Road Trip from Delhi to Leh Ladakh – A Complete Guide

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Are you wondering how to plan a road trip from Delhi to Leh Ladakh? You’ve come to the right place! Here’s a complete guide to help you plan your road trip to Leh Ladakh from Delhi.

Nothing can beat the road trip to Ladakh when it comes to road-tripping. This is one road trip in India that tops the bucket list for India .

This Leh Ladakh trip from Delhi brags about challenging and treacherous snow-carpeted passes like Rohtang La, Baralacha La, Khardung La, Chang La, and Zoji La, deep valleys, high altitude plains (Morey Plains), and unending glistening streams. It’s absolutely the stuff dreams are made of.

With stunning landscapes, unpaved and challenging roads, and low oxygen levels; this road trip sure is a master-stroke for adventure travelers.

While traveling to Ladakh is once in a lifetime affair but it’s not at all easy.

Best Time to Visit Leh Ladakh

With moderate temperatures and perfect weather conditions; April, May, June, and September are the best months to visit Leh Ladakh. Leh Manali Highway remains closed during the winter season.

Planning an Itinerary For a Road Trip to Leh Ladakh From Delhi

A road trip , or for that matter any trip starts at home. The most important thing to do before embarking on any journey is to chalk out a rough itinerary.

First, figure out whether you want to go via Manali and come back via Srinagar or the other way around.

Both ways, it takes 3 days to reach Ladakh. In total, 6 days on the road.

Now, choose the places you want to see and the number of days you can devote. A perfect trip to Leh-Ladakh should range from 12-14 days.

And if you wanna witness the amazing Spiti Valley , add 4-5 days to your itinerary.

Delhi to Leh by Road: Road Map

There are two route options for traveling from Delhi to Leh by car:

Delhi to Leh Route Via Leh-Manali Highway

Route 1: Delhi – Chandigarh – Manali – Leh

Road Map: Delhi – Chandigarh – Manali – Rohtang – Gramphu – Kokhsar – Keylong – Jispa – Darcha – Zingzingbar – Baralacha La – Bharatpur – Sarchu – Gata Loops – Nakee La – Lachulung La – Pang – Tanglang La – Gya – Upshi – Karu – Leh

Distance: 960 km

Driving Time: 24 hours

Delhi to Leh Route Via Srinagar-Leh Highway or NH1

Route 2: Delhi – Ludhiana – Srinagar – Leh

Road Map: Delhi – Ludhiana – Jalandhar – Pathankot – Jammu – Patnitop – Anantnag -Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zoji La – Dras – Kargil – Lamayuru – Alchi – Nimmoo – Leh

Distance: 1228 km

Driving Time: 27 hours

We drove from Delhi to Ladakh via the Manali-Leh Highway and drove back from Leh to Delhi via the (NH1) Leh-Srinagar Highway.

Pahalgam was a bit out of the way but we added it to our itinerary because of our sheer desire to witness the kaleidoscopic vistas of the valley. Our road trip itinerary blends two of the most fascinating and beautiful destinations – Kashmir and Ladakh of India into one.

map road trips delhi to leh ladakh

Preparing a Car for the Delhi to Leh Road Trip

I was under the impression that a road trip to Ladakh needs an SUV but was stunned to see people driving Nano, Maruti 800, i20, and Santro on the road to Leh.

If you are thinking of renting a car , I would definitely recommend renting a 4×4 vehicle as it’ll make your trip easier.

Get your vehicle serviced before embarking on this tedious journey.

It’s essential to keep the complete toolkit with a puncture repair kit, foot pump, and extra fuel in a container.

My friend’s car got punctured near Lachung La Pass and surprisingly, not even a single car stopped to help.

One major tool from the toolkit was missing and it created havoc. My friend’s husband walked or rather climbed a few km to get help.

It was scary.

Please be sure to pack the car essentials when traveling on lifeless roads like these. Don’t forget to keep the RC and pollution certificate in the car.

shepherd flock of sheep road leh ladakh

Things to Pack for Ladakh

The weather in the Ladakh region is erratic. Days are hot while nights are chilly.

Icy cold winds cut through you, more if you choose to stay in tented accommodation.

Pack an equal number of warm and summer clothes (depending on the number of days), a good raincoat or windcheater , sun caps , glasses , sweaters or jackets (at least two warm and one light jacket), and sunscreen lotion .

If possible carry a small tent with a sleeping bag for an emergency as the roads are unpredictable and you never know when road closures leave you marooned on the road.

Carry two to three pairs of shoes because playing in the snow at passes can dampen your shoes.

It’s utterly important to pack a first-aid kit with all the required medicines and a portable oxygen cylinder .

Other essentials include photocopies of your ID card and Inner line permit documents .

Do carry loads of camphor as it’s a real Catholicon to treat Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

Permits for Ladakh

Only a certain number of vehicles are allowed to cross Rohtang Pass per day. So, please get a permit for your travel date in advance to avoid disappointment.

Permits are issued by DC in Kullu . It can be applied online too.

An inner line permit is required if you are planning to visit the border areas like Chushul which is issued by DC in Leh or can be applied for online .

rohtang pass leh ladakh road trip delhi

Food Options on the Way

Stuff your car with 2-3 cartons of bottled mineral water , as one needs to be hydrated all the time because of the low-oxygen environment.

Store dry snacks (avoid salty stuff) like cookies, chocolates, candies, and dry fruits. Turnip and Radish prove to be curative in high-altitude areas.

There are plenty of dhabas (roadside food stalls) along the way. Food options include tea, coffee, paranthas, rajma-rice, momos, sandwiches, chowmein, and of course Maggi.

There are some fine restaurants you’ll bump into during the road trip but nothing like eating at a roadside food stall as it gives a real road trip feel.

Expenditure

The total cost depends on the set of hotels you choose for your stay. We chose homestays and mid-range hotels which proved to be good.

In addition to accommodation, other expenses include fuel charges (INR 15,000 or USD 183 approx.), road taxes or tolls (INR 2,000 or USD 25 approx.), and food (INR 12,000 or USD 146 approx.). Our cumulative expenses (2 adults + 1 child) reached around INR 56,000 or USD 700 approx.

road kargil leh srinagar highway

Day By Day Itinerary of Road Trip to Leh Ladakh From Delhi

Delhi to leh via manali-leh highway (958 km), day 1: driving from delhi to manali.

Route: Delhi – Chandigarh – Manali (531 km | 12 hours 30 minutes)

Today, you’d be on the road, mostly. It takes around 13 hours to reach Manali from Delhi provided you don’t stop anywhere. With pitstops and breaks which you are bound to take, it takes more time, obviously.

You can enjoy some of the best things Manali has to offer if you arrive early or else, can relax and rest.

Overnight at Manali .

Recommended Hotels in Manali: Snow Bliss Manali | Snow Valley Resorts Manali | Baragarh Resort and Spa

Click Here to Find the Best Deals on Hotels in Manali

Day 2 : Driving from Manali to Tandi

Route: Manali- Palchan – Kothi – Gulaba – Marhi – Rani Nala  – Rohtang – Gramphu – Khoksar– Sissu – Tandi ( 110 km | 3 hours 30 minutes)

We relished momos, rajma-rice, and a hot cup of tea at a Dhaba in Khoksar (Lahaul Valley), refueled the cars at a petrol pump in Tandi (last on this route, so quite crucial), and stopped by to witness the beautiful confluence of Chandra and Bhaga rivers at Tandi.

Edit: We traveled to Ladakh in 2017 when the Atal Tunnel was yet to be constructed. Atal Tunnel (9.02 km) connects Manali to Lahaul-Spiti. It cuts short the road distance by 46 km between Manali and Leh. This reduces the driving time by 4 to 5 hours.

Updated Day 2 Route via Atal Tunnel: Manali – Palchan – Burwa – Teling – Sissu – Tandi (66 km | 2 hours)

Overnight at Tandi (camps).

Pro Tip: If you choose to spend the night at Jispa, you can save a day. This way, you’ll drive to Jispa on day 2 and drive from Jispa to Leh on day 3.

Recommended Campsite in Tandi, Kyelang: Tandi Sarai

campsite tandi leh ladakh delhi

Day 3: Driving from Tandi to Sarchu

Route: Tandi- Keylong – Jispa – Darcha – Deepak Tal – Patsio – Zingzing Bar – Suraj Tal – Baralacha La – Bharatpur – Sarchu (116 km | 3 hours 30 minutes)

Don’t rush, you don’t visit places like these every day. Deepak Tal and Suraj Tal are the preferred stops on the way. These turquoise lakes are mesmerizing and each one has a story to tell!

Savoring Maggi (literally, a lifesaver in mountain ranges) at Zingzing bar before ascending the mighty Baralacha La was a much-needed break for us.

Crossing Baralacha La (second highest pass on the Manali-Leh Highway) is an experience in itself.

Overnight at Sarchu (camps).

Click Here to Find Out the Campsites in Sarchu, Himachal Pradesh

Day 4: Driving from Sarchu to Leh

Route: Sarchu- Gata Loops – Nakee La – Lachulung La – Pang – More Plains – Tanglang La – Rumtse – Upshi – Karu – Leh (250 km | 6 hours 40 minutes)

Most of the places during our day 3 journey tempted us to get out of the car to enjoy the virgin nature.

Gata Loops ( 21 hairpin bends), Nakee La and Lachulung La (high mountain passes), Pang (this is where one starts feeling high altitude sickness and this is where colors of Ladakh become more conspicuous), More Plains (the unceasing stretch of plains at such high altitude enveloped by mountain ranges comes as a surprise and seems unnatural and stunning), Tanglang La (second highest pass as claimed), and Upshi (police checkpoint to mark your arrival to or departure from Leh); all the places need your attention.

Overnight at Leh. It’s advisable to take rest for a day to better acclimatize to a low-oxygen environment.

Recommended Hotels in Leh: The Grand Dragon Ladakh | Gomang Boutique Hotel

Recommended Local Homestay in Leh, Ladakh: Tukchu Homestay in Leh, Ladakh (We stayed at Tukchu , and loved it to the core!)

Click Here to Find Out the Best Deals on Hotels in Leh, Ladakh.

bro road signs road trip to leh ladakh from delhi

Explore Leh-Ladakh

Day 5: driving from leh to pangong tso and back to leh.

Route: Leh – Karu – Sakti – Chang La    – Durbuk  – Tangtse – Lukung – Pangong Tso (223 km | 5 hours 30 minutes)

Enjoyed the snowball fight (why should kids have all the fun?) at the mighty Chang La Pass . Staying for more than 10 minutes can make you feel sick (low oxygen levels).

One can plan a night’s stay at Pangong Tso to truly witness the breathtaking exquisiteness of the lake and watch the classic sunrise and sunset over the artistic landscape.

We, because of the kids, resisted the temptation and decided to come back to Leh the same day. Though we witnessed the beautiful sunset at Chang La.

Overnight at Leh.

Day 6: Driving from Leh to Nubra Valley and Back to Leh

Route: Leh – Khardung La- Diskit – Hunder (126 km | 3 hours 30 minutes)

Spend some time at Khardung La Pass, a gateway to the Shyok and Nubra valleys. At an altitude of 18,379 ft, it’s known to be the highest motorable pass in the world.

Bacterial Camel Safari at Hunder (kids adore it) and a visit to the gorgeous monastery with the tallest Buddha statue at Diskit are must-do activities. Plus, you can enjoy the views of the beautiful Shyok River. If you are on a laid-back vacation, you can choose to spend a night at Hunder / Diskit . We had to rush to cover the maximum number of places in numbered days.

Day 7: Exploring Leh City

We’ll do local sightseeing and how can we forget shopping at Leh.

There’s nothing like relishing the local culture of the place you are visiting.

Some of the places worth visiting in Leh include – Thicksey Monastery, Hemis Monastery, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Hall of Fame, Stok Palace (not for the museum but for the special momos prepared in the royal kitchen), Shey Palace , and Druk Padma Karpo School (Rancho’s School).

Overnight at Leh .

pangong tso leh ladakh india

Return Journey – Leh to Delhi via Leh-Srinagar Highway (1231 km)

Day 8: driving from leh to sonamarg.

Route: Leh – Nimmu – Lamayuru – Kargil – Drass – Zoji La – Sonamarg (344 km | 8 hours)

A confluence of Zanskar and Indus at Nimmu , Lamayuru Monastery , Lunar Landscapes ,  Gurudwara Pather Sahib , Magnetic Hills , and Kargil War Memorial (Vijaypath) are must-see places in this route.

Enjoy the beautiful landscapes en route.

Hold your breath as you cross one of the most dangerous mountain roads in the world, Zoji La Pass . It connects Ladakh to Kashmir. The pass is closed from November to March due to extreme weather conditions.

Night Stay at Sonamarg .

Recommended Hotel in Sonamarg: Hotel Village Walk

Day 9: Driving from Sonamarg to Srinagar and Exploring Srinagar

Route: Sonamarg – Ganderbal – Srinagar (80 km | 2 hours 15 minutes)

Spend your day exploring Lal Chowk , Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens, and Pari Mahal at Srinagar.

We shopped for authentic Kashmiri handicrafts at the J&K Tourism Art Emporium . Lal Chowk is famous for its dry fruit shopping. Do try walnut fudge at Hazratbal Bakery .

Night Stay at Srinagar .

Recommended Hotels in Srinagar: The Orchard Retreat & Spa   | Four Points by Sheraton Srinagar | The Lalit Grand Palace Srinagar

Click Here to Check Out Unique Houseboat Stays in Srinagar.

Day 10: Driving from Srinagar to Pahalgam and Exploring Pahalagam

Route: Srinagar – Pahalgam (90 km | 3 hours )

It’s magical to Immerse in the beauty of the Valley of Shepherds . Located on the bank of the Lidder River , Pahalgam is a real treat for your eyes and soul.

Beautiful spots like Baisaran, Aru Valley, Lidder Valley, Betaab Valley , and many more spellbind you.

Hiking on a horse to the magical highland vistas of a tiny village called Aru is something you shouldn’t miss! Friendly horsemen with their lovely stories make the ride one of a kind.

Overnight at Pahalgam

Recommended Hotels in Pahalgam: WelcomHotel Pine N Peak | Heevan Pahalgam | Royal Hilton Pahalgam | The Villagio

sonmarg kashmir road trip to leh ladakh from delhi manali leh highway srinagar

Day 11: Driving from Pahalgam to Jammu

Route: Pahalgam- Anantnag – Patnitop – Jammu ( 252 km | 7 hours 15 minutes)

Patnitop or Patni Top is a beautiful hill resort. You can choose to spend a day here if you’ve time. We didn’t have enough time to enjoy the beauty of this hilltop tourist destination so drove to Jammu for an overnight stay.

Overnight at Jammu

Recommended Hotels in Jammu: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Jammu | K C Residency Jammu | Zone by the Park Jammu

Day 12: Driving from Jammu to Delhi

Route: Jammu – Pathankot- Jalandhar – Ludhiana – Ambala – Karnal – Panipat – Delhi (589 km | 10 hours 20 minutes)

The drive is long and not at all scenic. Start early. There are plenty of restaurants, dhabas, and cafes on the way.

Wondering where to stay in Delhi?   Check out the best hotels to stay in Delhi .

What to do in Delhi?

If it’s your first time in Delhi, there’s so much to explore in and around Delhi. Check out the best places to visit in Delhi . If history tickles you, we suggest visiting Humayun’s Tomb , Tughlaqabad Fort , and Safdarjung Tomb in Delhi.

Are you a street art lover? Delhi has got you covered! Take a stroll around the open-air art museum, Lodhi Art District in Delhi and admire the imaginations of street artists from all around the world.

If traveling to Delhi with kids, Shankar’s International Doll Museum in Delhi is a place to be.

Major Attractions That We Missed on the Leh Ladakh Car Trip

List of some of the beautiful places which we couldn’t witness but you can definitely plan to:

  • Zanskar Valley (detour from Kargil to Padum)
  • Marsimik La (3 hours from Pangong Tso, needs an extra day)
  • Tso Moriri (240 km from Leh)
  • Spiti Valley (Manali – Solang Valley – Rohtang Pass – Gramphu – Khoksar – Gramphu – Kunzum Pass – Kaza)

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road trip from delhi to leh ladakh india

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Anjali Chawla

18 thoughts on “Road Trip from Delhi to Leh Ladakh – A Complete Guide”

Thank you for reading!I appreciate it 🙂

That sounds like a really nice trip, lovely views! I would love to take photos there! Thanks for sharing!

Thanks for reading! You would love taking pictures at Ladakh as it’s known to be a photographer’s heaven!

The campsite looks like you’re in some foggy wonderland! I would love to be able to visit there sometime soon! Thank you for sharing!

What a beautiful journey! Thank you for sharing. We spent almost 4 weeks in India in January and drove 3000km in a tuk tuk from Ft. Kochin to Jaisalmer. It was extraordinary and we have been looking at going back. I think we would love this drive, thank you for the tips.

Thank you, Darcee! I’m so glad you loved your trip to India. You should surely try this road trip next time when you are here. Do let me know if you need any help in planning this epic road trip 🙂

wow Anjali, you took me on a virtual trip to Ladakh. One of my another bucket list is to drive upto there all by myself. Lets see how soon can i make it possible. Very well scripted.

Wow..I think in my head I hv already travelled to Manali Leh Ladakh Srinagar Jammu and I am back home… wonderful way of writing.. beautiful pictures..thx for all the tips and details of every place…guyz but you travelled in pre covid era..is it’s still same I hv my doubts..plz help….

That’s amazing. It feels so overwhelming when our write up connects with the readers and they find helpful. Yes we did travel in pre-Covid time and are waiting for things to improve to head back again. But post-Covid there will be the precautions that need to be taken of social distancing and masks.

The wonderful word-by-word picturisation of every minute and detailed information has proven to be immensely helpful for me to plan my second visit to Leh, Laddakh(the last happened to be in Aug’1993. Undoubtedly and unquestionably, Anjali your pen-down skills are impeccable. God bless you n your lovely travel-mate, your cute daughter.

So happy to hear that. We are glad that we could help you plan a trip to Ladakh. It gives us satisfaction that our efforts are appreciated. Feel motivated. Thanks

We are gleaming with joy hearing your kind words. Thank you for all the wishes and blessings. Hope you had a wonderful trip.

In fact you have discovered the essence of life and the way one should live like. Thank you so much for the valuable guidance and a worth experiencing the experience of yours which has filled the imaginations of my 4th coming visit to Ladakh and Kashmir. Thank you so much for your pain is taking efforts and value ab feedback. God bless you. Dev Ashish Boss New Delhi

Hi, Just wondering what currency your estimated costs are in? I loved you post and we are looking to head this way April next year. Also did you drive yourselves?

thanks Nell

The costs are in Indian rupees. I should have mentioned it. My bad. I’ll update it and will include the estimate in USD too. No, we hired a professional driver with good experience driving on challenging terrain. The car was ours. However, my friend’s husband (my friend and her family accompanied us on the trip) was confident enough to drive on high-altitude terrain, so he managed to drive the car himself.

Found your post interesting to read. Good Luck for the upcoming update.This article is really very interesting.

I have done road trips from Bangalore to Coorg and Ooty and other places around Bangalore many a times. My bucket list is Manali to Leh. While I know the experience on a two-wheeler is unparalleled, I am more comfortable driving and am planning to rent a car from some car rental companies like Zoomcar. What do you suggest?

Hello Parth,

Thanks for reaching out. Renting a car, preferabely SUV or 4X4, for a road trip from Manali to Leh is a good idea.

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Journey To The Top of The World: The Ultimate 2024 Guide To Road Trip From Delhi To Leh Ladakh

Leh ladakh: an overview .

leh ladakh trip from delhi by car

Leh Ladakh is also home to a unique culture preserved for centuries. The region is predominantly Buddhist, and visitors can explore the various monasteries, temples, and  cultural festivals throughout the year.

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Planning Your Trip

leh ladakh trip from delhi by car

  • Best Time to Visit- The best time to visit Leh Ladakh is from May to September, when the weather is pleasant and the roads are open. Remember that the region experiences heavy snowfall during wintertime, and the roads are closed.
  • Route- The most popular route to Leh Ladakh is from Delhi via Manali. The distance from Delhi to Leh Ladakh via Manali is around 1,000 km, and the journey takes approximately 2-3 days. Another route to Leh Ladakh is from Srinagar, which is around 434 km and takes about 12-14 hours.
  • Permits- Visitors might require permits for Ladakh road trip to enter certain areas of the region. You can obtain these permits from the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Leh. The permits are usually issued for a specific period and are valid for a particular area only.
  • Transportation- You can opt for a self-drive road trip or hire a taxi from Delhi to Leh Ladakh. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Delhi to Manali or Srinagar and then take a taxi or bus to Leh Ladakh.
  • Accommodation- There are various accommodation options available in Leh Ladakh, including budget guesthouses, luxury hotels, and homestays. Booking your accommodation well in advance is essential, especially during peak tourist season.

Things to Do in Leh Ladakh

leh ladakh trip from delhi by car

  • Visit Monasteries – There are numerous monasteries in Ladakh, including the famous Hemis Monastery, Thiksey Monastery, and Diskit Monastery. Visitors can explore the rich culture and traditions of the region through these monasteries.
  • Explore Lakes – Leh Ladakh is known for its crystal-clear lakes, including Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri, and Tso Kar, amongst other beautiful lakes in Ladakh. These lakes offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes and are a must-visit for nature lovers.
  • Trekking – There are several trekking spots in Ladakh, including the Markha Valley Trek, Chadar Trek, and Stok Kangri Trek. These treks offer a unique perspective of the region’s natural beauty and are a must-do for adventure enthusiasts.
  • River Rafting – The Zanskar River in Leh Ladakh offers some of India’s best river rafting experiences. The river runs through a narrow gorge, and visitors can enjoy the thrill of navigating the rapids.
  • Shopping – Leh Ladakh is also known for its unique handicrafts and souvenirs. Visitors can buy traditional Tibetan and Ladakhi handicrafts, such as prayer wheels, thangkas, and pashmina shawls, at the local markets in Leh.

Challenges of the Road Trip

leh ladakh trip from delhi by car

  • Altitude Sickness – Leh Ladakh is a high-altitude region, and some travellers might experience acute mountain sickness in Ladakh. Acclimatizing to the altitude is essential by taking it slow and drinking plenty of fluids.
  • Rough Roads – The roads to Leh Ladakh are notorious for their rough patches. Therefore, travellers must remain well prepared for long stretches of bumpy rides.
  • Limited Amenities – The region is sparsely populated, and certain areas may have limited amenities such as petrol stations, ATMs, and medical facilities.

Preparing for the Road Trip

leh ladakh trip from delhi by car

  • Vehicle – The Delhi to Leh Ladakh road is challenging, and you need a vehicle that can handle the rough terrain. SUVs and 4×4 vehicles are the best options for this road trip. Getting your vehicle serviced before the trip is essential to ensure it’s in top condition.
  • Spare Parts – Carrying spare parts and tools is essential for a Delhi to Ladakh Trip. Some necessary spare parts include spare tires, fuel, engine oil, coolant, brake oil, and fuses.
  • Navigation Tools – Carrying navigation tools, such as GPS devices and maps, is essential for a road trip to Leh Ladakh. The roads in the region need to be better marked, and these tools can help you navigate the area.
  • Clothing and Gear – The weather in Leh Ladakh can be unpredictable. Therefore, carrying suitable clothing and gear is essential. Some essential items include warm clothing, sturdy boots, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, and hats.
  • Food and Water – The region is sparsely populated, and you may need help finding restaurants or food stalls along the way. It’s essential to carry enough food and water for the journey.

Route and Itinerary

leh ladakh trip from delhi by car

Day 1: Delhi to Manali

The journey from Delhi to Manali is around 540 km and takes approximately 12 hours. You can break the trip into two days and stay overnight in Chandigarh.

Day 2: Manali

Explore Manali and its surrounding areas, such as Rohtang Pass and Solang Valley.

Day 3: Manali to Jispa

The journey from Manali to Jispa is around 140 km, and it takes approximately 5-6 hours. The route takes you through the scenic Rohtang Pass and the Lahaul Valley.

Day 4: Jispa to Sarchu

The journey from Jispa to Sarchu is around 80 km and takes approximately 3-4 hours. The route takes you through the Baralacha Pass and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.

Day 5: Sarchu to Leh

The journey from Sarchu to Leh is around 250 km and takes approximately 9-10 hours. The route takes you through the Gata Loops, Nakee La, Lachung La, and Tanglang La passes.

Day 6-8: Leh and Surrounding Areas

Explore  Leh  and its surrounding areas, including monasteries, lakes, and trekking routes.

Day 9: Leh to Srinagar

The journey from Leh to Srinagar is around 434 km and takes approximately 12-14 hours. The route takes you through the Zojila Pass and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas.

Day 10: Srinagar

Explore Srinagar and its surrounding areas, such as Dal Lake and Mughal Gardens.

Day 11: Srinagar to Delhi

The journey from Srinagar to Delhi is around 875 km and takes approximately 22 hours. You can break the trip into two days and stay overnight in Jammu.

Safety Tips

leh ladakh trip from delhi by car

  • Acclimatization: Acclimatization to high altitude is essential to prevent altitude sickness. It’s necessary to take it slow and spend a few days in Leh to acclimatize before venturing further.
  • Driving: The roads on  Delhi to Ladakh Trip can be treacherous, and driving carefully is essential. Always wear seat belts, drive within the speed limit, and be cautious while overtaking. Keep your headlights on at all times, especially while driving through tunnels.
  • Communication: The region has limited mobile connectivity, so informing your family and friends about your itinerary is essential. Carry a satellite phone or a walkie-talkie for emergencies.
  • Permits: Visitors require permits to visit certain areas in Leh Ladakh. Obtaining the necessary permits from the local authorities before starting your journey is essential.
  • Medical Kit: Carry a medical kit with essential medications, first-aid supplies, and altitude sickness medication.
  • Environmental Responsibility: Leh Ladakh is a fragile  ecosystem  responsibility is essential while visiting the region. Here are things you can do to minimize your impact:
  • Carry your garbage and dispose of it in designated areas; 
  • Use reusable water bottles and avoid single-use plastic; 
  • Respect the local culture and traditions; 
  • Do not disturb the wildlife or damage the natural habitats; 
  • Choose suitable accommodation options

Accommodation Options

leh ladakh trip from delhi by car

  • Budget Guesthouses – Budget guesthouses are a popular option for backpackers and budget travellers. They offer basic amenities like clean rooms, hot water, and Wi-Fi. Some popular guesthouses in Leh include Zostel Leh, The Auspicious Hotel, and Padma Guest House et al.
  • Mid-Range Hotels – Mid-range hotels offer more amenities and comfort than guesthouses. They usually have attached restaurants, parking facilities, and tour packages. Some popular mid-range hotels in Leh include The Grand Dragon Ladakh, Hotel Caravan Centre, and Hotel Hill Town etc.
  • Luxury Hotels- Luxury hotels give the highest level of comfort and amenities. They usually have spas, swimming pools, and fine-dining restaurants. Some popular luxury hotels in Leh include The Stok Palace Heritage Hotel, The Indus Valley Hotel, and The Ladakh Sarai. Check the Leh Ladakh packages for the best experience.
  • Homestays – Homestays are an excellent option for visitors who want to experience the local culture and traditions. They offer a unique opportunity to interact with locals and learn about their way of life. Some popular homestays in Leh include The Lchang Nang Retreat, Tukchu Homestay, and The Shanti Stupa Homestay.

Places to Visit During Leh Ladakh Road Trip

leh ladakh trip from delhi by car

Silk sunset, various shades of white, tar on the roads, the gloom beyond the oil lamp floating over the lake, ripples in the water, fog on the mirror, the garden of the spring, the fairy palace, subject of the poems, emptiness in the eyes, absence of words, forever in ordinary things, and the old roses on a breeze—all these things can be found in Srinagar, where love arrives in memories of forever to liberate us into life! Insane views and entrancing locales may be found at Srinagar’s tourist destinations.

Sonmarg, which translates to “the Meadow of Gold” in English, is a neighbourhood in the Ganderbal region. It is renowned for its breathtaking views of the Kolhoi and Machoi glaciers. It is certainly located in one of the most beautiful areas of the Himalayan glaciers.

It is a well-known tourist destination since it is an alpine valley, and grassy meadows offer commanding views of the glaciers when travelling to Ladakh by car. From here, there are trekking paths to many lakes, including Vishansar Lake, Krishnasar Lake, and Gangabal Lake. The sacred cave of Amarnath is also accessible by travelling to the surrounding Baltal valley.

Drass Valley

The Drass Valley in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kargil District is frequently called the entrance to Ladakh. Drass has contributed significantly to the infamous Kargil War. The war between India and Pakistan began in 1999 when the Pakistani Army dumped shells on Drass and the nearby villages.

In the end, India took over Drass and other areas of the grounds, and from that point on, Drass was acknowledged as the Kargil War Memorial. At the height of 3230 meters above sea level, Drass lies tucked away among the snow-capped peaks along the Leh-Kargil National Highway. Drass Valley in Ladakh begins at Zojila Pass.

You will pass through this unique place from Delhi to Leh on your drive. Many of you have heard of this place. In India’s Jammu and Kashmir province, Kargil is a part of the Ladakh division. It is one of the top stops on a road trip to Leh and is the second-largest town in Ladakh after Leh. Check the complete guide   for the full information.

The region was believed to be affected by Ali Sher Khan Anchan’s rule over Skardu between the late 16 th and mid-17 th centuries. Additionally, stop through the Suru valley on your way to Kargil. This valley separates the Zanskar valley from the Kargil valley. Despite being over 3000 meters high, the Suru stream that runs through the valley keeps it remarkably green. The Greater Himalayas’ greenest valley is that one.

leh ladakh trip from delhi by car

The Mulbekh Monastery, 45 kilometres from Kargil atop a mountaintop, is well-known for its two Gompas. The Drukpa and Gelugpa sub-monasteries are within the grounds of this famous religious site. On the Srinagar-Leh Highway, the structure may be seen from a distance. The Maitreya Buddha statue is this location’s main draw.

Beautiful artefacts and frescoes enhance the Gompa’s aesthetic appeal and spirituality. It is made of limestone and measures 30 feet. This sculpture was thought to have been created by Buddhist missionaries to spread the religion of Buddhism. One of the best places to visit while driving through Leh Ladakh is the monastery, from which you can see the surrounding areas from above.

Ladakh is called the “Heaven of Passes,” while the Moonland is the “Heaven of Adventure.” On a road trip to Ladakh, this is one of the most excellent spots to stop in Jammu & Kashmir. The breathtaking views of the area, frequently called a photographer’s paradise, are guaranteed to enthral tourists.

The surrounding areas’ tranquil, scenic scenery enhances Moonland’s allure. Everything about this region, from the lovely surroundings, picturesque valleys, and breathtaking views, makes it a slice of heaven on earth.

Another name for this monastery is “Place of Freedom.” One of Ladakh’s largest and oldest monasteries dates back centuries. The Lamayuru Monastery, affiliated with the Red Hat Buddhist sect and situated on a steep mountain about 127 kilometres from Leh, is located there. This location is a must-visit after you arrive in Leh because of its elaborate paintings, holy texts, and Buddha statues.

You must visit another important location on your Delhi to Ladakh Trip. This monastery, which is 70 kilometres from Ladakh, was reputed to have been a traditional location for studying and preaching Buddhism. The Alchi Monastery was erected in the 12th century and is situated on a level terrain. The buildings Du-khang and Sum-tsek are located inside the monastery.

The Manjushri Temple is another temple located there. The monastery’s assembly hall, or Du-khang, is one of the most beautiful stops on your road journey to Ladakh because it features multiple murals depicting the various forms of the Lord Buddha as well as antique paintings.

A Delhi to Leh Ladakh Guide is an adventure of a lifetime. With its breathtaking landscapes, unique culture, and challenging terrains, Leh Ladakh offers an unforgettable experience. By planning your trip carefully and being prepared for the challenges, you can make the most of your visit to this incredible region. So pack your bags, fill up your tank, and embark on a journey to Leh Ladakh that you’ll remember for years.

A road trip from Delhi to Leh Ladakh is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure offering breathtaking Himalayas views, unique culture, and challenging terrains. With careful planning and best possible preparation, visitors can make the most of their trip and create unforgettable memories.

It’s essential to be mindful of the challenges and safety concerns while exploring the region and to be responsible for the environment and local communities. So pack your bags, gear up your vehicle, and embark on a memorable journey to Leh Ladakh that you’ll cherish forever.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

Q: 1. how to plan a delhi to ladakh road trip, q: 2. how much does a ladakh trip cost from delhi, q: 3. how much money is needed for a ladakh trip, q: 4. how can i plan my itinerary in ladakh.

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How to Reach Ladakh from Delhi

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Route 1: Delhi – Manali – Leh

Route 1: Delhi – Manali – Leh

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Lachulung La Pass

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Petrol pumps on delhi - leh highway.

Petrol Pumps on Delhi - Leh Highway

Srinagar-Leh Highway:

Srinagar: There are plenty of petrol pumps in Srinagar, so fill your tank before leaving here.

Nagbal: The next place with a petrol pump is Nagbal, 50 km from Srinagar.

Ganderbal: There are two petrol pumps in Ganderbal, 70 km from Nagbal.

Kargil: After a long stretch, you will find a petrol pump in Kargil.

Khalsi: 70 km before Leh district, Khalsi has an Indian Oil petrol pump.  Checkout & Book Manali to Leh Ladakh bike trip from Delhi for a thrilling experience.

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Must Visit Places in Ladakh

Khardung la.

Khardung La

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Shanti Stupa

Pangong Lake

Pangong Lake

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Nubra Valley

Nubra Valley

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Tso Moriri Lake

Tso Moriri Lake

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Magnetic Hill

Magnetic Hill

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Royal Leh Palace

Royal Leh Palace

Lamayuru Monastery

Lamayuru Monastery

Alchi Monastery

Alchi Monastery

Shey Monastery

Shey Monastery

Hemis National Park

Hemis National Park

Namgyal Monastery

Namgyal Monastery

Spituk Gompa

Spituk Gompa

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Gurudwara Pathar Sahib

Gurudwara Pathar Sahib

The Hall of Fame

The Hall of Fame

Thiksey Monastery

Thiksey Monastery

Diskit Monastery

Diskit Monastery

Hemis Monastery

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Ladakh Top Attractions

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Heaven, Peace, Silence, and Tranquility at one place? Come and spend a few hours at Pangong Lake in Ladakh! A pristine place in Ladakh marked by subtle to high peaks around, crystal blue waters and the vast expansion catches the eye so much, so long as if a magic is happening right in front of the eyes. Let our Ladakh holiday packages transport you to this mesmerizing destination, where nature's grandeur unfolds in every corner.Pangong Lake, also known as Pangong Tso, lies calmly at a breathtaking elevation of 14,270 feet. Interestingly, the lake is 12 km long and marks itself between the laps of India and China. Rather, 60% of the portion is stretching in the neighboring nation and this excites every traveler to be here.The surreal clean blue waters are actually brackish or salty in nature and this feature doesn’t let any aquatic life survive in the same. Moreover, the temperature range between -30 to -10 degrees make even this salty lake freeze with thick ice sheets, which is quite opposite in case of salt ridden water bodies.This picturesque landscape location enhances its beauty with the arrival of migrating birds every year and attracts many travelers in search of adventure, photographs, bird-watching and chilling experience. Pangong has another unique and catchy feature; when it acts like a chameleon and changes its color from blue to green to even grey at times. The brackish water of Pangong attracts the migratory birds every year during winters in Ladakh.There is not a single reason to say No to this beauty once in a lifetime. And if you wish to repeat it again, it’s a blessing! 

Nubra Valley

One of the most beautiful parts of the moonscapes of Ladakh, Nubra Valley is a deep-cut gorge created by the combined effects of Shyok and Nubra (Siachen) rivers. A high altitude cold desert, Nubra Valley is actually an extension of the Tibetan Plateau (Qing-Zang Plateau) that starts in China and extends up to Ladakh. This valley in the plateau separates the Ladakh Range from the Karakoram Range. But more than anything, Nubra Valley is the most beautiful region in all of Ladakh. Home to wonders like the Diskit Monastery,Hunder Sand Dunes, Samstanling Gompa, Yarab Tso Lake, and the villages of Turtuk and Panamik.Located about 160 km from Leh, the capital of Ladakh, Nubra Valley is a great attraction to all those who come here. The gateway to the upper reaches of the country, especially Siachen, Nubra Valley has an oasis of a town in the heart, Diskit, making a great place to stop you and reflect at the beauty around. And while you are at it, take a short detour to the famous white sand dunes of Hunder. The shapes and forms that these dunes take during different times of the year mesmerize every visitor who comes here. To make it further interesting, there are the double-humped Bactrian Camels, offering rides through the dunes.And when it turns dusky, head to the Diskit Monastery and visit the towering statue of Maitreya Buddha which looks over the entire valley and blesses it for another day to come.Planning a Trip to Ladakh, Experience of Chadar Trek - The Frozen River Trek

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Leh ladakh road trip: an unbelievable drive in india.

This is Part 1   of our 5 part series on planning the ultimate road trip to Leh Ladakh in India. We will cover every aspect – itinerary, accommodation, packing, driving – of planning an unforgettable Ladakh road trip:

Read Part 2 – Leh Ladakh Road Trip II (Nubra, Pangong, and Manali) (opens in new tab)

Read Part 3 – Packing for a road trip to Leh and Ladakh (opens in new tab)

Read Part 4 –  10 Dos and Donts for a roadtrip to Leh-Ladakh, India  (opens in new tab)

Read Part 5 – Accommodation: Luxury Camping in Ladakh (opens in new tab)

As we make our way to Ladakh, lush meadows, Chinar forests, and apple orchards give way to barren landscapes illuminated by the glimmering sun. Monks are everywhere and monasteries dot the landscape – that’s when you know you’ve arrived in one of the most spectacular places on Earth!!

A road trip to Ladakh is no small feat- it is well and truly the stuff of dreams. Ladakh’s soundlessness, its cobalt blue skies, bright rainbows, and glistening lakes are pure magic.  This road trip boasts of iconic landmarks such as the highest motorable road in the world ( Khardung La );  some of the highest mountain passes in the world such as Zoji La and Tanglang La;  splendid scenic drives in remote regions, and some little known gems such as the kaleidoscopic More Plains , Lamayuru, and the hypnotic Gata Loops. It is truly a road trip like no other!!

Pangong Lake on road trip to Ladakh

Before the fun stuff and a day-by-day itinerary of our roadtrip to Ladakh, here’s a quick look at the logistics:

Here’s an overview of the route we followed over the course of 3 weeks. We drove from Delhi to Ladakh via Gulmarg. We drove back from Leh City to Delhi via Manali.

Leh-Ladakh-Road-Trip-Itinerary-Map

This self-drive road trip is only for experienced drivers who are comfortable driving in India and  skilled at driving in the hills. There are dubious roads, bumpy stretches, and unpaved mountain passes by the dozen (all details in the daily breakdown below). Having said that, if you enjoy driving and are fond of road trips, it truly doesn’t get better than this. Look at these panoramas and those crystal clear skies. Don’t forget to read our article on 10 Things to keep in mind while planning a road trip to Leh and Ladakh  before embarking on this road trip.

traffic jam khardung la

Try to stick to bottled/filtered water while you are in India. Stock up on water and also on non-perishable snacks including dried fruits, nuts, and cookies before the road trip. However there is no need to go overboard as hot food is plentiful, cheap, and easily available in India.

There are hundreds of dhabas (shacks) along the way, most of which cater well to vegetarian and vegan travellers. Expect to find paranthas (stuffed flatbreads) and sandwiches. As you begin to inch closer to Leh, you will start noticing a smattering of mok mok/momos (steamed dumplings), chowmein (an Indian take on traditional stir-fried noodles), and Maggi (Instant noodles) on menus. A meal at a roadside shack will rarely set you back by more than £5 (INR 500). There are also loads of mid-range and some truly exquisite restaurants in the bigger cities you’ll hit during this road trip. We’ve mentioned a couple of our favourites in the itinerary  below  🙂

Eating Maggi Noodles in Ladakh

The cumulative expenses depend on the kinds of hotels and restaurants you choose to stay and dine. As with every other country we visit, we chose quaint lil B&Bs for the days when we had to be on the road all day and just needed a place to crash at night and luxury hotels for languorous days that had to be spent in the same city. Besides accommodation and food, expect to spend approximately £120 (INR 12000) on fuel and £40 (INR 4000) on tolls and road taxes if you’re driving a rental car . This sum is a bit lower if you’re driving your own car.

Try renting a 4X4 for your road trip to Ladakh – this isn’t essential but it makes the ride easier. It is easy to rent a car in most major cities in India. As most of you probably know, driving in India is like nowhere else in the world. Roads are chaotic and lane driving is but a myth. Taking these things into consideration, it’s best to rent a car from an Indian rental company . Such companies understand the nuances of the Indian market well.

There are a number of car-rental companies in India. Here are a couple of things we kept in mind while renting a self-drive car in India:

  • Make sure you opt for a company that provides unlimited mileage. A lot of companies offer a quote that includes limited mileage. Customers are charged an extortionate amount for every kilometre over the fixed mileage. This is never a good idea if you, like us, love taking detours and discovering offbeat gems along the way.

Keeping these things in mind, we rented a Scorpio from Myles Cars   for our self-drive road trip and the experience was seamless. We opted for their personalised service, which included a pick up/drop off at our doorstep (something we’ve seen only in India 🙂 ). Our car was in great shape and didn’t give us trouble as we drove through varied terrains, bumpy roads, and mountain passes. We drove it much more than we anticipated but paid no additional cost (thanks to the unlimited mileage clause!)

Leh Ladakh roadtrip rental car

Now that the logistics are out of the way, let’s head to the fun stuff. Here’s a day by day breakdown of a road trip to Ladakh:

Day 1: Driving from Delhi to Patnitop

The first day’s drive through bustling Indian towns and cities and plains is perfect to acquaint oneself with driving in India. The drive from Delhi to Patnitop , a small hill-station in Jammu and Kashmir is long. It can take about 16 hours (although Google says 10 ;-)), so you might consider breaking it if you don’t enjoy long days on the road. In any case, always take frequent breaks especially if you are the only one driving.

Start early – we left Delhi at 4.30 am. We took the following route: Delhi-Karnal-Ambala-Ludhiana-Jalandhar-Pathankot-Udhampur-Patnitop. This drive isn’t particularly scenic and there are frequent toll booths along the way. However the first 7-8 hours boast of great roads. Also, there are lots of service stations and public toilets along the way.

There is no shortage of restaurants. International chains – McDonald, KFC, Subway – seem to be extremely popular in the area. But if the weather’s conducive, we’d suggest taking a pitstop at a traditional Indian  dhaba (shack) for some North Indian grub.

Fight the impulse to follow your GPS blindly and try to stay on the highway as much as possible. For eg. our GPS took us through ‘shortcuts’ towards Gurdashpur and Binanagar. Instead of following the highway and driving towards Pathankot, we obeyed the GPS. This was the worst idea ever as roads were bad and in horrible condition. We ended up wasting 2 hours on an already long day!

Accommodation:

Patnitop is a small hilltop town that makes for a perfect pitstop for the night. There are a few hotels and resorts in the area. We chose to spend the night at Vardaan Resorts because it was recommended by a couple of locals.  Rooms are clean but dated and food is fresh. The view however is enviable. Waking up to this view made us really excited about the panoramas that lay ahead.

Patnitop Leh Ladakh road trip India

Day 2: Driving from Patnitop to Gulmarg

This is when the fun begins in real ernest. Almost as soon as you leave Patnitop, you will start spotting lush forests, meadows, glistening waterfalls, and blue skies. Apple farms start making an appearance and Kashmir’s sun-drenched panoramas put visitors in a good mood. At one point you’ll cross Jawahar tunnel and the moment you come out on the other side, you’ll be greeted to the first glimpse of the beautiful Kashmir valley.

The winding hilly drive from Patnitop to Gulmarg takes over 8 hours. Expect to make loads of stops along the way – rainbows play hide and seeks with red-cheeked kids in the countryside and Kashmir. Glowing and throbbing nature is at its best and most magical here in Kashmir.

Make sure your fuel is topped up when you leave Patnitop as gas stations start getting scarce at this point.

You could choose a hotel in Srinagar or Gulmarg. We chose to stay in a slightly secluded spot in Gulmarg – The Khyber Himalayan Resort and Spa was recommended to us by a reader and we’re so glad we chose it for our stay in Gulmarg. It’s a magical property, nothing short of splendid. Decadent rooms overlook snow-capped peaks and coniferous forests. On s haring a photo on our Facebook page , we found out dozens of our readers have stayed there in the past and all of them gush about it – so glad we aren’t the only ones! 🙂

The first glimpse of Kashmir valley from "Titanic" view point :-)

Days 3-5: Gulmarg & surroundings

We spent 3 nights at The Khyber Himalayan Resort as we explored Gulmarg and its surroundings. It provided the perfect break from all that driving. Nature is extravagantly beautiful in this part of Kashmir.

You could just pick up your car, pack a picnic basket, and find an idyllic picnic spot just about anywhere. Alternatively you could go for a hike , one that’s as easy or strenuous as you want it to be, through Gulmarg’s magical woodlands. Don’t forget to hop on the Gulmarg Gondola, one of the highest operating cable cars in the world . The first level of the gondola ride is passable but the views of the Himalayas from the second level are splendid. Highly recommended. Tickets cost £16 (INR 1600). Go prepared for LONG queues 🙂

view at the top of Gulmarg Gondola Kashmir

Day 6: Driving from Gulmarg to Kargil

Finally it was time to leave the serene environs of Gulmarg and head to faraway hills. The drive from Gulmarg to Leh cannot be covered in 1 day, so it’s best to cover it over 2-3 days. Kargil is the perfect pitstop if you decide to do this stretch over 2 days.

This drive is one of the most scenic drives so far. Expect glacier views at Sonmarg, little streams at Drass, herds, cheery shepherds, flocks of sheep, and seductive stretches of countryside. At Zoji La (Zojila Pass), one of the bottlenecks along the way, roads are dubious but stunning views abound. Snow-laden panoramas are everywhere to be seen so it’s hard to get annoyed at the bad roads or traffic jams.

Start early. The drive from Gulmarg to Kargil is just 250 kilometres long but it took us 12 hours because the mighty Zojila Pass is always jam-packed and the roads on this stretch are in bad shape. To add that, there was a protest in one of the villages on our way and the villagers had blocked all traffic for a couple of hours. Always stay prepared for things like these when driving in India 🙂

It being peak season we were unable to find any hotel in Kargil for the night. Finally, after over 2 hours of first pulling into Kargil, we found a dingy room at a local guesthouse. We were grateful for the beds at the end of a long day but we can’t recommend the place. I won’t get into the nitty-gritties but let’s just say we were very glad to get out of there next morning! 😉

Sonmarg Kashmir India valley

Day 7: Driving from Kargil to Leh City

The military presence in this area can’t be glazed over. You will spot soldiers everywhere – this is because of the volatile political situation in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Scenery wise, this stretch of road is spectacular ! In fact, it is so scenic you will want to stop every 5 minutes especially as you inch closer to Leh. As we made our way to Ladakh, we could see lush meadows, and Chinar forests giving way to barren landscapes illuminated by the glimmering sun. Monks could be seen everywhere and monastries dotted the landscape as far as the eye could see – that’s when we knew we had arrived in Leh!!

Some of the places that are worth stopping on the way are Lamayuru village (mid-way between Kargil and Leh), Alchi, and the famous (and much hyped) magnetic hill .

Start early with lots of time on hand and stop to absorb the scenery every 20 minutes 🙂 Have lunch at Lamayuru to break your journey and enjoy the peaceful vibe at the monastery.

Leh City has loads of guesthouses and hotels to suit every budget. Choose one that gels with your travelling style – just make sure the hotel offers parking (as you will need to leave your rental car here while exploring Nubra Valley & Pangong Lake), rooms are heated, and it has oxygen supplies should you need them.

Since we had to spend quite a few days in Leh city, we chose the luxurious Chamba Camp Thiksey . It overlooks the gorgeous Thiksey Monastery, far from hustle-bustle of Leh City. Glamping is the only way to stay next to some of the most remote panoramas of the world in such luxury. We’ve been glamping in loads of places around the world but I’ll say this – nowhere has it been more decadent or scenic that in India. We loved waking up in our decadent tent at The Ultimate Travelling Camp, nestled amidst snow-capped mountains and spending languorous days absorbing Leh’s natural beauty, with cappuccino on call 🙂

Nearing Leh on a road trip of Ladakh

Days 8-10: Explore Leh City and surroundings

There are loads of things to see in Leh City.

  • Explore Shanti Stupa , a Buddhist stupa located on a hilltop
  • The  Old Town of Leh also makes for a fascinating self-guided walk – explore its crumbling houses, the buzy marketplace, and Leh Palace
  • Leh Palace offers great views of Leh City but for truly spectacular views of Leh City, head to the neighbouring  Namgyal Tsemo Monastery
  • Outside the city, Thiksey Monastery and Hemis Monastery offer an insight into the Buddhist way of life. It’s easy to spend hours at each monastery – exploring rooms, marvelling at staircases, and talking to monks. Don’t miss the early morning call to prayer and prayer ceremony at Thiksey Monastery.

All these historical and cultural sites draw visitors. However here in Leh City, the landscape is the real draw – you could stop just about anywhere and be treated to a special view.

Take it easy on your first day in Leh City and give your body time to acclimatize to the altitude. If you’re on a road trip, chances are you will adjust pretty quickly because the ascent to such high altitudes has been gradual. However the difference in altitude might hit you harder if you’ve flown straight to Leh City. In any case, refrain from consuming spicy/heavy food or alcohol for the first couple of days. Have loads of water and keep yourself well hydrated.

Leh Ladakh road trip luxury tent The Ultimate Travelling Camp

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Gata Loops on Ladakh road trip drive from Leh to Manali

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140 thoughts on “ leh ladakh road trip: an unbelievable drive in india ”.

This is Amazing and extremely helpful. Thank you for the detailed post .

Thanks Ananya – so glad you found it useful 🙂 We wanted to pen EVERYTHING that could potentially help someone planning a trip to the area! 🙂

More than just a tour guide, its extremely helpful for people like me who are planning a trip to Ladakh.

Thanks Suyash – it took us SO long to put all this information about a roadtrip to Ladakh together in one post but your comment just made it all worth it 🙂

Hi Savi/Vid,

I have been following your page from quite a while now. I love to read your experiences and struggles in a trip. I have been struggling from last few months to plan my honeymoon trip from April 20th. It would be great if you can help us with some inputs. We are planning a road trip to Ladakh from Manali. Is it a good option for honeymoon purpose, as we both like road trips, that’s why we thought this could be a good option. We are planning a 10 days trip from Manali to Leh and vice-versa.

Plz share your inputs also if you have any other suggestions than Ladakh, we are open for suggestions.

Plz help in the same, we are planning a decent honeymoon trip within India as we are not interested in Maldives, rest most of the countries have not opened there borders yet.

Waiting for your reply.

Hey Shivani – if you choose nice accommodation Ladakh can make for a good honeymoon 🙂 If you want someplace warmer with nice honeymoon-friendly hotels you can also choose Kerala

Such a awesome journey it look like .. I been there many a times but seems like life got refreshed after reading your words with awesome pictures … Much useful link .. In august I am Going again . Will Try all the places which U guys mentioned . Thanks 4 the post .

Thanks a ton Harkaran – so glad you enjoyed our guide to driving in Ladakh 🙂 We’re not surprised you keep going back to Ladakh – Have fun in August & don’t forget to send us photos

Stunning pictures. After reading this post, I am so looking forward to my trip to Ladakh! <3

Thanks Deepika – we hope you have an amazing time in Ladakh. Do try to check off some of the lesser known sites (Lamayuru, More Plains etc) too 🙂

Hi guys.. Wonderful writing & you guys make my mind to go & see such a beautiful place in India.. Photos are amazing. Hope you had great time there

Hey Manoj – it’s awesome that we managed to persuade you to go and drive around Ladakh. We promise you you’ll love it 🙂

I was 4 when I was left behind due to my acute asthma in 1986 by mom and Bro to joindad in Ladhak serving the Indian army.At this time this little gem wasn’t known to the world.But I grew up on stories from the valley and have been wanting to go there since I was 4. Last year after a lot of convincing my husband took me upto Srinagar, Sonamarg and Zozilla pass. I had to call dad then to salute him to serve the nation at the toughest battlefield and also assure him my asthma was doing just fine. I have been holding up Leh because I wanna drive up there and not fly so I acclimatise well.Your post is just what was needed. Thank You ?

Hey Kamakshi – you’re welcome. As we mentioned, Savi’s bronchitis held up well in Ladakh. We’re sure you’ll be fine and would love it 🙂 Just make sure you book a hotel with oxygen supplies and don’t try to pack in too much in your schedule. Hugs from us

Awesome blog, have been on two treks in Ladakh (personally count it among my favourite destinations, though obviously there is a lot of world left to explore) but your snaps are brilliant and a road trip looks like a pretty interesting prospect for a 3rd visit. Do visit the Tso Moriri if you ever go again. Long drive but personally thought it was way better than Pangong…

Thanks Uday – you should definitely try driving to Ladakh. We’ll be back for Tso Moriri but thought we’d recommend it to our readers anyway – we heard SUCH great things about it 🙂

Stunning pictures, great writing and truck load of information. Thanks for such a detailed post. Definitely bookmarking this series for our future leh travel plan. I have to ask, do you guys had any issue with self-driving in and around kashmir and ladakh? I keep hearing there are lot of taxi union issues, any comments.

Hey Krithika

Thanks a ton – glad you enjoyed the post 🙂 Driving in Kashmir and Leh City isn’t a problem but the taxi union is quite strong in Ladakh – we’ve written all about it (and how we dealt with it( in days 11 -15 of our itinerary here: https://www.bruisedpassports.com/india/epic-road-trip-leh-ladakh

Guys, it seems like an awesome journey! I’m just speechless. 🙂 The views like those make it all worth it. I’ve been wanting to go to Leh since forever. I think this post will help a lot! 🙂

Thanks a ton Ramya – hope you make it there super super soon. A roadtrip to Ladakh is truly dreamy 🙂

Absolutely stunning views and informative blog post. Can I just ask what camera you’ve used for these pictures?

Keep doing what you are doing!

Thanks a ton Harshitha 🙂 We use a Nikon D610 for all our photographs – we’ve written a detailed post on our travel and photography essentials: https://www.bruisedpassports.com/featured/travel-photography-essentials

Thanks v much Savi! Really appreciate your response, it’s been really helpful.

Btw, i just turned on notifications on your insta account! Great pictures you guys ?

Thanks a ton Harshitha 😀

Hey! I have been waiting for this post, so that I can make notes before I leave for my trip:) Loved the post and the pictures are incredible as always:) Thanks for taking out time to answer all my queries with regard to the accommodation at Leh, Nubra and Pangong. I have made bookings at the same stays at all 3 locations 🙂 Leaving on 17th July, so excited. Thank you so much 🙂

Hey Chinar – that’s awesome. You MUST send us photos when you visit Leh & Ladakh. We’d love to share them with our readers 🙂 Hope you found all the information you wanted – feel free to drop us an email if you need anything else

finally , the itinerary is out. Covers all bases , but just wanted to ask for someone not going by car to leh , what all can be done using motorbikes and what will need a taxi? was planning to take taxi for Nubra valley and Pangong and Motorbike for Leh local??

Hey Gaurav – you can refer to days 11-15 to see what we did but I think what you have in mind is great. In fact you can even cover Nubra and Pangong by bike but do be warned, the roads are really steep and in bad shape. However we did see a few bikers covering the route themselves 🙂

Thanks , taking lots of cues from u guys , hope we end up as much fun as u guys. Cheers.

Awesome Gaurav. Have fun and send us photos from you trip to Ladakh 🙂

Best post of yours till date.. such detailed write up and envious pictures to match up with it..3 weeks in Heaven i should say.. keep rocking guys..

Thanks a ton Madhu – so glad to hear you found it useful 🙂

just wat i needed, have been waiting since the day ur first post abt Ladakh came uo… its just my dream destination. Being suffering from chronic disorder its just scares me out listening the stories abt the place but the moment i see any pic of leh ladakh it seems this is wat i wanna do. And ur pictures, they motivate me to the T. they just scream out saying “Come fall in love with me”…just get goose bums seeing god’s beautiful creation and to witness it would be something else. great job guys love love love you. BIG HUGS AND KISSES TO U.. stay blessed and KEEP LIVING.

Thanks a million Prachi – It’s easy to get medical attention, especially in Leh City. You should make a short trip just to test the waters 🙂

Yup this is on my top priority list now. And next to top is meeting you guys. you truly are big time INSPIRATION. just WAITING FOR MY BIG FAN MOMENT. 🙂

Aww thanks Prachi – I hope our paths cross somewhere around the globe super soon 🙂

What time of the year did you take this trip? Want to plan one in April, advisable?

Hey Vamshika – we went in July. In April some roads are still snowed under, so do check before going. Or you could fly to Leh City and you’ll explore it from there 🙂

You guys are lucky to have made it just before the ban on self driving cars in Ladakh region.

Hey Sam – we didn’t. We drove to Ladakh and back from Ladakh but rented a taxi to explore Ladakh while we were there. Please see days 11-15 for this!

Great post, even greater pics! Surely gonna use this if and when I plan an epic road trip to Ladakh. Btw, you guys look amazing in all of the pics!

@Vid: If possible, could you write a post on your photography workflow? How you manage the RAW files, what softwares you use etc? I have read about your travel photography gear but was curious about the workflow.

Thanks for the tonne of info already 🙂

Regards, Anu

Hey Anu – thanks a million 🙂 Sure I’ll definitely pen a post on that. I have a few huge HDDs (couple of TBs each) to store RAW files and I use Lightroom to edit photographs

Omg!! My husbanhuhas always been dying to be here and I have been researching the areafor quite some time now but reading all of your series I am also desperately wanting to be there. So beautiful described! This is definitely on top of my list now! Thanks for the traveling goals..

Hey Sneha – so happy to hear you enjoyed reading about our roadtrip in Ladakh 🙂 Hope the two of you make it there soon 🙂

It’s so beautifully written that sitting on my bed feels like driving on the panoramic Leh and Ladakh road.You two are inspiration for me!!

Thanks for that Upasana – this took so much time to put together but your comment just made it all seem worthwhile 🙂

Wow..I mean wow..Reading this was like traveling to Kashmir . And the pictures are so beautiful. Loved reading ! Sorry for all the exclamation marks but I am awed.

Thanks Khushboo – so happy to hear you enjoyed both the text and words- yay 🙂

Great travelogue. I haven’t seen northern India but now I won’t be able to stay away. Thanks!

This was our first road trip to The Himalayas and it did not disappoint 🙂 You should definitely head over!

Thanks for such detailed and helpful posts and for not saying that driving in India is too crazy to attempt – I drive here everyday and love it! I think once you understand the culture and drive like an Indian it’s not too unsafe. I’d love to try this road trip on a car or a bike. Thanks for the self drive car hire tips and stunning photos too!

Hehe Anna – driving in India is a different ballgame altogether but it’s definitely doable and a lot of fun. Would love to hear from you after you attempt a roadtrip to Ladakh – have a feeling you’ll love it 🙂

Your post reminded me of my CEAT tyres sales trips in punjab and jammu. Gt road and beyond. 20 yrs back.

Extremely beautiful Photoes…

Thanks a ton Hardik 🙂

Amezing clicks! Which month u did it? how was weather? any rain?

We went in June and the weather was amazing. We didn’t encounter any rain 🙂

You guys r just superb!!.. Seeing u travel makes me leave everythng nd jst go by d flow lyk u guys do U both are such full of positivity nd full of lyf dat it makes us believe all d more in everything u do

Dear Anubhuti, you are too kind and generous in your appreciation. We are really humbled by your words.Thanks so much and we hope you also get a chance to travel around the globe and explore everything for your self 🙂

You Guys Are Doing Awesome Work. Keep Exploring!?

Thanks a ton Meet 🙂

I heard you could do go through Ladakh by road these days. Walked from Lamayaru to Darcha (took almost a month) and then bus to Manali 30 years ago! Memories. Time to go back.

Hey Steven – Walking from Lamayaru to Darcha sounds like one incredible adventure. Love the sound of it. You should definitely re-visit Ladakh – you’ll be surprised at just how much things have changed 🙂

I just checked the route – been trying to match my old photos to Google maps! We walked quite a bit further, over the Shingo La (I remember that) into Himachal Pradesh and we must have hit the road at Keylong. It appears many of the gompas are still only accessible by foot – Photoskar, Lingshed, Lingshot, and some others. There is now a new gravel road up to Phuktal north off the Manali road. Did you get up there? That is a truly incredible and memorable place, thousands of years old. I also remember as it was an easy 40 mile river valley walk from Padum, so on a road trip could be done from Padum in a couple of days. Lamayaru to Padum was about 2 weeks of daily mountain climbs – still walking only.

Hi, Which month did u travel?..Love the season colors..

Hey we travelled during summer (June)

Hi, I really wanted to know about the weather there in May.We are planning in last week of May this year.there will three kids in the group. TIA

May is a great time but sometimes the snow hasn’t melted and many roads are not open. So check for updates before leaving

It is a very advantageous post for me. I’ve enjoyed reading the post. It is very supportive and useful post. I would like to visit the post once more its valuable content. Thanks a lot for this beauty Enjoying article with me. I appreciate it very much!

We are a group of 3 engineering students from Mumbai and we have been dreaming of going to Leh Laddakh since our freshmen year! Thanks to your blog we are finally planning a bike trip to Leh from Delhi and back this year. Kudos to you guys for inspiring people like us. We shall make full use of your suggestions. Keep up the great work and wish you luck for your future endeavors.

Hey Rohith,

thanks a lot for your message. Hope you guys had a great road trip to Leh Ladakh – do share photos with us if you get a chance 🙂

Hey there ! Every time I surf thru https://www.bruisedpassports.com , I’m in awe of you both. Cheers guys ! Now coming on to the important point, how much did it cost for the entire trip. Plus would like to have your advice on the following route we intend / plan to take – delhi to Srinagar (via flight) to leh ladakh to manali / Jammu (via road) and fly out of delhi. Would we be doing justice to the scenic beauty of Leh Ladakh. Secondly, what time of the year does it opens for civilians, which month onwards

Best Sripat

Yes your itinerary will be doing justice to the beauty of Leh Ladakh. Costs will vary as you’ll have to hire a cab from Srinagar to Leh to Manali/Delhi. We rented a car and drove from Delhi back to Delhi. You will be taking flights. So it’s difficult for us to tell you the estimated cost for your trip 🙂

It usually opens May onwards but that varies year on year so best to check that closer to your trip

Hi Guys . We are planning to do a road trip from Delhi to Leh , but i am hearing all scary stories that a rental Car ( yellow/black board) should be avoided as the locals don’t let u pass after a certain point ? Is this true ? Most of the folks are advising us to take flight to Leh . What do you suggest?

Hey you can only drive till your hotel in Leh in a rental car. Beyond that, (say for Nubra / Pangong etc.) you have to take a local taxi. Nothing to worry about. Taking a flight to Leh is also not a bad idea – to be honest Delhi – Patnitop drive was quite bleh and I’d rather skip that. That said, Kargil – Leh and Leh – Jispa are some of the most stunning drives so if you fly to Leh and back you’ll be missing those 🙂

Loved your post. Is the road trip doable with kids?

Thank you 🙂

I believe it’s best to take a doctor’s advice on that as many people suffer from altitude sickness in Leh and it might not be good for kids

Hi Your post is great.. Its detailed and covers all the bases.. I have read and heard that self-driven cars from Myles and the like are not allowed beyond a point in ladakh as the local car hires do not allow you to use ur rented vehicle. I am planning for a similar trip in July by renting a car from one of these app based rental services. Need your input on this. Should I go for it or look out for other options?

Hey Aditya,

Yes, you’ll only be allowed to take the car to Leh. For Khardung-La, Nubra, Pangong lake etc., you will have to hire a local car.

Can we plan a trip in July ion leh?

Yes in fact July is one of the most popular months to do a road trip to Leh Ladakh 🙂

Hi we are planning to visit leh ladakh during aug.. wanted your suggestion on where should we stay- at nubra valley or at diskit because i’ve heard all monastriea are closer to diskit but dunes are closer to nubra.. bit of confused over there. Also, have been reading articles about altitude sickness at leh. I’ve never felt any such sickness before while travelling to hill stations..should I be worried this time?

Hey one can never predict altitude sickness, so we can’t say anything. You’ll just have to wait and watch. As a precaution, do spend 1-2 days getting acclimatised to the altitude before starting to explore. We’d say Diksit is a better option 🙂

The photofeature of the Manali-Leh Ladakh road trip is just mesmerizing. Definitely have to give it a try.

Best time to visit Leh Ladakh would probably be like in mid-December and Jan starts it is one of the most charming places to see I have visited there for like 3 days and 4 nights, food is also delicious. thanks for the wonderful article.

Yes we’d love to visit Leh Ladakh in winter months 🙂

Excellent blog writing with beautiful photography enjoy reading such a nice blog. Thank you for sharing.

I have read this article this is such an amazing place for hill lover. Thank you for sharing.

Thank you for your detailed report!

Would you recommend doing this trip in July? We are a European couple who loves roadtrips and I have seen so many beautiful videos of this region but I don’t know if it’s not too dangerous to drive the roads?

Hey there – would’nt recommend driving yourself if you haven’t driven extensively in India before this 🙂

Hey Savi and Vid,

Amazing Post and beautiful pictures!!! I was planning on visiting Leh-Ladakh end of June and this article is undoubtedly the best one I have come across. Could you please let me know when (which month) did you visit?

Hi Sharanya,

We drove to Leh Ladakh at the end of May / beginning of June 🙂

Ladakh is a standout amongst the most attractive tourist destinations on the planet. It has amazing natural magnificence and beautiful scenes which impress visitors. Thanks for the amazing post with a great picture.

That’s right!

What an amazing experience you had in this road trip. I am eagerly waiting for mine, and yes your 10 Tips for planning trip to leh ladakh would be so helpful to us. Thank you so much for sharing your experience.

Great – enjoy your road trip to Ladakh 🙂

Hi We are family of 3. Myself, my husband and our 3 year old daughter. Could you pls tell me which is the best time of the year to visit Leh Ladakh. We plan to make a road trip.

We went in May/June and it was great. You do have to check the road conditions though as they vary from year to year. July/August is better but also more crowded and risk of high rains.

Hello Vid and Savy,

Your article is awesome and the photos are just incredible, that’s the best pictures I’ve ever seen of Ladakh! I’m travelling to Ladakh next year with my girlfriend, I can’t wait to be there 🙂

We are motivated to follow a similar itinerary as yours, renting a car from Delhi. However, we are wondering if this still possible. First because of the situation in Kashmir, could there be additional restrictions for foreigners? We are also unsure if it’s possible to drive a rental cat in Ladakh. On this website ( https://www.leh-ladakh-taxi-booking.com/contact-us ) it says that tourists are not allowed to drive in Ladakh and that it is compulsory to have a driver. Is it true? Is there a difference between foreigners and Indian tourists when travelling in Ladakh? Where to find the official rules?

Thank you in advance for your help!

Damien from France

Apologies for the delay in getting back to you. In general, self-drive rental cars can be driven to get to Leh (capital), but you can’t drive rental cars to get to say Nubra valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri etc. To get to these places you need to hire a local driver.

Have you driven in India before this? It can be a very challenging experience for someone who has never driven in India. Also, as you pointed out, the current situation in Kashmir might not be favourable for a road trip via the Srinagar route.

There is a difference between foreign tourists and Indian tourists when in Ladakh e.g. you will need to get additional permits to visit Nubra/Pangong/Tso Moriri. There was a website http://www.lahdclehpermit.in/ for issuing permits online but I just noticed (June 2020) it’s not issuing permits online (this might change as they must be revising rules etc. after the situation in Kashmir last year)

Do keep us updated. It’d be interesting to see what you do. Any other questions, just mention them here.

Nice coverage of the place. I really like to this article its very interesting and informative. Thanks for your amazing travel guide and your photos are mind-blowing.

This is really a lot helpful. Me and my friends are planning a trip soon. Is Maruti Suzuki XL6 a good choice to drive for the trip? Plz reply

Yes it should be a decent choice for driving in Ladakh 🙂

Thanks for sharing very nice planning. Hire the best self-drive cars in Coimbatore we are here our name Cars2u all brand cars and pick your favorite color cars2u is the best choice, No1. service providers, cheapest self-driving cars in Coimbatore visit our web page. choose your favorite cars all times available free doorstep delivery

Thank you so much for this content. You discussed very interesting things in this blog. I also have a great experience on Delhi to Leh trip. Checkout my content, hope you like it.

Amazing clicks Savi. The narration is really flowing, made me relive the journey. Thank you!

Nice blog post with wonderful pictures. I’m from ladakh and I really enjoyed your blog post like watching your trip on the screen like a movie. Your stay in Kashmir was very short..there are other great tourist attractions in Kashmir.

Your Delhi to a leh-Ladakh road trip is so Amazing. Really appreciate this wonderful post that you have provided for us. I assure you this would be beneficial for most people.

Super excellent blog writing with beautiful photography enjoy reading such a pleasant blog. many thanks for sharing.

Brilliantly scripted, well presented with the right balance of information and story telling and of course, your landscape photographs have taken this narrative to a different orbit altogether. Thank you guys for sharing your experiences in such a wonderful manner. I am sure there will be a lot fence sitters falling on the side of doing ” Life mein ek Bhar ” trip. A small clarification though, You mention that this trip was in End May / early June. May i know which year?.

Very informative for our journey. What you provided is very vibrant if somebody wants to take a digital tour at the destination. The pictures are mesmerizing and could easily grasp anybody’s interest towards the destination. You had covered all popular places in Ladakh but I’m a little bit eager to know about the off-beat destinations in Ladakh which would be very fascinating for me. Your content is much initiating towards any traveler who is planning for Ladakh trip. I’m convinced that this Ladakh itinerary can brought up anyone’s interest. Keep on travelling.

OMG… What a trip you had guys… it’s amazing… Fabulous… fantabulous … am just dying to follow the same path you did during your entire Ladakh tour from Delhi and the pictures… are just awesome, mind-blowing boss… Thank you guys for this lovely travel guide to Ladakh. Kudos …

Your article was very good, and you have given very good information in this article. I regularly read all the articles on your website

Wow! Such a wonderful article with beautiful pictures, everything is described in detail. The entire article is full off valuable information & tips which will definitely help and encourage all the fellow travelers to plan it more efficiently. Leh Ladakh is one of my dream destinations . I am planning to visit there since long but due to this pandemic it has been delayed. Your article has again increased my passion and I am more excited to feel the breath taking beauty of Ladakh region with my own bare eyes. The Hotels and accommodation you have suggested will surely help me to plan my trip more efficiently. Thank you for sharing your experience and depth knowledge on the sector.

I really enjoyed reading your post. This is a very nice article for traveling and It was an amazing blog I really like it, all pics are very beautiful. Thanks for sharing this article. You can visit us if you need any travel regarding help, we love to do bike adventures

After reading your article, I checked out your website, and i really like your post. It looks massive and pretty cool. It offers a lot of awesome things

I really enjoyed reading your post. This is a very nice article for traveling and It was an amazing blog I really like it, all pics are very beautiful. Thanks for sharing this article.

While reading your post I was virtually on a Ladakh trip. You explained each and everything day to day very beautifully. It is very informative, could you please explain the exact cost breakup of the rented car to and fro Delhi.

It was roughly around 3K per day (unlimited kms) and we had to pay the state road tax ourselves when crossing different states

Hey Savi, The blog you shared has helped me to plan a trip with my friends, the images you have shared are so much tempting. Ladakh is a wonderful beauty. I am planning for a Ladakh Motorcycle Tours with friends, hope it turns out as planned. Thank you for sharing the information, just loved it!

Hey Savi, You’ve accomplished a great job. I’ll definitely share it with my friends and suggest it to my acquaintances. I’m certain that they’ll benefit from this website.

Waoo, well written …keep it up, I also did Chadar Trek

Hey, loved reading the blog! Can you also tell which month you went? Or any suggestion on best time to visit Leh Ladakh?

HEy we’ve been in both summer and winter and it’s beautiful. But if it’s your first time, we would suggest June-July

welldone. i will go there next year.

I really enjoyed your post. This is a very nice article for traveling and It was an beautiful blog I really like it

Found your post interesting to read. Good Luck for the upcoming update.This article is really very interesting

Can you recommend a good driver for 19 June-6 July 2023 for me and my wife. I have detailed itinerary with hotels booked. Cannot find a driver with an email address, so that all intinerary can be sent and proce quoted.

Paweł/Kraków/Poland [email protected]

Found your post interesting to read. Good Luck for the upcoming update. This blog is really very interesting.

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Fantastic article. I am very pleased to say that your article is fascinating to read.I always find myself wanting to comment on it.You’re doing an excellent job.Keep your writing up

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This is very well detailed blog about Leh Ladakh road trip itinerary. It will help many travelers to plan a Leh Ladakh trip. Leh Ladakh has a magnificent beauty which is worth visiting. i am planning for a trip to Leh Ladakh with my family can you please share what are the best months to visit Leh Ladakh.

Very well written article, i love to read it. The article is very helpful for the people who are looking for a Leh ladakh road trip. Leh ladakh is one of the beautiful region which has a natural majestic beauty. When i visited there, the experience was quite wonderful. If you are planning to visit Leh ladakh this article will help you plan your trip to Leh ladakh.

You’ve made some good points there. I am glad thatyou just shared this helpful information with us.Thank you for sharing

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Leh ladakh road trip is a beautiful experience. This article will be very helpful for the people who are looking for a road trip to Ladakh. This article provides detailed itinerary for Ladakh road trip. Thank you for this great information.

Great Trip Leh Ladakh This is a very helpful knowledge for the peoples Amazing Road trip leh Ladakh.

Many Indian’s primary wish to travel Ladakh by a road trip on their own bike. Definitely my dream also. Hope I will also achieve it.

Got our travel rout sorted after reading this post. Thanks it was of great help.

Your guidance is so much helpful for us. Thank you for your share. keep it up.

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Sushant Travels

Leh Ladakh Tour By Car

Details tour packages, duration : 9 days / 8 nights, places to visit: jammu | kargil | leh | nubra valley | pangong tso | tso kar | keylong | manali.

  • Tour Overview
  • Tour Itinerary
  • Tour Inclusion
  • Terms & condition

TOUR OVERVIEW :

With an altitude of 11,400 ft. approximately, Leh - the capital city of Ladakh is immensely famous for its road trip and is a dream excursion for many. A road trip to Leh Ladakh is an adventure of lifetime as you drive your way through the spectacular landscapes of North India from Delhi to the heart of the great Himalayas. Most Indian travelers long to explore the beauty of its mountains against the vast azure skies. A Leh Ladakh Tour by car from Delhi weaves its way through a diverse terrain of picturesque countryside, unimaginable sights, chaotic villages, green lush valleys and extraordinary roads to marvelous heights where the adrenaline rush is at peak. A Leh Ladakh tour by car is a boon to every traveler that intends to visit here and plus the number of choices available makes it hard to find an excuse of not to go. One route is from Srinagar to Leh that sets its way through Sonmarg, Kargil, Lamayaru and other spectacular places and the second route is from Manali to Leh that takes ones through Rohtang, Bharatpur, Tanglang La and other picturesque places. The best part of a Leh Ladakh tour by car is you don't just get an opportunity to explore the mountain passes, picturesque valleys and scenic routes but also resplendent villages, Gurdwara, monasteries, lakes and a number of other tourist attractions where you can spend few minutes at. Also, you would enjoy the trip without any hassles and discomfort as you will be driven through a car and so, a Leh Ladakh tour by car can give you one of the most amazing experiences in your life. No wonder why Leh Ladakh road trip ranks amongst the top in the list of " Top popular and coveted road trips in India ". As a fact of surprise, most of the people today are preferring a road trip to Leh Ladakh rather than a flight that transfers within few hours. Book our Leh Ladakh tour by car packages and embark your journey to a blissful heaven.

TRAVEL TIPS FOR JOURNEY :

  • THINGS TO CARRY -
  • Heavy gumboot shoes for trekking and hiking purpose
  • Willem clothes like socks, sweaters, jackets, gloves, monkey caps and rain jackets
  • Sunscreen lotion, medicines, pain relieving sprays, rehydration liquids and moisturizer
  • Hat, scarf, sunglasses and plastic bags.
  • Camera, chargers, power bank and other electronic stuffs needed.
  • HEALTH PRECAUTIONS -

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is one of the most common illness observed . Its symptoms are extreme headache, vomiting, dizziness, sleeping difficulty, skin color turning blue and insufficient urine production. To avoid this uneasiness , stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, eat light and regularly and carry chocolates and chewing gums. In case of emergency, hospitals are present in the locations like Manali, Keylong, Srinagar, Leh, Kargil, etc.

  • GENERAL TIPS -
  • Carry adequate cash as ATMs are not available in most of the places where you will be enrouting your road journey.
  • Wear as much layers of clothes as you can otherwise the gushing air would hit in and cause you cold.
  • Carry toilet paper as public toilets are in rarity and most of them don't have toilet papers available.
  • Do not depend on mobile networks and internet connectivity on your trip to Leh Ladakh.
  • Do not worry about eateries. There are a lot of places that you would come across in your trip where you can have tasty meals.

Carry all important documents that your travel agency would suggest you.

BOOK LEH LADAKH TOUR PACKAGES :

The ultimate adventurous road trip is here! Leh Ladakh road trip is one of the highly popular road trips in the world . Colorful monasteries, scenic snow-capped Himalayan mountains, picturesque landscapes, breathtaking valleys and a plethora of choices for sightseeing attractions makes Leh Ladakh tour by car a tour of lifetime. We, at Sushant Travels provide you a complete guide to be all set to explore this astonishing journey. Right from camping arrangements and hotel stay accommodation, delightful meals in restaurants to diverse cuisines in dhabas , travel related documents to a good driver ; we make each and every arrangement to provide you a hassle free trip . Our friendly representative will accompany you in the journey who will drive you in a comfortable, spacious, luxurious and air-conditioned car which will mostly by a high class MUV or SUV . Your safety is our priority and your enjoyment is our motive! So give us an opportunity to arrange a trip of your lifetime by booking Leh Ladakh tour by car packages with us.

Meet our representative in Delhi at a decided place and embark your journey at 8 am in the morning. Drive to Jammu in 10 to 12 hours through the route: Delhi -Ambala - Khanna - Ludhiana - Pathankot - Jammu. Overnight stay at the camp arranged for you in Jammu.

Your second day of road journey would start at 6 am in the morning. The route followed would be: Jammu - Srinagar - Sonamarg - Drass - Kargil. Places to explore on the way are Dal Lake, Shikara ride in Srinagar, Zero Point, Drass War Memorial, view of Tiger Hill, Elephant Ridge and Kargil War Memorial. At 9 pm in the night, have dinner in the camp and stay overnight in Kargil.

Post breakfast in the camp, leave from Kargil at 9 am. The route followed would be: Kargil - Mulbekh - Fotu La Pass - Leh. Places to explore on the way are Buddha statue in Mulbekh, Fotu La Pass, Chiktan Fort, Lamayuru Monastery, Gurdwara Pathar Sahib, Magnetic Hill and confluence of Indus-Zanskar river. On your arrival in the late evening in Leh, check into the pre-booked hotel, have a scrumptious dinner and stay overnight in the hotel.

Post breakfast in the morning, drive to Nubra Valley via the Khardung La Pass, highest motorable road in the world. It takes around 5 hours to drive till Nubra Valley. On the way, visit Diskit Monasteries, Hunder sand dunes, Baigdandu village, Panamik hot water springs, Yarab Tso Lake and Lachung Temple. Spend time in Nubra Valley and then return back to the hotel in Leh in late evening. Scrumptious dinner and comfortable overnight stay at the hotel in Leh.

Post breakfast in the morning, drive to Pangong Tso via the Chang La - third highest motorable road in world. On the way, visit places like Thicksey, Shey Monasteries, Hemis and the famous Pangong Tso lake. Dinner around campfire and overnight stay in the camp arranged for you in Pangong Tso.

After a hot tea and healthy breakfast in the camp, check out and proceed to drive to Tso Kar. It takes around 8 hours to reach there by car. On the way, visit various tourist attractions. On your arrival in Tso Kar, visit the Tso Kar lake which is also known as White Lake. Adventurous overnight camping, dinner around campfire and musical performance at the camp in Tso Kar Lake.

After breakfast, drive through the most scenic route till Keylong which takes around 8-10 hours. Visit famous attractions like Lachalung, Lakeela, Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal, Gaata Loops and Baralacha Pass. Dinner and overnight stay in the camp in Keylong.

Post breakfast in the morning, check out from camp and drive to Manali. Visit top attractions on the way such as Rohtang Pass, Old Manali, Apple Orchards, etc. Indulge in adventurous activities in Rohtang Pass. Overnight stay and scrumptious dinner in the hotel booked in Manali.

Post breakfast in the hotel, check out and head back to Delhi. Visit top attractions on the way like Mandi and Chandigarh. Enjoy Punjabi cuisine in the famous dhabas of Chandigarh. With your arrival at Delhi in evening, your Leh Ladakh tour by car with Sushant Travels ends on a good note.

Package Includes

  • Sightseeing
  • Meal included
  • Transportation
  • Comfortable Bed

Package Excludes

  • Monument Entry Fee
  • Everything which is not included in "Includes"

A Suggestive Itinerary indicates what may be possible; Our Team "Sushant Travels" tailor holidays for your specific needs. Contact us for further information where we can modify your travel arrangement to suit your needs for a "Life-Time Memorable India/International Tour".

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Delhi to Leh by Road: A Travel Guide for the Adventurous Souls

Budget Hotels > Travel Blog > Road Trips > Delhi to Leh by Road: A Travel Guide for the Adventurous Souls

Road trips are nothing short of thrilling adventures lived on the road. And when you are up for a road trip from Delhi to Leh, you can be sure of a journey of a lifetime. Leh, the capital of Ladakh, is one of the most sparsely populated regions of India. But nature has blessed this high-altitude mountainous land with immense beauty. As you drive away from the historic landscape of Delhi and head towards this undulating rugged land in the Himalayas, situated at a height of more than 11000 feet, you see dreamy backdrops and picturesque locations that are sure to make your journey as exciting as the destination, if not more.  Whether you are a true-blue road tripper or one who is just starting out, this is one road journey that you need to experience at least once in your life.

So, are you up to the challenge of embarking on a journey in which the adrenalin rush rises up even as the oxygen levels dip down? Then, here comes our guide to take a Delhi to Leh road trip.

Popular Routes from Delhi to Leh Ladakh

You can choose from two incredibly scenic routes when taking a trip from Delhi to Leh Ladakh by road. One route traces through panoramic Manali and the other leads you through the astoundingly beautiful Srinagar. Mesmerizing backdrops and adventurous roads are the common factors in both these routes. Yet, each route offers you unique sights and experiences. With enticing stopovers and countless spots to capture mind-blowing photos, a Delhi to Ladakh road trip promises excitement and fun in equal measures. Let’s check out each of these routes in detail.

Route 1: Delhi to Leh via Manali

Route 1: Delhi to Leh via Manali

Delhi to Leh by road via Manali is a trail that will take you through many ups and downs, quite literally. This is a two-part journey: the first part is from Delhi to Manali and the second is from Manali to Leh. You can stay at one of the hotels in Delhi and get a good night’s sleep before you start the trip. You will be mostly on NH 1 when you are driving towards Manali. Initially, the road will seem quite normal, but once you start approaching Ghanauli, the uphill climb will begin. Be assured that the refreshing views along the way will more than make-up for the effort you will need to drive uphill. After you cross Manali, the road will lead you through Rohtang Pass, one of the most popular weekend getaways near Delhi . While on this route, you will drive through the some of the highest motorable roads in India and also get to see the entire Ladakh plateau when passing through the Lachulungla Pass.

Route:  Starting from Delhi, you will make your way through Karnal, Mandi, Manali, Jispa (through Rohtang Pass), Sarchu, Tanglang La, and then reach your destination, Leh.

Distance : 1011 km (approx.)

Travel Time : 24 hours (approx.) without any detours

Book Hotel in Manali

Popular Stopovers:

  • Manali : Nestled amidst majestic hills, Manali is a scenic escape etched in greenery and highlighted with snow-capped mountains.  Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass are among the main attractions near Manali that deserve a stopover.
  • Rohtang La : Considered to be one of the highest mountain passes in the country, Rohtang La is situated on the highway approaching Keylong and then Leh. You can get a glimpse of the incredible meadows, valleys, and mountains from here. The place experiences perennial snowfall, so you can also indulge in a few snow-adventure activities, like snowboarding and skiing. 
  • Keylong : Keylong is located in the Lahaul Spiti region and is considered to be a slice of paradise on earth. Blessed with abundant greenery, the place boasts of snow-capped mountains and sparkling rivulets. Gemur and Shashur are two monasteries that you can visit during your stopover at Keylong.
  • Jispa : Most tourists following the Delhi to Ladakh roadmap select Jispa for their overnight halt. Camping in open fields at an altitude of above 10,000 feet has a charm of its own, don’t you agree? Also, Jispa is blessed with an amazing landscape that adds to the allure of the place.
  • Darcha : A scenic village located at a distance of 23 km from Keylong, Darcha stands surrounded by pristine valleys and mountains. It is an excellent location for camping and trekking.
  • Baralacha La : The scenic Baralacha La mountain pass is located in the Zanskar region and connects Lahaul to Ladakh. You will be able to have a nice glance over the three valleys that surround this pass that stands at an altitude of more than 16,000 feet above sea level.
  • Sarchu : Sarchu aka Sir Bhum Chum is yet another stunning region that you will come across during your Delhi to Ladakh road trip . If you are up for an overnight halt at Sarchu, opt to stay in a camp in one of the open fields dotting this landscape. Sleeping under the starry sky is an experience that you can’t enjoy in the places to visit in Delhi . 
  • Gata Loops : Those adventurous souls who undertake the journey from Delhi to Leh by road on bike are going to love passing through Gata Loops on their way. This place is often associated with ghosts! We can’t say for sure whether you will encounter any ghosts or not, but you will definitely come across some excellent views of the region.
  • Lachulung La : Your trip from Delhi to Leh by road will lead you through this pass that remains open for just less than five months in a year (that is, during the summer). Situated at a distance of 54 km from Sarchu, the pass boasts of matchless mountainous beauty.
  • Tanglang La : Tanglang La is considered to be the second most significant mountain pass in this region, second only to the Khardungla Pass. The gorgeous views of the surrounding areas make a stopover to this place worth your time and energy.
  • Upshi : A picturesque village standing on the banks of River Indus, Upshi is a delightful place to spend a few serene moments. The village stands near an age-old trading route that once served as the link between Tibet and this region.

Suggested Stops for Breakfast and Lunch

You can find quite a few decent places to eat at Rohtang Pass and Sissu, though they may not be as posh as the restaurants in Delhi . Keylong is another place where you can find a number of good restaurants. Zingzing Bar is perhaps the only place that offers not just food but lodging facilities as well.

Petrol Pumps along the Manali-Leh Highway

Manali has a few petrol pumps where you can fuel up your vehicle. Moving ahead, you can find the next petrol pump at Tandi, about 110 km from Manali. If you need to refuel further ahead in the journey, you can do so at Karu, which is about 345 km from Tandi and just 30 km from Leh.

Route 2: Delhi to Leh via Srinagar

Route 2: Delhi to Leh via Srinagar

A trip from Delhi to Leh by road via Srinagar allows you to experience not just natural beauty but some man-made creations as well. As you drive out of Delhi, you will be heading towards Amritsar, one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. This route is often preferred by history buffs and religious souls out on a Delhi to Ladakh road trip. While traveling on this route, you will come across picturesque villages, war memorial, Gurudwara, monasteries, and not to mention the immensely beautiful landscapes. Be it the gleaming Golden Temple or the green fields of Sonmarg, you won’t be short of sights and scenes to soak in during this trip. But remember, sometimes the roads can be really treacherous or rough. So, brace up to face a few hostile conditions while enjoying the scenic delights.     

Route:  Commencing in Delhi, this trip will lead you through Amritsar, Srinagar, Sonmarg, Drass, Kargil, Lamayuru, before you reach Leh.

Distance : 1055 km (approx.)

  • Amritsar : Steeped in rich history, Amritsar is where you will be able to witness the beauty of the gorgeous Golden Temple and pay your tribute at the Jallianwala Bagh . The Wagah Border nearby is another attraction of this place.
  • Srinagar : Standing on the banks of River Jhelum, Srinagar is one of the most scenic cities in the Kashmir Valley. Bordered by evergreen mountains, the placid Dal Lake with its lovely houseboats, adds to the beauty of the place.
  • Sonmarg : Alpine forests, green meadows, and incredible views of the surrounding glaciers, like the Machoi Glacier and the Kolhoi Glacier, make Sonmarg a must-visit spot en route.
  • Drass Valley : The Drass Valley is known as the Gateway to Ladakh. Situated along the Drass River, the valley craves attention not just for its natural beauty but for its hot springs as well.
  • Kargil : Kargil boasts of being the second largest town in Ladakh, the first being Leh. The rugged mountainous terrain of this region is a pleasure to witness on any day. While you are to your way to Kargil, make a detour for the Suru Valley. It is considered to be the greenest valley of the Greater Himalayas.
  • Mulbekh : Nestled atop a hill, the Mulbekh Monastery is famous for its two gompas . The monastery has two sub-monasteries within its premises, known as Gelugpa and Drukpa. The statue of Maitreya Buddha is a key attraction here.
  • Lamayuru : Listed among the largest and oldest monasteries in Ladakh, the Lamayuru Monastery is an enticing sight to behold. It stands on a steep mountain and offers exceptional views of the surrounding areas.
  • Moonland : If Ladakh is called the Heaven of Passes, the Moonland region is the Heaven of Adventure. The serene and picturesque region is among the most fascinating places to stop at during your road trip.
  • Alchi : A quaint village in the Leh district, Alchi is well-known for the Alchi Monastery. It is an ancient monastery dating back to the 12 th century and is definitely worth a visit.
  • Likir : Situated in the Leh area of Jammu and Kashmir, Likir is a lovely town famous for the Likir Monastery. Built in the 11 th century, the monastery houses a 75m tall statue of Lord Buddha, which is a sight to behold.

You will find a number of eateries and restaurants in Amritsar to appease your hunger while traveling from Delhi to Ladakh by road. Like the pubs in Delhi , this historic city also has a number of pubs where you can have a nice time. The lovely hill station of Patnitop is another place where you can expect to find good quality restaurants. Further along the way, Sonmarg and Srinagar have many a good place to satisfy your culinary cravings. You will also find a few dhabas lining the national highways and offering food to the hungry souls.     

Petrol Pumps along the Srinagar-Leh Highway

There is no dearth of petrol pumps in Srinagar. Once you head out of this city, the next petrol pump can be found at Mangan, around 32 km from Srinagar. For your next refueling, you will have to travel 48 km and reach Sonmarg. Make sure to fill up your tank at Sonmarg because you will find the next petrol pump after 124 km, at Kargil. About 40 km from Kargil lies Mulbekh, which is the location for the next petrol pump on this route.  

When you finally reach your destination, you can continue to explore the town and its surrounding areas. You can even arrange for your stay in one of the monasteries for a couple of days to experience the way of life there before driving back to Delhi. You will find it a unique experience, for sure. With such attractions and experiences beckoning you, isn’t it time that you give a heed to the call of the mountains and hit the pedal to the metal?

Fab Safety Tips for Road Trips from Delhi to Leh  

All set to hit the road? Before you head off, take our two cents on the dos and don’ts of taking a trip from Delhi.

  • Wear masks & gloves
  • Wash your hands whenever you get out of the car or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
  • Choose a 100% hygienic hotel for a safe stay
  • Prefer bottled water and eat only at a clean restaurant
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth frequently
  • Take Vitamin C and D along with zinc daily to boost your immunity
  • Carry essentials like torch, hand sanitizer, light food, protein bars, sleeping bag and water
  • Carry a pair of comfortable shoes in your luggage
  • Always keep a map handy or download offline maps when you are on your own and out exploring any unknown territory
  • And obviously, follow all the COVID-19-related guidelines issued by WHO including hygiene practices and social distancing

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Leh Ladakh Road Trip from Delhi: 13 days itinerary

Leh Ladakh road trip from Delhi – 13 days itinerary

Some of the places are always your dream destinations; even after knowing that they are well connected by roads but still cut out from the rest of the world. Leh Ladakh road trip from Delhi was one of our dreams. We were trying to accomplish this 3500 km road trip dream for three years and finally, it happened in 2017.

Route Map for Leh Ladakh road trip from Delhi

The each landscape, mountain, road, stream throughout the road trip is unique and has its own tale. So, now do we have?

Starting with Julley! Joolay! Julley from Ladakh- the land of high passes is a mesmerizing, indeed a magical word to say Hi, Hello, Namaste, Welcome and goodbye. It brings a smile whenever we say it. Anyways we have lots to talk about this epic road trip; starting with the itinerary or travel guide for Leh Ladakh road trip.

13 days itinerary for Leh Ladakh road trip from Delhi

Table of Contents

13 days Itinerary for Leh Ladakh road trip

There are two routes to reach Leh – one from Manali and another from Srinagar, Sonamarg . We did the circuit route, starting from Jammu to Leh and back via old Manali. So, we will be talking about the 13 days guide on it.

Day 1 (Delhi – Jammu)

Start from Delhi around 6-7 am and try to cover the distance till Jammu.

Route: Delhi – Ambala- Khanna- Ludhiana –Pathankot- Jammu

Total Distance : 588 Km

Total Time : 10 -12 Hrs

The condition of roads : Excellent; National Highway with multiple tolls. The whole route is plains.

Places to explore on the way : Nothing much except the huge swaying paddy field of Punjab.

Route to Jammu - Leh Ladakh Road trip from Delhi

Day 2 (Jammu – Srinagar- Sonamarg)

Start from Jammu around 7 am to reach Srinagar or Sonamarg. We planned to stay at Sonamarg instead of Srinagar because of the unrest going in Srinagar from the past few days.

Route : Jammu – Udhampur – Ramban- Anantnag – Srinagar – Sonamarg

Total Distance: 336 km

Total Time: 8-10 hrs

Condition of roads: Excellent; National Highway with tolls, plain as well as hilly drive

Tunnels:  India’s longest 9 Km tunnel; Chenani – Nashri (also known as Patnitop tunnel) has got opened in 2017 itself and it has cut short the total distance by 41 km. Another, 3 km long Jawahar Tunnel ; also known as Banihal Tunnel.

Places to explore on the way : Dal Lake, Shikara ride in Srinagar, and huge golden meadows of Sonamarg .

Dal Lake, Srinagar - Leh Ladakh road trip from Delhi

Day 3 (Sonamarg – Drass – Kargil)

In the morning get up early to see the first sun rays striking the mountain peaks of Sonamarg, roam and feel its golden meadows (the real Kashmir). And leave for Kargil by 10 -11 am.

Route : Sonamarg- Baltal- Drass – Kargil

Total Distance: 125 km

Total Time: 3 -4 hrs direct-drive whereas 6-7 hrs with sightseeing

Condition of roads: Excellent roads but few broken patches too

Passes: Zoji La Pass at 11,575 feet which connects Kashmir and Ladakh Valley

Places to explore on the way : Zojila Pass, Zero Point, Baltal from where Amarnath yatra begins, Drass war memorial, Elephant ridge, view of Tiger Hill, Kargil War Memorial and apricot plantations

Zero Point at ZojiLa - Leh Ladakh road trip from Delhi

Day 4 (Kargil- Lamayuru – Leh)

Leave from Kargil around 9 am to have full time for sightseeing on the way.

Route : Kargil – Mulbekh-  Fotu La pass – Lamayuru – Leh

Total Distance : 217 km

Total Time: 8 -9 hrs with sightseeing

The condition of roads: Continuous ascent and descents; good roads with few broken patches in between.

Passes: Namika La at an altitude of 12139 feet and Fotu La pass at an altitude of 13,478 feet

Places to explore on the way : At Mulbekh, the future Buddha statue dating back to the 1 st century, Fotu La Pass, the ruins of Chiktan Fort; at Lamayuru the old Lamayuru monastery and moon lands, Gurdwara Pathar Sahib at Nimu, the magnetic hill and confluence of Indus – Zanskar River.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BW_XX9oB-H7/?taken-by=suruchimittal

In between the journey there are several attractions to explore on Srinagar Leh Highway . Don’t miss them!

Day 5 & Day 6: (Leh)

Take rest, get acclimatized, and explore the city of Lamas.

Places to explore: Leh Palace , Shanti Stupa, Hall of fame; Hemis monastery (45 km from Leh); and Leh market. Take a permit from the DC office to further explore Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake.

Also on the way, you must explore – 6 must visit Leh Ladakh Palaces before they disappear

On the way to Leh - Leh Ladakh road trip from Delhi

Day 7 (Leh – Nubra/Nobra Valley – Hunder)

Route : Leh – North Pullu -Khardungla Pass – South Pullu – Diskit – Hunder

Total Distance : 127 km

Total Time: 6-7 hrs with sightseeing

The condition of roads: Completely broken patch of 20 km at and around Khardung La till South Pullu.

Passes: Khardung La, the highest motorable road and pass at an altitude of 18380 feet

Places to explore on the way : Khardungla Pass, Diskit Monastery; the tallest statue of Maitreya Buddha and Hunder Sand dunes.

Nubra Valley - Leh Ladakh road trip from Delhi

Day 8 (Hunder – Pangong Tso)

There are two routes to reach Pangong Lake from Khalsar (33 Km from Hunder); one via Shyok and another via Leh. Check with the BRO (Border roads organization) or locals if the route from Shyok is accessible or not. During our travel, there was a major landslide on the Shyok way, so we had to travel all the way from Khardung La again to reach Pangong Tso.

Route: Hunder – Khardungla- Leh – Thiksey – Changa- Tangtse – Pangong Tso    OR   Hunder – Khalsar – Shyok – Tangtse – Pangong Tso

Total Distance : 240 Km via Shyok and 351 km via Leh

Total Time: 8 hrs via Shyok and 11 – 12 hrs via Leh

The condition of roads : The roads are bad at and around Kardungla. Gushing streams; and the paved road is on the way to Pangong from Changla whereas for the other route via Shyok; local taxi driver narrated that the route has many streams flowing on the road itself and sometimes it gets impossible to judge the depth and condition of the road.

Passes: Kardungla Pass at 18380 feet and Chang La pass at 17590 feet

Places to explore on the way: Pangong Lake, Chang La pass, Shyok River, ruins of Shey Palace, Thiksey monastery, Hemis monastery .

Pangong Lake - Leh Ladakh road trip from Delhi

Day 9 (Pangong Tso – Tso Moriri)

Route : Spangmik- Man- Merak – Chushul- Nyoma -Tso Moriri

Total Distance : 215 km

Total Time : 7 -9 Hrs

The condition of roads : Gravel and dirt tracks with streams flowing in between and you can drive maximum at a speed of 20-30 km/hr.

Places to explore on the way : Kaygar Tso, Tso Moriri, Chushul pass, Rezang La, Tsaka La, Namashang La  and straight roads traversing among the barren mountains

Tso Moriri - Leh Ladakh road trip from Delhi

Day10. (Tso Moriri – Tso Kar )

Total Distance : 90 km

Total Time : 4-5 hrs

The condition of roads : Gravel and dirt tracks, enclosed amidst the mountains. One can drive max at a speed of 20-30 km/hr (which can be irritating after a span). The road at Tso Kar village is metalled, a well-made road.

Places to explore on the way: Kaygar Tso, Puga hot springs, Polo KongKa La, and Salt deposits around Tso Kar Lake.

Kyagar Tso - Leh Ladakh road trip from Delhi

Day 11 (Tso Kar – Keylong)

Start early from Tso Kar to reach Keylong by evening and trust me this is the most scenic ride.

Route : TsoKar – Debring – Pang -Sarchu – Zing Zing Bar –Jispa – Keylong

Total Distance : 250 km

Total Time : 8-10 hrs

Condition of roads : From Tso Kar to Manali Leh highway dirt road whereas afterward excellent paved roads till Pang, then continuous ascents, and descents with paved as well as dirt road patches, and too have to cross the famous Gata loops i.e. 21 loops within 6.5 kilometers

Passes: Lachalung La at an altitude of 16,616 feet, Lakeela at 15547 feet and BaraLacha at 16,040 feet

Places to explore on the way: Suraj Tal , Deepak Tal, Gata loops , Lachalung, Lakeela, and Baralacha pass

Gata Loops - Leh ladakh road trip from Delhi

Day 12 (Keylong – Manali)

The Keylong to Manali route is lush green and it’s just a 4-5 hr drive if the ascent to Rohtang pass is in good shape.

Route : Keylong – Sissu – Rohtang Pass – Marhi – Manali

Total Distance : 115 km

The condition of roads : From Keylong to Sissu excellent paved roads, then continuous bad road while the ascent of Rohtang pass and the good road while descents. Few gushing water streams in-between the roads.

Passes: Rohtang pass at an altitude of 13,050 feet

Places to explore on the way: Lots of seasonal waterfalls; Tourist Sissu village, Rohtang Pass, Old Manali , and lots of apple orchards. Note: You don’t need Rohtang Pass Permit while coming back from Leh to Manali. Also, shop the famous Bhuttico Kullu Shawls & Accessories known as the Gift of Kullu Valley.

Old Manali Bridge - Leh Ladakh road trip from Delhi

Day 13 (Manali – Delhi)

It is always tough to say goodbye to the valleys and it was toughest for Leh Ladakh road trip. The last day is going to be a long hectic drive day.

Route: Manali – Mandi – Rupnagar- Ambala – Panipat – Delhi

Total Distance : 537 Km

Total Time: 11-12 hrs

Condition of roads : Excellent, national highway

Places to explore on the way: Mandi; Chandigarh and delicious Punjabi food at Dhabas.

On the way to Mandi - Leh Ladakh road trip from Delhi

Certain important Points for Leh Ladakh Road Trip

  • All these routes can be covered in a lesser time than mentioned, but we suggest stopping and taking the enthralling views.
  • There is neither a hurry to rush and reach anywhere in the valley, so drive slowly.
  • Listen to the locals for advice as they know the valleys better than a traveler.
  • Don’t drive at night as first you will miss the views and it is really risky. And if your vehicle breaks down there is nobody to help around for miles.
  • Spend a day or two at Leh, to get acclimatized for the higher altitudes.
  • Prepare yourself for AMS (Acute mountain sickness) which can vary just from a mild headache to breathlessness. If one is feeling severe restlessness, look for immediate help at the nearest shack or with BRO.

  • For certain areas in the valley, you need to take the Inner Line Permit .
  • Always have a day or two buffers in the Leh Ladakh road trip, as one never knows neither can predict the present and future situation of roads and landslides here.
  • Get your vehicles fuelled up at Leh as the next fuel station is available at Tandi, 365 km from Keylong.
  • For covering Tso Moriri and white Lake Tso Kar on the way from Pangong Lake, do carry extra fuel; at least 20 liters or even more.

TaglangLa - Leh Ladakh road trip from Delhi

  • Drink lots of water and say complete no to drinks while driving and during your whole Leh Ladakh road trip. This is for the safety as well as helps to get acclimatized
  • Don’t litter around in the valley.
  • The idea of Leh Ladakh road trip itself means being in the lap of nature; away from the daily hustle-bustle and social media. We simply mean that here there is no network. If you want to be in continuous touch with your family and friends do carry a BSNL sim.
  • ATM services are available at Srinagar, Leh and then at Keylong. So carry enough cash during your Leh Ladakh road trip and keep some as a buffer.
  • There are a lot of options for accommodations. Luckily, we got nice accommodation everywhere without booking but we recommend to have pre-bookings for the Leh Ladakh road trip.
  • In between, there are multiple shacks to enjoy Maggi, tea, coffee, paranthas, omelet, etc. These shacks do provide homestays too at very reasonable rates.
  • There are washrooms at the shacks for nature’s call and one needs to shell 5 -10 Rs each time.

Leh Ladakh road trip from Delhi: 13 days itinerary

This is just the start of our Leh Ladakh road trip travel series. Stay tuned to know and see more in detail.

You might be interested in checking our other series of Ladakh too:

Nubra Valley: The Valley of Flowers in Ladakh

A day at White Lake Tso Kar in Ladakh

Attractions on the Srinagar Leh Highway

Ladakh-The land of High Passes

All you need to know about Leh Ladakh Inner Line Permit

6 must-visit Leh Ladakh Palaces before they disappear

A Walk with Indian Soldier at Kargil War Memorial

Hemis Monastery

Story of Gata loops, Manali Leh Highway

Dos and Donts for Ladakh road trip

All you need to know about Rohtang Pass Permit

Sonamarg Kashmir- The Golden Meadows of India

Our Love for Old Manali over Main Manali

You can also read about our other Spiti Valley road trip here.

Travel Stories

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Thrilling Travel

An Epic Road Trip to Ladakh from Delhi | Ladakh Road Trip planning, routes & tips

One of the most common questions that I get as a traveler is – Which is the best road trip you have done – especially in India? My answer is a constant – it is the Delhi to Ladakh road trip done over 12 days. In fact, it is one circuit that is almost always included in the best road trips in India. The sheer diversity of the landscapes, steep climbs, off-road experiences, and interesting pit-stops on the Ladakh trip by road is what makes it so memorable and unique. Truly speaking, this is why, even in my Leh Ladakh guide , I have highly recommended a road trip to Ladakh.

A complete guide to planning a road trip to Ladakh

While the Ladakh road trip sounds ethereal, it is not a very straightforward one. Its tough terrestrial conditions do require a fair bit of preparation – which ranges from health precautions to getting the right vehicle and pre-booked stays to spend your evenings. You will need to head out at the crack of dawn on most days to cover long distances on this Ladakh trip by road. However, trust me when I say it is going to be all worth it. Those 12 days of my own Delhi to Ladakh road trip were so memorable that given a chance – I would do it all over again. Maybe though this time – it would be a Bangalore to Ladakh road trip. 🙂

This guide to an epic road trip to Ladakh is a memoir of sorts – I will be sharing my own day-wise itinerary of the road trip to Ladakh, the misadventures that I ran into ( and they were fun! ), and lessons learned from my own experience. The Ladakh road trip guide will also, include all the possible routes that you can take from Delhi to Leh, their pros and cons and the best time to do this trip. In short, it will help you will all that you need to plan a road trip to Ladakh. So, let’s begin with a quick introduction to our main destination Ladakh.

  • 1 About Ladakh
  • 2 Essential tips for a Ladakh trip by road
  • 3.1.1 The Pros of a road trip from Srinagar to Leh
  • 3.1.2 The Cons of the Srinagar to Leh road trip
  • 3.2.1 The Pros of a road trip from Manali to Leh
  • 3.2.2 The Cons of the Srinagar to Leh road trip
  • 4.1 Day 1 of the Ladakh Road Trip – Delhi to Jammu
  • 4.2 Day 2 of the road trip to Ladakh – From Jammu to Sonamarg
  • 4.3 Day 3 – Zipping through Sonamarg to Kargil
  • 4.4 Day 4 of the Delhi Ladakh road trip – the first feel of Ladakh
  • 4.5 Day 5- A rest day in Leh
  • 4.6 Day 6 on the Delhi to Ladakh road trip – Heading to Nubra Valley
  • 4.7.1 Nubra Valley to Pangong Via Leh & Chang La Pass.
  • 4.7.2 Nubra Valley to Pangong Via Shyok
  • 4.8 Day 8 of Ladakh trip by road – All about Changthang Valley & Tso Moriri
  • 4.9 Day 9 of the Leh Ladakh road trip from Delhi – A touchdown at Keylong
  • 4.10 Day 10 on the Ladakh trip by car – Keylong to Manali
  • 4.11 Day 11 – Return to Delhi from Manali
  • 5 Common FAQs for the Road Trip to Ladakh
  • 6 Can we go to Ladakh by car?
  • 7 Which car is the best for a Ladakh trip?
  • 8 Can we take sedan to Ladakh?
  • 9 How many days is Leh Ladakh road trip?
  • 10 Is a road trip to Ladakh safe?
  • 11 Booking Resources

About Ladakh

Leh City in Ladakh

Simply put, Ladakh is like the crown of India. Next to the Union territory of Jammu & Kashmir , this is a region that is bound by different mountain ranges on all sides. Naturally, it has a name that befits Ladakh –  Land of High Passes . The entire region is quite remote and you will find a lot of Tibetan settlements here. While traversing through the region. you will need to be careful as you are treading along the borders of our neighboring countries. The largest city here is Leh followed by Kargil. The entire region is at a high altitude and visiting here is bound to give you a very different perspective of India. I can promise you that this is one unexplored and stunning part of India.

Ladakh Travel Guide

READ THIS ESSENTIAL LADAKH TRAVEL GUIDE

Road trip or not, if you are traveling to Ladakh, you will need this ultimate guide to Leh Ladakh. It captures everything – from what to see, where to stay, best time to visit and more.

Essential tips for a Ladakh trip by road

Before you get deeper into the details of this road trip to Ladakh, I urge you to first read my detailed travel guide to Ladakh . This has a lot of information on a basic visit to Ladakh including a packing list, the best time to visit Ladakh, the Inner-Line Permits etc. The Ladakh travel guide will help you better prepare for your entire trip. However, in addition to those tips, do make a note of these specific ones pertaining to a Ladakh trip by road.

The extreme terrestrial conditions of Leh Ladakh require a fair bit preparation for a road trip

  • Choice of Vehicles – The best car for a Ladakh trip would be a 4×4 drive like a Scorpio, Jeep, Thar etc. In the case of bikes, I have heard that the best ones to enjoy a Delhi Ladakh road trip would be sturdy bikes like Bullets or Royal Enfields. Given the high altitudes, steep roads and in some cases, no roads at all, you need a vehicle with high pick-up capacity and an ability to handle off-roading.
  • Expert Driver – Remember these are not straightforward roads. You will encounter narrow ghats, pin curves, tunnels, and slippery mountainous stretches – all through the trip. You need to be an expert driver or at least hire one who can take you around safely.
  • Pre-trip servicing of the vehicles – Irrespective of whichever vehicle you choose, ensure that you have serviced it well before you start from Delhi. The large lonely stretches on this road trip to Ladakh are devoid of garages and sometimes, even fuel stations. You really do not want to get stuck owing to some vehicle issue.
  • Tool Kits – Ensure you have your puncture repair kits , neon signals and other essential tools required for a smooth car experience packed and ready.
  • Snacks for the road – a definite must. Once you leave Jammu or Manali ( depending on the route you take for your Ladakh trip ), you will not have many restaurants or cafes on the road. Keep a lot of water with you, especially to help you with acclimatization.
  • Battery packs & chargers – Cannot stress enough about these. You will need this for your mobiles, which do tend to drain faster when you have your GPS on and also, owing to the cold weather.

These road trip tips are quite important for this Ladakh trip. There are, of course, the general tips that I have listed here which are also, applicable. Consider using t his post as your final checklist for this road trip.

Planning the best routes for your Delhi to Ladakh road trip

Map of  the Road Trip from Delhi to Ladakh

There are two main routes that you can take to get to Ladakh from Delhi – the Srinagar to Leh route and the Manali to Ladakh route. If you are doing a Delhi Ladakh round trip, then you can actually use both the routes – one while going and the other while returning from Ladakh. This is how I had done 12 days of my Ladakh road trip.

Many people also prefer a one-way road trip to Leh Ladakh while taking the flight as an option to either get to Leh or return back from it. Given that scenario, let me give you a gist of the pros and cons of the two routes so that you can make a wise choice. I have also, clearly recommend which of these routes are better suited for your onward or return journey from Delhi.

Road trip to Ladakh from Delhi via Srinagar

Ladakh road trip via Srinagar

The total distance from Delhi to Ladakh via Srinagar is around 1035 km and it takes around 22 hours to get to Leh. The route goes through Haryana, Punjab, Jammu, Srinagar, Sonmarg and Kargil – allowing you to see the best of Kashmir valleys with its snow-capped Himalayas, verdant valleys and the pretty glaciers melting into gushing rivers. This is definitely a better route to take, especially if you are on your way to Leh from Delhi and you will soon see why.

The Pros of a road trip from Srinagar to Leh

  • The driving distances are fairly balanced, allowing you to reach the bigger cities well in time for your night halts.
  • The rise in altitude is gradual, allowing you to better acclimatize and avoid AMS .
  • The roads are not so deserted and have quite a few petrol bunks as well as small towns along the way.

The Cons of the Srinagar to Leh road trip

  • The slightly volatile situation in Srinagar can sometimes create a hassle. However, one can always choose to skip Srinagar and drive past it to Sonmarg.
  • Slightly less adventurous in terms of the drive as compared to the Leh-Manali route.

Road trip to Ladakh from Manali

One of the routes on the road trip to Ladakh from Manali takes you through Rohtang pass

If you actually look at the distance of a Ladakh trip from Delhi via Manali, it will definitely seem lesser. With around 770 km, you might assume that you will reach Leh faster. However, this isn’t the case. Owing to the steeper climb, you are likely to take as long as the Srinagar stretch to get to Leh. No doubt that the new Atal Tunnel has made this stretch easier but you definitely will be missing out on some of the most stunning views of Rohtang pass if you take the tunnel. After all, the whole point of the road trip is to enjoy the passing vistas.

This route is best suited for your journey from Leh to Delhi.

The Pros of a road trip from Manali to Leh

  • The driving distance though shorter tends to be a little more strenuous. For one, the climb is steeper and two, there are longer stretches to cover before a night halt – especially the Keylong to Leh stretch.
  • One can save around 3.5 hours if they take the newly constructed Atal tunnel from Manali to Keylong instead of Rohtang pass.
  • The rise in altitude is steep, even without Rohtang pass. One has to be extremely careful when traveling toward Leh.
  • The roads can be quite isolated with just army camps and a few Maggi tents along the way.
  • There are a lot of ghats and loops on this route. One needs to be very careful while driving.

A day-wise Leh Ladakh road trip itinerary

With Delhi as your start point, you can pretty much follow the same Ladakh road trip itinerary that I did. Keep aside 12 days for this end-to-end journey – one that I promise will be one of the best road trips that you can do. Going forward, I am going to detail the entire road trip to Ladakh from Delhi in a day-wise manner, giving you enough details on what to see along the way and where to book your night halts. As mentioned in the above section, I used both routes to do this trip. For my onward journey from Delhi to Leh, I used the Srinagar route. The Manali route is what I used for my return trip.

So fasten your seat belts and embark on this stunning Delhi to Ladakh road trip.

Day 1 of the Ladakh Road Trip – Delhi to Jammu

The first day of any road trip is always filled with energy and excitement. Frankly, that is enough for you to get up early and leave the city by 5 am. You can hit the NH44 as early as possible and reach Murthal by around 7 am. Grab your breakfast here – there are tons of Dhabbas and food courts on the highway serving your piping hot parathas with dollops of butter. Continue towards Ludhiana on the same NH 44. You are most likely going to be driving for 4 hours.

Make a breakfast stop at Murthal on Day One of the road trip to Ladakh from Delhi

I highly recommend you take your lunch break here before proceeding to Pathankot. Again, avoid going into the city and stick to the food courts on the way. Pathankot is around 3 hours on the same NH 44 highway. Fuel up here if you need to or just stretch your legs with a cup of hot tea. Continue on the same highway for another 3 hours and you will reach your first night halt at Jammu Tavi.

This stretch of a road trip from Delhi to Leh has a lot of big towns and less scenery. For me, the high spirits on the first day of an epic road trip to Ladakh were enough to make up for this. Plus, a raucous bunch of fellow travelers singing raunchy songs from the 80s and 90s kept the whole journey so lively that before I knew it, I was in Jammu. I stayed at one of the many Oyo hotels in Jammu Tavi – which was comfortable for the night halt. You can look through this link to find one that best suits you.

Day 2 of the road trip to Ladakh – From Jammu to Sonamarg

Now begins the dreamy part of the Ladakh trip by car. While your total drive time is just around 8 hours, I still recommend an early start on Day two – primarily so that you get some time for sightseeing in Srinagar. Also, the early start will help you make up for any other unforeseen delays owing to the army movement on this route.

Chenani- Nashri Tunnel -  one of the longest tunnels in India

Hit the NH 44 again towards Udhampur. This stretch takes around 1.5 hours. I don’t recommend a stop here and suggest you continue on towards the famous Chenani- Nashri Tunnel – one of the longest tunnels in India. This tunnel is also known as the Patnitop tunnel while its official name is Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee tunnel. The tunnel reduces your distance on the Jammu -Srinagar stretch by 30 km and the travel time by almost 2 hours. The smooth connection is around 9 km long and quite exciting to drive through.

Our unexpected pit stop at Ramban during the Ladakh Road Trip

Past the tunnel, continue on towards Ramban town where you can grab a bite at one of the many hotels along the Chenab river. The total drive time from Udhampur to Ramban is around 2.5 hours. The tunnel is exactly midway between these two towns. Ensure you take your biobreak here for the next leg of the journey will take you over 3 hours to Srinagar. By now, you would have begun seeing the mighty Himalayas. As you proceed further, the brown hill tops will slowly change to mesmerizing green valleys bordered by snowcapped mountains. This is when you need to take those frequent photo stops to admire the various viewpoints.

The valleys of Kashmir - One of my photostops on the way to Srinagar on the Ladakh road trip

However, be careful while stopping along the highway as there are numerous restrictions. You might find a lot of army patrols along the way, stopping you and asking you for your identification. Keep your personal IDs handy as well as the car papers sorted ( insurance, permits, registrations and licenses ). Once you reach Srinagar and assume things are quiet there, spend some time by Dal lake or take a tour of the Shalimar gardens.

Dal Lake in Srinagar - a must-stop on your way to Leh from Srinagar

The last leg of this Ladakh trip by road on Day two is the most scenic of the lot. As you leave Srinagar towards Sonamarg, you will see the actual reason why Kashmir is termed as Paradise on earth . I just could not have enough of those stunning glaciers that melt into streams right before your eyes. In fact, it was on this stretch that we made the maximum photostops – all in an attempt to capture the verdant vista.

Sonamarg - our intended halt for Day 2 of the Ladakh Road Trip

We chose Sonamarg as our final stop for Day Two as Srinagar had a little turmoil happening. Ideally, it would have been great if I had managed to follow the plan I outlined above to the T. However, to our bad luck, we faced a major roadblock owing to a landslide – just after Ramban. This forced us to make an unscheduled night halt in this tiny town. With the loss in time, we had to zip past the scenic stretch to Srinagar – where I wish we had time to stop and click. Driving from Ramban to Srinagar made me feel as if I were traveling through the meadows of Switzerland. The scenes here were absolutely breathtaking and a true testament to the phrase “ Paradise on Earth ”

If you have gone as per the original plan, you can check into a hotel in Sonamarg – many of them are listed on this link .

Day 3 – Zipping through Sonamarg to Kargil

Sigh! Well, I had to do a quick tour of Sonamarg as we reached there a day later than planned – thanks to the landslide. I do hope you have better luck than me and wake up to those enchanting clouds in the meadows of Sonamarg. You can actually start at leisure and spend the morning sightseeing in and around Sonamarg. Leave after a good lunch and head out on NH1 towards the mighty Zojila Pass . This pass marks your entrance to the Union Territory of Ladakh.

Ladakh Travel Guide to getting to Leh - Crossing the Zozila Pass before it is shut down for the day

The Zoji La Pass is a very significant pass – not just because it connects Kashmir to Ladakh but also, for the fact that it is considered to be one of the most dangerous mountain passes. It is at an altitude of 11,575ft above sea level and is around 25.8 km long. The zigzag road is so narrow that sometimes it allows only one vehicle to pass through – which is why you have to be extremely careful when you drive on it. The pass is closed during winters owing to heavy snowfall. Sometimes, even during spring or summer, it might be temporarily blocked. One should check at army checkpoints of Sonamarg or Baltal before proceeding on the pass. Also, remember the pass closes by 5 pm

Along the Zoji La Pass on a road trip to Ladakh

Despite the dangerous stretch, one cannot help but gasp at the bewitching valley below – sometimes packed with the colorful tents of people heading for the famous Amarnath yatra . There are one or two vantage points along the pass, where you can stop for a minute or so and enjoy the stunning backdrop of the Himalayas. Once you are past the Zojila Pass, stop at the famous Zero point. This is one stretch that is cold throughout the year. In fact, it is called so because no vegetation is able to survive the extreme temperature.

At Zero point - just after Zojila Pass

This is where we chose to stretch our feet. A few photos to remember the crazy adventure and we were soon on our way to Drass – the coldest place in India and the 2nd coldest one to be inhabited on earth. This is where you need to make time for the Kargil War Memorial . This is located right on the highway and is a must-visit destination. Warning though – it is extremely melancholic and it is hard to hold back tears when you listen to the story of the Kargil war, right in front of the very hill it happened.

Veer Bhumi at Kargil War Memorial

After the memorial, just take a short break at Drass to refuel yourself and head straight to Kargil. Once in Kargil, you can check into a hotel and relax for the day. Kargil is a lovely city by itself and I highly recommend walking around the river area and the marketplace.

The one thing that you must be cognizant of on this stretch is that your ascent is gradually increasing. Keep drinking a lot of water and avoid strenuous activity to ensure you are not hit by AMS. It is best to avoid smoking and alcohol for the day.

Day 4 of the Delhi Ladakh road trip – the first feel of Ladakh

Birds Eye View of the Kargil Town - our night halt on Day 3 of the Ladakh Road Trip

Though your drive time is just 4 hours, it is best to get an early start from Kargil. The key reason for this is that there are numerous attractions on this stretch of the road trip to Ladakh and a few of them will require time. Again, remember to keep drinking water as you will still be ascending towards Leh.

Stop at Mulbekh monastery on the Srinagar-Leh highway

Fuel up at Kargil and head straight to Mulbekh monastery. In around 45 minutes, you will see a large stone carving of Lord Buddha and that is the Mulbekh monastery. From here, head straight to the Fotu La Pass. A swarm of prayer flags will greet you and invite you to step out and take the surrounding view of the Zanskar range of Himalayas. This is the highest point of the Srinagar – Leh highway and a perfect place to admire how the Ladakh landscape is a huge contrast to the green valleys of Kashmir.

Lamayuru monastery - a must-visit stop on the road trip from Delhi to Leh via Srinagar

Follow the zigzag roads till you reach the village of Lamayuru. Plan to take a break here for lunch and explore the oldest monastery of Ladakh. The monastery will take around 45 minutes or so and thus, it is better to order your meal at the restaurants near L amayuru monastery before embarking on the tour. Post lunch, stop at the base of the monastery to take in the view of Moonland ( called so owing to the texture of the mountains ).

Confluence of Indus & Zanskar - one of the key Ladakh tourist places

The next leg of the journey will take around 1.5 hours to the outskirts of Leh. I, however, felt as if it were just 30 minutes – thanks to the stunning and everchanging colors of the landscape. Before I knew it, I was at Nimmoo, taking in the distinct colors of the Zanskar-Indus confluence . After a quick photo-op, you can continue on and experience the Magnetic hill on the way to Leh. Just after the Magnetic hill, remember to stop at the Pathar Sahib Gurudwara. You can enjoy a little refreshment before heading straight to Leh and checking into your hotel. The Gurudwara serves food for free and is maintained by the Indian army.

Leh has a lot of hotels to choose from. You can check this link and book directly using the same.

Day 5- A rest day in Leh

The entrance to the Royal Leh Palace in Ladakh

Day 5 in Leh is all about acclimatization to the high altitude. It is best to take it easy and enjoy the city at a slow pace. You can explore the Leh market, visit the famous Leh Royal Palace and the Shanti Stupa or even the Hall of Fame museum in Leh. However, try to keep an even pace and not tire yourself.

Shanti Stupa - one of the places to visit when you are in Leh for acclimatization

While in Leh, apply for your I nner Line Permits either directly or through your hotel. You will need to get permits for your visits to Nubra Valley, Tso Moriri and Pangong Lake. Refer to this link to know more about the Inner line permits.

Day 6 on the Delhi to Ladakh road trip – Heading to Nubra Valley

Do not go by the drive time on this stretch as you are bound to make many many photo stops. The journey to Nubra Valley is filled with surreal beauty. Start early from Leh and head straight to one of the highest motorable mountain passes in the world – Khardung La. You can stop for a few minutes here to capture your moment but be extremely wary of the altitude. Avoid staying for more than 10 minutes. After Khardung La, you will actually be making a descent, and might find the ride extremely enjoyable.

A glimpse of surreal beauty of Nubra Valley Ladakh

You can take a refreshment break at Khalsar before heading to Diskit. The drive from Khalsar to Diskit is very scenic with the Shyok river flowing and the beginning of the cold sand dunes. In fact, I would call it ethereal – especially since the landscape changed from green valleys to red sand mountains to finally white deserts. Here and there you will be able to spot calm lakes with those perfect reflections and if you are lucky like me, then you will even see wild horses around. At Diskit, follow the path to the large Maitreyi Buddha statue – one that you will be able to spot from far away.

Jhampa statue of Maitreya Buddha at Diskit in Nubra Valley

Spend an hour or so exploring Diskit monastery before making your way to Hunder. Check into your Nubra valley stay (you can book on here) and relax for the rest of the day amid the white sand dunes surrounded by gorgeous mountains in the company of the famous double-hump Bactrian camels – ones that are usually found here.

The Highest bloggers meet at Khardung La - a feat recorded in India book of records

A must-mention event that took place during my Ladakh trip by road on this stretch was the Highest Bloggers meet – a feat that has got recorded in the India Book of Records. 20 of us – fellow bloggers were invited for a meeting at the Khardung La Pass by Oyo rooms and ScoutMyTrip. It was quite a gathering when we unfurled our banner at the top of 2nd highest Motorable Pass in the world. Definitely a memory that has been imprinted for life!

Three trips to Ladakh and yet not enough to cover the place

READ THROUGH THIS GUIDE ON NUBRA VALLEY

Nubra valley is a destination by itself. This guide to Nubra Valley Ladakh tells you all that you need to know about it – from places to see to tips on where to stay.

Day 7- Nubra to Pangong Lake

2 different routes and the same drive time? Well, do not go by the theoretical drive time and distance. The two routes differ widely in terms of challenges and Ladakh attractions that you can see along the way . The original plan during my own road trip to Ladakh was to take route two – via Shyok but as luck be, the road was not well done and there was tremendous flooding of the river making this particular stretch undrivable. Therefore, I travelled to Pangong via Chang La Pass. In your case, you can make the decision based on your own preference after you read through the two routes below.

Nubra Valley to Pangong Via Leh & Chang La Pass.

Leh city on the way back from Nubra Valley

If you plan to take this route, leave as early as you can after breakfast. You will be driving all the way through Khardung La to Leh. Grab an early lunch at Leh and head towards Kharoo. On the way, plan to stop at my personal favorite – Thicksey Monastery. It is hard to resist this picturesque place and trust me when I say, exploring it from within is so worth it. However, be aware that if you do decide to do Thiksey monastery, you will have to skip the other attraction – Hemis Monastery , which is also, on the way. You can do either one of them else, you will be pressed for time.

At ChangLa Pass - one of the highest motorable passes in Ladakh

Past Kharoo, you will begin your ascent to the highest motorable pass – Chang La. You can stop for a few minutes on the top and then continue on towards Durbuk and Tangste to finally reach Pangong Lake. The ascent and descent of this Pass is fairly smooth with good roads but it does slow you down in terms of driving. Also, if there is flooding on the way, then you will have a fair bit of off-roading that you might have to do to cross a few streams – like I had to. True that it has its own thrill but it definitely slows you down.

Also, do stop by to see the friendly marmots, who keep popping up along the way.

Streams that you will have to cross enroute to Pangong Lake - make sure you have a good 4x4 vehicle

Nubra Valley to Pangong Via Shyok

The road between Leh and Nubra Valley

For those of you who want to avoid the high altitude ascent and descent at Khardung La and Chang La, this route via Shyok is a good option. I believe now the roads are fairly well done, making this a far easier drive. For this, you can leave a little later from Nubra and travel up to Khalsar. At this point, there is a bifurcation that takes you away from Khardung La towards Shyok Village. From the village you can directly hit Durbuk and then Tangste – all the way to Pangong Lake.

On this route, you will have Shyok river keeping you company all the way to the village. There are no major attractions to stop as such but you will find enough of picturesque spots for a quick photo shoot.

Your night halt in Pangong will most likely be in Tangste or by the tents around the Lake. Remember to bundle up well as the temperatures even in summer tend to go to single digits. You can find your accommodation through this link .

More Pangong Lake pictures capturing the reflection of the sky

A GUIDE TO PANGONG LAKE

This detailed guide on Pangong Lake – aka 3 idiots lake has all the necessary information you will need for your visit here. From what to pack to where to stay and what to expect.

Day 8 of Ladakh trip by road – All about Changthang Valley & Tso Moriri

Sunrise over Ladakh Pangong Lake

Be prepared for a day of completely raw and rugged beauty. Catch the morning sunrise at Pangong lake where within minutes, you will see the sun kissed lake changing colors from an orange-streaked gray to a beautiful bright blue. Fill yourself with a good breakfast and carry some for the road too for going forward, you will find no restaurant or town. The entire day is all about driving through lands that you might have only seen on television – or possibly in your dreams.

The famous 3 idiots lake aka Pangong Lake in Ladakh

From Pangong Tso, head towards Merak and then Chushul. At Chushul , you can stop at the Rezang La War Memorial ( also, called Chushul War Memorial ) – erected in honor of the soldiers who lost their lives during the 1962 Indo-China war. You can take the break to freshen up before turning towards the Leh – Manali highway. This entire area is very close to the China border and hence, stick to the main roads only.

Chantang Valley that runs close to the China border

The drive from Chushul to Nyoma is absolutely stunning – with sometimes no road and only dirt tracks. This is where you will see wide desolate patches surrounded by mountains and the only inhabitants in sight are Wild horses and marmots and maybe, a few mountain goats. From Nyoma, head towards Sumdo and finally the only road to Karzok – aka Tso Moriri. You will be traveling along the road with Indus river flowing beside you.

Along the Indus River to Tso Moriri

If you found Pangong Lake cold, Tso Moriri will be freezing. It is after all the highest altitude lake. Be prepared with warm clothing. There are only tented accommodation here – which you will have to pre-book in Leh.

Day 9 of the Leh Ladakh road trip from Delhi – A touchdown at Keylong

Tso Moriri in Ladakh

Be prepared for a long long drive. However, enjoy it as much as you can for this is the last of Ladakh that you will see before you head back to Delhi via the Leh- Manali route. The road back is fairly good and smooth, with very little off-roading. You will pass by Tso Kar – another high-altitude salt water lake and then hit More Plains. One of my biggest highs on my Delhi to Ladakh road trip was driving through More Plains. The stretch is an absolute bliss for bikers.

Tso kar lake - you can catch this on the Leh-Manali highway

You can choose to take a night halt at Pang, if you do not want to drive more but I recommend clearing Pang and doing the famous Gata loops to Sarchu. You can always stay in Sarchu if you are tired, else continue on to Keylong. We personally stayed in Keylong and started a bit late the next day. The little break in the morning did do wonders to us.

The beginning of the Indian Petra Landscape from Pang towards Sarchu

The few sights that you must look out for include the very Petra like landforms from More Plains to Pang, the 21 hair-pin bends of Gata loops, the ghost temple of Gata Loops at the 19th bend and the Suraj Tal lake before you hit Keylong. While the sights might be self-explanatory, a little lore about the Ghost temple of Gata Loops. The temple is identified by the mounds of plastic bottles at the 19th loop. They say that a truck driver died in the cold long back and even now his soul walks around asking for water. So, as a mark of good luck, drivers on the loop leave behind water or cigarettes at the mound. 😉

There are plenty of restaurants that you will find at Pang, Sarchu and Keylong. You can also, use these places to freshen up on the journey.

Day 10 on the Ladakh trip by car – Keylong to Manali

To be honest, when I did my Delhi Ladakh road trip, I did not have the option of Atal tunnel. The tunnel was completed in the subsequent years, and thus, the only route that I could take was via the lovely Rohtang pass. To be honest, I would still want to do this – purely for the pristine views which include fabulous waterfalls, green valleys and snow capped mountains. However, it is a steep climb.

At Rohtang Pass - on the way to Manali

If you take the Atal tunnel route, you can completely by pass the Rohtang pass and the climb, as well as cut short your distance by a good 2 hours. Of course, the choice is completely up to you. In case you are driving from Pang or Sarchu, the Atal tunnel would definitely ease your drive time.

Given the shorter drive, you can spend some time doing sightseeing in Manali. While there are several hotels in Manali that take you to the center of the town, I would recommend staying a little away, closer to the highway. I stayed in this lovely property by the Beas river. You can find that as well as other Manali hotels through this link

Day 11 – Return to Delhi from Manali

To be honest, this is just a long drive home where you reflect on the lovely memories of those mountains that you have seen over the last 10 days. In some ways, it was pretty depressing to know that I was at the end of my epic Ladakh trip. I wished that we could have spent a little more time, delayed our departure a little bit but then I know there was no end to it.

The Manali to Delhi stretch can be done in half a day, as the roads are very smooth and include toll highways. However, if you still want to cut it down, you can do a night halt at Chandigarh. Keep your PUC certificate handy when in Chandigarh as they are very strict about it and you might be hauled over for a check.

Technically, you are done with the trip in 11 days . The extra day on the Ladakh road trip is required only as a buffer – should you have any landslides, break-downs or similar situations. As you can see, the terrain is tough and it always better do add that extra day.

Well, that is it from me in terms of the Ladakh road trip itinerary. A quick hop over to the FAQs section and then, just remember to pin this ultimate guide to a road trip to Ladakh.

Common FAQs for the Road Trip to Ladakh

Can we go to ladakh by car.

Yes, you can. In fact, I highly recommend a Ladakh trip by car to enjoy the beautiful terrain. Though it might be a difficult drive in parts, with the right precautions and planning, the road trip by car will be very enjoyable.

Which car is the best for a Ladakh trip?

I would highly recommend a sturdy SUV like Tata Hexa or Scorpio for a Ladakh trip. A 4×4 wheel drive is what will help you steer through the tough terrain where sometimes you only have a rocky stretch. You need a powerful engine to climb up the steep slopes as well as a good fuel capacity – mostly because there are large stretches without any fuel bunks in sight.

Can we take sedan to Ladakh?

Yes, one can drive a sedan to Ladakh. However, it will take an extra effort and care to drive through those steep slopes and rugged roads.

How many days is Leh Ladakh road trip?

Keep aside at least 12 days for a Leh Ladakh road trip from Delhi. If all goes well, you can complete the circuit from Delhi to Leh and back in 11 days but it is always good to keep a day extra for any detours or unforseen circumstances

Is a road trip to Ladakh safe?

A Ladakh road trip is quite safe, despite the tough terrain. You just have to ensure that you have planned your route properly and taken all the right precautions – not just for your car but also, for your health.

Before you go, Pin this

Ladakh road trip

Booking Resources

  • Booking.com has a lot of options for your stay in Leh Ladakh. You can use this link to browse through the various listings across Leh, Kargil, Hunder, Pangong and more.
  • Another good resource for your hotels in Leh Ladakh is Agoda.com . This link allows you to book your chosen hotel directly
  • Viator.com has quite a few listings of tours from Leh – including car rentals, bike tours etc. So, if you are not looking to drive all the way, you can consider booking some of these online through this link .
  • If you are looking to buy any of your home or travel requirements from Amazon , do consider clicking through my affiliate link and getting there. Remember it will not cost you anything additional but will keep my website going.

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Popularly referred to as a Restless Ball of Energy. My Mom refuses to entertain my complaints about my equally restless daughter & assures my husband that I was born with a travel bug.

I am a Post-Graduate in Marketing by qualification and a travel blogger by passion. Besides travel, I enjoy photography and if you don’t find me at my desk, I would be out playing badminton or swimming or just running. I believe in planning for every long weekend through the year. And when I cannot travel physically, I travel virtually through this travel blog. My travel stories have also, got published on various websites and magazines including BBC Travel, Lonely Planet India and Jetwings. I have recently published my first book – When Places Come Alive – a collection of stories that are based on legends, landscapes, art and culture of a place which is available in both ebook and paperback format.

118 thoughts on “An Epic Road Trip to Ladakh from Delhi | Ladakh Road Trip planning, routes & tips”

This is probably the only road trip I have been on, where not a single song from my actual playlist got played. You all heard the #compliment version of the playlist, but it didn’t seem to matter too much. The company on the trip, and songs everyone sang more than made up for that. I also didn’t sit behind the wheel even once and that did not matter too strangely. When I look back on this trip, the only thing that I really remember are the precious moments we all had with each other. We really got to know one another, and put up with each one’s idiosyncrasies. We went as 20 individuals but came back as one group. That is the first reason for me to call this trip a success.

The trip to Tso Moriri, the only thing crossing our minds was to see you guys in piece. The Chushul sector is not known to be too friendly. That was the only reason for us to make a run; and we were prepared enough to camp out in the night in case we did not make it to the Korzok village. That would have been an experience too! But it’s usually just Deepak and I who get caught in those situations.

One thing about the trip we could do better next time around is probably have some more maggi.

All I can say Vineet is that you guys just knew how to get us to have fun and create memories for life. Have always and will always look forward to going #AageSeRight with you guys. I know there will always be adventures along those lanes.

Never been but thanks for adding to my intrigue! Beautiful pictures. Can’t wait to come back to it later when i’m headed that way!

Thanks Anna and you most definitely should keep aside time for Ladakh when in India.

लद्दाख मेरा देखा हुआ है लेकिन लेकिन उसके बाद भी जब किसी और के ब्लॉग या फोटो देखने का या यात्रा सुनने का मौका लगता है तो अपनी यात्रा याद आती है और ऐसा लगता है कि हम दुबारा उसी लोक में पहुंच गए हैं और यात्रा का आनंद उठा रहे हैं,

I know the feeling. I also, want to go back again. Thanks Sandeep for stopping by

ladakh is now on the bucketlist!!! thanks for the awesome share. photos are fantastic!!! great work 🙂

Thank you Lloyd. Rightfully in your list.

Loved reading yours and the teams exploits as the action continues in part-2. Indeed an amazing journey with experiences to cherish for a lifetime. I loved the picture of the horse near the Indus river, he looks so free and without a care in the world against the wilderness.

There are so many natural scens that I am still awaiting to share. It was one hell of a place. Thanks for stopping by Sandy and Vyjay

This is a very comprehensive itinerary of a road trip to Ladakh. Many people fly directly there. But in my opinion, the road trip has a charm of it’s own which nothing else can beat. By the way, couldn’t help staring for long at your beautiful snaps. Very well captured!!

Thank you Neha. Glad you liked the account. I still have loads to share. Will do so in bits and pieces.

Yet another beautifully written blog from you Ami ! Ladakh’s uniqueness can’t really be covered in a single trip or even two. Every time you visit you will learn something new. Our role here was to try and get as much info about the places we visited to all of you. Hope we succeeded to an extent while making sure all of you were safe. But hats off to the entire bunch ! Most hardened travellers have had difficulty in travelling on such terrain for days on end. But this team just did not complain. It was a fun fest for all of us ! Let’s do this again.

Thank you Deepak for initiating this and making it fun for all of us. Vineet and Your impeccable planning and crisis management really went a long way in making this trip a huge success. As always, I shall be ready to go #AageSeRight again with you guys. Till then, shall keep writing my memoirs down 🙂

Good post, good photos. Keep it up, Ami. You have a flair for words. Finally, you have been Lehed.

LOL…Thanks Swayam

Awesome post. Loved reading about your experience. And stunning pictures 🙂

Thank you Purba. Glad you liked it

What an incredible road trip. I love off-the-beaten-track roadies and this one certainly tops any I have done. The photography is beautiful, too.

Thanks Mike and since you like the off the beaten track ones, this is perfect for you. Must try it in India.

Thank you for sharing this epic journey with us, Ami. The road to Ladakh looks like quite the adventure!

It definitely was Doreen and I can so do it all over again!

What fun trip and great anecdotes ! You really make memories that last you a long time when you take road trips. Lovely captures too !

Don’t we know that better Swati. Another of my favorite trips is our Great Rajasthan tour. Can never forget those trips. Ladakh was spectacular nonetheless.

ha ha, true !

Ladakh has always been on my bucket list. These photographs are just breathtaking. It just bumped Ladakh up the list. Thanks a lot for sharing.

Trust me, you ain’t see nothing. These pictures are just the tip and the real thing is even more amazing. You gotta go Lakshmi

awesome post and beautifully captured every moment

Thank you Mayuri

I miss my trip to Himachal too. I can’t just forget the views just like the ones you have taken during a road trip to Ladakh. I remember how our last day was sombre just like how you felt. We just didn’t want the trip to end. Scout my trip was very well organised and they knew exactly what to do.

Mountains do have a hold on you as I discovered. I sure can understand your feelings. Sigh! ScoutMyTrip was really well prepared and that is what made the whole trip such a success! Thanks for stopping by Soumya

What a very long and memorable road trip you had. Such an aamzing adventure and I enjoyed the photographs in this post. The scenes are all picturesque and wonderful. It’s a long journey wherein your eyes are filled with beautiful panorama, breathtaking landscape and have inner peace. What an amazing journey you had, I hope I’ll experience this kind of road trip too.

Thank you Blaine. It sure was an epic trip and yes, I do wish one for you too. It does leave you with so many lifetime memories.

Whoa! 11 days of solid fun and excitement! The scenic beauty all around is mesmerizing and the pictures are so full of enjoyment. I too could have been a part of this if I could spare this stretch of time.

It was fantastic Indrani. You would have had a lovely time. But yes, I understand your constraints on this one. Hopefully we will have another rocking trip soon!

Wow the trip to Ladakh looks quite an adventure. Wait….didI read it right? ” A CLOSE ENCOUNTER WITH CHINESE SNIPERS”?

Thanks Kenneth. Looks like the Effect worked…..;-) They say that the mountains along the Chinese borders did have snipers looking down at us. Who knows though!

Stunning pics. And can I just admit I am jealous! I did this road trip in 2003, too many years ago. Time to go back to Ladakh with hubby and kiddo.

Even though I did this like a fortnight back, I am already planning a return 🙂

Your landscape pics are so dramatic! Hope you get over your travel hangover soon!

Trust me, the real landscape is so mesmerizing. No wonder it holds me down. Sigh!

The views look absolutely amazing during the whole trip! This must of been a quit adventure. And the photo of the sunrise is stunning! I would be so scared of getting the mountain sickness but I would probably still go, how could I say no to this.

The ScoutMyTrip team took adequate care of ensuring we acclimatize well. Am sure you too would have been fine. The road trip was just amazing!

Reading this post brought back my own travel memories in beautiful Ladakh. The brush with chinese snipers sounded crazy, that path runs really close to China no doubt! I loved reading about the group fun you guys had in Ladakh!

Thanks Tania. It is amazing how close we were to the border. And in some ways, so ignorant of it. However, it was fun nonetheless.

Your words were enough to tempt me but your photos convinced me Ladakh is somewhere I HAVE to experience. What a gorgeous landscape and a beautiful adventure!

Trust me Aisha, the real thing is even more amazing. I hope you plan a trip here.

What a cool blogger trip! I have been wanting to travel to Tibet (or nearby) for many years but have yet to make it. The scenery looks intriguing and the monastery is something I’d be particularly interested in, as well as the off-roading in 4 wheel drive vehicles through the desert (I’ve only done that in Egypt or California!) 🙂

Every bit of this trip was exciting. The monasteries for sure as well as the off roading and the adventures along the way. Am sure you too, will have fun with it.

What amazing landscapes and such an adventure! Lucky lucky!!

Thank you. It sure was a fascinating trip.

I think I have missed the part 1 of your amazing trip but considering that I really liked this post, I have to read the previous one. This place looks beautiful especially because it’s surrounded by nature!! The photos show it very well 🙂

Thank you so much. Each day of this 12 day trip was epic. Glad you liked reading about it.

Have been dreaming of Ladakh for such a long time–infact, for a decade. it genuinely is on my top 3 dream destinations list. need to figure out a way to Mae it happen!

Good luck with that. It sure is one place I would urge you to visit. Thanks for stopping by

Oh my goodness – I can’t believe how incredible the scenery is! The Changla and Rohtang passes are stunning, and it looks like you and your fellow bloggers had an amazing trip. I hope to see it with my own eyes one day.

I do hope you plan a trip here. It is just amazing to see nature like this. Thanks for stopping by Flo.

The place does not look real Ami. Wow! How stunning. From your image placement, and the resolution. I do feel like I am there, in Ladakh. Well done and as always, thanks much for sharing.

Thank you Ryan. It is so hard to believe but this place is real and amazing.

Wow, what an adventure! The scenery is absolutely stunning. I would be depressed if I had to leave there too.

Thanks Sara. I still am in a trance from this trip. 🙂 So you can imagine.

Your Ladakh road trip posts are truly a weblog – an online journal or diary (the kinds I used to keep offline as a teenager). The account faithfully captures the happenings along the way. Enjoyed reliving the trip through this account!

Thanks Ajay. It sure was a lovely trip and it was good finally to catch up with you.

Fabulousness galore. No one could put it as comprehensively as you do Ami. I cannot get over the pics!! Too beautiful esp the one with the prayer stones and also the Pangong lake one. You made me travel with you all through 🙂 Loved the videos and the background story of all those moves 😉 wonderful read. truly one of the most memorable trips any blogger could go on! 🙂

Thanks a ton Divsi. That really feels good to read. I cannot and will not be able to forget this trip for a long long time. And I know I will be returning to Ladakh once again, but this one will always remain special.

Beautiful nature!! And nice pics. never been there but I am quite curious after your article. I hope to read something similar again from your blog 🙂

Thanks Novarino. I think you will find plenty of other articles now on Ladakh here. Take a look.

Incredible scenery to be blessed to witness. The monastery looks incredible. It really is amazing that they could construct something that incredible back then. As I keep reading the scenery gets better and better. SNIPERS! OMG! That trip really is a memory you will never forget.

Thanks a ton guys. And you are so right about that – this is one trip that I am never ever going to forget!

Ladakh is magical .. Reminds me of our road trip in winter. Looks like you guys had an amazing time and the dancing of Avinabh was awesome 😉 Road trip in summer is definitely on our bucket list 🙂

It sure was fun and memorable and you must do one in summer. Thanks for stopping by Swati and Sam.

Ladakh is my favorite place for travel any time. i like your tips and travel information day wise. i like your colorful photos which is calling me for visit ladakh again.

Thank you. It is my favorite place too and I really want to go back.

Hey, This is really amazing post I have seen. Nice writing with beautiful pics.

The landscapes are not at all how I imagine India to be but it sure is beautiful. I definitely want to visit Leh on a future trip

It is a Surreal place and one unexplored one. You most definitely should go.

Ladakh is in my bucket list from many years and I am sure this year I will make it actually planning for during summer time :)…Your post will be helpful for me to make the itinerary. Thanks :).. BTW pics are really great 🙂

Thank you Sumti. This place is one epic destination and am sure you will enjoy it

This is such an amazing road trip! I think the best road trips have adventures and unexpected twists like yours. That view from Rohtang Pass is absolutely incredible. I can see why everyone was depressed at the end.

Thanks Marissa. Everytime we think about the trip, we are so nostalgic. One of my best trips

I love your writing, your sense of humor comes through. The Thiksey Monastery looks amazing. It is cool you got into the India book of records and had so much fun doing it. The things that went bad, turned into great memories because of your attitude. Good work!

Thanks Chris for the lovely comment. The so called bad things led to the best memories. I would not have it any other way.

I’d never really heard of Ladakh, but I can see how utterly spellbinding it is! So beautiful and you’ve captured some excellent photos. I’m so sorry you had a flat on your trip, but those experiences tend to shape us I think!

Thanks Samantha. The flat frankly was an amazing part of the adventure.. Allowed us time to take in the beautiful place.

What a gorgeous view! OMG, I thought I was the only one who leans out the car window to get a photo! Great shot of the Thiksey Monastery, the architecture looks amazing. Looks like such a fantastic trip!

I was looking forward to reading part 2 — Wow, your photos once again are spectacular. This is the reality of India it is a very big country and with mountains and rivers like this, it takes 4 hours to go 115kms! I hope to get to this part of India someday — I think I will need more rest stops like the one you did in Manali!

This region is quite raw and decent roads plus elevation makes the drive longer. However, you wouldn’t mind it with those views. Hope you plan a trip here

It sounds like such an epic trip! I hate that day 11 brought a bit of sadness. Most road trips have at least one day like that. For me it is typically the last one because I’m sad it’s over. It’s crazy how long it takes to go a fairly short distance! Sounds like a seriously epic road trip

The end of the trip is always so melancholic. But well, you have those amazing memories that somehow keep you going. This one did have longer time for shorter distance owing to the terrain but who is complaining… We had some amazing views

Your entire road trip has been quite an adventure! The people you are traveling with sound like a fun bunch of travellers, too! I’ve really enoyed seeing your photos, and hearing your stories — you’ll have wonderful memories for a lifetime.

You bet, those memories are here for a long long time. Thanks for stopping by Tami.

A road trip to ladakh is quite adventure that everyone like the trip very much. This an amazing journey to cheer up the people with the beautiful snaps.

Thank you. Glad you find it interesting

Crazy Road trip Ever! Glad that i found this article on a road trip to Ladakh. Informative article thanks for sharing!

It sure was but I loved it and it is one of my favorites

I did exactly the other way… Chandigarh Mandi Manali Jispa Leh Sonmarg Srinagar Chandigarh….

Many people do that too. Not a bad option but one just needs to exercise some precaution owing to the altitude.

What is best time to complete this visit

I would recommend visiting between May to September. The details of why and what you can expect are as mentioned in the Ladakh guide here – https://thrillingtravel.in/leh-ladakh-travel-guide.html

Wow, some of those road areas really look very scary including that one pass that just is incredible to capture in photographs and drive through. But, I can see how the landscape really inspires you to go the this remote region and gorgeous scenic areas to explore, it really seems harsh and remote, I can’t even picture living there year round.

True that – living here would be quite an extreme adventure. Nonetheless, the place is totally worth one long drive at least.

What a comprehensive guide to road tripping to Ladakh! You’ve covered every question I had and provided some helpful planning tips I wouldn’t have thought of, even though I’ve taken many road trips. The route looks lovely, and I especially like the look of Dal Lake in Srinagar and the entrance to the Royal Leh Palace, and of course, the mountains! What a touching gesture to leave water bottles for the unfortunate truck driver’s ghost.

This is such an epic route – so many stories, so many adventures. Totally worth once in a life time. Thanks for stopping by Jackie.

I have done many road trips in my time, but none through India, and this looks like a great one. The wide-open landscape interspersed with the whitewashed villages looks wonderful. I am glad you explained the reason for the plastic build-up on the mountainside as I am sure if visitors weren’t aware of this tradition it might just look like someone had dumped rubbish there!

To be honest, even I thought so till I got to know the reason behind the plastic waste

This is an incredible road trip Ami! I can’t remember all of the place names as I was too in awe of the photos. India has some beautiful and remote landscapes, I’d like to see it for myself one day. Leh and the temples look incredible there, but I’m not sure I could get used to the altitude.

The altitude needs just a little discipline and you will be fine there. Do plan a visit to Leh Ladakh whenever you get to India

I can see why this would be your favourite road trip of all time. You’re right, the diverse landscape would be a highlight. I love how you described Ladakh as the crown of India. To be surrounded by different mountain ranges on all sides would make this a stunning destination. But a difficult one to visit knowing the meaning behind its name – Land of High Passes – and that it’s so remote.

I suppose in some ways because it is so remote, it is beautiful. Hope you plan a trip here and see it for yourself

I still repent the fact that we never traveled to Ladakh when we visited Kashmir couple of years back. Am just fascinated by the destination and the more I see the photos posted by travelers the more is my desire to be there. Hopefully next year as this year is already packed with plans. But now I would rather do a road trip like you from Delhi. Thank you for all the tips which would make our journey exciting. Would love to follow your detailed plan.

I hope you have bookmarked it for your trip – whenever that happens. I am sure you will find yourself making lasting memories on this

I love road trips over direct flights, too. Thanks for the great stories. Also the awesome photos esp. Of that horse near the Indus River!

Glad you liked it Carol.

Very informative and also provide us details about the journey. Pictures are awesome. Kindly also inform whether you booked the hotels instantly or it’s were prior booking.

Thanks Tarun. For this road trip in Ladakh, we had done a prior booking of all our stays. We had also, sought the help of a local travel operator in Leh to help us with the Tso Moriri and Pangong stays

Found your post interesting to read. Good Luck for the upcoming update.This article is really very interesting.

Thanks so much. Do share it around

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A Complete Itinerary For Your Delhi To Leh Road Trip

by middha on May 19, 2018

Any road trip to Leh is a journey of a lifetime. Most Indian travellers long to witness the barren beauty of its mountains against the the vast azure skies. Are you planning on doing such a trip or just dreaming about it? Whatever the case may be, we map out the road trip from Delhi to Leh and back again via two spectacularly scenic routes: via Manali and via Srinagar.

Why is it Popular to Go from Leh Ladakh to Delhi by Road?

Many travellers dream of such a journey, even if they can’t drive or ride. What makes this road trip so tempting? Of course, it isn’t just the destination; it’s that the journey to Leh provides a stunning backdrop, adventurous paths and exciting stopovers that make it perfect for a journey by road. So, let’s get started.

Best Time to Visit Leh from Delhi

Leh is inaccessible for most of the year, due to harsh weather and/or road closures. The right time to head there is between April and October if you’re travelling by flight, and May to September, if you would rather take the hard route and go by road.

How to Get There

You’ve got four options for a trip from Delhi to Leh. The first, and easiest, is by air, and then there are three options, with increasing levels of difficulty.

  • Flight: Direct flights to Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport take 1.5 hours .
  • Bus: Buses starting from ISBT Station (via Manali) halt overnight at Keylong and reaching Leh the next evening.
  • Personal car or bike: You could hire a bike or car in Delhi. Be sure to have a reasonable understanding of the mechanics of your vehicle.
  • Bicycle: Many have succeeded in cycling all the way up. It may also make sense to put take your cycle along by bus from Delhi to Manali and then start riding from there.

Delhi to Leh Road Trip Route (via Manali)

Delhi → karnal → mandi → manali.

  • Distance: 600 kilometres

The road as you approach Manali

The road as you approach Manali (source)

The most common route is via Ambala and Mandi. You will be driving along NH1 for the most part. The roads are initially very safe, but as you approach Ghanauli half way into the trip, the roads can get bad and the uphill climb begins. Gurubaksh Dhaba in Roopnagar is a great place to stop for a bite and to freshen up.

Manali → Jispa → Sarchu → Tanglang La → Leh

Manali → jispa (via rohtang pass) → sarchu.

  • Distance: 217 kilometres

The second highest pass in the world

The second highest pass in the world (source)

Start out by 4 am from Manali to avoid the hordes visiting Rohtang Pass. On the way, you can see the iconic area, stop over at the Koksar Dhaba for lunch, put gas in the car at Tandi and head to Jispa. From Jispa, you’ll be headed to Sarchu, which is an important stopover. At an elevation of 14,500 metres, you can stay at the Army Base Camp from June to October.

Sarchu → Tanglang La → Leh

  • Distance: 260 kilometres

 The second highest pass in the world

You’re almost there, once you leave Sarchu. But not before you traverse the Lachulungla Pass, from where you can see the entire Ladakh plateau. The rugged terrain then really begins, as you drive forward to Pang (where the highest army transit camp exists) and Tanglang La Pass (which, at 17585 feet above sea level, is claimed to be the second highest motorable road in India). By the evening, you will get to Leh.

What’s Leh Best Known For

  • Food: Momos, thukpa, tingmo, qahwa are all available here. No fancy restaurants, of course.
  • Camping: Plenty of camping places. Pangong Lake and Nubra Valley are favoured spots.
  • Trek: Not easy to do, but the Chadar Trek is beautiful, taking you over many frozen rivers.
  • Shopping: The Tibetan markets are great places to buy Tibetan items, foods and Pashmina.
  • Wildlife: Many in the area will be looking to catch a glimpse of the elusive snow leopard.
  • Museum: The Hall of Fame museum was constructed by the Indian Army to honour soldiers who died in the Indo-Pak wars.

Best Road Trips from Leh

Leh → pangong lake.

One of the highest altitude lakes in India, it looks spectacular and changes colour according to the sunlight quite a few times a day. Of course, a great camping spot, too.

Leh  →  Nubra Valley

  • Distance: 160 kilometres

Nubra Valley

Nubra Valley

Ahead of Khardung La Pass lies the Nubra Valley, where there are hardly any plants here except near the beautiful river beds. Go a bit further and you will be in Diskit, where many Buddhist monuments exist in traditional Tibetan architecture.

Leh  →  Magnetic Hill & Khardung La

  • Distance: 26 & 39 kilometres, respectively

Magnetic Hill & Khardung La

Magnetic Hill & Khardung La (source)

Magnetic Hill is a mysterious hill. Park your car at any spot and mark where it is. Check some time later and you’ll notice that your car has moved. A must-visit spot on your Delhi to Leh road trip. Once done, head to Khardung La, the highest motorable pass in the world at over 18,000 feet.

Leh  →  Thiksey Monastery

  • Distance: 19 kilometres, respectively

Thiksey Monastery

Thiksey Monastery

Great for pilgrims, those interested in architecture or if you are sightseeing, the Thiksey Monastery or Thiksay monastery is a beautiful gompa (monastery) of Tibetan Buddhism religion, residing at the top of a hill.

Leh to Delhi Road Trip Route (via Srinagar)

Leh → lamayuru → kargil.

  • Distance: 231 kilometres

 Lamayuru Monastery

Lamayuru Monastery

Your trip back, this time via Srinagar, will first take you to Lamayuru, where breathtaking vistas await. Do stop by at the world famous Lamayuru Monastery, occupied by over 150 monks. If you wish, do spend a night at Lamayuru before heading out for another long driving day. You will be passing through Foto La, Namika La and Mulbek to get to Kargil. Namika La is a mesmerising pass you will never forget.

Kargil → Sonmarg → Srinagar

  • Distance: 210 kilometres

Zoji La, on the way to Sonmarg

Zoji La, on the way to Sonmarg

Your drive to Sonmarg will take you through Zoji La and Drass Valley, both excellent destinations. At Drass Valley, you could spend a few weeks even exploring nearby territories on treks. Zoji La’s road can be dangerous (be sure you’re alert at this point), but, once you get to Sonmarg, you’ll be greeted by lush green vistas. The onward drive to Srinagar is pretty and relatively short. If you’ve never been to Srinagar before, there’s plenty of things of interest. You should spend the night in Srinagar, as you will have a long drive ahead of you back home to Delhi.

Srinagar → Amritsar → Delhi

  • Distance: 838 kilometres

The Golden Temple in Amritsar

The Golden Temple in Amritsar

Your journey from Srinagar to Delhi should take you around 16 hours, with only a few stops. The journey is fun and the roads are good, compared to what you’ve just been through. There are plenty of good spots to stop and even spend the night along the way. The best one, of course, would be Amritsar, with its rich history and proximity to Wagah Border. Do not forget to try out Kesar Da Dhaba while there.

And don’t forget to be safe! All the best on this adventure of a lifetime!

Trip Essentials for a Delhi to Leh Road Trip

  • Medication to control symptoms of altitude sickness. Do check with your doctor if you need any further medication.
  • UV Sunglasses
  • Battery Pack
  • Documents and IDs
  • Inner Line Permit for your travel from Leh to Kargil

Vehicle Preparations

  • Get a servicing done before the trip and discuss your travel with your mechanic
  • Check the wear and tear on your tires
  • Don’t overwork your car at any point.
  • Carry all the basic tools.
  • Train yourself to do basic repairs.
  • Ensure that your battery is charged.

So that’s it from us on your Delhi to Leh road trip. We’ve taken you up to Leh via Manali and brought you back down via Srinagar. We hope you got all the information you were looking for. But if you have anything to add, don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments section.

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A Useful Guide for Leh Ladakh Road Trip

In northern India’s Trans-Himalayan Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh is a popular tourist destination. Today, tourists worldwide visit this hilly location to admire its beauty.

Ladakh road trip is known for its magnificent scenery and historic Buddhist monasteries. It is called “Little Tibet” since it borders Tibet, and many of its population practise Tibetan Buddhism.

Ladakh has lots to see and do, but tourists should be aware of and take precautions against the severe environment, high altitude, and lack of oxygen.

An Overview of Leh and Ladakh

Leh, Jammu & Kashmir is India’s northernmost point. Most of this desert is 3,500m over sea level. Snow-capped mountains, pristine lakes, and rocky terrain characterise the region.

Leh Ladakh residents have retained their customs for millennia. Visitors can visit Buddhist monasteries and temples and attend cultural events year-round.

Trip Preparation

Plan your schedule before starting your leh ladakh road trip . Take into account these factors:

Optimal Tourist Season

April to July are perfect months to visit Leh Ladakh because of good weather and road conditions. The paths are impassable in winter due to excessive snowfall.

Most Delhi residents take the Manali-Leh Ladakh highway. The 1,000-kilometer journey from Delhi to Leh Ladakh via Manali takes two to three days. The trip from Srinagar to Leh Ladakh covers 434 kilometres and usually takes between 12 and 14 hours.

Permits for ladakh road trip may be required for visitors to enter specified places. The office of the Deputy Commissioner is where you can get these permits in Leh. Permits are typically valid for a certain time and geographic area.

Transportation

From Delhi, you can take a taxi to Leh Ladakh or drive yourself. Another option is to take a bus from Delhi to Manali or Srinagar and then transfer to another bus or taxi to reach Leh Ladakh.

Accommodation

Leh Ladakh is home to many hotels, guesthouses, and homestays, perfect for travellers of all budgets. Hotel arrangements must be made early during peak seasons.

Things to do in Leh, Ladakh

Leh Ladakh is nirvana for outdoor enthusiasts. Some ways to spend your time here:

To See Some Monasteries

Ladakh has various monasteries, including Hemis, Thiksey, and Diskit. These monasteries teach tourists about the region’s history and culture.

Lakes Exploration

Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri, and Tso Kar lakes in Leh Ladakh are clear and beautiful. Visit these lakes for nature and beauty.

Markha Valley, Chadar, and Stok Kangri Treks are Ladakh’s best treks. Walk these pathways to appreciate the region’s stunning scenery from a new angle.

River Rafting

The Zanskar River in Leh Ladakh offers India’s best white water rafting. River rapids delight travellers as they descend a narrow gorge.

The one-of-a-kind souvenirs and crafts sold in Leh Ladakh are well-known as well. In the shops and markets of Leh, tourists can purchase authentic Tibetan and Ladakhi goods, including prayer wheels, thangkas, and pashmina shawls.

Problems That May Arise While Travelling

Leh ladakh road trip is not for the faint of heart. High altitude passes, and poor roads are only two examples of the difficult terrain that must be traversed on this expedition. Here are some obstacles you might encounter on the road:

High Altitude Sickness

Due to the high altitude, visitors to Ladakh (also known as Leh) may suffer from extreme mountain sickness. Your body will have an easier time adjusting to the higher altitude if you take it easy and drink plenty of water.

Rough Roads

The roads in and around Leh Ladakh are relatively good. This implies travellers should expect a difficult ride.

Few Conveniences

Few people live there, so petrol stations, ATMs, and hospitals may be rare.

Preparing for the Road Trip

A safe and comfortable ladakh road trip requires vehicle preparation and packing of the right supplies. Consider the following.

Travelling from Delhi to Leh Ladakh is difficult and requires a robust car. The most suitable vehicles for this trip are SUVs and 4×4. Service your automobile before the trip to ensure it’s in good condition.

Spare Parts

A leh ladakh road trip requires you to bring tools and extra parts, just in case. Spare tyres, gas, engine oil, coolant, brake oil, and fuses are all items that should be kept on hand.

Navigation Tools

Travellers on a ladakh road trip should be prepared with navigational aids like maps and GPS gadgets. Better road markings are needed in the area, but these tools will get you around well.

Clothing and Gear

It’s possible to experience any weather in Leh Ladakh. Therefore, it is crucial to pack the proper attire and equipment. Cold weather attire, solid footwear, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a cap are all recommended.

Foods and Water

Due to the area’s low population density, you may want assistance locating suitable eating establishments. Having enough food and water for the trip is a must.

As the little firm Discover India By Car, we aim to make your leh ladakh road trip you’ll always remember. Our headquarters can be found in New Delhi. It was started by Ankit Phalswal (known to friends as Sugar), a competent and seasoned driver with lots of experience in tour operations in North India. He is always willing to lend a hand, and if he can’t be there in person, he’ll get back to you as soon as possible with the name and contact information of one of the many excellent drivers he employs.

Q1. How to plan Ladakh trip by road?

A. You can get to Ladakh in two different ways. Two such routes exist: the Manali-Leh Highway and the Srinagar-Leh Highway. There are no other road access points to Ladakh. The Leh-Srinagar and the Leh-Manali roads open in April, whereas the latter open in late June or early July.

Q2. What is the best time to travel Ladakh?

A. Temperatures in Ladakh range from about 15 to 30 degrees Celsius in the summer, making that time of year the best time to visit.

Q3. Is it possible to travel Ladakh by car?

A. Regarding popular road excursions in India, the Leh-Ladakh route takes a lot of work to beat.

Q4. How many days to go Ladakh in car?

A. Depending on how many sights you hope to see, vacation duration options range from seven to fifteen days.

Q5. Do we need oxygen cylinder for Ladakh trip?

A. Renting an oxygen cylinder in Leh is a good idea if you want to be safe during your vacation to Leh-Ladakh.

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leh ladakh trip from delhi by car

Car Hire for Leh Ladakh from Delhi

leh ladakh trip from delhi by car

There is no better way to travel to Ladakh than taking a road trip. It is one of the most amazing travel experience that one can have anywhere in the world and must not be missed by those who are real travelers and do not mind forsaking comfort for thrill and vistas which they will not see anywhere else.

The road travel from Manali to Leh is undoubtedly a wonderful experience but it also needs experience and expertise of driver who can negotiate the sharp turns on high mountain roads passing through few of the highest mountain passes in the word.

We have the right vehicles for travellers who want to experience road trip by comfortable Toyota Innova or latest Toyota Crysta. If you wish more comfortable and sturdy 4 x 4 SUVS, then we can offer you Toyota Fortuners, Land Rover Sports Discovery, Range Rover Evoque and premium Jaguar F Pace from our garage in Delhi. Our drivers are well experienced and expert to provide you safety and comfort for this lifetime travel experience.

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TOYOTA INNOVA CRYSTA

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RANGE ROVER EVOQUE

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JAGUAR F PACE

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LAND ROVER DISCOVERY SPORTS

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leh ladakh trip from delhi by car

From Delhi Tour Packages

Leh Ladakh Tour Packages from Delhi

Immersed within the Himalayas and captivating Buddhist ex-kingdom, Leh Ladakh tour packages from Delhi bring every traveller the journey of a lifetime. Whether it is a bike adventure, a family vacation, or backpacker, Delhi to Leh Ladakh tour packages allow everyone to witness never-seen landscapes and lets you breathe the fresh air away from the bustle of routine life.

Choose Leh Ladakh packages from Delhi with us and get the well-crafted Ladakh tours equipped with smooth transfers, scrumptious meals, comfy stays, and great adventures. Visit the Tibetan-style palaces, explore Buddhist monasteries, and explore the high altitude passes all with a Ladakh tour package from Delhi. To make your Ladakh trip memorable, we offer a customization facility to help you design the itinerary as per your convenience and requirements.

Q. How to plan a Ladakh tour from Delhi with Family?

Delhi acts as a major stop point and starting point for people who plan to visit Ladakh. If you are one of those people who are planning on taking a Ladakh tour from Delhi with family then you have all three options to commute. The best and comfortable option amongst all is the airways.

By Road : If you want adventure and to enjoy the entire journey while taking a Ladakh tour from Delhi with family then the best way to travel here is by road. You have two routes one which is through Srinagar and the other one being from Manali.

By Rail: If railways is what makes you comfortable then you can take a direct train from Delhi to Jammu Tawi. There are a few trains that commute here all around the week. Once you reach Jammu Tawi you can take a sharing cab or taxi to Leh.

By Air : One of the most convenient and probably the best way to take a Ladakh tour from Delhi with your Family is by air. There are regular direct flights from Delhi to Leh. You can reach here in hours but you will then have to stay here for a day or two to acclimatize according to the altitude.

Q. How to plan a Delhi to Ladakh bike trip?

To plan your Delhi to Ladakh bike trip, there are multiple things that have to be kept in mind. From choosing the right bike to getting it serviced; from wearing the right gears and clothes to packing your bag accordingly. You will have to mark your route, pinpoint the stop points and look for accommodation at every stop point. All of this will be very crucial because this will help in making your overall trip better and comfortable.

Or, you can simply connect with the experts of Leh Ladakh India and let them do all the hassle work for you. All you need to do in that case is enjoy your seamless bike trip to Ladakh without worrying about anything. To know more! Just have a look at the complete guide of Ladakh bike trip from Delhi or drop in your queries on the website.

Q. How to plan a Delhi to Leh Ladakh trip for a couple?

Over time Leh Ladakh has picked up a lot of traction and people are actively planning their trip to this majestic destination. Needless to say, its beauty lures a lot of wanderlust couples too and this includes newly married couples as well.

This is the reason why year after year, the number of people traveling to Leh Ladakh for their honeymoon keeps increasing. It is one of those places where awe-inspiring landscapes and other natural beauties engulf the honeymooners while giving them a time to remember.

If you want to plan a Delhi to Leh Ladakh trip you can consult our tour operators as they have been helping a lot of couples in successfully enjoying their trip to this wonderful destination.

Q. How much does the Ladakh trip cost per person from Delhi?

38,000 INR approximately is considered to be the starting cost per person from Delhi for your Leh Ladakh trip. Though the overall cost of your Ladakh trip is subjective to a lot of things.

It depends on the mode of commuting, the duration of your trip, the accommodation you choose to stay in, and a few more major things. To know more about this, you can leave your contact details on our website and enjoy the hassle-free services.

Our Best Delhi to Leh Ladakh Tour Packages

leh ladakh trip from delhi by car

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Delhi - Leh - Alchi - Leh - Nubra Valley - Leh - Pangong - Leh - Sarchu - Jispa - Manali - Shimla - Chandigarh

5 Day Trip to Leh Ladakh

5 Day Trip to Leh Ladakh

Leh - Stok - Magnetic Hills - Pangong Lake - Delhi

Incredible Ladakh

Incredible Ladakh

Leh - Spituk - Pangong Lake - Khardung La - Leh

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How to Travel from Delhi to Leh

delhi-to-leh

Since Leh is the main attraction and the most common way to travel to Leh Ladakh is from Delhi.

Since New Delhi is the Capital of India and it has all the means of transportation and anyone from anywhere can come to New Delhi and can get bus or taxi to reach Manali.

You can even find Taxi and Bikes on Rent if you want to travel to Leh from Delhi. You can also take flight to Leh directly from New Delhi.

New Delhi has all means of communication and transportation for Leh, So in this article, I have listed down all the things you need to know about traveling from Delhi to Leh.

How can I reach Leh from Delhi?

Delhi to leh bike trip & budget.

Several people have a dream to ride a bike to Leh and most of the time they remain a dream. But if you are one of them who wants to make this dream come to reality, then this guide is just made for you.

There are two ways to take a bike to Leh from Delhi.

  • From Srinagar
  • From Manali

IMG20190909104635

I have already covered how to go to Ladakh from Manali – You can Check our Blog or read this post – Best time to Visit Leh Ladakh via Rohtang Manali .

If you want to go through Srinagar, then I have already discussed this in this post below.

Now, coming to the bikes, there are two way to take your bike to Leh. 1. Taking your Own bike 2. Renting a Bike

If you have your own bike then its really easy for you to take the bike. Since all our subscribers and readers know that if you have a bike rented then you cannot take it beyond Leh.

So, I will divide this into 2 sections for you to easily know the important details:- 1. Taking Own Bike from Delhi to Leh 2. Renting a Bike from Delhi to Leh

Taking Own Bike from Delhi to Leh

The easiest way to take a bike to Leh is your own bike. Since the biggest advantage of taking your own bike is that you can take it to Leh and beyond Leh.

All you need is to have proper documentation of your bike with current date validity and you should have your proper driving license and government authorized identification like Voter ID, Aadhaar Card or something similar.

Once you fulfill the required documents for yourself and the bike, you can start the ride. You should also carry essential things for Leh Ladakh.

Read: List of things To Carry To Ladakh Trip

After you reach Manali, you should take a proper permit for “ beyond Rohtang “ so that you can legally visit the Leh and the places around it.

If you are a person who wants to travel to Leh but with a budget then I have created a complete guide to Leh Ladakh on a Budget .

Budget for a Bike Trip for Delhi to Leh Ladakh on own Bike

Renting a bike from delhi to leh.

So, if you don’t have a bike that you can bring for your Leh ladakh trip or you don’t want to ride it way long from your hometown to Leh. Then the best option is to rent a bike.

Read: Complete Guide on How to Rent a Bike for Leh Ladakh from Delhi or Manali.

IMG20190907143600 min 1

If you are taking a bike on rent from delhi or Manali, then you should know that you cannot take that bike beyond Leh city. You need to rent a bike from Leh city with a Jammu registration.

So the cost of the bike would increase since when you will be in Leh, you will have 2 bikes rented at the same time.

Try finding a dealer that has their connection in Leh that can give you a bike in Leh and give you a discount on the bike that you rode from Manali or Delhi.

Bikes are available to rent from Delhi and Manali. I would personally recommend you to rent the bike from Manali.

There are several shops to rent a bike in Manali, and you have higher chances to choose the newest bike for your Leh Ladakh Expedition.

We have brought the best Leh Ladakh Trips on Bike available by the best tour companies at the cheapest price. Click on the button to check all the details.

You should be very careful while renting a bike as this is when you will make a decision and use the bike for the rest of your trip.

Budget for a Bike Trip for Delhi to Leh Ladakh on Rented Bike

Delhi to leh road trip.

Delhi to Leh Road trip is the second most used way to travel to Leh Ladakh. People use their SUV or vehicles like Innova to visit and tour the places around Leh and related places.

If you are thinking of doing a road trip from Delhi, then the first thing you should know is the itinerary. There are several ways to travel to Leh via road, like hiring a taxi, taking your own car or getting into a shared taxi.

Best time to visit Ladakh on bus

The commons itinerary for Delhi to Leh is as follows:-

10 Days Itinerary of Delhi to Leh Road Trip:

  • Day 1 –  Delhi  to Manali.
  • Day 2 – Manali to Jispa.
  • Day 3 – Jispa to  Leh .
  • Day 4 –  Leh .
  • Day 5 –  Leh  to Nubra Valley –
  • Day 6 – Nubra Valley to  Leh .
  • Day 7 –  Leh  to Pangong Tso.
  • Day 8 – Pangong Tso to Pang / Sarchu.
  • Day 9 — Pang / Sarchu to Manali
  • Day 10 — Manali to Delhi

The number of days depends on the itinerary and the places you are going to visit and how long will you stay in a place. There are several itineraries being provided by several companies with several variations.

Here you can find complete details on renting a car or hiring a taxi for your Delhi to Leh trip .

Delhi to Leh by Air

Lots of people don’t like to travel via road or they don’t have much time. Since most of the places that are being visited by the tourist are from Leh and beyond Leh.

Leh has an airport and you can get a flight from New Delhi to Leh Airport – Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport .

If you want to book cheap tickets, then you can use the agoda website to book cheapest flight tickets. Click the button below to book tickets from New Delhi to Leh Airport.

airplane wing towards clouds

This website provides the cheapest flight tickets, even cheaper than MakeMyTrip, goibibo or any other flight booking website.

Agoda is a flight and booking website that is owned by Booking .com

Wait….

There’s a downside of using a flight.

Yes, if you take a flight to Leh, you need to acclimatize your body to that altitude and pressure. So you may feel doziness and vomiting after arriving in Leh.

So you need to book a good hotel in Leh and rest for 2 days. You should also take essential medicines like Diamox and other essential things for Leh.

Here I have created a guide on How To Acclimatize and Deal with Mountain Sickness in Leh Ladakh .

After your body has acclimatize, you can explore leh and beyond leh in a hired taxi or a shared taxi.

Delhi to Leh by Bus

Government buses also runs till Leh from Manali. If you want to experience the bus journey than you can take the Himachal tourism buses that run from Manali to Leh.

Bus journey will be a rough one as the time taken to travel will be significantly higher and this journey may not be favourable for everyone.

Ladakh, the land of high passes is known for bike rides. If you don’t know to ride a bike or you fear riding a bike at those altitudes then the next best thing to travel in a car.

woman sitting on bus steps

Delhi to Leh via Srinagar

Srinagar is a very beautiful place, and if you want to visit srinagar and then go to leh than the srinagar leh highway is the route you should take.

While traveling from Srinagar to Leh the journey is longer than the Manali to Leh and takes 1 day more to visit Leh.

The journey from Srinagar is totally different from Manali to Leh. The only reason many people don’t travel through Srinagar is because of security issue.

Unfortunately, Jammu is attacked several times a year via terrorist and our Indian Army is constantly defending the area and saving the lives of our Indian brothers and sisters in Jammu.

Due to those sudden attacks, many times the roads are closed without prior notice or somtimes for days and weeks. So people avoid the srinagar road.

Even I have a dream to visit Srinagar…

So, if you find the situation is Jammu is under control, then you can definitely go via Srinagar, and don’t worry if you face any problem, our Indian Army is always there for you.

So I hope by now you have the answer to – Can I use low powered Bike for Leh Ladakh

If you are not aware of how to book your expedition for Ladakh, Click here to book Manali to Leh & Nubra Trip

If you have any queries, then you can comment down below, or contact us on  Instagram ,  Facebook,  and  YouTube .

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  • Ladakh Car Trip

Ladakh Car Trip Package Rated 4.2 /5 (based on 10653 reviews) Ladakh Car Trip Package

Ladakh Car Trip Package 10 Days & 9 Nights

Feel at one with your innerself

Feel at one with your innerself

Take in the serenity at the Shanti Stupa

Enjoy the beauty of Thiksey Monastery

The views at Hundar Village in Nubra Valley are amazing

Pangong Tso is almost every traveler's dream

Hotel included in package:

  • Manali (2D)
  • Nubra Valley (1D)
  • Pangong (1D)

Starting from:

₹19,999/- ₹21,738/-

Per Person on twin sharing

Price For The Month

TravelTriangle has served 4804 + travelers for Ladakh

If you are looking for a great adventure, then you should go for a Leh Ladakh car trip. To make a great experience you should book a Leh Ladakh car trip from TravelTriangle which arranges every year many tours. Leh-Ladakh is the best place to see and where you can see beautiful destination places include in this package trip like Manali, Jispa, Leh as well as Ladakh. On arrival at Delhi Airport, you should proceed to Manali. In Manali, you should visit the famous places like Hadimba Devi Temple, Club House, Van Vihar, and Tibetan Monastery as well as the Vashisht Bath Hot Spring Water. Here in the surrounding, you can do shopping in many malls and shops.

After that, the next spot will be Jispa which is enroute on Rohtang-la pass, a mountain pass which is about 13,398 ft. After passing and seeing an extremely beautiful view you will arrive at the hotel for relaxing and overnight stay. After that, you also drive towards La-Chung la Pass which is 5065 Mtrs jagged land in the heart of mountains. The next day, you will visit many places in Alchi for sightseeing which is 66 km away from Leh. You will see the Holy Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, which is about 25 mins from Leh famous in memory of Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji the great prophet who sanctified the place by his sacred visit during the year 1517. Also, see the Magnetic Hill which is known for defying the Law of gravity and this place is close to Gurudwara Pathar Sahib.

Also, see The Namgyal Tsemo also known as Victory Peak built by King Tashi Namgyal. By visiting such beautiful places you will enjoy this car trip. So hurry up and book this exciting Leh Ladakh car trip from TravelTriangle. of Zanskar and Indus river, Alchi Monastery, Ladakh Hall of Fame, Nubra Valley, Khardungla Pass, White Sand Dunes, Hunder and Diskit Monasteries, Pangong Lake, Sankar Gompa, Shanti Stupa, Changspa Village, Victory Peak, Leh Palace

  • Enjoy camping at night on the banks of Pangong Lake
  • Visit the Ladakh of Fame
  • Explore Nubra and Hunder Village
  • Enjoy Bactrian Camel Ride at Hunder
  • Visit Alchi and Diskit Monastery

Delhi to Manali

  • Bus journey from Delhi

Other Benefits (On Arrival)

Let’s begin a splendid journey!

On arrival in Delhi get ready to proceed towards Manali which is about 11 hours overnight Volvo journey. You will be traveling through the concrete jungles of Delhi, the farmland in Haryana to the splendid hills. Spend the night on the bus to reach Manali the next morning.

Manali: Arrival and Sightseeing

  • Sightseeing Tours

Enjoy sightseeing in Manali through nature’s lens.

Arrive at the hotel in Manali this morning. Check-in and unwind after a day’s journey. In the afternoon, drive towards Hadimba temple, the Hindu temple built in the year 1553 with a fantastically crafted pagoda roof, which is four tired, it is also famous for its elegantly imprinted doorway. After a holy darshan, visit the Club House. The place has wide-ranging amenities that include a bar & restaurant, billiards room, an auditorium as well as a roller skating rink, which makes for a wonderful outing for the day for you. Visit Tibetan Monastery, Van Vihar, a national park which has adorable greenish deodar trees surrounded to it and also visits Vashist, well known for its hot springs. In the evening, you can enjoy at Mall Road and indulge in shopping. Later, come back to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Jispa: Arrival and Leisure Day

  • Leisure Time

Proceed towards Jispa

Check-out from the hotel after a lush breakfast meal. Proceed towards Jispa by road passing through Rohtang-La Pass. You can also enjoy the surrounding scenery which makes a different experience. Upon arrival at Jispa, you should check-in at the hotel fresh up in the hotel room. The remaining part of the day is at leisure. Enjoy dinner and stay overnight at the hotel.

Leh: Arrival and Sightseeing en Route

Reaching Leh is one tick off your bucket list!

Leave early in the morning from the hotel and drive through La-Chungla Pass and Tanglangla Pass to reach Leh. Check-in at the hotel upon arrival and relax. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.

Leh: Sightseeing

  • Alchi Monastery

Enjoy sightseeing in and around Leh

Get up in the morning, take breakfast, and after that drive to Alchi. Visit Magnetic Hill, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, Confluence of Zanskar and Indus river. After that, visit Alchi Monastery and drive back to Leh. Before reaching Leh visit Ladakh Hall of fame, a museum constructed by Indian Army in memory of Kargil War and also see gallantry awards. Get to the hotel in Leh for dinner and an overnight stay.

Ladakh: Nubra Valley Tour and Camp

  • Diskit Village

Through the world’s highest motorable road!

Early morning, we will proceed to Nubra Valley via the World’s Highest Motorable road around 5602 Mtrs known as Khardungla pass which is 39 km away from Leh. On arrival in Nubra, you could explore Deskit Village, Diskit Gompa, White Sand Dunes at Hunder where you can enjoy the camel ride. You can also pay a visit to Hunder and Diskit monasteries. Get to the deluxe camps in Nubra Valley after the sightseeing. Enjoy a dinner meal and an overnight stay here.

Ladakh: Pangong Lake Tour

  • Pangong Lake

Amidst nature’s wonders!

In the morning after breakfast, proceed for Pangong Lake, located in the Indus Valley which has pleasant natural surroundings. It is the most blue and greenish water which reflects as it is similar to the sky. After reaching the camp relax there. Dinner and stay overnight at camp.

Leh: Return

  • Thiksey Monastery

Let’s enjoy some individual time in the calm!

After breakfast drive to return back to Leh. On the way visit Thiksey Monastery which is 19 km away from Leh. Get to the hotel in Leh and relax. Have dinner and spend the night in your cozy hotel room.

  • Shanti Stupa

Head to visit and explore Leh!

Have breakfast at the hotel. After your meal, go see Sankar Gompa and Village, Shanti Stupa, Victory Peak, and Leh palace. After all the sightseeing, return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Memories shall remain forever.

Leave on time for Leh airport from hotel get to board for your flight back Home and where finally this 10 days journey ends, having the most unforgettable memories with you and also promise to visit again.

Note: Our agents will provide you these or similar hotels depending on availability

Pangong delight camp

Pangong delight camp

Spangmik, Pangong, Jammu & Kashmir, 194101 Spangmik, India

Trip Advisor

Days 4, 5, 8, 9

Hotel ladakh palace

Hotel ladakh palace

Near Shanti Stupa Yurtung, Leh 194101, India

Hotel snow villa

Hotel snow villa

Gardheni, Manali, Manali Tehsil 175131, India

Nubra valley

De nubra camp

De nubra camp

Hunder Road Hunder, Nubra, 194101 Leh, India

Yak hotel - jispa

Yak hotel - jispa

National Highway 3, Jispa 175131, India

  • Accommodation in 3-star hotels
  • Daily Breakfast/Dinner in a hotel
  • Sightseeing Tour by Cab
  • English speaking driver
  • Arrival/Departure transfers by car
  • Assistance Driver
  • Government Taxes and Service Charges, Toll Tax and Parking
  • Entry fee charges
  • Any Kind of Personal Expenses or Optional Tours / Extra Meals Ordered, Rafting & Camel Safari Charges
  • Anything not specifically mentioned under the head prices included as tips, insurance, laundry, phone Calls, Any Kind of Drinks (Alcoholic, Mineral, Aerated)
  • Cost incidental to any change in the itinerary/ stay on account of flight cancellation due to bad weather, ill health, roadblocks and/or any factors beyond control

Your Preferences

Where do you want to go?

FAQs for Ladakh

What would be a great time to visit leh and ladakh.

The months from April to Mid-June are apt to visit Leh and Ladakh.

How long does it take to reach Manali from Delhi?

Manali is almost 532 km from Delhi. It takes around 10-14 hours to reach by road.

Is it safe to drive the car while exploring all the places included in the package?

A well-trained driver shall be allocated to you for your sightseeing and transfer needs. So, the journey shall be safe and hassle-free.

Are toll and other taxes cost includes in the package?

No. It is not included in the package you have to pay by yourself as per itinerary.

What all can be shopped for in Manali?

Items like woolen shawls, traditional Himachali caps, Tibetan art and handicrafts, carpets can be purchased in Manali.

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Leh Ladakh Road Trip By Car (11 Nights / 12 Days)

  • The land where snow never melts

Leh Ladakh Road Trip By Car

Leh Ladakh is the largely visited tourist destinations in India. Set at a height of more than 3,000 meters above the sea level, this is an alluring destination. And opting for a road trip to explore these regions is every traveller's dream come true.

Here is your chance to get close to the ethereal beauty of Kashmir. This region is rightfully popular for being synonymous with heaven. On this 11 nights / 12 days Leh Ladakh road trip by car, you will get an opportunity to witness scenic valleys, high passes, rugged terrains, snow clad mountains and many such captivating elements of nature.

Our comprehensive itinerary covers all sightseeing expeditions in Manali, Sarchu, Nubra Valley, Kargil and Srinagar. The monasteries, resplendent villages, vibrant markets and ancient trade routes in these regions are set in unparalleled sceneries. They are certain to leave you enthralled. Moreover, the picturesque beauty of the Himalayan mountain ranges and the Karakoram mountain ranges add to the beguiling beauty of this region.

At WaytoIndia, you can also have this package customized as a private tour. Get in touch with our travel experts to plan and book this Leh Ladakh road trip by car now!

Itinerary Details

On the first day of your Leh Ladakh road trip by car, upon arrival at Chandigarh airport you will be directly transferred to your pre booked hotel.

This morning after breakfast check out of the hotel.

Our representative will pick you up and will take you to Manali.

Manali is a hill station situated at an altitude of 2,050 m in Beas river valley. The landscape of Manali is breathtaking. One sees well-defined snowcapped peaks, the Beas river meanders through the town. On the other side are deodar and pine trees, tiny fields and fruit orchards.

Reach there and relax for the rest of the day.

On the third day of your Leh Ladakh road trip by car, after breakfast proceed for the sightseeing in Manali.

Visit the Hadimba Temple , dedicated to goddess Hadimba, wife of Bhim one of the five brothers of Mahabharata.Thereafter, drive onwards to Vashisht Kund a renowned place for its Hot water springs, the Mall road and the Van vihar.

Today, as a part of your Leh Ladakh road trip by car, after breakfast check out of the hotel and proceed towards Sarchu , through Rohtang La (13,050 ft) .

Enroute visit Tandi and Jispa . Stopover for Lunch Break at Darcha Dangma.

After Lunch drive to Sarchu through Baralacha La (16,020 ft ).

Arrive at Sarchu also known as Sir Bhum Chun .

Sarchu is a major camp site for people traveling to Leh.

After breakfast we will leave for Leh, through Nakee la and Chang la 16,617 ft (la means mountain passes)

Lunch shall be at Pang.

After Lunch continue your drive to Leh passing through Skyangchu Thang (Biggest and Highest Plateau on Earth on Stretch of 42 Kms), Tanglang La 17,585ft and Indus Valley.

Tanglang pass has been claimed as world’s second highest motorable mountain.

Arrive at Leh by evening. Overnight at your pre booked hotel.

Today on the 6th day of your Leh Ladakh road trip by car, leave for Pangong Lake 14,500 ft , through Changla Pass 17,350 ft. (third Highest Motorable road in the world.)

Pangong is derivative of the Tibetan word Bangong CO meaning long, narrow and , enchanted Lake. This Lake’s one third parts lays In India and rest is in Tibet which is under the control of China.

After Breakfast drive back to Leh, enroute visit Hemis Monastery (Famous for Hemis Festival or Hemis Tsechu), Thiksey Monastery , a 12 storey complex and houses many items of Buddhist art such as stupas statues, wall painting and swords.

Later, continue your sightseeing to Shey Palace located in Shey which is 15 Km south of Leh.It was considered as a summer capital of Ladakh in the past.

After Breakfast drive to Nubra Valley , a tri-armed valley located to the north east of Ladakh valley via Khardung La (Highest Motorable road in the World, 18,380 ft).

Arrive at Deskit the capital of Nubra by Afternoon. Rest of the day one is free to explore Deskit, Hunder Villages and camel Safari in Sand Dunes between Diskit and Hunder Village.

After Breakfast visit Diskit Monastery and drive back to Leh by same Route, crossing Khardungla.

After Breakfast leave for Kargil, enroute visit Moon landscape, Lamayuru (The Oldest Monastery in Ladakh) and Giant Maitreya at Mulbekh .

Today, on the second last day of your Leh Ladakh road trip by car, drive to Srinagar

During this picturesque journey, you would be passing through Drass often known as “The Gateway to Ladakh” , the second coldest inhabited Place on earth.

On the way, you would have spectacular views of Kargil War famous Peaks Tiger Hill and other Peaks.

Transfer to airport and fly back to Delhi with Sweet Memories.

  • Contact our Destination Specialist
  • Discuss Your Requirements with Us
  • Refine and Fine Tune your Tailor-Made Itinerary

leh ladakh trip from delhi by car

Price Guide detail

  • 2 Persons – 1 Double Room
  • 3 Persons – 1 Double Room with extra bed
  • 4 Persons – 2 Double Room
  • 5 Persons – 2 Double Room with extra bed
  • 6 Persons – 3 Double Room
  • 7 Persons – 3 Double Room with extra bed
  • 8 Persons – 4 Double Room
  • 9 Persons – 4 Double Room with extra bed
  • 10 Persons – 5 Double Room
  • 11 Persons – 5 Double Room with extra bed
  • 12 Persons – 6 Double Room
  • Transportation as per itinerary only (not available at disposal).
  • For upto 3 persons, AC Indica Car or similar vehicle shall be provided. In case you wish to upgrade to Innova car it can be done by paying extra cost.
  • For 4-6 persons AC Innova car or similar vehicle shall be provided.
  • For 4 persons in case they wish to take AC indica, extra charge per person shall be less in the per person price.
  • For 7-12 persons AC Tempo Traveller or similar vehicle shall be provided.

Package Inclusion

• Welcome drinks on arrival. • Accommodation on double occupancy rooms. • MAPAI: Breakfast and one major meal (Lunch/ Dinner) at all the hotels. • All airport/intercity transfers by Non Ac Scorpio similar • Sightseeing by Non Ac Scorpio similar • Sightseeing as per itinerary. • Innerline permits to Pangong and Nubra • Permit to visit restricted area & environmenta

Package Exclusion

• Airfare/tax • Any kind of personal expenses or optional tours • Entrance fees to Monastery • Tips, insurance, laundry, phone calls • Any kind of drinks (alcoholic, mineral, aerated) • The use of vehicle on leisure days or going out for shopping • Anything not specifically mentioned under the head “Inclusions”

Travel Tips For Leh Ladakh Road Trip By Car

  • The best time to opt for this Leh Ladakh road trip by car is from March to June. Summers are quite comfortable here as compared to the harsh winters. 
  • Area permit is required on this Leh Ladakh road trip by car for traveling within restricted areas such as Dhahanu, Tso Kar, Tso Moriri, Pangong Tso Lake and Nubra Valley. Carry the permit to show at check points and these can be obtained through registered travel organisations. 
  • Acute mountain sickness or altitude sickness is common. If you experience fatigue, dizziness, headache, loss of appetite, nausea, rapid heart rate, etc., immediately pop in pills.
  • Carry medicines such as Diamox, Asprin, Dexamethasone and Disprin. These regulate breathing and come handy for headaches and body aches.
  • Avoid smoking or consuming alcohol on your Leh Ladakh road trip by car . It could result in breathing problems. Also, drink plenty of water and keep yourself hydrated.
  • Get a post-paid BSNL mobile connection. Other networks do not catch range in this region.
  • It is advisable to keep your cash in hand. ATM services are limited in areas such as Nubra and Pangong.
  • A high definition camera is a must for you will be traveling to extremely photogenic locations on this Leh Ladakh road trip by car . You do not want to miss out on capturing memories and cherish them for a lifetime.

leh ladakh trip from delhi by car

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Leh Ladakh Tour

8 Days Leh Ladakh Tour Package

8 Days Leh Ladakh Tour Package

Amazing Leh Ladakh Tour

Amazing Leh Ladakh Tour

IMAGES

  1. 23+ Leh Ladakh Road Trip By Car Cost From Delhi

    leh ladakh trip from delhi by car

  2. Road Trip from Delhi to Leh Ladakh

    leh ladakh trip from delhi by car

  3. Road Trip to Leh Ladakh from Delhi

    leh ladakh trip from delhi by car

  4. Ladakh Road Trip Map

    leh ladakh trip from delhi by car

  5. How to Reach Leh from Delhi, How to Reach Ladakh from Delhi

    leh ladakh trip from delhi by car

  6. Leh Ladakh Road Trip: A Practical One Week Itinerary

    leh ladakh trip from delhi by car

VIDEO

  1. Leh Ladakh Trip Part 1 । Manali To Leh Ladakh Road Trip । Drive To लेह लद्दाख । लेह लद्दाख यात्रा

  2. *Delhi to Ladakh* travel to by road #@delhi85007 #shortsfeed #youtubeshorts #reels #viral #travel

  3. Delhi To Ladakh Trip 😘 PART-1

  4. Delhi to Leh Ladakh 1 Min!! #delhitoleh #ladakhbycar #ladakh #shortsfeed #ladakhtrip #delhitoladakh

  5. 5 Tips for Ladakh Trip ❤️ #shorts

  6. PREPARATION FOR LADAKH RIDE

COMMENTS

  1. Road Trip from Delhi to Leh Ladakh

    A perfect trip to Leh-Ladakh should range from 12-14 days. And if you wanna witness the amazing Spiti Valley, add 4-5 days to your itinerary. Delhi to Leh by Road: Road Map There are two route options for traveling from Delhi to Leh by car: Delhi to Leh Route Via Leh-Manali Highway Route 1: Delhi - Chandigarh - Manali - Leh

  2. Leh Ladakh Road Trip

    India Jammu And Kashmir Ladakh Leh Ladakh Road Trip | Delhi to Leh Ladakh by Road Guide Road Trip to Leh Ladakh Leh Ladakh Road Trip ranks amongst the top in the list of top coveted road trips that one can take in India.

  3. Road Trip from Delhi to Leh Ladakh: The Complete 2024 Guide

    Jan 11, 2024 Journey To The Top of The World: The Ultimate 2024 Guide To Road Trip From Delhi To Leh Ladakh A road trip to Leh Ladakh is on the bucket list of many adventure seekers and travel enthusiasts. Known for its pristine beauty, unique culture, and challenging terrain, Leh Ladakh is a destination that offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

  4. Delhi to Ladakh: Plan a Trip Delhi to Ladakh by Road

    Delhi to Ladakh Distance via Srinagar: 980 km (approximately) Total Time: 3-4 days (depending upon a lot of factors) Best time to visit Ladakh via Srinagar- May to October (it highly depends on the weather) Route map to follow: Delhi- Ambala- Ludhiana- Jalandhar- Pathankot- Udhampur- Srinagar- Sonmarg- Dras- Kargil- Leh

  5. Delhi to Leh Ladakh Guide

    Experience the best road trip from Delhi to Leh Ladakh with exciting deals and offers. ... You can hire taxis and private cars to travel to Leh. A hired cab or car from Delhi can cost you anything between 15,000 INR to 20,000 INR, with as many stops as you want along the way. 5.

  6. Leh Ladakh Road Trip: An Unbelievable Drive In India

    As you begin to inch closer to Leh, you will start noticing a smattering of mok mok/momos (steamed dumplings), chowmein (an Indian take on traditional stir-fried noodles), and Maggi (Instant noodles) on menus. A meal at a roadside shack will rarely set you back by more than £5 (INR 500).

  7. Ladakh Road Trip

    Book At Sushant Travels we offer best deals on Leh Ladakh Tour by Car. Contact us and book your perfect Leh Ladakh tour by car packages at affordable price.

  8. 12N/13D Delhi

    ₹ 35,999 Closed for the Season Pumped Adventure Couples/Group Adventure, Family Adventure 24 hrs confirmation Stay Self Drive Tour Guide Overview Nothing beats an all-embracing Leh Ladakh tour package from Delhi that takes you to the highest elevations, passes, and scenic vistas in one go!

  9. Delhi to Leh by Road: A Travel Guide for the Adventurous Souls

    Route 1: Delhi to Leh via Manali. Delhi to Leh by road via Manali is a trail that will take you through many ups and downs, quite literally. This is a two-part journey: the first part is from Delhi to Manali and the second is from Manali to Leh. You can stay at one of the hotels in Delhi and get a good night's sleep before you start the trip.

  10. Leh Ladakh road trip from Delhi

    Start from Delhi around 6-7 am and try to cover the distance till Jammu. Route: Delhi - Ambala- Khanna- Ludhiana -Pathankot- Jammu Total Distance: 588 Km Total Time: 10 -12 Hrs The condition of roads: Excellent; National Highway with multiple tolls.

  11. How to Reach Leh from Delhi, How to Reach Ladakh from Delhi

    You can take a bus from Delhi to Ladakh, started last year, the journey is one of the longest routes in India. It takes around 24 hours to reach. Buses ply from the Delhi ISBT and you will have to change buses at Keylong. The fare for the journey is around Rs. 1,300 and tickets can be booked from the Delhi ISBT booking counter in advance.

  12. An Epic Road Trip to Ladakh from Delhi

    Contents 1 About Ladakh 2 Essential tips for a Ladakh trip by road 3 Planning the best routes for your Delhi to Ladakh road trip 3.1 Road trip to Ladakh from Delhi via Srinagar 3.1.1 The Pros of a road trip from Srinagar to Leh 3.1.2 The Cons of the Srinagar to Leh road trip 3.2 Road trip to Ladakh from Manali

  13. Delhi to Ladakh Road Trip, Delhi to Ladakh by Road

    Delhi → Karnal → Mandi → Manali. Distance: 600 kilometres. The road as you approach Manali (source) The most common route is via Ambala and Mandi. You will be driving along NH1 for the most part. The roads are initially very safe, but as you approach Ghanauli half way into the trip, the roads can get bad and the uphill climb begins.

  14. A Useful Guide for Leh Ladakh Road Trip

    The 1,000-kilometer journey from Delhi to Leh Ladakh via Manali takes two to three days. The trip from Srinagar to Leh Ladakh covers 434 kilometres and usually takes between 12 and 14 hours. Permits Permits for ladakh road trip may be required for visitors to enter specified places.

  15. Leh Ladakh Tour Package With Car

    Leh is a land full of extraordinary landscapes, rich culture, and fabulous traditions. Explore the pristine land with our Leh Ladakh car trip. Leh Ladakh lies surrounded by the world's prestigious mountain ranges such as the Karakoram and the great Himalayas. Leh Ladakh is a region in Jammu and Kashmir, blessed with phenomenal landscapes and ...

  16. Delhi to Ladakh

    There are 3 ways to get from Delhi to Ladakh by plane, taxi or car. ... Flights from Delhi to Leh Ave. Duration 1h 25m When Every day Estimated price ₹5,000 - ₹19,000 ... Find all the transport options for your trip from Delhi to Ladakh right here. Rome2Rio displays up to date schedules, route maps, journey times and estimated fares from ...

  17. Car Hire for Leh Ladakh from Delhi

    Car Hire for Leh Ladakh from Delh, Car hire or 4x4 suv rental with experienced driver for travel from Delhi to Leh by road. You may select from wide range of safe and strudy cars, SUV's and vans.

  18. Leh Ladakh Road Trip from Delhi 2020

    0120-6907340 Submit your details and we will connect with you Overview Gallery Package Details Testimonials Not fond of riding the bike, but want to explore the mystic land of Ladakh on road? A Leh Ladakh road trip is a dream of many! This one is perfect for you!

  19. Leh Ladakh Tour Packages from Delhi at Best Price

    How much does the Ladakh trip cost per person from Delhi? 38,000 INR approximately is considered to be the starting cost per person from Delhi for your Leh Ladakh trip. Though the overall cost of your Ladakh trip is subjective to a lot of things. It depends on the mode of commuting, the duration of your trip, the accommodation you choose to ...

  20. How to Travel from Delhi to Leh in 2024

    If you are thinking of doing a road trip from Delhi, then the first thing you should know is the itinerary. There are several ways to travel to Leh via road, like hiring a taxi, taking your own car or getting into a shared taxi. How to Travel from Delhi to Leh 7. The commons itinerary for Delhi to Leh is as follows:-.

  21. Ladakh Car Trip Packages

    To make a great experience you should book a Leh Ladakh car trip from TravelTriangle which arranges every year many tours. Leh-Ladakh is the best place to see and where you can see beautiful destination places include in this package trip like Manali, Jispa, Leh as well as Ladakh. On arrival at Delhi Airport, you should proceed to Manali.

  22. Leh Ladakh Road Trip By Car

    Leh Ladakh Road Trip By Car (11 Nights / 12 Days) Tour starts from : ex - Alchi. Destinations covered : Kargil. Theme : Hill Station Tours, Leh Ladakh Tours. Taking a Leh Ladakh road trip by car is perhaps one of the most electrifying boulevard advent... more. For Price : Call +91-8527255995. HIGHLIGHTS :

  23. Leh Ladakh Tour

    Tours Leh Ladakh Tour Leh Ladakh Tour Leh Ladakh 8 Days Tour 8 Days Leh Ladakh Tour Package Amazing Leh Ladakh Tour Amazing Leh Ladakh Tour We offer Leh Ladakh tour from Delhi by Self Drive Car. Hire a self-drive car in Delhi with RBTS Car Rentals. 4x4 Suv self-drive car rental service in Delhi.