Every year, I get hundreds of messages from people asking the same question: “Can I do a Ladakh trip in 5 days?” The short answer is yes, you can, but only if you fly directly to Leh and plan your days carefully. A trip to Ladakh in 5 days is absolutely doable, and this guide will help you plan it the right way.
I have been traveling to Ladakh for over 14 years now, and I will be honest with you. A 5 day trip is tight. You will miss a lot. But if 5 days is all you have, there is no reason you should skip Ladakh entirely. Just manage your expectations, focus on acclimatization, and follow a realistic itinerary. Let me walk you through it 🙂 …
Last Updated: February 2026
Let's quickly dive into the details:
Quick Facts: Ladakh Trip in 5 Days by Flight
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Duration | 5 nights / 6 days (5 days + 1 travel day) |
| Mode of Travel | Fly to Leh, hire local taxi for sightseeing |
| Flights | Delhi to Leh: INR 5,000 – 12,000 one way (book early) |
| Budget (per person) | INR 25,000 – 40,000 (excluding flights) |
| Key Destinations | Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Khardung La, Chang La |
| Best Time | June to September |
| Permits Required | Inner Line Permit + Environment Fee (INR 420 per person for 5 days) |
| Acclimatization Days | Minimum 1.5 days (Day 1 + half of Day 2) |
Is 5 Days Enough for a Leh Ladakh Trip?
Five days is enough to cover Leh town, Nubra Valley, and Pangong Tso. It is not enough to cover Tso Moriri, Zanskar, Hanle, or Umling La. You have to accept this upfront. If you try to squeeze too much in, you will end up exhausted, sick from altitude, and frustrated.
However, if you are not short on time, I will always suggest doing a comfortable road trip to Ladakh in 12 days instead. The road trip gives you time to acclimatize naturally, enjoy the journey, and cover far more. But I understand that not everyone has 12 days of leave, so let us plan the best possible 5 day Ladakh trip for you.
For those looking at a more detailed flight-based itinerary covering 7-9 days, you can also check my Leh Ladakh itinerary by air which gives you more flexibility and breathing room.
Download your FREE high-resolution PDF copy of this Leh Ladakh day by day plan for 4-5 days as an infographic guide. If you found it helpful, please feel free to share it with your family and friends.
Why Is Acclimatization So Important When You Fly to Leh?
When you fly to Leh, you go from sea level (or close to it) to 11,500 feet in under two hours. Your body has zero time to adjust. This is why Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is such a big deal for people flying in. On a road trip, your body gradually adapts over 2-3 days of driving through increasing altitudes. When you fly, that buffer disappears.
In my experience, the symptoms can range from mild headache and nausea to serious issues like bleeding nostrils and vomiting. I have seen it happen with people in my own group. Hence, please do not take this lightly. The first day in Leh after flying in should be dedicated entirely to rest and hydration. Keep in mind that no sightseeing spot is worth risking your health over.
Key AMS prevention tips:
- Drink plenty of water but do not over-hydrate. Keep ORS sachets handy.
- Avoid alcohol for at least the first 48 hours.
- Do not run, climb stairs, or exert yourself physically on Day 1.
- Walk slowly and deliberately. Your body is adjusting to 35-40% less oxygen.
- Keep Diamox with you (consult your doctor before taking it).
- If symptoms get severe (persistent vomiting, disorientation, chest tightness), visit the SNM Hospital in Leh immediately.
What Is the Best Time to Visit Ladakh for a 5 Day Trip?
The best time for a short Ladakh trip by flight is June to September. During this window, all major roads within Ladakh are open, Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso are accessible, and the weather is pleasant during the day (15-25 degrees Celsius). For a detailed month-wise breakdown, check my best time to visit Ladakh guide.
Avoid planning a 5 day trip in April or early May. Many internal roads may still be closed due to snow, and you will waste precious days waiting for road clearance. October works if you are OK with cold nights, but Pangong Tso camps close by late September.
How to Plan a Leh Ladakh Itinerary for 5 Days?
Below is the day by day itinerary that I recommend for a 5 day Ladakh trip by flight. This plan prioritizes acclimatization on the first two days so you can enjoy the remaining days without health issues. The total duration is 5 nights and 6 days (you fly back on Day 6).
Day 1 | Delhi to Leh (By Flight), Rest and Acclimatization
- Take an early morning flight from Delhi to Leh. Flights take about 1.5 hours. As of 2026, airlines like IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, and SpiceJet operate daily flights. Book early for fares between INR 5,000 – 8,000 one way.
- Check in at your hotel. Many hotels in Leh offer free airport pickup, so ask while booking. For accommodation options, check my list of budget and mid-range hotels in Leh Ladakh.
- Take complete rest for the first 5-6 hours. Drink water with ORS. Do not over-hydrate.
- DO NOT overexert your body at any cost. Avoid stairs, do not carry heavy bags yourself, and walk slowly.
- After 5-6 hours of rest, if you feel fine, take a gentle stroll to Leh Palace, the local Leh market, or Shankar Gompa. These are all within walking distance in Leh town.
- If you feel tired or uneasy, skip the sightseeing and rest at the hotel. Have an early dinner and sleep.
- Follow the sunset with a leisurely walk on Changspa road. The cafes here serve everything from Tibetan momos to Italian pasta.
- Overnight at Leh.
Day 2 | Leh Local Sightseeing + Continued Acclimatization
- Hire a local taxi from Leh for your remaining trip days. Check the Ladakh Taxi Union rates for current season pricing. You can usually negotiate 10-15% off the union rates by talking to drivers directly.
- You can contact local drivers from the DwD recommended list of taxi drivers for Ladakh with reviews from community members. Ask the driver to stay with you for all remaining days.
- If feeling OK, do the local sightseeing of Leh town. This includes Shanti Stupa, Hall of Fame, Sangam (Indus-Zanskar confluence), Magnetic Hill, and Gurudwara Pathar Sahib.
- Still take it slow. Do not use stairs at monasteries if you feel even slightly breathless. Your body is still adjusting.
- Pick up your Inner Line Permit if not already arranged. As of 2026, Indian tourists need ILP for Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, and Tso Moriri. The permit costs INR 20/day and the environment fee is INR 400 per person.
- Overnight at Leh.
Day 3 | Leh to Khardung La to Diskit/Hunder (Nubra Valley)
- Start early, by 7 AM if possible. Head for Nubra Valley via Khardung La Pass (17,982 feet).
- Enjoy a cup of hot soup or Maggi at the Khardung La top. Do not stay more than 15-20 minutes at the pass. The altitude is extreme and your body is still not fully acclimatized.
- Descend to Diskit and visit the Diskit Monastery with its 106-foot Maitreya Buddha statue. This is one of the most photographed landmarks in Ladakh.
- Head to Hunder for the famous sand dunes and double-humped Bactrian camel safari (INR 300-500 per person for a short ride).
- Total driving time: about 5-6 hours depending on breaks.
- Overnight at Hunder or Diskit. Budget guesthouses cost INR 1,000 – 1,500 per night. Mid-range options run INR 2,500 – 4,000.
Day 4 | Hunder/Diskit to Panamik to Khardung La to Leh
- Start early. Drive to Sumur to visit the Samstanling Monastery. Then continue to Panamik for the natural hot water springs.
- Return to Leh via Khardung La. This is a long day, about 7-9 hours of driving depending on breaks.
- Overnight at Leh.
Pro tip: If you want to skip Panamik and save some driving time, you can visit Turtuk village instead. Turtuk is the last Indian village near the Pakistan border and has a very unique Balti culture. It is about 90 km from Diskit (3 hours one way). However, this makes it a very long day, so plan accordingly.
Day 5 | Leh to Chang La to Pangong Tso to Leh (Day Trip)
- Start by 5-6 AM. The day trip to Pangong Tso via Chang La Pass (17,590 feet) is long but worth every minute.
- Spend 2-3 hours at Pangong Tso. The lake changes colors through the day, from deep blue to turquoise to almost green. This is the “3 Idiots” lake that everyone wants to see.
- Important: I suggest avoiding an overnight stay at Pangong Tso on a 5 day trip. Your body may not be fully acclimatized to sleep at 14,000+ feet, especially after only 4 days. A day trip is safer. Take a call based on your health condition.
- On the return, you can stop at Hemis Monastery and Thiksey Monastery. Both are on the Leh-Pangong road.
- Total driving time: about 10-12 hours for the round trip including stops.
- Overnight at Leh.
Day 6 | Fly Back Home
- If your flight is in the afternoon, you can do some last-minute shopping at Leh Main Bazaar. Pick up Pashmina shawls, prayer flags, dried apricots, or Buddhist souvenirs.
- Fly back to Delhi. Keep in mind that Leh flights can get delayed or cancelled due to weather, so always keep a buffer day if possible.
What Is the Alternate Itinerary Using the Nubra to Pangong Direct Route?
If you want to avoid doubling back to Leh on Day 4, there is an alternate plan that saves you a full day of driving. Instead of returning to Leh from Nubra Valley, you take the direct route from Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso via Shyok village. This route has become very popular in the last few years and the road conditions have improved significantly.
Day 4 (Alternate) | Hunder/Diskit to Shyok Village to Pangong Tso
- Take the direct route from Nubra to Pangong via Shyok. The road is scenic and mostly paved now.
- You can inquire at Agham Village about current road conditions. It is a good idea to wait for a couple of vehicles to join your convoy on this stretch.
- Total drive time: about 5-6 hours.
- Overnight at Pangong Tso. Camp stays cost INR 2,000 – 4,000 per person including dinner and breakfast.
Keep in mind there is a small risk with this route. Your body will be sleeping at 14,000+ feet after only 3 days of acclimatization. Many people do it without issues, but if you have been feeling any AMS symptoms, I suggest sticking to the main plan and doing Pangong as a day trip from Leh.
Day 5 (Alternate) | Pangong Tso to Leh via Hemis and Thiksey
- Catch the sunrise at Pangong Tso. It is genuinely one of the most beautiful things you will ever see.
- Return to Leh via Chang La Pass. On the way, visit Hemis Monastery (the richest monastery in Ladakh) and Thiksey Monastery (the “mini Potala Palace”).
- Total drive time: about 5-6 hours.
- Overnight at Leh.
How Much Does a 5 Day Ladakh Trip Cost in 2026?
Here is a realistic budget breakdown for a 5 day Ladakh trip by flight. I have broken it down into budget and mid-range categories. These are per-person costs assuming a group of 2 people sharing a room and taxi.
| Expense | Budget (per person) | Mid-Range (per person) |
|---|---|---|
| Flights (Delhi-Leh-Delhi) | INR 10,000 – 16,000 | INR 12,000 – 20,000 |
| Accommodation (5 nights) | INR 3,000 – 5,000 | INR 7,500 – 15,000 |
| Taxi (shared, 4 days) | INR 6,000 – 8,000 | INR 8,000 – 12,000 |
| Food (6 days) | INR 3,000 – 4,500 | INR 5,000 – 7,000 |
| Permits + Env Fee | INR 420 | INR 420 |
| Camel Safari + Entry Fees | INR 500 – 800 | INR 500 – 800 |
| Miscellaneous | INR 1,000 – 2,000 | INR 2,000 – 3,000 |
| Total (per person) | INR 24,000 – 37,000 | INR 35,000 – 58,000 |
Pro tip: The magic number for Ladakh taxi sharing is 4. If you go with 3 friends, the taxi cost per person drops dramatically. For a detailed cost calculator, check my Ladakh trip budget guide.
Can I Extend to a 6 Day or 7 Day Ladakh Trip?
If you have an extra day or two, your trip gets significantly more comfortable. Here is what you can add.
Leh Ladakh Itinerary for 6 Days
Instead of flying back on Day 6, you can add one of these options and fly back on Day 7:
- Monastery Tour: Visit Stakna, Shey, Thiksey, Hemis, and Phyang monasteries around Leh. This is a relaxed half-day circuit.
- Sham Valley Tour: Visit Alchi Monastery, Likir Monastery, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hill, Sangam (confluence of Indus and Zanskar rivers), and Gurudwara Pathar Sahib. This is a full day trip.
- Rest Day: Spend a day exploring Leh market, trying local cuisine, and shopping. Sometimes the best day in Ladakh is the one where you do nothing.
Leh Ladakh Itinerary for 7 Days
With 7 days, you can add Tso Moriri lake to your itinerary, which is less crowded and arguably more beautiful than Pangong. You can also consider visiting Turtuk when in Nubra Valley. Here is how to fit Tso Moriri in:
Day 6 | Leh to Tso Moriri via Chumathang
- Drive to Tso Moriri lake (about 220 km, 7-8 hours). The route passes through Chumathang, which has natural hot springs.
- Visit Korzok Monastery on the lake shore.
- Overnight at Korzok or Tso Moriri. Homestays cost INR 800 – 1,500 per person including meals.
Day 7 | Tso Moriri to Tso Kar to Taglang La to Leh
- Visit Tso Kar lake on the way back. This is a salt water lake where you can often spot wild kiangs (Tibetan wild ass).
- Cross Taglang La Pass (17,480 feet) and return to Leh.
- About 9-10 hours of driving depending on breaks.
- Overnight at Leh. Fly back on Day 8.
What About Mobile Network and ATMs in Ladakh?
This is something many first-timers do not plan for. Mobile phone connectivity in Ladakh is limited. As of 2026, Jio and Airtel work in Leh town and most major stops. BSNL still has the widest coverage across remote areas like Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso, though signals can be weak.
For ATMs, there are plenty in Leh town (SBI, J&K Bank, PNB). Outside Leh, there is an ATM at Diskit in Nubra Valley. Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri have no ATMs at all. Carry enough cash before leaving Leh. I suggest keeping at least INR 5,000 – 8,000 in cash per person for areas beyond Leh.
What Should I Pack for a 5 Day Ladakh Trip?
Packing light is essential when you fly, but do not skip the essentials. Here is a quick checklist:
- Warm layers: Temperatures drop to 5-10 degrees at night even in July. Carry thermals, a fleece, and a windproof jacket. For a detailed guide, check what clothes to carry for a Ladakh trip.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses: UV exposure at 11,000+ feet is intense. SPF 50+ is non-negotiable.
- Medicines: Diamox (for AMS), Disprin, Crocin, ORS sachets, and any personal medications.
- Power bank: Mobile charging points may not be available at Pangong Tso camps.
- Cash: INR 5,000 – 8,000 beyond what you need for Leh. UPI works in Leh but not at most places outside.
- Camera and memory cards: You will click more photos in Ladakh than you planned for.
Important Tips for Your Short Ladakh Trip
- Book flights early. Delhi to Leh fares can double during peak season (June-August). Booking 2-3 months ahead can save you INR 3,000 – 5,000 per ticket.
- Do not skip acclimatization. I cannot stress this enough. Two people in my group once had bleeding nostrils on Day 2 because they tried to go to Khardung La too soon. Please take a sensible call for yourself and your loved ones.
- Hire a local driver. A local taxi driver knows the roads, the shortcuts, the best lunch stops, and can help in emergencies. It also supports the local economy. Check the DwD recommended taxi drivers list.
- Get your permit in advance. As of 2026, you can apply for the Inner Line Permit online. Do it before you reach Leh to save time.
- Keep buffer days. Leh flights are notoriously weather-dependent. If possible, keep an extra day in case your return flight gets cancelled.
- Carry physical map or download offline maps. The DwD maps of Ladakh can help you plan better. Google Maps works offline if you download the region beforehand.
- Stay hydrated but do not overdo it. ORS water is your best friend at altitude. Avoid heavy meals on Day 1.
- Travel light. Airlines have strict baggage limits on Leh flights. Most carriers allow 15 kg check-in and 7 kg cabin.
Conclusion
I hope this plan for a Leh Ladakh trip in 5 days helps you make the most of your limited time. A 5 day trip is not ideal, but it is better than not going at all. The key is to respect the altitude, give your body time to acclimatize, and not try to rush through everything.
If you have questions about customizing this plan, or if you want to share your own experience of doing Ladakh in 5 days, feel free to post in the comments section below. I will be happy to help you plan it better. Also, if you know friends or family who are planning a short trip to Ladakh, do share this article with them 🙂 …
For other details about traveling to Ladakh, finding travel partners, or getting real-time road updates, check out the DwD Community and the DoW Travel Calendar from the main menu.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Do a 4 Day Trip to Leh Ladakh?
Technically yes, but it will be very hectic. In a 5 day trip you already need 1.5 to 2 days for acclimatization. In 4 days, you can either do a day trip to Nubra Valley on Day 3 and Pangong Tso on Day 4, but you will be exhausted. I would not recommend it. Better not fall for those online “4 nights 5 days Leh Ladakh packages” that cram too much in.
Is It Safe to Fly Directly to Leh?
Yes, thousands of tourists fly to Leh every year without issues. The key is proper acclimatization after landing. Do not plan any strenuous activity on Day 1. Rest, hydrate, and let your body adjust. If you have pre-existing heart or respiratory conditions, consult your doctor before flying to high altitude.
Do I Need a Permit for Ladakh in 2026?
Indian tourists do not need a permit to visit Leh town. However, you need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) for Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri, Hanle, and other restricted areas. The ILP costs INR 20 per day per person, plus an environment fee of INR 400. You can apply online at the LAHDC Leh Permit Portal.
Which Airlines Fly to Leh from Delhi?
As of 2026, IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air operate flights from Delhi to Leh. Flights are also available from Chandigarh, Srinagar, Jammu, and Mumbai (seasonal). Morning flights are preferred as Leh airport often closes in the afternoon due to winds.
What Is the Best Vehicle for Sightseeing in Ladakh?
Since you are flying in and hiring a local taxi, the most common options are Innova, Xylo, and Scorpio. An Innova is the most comfortable for long drives to Nubra and Pangong. For current taxi rates, check the Ladakh Taxi Union rates page. If you are a group of 5-6 people, a Tempo Traveler is more economical.
Can I Rent a Bike in Leh for a 5 Day Trip?
Yes, you can rent Royal Enfield bikes and other motorcycles in Leh. However, for a 5 day trip where acclimatization is critical, I suggest hiring a taxi instead. Riding a bike at high altitude when your body is not fully acclimatized increases risk significantly. If you still want to ride, give yourself at least 2 full days of acclimatization before getting on a bike. Check current bike rental rates and options.
Is Ladakh Safe for Solo Travelers and Women?
Ladakh is one of the safest regions in India for solo travelers and women. The locals are friendly, crime rates are very low, and the tourist infrastructure in Leh is well-developed. Shared taxis are easily available from Leh to Nubra and Pangong if you are solo and want to save on transport costs.
What Should I Do If I Get Sick from Altitude?
If you experience mild AMS symptoms (headache, nausea, fatigue), rest at your current altitude, drink water, and take Diamox if prescribed by your doctor. If symptoms worsen (persistent vomiting, confusion, chest pain, difficulty breathing), you must descend immediately and visit SNM Hospital in Leh. Do not try to push through severe AMS. It can be life-threatening.
58 Comments
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hi bro
What will u advise for a high bp patient to travel Leh OKn November.
I understand this question should be asked with doctor. But what is your view
Sunil, I will advice you to read through the threads on this topic at: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/forums/topic/all-about-acute-mountain-sickness-and-acclimatization/page/2/#post-25656
And yes, please consult the doctor for sure
Hi Sir,
Thanks for vital info, i am planing for leh in June 2nd week, just need a help on the below points
1- Is 1 day trip possible from leh to Kardung la to diskit gompa & back by evening (Using shared taxi)
2- Is 1 day trip possible from leh to Pangong lake & back by late evening (Using shared tax), & are there shared taxis available at pangong lake to come back to leh?
thnkx in Advance 🙂
Hey Jack, you will need to find some shared tourist taxi who is making a day trip to Nubra Valley. Again there will be better chance of finding the shared tourist taxi for Pangong Tso day trip as many people make that kind of trip. There are lots of flyers which people put at cafes, dine-ins, restaurants, travel agent desks/shops/whiteboards wanting to share the taxis for different trips within Ladakh. Even travel agent organize such shared taxis trip as well but charge a little higher about Rs 200-300 more than it would ideally cost. So, in the worst case, you can always go back to them and book a seat for yourself.
Oh ok, Thnkx
We are 2 ppl for the trip, [Share cab is the option or else thru an agent]
Do you have any idea whether those cab drivers are co-operative, incase if i want to stop over for a min to click pics or anything along the way
If you are sharing seats with other tourists in a shared tourist taxi, then yes, they all will be tourists and just that hired a private taxi which will stop anywhere you all in the taxi would want. Then it is up to mutual understanding of tourists traveling together to agree to stop at what all places.
Ohk Thnkx for the info.
Just curious, this is my first trip to Jammu & Kashmir and we dont have a passport
Passport isn’t required right to travel from Jammu-Srinagar-Ladakh
Unless you are non-Indian, you do not require any passport to travel within India.
Ohk..M from Mumbai.. so Mumbai to Jammu tawi by train , then Jammu tawi to Srinagar and then srinagar to Ladakh 🙂
Great, best wishes for the trip. If possible do share your experience with us in the DwD Community forums.
Hi Dheeraj,
Me and my husband have planned this trip between sept 5th(early morning flight to Leh) to 9th(from Leh to Delhi) we are first timers and below is the itenary, could you please let us know if it will go well..
5th rest day
6th pangong tso (overnight halt)
7th nubra valley(overnight halt)
8th visit kaduranga la and return to Leh
9th flying back
Thing is it’s only the two of us going on our own and he is the person who is going to ride through out
It would be great if you could suggest us on do’s and don’ts and clauses for our the most expected 1st adventure trip.
Hi Vinita,
With just 5 days in hand, the only good way to do Ladakh trip is described in the article above. You cannot deviate from Day 1 and Day 2. Then Nubra Valley should be visited first before Pangong Tso.
Hi Dheeraj,
Good to see your post. Could you suggest what would be more preferable. If we travel to nubra valley by bike or pangong lake by bike. I will be with my wife so we will reserve only one day for bike riding.
Thanks
I will suggest if you have no experience of riding bikes in hills or such terrain, then avoid both and make a day trip on bike to Sham Valley where roads and altitude both are favourable.
hi Dheeraj,
I have some questions about my trip in August 09 – 18 August 2017,
this is my itinary
9 Tuesday flight to Delhi
10 Wednesday Flight to leh rest
11 Thursday leh to Hunder/Diskit
12 Friday Hunder/Diskit to Leh
13 Saturday Leh to Pangong Tso (There is a bus to Pangong from Leh every Saturday)
14 Monday Pangong Tso to Leh (The bus from Saturday returns on Sunday)
15 Sunday Leh to Kargil
16 Tuesday Kargil to Srinagar
17 Wednesday Srinagar to dehli
18 Thursday Delhi ke KL
any suggest for me about mw itinary??
any public transportation from nubra to pangong so??
Thanks for sharing.
I replied to your other comments: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/how-to-calculate-cost-or-budget-for-leh-ladakh-trip/comment-page-13/#comment-451662
Is it possible to get a shared seat (lone traveler) on a taxi for a 1-day trip from Leh to Pangon and back?
you will be able to find the shared taxi without much fuss at all. There are lots of flyers which people put at cafes, dine-ins, restaurants, travel agent desks/shops/whiteboards wanting to share the taxis for different trips within Ladakh. Even travel agent organize such shared taxis trip as well but charge a little higher about Rs 200-300 more than it would ideally cost. So, in worst case you can always go back to them and book a seat for yourself. Gelling up with people in Ladakh is more or less easy because many people travel solo and look forward to meet new people and share cultural thoughts and values over the trip.
Thanks for your response. 🙂
Best wishes for the trip Deb, we will wait for your updates 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
we are team of 5 members from Hyderabad, planning for a joy trip to LEH, So cau u please help us to plan or trip i.e places to visit, Right place to stay and transport mode to choose.
Waiting for your support.
Regards,
Mahesh
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
You can check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate (cheap budget hotels as well) in the series of articles starting on the link here
For the leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2017 – 18 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here. You can get about 12-15% of discount by directly getting in touch with drivers and of course, talking in person rather on phone always help in bargaining more. You can call the local drivers directly to connect with them and check the more comprehensive List of Taxi Drivers for Ladakh – Srinagar – Leh – Manali with recommendations/reviews for DoW community members.
Update April 2017 = Pay environment fees and apply for permits again
The environment fees of Rs 400 & Inner Line Permits (most likely as well) will again be required in Ladakh for Indian Tourists / Nationals with effect from April 1st, 2017. This has been recently announced and is available on official website of Leh administration. It is expected that a public circular should follow soon as well. Hence, like it used to happen before 2014, all Indian Nationals or Indian Tourists WILL need to pay environment fees and may need to also get the inner line permits in Leh – Ladakh region in order to visit the restricted places like Dah, Hanu Villages, Pangong Tso, Man, Merak, Tso Moriri, Nyoma, Loma Bend, Khardung La, Nubra Valley, Turtuk, Tyakshi, Digger La, Tangyar (for trekking only).
For details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link All you want to know about Inner Line Permits for Ladakh
Hi Dheeraj,
According to the article you have suggested against staying night at Pangong lake , if person is flying to Leh will it help if its more than 5 days trip. As i am looking forward to the camping part there.
Right now i am in planning mode for coming June , your site has helped a lot in making itinerary and looking for all the suggestions i can.
Well, you can surely stay overnight in case you have 6 days in hand with 5th day being reaching to Pangong Tso and then coming back on Day 6. Article says so because people tend to stay overnight at Pangong tso and not at Nubra in just 5 days which is more riskier than staying a night each and Nubra and then Pangong Tso.
Feel free to post any further questions you may have.
Hi Dheeraj,
According to the article you have suggested against staying night at Pangong lake , if person is flying to Leh will it help if its more than 5 days trip. As i am looking forward to the camping part there.
Just replied to other thread
Dheeraj.. I’m starting from Delhi on June 1st via Srinagar route..
June 7: Diskit to Pangong directly..(halt at Spangmik)
June 8: Pangong to Tso-moriri (via Man-marek- loma-nyoma-sumdu)
June 9: Tso-moriri to Leh (via normal route)
Is it possible to do this.. I’m thinking of fuel problem.. even if I start from Diskit with full tank and 10lt extra fuel..is it possible from Diskit to Leh with this much fuel?
Well, it is possible to do above trip but it is hectic as well. You may have to manage the fuel depending upon the vehicle average you are getting up there. It will mean Deskit to Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri to Karu.
Hi Dheeraj,
Iam planning for a trip to Leh in mid August . Could you have a look at the itinerary and suggest if change is required.
Day 1- Srinagar- Kargil (Taxi)
Day 2-Kargil- Leh (Taxi) Reach around afternoon by 2
Day 3- Nubra Valley (Bike)
Day 4- Nubra Valley – Leh (Bike)
Day 5-Leh- Pangong Tso-Leh (Bike)
Day 6- Leh- Manali( Bus)
Day 7- Reach Manali
I have few other questions as well:
1) Is it possible to ride from Leh to Nubra valley and return to Leh on the same day?
2) Is it ok to ride bike around Leh in mid August as i heard it will be raining during that time?
3) Is half day in Leh enough to get acclimatize?
Looking forward for your reply.
Thanks,
Nischal
Hi Nischal,
You will need at least one day of rest in Leh before moving to Nubra and Pangong Tso, get acclimatize and also get permits to travel to these places.
1. Yes but hectic
2. Leh – Ladakh is a rain shadow region, it does not rain much up there but in lower hills, you will be facing monsoon issues.
3. Like I said, you will need full day and night sleep.
Hi Dheeraj,
Appreciate your quick reply.
Thanks,
Nischal
Cool, best wishes for the trip!
DERA DEEPAK JI
I HV CHANGED PLANS AND AM PLANNING TO LAND AT SRINAGAR ON 28TH MAY AND FLY BK ON 5TH JUNE. WILL THE ROAD SRINAGAR – LEH BE OPEN BY THEN?
Yes, Srinagar to Leh will open by end of May
Hi I m planning a tour from 2 may from shrinagar to leh plz let me know high way will open or not
TIA
Nikhil, Srinagar – Leh Highway may not open by that time of the year and even if it opens, considering the present unrest in Kashmir it does not make sense to travel up there.
Dheeraj,
we are planning leh on 23rd may 2017 driving from srinagar , are we cutting it too close to the zorilla pass opening, We were told by the local travel agent that groups have been booked from may 5th onwards. please advice. we are 8 of us .
Smitha, by 23rd May Srinagar – Leh Highway will be open to travel.
Hi Dheeraj,
i am planning trip to leh ladakh as per this itinerary,
day 1:
fly to leh from delhi
rest on day 1
day 2:
site seeing around leh such as magnetic hill, indus valley and return
stay at leh
day 3:
early morning to Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on the go towards Pangong Tso
stay at pangong tso
day 4:
pangong tso to nubra travel
stay at nubra or hunder or diskit
day 5:
drive back to leh via khardungla
stay at leh
day 6:
fly back to delhi
my question to you is, is it suitable to drive from pnagong tso to nubra directly and how much time it will take by car to drive, and is there any place to stay in midway from pangong tso to nubra ?
thanks in advance
Please follow the itinerary suggested in the article above where Nubra Valley is suggested before as body is not acclimatized for a night sleep at such a high altitude of Pangong Tso. Even if you want to take direct route, make sure you do Pangong tso after Nubra Valley. Regarding Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso route, in order to take Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso via Shyok village, you need not need any permits. However, with such a small distance it appears tempting to be done BUT just to analyze the difficulty I will strongly suggest that you read:Trip Report | Nubra – Shyok Village – Pangong Tso Route and this: href=”https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/india/road-status-conditions/topic4099-30.html#p34768″ title=”Direct Route 2016 Updates – Pangong Tso – Deskit”>Direct Route 2016 Updates – Pangong Tso – Deskit . The report is from couple of year back in June & in July/August, most likely the route is washed away. Similar, reports are there from last year as well. So better confirm first, analyze the high risk involved and then only attempt it or better avoid it unless very much sure.
Next possible way is to attempt Wari La route, which is also a bit desolated but doable enough. If your driver agrees to travel on this route then take the Wari La route to Pangong Tso. Remember that any help required on both these routes will be HARD to find in miles of distance. If you have couple of vehicles then only take this route otherwise best is to avoid it.
Hi Dheeraj,
Any recommendations on which tour agents are the best? We have almost finalized a “Ladakh tours and travels” person but I am not able to find anything about them on the internet.
Their package says they have a head office in Sankar Labrangh complex and a branch office in chandigarh.
Please advice!
If you are looking for competitive and customized Ladakh tour and packages, you can connect with info@offbeatescapes.com as most of the readers in the past couple of years have had very good feedback about them and especially their transparent policies along with being there with you all the time in need. So, we trust them the most. You can refer my name or DoW to Gaurav, the guy who runs it. He knows us very well and should be able to offer some special rates being a DoW Member. You can just refer him the DwD Community Member Username in such a case or screenshot of this reply here.
Hi.. i am planning for ladakh trip starting on 4th june 2017 for a week.. i am planning for road trip from srinagar on 4th june morning, so that i will reach by 5th evening , then please suggest what places can be covered in 4 days in ladakh, after that we want to come back through manali road starting on 10th june. Please tell the approximate rate of car for sightseeing in and around ladakh for 4 days ? And also the current price of car rates for both road trips..
Supriya, in just 4 days in Ladakh you can do one day rest and acclimatization, next make 2 day trip to Nubra Valley and 1 day trip to Pangong Tso.
As per the taxi union rates of year 2016-17 (https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/leh-ladakh-taxi-rates-2016-17/) following is the break up
Srinagar – Leh in 2 days = 18400
Leh Local sightseeing = 2500-3000
Leh – Nubra Valley 2 Day = 10566
Leh – Pangong Tso 2 Day = 10301
Leh – Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Sarchu – Manali 2-3 days = 29056
Leh – Manali 2 Days = 21588
Leh – Pangong Tso 1 Day = 8653
Leh – Nubra Valley 1 Day = 8053
You can usually get about 10-15% discount on these taxi rates after getting in touch with the driver directly.
Thanku so much for quick reply☺..
And also tell whether we can get hotels below 1500 rs in leh, nubra , pangong and places for night halt during road trips…
If possible please share the hotel contact numbers in and around the mentioned range.
Also tell whether the leh-manali highway will clear by 9th june for sure? If not pls tell the dates after which it ll be surely open.
What will be the temperature of ladakh in june?
Whether we will be able to see snow in month of june at any place?
Manali – Leh HIghway should be open by that time of the year. Road conditions will not be so goodd though as the roads would have just opened. June will be cool in most parts of Ladakh with cold nights at high altitude places and Manali – Leh especially Sarchu will be quite cold in dusk and dawn.
Just replied to your other comment.
And also tell whether we can get hotels below 1500 rs in leh, nubra , pangong and places for night halt during road trips…
If possible please share the hotel contact numbers in and around the mentioned range
You can check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate (cheap budget hotels as well) in the series of articles starting on the link here
You can easily get hotels within that range.
Hey dhiraj ji. thanks for your valuable information as sought by your of leh & ladadakh. I have planned to visit Pangong TSO lake & want to avail the benefits by going through JKSTC bus from Leh to Pangong. Will JKSTC bus will take upto Pangong Lake or it will depart to neary by village. How far is Pangong TSO lake from JKSTC bus stand to Pangong TSO.
Dinesh, the bus will go to Lukung the first village of PAngong Tso and I thin it goes to Spangmik as well though I am not 100% sure on it. Lukung village is just located near the Lake from where you can walk to the shores of the lake easily
Hi Dheeraj. I’m planning Leh tour in 1st wk of July is their any difficulty in getting rented bikes or we have to prebook ? Any no. Or site
Kuldeep, well, Ladakh has mostly limited availability of shops and many a times in peak season it gets difficult to get hold of bikes. You may need to weigh in the risk of getting a untested bike or having peace of mind for getting a bike 🙂
For rates and shop details, you can check: Leh – Ladakh Bike Rental Rates 2017-18
Hi
Thank you for your useful article. I have some questions about my trip in August.
I am planning to travel on the 12-19 August 2017
12 New Delhi
13 New Delhi
14 New Delhi – Leh
15 Leh
16 Leh – Nubra
17 Nubra – Pangong
18 Pangong – Leh
19 Leh – New Delhi
Questions
1. Many people told me that it will be impossible to travel from Nubra to Leh. Will you suggest me to come back to Leh before leaving to Pangong.
2. What month should I visit if I would like to travel straight from Nubra to Pangong?
3. If I have to choose to stay overnight what would you suggest Nubra or Pangong?
Thank you very much for your help.
Hello Fay
1. I think you meant Nubra to Pangong tso. Well, it is completely possible to travel from Nubra to Pangong Tso via either Wari La route or via Agham – Shyok route. The latter one starts to get close in the month you are traveling due to water level rise in Shyok river though Wari La remains open. Both routes are desolated so in case you have company then only go with it.
2. September will be the best month.
3. You won’t need to make a choice.
hi Dheeraj,
Good post for people struggling with less time. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you 🙂