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 Ladakh itineraries. Many of Leh – Ladakh lovers follow it, including me, as it covers all three major tourist destinations of Ladakh, including Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso Lake, and Tso Moriri Lake.
The 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 most common itinerary for a winter trip to Ladakh
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Let's quickly dive into the details:
Why travel Ladakh from Srinagar side?
I have started from 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 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 in a 25:75 ratio (Manali – Keylong, Keylong – Leh) in terms of distance.
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.
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
For now, these reasons are good enough to start your Ladakh journey from Srinagar side 🙂 …
12-14 Days Itinerary for Leh Ladakh by Road
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 itinerary of Ladakh trip.
Day 1 | Delhi – Jammu / Patnitop
- Overnight at Jammu or Patnitop
- About a 12-13 Hours drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between
Day 2 | Jammu / Patnitop – Srinagar
- 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
Day 3 | Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil
- 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 Zozila and the breaks you take in between.
Day 4 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
- Cover Mulbekh Maitreya, Lamayuru Monastery, Lunar Landscapes
- On the way, you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, 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
Day 5 | Leh Local Sightseeing
- 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 2024 – 25 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 for DoW community members.
- Overnight at Leh
Day 6 | 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 the tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
- About a 5-6 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between and at Khardung La
Day 7 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
- Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
- Overnight at Leh
- About a 7-9 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between
Day 8 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake
- Cover either of Hemis, Thiksey, and Shey on the go toward Pangong Tso
- Overnight at Pangong Tso (Spangmik or Lukung)
- About a 5-6 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between
Day 9 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
- Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey, and Shey on return to Leh
- Overnight at Leh
- About a 5-6 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between
Day 10 | Rest day at Leh
- Enjoy local culture, shopping, or rest in Leh
- Sham Valley includes Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, Gurudwara Pather Sahib
- Overnight at Leh
Day 11 | Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang
- Cover Karzok Monastery
- Overnight at Karzok or Tso Moriri
- About a 7-8 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between
Day 12 | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring (Manali – Leh Highway starts) – Moore Plains – Sarchu
- 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
Day 13 | Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Atal Tunnel – Manali
- On the way cover Suraj Tal, and Deepak Tal which are on the roadsides only
- Overnight at Manali
- About 6 Hrs drive
Day 14 | Manali – Delhi
- Return Home
- About a 12-14 Hrs drive from Manali to Delhi, depending upon the breaks you take in between
Day 15 + 16
Buffer days are to be kept in case of road closure due to landslides or snowfall or perhaps you want to enjoy more.
Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso Direct Route Option
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 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 – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
- Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey, 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 bit in case.
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.
Additional Points for Ladakh trip from Srinagar
- 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 9 or add one day to the above plan to visit Turtuk. I bet you will not regret it at all visiting Turtuk in Nubra Valley.
- In Srinagar, you can also visit the Floating Market> Shalimar Garden.
- 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
Conclusion
I hope this plan or itinerary for Leh Ladakh from the Srinagar side will be useful for travelers planning their journey at least for the first time.
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I look forward to any questions or doubts or valuable suggestions and inputs you have and would love to discuss your custom plan as well in the comments section.
You can share your valuable suggestions and inputs you have or you 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.
2,495 Comments
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Is it the right time an 1st week of April for this trip?
Sonali, well it will be quite cold during this time of the year and both the lakes will be forzen and white in color. Also, many hotels/guest houses will be closed as well as eating joints too.
Hi Dheeraj
This is par excellent advice especially for newbies.
Can you also show this itinerary on a Map (maybe Google maps) /
To get an idea of the route map of Srinagar – Leh Highway, you can refer: DoW – Maps of Ladakh | Srinagar – Kargil – Leh
To get an idea of the routes in Ladakh along with distances, you can refer: DoW – Maps of Ladakh | Nubra Valley & Changthang. Keep in mind that, the remote routes are isolated and completely off track with almost no roads. Better stick to traditional routes in case it is the first trip to Ladakh.
Hi Dheeraj,
It’s been a dream for me and a friend to ride to Leh from Manali. Since we are both working in different countries at the moment it has been difficult to plan and we are finally doing it this year. Need your help to plan the trip. Do you recommend we go through a tour operator? If yes, ca you recommend please?
Mohamed, there is no need to go through the tour operator and can plan everything you want to plan with efforts upfront as all the info. is present over here on DoW. However, if you do not have much time to plan things on your own, get going with some unplanned stuff and on spot bookings then may be you can contact a travel agent. In case, you need one, you can get in touch with info@offbeatescapes.com as they have got quite nice feedback from many readers in the past couple of years.
Hello friends..
I have booked ticket to leh for june 8th. I will be. Accompanied by 10 of my friends. We want to end our trip at delhi via manali or keylong. We want to visit unseen places around leh along with popular tourist destinations like nubar valley!, pangong lake etc. We don’t want to compromise the beauty of the road and the experience. So we can effort to hire good suv. But we have a wish to drive. Any one of the car along with the local driver seating next to me. Is it possible!!
We will reach Leh on 8th June and need to come back to delhi! by 17 th. What will be your suggested Itenary for the trip. How much cost can I take as estimate for CAR. 🙂
Cane you suggest someone to contact for bookings.
I really need your help.
I am from Kolkata and travelling has been my hobby since long. Have experienced all drives around entire sikkim too. Plz help brother.
Replies at the other comment: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/travel-guide-for-manali-leh-highway/comment-page-4/#comment-301438
Hi Dheeraj,
I would be riding to Leh from pune in mid June 2015 (around 13th). I would be with a pillion , and no other company. Mostly I would be following the same itinerary except I would take Leh manali highway in both cases.
What I am mostly concern about is…
1. I own a RE 500 classic, it gives a mileage around 30-32kmpl on highways. From your experience what does mileage drops to on Leh-manali or surrounding region. (I have heard it goes down to 20 in Enfield Classic 500cc, that makes it 200kms top on a single full tank)
2. How to manage fuel on the route (basically I am worried If I plan to hit Leh – Tso Moriri – Tandi in a single stretch) .In case I run out of fuel, I might get some from villagers (what I expect since leh is highly commercialized now) but how would you rate the quality of fuel out of 10?
3. Does Ladakh carrier has capacity of carrying 20ltrs fuel and all luggage, and with its position how comfortable is it for pillion (Mine would be a girl) to sit. Greater the weight lower the mileage.
In case I wish to cover Tso Moriri while on way to Leh from Manali how feasible is the idea?? (Again the concern is fuel)
Hi Arpit,
1. It goes down by 30-35% in most cases.
2. You will need 550 KMs of fuel. Carry a small cloth, thin one to make it act as filter in case some impure or black fuel is needed at Sarchu or Pang. You will have to carry spare fuel for it.
3. I think so that you can carry that much fuel.. It will for sure have some baggage and little uncomfort for the pillion. However, many couples do it every year. Please keep in mind it will be adventure trip, not a comfort one 🙂
It is a deadly idea to visit Tso Moriri on the way to Leh 🙂 … Please do not do it as it will land you in trouble of AMS.
Regards
Dheeraj
Dheeraj Bhai any news about the 2015 road status from both the sides? or is it too early to ask?
Hardik, news will start coming in from first week of March when the snow clearance operation resumes.
We, 2 persons want to visit LEH first time by end April 2015. Will u please make us suitable itinery and suggest us good budget hotel. We want to stay for 5 nights. Will u make favour on us by sending required information.
Thankx in advance.
Prashant Kulkarni, Pune.
Prashant, I hope you planning to fly in and fly out of Leh right? This is what you can follow:
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 Sightseeing + 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 – Pangong Tso – Leh
— Do not plan to stay overnight at Pangong Tso as you will not be acclimatized and may fall sick. So, make a day trip only.
— Overnight at Leh
Day 6 | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping OR Monastery tour OR Sham Valley tour OR Fly back home
— Overnight at Leh
— Monastery tour may include Hemis, Thicksey 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
Hi Dheeraj
Of course you are the AoW – Angel on Wheels, but what about the SWF – stupids who fly into leh.
We are a group of 10 flying in on July 30. reaching Leh early morning 7.
We intend to split in 2 teams as team 1 stays back for 10 days, driving back thru Manali, while team 2 wants to fly back at the earliest. We are cut between Aug 3 / 4 and 5
Since all of us are first timers, we are a little clueless, about what to cover and what to skip.
As an avid traveller and an Angel, what would you recommend as to
the minimum number of days covering Leh – Nubra and Pangong. is it possible in July30 to Aug 3 with 4 nights only??
Hi Rahul,
You mean you have just 5-6 days to explore Ladakh? Well, flying to Leh, 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.
First 2 days have to be like the ones mentioned in the article above. From my side, next two days should also be like these. Then you can take a call between one day Pangong Tso trip or 2 days pangong tso trip based on the number of days are 5 or 6. People who want to drive to Manali will need at least 2 days from Leh to reach Manali after visiting Pangong Tso or in case want to explore Tso Moriri too then three days. Take your call.
Hi Dheeraj!
I have tried preparing a rough itinerary for my June/Juny Leh ladakh trip. It goes something like this :
Date Travel route Activities
26-Jun-15 Mumbai to Delhi to Srinagar Reach Srinagar at approx 2pm on 26 June
Floating market or shalimar gardens
Night stay at Srinagar
27-Jun-15 Srinagar – Dras – Kargil “-Srinagar to Drass (For good vegetarian options for dinner)
-In the middle, we can stop at Sonmarg and Zozi la for pictures and shitting or whatever”
Drass to Kargil. Night stay at Kargil
28-Jun-15 Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh “-Kargil to Leh enroute Mulbekh, Lamayuru and Uley
(After breakfast Drive for Leh enroute visiting the Monastery of Mulbekh, famous for 1st century Statue of Maitrya Buddha, carved out of a huge rock, Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu Proceed further towards Lamayuru & passing thru Namikala & Fatula Passes, the highest pass on Srinagar – Leh road. )”
Overnight stay at Leh
29-Jun-15 Leh “Local sightseeing at Leh
(Hall of Fame, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, Magnetic Hill & Sangam View where Indus & Zanskar River meet. Drive back to leh. Afternoon visit to Shanti Stupa & Leh palace)”
Also sort inner line permits for Hanldi
30-Jun-15 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
About 5-6 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between and at Khardung La”
01-Jul-15 Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh “Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
Overnight at Leh
About 7-9 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between”
02-Jul-15 Leh White water rafting
03-Jul-15 Leh Rest day
04-Jul-15 Leh – Hemis Monastery – Thiksey – Pangong Tso Lake Leh – Karu (36 KMs) – Sakti (10 KMs) – Chang La (34 KMs) – Durbuk (32 KMs) – Tangste (9 KMs) – Lukung (34 KMs) – Spangmik (16 KMs) = 171 KMs
05-Jul-15 Plan 1: Pangong Tso Lake – Hanle Pangong Tso Lake – Hanle
Plan 2: Pangong tso Rest day
06-Jul Hanle/ Pangong Tso – Tso Moriri Overnight at Tso moriri
07-Jul Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Moore plains – Sarchu “Try to start early in the day so that you reach Sarchu where the accommodation options are better than Pang
Overnight at Sarchu or Pang
About 11-12 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between”
08-Jul-15 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
About 11-12 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between and of course the mess at Rohtang Pass”
09-Jul-15 Manali
10-Jul-15 Manali – Chandigarh – Mumbai
Request you to kindly give ur comments on this! Thanks !
Really appreciate it!
Hi Drashti,
I have gone through the itinerary and below are my comments
1. Inner Line Permits are for Hanle, seems some typo there.
2. You have July 2, and July 3 at your hand. You can also try to modify the two plans so as to do rafting in first half in Leh on second and then rest for the day. Then on 3 July, start for Pangong Tso as you mentioned. Then, take a call there by asking hotel camps if tourist taxis are being allowed past Chusul Post. If they say yes, then take the route to reach Hanle from Pangong Tso. This will save a day for you. If they say “No”, then go back to Leh and start for Hanle from Leh next day to reach Hanle. On this route most likely, you will be allowed. If your first day plan succeed, then you will have one extra day which can be spent either of Hanle or Tso Moriri or Tso Kar lake. Rest from Hanle to Manali follow as you mentioned below.
I must say You did good homework to come up with such an itinerary, Kudos 🙂
Regards
Dheeraj
Hey Dheeraj!
Thanks a lot for your comments and suggestions. I really appreciate your quick response !
I wanted to check one more aspect with you – we wanted to end our trip on the 11th July instead of the 10th July (trying to utilize the weekend here), so can you please suggest any off beat thing we can probably do there which is other than these typical ideal things for leh? Or for that matter any other suggestion for extension of a day?
Thanks again!
Drashti, that day can be extended in Nubra Valley by staying at one of the beautiful place called Turtuk. You can drive staright to Turtuk from Leh, next day spend sometime up there till after noon and come to Hunder for night stay. Then follow the places to Panamik and sumur.
Hi Dheeraj bro,
I have been reading DOW for quite a long time. I must appreciate your work before asking any query. People go and visit, but not all give travel reports in such a fantastic detail.
Awesome bro. This is my favourite blog !
Reading DOW, India mike, BCMT and some other travelogues & blogspots, i have prepared this as under.
Day 1 – Srinagar – Sonmarg – Zoji La – Drass – Kargil (200 km)
Day 2 – Kargil – Mulbek – Lamayuru (110 km)
Day 3 – Lamayuru – Alchi – Likir – Leh (175 km)
Day 4 – In Leh
Day 5 – Leh – Hemis – Stakna – Thiksey – Shey –Stok – Leh (130 km)
Day 6 – Leh – Khardung La – Khardung – Khalsar – Diskit – Hunder (125 km)
Day 7 – Hunder – Thoise – Turtuk – Diskit – Sumur – Panamik (240 km)
Day 8 – Panamik – Khalsar – Wari La – Sakti – Chang La – Durbuk – Tangste – Lukung – Spangmik (243 km)
(have dropped Shyok village route bcoz of June month & family tour, as per your report advise)
Day 9 – Spangmik – Man – Merak – Chusul – Tsaga La – Tsaga – Loma –Hanle (176 km)
Day 10 – Hanle – Loma – Nyoma – Mahe – Sumdo – Tso Moriri/Korzok (161 kkm)
OR , if permits are obtained, the following route
Day 10 – Hanle – Salsal La – Charchagan La – Tso Moriri/Korzok (145 km)
Day 11 – Tso Moriri – Tso kar – Taglang La – (Moore plains) – Leh
We are reaching Leh in three days to acclimatize ourselves and avoid AMS. Later, no need to come back for sham valley tour seperately. Date of travel – around mid June. Since this is mid June, i suppose tourist rush wil be there. Hence will not dare to opt for on the spot deals. what say ?
I am 28 years of age, accompanied by wife (26), cousin (21) and 6 elders age range 40-58, all nature lovers)
Q1. Will I need days of rest in between ? If yes, where ? Is it a hectic schedule ?
Q2. As per your report, There is on ly one guest house at Hanle (Padma’s). If accomodation isnt not possible there, wiill i have to drop that in entirety ? (will write back to you again after things are fixed)
Q3. Is Day – 7 good ?
Q4. Which will be better to stay at Disket or Hunder ? (I suppose Hunder as per blog) and how about stay at Panamik
Q5. Any modifications you suggest ?
Q6. If above Q5 isnt applicable :O, any other advise/suggestions bro ??
Will contact you after things are getting bit settled. May i have your e-mail pls ?
Hope you will never mind in giving advises any time….as you have never minded and only guided 🙂
Thank you Anand. Below are my 2 cents,
1. In case you want to specifically stay at Lamayuru, then it is fine else better reach Alchi by the end of Day 2.
2. Even Wari La is a desolated route, in case of any help required, there will not be any present.
3. Regarding Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri route or Pangong Tso to Hanle, the permits to Man – Merak – Chusul – Tsaga or remote Changthang routes are being given by DC office in Leh at ON and OFF basis, so keep your fingers crossed and hope for the best if they start issuing the permits by the time you visit or issue you on your lucky day. Also, even if the permits are given then as well there is no guarantee that you will be allowed to cross Chusul Post or not because since last year several such incidents happened and people with permits also had to return via same route. The story is same this year too and only handful of people have passed through Chusul this year too on their lucky days. All this will mean that you will have to risk it for at least a day getting wasted if you are not allowed because there will be no guarantee until you cross Chusul and Tsaga post. Otherwise, you have to take the traditional routes only via Leh.
4. Rest looks fine.
Regarding your queries:
1. Since, you are a family and it is season time, see if you can book it if you do not want to run around some places. Check with info@offbeatescapes.com for the rates too.
2. It will be better if you can have a rest day in between, may be at Pangong Tso or at Tso Moriri to make it less hectic. Else doabale if you love more journey is the destination type of trips. You can also drop the Wari La route may be and add a day for Leh to Pangong Tso in that case. Move that monastery tour to this day from Day 5 as all these monasteries falls on this route from Leh to Pangong Tso and can be done at ease.
3. There are couple of guest houses too in Hanle apart from Sona Guest House. You should be able to get but yes there is a risk which you need to take care.
4. Hunder will be good
Regards
Dheeraj
PS: Sorry for a delayed response.
Thanks a lot Dheeraj.
As per your advise, I will drop Wari La and reach Leh from Nubra valley and the next day reach Pangong Tso. I wished to go thru Wari La just to explore new vistas….
Also, i feel to curtail one day from present three in reaching Leh from Srinagar.
Q1. Why i should drop Wari La ? 🙁
Q2. Can Srinagar – Leh be done on two days ? visiting all monasteries enroute ? I dont want a seperate day tour for sham valley…or the present itinerary is fine ?
Q3. What is ON & OFF basis of permits ?
Q3. Will ask camps & taxis, whether its allowed that day to pass chusul/Tsaga. If they deny, will go back to Leh and start next day for Hanle. I wanted not to do much to & fro on same route and explore more…
Q4. In reaching Hanle to Tso Moriri, of the two routes (1. via Nyoma & 2. via Salsal La), does same problem like chusul post exists ?
will update you for more advises….
Thanks for patiently answering everyone’s answer Dheeraj 🙂
Hi Anand,
1. I am not saying you cannot do it, all I am saying is that you must be aware of the risks so that you can take such risks in calculative way 🙂 … If there is any other vehicle with you, then for sure you can attempt Wari La so that at least a backup is there in case any emergency is required. Going alone makes little sense to me on a desolated route.
2. Srinagar – Leh is easily doable or always done at ease in 2 days with night halt at Kargil. You can leave early in the day from Leh and cover most parts of Sham Valley and reach Kargil by evening.
3. ON / OFF means, sometimes they are given, sometimes DC refuses the permits owing to some special conditions which may be with respect to ongoing security issues
4. First you need to have a permit for sure from DC office. Then after reaching Pangong Tso then ask from the camps. Everyone wants that but believe me it has been 5-6 times now I have been there and still unable to solve the mystery of exploring everything at once 😀 … Will still need some 5-6 more trips to explore in entirety to the possible extent 😀
5. From Salsal La yes, sometimes they send you back from there but it happens less as compared to Chusul where it is more often. Salsal La will be an issue if there are any recent security breaches towards Chumur side at LAC.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
Your website and experiences are sure an inspiration for many a want to go travelers like us. We are a group of 5 who are planning to visit leh ladakh during the end of june or early july this month. With our present itinerary we plan to spend a total of 15 days for the whole trip. Can you suggest if it is advisable to start from Srinagar and Culminate in Delhi (via ladakh and manali) or follow the Delhi-Manali-Leh-Srinagar route. As we dont have more time, we cannot ride back to the place we started and plan to take our return flight from Delhi or Srinagar depending on where we stop the journey. If we plan to start the journey from Srinagar, will we get SUVs which we can return in Delhi? Any inputs on the same will be very helpful. Thank you in advance
Hello Subin,
Firstly, I will suggest you that please plan it in other direction as going via Srinagar – Leh Highway will be much much easier on your body and help you acclimatize to the high altitude of Manali – Leh Highway. Also, it allows you to enjoy the beauty of Manali – Leh by splitting the journey almost evenly in two days which is very difficult in the other direction. Thirdly, it will allow you to fit Tso Moriri lake into the itinerary in better way. You can read more reasons on the link here
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
Check the list of things to carry for Leh – Ladakh or other trip including basic medical kit, clothing, must haves etc. at the link here: List of Things to Carry for Leh – Ladakh trip.
Are you looking for taxis from Delhi OR self drive car?
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
Many thanks for this. Certainly clears all airs on where to start the trip from. However out only concern if we will get rented cabs with or w/o driver from Srinagar who can take us through the itinerary and drop us in manali from where we could go back to delhi and catch our return flight. As we come from Cochin it would be too hectic if we Plan to bring our car right from there so plan to go with a hired one from Srinagar. But then I came across some articles in your site that there are some permit issues for cabs. What do you suggest would be the best option for us for travel?
Subin, get to Srinagar get connected with the drivers mentioned in the link I suggest below along with prices of taxis by Leh Taxi Union. For the leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2015 – 16 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here. You can get about 10-12% of discount by directly getting in touch with drivers and of course, talking in person rather on phone always help in bargaining more.
Hire a ladakh based taxi by calling up Ladakh drivers from the list and get going for the trip. They will drop you at Manali and from there overnight volvo buses run to Delhi from Manali everyday by HRTC or HPTDC. You can take those volvos to get back to Delhi and catch flight back home.
This is too good. Take a bow 🙂
Thank you Subin, glad you liked the info. present on DoW for Ladakh trip 🙂
Dheeraj,
Is the following itinerary practically feasible
Day 1 Leh to Nubra
Day 2 Nubra to Pangong (via Wari l)
Day 3 Pangong to Tsomoriri (Via Changthang (Merak – Chusul – Nyoma)
If not feasible and I have to select one of two routes i.e. Nubra to Pangong OR Pangong to Tsomoriri …which route is better in terms of sight seeing.
As per few operators it is not advisable to take Pangong to Tsomoriri route due to climatic and road condition. Is it so? I am traveling to Leg during Aug 2015.
Rajat, it is possible but quite hectic back to back days. Also, you need permits from DC office for Chusul route and even after permits there isn’t any guarantee that army post will allow you to pass from Chusul. Road conditions is like a dirt road all through upto Tsaga from where the road starts. There is no role of climate as it remains same throughout in August.
I & MY WIFE TRAVELLED TO LEH FROM KOLKATA SEPT25 TO OCTOBER 03.WE TRAVELLED BY AIR REACHED LEH AT 8AM
BY GO AIR FLIGHT.AS PER YOUR ADVICE
WE CONTACTED CHAMBA RINGZIN 09906999808 AND HE MADE OUR LEH TRIP UNFOGETTABLE.HE WAS THERE IN THE AIRPORT TO RECEIVE US AND DID NOT LEAVE US TILL WE PARTED ON 3RD
MORNING AT THE AIRPORT.I HAVE BEEN TO SO MANY PLACES BUT I HAVE NOT MET A NOBLE SOUL LIKE HIM.HE IS SIMPLY OUT OF THIS WORLD AND PRAY TO GOD FOR HIS WELL BEING.HE TOOK US TO ALL THE PLACES IN LEH AS WELL AS LAMAYURU,PANGONG,NUBHRA,HUNDER,DISKIT,PANAMIC,SUMUR WE ALSO WENT TO PANGONG VIA WARI LA WE COULD SEE WILD LIFE MARMOT,BLACK NECK CRANE WHICH ARE RARE.TSO MORRIRI AND TSO KAR VIA TANGLANG WHICH IS THE 2ND HIGHEST MOTORABLE PASS AFTER KHARDUNGLA.WE HAD SEEN CHANGLA PASS ENROUTE PANGONG.IN ALL IT HAD BEEN AWONDERFUL EXPERIENCE.I WOULD LIKE TO POST PHOTOGRAPHS PLS LET ME KNOW HOW.
I THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN FOR YOUR VALUABLE INPUT AND CHAMBAS GUIDE ALONG WITH HIS INNOVA WHICH NEVER LET US DOWN ON THE TRECHEROUS ROADS.
REGARDS
MR& MRS.GANGULY
Very much glad to know that you have been to enjoy your Ladakh tour with such wonderful people around you that helped you have wonderful journey up there in Himalayas of Ladakh.
If possible, try and share your Himalayan experience with us at DoW – Himalayan Travel Community as Photo Tale or Travel Tale Or your reviews of the hotels/guest houses where you stayed or dhabhas/restaurants you ate food on your trip… All this might help others planning the similar trip too 🙂 🙂
Hello MR& MRS.GANGULY,
Good to hear that you had a wonderful trip with CHAMBA RINGZIN. Could you share us the total cost for hiring the Innova. I hope you hired the car for 9 days(Sept25 to October 3), please correct me if I am wrong. Also please could you share your plan detail for the entire trip.
Hi Dheeraj,
It really interesting to see how accurately you are guiding over this forum.
We are 3 couples in late twenties. We have tickets from Mumbai to Leh on 23rd Sep via Srinagar (1 night halt). Considering the current flood situation, Is it advisable to continue on this ticket or should I book another ticket directly from Mumbai to Leh reaching high altitude in just 4 hours.
I have to choose between two bad options but need to reach LEH on 24th Sep for sure.
Pls guide thru your vast experience.
Mitesh, you must be on your trip. Sorry I was on DoW Mega Meet to Spiti Valley for last 10 days and hence could not reply. Enjoy your Ladakh trip 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
We have limited time of 5 days. We are taking Taxi from Manali to Leh. I want your suggestion of planning the rest of the 3 days. Based on all the posts I have read on DoW community, I have formulated the following agenda. Let me know if you think it needs modification. I do understand the accamitization required and hence I have kept Leh sightseeing for last day.
Sep 13: Delhi to Kullu by flight. Taxi from Kullu – Jispa
Sept 14: Jispa – Leh
Sept 15: Day trip to Khardung La, Khardunga, Nubra, Diksit
Sept 16: Day trip to Pangong Tso Lake
Sept 17: Leh Local Sightseeing
Sep 18: Fly from Leh – Delhi to Bangalore
Thanks
Pradeep
Pradep, you need to risk it like below:
Sept 15: Leh Local Sightseeing
Sept 16: Day trip to Khardung La, Nubra, Diksit (I will suggest just to make it to Khardung La to avoid too much travel)
Sept 17: Day trip to Pangong Tso Lake
It is a risky travel and high chances of you hitting with AMS
Hi Dheeraj, Nice to see your valuable inputs. We are planning to visit Srinagar & Leh on 23rd to 30th. can you please advice
1. My mother ( 67, physically fit) and younger daughter (12) will be part of us. Any issue due to age?
2. suggest good itenary ( start 23rd afternoon srinar airport and 30th Leh airport).
3. Can we finish srinagar and jammu? and next trip to Leh by air?
Please suuggest to take the fruitful decision.
Are you still going to Srinagar?
Hi Dheeraj,
Great Site for amateur travelers like me and hats of to you for replying everyone.
We are travelling during second week of Sep’14 for 6 days and would follow the standard itinerary 2 days in leh, 2 days in nubra/leh and then 2 days in pangong/leh.
I have some questions.
1. Second week of sep, would it be fine to stay overnight in camp in pangong or does it gets too cold there.
2. Are you aware of camp redstart in pangong, is any reviews?
3. Lastly, does it make sense of spending nearly 7k in a luxury camp desert himalaya in nubra?
Waiting for your valuable feedback.
Regards,
Karan
Karan, just answered these queries to other comment of yours: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/leh-ladakh-taxi-rates-2014-15/#comment-107436
Hi Dheeraj, Your site is amazing and i got many information from this site.
However, My 12 days Srinagar – Ladakh itinerary is as below. Pls let me know if i need to do any changes in my Itinerary)
Day 1 | 17.09.14 – Bangalore – Srinagar
– Local Sight seeing in Srinagar
– Stay in at Srinagar
Day 2 | 18.09.14 – Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil
–Stay in Kargil
Question:1. What is the right time to leave Srinagar
2. Is it safe to find travel partner to share Taxi charge in Srinagar?
3. Where can we enquiry about travel partner in Srinagar ( Can you pls provide me some reference if available)
4. If we travel by Private bus Srinagar-Kargil-Lehl, there will be any problem to find the Hotel in Kargil?
Day 3 | 19.09.14 – Kargil – Leh
– Stay in Leh
Day 4 | 20.09.14 – Leh – Local Sightseeing
– Overnight at Leh
Question: 1. Where can i get motorbike in Leh
Day 5 | 21.09.14 – Leh – Khardung La – Nubra
– Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Nubra
Question: 1 .Is it worth staying in Nubra or any other place near by?
2. Can i plan Pangong directly from Nubra or should i take Hunder/Diskit-Sumar-Khar. La – Leh route?
3. Which is the better place to stay for 2 days Nubra or Pangong?
Option – 1
Day 6 22.09.14 – Nubra-Pangong Tso Lak
Stay in Pangong
Question: For family is it safe staying in Camps/Tent house in Nubra?
Or
Option-02
Day 6 | 22.09.14 – Nubra – Khardung La – Leh
– Stay in Leh
Day 7 | 23.09.14 -Leh – Hemis – Pangong Tso Lake
Cover Hemis, Overnight at Pangong
Day 8 | 24.09.14 – Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
– Cover either of Thicksey and Shey on return to Leh
– Overnight at Leh
Day 9 | 25.09.14 – Leh to Dah Hanu village
Question: Is it worth visiting Hanu Village?
Day 10 | 26.09.14 Dah – Dah Hanu Villages to Kargil via Batalik route – Srinagar
While return can i stay any other place other then Kargil?
Day 11 27.09.14 Sight seeing in Srinagar (Nagin Lake, if any other)
Pradeep this is answered in the DwD Community.
Hi Dheeraj,
Need your help in planning the itenary for Srinagar-Leh-Manali- Delhi trip.We are reaching Srinagar by flight on Sep 12th afternoon and need to get back to Delhi on 24th Sep max. Please help me in giving me itineary as this is the first time and completely new to us. It is three adults and a child of 5 years old who are travelling. Thanks in advance,
Jayapal, please try and follow the itinerary above in the article from Srinagar. You should be able to tweak it accordingly for 12 days.
Hi Dheeraj,
First of, you are doing an amazing job by guiding first time travelers. It would have been really hard for so many eager travelers to figure out the information after reaching there.
My 2 friends and I(25 yrs old) from Bangalore are planning to take a trip to Leh for 6 days and the plan which we have put together after carefully reading your website(offcourse :)) is as below.
27th Aug – Arrive at Leh, Local sightseeing and acclimatizing
28th Aug – Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder : Over night stay
29th Aug – Hunder / Diskit – Khardung La – Leh
30th Aug – Leh – Hemis Monastery – Spangmik : overnight stay
31st Aug – Spangmik (Pangong Tso) – Tso Moriri / Korzok : overnight stay
1st Sep – Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Leh
2nd Sep – Local sightseeing, Sham Valley include Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, Gurudwara Pather Sahib
3rd Sep – Leave from Leh
We are planning to do the whole trip on bikes which we want to hire. Please advice us if this is a good plan or needs to be changed. Also, please let us know if we can pitch tents in some of the places.
Thanks and Regards,
Melwin
Hello Melwin,
I will suggest with 6-7 days in hand do it 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 Sightseeing + 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 | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping OR You can do tour to Sham Valley
— Sham Valley include Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, Gurudwara Pather Sahib
— Overnight at Leh
Hi Dheeraj,
Thank you for taking the effort of this amazing website that helps most people who would like to visit Leh-Ladakh. I needed your help in planning a trip in this october. We are a group of 7 and we will be reaching leh on 29 to 30 september from srinagar. We will be there till the 5th or 6th October. In your itineary above you have mentioned the plan for 9 days. Can you please help me in with a 5 days 6 nights trip? We are planning to hire bikes as soon as we reach leh and continue the trip on bikes itself. Nubra valley, Panagong & Khardungla are in out to do list however since this is the first time we will be going there we are not sure of what to do next. We are planning to travel to the place a take accomodation there itself it possible. Your assistance will be greately appreciated.
PS: The ladies coming with us are crazy about snow so if you can guide us as to where we could find snow that will be awesome!
Thanks in Advance!
Hello Chintan,
You have 5 days in hand and can follow the plan below in Ladakh
Day 1 | 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 2 | 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 3 | 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 4 | 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 5 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on return to Leh
— Overnight at Leh
Snow will be very hard to find during this time of the year. Carry heavy woolens with you.
Regards
dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks a ton for running such a great blog. I have got almost each detail required for Ladakh trip here and i enjoyed reading every bit of it. I am going to drive on this circuit (Delhi-Srinagar-Leh-Manali-Delhi) in the last 10-11 days of August. I will be driving in a Maruti Swift VXI(petrol version) along with wife and 2.8 years old daughter. I will be having driver with me which will take the wheel when i want to take rest. Following is the plan:
Day 0: Leave Delhi around 6 PM and reach Patnitop next day morning/noon
Day 1: Stay at Patnitop
Day 2: Patnitop – Srinagar, stay at Srinagar
Day 3: Leave early morning for Gulmarg, return by noon and leave for Sonamarg. Stay in Sonamarg.
Day 4: Sonamarg to Leh, stay at Leh (can we do it in a day??)
Day 5: Leh – Khardung La – Diskit/Hunder
Day 6: Diskit/Hunder – Leh
Day 7: Leh – Pangong Tso – Leh
Day 8: Leh local sightseeing
Day 9: Leh – Jispa (Can we do it in a day?)
Day 10: Jispa to Manali by 2 PM or so. Spend 2 hours in Manali and head to Delhi (overnight).
* Would i be able to make this much in given time frame??
* Can i do Delhi-Manali-Leh-Srinagar-Delhi with the same stoppage?
Your suggestions would be of great help and i will plan basis what you suggest.
-Thanks
Hello Rajendra,
I will recommend you below plan to make it relaxing to at least some extent else it looks quite hectic with family and little daughter on board. I hope the little angel does not suffer with motion sickness or not:
Day 0: Leave Delhi around 6 PM and reach Patnitop next day morning/noon
Day 1: Stay at Patnitop
Day 2: Patnitop – Srinagar, stay at Srinagar
Day 3: Srinagar – Drass – Kargil
Day 4: Kargil – Leh
Day 5: Leh Rest + Acclimatization
Day 6: Leh – Khardung La – Hunder/Diskit
Day 7: Diskit/Hunder – Leh
Day 8: Leh – Pangong Tso – Leh
Day 9: Leh – Sarchu/Jispa
Day 10: Sarchu/Jispa – Manali
Regards
Dheeraj
Thanks Dheeraj. Much appreciated. Will follow the same.
Hi Dheeraj,
With reference to my post on 2nd aug….I have changed my Itinerary…Following is the revised itinerary..
27th aug – Mumbai- Srinagar…stay at srinagar
28th aug – Srinagar – Kargil….Stay at Kargil
29th aug – Kargil – Leh…..Stay at Leh
30th aug – Leh Local Sightseeing…Stay at Leh
31st aug – Leh- Khardung La- Diskit – Hunder..Leh
1st Sep – Leh-Likir-Alchi-Uley- River rafting
2nd sep – Uley – stay (if v like)
3rd Sep – Leh – Lukung- Spangmik(Pangong Tso)
4th Sep – Spangmik-Man-Merak-Chushul-Lyoma-Hanle
5th Sep – Hanle-Loma-Nyoma-Tso Moriri(Karzok)
6th Sep – Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring (Manali – Leh Highway starts) – Moore Plains – Pang / Sarchu
7th Sep – Pang / Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
8th Sep – Manali…leave Manali arnd 6.30 pm
9th Sep – Delhi –Reach and 9 am
Queries.
1.How much diesel/petrol do we need to carry for leh-pangong-tso moriri-manali….?any nearby petrol stations?
2.Any permits needed for this route..
Abhishek, you should be lucky to pass through Chusul Post first of all even after getting permits from DC Office of Leh. Army in geenral does not allow people now to pass through Chusul but on some days they allow too. So it has to be your lucky day. So take calculative risk there. Secondly, spend two days in Nubra Valley and avoid stay in Uley in comparison to it. Rafting is ajust a matter of half day. Since, you are not coming back to Leh so you will need fuel in spare. Refer: Fuel Availability In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips
Thanks Dheeraj…I do have many doubts though…some of my friends did the same plan(a month back) in 10 days…v have 4 more days bt v still cant figure out where to stay an extra day(manali,uley,pangong) i have heard uley is great…we dont want to make it too hectic….bt want sort of adventure and relaxing….. I have a lot of confusions..we are so near our trip yet it feels like we are so far away from our perfect plan….it would be great if you could provide me your personal contact number.Thanks again
Hi Dheeraj,
We are two friends who are planning to start trip to Leh from chandigarh via Manali on 15th August and come back via Srinagar on 24th. I heard that during August, the rains are on full high and chances of land slides are much more.
Can you suggest if this is right? as i think this might be applicable for July as well.. 🙂
Is it safe to go via Manali route in August?
Regards,
Mohit
Forgot to mention that we are going by Scorpio (pvt vehicle).
It is monsoon time 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, though rains does reach Ladakh now but to minimum and mostly it might remains overcast conditions. There is no thumb rule of certainty about weather conditions but above is generally common pictures seen over last few years except ugly 2010 …
Hi Dheeraj,
First of all a million thanks for all the info/reviews you keep posting; obtained a lot of information.
Could you also please address a few of my concerns stated below:
We are 3 of us slated to travel from 19th Aug to 30th Aug and all of us first timers to Leh. Seeking to make a full on chill & non hectic trip! 🙂
Our itenerary is as follows:
19: Arrive at leh airport from Mumbai in the morning. Rest day
20: Leh to Pangong – overnight at water mark camp (as recommended by DoW)
21: Pangon to Leh – some local Leh sight seeing and overnight at Leh
Que 1 – One of the Xylo driver is charging us 9K for this 2 day pangong trip. Is it ok?
22: Leh to Nubra by hiring bikes – Overnight possibly at sten diskit/snow leapord. (as recommended by DoW)
Que 2 – Is it necessary to pre book stays at each of these locations (Leh, pangong tent, nubra)?
Que 3 – From what we read, we assume to get bikes at 1K – 1.5K per day without any hitch. Any insights on this?
23: Nubra to Leh – Overnight at Leh
24: Leh to Ulletokpo – local sightseeing and overnight stay at ulletokpo
25: Ulletokpo to Kargil – overnight stay at Kargil.
Que 4 – Any suggestions for the stay at Ulletokpo/Kargil? Any prebookings required?
26: Kargil to Srinagar – overnight at srinagar
Que 5 – The same driver charging 20K for this 3 day Leh – Ulletokpo – Srinagar. Is it ok?
27 28 29 – Gulmarg, sonmarg, pahalgam, local srinagar.
30 – Fly back from Srinagar.
Any suggestions to this itinerary?
Thanks in Advance 🙂
Your itinerary should be like below:
19: Arrive at leh airport from Mumbai in the morning. Rest day
20: Rest for the day
21: If feeling well, then Leh to Nubra Valley
22: Nubra Valley to Leh
23: Leh – Pangong Tso
24: Pangong Tso – Leh
25: Leh – Kargil
26: Kargil to Srinagar – overnight at srinagar
27 28 29 – Gulmarg, sonmarg, pahalgam, local srinagar.
30 – Fly back from Srinagar.
Get in touch with drivers directly mentioned in the article linked: List of Taxi Drivers for Ladakh – Srinagar – Leh – Manali
Hi i am heading to ladakh in jan(10-15)2015 for 4 nights and 5 days – I would wish to experience winter in ladakh – I know most of the resorts and hotels are shut down but that is how i wish to beat the crowd – I wish to know the best possible itinerary which can cover the major tourist hotspots for me-My ideal itinerary is as follows
1)Day 1 – Morning arrival – acclimatization-evening-local sightseeing/tibetan market
Day 2)Leh-Khardung-la-diksit-hunder-Overnight stay at nubra(subject to availability of accomodation-back to leh)
Day 3)Nubra valley/leh-pangong tso-stay at hanle/nearby place(again subject to accomodation)
Day 4)Leh to layamaru(Any other place you recommend/thikshey/hemis/stok etc
Day 5)Back to leh-back home
I also have with me a 2.5 year old kid-will he face hassles because of the altitude
i have received high quotes from shanti stupa/oriental guest house – is it because in this weather the terrain faces difficulty(food,gas heater etc)Is it advisable to book hotels online or do i go there and book it considering there wont be a myriad of options i shall have
Or do i entrust someone like rigzin/any other driver to plan out my entire itinerary including accomodation travel etc
Please advise
It is not recommended to make such a trip in extreme winter conditions when it becomes like survival rather than trip and you hardly have enough days to see anything around. With such a young child PLEASE DO NOT Attempt this trip.
Hello Dheeraj
Thanks for the information you have provided.It really helped us a lot to plan our journey to Leh Ladakh.
Below is our itinerary
13 sep – reach srinagar at 7 am and will move to kargil.
14 sep – kargil to leh (covering Kargil – Lamayuru – Alchi- Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu)
15 sep – local sight seing in leh
16 Sep – Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
17 Sep – Hunder – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
18 Sep – Leh – Hemis Monastery – Thicksey Monastery-Pangong Tso Lake
19 sep – Pangong Tso Lake – Shey Palace – Leh in first half and then river rafting.
20 Sep – Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang
21 Sep – Tso Moriri – Leh
22 sep – fly back to new delhi.
I have 2 questions
1) Would you like to suggest any changes in this itinerary?
2) I contacted one of the driver from the list of drivers you have provided and he is asking for 42000 for this whole trip in Xylo. ( he will pickup us from srinagar on 13th sep and will drop at leh airporty on 22 Sep). is it a fair deal or should we reach there and book the cab?
Hello Rahul,
1. Good Itinerary. Keep yourself hydrated for sure.
2. Seems OK, but check with few others too and try refer DoW to some and they might offer about 10-15% discount on union rates.
Hello Mr. Rahul,
Three of us from Bangalore are also dong the Leh trip somewhat on similar lines. We also fly out of Leh on 22nd. But we arrive by 11th. I wanted to know how many of you are travelling & if you would like to join us so we share the vehicle. I can give details of our plan ( which can be altered to suit us together) if your group would like. Please let me know.
Hello Dheeraj,
I would have a couple of questions about Zanskar. I’ll be visiting the area this month, in particular I would like to do the Padum-Lamayuru trek, without carrying a tent. Is this possible?
I saw that, in a couple of night stops (near hanuma la and sengge la) there should be the so-called tea tents, could these provide a repair for the night?
A second question I have is: how many ways do I have to get from Kargil to Padum? Is there a bus like for Srinagar-Kargil (how many hours?), or there are only shared taxis?
Thank you.
Ps: congrats, I have seen your site growing a lot in these two years, since I discovered it before my first travel to Ladakh. 🙂
Hello Davide,
Nice to see you here again.
Without carrying the tent, it might be difficult as you will be relying upon the villages which might not be available always. Though I have not done it but looking at the suggested itineraries, I believe there could be issues getting stay everywhere like you pointed out couple of pass bases. Relying on temporary tea stalls may not be reliable though if working, they will allow you to stay overnight.
Try to get in touch with marqaziz@gmail.com and see if he has some inputs on it.
One is that private taxi which is mostly a costly affair if not in group. Then you have shared taxis that run between Padum – Kargil, charges about 1200-1500 per seat per person. Also, there is a bus that I remember which runs in season time (late season stops) starts about 2-3 AM from Kargil and reach Padum by evenning. You MUST get the tickets for this bus a day in advance for sure.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Ps: Thank you so much. Yes, we have stepped into DwD Community as well last year as full fledged forums with other like minded people joining in and of course now promoting Social Causes through DoW Causes to spread smiles in Himalayas…
I see, thank you very much for the information.
Just a clarification: the email address is about the trek, or about the transport?
Davide, it is about trek. This guy runs a big hotel in Padum, so must be aware of it. His name is Aziz.
Ok, thank you very much! 🙂
Hi Friends,
I am a solo traveler and I am looking for travel partners for a bike ride from Delhi to Leh and back. I can do this trip anytime between 01-Sep till-20 Sep 2014.
My email address is jasmeetsjohar@gmail.com.
Thanks
Jasmeet
Jasmeet, check the DoW Travel Calendar in DwD Community for the month of September.
Fantastic website..Great work…Extremely Helpful…we are 4 frnds going for LEH-LADAKH TRIP…our tickets are booked…planning a 14 day trip..we will be reaching Srinagar on 27th AUG 2 PM and leaving Delhi on 9th SEP 8.30 pm departure…I have used your common itinerary and also your additional points…Here is my plan
27th aug – Mumbai- Srinagar…stay at srinagar
28th aug – Srinagar – Kargil….Stay at Kargil
29th aug – Kargil – Leh…..Stay at Leh
30th aug – Leh Local Sightseeing…Stay at Leh
31st aug – Leh- Khardung La- Diskit – Hunder..Stay at HUnder
1st Sep – Hunder/Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Wari La – Pangong Tso…Stay at Pangong Tso
2nd sep – Pangong Tso – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh…Stay at Leh
3rd Sep – Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping or you can do tour to Sham Valley
4th Sep – Blank Days
5th Sep – Blank Days
6th Sep – Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang
7th Sep – Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring (Manali – Leh Highway starts) – Moore Plains – Pang / Sarchu
8th Sep – Pang / Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
9th Sep – Manali – Delhi (leave early 5-6 am types)
I have a few queries…
1. We want to include Zanskar Valley…Should we do it at the start of the trip (From Kargil).
2. Which one is a must see…Zanskar or Nubra ?
3. I have kept 4th and 5th Sep as blank days….do I need to alter my plan so as to accommodate Zanskar,Nubra,Pangong Tso,Tos Moriri ?
4. Manali – Delhi in 12 hrs….is it possible ?
5. We are planning to book a Xylo/Innova for the entire trip…will the driver agree to this plan ?
6. Please recommend any changes.
Here are my replies:
1. Zanskar Valley needs at the very least 3 days to touch and come 4 days for a bit relaxing trip from Kargil, you have just 2 and that will make the schedule hectic as well.
2. If planning Ladakh for fist time, better first go wit Nubra. Zanskar should be planned separately
3. There is no point keeping blank days, best is to use one day in Nubra Valley to include Turtuk and go back to Leh from Nubra. Then use other one to make a 2 day trip to Pangong Tso.
4. Sometimes possible but in general takes 13-14 Hrs.
5. Yes, you need to get a Ladakh based taxi for it.
Thanks for your replies.
so then zanskar is not possible…fine
1.Do we need permits for wari -la route from nubra to pangong tso ? we might not want to come back to leh 2 times(from nubra and pangong tso) if we get permits …we can save a day and take rest .. Is this a good idea?…
2.So we will be leaving early and we are thinking of spending 1 more night in manali.
3.Is manali worth staying 1 more night?
Btw your views matter…so hope this does not annoy you too much?
Hi Abhishek,
1. You do not need permits for Wari La. But keep in mind that Wari La route is quite long and desolated. Any help if needed will be available only in miles.
2. Hmmm, sounds OK.
3. I would rather stick with easy trips to Nubra and Pangong Tso (2 days each) rather spending one extra day in Manali
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
We are planning a self drive Ladakh trip in XUV500 (4 persons).
15-Aug Delhi-Patnitop
16-Aug Patnitop-Sonamarg
17-Aug Sonamarg-Lamayuru
18-Aug Lamayuru-Diskit
19-Aug Diskit-Pangong Tso
20-Aug Pangong Tso-Hemis
21-Aug Hemis-Keylong
22-Aug Keylong-Kasol
23-Aug Kasol-Delhi
24-Aug In-hand day
We are planning not to stay at Leh, but just pass it through on the way to Diskit.
Need advice on places to stay at Lamayuru, Diskit & Hemis.
Any other suggestions?
Hi Mohit,
I hope passing Leh could be really possible. It will most likely end one of you up in hospital if you try to do that. It is high altitude terrain and acclimatization is the key to success of any trip there. Skipping Leh means you will be further challenging acclimatization schedule which is rarely followed due to time constraints. Hence, better follow as below:
15-Aug Delhi-Patnitop
16-Aug Patnitop-Sonamarg
17-Aug Sonamarg-Lamayuru
18-Aug Lamayuru-Leh
19-Aug Leh Rest Day
20-Aug Leh – Khardung La – Leh
21-Aug Leh – Pangong Tso/Leh
22-Aug Pangong Tso/Leh – Pang/Sarchu
23-Aug Pang/Sarchu – Manali
24-Aug Manali – Delhi
Thanx for the route , we are also leaving on same date (15-24) .
i think this one will be better and will help to maintain body pressure on high altitude.
Mayank??? which one??
Hi Dheeraj,
We went ahead with our itinerary, and thankfully all of us were healthy. In our return journey, we added Chumathang & Puga valley and it is magnificent for bird & animal watching.
Also, Wari La should be renamed as Marmot-La, as we spotted scores of marmots.
But overall, it was sad to see that the snowline has receded a lot & also, the number of plastic & beer bottles is increasing. We brought back all our inorganic garbage back to Delhi, and hope others also do the same.
Mohit, so glad to know that what you did. Yes, it is quite quite painful to see what is happening up there with each passing day. If possible, try and share your Himalayan experience with us at DoW – Himalayan Travel Community as Photo Tale or Travel Tale Or your reviews of the hotels/guest houses where you stayed or dhabhas/restaurants you ate food on your trip… All this might help others planning the similar trip too 🙂 🙂
Especially in Responsible Travel section about how you bring back your stuff. It will motivate many others.
hey Dheeraj, i think mohit is right and we are also considering this , it will b pleasure if you guys join us on the same route.we are going by innova .
Mayank do read “I hope passing Leh could be really possible. It will most likely end one of you up in hospital if you try to do that. It is high altitude terrain and acclimatization is the key to success of any trip there. Skipping Leh means you will be further challenging acclimatization schedule which is rarely followed due to time constraints. “
Need a itenary from manali to srinagar – 8-10 days
travelling on 1st august
You can refer so many itineraries at the link according to your need: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/india/plan-ladakh-zanskar-trip/
Hi Dheeraj,
Thnx for the prompt reply
I have spoken to one driver, he mailed me the following itenary, wit some changes suggested by me.
IS IT OK to do TSO MORRI form manali as it is nearer ?
Also suggest change, if any
I spoke to couple of driver the costinh is preety high.
According to you how much tis schedule should cost.
Transporation+ accomodation +food(it seems they include only dinner and breakfast noluch)
Also pls. suggest if it is worth going tozanskar from kargil, if yes how many days and what cost ?
PLEASe note , i have my mother with me (60)and the trip seems to be expensive as only two peopel have to bear the cost? Any clue what to do ?
Day 01:Manali to Jispa ( Five hour Drive)
Day 02:Jispa to TSomoriri( 9 hours Drive) via Tsokar Lake.
Day 03: TSomoriri to Leh( 7 hours Drive) after visit Korzok Monasteries drive for Leh. Via Chumathang Hot Spring .
Day 04: Rest up to Lunch. After Lunch visit , Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Shankar Gompa, Main Market, Hall of Fame, Changspa Road Stroll in evening)
Day 05: Start to Tso Pangong(10 hours drive) (cover Hemis, Thicksey, Stakna Monastery – Shey Palace )
Day 06: Leh to Nubra valley- ( 6 hours drive)Khardung La – Diskit over night in Sumoor.
Day 07: Nubra to Leh( 5 Hours Drive) – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
Day 08: Leh to Mulbik: vai Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at river Indus and Zanskar river.via Liker and Alchi Monastery.
– Overnight at Mulbik.
Day 09: Drive to Srinagar.(.6 hours Drive) via Drass.
You should not do Tso Moriri while going from Manali to Leh because first the taxi from Manali will not be allowed to visit Tso Moriri. Even if you manage Leh taxi or going on your own, then you will not be acclimatized to sleep at such high altitude so early in the trip and may cause some ugly AMS issues for you. Highly not recommended, because any help if required will be very hard to find in case you get hit with AMS.
Hi Dheeraj,
I am travelling to leh with my mother who is a senior citizen.
we have already booked tickets. Now i read ur post that travelling from SRINAGAR is better but we are travelling from MANALI to SRINAGAR
Can u please choke a itenary for me, also how do i travel from manali to leh (HPTC) or car.
Need a itenary of 8-10 days
Please reply at the EARLIEST, we leaving on 1st august
Tina, below is what you can follow:
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 + Inner Line Permits
— To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
— For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
— Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Leh
– Head for Nubra Valley very early in the day and come back by late evening after visiting Deskit. If you have time go little further and see Hunder sand dunes too
– 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 | Leh – Pangong Tso Lake – Leh
– Day trip to Pangong Tso
– 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
Dear Dheeraj,
On 31st of july i will be at Srinagar and on 3rd August will start journey towards Leh. I was hoping if you can brief me out about the weather conditions. I don’t want to over prepare and over burden packing.
Any help would be appreciated,
Regards,
Kapil
It is monsoon time 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, though rains does reach Ladakh now but to minimum and mostly it might remains overcast conditions. There is no thumb rule of certainty about weather conditions but above is generally common pictures seen over last few years except ugly 2010 …
Halo dheeraj i had a plan to leh by mid of jan 15 can u suggest me good budget hotel in leh pls
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
Guys, is it the right time to go to leh?
It is monsoon time 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, though rains does reach Ladakh now but to minimum and mostly it might remains overcast conditions. There is no thumb rule of certainty about weather conditions but above is generally common pictures seen over last few years except ugly 2010 …
Hi Dheeraj,
We are 5 boys reaching Leh on morning of Sun 28th Sep 2014 (Bangalore to Leh by flight). Our return is on morning of Fri 5th Oct 2014 (Leh to Bangalore by flight). This is our ssecond trip to Leh.So we have 5 days in Leh. We are hiring 4 RE Bullet 500cc & 1 Impulse or Yamaha FZ from Apex for these 5 days. We would like to cover Pangong & Nubra in these 5 days, in the same order. Since our rooms and bikes will be pre-booked (most likely) we plan to make the maximum use of these 5 days. We cannot extend out stay as our flights are booked based on leaves approved by our boss 🙂 Kindly advise the best itinerary. Many thanks in advance!
Also do let us know about the weather during this time for us to be prepared with clothing, etc.
You already have the rooms booked, order placed and order of places to visit defined. First two days MUST BE Rest and acclimatization and then visit Nubra and Pangong Tso in that very order you said. Nothing much to say about itinerary here. Refer the article above for points to cover on these days. Weather will be cold especially at the Pangong Tso lake at night, most of the camps would have gone at the Lake and many restaurants and hotels in Leh will be closed.
Thank you Dheeraj..!
Hi Deeraj,
Thanks for the clear trip advise.
Me and my friend have planned for a 10 day road trip from Delhi to Ladakh. Riding through Kargil. Could you please help me on the routes,itineary and bike renting.
It would be a great help if you can write me on my email. vinay.nerale@gmail.com
It will take 3 days to reach Leh from Delhi via Manali side and 4 days to come back to Delhi from Leh via Srinagar side. This makes it 7 days. 1 Day is required in Leh for acclimatization. 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.
For renting bikes in Leh – Ladakh along with current Bike Union Prices, you can check the DwD Community thread: Leh – Ladakh Bike Rental Rates 2014 – 15 & Reliable Shops
Hi! We are 2 friends who really need your help to plan out a travel itinerary for a bike trip to Leh-Ladakh. We will be flying into Srinagar on 30th Aug at 13.20 hrs and departing from Srinagar on 8th Sept at 16.20 hrs. If possible, would like to include Manali in our trip too.
When you are entering and exiting out of Srinagar, Manali cannot be included. Also, you barely have time to execute a Ladakh road trip. 4 days will be used to travel Srinagar – Kargil – Leh – Srinagar both ways with overnight halt at Kargil. 1 day is required for acclimatization and rest in Leh. You have just 7-8 days in hand. in the remaining 2-3 days you can make a 1-2 day trip to Nubra Valley and 1 day trip to Pangong Tso lake.
Hey Dheeraj! Thanks a million for the advise.
Hi Dheeraj
Kudos for your blog.Really informative.Keep up the good work.
I am planning to visit Leh/Ladakh in June 2015.We are 4 persons(2 couples).We will be flying to Srinagar from Delhi and from Srinagar onwards will hire a cab.The route which we want to follow is Delhi-Srinagar-Leh-Ladkah-Manali-Delhi.
Could you please suggest a itinerary for 10-12 days in which we can cover all important points?And which will be the best month to visit??
Thanks in advance.And Thanks for the blog.
Take Care
Harsh for 12 days, Srinagar to Manali to Delhi, you can follow a below itinerary:
Day 1 | Delhi – Srinagar
— Enjoy walk around Dal lake and may be Shikara ride as well
— If you have time then check out, floating market, Shalimar Garden.
— Overnight at Srinagar
Day 2 | Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil
— Enjoy the vistas enroute
— Have late drunch meal at Drass is you are a vegetarian as sometimes it gets difficult to find veg. food at Kargil
— Overnight at Kargil
Day 3 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
— Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes
— On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu
— Overnight at Leh
Day 4 | Leh Local Sightseeing + 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 | Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang
— Cover Karzok Monastery
— Overnight at Karzok or Tso Moriri
Day 10 | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring (Manali – Leh Highway starts) – Moore Plains – Sarchu
— Try to start early in the day so that you reach Sarchu where the accommodation options are better than Pang
— Overnight at Sarchu or Pang
Day 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
— Return home
Thanks for the prompt reply Dheeraj.Which will be the best month to visit??And approx what will be the budget??
Thanks
Harsh, please refer the article: Best Time to Travel Ladakh & Zanskar Valley
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
Hi Dheeraj,
me and my wife are planning for a trip to Leh. i was reading through the posts here from morning today, so my knoweledge of the place is very limited and would need your help to plan out the trip.
below is my schedule.
24 Aug> Bangalore to Delhi
25> Delhi to Leh(by flight)..Reach around 10 AM.Leh Local Sightseeing + Acclimatization
26 Leh Local Sight Seeing
27 ?
28 ?
29 ?
30 ?
31 ?
1 ?
2>Leh to Delhi(by flight)
3 Sep> Delhi to Bangalore
Also i have the below queries to start with-
1. i have good discomforts with the altitudes especially while travelling in flights. since in many of the post you have given good importance to AMS, will i have to take extra precautions/care once i reach Leh. i have read the article about the AMS here, will those precautions be enough, like does many people really quit and descend due to this.
2. In the previous post i have seen 2 females travelling to the place so i assume the place is safe for couple to go by bike.
3. The bullets they rent out are they kept in good conditions. Anything to look for while taking the bullets for rent.
4. Do i have to book the accommodation in advance during this time?
Thanks,
Kevin
Hi Kevin,
Below are the replies to your queries:
1. Just follow what article says and majority of the time, it goes out fine.
2. Yes, yes it is completely safe. Infact, Ladakh is one of the safest places I have ever visited in my life including Spiti Valley.
3. Do ride for a day and only if you comfortable then only take it to long routes of Nubra, Pangong etc.. Mostly bikes are new in Ladakh fairly.
4. If you are OK to search a bit here and there, it should be fine.
Below is the plan that can be followed for 8 days:
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 – Tso Moriri via Chumathang
— Cover Karzok Monastery
— Overnight at Karzok or Tso Moriri
Day 8 | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring (Manali – Leh Highway starts) – Taglang La – Upshi – Leh
— Come back via Tso Kar and Manali – Leh Highway to Leh
— Overnight at Leh
Regards
Dheeraj
thanks for the prompt reply.
few more queries-
1. for the entire time in Leh, i’m planning to rent out the bike (for day 2 in the itenary, you have mentioned for taxi), i hope thats fine
2. for the places i’m visiting, is the inner line permits still required. i read another article stating that from May’14 for indian nationals the places mentioned don’t need permits.
Hi Kevin,
1. That is completely fine. You can hire bike in place of taxi.
2. Indian Nationals do not need any permits now and the places mentioned in the itinerary are those only. So, you need not apply permits, just show your National Photo ID as Indian Citizen.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi,
I might be asking a very naive question but how safe is it to cover Delhi->Srinagar->Leh->Manali->Delhi on bike for a person with no experience of driving on hills.
Gaurav, it will be quite a risky affair if you do not have any experience in biking, then you MUST reconsider your decision because Ladakh is not a place where you can just walk in and ride. One mistake can lead to disaster or stranded in the middle of no where.
Hi, We are planning to visit leh in September. Just check whether this tweaked itinerary works practically:
Day 1: Bangalore – Srinagar – Night Stay.
Day 2: Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil
Day 3: Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh.
Day 4: Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder (heard no need permits now).
Day 5: Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
Day 6: Leh – Pangong Tso Lake – Night Stay.
Day 7: Pangong Tso Lake – Tso Kar – Night Stay.
Day 8: Tso Kar – Debring (Manali – Leh Highway starts) – Moore Plains – Pang / Sarchu – Night Stay.
Day 9: Pang / Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
Day 10: Manali – Chandigarh – Bangalore.
Venkat, this looks quite fine apart from one major fact that you do not have a rest day in Leh which is must. You can read about how things can go wrong in case one ignores acclimatization at the link: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/india/himalayan-travel-guides/acute-mountain-sickness-acclimatization-t16.html#p11829
Hi dheeraj, thank you very much helping. Have changed according to your suggestion. Just want to know whether leh-manali can be covered in 2 days by taxi.
Yes, Venkat Leh to Manali can be covered in 2 days. The HPTDC buses run between Leh and Manali and take overnight halt at Keylong. You can make halt at Keylong or Jispa or Sarchu as you are comfortable with. Sarchu is the even point of total distance between two places.
Hey Dheeraj Sharma, thumbs up for your work . its just awesome and contains lot of valuable info and the great part is that u are actively taking part in answering queries.
coming to my question:-
2 of us (or maybe more max 4)planning trip to LEH . we have 6 days time or 7 ,( 1st week of oct).So my question is :-
1) which one is best for my time frame land srinagar and bike trip to leh or land in leh and bike trip to places around)
2)whichever is best in above choices, what will b best schedule for that?
3)aproxx cost for bike rents for above choice?
4)if we could make it to nubra valley in our time frame?
thanks for your answer 🙂
Thank you Prashant. Here are my replies:
1) October gets generally cold, very cold at the lakes with mostly all accommodation and hotels being closed in Leh as well as lakes. Only few hotel and restaurants operate. It will take 2 days to reach Leh from Srinagar. Are you flying out of Leh?
3)Bike Rent range from 1000-1500 per day depending on model and make. How do you plan to return bike?
4)All depends if you flying out of Leh or not? But, in any case you can visit Nubra Valley for sure.
Thanks for ur reply,
yes we are planing to fly to leh and fly back from there . i guess this says time . so in this case what should be our Itinerary. we are planning for 1st oct to 6 or 7th oct 2014.
Prashant, You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh by Air followed by many travelers including me at the link here for 8 days: Leh – Ladakh | Most Common Itinerary by Air.
This is for 8 days ad since, you do not have that much days, better skip Tso Moriri and do 2 day trip to Pangong Tso instead of 1 day trip.
Dear Dheeraj,
Traveling to Ladakh has been my dream for quite sometime. Now, it seems thanks to your website and the information that you have shared on it, that dream is about to be realized.
I am planning a trip around August-end. Below is the preliminary itinerary that I have prepared. What do you think? Is this doable?
Day 1: Delhi – Leh by air, arriving at 10:00 am
Stay at Lotus Hotel, relax and time to acclimatize
Day 2 (early morning): By taxi to Tso Moriri
Overnight stay at Tso Moriri – Tsomoriri Camp
Day 3 (early morning): Leave for Leh. Rest for some time in Leh and leave for Kargil
Overnight stay in Kargil – Zozila Residency
Day 4: leave for Zanskar – stay at Hotel Marq
Day 5: In Zanskar
Day 6: In Zanskar
Day 7: Leave for Kargil – overnight stay in kargil
Day 8: Kargil – Leh
Day 9: back to Delhi
Moreover, my wife is Italian. Would she need any sort of permit to visit the areas that I have included in the plan?
Many thanks in advance for your inputs.
Best,
S.
Dear Sunny,
Glad to know that DoW helped you out in planning the trip to Ladakh. I see you have just 9 days in hand and I will suggest that you follow the itinerary suggested at the link: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/leh-ladakh-most-common-itinerary-by-air/
Just change the Pangong Tso day trip to two day trip as you have one extra day.
Your wife will need PAP that is Protected Area Permit which can only be obtained in the group of 2 or more foreigners through some registered travel agents in Leh
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
First of all we highly appreciate your attempt to share your valuable experience with us. It is immensely helpful for first time visitors like us.
We are 4 people planning to do bike(own bike) trip to ladakh as per your itinerary( chandigarh-jammu-srinagar-kargil-leh-manali route) from 9th August. We have max 12-13 days to the trip . We have following queries about this itinerary.
1) Between pangong tso and Nubra Valley which one will you suggest? I understand that both are very good and choice is very hard. Since we don’t have much days with us we may have to avoid one of the above place. appreciate your take on this.
2) Pangong tso or tso moriri? If we avoid pangong tso and take return trip from leh via tso moriri to manali, is it anyway compensate for pangong tso?
Thanks in advance.
Hi Rosh,
Thank you, glad DoW is helpful for planning a Ladakh trip of yours.
1) Go with Pangong Tso then.
2) For the first timers, Pangong Tso is a no miss AFAI feel. Otherwise, personally I like Tso Moriri much more than Pangong Tso.
You have 12-13 days, so why can’t you follow the Most Common Itinerary, removing rest day. You can cover all 3 places in that case
Regards
Dheeraj
Dheeraj,
Thanks for your reply.
Yes we are considering that option also but want to include one buffer day.
Anyway thanks again. We will update you once the trip is over.
Best wishes for your DoW community.
Rosh, Best wishes for your trip. If possible, try and share your Himalayan experience with us at DoW – Himalayan Travel Community as Photo Tale or Travel Tale Or your reviews of the hotels/guest houses where you stayed or dhabhas/restaurants you ate food on your trip… All this might help others planning the similar trip too 🙂 🙂
Hi, We are planning a trip to Leh and we are confused about the days of travel. What according to you is the best time to go? Mid August or Early October?
Anitha, out of August and October, surely August is better if you planning the road trip as it falls under season time. By October, cold rises and most hotels and restaurants closes. Lakes get very cold and camps are taken away lakes leaving with options of home stay only.
Hi Dheeraj !
I will be in Ladakh for 3 days, and we are planning to to do a 2 day trip to Nubra valley-Diskit-Hunder, and 1 day trip to Pangong Tso. We are looking forward to local self driven bike rides in Ladakh. Is driving bikes to Nubra Valley Advisable? or you suggest a bike ride to Pangong? we are 3 guys and 3 girls, and we dont want to take unncessary risk. kindly advice.
Arjun, if you can take on the highest motorable road as claimed, then you can hire bikes and rent. Both are similarly risky and if you do not have much experience, better avoid it. And above all you will be doing with Pillion too, so that increases further risks.
Sirji, I’m literary confused as to which is the best time to visit Leh after janmashtami ie 17th of august??
1)Is travelling from 26th of august to 3rd September wud b better or travelling from 10th september to 25th September??
2)As far as rains are concerned, does it rain in and around leh during august end to september??
3)Can you throw some light about the public transportation from Srinagar to Leh?? M not short of budget but I want to complete the entire circuit of srinagar-leh-manali in 15 days with a budget of 28k. Possible??
4)This would b my first trip to Leh, so any special caution I need to take for the trip other than AMS. [I read almost all the blogs of urs 🙂 ]
Please reply to the earliest so that I can plan my trip to leh.
Hi Anshu,
1) I will suggest 10th September window.
2) Leh – Ladakh is rain shadow anyways, it does not rain there much. Even during the above period, rains will reside to quite an extent.
3) Please read relevant sections in the article: How to plan a journey on Srinagar – Leh Highway
4) Since, you have read almost all the blogs, you should be prepared for most things 🙂
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
Your blog and suggestions are really helpful. By reading your blog I am planning to start my Ladakh trip via Srinagar unlike Manali.
Would like your suggestion to know the best time to visit based on below dates:
1) 14 Aug-25Aug or
2) 19 Sep-29Sep
Thanks for the help in advance.
Regards,
Dinesh
Dinesh, your September window is much better than August window and you will enjoy Ladakh like no other month with most vivid colors of nature and less tourist around.
Thanks a ton Dheeraj, appreciate all your help.
Feeling shorts of words to express my gratitude.
Below is my itinerary, can you please advise if it looks good:
14th Sept: Arrival to Srinagar, rest and evening visit to local sightseeing and Dal Lake. Night stay in Boat
15th Sept: Day trip to Pahalgam or night stay at pahalgam.
(Question: Is it good to stay in Pahalgam considering next day travel to Kargil).
16th Sept: Journey towards Kargil on the way visiting Sonamarg, Kargil war memorial,Tolo ling and Triger hill, night stay in Kargil.
17th Sept: Kargil to Leh, on the way visiting Alchi, Lamayuru(Moon land)Sangam,Megnatic hill and Patther Bhab, night stay in Leh
18th Sept: Buffer/River Rafting.
(Question: Is River Rafting good option)
19th Sept: Local S/S in Leh
20th Sept: Leh to on the way Nubra valley covering Khardung La pass, night stay in Nubra
21st Sept: Nubra to Leh
22nd Sept: Day trip to Pangong Lake and Tso Moriri Lake. Night stay in Leh.
(Question: Is covering both lake on same day possible)
23rd Sept: Departure from Leh by flight.
Kindly also advise if visiting Gulmarg or Pahalgam is better.
I can add one more day if required to the plan.
Thanks,
Dinesh
Dinesh, it is better to make day trip or add a day for overnight to Pahalgam. Day trip to Pahalgam will be hectic, so better make day trip to Gulmarg or be ready for a long day. Rafting is not at all a good idea that early in the trip. You may fall sick due to AMS. Try following
18th Sept: Local S/S in Leh & Rest
19th Sept: Leh to on the way Nubra valley covering Khardung La pass, night stay in Nubra
20th Sept: Nubra to Leh. Try Rafting on this day may be by starting early in the day from Nubra
21st Sept: Leh – Pangong Tso covering Hemis
22nd Sept: Pangong Tso – Leh covering Thicksey, Shey
Dear Dheeraj,
We all appreciate your efforts and precious time helping so many passionate people for planning their road trips. Hats-off to you.
We are 3 friends planning a road trip in the month on September starting from Delhi- Leh- Srinagar- Delhi in a Pajero 4WD.
Kindly advice based on our following route:
Day 1 : Delhi- Manali
Day 2 : Manali- Jispa
Day 3: Jispa- Leh
Day 4: Leh
Day 5: Leh to Nubra Valley (Stay at Hunder or Diskit)
Day 6: Back to Leh
Day 7: Leh – Pangong Tso- Leh
Day 8: Leh- Kargil
Day 9: Kargil- Srinagar
Day 10: Srinagar – Jammu ( we plan to leave post lunch)
Day 11: Jammu- Delhi
We have currently planned it for 11 days. We can extend 1 day and make it a 12 days trip. Kindly advice about the route and where can we extend one day.
Prateek, above is nice plan but just wondering if you could reverser the same it will be much much better and with extra one day you can even cover Tso Moriri lake as well if you reverse the plan. That is going from Srinagar and exiting from Tso Moriri – Manali – Leh Highway.
We are going on bike tour to Srinagar – Leh – Srinagar on August 15 for 12 days.
1. Can you recommend what kind of shoes to wear?
2. We have found a bike rental option from Srinagar for entire trip and bike will have white private vehicle number plate so should not be problem taking to Leh. Do you recommend if this option is reliable?
3. What are the chances of hitting road blockage or landslides during this period?
Kiran, below are my replies:
1. If you are frequent traveler, get something like Forclaz 500 for you. Else combination of Gumboot to wade water crossings on bike and sports shoes will do the job.
2. Cannot say reliability on 100%
3. It can happen any day, just need your luck with you on any Ladakh trip.
Kiran, can you share contacts of the bike rental that you have found in Srinagar?
Hi Dheeraj,
We are 2 guys planning a trip for 15 days to Leh from 12th July.
We would be renting the bikes from stoneaheadbikes.com in Delhi.
Do you think it would be safe to travel in just a group of 2?
Thanks.
Gaurav, recently I cam to know that couple of bikes rented outside states were pounded in Ladakh. Those were also two bikers with outside rented bikes from south. Though I have no 100% surety of this.
So, what do you suggest?
Brother, it is hard to say but in general unless this season gets over and we have various accounts from many people, strong suggestions to go with or not to go with outside rented bikes will always be a challenge. If I were you, I will take the bike and go by the rules. I will take another bike in Leh, go for Nubra and Pangong Tso sightseeing giving that bike to the local Leh bike rental to take care and come back to Manali, redeem my 50% eligible amount from them.
Hi Dheeraj,
Our trip has been postponed to 26th July. Could you tell if still we can take outside rented bikes to Leh?
Also, do you suggest any good bike rental in Delhi.
Thanks.
Gaurav, if your group size is small that is 2-3 then may be yes you can take the outside rented bikes. Else there have been instances when bikes have been pounded in Leh this year for some groups which were rented outside.
Hi
We are a couple in early 50’s traveling first time to India.
We decided to invest almost all our India stay 26.7 -17.8 time in Srinagar -Leh- Manali. We have additional week and would like your advice how to use it in the most efficent way and maybe a bit more relaxing manner.
Thank you
Rafi
Rafi, you can follow the above itinerary with enough relaxing day in between whenever you feel like including Turtuk ahead of Nubra Valley. Otherwise, let me know if you want to add Kashmir or Zanskar Valley or Spiti Valley in your plan.
Actually this is exactly what I am looking for. Where would you suggest to add relaxing days . I am starting from Srinagar and ending at Manali.
Both Srinagar and Manali area are optional.
I heard that the roads are quite bumpy and a bit worried about to be too much on the road
Thank you
Rafi
Rafi, you cannot escape bumps and rough loads on Ladakh journey. I think this statement seems you are not prepared mentally for Ladakh trip !! Many of the sections near most of the passes are non – existent roads. Please search over internet for some pictures and then make up your mind on bad roads before venturing to Ladakh.
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for the Very informative blog. I am from bangalore. me and me friends ( 4-6) are planning the trip to leh ladakh. The route is similar with minor tweaks as below. Please let me know your thoughts and suggestions. Can you also please let me know any contacts to hire bikes.
Day 1 Arrive in Srinagar – Local site seeing
– Check into accomodations – srinagar site seeing – over night stay at srinagar
Day 2 Srinagar to kargil ( around 200 KMS)
Srinagar – Sonmarg – Zoji La – Gumri – Dras – Thasgam – Kharbu – Kaksar – Kargil
– Leave after early breakfast. No need to pack lunch.
– Need 7 hours drive in Innova/tempo traveler.
– Over night Stay at Kargil.
Day 3 Kargil to Leh ( around 235 KMS)
Kargil – Mulbek – Namika La – Fotu La – Lamayuru – Khaltse – Saspol – Nimu – Spituk – Leh.
– Cover Magnetic hill, Alchi monastery, likir monastary and Pathar Sahib Gurdwara and drive along the indus river.
– Need 7 hours drive in Innova/tempo traveler.
– Stay overnight in Leh
Day 4 Leh – Local Site seeing – Inner Line permits – Bike hiring- shopping
Over night stay at leh
Day 5 Leh – Khardungla – Nubra valley ( around 120 kms )
– Need 5 Hours ( check out for bikes )
– Carry Packed lunch and Petrol
– Cover Sand dunes – hunder village – hilltop monastery
– Overnight stay at Nubra valley
Day 6 Nubra valley – Disksit – Leh ( around 140 KMS)
– Need 5-6 hours
– Carry Packed Lunch
– cover Diskshit monastery – Samsthaling ( Sumur), Panamik, Yaraptso Lake – Khardungla Pass – Leh
– Over night stay in Leh
Day 7 Leh – Hemis monastery – Pangong Lake ( around 155 KMS )
– Drive is about 155 KMS ( around 5 hours ) on bike
– Have early breakfast and leave with Packed Lunch and Petrol
– Changla Pass
– Over night stay near Pangong Lake
Day 8 Pangong Lake – Tso moriri via chunsul ( around 235 KMS)
Spangmik (Pangong Tso) – Man (9 KMs) – Merak (12 KMs)– Khaltse (4 KMs) – Chusul (24 KMs) – Tsaga La (33 KMs) – Tsaga Village (20 KMs) – Loma (23 KMs) – Nyoma (22 KMs) – Mahe (25 KMs) – Sumdo (10 KMs) – Tso Moriri / Korzok (53 KMs) = 235 KMs
– Around 10 hours drive, by Bike
– Have ear ly breakfast and leave with Packed Lunch and Petrol
– Over night stay at Tso Moriri
Day 9 Tso Moriri – Leh ( around 240 KMS )
Tso Moriri – Sumdo ( 53 KMS ) – Mahe (10 KMS) – chumathang (22 KMS) – Kere (34 KMS) – Kumdok ( 53 KMS) – Upshi ( 19 KMS) – Karu ( 13 KMS) – leh(36 KMS)
– Around 10 Hours drive. By bike
– Have early breakfast and leave with packed lunch and petrol
– Over night stay at leh / start to srinagar in temp traveller
Day 10 Leh – Srinagar
– Travel by innova/Tempo traveller
Day 11 Flight back from Srinagar to bangalore
Thanks !
Jayashree
Jayashree, For renting bikes in Leh – Ladakh along with current Bike Union Prices, you can check the DwD Community thread: Leh – Ladakh Bike Rental Rates 2014 – 15 & Reliable Shops
Regarding Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri route or Pangong Tso to Hanle, the permits to Man – Merak – Chusul – Tsaga or remote Changthang routes are being given by DC office in Leh at ON and OFF basis, so keep your fingers crossed and hope for the best if they start issuing the permits by the time you visit or issue you on your lucky day. Also, even if the permits are given then as well there is no guarantee that you will be allowed to cross Chusul Post or not because last year several such incidents happened and people with permits also had to return via same route. All this will mean that you will have to risk it for at least a day getting wasted if you are not allowed because there will be no guarantee until you cross Chusul and Tsaga post. Otherwise, you have to take the traditional routes only via Leh.
Just had the most amazing trip of my life, i could not have planned the trip so effectively and smoothly without the support of DoW members, Thanks Dheeraj for the timely updates and reply,
In case anyone is looking for a driver to pick you up from Shrinagar and drop till manali, including all other routes i would highly recommend Tashi and Lobzang without whom our trip woulDnt hAVE BEEN POSSIBLE, omg WE along with our drivers did everything from traffic control at the Baralachla pass to cutting snow from the road sides to make way for vehicles using a shovel.
It truly was an amazing trip full of experiences , For the itinerary just followed Dheeraj’s most common itinerary for Leh-Ladhak with some tweaking of our own as we planned to take bikes from Leh for our nubra valley and pangong Tso lake journey.
Wish all who are planning for a Leh-Ladhak trip, its once in a life time experience.
Drivers contact no
Tashi 09419534932, 09906322297
Lobzang 09469525400, 09622996847
Ankit, thank you for writing back here on DoW about your experience. Glad that you had a wonderful trip and DoW helped you in it.
Is there any public transport available for Leh from Delhi or Manali or Jammu / Srinagar.as I am financially not in a position to fly to Leh with my daughter…
Sanjeev, yes there is a direct bus that runs from Delhi to Leh. It is a general HRTC bus. Also, in July HPTDC starts their semi deluxe bus too from Manali which is a tourist bus and stops at tourist places as well and its fare includes accommodation too.
Dear Dheeraj,
Thanks for a great blog . We, 4 senior citizens (age-61-to 67 yrs) want your valuable advice. We booked air ticket long ago from Jammu to Leh and back of 18th Julu & 28th July. Now to enjoy Srinagr Leh road beauty,planing to cancel only onward air ticket and reach Srinagar by air on 15th July, on 16th go by a car & night halt at Kargil , reach Leh on 17th evening.Program at Leh is fixed.
What is your opinion ? Is it OK time or any problem for rainy season or for Amarnath Yatris ? What type of car if rainy ? What we should not miss on the way ? Should we book room in advance at Kargil or spot booking ?
Thanking you – Ashim
Ashim, there will be few minor issues of Amarnath Yatra, so leave early in day from Srinagar. Rest looks fine. Better to book room in Kargil because Kalachakra festival will complete as you start the journey to Leh from Srinagar. Hence, thousands of people will start returning back from Leh and many of them might take Srinagar – Leh route to return.
sir, we are planning a road trip to ladakh in July 1st week(total 4 people). Is it possible to hire bikes from Srinagar and leave at manali ?
Also provide a detailed itinerary for the trip with max of 10 days via srinagar-leh-manali as well as from manali-leh-manali routes
AFAIK, there are no bike rentals in Srinagar. Best is to reach Leh and then hire bikes in Ladakh and then go to Manali in taxi or bus. Renting bike for a drop will cost you a lot of extra money because someone will come and pick the bike for you and get it back to original spot.
Hi Dheeraj,
First of all thanks for putting all the details in a simplified manner.
I have not been able to find a friend for accompanying me for Ladakh bike trip (office issues). I looked at a trip offered by in.bookmyshow.com/concerts/leh-ladakh-a-road-trip-tickets/trip-details/.
1. Could you suggest if its a nicely laid out trip in terms of coverage and pricing. I have no restrictions on total days.
2. Also how much do you suggest renting a bike at Srinagar and travelling alone? Or would I be able to find a group there?
3. Also, I am planning to visit Spiti valley on return from Manali. Is it worth it?
Thanks in advance.
Hi Gaurav,
1. 12 days and you are not even seeing Pangong Tso?? Many it must be horribly wrong.
2. Best is to travel from Srinagar side, then reach Leh by public transport and then hire a bike in Leh for Ladakh sightseeing. Finally come back to Manali with public transport.
3. Depends on number of days in hand, ideally it should be around 20 for both Ladakh and Spiti.
Regards
Dheeraj
hi dheeraj…me along with other two friends planning for manali leh bike trip.once in manali we have 7days for the bike trip.Please guide us(as we have no experience of bike touring).Also give us the best suited itinerary for the limited days we have.
Naufal, if you have not any experience with biking then going over Manali – Leh Highway and High Altitude could be quite risky affair. Are you sure you want to undertake this risk?
Hi,
Keeping the inputs you have provided, this is the final itenary which we will be doing. Please let me know if there are any changes required.
Day 01 – June 26 – Leave from Delhi to Leh in flight, rest of the day is for rest.
Day 02 – June 27 – Whole day local sightseeing, getting acclimitized.
Day 03 – June 28 – Rafting – Chilling to Nimo
Day 04 – June 29 – Trek from spitul to stok
Day 05 – June 30 – Trek from spitul to stok
Day 06 – July 01 – Trek from spitul to stok
Day 07 – July 02 – Visit to pangong lake
Day 08 – July 03 – Travel from Leh to Kargil
Day 09 – July 04 – Travel from Kargil To Srinagar
Day 10 – July 05 – Srinagar
Day 11 – July 06 – Fly back from srinagar to delhi
Few clarifications –
1. On Day 02, can we drive to highest motorable pass and come back or you would suggest to do local sighseeing places [ if yes what are the local sightseeing places ]
2. What are good places to eat in leh for a reasonable price [ veg and non veg ] – any favourite you have in particular.
3. What are sightseeing places which we can visit on the Leh – Kargil – Srinagar highway.
4. Can you please some places to stay in Kargil for one night where we can get 600-800 Rs double room. Also any restraunt/mess where you get good food.
5. Can you please some places to stay in Srinagar and what are the places we can do sightseeing in srinagar for a day.
Regards,
Karan GM
Hi Karan,
1. Do it on Day 3 first half and after return from Khardung La, do the rafting.
2. For the list of good restaurants in Leh – Ladakh or eateries or food joints where food is enjoyed by many travellers including me, you can check the link here: List of Good Restaurants in Leh – Ladakh | Restaurant Reviews
3. Sham Valley falls on the route. Then Lamayuru is there, moonland views, Mulbekh Maitrey, Dropadi Kund, Bhimbhat, Kargil War Memorial etc.. are some place to visit on Srinagar – Leh Highway
4. Check with Greenland , PC Palace on the spot bookings. They might offer you at about Rs 900-1000 intheir standard blocks. Else check with PWD Rest House
5. Houseboats on the spot bookings are economic in general, the there is JH Bazaz, York hotel who are average priced.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
First, I deeply appreciate your relentless efforts in maintaining the site updated with latest information and responding to all sorts of queries
I am planning a trip to Ladakh mid-September with the following itinerary. It’s just my family of 3 (I know it would have been far more economical to have 1 or 2 members more in the group, but no luck yet). The key reasons for choosing this time are weather in mid/end Sep, good road conditions and definitely the Ladakh festival @Leh (Sep 20 – 26 ?).
Itinerary
Day 1 (SEP 18): Reaching Jammu (from Kolkata by train), heading for Patni Top, staying overnight there
Day 2 (SEP 19): Patni Top – Srinagar, local sightseeing (if possible) & overnight stay @Srinagar
Day 3 (SEP 20): Sringar- Gulmarg – Srinagar & overnight stay @Srinagar (OPTIONAL, could be traded with an extra day in Nubra or Pangong Tso)
Day 4 (SEP 21): Sringar- Sonmarg-Drass-Kargil & overnight stay @Kargil
Day 5 (SEP 22): Kargil- Lamayuru-Leh & overnight stay @ Leh
Day 6 (SEP 23): Local Sightseeing & overnight stay @Leh
Day 7 (SEP 24): Leh- Khardung La – Diskit / Hunder (Nubra Valley) & overnight stay @Hunder
Day 8 (SEP 25): Hunder – Disket-Khlasar – Wari La – Pangong Tso & overnight stay @Pangong Tso
Day 9 (SEP 26): Pangong – Hemis / Thicksey Monastary – Leh & overnight stay @Leh
Day 10 (SEP 27): In and around Leh (Sham Valley etc) & overnight stay @Leh
Day 11 (SEP 28): Leh – Upshi – Tso Moriri & overnight stay @ Tso Moriri
Day 12 (SEP 29): Tso Moriri- Tso Kar- Pang- Sarchu (via Leh- manali highway) & overnight stay @Sarchu
Day 13 (SEP 30): Sarchu – Jispa- Keylong – Manali & overnight stay @Manali
Day 14 (OCT 01): Manali to Kalka / Chandigarh & take night train for Kolkata
I need your guidance / suggestions on the following points:
• The HPTC Leh-Manali Volvo service ends by Sep 15 and also for the above itinerary, I guess my only option is to go for a reserved car (Bolero / Tavera etc) for the entire trip (Jammu – Leh- Manali- Chandigarh) of 14 days. Will I get such option @Jammu?
• I have an optional day (Day 3) for Gulmarg/Srinagar but open to exchange this for an extra day somewhere in Ladakh like Nubra or Pangong Tso. What would be your suggestion?
• Current plan has no buffer day for road conditions, particularly for Leh-Manali highway in End Sep.
• During the Ladakh festival (Sep 20-26), will accommodation be a challenge, given the rush of tourists?
Hi Suman,
Thanks alot…
1 There is no volvo, it is small mini bus and yes it end in mid of Sept. You have to get a taxi at Jammu or Srinagar which will drop you to Leh and then hire another Leh based taxi for entire tour and drop to Manali. you can refer the thread for a comprehensive list of drivers: List of Taxi Drivers for Ladakh – Srinagar – Leh – Manali
2. I will suggest that you drop Wari La route, use this day to make two day trip to Pangong Tso at ease. Since, you will be in single taxi, plu soff season, this desolated route become more desolated. I did not see anyone for almost the entire day during my visit in last september. However, we were 8 vehicles and hence in case of breakdown at least we would not have stranded in the middle.
3. Should be OK in September if it does not snow too much on passes.
4. Not much, September overall is less touristy.
Regards
Dheeraj
dear dheeraj,
Following u frm last few days.
I need some help from you.
I will be travelling to leh on 14th of june from delhi via flight to 26th of june.Can you plz suggest me some itinerary which can be useful to me. Please suggest me all the places which are must see? I am travelling to leh for the first time.
Thanks
bharat, can you please tell if you are taking flight back to Delhi OR are you coming back by road from Leh?
I will be coming back by road to delhi
So, in all you have 13 days to explore Ladakh. I will suggest you 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 with taxi driver and you can refer the thread for a comprehensive list of drivers: List of Taxi Drivers for Ladakh – Srinagar – Leh – Manali
— 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 – Turtuk
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Turtuk
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— enjoy the culture in the Turtuk Village
— do mention Turtuk on the permits
Day 4 | Turtuk – Hunder
— Spend whole day at Turtuk and reach Hunder by evening
— Overnight at Hunder
Day 5 | Hunder – Deskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
— Enjoy drive upto Panamik, visit Yarab Tso Lake and back Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Day 6 | 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 7 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on return to Leh
— Overnight at Leh
Day 8 | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping OR You can do tour to Sham Valley
— Sham Valley include Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, Gurudwara Pather Sahib
— Overnight at Leh
Day 9 | Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang
— Cover Karzok Monastery
— Overnight at Karzok or Tso Moriri
Day 10 | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring (Manali – Leh Highway starts) – Moore Plains – Pang / Sarchu
— Try to start early in the day so that you reach Sarchu where the accommodation options are better than Pang
— Overnight at Sarchu or Pang
Day 11 | Pang / Sarchu – Baralacha La – Jispa
— On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only
— Overnight at Jispa
Day 12 | Jispa – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
— On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only
— Overnight at Manali
Day 13 | Manali – Delhi
— Return home
Regards
Dheeraj
thanks alot sir. really appreciate your feedback.
Hi Dheeraj,
Absolutely diligent blog. For starters like us, I wish every travel site is as simple and informational as your blog.
We are 4 software junkies planning a trip of our life time(till now), to do Manali-Leh roadway trip. After a lot of reading, we currently made the following itinerary. I shall be grate ful, if you can review it and provide us your feedback.
This is the tentative itinerary we have developed after reading through various blogs.
July 2 – Day 0: Delhi – Manali
July 3 – Day 1: Local sight seeing at manali.
July 4 – Day 2 : Manali – Sarchu
July 5 – Day 3: Sarchu – Leh
July 6 – Day 4: Local sight seeing at Leh
July 7 – Day5: Leh – Nubra Valley
July 8 – Day 6: Nubra Valley – Leh
July 9 – Day 7: Leh – Pangong lake – Leh
July 10- Day8: Leh – Srinagar
July 11 – Day 9: Srinagar – Delhi
July 12 – Day 10: Delhi to back our places.
A little background, We are four friends travelling from Bangalore. We want to do the Manali-Leh road way on bikes. We have never been to north of India more than Mumbai 🙂 We are aware that the temperatures can go low, Do we have to worry about getting accustomed to it ? One of my friends has ghat sickness(Feeling nauseous during ghat bus journeys). Do you think the above plan might over stress him. Is there any possibility of covering more ? Are we overestimating ourselves ?
Thanks in advance
Shravan, I feel you are short on one day here as Day 8 will be about 16 Hrs of journey if you are OK to take it. Also, instead of sleeping at Sarchu after Manali, better sleep at Jispa and then head straight to Leh by leaving early next morning. You will not be acclimatized to altitude of Sarchu.
Dear Dheeraj,
Me and my wife are planning to go to Ladakh in July.
We can reach Srinagar on 2nd July in afternoon.
But on 11th Jul, we have to reach either Srinagar or Delhi.
Can you please advice if days alloted are sufficient and if yes then can you please suggest an itinery that we should follow.
Preffered mode of transportaion is Bus and would like to rent a bike for sight seeing purpose.
Chirag, you have about 10 days in hand from Srinagar. You can follow something like:
Day 1 | Delhi – Srinagar
— Fly to Srinagar if you are not self driving because it will almost cost the same and help you save one day plus fatigue of traveling unnecessary in plains or boring hills for 2 days
— 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 – Pangong Tso Lake – Leh
— Day trip to Pangong Tso
— Overnight at Leh
Day 8 | Leh – Taglang La – Pang – Sarchu
— Try to start early in the day so that you reach Sarchu where the accommodation options are better than Pang
— Overnight at Sarchu or Pang
Day 9 | Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
— On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only
— Overnight at Manali
Day 10 | Manali – Delhi
Note: No buffer days for Ladakh trip mostly many a times means trouble, so do plan a day or two as buffer apart from these 10 days.
Dear Dheeraj,
We are reaching Srinagar on 2nd Jul ’14 at 4:00 pm and we will be flying back on 11th July at 8:00 am
Have few questions for you.
1)Need your ideas on itinery and whether shall we cover Tso moriri as well.
2)Biggest problem is travel from Srinagar to Leh.{is it possible to book a shared cab by some other couple(one or two) in order to reduce cost}
3)which are the places that can be covered by bike(Good rider but no experience of riding in hills)
Hi Chirag,
It is time of Kalachakra in Leh and expect lacs of people there in Leh. I will first suggest you find hotels and book them. Confirm for taxis as they will be running in shortage and hence problems of booking them. Regarding queries:
1. Are you flying back from Srinagar?
2. Check for Travel partners during that period in DwD Community Travel Partner forum.
3. Better do it local sightseeing in Leh and around, may be Sham Valley and all.
Regards
dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
Let me thank you first for the sharing the iternanry.
i have a couple of questions on Leh trip. Bunch of guys plannig(10 days) for the first time to Leh from Banaglore.
Is it a good time to plan in the month of August(8-17) or do you suggest in month of July End.
we are plannig to reach delhi and need help with the itenary from delhi. we have 10 days and need to travel back from delhi on 10th day.
how do yo suggest to start from Delhi.
– directly from delhi to Manali via Bus or to srinagar?
– is it possible to cover Srinager to leh and to manali and back to delhi in 9 days via road(we want to hit the road on bikes either from manali or srinagar)
-do you advice us to limit only to Leh from manali or from srinagar, which one do you suggest.
– please suggest us and let us
know the must places to visit.
– if we want to take bikes, do you suggest to take an individual bike or a single bike for 2 people(All boys trip and everyonce can ride)
– if you can suggest us an iternary, it would be more helpfull.
we can directly reach to srinagar as well from banaglore too..
Thanks once again..
Rajeev
July end is better time I will say as may be there will less rains in lower hills at that time. Can you fly to Srinagar from Delhi as 10 days are a bit less for road trip to Ladakh?
Sorry I was on trip to Chansal Pass – Pabbar Valley to celebrate DwD Community’s first B’day and hence could not reply earlier 😉
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj!
Am planning my 2nd road trip to heaven and had a couple of quick questions:
A) Is Gurgaon – Srinagar (with an extra day in Srinagar) manageable in a day? Also is Srinagar – Leh manageable in a day? The bye-passing of Jammu & Kargil is mainly due to paucity of time & funds.
B)Since we plan on coming back via Manali (should be around 15th June), what are the chances of the Leh-Manali stretch opening & being motor-able by then?
Thanks!
Hi Shobhit,
1. Possible but will take 16-18 Hrs of drive on back to back days.
2. Most likely Manali – Leh should open by first week of June now.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj ! First of all Kudos for your great work. You are doing an amazing job 🙂 We are a group of 6 Girls (from Chandigarh). Planning for a 10-11 days Srinagar-Leh-Manali Budget Trip. Since I have been given the responsibilty to prepare the itinerary, kindly guide me on the same. We’ll start our trip on 22nd June 2014. Also , we’ll take a train from Chandigarh to Jammu.
P.S – I more I read the posts and blogs of other people , the more I get confuse. Please help us to prepare this trip 😀 . Also , if you think 10-11 days are not enough for an above mentioned road trip , we can just cover popular tourist places.Looking forward for your advice. Please guide us on accomodation and other things , since I don’t know much 🙂
Thank you so much 🙂 🙂
Hi Deepali,
You can check below itinerary assuming you will reach Jammu in the morning by train and you start for Srinagar on that day.
Day 1 | Jammu – 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 – 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) – Moore Plains – Pang / Sarchu
— Try to start early in the day so that you reach Sarchu where the accommodation options are better than Pang
— Overnight at Sarchu or Pang
Day 10 | Pang / 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 11 | Manali – Chandigarh
— Return
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 2014 – 15 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here. You can get about 10-12% of discount by directly getting in touch with drivers and of course, talking in person rather on phone always help in bargaining more.
For the list of good restaurants in Leh – Ladakh or eateries or food joints where food is enjoyed by many travellers including me, you can check the link here: List of Good Restaurants in Leh – Ladakh | Restaurant Reviews
Check the list of things to carry for Leh – Ladakh or other trip including basic medical kit, clothing, must haves etc. at the link here: List of Things to Carry for Leh – Ladakh trip.
Regards
Dheeraj
Thank you so very much Dheeraj. You have covered almost everything in your reply 🙂 But One major concern , assuming that we go to Jammu by train and we hire taxis for the following days ( I guess hiring a SUV is what you suggest for a group of 6 or any other mode for a budget trip ?), what should be the budget of this trip ? We can get the idea , I will convey the same to my friends 🙂
Deepali, budget will be bus only or shared taxis where they fill in 8-9 people sitting tightly together and its kind of mode to rreach the other place. It wont stop for pictures. Else you take your own private taxi.
Hi,
Is June8-June15 a ok time to go to ladakh.
Will the leh-manali road will be opened by that time [ we will be driving from leh to manali].
And also will the pangong lake be cleared of snow.
Please can you let us know what is the latest status.
Regards,
Karan GM
Karan, most likely Manali – Leh Highway will open by end of coming week. Pangong Tso will be melted for sure.
kudos for your excellent work. this is our supposed itinerary for august-2014 tip to ladakh. this is our 2nd trip to ladakh.
8th aug- arrive at srinagar airport around 12 noon.
then start for leh by car- night stay at sonmarg
9th aug- arrive at leh
10- sight seeing and permits
11- to pangong and night stay
12-back to leh
13-nubra valley and back
14-leave for tsomoriri and night stay there
15- tsokar and then leave for manali , night stay at sarchu
16-reach manali,stay
17-leave for delhi
we still have 1 day extra..what can we do more?increase it in leh?
give opinion on the itinerary.
Mainank, Thanks alot. Sonamarg to Leh is quite long and not good in terms of acclimatization. You do not need any permits for Ladakh starting this year to visit normal tourist places. After reaching Leh, rest for a day and accclimatize. Then make two day trip to Nubra, then to Pangong Tso. and then towards Manali.
thanx dhiraj-how long does it take to reach sonmarg from srinagar, then from sonmarg to drass? if we start from srinagar around 2 p.m. when will we reach drass?
Sonamarg to Srinagar is about 3-3.5 Hrs drive and to Drass from Sonamarg about 3-4 Hrs again depending upon the breaks you take and conditions of Zojila Pass. If you are planning to start at 2 PM, I will not suggest to take it but your choice of driving up in night there.
Hi Dheeraj,
We are planning a day trip to nubra valley from leh & in the evening we are coming back to leh, is it possible to do this in a single day..Is there any health related measures need to take care as I heard that near khardungla the most common issue is lack of oxygen.
Leave by 6 AM from Leh and it should be doable, of course a bit hectic anyways. Yeah, you will not be acclimatized to height of Khardung La, keep stay bare minimum, say 5-10 minutes
Hi Dheeraj ,
Pasting my itinerary below.It’s pretty much as yours mentioned but i want to tweak in some places so that i can visit the spiti valley too 🙂
Please advice me with the changes in itinerary if required as i m all naive and all knowledge is due to your posts only(Very thankful to you) 🙂 Btw we are group of 5 young people so 10-12 hrs of travelling in a day should not be a problem if we can manage maximum possible outcome 🙂
10/6:| Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil
11/6 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh (River Rafting)
12/6 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Inner Line Permits
13/6| Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
14/6 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Pangong via warila or shyok (Are the monastries of hemis,thicksey and shey possible to cover on this route?)
15/6 | Pangong to Tso-moriri
16/6 |
17/6 |
18/6 |
19/6 | Pang / Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
20/6 | Manali – Ambala- Mumbai(Train)
Pls fill the spiti itinerary as i have no clue about the routes there . :/
Hi,
Sumur/Panamik and then to Pangong Tso from Wari La is very very tough. Better drop these two places. Pangong Tso to Tso MOriri, purley luck based if army allows you. Then taking from there, you can do:
16/6: Tso moriri – Tso Kar – Sarchu
17/6: Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Sissu/Khoksar
18/6: Sissu/Khoksar – Gramphu – Chandratal (if road opens by then)
19/6: Chandratal – Manali
20/6: Manali – Ambala.
It will be very tiring journey starting from 15/6, all days except Tso Moriri to Sarchu are very long and tiring. With days in hand, only Chandratal I see a fit here for you in Spiti Valley.
Regards
Dheeraj
The guy i contacted seems to be not willing to take warila road and neither the pangong -tsomori route. So seems spiti not possible. :/
Hmm.. yeah most of the people/driver don’t travel on that route. Try to get in touch with Rigzin if he can arrange one for you.
Hi Dheeraj! You are doing fantastic work here. Cheers!
We are a group of 8 people planning for a 10-12 days Leh Ladakh trip in the beginning of July. We will be travelling from Rajkot, Gujarat. Most probably we will reach Jammu by train. Would you recommend going to Leh from Jammu or from Srinagar? Is public transport a good option or a taxi would be better? Also can you suggest a 10-12 days itinerary? Are there any festivals happening during that time? If yes then do they require any permits? How to get those permits?
Your help would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers!
Hardik, I am not sure what you mean by Jammu or Srinagar. If you reach Jammu you will have to go through Srinagar only unless you take Mughal road which is in general not recommended. Taxi is the ideal way to explore Ladakh as it is never a destination which matters in Ladakh rather the route equally. So, better to enjoy the route as well. If you making in first two weeks of July then please avoid that period as there will be lakhs of people up there for Kaalchakra. Taxis will not be easily available and so as stay options which will also be very difficult to manage. Starting this year you do not need any permits to visit regular tourist destinations in Ladakh.
Thanks! Actually this is the only time we would be able to to go on tour. What about the hotels that you have recommended on your page? Any chance of possible vacancies there? What about bike rentals during this time? Will ask for your advice once we prepare the final itinerary.
Thanks
Hardik, book the hotels in advance. Bike Rentals should be available though but pre-book them too.
Hi Dheeraj, thanks a lot for your prompt responses and suggestions, i have learned a lot of things for travelling in ladakh by reading your blogs… i want you to please have a look on my itinerary and provide your suggestions.
July 4, 2014.
Day 1 | Delhi – Jammu/Patnitop 578Km
Day 2 | Jammu/Patnitop – Srinagar 185Km
Day 3 | Srinagar – Kargil 202km Stay at Mulbekh, kargil and lamayuru is expensive.
Day 4 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh 153km (kargil to lamayuru 75, lamayuru to leh 85approx.
Stay
Day 5 | Leh Local Sightseeing + Inner Line Permits
Day 6 | Leh – Khardung La – Hunder(Nubra Valley) – Diskit
Day 7 | Disket – Khalsar – Left after few kms from Khalsar to follow road to Agham – Right after Agham bridge – Tangiyar
– Wari La – Sakthi (or Serthi as on boards) – Zingral – Chang La – Tangste – Lukung – Spangmik– Pangong Lake.
Day 8 | Back to Leh via (Pangong Tso – Thicksey – Shey Palace – Leh)
Day 9 | Stay in Leh
Day 10| Sham Valley Tour around Leh including Magnetic Hills, Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Alchi, Likir, Basgo. back to leh.
Day 11| Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang.
Day 12| Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Moore Plains (Manali – Leh Highway) – Pang – Sarchu 220Km
Day 13| Sarchu – Manali 220Km Approx
Day 14| Rest in Manali.
Day 15| back to Delhi.
I have few questions..
1. for how much kms should i carry petrol on my 7th day trip?, (Leh – Nubra valley – Pangong lake – back to leh).
2. I want to do 1 day river rafting in Indus or Zanskar river, could you please suggest where i should go?
3. please provide your suggestions or any changes you think i should made in my plan.
Read somewhere,pls advice dheeraj : Sangam of Indus and Zanskar just 4 km before Nimmu village. Enjoy the rafting experience on Indus and Zanskar Rivers only between July and September.
What;s the quest here dost. Yeah rafting happens but it was ON in April too when I went there. Best is to do in Zanskar from Nimmu to Chilling may be. Confluence is right on road Srinagar – Leh one
Here are my replies:
1. I think it should be manageable but Karu is only 15-20 minutes far from the point where road from Wari La meets on Pangong Tso route. So, just go back and get the tan full again.
2. You can do it on Day 10 along with Sham Valley.
3. You do not need any inner line permits for the above tour from this year
Dear Dheeraj,
Kindly help me with our itinerary. We are a group of 4 couples traveling to Ladakh.
But, we would like a luxury trip of 7 days with the best accommodation possible.
This is our itinerary and accommodations according to my research:
Day 1: Depart Indore-Delhi-Leh:
Check-in the Dragon Hotel/Tsermang Eco Camp and stay the night to acclimatize.
Day 2: Local Sightseeing:
Shey, Thiskey, Hemis Monasteries along with Shanti Stupa. As much we can do in the day and stay in Leh itself.
Day 3: Nubra Valley:
Check-in at hotel/camp and take at camel ride on white sand (Hunder).
Options for hotel/camp – Turtuk Holiday Camp/ Hotel Steri Del Diskit/ Silk Route Cottages Sumur/ Ethnic Camp Hunder
Day 4: Leave for Leh:
Reach leh and relax at hotel.
Day 5: Leave for Pangong Lake:
Reach Pangong lake and stay at any of the following: Watermark Camp/ Whispering Waves Camp/ Camp Martsemik La.
Day 6: Leave for Leh:
Reach Leh and try going to Magnetic hills, gurudwara patthar sahib, spituk monestry and Indus Zanskar sangam.
Day 7: Either try to cover the above OR depart for New Delhi
Day 8: If above done then fine else leave for New Delhi.
———————————
We also wanted to know that if we want to hire self-drive car or bikes, will we get any?
Also what other young and adventure sport/fun are available?
Also is the company Splash Adventure providing good sports like river rafting or biking…etc…
DO LET ME KNOW AS I AM VERY CONFUSED AND DO NOT WANT WANT TO GO THROUGH A STEREOTYPE TRAVEL GUIDE/AGENCY.
THANKS A TON!!!!
The itinerary looks fine to me. Dy 2 can be considered for rest only as these monasteries can be done while going or coming from Pangong Tso. Now, you need to increase a day in Nubra Valley because doing two day trip to Turtuk will be too much. Reach Turtuk on first day, then come to stay at Deskit or Hunder and then to Leh covering sumur panamik. So, use your last spare day for Nubra Valley.
Regarding rafting there are many options available and be worked out after reaching there too. You will be able to get bikes on rent there in Ladakh.
Hi Dheeraj,
I am Sunny from delhi, I am planning for the leh in the month of june. I need your advice for the 2 points mentioned below:-
1. How much time it will take to reach kargil from Srinagar?
2. How much time it will take to reach Leh from Sonmarg, is it doable in single day?
Waiting for an early reply.
Thanks in advance.
Hi Sunny,
1. Kargil to Srinagar is an easy 8-9 Hrs of drive at least.
2. Sonamarg to Leh is doable in one day and takes about 14-15 Hrs. However, it is better avoided as you ascend very quickly without much acclimatization.
Regards
Dheeraj
Thanks for the quick reply.
We reach srinagar around 2:30pm & on same time we are planing to start our road journey towards Kargil. This is doable? according to it will take 8-9 hours, Please suggest is it safe to drive on that road after the sunset.
Thanks & Regards,
Sunny
I will not suggest that, better make it to Sonamarg at max if required else stay at Srinagar only.
Hi Dheeraj,
Myself Manish Chavan. I am from Mumbai. Me and my friends are planning for a trip to leh – ladakh. We are 5 of us. We are in a process of making an itinerary. All we have done so far is we have booked flight tickets to Chandigarh from Mumbai to and fro. So basically we will be reaching Chandigarh on 7th June afternoon and have we are going back on 22nd of June at afternoon. We are planning to hire bikes from Manali. We also intend to cover Kargil, Nubra and Pankong. It’s a 16 days trip including the flight dates.
I went through your blogs. And saw the immense knowledge sharing sessions. So if you could help us plan a detailed Itinerary taking into consideration all the possible minute details like fuel stations, hotel stays, liquor shops, etc. it would be great help. Thanking you well in advance. PS. you doing a good job. I appreciate it 🙂
Regards,
Manish Chavan
Hi Manish,
Excluding the days of travel I see you have 14 days in hand. You should better check the itinerary mentioned in the article above. You can include Turtuk in the itinerary in case you see a day more in hand or can travel on days when you have flight. To include Turtuk, from Leh instead of staying at Hunder in Nubra Valley go straight to Turtuk, spend night there and then next day from Turtuk come to Hunder for over night stay at Hunder or Diskit and follow the same itinerary till Manali.
You cannot use bikes rented outside Leh for sightseeing inside Leh apart form Tso Moriri / Tso Kar lakes. So, it is better to reach Leh in taxi and hire bikes after reaching Leh so as to avoid double rent on bikes hired from outside.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
My final initary is:-
5th june:-depart for newdelhi from indore.
6th june:-new delhi to udhampur/jammu.
7th june:-udhampur/jammu to srinagar via patnitop(do sightseeing for 2 hrs). evening at srinagar do shikara ride at dal lake and night.
7th june:-Reach srinagar by evening.
8th june:-srinagar to kargil via sonmarg.Night at kargil.
9th june:- Srinagar to padum via ragadum penzila.(Though a long travel) Night at padum.
10th june:-Zanskar sightseeing. Night at padum.( Padum – Zongkhul Gompa – Stongde Gompa – Zang La Fort – Padum and phugtal monestry)
11th june:-early morning depart for kargil. night at kargil.
12 june:-Kargil to Leh. Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes
Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu. Reach leh at evening
13th june:-Leh local and innerline permits.
14th june:- Nubra valley via khardungla. Night at diskit/huner. Do bacterian camel saffari.
14th june:-Hunder-turtuk-Leh by evening. Night at leh.
16th june:-Hemis national park trek night at leh.
17th june:-Leh-pangongtso. Night at pangong.
18th june:-pangong tso to hanle via man meerak-chusul. Night at hanle
19th june:-Early morning depart for tsomorie.Night at tsomorie.
20th june:-tsomorie-tsokar-pang-saruchu. Night at saruchu.
21th-june:-saruchu-keylong-manali. Late evening depart for new delhi from manali via sleeper bus.
21 june:-manali to new delhi via bhopal.
22 june:-new delhi to manali
I know this is an hectic travel but since I wanted to cover maximum places in limited time I Found this initiary best. I am getting a cost of 80k for taxi in this whole trip is this fine from srinagar to manali complete including zanskar(padum). And would there be any problem OF AMS in this trip. And will I get roads open including srinagar-kargil. Kargil-padum and leh-manali??
Chetan, looks practical and doable to me if you are OK with such hectic plan 🙂 … You might face AMS at Padum but nonetheless don’t worry much. Yeah, most likely roads will be open during that period.
As I mentioned I am willing to go to hanle from pangong and then after a night hault at hanle I shall leave for tsomorie. So for what places I have to take permits in pangong-hanle-tsomorie route which covers man merak and chushul also.
Please tell me also that for what places I Have to take permit in the whole initiary and will I get permit for hanle and chusul and what are the chances that army people will allow me?
Also I came to know that photographic cameras are not allowed in that region so what should we do in this case to carry camera there?
You need to take permits for Hanle, Chusul, Tsaga and Loma. That’s it. Nothing can be predicted in terms of permits and allowing you to pass through Chusul. You neeed to push them deep in the bags and not take much pictures of the terrain. Or submit them at the checkpost at Loma.
hello
I think you mentioned permits for checkpoints between pangong and hanle only.
From hanle to tsomoriri which route option is available and what checkpoints permit I have to take if I opt for chumur route? or other route.
Chetan, the moment you write Chumur, extremely high chances that your permits to other places like Chusul, Tsaga will get rejected. Then, if you want to do direct route from Hanle to Tso Moriri, please write all the passes and places that is written on the DoW Map to reach there.
I have to take permits for Nyoma,mahe,sumdo,Namshang la,korzok and polokung la for reaching hanle to tsomoriri and then to tsokar. Please ensure me.
And after that I shall move to manali from there only.
Chetan, No in that case don’t need to write Nyoma, Mahe, Sumdo etc. In case you using this route to reach Tso Moriri from Hanle. Thenyou just write, Hanle, Chusul, Tsaga, Loma
ok thank you very much for the advices you provided.
you are doing a great job.
your advise has helped me to simplify my tour…
Best wishes got your Ladakh trip.
one more little help dheeraj….since I will be returning from manali leh highway on 20 june will it be open by that time??
Manali – Leh should open by first week of June.
In the above initiary dheeraj can we cover any remote lakes other than pangong and tsomori and tsokar that we are covering?
Chetan, it will not cover any remote lakes. Apart from Chagar Tso and Tso Tak that comes on the way to Pangong Tso.
dheeraj,
We have succesfullly completed our ladakh trip without any obstacles(except jam at rohtang and kaglajal near lachung la)
Thank you very much for your advise.Our driver Tsonam Angdus(given by rigzin) had doq sticker behind his car and Mehraz Ahmed for zanskar both were very nice and helpful.I recommend them for any one who wants to travel. Thank you very much for your support dheraj
Awesome Chetan, thanks for sharing it here. Glad you had wonderful trip and DoW info was helpful in planning your ladakh trip 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
Recently I came across some articles suggesting non requirement of ILP for many tourist places & routes in Leh – Ladakh from 01-05-14. pl throw more light.
My new Itinerary is as follws after ur suggessions
D1 : Sxr. ON [overnight stay ]
D2 : Kargil/ Mulbekh ON
D3 : Leh ON
D4 : Leh ON
D5 : Turtuk ON
D6 : Diskit ON
D7 : Pangong Tso via Warila [ON].
D8 : Leh ON
D9 : Tso Moriri ON
D10: Sarchu ON
D11: Sissu ON
D12: Chandratal ON
D13: Manali On
Pl suggest any corrections or changes required. Any additions or ommissions required.
Cost apx of a vehicle Innova or Xyelo from Sxr to Manali as per ur idea in d 1st 2 weeks of august 14.
Innumerable Thanks to U.
D7 : Leh
Laxmichand, please refer: Permits in Ladakh are not required for Indian Tourists from May 2014
Hi Dheeraj,
This is Karan. I had contacted you last year for a trip to Spiti valley. Hope you are doing well. Thank you for your valuable inputs which was a great help in planning the whole trip last year.
Well this year, I am planning to go to Leh-Ladakh.
I am going in the month of August from August 24 to september 2. We will be flying to Leh from Delhi. In Leh, we will take the same taxi guy whom i booked last year which you had recommended.
From there We will visit all the places in Ladakh and then travel back in that car to manali from where we will catch a bus to Delhi.
How long will it take to travel from Leh to Manali keeping in consideration of visiting Pangong Lake and Tso Moriri lake.
Is there any other places which is a must visit on this way. Can you recommend the cheapest places where we can stay overnight on this road.
I wanted to know what all activities that can be done in Leh. What can be done in Nubra valey. Where does magnetic hill come.
Which is most exciting adventurous rafting stretch [with grade 3 and grade4] which i can take how much are the charges.
Also wanted to know if i can a one-two day cycle trip in and around Leh.
Is there any other place you will recommend.
Thanks,
Karan GM
Hi Karan,
I see you have about 10 days to complete the journey. You can do 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 with taxi driver and you can refer the thread for a comprehensive list of drivers: List of Taxi Drivers for Ladakh – Srinagar – Leh – Manali
— 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 – Tso Moriri via Chumathang
— Cover Karzok Monastery
— Overnight at Karzok or Tso Moriri
Day 8 | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring (Manali – Leh Highway starts) – Debring (Manali – Leh Highway starts) – Moore Plains – Pang / Sarchu — Try to start early in the day so that you reach Sarchu where the accommodation options are better than Pang
— Overnight at Sarchu or Pang
Day 9 | Pang / Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
— On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only
— Overnight at Manali
Day 10 | Manali – Delhi
— Return
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
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi,
Thank you for suggesting the iternary. Few enquiries,
1. Is it possible to go to Nubra, stay overnight and go to Pangong lake without coming back to Leh.
2. To go from Pangong lake to Tso Moriri, do we have to come back to Leh, or is there anyway where we can go to Tso Moriri directly.
My idea is leave leh early morning and head towards Nubra, visiting dixit, hunder, sumur
Next day, leave to pangong lake and travel further, visit tso moriri and stay somewhere close by.
Third day, leave to manali, is this possible.
3.When is the rainy season in Ladakh. I have two option – to travel in early-june june 1 – june 17, or august 24 – september 2. Which is the best time to travel.
More than the snow, i am more interested in the greenery and beautiful blue colured pangong lake. In early snow, would the snow have cleared?
4.Can you throw some info on River Rafting. Which is the best stretch to do, when is the rafting season and do you know anyone who i could contact.
Regards,
Karan GM
Hi Karan,
1. Yes, possible but you need to take Wari La route which is quite desolated and in case any help is required, there will be nothing around for miles. You need to drop Sumur and Panamik if you take Wari La route.
2. Regarding Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri route or Pangong Tso to Hanle, the permits to Man – Merak – Chusul – Tsaga or remote Changthang routes are being given by DC office in Leh at ON and OFF basis, so keep your fingers crossed and hope for the best if they start issuing the permits by the time you visit or issue you on your lucky day. Also, even if the permits are given then as well there is no guarantee that you will be allowed to cross Chusul Post or not because last year several such incidents happened and people with permits also had to return via same route. All this will mean that you will have to risk it for at least a day getting wasted if you are not allowed because there will be no guarantee until you cross Chusul and Tsaga post. Otherwise, you have to take the traditional routes only via Leh.
3. June is good but then if the roads will open and above all stable is point of concern. Regarding rainy season, it does not rain in Ladakh because it is a rain shadow region. However, you need to face hassles around Manali and Srinagar up to Kargil
4. Nimmu – Phey, Nimmu – Chilling are quite famous in terms of rafting in Leh.
regards
Dheeraj
Hii boss….is it possible to go ladhak by small car I 20 disel wai srinagar ….what are the major problem we can face
For hatchback/sedan taking on Manali – Leh Highway and Ladakh, please refer the link: FAQ | Can I do Leh – Ladakh trip in Hatchback or Sedan? for more details.
Hey Dheeraj,
We would like to send our bikes from Bangalore to Srinagar by train. Do you think that is possible? I dont think there are direct trains from Bangalore to Srinagar.
Additionally, assuming we make it to Manali :), can we send the bikes from Manali to Bangalore by courier/transport? I dont think there is train connectivity to Manali.
Please suggest.
Regards
Satish
There is no connectivity of Srinagar yet with train. So, max you can take them in Jammu. From Jammu your ride will start. Same is the case with Manali, you need to reach Chandigarh or Ambala in order to send your bikes back.
Hi Dheeraj,
First of all, you are doing a great job. Thanks a ton for all the info. that you have shared so far!!
We are 5 people travelling to Leh-Ladakh in second week of June. Can you please go through our itnerary and suggest if any changes required?
07/06 – Reach Srinagar
08/06 – Visit Gulmarg, Dal Lake etc.
09/06 – Srinagar to Kargil (enroute visit Sonamarg, also Drass Village if possible)
10/06 – Kargil to Leh (enroute visit Alchi, Likir Monastrey, Lamayuru Magnetic Hill)
11/06 – Leh Local Sightseeing
12/06 – Leave for Nubra enroute Khardungla pass, diskit and hunder (O/N at Diskit or Nubra)
13/06 -Leave from Nubra valley heading thiksey monestary, then to Chang La and then to Pangong Lake (O/N at Pangong)
14/06 – Pangong to Tso – Moriri and Tso Kar(not sure if this is possible, if not we will have to head back to leh….Please advise) O/N at Tso – Moriri
15/06 – TsoMoriri to Sarchu (O/N at Sarchu)
16/06 – Sarchu to Manali
17/06 – Manali to Delhi
Also, please advise if we need to avail any permits for Pangon-Tso-Moriri route. I am considering 25K per person for this entire trip, please let me know your thoughts on the same.
Dharmesh, initial part looks OK to me but you do not have sufficient days to include all. do it like below:
13/06 -Leave from Nubra valley reach Leh
14/06 – Leh – Pangong Tso/Leh
15/06 – Pangong Tso/Leh to Sarchu (O/N at Sarchu) (in case you opt to stay at Pangong Tso, DO leave by 6 AM for Sarchu)
16/06 – Sarchu to Manali
17/06 – Manali to Delhi
Thanks Dheeraj! I can extend my trip by couple of days, as I don’t want to visit TsoMoriri.
I called up a taxi driver from Leh and he quoted me 60k for this entire trip i.e. right from picking us up from Srinagar and dropping us at Manali. Is this cost reasonable?
Correction…..I mean I want to visit TsoMoriri, so will extend the trip by 2 more days. 🙂
Oops, even in that case I feel you can get it about 55K types.
If you are not visiting Tso Moriri, I feel the cost seems on a higher end.
Whom did you contact to ? I had booked a cab for 60k which included turtuk as well as Dheeraj suggested. Though now we are 8 guys and i need to find traveller , missed a good deal . :/
Thanks a lot Dheeraj, you are the best! I got a deal for 58K. Really excited for the trip. Hope everything goes as per the plan….:)
Best wishes for you Leh – Ladakh trip brother !!
Hi Dheeraj… would there be snow at marhi and do we need permission to take our own car till there. Heard from some people about their horrible experience at Rohtang and is there an alternate site where we can enjoy snow from Manali within reasonable distance….keeping in mind that we are travelling with children aged 5 and 11
Sameer, outside vehicles from HP are not allowed to be taken to Rohtang Pass or snow points up there. You cannot even get a permit for it. Permit ae only issued to those who are traveling beyond Rohtang Pass.
Regarding snow at Marhi, yes you will find snow up there. I have never liked Rohtang but that’s the place for snow at this time of the year only. Things have been controlled with less traffic up there since the ban of non-hp vehicles to visit there.
Hi Dheeraj… need some help for our planned trip to manali and Rohtang pass (May 8-12). planning with family and children of 5 and 11. few questions:
1. can we take our own car to rohtang…believe some permission is required…from where can that be obtained and what do we need to tell them/ask for
2. any special car requirements(normal 2 wheel or 4 wheel) — would a sedan be fine and can a scorpio/XUV 500 go there
3. any considerations with kids
4. how much time does it take from manali to rohtang
5. Would we be fine with heavy wollens/jackets/overcoats or do we need any special clothes, especially for children
6. is it advisable to take hP tourism bus and what is the tarrif per person
Thanks a lot….appreciate all the help
Sameer, outside vehicles from HP are not allowed to be taken to Rohtang Pass or snow points up there. You cannot even get a permit for it. Permit ae only issued to those who are traveling beyond Rohtang Pass.
Regarding snow at Marhi, yes you will find snow up there. I have never liked Rohtang but that’s the place for snow at this time of the year only. Things have been controlled with less traffic up there since the ban of non-hp vehicles to visit there.
Just protect the little one from sun and cold. Carry at least one pair of heavy woolen as if it rains, things get quite cold. Best is to take HPTDC bus 🙂
Thanks a lot Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
this is Laxmichand.
I asked u a qn & got a v satisfactory answer from u. Thanks alot. then i asked a few more qns & now I can’t find d location, qn & ans. pl help
Please check the link: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/sacred-yarab-tso-lake-panamik-nubra-valley-ladakh-2012/#comment-57748
Hi!,
I am travelling to ladakh in june this year and was wondering whether you have any latest information about visiting hanle and tsomoriri directly from pangong.We are taking are own car,4×4,from delhi to srinagar and leh and coming back to delhi via manali.
Please guide us on time taken and distance from pangong to hanle and from hanle to tsomoriri.
Aditi, please refer the links: Routes and Road Conditions In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips, Fuel Availability In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips
Regarding Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri route or Pangong Tso to Hanle, the permits to Man – Merak – Chusul – Tsaga or remote Changthang routes are being given by DC office in Leh at ON and OFF basis, so keep your fingers crossed and hope for the best if they start issuing the permits by the time you visit or issue you on your lucky day. Also, even if the permits are given then as well there is no guarantee that you will be allowed to cross Chusul Post or not because last year several such incidents happened and people with permits also had to return via same route. All this will mean that you will have to risk it for at least a day getting wasted if you are not allowed because there will be no guarantee until you cross Chusul and Tsaga post. Otherwise, you have to take the traditional routes only via Leh.
Hi Dheeraj ,
Thanks for all the helpful post .I have tried to follow most things i could. PFB the itinerary and the cost and let me know if any changes I could make:
7/6 | Mumbai to Jammu
9/6 | Jammu to srinagar (Bus)
10/6| Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil
11/6 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
12/6 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Inner Line Permits
13/6| Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
14/6 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
15/6 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake
16/6 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
17/6 | Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang
18/6 | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring (Manali – Leh Highway starts) – Moore Plains – Pang/Sarchu
19/6 | Pang / Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
Also I have contacted zakeer from one of your post and he gave me budget of 55k from Srinagar to the end. Is it a good deal ? Also he said he would arrange the hotels everywhere and named “Mankar” or something in Leh and would be descent with 800 for a double room . Good enough ?
Also would you suggest some tweak in the itinerary bcoz I am left with a day still and cannot do zanskar which saddens me bcoz it takes more days 🙁
Thanks in advance dheeraj . You have been a real good help . 🙂
Regards.
Chaitanya, this looks nicely done. You will enjoy it to the core brother. Regarding 55K, sounds OK considering complete trip. You can vouch on the drivers to get you decent hotels which are in budget. If you are not too particular about your stays, you will not go wrong with it and also save decent amount of money.
Regarding using the one day in your plan, you either go to Turtuk from Leh, then come back to Diskit – Hunder and then to Leh making it 3 day trip to Nubra Valley. OR you can spend more time at Tso Kar and Tso Moriri, reach Sarchu or Pang in the evening. Then head to Jispa to keep it slow on Manali – Leh Highway and enjoy the places falling on the route at easy pace.
Hi Dheeraj,
Itinerary looks good ,all thanks to you only 🙂
Also,Instead of doing a 3 day trip to Nubra or spending more time in Tso Moriri for which 2 days should be enough right ? ,how about spending a day more in manali and may be shimla too with that extra day and trying to cover both waking up early to reach manali and shimla and catching train from ambala on 21st,6pm to mumbai(19/6 evening at manali , 20/6 afternoon leave for shimla , 21/6 till 12noon in shimla and leave for ambala). You been there before?
Sorry I could not understand. At any day I will go with Turtuk over Manali or Shimla. I say Shimla a big NO, nothing to se there apart from concrete jungle, as per my say.
So turtuk it is 🙂
Day 1 : Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder – Turtuk
Day 2 : Turtuk – Hunder
Day 3 : Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
So the above mentioned plan is proper ? Also , Turtuk to Hunder is 60kms which is 2 hrs so on Day 2 : I would be doing some local sighseeing in the morning time and have lunch and leave for Hunder is that right ? Can you tell me places to visit in Turtuk . 🙂
Thanks in advance
Regards,
Chaitanya J. Gandhi
Turtuk to Hunder is about 84 KMs. You can try to go towards Tyakshi Village, which is the last village allowed. Spend time around in the green colors and with locals.
Hi Dheeraj ,
The number of friends travelling has increased from 5 to 8 and the guy i contacted for taxi said he cannot manage for more than 6 . Any options for taxi for 8+1(including driver) people ?
Regards,
Chaitanya J. Gandhi.
There is no way out apart from hiring a tempo traveler OR getting two taxis in this case. Tempo Traveler cost is 35% more than Xylo/Innova.
Dear Dheeraj,
We’re considering the following itinerary. We’re travelling on Bikes. This is our first visit to Leh.
Day 1 – Delhi – Chandigarh
Day 2 – Chandigarh – Manali
Day 3 – Stay in Manali
Day 4 – Manali – Keylong
Day 5 – Keylong – Sarchu
Day 6 – Sarchu – Leh
Day 7 – Stay in Leh
Day 8 – Leh – Pangong-Tso
Day 9 – Pangong-Tso – Leh
Day 10 – Leh – Nubra Valley
Day 11 – Nubra Valley – Leh
Day 12 – Leh – Kargil
Day 13 – Kargil – Srinagar
Please let me know what do you think of this itinerary? Thanks 🙂
Tarun, is there any specific reason that you are starting from Manali instead it is better to start from Srinagar? Did you read: 5 Reasons to choose Srinagar – Leh Road over Manali – Leh Road
Hi Dheeraj, Thanks for your reply 🙂 There is no specific reason. We have chosen the other route instead after reading your post. Just needed your opinion on the dates. Is end July a better time to visit than end August? Thanks again.
Tarun both are fine time to visit and will have their own set of good and bad points. If I were you then I will better take on end of August monsoon rains.
sir i go ladakh in june in my car i am from hoshiarpur i want to know which is best road bya srinagar or manali ? second how much cost for guest houses in ladakh i pay
Firstly, I will suggest you that please plan it in other direction as going via Srinagar – Leh Highway will be much much easier on your body and help you acclimatize to the high altitude of Manali – Leh Highway. Also, it allows you to enjoy the beauty of Manali – Leh by splitting the journey almost evenly in two days which is very difficult in the other direction. Thirdly, it will allow you to fit Tso Moriri lake into the itinerary in better way. You can read more reasons on the link here
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
Dear Dheeraj ji,
1st of al thank u very very much..
we are planing as per your suggestion. already booked guest house and taxi, here is our plan,
03/07/2014 Baltal -Zoji la pass – Drass – Kargil
04/07/2014 Kargil – Namika La – fotu la – Lamayuru – Alchi – Likir –confluence – magnetic hill – leh
05/07/2014 Leh Inner Line Permits– hemis – shey – thiskey – royal palace – gompas – shanty stupa etc.. etc..
06/07/2014 Leh Khardung la – Deskit – Hundar
07/07/2014 hunder – sumur – panamik – leh
08/07/2014 Leh – Chang la -Pangon Tso – upshi
09/07/2014 upshi – rumis – taglang la – pang – sarchu – jispa
10/07/2014 jispa – keylong – rohtang pass – manali
11/07/2014 manali to ambala – ambala to ahmedabad by train
taxi rate for this trip is, 42000/- Inova. is that ok?
and please tell us if any changes needed.
again thank u, you are doing great job sir.
Deven, 42K looks good to me. Regarding Plan, I will suggest that you do Leh to Pangong Tso, Pangong Tso to Sarchu and then finally Sarchu to Manali.
ok sir, vl make the change, also want to know, if any economic guest house available at pangong? how much the cost?
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
Only home stays will be economic or cheap at Pangong Tso.
Dear Dheeraj,
After your inputs, the following is the final itinerary of our tour to ladakh.. Can you go through it…
ITINERARY:
May 30th – Arrival at Leh at 11:30 AM. Rest for the day. Pick up from air port
May 31st :- Local site seeing like, Tiksey, Hemis, Spituk, Hall of fame, Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace.
June 1st & 2nd:- Drive to Pangong via Chang la and stay over night at Pangong and return to Leh.
June 3rd, 4th & 5th :- Tsomoriri & Tsokar.
June 6th :- Go to Alchi via Zanskar – Indus Confluence.
June 7th & 8th:- Go to Nubra Valley via Khardungla. Over night stay at Hundar.
With the help of yours and some friends, I already have had a virtual tour of Ladakh..thanks a lot….
Hi Pooja,
It is best to Visit Nubra Valley well before Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri lakes as it will help you better acclimatize. Keep visit to Alchi in between Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri to make a better, relaxed and organized trip. First point of making Nubra first is very critical and important. Tso Moriri should be visited last.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hello dow team
I am planning to visit leh laddakh in june this year. I shall leave Indore from 5th june night and reach srinagar on 7th evening. I have time of 13 days kindly provide me best initiary to cover all the places including zanskar valley. I would like to prefer going via srinagar leh and returning via manali-leh. I would also like to hault on pangong-tso and in nubera valley. We are 4 members. And also provide me the expected cost of the journey.
Dhaval
Also I am wildlife enthusiast so can I cover the hemis national park and tsokar where there are some rare birds. I can extend my tour to 14 days.
Chetan, are these 13 days after Srinagar and to Manali or for whole plan, that is including travel from Indore to Srinagar and Manali to Indore?
13 days are including the whole journey max can be 14
I am planning to leave Indore on 5th night and reach srinagar 7th evening and reach leh 9th 13 days after reaching srinagar
Chetan, this means you will need 2 more days from Delhi to reach Indore as well. Hence, you have at max. 11 days for Srinagar to Delhi. Hence, I will suggest that you follow the itinerary mentioned in the article above from Srinagar upto Leh as it almost fits your number of days in hand.
No it takes only 1 day to reach from delhi to Indore.
And does the above initiary cover the birding places there as hemis national park and zanskar valley which also I want to include?
Zanskar Valley needs at least 3 days for touch it and just run back again. Ideally, 5 days for relaxing trip to Zanskar and this is ex. Kargil. Regarding Hemis National Park, you need couple of days to relax there and can be added anytime after you come back from Nubra Valley or Pangong Tso in the above itinerary based on days left with you. It does cover Tso Kar lake though.
Ok and is there any prebooking of safari to be done for hemis national park? And the manali-leh highway would be open in this period na means around 17 when we will return?
Chetan, there are no Safaris done in Hemis National Park, AFAIK. You have to trek in it and it will be like High altitude. By 17th June, Manali – Leh Highway should be open.
ok and will the hemis national park be open during this period and when it can be added in the initiary and do we need to stay there
Yes, Hemis will be open during that time. It can be added after coming from Nubra Valley.
Ok and If I also want to cover some parts of Zanskar and hemis how many extra days are req and what will be the total cost of taxi there?
Further I want economical tour so should I book the guest house in Leh from here only or should I search after reaching there for a better deal and same is with taxi?
4-5 Days for Zanskar Valley, 3-4 days for Hemis at the very least. For the leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2014 – 15 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here. You can get about 10-12% of discount by directly getting in touch with drivers and of course, talking in person rather on phone always help in bargaining more.
Shall I get the hotels or guest houses easily after reaching leh or I have to book it from here as there is Sindhu Darshan festival in leh on 13 and 14 june?
Should be OK I feel for just two days. Leh is a big town and you will get something for sure for the stay. Just keep the list of hotels or guest houses on DoW Ladakh accommodation and stay article handy with you.
what are the places which we can cover in zanskar in 3 days means we are planning from 9/6/14 from kargil to zanskar(Padum) and leave padum on 11 morning to leh
Chetan, it will take one hectic day to reach Padum and 1 hectic day to come back 🙂 then you left with 1 day in Padum. Better do Karsha Monastery, Stongde, Zangla
HI dheeraj
My final initary is:-
5th june:-depart for newdelhi from indore.
6th june:-new delhi to udhampur/jammu.
7th june:-udhampur/jammu to srinagar via patnitop(do sightseeing for 2 hrs). evening at srinagar.
7th june:-Reach srinagar by evening.
8th june:-srinagar to kargil via sonmarg.Night at kargil.
9th june:- Srinagar to padum via ragadum penzila.(Though a long travel) Night at padum.
10th june:-Zanskar sightseeing. Night at padum.
11th june:-early morning depart for leh.(very long journey though)reach leh by late evening.
12th june:-Leh local and innerline permits.
13th june:- Nubra valley via khardungla. Night at diskit/huner. Do bacterian camel saffari.
14th june:-Return to leh via sumoor-panamik by evening. Night at leh.
15th june:-Leh-pangongtso. Night at pangong.
16th june:-return to leh and some local sightseeing.
17th june:-trek in hemis national park for snow lepard sightseeing(though a less time for a trek but still.)
18th june:-Early morning depart for tsomorie-tso kar.Night at tsomorie.
19th june:-tsomorie-panf-saruchu. Night at saruchu.
20th-june:-saruchu-keylong-manali. Late evening depart for new delhi from manali via sleeper bus.
21 june:-manali to indore via bhopal.
I know this is an hectic travel but since I wanted to cover maximum places in limited time I Found this initiary best. I have contacted zakir and naseer and chamba for the taxi and they have provided me the rate of 55k except kargil-padum-kargil. So is this ok? and how much more it will cost for zanskar(kargil-padum-kargil(9-11 june)).
Also is this initiary fine if some modification is required please tell me. Also I am a wildlife and bird photography enthusiast so will I GET something fruitfull in this tour.
Chetan Doshi
Chetan, the pricing looks OK to me. Kargil to Padum in general cost about Rs 13-14K for a drop and same for coming back. Keep about 5K for local sightseeing in Zanskar Valley. Also, I see you are making Padum to Leh in one day…. Well That might not be possible at all, I believe otherwise you will be driving day and night. Will take about 15+ Hrs given the fact that you just run through it quickly with bare minimum stoppages.
Hi Dheeraj/DoW Team,
First of all, thanks for all this amazing writeup and information around excursions to Leh-Ladakh. After our recent 6419kms self-driven trip across the Golden Quadrilateral, we intend to drive to Leh (from Pune) and back. So far, all we know is travel dates (14Jun14 – 29Jun14) and we need experts like you to suggest a practical + safe + adventurous itinerary. Given that we are a group of driving (XUV500) and photography enthusiasts, we are open to rearrange dates, if you suggest doing so. I know a lot has been written however I’m not too sure of Baar-Baar and want to make the First-Baar as exciting as we can and need your valuable guidance on it. Looking forward to hear from you…
Regards,
Ritesh
Ritesh, you can refer the itinerary suggested above in the article.
Hi Dheeraj,
Great job man !! Just came across your postings while randomely surfing to plan my trip.
On this route that you mention, how good are we with fuel pumps ?
Thanks !
There are only two petrol pumps on Ladakh Circuit. One is in Leh and other one is in Karu. Then on Manali – Leh Highway there is one at Tandi about 365 KMs from Karu. You can check out: Fuel Availability In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips
Hello Dheeraj ji,
I have been reading your blogs on ladakah they are very informative and exhaustive. Hats off to you and your team.
We are planing to go ladakah with our scorpio 2 x 2 from udaipur (raj)
Here is my itinerary we are planing .
14th june 14 udaipur to amritsar
15th june 14 amritsar to udhampur
16th june 14 udhampur to srinagar
17th june 14 Srinagar to Kargil
18th june 14 stay in kargil
19th june 14 Kargil to Leh ( reaching in evening covering the attractions on the route)
20th june 14 Leh ( permits and little bit sightseeing)
21st june 14 Leh to Nubra
22nd june 14 Nubra
23rd june 14 Nubra to Leh
24th june 14 Leh to Pangong lake
25th june 14 Pangong lake to leh
26th june 14 Leh
27th june 14 Leh to Tsomoriri
28th june 14 Tsomoriri to Sarchu (via Tsokar as heard it has some wildlife and birds)
29 th june 14 Sarchu to manali
30th june manali
1 july manali to amritsar
2 july back to udaipur.
Please suggest is this itinerary OK our need some changes.
Thanks
Gunvinder, the itinerary looks very well done and relaxed. In Nubra the day you are staying, do visit Turtuk for sure. In Kargil, you can drive towards Suru Valley a bit and come back by evening.
Hello Dheeraj ji,
Thanks for replying and your advice.
I have two three queries.
1) How far is turtuk from nubra and what time we should start in the morning so that we can come back to nubra.
2) As you have seen the itinerary we are going to sarchu via Tsokar from Tsomoriri . How much time is needed to reach Tsokar from Tsomoriri . And from Tsokar to Sarchu . As i am found of wildlife i have heard that we can find some near Tsokar so can we spend three to four hours at Tsokar.
3) What time we should leave Sarchu so that we can reach Manali in daylight and heard lot about water crossings as i have read in one of your blogs to that it is difficult to cross after afternoon.
So please recommend any
guidelines for that.
Thanks
Hi Gunvinder,
1. Turtuk is in Nubra Valley only. It is about 90 KMs from Diskit.
2. From Tso Moriri to Tso Kar it will take about 3.5-4 Hrs. and again 4-5 Hrs to Sarchu from Tso Kar. Yeah, you will be able to spot various birds, Kiangs near Tso Kar.
3. Leave by 7 Am from Sarchu to reach Manali in daylight. All depends upon the rush at Rohtang Pass.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
just going through some blog about chusul marshes (where the black necked cranes migrate) . How far it is from Pangong . My question is can we go to chusul from Pangong and reach leh in the evening . Please reply Thanks
Brother, let’s just keep it under one thread of DwD Community 🙂 … I have posted my replies at the link: Trip to ladakah . Dream trip
Actually, I was replying all my pending queries for last week or so, since I was on tour to Spiti Valley whole of last week.
Thanks . I will stick to only DOW thread.
Mr. Dheeraj,
I had asked a few queries about 3 of us visiting SPiti from Shimla & to Keylong & further to Leh, Ladakh in Sept.(1st to 20th) on 22nd. Guess you may be busy. Please let me know whether this long journey at a stretch is possible.
Thanks a lot,
Prakash
Hi Prakash,
It is very much possible in 20 days. You have to sacrifice on some places though. How are you planning the trip? I mean what is the mode of transport?
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
sorry i could not see mails earlier. Well, we are undecided about mode of transport. My query was about this only We are three only. Will hiring a jeep will be expensive? or we might be able to join / share a jeep with others? What are the chances? About buses, as a last resort, could the whole programme be done in 20 days. I guess, for excursions from Leh we might join others/ share a jeep. But for Spiti ( from Shimla to Keylong) what would be the best thing to do ? please enlighten. Also whether we can do a bus journey from Keylong to Leh ina day?
Thank u, Dheeraj.
Prakash, I will suggest you better have 2 more people to even out the pricing for hiring a taxi or jeep for yourself. Yes, you are right you will be able to get along easily with shared tourist taxis within Ladakh but this is a bit hard to find in Spiti Valley. There you will have to hire dedicated taxis only for exploring the places around. For traversing the path down, you will get shared jeeps from Kaza to Peo or Rampur OR Tabo to Rampur or Peo. Bus also run between Kaza to Peo daily at 7 AM too.
Hi Dheeraj,
Regarding our travel from Shimla to Keylong vis Spiti, I wanted to know whether thre of us will have to hire a jeep or is it generally possible to get others to joinus together to hire the vehicle. Even if we have to travel by buses, can we do the Spiti Lahoul stretch( SHimla-Kaza-Keylong in about 8 days?
Please give your swuggestions. regards,
Prakash
Hi Prakash,
Well, in 8 days it is possible to do the Shimla to Kaza to Keylong covering Spiti Valley by buses for sure. When are you planning this trip?
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
we plan to leave Shimla by 3rd september& hope to reach Leh by 11th. Guess the time is right. Is 5 the max. no. of people in a jeep there or 6 can go?
Prakash, there is no limit on the number of people in the taxi. People carry even 10 as local shared taxis. Whatever you are comfortable with you can do so. I prefer 5 being long journeys involved in Ladakh trip.
Thanks Dheeraj. Sept. 3-10 in Spiti, Lahoul & Keylong. Is it a good time? or is there a chance of a shower or two ?
Prakash
Prakash, September is in general fine but yeah there could be chance of couple of showers.
Thank you Dheeraj for all the info. regards.
Best wishes for your Ladakh trip Prakash 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
I am planning to visit leh laddakh in July this year. I have time of 11 days kindly provide me best initiary to cover all the places including zanskar valley. I would like to prefer going via srinagar leh and returning via manali-leh. We are 4 members. And also provide me the expected cost of the journey.
Regards,
Sumit
email-sumitbhujbal25986@gmail.com
Sumit, 11 days are too less to include the Zanskar Valley. You can more or less follow the itinerary mentioned in the article above by removing the rest day in Leh and skipping Tso Moriri OR making day trip to Pangong Tso lake.
without zanskar valley 11 days are sufficient ? i also know abut budget for this tour ( bike tour )
Sumit, 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
Refer bike hire section.
Regarding 11 days it will be tight as I said, you need to make a day trip to Pangong Tso and drop Tso Moriri. You will take 4 days to reach Leh from Srinagar, then 1 day rest, 3 days from Leh to Delhi from Manali side. So, you are left with 3 days in which you can make a day trip to Pangong Tso and 2 day trip to Nubra Valley.
Hi Dheeraj, you are doing great service ! Three of us from Bangalore are planning an exhaustive trip to Spiti & Ladakh. we start from Shimla & follow your suggested itinerary till Keylong. Then we go to Leh, do Local sights, Sham valley, ( Lamayuru & back if possible) , Nubra, Pangong, Tso Moriri, Tso Kar & back to Leh & fly out.Do you think this is possible? we start from end of august to 24th September. Is this the right time? Whether we can get a shared jeeps in Spiti-Keylong stretch or we have to hire a vehicle? Will it be good enough to depend on buses onthis stretch?Would it help if we are two/four instead of three?
Many questions 🙂 Hope you dont mind.-Prakash
Guess, I replied to your other comment. I was on trip to Spiti and just returned yesterday only.
Thank you.
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks a ton for one stop guide to Leh. It is amazing compilation of all aspect related to Leh trip.
Dates are yet to be finalised but planning to travel sometime in June FN2. Planning to reach Leh by air, take rest for two days at Leh and then third day proceed to Nubara Valley. Stay one night at Nubara valley then come back to Leh. Just wanted to check specifically on Nubura Valley, should we plan to stay at Hunder or we can actually go up to Turtuk. Also will it make sense to cover so much distance (again thanks for the Map it really helps put things in perspective from planning propose).
Further to above query, pls can you also suggest from below which is more doable itinerary. Especially itinerary 1 is it safe from all aspect. We are two of us as of now.
Itinerary 1
Day 1 Reach Leh
Day 2 Leh to Sham Valley to Leh
Day 3 Leh
Day 4 Leh to Hunder or Diskit
Day 5 Hunder to Pangong Tso Lake (via Wari La)
Day 6 Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri (via Chusul – Tsaga la – Loma – Nyoma – Sumdo)
Day 7 Tso Moriri to Sarchu (Manali Leh highway)
Day 8 Sarchu to Manali
Itinerary 2
Day 1 Reach Leh
Day 2 Leh
Day 3 Leh to Hunder or Diskit
Day 4 Hunder to Leh
Day 5 Leh to Pangong Tso lake
Day 6 Pangong Tso lake to Leh
Day 7 Leh
Day 8 Leh to Sham Valley to Leh
Day 9 Leh to Tso Moriri via Chumathang
Day 10 Tso Moriri to Sarchu ( Manali Leh highway)
Day 11 Sarchu to Manali
Vipul, I see your couple of itineraries. Well, in June I really doubt you should even attempt Wari La pass because it mostly opens naturally rather than being cleaned up by army being a secondary route only. Also, if it is your first trip to Ladakh it does not make sense to cover the Itinerary 1 at all to me because rather than enjoying there will be loads of calculations. The route via Chusul mostly depends upon your that lucky day. Even with permits, army send back people if they feel tht day situation is not good for tourists to ply on that route. Hence, nothing is certain in Itinerary 1. Better attempt something on second trip.
Regarding Itinerary 2, you can actually use Day 7 of rest in Leh to spend in Nubra Valley and head upto Turtuk in the manner below:
Day 3 Leh to Turtuk
Day 4 Turtuk to Hunder, cover diskit and come back to Hunder for night stay and evening camel safari
Day 5 Hunder – Sumur – Panamik – Yarab Tso – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
Rest follows as is your itinerary 2 which is really good 🙂 … And in case you have more day, then better do Tso Moriri – Sarchu, Sarchu to Jispa and Jispa to Manali to seal the trip by thoroughly enjoying the beauty at very easy pace over MAnali – Leh Highway too.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Thanks for the suggestion. I will accordingly revise my itinerary 2.
After posting query I read DoW Ladakh Mega Meet 2013 travelog and realised that itinerary 1 looks difficult on alone basis.
I seriously wish I could have been part of DoW Ladakh Mega Meet it would have been amazing exploring THE UNEXPLORED. I wish I had encountered DoW on net may be one year back then I would have been part of it for sure. May be next time as you rightly put “Ladakh is a place for LifeMeinBaarBaar”.
Thanks again as I could plan my itinerary in so detail only because of in-depth information shared on DoW.
No worries Vipul, this year you are going to Ladakh but we have DoW Mega Meet in Spiti Valley this year. So, may be next year, you can plan with us the DoW Mega Meet which will be in Zanskar Valley for 2015.
Please bear with the formatting as it was a long post. 🙂 I can otherwaise also email you my itenary in excel
Hi Dheeraj, You would have become pro at this. Please review my itenary and suggest any modifications. very much appreciate your help and advise. Wednesday, June 04, 2014
Morning Mumbai leave for srinagar
Noon Srinagar reach srinagar airport.
evevning Srinagar Night at Srinagar
Thursday, June 05, 2014
Morning Srinagar Leave Srinagar Sighseeing sonmarg. Food at Drass
evevning Kargil Night in Kargil
Friday, June 06, 2014
Morning Kargil Leave Kargil
evevning Leh Reach Leh hotel
Saturday, June 07, 2014
Morning Thikshey Village Thiksey monastery
Shey Village Shey Palace and Gompa
evevning Leh Leh Palace, Donkey Sanctuary, Shanti Stupa
Sunday, June 08, 2014
Morning Alchi / Likir / Uletokpo Ladakh Hall of Fame, Gurudwara Shri Patthar Sahib, Magnetic Hill, Confluence
of Zanskar and Indus River.
evevning Kikir Likir Gompa
Monday, June 09, 2014
Morning Nubra White Sand Dunes at Hunder, Hunder and Diskit monasteries., trek to Samstaling Monestry
evevning Nubra liesure
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Morning Nubra Khardungla pass
evevning Leh Leh bazaar, Leh Mosque by foot.
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Morning Panggong Pangong Lake
evevning Leh
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Morning leh leave leh for sarchu
evevning sarchu night halt
Friday, June 13, 2014
Morning sarchu leave sarchu for manali
evevning manali manali night halt
Saturday, June 14, 2014
Morning Manali Leave for Chandigarh Airport
Late afternoon Chandigarh reach Chandigarh
Night Chandigarh Board flight to mumbai
Monish, Regarding June 7, keep Thicksey, Shey and Hemis when you doing Pangong Tso as they fall on the route to it. Hemis can be covered while coming from Pangong tso. Keep June 7 as local sightseeing in Leh and rest + permits. June 8 is unnecessary, as you can easily do all these places from Kargil to Leh by leaving early. All places except Alchi and Likir falls on the route only. This saved day will help you ease out the Day trip to Pangong Tso into two days with overnight halt at PAngong Tso. Rest looks fine.
thaks dheeraj for your guidance
Dear Dheeraj,
My colleagues and I are planning a trip in June, preferably around the first week. We live in Delhi. We would ideally like to cover Manali, Leh & Srinagar. We are all graduate engineers, which means we have serious budget constraints, and there is no way we can manage more than 12-14 days leave. We are looking to travel by hired Enfields. Any suggestions how we can put this trip together, any possbile itinerary or route we shoudl take? Our major dillemma is, if we take an overnight bus from Delhi to Manali, and hire bikes in Manali for the rest of the trip, there is the issue of returning the bikes once we reach Srinagar. It would either us a lot of time or money or both to get the bikes back to Manali, either by ourselves or through the bike rental people. Any suggestions?
Also, apart from the inner line permit, are there any other permits required for the whole trip?
Uttam, there is problem if you do entire circuit as you have to return hired bikes in Manali. There are few options you have:
1. You do the Bike hire in Ladakh only and travel by other means on Srinagar – Leh Highway and Manali – Leh Highway
2. You hire bike from Delhi from someone reliable, Karol Bagh, will be your bet.
3. You hire bike in Manali and then leave it in Srinagar for Rental guys to pick from there, meaning about 5-6K of fees given for this pickup.
4. You skip Srinagar – Leh Highway, go via Manali – Leh and return via Leh to Manali and come back to Delhi.
Based on the option you choose, we can work out or discuss your itinerary for 13-14 days you have in hand ex. Delhi.
Regards
Dheeraj sharma
Dear Dheeraj,
We decided to skip Srinagar altogether. Now the plan is to take a bus to Manali, hore bikes, ride up to Leh, and back to Manali. We also want to spend probably a day at the most at Manali to see the place and do a few adventure sports like paragliding. We will probably be able to get about 10 days leave including a day in Manali. Our plan is to catch a bus and travel overnight to Manali and stay a day and night in Manali before setting off by bike the next morning for Leh. Please suggest an itinerary. Any other suggestions or ideas will go a long way.
Uttam, you have 10 days ex. Delhi and you need 1 day at Manali too. That means you have 9 days for Leh – Ladakh trip. I will suggest you check out the link: Manali – Leh – Ladakh – Manali | Itinerary for 9 Days
Dear Dheeraj,
That itinerary seems perfect. A few follow up questions:
1. How much would you estimate the approx. budget to be for the entire trip?
2. Is it necessary to figure out the accommodation, wherever we are planning on staying, in advance? Or will it be sufficient to go there and check into places once we reach only?
3. We are only two of us who are probably interested for this trip, the rest of my colleagues will not be able to make it. How will I be able to make contact with other experienced riders who are going so that in case we do decide to go ahead with the plan, we can join up with them?
4. Is the one day in Manali sufficient to do the paragliding and see a bit of the town before driving out the next morning?
Hi Uttam,
1. 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
2. If you are open to any accommodation or change in plans, best is to land there and book.
3. DoW started an initiative last year under DoW – Himalayan Travel Community for finding Travel Partners or Companions, leave your message in Travel Partners section at the link: Ladakh & Zanskar – Travel Partners Section. There is also a DoW Travel Calendar linked here which can be used to easily and quickly spot a travel partner with similar dates of all the people looking for Travel Partners for their trips. May be you meet someone online going over the same dates.
4. Yes, one day should be good enough in Manali.
Regards
Dheeraj
dear dheeraj
for a tour of 15 days srinagar to leh in 3 days, nubra diskit and turtuk in 3 days, leh to chumatang then tso moriri then to hanle and then pangong and back in 5 days and then drop back to kargil via batalik in 1 day the taxi is asking 57000 . pl suggest should i go ahead
Dutta, I feel it is fine quote considering new hike in prices 🙂
nice job yar……Dheeraj.
Thanks alot Tushar.