I see a lot of queries that keep coming up from people directly flying to Leh – Ladakh and have about 7 – 8 days in hand to explore various places in Ladakh. Looking at the requests of many avid readers of the blog and so many like-minded travelers seeking guidance for their tour to Leh – Ladakh by Air, I would like to sketch below one of the most common itineraries for traveling to Leh Ladakh by air.
Let's quickly dive into the details:
Flying to Leh Ladakh?
Flying directly to a high altitude place like Leh (3500+ Mtr) can cause serious issues sometimes if proper care is not taken to combat Acute Mountain Sickness.
Hence, one must always be aware of the importance of Acclimatization and tips to help acclimatize to some extent before venturing to further high altitudes within Ladakh. When you fly to such high-altitude places as Leh, you must give your body a chance to acclimatize a bit before actually getting started with the trip.
That is the precise reason why a road journey to Ladakh is more fun because it allows your body to gradually increase the altitude and hence, acclimatize to the rising altitude day by day, especially the Srinagar – Leh Highway.
But, let’s look at how one can combat most of the AMS issues with very basic tips and can enjoy his/her Leh – Ladakh journey for about 8 – 9 days.
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8 – 9 Days Itinerary for Leh Ladakh by Air
This itinerary of flying to Leh Ladakh covers all three major tourist destinations of Ladakh including Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso Lake, and Tso Moriri Lake.
If you are making a trip to Ladakh in winter, then better refer most common itinerary for a winter trip to Ladakh
Day 1 | Delhi – Leh (By Flight)
- Checkin at Hotel. Many hotels provide free pick and drop from the Airport. Ask while you book them.
- Take ample rest as well as water or anything that keeps your body hydrated enough. DO NOT OVERHYDRATE. Take ORS Soluted water or ORS – L tetra packs from home.
- Do not overexert your body at any cost. Avoid too much up-down on stairs or avoid it in its entirety, if possible.
- After 5-6 Hrs of rest, you can visit Leh Palace, the Local Leh market, and Shankar Gompa.
- If you feel exerted, go back to the hotel, have dinner at the Hotel, and take a rest. Avoid any exertion. Else continue and,
- Follow the sunset by a stroll at Changspa Road and have a nice dinner on the varied cuisines offered around Changspa & main market road.
- Go back to the hotel for an overnight stay at Leh.
- Overnight at Leh.
Day 2 | Leh Local Sightseeing
Get the online Ladakh inner line permits stamped or get them in person from DC office in Leh. As of 2022, permits are not required for domestic tourists to travel anywhere in Ladakh including the Umling La pass. You only need to pay the environment/green/ecology fee and carry a receipt of the payment- Hire a taxi from Leh taxi stand or Hotel whichever suits you. Check the Leh – Ladakh taxi union rate list 2024 – 25 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh. You can get about a 10-12% discount by directly getting in touch with drivers. 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 DwD community members.
- Take his input if you feel reasonable and if required modify the plan accordingly but should suit you best.
- Ask him to be with you guys starting the first day itself, if required and charged reasonably else do it on your own.
- Again DO NOT overexert and take little steps and slow walks only.
- If feeling OK then do Local sightseeing. To know the about the places you can check my Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh.
- Do not use stairs at any of these places just to see them as it will exert your body much more.
- Overnight at Leh.
Day 3 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
- Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit.
- On the way enjoy a cup of soup at the 11th Highest Motorable Pass Khardung La. DO NOT stay more than 10-12 minutes.
- Diskit has monasteries with the tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and a Bactrian camel safari.
- About a 5-6 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between and at Khardung La.
Day 4 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
- Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs.
- Overnight at Leh.
- About 7-8 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between.
Day 5 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake
- Cover either of Hemis, Thiksey, and Shey on the go toward Pangong Tso
- Overnight at Pangong Tso (Spangmik or Lukung)
- About 5-6 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between
Day 6 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
- Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey, and Shey on return to Leh
- Overnight at Leh
- About 5-6 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between
Day 7 | Leh – Hemis – Tso Moriri via Chumathang
- Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey, and Shey on the way toward Tso Moriri.
- Cover Korzok Monastery.
- Overnight at Korzok or near the banks of Tso Moriri.
- About 7-8 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between.
Day 8 | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring (Manali – Leh Highway starts) – Taglang La – Upshi – Leh
- Come back via Tso Kar and Manali – Leh Highway to Leh.
- Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey, and Shey on the way towards Leh.
- Overnight at Leh.
- About 9-10 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between.
Day 9 | Rest Day OR Sham Valley Tour
- Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping OR
- Sham Valley includes Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, Gurudwara Pather Sahib OR
- Overnight at Leh.
Are you interested in saving a day on Ladakh trip?
You can save a day by making a direct trip to Pangong Tso from Nubra Valley as suggested below.
Day 4 | Hunder / Diskit – Shyok village /Wari La route – Pangong Tso
- Take the direct route from Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso either via Shyok village or Wari La pass whichever is open.
- Since 2019, the direct route between Nubra Valley – Shyok Village – Pangong Tso has stabilized a lot. It is not as desolate in the season anymore as it used to be a few years back. A lot of people do this route nowadays, so it should be fine for you to do that route as well. Just enquire at Agham village on the safer side or wait for a couple of cars to tag along on the route.
- Overnight at Pangong Tso.
- About 6-8 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between and the route you take between Shyok and Wari La.
Day 5 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thiksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
- Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey, and Shey on return to Leh
- Overnight at Leh
- About 6-7 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between
Alternatively, you can also make a day trip to Pangong Tso (if Shyok village and Wari La pass routes are closed) as below but that makes it a bit rushy/hectic.
Day 5 | Leh – Chang La – Pangong Tso – Chang La – Leh
- Make a Day trip to Pangong Tso via Chang La Pass.
- Overnight at Leh.
- About 10-12 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between.
Additional Points
- You can add one more day or use the saved day to visit Turtuk village in Nubra Valley.
- For accommodation, check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate and cheap budget hotels.
- Any doubts related to the budget of the trip?? Don’t worry, check this complete guide on How to calculate cost or budget for Leh – Ladakh trip
Conclusion
I hope this plan or itinerary for Leh – Ladakh when traveling by Air will be useful to travelers planning their journey, at least for the first time. I look forward to any queries, doubts, or valuable suggestions and inputs you have and would love to discuss your custom plan as well in the comments section.
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551 Comments
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Hi Dheeraj,
you have made really nice blog site. Its not just useful its extremely useful.
I have taken phone number of Rigzin and Manzoor for taxi.
i have been leh before 2 years on sep by motorcycle.
We are 3 couple making plan to visit leh on this sep. We have 8 to 9 days. (flexible 10-12)
We will book flight of leh.
I want to visit Nubravelly, pangong, moriri, and spitti vally. If there is any other good sight seen then also suggest me. Can you guide me route so i can book hotels accordingly.
Thanks.
Ashok, you can follow the plan suggested in the article above and add couple of days of rest in between wherever you feel like. Regarding Spiti Valley, it is in Himachal so that will not be possible
HI Dheeraj,
Hope you are doing well. I have been planning itinerary for Leh (in July first half) and confused because of dilemma to cover more in short span of time. Me and my wife are reaching Leh on day 1 at 9:00AM by Air and will fly back on day 6 which means I have full 5 days and nights. I want to cover Sham valley, Nubra and Pangong. Here is my itinerary draft requiring your expert guidance.
1. Day 1 – Acclimatizaion
2. Day 2 – Sham Valley on bike
3. Day 3 – Pangong Tso and back to Leh by night
4. Day 4 – Nubra – Night stay at Hunder
5. Day 5 – Back to Leh
6. Day 6 – Fly out
Here are the points I need your help on:
1. I have driven enough bike in my life but not in last 7-8 years. But I don’t want to miss a chance to ride a bike in/around Leh. I am planning to rent bike from Gurmat on Day 2 (I will tell him that I am your friend 😉 ] and cover Alchi, Likir, confluence of Zanskar and Indus, Lamyuru etc. That’s pretty much on the same lines as your post on Sham Valley. I wanted to rent a bike and cover Nubra and Pangong but considering the travel time and chances of breakdown, I have curtail it down to just sham valley. Do you suggest renting a bike considering the fact that there will be a pillion rider it won’t be a group?
2. Considering acclimatization challenge, shall we go to Pangong on 3rd day or 5th ?
3. We are thinking of covering Pangong in one day and Nubra in 2 days with stay over at Hunder because of shortage of time. Then I was going through this post on your blog realized that we can stay in pangong instead of coming back to Leh and then go to Nubra directly from there. But the downside of this is that I might not be able to take advantage of shared taxi and might end up spending around 10-12K if I hire a taxi for second option.
Bottmline – We want to cover all these areas in 5 days and 5 days with two things we really want (but not mandatory) to do:
1. Rent a bike for at least one day.
2. Stay at Pangong and Nubra
Looking forward to your seasoned opinion 🙂
Thanks a ton!
Raman
Hi Raman,
1. Roads to Sham Valley are good, you can cover them by bike ride.
2. Better do nubra valley first and then Pangong Tso.
3. You are correct that budget will shoot a bit up. The only chance you have to sleep at both Pangong Tso and Nubra is by taxi only, so go for it.
Regards
Dheeraj
Thanks Dheeraj!
One more question. Can I get shared taxi for Pangong (day trip) and Nubra (overnight)?
Raman, yes shared taxis are available on offer in Leh Main Market or at agents in changspa road Leh. You can get in touch with them. Also, some people put up flyers, write on white boards, etc.. asking people to join in.
Hello,
We are a group of 8 friends visiting Leh from 23rd Aug to 31st Aug. We have planned an itinerary. Please give your suggestions and changes if required.
23 Aug : Arrival by flight. Half day rest. In the evening, visit Shanti stupa , Leh Palace and main market.
24 Aug : Visit to Sham valley. Hall,of fame, Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hill, Confluence at Nimmu,
Likir and Alchi on bike.
25 Aug : Drive to Nubra valley via Khardung la pass. Visit Deskit monastery and sand dunes in Hunder.
Overnight stay at Hunder.
26 Aug : Visit Sumur and Panamik. Return back to Leh.
27 Aug : Drive to Pangong Tso lake and return back same day.
28 Aug : Drive to Sonmarg through Srinagar Leh highway via Kargil. Overnight stay at Sonmarg.
29 Aug : Whole day at Sonmarg. Overnight stay at Srinagar.
30 Aug : Local sight seeing in Srinagar, Shikara ride.
31 Aug : Return flight.
Please suggest the changes required in the plan as per your experience.
1. Can Hemis, Shey Monastery be covered on a single day visit to Pangong Tso lake
2. Leh to Sonmarg can be done in a single day? Will it become too hectic. How much time will it take.
3. For a group of 8 persons, should we prefer a Tempo traveller or 2 SUVs. Please suggest keeping in mind comfort, road conditions, time of travel, cost and enjoyment as well.
4. We have received a qoute of Rs 11000 for visit to Nubra valley, Rs 10000 for Pangong Tso lake and Rs 18000 for Srinagar for a Innova. Are the rates on a higher side or not.
Hoping for an amazing trip to Leh
Thanx for such an informative site and posts.
Hello Mohak,
1. Better first reach Pangong Tso and while returning analyze how much time you took while coming to Pangong tso and take the decision of visiting Hemis and Shey. Shey Thicksey right on the road to Pangong Tso, so you can surely do so in case you have time left.
2. Leh to Sonmarg will take 14 Hrs, take your call if you are comfortable with it. Prior day you will be having about 12 Hrs ride too.
3. If you consider cost, then tempo traveler will be better choice else for comfort and split traveling, two SUVs will be better
4. The rates matches aroundd Taxi Union rates, get connected to some driver directly who might be able to offer you about 10-12% discount at least. For the leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2015 – 16 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here. You can get about 10-12% of discount by directly getting in touch with drivers and of course, talking in person rather on phone always help in bargaining more.
Regards
dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
I’m back with a query. Me andy my cousin are going to leh from 8th september to 17th september 2015. We both are going to do inner traveling on a single bike ie bike with pillion. A doubt has arised in my mind. Its not possible to carry luggage with us on bike there will be a pillion. So is there a possibility that the hotel owner at Leh will allow to let us keep our luggage at hotel office or the locker??
For example : Say we stay at hotel shanti guest house at leh for 2 days and on 3rd day we would check out of the hotel and go to Pangong Tso on our bike and will return on 4th day afternoon. We will again check in the same hotel after coming back from Pangong Tso. Will the owner let us keep the luggage at their hotel till we return from Pangong Tso?? Are there any hotels with locker facility in Leh??
Thanks in advance for the reply 🙂
Hello Anshu,
Hotel owner will allow you in most cases to keep the luggage in the cloak/store room. Read: 5 Tips to Rent Bike in Leh – Ladakh and Ride with Pillion
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj ,
First of let me say that you are running an awesome site which is too helpful for people like us in planning Himalayan Trips .A big salute to you Man!
I need some suggestion from you regarding my upcoming Ladakh trip. Entry in Leh on 29th May exit from Srinagar on 7th June
I along with my wife are landing in LEH on 29th May 2015 and here is what I have planned.
29th May – Complete rest and acclimatization
30th May – Rent Bike and do local LEH sightseeing
31st May- Drive to Nubra and overnight stay there
1st May – return to LEH
2nd May – Drive to Pangong and overnight stay there. Its a FULL MOON night :).
3rd May – return to LEH
4th May
5th May
6th May – Leh to Sonmarg by private or shared taxi – dont know how easy it is to get a shared taxi.
7th May – I need to be at airport by 1 PM so planning overnight stay in Sonmarg as kargil would be far away
For 4th and 5th May I am not sure whether I should do Lake tso moriri or not considering 4 days of biking from 31st to 3rd May.
What do you suggest?? or you have some better suggestion?
thanks
Gaurav
Gaurav, I guess you meant June here. Looks fine to me rest of it. I will suggest that you go ahead for Tso Moriri 2 day trip as it is one of its own kind 🙂 🙂 … In case 6 day bike trip is taxing then better get a shared taxi of tourist to these places.
Hi Dheeraj,
We 4 from Goa are planning a trip to Leh Ladakh for the 1st time in 1st week of September by air and the trip will be for 8 – 10 days. Our main concern is about getting in into such a high altitude should not spoil our play. So will we able to cope up with that easily ?? and secondly is it advisable to travel at this time..??
Mandar, as long as you can follow the itinerary mentioned in the article above it shall be fine. Since you have a day more, may be you can visit Sham Valley on Day 3 before venturing to Nubra Valley.
Thanks Dheeraj ..:)
Hi Dheeraj,
First like to congratulate you for this amazing work that you are doing. This is a gem of a place with tons and tons of information . I am a Landscape photographer from NE part of our country with the wish to travel to Ladakh for photography. As you suggested in your blog I am planning to travel in Mid September to photograph Autumn colours for about 15-20 days or as you suggest. It would be a great help if you kindly suggest an itinerary for 2-3 person travelling with the intention of only and only Travel & Landscape photography. We wish to shoot high altitude lakes, Desert and even night landscape with moon and stars. Based on your itinerary i will select the lunar phase accordingly for night photography. A friend of mine suggested Hanle for astro photography, is that the right choice?
Other fellow photographers who visited Ladakh suggested going to Nubra Valley, Pangong, Lamayuru, Hanle etc. Please suggest the best travel plan as others have suggested its not possible to photograph entire Ladakh in one trip , but want to do the most scenic parts in this first trip.
Also suggest how we should travel to Ladakh from Delhi during that time, some suggested to travel by air to Leh and take rest for a day or two then start with our journey and return via Leh – Srinagar road. But while we return it will be October will we get stranded on the way because of snowfall.
Waiting anxiously for your reply .
Reards,
Debraj Chakraborty.
Hello Debraj,
Thank you for the kind words. You can follow the below plan:
Day 1 | Delhi – Jammu / Patnitop
— Overnight at Jammu or Patnitop
Day 2 | Jammu / Patnitop – Srinagar
— Enjoy walk around Dal lake and may be Shikara ride as well
— If you have time then check out, floating market, Shalimar Garden.
— Overnight at Srinagar
Day 3 | Srinagar – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil
— Enjoy the vistas enroute
— Have late drunch meal at Drass is you are a vegetarian as sometimes it gets difficult to find veg. food at Kargil
— Overnight at Kargil
Day 4 | Kargil – 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 + Inner Line Permits
— To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
— For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
— Overnight at Leh
Day 6 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder – Turtuk
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Turtuk
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— enjoy the culture in the Turtuk Village
— do mention Turtuk on the permits
Day 7 | Turtuk – Hunder
— Spend whole day at Turtuk and reach Hunder by evening
— Overnight at Hunder
Day 8 | Hunder – Deskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
— Enjoy drive upto Panamik, visit Yarab Tso Lake and back to overnight stay at Kyagar or Tiger or Sumur
— Enjoy walks in Hunder, Deskit, Sumur villages for the last 3 days
Day 9 | Sumur/Kyagar – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Day 10 | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping OR Monastery tour
— Monastery tour may include Hemis, Thicksey, Stakna and Shey monasteries. They come on the route of Pangong Tso but as you will be doing day trip, it will be a bit hectic to include them on that day only.
— Overnight at Leh
Day 11 | Leh – Sham Valley – Leh
— Sham Valley include Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, Gurudwara Pather Sahib
— Overnight at Leh
Day 12 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on the go towards Pangong Tso
— Overnight at Pangong Tso (Spangmik)
Day 13 | Pangong Tso Lake – Shey – Thicksey – Leh
— Mention all the places of this route as mentioned above on the permits and Nyoma as well
— Overnight at Hanle
Day 14 | Leh – Chumathang – Mahe – Nyoma – Loma – Hanle
— Overnight at Hanle
Day 15 | Hanle – Loma – Nyoma – Mahe – Korzok / Tso Moriri Lake OR Hanle – Salsal La – Tso Moriri Lake
— Overnight at Tso Moriri lake
Day 16 | 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 17 | Pang / Sarchu – Baralacha La – Jispa
— On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only
— Overnight at Jispa
Day 18 | Jispa – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
— On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only
— Overnight at Manali
Day 19 | Manali – Delhi
— Return home
Day 20 | As buffer day that can be used at will wherever required by you
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
We will be in Leh for 10 Nights and 11 Days. Please suggest an itinerary for the same.
Note: We will be flying both ways.
Hi Bhargav,
You can follow the itinerary suggested in the article for 9 days. But since you have an extra day, you can use that day to make a day trip to Turtuk Village when you are in Nubra Valley on Day 4 from Hunder Village and return back to Hunder on the same day.
Regards
Dheeraj
Also we are 2 people.We are planning to book hotels in advance and hire cab/share taxi from Leh itself. Will we get shared taxis easily in July.
Yes, bhargav you should be able to find shared taxis in July as there are loads of tourists during that time. Else Travel agents in leh also run some shared tours and you can book a seat there too.
Hi DheeraJ,
We are group of two families planning to travel Leh, Three kids 11Y, 8Y and 3Y. We planned for a Air Travel flying in Leh on 17th May and Out on 25th May. We plan to do Leh, 1Night at Nubra and 1 Night at Pangong Tso. Looking at your advise, we want to give 1st day rest, and then start, does that give enough time to adjust to Climate.
We also have in mind to travel to Leh via road but it seems two week time needed does not work for us for now, hence thinking of Spiti instead this time and Leh may be later. We are planning to travel in Jun and want to do this 7 days. Is that a workable option? Keeping in mind that we are mostly plain and mountains drives not don much in rough terrain, what would be your advise?
For Spiti, we plan to enter via Delhi- Shimla – Spiti – Manali – Delhi. 7 to 8 days. Is it possible to PM me your no. to speak to you.
of may be Delhi – Kinnor – xyz and Back to Delhi
7838137636
You have about 8 days and can follow the travel plan suggested in the article above for Ladakh trip. 7 Days for Spiti will be too much, better restrict to Kinnaur Valley only for 7 days.
Thanks Dheeraj,
How would be road condition during June for Kinnaur? will there be Snow in Kinnaur during June? What are the places of attraction available in and around Kinnaur. We plan to self drive.
Road conditions are in general OK if it does not rain in June. In case it rains, the road gets slush. You can check the plan mentioned in the article: Kinnaur Valley Travel Guide | Kalpa, Sangla & Chitkul
Thank you Dheeraj for all the mentioned inputs.
Still have some doubts which would be helpful if you clear it…
Was looking for road trip to leh from srinagar, but since we(2 persons) are planning for the month of may, 2015 we dropped the plan since we have to come back within 10 days and the road from Srinagar to Leh will be dangerous. So we are planning for flights to and fro LEH.
1. Can we rent bikes over Leh to roam all the destinations(Renting bike is advisable or not).
2. Whether the road will be still dangerous over Leh-Ladakh during the month of may. Our itirenary will be same like yours as you mentioned.
3. Excluding flight tickets what should be our budget( 2 persons).
4. Should we take any medicines to compensate AMS.
5. Can we meet other tourists at Leh in the month of May(Whether May is OFF season or On season).
6. Which mobile connection can we trust at Leh.
Thanks again for all the effort and time you have put into it.
Hi Prashant,
1. Yes you can rent the bikes within Leh and can travel to all the destinations in Ladakh
2. The road near the passes (Khardung La / Chang La) will surely gonna have snow and bike will skid on it. So, you have to be very careful and be prepared/experienced to tackle such sections.
3. Bikes shall cost around 1100-1500 per day depending on the condition and model/make of the bike. Fuel you will need to fill in. Then take about 1000-1200 per person per day at max for food + stay.
4. Read the AMS article for it carefully: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/acute-mountain-sickness-and-importance-of-acclimatization/
5. May tourists starts getting into Leh, so you will find some tourists for sure.
6. Airtel Postpaid has good coverage but I only trust BSNL Postpaid 🙂
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi. I have been planning a trip to ladakh since jan 2015. i booked the tickets of the flight. 12thjune to 24th june.
The problem is that i will be having my 12th medical admissions during that time.So i need a suggestion whether i should reschedule the flight to may 15 2015 or post schedule to july 2015. Please Help.
I will be mainly going there for photography and timelapses
I have also planned to capture the milky way.
July shall be the time window for you.
Hi Dheeraj,
I’m visiting Leh from sept 8th to sept 17, 2015 by air and will follow most common travel plan suggested in your link. I want to know, after arriving to leh by air, if entire trip from day 2 to day 9 can be done by hiring bike from leh as we are just 2 people so we can’t afford taxi. Will an avenger bike do the job with pillion rider?? What will be the road condition from Leh to nubra and Leh to pangong tso during that time?? How much time will be required to cover Leh to nubra and Leh to pangong tso?? Are any petrol pumps on d way?? Does army or local police or the local people create problems for bikers?? Are the roads safe?? We are budgr travellers, so any guess, what would b approx rent for avenger bike per day?? Awaiting your reply.
I’m back with a query yet again
Anshu, that shall be fine as long as you are comfortable riding in Himalayas. Do it for couple of days and see if you are getting used to it. Then from Day 3, high passes starts so you must be very confident of riding bike yourself and then take a decision. Road conditions in Sept are much better than rest of the year. There are no petrol pumps on the way to Nubra Valley but on the way to Pangong Tso there is one at Karu, 36 KMs from Leh.
No one creates any problem for tourist in Ladakh, it is one of the best place in the world 🙂 … For renting bikes in Leh – Ladakh along with current Bike Union Prices, you can check the DwD Community thread: Leh – Ladakh Bike Rental Rates 2015 – 16 & Reliable Shops
Regards
Dheeraj
Thnx dheeraj. Its my 1st visit in Leh. I’m confident on bike rides but haven’t did it in Himalayas. Plz mention approx time required to cover leh-nubra and leh-pangong. Any puncture repair shops on d way??
Leh – Nubra will be 6-7 Hrs, Leh – Pangong Tso will be 6-7 Hrs too 🙂
No Puncture repair shops on the way 😀
Hello,
We are planning to go to Ladakh around 6th of June by air, and have around 7-8 days stay there, including 1 day stay each for Pangong Lake and Nubra valley.
Wanted your advice about going there in early June and about the road condition and whether there is a chance that the roads will not be open to Pangong lake and the valley. If this is the case, then we will plan for some time later, may be in July.
Thanks
Rahul
Rahul, you can follow the itinerary suggested above and make a 2 day trip to Pangong Tso. Since, you are flyinf in and out of Leh, there shall not be much issues and June is a good time to be in Ladakh.
Thanks Dheeraj, just wanted to make sure the roads from Leh-> Pangong, and Leh -> Nubra are in a good condition in the starting of June.
Rahul, they will be in OK condition except near the passes where you will find snow on the road.
Hi Dheeraj,
I have been constantly visiting your website since last couple of months and going through these huge ‘collections’ of information available on your website for my Leh-Ladakh trip planned from 3rd Sep till 10th Sep.
Before I ask for your help let me thank you from the core of my heart for all the hard work you have been putting across with all the dedication and patiently replying to each and every query been raised in the forum. I have not yet come across an unanswered query. Hats off !!!….
Now the help 🙂
As I informed that my trip is planned from 3rd Sep – 10 sep (got some really good air deals). Total number of people are 5 wherein 2 are in the age group of 50-60. I am making it sure that health/body is not compromised so have jolted down the below itinerary (most of it copied from you :). I have few questions below that would require your suggestion.
Itinerary
3rd Sep – Arrival and overnight in Leh (Ladakh Greens). Day is for rest/acclimatize
4th Sep – in and around Leh. Overnight at Leh – (maybe a round trip from lamayuru and adjoining areas if the body is doing absolutely well)
5th Sep – Leh to Nubra valley and overnight at Nubra ecolodge
6th Sep – Back to Leh from Nubra
7th Sep – leh to pangong lake and overnight at pangong
8th Sep – Pangong to Tso moriri and overnight at Tso moriri
9th Sep – Tso moriri to Leh and overnight at Leh
10th Sep – early morning departure.
Questions –
1-Does the iternary looks too exhausting considering the people travelling? any suggestion
2-Will it be too cold at the lakes during the time (information are available online but then need ur expert advice on this)…
3-I have done some bookings for hotel online, would there be a better way to get the best deal like a package of the entire tour or something.
4-Should I reach Leh and then negotiate for the car rentals or beforehand is a must
Thanks a ton for looking at this.
Amit Basak | 9833873723
Dear Amit, my eyes popped out when u told dat you got real good air deal for september. Can u plz tell me when did u get gud deal and how gud it is?? I mean from where r u travelling n which carrier??
Hi Anshu,
I don’t know whether I am lucky or this is usual if the booking is well before 10 months of travel for Leh but heres the info.
I got a deal for 3 adults traveling Mumbai – Delhi – Leh and return from Jet Connect at around 20K. so thats approx 3.5 K per person for a way/person. As I said these bookings where done around Jan end.
Does that sound too good ?
Amit
Amit, Jan is not actually a season to travel to Ladakh unless you are too much adventurous and can withstand harsh conditions and bone freezing chill of Ladakh 🙂 … Most hotels will be closed and Pangong Tso lake will be frozen.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
I may have missed to clarify this, regret for that, but the actual travel date is in Sep as per the itinerary given in the previous post. January was the air ticket booking date. 🙂 My bad.
Request your expertise on my itinerary. thanks
Oops, no worries, just replied to your post 🙂
U got an awesome deal bro! 7k for return from Mumbai-Delhi-Leh per person is out of the world deal. You are very lucky I must say and a daredevil to book tickets 10 months in advance. Have an awesome tour. All d best.
Yeah, very true. The deal seems quite a steal 🙂
Dear Amit, I got return ticket from Delhi to Leh for 2298
Hi Amit & AnshuBhatia,
Goair offered Delhi to Leh for Sep 2014 in just 999/- 😀 but now this offer has expired (23 March). I booked same in last dec.for 1-7 Sep. in just 1800/- .
Wish, I could have also booked the tickets 🙁 … Missed this amazing deal.
Hii Dheeraj Sir,
Jet Airways providing Delhi to Leh flight in just 1999/- for July,August,September 2015.
Thank you Raman for updating it. I am sure it will help many 🙂
Hi Amit,
Thank you so much Amit, such appreciations keep the fuel running and going 🙂 🙂
My answers below:
1- I will not suggest going all the way to Lamayuru on Day 2. Best is that you at max. go up to Sham Valley and cover it. Rest Regarding Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri route or Pangong Tso to Hanle, the permits to Man – Merak – Chusul – Tsaga or remote Changthang routes are being given by DC office in Leh at ON and OFF basis, so keep your fingers crossed and hope for the best if they start issuing the permits by the time you visit or issue you on your lucky day. Also, even if the permits are given then as well there is no guarantee that you will be allowed to cross Chusul Post or not because since last year several such incidents happened and people with permits also had to return via same route. The story is same this year too and only handful of people have passed through Chusul this year too on their lucky days. Then this is completely a dirt track all the way with quite a bumpy ride upto Tsaga. That churns most things in your stomach 😀 … Finally, totally isolated with no one around you in miles. All this will mean that you will have to risk it for at least a day getting wasted if you are not allowed because there will be no guarantee until you cross Chusul and Tsaga post. Otherwise, you have to take the traditional routes only via Upshi – Chumathang.
2- Not too much cold but still nights and early morning will be cold. Carry heavy woolens which will be required there during that time.
3- may be you can get in touch with info@offbeatescapes.com / http://www.offbeatescapes.com … You can refer DoW or my name to them in case required. They have got very good feedback from many readers in the past two years, especially in terms of transparent policies, transparent cost split ups as well as being there to help out people all the time when required on their trips. Worth checking the quote from there too.
4- It will not matter much, you can get connected with many of the drivers listed in the link: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/india/ladakh-zanskar-travel-guides/listof-taxi-drivers-for-ladakh-srinagar-leh-manali-t353.html
Regards
Dheeraj
This is what I was talking about Dheeraj, ‘the dedication and the promptness’… great going yaar and thanks a ton…
– Amit
Cheers, thanks a ton 🙂
Hey Dheeraj,
Am back :). Hope ur doing good !!
I am super excited for my first trip in next few days. While i was putting things together (again there’s no other site better than yours to refer) I was confused on few things for which i wanted your feedback and help me make the best and most of my trip.
1st – While surfing i came across this tiny village called ‘Turtuk’ and was struck with the awesome beauty of this village. I would love to visit this place and am ready to sacrifice the other side of Nubra valley which I have planned to see while coming back from Nubra to Leh. Will it be worthwhile to skip things like hot water springs and few monasteries and give TURTUK a shot?. Also, would this be too demanding as we need to reach Leh by evening.
2nd – I wish I could have an overnight at both the lakes (though I will visit pangong & moriri) but given the tight schedule I will have to make a choice. For me Tso Moriri looks like a better option? Your comment please.
3rd – direct route from pangong to moriri seems tiring and with obstacles (permit and security) and I was thinking to do away from coming back to leh and save some time. Will it be a good idea to take a night halt somewhere between the route from pangong and moriri like tansgte / hemis etc and carry on early further on the same route. ??
Lastly, I spoke to one of the driver (Zakhir Bhai) from the link you provided and am delighted to have his company for the entire trip. Just to share my little experience with him, my advance transfer to him went wrong and it went to a wrong bank account number. I told him this and he simply replied “Amit sir chinta mat karo… meine tarik block kar liya hai… aap idhar aa jao.. hum pura ghum lenge.. baaki ka amount baadmein de dena”.. do I need to say more.. 🙂
Hey Amit,
Just surviving the fever and cold 😉
1st – Well, to actually visit Turtuk and have a feel of it, you should better spend a day in Turtuk only. This should be like Leh to Turtuk and then Turtuk to Hunder / Deskit next day and finally Hunder / Deskit to Leh on third day to do some justice to it.
2nd – Yes for night stay you should plan for Tso Moriri only because its day trip is not possible
3rd – Go towards Hemis / Upshi / Chumathang and pick a place of your choice.
Yeah, people up there from heaven are indeed out of the world 🙂
Regards
Dheeraj
Dear Dheeraj,
Want to clarify a doubt which came up in my mind just now. If at any day of the year, your flight gets cancelled due to bad weather, does airlines in general reschedule your flight free of cost or you need to pay extra amount in the name of processing fee or fare difference?
Anshu, I had this incident 2 years back when I was there in Ladakh and flights got cancelled due to bad weather. In such a case, GoAir just rescheduled the flight after 2 days without charging any fees or rescheduling charges or fare difference. But, they never paid for our stays for these extended days and never paid for pick and drop to Airport too. Also, I was carrying an insurance of delays and all that they provide. Even they backed out stating some illogical clauses which I never could understood, so they also never paid or reimbursed.
Thanks a lot Dheeraj, that was a quick response!
Hi Dheeraj,
This is a very informative site..dedicated to Leh-Ladakh :)..just awesome must say..It has helped a lot in planing on my own as loved the line where its said that small group so entropy is less ;)..i buy this thought for sure as I have been asking more than half of the world to accompany..however did’nt get a handfull of friends in my basket..we are just three of us travelling 🙂
I need a help on my itinerary. I want to fit in turtuk in my travel plan,however not sure where can I fit in exactly for the following dates :
2nd Sept : reaching leh at 8 A.M..will start local sight seeing in the late afternoon say at 2 P.M or solike Shanti Stupa,leh palaca,tsemo temple
3rd sept : Sham valley tour(Alchi,Likir,Magnetic hill,hall of fame)
4th sep : Leh to nubra,over night at hunder
5th sep: Hunder to leh
6th sep : Shay palace,Hemis and thicksey monastery
7th Sep : Leh to Panong and back to leh (earlier I was thinking of a overnight at Panong,however came to know that it can be covered in a day..so have a day’s time on hand)
8th sep: buffer day
9th sep : buffer day
10th sep : leh to tsomorri lake (fixed)
11th sep : tsmorri to jispa (fixed)
12th sep : Jispa to manali (fixed)
13th sep : Manli to Chandigarh
14th sep : chandigarh
Hi Sonal,
Thanks a ton. Here are my points/suggestions
1. Better rest the entire Day 1 to acclimatize else it may spoil the entire trip if you get caught with AMS.
2. 4th, go over directly o Turtuk, 5th come back and stay at Hunder by evening, 6th, return to Leh covering Sumur / Panamik.
3. Cover Shey, thicksey while going over to Pangong Tso as they fall on route on 7th. and 8th come back from Pangong Tso covering Hemis monastery as it is on the route too. Do a two day trip for enjoying the trip rather just touch and come.
4. 9th Keep this buffer day with you or spend relaxing day in Leh.
5. I would suggest Tso Moriri to Sarchu, then Sarchu to Manali but if it is fixed, keep it as it can be done too by leaving early.
Regards
Dheeraj
Thanks a ton Dheeraj 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
Hope you are doing good.
I have a change in my iterniary. I will be staying at Nubra Valley from 4th Sep to 6th Sep 2015. Can Turtuk be done as a day trip. Also wanted to know if Tsomorriri can be reached from Pangong Lake as we don’t want to go back to Leh as we are heading to manali from tsomorrir.
Plan :
2nd Sep->Full Day Rest
3rd Sep->Local Sightseeing
4th Sep-6th Sep->Nubravalley and around (fixed)
6th Sep->Return to leh
7th Sep->Sham Valley Tour
8th Sep->Rest day
9th Sep->leh-Pangong Lake
10th Sep->Pangong to Tsomorrori(suggest or else we will return to leh)
11th Sep-Tsomorrir-Jispa
12th Sep-Jispa-Manali
Sonal, yes you can go over to Turtuk as a day trip from Hunder or Deskit. 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.
Hi Dheeraj,
I am planning a 8 days trip to Leh starting 30th April as a couple and below is my itinerary:
day1: By Air reach leh. Rest in Leh and Local Market
day2:Get Local Permits and again local sightseeing
day3: Leh – Deskit/Hunder
day4: Deskit/Hunder – Khardung La – Leh
day5: Leh – Hemis – Pangong Tso – Leh
day6: Leh – Shey – Tso Moriri – Leh
day7: Tso Moriri – Thicksey – Leh
day8: Sham Valley Tour
day9: early morning flight to Delhi
I have mostly referred your blog to make my itinerary but I would still request you to take a quick view and see if anything I should add or remove. Also want to know if I would need some travel agent to get permits to visit any of these places. Another doubt is if it is crowdy in first week of May in which case i’ll have to book hotels and cab beforehand.
Are there any other travelers who would be traveling at the same time and would like to share cabs. We are two right now.
Hi Gaurav,
1. As Indians, you do not need permits for any of the places you have mentioned above in the itinerary. The rule has been changed last year
2. I think on Day 6, you mean Leh – Shey – Tso Moriri. There will not be any places of stay at Tso Moriri during that time, so you may need to stay in home stays only.
3. Also, skip Hemis on the way to Pangong Tso as it will make it very hectic.
4. Do follow the first 2 days as advised above in the article.
5. Rest your plan looks fine to me.
DoW started an initiative couple of years back under DoW – Himalayan Travel Community for finding Travel Partners or Companions, leave your message in Travel Partners section at the link: Ladakh & Zanskar – Travel Partners Section. There is also a DoW Travel Partners Calendar linked here which can be used to easily and quickly spot a travel partner with similar dates of all the people looking for Travel Partners for their trips. May be you meet someone online going over the same dates.
There will not be any need to pre-book anything in advance during this time of the year.
Regards
Dheeraj
First of all compliments for your passion towards hill tourism and providing extremely informative website which has delighted me to join DoW. I am planning to reach Leh on 22 nd July 2015 from Srinagar by Air. I want your advice whether on day 3, I can go to Pangong, stay overnight and day 4 travel directly to Nubra stay overnight and day 5 back to Leh via Khardung La. As per the google map Pangong-Nubra is 185 km which should not be a problem if I leave Pangong early morning.
Please advice.
Murari Agarwal
Bangalore
Hello Murari,
No, that sought of itinerary will be like suicidal in terms of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). If you have not read about AMS, then to know about AMS and acclimatization including the tips to combat AMS, please DO READ: Acute Mountain Sickness and Importance of Acclimatization
On Day 3 after reaching Leh from Srinagar via Kargil, you need to rest in Leh only for acclimatization. Then, you can travel to Nubra Valley on Day 4, then to Pangong Tso via Wari La Pass on Day 5 and then return to Leh on Day 6. This will help in better acclimatization as you will increase the altitude gradually.
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.
Regarding Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso route, in order to take Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso via Shyok village, you need not need any permits. However, with such a small distance it appears tempting to be done BUT just to analyze the difficulty I will strongly suggest that you read:Trip Report | Nubra – Shyok Village – Pangong Tso Route. The report is from last June & in July/August, most likely the route is washed away. So better confirm first, analyze the high risk involved and then only attempt it or better avoid it unless very much sure.
Next possible way is to attempt Wari La route, which is also a bit desolated but doable enough. If your driver agrees to travel on this route then take the Wari La route to Pangong Tso. Remember that any help required on both these routes will be HARD to find in miles of distance. If you have couple of vehicles then only take this route otherwise best is to avoid it.
I hope this helps.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi, dheeraj… I m happy to see your effete just for travellers without any monitoring gain. U r helping more better than tour people.
Hi , I m planing to go with my 2 kids, which r below 7 yrs. Pls guide in which month v hv to go. R their right age to travel or I should wait? Pls guide nd thanks once again…
Thank you Jatin !! It is fine to take the children of such age group because AMS do not matter with respect to age or sex or any physical health condition. It can happen to anyone of any age or sex or fitness I shall say :D.. The issue with children is that they tend to exert the body considering it the same kind of place they belong to and this elevates the chances of getting struck with AMS. Secondly, they are not much expressive about their uneasy feelings, so it is parents who need to watch out and take care that the child is not suffering from uneasy feelings, headache or nausea and is behaving properly. With 5+ year child, I think he/she would be able to convey the uneasiness with little efforts. If you notice any such feeling or he/she tells you about such a feeling then please do not ascend anywhere, either descend to lower altitude or stay at the same place to watch things overnight and if symptom increase then start descending immediately. Same is applicable for any adult as well. And yes, do keep the body adequately hydrated!!
Also, PLEASE read the article: Traveling to Ladakh with Kids or Babies. This article covers this topic in complete detail.
Hi Arriving by air from Delhi on 8th of May early morning. Here is my tentative schedule based on your inputs. Kindly see if its fine
Day 1 – Arrive at Leh. Local site seeing
Day 2 – Sham valley and surrounding places
Day 3 – To Nubra valley. Stay at Nubra
Day 4- Return from Nubra valley
Day 5 – Leh – Pangong Tso – Leh
Day 6 – Leh – Tso Moiri
Day 7 – Return to Leh.
Day 8 – Morning return
Jerry, this looks quite fine to me but please keep in mind that since it is high altitude so you may not be acclimatized enough to explore Sham Valley on second day itself. In case you are feeling well then only attempt else take rest in Leh and do local sightseeing. For all the people planing a trip to Leh – Ladakh by air, I generally recommend first two days to be followed strictly as mentioned in the article above.
Hi Diraj,
How do you think we could have planned differently ? Remove one of the attractions ? ie. if we are going with rest on the first two days. How can we plan the rest of the days ?
Jerry, I will suggest you to take it easy and plan first 6 days as per the article above and drop out Tso Moriri instead do Sham Valley on Day 7 and on Day 8 fly out. Otherwise, if you do not want to drop Tso Moriri then better add one day or else do Day 1, 2 and 3 as per above article and rest as follows:
Day 4 | Nubra Valley to Pangong tso via Shayok village if the route is open else no way out to execute this plan.
Day 5 | Pangong Tso to Leh
Day 6 | Leh – Tso Moriri
Day 7 | TsoMoriri – Leh
Hi Dheeraj
How easy is to get shared taxi’s ? As we are a just 2 and don’t want to go cheap.
You are two only and private taxis are very costly in Leh but you will be able to find the shared taxi with a little effort since season starts by the time you planning the trip. 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 local travel agent organize such shared taxis trip as well but charge a little higher about Rs 200-300 more than it would ideally cost in self shared taxi. So, in worst case you can always go back to them and book a seat for yourself. Gelling up with people in Ladakh is more or less easy because many people travel solo and look forward to meet new people and share cultural thoughts and values over the trip. No where else in the world you will find more smiling and helpful people as Ladakhis are 🙂
Hi Dheeraj ,
We are planning to travel leh-ladhak by air directly in april ( 1-10) with a kid of 15 months and going to stay for 8 days and fly back again , i checked the details all one by one and will like to know whether travelling with the kid is ok , will he be able to enjoy and what exactly will be the climatic condition . kindly let me knoe in detail .
regards
It depends on person to person to take the children of such age group because AMS do not matter with respect to age or sex or any physical health condition. It can happen to anyone of any age or sex or fitness I shall say :D… The issue with children is that they tend to exert the body considering it the same kind of place they belong to and this elevates the chances of getting struck with AMS. Secondly, they are not much expressive about their uneasy feelings, so it is parents who need to watch out and take care that the child is not suffering from uneasy feelings, headache or nausea and is behaving properly. With 2+ year child, I think he/she will also be NOT able to convey the uneasiness she may feel. You have to be vigilant and if you notice any such feeling or he/she tells you about such a feeling then please do not ascend anywhere, either descend to lower altitude or stay at the same place to watch things overnight and if symptom increase then start descending immediately. Same is applicable for any adult as well. And yes, do keep the body adequately hydrated!!
Also, PLEASE read the article: Traveling to Ladakh with Kids or Babies. This article covers this topic in complete detail.
If I were you, I will not take the infant that early and during April.
Inbetween Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso Lake and Tso Moriri Lake,if I have to opt for two…Which would be better.Kindly advice.
Since, it is your first trip then go with Pangong Tso and Nubra Valley.
Hi,please guide me.Landing at Leh Airport on 11 thJune,opting to travel back by road(Reverse of what one would advice…due to time constaints)
Day1-11 th June
(For Short Tours) Arrival at Airport +Sightseeing in evening.
Arrival at Leh Airport, you will be received & welcomed by our Representative. Later proceed to your Hotel. After Breakfast, rest till evening. Start your tour covering, ,Leh Palace, Shanti stupa, & Hall of Fame later during the day,in the evening.
Day2 Leh-Nubra-Leh(2-Day Trip, Day 1 of 2)
After Breakfast, move towards Highest Motorable Road of The World, KhardungLa Pass. Have a cup of Tea there, get yourself clicked with the Khardungla Signboard by BRO & proceed towards Nubra valley covering Deskit Monastery enroute. Check-in at Hotel/Camp, freshen up & later you can have a Double Hump Bactarian Camel ride. Overnight at Hunder/Nubra Camps/Hotel.
Day3 Leh-Nubra-Leh, Return from Nubra covering Sumoor, (2-Day Trip, Day 2 of 2)
AfterBreakfast, check out from the camps & visit Deskit Monastery, Hot Water Springs,Panamik via confluence of Shyok & Nubra River across Sumoor. Return to Leh by Evening. Overnight at Leh.
Day4 Leh-Pangong/Spangmik- Leh (2-Day Trip, Day1 of 2)
After Breakfast, check out from Leh & proceed for one of the most scenic, Pangong Tso/Spangmik via Changla Pass (17350 ft). Overnight at Camps.
Day5 Leh-Pangong/Spangmik- Leh (2-Day Trip, Day2of 2)
After Breakfast, check out from Camps for return journey to Leh. Enroute visit Hemis Monastery. Overnight at Leh
Day6 Leh–Jispa/Sarchu (Day 1 of 2)
Start early Morning after Breakfast, for your journey to Jispa.Enroute you will come across beautiful landscapes of Upshi, Moore Planes, Chandratal Lake, Baralancha-la,. Overnight at Jispa.
Day7 Jispa/Sarchu-Manali (Day 2 of 2)
After early Breakfast, start your journey to Manali via Keylong & snowbedded RohtangLa . depart for Delhi by 3:30pm VOLVO, as timepermits else spend overnight at Manali(Overnight/ extended Stay on request)
Utkarsh please check: Leh – Ladakh | Most Common Itinerary by Air and fine tune your itinerary accordingly. Please do not go with the travel agent who has suggested you to climb Khardung La on the second day itself.
Dear Dheeraj, this is the first time I’m writing here, though i keep following most of the posts & feel that you are doing a great job. Me & a friend, both in mid-fifties are planning to go to Leh by air from 8th-15th Nov. I would the difficulties that we’ll face there, which hotels to stay (1,000-1,500 Rs.) We also plan to go to Nubra Valley also. Can we hire some heavy jackets, gloves, shoes, head-gear etc. for a week. Also we’ll be hiring a car there for local as well as nearby places. Is it worth going to Pangong Tso this time, i believe it’ll be very cold. Can you help us by suggesting the names of hotel, comfortable guest houses, local dealer to hire the jackets etc, cab drivers with numbers. I’ll really appreciate your help in this regard. This is my first trip to Ladhak. Thanks a lot.
Hello Amrit ji,
It will be quite harsh and cold up there and since it is dry cold it makes things much worse than when snow is around. You need to drink plenty of water in the form of hot tea or coffee to keep yourself hydrated and better acclimatized in first 2-3 days. After that you can voyage to Nubra Valley over Khardung La Pass. Jackets and all are available for hire within Leh only but then you need to reach there first and since it will be off season I am not 100% sure that how many shops will be open or not. In Delhi / NCR some companies provide such gear on rent, you can check or search for them.
For the leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2014 – 15 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here. You can get about 10-12% of discount by directly getting in touch with drivers and of course, talking in person rather on phone always help in bargaining more.
For Pangong Tso, it will only be possible to make a day trip or else stay at Tangste which has Yakmik changla Guest house that provides heaters for cold conditions. In Leh, you can stay at Shanti Guest House that runs all season, Asia too might be running all season and if OK with budget check with Thogsal Hotel. Then, in Nubra Valley I believe Olgok in Deskit might be running and Snow Leopard if at all otherwise only home stays will be available up there.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj once again i came out with few queries:
1.What are must buy things (Take away from Leh Market?
2. I dont have driving license is it good to hire a bike, or a taxi Kindly suggest for local travel mode.(I have list of drivers given by you,We are couple, only for three days time, Going Leh from Delhi by Flight at 30th sep and coming by 3rd Oct, [I know its very less, earlier we had one week plan but we canceled 7th oct flight due to some priority and now we have 30thSep-2nd oct] we will plan for long later
3. Kindly look over my itinerary:
– by 30th Sep: Local sightseeing like Shanti Stupa, Hall of Fame,Leh Palace etc.
– 1st Oct 2nd Day: Drive to (Pangong Lake if able to cover in single day??) Chang la Pass via Sindu Ghat, Shey Palace, Thiksay Monastery, Hemis Palace and Stok Palace,Overnight in Hotel.
-2nd Oct 3rd Day: After breakfast Visit Khardung-la pass then Return to Leh by afternoon.
Post Lunch visit to Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hill14 and Sangam of Zanskar and Indus River15
Is it Suitable?
I wanted to visit must Kharadungla & Chang La Pass.
Kindly suggest over asked question & details.Again Thanks in Advance.
1. There are various handicrafts if you are into it, pashmina if you can spot the original one, jams/juices of seabuck thorn.
2. If you do not have a DL, better hire a taxi. 3 days is too too less a period. 2 days will be taken out for acclimatization only.
3. Do not attempt it, I will suggest. 2 days complete rest, may be second evening you can do some light sightseeing if feeling good. Third day, may be risk the day trip to Pangong Tso.
PS: I do not see any point in this trip, rest risks and points are already highlighted.
Hi Experts,
Im visiting ladakh with a group of 11 guys.
8 guys will reach at Leh by flight on 16th sept , 10am.
3 guys on 17th sept , 10am.
For our trip , we will be hiring a scorpio and 6 bikes from Leh.
We want to visit Marsimikla, it’s in our hit list to visit.
then hanle or tso-moriri…
and then Nubra valley…
We 8 guys will visit local Leh on First day 16 sept, and arrange permits for Marsimikla n pangong-chushul-hanle route.
on 17th, once rest 3 guys join us, then we will start our actual trip for nubra, marsimikla, pangong, tso-moriri, hanle.
BUT, as 3 guys would not get proper acclimatization and would start their journey from first day… and due to time constraint…. I know we cant visit all places.
Please help me to make a good itenerary that includes Marsimikla and as much as we can cover rest places.
I think we are discussing this in community, so let’s keep the discussion going on there.
Hi Dheeraj,
Like everyone, I have to thank you for an informative and encouraging blog.
1) I am traveling alone from 08-SEP-14 onwards. I plan to rent a bike, is it safe to ride to Khardungla and Nubra on day 3, having given 8th and 9th for acclimatisation? From the blogs I felt there may be more riders and I am hoping not to be the sole rider on that route.
2) I wish to take a bus to Srinagar, is advance booking possible? What are the chances of getting the bus booking if I have to do it on arrival in Leh?
Thanks,
Manish
Hello Manish,
1. Yes it should be fine if you are feeling good on Day 3 to ride to Khardung La or Nubra Valley. I hope you have some experience in riding in hills. There should be some for sure, you can tag along or find them in Changspa in cafes, main market dine ins, etc.. Try to gel up with them
2. Advance booking not possible, you need to book from bus stand a day in advance.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
On the experience part, I don’t have any experience of riding in the hills. Risky, yes I know, should I first get a hang of the area before heading to Nubra?
Regards
Manish, if you do not have experience in riding in hills, please do not attempt it.
Hi Dheeraj,
I am planning to travel to Leh by Air sometime from 17th November for about 10 days. I will be traveling with my wife and 5 years old daughter. weather wise do you think that mid november is ok to travel in order to see the common attractions? I am not into trekking and all as i will be travelling with my daughter. Looking forward to your valuable advise.
Thanks
Vivek
Vivek, it becomes quite harsh in November up there in Ladakh and with most of the hotels closes and those open just offering basic food, it will not be an ideal vacation for a family rather for someone who loves adventure more to it. Also, the cold in Ladakh at that time is dry as snow will not be present, when snow falls that chill is a bit different from the one this dry one is.
Hi Dheeeraj,
I am travelling to leh(by air) from 8th Oct – 13th Oct and just hv below mentioned queries for same –
1) Is it possible to visit basic places (khardungla,pangong lake etc.)in this period?
2) Planning to ride bike for local/these places, Will it be fine?
3) Will i be able to get hotel/guesthouse to stay in leh during this period?
Please reply,really need your advice.
Rittin, it will get cold up there in Ladakh during October. Also, most hotels and restaurants will be closed and you will get the basic food too. You can visit all these places but like I said there will be nothing to stay at Pangong Tso Lake as most camp sites gets closed by September thrid week types.
So, you will get basic food and basic stays which remains open in off season too. Bike ride unless you are OK to handle quite cold condition is not suggested at all.
Thanks for the response Dheeraj ji…
Not sure how many time i need to cancel(this is 3rd time) my visit to Leh…
Once again trip got cancelled as 5 out of 9 people backout after seeing current weather situation and weather forecast in October 2nd week…
Hopefully will try next year by road…
Thanks once again for the reply
Best wishes for your next year trip to Ladakh, try to make small groups as entropy is less 🙂
Hope you enjoyed your trip, it seems from your pictures !!! Gr8 Clicks..
October wouldn’t be too cold out there?
Hi Dheeraj,
Me and my friend are planning for leh by air (2nd sept to 9th sept) .I want to ask couple of questions :-
1) we are only two girls so its safe to travel ?
2) Can you suggest us some good travel agents to whom we can contact.
Hello Kriti,
I replied to Shalini below too.
1. Ladakh is one of the safest places I have ever travelled.
2. You are just two in number, I will first suggest better to look for people with whom you can share some taxi cost else it will prove a bit costly to you.
Regards
dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
I and 6 girls are planning to go Leh on 30th August by air. I have few questions.
1. Is it safe as we all are girls.?
2. Is this AMS is something serious as few girls are sacred of this thing and planning to cancel their tickets 🙂 I hope this is normal.
3. None of us know riding bike. So, will there be some options for activa for hire?
4. How much the jeep hire will cost us to pangong lake and nubra valley to and fro ?
Your blog is really very helpful.
We are going to follow your itnerary which you has mentioned in this post. 🙂
Hey Shalini ,
Can you plz share your dates and mail id so that i can contact you as we are only two girls, planning for leh by air (2nd sept to 9th sept)and looking for female partners .
Hello Shalini,
1. Yes, it is mostly safe. In fact Ladakh is the safest place I have ever visited 🙂
2. AMS needs to be taken seriously, so be aware of it. Check and read to understand and know about it and tips to combat it: Acute Mountain Sickness and Importance of Acclimatization
As long as you can follow the itinerary above, it should be fine enough and you keep body hydrated with least exertion for first 36 Hrs.
3. May be yes.
4. 2 day trips to Pangong Tso and Nubra each may cost about 15-17K in total. For the leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2014 – 15 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here. You can get about 10-12% of discount by directly getting in touch with drivers and of course, talking in person rather on phone always help in bargaining more.
Regards
Dheeraj
Thanks Dheeraj!
This is really a great help 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
You have wonderfully written up all possible details related to Ladakh trip..i a appreciate your effort and passion for valleys …
We are travelling to Leh via Srinagar and below is the itinerary . could you please review ?
Day 1 :Srinagar to Kargil .On the way visit Somarg-ZoziLa-Drass-Kargil . Overnight stay at Kargil ( check if its difficult to get veg food at Kargil , else finish dinner at Drass).
Day2( Sept 1st) : Kargil to Alchi/Uletokpo via Batalik . On the way visit , Aryan Valley & Likir Monastery, overnight stay at Alchi/Uletokpo
Day3(Sept 2nd) : Alchi/Uletokpo to Leh. Visit Magnetic Hill, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, Kali Mata Mandir & Hall of fame. Halt at Leh
Day4( Sept 3rd) : Leh to Nubra Valley . Via Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder-Turtuk .Staty at Turtuk
Day5( Sept 4th) : Turtuk to Leh .Via Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh. Overnight at Leh
Day6(Sept 5th) : Leh to Pangog Tso. Via Shey Monastery,Chang La. Stay at Spangmik.
Day7(Sept 6th ):Pangong Tso to Leh .Via Marsimek La. Stay at Leh
Day8(Sept 7th ) : Leh to Tsomoriri . Via Chumathang hot springs. Stay at Korzok village
Day9(Sept 8th) : Tsomoriri to LEh. Vist wild life sanctuary. Overnight at LEh
Day 10( Sept 9th): Rest at Leh
Can i compress my itinerary and spend some more time in Nubra Valley ?
Can i go to pangong directly from Hunder ? If yes will miss visiting Sumur – Panamik ?
Last but not least is obesity a concern to travel to LEH ?
Hi Prasanna,
You will get veg food in Kargil unless you reach quite late and even hotel kitchen gets closed.
Firstly you are doing too much in less time so it appears hectic to me, especially the Turtuk. Leave it aside. Secondly, move you rest day to above to have at least one rest day in Leh before you move to Nubra Valley
Regards
dheeraj
hi Dheeraj …I planned my trip only after reading ur reviews and photos in this websites ….You r doing great work
I booked my air ticket very early as you suggested in one of your post I am flying in Leh on 27/Aug and departing from Leh 07/Sept..
Can you please modify this 7-8 days internirary in your article to 11-12 Days iternerary …
I only book my air fare …I didnt book any hotel and taxi, I hope it will be available there without any difficulty
Thanks
Once again thanks for making such a great effort LADAKH.
Ashish, you have 9 days described in the article above. What you can do is that you add Turtuk and Hanle to the list with each one taking one day as below
Day 4 | Hunder / Deskit – Turtuk – Hunder / Deskit
then one day will be shifted
Day 8 | Leh – Chumathang – Hanle
Day 9 | Hanle – Tso Moriri
Day 10 | Tso Moriri – Leh
Day 11 | Rest Day OR Sham Valley Tour
If you have 11 days then add Sham Valley tour between Nubra and Pangong Tso.
Thanks Dheeraj for your help
Few more questions
(1) Is permitt not required to visit Turtuk and hanle ?
(2) Is shared taxi is also easily available for Tso Moriri ?
(3) I didnt book any hotels so it is easy to get camp/hotesl/guest house at Pangong, Nubra and Tso Morriri during My Leh visit period i.e. from 27/08 to 7/09
Thank You
Thank You
Hi Ashish,
1. Permit is required for Hanle but not for Turtuk.
2. shared taxi need to be searched but quite a good number of people visit Tso Moriri, so you might get it.
3. You should be able to get them if you are OK to search a bit here and there.
Regards
dheeraj sharma
Hi Dheeraj! Finally booked the ticket for Leh. Reaching on Sept 5th flying back on 13th Sept so around 8 days.Gonna follow your “Most common Itinerary” one question (in fact 2 🙂
1.Will we need permit for Tso Moriri and Tso Kar? Someone told me that permits are still needed for these as this goes along the China border, not sure how true this it?
2. Since all the names of places at present alien for me, how do we go to Tso Moriri via Chumathang or s1 says there is a route from Pangong too?
Thanks and keep up the work you are doing and maybe a DoW meet in Pune soon, what say?
Vishal
Hi Vishal,
1. No Vishal if you are going to follow the routes on the itinerary above, you being Indian, do not required any permits to travel to Tso Moriri lake starting May 2014. Tso Kar lake never required a permit.
2. Just go via Chumathang to better enjoy the trip rather than being under the tension of being sent back from the middle of no where by army on direct route of Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri. you can try such remote routes which requires permits plus luck on the day for passage on subsequent trips.
O yes bro, as soon as we have active devils in the DoW community from different parts of India, plan is to move them.
I’ve read a lot about the Pangong to Tso Moriri (including your article on DOW), while I understand that it is risky but might be fun too. What if we take this route? This way there is no need to come back to Leh from Pangong and start all over again.
1. Can this be covered in a day (I guess not) and is there option in staying somewhere in between? Also can this be done on a bike (which we are going to hire in Leh). I know it looks good on paper but might be a different story when we are there.
2. Also Sept 4 to 15th is it going to be too much cold in the higher regions? What do shall we prepare.
Thanks,
Vishal
You can try that route, who knows it might be a lucky day for you. Plan a buffer day or own the fact that you might miss on Tso Moriri. Also, carry enough fuel with you as there will not be any fuel pumps on that route too.
1. It can be covered in a single day and you CANNOT pitch your tents on that route as it is not allowed to even divert from the track. The route is controlled by army and is quite sensitive, so respect the rules once there, even photographing too. As long as you can carry enough fuel with you and are extremely confident on the bike condition, you can attempt this route. Beware that there will be least help in miles.
2. It will start getting cold but quite bearable. Do carry heavy jacket with you since you will be riding and everything above 14000 Feet starts getting towards sub zero in September.
Thanks Dheeraj, we’ll respect the rules, absolutely.
1. Is there a particular reason that you’ve included Nubra first and Pangong later in the itinerary, It has something to do with acclimatization? Can we do Pangong first and Nubra later?
Yes Vishal, it is for acclimatization and Nubra MUST be done first only.
Dheeraj,
Have spoken to couples of driver from the list, they are asking for 50,000 which includes pick from sinagar airport of 31st Aug, & back to srinagar 5 Sept.
they are also offering a discount of 15%
Can any one suggest is this the right amount
42K after discount for a round trip to Srinagar – Ladakh Srinagar sounds decent deal to me, when just a drop to Leh is charged for about 14-15K this year from Srinagar.
Hi Dheeraj,
We have 9 days and 8 nights in Leh, and wanted to fit in Leh-Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh in our itenary as well. If we drop Pangong Tso + the last rest day + we have one more additional day , can this route be done in 3 days ? If not, how long would a round trip to Kargil take ? Which parts do you suggest we drop in case we want to accomodate Leh-Kargil-Lamayuru-Leh ? Will it be too much travel and should we restrict it to a round trip to Kargil and back or Lamayuru and back instead?
Hi Dheeraj ,
Made some refinements to the overall plan, would be great to get your thoughts / comments on the same:-
Day 1- Reach Leh by flight from Delhi, acclimatize and do light local sight seeing
Day 2 – Local sight-seeing , fix plan with Taxi driver and take permits if necessary (for Kargil if going via Batalik)
Day 3- Assuming we have acclimatized well, set off for Nubra Valley , spend overnight at Hunder or Diskit (Leh – Khardung La – Deskit – Hunder )/ else inset buffer day (Day 9) here
Day 4 – Return to Leh from Nubra valley , overnight at Leh (Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh)
Day 5 – Trip to Pangong Tso Leh – Chang La – Pangong Tso (overnight at Pangong Tso)
Day 6 – Pangong Tso – Leh (rest overnight at Leh)
Day 7 – Leh – Lamayuru – Kargil overnight at Kargil
Day 8 – Kargil – Zozi La – Srinagar overnight at Srinagar
Day 9 – Buffer day can be fitted in anywhere above (eg additional acclimatization in Leh, local sight-seeing etc) or can be spent in Srinagar
Day 10- Flight from Srinagar to Delhi
Would need to do a toss up between Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri..which one would you recommend ?
Thanks,
Shovik
Shovik, make a day trip to Pangong Tso or take Wari La route to Pangong Tso skipping Panamik and Sumur. Hunder to Pangong Tso via Wari La. This way you save a day and then you have a buffer day, if you OK with the risk you can actually include Tso Moriri in the trip as well of course less relaxing though. Out of the two if you want, then better you go with Pangong Tso being the first timer to Ladakh otherwise I always have loved Tso moriri much more than Pangong Tso.
Shovik, you can drop two days of Tso Moriri and make Leh to Kargil and Kargil to Leh back covering Lamayuru.
I am planning to travel in October 1st week. 1st October to 6th October. Can you tell is it safe to visit ladakh in this month. Are there any road blockages. Will I be able to visit Nubra and pangong lake
Anubha, by October, most of the resturants, hotels, guest houses in Ladakh start to close and very few remain operational. It is end of season. But, routes remain open all round the year. Camps at Pangong Tso also close by that time, hence, you will need to make a day trip and given the number of days you have you will have the option of only day trip to Pangong Tso. Rest should be fine. just carry heavy woolens with you.
Hi Dheeraj,
Glad to know that you are helping travelers for their one of the dream trip to leh.
Hope all of them had made it and thanks you for your effort to make their dreams true.
Dheeraj I have planed to do trip leh via Manali from Delhi and reaching Manali on 15th August and on 16th to LEH via Manali taxi.
Need your help to advise me the best itinerary to follow so that I can complete at least most of the beautiful place in leh and surroundings I have to back Delhi on 23rd Aug and in between I like to cover as much as I can but comfortably. we are 2 person ( me and my wife ) and also want your guidance in order to know the best mode of coming back from leh.. I have not book the return tkt as on now just because I am uncertain which route to follow. I can book flight, taxi etc but like to utilize the days which I have with me. please help to make by dream trip most enjoyable and unforgettable.
Your experience is the one that can help me and can make this trip memorable.
Best regards/ Chetender
Hi Chetender,
Thanks a ton 🙂 … It will take 3 days to reach Leh from Delhi via Manali side and 4 days to come back to Delhi from Leh via Srinagar side. This makes it 7 days. 1 Day is required in Leh for acclimatization. Going and coming by Manali will save you 1 day. In case you cannot fly directly to Leh, opt to go via Manali – Leh Highway and I will suggest that you refer the thread: Manali – Leh – Ladakh – Manali | Itinerary for 9 Days in DoW – Himalayan Travel Community as you have 9 days in hand.
Thanks a lot Dheeraj for your kind information.
Please advise if the below itinerary is fine for me.
Day 1 :- Manali to Leh ( 16th Aug )
• Reach Leh and overnight at Leh.
Day 2 :- Leh Local Sightseeing (17th Aug )
If feeling OK then do Local sightseeing. The Khar – Leh Palace, Tsemo Castle, Namgyal Gompa, Shanti Stupa, Hall of Fame in Leh, leh market.
• Overnight at Leh.
Day 3 :- Sham Valley Tour( 18th Aug )
Day trip to Sham Valley that consists of Gurdwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Zanskar and Indus River Confluence at Nimmu, Ruins of Basgo Palace and Basgo Plains, Alchi Monastery and Likir Monastery.
• Overnight at Leh.
Day 4 | Leh – Khardung La – Deskit – Hunder ( 19th Aug )
• Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Deskit.
Day 4 | Hunder to Pangong Tso via Wari La. (20th Aug)
• Overnight at pangong Tso.
Day 5 | Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri ( 21st Aug )
• Overnight at tso moriri.
Day 6 | Tso Moriri to Manali ( 22nd Aug)
Day 7 Manali to delhi
Like to know if Inner Line Permits for Leh Ladakh is required in any of the above for Indian National and also what will be the approx. cost if I rent the taxi for leh and covering all above place and drop us in Manali.
Once again thanks a lot for the help and awaiting for your revert.
Thanks and best regards,
Chender
Manali to Leh is covered in 2 days with overnight halt at Keylong or Jispa. Then Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri need permits and even with permits people are being sent back from Chusul checkpost as recently one person reported in DwD Community. So, need to drop it. Also, Tso Moriri to Manali cannot be done in one day. It needs two days.
Hi Dhreej,
Thanks a lot for all the info you have gathered. It really helps a lot of travelers.
I am travelling to Leh in a few days time and as I was going through all the comments found you mentioning that we can’t ride from Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri directly because of some permit issues. Can you please throw some more light on this? And how can one increase the chances in clearing the check post?
The below is the route which I had planned to take:
Spangmik (Pangong Tso) – Man (9 KMs) – Merak (12 KMs)– Khaltse (4 KMs) – Chusul (24 KMs) – Tsaga La (33 KMs) – Tsaga Village (20 KMs) – Loma (23 KMs) – Nyoma (22 KMs) – Mahe (25 KMs) – Sumdo (10 KMs) – Tso Moriri / Korzok (53 KMs) = 235 KMs
I planned to do the above route to save time(1 day) by not visiting leh after Pangong Tso.
Please let me know your views on this. Would really appreciate it.
Thanks,
Anand
Regarding Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri route or Pangong Tso to Hanle, the permits to Man – Merak – Chusul – Tsaga or remote Changthang routes are being given by DC office in Leh at ON and OFF basis, so keep your fingers crossed and hope for the best if they start issuing the permits by the time you visit or issue you on your lucky day. Also, even if the permits are given then as well there is no guarantee that you will be allowed to cross Chusul Post or not because last year several such incidents happened and people with permits also had to return via same route. All this will mean that you will have to risk it for at least a day getting wasted if you are not allowed because there will be no guarantee until you cross Chusul and Tsaga post. Otherwise, you have to take the traditional routes only via Leh.
Dear Dheeraj,
Thanks for your replies.
As I will have 4 nights and 3 days in Zanskar (staying at Padum), what do you suggest I do in these 3 days? Any activities, sites, etc. you advise?
Thanks again.
Best,
S.
Sunny, you can refer Itinerary for My Zanskar Trip in September – 2012
It will give you an idea for what to visit and what not. Since, you have 3 nights, you cannot do Pugtal for sure but rest of the places you can refer and take them on ease.
Dear Dheeraj,
Great blog. Ladakh is one place I have been wanting to go for a long time and your blog has helped immensely in making that dream (almost)come true. I have finally drawn up an itinerary for end of August. Could you please tell me if this is an acceptable itinerary or I need to make some changes. thanks a lot in advance.
best,
S.
Day 1: Delhi – Leh by air – stay at Lotus Hotel – relax and time to acclimatize
Day 2 (early morning): By taxi to Tso Moriri – overnight stay at Tso Moriri – Tsomoriri Camp
Day 3 (early morning): Leave for Leh. Rest for some time in Leh and leave for Kargil – overnight stay in Kargil – Zozila Residency
Day 4: leave for Zanskar – stay at Hotel Marq
Day 5: In Zanskar
Day 6: In Zanskar
Day 7: Leave for Kargil – overnight stay in Kargil
Day 8: Kargil – Leh by taxi
Day 9: back to Delhi by air
Glad to know that DoW helped you out in planning the trip to Ladakh. I see you have just 9 days in hand and I will suggest that you follow the itinerary suggested at the link: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/leh-ladakh-most-common-itinerary-by-air/
Just change the Pangong Tso day trip to two day trip as you have one extra day.
Your wife will need PAP that is Protected Area Permit which can only be obtained in the group of 2 or more foreigners through some registered travel agents in Leh
Regards
Dheeraj
Dear Dheeraj,
I am just traveling with my wife. She is a PIO card holder. If PAP can only be given in a group of 2 or more foreigners, how can she travel?
Do foreigners require PAP to visit Zanskar and Kargil as well?
I have modified my itinerary. Now, instead of landing in Leh, I will be going to Srinagar and reach Kargil by car. I am really interested in Zanskar. Do you think this will work or do you still advise that I follow the itinerary suggested by you.
Day 1: Delhi – Srinagar by air; Srinagar – Kargil by taxi; overnight stay in Kargil
Day 2: Kargil – Zanskar
Day 3: In Zanskar
Day 4: In Zanskar
Day 5: In Zanskar
Day 6: Zanskar – Kargil; overnight stay in Kargil
Day 7: Kargil – Leh; rest; local city tour; overnight stay
Day 8: Leh – Tso Moriri; overnight stay in Tsomoriri camp
Day 9: Tso Moriri – Leh; overnight stay in Leh
Day 10: Return to Delhi by air
Thanks.
Best,
S.
Sunny, in case you are more inclined to visit Zanskar Valley then no worries and the above plan is good too. However, you will still need permits for your wife for Tso Moriri in above itinerary. Also, the permits though are issued in the group of 2, but when you will go to Travel Agent, he will have some group where he will add her name as well and get you the permit. So, you can travel in that case. It is not mandatory for all the people listed in the permit to travel together, they all can separate have the permits copies and travel on their own.
Hi Dheeraj,
will you please give me your Contact Number. I have some quiries regarding leh Ladakh trip.
i wish to go to zanskar vally in mid may , is it possible ? how much time it takes from leh to zanskar? [we are planing for may 2015 [ We will be reaching Leh by flight on 12th may for 8 to 10 day] pls. guide me for Itinerary. we like to stay at pengong and Tsomoriri stay [tent ] nubra and zanskar and if any other? plssb guide me
thankx in advance
mangesh
Mangesh, it seems long plan :)… Leh to Zanskar will take 2-3 days depending upon your acclimatization levels. 8-10 days is too less for making a trip to Ladakh including Zanskar Valley. You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh by Air followed by many travelers including me at the link here for 8 days: Leh – Ladakh | Most Common Itinerary by Air.
Dear Dheeraj,
Just 2 days for the trip! Feeling excited. What do you suggest I should take with me, light or heavy woolens? We will be night staying at pangong, diskit, tso moriri & tso kar. Where will be the snow, meaning on roads too!
Regards,
Pooja
Pooja, do take heavy woolens with you. 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.
Best wishes for your Ladakh trip, enjoyyiii…
Dear Dheeraj,
I am back with bang! The trip was awesome, specially for wildlife. It’s a paradise on earth in real sense. I am still into it and want to go back ASAP. pangong is magnificent, Tso-moriri was half frozen (and the sight i tell you was most bful), Tso kar has best wildlife way & thrill to offer… Witnessed heavy snow fall at Nubra, but was pleasant thereafter. Than you a lot.
Lots of smiles…will share my blog soon (I write one for every trip of mine),
Regards,
Pooja
Awesome to know about it Pooja !! Thanks for posting back here. Yeah, it is indeed a Paradise and one trip is never enough for this heaven 🙂 Looking forward to trip details. If possible, do share some Photo Tale in DwD Community as well with many other like minded lovers of Himalayas.
Hi Dheeraj ..
I must say .. DoW has helped me immensely in planning my Ladakh Trip .. i am so very thankful to you for documenting even the smallest of problems that travellers may face .. Needless to say i am super excited about my Ladakh trip .. i have kept my itrinary almost similar to the one you’ve recommended in the article above .. but had some doubts ..
So here goes my iterinary .. I havent finalised the exact places .. will take more info from your posts ..
Day 1 – 27 Sept – Delhi to Leh by flight .. Reach hotel .. Take rest .. Leh sight seeing
Day 2 – 28 Sept – Leh and surroundings sight seeing ..
Day 3 – 29 Sept – Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardug La
Day 4 – 30 Sept – Nubra Valley to Leh vi Khardung La
Day 5 – 01 Oct – Pangong Tso via Chang La .. Full day trip
Day 6 – 02 Oct – Leh to Tso Moriri .. overnight at Tso Moriri
Day 7 – 03 Oct – Tso Moriri to Tso Kar and back to Leh
Day 8 – 04 Oct – Sham Valley .. full day trip
Day 9 – 05 Oct – Fly back to Delhi ..
Now my doubts ..
1) I hope this iterinary is fine .. !!
2) What are the overnight stay options at Tso Moriri .. ? I read theres no camping option available here ..
3) I read that there’s camping option available at Pangong Lake and Hunder Sand Dunes .. I am more interested in Lake camping as i have already done desert and sand dunes camping at Jaisalmer in Thar Desert .. (although i know this would b a different experience but still I’d prefer the lake camping experience) .. So the question is .. whether in early october camps wud still be there or not .. and if yes .. should i cut down on somethin else .. like sham valley and make it overnight at pangong .. or is there any other way of modifying the plan subject to camping availability .. ??
4) Since im going in October .. would it be too cold for camping and should i drop that plan .. ?
5) i really wanted to visit the Moon Lands .. but it is in Lamarayu i think and is a bit far from Leh .. and comes on Leh Srinagar highway .. is it possible to merge this with Sham Valley trip or any other trip in my above mentioned iterinary ..
6) From what i’ve read .. Hall of Fame is in Leh and i will visit that on day 1 or day 2 .. but what about the Kargil war memorial .. can it be merged with any other trip because i really want to go there but im not driving to leh via kargil ..
Thanks in advance for all your help .. and I must say that you are doing commendable work .. its great to read through your blog .. keep it up .. !!
Smiti
Hi Smiti,
Thank you so much, glad that DoW has helped to that extent. Sorry for delayed reply.
Now my doubts ..
1) Itinerary is fine and you can drop Sham Valley, cover some part of it on Day 2, only some. This day cn be used for 2 day trip to PAngong Tso.
2) In October it will be very difficult at Tso Moriri to get accommodation. You need to rely upon Chumathang Hot Spring Resort which is basic but should be available late in the season. At Tso Moriri, get in touch with Tso Moriri Camp and Resort as they are the ones who goes last.
3) Camp availability towards the end is slim and there are not camps in desert or at the shores of the lake. They are at least 500 Mtrs from the lake with Camp Watermark being the closest. So, check again with them else go with Himalayan Wooden Cottages which will help you protect from cold.
4) It will definitely be cold at night but not something unbearable types. Better take rooms at lakes instead of camps.
5) It will become very hectic, will suggest to keep it simple.
6) Kargil War Memorial is far ahead, cannot be merged here in the itinerary/
Thank you again 🙂
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
We will be reaching Leh by flight on 28th may. We want to rent bikes there and we are planning to do it on spot. And also the accommodation. Would you suggest us to do the bookings in advance?
Kishore no worries on that front but still you can get in touch with reliable rental shops in Leh mentioned on DoW at the link: Leh – Ladakh Bike Rental Rates 2014 – 15 & Reliable Shops
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks a lot for all your inputs, we completed our trip from 6th to 13th April and here’s the feedback :
1) acclimatization for the first day necessary for those who travel directly by air like we did.
2) our hotels, despite being expensive a bit, did not have proper heating facility, hot water given in buckets , requesting travelers to make sure these 2 imp facilitis are provided.
3) guest house at pangong tso was no better and the nights were too bold to make things worst due to such we had to cancel tso moriri which we feared was more cold than pangong.
4) very beautiful infinite landscapes and endless horizons to watch ; it’s truly a photographer’s paradise.
5) do book a window seat of flight, they will come to know why.
6) some unique experiences of riding on double humped camels and classic bullet bike.
7) some rough skating on frozen pangong lake too!
8) not to forget ” mai aur meri ladakh wali maggi ! ” at the end of khardunhla pass.
9) very peaceful and beautiful monasteries and very very hospitable people.
10) army museum in leh to remember the heroic deeds of our brave soldiers is must visit by d travelers.
11) unique silver sand near hunder diskit and pure transparent waters of shyok river.
Overall, it’s a must visit place, but with proper planning to enjoy the most of it.
Gaurav, good to know that brother and thank you so much for sharing your tips/experience here with all of us. Indeed, nice to know that you had a nice time. Well, yes, Pangong Tso is quite quite cold in April. It is always better to stay at Tangste Guest Houses which are a bit lower in height and better heating facilities than home stays at Pangong Tso when you are there during cold times. Same goes with Tso Moriri as well, you should stay at Chumathang which due to hot springs is quite hot itself. But, good to know you had good time.
Hi Dheeraj,
I stumbled on your blog after I had booked my travel package to Leh. Had I read it before, there is a high possibility that I might have not booked the package for the middle of May 2014. End of June seems more appropriate now.
Restrainted by fixed travel dates (16th-23rd May’14), can you please advice on key precautions (apart from acclimatization) we must take considering we would be flying to and fro with our elderly parents (both 60 yr+).
Del-Leh-Leh-Nubra-Leh-Pangong-Leh-Leh-Del
Growing anxious with each article I read.
Thanks, Sadhvee
Hello Sadhvee,
That’s very unfortunate 🙁 … You could have saved some good money in that case and at DoW, there is a comprehensive guide of Ladakh reading which you do not need any agent or package tour in between. Anyways, acclimatization is the key point when flying to Leh. Apart from that DO CARRY heavy woolens with you as nights will be cold to very cold at Pangong Tso and while moving through high mountains passes of Khardung La and Chang La in day time.
Given enough rest to your bodies for first two days, less exertion, and adequate hydration. Keep ORS Soluted water with you.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hey Dheeraj,
Thank you very much for the detailed information. I have still some doubts. Me and my friends are planning a visit to Ladakh around mid June. We have our itinerary planned for around 12-14 days. The first option recommended by you seems to be Srinagar-Leh and the Leh-Manali. But me and my friends have some doubts regarding the fitness required for this kind of continuous driving for around 12 days. So we might go to Leh via flight and then do the local sightseeing according to the above schedule. But later on we want to travel on a bike to Manali. So is it possible to rent a bike in Leh and then got to Manali and drop the bike there? Please give your inputs on this issue. Or please give any other solution you might have to our problem. Thanking you.
Regards,
Abhishek
Abhishek, there are some confusions this year for Bike Rentals. Ladakh Bike Rental association has passed a circular that they will not allow outside Leh registered bike for getting hired. Earlier with some premium paid you can take bike for one way and the renter will come to pick it up. However, this year no idea because in that case Manali guys will force the issue back and will not allow any Ladakh rented bike to enter their area as well.
Hi Dheeraj,
Your site is really helpful to make itinerary to ladakh by air.
We(me & my husband) planned to go there 29th April to 8th May.
Your sketched itinerary suits us but I have some questions like,
Can we travel Diskit to Pangong Tso direct instead of via Leh?
Can we take overnight stay at Pangong Tso and then will go to Tso Moriri and stay over there?
Can we plan trekking on 7th May as there is polling?
Thank you
Varshney, I will not suggest that you travel Pangong Tso directly from Nubra Valley because Shyok route is very very desolated and any mechanical failure could mean stranding for days as there is no help around. Wari La route which is just a bit less desolated will not be open during that time of the year. Be prepared well for night’s cold as temperature will be well below zero at Tso Moriri and Pangong Tso during that time.
Thanks a lot.. 🙂
Best wishes for your trip to Ladakh.
hi dheeraj…
me nd my husband r going to leh on 23 april from delhi by air..will all the plsces u hav mentioned here r open at that time…and can we find hotels at nubra valley and pangong lake…? should we buk the hotels in advance?
thanks
Yes, Nisha. All these places will be open during that period. Regarding booking, it depends on your choice. It is not a tourist season and if you are OK to search a place to stay after you land there, you are good to go without bookings.
Hi Dheeraj,
We are planning to visit leh in April-2014 for 8 days. We’ll be using air way to reach at leh.
Is it better idea to visit Tso moriri lake on second day of arrival to leh ??
Thanks.. 🙂
Dates (9th to 16th April)
Harshal, the itinerary mentioned in the article above suits you best. Please follow it without any doubts 🙂 … The only thing is that you will have to stay at Chumathang as Korozk, Tso Moriri will not have anything to stay that early apart from home stays.
Thanks Dheeraj 🙂
Hi Deepak,
First of all, a big thanks for this extremely useful/informative blog! Not just the blog, the comment section too packs in a lot of vital information for rookies like me and some of my friends!
We’ll probably follow the same itinerary (most common one) you suggest in many of your comments.
So I had the following doubts in mind which we wanted to clear…
1. Time
We are planning to take a flight to Leh around the fourth week of May. I have already seen one of your ladakh travel blogs from 2012 (https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/khardung-la-pass-where-snow-galore-ladakh-2012/) with many pics showing the road to Khardung La being all frozen like a sea of snow. My dates are flexible. What is the earliest that I can visit Ladakh and not get such snow?
I basically want to experience the scenic beauty in colour and not all in white!
2. Motorcycling
All my friends have no experience driving in the mountains except me. However, they regularly drive in the city and I have already done a motorcycling trip to Rohtang Pass last December.
What would you suggest considering the above facts?
3 Is there any good blog/guide on how to tie up all your backpack and stuff with the rear of the bike?
4. I was a little skeptical if we would be able to accommodate a rider at the back seat of the bike after mounting all our backpack/stuff at the rear. Let me know what’s your take on this.
5. I would really appreciate if you could pass on your contact info to me (anuj@iitk.ac.in).
Thank you Anuj !! Glad you loved the info. on DoW
1. So, brother if you want colors of Ladakh then better visit September types to see vivid colors of Ladakh. If snow, then May is good time to visit. The place has snow only on Passes and in Nubra Valley, you will find greenery. The later you go, more vibrant green they become and in the end orangish in late September / October.
2. It all depends, if there is snow on passes then everyone of you will struggle else roads in Ladakh are fine to travel I will say.
3. Sorry bro, but you gave me a thought for writing an article about it after some research, noting it down, wish will write before your trip 😉
4. In case there is too much luggage, then you won;t be able to put a pillion. In such a case, you need to travel light and use carrier to put in luggage.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
Thank you very much for this article, its hugely useful for first timers like me.
I am planning to goto Leh from Hyderabad by flight and take on road journey while returning from Leh to Manali. I can be there in Leh by 17th May morning 10 AM and should be back in Delhi by 25th May afternoon for flight to Hyd. Would you be able to suggest me an itinerary for this? I would like to visit Nubra Valley, Sham Valley and Panggong Tso for sure.
Thank you very much for your help in advance.
Regards,
Kumudini
Hi Kumudini,
Thank you, glad you like it. You are a bit short of 1 day I will say, so you might need to drop the Tso Moriri in that case. You can follow something like below
17th : Leh Rest and acclimatize
18th : Leh Rest and acclimatize
19th : Leh – Nubra Valley
20th : Nubra Valley – Leh
21st : Leh – Pangong Tso – Leh
22nd : Leh – Pang – Sarchu
23rd : Sarchu – Jispa – Manali
24th : Manali – Delhi
Refer the itinerary above for details of places on each day to cover to get an idea. Keep in mind there are no buffer days for you and in May end, there will be very cold conditions at Manali – Leh highway with frequent stoppages or closures due to snow. Be prepared for such conditions.
Regards
Dheeraj sharma
this is the first time i am writing to you
Dear Dheerajji,
How far is Jammu Airport from Jammu Rly.station? We have a flight to catch from Jammu Airport at 16.00 hrs, what time should we leave Patnitop to reach airport in time?
regards
Gautamdg.
Gautam, Patnitop to Jammu will take around 3.5-4 Hrs of easy run. Hence, I will suggest you keep it around 7-8 Hrs including buffer as well as entry to airport, just in case it is required.
we are a group of 4 families going to leh in the first week of june’14
we will return by air.could you pl tell me how frequently flights are cancelled due to bad weather in june and what do the airlines do to adjust the stranded passengers? we will be following your advice in toto for our trip.
Hi Gautam,
No one can predict the weather it can turn up ugly any day in Trans Himalayas, so nothing certain. However, chances of getting cancelled after May are very less unless it is that unlucky and bad day for you. In case the flight is cancelled due to bad weather, airlines resechedule the passengers in other flights either that day or next available day.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi, we (3 people) are planning to to go to Ladakh (via New Delhi by flight)on November 29. But we still do not book and arrange for the itinerary.
Let me know in what sense I can help you.
we r planning for ladakh on 4th or 5th oct via manali on our 4wd.. and we follow the same route to return. i only want to know the weather conditions of manali leh route..
Gurjeet, Sorry for delayed reply as I was traveling Ladakh for last couple of weeks. Guess it is already late for the reply, hope you having a nice trip to Ladakh and Manali – Leh Highway.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
hi Dheeraj,
This blog is outstanding. Helped a great deal for my plan. Just wanted to get my plan vetted by you, btw am there from 21 Sep to 28 Sep, so we might bump into each other too.
Day1: landing n resting
Day2: local sight seeing including, shey, thiksey, shanti stupa, palace n may be market
Day3: off to alchi and stay there overnight at a Ule ethnic resort.
Day4: Next day visit gurudwara pathar sahib, magnetic hill, lamayuru n back
Day 5: off to Nubra, stay there at ethnic resoort. Stay overnight
Day 6: Visit hunder n deskit, camel ride etc.
(Wish to travel to pangong via wari la or any other route and stay at pangong in a homestay)
Else
Day7:leh to pangong n back. Seems it might be a thunderstorm that day so little more sceptical.
Day8: fly back
Nihit, you have already crafted a nice itinerary. May be stay at Uley Ethnic resort in first couple of days will help more. Weather changes abruptly so try to se forecast on days early. You can save one day upto Day 4 and do 3 days of acclimatization. This will ensure you have 2 day trip to Pangong Tso.
Hi Deeraj,
What a best knowledge you have in Leh/Ladakh.. Kudos to your patience.
I m planning to travel to Leh/Ladakh from Dec 15 to 22nd.. As those were the only available dates i can travel.
This is the model itinerary i have derived at after reading your various comments..
15th December: Arrive in Leh, if feeling alright then visit Shanti Stupa and Leh Palace
16th December: Get the inner line permit for Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso, do the Sham Valley circuit.
(Sham Valley include Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, Gurudwara Pather Sahib)
17th December: Leh – Khardung La – Nubra Valley, visit Diskit Monastery and Hunder Sand Dunes. Stay at Hunder.
18th December: Visit Sumur and Panamik early in the morning and then head back to Leh.
19th December: Leh – Pangong Tso, come back to Tangste for night stay.
20th December: Head back to Pangong Tso and visit Harong Wet Lands and then head back to Leh
21st December: Monastery Circuit and local sightseeing(Monastery tour may include Hemis, Thicksey, Stakna and Shey monasteries).
22nd December: Fly back.
How doable is the plan?
Will the guest houses be open at that time period?
Any chance of snowfall during that time period?
Thanks for your answers
Chandra
Chandra, seems you travel alot, guess you posted a query for October too 😉 …
Well, Itinerary seems OK BUT mind you that it will be damn cold and no easy piece of cake in December. Everything will depend upon how your body survive there for initial days. Plan wise it looks decent enough.
Hi Dheeraj, first of all let me congratulate you for creating such a wonderful and informative blog.. 🙂
Now let me know you my plan to visit Leh….
I am planning to reach Leh from Delhi by air on 4th oct and leaving back to Delhi on 13th oct by air only. This makes it a 9 day trip. I will be strictly following the above itinerary provided by you unless you want me to make any alterations. However there are some doubts on my mind which I would request you to clear:-
1. Is it ok to travel all alone to Leh..??
2. How much will the whole tour cost (approx.) excluding air fares..??
3. Do I need to contact any travel agent to plan my tour or can I do it on my own..??
P.S. I am totally depending on you as I have no Idea about how to plan a trip all alone.
Thanks in advance.
🙂
Dhaval Sharma
Hello Dhaval,
1. At that time of the year it will be cold, very cold at passes and lakes. Camps will be gone at the lakes so only options of stay will be basic homestays or stay at guest houses about 34 KMs from Pangong Tso at Tangste and 90 odd KMs from Tso mOriri at Chumathang.
2. 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
Still, in case you have any doubt, kindly let me know.
However, since you are traveling alone in off season it will be very difficult to find travel partners and individual taxis will be costly.
3. No need to contact any travel agent, just land there and proceed.
All on other side, If you can prepone the trip by 10 odd days then you can be a part of DoW Mega Meet in Ladakh and we do have a place for 1 person open to share taxi with us. We plan to leave on 21st from Srinagar and end in Delhi on 2nd October. For details check: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/india/travel-meets-workshops-tours-f37/dow-adventure-club-ladakh-tour-cum-meet-2013-t324.html
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hey Dheeraj, thanks for the quick reply buddy…
First of all I am really sorry that I can’t make the alterations in my dates due to some professional commitments. 🙁
Coming back to my doubts:- 1. As far as cold conditions are concerned, I don’t have any issues with them.. 🙂
But as you said that the camps will be gone, So is it a major issue I should worry about..??
2. Regarding the budget:- How much will they charge if I book the same taxi for the entire tour..
Or should hiring different taxis for each destination will be more economical..??
Regards
Dhaval Sharma
Hi Dhaval,
1. Yes, because there is no place to stay apart from homestays or away from Lake.
2. For the leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2013-14 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here. You can get about 10-12% of discount by directly getting in touch with drivers and of course, talking in person rather on phone always help in bargaining more.
Approximately as per taxi union rates, 2 Day trip to Nubra = 8.5K, 2 Day trip to Pangong – 8.5K, 2 Day trip to tso Moriri = 10K types
May be check with travel agents in Leh if they have something shared running at that time of the year. It is quite easy to get such shared taxis in season time.
Regards
Dheeraj
Sorrym by postpone I meant prepone the trip 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
I read almost all your post. Definitely you have vast knowledge regarding the Leh and surrounding Areas. Me and my wife have planned to visit kargil Kashmir leh ladakh. Could you please help us in design our internary. Let me give you short summary, On 20nd we are flying from Delhi and reaching leh early morning around 8 am and our return is from Jammu to delhi via train i.e on 28th Septmember. Could you please tell us how to follow the route so that we can cover leh kargil Srinagar.
I am eagerly waiting for your reply. Also could you please name some average rate hotels. Also which mode of transpotation would be good and economical for us ( two wheeler or four wheeler).
My Budget is around 25k-30k thousand excluding my flight tickets and train tickets.
Hello Amit,
You can easily follow the above itinerary as mentioned upto Day 7 and then on Day 8 and Day 9 you can follow below itinerary to reach Srinagar:
Day 8 | Leh – Lamayuru – Kargil
— Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes
— On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu
— Overnight at Kargil
Day 9 | Kargil – Drass – Zozi La – Sonamarg – Srinagar
— Enjoy the vistas enroute
— Have late drunch meal at Sonamarg
— Overnight at Srinagar
For accommodation, check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate and cheap budget hotels as well in the series of articles starting on the link here
For the leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2013-14 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here. You can get about 10-12% of discount by directly getting in touch with drivers and of course, talking in person rather on phone always help in bargaining more.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Can we cover Leh Ladakh in Oct? We plan to reach Leh by Air on 2nd Oct, please suggest, if this is a good time to visit?
Priya, you can cover Ladakh in second week of October but keep in mind that most of the camps will be gone from the lakes, guess none will remain. It will be cold too at that time of the year. It is not an ideal time as season almost shutdown but doable and if you are OK with cold conditions, shall be good enough.
For more details, check:Best Time to Travel Ladakh & Zanskar Valley
Are you planning to come back by road? How many days do you have?
Regards
Dheeraj
Dheeraj, if its Leh/Ladakh its flying in and out from Leh…We are also contemplating Himachal…will decide by Monday
Hmmm, sure, let me know in case you need any inputs or have any queries after taking the decision over Himachal or Ladakh 🙂
Plan is to start from Delhi on the 2nd and return to Delhi on 14th but after reading the threads for the Kinnaur valley on the road conditions and the almost shutdown of the season in Oct, I think its best to visit next year… Unfortunately, I cant prepone this trip
Priya, I also feel that it will be better that you visit this beautiful valley next year to enjoy it completely without bother of any side factors.
Dear Dhiraj,
Thank you, thank you very very much. I will take proper precautions. What I can pray, May God keep you happy and smiling for the rest of your life and go on helping all-Ashim
Thanks alot and best wishes for the trip. If possible, try and share your Himalayan experience with us at DoW – Himalayan Travel Community as Photo Tale or Travel Tale Or your reviews of the property where you stayed or dhabhas/restaurants you ate food on your trip…
Drar Dhiraj,
We 2 were to reach Leh on 25th Sept and received your full hearted co-operation and guidance ( vide my letter dt 11th July) . But sorry to cancel all the air tickets and re-fixed as follows.
30.9-Kolkata to Srinagar
1.10- Srinagar to Kargil
2.10- Kargil to Leh covering Mulbek Maitey,Lamayuru Monasteries,Lunar landscape,Gurudwara Pather Shahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence of Nimmu.
3.10- Leh Local + inner line Permit.
4.10- Leh to Hunder/Diskit-stay.
5.10- Back Leh.
6.10- Leh to Pangong Tso & back.
7.10- Leh to Tsomoriri- stay.
8.10- Back Leh via Tso Kar.
9.10- Rest /Sham valley (?)
10.10- Back Delhi & Kolkata.
Mt questions are- (1) as we are going one weak latter than earlier plan, where we can stay at Tsomoriri and Hunder/Diskit when (you said) almost all hotel owners pack up on 30th Sept and come back with hope for the next season. Pl. name some Hotels etc.
Your guidance is very much needed.
(2) How much cold at Hunder and Tsomoriri ? Is it unbearable? ( we are aged 64 and 65 yrs)
(3) How much coverage of Sham Valley is practically feasible during journey from Kargil to Leh? When we should start from Kargil, by which time we should reach Leh ? Do the points of interest lie on the Kargil-Leh Highway or we have to go inside (in that case should we tell the Taxi Driver before hand at Srinagar?)
(4) In that case should we cancel Sham Valley tour on the last day? Eagerly waiting for your early reply as the rate of air tickets are going high & exhausted . Thanking you — Ashim
Hello Ashim,
1. You will not find any camps at Tso Moriri only guest houses and there will be basic guest houses there. So, you need to brave the cold there.
2. In nubra Valley it will be bearable BUT in Tso Moriri it will be cold. Better stay at Chumathang and do Tso Moriri and come back to Leh next day.
3. Except Alchi, Likir, it is easily doable as all things are on the way only. May be you can visit alchi and skip Likir.
4. Last day just rest for the day and spend sometime in Leh 🙂
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dhiraj Bhai,
Plz advise/suggest on my itinerary –
Number of people – 6
9-Aug : Mumbai – Srinagar(arrival at 1500 hrs)
10-Aug : Srinagar – Kargil
11-Aug : Kargil – Leh
12-Aug : Leh – Khardung La – Nubra Valley
13-Aug : Nubra Valley – Panamik – Diskit – Hunder
14-Aug : Hunder – Pangong
15-Aug : Pangong – Leh
16-Aug : Leh – Kargil
17-Aug : Kargil – Srinagar
18-Aug : Srinagar – Mumbai(departure at 1500 hrs)
What modifications do u suggest? Is this plan ok for proper acclimatisation? Can TSO Moriri be fit in this itinerary? but I feel trip should not just about running all around, what’s your opinion?
Private Taxi is going to charge 28k for Srinagar-Leh-Srinagar(days in Ladakh will be charged separately) and this rate is for Innova. Is this amount ok?
Can we cover Leh-Srinagar by road in a day? Would be ok to halt again at Kargil while returning? Would it be hectic to cover Leh-Srinagar by road in a day?
Thanks in Advance,
Shirish
Hi Shirish,
Plan looks OK but Hunder to Pangong Tso will only be done via Wari La, which many people get afraid to take. Most taxis will not take it and keep in mind that it is a desolated route and if something goes off, you will be certainly on your own. Tso Moriri has no space in there unless you add 2 more days. If you really want trip shall not be running around, think again for the above trip, you are getting out with luggage almost everyday 🙂 …
Amount seems OK for both ways. It will be difficult to cover in day, very hectic. However, though it will increase the taxi budget BUT you cantake the Batalik route after getting its permit from Leh DC office while returning to KArgil from Leh.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
I and friends are planning a trip to leh-ladakh in the last week of August. We have an itinerary ready and need some inputs.
We would be travelling by road via srinagar route and planinng to return via Manali highway.
Thanks in advance
Below is the itinerary:
Day 1 (Aug 24):
Jammu-Patni Top. Stay there for the night and leave next day early morning
Day 2 (Aug 25):
Patni Top – Srinagar. Stay there for the night.
Day 3 (Aug 26):
Srinagar – Kargil. Start from Srinagar around 8 AM and stay in kargil for a night.
Day 4 (Aug 27):
Kargil – Leh. Stay in Leh for a night.
Day 4 (Aug 28):
Leh – Khardungla – Leh. Do local sight seeing.
Day 5 (Aug 29):
Leh – Pangong Tso. Stay at pangong for a night. Can we get some accomodation at Pangong?
Day 6 (Aug 30):
Pangong – Tsomoriri via Chushul route. Stay at Tsomoriri for a night. Can we get permits to Tso Moriri via Chushul? Have read at many places that its difficult to get
permits.
Day 7 (Aug 31): Tso MOriri – Pang/Sarchu.
Day 8 (Sep 01):
Sarchu – Manali.
Day 9 (Sep 02):
Manali – Chandigarh.
Thanks again.
-Abhishek.
Abhishek, just replied to your query in the community at the link: Leh/Ladakh Itinerary for 10 days
Hi Dheeraj,
Me and a couple of friends are planning a trip to leh-ladakh in the 1st of September. We’ve made up an itinerary and I’v got some queries related to the very same. We also need your inputs. Can you give me your contact info and email id
P.S. Thanks in advance
Ramesh, why not post the itinerary here itself or you can start a thread at below link for your itinerary advice and complete planning of Ladakh trip in more structured way 🙂 DoW – Himalayan Travel Community | Ladakh Itinerary Advice
Anyways, there is a Email Me button right in side bar which can be used to mail me, however, since it remains mostly flooded, it always is least priority to be replied 🙂
Regards
Dheeraj sharma
Hey, I’v posted the itinerary on the travel community
And it’s under the name rayden
It is replied 🙂
me and my husband has planned a trip to leh and its surrounding ares on 16th October to 21st october.pls reply is it ok to visit leh that time.
sutirtha as you have informed me that you are 50 yrs above and so is your husband i would suggest you to choose warmer months for your visit.
Hi sutirtha,
Are you planning to fly in and fly out of Leh? Weather will be really cold at that time of the year and one should take heavy woolens at that time of the year. You need couple of days at least to acclimatize first and then if feeling OK you can head for couple of days trip to Nubra Valley. After coming back you can make a day trip to Pangong Tso.
Regards
Dheeraj sharma
Yes,Dheeraj I am flying in and out from Delhi.since my trip is only for 5 days I don’t even have the time to acclimatize.I will visit nubra valley and stay there 1 night and go to pangong for a day excursion.Thus 4 nights in Leh.If you can kindly update me on the temperature it would be really kind of you.IF there are any dos and don’t pls let me know of it also.
Alright, thought process looks OK. Just follow the first two days strictly like:
Day 1 | Delhi – Leh (By Flight)
— Checkin at Hotel. Many hotels provide free pick and drop from Airport. Ask while you book them.
— Take ample of rest as well as water or anything that keep your body hydrated enough. DO NOT OVER HYDRATE. Take ORS Soluted water or ORS – L tetra packs from home.
— Do not over exert your body at any cost. Avoid too much up-down on stairs or avoid it in entirety, if possible.
— After 5-6 Hrs of rest you can visit Leh Palace, Local Leh market, Shankar Gompa .
— If you feel exerted go back to Hotel, have dinner at Hotel and take rest. Avoid any exertion. Else continue and,
— Follow the sunset by stroll at Changspa road and have a nice dinner on varied cuisines offered in-around Changspa road.
— Go back to hotel for overnight stay at Leh.
Day 2 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Inner Line Permits
— For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
— Hire a taxi from Leh taxi stand or Hotel whichever suits you.
— Bargain hard with taxi driver. Book that single taxi for entire trip after explaining the complete plan.
— Take his inputs if you feel reasonable and if required modify the plan accordingly but should suits you best.
— Ask him to be with you guys starting first day itself, if required and charged reasonable else do it at your own.
— Again DO NOT over exert and take little steps and slow walks only.
— If feeling OK then do Local sightseeing. To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
— Do not use stairs at any of these places just to see them as it will exert your body much more.
— Overnight at Leh
Day 3 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 4 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Pangong Tso – Leh
— Make a Day trip to Pangong Tso
— Overnight at Leh
In October, Maximum temparature remains around 10 degC while Minimum on cloudy days can go elow Zero or else will rmeain around zero degC
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
dheeraj the taxifare fare chart provided is very complicated if you can give me something simple like—1)taxifare from leh to pangong and back to leh.
2)taxifare from leh to nubra valley night stay and back to leh. Let me know its a off season in leh am I right? so supposedly I will be getting accommodations in a fewer places at lower rates than usual ones.
1. Pangong Day Trip = 8514
2. Nubra Valley with hunder/diskit in 2 days = 7332
Yes, you will get lowest rates and even on the above taxi rates you can bargain about 25% discounts too. Hotels will also be running 50% types discounts.
Hi Deeraj,
I planned to do the Srinagar – Leh trip in this way.. an extra day stay in Ule enroute to leh so that i can see the sham valley circuit and reach Leh..
How good is the plan? can the driver pick me up from Srinagar?
Me my wife and 3 kid are planning for the trip..so taking the AMS into consideration i dont want to stay in Pangong Tso.. or can it be done??
what do you suggest.. i still have 1 or 2 days with me..i dont want to exert more in going to Tso Moriri and other areas..
Day 1 : Arrive Srinagar – Mughal Garden – Stay at Houseboat
Day 2 : Srinagar – Sonamarg – Kargil
Day 3 : Kargil – lamayaru -Ule
Day 4 : Ule – Alchi – Basgo – Gurudwara Pathar Sahib- Confluence – Leh
Day 5 : Apply for Permit – Shey – Thiksey – Hemis
Day 6 : Leh – Khardungla – Nubra
Day 7 : Nubra – Diskit – Sumur – Leh
Day 9 : Leh – Pangong Tso – Leh
Day 10: rest Day Shanti Stupa and Leh Palace
Day 11 : Leave Leh – Delhi
how much would be the coset for the trip for vehicle alone.. Pref Innova.
Travelling in 1st week of Sep
Thanks,
Chandra
Hi Chandra,
You can definitely stay at Pangong Tso if you have couple of days. Idea to stay at Uley is good. If you have two days then one day make extended stay at Turtuk in Nubra Valley and by that time it shall be fine to make overnight stay at Pangong Tso. Or if you really doubting then you can opt for Tangste too which will give you more time to explore the lake as well as ease out jounrey. On the way to Pangong Tso and back to Leh, you can visit Hemis, Thicksey, Shey as well. So, Day 5 will be relaxed for you.
Better go with Xylo rather Innova. For the leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2013-14 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here. You can get about 10-12% of discount by directly getting in touch with drivers and of course, talking in person rather on phone always help in bargaining more.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Deeraj,
Thanks for your very prompt response.. i went through the taxi union rates 2013 and below is the cost i have sorted down.. is this correct? could you plz guide me if i m wrong..
XYLO Rates:
Srinagar – leh 15000 (the price quoted is for 2 day trip.. if i extend a day and prefer to stay at ULE and do the sham valley circuit will the price change??)
Monastries circuit(Hemis, Shey, Thiksey and Stok) : 2500
Pangong Tso 8500(2 day trip, stay at Tangste)
Leh -Nubra – Leh : 8700(stay at Diskit/Hunder and visit Sumoor and Panamik while return)
Alchi Lamayaru 4500
Is there any other cost i need to take into consideration? for 8 day itinerary it comes close to 40000/-
Chandrasekar, though the prices appear to be correct, but why are you coming back to Lamayuru when you are also going by same route from srinagar to leh? No need to come back. Apart from these rates drivers do not charge for anything else. Also, get in touch with the drivers listed in that article and you will get good discounts on these prices.
Dear Dhiraj,
Many many thanks . I shall talk to you over our mobile in due time. Hope both of us will try our best to have a worm wish at each other at ladakh. On your disclosure of being at Tso moriri during end of Sept, I knew that Rigzin was booked already ; simultaneously I was sure to be able to keep contact with you at Ladakh for friendship or in need through Rigzin . Hope for the best.
Thanking you ASHIM
contd :- I can provide you my post paid BSNL Mob No that I will take prior to going Leh . Thanking you again – ASHIM
Dear Dhiraj,
Thanks a lot for your confident advice and guidance.I have made necessary rectifications.
Hope your coming tour will provide you more pleasure and satisfaction and in the long run we, the leh lovers will be enriched from you.
And a last word, you are helping uncounted number of persons . I wish I could help you. We will be nearby during those days and If you need any medical advice , please inform me. I can give my BSNL post paid Mob No
Ashim ji, just forwarded you my contact info. Lets meet in Ladakh and share a cup of tea, if possible 🙂
Dear Dhiraj,
Thank you for quick reply and sorry for disturbing you again. Actually I have seen neither Pangong nor Tso moriri and am interested on Leh after “3-idiots”. So am depending on yoy so much. You advised 2-days Tsomoriri and 1-day Pangong tour and there must be some reason. Anyway my new itinerary is as follows, please confirm or rectify.
25th Sept:- Reach Leh by air – rest
26 -Leh Festival and local on foot if possible-Night rest.
27 – Sham Valley & Back – night rest (for better acclimatization as we are older or Sham valley at last ?)
28 – Nubra valley – night stay
29 – Bk leh
30 – Pangong & Bk Leh
1 – Tso moriri – night stay
2 – Bk leh via Tsokar-Debring
3 – Leh Local / rest.
4 – Flight to Delhi and Kolkata same day.
My questions, please don’t be irritated :-
(1) Any problem to get permit with this type of itinerary?
(2) Is night stay near lake at Pangong colder and chiller than that of Tsomoriri ? ( 3years back one of my friends spent night sitting at a home stay due to cold at Pangong during end sept )
(3)Is tour operator dependable in respect of the vehicle condition & driver OR should go for cooperation,reliability and guidance from one of the drivers you mentioned at a little bit extra cost.
(4) Cant follow sir exactly, do you want to mean chance of Guest Houses at Tso moriri to remain open and available at that time and home-stay not needed.
(5) Last question sir, what makes you so much in clined towards Tso moriri ? Thankin you again — ASHIM
Hello Ashim ji,
If you feeling well on second day then go with Sham Valley else better to keep it on last day.
1. No issues with the permit, these are most common places.
2. Both are equally cold, so be prepared for it. Tso Moriri do have some rooms too with Tso Moriri Camps & Resorts.
3. Better go with drivers to save good cost. Rigzin is booked with me for that period, so may be you can try others. So, at least for taxi you can completely rely them but if you are particular about hotels and want to stay there, better go with info@offbeatescapes.com. Ask for DoW discounted rates for hotels. Otherwise, just land there and search for hotels.
4. Even the camps will be running upto 30th September & so does guest houses.
5. Tso Moriri is more calm and serene as compared to Pangong Tso PLUS it is less touristy as it requires 2 days for the complete trip. It cannot be done in 1 day. So, you have the lake for yourself as compared to Pangong now a days.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Dear Dhiraj,
Thank you for your instant reply.(I posted earlier letter on 5th in the page of itinerary for 14 days).
Actually we two(aged 64 & 65yrs) after reading your extensive work by this time, are encouraged to go on our own following your guidelines and decided to cancel a travel agents leh booking done earlier.
We will be at Leh from 25th sept to 3rd oct. (25th 26th – rest and closing of Ladakh Festival),On 27th will go to Nubra – 2days tour.
But we are confused with Pangong and Tso moriri. we want 2-days tour for the better one and 1-day for the other. Here owr questions are :-
(1) Scenic beauty during journey, beauty on the spot, sunset-sunrise beauty etc are better in which one?
(2) Chance of availability of accommodation near lake is better in which one? Accommodation means moderate like Padma GH at Pangong or Mentok GH at Tso moriri but we are ready for HOME STAY with basic facility and food. Just availability is of concern.
(3)What are the places in local tour you mentioned that a car is essential to visit and can those be covered along with Sham Valley tour in a single day or another day for Sham Valley to be kept – ASHIM
Ashim ji, I will suggest if you want to cover both lakes then you have to go with 2 day trip to Tso Moriri & one day trip to Pangong Tso. Otherwise, you can drop Tso Moriri and make two day trip to Pangong Tso. In the remaining day, you can either enjoy Leh or do Sham Valley trip.
1. Both lakes have their equal charm. I somehow like Tso Moriri more but late in the season Pangong Tso will be equally good.
2. Both have accommodation near the lakes. No issue with availability at guest houses that late inthe season. Perhaps we will also see you there too in ebtween those days on our DoW Ladakh tour of the community.
3. Keep Sham Valley separate 🙂
hi dheeraj bhai, first of all, kudos to u, your forum has been of great help. i’ll flying to Leh come this 20th(early mrng), we are a group of 4, i chalked out a itinerary based on what u have advised on the site, let me know if it’s alright:-
Day 1- take rest, may be go fr a afternoon tour of shanti-stupa nd hall of fame, nd late evng to the market.
day 2- Leh- khardung la- dikit-hunder-turtuk
day 3- turtuk- hunder- diskit- khardungla- leh
day4- leh- chumathang- mahe bridge- nyoma- loma- hanle
day 5- hanle- tso moriri via salsal la route- tso kar
day 6- Day 3 | Tso Kar – MTaglan La – Leh
day 7- leh- chang la- pangongto-changla- leh!
to cover Pangong Tso in a day, we need to leave around 4 in the morning, that’s what i have read in few blogs, is that true, if that is the case, how much time will it take to reach Leh from Tso kar/ tso moriri?
or is there any alternate routes for any of the above mentioned places we can follow?
we have to be in Srinagar at any cost by 28th, we have our return flight 29th morning, 12’00?
which brings me to my next query, i have heard shared cabs leave for Srinagar around 4’00am from LEH!
if that is true it’ll leave us with no time for Srinagar, is there any way we leave a bit early?
i read u advised someone that they can stay at pangong if they want to skip tso moriri, which means, i can do this:-
day 5- hanle- tso moriri
day 6- pangong tso- changla- leh!
Aamir, second day is too much here. I will advise rest on second day too.. Third day, make trip to Nubra (just hunder, diskit). Then come back to Leh either doing Sumur Panamik or directly to Pangong Tso via Wari La if you are OK with desolated route. 5th day come back to Leh from Pangong Tso. Then 6th and 7th make two day trip to Tso Moriri.
Hello Dheeraj!
Thank you very much for all the information on this blog. My plans for Kashmir-Ladakh trip is almost entirely based on your tips.
Me and my boyfriend are planning to start the journey in mid-August for two weeks starting from Amritsar-Jammu-Srinagar-Kargil-Leh-Pangong Tso-Leh-Nubra Valley-Leh.
1. Can we arrange a shared taxi from Srinagar to Leh with overnight stay in Kargil, and also few hours stop in Lamayuru (I’m dreaming of this place)?
2. Should we pre-book the flight tickets from Leh to Delhi in advance? Or is possible to get it in Leh?
Judging by all these comments, I expect that you’re quite busy. But I hope I will be lucky to get your advise. Thank you, dear Dheeraj in advance!
Jaz
Hi Jaz,
1. Shared taxi will be a bit tricky for watching out on Lamayuru I feel. Regarding Kargil, you can take a shared taxi upto Kargil first. Stay overnight and then take other shared taxi to Leh from Kargil but that might not stop at Lamayuru. So, the best thing you can try is either try to find partners online for the trip or follow the plan B as above and try to convince people in Kargil taxi for a bit stope over or hire dedicated taxi from Kargil to Leh. DoW has started an initiative under DoW – Himalayan Travel Community for finding Travel Partners or Companions, leave your message in Travel Partners section at the link: Ladakh & Zanskar – Travel Partners Section. May be you meet someone online going over the same dates.
2. Better pre-book to get better rates otherwise rates will be rocket high near the dates.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Thank you, Dheeraj! You helped me a lot. I will keep following your updates.
All the best wishes,
Jaz from Kyrgyzstan
Also, in case you are avid traveller then request you to JOIN DoW – Himalayan Travel Community and share your Himalayan knowledge and experiences with other like minded travellers too and help us materialize the vision to help a Himalayan life & help travelers travel with a difference in various parts of Himalayas
Hi Dheeraj,
5 of us are planning a trip to Ladakh from 25th Aug to 1st Sep. Below is our plan:-
Day1 -> Reach Leh by Flight and rest.
Day2 -> Leh Sightseeing and Permit
Day3 -> Leh – Khurdung – Nubra
Day4 -> Nubra – Leh
Day5 -> Leh – Pangong – Leh
Day6 -> Leh – Tso moriri
Day7 -> Tso Moriri – Leh
Day8 -> Flight to Delhi
Please suggest if this is possible. Also, is there any route by which we can cover Nubra, Pangong and Tso Moriri without touching Leh in between?
Faisal, given the number of days in hand this is very much feasible and fine. Do not tinker much with the plan, it is balance of everything in such number of days 🙂
Thanks for the response.
My friends though are suggesting that night stay in Pangong would be better than night stay in Tso Moriri. They are thus planning to remove Tso Moriri from the itenary. Please give your opinion as well.
If you want to skip Tso Moriri then yes it will be better to spend a night at Pangong Tso.
Hello Dheeraj,
First of all a BIG THANKs to you for your hard work & passion for DOW……Cheers
I and my wife both are ready for the Leh trip in September 2013. We are planning to do the entire trip by Bike (Hired).
Kindly check and advice if any changes required in our itinerary details:-
5th Sept’13(Day 1) – Fly Delhi to Leh, Rest (Oriental Guest House), Booking Bike & Shanti stupa
6th Sept’13(Day 2) – Local sightseen &inner line Permit
7th Sept’13(Day 3) – Leh – Nubra Valley (Overnight at Nubra Valley/ Not yet Booked)
8th Sept’13(Day 4) – Nubra Valley – Leh (Overnight at Leh)
9th Sept’13(Day 5) – Leh – Pangong (Overnight at Pangong/ Not yet Booked)
10th Sept’13(Day 6) – Pangong – Leh (Overnight at Leh)
11th Sept’13(Day 7) – Local sightseen (Overnight at Leh)
12th Sept’13(Day 8) – Leh – TSO Moriri (Overnight at korzok or TSO Moriri/ Not yet booked)
13th Sept’13(Day 9) – TSO Moriri – Leh
14th Sept’13(Day 10) – Fly back to Delhi
I have gone through your Travel guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town. However, little bit confused to design the local sight seen plan and rout. I want to cover all the places which you mentioned in your link.
Waiting for your valuable advice.
Thanks in advance…..
Sayantan
Sayantam, in stead of planning all sightseeing in Leh and around, just do Hall of Fame, Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace which can either be covered on Day 2 OR on the way back from Nubra, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri etc in the evenings. You can opt for Sham Valley tour on Day 7. Refer the guide for it at: Sham Valley Ladakh | Sightseeing and Travel Guide
Hi Dheeraj,
As suggested, sharing my itinerary details:
2 aug- reach leh, rest, shanti stupa
3 aug- local sightseeing- leh palace, Magnetic Hill, Gurudwara, Nimmu
4 aug- nubra valley via khardungla & overnite stay
5 aug- hunder, panamik & back to leh
6 aug- pangong lake with overnite stay?
7 aug- back to Leh, enroute Hemis/Thicksey/Shey
8 aug- back to delhi-flight.
So, just needed to confirm if there will be an acclimitization problem if we do an overnite camp on Pangong Tso lake?
Thanks!
With three nights stay in Leh and one night across Khardung La in Nubra Valley, I feel you should be OK with acclimatization to sleep at Pangong tso. Most people do so.
Thanx Dheeraj for your tips!! Also, should the booking for cabs for local sightseeing plus for Nubra/Pangang Tso be done beforehand( 1 month in advance-if yes, then how?)or will we able to hire taxis on the spot?
Sneha, For the leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2013-14 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here. You can get about 10-12% of discount by directly getting in touch with drivers and of course, talking in person rather on phone always help in bargaining more.
Hire the taxis on the spot or be in touch with drivers at the link: here
Hi Dheeraj;
We are 6 person planning to Leh in Aug. Our plan is one side by flight to Srinagar from Delhi and return via Manali by Car. Our plan to visit from 10th Aug and reach Delhi on 18th Aug. Kindly suggest the best itinerary for us.
Hi Sumit,
You can follow the below itinerary:
Day 1 | Delhi – Srinagar
— Enjoy walk around Dal lake and may be Shikara ride as well
— If you have time then check out, floating market, Shalimar Garden.
— Overnight at Srinagar
Day 2 | Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil
— Enjoy the vistas enroute
— Have late drunch meal at Drass is you are a vegetarian as sometimes it gets difficult to find veg. food at Kargil
— Overnight at Kargil
Day 3 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
— Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes
— On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu
— Overnight at Leh
Day 4 | Leh Local Sightseeing + Inner Line Permits
— To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
— For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
— Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 6 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Day 7 | Leh – Pangong Tso – Leh
— Overnight at Leh
Day 8 | Leh – Taglang La – 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 9 | Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
— On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only
— Overnight at Manali
Day 10 | Manali – Delhi
In case, you do not have that extra day then plan to head staright to Kargil from Srinagar by taking early morning flight from Delhi.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for sharing the itinerary for us. Just curious to know there is 15th Aug. in between. I believe all Leh will be close on that day. Please let me know if that is the case.
Yes Sumit, everything will be closed on that day. In case if it happens to be the permits day then better get your permits in advance by some agent or hotel
Hi Dheeraj,
Great Itinerary. It helped us alot in planning our trip. Me and my husband are planning a to reach Leh on 6th July with our friends (couple). We are having some queries. Hope you can help us solve them:-
Questions 1:- We are looking for hotels and guest houses and even contacted the list provided by you but they are charging too much on phone. We are confused on how to make reasonable booking in a nice hotel/guest house.
Question 2:- We will be traveling by flight from Delhi directly to Leh. Should we book a taxi in advance or we should reach there and then contact local taxi for complete trip.
Question 3: Could you also mail me an approximate idea on how much it should cost for Hotel and Taxi for 8 days.
Question 4: We would be traveling to Srinagar on 8th day. So would you suggest us travel in day or night?
Thanks in advance.
Hello Sonia,
Please find my replies below:
1:- It is difficult to get a cheap booking over phone better not book if you are looking for cheap rates.
2:- Book a taxi for complete trip once you reach Leh ro contact any of the drivers I have listed in there article: Leh Ladakh Taxi Rates 2013 – 14
3: 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
Still, in case you have any doubt, kindly let me know.
4: You should always travel in day as otherwise what is the point of traveling for 2 days as you are not seeing anything in night 🙂
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi, Dheeraj:
Thanks for getting back to me about trekking (or not trekking) alone in Ladakh! Somehow, the e:mail disappeared from my inbox, so i’m commenting on one of your replies, again :0. Wondered if you could recommend a reliable trekking/tour company in Leh that would be willing to organize a trek for 1 person(and, then, of course, a guide/porter so I won’t be by myself). Any information you can pass on is appreciated!
Many thanks,
John
Hi John,
I have few contacts, I will mail you for sure. May be you can connect with them and ask for help if required. However, please nte I have not taken their services and it is just I know them nothing much 🙂
DoW has started another initiative and now you can join us at recently launched DoW – Himalayan Travel Community to better track your queries/replies and be attached to share your Himalayan travel experience and learn from others too. I am sure it will help you keep the queries organized and structured.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
can u help me out with some good n reasonable tour operators for hotel n travel stay?
Dr. Ram, get in touch with info@offbeatescapes. They can do all hotel booking for you and recently couple of readers had some good praising words for them too, like linked here. You can refer my name for the same and as they are newly getting into Ladakh are running promotional discounts as well. So, your bargaining part will directly go away 😉 …
Hey Dheeraj,
Could you please share your contact number and good time to call. Needing your assistance for a Ladakh Trip.
Madhusudhan, please reply over the email which you will get once I reply to this comment. I will share my contact info
Excellent Blog Dheeraj. I was glued to it the whole day.
I am planning for a Leh trip (4 ppl- two couples) and would like to know your inputs on the following:
1. Should I book a taxi for the entire tour from a taxi operator (quoting around 75k)
or hire local taxis ourselves on an adhoc basis.
2. How much can we save if we book local taxis?
3. Should I reserve hotel rooms in advance or book it once we reach the place.
4. Is it ok to travel in an around Srinagar on 14th, 15th and 16th August?
5. Can you please comment on the following itinerary that we have jotted down (air tickets are already booked) ?
Day 1—-2nd Aug: Catch 8PM flight from Blore. Reach Delhi Airport at 11PM. Stay @ Delhi Hotel
Day 2—-3rd Aug: Take 8.45AM flight to Amritsar. Reach at 9.45. Visit Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh and Wagah Border. Stay @ Golden Temple Niwas in Amritsar
Day 3—-4th Aug: Early morning Amritsar to Manali. Stay @ Manali
Day 4—-5th Aug: Early morning Manali to Rohtang Pass to Jispa. Stay @ Jispa
Day 5—-6th Aug: Early morning Jispa to Sarchu to Leh. Stay @ Leh
Day 6—-7th Aug: Rest day. Stay @ Leh
Day 7—-8th Aug: River Rafting. Leh Local Sightseeing on bike. Stay @ Leh
Day 8—-9th Aug: Leh to Nubra Valley–Bike Journey. Stay @ Nubra Valley
Day 9—-10th Aug: Nubra Valley to Leh–Bike Journey. Stay @ Leh
Day 10—-11th Aug: Leh to Pangong Lake. Stay @ Pangong Lake
Day 11—-12th Aug: Pangong Lake to Leh. Leh Local Sightseeing Stay @ Leh
Day 12—-13th Aug: Early morning Leh to to Kargil. Sightseeing. Stay @ Kargil
Day 13—-14th Aug: Early morning Kargil to Srinagar. Change Taxi. Srinagar to Gulmarg. Stay @ Gulmarg
Day 14—-15th Aug: Gulmarg Gondolo, Arafat Peak etc. Stay @ Gulmarg
Day 15—-16th Aug: Early morning Gulmarg to Srinagar. Stay @ Srinagar Boathouse
Day 16—-17th Aug: Srinagar sightseeing. Shikara. Stay @ Srinagar Boathouse
Day 17—-18th Aug: Srinagar Airport to board 2.35PM flight. Reach Blore at 8PM.
Looking forward to your revert.
Thank you,
Ganesh
Hi Ganesh,
1. Better go with adhoc basis because taxis outside Ladakh are not allowed inside Ladakh. Once, you ar ein Ladakh then go for the complete taxi.
2. Not much but you do not have another choice, apart from booking local taxi in Ladakh
3. You can get away with hotel booking if you are OK with searchin here and there for hotels AND are no planning on any specific hotel.
4. If possible avoid to be on zero risk.
5. 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
Also, it will take care of Point 4 too.
Regards
Dheeraj
Thanks a lot Dheeraj for your valuable inputs.
The problem with going in other direction is that our air tickets are already booked. We will be reaching Amritsar on 3rd and our return flight from Srinagar is on 18th. With this, is it still possible to travel in other direction?
I had worked out another itinerary, but we missed Manali and Rohtang Pass (we love snow ):
——– Plan 2———–
Day 1—-2nd Aug: Catch 8PM flight from Blore. Reach Delhi Airport at 11PM. Stay @ Delhi Hotel or Delhi Airport
Day 2—-3rd Aug: Take 8.45AM flight to Amritsar. Reach at 9.45. Visit Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh and Wagah Border. Stay @ Golden Temple Niwas in Amritsar
Day 3—-4th Aug: Early morning Amritsar to Dharamshala. Dharamshala local sightseeing. Stay @ Dharamshala
Day 4—-5th Aug: Early morning Dharamshala to Srinagar. Stay @ Srinagar
Day 5—-6th Aug: Srinagar sightseeing. Srinagar to Gulmarg. Stay @ Gulmarg
Day 6—-7th Aug: Gondolo, Arafat Peak etc. Stay @ Gulmarg
Day 7—-8th Aug: Early morning Gulmarg to Srinagar. Shikara. Stay @ Srinagar Boathouse
Day 8—-9th Aug: Early morning Srinagar to Leh. Stay @ Leh
Day 9—-10th Aug: Rest day. Stay @ Leh
Day 10—-11th Aug: River Rafting. Stay @ Leh
Day 11—-12th Aug: Leh Local Sightseeing on bike. Stay @ Leh
Day 12—-13th Aug: Leh to Nubra Valley–Bike Journey. Stay @ Nubra Valley
Day 13—-14th Aug: Nubra Valley to Leh–Bike Journey. Stay @ Leh
Day 14—-15th Aug: Leh to Pangong Lake. Stay @ Pangong Lake
Day 15—-16th Aug: Pangong Lake to Leh. Stay @ Leh
Day 16—-17th Aug: Early morning Leh to Kargil. Kargil sightseeing. Stay @ Kargil
Day 17—-18th Aug: Early morning Kargil to Srinagar Airport to board 2.35PM flight. Reach Blore at 8PM.
Hi Ganesh,
I think then better go with your earlier itineray in that case and avoid stoppage at Sarchu as your body will not be acclimatized for it.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi, I am Planning for Leh ladakh trip in the month of June. I just wanted to know couple of things that which option will be best for us.. Manali to Leh ladakh on bikes or bikes from leh and from manali to leh should go by bus. Also wanted to know the rents of the bikes from manali or from leh also.
Hi Ankit,
If you are not well versed with bikes and all then better go with second option of hiring bikes within Leh and doing Manali – Leh over buses or taxis. Yes, you can rent bikes in Leh and Fort Road in Leh is full of such shops that rent bikes. Depending upon the condition, model, make and tourist rush you can get bikes starting from Rs 600 to Rs 1200. Rather than booking over phone, it is much better to visit the Fort road, check 4-5 shops over there and get a good deal after checking the bike conditions.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for suggesting me to rent bikes from Leh. Please tell me is der any bus service from Manali to Leh, or any other way and how expenses respectively.
Can plan the trip for 9 days total. Please reply me as earliest possbile.
Thanks
Ankit
Ankit, HPTDC does run a smei deluxe bu service between Manali – Leh Highway. Their charges are about 2000 which includes accommodation and meals at Keylong.
hi dheeraj
me n my wife (both 30 & 26 respectively) planning a 10n11d trip to leh for the first time this aug.my flight tickets are booked to n from leh.
encl my tentative itenery for the same…looking fwd to ur valuable suggestions and feedback
regards
dr.ram tainwala
mumbai
Day 1 (19th Aug’13)
Mumbai-Leh – Uleytokpo
Drive toward Uleytokpo early in the morning for acclimatization. And site seeing. Overnight at uleh
Day 02 (20th Aug’13):
After an early breakfast, leave for Chilling. Do white-water rafting in river Zanskar and reach Leh by evening. On the way plan to spend some time on the banks of Indus at the confluence of Indus and Zanskar rivers. Overnight at Leh.
Day 03 (21th Aug’13) FULL MOON:
Breakfast @ 0630am and drive to Spangmik (5hr drive), on the banks of Lake Pangong (14,800ft). On the way, stop at Chang La pass (17,860ft) at the Army Camp for a free cup of hot tea. Lunch upon arrival and then trek around Pangong. Overnight at Spangmik. (If possible, be at Spangmik on a full moon night).
Day 04 (22nd Aug’13):
Go for a sunrise walk along the lake and enjoy the sunrise. After a lazy breakfast, leave for Merak for a beautiful 20km drive along the lake. Lunch at Merak. Afternoon free to trek in the hills around Merak. By evening drive to Tangtse. Overnight at Tangtse.
Day 05 (23rd Aug’13):
After an early breakfast, leave for Chumathang. Overnight at Chumathang Hot Springs.
Day 06 (24th Aug’13): Leave early and drive to Korzok on Lake Tso Moriri. On the way stop for a while at beautiful Lake Kiagar. In the afternoon, drive south beyond Korzok Gompa and enjoy the sunset. Overnight at Korzok.
Day 07 (25th Aug’13):
Rise early to see the beautiful sunrise and then drive to Leh ( 240kms/ 7 to 8Hours)
On the way visit Thiksey, Shey Palace and Hemis Monastries. Overnight at Leh.
Day 08 (26th Aug’13):
After breakfast, drive to Khardung La pass, the World’s highest motorable road (18,400ft), stop for a cup of tea at the World’s Highest Cafeteria and some shopping at the World’s highest gift shop. Proceed to Nubra Valley and go for double-humped camel ride. Overnight at Deskit or Hundar.
Day 09 (27th Aug’13) :
Deskit to Leh. On way back, visit Leh Gurudwara.magnetic hill etc. Overnight at Leh.
Day 10 (28th Aug’13):
Day free for local sight seeing and shopping. Visit Shanti Stupa, Spituk Monastery, Leh Palace. This is also a buffer day to make sure that you do not miss flight in case of bad weather. Overnight at Leh.
In Leh
Visit the Stok Palace Museum, Hall of Fame and if you wish you can undertake A Rafting trip from Phey or Chilling to Nimmu.
(Basically this can be kept as an extra day in case of any delay on the tour)
Day 11 (29th Aug’13):
Leh-Delhi & delhi-mumbai morning flight.
Hello Dr. Ram,
I will STRONGLY suggest that you DO NOT follow the above itinerary and try to reform it based on the itinerary suggested in the article. It is much wiser decision to sleep at Uley but doing rafting on the second day without any acclimatization and then moving to Pangong Tso without any acclimatization is almost an free invitation to trouble!!
Use the itinerary suggested in the article and spread your 10 days across using rest days in between when you can do rafting too. You shall be OK. Not sure which agent suggested you this itinerary which is too against the acclimatization schedule. 🙁
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
thank u for d comments. .
so would u recommend that we shift the last day I.e day 10 meant for leh site seeing to the first day and keep ule n rafting on d second day…?? Would that make it ok then ??
d itenary was given to me by a ladhakh visitor…so no commercial intwrests in d person who designed it 😉
Hi Dr. Ram,
Generally such itineraries are by travel agents only 😉 … What I am suggesting is, there is an 8 day itinerary in the article above. Please follow that. You have 10 days that is 2 extra day. What you can do is, on Day 8 there are 2 things written Monastery Tour OR Sham Valley tour. Do Sham Valley tour on Day 3 which will shift your plan by 1 day to 9 days. Then , once you reach Nubra Valley then do Deskit – Turtuk – Deskit for a day trip. This will make use of another day. Do rafting on Day 10 which is monastery tour.
Regards
Dheeraj
hi ,
we are planning the trip to leh from chandigarh from 1st june to 8th june.
Want to complete this by road..
can u pls suggest the best itenary for the same..
rgds,
vipin singla
8 days are too less for a trp to Ladakh by road.
Hey, I’m planning on a road trip to Leh. I’ll be starting from chennai on July 6th. Can you suggest me the best route to reach leh ?
And is there any permits that we should get to drive to Leh !
Sanjeev, You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travelers including me at the link here for 14-15 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
For details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
Any update on road conditions
1. From Hanle to Karzok Village via Charchanganla ?
2. From Chushul to Mahe ( 77 km road) which was under construction last year
3. Shyok route connecting Nubra & Pangong Tso ?
Need details as one of my friend travelling on 25th May via his own Fortuner. Please revert shall I suggest these routes to him or not ?
Thanks & Regards
Swapnil K
Hello Swapnil,
Nice to see you here after a long time.
1. Last a guys named Aashish did try to go over it two weeks back but it was closed due to snow.
2. No update on it, read on log where they did cross it end season but road was horrible and thankfully the landslide was present but got cleared as BRO was working nearby. Still, will say do not try the luck if alone 🙂
3. It is mainly a route for offseason. Early season it may be found open but once snow starts to melt usually it close down. Then when the water levels decrease in rivers and nallas, people tend to cross it through river in late season.
Thanks & Regards
Swapnil K
Hi Dheeraj aka DOW aka Leh ka Raja 🙂
Thank you so much for the insightful inputs and varied comments this site provides for novices like me – who are daring to be adventurous 🙂
I and wifey planning a trip to Leh starting 13th June for some 9/10 days. Need to be back in Delhi on 22nd June. Sample the itin below – which I prepared using your inputs only but need some help:
13th June: Fly into leh. Rest etc
14th June: Rest, Inner permits, local sight-seeing
15th June – Leh – Khardung La – Deskit – Hunder.
16th June – Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
17th June – Leh – Chang La – Pangong Tso
18th June- Pangong Tso to Leh back
19th June: Leh – Hemis – Tso Moriri via Chumathang
20th June – Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring (Manali – Leh Highway starts)- Pang – Sarchu
21st June – Sarchu – Manali (and take a volvo bus in evening back to delhi)
22nd June – Back in Delhi.
QUESTION 1: FOR PANGONG TSO – DO WE GO VIA CHANG LA OR DO A HEMIS? NOT CLEAR. PLEASE GUIDE. WE WANT A ONE NIGHT STAY AT PANGONG TSO HENCE THE QUESTION.
QUESTION 2: IS THERE A WAY TO GO TOWARDS TSO MORIRI FROM PANGONG TSO DIRECTLY- RATHER THAN COME BACK TO LEH? AND WILL IT SAVE SOME TIME/DAY?
QUESTION 3: ON 19TH JUNE – ON WAY TO TSO MORIRI – WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND TO DO – HEMIS? THICKSEY OR SHEY? WE DONT HAVE A PREFERENCE AND WANT YOUR VIEW
QUESTION 4: WE WANT TO AVOID (IF POSSSIBLE) EXTRA DRIVING HOURS. MAX 5-6 HOURS DRIVE A DAY IS FINE BUT NOT MORE. AND WE DONT MIND MISSING A FEW PLACES DUE TO THIS COZ – AS YOU SAY – IT IS BAAR BAAR AND NOT EK BAAR:-) SO WE WOULD WANT TO COME AGAIN. HENCE IS IT POSSIBLE TO CUT DOWN SOMEWHERE IN THE ITINERARY OR INCLUDE SOMETHINGS IMPORTANT WHICH I MAY HAVE MISSED? IF THERE ANY OPTIMIZATION POSSIBLE ON DRIVING TIME?
QUESTION 5: ONCE WE DO TSO MORIRI LAKE -IS TSO KAR LAKE ON THE WAY TO MANALI OR WE NEED TO TAKE A DIVERSION? AND WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND? IS TSO KAR LAKE A MUST DO? WE WILL BLINDLY FOLLOW WHAT YOU WILL ADVICE.
QUESTION 6: We will be renting a TAXI for the entire journey from Leh and also come back to Manali via that TAXi. ANY SUGGESTIONS ON NEGOTIATIONS? SHOULD I BREAK THE JOURNEY IN TWO – LEH AND LOCAL AND LEH TO MANALI (AND TAKE DIFFERENT TAXIS)?
I MIGHT HAVE A FEW MORE QUESTIONS BUT THIS SEEMS TO BE A GOOD STARTING POINT TO HAVE A CONVERSATION WITH DOW – SO DO REPLY AT YOUR CONVENIENCE AS MY TRIP DEPENDS ON YORU INPUTS:) tHANKS
Hello Saurabh,
Here are my replies :
1. Cover Hemis on the way to Changla and further Pangong Tso. Covering it with Tso Moriri will take more time out from Tso Moriri trip.
2. Better keep it simple. Now a days permits are not issued for the route from Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri.
3. These things shall be covered while going and coming back from Pangong Tso because going to Tso Moriri takes more time from Leh as compared to Pangong Tso. You can cover Hemis on the way to PAngong Tso and cover rest two while coming back from Pangong Tso, next day.
4. Brother, 5-6 restriction is a bit diffcult due to limited number of accommodation options. May be you can drop Tso Moriri and do Leh – Sarchu, Sarchu – Jispa and Jispa – Manali to reduce the fatigue in between.
5. Yes, Tso Kar will fall on the way of Tso Moriri to Sarchu
6: Better keep only one taxi. You will get better deals in complete tour. For the leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2013-14 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here. You can get about 10-12% of discount by directly getting in touch with drivers and of course, talking in person rather on phone always help in bargaining more.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
PS: Sorry for the delayed response, I was traveling to Spiti Valley for past 10 days. Also, please do not use CAPS letters as it appeals as if you are shouting
Hei there
Wow! Ur writeups r sooo detailed. Well, v, a group of 3 frnds, r planning a 9-10 dys trip to leh (Del-leh-del via flight) around August 1st week. We wish it 2b a comfortably spaced (if possible ) & balanced cultural/adventure trip. So could u please please help us wit d itinerary (including approximate total xpenditure). Shall b reallly gr8full :))
Saby, Thanks alot. glad you found the info. useful enough!! Since, you have 9-10 days then I will suggest that in the above itinerary in the article, try to make a two dy trip to Pangong Tso and introduce a rest day between Tso Moriri trip and Pangong Tso trip after you come from Pangong Tso. This will balance out things for you.
Thnx soooo much.:)) v hd actually prtty much decided 2follw Ur itinerary :)) ty sooo much again. Xoxo♥♥♥
Brilliant articles. I read most of it and it is really helping me plan my trip. I appriciate your efforts.
I am reaching Leh on 28th April by flight for a 8 night vacation. Though a lot of stuff are clear. I just want to ask few things
1. Is it possible to do Leh – Nubra Valley trip through bikes (we are 3 male and 2 female members .. planning to take 3 bikes .. not hardcore bike riders) during my travel period? Will the passes be open and safe to ride bikes?
2. Will Pangong and Tso Moriri on bikes too much to ask for through bikes, considering road conditions and passes as compared to nubra Valley, or should we hire taxi?
3. Looking at your iterenary above you suggested excursion to Pangong and next day trip to Tso Moriri. I was thinking of an overnight at Pangong and then going to Tso Moriri directly to stay overnight before returning to Leh. Wouldn’t that save some travel time?
Will wait for your reply.
Hello Kaushlendra,
Thanks alot. Your queries answered below:
1. Do not try that. There will loads of snow presence where you will find very difficult to control the bikes at this time of the year.
2. Yes, it will be too much of an ask brother considering if you do not have any kind of snow riding experience.
3. Camps will not be running at this time of the year. Camps will start from 5th or 6th May. Same is applicable for Tso Moriri.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
I plan to visit Ladakh ( Leh, Nubra and Pangong ) around mid August . We will be flying in and out, as we have about 5-6 days at our disposal. Hence, a few questions…
1. Inner Line Permits – Can they be taken in Delhi, or Leh only ?
2. Is is okay to take a 1.5 year old kid along ? The kid is used to travelling, but this will be the first high altitude trip.
3. Is August a good time to visit ? Please advise.
Thank You
Raghunandan
Hello Raghunandan,
Well, I will rather suggest you give a break to some extent when the kiddo grows up or have good numbers of days at your disposal to follow the AMS routine seriously. Though AMS is not subject to age group but the thing is that 1.5 Yrs old will not be able to express his/here uneasy feelings which may land you in trouble because you do not have sufficient time to acclimatize as well. So, either do the journey at ease by road via Srinagar with good amount od days in hand so that body is acclimatized, otherwise make a trip at some later time when kid becomes able to convey uneasy feelings.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj , Hope you remembered me . I took your advise and made the :LEH trip twice last year . I am planning to go to Leh by flight this December 31 to Jan5th. Let me know whether Pangong lake will be open , how about Khardungla. and also give me your mobile number
Viplav, roads inside Ladakh are always kept open all round the year. Barring few days of heavy snowfall these roads are kept open. So, if weather holds up during these days of your trip then no issues, both Khardung La and road to Pangong Tso will be open.
Dear Dheeraj, we are travelling with 2 kids, aged 9 yrs and 8 yrs. I’m reaching Leh on May 20th 2013 and returning on May 31st.
Request, if you can draw out a detailed itinerary, suggest places to stay and precautions to be taken for mountain sickness. Regards, Puneet
Hello Puneet,
You can follow the above itinerary with the modifications as below:
Day 3: Do the Sham Valley tour: Sham Valley Ladakh | Sightseeing and Travel Guide
Now, Day 3 become Day 4 above. On Day 5 visit Turtuk and come back to Hunder or stay there to do Turtuk to Leh next day. This will add one more day. This will make Day 4 to Day 6 in above itinerary. Make, two day trip to Pangong Tso and two day trip to Tso Moriri then. Finally, fly back on Day 11 or skip Turtuk and rest for a day in Leh itself.
For accommodation, check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate and cheap budget hotels as well in the series of articles starting on the link here
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Is it advisable to visit Leh from 19 April 2013 and visit the other places e.g. Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake etc. Pls reply at the earliest as we have got the tickets booked for those dates, however, we have been told that the passes (roads) to visit these places will be blocked with snow and we must postpone our trip. Kindly guide.
Hi Sanjeev,
Passes inside Ladakh are kept open all round the year. So, if you are directly flying to Leh then you will get all the passes for going to these places open. Yes, you might face delay in case there is some heavy snowfall on the day you are crossing these passes inside Ladakh. I had been there last year from 22nd April to first week of May. You can check how things look like at the link here: Khardung La Pass – Where Snow Galore | Ladakh – 2012
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Is it advisable to visit Leh from 19 April 2013 and visit the other places e.g. Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake etc.
I have booked my air tickets frm Mumbai to Srinagar for 30th april & return frm Leh for 13th May.I plan to do Kashmir & Leh by road.Want to know wheather the road to Leh will opened by 4th of May as my tickets are already booked please advice what should be my itenary and is it possible to go by road frm srinagar to leh on this time or should i take air trip frm srinagar to leh.Please advice as i am abit confused
Murtaza, Srinagar – Leh Highway might be open or might not be open by that time. Generally, the highway opens either by end of April or first week of May but it is not certain though and there will be iffs and buts always and largely depends upon the weather conditions plus snow stock. So, it is upto you, if you want to take the risk and do the road journey or plan to fly to Leh.
I will advice you the itinerary based on your decision of flying to Leh from Srinagar or doing a road journey.
Regards
Dheeraj
Thank You Dheeraj ji for your useful information,I would request you to give some information by the mid of april regarding the road condition if you come to know about the status,also advice that is it possible to book air ticket at last moment from srinagar to leh if by any chance roads do not open in first week of may as i would like to go by road to leh as the road to leh is beautiful,will i have to pay high cost for booking at last moment or is it not worth it
Murtaza, stay tuned to the blog and I am sure you will get the updates of the Srinagar to Leh as well as Manali to Leh Highway every now and then. Either subscribe to the updates via email or like to Facebook page to stay updated, where you will be able to find all the related travel news.
Yes, you will end up paying a lot higher when you book the air ticket on the moment to fly to Leh.
Regards
dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
Can you plz give your Contact Number. I hv some important quiries regarding Ladakh trip.
Mailed you the contact info.
This will definitely help me.
Thanks alot Rajesh 🙂 … Do let me know in case you have any queries.
Great, step by step guide. I think acclimatization is key to a good trip to High altitude places like Leh. Thanks
Thank you so much 🙂 … Yeah, for a trip to High Altitude place, acclimatization is the key for success of it else it completely jeopardize the whole trip. Yet, people take it on ignorance face