29th July to do Local site seeing and rest. Swap Nubra vally visit on August 1 then. Correct?
When the Srinaga_Leh road will be opened this seasson.
Already it is open
Me and my friends will be reaching jammu on 11th june at 7 pm and leaving from jammu on 19th, 11 am
We all are bachlors so planning for bike trip in leh. Can you help with setting my itinerary on how to get their and back to catch or train, as non of us been to that part of country yet.
Help and suggestions very much appreciated. Thanks
Zeel, it will take 3 days to reach Leh from Jammu and 3 days to come back. 1 day rest is required. You just have 7 days in hand effectively. I will not recommend such a trip
Hello Dheeraj,
First of all a big thank you for these beautiful and meaning guide for Leh – Ladakh and I would go ahead and say your blogs are the best for amateurs like us.
We are group of 4 and planning to visit Leh – Ladakh from June 12 to 20, sorry we are short in time I assume-
12 June – 2016, early morning (7 AM) we will reach Jammu from Pune, can we hire a private taxi from Jammu itself or for better deal on private taxi should we travel to Srinagar, assuming we go to Srinagar via shared transport and take taxi from srinagar to leh what would the cost?
13 June – Srinagar to Kargil or Drass
14 June – Kargil or Drass to Leh
15 June – Leh to Nubra Valley, stay
16 June – Nubra Valley to Leh
17 June – Leh Pangong lake – same day return to Leh
18 June – Leh to Sarchu
19 June – Sarchu to Manali
we will travelling with private taxi along with driver from Jammu to Manali. is this possible?
Many thanks in Advance for your advise.
Regards,
Mayank Pande
Mayank, not having rest day at Leh means inviting trouble in terms of AMS and getting hospitalized many times. Better acclimatize for one day and then move to Nubra Valley
OK thanks for the response and advise Dheeraj, can we do Nubra valley in one day
and if you can help us with any Taxi details that would be very much appreciated.
It will take 12 hrs to do it. 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.
Hello Dheeraj, i spoke to few taxi drivers and the cost for Srinagar to Manali goes above 50K since we are only 3 travelers that would bit expensive for us, can you please let us know if we can travel on sharing basis? have you heard of guys going by shared taxis or bus.. if you can please help me with this i will really appreciate it?
Thanks,
Mayank
Yes Mayank, lot of people use shared taxis. You can easily find them. Also, HPTDC runs the deluxe bus service between Manali and Leh
Hello Dheeraj,
thank you for your help, we have completed our Ladakh tour yesterday with out any issues.
we found shared taxis from Jammu to Leh and took HPTDC bus from Leh to Manali (Night halt at Keyong). Bus service from Leh to Manali have started.
Once again thanks a lot for your help and guidance.
Mayank
Great to know that Mayank, if possible do share some reviews or trip log or photo log with members of the community so that it helps them too. How you were able to find shared taxis and all, this will help others too
Hello Dheeraj,
Sorry for delay in my response, I shared my trip details on Trip Adviser and DoW calendar and luckily we got 2 couple along with us from Srinagar.
Pune to Jammu we traveled by Train and reached Jammu early morning at 7 Am same day we traveled to Srinagar.
Finding shared taxi for Jammu to Srinagar was easy from Gummat taxi stand. they charged us 800/- Rs per person.
Reached Srinagar late evening around stayed in house boat 1000/- rs room for 3.
In Srinagar we met our online partner near famous Krishna Dhaba (food was OKOK, lot of rush) and hired a Zylo in Srinagar to Leh (14000/- rs 1500 per person) Stay in Kargil – (600/- Rs room for 3)
Reached Leh, we took room near taxi stand (Stanzi Guest house) 900/- rs for 3.
Leh to Khadungala – nubra valley we hired taxi for 4000/- rs Ecco cab, divided by 5.. we three along with a couple. same day return
Leh – to pangong – Ecco cab 8000/- rs return. stayed near lake 200/- per person in tent.
Leh to Manali by Bus stay at keyong – 740/- per head bus ..room at keylong 800/- rs for 3
manali to delhi volva 1200 per seat
hope this help for other fellow travellers
thanks,
Mayank
Mayank, this is mighty helpful. Thank you so much.
Hi Dheeraj
Thanks a lot for all the efforts you are putting up. I had one question, I am planning to visit laddakh from 20 Aug. to 30 Aug. Is this is the safe period to go there?? Also 10 day is enough to visit laddakh??? i will follow Srinagar-leh route.
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. 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.
Hi Dheeraj
Thanks for your reply.
I have made an tour plan as below. If you can see and give your advise it will be very helpful for us……Also i am concerning about monsoon during this period.Is it advisable to visit during this period through srinagar-leh-manali route??
19 August-Day 01- Srinagar–Sonamarg–Zozi La– Drass–Kargil(Night stay at Kargil)
20 August-Day 02- Kargil to Leh21 August-Day 03- Leh(local Sightseeing)
22 August-Day 04- Leh to Nubra valley(Stay at Nubra)
23 August-Day 05- Nubra to Leh(Leisure day)
24 August-Day 06- Leh to Pangong Tso
25 August-Day 07- Pangong Tso to Leh(Camping in Pangong Lake)
26 August-Day 08 – Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang
27 August-Day 09- Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring (Manali – Leh Highway starts) – Moore Plains – Pang / Sarchu
28 August-Day 10- Pang / Sarchu– Rohtang Pass – Manali
29 August-Day 11- Manali
30 August-Day 12- Manali to Delhi
Dear Dheeraj…….
If you can see and give your advise of my above concern.It will be very helpful for us. i am concerning about monsoon during this period.
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.
Hello Dheeraj,
I am planning to go Ladakh. I have made an tour plan. If you can see and give your advise it is very helpful for us.
Day1: Arrive Leh
Day2: Leh Kargil Draws
Day3: Kargil Lamayaru Leh
Day4: Leh Nubra valley
Day5: Nubra valley Leh
Day6: Leh Pangong
Day7: Pangong Leh
Day8: Departure
My query is that above plan is possible and how much the total car rental for this tour. We have 2 persons.
Please advise.
I am also planning to go Ladhak and we are also two people. Please help us to guide as well. Below is my email address
amitharjai@gmail.com
Looks OK to me. This taxi might cost you around 28-30K
Hi Dheeraj,
We are planning for Leh – Ladakh in June mid week!
We have booked flight from Chennai – Srinagar and planning to take Srinagar – Kargil travel right after reaching Srinagar Airport! Is that fine or do we need to halt at Srinagar for a night and then proceed to Leh?
You can reach Kargil on Day 1, just ensure hydrated body
Hi,
Your article had been extremely helpful for me!! I’m from malaysia and i plan to travel to Ladakh following the common itenary that u recommend.. With me are both my parents.. we will be flying to srinagar from delhi and plan to take taxi to leh with one night stop at kargil at the same day.. so few questions i would like to know..
1. which airline would be the best and cheapest for me to take to travel from delhi to srinagar?
2. do i find for the taxi to leh from the airport or do i need to travel to some place before taking the taxi?
3. is all the taxi fare same or i need to bargain for it? is the common fare around 14,000?
thanks in advance..
Hello Chan,
1. GoAir in general has good rates. Check Yatra, or Make My Trip or Clear Trip for bookings. SkyScanner can help you too.
2. You can get the taxi from Leh airport only if you have called it up or have pre-arranged pickup for it. You will not get direct taxi. If yo call ladakh taxi, you have to walk out of airport where they will be waiting for you.
3. Yes, 12-15K is common, whatever you get in between is good.
Thank you so much for ur reply.. may i know where can I get the direct taxi? to where should i go for that? Or do you have any contacts available for this service?
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.
Dear Dheeraj,
Do u mean that i can call up taxi from leh to pick us up from srinagar rather then finding a taxi from srinagar it self? I seen your article regarding the list of drivers recommended and i find it helpful, however I’m currently not yet in india so i guess i will only call up them when i reach india..
what i was wondering was where to find the taxi which can bring us to leh.. since taxi from airport won’t bring us to leh, so was wondering is there any special taxi stand that we have to go to grab this taxis?
thanks.. =)
Yes Chan, you can do so when you reach Leh. Also, you can get in touch with info@offbeatescapes.com if you comfortable over mail. If you pre-arrange it this way, you will have to walk out of Srinagar airport where these taxis will be waiting for you and can take you back to Leh. If you plan to book on the spot then first you have to reach TRC Srinagar near Dal Lake where taxi stand is there for outbound Srinagar taxis to Kargil and Leh. There you will get the taxi
Its very kind of you to answer my question one by one.. I do appreciate and am grateful of that.. Thank you so much Dheeraj…
May I know also if there gonna be a lot of price difference for taxi prearrange from leh to pick us up in srinagar compared to the on the spot booking from the taxi stand in srinagar?
Well, I say that the difference will be around 4-5K at max for over all up to Manali. But, just for Srinagar to Leh, ti will not be more than 1-2K. But, can save you lot of inconvenience if you pre-arrange it due to language issues.
Hi Dheeraj.. Thank you so much for replying my questions one by one, I appreciate it much and I’m looking forward for my trip to india.. I hope its gonna be a memorable one.
Sure, have a great trip and I am sure yo will have wonderful time up here in Himalayas 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
I am following your website since last few years and must appreciate the effort you put in updating all the info. You are quite passionate about this. I need your help. I am planning a road trip: Delhi – Srinagar – Leh Manali – Delhi. My itenery is as follows (Starting 3rd June – 18th June):
Day 1: Delhi to Ludhiana (I will start at 4:0pm)
Day 2: Ludhiana to Patnitop
Day 3: Patnitop to Srinagar
Day 4: Srinagar to Kargil
Day 5: Kargil to Lamayuru
Day 6: Lamayuru to Leh
Day 7: Leh
Day 8: Leh to Nubra
Day 9: Nubra to Pangong Tso
Day 10: Pangong Tso to Ley
Day 11: Leh
Day 12: Ley to Tso Moriri
Day 13: Tso Moriri to Sarchu
Day 14: Sarchu to Manali
Day 15: Manali
Day 16: Manali to Delhi
Need your help is followings:
1) IS this plan fine to manage AMS?
2) How is the road condition of Nubra to Pangong Tso and Leh to Tso Moriri ?
3) How is the road condition to Tso Moriri to Sarchu.
4) The way I have planned is that I refuel in Leh for all my trip, for the last leg – Leh – Tso Moriri – Sarchu – manali, I am expecting to drive 700km. My duster can hold 70 Lts and can run for upto 1000km in plains. am assuming in hills it should be able to do 700 on full tank hence I am not carrying any extra fuel.
5) Should I pre-book al hotels in advance or will I get decent accommodation on arrival?
Would be great if you can spend some time in guiding me.
Hello,
You can
Day 5: Kargil to Leh
Day 6: Leh
Day 7: Leh to Nubra
Day 8: Nubra to Leh
Day 9: Leh to Pangong Tso
Day 10: Pangong Tso to Leh
1. Yes, changes suggested above
2. suggested above
3. It is OK OK.
4. suggested above, you dont need it
5. It depends but in general after searching 3-5 places you will gt something
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for the quick revert . Just wanted to understand why have you suggested to go from Nubra to Leh and not to Pangong TSO?
I dont want to come to leh after every outstation trip. I can do either Nubra to Pangong TSO OR Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri ? OR would your strongly recommend to come back to leh after every outstation trip?
Regards,
Varun
Regarding Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso route, in order to take Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso via Shyok village, you need not need any permits. However, with such a small distance it appears tempting to be done BUT just to analyze the difficulty I will strongly suggest that you read:Trip Report | Nubra – Shyok Village – Pangong Tso Route. The report is from couple of year back in June & in July/August, most likely the route is washed away. Similar, reports are there from last year as well. So better confirm first, analyze the high risk involved and then only attempt it or better avoid it unless very much sure.
Next possible way is to attempt Wari La route, which is also a bit desolated but doable enough. If your driver agrees to travel on this route then take the Wari La route to Pangong Tso. Remember that any help required on both these routes will be HARD to find in miles of distance. If you have couple of vehicles then only take this route otherwise best is to avoid it.
Regarding Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri route or Pangong Tso to Hanle, the permits to Man – Merak – Chusul – Tsaga or remote Changthang routes are being given by DC office in Leh at ON and OFF basis, so keep your fingers crossed and hope for the best if they start issuing the permits by the time you visit or issue you on your lucky day. Also, even if the permits are given then as well there is no guarantee that you will be allowed to cross Chusul Post or not because since last year several such incidents happened and people with permits also had to return via same route. The story is same this year too and only handful of people have passed through Chusul this year too on their lucky days. Then this is completely a dirt track all the way with quite a bumpy ride upto Tsaga. That churns most things in your stomach 😀 … Finally, totally isolated with no one around you in miles. All this will mean that you will have to risk it for at least a day getting wasted if you are not allowed because there will be no guarantee until you cross Chusul and Tsaga post. Otherwise, you have to take the traditional routes only via Upshi – Chumathang.
Hi Dheeraj,
In addition to my below quarry please advise if Leh to Kargil via Dah is doable in a day say 21st October 16? Offcourse with some sightseeing. And if a stay is must in between than which place to prefer?
Once again appreciate your help
Thanks, Neelabh
Yes, it is long but doable via Dah Hanu village to Leh from Kargil. You should leave early in the day.
Hi Dheeraj,
Can u please advise which places should we cover during our 14th to 20th October stay in leh, we are planing a three day journey from srinagar in our liva 169 gc and reaching 13th evening in Leh.
Appreciate your valuable advice.
Thanks
You should read: 5 Reasons to Avoid Manali – Leh Highway in October
Hi,
Thank you for such a detailed article. Very helpful.
Regards
Poonam
Hi Dhreeaj,
Thanks a lot for this awesome site !!!!
Great work man !!!
We are travelling on 31st May to Leh Ladakh . Below is our itinerary for this trip :
May 31- Leave from Delhi to Jammu . Halt at Jammu.
June 1 – Jaamu to Kargil
June 2- Kargil to Leh
June 3 – Stay at Leh (Local Sight Seeing)
June 4 – Leh to Nubra Valley ( Stay at Nubra Valley )
June 5 – Nubra to leh ( Leisure Day)
June 6 – Leh to Pangong Tso and back to Leh
June 7 – Leh – Tso Moriri
June 8 – Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring – Pang – Sarchu
June 9 – Sarchu – Manali
June 10- Manali Stay
June 11- Manali to Delhi
Please advice an changes or addition to this .
Akash, all looks fine except the fact that June 10 stay in Manali have to be used to June 1 and June 2. June 1 you can do Jammu to Srinagar and June 2, Srinagar to Kargil. Jammu to Karil is too much to ask in one day, more than 16 Hrs of drive.
Ok.. Yes . Hope below mentioned one is perfect .. Hope we are not wasting any days in Leh.
May 31- Leave from Delhi to Jammu . Halt at Jammu.
June 1 – Jaamu to Srinagar
June 2 – Srinagar to Kargil
June 3- Kargil to Leh
June 4 – Stay at Leh (Local Sight Seeing)
June 5 – Leh to Nubra Valley ( Stay at Nubra Valley )
June 6 – Nubra to leh ( Leisure Day)
June 7 – Leh to Pangong Tso and back to Leh
June 8 – Leh – Tso Moriri
June 9 – Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring – Pang – Sarchu
June 10 – Sarchu – Manali
June 11- Manali to Delhi
Please suggest
Also would be covering Baralacha pass and Khardungla Pass from Leh to Manalai via Tso Moriri
Baralacha La pass will come when you will be coming back from Sarchu to Manali. Khardung La comes on the way to Nubra Valley
Are you familiar with any budget hotels in Jammu as in your other blogs you have mentioned hotels for Srinagar onwards.
Sorry Akash about that, never stayed in Jammu.
This looks good to me.
We are going via self drive rented car , we are planning to park our vehicle as soon as we reach Leh in the hotel and then rent a bike in leh.
“Do you know any hotels which are on outer side of Leh while coming from Srinagar highway as we don’t want to get into city with our rented vehicle and get into a mess.
Please suggest some hotels or homestay which are near to srinagar leh highway so that we can park our vehicle safely inside hotel.
Well, I have never stayed outside 🙁
Hello Dheeraj Sir,
Nice to read another article by you. ME and few friends are going to Ladakh on our bikes between Jun 6 – 20th. I just want to ask which is route is better in terms of travel time and scene from KArgil to LEh.. Batalik route vs Lamayru route.
Thanks
PRanay, if you are the first timers, I will suggest to go ahead with Lamayuru route.
Yes sir we are first timers. But can I ask why ? Is it because of proximity to LOC and random firing?
Hi Dheeraj, I wish take a car Srinagar to Kargill, then another for Zanskar, when return Kargill for go to Leh with stops on the road (monastery , etc ) I need take a car of Leh or I can take a taxi of Kargill for sightseeing in Lamayaru, etc? Is prefer see Mulbekh , Lamayaru , Alchi and go to Leh to take early the next day permits, and then go confluence , Basgo , Likir , Spituk or spend the night in Alchi and then follow the road to Leh touring these places?
Hello Oscar,
You can take Kargil taxi to Leh and see these places on the way and after reaching Leh you can do so as planned. It seems fine to me.
Hi Deeraj,
I also want to know if we want to rent a car or a bike and drive on own how much will it cost to us ?
Also please refer if you have some contacts.
waiting for prompt response.
Amita, from where do you want to rent the bike? Outside rented bikes are not allowed for sightseeing in Ladakh. Are you plalnning to rent a bike outside Leh?
Hi Dheeraj,
Found your article very useful !
We are planning to visit leh ladakh in mid of July. We wanted to do camping ?
I have searched that we can find tent camps at pangong and Nubra valley.
Can you please suggest which will b best ?
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,
We are coming from chennai and we guys planned a trip on Sep fa 10 days. We planned to take a flight til srinagar and from Srinagar we would like to travel in bike. Is that a right season to visit ladakh? Are the roads opened during Sep? Is it possible to hire bikes from srinagar to Ladakh? If not, suggest me some other way to reach Ladakh. But we would like to experience bike riding around Ladakh and camping.
Hello Dheerajji,
Wonderfully maintained uptodate site…
I have summarised ur suggestions as 1) pvt taxi best way to travel if u dont want to miss the beauty of the trip( thats why we are choosing the road trip and not the flight),, but costly…apprx 14-16K??
2) shared taxi..back breaking journey and u miss the fun…but cheaper..Apprx1200-1500/seat?
3) Buses..volvo etc..but only one stop and again we miss few points of attaraction enroute..apprx 500-800/seat
What i wanted to ask ..is there a “notice board” where we can jot down our tour dates ..arrive in srinagar..and hire a pvt taxi..but 5-6 people can share it? like a group?? rather than booking on the taxi stand as strangers?
Eg my friend and me will reach srinagar airport ( from delhi) on 11th June…and we hire a volvo.. can we get any interested co-passengers till LEH? it will definitely cut the costs…but yet we get benefit of teh sightseeing.. Can u suggest such a planning ?
it will be nice to get best of all!! 😉
hope to get such ” travelmates”..
regards
Sheetal…. if anyone interested pl share ur email…{ 11th june ..Srinagar to Leh..private taxi booking)
1. Yes, cost is right
2. Yes
3. Yes
4. Not really in Srinagar, you can find travel partners online, may be put up a DoW Travel Calendar entry or the Calendar for other entires, use main menu. Secondly, this type of notic board thing is common in Leh so there yo can get.
hello again,
i tried to enter my event in DOW calender..twice..but it has not yet been added.. and i am also not getting replies to my communication with 2-3 groups having same dates…
I have already registered and joined as member too…
Is there something I am missing???
Hello Bro.
Been through your post and it really seems like words from God, you are doing a great job by helping us.
I have few questions to ask, i am planning a bike trip from Srinagar to leh.
1. If we plan to cover khardungla pass and overnight stay at pangong lake, do we have to take any permits/approvals for the same..?
2. When we stay at pangong lake, we have to carry our tents along with us or we will get there only to stay..?
3. On return when we stay in Sarchu, stay in camps we can get or get our own tents..?
Please revert, thanks is adavance.
1. No, you do not need any permits if all are indians in the group.
2, 3. There are plenty of stay options now at Pangong tso and Sarchu, no need to carry your own tents
Dear Dheerajji,
you are doing really awesome job. After planning and making up mind of my wife and kids since last three years, finally we fixed our Leh tour this year from 1st June. well you have already given all the details at so many places so i took clues from these postings. only thing i want to know is roads will be moterable by 1st june or not? with great difficulty i am able to convince my wife that you will not get scare throughout the trip so i don’t want to get my dana pani band after returning from trip.
Srinagar – Leh Highway is already open now.
Hi Dheeraj
I Have been seeing your post and they are really helpful . Its Very generous of you to help travellers coming to Leh and Places near by . My TravelPlan are as follow ,if you can advice me some thing on this
We are driving self driven SUV from delhi and we are 5 Friends and all can drive .
18th June : Reaching Srinagar and Stay at Srinagar
19th June : Stay at Srinagar
20th June : Srinagar to Kargil . Assuming 8 Hrs Drive – Target to reach by 6 in evevning to kargil and to stop for pictures and all on the way to kargil .
21st June : Kargil toLeh – Assuming again 8 Hrs Drive – Leaving Kargil by 8 and stopping in between for pics and all . Reaching Leh by evening 5/6 PM
22nd June – Stay at Leh and Enjoying Local .
23rd June – Leh to Nubra Valley – Stay at Nubra – Assuming 8/9 Hrs Drive – Target to reach by 5/6 Evening .- What Time should we leave Leh ?
24th June – Coming Back to Leh and Stay at Leh .
25th June – Leh to Pangong – Assuming anohter 8 hrs drive and Stay At Pangong – Target to reach Pangong by 4 Pm in evening
26th June – Pangong to Tso Morriri- Can we do from Pangong to tsomorri ? – Stay at Tso Morri .
27th June – Planned for Tsomorri to Sarchu – But May plan to come back to Leh – Kindly Advice – If we need to spend some more time in leh /
Then further plan is for Sarchu and Manali and Return . But we need advice on above first that can we go from Pangong to Tso Morri and can we return from Tso to leh ?
Thanks in Advance for your support , expecting your advice and evert on same .
Thanks
Abhinav Singh
Abhinav your plan looks fine to me except Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri. Regarding Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri route or Pangong Tso to Hanle, the permits to Man – Merak – Chusul – Tsaga or remote Changthang routes are being given by DC office in Leh at ON and OFF basis, so keep your fingers crossed and hope for the best if they start issuing the permits by the time you visit or issue you on your lucky day. Also, even if the permits are given then as well there is no guarantee that you will be allowed to cross Chusul Post or not because since last year several such incidents happened and people with permits also had to return via same route. The story is same this year too and only handful of people have passed through Chusul this year too on their lucky days. Then this is completely a dirt track all the way with quite a bumpy ride upto Tsaga. That churns most things in your stomach 😀 … Finally, totally isolated with no one around you in miles. All this will mean that you will have to risk it for at least a day getting wasted if you are not allowed because there will be no guarantee until you cross Chusul and Tsaga post. Otherwise, you have to take the traditional routes only via Upshi – Chumathang.
Hi Dheeraj
A friend and I plan to travel to Leh for 10 days . Is the place safe for 2 women travellers ?
We have planned the below itinerary.. doable ? The current itinerary leaves us with 1 extra day on 11th. ANy suggestions for what else we should cover ?
We have the option of doing srinagar – leh by road or flying in directly to leh from delhi.. pls advise
June 4 – mumbai to srinagar (flight)- kargil (by road)
June 5 – kargil to leh
June 6 – leh to pangong (stay at pangong) cover hemis on the way
June 7 – pangkong – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
June 8 – leh to tso moriri (via chumathang) (stay at tso moriri)
June 9 – Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder (Nubra valley – stay at hunder)
June 10 – Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
(stay at leh)
June 11 – ??
June 12 – fly out to mumbai
Tx
Sumati
Hello
I will be traveling with my family(total 6 members) to Srinagar and Ladakh in mid July. The presumptive itinerary has come as follows-
Day1- Reach Srinagar airport, visit Gulmarg/Pahalgam
(Which will be the better option to cover during that time of year, Gulmarg or Pahalgam?)
Day2- Stay at Srinagar and local sightseeing
Day3- Leave Srinagar to reach Kargil/Drass. Overnight stay over there
(Accompanying us will be two senior citizens with no serious health issues. Is it relatively safe for them to cover this stretch of road? At what time earliest can we leave Srinagar for Kargil/Drass?)
Day4- Leave Kargil/Drass for Leh. At the same time complete the sightseeing of West Ladakh
(Will it be possible to cover the distance from Kargil/Drass to Leh and at the same time do the sightseeing of West Ladakh?)
Day5- Local sightseeing at Leh and arrange for passes
(Is this extra day required or not? Will we be requiring any more days for acclimatization even after the road trip from Srinagar to Leh? Should we include something else on this day?)
Day6- Complete the sightseeing of North Ladakh
(Is 1 day adequate for North Ladakh?)
Day7- Leave Leh for Pangong lake. Overnight stay over there
(Is pitching camp alongside Pangong allowed?)
Day8- Have breakfast at Pangong and leave for Tso Moriri lake through one of the direct routes. Overnight stay over there
(Will we able to manage the direct route? If not, and we have to travel from the more indirect route, how much time will it take us to reach Tso Moriri form Pangong? What do you recommend at that time of year?)
Day9- Have breakfast at Tso Moriri and leave for Manali. Overnight stay at Manali
Day10- Sightseeing at Manali during daytime and evening while leave for New Delhi in the night buses
Day11- Reach New Delhi early morning
Alternatively,
Day10- Leave Manali early morning (without staying over there) and reach New Delhi by evening by private vehicle
(Which option do you prefer for our group, the former one where we get to see Manali but at the same time brave the bumpy bus ride or the latter option which is more comfortable but bereft of Manali sightseeing?)
Some miscellaneous questions-
Do we need to brace for rains during 18th-28th July at any place mentioned above?
Will this itinerary be too hectic for our group?
How difficult it is to bike in Nubra valley for someone who has just learned biking 2 months back especially to ride over there (point 1 to 10; 10 being “are you insane”)?
I am really looking forward for this trip with my family after a long time and I guess you are the best person to get the latest and dependable information regarding it. Please let me know your views on it and do provide any alternatives, suggestions.
Thank you
Hi,
We are planning on the Leh-Ladakh trip from June 25th-July 10th. We are transporting bikes by train to Delhi and starting our journey from Delhi.
This is the itinerary i have planned.
Day 1 | Delhi – Jalandhar
Day 2 | Jalandhar – Srinagar
Day 3 | Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil
Day 4 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
Day 5 | Leh Local Sighseeing(Rest Day)
Day 6 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
Day 7 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
Day 8 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake
Day 9 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
Day 10 | Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang
Day 11 | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring (Manali – Leh Highway starts) – Moore Plains – Pang / Sarchu
Day 12 | Pang / Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
Day 14 | Manali – Chandigarh
Day 15 | Chandigarh – Delhi
Please suggest any amendments to this. Thanks in advance.
Looks perfect for a Ladakh trip 🙂
Very nicely planned. This is what exactly i’m looking for 🙂 Thanks a lot !
Hello Dheeraj!
I am planning on visiting both cities this June! (I have already booked my ticket to New Delhi). I have a question – I will be landing in New Delhi from Vancouver, BC, and then taking a flight to Srinagar. Do I need to organize/reserve my Srinagar-Leh highway transportation plans in advance? or can I do that once I get to Srinagar?
Thank you for your advice! Best, Jacquie.
Hello Jacquie,
No there is no need to book in advance. Just reach there at Srinagar and book the shared taxi seat a night before only near Tourist Reception center taxi stand OR bus ticket at the bus stop. Both can only be done once you reach there and at max a night before.
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for all the helpful posts. I have been going through trying to come up with a game plan but I was hoping you could perhaps suggest an itinerary for me. I am a 28 year old experienced rider on a 2011 Thunderbird Enfield that I bought in Delhi. I have put 6000kms on it through mostly India and am just finishing up in Nepal. I will be crossing the west most border through Bhimdatta and will be spending my first night back in India in Nainital tomorrow night. From there I want to make sure I see Rishikesh. I would like to make the full loop from Srinagar to Leh and down to Manali or the other way around depending on what you would think is best. I would also like to see Dharamshala (Mcleod Gang). I am not sure which way to head based on the road status situation (Also – the security situation in Srinagar and Kashmir – i have heard I need to ask just to be safe?)
I was hoping to get started as soon as possible and see as much on the full loop as time permits (without killing myself and giving my self time to acclimatize). I fly out of Delhi on June 9 but would like to be back in the city by June 5 or 6 to sell the bike and wrap up a few things.
So just to be safe I will say I have 30 days to work with……
Any helpful hints or a rough intinerary or just a general direction of which way I should head would be hugely heplful.
Thanks,
Chris
Hey Chris, I am sorry for the delayed reply. You must be enjoying the ride on your bike. the work kept me busy and too many replies held me from getting to yours. Have fun traveling.
Hi Dheeraj,
I and my friends are visiting leh during mid of June we have booked our tickets to Delhi on 16th and return on 26th. We are planning for srinagar – leh – manali root. Srinagar – leh by taxi or bus ll hire bikes frm leh for site seeing in leh ladhak and leh to manali by bus or taxi.
We are a group of 6 kindly help me with ur suggestions and itineary for Delhi -srinagar- leh manali- delhi in cost effective way.
Thanks in advance for you reply.
replied to your other comment.
Hi! Thanks for all your helpful posts. My boyfriend and I will be traveling to Leh on the 15th of May from Dharamsala, and as the Manali road is not opened yet we have had to change our plans and will be using the Srinagar-Leh highway. I have looked everywhere for timings and other details as well as where to book the JKSRTC bus from Srinagar to Leh but have had no luck, where can I book this bus? Also, do you think it will be possible to travel back to Delhi from Leh via Manali on the 23rd of May?
Thank you!
Kyla, you can’t book the JKTDC bus as so far the buses are not started and road is only open for light vehicles. Secondly, these buses in general allow to take tickets not more than one day before. So, you will have to reach Srinagar first and then take a ticket from bus stand.
OKay, do you know if the buses will be running by 15 May?
Road should stabilize by then. If the buses will not be running then you will surely get the shared taxis from the taxi stand which is in front of Tourist reception center
Great, taxis are out of our budget so we are looking to stick to buses. Is the Saturday/Sunday bus to and from Pangong?
You can always have shared tourist taxis which are like 1500 per seat for such trips of two days. Else for buses the availability is very scarce. You can check: Rates & Time table of Bus Services in Leh – Ladakh
Okay but will the bus mentioned on that page you linked that runs to and from pangong on saturdays and sundays be running the 21-22 May? Also will the Spangmik homestays be available? Thanks!!!!!
Kyla, I doubt that buses will be running during this time of the year but I may be wrong though because I see a reason of locals traveling in those buses would need bus services to travel to Leh. So, it could also be possible that buses will be running too.
Hi Kyla. We are also planning trip from Chandigarh to sonamarg to kargil to leh. We also have fixed schedule from 15 – 22 may. Hope we can join on the way. Me and my friend along with our wives are travelling. We can stay connected if u r ok with it. My no is 7837337499.
Hi Dheeraj, We have a plan to visit Ladakh in the 2/3 week of June but have limited no.of days at disposal. We plane to hire an SUV for the entire trip. Here’s our tentative itinerary:-
Day 1 – Reach Srinagar by 1pm. Start to Kargil.
Day 2 – Kargil – Leh
Day 3 – Leh
Day 4 – Leh – Nubra – Leh
Day 5 – Leh – Pangong
Day 6 – Pangong – Leh
Day 7 – Leh sightseeing. Overnight journey to Srinagar.
Day 8 – Srinagar.
Is this itinerary doable?
Doable yes of course. but it will be hectic for sure.
Dear Deeraj,
I have few questions,
1. I am traveling to Leh from srinagar on 21st june. Please suggest me good homesteads in Kargil.
2. If we start from Leh and till Tso moriri, where we can make a halt in between our journey other then Leh.
(Tent , camp or Home stay would do)
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
2. I could not under stand, you can reach Tso Moriri in one day itself from Leh
Dear sir
Some confusion.
U mentioned here 16-18 hrs non stop journey between Srinagar to leh.. Contrary to another article data ie
“just completed ladak trip. there are lot of tempo travellers and Mini bus starting from Leh city .They start everyday evening 5:3O PM -6:00 PM and reach srinagar the next day early morning 7:30 AM . cost is Rs 1000 to Rs 1500 based the vehicle. The mini bus is best optiion you only get individual seat and confort to sleep @ night too.”
Pls tell me is there any overnight trip chance?
Hi Sadiq, the time I have suggested includes the sightseeing time too. No matter how you travel, Srinagar to Kargil with stops will take 8 Hrs for sure and Kargil to Leh will surely take another 8 Hrs.
The above exception is because it is traveling at night with no sightseeing at all. If you do not do any sightseeing and stops and keep traveling you will surely clock Srinagar to Leh in abut 14 Hrs.
Good Afternoon Sir,
Srinagar Leh road Open Or Not
I Am Travel to Leh By tempo Travel on 3 May 2016
Please Guide me..
Thank U.
Amar, 28th April is set to be the inauguration date and in couple of days Srinagar – Leh should be thrown open for tourists too
Hi Deeraj , the below is the plan ,can you please provide your valid inputs whether its good to go with this plan.
Sunday June 12th 2016 : Delhi to Srinagar
Monday June 13th 2016 : Srinagar to Kargil
Tuesday June 14th 2016 :Kargil to Leh
Wednesday June 15th 2016 : Leh to Pangong Lake
Thursday June 16th 2016 : Pangong Lake to Sarachu
Friday June 17th 2016 : Sarachu to Manali
Saturday June 18th 2016 : Manali to Delhi
Note : we are travelling by our own vechile
Thank you,
Prakash
Prakash, you will end up in a hospital if you follow this plan. You do not have sufficient days to make a trip to Ladakh, all you can do is to reach Leh and come back to Delhi.
Wednesday June 15th 2016 : Leh rest and acclimaize
Thursday June 16th 2016 : Leh to Sarachu
Friday June 17th 2016 : Sarachu to Manali
Saturday June 18th 2016 : Manali to Delhi
Even sleeping at Sarchu you will have trouble forget about Pangong Tso which may make you very sick.
Thanks for your advice we will extend some days 🙂
hi prakash
you must go to Nubra Valley