Leh – Ladakh Taxi Rates 2025-26 | Complete Rate List, Savings Tips & Driver Contacts

Last Updated: February 2026

Are you planning a trip to Leh – Ladakh and wondering how much the local taxis will cost? The Ladakh Taxi Union publishes official Leh – Ladakh taxi rates every year, and in this article, I am sharing the complete rate list for the 2025 – 26 season along with tips to save money, additional charges you should know about, and contacts of some reliable local taxi drivers.

Having traveled to Ladakh multiple times over the years, I have seen these rates evolve and understand the concerns travelers have about taxi costs. Let me walk you through everything you need to know before you plan a road trip to Ladakh 🙂 …

Quick Facts About Ladakh Taxi Rates 2025-26

Was There a Hike in Leh Taxi Rates for 2025?

Unlike the 2022 year when the Ladakh Taxi Union announced a 10% increment, this year in 2025 the union has decided to not increase the rates of regular taxis. However, tempo traveler rates have been increased by about 10-12%. This is good news for travelers planning their trip this season.

To give you a quick history, there was a 10% increase in the Leh taxi rates for the year 2022, but no increment in 2023, 2024, or 2025. Till 2020, inner routes in Ladakh had seen a steady hike including traveling to Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, and Tso Moriri. On a similar ground, the long routes of Manali – Leh Highway and Srinagar – Leh Highway had seen an increment of almost 10-12%. Then COVID hit and the Ladakh Taxi Union decided to freeze the rates.

In 2022, the Ladakh Taxi Union decided to make an increment of 10-12%, and they have continued to follow these same rates as of 2025 as well without increasing anything despite a shortage of taxis in the last couple of years. This means that the trip to Leh Ladakh will not cost you more when you travel by taxi as compared to last year.

However, given the terrain, I expect it to increase by 8-10% every year, and the Ladakh Union has done a great job in maintaining it in the last few years. I believe it is an unavoidable move from the Leh – Ladakh Taxi Union, and it will be interesting to see how tourists approach the road trip to Ladakh going forward.

People going for the first time to Leh – Ladakh might feel that the rates of the Ladakh taxis are very high. With no increment in prices in 2025, some of them will feel respite. However, there are always good reasons to choose a local taxi in Leh – Ladakh over an outside state taxi or drive, which anyways are not allowed for sightseeing within Ladakh.

What Are the Leh – Ladakh Taxi Rates for 2025 – 2026 Season?

The taxi rates in Leh – Ladakh are designated or divided as per the basis of the model and make of the taxis. In Leh – Ladakh, you can get XUV, Scorpio, Xylo, Aria, and Innovas. Here is how the pricing tiers work:

• Innova Crysta – The highest price tag (premium category)
• XUV, Innova, and Aria – High price tag (standard SUV)
• Xylo, Scorpio, Tavera, Sumo Grande, Qualis, Safari, etc. – Middle price tag
• Eeco, Omni Van, Winger, Old Sumo, Bolero, etc. – Lowest price tag (economy)
• Tempo Traveller / Wingers – 26-30% costlier than Innova/Xylo, but cheaper per head for groups of 6+

Keep in mind: At times while going from Srinagar to Leh, you might need to work out a few things if there have been some tensions in the taxi unions of Kargil and Leh. To settle it out, what they do is make a transit point just before Fotu La while going to Leh from Kargil. All Leh taxis stop there and Kargil taxis too. They exchange passengers and move back in respective directions. Leh taxis take passengers to Leh coming from Srinagar/Kargil, and Kargil guys take passengers to Srinagar/Kargil coming from Leh. But that happens only when there is an issue between the two unions.

What Are the 2025 Taxi Rates for Popular Routes in Ladakh?

The Leh – Ladakh taxi rates list below covers Ladakh sightseeing including trips to Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, and Tso Moriri. It also covers the taxi rates for Manali – Leh Highway and Srinagar – Leh Highway routes. I am enlisting below some of the most frequently visited trips in Ladakh and the applicable taxi rates for those routes. This will help you quickly get a rough idea of your budget for a taxi in Leh – Ladakh.

Ladakh Taxi Union Rate List 2025 – Popular Routes

I am sharing below the images of Leh taxi rates 2025 shared with me by our driver friends from Ladakh. Some of these reliable taxi drivers are also listed below in this article. I am thankful to them for their good services to the tourists and glad to understand that Discover with Dheeraj travel platform has made a real difference in the lives of the local people of Ladakh in the Himalayas.

You should always carry your water bottle and refill it as many times as you need water. It will not only keep you hydrated always, but you will also help in saving the Himalayas from plastic garbage. Remember, every tiny step counts and your step in this direction can help save the Himalayas too !! 🙂 🙂

Pro Tip: When you book a taxi by directly calling these local taxi drivers in Leh Ladakh listed below, not only do you get a discount of 12-15%, but you also help these locals earn direct cash. It helps them in their livelihood compared to mediators who keep the credit of their money for the whole season and sometimes flee away with their income after the season ends. I am glad that with your support, this website has helped thousands of locals get what they deserve 🙂

Here is the rate card for Leh Ladakh taxis in the 2025 – 2026 season.

Dheeraj Sharma

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What Is the Rate List of Tempo Travelers in 2025-26?

Given below is the rate card of Tempo Travelers / Maxi Cab, which is suited for a group of 6 or more people. There is no rate hike in the tempo traveler rates as well for this season. The taxi union has asked drivers to follow the same old taxi card rate for the 2025 season.

In general, the rates of the tempo traveler are about 26-30% higher than the rates of regular taxis (Innova). Hence, they always work out cheaper on a per-person basis as compared to hiring two separate taxis for a larger group. However, you do compromise on the speed and comfort of tempo travelers as compared to regular cars such as Innova. Keep in mind that tempo travelers are wider and heavier vehicles, so they move slower on mountain roads and may face difficulty on narrow stretches.

I am trying to even get a copy of the Leh Ladakh Tempo Traveler 2025 Rates booklet and will update the below pictures as soon as I have them.

What Are the Additional Charges for Taxis in Ladakh?

Apart from the base fare listed in the Ladakh Taxi Union rate card, there are a few additional charges that you should be aware of. Many travelers get surprised by these at the end of their trip, so it is better to know them upfront. According to the official Ladakh Taxi Union guidelines:

• Night Halt Charges: Rs 385 per night for all vehicle types. This is charged whenever the driver has to stay overnight at a destination.
• AC on Demand: Rs 9 per km, collected directly by the driver. AC is not included in the standard rate.
• Advance Deposit: 50% of the total billed amount needs to be deposited in advance for long routes like Manali and Srinagar.
• Extra KM Charges: If you deviate from the standard route or make additional stops not covered in the rate card, the driver will charge extra per km as per the union rate.
• Waiting Charges: Drivers may charge waiting fees if you spend more time than the standard allotment at a location.

I suggest you discuss all these charges with your driver upfront before starting the trip so there are no surprises later. A good driver will always be transparent about the costs. For the official rate card and any updates, you can also check the Ladakh Taxi Union website.

Are Private Cars Used as Taxis Allowed in Ladakh?

You should note that using white number plate cars as taxis or private cars as taxis in Ladakh is not allowed by ARTO Leh. Such vehicles might be checked, and hence, you must avoid renting such cars for taxi purposes in Leh. You can take your private car with you for sightseeing in Ladakh. Such private vehicles are not banned and do not have any issues.

How Can You Save Money on Ladakh Taxi Costs?

I understand that the Leh – Ladakh taxi rates feel expensive at first glance. But there are some smart ways to bring down the overall cost. Here are my suggestions based on years of traveling in Ladakh:

• Travel in a group of 4: Four is the magical number, my friend. A taxi rate of Rs 12,464 for a 2-day Pangong trip works out to just Rs 3,116 per person when split four ways. That is very reasonable for such a remote region.
• Book directly with local drivers: You can save 12-15% by booking directly with local Ladakhi drivers instead of going through travel agents. I have listed some reliable drivers below in this article.
• Choose the middle-tier vehicle: Scorpio and Xylo category taxis are cheaper than Innova/XUV and perfectly capable on Ladakh roads. The ride may not be as comfortable, but you save significantly.
• Combine circuits: Instead of booking separate taxis for Nubra Valley and Pangong, combine them into a single 3-day Nubra – Pangong via Shyok route. This is actually a very popular circuit and saves you one full day of taxi booking. You can refer to my article on Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso Direct Route for the details.
• Opt for shared taxis: If you are solo or a couple, shared taxis are easily available in Leh. I will explain more about this below.
• Avoid peak season: July and August see the highest demand and some drivers may not negotiate. If you travel in June or September, you may find better deals and more flexibility.

For a detailed breakdown of your overall Ladakh trip costs including food, fuel, accommodation, and taxi, I suggest reading my Ladakh Trip Budget Calculator article.

Who Are Some Reliable Taxi Drivers in Leh – Ladakh?

The following are the contacts of some very reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh. You can get about 12-15% discount by directly getting in touch with these local drivers, and of course, talking in person rather than on the phone always helps in bargaining more. If you involve any travel agent, there is a likelihood of losing these direct discounts given by the local drivers when you connect with them directly 🙂

• Rigzin – 09622954779 & 09469472772: We know each other personally for the last 11 years now and he is more of a family friend to me. He has a couple of Aria and a Scorpio but mostly remains booked for the season 🙂 :)… In case due to overload, if he is not available, he might help arrange some alternative. The best person to get hold of in entire Ladakh, I will say. So, in case available, do not miss the opportunity as traveling with this jovial, entertaining soul in remote corners of Ladakh is an experience in itself. He makes you feel laughing on the floor by all his storytelling…
• Sonam Angdus – 09469272773: More like Rigzin and Chamba, Sonam Ji has been associated with Discover with Dheeraj for a long time and has been to all our mega meets alongside Rigzin. He knows DoW and me very well and is always happy to support all the members of Devil On Wheels by any means he can. He is an ex-serviceman, one of the best persons you will come across in Ladakh, and his company will keep you soothing and safe. He never gets frustrated with many stops, always smiling and helpful. He runs a Xylo and is a very, very safe companion. In case you get his availability, do not feel hesitant to book him for the tour.
• Chamba – 09906999808 & 09716507246: Chamba is a fabulous guy, knows me personally very well along with Discover with Dheeraj for the last five years now. A very nice and humble person, tried by hundreds of readers along with Rigzin above with 100% positive feedback 🙂 🙂 …
• Karma Sonam – 09419215110 & 09906991011: His email id is karmasonam947@gmail.com. He speaks in English and Hindi nicely. Detailed Reviews in the forum thread.
• Rigzin Stakna – 09622951113 & 09419349082: Excellent human being with a great sense of humor and comic timing along with great driving skills. He is very down to earth and very lively. He is an excellent driver and knows in/out of every route. He is very punctual, he will arrive 10-15 minutes before the agreed time. Detailed Reviews in the forum thread.
• Rinchen – 09419819521 & 09622954831: Rinchen is a hassle-free driver and has a friendly demeanor. He knows a lot about Leh’s culture and keeps you engaged as well. Detailed Reviews in the forum thread.
• Sonam – 09419347945: As per reader feedback, “He has a guest house ready at the Gompa village named ‘Apna Ghar.’ I am sure that would turn out to be one of the great places to stay in Ladakh, away from the market’s hustle-bustle. He can provide a stay as well as a taxi for the tours in Ladakh. He owns a black Innova.”
• Abbas (not same as above) – 09622971759, 09469271786
• Abbas – 09622998367
• Dorjay Anbchuk – 09419308051
• Dorjey – 09419372742, 09622969317
• Manzoor – 09622973951 | Very nice person, recommended by readers below as well
• Naseer – 09906229203 and 09469293183
• Sonam – 09419371012
• Tashi – 09469630613, 09906994647, 09419342238
• Tsewang (not same as above) – 09419853528
• Tsewang – 09622993372

For a more updated & comprehensive list of taxi drivers for Ladakh – Srinagar – Leh – Manali routes, check the link: Updated List of Taxi Drivers for Ladakh – Srinagar – Leh – Manali

Where Can You Get a Self-Drive Car in Leh – Ladakh?

As of now, I am not aware of any company that provides cars for self-drive in Leh – Ladakh. No such self-drive car rentals exist in Manali / Himachal or Srinagar / Kashmir as well. So, the only option is to hire a local Ladakh taxi and request the driver to let you self-drive it on some sections of the tour 🙂 …

Otherwise, you can rent a self-drive car from Delhi or Chandigarh and travel to Ladakh via road. In case you are planning to self-drive, do read my article on 7 Useful Tips for a Self Drive to Leh – Ladakh for practical advice on the road.

Can I Take a Self-Drive Rented Car to Ladakh for Sightseeing?

Unfortunately, you can only use self-drive rented cars with black number plates and yellow number plates just to enter Leh and exit Leh from Srinagar – Leh Highway or Manali – Leh Highway. However, you cannot use them for any kind of sightseeing within Leh – Ladakh to places like Nubra Valley, Tso Moriri, and Pangong Tso. For sightseeing within Ladakh, you will need to hire a Ladakh-based taxi.

Pro Tip: If you are doing a self-drive trip to Leh – Ladakh, then make sure to read my article on 40 Must-Have Things to Carry on a Self Drive Trip to the Himalayas

Are Taxis Rented Outside Leh – Ladakh Allowed for Sightseeing?

Self-drive rented cars and taxis from outside Ladakh are not allowed to do any sightseeing within Leh – Ladakh. You can use them for getting to Leh and getting out from Leh but not for any kind of sightseeing within Ladakh.

So, the self-drive cars you are taking must have a private number plate, mostly should be under your name, your wife’s name, or your father’s name. Otherwise, you will have to hire a taxi within Ladakh and double-pay for your local taxi without using the rented one. You can also read Rented Self Drive Cars in Leh – Ladakh Banned “FORCIBLY” for more details on this.

How Can Solo Travelers or Couples Find Affordable Taxis in Leh – Ladakh?

You are alone/couple and private taxis feel very costly in Leh. The good news is that you will be able to find shared taxis without much fuss at all. There are lots of flyers that people put at cafes, dine-ins, restaurants, and travel agent desks/shops/whiteboards wanting to share the taxis for different trips within Ladakh.

Even travel agents organize shared taxi trips as well but charge a little higher, about Rs 200-300 more than it would ideally cost per person. So, in the worst case, you can always go back to them and book a seat for yourself.

Gelling up with people in Ladakh is more or less easy because many people travel solo and look forward to meeting new people and sharing cultural thoughts and values over the trip. Nowhere else in the world you will find more smiling and helpful people as Ladakhis are 🙂

Also, do not forget that you also have the option to explore Ladakh by renting a bike in Leh. For budget travelers, a combination of bike rental and shared taxis can work out much cheaper than booking a private taxi for the entire trip.

How to Find Online Travel Partners for Leh Ladakh Trip?

It will be much better if you check the DoW Travel Calendar from the link in the Main Menu of the website. There have been about 800+ entries of people planning their trips in the last few seasons, which helped them have better visibility for finding out travel partners online.

You can filter entries based on the preferences you have and increase the chances of visibility. Hence, kindly explore DoW Travel Calendar and also post your entry too. It will help you find other fellow travelers looking for company and increase the probability of finding your post by others too. In case you want to read more, you can also refer to our Leh Ladakh FAQs on Taxis, Self-Drives and Bike Rentals.

Dheeraj Sharma

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Do You Need Permits for Taxi Trips Within Ladakh?

Yes, you will need Leh Ladakh permits (environment fee) for visiting most places outside Leh city. Your taxi driver will typically help you with the permit process, but it is good to know about it in advance. As of 2022, domestic tourists do not need the old Inner Line Permit, but a Ladakh Environment Fee of Rs 400 per person is required.

The permits cover areas like Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri, Hanle, and other protected areas. Most taxi drivers include the permit assistance in their service, but the permit fee itself is borne by the tourists. I suggest you read my detailed article on how to apply for Ladakh permits online to understand the process before you arrive.

Conclusion

I understand that the costs of a taxi in Leh – Ladakh are pretty high, but considering the region, wear and tear, maintenance, the difficulty in driving, and a short tourist season, you start feeling them justified. Always remember that you can count on most of these drivers to get you good accommodation in Ladakh too, even in case you have not booked it.

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.

Most of them are not those kinds of commission agents that will take you to the hotel of their interest only. So, you can mostly count on them for stay options too in case you have not done the pre-bookings. They can genuinely help you as locals of the region who may provide you with authentic Ladakhi stays.

I hope the above information on Leh – Ladakh taxi rates and the driver contacts will be useful for your upcoming trip. If you know your friends or family are planning a road trip to Ladakh, feel free to share this article with them to help them plan their budget better. In the end, if you have been to Leh – Ladakh before, kindly share your thoughts and taxi experience in the comments section. Your feedback helps other fellow travelers plan better 🙂 …

If you know your friends or family are planning a trip to Ladakh, do share this article with them to help them make a memorable Ladakh trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a taxi cost for a 7-day Ladakh trip?

For a standard 7-day Ladakh sightseeing package covering Leh local, Nubra Valley (2 days), Pangong Tso (2 days), and Tso Moriri (2 days), the total taxi cost in an Innova/XUV would be approximately Rs 38,000 to Rs 45,000 as per the 2025-26 rate card. Split between 4 travelers, this works out to about Rs 9,500 to Rs 11,250 per person. Keep in mind these are base rates and night halt charges of Rs 385 per night will be extra.

Can I negotiate taxi rates in Ladakh?

The Ladakh Taxi Union rates are fixed and standardized, so you cannot officially negotiate below the published rates. However, by booking directly with local drivers (like the ones listed in this article) instead of through travel agents, you can save 12-15% on the standard rates. Talking in person at the Leh taxi stand rather than over the phone also helps. During off-peak months like June or September, drivers may offer slightly better deals.

Is it cheaper to hire a taxi or rent a bike in Ladakh?

If you are a solo traveler or couple, renting a bike is significantly cheaper. A Royal Enfield rental in Leh costs about Rs 1,200 to Rs 1,800 per day. For a 7-day trip, that is about Rs 8,400 to Rs 12,600 plus fuel. A taxi for the same duration would cost Rs 38,000 or more. However, for groups of 4 people, a taxi split four ways is more comfortable and nearly as economical as individual bike rentals. You can check my article on Leh Ladakh Bike Rental Rates for the current rates.

Are Ola or Uber available in Leh Ladakh?

No, Ola and Uber do not operate in Leh or anywhere in Ladakh. The only taxi options are the local Ladakh Taxi Union cabs, which operate on fixed rates published by the union every year. You can book these taxis from the main taxi stand in Leh, through your hotel, or by directly contacting the drivers listed above.

What is the taxi fare from Leh to Pangong Lake?

The taxi fare from Leh to Pangong Tso (Spangmik) and back is Rs 12,464 for a 2-day round trip in an XUV/Innova, and Rs 16,288 in a tempo traveler, as per the 2025-26 Ladakh Taxi Union rate card. For a 1-day return trip (which I do not recommend as it is very hectic), the fare is Rs 10,470 for an XUV/Innova. Night halt charges of Rs 385 are extra.

Can I use my own car for sightseeing in Ladakh?

Yes, if you have driven your own private car (registered in your or your family’s name) to Ladakh, you can use it for sightseeing anywhere within Ladakh including Nubra Valley, Pangong, and Tso Moriri. The restriction is only on rented self-drive cars with black number plates and commercially rented vehicles. Private vehicles with white number plates registered to the owner’s family are perfectly fine.

How do I find shared taxis in Leh for solo travel?

Finding shared taxis in Leh is quite easy. Head to the main Leh taxi stand, cafes on Fort Road and Changspa Road, or check the notice boards at popular restaurants and guesthouses. Many solo travelers put up flyers looking for people to share taxis. Travel agents also organize shared taxi trips for an extra Rs 200-300 per person. Additionally, you can use the DoW Travel Calendar on this website to find travel partners before you even arrive in Leh.

When is the best time to visit Ladakh by taxi?

The taxi season in Ladakh runs from June to September, with July and August being the peak months. I suggest planning your trip in June or September for better availability of taxis, more room for negotiation, and fewer crowds at tourist spots. If you are flying into Leh, taxi services are available from April onwards for Leh local sightseeing, but passes to Nubra and Pangong typically open by mid-June. For the best time to plan, read my article on best time to travel to Ladakh.

Related Reading

• Best Leh Ladakh Itinerary – 12-14 Day Road Trip Plan
• How to Calculate Cost or Budget for Leh Ladakh Trip
• How to Get Ladakh Permits Online – Step by Step Guide
• Complete List of Taxi Drivers for Ladakh – Srinagar – Leh – Manali
• Leh Ladakh Bike Rental Rates