On request of some avid readers of the blog and so many like-minded travelers seeking guidance for their tour to Leh – Ladakh, I would like to sketch below one of the most popular Ladakh itineraries. Many of Leh – Ladakh lovers follow it, including me, as it covers all three major tourist destinations of Ladakh, including Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso Lake, and Tso Moriri Lake.
The itinerary also covers the Srinagar Leh Highway as well as the Manali – Leh Highway, so it is apt for those looking forward to covering the entire Ladakh circuit. If you are making a trip to Ladakh in winter, then better refer most common itinerary for a winter trip to Ladakh
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. Since 2022, permits are not required for domestic tourists to travel anywhere in Ladakh including the Umling La pass. You only need to pay the environment/green/ecology fee and carry a receipt of the payment
For now, these reasons are good enough to start your Ladakh journey from Srinagar side 🙂 …
12-14 Days Itinerary for Leh Ladakh by Road
When you plan for the Ladakh trip, it is better to plan the trip with a good number of days in hand. Cramming too many places in the Ladakh road trip does not make any sense because you will not enjoy the real beauty of the trip. Hence, I have kept about 12-14 days for this common itinerary of Ladakh trip.
Day 1 | Delhi – Jammu / Patnitop
- Overnight at Jammu or Patnitop
- About a 12-13 Hours drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between
Day 2 | Jammu / Patnitop – Srinagar
- Enjoy a walk around Dal Lake and maybe a Shikara ride as well
- Overnight at Srinagar
- About an 8-9 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between
Day 3 | Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil
- Enjoy the vistas en route near Sonamarg
- Have a meal at Drass during lunch
- Overnight at Kargil
- About an 8-hour drive, depending upon the traffic movement at Zozila and the breaks you take in between.
Day 4 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
- Cover Mulbekh Maitreya, Lamayuru Monastery, Lunar Landscapes
- On the way, you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, and other parts of Sham Valley
- Overnight at Leh
- About a 9-10 Hours drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between
Day 5 | Leh Local Sightseeing
- To know about the places to visit in/around Leh, check my Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
- Since 2022, permits are not required for domestic tourists to travel anywhere in Ladakh including the Umling La pass. You only need to pay the environment/green/ecology fee and carry a receipt of the payment.
- Check the Leh – Ladakh taxi union rate list for 2024 – 25 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh.
- You can call the local drivers directly to connect with them and check the more comprehensive List of Taxi Drivers for Ladakh – Srinagar – Leh – Manali with recommendations/reviews for DoW community members.
- Overnight at Leh
Day 6 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
- Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
- On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
- Diskit has monasteries with the tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
- About a 5-6 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between and at Khardung La
Day 7 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
- Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
- Overnight at Leh
- About a 7-9 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between
Day 8 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake
- Cover either of Hemis, Thiksey, and Shey on the go toward Pangong Tso
- Overnight at Pangong Tso (Spangmik or Lukung)
- About a 5-6 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between
Day 9 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
- Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey, and Shey on return to Leh
- Overnight at Leh
- About a 5-6 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between
Day 10 | Rest day at Leh
- Enjoy local culture, shopping, or rest in Leh
- Sham Valley includes Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, Gurudwara Pather Sahib
- Overnight at Leh
Day 11 | Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang
- Cover Karzok Monastery
- Overnight at Karzok or Tso Moriri
- About a 7-8 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between
Day 12 | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring (Manali – Leh Highway starts) – Moore Plains – Sarchu
- Try to start early in the day so that you reach Sarchu where the accommodation options are better than in Pang
- Overnight at Sarchu
- About 8 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between
Day 13 | Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Atal Tunnel – Manali
- On the way cover Suraj Tal, and Deepak Tal which are on the roadsides only
- Overnight at Manali
- About 6 Hrs drive
Day 14 | Manali – Delhi
- Return Home
- About a 12-14 Hrs drive from Manali to Delhi, depending upon the breaks you take in between
Day 15 + 16
Buffer days are to be kept in case of road closure due to landslides or snowfall or perhaps you want to enjoy more.
Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso Direct Route Option
You can save a day by making a direct trip to Pangong Tso from Nubra Valley as suggested below.
Day 7 | Hunder / Diskit – Shyok village / Wari La route – Pangong Tso
- Take the direct route from Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso either via Shyok village or Wari La pass whichever is open.
- Since 2019, the direct route between Nubra Valley – Shyok Village – Pangong Tso has stabilized a lot. It is not at all desolate in the season anymore as it used to be a few years back.
- A lot of people do this route nowadays, so it should be fine for you to do that route as well. Just enquire at Agham village on the safer side or wait for a couple of cars to tag along on the route.
- Overnight at Pangong Tso.
- About a 6-10 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between and the route you take between Shyok and Wari La.
Day 8 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
- Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey, and Shey on return to Leh
- Overnight at Leh
- About a 6-7 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between
Alternatively, you can also make a day trip to Pangong Tso (if Shyok village and Wari La pass routes are closed) as below but that makes it a bit in case.
Day 8 | Leh – Chang La – Pangong Tso – Chang La – Leh
- Make a Day trip to Pangong Tso via Chang La Pass.
- Overnight at Leh.
- About an 8-9 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between.
Additional Points for Ladakh trip from Srinagar
- You can also make a three-day trip to Nubra Valley so that you can spend one night in the beautiful village of Turtuk and remove the rest day at 9 or add one day to the above plan to visit Turtuk. I bet you will not regret it at all visiting Turtuk in Nubra Valley.
- In Srinagar, you can also visit the Floating Market> Shalimar Garden.
- For accommodation, check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in the entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate and cheap budget hotels.
- Any doubts related to the budget of your Ladakh trip?? Don’t worry, check this complete guide on How to calculate the cost or budget for Leh – Ladakh trip
Conclusion
I hope this plan or itinerary for Leh Ladakh from the Srinagar side will be useful for travelers planning their journey at least for the first time.
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I look forward to any questions or doubts or valuable suggestions and inputs you have and would love to discuss your custom plan as well in the comments section.
You can share your valuable suggestions and inputs you have or you would love to discuss your custom plan as well in the comments section. If you want any customization or deviation from the above plan, feel free to ask any questions, and in case you know a friend who is interested in traveling Ladakh from Srinagar in such a plan, feel free to share the article with them.
2,495 Comments
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Hello dheeraj!
Some great work out here.. Solid info
We’ve been planning ladakh since two years, we’ve already booked flight tickets so now working with itinerary
We are transporting our own bikes to jammu and back from mandi and are a group of 8.. Please check the itinerary and comment!
1) july14 hyd to jammu
2) 15 jammu srinagar – sonamarg
3) 16 sonamarg to Kargil
4) 17 kargil to leh
5) 18 leh
6) 19 leh to nubra
7)20 nubra to Pangong
8) 21 Pangong to leh
9) 22 leh to tso moriri
10) 23 tso moriri to sarchu /jispa or keylong
11) 24 sarchu to manali /kasol
12) 25 buffer day
13) 26 kasol malana rest
14)27 Solang Valley manali rest
15) 28 manali to mandi – bikes transport – delhi at Nyt
16)29 delhi to hyd
Your plan looks fine to me Dinesh
Hi Dheeraj,
We are planning to hire a Private vehicle(White Number Plate) in Delhi(The driver is the owner) for our ladakh trip. Will there be any problem with the taxi unions in LEH if we do so.
TIA.
Jitesh, as long as you all can share the same story in case someone talks about that whose car is it, who owns it and is he a friend or not, it should be fine.
Hi Dheeraj,
Have read almost all your blogs which are beautifully written and has helped us a lot in planning our trip to Ladakh. A big thank you 🙂
We are 7 members arriving afternoon at Leh by air on 26th August and leaving Leh morning by air on 4th September. We have planned the trip as follows:
Day1, 26th aug: acclimatization/local sightseeing plus permits
Day2, 27th aug: Leh sightseeing
Day3, 28th aug: Leh to Nubra Valley, stay at Hunder/Diskit
Day 4, 29th aug: Nubra to Leh
Day5, 30th aug: Leh to Pangong, stay at Pangong
Day 6, 31st aug: Pangong tso to tso Moriri
Day 7, 1st sept: tso Moriri to Leh
Day 8, 2nd sept: Leh to Sham valley
Day 9, 3rd sept: Not Yet planned
Day10, 4th sept: Return home with great memories
We plan to rent bikes for Leh sight seeing and sham valley tour. For rest we plan to hire a cab. I need your advice on following:
1.Does this itinerary looks fine and how will it be in August end weather wise?
2. Do cab drivers be ready to take the direct route to Pangong to tso Moriri? You have mentioned 2 routes in your earlier posts which are short distance wise and more scenic but has some problems and 1 which is longer(via Upshi). So could you please advise us on which is the best route to take.
3. Can sham valley be covered on 2nd day if and only if we feel good? Or is it a risk? Because 3 of us will be leaving early i.e. on the 8th day, 2nd sept.
4. We have one day which we haven’t planned yet so could you please suggest us places or activities that can be done..
5. We read about Zanskar river rafting.. Is it worth experiencing during our visit time?
Again thanks in advance. Happy travelling 🙂
Thank you Kruthi for warm words, glad these articles are helpful.
My replies below
1. Ladakh is rain shadow region and since you are flying in, it is fine. The plan should include Hanle from Pangong tso which will help break the journey and next day you can reach Tso Moriri.
2. Yes, cab drivers will be ready
3. If you sleep well, on Day 1, attempt Sham Valley on Day else keep it as is to relax.
4. Hanle it should be.
5. If you want to try rafting, then yes that is fine and can be clubbed with Sham Valley tour
Thank you Dheeraj for a prompt reply.
As i mentioned earlier 3 of us will be returning home on Day8, 2nd sept.. So returning to leh on Day7, 1st sept becomes necessary.. So if we include Hanle in the existing plan, can Hanle-tso moriri – leh be done on one day(Day7) ? Or should we drop tso moriri? 🙁
Also are there any nearby places apart from these which we could cover on bikes for the rest who will be staying back.
Hope I am not confusing you with this query 🙂
In such a case you need to drop Tso Moriri or Hanle, will prefer dropping Tso Moriri as you are already visiting Pangong Tso. You can fit in Sham Valley for near by places to visit near Leh
Will make the changes as you suggested. Thanks again Dheeraj! 🙂
Best wishes for the trip Kruthi, we will wait for your updates 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
We are back from a wonderful, memorable trip to ladakh. Beautiful sky! Loved all monestries too they add so much colours, contradicting the landscape colours
As the roads were open from nubra to Pangong tso we went there directly saving a day and visited tso moriri too! Thanks a ton for suggesting visit to Hanle. The journey to Hanle itself is the most beautiful one that i have witnessed. We camped at hanle and unfortunately received heavy rainfall same night. But we were prepared with mattress and sleeping bags so all went good. Had a wonderful experience.
Would like to mention about Padma homestay near to which we had pitched our tents.. They were very kind and helpful, allowed us to use their washroom the next morning and even denied any money that we were offering.
We also visited Turtuk village at nubra, had delicious apricot there. But only sad part over there is that children come running to u,pose for u to take their photos and then demand chocolate / 10rs. Some kids even pull your bags if u don’t entertain them..Initially we gave them chocolates but later they started gathering more children and started demanding money 🙁
But overall it was a wonderful experience. Will try and visit ladak again.
Thanks again!
Kruthi 🙂
It is wonderful to know Kruthi that you had an amazing trip. Thank you so much for sharing the feedback as well but also on the side note sad to hear the story of Turtuk. Sonam Dorje rocks at Hanle !! One of the many humble and noble souls in Ladakh.
Dear Dheeraj,
Following the above thread, this is our itinerary for the upcoming trip in mid of July. Please have a look and tell me about any modifications to be done.
Day1: Chandigarh – Srinagar
◦ 564 km – 12 hrs drive
◦ we will start early in the morning
Day2: Srinagar- Zozi La – Dras – Kargil
Day3: Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
Day4: Leh, Acclimatization and ILP fee payment.
Day5: Leh – Khardung La – Nubra Valley
Day6: Nubra Valley – Agham -Shyok Village – Durbuk – Pangong
or Nubra Valley – Agham – Wari La – Shakti – Chang La – Pangong (we will be traveling in a 4×4 vehicle)
Day7: Pangong Tso – Hemis – Debring – Sarchu
Day8: Sarchu – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
Day9: Manali – Chandigarh
Given, all accommodations have been arranged, what should be our ‘Plan B’ if there are some issues in Srinagar highway?
Any alternative routes are possible to reach Leh on the third day?
Cheers
Jishnu
Jishnu, in such a case go from Manali side by doing Chandigarh to Solang Valley, Solang Valley to Jispa and Jispa to Leh.
Thank you, Dheeraj.
Hi Deeraj,
Thanks a lot for your previous responses and suggestions.
After doing some ground work and based on my last Leh trip, I have jot down the below itinerary. Please have a look, and request you to advice me on the queries I have mentioned.
9th June – Delhi to Patnitop, overnight Drive.
10th June – Rest and Night Stay in Patnitop.
11th June – Patnitop to Srinagar, Night Stay in SriNagar.
12th June Srinagar to Kargil, Night Stay @ Kargil
13th June Kargil to Leh, covering Mulbekh, Lamayuru, Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hill, Confluence, Night Stay @ Leh
Queries: Can we add Alchi and Likir in this day or will it be hard for us to reach Leh before sunset.
14th June: Local sightseeing, Local markets and Leh Palace, permit collections, Night Stay in Leh
Queries: Can we arrange permits and pay taxes online to avoid delays and getting more time to explore more.
15th June Move to Hunder, stay at Hunder
Queries: 1. Any good accommodation available?
2. How much does it costs to stay in Hunder?
16th June Hunder – Diksit – Sumur – Panamik – Back to Leh
Queries:
1 Is this day doable?
2. Is it worth going to Sumur and Panamik, or we should leave these places?
3. If planned, can we reach Pangong Tso via WariLa same day and get Night Stay in Pangong? This will give me an extra day and I can cover few more points.
17th June Pangong Tso, cover Shey Palace, Tickshay, Night Stay @ Pangong
Queries:
1. Last year when I visited Pangong, I noticed a wooden house resort just few Kms from Lukung, can you pls let me know the name of that resort and if possible the contact nos.
2. As I am travelling with my wife, should I book the camp or resort in advance to avoid any hassles?
18th June: Pangong to Leh, Cover Himis, Night stay in Leh
Queries: Can we cover Chushul, Hanle and get back to Leh till evening
19th June: Local Sight Seeing in Leh
20th June: Leh to Tso moriri via Chumatang, night stay at Tso moriri
Queries:
1. Any good accommodation available?
2. How much does it costs to stay in tso moriri?
3. Can we go further to Chumur and come back to stay in Tso moriri on same day?
21st June Tso moriri to Sarchu, cover Tso Kar, Night Stay at Sarchu
Queries:
1 Is this day doable?
2. Which place will you suggest to stay, Sarchu, or any other place on Leh Manali Highway?
At what time should we leave so that we can reach other destination before sun set?
22nd June Sarchu to Solang, Night Stay in Solang/ Manali
23rd Stay in Manali, Overnight to Delhi.
24th, 25th Reserve days.
Car Used : XUV 500 AWD
Travelers: 2(1 drive only)
Few queries:
1. Any permit required for Leh to Manali.
Is it possible to cover Hanle and Loma in this plan
2. I don’t think Fuel will be an issue as we are touching bases where Pumps are easily available, is it?
3. Any useful tips or suggestions from your side.
Thanks in advance.
Responses below:
1. You can add Alchi, skip Likir.
2. Permits are available online, but fee need to be paid in person as of now.
3. Hunder/Deskit both have many options to stay, suit your budget. Yourdum Guest House is good economic options
4. Best is to skip Panamik, Sumur to ease the day out.
5. They are called Himalayan Wooden Cottages, good to book them in advance.
6. I will suggest to avoid Chusul route with family. If you have company you may give it a try.
7. Avoid Chumur, couple of good options at Tso Moriri Camp and Resort is one. Rest home stays.
8. Sarchu should be OK to stay
9. No permit required for Leh to Manali.
10. Need one more day to fit Hanle.
11. You need to cover 550 KM with Tso Moriri to Manali without fuel pump. If you add Hanle, add 200 KMs more.
Dear Dhiraj
As you mentioned in point 6 that Chusul route with family be avoided, please tell whether in case of family is it unsafe.
The route is like any other route in Ladakh but footsteps of people are less on this route and villages are far apart. Hence, in case there is any issue with the vehicle or something else, help is very hard to find. While on other route, due to tourist traffic someone can offer help for sure. Also, the road conditions are mostly like direct track up to Tsaga village from Pangong Tso with couple of water crossing.
Dear Dheeraj,
Hi… i am Vikas, we are planning to expedite Leh circuit via srinagar in our vehicle. we are two couples with 02 childs of 6 years each. we want to start from delhi on 8th june night and want to back delhi on 18 th night. plaese suggest, how should we plan this trip and is it OK to travel with our childrens. As in past we had traveled along with our childrens upto manali and Dalhousie and there is absolutely no problem with them ( no vomiting nothing else). Please suggest, we are moving by XUV 500, is this vehicle Ok for this expedition.
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
You can check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate (cheap budget hotels as well) in the series of articles starting on the link here
In general, it is fine to take the children of such age group because AMS do not matter with respect to age or sex or any fitness level. It can happen to anyone of any age or sex or fitness I shall say :D.. The issue with children is that they tend to exert the body considering it the same kind of place they belong to and this elevates the chances of getting struck with AMS. Secondly, they are not much expressive about their uneasy feelings, so it is parents who need to watch out and take care that the child is not suffering from uneasy feelings, headache or nausea and is behaving properly. With 5+ year child, I think he/she would be able to convey the uneasiness with little efforts. If you notice any such feeling or he/she tells you about such a feeling then please do not ascend anywhere, either descend to lower altitude or stay at the same place to watch things overnight and if symptom increase then start descending immediately. Same is applicable for any adult as well. And yes, do keep the body adequately hydrated!!
Also, PLEASE read the article: Traveling to Ladakh with Kids or Babies. This article covers this topic in complete detail.
Hi Dheeraj.
We are a group of 8 who are planning a 10 day trip to Leh in the first week of July. After a decent research we have finalized the following itenary. Could you please let us know if the following itenary is doable.
Day1. We ll be reaching Delhi by 4 AM. Hire a couple of bikes and a car in Delhi and start off to Dehradun – 278 KM. Over night stay at Dehradun
Day2. Dehradun-Shimla- Manali – 475 KM. Overnight stay at Manali
Day3. Manali-Keylong-Sarchu – 223KM. Overnight stay
Day4. Sarchu- Rumste- Pangong Lake -331Km. Overnight stay at Pangong lake
Day5. Pangong lake – Numbra Valley – 252KM (We’ll be covering places like Hunder, Diskit Gompa). Overnight stay at Numbra Valley
Day6. Numbra Valley – uleytokpo 228KM ( We’ll be covering places like Khardung la, Magnetic Hill, Likir). Overnight Stay at uleytokpo
Day7. uleytokpo-Kargil-Sonamarg-Srinagar 350KM. Overnight stay at Srinagar
Day8. Srinagar- Amritsar 434 KM.Overnight stay at Amritsar
Day9. Amritsar to Delhi. – 470 KM. We’ll have to reach delhi by 10PM as we have a train back hyderabad at 11PM.
Other Queries:
1. We heard that vehicles hired outside Leh will not be allowed in Leh. Is this true?
2. Is it safe to travel via srinagar as there seems be some curfew.
3.None of us are experienced to drive through high altitude areas on bikes. Is it safe to do opt for bikes?
4. What about the road conditions in leh region.
PS: The reason we are taking a car on hire so that we can keep shifting the riders so that the drive is not burdensome.
Jitesh, your plan, unfortunately, is not practical. You should add more days in order to make a good trip to Ladakh else you may fall sick in between due to AMS and will not enjoy the trip at all.
Can you please elaborate as to in what terms the plan is not viable.
Thank You in Advance.
Best you can plan is:
Day1. Delhi – Manali (Get permit for Rohtang Pass)
Day2. Manali – Jispa
Day3. Jispa – Leh
Day4. Leh rest day, permits and acclimatization
Day5. Leh – Nubra Valley
Day6. Numbra Valley – Pangong Tso
Day7. Pangong Tso – Sarchu
Day8. Satchu – Manali
Day9. Manali to Delhi
You can do this only by private vehicles or taxis else outside rented bikes will not be allowed and you have to come back to Leh on Day 7 to return Leh basedbikes.
Thanks Dheeraj. Appreciate your patience.
Best wishes for the trip Jitesh.
Hello Deeraj, Thanks for all the details you have provided on different links.
I am planning trip with friends to Manali-leh and Ladakh in last week of June, 2017. By going through different links of DOW, i have prepared below itinerary:
Day 01(June 24): Manali – Rohtang Pass – Jispa (140 kms/ 8 hrs)
Day 02(June 25): Jispa – Leh (353 kms/ 12-13 hrs)
Day 03: Leh – Khardung La Pass – Diskit or Hunder = (125 KMs/6 to 7 hrs)
• 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 04: Diskit – Shyok Village – Lukung or Spangmik = 175 KMs/ 7 hrs)
Day 05: Spangmik– Leh = (171 KMs/5 to 6 hrs)
• can cover Thicksey, Hemis and Shey monasteries while going through this route
Day 06 | Leh – Sham Valley – Leh
• Sham Valley: In order from Leh: Gurdwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Zanskar and Indus River Confluence at Nimmu, Ruins of Basgo Palace and Basgo Plains, Alchi Monastery and Likir Monastery
• Overnight at Leh
Day 07: Leh – Chumathang – Korzok or Tso Moriri = (240 KMs/7 to 8 hrs)
Day 08: Tsomoriri – Sarchu (228 kms/ 8 hrs)
Day 09: Sarchu – Manali (222 kms/8-9 hrs)
Day 10: Buffer Day
We are group of 10-14 people and will be carrying 2 Suvs (2*4) and 2-3 bikes (Royal enfield) rented from Manali.
We trying to get our own cars so will it be ok ? to travel Nubra valley or Pangong lake and Tso-moriri lake with own cars.
Will we need any inner permit ? if Yes, can it be arranged by some how in advance ? how can we get that in advance?
If we rent the car from Delhi, we are planning to park the car in Leh and rent a Leh taxi for 4 days for all people(including bikers) to travel on day 3- Day 6.
Will we need any inner permit for Leh Taxi also ? if Yes, can it be arranged by driver in advance ?
Can you please suggest if it is doable without any issues ? and do we need to change any plan ?
I Will suggest to make Sham Valley trip before moving to Nubra Valley. Own cars will be OK but rented bikes from Manali need to be parked in Leh and Leh based bikes need to be rented. Yes, you will need inner line permit and the good news is they are now available online. Please read: Ladakh Inner Line Permits Available Online
Thanks a Lot for your valuable suggestions. 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
I am planning a trip to Spiti in 1st week and 2nd week of september. Is it okay or should it be 3rd and 4th week becaue of better weather?
Thanks.
September 2nd to 4th week is good time to travel to Spiti Valley
hi dheeraj,
last year we went to spiti as per your suggested itinerary ,,, and that was really awesome adventures trip… thanks.
this time we are planning fro ladakh in mid june from delhi… I have gone through your suggested itinerary but we also want to cover hanle village… we have 16 or 17 full days in hand pl. suggest itinerary for us….
we also wanted to spend 2 nights in nubra and 2 full days in leh … pl keep these points in mind and help us with itinerary,,,,
thanks a lot.:)
Wonderful to know. Since you have more days at hand, I will suggest you add one night in Turtuk village in Nubra Valley and one more night in Leh.
Now coming to Hanle, you can do Hanle as per below plan after coming from Pangong Tso to Leh. Next day start like below:
Leh to Hanle
Hanle to Tso Moriri
Tso Moriri – Sarchu
Sarchu to Manali
In case you are still left with a day, it will be great to spend one more night in Hanle and enjoy the seclusion beauty of Changthang plateau in Ladakh.
Thank u so much for the help…
now our itinerary would be:-
Day 1 DELHI – JAMMU
DAY 2 JAMMU – SRINAGAR
DAY 3 SRINAGAR- KARGIL
DAY4 KARGIL -LEH
DAY5 LEH
DAY6 LEH-PANAMIK
DAY7 PANAMIK – TURTUK
DAY8 TURTUK- LEH
DAY9 LEH-PANGONG
DAY 10 PANGONG – LEH
DAY 11 LEH
DAY 12 LEH-HANLE
DAY 13 HANLE -TOS MORIRI
DAY14 TOSMORIRI – SARCHU
DAY 15 SARCHU-MANALI
DAY 16 MANALI-DELHI
Is this itinerary is ok?
one more question, we are traveling by innova so with full tank is it possible to travel from karu to sarchu?
thanks
that too with covering all places like hanle tos moriri…
Just replied.
Yes, this looks good to me. I will suggest to skip Panamik and spend night at Hunder. Nothing much to see in Panamik. You will have to carry fuel for about 700 KMs, so based on the average you are getting in rest of Ladakh, carry the spare fuel with you.
Thank you so much… but in this itinerary we will miss taglang pass….;(
If you really want to make a trip to Taglang la, then add a day to do a trip to Taglang from Tso Moriri and come back for night stay at Tso Kar lake. Next day do Tso Kar to Jispa / Keylong / Sissu.
Hi Dheeraj,
Please provide your feedback for the following itinerary starting 2nd week of july:
Day 1: chd – manali 300
Day 2: Manali-jispa 170
Day 3: Jispa-leh 330
Day 4: leh permits and local 20
Day 5: leh-panamik – hunder 210
Day 6: hunder-warila-pangong 240
Day 7: Pangong-marsimikla-upshi 220
Day 8: upshi – hanle 210
Day 9: hanle – tso moriri 150
Day 10: tso moriri -tso kar – leh 250
Day 11: leh-dras 290
Day 12: dras-Amaranth yatra via baltal – srinigar 150
Day 12: Srinagar-anantnag-pahalgam 100
Day 13: pahalgam – kishtwar 200
Day 14: kishtwar-udaipur 200
Day 15: udaipur – kasol 240
Day 16: kasol-chandigarh-del 600
Can Day 6, 7, 14 be completed in 4×2 XUV
We are travelling in my friend’s XUV(White number plate but friend will not be travelling with us). Will there be any issue from the taxi mafia?
Any other suggestions, comments? Is the itinerary too ambitious?
Hi Karan,
Below are my inputs:
1. I will suggest to skip Marsimik La and go over to Hanle from Chusul route.
2. Also, take Agham – Shyok route if other vehicles are doing it, accompanied by them instead of longer wari La one
3. You need to manage spare fuel for about 900 KMs
4. It gets very tricky towards the end especially Kishtwar to Udaipur looks quite much to me being horrible roads. I will suggest to skip it for some other time.
Regarding, taxi union, well, mostly you should be OK. Do Not get indulge into arguments and try to sort the matter amicably.
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks a lot for a prompt response, I have some more queries.
1. Are you suggesting to skip Marsimik La because of 4×2, or any other reason?
2. What route should be taken till Chushul, Man-Merak one or Tangste one? I’ve read in one of your articles that even people with permits are sent back from Chushul, what should be done?
3. Lets assume nobody is going from Shyok /WariLa side, what should be done in that case? Is it possible to do Nubra-Pangong via leh in 1 day?
4. Regarding Kishtawar to Udaipur, Are there accommodation options between Killar and Udaipur, in case we’re not able to reach Udaipur or cross the madgram nallah.
5. Are there any specific points where there are taxi mafia checkposts?
Hello Karan,
1. I am suggesting it to ease out the trip and in case of any breakdown it will be difficult to get anything unless it is your second or third trip, I will not risk the other part of the trip.
2. Yes, take Man – Merah – Chusul – Tsaga – Loma route. Try to convince them and request, it should be fine.
3. Well, it is the risk you take else you will have to come back to Leh and go to Pangong Tso next day.
4. After Killar the only option I remember if PWD rest house at Cherry towards Udaipur. There is a dhabha at Purthi village but no stay option up to Udaipur.
5. Enroute all tourist spots and please don’t call them by that name, it is taxi union. Unions are meant everywhere to protect the members. Those are locals, they are doing it so that rich man and woman don’t eat their breads on their resources. Consider yourself in their shoes and then judge. why that name got highlighted was due to one off incident that took place few years back where there is other side of the story as well where the car was put over a driver’s leg injuring him badly. I am not taking their side nor justifying what happened in that ugly incident was by any means correct, it was indeed a shame on their part.
Hi Dheeraj,
Please provide your feedback for the following itinerary starting 2nd week of july:
Day 1: chd – manali 300
Day 2: Manali-jispa 170
Day 3: Jispa-leh 330
Day 4: leh permits and local 20
Day 5: leh-panamik – hunder 210
Day 6:hunder-warila-pangong 240
Day 7: Pangong-marsimikla-upshi 220
Day 8: upshi – hanle 210
Day 9: hanle – tso moriri 150
Day 10: tso moriri -tso kar – leh
250
Day 11: leh-dras 290
Day 12: dras-Amaranth yatra via baltal – srinigar
150
Day 12: Srinagar-anantnag-pahalgam 100
Day 13:
pahalgam – kishtwar 200
Day 14: kishtwar-udaipur 200
Day 15: udaipur – kasol
240
Day 16: kasol-chandigarh-del 600
Can Day 6, 7, 14 be completed in 4×2 XUV
We are travelling in my friend’s XUV(White number plate but friend will not be travelling with us). Will there be any issue from the taxi mafia?
Any other suggestions, comments? Is the itinerary too ambitious?
Just replied to your other comment.
Hi Dheeraj
Jsust wanted to know 2 things
1) Is 10th June onwards a good time to do Let – Ladakh
2) Starting from Delhi what all permits do I need to apply for / procure / source. and are all of them across the counter permits or I can also find it online.
thx
Yes Samrat, the roads to Ladakh will open by 10th June even from Manali side. So, a good time to travel. If you go from Manali side, you need Rohtang Pass permit to go beyond it and Ladakh Inner Line permit from Leh DC Office. For details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link All you want to know about Inner Line Permits for Ladakh
Hi Dheeraj,
We are a group of 10 planning to take around Jul-Aug.
Preferrably a road trip on bikes would be good. At an average how many days would be required and what would be the per head cost?
Regards,
Sayali
Hi Dheeraj,
Have talked with a taxi driver from Leh for our forthcoming Leh tour… Only problem is this that he wants to pick up us from keylong instead of Kalka.
Our plan is to reach Kalka and then go to manali for leh-manali Highway.
Now I need another driver, who will pick up us from Kalka rail station and drop us at keylong hotel.
Day 1 : Kalka to manali
Day 2 : manali to keylong
Can you suggest any contact for this?
Regards,
You can get connected directly to some drivers in Himachal or Spiti Valley or Kinnaur Valley at the link: List of Taxi Drivers for Spiti Valley & Kinnaur Valley. These drivers can come and pick you up from Manali / Shimla / Delhi / Chandigarh too, of course with a price of the pickup as well.
The rates of the taxis are about Rs 3200-3500 per day depending on the number of days you plan to travel, more the days, less the price. If you are 2-3 in the group, you can opt for sedan taxi cars as well which charges around Rs 2200 per day.
Otherwise, taxis, in general, are also available on the spot from Shimla or Manali from respective taxi stands. These drivers can help you with finding local stay options too.
Hi Dheeraj,
Am planning the below itinerary !! I have total time of 14 days Leh to Leh. I would be flying into Srinagar & Flying out from Leh. We will be hiring a tempo traveller as we are 8 ppl
Do let me know if i need to add/delete something
Aug 27th – Arrival at Srinagar & Kargil
Aug 28th – Kargil to Dah-Hanu (Home stay)
Aug 29th – Dah-Hanu to Lingshed (Home Stay)
Aug 30th – Trek from Lingshed to Nerak (Home stay)
Aug 31st – Trek from Nerak to Lingshed (Home stay)
Sep 01st – Leh after River rafting
Sep 02nd- Leh Local
Sep 03rd- Leh Nubra
Sep 04th- Turtuk – Nubra
Sep 05th Turtuk – Sakti (Warilla)
Sep 06th Sakti – Pangong (Chang-la)
Sep 07th Pangong – Hanle
Sep 08th Hanle – Leh
Sep 09th Leh
Sep 10th Depart
I will suggest little modification as below:
Sep 03rd- Leh Turtuk
Sep 04th- Turtuk – Hunder
Sep 05th Hunder – Pangong Tso whichever route is open and safe for travel
Sep 06th Pangong tso to Hanle
Sep 07th Hanle to Tso Moriri
Sep 08th Tso Moriri – Leh
You will be needing inner line permit on the day you are in Leh to travel to these places.
Hi DoW,
a very helpful guide indeed. If we are having a self driven rental car, will it possible to go to Tso Moriri and have an overnight stay there and then proceed to Sarchu ?
Mostly, the local drivers present up there at Tso Moriri will create some scene. So, it is best interest to avoid or may be take it but don’t enter into fight, if asked for leave it for overnight sleep at Tso Kar
Hello Dheej,
First of all thank you so much buddy, last year after following your blog and asking you queries I had awesome trip in Spiti Valley. 🙂
You are really doing noble work. 🙂
This year on june 15 I am planning Trip to Leh. My query is, last year we rode 2 people on my Standard 350 Bullet but it was very challenging as oxygen is low in high altitudes. I didn’t removed the air filter from bike and we were able to rode very very slow. At few places my co-rider had to walk few steps.
Please suggest if I remove the Air Filter from Bike, do it make much difference and do you recommend two people riding on 350 standard model.
My friend do not know riding much so he have to join me.
Thanks a lot Paramvir !! 🙂 🙂
You will face the same issues again. I am not an expert on air filter removal but well, cleaning the air filter of my car does help me. I clean it after couple of days of drive on muddy roads in high Himalayas.
Hi Dheeraj,
We are group of four wanting to experience this beautiful journey from Srinagar – LEH – MAnali.
We have 10-11 days in hand. Can you suggest Itinerary to us which includes hanle?
1. We are flexible and ready to join a group tour too, however any reliable leads that you can give/share?
2. Budget is around 25k pp.
Thanks,
Pooja
It will take 3 days to reach Leh from Delhi via Manali side with stopovers at Jispa, Manali and 4 days to come back to Delhi from Leh via Srinagar side with stop overs at Jammu, Srinagar, Kargil . 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 wonderful post. It really helps us plan the trip.
I am reaching Srinagar (flight from Delhi) in June and made a plan based on the itinerary you have provided.
Srinagar-Leh-Manali-Delhi.
Day1 –
Reach Srinagar, visit for trip to Mughal gardens &
Shankaracharya temple and later in evening proceed for Shikara ride on Dal Lake, Overnight Stay at
houseboat.
Day 2 – – Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zozi La pass – Drass – Kargil – Lamayuru
On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills and Confluence at Nimmu
Overnight at Lamayuru.
Day 3 – -Lamayuru – Leh
Leh Local Sightseeing and Overnight at Leh
Day 4 – -Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder
On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motor able Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian
camel safari
Day 5 – -Nubra Valley-Pangong Tso via Wari La route
Overnight at Pangong Tso (Spangmik or Lukung)
Day 6 – – Pangong Tso – Tso Moriri via Chumathang
Cover Karzok Monastery & Overnight at Karzok or Tso Moriri
Day 7 – – Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring (Manali – Leh Highway starts)
– Moore Plains – Sarchu
Try to start early in the day so that you reach Sarchu, Overnight at Sarchu or Pang
Day 8 – -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 9-Manali to Delhi
However I am a bit confused about if Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso route is possible without going back to Leh. There are many blogs saying the Wari La route is not recommended and we need to go back to Leh. We are planning to hire a cab for the entire trip.
Could you please check the above itinerary and advise if anything needs to be changed and also comment on the Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso travel.
THanks in advance..
You should add one day rest in Leh before going to all the places. Better stay at Kargil than Lamayuru. You have to manage fuel once you leave Nubra and reach Keylong there is no fuel pump on that route. 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… again thanks for ur post for itinerary… me, my wife and brother planning for this trip with my baleno… we start from shreenagar insted of manali.. what would be approximate budget for leh trip? I have to manage this and second important question is my baleno is fit for khardungla? I read ur tips for hathback/sedan cars… but wants to know specially about khardung la pass.
Just replied to your question in “Ask a Travel Question” section of the website.
Hello Dheeraj,
Your posts have been of immense help in getting an idea about the itinerary that can be followed. Here’s something that I’ve planned. I’m flying from Delhi to Leh on Day 1. I’m traveling with my parents. Please evaluate the itinerary and also comment on :
1. Is 1 day enough for acclimatisation? Second day I’m planning to do sham valley trip
2. Please comment on accommodation available in Diskit/Pangong Tso/T Moriri
3. Will the itinerary be too hectic? Specially keeping in mind that in travelling with my parents?
4. May I please get a link of a thread where I may invite a group of 3 travellers? As I’m planning to book cabs from leh for transport, I think it’s most cost effective if we’re a group of 6(got some idea from your articles only)
Day 1
Reach Leh
Rest, acclimatisation
Local sightseeing
Day 2
Sham valley day tour
Acclimatisation
Day 3
Nubra Valley
Leh-Hunder-Diskit-Turtuk-Diskit
Stay at Diskit
Day 4
Diskit-Panamik-sumur-diskit
Day 5
Diskit-pangong Tso via warila
Stay at pangong TSP
Day 6
Pangong Tso-Leh via Chang-la-Hemish monastery
Stay at Leh
Day 7
Leh-Tso Moriri via Chumuthang
Stay at Tso Moriri
Day 8
Tso Moriri-Tso kar-Debring-Pang-sarchu
Stay at sarchu
Day 9
Sarchu-Manali
Stay at Manali
Day 10
Manali- Chandigarh
Rest at Chandigarh
Day 11
Chandigarh-Kolkata flight
Hi Shamik,
Yes your first two days seems OK. Stay at Hunder/Deskit, then make day trip to Turtuk. Next day reach Pangong Tso via Agham Shyok. Skip Sumur, Panamik. This will ease out the trip a bit. Make sure you have company to travel on desolated direct route.
You can post the travel calendar entry from the main menu. You can check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate (cheap budget hotels as well) in the series of articles starting on the link here
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
Hope you’re doing fine!
Regarding the travel calenders entry the website is not allowing me to register only. So I can’t post anything.
I am seeking for 2-3 fellow travellers please and really would like if you can kindly see to this at your earliest convenience. I would really prefer going with 3 more travellers otherwise my trip will be quite costly.
Shamik, I am not sure what is the trouble you are getting while registration. Maybe try again and I will see if your username is not getting approved, I will approve it.
Also, browse other people calendar entries around your dates and then post comments or connect with them if they have provided contact information.
Hello Dheeraj ji,
Need help and advice from you regarding our upcoming trip to Leh-Ladakh from Delhi.
We, me, my wife, my brother, his friends and my other colleagues are planning for a trip to Ladakh from Delhi. The trip would be from 16th June’17 till 26th June’17.
Can you please let me know if these many dates are ok for the trip or we need to manage extra no. of days? Our plan is to go via Kashmir and return via Manali. We want to visit all the famous places in Leh/Ladakh. But am only worried about the no. of days. Please advice.
Can I go by my Swift car? It’s a big question in my mind. Is Maruti Swift capable of travelling in that terrain? Please advice.
Do we need any Inner Line Permit while travelling Leh-Ladakh? If yes, then please specify as to where can we manage to get the permit and for which places do we need the permit?
The most important thing, can you suggest the places of accommodation in Srinagar, Kargil, Leh and all other places with moderate charges? Also please suggest if we can stay in Sarchu/Pang? Which is better and also the contact nos. (if you have) for any of these accommodations?
The most important thing – do the local taxi association in Ladakh allow vehicles from other states (my car with Delhi registration) to travel within Leh-ladakh? I heard that they create problems in doing so. Please suggest and advice.
Your suggestions and advice will help us a lot.
Regards,
Somenath Biswas
Your question has been replied at: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/question/upcoming-trip-to-leh-ladakh-from-delhi/
Hi Mr Dhiraj,
I am planning trip with below itinerary for my family (2 adult + 13 year kid + 9 year kid)
May 20: Arrival to Sringar and transfer Sonmarg
May 21: Sightseeing in Sonmarg, Thwajas glacier and others
May 22: Sonmarg to Mulbekh, visit Kargil War memorial on the way, stay over night at Mulbekh
May 23: Mulbekh to Leh ,
• Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes
• On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu
May 24: Leh AM Rest PM local Sighseeing of Hall of Fame, Shanti Stupa, Leh palace and Market. Overnight hotel at Leh
May 25: Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder ( Nubra Valley). overnight at Hunder:
• On the way cover Khardung la
Visit Diskit monastery , Sumur, Panamik
May 26: ,Visit turtuk from Nubra Valley , night stay at Nubra valley.
May 27 Nubra valley to Pangong . Overnight hotel at Pangong camp.
May 28:Pangong – Hanley or Tso moriri Overnight at Henley/Tro moriri
May 29:Tso moriri/Hanley to Leh via Chumthang , visit thickey monastery overnight at Leh.
May 30 Early morning departure transfer to Airport.
1) Does above plan look feasible ? especially direct journey from Pangong to Hanley or Tso Moriri ?
2) Which is better option in between Tso Moriri and Hanley , considering scenic beauty and time required to return Leh on last day ?
3) What about road condition between Pangong to Tso moriri/Hanley
and Tso moriri/Hanley to Leh ?, is it doable in May end especially with kids of 13 year and 9 year old ?
Hey Sachin,
1. Your plan looks feasible, make sure you stay at Hanle to break that journey else it will be a bit too much.
2. Hanle has landscape beauty while Tso Moriri is lake. Both have different beauty
3. Road conditions will be like traveling on a dirt/bumpy road.
Routes will be open during that time especially Pangong tso to Hanle to Tso Moriri. Regarding Nubra to PAngong Tso, Agham – Shyok route will be open.
However, please make sure that you have some company with you while traveling on these routes as they are desolated and there will be no help in case of any need.
Thanks a lot Dhiraj for your valuable feedback.
Regarding 1) above , I would like to cover either hanle or Tso moriri , not both as I don’t have much time., I can cover bith only if I drop turtuk and reduce one night at nubra valley (stay 1 night instead of 2)
So in that case I can either choose
1. Pangong to hanle , stay overnight at Hanle and return via chumathang to leh on next day.
Or
2. Pangong to tso moriri , stay overnight at tso moriri , return via tso kar , taglang la to leh.
Or
3. Pangong to hanle , stay at hanle
Next day hanle to tso moriri and stay at tso moriri
And last day tso moriri to leh via tso kar and taglang la
Which option is better for may end ?
Would taglang la be open at that time ?
Regards
Sachin
I will skip Tso Moriri and go for Hanle then in that case. Leave early next day to reach Leh from Hanle by evening.
Thanks Dhiraj for your feedback,
1) Does Nubra to Pangong route via Agham Shyok doable with Innova ?
2) in case i opt to return from Hanle vis Tso-kar – Changlang la, is that feasible considering travelling time ?
would Changlang la route be open at that time (May 29) ?
Hey Sachin,
1. Route is doable but as I said please do it with some company and avoid taking the car alone on that route
2. It will be longer, tiring route and won’t be worth. Please stick to Hanle – Loma – Mahe – Chumathang – Upshi – Leh route.
Thank you dheeraj for your reply. Adding Hanle certainly sounds good and i will modify my itinerary accordingly.
I also need clarification on
1. road conditions and scenic beauty in the month of August. This is a concern raised after going through your article on best season and road conditions.
a) Any special caution that needs to be taken for monsoon season.
b) Does the bad and slippery roads worth the drive and view in August?
c) Are there any good points / view that we can visit during our trip in August.?
2. can we get a a self drive car in leh to visit Nubra, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri, Hanle etc. and again drop the vehicle at Leh
Hi Bhuvan,
The roads remain open, so that is not a problem unless there is a landslide. It is monsoon time in general up there in North and at some parts of Manali – Leh Highway (like before Baralacha La) and Srinagar – Leh Highway (like before Kargil) you might need to face monsoon hassles but once you get closer to Ladakh, then Ladakh being rain shadow region is least affected by monsoon rains, though rains does reach Ladakh now but to minimum and mostly it might remains overcast conditions.Please refer the link in our community: FAQ | Is Monsoon season good time to travel to Ladakh? for more details.
2. There are no self drive car options available in Leh.
Hello Dheeraj,
Thanks a ton for the treasure of information you have provided. Based on your advice, I have planned an itinerary. Please suggest if this holds good.
September 01, 2017 Srinagar to kargil- night stay at kargil
September 02, 2017 Kargil Leh Leh
September 03, 2017 Leh Rest day
September 04, 2017 Leh Hunder night stay at Hunder
September 05, 2017 Hunder Pangong night stay at pangong
September 06, 2017 Pangong leh Leh night stay
September 07, 2017 Leh local
Thanks again.
Plan looks fine, make sure you have company while traveling road from Nubra to Pangong Tso directly. It is a desolated route so a company on the road will surely help in any unforeseen circumstance.
We are 6 people and would be hiring a taxi. Would that be ok? Or do you suggest any alternative. How long would it take from Nubra to pangong
In general comfort comes with 1 with driver, 2 in middle and 2 in last seat.
Hi Dheeraj,
Very informative post. My alternate mode of transport is going to be a self-drive rented car. Can you please tell me if its safe to travel around leh with a self-drive rented car? I hear about local taxi guys creating problems with self-driven rented cars. Please help.
Also, is there any permit I should take while taking the srinagar-leh route?
Thanks
Yes Neha, you cannot use an outisde Leh rented self drive car for sightseeing in Ladakh. Please avoid it. No permit is required in Srinagar Leh route but keep in mind below:
Update April 2017 = Pay environment fees and apply for permits again (those who missed before)
The environment fees of Rs 400 & Inner Line Permits (most likely as well) will again be required in Ladakh for Indian Tourists / Nationals with effect from April 1st, 2017. This has been recently announced and is available on official website of Leh administration. It is expected that a public circular should follow soon as well. Hence, like it used to happen before 2014, all Indian Nationals or Indian Tourists WILL need to pay environment fees and may need to also get the inner line permits in Leh – Ladakh region in order to visit the restricted places like Dah, Hanu Villages, Pangong Tso, Man, Merak, Tso Moriri, Nyoma, Loma Bend, Khardung La, Nubra Valley, Turtuk, Tyakshi, Digger La, Tangyar (for trekking only).
https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/inner-line-permits-for-leh-ladakh/
Thank you, Dheeraj. Can you also let me know where to take the permit from, if I take the Srinagar – Leh route?
Also, please let me know if I can apply for the permit online.
NEha no permit is required for Srinagar – Leh. However, environment fees and permit is required from Leh DC office to visit inner line places like Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri with effect from 1st April 2017. You can read about the process and how to get the permit at the linnk: Ladakh Inner Line Permit Updates on Process & Download Form
Thanks Dheeraj.
Can you please let me know where to get the permit from, if I take the Srinagar – Leh route?
Also, please tell me if I can apply for the permit online.
Just replied to your other comment.
Hi Dheeraj,
I am coming to Leh on 16th April and leaving on 23rd April by Flight. I am with my wife and kid. Are six days sufficient to explore Leh or should we extend our plans by two days more. And, are climatic conditions favorable now? waiting for your valuable reply
Sunil, please refer: How to make trip to Ladakh in 5 Days?
Hi, I am following you itinerary to the T. However I have a few questions.
1) I intend to rent a bike from delhi and ride via srinagar to leh & return to delhi via manali. Can we ride around leh with these rented bikes or is it mandatory to rent local bikes from LEH?
2) we are also renting a SUV from Delhi to Leh (same route as bikes), since outside state cabs arent allowed in Leh, should we rent 2 cabs ? 1 for Delhi to Srinagar to Leh & return from Leh to manali to delhi…. another cab for Leh local visits ?
Please advise as on the ideal way to book a cab cost effectively.
1. It is mandatory to hire / rent local Leh bike.
2. Yes, you will need two cabs too.
Hi Dheeraj,
Based on the suggested itineraries on DOW, i prepared the following one for a trip To Ladakh/Spiti in the first week of July, 2017.
My qs are about Day4 & Day9. Additionally can you please let me know if this needs to be optimized/modified in any way? Would greatly appreciate all help and recommendations. ( I have sent a note to info@offbeats for help with organizing this).
Thanks. Monalisa
18 Days Itinerary for Ladakh-Spiti
Day 1 | Delhi – Leh (By Flight)
• Take Rest.
• Overnight at Leh.
Day 2 | Leh Local Sightseeing
• If feeling OK, do Local sightseeing.
• Overnight at Leh.
Day 3 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
• Head for Nubra Valley
• Highest Motorable Pass Khardung La
• Diskit monasteries and Hunder sand dunes and bactrian camel safari
• Overnight at Hunder.
Day 4| Hunder – Turtuk – Hunder (Is this worth it or should we skip Turtuk?)
• Day trip to Turtuk or relax at Nubra Valley
• Overnight at Hunder.
Day 5 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
• Sumur monastery and Panamik hot water springs
• Overnight at Leh
Day 6 | Leh – Sham Valley – Leh
• Sham Valley: In order from Leh: Gurdwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Zanskar and Indus River Confluence at Nimmu, Ruins of Basgo Palace and Basgo Plains, Alchi Monastery and Likir Monastery
• Overnight at Leh
Day 7 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso
• Monasteries: Hemis, Thicksey and Shey as you go towards Pangong Tso
• Overnight at Pangong Tso (Spangmik or Lukung)
Day 8 | Pangong Tso Lake
• Relax
• Overnight at Pangong Tso (Spangmik or Lukung)
Day 9 | Spangmik – Chusul – Loma – Chumathang (Is this a feasible route? Alternatively could we stay at Karzok this night instead of Chumathang or will that be too long of a journey from Spangmik to Karzok?)
• Overnight at Chumathang
• Qs: Is it possible to take the route going through Mirpal Tso and Yayat Tso (if open and motorable? On the fly decision)?
Day 10 | Tso Moriri
• Cover Karzok Monastery
• Overnight at Karzok or Tso Moriri
Day 11 | Tso Moriri /Karzok – Tso Kar – Debring (Manali – Leh Highway starts) – Moore Plains – Sarchu
• Overnight at Sarchu
Day 12 | Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong
• On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides
• Overnight at Kelong
Day 13 | Keylong – Gramphu – Batal/Chandratal
• Head towards Chandratal
• Overnight at Batal or Chandratal Camps
Day 14 | Chandratal – Kunzum Pass – Losar – Rangrik – Langza – Komik – Hikkim – Kaza
• Kaza – Losar – Kunzum Pass – Losar – Kaza scenic drive
• View of Chau Chau Kang Nelda peak from Langza
• Tanggyud monastery at Komik
Day 15 | Kaza/Langza Homestay (Hikkim, Koumik, Langza)
• In and Around Kaza or take Rest. Or do Langza/Komik if you couldn’t on the previous day
Day 16 | Kaza – (via Kunzum Pass – Rohtang Pass) – Manali
• Head early morning from Kaza via Rohtang Pass
• Overnight at Manali.
Day 17 | Buffer Day (wherever needed)
Day 18 | Manali – Chandigarh and fly
• Manali (drive to)- Chandigarh (fly to) – Kolkata
Your plan looks quite balanced to me. Turtuk is something that should be done, it will not disappoint at all. I see you have a rest day in Hanle. I will suggest to go from Pangong Tso to Hanle and then Hanle to Tso Moriri. No need to go to Chumathang. Hanle is a beautiful place. Just add it to the permit places list while applying for the permit of Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri via Chusul route. If all looks good spend a day in Kaza, may be a trip to Dhangkar – Pin Valley and Tabo on that day.
Thanks a million for the suggestions.
Is info@offbeatescapes.com the only contact info to reach folks at offbeatescapes or is there a phone number that i can reach them at? I have sent 2 emails, but haven’t heard back. Eagerly waiting so I can move ahead with the organization part of it.
Thanks. Monalisa
I am sorry about that, you can reach them at +91-9716507246, 8447530163. Last I heard, Gaurav, the guy who runs it was on honeymoon as he recently got married.
Needed some advice before finalization. Will this 18 day trip (including a couple of buffer days) be too hectic in such a terrain for a group with 4 people (out of total 6) in the age range 60-70yrs? All are in general healthy with no known medical condition.
Would 12-14 days be more ideal (which is possible only if we exclude Spiti part of the tour). Would like to know your suggestion.
Thanks. Monalisa
Well, I will say 18 day is a long time and body will surely travel each day long distances on bumpy roads. So, there will surely be some fatigue that will develop. Plan is more or less balanced so I feel OK with it but yeah almost every other day you will be on road and travel does have some fatigue with it.
Hi Dheeraj,
we are 70-80 people of group planning for Leh trip in this year June and or start july and here is my itinerary for leh tour i want some of you suggestions on that
Day 1: Srinagar to kargil
visit sonmarg and drass, night stay at kargiil
Day 2: Kargil to Leh
visit magnetic hill and gurudwara, night stay at Leh
Day3: Leh
Relax and light side scene of Leh
Day 4:Leh
river raffting on indus river and side scene
Day 5:Leh to Tso moriri to Leh back
visit tso moriri and night stay at leh
Day6: Leh to Pangong
visit Pangong lake and night stay at pangong
Day7: Pangong lake to sarchu(For manali-leh road)
night stay at sarchu (please suggest other night stay option if better than this on manali- leh road)
Day8: Sarchu to manali
Night stay at manali tour end
Now my queries on which i need your help is
1) Do you find this itinerary good?
2) Can we start our journey from opposite direction means from Manali side to Leh to Srinagar considering some faces of health(AMS) altitude issues. is it suggestive from your side??
3) Can we skip tso moriri over pangong lake as they both are same type of lake??
4) If you have any other suggestions for places that we should add or remove from itinerary
5) What will be the best time for this year June mid to last or July 1st to 2nd week?
waiting for your response
thanks mayur
Hello Mayur,
Well, are you still looking for reply on this one?
70-80 😯 ?? Seriously man !! 🙂 🙂 …
You should get this tour arrenged by some tour operator and above all your plan will land up few folks in hospital as it does not take care of acclimatization.
Hey Dheeraj, thanks for your unexpected but realistic reply.
Yes we are planning for this tour with the help of tour operators
But according to you with this high number of people (70-80 or may be more age around- 21-40) we should avoid this trip right??
There is not any other good option to make this happen with this number of peoples??
Again want to know your thoughts on this
Thanks
With these many people, it will be a great struggle to find accommodation together. Also, Ladakh is an adventure destination where everyone cannot keep up with high altitude and chances of getting sick due to AMS are always there. With such large group, chances increases. So, you must be clear message to the group in case of such events.
Such a group tour should be diligently planned and I will suggest that you take help of a tour operator and you can connect with info@offbeatescapes.com as most of the readers in the past couple of years have had very good feedback about them and especially their transparent policies along with being there with you all the time in need. So, we trust them the most. They do offer competitive and customized Ladakh tour and packages. You can refer my name or DoW to Gaurav, the guy who runs it. He knows us very well and should be able to offer some special rates being a DoW Member. You can just refer him the DwD Community Member Username in such a case or screenshot of this reply here.
Hi Dheeraj,
First of all a very big thank you. This site is awesome and is a wealth of information. I am planning a road trip to Ladakh from Hyderabad starting from May 20 with my family. 2 Adults and 2 kids (aged 8 and 4). I had taken help of your most common itinerary and have come up with my travel plan below-
1 – Hyderabad-Sagar
2 – Sagar-Delhi
3 – Delhi-Jammu
4 – Jammu-Sonamarg (Not staying at Srinagar as we have visited Srinagar last year itself)
5 – Sonamarg-Kargil
6 – Kargil – Leh
7 – Leh
8 – Leh-Turtuk
9 – Turtuk – Diskit
10 – Diskit – Leh
11 – Leh-Pangong-Leh
12 – Leh
13 – Leh-TsoMoriri-Chumathang
14 – Chumathang – Keylong
15 – Keylong-Manali
16 – Manali (buffer day/rest day)
17 – Manali – Delhi
18 – Delhi-Sagar
19 – Sagar-Hyderabad
Since this is our first visit to Ladakh and with kids, I would skip staying at Pangong and Tso Moriri, So thought I will do a day trip to Pangong and return to Leh. Or is it better to stay at Tangtse?
For day 13, I thought I will come back to Chumathang for night stay from tso Moriri. So it will be Leh-Chumathang-TsoMoriri-Chumathang. We can start by 7:00 from Leh. I would be travelling almost 300+ KM . Is this ok?
For Day 14, I plan to do Chumathang-TsoKar-Keylong (315KM). Is this possible?
If Manali route is not opened, will go back to Leh-Kargil from Chumathang.
Would really appreciate your suggestions on this.
Regards
Hmm, I will say with ease out things you can still give it a try to stay on Pangong Tso or Tso Moriri. Or perhaps in case of Pangong Tso stay at Tangtse and then on Tso MOriri you can stay there. If all is well in last few days, you should be OK with night at Tso Moriri. But, it is also fine if you do not want to take any chances. Should be OK to travel that much else go over to Tso Kar and stay there which is abit less in altitude than Tso MOriri. Chumathang to Jispa will be better to save an hour and is possible.
Thanks Dheeraj,
Staying at Tso Kar is better in a way that my Day 14 travel becomes lesser. Online search shows only one tented accommodation. Looks like not many options as Tso-Kar.
I saw your photos/travelog of the Chumathang hot spring and it does look quiet cozy and nice in such harsh location. So might prefer it.
I think it might get decided on the actual day. If we are acclimatized well by then then might stay at Tso Moriri in a guest house else Chumathang hot spring.
Regards
There are few options including home stays though not many. Yes, it is better to go with Tso Kar resort than Chumathang one. I agree, take a call on the spot and previous days of health of family.
Dear
Pls let me know how to fit spiti valley if I start the journey by srinagar leh highway and ends through manali side for better to avoid hitting AMS. Is it fine to drive solo through srinagar kargil route??? Pls advice Dheeraj.
Yes, 100s of people travel solo every year to Ladakh. You can follow the plan below:
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 – 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 + 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 6 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
Day 7 | Hunder – Sumur/Kyagar – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Day 8 | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping OR Monastery tour
— Monastery tour may include Hemis, Thicksey, Stakna and Shey monasteries. They come on the route of Pangong Tso but as you will be doing day trip, it will be a bit hectic to include them on that day only.
— Overnight at Leh
Day 9 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on the go towards Pangong Tso
— Overnight at Pangong Tso (Spangmik)
Day 10 | Pangong Tso Lake – Shey – Thicksey – Leh
— Overnight at Leh
Day 11 | 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. They come on the route of Pangong Tso but as you will be doing day trip, it will be a bit hectic to include them on that day only.
— Sham Valley include Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, , Gurudwara Pather Sahib
— Overnight at Leh
Day 12 | Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang
— Cover Karzok Monastery
— Overnight at Karzok or Tso Moriri
Day 13 | 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 14 | Pang / Sarchu – Baralacha La – Jispa
— On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only
— Overnight at Jispa
Day 15 | Jispa – Chandratal
Day 16 | Chandratal – Kaza on the way (Ki, Kibber, Gette)
Day 17 | Kaza/Langza Homestay (Hikkim, Koumik, Langza)
Day 18 | Kaza – Pin Valley – Dhankar – Tabo
Day 19 | Tabo – Kalpa
Day 20 | Kalpa – Narkanda
Day 21 | Narkanda – Chail / Shimla – Delhi
Dear Mr. Dheeraj,
Thanks for providing such a wonderful information regarding Leh Tour.
We are planning Leh Trip from Manali By Road as below:
manali – jispa
jispa – leh
leh – sham velly – leh
leh – numbra
nubra – pangong via Shyok Village
pangon (2nd night)
peng – tso moriri
tso moriri – leh
leh – manali return
We are planning to visit around 4th July.
I want to confirm that this route is OK, or we have to change?
Please suggest.
Regards
Lokesh
[ lokesh.shah.bvn@gmail.com]
Just replied to your other comment.
Hi Dheeraj
Am planning for solo drive all d way from kerala in my xuv. I would like to cover the whole circuit which includes even spiti valley. Please let me know the best relaxed litinery from Delhi onwards.
I would like to even know while going if I choose the srinagar leh highway as per your advice is it safe enough for a solo car trip??? How do I even even Fit spiti to the litinery. Mostly trip planned for 1 st week of July. Pls advice.
Dudu, you can refer: Spiti Valley to Ladakh from Manali – Most Common Itinerary
Hi Dheeraj
We are reaching Leh on April 25, 2017 morning and will return on morning of April 30, 2017. Please advise us on options for sightseeing during this period
With just 6 days in hand, you can plan your Ladakh trip as below.
Day 1 | Delhi – Leh (By Flight)
— Checkin at Hotel. Many hotels provide free pick and drop from Airport. Ask while you book them.
— Take ample of rest as well as water or anything that keep your body hydrated enough. DO NOT OVER HYDRATE. Take ORS Soluted water or ORS – L tetra packs from home.
— Do not over exert your body at any cost. Avoid too much up-down on stairs or avoid it in entirety, if possible.
— After 5-6 Hrs of rest you can visit Leh Palace, Local Leh market, Shankar Gompa .
— If you feel exerted go back to Hotel, have dinner at Hotel and take rest. Avoid any exertion. Else continue and,
— Follow the sunset by stroll at Changspa road and have a nice dinner on varied cuisines offered in-around Changspa road.
— Go back to hotel for overnight stay at Leh.
Day 2 | Leh Local Sightseeing + Acclimatization
— Hire a taxi from Leh taxi stand or Hotel whichever suits you.
— Bargain hard with taxi driver. Book that single taxi for entire trip after explaining the complete plan.
— Take his inputs if you feel reasonable and if required modify the plan accordingly but should suits you best.
— Ask him to be with you guys starting first day itself, if required and charged reasonable else do it at your own.
— Again DO NOT over exert and take little steps and slow walks only.
— If feeling OK then do Local sightseeing. To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
— Do not use stairs at any of these places just to see them as it will exert your body much more.
— Overnight at Leh
Day 3 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 4 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Pangong Tso – Leh
— Do not plan to stay overnight at Pangong Tso as you will not be acclimatized and may fall sick. So, make a day trip only.
— Overnight at Leh
Day 6 | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping OR Monastery tour OR Sham Valley tour OR Fly back home
— Overnight at Leh
— Monastery tour may include Hemis, Thicksey and Shey monasteries. They come on the route of Pangong Tso but as you will be doing day trip, it will be a bit hectic to include them on that day only.
— Sham Valley include Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, Gurudwara Pather Sahib
Can we plan zanskar valley this trip on 4 and 5 day
Zanskar Valley will need at least 4-5 days ex. Kargil. So, in two days you will just reach Padum, Zanskar Valley from Leh.
Hello Dheeraj,
Hope you’re doing well. Hatsoff salute to you for guiding all of us so well in planning the trips. We have also planned for a 9 day trip to Visit Ladakh from 6th June to 15th June, find the below itinerary –
JUNE 6TH –
Already booked a flight from Kolkata and Will be reaching SXR at 14:20.
After lunch, leave for Sonamarg and stay overnight.
JUNE 7th –
Leave for Leh “Very” early morning Via Kargil, Sham Valley & Lamayuru.
We would be doing the sight seeing on the way and if every thing goes according to the Plan “A” we would reach Leh or go for Plan “B” that is overnight stay at Lamayuru and acclimatize.
JUNE 8th –
According to Plan A, acclimatize at Leh and go for local sightseeing(Shey, Thicksey and Hemis).
According to Plan B, leave for Leh in the morning, sightseeings en route and later local sightseeing.
JUNE 9th –
Early Morning leave for Nubra/Hunder via Khardung La, overnight stay at Hunder/Nubra.
JUNE 10th –
Early Morning leave for Pangong Tso directly via Wari La route, overnight stay.
JUNE 11th –
Early Morning leave for Tso Moriri via Chusul-Chumathang, overnight stay.
JUNE 12th –
Early Morning leave for Sarchu/Jispa via Tso Kar overnight stay at Jispa.
JUNE 13th
Leave for Manali, overnight stay
JUNE 14th –
Leave for Chandigarh by bus at evening.
JUNE 15th –
Board flight from Chandigarh Airport at 12 pm
As of now only 2 of us(both Male) will be traveling, so we have to make it a budget trip. We have composed this itinerary after going through the details you provided in this website. Please suggest in case if you want us to make some modifications in this Itinerary. Most of our doubts/queries have already been cleared by reading your answers that you provided to others in the respective sections. However have few concerns related to conveyance, trip plan etc which I have accumulated as below, can you please check and share your best opinion.
1. We intend to avail public transport from Srinagar Airport – Sonamarg/Drass – Kargil. Can you confirm will there be any bus/shared taxi available during the afternoon hours to reach Sonamarg?
2. Is it possible to rent a 2 wheeler for the local sight seeings within Leh? Please share some details for the same.
3. Are there specifically any local/tourist bus/shared taxi available frequently from Nubra/Hunder to Pangon lake to Tso Moriri apart from the ones plying from Leh? Please share us its tentative schedule. Or is it advisable to hire a cab for our entire trip from Leh – Manali?
4. We have decided not to book any rooms/camps in advance as we don’t want to incur any loss incase if any unavoidable circumstance comes up. So, will we be getting ample accommodation options/availability at Nubra/Hunder, Pangon, Tso Moriri and Jispa during the time we are traveling or is it risky to do so?
5. Should we book any cab in advance or is it better to book it on the spot as we would get more familiar with the current rates and can bargain accordingly.
6. Regarding the travel plan on 11th June, keeping time and road condition constraints is the plan doable in a day if we also include Hanle en route Tso Moriri? Then we can opt for overnight stay at Hanle instead of Tso Moriri. What are the staying options we have at Hanle? Then on next day if we do the sight seeing of Tso Moriri & Tso Kar on the way to Sarchu/Jispa, will this be possible? Did read about the permit issue that we might face at Chusul to reach Hanle or at Chumur while heading towards Tso Moriri. What do you suggest regarding this?
7. Should we ourselves need to apply for the Permits or should we rely on the Cab drivers/hotel owners to get it for us as they should be more familiar with process etc? As per http://leh.nic.in environment fee will be increased to 400₹ per head w.e.f. from 01/04/2017. Then what is the revised permit rate? According to our itinerary, exactly how many check posts are there so that we can keep our permits prepared accordingly? Do we need to provide photocopies of our ID Proof at each of these check posts or showing them the originals will just do? Does the photocopies required to be self-attested or by any Gazetted officer?
8. We also noticed that visiting to the various spots from Leh takes approx 6-8hrs ride. Can you give us a rough idea of travel time wrt our itinerary?
Thanks
I am eagerly waiting to hear from you
Cannot find your question unreplied. Can you please repost it?
Hello Dheeraj,
Thanks for your time.
I will be travelling with Shivashis , and I have the same queries as Shivashis. Please follow above Shivashis’s post.
Sure, I will reply by tonight on that post.
1. Yes, shared taxis should be available and even some buses might be running in afternoon for Sonamarg.
2. Yes, you can rent bikes in Leh. Please refer:
3. Well the route you have jotted is bit hectic and in case you are not those travellers, then will, it may be a challenge. Also, for rented bikes you need to take care of the fuel and have to return to Leh as well to return the bikes and travel from Leh to Manali.
4. On the spot booking should be OK if you ok with basic stays
5. On the spot should be best for just two of you else it will be costly.
6. I will suggest to reconsider or add more days in to the hectic plan.
7. Permits are trivial and can be applied by yourself.
8. It is not just travel time but the terrain which is bumpy at places and can causes fatgue. Best is to take it easy, after reaching Leh take rest for a day. Then make two day trip to Nubra Valley, two day trip to Pangong Tso and then travel by road to Manali or get a shared taxi with other tourists to travel Leh – Tso Moriri – Manali
Hi Dheeraj,
first of all thank u for amazing insights on the leh-ladhak region and associated pros and cons. It is certainly of great help for avid travelers. We are group of friends and relatives (4 person). our 12 days trip is aligned to your itinerary with minute changes. Below is our itinerary:
Our journey begins on 6th August 2017.
Day 1 – Delhi – Patnitop
Day 2 – Patnitop to srinagar. Plan to reach by late afternoon. njoy evening in srinagar.
Day 3 – srinagar to kargil
Day 4 – Kargil to leh. We still need to freeze to route.
Day 5 – Rest at leh. Approvals. local market
Day 6 – Leh to Nubra valley via khardungla. Nite stay at Nubra Valley.
Day 7 – Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso Lake. Nite at Pangong Tso
Day 8 – Pangong Tso Lake to Tso Moriri via Changthang route. nite at Tso Moriri
Day 9 – Tso Moriri – Pang to Sarchu
Day 10 – Pang / Sarchu to Manali
Day 11 – Manali to shimla
Day 12 – Shimla – Delhi
Day 13/14 Buffer
I have following queries:
1. I would like to know if this is doable. How we can improve the overall experience as we have a day or two in hand. which can be used to add a destination or break journey if any route needs to be enjoyed by breaking in two parts.
2. I have gone through your article on issues with rented car, but as we are not returning to leh, can the nubra,Pangong Tso, Tso moriri and back to manali can be done on rented car as entry to leh and exit is allowed. If not, i am planning to do it on my Sedan. I think the most critical belt will be Pangong Tso to Tso moriri. is it doable in sedan. have people done it in past?
3. Can these approvals/ permits be taken online, or we need to visit DC office in leh for the same?
Thanks in advance.
Hello Bhuvan,
1. It is doable. Best is to drop Shimla after covering all these beautiful places, concrete jungle like it won’t please you much unless absolutely necessary. Do Pangong Tso to Hanle, Hanle to Tso Moriri route to break that journey. You will need inner line permits from Leh DC office to take that route.
2. No, you will not be allowed to go to Nubra Valley and even at Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri sometimes they have posts which trouble people. You should not take outside rented car on these routes. The direct route from Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri especially section up to Tsaga La will be surely trouble and challenge you in sedan. Read: 7 Useful Tips for a Self Drive to Leh – Ladakh
Thank you dheeraj for your reply. Adding Hanle certainly sounds good and i will modify my itinerary accordingly.
I also need clarification on
1. road conditions and scenic beauty in the month of August. This is a concern raised after going through your article on best season and road conditions.
a) Any special caution that needs to be taken for monsoon season.
b) Does the bad and slippery roads worth the drive and view in August?
c) Are there any good points / view that we can visit during our trip in August.?
2. can we get a a self drive car in leh to visit Nubra, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri, Hanle etc. and again drop the vehicle at Leh
The roads remain open, so that is not a problem unless there is a landslide. It is monsoon time in general up there in North and at some parts of Manali – Leh Highway (like before Baralacha La) and Srinagar – Leh Highway (like before Kargil) you might need to face monsoon hassles but once you get closer to Ladakh, then Ladakh being rain shadow region is least affected by monsoon rains, though rains does reach Ladakh now but to minimum and mostly it might remains overcast conditions.Please refer the link in our community: FAQ | Is Monsoon season good time to travel to Ladakh? for more details.
2. There are no self drive car options available in Leh.
No the permits are not available online, you have to apply them in person at DC office in Leh. Read: Ladakh Inner Line Permit Updates on Process & Download Form
Manali to Leh Jeep tour 10 parson full package prices
Hi, We, five friends, are planning for Leh-Ladakh trip for 15 days from Delhi-Srinagar-Leh-Manali-Delhi route on May 13, 2017 to May 27 or 28, 2017. It will be road trip on 3 bikes. Would need the suggestion on following;
1. Will it be good time to go?
2. Should we take above mentioned route or should choose Manili-leh-srinagar route?
3. What would be the cost for the trip?
Hi Hitesh,
1. I will recommend to pospone the plan by a week or two so that Manali – Leh Highway is open by the time you hit the road towards it.
2. Best is the way you have planned, Srinagar – Leh – Ladakh – Manali
3. Please refer: How to calculate cost or budget for Leh – Ladakh trip
Hi everyone
I am Ashish. We were planning a 8 days trip to Leh. We r family of 04 self wife two kids one is 5 year and other is 01 year. Trip is in march. Cannot be away from home for more thn 8 days. Kindly advice
Regards
I will not recommend a trip to Ladakh with one year old infant in offseason time like March when it is still harsh climate up there.
Hi there Dheeraj,
Great work you are carrying out with helping us out with your best experience. I am planning my ride with a friend and my wife, we are two bikes and the journey is long. I have prepared a detailed itinerary and we wish to go via the srinagar leh up and come down by leh manali road down. We are planning to leave by the May 24th which would mean that the srinagar leh highway would be open positively and by the time I finish my itinerary and start returning hopefully the leh manali highway should be open too. Its a wild guess and am hoping that the risk works out in my facour. If you would be kind enough to just read out the itinerary and see if the route is feasible with me carrying about 5 ltrs of spare petrol, along with a 14 ltrs tank and considering an average of 30kmpl. Similar would be the other bike that would be going with us. Considering the fact that there are no petrol pumps at Pangong ckt and while returning via tso moriri.
Also could you guide us as to if there are any accomodation options available at these overnight locations and if I just go and search for one will I be able to get them, as I am very much flexible with home stays and am going on a certain budget of 1 lac for me and my wife and about 60k for my friend.
Your valuable inputs will be very helpful.
May God Bless you and may you continue to inspire us all for the forthcoming future. I’ll pray for you always… 🙂
DETAILED ITINERARY:
Day 1 : Mumbai – Udaipur – 724 km
Overnight stay.
Day 2 : Udaipur sightseeing and leisure activities.
Ovrenight stay.
Day 3: Udaipur – Delhi – 650 kms Start early morning.
Overnight stay at Delhi.
If reach early then can go for some outing or else just go back and sleep. 😉
Day 4: Delhi – Amritsar 470 kms
Overnight at amritsar
Day 5: Leisure day at Amritsar, local sight seeing, go to the wagah border ceremony, and golden temple.
Day 6: Amritsar – Patnitop 280 kms
Overnight halt at Patnitop
Day 7: Patnitop – Sonmarg 261 km
Overnight at Sonmarg
Day 8: Leisure day and sight seeing at Sonmarg, visit thajiwas glacier, krishna sagar lake and gadsar lake and pass…. Very good place to visit.
Day 9: Sonamarg – Zojila Pass – Drass – Kargil 124 kms
On the way visit the kargil memorial at drass, Once reach kargil you can see the mountain view point of the village from where you can view the whole city.
Day 10: Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh 215 kms leave early as it is a long ride and reach Leh by evening
Overnight at Leh.
Day 11: Leisure activities and registering of innerline permits for Leh riding from here onwards.
Visit places like Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Hall of Fame, Sankar Gompa, Namgyla Tsemp Gompa, Spituk etc.
Write the names of all the places that you are going to visit in Leh and around outskirts, like Turtuk, Hunder, Diskit, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri, Nubra Valley, Tso Kar, Dha Hanu, innerline permits. Most probably for us indians the inner line permits are not needed hence we need the self filled form along with the valid id card and nationality proof for the same.
Day 12 : Leisure activities, and visiting the remaining places that you havent visited in Leh. Overnight in Leh
Day 13: Leh – Spangmik Village – Pangong Tso.
Leave early and reach early so that you get to see the nearby visiting places.
On the way you can visit either Hermis, Thiksey or Shey Monestries either two of the above three, and one while the return journey.
Day 14: Pangong Tso – Tangtse – Durbuk – Karu (for refuelling) – Khalsar – Diskit – Hunder – 257 kms.
On the way visit the Changla La Cafe. And also enjoy the ride alongside the shyok river on the Pangong Lake road.
Overnight at Hunder.
Day 15 : One day trip and back from Turtuk. to Hunder. return journey 160 km, hence before leaving Hunder get the tank full and keep 5 ltr fuel reserve just in case.
Overnight at Hunder.
Day 16: Hunder – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardungla – Leh 207 kms
On the way see the sumur Monestary, and visit the hot water springs of Panamik
Overnight at Leh
Day 17: Shyam valley tour. Leh – Sham Valley Sightseeing – Alchi / Uleytokpo 100 kms
Overnight at Alchi or Uleytokpo.
Day 18: Alchi / Uleytokpo – Leh – Upshi – Chumathan – Tso Moriri. 320 kms
Overnight at Tso Moriri.
Day 19: Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Moore Plains – Pang – Sarchu
Start early so that accomodation options are better at Sarchu.
Overnight accomodation at Sarchu.
Day 20: Sarchu – Baralacha La – Darcha – Jispa – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
Overnight at Manali
Day 21: Manali to Shimla 250 kms
Ovrenight at Shimla
Day 22: Leisure day at Shimla, sightseeing.
Overnight at Shimla
Day 23: Shimla to Jaipur : 630 kms Leave early to make the most of the day.
Overnight at Jaipur
Day 24: Jaipur to Mount Abu 500 kms
Overnight at Abu
Day 25 Leisure at Mount Abu
Day 26: Abu to Mumbai. 758 kms Halt if required.
Hi dheeraj, would really like your inputs on the above querry of mine. Your help will be really appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Juzar Kachwala
Hi Juzar, I am so sorry that I am unable to reply. Things are a bit messy but I assure you that I will reply over weekend to all pending queries including yours. Please bear for couple of days.
That’s fine Dheeraj. You have helped us all out a lot. Take your time and reply. Cheers…
Just replied !!
Dheeraj my email id I used to register for he DOW community is juzar1@gmail.com if you could approve of the same I would be able to add my dates to the planner. Thanks in advance.
Regards,
Juzar Kachwala
Hey Juzar,
I am sorry but it may have been marked as spam user and got deleted in teh approval process. You may need to create your user again and I will immediately approve it.
Hi Juzar,
Thank you so much for the patience and as promised I will try to reply to best possible extent. Feel free to post any questions you may further have and I am sure I will reply this time much sooner with office/personal things settling a bit in life 🙂 🙂
Yes, the timing of the plan is nicely balanced to have full adventure especially on Manali – Leh Highway with glimpses of being it frozen too. Since, you are flexible with home stays, you should not at all worry about the stay options and you should be able to get one or the other at all these places by search a bit. I am sure that shall be fine assuming from the fact that you are OK with home stays. Regarding fuel situation I will talk about based on days. Your budget is quite decent and should be OK to carry out this trip. Rest my inputs below:
1. Things looks fine till Day 11, just that Udaipur – Delhi can be a bit stretch
2. You will not need any permits for the places you have mentioned.
3. You must do the trip from Day 13 by starting from Leh to Turtuk first that is Nubra Valley and then from there you should go over to Pangong Tso on Day 15 after night halt at Hunder on Day 14. On Day 15, return back to Leh from Pangong Tso. Deskit Petrol pump is open mostly now a day and rarely it is out of fuel else functional. So no worries on petrol on this circuit with spare fuel you will be carrying.
4. Then till Day 20, it looks fine to me and quite balanced. Ensure to top up at Karu and carry spare fuel. For Tso Moriri to Tandi petrol pump.
5. Rest I will recommend to skip Shimla as in summers it will be too hot and completely concrete jungle. So, nothing worth spending time rather spend time in Manali or in Kasol / Parvati Valley.
Thank you so much for all the blessings, prayers and wishes… You made my day 🙂 🙂
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hey there dheeraj,
Thanks very much for your inputs.
Just wanted to know if I am halting at these places. What are my budget options of home stays. Like will the rooms be available for 1000 bucks per night basis.
Yeah the Jaipur to Delhi one sounds a lil stretched. Also the first leg of my ride. Mumbai to Udaipur. Thinking about cutting these into two pieces.
Are there any good and trusted service centres in or near Delhi where I can get my avenger serviced. Cause even the official Bajaj service centres right here in Bombay are not totally trust worthy. I believe the date of me leaving from here i.e. 27th of May should ensure that I might have all roads almost open while my return journey.
Also Dheeraj I wanted to add my dates in the calender so that some fellow riders could join me, but am unable to do so as my login has not been verified from the admin. Could you ask your admin department to approve of the same.
And it’s a fact that this forum is the most viewed and read whenever first time riders like me and also experienced ones wanna go for any ride in the north especially Ladakh. So that goes without saying that your all the years ka hard work is paying off. Kudos and take care brother.
Regards,
Juzar.
Hello Juzar,
Yes, you will be able to find the home stays, small guest houses easily around 1000 bucks on an averrage or even below it. It will be better that you take a bit rest in that leg. I am sorry on the trusted service center of Bajaj, it has been a decade since I used the bike now 😉
Did you create the user in the DwD Community? If yes, it should be approved else let me know the email you may have used and I will try to search and approve it. Once approved, you can submit the travel calendar entry.
Thank you for the warm words, I am glad that Discover with Dheeraj is worth the the travel community in India.
Regards
Dheeraj
Dear
Am planning an all India drive from kerala and I would like to follow up leh and spity together as per your 15 day schedule mentioned by own car as am accompanied with one of my friend. But got some doubts as 1. July 10 to July 25th is the planned date Can we find good amount of snow at rothang pass and places we travel. Other option for this trip is May 5th to May 20th. Is it possible???? As we can’t make in the month of June as it is ramzan month for us. Please give us your valuable suggestions
Firaz, snow will not be in good amount but remains in July, mostly dirty. You may get some white snow around Baralacha La pass on Manali – Leh Highway. May 5-20 is not possible any how as the roads are not open by that time.
Hi Dheeraj,
Awesome blog here! Have been hooked onto this site from a very long time. I am planning for a trip to Leh with my family & I have decided to take the Srinagar route & return via Manali. It’ll be four of us in a Ford Figo Aspire, driving all the way from Bangalore & thinking of doing this in the month of June. Is it possible to cover Leh & Spiti together in 15-18 days? Or is it too much? Also would love to visit the place when there’s still snow around. You think first week of June would be a safe bet? Eagerly awaiting your reply.
Well, there is a plan that you can follow: Spiti Valley to Ladakh from Manali – Most Common Itinerary With Ford Figo Aspire you will certainly struggle. 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
thank you for you advice , but the last question if I do not mind the cost can one car that I take in Leh go to Korzok and then the same car go to Keylong and the next day in the same car go to Kaza or not are permit car of Leh go to Spiti?
No, you will have to take the car that goes to Tso Moriri, Korzok from Leh and then it will go to Keylong will be around 22K. Then from Keylong you will need Himachal taxi which will drop you to Kaza and charge you around 11-12K.
This will be costly. I will suggest that you take two day trip from Leh to Tso Moriri and back to Leh. Then may be take shared tourist taxi to Keylong or HRTC bus to Keylong. Same is applicable to Keylong to Kaza, take either daily bus or shared jeep.
Hi Dheeraj, I need to ask you some questions. I am from Argentina and I want to go to India in September (13) of 2017, it will be my second time in India (the first I did the typical Rajastan circuit with a chauffeur with a car). My idea is to travel mainly Ladakh, Zanskar and Spiti in about 30 days (I will be a few days more but in other places in India). My queries are several, I travel alone, and I know that it makes everything expensive, I advise your advice in those cases to plan day by day to find companions in the trips or you advise me to deal with some of the drivers that you recommend and to see if later he finds companions for some travel and decrease the cost? Another question because I read English but I do not speak it practically and if I wanted to communicate with a driver that you put the phone would be impossible, you have some mail from some of them and they speak some English?
I detail my plan, from Mumbai fly to Srinagar, two days, take some car shared to Kargill, the next day take another car to Padum, and another car there (law that you always have to take the local cars), travel the Surroundings and look for some guide or companion for the trek to Phugtal in 3 days returning to Padum, return to Kargill. Then take a shared car to Leh making some visits on the way, two days in Leh, then Nubra valley but with the night in Turtuk, return to leh, another day in the city touring, Then go to Pangong lake, night and my doubt because then I want to go to Tso Moriri, I return to Leh and the next day I go to Korzok or I go directly to Chumatang or Tso Kar and the other day Korzok and I arrive earlier and enjoy the day ? Then Keylong and from there I wish to go to Kaza for three nights and then for the 11th of October to return to Manali with some local car. The car I take in Leh to go to Pangong can take me from Keylong to Kaza or do I have to hire a car in Manali before I go to Keylong to take me? After Manali I follow Dharamsala, Amritsar, etc. And one last query is better to hire hotels on the web or the driver help me to look for some? Thank you and forgive so many questions.
Well, I will suggest that you should be relying on local shared taxis rather than talking to the drivers listed because they mostly are for private taxis which will be way costly for a single or two person. Not recommended at all. You direction of plan is good. Once you complete the Zanskar tour, come over to Ladakh and make a 2-3 day tour to Nubra Valley. Turtuk may or may be possible depending upon if you get the taxis or not to share cost. Then, make usual 2 day trip to Pangong Tso and return to Leh, then make two day trip to Tso Moriri and return to Leh. Take the Leh to Keylong HRTC bus service or some shared taxi and get over there. From Keylong there is a direct bus service to Kaza which runs 7 AM every morning. Spend 3-5 days in Spiti Valley cover local villages and Chandratal while coming back to Manali. You should refer: How to make a budget Ladakh trip by public transport
and Chandratal Lake | Cheapest Ways To Travel There
I missed this, no need to book hotels through web for yourself. You will be traveling solo, best is to hunt some cozy home stays and live lives with the locals.
Hi,
I am Planning 15 days trip to Leh Laddakh in Mid June 2017.
I am trying to make Itinerary could please suggest your inputs in below Itinerary.
Let me know where should i put rest day. as this plan is too hectic have to put rest day in between may be after Nubra or After Tso Moriri.
Do you feel i should skip Suru Valley share your views on Itinerary.
Day 0 – Leave from Delhi to Manali Reach Manali by Noon
Take Booked Cab and Keep it for trip end.
Day 1- Reach Manali, Rest local site seeing ,Basic Shopping for trip if forgot to bring anything.
Day 2- Leave early morning from Manali to Jispa via Rohtang and Keylong night stay in tent river side (Jispa)
[Distance is around 140km, trafic area till Rohtang Pass, Have fun at Rohatang]
Places- Manali – Rohtang – Gramphu – Kokhsar – Keylong – Jispa
Day 3- Jispa to Pang via Baralacha La Sarchu(Lunch Stop) night stay in Sarchu or Pang.
Spend Quality Time at Suraj Taal and Baralacha pass.
(Pang is 50km away from sarchu leh side if we stay at pang will be good to cover next day
as distance will be less to Leh Will Serve our purpose to brek journey in 3days)
[Jispa – Darcha – Zingzingbar -Suraj Tal – Baralacha La –Bharatpur – Sarchu – Gata Loops – Nakee La – Lachulung La – Pang]
Day 4- Pang to Leh.
[Pang – Tanglang La – Gya – Upshi – Karu -Leh]
Rest in Hotel and Acc to weather , Permit check if required any
Local Leh market visit, enjoy local food
Day 5 – Local sightseeing ,Acc to weather
(Shanti Stupa, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, Leh Palace and some of the popular monasteries such as
Thiksey Monastery, Hemis Monastery, Phyang Monastery and Spituk Monastery)
Discuss with local people modify slight plan according to weather and situation
Day 6 and 7 For Nubra Valley and Return to Leh
Day 6 – Leh To Diskit/Hunder Nubra Valley via Khardungla Pass (Night Stay Hunder- Tent or hotel have to check)
Diskit(Monestry)
Hunder(Nubra Gompa,Lachung Temple)
Sand dunes of Hunder(Camel Safari)
Day 7 – Sand dunes of Hunder Diskit To Panamik and Turthak and Return to Leh
Sumur (Monastery can go if time permit) – Panamik(Yarab Tso and Hot Water Spring) –
Turtuk(Know for different landscapes)
Back To Leh (Stay in hotel Leh)
Have to Plan such a way so that can come on time to Leh, can skip Turtuk.
Day 8 – Leh To Pangong TSO
Via(Hemis, Shey Palace Can cover any 1 or 2
monastery while headed to Pangong as we will be coming from different route)
Night stay in Pangong – Tent –
Enjoye Sunset and next day sunrise.
Day 9 – Pangong To Tso Moriri via Chusul and Korzok Monastery (Night stay in Korzok hotel or Tso Moriri Lake Side)
Enjoye Sunset and next day sunrise – Long Drive and Roads are not good. Need proper route knowledge.
Day 10 – Tso Moriri To Tso To Lamayuru Via Alchi Gompa and Likir
Night Stay in Lamayuru Enjoye Night Gazing
Sham Valley = [Cover Sham Valley (Alchi and Likir monasteries,Uleytokpo
Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Gurdwara Pather Sahib,
Indus and Zanskar Confluence at Nimmu)]
Day 11 – Cover some part of Sham Valley and Move to Kargil from Lamayuru via Fotu la Stay in Kargil
[Take Proper Rest – Can Skip few parts of Sham Valley if not on highway and will cover on day 14]
Day 12 – Enjoye Kargil and Rangdum (Suru Valley) Night Stay in Suru Valley.
Day 13 – Rangdum(Suru Valley) to Kargil or Mulbekh[Nigt Stay]
[Take Halt and Enjoye Places in between]
Day 14- Kargil or Mulbekh to Back to Leh Via Cover some part of Sham Valley
[Visit Placs which left while going to Leh or Lamyuru to Kargil ]
Day 15- Return to Delhi from Leh Airport
Nishant, I replied in the forum. Let’s continue in the forum.
Hello Dheeraj Ji,
I am following your blog for the last one year. I must thank you for sharing all these important information.
We are planning a trip to leh in june’17. Almost in all the itinerary you have suggested to take Srinagar route to enter leh and exit through manali. we are 2 families with 3 kids(12-13 years). But the current situation in Kashmir is not so good so we are not comfortable via Srinagar route.
can we go via manali route? and exit leh -Delhi flight? Or entry Delhi -leh flight and exit leh -manali route?
as we are planning the trip in mid june’17, I think Leh -manali highway will be open.
I am following the above itinerary. So if i exclude Srinagar route the trip can be completed in 10 -11days.
I will suggest that you travel to Leh by flight in that case and come down Manali – Leh Highway by road. This will help you combat AMS issues that people suffer over Manali – Leh Highway and especially with Kids, it will be better options. I am not saying you will not suffer AMS issues when flying directly into Leh from Delhi, but you can contain those issues by being in Leh and hospital in the vicinity always in something goes wrong. Also, taking complete rest also helps which on a road journey is not possible. So, I will suggest you following itinerary:
Day 1 | Delhi – Leh (By Flight)
— Checkin at Hotel. Many hotels provide free pick and drop from Airport. Ask while you book them.
— Take ample of rest as well as water or anything that keep your body hydrated enough. DO NOT OVER HYDRATE. Take ORS Soluted water or ORS – L tetra packs from home.
— Do not over exert your body at any cost. Avoid too much up-down on stairs or avoid it in entirety, if possible.
— After 5-6 Hrs of rest you can visit Leh Palace, Local Leh market, Shankar Gompa .
— If you feel exerted go back to Hotel, have dinner at Hotel and take rest. Avoid any exertion. Else continue and,
— Follow the sunset by stroll at Changspa road and have a nice dinner on varied cuisines offered in-around Changspa road.
— Go back to hotel for overnight stay at Leh.
Day 2 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Acclimatization
— Hire a taxi from Leh taxi stand or Hotel whichever suits you.
— Bargain with taxi driver and you can refer the thread for a comprehensive list of drivers: List of Taxi Drivers for Ladakh – Srinagar – Leh – Manali
— Take his inputs if you feel reasonable and if required modify the plan accordingly but should suits you best.
— Ask him to be with you guys starting first day itself, if required and charged reasonable else do it at your own.
— Again DO NOT over exert and take little steps and slow walks only.
— If feeling OK then do Local sightseeing. To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
— Do not use stairs at any of these places just to see them as it will exert your body much more.
— Overnight at Leh
Day 3 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder – Turtuk
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Turtuk
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— enjoy the culture in the Turtuk Village
— do mention Turtuk on the permits
Day 4 | Turtuk – Hunder
— Spend whole day at Turtuk and reach Hunder by evening
— Overnight at Hunder
Day 5 | Hunder – Deskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
— Enjoy drive upto Panamik, visit Yarab Tso Lake and back Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Day 6 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on the go towards Pangong Tso
— Overnight at Pangong Tso (Spangmik or Lukung)
Day 7 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on return to Leh
— Overnight at Leh
Day 8 | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping OR You can do tour to Sham Valley
— Sham Valley include Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, Gurudwara Pather Sahib
— Overnight at Leh
Day 9 | Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang
— Cover Karzok Monastery
— Overnight at Karzok or Tso Moriri
Day 10 | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring (Manali – Leh Highway starts) – Moore Plains – Pang / Sarchu
— Try to start early in the day so that you reach Sarchu where the accommodation options are better than Pang
— Overnight at Sarchu or Pang
Day 11 | Pang / Sarchu – Baralacha La – Jispa
— On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only
— Overnight at Jispa
Day 12 | Jispa – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
— On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only
— Overnight at Manali
Day 13 | Manali – Delhi
— Return home
Day 14 | Buffer day or rest day
You can skip Day 8 and Day 4 (Turtuk) in case you want to save two more days and do it in 11 days.
Thank you so very much for your help sir.Definately follow your advice and follow the above mention plan for our trip.
Best wishes for you trip 🙂
Dear Sir,
I appreciate your effort in maintaining such well informed site.
I am planning family trip to Ladakh in 2017. There will be 3 family-total 9 members including 3 kids of age 10-12 years. Which will be the best month to travel considering less tourist flow?
Is it advisable to approach Leh by Del-Leh-Del flight? In that how much duration should we keep?
In case of road trip, whether it would be safe to travel with kids? How long will it take? Which road to follow- From Srinagar side or Manali side?
It would be extremely helpful if you answer the above.
Hello Anirban,
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.
And You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh by Air followed by many travelers including me at the link here for 9 days: Leh – Ladakh | Most Common Itinerary by Air.
Depending on the days in hand you can choose any of the above. The best time to make a road trip with less tourists will be in the end of September.
Hello,
I am following your blog from past 6 months and I must admit that nothing has left uncovered about trip to Himalayas.
I am planning trip in June’17 from Delhi to Ladakh via Srinagar and coming back via Manali.
Can you please help me in planning trip within 10 days?
Delhi-Srinagar-Manali-Delhi while covering major visiting sites. I am not at all interested in monasteries but in Natural beauty.
Hi Rajat,
With 10 days in hand, I must say it will be a bit hectic trip with running and moving every other day. You can follow the plan like below:
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 + Acclimatization
— To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
— Overnight at Leh
Day 6 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Leh
– Head for Nubra Valley very early in the day and come back by late evening after visiting Deskit. If you have time go little further and see Hunder sand dunes too
– On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
– Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 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
Thanks Buddy!
You have solved my great worry.Now I can plan accordingly.
Thanks again!
Best wishes for your trip 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
I am planning for a solo ride to Leh/Ladhak suring the same time of Rajat Tyagi (Starting off from Delhi or Amritsar on 04 June 2017). Is this the best time to kick start the ride and complete the circuit Delhi-Srinagar-Leh-Manali Delhi?
The roads will be open and in case you are interested in snow, then yes, Manali – Leh will provide you with freezing vistas. It will surely be cold on Manali – Leh Highway so go prepared as the roads would have just got open so will not be in perfect conditions.
Julley Dheerajjee ,
We have successfully came back from our ladakh tour with lots of wonderful memories.
Thank you very much 4 help us to execute such wonderful tour . also I would like to say thanks Mr. SONAM , Mr. Rigzin , Mrs Solpon and all people of ladakh for their hospitality and cooperation .
I will share some photos in DOW facebook page.
Julley Tapas !! Welcome back from heaven 🙂 🙂 … Will look forward to see your pictures in the DwD Community or on Facebook page.
Greetings Dheeraj!
Reached back safely, of course after a few twists and turns of plan 😀
Thank you for the guidance.
Awesome, welcome back and I am sure you much have had memorable experience of Ladakh. How about sharing some Photo Tale or Travel tale with us ? 🙂
Greetings Dheeraj ji ,
A very nice and detailed blog . Me (girl) and my brother are planning to go ladakh from 10 oct by bike , Would it be safe via manali leh highway and return from the same rout as, we are totally avoiding srinagar route .
Will the rohtang pass safe and hospitable on going and returning ??? and is it ok to go alone there ?
as kargil drass are excluded , could u please suggest the itinerary for major destinations
Thank you …
Hi Dheeraj,
Thank you very much for sharing all these valuable information on your blog!
I’ve booked a flight to Srinagar for the 12th September 2016 a couple weeks ago. Starting in Srinagar, I planned to follow your suggested route via Leh back to Manali by bus or shared taxi… I’m travelling on my own. I have 4-6 weeks to spend in the north of India before heading to Nepal, if weather and overall conditions in this region allows. Beside Srinagar-Leh-Manali-route I consider visiting Shimla, Dharamasala and Chandigargh.
However, I’m struggling at the moment what to do cause of the situation in Srinagar… is it advisable to travel to Jammu and Kashmir region at all at the moment? Is it possible to start from “Srinagar-side” without going to Srinagar itself and avoiding the critical areas?
Thank you very much in advance! I’d be happy and appreciate any recoomendation/advice in terms of what to do, where to start and what route to follow for the 4-6 weeks I have from next week on.
Cheers, Julian
Julian, well, I will not recommend at all to travel from Srinagar side. Please avoid it. Go from Manali side and come back from the same route. You have 4-6 weeks, I can recommend you the flow and you can take it as your own:
1. You should make two day trip to Leh from Manali as body will not be acclimatized. Fist night halt will be Keylong if you will go by bus else Jispa if you take tourist shared taxi. DO NOT take a taxi or tempo traveller which halts at Sarchu, you will not be acclimatized to sleep at it.
2. Rest and acclimatize in Leh, get the protected area permits.
3. Move to Nubra valley and explore Hunder, Deskit, Turtuk villages before coming back to Leh
4. Move to Pangong Tso and spend a day or two
5. Move to Tso moriri and spend a day or two
6. In between (3-5) you can opt to visit Alchi, Likir, Lamayuru, Kargil, Drass sector as well based on days you have in hand and preference of trael.
7. Finally take the bus back to Manali from Leh.
8. Once you reach Manali, spend couple of days and move to Dharamshala by direct bus from Manali. Spend few days in Dharamshala and return.
Shimla has nothing but concrete buildings like a concrete jungle, better avoid after visiting all such beautiful places 🙂
Julian..please let me know hows the situation in srinagar just in case you fly there..thanks..
Also suggest on any other alternative places if you think so if I skip Kargil etc …
Hi Dheeraj,
Great info on your blog!
I am landing in Leh from Delhi on 17th morning and below is my plan ….. Able to fit 6 days here … A leaf taken out of your common itinerary… However I have time and can spend upto 9 or 10 days in Ladakh over all …..
Now couple of questions ….
1. Am I plan to travel solo on a rented bike … So should that be any problem to go around to Pangong or Nubra ?
2. Want to see tso moriri so where do I fit it in as I will be taking a public transport bus while going from Leh to Manali.
3. Wanted to go to Kargil from Leh as my original plan was to come they Srinagar which can’t be possible now… What your opinion and where do I for it and how do I travel ?
4. Will it be a complete day to visit Shyam valley ? If yes then can it be on a bike or should we on a bus or taxi?
Day 1: Rest & Partial Local Sighseeing
Day 2: Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at hunder / diskit
Day 3: Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
Day 4: Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake
Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on the go towards Pangong Tso
Overnight at Pangong Tso (Spangmik or Lukung)
Day 5: Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on return to Leh
Overnight at Leh
Day 6: Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping or you can do tour to Sham Valley
Sham Valley include Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, Gurudwara Pather Sahib
Overnight at Leh
You should move your Day 6 to Day 2 or use one of the days you have in hand. Two days are absolutely required in Leh for acclimatization.
1. Not really, shared taxis are available. But in case you do not have experience of riding motorcycles in Himalayas,better avoid rented bike.
2. You need two days from Leh for Tso moriri and should be visited after Pangong Tso. Try to hunt down some shared taxis in Changspa road or main market Leh for Tso moriri shared taxi tours.
3. You need two days for Kargil from Leh. again buses run between Leh – Kargil, but will prefer to skip it for some other time as not enough time is there on hand with you.
4. For sham valley, it will be like 6-7 Hrs in total exploring and resting. You can do bike trip there as the roads are fine in whole of Sham Valley.
Hi Dheeraj.
Ronak here again.
So I am confused between two itinerary I have made for the month of September 2016.
Itinerary 1 :
14 – Arrive Delhi and leave for Manali immediately (Bus)
15 – In Manali
16 – Manali – Jispa
17 – Jispa – Leh
18 – Leh – Alchi – Leh
19 – Leh – Turtuk
20 – Turtuk – Diskit
21 – Diskit – Panamik
22 – Panamik – Pangong Tso
23 – Pangong Tso – Leh
24 – Leh – Sarchu
25 – Sarchu – Manali – Delhi
Itinerary 2 :
14 – Arrive Delhi and leave for Manali immediately (Bus)
15 – In Manali
16 – Manali – Jispa
17 – Jispa – Leh
18 – Leh – Alchi – Leh
19 – Leh – Diskit
20 – Diskit – Panamik
21 – Panamik – Pangong Tso
22 – Pangong Tso – Leh
23 – Leh – Tso Moriri
24 – Tso Moriri – Sarchu
25 – Sarchu – Manali – Delhi (Bus)
A quick suggestion would be great 🙂
Also, out if the three – Turtuk, Panami, To Motor – which can be avoided? Because given the time constraints we have, we can only do two out of the three.
And, we are planning to ride to Pangog directly from hunder without touching Leh. Is it advisable? I read your post on that route. I was convinced enough. But still asking for an opinion after looking our itinerary.
I will say to drop Panamik. The direct routes are isolated and hence will suggest caution while going for it. DO NOT go alone on that route, wait for few vehicles and then join the convoy to move together on those routes.
You should drop Panamik and add Tso Moriri in it. Also, these routes will not be possible in bus or shared transport. So, make sure you have private vehicle with you.
Hi there Dheeraj,
I am planning a LEH trip and am planning to go via the Manali LEH highway on account of the conditions in the Srinagar and Kashmir regions being tough, I have a few questions if they could be answered would be of great help:
1. I am going to go along with my wife and would like to know how best to take halts on the Manali LEH highway, would the itinerary for the same like this be fine:
Manali-Keylong; Keylong – Sarchu; Sarchu – LEH.
2. Also since I am just going on my own and without any tour operators what are the chances of me getting on spot accommodations in the evening as I would not be driving at night at any costs.
3. About the line permits I have heard multiple views from people some who say that its required for everyone and some say that inline permits are not needed for indian nationals. I will be travelling on my avenger 220 so would the permits be required for me and my wife to visit LEH and the other nearby destinations, Also if you could throw some light on what all documents are needed to apply for the permits if they are needed.
4. How best you would advice to visit the nearby destinations like turtuk, pangong, tso moriri, nubra. If I am leaving out any would you be kind enough to suggest.
5. Also during the above mentioned destination plans, would the fuel be sufficient to reach the destination and then refuel at that destination and back to LEH. Like for example LEH-Pangong refuel and Pangong -LEH.
Me and my wife are going on this ride to experience this thrilling journey and find ourselves, so whatever best inputs we could get from yourend, we would be really thankful.
Best regards,
Juzar Kachwala & Ummehani Kachwala.
Hello Juzar,
1. Since, you guys will not be acclimatized to sleep at Sarchu, I will suggest that you do Manali – Jispa, Jispa – Leh.
2. You will be getting the accommodation at ease, no issues on that front. It is just that you will be searching a few places here and there.
3. Indians do not need any permits to visit tourist places in Ladakh, they just need a self declaration form to be submitted at various checkposts. If you travel the interiors of Ladakh where then you need inner line permits.
4. All these places are worth the visit, depends upon the time in hand. Turtuk is part of Nubra Valley but requires an extra day to do justice to it. The ideal way f doing it is one day rest in Leh, 3 day trip to Nubra Valley including Turtuk, 2 day trip to Pangong Tso and then 3 day trip to Leh – Tso Moriri – Sarchu – Manali.
5. You may need fuel for Nubra Valley in case you want to cover Turtuk as it will be around 450 KMs. Also, for Leh – Tso Moriri – Manali, you need fuel to cover about 550 KMs
Best regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheerajji,
We are group of 18 adult pax travelling to Leh Ladakh and our rough itinerary is as follows :
13.9.16
Arrive Leh by Go Air Flight early morning 6.40 hrs and head for guest house (booking done)
Rest till 3 pm and go for local sight seeing like local market, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, etc.
14.9.16
After breakfast drive to Sidhu Darshanand about 7 kms from Leh on the bank of the Historical Indus River. Later proceed to visit Thiksay Monastery located on top of a hill; the Monastery is an excellent example of Ladakhi architecture. This contains several Stupas, Statues, Thangkas, Wall Paintings and a large pillar depicting Buddha’s teachings. Later continue to drive to visit Hemis Monastery, which was built in 1630 and It houses some beautiful Wall Paintings, Thangka and several other historic objects. Back to Leh.
15.9.16
After early breakfast drive to Pangong Lake. Pangong Lake is the biggest high altitude lake in Asia 165km from Leh. Enjoy the turquoise color panoramic lake and the magnificent mountains. Drive back to Leh by the same route. Stay overnight in Leh.
16.9.16
After Breakfast drive to Nubra Valley via Khardung La (Highest Motorable road in the World, 18,380 ft) continue drive till Turtuk. After lunch enjoys the beauty of sand dunes one can also enjoy Camel Safari. Stay overnight in Nubra Valley/Hundar. (Booking done at Hundar for one night).
17.9.16
After breakfast, visit to Deskit Monastery and have a wonderful view of Nubra Valley. Later drive back to Leh by same Route, crossing Khardung La Pass. Stay overnight in Leh.
18.9.16
After breakfast drive to Uleytokpo enroute visit Likir Monastery, Magnetic Hill, Hall of Fame and Gurudwara Pathar Sahib. After Lunch proceed to visit Lamayuru Monastery and witness a beautiful mesmerizing moon landscapes. Visit Vijay Smriti Sthal at Drass. Stay overnight in Uleytokpo / Alchi / Lamayuru / Faryok/Kargil. Booking done at Kargil for one night.
19.9.16
After Breakfast drive back to Leh enroute visit Basgo and Alchi Monastery. Stay overnight in Leh.
20.9.16
Rest day and enjoy Ladakh Festival which is starting on 20th September.
21.9.16
Take early morning flight to Mumbai. (Booking already done).
Please suggest if it is ok or do you suggest any change and whether we can include any other places where we are visiting.
We find from the various reviews that Clearcar rental has many negative reviews. Which agency you suggest who will give us quote for the above itinerary ? Please give contact number, email id. The name of the drivers suggested by you – can they give us quote for above itinerary ?
We are citizen of India. Are we supposed to get any tourist permit for visiting the above places ? We, of course, will carry our photo identification with us.
Kindly reply at the earliest. Also suggest some important tips, if any.
Thanks,
Sadanand Apte
Mobile : 9867192311
Sadanand, you should do it like below:
Day 1 | Leh rest day and acclimatize
Day 2 | Leh local sightseeing
Day 3 | Leh – Nubra Valley
Day 4 | Nubra Valley – Leh
Day 5 | Leh Pangong Tso –
Day 6 | Pangong Tso – Leh
Day 7 | Around leh.
You do not need any permits. If you are looking for Ladakh tour and packages, you can connect with info@offbeatescapes.com as most of the readers in the past couple of years have had very good feedback about them and especially their transparent policies along with being there with you all the time in need. So, we trust them the most. You can refer my name or DoW to Gaurav, the guy who runs it. He knows us very well and should be able to offer some special rates being a DoW Member. You can just refer him the DwD Community Member Username in such a case or screenshot of this reply here.
I have thought of a rough itinerary
Sept 1 – Bombay – Delhi – Srinagar
Reach Srinagar airport at 12 noon and overnight stay at Srinagar
If situation permits try local sightseeing.
Sept 2- Srinagar – Sonmarg – ZojiLa – Drass – Kargil
Enjoy vistas enroute and overnight stay at kargil
Sept 3- Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Monastery, Lunar Landscapes
(Please suggest places to cover on the way if possible)
Overnight at Leh
Sept 4- Do local sightseeing (suggest good sunrise, sunset and view points) Hire Bike
Sham Valley include Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence of Zanskar & Indus River at Nimmu, Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Hall of fame museum
Kargil war memorial, Spituk monastery, Sankar Monastery, Shanti stupa, Tsemo fort, Leh Potala palace.
Sept 5- Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder (suggest a good place to stay overnight)
Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
Enjoy a cup of soup at Khardung La World’s highest motorable road at 18380 feet
Diskit monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder sand dunes and bactrian camel safari
Sept 6 – Hunder/Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Turtuk
Sumur Monastery and Panamik hot water springs
overnight at Turtuk
(transport options?)
Sept 7- Turtuk – Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake
Cover Hemis Monastery on the go towards Pangong Tso highest salt water Lake in the World through Changla Pass 17,350 ft, it is the third highest motorable road in the world
Overnight at Pangong Tso at Spangmik or Lukung (please suggest a place to stay overnight)
Sept 8 – Pangong Tso Lake – Thiksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
Cover Thiksey Monastery and Shey Palace on the way towards Leh
Overnight at Leh
Sept 9 – Leh – Hanle
Suggest transport options and accommodation at Hanle
Sept 10 – Hanle – Korzok – Tso Moriri
Tso moriri at 14000 ft by passing Chumathang (Hot Spring) along the Indus river.Cover Korzok Monastery
Overnight at Korzok or Tso Moriri (please suggest)
Sept 11 – Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring (Manali – Leh Highway starts) – Moore Plains – Pang / Sarchu
Start early in the day to reach Sarchu where i assume accommodation options are better than Pang
Can i cover Puga (Sulphur Mine), Tsokar Lake, Taklang La Pass?
Overnight at Sarchu or Pang (please suggest good overnight stay option on the way to Manali)
Can i get a share transport from here to Manali?
Sept 12 – Pang / Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
On the way cover Suraj Taal and Deepak Taal which are on the way
Will try to take overnight sleeper bus to Chandigarh from Manali
Sept 13 – Manali – Chandigarh
Sept 13 – Return flight from Chandigarh to Mumbai at 7 PM
Please help me optimise the itinerary.
Instead of coming back to Leh from Nubra Valley, can i head towards Pangong Tso via Wari La route?
Can i go to Hanle directly from Pangong? What are other possible options (direct routes) instead of going back to Leh?
know i have too much on my plate but i don’t mind slight bingeing.
Can you help me optimise the itinerary to minimise the redundancy (alike places) and maximize the experience?
I would want to avoid typical touristy commercialised spots and would love to cover serene, rustic, ancient and historic places.
PS: I have already booked my tickets from Mumbai to Srinagar and from Chandigarh to Mumbai
Well, your plan looks good to me except Srinagar – Kashmir is under curfew and Turtuk to Pangong Tso directly. Wish you can spare a day from somwhere which can be done in case you reach Sonamarg directly from Srinagar airport and then do Sonamarg to Leh next day. That day you can use for Turtuk to Hunder and next day go over to Pangong Tso from Hunder.
Hi Dheeraj.
We are group of 7 people planning a road trip to leg in a single Scorpio/Innova at last week of Augest 2017 . My question are given blow-
please reply with answer kindly.
1.Can you please tell me 7 people are allowed in a single Innova?
2. For Tso Moriri Inner Line Permit is required or not?
3.what will best way to book car from Srinagar(Spot booking/Travel Agent Booking)?
4.August last week Temp/ Weather ( 23 Agu-6 Sep,2017) will be fine for ladak?
Thanks,
Anirban
1. Allowed but very uncomfortable for such a long trip.
2. If all are Indians, no permit reqiuired
3. 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.
4. Weather will be fine in Leh
Hi Dheeraj.
Thanks a lot for your valuable input.
Please kindly provide information regarding below query.
I will be grateful for that.
Is there any specific day in a week at which the below route are remain closed-
1. Srinagar-Kargil highway
2. Leh- Nubra highway
3. Nubra- Sayok-Pangong Tso Lake highway
4. Pangong Tso Lake-Leh highway
5. Leh – Sarachu highway
6. Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali highway
Thanks,
Anirban
Anirban, in season time (June to mid October) these routes remain open all days a week all hours. Zojila has timings in initial days, upto late June when road is narrow. Nubra – Shyok – Pangong Tso route shall only be done by leaving early and in convoy of at least 3-4 vehicles. If you do later in the day, chances of crossing nallah is less. Rest all routes are OK any time of the day.
Thanks a lot. Please keep it. I never forget your help regarding my tour plan.
Best wishes for the trip 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
its really appreciated what you did on the post. great job, Kudos.
1 question, do you have any recommendation on budget stays during this itinerary? also, i have to choose between Tso Moriri and Pangong Tso. can i visit both places in day?
No, it is not possible to visit both the places in day. 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
Hi Dheeraj Ji
We are planning to go Siachen Glacier on May 2017. We will be there at Delhi after 15 of may. From Kolkata to Kolkata we can manage maximum 15 days leave. Please Suggest a plan accordingly. As per your idea we may start from Manali side or by Jammu side. We also want to visit the Pangon lake and Tso Miriri Lake. Is it possible?
I would like to say that following your planning this year in may I visited Spiti Valley alone. It was a excellent experience.
Regards
Subhadip Roy
SUBHADIP, civilians are not allowed to go to Siachen glacier. Special army permissions are required even to visit Siachen base camp. Also, in May the Manali – Leh Highway is not open.
Hi Dheeraj!
Can you please guide me about what should be done in case our bike breaks down en route?
Any reliable mechanic’s contact number?
Sree, in that case nothing much can be done bro. Only handlful of places have a mechanic, mostly restricted to the main towns. So, in case it happens, towing is the only option. In case there is an army camp near by, you can seek help from them.
Hi Dheeraj,
Just had one query in my mind. Is there any route from Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri. And is it advisable to take this route instead of coming back from Pangong Tso to leh.
Thanks.
You can refer: Tips for Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri Direct Route
Hi Dheeraj,
Am planning my leh trip in Sept 2016. My initial plan was to travel from Blr – Srinagar – Leh- Manali – Blr but with current scenarios in Kashmir it looks like we will not be able to do that route. Hence changed my plan to Blr – Manali – Leh – Manali – Blr. Only thing with this route is that I want to also include Amritsar and below is the day wise breakup. I am not seeing any reviews on google from Amritsar to Manali while google map shows around 9hrs. Would like you to shed light on it.
Thanks in advance.
Day Route
1 Bangalore-Mumbai
1000kms (14hrs)
2 Mumbai – Udaipur
737Kms(12hrs)
3 Udaipur-Ajmer-Hanumangarh
265 Kms (4Hrs) – 436Kms (7Hrs)
4 Hanumangarh – Amritsar
316 Kms (6hrs)
5 Amritsar – Manali
399Kms (10hrs)
6 Manali – Keylong
115 Kms (5hrs)
7 Keylong – Sarchu
107Kms (4hrs)
8 Sarchu-Leh
251Kms (7Hrs)
9 Leh – Khardung La-Leh
10 Leh-Pangong Tso
11 Pangong Tso-Leh
12 Leh-Sarchu
260Kms
13 Sarchu-Manali
230Kms
14 Manali-Chandigarh-Delhi
310 (7.5) 245Kms(4Hrs)
15 Delhi-Agra-Jhansi
210Kms(3.5hrs)- 234Kms(4.5)
16 Jhansi-Nagpur
595Kms(9Hrs)
17 Nagpur-Hyderabad
501kms(8Hrs)
18 Hyderabad-Bangalore
569Kms (8Hrs)
Better avoid staying at Sarchu while going to Leh and add that day as rest day in Leh before you travel to Khardung La pass
hi mr dheeraj
thanks for the much useful info..i had just one query regarding bike rental
if we are to use manali -leh route,can you tell about availability of enfield or any bike rental
from manali or do we take it from delhi
pls tell if this will cause trouble with the locals as you have mentioned banning of certain vehicles
so, is the alternative having our own bikes better??
thanking you in advance
DR suman kaveti
You can take it from Manali. You will not be able to use these bikes in Ladakh for sightseeing, you have to hire Manali bikes again.
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks a ton for your effort to help us!
Just wanted to clarify a few things.
Planning to venture into the much awaited journey in the first half of September on two wheelers.
1. Congestion charges / Permits wont bother us at all, if we are coming to Manali from Leh?
2. Can the timings (seasonal as well as daily) of the Manali- Rohtang pass road be a problem, if we are coming back from Leh to manali?
3. If we were to follow the exact same itinerary as you suggested in this page, but we had just 12 days ( To and fro Delhi), which are the spots that can be spared?
Thanks in advance! 🙂
1. Yes, no permits or fees required in such a case for Rohtang Pass
2. No, there are no timings that late in the season
3. I will drop rest day and then may be I will do one day trip to Pangong Tso or will travel directly from Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso to save those two days
Thanks a lot!
Hello Dheeraj!
Can you tell how i can include spiti valley in my itinerary while coming back from leh to manali?
Also how many days it would take?
Sree, you will need about 5 days from Jispa or Keylong to make little sense to the Spiti Valley trip.
Hi dheeraj,
We are 8 friends traveling to leh. We will reach early morning 6am of 30th July to leh by flight . Our return flight is on 6th Aug afternoon from srinagar. Can you plz suggest best itinerary including river rafting n trekking?
Are you sure you want to travel to Srinagar during these days?
Yes , hope so till that time everything will be fine or else we will choose some other option to comeback.
My friend and I have planned a bike trip similar to one you have mentioned in the blog.
July 28th |Day1 |Delhi to Jalandhar
Day2 |Jalandhar to Patnitop
Day3 |Patnitop to Srinagar
Day4 |Sightseeing to Gulmarg
Day5 |Sightseeing to Pahalgam
Day6 |Srinagar to Kargil
Day7 |Kargil to Leh
Day8 |Rest day at Leh
Day9 |Leh to Diskit
Day10 |Extra day at Diskit
Day11 |Diskit to Pangong
Day12 |Pangong to Leh
Day13 |Leh to Sarchu
Day14 |Sarchu to Manali
Day15 |Manali to Chandigarh
Day16 |Buffer
Our concern now, due to the unrest and violence in Srinagar. Should we avoid Srinagar? If so,
How could we tweak the plan so that we cover most of the intended places and avoid AMS.
Yes, you should avoid going via Srinagar side and take Manali side. You should go to Manali sleep over at Solang Valley, then next day go over to Jispa and then next day from Jispa start early morning to reach Leh by eevening. This will help you avoid AMS.
Thanks Dheeraj for your reply. i have made changes to the plan as below.
Please suggest if i can make it better considering the present situation at Srinagar :(.
July 29th |Day1 |Delhi to Shimla
Day2 |Shimla SightSeeing
Day3 |Shimla to Manali
Day4 |Sightseeing Manali
Day5 |Manali to Jispa/Sarchu(to avoid AMS, shoud i stay at Jispa or Sarchu)
Day6 |Jispa/Sarchu to Leh
Day7 |Rest day at Leh
Day8 |Leh to Diskit
Day9 |Extra day at Diskit
Day10 |Diskit to Pangong
Day11 |Pangong to Leh
Day12 |Leh to Sarchu
Day13 |Sarchu to Manali
Day14 |Manali to Chandigarh
Day15 |Chandigarh to Jalandhar
Day16 |Chandigarh to Jalandhar
Day17 |Amritsar and Wagah Border (13th AUg)
Day18 |Jalandhar to Chandigarh
Day19 |Buffer day
Day 20|Return flight to Bangalore (Aug 16th)
1. You should stay at Jispa.
2. Extra day at Deskit should be used for Turtuk trip
3. You should use one of the day either from Manali or from Shimla to visit Tso Moriri as well while coming back from Leh. With so many days in hand missing Tso Moriri over other lower hill regions especially concrete jungles like Shimla, somehow feel unjustified to me 🙂
Hey
Hope you are doing good.
Your comments, updates &help is always an Appreciable one.
10Days in our Hand
will start from Delhi on Rented Bikes
Temporary Plan is like:
Delhi-Manali-Leh-Nubra-Pangong
Need information on Permits/Permissions for non Himachal or J&K state vehicle/Bike
It will take 4 days to reach Leh from Srinagar side starting from Delhi with stop overs at Jammu, Srinagar, Kargil and 3 days to come back from Leh from Manali side to Delhi with stopovers at Sarchu, Manali. 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.
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. You can fit in plan I suggested in above para in this plan
You will need permit to cross Rohtang Pass which is issued from SDM office in Manali.
Hi Dheeraj
I am a solo female traveller looking to go to Leh this September 2016.
I have heard there is a festival on 18th september?
I have around four days and I want to fly to leh, visit pangong lake, hemis monostery, khardung La, Diskit nubra valley and experience local tibet culture.
Can i book exxcursions once I get to leh or is it best to book before? tours are very strict and dont cover my speciic route so are there one day excusions easy to book in Leh?
what route is best?
Kind regards
Kiran
Hi Kiran,
You can very well do it once you reach the Leh. Better will be that only and also will suit you as solo traveller. 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 🙂
Dear Dheeraj,
A couple of friends and I are planning a trip to the known circuit Delhi-Srinigar-Leh-Manali in August(13th – 27th).
I was wondering if it is necessary to make reservations in Leh, since we will be spending around 5-6days there(Leh, Pangong, etc)
Can we do this trip without making prior HOTEL reservations?
Yes Minhaz, surely you can do it. You will have to search few places here and there in that case.
i am planning for leh in the last week of Au 2016, as Srinagar is tense these days…..and leh via manali is not mostly recommended…pl. guide me for my tour…….should i go leh directly by fligh ?
or is it possible to land at srinagar and leave for leh in this situation
Nilesh August is a bit far, you should keep a tab on the situations and then decide. Otherwise, you can make a trip from Manali side by doing Manali – Jispa on Day 1 and then leave Jispa at 5 AM to reach Leh by evening. This will minimize the chances of AMS.
Hi,
Relay very helpful.
BTW , As all of my friends backspaced , now I have decided to ride alone , but I am a bit worried because of Independence day ,Recent Jammu violence .
Hopefully I will stat my journey from 12-AUG-2016 via Pathankot- Srinagar- Sonmarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kragil – Mulbek – Lamayaru – Saspol – Leh – manali .
As I am riding alone ,I would request you to help me regarding same and prepare Days Itinerary , accommodation, best place to spend night etc.
FYI: I will use byk FZ Fi V 2.0
My Phn No: 9560167870
August is a month ahead fro now, hopefully things will settle and you should be able to make a smooth trip. You can follow the itinerary mentioned in the article above as there is o reason to come back the same route rather come from Manali side. There are 1000s of people who make trip every year to Ladakh solo, so dont worry on that front you should get company on the go as well.
Do you think traveler will face any problem because of Independence day like road block etc .
and what you think abut using FZ V 2.0 ??
Mostly, the routes are OK including the tourist places. Usually, bandhs/strikes are pre-announced so you can decide based on it
Hi There,
Thank you for the details and plan.
I want to know if Srinagar to Leh highway still operational and not closed due to Curfew?
Do you have any info? Can we start driving immediately towards Kargil from Srinagar Airport?
regards,
Well, I will suggest to have a word with some hotel guy in Srinagar and then take a call to go from Manali side. These things are dependent from person to person judgement call and what a person feels is OK to him or her given the circumstances. So, best is to talk to a local hotel guy in Srinagar and confirm about the ground situation in tourist places and Srinagar – Leh route. Having being stuck in riots/curfews myself at times, my personal suggestion will be to avoid unless unrest is over and take the Manali route.
Hi Dheeraj,
We are four adults and a toddler (3yrs old) wanting to do the adventure this october.We are looking at dates from oct 11-24 range. Based on your suggestions i have prepared a itinerary here. could you please comment if its feasible, i am mainly worried on day 2 part , covering gulmarg and reaching kargil on the same day. could you suggest how can we go about it ?
here is our tentative itinerary
Day 1 | Delhi – Srinagar
Pick up from airport
Overnight at Srinagar in a houseboat
Day 2 | Gulmarg – Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil
Drive to Gulmarg early morning, enjoy gondola ride
After lunch start driving to Kargil
Enjoy the vistas enroute
Overnight at Kargil
Day 3 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes
On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu
Overnight at Leh
Day 4 | Leh Local Sighseeing
Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 6 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
Overnight at Leh
Day 7 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake
Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on the go towards Pangong Tso
Overnight at Pangong Tso (Spangmik or Lukung)
Day 8 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on return to Leh
Overnight at Leh
Day 9 | Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang
Cover Karzok Monastery
Overnight at Tso Moriri
Day 10 | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring (Manali – Leh Highway starts) – Moore Plains – Pang / Sarchu
Try to start early in the day so that you reach Sarchu where the accommodation options are better than Pang
Overnight at Sarchu or Pang
Day 11 | Pang / Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only
Overnight at Manali
Day 12 | Manali – Local sightseeing
Day 13 | Manali – Chandigarh
Drop at chandigarh to catch our flight back.
Hi Dheeraj,
seems like october is too late, thinking to move our dates starting sep 20, is that good ? with the same itinerary
Also i reworked on day 2 and day 3
Day 2 | Gulmarg – Srinagar – Sonamarg
Overnight stay at Sonamarg after gulmarg gondola ride
Day3| Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil
Does this look better ?
Do you have any idea what is the driving distance / time between manali and Chandigarh ?
What is the driving distance/time between manali and Amritsar ?
Which one would be better for night drive? Though we arenot optingfor self drive
Yes, looks fine to my as Day 2 and Day 3. Manali – chandigarh is around 8-9 Hrs and 9-10 hrs for Amritsar. Both are fine and connected with highways.
Yes September is always better to plan such a trip. Again with small kid doing Manali – Leh Highway that late would something I consider as a risk personally, but then there are people who says me that I am less risk taking person and conservative 🙂
Looks OK to me. I will suggest to take care of the little kid and be very vigilant about any signs of uneasiness.
Please consult the doctor as well and hear out the probable impacts/complications of taking small kid to Ladakh or other high altitude places.
thank you for your prompt replies 🙂
We are dropping the road itinerary, preferring to do the air itinerary 🙂
Will ping you there if anything required .
Love your blog work, wishing it more success!
Cheers
You can refer: Leh – Ladakh | Most Common Itinerary by Air
Hello Dheeraj Sir,
I did my Srinagar- Leh- Manali Solo Trip as suggested by you. To be honest, the joy I had in these 15 days is really ineffable. It was a never before experience.
And I owe it all to you!
Hello Dheeraj,
Thanks a ton for the information you and your team is providing. Man!!! your information has really served me to plan my trip.
We are 2 bikers from Delhi and planning to hit the road on 15th July. Following is my itinerary:
• Day 1 (15th July 2016) – Delhi – Jammu
• Day 2 (16th July 2016) – Jammu – Srinagar
• Day 3 (17th July 2016) – Srinagar Stay
• Day 4 (18th July 2016) – Srinagar – Kargil
• Day 5 (19th July 2016) – Kargil – Leh
• Day 6 (20th July 2016) – Leh Stay (Taking up the ILP and local site seeing)
• Day 7 (21st July 2016) – Leh – Nubra Valley (Stop over to visit Diskit)
• Day 8 (22nd July 2016) – Nubra Valley Stay
• Day 9 (23rd July 2016) – Nubra – Pangong Tso (via Agham, Shyok)
• Day 10 (24th July 2016) – Pangong Tso – Tso Moriri ( via chusul, Kaksangla, Namshang La)
• Day 11 (25th July 2016) – Tso Moriri – Pang
• Day 12 (26th July 2016) – Pang – Keylong
• Day 13 (27th July 2016) – Keylong – Chandrataal
• Day 14 (28th July 2016) – Chandrataal – Manali
• Day 15 (29th July 2016) – Manali – Delhi
we are carrying tents, sleeping bags and couple of required stuffs for stay at a couple of locations.
my few queries:
1. Whats the current status of the J&K curfew?
2. Will one day be good for applying and collection of the ILP?? would time is sufficient for local sight seeing??
3. Would it be safe to ride through Shyok during July???
4. Any possible suggestion where to stay in leh/nubra/Srinagar/Jammu.
Your suggestions will be highly appreciated.
Dr. Madhusudan
Hi Dheeraj sir,
Great blog !!! Your response to queries is really great, fast and helpful.
We are a group of 6 guys going to leh Ladakh for 12 days from Delhi on 3-4 bikes. We are thinking of starting from Delhi- Srinagar- leh-manali route. we were hoping of camping for overnights as we have 3 tents, to cut the cost and add to the experience. which places do you recommend we camp. Is it possible to camp at kargil, leh?
And also is there any way we can skip leh and cover hunder- pangong tso- Hanle- tso moriri.
Also being students we are a bit hard on cash so is it possible to do the journey with 13k-15k per head. we have our own bikes.
Could you suggest us detailed plan for 12 days for us to follow.
Waiting for your reply. Thank you in advance.
I already replied to your other comment,
You should read: Top 10 Tips for Camping in Ladakh & Spiti Valley. There is no way to skip Leh, you will need permits in case you want to visit Hanle. 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 12 days. You can make two day trip to Nubra Valley, 2 day trip to Pangong Tso or 1 day trip to Pangong Tso. 1 remanining day can be used to visit Tso Moriri while coming back from Leh
15K is a good budget if you plan to stay in your own tents always.
sorry I framed the question wrong. by skipping Leh I meant after spending a day in Leh for acclimatization ,Is it possible to cover the rest of journey without coming back to Leh.
Thank you.
Hi Dheeraj,
Really appreciable the blog you are doing,it has helped a lot fellow travellers like us to plan our trip in a better way.
I have done trip to spiti valley also this year in May was a very good experience, had a real good time exploring some remote areas of spiti valley and enjoying the beauty of the wonderful spiti valley.
So, this time around me and my friend are planning trip to leh from delhi via srinagar-leh-manali on ertiga, we will be self driving.
Will ertiga be a good option? we are planning from 12 August to 21 auagust.
We are planning as follows:
12 August: Delhi to patnitop(Stay at patnitop)
13 Aug: Patnitop to Kargil(stay at Kargil)
14 Aug: Kargil to leh(with sight seeing on the way to leh).
15 Aug: Rest, acclimitize and local sight seeing.
16 Aug: Leh to nubra valley (stay at nubra valley).
17 Aug: Nubra valley to pangong Tso(Stay at Pangong Tso).
18 Aug: Pangong Tso to Tso moriri(Stay at Tso moriri).
19 Aug: Tso moriri to kharu to fuel up and want to visit Tanglang la and back same day and stay at jispa/sarchu.
20 Aug: Sarchu/jispa to mandi/manali(Stay at mandi/manali),covering Chandertal en route.
21 Aug: En route to Delhi.
Is the itinerary good.Any change would be appreciated.
Whats the condition of road from nubra valley to pangong Tso and Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri. Is it doable.
Is any permit required for visiting Tso moririr from Pangong.
Permit will be required for that route, just replied to other part.
Patnitop to Kargil in a 1 day is too much to ask, instead of that you better break your journey at Srinagar and next day leave to Kargil.
Dear Dheeraj,
I’ve been reading on 5 days itinerary in Ladakh and have come across some confusing, if not contradictory, suggestions. I was hoping you’d be able to iron some details out.
A friend and I are planning to fly from Delhi to Leh on 25th of July and return to Mumbai on the 30th. We’d ideally like to see Pangong Lake and Nubra Valley, both, but completely understand that it might not be physically possible to do so. Since this is our first time in this region, we’d like to follow your advice and stick to the main roads. Do you think we’ll be able to do both these places with enough time to acclimatize to the altitude? What would the itinerary look like?
If we can’t do both the places, which would you suggest we visit?
Sahil, you can follow the below plan and do both:
Day 1 | Delhi – Leh (By Flight)
— Checkin at Hotel. Many hotels provide free pick and drop from Airport. Ask while you book them.
— Take ample of rest as well as water or anything that keep your body hydrated enough. DO NOT OVER HYDRATE. Take ORS Soluted water or ORS – L tetra packs from home.
— Do not over exert your body at any cost. Avoid too much up-down on stairs or avoid it in entirety, if possible.
— After 5-6 Hrs of rest you can visit Leh Palace, Local Leh market, Shankar Gompa .
— If you feel exerted go back to Hotel, have dinner at Hotel and take rest. Avoid any exertion. Else continue and,
— Follow the sunset by stroll at Changspa road and have a nice dinner on varied cuisines offered in-around Changspa road.
— Go back to hotel for overnight stay at Leh.
Day 2 | Leh Local Sightseeing + Acclimatization
— Hire a taxi from Leh taxi stand or Hotel whichever suits you.
— Bargain hard with taxi driver. Book that single taxi for entire trip after explaining the complete plan.
— Take his inputs if you feel reasonable and if required modify the plan accordingly but should suits you best.
— Ask him to be with you guys starting first day itself, if required and charged reasonable else do it at your own.
— Again DO NOT over exert and take little steps and slow walks only.
— If feeling OK then do Local sightseeing. To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
— Do not use stairs at any of these places just to see them as it will exert your body much more.
— Overnight at Leh
Day 3 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 4 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Pangong Tso – Leh
— Do not plan to stay overnight at Pangong Tso as you will not be acclimatized and may fall sick. So, make a day trip only.
— Overnight at Leh
Hi Dheeraj,
Could you suggest a 10 day itinerary from Jalandhar- Srinagar – Leh – Manali – Jalandhar ?
We plan to start on 13th July 2016.
Thank you,
Regards
Dear Dheeraj,
Thanks a ton for such a prompt and thorough response. I really appreciate it. 🙂
Over the past few days, I booked my flight tickets. Due to the student budget I am on, I had to cut the trip from July 25 – 29, instead of July 30. I now arrive at Leh airport on 25th at 10am and leave on July 29 by a 7:10am flight.
Your 5 day itinerary seemed just perfect for Pangong Lake and Nubra Valley. Now with one day less, do you think it is still manageable? Again, this is our first trip and we’d rather see fewer things than exhaust ourselves and not enjoy. If in case we have to chose one of the two, what would you suggest? How do you suggest we go about with these flight reservations?
Thanks in advance.
Hi Dheeraj Sir,
Last week i had completed my solo riding to Leh on my Bullet Electra 350cc and followed your itinerary.
Started from Delhi-Jummu-Patnitop-sonmarg-zozila-Kargil-Leh-Kurdangla-Turtuk-Panamik (took shyok river route and started at 4AM for Pangong, it was very adventurous, have to say i enjoyed a lot)-Pangong-Leh-Tso Moriri-Sarchu-Manali-Delhi.
Turtuk and Shyok river route to Pangong both were great experience.
Loved each and every part of Leh.
Thanks for all your information shared by you.
Your each information was very helpful to complete the trip.
Regards,
Abhishek Sharma
Super glad to know about that, how about sharing some pictures or reviews or experience with us in DwD Community 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
My 3rd question on your blog :D,
We (3 men, age 25-30) will be in Leh-Ladakh for 4-6 days (excluding the days to reach Leh from Manali).
What should we visit, we are not much interested in museum/monastery type of places unless they are in ‘must to visit places’. As of now we are planning to visit these:
1. Pangong lake
2. Nubra Valley
3. Khardung La pass
4. Magentic hill
5. Tso moriri lake
Please let us know if we can add anything, and how much time each place would need or if any of these two places can be covered in day.
Hi abhishek,
By 6 days you mean are you flying to Leh and flying out? or will be reaching by road?
We will be on bike from Manali to Leh (1-2 July), then we’ll be in Leh-Ladakh for 4-6 days and will return to Manali on the bike (2 more days).
You can do it like below:
Day 4 | Leh Local Sightseeing + Acclimatization
— To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
— Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 6 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Day 7 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on the go towards Pangong Tso
— Overnight at Pangong Tso (Spangmik or Lukung)
Day 8 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on return to Leh
— Overnight at Leh
Hey Dheeraj,
This article popped up in Google at the right time. I am going on a solo trip to Leh in October. Now I have two questions for you:
1. Is it fine to travel to Leh in October?
2. As a solo traveler how much is the estimated cost excluding the travel expense (New Delhi-Jammu-Srinagar-Leh)?
Rachit, are you traveling by road from srinagar to Leh and then flying out?
Hi Dheeraj,
I am planning a road trip (by bus). The trip starts on a train from new delhi to jammu and then to srinagar by bus.
I was trying to calculate the estimate but if I travel by bus in my entire trip I am sure to miss out on a lot of places which you have mentioned here (correct me if I am wrong). And no I am not flying out to Leh
Yeah Rachit, in buses you can almost do point to point but places mentioned in between the day will not be visited as public buses do not stop over at these places.
Hey Dheeraj,
This Monday (30-6-16) i am gonna visit leh with my family. We are taking two cars Safari and Swift. We are doing Srinagar-Leh-Srinagar. So is it okay to cross zojila in swift because we are with family .
Regards
Just got back from our trip to Ladakh, and Leh from a few weeks ago and I have to say, what a great experience! We saw so much, learned so much, and met so many great people along the way, as well as made friends for life that we will stay in touch with, and visit when we travel back there in two years. I will probably do the next trip and include a motorcycle trip while my wife rides in the chase car (if she can), or just enjoy her stay in Leh with friends.
Now…… I thought I did see a large group of motorcycle riders on the side of the road stopped for refreshments wearing yellow jerseys that I believe read something about DOW motorcycle tour trip or something like that: We drove by very fast on our way back to Leh outside Thiksey on the Leh Manali Hwy from having spent the night with a Nomadic family at their camp and learning about Cashmere (Pashmina) and how they harvest it along with their lifestyle, and even living with Yaks that they also owned and worked with! Was that your group, or affiliated with “DOW”???
Anyways, we also spent 4 days just outside of Pangong Tso with other group of semi Nomadic woman at a Woman’s Cashmere Center, and worked with them regarding learning new ways to work with their beautiful cashmere fiber and how to market their wares internationally.
A great two week trip!!!!! Traveled the roads north, south, east and almost west in Ledakh!
Just a quick note of thanks to you and this site for all of the information you write and discuss, as it came in handy, and will in the future as we plan our next rip to that beautiful part of the world. Keep up the great site and work!
Julley (from here in the US)!!!
Hello Ted,
Really great to read about your experience !! It is great to know that you had so much fun and experienced the Nomadic living to an extent. It is always great to know that site has helped travellers in need with their travel plans. We do not organize any tours and only share info. to travellers, we only conduct a mega meet once in a year where every member travel for a cause and this year it will be in Bhutan. They must be those copy cats, who are shamelessly using a similar name to mint money for their own commercial purpose by using our brand name image, unfortunately.
BTW, I also returned from a long weekend trip from Outer Banks in NC and enjoyed the stay at Nags Head a lot 🙂 🙂 … Beautiful time spent up there. I am here for couple of years for a official project and living in PA as of now 🙂 🙂
Thank you for the wishes.
Glad to read that you had a good time on The Outer Banks: I grew up fishing and sailing on the ocean, yet now I live across the state in the Blue Ridge Mountains: Go figure… Life’s irony of sorts, although my “first love” is the ocean….
Hope your project assignment goes well in PA, and keep up the great website and the work that you do.
Ted
Burnsville, NC, USA
Hi Dheeraj,
I plan to travel with my family (4 adults) to Ladakh. Following is my plan. Pls let me know if this is good plan. If not pls suggest the changes I need to make. Also, do I need to carry heavy woolens or light woolen is good enough.
Jul 2 – Srinagar to Lamayaru ( Stay at Lamayaru)
Jul 3 – Lamayaru to Leh ( see Alchi, Panther Saheb, Nimoo, Magnetic Hills,….). Stay at Leh
Jul 4 – Stay at Leh for acclimatization
Jul 5 – Leh to Nubra Valley ( Diksit, Hunder, …) Stay at Diksit
Jul 6 – Nubra to Leh (Panamik,…..) Stay at Leh
Jul 7 – Leh to Pangong (Stay at Pangong)
Jul 8 – Pangong to Hanle (Stay at Hanle)
Jul 9 – Hanle to Tsomoriri (Stay at Tsomoriri)
Jul 10 – Tsomoriri to Sarchu (Stay at Sarchu)
Jul 11 – Sarchu to Manali
Thanks for your time and help in advance
Carry at least one pair of heavy woolens, rest light will do. Regarding plan:
1. Try to stop at Kargil as it is lower in altitude than Lamayuru. For Hanle, you need permits from DC office in Leh, so be sure you have it properly mentioned all places on the route. Still, there is a chance even after permit, army can send you back from chusul post. Not sure if you are self driving, in case yes, make arrangements of fuel from Leh to Manali via Pangong Tso, Hanle, Tso Moriri
Thank you for sharing such minute details. I know you have answered these types of questions multiple times, thank you for your patience. I am travelling from Bangalore on Aug-6 to Srinagar with my 2.5 and 5 year old Kids, so need you to kindly check my schedule.
August 6 – Landing at Srinagar from Bangalore– Sight Seeing for 1.5 days
August 8 – Start for Srinagar to Leh road trip (bus)– Stop over at Kargil , (but not sure about the Bus plan/stop. planning for JK transport bus)
August 9 – Arriving at Leh
August 10 – Day for acclimatization & site seeing
August 11 – Visit to Khardung La, Nubra valley – Diskit – Hunder
August 12 – Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur
August 13 – Pangong Tso (planning to take 3-day taxi from LEH which cover all the above. is this fine?)
August 14 – local site seeing or River rafting?
August 15 – Start for Manali (LEH – Manali HPTC bus)
August 16 – Arrival at Manali – travel to Chandigarh at night
August 17 – fly Back to Bangalore
Also during Aug first week , do i need to book Hotels in advance , also do i need to book the taxis in advance?
Your plan looks OK to me. Do 2 day trip from Leh to Nubra and 2 day trip to Pangong Tso.It depends on person to person to take the children of such age group because AMS do not matter with respect to age or sex or any fitness level. It can happen to anyone of any age or sex or fitness I shall say :D… The issue with children is that they tend to exert the body considering it the same kind of place they belong to and this elevates the chances of getting struck with AMS. Secondly, they are not much expressive about their uneasy feelings, so it is parents who need to watch out and take care that the child is not suffering from uneasy feelings, headache or nausea and is behaving properly. With less than 4 year child, I think he/she will also be NOT able to convey the uneasiness she may feel. You have to be vigilant and if you notice any such feeling or he/she tells you about such a feeling then please do not ascend anywhere, either descend to lower altitude or stay at the same place to watch things overnight and if symptom increase then start descending immediately. Same is applicable for any adult as well. And yes, do keep the body adequately hydrated!!
Also, PLEASE read the article: Traveling to Ladakh with Kids or Babies. This article covers this topic in complete detail.
Hi thank you very much I have gone thru your suggested links . it gave more details than i expected. One question, is it okay to travel from NUBRA Valley to Pangong Tso directly (via Shayok) on August second week? Does the Road to Shayok is made better this year (i have read the 2015 travel warnings) . Please reply
Well, the road is better this time BUT by August the water crossings flood and river at Shyok gets swollen. Hence, will not suggest to take it unless traveling in a group.
Dheeraj – We are thinking of exactly same itinerary. Need your suggestion for below:
1. Can we get Srinagar to Manali drop cabs ? What would be the budget ? We are 5 adults. So, it would be either innova or xylo.
2. We would love to take self drive if that is possible.
Would be waiting to see your reply.
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for doing this great blog. It really helps fellow travellers like us.
We are planning to complete Delhi-Srinagar-Leh-Manali-Delhi circuit in the july (15th-26th). Can you please provide us your inputs about the following itinerary which Me & my friends are planning to do? Is it feasible (good to go) ? Please provide us any suggestion also, if you want to add.
Itinerary :
Day 0 (Friday – 15th July) – Evening flight from Bangalore to reach Delhi.
Day 0 (Friday – 15th July) – Take 10:15 pm Duranto Express from Delhi to reach Jammu in the morning (8:00 am)
Day 1 (Saturday – 16th July) – Hire a taxi/cab from Jammu to reach Srinagar in the evening. Overnight at Srinagar.
Day 2(Sunday – 17th July) – Srinagar-Sonamarg-Zozi la pass-Drass-Kargil. Overnight at Kargil
Day 3(Monday – 18th July)- Kargil-Leh(en route Mulbekh-Lamayuru-Alchi-Likir-Nimmu-Magnetic Hills-Gurudwara Pathar Sahib-Hall of fame-Shanti Stupa). Overnight at Leh
Day 4(Tuesday – 19th July)- Leh-Khardung la-Diskit-Hunder. Overnight at Hunder/Diskit
Day 5(Wednesday – 20th July)- Hunder-Diskit-Sumur-Panamik-Sumur-Khardung la-Leh. Overnight at Leh
Day 6(Thursday – 21st July)- Leh-Hemis-3 idiots school-Thicksey-Shey-Pangong Tso. Overnight at Pangong.
Day 7(Friday – 22nd July)- Pangong Tso-Hanle Village via Chumathang. Overnight at Hanle.
Day 8(Saturday – 23rd July)- Hanle-Tso Moriri. Overnight at Tso Moriri
Day 9(Sunday – 24th July)- Tso moriri-Tso kar-Debring(Manali-Leh highway starts)-Moore plains-Pang-Sarchu. Overnight at Sarchu.
Day 10(Monday – 25th July)- Sarchu-Baralacha la-Keylong-Rohtang Pass-Manali. After reaching Manali, take a overnight bus to reach Delhi in the morning.
Day 11(Tuesday – 26th July)- Reach Morning at Delhi. Take morning flight to reach Bangalore
Apart from this itinerary, we have some doubts/questions also :
1. What is the ideal/safe time to reach Srinagar in the evening? Will we be able to find accomodations, if we get late?
2. Could rain play a spoilsport during the time of the trip(July15-26) (between Jammu-Srinagar, Srinagar-Jojilla Pass-Kargil, Rohtang pass or some other place)?
Hoping to get a answer from you soon. Thanks 🙂
You have to have one rest day in Leh to acclimatize and get the permits done to visit Hanle and take route to Tso Moriri from Panogng Tso.
Dheeraj, Thanks for the clarification 🙂
Could you please also give your inputs for last two doubts I am having for this trip.
1. What is the ideal/safe time to reach Srinagar in the evening (If we hire a taxi/cab from Jammu) ? Will we be able to find accomodations, if we get late?
2. Could rain play a spoilsport during the time of the trip (July15-26) (between Jammu-Srinagar, Srinagar-Jojilla Pass-Kargil, Rohtang pass or some other place)?
Hello Jeevan,
1. Do reach before 6-7 PM to give you more chance to bargain, the late you reach the less opportunity of bargain
2. July is mostly OK but now a day you never pcan predict how weather will behave
Hi Jeevan,
I am planning to go around the same time, July 15 – 20th. Would love to connect with you
Hi Priya,
We are leaving on 22nd July from Bangalore. Do you stay in Bangalore?
Hi Priya,
This is my email id- ( jgupta.gupta88@gmail.com ) .
Send any test email to it, so we can get connected & can share contact details.
Hi Dhiraj,
If we have to choose one place between Hanle & Tso Moriri (from Pangong Tso), due to time constraints, which place you recommend us to visit?
I will go with Hanle.
Are you leaving on 15th july or 22nd july. Me and one of my frnd is planning for a road trip with similar itinerary as of yours. I will leave on Friday morning. I will drive my own car. We can catchup and explore the stay options together if you want. You can contact me on 9953646006
Dear Dhiraj,Reading your sharing,I am feeling half the Leh I already seen.Thank you so much for detail guidence,I can dream now to go for this adventure.
my question is, I am not getting any partner for this adventure.how can i find any like minded person? is it ok if Start alone from Mumbai? I am planing,as per your guidence,I will transport my bike by train to Jammu & then start travelling by road. also need your guidence,If I end my tour at Manali,How i transport my bike back to Mumbai>
I have only one source of guidence for this adventure,that is you dear Dhiraj.
Loving you so much.Wishing you Most & More
DoW started an initiative couple of years back under DoW – Himalayan Travel Community for finding Travel Partners or Companions, leave your message in Travel Partners section at the link: Ladakh & Zanskar – Travel Partners Section. There is also a DoW Travel Partners Calendar linked here which can be used to easily and quickly spot a travel partner with similar dates of all the people looking for Travel Partners for their trips. May be you meet someone online going over the same dates.
DoW started an initiative couple of years back under DoW – Himalayan Travel Community for finding Travel Partners or Companions, leave your message in Travel Partners section at the link: Ladakh & Zanskar – Travel Partners Section. There is also a DoW Travel Partners Calendar linked here which can be used to easily and quickly spot a travel partner with similar dates of all the people looking for Travel Partners for their trips. May be you meet someone online going over the same dates.
Srinagar – Kargil – Plenty of shared taxis and daily buses of JKSRTC running
Kargil – Leh – Plenty of shared taxis and daily buses of JKSRTC running
Leh Rest or local, you need to get tourist shared taxis as mentioned in above paras
Leh – Nubra Valley tour, you need to get tourist shared taxis as mentioned in above paras
Leh – Pangong Tso tour, you need to get tourist shared taxis as mentioned in above paras
Leh – Keylong – Manali, daily HRTC buses available to travel to Keylong on first day and then second day to Manali. Also, there is an HPTDC tourist bus that is available for tourists halts at Keylong and then go to Manali. Lots of shared taxis are also available both local as well as tourist shared taxis.
Hi Dheeraj,
Firstly i would like to thank you and all DOW community members for providing such a fabulous blog and website.
We are a group of 4 and had a plan for bike trip to ladakh from gurgaon following your itinerary on 17th June onwards.
I was wandering is it safe to travel through Jammu and srinagar nowdays as there is some communal tension going on?
What precaution and prevention we should take in such case?
Mostly tourist spots are spared out and bandhs are declared in advance. You can leave early by 6.30 AM or at max by 7 AM if the situation arise. Also, you can be on the main highways only and avoid entering any inner roads. Confirm from couple of hotels too in that area about the current situation on ground.
Hi Dheeraj
Thanks for providing people so useful information. We are leaving from Delhi to Leh Ladakh on 6th July by our own car. We will be taking the Srinagar to Leh route. Can you please suggest an itinerary best for us from 6th July-14th July (9 days).
Thanks
Sugandha
It will take 4 days to reach Leh from Srinagar side starting from Delhi with stop overs at Jammu, Srinagar, Kargil and 3 days to come back from Leh from Manali side to Delhi with stopovers at Sarchu, Manali. This makes it 7 days. 1 Day is required in Leh for acclimatization.
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 Dheeraj,
Words fail me in appreciation for your posts.
I have taken a permit to Visit Amarnath on 14th August with family. I intend to come down the Baltal route from where my family will go back home from Srinagar, and my friend will join me from Srinagar. Please , let me know whether the plan is logically correct ?
I am thinking that we will be able to reach Baltal on the 4th day. Keeping one day extra, I can book the return flight tickets for 19th August afternoon from Srinagar for my family. And then, I can ask my friend to come down to Baltal on 19th August and join me in Baltal. 20th August, I can Start for Kargil from Baltal. So, my plan is to stay in Baltal for 3 nights (17th, 18th and 19th).
Second question is, where will I stay in Baltal ?
Day 1 | Baltal – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil Overnight at Kargil
Day 2 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh Overnight at Leh
Day 3 | Leh Local Sighseeing Overnight at Leh
Day 4 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder Overnight at Hunder / Diskit
Day 5 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh Overnight at Leh
Day 6 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake Overnight at Pangong Tso
Day 7 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh Overnight at Leh
Day 8 | Tour to Sham Valley Overnight at Leh
Day 9 | Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang Overnight at Karzok or Tso Moriri
Day 10 | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring – Moore Plains Sarchu Overnight at Sarchu
Day 11 | Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali Overnight at Manali
Day 12 | Manali – Shimla Overnight at Shimla
Day 13 | Shimla – Kalka by train and then to Delhi by night train Overnight in Train
Day 14 | Delhi to Home (That will be 2nd September)
Incase of road closure due to landslides or snowfall or perhaps if we want to enjoy more, then no Shimla detour.
As it is only two of us in backpacking mode, we want to do the above without booking exclusive vehicles. My third question is whether it is possible to do the above by share vehicles or public transport and how to find them ?
Thanks for helping
One more thing, Can we rent bikes in Leh for going around ? Will it be only for Leh or for all the places before we start from Manali ?
Yes, you can get bikes on rent in Leh
Anshuman, there are camp sites at Baltal where you can stay and then you plan looks good to me. But, is there any specific reason you want to do Manali to Shimla?
You can do it easily on backpacking mode. You will get the shared vehocles. You are alone/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 🙂
Thanks a million.
Can you please tell us whether a single bike for two of us will be
cheaper than the Share Taxis ?
I took an Alto K10 and have gone through the country from Jammu to Kanyakumari and from Moreh to Narayan Sarovar for 181 days between June 2014 to December 2015. The places I have missed are Jammu to Manali via leh, Train from Kalka to Shimla, Andamans, Sundarbans…, I think that’s it.
So, I am trying to cover these untouched places one by one.
Yes, of course the bike will be cheaper.
Hi Dheeraj
We are Group of 4 ppl planning a full circuit in from srinagar – leh – manali .we are tentatively planning our trip from 13th july.
We are planning to fly to srinagar and from there to leh we are thinking on taking a taxi to get dropped n leh and drive around leh ,pangnong
tso,nubravalley by renting a bike.and take a taxi from leh to decent to manali.
we need some clarification on a few things:
1.what ll be the approximate charges for taxi too get dropped in leh and from leh to manali. i am looking for a cut taxi charges not a whole trip .
2.is it worth spending a day in gulmarg or we can start out trip to leh on the Day.
3.Request you to give us ur opinion on the itinerary and let us know if anything needs to be changed.
4 . also can we fit in tso moriri into our schedule.we are free to extend the trip by a day.
5.Do we need passes or permit for any of these trips.
Day 1 – bglr to gulmarg(we reach srinagar airport by 2pm from there drive to gulamrg)
Day 2 – gulmarg to srinagar
day 3 – srinagar – kargil
Day 4 – Kargil – leh
day 5 – rest day in leh (local sightseeing)
Day 6 – leh -kardhung la – nubra valley
Day 7 – nubra valley – leh
Day 8 – leh -Hemis Monastry- pangnong tso
Dat 9 – Pangong Tso To leh
Day 10 – Leh – sarchu
Day 11 – sarchu – manali
Thank you in advance
eagerly awaiting for ur advise brother
1. Srinagar – Leh around 15K, Manali – Leh around 18K
2. Since, you have less days, will say start for Leh and do Tso Moriri
3. Looks OK to me, if you drop Gulmarg you can do Tso Moriri from Leh and then Tso Moriri to Sarchu below
4 . Suggested aobve
5. No permit needed for below
Day 1 – bglr to gulmarg(we reach srinagar airport by 2pm from there drive to gulamrg)
Day 2 – gulmarg to srinagar
day 3 – srinagar – kargil
Day 4 – Kargil – leh
day 5 – rest day in leh (local sightseeing)
Day 6 – leh -kardhung la – nubra valley
Day 7 – nubra valley – leh
Day 8 – leh -Hemis Monastry- pangnong tso
Dat 9 – Pangong Tso To leh
Day 10 – Leh – sarchu
Day 11 – sarchu – manali
Thank you in advance
thank you so much dheeraj for ur inputs.
Best wishes for the trip !!
hi dheeraj how r u .first of all ur information is so good for all different places .this is my second trip to leh .we r going on june 18 via srinagar .we have one innova and second we have eco sport car to travelling .let me know that is eco sport is good for leh tour or not .plz tell me as soon .thanks so much .
Yes Eco Sports will do just great as Innova during the Ladakh trip.
Hello Dheeraj,
We are planning a trip via Delhi-Srinar-Leh-Manali-Delhi route starting from 2nd Septemeber to 20th 19th Septmeber 16. I have planned it with the help of your post “Most common itinerary for leh-ladakh”. Could you help me to clarify few points below?
1. we will be renting bikes from Delhi. Do I have to take permits on the above said route? If yes, could you specify what all?
2. How about the whether condition in September?
3. Where all I call fill petrol on the route? Should I have to carry can from Delhi?
4. Should I have to book hotels in advance?
Thanks and Regards In Advance
1. Outside rented bikes are not allowed for sightseeing in Ladakh.
2. Weather is cool in September
3. When in Ladakh, take care to fill at Leh always. Check: Fuel Availability In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips
4. Nt really.
Dheeraj thanks a lot for the guidance. Also,
1. Did you mean, If I stay for a day in Leh, Nubra valley or Pangong Tso Lake I cannot use my outside rented bike to roam around in local?
2. Is there any problem in just following the above-said route in your blog, with outside rented bikes?
1. Yes, you cannot.
2. If confronted at the barriers, either they will send you back or may enter into quarrel or just politely not let you pass through. All depends on your luck on that day
Hello Dheeraj,
Greetings for this season. 2014 – we did a splendid tour of leh / ladakh – (delhi – leh (air), – khardung la – Dishkit – hunder – Turtuk – diskit – Vari la – pangong – leh – manali – Shimla – Delhi.
This year, we thought of doing Spiti valley from shimla – kaza – manali but, looking at the photographs and comparing it with ladakh, spiti circuit is not very encouraging. We have come across our own tailor made itinerary as below and a few questions about it. Please help us make our trip better by replying them. Thank you for your time.
Day 0 – Delhi – Jammu by train. (our bikes, rented from delhi will arrive here by the time we reach jammu)
Day 1 – Jammu to srinagar (by bike) – reach srinagar – boat house stay.
Day 2 – Srinagar – Gulmarg – Srinagar – Sonamarg – Drass (over night stay in drass)
Day 3 – Drass – kargil – lamayuru – leh (stay overnight). If ILP not required, take other route to leh from kargil.
Day 4 – Leh – Tso moriri
Day 5 – Tso moriri – Sarchu
Day 6 – Sarchu – Batal
Day 7 – Batal – Chandratal – kaza – batal
Day 8 – Batal – solong valley – kullu velley – Bhunter / Kullu
Day 9 – Bhunter / kullu – chandigarh – Delhi
Our buffer day – whenever we need a buffer day – Dropping a the next day program.
My questions are..
1. Can we do a srinagar – leh on a delhi registration bike?
2. Is there any scope of squeezing / alternate better routes? or any place to be taken out?
3. Is this circuit better than spiti valley circuit?
4. we are doing 8 people on 4 bikes with ladies in it. DO we need prior accomodation booking?
5. It would be of great help if we get to know good / ethical bike rentals from delhi who can give us bikes in jammu?
6. Is overnight stay in Sarchu a good option considering high altitude or do we need to streach and find another place?
Hello Pramod,
You do not have enough time to execute above plan. You should just focus on either Spiti Valley or even in 9 days Ladakh is no easy thing.
Hello Mr.Dheeraj Sharma
We a group of four people are planning a trip to Leh via Delhi-srinagar-leh tentatively we are planning to start the trip on the (11th july2016 and complete the trip on the 25th july). we are planing to rent a self driven car from delhi.we are planing to rent ford figo.is that a conducive car for the trip? else suggest an option,
Will there be a problem if we drive a rented self driven car to leh?
we are a bunch of photographers travelling to Photograph some exotic locations.if possible pease let us know of an itinerary that will make our trip memorable.
Also about the permit details if any required and a suggestion if we can do a full stretch or we return back via srinagar.
thank you in advance
Firstly, I will suggest you that please plan it in other direction as going via Srinagar – Leh Highway will be much much easier on your body and help you acclimatize to the high altitude of Manali – Leh Highway. Also, it allows you to enjoy the beauty of Manali – Leh by splitting the journey almost evenly in two days which is very difficult in the other direction. Thirdly, it will allow you to fit Tso Moriri lake into the itinerary in better way. You can read more reasons on the link here
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
You can check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate (cheap budget hotels as well) in the series of articles starting on the link here
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”
Hi Dheeraj,
First of all God Bless you for doing such a incredible work of guiding us.
We are a couple planning to visit Leh Laddakh. We will reach Leh on 8 July 16 early morning by flight.
We need to reach 20 Jul Morning to Srinagar for further journey to Srinagar, Jammu, Amarnath, Vaishno Devi, Katra.
Dates are as under:
8 Jul to 19 Jul – Need to cover Leh Laddakh Padum Drass Kargil – complete area
20 Jul to 21 Jul – Srinagar & Nearby places
22 Jul – Reach Pahalgam & Stay Overnight
23 Jul- Morning Start Amarnath Yatra
25 Jul – Return from Yatra & Stay Overnight in Baltal
26 Jul – baltal to Srinagar via Sonmarg visit
27, 28 – Srinagar & Nearby places
29 – daytime move to Katra by bus o/n at katra
30 -31 – Vaishno Devi, Katra , Patni top & Nearby area
1, 2, 3 Aug till 12 noon – Jammu & Nearby places.
3 Aug afternoon – Return by Flight Jammu Airport.
Kindly guide us by suggesting the best schedule with covering most places (especially in Laddakh). Also kindly let me know the budget range that I need to plan. We need the cheapest option to stay, eat & travel. We can go by State Transport bus, Shared taxi & stay in Home Stays.
As you can see that the schedule is very long so we need to minimize the cost while covering the majority of area. Kindly suggest cost effective accommodation, travel & restaurants (veg food needed)
Thanks in advance.
Best regards.
Kumar
Kumar ji, 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.
Regarding the plan, you can follow as below:
Day 1 | Delhi – Leh (By Flight)
— Checkin at Hotel. Many hotels provide free pick and drop from Airport. Ask while you book them.
— Take ample of rest as well as water or anything that keep your body hydrated enough. DO NOT OVER HYDRATE. Take ORS Soluted water or ORS – L tetra packs from home.
— Do not over exert your body at any cost. Avoid too much up-down on stairs or avoid it in entirety, if possible.
— After 5-6 Hrs of rest you can visit Leh Palace, Local Leh market, Shankar Gompa .
— If you feel exerted go back to Hotel, have dinner at Hotel and take rest. Avoid any exertion. Else continue and,
— Follow the sunset by stroll at Changspa road and have a nice dinner on varied cuisines offered in-around Changspa road.
— Go back to hotel for overnight stay at Leh.
Day 2 | Leh Local Sightseeing + Acclimatization
— Hire a taxi from Leh taxi stand or Hotel whichever suits you.
— Bargain with taxi driver and you can refer the thread for a comprehensive list of drivers: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/india/ladakh-zanskar-travel-guides/listof-taxi-drivers-for-ladakh-srinagar-leh-manali-t353.html
— Take his inputs if you feel reasonable and if required modify the plan accordingly but should suits you best.
— Ask him to be with you guys starting first day itself, if required and charged reasonable else do it at your own.
— Again DO NOT over exert and take little steps and slow walks only.
— If feeling OK then do Local sightseeing. To know the about the places to visit check the link: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/travel-guide-local-sightseeing-leh-ladakh/
— Do not use stairs at any of these places just to see them as it will exert your body much more.
— Overnight at Leh
Day 3 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder – Turtuk
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Turtuk
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— enjoy the culture in the Turtuk Village
— do mention Turtuk on the permits
Day 4 | Turtuk – Hunder
— Spend whole day at Turtuk and reach Hunder by evening
— Overnight at Hunder
Day 5 | Hunder – Deskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
— Enjoy drive upto Panamik, visit Yarab Tso Lake and back Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Day 6 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on the go towards Pangong Tso
— Overnight at Pangong Tso (Spangmik or Lukung)
Day 7 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on return to Leh
— Overnight at Leh
Day 8 | Rest day in Leh
Day 9 | Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang
— Cover Karzok Monastery
— Overnight at Karzok or Tso Moriri
Day 10 | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring (Manali – Leh Highway starts) – Taglang La – Upshi – Leh
— Come back via Tso Kar and Manali – Leh Highway to Leh
— Overnight at Leh
Day 11 | Leh – Lamayuru – Kargil
— Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes
— On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu
— Overnight at Kargil
Rest you can follow as above.
Dear Dheeraj,
Thanks for your kind reply.
I would appreciate if you can give your valuable inputs for the below queries:
1. Is it safe to stay & easy to Acclimatize if we stay near lake side or a nearby lake area (High altitude and open areas) . Do we need to carry blanket also or it will be provided there for sleeping.
2. As you know we are there for a long time, is it possible to cover and travel to some of the places by the JKSRTC buses. Are they kind of place to place type bus or are they like sightseeing buses (which covers the places in between). Do you have any schedule or contact details for JKSRTC Bus Stand. Can you also suggest some links where I can find people to share taxi for travelling in Leh Laddakh.
3. Do we need both inner line and outer line permits to visit these places & from where to get this permits. What are the docs, cost, processing time etc for this permits. Do we need passport also to see Outer Line Areas.
4. Also, kindly let me know if we can cover the other places in region such as Zanskar Valley, Padum, Drung Drak Glacier, Penzi La, Drass war Memorial, Shyam Valley etc within these 12 days. I will be going there as a couple so no snow climbing etc.
5. Which are local places where we can go by easy walk to see them.
6. Is going to a place (start early morning) and coming back in night to leh or staying in that place & coming back next day is better ???? In terms of cold, acclamation, fatigue, travel & accommodation cost
7. In case we take private or shared taxi how about the taxi driver, do we need to arrange some accommodation for him also or we can take other taxi driver while returning to Leh. Will he with us till we cover all the area and return to leh OR he will drop us and go & then we look for other taxi driver.
8. For going to Leh to Srinagar can we get a state bus by which we can stay one night in Kargil and see the places in between leh & srinagar. Does the state bus stop in between to show the things.
9. If we go to remote places / lakes can we get some vegetrain food or we need to carry something to eat.
Thanks in Advance
Best regards.
Kumar
Hi Kumar,
Below are the answers
1. The homestays/camps does provide you everything
2. Yes, you can refer: Rates & Time table of Bus Services in Leh – Ladakh
3. If you are following the normal routes you do not need any permits.
4. This requires 4 days at least for a comfortable trip to these places from Kargil. Do you have them?
5. Only handful in Leh town and that too depends upon your hotel location
6. Always best to stay overnight to enjoy the route and place
7. Taxi drivers take care of it themselves but as a part of courtesy you should always ask him if he has a place to stay or you should be concerned about it. In case of shared taxis, it is not applicable at all.
8. Yes. JKRSTC buses run from Leh to Kargil and Kargil to Srinagar
9. You will get veg. food everywhere in Ladakh
Dear Dheeraj,
Thanks for your reply.
1. Please give me opinion about the Padum, Zanskar Valley itenary (if we want to include that our programme) We will add more 4-5 days in our programme. Please tell about places to see, accommodation, transportation etc,
2. Kindly let me know which day of week Leh to Padum OR Kargil to Padum Buses are available (to & fro).
3. Is AMS very serious issue while flying or we shall take bus from srinagar to Leh to avoid AMS. I am allergic to Daimox.
4. Does these JKSRTC buses from Srinagar to Leh OR From Leh to Near by areas like Diskit, Pangong etc stops at various in route points ( so that we can see them) or it is just picks ups and drops us to Leh / Nearby Areas.
Best regards.
Kumar
Hello Kumar,
1. This is hat I suggest for Zanskar
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
2. Leh to Kargil is available daily, almost in season time you will get one bus or shared taxis for Kargil – Padum too.
3. Best is to go via Srinagar route only.
4. No, the general buses do not stop.
Hey Dhiraj
I am planning for Leh via Srinagar and I also wants to cover Spiti. I have 20-22 days with me. And I want to cover every place of Ladakh.
Please provide itenary for the trip. I will be very thankful to you.
Sachin, please refer: Spiti Valley to Ladakh from Manali – Most Common Itinerary
hi Dheeraj,
we are starting on Aug 14 from Chandigarh on bikes, and planning to reach jammu for an overnight. On 15th as per the plan we want to go to Srinagar – but given the fact that it is independence day, many are advising that Srinagar may not be a good choice. Would there be any problems entering Srinagar on that day
? else we may have to keep a buffer and plan something around it to avoid Srinagar on 15th Aug – please suggest
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.
If you are really concerned about it more then probably you can skip the stay at Srinagar and move to Sonamarg the same day you reach Srinagar.