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.
If you know your friends or family are planning a trip to Ladakh, do share this article with them to help them make a memorable Ladakh trip.
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Hi Dheeraj
Very informative post. We are planning trip to leh ladkah, but are confused about route.
1) Shrinagar-leh-manali or manali-leh-shrinagar full circuit , which is better for sightseeing ? Does it make any difference ?
2) Are bikes available for such circuit for both above-mentioned routes ?
3) Does devilonwheels arrange trip on both routes ? And for how many days ?
Firstly, I will suggest you that please plan it in other direction as going via Srinagar – Leh Highway will be much much easier on your body and help you acclimatize to the high altitude of Manali – Leh Highway. Also, it allows you to enjoy the beauty of Manali – Leh by splitting the journey almost evenly in two days which is very difficult in the other direction. Thirdly, it will allow you to fit Tso Moriri lake into the itinerary in better way. You can read more reasons on the link here
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
You can check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate (cheap budget hotels as well) in the series of articles starting on the link here
Check the list of things to carry for Leh – Ladakh or other trip including basic medical kit, clothing, must haves etc. at the link here: List of Things to Carry for Leh – Ladakh trip.
To know about AMS and acclimatization including the tips to combat AMS, please DO READ: Acute Mountain Sickness and Importance of Acclimatization
We do not organize and tour and travel. They are different people than us who use a similar brand name like us and are copy cats using our brand name for commercial purposes. We do not have any association with them. The original Discover with Dheeraj (we) established back in 2008/09 do not conduct any tour and travel business and only provide all the required travel info. to make memorable trip to Ladakh and other parts of Himalayas for FREE. We help make people plan their trips to Ladakh and other parts of Himalayas by providing information for their tours. Beware of such copy cats who may end up spoiling your trip than making a memorable one.
If you wish to make a trip to Ladakh or other parts of Himalayas and have any questions or need any help in planning the trip, feel free to post any questions or queries in the comments section of website or in DwD Community forum. On our website you can find everything from plans to suggested hotel contacts to local drivers to connect with all for FREE. All this will save you good amount of money which you can use to spread smiles in Himalayas and buy you some good personal stuff 😉
Else if you really want to get in touch with tour operator, better connect with info@offbeatescapes.com than going ahead with some copy cats who may dupe people by copying names similar to other established brand names like ours.
Thanks a lot.. really appreciate your help !
Although didn’t have any idea about copycats you mentioned.. thanks
So now you know, please beware of them and check the spelling of, some uses S in the end some use Z in the end and some both !! 😀 😀
didn’t know this at all. Thanks a lot. Great help you are providing , selflessly. Appreciate it.
Thanks, happy to help bro 🙂
Hi dheeraj
Planning a solo drive from Delhi – srinagar – Leh – Manali during 20th sept to oct 1st. Is it safe traveling through srinagar highway??? Is it gud time to travel and am an occasional asthma patient too. So pls advice me the best travel plan in order to avoid affecting by AMS to maximum extend.
Or should I go and come back by Manali Leh highway itself???
Any suggestion???
Sorry for delay, just replied.
Yes Shafi, Srinagar – Leh – Manali is fine during the end of september though it becomes a bit cold especially in nights and mornings. You should go slow and I see you have 12 days in hand. Can you fly to Srinagar and start the trip? If yes, do follow How to make a budget Ladakh trip by public transport
Dear
Solo drive is my main motto of the trip. As am driving all the way from Kerala and I ll be reaching Delhi around 20th.
Aah, okie, then 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. So, 8 days will be used there only. Then depending on more days at hand, you can plan the trip accordingly.
Hi,
I will be travelling to leh this september with three friends. I will be reaching srinagar by 07:00 am on 24th September and planning to go to leh in a private taxi and then hire bikes in leh. My return flight from leh is on 02nd October. Kindly help me with the trip iternary. I plan to visit nubura valley, pangong tso and tso moriri.
Hi Hitesh,
You can follow the below plan:
24 – Move to Kargil from Srinagar
25 – Kargil to Leh
26 – Leh rest, bike rental, and permits
27, 28, 29 – Two day trip to Nubra Valley including Hunder, Turtuk, Deskit
30, 01 – Two day trip to Pangong Tso
Thank you.
Can I also include tso moriri in plan.
Also can I travel to pangong directly from nubra
Nubra to Pangong Tso is still closed and not expected to open this season. If opens up, you can travel and save a day. This will give you time to visit two day trip to Tso Moriri in such a case and drop Turtuk. Otherwise, you can drop Turtuk, do a day trip to Pangong Tso and then make two day trip to Tso Moriri.
Hey,
I booked flight tickets already. So, from last year’s review do you think it’s possible to use the leh manali and leh srinagar highway between october 26th to november 4th?
I will not at all recommend it. Please read: 5 Reasons to Avoid Manali – Leh Highway in October
How about visiting ladakh during first week of october during gandhi jayanthi?
How do you expect the road and weather conditions to be there ? is it advisable at that season of year ?
Chandu, the roads are good, the weather gets cold. If OK with cold conditions, it is fine to travel. Srinagar – Leh is OK to travel.
We are coming from chennai . So we are planning to book the onward flight journey from chennai -> srinagar and return flight directly from Leh to chennai
we are planning to take a private taxi/cab with driver from srinagar to leh and hire a bike directly in leh-ladakh since other registration bikes are not permitted in their region as you said. we are planning to reach srinagar by september 28 after noon and return flight from leh on oct 5th . Could you please suggest the places /itenary over this span ?
You can follow the below plan Chandu,
28th – Rest in Srinagar
29 – Reach Kargil via Sonamarg and Drass
30 – Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
01 – Leh rest, acclimatize and arrange permits
02, 03 – Two day trip to Nubra Valley from Leh covering Hunder, Deskit
04 – Day trip to Pangong Tso
05 – Return
I read in your blog that permit is required even for inidan natinals. https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/ladakh-inner-line-permits-available-online-2017/
Could you please let us know how long does this process take after completing the online application form ? Do we need to go in person and get signature in the office at Leh ?
It is a trivial process and should not take more than 30 minutes.
Hi i read this article https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/how-to-plan-a-journey-on-srinagar-leh-highway/. As u suggested is it possible to go to srinagar taxi stand and book a taxi as we want to Leh because all online taxi rentals are costing around 25k which i feel is quiet expensive
Yes, Chandu you can do that on the spot as well. There are plenty of taxis available. You can call the local drivers directly to connect with them and check the more comprehensive List of Taxi Drivers for Ladakh – Srinagar – Leh – Manali with recommendations/reviews for DoW community members.
Since we are travelling as a couple and will be hiring a bike(probably Royal enfield 500cc) how much can we load into our back packs ? We both may need two backpacks for each and using one bike. Is there any limitation on how much we can carry in bike and how to pack our stuffs etc?
Chandu, it will be in best interest to carry one rucksack
Thank you for your reply ..
I recently read in many Facebook pages that it has started snowing in khardungla pass will it affect us in anyway ? If we are traveling where in oct 1st week..
Snow during this time does not last much, a day or two. Only if it snows the day you are traveling, you may find obstacles else it shall be fine.
Hi,
Bikes are available from Leh to Srinagar? one side only?
We are planning to get bike route from Leh to Sriangar ( If available ).
Thank you
yes, one side bikes are available but it will cost about 10000 for a drop of the bike
INR 10000 extra or including rent? we will take 4 bikes so 40000/- is too much for us i guess, could you please suggest us best way to reach Srinagar from Leh.
Thank you very much <3 🙂
The best way will be to take a taxi from Leh to Srinagar with an overnight stop at Kargil. Nothing better than it. About 13-14K taxi will take which provides you comfort and way less than what you will pay just for pickup of those bikes.
Thank you 🙂
Hi Dheeraj and team,
Firstly I would like to give you a big thanks for running this wonderful forum. This is of immense help to plan trip to Ladakh. Kudos to you guys!!! I have been following DOW since 2013 when I planned my first visit to Leh with friend. Booked my tickets in advance but then had to cancel for some reason. Same thing happened again in 2015 🙁 Finally I am planning again this time with my wife and another couple friends. Hope it works out now 🙂
I had booked my flight tickets 4 months in advance. I am flying to Srinagar on 19th Aug and return flight is from Leh on 28 Aug. We are total 4 people and below is our itinerary based on your suggestions in this forums. I have also almost finalize Chamba for Taxi.
Day 1 19 Aug | Reach Srinagar and rest for the day
Day 2 20 Aug| Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zojila – Kargil
Day 3 21 Aug | Kargil – Leh
Day 4 22 Aug| Local sightseeing in Leh, get permits and acclimatize
Day 5 23 Aug| Leh – Nubra Valley ( stay at Deskit – Hunder)
Day 6 24 Aug| Day trip to Turtuk and come back to Deskit or Hunder
Day 7 25 Aug| Deskit to Leh
Day 8 26 Aug| Leh to Pangong Tso
Day 9 27 Aug| Pangong Tso to Leh
Day 10 28 Aug | fly back home from Leh.
Request you to review this itinerary and let me know your concerns.
One of my concern is we don’t have a backup day. Is it possible that on Day 7 we do Deskit to Pangong instead of going to Leh and save 1 day.
Is it a good idea to rent bike for local sight seeing in Leh on day 4? Just to fulfill my wish of driving Bike in Ladakh.
Also I want to know if I apply Permit online do I have to still visit the DC office in Leh?
Tanmay
Thank you Tanmay, I am sure it will work this year :)
Your plan seems nicely balanced. Take the call for needing the backup day in Leh itself in case it is required. Yes, you can take the direct route. You can surely rent the bike for local sightseeing. You can apply permit online but have to pay the fee in the Tourist Info Center office in Leh.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Tanmay, how many of you are travelling?
Even my itinerary is similar.
But I’ll be travelling alone. Would like to know how you are planning to travel. If possible then to share a taxi with your group, if its ok with you all.
20th August : Srinagar, Dal lake.
21st August : Kargil by JKSRTC bus
22nd August : Kargil to Lamayuru
23rd August : Lamayuru to Leh
24th August : Deskit and around
25th / 26th August : Back to Leh and return to Srinagar.
My flight back if on 30th.
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for the informative article. In fact, your guide to Ladakh (as a whole) is meticulous, detailed and simply incredible! Thanks for that…
I’d like to know :
(a) is it possible and practical to include a trip to suru valley (rangdum or durung drung glacier) when traveling from Srinagar to Ladakh? If yes, do suggest a good itinerary
(b) I don’t have my vehicle so can taxis/public transport be an option while going from Kargil to rangdum? If yes, do suggest how and approx costs
Feel free to comment or suggest your thoughts and ideas. TIA!
Thank you Venkat, glad it was helpful.
Yes, it is possible to include a trip but will need about two days from Kargil. Do you have those days at hand? Taxis run from Padum to Kargil and Kargil to Padum. You can for sure drop at Rangdum but you will need to be somewhat flexible in such a case as the availability might be a bit of a challenge. So, don’t hesitate from hitch hikes too.
Hi Dheeraj,
I am planning a Trip from 12th Aug Delhi till 20th Aug.
We are 4 people and we have hired a 4X4 Suv.
Can you let me know the best itinerary from Delhi- Srinagar-Leh-Manali-Delhi in 9 days?
I would really prefer going to Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri if possible.
Maybe I can extend the trip for 1 more day but not more than that. Please let me know the best route and places to go.
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.
Opt to go via Manali – Leh Highway and I will suggest that you refer the thread for more details on the route and night halts though it is of 9 days: Manali – Leh – Ladakh – Manali | Itinerary for 9 Days. You can fit in plan I suggested in above para in this plan
Hi Dheeraj,
I read in portal that it is advisable to avoid riding Srinagar -Leh highway on days alongside August 15. But as per our plan we will reach Srinagar by Aug 15. Is it ok to proceed with the same plan or should we reschedule?
Also would you please provide an itinerary for 10-12 days. We wish to go to Leh by Srinagar- Leh highway and return via Manali-Leh highway.
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 the main highway and tourist areas, there is in general no issues. Also, you can skip the stay at Srinagar and move to Sonamarg the same day you reach Srinagar.
If you are really concerned about it I will suggest to go with Manali – Leh Highway
Hi Dheeraj, I am planning to travel by bike from Udhampur to Leh then return via Manali, Shimla and Delhi. Planning to start by 16th Sept. I have RE Standard model 1997. Please let me know is there any restrictions for old bikes on this way.
No Naveen, since you will come down from Rohtang Pass to Manali, you do not need any Rohtang Pass permit where only bike year and make is checked. Rest it is not required anywhere.
Thank you Dheeraj. Traveling around LEH, do we need to take any inline pass or permission. Please clarify.
No Naveen, as long as you are in Leh city and on Srinagar – Leh or Manali – Leh highway, no permit is required.
Dear Dheeraj, we are two persons traveling now, so the bus or shared taxi seems like our options, but i have a question, do these shared taxi stop at those attraction point enroute?
The taxis that run between Srinagar – Leh do not stop at tourist spots as they are local shared taxis. However, once you reach Leh you will be able to find tourist shared taxis and shared taxis run by travel agents for tourists which do stop at tourist locations. You will find similarly shared taxis for Leh to Manali as well.
hi dheeraj we are planning to do srinagar -leh- manali in September is it a good plan to do srinagar to leh in a single day on our royal enfield motorcycles. As we are running short of time to do our journey plan.
your suggestion will be much appreciated.
thank you.
It will take about 15-16 hrs to ride to Leh from Srinagar and since you will reach high altitude place directly and your body will be tired, chance of getting hit with AMS also gets higher.
thank you dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj.
We three guys (24 years) has planned a Ladakh trip. We are renting bikes from chandigarh and we are from pune. By 14th evening we’ll be reaching chandigarh and got to go back on 24th morning (Flights already booked).
The below is our current plan :
July 15th – Chandigarh to Jammu
July 16th – Jammu – Sonamarg
July 17th – Sonamarg – Leh
July 18th – Leh – Nubra
July 19th – Nubra – Pangong Tso
July 20th – Pangong Tso – Tso Moriri
July 21st – Tso Moriri – Sarchu
July 22nd – Sarchu – Manali
July 23rd – Manali – Chandigarh.
Our only constraint is Time. Cant extend any. Please look into our itinerary and let us know your concerns . Help us make this trip an enjoyable one. (you may tell us if there is some alternate route as well).
Thanks in advance..
George.
It is not just time constraint and hectic plan that you are trying to make but also need to consider that your chandigarh bike will not be allowed for sightseeing in Leh – Ladakh to Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri. I will suggest that you make a trip with eased plan and focus more on enjoying than running from one place to another everyday.
So what change can we make in our itenarary ?And who won’t be allowing the bikes for sight seeing ? The police , or the army ?
I will suggest a plan like below:
Chadigarh – Srinagar
Srinagar – Kargil
Kargil – Leh
Leh rest day, permits, get Leh bikes
Leh – Khardung La – Nubra Valley
Nubra Valley – Pangong Tso via direct route
Pangong Tso – Leh
Leh – Sarchu on CHD bikes
Sarchu – Manali
Manali – Chd
Hi this is Kamal,
We are bikes from Chennai 7 of them planning to ride Leh circuit from Aug 5th from Delhi – 16th back to delhi request you to help me following que.
Delhi – Srinagar – Leh – Nubra Valley – Pangong Lake – Manali – Delhi
1. Is it possible to camp in Srinagar – Leh Highways? if yes please specify best places to camp.
2. to srinagar we plan to take Pathankot – sach pass – Killar(nit stay) – Kishtwar – srinagar is it possible to do in above mentioned days? ( I have did last yr 2016 Killar – Sach pass – dalhousie(Nit stay) – delhi same Aug month)
3. we can reach 4 days to leh?
Thank you Dheeraj ji.
Hi Kamal, please find replies below
1. Yes it is possible, best will be Mulbekh village or Kargil/Lamayuru Villages are also fine
2. August is too risky to attempt Sach PAss – Killar – Kishtwar route but if you have already done it you would know the challenges in rains.
Hi Dheeraj
This forum offer more information than google and appreciate all the efforts. With the recent issue around ban on Himachal bikes in LEH and vice-versa, we are changing our Bike trip route to go from Srinagar to LEH
While the itinerary is very well explained for such a route, appreciate if you can help with few questions around the trip?
1) Do you have any contacts of Bike rentals in Srinagar who can be contacted?
2) Which route is more enjoyable – scenic as well as the ride experience : Srinagar – LEH or Manali – LEH?
3) If i rent a bike from Srinagar and make the trip to LEH , where maximum can I travel to in LEh because it has been highlighted that we need to rent LEH bikes and cannot use the one from Srinagar. Does this apply for small areas within the city or does it apply for pangong, khardungla, nubra etc?
Replies below:
1. For Srinagar bike rental you can refer the link: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/india/ladakh-zanskar-travel-guides/outside-rented-bikes-banned-ladakh-t1009-50.html#p12858
2. Both have their own beauty which is different from each other.
3. I do not think it applies to local Leh but no idea how things are going to unfold amidst all these tensions that have come up.
Immediately on arrival at Leh airport on 14th July, 2017 [at 11 a.m.], I wish to travel to Alchi by taxi/cab.
How much will it cost for only drop at Alchi. If someone wants to tag along and share costs, then most welcome.
Is there any reliable driver with phone number, whom I can contact from here in advance and fix with him for being ready at Leh airport on the 14th July? [my details will be provided by me to him; if has has email id then great, otherwise also ok]
Thanks.
Around 1200-1500 I believe will be the cost for alchi drop. For the leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2017 – 18 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here. You can get about 10-12% of discount by directly getting in touch with drivers and of course, talking in person rather on phone always help in bargaining more.
Thanks for the same.
Hi,
We are a group of 4 /5(tentative) planning to do a Srinagar-leh-Srinagar
We would be raeching Srinag on 20th Noon, is it allowed to cross Zoji La pass after certain time and teach Kargil on the same night ?
Or would you suggest we reach SOnamarg that daya nd do SOnamrg to leh on the next day ?
We have very less time for the whole journey so we cannot stay in Srinagar on day 1
Hi Dheeraj,
Can you please reply to my query
Just replied
Hima, traffic from Sonamarg side is allowed to cross Zojila in the afternoon only. So, you should be good. It is a 8 Hr journey from Srinagar to Kargil depending upon jam in between. So, plan accordingly.
Thanks Dheeraj for your reply
Do we need inner line permit even when using Leh bykes or Cars?
Is it for person or vehicle? TIA
Hima, the inner line permit for Ladakh are for the person not for the vehicle. It is the Rohtang Pass permit which is given for the vehicle. So, you will need inner line permit in Ladakh.
Hi Dheeraj, do we require any permit to travel on Jammu -Srinagar -Leh?
No permit required for Jammu – Srinagar – Leh road, once in Ladakh you need inner line permits.
Great ! Thanks for your help 🙂 Would share my travelogue once I return from there.
Will look forward to it, have a wonderful trip !!
Hi,
Thanks for the reply, as always your advices are a beacon for the unwary traveler. Noted the advices carefully.
1. Just for curiosity: though opening my laptop will be the last thing on my mind on high mountain passes: why should not the laptops be opened at high mountain passes? Scientific explanation? I am flummoxed. Some kind of magnetic interference?
2. Where can I get oxygen cylinders in Leh? Can I just consult a doctor and buy them off the shelf. I don’t know how to use them though. Never seen one.
3. Also, how is this option: arrive at Leh airport and immediately, catch a taxi or bus to Alchi? And stay at Alchi for 2 days for acclimitization. Is this a wise option, anyway? Is there is any risk of symptoms aggravating during the ride to down to Alchi? Are there medical facilities at Alchi for AMS? Will this aid in acclimatization? Is the taxi ride from Leh to Alchi soon after the flight at Leh correct, medically speaking?
Sir, regarding first point please read: Carrying Laptop to Ladakh or High Altitudes
Leh main market, not sure of exact shops also some hotels provide it too. Or like you said, you can move to Alchi too to give yourself a lesser alttitude to acclimatize.
Thanks a lot for your help.
Best wishes for the trip sir.
Due to the uncertainty factor and other constraints, I have booked flight from Jammu to Leh in the second week of July, 2017. (male age 55 years, travelling solo). I have read all your articles and travellers comments about AMS, its symptoms, etc. Still, because of conflicting constraints, not the least being the uncertain road blockades currently on the Srinagar-leh highway: I have decided. Now, I am really worried about AMS matter. The flight starts at 9-25 A.M. from Jammu and reaches within 55 minutes to Leh: at about 10-20 A.M. such a short duration flight with a tremendous boost in the attitude: how serious is it?
1) Is it better to cancel the flight? Actually, I do not want to.
2) Is it advisable to carry small oxygen cylinders: 5 or 6 with me, as read by me in another website? Of course, I am going to consult a doctor also. What specs and how many cylinders I can carry feasibly: weight and size wise: and can I use it during the flight? Or I can use it even if there are no symptoms after getting down?
3) I plan to carry my laptop with me. Will it stop working or become non-functional, as I read somewhere for other electronic equipment like digital cameras, at such a high altitude?
Hello Raghu ji,
Duration of the flight does not matter but yes the altitude for sure does matter. AMS is bound to set in however, there are a couple of things that must be done.
1. You should take plenty of rest on Day 1 and drink plenty of fluids like Glucon-D, ORS Solutions, Lemon Tea, Black Tea, Juices, etc.. that keeps you well hydrated always. Eat food at its time even if your body does not feel like hungry but if it is time to eat you should eat. Even drinking dal should be good enough if you dont want chapatis at that moment.
2. Do not exert too much nor sleep in the day. Try to rest with a couple of short slow walks only on Day 1. Keep a light jacket and shoes always on and in case it is overcast and cold, try to stay warm.
That is it. You cannot carry the oxygen cylinder in the flight and above all small cyclinder even 10-12 are of not much use. You need at least 10-15ltr cyclinder in case. Also in Leh, they are available. However, if you take care of above two points, you should mostly be good.
No laptop and cameras will continue to work fine. Just don’t open the laptop at high mountain passes.
Hi Everyone,
This is to inform you that the Kashmir – Jammu – Srinagar – Leh highway is fine now to travel.
As I am leaving for Leh on 16th June’17 via Srinagar, I am always keeping an update on that route via some of my friends who are posted in Kashmir Valley. Just now I received an update from one of my friends who is in Indian Army, that the roads are fine to go. It’s just a mistiming that happens sometimes. However, he has advised to carry all the Govt. ID proofs, along with professional ID cards while travelling on that route. Rest all are fine.
Happy travelling to all my fellow travelers!!!
🙂
Thank you Somenath for the update, it will be helpful to others.
Hi Dheeraj Sir,
Just wanted to know the present situation of Kashmir Valley. We have already planned for our tour to Leh Ladakh via Srinagar and return via Manali. Our journey begins on 16th June’17 night. Can you please let me know if at all it is feasible to go via Srinagar?
We are 9 members travelling in 2 cars from Delhi, starting our journey @ 11PM. Can you please inform me that where should we go on the first day? Can we reach Srinagar directly from Delhi on the very first day?
Also heard that one sided traffic is allowed on Zozila Pass from Sonamarg. Please throw some light on this.
Your guidance will assist me and my family to complete this dream tour successfully. Only one thing I am worried about is the socio-political issues in Kashmir Valley, though I heard that tourists are not getting affected in these situations. But still there are chances.
I want to avoid the Manali – Leh highway while going to Leh due to AMS issues. Please help!!!
For taking Srinagar – Leh route, I will suggest you go through the updates posted under DwD Community thread of Srinagar – Leh Highway status: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/india/road-status-conditions/srinagar-leh-highway-status-2017-2018-t5264-150.html
Yes one side traffic is allowed on Zojila Pass. The traffic is allowed from Sonamarg side in noon only. If the situation is not good in Kashmir, best is to take Manali – Leh Highway
Dheerajj, could you please guide me shrinagar-leh-manali route by Enfield bike ,we r group of 3-friends and also name n no of travel agents who provide rent Ed bike with ,fuel, mechanic,food etc. We r planning to go by ended of June..Thanks n regards
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.
But with all the tensions in Kashmir, are you planning to make a trip up there?
Hi Dheeraj,
Me and my friend am travelling to Kashmir between 15th July to 26th July from Pune. Would like to explore Leh Ladakh as traveler, please suggest an itinerary/accommodation. How would be the weather during that time for Leh-Ladakh?
Thanks in advance!
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
You can check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate (cheap budget hotels as well) in the series of articles starting on the link here
Hello Dhiraj Sir,
Like last year I will follow your srinagar- leh itinerary. However I m little confused.
Would srinagar be safe this week?
My airtel prepaid and Jio would work in j&k?
No prepaid connections do not work in J&K region including Ladakh. You will need a post paid connections. People who have traveled so far have not reported anything wary about tourist places or traveling on Srinagar – Leh route.
Hello guys. This is dileep from hyderabad. Me and three of my friends are planning to visit Jammu to Leh for 9days. Is it fine to visit such long? Do we have enough places of sightseeing for 9long days? If yes please share what all can we watch. And what about the expenditures of 9 odd days? How do we have to carry to cover in and around Jammu to Leh. We are getting our bikes by train till Jammu from there we will ride ourselves till Leh and return to same Jammu railway station, is this plan fine or do I have to change? And we are a team of photographers and videographers, I would definitely upload our trip video, precautions to be taken, gear and verything related to the trip, once it is done. I hope people will help me out. Thankyou in advance.
Hey Dileep, what do you mean by Jammu to Leh in 9 days? Just Jammu – Srinagar – Leh Highway or you talking about Ladakh too?
Ladakh too sir. Can you please guide me.
You can follow the below plan of 9 days from Jammu (note that it says 10 but Day starts from Day 2)
Day 2 | Jammu / Patnitop – Srinagar
— Enjoy walk around Dal lake and may be Shikara ride as well
— If you have time then check out, floating market, Shalimar Garden.
— Shankaracharya hill & temple, Hazratbal Shrine, Kheer Bhawani Temple, Dal Lake, Nigeen Lake, Pari Mahal, Shalimar Garden
— Overnight at Srinagar
Day 3 | 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 4 | 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 5 | Leh Local Sightseeing + Acclimatization + Inner Line Permits
— 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 6 | 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 7 | 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 8 | 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 9 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on return to Leh
— Overnight at Leh
Day 10 | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping OR Monastery tour OR you can do tour to Sham Valley
— Monastery tour may include Hemis, Thicksey, Stakna and Shey monasteries. They come on the route of Pangong Tso but as you will be doing day trip, it will be a bit hectic to include them on that day only.
— Sham Valley include Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, , Gurudwara Pather Sahib
— Overnight at Leh
Pls suggest, is it good option travelling Leh from Srinagar in second week of June 2017 with family by self driven CIAZ.
Is road condition good or bad stretches are frequent?
Thanks
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,
Can you recommend some Budget Hotels in Kargil as we are planning to stay one night in Kargil.
Regards,
Akshay Mayekar
I always stay with Hotel Greenland, They have both economic and deluxe blocks available with them. Very decent place to stay. Else, 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
Looking for TRAVEL COMPANIONS,
Hi all Me and My friend are travelling to Ladakh and will start our journey from Delhi on 31st May 2017.
We are travelling by our personal CAR if anyone is interested to come along us let me know.
We will rent bikes at ladakh. We will be travelling via Kashmir and will return back from Manali.
You can contact me on this number 9041345393.
Thanks.
Paras
sir
i want to travel from jammu to srinagar -leh -manali through a bullet on september.can you suggest a travel plan for 15 days
is it advisable to travel solo in a bullet
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
Hi
Me and my friend is all set to hit Srinagar-Leh-nubra-pangong lake-Manali road on June first week, ie exactly starting May 31st from Srinagar on our royal Enfield bikes. My questions are
1. Where i need to take inner line permit ? Srinagar\Kargil or Leh. and what documents required.
2. Is Leh-Nubra-pangong tso lake-Manali road is open in June first week..?
3. Only 2 members are travelling in bike..is it make any concern on this region..?
Replies below:
1. The environment fees of Rs 400 & Inner Line Permits (most likely as well) will again be required in Ladakh for Indian Tourists / Nationals with effect from April 1st, 2017. This has been recently announced and is available on official website of Leh administration. It is expected that a public circular should follow soon as well. Hence, like it used to happen before 2014, all Indian Nationals or Indian Tourists WILL need to pay environment fees and may need to also get the inner line permits in Leh – Ladakh region in order to visit the restricted places like Dah, Hanu Villages, Pangong Tso, Man, Merak, Tso Moriri, Nyoma, Loma Bend, Khardung La, Nubra Valley, Turtuk, Tyakshi, Digger La, Tangyar (for trekking only).
For details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link All you want to know about Inner Line Permits for Ladakh
2. Yes, the routes remain open. Please make sure you have some company to travel in taking the desolated route from Nubra to Pagong tso
3. Well, challenges will surely be there. Try to read: 5 Tips Ride with Pillion
Thank you for the reply, we individuals riding with own bikes, my concern was about safety or in any emergency case.
You are at your own Manoj in case of any emergency else in general more or less OK to travel as 1000s of people do these routes now a days.
We r a group of 5 planning our Iternary from Srinagar to Leh to Manali in 7 days. We will reach Srinagar on June 11 and we should catch our flight in Delhi on 18th by 8 PM. Please help me in planning our tour , much appreciated.
Regards
Raju.
Raju, though you are short on time so I will suggest something like below:
Day 1 – Srinagar to Kargil
Day 2 – Kargil – Leh
Day 3 – Leh Rest day and permits
Day 4 – Leh – Khardung La day trip
Day 5 – Leh – Pangong Tso – Tangtse
Day 6 – Tangtse – Sarchu
Day 7 – Sarchu – Manali
Day 8 – Manali – Delhi
Hii,
We have planned a road trip. on 18th May from Pune, Maharashtra. The first preference for the route was via Manali. But it seems the road might not open by 23-25th May. So we were thinking of going to leh via srinagar -leh highway.
I just wanted to ask, exactly how safe is srinagar to travel? and We are taking a self drive car, can you please highlight the problem we will face at check points if any.
Thank you for your help.
For the first hand info on Srinagar – Leh Status, please read the current experience by the traveller at the link: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/india/road-status-conditions/srinagar-leh-highway-status-2017-2018-t5264-60.html#p40510
Also, if the car is self drive rental car not the private car, you will not be allowed for sightseeing in Ladakh on it.
Hey Dheeraj,
Me and my family are going to Leh-Ladakh in the 2nd week of June. I had a few questions:
1. As of now, we have decided to take a flight to Srinagar and go to Leh by road. Is there any effect of any political tension in Srinagar-Kashmir area that might cause any problems?
2. Would you suggest the Manali route as an alternative?
3. We were thinking of staying overnight by the Pangong Tso lake. We have people in the age group of 55-60, would it be a problem for them ?
Thanks and as always keep up the good work
Parantap
Hi Parantap,
1. For the first-hand info. on the situation please read: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/india/road-status-conditions/srinagar-leh-highway-status-2017-2018-t5264-60.html#p40510
2. Reading the above, It should be OK.
3. It depends upon various factors and age/sex does not matter. You should be equally worried about all people not just aged as AMS does not matter with respect to age or sex or physical fitness. You should be traveling slowly from Srinagar to Leh, then do Nubra Valley and then do Pangong Tso trip. Keep your body hydrated, drink plenty of fluids.
Hello dheeraj,
Very informative blog. Thanks for sharing the info. I am planning a trip to Leh Ladakh via Srinagar Leh highway around 15 june via bike. Could you please give me some idea of my total expenditure considering – bike rent, petrol, Leh sight-seeing, staying in Leh, etc (hidden expenditure) and in how many days can I cover this entire journey.
Thanks in advance.
For doubts related to budget for Leh – Ladakh trip, I am sure the link below will help you alot for getting an idea of overall budget:
How to calculate cost or budget for Leh – Ladakh trip
Also, check the article: 5 Tips for a Budget Trip to Ladakh
Thanks Dheeraj…
I got what I wanted from your blog….
And I guess my date of travel is good…right?
Yes, your travel date is good. Both Srinagar – Leh and Manali – Leh will be open by that time.
Hello,
We are 6 friends all males, planning to travel to Leh Ladakh via Srinagar in July
Are the conditions good enough during that time of the year. Also will monsoon be any barrier to our trip?
Thanks in advance.
Harshit, if you are planning in the first half of the July, it should be mostly fine. Now a days monsoon are more or less always delayed.
I m planning Srinagar to leh bike ride tour in last week of June with my friends.. i want to know can I get bike on rent for one way ride from Srinagar to leh???
There are few rentals of the bike in Srinagar but keep in mind after reaching Leh, you will have to again rent the bike from Leh because outside rented bikes are not allowed for sightseeing in Ladakh.
Hello, Dheeraj
On the first hand thank you for the every post and itineraries you suggested they are quite helpful. I’m thinking of taking this route of Srinagar-leh-manali including spiti but to have a clear idea can you post a route map of this route please.
Cheers, Rahul
To get an idea of the route map of Srinagar – Leh Highway, you can refer: DoW – Maps of Ladakh | Srinagar – Kargil – Leh
To get an idea of the routes in Ladakh along with distances, you can refer: DoW – Maps of Ladakh | Nubra Valley & Changthang. Keep in mind that, the remote routes are isolated and completely off track with almost no roads. Better stick to traditional routes in case it is the first trip to Ladakh.
Hi Dheeraj,
Im planning to do the srinagar_leh_manali trip on September on my honda navi which is a 110cc scooty… Do i need to tune my carburetor for high altitude or it will do fine without tuning?? My concern is just the loss of power in high attitude… Even if it loses power but if it keeps on running it should do for me.. Any other suggestions and information will be appreciated…
To be mentioned here, i have done bhutan trip upto 9_10000ft of altitude without any issues
Yes Akash, it should struggle but eventually make it. You can read: How to make Ladakh trip on 100cc Bike or a Scooty?
Hi Dheeraj thanks for the advice on this trip.i planning a trip with 3 other people in skoda rapid from shrinagar -Leh-Manali will the car gethrough this road plz suggest me
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,
I have planned for Srinagar-Leh -Manali trip starting from June 2nd from Chandigarh. I have booked all the flight tickets and all the planning is done. After going through few comments, I am worried if the Srinagr-Leh-Manali highways will be opened by that time. I planned it early as i wanted to have a glimpse of snow.
Can you guide me if June 2 to June 18 is fine to travel and the status of these highways as of now?
Vinay, it seems like Srinagar – Leh Highway should be open by the first week of June. This is the latest update posted on DwD Community thread: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/india/road-status-conditions/srinagar-leh-highway-status-2017-2018-t5264.html
Hello Deeraj,
Thanks for the regular update about the highway status.
I want to know what are the good options for stay at Kargil within budget? Can you share some details if you have?
I always stay with Hotel Greenland, They have both economic and deluxe blocks available with them. Very decent place to stay. Else, 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
Dheeraj bhi ya,
I’m Bangladeshi a traveller. I want to go to jammu -srinagar – leh as your guiding. Is there need any special permission for me? Would you please tell me about it or any other advice if you wish.
With best regards
Faruk
You will need to apply for Protected Area Permits once you reach Leh to travel to the Inner Line Areas of Ladakh. You can apply them online as well. Please check the leh.nic.in the website for applying online the Protected Area Permits.
Thank you dheeraj bhiya. I am alone in this tour. So please bhiya stay with me in this site.
With best regards
Faruk
Bangladesh
Dheeraj bhiya
One more question – is it mandatory to involve in tourist operator for leh?
Thanks
Faruk
Bangladesh
I am not sure how the online protected area permit works, but you can fill in the details. If it asks for tourist operator then to get the permit it is mandatory as it was earlier but once you have the permit you can travel on your own as most people do.
Sure Faruk, feel free to post any questions you have for the trip.
Dheeraj bhiya
At first thanks to you for the great help.
What’s right time for leh— July or September ?
With best regards
Faruk
Bangladesh
Both are good times with September being better but no snow around while in July you will find some snow.
Thanks again.
Thanks again, dheeraj bhiya
Hi dheeraj ji,
Planning to visit from srinagar to Leh Ladhak by own car ( Zen Estilo ) with family in the month of Sept 1st week.
Please let me know is it possible to complete the trip with my Zen Estilo.
How is the road condition ?
Is it Tar road or Mud Road
It is a mix of both and Estilo will surely going to struggle at places. 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.
Dheeraj bhiya
I may be arrived at Leh on 12 July with a night halt at kargil. I have 10 days to stay there or more some days if I need for best trip . I’m a solo traveler & this is my first time at leh.
Please you make a tour design for me . And please mention where I should night stay .
I’m highly inspired by your description. Thanks a lot again to you and DOW community.
With best regards
Faruk, Bangladesh.
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
You can follow the plan from Leh to Manali in the 10 days you have in hand. You are alone and private taxis are very costly in Leh but you will be able to find the shared taxi without much fuss at all. There are lots of flyers which people put at cafes, dine-ins, restaurants, travel agent desks/shops/whiteboards wanting to share the taxis for different trips within Ladakh. Even travel agent organize such shared taxis trip as well but charge a little higher about Rs 200-300 more than it would ideally cost. So, in worst case you can always go back to them and book a seat for yourself.
Is there any possibility to get accommodation in leh, diskit, hundar, Turtuk, panamik, sumoor, pangong tso etc. Without booking in advance. I have enough time to enjoy leh Ladakh. So above information is very useful to me.
Thanks to you & DOW.
With regards
Faruk Bangladesh
Yes Faruk, as long as you are OK with staying at budget stays and home stays, you should be able to get them on the spot.
Hello dheeraj sir,we are group of 7-8 person and planning road trip from manali to shrinagar from 09 June to 20th June by motorbike. i am quite confuse ki if we plan our journey ourselves or buk through any travel agency.
Buking through travel agency seems to be quite expensive,but planning self seems to be troublesome,means hotel buking bike renting,palces to stay,places for sightseeing ect.
Can you clear my confusion or guide me if we plan ourselves in hotel buking,bike renting,palces to visit ect…
Thanks a lot
Saurabh, if you are OK to read stuff and articles on DoW site, you should be easily able to manage stuff. Else, you can outsource it to the Travel agency which will help you but of course at a premium. You will find everything on this website to plan you trip to Ladakh easily 🙂
Thanks for your reply sir….I found everything in your website regarding my leh journey.now i m quite confident to plan my journey by myself…
Way to go Saurabh, best wishes for the trip !! Feel free to post any further questions you may have for your trio 🙂
Hi, I want to know that what could be the charge if we booked a SUV from Srinagar to leh and return back from the same route in the middle of June .I had a initial dission with a guy who charge it 27 k ? Is it ok or I should bargain ?
Thanks in advance.
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,
I’m doing this route and will be starting the journey from Chandigarh. I want to split the journey between Chandigarh and Srinagar in 2 days. My initial plan was to stop at Patnitop. However with the Chenani-Nashri Tunnel opening up, I want to skip Patnitop as it clearly saves 2 hrs of driving time.
Can you please suggest where can we have a night halt?
Thanks.
The only options I see then are Ramban, Banihal or Anantnag. Maybe if you stretch a little more you will reach Srinagar itself 🙂
Hello
I have booked my tickets for srinagar in 1st week of may, and then i planned for leh.
But now as per news the roads are still closed. So anyone can tell me by 8th of may dose it get open or i should change my schedule??
Rutika, there is only 60:40 chance of opening of Srinagar – Leh Highway by that time.
sir can u tell me that when the roads opening srinagar – leh highway extaly
we r 6 frinds to plan a road trip to srinagr to leh on 27 may so plz tell the exact confirm date to opining the roads
Aman, Srinagar to Leh road is already open and people are traveling by that route.
Aman, Srinagar to Leh road is already open and people are traveling by that route.
Dear Dheeraj
We are planning a trip to Ladakh in the 3rd week of Aug i.e. 12th Aug to 22nd Aug. Itinerary is as below;
Day – 1 Arrival at Jammu on 12th Aug
Day 2 – Jammu to Srinagar – 13th Aug
Day 3 – Srinagar to Kargil/Drass – 14th Aug
Day 4 – Kargil/Drass to Leh via Alchi/Lamayuru – 15th Aug
Day 5 – Leh to Numbra Valley & back – 16th Aug
Day 6 – Leh to Pangong lake & back – 17th Aug
Day 7 – Leh to Pang / Sarchu – 18th Aug
Day 8 – Sarchu to Manali via Rohtang Pass – 19th Aug
Day 9 – Manali to Chandigarh – 20th Aug
Day 10 – Chandigarh to Mumbai
My questions are;
We are first time riders to Ladakh ( I ride a RE Himalayan n my friend RE 350). Is the route selected ok or its too hectic ?
Will it make sense to carry our bikes from Mum ?
We are travelling during the independence day. Should it be a concern in terms of curfews, places closed etc
Will we be able to cover Spiti Valley by any chance.
Any other information is most welcome.
P.S – We have a dearth of holidays and hence the above is the best we can get 😉
Rgds
Brijesh
Hi Brijesh,
It is a very hectic itinerary and there are no buffer days in monsoons when road closures are pretty common. So, all you will be going through a rushed days, fatigue and tension to reach Day 9 CHD to catch your flight. Not sure, if that is the idea of the trip well it is doable. You are also not having any rest day in Leh which is required for acclimatization. So, there are high chances of getting hit with AMS at Sarchu.
Thanks Dheeraj
In that case, what If I skip the return route via CHD and spend more time in Ladakh ?
Can plan an overnight stay at Pangong and or Nubra Valley.
We can then take train back to Mumbai from Jammu ? Also what are the chances of rains and road closures as you mentioned ?
Regards
Brijesh DUBEY
Brijesh, what are you planning to do? Flying from Leh? Flying into Leh?
HI Dheeraj
I am planning to reach Jammu /Srinagar via train or flight (if cheap). Will transport my bike in train from Mumbai to Jammu.
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.
Opt to go via Manali – Leh Highway and I will suggest that you refer the thread for more details on the route and night halts though it is of 9 days: Manali – Leh – Ladakh – Manali | Itinerary for 9 Days. You can fit in plan I suggested in above para in this plan
Also wanted your advice on the chosen dates. I really want to avoid rains and road closures so what do you recommend. Is Aug advisable or I should plan this trip in Jul ?
It is better to plan in July in such a case. August is monsoon in North India
Hey dheeraj
We also have very hectic schedule first we were planning to go del-keylong- leh and back but due to permit issue and Tuesday permit problem ..and your advice that taking delhi to Srinagar to leh and than leh to keylong to Manali and delhi is better and the Kashmir issue is also not there as per the first hand report posted on your site
So we have planned to take Delhi – Srinagar – leh route our iternery is as follow
27th June reach Srinagar night halt there
28th june morning leave Srinagar early and reach leh by evening night halt at leh
29th June full day rest and acclimatization and local sightseeing
30th june morning early to nubra valley and back to leh night halt at leh
1st July early morning pangong lake and back to leh night halt at leh
2nd July leave leh for keylong reach keylong by evening and night stay at keylong
3rd morning leave keylong for Manali and delhi
Is this iternery feasable because we have less time and all over hotels are booked except in Srinagar
We are traveling by our own car Scorpio and we are group of 7 males in mid 30
And 4 are good drivers been to rohtang thrice and Manali 4 times in our own car
And if halt at kargil as per your preferred iternery than we will not be able to have rest day at leh which is much necessary…
Please advice as soon as possible so that we can book Srinagar hotels
Feasible = YES, Hectic = VERY HECTIC. You may end up sick too, fatigued as there may not be comfort too with 7 people in one car for such a long journey.
Hi Dheeraj,
Me and three of my friends are planning for SRINAGAR LEH MANALI tour in June.
I want to know how to reach Leh from Srinagar with halt at Kargil.
And will the leh manali highway open up in June?
Manali Leh will open by second week of June. So, plan to start from Srinagar by 15th June and you should have routes opened. You need to catch the Srinagar – Leh Highway via Zojila pass – Drass – Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh.
Thank You for your prompt reply.
We will take the tour in second week of June.
We will be flying to Srinagar and spend a night there. I want to know where to get the tickets for BUS to Leh (Kargil halt) the next morning.
I have read all your articles. I wanted to know what woud be the average cost per head after we reach LEH (minimum as well as maximum) assuming we follow your itinerary given in one of your article
Regards
You should visit the Srinagar bus stand and get the ticket from there. How to make a budget Ladakh trip by public transport
Hi Dheeraj,
we are couples planning a bike (rent) trip to Leh from Srinagar on 1st week of june 2017 i have some doubt to clear please help me
1. we are planning to get a bike from Srinagar so please recommend some good bike rental team
2. can we use this bike in Leh for site visit ? if no
3. which are all the place we can visit in Leh with rented bike from Srinagar?
4. where we can park our rented bike safely if we cant use it in Leh?
5. what will be the climate condition during June?
Hi Sheril,
1,2,3. Outside rented bikes are not allowed for sightseeing in Ladakh, so, better rent the bike in Ladakh only.
4. In the hotel ad sometimes rental guys also provide parking space.
5. Within Leh and around it will be cool and pleasant, one the passes and lakes it will be cold.
thank you very much dheeraj
best wishes for your trip. Feel free to post any questions you may have for the trip.
Hi Dheeraj,
We are 12-14of us planning our trip to srinigar kargil and leh ladakh
From 8th July to 16th july
Day 1: Arrive in Srinagar, local sightseeing, overnight stay in houseboat on dal lake
Day 2: Srinagar to kargil, sonmarg and some passes on the way, Overnight stay at Kargil.
Day 3: Kargil to Leh, local shopping in leh, rest afternoon onwards and overnight stay at leh.
Day 4: Leh to Nubra via Diskit-Hunder via Khardung La on the way locations.
Day 5: Nubra to leh.
Day 6: Leh to Pangong via chang la on the way locations.
Day 7: Panpong to Leh.
Day 8: Rafting at Indus Zankar river first half, local sightseeing (hall of fame, magnetic hills etc) in leh second half
Day 9 : Morning return to Delhi.
Wanted to know whether this is a good itenary and should we take tempo traveller or innova which would be better?
You should make your Day 8 as Day 4 to acclimatize and take rest a bit before going over to Nubra Valley. To save cost Tempo will be good else you may need 3 Innovas for 12-14 people.
I also wanted to know whether Tempo Traveller adds up to many more hours for each journey? Whether it is time killing on cost of saving some money?
Or it would be an good experience for a group of 12-14 to stay together for entire journey.
As we are really confused between the mode of transport we should select for a comfortable as well as memorable trip!
It will surely be less speedy than cars but it will not add hours may be an hr or so. But, that extra hr you will be saving money as well as travelling with whole group together. Keep in mind there will be no comparison of comfort with 3 Innovas against a single tempo traveller
Hi Dheeraj,
This side Dilip Bahety from Raipur, we are 2 friends planning Leh Ladakh Trip from 1st of May to 15th of May.
Please help me in clearing below doubts
1)Which route to prefer either Srinagar to Leh or Manali to Leh.?
2)Is this ideal time to plan up trip in 1st week of May.. where routes will be open or not
3)Is it possible to start from Srinagar covering Kargil and reach Leh post covering Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake then we come down by Manali route..??
But the problem is we took bike from Srinagar and if we reach manali then how we will return the bike..Is there any option that we take bike from Srinagar and it can be returned in Manali.
4)Which is better option to plan up the trip by own or we come up in group which is organised by many event partners.
Please help us on above points.
Hello Dilip,
1. Only possible route that may (read May) be open during that time wil be Srinagar – Leh. Manali – Leh will open by first/second week of June.
2. No, better plan for mid June to mid July or in September
3. No, 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.
Outside Leh rented bikes will not be allowed for sightseeing within Ladakh.
4. Always best to plan your own trip.
Is it safe to travel from Srinagar to Leh in Mid of June? This is in terms of Security situation wise. Parents are bit worried 🙂 🙁
Given the present situation in Kashmir, it looks safe.
Hi Dheeraj, booked flight tickets to Srinagar, to travel to Leh on May 28th. Will Srinagar – Leh highway be open? Also we have 7 days from Sunday, 28th May to Saturday, 3rd June, to travel to Leh from Srinagar and be back. To save traveling time from Srinagar – Leh and do it in 1 day, 8 people, traveling in a Tata Winger or Tempo Traveler, if we leave Srinagar very early morning, around 4-5 am maybe, we can reach Leh by night? Is it possible?
Sagar, Srinagar – Leh road will be open by end of May. It is not recommended that you do such a thing as you will not be acclimatized to reach Leh and spend time. One of you may fall ill/sick due to AMS. Best is to break the journey at Kargil to acclimatize before reaching Leh. Then, you can basically come back in one day to Srinagar to save that day while coming back.
Cool! Thank you Dheeraj… any contacts or links regarding stays in Srinagar, Leh, Nubra and Pangong ? Also please share economical transport vehicle contact numbers. Tata Wingers / Tempo Travelers in Srinagar & Leh.
You can check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate (cheap budget hotels as well) in the series of articles starting on the link here
For the leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 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. You can call the local drivers directly to connect with them and check the comprehensive List of Taxi Drivers for Ladakh – Srinagar – Leh – Manali with recommendations/reviews for DoW community members.
Please advice on guest houses / home stay bookings for duration from May 29 to June 2 in Leh when traveling with family. Should I book in advance now over phone without actually seeing the rooms? or should I visit and then book on the spot? will they be available at that time ?
Hello Sagar,
It is season time and it depends upon if you can search few places to see how they are and are not too particular about stays, then you should be OK else book them in advance especially in Leh or if you dont have the vehicle.
Hello Dheeraj, we in group of 4 couples planning to visit Ladakh by hired taxi from Srinagar, proposed itinerary will be:
5 June: Jammu to Srinagar
6 June: Srinagar to Kargil/Drass
7 June: Kargil/Drass to Leh
8-9 June: Leh-Pyangong-Nubra Valley-Leh
10-11 June: Leh to Manali
11 June: Returns back
I want to ask if this will be good plan, also in two days can we visit these places in Leh or we have to give more time in Leh. Since we are coming from east UP we are having less time for Leh as more time consumed in reaching & returning to Leh.
Thanks
Wait Ashish, you need to rest in Leh after reaching Leh from Kargil for at least one day. Then you will need two days for Nubra Valley, one day for Pangong Tso at least and 2 days to travel to Manali from Leh
Thanks a lot
Best wishes for your trip, feel free to post any further questions you may have for your trip.
Sir,
I am planning a bike trip with my brother in the first week of july. We intend to rent bikes from manali and then travel to srinagar via Dharamshala and Pathankot. A night stay in Srinagar.Next day, reach kargil, and next reach leh.
Then visit leh ladakh areas like khardung la , pangong tso and tso moriri.
And then return to manali.
I wanted to ask
1. can we visit tso moriri and tso kar from leh manali highway by taking a diversion from Pang.
2. Is it safe for us to stay in srinagar hotel as last year the srinagar valley was not peaceful and there was curfew.(we are from rajasthan)
3. Which bike will be good for the trip.
4. What are the documents we will require for travelling on this route.?
It will be helpful if u guide
Hello Ghanshyam,
1. Well, since you will be in Leh, you can first go to Tso Moriri and then exit from Tso Moriri to Tso Kar route. The main challenge will be to negotiate with bike union guys as you will have outside rented bike with you.
2. Only time can tell how things will be in Srinagar this year. Based on current situation, it should be safe
3. The bike which you are comfortable with riding and controlling.
4. You do not need any special permit being Indians but please ensure to carry some photo id proof always.
Sir, Thank You for your advice.
I also wanted to ask one more thing….
Since we will be arriving leh from srinagar side on outside rental bikes, can we visit sham valley, magnetic hill, gurudwara sahib which are nearby to srinagar leh highway in those bikes or should we come back from leh with leh rental bikes.?
These places fall on the route from Srinagar to Leh, so there should not be any issues with it.
Greetings Dheeraj!
Me and 2 more of my friends from Malaysia are planning to take the Srinagar-Leh Highway on the 27th of April. However, transportation seems to be a problem. Could you recommend a cheap driver to bring us from srinagar – sonamarg – drass – alchi – Leh and then around ladakh to places like pangong, nubra , khardung la? We do not need a tour guide, just a driver because we are students and our budget is quite tight.
Thank you!
Joseph, it is highly unlikely that Srinagar to Leh road will be open by that time f the year. This year there has been plenty of snowfall and I believe Srinagar Leh will open by end of first week of May.
Dear Dheeraj,
i asked question about Leh-Tso-Moriri-Keylong – Manali before and appreciated your great advice. Now i have another question about the beginning part.
We will arrive at Srinagar on 2 July evening time.
2 July – Srinagar, arrives at 6pm
3 July – Srinagar full day
4 July – Srinagar full day
5 July – Srinagar to Sonamarg ?
6 July – Sonamarg to Lamayuru ?
7 July- Lamayuru to Leh ?
8 July -Leh
I don’t really see normal planning for my 5th – 7 July itinerary – do you think this is doable IF we are getting private shared-taxi? I see your post mentioned the Srinagar – Kargil – Leh is common for private shared -taxi. Or i should do a day tour to Sonamarg from Srinagar and do the normal Srinagar – Kargil – Leh? When we use private shared-taxi, they will stop at the view points en-route at each place right?
If this is doable, the taxi we hired from Srinagar won’t be able to stop us at each en-route viewpoints after entering Ladakh region right? So, we should take one way private shared taxi from Srinagar to Sonamarg, then change another local driver to Lamayuru, and to Leh?
Thank you and look forward to your reply.
Regards
Louise
Hi Louise,
I will recommend Srinagar to Kargil and then Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh. You may spend night at Sonamarg on 4th July if required. If you have private tourist shared taxi, it should be OK to travel Srinagar – Kargil with stopover for sometime at Sonamarg which should be sufficient enough. Else you can do Srinagar – Sonamarg – Kargil in private taxi for about 7000 and then take shared taxi from Kargil to Leh by per seat basis to save cost. It will make more sense rather making day trip from Sonamarg and will be easy on body.
Your Srinagar taxi should be able to take you anywhere on Srinagar – Leh road including Lamayuru. Don’t worry on that front.
Dear Dheeraj,
Thank you!!!!!!! So we will do
2 July – Srinagar, arrives at 6pm
3 July – Srinagar full day
4 July – Srinagar full day
5 July – Srinagar to Kargil, stop over at Sonamarg by private taxi
6 July – Sonamarg to Lamayuru, shared taxi
7 July- Lamayuru to Leh, shared taxi
8 July -Leh
Thank you for your great details and advice, all of them are so helpful for us to plan the trip to Ladakh!
Regards
Louise
Yes, that makes sense. Have fun and feel free to post any further questions you may have for your trip.
We are reaching on 1st July 2017. at Srinagar . I have to reach on 4th July at Leh. I am with family. Will u accompanied with us?
Hi Deeraj, Well written article. Thank you for the brief info. I will be travel from chennai to leh in june 1st week by motorcycle ( 400 CC ).. Chennai to Delhi, Delhi to srinagar, Srinagar to Leh, Leh to Manali, manali to delhi , delhi to chennai is my route plan as of now. 22 days of expansive trip for me i hope. Can you me with the tips for stay and safety measures while traveling to leh by bike. Can have some tent nights with sleeping bags instead of hotels or arranged stay.. how safe it is to stay in self tents through out the journey. It would be if you could give a rough idea.
Hello Madhan,
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.
For the list of good restaurants in Leh – Ladakh or eateries or food joints where food is enjoyed by many travellers including me, you can check the link here: List of Good Restaurants in Leh – Ladakh | Restaurant Reviews
Check the list of things to carry for Leh – Ladakh or other trip including basic medical kit, clothing, must haves etc. at the link here: List of Things to Carry for Leh – Ladakh trip.
To know about AMS and acclimatization including the tips to combat AMS, please DO READ: Acute Mountain Sickness and Importance of Acclimatization
For camping in Ladakh, please read: Top 10 Tips for Camping in Ladakh & Spiti Valley
Hi Dheeraj,
4 people (Me and my husband,one more couple) are planning for Leh trip. we have booked flight tickets from delhi to Leh and Leh to delhi. we were not sure about roads from srinagar to lah or vice versa. Can you suggest how can we plan out trip.we have plans to visit from 13th may to 20th may.
Also is it feasible to visit on our own and arranging stay at the time we reach Leh or should be planned before?
Thanks,
Vandana
Hi Vandana,
Since you are planning to fly to Leh and fly out of Leh, you can refer: Leh – Ladakh | Most Common Itinerary by Air
Hello Dheeraj,
Your post really helps alot. We are 3 couples planning our trip to Leh through srinagar. We will be reaching Srinagar on 30th of may and then planning to go bike riding from srinagar to leh. Once we reach leh the rest trip we will take by car. Our itinerary goes as follows
DAY 01: ARRIVAL AT SRINAGAR
Upon Arrival at Srinagar Airport, transfer to Hotel or Houseboat for Check in. In the afternoon take a shikara ride on Dal Lake. Dinner and overnight in Hotel or Houseboat.
DAY 02: SRINAGAR TO KARGIL (VIA SONMARG & DRASS) – 204 KMS
Post breakfast we ride to Leh via Sonmarg, from Srinagar. Upon arrival in Kargil we check in at our hotel for overnight stay.
DAY 03: KARGIL TO SHAM VALLEY (VIA LAMAYURU)
Post breakfast we ride to Uleytokpo / Tingmosgang enroute visiting Lamayuru, Belongs to Dripung Kagyu (Red Hat) like Phyang. The oldest structure in Lamayuru is the Singey Lhakhang built by the founder of Alchi Lotsava Rinchen bzangpo in 11th century. After visiting Lamayuru we proceed further to Uleytokpo enrote visiting Ridzong Gompa, known as the paradise for Meditation. Upon arrival in Uleytokpo or Tingmosgang. We check in at our Hotel/Camp for overnight Stay.
DAY 04: SHAM VALLEY TO LEH
Post breakfast we check out from the Camp & Visit Alchi, Ladakh’s most loved monastery and ride to Leh enroute visiting Likir Gompa situated atop a windy cliff top overlooking the beautiful village of Likir andConfluence of The Indus And Zanskar River just after 4 from Nimmu and further to Magnetic Hill which defies the law of gravity and Gurudwara Pathar Sahib Nestled deep in the Himalayas, which was built by the Lamas of Leh in 1517 to commemorate the visit of Guru Nanak Dev. Upon arrival check in at hotel for overnight stay
DAY 05: LEH–NUBRA VALLEY VIA KHARDUNG LA 18,390 FT. (120 KMS / 4 – 5 HRS)
Post breakfast we drive to Nubra Valley. The road journey from Leh to Nubra Valley passes over Khardung La (The Highest Motorable Road In The World) at 5,602 Mtrs / 18,390 Ft, around 39 km from Leh. From the pass, one can see all the way south over the Indus valley to seemingly endless peaks and ridges of the Zanskar range, and north to the giants of the Saser massif. Upon arrival in Nubra we check in at Camp / Hotel in Hunder for Overnight stay. Overnight Stay at the Camp or Hotel.
DAY 06: NUBRA VALLEY – LEH (120 KMS / 4 – 5 HRS)
After an early breakfast we check out from the Camp and drive to Hunder where you have opportunity to ride on a bacterian camel (double humped) amidst the sand dunes of this high altitude desert with snow capped mountains on the horizon. Between Hunder and Diskit you come across sand dunes besides the road. Seen in isolation you could well be amongst the sand dunes of the Thar Desert in Rajasthan. On the return stop at Diskit which is the headquarter town of Nubra Valley. Later we drive back to Leh in the late afternoon via Khardungla Top. On arrival at Leh check in to your Hotel. Evening Visit to Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa & Leh Market Dinner & Overnight at Hotel
DAY 07: LEH TO PANGONG LAKE (140 KMS / 4 – 5 HRS – ONE WAY)
After an early breakfast we leave for Pangong Lake enroute visiting Shey Palace, The ancient capital of Ladakh & 3 Idiots Rancho School& further 5 Kms Driving through a picturesque landscape we reach Thikseyan impressive complex rising tier upon tier on a hill above the village. After visiting above two monasteries we drive further towards Changla Pass 5486 Mtrs. The long easy ascent takes you to Changla pass through its winding roads passing through Sakti Village. Stop at the Changla Pass for a quick photograph session and drive down to the village of Tangtse, where you can relax for a cup of tea. Leaving Tangtse for Pangong you pass through few small villages of Changthang and finally you can have a sudden view of the Pangong lake situated at 14,000 feet (4,267 m). This famous blue brackish Lake of Pangong is 5/6 Kms wide and over 133 Kms long with half of its running the other side of the “Indo China Border”.Upon arrival we check in at our Camp Near Pangong lake. Dinner & Overnight at the Camp.
DAY 08: PANGONG LAKE TO LEH (140 KMS / 6 HRS)
Morning at leisure to explore the beauty of lake and later we drive back to leh enroute visiting Hemis Gompa, the largest monastic foundation of Drukpa Kagyu Order of Tibetan Buddhism. Drive further to Leh and check in at our hotel for Overnight
DAY 09: DEPART LEH (FLY OUT)
Tour concludes. catch the flight for our onward Destination.
Is the itinetary fine enough?? Please suggest
Pooja, your plan looks OK to me but how are you going to ride from Leh to Srinagar. Where will you get the bike and return them? It will be about 10-12K for just pickup of the bike.
Greetings Dheeraj Sharma,
To extend Pooja Rathod question and your answer;
My plan is similarly like Pooja, fly in Srinagar>fly out Leh and to traverse in between with motorcycle (renting).
It is possible? What do you suggesting?
Thanks in advance.
You should fly to Srinagar and then travel to Leh by some other means than the rented bike. Then once in Leh you can get the bike on rent to roam around in Ladakh, then return that bike in Leh to start the journey back. It is the most recommended way to plan it given outside rented bikes are not allowed for sightseeing in Ladakh
Hello Dheeraj
My husband and I are planning a trip from Srinagar to Leh/Ladakh from 16th June to 25th June and we have the following itinerary in mind:
Day 1 – arrive Srinagar from Delhi
Day 2 & 3 – Bus from Srinagar to Kargil
Day 4 – Bus from Kargil to Leh
Day 5 – Acclimatization to Leh
Day 6 – Visit Nubra Valley, Kahrdungla, Diskit and Hunder
Day 7 – Visit Hunder, Panamik, Sumur and back to Leh
Day 8 – Taxi to Pangong Tso Lake, Thicksey Monsatery, Shey Palace and back to Leh
Day 9 – Bus from Leh to Sarchu
Day 10 – Bus from Sarchu to Manali
Day 11 – Back to Delhi
Wanted to know if the above plan is feasible and any suggestions to the itinerary are welcome :).
Many thanks.
Hey Sonam, yes the plan looks fine to me. I believe you are staying one more day in Srinagar because Srinagar to Kargil don’t need two days. You can perhaps use the day 2 with Day 8 to make a two day trip to Pangong Tso rather just one day. Also, you need to rely upon shared taxis on Leh to Manali journey as bus might not have started by then on Manali – Leh road.
Thanks Dheeraj. I changed my itinerary to make it 1 day between Srinagar and Kargil. I had a follow up question. If we chose to go by a private taxi from Srinagar to Leh (2 days), then would the private taxi generally cover Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Zanskar, Lamayuru Monastery and Magnetic Hills? Or would we need to do all these places on a separate trip?
Yes, since all there places fall on the route of Srinagar to Leh itself, they should not be any problem. At some odd times, while going from Srinagar to Leh, you might need to work out few things if there have been some tensions in taxi unions of Kargil and Leh. In order to settle it out, what they do is that they make a transit point just before Fotu La while going to Leh from Kargil. All Leh taxis stop there and kargil taxis too. They exchange passengers and move back in respective directions. Leh taxis take passengers to Leh coming from Srinagar/Kargil and Kargil guys take passengers to Srinagar/kargil coming from Leh
Hello Dheeraj,
We are planing to come to ladakh in Aug to Sept, as we are planing for a bike trip we are group of 4. But we dont want to spend too much days we need to cover as much as we can. can you please suggest us the best itinerary from srinagar to manali or manali to manali.
Hi Siddhesh,
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.
It will take 3 days to reach Leh from Delhi via Manali side with stopovers at Jispa, Manali and 4 days to come back to Delhi from Leh via Srinagar side with stop overs at Jammu, Srinagar, Kargil . This makes it 7 days. 1 Day is required in Leh for acclimatization.
If you have less days, Opt to go via Manali – Leh Highway and I will suggest that you refer the thread for more details on the route and night halts though it is of 9 days: Manali – Leh – Ladakh – Manali | Itinerary for 9 Days.
Hello Dheeraj
My wife are planning a trip from Srinagar to Leh/Ladakh in early September and we have the following itinerary in mind:
Day 1 – arrive Srinagar (from Delhi), stay 3 nights and do local sightseeing.
Day 2 & 3 – Srinagar
Day 4 – Drive to Kargil via Sonamarg
Day 5 – Drive to Leh and visit Lamayuru and Alchi enroute
Day 6 – Leh and visit Shanti Stupa
Day 7 – Drive to Nubra, stay 2 nights
Day 8 – Nubra and visit Diskit Monastery
Day 9 – Back to Leh
Day 10 – Drive to Pangong and visit Shey & Thiksey Monastery
Day 11 – Back to Leh, visiting Hemis Monastery
Day 12 – Fly back to Delhi
Would welcome your comments on the above and also we would like to hire a good driver/guide (and a good car of course) for our trip, so how do you suggest we do that (we live in the UK).
Many thanks.
Hi Shaukant,
You have a very relaxed plan, you will surely enjoy it. Two days in Srinagar seems overkill, I will reommend to add it to Leh – Ladakh or may be Gulmarg in Kashmir.
If you speak Hindi, get in touch with local taxi driver in Ladakh and block him for your tour. You can refer: List of Taxi Drivers for Ladakh – Srinagar – Leh – Manali
Dear Dheeraj
Happy Holi and many thanks.
Just wanted to check whether we have to change cars and driver at Kargil.
Also, are the local taxi drivers able to also converse in English as we can understand Hindi but not fluent speakers.
Regards
Happy Holi Sahkunt, well, there is no need to change cars or drivers at Kargil, the srinagar or kargil taxi both can drop you to Leh or in case in Ladakh taxi, there is no issue at all.
Sometimes While going from Srinagar to Leh, you might need to work out few things in case there have been some tensions in taxi unions at that time and to settle it out what they do is that they have a transit point just before Fotu La while going to Leh from Kargil. All Leh taxis stop there and kargil taxis too. They exchange passengers and move back in respective directions. Leh taxis take passengers to Leh coming from Srinagar/Kargil and Kargil guys take passengers to Srinagar/kargil coming from Leh
Thank you Dheeraj
Also, do we need any kind of travel/tour permits to travel within the area (Srinagar, Kargil, Leh/Ladakh). We have OCI as well.
Yes, all OCI holders must have to get Protected Area Permits applied at DC office in Leh. You can read: Protected Area Permit in Ladakh for Foreigners
Hello Dheeraj!
Me and 2 of my friends are coming to India from Malaysia to explore ladakh. We have a flight from Delhi to Srinagar on the 27th of April.
– Do you think the srinagar-leh highway will be open by then?
– Is it possible for foreigners to drive rented cars on the highway, or do we need an indian driving license or permit or something?
Hi Joseph
There is a slim chance of Srinagar to Leh road open in April this year due to record snowfall in all over in Himalayas. I am not sure about the rule of a foreginer driving the car in India but I have seen 1000s of people doing that may be because it is allowed to drive with English License for some defined time or you may need an International Driving PErmit done from Malaysia.
Hi Dheeraj,
Want to get your input on feasibility of my ladakh trip I am planning during 10-18 Jun (9D8N). We are 3 couples travelling in 2 Innova.
Day 1 : Srinagar (by flight) Srinagar – Local sightseeing (50 Kms)
Day 2: Srinagar – Sonmarg – Kargil (205 kms)
Day 3 :Kargil – Leh (235 kms) via Lamayuru
Day 4:Leh – A day for leisure .
Day 5.Leh /Nubra Valley via Khardongla. 125km.
Day 6 .Hunder /Diskit/ Pangong via Shayok
Day 7 : Pangong to Tsomoriri via Tsagala
Day 08 :TSOMORIRI/KORZOK / PUGA / TSOKAR/TANGLANGLA/LEH
Day 9 :Leh – Delhi
Thanks
Hi Gaurav,
Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri is about 12+ Hrs of long drive. Also, the route from Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso is a bit desolated, so please take a call only if there are more vehicles to travel and accompany you guys on that route.
Thanks for your quick response.
1) Out tour guy is saying 7-8 hours for Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri, still as per ur exp can we cover it in 1 day?
2) I have read your article for Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri & there is requirement of permit to cross Chusul check post. I have left this part to be taken care by our tour operator, do you know how much is the cost for permit/px. He is saying 500/px
3) For Nubra to Pangong we have 2 Innovas with 6 ppl to accomodate so we can carry extra fuel if that’s the worry. What do u think
Hey Gaurav
1. He must be flying you to Tso Moriri or may be he has never been to Ladakh. It will take 3.5-4 Hrs to Chusul, then about 2-3 Hrs to cross Mahe and then another 3 Hrs to reach Tso Moriri from Mahe. You will break for photos and pictures as well and for lunch too. So, it will easily end up around 12 Hrs plus the road is bumpy ride. But yes, you can make it in a day.
2. For inner line permits process and cost: Ladakh Inner Line Permit Updates on Process & Download Form
3. That shall be fine if you have two vehicles because if one gets an issue other is there to rescue.
Hi Dheeraj
I am planning for a road trip in second half of June month for around 11 days with my wife and kid who is 5 year old
Can you suggest itinerary from srinagar to leh and places of interest at leh. Also should we take flight back to Mumbai from ladhakh or come back to sringr.
You can email to me at vineetkakani@gmail.com
Thanks
Vineet kakani
Hi Vineet,
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
You can check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate (cheap budget hotels as well) in the series of articles starting on the link here
For the leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 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.
we are two family planning to go leh by road on 27th may to 5 th june. please give suggestion.
27-Day 1 | Udhampur – Srinagar (8 hrs) stay at Srinagar
28-Day 2 | Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil (9 hrs) stay at Kargil
29-Day 3| Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh (10 hrs) stay at Leh
Mulbekh Maitrey Buddha statue, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes, moonland hills,sham valley, Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence of Zanskar and Indus River at Nimmu (chadar treak), Alchi Monastery, Basgo Palace
30-Day 4 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder stay at Nubra valley (7 hrs)
White Sand Dunes at Hunder , bacterian camel safari
31-Day 5| Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh stay at Leh (8 hrs)
Panamik hot water springs, Diskit monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue, Sumur famous monastery ,01-Day 6 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake stay at Leh (12 hrs)
changla pass, Hemis, Thicksey Monastry,
02-Day 7| Leh Local Sighseeing stay at Leh
Leh palace, shanty stupa 3 idiots schhol, Thiksey Monastery, Shey Palace, Hall of Fame, Spituk Monastery,
03-Day 8 | Leh- Moore Plains – Pang / Sarchu-Jispa stay at Jispa (12 hrs)
Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal ,Baralacha La, Lachuchulung La, Nakee La, Taglang La passes
04-Day 9 |Jispa – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Solang valley- Manali stay at Manali (8 hrs)
05-Day 10| – Manali-Chandigarh-Delhi
Hi Suketu,
I see are not staying one night in Leh before moving to Nubra Valley. I will highly recommend adding a day in it for it to avoid AMS issues. Also, Manali – Leh Highway may or may not open by that time of the year. Please read: Manali Leh Highway Status 2017
Hi Dheeraj Bhai,
I am planning Srinagar to Leh and then Manali bike trip sometime in July. I have to take my Bike from Bangalore. I will transport in train till Chandigarh. From Chandigarh to Srinagar, we will get any type of bike transport options? I dont want to drive bike from Chandigarh to Srinagar.
–Shiva
You may use Gati / SafeExpress services.
Hi Dheeraj…
I am planning to fly from Delhi to Srinagar on 4th May and return from Leh to Delhi by flight on 9th May. In between i wish to visit sonmarg, gulmarg and reach Leh by road. Please suggest me an itinerary and also tell me if roads will be open in first week of may.
Hello Amardeep,
Srinagar – Leh road will highly likely not be open during that time of the year. Also, with just 6 days in hand I will highly recommend to focus just on Kashmir
Day 1 | Srinagar
– Take rest for the day. May be enjoy Shikara ride or stay in house boat itself.
Day 2 | Srinagar – Pahalgam
Day 3 | Pahalgam
– Just relax for the day and spend sometime around
– May be a visit to Chandanwari
– very ancient Mamleshwar temple
Day 4 | Pahalgam – Gulmarg
– Explore ruins of Awantipura
– Enjoy vistas en-route
Day 5 | Gulmarg – Sonamarg
– Enjoy vistas enroute, especially between Tangmarg to Gulmarg
– Enjoy in snow at ski slopes snow points and may be check out Golf course, if you feel like
Day 6 | Sonamarg – Srinagar and back
Is there any Bike rent who offer to take bike on rent from srinagar and left the bike at Manali.
Hey Chetan,
They do offer but the cost that you will pay for the pickup could be around 12-15K.Aslo, the time your bike stays in Leh – Ladakh you need to pay twice as outisde rented Ladakh bikes are not allowed for roaming in Leh – Ladakh
Read: Leh – Ladakh Bike Rental Rates 2017-18
Hi,
I planned to ride to Leh via Srinagar on July 15. Ride start from Chandigrah, I now heared its mosoon by that time. want to avoid rain.when monsoon finishes? Which month gets temparature maximum high in Ledakh region?I am from kerala. Pls help.
Thanks.
Sudheer, if you want to avoid rains, best is that you plan the Ladakh ride in September.
Thanks for your replay.
One more question
When hot weather comes to Leh so that we can avoid freezing cold. Thinking of taking wife and kid
Thanks
Sudheer, the weather becomes pleasant in mid June to mid September. It will not be hot but will be pleasant and cool in night.
Hi Dheeraj,
Need few clarifications
1. As per your suggestions, I see that any vehicles hired from Srinagar(Bike/Car) can not be used inside Leh. In that case where shall I keep my bike when I reach Leh, So I can use the same when i need to return back to Srinagar?
2. Please do suggest some car and Bike online rentals from srinagar
3. We are planning to reach Srinagar by 27th of May 2017 . Will the roads be open by that time ?
4. And with respect to Hotels, Do i need to prebook online or Should it is easier to book each night randomly
Hi Chandra,
1. Yes, many Leh rental bikes will offer you the parking as well or you can park it hotel/guest house
2. Sorry on that front, don’t aware about any such online rental
3. Yes, Srinagar – Leh Highway will be open by that time.
4. If you are OK to search few places here and there and do not have anything specific place to stay in mind, you shall be OK with hunting few hotels.
In reply to comment 4, what would be the approximate rate per night at hotels( we do not have any hotels specific in mind ). We just a need a descent stay
Do we need to pay extra money to park the bike rented from srinagar at Leh ?
No Chandra, extra charges for parking bike is not required. Bike rentals in Leh offer it for no charge. Also, sometimes the outside bike rental offer 50% rates for the number of days bike is parked in Leh, so you should bargain that offer from Srinagar rentals.
Regarding hotel/stay budgets, consider about 700-900 per night on an average through out Ladakh incase you are not too much into luxury.
Hello..
I wants to Travel by bike from Manali to Srinagar via Leh in the month of June (May be second week)
where I can find the rented bikes / Bullets. Please suggest a suitable itinerary also
Hi Krish,
Please read: Leh – Ladakh Bike Rental Rates 2017-18 and You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
Hi Dheeraj Bhai, I am planning to go Leh Ladakh from starting BANGALORE by motorcycle (100cc) can you advice me that I can ride my bike on Srinagar and Leh roads?
I have done around 1900kms on 100cc bike,( https://youtu.be/l0VDZ-Rl9cg ) I am confident about riding . But I want to you advice me.
Kindly tell me the best time to visit and budget to estimate
It will be helpful to me.
Somnath bhai, please read: Leh-Ladakh Trip on 100 CC Bike
Hi Dheeraj. Thanks for the info. We are 10 ppl planning a trip to Ladakh from 27th August to 9th Sep. Our plan is to hire a Ladkah based taxi from Srinagar – Leh – and then fly back from Leh on 9th Sep. Had a few questions
1. Would this be a good time to visit weatherwise ?
2. Can we land at Srinagar at 8.15 AM and continue directly to Kargil via Sonamarg or do we need to spend the night at sonamarg? Is there a time restriction for highway crossings from Sonamarg ?
3. We wish to do a moderate 5-6 day trek in Ladakh. Which trek would you recommend and any contact of a reliable guy ? Awaiting your response
Yes Maukik, it is a good time to travel to Ladakh. Yes, if you will be prebooking your taxi and he can pick you up from the airport outside area, you should be good to travel to Kargil on that day. Well, 5-6 day trek, I will say you try out Stok Kangri to the extent you can, it offers amazing views.
Hi Dheeraj,
we are 10 people (including 4 kids) from Bangalore planning trip from srinagar-leh-ladakh-manali-chandigarh from May 28, 2017.
As already flights ticket rates are touching the sky, I want to book the tickets now itself.
Is the route will be open by that time?? can I go ahead and book the ticket from Bangalore to Srinagar??
I request your help by responding quickly.
I just replied to your other comment.
Thank you so much for your immediate assistance….
I am planning to adopt 11 days itinerary you had given in one of your response….
I will just prepare the detailed itinerary and disturb you again…
this is my dream and long pending trip……I have been planning since 4-5 years and regularly checking your updates….
I request your help to finish this trip more memorable…..
Sure, feel free to post any question you may further have 🙂
one more small clarification…we are planning to return via Manali and fly-out from Chandigarh….
tentatively we will returning to manalin on 3rd June….is the manali route will be open by that time ??
It will be touch and go, usually Manali – Leh Highway gets open in first week of June and conditions sometimes be very challenging as the high opens.
Hi Dheeraj,
In case I book the tickets now from Chandigarh in the first week of June and road does not open by that time, what is the alternate route to reach Chandigarh ???
Srinagar – Leh will be open by that time, so you have to track back from Srinagar – Leh. However, in last 5 years or so, I have not known Manali – Leh Highway not open in first week of June. However, since conditions may not be good in early days, sometimes it close for a day or two as well where buffer days come into picture.
thank you so much for your information….
Most welcome always, have a great trip.
Hi Dheeraj,
our troop size has been increased from 10 to 14 (including 5 kids between 10 to 13 years)… flight tickets already booked from Bangalore & ‘ll reach Srinagar on 24th May @ 4.30 p.m……we are planning to stay that night in Srinagar & start early morning next day towards kargil…….
Planning to hire 2 SUV (7 members in each SUV) from Srinagar to reach Ladakh…. can you please suggest any good and reliable driver name(s), so that I can talk to him fix the rate, if possible…..
Subbu, please refer: List of Taxi Drivers for Ladakh – Srinagar – Leh – Manali
Hi Dheeraj,
our troop size has been increased from 10 to 14 (including 5 kids between 10 to 13 years)… flight tickets already booked from Bangalore & ‘ll reach Srinagar on 24th May @ 4.30 p.m……we are planning to stay that night in Srinagar & start early morning next day towards kargil…….
Planning to hire 2 SUV (7 members in each SUV) from Srinagar to reach Ladakh…. can you please suggest any good and reliable driver name(s), so that I can talk to him fix the rate, if possible…..
Subbu, please refer: List of Taxi Drivers for Ladakh – Srinagar – Leh – Manali
Hi Dheeraj bhai,
following is my tentative itinerary:
Day 1 May 24 Reach Srinagar. Overnight stay
Day 2 May 25 Srinagar- Sonmarg – Kargil (Stay at Kargil)
Day 3 May 26 Kargil-Mulbek-Lamayuru-Alchi-Magnetic Hill-Leh
Day 4 May 27 Leh ( Local Sight Seeing)
Day 5 May 28 Leh- Khardungla Pass – Nubra Valley (Overnight stay at Nubra/Diskit)
Day 6 May 29 Nubra Valley – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
Day 7 May 30 Leh – Pangong Tso ( Overnight stay at Pangong)
Day 8 May 31 Pangong- Chusul – Tsaga La – Tso Moriri (stay at Karzok)
Day 9 June 1 Tso Moriri – Jispa/Pang (please suggest Jispa or Pang)
Day 10 June 2 Jispa/pang – Manali
Day 11 June 3 Manali
Day 12 June 4 Manali to Chandigarh
Kindly advise whether this schedule is doable…..
The above plan for Ladakh is doable provide MAnali – Leh Highway opens by the time you planning to hit the road. Either it would have just got open and bad in road conditions or will not have open. Postponing it by a week or two will be much better.
Also, you will need inner line permits to travel from PAngong Tso to Tso Moriri direct route.
Thank you for your immediate response….
but as already told you, I have already booked ticket from Bangalore to Srinagar…. can you please suggest any other route to reach Manali….
There is no other route to reach Manali from Leh, you will need to take a chance in that case.
Hi Dheeraj ji,
This is Jignesh. I am due to travel in May end and my flight lands at 12 noon at Srinagar. Is it possible to go to Kargil directly on the same day or shall i take a pit stop at night at Sonmarg and leave for Kargil another day. How much time does it take to reach Kargil in a Mahindra Xylo.
Regards,
Jignesh.
Jignesh, it takes about 8 hrs to reach Kargil from Srinagar and provided you are going early season there will be timings of Zojila Pass one way traffic. Hence, best choice will be to make a trip either up to Sonamarg or start on a new day to Kargil.
Hi Dheeraj,
we are 10 people (including 4 kids) from Bangalore planning trip from srinagar-leh-ladakh-manali-chandigarh from May 28, 2017.
As already flights ticket rates are touching the sky, I want to book the tickets now itself.
Is the route will be open by this time??
I request your help by responding quickly.
Yes Subbu, Srinagar – Leh Highway will be open by that time of the year.
please reply…………..
in april …how to go srinagar to leh
If the route gets open then only you can travel to Leh from Srinagar by road else only by flight.
ANY CARS and BUSES in april 2017……….SRINAGAR TO LEH
If the route gets open then only you can travel to Leh from Srinagar by road else only by flight.
Is there any chance to get a rental car from Srinagar for leh trip?
IF you mean self drive rental car, then well, it is not available in Srinagar. In case you mean private taxi, then yes, you will be able to find plenty of Srinagar – Leh taxis which you can hire.
Hi!
First of all, thank you very much for this web, it’s very very useful.
I have a question… we would like to go from Srinagar to Kargil by bus, spend one night there, and then to Alchi (by bus too). Anybody has any idea about the timetable of the buses, or whether this option is possible?
Thanks a lot!
Hi Osacar,
You can refer: Rates & Time table of Bus Services in Leh – Ladakh
You may have ot catch the bus going from Kargil to Leh and get off at Sasapol from where you can either hike to Alchi village or wait for vehicles to come and get you to Alchi village.
Hi Dheeraj,
I am planning my trip to Leh in may end this year. I have booked my flight to srinagar and I will be visiting Pahalgam, gulmarg and Sonmarg before starting on srinagar-leh highway. After visiting Sonmarg, I will have 11 days left in my trip and I want to cover Srinagar-Leh Highway sightscenes, Leh-Ladakh and Rohtang By Pass journey to Manali. Could you please help me to plan my trip. I can leave Pahalgam and Gulmarg if required to cover other places. It will give me 2 more days in my trip.
Thanks in Advance.
Hello Gunjal,
With 11 days in hand from Sonamarg, you can follow the below plan up to Manali. I hope it helps you. In case you have 11 days up to Delhi, you can skip the rest day on Day 8
Day 1 | Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil/Lamayuru
— 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/Lamayuru
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
— Sham Valley include Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, , Gurudwara Pather Sahib
— 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 | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping
— 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 – Delhi
— Return
Hello Dheeraj,
Thanks for the quite an explanatory itinerary. One question in it, what places we miss if we head to Tso Moriri directly from Pongong Tso. May be my query seem you silly but I really don’t know the routes. 😀
Thanks.
Hi Gunjal,
Well, all the details about the direct routes of Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri and Nubra to Pangong Tso along with tips and risks which they pose are detailed under the articles:
Tips for Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso Direct Route AND Tips for Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri Direct Route
Please read these articles and based on the details/risks highlighted, take a go-no-go decision.
Not any special places you won’t be missing by taking those route rather seeing more 🙂
hello deeraj..
I am planning a trip to leh in mid May,2017.. I have two options.. please suggest the better way.
(I)take flight from Delhi to leh and come back to delhi via Jammu,..
(ii) Reach leh via jammu from delhi and take flight from leh to delhi
but I am bit confused / no idea about what would be the better option of travel.. please help
I will suggest you take flight to Srinagar and then travel from Srinagar to Leh by road and then either take flight out of Leh or come from Manali side to have more snow filled adventure.
Thank you Dheeraj for your suggestion.. it will be helpful …
Best wishes for your trip.
Dheeraj bhai.. I am planing my Leh trip on 7th May2017 for 10 to 11 day.from Nagpur, Maharashtra. By flight. Nagpur to Srinagar. My budget is around 30-40k.. I am curious about Srinagar Leh road open r not…. Kindly suggest to me. I m interest go with rent bike frm Srinagar.. Please help me to plan my trip
Hi Naved,
It will be touch and go and Srinagar – Leh Highway will be just open so conditions will be very tricky for riding.
Day 1 | Nagpur – Srinagar
— Fly to Srinagar if you are not self driving because it will almost cost the same and help you save one day plus fatigue of traveling unnecessary in plains or boring hills for 2 days
— Enjoy walk around Dal lake and may be Shikara ride as well
— If you have time then check out, floating market, Shalimar Garden.
— Overnight at Srinagar
Day 2 | Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil
— Enjoy the vistas enroute
— Have late drunch meal at Drass is you are a vegetarian as sometimes it gets difficult to find veg. food at Kargil
— Overnight at Kargil
Day 3 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
— Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes
— On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu
— Overnight at Leh
Day 4 | Leh Local Sightseeing + Acclimatization
— To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
— Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 6 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Day 7 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on the go towards Pangong Tso
— Overnight at Pangong Tso (Spangmik or Lukung)
Day 8 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on return to Leh
— Overnight at Leh
Day 9 | Leh – Lamayuru – Kargil
— Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes
— On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu
— Overnight at Kargil
Day 10 | Kargil – Drass – Zozi La – Sonamarg – Srinagar
— Enjoy the vistas enroute
— Have late drunch meal at Sonamarg
— Overnight at Srinagar
Thank you Dheeraj for the post, Will it be possible to make in 10 Days if I start from Srinigar and back into Srinigar and cover all possible places. If Yes would you be able to suggest an Itenary and if possible Self Drive vehicle options from Srinigar
Siva, for Srinagar to Srinagar in 10 days, you can follow the below plan. You can make a day trip to Pangong Tso or three day trip to Nubra Valley and PAngong Tso by taking direct route from Hunder to Pangong Tso. This way you can drop the rest day and make two day trip to Tso Moriri as well in case you want in 10 days. This will make it hectic but possible rest below itinerary is very relaxed one to help you soak in the beauty of places in Ladakh.
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 | 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 9 | Leh – Lamayuru – Kargil
— Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes
— On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu
— Overnight at Kargil
Day 10 | Kargil – Drass – Zozi La – Sonamarg – Srinagar
— Enjoy the vistas enroute
— Have late drunch meal at Sonamarg
— Overnight at Srinagar
Hi Dheeraj,
I am planning a road Trip to Leh from Delhi and want to do it Via Srinigar and comeback to Delhi from Manali side, the travel dates that I am planning are from 12th May to 21st May 2017, Can you pls suggest an Itenary. We are 4 Adults and 3 Kids (5, 9 and 13).
Siva, Manali – Leh will not be open by that time of the year. Are you sure you want to take a chance? Also, 10 days are not so sufficient for making a road trip to Ladakh especially with family. It will be hectic for them. 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.
Hello Mr. Dheeraj,
We are planning a trip from Srinagar to Leh and Leh to Delhi via manali from 18 may 2017 to 29 May 2017. Could you please tell whether both the roads from Srinagar to leh and Leh to manali will remain open at that time and whether the situation is normal to travel from Srinagar to Leh as we will be travelling with kids.
Thanks & Regards
Enak
Enak, there are high chances that Srinagar – Leh Highway will be open but less chances of Manali – Leh Highway being open and stable for safe travel during last week of May. June first week is still good bet to travel from Leh to Manali.
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for your information, it’s really assist me to plan my itinerary to Srinagar – Leh on early of May 2017 for 13 days. But, do you think the highway still close early of May as your mentioned? I really want to see Sonamarg and Kargill before reach Leh. Please advise.
Zleen, Srinagar – Leh Highway should be open in early weeks of May 2017. You should be able to see both Sonamarg and Kargil.
Dheeraj, thanks for a wonderful information about visiting Leh-Ladakh. We are planning a family visit of 4 people (2+2) from Mumbai. First visit Srinagar (visiting for the first time) and after spending there for 3 days will proceed to Leh by road. Kindly suggest, whether travelling in private taxi is better or JKRTC would also be comfortable because there is huge cost difference in it. Kindly share your expertise. Thx,
Guru, well, it depends upon the comfort level you are seeking and how much you plan to spend. In case, you do not have issue with the money then I will suggest you plan to use private taxi because you can stop anywhere you like and enjoy the views. In public transport it wil not be possible. However, in case budget is a concern then only bus or shared taxi is your option. You can also do one thing that you can do Srinagar to Kargil by bus and Kargil to Leh by private taxi to save cost.
Hi DHEERAJ SHARMA,
We are planning for a trip from Srinagar ( 4 days) to Ladakh (5 days) 25 february -6 march
1 – is there any travel agent or taxi union in Srinaga going to Ladakh during this period time (25 february -6 march) ?
2 – is the highway from srinagar to ladakh still closing during (25 february -6 march) ?
3 – Will the journey safe from srinagar to Ladakh during this season?
Srinagar to Leh road will be closed in the month of February. Are you flying from Srinagar to Leh?
Hi Dheeraj
Wonderfully informative and admire your patience in answering all queries. Thanks.
Two of us from Mumbai (women in our 50s), are planning a trip to Dharamshala and Leh in May 2017. We would like to drive into Leh rather than fly. But from your site, have realized roads may not be open. What would you suggest should be our itinerary?
Best
Gowri
Hello Gowri ji,
Well, towards end of May, the Srinagar – Leh Highway opens, so I dont see much issues with driving down into Leh. However, the Manali – Leh Highway will not be open so you may have to come back the same route via Srinagar else in case Manali – Leh Highway opens you can drive through it.
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
Thanks. . Actually we were thinking of leaving Mumbai around 6th May. Looks like roads may not be open then. Will keep checking.
Thanks again
Srinagar – Leh Highway in general opens by first week of May. Manali – Leh for surely will be closed. You can may be fly into Leh on safer side and then do Srinagar – Leh by road and fly out of Srinagar.
Hai Dheeraj,
Good Day
we are planing for a trip to Ladakh trip , we will be coming from Kerala to Srinagar by flight . Planing to rent bikes from Srinagar . The locations which we are planing to go are Srinagar, pangong lake, Nubra valley ,Leh. Our plan is to go to this place and return back to Srinagar by bike . so we would like to know is it possible to rent out bikes form Srinagar and is it cheap and also help us in scheduling the trip .
For Srinagar bike rental you can refer the link: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/india/ladakh-zanskar-travel-guides/outside-rented-bikes-banned-ladakh-t1009-50.html#p12858
Bikes rented outside Leh are not allowed for sightseeing inside Ladakh except Tso Moriri and Tso Kar lakes which can be done while going to Manali from Leh. Private bikes are completely allowed. You can use the outside rented bike to reach Leh but then for going to Pangong Tso, nubra Valley, etc.. you need to hire rented bikes from Leh only.
To know more about this rule and present situation, please refer the link: Bikes Rented Outside Leh Banned in Ladakh
Hai Dheeraj,
Good Day
If we plan our trip form chandigarh instead of Srinagar, Will it work ? Is it possible to rent out bike from chandigarh and visit all the places which i told u in the previous post [pangong lake, Nubra valley ,Leh].
Outside rented bikes are not allowed for sightseeing in Ladakh. You can reach there in Leh with them but have to take the local bike from Leh on rent to do rest of the places.
Is it possible to rent a bike with LEH-LADAKH registration from srinagar? In that case, are those bikes permitted inside leh-ladakh
No Leh association registered bikes are not available for hire from Srinagar. You have to go to Leh only and hire them. Please check: Leh – Ladakh Bike Rental Rates 2017-18
Hi we are planning a trip to Ladakh from 7th OCT to 12th OCT starting from Delhi by car.
Can you please update the current situation
Our Travel Rout – Delhi–Srinagar–LEH–Manali–Delhi
will it be safe to travel?
Amit, it takes 4 days to reach Leh from Srinagar side and 3 days to come back from Manali side. Are you sure you want to make this trip?
Yes Dheeraj, if it is safe enough.
Can you please share your douts & advice?
Well, Manali – Leh Highway will not be safe during that time of the year. The place is desolated and traveling without any backup support is not suggested. If you consider Srinagar – Leh Highway, things have come back to normalcy to an extent and passage for tourists may be safe but you never know. Also, Srinagar – Leh will mean 8 days just of travel without seeing anything in Ladakh.
Hi Deeraj ji ,
I have traveled ladak last yeasr from chennai with the help from you and inputs (11 day from srinagar to leh).
This year i am planning to travel Leh in November 4th .
Plan is to travel from Chennai to delhi (flight) and delhi –> leh (flight) and visist , Naubra valley , Pangong lake and tsomori lake and return Leh -delhi (flgith) .
Please guide us , whether it was good idea to travel in november month ,
do we get cab to visit Naubra valley , pangon lake etc durin month,
THank you in advance ,
Hi Praveen,
I will not recommend the road trip to Leh in the month of November at all. But, you can reach Leh by flight and come back by flight. You can follow: Leh – Ladakh in Winters – Most Common Itinerary
Hi Dheeraj,
I read all your blogs regularly and also made my itinerary with help of one mentioned in your blog Srinagar-Leh- Manali starting from Delhi, now i got the answer from the above thread about the situation in Srinagar.
But there is still some time to start my trip, i am planning to start from 25th of Sept, Is there any way to get the current and live status of Srinagar.
Thanks in Advance.
Sorry Rohit, do not know a way to find live status apart from talking to hotel owners in Srinagar. Last week it was very bad with tourist vehicles also beeing pelted with stones and army had to stop the movement. This created hassles for many tourists and hence I feel situation is not so good to travel from Srinagar this remaining season at all.
Thank you i got the contact number of one of the house boat owner in Srinagar(DAL LAKE), He told me the same that the situation is still Bad, Though he told me to call him back 2 days before leaving from Delhi.
So right now i just hope everything will be fine soon.
One more question if you can help, Is there any way or route via Shimla-sangla-reckong pio- kaza- spiti valley to reach LEH ?
or Manali- Leh highway is the last option ?
I have max 12-14 days for this trip and i will be riding my Royal enfield from Delhi itself.
Please suggest me a good circuit.
Rohit, the route from Kinnaur – Spiti Valley is very long and meets Manali – Leh Highway only at Gramphu. It requires a dedicated trip IMHO.
hi dheeraj,
first of all congrats and thank you for the website. me and my friend are planning to travel leh via srinagar-leh highway between 1st october to 11th october from delhi
we plan to do delhi jammu via train to and fro
we plan to jammu -srinagar via cab to and fro.
from srinagar we want to rent a bullet and proceed further
it will be a ride with pillion.
But while going we are planning to take a halt at kargil for night stay and then continue on next day covering the scenic beauties of monasteries and colorful nature,
however while returning we are planning to cover leh to srinagar in a single day.. is it possible.
any good rental shops you can suggest in srinagar, couldnt find much options online
since now curfew being lifted in some parts of the valley, will it be safe ?
Vikram, I dont think after curfew rental shops will be available in Srinagar or operational. But, you can check. Also, Leh – Srinagar is a 16 Hrs journey, not recommended on bike in a single day.
Mr. Dheeraj,how are u.this is wonderful site.sir I want to know can I plan leh tour from Srinagar dated 10 Oct and returning back from leh about 20 th Oct through leh manali highway.
I will not recommend traveling on Manali – Leh Highway that late in the season.
i had done Jammu-srinagar in my car in May 2016. Roads are horrible and it took about 12 hrs ride. On the way, one does not find any eating joints literally nothing, at all. thbuucks are there in large numbers. there is nothing much to see between jammu and srinagar. instead one should fly to srinagar and take road to leh from there. but with the present political scene at srinagar. i dont when it will become better for tourist.
I agree, if one dont have enthu of drive, best is to land in srinagar and then continue. However, this year due to unrest it is not recommended to travel from srinagar side.
Hi,
i’m going to srinagar & leh next month from 14 sept till 30 sept. i plan to take a bus from srinagar to kargil to leh. how’s the situation there now? is it safe to do road trip to leh from srinagar? this is my dream and i really wanna do that.
i plan to stay in kargil 1 night, any recommendation for hostel in kargil? when i bought the ticket from srinagar to leh, the bus will stop and stay in kargil 1 night or i need to buy separate ticket from kargil to leh?
In srinagar, i think i will stay only 1 night and the rest of the night i will move to pahalgram, gulmarg, sonarmag. i plan to spend 7 day in kashmir area and 7 days in leh before take bus from leh to manali and manali to delhi.
thanks in advance
Well, the curfew is still in there in Kashmir and midst it, I wil not recommend going over that route. You should avoid it and take Manali – Leh highway route.
Just replied you on the other comment. It is not wise to travel from Srinagar side as curfew is still in force there in Kashmir.
hi,
Good day.
im planning to go for a trip from srinagar-leh-manali.i wil reach srinagar by sept 4th morning.we are two peoples.and need to reach manali by sept 9 or 10.our mode of transportion is bus .suggest places to visit,where to stay.reply asap.
how you gonna go to leh from srinagar? by bus?
if by bus i think u need to stop at kargil and stay there for 1 night.
i’m going on 14 sept
Razin, the situation in kashmire is still in curfew. I will not recommend traveling from that route.
How long does it take to exit Srinagar city from Srinagar International Airport? Does the raod pass from within the city or is their any bypass? N how’s situation in SONAMARG?
It is beyond Sonamarg things are fine. Up to there it is about 100 KM from the airport.
Hi Dheeraj,
Do you know anyone or have heard of any foreign tourist who arrived with a e-tourist visa (e-TV) and proceed to Leh?
In the eTV webpage, it was stated that eTV is not valid for visiting restricted area:
“e-Tourist Visa (eTV) once issued on arrival is Only single entry , non-extendable , non-convertible & not valid for visiting Protected/Restricted and Cantonment Areas.”
I understand that foreigners need to apply for permit to visit certain areas in Leh but can I apply the permit with an eTV?
I checked some forums and some said they have done it before and have no problem applying for a inner line permit with the eTV but the visa authority replied saying it is not possible.
Can you please help to clarify?
Thanks.
I am extremely sorry Noel, I do not have any idea about it. You can basically go over to Leh as you do not need any permits to visit Leh. Once, there you can go over to DC office and apply for permits and clarify it. If permits are not issued, you can continue your journey to Zanskar Valley which does not require any permit.
Hi Dheeraj,
How are you doing? I am planning to go to leh from Srinagar to Leh highway from 5th October and staying a night at Kargil. Do you think taking a shared cab or hiring a taxi for this is a good idea? And also when we come back, we want to come back from Manali-Leh highway. Do you think around 13th October we could take that route?
I am doing good Sonali, thank you. Yeah, that shall be fine. Since, you will be alone private taxi will be very costly.
That late in the season I DO NOT recommend traveling on Manali – Leh Highway.