Most Common Itinerary for Leh Ladakh
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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| 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 |
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 🙂 …
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Enjoy the sunrise over Pangong Tso, then drive back to Leh. Cover whichever monasteries you missed on Day 8 — Hemis, Thiksey, or Shey Palace.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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:
For the complete packing checklist, do refer to my detailed post on 40 must-have things to carry on a Ladakh self-drive trip.
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:
For a more detailed guide on connectivity, check my post on mobile phone connectivity in Leh – Ladakh.
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:
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.
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:
For a much more detailed guide, check my post on 12 tips to prevent AMS in Ladakh, Spiti, and Zanskar trips.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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