On request of some avid readers of the blog and so many like-minded travelers seeking guidance for their tour to Leh – Ladakh, I would like to sketch below one of the most popular Leh Ladakh itineraries that you can follow for your road trip in 2026. Many Leh – Ladakh lovers follow this itinerary, including me, as it covers all three major tourist destinations of Ladakh, including Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso Lake, and Tso Moriri Lake.
The best Leh Ladakh itinerary for 2026 is a 12-14 day circuit starting from Delhi via Srinagar – Leh Highway, covering Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, and Tso Moriri, then returning via the Manali – Leh Highway. This plan allows proper acclimatization and covers the complete Ladakh circuit without backtracking.
The Leh Ladakh itinerary also covers the Srinagar – Leh Highway as well as the Manali – Leh Highway, so it is apt for those looking forward to covering the entire Ladakh circuit. If you are making a trip to Ladakh in winter, then better refer to my most common itinerary for a winter trip to Ladakh. And in case you plan to fly to Leh instead, check my Leh Ladakh itinerary by air for a detailed plan.
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Practical Info at a Glance
| Best Time | June to September (Srinagar – Leh Highway opens April/May, Manali – Leh Highway opens late May/June) |
| Duration | 12-14 days from Delhi (minimum). Add 2 buffer days for road closures. |
| Budget (per person) | Rs 25,000 – Rs 50,000 for 12 days (self-drive, budget stays, includes fuel) |
| Difficulty | Moderate to Challenging (high altitude, remote terrain, long driving days) |
| Nearest ATM | Leh (multiple), Kargil, Diskit (Nubra). No ATMs at Pangong or Tso Moriri — carry cash. |
| Mobile Network | BSNL postpaid most reliable across Ladakh. Airtel/Jio work in Leh town. No network at Pangong Tso or Tso Moriri. |
| Fuel Availability | Leh, Kargil, Diskit (Nubra), Tangtse, Nyoma. Always top up in Leh before heading out. |
| Permits Required | Since 2022, no Inner Line Permit for Indian citizens. Pay Environment/Green Fee (Rs 400) + Red Cross Fee (Rs 100) at lahdclehpermit.in |
| Last Updated | February 2026 |
Let's quickly dive into the details:
Why Should You Start Your Leh Ladakh Itinerary from Srinagar Side?
Starting from the Srinagar side gives your body better acclimatization through gradual altitude gain, reduces AMS risk significantly, and saves you a day since Tso Moriri can be covered on the return journey toward Manali without backtracking to Leh.
I have started from the Srinagar side because it gives at least two benefits, if not more. First, the body gets better acclimatized due to gradual ascent by the time you reach Leh, and when you return from Manali – Leh Highway, hence fewer chances of getting stuck with Acute Mountain Sickness (more info on AMS and how to prevent it) and more enjoyment of views on Manali – Leh Highway.
If you start via Manali – Leh Highway, then most of the terrain runs over 4000 Mtrs of altitude, and by the time you reach such altitude, your body is not properly acclimatized. Hence, many people fall sick on Manali – Leh Highway despite covering the distance in a 25:75 ratio (Manali – Keylong, Keylong – Leh). I have seen this happen so many times over the years, and trust me, it is not a pleasant experience. Keep in mind that AMS can hit anyone regardless of age or fitness level.
Secondly, you save one day as Tso Moriri and Tso Kar Lakes can be adjusted once you start towards Manali from Leh. This way, you are not required to return to Leh from Tso Moriri to go toward Kargil or Srinagar. You can read more about this in my post on 5 reasons to choose Srinagar – Leh Road over Manali – Leh Road.
Finally, you need to get inner line permits to travel to Tso Moriri which you will not get when traveling from Manali side. The permits need to be stamped in Leh Information Center or Leh DC office. Since 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. As of 2026, you can pay this fee online at lahdclehpermit.in — the cost is Rs 400 for the environment fee plus Rs 100 for the Red Cross fee (one-time), plus Rs 20 per day as wildlife/protection fee.
For now, these reasons are good enough to start your Ladakh journey from Srinagar side 🙂 …
What Is the Best 12-14 Day Leh Ladakh Itinerary by Road?
This 12-14 day Leh Ladakh itinerary starts from Delhi, goes via Srinagar – Leh Highway to Leh, covers Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, and Tso Moriri, and returns via the Manali – Leh Highway. It requires a minimum of 12 driving days plus 2 buffer days for weather-related delays.
When you plan for the Ladakh trip, it is better to plan the trip with a good number of days in hand. Cramming too many places in the Ladakh road trip does not make any sense because you will not enjoy the real beauty of the trip. Hence, I have kept about 12-14 days for this common Leh Ladakh itinerary. In case you have fewer days, check my how to plan a Leh Ladakh trip in 9 days post.
Day 1 | Delhi — Jammu / Patnitop
Start early from Delhi (by 4-5 AM) and drive to Jammu or Patnitop. Patnitop is a better overnight stop as it breaks the Jammu – Srinagar drive more comfortably the next day.
- Overnight at Jammu or Patnitop
- About a 12-13 Hours drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between
- Distance: approximately 630 km to Jammu, 670 km to Patnitop
- I suggest starting early (4-5 AM) from Delhi to avoid the Delhi-Panipat-Karnal traffic
Day 2 | Jammu / Patnitop — Srinagar
Drive from Jammu to Srinagar via the Jammu – Srinagar National Highway. Enjoy a walk around Dal Lake and maybe a Shikara ride in the evening.
- Enjoy a walk around Dal Lake and maybe a Shikara ride as well
- Overnight at Srinagar
- About an 8-9 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between
- In Srinagar, you can also visit the Floating Market and Shalimar Garden if time permits
Day 3 | Srinagar — Sonamarg — Zoji La — Drass — Kargil
Drive from Srinagar to Kargil via Sonamarg and Zoji La Pass. The Z-Morh tunnel (opened in 2025) now makes the Sonamarg section easier year-round. Stop at Drass for lunch — it is the second-coldest inhabited place in the world.
- Enjoy the vistas en route near Sonamarg
- Have a meal at Drass during lunch
- Overnight at Kargil
- About an 8-hour drive, depending upon the traffic movement at Zoji La and the breaks you take in between
- Keep in mind that the Zoji La tunnel (under construction as of 2026) will eventually make this section much faster, but for now plan for delays at Zoji La
Day 4 | Kargil — Lamayuru — Leh
This is one of the most scenic stretches of the entire road trip. Cover Mulbekh Maitreya, the moonscape of Lamayuru, and sights along the Sham Valley on your way to Leh.
- Cover Mulbekh Maitreya, Lamayuru Monastery, Lunar Landscapes
- On the way, you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hill, Confluence at Nimmu, and other parts of Sham Valley
- Overnight at Leh
- About a 9-10 Hours drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between
- I suggest not rushing through this stretch — there is so much to see that you will regret speeding past Lamayuru
Day 5 | Leh Local Sightseeing and Acclimatization
Spend this day acclimatizing in Leh (11,500 ft). Do not rush to higher altitudes. Visit local sights like Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, and the local market. This rest day is critical for avoiding AMS on later days.
- To know about the places to visit in/around Leh, check my Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
- Since 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.
- Check the Leh – Ladakh taxi union rate list for 2025 – 26 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh.
- 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 from DwD community members.
- Important: Do NOT skip this acclimatization day. Drink plenty of water (at least 4-5 litres), avoid alcohol, eat light, walk slowly, and rest well. This single day can make or break your entire Ladakh trip.
- Overnight at Leh
Day 6 | Leh — Khardung La — Diskit — Hunder (Nubra Valley)
Cross Khardung La Pass (17,582 ft) and descend into Nubra Valley. Visit Diskit Monastery with its towering Buddha statue and enjoy the sand dunes and Bactrian camel safari at Hunder.
- Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
- On the way, enjoy a cup of soup at Khardung La, one of the world’s highest motorable passes
- Diskit has a monastery with the tallest Buddha statue in the region and Hunder has sand dunes and Bactrian camel safari
- About a 5-6 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between and at Khardung La
- Fuel tip: There is a petrol pump at Diskit in Nubra Valley. However, I always suggest filling up your tank in Leh before heading to Nubra Valley, just to be on the safer side
Day 7 | Hunder / Diskit — Sumur — Panamik — Sumur — Khardung La — Leh
Explore upper Nubra Valley — visit Sumur Monastery and enjoy the natural hot springs at Panamik. Return to Leh via Khardung La. Alternatively, if you have an extra day, extend to the beautiful village of Turtuk.
- Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
- If you have time, I highly recommend extending to Turtuk village — it is about 80 km from Diskit and is one of the hidden gems of Ladakh. You will not regret visiting Turtuk, I promise.
- Overnight at Leh
- About a 7-9 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between
Day 8 | Leh — Hemis Monastery — Pangong Tso Lake
Drive from Leh to Pangong Tso (14,270 ft) via Chang La Pass (17,688 ft). Stop at Hemis, Thiksey, or Shey Monastery along the way. Stay overnight at Spangmik or Lukung near the lake.
- Cover either of Hemis, Thiksey, and Shey on the way toward Pangong Tso
- Overnight at Pangong Tso (Spangmik or Lukung)
- About a 5-6 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between
- Keep in mind: There is no mobile network at Pangong Tso. Inform your family before you leave Leh that you will be unreachable for a day or two. Also, there is a petrol pump at Tangtse (about 34 km before Pangong) in case you need to top up
Day 9 | Pangong Tso Lake — Thiksey Monastery — Shey Palace — Leh
Enjoy the sunrise over Pangong Tso, then drive back to Leh. Cover whichever monasteries you missed on Day 8 — Hemis, Thiksey, or Shey Palace.
- Cover either of Hemis, Thiksey, and Shey on return to Leh
- Overnight at Leh
- About a 5-6 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between
- I suggest starting early from Pangong — the morning light over the lake is something you will remember forever
Day 10 | Rest Day at Leh
Take a rest day in Leh to recharge. Explore the local market, visit Sham Valley sights, or simply relax before the long return drive begins the next day.
- Enjoy local culture, shopping, or rest in Leh. Walk through the Leh Main Bazaar and try local Ladakhi food at one of the restaurants in Leh
- Sham Valley includes Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hill, Confluence at Nimmu, Gurudwara Pather Sahib
- Overnight at Leh
Day 11 | Leh — Tso Moriri via Chumathang
Drive from Leh to Tso Moriri Lake (14,836 ft) via Chumathang. Visit Karzok Monastery near the lake. This is a long but rewarding drive through the Changthang plateau — one of the most remote and beautiful landscapes in Ladakh.
- Cover Karzok Monastery near Tso Moriri Lake
- Overnight at Karzok or Tso Moriri
- About a 7-8 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between
- In case you need fuel, the Nyoma petrol pump (made operational in 2024) is on this route. However, I always suggest starting from Leh with a full tank
- Keep in mind: Accommodation at Tso Moriri is basic — mostly homestays and tented camps. Carry warm clothes as temperatures drop significantly at night even in summer
Day 12 | Tso Moriri — Tso Kar — Debring (Manali — Leh Highway starts) — Moore Plains — Sarchu
Drive from Tso Moriri through the stunning Tso Kar Lake and Moore Plains to reach Sarchu on the Manali – Leh Highway. Start early as this is a long driving day across high-altitude terrain.
- Try to start early in the day so that you reach Sarchu where the accommodation options are better than in Pang
- Overnight at Sarchu
- About 8 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between
- The Moore Plains stretch is incredibly beautiful — vast, open, and desolate. Keep your camera ready
- I suggest reading my Jispa over Sarchu post if you want to understand the Sarchu vs Jispa debate for your overnight halt
Day 13 | Sarchu — Baralacha La — Keylong — Atal Tunnel — Manali
Drive from Sarchu to Manali via Baralacha La and Atal Tunnel. Stop to see Suraj Tal and Deepak Tal, both right on the roadside. With the Atal Tunnel, this stretch is much more manageable than it used to be.
- On the way, cover Suraj Tal and Deepak Tal which are on the roadsides only
- Overnight at Manali
- About 6 Hrs drive (much shorter now thanks to the Atal Tunnel which bypasses Rohtang Pass entirely)
Day 14 | Manali — Delhi
The final drive from Manali to Delhi is about 530 km and takes 12-14 hours. Start early and take regular breaks. This is a well-paved highway, so the drive is comfortable.
- Return Home
- About a 12-14 Hrs drive from Manali to Delhi, depending upon the breaks you take in between
- Distance: approximately 530 km via NH3
Day 15 + 16 (Buffer Days)
Buffer days are to be kept in case of road closure due to landslides or snowfall, or perhaps you want to enjoy more at any destination along the way. In my experience, keeping 1-2 buffer days has saved many trips — landslides on the Manali – Leh Highway are quite common during the monsoon season (July – August), and you do not want to be stuck without extra days in hand.
Can You Take a Direct Route from Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso?
Yes, you can save a day by taking the direct route from Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso via Shyok Village or Wari La Pass. Since 2019, this route has stabilized and is used by many travelers during the season. It is about a 6-10 hour drive depending on the route chosen.
You can save a day by making a direct trip to Pangong Tso from Nubra Valley as suggested below.
Day 7 | Hunder / Diskit — Shyok Village / Wari La Route — Pangong Tso
Take the direct Nubra to Pangong route via Shyok Village or Wari La, whichever is open. This route has been well-traveled since 2019 and is no longer the desolate track it once was.
- 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 at all 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 a 6-10 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between and the route you take between Shyok and Wari La.
Day 8 | Pangong Tso Lake — Thiksey Monastery — Shey Palace — Leh
- Cover either of Hemis, Thiksey, and Shey on return to Leh
- Overnight at Leh
- About a 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 long and tiring day.
Day 8 | Leh – Chang La – Pangong Tso – Chang La – Leh
- Make a Day trip to Pangong Tso via Chang La Pass.
- Overnight at Leh.
- About an 8-9 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between.
What Are the Road Conditions and Vehicle Requirements?
The Srinagar – Leh Highway is generally better maintained than the Manali – Leh Highway. An SUV or 4×4 is highly recommended, though sedans and hatchbacks can manage with cautious driving. Expect broken patches, water crossings, and unpaved sections, especially beyond Leh.
Let me be honest about the road conditions in 2026. The Srinagar – Leh Highway (NH1) is mostly well-paved and even sedans can handle it comfortably. However, the Manali – Leh Highway still has stretches that can be challenging, especially between Sarchu and Pang where water crossings (nallahs) are common during July and August.
For the internal routes within Ladakh — like Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung La, Leh to Pangong Tso via Chang La, and Leh to Tso Moriri via Chumathang — the roads vary from decent tarmac to broken gravel. Hence, I would recommend the following based on vehicle type:
- SUV / 4×4 (Recommended): Best option for this circuit. Vehicles like Tata Safari, Mahindra Scorpio, or Toyota Fortuner handle the terrain comfortably. If renting, check my post on how to rent a self-drive car for Ladakh.
- Sedans / Hatchbacks: Doable but drive cautiously, especially on the Nubra – Pangong direct route and the Manali – Leh Highway stretches. Ground clearance can be an issue at water crossings.
- Bikes / Motorcycles: Very popular choice for Ladakh. Royal Enfields are the classic, but modern adventure bikes work great too. Check my guide on preparing your bike for Ladakh.
For the latest road status updates, keep an eye on the District Leh official road status page and the BRO (Border Roads Organisation) updates. As of February 2026, the Manali – Leh Highway is closed for winter and typically reopens in late May or June. The Srinagar – Leh Highway usually opens earlier, around April/May.
How Much Does This Leh Ladakh Road Trip Cost in 2026?
A 12-14 day Leh Ladakh road trip in 2026 costs approximately Rs 25,000 to Rs 50,000 per person depending on your travel style. Self-drive with budget stays is cheapest, while taxi-based travel with mid-range hotels costs more. Fuel, food, accommodation, and permits are the main expenses.
I know the first question in everyone’s mind is “how much will this cost?” So let me give you a rough breakdown for 2026. Keep in mind these are approximate numbers, and your actual cost will vary depending on how you travel and what you indulge in. For a super-detailed breakdown, check my complete guide on how to calculate the cost or budget for your Leh Ladakh trip.
| Expense Category | Budget (per person) | Mid-Range (per person) |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel (Delhi-Srinagar-Leh-Manali-Delhi) | Rs 8,000 – Rs 12,000 | Rs 10,000 – Rs 15,000 |
| Accommodation (12 nights) | Rs 500 – Rs 1,000/night | Rs 1,500 – Rs 3,000/night |
| Food (12 days) | Rs 400 – Rs 600/day | Rs 800 – Rs 1,200/day |
| Permits/Fees | Rs 500 – Rs 700 | Rs 500 – Rs 700 |
| Miscellaneous (tolls, parking, tips) | Rs 2,000 – Rs 3,000 | Rs 3,000 – Rs 5,000 |
| TOTAL (approx.) | Rs 22,000 – Rs 30,000 | Rs 35,000 – Rs 55,000 |
Pro tip: 4 is the magical number for sharing costs. If you go with 3 more friends in one car, the fuel and accommodation costs per person drop significantly. Do the math, my friend — a group of 4 can do this entire trip for about Rs 20,000 – Rs 25,000 per person in budget mode.
What Should You Pack for This Ladakh Road Trip?
Pack warm layers (even in summer, nights are cold at 3-5 degrees), rain gear, sunscreen (SPF 50+), sunglasses, basic medicines (Diamox for AMS after doctor consultation), power bank, cash, and original ID proof. For a detailed list, check the DwD packing guide linked below.
Packing right for Ladakh can make a world of difference. The temperature variation between day and night is extreme — you could be in a t-shirt during the afternoon in Leh and shivering in a down jacket by 8 PM. Here are the essentials:
- Warm layers: Thermal innerwear, fleece jacket, down jacket, warm socks, gloves, woolen cap
- Rain gear: Waterproof jacket or poncho (essential during July-August monsoon)
- Sun protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, UV-protection sunglasses, lip balm with SPF
- Medicines: Diamox (consult your doctor first), Disprin, ORS packets, basic first-aid kit
- Electronics: Power bank (10,000 mAh minimum), chargers, torch/headlamp
- Documents: Original ID (Aadhaar/Voter ID), 4-5 photocopies, environment fee receipt
- Cash: Carry Rs 15,000 – Rs 20,000 in cash. ATMs are only available in Leh, Kargil, and Diskit. UPI works in Leh town at some shops but do not rely on it beyond Leh
For the complete packing checklist, do refer to my detailed post on 40 must-have things to carry on a Ladakh self-drive trip.
How Is Mobile Network Coverage on This Ladakh Route?
BSNL postpaid offers the widest coverage across Ladakh. Airtel and Jio work in Leh town and some key locations. Prepaid SIMs do not work in Ladakh. There is no network at Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri, or most of the Manali – Leh Highway stretch.
This is something many first-timers do not think about, but mobile connectivity in Ladakh is limited. Here is what you need to know as of 2026:
- BSNL postpaid: The most reliable across Ladakh. Works in Leh, Kargil, Diskit (Nubra), Hunder, Panamik, and along most of the Srinagar – Leh Highway. This is what I recommend if you can arrange a BSNL postpaid SIM before your trip.
- Airtel postpaid: Works well in Leh town. Airtel has expanded its network in 2025-26 and now covers several tourist locations including Khardung La, Diskit, and Tangtse. However, coverage is still patchy beyond these areas.
- Jio: Works in Leh town and some parts of Nubra Valley. Coverage is expanding but not as reliable as BSNL for remote areas.
- No network zones: Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri, most of the Manali – Leh Highway between Pang and Keylong, Wari La route
- Important: Only postpaid SIMs work in Ladakh. Prepaid SIMs will not get any signal.
For a more detailed guide on connectivity, check my post on mobile phone connectivity in Leh – Ladakh.
What About Fuel Availability on This Ladakh Route?
Fuel is available at Leh (multiple pumps), Kargil, Diskit (Nubra Valley), Tangtse (near Pangong), and Nyoma (on the Tso Moriri route). As of 2026, petrol costs about Rs 100-103 per litre in Leh. Always fill up your tank in Leh before heading to any excursion.
Fuel availability has improved significantly in Ladakh over the last few years. However, it is still critical to plan your fuel stops carefully, especially if you are on a bike with a smaller tank. Here is the current situation as of 2026:
- Leh: Multiple petrol pumps, no issues at all
- Kargil: Petrol pumps available
- Diskit (Nubra Valley): One petrol pump, fully functional
- Tangtse: Petrol pump operational (about 34 km from Pangong Tso)
- Nyoma: Petrol pump made operational in 2024 (on the Tso Moriri route)
- Manali – Leh Highway: Tandi (near Keylong) is the last petrol pump before Leh — a gap of about 365 km. Carry extra fuel if on a bike.
Hence, it is extremely important to plan your fuel stops in advance. I have covered this topic in detail in my post on fuel availability in Leh – Ladakh — I suggest reading it before your trip.
How Can You Prevent Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) on This Trip?
To prevent AMS, acclimatize for at least 1-2 days in Leh before heading to higher altitudes. Drink 4-5 litres of water daily, avoid alcohol, eat light meals, walk slowly, and consider Diamox after consulting your doctor. If symptoms persist, descend to a lower altitude immediately.
I cannot stress this enough — Acute Mountain Sickness is the one thing that ruins more Ladakh trips than anything else. I have seen it happen in my group too, where symptoms ranged from mild (headache, inability to sleep) to extreme (bleeding nostrils, nausea, vomiting). Please take a sensible call for yourself and your loved ones waiting for your safe return.
Here are my top tips for preventing AMS on this Leh Ladakh itinerary:
- Acclimatize properly: Spend at least one full day resting in Leh after arrival. This is Day 5 in our itinerary — do NOT skip it.
- Hydrate aggressively: Drink at least 4-5 litres of water every day. Dehydration and AMS go hand in hand at high altitudes.
- Avoid alcohol: At least for the first 2-3 days in Leh. Your body needs all the oxygen it can get.
- Eat light: Heavy meals at high altitude slow down digestion and can worsen symptoms.
- Diamox: Consult your doctor before the trip. Many travelers start taking Diamox one day before reaching Leh as a preventive measure.
- Walk slowly: Especially on the first 2 days. No running, no climbing stairs fast.
- Know when to stop: If symptoms persist or worsen, descend to a lower altitude immediately. No destination is worth risking your health.
For a much more detailed guide, check my post on 12 tips to prevent AMS in Ladakh, Spiti, and Zanskar trips.
What Additional Points Should You Keep in Mind for This Trip?
Consider extending to Turtuk in Nubra Valley, check accommodation options in advance for peak season (July-August), and always carry a basic tool kit if self-driving. Also, respect the local culture and environment — carry your trash back with you.
- You can also make a three-day trip to Nubra Valley so that you can spend one night in the beautiful village of Turtuk and remove the rest day at Day 10 or add one day to the above plan. I bet you will not regret it at all visiting Turtuk in Nubra Valley.
- For accommodation, check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in the entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate and cheap budget hotels.
- Any doubts related to the budget of your Ladakh trip? Don’t worry, check this complete guide on how to calculate the cost or budget for Leh – Ladakh trip.
- In case you prefer traveling by public transport, do check my post on top 5 reasons to make a trip to Ladakh by bus or public transport. It is absolutely doable and much more affordable.
- For tips on self-driving, refer to my 7 useful tips for a self-drive to Leh – Ladakh.
- Responsible travel: Please carry your trash back with you. The beauty of Ladakh depends on travelers like you keeping it clean. The DwD community has always championed responsible travel — let us continue to do our part.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days are needed for a Leh Ladakh road trip from Delhi?
A minimum of 12-14 days is recommended for the complete Srinagar – Leh – Manali circuit from Delhi. This includes 2 days each way for driving to/from Delhi, 1 day for acclimatization in Leh, 2 days for Nubra Valley, 2 days for Pangong Tso, and 2 days for Tso Moriri plus return via Manali. I always suggest keeping 1-2 buffer days for unexpected road closures or to simply enjoy a destination longer.
Is a permit required for Leh Ladakh in 2026?
As of 2022, Indian citizens no longer need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to travel anywhere in Ladakh, including Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri, and even Umling La Pass. However, you do need to pay an environment/green fee of Rs 400, a Red Cross fee of Rs 100 (both one-time), and a wildlife fee of Rs 20 per day. You can pay this online at lahdclehpermit.in.
Can I do this Ladakh itinerary in a sedan or hatchback?
Yes, it is doable but you need to drive cautiously, especially on stretches with water crossings and broken road patches. Ground clearance can be an issue on the Nubra to Pangong direct route and on parts of the Manali – Leh Highway. I would recommend an SUV or 4×4 if possible, but many travelers have successfully completed this circuit in sedans like the Hyundai Creta or Maruti Ciaz.
What is the best month to visit Leh Ladakh?
The best time for this Leh Ladakh itinerary is June to September. June and September offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds. July and August bring the most tourists and some rain, but all passes and routes are open. The Srinagar – Leh Highway typically opens in April/May, while the Manali – Leh Highway opens in late May or June. For the complete circuit, plan for June onwards.
Should I start from Srinagar side or Manali side?
I strongly recommend starting from the Srinagar side for this itinerary. The Srinagar – Leh Highway has a more gradual altitude gain, which helps your body acclimatize better and reduces the risk of AMS. Additionally, you save a day since Tso Moriri can be covered on the return journey toward Manali without backtracking to Leh. I have covered this in detail in my post on 5 reasons to choose Srinagar – Leh Road.
Is there mobile network at Pangong Tso or Tso Moriri?
No, there is no reliable mobile network at Pangong Tso or Tso Moriri as of 2026. BSNL postpaid has the widest coverage across Ladakh but even it does not work at these remote lakes. The last place you will get network before Pangong is around Tangtse (about 34 km before the lake). I suggest informing your family in advance that you will be unreachable for a day or two.
How much cash should I carry for Leh Ladakh trip?
I suggest carrying at least Rs 15,000 – Rs 20,000 in cash per person. ATMs are available only in Leh (multiple), Kargil, and Diskit (Nubra Valley). There are no ATMs at Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri, or along the Manali – Leh Highway. While some shops in Leh Main Bazaar accept UPI payments, do not rely on digital payments once you leave Leh town.
Can I do this Leh Ladakh itinerary by public transport?
Yes, it is possible but requires more time and flexibility. JKSRTC runs buses from Srinagar to Leh (2-day journey via Kargil), and local buses operate from Leh to Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, and Tso Moriri on specific days. Shared taxis are another affordable option. Check my post on reasons to do Ladakh trip by bus and the Leh Ladakh bus services timetable.
Conclusion
I hope this Leh Ladakh itinerary for 2026 will be useful for travelers planning their road trip, especially for the first time. This 12-14 day plan covering the complete Srinagar – Leh – Manali circuit is, in my experience, the best way to see Ladakh without rushing through it. You get to enjoy all three major destinations — Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, and Tso Moriri — while giving your body enough time to acclimatize properly.
Have a travel question?? You can subscribe to my YouTube channel and leave a comment to ask your travel questions about traveling to the Himalayas.
I look forward to any questions, doubts, or valuable suggestions and inputs you have and would love to discuss your custom plan as well in the comments section. If you want any customization or deviation from the above plan, feel free to ask any questions, and in case you know a friend who is interested in traveling Ladakh from Srinagar in such a plan, feel free to share the article with them.
You can also check the DoW Travel Calendar from the link in the Main Menu of the website to find travel partners and group departures for Ladakh. And if you have done this route before, I would love to hear about your experience — share your tips in the comments so that they can help fellow travelers planning their Ladakh trip 🙂 …
Last Updated: February 2026
2,495 Comments
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Very comprehensive. This excludes the Zanskar valley. What would be the suggested itinerary change if that also needs to be included. Would it be a good idea to reach Srinagar by flight and then travel by road ?
Hey Vimal, you can refer: Ladakh and Zanskar Itinerary
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for the prompt reply. On the taxi related rules – i hope there would be no problem if i have a car rented from Delhi or elsewhere for the complete trip, or if I am having a zoomcar or my own car.
Hi Dheeraj,
Your information is very useful for me, a 1stimer to Leh !!! Thanks !
I will fly to Leh and here is my plan:
Day1: Leh (guesthouse)
Day 2: Leh – Turtuk (guesthouse ?)
Day 3: Turtuk – Pangong (camping or guesthouse ?)
Day 4: Pangong – Tso Morri (camping or guesthouse ?)
Day 5: Tso Morri – Tso Kar – Hemis – Leh (guesthouse)
Pls advise if it”s ok !
Thanks !
Hung
–
Day 2 is required at Leh for acclimatisation. One day is not enough. This plan looks too hectic. Hall of Fame at Leh is must visit, without which your trip is incomplete.
Turtuk to PangongTso in one day is feasible only through Shyok/ WariLa route, but you will have to check if this route is open.
You are stretching yourself a too much with the trip.
Thanks a lot for your advise
I will replan my trip
cheers !
Hung
Great, have a wonderful trip
Hi Dheeraj,
I along with my parents are planning a road trip to srinagar from delhi. we will start from delhi on 15th early morning. We wish to be back to delhi by 24th sep.
In this time frame is it possible for us to cover drass/kargil? If yes can you suggest an itinerary?
What kind of weather can we expect there?
Hoping to hear from you..
Rene, are you just visiting Srinagar or visit Ladakh as well? If you want to just visit Srinagar and other parts of Kashmir, then yes it is possible.
Day 1 | Delhi – Jammu
Day 2 | Jammu – Srinagar
Day 3 | Srinagar
Day 4 | Srinagar – Zoji La – Drass – Kargil
Day 5 | Kargil – Drass – Sonamarg
Day 6 | Sonamarg – Gulmarg
Day 7 | Gulmarg – Patnitop
Day 8 | Patnitop – Delhi
Day 9 | Buffer day
Thank for prompt reply. I really appreciate that.
Initially we planned for Leh Ladakh but had to drop it because of time constraint.
So now we have limited days i.e. 15-25 sep. and we are mainly visiting srinagar. But I want to take my parents to Drass and Kargil.
The plan you suggested seems good. I will reach to you for any further help and request you to help me as I am chalking out the plan all alone with no travel exposure.
Cheers
Rene
No problems Rene, feel free to post as many questions as you would like 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
First of all many thanks for such a wonderful and informative blog.
We are planning for Delhi – Srinagar – Leh – Manali – Delhi road trip (by own diesel car) in September mid this year. It will be a 12 – 13 days trip. My question is:
– Is it wise to book all hotels for all (12 days) in advance or is it fine if we directly reach to the destinations and search for hotels?
Thanks
Sehaj
September is not a peak season and you can travel to Ladakh without much issues without any bookings. You will be able to find them on the spot.
Hi Sehaj
we too are planning leh ladakh trip in mid september from Delhi.
Have you finalized your trip?
Thanks
Saurabh
Seems, wonderful, let me know incase you guys have questions on planning the trip to Ladakh or your itineraries.
HI Sir This is Ahmed we are travelling in Aug last week. we will start from Delhi and our tour is for 10 to 12 days.
1) From Delhi its good to start from Srinagar then Leh manali and all or we should start from Manali.
2) We are 6 frnds and we want to hire taxi from Delhi to cover all the places how much will be total cost if we hire from Delhi to Srinagar Leh Manali and all and coming back to Delhi?
3) Kindly suggest few places where we should go by bike coz we want to explore the places by bikes?
4) What will be the approx. cost including Rental car, Bikes in few places, Budget hotels and meals for 12 days? places will Start from Delhi and cover Manali leh Ladakh Srinagar kargil and all places which we should go?
5) Kindly suggest the best route map to cover max places which are worth and duration we should stay there?
Replied https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/how-to-calculate-cost-or-budget-for-leh-ladakh-trip/comment-page-13/#comment-466981
can we plan in December or January for Leh ladhak bike ride along with Manali, Jammu and All…. plz suggest
No, the roads from Manali to Leh gets closed by mid to late October nowadays.
Dear Dheeraj We are planning to travel in Aug last week and we are planning for 8 to 10 days . kindly suggest the plan from Delhi and end Delhi and Second plan if we go by flight to Leh and start our tour. so how we proceed and best places to go by Bike in this tour. What are things we should carry
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 9 days: Leh – Ladakh | Most Common Itinerary by Air.
It will take 4 days to reach Leh from Srinagar side starting from Delhi with stop overs at Jammu, Srinagar, Kargil and 3 days to come back from Leh from Manali side to Delhi with stopovers at Sarchu, Manali. This makes it 7 days. 1 Day is required in Leh for acclimatization. You have about 10 days. 1 Day can be used as Day trip to Pangong Tso and other day can be used as day trip to Nubra Valley or just Khardung La pass.
Opt to go via Manali – Leh Highway and I will suggest that you refer the thread for more details on the route and night halts though it is of 9 days: Manali – Leh – Ladakh – Manali | Itinerary for 9 Days. You can fit in plan I suggested in above para in this plan
Hi Dheeraj….This is our plan…..
Aug 1st – Srinagar to Leh
Aug 2nd – Kargil to leh
Au 3rd – Leh
Aug 4th – Leh to Turtuk
Aug 5th – Turtuk,takshi village
Aug 6th – Hunder,diskit, leh
Aug 7th – Pangong Lake
Aug 8th – Psomoriri,tsokar lake
Aug 9th – Tsokar to Jispa
Aug 10th – Jispa to Kaza(Chandratal)
Aug 11th – Kaza(Hikkim,komic etc)
Aug 12th – Dhankar, Tabo, Nako
Aug 13th – Nako to Shimla
Aug 14th – Shimla to Delhi
Is this fine???
Hi Saran,
My inputs below:
1. I believe you meant Srinagar to Kargil
2. Aug8: Are you doing PAngong Tso to Tso Moriri to Tso Kar? It will be too much, better add a day or stay at Tso Moriri only
3. Then do Tso Moriri to Jispa
4. Jispa to Chandratal, Chandratal to Kaza covering Lagnza, Hikkim, Komic
Rest you are just being on road mostly not soaking in except Turtuk.
Yes almost full on roads..It is possible knw?or any change needed apart from tsokar one..yes its srinagar to kargil only
Well, I will recommend add some rest days in Kaza and Kinnaur to ease out the trip in that leg
Hi Dheeraj…One more clarification pls…We got a rate of 65k for innova to cover our entire trip(srinagar-leh-turtuk-tsomoriri-jispa-kaza-nako-tabo-shimla)..is this rate fine…some says its high..
It seems to be a fine rate to covering the entire stretch including Spiti Valley
This plan is not doable. I recommend that you study the geography and topography od Ladakh and Spiti Valley. Also, only JK10 registered vehicles are permitted in Ladakh, so be sure that the innova you are hiring is JK10 registered. Innova for 65k for the entire trip. There is something amiss. Please check again.
I am Deepak,
The information and tour plan you have shared is awesome. Even I am planning for the similar type of tour.
Please let me know how viable is the below mentioned plan. I am planning to transport my 2010 model CBZ Xtreme (90000KM Driven, which is well serviced) to Delhi and start the journey from there.
Even let me what need to be checked with the bike as this my first bike trip.Please let me know at what places fuel is available and what kind of possible vehicle break down might happen.
Actually I am planning to reach Delhi from hyderabad on 16th June by train and on the same day start for Jammu.
Day2: Jammu to Srinagar
Day 3 : Srinagar to Kargil
Day 4: Kargil to Leh
Day 5: Leh sightseeing, inner line permit and acclimitization.
Day 6: Leh to Nubra Valley
Day 7: Nubra to Pangong
Day 8: Pangong to Tsomoriri ( Avoid returning to Leh)
Day 9: Tso moriri to Sarchu
(From leh to Sarchu it is almost 1050 Km, milege of my bike in city is 40KM/L. If I take 30Km/L for this terrain, I will be needing 35 to 40 Litres of fuel. Even if i start with full tank of 12 Litres and 2 jerry cans of 20 litre capacity, I will be having shortage of 10 litres. Is there any fuel station available in this route or is it is better to return to Leh after pangong and then leave to Sarchu via Tso Moriri)
Day 10: Sarchu to Manali
Day 11: Manali to New Delhi.
If possible please share me information about place must to see in the whole trip or else please share me any web links.
With Best Regards
Deepak
For fuel, please check: Fuel Availability In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips
You will have to carry the fuel with you if you plan to do above circuit. There are places where you get black fuel too. Please refer article above.
Hi Dheeraj,
Its my pleasure to thank you for giving amazing tips to make our trip easy.
On 26th June morning at 9:55 I will be reaching Delhi and start my journey to manali on a public transport and will be reaching Manali in early morning on 27th June. From there only I am going to start my bike ride following the same itinerary suggested by you in this top of the page. And I have to end my bike tour in manali 0n 8th June evening and need to travel to delhi by public transport and next day evening (9th evening 3:00) I have to get my flight back in Delhi to Srilanka.
So, according to given period, kindly adjust your itinerary according to my period and suggest me a good plan.
Appreciate your valuable reply.
Thanks.
Mubarak
Srilanka
You can follow the below plan:
27th – Manali rest day
28th – Manali – Jispa/Keylong
29th – Jispa/Keylong – Leh
30th – Leh rest day and find shared taxis or bikes and apply for Protected Area Permits
1st – Leh – Nubra Valley
2nd – Nubra Valley – Leh
3rd – Leh – Pangong Tso
4th – Pangong Tso – Leh
5th – Leh – Tso Moriri
6th – Tso Moriri – Leh
7th – Leh – Jispa/Keylong (start back for Manali)
8th – Reach Manali and take the evening Volvo back to Delhi from Manali.
Dear Dheeraj,
Problem is, i am going to Srinagar via Pathankot from Manali in the bike. from srinagar to Leh and Leh to Manali on the same dates above mentioned.
Please revise your suggested itinerary plan according to this and send it to me for my convenience.
Your help much appreciated.
Although I will suggest to drop Srinagar – Leh Highway in that case because else you will have to drop Tso Moriri lake. Still, if you want to do it, you can follow below
27th – Manali rest day
28th – Manali – Pathankot
29th – Pathankot – Srinagar
30th – Srinagar – Kargil
1st – Kargil – Leh
2nd – Leh rest day and find shared taxis or bikes and apply for Protected Area Permits
3rd – Leh – Nubra Valley
4th – Nubra Valley – Leh
5th – Leh – Pangong Tso
6th – Pangong Tso – Leh
7th – Leh – Jispa/Keylong (start back for Manali)
8th – Reach Manali and take the evening Volvo back to Delhi from Manali.
Hello Dheeraj,
Thanks for starting this blog. It has been very useful for planning our trip. We are 2 couples travelling from srinagar and reach leh on 25th June. In leh we will be covering nubra, turtuk, pangong, tso moriri, the leh itenary is as follows:
Our driver-thanks again as we got his contact from your suggested list- said travelling direct pangong to tso moriri won’t be possible as the road has been closed. And he suggested this plan.
1 day: Leh local (26th june)
2 day: Leh to nubra, hunder stay.
3 day: hunder to Turtuk and back hunder
4 day: Nubra to pangong via shayok and pangong stay.
5 day: pangong to chumathang stay.
6 day: chumathang to Tsomoriri and back Leh.
1. So is it possible to travel direct from pangong tso to tso moriri instead of long chumathang route?
2.On day 6, other couple is planning to head leh along with the cab and fly back while two of us wana go ahead via manali route. So would we able to get public transport or tag along with other grp till manali. I read there is HPTDC bus operating from leh to manali, but for that do l have to come back to leh from tso moriri or can join keylong/jispa/sarchu?
Please suggest.
Thanks and regards,
Ankit
Hey Ankit,
Considering driver is suggesting it, better take his words and yes Chusul road is on and off this season. It depends on the permit if you get from DC office in Leh. If you get it, then go with it else take Chumathang route
It is better for other couple to return to Leh on Day 5 because it does not make sense to travel to Chumathang and return.
Hello Dheeraj,
Thanks for your reply.
2.I m confused, do u suggest to skip travel to tso moriri. And leave for manali from Leh by HPTDC bus after coming from Pangong ? Or Is there any other way.
Can we find info about HPTDC buses anywhere. Like do they operate everyday now and do the bookings. Because I read couple of years back it used to operate alternate days.
Thanks and regards,
Ankit
No, I am saying that the other person who will come back to Leh, should not go to Chumathang. I believe you are going to cover Tso Moriri, come back to Leh and then from Leh will take bus to Manali?
HPTDC will publish the details as soon as the road gets open.
Hello Dheeraj,
Ok, actually we are starting from chumathang in morning and head to tso moriri and then reach leh by night by car..car rental ends there..
And take bus to manali next day morning.
So rather is there any way to reach manali from tso moriri if you don’t have a cab.
Thanks
No Ankit, from Tso Moriri in case you have personal vehicle or hire the taxi, you cannot reach Manali by public transport.
Hi Dheeraj,
I am from Singapore and have 13 days to travel around Leh on a motorbike trip this September, would the following itinerary be comfortable?
Day 1: fly into Leh
Day 2: Leh (Rest Day)
Day 3: Nubra Valley via Khardung La
Day 4: Leh
Day 5: Tso Moriri via Chumathang
Day 6:Sarchu
Day 7: Manali
Day 8: Dharamshala
Day 9: Jammu
Day 10: Srinagar
Day 11: Kargil
Day 12: Leh
Day 13: Buffer Day
Franz, I will recommend that you focus on Ladakh only ad skip other places for some other time. Also, it is better to fly to Srinagar and then go to Ladakh and after covering Ladakh go over to Manali – Dharamshala. This way it helps in acclimatization and better planning of the trip. Let me know if are unable to work out the itinerary from the plan mentioned in the article above.
Hey Dheeraj,
Based on what you said, is it safe to assume the pace I am going at would not be safe or comfortable? In that case, would it be better to just focus on leh and Manali by doing a round trip from Leh to Manali and back to leh again? Thank you so much for your help
This is what I will recommend you
Day 1 | Delhi – Srinagar
— Enjoy walk around Dal lake and may be Shikara ride as well
— If you have time then check out, floating market, Shalimar Garden.
— Overnight at Srinagar
Day 2 | Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil
— Enjoy the vistas enroute
— Have late drunch meal at Drass is you are a vegetarian as sometimes it gets difficult to find veg. food at Kargil
— Overnight at Kargil
Day 3 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
— Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes
— On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu
— Overnight at Leh
Day 4 | Leh Local Sightseeing + Acclimatization
— To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
— Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 6 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Day 7 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on the go towards Pangong Tso
— Overnight at Pangong Tso (Spangmik or Lukung)
Day 8 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on return to Leh
— Overnight at Leh
Day 9 | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping OR Monastery tour OR you can do tour to Sham Valley
— Monastery tour may include Hemis, Thicksey, Stakna and Shey monasteries. They come on the route of Pangong Tso but as you will be doing day trip, it will be a bit hectic to include them on that day only.
— Sham Valley include Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, Gurudwara Pather Sahib
— Overnight at Leh
Day 10 | Leh – Taglang La – Moore Plains – Pang – Sarchu
— Stay overnight at Sarchu
Day 11 | Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
— On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only
— Overnight at Manali
Day 12 | Manali – Delhi
Day 13 + 14 | Buffer days to be kept incase of road closure due to landslides or snowfall or perhaps you want to enjoy more.
what would be the itenerary from chd to leh via manali… would be highly appreciate if u could share it. thanks.
You can refer: Ladakh from Manali – Most Common Itinerary
Hello Discover With Dheeraj Team
we have planned to Start On 18th of May 2018, From Chandigarh-Srinagar-Jammu-Kargil Leh. Will the Route Open
Thank You
Waiting For Reply
Most likely this year the road should be open. Srinagar – Leh is already open.
Thank You
Hey, we are also planning for a similar itinerary.
May be we can catch up / plan together?
Hey Dheeraj,
How can i break down this itinerary into 9-10days following the same route as Delhi-Srinagar-Manali-Delhi
It will take 4 days to reach Leh from Srinagar side starting from Delhi with stop overs at Jammu, Srinagar, Kargil and 3 days to come back from Leh from Manali side to Delhi with stopovers at Sarchu, Manali. This makes it 7 days. 1 Day is required in Leh for acclimatization. You have about 10 days. 1 Day can be used as Day trip to Pangong Tso and other day can be used as day trip to Nubra Valley or just Khardung La pass.
Opt to go via Manali – Leh Highway and I will suggest that you refer the thread for more details on the route and night halts though it is of 9 days: Manali – Leh – Ladakh – Manali | Itinerary for 9 Days. You can fit in plan I suggested in above para in this plan
Hey Dheeraj,
I am very extremely excited after going through your website and way you are updating every information for travelers so well. However, i am very much satisfied and agreed on advantages you have mentioned to take Delhi-Srinagar-Manali-Delhi route. considering the same, i have listed down below itinerary covering 10days, could you please review and help me out. I am planning to drive my I20:
Day 1 — 25-May-18 — Delhi to Patnitop
Day 2 — 26-May-18 — Patnitop to Srinagar
Day 3 — 27-May-18 — Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil
Day 4 — 28-May-18 — Kargil to Lamayuru – Leh
Day 5 — 29-May-18 — Leh to Leh Local Sighseeing
Day 6 — 30-May-18 — Leh to Nubra Valley
Day 7 — 31-May-18 — Leh to Pangong Tso Lake
Day 8 — 1-Jun-18 — Leh to Taglang La – Pang – Sarchu
Day 9 — 2-Jun-18 — Sarchu Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
Day 10 — 3-Jun-18 — Manali to Delhi
Thank you Arun. I will highly recommend that you add one more day in the plan and also consider the option below if that is not possible
Day 6 — 30-May-18 — Leh to Nubra Valley
Day 7 — 31-May-18 — Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso Lake
Day 8 — 1-Jun-18 — Pangong Tso Lake – Taglang La – Pang/Sarchu
Thank You Dheeraj,
Highly appreciated with your promptness. If i add one more day, where do i fit that day with what all other options i have to explore?
Also, reason i have opted Srinagar route with 10-11days plans is what i am really convinced with acclimatized, no road pass (rohtang pass), by this i covered both the highways. I hope i am going in a right way. Hope with I20 drive is manageable as i have read lot of people recommend SUV
Wonderful, yes Srinagar – Leh is better option always for acclimatization. For hatchback/sedan taking on Manali – Leh Highway and Ladakh, I will say Possible = Yes, Difficult = Yes, at quite a few place:
You will indeed face few tough challenges on the route. The hatchback/sedan will increase the level of every challenge even further, sedan is the worst candidate. My suggestion will be to go via Srinagar route as it will help you feel comfortable with the driving, provide more acclimatization and then once you have done the local Leh-Ladakh, then come back via Manali side. Secondly, since you are in hatch/sedan, then you need to drive with extra care as well. There will be some sections on the Manali – Leh highway in which you might need to sacrifice some scratches on the underbelly. Just make sure you do not bump the engine sump (know it before where it is placed in your car). You need to protect it all around the trip. Thirdly, whenever in doubt do not rush into the section rather park aside and feel the section with your foot, see how other vehicles are crossing it and make a planned route in your mind to cross that section. At the very least do carry Mseal, quick fix, funnel, jerry cans and towing rope with you all the time.
Also, I will strongly suggest that you go through and read my series on Ladakh Self Drive tips at the links below:
7 Useful Tips for a Self Drive to Leh – Ladakh, Routes and Road Conditions In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips, Fuel Availability In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips
Hey Dheeraj,
I have started my preparation and following your great guidance and reading your website all day long. now i will be starting my journey from June 8th instead of May. now i am little scared on following option after going through the route details on : https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/tips-for-nubra-valley-to-pangong-tso-direct-route/ . Me and wife will be the only one and we will be going via a hatchback. Is it really advice able to do this route. Is there any other route which i should take to avoid any difficulties for us. Is there any better road which is available now in year 2018? or i should go back to Leh from Nubra Valley??
Day 7 Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso Lake
Hey Arun,
In a hatchback, this kind of route I will say not to take unless you are prepared to turn back because of some section that you could not cross. In last couple of years the road condition has been much better but I am not sure if you are ready to take up the chance. You should also wait for other vehicles to arrive and join them in a convoy so as to get some help. Else avoid the route and take conventional route to Pangong tso from Leh.
Dear
Is it possible to do a day trip to Pangong from Leh as I want to avoid staying at Pangong due to high altitude area. Pls suggest as I will be travelling alone on my suv.
Yes Firaz, many people do a day trip to Pangong Tso. It takes about 12 hrs
Hi
I have planned a trip as per your recommended itinerary and made few tweaks, please advise if I am missing out anything and also please suggest a tentative budget for the trip on own Enfield 350\’s. Thanks
Haldwani-Delhi-Shrinagar-Leh-Manali-Delhi-Haldwani (May/June 2018)
Itinerary
Day 1 | Haldwani – Delhi
Day 2 | Delhi – Jammu / Patnitop – Overnight at Jammu or Patnitop. About 12-13 Hrs drive
Day 3 | Jammu / Patnitop – Srinagar – Overnight at Srinagar. About 8-9 Hrs drive
Day 4 | Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil – Overnight at Kargil. About 8 Hrs drive
Day 5 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh – Overnight at Leh. About 9-10 Hrs drive
Day 6 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Inner Line Permits – Overnight at Leh
Day 7 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder – Overnight at Hunder / Diskit . On the way Khardung La. About 5-6 Hrs drive
Day 8 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh – Overnight at Leh. About 7-9 Hrs drive
Day 9 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake – Overnight at Pangong Tso. About 5-6 Hrs drive
Day 10 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh – Overnight at Leh. About 5-6 Hrs drive
Day 11 | Rest day at Leh – Overnight at Leh
Day 12 | Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang – Cover Karzok Monastery. Overnight at Karzok. About 7-8 Hrs drive
Day 13 | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring– Moore Plains – Pang / Sarchu – Overnight at Sarchu About 11-12 Hrs drive
Day 14 | Pang / Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali – About 11-12 Hrs drive
Day 15 | Manali – Delhi – About 13-14 Hrs drive
Day 16 | Delhi – Haldwani
Personal requirements
Rucksack, Helmets, Bike Carrier for fuel and luggage
Riding gear or Jacket, gloves, knee guards, helmet and balaclava. Rain Covers
Jackets and 2-3 pullovers
A pair of hand gloves preferably woolen, and warm clothes/caps to cover your ears and neck
Soaps, towels, general medicines, bandages etc. 2 pairs of thermal inner, 4-5 pairs of socks
Waterproof shoes, Sleeping bag
Medicines for Acute Mountain Sickness such as Avomine, Dexamethasone, Diamox and Acetazolamide
Chocolates, biscuits, and dry fruits
Camera, chargers for cell phone and other basic things
Torch, Mobile chargers, Camera kit etc.
Essential tools:
Tool kit, Ring spanners size 8 to 17
Screw Driver set, Steel wire
Electrical & Scotch tape
Foot or Electric air pump
Puncture repair kit
Essential Spares
Engine oil
90w Gear oil
Headlight and brake light bulb
Chain links
Clutch and front brake lever, Clutch and accelerator wires
Spare tube for front and rear tyre
Spark plug
Spare key
Spare Fuse
Nylon Rope & Bungee cords, Electrical wire
Few nuts and bolts of various sizes
Petrol pipe
Your plan looks similar to our most common itinerary and is good enough for enjoyable trip to Ladakh. The essential kit also is good.
Thank you very much for prompt response Dheeraj, much appreciated. Could you please also help me with a tentative budget that we can keep in mind while planning for the trip including fuel, stay, food etc. It would be of great help.
For doubts related to budget for Leh – Ladakh trip, I am sure the link below will help you alot for getting an idea of overall budget:
How to calculate cost or budget for Leh – Ladakh trip
Also, check the article: 5 Tips for a Budget Trip to Ladakh
Hello,
I am also interested in the trip but don’t have a group as of now. Please let me know if I can join you guys.
It will be much better that you check the DoW Travel Calendar from the link in the Main Menu of website. There had been about 600+ entries of the people planning their trips in last couple of seasons which helped them have better visibility for finding out travel partners. You can filter entries based on the preferences you have and increase chances of visibility. Hence, kindly explore DoW Travel Calendar and also post your entry too. This will help you find other fellow travellers looking for company and increase probability of finding your post by others too.
You can also post a DoW Travel Calendar entry by using the Main Menu and clicking on Submit New Event option in it. Here is the link: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/dow-travel-partners-calendar/
Hi Dheeraj,
thank you for your feed backs and forums regarding Ladakh tours.
i am from kerala and am planning to visit leh-ladakh on the month of may 2018 (9 /5/218 to 25/5/2018) . we are confused about rotang pass and srinagar -leh high way opening time.please find our detailed the itinerary and comment!
1)9 may 2018 Delhi to Amritsar
2)10 may 2018 Amritsar sight seeing
3) 11 may 2018 Amritsar -Srinagar
4) 12 may 2018 Srinagar sight seeing
5) 13 may 2018 Srinagar to Kargil
6)14 may 2018 Kargil to leh
7) 15 may 2018 Rest at leh
8) 16 may 2018 leh to Nubra valley (via thunder )
9) 17 may 2018 nubra to Pan gong
10) 18 may 2018 Pan gong to leh
11) 19may 2018 leh to tso moriri
12) 20 may 2018 tso moriri to sarchu /jispa or keylong
13) 21 may 2018 sarchu to manali /kasol
14) 22 may 2018 kasol to delhi
15) 23 may 2018 buffer day and flight back to home
waiting for your valuable feed back.
Well, your plan looks OK to me. I will recommend that you make a delay of one week for Manali – Leh Highway to open.
thank you dheeraj.
could you please tell Approximate time srinagar-leh & leh- manali high ways open?
And we are planning to travel in car.is it ok in this period of time ?
You can track them under: Manali Leh Highway Status 2018 and Srinagar Leh Highway Status 2018
Hi Dheeraj,
Please check my Itinerary below and let me know if any changes is required. We are travelling in a bike.
Give me some inputs if there is any hectic schedule involved and suggest me what to modify.
Day 1: Chandighar – Patnitop
Day 2: Patnitop – Sonmarg
Day 3: Sonmarg – Kargil
Day 4: Kargil – Leh
Day 5: Rest day in Leh
Day 6: Leh – Khardungla – Nubra
Day 7: Nubra – Pangang Tso via Wali la
Day 8: Pangang tso to Leh
day 9: Leh to Tso moriri
Day 10: Tso moriri – Sarchu
Day 11: Sarchu to Manali
Day 12: Manali to Chandighar
Prem, the plan looks good to me.
How is Nubra to pangong route now? Will you advise to that this route or come back to Leh?
Now a days many people do direct route from Pangong tso to Nubra Valley, so it shall be fine. Unless people at agham village says otherwise, you can very much take this direct route.
Dheeraj, I’m more worried about rain during July first week. Im not planning in June cos roads will not be good(as i read from your blogs). So Please let me know if July first week doable and how usually the weather in July first week (esp zozila)?
July first week is still good time to travel Suhas, rains mostly start from middle – late July
hey prem
when are you plan this trip?
in May or June?
It will be much better that you check the DoW Travel Calendar from the link in the Main Menu of website. There had been about 600+ entries of the people planning their trips in last couple of seasons which helped them have better visibility for finding out travel partners. You can filter entries based on the preferences you have and increase chances of visibility. Hence, kindly explore DoW Travel Calendar and also post your entry too. This will help you find other fellow travellers looking for company and increase probability of finding your post by others too.
You can also post a DoW Travel Calendar entry by using the Main Menu and clicking on Submit New Event option in it. Here is the link: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/dow-travel-partners-calendar/
Dear
We planned to travel along Leh by June last week. Will be following exactly as per your itinerary. Got a small quiry that Is it possible to cover Nubra Valley to Leh via Pangong in one day?? Will it be hectic as we will be heading to Nubra Valley and stay over der, very next day will be headed towards Pangong and den to Leh from there on the same day. Is it possible?? Or worth enough to save one day???
Furu, Nubra to Pangong tso to Leh will surely be hectic and you will not enjoy much. It is same as doing day trip to Pangong Tso from Leh especially from Shyok route.
So it’s better to get back to Leh from Nubra. And den do a day trip to Pangong Tso. Will it be fine and easy to do a day trip to do a Pangong???
Furu, I will say add one more day to make it comfortable or stay at Pangong Tso. Then come back to Leh next day.
Hello Dheeraj,
we are group of 6 (3 couples) visiting the region by an SUV (Innova/Scorpio) from July 6 this year
Please review below itinerary and advise if the same is possible:
Srinagar – Leh – Manali – Delhi
Day 1 (July 6) Hometown to Srinagar (Flight)
Day 2 srinagar – kargil
Day 3 kargil – Leh
Day 4 Acclimatization + local sightseeing
Day 5 Leh – Nubra valley
Day 6 Nubra valley – Pangong lake – Leh
Day 7 Leh – Tsomoriri
Day 8 Tsomoriri – Manali
Day 9 Manali – Delhi
Day 10 Delhi – hometown
Also advise if is it possible to reach Manali directly from Tsomoriri lake within a day.
Which option is better for day 6 night stay per above itinerary? Leh (going back from pangong) or pangong itself considering next day is for tsomoriri?
Hey Mehak,
Just replied to your comment here: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/question/srinagar-leh-manali-itinerary/
Hello Dheeraj,
Thank you for the reply. We are planning through a tour operator so inner permits will be taken care of by them. Also, Which option is better for day 6 night stay per above itinerary? Leh (going back from pangong) or pangong itself considering next day is for tsomoriri? How are the accommodations at Pangong?m
Well, if you go back to Leh, it makes it less tiring. Otherwise, if you stay at Pangong tso, you will need to make a 12 Hr journey on bumpy roads to reach Tso Moriri next day. Please note that Nubra to Pangong tso to Leh will be like 12 hrs journey and I see that it is already hectic.
I will recommend that you drop to Tso Moriri lake visit. Rest at Pangong tso.
Dropping Tsomoriri is not option ! Already dropped once during my first visit because of last minute hotel cancellation 🙁
Google maps show Pangong to Tsomoriri 208 kn (5.5 hours journey). Are roads that bad that it will take 12 hours?
Yeah brother, do not follow Google maps for a trip to Ladakh, you may end up in a bad situation. Do not expect driving more than 20 KMs per hr on an average with breaks and all. So, 10-12 hrs it will surely take.
Hi Dheeraj,
We are planning Delhi-Srinagar-Leh-Manali-Delhi circuit. Will the itinerary be suitable?
Day 1: Leave Delhi for Patnitop. Overnight at Patnitop
Day 2: Patnitop to Kargil
Day 3: Kargil to Leh (Overnight at Leh)
Day 4: Leh to Nubra Valley (Overnight at Nubra Valley)
Day 5: Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso (Overnight at Pangong Tso)
Day 6: Pangong Tso to Hanle (Overnight at Hanle)
Day 7: Hanle to Sarchu (Overnight at Sarchu)
Day 8: Sarchu to Manali (Overnight at Manali)
Day 9: Manali to Delhi
Some more details
We will be a group of 8-10 people and will be taking own cars. (However experienced drivers will be driving)
All of us are aged 27.
We would not like to spend heavily on accommodation. approx 500-700 per night will be great and no problem in twin-triple or even 4 sharing rooms if there are any.
As per my estimates
Daily Food will be around 1000 max. 9k
Accommodation (at 750 per night) 6k
Tolls and Fees 1k max per head
Fuel and Driver Cost as incurred.
So Delhi to Delhi should be 16k per head + car expenses
Is there anything I am missing out like
1) Are permits needed at any of thee places?
2) Are private cars not allowed at any of these places?
3) Any reason to not do a road or any alternate route you would suggest.
We have 9 days in hand. So please do help us in getting this sorted out.
Hi Sayanta,
The above plan is too rushed, does not take care of acclimatization. With that large group, someone may fall ill as the probability is high in large group. Permits are required, there is no rest in between and I am not sure if you have ever taken such hectic trip.
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks a lot for your very informative website for ladakh first timers like me.
Please find below our itinerary and let me know your suggestions.
We have booked zoomcar for the entire trip and plan to hire bike at leh.
Also considering no peak season we are not planning to book any stay now. We’ll explore once we reach there.
Is it risky not to plan stay in advance?
Date Start End Distance Approx travel time in hour [w/o break]/per google map Stay Places to see Remarks
DAY 1 14th sept Chandigad Pathankot 235 4.5 Stay at Pathankot Need to check for stay
DAY 2 15th sept Pathankot Srinagar 331 7.5 Stay at Srinagar Gardens & Shikara ride Need to check for stay
DAY 3 16th sept Srinagar Kargil 202 4 Stay at Kargil War Memorial at Drass Need to check for stay
DAY 4 17th sept Kargil Leh 217 4 Stay at Leh Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu Need to check for stay
DAY 5 18th sept Leh Leh 0 Stay at Leh Local sight seeing if possible “DAY FOR ACCLIMATIZATION. Collect bikes, fill petrol in bike and jerry cans.
IMP: Get all required permissions”
DAY 6 19th sept Leh Hunder 127 3.5 Hunder/ diskit “Khardung La
tallest lord Buddha statue
sand dunes and bacterian camel safari” Need to check for stay
DAY 7 20th sept Hunder Leh 127 3.5 Stay at leh “monastery
hot water springs” Need to check for stay
DAY 8 21st sept Leh Pangong 225 5 Stay at Pangong Tso (Spangmik or Lukung) On the way Hemis/Thicksey/ and Shey Need to check for stay
DAY 9 22nd sept Pangong Leh 225 5 Stay at Leh On the way Hemis/Thicksey/ and Shey Need to check for stay
DAY 10 23rd sept Leh Tso moriri 220 5 Stay at Tso moriri Need to check for stay
DAY 11 24th sept Tso moriri Sarchu 228 7 Stay at Sarchu Need to check for stay
DAY 12 25th sept Sarchu Manali 223 7 Stay at Manali Need to check for stay
DAY 13 26th sept Manali Chandigarh 309 8 Need to check for stay
Total [approx] 2669 64
Thanks again.
Regards,
Santosh
Hi Santosh,
I thought I would share my thoughts. Hope you don’t mind as I know you have asked for Dheeraj Ji’s inputs here! I am taking the liberty to express my opinions here!
1. I am also traveling during this time to Ladakh (look at the below post for my plans, I am starting on 16th from Noida) and I have booked the stay for the entire trip as I did not want to shell out extra money + search for stay there (although that might turn out to be cheaper as you can bargain). The main reasons for my decision are as follows:
a. Looking at various hotel booking website like MMT and booking.com, it seems that there would be people traveling on that month too and rooms/stay options are flying off the shelf and getting expensive by the day!
On the flip side, if you go for a home stay kind of arrangement, then you can definitely check them out when you reach there but I am more comfortable knowing that I have stay booked.
b. When I look at your plan, everything seems to be in perfect order apart from your planned stay @ Sarchu which might not be advisable as most of the camps/cottages would close down by that time and then there would be very limited number of options available. The reason for this as per the camp owners is that it starts getting very cold out there around last week of September and sometimes the weather also gets very bad! I personally talked to 2-3 camp/cottage owners and all of them said that they would wind up the camping latest by 15/16th of September.
Hence, I had to change the stay from Sarchu to Jispa which is further down and stay options there are easily available.
You can reach out to me @ iabhishekkumar@gmail.com for any comments that I have put above!
Cheers!
Hi Santosh,
In general, if you are OK with basic guest houses and home stays, there will not be any issue at all for booking on the spots. Your plan is well laid and comfortable. As Abhishek pointed in September, Sarchu camps starts to pack up and few properties remains. Nowadays road conditions are much better and Leh – Jispa can easily be done in a day. Since you are not booking in advance, take the decision to stay at Sarchu and Jispa on the day or a day before.
Thank you so much for your valuable suggestions.
Dheeraj ji,
I have following questions…
1. After after Pangong & Nubra is done with local bikes we plan to take our selfdrive/zoomcar to Tso moriri… then Jispa and back to Chandigarh via Manali. Will there be any problem if we take zoomcar to Tso moriri?
2. Can we take Zoomcar to Hanle?
3. Can we take Zoomcar to Turtuk?
Thanks a lot.
Regards,
Santosh
You can only take outside rented car to Leh and for all above places you need local Leh taxi.
Hi Dheeraj,
So here is what my Ladakh trip looks like… starting on 16th September and ending on 30th September.
Day 1: Noida – Patnitop (Overnight stay at Patnitop)
Day 2: Patnitop – Sonmarg (Overnight stay at Sonmarg)
Day 3: +++ Rest Day at Sonmarg + Sight Seeing in Sonmarg & Gulmarg +++ (Overnight stay at Sonmarg)
Day 4: Sonmarg – Kargil (Overnight stay at Kargil)
Day 5: Kargil – Leh (Overnight stay at Leh)
Day 6: +++ Rest Day at Leh + Sight Seeing in & around Leh +++ (Overnight stay at Leh)
Day 7: Leh – Nubra Valley (Overnight stay at Diskit)
Day 8: Nubra Valley – Pangong Tso Lake (Overnight at Pangong Tso Lake)
Day 9: Pangong Tso – Leh (Overnight stay at Leh)
Day 10: Leh – Tso Moriri Lake (Overnight stay at Korzok)
Day 11: Tso Moriri – Jispa (Overnight stay at Jispa)
Day 12: Jispa – Manali (Overnight stay at Manali)
Day 13: +++ Rest Day at Manali + Sight Seeing in & around Manali +++ (Overnight stay at Manali)
Day 14: Manali – Noida
Day 15: Buffer Days
Day 16: Buffer Days
Do you think that this plan looks good? I am assuming that I have taken enough breaks in between for the body to acclimatize to the conditions up there! Let me know if there are any changes that you want to suggest!
I would also welcome any feedback from fellow members here!
Thanks and Regards,
Abhishek
You should use your buffer days and plan for Leh – Nubra – Leh in two days and then Leh – Pangong Tso – Hanle – Tso Moriri – Jispa direct trip. Rest your plan is very nicely laid out.
Hi Dheeraj Ji,
Any specific reason why you would recommend doing Leh – Nubra – Leh? I was thinking that I could do Nubra and Pangong Tso Lake in one go and then come back to Leh before exiting out from there and covering Tso Moriri….
Please let me know!
Thanks and Regards,
Abhishek
It will ease out the trip and you will enjoy more with Leh – Nubra – Leh in two days. You will fuel up and then best will be to do Leh to Pangong Tso, Pangong Tso to Hanle and Hanle to Tso Moriri, finally exit to Jispa from Tso Moriri
Hi Dheeraj Ji,
So I took your advice and have added a day in between to return to Let from Nubra Valley and then proceed towards Pangong Tso Lake next day. I guess that would be the best approach for me considering that this is my first trip to Ladakh.
Thank you very much for your advice!
Cheers!
Yes Abhishek, you will have wonderful and memorable trip, I am sure. We will look for your updates.
Thanks a lot for your wonderful work.really your suggestion and planning are fantastic. We are 3 above 45 reach Leh by flight on 27th september and back from srinagar on 5th October. Pls suggest itinerary. wants to visit best of ladakh and kargil.it will be our 1st and last visit of ladakh. We want to see the villages of ladakh closely.how is TSOGSTY.can I get home stay there??we want budget trip.Pls reply.Thanks in advance
I see you have 9 days at hand, you can follow something like below:
Day 1 | Delhi – Leh (By Flight)
— Checkin at Hotel. Many hotels provide free pick and drop from Airport. Ask while you book them.
— Take ample of rest as well as water or anything that keep your body hydrated enough. DO NOT OVER HYDRATE. Take ORS Soluted water or ORS – L tetra packs from home.
— Do not over exert your body at any cost. Avoid too much up-down on stairs or avoid it in entirety, if possible.
— After 5-6 Hrs of rest you can visit Leh Palace, Local Leh market, Shankar Gompa .
— If you feel exerted go back to Hotel, have dinner at Hotel and take rest. Avoid any exertion. Else continue and,
— Follow the sunset by stroll at Changspa road and have a nice dinner on varied cuisines offered in-around Changspa road.
— Go back to hotel for overnight stay at Leh.
Day 2 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Acclimatization
— Hire a taxi from Leh taxi stand or Hotel whichever suits you.
— Bargain hard with taxi driver. Book that single taxi for entire trip after explaining the complete plan.
— Take his inputs if you feel reasonable and if required modify the plan accordingly but should suits you best.
— Ask him to be with you guys starting first day itself, if required and charged reasonable else do it at your own.
— Again DO NOT over exert and take little steps and slow walks only.
— If feeling OK then do Local sightseeing. To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
— Do not use stairs at any of these places just to see them as it will exert your body much more.
— Overnight at Leh
Day 3 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 4 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on the go towards Pangong Tso
— Overnight at Pangong Tso (Spangmik or Lukung)
Day 6 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on return to Leh
— Overnight at Leh
Day 7 | Leh – Lamayuru – Kargil
— Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes
— On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu
— Overnight at Kargil
Day 8 | Kargil – Drass – Zozi La – Sonamarg – Srinagar
— Enjoy the vistas enroute
— Have late drunch meal at Sonamarg
— Overnight at Srinagar
Day 9 | Fly back
Thanks a lot for your wonderful work.really your suggestion and planning are fantastic. We are 3 above 45 reach Leh by flight on 27th september and back from srinagar on 5th October. Pls suggest itinerary. wants to visit best of ladakh and kargil.it will be our 1st and last visit of ladakh. We want to see the villages of ladakh closely.how is TSOGSTY.can I get home stay there??we want budget trip.Pls reply.Thanks in advance
Just replied to the other comment.
Hi,
I am planning to go to Leh-Ladakh on Aug 14th- Aug 25. I have prepared 2 sample itinerary . Would you please go through them and suggest if any changes need to be done
—— Itinerary 1———–
Aug 14 : evening flight to Delhi, stay at Delhi
Aug 15 : renting bikes from Delhi, move to Chandigarh
Aug 16 : Chandigarh to Solang
Aug 17 : sightseeing in Solang Valley, Solang – Jispa
Aug 18 : Jispa -Leh
Aug 19 : leh sightseeing, permit, stay @ Leh
Aug 20 : Leh-Khardung La- Diskit-Hunder-Leh
Aug 21 : Leh-Pangng-Leh
Aug 22 : Leh-Sonamarg
Aug 23 : sightseeing in Srinagar
Aug 24 : Srinagr – Jalandhar
Aug 25 : Jalandhar- Delhi
———– Itinerary 2 ———-
Aug 14 : evening flight to Delhi, stay at Delhi
Aug 15 : renting bikes from Delhi, move to Chandigarh
Aug 16 : Chandigarh to Solang
Aug 17 : sightseeing in Solang Valley, Solang – Jispa
Aug 18 : Jispa -Leh
Aug 19 : leh sightseeing, permit, stay @ Leh
Aug 20 : Leh-Khardung La- Diskit-Hunder-Leh
Aug 21 : Leh-Pangng-Leh
Aug 22 : Leh-Taglang La-Sarchu
Aug 23 : Sarchu-Manali
Aug 24 : Manali-Chandigarh
Aug 25 : Chandigarh-Delhi
Aug 26 : evening flight
Is it ok to go with this plan ?? We wish to return via Srinagar but if any issues there at that time we will return via Manali
Given the number of days at hand, the plans looks fine to me.
Thank you so much for replying. N this DoW is loaded with information for Ldakh trip. We will go ahead with this plan and let you know once done
Great, thanks a lot. Feel free to post any further questions.
Hi Dheeraj,
We are planning for a similar trip starting from Chandigarh from sept 29-oct8. Is it a good time to visit? Will the roads(kargil-leh) be open during this period?
Thanks,
Amit
Amit, the roads are open during that time but it starts to get cold especially in morning and night and plus the stay options are mostly winded up especially on Manali = Leh Highway. People do make the journey during this time but it has its own perils along with occassional snowfall.
Hi Dheeraj
Would like to know your expertise view as planning for my maiden drive to Leh. Is it worth enough to have a journey from Manali – Leh -Manali Aug 1st to Aug 10th. Is it safe as I will be having solo drive in my car??? Is it worth enough to plan a journey at this time of year ( Aug 1st to Aug 10). Or should I wait till next year and leave as soon as the road opens next year. Pls help me out
It will take 4 days to reach Leh from Srinagar side starting from Delhi with stop overs at Jammu, Srinagar, Kargil and 3 days to come back from Leh from Manali side to Delhi with stopovers at Sarchu, Manali. This makes it 7 days. 1 Day is required in Leh for acclimatization. You have about 10 days. 1 Day can be used as Day trip to Pangong Tso and other day can be used as day trip to Nubra Valley or just Khardung La pass.
Opt to go via Manali – Leh Highway and I will suggest that you refer the thread for more details on the route and night halts though it is of 9 days: Manali – Leh – Ladakh – Manali | Itinerary for 9 Days. You can fit in plan I suggested in above para in this plan
It is monsoon time in general up there in North and at some parts of Manali – Leh Highway (like before Baralacha La) and Srinagar – Leh Highway (like before Kargil) you might need to face monsoon hassles but once you get closer to Ladakh, then Ladakh being rain shadow region is least affected by monsoon rains. Landslides or slush or road blocks are pretty common in the month of monsoons but these landslides are cleared in a day or two unless there is a very major one. Having said that, rains does reach Ladakh nowadays but in general, it is overcast days or in form of light drizzles. I will suggest you also read my article on 10 Tips for a Trip to Ladakh in Monsoons.
You can also refer to the link in our community: FAQ | Is Monsoon season good time to travel to Ladakh? for more details.
Dear
I can even fit 12 – 13 days doesn’t matter but am bit confused about going in the month of august 1st. Is it worth enough to take this journey at this time or should I wait till next June. Because these trips won’t happen oftenly in life as am from Kerala. Requires lot of effort and plan that’s why I asked. Should I carry on with August 1st to 15th or Should I wait enough for June 2018??? Pls give your experienced feedback. Thank you
Sijas, you will sure be going through monsoon hassles. It is monsoon time in general up there in North and at some parts of Manali – Leh Highway (like before Baralacha La) and Srinagar – Leh Highway (like before Kargil) you might need to face monsoon hassles but once you get closer to Ladakh, then Ladakh being rain shadow region is least affected by monsoon rains. Landslides or slush or road blocks are pretty common in the month of monsoons but these landslides are cleared in a day or two unless there is a very major one. Having said that, rains does reach Ladakh nowadays but in general, it is overcast days or in form of light drizzles. I will suggest you also read my article on 10 Tips for a Trip to Ladakh in Monsoons.
You can also refer to the link in our community: FAQ | Is Monsoon season good time to travel to Ladakh? for more details.
I will suggest based on above articles and suggestions in them, you can easily make up your mind.
Hi Dheeraj
Thanks a ton for all the blogs..
Me along with 2 friends planning to go to Manali-Leh-Ladakh-Sringar-Punjab strating this July 8th. I have worked out a rough itinery. Please suggest me any changes in this as we 3 are first timers and confused with the ride time and all.
july 8 th-TVM -Delhi by flight-Manali by Bus
july 9th- Manali local- Night stay at Solang
10th- Solang- Jispa-Night at Jispa/Pang
11th-Jispa- Leh- Night at Leh( reach by evening,obtain permit, bike for ladakh)
12th- Leh-Nubra-Leh (visit hunder,sumur, panamik and back to leh) night @Leh
13th- Leh- Pangong Lake(return and visit Hemis,Shey,Thicksey,Tsemo)-night @Leh
14th-Leh to Srinagar ( Visit pather sahib, hall of fame, Lamayaru, pass Dras,Kargil and reach Srinagar-night @srinagar)(Confused whether we could ride this at a stretch or to take night halt at Kargil) pls advice.
15th- Srinagar Local + Gulmarg- night @ srinagar
16th- Srinagar-Pahalgam-Jammu (night @jammu)
17th-Jammu-Pathankot-Punjab-night
18th-punjab-amritsar-wagah-night @punjab
19th-Chandigarh-Kerala
reach kerala by 21st
please help me if any corrections needed.
Hi Arun,
I will suggest that you rest in Leh after reaching to Leh for at least one day. Then make two day trip to Nubra Valley and then one day trip to Pangong Tso. Then go over to Srinagar. this should be minimum plan even if it means dropping Kashmir places and others. Else it does not make sense for the trip.
Hi Dheeraj,
I am confused whether to prebook hotels or book hotels going there especially because we are 7 of us and will be staying at Hunder, Pangong tso, tso moriri, Hanle. We will be visiting in aug end.
I have similar doubt on pre renting cab and bike or renting over there.
Could you please advice me.
Thanks!
Kruthi, if you are not too much fussy about places to stay and do not mind staying at small family run guest houses or home stays, there will not be any issue searching stays on the spot all over in Ladakh
Hi Dheeraj,
I am confused whether to prebook hotels or book hotels going there especially because we are 7 of us and will be staying at Hunder, Pangong tso, tso moriri, Hanle. Online rates seems very high as of now. We will be visiting in aug end.
I have similar doubt on pre renting cab and bike or renting over there.
Could you please advice me on this.
Thanks!
Kruthi, if you are not too much fussy about places to stay and do not mind staying at small family run guest houses or home stays, there will not be any issue searching stays on the spot all over in Ladakh
Hi Dheeraj
I am planning to go with my family ( 2 adults and 2 child 7 year and 12 years ) in a self drive SUV for the 14 days iterinary mentioned above from Delhi on July or August 1st week. How is the current security situation throughout this journey. Is it safe to go with family now? Please advice
In general as per reports by other members of the community, it looks fine. No major issues reported.
Hi Dheeraj, thanks for all the good work you do for all of our benefit. Is there also an itinerary on the portal for Delhi-Manali-Ladakh-Delhi, where Manali to Ladakh is by road, and Ladakh to Delhi is by flight
Hi Konark,
Please find the itinerary below:
Day 1 | Delhi – Manali/Solang Valley
— Better stay at Solang Valley and avoid Manali as sleeping at Solang Valley does help in acclimatization
— If going by own car, get the permit made in advance to drive on Manali – Rohtang Pass road through hotel/travel agent in Manali
— Overnight at Manali/Solang Valley
Day 2 | Manali/Solang Valley – Keylong/Jispa
— It is always better to stay either at Keylong/Jispa so that you do not feel sick or hit by AMS.
— Avoid sleeping at Sarchu at any cost while going to Leh from Manali because your body will not be acclimatized by the time you reach there.
— I prefer staying at Jispa more because Keylong gives the feeling of a town while Jispa is more closer to nature having Bhaga river running just aside the Manali – Leh Highway at Jispa.
— Overnight at Keylong/Jispa
Day 3 | Keylong/Jispa – Leh
— Leave Keylong/Jispa early next morning, say by 4/5 AM types, so that you reach Leh in the evening.
— Overnight at Leh
Day 4 | Leh Local Sightseeing + Acclimatization
— To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
— Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 6 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Day 7 | Leh – Pangong Tso Lake – Leh
– Day trip to Pangong Tso
– Overnight at Leh
Day 8 | Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang
— Cover Karzok Monastery
— Overnight at Karzok or Tso Moriri
Day 9 | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring (Manali – Leh Highway starts) – Taglang La – Upshi – Leh
— Come back via Tso Kar and Manali – Leh Highway to Leh
— Overnight at Leh
Day 10 | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping OR Monastery tour OR You can do tour to Sham Valley
— Monastery tour may include Hemis, Thicksey, Stakna and Shey monasteries. They come on the route of Pangong Tso but as you will be doing day trip, it will be a bit hectic to include them on that day only.
— Sham Valley include Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, , Gurudwara Pather Sahib
— Overnight at Leh
Day 11 | Fly back
Thanks Dheeraj. We will hire a taxi from Manali and spend the night at Solang Valley. We plan to reach Manali around 1 PM on Saturday 23rd Sep and plan to start driving early on Sunday morning from Solang. We plan to not pre-book and go to the taxi stand on Saturday and negotiate and finalize.
1. Will we have enough time to book a cab that day?
2. Are there any permits we will need to take? Will the offices for that be open on Saturday afternoon?
3. Are the drivers generally OK picking up from Solang valley?
Also, if we reach Manali early, say 7 AM, will it be possible to go to the taxi stand and book a taxi then? If not, it may make sense to come into Manali only around noon, because we want to book a taxi and then go and stay at Solang Valley
It might be difficult at 7 AM as most drivers come by around 8-10 AM types. But, any early starters you may be able to find.
Replies below:
1. Yes, you will have enough time to book the taxi
2. No, in case of taxi the taxi guys has to arrange the permit for his taxi
3. Yes, they will pick up guests from Solang Valley.
My hotel owner is telling that inner line permit is still required even for Indians for nubra and pangong. Is it true? All my colleagues had to take this permit during their visit in 2017.
Yes, this is very much true. Starting 2017, the inner line permit are again required in Ladakh
Thanks a lot for your excellent support with this DOW page, got to know a lot about leh trip. Thanks again.
Really exciting itinerary. Shall be working on finalizing my itinerary soon!
Sure, feel free to post any further questions you have for your trip.
Hi Dheeraj,
Your posts are extremely informative for first-timers. So first of all, I owe you a big thank you!
I will be going to Leh-Ladakh late September and my itinerary goes as follows:
Day 1: Morning flight to Srinagar. Srinagar to Kargil. Night stay there.
Day 2: Kargil-Drokhpa region-Kargil
Day 3: Kargil-Padum
Day 4: Sight-seeing around Padum. Night stay there
Day 5: Padum-Kargil
Day 6: Kargil-Leh
Day 7: Sight-seeing around Leh
Day 8: Leh-Nubra Valley
Day 9: Nubra Valley-Pangong Tso
Day 10: Pangong Tso-Tso Moriri
Day 11: Tso Moriri-Tso Kar-Leh
Day 12: Buffer
Day 13: Fly out of Leh
1. I wanted to know if Day 9 and Day 10 back-to-back will be too hectic, and if we should return to Leh from Pangong. Also, how long is the journey from Nubra to Pangong, because I really want to spend some time in Pangong.
Some of us will be flying out on Day 13 itself, so if it’s not a big deal, we want to complete the trip within Day 12.
2. Can I include Hanle in the buffer day (in case you advice me to not travel directly to Tso Moriri) as : Pangong Tso-Hanle, and then Hanle-Tso Moriri on the following day? Also, what are the procedures for getting the permit at Hanle?
3. What are the places I can cover around Leh and Padum in the limited time that I have? (I prefer to travel on the roads less traveled, so feel free to suggest non-touristy places)
Thank you in advance!
There is no point going for the Padum in just two days at hand, it will put you through treacherous journey just to sleep one night and come back again. Rather best you can do is Kargil – Rangdum (cover Penzi la), Rangdum – Lamayuru, Lamayuru – Drokpa region – Leh. The extra day now you have got is to be used to visit Hanle like Leh – Nubra Valley, Nubra Valley to Pangong tso, Pangong tso to Hanle, Hanle to Tso Moriri.
Thank you so much for the feedback.
In one of your blogs, I read that the conditions are more harsh at Rangdum and hence I opted to stay at Padum.
If it’s not too inconvenient for you, can you share the places I can visit if I choose to stay at Rangdum and follow the route you suggested?
Also, is it feasible to go from Pangong to Hanle to Tso Moriri in a day?
We will be booking a cab for ourselves, so you can advice accordingly.
Yes, that is true but it does make sense if you have days in hand but for just 2 days going another 5 Hrs of a bumpy ride in a day is not advisable. LA Himalaya home stay has attached toilets too now at Rangdum, so facilities have improved there. When you stay at Rangdum, you can visit Penzi La Pass and the two lakes that comes on the way to it. Plus it is the nature and the journey which is enjoyable to Rangdum. Of course, Rangdum monastery too offers very nice views.
Pangong tso to Hanle = Day 1 and Hanle to Tso Moriri – Day 2.
I am thinking of extending the stay at Padum to 2 days. Then what are the possible places I can explore?
Also, if I have to choose between going to Tso Moriri or Hanle, which one will you advise?
Again, thank you and my apologies for bothering you so much!
That sounds good then, you can refer: Local Sightseeing in Padum – Zanskar Valley
I will choose Hanle because it has a different beauty than the lake which you anyways will visit Pangong Tso.
Hi Dheeraj,
I’ve gone through the recent notification given by the bikers union. We are hiring delhi registered bikes for our ladakh trip. Will this be a problem?
TIA
Jitesh, it depends on the mood to be very frank now a days !! Best is to do Leh rented bike journey only within Ladakh