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 Srinagar Leh Highway as well as 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
Download your FREE high-resolution version pdf copy of this Leh Ladakh day by day plan infographic guide. If, you liked it and found it helpful, please feel free to share it with your family and friends to help them too.
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. As of 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 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between
Day 2 | Jammu / Patnitop – Srinagar
- Enjoy a walk around Dal lake and maybe 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 8 Hrs drive, depending upon the traffic movement at Zozila and 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 Hrs 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
- As of 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.
Get the online Ladakh inner line permits stamped in Leh Tourist information center or Leh DC office - Check the Leh – Ladakh taxi union rate list for 2022 – 23 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 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.
- In the last couple of years (as of 2023), 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 will 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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Hello Dheeraj
planning for leh trip on july 27 from delhi (srinagar-leh route). We have to reach back Delhi on 8th August. Could u pls help with the itinerary. Thanx in advance
Day 1 | Delhi – Jammu / Patnitop
— Overnight at Jammu or Patnitop
Day 2 | Jammu / Patnitop – 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 3 | 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 4 | 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 5 | Leh Local Sightseeing
— 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 6 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Leh (if two days you have, do this in 2 days then)
— 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 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
Hey Dheeraj,
we are planning for the Ladhak marathon this year and we want to do some site seeing too… 🙂 here is what we have though about, can you help us review this and fill in the TBD’s?
We are flying to Srinagar and starting from there toward Leh and flying back from Leh
10 and 11 we need to be in Leh as the run in on 11 sep. Appreciate your help.
1-Sep Thu Blr – Srinagar – Phalagam
2-Sep Fri Phalagam – Gulmarg – Srinagar (Can skipp this if this is not the season and nothing to do in Gulmarg in Sep)
3-Sep Sat Srinagar site seeing
4-Sep Sun Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil
5-Sep Mon Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
6-Sep Tue Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder (Nubra valley)
7-Sep Wed Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
8-Sep Thu Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake
9-Sep Fri Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
10-Sep Sat Rest + Shopping + Explore Leh
11-Sep Sun The day for the run + Explore Leh
12-Sep Mon TBD: Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang ??
13-Sep Tue TBD: Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring and return to Leh??
14-Sep Wed TBD:
You MUST add one day of rest after reaching Leh.
5-Sep Mon Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
6-Sep Tue Leh – Rest dayand acclimatize
7-Sep Tue Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder (Nubra valley)
8-Sep Wed Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
9-Sep Wed Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake
10-Sep Thu Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
11-Sep Sun The day for the run + Explore Leh
12-Sep Mon Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang
13-Sep Tue Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring and return to Leh
14-Sep Wed Rest day in Leh
Hi dheeraj. We are group of 6 people planning a road trip to leg in Scorpio from 13 June . we have 15 days with us. Can spiti be also covered in our trip. If possible please provide itenary for the trip. We’ll be very thankful to you.
hello abhimanyu!! we are also planning for the same trip from delhi on same date!! do text or call me on my no if you want to come along!! 8826908369
You can plan something like below:
Day 1 | Chandigarh/Ambala – Manali / Solang Valley
Day 2 | Manali / Solang Valley – Kunzum Pass – Kaza
Day 3 | Kaza – Pin Valley – Dhangkar – Dhangkar Lake – Tabo
Day 4 | Tabo – Lhalung – Kaza and then do — Ki, Kibber, Gette, Tashigang
Day 5 | Kaza – Hikkim, Komik, Langza circuit – Kaza and then go over to Chandratal for overnight stay
Day 6 | Chandratal – Jispa / Keylong
Day 7 | 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 8 | Leh Local Sightseeing + Acclimatization
— Overnight at Leh
Day 9 | 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 10 | 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 11 | 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 12 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on return to Leh
— Overnight at Leh
Day 13 | Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang
— Cover Karzok Monastery
— Overnight at Karzok or Tso Moriri
Day 14 | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring (Manali – Leh Highway starts) – Pang – Sarchu
— Go over to Sarchu via Tso Kar and Manali – Leh Highway
— Overnight at Sarchu
Day 15 | Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Manali
— Overnight at Manali
Day 16 | Manali – Back home
hello dheeraj ji
i am plan to travel manali to leh by bike but bike owner is my friend, they have not travel with me, please you suggest to me :-
1. why ? i am travel other owner bike
2. yes, document formalities .
3. any permit query . related to bike
KV, you will face issues with this way
1. You need to show RC, PUC and your valid DL to SDM office to get the permit to pass rohtang pass
Hi Dheeraj,
I have planned trip tp Leh for 10 days starting 17th till 26th June (17 & 26 including).
We will start from Chandigarh on 17th and hoping to reach Leh by 19th late evening.
Then we have 4 days at Leh.
Return journey will start on 24th morning and hoping to reach Chandigarh by 26th June late evening or night.
Pls suggest the break up from Chandigarh to Leh and Leh to Chandigarh. I am not sure where to make pit stops and where to stay in those areas. Thanks
Hi Ravi,
You should follow something like below:
Day 1 | Chandigarh – Manali
Day 2 | Manali – Jispa, Leave by 5 AM
Day 3 | Jispa – Baralacha La – Taglang La – Leh
Day 4 | Rest and acclimatize in Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Khardung La – Nubra Valley
Day 6 | Nubra Valley – Leh
Day 7 | Leh – Pangong Tso
Day 8 | Pangong Tso – Sarchu, leave by 5 AM
Day 9 | Sarchu – Manali
Day 10 | Back home
Thanks Dheeraj for prompt response.
To avoid permit delays on manali route, can we opt for srinagar-leh instead and on way back take leh-manali? (Assuming we will not require any permit on our way back from leh-manali route.)
Ravi, yes you can do so but it requires an extra day to travel on Srinagar to Leh with overnight halts at Jammu/Patnitop, Srinagar, Kargil and finally Leh
Can we go for…
Chandigarh to Anantnag in single day?
or may be till Srinagar in single day by leaving 5AM in morning.
Is this doable?
Should be doabled if you leave early and OK driving that long.
Thanks Dheeraj.. 🙂
Sir we have finally fixed our travel plan for ladakh
Need your suggestions for the following itinerary :
19th sep 2016 reach Srinagar ( night stay )
20th sep 2016 Srinagar to kargil ( Night stay at Kargil)
21st sep 2016 kargil to leh (Night stay at Leh)
22nd sep 2016 Leh sight seen
23rd sep 2016 : Leh to Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder (Nubra valley) [Night stay at nubra )
24th sep 2016 hunder/diskit – leh (Night stay at leh )
25th sep 2016 Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake ( night stay near pangong )
26th sep 2016 Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh (Night stay at leh )
27th sep 2016 : Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang (night stay near Tso moriri )
28th sep 2016 Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Pang / Sarchu (Night halt )
29th sep 2016 : Pang / Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali (Night stay at manali )
30th sep 2016 manali to kalka / chandighar for boarding to the train
Total no of travelers 7 (including 12 years old girl)
Estimated budget: 22000 per head Srinagar to manali
Please tell me if we need any changes in our plan.
Thank you for your price less job .
Dheeraj ji please suggest about our budget and over all tour plan.
is it feasible ?
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
Hi Guys, I have planned my trip with a hired Suv [Leh registered Private Taxi] from Delhi[12th July] >> Manali [13th July] >> Solang >> Jispa[14th July] >> [15th July – 21st July for Leh /Laddakh and all awesome places] >>Kargil/Drass/Sonmarg>>Srinagar[24th July] .
I am looking for a travel companion for this trip [Preferably couple,I have also marked my event in the DoW calender,Dates are Fixed].Feel free to contact me @9619549049.
Hi Dhiraj,
I am starting to leh from delhi and will be following listed itinerary, Request you to please giver your expert advice to improvise it.
12/6/2016 Delhi Patnitop
13/06/2016 Patnitop Sonmarg
14/06/2016 Sonmarg Mulbekh
15/06/2016 Mulbekh Leh
16/06/2016 Leh local
17/06/2016 Leh Hunder
18/06/2016 Hunder Leh
19/06/2016 Leh Lukung (Pangong Tso)
20/06/2016 Stay at Pangong
21/06/2016 Pangong Tso Tso Moriri
22/06/2016 Tso Moriri Sarchu
23/06/2016 Sarchu Manali
24/06/2016 Manali Delhi
Regads,
Abhishek sharma
Dheeraj. Thanks for all the Insight. Me and my friend will be travelling to leh on 24th Aug 2016 and will be following your itenary. Will let you know the experience upon return.
Everyone if anyone want to join us from Delhi then please email me on send2addy@gmail.com.
Best Regards
Aditya
any idea about the weather on zojila and rohtang during these dates?
Hello Dheeraj..
Thanks a lot for providing so much information, it really helped us to plan the trip, I am sharing our itinerary with you. We are 4 friends and we have 2 bikes on our own and we will be renting out 2 from Manali/Chandigarh. Please any suggestions/comments are welcomed.
27/6 Delhi – Manali. Overnight at Solang Valley
28/6 Solang Valley – Jispa
29/6 Jispa – Pang
30/6 Pang – Leh
1/7 Leh
2/7 Leh-Kargil
3/7 Kargil – Srinagar
4/7 Srinagar-Kargil-Batalik
5/7 Kargil – Leh
6/7 Leh – Khardung La – Pangong Tso
7/7 Pangong Tso – Tso Moriri
8/7 Tso Moriri – Khoksar
9/7 Khoksar – Spiti Valley
10/7 Spiti Valley
11/7 Spiti Valley – Manali
12/7 Manali – Delhi
Few questions : Any place worth seeing missed out on this itinerary ? Or anything overambitious? 🙂 Also can you tell me what all permits need to be acquired for this route? Thanks in advance !!!
How about doing Spiti first and then in logical manner exiting from Srinagar side?
Thanks dheeraj for quick feedback. 🙂 Problem is that we have to return the 2 rented bikes back in Manali. Also I got some feedback from my frndz that the alternate road from khardung la- pangong tso-tso moriri is quite adventurous so we thought we wont exit from srinagar. Idea of keepin spiti at the end was. In case we lag, we skip spiti And use as buffer days. Do you see much concern with the itinerary?
Not really. Just the logical way of doing it was ot making sense to me especially when you have to go to Srinagar – Kargil route too.
You can read more reasons on the link here
Yes. Your suggestion makes sense. We will think of skipping srinagar for this trip and make a round trip from Leh – Kargil – Batalik – Leh. Thanks for your help. Discover with Dheeraj you are doing a great job (y)
Best wishes for your trip
Hi Dheeraj,
Me and my friends will visit Ladakh during last week of July and First week of August. Below is our Itinerary for ladakh Tour. I have referred your plan. I hope it covers most of the places one wants to travel in Ladakh. I have altered my route. It is Mumbai-Delhi – Manali – Leh-Srinagar-Mumbai. Would like your thoughts on it and also a few answers. We will hiring bikes only in Leh i.e for 27/07 – 02/08. Rest of our journey would be in cabs/bus.
22/07 : Mumbai – Delhi
23-24 : Delhi- Manali
25-26 : Manali – Leh
26/07 : Leh(Inner line permits & Local Site seeing)
27/07 : Leh – Nubra Valley – 130 Km
28/07 : Nubra Valley – Diskit/Hunder(52 km) – Tangtse(130 km) – approx 200 km.
29/07 : Tangtse – Spangmik(45 km) – Lukung(15 km) – 60 km
30/07 : Pangong Tso – Chumathang – 180 km
31/07 : Chumathang – Tso Moriri(85 km) – Tso Kar(90) – approx 180 km
01/08 : Tso Kar – Leh – 160 km
02/08 : Leh Rest Day
03/08 : Leh – Kargil
04/08 : Kargil – Srinagar
05/08 : Srinagar(Dal Lake, Gulmarg, etc.)
07/08 : Srinagar – Mumbai(1 buffer day+ladakh rest day)
I also want to include Zanskar in my journey. I have kept buffer of 1 day i.e., Sunday. And if required, 02nd August, rest day as well.
I would like to use it for Zanskar, if things fall in place. So the change in above plan would be like this:
02/08 : Leh-Kargil
03/08 : Kargil – Zanskar
04/08 : Zanskar – Kargil
05/08 : Kargil – Srinagar
06/08 : Srinagar(Dal Lake, Gulmarg, etc.)
07/08 : Srinagar – Mumbai
I have mentioned the distances as well because I want to know if it is possible to actually ride that much in a day. Also, I have got these distances from Google Maps, please let me know if they are the same in actuality.
1. Will it be possible to visit all the places mentioned above? Which of the above routes may not be accessible during that time?
2. Is it possible to stay overnight in Zanskar?
3. On my way from Hunder to Pangong Tso, I have mentioned to stay overnight at Tangtse. Is it possible to stay overnight there? If not, where do you think can we stay overnight?
4. Is it possible to stay at every place where I have decided to end my that day’s journey?(In Ladakh, obviously 😉 )
5. Do let me know, if I have missed any must visit place. And where can I fit that place.
Thanks a lot in Advance. 🙂
Hi Naveen,
Well, doing Zanskar Valley is adding too much. I will suggest that best will be to keep it to Suru. Make a trip to Rangdum and next day do Penzi La pass and come back to Kargil. Doing Zanskar Padum will be too much. Rest seems OK to me.
Yes, you can stay at Tangtse there are couple of decent guest houses there.
Rest looks fine.
Hi Dheere,
Thanks for your feedback… Due to some reasons we have change in plan… We are traveling on 12th of September… Just want to know is it okay to travel during this time… I have read that it is the best time to travel…
Yes, it is the best time to visit Ladakh
Hi Guys.
I am riding solo From Pune to Srinagar- Leh- Manali- Delhi. It will be from May 31st to June 15th, 2016. If anyone sharing the same itinerary and wanna join, please mail me at aniket9964@gmail.com and Devils coming from any other place, see you at Srinagar-Leh route. I will be riding with DOW stickers on my bike 🙂
Happy Journey
Aniket
Pune
Aniket, best wishes bro, do share a selfie or bikelfie with DoW sticker from Ladakh 🙂
Surely I will, Sir. Thanks a lot 🙂
@Aniket, Apologies for interfering in your thread , this was the only way I could post a query :(.. Guess coz I am a new user.
Hi Dheeraj,
Great work starting this forum and thanks a ton 🙂
We are a group of 7 friends and planning for a trip on bikes to Leh this June .(June 10 to June June 25th)
The route we ll be taking is Mumbai -Jammu (by train), starting our ride from Jammu -Srinagar- Kargil -Leh – Nubra- Pangong (via Wari -La)-back to Leh,- Sarchu-Keylong -Manali- Chandigarh -Mumbai (Chandigarh to Mumbai by train
We have 4 bikes…4 riders and 3 pillions.
– 2 Kawasaki ER 6ns (with pillions)
– ,1 RE Continental GT
– 1 RE Bullet Classic (with pillion)
1) Our main concern is carrying luggage and petrol especially on the Leh -Manali stretch.
Since our bikes are already loaded, we were thinking of hiring a car just for the luggage on this stretch and maybe zozila pass.
We ll be keeping most of our luggage in leh for the Leh -Pangong- Nubra-Leh leg of our trip, just carrying the bare essentials.
Could you give me any pointers for car rentals,price etc they might charge for just for carrying our luggage on these patches? (Covering the Leh -Keylong- Manali route in 3 days)
2) Also,, could you please let me know if we should pre-book our accommodation in Pangong,Nubra.Sarchu and Keylong as this is a peak season ?
I checked a few options online for Pangong and it shows that they are already booked.
Thanks & Regards
G
Hi Aniket, I am also planning a ride from Bombay next week. can you share your mobile #? mine is 9833682625
Thanks
rgds
Hi Dheeraj, very well written and informative article, Thanks!!
I’ve been wondering where can i fit a visit to Indian Astronomical Observatory during this trip, apparently not many people visit this or have mentioned about this. And could you also let me know is there is any resthouse we can stay in?
By the way i’m planning this trip for 4th of June.
Leh to Hanle
Hanle to Tso Moriri
Tso Moriri To Sarchu.
This is how you can plan it. On Day 5, you need to get inner line permit for Hanle.
Thanks a lott Dheeraj!! Will get in touch if i have any other question 🙂
Sure, most welcome.
Padma Guest House at Hanle is there and very good place to stay. Here is the review: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/india/ladakh-zanskar-hotels-guest-houses/padma-guest-house-home-stay-hanle-review-t168.html
Dear Dheeraj,
Thanks a ton for your generous efforts!
We plan a rented self drive car from Chandigarh to complete the Chandigarh – Srinagar – Leh – Manali – Chandigarh Circuit. Of course, Local S/S in Leh by local cabs only.
Need your suggestions/views regarding the following itinerary (tweaked your common itinerary a little):
Day 1: Chandigarh – Srinagar
Day 2: Srinagar – Sonmarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil
Day 3: Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
Day 4: Leh Local Sightseeing
Day 5: Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
Day 6: Hunder – Turtuk
Day 7: Tutuk – Hunder – Sumur – Panamik – Khardung La – Leh
Day 8: Leh – Pangong Tso Lake
Day 9: Pangong Tso Lake – Chumathang – Hanle
Day 10: Hanle – Tso Moriri
Day 11: Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Leh
Day 12: Leh – Debring – Sarchu
Day 13: Sarchu – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
Day 14: Manali – Mandi – Chandigarh
Kindly help me with the following:
1) Is it possible using single local cab to do: Leh – Pangong Tso Lake – Chumathang – Hanle – Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Leh in one go in a span of 4 days (Day 8 – Day 11).
P.S: We need to get back to Leh as Leh – Manali will be by rented self drive car!
2) If above is not possible, then is there any way I can tweak the itinerary to cover all mentioned destinations in span of 14 days only (From and to Chandigarh).
Looking forward to your suggestions!
HI Sir,
I am following your itinerary i will be reaching Hunder on 6th day and instead of coming back to LEH i am planning to reach Lukung/Pangong Tso via wari La on day 7th. I am travelling alone so it ok to plan this route? second on goolgemap it is showing 320 KM if possible can you share more details on this route.
Thanks,
Abhishek sharma
Hello Dheeraj,
We are a family of 4 Self (51), Wife (45), Sons (21&11)
We are planning to do the following in my self owned Toyota Fortuner 4X4.
29-May Pathankot Srinagar
30-May Srinagar Srinagar
31-May Srinagar Sonmarg
1-Jun Sonmarg Kargil
1-Jun Kargil Leh
2-Jun
3-Jun
4-Jun Leh Deskit
4-Jun Deskit Hunder
5-Jun Hunder Turtuk
OPTION 1
5-Jun Turtuk Leh
6-Jun Leh Spangmik
OPTION 2
5-Jun Turtuk – Panamik Agaham
6-Jun Agham – via Wari La Spangmik
6-Jun Karu
7-Jun Spangmik Hanle
8-Jun Hanle Tso Moriri (via Kyun Tso)
9-Jun Tso Moriri (via Kyun Tso) Jispa
10-Jun Jispa Manali
11-Jun Manali Delhi
Questions:
1. Do you see any tight schedules over here?
2. What permits do I need for covering these routes?
3. Do I need any approval / permission/ permit to drive my own private vehicle in Ladakh area?
4. Do you expect all the mountain passes to be open in this time frame?
5. Is there a possibility of getting Diesel at Durbuk, Nyoma, Hanale?
Thanks a ton in advance.
Unmesh Deshpande
Hi Dheeraj!
6 of us were planning to take the Manali – Leh – Srinagar route for a trip spanning 4th June to 14th June. We start from Manali on 6th early morning and have to be back to Srinagar by 13th morning (we have a flight at 10:40 am to delhi).
Going by the day we will be required to spend at Leh for the permits etc, it doesnt look like the trio of Nubra, pangong & Tso Moriri will be feasible. Between Tso Moriri & pangong, which one do you suggest we cover?
Also, our plan is to leave Leh on 11th morning, stop at Kargil for the night & reach Srinagar by 12th. am i allotting too much time or will this much time be required?
HI Dheeraj,
We are 11 people with family,planning 8 days trip to leh. I have drafted an itinery,Can you just review and let us know for any suggestions?
Day 1(6th August) :- Arrive in leh/Rest for 4-5 hours at hotel then local sight seeing(Overnight At Leh).
Day 2(7th August) :-Around Leh/Nearby SightSeeing(Overnight at leh).
Day 3(8th August) :- Leh – Phyang – Khardung La – Khardung – Khalsar – Diskit – Hunder (Overnight at Diskit/Hunder).
Day 4(9th August) :- Spend Half day at nubra..leave in afternoon Diskit – Khalsar (19 KMs) – Agham (31 KMs) – Tangyar (11 KMs) – Wari La (28 KMs) (Overnight at Wari La)
Day 5(10August) Wari La – Tathok (25 KMs) – Sakti (4 KMs) – Chang La (34 KMs) – Durbuk (32 KMs) – Tangste (9 KMs) – Lukung (34 KMs) – Spangmik ( (Pangong Tso) (16 KMs) (Overnight Stay at pangong)
Day 6(11th August) Pangong Tso to Leh (Overnight at leh).
Day 7(12th August) Leh – Lamayuru- Uleytoko (Overnight at Lamayuru/Uleytoko ).
Day 8 (13th August) Uleytoko – Alchi-Sangam-Mangnetic Hills – Leh Uleytoko .(Overnight at leh).
Day 9(14th August) Leh to Zanskar river rafting and Hemis National Park.(Overnight at leh).
Day 10(15th August) return to boring life.
Let me know your thoughts?
Amaresh, you cannot sleep at Wari La, you have to reach Tangste or Spangmik. Rest is OK.
Hello Dheeraj Sir,
I am following your Srinagar-leh-manali itinerary. I also fixed my dates i.e. June 1st to June 15th 2016. I got a problem. The bike I am taking along belongs to my cousin. And I am somewhat worried because of the rules. But I really want to go on the same bike at any cost. Could you plz provide any solutions.
Regards,
Aniket
Pune
Aniket bhai, the rules have gone stricter. Guess there is a pass now from this year you need to get from union and if confronted it might have issues.
Sir, I have managed to get the smart card with my name, PUC, Insurance. And leaving as per plan.
Hope I need nothing else now. And could you please enlighten me with this new PASS thing that might be starting from this year.
Aniket, you might need to get a pass but details are not out yet. Will confirm in couple of days
Hello Dheeraj,
I am back with a few more queries. (8
1. I have heard about ZojiLa Pass – Its open half day for oncoming and ongoing traffic. is this true ? 1st half of the day for traffic going towards Leh and 2nd half for traffic returning from Leh, If this is true, then skipping Srinagar for a night stay and making Sonmarg a night pit-stop sounds more practical. need your inputs.
2. we are planning to tweak our itinerary a bit, heard about Mughal road so decided to drop patnitop and head to Jammu, from Jammu, take Mughal road to srinagar. do you see any challenge on the Mughal road (Security concerns)
3.. This is the year of Naropa festival (1st july – 31st July), will this make accommodation in Leh a little challenging, do we need to book accommodation and ignore on the spot accommodation booking idea.
.
Please share your thoughts
Regs,
Sandeep
Hello Sandeep,
1. Yes, till the time snow melts out up to late June, this will be restrictions and once BRO feels it is safe to travel both ways and road is wide enough for safe exit, it will be allowed from both directions. Not sure about what you said because in the morning the on coming traffic is allowed from Drass side, so even if you are there at Sonamarg, you will not be allowed to pass through it unless time starts
2. Not really, keep an eye on present situations in that sector and take a call then and there.
3. You may reserve couple of days of accommodation in Leh.
Thanks Dheeraj, sorry for the confusion due to my lack of knowledge … from your reply it means traffic coming from Kargil/Drass will be allowed in the morning and traffic going towards kargil will be allowed in the 2nd half … I was under impression the other way around,
Thanks again for your time, this helps !
Regs
Sandeep
Yes Sandeep bhai, that is the way traffic is operating right now.
Hi
When I searched Google, I found there is one Pangong Tso and one Pangong Lake. What’s the difference between two? Where shall we head? Are there different routes to Pangong Lake & Tso (as Google doesn’t show any route to Pangong Tso)??
TIA
There is no difference. Both are same. The lake starts at the village called Lukung and continues along Spangmik, Man, Merak, Kakset, before Chusul where it enters into China.
Hi mate
Thanks for the info!!
I’ve another query. From Pangong to Moriri, there are 2 routes, one via Chumathang another via Chusul. Which one do u recommend?? What are the pros & cons of both the routes??
TIA
Manas, you will get all your answers in the artcile: Tips for Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri Direct Route
Sir can we travel from panong lake to nubra valley without touching leh
sir we are traveling in a group of 8 people(4 couples). Is it advisable to not book rooms in advance for travelling .we would not mind budget accommodation as home stay.and are rented car permited to enter leh?
The answer to your question is yes and the route would be Pangong tso Spangmik>Tangtse>Durbuk>Shyok valley>Agham>Khalsar>Sumur>Diskit….
Spangmik to Karu-125kms approx
Although one needs to fill in enough fuel for the rest of the journey as the fuel pump at Diskit is not in working conditions half the time and it better be at Karu which is about 76 kms from Durbuk junction and this applies good only if one really wants to skip entering Leh which ofcourse has fuel station and one more fuel station on Khardung la route near South pullu on Leh-Nubra road.
If you are taking Karu as Fuel point and wants to skip Leh then once on fueling up at karu,Head back towards Durbuk(the same route you have taken to Karu) and 10kms from karu on this route is Sakti cross where if one makes a left there is a one more route that leads to Nubra-
KaruSaktiAghamKhalsarSumurTrichaPanamik Via Wari la.
Can you suggest if i can use my own car to travel from delhi -leh – delhi.
Travelling by a sedan will be good idea or no ??
Or should i hire other car
We are group of 4 travelling in june
Are there any restrictions using your own car? Do you need some permits also can i drive sedan there or just SUVs should be used.
Please tell
Prashant, there is no restriction in using your own car at all. The car must belong to you or your family member with whom you can prove the relationhip by a valid document like Father (Passport/DL/Voter Id), Wife (Passport)
You will indeed face few tough challenges on the route. The hatchback/sedan will increase the level of every challenge even further, sedan is the worst candidate. My suggestion will be to go via Srinagar route as it will help you feel comfortable with the driving, provide more acclimatization and then once you have done the local Leh-Ladakh, then come back via Manali side. Secondly, since you are in hatch/sedan, then you need to drive with extra care as well. There will be some sections on the Manali – Leh highway in which you might need to sacrifice some scratches on the underbelly. Just make sure you do not bump the engine sump (know it before where it is placed in your car). You need to protect it all around the trip. Thirdly, whenever in doubt do not rush into the section rather park aside and feel the section with your foot, see how other vehicles are crossing it and make a planned route in your mind to cross that section. At the very least do carry Mseal, quick fix, funnel, jerry cans and towing rope with you all the time.
Also, I will strongly suggest that you go through and read my series on Ladakh Self Drive tips at the links below:
7 Useful Tips for a Self Drive to Leh – Ladakh, Routes and Road Conditions In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips, Fuel Availability In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips
Dear Sir,
Planned to visit ladakh from 12June to 25June and will be following your “most common itinerary” and it will be solo ride pls advice if dates are “OK” and how about accommodation…i am not so particular of hotels and how much it will cost in these days? Is it advisable to carrying DSLR camera?
Regards,
Abhishek sharma
Yes Abhishek, it is good time to travel and you will get accommodation on the spot too. Dont worry about that. You can take your DSLR camera
Hi Abhisheikh
I am riding solo too on those days. Looking for someone to tag along. are you OK with it?
rgds
Added a day in Leh after visiting Nubra. That’ll give us rest before we drive 10-12 hours a day for the next 3 days. Will that help?
I need one more suggestion – How can I get a list of decent homestays in all these places- Leh, Hunder, Kargil, Tsomoriri, Sarchu and Manali? Have booked one in Srinagar, but for the rest, I have been browsing the net but not getting any genuine replies. Also browsed through the DOW places to stay in Leh. We are family of 4 and since you mentioned that these may not be suitable for families to stay, so need your suggestion. Need a place for about Rs. 1300 per person per night, max!
Please help.
Replied to your other comment. Which places you saw may not be suitable for families? You can choose any of them: Moderate Budget Hotels or Accommodation in Leh – Ladakh
Hi,
We are 4 people planing for Ladakh – 14 Aug to 28 Aug 2016 from Mumbai(Budget trip)
Our itenary is:
14 Aug – Reach Srinagar
15 Aug – Srinagar to Kargil (Is there any risk to travel on 15th Aug, Independence Day in Srinagar bcoz of bundh etc…)
16 Aug – Kargil to Leh
17 Aug – Leh local sightseeing
18 Aug – Leh to Nubra valley by local Bus Service- Thursday
19 Aug – Nubra to Leh
20 Aug – Leh to Tso moriri by Bus service
21 Aug – Tso moriri to Leh
22 Aug – Leh to Pangong on bike- 2 bikes for 4 of us.
23 Aug – Pangong to Leh on bike
24 Aug – Leh
25 Aug & 26 Aug – Leh to Manali by HPTDC bus
27 Aug – Manali to Delhi
The itenary is as suggested by you.
Few Questions :
* Is it safe to travel from Srinagar to Kargil on 15th Aug or if we plan to stay at srinagar on 15th Aug, then can we do local sightseeing that day.
* Bus service from Leh to Nubra covers only Diskit and Hunder …so what can we do for Sumur and Panamik .can we skip it or it is really worth visiting.
If so can we travel on bike to diskit-hunder-sumur-panamik….2 bikes for 4 of us
* Can four of us travel on 2 bikes to pangong..is it safe (1st time traveller in Ladakh)
* Most imp- are the local bus tickets booked on the same day or one/two days prior and what are chances of getting the tkts…..does tkts get full.
Regards,
Yogesh
Regarding security issues, in general the tourist areas remain safe there but bandhs can affect the traffic movement. It is advised always that you leave the city in the early morning hours in such cases. Usually these bandhs are pre-declared and hence you can leave the city in early morning hours judging the situation around before the bandh gets active. As long as you can stick to main highway and tourist areas, there is in general no issues.
Thank You so much Dheeraj.
Sumur and Panamik can be skipped. Yes bus tikcets are booked on the same day.
Hi Dheeraj,
We are planning a Srinagar Leh Manali Itinerary, starting on the 10th of August from Srinagar. It goes on as follows.
10th: Land in Srinagar, head to Gulmarg. Stay for 2 nights.
12th: Leave for Kargil. Sleepover in Kargil.
13th: Leave for Leh. Reach Leh do all the permits required and local sight seeing.
14th: Turtuk via Khardung la and Hunder. Stay at Turtuk.
15th: Come to Nubra, explore the reegion. stay @ Nubra/ Hunder/ Diskit.
16th: Nubra to Pangong Tso. Camp at Pangong Tso.
17th: Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri and Tso Kar. Stay at Tso Moriri.
18th: Tso Moriri to Leh. Relax and cover Local Sightseeing and any other activities that we might have missed.
19th: Relax and stay in Leh.
20th: Leh to Sarchu/Jispa.
21st: Jispa to Manali/Kasaul (Yet Finalise on that.)
Please advice us about the same.
You should do it like:
16th: Nubra Valley to Leh
17th: Leh – Pangong Tso
18th: Pangong Tso – Leh
19th: Leh – Tso Moriri
20th: Tso Moriri – Sarchu/Darcha/Jispa
21st: Reach Manali/Kasol
Hi Dheeraj,
Great site. With load of ladakh travel websites, yours is the most informative and structured. Cleared lot of my doubts. After spending a week on your website, I have come up with below itinerary. Can you do a sign off on this 🙂
Further, me and my wife are going to go on this beautiful journey. It’ll be in last week of June or first week of July. We are confused on how to travel. Most of people we know who have been there suggest us to go with a group as its not safe for a single couple to go as there are places there would be no one just two of us and taxi driver. While most of online websites suggest us to take a travel agent group tour. We don’t have any friends going to Ladakh this year and wanted to know, how safe it is for a single couple to do the whole itinerary using one of the taxi drivers mentioned on DOW website.
Appreciate your patience and help on this matter.
Day 1: Reach Srinagar by Afternoon
Night Stay : Srinagar
Day 2: Srinagar to Kargil via Sonmarg, Dras, Kargil War memorial
Night Stay : Kargil
Day 3: Kargil to Leh
Night Stay : Leh
Day 4: Sightseeing In Leh
Night Stay : Leh
Day 5: Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung La
Night Stay : Hundar, Nubra Valley
Day 6: Nubra Valley to Turtuk
Night Stay : Turtuk
Day 7: Turtuk to Leh
Night Stay : Leh
Day 8: Leh to Pangong Tso via Changa La
Night Stay : Pangong Tso
Day 9: Pangong Tso to Leh
Night Stay : Leh
Day 10: Leh to Tso Moriri
Night Stay : Tso Moriri
Day 11: Tso Moriri to Sarchu
Night Stay : Sarchu
Day 12: Sarchu to Manali
Night : Travel to Delhi
Hello Prashant,
Ladakh is one of the safest places I have ever been to in my life. People are authentic, humble, smiling and always ready to help no matter what. Your itinerary is very well structured and planned. You are going there as a couple and private taxis are very costly in Leh but you will be able to find the shared taxi without much fuss at all. There are lots of flyers which people put at cafes, dine-ins, restaurants, travel agent desks/shops/whiteboards wanting to share the taxis for different trips within Ladakh. Even travel agent organize such shared taxis trip as well but charge a little higher about Rs 200-300 more than it would ideally cost. So, in worst case you can always go back to them and book a seat for yourself. Gelling up with people in Ladakh is more or less easy because many people travel solo and look forward to meet new people and share cultural thoughts and values over the trip. No where else in the world you will find more smiling and helpful people as Ladakhis are 🙂
Thank you so much Dheeraj for such a positive reply. I’m now more encouraged to self plan and hunt for travel partners. Posting to DOW Travel Calendar as well.
Hi Dheeraj,
First up. Excellent website. Just love what you have done with it.
We are Group of 7 (maybe 8) based out of Mumbai planning this heavenly trip (First timers for the Himalayas).
We reach Jammu on the morning of 22nd May by Train. Take rented cars for sight visits/ camps and drop back to either Jammu or Manali.
We want to be back in Mumbai by 5th June morning or earlier (possibly by Train else flight from Delhi).
Could you please suggest what could be the best itinerary and places we could cover in these 14-15 days span. Can we visit the Zanskar river and frozen waterfall within this trip and timeline.
We have been talking to a local travel agent who has offered 1,20,000/- including travel/food/accommodation/permits/pick and drop to Jammu or Manali. But, hazy on locations to be visited.
Lastly related to safety, how secure should one feel when touring this place; since there will be girls as well on this trip with us.
Thanks a tonne.
Hello Aditya,
1. For the trip plan, you can follow the above itinerary suggested in the article. Zanskar river you can visit but it freeze in winters only.
2. Is that offer for whole trip of 15 days for 8 people :shock:??
3. Ladakh is one of the safest place I have ever been in my life 🙂
Thanks Dheeraj,
We will follow the above itinerary suggested. Cheers and thanks!!
Yes the offer stands for 8pax, Is it a good deal?? I will forward the itinerary to the agent for reconfirmation of the places to be visited.
Few other queries –
1. Camping – Are tents available easily on rent/What’s the cost?
2. Camping – Suggest best/safe place where we can camp out for a night.
3. Bikes – We plan to rent 1 Bike as well, What’s the approx cost?
4. I learned only BSNL postpaid works in Ladakh, please elaborate on this?
5. We booked return via Chandigarh; How frequent are Buses/Taxis available from Manali to Chandigarh/What’s the cost?
6. What are best souvenirs (other than the stunning pics :)) one can carry back home from Ladakh/Where can we get it and the cost related?
Lastly for readers, we are 1 person short for this trip so anybody interested can email on (amvt88@gmail.com); preferably from Mumbai so we can meet up and discuss.
I really doubt what he is covering in it, 8 people for 120000 for 15 days including Taxi and Stay seems hard to digest to me, please confirm what he is offering. Srinagar to Manali taxi charges mostly after discount are around 60-65K
1. If above is the offer with stay, why to tent? Yes, from main market you can rent tents
2. Please read: Top 10 Tips for Camping in Ladakh & Spiti Valley
3. 1200-1600 per day depending upon bike
4. Yes only BSNL Postpaid works in majority of places but now a day other postpaids of Airtel and sometimes Vodafone too works but only in Leh or near by not other places in Ladakh
5. Daily buses are available from Manali
6. There are many buddhism based art work present in main market, you can just explore around and I am sure you will find one.
Hi Dheeraj,
I am bit confused regarding going to Tso-Moriri directly from Sarchu and then to Pangong tso and then Leh. as I dont know the availability of Petrol Pump.
Day1 Chandigarh- Manali (Night stay @ Manali)
Day2 Manali (Night stay @ Manali)
Day3 Manali-Sarchu (Night stay @ Sarchu)
Day4 Sarchu-Tso Moriri (Night stay @ Rso-Moriri)
Day5 Tso Moriri- Pangong So (Night stay @ Pangong)
Day6 Pangong So- Leh (Night stay @ Leh)
Day7 Leh (Night stay @ Leh)
Day8 Leh- Nubra (Night stay @ Nibra)
Day9 Nubra -Leh (Night stay @ Leh)
Day10 Leh (Night stay @ Leh)
Day11 Leh- Kargil (Night stay @ Kargil)
Day12 Kargil- Srinagar (Night stay @ Srinagar)
Day13 Srinagar (Night stay @ Srinagar)
Day14 Srinagar-Patnitop (Night stay @ Patnitop)
Day15 Jammu- Delhi Train @night
Let me know if my itinerary is ok.
Thanks in Advance.
Viraj
Hello Viraj, it is NOT AT ALL sugested to do the trip the way you are doing. You will fall very ill and can end up in hospital. You have enough days to make a memorable trip to Ladakh, please follow the itinerary mentioned in: Ladakh from Manali – Most Common Itinerary
Thanks Dheeraj.
I will go through the link you provided.
thanks for the useful info.
Viraj
Hi Dheeraj,
I’m Anand from Bangalore. Thank you so much for all the information you’ve put up, it’s a huge treasure.
I’m planning a trip to leh-ladakh from June 19th – July 3rd. I’m planning to ship my bike from BLR to jammu and start riding from there. I’ve found the itinerary that you’ve put up very useful. However, I have a doubt about the permissions required to specific places and I need your help in sorting it out. And also, do I need to carry extra fuel in a can or is there enough no. of fuel stations on this route. Below is my route plan, could you please go through it and tell me which all places require permission and if you’ve any suggestions to change any route or what so ever, please let me know.
Day 1 | Jammu / Patnitop – Srinagar Via NH1A (Udhampur-Patnitop-Banihal-Anantnag-Srinagar) – 296 Kms.
Overnight at Srinagar
Day 2 | Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass Via NH1D (Srinagar-Sonamarg-Batlal-Drass) 145 Kms.
Overnight stay at Drass.
Day 3 | Drass – Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh 275Kms.
Overnight stay at Leh
Day 4 | Leh
Acclimatize and permissions and chill and stay.
Day 5 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
Overnight stay at Hunder.
Day 6 | Hunder / Diskit – Wari La – Pangong Tso Lake.
Overnight stay at Pangong.
Day 7 | Pangong Tso Lake – Tso Moriri
Overnight at Karzok.
Day 8 | Tso Moriri(Karzok) – Tso Kar – Debring (Manali – Leh Highway starts)Pang/Sarchu
Overnight stay at Sarchu or Pang.
Day 9 | Pang / Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali.
Overnight stay at Manali.
Day 10 | Manali – Delhi Via NH21 NH1 553kms.
Overnight stay at Delhi.
Day 11 | Delhi – Udaipur Via NH8 652 Kms.
Overnight stay at Udaipur.
Day 12 | Udaipur – Surat Via NH8 491 Kms.
Overnight stay at Surat.
Day 13 | Surat – Pune Via NH8 420 Kms.
Overnight stay at Pune.
Day 14 | Pune – Hubli via NH4 435 Kms.
Overnight stay at Hubli.
Day 15 | Hubli – Bangalore Via NH4 411 Kms.
Thank you so much.
Bump
Just replied.
Hello Anand,
Wari La route, which is also a bit desolated but doable enough. If your driver agrees to travel on this route then take the Wari La route to Pangong Tso. Remember that any help required on both these routes will be HARD to find in miles of distance. If you have couple of vehicles then only take this route otherwise best is to avoid it.
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. Then this is completely a dirt track all the way with quite a bumpy ride upto Tsaga. That churns most things in your stomach 😀 … Finally, totally isolated with no one around you in miles. 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 Upshi – Chumathang.
Rest looks OK. You will need to have a fuel capacity of nearrly 1000KMs without fuel. It will be tough and you wil have to rely on black fuel only.
Hi Anand,
Even I am from Bangalore and planning my trip, can you please share me your email I’d? Please email me on anoopraj.td@gmail.com.
Hi Dheeraj,
I am a close follower of DoW and sincerely appreciate your effort in helping out many a enthusiasts like me.
After going through the itinerary suggested by you, we are sure we want to go by it. But, if possible we would like to avoid the Bike rides between Delhi – Srinagar and Manali – Delhi. Thinking that riding for the entire itinerary shared here might get too hectic. (Kindly suggest if it is not). We are a couple of friends and we are generally used to long distance riding.
We would like to follow the itinerary suggested by you for Srinagar – Leh – Manali. For this, we would be needing rental bikes at Srinagar which we can drop at Manali. Would like to know whether there would be any possibility for finding such a rental service, if yes how would be the approximate costing for it be..
Please share your thoughts.. Thanks!!
Sai, Bikes rented outside Leh are not allowed for sightseeing inside Ladakh except Tso Moriri and Tso Kar lakes which can be done while going to Manali from Leh. Private bikes are completely allowed. You can use the outside rented bike to reach Leh but then for going to Pangong Tso, nubra Valley, etc.. you need to hire rented bikes from Leh only.
To know more about this rule and present situation, please refer the link: Bikes Rented Outside Leh Banned in Ladakh
This year as per reports, rule is going to be stricter. Manali rental guys have formalized a deal that for the days Manali bike is parked in Leh and Leh bike is rented, they will charge 50% of the rent of the bike. So, confirm with Manali rental guys first about this signoff.
For renting bikes in Leh – Ladakh along with current Bike Union Prices, you can check the DwD Community thread: Leh – Ladakh Bike Rental Rates 2015 – 16 & Reliable Shops
The one way bike rental is quite costly and leave a big dent in pocket for you, sometimes like 12K for just the pickup from Manali. Be sure if you are ready to make that investment or not or if at all it is worth the money spent. My suggestion is unless you are hard core biker and cannot live up the passion of biking, it is not wise to spend that much money just for the pickup of bike.
I will suggest that you go through the articles mentioned under the DwD Community thread for bike trip to Ladakh or any other part of Himalayas at the link: All About Bike Ride to Ladakh & Himalayas. This will help you cover almost all your queries related to bike trip to Ladakh or Himalayas.
Hi Dheeraj ,
I am planning delhi-leh-delhi route suggested by you.. Most probably my dates would be June 7-23 it will be very help if u can provide any contacts of details for bike hire from Delhi.
Thanks in advance
Anirudh, outside rented bikes are not allowed for sightseeing in Ladakh. Are you sure you want to travel it that ways?
can you suggest me what to do if i have to plan a road trip from delhi- delhi around
Follow the plan mentioned in the article above.
Hello admin…m planning a trip wth a frnd on 16 aug frm delhi to srinagr to leh to manali to delhi on rented byk..how many days it will take 2 cmplt d trip..plz guide me as m frm assam
Debraj, you have the article above which you can follow and skip places in Ladakh after Day 5 to fit it as per days you have in hand
Hi Dheeraj…
Firstly thanks a ton fr providing detailed info for leh ledhak journey.
If we are flying from delhi to leh to delhi in mid of 1st week of may to mid of 2nd week of may..can we follow the Day 6 to Day 10 of ur said itienarary from in ley.?
All roads will be open and climate will be fine during that period?
Hi Dheeraj Sir,
Could you please help me out with your opinion on my queries…
Aniket, will reply today for sure. Doing it one by one 🙂
Thank You Sir!
Just replied.
Hello Mr. Dheeraj,
I’m planning a Ladakh-Leh tour on my Royal Enfield. I’m from Hyderabad and I’m planning top drive all the on my bike. Suggest the best to ride. My Route plan is as follows:
Hyderabad – Madhya Pradesh -Agra (UP) – New Delhi – Ludhiana(Panjab) – Srinagar – Sonamarg – Kargil – Khalsi – Khardung la – Leh – Pangong lake -Moore plains – Manali -Agra and back to Hyderabad.
Regards,
Sudhakar Reddy.
Looks OK, rest you can refer plan and route details on what to see and what not from the article above.
Hi Dheeraj
Had left a query at the Spiti itinerary page and got a prompt reply… Thanks!
In continuation to our Leh self drive trip plan in second week of June, with my husband and two teenage boys, following is the itinerary. We take an overnight train from Roorkee to Jammu and drive around from there. Since we have already been to a “touristy” trip to Ladakh earlier, we intend to skip Pangong Tso and a few monastries this time.
Please advise.
Day 1 | Jammu / Patnitop – Srinagar
Day 2 | Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil
Day 3 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
Day 4 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
Day 5 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
Day 6 | Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang
Day 7 | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring (Manali – Leh Highway starts) – Moore Plains – Pang / Sarchu
Day 8 | Pang / Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
Day 9 | Manali – Roorkee
Hi Kanika,
I am just a bit Worried about not having a rest day in Leh before climbing the Khardung La and going to Nubra Valley, so if you can add it then it will be great and rest of the plan seems fine to me given the number of days you have in hand.
Added a day in Leh after visiting Nubra. That’ll give us rest before we drive 10-12 hours a day for the next 3 days. Will that help?
I need one more suggestion – How can I get a list of homestays in all these places? Have booked one in Srinagar, but for the rest, I have been browsing the net but not getting any genuine replies.
Please help.
Kanika, most places have home stays and cannot be booked online so you do not see any availability there. Once you reach there it is easy to find them
Hello Dheeraj Sir,
I am from Pune, planning Srinagar-Leh-Manali trip. I want to ride my bike from Delhi. Till there I will ship my bike. Could you please suggest me a 10 days itinerary, as Pune to Delhi and back fetches me four days via train and I want to conclude the trip in 14 days.
so please tell me 1. Which places should I visit and which all I should skip?
2. Which week of may would you suggest me to start it as I want to witness a good snow.?
as you said the situation this year is different due to less snowfall…
3. Would I be able to immediately ship the bike back home to Pune in the same train I board at Delhi?
4. Am I supposed to get any online permit before starting the journey?
Hi Aniket,
I am also from Pune and we are planning to do the same trip , we are starting from Pune on 28th May and reaching Shrinagar on 3rd June.
Yes you can get your bike in the same train you are travelling, will need to go to the parcel office 24hrs before the train.
All the best and contact me if the dates match.
Hey Prashant,
That sounds great. Well, I am waiting Dheeraj Sir to plan an itinerary for me. So I’m not so sure of the dates. If happens, I would love to ride with you guys. will let you know about it soon. Further, aniket9964@gmail.com is my email id. Do share your plan. Thanks for writing:)
Hello Aniket,
1. 10 days from Delhi to Delhi is a bit less for Ladakh trip. It will take 4 days to reach Leh from Srinagar side starting from Delhi and 3 days to come back from Leh from Manali side to Delhi. 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.
2. Last week of May if you want to do the entire circuit or first week of June better
3. Please go through: How to Carry your Bike in Train to Ladakh or Himalayas?
4. If you go from Manali side then yes, if you go from Srinagar side then no need to get permit.
Thank You Sir!
Best wishes for the trip Aniket.
Hi dheeraj! Thanks for such detailed information.
6 of us are planning to take a 11 days of Srinagar-Leh-Manali trip from hyderabad in the month of July (preferably 30th June to 10th July) by taxi from Srinagar to leh (hire bikes in leh) and again taxi from leh to manali. We are following below itinerary. We also want to adjust kasol after we reach manali, so we are starting on the day 4 itself on bike trips to pangong lake from leh. Would that be okay considering adjusting to altitude change?
Day1: reach srinagar- overnight hotel
Day2: srinagar-sonmarg-Kargil (camp)
Day3: kargil-leh (overnight rest hotel)
Day4: leh-hemis mon-pangong ( Riverside camp)
Day5: pangong-thicksey-shey-leh (hotel)
Day6: leh- khardungla-diskit-hunder to numbra valley(camp)
Day7: hunder- leh- zanskar river rafting
(Is it possible? Can we go back to leh hotel after rafting same day?)
Day8: leh-sarchu (camp)
Day9: sarchu-baralacha la-keylong-rehtong pass-manali (hotel)
Days10: manali- kasol-delhi
(Same day possible?)
Day11: delhi-hyderabad
Please help with the questions 🙂
Thanks!!
Etishree Raut
Hello Etishree,
It is very very very important to take a rest day of acclimatization in Leh which is the key for a successful trip to Ladakh. Also, it is extremely important to do Nubra Valley tour first and then go for Pangong Tso trip. Unfortunately you do not seem to have too much time on hand and trying to cramp too much into it. I will advice you make one day rest in Leh, then two day trip to Nubra Valley and then one day trip to Pangong Tso or do Pangong Tso to Sarchu in one go if you want overnight stay at Panogng Tso. Adding Kasol does not make sense here as touching and coming to Delhi will also add up to 16-17 Hrs of journey
Ok Dheeraj, I would listen to you about one day rest in Leh to also cover hall of fame and memorial and other places if that would not be too much on our health due to altitude change. 🙂 Also made few changes to itinerary to go easier.
We are planning to cover leh – nubra – pangong – back to leh (3 days-2 nights) on bike. Would that be fine?
Also thanks to the less number of leaves we get from offices 😛 considering below route. You have also mentioned that instead of going back to Leh from Nubra we can proceed to Pangong Lake via Wari La Route (Ofcourse with extra fuel)
Few questions here –
1. Is this route/quality of road apt & safe for bikes? (royal enfield 350/500 cc)
2. We are travelling 1st week of july. So is the route apt for this time?
3. As we head towards Pangong Lake straight from Nubra, can we stay in Pangong overnight and then head to Leh the next day?
4. Overall, is it advisable to cover this route on bike?
Help!!!!
Thanks in advance!
Etishree
Wari La route, which is also a bit desolated but doable enough. If your driver agrees to travel on this route then take the Wari La route to Pangong Tso. Remember that any help required on both these routes will be HARD to find in miles of distance. If you have couple of vehicles then only take this route otherwise best is to avoid it.
Better is to make two day trip to Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Pangong Tso. Then from Pangong Tso start at 5 AM and reach Sarchu by evening.
Hi. …. Thanx for wonderful information. We are planning a trip to Leh Ladakh in mid of June. But want to wind up in 12 days. And also want to cover Valley of flowers
We will be coming from Delhi. And will do it from Srinagar side as you said.
Just replied to your other comment.
Dimple, within 12 days you want to cover both Ladakh and Valley of Flowers?
Gud morning. … Thanx for the reply. We have 12 days. Will be travelling by our Swift. What best itinerary we should follow? Will it be possible to cover Valley of flowers . We won’t be able to trek much . Moreover I think we will have flowers in month of September. I am confused.please help.
Dimple, just focus on Leh – Ladakh only and do Valley of Flowers some other time. Regarding 12 day plan for Leh – Ladakh just add one more day in your plan and you can follow the above plan mentioned in the article by removing the rest day at Day 10. This will be more enjoyable.
You can check Valley of flowers plan at: Valley of Flowers & Hemkunt Sahib – Most Common Itinerary
Hi Dheeraj, here is my itinerary for the ladakh trip:
Day 1: train from Delhi to udhampur
Day 2: udhampur to banihal and then to srinagar by DMU train
Day 3: Srinagar to leh by j&k bus ot taxi
Day 4: reach leh by evening
Day 5 to day 8: leh and around travel via rented bikes
Day 9: leh to Manali by bus or taxi
Day 10: reach Manali by evening /night
Day 11: Manali ti Delhi by bus / taxi
No. of people will be around 4-6 and I know it’s too hectic but time is constraint and flight fares are way too much so money automatically bcumz another constraint 🙂
Ekansh, looks OK to me. On Day 5 take rest in Leh for acclimatization and then on Day 6,7 make two day trip to Nubra Valley. Finally on Day 8 make day trip to Pangong Tso.
Also would be happy to know about the bus and taxi options ( for bus may be the timings) from srinagar to leh and from leh to Manali (bus timings and taxi rates), the journey to be completed in 2 days each.
You can refer: Rates & Time table of Bus Services in Leh – Ladakh
Hi! Dheeraj,
First of all, your information is amazingly good and very well explained. I want to congratulate for DOW.
We plan to do a trip to Leh by XUV with family (kids 6, 8, 9, 12) and as suggested by you, we might in most probability do Shrinagar – Leh – Manali.
The plan seems like –
After Reaching Leh from Kargil –
Shrinagar to Leh – 1 Night at Leh – Half day – Local
At Leh – 1 Night at Leh – Full Day – Local and Thiksey, Shey, Stok, etc.
Leh to Nubra via Khardungla – 1 Night at Nubra Valley/Diskit
Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso – 1 Night at Pangong Tso
Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri – 1 Night at Tso Moriri
Tso Moriri to Sarchu – 1 Night at Sarchu
I have some questions to begin with and as we finalize, we would trouble you again for your suggestions later.
1) Is it advisable to do Nubra Valley to Pangang Tso by XUV? Is the road condition and route good?
2) Is it advisable to stay overnight at Pangong Tso as you have suggested for a family? How to make the reservations?
3) Is it advisable to do Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri and stay at Tso Moriri?
4) Does the above look any way possible?
Look forward to your revert.
Regards,
Tarun
Hi Tarun,
Thank you.
1. Regarding Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso route, in order to take Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso via Shyok village, you need not need any permits. However, with such a small distance it appears tempting to be done BUT just to analyze the difficulty I will strongly suggest that you read:Trip Report | Nubra – Shyok Village – Pangong Tso Route. The report is from couple of year back in June & in July/August, most likely the route is washed away. Similar, reports are there from last year as well. So better confirm first, analyze the high risk involved and then only attempt it or better avoid it unless very much sure.
Next possible way is to attempt Wari La route, which is also a bit desolated but doable enough. If your driver agrees to travel on this route then take the Wari La route to Pangong Tso. Remember that any help required on both these routes will be HARD to find in miles of distance. If you have couple of vehicles then only take this route otherwise best is to avoid it.
2. Yes, it is good to stay overnight at Pangong Tso.
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. Then this is completely a dirt track all the way with quite a bumpy ride upto Tsaga. That churns most things in your stomach 😀 … Finally, totally isolated with no one around you in miles. 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 Upshi – Chumathang.
Thanks, Dear Dheeraj.
I get your point here. As I am driving on my own and we are in only one car, I might stick to the more popular routes than the less travelled ones. Also it is my own car, I would not want to spoil the car as well due to the bad roads.
1) Is it advisable to do one day trip to Nubra valley and back or will it be too much for us? How much will it cost if we book one taxi from Leh to Nubra Valley and back the same day? Also Leh to Pangong Tso and Back?
2) Can we book a stay in Pangong Tso in advance? As I read in one of your articles that it is difficult to book due to limited connectivity.
3) Where in Pangong Tso should we stay – Spangmik / Lukung / Man / Merak..??
4) Can we stay in Tso Moriri? Also, is it really worth visiting to Tso Moriri, I know it would depend on an individual but still would want to know your views.
Thanks in anticipation. Also is it possible to speak to you? Also I hope I am not bothering you too much.
Regards,
Tarun Nayyar
Hello Tarun,
1. If you are doing one day trip to Nubra Valley, it will take you around 12 Hrs and same is for Pangong Tso. Between Pangong tso and Nubra Valley, I will suggest you make two day trip to Nubra and one day trip to Pangong Tso as at Pangong Tso you will just see the lake but Nubra has monasteries, sand dunes, local villages, double humped camel safaris etc.. Also, it will ease on your body. The charges for Nubra and PAngong Tso trips will be around 10-12K each trip.
2. Yes, you can book over there in advance too.
3. Spangmik wil be my bet
4. I like Tso Moriri more than Pangong Tso at any day due to less commercialisation and that’s why I have visitied more Tso Moriri than Pangong Tso 🙂 … But for a first timer, I will recommend that you opt for Pangong Tso. If you have day in hand better skip Tso Moriri and do two day trips each to Pangong Tso and Nubra Valley.
Hi Dhiraj ji,
We are planning a trip to Leh-Ladakh in 2nd week of Jul’16. We would be visiting Nubra, Pangong Tso & Tso Moriri, apart for Local sightseeing. Can you tell us whether we can get shared taxis for Nubra, Pangong lake & Tso Moriri and at what rates….(& private vehicles then what rates??).
Yes Rajesh, shred taxis are available mostly to all these tourist places in Ladakh. In general shared cost range from 1500-2000 per person depending upon number of people in the taxi.
Thanks Dheeraj. The information is very helpful. I have a new member in this forum, looking for some help in planning my first Leh/Ladakh trip with family ( 2 Adults+ 2 Kids ( 6 & 11 years).
We will be coming from Hyderabad. Reaching Delhi on 19th May and leave for Hyderabad on 5th June.
Places mentioned in your itinerary are the places that we also want to cover. Here are few questions :
– What will be the cost of hiring a taxi/ veichle from Delhi to Srinagar. Are there any contact information for Delhi-Srinagar Taxi guide. If not Taxi what are the other means ( other than flight)?
– Will Leh- Manali road be open by before 4th June?
-Should we do this trip through a travel agent by booking in advance, or can things be arranged on our own after reaching Srinagar?
– Would booking through a travel agent be less expensive? Can you recommend me some good agents?
– We are also looking for a small group of like minded people with whom we can travel. Is there a forum for that?
I think I replied to it in forum, right?
I am planning to visit ladhak in September 2016.
My Itinerary (as per your suggestion)
Day 1 :-srinagar to kargil
Day2: kargil to leh
Day 3: leh local sight seen
Day 4 : Leh to Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
Day5: hunder/diskit – leh
Day 6: Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake
Day 7: Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
Day 8: Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang
Day 9 : Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Pang / Sarchu
Day 10 : Pang / Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
Date of Journey start from Kolkata : 10th sep 2016 or 17th sep 2016 (please suggest which will be the best )
No of travelers : 7 (including 12 years girl )
1. Please tell me what will be the approximate budget for above itinerary from Srinagar to manali.
2. What will be the accommodation cost per day with foods.
3. Where we need to book accommodation in advance.
4. Is there possible to spot book accommodation on that time.
Please help me to do final planning.
Thanks for your great jobs.
Hello Tapas,
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
3. 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.
4. Yes, if you are OK searching few places here and there after reaching and you do not want to stay at a specific named hotel.
Hi Dheeraj. You’re doing a fantastic job. Thanks to all your articles and advises, we went to Ladakh 2 years ago via the Srinagar route and came back by the same route. But this time we plan to go via Srinagar but come back via Manali. One question I wanted to ask was if its possible to do Pangong Tso and continue to head towards Tso Morori or do we have to come back to Leh and then go to Tso Morori? Many thanks.
Hi Rohit,
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. Then this is completely a dirt track all the way with quite a bumpy ride upto Tsaga. That churns most things in your stomach 😀 … Finally, totally isolated with no one around you in miles. 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 Upshi – Chumathang.
Hi Dheeraj,
first up. excellent website with so much info for us who are planning trips.
The question i had after looking at this itinerary is , can i pick up a self drive SUV from Srinagar ( is it possible to rent there ) drive to Leh , then use local taxis for trips within leh , and use the self driven SUV to come back to Manali and drop it off there. Is this pick up at one place and drop at another place even possible ? I dont mind dropping the car back at Delhi if thats somehow convenient for the rental agency.
Thanks
Anoop.
Hello Anoop,
Outside rented vehicles including bike, self drive cars, taxis are not allowed for sightseeing within Ladakh. You need to get a local Leh rented bike or taxi only for sightseeing in Ladakh. However, there will not be any self drive rented cars available in Srinagar so no chance of pickup anyhow. You can take rented car from Delhi and drive the whole circuit in and out of Leh and drop it back in Delhi. For inside Ladakh sightseeing you can use local Ladakh taxi.
Dear Dheeraj,
I would like to know what all must be carried for a trip to Leh during mid June to July for a bike-trip (Hire bike)? Is it possible to hire biking gears at Leh?
Eagerly waiting to hear from you… 🙂
Gayathri
Yes you should get biking gears in Leh. I will suggest that you go through the articles mentioned under the DwD Community thread for bike trip to Ladakh or any other part of Himalayas at the link: All About Bike Ride to Ladakh & Himalayas. This will help you cover almost all your queries related to bike trip to Ladakh or Himalayas.
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.
Hi dheeraj !
I felt really very excited and relieved after reading all d useful information provided above..
Well, as I am planning a trip to leh ladakh on RE bike from delhi, I wanted a chunk of time from your schedule so that u cud advise me on how to plan and from where to start, what itinerary to follow and etc. We are 3 frnds and will be starting from delhi.. time in hand – approx 2 weeks.. so I was wondering if u cud help us in planning r trip.
Thanx 🙂
Furthermore, We are planning somewhere in mid of April.. will that be a gud time to visit Leh ?
Hi Jatin, you can follow the plan above as it is to make your trip memorable for Ladakh. Unfortunately I see April, you do not have choice as the roads to Ladakh will open in late April to late May
HI sHARMA,
We are planning to visit srinagar- manali route trip from july 19 to 31st is that right time to visit .
regards
Kumar S
Yes, Kumar it shall be OK time to travel Ladakh. Of course if monsoon comes up, it will mean a bit trouble for you in lower hills with landslides and road blocks.
Hi Dheeraj,
I’m planning a road trip to leh in the last week of May with my friends. We are a group of 8 members mixed company. We want to drive from Delhi to Leh via Srinagar and return back to Delhi via Manali. We have 12 days in hand. Is it possible for you to chalk out an itinerary for our trip? Thank you!!!!!
Nilesh, you can follow the plan suggested in the article and remove the rest day after coming back from Pangong Tso. It will be easy on body too.
Hello Dheeraj,
We ( group of 4-5 friends ) are Planning a Trip from Pune – Ladakh this September 2016!
And we are planning for a 20-25 Days Trip starting from Pune itself!
Most Importantly, we are planning to book a Mahindra XUV500 or Toyota Innova Self Drive by ZoomCar or JustRide….
So, Are there any issues with the Rented Car ?? especially after Srinagar?
And we are planning a totally Relaxed and Safe Trip….so, what would you suggest us? The above Itinerary looks good…we can add some more days to it….And what about the Hotels and Restaurants to stay and eat on the way? Any Moderate Hotel Options?
Yes, Self drive rented cars and taxis outside Ladakh are not allowed to do any sightseeing within Leh – Ladakh. You can use them for getting to Leh and getting out from Leh but not sightseeing. So, the self drive cars you are taking must have private number plate, mostly should be under your name, your wife name or your father name otherwise you will have to again hire a taxi within Ladakh and pay for your local taxi without using it. You can read: Rented Self Drive Cars in Leh – Ladakh Banned “FORCIBLY”
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 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
20-25 days is a good time to travel Ladakh.
Hi,
Please confirm if this forced ban impacts Hired Motorbikes as well? Can I go sightseeing in an hired motorbike?
Yes, it does impact.
Hi Dheeraj,
I am planning to carry out Delhi – Leh round trip on Royal Enfield bike in the month of June. We are a bunch of 3 guys. I am in planning and prep phase, hence I am drafting a Items needed itinerary for the trip. I am sure I must have missed many a things.
I need your inputs on the same. Please have a look at the below unfinished list and provide your inputs.
Items Itinerary:
1. Oxygen cylinder(2)
2. 5 liters Can(6)
3. Spare Tube(3)
4. Bike Spares (Chainset, clutch wire, Mobile oil, gear oil, puncture kit, ….)
5. Helmets(5)
6. Bike gears (jacket, gloves, knee cap ….)
7. Tow rope, tarpaulin, raincoats, Tents
Thanks,
Ashish
Adding –>
8. First Aid
9. Power Banks, MTNL Sim Card (I believe MTNL have the best service there)
Let me know if you come across anything I have missed.
Thanks in Advance. 🙂
Yes, MTNL which runs as BSNL is has the widest coverage. And dont forget it has to be Post Paid to work in Ladakh.
Dear Dheeraj,
We are a couple travelling in one bike with one as the pillon.. Can afford to keep a buffer of 2 days.
Planning to hire a RE Classic 350 from Leh.
We are planning this travel mostly on June 20th and can extend the trip max till July 10th .
Could you please suggest some monastries to stay or other really cheap accomodation options?
Since the days/dates can’t be excatly fixed since there could be landslides/blocks, is it preferable to travel withour prior booking of rooms?
Is it possible to rent the biking gears from Leh?
Is the itirenary ok? Or could you suggest areas where I need to modify?
What all should be booked prior to the travel?
Writing the plan below…
Leh Ladakh – Our Dream Bike Trip
Day 1: Bangalore to Srinagar
Day 2: At Srinagar
Day 3: Srinagar to Leh in Bus (Stay at Kargil)
Day 4: Kargil to Leh (Bus) (Stay at Leh)
Day 5: Leh (Liesure) (Stay at Leh)
Day 6: Leh-Khardung La- Diskit-Hunder (Stay at Hunder/Diskit)
Day 7: Hunder-Sumur-Panamic-Sumur-Leh (Stay at Leh)
Day 8: Leh-Hemis Monastry- Pangong Tso (Stay at Pangong Tso)
Day 9: Pangong Tso-Thicksey Monastry-Shey Palace-Leh (Stay at Leh)
Day 10: Chilling to Nimo Rafting (Stay at Leh)
Day 11: Leh Local Exploration+Rest (May be Sham Valley – Alchi,Likir,Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, Gurudwara Pather Sahib) (Stay at Leh)
Day 12: Leh-Tso Moriri (Stay at Tso Moriri)
Day 13: Tso Moriri (Stay at Tso Moriri)
Day 14: Tso Moriri to Leh (Stay at Leh)
Day 15: Leh to Manali (Bus)
Day 16: Manali local sightseeing (Stay at Manali)
Day 17: Manali to Delhi and return
Eagerly waiting to hear from you,
Gayathri
orry for such a delay, still looking for reply?
Your plan seems quite fine to me and well relaxed.
Your plan seems good to me and very well relaxed. Add a day for Turtuk in Nubra Valley taking out extra day from Day 10,Day11. You will remember Turtuk for long time in life.
Thank you soooo much Dheeraj…. Actually I was checking this page several times a day to see your reply. And felt too delighted to read your suggestions.
So I have added an additional day and kept Turtuk to Day 7. Will we get any ACCOMODATION at Turtuk? Below is the updated itinerary.
DAY Date Place Stay
Day 1 21st June Cochin-Bangalore to Srinagar Srinagar
Day 2 22nd June At Srinagar Srinagar
Day 3 23rd June Srinagar to Leh in Bus Kargil
Day 4 24th June Kargil to Leh (Bus) (Stay at Leh) Leh
Day 5 25th June Leh (Liesure) (Stay at Leh) Leh
Day 6 26th June Leh-Khardung La- Diskit-Hunder (Stay at Hunder/Diskit) Hunder/Diskit
Day 7 27th June Hunder -Turtuk Turtuk
Day 8 28th June Turtuk-Hunder-Sumur-Panamic-Sumur-Leh (Stay at Leh) Leh
Day 9 29th June Leh-Hemis Monastry- Pangong Tso (Stay at Pangong Tso) Pangong Tso
Day 10 30th June Pangong Tso-Thicksey Monastry-Shey Palace-Leh (Stay at Leh) Leh
Day 11 1st July Chilling to Nimo Rafting (Stay at Leh) Leh
Day 12 2nd July Leh Local Exploration+Rest (May be Sham Valley – Alchi,Likir,Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, Gurudwara Pather Sahib) (Stay at Leh) Leh
Day 13 3rd July Leh-Tso Moriri (Stay at Tso Moriri) Tso Moriri
Day 14 4th July Tso Moriri (Stay at Tso Moriri) Tso Moriri
Day 15 5th July Tso Moriri to Leh (Stay at Leh) Leh
Day 16 6th July Leh Local Exploration+Rest (May be Sham Valley – Alchi,Likir,Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, Gurudwara Pather Sahib) (Stay at Leh) Leh
Day 17 7th July Leh to Keylong (Bus) Keyong
Day 18 8th July Keylong to Manali (Sightseeing & Stay at Manali) Manali
Day 19 9th July Manali to Delhi (Bus) Bus
Day 20 10th July Delhi (stay at Delhi) Delhi
Day 21 11th July Delhi to Coimbatore Back Home
Sorry the above itinerary is not formatted well.. The updated itinerary is given below:
Day 1 Cochin-Bangalore to Srinagar (Stay Srinagar)
Day 2 At Srinagar(Stay Srinagar)
Day 3 Srinagar to Leh in Bus(Stay Kargil)
Day 4 Kargil to Leh (Bus) (Stay at Leh)
Day 5 Leh (Liesure) (Stay at Leh)
Day 6 Leh-Khardung La- Diskit-Hunder (Stay at Hunder/Diskit)
Day 7 Hunder -Turtuk (stay at Turtuk)
Day 8 Turtuk-Hunder-Sumur-Panamic-Sumur-Leh (Stay at Leh)
Day 9 Leh-Hemis Monastry- Pangong Tso (Stay at Pangong Tso)
Day 10 Pangong Tso-Thicksey Monastry-Shey Palace-Leh (Stay at Leh)
Day 11 Chilling to Nimo Rafting (Stay at Leh)
Day 12 Leh Local Exploration+Rest (May be Sham Valley – Alchi,Likir,Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, Gurudwara Pather Sahib) (Stay at Leh)
Day 13 Leh-Tso Moriri (Stay at Tso Moriri)
Day 14 Tso Moriri (Stay at Tso Moriri)
Day 15 Tso Moriri to Leh (Stay at Leh)
Day 16 Leh Local Exploration+Rest (May be Sham Valley – Alchi,Likir,Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, Gurudwara Pather Sahib) (Stay at Leh)
Day 17 Leh to Keylong (Bus)
Day 18 Keylong to Manali
Day 19 Manali to Delhi (Bus)
Day 20 Delhi (stay at Delhi)
Day 21 Delhi to Coimbatore
Now, looks great to go. I am sure you will have a fabulous time up there in Ladakh. Do post a travel tale in the DwD Community or at least a Photo Tale to treat us with this amazing journey. Yes, you should be able to get stay at Turtuk
Now, looks great to go. I am sure you will have a fabulous time up there in Ladakh. Do post a travel tale in the DwD Community or at least a Photo Tale to treat us with this amazing journey. Yes, you should be able to get stay at Turtuk
Thank you so much Dheeraj…. Sure.. I will definitely post …..
Dear DoW,
I am from Hubli (Karnataka) and I am planning a tour the valley in 3rd week of May with 4 other friends.. As per my plan I am planning to arrive Chandigarh on 21st May evening & collect my rented suv & start up my trip on 22nd Morning.. I need to arrive Chandigrah by 31st May Morning to catch afternoon flight.. I have 9 clear days in hand.. I want to make Chandigrah-Srinigar-Leh-Manali-Chandigrah route.. with less no of days please advise me a suitable itinerary which covers important sight seeing places.. Night driving at certain advisable routes may also be advised to cover max places & make most of our time available..
According to our itinerary I will also book hotels online wherever available..
Please please advise me the best itinerary for 9 days from chandigrah to chandigrah.. I will be very very thankful to you…
Thanks & regards,
Santosh Bishnoi
Hubli(Karnataka)
Cell: +91-8088808829.
Hi Santosh,
Self drive rented cars and taxis outside Ladakh are not allowed to do any sightseeing within Leh – Ladakh. You can use them for getting to Leh and getting out from Leh but not sightseeing. So, the self drive cars you are taking must have private number plate, mostly should be under your name, your wife name or your father name otherwise you will have to again hire a taxi within Ladakh and pay for your local taxi without using it. You can read: Rented Self Drive Cars in Leh – Ladakh Banned “FORCIBLY”
It will take 4 days to reach Leh from Srinagar side starting from Delhi and 3 days to come back from Leh from Manali side to Delhi. This makes it 7 days. 1 Day is required in Leh for acclimatization. You have about 9 days. 1 Day can be used as Day trip to Pangong Tso OR it can be used as day trip to Nubra Valley or just Khardung La pass.
Hello Dheeraj, I am back with a few more questions 🙂 This is the final route that we have decided after a few tweaking.
Day 1 Delhi – Jalandhar
Day 2 Jalandhar-Patnitop
Day 3 Patnitop-srinagar
Day 4 Srinagar-sonmarg-Zozi La-Drass-Kargil
Day 5 Kargil-Batalik-Leh ***
Day 6 Rest and sightseeing
Day 7 Leh-khardung la-Hunder/Nubra
Day 8 Hunder/Nubra-Sumur-Panamik-sumur-Khardung la-leh
Day 9 Leh-Hemis-Pangong Tso
Day 10 Pangong-Tso Moriri ***
Day 11 Tso Moriri-Tso Kar- Debring-Sarchu
Day 12 Sarchu-baralach la-Keylong-rohtang-Manali
Day 13 Rest and sightseeing
Day 14 Manali-Chandigarh
Day 15 Chandigarh-Delhi
I would like your inputs for Day 10 Pangong-Tso Moriri *** and Day 11… I have read DoW posts and looks like we would have fuel issues. we would be carrying extra fuel (10 Ltrs/Bike) but RE’s 🙁 I am little skeptical … do you think this route is do-able on RE, is there fuel availability, riding back to Karu or Upshi sounds like waste of time/fuel … I was trying to include Hanle but looks like we got less days 🙁
Fuel in black will be available on these routes: Fuel Availability In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips
Yes, for Hanle you need one more day.
hi..your itenarary seems good..but we wish to start from chandigarh towards leh and have only 10 nights with us..if you can pls help..and any other spots that we can see in and arnd leh apart from what u have already mentioned.
it will be of great help …
thank u so much.
If you have only 10 nights with you then you cannot do Spiti Valley. It will take 4 days to reach Leh from Srinagar side starting from Delhi and 3 days to come back from Leh from Manali side to Delhi. 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.
Hi Dheeraj
Thanks for the very useful informationon your blog which has helped me to plan my leh-Ladak trip in May-June 2016. for 2 weeks ex Delhi a group of 6 family driving own vehicles.
We are reaching Leh on day 4 by road via Srinagar -Kargil route and will return by Leh manali Highway.
Wanted to check If Hunder to Tso Kar drive is feasible in 8-9 hrs if we start early. Plan to stay Tso Kar as Pang accomodation is poor and not enough rooms.
Day 4 and 5 –> Leh stay
Day 6 Pangong Tso (stay)
Day 7 Return to Leh (stay)
Day 8 and 9 Nubra Vally (stay@ Hunder)
Day 10 Hunder to Tso Kar ( stay at Lake)
Day 11 reach Keyllong
then proceed to Manali–> Delhi
Joydeep, When you have 14-15 days in hand then why not follow the itinerary suggested in above article?
Also, Hunder to Tso Kar will be about 11-12 Hrs
Thanks !! While the base of this itinerary has been taken from Above, we planned couple of extra stopover since this is a family travel with children.
We will redo the Hunder to Tso Kar to Keylong piece. Thanks Again.
Yes, please do considering children, I do not expect you do Hunder to Tso Kar. Arent you visiting Pangong Tso?
Hello Dheeraj, thanks for sharing your immense experience about the topic. … we a group of 7 friends have used this itinerary as a skeleton and have come across a couple of speedbump to plan well. Hope you can share some insights:
A. We would be starting from Delhi and first overnight hault would be in Pathatnkot. Need to know what is the accommodation scene in Pathankot, we dont wan to book, as just in case we if reach late in Jalandhar would probably have to make Jalandhar as our night stop.
B. what is the scene of NH from Pathankot to Srinagar … do we need to stay in Srinagar or are there stay options available outside srinagar
C. do you have any info on Bike transfers via train. we planning to use luggage option. Is it mandatory to travel in the same train we use luggage option, can we just book a ticket and load our bikes, instead of travelling via the same train. We would be starting from Bangalore. I also read that in Delhi the parcel office doesnt accept E-Tickets, is this true.
Thanks in Advance
Sandeep
Hi Sandeep,
A. You can land at Pathankot and will surely find options of stay even with on the spot bookings
B. You can stay either way, better stay in Srinagar as you will feel the Dal Lake. But, if yu have no interest in Dal lake, you can stay over outside Srinagar too.
C. Here you go: How to Carry your Bike in Train to Ladakh or Himalayas?
Thanks Dheeraj, this really helps 🙂
Best wishes for your Ladakh trip 🙂
Dear Dheeraj Sharmaji,
please find our proposed tour chart and guide us as per the following points :
1. Please note the most valuable point that our starting date from Kolkata is 4th July and return date at Kolkata is 16th July that means total days from Kolkata to Kolkata is thirteen (13) days which is fixed and can’t be altered any way.
2. Please guide us that our returning route from Leh to Chandigar is of only 3 days, so it is practically possible or not?
3 . To save one day if we change the route (option 2 or Option 3) in this way that we will travel to Tsomorari on the way to Manali and if we stay at Tsomorai and then will move towards Manali,it is practically possible or not ?
4. Also please mention current car rate according to our total members are of seven (7).
Waiting for your valuable suggestions so that we will book our Air tickets which is very much urgent now.
PROPOSED TOUR CHART FOR LADAKH,
From 04.07.2016 – 16.07.2016
Day 1 (04/07/2016) : KOLKATA to SRINAGAR by FLIGHT
Day 2 (05/07/2016) : From Srinagar and Stay at Drass / Kargil – 220 KM (Way from Srinagar to Leh)
Day 3 (06/07/2016) : From Kargil to Leh (220 KM)
Day 4 (07/07/2016) : [Leh local site seen ]
Day 5 (08/07/2016) : [Leh to Pangong Lake and back to Leh / 120 + 120 KM.]
Day 6 (09/07/2016) : [Leh to Nubra Valley / 120 KM.]
Day 7 (10/07/2016) : Nubra Valley (Local Sightseeing) / 120 KM and back to Leh
Day 8 (11/07/2016) : Leh to Tsomoriri / 220 KM.
Day 9 (12/07/2016) : Tsomoriri to Leh / 220 KM.
Day 10 (13/07/016) : Leh to Sarchu / 240 KM (Way from Leh to Manali)
Day 11 (14/07/016) : Sarchu to Manali / 250 KM ()
Day 12 (15/07/016) : Manali to Chandigar (300 KM)
Day 13 (16/07/016) : Chandigar to Kolkata via Flight
OPTION 2 :
Day 8 (11/07/2016): Leh to Tsomoriri / 220 KM at Stay at Tsomoriri .
Day 9 (12/07/2016) : Tsomoriri to Sarchu / 230 KM.
Day 10 (13/07/016) : Sarchu to Manali / 240 KM (Way from Leh to Manali)
Day 11 (14/07/016) : Manali Stay
Day 12 (15/07/016) : Manali to Chandigar (300 KM)
Day 13 (16/07/016) : Chandigar to Kolkata via Flight
OPTION 3 :
Day 8 (11/07/2016): Leh to Tsomoriri / 220 KM at Stay at Tsomoriri .
Day 9 (12/07/2016) : Tsomoriri to Sarchu / 230 KM.
Day 10 (13/07/016) : Sarchu to Manali / 240 KM (Way from Leh to Manali)
Day 11 (14/07/016) : Manali to Chandigar (300 KM)
Day 12 (15/07/016) : Stay at Chandigar
Day 13 (16/07/016) : Chandigar to Kolkata via Flight
Mrinmoy, 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 assume to start from Srinagar instead of Delhi and end in Chandigarh instead of Delhi. 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 2016 – 17 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here. You can get about 12-15% of discount by directly getting in touch with drivers and of course, talking in person rather on phone always help in bargaining more.
While going from Srinagar to Leh, you might need to work out few things as there have been some tensions now in taxi unions and to settle it out what they have done is that they have a transit point just before Fotu La while going to Leh from Kargil. All Leh taxis stop there and kargil taxis too. They exchange passengers and move back in respective directions. Leh taxis take passengers to Leh coming from Srinagar/Kargil and Kargil guys take passengers to Srinagar/kargil coming from Leh
Hello Dheeraj,
we are planning to visit Leh in June from Pune and we have only 9 days of time, is that possible? and since we are on a budget tour so our mode to Jammu would be by Train that said we would have around 6/7 days, if you can help me in this i will really appreciate it.
Thanks,
Mayank
It will take 4 days to reach Leh from Srinagar side starting from Delhi and 3 days to come back from Leh from Manali side to Delhi. This makes it 7 days. 1 Day is required in Leh for acclimatization. You have about 9 days.
Opt to go via Manali – Leh Highway and I will suggest that you refer the thread for more details on the route and night halts though it is of 9 days: Manali – Leh – Ladakh – Manali | Itinerary for 9 Days.
Hi
this is Arun from Mumbai.
I and few of my friends were planning to go to ladakh in the month of august or mid September not yet decided.
we reached out to a travel agent and this is what he told us
Tour Itinerary
Day 01 : ARRIVAL AT SRINAGAR AIRPORT – KARGIL
Meet our representative at Srinagar Airport He will assist you and Transfer directly you to the Kargil via Sonamarg the name Sonamarg is derived from two Kashmiri words “Son” & “Marg” which mean “Gold” & “Meadow”, when put together it means “Meadow of Gold” The drive from Srinagar to Sonamarg is very beautiful as you will pass through some towns and villages, at many places you can enjoy the view of paddy fields with rivers flowing on one side, after spending sometime at Sonamarg continue drive towards to Kargil by crossing the Zoji-la Pass ‘Gateway Of Ladakh’ (11,500-ft. / 3,505 m) through Drass Village the second coldest inhabited place in the world later reach Kargil check in to Hotel and Relax, overnight stay in Hotel at Kargil.
Day 02 : KARGIL – LAMAYURU – LEH
After early breakfast, drive Kargil to Leh via Uletokopo. It takes 8hrs drive to reach at Leh. Enroute visit 11th century rock curved statue at Mulbek, Lamayuru monasteries , En route enjoy the view of Sangam (confluence of Indus and Zanskar River), visit Hall Of Fame (The Hall of Fame is a glorious museum constructed by the Indian Army. It is worth a visit for every citizen. You can see the memorabilia, eminent defense personalities with biographies, images and weapons used during the Kargil and other key strategic battles fought in Ladakh) Megnetic Hill (Defying the Law of gravity. This place is close to the GurdwaraShriPatthar Sahib. It has been noticed that when a vehicle is parked on neutral gear on this metallic road the vehicle slides up-hill that’s the Believe it or not of Ladakh) Pathar Sahab (The Shrine known as Gurdwara Patthar sahib is situated about 25 kms. Short of Leh town on the Leh-Srinagar road. Built in the everlasting memory of Shri Guru Nanak DeveJi the great prophet who sanctified the place by his sacred visit during the year) also visit Sangam & Spituk, overnight stay in Hotel at Leh.
Day 03 : FULL DAY TOUR TO (INDUS VALLEY) SHEY, HEMIS & THIKSEY MONESTRIES
Morning drive to Thiksey village, visit Thiksey monastery and drive to Shey Village to visit Shey Palace and Gompa. Continue drive to Hemis monastery to visit one of the most famous monasteries of Ladakh.Later on the way back to Leh get down at the Sindhu Ghat for Sindhu Darshan and walk along the river, also visit 3 Idoit School campus. After spending some time at the river come back to Hotel and relax. overnight stay in Hotel at Leh.
Day 04 : LEH – NUBRA VALLEY
Leh To Nubra Valley 120 kms (one way) from Leh and it takes about 4-5 hrs drive, by crossing Khardung-la (The highest motor able road in the world 5602 m). On the way, you have amazing panoramic view of Indus valley, Shayok River, Himalayan Mountains and Karakoram Mountains range. Explore the Nubra valley (The valley of flowers). ArriveHunder where you enjoy the Double humped bacterian camel riding (Optional). After that continue driving to Deskit (administrative block of Nubra valley) and visit the monastery. This picturesque monastery built on hill top overlooking the valley. Enjoy magnificent and awesome view of valley and mountains of Karakoram Range. The most attractive features of Nubra valley is the sand dune. Overnight Stay at Camp. (3165m)
In the morning visit / explore Deskit , Hundar and the Sand Dunes where you can enjoy a short camel safari using the double-humped Bactrian camel found here (optional on direct payment). Later drive back to Leh reaching in the late afternoon / evening free for leisure,. Overnight in Hotel at Leh.
Day 06 : LEH – PANGONG LAKE
Morning drive to Pangong Lake 134 kms from Leh. Today you cross Chang-la pass (The world’s third highest motorable road 5360 m). On the way, you have amazing view of charming villages, beautiful mountains, animals like Yaks, nomads and beautiful valley of Changthang. Arrive at Lake, the Lake is 136 kms long and 5 kms wide, 47% of this lake is in India and rest is in Tibet. The view of lake is spectacular and breathtaking. Enjoy the unforgettable scenery beauty of Lake and the voice of Himalayan migrant birds. Overnight stay in Camp at Pangong lake.
Day 07 : PANGONG LAKE – LEH
After breakfast drive back towards to Leh by crossing Chang-la Pass (The world’s third highest motorable road 5360 m) overnight stay in Hotel at Leh.
Day 08 : LOCAL SIGHTSEEING
After breakfast at Hotel you will be proceed to Leh Local sightseeing visit Leh Palace is a former royal palace overlooking theLadakhi Himalayan town of Leh. Modelled on the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet, the palace was built by King Sengge Namgyal in the 17th century. It is nine storeys high; the upper floors accommodated the royal family, while the lower floors held stables and store rooms. Then visit to Shanti Stupa is a Buddhist white-domed stupa (chorten) on a hilltop in Chanspa, Leh district It was built in 1991 by Japanese Buddhist Bhikshu Gyomyo Nakamura . The Shanti Stupa holds the relics of the Buddha at its base, enshrined by the 14th Dalai Lama himself . then drive toward to Sangkar, after enjoyed your day evening free walk to Leh bazaar for shopping, overnight stay in Hotel at Leh.
Day 09 : DEPARTURE
After breakfast at Hotel you will be proceed to Leh Airport to Catch your Flight for your onward destination with sweet holidays.
*Tour Ends*
________________________________________________________
Check Inn : 10 september 2016 (Pick From Srinagar Airport)
Check Out : 18 september 2016 (Drop At Leh Airport)
_________________________________________________________
Inclusions
At All Destinations Rooms With Breakfast & Dinner(MAPAI)
Hotels Included
01 Night Stay In ‘Hotel Carvan Sarai / Hotel Green Land’ at Kargil.
05 Nights Stay In ‘Hotel Himalaya / Hotel Khangri’ at Leh.
01 Night Stay in ‘Apple Resort Camp’ at Nubra Valley.
01 Night Stay in ‘Nature Nest Camp’ Pangong Lake.
Inner Permits
how is this according to you?
will it help us explore ladakh or something’s missing?
and what according to you should be the cost of this trip?
is it worth travelling via an agent or should be plan it ourself?
Given the number of days in hand, it looks OK to me with first day might feel long long day. The cost depends upon how many people are traveling with you. Taxi cost for above plan will be around 35-40 K and rest of hotels
Would u suggest some places when we can add to this list?
Or the places added are cool enough to explore ladakh?
N what abt bikes there what could be the cost of a bike suppose FZ n the petrol cost for the above trip?
Arun, For renting bikes in Leh – Ladakh along with current Bike Union Prices, you can check the DwD Community thread: Leh – Ladakh Bike Rental Rates 2015 – 16 & Reliable Shops
For places to visit, just focus on what we has outlined in above plan 🙂
what do you think about this itinerary
will leh-manali highway open on those days
if its not open..what should be the itinerary?
what date leh-manali will be open?
21st may | Jammu-srinagar
22nd may | Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil
23rd may | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
24th may | Leh Local Sighseeing
25th may | Leh to Nubra valley
26th may | Nubra valley to leh
27th may | Shame valley visit
28th may | leh-pangong
29th may | Pangong Tso Lake – tsomoriri
30th may | tsomoriri to pang/sarchu/keylong
31st may | keylong/pang/sarchu to manali
1st june | manali to delhi
Tejas, there are 50:50 chances of Manali – Leh highway being open in those days. Manali – Leh in general open in first week of June or late may. Your plan looks fine to me except before taking Tso Moriri – Pangong Tso route, please check: Tips for Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri Direct Route
during the 2 days return journey from Leh to Pangong and Nubra valley..would you suggest to check out from a hotel of leh and carry all our stuff to these places?
We are anyway going to stay a night at these places..or you would suggest to not check out from leh?
If one decides not to come back to leh..and go these places (Pangong,Nubra, sham) without coming back to leh and staying a night at those places..which route will be shortest and best to follow that itinerary? (srinagar-leh-manali is the route)
will we get a hired taxi to follow that route or they have only ply return journeys to leh?
Tejas, you can keep the luggage in your hotel store room which most people provide but I in general check out and move on and stay at some other hotel next time to get a taste of differet hotels 🙂
You should read following before taking a decision on not coming back to Leh
Tips for Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso Direct Route
Hi Dheeraj Sir,
I have been following your blog since eternity, but this is the first time I am leaving a comment (a query, to be more precise).
I am finally planning a solo bike trip to Ladakh in June, 2015.
Since visiting Amritsar and Wagah Border was also a long time dream, I decided to incorporate both in a single trip. I have planned to start my trip from Amritsar, and then do my Amritsar – Manali – Leh – Nubra – Tso-Moriri – Hanle – Srinagar ride. Since I wanted to avoid crowded ‘touristly’ places, I have decided to drop Pangong-tso from my plan.
Below is a rough idea about my Itinerary :
Day 1 : Take night flight from Bangalore to Delhi. : Night stay at airport.
Day 2 : Take early morning flight from Delhi to Amritsar. Collect Bike. Visit Wagah Border, Golden Temple. : Stay overnight at Amritsar.
Day 3 : 421 kms – Amritsar – Jalandhar – Hoshiarpur – Una – Jahu – Ner Chowk – Manali : Stay overnight at Manali.
Day 4 : 138 kms – Manali – Rohtang pass – Khoksar – Tandi – Keylong – Jispa : Stay overnight at Jispa.
Day 5 : 84 kms – Jispa – Zing Zing Bar – Baralacha La Pass – Sarchu : Stay overnight at Sarchu.
Day 6 : 251 kms – Sarchu – Gata Loops – Naki La – Lachulung La – Pang – Moore Plain – Tanglang-La – Leh : Overnight reach Leh town
Day 7 : Leh : Rest day
Day 8 : 256 kms – Leh – Khardung – La – Diskit – Hunder – Leh : Overnight back to Leh town.
Day 9 : 211 kms – Leh – Shey – Karu – Upshi – Kumdok – Kere – Chumthang – Mahe – Sumdo – Namashang La – Karzok : Stay overnight at Karzok.
Day 10 : 150 kms – Karzok – Nyoma – Hanle : Stay overnight at Hanle.
Day 11 : 261 kms – Hanle – Nyoma – Chumathang – Kiari – Ikpadok -Upshi – Karu – Leh : Overnight back to Leh town
Day 12 : Leh : Buffer day
Day 13 : 210 kms – Leh – Kargil : Stay overnight at Kargil.
Day 14 : 200 kms – Kargil – Drass – Zojila Pass – Sonamarg – Srinagar : Stay overnight at Srinagar.
Day 15 : Srinagar : Rest day. Book bike to bangalore
Day 16 : Take morning flight from Srinagar – Delhi. Delhi – Bangalore.
Now, since this is not the usual route followed by most people, I had not been able to collect too much information about these routes from the Internet, and from other Ladakh pilgrims. Thus, I decided to drop this question to you.
Below are my queries to you :
– Is the Amritsar-Una-Manali route doable in a single day? How is the road condition?
– Is Jispa the right spot for making a night halt? Considering I would be riding only 84 kms the next day if I stop at Sarchu next. And would have to ride 251 kms to cover Sarchu to Leh on the third day? Would Pang be a wiser choice for a night halt, rather than Sarchu? (I had chosen to stop at Sarchu, because I thought crossing Zing Zing Bar – Baralacha La Pass could become very tiring and the road could become very bad. Also I thought it would be easier to cover 250 kms from Sarchu to Leh in a single day, as one can speed up at Moore plains? Your views?)
– Is it possible to do Sarchu – Leh in a single day?
– Is it possible to do Leh – Diskit – Hunder – back to Leh in a single day? This could mean crossing Khardung-La at night. Would that be too dangerous?
– How is the road condition between Upshi and Karzok? Can I reach Leh – Tso-Moriri before nightfall? Any proper accommodation facility at Karzok?
– How is the road condition between Karzok – Nyoma – Hanle? Is it safe to do alone? Accommodation at Hanle? I have heard one can even find accommodation at the Hanle Observatory?
– I have planned to end by trip at Srinagar itself, since my main aim is to ride in the hills only, and not to cover the route till Delhi / Chandigarh. Now, my question to you is, can I find a good reliable courier facility in Srinagar (preferably Gati) to send my bike back to Bangalore? Do you know any courier guy at SRinagar? Which courier would you recommend?
Hoping to hear from you soon. Waiting eagerly to read your comments.
Before I jump into your queries, are you by any chance open for Srinagar – Ladakh – Manali direction? 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
Your thoughts?
Yes, I had thought about that too. But somehow, my heart wants to do the Manali-Leh highway first, fight the odds and the extreme environment, before reaching the dream destination Leh. I believe that would feel like an achievement in itself 🙂 Like having ‘earned’ the right to call yourself a Leh-Ladakh Solo rider. I cannot justify my urge to do the Manali-Leh highway. I somehow know in my heart that I want to follow Manali_leh_srinagar route, because that was how I have always dreamt it. I know your reasons for opting the other way round are justified and makes more sense. But I would like to stick to this route only.
Could you still address my queries about the proposed Itinerary i had shared earlier? Many thanks in advance.
Sure as you say !! I am some how unable to find the plan you shared the new update has goofed up links in the site. Can you please post the plan again. Also you can refer most common Manali – Leh Srinagar Plan here: Manali – Leh – Ladakh – Srinagar | Itinerary for 15 Days
Posting my Travel Plan again, as previous was previous one was not posted because of some reason :
Day 1 : Take night flight from Bangalore to Delhi. : Night stay at airport.
Day 2 : Take early morning flight from Delhi to Amritsar. Collect Bike. Visit Wagah Border, Golden Temple. : Stay overnight at Amritsar.
Day 3 : 421 kms – Amritsar – Jalandhar – Hoshiarpur – Una – Jahu – Ner Chowk – Manali : Stay overnight at Manali.
Day 4 : 138 kms – Manali – Rohtang pass – Khoksar – Tandi – Keylong – Jispa : Stay overnight at Jispa.
Day 5 : 84 kms – Jispa – Zing Zing Bar – Baralacha La Pass – Sarchu : Stay overnight at Sarchu.
Day 6 : 251 kms – Sarchu – Gata Loops – Naki La – Lachulung La – Pang – Moore Plain – Tanglang-La – Leh : Overnight reach Leh town
Day 7 : Leh : Rest day
Day 8 : 256 kms – Leh – Khardung – La – Diskit – Hunder – Leh : Overnight back to Leh town.
Day 9 : 211 kms – Leh – Shey – Karu – Upshi – Kumdok – Kere – Chumthang – Mahe – Sumdo – Namashang La – Karzok : Stay overnight at Karzok.
Day 10 : 150 kms – Karzok – Nyoma – Hanle : Stay overnight at Hanle.
Day 11 : 261 kms – Hanle – Nyoma – Chumathang – Kiari – Ikpadok -Upshi – Karu – Leh : Overnight back to Leh town
Day 12 : Leh : Buffer day
Day 13 : 210 kms – Leh – Kargil : Stay overnight at Kargil.
Day 14 : 200 kms – Kargil – Drass – Zojila Pass – Sonamarg – Srinagar : Stay overnight at Srinagar.
Day 15 : Srinagar : Rest day. Book bike to bangalore
Day 16 : Take morning flight from Srinagar – Delhi. Delhi – Bangalore
It looks good to go to me but I will prefer that you opt out from stay at Sarchu and spend that day in Nubra Valley. I somehow dont feel comfortable recommending the stay at Sarchu especially when one is traveling from Manali to Leh. So, better do early morning Jispa to Leh or Rumtse/Upshi only. Rest looks OK, on buffer day of Day 12, you can plan for day trip to Pangong Tso.
Thanks a lot Dheeraj, for your reply. I will definately consider your suggestion.
Could you also be kind enough to answer the other queries too :
– Is the Amritsar-Una-Manali route doable in a single day? How is the road condition?
– How is the road condition between Karzok – Nyoma – Hanle? Is it safe to do alone? Accommodation at Hanle? I have heard one can even find accommodation at the Hanle Observatory?
– I have planned to end by trip at Srinagar itself, since my main aim is to ride in the hills only, and not to cover the route till Delhi / Chandigarh. Now, my question to you is, can I find a good reliable courier facility in Srinagar (preferably Gati) to send my bike back to Bangalore? Do you know any courier guy at SRinagar? Which courier would you recommend?
Hi Ashraf,
1. Yes, it is doable, roads are good in conditions
2. Korzok – Nyoma – Hanle is good too mostly apart from Korzok to about 15 odd KMs towards Kiagar Tso. Please check the travel guide of Hanle from link in of Ladakh in menu for stay in Hanle. Hanle Observatory does not allow it anymore
Gati does provide services to send bikes from Srinagar to Delhi so I am sure it should have for Bangalore too.
Hi Dheeraj,
I am planning a trip to Leh in July 2016. will it be the best month to visit ?
we will be 3-4 guys , out of which 2 can drive.
Also, here my itinerary please provide suggestion, I want to do nubra valley + Pangong Lake + tso moriri.
Day 0 – Delhi to Srinagar. arrive Srinagar in Morning.
Day 2 – Rest and local sightseeing in srinagar.
Day 3 – srinagar to Kargil. rest in kargil
Day 4 – Kargil to Leh . enroute covering magnetic hill, night in leh
Day 5 – Local Leh
Day 6 – Leh to Nubra Valley.
Day 7 – Nubra to Leh
Day 8 – Leh to Pangong.
Day 9- Pangong to Leh
Day 10 – Leh to Tso Moriri
Day 11 – Tso Moriri to Sarchu
Day 12- Sarchu to Manali
Day 13- Manali to delhi.
Now here my question.
1) Can the trip be done on Swift Dzire ?
2) Or should we rent bikes ?
3) I dont know where to stay at Nubra valley, pangong lake,
4) I was thinking to not stay at pangong and return to leh on same day. ( Is staying at Pangong suggested for expirencing the best of the trip ?)
5) Should we go to pangong lake to tso moriri directly ? ( in swift dzire or hatchback) saving our day.
6) should we go to tso moriri to directly on manali leh highway ? where we will find diesel ? ( as we will be comming from leh or pangong).
I want to do the trip in less days.
Thanks,
Hello Ravi,
1. For hatchback/sedan taking on Manali – Leh Highway Or Spiti Valley via Manali Or Ladakh, please refer the link: FAQ | Can I do Leh – Ladakh / Spiti / Manali – Leh trip in Hatchback or Sedan? for more details.
2. Bikes rented outside Leh are not allowed for sightseeing inside Ladakh except Tso Moriri and Tso Kar lakes which can be done while going to Manali from Leh. Private bikes are completely allowed. You can use the outside rented bike to reach Leh but then for going to Pangong Tso, nubra Valley, etc.. you need to hire rented bikes from Leh only.
To know more about this rule and present situation, please refer the link: Bikes Rented Outside Leh Banned in Ladakh
3. 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
4. Yeah, better stay to ease out the long day and relax besides the views of Pangong Tso.
5. I will suggest that you keep the plan as above only.
6. Please keep diesel for around 550 KMs spare in the car and that should be good to do Leh – Tso Moriri – Sarchu – Manali route.
Hi Dheeraj,
I am planning a trip to ladakh on 2016 and a bit confused as to which time would be better between June’ 16 and Aug/Sep’16. Also, I want to cover Nubra valley and Zanskar in this trip with the rest of the places. One thing that would not require is spending time in Kashmir /Srinagar.I do not need to do any sight seeing there. Also I want to cover both the manali – Leh road and Srinagar-Leh road. Would it be possible for you to suggest an Itinerary of 12/14 days for this trip. And also suggest a suitable time for the visit between the two earlier mentioned.
It would be really helpful if you can reply in my mail id.
Bhaswati, can you please tell me what do you prefer more
1. Snow, tough roads: June is prefered
2. Vibrant Autumn Colors, a little better roads: September is prefered.
A most common itinerary is mentioned in the article about of at least 13 days for a comfortable trip. If you fly to Srinagar, you save another day for you. If you can add 3 days into it, Zanskar Valley can be planned in it.
Day 1 | Kargil – Padum (Zanskar Valley)
— Head straight to Padum
Day 2 | Padum Local Sightseeing
— Enjoy Zangla, Stongde, Karsha
Day 3 | Padum – Zongkhul Monastery – Penzi La Pass – Rangdum
— Start back and stay at Rangdum
Day 4 | Rangdum – Panikhar – Sankoo – Kargil
— Checkout rock carved statue at Khartse Khar
From Kargil
We r a couple of 63 yrs and 57 yrs respectively have a plan to visit Leh during Septenber’2016. Though we don’t have plan for Zanskar. We will follow the Itinerary as suggested by Dheeraj that is Srinagar-Leh-Manali. My landing date @ Srinagar is 4th Sept’2016.
We looking for a travel partner to share the Vehicle cost as well to share the beauty of Nature in the Region.
I may be contacted through kkb_15b@yahoo.com
Sir, it will be best that you create a Travel Calendar entry for Travel Partners using the Menu above. It will attract more people when people start preparing the plans for next year around Feb to Jun-July.
Hi Dheeraj,
We are a group of five friends planning to take Leh by air on 20th May 2016 and to cover as per the common itinerary you have shared above. Is it doable in May and anything we should be prepared apart from what you detailed above.
Million thanks for this great site and the efforts you put in to answer the queries.
Best Regards
Sameer
Please remove the above, i posted it here wrongly. It should be in another thread and i have posted there.
Now worries, would helpsome one 🙂
Sameer, unfortunately all depends upon the road opening especially the Manali – Leh Highway which most likely will not be open. It usually opens either towards end of May or in June.
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for your reply. We are planning to fly to Leh and return. However, i have seen your another post about touring in April and found necessary information there. I believe i can follow that. Please confirm.
Thank you and best regards
Sameer, in case you planning to fly to Leh and return, then check out: Leh – Ladakh | Most Common Itinerary by Air
You can follow above for traveling by air. However,since it is towards end of May, you can plan at least from Srinagar to Leh for sure. Highly likely Srinagar – Leh will be open by that time. As a matter of contingency, you can book a return ticket from Leh in case road for Leh to Manali is closed by the time you get free from Ladakh sightseeing. You can cancel couple of days before from Leh in case the Manali – Leh is open else take the flight from Leh and return.
Hello Dheeraj!
I’m Prasun Banerjee from Kolkata and planning for Leh-Ladakh by road on next June’16. My planned itinerary is-
Oprtion-1
12/06/2016- Reach Jammu station and transfer to Srinagar by volvo bus
13/06/2016- Reach Srinagar and Srinagar local sight sceen. night stay Srinagar
14/06/2016- Srinagar to Kargil. night stay Kargil
15/06/2016- Kargil to Leh via Lamayuru. night stay Leh
16/06/2016- Leh local sight sceen. night stay Leh
17/06/2016- Leh to Nubra valley (upto turtuk). night stay Hundar / Sumur / Khalsar / Diskit
18/06/2016- Hundar / Sumur / Khalsar / Diskit to Pangong Tso. night stay Man / Merak / Khaltse.
19/06/2016- Man / Merak / Khaltse to Tso Moriri. night stay Karzog.
20/06/2016- Karzog to Sarchu. night stay Sarchu
21/06/2016- Sarchu to Manali. night stay Manali
22/06/2016- Manali to Chandigarh drop
Option-2
12/06/2016- Reach Jammu station and transfer to Srinagar by volvo bus
13/06/2016- Reach Srinagar and Srinagar local sight sceen. night stay Srinagar
14/06/2016- Srinagar to Kargil. night stay Kargil
15/06/2016- Kargil to Leh via Lamayuru. night stay Leh
16/06/2016- Leh local sight sceen. night stay Leh
17/06/2016- Leh to Nubra valley (upto turtuk). night stay Hundar / Sumur / Khalsar / Diskit
18/06/2016- Hundar / Sumur / Khalsar / Diskit to Leh. night stay Leh.
19/06/2016- Leh to Pangong Tso. night stay Man / Merak / Khaltse.
20/06/2016- Man / Merak / Khaltse to Tso Moriri. night stay Karzog.
21/06/2016- Karzog to Sarchu. night stay Sarchu
22/06/2016- Sarchu to Manali. night stay Manali
23/06/2016- Manali to Chandigarh drop
No. of head- 18 adult (max age 58)
1 child (5 years)
1 child (11 years)
This tour should be budget category and our estimated cost per head is around 18000/-
Please suggest me whether the above itinerary is correct and which one should be follow. If the above itinerary is not correct then please suggest a good option for covering the mentioned place.
Any one can contact with me regarding the above tour.
Mobile – 9475502505 / 9153030267
email – banerjee.prasun03@gmail.com
Thanks,
Prasun
Hi Prasun,
You Plan 2 seems OK to me as Plan 1 has too much of travel. all the details about the direct routes of Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri and Nubra to Pangong Tso along with tips and risks which they pose are detailed under the articles:
Tips for Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso Direct Route AND Tips for Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri Direct Route
Please read these articles and based on the details/risks highlighted, take a go-no-go decision.
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for your valuable suggestion. After understanding the road condition from Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri, the road condition is not so good but we can travel if we have got the permission. But please clarify some more quaries-
1. In our group we have a couple (age approx 60 years), they are fit and recently came back from Rohtang pass (Manali tour). Are they suitable for this tour?
2. Our approx Budget around 18000/- per head. This is possible to complete this trip with in this budget?
3. If we have to spent one night (If needed) in betwee to Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri then what is the best option? I think this option is much better for acclimatization.
4. What is the best option from Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri (via Tsaga, Loma, Nyoma …. or Chushul, Mitpal Tso, Mahe….). As per my understanding from your post via Tsaga, Loma, Nyoma …. is the best option. Am I right?
5. What is the best option from Tso Moriri to Sarchu (via Sumdo, Mahe, Chumthang, Upsi…. or Sumdo, Polakongka La, Tso Kar….)
6. We think the whole trip wiil be cover by 1Tempo Travera and 1 Sumo / Xylo. Is this Okay?
Thanks,
Prasun
Hi Dheeraj,
Firstly thanks for all the info you have posted on your site. It helps a lot to make Leh Ladakh plan. I am also travelling to Leh-Ladakh towards end of September and have a lot of questions around it, which still remain unanswered even after reading a lot of your articles (almost all i might say) 🙂
So the planned trip details are as below, with questions posted as and where relevant –
Total duration: 25th Sept to 04th Oct 2015 (10 days)
Total People: 6 (3 Couples)
Route: Delhi – Srinagar – Kargil – Leh – Nubra – Pangong Tso – Tso Moriri – Leh – Delhi
Day 1- 25th Sep
Leave Delhi by 3:30pm flight & Reach Srinagar by 4:55pm. Then, catch a cab for six for Kargil, I assume it will take us roughly 7-8hrs to reach Kargil, so we will be there at 2am & stay there for night.
Q1: Will we get any cab for 6 people from Srinagar to Kargil around 6pm? If yes, how much will it cost?
Q2: What is the cheapest option to travel from Srinagar to Kargil after 6pm?
Q3: Do we need to do pre-booking for stay in Kargil? Or there is any chance to get some accommodation at this late hour at this time of the year?
Day 2 – 26th Sep
Leave from Kargil to Leh by cab such that we manage to visit the places enroute like Lamayuru, Alchi, Likir, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib. Finally Reach at Leh and stay overnight.
Q1: What is the suggested travel option for this route? What would be the tentative costings?
Q2: Do we need to do Hotel booking for Leh in advance or it is advisable to go there and book by seeing the facilities?
Day 3 – 27th Sep
Book 3 Bikes for 5 days & take any necessary permissions from DC office by 10:30am & leave for Turtuk.
(Leh – Khardung la – Diskit – Turtuk). Stay in Turtuk.
Q1: What is the approximate average given by rented bikes in Leh?
Q2: If we leave Leh at around 10:30am. By when would we be able to reach Turtuk, assuming 20-30 min halt at Khardung la & lunch Halt around Diskit?
Q3: Is there a chance of seeing K2 from Turtuk at this time in the year?
Q4: Are there cheap stay options in Turtuk?
Day 4 – 28th Sep
Leave Turtuk for Nubra valley. (Turtuk – Hundar – Khalsar – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur/Khalsar). Stay in Sumur / Khalsar. Lunch in Sumur.
Q1: Is this doable in a day?
Q2: What is a better place to stay considering we need to leave early next day, to make it to Pangong Tso in time?
Day 5 – 29th Sep
Leave Sumur /Khalsar for Pangong Tso. Preferably by option 2 below –
Option 1: Khalsar – Agam – Shyok village – Tangste – Lukung – Spangmik
Option 2: Khalsar – Agam – Wari La – Sakti – Chang La – Durbuk – Tangste – Lukung – Spangmik
Option 3: Khalsar – Khardung la – Leh – Chang La – Durbuk – Tangste – Lukung – Spangmik
Q1: Will option 1 OR option 2 above be open on this date?
Q2: Can Option 3 be managed in one day
Q3: Is it advisable to stay in Spangmik OR Man OR Merak?
Day 6 – 30th Sep
Leave Spangmik for Tso Moriri. Preferably by Option 2 below –
Option 1: Spangmik – Chusul – Mahe(Direct route) – Tso Moriri
Opiton 2: Spangmik – Chusul – Tsaga La – Loma – Nyoma – Mahe – Tso Moriri
Option 3: Spangmik – Tangste – Durbuk – Chang La – Karu – Upshi – Chumathang – Mahe – Tso Moriri
Q1: I understand Option 1 & Option 2 are dependent on permission at Chusul & Tsaga La check post as well. So will it be possible that if we are not allowed to go from there, but still be able to manage to reach Tso moriri same day via Option 3.
Day 7 – 1st Oct
Leave Tso Moriri for Leh. (Tso moriri – Tso Kar – Hemis – Thiksey – Leh). Return Bikes & stay in Leh. Book bus / cab to manali.
Day 8/9 – 2nd & 3rd Oct
Leave from Leh to Manali (2 day). Wait at Rohtang if possible. Reach Manali by 3rd eve & catch a bus to Delhi.
Q1: Will we be able to stop at Rohtang?
Q2: Will we be able to catch a bus from Manali to Delhi after reaching from Leh?
Day 10 – 4th Oct
Reach Delhi Early morning.
Generic Questions:
Q1: Does the above itinerary seem practical to you?
Q2: Do you have any suggestions to make this plan better OR more practical?
Q3: How much extra petrol shall we carry while leaving from Leh on Day 2?
Q4: Considering our travel plans, would it be advisable to carry our own tents for stay so as to save on hotel charges?
Thanks in Anticipation.
Hi Sudeep,
The plan is too optimistic. In just 10 days in hand you can only do following
Day 1 | Reach Srinagar and rest
Day 2 | Srinagar – Kargil
Day 3 | Kargil – Leh
Day 4 | Rest day in Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Nubra Valley – Turtuk
Day 6 | Turtuk – Leh
Day 7 | Leh – Pangong Tso – Leh
Day 8 | Leh – Sarchu
Day 9 | Sarchu – Manali
Day 10 | Manali – Delhi
Regarding queries
3. No need to carry any fuel if you follow above plan
4. You can carry your own tents too.
Hey Dheeraj,
Thanks for the suggestion. However, may i request you to respond to the queries within the respective days as well? So that depending on those responses i can make changes to the plan. Appreciate your help.
Sudeep please help me if we can join ur trip…you are travelling from which city. I am from bangalore. ..Please feel free to call me 9901108609
Hi Dheeraj,
Hope you are doing well. I will be visiting Leh in late September and I am not familiar with the places as its my first visit. I would like to do some river rafting and some sources says about the rafting in Indus river or Zansar valley. Where are there places and how can I fit it my schedule. I will be following DoW common itinerary. if you could share some details, it would be helpful,
regards,
Arjun
You can follow the common itinerary and do rafting on the rest day on Day 9.
Hi Dheeraj, I will be following the “most common itinerary” for Srinagar – Leh – Manali posted by you. I will start my bike trip from Jammu 12th Sep’15 onwards. Can you please suggest accommodation at Srinagar, Kargil, Diskit/hunder, Pang/Sarchu and Manali. Thanks
We are three male adults
Fazal, 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
Please give some idea about train journey from jammu to katra and then banihal to srinagar.
Sorry Tapas, no idea on it.
Hi Dheeraj,
Me and my friends are planning for a 10 day BIKE trip to LEH starting SEP 12 (or 19th SEP if postponed), is that date fine to start from Manali – LEh highway? I’m eager to visit LEH this year itself.
thanks in advance.
Senthil, that is fine. Manali – Leh Highway is good to travel in September.
Thanks Dheeraj.
Dear Dheeraj
This is my 2nd trip to Leh. Earlier had been to Leh in April’13. Had covered Leh local spot, all monstaries around Leh, Nubra Valley. Since both Pangong and Tso Moriri were frozen, we could not visit them.
This time I’m visiting Leh in 1st week of Sep’15 by my own car. You have been helping out all who had sought your avid knowledge.
My tentative itinerary is as following:
Day 1: Departure from Delhi. Night stay at Patnitop.
Day 2 : Departure to Srinagar and arrival at Srinagar.
Day 3-5: Stay at Srinagar and sightseeing.
Day 6: Departure early morning to Leh and arrival at Leh by evening.
Day 7: Departure to Pangong Tso and stay at Pangong Tso
Day 8: Departure from Pangong to Tso Moriri & stay there
Day 9: Departure to Manali; break at Sarchu
Day 10: Departure from Sarchu and arrival at Manali
Day 11: Local sight seeing at Manali
Day 12: Return to Delhi
I would request you to please advise on following:
1. Whether some modification is required in above itinerary?
2. Whether journey from Srinagar to Leh can be completed same day?
3. Whether one can proceed directly from Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri and if some paper formalities are required to be done for this route?
4. Can you please recommend some homestay or cheap accommodations with their contact numbers & address at (a) Pangong Lake, (b) Tso Moriri Lake, & (c) Sarchu.
Shall remain grateful for your advice.
Regards
Sunil Kumar Singh
I sunil, I think I replied to it on other thread. Please let me know in case there are any pending queries still.
Dear Dheeraj
Thanks for your suggestion. I have changed my itinerary and advanced my departure to Leh by one day to accommodate break at Kargil.
1. It would be grateful if you could suggest some stay options in and around Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri & Sarchu.
2. If I leave Srinagar early morning (say 6.00am), is it possible to reach Mulbekh by evening and take break there instead of Kargil?
3. If i start my journey from Tso Moriri early morning (say 7.00am) towards Manali, is it possible to reach Keylong by evening and break journey there or it is better to break at Sarchu?
Regards
Sunil Kumar Singh
Hi Sunil,
1. 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
2. Yes but options of Mulbekh are minimal to stay
3. Yes, you can reach Keylong or Jispa from Tso Moriri if you leave early.
thanks Dheeraj for your valuable inputs.
Hello Dhiraj,
I went through your itinerary and variuos others in commets, refering all above below is my schedule can you please go through it and suggest changes if any..
We are planning a trip in septpember 3rd-4th week
Day 1-Day2(Thursday):
Start by train from Pune Jhelum Express 17:20
Day 3(Saturday):
• Departure at Jammu at around 10:00 a.m. Get fresh and have lunch. Post lunch hire a taxi from Jammu on the way to Srinagar/baltal.
• Distance: Jammu – baltal 390 kms
• overnight stay at Baltal
Day 4(Sunday): Baltal – Lamayuru – 220 KM
• Zojila Pass – 10 KM from Baltal
• Drass – 38 KM from Zojila Pass
• Tiger Hill
• Kargil War Memorial – 10 KM from Drass
• Kargil – 55 KM from War Memorial (1 Hour)
• Mulbekh – Maitreya (Buddha Monastery) – 40 KM from Kargil
• Namika La – 15 KM from Mulbekh
• Budhkharbu – Monastery – 17 KM from Namika La
• Fotu La – 20 KM from Budhkharbu
• Lamayuru – Gompa – 15 KM from Fotu La
• Lunar Landscape/Moonland/Moonscape of Lamayuru (Nearby)
• Night Stay @ Lamayuru
Day 5(Monday) : Lamayuru – Leh – 170 KM
• Buddhist Temple – 8 KM from Lamayuru
• Tingmosgang Gompa – 27 KM from Buddhist Temple
• Rizong Gompa – 21 KM from Tingmosgang
• Alchi –Monastery,Bridge, Choskhor – 10 KM from Rizong
• Likir – Likir Gompa – 20 KM from Alchi
• Basgo Gompa/ Palace – 14 KM from Likir
• Confluence of Indus & Zanskar & Zanskar River – 14 KM
• Magnetic Hills – 8 KM from Confluence
• Gurudwara Pathar Sahib – 4 KM from Magnetic Hills
• Phyang Gompa (Monastery) – 15 KM from Gurudwara
• Rimo Rafting Camp – 11 KM from Phyang
• Spituk – Gompa & Others – 6 KM
• Indian Airforce Air Base – 6 KM from Spituk Gompa
• Ladakh Hall of Fame – War Memorial – 6 KM from Air Base
• Leh – 4 KM @ Night Stay
Day 6(Tuesday) : Leh Local & Nubra Valley
• Zorawar Fort – 1 KM
• Shanti Stupa (Japanese Peace) – 4 KM
• Sankar Gompa/Donkey Sanctuary – 2 KM
• Changspa Road – 2 KM
• Leh Main Market – 1.5 KM
• Datun Sahib (Tree)
• Leh Palace – 2 KM
• Tsemo Castle – 3.5 KM
• Nubra Valley (200 KM)
• Khardung La – Gompa, Rinchen Cafeteria, Shop, Pass – 36 KM
• Sumur – Samstanling Monastery – 75kms
• Diskit – Valley, New & Old Gompa, Lachung Temple – 30 KM
• Hunder – Sand Dunes & Camel Ride – 12 KM
• Night Stay @ Hunder / Diskit
Day 7 (Wednesday): Nubra – Pangong Tso (2 Routes)
Nubra – Wari La – Pangong Tso Route (220 KM)
• Wari La – 82 KM from Diskit
• Chang La – Refreshment Centre – 61 KM from Wari La
• Tangtse Gompa – 40 KM from Chang La
• Chagar Tso – 20 KM from Tangtse Gompa
• Pangong Lake – 12 KM from Chagar Tso
• Spangmik – Pangong Delight Camp – 9 KM
• Night Stay @ Pangong Tso
Nubra – Shyok – Pangong Tso Route (160 KM)
• Tangtse Gompa – 121 KM from Diskit
• Chagar Tso – 20 KM from Tangtse Gompa
• Pangong Lake – 12 KM from Chagar Tso
• Spangmik – Pangong Delight Camp – 9 KM
• Night Stay @ Pangong Tso
Day 8 (Thursday) : Pangong Tso – Tso Moriri (2 Routes)
Pangong Tso – Chusul – Nyona – Tso Moriri (210 KM)
• Spangmik
• Merak
• Nama / Chusul
• Gandpa Gompa
• Tsaka La
• Nyoma – Gompa
• Mahe
• Kyagar Tso
• Tso Moriri (Left) / Karzok (Right)
• Night Stay @ Tso Moriri/Karzok
Permit
(Spangmik-Man-Merak-Kakstet-Chusul-Tsaka La-Tsaga Village-Loma-Nyoma-Mahe-Sumdo-Tso Moriri)
Pangong Tso – Chumathang – Tso Moriri (300 KM)
• Lukung
• Tangtse
• Durbuk
• Chang La
• Sakti
• Karu
• Upshi
• Kumdok
• Chumathang
• Mahe
• Sumdo
• Karzok/Tso Moriri (Night Stay)
Day 9 (Friday) : Tso Moriri – Leh (190 KM)
: Sumdo – Puga Hot Spring – 55 KM from Tso Moriri
: Chumathang – Gompa & Hot Spring – 40 KM from Sumdo
: Hemis – Gompa – 105 KM from Chumathang
: Stakna Gompa – 18 KM from Hemis
: Matho – Gompa – 14 KM from Stakna
: Nang – Stagmo Gompa – 25 KM from Matho
: Thikse – Gompa – 13 KM from Nang
: Tikse – Gompa – .5 Km
: Naropa Photang – 3 KM
: Shey – Monastery & Palace – 1.5 KM
: Sindhu Darshan – 4 KM
: Red Maitreya Temple – 11 KM
: Night Stay @ Leh
Day 10 (Saturday): Flight back to Pune from Leh
Few questions?
1. Is it possible to cover all the places mentioned in day-to-day activity?
2. What will be the approximate budget for taxis in Leh as well as From Jammu to Leh?
3. slilly one but, Is september good time to visit?
Thanks in advance,
Aniket
Aniket, it is too much to fit in too little time. Also, considering direct route to Pangong Tso not open from Nubra it will be big hurdle for you. September is a very good time but with days in hand you can make a trip to Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso. Do rest for one day for sure after reaching Leh to acclimatize a bit. Then go to Nubra and then Pangong Tso using conventional routes.
Hi Dheeraj
I am taking my 4 wheeler which 2004 model. Will they allow me to ply through leh Ladakh ? Are there any issues to drive to pangong tso or nubra valley with a 2004 model vehicle ?
Madhavan, as long as it is a private number and it is owned by you, it is fine.
hello mr.dheeraj
I am planning to visit Leh during the 3rd week of September. Need your advise on some certain concerns: we are reaching leh on 25th and returning to delhi on 3oth morning flight.
First two days at leh , third day for khardong Pass ,fourth day o/n stay at Pangong lake and fifth day leh local sightseeing.
Is there any way I can visit nuber valley in this schedule
MY DOUBT IS: after visiting khardong pass can i proceed to nuber for overnight stay and do sightseeing for next half day over there and proceed direct to Pangong lake.
please share your expert knowledge on this which wil be off great help to us
thank you
sundar
Replied here:https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/about/comment-page-13/#comment-347517
Hello Mr. Dheeraj,
Thanks for your all inputs & information !!!
below is my plan for Leh Ladakh pls check & suggest if there any changes i need to do.
29th Aug 2015 – Pune to delhi flight @ 11 pm & reach delhi on 30 th Aug 1AM.
30th Aug- Start Journey by Zoom car from Delhi airport to Srinagar by 1:30 am. & reach around 9pm to srinagar.
31st Aug – Srinagar to kargil
1st Sep – Kargil to leh
2nd Sep- Leh Local Sightseeing
3rd Sep – leh to Nubra Valley
4th Sep – Nubra to Pangong lake
5th Sep – pangong Lake to leh
6th Sep- Leh to Sarchu
7th Sep – Sarchu to Manali
8th Sep – Manali Local Sightseeing
9th Sep- Manali to Delhi ( Delhi to Pune flight @ 9:20 pm)
pls suggest .
Thanks,
Gajendra
Gajendra ji, plan is OK but I hope you know that all self drive cars are banned now for sightseeing in Ladakh. You can just take them to reach there in Leh and leave from Leh. All sightseeing must be done in a local Leh taxi. Also, direct routes to Pangong Tso were closed last week and has been closed for some 2-3 weeks now. So, please confirm before going up there.
Hi Dheeraj,
I am going to Leh during 10th-20th Sept’15. I wanted to know if we would get the 1) shared taxis and 2) accommodations after reaching there or do we need to book first and then go. I have shortlisted the drivers and hotels names from your blogs for staying.
Also if i need the discount by referring DoW or your name, should I book the hotels from here or will I get the discount even if we go there n book. I think we might get a better bargain if we go there and book.
Which is advisable as per you?
Awaiting your reply. Thanks alot in advance. 🙂
Hello Aditi,
Yes, you can get both shared taxis and accommodation after reaching up there in Leh. Though the deals with the hotels was with advance bookings but you can try on the spot too but they will be offering very much more than they do over phone in case things are available 🙂 🙂 … On the spot will always be cheaper than booking over phone.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
I am planning a trip to Leh Ladakh in Sept’15 from Mumbai. We are reaching Leh on 11th sept early morning and return noon flight is from Srinagar on 20th Sept. We dont plan to spend a day in Srinagar. Will cover Kashmir in our next trip. This time 9.5 days dedicated to Leh. 🙂 My route would be Leh-Nubra Valley-Pangong Tso-Tso Moriri-Kargil-Srinagar. Can you plz tell me if any permits are required in this route? And also is 10th-20th sept the best time to visit Leh if we want to see the colours of Leh in full flow. Or the 3rd-4th week of Sept would have been more advisable for it. Thanks alot in advance for your reply.
This looks good to me. You do not need any permits in case all are Indians in your group. You will be good colors in September, the later the better they get but then since you looking for shared taxis, it will be tough to find due to lack of tourists towards the end of September
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks alot for your prompt reply. 🙂 Ya we are all Indians in our group, so permits wont be required. I think we will book shared cabs from here and hotels when we reach there.
I also wanted to know how much time is required to travel from Kargil to Srinagar by road? We would be covering Kargil War Memorial, Sangam, Drass Valley and other points of interest on 18th and 19th Sept itself.
Our flight is at 3.45 pm on 20th Sept from Srinagar to Mumbai. So is it ok if we start from Kargil on 20th early morning for Srinagar or should we reach Srinagar on 19th itself to be on the safer side?
Also how early should we reach the airport to board a 3.45 pm flight to Mumbai from Srinagar?
Thanks alot in advance for your response. 🙂
Hi Aditi,
Shared taxis can only be booked on the spot, here you can book only private taxis. Kargil to Srinagar is about 8-9 Hrs depending upon traffic. In case flight is on 3.45, it can get little tricky and with hassles. It is better that you opt to reach Sonamarg on 19th in that case and leave from Sonamarg to Srinagar to catch noon flight.
You should reach at least 2 Hrs before because there is a double check security at Srinagar airport.
Hi Aditi,
if interested in sharing taxi, please leave a message here or send an email to priontree@yahoo.com. We will be in Leh from 9th till 20th Sep and our places of interest are similar to yours. Let me know 🙂
Regards
Priya
Hi dheeraj
First of thank you so much for your guidance. I have completed my leh Ladakh road trip along with my 6 friends .
We took XUV 500 from zoom.
Obeyd what you told us.
Really it was amazing journy. Done proper acclimatization. As u suggest.
Help others fellow travellers.
I am totally satisfied.
Next year will go to either sach pass or Spitivelly.
Hope u will be alwaz there to help us.
Thanks a ton.
God bless you.
It was my dream to go leh Ladakh on self driven vehicle . Now i have lots of memories.
I love ladakh
I love Dow.
Thank you so much Karnesh, feels really good that we were helpful with all the info. you required to make a memorable trip to Ladakh 🙂
Hey Dheeraj,
According to your itinerary, how much will it cost for a single person out of 4 if we r not taking our car or bike?????????????…… we want to take the local transport and enjoy the thrills………
kindly give us an approx amount……..
Sagnik, for above itinerary taxi cost will come around 65-70K and per person you can divide it by 4. For food + stay, you can keep about 800-1000 per day per person at max.
How about NH144A to Srinagar from Jammu (via rajouri,doggey)? Is this advised?
Last I heard there were some tensions on alternate route, please confirm up there at Jammu before taking it.
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for the information. Sorry for the late reply(had no network). We went via the Same route, had no issues, the drive was fantastic. 🙂
Cool, glad to know that you have a wonderful trip
Hi Dheeraj,
I plan to visit Ladakh between 14-23 August. Following is my iternary please suggest changes if you thing something is not doable/ something should be included or changed. Also I want to confirm weather Leh Manali route will be safe during 20-23rd August because of the heavy rains this time?
Aug 14 – Delhi to Leh flight, local sight seeing, maybe magnetic hill based on acclimitazation level.
Aug 15 – Leh to Nubra
Aug 16 Nubra to Leh
Aug 17 Leh to Pangong Tso
Aug 18 Pangong Tso to Leh
Aug 19 Leh to Tso Moriri
Aug 20 Tso Moriri to Sarchu
Aug 21 Sarchu to Manali
Aug 21 night/Aug 22 afternoon – Manali to Delhi Bus
Avinash, you MUST REST and acclimatize on first two days of the trip with first day being total rest. That leaves you with an option to either drop Tso Moriri or make a day trip to Pangong Tso. Take your call on it. Regarding Leh – Manali and Manali – Delhi, rains can play spoil sport if they happens when you travel
hi avinash
i am travellin to leh ladakh d same dates as u are. pls contact me so dat v can travel together.
srikanth
7022620064
Hi Dheeraj, your information is really helpful. Below is our itinerary and I had some queries.
Starting 18th Sept, we (5 people) have only 9 days to cover Srinagar-> Kargil-> Leh-> NubraValley-> Pangong Tso-> Tso Morriri-> Sarchu-> Manali-> Delhi
We are planning an overnight stay at all of these places. I have 2 questions on travel and stay->
1. Would we be able to easily get taxis to cover these places. And can the same taxi drive us across the whole route from Srinagar to Delhi?
2. Do we need to pre-book accomodations in NubraValley and lakes? Tent stay is mentioned, but none of us are experienced in camping, but we can buy and carry one and figure out things if needed and if thats an easy option. Please suggest.
Thanks in Advance!!!
Hello Swati,
9 days will fall short really to do all these places considering it will take 2 days to reach Leh, 1 day for acclimatization in Leh, 3 days to reach Delhi via Manali from Leh. This makes it 6 days, so 9 days it is not possible to cover all above places you mentioned.
1. Srinagar taxi wil not be allowed to roam in Ladakh, so once it drops you in Leh you need Leh taxi which can drop you to Manali. From Manali you can either get a taxi for Delhi drop or take volvo
2. Yes, you will be able to get accommodation as it is season end time.
Thanks a lot Dhiraj…. may b we will sacrifice 1 of the places and plan better next time 🙂
Hi dheeraj , thanks again for all the info….. we r back frm our trip and I tried to put in my experience here
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10205025668710109&set=a.10203760522042233.1073741831.1494199895&type=3&theater
swatibdotcom.wordpress.com/2015/10/02/15/
It’s an amazing place nd I hope I go back soon…. 🙂
Glad to know that Swati.
Hi,
I would like to thank DoW for all the hard work he has put in and for making my trip a successful one
I will share my experience with you guys:
25th July: Srinagar
Shankracharya Temple
Dal Lake
Night Stay @ House Boat
26th July : Sonamarg
Kullan Village
Gangabal, Gadsar, Vishansar Lake (All Nearby)
Thajiwas Glacier
Nilagrar
Sind River
Night Stay @ Sonamarg (3 KM)/ Baltal (12 KM)
27th July : Baba Amarnath Darshan & Night Stay @ Baltal
28th July : Baltal – Lamayuru – 220 KM (5 Hour Non Stop)
: Zojila Pass – 10 KM from Baltal
: Drass – 38 KM from Zojila Pass
: Tiger Hill
: Kargil War Memorial – 10 KM from Drass
: Kargil – 55 KM from War Memorial (1 Hour)
: Mulbekh – Maitreya (Buddha Monastery) – 40 KM from Kargil
: Namika La – 15 KM from Mulbekh
: Budhkharbu – Monastery – 17 KM from Namika La
: Fotu La – 20 KM from Budhkharbu
: Lamayuru – Gompa – 15 KM from Fotu La
: Lunar Landscape/Moonland/Moonscape of Lamayuru (Nearby)
: Night Stay @ Lamayuru
29th July: Lamayuru – Leh – 170 KM
: Buddhist Temple – 8 KM from Lamayuru
: Tingmosgang Gompa – 27 KM from Buddhist Temple
: Rizong Gompa – 21 KM from Tingmosgang
: Alchi –Monastery,Bridge, Choskhor – 10 KM from Rizong
: Likir – Likir Gompa – 20 KM from Alchi
: Basgo Gompa/ Palace – 14 KM from Likir
: Confluence of Indus & Zanskar & Zanskar River – 14 KM
: Magnetic Hills – 8 KM from Confluence
: Gurudwara Pathar Sahib – 4 KM from Magnetic Hills
: Phyang Gompa (Monastery) – 15 KM from Gurudwara
: Rimo Rafting Camp – 11 KM from Phyang
: Spituk – Gompa & Others – 6 KM
: Indian Airforce Air Base – 6 KM from Spituk Gompa
: Ladakh Hall of Fame – War Memorial – 6 KM from Air Base
: Leh – 4 KM @ Night Stay
30th July : Leh Local & Nubra Valley
: Zorawar Fort – 1 KM
: Shanti Stupa (Japanese Peace) – 4 KM
: Sankar Gompa/Donkey Sanctuary – 2 KM
: Changspa Road – 2 KM
: Leh Main Market – 1.5 KM
: Datun Sahib (Tree)
: Leh Palace – 2 KM
: Tsemo Castle – 3.5 KM
: Nubra Valley (200 KM)
: Khardung La – Gompa, Rinchen Cafeteria, Shop, Pass – 36 KM
: Panamik – Hot Water Spring & Yarab Tso – 100 KM
: Sumur – Samstanling Monastery – 24 KM (Backwards)
: Diskit – Valley, New & Old Gompa, Lachung Temple – 30 KM
: Hunder – Sand Dunes & Camel Ride – 12 KM
: Night Stay @ Hunder / Diskit
31st July : Nubra – Pangong Tso (2 Routes)
Nubra – Wari La – Pangong Tso Route (220 KM)
: Wari La – 82 KM from Diskit
: Chang La – Refreshment Centre – 61 KM from Wari La
: Tangtse Gompa – 40 KM from Chang La
: Chagar Tso – 20 KM from Tangtse Gompa
: Pangong Lake – 12 KM from Chagar Tso
: Spangmik – Pangong Delight Camp – 9 KM
: Night Stay @ Pangong Tso
Nubra – Shyok – Pangong Tso Route (160 KM)
: Tangtse Gompa – 121 KM from Diskit
: Chagar Tso – 20 KM from Tangtse Gompa
: Pangong Lake – 12 KM from Chagar Tso
: Spangmik – Pangong Delight Camp – 9 KM
: Night Stay @ Pangong Tso
1st Aug : Pangong Tso – Tso Moriri (2 Routes)
Pangong Tso – Chusul – Nyona – Tso Moriri (210 KM)
: Spangmik
: Merak
: Nama / Chusul
: Gandpa Gompa
: Tsaka La
: Nyoma – Gompa
: Mahe
: Kyagar Tso
: Tso Moriri (Left) / Karzok (Right)
: Night Stay @ Tso Moriri/Karzok
Permit
(Spangmik-Man-Merak-Kakstet-Chusul-Tsaka La-Tsaga Village-Loma-Nyoma-Mahe-Sumdo-Tso Moriri)
Pangong Tso – Chumathang – Tso Moriri (300 KM)
: Lukung
: Tangtse
: Durbuk
: Chang La
: Sakti
: Karu
: Upshi
: Kumdok
: Chumathang
: Mahe
: Sumdo
: Karzok/Tso Moriri (Night Stay)
2nd Aug : Tso Moriri – Leh (190 KM)
: Sumdo – Puga Hot Spring – 55 KM from Tso Moriri
: Chumathang – Gompa & Hot Spring – 40 KM from Sumdo
: Hemis – Gompa – 105 KM from Chumathang
: Stakna Gompa – 18 KM from Hemis
: Matho – Gompa – 14 KM from Stakna
: Nang – Stagmo Gompa – 25 KM from Matho
: Thikse – Gompa – 13 KM from Nang
: Tikse – Gompa – .5 Km
: Naropa Photang – 3 KM
: Shey – Monastery & Palace – 1.5 KM
: Sindhu Darshan – 4 KM
: Red Maitreya Temple – 11 KM
: Night Stay @ Leh
Above was my itinerary and I covered almost the entire region and place of Interest.
I travelled with Phunstok (09419880823), after comparing all the drivers in this article the price of Phunstok was the best, all other drivers were giving me a discount of 10-15% but Phunstok gave me 25% Discount and he never argued about the money if I travelled extra kilometer he is a very kind person always ready to help you more thn the price he was a guide and is the best person he is highly recommended, he knows all the shortcuts and you just need to sitback and relax he would do all things for you, I needed to return the favor so I am writing for him, travel with him and you will know why I am praising him and don’t forget to tip him for his guidance and experience.
Panamik is not worth spending extra kilometers it just have Hot water Spring which you can find in Chamathang
Wari La & Shyok both routes are closed as of now and it will remain closed for 20- 30 days as told us by BRO, So you have to travel to Leh and then to Pangong Lake
Pangong Tso OR Tso Moriri, I would say Pangong Tso anytime, as there is oxygen problem in Tso Moriri
Enjoy and Thanks
Prateek, thank you for posting the experience. I have posted it under DwD Community: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/india/himalayan-travel-tales/topic3068.html
Please add few pictures too up there, we will be more than happy 🙂
Hey Dheeraj,
I have been following your blog/fb page since yesteryear when me and my group of friends decided to execute the trip of our life. Keeping the posts/suggestions in mind I choose end of August and starting of September for Ladakh trip.
The issue on which I am seeking your advise is that We pre- booked a flight from Delhi to Srinagar for 26th August 2015 and the itinerary that you have suggested above fits us and taking a flight saves us two days to cover Srinagar, but we were in a view that we will take a self drive car from Srinagar- Leh and then take a rented bike from Leh for local travelling and then Leh-Manali with the same rented bike and leaving the bike at Manali. But as mentioned in the posts self drive cars are not allowed anymore in Ladakh. Plus my main concern being that for one way we already have a flight , even if we want to take our own bikes or taking a car from Delhi it won’t be possible for us. Can you advise us regarding the vehicle issue that we are facing.
P.S.- We are a group of 3 people.
Hi Piyush,
Considering your scenario the self drive car is fine as you wanted to use it just to enter Leh not going to Ladakh sightseeing on it. Hence, there would not have been any issue. However, there is no self drive rental cars service available in Srinagar. So, best bet if you take a taxi and tip the driver to let you drive. Then reach Leh, hire local bikes and drop them in Manali if you are OK with around 10-12K bike loading charges per bike.
Ya, I have been going through the bike rent situations for Leh. This had been our plan to make the Leh-Manali trip through bikes but as mentioned by you shedding 10-12k for bike loading charges is actually a big dent on pocket and as we are 3 people we will take 2 bikes which comes down to 20-24k only for bike loading charge 🙁
Do they not hire bikes that are left in Manali for ongoers from Manali-Leh??
This way we can save the loading charges. Do you have any idea about this?
No Piyush, sadly that is not the case.
🙁 thanks for your prompt reply Dheeraj, I tried contacting couple of drivers and on my priority list was Rigzin , earlier he told us he was available but then i guess our dates are somewhere clashing and he needs to be with you guys so he referred us to his brother (i guess). We mentioned your name to him thats when he said sharma ji is coming on 2nd so i need to be with him 🙂 So picking us up from Srinagar on 29th will be a problem!!
Piyush, yes we will be going up there and traveling with him only 🙂
Dear Dheeraj,
I just want to know about the minimum possible taxi fares from Srinagar to ladakh to manali as we are planning our trip in august end.
Please also tell me is it necessary to give advance to the taxi drivers for prior booking if yes then is it safe to give money in advance?
Piyush, it depends how many things you covering. Approx rates as per taxi union are below:
Srinagar – Leh = 16-17K
Leh around = 2-2.5K
Leh – Nubra 2 days = 10-11K
Leh – Pangong Tso 2 days = 10-11K
Leh – Tso Moriri – Manali = 25-26K
Hello Dheeraj,
Frist of all thanks for such a wonderful hub of information for Leh-ladhak trip,it really solved our many doubt..
May be i skipped or didnt found any info for staying in our own tents at some places while our journey from delhi-srinagar-leh-manali route.
Actually we are pack of 4 friends visiting the leh starting our journey in first week of September, we are thinking to buy a tent and want to stay at-least in some places in our tent and enjoy the night out.
My question in short is “Whether it is possible to stay in our own tents? And if yes could you please let me know some places where we can stay.”
Thanks in advance…
You can pitch your own tents anywhere but I will suggest you pitch them at a place where there are some dhabha tents put up by locals or where other camping guy pitch theirs or somewhere near some house in village or in their garden/lawn. All you will need is to gently ask them (villagers/dhabha guys/camping guys) for permissions. Most likely they will allow, other wise negotiate for small little tip or move on to some other such place nearby. This will give you sense of security too.
But, keep in mind that camping at the lakes both Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri is not allowed as they are under Ramsar site. Hence, you need to pitch these camps away from the lakes where either other camps are there or at near by village.
dheeraj sir,
this is the itinerary we hv planned:
3/8/15 : reach srinagar in the afternoon and transfer to drass,overnight at drass
4/8/15 : from drass to leh enrouting kargil war memorial,kargil city,batalik,overnight at leh
5/8/15 : local leh side scene
6/8/15: leh to nubra valley via khardhongla pass and back to leh if the direct route from nubra to pangong is not operational due to the rain
7/8/15 : pangong and overnight at pangong
8/8/15 : pangong to tso moriri,over night at tso moriri
9/8/15 : tso moriri to jipsa or keylong and overnight there
10/8/15 : transfer to manali and overnight at manali
11/8/15: manali to delhi via volvo
is this plan is ok,we do kept two reserve days in hand….if anything as per u we need to change,we r four male within the age grp of 25-32 and visiting ladakh for the first time,so plzz guide me and also help me out with the do’s and don’t’s for this high altitude trip
Looks fine Soharm, the only thing is that you need permits from Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri and even after permits you can be denied the passage by army through Chusul post.
thanks,so from where we will need to get the permit for that route….????????
what is the route we will go we need to write on the application for the permit
Soham please check: Ladakh Inner Line Permit Updates on Process & Download Form
Hi Dheeraj,
I am planning a road trip from delhi to leh of 5 days with my family and 1year old baby, from 21st october to 26th october 2015,
Please let me know is it safe to travel with 1 year baby to leh, Also please help me in preparing the itinerary for the comfortable stay with the kid to prevent from AMS.
I do not have time more then 6 days i have to come back to delhi on 6th. Please help me in this.
BR//
Rahul kaushik
09818111656
Rahul, with just one year old baby and that too in October in Ladakh, I will not recommend you this trip.
Hi Dheeraj…..heard you are travelling To leh in sep…i ma too planning the trip with my wife same time….can you advise your itinerary so that i can follow you on my XUV! if you please!
Sarab, it is detailed under: DoW Mega Meet 2015 – Suru & Zanskar Valley, The Wonderland
Dear Dhiraj,
we are planning Leh Ladakh trip from 26th Aug, 2015 to 31st August ,2015.
We are heading fom gujarat on 21st Aug,and will be reaching Delhi on 22nd Aug afternon. We will be travelling via Bus from Delhi to Manali on 22nd Aug late night 21:00hrs. if all goes well, we will reach manali on 23rd Aug afternoon. wewill be having a stay of night in manali, and are planning to depart at early morning say 04:00 hrs via innova.
We woud like you to help us for planning the tour of Leh for theabove mentoned dated (25th or 26th aug to 31st Aug) . Also, sugeest us some good travel agencis or drivers contact who can provide me the great deals for the same.
Kunjan, you can follow something as below:
24: Manali – Jispa
25: Jispa – Leh
26: Leh rest and acclimatize
27: Leh – Khardung La – Nubra
28: Nubra – Leh
29: Leh Hemis Pangong Tso
30: Pangong Tso – Shey – Thicksey – Leh
31: Fly out of Leh or rest day in Leh or Sham Valley tour
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Hi Dheeraj,
Myself and my husband are planning to take the below itinerary in September. Kindly suggest.
Day 1: Bangalore – Vapi
Day 2: uDAIPUR
Day 3: Sujangarh
Day 4 Amritsar
Day 5: Patnitop
Day 6: Srinagar
Day 7: Srinagar
Day 8: Kargil
Day 9: Leh
Day 10: Nubra Valley-khardungla -turtuk
Day 11: Pangong (is it safe and do-able from turtuk to pangong)
Day 12: Tso moriri
Day 13: Sarchu
Day 14: Mandi
Day 15:Delhi
Day 16: Jhansi
Day 17: Nagpur
Day 18:Hyderabad
Day 19 Bangalore
Regards,
we are going in ecosport!
Snadhya, Turtuk to Pangong is very very long, then Pangong tso to Tso moriri will need inner line permits and with permits as well you wiill not be assured that army allows you to pass through Chusul or not.
okay !
1.then what would be a better option? stay at diskit and drive to pangong.? then pangong to tso morrri we will be going via hemis n chumathang. tso moriri to keylong or sarchu.
2. What are your ideas about taxi mafias?
1. Yes, stay at Deskit or Hunder and drive to Pangong Tso.
2. Regarding Taxi chaos on rented self drive vehicles, you can read the updates under the thread: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/india/travel-news-updates-f33/topic2970-10.html#p24462
hello dheeraj sir
Sir we are 4 friends planning a tour to leh between 26 july to 5 august. All are going for the first time so no past experience . we are sharing our itinarary .please have a look and suggest some corrections if u find any required
day 1 26 july : evening volvo from gurgaon to Chandigarh. Night stay in chd at friends home
day 2 27 july : morning cab from chandigarh to manali
day 3 28 july : manali local sights/ paragliding etc
day 4 29 jully : next day earling morning 4 am move to leh via local taxi with stay in between
day 5 30 july : full day travel and stay in between leh manali highway
day 6 31 july : reached leh in afternoon and rest /local
day 7 1 aug : move to nubra valley \
day 8 2 aug : nubra to panyong
day 9 3 aug : pangyong to leh
day 10 4 aug : leh local visits etc
day 11 5 aug : morning flight to delhi from leh
My questions are as
1. is it right to spend 3 days and 2 night in leh manali highway . and where should we stay in between. if or if not
2. must visit places within this time period in leh
3. some decent and cheap hotels to stay or any good local taxi service
please guide us .
Gaurav, you should follow as per below plan:
day 4 29 jully : Manali – Keylong – Jispa. Do not stay at Sarchu as your body will not be acclimatized and you guys may fall sick
day 5 30 july : Jispa – Sarchu – Pang – Leh.
day 6 31 july : Rest in Leh and acclimatize
day 7 1 aug : move to nubra valley \
day 8 2 aug : nubra to Pangong via Wari La but keep in mind that Wari La route is very desolated and in case of any help required, there will not be present in miles of distance.
day 9 3 aug : pangyong to leh
day 10 4 aug : leh local visits or Sham Valley tour
Dear Dhiraj,
We four friends are going to Leh on Bullets (RE) for the first time and planned dates are as under
Delhi to Leh (via Srinagar) – on the 15th August
Leh to Delhi (via Manali) – we should reach Delhi on the 30th August
Could you please suggest us the best route wherein we can cover all the famous destinations, lakes, points, etc.
Thanking you in anticipation of swift response.
Regards!
Deepak Kumar Bisht
Deepak, with amount of days in hand and considering monsoons you can follow the above plan in the article and keep rest of the days as buffer days.
Thanks Dheeraj, I am sticking to that plan only.
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for writing a Bible for leh-ladakh trip. 🙂
5 of us will be reaching Manali by 18th morning and would follow Manali-Leh-Srinagar route. Following is the itinerary we have planned:
Day1 – Manali to Jispa
Day2 – Jispa to Leh
Day3 – Leh local sightseeing
Day4 – Leh to Nubra
Day5 – Nubra to Pangong
Day6 – Pangong to Leh
Day7 – Leh to Kargil
Day8 – Kargil to Srinagar/Sonamarg
Day9 – Srinagal local sightseeing and return flight
The return flight is at 4pm on day9 from Srinagar. We were wondering if we could squeeze in one more spot in ladakh(Tsomoriri didn’t seem a good option) and drop the plan of night stay in Srinagar?
If we drop the plan of night stay at Srinagar would we be able to Srinagar on time(around 2pm) if we leave from Kargil early in the morning(around 5 am)?
Please advise us on the same.
TIA.
To add further info, we would cover days 1 & 2 in a cab hired from Manali, days 3 to 6 on bikes and days 7 to 9 again in a cab/bus.
Given the time on hand plan is OK. Beware that direct route to Pangong Tso from Nubra Valley is desolated so take a calculative risk there. Also, you are not staying in Leh for acclimatization that can cause AMS issues.
We would be spending a night in Jispa and two nights in Leh. Shouldn’t this give us enough time to acclimatize?
Sorry I missed that you are spending two nights in Leh. I though you are moving to Nubra the next day you reach Leh.
Hi Dheeraj,
Hope you are doing well. Hello from everyone here at Dream’e’Leh…
After successful expedition last year(dream-e-leh-2014.blogspot.com), we are back to you for your expert advise on our upcoming drive to Leh – Dream’e’Leh II happening next month. I am going with a different team all together and while on one hand wanted to follow same route however at the same time wanted to explore new this time. We are driving the same vehicle our XUV500 (front wheel drive). What do you have to suggest on the below route ?
From To
———————————————
28-Aug-15 Pune Udaipur
29-Aug-15 Udaipur Delhi
30-Aug-15 Delhi Patnitop
31-Aug-15 Patnitop Srinagar
1-Sep-15 Srinagar Kargil
2-Sep-15 Kargil Leh
3-Sep-15 Leh
4-Sep-15 Leh Hunder
5-Sep-15 Hunder Sumur
6-Sep-15 Sumur Pangong/Spangmik
7-Sep-15 Spangmik Hanle
8-Sep-15 Hanle Korozk
9-Sep-15 Korozk Jispa
10-Sep-15 Jispa Manali
11-Sep-15 Manali Delhi
12-Sep-15 Delhi Udaipur
13-Sep-15 Udaipur Pune
Apart from the overall route, I have a few questions which I’m sure you have answered in one or other blog however I still chose to go with your specific opinion given the current situation out there….
1. Is this plan too aggressive ?
2. If not, where can we speed up to add some more days in Ladakh region?
3. Is the period, right for the drive from a flood/rain perspective ?
4. Nubra to Pangong : Nubra -> Khalsar -> Agham (30 kms) , which do you recommend from below?
1. Tyangar, Wari La, Sakti, Chang La, Durbuk – 138 kms, lil difficult
2. Shyok, Durbuk – 62kms, difficult, required 4×4
From Durbuk, Tangste, Spangmik – 69kms
Q – Which route to take from Agham ? I guess 1st.
– Is this route safe for XUV (front wheel drive)
– How much time should this route take ?
– Is own tent an option at Pangong at this time of year ?
5. Pangong to Hanle route: Spangmik -> Merak -> Chushul (45 kms) , which do you recommend from below? – I guess 1st.
1. Tsaga La, Tsaga, Loma – 75kms – lil difficult
2. Satatho La, Mitpal Tso, Kaksangla, Horla , Mahe, Nyoma, Loma – 115kms, diffuclt + lil difficult, required 4×4
From Loma, Rhongo, Hanle – 48kms
Q – Which route to take from Chushul ?
– Will this require ILP ?
– Is this route safe for XUV (front wheel drive)
– How much time should this route take ?
– What is the altitude at Hanle?
6. Hanle to Tso moriri route:
Hanle,Chiling Tso, Salsal La, Lam Tso, charchangla, Korozk (Tso Moriri) – 130 kms
Q – Will this require ILP ?
– Is this route safe for XUV (front wheel drive)
– How much time should this route take ?
– What is the altitude at Hanle?
– Is accomodation available at Korozk(assuming next to lake) ?
– Is own tent an option at this time of year ?
7. Tso moriri to Jispa route
Korozk, Kiagar Tso, Namshang la, Sumdo, Starsapuk Tso, Polokung la, Tso kar, Debring – 117 kms
Debring, Pang, Sarchu – 118 kms
Sachu -> Jispa – 88kms
Q – Will this require ILP ?
– Is this doable in a day as a lot to cover this day?
– We’ve done Rumtse to Jispa last year but we’d need to better time manage IMHO.
– Worst case we stay at Sarchu
Hi Ritesh,
Good to see you back 🙂
My inputs on plan
1. It is better to include Turtuk than spending day in Sumur or Panamik
2. Hunder to Spangmik can be done via Wari La pass. Ensure that you understand the risk of desolation and no help in miles in case there is any need on this Wari la route.
3. Spangmik to Hanle is subject to permits first from dC office and then if army will allow you to cross Chusul, Tsaga and Loma posts. You can be sent back from any of the posts even after having permits for Hanle and route to Chusul from Spangmik
4. Korzok to Jispa is possible provided you start early in the day.
Regarding your queries:
1,2. Inputs provided above
3. September is good time, I am there too most likely, will see you on the way.
4. Inputs above. Avoid Shyok route unless there is a convoy of vehicles accompanying you. You can pitch your own camps away from lake as on the bank of lakes it is banned.
5. Avoid Mitpal Tso route, rest suggestion provided above. You will need ILP for the route and still army can send you back which happens in general.
6. again permits are required for this route too. OK with XUV. Stay will be there at Korzok.
7. No ILP required on this route. Doable, but start early in the day.
Regards
Dheeraj
Thank you Dheeraj for your valuable inputs.
1. It is better to include Turtuk than spending day in Sumur or Panamik
>> Turtuk is in the detailed plan however the night halt will be at Sumur.
2. Hunder to Spangmik can be done via Wari La pass. Ensure that you understand the risk of desolation and no help in miles in case there is any need on this Wari la route.
>> If the route is clear, we are signed up to the risk as well as privilege of travelling alone in heaven on earth 🙂
3. Spangmik to Hanle is subject to permits first from dC office and then if army will allow you to cross Chusul, Tsaga and Loma posts. You can be sent back from any of the posts even after having permits for Hanle and route to Chusul from Spangmik
>> Is the “permits first from dC office” same as ILP from Leh? What will help, in terms of any documentations, requests etc if we really want to drive from Spnagmik to Hanle? If that happens what is the alternative route and time required to reach Hanle? If God forbid, we are sent back, can we still reach Hanle sameday?
4. Korzok to Jispa is possible provided you start early in the day.
>> Thanks, we will try to but there is a lot to absorb on the way…worst case Sarchu.
Regarding your queries:
1,2. Inputs provided above
3. September is good time, I am there too most likely, will see you on the way.
>> Awsesome, what dates are you travelling. Can we think of aligning to be able to travel with the expert ??
4. Inputs above. Avoid Shyok route unless there is a convoy of vehicles accompanying you. You can pitch your own camps away from lake as on the bank of lakes it is banned.
>> Shyok route has been voted out already mainly because of your instructions/pre-requisites of a 4×4 which we dont have.
5. Avoid Mitpal Tso route, rest suggestion provided above. You will need ILP for the route and still army can send you back which happens in general.
>> Sure, we will take Tsaga La, Tsaga, Loma route
6. again permits are required for this route too. OK with XUV. Stay will be there at Korzok.
>> I assume, we apply for permits for entire route at Leh? If not, where else ?
7. No ILP required on this route. Doable, but start early in the day.
>>Thanks
Thanks a ton Dheeraj !!!! Looking forward to meeting you and travelling with you.
We also plan to brand our vehicle with DoW stickers. I’m sure DoW cause will support our intention of fund raising for Tsaking primary school which is a one roomed school running 5 classes. We plan to add another room and while the Dreame’eLeh team is committed to make it happen I am also open to raise some funds to be able to adopt that school and make sure the our Young futures get the education they deserve… Any thoughts and suggestions on this cause are welcomed !!
Hi Ritesh,
Please find my replies below:
1. I feel that Turtuk stay will be much enrcihing than Sumur or Panamik
2. Go with it then 🙂
3. Yes, those are ILP only. If you are sent back you cannot reach Hanle. Only luck is the alternative. If you did not start early probably you will even fail to reach back Leh. So, start early. You can reach Hanle next day only in case you are sent back.
4. Cool 🙂
5. It is mega meet, already a big convoy of group and itinerary is more focused on Zanskar Valley. It is from 4th to 14th September. We might wave each other either on the roads and can travel together if we bump in each other on some specific day 🙂
6. Good that Shyok is out 🙂
7. Good that you opted for trying Tsaga La
8. Yes, permits are applied one time with all required places on documents in Leh only.
Thank you so much for keeping up with the vision of DoW and spreading smiles !!
Amazing thing, you can probably start the thread for the school in the community forums and I am sure many devils will come forward for the help.
Hi dheeraj we r 2 friends planning itenary as below
Day 1 22nd june arrive at jammu stay at jammu
Day2 23 june jammu to srinagar evening sight seeing
Day 3 24 june srinagr to kargil
Day 4 25 june kargil to alchi via batalik dah skurbuchan
Day 5 alchi to leh rest
Satya, plan looks fine to me but you will need permit for Batalik from Kargil before taking that route.
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for such a wonderful and informative article.
We 4 friends are planning for a bike trip next month to Leh-ladhak.
We plan to rent bikes and kick start our journey From Chandigarh.
Can you suggest an itinerary for 8 days? We plan to go via Srinagar and return Via Manali.
Thanks,
Jay
It will take 4 days to reach Leh from Srinagar side starting from Delhi and 3 days to come back from Leh from Manali side to Delhi. This makes it 7 days. 1 Day is required in Leh for acclimatization. You have about 8 days. 1 Day can be used as Day trip to Pangong Tso or Khardung La Pass
Thanks for the reply..
As i mentioned earlier we would start from Chandigarh, so please suggest which route would be better as i hear there is some issues at Manali highway last few days.
Also if we take Chandigarh – Srinagar – Leh route, which should be our pit stops while going.
Which are the top 5-6 must see places on our 8 days trip to Leh – Ladhak which we cannot afford to miss?
Thanks
jay
Jay, itinerary described in the article above is the most suggested plan to travel Ladakh. You can pick the days based on your choice and days in hand with you in above plan. Days up to Leh and Leh to Manali cannot be avoided including the rest day in Leh. You can drop rest day after Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri lake you can drop to save days if you do not have that many. If you want to save one more day you can make a day trip to Pangong Tso
Hi Dheeraj,
First of all many thanks for providing so much information for Ladakh travelers.
At long last my desire of doing Ladakh on my bike is coming to realization next month. 😀
I will be going with another friend of mine, on our own motorcycles. I have been to Leh twice before but never on two wheels.
I would request help from you for planning an itinerary which will cover the entire Ladakh region. My trip is from 8th Aug – 30th Aug.
Need to cover the following places, Kargil, Drass, Zanskar, Suru Valley, Hunder, Panamik, Nubra Valley, Shyok, Padum, Hanle…and all the lakes! Also, it would be wonderful if most interesting places in Kashmir could be included.
I think 3 weeks should be adequate for this…or is this too ambitious?
We will be starting from Delhi and ending in Delhi.
Thanks again.
Raghu, 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 drop the rest day to make it 12 days.
Dheeraj, I have a total of 22 days in hand for this trip. I was looking for options so I am able to cover most of Ladakh or nearly everything important in this duration. Maybe you could suggest where to spend a few days to soak in everything it has to offer.
Raghu, in that case you can follow the below plan and use the remaining two days as buffer to be spent where ever you feel more time need to be spent. On Day 16, you can go to Hanle from Leh in one of those days and Day 17 Hanle to Tso Moriri. That will make it 21 days plan.
Day 1 | Delhi – Jammu / Patnitop
— Overnight at Jammu or Patnitop
Day 2 | Jammu / Patnitop – 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 3 | 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 4 | Kargil – Padum (Zanskar Valley)
— Head straight to Padum
Day 5 | Padum Local Sightseeing
— Enjoy Zangla, Stongde, Karsha
Day 6 | Padum – Zongkhul Monastery – Penzi La Pass – Rangdum
— Start back and stay at Rangdum
Day 7 | Rangdum – Panikhar – Sankoo – Kargil
— Checkout rock carved statue at Khartse Khar
Day 8 | 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 9 | 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 10 | 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 11 | Turtuk – Hunder
— Spend whole day at Turtuk and reach Hunder by evening
— Overnight at Hunder
Day 12 | 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 13 | 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 14 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on return to Leh
— Overnight at Leh
Day 15 | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping OR Monastery tour OR You can do tour to Sham Valley
— Monastery tour may include Hemis, Thicksey, Stakna and Shey monasteries.
— Sham Valley include Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, Gurudwara Pather Sahib
— Overnight at Leh
Day 16 | Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang
— Cover Karzok Monastery
— Overnight at Karzok or Tso Moriri
Day 17 | 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 18 | Pang / Sarchu – Baralacha La – Jispa
— On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only
— Overnight at Jispa
Day 19 | Jispa – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
— On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only
— Overnight at Manali
Day 20 | Manali – Delhi
— Return home
Thanks a ton for such a comprehensive plan, Dheeraj! I appreciate the time you’re put in to answer my query. Expect me to return the favor!! 🙂
Thank you Raghu, 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 Dheeraj,
I am planning for a Ladakh trip in 2016; need your advice if Mid May would be a right time to travel to Srinagar and from there to Ladakh. Also, pl advice which are the best of places in Ladakh which can be covered in about 5 nights 6 days.
regards,
Debjit
Mid May Srinagar – Leh Highway might be open might not be open. All depends upon the snow in winters. It takes 2 days to reach Leh from Srinagar and then 1 day rest is mandatory. So, 3 days are gone there. Increase the number of days if you want to enjoy the trip.
Hello Dheeraj,
We are planning for MANALI-TSO MORRIRI-LEH(3 days) via a cab.
Could you please tell if this is a valid route and how much will it cost more as compared to MANALI-LEH ( 2 days ) journey ?
Thanks,
Vikram, 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.