There are many of us who are looking for a budget trip to Leh Ladakh but one of the major challenges in making a budget trip to Leh Ladakh is the cost at which taxis are available. So, in order to cut short the budget, we look forward to Leh Ladakh bus services or other means of transport shared transport like shared taxis to save more money.
Before I share the information about the bus services in Leh Ladakh, let us check out what other options you have to travel in Ladakh apart from the buses.
Let's quickly dive into the details:
Shared Taxis in Ladakh
If you are a solo traveler, then private taxis are very costly in Ladakh, but you will be able to find the shared taxi without much fuss at all, mostly. There are lots of flyers that people put at cafes, dine-ins, restaurants, travel agent desks/shops/whiteboards wanting to share the taxis for different trips within Ladakh.
Even travel agents organize such a shared taxis trip as well but charge a little higher about Rs 200-300 more than it would ideally cost. So, in the worst case, you can always go back to them and book a seat for yourself.
Gelling up with people in Ladakh is more or less easy because many people travel solo and look forward to meeting new people and share cultural thoughts and values over the trip. Nowhere else in the world you will find more smiling and helpful people as Ladakhis are 🙂
Leh Ladakh Bus Services
If the shared taxi is not your cup of tea, then, in that case, the bus services in Leh Ladakh are the only means of commute left for you. Lately, I was able to get hold of the timetable of bus services in Ladakh.
In a nutshell, today in this article I will be sharing the details of various bus services available in Leh Ladakh. You can opt for these buses in case either you are looking to save budget and not interested in shared taxis OR if you are looking for an adventure of a different kind in a local way 🙂 🙂 …
Yeah, believe me, traveling in Leh – Ladakh by bus or public transport is an entirely different experience. It gives you the local perspective of life.
I will share with you complete details about the rates and timetable of bus services in Leh Ladakh. Apart from the buses within Leh Ladakh, I will also cover buses running on the Manali Leh route and Srinagar Leh bus services too. Recently, HRTC started a direct bus service on Delhi – Manali – Leh route.
I am sure the details in this article will help you plan your trip to Ladakh by public transport.
Local Bus Services in Leh Town
In a welcoming step from Leh administration in 2018, public transport in Leh (as daily public transport buses) has been launched within Leh town. Leh administration has launched buses to operate between Leh and various nearby villages around Leh.
What makes this s special is that now Leh town will be connected with Leh airport by daily buses, which means that you no longer have to rely on just a taxi service for a pickup and drop. These buses will save budget travelers close to Rs 1000 on their Ladakh trip 🙂 …
In other cases, tourists, in general, used to rent scooty or bikes to travel within Leh for visiting tourist attractions around Leh town. Some tourists also opt for private taxis for the commute but they are a bit costly.
If you have been to Ladakh, you might know that the majority of transport within Ladakh is dependent upon private tourists taxis which are costly and for some travelers, it makes it difficult to have a trip to Ladakh on a budget.
Public Transport in Leh – Bus Timetable
The introduction of these bus services in Leh will help many tourists save costs, especially from the airport, moving around Leh, a visit to Phyang or Choglamsar or Spituk monasteries. Some of the bus routes also cover the Shey monastery, Thiksey monastery, Hemis monastery, and Stakna monastery, which are quite popular among the tourist circuits.
All these buses will depart from the Leh main gate and end up on the same location except the ones running between Tourist Information Center and Airport. Well, as the bus will drop the tourists to the Tourist Information Center, it will be easy for the tourists to get the online permit stamped immediately and fees paid for their inner line permits.
You can find below the routes from Leh to nearby villages for which has been started this year.
- Bus from Leh to Sakti (via Shey – Thicksey) –
- 8.15 AM Departure, 9.45 AM Arrival
- 1.30 PM Departure, 2.30 PM Arrival
- 2.30 PM Departure, 3.30 PM Arrival
- 3.30 PM Departure, 4.30 PM Arrival
- 4.30 PM Departure, 5.30 PM Arrival
- Bus from Sakti to Leh (via Shey – Thicksey) – 8.30 AM Departure, 9.30 AM Arrival
- Bus from Karu to Leh (via Shey – Thicksey) – 8.30 AM Departure, 9.30 AM Arrival
- Bus from Cemday to Leh (via Shey – Thicksey) – 8.30 AM Departure, 9.30 AM Arrival
- Bus from Igoo to Leh (via Shey – Thicksey) – 8.30 AM Departure, 9.30 AM Arrival
- Bus from Leh to Stakna (via Chuchot) – 4.30 PM Departure, 5.30 PM Arrival
- Bus from Stakna to Leh (via Chuchot) – 8.45 AM Departure, 9.45 AM Arrival
- Bus from Leh to Martselang (via Changa and Hemis) – 8.30 AM Departure, 9.30 AM Arrival
- Bus from Martselang (via Changa and Hemis) to Leh – 4.30 PM Departure, 5.30 PM Arrival
- Bus from Choglamsar to Leh (frequency every 10 minutes) – 8.30 AM Departure, 8.50 AM Arrival
- Bus from Leh to Choglamsar (frequency every 10 minutes, last bus 8.00 PM) – 9.00 AM Departure, 9.20 AM Arrival
- Bus from Leh to Shara (via Shey – Thicksey) – 8.30 AM Departure, 9.45 AM Arrival
- Bus from Leh to Spituk (frequency every one hour, last bus 6 PM) – 8.30 AM Departure, 9.00 AM Arrival
- Bus from Spituk to Leh (frequency every one hour, last bus 6 PM) – 9.00 AM Departure, 9.30 AM Arrival
- Bus from Leh to Phyang –
- 9.00 AM Departure, 9.30 AM Arrival
- 2.30 PM Departure, 3.00 PM Arrival
- 4.30 PM Departure, 5.00 PM Arrival
- Bus from Phyang to Leh –
- 8.00 AM Departure, 8.30 AM Arrival
- 4.15 PM Departure, 4.45 PM Arrival
- Bus from Leh to Agling (frequency every one hour, last bus 6 PM) – 8.30 AM Departure, 9.00 AM Arrival
- Bus from Agling to Leh (frequency every one hour, last bus 6 PM) – 9.00 AM Departure, 9.30 AM Arrival
- Bus from Leh to Skalzangling (frequency every 15 minutes, last bus 8 PM) – 8.30 AM Departure, 8.45 AM Arrival
- Bus from Skalzangling to Leh (frequency every 15 minutes, last bus 8 PM) – 8.45 AM Departure, 9.00 AM Arrival
- Bus from Leh to Gompa and back –
- 8.45 AM Departure, 9.15 AM Arrival
- 4.30 PM Departure, 5.00 PM Arrival
- Bus from Tourist Information Center to Leh Airport and back –
- 6.00 AM Departure, 6.15 AM Arrival
- 6.30 AM Departure, 6.45 AM Arrival
Leh – Nubra Valley Bus Services
Nubra Valley is well connected to Leh by buses and other public transport. Many buses run from Leh to many villages of Nubra Valley including Diskit, Turtuk, Panamik, Skuroo, Charsa, etc..
Even within Nubra Valley, Diskit village is also well connected from both the ends of the valley that is Diskit to Panamik and Diskit to Turtuk.
Sightseeing in Nubra Valley is divided into two parts, one section has Diskit – Hunder – Turtuk on one side and the other section has Sumur – Panamik villages.
Leh – Diskit – Hunder – Turtuk Bus Services
Bus from Leh to Diskit, Nubra Valley leaves at 6.00 AM every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. The bus from Diskit to Leh returns the next day and leaves from Diskit at 7.00 AM in the morning.
Then, a starts from Leh to Skuroo at 6 AM every Tuesday and Thursday, which is a bit ahead of Thoise. Hence, if you want to stay at Hunder, you can travel by this bus because it will fall on the way from Diskit to Skuroo.
Finally, on this side of Nubra Valley, one bus goes to Turtuk from Leh every Saturday at 6 AM from Leh bus stand.
Leh – Sumur – Panamik Bus Services
If I talk about the other side of the Nubra Valley, the bus from Leh to Panamik leaves every Tuesday from Leh bus stand. You can get down at Sumur if you are interested in visiting Sumur else go all the way up to Panamik.
Finally, one bus runs between Leh and Charsa village which is a little ahead of Sumur every Saturday. This bus leaves Leh bus stand at 6 AM.
Diskit – Turtuk & Diskit – Panamik
There is a daily bus that runs from Diskit to Turtuk at 2.30 PM, and then the same bus returns to Diskit from Turtuk at 6.00 AM. The daily bus from Panamik to Diskit runs every day at 7.30 AM.
Bus Fares | Leh – Nubra Valley Buses
- The one-way bus fare for Leh to Diskit bus service costs about Rs 197.
- The one-way bus fare for Leh to Skuroo bus service costs about Rs 256.
- The one-way bus fare for Leh to Turtuk bus service costs about Rs 316.
- The one-way bus fare for Leh to Charsa bus service costs about Rs 280.
- The one-way bus fare for Leh to Panamik bus service costs about Rs 287.
- The one-way bus fare for Panamik – Diskit bus service is about Rs 75
- The one-way bus fare for Turtuk – Diskit bus service is about Rs 80
You can refer the detailed guide on Leh to Nubra Valley Bus Service – Timings, Rates & FAQs
Leh – Pangong Tso Bus Services
There are only a couple of buses that run between Leh and Pangong Tso. The buses from Leh to Pangong Tso starts every Saturday and Sunday at 6.30 AM from Leh bus stand. The one-way bus fare from Leh to Pangong Tso is Rs 256.
This means that only two buses are available in a week to travel from Leh to Pangong Tso by bus. So, plan your trip to Pangong Tso lake on these dates only in case you are interested in traveling by bus from Leh to Pangong.
Some buses travel to nearby villages of Pangong Tso like Tangtse, about 34 km away from Lukung. Then there is another bus that travels to Phobrang, and you can get down at Lukung on that bus. Lukung is the first village that comes on the Pangong Tso shore.
Finally, some buses make a trip to Chusul from Leh, which you can board as well. You will have to get down at Tangtse and then cover the rest of the journey to Pangong Tso by hitchhiking.
So, there is limited connectivity of buses from Leh to Pangong Tso in a week and you have to match the schedule accordingly.
You can refer the detailed guide on Leh to Pangong Tso Bus Service – Timings, Rates & FAQs
Leh – Tso Moriri Bus Services
Bus from Leh to Tso Moriri leaves at 6.30 AM every 10th, 20th and 30th day of the month, return the next day. The charges are about Rs 370.
When it comes to traveling to Tso Moriri from Leh, the options are very limited in a month. Only three buses in a month run from Leh to Tso Moriri every 10th, 20th, and 30th day of the month. The Leh to Tso Moriri bus leaves at 6.30 AM on these dates from Leh bus stand.
So, you are pretty much tied down when it comes to traveling to Tso Moriri by public transport.
The bus fare of Leh to Tso Moriri bus service is Rs 370.
If you miss the bus to Tso Moriri from Leh or the bus dates are not matching your schedule, few buses run from Leh to Chumathang, Koyul, Tsaga, Loma. You can travel to either Chumathang or get down at Mahe ridge on the buses going towards Loma, Nyoma, or Hanle. Then hitchhike from Chumathang or Mahe to Tso Moriri.
You can refer the detailed guide on Leh to Tso Moriri Bus Service – Timings, Rates & FAQs
Leh – Hanle Bus Services
Bus from Leh to Hanle leaves at 6.30 AM every Saturday and returns the next day from Hanle to Leh. The charges are about Rs 492. There is also a bus that travels to Koyul, you can get down near Rhongo or Loma bend and then travel to Hanle by hitchhiking.
Srinagar Leh Bus Services
Srinagar Leh route is well connected by bus services and public transport in Ladakh. JKSRTC runs some of these buses, and private tour operators run some. The shared local taxis are also an option to travel between Srinagar and Leh.
These buses are deluxe, semi-deluxe with cushioned seats and standard buses. So, you can see that quite a few options exist on this major route connecting Ladakh with Srinagar.
You can get the bus from Srinagar at the Tourist reception center near Dal lake at 8 AM every day. The bus will halt ar Kargil and will reach Leh next evening. The Kargil stay is not included in the bus fare and has to be managed by yourself.
The super deluxe bus from Srinagar to Leh charges around Rs 1320 per person and semi-deluxe bus fare is Rs 925 per person from Srinagar to Leh. If you prefer to travel by a standard bus from Srinagar to Leh, the bus fare is Rs 470. You can also split the journey at Kargil and then take Kargil to Leh bus service the next day.
Leh Srinagar Bus – Return Journey
The return journey of Leh to Srinagar bus service starts at 2.30 PM every day from Leh bus stand. It does the 434 KM long journey on Srinagar Leh Highway without night stop to arrive in Srinagar at 7.30 AM.
The private bus operators who run tempo travelers and other mini-buses between Leh and Srinagar charges between Rs 1000-1500. They start in the evening and run overnight to reach Srinagar the next day. The mini-buses provides good comfort because of the cushioned seats.
In the early season, the timings of the buses will be dependent on the timings of Zojila pass.
You can refer the detailed guide on Srinagar to Leh Bus Service – Timings, Rates & FAQs
Jammu Leh Bus Services
You should be aware that there does not exist any direct bus from Jammu to Leh. So, you have to reach Srinagar first and then travel from Srinagar to Leh. However, in this article, I can provide the details of Jammu to Srinagar by bus.
Jammu – Srinagar Bus Service
The public transport buses from Jammu to Srinagar leave at 7 AM from JKSRTC stand which is located nearby Tourist Reception Center at Residency road. The bus running from Srinagar to Jammu also leaves at 7 AM in the morning.
The Jammu – Srinagar bus takes about 10-11 hrs to reach depending upon the traffic situation and any roadblocks on the way
The bus fare of Jammu – Srinagar bus service is Rs 445, Rs 325 and Rs 220 for super deluxe, deluxe and standard buses respectively.
If you plan to stay overnight at Jammu, it is better to stay near Residency road only. The auto-rickshaws will take about Rs 70-80 to take you to the TRC or JKSRTC counter in the morning.
Bus Services from Manali to Leh to Manali
There are two types of buses that run on Manali Leh Highway by govt. department. One bus service is run by HRTC (transport department) and the other bus service from Leh to Manali is run by HPTDC (tourist department).
The HRTC bus service starts as soon as the Manali Leh Highway is opened for tourists. While HPTDC semi-deluxe bus from Manali to Leh starts in July and runs up to 15th September.
As per the departments, the HPTDC being a tourist bus stops at all sightseeing places on Manali Leh Highway while the HRTC bus will stop only for tea or food stops.
Manali Leh HPTDC Bus Service
The semi-deluxe HPTDC bus starts from Manali at 10.00 AM and reaches Keylong in the evening around 4-5 PM. The bus will then begin the journey from Keylong to Leh 4-5 AM in the morning and reaches Leh by late evening. Every year HPTDC publishes the schedule of Manali Leh bus service on its official website.
In the opposite direction, the bus starts from Leh at 5 AM, reaches Keylong at 7 PM. Then the bus leaves Keylong at 7 AM and reaches Manali by afternoon.
The total fare of the HPTDC semi-deluxe bus from Manali to Leh with an overnight stop at Keylong is Rs 2900 (as of 2018). The bus includes a night stay at HPTDC Hotel Chandrabhaga in tents. Dinner and breakfast are also provided within the fare of the bus.
You can book the bus tickets from the official website of HPTDC.
HRTC Bus Service from Manali to Leh
HRTC runs two buses between Manali and Leh. One is the direct bus that starts from Manali and reaches Leh by evening, covering the journey in 17 hrs. You can take this direct bus from Manali to Leh from Manali bus stand.
This bus leaves at 4 AM from Manali and reaches Leh in the late evening. The one-way fare of this direct bus service from Manali to Leh is Rs 833.
You can also take the bus from Manali to Keylong, which leaves at 8 AM from Manali and reaches Keylong at 2 PM. Next morning you can travel from Keylong to Leh by another HRTC bus that leaves at 5.00 AM from Keylong.
The Manali – Keylong bus fare is about Rs 174 and for Keylong – Leh bus service, you may have to pay Rs 550.
You can refer the detailed guide on Manali to Leh Bus Service – Timings, Rates & FAQs
Delhi – Leh Bus Service
HRTC runs a daily direct bus from Delhi to Leh that starts from Kashmere Gate every day around 2-4 PM (2.30 PM as of now). The total distance of 1050 KM from Delhi to Leh is covered by this direct bus in about 35 odd hrs over two days. The bus takes the night halt at Keylong.
The bus reaches Keylong in the late afternoon the next day from its start in Delhi. Like other HRTC buses from Manali to Leh, this bus does not bear your stay and food prices at Keylong. You have to search for your hotel and find food for you for night and morning. The next morning, the bus leaves Keylong at 5 AM and reaches Leh by sunset.
In the opposite direction, the HRTC bus starts from Leh at 5 AM and reaches Keylong by sunset for an overnight stay. The next morning, it starts from Keylong at 6.30 AM to reach Delhi by 3.30 AM in the night.
The total bus fare for Delhi to Leh direct bus service is Rs 1380. Hence, a return journey in this direct HRTC bus service from Delhi to Leh and Leh to Delhi will cost you Rs 2760.
You can book the tickets for this direct bus from Delhi to Leh at the HRTC ticket counter at Delhi, Kashmere Gate ISBT terminal. You can only purchase these tickets from the ticket counter at Delhi or Leh bus stand.
Private Taxis in Leh – Ladakh
You can check the Leh Ladakh taxi union rate list 2020 – 21 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh. The rates of the taxis are pretty costly. However, you can get about 12-15% discount by directly getting in touch with drivers and of course, talking in person rather on the 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.
At times while traveling from Srinagar to Leh, you might need to work out a few things if there have been some tensions in the taxi unions of Kargil and Leh. To settle it out, what they do is that they make a transit point just before Fotu La while going to Leh from Kargil.
All Leh taxis stop there and Kargil taxis too. They exchange passengers and move back in respective directions. Leh taxis take passengers to Leh coming from Srinagar/Kargil, and Kargil guys take passengers to Srinagar/Kargil coming from Leh. But, that happens only when there is an issue.
Conclusion
I am sure this article will help you make a trip to Leh Ladakh by bus and plan your sightseeing in Ladakh by bus services or public transport.
This will help you save money on the Ladakh trip and also help you get a different kind of adventure and experience altogether. It is like living the life of a local in Ladakh.
You can also follow me on Instagram and ask your questions in a direct message on Instagram too. I also conduct a weekly Q&A session every Saturday evening on Instagram.
If you like this article, please share it with your friends and family who are on a budget and planning to make a trip to Ladakh by public transport. Of course, if you have any questions or doubts, please feel free to ask me in the comments section of the article.
500 Comments
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Great post ! Really helpful. Just one quick question, doest this bus schedule operate throughout the year ? Or any season or months when there is no bus service at all ? Thanks much.
Melti, the schedule is throughout the year. However, these could be stopped in case road and weather conditions are not favorable.
Hello Dheeraj,
I am planning for Chandrataal Turtuk and Hanle this season in July 2018, Looking at the fact that there is no bus to Chandrataal 🙁
Can you please suggest if I can hire a cab from Manali to Chandrataal on first day and then on next day if I can get dropped at Keylong and then catch bus from Keylong to Leh on third day? Basically I don’t want to waste one day by coming back to Manali from chandrataal and then catch Leh bus from Manali
Also, can you suggest if I need any permits while travelling through bus or cab?
You can first read: Chandratal Lake | Cheapest Ways To Travel There
Once you are through it, we can talk about more options on other questions
Hello dheeraj.
Will you please tell me about the buses from leh to Manali.
Hello Ravina,
The buses from Leh to Manali? You mean the timing and all? HRTC buses have started running for the season.
Hi Sir,
Thank you for the info
I am planing leh trip in mid june.
I plan to go to jammu tawi by train
Then from jammu tawi to jammu bus stand (Can you help in transport options here)
From Jammu bus stand to Srinagar by bus (Can you help in transport options here)
Then from Srinagar to Leh i will search for Pvt cab (Where will find pvt cab and how much will be the cost)
Is the above plan fine?
Hi Jack,
1. You will surely get some mini buses or shared taxis/auto running between Train station and bus station
2. Srinagar buses usually leave in the morning from Jammu to Srinagar and shared taxis leave in night or early morning.
3. A private taxi can be booked either by calling the drivers directly or by going to tourist reception center taxi stand. 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.
Also, go through: How to make a budget Ladakh trip by public transport
Thanks, thank you for such valuable info.
I’l call up these taxi guys specially the ones of Srinagar to Leh
Great, best wishes for the trip !!
Hi Dheeraj sir.. you can give me your email id , i’l send you a draft about my ladakh trip, gimme feedback on it
Just replied to your comment. Sorry for the delay.
Hi Dheeraj,
I’m planning to take a bus from Leh to Srinagar this march 18. do you think it is possible? I mean the road. is it open?
thanks 🙂
No, the Srinagar – Leh Highway will open in the month of May
Do you know any other alternative from leh to srinagar aside from taxi? N cheaper
Thank you
Public transport, JKSRTC buses run between Srinagar and Leh. Also, shared taxis cost about Rs 1500 per seat
Hai.. Dheeraj thanks for your post
Is the srinagar-leh bus service available on may first week.. i will plan for a leh trip on may first..
Ajeer, the first week of May is when the road from Srinagar to Leh gets open or is about to open. The JKSRTC bus service generally starts only after BRO declares the highway to be safe for travel and stabilized from snow slides. I will suggest postponing the trip by mid May.
Hi Dheeraj, really appreciate your valuable post.
I’m planning for Leh by next July. Please let me know if I can book the ticket from Manali/Keylong to Leh.. on the same morning of departure? And is it crowded while boarding?
Hey Nikum, you can book the tickets on the same morning but mostly the station gets crowded. It is recommended to get the ticket, a minimum of evening/day in advance. It does get crowded mostly.
Is there any Jksrtc buses available from leh to nubra valley and leh to pangong tso ???
Yes, Tony. Please refer the time table above. Deskit/Hunder is Nubra and Spangmik/Lukung is Pangong Tso.
Hi Dheeraj we are planning to visit Leh (Delhi to Leh by Air) to srinagar in month of Oct.
Actually this our family trip with the members of 7 people and one child.
Pl suggest best possible way to reach Srinagar from Leh via bus.
Pl also mention the availability of sleeper buses and their fares in that location.
As you are 7 people, best will be to hire a taxi and reach Srinagar from Leh. Cost will be almost similar with added comfort.
Sir, From which point can i catch Jksrtc jammu to Srinagar bus.. From Jksrtc bus stand or some where else ?
I believe from JKSRTC bus stand only.
Sir, May i know the Jksrtc bus timings of Jammu to Srinagar ?
I am sharing below more info. shared by one of the members of DwD Community recently. Hope this will help you
May I know if Jksrtc bus from Jammu to Srinagar advance booking is available?
No Tony, there is no advance bookings available. Max. you may be able to do will be buying the ticket from the counter an evening before.
Sir, We are from Kerala and we are plaining a low budget trip ladakh by bus coming october. So that how can we go to Srinagar by bus if we reach jammu tawi railway by 2 pm ? If we will reach Monday by 2 pm at jammu tawi, can we catch a Jksrtc bus that day itself to srinagar ? And is there any Jksrtc bus starting afternoon and time ?
Tony, you will not get any bus AFAIK in evening to Srinagar. There may be some shared taxis that might be leaving for Srinagar at night though.
AFAIK means ?
As far as I Know 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
Please tell me if there any bus service/shared taxi service from tso moriri to manali, as I want to return back to manali from tso rather that I go to leh and than take bus for manali.
Regards,
Manoj Chauhan
No Manoj, you will not find any such bus service or shared taxi. You have to arrange such a tourist taxi either from Leh or return back to Leh to travel back to Manali.
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for such a detailed post. I have few queries though.
1> Where is the ST stand located in Leh?
2> Iam planning to go to Nubra by local bus, so have some questions. Have you or anyone u know traveled by these local buses? wanted to understand how is the experience? And how early should one book the tickets? does the bus get overcrowded ?
3> Will the HPTDC bus services be available till end of Sept? I am planning to travel back from Leh in the last week of Sept. If it is not, then what is the other way to get back from Leh other than flights and how much will that cost?
4> Can u suggest some offbeat places in Ladakh one can explore?
Suddu
Hi Suddu,
1. Anyone will be able to easily guide you to Leh bus stand, it is near Old Leh road.
2. I have not personally travelled on it. Bus tickets can be booked day in advance. If budget is not too much concern, best will be to get shared tourist taxi that will allow sightseeing too.
3. HPTDC bus service generally ends by September 15th
4. How many days do you have in hand?
Thanks Dheeraj.
I am reaching on 1st sept, will be doing a trek till 10 sept, planning to return on 20th sept. So I have 10 days in hand to see places-from 10-20 sept. If HPTDC bus is only till 15th, can you suggest any alternate cheaper way to get out of leh on 20th?
Thanks
Suddu, there will be shared tourist taxis available there running between Manali and Leh. Also, HRTC buses continue to run unless it is declared unsafe to travel in October.
Can you suggest some offbeat locations to visit in Ladakh?
Suddu, there is Turtuk, Hanle, route from Pangong tso to Hanle to Tso Moriri, Around Hanle, Dah Hanu Villages, Ride to Chilling village from Nimmu.
Hi there,
I would like to know are the deluxe buses from Srinagar to Leh or Leh to Srinagar with sleeper seats or normal seats ? How much does it cost? We are looking for a comfortable travelling.
Now Sean, these buses have normal seat and do not have sleeper seats. The ticket is about Rs 700 up to Leh from Srinagar.
Hi Dheeraj,
Its really helpful, Thanks. Could u please tell me if I go Leh to Pangong Tso by bus, where the bus will stop and how to reach Pangong TSO Lake from there? and when the bus will return to LEH? Please suggest some budget accommodation near lake.
Bus will reach the Lukunk village and I think it goes all the way up to Spangmik. Both the villages are at the Pangong tso lake only from where lake is about 600-800 Mtrs walk. Best will be to stay at homestays at Spangmik village
Hi Dheeraj
I have a question for you
Two of us will be traveling from Srinagar to Leh on August 31. Is it necessary to break the journey at Kargil OR can one reach Leh on the same day. We are in our early sixties, but more or less physically fit. What are the traveling options? Share taxis available? What will be the cost per head ? what time do they depart from Srinagar usually and from where ?
Do you have any contact numbers of any shared taxi drivers or agency?
Thanks in advance.. Sharmila
It is highly recommended to break the journey at KArgil. Not only you will get break from 16 hrs journey but also you will be able to acclimatize better before reaching Leh and enjoy more of sightseeing instead of worrying about reach Leh. You should read: How to make a budget Ladakh trip by public transport
Thanks for the advice. We will have a night halt at Kargil. Next day we plan to take the Batalik Dha Indus Valley Route instead of the Srinagar-Leh highway. Will stop at Lamaru monastery and confluence of Indus-Zanskar, before reaching Leh
Doing all this in one day could be a bit tiring or you will just be touching the place and running to reach the destination.
Dear Dheeraj,
Website for HPTDC is updated as,
http://hptdc.in/index.php/manali-leh-manali-deluxe-bus-schedule/
Thanks
Thank you Yogesh for sharing the updated info.
which is the best way to reach leh/ladakh, whether it from manali or from srinagar
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
hi,
thanks for a great deal of information, it was extremely helpful…i’m planning to do lamayuru to padum trek and i have three questions…1. do i take a leh-kargil bus to get dropped at lamayuru or there’s any other option there!?…2. how long does it take to reach lamayuru by bus!?…3. do i get a bus back from padum to leh!?…
thanks once again…
angshu…
Yes Angshu, yes you need to take Leh – Kargil bus to get a drop to Lamayuru. Shared taxis to Lamayuru will also be available. It will take about 4-5 Hrs to reach Lamayuru from Leh in a bus. No direct bus from Padum to Leh. You need to take the bus from Padum to Kargil OR shared taxi which is more frequent. Then, Kargil to Leh bus will follow.
Thanks for all the posts. Really helpful. Me and my husband are planning Ladak in July and want to book bus from Leh to Delhi. Can I know how I can book it online ?
Hi Aanya,
You can visit the HRTC website to book the basic public transport bus from Leh to Manali or Leh to Manali to Delhi. Or you can go to HPTDC website and book a semi deluxe bus from Leh to Manali that costs Rs 2900 including stay at Keylong and then book volvo to travel from Manali to Delhi.
Hii.. Do all state roadways buses will start plying from July 1 , as i am planning to take a solo trip from June 20 by bus ? Will I be able to get any bus service from Manali ?
Yes Sumit, HRTC buses have already started plying from Manali / Delhi / Keylong.
Hi Dheeraj,
You are a rare gem!!!! encouraging ordinary people (like me -without means) to quench the thirst of their wondering souls.
I visited Tirthan valley last year after reading one of your write up and yes I did stay at Raju’s cottage. Mr. Raju and his entire family (including cats and dogs) were incredible. I was low on cash but their generosity left me speechless…… (Another tale)
And now I want to go to Leh by this HRTC bus in July mid week. I will be traveling solo and have a tight budget. How many days will it take to cover Leh and Ladakh. Any possibility of weather becoming bad? Are there any good hostels available for travelers?
Thanks again for your guidance!!!!
Thank you Deepika, I am glad this blog is of such help in planning your trip !! Raju Bharti and family always rock, they are the pioneers no matter what and who comes there…
I will suggest that you read the entire article dedicated on this topic at: How to make a budget Ladakh trip by public transport
Hey Deepika,
I’m also planning a solo trip to ladakh in August and I’ve been trying to gather some info on how to make it a budget trip. After your travels, if you find the time, I hope you can briefly share your experiences, specially about traveling from place to place within ladakh using buses or shared taxis. It would be a great help. Thanks and wish you a memorable and fun trip!
Supriya
Supriya, you can also read: How to make a budget Ladakh trip by public transport and Top 10 Tips for a Solo Trip to Ladakh or Spiti Valley
Hi Dheeraj,
I could not find the answer in the comments so I will ask. The bus I see on the pictures look awfully uncomfortable for a 35 hour ride. I expect those are not sleepers. Only the deluxe bus starting on 1st of July has this?
Sam
Yes Sam, those are HRTC buses and the semi-deluxe HPTDC bus starts from Manali on 1st July and has a bus fare of Rs 2900.
Hi Dheeraj,
I am planning my trip for Leh Ladakh 07th July. I want to know can i get any buses from Srinagar which will reach Leh in Single Day.
Amol, Srinagar to Leh bus service takes night halt at Kargil. You will have to look for taxis who will be doing Srinagar – Leh in one day.
dheeraj sir we are group of 10 students and want to visit manali ,shimla and ladakh and we are having a low budget….so we are not getting a idea of travelling in low budget…can i get the suggestion to get bus or taxi or in bike
Edwin, best will be buses to be at low cost or budget travel to Leh – Ladakh. You can read: How to make a budget Ladakh trip by public transport
Hi Dheeraj,
Love your posts and help on every situation that can happen in Ladakh.
Would you please share the local bus transport services chart (days, time, locations on specific dates etc.) in Ladakh for Aug-Sep 2017.
The picture of the timetable for buses within Ladakh is already posted above in the article.
The post is from 2015. Was wondering if this is always the same. 🙂
Yes Shivang, it does not change much but I can get a fresh picture for you. Life in higher Himalayas is ultra slow 🙂
That would be great. 🙂
Dheeraj sir can u please help me with planning my trip to leh.I have a 8 day holiday in which i have to travel ladakh.could u plese tell us the places to visit there, day by day and the cheapest way to travel
Hey aditya, It will take 3 days to reach Leh from Delhi via Manali side with stopovers at Jispa, Manali and 4 days to come back to Delhi from Leh via Srinagar side with stop overs at Jammu, Srinagar, Kargil . This makes it 7 days. 1 Day is required in Leh for acclimatization. This makes it 8 days.
no sir sparing the time to travel to leh and come back i have 8 days so i want your help with that..
Best I can say, Opt to go via Manali – Leh Highway and I will suggest that you refer the thread: Manali – Leh – Ladakh – Manali | Itinerary for 9 Days
Hello, I plan to arrive at srinagar on May 28, it is possible to travel by bus to leh these days
Is it better to leave srinagar or manali, to get to leh now?
AFAIK, the bus services to Leh from Srinagar has not started yet. Only shared jeeps are running over Srinagar – Leh. Manali – Leh is not yet open but expected to open by end of May.
Goodmorning Deeraj,
You are the best consultant ever and so, I have one more question for you…rather two!!!!
1) During our time in Leh we would like to visit also Lamayuru, I have seen that it’s on the road for Srinagar, our next stop. We don’t know if is better doing up and down in a day Lah-Lamayuru or wait for the bus for Srinagar in Lamayuru. Do you know if the bus tha leave from Leh to Srinagar daily around 14.00 also stops in Lamayuru?
2) we absolutely want to go to Nubra valley, how long at the least we have to spend there? two or three days included arrival and departure, I mean)?
Thanks a lot! Hope you have a nice day
Carlotta
Hello Carlotta,
My replies as below:
1. Hmm, I am sure the bus will go through Lamayuru but since the bus will be running at night, it may or may not stop there. I am not 100% sure on it. Also, you can confirm this when you reach Leh as you are reaching there first and I also believe that there will surely be some shared cabs running to Kargil from Lamayuru in day time too and from Kargil to Srinagar buses and shared cabs will be available.
2. I will suggest at least 1-night stay covering Hunder and Deskit Villages and come back to Leh next day. If you want relaxed outing or enjoy Turtuk village as well, add one more day to the plan.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi, could you please tell where is the bus stop in Leh from where all the buses start?
It will be difficult to explain like it but once you land in Leh, almost everyone in the city will be able to guide you turn by turn to the bus stand of Leh.
Hey Dheeraj,
I appreciate all the comments that you have replied to. Helps a lot!
So here is my set of questions –
1) My girlfriend (from Japan) and I are travelling to Leh from JUNE 19 (landing at Leh early morning) to JULY 2 (flight from Delhi), would be helpful if you could suggest us an itinerary for the same.
2) If you could help us find a way back to Delhi from Leh via road (preferably bus) where we don’t miss our flight on JULY 2.
3) Would it be better to travel in a shared taxi or a local bus within Leh and why?
4) Would my girlfriend need any special permit or such for the trip?
Also if any, do share other additional pointers to keep in mind.
Thanks a bunch,
Ronak
Hi Ronak,
1. You can follow the plan suggested below
2. Refer plan below
3. Best is to get tourist shared taxis. You are alone/couple and private taxis are very costly in Leh but you will be able to find the shared taxi without much fuss at all. There are lots of flyers which people put at cafes, dine-ins, restaurants, travel agent desks/shops/whiteboards wanting to share the taxis for different trips within Ladakh. Even travel agent organize such shared taxis trip as well but charge a little higher about Rs 200-300 more than it would ideally cost. So, in worst case you can always go back to them and book a seat for yourself. Gelling up with people in Ladakh is more or less easy because many people travel solo and look forward to meet new people and share cultural thoughts and values over the trip.
4. Your girl freind will need Protected Area Permit to travel and you will need Inner Line Permit to travel.
Here is the plan I will recommend:
June 19, 20: Rest and Acclimatize in Leh. Get shared taxis schedule and patch up with others to share taxi cost
June 21, 22, 23: Nubra Valley trip from Leh and Back to Leh
Day 24, 25: Two day trip to Pangong Tso
Day 26: Rest Day in Leh.= or make a day trip to Sham Valley
Day 27, 28, 29: Travel from Leh to Tso Moriri to Manali route in case you get a taxi for it. Or rest in Leh on 27, then make two day trip to Manali.
30, 1: Rest in Manali, take overnight volvo on 30th and reach Delhi by 1st.
Helo Dheeraj..
In this month I am visiting Jammu and Kashmir along with my friends. We are total 6 members. first we visit Shree Mata Vyshno Devi Shrine in Katra(16thMay) and then we start to LEH. But I am unable to find out the RTC Buses and Tourist Buses to LEH. Would you suggest me short trip to LEH for 4 days from SVDK Katra and 5th day morning we should reach to Delhi(22nd May).
Buses will not be running during that time of the year as road would have just opened and when it opens initially only light vehicles are allowed to start with. Are you planning to fly back to Delhi from Leh? It takes 3days just to reach Leh from Katra and you will just rest one day and then fly back from Leh next day. Don’t think it is worth the risk
Hi! On 1st of august I’m going to leave from Delhi to Leh by bus, but I can’t understand some things….Firstly: how long does it take for the complete route? Where can I buy the bus ticket? May do you also know departures time from Delhi?
After that, I will reach Srinagar fron Leh (Always by bus), how long does it take and what do you think about that?
Thank you very much for your helpfulness
Best regards
Carlotta
Hello Carlotta,
Delhi to Leh bus takes about 33 Hrs of road travel. It stops one night in Keylong and then reaches Leh next day. Once the bus service starts you can either buy the ticket using HRTC.nic.in website OR you can buy tickets at the counter of ISBT Kashmere Gate bus terminal in Delhi. The bus leaves at 3.30 from Delhi everyday when Manali – Leh Highway.
Leh to Srinagar bu bus takes around 16-18 Hrs. The bus leaves Leh daily at around 2.30 PM and reaches next evening to Srinagar without any night halt.
Thanks a lot for your information!
I have another doubt: I’ve read somewhere that is not a good idea travelling by train on 15th of August because the Indipendence day could provoke some delay and also problem (strikes, demonstrations,…). Is it true or not? Do you suggest me to change my program and leave anther day from Jammu to Delhi by train?
Thanks again
Carlotta
Regarding security issues, in general the tourist areas remain safe there but bandhs can affect the traffic movement. It is advised always that you leave the city in the early morning hours in such cases. Usually these bandhs are pre-declared and hence you can leave the city in early morning hours judging the situation around before the bandh gets active. As long as you can stick to main highway and tourist areas, there is in general no issues.
If you are really concerned about it more then probably you can skip the stay at Srinagar and move to Sonamarg directly. Or otherwise, change the date else change the route to follow Manali – Leh.
Hi Dheeraj,
We are three girls and travelling to Leh in June. Below is our itinerary, request your advise on the same:
Hi Rohan. Below is our itinerary for Leh:
6 June night: reach Chandigarh from Delhi
7 June Morning 5am: Cab hire: leave for Manali
8 June: Manali
9 June, 13:00 hrs: leave for Jispa – spend night
10 June, 5am: Leave for Tso Moriri – night stay (not arranged – no clue)
11 June, 6am: Leave for Diskit, Nubra Valley
12 June: Diskit
13 June, 5am: Leave for Leh and spend day there
14 June, 6:30am: leave for the airport
Two of my friends are not Indian and I am going to Leh for the first time myself. We really want to see Nubra Valley and spend most time there. Is this itinerary realistic or too ambitious?
Thanks.
Tarika
This itinerary is a bit unrealsitc, will suggest you plan it as below:
6 June night: reach Chandigarh from Delhi
7 June Morning 5am: Cab hire: leave for Manali, reach and rest for the evening
8 June: Get a taxi and head to Jispa
9 June: Jispa to Leh
10 June, Leh rest day, get inner line permits for you and protected area permits for your friends
11 June, 6am: Leave for Diskit, Nubra Valley
12 June: spend time at Deskit – Hunder
13 June, 5am: Leave for Leh and spend day there
14 June, 6:30am: leave for the airport
Thanks Dheeraj. This does spund more relaxed. But is there no way we can see any of the tsos with this little time? Or would we cross something similar?
No Tarika, only way you can see Pangong Tso is to drop the extra relaxing day at Nubra Valley, take the direct route from Deskit to Pangong Tso and next day return from Pangong Tso to Leh.
Hii tarika,
I was planning for a trip to leh,but was for looking for company to share the cost. Please let me know if there is space available. You can contact me on guddy7102@gmail.com
I am planning to Leh To Leh trip within 7 days in September. Is it possible? and the bus services you mentioned that is ok on this time? Please help me with the itinerary also bcoz i will go with my little family members.
Dip, in 7 days bus journey or road trip means reach Leh and then coming back next day as it will take 7 days in just reaching and coming back.
But HPTDC bus would start from july right…n we are gng in june…so if v want to stop at some places between srinagar-leh & leh-manali route the only way wud be taxi..cab..
Is there any other way out by which we could make this route as cheap as possible
Yes, in that case only way is cab or taxi.
Hi …cud u help me ..how can v trust those Car or taxi operators/drivers whose name nd number u have provided to me in a link (https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/india/ladakh-zanskar-travel-guides/listof-taxi-drivers-for-ladakh-srinagar-leh-manali-t353.html)
Also as of now in 2017 what would be the schedule of buses running from srinagar to leh via kargil route & leh to manali route and also rates for the same(updated)
Nd does this bus stops at important points such as sonamarg, drass,etc in srinagar-leh route & rohtang in leh-manali route
It wud be very helpful for usas v r now about to finalize everything
There is no assurance Raj, it is personal take based on the reviews people have posted in the forum. Buses follow the same schedule without much changes every year. Also the rates do not varry much too. No HRTC or JKSRTC buses stops at tourists spots. only HPTDC bus stops which is a tourist bus with higher fare.
Thank u for above post….it was very informative as v r going for 1st time on north side…
i have more queries hope i will get best suggestion from you…v r planning a road trip from Manali to Leh & then after covering Leh-ladakh we want to return from Leh to Srinagar via Kargil route. Leh ladakh is planned the problem is how v get to leh from Manali as v want approx.1Hr in Rohtang n then night stay in jispa at lowest possible cost….because wat i mentioned above is not possible in bus service so suggest somethng best …v r grup of 4…and the same thng goes with Leh to srinagar ..in which kargil night stay + covering Sonamarg & Drass
please help me on this…it wud be very helpful to us …v r going in 1st week of june or else in mid june
Firstly, I will suggest you that please plan it in other direction as going via Srinagar – Leh Highway will be much much easier on your body and help you acclimatize to the high altitude of Manali – Leh Highway. Also, it allows you to enjoy the beauty of Manali – Leh by splitting the journey almost evenly in two days which is very difficult in the other direction. Thirdly, it will allow you to fit Tso Moriri lake into the itinerary in better way. You can read more reasons on the link here
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
You can check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate (cheap budget hotels as well) in the series of articles starting on the link here
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.
Thank u for ur kind information…but v dnt have 13-15days..max to max 10-11days including flight Mumbai to Srinagar den Chandigarh to mum flight…
You can drop few places accordingly and adjust the plan. If you have just 11 days and flying to Srinagar then you may follow something like below:
Day 1 | Delhi – Srinagar
— Enjoy walk around Dal lake and may be Shikara ride as well
— If you have time then check out, floating market, Shalimar Garden.
— Overnight at Srinagar
Day 2 | Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil
— Enjoy the vistas enroute
— Have late drunch meal at Drass is you are a vegetarian as sometimes it gets difficult to find veg. food at Kargil
— Overnight at Kargil
Day 3 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
— Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes
— On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu
— Overnight at Leh
Day 4 | Leh Local Sightseeing + Acclimatization
— To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
— Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 6 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Day 7 | Leh – Pangong Tso Lake – Leh
— Day trip to Pangong Tso
— Overnight at Leh
Day 8 | Leh – Taglang La – Moore Plains – Pang – Sarchu
— Stay overnight at Sarchu
Day 9 | Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
— On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only
— Overnight at Manali
Day 10 | Manali – Delhi
— Return home
This is a good one…thank you…n cud u roughly suggest me the price per person for the itinerary u provided…for 4pax n budgeted/economical stay in hotels..n car rent
For doubts related to budget for Leh – Ladakh trip, I am sure the link below will help you alot for getting an idea of overall budget:
How to calculate cost or budget for Leh – Ladakh trip
Also, check the article: 5 Tips for a Budget Trip to Ladakh
Hi Dheerja,
Much appreciated your effort to make this site full of latest information and it is very helpful.
I am planning to visit Kashmir and Leh by 1st of July with my wife and 10 year old kid. We will be reaching Srinagar by air and then want to explore Kasmir and Leh.
Would you mind give me a good itinerary. personally I prefer an easy going itinerary as I don’t want to give hectic time to my wife and kid. Meantime, would prefer cost effective travel options.
Appreciate your earliest help.
Thanks & regards – majeed
Thank you Majeeb. You can refer below the plan for a 23 day trip to Kashmir and Ladakh. You can ignore the days from road trip to Delhi to Jammu and Jammu to Srinagar and rest assume your Day starts from Srinagar.
Day 1 | Delhi – Jammu / Patnitop
— Overnight at Jammu or Patnitop
Day 2 | Jammu / Patnitop – Srinagar
— Enjoy walk around Dal lake and may be Shikara ride as well
— If you have time then check out, floating market, Shalimar Garden.
— Overnight at Srinagar
Day 3 | Srinagar – Pahalgam
— Overnight at Pahalgam
Day 4 | Pahalgam – Gulmarg
— Overnight at Gulmarg
Day 5 | Gulmarg – Sonamarg
— Overnight at Sonamarg
Day 6 | Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil
— Enjoy the vistas enroute
— Have late drunch meal at Drass is you are a vegetarian as sometimes it gets difficult to find veg. food at Kargil
— Overnight at Kargil
Day 7 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
— Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes
— On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu
— Overnight at Leh
Day 8 | 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 9 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder – Turtuk
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Turtuk
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— enjoy the culture in the Turtuk Village
— do mention Turtuk on the permits
Day 10 | Turtuk – Hunder
— Spend whole day at Turtuk and reach Hunder by evening
— Overnight at Hunder
Day 11 | Hunder – Deskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
— Enjoy drive upto Panamik, visit Yarab Tso Lake and back to overnight stay at Kyagar or Tiger or Sumur
— Enjoy walks in Hunder, Deskit, Sumur villages for the last 3 days
Day 12 | Sumur/Kyagar – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Day 13 | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping OR Monastery tour
— Monastery tour may include Hemis, Thicksey, Stakna and Shey monasteries. They come on the route of Pangong Tso but as you will be doing day trip, it will be a bit hectic to include them on that day only.
— Overnight at Leh
Day 14 | Leh – sham Valley
— Sham Valley include Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, Gurudwara Pather Sahib
— Overnight at Alchi
Day 15 | Alchi – Dha/Hanu Villages
— Do mention Dha Hanu Villages on the permits
— Enjoy the local culture at Dha Hanu Villages
Day 16 | Dha/Hanu – Leh
— Overnight at Leh
— Enjoy local Leh
Day 17 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on the go towards Pangong Tso
— Overnight at Pangong Tso (Spangmik)
Day 18 | Pangong Tso Lake – Man – Merak – Chusul – Tsaga – Tsaga Village – Loma – Hanle
— Mention all the places of this route as mentioned above on the permits and Nyoma as well
— Overnight at Hanle
Day 19 | Hanle – Loma – Nyoma – Mahe – Korzok / Tso Moriri Lake OR Hanle – Chumur – Tso Moriri Lake
— Overnight at Tso Moriri lake
Day 20 | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring (Manali – Leh Highway starts) – Moore Plains – Pang / Sarchu
— Try to start early in the day so that you reach Sarchu where the accommodation options are better than Pang
— Overnight at Sarchu or Pang
Day 21 | Pang / Sarchu – Baralacha La – Jispa
— On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only
— Overnight at Jispa
Day 22 | Jispa – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
— On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only
— Overnight at Manali
Day 23 | Manali – Delhi
— Return home
Day 24 + 25 | Buffer Day
Thank you Mr. Dheerj. It seems the itinerary is bit long than I expected. Anyway, I will try to cover all these areas if time permits.
Many thanks for your kind suggestions. Much appreciated.
Regards – majeed
Best wishes for the trip, feel free to drop the places based on the days at hand 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
Good day.
A quick question please. How is the public transport system in Leh..? Is it possible to cover these areas by public transport or sharing taxis…?
Thanks.
Yes Majeeb, these areas are covered by public transport and shared taxis. Read: How to make a budget Ladakh trip by public transport
Thank you so much for the information 🙂
Pleasure, feel free to post any further questions you may have for your trip.
Hi. Sir. How r u.
I just wish to know that can we have on route any local transport facility available to go to tso moririr lake while travelling from manali. So we can see the same on route and save one day. Or any other option u have for the same than pls suggest.
Hi Pankaj, please read: 5 reasons not to visit Tso Moriri from Manali side
Is public transport from leh to pangong lake available in month of april ??
I doubt about that, I am not 100% sure if buses would start running by that time of the year because there is loads of snow still on ChangLa pass.
Hello sir, I want to go in batalik sector village from Leh any bus service available from Leh To Batalik village ( The battle ground of Kargil war. ) plz sir provide me some Information . Thanks
Raj, I am not sure if there is direct bus service to Batalik but yeah you can reach Kargil and from there you can take the bus or shared jeep to Batalik.
Hi
I am Alok Saxena from Bhopal I plan to visit Leh and adjoining areas in AUG SEP with my wife will it be feasible further what is the condition of Tent accomodation w.r.t. a lady’s privacy
Yes Alok, you should be able to visit Leh – Ladakh in September. Camps are all private mostly unless you opt for dorm tents which are shared.
Hello sir. I will reach in Delhi on 16.4.17 from Gujarat.on the next day I am planning to go leh ladakh via road. Plz suggest best way.. thank in advance
Ashvin, the roads to Ladakh via Manali – Leh opens in June first week and Srinagar – Leh opens by May first week. So, you will not be able to make a road trip to Ladakh in April.
IS public transport available in the month of may ??
Public transport will be available to an extent within Ladakh in May but may not be available on connecting routes like Srinagar – Leh in case BRO hasn’t declared passage over Zojila pass safe for heavy vehicles.
Thanks dheeraj ✌✌✌
Most welcome, feel free to post any further questions you may have for your trip to Himalayas 🙂
hi i am arpit from jaipur,
i am planning to travel from manali to leh in the month of march. can i find any public transport during this month.
.
Hi Arpit,
The road from MAnali to Leh opens up in the month of June, so you cannot make a trip on Manali – Leh Highway in March. In fact you cannot even go to Rohtang Pass from Manali in March.
Thanks dheeraj.
Best wishes for the trip Arpit, feel free to post any further questions you may have for your trip.
Sir Which date open in Leh to manali route and srinagar to leh route
Manali – Leh is expected to open in second week of June and Srinagar – Leh by 15th May.
Hello,
We are 5 people planning to visit Leh between June 24 – July 6 from Hyderabad. Our plan is to reach Leh via Srinagar and return from Leh to Delhi via Manali by bus.
We want to take direct bus from Leh to Delhi by HRTC. We would like to know that bus schedule – When it will start from Leh, and halt timings at keylong and when it reaches Manali and then Delhi.
Everywhere we are getting the bus schedule of Delhi to Leh but not the return bus journey timings. This information is really required for us to book flight from Delhi back to Hyderabad
Hi Vishnu, the bus starts from Leh at 5 AM and then halt at Keylong overnight. Next day starts for Manali and follow the journey to Delhi till late night, early morning. If you start from Leh at Day 1 you will make night halt at Day 1 at Keylong and then on Day 2 late night or Day 3 early mornning you will reach Delhi. I will suggest making a booking at Day 3 morning or noon to be on safe side. Exact timings I also not aware about, you can call in HRTC office at ISBT delhi to check for the Timings.
Thanks for the information Dheeraj. Appreciated it.
Best wishes for your trip, feel free to post any further questions you may have.
what are the options to travel from leh to manali/chandigarh/delhi in end of july…… will there be additional flight out of leh then what are showing now????
Chetan, you can travel by road back to Manali or Delhi in July from Ladakh.
hello
i am planning to go to leh from 17-28 may
Can you tell if the bus service starts from that duration
Thanks!!
Deepika, buses will not be available in May as it is in general not safe for heavy vehicles to ply on Ladakh roads in early days.
Hi dheeraj,
I am.planning to start from Delhi to manali..then to leh..will there be any buses April second week..pls let me know
Manali – Leh Highway opens up in May end or June start, so in April you won’t be able to make road trip to Ladakh from Manali side.
Ok thanks for the reply.dheeraj..one last info..if its.not from.manali side.. Can.I travel from.Srinagar??
Not really bro, even Srinagar – Leh Highway opens up in April end or May start in geenral.
Hello Dheeraj bhai!
read ur article it is very useful and important information to roam in heaven (Ladakh).
i want to make solo trip from Mumbai to Ladakh in cheapest budget… (2nd april, 2017 to 15 th april)
1. Mumbai to Delhi by train
Delhi to Leh by bus…. but m not sure about this that bus is available from delhi… i just read on net that hptc runs buses from delhi to leh… is it true?
or on my travelling date srinagar-leh route is working?
where should i stay in leh???
is there any option other than hotels like with local home-stay n all?
plz guide me with ur experience!!!
Regards!!
Abdul..
abdulshaikh1991@gmail.com
Hi Abdul,
The roads to Ladakh are closed in winters and open in around last week of June from Manali side and end April or early May from Srinagar side. So, in April road trip to Ladakh is not possible.
Hi Dheeraj,
Planning on going to Leh in April 1st week, is the weather OK during that time? Is there any activity you can do during that time? Can you suggest something budget friendly? Target date is April 5-12. Flying in and out. Thanks in advance
Bert, weather will be still cold in April in Ladakh with occasional snowfall too. If snowfall gets heavy the routes to Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso closes. The water in ther rivers is still cold and hence I feel rafting wont be possible. For bike rides, they wont allow to go through high passes because of slippery conditions. So, you can visit Ladakh and roam around in taxis.
I planned a solo trip from delhi to leh from 3rd of October by flight, I haven’t booked the return tickets as I am not sure, how many days I will stay there and I can’t book the flight tickets then as they will be too costly for me, what are the possible ways to get a safe return travel around 10th October, and how well it is advised to have a homestay there
Balajee, please keep in mind that you may be facing issues finding the shared travel partners to share cost of taxi in Ladakh. It is end of season and most people stop going over there and hence it becomes difficult to travel. You will have to rely on shared local transport on which locals travel including the buses.
thanks for the reply dheeraj.I think , it will be fun to travel with the locals, I will have to go and explore the conditions or there &till what date Leh to manali bus service runs?
I think it will run about first week of October or in case HRTC feels that it is still OK to push for week, they might do depending on the weather.
Hi Dhirajji…..
I plan for Leh in end of April 2017 for 6/7 days…
Can we got share taxis in this period….
Waiting for your kind reply..
Pradyumna
Some tourists starts coming up during that time, you may get shared taxis during that time of the year.
Hi Dheeraj,
I am planning a trip to leh-ladakh 21 sept, 2016 onwards, even flying to leh on the same day but i am not able to book return tickets due to high chargers. Please , advice me some way out otherwise i have to cancel my plan 🙁 another question is that Srinagar Curfew is having effect on the manali – LEH route.
reply soon
Anjali, you can come down from Leh to Manali road as it does not have any affect of srinagar curfew.
Thanks dheeraj, I wanted to know that if the transport is easily available at this time and concerned about safety too ……
Yes Anjali, it is fine to travel Manali – Leh road during last week fo September. The taxis will be available and so do the Leh – Keylong HRTC bus will be running.
Oops, I forgot to add… All the hitchhiking happened because the Manali-Leh bus was full. I went at 5 in the evening at Keylong bus stand and there was already no room for the one departing at 5 in the morning, next day.
But it turned out to be even more amazing!
Best wishes
Shubham
I can totally co-relate it 😉
Excellent information Dheeraj bhai. I was very lucky this time to explore most parts of the Changthang just by hitchhiking. In fact, i received a ride from Keylong and kept getting them.
Your post is amazing for all Ladakh backpackers.
http://www.travelshoebum.com
Thank you Shubham, yeah very much possible if you have that type of travel bug in you 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
Hope you doing great, i just wanted to know,,i called HPTDC and got to know that bus with a charge of 2400/- is been over for this year,,now i think the only option is HRTC bus,,so if i am travelling to manali by any other bus or volvo suppose,,can i still get that bus from manali to leh?? as you mentioned the time is 10 am from manali?
Could you please confirm this asap,,as i am travelling tomorrow..
Yes Saurabh, HRTC buses will be available for Keylong and then to Leh.
Dear Dheeraj,
I plan to travel solo from HYD to Delhi and Delhi to Manali and from there to Leh. I am on a budget travel and will be taking public transport. Now questions and help need are to din out
1. Does the HRTC bus starting from Manali is a non stop trip or does it stop at key long at nights ?
2. Is it ok with the dates? Can I travel between 12th and 30 th sept and will it be fine
3. Shared tempos will also be available from Manali to Leh ??? Like the HPTDC bus???
4. Is solo travelling safe ?
Hi Prasad,
1. It stops at Keylong for night halt
2. Yes, September is a good time to travel.
3. Yes, they will also be available up to 15th September easily but then in sparse number
4. Many people do it every year. Read: How to make a budget Ladakh trip by public transport and Top 10 Tips for a Solo Trip to Ladakh or Spiti Valley
Hi Dheeraj,
I’m quite intrigued by the level of detail you’ve put up in here for fellow 1st timers such as myself. Me n my wife are travelling to Leh for an unexpected trip and flying in on the 5th early morning flight from Delhi. Planning to stay 5,6,7,8 and 9th return since we have already planned Manali and a few nearby treks.
Going by your blog, visiting Nubra valley you say is a 2 day trip??? So that means there’s no point of me booking a hotel stay for 4 straight days at Leh cuz if i’m heading out to Nubra n booking a home stay for 2 days then why in Leh as well… Just unclear about this.
Same goes for visiting Pangong Tso as well since you mentioned its a 2 day trip!!!
What are other activities to do at Leh… apart from acclimatization and sight seeing?
I mean no hostility in my genuine doubts and I have but only praises for all your valuable info here at DoW.
Best
Ohm
P.S: Would luv to hear back at umc1310@gmail.com / 9845708200 (active only from 5th Sept)
Hello Ohm,
If you are flying directly to Leh then you need 2 days of acclimatization full in Leh with first day complete rest. So, that leaves you with three days. You should visit Nubra Valley for two days and then make a day trip to Pangong Tso. So, out of 5 you will be staying 4 days in Leh and one day in Nubra Valley
namaste dheeraj,
nice article btw i was planning for stok kangri on july 12 2017 made my bookings as well . need few suggestions dheeraj i’m little confused with the mode of travel . i really want to go by road atleast one side but not sure is it safe or not to travel by road(manali to leh) during the second week of july ? will dere be any land sides during dis period ? .
Durga, it shall be fine to travel over Manali – Leh Highway by mid of July when you intend to travel next year.
thank you dheeraj
Hello, So I seem to be getting off From october 9th.. and would love to do either spiti or ladakh… mostly by public transport. Just one question.. will the passes and roads close down by then? and which one has more chances of being open during october 2nd week.
PLEASE help.. 🙂
And all your articles are super amazing and helpful.
Thank you Dheeraj
Rachana
Rachana, thank you and glad the articles on DoW are helpful in planning your trip.
October is season end, it is not recommended to travel on Manali – Leh Highway. So, with curfew in Srinagar, I will suggest to skip Ladakh for this time and focus on Spiti Valley. Even Spiti Valley in mid october gets a but chilly, quite cold at night. The passes in general on the Spiti Valley route, Kunzum Pass will remain open but it is better to do it as early as possible. Hence, you should do it while going from Manali side and come back from Shimla side.
Whole of Spiti Valley is well connected with public transport with daily busess between Manali – Delhi, Manali – Kaza, Kaza – Reckong Peo, Reckong Peo – Delhi/Shimla, Shimla – Delhi.
Hey Dheeraj. Thank you for replying.
So how about taking a flight to Leh from Delhi and then taking buses or shared taxi to go around as much as I can. Well any inputs on this plan??
How would be the weather around October 11-20?
Regards,
Rachana
That will be much better choice. The buses to Nubra Valley will still be possible but Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri as you see are very few in a week. You will have torely on shared cabs too.
Hey dheeraj, i want trek solo form padum to phuktal monastery. Is it safe? And any public transport run from leh to zanskar valley? Can you plan en route for me from leh to phuktal monastery. Please reply.
Narendra, I will not suggest a solo trek from Padum to Phuktal because in case you need something there has to be some person to take you to nearest help center. I am kind of reserved attitude when it comes to make solo remote journeys to high altitude places but it is true that it can lead to life threatening situation even with small thing like Diarrhea. So, take some local villager with you to complete the trek and do not make the trek alone.
Padum to Kargil, lot of shared taxis run. You can take one. From Kargil JKSRTC buses as well as shared taxis run to Leh
Hey everyone. If anyone going to Ladakh this month through srinagar side……pls update the status of Kashmir Valley due to recent riots n curfew…….as I m planning to leave on 3rd September
Check the comment from SIMS at the page: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/srinagar-leh-highway-status-2016/
I’m in Leh at the moment a really want to go to Kashmir as well but there’s so much unclearity about if it’s safe or not.
Does anybody know?
Ps: we’re not talking about the weather or road conditions but about the riots
Sandra, it is not wise to go to Kashmir. Please avoid, the curfew is imposed there as per news and it is not wise to travel during this time.
Going Ladakh via Srinagar side is not safe for this year..becoz Atmosphere is not good for tourists in Kashmir..if you want to go leh ladakh the you can continue it through Manali side….it will be safe and most comfortable…
Hello Dhiraj
we have 10 people group and we are planing to visit leh ladakh in the month if may 2017, for 5 days 6 night. I checked air ticket from Mumbai to leh cost around 4700 via delhi. which is best way please help and guide how much total cost of total for this trip all ten person.
thanks
Hi Sanjay, you shoudl expect about 22K for one taxi, you will need two to accommodate 10 or approx 30K for a tempo traveler. Next year rates will change, expect an increment of about 10-20% as this year rates were not increased by the taxi union.
Rest take around 800-1200 per person per day for food + stay in economic places.
Hello there,
We are total 4 members who have planned a trip to Leh Ladakh on this Weekend (30th July, 2016 ). We need your instructions for the same. In our plan, we have the below steps:
1. Flight from New Delhi to Sri Nagar Airport.
(Please confirm if there is no problem in Srinagar. For eg. Police protection or ban on visitor for some time.)
2. From Sri nagar, we would like to go to Leh via Kargil by Bus. I think this is OK.
3. In Leh we would like to visit all the famous places via Royal Enfield rented bikes.
Please suggest if we need to change something in this rough plan.
Also, I would appreciate you can tell me your cell phone# so that I can call you and get more information for the same.
Looking forward to hear from you soon.
Thanks
Suresh Burdak
burdak.suresh@gmail.com
+91 9461447648
Hi Suresh,
1. For Srinagar, Please keep a tab on situation and ask some local hotel guy foe extact ground reality. If he says things are smooth it should be OK else I will suggest to avoid it and go by Manali – Leh route.
2. Yes, that should be fine if buses are running on the route
3. You can rent bikes in Leh.
Hey,
Not related to leh but still I thought you may have an idea,
Best way to reach Srinagar by Manali?
from*
Manali to Pathankot/Jammu and then to Srinagar.
Howdie Dheeraj, We are 3 people visiting leh in Month of August i. e second week. We are taking the bus from Manali to leh i. e one run bt htdc. We are planning to stay in OYO rooms.. Since we are students we are on super budget and Am just curious to know how much it may cost for each of us if we share taxi!!?!! N we are staying just for 3days. Is it possible to cover most places in 3 days?! Thanks a lot for the article…
Sagar, one day you need to acclimatize in Leh. Rest you can make one day trip to Khardungla and other day trip to Pangong Tso
Thanks a lot for telling that.. Deeraj i have one more stupid question. Hope you dont mind.. Am not well versed in riding bikes. I mostly use moped. Heard somewhere that in leh they rent automatic moped. Is it true? If yes can i drive it to see nearby places like Shanti stupa, leh palace, sankar gompa, shey, thiskey, hemis or sindhu ghat. I mean roads leading to these can be ridden on automatic?
I have another small doubt. since we are three we can go on a shared tempo traveller right? So that cost per head is reduced! Is it easily available?
Thanks again Deeraj.
Yes Sagar, at few shops you get scooty like activa without gear which you may use for rides to nearby places. Yes you can opt for shared tempo travellers or even form your own groups with other fellow travellers looking for the same in Leh.
Hi Sagar, I am visiting Leh on Aug 18. Can u send a short experience regarding transport after your visit? my mail id is anand_krishna.n@outlook.com
Hey Sagar, I am reaching Manali on 13th and leaving for Leh on 14th. Drop me a msg if you are interested in sharing a cab. 🙂 mayank4823@gmail.com
Hi Dheeraj,
Me & my husband are planning to visit ladakh on August’ first week on bike. I have searched via net & the cheapest cost I was found is 55500 for 7 days for two with all inclusive. But it’s sound us little expensive. Do you know any budget way to visit ladakh on bike?
Hello Ria,
If you are visiting Ladakh for 7 days, it must be by Air only as 7 days is only required to reach Leh and come back from Leh by road. So, assuming that you will be doing local sightseeing for a day after two days of complete acclimatization and then two day trips to Pangong Tso and Nubra Valley
Following are the taxi rates by taxi union on which you can get about 10-15% discount.
Leh – Nubra Valley 2 Day = 10566
Leh – Pangong Tso 2 Day = 10301
Leh local sightseeing around 2500
Then for hotels and food, you will be OK with 800-1200 per person per day depending upon the hotels/guest houses you opt for. 800 is a very good figure in general per day for a person and easily doable. So, this means you will end up paying about 5500-6500 per person for food + stay and rest for taxi which will be around 11000. So, for both of you trip should not exceed by 35000 excluding air tickets.
Hi Dheeraj,
Me & my husband are planning to visit kadang on August’s first week over bike. I have searched via net & the cheapest cost I was found is 55500 for 7 days for two with all inclusive. But it’s sound us little expensive. Do you know any budget way to visit ladakh on bike?
Replied to other comment.
Hi Deheraj,
Me & my husband are planning to visit kadang on August’s first week over bike. I have searched via net & the cheapest cost I was found is 55500 for 7 days for two with all inclusive. But it’s sound us little expensive. Do you know any budget way to visit ladakh on bike?
Replied to other comment.
Hi Dheeraj,
Quick question – I will be taking the HPTDC bus from Leh to Manali with the Keylong stopover. Any idea what my arrival time is at Manali from Keylong the next day? I’ve scoured the official HPTDC website and written to them but to no avail, please help!
Thanks,
Sharon
Hello Sharon,
AFAIK, It leaves Keylong by 9 AM for Manali, so you will be reaching by 2-3 PM types
Thanks Dheeraj! That gives me just enough time to hop on to another bus bound for Delhi. Any idea if it is possible to just buy my HPTDC ticket at the bus stand right after or should I book in advance? My worry is that booking in advance might be a problem if there are delays and the Keylong-Manali trip takes longer than it should.
Sharon, mostly the tickets are available at times they are not available for next bus but also available next to next bus leaving Manali. So, unless it is a an unlucky day, you should get the bus ticket on the counter. Also, the bus coming to Delhi from Leh leaves Keylong early in the morning around 6.30 AM and reaches Manali around 12.30-1 PM. If you are taking that bus, it will give you more time.
Hi again Dheeraj,
That’s really helpful great! You’ve been incredibly informative – so great to have a face and a voice to communicate with rather than just official websites offering scant information about public buses.
One last question: I fly into Leh in the mid-morning and have about 3 days to see Leh, Pangong Tso and Lamayuru. Happy to explore any mode of transport with a last resort being a private taxi as rates are insane for a lone traveler like myself. Would you recommend day trips? Hitchhiking? Was just wondering if you would know of other options – crazy or not 😉
Sharon
Hi Sharon,
Glad to know that DoW has been useful in planning your trip. If you are flying to Leh then you have to take rest for two days full in Leh only for acclimatization and then only you can travel to other high altitude places in Ladakh. It is in general two day trip to Nubra Valley, two day trip to Pangong Tso and sometimes 1-2 day trip to Lamayuru after the acclimatization is complete for first two days.
You are alone and private taxis are very costly in Leh but you will be able to find the shared taxi without much fuss at all. There are lots of flyers which people put at cafes, dine-ins, restaurants, travel agent desks/shops/whiteboards wanting to share the taxis for different trips within Ladakh. Even travel agent organize such shared taxis trip as well but charge a little higher about Rs 200-300 more than it would ideally cost. So, in worst case you can always go back to them and book a seat for yourself. Gelling up with people in Ladakh is more or less easy because many people travel solo and look forward to meet new people and share cultural thoughts and values over the trip. No where else in the world you will find more smiling and helpful people as Ladakhis are 🙂
Hi Dheeraj, thanks a lot for the info I am planning to travel in august and this is my first trip to Leh. Can you please tell me the pick up points for buses you mentioned above and back timings of buses from Nubra valley and Pangong Lake to Leh.
Sorry Lalit, I have this calendar only. Pick up points are from the bus stands of Leh and drop points will be bus stand of deskit in Nubra.
Hi Dheraj–
so, lets say i book a bus ticket from leh to nubra vlley- and the bus leaves the next day back for leh-
but where does one put up in nubra or for that matter Tso moriri or Pangong.?
is it advisable to book my stay prior or take a tent OR are there any home stays available that i could look into at these places.?
any info would be really helpful 🙂
looking forward
No Harsh, once you reach these places yo can find plenty of home stay or small guest houses filled with warmth hospitality of Ladakh. Choose any you like once you there.
Thanks Dheeraj for your very helpful details. I am planning to return from LEH on 16th June2016 to Manali, preferred transport is bus/Public Transport. Could you please suggest the options as i came to know that the last HRTC bus date is 15th June2016?
Hi Dheeraj,
In the month of July me & my 5 Friends would visit Chandra taal in first week. So could you please share us some tips whether what are the mode of transport available to reach there. We are more inclined towards state bus transport or private transport as we would not like to spend 6 – 8K in private cars because we would plan to do camping overnight at Chandrataal.
Please share us easiest mode of transport & their timings.
Regards,
Jay