Pangong Tso lake in Changthang region of Ladakh has emerged as one of the most wanted places to visit among domestic tourists in recent times especially after the Bollywood blockbuster “3 idiots”.
Now, in India, one can see a lot more movies and advertisements being shot around this mesmerizing lake. A huge number of tourists visit Pangong lake in the summer months, making it one of the top travel destinations in India.
This slat water, a beautiful ocean-like lake, is about 5 km wide at its broadest point and about 134 km long with about 60% of the length extending into Tibet. During winters the lake freezes completely, which itself is a great sight to witness if you have seen the other aqua / blue colors of this pristine lake.
Since it is near to the Line of Actual Control, you need to get Inner Line Permit to visit Pangong Tso, both as an Indian and foreigner.
Let's quickly dive into the details:
Pangong Tso Lake Leh Ladakh
The beautiful multi shades of blue color offered by this lake along with a picturesque landscape around give this place an extremely romantic feel as shown in Bollywood film songs. However, sitting behind the TV, it looks so, but in actual reality, the place is harsh and difficult to survive especially in winters 🙂 🙂
There are only a couple of cemented accommodation available around the lake and the facilities like electricity, medical aid, hot running water, western toilets, etc. are luxury in itself. The lack of oxygen makes survival difficult if your body is not properly acclimatized to its high altitude. Hence, one needs to plan his/her journey extremely carefully to avoid acute mountain sickness.
So, even though Pangong lake tourism is at its peak, it is important to plan your trip to this high altitude place properly. This travel guide will help you with it.
Location
Pangong Tso lake is located about 170 KMs from Leh town of Ladakh district in Jammu & Kashmir. You can make either make a day trip from Leh to Pangong Tso which will take you about 13 hrs of travel, or you can make a two day trip to Pangong Tso from Leh.
Altitude
Pangong Tso lake is one of the high altitudes lakes of India Himalayas at a staggering altitude of 4350 Meters or 14270 Feet and is the biggest of all lakes in Leh Ladakh.
Best Time to Visit Pangong Lake
In general, the best time to travel to Pangong Tso lake is in the summer months when the Ladakh peak season is in full flow.
Similar to what we learned about the best time to travel to Leh Ladakh, in the months January to March, Pangong Tso remains mostly frozen, has extremely cold conditions with no options to stay around the lake except few basic homestays in Spangmik and Man – Merak villages.
In April, the lake starts to melt and starts transforming into the beautiful palette of multi shades of blue colors.
Then May to September is the peak tourist season. Tourists flock to the shores of the Pangong Tso lake in these months. In this summer period, you can witness a large number of birds around the lake including the most common Bar-headed goose and Brahmini ducks.
Come late September and early October, the tourists start to reside as the cold starts to set in and accommodation tents start to pack up. In my opinion, this is by far the best time to visit Pangong Tso to see the full glory of beautiful shades of blue color in this lake. The colors are purely magical at this time of the year, and with less number of tourists comparatively, you get better deals and enjoy more.
Pangong Lake in Winter
After mid-October up to December, all the accommodation packs up, and the only nearest place you can stay is either in some homestay with basic facilities to fight the harsh cold or in some guest house at Tangste, about 34 km away from the lake.
Tangtse has few guesthouses having much better facilities to fight the cold and provide comfort in winter months. If the sun is shining and you do not mind the hard cold winters, then also you can make a day trip to Pangong Tso from Tangste to see magical shades of blue color at this lake. However, do not forget to check the weather conditions before leaving Leh.
How to Reach Pangong Lake
You can reach Pangong Tso lake from Leh by road via Karu – Chang La pass. Pangong Lake is also connected from Nubra Valley directly by the Shyok Village route and by the Wari La pass route.
Let us look at the different routes that you can use to travel to Pangong Tso from Leh town or Nubra Valley which will help you in
Route from Leh to Pangong Lake
Well, Leh to Pangong lake distance by road using Karu – Chang La pass route is 170 km. This route to Pangong Tso is what most people take to visit this beautiful lake in Ladakh. You can reach in about 5 – 6 Hrs depending upon the number of breaks you take in between the journey. The route along with the distance between the subsequent places is as follows:
Leh – Karu (36 KMs) – Sakti (10 KMs) – Chang La (34 KMs) – Durbuk (32 KMs) – Tangste (9 KMs) – Lukung (34 KMs) – Spangmik (16 KMs) = 171 KMs
You can cover Thiksey, Hemis, and Shey monasteries while going through this route. This route provides the best road conditions for all other routes. So, if you are one of those who prefer relaxing vacation and do not want to rush through places then, I will suggest making a two day trip to Pangong Tso lake via this route from Leh.
Of course, I assume your body has been acclimatized properly by staying for a couple of nights in Leh and spending a night or two in Nubra Valley before attempting to sleep near Pangong Tso. If you are short on time, then you should make a day trip to Pangong Tso via this route only because it is best in road conditions in comparison to other routes and hence fastest of all.
Route from Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso Lake
Many of the domestic tourists are short on leaves and also do not want to miss the opportunity of sunrise/sunset at Pangong Tso by making a day trip. Hence, when they visit Nubra Valley (always recommended for better acclimatization) first, most of them seek some route from Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso directly without going back to Leh. For all such people, there exist two routes from Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso:
Nubra Valley – Wari La – Pangong Tso
This route goes via mighty Wari La pass, one of the remotest passes of the Ladakh region and retakes about 11-12 Hrs depending upon several interim breaks you take. The route is long and rough and hence requires you to leave very early from Nubra Valley so that you reach Pangong Tso (Lukung or Spangmik) before the sun goes down.
If you are planning via Wari La route, then do check the conditions at Agham village before ascending towards it. It is a remote region, and you will hardly find any tourist or vehicle going past by you. Hence, in case required, help will not be easy to find.
You do not need any special permit for Wari La pass route and permits for Nubra Valley & Pangong Tso are sufficient for traveling on this route.
The route along with the distance between the subsequent places is as follows:
Diskit – Khalsar (19 KMs) – Agham (31 KMs) – Tangyar (11 KMs) – Wari La (28 KMs) – Tathok (25 KMs) – Sakti (4 KMs) – Chang La (34 KMs) – Durbuk (32 KMs) – Tangste (9 KMs) – Lukung (34 KMs) – Spangmik (16 KMs) = 243 KMs
Do not attempt this route in the early season because firstly, Wari La might not be open being low on priority for BRO, and secondly, the roads are not stable in the early season. So, being a remote place, any help might be hard to find.
You may carry spare fuel from Leh to cover about 425 – 475 km because the Deskit petrol pump in Nubra Valley may not have fuel. Well, since 2016, the fuel availability is much better now at the Deskit petrol pump. If you do not find it then you will be covering Leh – Nubra Valley – Wari La – Pangong Tso – Leh without any other petrol pump.
Nubra Valley – Shyok Village – Pangong Tso
This route from Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso goes from Shyok Village and has become quite popular among tourists with fewer days in the past couple of years, as of 2019.
It is much shorter than the Wari La route, takes about 6-7 hrs from Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso, and hence will save more time and energy. But, again, there are some landslide-prone stretches on this route, and sometimes you may have a couple of nasty water crossings to tackle.
So, leave early in the day from Nubra and confirm about route conditions at Agham village. If you are alone, it is better to wait for a few vehicles at Agham village to tag along with them.
You do not need any special permit for the Shyok Village route and permits for Nubra Valley & Pangong Tso are sufficient for traveling on this route.
The route along with the distance between the subsequent places is as follows:
Diskit – Khalsar (19 KMs) – Agham (31 KMs) – Shyok Village (48 KMs) – Durbuk (18 KMs) – Tangste (9 KMs) – Lukung (34 KMs) – Spangmik (16 KMs) = 175 KMs
You also need to carry spare fuel from Leh to cover 350 – 400 KMs because many times the petrol/diesel is not available at Diskit, Nubra Valley petrol pump and you will be covering Leh – Nubra Valley – Wari La – Pangong Tso – Leh without any other petrol pump.
Route from Tso Moriri Lake to Pangong Tso Lake
There exist a route between Tso Moriri and Pangong Tso as well. In most general cases, you will always be doing it from Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri because you can exit Ladakh from Tso Moriri towards Manali Leh Highway after visiting Pangong Tso without coming back to Leh.
Secondly, Tso Moriri is higher in altitude than Pangong Tso. So, as per the acclimatization schedule, you must stay at Pangong Tso before spending a night at Tso Moriri. However, for informational purposes, you can go to Pangong Tso from Tso Moriri directly via the remote and ever beautiful Changthang region.
The drive between Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri is one of the most beautiful drives in the entire Ladakh region. You need a special permit from Leh DC office to cross Chusul to travel on this route.
The route along with the distance between the subsequent places is as follows:
Tso Moriri (Korzok) – Sumdo (53 KMs) – Mahe (10 KMs) – Nyoma (25 KMs) – Loma (22 KMs) – Tsaga Village (23 KMs) – Tsaga La (20 KMs) – Chusul (33 KMs) – Kakstet (24 KMs) – Merak (4 KMs) – Man (12 KMs) – Spangmik (9 KMs) = 235 KMs
Though highly unlikely but if at all you are doing in this order then you also need to carry spare fuel from Leh/Upshi/Karu to cover about 600 – 700 KMs because you will be covering Leh -Tso Moriri – Nyoma – Loma – Pangong Tso – Leh without any other petrol pump.
You can check the detailed Pangong Lake map. You can download this detailed map of Leh Ladakh by right-clicking & then select the option: “Save Image As…”
Road Conditions and Preferred Vehicles
The higher ground clearance vehicles are preferable, and 4×4 ones would be helpful, especially between Tso Moriri and Pangong Tso as well as Nubra Valley – Shyok Village – Pangong Tso route. However, quite a few people do it in hatchbacks and sedans as well which depends upon your skills to drive and road conditions.
In general Leh to Pangong lake road condition via Karu – Changla route is good enough for any type of the car including hatches and sedan.
It is always recommended to carry important essentials when you self drive to Ladakh.
Video – Pangong Tso Tourist Attractions
Suggested Itinerary
Generally, at least a one-night stay is preferable to truly witness the mesmerizing beauty of this blue colored saltwater lake. Of course, one night’s stay will help you watch sunrise and sunset over the picturesque landscape and increase the charm of your vacation to a great extent. Most people, generally do:
Day 1 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake
- Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey, and Shey on the go towards Pangong Tso
- Overnight at Pangong Tso (Spangmik or Lukung)
Day 2 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
- Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey, and Shey on return to Leh
- Overnight at Leh
You can also check our Most Common Itinerary for Leh Ladakh
Where to Stay
For a comprehensive list of accommodation options or hotels or camps around Pangong Tso lake, you can refer these good stay options nearby the lake. Please keep in mind that starting from 2018, LEH DC has issued a ruling to vacate all of the illegal Pangong lake hotels and camps. Make sure you double-check with your hotel or camp folks before making the deal.
You cannot do camping near the shores of Pangong Tso lake as it a Ramsar site wetland reserve, which means you cannot camp nearby the lake.
Medical Facilities Nearby
The nearest basic medical health center is at Tangste Village about 50 KMs from Spangmik village and 34 KMs from Lukung village. You can get basic first aid including Oxygen doses at some of the tents/camps, I guess else you can carry your own oxygen cylinder with you.
Where to Eat
Being a remote place, you will either be eating in the homestay at Spangmik Village or at the camps/tents you might be staying overnight. The options of eating places at Pangong lake is fairly limited to roadside shacks, homestays, and camping sites.
You should always carry your water bottle and refill it as many times as you need water. It will not only keep you hydrated always, but you will also help in saving the Himalayas from plastic garbage. Remember, every tiny step counts and your step in this direction can help save the Himalayas too !! 🙂 🙂
Mobile Connectivity
Mostly, you will not find any phone or mobile signals at Pangong Tso lake. However, there is a BSNL tower setup at Lukung as of 2018, and it does work many times. You need to carry a postpaid BSNL or MTNL connection to get some connectivity in Ladakh.
Petrol Pumps near Pangong
Nearest Petrol Pump is at Karu about 135 KMs from Pangong Tso and comes on the way to Pangong Tso from Leh. I will suggest that you top-up the fuel from Leh itself and then drive/ride up to the lake.
ATMs
You will not find any ATMs near Pangong Tso lake and hence, it is always better to carry cash from Leh (the only place where you find ATM in Ladakh) itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let us look at some of the most frequently asked questions about Pangong lake. In case I have missed to cover any question in this article, feel free to give me a shoutout and I will answer and add to this list.
As per taxi union rates of 2018, Leh to Pangong lake taxi fare is Rs 10566 for a two day trip and Rs 8653 for a day trip to Pangong from Leh.
There are two buses that travel from Leh to Pangong Tso every Saturday and Sunday of the week. The Leh to Pangong Tso bus leaves at 6.30 AM on every Saturday and Sunday from Leh bus stand. You can read all about Leh to Pangong lake bus service.
Conclusion
Pangong Tso lake is a great place to visit, and I am sure if you visit Ladakh, this one surely is not the place you would like to exclude from your trip plan. I hope the information in this travel guide for Pangong Lake in Ladakh will be useful for your upcoming Leh Ladakh trip.
It is a humble request that you help in not making a Pangong Tso an environmental disaster.
Have a travel question?? You can subscribe to my YouTube channel and leave a comment to ask your travel questions about traveling to the Himalayas.
Please feel free to post any questions or doubts you might have in planning your trip to Pangong Tso in the comments section below. If you have been to this beautiful place, kindly share your thoughts and other information you might feel will be worth sharing with other fellow travelers and prove helpful to them.
If you know your friends or family are planning a trip to Ladakh, do share this article with them to help them make a memorable Ladakh trip.
510 Comments
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thnk u very much sir, you have guided me so nicely and so quickly too.. thanx again
Dheeraj I still hv some confusion about the route that need to be mention if we are descending from nubra to pangong the shorter one via shyok vill … do we still need to get a permit or something and same thing for pangong to tso moriri as well //// also do u recommend covering those route by a hatchback??
Pranjal, I will not suggest to take Shyok route at all, hatch or no hatch. Also, Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri you will need Innner Line Permits. Even after permit it is not assuered that army will allow you. Regarding taking hatch on that route is again a risky affair as at sections there is sand where car gets stuck.
further do u advise to take then the wari la route to get to pangong tso directly , do we stil need a permit for that /// and what do u suggest about taking hatchback from pangong to tso moriri which route should I follow ????
Please see my reply here: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/travel-guide-for-pangong-tso-lake-in-ladakh/comment-page-3/#comment-330086
hello sr,
i m planning a trip to laddakh with my students in a bus. is it suitable to travel via bus. are the roads good enough for a deluxe bus to go through all the way
Manish, better to have a tempo traveller type. A big bus will require a very very experienced driver in that terrain. Public buses that run on that route are having experienced drivers of that terrain. Also, once you reach Leh, you need to hire a local taxi or tempo to do sightseeing in Ladakh as outside commercial vehicles are not allowed for sightseeing in Ladakh.
can u please guide my about the chrges of local travelrs per day
Sorry I could not get the question?
sr plz guide me about the taxi rentals per day at laddakh.
are travelers also available there ? as we are 35 people so taxi will not be a gud choice for us..
Manish, ohh, tempo traveler. Yeah, they are available and are 35% higher than cost of an Innova.
sr i dont know the rents for innova plz tell that how much a traveler may cost me
For the leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2015 – 16 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here. You can get about 10-12% of discount by directly getting in touch with drivers and of course, talking in person rather on phone always help in bargaining more.
sr please tell whether we can carry our tents or cooking plans with ourselves. i have heard that the locals thier do not allow tourists to use thier own tents. is residing in thier tents the only way?
Manish, You can pitch your own tents anywhere but I will suggest you pitch them at a place where there are some dhabha tents put up by locals or where other camping guy pitch theirs or somewhere near some house in village or in their garden/lawn. All you will need is to gently ask them (villagers/dhabha guys/camping guys) for permissions. Most likely they will allow, other wise negotiate for small little tip or move on to some other such place nearby. This will give you sense of security too.
But, keep in mind that camping at the lakes both Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri is not allowed as they are under Ramsar site. Hence, you need to pitch these camps away from the lakes where either other camps are there or at near by village.
Hello Dheeraj,
I have been planning the dream trip to Leh by last 2 years but somehow took trips to different destinations. Finally I have planned this trip between 22- 30th June with my better half.Thanks to your wonderful work @ DOW 80% research done on your website itself and rest on Google. Below is planning done from suggestion provided by you Delhi – Srinager – Leh – Manali – Delhi. Still got some question on my mind and would like to take your suggestions.
22-Jun Srinargar – Kargil (210km/ 8hrs)
23-Jun Kargil – Leh (210 km/ 8hrs)
24-Jun Leh (resting all day and local SS)
25-Jun Leh – Nubra Vally (140 km/ 3hrs)
26-Jun Nubra-Pangong (245 km/ 12hrs)
27-Jun Pangong – Leh (220km/ 7hrs)
28-Jun Leh – Tso Moriri (220km/ 7hrs)
29-Jun TsoMoriri -Sarchu(250km/12hrs)
30-Jun Sarchu – Manali (225km/ 12hrs)
Questions :
1) Is it safe for couple to travel on Bike (Enfield 350) on these routes?
2) Where to get permits for Nubra-Wari La-Pangong route?
3) Altough I am squeezing all destinations in this time frame and there will be extensive travelling , is the time mentioned in front of these sufficient to cover on bike.
These are only few concerns I have in mind and will bother you little more if something more comes up.
Thanks in advance.
Sanjay
Hi Sanjay,
My replies below:
1. Yes it is quite safe. Do read the article: 5 Tips to Rent Bike in Leh – Ladakh and Ride with Pillion, specially the section of Riding with pillion
2. AFIAK, you do not need any permits for it. If you are traveling alone on this route, I will not advice you the same. Read: Tips for Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso Direct Route and then take a call if it is good to take that kind of risk
3. As you know most the days you will just be riding and will be on road. A but hectic especially when traveling with a pillion.
Regards
Dheeraj
Thanks buddy for quick response and valuable feedback.
Please suggest how should we reachfrom Nubra to Pangong without wasting much time and which route will be suitable if we leave early morning by 8:00am from Nubra.
We can also take a night halt at Lukung or Spangmik and next morning see Pangong and head back to leh via hemis-shey. Will not book stay after Nubra and will do spot booking wherever I reach till day end.
I will decide next steps after you revert.
Thanks, Sanjay
anjay, regarding direct route from Pangong Tso to Nubra, please read the article I linked in the previous reply which has all the details
Hi Dheeraj, thanks for describing the direct route between Tso Moriri and Pangong. We are a group of 10 people and will be traveling in a traveler(maxi cab) through Ladakh in the month of August. I just want to know that is it possible to take the route between tso moriri and pangong in that month with a traveler?
Zeeshan, in case you have the permits and army allows you to pass, then yes you can take the route.
I am planing leh trip in this yr sept.
as my some frnd said that in septembr everything is closed
khardungla road and pangong lake road and nubra vally road is closed
is this right??????
They r said that in sept only leh is open.
Plz guide
Satish, your friends are wrong. September is a good time to travel to Ladakh and all roads are open. BTW, Khardung La as well as Pangong Tso remain open all round the year even in winters.
Hi Dheeraj,
I have a query-we are planning to go Hanle in my next trip,but have heard that no camera is allowed there,we have to store them at Loma Check Post.Is it true?We cant take photos at Hanle?Then I will cancel my trip there.Please reply soon.Thanks.
Sanjib, this is to an extent true. They take the cameras and get them submited in Loma checkpost and hand over on the return. Sometimes, people get lucky and pass through without such checks. It is a sensitive region and hence security in all aspects are necesary .
Hello Dheeraj
We are group of friends travelling by suvs one safari storme and fortuner both 4×4, as srinagar leh highway is opened now can we will be able to travel to nubra valley and pangong tso lake if we reach leh on 25th of may.
Hey Nitin, by that time it is expected that Srinagar – Highway will get stable and fine to travel subject to weather conditions remain all good
what is the approximate mileage i can expect my swift car (Diesel) to give me all through out Leh/Ladakh trip(Srinagar-Leh-Manali), considering the fact that it is a 1 year old car only and gives 18-20 kmpl in city with AC. and on normal highways 20-22 kmpl.
Ashish, I expect about 65-70% of mileage from my car when it runs over in hills as compared to plains.
hi
we are a group of friends planning to visit Leh in august end, we have planned out itenary with the help og local hotel there in Leh. as i have read all the messages above, i wanted to know that as we arrive at Leh morning on day, we are just resting entire day. day 2 just visiting monastries near by, day 3 – going to Nubra valley and staying there overnight, day 4 – coming bck to leh and resting. Day 5 – going to Pangong lake and staying there overnight. so my concern is at day 5 will be ok to go to pangong and stay there.. correct… thanks & rgds
Sam, most likely it will be OK to stay but all depends on how your bodies are coping up in earlier days. If the bodies are fine, most likely there will not be much of a trouble.
Dear dheeraj bhai, above you have mentioned that route from nubra to pangong via shyok village will open in 2012. What is the position of road in 2015
There isn’t any change in the status of the route. It still remains closed when the Shyok river gets swollen in the month of July, August and at time June too. one of the mountain is very unstable and landlside keeps happening there and hence not suggested till date to take this route.
Hi Dheeraj,
Based on My travel plan for this year June i will be going to pangong directly from hunder. Is the Shyok river route really terrible or we can make it. We will be 8 bikers and 2 couples… i dont want to come back to leh as i have already done the bookings. Which route should i take – wari la or shyok
Shagun, I will suggest to read: Tips for Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso Direct Route and then take a call 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
I was going through above comments & i need your input on my upcoming Leh trip.
I’m planning to visit Leh between 24’rd May to 2’nd June. I’m planning to travel with my wife & 6 years old daughter.
After going through all the online information, i found that it’s important that i have to stay in Leh at least for first two days for proper acclimatization.
Here is what i’m planning on high level –
1) 24, 25 – Relax in Leh, visit places around… depending upon how much you are comfortable with condition.
2) 26 – Leh to Nubra Valley*
* I can stay for one more day if there are good places to cover in Nubra Valley
3) 27- Nubra to Leh
4) 28 – Rest in Leh, visit place around Leh
5) 29 – Leh to Pangong Lake**
** If Pangong Lake is not suitable for staying with Family in the evening camp then, can come back to nearby city.
6) 30 – Pangong Lake to Leh
I still have 3 days pending (like 31’st May to 2’nd June) so open for your suggestion like, If there are any places in between Pangong Lake & Leh then i’m fine to stay there and relax so we don’t find any issue with high altitude.
Questions –
1) First question, wanted to check with you, is it safe to travel with 6 years daughter on this trip? any extra cautious/ precaution i need to take for my daughter?
2) Feel free to suggest best itinerary considering fact that, we are traveling with family & minimize high altitude issue…
3) There are lot of uncertainity like depending upon weather there, our body condition on height etc… what do you recommend like, do i need to book Hotels/camp in Nubra or Pangong before reaching Leh or i can book from Leh itself via. hotel or agent etc..?
4) As recommended in your one of comment, make a day trip to Pangong Tso, but from Leh it’s @175 Kms and back and forth from Pangong, will most take whole day & you dont get enough time to enjoy over Pangong Lake right? Like you start at 4 am, reach around noon and then say spend 3-4 hours and come Leh around 10pm… so in this case you mostly get just 3-4 hours…
Best Regards,
Narayan (Vadodara, Gujarat)
Hi Narayan,
I will suggest that you refer the link for the travel plan: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/leh-ladakh-most-common-itinerary-by-air/
Regarding questions:
1. It is fine to take the children of such age group because AMS do not matter with respect to age or sex or any physical health condition. It can happen to anyone of any age or sex or fitness I shall say :D.. The issue with children is that they tend to exert the body considering it the same kind of place they belong to and this elevates the chances of getting struck with AMS. Secondly, they are not much expressive about their uneasy feelings, so it is parents who need to watch out and take care that the child is not suffering from uneasy feelings, headache or nausea and is behaving properly. With 5+ year child, I think he/she would be able to convey the uneasiness with little efforts. If you notice any such feeling or he/she tells you about such a feeling then please do not ascend anywhere, either descend to lower altitude or stay at the same place to watch things overnight and if symptom increase then start descending immediately. Same is applicable for any adult as well. And yes, do keep the body adequately hydrated!!
Also, PLEASE read the article: Traveling to Ladakh with Kids or Babies. This article covers this topic in complete detail.
2. Done above
3. You can book it on the spot if you can search a bit here and there. May be if at all book for first couple of days as you land in Leh
4. Many people do day trip to Pangong Tso, takes about 12 Hrs up and down with an hour or so at the lake. But, you can stay over at the Lake as you are going in May end and many options of stay will be up and running at that time of the year.
Regards
Dheeraj
Thanks Dheeraj for replying back in time.
1. Make sense. Even i myself have issue with height but once spend few hours then i can do trekking. I been to rohtang pass in the past & was fine during up-hill but faced issue while going down hill.
2. Thanks for sharing common itinerary, will do necessary change in my plan.
3. So your recommendation is to book once, i land there. I’m planning to book for first couple days and then check with either hotel or agent over there & finalize next plan.
4. As i have enough days pending so, planning to stay 1 night at Pangong Lake. Lets hope at that time, i get accomodation easily.
Further more…
1) Do you know any travel agent there, who can arrange for Taxi and if required then book Hotel on given dates?
2) Will BSNL prepaid work there? I learnt that it’s not working…
3) Do we expect rain in May end-June starting time? So accordingly i can do packing… I guess temp. will be in range of 5*c to 15*c.
4) I read that we have to do bargaining hard with Taxi and Hotel guys so what is your general experience like, do they give double-triple rate?
Thanks and Best Regards,
Narayan
Hi Narayan,
Answers to your further queries:
1. You can check with info@offbeatescapes.com who have got good feedback in the past two years from many readers.
2. Prepaid does not work in Ladakh. Only Postpaid connections work in Ladakh.
3. Ladakh is a rain shadow region, rains rarely reaches there.
4. I never experienced that thing in Ladakh 🙂
Regards
Dheeraj
Is it possible to cover leh-pangon tso- leh in one day? and Leh-Tso Moriri-Leh on the second day?
or leh-pangong-Tso Moriri-Leh in two days?
Aronee, Leh – Pangong Tso – Leh as a day trip is possible if you wish to spend about 12 Hrs of journey and is done by many tourists. However, Leh to Tso Moriri and back to Leh will need 2 days as it takes about 8-9 Hrs one side to reach Tso Moriri from Leh.
Hello Dheeraj,
Great website!!
I’m planning to travel to Pangong Tso in June from Leh…. Will be flying to Leh from Delhi. I won’t have too much time but still want to plan the best trip possible in 3-4 days. Need your advice on:
1. What’s the least number of days, considering the time needed to acclimatize to the conditions in Pangong Tso. How many days should I plan to be in Leh before traveling to Pangong Tso?
2. Assuming I rent a taxi from Leh, is this a trip that I can take with my children (10 and 12) and my mother (64 years old). Or does it require considerable walking/ extreme climatic conditions?
3. Will I need a permit to visit Pangong Tso from Leh? If yes, where can I obtain that?
Thank you and best wishes!
Tarun
Hi Tarun,
1. Below I have suggested the least days of Ladakh trip you can make with a detailed plan.
2. The trip suggested below can be done in the taxi with no walking required.
3. No, you do not need any permit to visit Pangong Tso being Indian National.
Day 1 | Delhi – Leh (By Flight)
— Checkin at Hotel. Many hotels provide free pick and drop from Airport. Ask while you book them.
— Take ample of rest as well as water or anything that keep your body hydrated enough. DO NOT OVER HYDRATE. Take ORS Soluted water or ORS – L tetra packs from home.
— Do not over exert your body at any cost. Avoid too much up-down on stairs or avoid it in entirety, if possible.
— After 5-6 Hrs of rest you can visit Leh Palace, Local Leh market, Shankar Gompa .
— If you feel exerted go back to Hotel, have dinner at Hotel and take rest. Avoid any exertion. Else continue and,
— Follow the sunset by stroll at Changspa road and have a nice dinner on varied cuisines offered in-around Changspa road.
— Go back to hotel for overnight stay at Leh.
Day 2 | Leh Local Sightseeing + Acclimatization
— Hire a taxi from Leh taxi stand or Hotel whichever suits you.
— Bargain hard with taxi driver. Book that single taxi for entire trip after explaining the complete plan.
— Take his inputs if you feel reasonable and if required modify the plan accordingly but should suits you best.
— Ask him to be with you guys starting first day itself, if required and charged reasonable else do it at your own.
— Again DO NOT over exert and take little steps and slow walks only.
— If feeling OK then do Local sightseeing. To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
— Do not use stairs at any of these places just to see them as it will exert your body much more.
— Overnight at Leh
Day 3 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 4 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Pangong Tso – Leh
— Do not plan to stay overnight at Pangong Tso as you will not be acclimatized and may fall sick. So, make a day trip only.
— Overnight at Leh
Hi Dheeraj,
Thank you for such a detailed reply. I really appreciate the time you put into planning everything out for me and responding so quickly! I have a follow-up question. If I were to only visit Pangong Tso, can I skip Day 3 and Day 4…. and directly do Day 5?
Day 3 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
Day 4 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
Thanks, again!
Tarun
Tarun, not really because your body will not be acclimatized and hence you will feel more uncomfortable traveling to Pangong Tso and in case you plan to stay overnight on Day 3 at Pangong Tso, that can further create miseries due to AMS.
Thanks a lot, I m talking about shyok village road from agham to durbuk, Can we travel by that route in june? What is the condition of road right now? Permition required?
Mayank, please read te detailed article on Shyok route: Tips for Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso Direct Route
Hello, Nice website. Thanx 4 it.
We r 5 bachlors are planning to visit Leh in June. Our ticket is booked. We will reach there by flight on 12th June, and return flight will be on 22th June. We have 11 Days and 10 Nights.
Our planned is as:
12 June :
Mayank, you missed to write your plan of Ladakh?
Hello, Nice website. Thanx 4 it.
We r 5 bachlors are planning to visit Leh in June. Our ticket is booked. We will reach there by flight on 12th June, and return flight will be on 22th June. We have 11 Days and 10 Nights.
Our planned is as:
12 June : Reach leh
13 June: : Nubra velly, Leh – Khardungla Deskit – Hunder. Night hold at Either Hunder or turtuk..
14 June : Turtuk – Deskit – sumoor – Panamik. Night in Panamik.
15 June : Panamik – Sumoor – Leh.
16 June : Leh to Pangong Lake. Night hold there.
17 June : Pangong to Hanle. Night at Hanle.
18 June : Hanle – Chumur – Tsomoriri. Night stay there.
19 June : Tsomoriri to Leh.
20 June : Leh – Alchi – Leh. Night stay at Leh.
21 June : Leh sight seeing.
22 June : Morning checkout.
My questions here are :
1. If We travelled from bike from Leh to nubra velly as per our above sheduled, Can we go?
2. If we travelled in Innova, then can we approach directly Pangong route by Chang La pass from Nubra velly? What is actual condition of that route now? How much time taken by innova to reach spangmik by Chang La from Khalsar?
3. As per above mentioned planned, at which route we have to take a permit to go there? And what is procedure to take permit? ( also guide how we get..!!!)
4. Please, give your suggestion for this plan and feedback. We have 10 nights for Ladakh, and we are trying maximum cover, Hope on you. We have not any idea more than you. Wait for your reply. Thanx.
-Mayank Fajalia, Bharuch (Gujarat)
Hi Mayank,
Your itinerary needs some changes. You MUST rest for first 2 days in order to acclimatize properly before you venture the heights of Khardung La. Regarding PAngong Tso to Hanle to tso Moriri, read the article first: Tips for Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri Direct Route
1. Yes.
2. Are you talking about Wari La route? If yes, June early it might be closed due to snow presence.
3. You need permits for Pangong Tso to Hanle to Tso Moriri and even after permit there is no certainity that army will allow you
4. Refer comments above.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi
I am planning to go to leh in 1st week of May. Is that the good time to visit leh and the places around during this period or should I wait for July.
And I do not want to take a package from any site like makemytrip I want to plan my own travel.
Shruti, if you can travel in July then it is better to plan the trip in July rather in May first week.
hii dheeraj i have booked my tkts fot leh from 5th may to 10 may please help me in planning a wonderful trip i want a river rafting and a snow point visit and ofcourse the beautyful pangong lake
thanks
Ravinder, you have 6 days in hand. You can do something like below and can do rfting on last day in th trip on the way to Sham Valley
Day 1 | Delhi – Leh (By Flight)
— Checkin at Hotel. Many hotels provide free pick and drop from Airport. Ask while you book them.
— Take ample of rest as well as water or anything that keep your body hydrated enough. DO NOT OVER HYDRATE. Take ORS Soluted water or ORS – L tetra packs from home.
— Do not over exert your body at any cost. Avoid too much up-down on stairs or avoid it in entirety, if possible.
— After 5-6 Hrs of rest you can visit Leh Palace, Local Leh market, Shankar Gompa .
— If you feel exerted go back to Hotel, have dinner at Hotel and take rest. Avoid any exertion. Else continue and,
— Follow the sunset by stroll at Changspa road and have a nice dinner on varied cuisines offered in-around Changspa road.
— Go back to hotel for overnight stay at Leh.
Day 2 | Leh Local Sightseeing + Acclimatization
— Hire a taxi from Leh taxi stand or Hotel whichever suits you.
— Bargain hard with taxi driver. Book that single taxi for entire trip after explaining the complete plan.
— Take his inputs if you feel reasonable and if required modify the plan accordingly but should suits you best.
— Ask him to be with you guys starting first day itself, if required and charged reasonable else do it at your own.
— Again DO NOT over exert and take little steps and slow walks only.
— If feeling OK then do Local sightseeing. To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
— Do not use stairs at any of these places just to see them as it will exert your body much more.
— Overnight at Leh
Day 3 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 4 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Pangong Tso – Leh
— Do not plan to stay overnight at Pangong Tso as you will not be acclimatized and may fall sick. So, make a day trip only.
— Overnight at Leh
Day 6 | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping OR Monastery tour OR Sham Valley tour OR Fly back home
— Overnight at Leh
— Monastery tour may include Hemis, Thicksey and Shey monasteries. They come on the route of Pangong Tso but as you will be doing day trip, it will be a bit hectic to include them on that day only.
— Sham Valley include Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, Gurudwara Pather Sahib
Hi Dheeraj,
I have booked my tickets for this September to travel to Leh. I reach leh by air on the 15th Sep morning and leave on the 21st Sep Morning. I will be travelling with a mate of mine, (so we will be two boys).
I am an australian citizen (and have the OCI), but I am now residing in India permanently. Needless to say, my friend is Indian. Can you please advise if I will be given the necessary passes (given that I am an OCI holder) to travel around the region. Is it mandatory to travel with a passport? What sort of documentation are the govenment officials after for issuing the passes? Can you please also suggest an itenarary for us. Thanks in advance..Cheers
Sahil, all foreign nationals, NRIs having PIOs or OCIs still need Protected Area Permit (PAP) or Restricted Area Permit (RAP) to visit Inner Line areas of Ladakh including Pangong tso, Nubra Valley, Khardung La, Tso Moriri, Turtuk, Dah Hanu Villages.
So, I feel in your case too, you will need to apply for permits. You can read the article for more details: Protected Area Permit in Ladakh for Foreigners
Hi Dheeraj
We are planning to go to Leh trip from 2nd to 6 th april by air. Is it suitable time to visit leh. Does we will be able to see pangong lake or it will be frozen?
Regards
Rajan
Rajan, Pangong Tso will be frozen during that time of the year.
Hi dheeraj,
Could u please suggest us the best itneary for 4 days visit to leh.
Regards
Rajan
Rajan, 4 days are too less to travel to Ladakh. First two days will be in rest and acclimatization of high altitude only and then you may travel a day trip to Khardung La and then a day trip to Pangong Tso.
Hi Dheeraj,
I don’t have enough time in my itinerary to stay over at both Nubra and Pangong lake. Out of the the two which one you will recommend for an overnight stay?
Can I cover Panagong in a 1 day trip and return to Leh? Or do you suggest to go from Nubra to Pangong directly without coming back to leh? Is that route comfortable and will I get taxi in this route?
Thanks in advance..
Hi Ranjith,
Yes, it will be better that you do 2 day trip to Nubra Valley and 1 day trip to Pangong Tso as it can be done in a day. Regarding Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso, possible way is to attempt Wari La route in case you doing it post mid of June, which is also a bit desolated but doable enough. If your driver agrees to travel on this route then take the Wari La route to Pangong Tso. Remember that any help required on both these routes will be HARD to find in miles of distance. If you have couple of vehicles then only take this route otherwise best is to avoid it.
Mostly drivers now agree to travel Wari La route now a day. For the leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2015 – 16 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here. You can get about 10-12% of discount by directly getting in touch with drivers and of course, talking in person rather on phone always help in bargaining more.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
Can you help me with your view over Nubra to Pangong via Wari-la route, what are the chances that in July 1st week it would be closed…
As what I came to know by few travel agent is that I depends on Indian Army that will they allow you to pass by the wari- la or not…
Can you help with your view over the same
Tejas, Pangong Tso – Wari La – Nubra Valley route gets open by July first week, so that should not be an issue. I have not heard about anyone being stopped for Wari La. It happens for Pangong tso to Tso Moriri where it is common for army to stop tourists going beyond Chusul even if they have permits with them. But with Wari La, it is not much of an issue.
Hi dheeraj, you are doing a great job! I am planning to go to leh around mid april 2015. We are three friends and would like to travel on bikes. We will reach leh by flight and have kept two days in leh for acclimatization. We would want to cover three places mainly- Nubra valley, pangong tso and tso moriri. April is the only suitable time for us to go there. Many people told me that in april the road to pangong will be shut due to snowfall. Is it true? Also, Can you help me in making an itinerary as it is our first time?
thank you!!
Dhwanil, how many total days do you have in hand? Also, in case you have not ride bikes on snow I will not recommend 1% that you take bikes over Khardung La Pass and Changla Pass any day as it is very difficult and tricky. Also, roads are mostly open all round the year except during the days of heavy snowfall and time it takes to clear the snow. So, in case it snows heavily during that time of your visit, it will be closed else will be open.
I have a total of 7 nights 8 days!
Is it very risky to ride there?
Dhwanil, yes it is snow all the way on Khardung La and Chang La in mid of April. Bikes and cars Skid over there and there is a chance of getting hurt at that height. Very risky I will say. Regarding 7 nights and 8 days, you can follow the below plan:
Day 1 | Delhi – Leh (By Flight)
— Checkin at Hotel. Many hotels provide free pick and drop from Airport. Ask while you book them.
— Take ample of rest as well as water or anything that keep your body hydrated enough. DO NOT OVER HYDRATE. Take ORS Soluted water or ORS – L tetra packs from home.
— Do not over exert your body at any cost. Avoid too much up-down on stairs or avoid it in entirety, if possible.
— After 5-6 Hrs of rest you can visit Leh Palace, Local Leh market, Shankar Gompa .
— If you feel exerted go back to Hotel, have dinner at Hotel and take rest. Avoid any exertion. Else continue and,
— Follow the sunset by stroll at Changspa road and have a nice dinner on varied cuisines offered in-around Changspa road.
— Go back to hotel for overnight stay at Leh.
Day 2 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Acclimatization
— Hire a taxi from Leh taxi stand or Hotel whichever suits you.
— Bargain with taxi driver and you can refer the thread for a comprehensive list of drivers: List of Taxi Drivers for Ladakh – Srinagar – Leh – Manali
— Take his inputs if you feel reasonable and if required modify the plan accordingly but should suits you best.
— Ask him to be with you guys starting first day itself, if required and charged reasonable else do it at your own.
— Again DO NOT over exert and take little steps and slow walks only.
— If feeling OK then do Local sightseeing. To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
— Do not use stairs at any of these places just to see them as it will exert your body much more.
— Overnight at Leh
Day 3 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 4 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Tangste
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on the go towards Pangong Tso
— Overnight at Tangste as Pangong Tso will not have options of stay at that time
Day 6 | Tangste – Pangong Tso Lake – Tangste – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on return to Leh
— Overnight at Leh
Day 7 | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping OR You can do tour to Sham Valley
— Sham Valley include Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, Gurudwara Pather Sahib
— Overnight at Leh
Hi dheeraj! thanks for your help!! really appreciate it! I booked my flight tickets from 15th april to 24th april. And depending on the condition over there, we will see whether to hire bikes or taxi. If i need any more help then is there any other way to reach you or only through this website?
Dhwanil, there is a facebook page and twitter account where I am mostly active, prefer Facebook, you can get in touch up there apart from email you will be receiving as I reply to this comment 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
Have been following the posts on your website on and off. U seem to know these regions inside out and your willingness to help everyone is amazing! I am also planning to go to Leh-Ladakh this summer with my family and friends. We also have kids as young as 7 travelling with us. i would like you to suggest a tour for us…we are looking at spending around 10-12 days.We would also love to go for a day trek. We have thought of flying to from Srinagar and then proceeding towards Leh. Also if u could suggest any off beat place which is not included in the regular itineraries. Kindly advice. Thanx.
So, you have these 10-12 days from Srinagar to Delhi? If yes, in that case you can follow the below plan for Ladakh:
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 – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on the go towards Pangong Tso
— Overnight at Pangong Tso (Spangmik or Lukung)
Day 8 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on return to Leh
— Overnight at Leh
Day 9 | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping OR Monastery tour OR you can do tour to Sham Valley
— Monastery tour may include Hemis, Thicksey, Stakna and Shey monasteries. They come on the route of Pangong Tso but as you will be doing day trip, it will be a bit hectic to include them on that day only.
— Sham Valley include Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, Gurudwara Pather Sahib
— Overnight at Leh
Day 10 | Leh – Taglang La – Moore Plains – Pang – Sarchu
— Stay overnight at Sarchu
Day 11 | Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
— On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only
— Overnight at Manali
Day 12 | Manali – Delhi
Day 13 + 14 | Buffer days to be kept incase of road closure due to landslides or snowfall or perhaps you want to enjoy more.
Thank you so much Dheeraj! Will surely update you about our trip if things go as planned.
Hi,
We are planning to visit Leh this June 2015. Out itinerary is as such, Leh to Pangong Lake via Changla Pass, Pangong Lake to Nubra Valley, Nubra Valley to Leh via Khardungla Pass.
My query is, is there a direct route from Pangong Lake to Nubra Valley without having to go back to Leh and then heading to Nubra ? Google Maps shows there is a direct route, but could someone still provide me some inputs ? The article above speaks about Nubra to Pangong on a direct route .. am looking to go the opposite direction..
Thanks,
Tarun R.
Hi Tarun,
Firstly it is better to do Nubra Valley first in order to acclimatize properly as Nubra Valley is lower in altitude than Pangong Tso, hence help in acclimatization and gradual increase in altitude. Please read the section in the article “Route from Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso Lake” for inputs related to direct route and risks. The route is same no matter what direction you take 🙂
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
We are planning a trip to Ladakh in August on motorcycles with the following itineray:
Day 1 12th August 2015 Srinagar to Kargil
Day 2 13th August 2015 Kargil to Leh
Day 3 14th August 2015 Leh Halt for local sightseeing
Day 4 15th August 2015 Leh to Khardungla and back
Day 5 16th August 2015 Leh to Pangong Tso Lake
Day 6 17th August 2015 Pangong Tso Lake to Tsomoriri Lake
Day 7 18th August 2015 Tsomoriri Lake to Sarchu
Day 8 19th August 2015 Sarchu to Manali
Day 9 20th August 2015 Manali to Shimla
Day 10 21st August 2015 Shimla to Delhi
Please advice whether this is doable? Will it be too tiring? How are the road conditions in August?
Are they any other places we should add to our itinerary? How can I arrange the hotel bookings?
Cheers, Chimi
Hello Chimmi,
All is good in your Ladakh itinerary except Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri. Regarding Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri route or Pangong Tso to Hanle, the permits to Man – Merak – Chusul – Tsaga or remote Changthang routes are being given by DC office in Leh at ON and OFF basis, so keep your fingers crossed and hope for the best if they start issuing the permits by the time you visit or issue you on your lucky day. Also, even if the permits are given then as well there is no guarantee that you will be allowed to cross Chusul Post or not because since last year several such incidents happened and people with permits also had to return via same route. The story is same this year too and only handful of people have passed through Chusul this year too on their lucky days. All this will mean that you will have to risk it for at least a day getting wasted if you are not allowed because there will be no guarantee until you cross Chusul and Tsaga post. Otherwise, you have to take the traditional routes only via Leh.
In August the roads in lower hills between Srinagar to Kargil and then Darcha to Manali and beyond will be going through hassles of rains. So, you will have to face intermittent stops due to it. However, ladakh region being rain shadow is least affected by monsoons.
You can check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate (cheap budget hotels as well) in the series of articles starting on the link here
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
Thank you for the advice. Appreciate it very much. We will change our program to come back to Leh from Pangong Tso and then proceed to Tsomoriri.
Your website is very informative and useful, keep up the good work. I will recommend anyone travelling to Ladakh to refer your website.
Best regards, Chimi
Thank you Chimi, best wishes for your Ladakh trip 🙂
Hello Dheeraj,
Went through the details. Firstly, its so much informative and going to Leh without seeing your website would be a waste. Thanks a lot for putting information from all corners.
Secondly, I have a few queries. I am planning Leh trip this year in the month of September either by Ford Figo or by Swift Dezire. I am not sure what would be the road conditions and my vehicle would manage the trip or not. What is your opinion?
I will be going via Srinagar and coming back via Manali to Delhi. I have planned to visit TSO Morini from Pangong instead of going back to Leh, hence saving a day. Will I need any Permit as mentioned in your blog if I cover this route.
Secondly, from TSO Morini we will be going to Sarchu via TSO Kar. Kindly suggest about the route.
Thanks,
Deepak Murthy
Hello Deepak,
Thank you so much 🙂
I drive a Dzire and have taken it to almost all the places with toughest being road to Spiti Valley through Batal – Kunzum Pass. However, you need some sacrifices on the car. IMO, if you can travel light Figo will be better option as it does not have overhang which will hit at times in dZire. For hatchback/sedan taking on Manali – Leh Highway and Ladakh, I will say:
You will indeed face few tough challenges on the route. The hatchback/sedan will increase the level of every challenge even further, sedan is the worst candidate. My suggestion will be to go via Srinagar route as it will help you feel comfortable with the driving, provide more acclimatization and then once you have done the local Leh-Ladakh, then come back via Manali side. Secondly, since you are in hatch/sedan, then you need to drive with extra care as well. There will be some sections on the Manali – Leh highway in which you might need to sacrifice some scratches on the underbelly. Just make sure you do not bump the engine sump (know it before where it is placed in your car). You need to protect it all around the trip. Thirdly, whenever in doubt do not rush into the section rather park aside and feel the section with your foot, see how other vehicles are crossing it and make a planned route in your mind to cross that section. At the very least do carry Mseal, quick fix, funnel, jerry cans and towing rope with you all the time.
Also, I will strongly suggest that you go through and read my series on Ladakh Self Drive tips at the links below:
7 Useful Tips for a Self Drive to Leh – Ladakh, Routes and Road Conditions In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips, Fuel Availability In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips
Regarding Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri route or Pangong Tso to Hanle, the permits to Man – Merak – Chusul – Tsaga or remote Changthang routes are being given by DC office in Leh at ON and OFF basis, so keep your fingers crossed and hope for the best if they start issuing the permits by the time you visit or issue you on your lucky day. Also, even if the permits are given then as well there is no guarantee that you will be allowed to cross Chusul Post or not because since last year several such incidents happened and people with permits also had to return via same route. The story is same this year too and only handful of people have passed through Chusul this year too on their lucky days. All this will mean that you will have to risk it for at least a day getting wasted if you are not allowed because there will be no guarantee until you cross Chusul and Tsaga post. Otherwise, you have to take the traditional routes only via Leh.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Thanks allot Dheeraj for answering my queries. Will try to arrange some SUV from my friend if possible, otherwise Figo or even with My Wagon R.
For TSO Moriri, when you say traditional route from Pangong without permit that would be Spangmik – Chagar TSO – Tangtse – Karu – Upshi – Kiari – Nior NIS – Chumathang – Take Right for MORIRI – Sumudo – Kyagar TSO – Korzok Gompa ?
Yes, deepak that is the traditional route only. The route via Upshi – Chumathang – Mahe and does not need any permit.
Hi Dheeraj,
Below is my itinerary for ladakh trip in coming august. The schedule is very tight and I am bit worried if Day 6 below is possible or not.
Day 1 – 17-Aug-15 >> Arrive Leh by flight at 8:00 AM >> Sight seeing and overnight stay at Leh
Day 2 – 18-Aug-15 >> Leh – Khardungla – Hunder/Dekshit (Nubra Valley) >> Overnight at Hunder/Dekshit
Day 3 – 19-Aug-15 >> Nubra to Leh >> Overnight at Leh
Day 4 – 20-Aug-15 >> Leh – Pangong >> Overnight at Pangong
Day 5 – 21-Aug-15 >> Pangong to Leh to Kargil >> Overnight at Kargil
Day 6 – 22-Aug-15 >> Kargil to Srinagar >> Overnight at Srinagar
Day 7 – 23-Aug-15 >> Flight departs from Srinagar at 12.55 PM
Can we start Pangong really early in the morning and instead of halting at Leh move straight to Kargil the same day. Or do we have some other option (1 day trip to Pangong). We can not risk leaving Kargil on 23rd august as the flight time from srinagar is 12:55 PM. We have already booked the (non-refundable) flight tickets 🙁
Hi Debashis,
Below is a suicidal plan in case you climb Khardung La on the very second day. The chances of hitting with AMS badly will be very very high. You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh by Air followed by many travelers including me at the link here for 9 days: Leh – Ladakh | Most Common Itinerary by Air.
The initial days shall be followed as it is upto Nubra Valley in the itinerary suggested in the link. However, you can do a day trip to Pangong Tso and then return to Sonamarg from Srinagar if all goes well and there are no landslides. Then on Day 7, start from Sonamarg early, say 5 AM, to catch the flight by noon. Srinagar on Day 6 and 7.
Regards
Dheeraj
Can I go to Pangong So and Kardhung La in December??
Yes Venkatesh, only if you beat the cold up there, you can surely travel to Pangong Tso and Khardung La all round the year barring few days of Heavy Snowfall 🙂 … However, at Pangong Tso, you will only be able to make a day trip.
STINKING PANGONG: Very disappointed to share that the beautiful tent settlement of Spamik on Pangong Tso now stinks of raw sewage, human waste and trash. What we encountered in late August 2014 was far removed from the pristine environment we recalled from 2009. I would have posted photos but can’t through this contact form. Part of the problem lies with the “villager toilets” (read “crap anywhere”) used by staff, drivers and locals. But a large part of the blame lies with the tourists, who want to be “as close to the lake’s edge as possible”. This has resulted in camp operators ignoring the 200m exclusion zone and pitching tents much closer to the water. If this unplanned, unregulated “development” goes on, this beautiful paradise will soon be reduced to what we have made of Shimla, Mussoorie and our other hill stations – ugly garbage dumps.
I sincerely believe that the local government should impose a strict environment protection policy (maybe giving Pangong Tso a protected national park status), with steep fines for violations. They should also invest in sanitation and waste disposal. This could be funded by increasing the laughably meager Rs 10 pax “entry fee” collected from tourists to Rs 100 or 200 (If we can afford to pay Rs 8,000-10,000 taxi charges to go there, we can afford another few hundred rupees per head to keep the place clean.) Let’s save Pangong while we still can.
Dilip, in 100% agreement with you. You can join us at DoW – Himalayan Travel Community and post your pictures, experiences and this whole episode under Responsible Travel Forum which is much more apt place to highlight the issue.
Is it advisable to travel to Tso Pangong on the 2nd day of trip? I am reaching Leh on 13th Sept at 8 in morning, and plan to go to Tso Pangong on 14th. Is it a good decision?
Manisha, not at advisable to travel to Pangong Tso on second day itself. High chances of falling sick and getting AMS.
Dear Dheeraj,
First of all THANK YOU SO MUCH for your prompt response.
Would request you to please help me with below queries… we are 5+1 (Adult and Child of 9 Years old). What are the recommedations for Child ? as I am reading in various blogs that accmilitization is the key to success.
Also I am bit worried seeing two question mark in your response “Varun 5 days trip to Ladakh??”.
Please suggest if we should go by your plan or should we skip some places to avoid any issue.
I don’t want to cause any trouble to my family for my dreams because I m the one who is planning it all.
Also what are the basic medicines to carry and how much is taxi fare (Per Km or Per Day)
Varun, if that is prime concern I will not suggest a 5 day trip to Ladakh. General is 7-8 days to be able to enjoy the trip by flying in and out of Leh.
Hi Dheeraj,
Its me once again.
Im going to start my journey to heaven day after tomorrow.
I will reach to Leh on even of 25th and have flight back to delhi on 31st early morning.
so thats give me 5 full days in Leh.
26th – Rest
27th – 28th – Nubra valley
29th – Pangong Lake
now here is a big confusion, should i use 2 days for pangong or just one day ?
if one day then any suggestion for the last day in leh ?
places around the leh in one day ?
Thanks,
Manish, I am not sure if we have missed on it earlier or not BUT, I always recommend first 4 days in Leh – Ladakh when flying to Leh as below:
Day 1 | Delhi – Leh (By Flight)
— Checkin at Hotel. Many hotels provide free pick and drop from Airport. Ask while you book them.
— Take ample of rest as well as water or anything that keep your body hydrated enough. DO NOT OVER HYDRATE. Take ORS Soluted water or ORS – L tetra packs from home.
— Do not over exert your body at any cost. Avoid too much up-down on stairs or avoid it in entirety, if possible.
— After 5-6 Hrs of rest you can visit Leh Palace, Local Leh market, Shankar Gompa .
— If you feel exerted go back to Hotel, have dinner at Hotel and take rest. Avoid any exertion. Else continue and,
— Follow the sunset by stroll at Changspa road and have a nice dinner on varied cuisines offered in-around Changspa road.
— Go back to hotel for overnight stay at Leh.
Day 2 | Leh Local Sightseeing + Acclimatization
— Hire a taxi from Leh taxi stand or Hotel whichever suits you.
— Bargain hard with taxi driver. Book that single taxi for entire trip after explaining the complete plan.
— Take his inputs if you feel reasonable and if required modify the plan accordingly but should suits you best.
— Ask him to be with you guys starting first day itself, if required and charged reasonable else do it at your own.
— Again DO NOT over exert and take little steps and slow walks only.
— If feeling OK then do Local sightseeing. To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
— Do not use stairs at any of these places just to see them as it will exert your body much more.
— Overnight at Leh
Day 3 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 4 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Thanks Dheeraj,
but im not fly-in to leh, im going to leh by manali-leh highway in 2 days.
and after doing one day rest in leh, i will be going to Nubra vally.
I need opinion about Pangong lake trip,
Should i spend 2 days there or just one 1 day.
if one day you suggesting then any place near leh you recommend for one day trip.
Sorry Manish, pardon my ignorance. In such a case best is 1 day rest in Leh, 2 day trip to Nubra Valley and finally two day trip to Pangong Tso with Hemis, Thicksey and Shey 🙂 🙂
Hi dheeraj…
This is Sajeed from Bangladesh ……
Do we need any permission to visit pangong from leh ? We plan to start early morning to pangong and return on the same day…and next morning we will start for manali with a night stay in Sarchu …..
Please advise….
Sajeed, All foreign nationals, NRIs having PIOs or OCIs need PAP (Protected Area Permit) to visit Inner Line areas of Ladakh which has been now waived of for Indian Nationals starting May 2014 only. He/she must be in a group of 2 or more foreigners and PAP must be applied at DC Office with required fees through a registered Travel Agent in Leh. Also, go through the thread in DwD Community: Inner Line Permit and application letter for foreigners
Permit for citizens of Pakistan, China, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Burma are issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and permits for those people who are on diplomatic or official VISA are issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in Delhi.
Hey Dheeraj,
Thanks so much for all the valuable information.
I just wanted to know if Nubra valley to Pangong lake via shyok village route is open or we need to take Wari la?
Mak, most likely it will be closed last month only and will remain closed for the season as generally happens. So, take Wari La route with care, caution and calculated risk of being into desolation where help is miles away in case required.
Hi Dheeraj
We are planning to go to Leh from 12 to 21 July. I want to know that the Lubra velly to Pangong way via shyok village is available or not.
Whether any permit required for this route or not.
Diskit – Khalsar (19 KMs) – Agham (31 KMs) – Shyok Village (48 KMs) – Durbuk (18 KMs) – Tangste (9 KMs) – Lukung (34 KMs) – Spangmik (16 KMs) = 175 KMs
Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso via Shyok Village will most likely be wahsed away by now with increasing level of Shyok river. Also, keep in mind that even if it is open it is very very desolated route and should be planned with couple of vehicles so in case on gets stuck other is there for rescue or escape from the situation for the day.
hello dheeraj, its great to get soo much information from your side regarding ladakh trip.
We are planning to make a move on 12th of this month, and the trip is for 12 days.
Please can you mention how the condition of roads from leh to pangong tso and from leh to nubra valley via khardung la pass.
We have planned to travel by bikes, please revert.
Thankyou 🙂
Bhavesh, what is your start and end point? Roads within Ladakh except near the high mountain passes are more or less good. Don’t worry much about them 🙂
i want to know the time table of public transport in leh to manali highway with details,and please suggest if you have any article regarding this
Rivu, sorry I do not have any such article on it. Check the HRTC website for buses between Manali/Keylong and Leh. The bus was started a week ago only. Also, the HPTDC semi delux bus runs every alternate day from Leh at 5 AM, stops at Keylong overnight and then leave Keylong at 11 AM for Manali next day.
Can you please give the web address of HRTC, where we can get the every bus information along with the fare rate chart.
Joy, you please refer: http://hrtc.gov.in/hrtc/default.aspx
Hi Dheeraj,Heartly thank you for providing all information. All reader please read all information givin in this blog by Dheeraj, including some useful comments also before starting your life trip to leh ladakh. My query for DISKIT to Pangong lake directly by taking regular route via leh. We are 14 people and travelling in leh from manali by 6 bikes and 1 bollero car as backup/carrier vehicle. Day-1 Arrive at Manali
Day-2 Drive to Sarchu from Manali, Overnight stay at Sarchu.
Day-3 Drive to Leh, Overnight stay at leh
Day-4 From Leh to Diskit, Overnight stay at Nubra
Day-5 Drive to Pangong directly from Nubra. Ready to start in early morning say 5:30 am. I know this will be become very hectic.
Day-6 Pangong Lake to leh return, Overnight stay at leh
Day-7 Leh to Sarchu, Overnight stay at sarchu
Day-8 Sarchu to manali, Overnight stay at manali
Day-9 manali to Delhi
So, Is it possible for us(we all are adult age:24) to travel directly to Pangong from DISKIT via regular route if we will start early morning 5:30AM.
IF not possible then suggest some good place to visit around pangong in short distance for two days stay in pangong.
Once again big thank you for providing all nice and useful information for traveller to leh ladakh.
Thank you Rakesh for the kind words. Regarding your query of Nubra to Pangong Tso. Best possible way is to attempt Wari La route, which is desolated but doable enough. If your driver agrees to travel on this route then take the Wari La route to Pangong Tso. Remember that any help required on both these routes will be HARD to find in miles of distance. If you have couple of vehicles then only take this route otherwise best is to avoid it unless driver is absolute sure. Else come down to normal route and take it.
Hi,
Dheeraj and what about the leh-khardung la-khardong-T sati-rongdu-agham-shyok-darbuk-tangstse and pangong lake. Is there any problem on this route or any chinese incursion.please give an advise
thanx:….
Amit, Shyok route is washed off as per last update. I will not advice you to take that route unless you are one of those very adventurous souls who believe in taking risks as part of travel. This is high risk mind you. Any help will not be present in miles. Better stick to normal route
Dear dheeraj
Hi. we are 4 guys travelling by bolero for 10 to 11 days. Our route is Chndgrh-manali-leh-sringar-chd. On reaching leh its geting very confusing to plan our travel to pangong, nubra and tso moriri. can you please advise us the best possible itinerary. Is there any other places apart from these we can travel in our schedule.
Thanks
Sid
Sid, 10-11 days should be extended to include all three places from Nubra, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri by road. 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.
hi dheeraj
Due to shortage of time we will be visiting pangong first. after pangong we will be going to nubra. Next day On returning from nubra we want to avoid staying in leh again. we want to continue towards kargil. as it wont be possible to reach kargil on same day (300+ kms), which will be the most suitable place to stay on this route?
You can very well do it but it is like playing with AMS and please keep in mind that AMS can be fatal too and can jeopardize the whole Ladakh trip if you are hit with AMS. So, re-think about your priorities.
hello Dheeraj,
we are 3 people and we are planning a trip to laddakh. As dis is our first time, we are having trouble in planning our trip..Probably its going to be 3-4 days trip in the end of July. Also suggest some tips that doesn’t cost too much penny..
There is no Ladakh trip that can be planned for 3-4 days. Better plan something in Himachal or Uttarakhand 🙂
Hi Dheeraj.. Thank you for useful info.. I have planned the whole trip of Leh using your blogs, so many thanks to you. We are travelling Leh from 7- 13 june and have a plan of going from Leh to Nubra and then directly to Pangong Tso via shyok village. We are two couples. Can you please confirm if this route would be open in june and would it be safe if we take bikes on this route.
Preeti, I will not suggest or recommend for you guys to travel Shyok Or Wari La route. These are very desolated places and with just one vehicle, any help required will be in distance of miles. Shyok, is already closed as per last report. Wari La might be open, check with your driver if he is willing to take you.
Hi Dheeraj,
Its really great to see how people are able to get prompt and useful help from you. Could you please advise us: We are planning a trip in this mid June to Ladakh for 6 nights. We are about to book with a hotel in Leh and plan to go to Nubra and Pangong with one night stay at both places. I am wondering if we could get proper vegetarian food at all these places and during travel. We are just three of us planning to travel by car provided by hotel. Is it safe? In case of any emergency enroute is it possible to get medical or any other help. Do the mobile phones work in this stretch. Could you please suggest what all we should carry when travelling to Nubra, Pangong. It is said we have to initially rest at Leh to get acclimatized. Could you please let me know how would I be able to know if I have got proper acclimatization (what are the potential trouble signs).
Hope to hear from you soon.
Best regards,
Suresh Jain
Suresh, you will be able to get proper veg. food in all over Ladakh. Yes, it is safe to travel as people in Ladakh are quite helpful. Medical Help is available by army at some places but they are not that frequent. Only Post Paid Connections work in Ladakh of outside state. BSNL has best coverage, followed by Airtel. Don’t expect them to work in remote parts like Pangong Tso or on the way to these places.
To know about AMS and acclimatization including the tips to combat AMS, please DO READ: Acute Mountain Sickness and Importance of Acclimatization
Dear Dheeraj,
Thanks for your very useful inputs. I would just like to request you to have a look at the below itinerary given by one of the Leh hotels. Do you think this is a good plan keeping in mind among other things the AMS/acclimatization aspects. Does it help acclimatization by spending the first 2 nights at Gulmarg which is at 9000 feet altitude, then 2 nights at Srinagar and then 2 nights as Leh, after that Nubra valley, Pangong and so on. Also is the return journey from Leh to Pangong (280km)on same day very arduous? We are 4 of us and the hotel has provided separate car. My wife normally is not tolerant of road journeys, she starts vomiting even in plains.
I am told we can buy small O2 canisters at Leh. Does it help?
ITINERARY:
14 June- Arrive Srinagar by flight, on arrival transfer to Gulmarg, full day excursion. Stay at Gulmarg for 2 nights.
16th- Arrive Srinagar by road. Stay at houseboat for 2 nights
18th- Arrive Leh by flight from Srinagar. Spend 2 nights at Leh, local sight seeing
20th- Leh to Nubra Valley by road Via Khardongla Pass 18380 feet. Later visit Samstanling Monastery and Panmik. Hot spring. Dinner and Over night at Camp.
21st- Return to Leh. Visit Desket Monastery and Hunder sans dune. Dinner and Over night stay at Leh
22nd Of June 2014. Leh – Pangong Lake – Leh (same day return). Via Changla Pass 17509 feet above sea level. Later exploring Pangong lake, drive back to Leh for night
23rd- Leh Local- Full day excursion to Shay Palace – Thiksey Monastery -Hemis Monastery and Sindhu ghat. Night stay at Leh
24th- Morning flight to Delhi.
Shall be grateful and thanks in advance. Warm regards,
Suresh Jain
Dear Suresh,
Small O2 cans does not help to great deal. Best is acclimatization in any case and keeping your body well hydrated. Better first rest in Srinagar and then make a trip to Gulmarg. I really don’t see it worth spending two nights in Srinagar. Are you looking for Ladakh trip or Kashmir trip? I seee you have enough days to make a better Ladakh trip. So, first make your choice of Ladakh v/s Kashmir and we will work on your itinerary.
Regards
Dheeraj
Dear Dheeraj, Thanks for replying. Actually we have already booked the flights to and from Srinagar. You don’t see it is worth spending 2 nights in Srinagar, may be you can suggest some better options there. After 4 nights in Kashmir, we have 6 nights in Ladakh. I have already sent my itinerary in last post. Shall appreciate your advice. Regards, Suresh Jain
For 6 nights in Ladakh,
Day 1 | Arrive in Leh, rest for whole day and acclimatize
Day 2 | Leh Local Sightseeing
Day 3 | Leh – Khardung La – Nubra
Day 4 | nubra – Leh
Day 5 | Leh Hemis – Pangong Tso
Day 6 | Pangong Tso – Shey – Thicksey – Leh
Day 7 | Fly back
Thanks for your time and advice. Shall get in touch if there is anything else. Best regards, Suresh Jain
Hi, first of all thanks for your very informative blog. I am planning leh trip (self driven) Delhi – Srinagar – leh – manali – Delhi from 15 June with my family (wife n 2 kids – 8 and 6 years). Could u please advise me if I stay 3 nights in leh and then 1 night in nubra and then directly go to pangong tso for 1 night stay and next day directly to tso moriri for night stay and then to sarchu and manali, I don’t want to come again to leh from nubra and pangong tso. Is it doable, what kind of roads this route have and how much of fuel I should carry extra from leh, is there any fuel station on route?
Thanks n regards
Vikas
Vikas since you are with family, I will not advice any of the direct routes for Pangong tso and tso Moriri to you. Better stick to traditional routes to avoid any troubles when traveling with family having kids.
Dheeraj thanks for advice, you mean (Leh- nubra-leh, leh-pangong-leh, Leh-Tso moriri- leh, leh-sarchu-manali)
or can i manage to go (leh-nubra-leh, leh-pangong-moriri-sarchu-manali).
can kids manage stay in camps at pangong, moriri & sarchu.
Vikas, yes, I will suggest that you do 2 day trip to Nubra, then 2 day trip to Pangong Tso from Leh and then Leh to Tso Moriri, from Tso Moriri go directly to Sarchu and then Sarchu to Manali. Kids can manage in camps. Just carry woolens with you.
Hi…
Is it ok if I plan to visit Leh @ the end of October? Or would it be too cold?
Cheers
Anuj, please read: 5 Reasons to Avoid Manali – Leh Highway in October
in case it is just Ladakh and you are flying into Leh, then apart from cold conditions and limited stays + basic food, you can do Ladakh in October.
Hi Dheeraj,
We are a group of around 6 people planning a Leh trip for 6 nights/7 days in mid Aug’14.
The tentative itinerary is as follows:
Day 1: Arrive at Leh.
Visit Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace and Leh Market.
Day 2: Sightseeing around Leh – Sangam, Magnetic Hill, Pathar Sahib, Spituk Gonpa and Hall of Fame
Day 3: Drive to Nubra Valley – across Khardong la pass, visit Samstanling Gonpa/Sumoor and Panamik Hotspring. Evening Camel ride (optional) and sand dunes walk at Sumoor
Day 4: drive to other side of the Shayok river and visit Hundar Village and Deskit Gonpa and drive to Pangong Lake via Warila. Whole afternoon walk along the Pangong lake, visit Spangmik village
Day 5: drive back to Leh, on the way visit Hemis Gonpa and Thiksay Gonpa
Day 6: Rafting Trip on Zangskar River – Rafting on Zangskar River.
Day 7: Leave for Leh airport
Need your inputs/ suggestions for the same. Also is it advisable to do a Leh- Nubra- Leh and then Leh- Pangong- Leh or directly go to Pangong from Nubra? Please suggest.
Had read somewhere about Tsomoriri lake. Should we consider this as well in the plan?
We have been waiting for this trip for years and hence want to make the most of our available time.
Thanks in advance.
Saraswati
Hi Saraswati,
Including all 4 places of Nubra Valley and doing Wari La to reach Pangong Tso will be very hectic. I will not suggest that. Also, please keep in mind that route to Wari La is very desolated and any help if required will mean miles of distance. Still you want to take Wari La route, then do hunder and diskit the previous day, next day move to Wari La route and pangong Tso by dropping Sumur + Panamik our of plan. Finally, Tso Moriri needs extra 2 days.
Regards
Dheeraj
Thanks for the prompt reply Dheeraj. Really appreciate. We will keep in mind all the mentioned points while planning the trip now
Even I had read somewhere about Wari La route being desolated. How about visiting Nubra Valley, Sumoor- stay overnite- come back to Leh- stay overnite at Leh- Start for Pangong next morning- stay overnite at Pangong- back to Leh.
Also, ideally do we need 2 full days in Leh to get acclimatized to the climate n altitude? We would be reaching Leh by 10am.
Thanks again for the help.
Regards,
Saraswati
Saraswati, that is the most recommended way to do Nubra Valley and PAngong Tso, especially those who are visiting it for first time. It gives you better acclimatization and more chances of enjoying Ladakh in relaxed manner.
Thanks for the valuable info Dheeraj. Will bother you again if I need some inputs 🙂
Thanks,
Saraswati
Best wishes for the Ladakh trip 🙂
Thank u so much. You are doing a great job with all the info on Laddakh…Keep up the good work. It’s a blessing for people like me visiting Leh for the first time 🙂
Hey Hi friends.. We are group of 8 people planning for leh from sep 26 to oct 6.. From srinagar to leh to manali to delhi.. Wanted to know hows the weather at that time ? Among 8 , 2 want to hire a bike and the rest in carr.. So hows the road during that period? Is it safe to ride bikes during that time ? And in sept end tents are availabe or not at pangong for night stay ?
Nights will be cold during that time and passes starts receiving snowfall by end of September. Camps will be up from Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri but there will be few options left for stay and home stays will always be present. Roads are best good during that period in comparison to whole season
Hi
we are a group of 6 friends. We are travelling to Leh in the first week of June via Manali. Excluding all the travelling, we’ve got complete 4 days in Leh. We have no problem with skipping 1 or 2 locations, but we cant extend any more days. Could you tell us how can we see the best of Ladakh in these 4 days?
Abhishek, rest for one day in Leh for acclimatization which is very very important. Then, do a 2 day trip to Nubra Valley and finally one day trip to Pangong Tso Lake.
Also, we are planning to hire a cab from delhi. But will that cab be allowed to go to nubra and pangong? Is there any solution to have a common cab x-delhi for the complete trip or will we need to hire cabs in leh to go to places like nubra and pangong?
Taxis outside Ladakh are not allowed to do any sightseeing within Leh – Ladakh. You can use them for drop-in and take-away modes only. So, the taxi you are hiring locally must have private number plate otherwise you will have to again hire a taxi within Ladakh and pay for your local taxi without using it.
Hello Mr. Deeraj
Thank you so much for such a wonderful news that now no permit is required for Pangong Tso. Is this is also applicable for the other locations earlier where permit was required. In our schedule we will reach Pangong Tso on 5th Jun’14. This will be our second tour. Is any other document is necessary for these locations
Regards
Surinder
Hi Surinder,
Yes, this is applicable for all other locations in Ladakh which fall under common sightseeing for tourists. You can read the detailed article at the link: Permits in Ladakh are not required for Indian Tourists from May 2014
Your National Photo ID Proof will be required to visit these place. So, carry one of them with you.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
hi dheeraj i’m planning one night stay at pangong in june(during my 8 days trip to laddakh) . next day i wanted to visit chushul war memorial via man merak and then return to leh directly via tangtse. is the visit to chushul worth it because i’d require permit,5K extra on taxi and few hours extra obviously. please give your personnel opinion on it.
Rajeev, I feel you need at least 5.-5-6 Hrs just for go to Chusul and return back from Chusul to Pangong Tso. Then back to Leh from Pangong Tso. The drive is a pleasure over there brother !! The sight of Pangong Tso turning into Tibet and drive along the shore…
thanks dheeraj. if i return from chushul directly to tangtse without going back to pangong ..will it save some time and is that route good enough ,because in your map pangong to tangtse is shown as very difficult while one of your experts has written that it is good enough. please clarify.
Hello Rajeev,
Yes, that route is fine enough. I still have to update the maps 🙁 … You can take that route to return to Tangste from Chusul, that is called Erath route.
Dear Dheeraj Sharma
thanks so much about ur value information, I’m Planning to visit Pangong lake in Oct, But i got some infor that Pangong lake be closed for Sep?! please help me find out this information, thanks bro!!!
hi Tung,
There is no such thing that Pangong Tso will be closed. It remains open all round the year. The point is that most of the camps and accommodation options at Pangong Tso leave by September end as the season close. However, home stays will still be running else you can come back and stay at Tangste village guest houses.
Regards
Dheeraj
Thanks so much Dheeraj!!!!!!!
Hi Dheeraj,
Any update on the Shyok Village route to Pangong. Any updates on April 14 travel? Will help us save a day travelling from Nubra.
Your thoughts please if you’ve heard anybody doing it this year or late last year season.
Reg
Abhishek
Abhishek, has heard tat recently Shyok route to Pangong Tso from Nubra Valley was done by some person. Once you reach there you can check out. April is safest to try as the water in the river is less so you can pass through the river. Eve I did that in April only. Last year, AFAIK, no one did but that is past and at present someone has done it. So, once you reach there do check because as the snow melts it becomes difficult for hat route to remain open. Also keep in mind that is one of the most desolated routes, so travel with a calculated risk and full confidence of the driver you will hire.
Hi Dheeraj,
we are planing a leh Ladakh tour from 19th May to 30th may. We plan to spend one night at pan gong lake. Is it advisable to stay there during this time. how is the weather during this time? We are keen to see the sunrise and sunset at the lake and we are a family of 3 me, wife and 14 year old son. Tour operators suggest we should do camping at Tsomoriri instead of pan gong but we are really interested in pan gong camping. Pls suggest. And thanks for the wonderful advice you have been providing.
Ninad, in May climate will be cold during night especially at Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri. It is your call to spend overnight at Pangong Tso and skip Tso Moriri OR have both of them and make Pangong Tso lake day trip.
Hi Dheeraj,
We are 4 people on 3 bikes planning to visit Ladakh from 20th June to 5th July 2014. After research I have made following plan. Please let me know if it seems good to execute. Also I am planning Nubra to Pangon Tso through Shyok village (or should we go through Wari La?) and Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri through Changthang.
Day 1: Pune to Delhi
Day 2: Delhi to Amritsar
Day 3: Amritsar to jammu
Day 4: Jammu to katra
Day 5: Jammu to Srinagar
Day 6: Srinagar to Kargil
Day 7: Kargil to Zanskar
Day 8: Zanskar
Day 9: Zanskar to Lamayuru to Leh
Day 10: Leh
Day 11: Leh to Nubra
Day 12: Nubra to Pangong
Day 13: Pangong to Tso Moriri
Day 14: Tso Moriri to Tso Kar to Sarchu
Day 15: Sarchu to Manali
Day 16: Manali to Delhi
Day 17: Delhi to Pune
Day 9 is not possible, will advice you to drip Zanskar and ease out your trip. Make 2 day trip to Pangong Tso and Nubra Valley with those days. Take Leh to Tso Moriri route so that you best enjoy the trip. It will remove the uncertainties.
Sorry, travelling from 22nd May, 2014 (not 2nd). And we are only 2 people travelling (in case the number matters while travelling in barren lands :))
Hi travellers ! We are a team of five and planned to do Manali- Tso Moriri-Pangong-Leh in the month of June this year. Can the inner line permit be got on this route as well ? I read in many travelogues that ILPs are issued only from DC office in Leh. Please comment.
Vinay, you should not do Tso Moriri while going from Manali to Leh because one need permits to visit Tso Moriri and these permits are issued at DC office in Leh. Even if you arrange these permits in advance somehow from Travel Agent in Leh then taxi from Manali will not be allowed to visit Tso Moriri. Even if you manage Leh taxi or going on your own, then you will not be acclimatized to sleep at such high altitude so early in the trip and may cause some ugly AMS issues for you. Highly not recommended.
Thanks loads for the feedback Dheeraj. Just to share, the plan is this way :
1. Delhi-Amritsar
2. Amritsar-Srinagar
3. Srinagar-KArgil
4. Kargil-Leh
5. Leh-Khardung-Pangong
6. Pangong-Tso Moriri
7. Moriri-Sarchu
8. Sarchu-Manali
9. Manali-Delhi
May be buffer days at Srinagar and Manali. We all are from Karnataka and travelling to Delhi by flight or train.
Self driven Safari, XUV or Storme from Delhi.
Expert advice welcome !! please comment.
Vinay, this plan is not suitable or suggested. You have to tweak it alot. You do not have enough days to complete the journey. Opt to go via Manali – Leh Highway and I will suggest that you refer the thread: Manali – Leh – Ladakh – Manali | Itinerary for 9 Days in DoW – Himalayan Travel Community as you have 9 days in hand.
Hi,
I am planning my trip from 2nd May this year, and as you correctly pointed out, being domestic tourist running short of time. I read your detailed description and pictoral representation of the Shyok route for Nubra to Pangong and I am a bit concerned. Is this route safe to take at the wake of 2014? We will do it in RE 350.
Sayantani, well I will not suggest you to take the Shyok Valley route considering it is too desolated and being just 2, in case anything goes wrong, help willl be very very hard to find. Wari La will be closed by that time I feel and similarly risky affair to try and attempt it. I will suggest take it easy and either add one day OR make day trip to Pangong Tso.
Hey Dheeraj,
We a group of 7 have planned a trip to ladakh from 12th to 19th april 2014. We are travelling their by air and will arrive on 12th morning. We are planning to dedicate 12th to local sight seeing and rest. Next day possibly near by places and permits. On 14th we intend to travel to Nubra covering diksit, hunder etc and stay in diksit. On the next day(15th) we intend to go directly to Spangmik(pangong) via one of the routes suggested above whichever seems feasible at that time but most probably Wari-La. We intend to stay at Pangong for the night. And next day(16th) off to tso moriri via Chang-La -> Karu -> Chumathang->Moriri as Chushul doesn’t seem possible. Here also we plan on staying at Karzok(near tso moriri). Then next day(17th) off to Leh via Debring(Moore Plains) and Tso Kar.
Do you think this is a feasible plan if weather permits and mainly will accomodation be available at Tso Pangong and Tso Moriri??
Best Regards and Thanks,
Avinash
Avinash, Wari La will be closed in April. You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh by Air followed by many travelers including me at the link here for 8 days: Leh – Ladakh | Most Common Itinerary by Air.
Hi Dheeraj …planning a trip from srinagar to Leh from 12th MAy to 22 May by road..In srinagar do u think it is better to visit gulmarg or pahalgam.we are planning to leave to Leh by road on 14th…would like to do some river rafting…do u think i do it towards the end of the tour as per your itinery to sham Valley…will it be very cold in Pangong at this time as we are planning to take our 7 1/2 & 13 yrs old children along with us.
For Pahalgam, you will need two days at least to enjoy it else it will be very very tiring. Hence, if yo have two days then make it to Pahalgam else do a day trip to Gulmarg. River rafting will be available at Nimmu near Leh or Phey. Yes, night will be cold at Pangong Tso for sure. Carry heavy woolens for sure.
Hi Dheeraj,
I am planning a trip to laddakh from 02 may,2014 to 08 may,2014. I may be covering the route like leh-nubra-pangong;most probably on bike. What’s your suggestion?
What may be the weather conditions? I got the news that still snowfalls are happening.
Ranjeet, are you planning to ride the bike there over Manali – Leh or Srinagar – Leh or plan to rent a bike after reaching Leh? Also, if you have not ride a bike in hilly terrain or on snow I will not suggest the same to you as bike will tend to skid on snow which will be present on the way to Nubra Valley as well as Pangong Tso lake at Khardung La and Chang La respectively. The conditions will be tough if you have not experienced bike ride on snow before.
Hi, I will be arriving in Leh after a trek on 24 August evening. My return flight from Leh to Delhi is on 29 August. Can you suggest the places I can visit and also, if possible, an itinerary? Also, if I am to make the Nubra valley trek alone, what would be the cost like?
hey is it a good idea to go to leh via manali by my santro car .. is it possible to drive on that route a hatchback
Shari, yeah you can try out if you have that adventure inside you and love more adventure than your car. For hatchback/sedan taking on Manali – Leh Highway and Ladakh, please refer the link: FAQ | Can I do Leh – Ladakh trip in Hatchback or Sedan? for more details.
Hello I intend to visit Ladakh and nearby places along with my husband and 9 yrs old daughter from 19th March to 25th March. can I visit pangong lake and Tso Morri lake. I don’t want to reschedule my trip to another period b’cos something may come up and we cannot visit.Wiil the route be open. What other places can I visit?Please also suggest some budget hotels /guest houses in Leh and nearby places and bookings that can be done in advance?
Rumi, March is bone freezing cold in Ladakh with most hotels and restaurants being closed. There will be no place to stay at Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri too. Both lakes will be frozen and with family I will suggest to better plan it sometime later or plan somewhere else, may be Kinnaur Valley
Hello Dheeraj ji,
First of all thank you very much for the wonderful & useful information you are providing for the people to visit leh & ladakh.
I am planning to visit leh between 23rd march 2014 to 1st April 2014 with my husband and two teenager sons. We will go by air from Delhi. My main attraction to visit Leh is Pongong lake. I would like to know whether lake is fully or partially frozen this time. Also Please give me some idea of charges of local taxis to visit Pongong lake and other attractions there like Moriri lake, Nubra valley etc. Please provide some information regarding budget hotels in Leh.
In the last and most important information I would like to know that whether the trip to Leh is safe for the High Blood Pressure patient as my husband is regularly taking medicine for high BP.
Anxiously waiting for your reply… please revert soon.
Thanks.
Neeta, well it is not an ideal time to visit Ladakh with family I will say. You will have to face some difficulties as it will be extremely cold up there with most of the hotels and eating joint being closed. There will be no options of stay at Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri too. Lakes will be fully frozen as they start to melt only after mid of April
If you are OK, let me know I Can suggest the itinerary.
Hello Dheeraj ji,
Thanks for the reply and I would definitely go as per your advise. I will plan my visit for Leh in the month of September but still I am concerned about my husband high blood pressure. Please give me some information on that as I am keen to go to Leh & Ladakh.
Please advise is it ok to make a trip for Shrinagar, Sonmarg & Gulmarg instead of Leh on the same dates. Please provide some tour information also for the same. Waiting for your early reply as I have to final my tour and do the all bookings.
Thanks.
Neeta, I am really sorry but for that you need to consult a Doctor and specifically ask him about problems that might be faced at High altitude regions ranging from 3700 Mtrs to 5500 Mtrs.
Regarding Srinagar, Sonamarg and Gulmarg you can easily make a plan in April
Regards
Dheeraj
thanku mr dheeraj for your earlier reply. Can we go directly from nubra to pangong lake thro’ shyok village?is it safe to travel with family( myself my wife and two teenaged daughters)pls advise us. thanx in advance. regards ramesh
No, Shyok village route is not at all safe to travel and especially with the Family, I will not even recommend you to take Wari La route. Please stick to normal routes in Ladakh with family as other routes are too much desolated and any issues, you will be on your own and there will no one be around for any help. Hence, with family such routes are big no !!
thank you Mr. Dheeraj
hi dheeraj thanks for the info. well i m planning to come pangong(my dream destination) in september end. i want ask about how much it will cost to come pangong from jaipur including each n every thing.3 days stay for 2 people.
Kalpana, it does not work like this. First you need to reach Leh, then rest there at couple of days. Then go towards Nubra Valley and come back for acclimatization and finally you go for Pangong Tso after your body is acclimatized to scarce oxygen and high altitude 🙂
Hello Dheeraj.
I am planning a trip from Delhi to Leh via Srinagar from April 9, 2014 to April 15, 2014. Delhi to Srinagar by air. Srinagar to Leh by road. Leh to Delhi by air.
You think this is not the right time for the trip at all? Or do you think the road trip can be cancelled and I should fly from Delhi to Leh directly. If I do that, can I see places in Leh or you think Leh is completely a bad choice during April second week?
Please advise. Thanks in advance!
Hello Swain,
By that time, I really doubt if Srinagar – Leh Highway will be open at all or not. So, you need to fly there to LEh. Secondly, April will be cold and very cold at night in Ladakh. Both lakes will be frozen by that time and only few options of hotels and eating places will be available.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Namasthy Mr.Dheeraj,
Hope do’g well..
Such a helpful information you are giv’g via your page n blogs are awesome.
1st of all thank you for the gr8 effort..
I want to ask you some Q’s regard’g Leh!!
Sandhya, feel free to ask any questions related to your travel to Leh – Ladakh 🙂
Thank you Mr.Dheeraj ji.. 🙂 Good evening..
We are go’g to Leh in June 2nd week, all set to go. one thing, many of our friends warn’g dat dn’t saty @ camps near Pangong lake,even Makemytrip people also say’g the same thing. is it true? but we are much intrestd to see the heavny sunset n sunrise @ pangong lake..pls clarify our Doubt !!
Sandhya, there is no ISSUE at all while staying in Camps. Thousands of people stay in them every year !! So, don;t take the word for it and go ahead with planning the trip there. You can check Camp Watermark at Pangong Tso, which is a good option and in case you are interested in pre-bookings, get in touch with info@offbeatescapes.com who can offer you discounted price for DwD Community members. Most readers had very good feedback about them till date.
Hi Dheeraj,
Actually i had seen on leh tourism website that on monday khardungla is usually close due to maintanence reason. Is it? if its open then i would prefer to go Nubra valley instead of pangong (for 2days – on 3rd & 4th day)? because i analysed & discovrd with frnds conversation tat nubra valley is awesome. so i wana skip pangong in tat case. will it be worthful?
Aman, it is the first time I have heard such a thing 😀 😀 … Nubra Valley has its own beauty but saying it is much worth than Pangong Tso or Tso Moriri, is something 🙂 … Well, even for Khardung La pass, it will be snowed out and same risk will be applicable there as well.
Dear Dheeraj
I am planning to visit leh during August.It give me esteem privilege to say that your site and your experiences and your guidance helped me lot for planning this trip.
I have certain queries for which I will ask you later
Thanks for such a nice effort.
Shuchita
Thank you Suchita. Please feel free to post any queries or doubts you have for planning the trip to Ladakh.
Hi,
actually i want to ask that if we plan for a trip at the end of April, then is it feasible for us to plan,the trip Or everything will be frozen there.
Since the air fares will shoot up after this so i just want to confirm this.
Hi Shuchita,
Well, you can check my Travel Tale of Ladakh from April at the last link: A Snow Whiteout in Leh – Trapped Again | Ladakh – 2012
You will be able to see how beautiful it is in April and yet also be able to see that everything in Ladakh when I visited was open as far as sightseeing and exploring is concerned. However, you need to bear in mind the cold conditions up there at that time of the year and lack of variety of food + accommodation options. As it is off season, so things are pretty much closed at most place with respect to food options and stay options. But, you will be able to find basic stays and basic food. Also, Lakes will be partially frozen and you will need to have some buffer days too at that time of the year.
Going through the Travel Tale will help you decide to GO or NOT GO 🙂 🙂
You need to fly to Leh in April.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
I am planing to visit Leh in 25-29 April, 2014. Is it possible to cover both destination as Nubra Valley & Pangong Lake in this time frame means in 4days??& whats the state(freezed / semi freezed) of pangong lake in the end of april?
Amandeep, by April end the Pangong Tso will be semi-frozen types and at some corners frozen too, especially around Lukung. 4 days is too less a time to visit Ladakh by flight and well, it will take at least 2 days to get settled and acclimatize to the high altitude. Then you can visit Khardung La and then finally a day trip to Pangong Tso. But, keep in mind that Chang La will be snowed out so as Khardung La but while coming back from Pangong tso lake if the pass close then you may end up loosing/missing the flight back home.
hi…am planning to go to leh ladakh and pangong lake, but are we able to travel by bike…if we need to travel in bike, in which month we need to travel…tell me the procedures
Abhilash, you can travel to Ladakh on bike from Srinagar and can come from Manali side after visiting entire Ladakh. Do you have your own bike or are you planning to hire one?
Hi Dheeraj
I am planning a trip to Leh in mid Feb this year. I’ve heard a lot about the beauty of Pangong Tso in winter and having seen the summer avatar of it, I’m more than eager to check it out when its all frozen up. But the thing is I’m contradictory answers from people when I ask them about the accessibility to the lake during Feb. Many are suggesting roads remain closed while others say roads leading up from Leh remain open all the year round. Can you please clear my doubt regarding this? And it would be great if you can suggest anything other place I should be visiting during my stay there.
Regards
Sobhan
Hello Sobhan,
All routes in Ladakh are kept open all around the year including routes to Pangong Tso and Nubra Valley over Chang La and Khardung La respectively. However, if it snows during the period of time you are traveling then passes can get closed for a day or two or may be three too. This is the risk you will need to undertake to see the frozen Pangong Tso 🙂 🙂
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
How good are the roads from leh-pangong-tso moriri-manali highway for cycling.
Planning to do in July 2014.planning to do this in 5 days with stay in durbuk,pangong,tso moriri.
please help with a detailed itenary for stay and time
Hello Sudarshan,,
All these roads are just dirt tracks between Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri. However, the road from Leh to Pangong Tso and Leh to Tso Moriri are mostly in good condition barring last 3 Hrs on Tso Moriri. 5 days of cycling I feel is a lot less of a time for all these places. I am not into biking but can you please tell me how much can you cycle in a day at normal altitude in hills? This might help predict.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi, I’m planning to visit Leh in December. Probably after 21st of December It’s a 5-6 day trip. As most of the areas would be cut off. Please suggest me places I can visit?
Hi Nikhil,
Roads within Ladakh remain open all round the year. So, you can go to Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Kargil, Tso Moriri etc.. all round the year barring few intermittent days of heavy snowfall. Please go prepared with heaviest of woolens 😉
you can try something like below itinerary:
Day 1 | Delhi – Leh (By Flight)
— Checkin at Hotel. Many hotels provide free pick and drop from Airport. Ask while you book them.
— Take ample of rest as well as water or anything that keep your body hydrated enough. DO NOT OVER HYDRATE. Take ORS Soluted water or ORS – L tetra packs from home.
— Do not over exert your body at any cost. Avoid too much up-down on stairs or avoid it in entirety, if possible.
— After 5-6 Hrs of rest you can visit Leh Palace, Local Leh market, Shankar Gompa .
— If you feel exerted go back to Hotel, have dinner at Hotel and take rest. Avoid any exertion. Else continue and,
— Follow the sunset by stroll at Changspa road and have a nice dinner on varied cuisines offered in-around Changspa road.
— Go back to hotel for overnight stay at Leh.
Day 2 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Inner Line Permits
— For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
— Hire a taxi from Leh taxi stand or Hotel whichever suits you.
— Bargain hard with taxi driver. Book that single taxi for entire trip after explaining the complete plan.
— Take his inputs if you feel reasonable and if required modify the plan accordingly but should suits you best.
— Ask him to be with you guys starting first day itself, if required and charged reasonable else do it at your own.
— Again DO NOT over exert and take little steps and slow walks only.
— If feeling OK then do Local sightseeing. To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
— Do not use stairs at any of these places just to see them as it will exert your body much more.
— Overnight at Leh
Day 3 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 4 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Pangong Tso – Leh
— Do not plan to stay overnight at Pangong Tso as you will not be acclimatized and may fall sick. So, make a day trip only.
— Overnight at Leh
Day 6 | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping OR Monastery tour OR Sham Valley tour OR Fly back home
— Overnight at Leh
— Monastery tour may include Hemis, Thicksey and Shey monasteries. They come on the route of Pangong Tso but as you will be doing day trip, it will be a bit hectic to include them on that day only.
— Sham Valley include Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, Gurudwara Pather Sahib
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Seriously great blog btw…
Do you know any good hotels that you can suggest for our stay near Pangong lake…is there a way to make an online booking? If not, please provide contact information if you have it handy – TIA.
For accommodation, check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate and cheap budget hotels as well in the series of articles starting on the link here
Hello Deeraj,
We plan to visit Leh at the end of this september, we’d like to visit Pangong Tso Lake and Nubra Valley. Since it is just a short visit, we only have a limited time to explore the region. Would you please advise for our itinerary below, for your information our hometown is already at high altitude, around 3500 to 4200 meters (don’t you think we will still have problems with AMS?)
30 Sept, our flight arrive in Leh around 7 am from Delhi, inner line permits and explore around Leh
1 Oct, early morning depart from Leh to Pangong Tso, along the way visit Sey, Thiksey, and Hemish, overnight in Spangmik
2 Oct, explore Pangong Tso, continue our trip to Nubra Valley by midday, overnight at Hunder
3 Oct, camel trip at Shyok Valley, by midday start depart to Leh, overnight at Leh
4 Oct, early morning start the trip to Srinagar with a night halt at Kargil
5 Oct, continue the trip to Srinagar
And also about the transport, we plan to rent motorbikes, how will be the wheather during early october, will it be possible for us to ride the motorbikes for the trip
Looking forward for your reply
Many thank’s
Regards,
Rangga
Hello Rangga,
It depends where are you living as of now and how much altitude your are gaining suddenly as it can happen due to sudden ascend but yes I feel you must have some edge and take things accordingly. I am not a subject matter expert on this subject but you can see after landing there.
You should ascend only if you are feeling alright after Day 1 of rest. If you are completely fine then tae a chance and move to Nubra Valley first and DO NOT stay much at Khardung La, just rush through it or any other high altitude place. Rest in Nubra Valley for next day and then come back to stay in Leh. Make a day trip to Pangong Tso on Day 4 and then continue to Srinagar – Kargil on Day 5,6. Since, there will be no camps by that time at Pangong Tso, so better make a day trip only.
Regards
Dheeraj
Thanks a lot Deeraj,
I still have questions regarding our visit to Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso.
Will it be possible for us to take direct route from Nubra to Pangong via Shyok Village or Wari La on early october (how’s the road condition?)
If it is possible to travel directly to pangong, can we arrange a hired a taxi/jeep to take us from Leh overnight in Nubra and then directly to Pangong?
Rangga, highly not recommended to take Shyok or Wari La that late in the season since there will no chance of any help in case you get stuck there. Regarding Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso route, in order to take Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso via Shyok village, you need not have any permits. However, with such a small distance it appears tempting to be done BUT just to analyze the difficulty I will strongly suggest that you read:Trip Report | Nubra – Shyok Village – Pangong Tso Route. The report is from June & in July/August, most likely the route will be washed away. So better confirm first, analyze the high risk involved and then only attempt it or better avoid it unless very much sure. Next possible way is to attempt Wari La route, which is also a bit desolated but doable enough.
Hi,I have traveled New Delhi up to Amritsar back in 2010. I intend to continue travel India up to border which I heard is much more beautiful. Appreciate your advise on followings:
1) how to go about it if we enter India from New Delhi?
2) How many days required to maximize the trip?
3) Do we need winter clothes?
4) What activity can we do except sightseeing?
5) Best way, best time to travel?
Looking forward to you reply.
Hello Nabilah,
Are you interested in Amrtisar Border? Not sure what do you mean here by border? Are you looking forward to Travel Ladakh? How many days you have?
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
We are planning for a 3 day trip from Leh-Nubra-Pangong-Leh.
The plan is like this.
5th July: Leh local site seeing and permit.
6th : Leh to Nubra, stay at diskit.
7th – Nubra to Pangong Tso
8th Pangong tso to Leh.
will it be possible to travel on the route via Nubra Valley – Shyok Village – Pangong Tso during july? or we have to travel via wari la?
Also how safe it is to travel via wari la?
Suraj, Shyok route highly likely will be closed. However, Wari La might be open but please keep in mind that it is one desolated route one can go over and in case something breaks, you are at your own. Do talk to drivers if they are ready to go over that route.
Is it still possible to take this route? Heard it has closed due to chinese incursions
Tso Moriri (Korzok) – Sumdo (53 KMs) – Mahe (10 KMs) – Nyoma (25 KMs) – Loma (22 KMs) – Tsaga Village (23 KMs) – Tsaga La (20 KMs) – Chusul (33 KMs) – Khaltse (24 KMs) – Merak (4 KMs) – Man (12 KMs) – Spangmik (9 KMs) = 235 KMs
This is closed, you will not get permissions for this route.
Hi Dhiraj
I posted a question earlier also, but somehow i donot find it now. anyways, we are not too much intersted in visiting Panamik. Is it possible to start from Nubra valley early morning and reach Pangong Tso via Leh route.
Please suggest.
You can do so and will be able to reach it. BUT, then better go via Wari La route if you want, will be shorter but a bit desolated.
Thanx a lot Dheeraj.
I was not sure if wari la route is safe enough. But if you think it is ok, we will attempt that.
Also, is it possible to do Leh -> Srinagar in 1 day ?
Surbhi, Srinagar – Leh in one day wll be very tough and hectic. Almost, 15-16 Hrs.
alrite then. Here is my itenerary. can u suggest, if 1 day can be squeezed out of it somehow ??
we plan to travel in chevrolet enjoy with my parents and 7.5 year old son. Hope it will not be difficult for them.
14/06/2013 Overnite journey to Manali. 13 – 14 hrs journey In Car
15/06/2013 Reach Solang Valley. Local Sight Seeing Overnite stay in Solang Valley
16/06/2013 Leave for Jispa early morning Overnite stay in Jispa
17/06/2013 Leave Jispa early morning at 4/5 AM, to reach Leh by evening Overnite stay in Leh
18/06/2013 In Leh. Local Sight Seeing Overnite stay in Leh
19/06/2013 Leave for Nubra Valley (around 5 hours from Leh) Overnite stay in Diskit
20/06/2013 Diskit -> Pangong Tso Overnite stay in Pangong
21/06/2013 Pangong to Leh Overnight stay at Pangong (Spangmik)
22/06/2013 Pangong to Leh to Kargil Overnite at Kargil
23/06/2013 Kargil to Srinagar Overnite at Srinagar
24/06/2013 Srinagar to Jammu (bypass) via Pathankot Overnite at PatniTop
25/06/2013 Jammu to Delhi
Taking out one day in this packed itinerary is difficult and I think you mean
21/06/2013 Pangong to Leh Overnight stay at Leh
22/06/2013 Leh to Kargil Overnite at Kargil
instead of
21/06/2013 Pangong to Leh Overnight stay at Pangong (Spangmik)
22/06/2013 Pangong to Leh to Kargil Overnite at Kargil
Regards
Dheeraj
I am sure you will like to be at below link for your itinerary advice in more structured way 🙂 DoW – Himalayan Travel Community | Ladakh Itinerary Advice
Hi Dheeraj,
Is one full day at Pangong a good idea? basically we leave in the morning, reach by afternoon or so, stat der one night, next full day and that night, and leave 3rd day from pangong…
what do u suggest
Hitesh, I feel you might get bored on the next day. Perhaps spend that day in Leh if you have an extra or do Turtuk in Nubra Valley
Hi Dheeraj, Thanks for the best of Information in your Blog…
We are Couple flying to Leh (July 18th in Leh) and then will be flying back from Srinagar (July 28th).
In this Schedule motive is to Cover Maximum of Leh,Pongyong Lake & Tso Morri, Kargil and Many More. In Srinagar only Gulmarg (1 day) then fly Back.
I request you If possible Please suggest the Best Travel route and Itinerary with Stay Information.
Thanks a lot, !! OP !!
Hello OP,
You can follow the below plan since you have 10 days with you:
Day 1 | Delhi – Leh (By Flight)
— Checkin at Hotel. Many hotels provide free pick and drop from Airport. Ask while you book them.
— Take ample of rest as well as water or anything that keep your body hydrated enough. DO NOT OVER HYDRATE. Take ORS Soluted water or ORS – L tetra packs from home.
— Do not over exert your body at any cost. Avoid too much up-down on stairs or avoid it in entirety, if possible.
— After 5-6 Hrs of rest you can visit Leh Palace, Local Leh market, Shankar Gompa .
— If you feel exerted go back to Hotel, have dinner at Hotel and take rest. Avoid any exertion. Else continue and,
— Follow the sunset by stroll at Changspa road and have a nice dinner on varied cuisines offered in-around Changspa road.
— Go back to hotel for overnight stay at Leh.
Day 2 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Inner Line Permits
— For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
— Hire a taxi from Leh taxi stand or Hotel whichever suits you.
— Bargain hard with taxi driver. Book that single taxi for entire trip after explaining the complete plan.
— Take his inputs if you feel reasonable and if required modify the plan accordingly but should suits you best.
— Ask him to be with you guys starting first day itself, if required and charged reasonable else do it at your own.
— Again DO NOT over exert and take little steps and slow walks only.
— If feeling OK then do Local sightseeing. To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
— Do not use stairs at any of these places just to see them as it will exert your body much more.
— Overnight at Leh
Day 3 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 4 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Pangong Tso – Leh
— Make a Day trip to Pangong Tso
— Overnight at Leh
Day 6 | Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang
— Cover Karzok Monastery
— Overnight at Karzok or Tso Moriri
Day 7 | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring (Manali – Leh Highway starts) – Taglang La – Upshi – Leh
— Come back via Tso Kar and Manali – Leh Highway to Leh
— Overnight at Leh
Day 8 | Leh – Lamayuru – Kargil
— Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes
— On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu
— Overnight at Kargil
Day 9 | Kargil – Drass – Zozi La – Sonamarg – Srinagar
— Enjoy the vistas enroute
— Have late drunch meal at Sonamarg
— Overnight at Srinagar
Day 10 | Srinagar – Gulmarg – Srinagar.
— Overnight at Srinagar
Day 11 | Fly back
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Thanks a lot Dheeraj for all your efforts in planning the Itinery… Some more Help pls …
Doubts:-
1. I wanted to Drive Bike in this Itinery (Is it Possible in July)? Is Biking Track Safe ?? Is there any Biking trips starting from Leh ???
2. Do we get Bikes from Leh to Srinagar ?
3. Pls suggest some Camping Destinations and Also some hotels having Leh-Ladakhi feel type accomdation ?
Thanks a ton … !! OP !!
Hello OP,
1. Yes, you can rent bikes in Leh and Fort Road in Leh is full of such shops that rent bikes. Depending upon the condition, model, make and tourist rush you can get bikes starting from Rs 800 to Rs 1300. Rather than booking over phone, it is much better to visit the Fort road, check 4-5 shops over there and get a good deal after checking the bike conditions. Regarding safety, it is adventure so there are risks surely. Also, roads are not that good in these terrains especially towards passes. If you are good at nbiking then onl go for it.
2. No, you will not get bikes from Leh to Srinagar. Even if you get them, there will be good amount of cover charge for it.
3. For accommodation, check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate and cheap budget hotels as well in the series of articles starting on the link here
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj
Can u tell me if one can get der own tents for the stay at Pangong Lake..?
You can pitch your own tents anywhere where it is allowed or rather not restricted but I will suggest you pitch them at a place where there are some dhabha tents put up by locals or where other camping guy pitch theirs or somewhere near some house in village. All you will need is to gently ask them (villagers/dhabha guys/camping guys) for permissions. Most likely they will allow, other wise negotiate for small little tip or move on to some other such place nearby.
You cannot pitch the tents besides banks of Pangong Tso OR Tso Moriri, AFAIK but at a safe distance away from them
Thanx a lot Dheeraj.
hi dheeraj am reaching with my wife to srinagar via delhi flight on 25th may 13 and return on 05jun 13 to delhi from srinagar wanna see max place including leh pls suggest
Hello Rohit,
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh by Air followed by many travelers including me at the link here for 8 days: Leh – Ladakh | Most Common Itinerary by Air.
You can make a two day trip to Pangong Tso in above itinerary and keep other days as rest days in Leh.
I hope this helps. Please let me know in case you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
PS: Sorry for the delayed response, I was traveling to Spiti Valley for past 10 days.
Dheeraj,
1- Please provide info on opening of route “Nubra Valley – Shyok Village – Pangong Tso” in 2013.
2- Whether it was open for tourist in 2012? If yes then during which month days it was open?
3- I am planning for it around 14th August on my RE motorcycle.
4- Do we need any other permit other than Shyok villahe for this road?
5- Please provide any additional valuable suggestion/information that need to be taken care of for this route.
Hello Shriram,
Please find my answers to your queries below:
1. It should be open till the time it starts raining, but no idea. Only the GREF post near Shyok village can better give exact status or people at Tangste
2. Yes, I did that last year only. But, it got closed in June due to landslide and heavy water crossings.
3. Highly likely, it will close down by then.
4. There is no checkpost that checks the permits on that route. I do not think there are any special permits required for them. We just had permits for Nubra Valley and it was fine. Also, if you going by Wari La then you surely need permit for it.
5. It is too much of isolated route, not suggested to anyone not going iun group. If something happens, you are most likely be on your own without any help. We were all alone throughout the route and we even passed an active landslide too.
Regards
Dheeraj
Thanks Dheeraj,
I read your article on travel by Shyok village route and found very interesting and of valuable info. Indeed it is most adventurous route and having a danger to cross active landslide.
Since it is most likely Shyok route will be closed in August then should I opt for Wari La route or go back to Leh and then on next day Visit Pangong.
I have one day short to fit TSO Moriri in my plan. If I opt for Wari La route then I would try to fit TSO Moriri in my plan. Suggestions welcome on Wari la route.
Sriram, well Wari La route again is a bit isolated and any help required in any case, you are on your own. Plus you get to go over a very long ride too as it takes about 10+ Hrs to go via that route. I am not sure how you will save the day while going from these route because any how you will have to utilize 3 days. One to Nubra Valley other to Pangong Tso via these routes and other to come back. Now, you can also opt to go with 2 day Nubra Valley and single day Pangong Tso.
Still, if you guys are OK with taking a chance on isolated route, then try with Wari La route.
Hello Dheeraj,
Firstly thank you so much for providing such useful information. It’s just the perfect place to find answers for your queries.
My husband and I are planning a trip to Leh later this year. But going through your website I’m now thinking we should go either in Aug end or Sept beginning. We would be traveling for 9 days. Currently, I’m planning to fly to Srinagar (each at 1pm) and then immediately take a cab and drive towards Leh stopping for a night in between. Hopefully, we will reach Leh on the second day and will not need any acclimatization after that.
Could you please suggest an itinerary as I would like to visit Tso Moriri, Pangong Tso as well as Nubra Valley. We plan to stay over at Pangong Tso lake too. Are the tents still available in Sept beginning?
We plan to fly back from Leh to save time.
Could you please suggest.
Thanks,
Saloni
PS: As of now we are open for all ideas. We can even drive down for Leh via Manali route or drive up via Manali route if that is better. We plan to hire a SUV for the same.
I think with amount of days in the hand, best bet will be to follow the itinerary suggested in previous reply.
Hi Saloni,
You can follow the below itinerary for your Leh trip.
Day 1 | Rest at Srinagar only as you will not be able to move ahead on that very day.
Day 2 | Srinagar – Kargil
Day 3 | Kargil – Leh
Day 4 | Leh Local + Permits
Day 5 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
Day 6 | back to Leh
Day 7 | Leh – Pangong Tso
Day 8 | Pangong Tso – Leh
Day 9 | Leh Rest Day OR Fly back
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Thanks a lot Dheeraj.
Hey Dheeraj,
Few more queries:
1) Is it better if we fly directly to Leh (and save 2 days there) and go to TsoMoriri for those 2 days or is the Srinagar-Leh route more scenic?
2) Also, I think I read elsewhere on your website that we can do Hunder-Pangong Tso directly and save a day there. Is it so?
3) Is it possible to do Tso Moriri in a day?
4) Is it better to travel in Sept beginning or in Aug/July?
Your answers are much appreciated.
Thanks,
Saloni
Hi Saloni,
1) By flying directly to Leh, you will only save on Traveling because for two days you have to be in Leh doing nothing but just acclimatize.
2) Yes, you can do so but it is long, tiring and isolated journey over Wari La pass which is take rarely by tourists.
3) Nopes, you cannot do Tso Moriri in a single day.
4) Best time is mid September but July just before monsoon will be equally fine. September early is good if we see less rains this year
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Dear Dheeraj,
Can we get good guides whom we can take with us once we reach LEH to Pangong and Diskit etc?
thanks
Nikhil, I think I replied it here
Hi,
Fantastic compilation of information. People like you inspire and help others to become road junkies.
Thanks alot, pleasure 🙂
Dear Dheeraj,
Can we get good guides whom we can take with us once we reach LEH to Pangong and Diskit etc?
thanks
Yes, Nikhil, once you reach Leh ask your hotel to arrange a guide for you. They shall be able to help with it.
Dheeraj,
We are group of 4 friends travelling to Leh from Mumbai in XUV 500. We are leaving Manali on 27th June and have following itinerary
27th – Manali to Jispa
28th – Jispa to Leh
29th – Leh local sightseeing & acclimatization
30th – Leh – Pangong – Leh
01st – Leh – Khardungla – Nubra Valley – Overnight at Diskit
02nd – Diskit to Leh and back
03rd – Leh to Tso Moriri
04th – Tso Moriri to Leh and rest
05th – Leh to Kargil
06th – Kargil to Srinagar
Wish to know whether the road from Nubra to Pangong and Pangong to Tso Moriri are open and we can save on a day or two.
9223575311
Nikhil, I will just suggest one change in the itinerayr as:
30 – Leh – Khardungla – Nubra Valley – Overnight at Diskit
01 – Diskit to Leh and back
02 – Leh – Pangong – Leh
Now, the above plan is much more inline with acclimatization requirements, though not to great extent since you are not staying overnight but at least a bit helpful. Secondly, Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso is connected by two routes, one by Wari La Pass (very isolated and very long) and other by Shyok village (shorter one but dangerous and more isolated than Wari La). Only in worst case try these routes else go via normal route from Leh – Changla Pass. Pangong tso Tso Moriri permits are not being issued now a days.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Many Thanks Dheeraj
Hello Dheeraj,
Your comments and suggestions are much appreciated. I am planning to go for my honeymoon to Leh and need a suggestion on the itinerary. I do not have much time as I am planning to fly in to Leh on October 13 early morning and fly out on October 18 to Delhi. Could you suggest an itinerary suitable for a honeymoon ?
Anirban, are you really sure that you want to go to Ladakh for honeymoon?
Yeah Dheeraj why not .. I visited Leh in 2009 and I was mesmerized .. so want some suggestions ..
Anirban, with 5 days in hand you will be fighting mostly with AMS and cold in October will also account for trouble. Most of the guest houses will be closed and you will be left with just homestays. I will not suggest it for honeymoon brother. Better go to some exotic place and plan another trip with some good amount of days in hand.
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks a lot for such a Informative Site and your dedication to clarify doubts is appreciable…
We couple have planned a Trip to Leh on 25th March 2013 (Delhi to Leh fly) till 02nd April 2013 (Leh to Delhi fly)…Around 8 days…
I wanted to visit almost all Leh best location… As u have good knowledge of Leh can help in planning this Trip and Suggesting best Day wise travel plan considering the Travel dates are March End and Road condition…
It would be great help and Support …
Hello Omprakash,
You can follow the below itinerary for 8 days stay in Laeh – Ladakh:
Day 1 | Delhi – Leh (By Flight)
— Checkin at Hotel. Many hotels provide free pick and drop from Airport. Ask while you book them.
— Take ample of rest as well as water or anything that keep your body hydrated enough. DO NOT OVER HYDRATE. Take ORS Soluted water or ORS – L tetra packs from home.
— Do not over exert your body at any cost. Avoid too much up-down on stairs or avoid it in entirety, if possible.
— After 5-6 Hrs of rest you can visit Leh Palace, Local Leh market, Shankar Gompa .
— If you feel exerted go back to Hotel, have dinner at Hotel and take rest. Avoid any exertion. Else continue and,
— Follow the sunset by stroll at Changspa road and have a nice dinner on varied cuisines offered in-around Changspa road.
— Go back to hotel for overnight stay at Leh.
Day 2 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Inner Line Permits
— For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
— Hire a taxi from Leh taxi stand or Hotel whichever suits you.
— Bargain hard with taxi driver. Book that single taxi for entire trip after explaining the complete plan.
— Take his inputs if you feel reasonable and if required modify the plan accordingly but should suits you best.
— Ask him to be with you guys starting first day itself, if required and charged reasonable else do it at your own.
— Again DO NOT over exert and take little steps and slow walks only.
— If feeling OK then do Local sightseeing. To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
— Do not use stairs at any of these places just to see them as it will exert your body much more.
— Overnight at Leh
Day 3 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 4 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Pangong Tso – Leh
— Make a Day trip to Pangong Tso
— Overnight at Leh
Day 6 | Leh – Upshi – Chumathang
— Overnight at Chumathang
Day 7 | Chumathang – Tso Moriri – Chumathang – Upshi – Leh
— Cover Karzok Monastery
— Overnight at Leh
Day 8 | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping OR Monastery tour
— Overnight at Leh
— Monastery tour may include Hemis, Thicksey and Shey monasteries. They come on the route of Pangong Tso but as you will be doing day trip, it will be a bit hectic to include them on that day only.
I hope this helps. Let me know in case you need any further info. or have any doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
HI Dheeraj,
Thanks a lot for such detail plan …
Doubts:-
1. As i am going on March End will i get all this Roads Open (or Clear roads)…
2. I wanted to add some Camp stay so pls suggest good camps with there Location…
3. To Add Adventure and Biking experience Is there any route which i can travel through Bike…Pls Mention
Thanks in advance for all the efforts to help me …
Hello Omprakash,
1. Yes, roads inside ladakh are kept open all round the year except few days of heavy snowfall. If it happens when you are there, then you might get them closed.
2. No camps will be present at that time of the year near both Pangong Tso OR Tso Moriri.
3. If you are good at niking then only go for it because due to presence of snow, conditions will be very slippery. Try local leh biking trip only or monastery tour on bike.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Deeraj,
Greeting from Singapore.
First, I’d like to congratulate for this amazing website. I found every information in this website is very useful. It surely help the foreigner traveller like me to get much information about Leh – Ladakh.
I’d also like to seek your advice on my travel plan to Pangong Tso lake. So, I’m planning to visit India between 22-31 Mar 2013. And one of my itinerary is to visit Pangong Tso lake. I plan to take plane straight to Leh from Delhi. Please advise on following:
– I read from you suggestion that March actually is not the best time to visit Pangong Tso, can you advise how the road condition to the lake at this time? and how is the wheather / condition at the lake itself at this time?
– Since I only plan to visit Pangong Tso only (I have no plan to visit other places around Ladakh), can I make a return 1-day trip Leh – Pangong Tso? Depart early in the morning, spend 2-3 hrs in the lake, go back directly to Leh in the evening
– How many days do I need to spend in Leh before I depart to Pangong Tso?
Would be happy to get any other advices from you.
Looking forward to your reply.
Thank you,
Regards,
Ardiayudha
Hello Ardiayudha,
Greetings from India!! 🙂
Thank You so much for your warm words of appreciation.
1. Well, the road conditions would be fine upto Pangong Tso apart from heavy snow presence on Chang La pass on the way, but the road is kept open all round the year. It might get closed for a day or two in case there is some heavy snowfall. Climate would be extremely cold and there will be no accommodation options present at the lake. You will have to stay about 34 KMs away from lake at a place called Tangste where you can have guest houses for you. Pangong Tso lake will be frozen at that time of the year.
2. Well, it can be done but would depend upon the road conditions of snow at Chang La pass. A lot of people do that of course. But, do not take it for granted and be prepared for possible delay in case weather turns up bad.
3. I will suggest you at least spend 2/3 days in Leh and if possible also make a two day trip to Nubra Valley before you plan to go to Pangong Tso lake.
Let me know in case you need more info. or have any other queries.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
Thank you for your prompt reply.
I also like to ask you further about hiring a car + driver to drive me to Pangong Tso.
1. Which one is better if go there in March, use taxi or rent a car plus the driver?
2. Do you have any contact for any car rental in Leh which also provides the driver?
3. Can you share approximately how much it costs for each option?
Appreciate your feedback.
Thanks a lot beforehand.
Regards,
Ardiayudha
Hello Ardiayudha,
1. Though I am not sure about the query but I think it is better to go with a rented car/taxi with the driver.
2 + 3. Directly talk to driver to get best deal. For the leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2012-13 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here. You can get about 10-15% of discount by directly getting in touch with drivers and of course, talking in person rather on phone always help in bargaining more.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi
We are planning to travel to Leh in mid of May 2013 via Srinagar – Leh route. I would be accompanied by my wife and 5 year old son. Request your response to the following queries:
1. Will the Srinagar – Leh route be open for travel from 10th May onwards.
2. Do you think it would be challenging for us (specially my kid) to acclimatize in Leh. We would be staying for a night each in Pahalgam, Sonmarg, Kargil and Uley before reaching Leh.
3. We intend to stay overnight at Pangong Lake but our tour organizer is insisting that it would be risky due to harsh climate and AMS. Please suggest.
4. Please suggest if you are aware of any medicines/disposable oxygen cylinders which we may carry to counter AMS while in Leh.
Thanks in advance for your response.
Hello Nikunj
Please find below the replies in the respective order:
1. Most likely yes, but you can never be sure. Also, keep in mind that roads would have just opened so they will not be that stabilized.
2. Acclimatization do not depend upon the age, can hit anyone of any age. You will have to be vigilant enough to see if your son is feeling any kind of trouble or not. Of course, going via Srinagar will certainly help with these many nights at places first. Please keep the body hydrated always and avoid exertion for the first few days.
3. Yes, try and avoid that in the month of May. He is rightly advising you.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Dear Dheeraj
I am planning a trip from Delhi to LEH for 8 days starting 3rd October. Can you please advise the trip plan. Also if some other couple is visiting Leh around that time we would like to share the taxi with them. Please advise
Regards
Pradeep
Are you flying in and out of Leh Pradeep?
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi,
This page is amazing and I would like to have some tips, we are now in Dharamsala and we plan to go to Leh the next week, we wanna spend one week but first, our budge now is low and we are hoping to find some cheap places to stay and we also wanna try some lakes like Pangong Tso but we cant afford a taxi, is there any bus going there? or something not that expensive, and what could be our possible plan, if there is one, I reall wanna see high peaks and beautiful sceneries, any good advice on that??
thanks a lot
Hello Jaime,
Thanks alot. Yes, 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 🙂 ..
For accommodation, check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh including moderate and cheap budget hotels as well in the series of articles starting on the link here
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Dear Mr Dheeraj,
First of all let me thank & congratulate you for the wonderful work that you have done in putting across so much of useful information.
Now my questions :)..
I will be travelling with my wife to Leh n around from Delhi around 11th of Aug. and will have around 7-9 days AFTER I reach Manali.
1. Shall we go by car (I have Ford Figo) or hire a bike from Manali/ Leh from where ever it is better.
2. Places we shall visit (natural beauty/ landscapes is the only req.) like Tso moriri lake, Pang gong lake, Zanskar valley, Nubra Valley etc.
Someone told me that going to Leh is not at all neccessary if you are interested in landscapes only and u can escape it to save some time.
So could you kindly guide me with an tentative itinerary which covers these places (or some other better places) in a sort of circle trip like Manali – Tso Moriri – Pangong – Zanskar etc.
3. Clothes we need to carry (light sweat shirts and wind cheaters will be enough or heavy woolens are required)
And also any idea what is the current road conditions and weather around these areas.
Thanks in advance.
Sunil
Hello Sunil,
Thanks alot, feels glad that you liked the info. present on the blog.
1. If you have some experience of driving in the rough conditions and for long hours, then only hire a bike in Manali else car would anyways be more comfortable. Even driving a car won’t be that easy and you will face alot o challenges, especially as monsoons are up. Read more below.
2. You have to go to Leh to get the permits first and yes, you can enjoy all these places without coming back to Leh BUT Shyok route is closed, Wari La route is in mess where vehicles are getting stuck each day (one of the guys had to sleep in car overnight and then got help next morning) and no permits are been issued for Chusul route. So, it will be much wiser to stick to traditional routes and follow the simple itinerary of 2 day trip to each of these places from Leh.
3. Yes, light woolens will be required may be with one heavy jacket.
4. Since it is monsoon time, at some parts of Manali – Leh Highway (like before Baralacha La) and Srinagar – Leh Highway (like before Kargil) you might need to face monsoon hassles but once you get closer to Ladakh, then Ladakh being rain shadow region is least affected by monsoon rains, though rains does reach Ladakh now but to minimum and mostly it might remains overcast conditions. There is no thumb rule of certainity about weather conditions but above is generally common pictures seen over last few years except ugly 2010 …
For hatchback/sedan taking on Manali – Leh Highway and Ladakh, I will say:
You will indeed face few tough challenges on the route. The hatchback/sedan will increase the level of every challenge even further, sedan is the worst candidate. My suggestion will be to go via Srinagar route as it will help you feel comfortable with the driving, provide more acclimatization and then once you have done the local Leh-Ladakh, then come back via Manali side. Secondly, since you are in hatch/sedan, then you need to drive with extra care as well. There will be some sections on the Manali – Leh highway in which you might need to sacrifice some scratches on the underbelly. Just make sure you do not bump the engine sump (know it before where it is placed in your car). You need to protect it all around the trip. Thirdly, whenever in doubt do not rush into the section rather park aside and feel the section with your foot, see how other vehicles are crossing it and make a planned route in your mind to cross that section. At the very least do carry Mseal, quick fix, funnel, jerry cans and towing rope with you all the time.
Also, I will strongly suggest that you go through and read my series on Ladakh Self Drive tips at the links below:
7 Useful Tips for a Self Drive to Leh – Ladakh, Routes and Road Conditions In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips, Fuel Availability In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Dear Dheeraj,
Thanks a lot for reverting back. Seeing the weather conditions around Manali I have given up the idea of driving through Manali, instead I have come up with a new plan as below:
Day 1: Arrive in Leh by flight at 6.30 AM and hire a bike from there to go to Pangong.
Day 2: Stay at Pangong.
Day 3: Leave for Tso Moriri and stay there overnight.
Day 4: Stay at Tso Moriri.
Day 5: Tso Moriri-Zanskar
Day 6: Back to Leh, deposit bike.
Day 7: Leh- kargil by bus or tempo traveller(stay at Kargil overnight)
Day 8: Kargil-Sonmarg (stay at Sonmarg overnight)
Day 9: Reach Srinagar and catch flight for Delhi at around 3 pm
I want to do this like Delhi – Leh – Srinagar – Delhi only and not the other way round
Kindly advice.
Best Regards,
Sunil
Hello Sunil,
It is a killer plan. Please do not execute it if you love your family. You will not be able to put 4-5 kicks in the bike forget about riding after that. I mean of course, you will be able to put it but what follows within next 2-3 hours would be very ugly. As I see, you have about 6 days in Ladakh and then you continue by road to Srinagar. Hence, I will suggest you take the following plan:
Day 1 | Delhi – Leh (By Flight)
— Checkin at Hotel. Many hotels provide free pick and drop from Airport. Ask while you book them.
— Take ample of rest as well as water or anything that keep your body hydrated enough. DO NOT OVER HYDRATE. Take ORS Soluted water or ORS – L tetra packs from home.
— Do not over exert your body at any cost. Avoid too much up-down on stairs or avoid it in entirety, if possible.
— After 5-6 Hrs of rest you can visit Leh Palace, Local Leh market, Shankar Gompa .
— If you feel exerted go back to Hotel, have dinner at Hotel and take rest. Avoid any exertion. Else continue and,
— Follow the sunset by stroll at Changspa road and have a nice dinner on varied cuisines offered in-around Changspa road.
— Go back to hotel for overnight stay at Leh.
Day 2 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Inner Line Permits
— For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
— Hire a taxi from Leh taxi stand or Hotel whichever suits you.
— Bargain hard with taxi driver. Book that single taxi for entire trip after explaining the complete plan.
— Take his inputs if you feel reasonable and if required modify the plan accordingly but should suits you best.
— Ask him to be with you guys starting first day itself, if required and charged reasonable else do it at your own.
— Again DO NOT over exert and take little steps and slow walks only.
— If feeling OK then do Local sightseeing include Namgyal Gompa, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Shankar Gompa, Main Market, Hall of Fame, Spituk Gompa, Changspa Road Stroll in evening
— Do not use stairs at any of these places just to see them as it will exert your body much more.
— Overnight at Leh
Day 3 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 4 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Pangong Tso – Leh
— Make a day trip to Pangong Tso.
— Overnight at Leh
Day 6 | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping OR Monastery tour OR You can do tour to Sham Valley
— Monastery tour may include Hemis, Thicksey, Stakna and Shey monasteries.
— Sham Valley include Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, Gurudwara Pather Sahib
— Overnight at Leh
Day 7 – Continue as you planned for Kargil and then on Day 8 to Srinagar.
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Dear Dheeraj,
Thanks a lot for taking the pain to give such an elaborate plan.
But I have some doubts, didn’t exactly get you when you said it’s a killer plan..I mean will it be too tough to do it on bike or is it because of the AMS that you are giving this caution (I actually got a chance to talk to a friend, she as a pillion did Manali – Leh – Srinagar on bike just a couple of months back and was pretty much ok, so I don’t think riding a bike shall be that big a challenge) and for overcoming AMS I have now taken first day stay at Leh itself.
Also as per this suggested plan I will not be able to cover Tso Moriri which if possible I will prefer over Nubra Valley + I want to do Leh and around in 5-6 days so that I get 3-4 days in Kashmir also 🙂
And is it not advisable to stay at Pangong/Tso Moriri overnight as I wanted to enjoy the sunrise and sunset there.
Kindly suggest on this new plan, I have ommitted Zanskar from itinerary to make it a little less hectic and adjusted that day for staying at Leh :
Day 1: Arrive in Leh by flight at 6.30 AM: Get inline passes, magnetic hill+other local sight seeing, stay overnight and get acclimatize, bike hire details for next day.
Day 2: Go to Pangong on bike ,Stay at Pangong overnight.
Day 3: From Pangong leave for Tso Moriri and stay there overnight.
Day 4: Stay at Tso Moriri. (it is a buffer day on which we can spend an extra day either at Pangong, Tso Moriri or some other place you suggest)
Day 5: Tso Moriri to Leh, deposit bike and catch bus in the evening for Sonmarg.
Day 6: Early morning reach Sonmarg, day sightseeing, overnight stay at Sonmarg.
Day 7: Leave for Srinagar, local sight seeing.
Day 8: Go to Gulmarg and either stay there overnight or come back to Srinagar in evening
Day 9: Srinagar local sight seeing and then catch flight at 4.40 pm
Leh- kargil by bus or tempo traveller(stay at Kargil overnight)
Also do you have any idea how much time it takes for the body to tell/react to the high altitudes, means is there some thumb rule that if the body has bot reacted within certain time then we can assume that our body is somewhat comfortable at heights
Kindly advice.
Best Regards,
Sunil
Hi Sunil,
Again, I will stick to it – this is a killer plan buddy, please do not attempt it. Generally, for people flyin in to Leh it is recommended to have 2 nights stay in Leh itself with least physical activity and first day of complete rest and nothing else. If body reacts good for first two days then only head somewhere else on third day. Preferably Nubra Valley, stay one night and come back next day to stay night at Leh. If at all, then only I advice someone to go and sleep at a staggering height of 4500 Mtrs and still I have seen people having trouble sleeping. DO NOT under estimate AMS, it may hit anyone with any age and with any type of severity.
Just read this article: Acute Mountain Sickness and Importance of Acclimatization
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Dear Dheeraj,
Thanks a lot for the extremely worthy advice, will definitely take care for the AMS thing and spend 2 days at Leh only and based on that experience only would proceed ahead.
Again thanks a ton mate for all the help, will come n share my exp as well 🙂
Cheers!!
Sunil
hi Dheeraj
First of all, this site has been one of the best pieces of detailed advise on the net to anyone enroute to Leh-Ladakh, thanks. I am about to explore the same somewhere in August (Delhi- Leh/Ladakh – Delhi), hence a few questions I need your expert advise upon:
1. Is mid-August good time to start from Delhi? (I can postpone it to Sep as well if u suggest)
2. I am travelling with my wife, and have no vehicle. Our only option is bus/cab. I understand cab will be expensive, but will I loose the major sightseeing points if i take the bus?
3. Pangong lake is a must visit in my travel; is bus an option there?
3. Lastly, what’s a good 12 day itenary for this visit? (is it possible?!!)
I will anxiously wait for your reply… please revert soon.
Hello Alok,
Please find my answers below:
1. If you can postpone to September once the monsoons are gone, then it will be much better.
2 + 3. Opt for HPTDC Manali Bus service over Manali Leh Highway and some shared taxi over Srinagar Leh Highway. Within Ladakh, since you are just two in number 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 🙂
4. For a 12 day itinerary:
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 Sighseeing + Inner Line Permits
— Local sightseeing include Namgyal Gompa, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Shankar Gompa, Main Market, Hall of Fame, Spituk Gompa, Changspa Road Stroll in evening
— For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
— Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 6 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Day 7 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on the go towards Pangong Tso
— Overnight at Pangong Tso (Spangmik or Lukung)
Day 8 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on return to Leh
— Overnight at Leh
Day 9 | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping OR Monastery tour OR you can do tour to Sham Valley
— Monastery tour may include Hemis, Thicksey, Stakna and Shey monasteries. They come on the route of Pangong Tso but as you will be doing day trip, it will be a bit hectic to include them on that day only.
— Sham Valley include Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, , Gurudwara Pather Sahib
— Overnight at Leh
Day 10 | Leh – Taglang La – Moore Plains – Pang – Sarchu
— Stay overnight at Sarchu
Day 11 | Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
— On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only
— Overnight at Manali
Day 12 | Manali – Delhi
Day 13 + 14 | Buffer days to be kept incase of road closure due to landslides or snowfall or perhaps you want to enjoy more.
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Dheeraj,
Any updates on the shyok village route. Is it open now?
I am planning to travel on 24th and was wondering if I could save a day by using the Nubra Valley – Shyok Village – Pangong Tso route.
Please advise.
Hi Aditya,
As per two weeks back reports, it was open but again dangerous as landslides are still active in this region. Shyok river water level has also increased and now can be found on the road at few more places than in April when I was there.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
We intend to reach Leh from Manali by Cab.Can we get bikes in Leh to hire for local sight seeing and to visit places like Diskit ,Pangong Tso Lake,Tso Moriri lake?
Hi Laukik,
Yes, you can get bikes easily on Fort Road Leh. There are plenty of shops which provide bikes on rent.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj, Just got to know from someone we know in Leh that the road to Nubra from Leh and back is closed on certain days by Border Roads Organisation for maintenance. Do you any information on that and how to confirm on what days the road is closed.
Hello Sharmeen,
I guess yes there is sometimes, majorly followed in Winters. I guess I took a picture of the information board and will share it with over email.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi, I intend to travel to Kashmir in June with my husband and son. We are flying to Srinagar from Delhi on 12th June and plan to cover Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Srinagar first and then drive to Leh on 18th June with a night halt at Kargil. I have a few queries and will be thankful if you can answer them. 1)Should we visit Sonmarg on our way to Kargil or should we make it a separate day trip from Srinagar? We would like to see the glaciers so if we are stopping on our way to Kargil will we have enough time? 2)Is it difficult to find vegetarian food in Laddakh or will we be able to get Delhi type food, I mean food that will suit our taste? 3)While our Srinagar sector plan is chalked out, we are still confused about the Leh sector. We are arriving in Leh on 19th June and flying back to Delhi on 25th June. So we have 5 days in hand but we will like to take it easy and not make it a hectic trip because I suffer from both high blood pressure and diabetes. 4)Do we pass through the magnetic hill and KhardungLa on our way to Leh or will we have to visit these places separately? 5)Should we stay overnight at Nubra valley or return to Leh in the evening? 6) Same about Pangong Lake, should we stay overnight or not? 7)And finally, how to engage a taxi in Leh to visit all these places? Is it better to take a taxi from the hotel we will be staying in or is it better to take one from the taxi stand? Thank you in advance.
Hello Sharmeen,
Please find below my answers to your queries in respective order –
1. You can leave early from Srinagar and check the Sonamarg on the way to Kargil. I feel that shall be enough, or perhaps after visiting Pahalgam instead of staying at Srinagar you can reach Sonamarg for night stay and then by 11 AM next day, when the traffic gets green signal from Srinagar side towards Zozila, leave for Kargil. Glaciers, not sure apart from Zozila, but you will be able to explore whatever comes on the way to Kargil.
2. In Ladakh at most places you will be able to get suitable veg. food apart from remote regions where only deluxe camping site offers variety of food. Thupka, Maggie, Rice and Dal you will be able to find every where in Ladakh.
3. For five days, you can take it easy and follow a plan like below:
Day 1 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Inner Line Permits
— Local sightseeing include Namgyal Gompa, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Shankar Gompa, Main Market, Hall of Fame, Spituk Gompa, Changspa Road Stroll in evening
— For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
— Overnight at Leh
Day 2 | 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 3 | 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 4 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on the go towards Pangong Tso
— Overnight at Pangong Tso (Spangmik or Lukung)
Day 5 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on return to Leh
— Overnight at Leh
4. You can visit Magnetic hills on the way to Leh from Kargil. You will be able to visit Khardung La on the second day of your stay in Leh when going towards Nubra Valley.
5 and 6. I guess, yes, you should stay at Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso overnight as mentioned above. Will be relaxing a bit. If you are not feeling OK at Pangong Tso then come back to either Leh or stay back at Tangste.
7. You will be able to get taxi at Leh taxi stand. Reach in Leh and on the first day arrange the taxi at Leh taxi stand. Talking directly to drivers there will save you about 10-15% of the overall price.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you need more details
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
thanks a ton, Dheeraj.. you have helped much to make a long awaited dream travel come true 🙂
just a related ques on the travel itinerary for 12 days: can i chop something enroute to make 12th day a buffer for me? i have to join office on day 13 and don’t want to take any chances with such back-to-back travel, just in case.
lastly, i am presuming that shared cabs are a safe option when you’re traveling with your wife.. just to be sure i am asking..
thanks a lot.
Hello Alok,
Yes, shared taxis would be safe as you would most likely be traveling with other fellow travelers only. You will also find people asking for couples on those dashboard to share taxi costs with other couples. So, may be you can tag along with them or may be a with a mixed group. Ladakh is one of the safest places in this whole world especially the Ladakhis are wonderful people…
And you can always Chop off Day 9 or make a Day trip to Pangong Tso and keep the spared day as buffer day.
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Dear Dheeraj,
We are also planning for 5 Day trip to Leh. Flying to and fro. 14th Sept to 19th Sep. I have planned it in below manner:
Request you to please suggest if any changes are required in this plan:
Day 1: Rest in Hote complete day and if feel good enough and not that exerted, will go for sunset by stroll at Changspa road and have a nice dinner on varied cuisines offered in-around Changspa road.
Day 2: Local sightseeing
1. Hemis Monastery
2. Thiksey Monastery
3. Hall of Fame
4. Spituk
5. Leh Palace
6. Shanti Stupa
Day 3: Pangong Tso Lake
Day 4:
1. South Pullu
2. Khardung La
3. North Pullu
Nubra Valley:
1. Diskit Statue
2. Diskit Monestary
3. Hunder Sand Dunes
4. Turtuk
Day 5
1. Magnetic Hill
2. Patthar Gurudwara
3. Sangam
I managed to plan this way by reading some blogs and some of my friends suggested.
Can we manage to stay in one night in Pangong by altering the plan (though i dont want to miss any place). Please suggest
Please share how should we plan a 5 day trip to Leh as per you.
Also if you can help with the name of Medicines which ae often required and with us there is a 9 years old child so what are the precautions to be taken. Please suggest…
Varun 5 days trip to Ladakh?? It is not recommended, first 2 days have to be rest and acclimatization only. Then 2 day trip to Nubra Valley is you feeling good followed by Day trip of 12+ Hrs to Pangong Tso. Does it work for you? Much like below:
Day 1 | Delhi – Leh (By Flight)
— Checkin at Hotel. Many hotels provide free pick and drop from Airport. Ask while you book them.
— Take ample of rest as well as water or anything that keep your body hydrated enough. DO NOT OVER HYDRATE. Take ORS Soluted water or ORS – L tetra packs from home.
— Do not over exert your body at any cost. Avoid too much up-down on stairs or avoid it in entirety, if possible.
— After 5-6 Hrs of rest you can visit Leh Palace, Local Leh market, Shankar Gompa .
— If you feel exerted go back to Hotel, have dinner at Hotel and take rest. Avoid any exertion. Else continue and,
— Follow the sunset by stroll at Changspa road and have a nice dinner on varied cuisines offered in-around Changspa road.
— Go back to hotel for overnight stay at Leh.
Day 2 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Acclimatization
— Hire a taxi from Leh taxi stand or Hotel whichever suits you.
— Bargain with taxi driver and you can refer the thread for a comprehensive list of drivers: List of Taxi Drivers for Ladakh – Srinagar – Leh – Manali
— Take his inputs if you feel reasonable and if required modify the plan accordingly but should suits you best.
— Ask him to be with you guys starting first day itself, if required and charged reasonable else do it at your own.
— Again DO NOT over exert and take little steps and slow walks only.
— If feeling OK then do Local sightseeing. To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
— Do not use stairs at any of these places just to see them as it will exert your body much more.
— Overnight at Leh
Day 3 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 4 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Pangong Tso – Leh
— Make a Day trip to Pangong Tso
— Overnight at Leh
Just replied it here: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/travel-guide-for-pangong-tso-lake-in-ladakh/#comment-116252