One of the most common questions I get on this blog is, “Should I fly to Leh or take a road trip?” I understand the dilemma. When you think of Ladakh, you picture snow-capped passes, winding mountain roads, and the thrill of riding through some of India’s most dramatic landscapes. A road trip sounds like the only way to do it right.
But here is what I have learned after multiple trips to Ladakh, both by road and by air. Flying to Leh Ladakh is not a compromise. It is a smart, practical choice that works better for many travelers, especially if you have limited leave days, are traveling with family, or want to maximize your time exploring Ladakh itself rather than spending days on the highway.
In this guide, I will walk you through why flying to Leh makes sense, what it costs in 2026, which airlines operate this route, how to handle acclimatization after landing, and a detailed comparison of flying versus driving. By the end, you should have a clear picture of whether a flight to Leh is the right call for your trip.
Let's quickly dive into the details:
Quick Facts: Flying to Leh in 2026
| Airport | Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL), Leh |
| Altitude at Landing | 10,682 ft (3,256 m) |
| Flight Duration (Delhi) | 1 hour 20 minutes |
| Airlines Operating | IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express, Akasa Air, SpiceJet (seasonal), Alliance Air |
| One-Way Fare Range | Rs 4,000 – Rs 15,000+ (season dependent) |
| Round Trip (Budget) | Rs 8,000 – Rs 12,000 (booked 2-3 months early) |
| Round Trip (Peak Season) | Rs 15,000 – Rs 25,000+ (July-August) |
| Direct Flights From | Delhi, Srinagar, Jammu, Chandigarh, Mumbai (seasonal) |
| Best Time to Fly | May to September (peak), October-March (winter, limited flights) |
| New Terminal | Under construction, expected completion 2026, capacity 20 lakh passengers/year |
Why Should You Consider Flying to Leh Ladakh?
Flying to Leh is the fastest, most practical way to reach Ladakh when time is limited. You land directly at 10,682 ft in about 80 minutes from Delhi, saving 3-5 days of road travel. For repeat visitors, families with kids, senior travelers, or anyone with a tight work schedule, a flight to Leh means more days exploring Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Hanle, and Tso Moriri instead of sitting in a vehicle on the highway.
I have done both. Road trips to Ladakh are incredible, and I would never tell anyone to skip that experience entirely. But the truth is, not every trip needs to include 3 days of driving each way. Sometimes, the smarter move is to fly in and use those saved days to explore places most tourists never reach.
What Are the Top Reasons for Flying to Leh Instead of Driving?
Over the years, I have identified seven solid reasons why flying to Leh Ladakh is a better choice for certain types of travelers. These are not theoretical points. They come from personal experience and from hundreds of conversations with readers who planned their trips using this blog.
1. Roads to Leh Are Closed for Six Months Every Year
This is the most straightforward reason. Both the Manali to Leh Highway and the Srinagar to Leh Highway shut down every winter due to heavy snowfall. Manali to Leh typically opens in early June and closes by mid-October. Srinagar to Leh opens by late April or early May and stays open until late November, depending on snowfall at Zoji La Pass.
From November through May, the only way to reach Leh is by air. If you want to experience Ladakh in winters, see the frozen landscapes, attend festivals like Losar, or try the famous Chadar Trek on the frozen Zanskar River, flying is your only option. Keep in mind that winter flights are fewer and can get cancelled due to weather, so always have a buffer day in your plan.
2. You Save 3-5 Days of Travel Time
A road trip from Delhi to Leh via Manali takes a minimum of 3 days (Delhi to Manali, Manali to Jispa/Keylong, Jispa to Leh). Coming back via Srinagar adds another 3-4 days (Leh to Kargil, Kargil to Srinagar, Srinagar to Jammu, Jammu to Delhi). That is 6-7 days just on the road, plus one day for acclimatization in Leh.
A flight from Delhi to Leh takes 1 hour 20 minutes. You leave Delhi at 6 AM and you are in Leh by 7:30 AM. Even with 2 days of acclimatization and rest, you are still saving a net 3-5 days compared to a road trip. For someone with only 7-10 days of leave, this difference is massive. Those saved days translate directly into more time at Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, or even offbeat destinations like Hanle and Tso Moriri.
3. It Can Be Cheaper Than You Think
Many people assume flying to Leh is expensive. It can be, if you book last minute in peak season. But here is the reality. If you book 2-3 months in advance, round-trip tickets from Delhi to Leh on IndiGo or Air India can cost as low as Rs 8,000 to Rs 12,000. Even in peak season (July-August), early booking can get you tickets for Rs 15,000 to Rs 18,000 round trip.
Now compare this with a road trip. Delhi to Leh by car means fuel costs (roughly Rs 8,000-10,000 one way for a diesel SUV), toll charges, 3 nights of hotel stays on the way (Rs 1,500-3,000 per night), meals for 3-4 days, and the wear and tear on your vehicle. A conservative estimate puts a one-way road trip cost at Rs 12,000-18,000 per person if traveling solo, and that is before you factor in the return journey. Hence, for solo travelers or couples, flying often works out comparable or even cheaper.
4. Better for Acclimatization Than Manali to Leh Highway
This one surprises people. Flying to Leh is actually better for acclimatization than taking the Manali to Leh Highway. Let me explain.
When you fly to Leh, you land at 10,682 ft and your body knows it needs to adjust. You rest for 1-2 days, drink plenty of water, eat light, avoid exertion, and your body gradually acclimatizes. It is a controlled process.
On the Manali to Leh Highway, you cross multiple passes above 14,000-16,000 ft (Rohtang, Baralacha La, Nakee La, Lachalung La, Tanglang La) all within 1-2 days. Your body never gets a chance to adjust because you keep going higher and higher. Many people feel terrible after reaching Leh via Manali precisely because of this rapid altitude exposure without proper acclimatization stops. Hence, I rank the travel options for acclimatization as: (1) Srinagar to Leh Highway (best, gradual ascent over 4 days), (2) Flying to Leh (second best, you land and rest), (3) Manali to Leh Highway (worst for acclimatization despite being a road trip).
5. More Time Exploring Ladakh, Less Time on Highways
When you fly to Leh, your entire trip is spent inside Ladakh. No driving through Punjab, no overnight halt at Manali, no crawling through traffic at Rohtang or Atal Tunnel. From Day 3 onwards (after acclimatization), you are at Khardung La, in Nubra Valley, at Pangong Tso, or heading south to Tso Moriri.
I have seen too many travelers spend 7 days on a “Ladakh trip” where 4 days were on the highway and only 3 days were actually in Ladakh. That is not a Ladakh trip. That is a road trip with a quick stop in Ladakh. If your goal is to truly explore the region, to spend time at remote monasteries, drive along the Indus River, visit the villages of Changthang, or simply sit by a lake at 14,000 ft and soak it all in, then flying in gives you the time to do that.
6. No Hassle with Bike Rentals and One-Way Drop Charges
If you are planning a motorcycle trip in Ladakh, here is something many first-timers do not know. Bikes rented outside Ladakh (say from Manali or Srinagar) are not permitted for local sightseeing within Ladakh. You can ride them to reach Leh, but to visit Pangong Tso, Nubra Valley, or Tso Moriri, you need a bike rented from Leh with a local registration.
One-way bike rental charges from Manali or Srinagar to Leh can be Rs 10,000-15,000 just for the drop-off. Then you still need to rent another bike in Leh. It makes no financial sense. If you fly to Leh, you rent a bike directly in Leh (Royal Enfield Himalayan rates start around Rs 1,500-2,500/day in 2026) and you are sorted. No double rental, no one-way charges, no arguments with rental agencies. For current rates, check my Leh Ladakh bike rental rates guide.
7. The Aerial Views of the Himalayas Are Stunning
This is more of a bonus than a reason, but it deserves a mention. The Delhi to Leh flight, especially on a clear morning, offers some of the most dramatic aerial views you will ever see. As the plane crosses the Pir Panjal range and enters Ladakh’s trans-Himalayan zone, you can see snow-covered peaks, deep valleys, and the brown-gold terrain of Ladakh stretching to the horizon. In winter, the entire landscape looks like a white carpet with ridges and valleys carved into it.
A tip: book a window seat on the left side of the aircraft (going from Delhi to Leh) for the best views. The approach into Leh, weaving through the mountains, is one of the most scenic airport landings in the world.
How Much Does a Flight to Leh Cost in 2026?
Flight prices to Leh vary significantly based on season, airline, and how far in advance you book. Here is a realistic breakdown based on 2026 fares.
| Route | Off-Season (Oct-Apr) | Shoulder (May, Sep) | Peak (Jun-Aug) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi to Leh (one-way) | Rs 4,000 – Rs 7,000 | Rs 6,000 – Rs 10,000 | Rs 8,000 – Rs 15,000+ |
| Delhi to Leh (round trip) | Rs 8,000 – Rs 12,000 | Rs 10,000 – Rs 18,000 | Rs 15,000 – Rs 25,000+ |
| Srinagar to Leh (one-way) | Rs 3,000 – Rs 5,000 | Rs 4,000 – Rs 7,000 | Rs 5,000 – Rs 10,000 |
| Mumbai to Leh (one-way) | Rs 6,000 – Rs 10,000 | Rs 8,000 – Rs 14,000 | Rs 12,000 – Rs 20,000+ |
Booking tips to save money: Book 2-3 months in advance for the best fares. October and April are the cheapest months. Sunday bookings tend to be 6-13% cheaper than Friday bookings. IndiGo and Air India Express usually offer the lowest base fares on this route. Set fare alerts on Google Flights or Ixigo to catch flash sales. If your dates are flexible, even shifting by 2-3 days can save Rs 3,000-5,000.
Which Airlines Fly to Leh in 2026?
As of 2026, the following airlines operate flights to Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL) in Leh. The number of daily flights increases significantly during peak season (June to September).
- IndiGo – Most frequent operator. Daily flights from Delhi, seasonal flights from Chandigarh and Srinagar. Usually the cheapest option.
- Air India – Daily flights from Delhi. Slightly higher fares but includes free checked baggage (important for heavy winter gear).
- Air India Express – Budget arm of Air India. Competitive fares from Delhi.
- Akasa Air – Newer entrant on the Delhi to Leh route. Worth checking for competitive pricing.
- SpiceJet – Seasonal operations, primarily during peak summer months.
- Alliance Air – Operates smaller ATR aircraft on routes like Jammu to Leh and Srinagar to Leh.
Keep in mind that Leh airport is a high-altitude, visual-approach-only airport. Flights operate primarily in the morning (before winds pick up) and are frequently delayed or cancelled due to weather, especially in winter and monsoon months. Always keep a buffer day in your itinerary. Do not book a tight connection on your return day.
How to Handle Acclimatization After Flying to Leh?
This is the single most important thing to get right when you fly to Leh. You go from sea level (or close to it) to 10,682 ft in 80 minutes. Your body has had zero time to adjust. If you ignore this, you will get Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), and it can ruin your trip or worse.
Here is the acclimatization protocol I recommend for anyone flying to Leh:
Day 1 (Arrival Day): Do nothing. Seriously. Check into your hotel, drink water (4-6 liters through the day), eat light carbohydrate-rich meals, and rest. No sightseeing, no climbing stairs unnecessarily, no exploring the market. If you feel a mild headache, that is normal. Take a Disprin and rest. Do not take sleeping pills as they suppress breathing at altitude.
Day 2: Light activity only. You can walk around Leh Main Bazaar, visit Leh Palace, or explore Shanti Stupa. Keep it gentle. No driving to Khardung La or any high-altitude pass on Day 2. Continue drinking lots of water and eating well. If you have Diamox (Acetazolamide), you can start taking it a day before your flight as a preventive measure (consult your doctor first).
Day 3 onwards: You should be acclimatized enough for local sightseeing around Leh and short drives. By Day 4, most people are comfortable heading to Nubra Valley via Khardung La (17,582 ft). The key rule: gain altitude gradually after Day 2, and always sleep at a lower altitude than the highest point you reached during the day.
Important: If you experience severe headache, persistent vomiting, confusion, or difficulty breathing, do not wait. Visit the SNM Hospital in Leh (open 24/7) or contact the Army General Hospital. Carry portable oxygen cylinders as a precaution, especially if traveling with elderly family members or children.
How Does Flying to Leh Compare with a Road Trip?
This is the big question, and the honest answer is: it depends on what you want from your trip. Here is a detailed comparison to help you decide.
| Factor | Flying to Leh | Road Trip (Manali/Srinagar) |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Time | 1.5 hours from Delhi | 3-5 days one way |
| Cost (Solo) | Rs 8,000-25,000 round trip | Rs 12,000-18,000 one way (fuel, stays, food) |
| Acclimatization | Good (2 days rest in Leh) | Poor via Manali, Good via Srinagar |
| Scenic Experience | Aerial views, then Ladakh roads | Entire route is scenic |
| Risk Factor | Flight cancellation (weather) | Landslides, road closures, fatigue |
| Best For | Limited time, families, seniors, repeat visitors | First-timers, adventure seekers, bikers |
| Vehicle in Ladakh | Rent locally (taxi/bike/car) | Your own vehicle |
| Season | Year-round (limited in winter) | June to October only |
My recommendation: If it is your first trip to Ladakh and you have 12-15 days, do the road trip circuit (Manali to Leh, Leh to Srinagar or vice versa). The highway experience is genuinely incredible and worth doing at least once. But if you have done the road trip before, or have only 7-9 days, or are traveling with family/kids/seniors, fly to Leh. You will have a much better trip because you will actually spend time in Ladakh. For a ready-made itinerary, check my Ladakh itinerary by flight.
What Should You Know About Leh Airport?
Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IATA: IXL) is one of the highest commercial airports in India, located at 10,682 ft. It is a defense airport operated jointly by the Indian Air Force and the Airports Authority of India. Here are some things you should know before you fly.
- Morning flights only: Most commercial flights operate between 6 AM and 10 AM. Afternoon winds make landings difficult, so airlines schedule departures early.
- Visual approach only: Pilots must be able to see the runway. If visibility drops due to clouds or snow, your flight will be delayed or cancelled. This is common in winter.
- New terminal coming: A new eco-friendly terminal is under construction with geothermal temperature regulation, 18 check-in counters, and capacity for 20 lakh passengers per year. Expected completion by mid-2026.
- Baggage carousel: The current terminal is small. Expect crowding at the baggage belt, especially when multiple flights land within an hour.
- Pre-paid taxi counter: Available right outside the terminal. Rates to Leh Main Bazaar (about 5 km) are Rs 300-400. You can also pre-arrange a hotel pickup.
- No night flights: The airport does not operate after dark. If your flight is cancelled, you will be rebooked for the next morning.
What Do You Need to Arrange After Landing in Leh?
Once you land, you need to sort out a few things for your Ladakh exploration. Here is a quick checklist.
Inner Line Permit (ILP): Required for Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri, Hanle, and other areas. Indian nationals can apply online before arriving or get it from the DC Office in Leh. The Environment Development Fee (EDF) is Rs 400 per person plus Rs 20/person/day plus Rs 10/day Red Cross fee.
Transport in Ladakh: Since you do not have your own vehicle, you have three options. (1) Hire a taxi for your entire trip. Check current Leh Ladakh taxi rates for 2026 prices. Union rates are fixed and non-negotiable for standard routes. (2) Rent a bike or car in Leh. Royal Enfield Himalayan goes for Rs 1,500-2,500/day, and self-drive cars start around Rs 3,000-5,000/day. See my bike rental rates guide. (3) Use local bus services which are extremely cheap but run on limited schedules.
Mobile connectivity: BSNL has the widest coverage in Ladakh. Jio works in Leh town and along some highway stretches. Airtel expanded to 40+ zones in Ladakh in 2024. Only postpaid SIMs from outside J&K/Ladakh work. Prepaid SIMs from other states will not get network. For detailed coverage information, refer to my Ladakh mobile connectivity guide.
Clothing and gear: Even in summer, Leh evenings drop to 5-10 degrees Celsius. Pack layers, a good windproof jacket, sunscreen (UV is intense at this altitude), sunglasses, and comfortable walking shoes. For a complete packing list, check my clothing guide for Ladakh.
When Is the Best Time to Fly to Leh?
The best time to visit Ladakh depends on what you want to experience. Here is a month-by-month breakdown for travelers flying in.
- May to June: Roads are opening, tourist season begins. Weather is pleasant (15-25 degrees in daytime). Flights are moderately priced. Some high-altitude passes may still have snow.
- July to August: Peak season. Warmest weather, all passes open, highest tourist footfall. Flight prices are at their highest. Book 3+ months in advance.
- September: Shoulder season. Crowds thin out, weather is still good, prices drop. One of the best months to visit.
- October: Late season. Cold evenings, some high passes start getting snow. Cheapest flights. Great for photography enthusiasts.
- November to March: Winter. Limited flights (often just 1-2 per day from Delhi). Frequent cancellations. But Ladakh in winter is magical if you are prepared. Ideal for Chadar Trek (January-February), winter sightseeing, and experiencing local festivals.
- April: Early season. Roads still closed but flights operate. Good for budget travelers as fares are low and hotels offer off-season discounts.
How Much Does a Ladakh Trip by Flight Cost in Total?
Here is a realistic budget breakdown for a 7-day Ladakh trip when you fly to Leh in 2026. This assumes a Delhi-based traveler.
| Expense | Budget (Rs) | Mid-Range (Rs) |
|---|---|---|
| Round-trip flights (Delhi-Leh) | 8,000 – 12,000 | 12,000 – 20,000 |
| Hotel/Guesthouse (6 nights) | 6,000 – 9,000 | 12,000 – 24,000 |
| Taxi/Transport (shared) | 8,000 – 12,000 | 15,000 – 25,000 |
| Food (7 days) | 3,500 – 5,000 | 7,000 – 10,000 |
| Permits (ILP + EDF) | 500 – 700 | 500 – 700 |
| Misc (fuel, tips, entry fees) | 1,000 – 2,000 | 2,000 – 4,000 |
| Total (per person) | 27,000 – 40,700 | 48,500 – 83,700 |
For a detailed cost breakdown with all possible expenses, refer to my Ladakh trip budget calculator. The numbers above are conservative estimates. If you travel in a group of 4-6 and share taxi costs, your per-person expense drops significantly.
Download your FREE high-resolution infographic PDF of 7 reasons to fly to Leh Ladakh. If you found it helpful, feel free to share it with your friends and family planning a Ladakh trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to fly to Leh directly?
Yes, flying to Leh is perfectly safe. Airlines operating this route use experienced pilots trained for high-altitude approaches. The main risk is flight cancellation due to weather, not safety. Keep a buffer day in your itinerary to account for delays. The bigger health concern is altitude sickness after landing, which is manageable with proper rest and hydration on Days 1-2.
Can I fly to Leh in winter?
Yes, flights operate to Leh year-round, but winter services are reduced. Expect 1-2 flights per day from Delhi between November and March, with frequent weather cancellations. Srinagar to Leh flights may reduce to 2 per week. Always have a backup plan and buffer days when traveling in winter.
Which airline is best for Delhi to Leh flights?
IndiGo offers the most frequent flights and usually the cheapest fares. Air India is a good option if you have heavy luggage (free checked baggage included). Akasa Air is a newer option worth comparing for competitive pricing. All airlines use standard narrow-body aircraft (A320/B737) on this route.
How many days do I need in Leh if I fly?
A minimum of 7 days is recommended if you fly to Leh. Days 1-2 are for acclimatization and Leh local sightseeing. Days 3-4 for Nubra Valley. Day 5 for Pangong Tso. Days 6-7 for buffer and return flight. For a more relaxed trip covering Tso Moriri and Hanle, plan for 9-10 days. Check my Ladakh itinerary by flight for a day-by-day plan.
Do I need a permit to fly to Leh?
You do not need a permit to fly to Leh or stay in Leh town. However, you need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri, Hanle, and other protected areas. Indian nationals can apply online at the Ladakh permit portal. Foreign nationals need a Protected Area Permit (PAP) and must travel in groups of 3 or more with a registered tour operator.
What happens if my flight to Leh gets cancelled?
If your flight is cancelled due to weather (which happens frequently in winter and monsoon), the airline will rebook you on the next available flight, usually the next morning. You will not be charged extra. This is exactly why I always recommend keeping a buffer day before any critical connection or commitment. Do not book a Nubra Valley taxi for the same day as your arrival flight.
Can I do a one-way flight and return by road?
Absolutely, and this is one of the best combinations. Fly to Leh, explore Ladakh for 5-7 days, then drive back to Manali or Srinagar. This way you get the time savings of flying in plus the road trip experience on the way back. You can rent a car or bike in Leh for a one-way drop to Manali (arrange in advance). The Manali to Leh Highway and Srinagar to Leh Highway are both open from June to October.
Final Thoughts
Flying to Leh Ladakh is not about choosing convenience over adventure. It is about being smart with your time and money. A road trip to Ladakh is an experience every traveler should have at least once. But after that first trip, or when time is limited, or when you are traveling with family, flying to Leh and spending every available day inside Ladakh is the better choice.
The roads within Ladakh, the passes at 17,000+ ft, the lakes, monasteries, and remote villages, these are where the real magic happens. And you do not need to drive from Delhi to experience them.
I hope this guide helped you decide whether flying to Leh is the right choice for your trip. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments section below. If someone in your family or friend circle is planning a Ladakh trip, do share this article with them. It might save them a lot of confusion 🙂
Last Updated: March 2026
18 Comments
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Hi Dheeraj,
In one of your other article:https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/leh-ladakh-most-common-itinerary-by-air/
You have written “Flying directly to a high altitude place like Leh (3500+ Mtr) can cause serious issues sometimes if proper care is not taken to combat Acute Mountain Sickness”,
Whereas in this article https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/reasons-flying-to-leh-ladakh/ it says other way round.
Now I am confused, should we come by road from delhi or Fly directly.
Please help!!
Tanya, if you are talking about point number 5, that is to compare traveling by road from Manali – Leh v/s flying directly to Leh. Out of the two options, I prefer to fly directly to Leh as you can rest. However, the best option is still to travel to Leh by road from Srinagar to combat mountain sickness.
Hello bro, I am big fan of ur articles.
We are also planning to go to leh by air. I will request u to answer following questions:-
1. Is it really good to travel by air than road.
2. Which month is best to travel to Ladhak.
3. What can be approx total budget if travel by air.
4. No of days required for this whole trip?
Thank you Vipul, I am really glad.
1. Yes, as I explained all my thoughts in the article as well 🙂
2. If planning by air, you can travel from April end to October. If you want to see snow, go early but if you want beautiful colors then go in September October
3. Excluding the tickets, expect about 20-25K
4. Check: Leh – Ladakh | Most Common Itinerary by Air
We’re a group of 10 people… Planning for Leh ladakh in 3 rd week of June… Our Age is between 50-55 . Pl suggest. Which is suitable for us.. Flight or raod
I will recommend that you plan to fly in to Srinagar, go by road to Leh to acclimatize better and then plan a road trip within Ladakh. After completing the trip, fly out of Leh.
Hi Dheeraj,
Travelling in 1st week.of.September
If i travel to leh by air and reach early morning. Is it ok to cover kargil same day and back next day?
Or should we take rest to avoid AMS.
Thanks
Rajan
Hi Rajan,
I will suggest avoiding traveling on the very first day at least, technically you will sleep at a lower altitude but the journey will take a toll on your body and you will pass through two high altitude passes to reach Kargil. Better will be to either sleep at Alchi or do Kargil – Leh trip on Day 2 and Day 3
Hi Dheeraj,
I am planing Leh trip in July end. We will be landing in Leh early morning at 7. We will be resting whole day, and may go to local places (Leh palace, market) strictly if everyone is feeling ok. On 2nd day we are planning Sham Valley Tour (Alchi, Hall of fame, Magnetic hill, confluence of Indus). We all are into 30s. We will be hiring cab with driver.
Is it strictly NO NO to plan Sham valley on 2nd day?
Hi Bhushan,
Well, yes, that is fine to travel to Sham Valley on Day 2 but the key is to keep the body hydrated, minimal fatigue should happen and previous night all of you had a close to good sleep if not 100% good sleep. In case of too much discomfort on previous day or night, better avoid and take more rest. Also on Day 1 please consider second half for roaming around and do not walk too much to exert yourself. Short walks are ideal with plenty of fluids.
Regards
Dheeraj
I am planning to visit Ladakh on next year probably in February end or March by air.
Is it good time to visit there or what is the best time to visit it?
It will be winter in Ladakh and you should read: 6 Special Tips for a Winter Trip to Ladakh
Hey Dheeraj,
Thanks for this article, gave a lot of confidence for people who prefer flying in directly.
We are a group on 12 people going to fly to Leh on 6th April Midnight From Mumbai and have return flight on 12th April 2017.
Considering 7-8 April for acclimatization and local sightseeing, we have 9-10-11 at our hand.
Hotel booking is done at Sangto Green in leh.
Can you please tell us what can be achieved in these three days, we want to cover Khardungla for sure and rest places are flexible. Also is it advisable to rent bikes in April ? how are the road conditions
Thanks in advance.
Swapnil
Hi Swapnil,
Pleasure it helped. Make a two day trip to Nubra Valley and one day trip to Pangong Tso. If the taxi driver agrees and you have couple of more vehicles to accompany you guys, then go from Agham – Shyok route to Pangong tso and stay at Tangtse as Pangong Tso will be too cold to stay. Bikes may be available for rent within Leh but for Nubra and PAngong tso, not available as it is not that safe to travel.
Oh that’s sad!
We were looking forward to take bikes till Nubra atleast for an overnight stay.
I talked with few bike operators and they said they will provide bikes for Nubra also.
Are you totally sure we should not take bikes till Nubra? (Okay taking a car for pangong)
We are fairly experienced with bikes ( been riding since last 7-8 years) , though not much exp in such weather.
Your comment will be very useful to determine the course of action. Please help 🙂
Swapnil
They will provide the bikes buddy but the problem is mostly BRO does not allow to ride bike on Khardungla due to snow on road and unsafe for bike riders especially novice ones. A mere slip up there can result in fatal consequences, please keep in mind. So, depending upon how you ride the bike for first few days, take a call buddy. Don’t take unnecessary risk 🙂
hi Dheeraj
intend going to Leh Ladakh in July 2nd week, my itinerary is as under:
Day 1 Chandigarh to Manali halt manali
Day 2 Manali to chandratal lake via rohtang pass Halt at Chandartal
Day 3 Chandartal lake to kaza via Kunzom;a pass halt kaza
Day 4 Kaza to Jispa via kunzumla pass halt jispa
day 5 jispa to leh via baralacha pass,nakila pas,taglanga pass,serchu visit pang halt in leh
day 6 leh,local sight seeing, shanti stupa,shay palace,thiksay monastery, stok plalce, ranchoo school halt leh
day 7 leh to nubra valley via khardongla pass visit disket monastery, hunder sand dunes fouble hump camel halt nubra valley
day 8 nubra hunder to turtuk village back nubra
day 9 nubra hunder to pangong lakevia shayok valley, spangmik village, 3 idiots scjhool 9halt pangong lake
day 10 pangong lake to tsomoriri lakevia tsagala
pass visit, maan villagem,erak cvillage, chushul, korzok monastery halt at tsomoriri lake korzok village
day 11 tsomoriri lake to leh via mahe bridge chumathang hot spring halt in leh
day 12 leh to kargil via fotula pass, namkila pass visit, hall of fame museum, gurudwara pathersahib,magnetic hill,sNGAM point indus and zanskar river confluence,lamayuru moon land view, lamayuru monastery,, mulbek statue halt at kargil
day 13 kaargil to srinagar dop via zogela pass drass war memorial, tiger hill, tololoinghill sonamarg view
the above is the itenerary given by a guide he has quoted Rs 88,000/- only for travelling by innova is it OK , are all the places mentioned worth visiting?
he has quoted hotel accomodation for Rs 39900, we r 2 ppersons .
kindly help
Pushpa, well, I will recommend that you skip the Kaza part and do Pangong Tso to Hanle and Hanle to Tso Moriri. The rates you can check few more options too to decide on the best rate. If you are looking for competitive and customized Ladakh tour and packages, you can connect with info@offbeatescapes.com as most of the readers in the past couple of years have had very good feedback about them and especially their transparent policies along with being there with you all the time in need.