Nubra Valley is one of the MUST VISIT places in Ladakh especially if you are visiting for the first time. It is among the sub-districts in Ladakh, located in the North East side having Diskit Village as its main headquarters.
Diskit is situated about 120 odd KMs from Leh town which is the main capital of Ladakh district. The Shyok river, a tributary of Indus river, meets the Nubra or Siachen river to form a large valley that separates the Ladakh and Karakorum Ranges.
The ultra-wide landscapes, humongous mountain faces, lovely trails, a wide variety of colors and musical Shyok river flowing midst the valley will take your breath away at first sight.
Since it is near to the Line of Actual Control, you need to get Inner Line Permit to visit Nubra Valley, both as an Indian and foreigner.
Let's quickly dive into the details:
Nubra Valley in Ladakh
The major attraction of a trip to Nubra is traveling over the so-called or hyped, falsely claimed highest motorable road, Khardung La Pass. Nubra Valley is an ideal place to fit into the acclimatization schedule of your Ladakh trip once you reach Leh because it is at a lower altitude than Leh, at an average altitude of 10000 Feet or 3048 Mtrs.
Please note that climbing to a very high altitude of Khardung La from Leh and then sleeping at a low altitude of Nubra Valley DOES HELP tremendously in acclimatization.
Thus, apart from the magnificent vistas on offer, Nubra Valley has hidden advantage of acclimatization as well, which will eventually help your Ladakh trip be more successful. No wonder if you are missing on this part of Ladakh on your trip, you are almost missing out on the heart of your Ladakh trip.
Location
Diskit, the main headquarters in Nubra Valley is located about 120 KMs from Leh town of Ladakh district.
Altitude
Nubra Valley has an average altitude of about 10000 Feet or 3048 Mtrs.
Best Time to Travel
Similar to what we learned about the best time to travel to Leh Ladakh, in the months of January to March, Nubra Valley remains shut down in cold snow conditions. Only a few options are available to stay and open to welcome guests.
In April, some guest houses start to open up, but the food does remain an issue in most places. You have to rely on homestays or guesthouses and home-cooked food only mostly. You can see apricot flowers blooming all over Nubra Valley in April.
Then comes the months of May, June, July, and August, which is the peak tourist season in Ladakh. You can find all accommodation options open with full staff and support even in Nubra Valley during these months of the year.
Come September and early October, the tourists start to reside as the cold starts to set in and accommodation starts to pack up too. In my opinion, this is by far the best time to visit Nubra Valley to see the full glory of the burning colors of Ladakh with clouds hovering like candies in the blue sky.
The colors are purely magical at this time of the year and with fewer tourists comparatively, you get better deals at hotels, and you enjoy more. So, you kill two birds at once.
After the third week of October up to December, mostly all the accommodation options pack up except the small guest houses or homestays and very few hotels. However, the situation of accommodation options in Nubra Valley in winters as well is not that bad as compared to Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri lakes, where only a few homestays run with basic facilities.
How to Reach Nubra Valley – Ladakh
Let us check out the details on how you can reach Nubra Valley from Leh.
Route from Leh to Nubra
Below is the most general route to Nubra from Leh that most people usually follow. You can reach in about 5 – 6 Hrs depending upon the number of breaks you take in between and of course at Khardung La.
Do try to ensure you do not stay more than 15 minutes at Khardung La as you will start to get hit with AMS because the body cannot cope up with that high altitude, so quickly in the trip, for that long.
The route to Nubra Valley from Leh along with the distance between the subsequent places is as follows:
Leh – Khardung La Pass (40 KMs) – Khardung Village (34 KMs) – Khalsar (23 KMs) – Diskit (19 KMs) = 116 KMs
You can cover Diskit & Hunder on the first day, irrespective of the fact where you are staying between these two places. Then, you can plan to cover Sumur & Panamik while you are returning from Nubra Valley. So, if you are one of those who prefer relaxing vacation and do not want to rush through places then, I will suggest you make a three day trip to Nubra Valley and include Turtuk in the plan too.
Of course, I assume your body has been acclimatized properly by staying for a couple of nights in Leh before attempting to climb Khardung La pass and come over to Nubra Valley. If you are short on time, then you can make a two-day trip covering Diskit, Hunder, Sumur, and Panamik on the flow of travel to and from Leh.
There is a direct route between Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso as well and people have started using that route to travel directly to Pangong Tso from Nubra Valley nowadays.
As of 2016, the fuel pump at Diskit is mostly operational even in winters.
There are several bus services that run within Nubra Valley and multiple buses are present running between Leh and Nubra Valley. You can always refer to the detailed Leh to Nubra Valley Bus Services schedule and timetable.
Preferred Vehicles
The higher ground clearance vehicles are preferable and 4×4 ones generally not required. However, quite a few people do it in hatchbacks and sedans as well. But, it depends upon your skills to drive and road conditions at the time of travel when you take a hatchback or a sedan.
Suggested Itinerary for Nubra Valley
Generally, at least one-night stay is preferable to witness the mesmerizing beauty of Nubra Valley truly. Of course, one night stay will help you ride the Bacterian Camels over Sand Dunes of Hunder around sunrise and sunset (i.e., cooler conditions) that increase the charm of your vacation to a further extent. Most people, generally do:
Day 1 | 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 2 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
- Sumur has a Samstanling monastery to check out nearby
- Panamik has hot water springs and a sacred Yarab Tso lake
- Overnight at Leh
You MUST add a day to your schedule and go ahead to visit Turtuk, about 95 KMs from Diskit. Turtuk was opened in 2010 for domestic tourists and in 2013 for foreign tourists. It is an amazing place, quite different from the rest of the landscape in Nubra Valley and houses a different affinity for culture too.
Accommodation Options at Nubra Valley – Ladakh
I will not go into the details of them as you can always refer my comprehensive list of Good Hotels or Accommodation in Nubra Valley.
Places to Visit in Nubra Valley
You can visit the following places in Nubra Valley for your 2-3 day trip from Leh. I will try to explain these places in detail in some other articles to maintain the brevity of this article.
- Diskit: Diskit has a monastery which is the largest and oldest Buddhist monastery in Nubra Valley and houses a 106 feet tall Maitreya Buddha statue. There is Lachung Temple as well which is quite close to the monastery.
- Hunder: It is famous for its sand dunes and double-humped bacterian camel safari.
- Sumur: Somewhere between Sumur and Kyagar, you can visit the Samstanling monastery.
- Panamik: It has hot water springs and a sacred Yarab Tso lake nearby the entrance of the village.
- Turtuk: Opened for tourists in 2010, Turtuk offers a much different landscape and cultural orientation than the rest of the Nubra Valley. You can see apricot trees loaded around the entire village with views closer to the Karakorum range. If you have time, a MUST VISIT place in Nubra Valley.
Warshi – Tyakshi Villages
Now we as Indian tourists can also travel up to Warshi village in Nubra Valley which is ahead of Panamik on the way towards Siachen Base Camp.
You can hence cover Yarma Gompa & Yarma Gonboo monasteries if you like to visit them, which falls upon this route. The route goes like Panamik – Taksha – Sasoma – Warshi, which is about 39 km ahead of Panamik. As per Nubra Valley permits, you do not need any special permits for this route as well. Siachen base camp is still out of sights for permissions to civilians.
From the Hunder side in Nubra Valley, you can travel all the way up to Tyakshi village ahead of Turtuk from where you can see the Indo-Pak borderline.
Medical Facilities
Diskit Village has a hospital where you will be able to get basic medical aid and treatment.
Food Joints in Nubra Valley
Most of the time you will be eating out in Hotels or Camps or Guest Houses or Homestays you will be staying in. However, there are dhabhas or eating joints at Khalsar and Khardung villages where people generally stop for lunch while on the way to or from Leh.
You should always carry your water bottle and refill it as many times as you need water. It will not only keep you hydrated always, but you will also help in saving the Himalayas from plastic garbage. Remember, every tiny step counts and your step in this direction can help save the Himalayas too !! 🙂 🙂
Phone Signals in Nubra Valley
BSNL Postpaid Connection does work like a charm in most parts of Nubra Valley with some loss of signal at few places though.
Petrol Pumps
Do not forget to refill petrol/diesel at Leh petrol pump. Update 2016: Things have improved and the petrol pump at Deskit, Nubra is mostly found in working conditions nowadays even in winter. Do not forget to check my article on petrol or fuel availability in Ladakh.
ATMs
You will not find any ATMs in Nubra Valley and hence, it is always better to carry cash from Leh (the only place where you find ATM in Ladakh) itself.
Conclusion
Nubra is a must have a place to visit, and I am sure when you visit Leh Ladakh, this one surely is not the place you would like to exclude from itinerary of Leh Ladakh trip. I hope the above information will be useful for your upcoming trip to Ladakh.
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Please feel free to post any questions or doubts you might have in planning your trip to Ladakh in the comments section below. If you have been to Nubra Valley, do you agree to the points shared in this article?
Do share your thoughts and other information you might feel will be worth sharing with other fellow travelers and help them.
354 Comments
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Hello Dheeraj, can you please let me know where I should stay in Nubra? In Hunder camps or in sumur? Which area is more picturesque?
Best is to stay in Hunder in Nubra Valley
Hi Dheeraj,
we are planned a circuit after going through your resourceful blog, from Srinagar – Sonamarg – Kargil – Leh – Khardungla – Nubra – Panamik – Diskit – Hunder – Turtuk – Khaltse – Agham – Shyok -Tangste – Spangmik – Chusul – Hanle – Manali
travel date – 10th July to 22nd July, mode – RE classic 350, no. of people – 6, no of bikes – 4(2 personal & 2 friends) now in th final stage of closing things ,I have few more queries here,
1. What all places i need to mention while obtaining an ILP? it would be really helpful if can you list that down for the above circuit to avoid any disappointments later at checkposts.
2. How should i plan the Nubra to Pangong in your opinion?
Day1: Khardungla – Nubra – Panamik – Sumur – Diskit -Hunder – Turtuk(Stay)
Day2: Turtuk to Pangong
OR
Day1: Khardungla – Nubra – Panamik – Sumur – Diskit – Hunder(Stay)
Day2: Hunder – Turtuk – Hunder – Pangong
Or any better suggestion
3. How should i plan my exit from Hanle?
Hanle – Tso Morriri – Tso Kar- Pang -Sarchu OR Hanle – Tso Kar – Pang – Sarchu OR any better suggestion? We dont mind skipping Tso Morriri, if we have time or fuel constraints, if not then we would love to visit that as well. Also Staying at Pang would be fine as ar as altitude is concerned?
4. What is the current status of Diskit petrol pump(i’ve read it is mostly out of fuel) and next pump would be at Tandi.
Below are the replies:
1. You need to mention: Nubra Valley, Pangong tso, Tso Moriri, Chusul, Tsaga, Loma, Nyoma, Hanle, Man, Merak
2. Skip Sumur, Panamik and Turtuk. It will be too much no point running on road only. Do Hunder – Deskit only on first night, then do Hunder / Deskit to Pangong tso
3. Hanle – Loma – Nyoma – Mahe – Tso Moriri on Day 1, then on Day 2 Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Pang – Sarchu
4. It is mostly in running condition now a a days
Thanks Dheeraj bhai for your opinion,
1.So I dont need to mention all the small, small villages apart from whats mentioned above e.g.(Terith, Charasa, Tiricha, Murgi falls enroute panamik as i can see on G maps) so do I need to mention these & only the major stops will be fine??
2. had read on DOW only about the beauty of TURTUK and I would not want to miss it, though I can skip sumur and Panamik, if you advise. We can add a day more here, if required, we have 2 spare days in our iternary. I need your expert opinion here whether we should utilise that spare day over here or its not worth.
3. Can we do it in 1 night stay, like skipping tso morriri and directly reaching pang on day 1 & then Pang to Manali on day 2?
4. Ok great!
One more thing to it, though off the hook & crazy but still i am going to through this at you,
In our entire circuit, which is Srinagar – Sonamarg – Kargil – Leh – Khardungla – Nubra – Panamik – Diskit – Hunder – Turtuk – Khaltse – Agham – Shyok -Tangste – Spangmik – Chusul – Hanle – Manali,
are there any opportunities where we can experience glaciers, somehow??
Not really as most of the snow goes away by end of June or July mid and only remains are available.
Replies below:
1. No need to mention all villages, it will cover. Nubra Valley covers them all.
2. Yes, I will suggest Turtuk only if you can add a day. In such a case do it like Leh to Turtuk directly, then next day by afternoon come to Hunder/Deskit and stay overnight, next day leave for PAngong Tso from Hunder/Deskit
3. Hanle to Tso Kar / Pang is fine too if you want to skip Tso Moriri. Then Pang to Manali can be done if you leave early in the day. It will be around 12-13 Hrs drive. Pang only has dorm tent accommodation.
ok but I mean actual glaciers & not snow alongside roads, if that what you’d assumed from my query. Say for e.g. Siachen glacier, if we can extend our journey from Panamik or Turtuk & can trek to say just touch the leftovers of glaciers lying beneath the Mighty Siachen. I know it sounds crazy but Siachen is just for the reference, I know civilians cannot go there just like that but there are many glaciers in Ladakh which I am sure are not seasonal and Stands tall for the entire year just like Siachen.
No Shivam, you will not be able to go to any of the glaciers unless you want to trek to Stok Kangri peak.
Okay thanks a ton for your guidance 🙂
Have a wonderful trip !!
Hi dheeraj. Lovely writeup. I am travelling to Leh in last week of June. I plan to stay 2 nights in leh and then 3rd day bike it to nubra valley. Is it a good time to go on bike? Then I am returning back after spending a night in diskit to Leh and then next day plan to bike it to pangong tsi where i plan to call it a night. Are roads okay this time of the year?
Yes Pranav, it should be a good time to visit Ladakh and Nubra Valley by end of June. Roads are mostly OK except few bad patches around Khardung La and Chang La passes.
Hi,
Brother i have planned to visit leh from jammu,Its a family tour. Total 20 person in this tour.
I think tempo traveller is the best choice,and its budget friendly. is it ri8? what vechile u suggest for comfort nd budget friendly?
2nd question which month we are planned for this tour,specially Leh. When actual open srinagar leh highway? Cold season its not possible for the total tour,but we are trying to go little bit cold condition and looking snow all over,is it possible? pls suggest the month brother.
3rd, pls give me suggest one good tempo traveller driver number, its a first trip for us in leh nd its family tour. so little bit worried.
I share my tour plan,pls suggest its ok or any other changes done. if possible for u suggest day wise best itinerary for the tour.
1/ Jammu (Arrive) to katra (By evening)
2/ After Vaishnomata darshan, Night stay Katra
3/ After Breakfast Go to pahalgam, night stay
4/ Pahalgam sightseen
5/ Pahalgam to Srinagar (local,dal lake etc)
6/ Srinagar local sightseen & own lesiure.
7/ Srinagar to Gulmarg
8/ Srinagar to Kargil via Sonamarg (night stay Kargil & Drass)
9/ Kargil to Leh ( running Sight seen)
10/ Leh Local
11/ Leh to Nubra valley
12/ Leh to Pangong Tso
13/ back to kolkata by Air
** pls suggest its ok? and anything missing place for visit leh ladakh,pls help me.
Replies below:
1. Tempo traveller is OK to travel with complete group
2. If snow you want, then go in June
3. For the leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2017 – 18 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here. You can get about 12-15% of discount by directly getting in touch with drivers and of course, talking in person rather on phone always help in bargaining more. You can call the local drivers directly to connect with them and check the more comprehensive List of Taxi Drivers for Ladakh – Srinagar – Leh – Manali with recommendations/reviews for DoW community members.
I will suggest you skip Kashmir and focus on Ladakh only else no point rushing so many places You should spend at least 2 days in Nubra and Pangong tso each. things dont look good in Kashmir, so take a calculated risk of traveling to places in Kashmir.
Brother i have planned to visit leh on 31st May to 06th June with my wife and two kids of age 17 & 13 yrs.-
– What vechile i have to hire for four ?
My plan :
31May : Rest in leh (reached by morning flight)
01 June: Leh to Nubra Valley over Khardung La
02 June: Nubra Valley to Leh
03 June : Leh to Pangong Tso
04 June: Pangong Tso to Leh
05 June: Leh to Tso Moriri (can i go there with my family or any other place, is it is not so rick)
06 June: Tso Moriri to Leh
07 June: Fly back
Is it ok? Pl. suggest.
Hey Atul,
I will suggest that you have at least two days of rest in Leh for acclimatization as one day is no enough. Then do two day trips to Pangong Tso and Nubra Valley and skip Tso Moriri to make it less hectic. Now, with one day left you have two options, spend one day more in Nubra to visit Turtuk Village or spend that day in Leh to visit Sham Valley (Alchi, Likir)
Hello Dheeraj and Fellow members,
I would like to know the status of fuel availability in Diskit. Can people traveling this year post an update on this please.
My plan around Nubra – Pangong is as follows
14-July: Leh to Diskit/Hundur (Which is economic/scenic to stay?)
15-July: Diskit/Hundur – Turtuk – Diskit/Hundur
16-July: Diskit/Hundur – Khalsar – Warli La – Chang La – Spangmik (Wr is economic/scenic to stay?)
17-July: Spangmik – Leh
18-July: Rest day
Do you advice any changes to these 5 days Dheeraj?
Hunder is more economic to stay. As per people traveled in March, Deskit had fuel availability and petrol pump was open at that time as well. So, I see no reason to be not functional in summers. But, will keep an eye on it.
Try to go via shorter route of Agham – Shyok in case you can find some company ont he route at Agham village.
I was planning to take the shorter Agham – Shyok route. However I saw in your map (https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/wp-content/uploads/Images/TravelBasics/dow-ladakh-map.jpg) that this is a difficult route and high GC is needed. I’m not sure if our group of 4 will be able to do this, we have a novice rider with us. Also I read somewhere that Wari La route is scenic.
Our group would help each other and definitely look for other riders taking this route. Do you think this route is better then Wari La?
It indeed is a shorter route, there are couple of sections on this route which a bit tricky but if you guys can help your fellow rider, it makes sense to be on path of agony for a shorter time 🙂 …
Hi
We are travelling on 14 June with kids 7yr 8yrs to Leh. Just wanted to know how the weather is , as there was snow fall till lat this year.
Can we find any snow at Pangong or Nubra Valley.
Should we carry heavy woollen or not.
Hi Priya,
Yes, you should carry woollens in June for Ladakh trip. You will find snow on the way to Pangong tso and Nubra Valley at Chang La and Khardung La pass respectively.
Nights and morning will be cool, passes will be cold and Pangong Tso nights/morning will be a bit cold.
Hi Dhiraj we are 20 people and we are planing ladakh trip in sep our trip will start from srinagar on 13 sep.Trip will follow as below
14 sep at kargil
15 sep at leh
16 sep at leh (rest day)
17 sep at nubra valley
18 sep at pangong lake
19 sep at sarchu
20 sep at manali
Is this okay according to you and one doubt is can we travel from nubra valley to pangong lake in one day we will do our journey by royal enfield please reply.
Hi Anant,
You will need permits and yes you can take the direct route to reach Pangong Tso from Nubra Valley. However, the route is desolated but in big group it is OK. The itinerary is a bit hectic without enjoying rest especially towards the end. Leave early from Pangong Tso to make it to Sarchu or better halt at Pang
Thank u for your quik response dhiraj you and dow are doing a great job very thankful to you keep it up and what kind of permits we will require and from where we can apply it? And is der any difficulty in getting the permits??
The environment fees of Rs 400 & Inner Line Permits (most likely as well) will again be required in Ladakh for Indian Tourists / Nationals with effect from April 1st, 2017. This has been recently announced and is available on official website of Leh administration. It is expected that a public circular should follow soon as well. Hence, like it used to happen before 2014, all Indian Nationals or Indian Tourists WILL need to pay environment fees and may need to also get the inner line permits in Leh – Ladakh region in order to visit the restricted places like Dah, Hanu Villages, Pangong Tso, Man, Merak, Tso Moriri, Nyoma, Loma Bend, Khardung La, Nubra Valley, Turtuk, Tyakshi, Digger La, Tangyar (for trekking only).
For details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link All you want to know about Inner Line Permits for Ladakh
hi dheeraj ji
we have 27 members on 27 seater bus to planned, to visit leh on 1 june from jammu srinager kargil, leh 3 days , 2 days nubra, 1day pangong ,1) can we direct go to sarchu from pangong. 2) on this day all roads will opened or not. 3) today i know that this year inner line permit is compulsory for indian as well as foreigners also. and fee are approx 1000 to 1100 for indian , is it true or not plz confirm . 4) leh to manali road are open or not on 9 june from pangong to sarchu & 10 june sarchu to manali.
Hi Rupesh,
This year there is too much of snowfall and Manali – Leh is expected to open by the second week of June. Plying heavy vehicle on it may not be conducive, so better postpone the trip by couple of weeks.
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). For details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
Me and my friend planing to visit leh on april 20th. And we are hiring bike. And planing to go leh to nubra valley via khardung La road. So Road are good in april? And weather? And what abt nubra to pangog lake and Man. Is it okay on bike?
April is still almost winter like conditions and due to snow on roads to high altitude places over passes, army does not allow to travel by bike over there.
Hi,
How will the lakes (Pangong and Tso Moriri) be in mid May? Frozen / semi frozen / only water?
Thanks.
Mostly melted in water but may have some parts still frozen by mid of May.
Hi Dheeraj!
Thanks for the amazing writeup.
I am planning a trip to Leh around June end – July with my wife (from Srinagar to Manali). This would be my first visit.
Can you please help me with the itinerary, my plan is for 12-13 days and i want to cover the Nubra valley and Hanle (not Tso Moriri).
Hello Manik,
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. Any special reason you dont want to visit Tso Moriri, you can add a day or skip buffer day to visit Hanle from there to Tso Moriri and follow the rest suggested in the link
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.
For the list of good restaurants in Leh – Ladakh or eateries or food joints where food is enjoyed by many travellers including me, you can check the link here: List of Good Restaurants in Leh – Ladakh | Restaurant Reviews
Check the list of things to carry for Leh – Ladakh or other trip including basic medical kit, clothing, must haves etc. at the link here: List of Things to Carry for Leh – Ladakh trip.
To know about AMS and acclimatization including the tips to combat AMS, please DO READ: Acute Mountain Sickness and Importance of Acclimatization
Thanks Dheeraj for your reply.
Tso Moriri i have heard that the roads are not good and i will be travelling with my wife and as such would not have a group travelling with me.
Please let me know if it is doable for a first time visitor travelling without a group?
Well, brother, do not expect much from roads in Ladakh I will suggest 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
I am travelling to Leh Ladakh for 10 days in June. We are 2 couples.
Considering June is the peak travel season for Leh, I wanted to confirm if booking accommodation in Nubra valley, Pangong lake, Kargil(few places we plan to cover) would be possible on the spot or should we do beforehand. The only problem with booking beforehand is that we have heard that based on certain factors, the trip might not get executed as we plan in Leh, like some of the ways might be closed for some reason on the day we plan to travel.
Please let me know your expert comments on what would be the better way of managing accommodation at various places. I know taxis are quite easily available. So I am a little less worried.
Hi Priya,
Yes, the risk of uncertainty is always part of Ladakh trip. If you are OK to search few places and is not in particular planning to stay at a place or choosy for a place to stay, you should be able to find one or other accommodation in Ladakh. In case you are open for small home stays, then for sure you will get some option with less search 🙂
So, it is matter of convenience over taking the risk of searching few places.
Hello Sir,
I am planning to visit leh in month of june. The plan is as mentioned below.
20th June : Leh to Pangong (overnight at pangong).
21st June : Pangong to Nubra (Overnight at Nubra)
22nd June : Nubra to Turtuk and back to nubra (Overnight at nubra)
23rd June : Nubra to panamik and back to leh (overnight at leh).
We are total 9 couples and we will be travelling by innova car and some bikes.
My doubts are:
1) If we leave from pangong at 12pm on 21st June, then by what time we can reach to Nubra?
2) One day trip to Turtuk is possible from nubra?
3) Any permit required to visit Turtuk?
4) Nubra to Panamik to Leh on 23rd June …. Possible?
5) Can we omit Panamik (is it worth to visit?)
Thanks and Regards,
Dhaval Lakkad
Hi Dhaval, Do you mean you have 4 days for ladakh trip and you want to spend like that?? Please DO NOT undertake such a plan else you may end up in hospital for the first night itself.
How many days you have in hand in total and from where to where?
Hi Dheeraj,
I will be in Ladakh for trek from 20th to 26th Aug, and then I have free time from from 27th Aug to 02nd Sep (3rd Sep is my return flight to Pune Leh-del-Pune)
As per your experience, I request you to suggest me itinerary outline so that I can plan my trip.
we are total of 3-5 in the group
Sebastian, you should be able to visit following
27: Leh to Nubra Valley over Khardung La
28: Nubra Valley to Leh
29: Leh to Pangong Tso
30: Pangong Tso to Leh
31: Leh to Tso Moriri
01: Tso Moriri to Leh
02: Rest day in Leh
03: Fly back.
Hi Dheeraj ,
Is there any capping limit that SDM provide certain number of permissions per day ? Otherwise how rush is controlled ? I heard from you earlier that you have to cross Rohtang by 6 AM in May/June time when the road just opens up. Nowadays this is not the case. Right ?
No that is not the case now. Yes, the permits are issued only to 1000 vehicles 600-400 for diesel-petrol categories.
Many thanks Dheeraj for the reply. Couple of things more –
1. Do I need to fill up forms at SDM office to get the permit or I need to do an application on white paper seeking the permission ?
2. In May/June is it mandatory to cross Rohtang by 6 AM in the morning so that we need to start at 3 AM ?
Nilavra,
1. AFAIK, you do not need any form. They provide you after verifying your documents, filling in the details and paying the fees.
2. No necessarily as now the rush is not that mad after permit fiasco as it used to be in early days.
Hi Dheeraj ,
I understand we need to be present physically at SDM office Manali to get permit for Rohtang cross. Can I get the permit same day ? SDM office is open all 7 days a week and what is the timing ?
On Sunday and holidays, SDM office is only ope for permits up to I think 10 AM – 1 PM. Mostly, you will be able to get the permit on the sme day in case you get in line early in the morning. Keep in mind that in May-June it will be complete mess with long queues but since you are planning in September that should not be much of an issue.
Hi Dheeraj ,
Can I get shared taxis easily available from Manali to Leh in June just after the road opnes up ? Do the shared taxis ply every day from Manali ? I know it will take you to Leh in a single day. I think it starts at 2 AM right ?
Do I need to get permit from SDM office even for shared taxis ? If yes, then every single member in the cab should get permit from SDM right ?
Also can I get shared taxi from Leh to Manali in June ?
Shared taxis from Leh to Manali are easily available in June as it is season time.
Yes shared taxiss start as soon as the roads open. Shared taxi will get the permit for his own vehicle, you do not need it.
Thanks for your reply Dheeraj. Where from in Manali shall I find shared taxi ? At what time does it start from Manali and when it reaches Leh ?
Can I get any shared taxi that will take passengers to Leh in 2 days instead of 1 day.
Manali taxi stand is where you find share taxis. Most of them start from 2 AM to 5 AM depending upon if they are 1 day or two days taxis.
Local shared taxis that cover Manali – Leh in two days are very few and difficult to find. You have to break it from Manali to Keylong local taxi and then Keylong to Leh local taxi
Dheeraj ,
One more thing…
I heard there are HRTC buses that go to Leh from Manali apart from HPTDC buses. When do the HRTC buses start running – from July or immediately after the road opens up in June ?
Where do I get schedule of HRTC buses published for this year ?
HRTC buses start plying as soon as BRO declares Manali – Leh highway deem fit for safe passage. So, mid to end of June is likely that they start plying. HRTC has online website also you can read: How to make a budget Ladakh trip by public transport
Hi Dheeraj ,
Can’t I never apply online permit to cross over Rohtang pass and go beyond ? Should we always seek permit from manali SDM office even in September/October ? Or Online permission is prohibited only for June/July when the road to leh opens up ? please confirm.
Do we always need driver and vehicle details as you mentioned to cross over rohtang pass ?
Yes, you can’t now. You have to be present at SDM office to get the Rohtang Pass permit to cross oveer. The permit needs to be obtained anytime one needs to cross Rohtang PAss. Yes, you need Driver’s licence and Vehcile’s RC and PUC always.
Dheeraj ,
Many thanks for your reply. HPTDC declares bus schedule for Manali to Leh in May. Similarly when HRTC declares their bus scedule from Delhi to Leh ? and where can I get these ?
Keylong to leh shared taxis are easily available and they run daily ?
Nilvara, as I suggested, they do not declare and it depends upon in the safe passage of heavy vehicles. As soon as BRO declares the safe passage of heavy vehicles on Manali – Leh road, they start it. Keylong – Leh shared taxis are not that common but still available though only few would be there.
Hi Dheerak ,
One more thing..
If I want to go to Leh from Manali in September when the road is already open can’t I apply permit online in advance ? I saw one of your article that the permit can be applied online even for rohtang cross and go beyond but your latest post says I cannot.
If I have to apply at SDM office at Manali can I get it same day ?
Replied on other thread.
Hi Dheeraj ,
HRTC bus runs daily from, Delhi to Leh or alternate days ?
It is a daily bus service.
Hi Dheeraj ,
Thanks for your reply.
Everytime I want to cross rohtang and go beyond do I need to apply permit at SDM office in Manali ? This is for June/July season only or for Sept/Oct as well ?
Has this become a permanent rule now that anybody wants to cross over Rohtang and go beyond has to apply for the permit at SDM office ?
I think I replied to similar comment on other thread.
Hi Dheeraj ,
How many days before can I apply permit for rohtang pass for manali to leh ? can i do it 1 or 2 months in advance. If I want to go in June just after the pass opens what time shall I apply for permit as I don’t know exactly when the road will open this year. What information do I need to apply for the permit online? Driver name/contact, car number etc are required ? If we need this info then how do I get this in advance because I will book car after going to manali
You cannot apply online permit for Rohtang Pass now to cross over it. It is only available to reach and come back, as online. You have to apply once you reach Manali at SDM office. You need DL, vehicle RC and PUC
Hi Dheeraj ,
Thanks for your reply. Two things –
1. If I take private car from manali to leh drop in June just after the road opens this year when can I apply for the permit to cross Rohtang pass and go beyond ? Shall I apply for this online exactly 7 days before the pass crossing date or I can even apply one or two months before that ? Not sure when this year the road will open. May be June mid or june first week. So please advise when I should apply for the permit. I want to travel this road just after the road is opened by BRO so as to get lots of snow. What information I need to apply for the permit ? Driver name/contact or the number of the car which I will hire for the travel ? do i need these information for the permit ?
2. If I go to deskit from Leh by shared car and then leave the car and next day morning can I find taxis easily from deskit taxi stand for a day trip to Turtuk ?
Yes, thesere should be taxis running to Turtuk from Deskit on daily basis and also private taxi can be find too.
Hi Dheeraj ,
Leh to Nubra valley up to Turtuk is accessible in June 3rd week keeping snow condition in mind ?
Is there any chance that road will be blocked due to snow June 3rd/4th week ?
Nilavra, these roads never close for the whole year, not even in winters. Snowfall, you know can happen any day in Ladakh, so, when it happens for the safety BRO does not allow the passage over Khardung La and Chang La and that’s only when you will have it closed temporarily till the weather clears or it is safe to cross the road.
Hi Dheeraj ,
Can I get private taxi reserved from Deskit for Turtuk for a day trip back to Deskit same day evening ? Cars are available in Deskit for this trip ? What will be the cost for this day trip from deskit to turtuk back to deskit in private reserved car and also shared basis ?
do we need inner line permit for turtuk ?
How will you reach Deskit? You do not need inner line permit. You can take the same taxi that you will use to reach Deskit from Leh. IN case that is shared one, well, you can always pay taxi guys for Turtuk trip. The taxi should charge you around 4K for a day trip.
Hello Dheeraj,
After seeing your post and numerous others online about Turtuk, I’m planning to visit this beautiful place. How can I reach Turtuk from Diskit and how much would it cost? Also, how can I get back to Leh after an overnight stay at Turtuk?
I’m a solo backpacker so please suggest the most economical mode. 🙂
Mohan, Turtuk is 90 KMs from Deskit and hence, after spending night at Deskit or Hunder you can take a shared cab next morning to Turtuk and take some evening cab back from Turtuk for Hunder or Deskit. This way you can make a day trip to Turtuk. Shared local cab should cost you about 100 bucks for the seat. In case any taxi is going in the morning from Turtuk to Leh then spend overnight at Turtuk and reach Leh by evening.
We are 2 people doing the Chadar hike from January 7 to 15. We have not bought our plane tickets so we are still flexible but would like to visit Nubra Valley after our hike. I am having difficulty finding out about tours/guesthouse/transport/costs to visit at this time. Can you please give me recommendations of any guides/guesthouses/drivers? Do you think it is worth visiting this time compared to the summer because I have a feeling it will be a lot more expensive? Thanks for the blog!
Hello Fess,
The taxi charges will be same around 10K for a 2 day trip to Nubra Valley. Many home stays or small guest houses will be operational during that time including Galaxy Guest House and Goba Guest Houses. Olgok hotel sometimes is also open but not 100% sure.
It is not expensive than summers for sure and Ladakh offers a unique beauty in winters 🙂
Ok cool I even saw Galaxy on booking.com so I know we can reserve the room and think we will just search for the ride when we get to Leh. Thanks for the quick reply!
Yes Fess, that wll be better choice. Also, keep in mind even if you book the place it will not guarantee you the booking as these small guest houses or home stays run on their own will and like to be free will still under this age of digitalization 😉
I am going for chadar trek from 28 jan-5feb.I wl be reaching leh on 27 jan morning.Is it possible for me to go to nubra valley the same day i.e. 27 jan and return on 28 mrng(cz actual trek will start on 29 jan) or instead I should wait and get rest and leave to pangong on bike/car.Though in case of pangong we are not planning to stay there in night cz few options r available there!!
i have been to pangong last yr in aug.so wat do u suggest wat shud we do.pangong or nubra?
Hi Dheeraj,
You have mentioned in a post that Monday or Tuesday in winters Khardung La remains closed. Is there any possibility that road remain closed in Monday/Tuesday in the first week of September. Please let me know…
No, roads remains open all days in season time.
Hi Dheeraj,
I would be travelling with my wife to leh on 29th July. We will travel to Nubra valley on 31st July and will take one night halt. Is it safe to travel with her from leh to nubra valley/ pangong lake on bike? what would you suggest for travelling car/bike? Because I am not aware of road conditions and weather conditions.
Thanks in advance..!!
Aalok, if you havent ride bike in such high Himalayas and are not experienced with it, I will not suggest taking a bike up there rather you may do Leh local sightseeing on the 30th July just to have experience of a bike ride.
Brother,we are a group of 4,planning to visit manali n leh from delhi on july 8th. We have to be back in delhi by july 18th morning. Pls suggest a brief plan which includes major attractions considering that we depend on public transportation mainly.
Thanks for the help in advance
Hi Dheeraj,
How much does a 2 day tour to Nubra valley and a 2 day tour to Psangong lake cost by shared taxi (including stay) from Leh (for a solo traveler) ?
Thanks
Around 1500-1800 per seat.
Hi Dheeraj, after I land in Leh on 1st week of July 2016, I plan to hire a bike on rent and visit Nubra/Hunder and stay overnight and return to Leh next day. Is riding alone any risk in this route, also do I need to carry extra fuel to Nubra?
Thanks for the info so far on this article.
Not really, do it requires caution and care. You do not need extra fuel for Nubra
Hi,
Where would you recommend to stay for the night in Nubra in terms of the location and convenience for a two day trip from Leh to Nubra. Diskhit, Hunder or Sumur?
Thanks,
Ram
Either Hunder or Deskit.
Dear Dhiraj ji,
I am planning to come to Leh along with my wife in Aug. by air. We have planned the following way with the help of information available on your sight.
Day1: 0715 hrs. Arrival Leh, Rest at Leh and acclimatisation
Day2: Local sight seeing at Leh
Day3: 1000 hrs. Departure for Nubra Valley, Sight seeing at Nubra Valley and Night halt at Nubra Valley
Day4: Sight seeing at Nubra Valley, Night halt at Nubra Valley
Day5: 1000 hrs. Departure for Pangong Lake, Sight seeing at Pangong Lake, Night halt at Pangong Lake
Day6: 1000 hrs. Departure for Leh, Night halt at Leh
Day7: 1100 hrs. Departure from Leh
Kindly advise if the above is ok or it requires some improvements please.
Thanks a lot and best wishes,
Gyanendra Singh
Hii dheeraj,
I will be on 10 days trip of leh in early july.
I want to know that can i book the package for leh in advance or can i do bookings for pangong ,tsomoriri and nubra after reaching leh.
What you suggest.
If you OK in searching places 3-4 once you reach a spot, it shall be fine.
Goodmorning Dheeraj,
Actually i want to know accomodation at leh,nubra,pangong & Tsomoriri during peak season month like July are packed or we easily find accomodation at these places without prior booking.
i have booked a hotel in Leh and after reaching there i will plan my trip which i have made like overnight stay at nubra,pangong & tsomoriri.And do all my bookings for these places from leh once i reach there.But the only doubt in my mind is about not finding accomodation at these places.
Kindly Guide me.
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, excuse for my english, I’m from Argentina and I’m planning to go to Ladakh – Zanskar. Ire asking questions slowly because I have many doubts as I travel alone and I will not take an agency to better tailor the trip to what I want. I would tentative itinerary
1- flight to Srinagar
2 – Srinagar
3- Srinagar – Kargil
4- Kargill- Padum
5- Padum
6- Padum- Itcher -Cha
7- Cha-Phugtal
8- Phugtal – Purne- Padum
9- Padum – Kargil
10- Kargill- Leh
11- Leh
12 – Leh- Nubra Valley- Turtuk
13- Turtuk -Leh
14- Leh
15- leh- Pangsong Tso
16-Pangong Tso Moriri Tso (indirectly)
17- Korzok – Keylong
18- keylong -Manali – Dharamsala
I can do Nubra valley with Diskit, Hunder and night in Turtuk? and the next day go a little village and return to Leh?
it is possible to Korzok Spangmilk a day after dawn at Pangong? Korzok to Keylong in one day? And after Manali Keylong early to take a bus or taxi to Dharamsala after noon?
the entire route in Ladakh Zanskar try to do it in shared taxis to go faster and stopping for pictures and monasteries of the roads, you see it possible traveling alone?
Hi
Me and my friends are planning for a Leh trip during mid September. I read in some forums and here about issue with self drive cars while travelling in Leh. What i wanted to know is
1. are there any self drive cars available for rent in Leh that we can take to Nubra Valley
2. OR we would have to take the local taxi from Leh
3. OR we can drive on our self drive car which we would be driving from Manali.
Appreciate your time to reply for this!
Thanks.
1. No, there are no self drive cars available in Leh.
2. You have to take local taxi from Leh only
3. No you cant drive your own self drive car.
Thanks Dheeraj.
Do you know of any self drive car rental services in Manali which we can take up to Leh?
Or is Delhi the only option.
There is no self drive car services in Manali. Also, outside rented cars (taxis as well as self drive rentals) are not allowed for sightseeing in Ladakh
Hi Dheeraj,
I have made a plan to Drive to Nubra, Overnight stay @Diskit and back to Leh next day. Looking at your posts i feel I should be covering Turtuk as well. As of now my plan reads
Day 3: Drive to Nubra, stay at Diskit.
Day 4: Back to Leh
Day 5: Pangong
Could you please tell me..
1. How feasible is it to cover Turtuk while riding back from Nubra to Leh on Day4?
2. If I stay @Turtuk on Day 4 (instead of Leh) is it advisable to Drive from Turtuk to Pangong on Day5?
I am staying overnight @Pangong on this day and travelling back to Leh on Day 6 (overnight stay at Leh), Flight to Srinagar on Day7 noon.
Forgot to mention I am planning to ride by bike to Nubra.. So its gonna be
1. Leh to Diskit (overnight stay), cover turtuk and back to Leh
2. Leh to Diskit (overnight stay @Day3), ride to turtuk (overnight stay@Day4), ride to Pangong (over night stay@Day5), back to Leh on Day6..
eplied, to your other query
Hi Rahul, the plan you have shared above seems alright to me but if you are a lone rider I wil not suggest that you travel the direct route to Pangong Tso from Nubra because in many miles there will be no help, in case required. So, only take a chance when you have a group to travel on that route. But, looking at the days in hand you are left with either skipping Turtuk or get hold of a group or taxis within Nubra who are traveling to Pangong Tso.
Make sure you have sufficient fuel to make the trip too. You will have to carry extra fuel.
Hi Dheeraj, I am planning a 8 nights trip to Ladakh in early July this year, out of which 1 st night stay will be at kargil and So I have a few questions for you..
1. After a 36 hrs acclimatising to the high altitude I am planning a trip to Nubra valley..is a one night stay enough or does it become too hectic. Most of the times on holidays you end up just travelling from point a to b and c and never relaxing and so I am asking this question. Also should I plan a days trip to PangongPangong Tso or an overnight stay
2. Have you heard of Mystique Meadow earth homes in Hunder and how are they as I am planning to stay there
3. how many days you require for sightseeing and acclimatising in Leh
Under the circumstances will you please help me plan my days as I will be travelling by road from Srinagar.
Regards and thanks
Jasmine
Hi Jasmine,
1. Overnight at Nubra Vally seems good to me. You must stay overnight both at Nubra and Pangong Tso
2. Not really
3. If you travel from Kargil, you should spend at least 1 day of rest in Leh before moving to Nubra Valley
Dheeraj, thank u so much for your prompt reply…We r a group of 6 and we r in our mid and late 50’s n early 60’s and fighting fit.. But sometimes we end up being more on roads than enjoying the beauty and landscape and so this is how I have planned my itinerary..Please give your valued opinion.
Day 1. Srinagar to Kargil
Day 2. Kargil to Leh
Day 3. Acclimatising n sight seeing in Leh
Day 4. Head to Nubra valley n complete Hunder/ Diskit
Day 5. Head to Panamik and Sumur n relaxing n night stay at Hunder
Day 6. Start early morning for Leh and try to reach for lunch..rest of the day in Leh for completing sightseeing n just relaxing
Day 7. Leh to Pangong Tso..with sightseeing on the way.
Day 8. Back to Leh with remaining sightseeing on the way.
Day 9. Back home
Pls advice If I need to deduct any days. Also what’s the ideal time to start back from Nubra valley to be back in Leh for lunch.
Thanks n regards
Hello Jasmine ji,
Day 5, instead of making a trip to Panamik and Sumur, you should make a trip to Turtuk, which is very beautiful. Rest looks OK to me. You can in fact go overnight stay for Turtuk on Day 4, then on Day 5 by late noon return to Hunder and do sightseeing / camel safari at Hunder and next morning by early afternoon leave for Leh after visiting Deskit monastery
Dheeraj, sorry to be troublesome but a last doubt.
Do u mean to say that I should completely drop Panamik and Sumur from my itinerary…and instead stay one night in turtuk and one night in hunder..if it’s so beautiful as u say, i don’t mind travelling those extra 70 Kms.
Thank u so much for your help
Yes Jasmine ji, there is nothing much in Panamik and Sumur which you will not see in rest of the parts of Nubra, so better skip a do relaxed way to Hunder, Deskit and Turtuk
Thanks Dheeraj,,if in future, I have any more doubts, will definitely get in touch with you
Best wishes for the trip and if by chance you happen to be happy to spread smiles, please execute our initiatives of DoW Causes on your own when you travel there, in order to help the local community up there in remote Himalayas. You can check more details about them at: [url=https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/india/responsible-travel-f38/dow-causes-step-towards-responsible-travel-t358.html]DoW – Causes | A Step Towards Responsible Travel[/url] and can execute them on your own.
Hi Dheeraj
I will be directly flying to LEH in Mid May and planning for 6N/7D trip including Nubra and Pangong lake. I assume there won’t be any issues travelling to Nubra by road via Khardung La Pass. How would be weather in Nubra and Pangong in mid May.
Hello Venki,
Pangong Tso will be cold and Nubra shall be fine. Khardung Las and Changa La will have loads of snow 🙂 ..
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.
You can remove Tso Moriri from it and follow the plan up to Pangong Tso.
Oh that’s great and thanks for the quick response. The itinerary almost matches which what we had planned for 6N/7D. AMS is the only thing which is worrying me as i will be travelling with kids aged 11 and 8. Any special place you recommend for photography?
Almost every other turn has its own beauty, make it relaxing and you will surely find your frames 🙂
Hi Dheeraj . We are traveling to Leh on the 3rd of June. We fly in directly from Bbay. I have my kids with me ages 11,13 and 15. Our itinerary is 2 nights Leh, 1 night Nubra, 1night Leh, 1night pan gong lake and then back to Leh for a night. Please tell me if this sounds ok to you. Also, will my kids get to play in snow anywhere? What temperatures am I looking at, thus aiding me in packing for them appropriately ? What precautions should I take concerning health and safety for my family?
Thank you so much.
Aarti, this sound OK to me but please read: Leh – Ladakh | Most Common Itinerary by Air
They will find tons of snow on the way to Chang La and Khrdung La. But, please keep the play period no more than 15 minutes at such high altitude. Most of the time temparatures will be pleasant but will be very cold at high mountain passes and Pangong Tso lake will be quite cold.
Thanks Dheeraj. My kids are really looking forward to this trip! But I am quite worried now about the altitude sickness problems I have been reading up on. I have been told by friends that we have to apparently start taking some allopathy medication a few days before our trip. Do you know what these are and if they are safe for adults as well as children? A couple of people have also told me that homeopathy meds are useful to carry along. What is your advice on this? Also should we buy the portable oxygen cylinders when we land in Leh to have in case of any emergency ? Thanks and I really appreciate your advice and views .
Alll I will say is that you read / know about AMS and acclimatization including the tips to combat AMS, DO READ: Acute Mountain Sickness and Importance of Acclimatization
It covers everything and small oxygen cans are of no use. Carry a medium sized cylinder only
Thanks for your help and advice Dheeraj. Much appreciated!
Hi, can we expect snow on the road to diskit and turtuk in the first week of May? Thanks.
Yes Alia, Khardung La will be filled with snow 🙂
Ohh!! So will we be able to bike through the pass to go to Diskit? Are the roads cleared of the snow frequently? And what time would you advise we should leave Leh for a comfortable and safe journey through Khardung La?
Thanks in advance for your advice.
hi dheeraj, how safe is it to bring a kid along with me of around 4 years of age on the tour to leh-ladakh?
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 5 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!!
Hello Dheeraj. That picture on fb used to share this post literally made me feel like packing my bags right away to relive that experience. Unfortunately i have to settle for a shorter and different trip, for which i need some advice.
I am a solo traveling making a short budget trip to manali. I will be there on 26th afternoon/night (this month). I want to cove the spots at and around manali, including rohtang pass. I want to make it in 2-3 days. I needed advice on the list of spots and the way i can make it in as low budget as possible. Also taking into consideration of the current whether what kind of clothing will you advice.
Hello Jaydeep,
Well, in just 2-3 days in hand, you can only roam around in Manali. Then you can travel to snow point of Rohtang Pass, may be at Marhi in the local bus. Then again at max. if you get time, go for a bus ride to Naggar Castle.
You should carry at least one heavy woolen jacket and rest light woolens.
can you elaborate list of places around manali which i can cover in a single day. I will be reaching on 26th late afternoon or evening can u suggest a low budget hotel also.
Thank You.
Manali Local sightseeing which includes Hadimba Temple, Manu Temple, Mall Road, Local Monastery, Vashisth Hot Water Springs (never found it interesting) etc.
Hi Dheeraj,
Any idea on the climate & road conditions of leh – nubra i.e khardungla pass in april first & second week .
Smittur, road to Nubra Valley near Khardung La will be totally snowed out, climate will be cold for sure. However, BRO keep the traffic moving on the Khardung La road and Nubra Valley is kept connected all round the year.
Hi,
I am planning to visit Leh during mid April 2016.
Can i complete to and fro journey from Leh to Nubra Valley in a same day ?
Dilip, you need need to leave at 6 AM in order to do so and start your journey back from Nubra at 1 PM as BRO will not allow you to cross North Pullu late late afternoon. Also, on Monday or Tuesday in winters Khardung La remains closed
Any permit required to visit Turtuk?
Shreya, no permit is required for Turtuk
Dear Dheeraj
I am (Running 63 Years) an avid traveller and love to explore Himalayas in all possible places. I am a silent follower of DOW and quite enthused by reading the threads. I had my Heart By-Pass Surgery in 2010 and after that I travelled almost 5 times in different region of Himalayas.
I would like to explore Ladakh during Sep’2016 and will like to follow your Srinagar-Leh-Manali Itinerary. Do you suggest any modification considering my age? If so then please suggest.
The most common itinerary fits most of the cases sir. You can take rest based on the fatigue levels I will suggest. May be couple of days of rest in Leh and then instead of 2 day trip to Nubra, make a three day trip including a day trip to Turtuk or just rest. similarly rest days can be added. However, in most cases it is quite balanced.
Can nubra valley trip b done in one day from leh???
Yes, but will need about 12-13 Hrs so leave by 6 AM from Leh.
Hi, Is there any way through which I can directly head towards Manali from Nubra Valley instead of coming back to leh and if yes could you please tell me the total distance and where to stay in mid….
No Saurabh, you will have to come to Leh and then move towards Manali from there.
Brother i have planned to visit leh on 1st april.
will the roads to nubra be open.
will the camp on pangong lake be open during 1st week of april.
Thanks
Yes, roads remain open all round the year barring few days of heavy snowfall. So, in case it snowfall heavily during that time, it will close else it will be open
So, you are sure I can take the Bus from Manali to Leh in the first week of April?
and then heading to Nubra also by Jeep?
Thank you
No Matt, Manali – Leh road will not be open in April. You need to fly to Leh and from there roads connecting to both Pangong tso and Nubra Valley you will find open unless there is a heavy snowfall during that time. The above reply is just for Leh to Nubra Road. Manali to Leh road opens around June.
Wow Deeraj! I am amazed looking at you taking the effort to answer every single question. Your tons of information is very helpful. We are planning for a trip to Ladakh may be end of August or sometime around September 10th. Which dates would be the best?
Also we do not have Turtuk in our itinerary as we are planning the trip through tours and travels.Would I be missing anything big ?
Thanks much!
Regards,
Divya
Are there people stuck in Nubra Valley and Pangong because of heavy rains or bad condition of roads.
We are planning to fly to Srinagar on 26th July and will reach Leh on 28th July with a halt at Kargil on 27th July.
Should we go ahead with the plan or it is best suited to postpone..
Nicky, Ladakh is a rain shadow region and does not get much affected by rains. Sometimes landslides happen but that gets cleared and cannot be predicted.
From srinagar to Kargil to Manali to Sarchu and beyond Manali to Chandigarh, in case it rains you will be facing monsoon hassles.
Thanks a lot for your quick reply Dheeraj..
Actually our plan is fixed.. Srinagar – Kargil – Leh – Nubra – Leh – Pangong – Leh – Sonmarg – Srinagar..12 Day Trip.. All bookings etc are done.,
I got a call from a friend who is currently in Srinagar unable to reach leh because the route is closed at Sonmarg saying conditions are really bad here, people are telling him even if he reaches Leh, it is raining very heavily there and there have been some landslides even on routes to Pangong and Nubra from Leh and people are stuck there too. He is planning to return from Srinagar as he has not been able to reach Kargil in 3 days because authorities not allowing him to take that route..
So I am concerned whether I should reach on 26th July or cancel my trip..
Please let me know if there is a way to get the latest update of whats happening over there I couldn’t find anything on the Internet.
Nicky, apart from the landslide on Srinagar – Leh route, I am not aware of any landslides or heavy rains in Ladakh. Srinagar – Leh road is supposed to either open today or tomorrow as well.
Hello,
First, great blog, full of information.
We are planning a trip, well, starting Saturday.
We arrive in Leh by plane on Sunday, and will begin our tour of ladakh region with Nubra valley.
I read in your post that it is a good place to acclimatize.
Would it thus be wise to leave for Nubra on the next day after arrival?
And maybe rest there
Or is it too early?
Or should we even go right away?
although I imagine we’ll be exhausted from the flights (from France).
We will go with shared taxi and manage on our own.
Thank you
Hello Tim,
It is better you go over to Sham Valley and stay at Alchi next day of the arrival, that will help you more rather scaling 18000 feet on second day itself. Then you can come to stay at Leh and free to move to Nubra and then Pangong Tso.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
we (me and my wife) is planning for leh, laddakh, khardung la, in either end of August or beginning of September this year. we will take our hatchback (swift).
can you please suggest me the itinerary? we have 12 days max for this trip.
Also is it doable with hatchback? we have been to Kapla, Chitkul and few other places in our car.
but really worried about this one 😉
kindly advice shall we go from manali to leh-laddakh or from jammu side, or from manali to leh-laddakh and return via jammu?
also can we expect snow in this time?
expecting your kind response.
Regards
Koustav Mallick
Koustav, without much worries, 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.
For hatchback/sedan taking on Manali – Leh Highway Or Spiti Valley via Manali Or Ladakh, please refer the link: FAQ | Can I do Leh – Ladakh / Spiti / Manali – Leh trip in Hatchback or Sedan? for more details.
Dear Dheeraj,
many thanks for your kind response. The details are awesome.
i have also registered myself.
can i expect some snow in khardungla (not snowfall) as i am visiting end of august or begining of september, since my first time to leh-laddakh so very excited.
Looking forward for an opportunity to drive my wheels with all the DEVILS in near future.
Regards
Koustav
Koustav, snow in abundance will not be possible only few remains will be present here and there. And regarding driving with devils, check out for the next year Mega Meet 2016 as this year further participation is closed due to large number of entries
khardungla or changla pass road status plz…
They both are open
nd snowfall??
There is snow present right now on Khardung La
Do we need to get permission to move ahead from manali to leh with personal vehicle (1 car+ 2 bike) as well. and if this is the case how long is the waiting period to get this permission as we are planning to go on 27th of june.
Mohit, the process is explained in details under the link: Rohtang Pass Rules & Restriction of Vehicles – Demystified
Hi,
First of all thanks for helping everyone out here for planning their trip of lifetime .
We are planning for a road trip from delhi . Please guide us, if you find any issues.
18 July – Delhi to Manali ( Manali night stay)
19 – Manali to Sarchu
20- Sarchu to Leh
21 Leh Stay
22 Leh to Nubra and stay overnight
23 Nubra to Leh
24 Leh To Pangong LAKE and overnight stay
25 Pangong to Leh
26 Leh to Sarchu
27 Sarchu to Manali
Is weather fine at that time and where can we stay in Nubra and Pangong. Also can we reach Manali in one day from Leh.
Thanks
Shivam, your plan seems good to go except one thing that it is better to stay at Keylong or Jispa while going from Manali to Leh as body is not acclimatized. You can stay at Sarchu while coming back.
Hi Dheeraj
Have been reading your website for last 2-3 days and its really very helpful.
Me and my wife are going to Ladakh in July. July 16th (morning flight)- July 24th (morning flight). Flights are booked, now rest of the planning needs to be done – Stay, travel etc. Am not very keen on MMT, private tour operator etc.
Day 1- At Hotel, acclimatize. Local market in the evening (may be travel booking for Day 2 and Day 3)
Day 2- Local tour (Planning to take a bike, Is it okay to take a bike on 2nd day itself or should wait? from weather acclimatization point of view.)
Day 3 & 4 – To Nubra (with your suggestion on most common itinerary to and Fro)
Day 5 – At Leh again. May be part of Sham valley tour which we could have missed on Day 2. (Need suggestion on this though)
Day 6 & 7 – Pangong (with your suggestion on most common itinerary to and Fro)
Day 8 – Not sure what to do? Need suggestions.
Day 9 – Departure in the morning.
Few key question in my mind are, primarily being a first time traveler.
1. A friend suggested that going to Tsomiri would be hectic even though possible with number of days. or something else along with Nubra or Pangong. Example somebody mentioned Tyakshi from Hunder as a day trip.
2. A friend suggested me to book a hotel/ Guest house only for Day 1 or 2 and then book there only. Would you recommend that in July/peak season? Am not looking at luxury, but clean decent places from a couple point of view.
3. Keen on staying at lake side camps in Nubra and Pangong. Should I book them for fixed dates in advance or book them from Leh or actually after reaching Nubra/ Pangong itself? I hear that there are many of them which really can’t be booked online so it’s better to go there, bargain hard and then book. Is there any risk of roads getting closed on a particular day due to weather and your prior bookings getting quashed?
Is there a risk of not getting anything to stay, if we don’t book these camps/ tents in advance?
What level of bargaining is possible at these stays?
4. Hire bike for local/ sham valley, or book shared cabs to Pangong, Nubra in a day or two in advance at Leh itself. Hope that is okay?
5. Planning to carry a jacket and couple of pullovers, does that sound fine of clothes are required in July?
Regards
Rahul
Hi Rahul,
My replies inline:
1. I will prefer us the day for yeah Turtuk or Tyakshi village too. Tykashi is ahead of Turtuk where stay options are available.
2. I second that view too
3. Nothing is lake side, all are lake facing as Pangong Tso is a wetland reserve so no camps can be set up lake side. Road can get closed anywhere in mountains and at anytime 🙂 There is no risk of not getting anything at all at Pangong Tso. You will surely get something or other 🙂
4. Ride for a day in Leh and see how comfortable you are. It can be tricky I will say in case you have not ride before in mountains.
5. Should be fine
Regards
Dheeraj
Thanks for a prompt reply. It actually takes away few first time Leh fears already.
Just to clarify couple of points –
1. So, its perfectly okay to just book for Day 1 or first 2 days at Leh and then go unplanned from there including Pangong and Nubra (book after reaching to respective places). Would be risky with my wife but still would take this risk to make the trip lil more adventurous 🙂
2. And when you say stay at Turtuk or Tyakshi should I make it a 2 day trip towards Nubra or 3 day trip in this case ? How should I plan that?
3. Apart from Shaam valley and Monasteries and local sight seeing, and doing Nubra and Pangong side, Is there anything different we can do if I have last day free.
Am a avid biker otherwise.. can’t take my bullet from Mumbai as wife won’t let me plus number of leaves don’t allow 😉 ..hence thinking to hire for a day or two for local travel around Leh.
Thanks!!
Hi Rahul,
1. Yes, it is fine. At max. you need to check 3-4 properties to get a stay up there to the liking if you are not one of those TOO CHOOSY players 🙂
2. You will need to make 3 day trip to Nubra as compared to yours two day. Day 1, Leh to Turtuk, Day 2 Turtuk and back to Hunder after visiting Tyakshi, Day 3: Hunder – Sumur – Panamik and Leh
3. Best is to keep it for rest and sham valley only
In that case while going to Nubra Valley in case you feel good and comfortable about the road conditions, take a bike for 2 day trip to Nubra Valley.
Regards
Dheeraj
This is extremely useful apart from the absolutely gorgeous photographs.
Thank you so much Kalpanaa, glad you liked the info. present on the article about Nubra Valley
What a lovely place and what amazing pictures Dheeraj! happy to have discovered the devil 🙂
Cheers, Archana
Thank you Archana 🙂
HI Dheeraj..thanks for your amazing blogs…could get lot of imp info so far to plan our trip which is still in process.
we are planning a road trip in our ecosport car along with another couple. main idea is to enjoy the drive.
planning via leh-manali highway and coming back via srinagar leh highway..trip starts from delhi
starting on 22nd june from delhi with respective overnight haults at bilaspur, manali, jispa, leh. reaching leh on 25th. we have four days in leh before starting back on 30th towards kargil.
can u suggest the best itinerary so that we can cover as many places as possible in leh in the four days we have. since we have our car taxi hiring not an issue and accomodation in leh is being catered in army guest houses.
plz suggest. waiting to hear back
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 remove Tso Moriri and rest days to make it 11 days in case you do not have that much time in hand.
Hi Dheeraj,
Would appreciate your advice on our itinerary of Leh 🙂
Day 1: Reach Leh
Day 2: Explore Leh
Day 3: Head to Nubra Valley & overnight there
Day 4: Back to Leh
Day 5: Head to Pangong & overnight there
Day 6: Back to Leh
Hope this plan helps us to acclimatize well, before heading to nubra & pangong. So can we hire a pirate taxi to bring us to nubra or would you recommend getting a tour package? Also, will be need a permit before heading to pangong?
Thank you very much!
Nuraini, given the days in hand, nothing much you can do than to follow above plan. Just ensure you rest properly and be hydrated properly in the entire stay up there and especially in first 2-3 days. In case you all are Indian Citizen, you do not need any permits for visiting Nubra Valley and Pangong tso now.
Halo Dheeraj, it is nice to have info from you. Since I’m not Indian man, do I need a permit to enter Nubra Valley area? Actually, I will go from Leh to Pangong Lake through Kardhung La, Durbuk, Tangtse, Spangmik. Do I need to have any permit? Thanks
Max, yes you will need Protected Area Permit to visit Nubra Valley and PAngong Tso. Please read this article: Protected Area Permit in Ladakh for Foreigners
Dheeraj,
I will stay in Leh just 1 or 2 days. Can I get the PAP in one day and which travel agent you recommend me to apply PAP and it’s email address. Thank you.
Yes Max, it is a trivial process and you will be able to get PAP done in few hours. Here is the list of registered travel agents in Leh: http://leh.nic.in/pages/agentlist.pdf
Hi Dheeraj,
Is it possible to do Hunder, Diskit and Turtuk in a 2-day trip from Leh? Or would it be stretching it too much.
From what I have read about Turtuk, it sounds like a great place but I dont have an extra day.
Regards,
Anchit
Anchit, it will be quite a hectic journey of visiting Turtuk in just two days. It indeed is a great place. But with two days you will just be touching it and coming back.
Hello Sir!
You are doing a wonderful job. Came to know many details from your site.
I am planning a trip to Ladakh in the month of September. Please check my plan and guide me accordingly.
Day 1 – Arrive at Leh. Visit Local market in the evening. Night stay at Leh.
Day 2 – Local sightseeing at Leh.
Day 3 – Early morning drive to Nubra Valley via Khardungla Pass. Visit sand dunes, double humped camels, Diskit Monastery, 100 ft Buddha Statue. Where should I stay Diskit or Hunder? Please suggest.
Day 4 – Visit Samstanling Monastery. Drive back to Leh. Night Stay at Leh.
Day 5 – Drive to Pangong Lake. Night stay at nearby village. Please suggest cheap accommodation.
Day 6 – Drive to Tso Moriri Lake. Visit Hot Spring. Overnight stay. Please suggest camp near Lake.
Day 7 – Drive to Tso Kar Lake. Visit Geo Thermal Gas Springs. Photo Stop at Tso Kar. Drive back to Leh.
Day 8 – Leave Leh.
Hi Shreya,
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
Regarding the plan, Pangong Tso day trip has to be done because Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri directly is quite hectic and also desolated plus depends upon if army allow you to pass or not.
Regards
dheeraj
Hey Dheeraj,
Your blog is amazing. You really are an authority on ladakh tourism!
3 of us friends will be in SriNagar on 20th May and we need to be back in Srinagar by 28th May(ad we have a train from Jammu on 29th) So in this period we were planning to cover Gulmarg (2 days) and Leh (6 days including to & fro travelling).
1) Would this be sufficient?
2) Approximately what would be the cost of travelling by a pvt vehicle on Srinagar-Leh route with night halt at Kargil? Considering we are on a very tight budget.
3) What would be the modes of transport once in Leh to travel to Pangong and back & Nubra Valley and back? And what would be the approximate costs involved?
Hi Abhishek,
1. Well, it takes two days to reach Leh from Srinagar and two days to come back with overnight at Kargil. 1 day is must in Leh for acclimatization so you are left only with one day. You can visit Khardung La and come back.
2. Srinagar to Leh with overnight will cost around 17-18K
3. Like is said you hardly have time to explore anything. You can go to Khardung La or Pangong Tso.
Round trip is possible in one day Leh to Nubra Valley. and how much time it will take. We are planning to travelling by Innova?
Priyank, it will be possible to do round trip in a day from Leh but it will take around 12 Hrs and can exceed depending upon time you spend in Nubra Valley
I am planning to visit leh in month of May. Please suggest whether it is suitable.
Mukesh, are you planning a road trip or will you be flying to Leh?
I am planning to visit leh on 1st oct.. 1st oct-6th oct..
pls tell me how shld I plan my 6 days..
Arushree, this is what you can do for your 6 day Ladakh trip
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
september may ice rhti kay
Zada snow nahin hoti Spetember mein.
Dear deeraj
I planed 4 day trip of leh . We are 4 friends. I have 3 days to see laddakh. I want to go nubra valley and Pangong lake. Plz help to plan this trip. 1 day we will rest in leh.
Pankaj
Pankaj, are these 4 days after acclimatization in Leh?? You need to rest and get acclimatized to high altitude in Leh only for 2 days before moving to first Nubra Valley and then to Pangong Tso.
Dear dheeraj
I will reach leh on 11 step and return flight is on 15 step. Now plz advise wht should I Do? I want to see nubra vally and Pangong tso.
Pankaj, you have so less time on hand and best you can do is,
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
dear dheeraj
we hav only 2 or 3 day to see nubra and pangong lake.plz advise. can we come in same day from nubra vally and pangong tso.
Pankaj, both Pangong Tso and Nubra Valley day trips are 12+ Hrs of journey. So, if you are comfortable with it, you can make it in one day each.
Is the route open daily? Are there any specific timings?
Yes, the route is open daily and there are no timings to travel Khardung La in season time when road is cleared of snow. Just start by 7 AM from Leh so as to avoid traffic of convoy at Leh.
Dear Dheeraj,
Earlier you helped me in rescheduling my itinerary to Leh-Ladakh. My visit schedule is 12th July,14 to 19th July. I have also contacted the Driver Rigzin. His response was nice. Now, I have a doubt regarding booking of Hotel in advance. Because it may be possible due to health issue we may not go to one particular place.
1) So to avoid that, Can we go without booking hotel at Nubra(one night stay) and Pangong(One night stay)?
2) I do not want to miss Camel safari at Nubra. Are the camels available at sand dune or should I have to tell someone (may be Rigzin) to arrange booking for it?
3) We will be going from Baltal via Kargil to Leh. So what would be the best place to break for a night halt? Is it Kargil or Mubalek?
4) We will be staying 3 nights at Leh on different dates i.e. 1st on arrival, then coming back from Nubra, again after coming back from Pangong. So, how do you suggest booking of hotels in Leh considering the above?
I will be eagerly looking forward to your reply. Thank You.
Hi Anupam,
Earlier you helped me in rescheduling my itinerary to Leh-Ladakh. My visit schedule is 12th July,14 to 19th July. I have also contacted the Driver Rigzin. His response was nice. Now, I have a doubt regarding booking of Hotel in advance. Because it may be possible due to health issue we may not go to one particular place.
1) You are visiting in Kalachakra period. Better book in advance as about lacs of people are expected during this period this year in Leh.
2) No booking required for Camel
3) Best is to break at Kargil I will still say for better availabilites of Hotels.
4) As I said, book in advance as most of the hotels during this period will be booked.
Festival ends by 14th July but residual crowd may still remain there upto a week past the end date.
Regards
Dheeraj
Thnaks Dheeraj!
Do you suggest booking in advance at Kargil also?
Thanks a Lot in advance.
It is not necessarily required to book in Kargil. There are many options, you will get one or other for sure.
Hi
was hoping to travel for one week around Leh. It will be between 28th july to 15th August. I am worried of the monsoon weather and can i avoid it during these dates? Many thanks.
Tom, It is monsoon time and at some parts of Manali – Leh Highway (like before Baralacha La) and Srinagar – Leh Highway (like before Kargil) you might need to face monsoon hassles but once you get closer to Ladakh, then Ladakh being rain shadow region is least affected by monsoon rains, though rains does reach Ladakh now but to minimum and mostly it might remains overcast conditions. There is no thumb rule of certainty about weather conditions but above is generally common pictures seen over last few years except ugly 2010 …
Sorry I was on trip to Chansal Pass – Pabbar Valley to celebrate DwD Community’s first B’day and hence could not reply earlier 😉
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
we are planning to visit diskit and pongong tso in our ladhak trip.instead of going to leh from diskit, can we take our journey directly to pongong tso. is this feasible one ???
Regarding Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso route, in order to take Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso via Shyok village, you need not need any permits. However, with such a small distance it appears tempting to be done BUT just to analyze the difficulty I will strongly suggest that you read:Trip Report | Nubra – Shyok Village – Pangong Tso Route. The report is from last June & in July/August, most likely the route is washed away. So better confirm first, analyze the high risk involved and then only attempt it or better avoid it unless very much sure.
Next possible way is to attempt Wari La route, which is also a bit desolated but doable enough. If your driver agrees to travel on this route then take the Wari La route to Pangong Tso. Remember that any help required on both these routes will be HARD to find in miles of distance.
Thanks for your thoughts. we are planning to go by rented bikes. in that case which route should we prefer ?? via leh or Wari la ??
Relying on Rented bikes is a doubtful thing… I will not suggest unless you feel comfortable with your bikes in initial days of travel
Thank You Dheeraj. we are planning to book hotel siddharth(fort road), is that hotel good in services and cleaness ??
Sorry brother, not sure about it. Never heard any reviews.
In case we are acclamatized, do you suggest we do Leh – Diskit – Leh in One day? is there any road restriction on returning from Khardungla to Leh post afternoon?
Shreyas, the only thing is that it will become a bit hectic. Leave Leh by 6 AM or at max. 6.30 AM to make a day trip to Diskit and return to Leh before daylight.
Helooo All…
We have planned for a Leh trip from Bangalore. contact (khanupdate@gmail.com)
Currently we are six people, we are looking for more people. Let me know if anyone is interested.
Below is our itenary.
May28: Arrive to Srinagar-Rest-After lunch visit Mughul Gardens(Nishat & Shalimar)Pari Mehal,Shankar Achariya and Dal Gate.Over night in Srinagar
May29:Srinagar-Son Marg-Dras-Kargil.O N in Kargil
May30:Kargil.Panze La-Zanskar(Padum)O N in Padum
May31:Local Tour in zanskar(Karsha,Sany,Standay)O N in Padum
June1:Zanskar-Kargil(Same route as there is no other option except 9 days of hiking from Padum to Lamayuru)O N in Kargil
June2:Kargil-Lamayuru-Sangam-Magnetic Hill-Leh.O N in Leh
June3:Leh-Khardung La(World highest road)_Nubra Valley(Diskit,Hunder.O N in Nubra Valley
June4:Nubra Valley(Summer,Panamik)-Leh.O N in Leh
June5:Leh-Panging Lake via Chang La(World 3rd Highest road of the world) and back to Leh.O N in Leh
June6:Leh-Tso Mo Ri Ri Lake.O N in Tso Mo Ri Ri.
June7:Tso Mo RiRi Lake-Kelong-O N in Kelong.
June8:Kelong-Manali drop
You can stay at Sarchu from Tso Moriri as Tso moriri to Keylong will be long. Also, I see doing Pensi La in may start might not be good idea as most likely it will be closed.
Hi,
I am planning Leh trip from 26 th May to 4 th june,
Can you please help me with itinerary of above dates
What is your starting point and ending point. How are you commuting?
Hi Dheeraj,
I will be reach Leh by flight on 26 noon.
On 4 th jun I will start back journey from Leh
Regards!!
Lotan, you have 8 days in hand in that case. You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh by Air followed by many travelers including me at the link here for 8 days: Leh – Ladakh | Most Common Itinerary by Air.
Thanks Deeraj,
One more thing please. Cann you please provide information about hire Royal Enfield bike in Leh.
Good Regards!!
Lotan here you go: Leh – Ladakh Bike Rental Rates for 2014 – 15
Hello,
First of all I would like to congratulate on such a great article and website which is so helpful.
We are two girls planning for a trip to Kashmir and Ladhak so here is the plan from Kashmir – please share your thoughts:
26th May-Srinagar – Leh Road Trip
27th May Leh to Nubra Valley
28th May Nubra to Leh
29th Leh to Pangong Tso to Leh
30th Aug Leh to Khardungla Pass to Leh
31st May – What can I do?
1st June – Departure for Bangalore from Leh
Could you please suggest how can we improve our experience? Where can we camp or have a similar experience as in Sarchu?
Thanks in advance.
Hi Bavini,
Thanks alot. One day you cannot do Srinagar to Leh unless you plan to take a chance with AMS and then travel 16+ hrs on road. Then after reaching Leh, you need minimum of 1 day rest and acclimatization for high altitude before going over to Nubra Valley.On 29, 30 do 2 day trip to Pangong Tso because Khardung La will be done before only while going to Nubra Valley. 31st, use for Srinagar to Leh journey to make it two days with over night halt at Kargil. You are still short of one day in the plan.
Regards,
Dheeraj
Hi Bhavini..
I am Muddasir from Bangalore, we have planned a similar trip to LEH starting from SRN-Zanskar-Leh-Numbra-Panging Lake – Tso Mo Ri Ri -Kelong-Manali drop.
Currently we are six members starting from Bangalore on 28th May and ending our trip on Jun 9th.
We have made or flight and other travel bookings. Let me know if you are interested to join us.
Also we have a planned detail itenary.
you can contact me via email:khanupdate@gmail.com
DoW has started an initiative under DoW – Himalayan Travel Community for finding Travel Partners or Companions, leave your message in Travel Partners section at the link: Ladakh & Zanskar – Travel Partners Section. There is also a DoW Travel Calendar linked here which can be used to easily and quickly spot a travel partner with similar dates of all the people looking for Travel Partners for their trips. May be you meet someone online going over the same dates.
Hello Sir, I have visited Leh-Khardungla twice on bike and wish if I could visit Nubra this season also. I would like to know whether the Manali Leh Route will be opened after 10-15th June, 2014. And can you tell me can we visit Tololing peak, if yes, please inform the authorities who permit for the same. Regards – anil
Yes, Anil, Manali – Leh Highway should be open by mid of June. I am not sure if you can trek to peak of Tololing however you can see the whole Tololing from base from Kargil War Memorial. It is just behind it.
Thank You, Mr. Dheeraj. I have also visited Kargil War Memorial during my both the tours, but that time we didn’t try to inquire how to get permission to visit Tololing peak. If you can, please inform later.
Regards anil.
I am planning to go to Leh in the third week of May . What exactly is this altitude sickness ? I plan to stay in Leh for two days before I proceed to Nubra Valley . Would that be sufficient to travel via the Khardungla pass ?
Regards
Hi Satyanarayan,
If you take complete rest for two days in Leh and then travel to Nubra Valley, it shall be very much fine for the trip. To know about AMS and acclimatization including the tips to combat AMS, please DO READ: Acute Mountain Sickness and Importance of Acclimatization
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks a lot for such informative blog.
I am visitiong leh in first week of May,2014.
4th May 2014 — Reaching to Leh , Acclimatization .Night stay at Leh.
5th May 2012 — Leh-Magnetic Hill- Sangam-Alchi-Lamayuru. Night stay at Leh.
6th May 2012 — Leh to Nubra valley via Khardung La. Camel safari at Hunder. Night stay at Hunder.
7th May 2012 — Visit Gompa at Dikset & then visit Sumur,Panamik. Then Nubra Valley to Stok & Shey monasteries and come back to Leh. . Night stay at Leh.
8th May 2012 — Leh to Pangong Tso via Karu, Sakti, Chang La,Durbuk,Tangtse, Lukung, Spangmik. En route visit Hemis & Thiksey monasteries.Night stay at Pangong Tso.
9th May 2012 — Pangong Tso-Tangtse-Chang La- Kharu- Upshi- Chumathang (hot springs)-Korzok(Tsomoriri). – Night stay at Tsomoriri.
10th May 2012 — Tso Moriri (Korzok)- Tso Khar- Tanglang La- Rumtse – Leh—leh night stay.
11th May 2012 – leh airport drop Early morning.
Could you suggest if my below plan seems OK?
Thanks in advance..
Apart from 9th May, that is Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri, it will not be possible in one day as it is a very very long journey. The only option I see here is that you make a day trip to Pangong Tso and then two day trip to Tso Moriri.
Hi Deepak,
How would the scenery be during the first and the second week of May?
What height would the snow start? Can we expect the lower altitude regions like the Nubra Valley, Turtuk, Diskit to be free of snow (or at least not completely whitewashed with it!)?
Anuj, it will be fine to travel in May, though it will not be that too greener but still fine to travel to Nubra Valley. You will find loads of snow at Khardung La Pass. There will be no snow in lower regions.
Hi,
I am planning to travel to Leh/Ladakh from 19-May-2014 to 28-May-2014.
I have based my itinerary on DOW recommended itinerary.
I am travelling to Nubra valley with 1 night stay at Diskit or Hunder. I would also like to add Turtuk in the plan.
Is it possible to do Diskit, Hunder and Turtuk with 1 night stay (2 days)? If yes, then should we stay at Turtuk? Can you recommend any good places to stay at Turtuk? Also, what would be plan in Turtuk; are there any specfic places to visit or see in Turtuk or any specific activities there?
Thanks,
Upendra
Hi Upendra,
With 1 night stay it will be difficult to add Turtuk as it is too far, about 210 KMs from Leh. From Diskit it will be like 90 KMs and you need to do 180 KMs fro up and down. I will suggest either add one day so that you balance a 3 day trip else drop Turtuk. There are no specific places in Turtuk, just try and go towards the last village Tyakshi and come back, you will feel the beauty on the way and in Turtuk itself 🙂
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
Many Thanks. for your reply.
I have reserved one day for Sham Valley tour – Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, Gurudwara Pather Sahib etc.
Is it ok to drop this and add 1 day Nubra valley so that we can go to Turtuk.
Also, what is approx. altitude of Turtuk; I mean is it at lower altitude compared to Leh (so that we get additional benefit for acclimatization if we stay 1 more night in Nubra valley)
Hello Upendra,
I will suggest yes in case you are much into Natural Beauty then you should drop Sham Valley and add Turtuk. Turtuk is around 3000 Mtrs and is quite low in altitude even in Nubra Valley too, AFAIK.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj
I am from Kerala.Me and my friends have been planning a trip to leh for a long time.At 1st we decided to hit the road from manali to leh and back. But due to shortage of days, we have decided to reach leh and go back by flight. We are hoping to do the trip from April 18/2014 to April 25. We want to explore leh in Royal Enfield.Will it be available for rent there? And will it b possible to travel to nubra,pangong tso and other places by bike in that time? Please help us with your suggestions
Hi Vishnu,
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh by Air followed by many travelers including me at the link here for 8 days: Leh – Ladakh | Most Common Itinerary by Air.
Apart from that, well there will be snow on roads in April on passes which will make the ride difficult and slippery. If you are not used to such rides it will not be good. Also, you can rent the bikes for riding within Leh and around for sure. Yes, you can travel to all these places during that time but by bike will be difficult as I said above if you do not have experience. Also, Pangong Tso as well as Tso Moriri lake will be most likely frozen at that time.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Thanks for the reply dheeraj.Will the bike trip be possible if we change our dates to may 14-may21?
Vishnu, even in May there is snow on roads over passes which makes them slippery in condition. So, more or less situation might be same. Last couple of weeks of June is much safer bet.
Heya Dheeraj,
Awesome blog here 🙂 am planning a trip in oct 2013. we are reaching Leh on Oct 2nd and leaving on Oct 6th. We want to see Diskit and pangong mainly. could you suggest us an itinerary. we are a group of 7 ppl aged 25- 60.
Thanks 🙂
Hi Kanika,
It will be cold up there in October and you have just 5 days. You will have to fly in and out of Leh and then 2 days will be needed for acclimatization. Though I will suggest at least 3 days of acclimatization since it will be cold but still if you want to give it a try, then go with the 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 + Inner Line Permits
— For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
— 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
Regards
Dheeraj sharma
thank you so much for the guidance Dheeraj 🙂 but we will be leaving on 6th oct …. so we actually have 2, 3, 4 and 5th oct. And as u said we’d stay in the guestrooms on 2nd. so we are left with only 3, 4 and 5th oct .
also, we have visited Natula earlier this yr and we stayed at an altitude of 14000 ft for 2 days…. so ya….am really wary of AMS 🙁
Kanika, that’s too less days you have. In this case, do it like, Day 1 complete rest, Day 2 some local sightseeing around Leh, Day 3 Day visit to Khardung La Pass, Day 4 | Day visit to Panaong Tso lake.
HI Dheeraj
I am looking for travel Partners leaving on 13th August via Srinagar and coming back on 22nd – 23rd via Manali…..specialy couples
Geetanjali, DoW has started an initiative under DoW – Himalayan Travel Community for finding Travel Partners or Companions, leave your message in Travel Partners section at the link: Ladakh & Zanskar – Travel Partners Section. There is also a DoW Travel Calendar linked here which can be used to easily and quickly spot a travel partner with similar dates of all the people looking for Travel Partners for their trips. May be you meet someone online going over the same dates.
Hi Dheeraj,
We are planning Leh in july 2nd week.We will start from Manali to leh on 14th july and have 7 days for the journy and then back to manali.Planning to hire taxi from Manali to Leh.
Can you please suggest the better itinerary?
What would be the taxi rent from manali to leh?
Is the july 2nd week would be better time for travel?
Rudra, you can follow a ladakh tour plan like below:
Day 1 | Manali – Jispa/Keylong
Day 2 | Jispa/Keylong – Leh
Day 3 | Leh Rest and Permits
Day 4 | Leh – Khardung La – Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Pangong Tso – Leh
Day 6 | Leh – Sarchu
Day 7 | Sarchu – Manali
The drop from Manali to Leh will cost you about, 15-16K types.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj. Thanks so much for putting up this exceptional information for all the travelers. Going to Ladakh has been my dream for some time and I have been reading most of your blogs. I am planning a trip to Manali – Leh – Nubra – Pangong Tso – Leh. Wanted to know from you if it is possible to travel to Pangong directly from Nubra or I have to come to Leh. Please let me know for both bike and taxi routes.
David, there are two routes which connect Pangong Tso to Nubra Valley. One of them is through Wari La Pass and other one is via Shyok Village. Well, in terms of road conditions Wari La is far better BUT quite long and joins the traditional route just before Chang La Pass. Both routes are very very desolated and you will rarely see anyone over there. Hence, if something breaks then you are at your own and help will be hard to find. Shyok Village route is dangerous, with some nasty water crossings (sometimes river crossings), very bad roads at places and mostly remain washed off in season to to high level of Shyok river or landslides.
Hence, Wari la is better bet if you really want to try but still will suggest that you via traditional routes if you have some apprehensions for adventure or perhpas desolated adventure 😉
I like to know ist i have to get different permit for nubra &pangongtso
Single permit will be required for all places.For details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
Hi Dheeraj Bhai ,
Excellent Work you’ve done I must say !
We have been planning a 9 Day trip to Leh via Leh-Manali Highway. Pls chk this if the itinerary is in the correct shape:
Day 1 – Arrive in Morning @ Manali frm Delhi
Stay @ Solang Valley for acclimtzn.
Book a Leh Tempo-Traveller so that the same vehicle can be used in LEH sight-seeing.
Day 2- Depart for Keylong-Jispa.
Stay Overnight @ Jispa (or Keylong if accomodation is not available @ Jispa)
Day 3- Head to Leh
Reach Leh by evening.
Day 4 – Leh Local Sight Seeing and Inner Line Permits.
Day 5 – Nubra Valley Visit
Khardung La Pass
Hunder & Diskit
Overnight Stay @ Diskit
Day 6 – SUmur-Panamik-Leh
Day 7 – Pangong Lake
Day 8 – Leh – Tso Moriri – Sarchu
Day 9 Sarchu – Manali.
Plz tell whether this trip is normal or hectic.
Also Can we find/book LEH cab drivers @ Manali itself so that LEH sight-seeing is easier?
IS it easy/ok to stay @ Jispa or whether stay @ Keylong ( the conservative approach)
Will there be accomodation options available @ Nubra Valley ?
Thanks in advance !
Hi Shubham,
It is kind of normal given the number days in hand. For the leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2013-14 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here. You can get about 10-12% of discount by directly getting in touch with drivers and of course, talking in person rather on phone always help in bargaining more. Talk to them and may be someone can come and pick you.
For accommodation, check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate and cheap budget hotels as well in the series of articles starting on the link here
Regards
Dheeraj
hii dheeraj bhai, was inquisitive to know if siachen can be added up to the nubhra trip? If yes, then what kind of permits are required for the same?
Aditya, it is very tough to visit Siachen, even Siachen base camp too. You need permissions from MHA AFAIK, and even then it is difficult ad think you need further permission from Army as well. This is very vague idea of it I have and will try to update you soon on some concrete info.
Do we have to issue Inner Permit Pass to visit Tso Moriri?And can we directly approach Manali after visiting Tso Moriri lake or we have to return to Leh?
YEs, you will need Inner Line Permit for Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri and Nubra Valley. Yes, you can exit to Manali – Leh Highway from Tso Moriri.
Dear Dheerajji
first of all many many thanks for the great work.
We 10-12 ppl r planning to visit Ladhak region last week of June and first week of July. Tentative plan given below, pl advice us about the plane and guide us for the nice and enjoyable visit to Leh
Day-1 Ambala – Manali
Day-2 Manali – Jispa/Darcha
Day-3 Jispa/Darcha – Leh
Day-4 Leh : Acclimatization and Leh SS
Day-5 Leh-Nubra & stay @ Nubra
Day-6 Nubra-Leh & Leh SS
Day-7 Leh – Pangong
Day-8 Pangong – Tso Moriri – Leh
Day-9 Leh – Kargil
Day-10 Kargil – Srinagar
Vijay do it like:
Day-7 Leh – Pangong Tso
Day-8 Pangong Tso – Leh
Day-9 Leh – Kargil
Day-10 Kargil – Srinagar
OR
Day-7 Leh – Pangong Tso – Leh
Day-8 Leh – Tso Moriri –
Day-9 Tso Moriri – Sarchu
Day-10 Sarchu – Manali
Hi,
Is it possible to explore Ladakh in 3days?
Monday, August 12th, 2013 > Overnight @Leh
Tuesday, Auguest 13th, 2013 > Local Sightseeing + Inner Permit
Wednesday, Auguest 14th, 2013 > Local Sightseeing + Inner Permit
Thursday, August 15th, 2013 > Local Sightseeing + Inner Permit
Friday, August 16th, 2013 > Leh Manali Highway
Saturday, August 17th, 2013 > Leh Manali Highway
Sunday, August 18th, 2013 > Chandigarh
I am not able to calculate NUbra Valley & Pansong valley. I need to stay @NubraValley.
Can you please help.
Regards,
Mahesh.
Mahesh, if above is the case then at max. you can do is:
Monday, August 12th, 2013 > Overnight @Leh + Acclimatize
Tuesday, Auguest 13th, 2013 > Local Sightseeing + Inner Permit + Acclimatize
Wednesday, Auguest 14th, 2013 > Leh – Khardung La – Nubra Valley (Diskit/Hunder) – Leh
Thursday, August 15th, 2013 > Leh – Pangong Tso – Leh
It will be very very hectic in any case. Better leave out Nubra Valley and do just day trip to Khardung La and return to rest at Leh.
HI Deheeraj,
Thanks for your quick response.
If i extend a day then ?
I dont want to miss Nubra valley & Pansong Lake.
I was planning to visit Pansong on return journey during Leh Manali, but then HPTC doesn’t cover Pansong lake!!
Yes Mahesh, extend a day and then you can make two day trip to Nubra Valley as given above in the article.
Will i get any transport for six members in Leh for Leh-Pansong-Manali with overnight stay @Pang?
I searched a bit & found the expense other than HPTC is huge.
This is my last search, else i will extend a day.
Thanks.
For the leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2013-14 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here. You can get about 10-12% of discount by directly getting in touch with drivers and of course, talking in person rather on phone always help in bargaining more.
Talk to some of these drivers and they will agree for it.
Dear Dheeraj
As we have conformed tickets booked from jammu for return journey and we plan to cover both manali-leh and leh-srinagar in our itinerary I request you to please help us with itinerary for going by manali-leh route and return via leh-srinagar route. We have total 13 Days in hand
Thanking you in advance
Moin, you can follow the below itinerary:
Day 1 | Delhi – Manali/Solang Valley
— Better stay at Solang Valley and avoid Manali as sleeping at Solang Valley does help in acclimatization
— If going by own car, get the permit made in advance to drive on Manali – Rohtang Pass road through hotel/travel agent in Manali
— Overnight at Manali/Solang Valley
Day 2 | Manali/Solang Valley – Keylong/Jispa
— It is always better to stay either at Keylong/Jispa so that you do not feel sick or hit by AMS.
— Avoid sleeping at Sarchu at any cost while going to Leh from Manali because your body will not be acclimatized by the time you reach there.
— I prefer staying at Jispa more because Keylong gives the feeling of a town while Jispa is more closer to nature having Bhaga river running just aside the Manali – Leh Highway at Jispa.
— Overnight at Keylong/Jispa
Day 3 | Keylong/Jispa – Leh
— Leave Keylong/Jispa early next morning, say by 4/5 AM types, so that you reach Leh in the evening.
— Overnight at Leh
Day 4 | Leh Local Sightseeing + Inner Line Permits
— To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
— For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
— Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – 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 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 | Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang
— Cover Karzok Monastery
— Overnight at Karzok or Tso Moriri
Day 9 | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring (Manali – Leh Highway starts) – Taglang La – Upshi – Leh
— Come back via Tso Kar and Manali – Leh Highway to Leh
— Overnight at Leh
Day 10 | 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 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
Day 12 | Kargil – Drass – Zozi La – Sonamarg – Srinagar
— Enjoy the vistas enroute
— Have late drunch meal at Sonamarg
— Overnight at Srinagar
Day 13 | Srinagar – Jammu
— Overnight at Jammu
Amazing…I believe…this shows why Kashmir is called heaven on earth…not only the DAl lakes but there are enough exotic places which makes it a paradise on earth
Thank Anjan, it indeed is heaven on earth. But this is in Ladakh not in Kashmir which has a different beauty too 🙂
Dear Dheeraj
We are 5 people on our individual bikes all are 150CC. Will reach Ambala cantt on 18th june 2013 morning. we have total 13 days in hand we are going by manali- Leh route and would return by leh – Srinagar route. Request you if you could help us with best possible Itinerary. We wish to cover as much as possible
Thanking you in advance
Hi Moin,
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 travelers including me at the link here for 14-15 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Very nice post. Good details and you have covered all relevant points. I am bookmarking this for reference 🙂
Thanks a ton!! Sure, please let me know in case any help is required for planning your trip to Ladakh 🙂
Just beautiful.
thanks alot
Hi Deepak,
Firstly, thanks a lot buddy. Just came across your blog 2 days back, you are really doing a fantastic job. I really envy you considering you are a software engineer and still manage to travel adequately to serve your appetite. Well Done!
I am looking forward to your suggestion on my plan. Have charted different (4-5) plans and to me looks like the most suited to my time frame will be the below one.
We are traveling on our private car. We are 2 couple and another friend of ours.
Considering the our members and duration of our trip, I have decided not to return via Sarchu-Manali. Will it be possible to return via Sarchu in the same time frame as via Srinagar?
My intentions are to travel the road, enjoy the scenic beauty and touch Leh only and travel local Leh and return.
Could you suggest if my below plan seems OK? Would Kargil and Nubra Tents be safe?
9-Aug Ludhiana to Srinagar
10-Aug Srinagar to Kargil
11-Aug Kargil to Leh
12-Aug Leh Local + Inner permit
13-Aug Leh to Nubra Valley
14 Aug Nubra to Leh
15 Aug Leh to Kargil
16 Aug Kargil to Srinagar
17-Aug Srinagar to Ludhiana
18-Aug Buffer
Thank you,
Regards – Himanshu
Hi Himanshu,
Thanks alot 🙂 … yes, some how I try my best to manage. I will suggets you follow something like below to complete the entire circuit.
9-Aug Ludhiana to Srinagar
10-Aug Srinagar to Kargil
11-Aug Kargil to Leh
12-Aug Leh Local + Inner permit
13-Aug Leh to Nubra Valley
14 Aug Nubra to Leh
15 Aug Leh to Pangong Tso to Leh
16 Aug Leh to Sarchu
17-Aug Sarchu to Manali
18-Aug Buffer
Regards
Dheeraj
Another wonderful post inviting me to pack bags and start for Nubra Valley and Laddakh 🙂
Thanks alot Prasad, don’t wait at all!! Just head over to it 😉
Why do we have to return to Leh everytime we go to Diskit/Hunder/Pangong Lake?
Any specefic reason for doing so?
Reason is that we do not have other routes that can be followed alternatively with ease and comfort of majority of people. There are two routes that goes to Pangong Tso from Nubra Valley, one via Wari La and other via Shyok Village. While the former is very desolated and very long and the latter is more desolated, landslide prone, mostly closed but shorter route. Rarely people take them and even the local drivers are afraid of taking them 😀
Thanks a lot for providing this useful information. 🙂
Hi Dheeraj , we are planning Leh in first week of July, While going to leh i want to take the shimla – narkanda – kalpa – Kaza – grumphu route to reach keylong and then proceed from there in normal route till leh
I am doing this to get some acclamatization to altitudes before hitting ladakh and also enjoy a little bit of Spiti lauhaul( we want to spend more time in ladakh as thats going to be the core of our trip)
We are planning to hire a taxi(innova may be) in shimla for the entire trip. Planning to end it in chandigarh in the same taxi.
Day 1 – Shimla to Kalpa
Day 2 – Kalpa to Kaza
Day 3 – Kaza day sight seeing / or chandra taal
Day 4 – Kaza to Sarchu
Day 5 – Sarchu to leh
Day 6 – Rest/ get Permits
Day 7 and Day 8 – Khardung,diskit,hunder, nubra valley ( Take a leh’s local taxi for this )
Day 9 – Leh to Pangong tso ( again take a leh’s local taxi for this )
Day 10 – Pangong tso – chumathong – nyoma – Tso moriri
Day 11 – Tso Moriri – Sarchu ( Catch up with our old Shimla taxi guy here )
Day 12 – Sarchu – Manali
Day 13 – Manali – Chandigarh
SO the whole idea here is that – we get to leh from shimla via kaza in a HP registered taxi. While in leh we will do the hunder/diskit curcuit in a local taxi. And then ask the HP taxi guy to start in the normal route and wait for us in Sarchu. While we will take a local taxi and do pangong tso – tso moriri- sarchu in three days
Catch up with our HP taxi guy in sarchu and come back
All this to save time.
What do you think?
Thanks
Hi Sandeep,
Though the plan is fine but you will end up having to do Pangong Tso as day trip and then doing Leh to Tso Moriri because permits to Tso Moriri to Pangong Tso direct route are not being issued since last year. Also, not sure how much cost you will save while asking for Shimla taxi to wait. Better have a drop to Leh with it and then hire Ladakh taxi for rest of the tour to Manali. Rest seems fine to me.
Regards
Dheeraj
Superb write up Dheeraj!
Just to add, Turtuk, the last village on the Indian side of LOC is now open to tourists and is a must visit in Nubra. Turtuk can be done as a day trip from Hundar and the whole route is as scenic as the village itself. One mustn’t miss on this.
Thanks aashish bhai!! Yes, Turtuk is already there as a MUST VISIT 🙂 … But, you know how most of us travel with least leaves 😀