The 434 KM long Srinagar – Leh Highway is like a lifeline in the form of road connectivity between Leh – Ladakh and the rest of India via Kashmir Valley. Srinagar – Leh Highway, also known as National Highway – 1D (NH – 1D), is the most reliable and one of the only two roads to reach Ladakh by road, the other one being Manali – Leh Highway
In this article today, I will share this detailed Srinagar Leh road trip guide in with all of you.
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Let's quickly dive into the details:
Srinagar Leh Travel Guide
Generally, travelers or adventure lovers from all over the world loves or dreams of undertaking this road trip of their lifetime. They want to cover both routes connecting Leh Ladakh to the rest of India, i.e., a lifetime experience road trip traversing Srinagar – Leh – Manali Highways.
Apart from being famous for its enchanting views, the road from Srinagar to Leh via Kargil holds strategic importance for India. Being close to the LOC, you can also see a heavy army presence when you travel through Srinagar – Leh Highway.
The highway runs alongside the Indus River and through some extremely harsh and barren terrain including the three high mountain passes named Zozi La (3528 Mtrs), Namki La (3815 Mtrs) and Fotu La (4108 Mtrs). In any case, Srinagar – Leh highway offers some breathtaking landscapes ornamented by various historical and cultural constructions which are just like a dream treat for any traveler driving/riding through Srinagar – Leh Highway.
Better Acclimatization
Generally, people traveling or flying directly to Leh – Ladakh suffers from acute mountain sickness as Leh (3500 Mtrs) due to a sudden disturbance of altitude with which the body is adapted. However, Srinagar – Leh highway provides a gradual ascent to travelers. Hence, it helps them fight any chances of acute mountain sickness (AMS) caused due to high altitudes and let them enjoy the beautiful vistas in a relaxed manner.
There are other advantages of traveling to Ladakh from Srinagar side than from Manali side.
Season to Travel on Srinagar – Leh Highway
The 434 KM long Srinagar Highway generally remains closed for about six months in a year starting from November to May due to heavy snowfall on the mountain passes mainly Zozi La pass. Zojila pass starts receiving snowfall in November. Then any day of November (generally 15th November) the highway officially ceases to close as it becomes challenging for BRO to clear the snow.
Then, again, as the winter months resides, the BRO guys begin the snow clearance process in the spring season that is in March and repairs the damaged roads, bridges, and other parts of the highway. Finally, after completing this rigorous job of snow clearance and fixing the roads, bridges, etc. BRO announces the opening of Srinagar Leh Highway generally around early May to mid-May.
Pro Tip: You can keep a track of the updated status of Srinagar – Leh Highway using the article Srinagar Leh Highway Status 2020
So, what is the best time to travel from Srinagar to Leh by road?
Hence, the best time to travel from Srinagar to Ladakh via Kargil is from June to October. In late April or early May, if the highway gets open, then generally, the roads are in terrible shape and only improves as the season progress with constant repair work conducted by BRO.
By the end of May, as the road condition stabilizes, June remains mostly stable, and the monsoon comes to the party in July, creates havoc in lower hills connecting Srinagar to Jammu and further to other parts of India.
Is it safe to travel from Srinagar to Leh in monsoons?
The landslides are almost inevitable in monsoon season, which causes road blockages ever now and then. The Amarnath Yatra is in full flow in July – August, do expect heavy traffic and rush from Jammu – Srinagar – Kargil parts of the highway. Even the dominance of armed forces also increase in July – August owing to the security of pilgrims of Amarnath Yatra.
It is almost a nightmare to drive through Zoji La Pass in July – August especially when its raining or has rained previous days but at any day better than Rohtang Pass on Manali – Leh Highway which becomes more than hell during monsoon season.
One may opt to avoid Srinagar – Leh Highway during days alongside Independence Day in India, i.e., 15th August which is when the bandhs and strikes get more active. In the last couple of years (as of 2018), things were mostly stable. I advise you that you keep a check on the latest news on the Kashmir valley for any disruptions and plan to travel from Srinagar to Leh accordingly during this time of the year.
What about September?
As the end of August approaches, the Amarnath Yatra is over, and monsoon starts to reside from Northern India, the conditions improve much more to travel on Srinagar – Leh Highway and in September it could be called as the best time to travel. Still, you will not find any snow, of course. Even in August and late July, snow will be hard to touch except few patches on Zozi La pass.
Since the other side of Zozila Pass mainly Kargil onwards comes under rain shadow area where only the dry winds of monsoon reach. So, in July – August you need to tackle the monsoon rains and their havoc in lower hills only including Jammu, Srinagar, Zoji La pass, i.e., till you reach Kargil where there is very little rain during these months.
Throughout the season, you need to let pass large convoys of army trucks as army also stock up required materials in Leh – Ladakh through Srinagar – Leh road majorly. Traveling behind them may cause a delay of a few hours now and then in your entire journey on Srinagar Leh highway.
Is Srinagar Leh open in Winters?
Due to heavy snowfall at Zojila Pass, the road from Srinagar to Leh remains closed in the winter months from November to April. The actual Srinagar Leh Highway closing time mainly depends on snow in the season, but it is not safe to travel in November due to black ice and cold conditions.
A project has been approved to make Srinagar Leh Highway tunnel at Zojila pass to provide year-round connectivity from Srinagar to Kargil. However, it just got approved, so probably it will take a decade to be realized into reality.
Modes of Travel on Srinagar – Leh Highway
In this section let us look at some of the common modes of commute to make a Srinagar to Leh road trip.
Private Vehicles i.e. Cars and Bikes | Self Drive or Ride to Ladakh
Most people prefer to self-drive or self-ride to Ladakh by their car or own bike, and some also prefer to self-drive or self-ride to Ladakh by hiring a bike or car. In any case, a hired car/bike or personal car/bike, the idea is to live the passion of driving or riding through one of the toughest and adventurous terrains accessible in India.
You can take your own or rented, car or bike to Ladakh, but one must be careful while driving or riding through slushy roads, snow and water crossing or nallas. Also, it is always handy to learn little maintenance tasks of your vehicle before the start of this comparatively less arduous journey than Manali – Leh Highway.
Pro Tip: You must check the article on self drive tips for Leh – Ladakh trip.
Can I take a small car to Srinagar Leh Highway?
For cars, although an SUV/MUV is good to have and a 4WD SUV will help, I have seen hatchbacks (including Altos and Nano) and sedans doing good enough job on Srinagar – Leh Highway then on Manali – Leh Highway. If you want to try your sedan or hatchback drive to Ladakh, then Srinagar – Leh Highway is a better bet when compared to taking a sedan or hatch from Manali – Leh Highway.
However like on Manali – Leh Highway, with sedans/hatchbacks one must drive with extra care and caution even at Srinagar – Leh Highway and especially around Zozila pass (ascend and descend both).
You get less number of challenges on Srinagar – Leh Highway as compared to Manali – Leh Highway with only major hurdle being Zozila Pass. However, even then, whenever you are in doubt, always step out of your car, walk down the path, inspect with your foot and plan the path of exit before crossing a dangerous landslide or water crossing on your vehicle.
You can also park aside and see how others are crossing the risky section to plan your route of escape. In deep water-crossings, try to maintain the momentum without any half clutch measures and complete the entire stretch in one go only.
Similarly, in slush stretches, do not force the issue rather keep the smooth momentum with the required speed to pass you through, without half clutch measures. Do keep an eye on the direction of the vehicle too.
If you get stuck in the mud, then try to back and forth your vehicles to get out of the stuck position. It is always handy to ask your fellow co-travelers to get out of the car and push the vehicle from behind in case the car is struggling to pass through the mud or water crossing stretch.
Things to Carry on Self Drive Trip
Basic toolkit, screwdriver set, small hammer, puncture repair kit, iron rod, two or three “2 ltr” empty bottles of Pepsi / Coke / Limca, etc. to carry extra petrol or diesel (jerry cans will leak, cold drink bottles do not leak), funnel, towing rope, spare tube (must for bikes), Elfy or Fevi-quick (2-3 sachets), jump-start cables/wires, M-seal to prevent leakage, etc. were among the few things which I carried along on my trip to Ladakh. Also, do not forget to get your vehicle (car/bike) serviced about 2-3 weeks before the start of the Ladakh journey.
This will ensure that you have proper time in advance to test your serviced vehicle and get fixed any hitches that may have been introduced in that service
Pro Tip: If you are doing a self drive trip to Leh – Ladakh, then make sure to read my article on 40 Must Have Things to Carry on a Self Drive Trip to the Himalayas
Hiring a Private Taxi | Taxi Number or Private Number
All taxis (except Ladakh registration number) having taxi numbers or tourist permits number plates are only allowed for a drop in Leh Ladakh. As per the taxi union rules, only taxis with Leh number are only allowed to roam in the Ladakh region for sightseeing purposes. No Kashmir based taxis will be allowed for sightseeing.
If you want to travel within Leh Ladakh in your private taxi hired from a place other than Ladakh, then, in that case, you need to hire a taxi with a private number plate only. However, in the latter case, be ready for some queries by the local taxi drivers in Ladakh or police constables on your route. You need to ensure everyone interrogating with you guys have not rented that the vehicle.
If you can get hold of some taxi driver in Ladakh then hire that taxi only else go to Kargil first and change taxi from there. From Kargil, the Ladakh taxi driver can pick you, and you will have the advantage to cover the sightseeing places en-route Leh on Srinagar – Leh Highway like Alchi, Basgo, Likir, etc. before you reach Leh.
If that is not your plan then hire a direct taxi from Srinagar to Leh, but with a taxi hired with Srinagar number plate, you will not be able to do sightseeing en-route especially Sham Valley, as far as I know.
Where to get a taxi from Srinagar to Leh?
To hire a taxi, go directly to Srinagar taxi stand and bargain hard with the local drivers only, for a drop to Leh. Do not involve any tour operator or hotel staff at any stage. The local taxi drivers will charge about Rs 1500-1800 extra for a planned night halt on the way to Leh.
Srinagar to Leh taxi fare is close to Rs 16000 to Rs 17000 for a drop to Leh from Srinagar with a one-night halt, depending on your bargaining power, tourist rush and the time of the year you are visiting. You can refer to the latest taxi rates from Srinagar to Leh via Kargil in the article Leh Ladakh Taxi Rates 2020 – 21.
Srinagar – Leh Bus Service, JK SRTC and Others | Economical mode of travel
JKSRTC ply buses on Srinagar – Leh Highway, which is available at Srinagar Bus Stand near TRC Dal Lake and near Polo Ground in Leh. JKSRTC has both, standard as well as semi-deluxe buses which run on Srinagar – Leh Highway.
The super deluxe bus fare from Srinagar to Leh is around Rs 1320 per person, and semi-deluxe bus fare is Rs 925 per person from Srinagar to Leh. If you prefer to travel by a standard bus from Srinagar to Leh, the bus fare is Rs 470.
There are also private bus operators who run semi-deluxe buses in the form of tempo travelers between Srinagar – Leh. The charges of these buses from Srinagar to Leh is about Rs 1000 – Rs 1500 per seat.
Read the full detailed article on Srinagar to Leh bus services, which talks about their timing from Srinagar and Leh along with bus fare.
Srinagar to Leh buses generally stops overnight at Kargil and Sonamarg for tea and snacks. The bus from Leh does not stop overnight. The JKSRTC standard buses may not be as comfortable, though, but comfort comes with the price.
The bus from Srinagar to Leh starts at 8 AM at present and the bus from Leh to Srinagar starts at 2 PM, runs non-stop at night and arrives at 7.30 AM in Srinagar.
Pro Tip: If you are on a budget Ladakh trip then you can always refer my guide on making a trip to Ladakh by public transport
Shared Taxi | A Cannonball run
You can also buy yourself a seat in a shared taxi that runs every mid-night from Srinagar and reaches Leh on the next evening without any night halt. In the same way, shared taxis are run from Leh to Srinagar as well.
You need to pay about Rs 1800 to Rs 2200 per person for a drop to Leh from Srinagar or a drop to Srinagar from Leh. Of course, since it is shared with 7-8 other people plus the driver and completes the back-breaking cannonball run of Srinagar – Leh in 15-16 hours, you can imagine the level of comfort yourself. This one is the second cheapest mode of travel on Srinagar – Leh Highway but mind you, it could be the toughest on the body too 🙂
Also, not staying at Kargil will mean less acclimatization which may make you feel a bit sick in the first few days when you reach Leh.
Other travel modes
You can also get in touch with some travel agent or taxi union in Srinagar who also runs their private buses or Tempo Travelers on Srinagar – Leh Highway.
You can also travel from Srinagar to Leh flight as well if you want to see some really amazing aerial views of the Himalayas.
Planning Night Stay or Accommodation on Srinagar – Leh Highway
Based on my experience, you can opt to plan a journey on Srinagar – Leh Highway in one of the following ways –
Two Day Trip on Srinagar – Leh Highway
The options of stay or accommodation are minimal on Manali – Leh Highway due to the limited civilization. But on the Srinagar – Leh Highway, you get the respite as there are plenty of civilized places en-route, and you get to find accommodation either one or the other place.
You will find accommodation options every 70-80 odd KMs on an average. But still, a two-day journey on Srinagar – Leh Highway is the most common among all travelers as you tend to see the beauty in a relaxing manner as well as you help your body to acclimatize to the altitude of Leh.
Private Taxis and buses run by JKSRTC also cover the Srinagar – Leh Highway in two days with a night halt at Kargil. Mostly, people break up the journey on Srinagar – Leh Highway in the following ways over two days –
Srinagar – Kargil / Drass (Day 1) and Kargil / Drass – Leh (Day 2)
This option is mostly preferred by people as it evenly distributes the travel time of the entire journey in two days. However, on the second day, you need to leave early in the morning if you are interested in stopping at every other point to take pictures and still reach Leh in time :).
Personally, out of Kargil or Drass, you shall prefer to stay at Kargil due to varied options of accommodation available. But, sometimes, finding vegetarian food becomes difficult in Kargil in the late evening, and hence, you can opt to stay at Drass, which does offer a few accommodation options. However, if you have booked a hotel, you will surely get the veggie food in Kargil too.
The distance between Drass – Kargil is about 60 KMs only which means about 2 hours or more travel time the next day. Hence, prefer to stay at Kargil only.
If you are a vegetarian then most likely, what you can do is that if you are reaching Drass by about early evening, then it is good to take your dinner there and reach Kargil by the late evening or early night time. Maybe tea or coffee with some biscuits will make you feel good for the rest of the night.
It will surely help rather than sleeping without vegetarian food due to its unavailability in Kargil. Many new hotels have mushroomed by 2018, so this is not so common nowadays but something worth keeping in mind and checking with your hotel.
One Day Journey on Srinagar – Leh Highway
Srinagar – Leh (Day 1)
This option of completing the journey of Srinagar – Leh in a single day is most common among local people or people who are in a high rush and is least I recommend if you want to enjoy your travel.
Shared taxis are the preferred way to avail of this option. Although it could be the cheapest or time saving for you, this back-breaking, cannonball run of 15-16 Hrs with least stoppages does put a heavy toll on the body as well as the mind of an average traveler.
This long journey is extremely tiring and by traversing through the varied amount of altitudes in a single day, you are definitely running a risk of acute mountain sickness (AMS) or some severe headaches and for initial days spent in Leh.
Of course, this is true in case you have not stayed overnight in Gulmarg or Pahalgam or Sonamarg on previous nights of your tour. Undertaking this journey in a single day may certainly kill the joy of the journey.
Three Day Journey on Srinagar – Leh Highway
Srinagar – Kargil/Drass (Day 1) and Kargil/Drass – Lamayuru/Alchi (Day 2) and Lamayuru/Alchi – Leh (Day 3)
Well, by extending the journey of Srinagar – Leh Highway in three days, you give yourself a chance to explore the sightseeing places en-route thoroughly. There are many tourist destinations in the Ladakh region, which are situated on Srinagar – Leh Highway and require time if you wish to explore them.
Hence, by extending the journey with one day you give yourself ample time to explore these tourist places before you reach Leh. For more details on sightseeing refer to the section: Sightseeing on Srinagar – Leh Highway, below in the article.
Very few people follow this option due to a lack of time and to save money. If these two things have no place for consideration at your grounds, then I will say go with it, and you will make your journey on Srinagar – Leh Highway much more than a memorable experience :). The comparison of night halts (Drass/Kargil) is made in the first option, so opt as per your taste.
This option will mostly be available if you are traveling by your own vehicle. To be very frank, this option is not even available if you are hiring a private Srinagar registered taxi as well because Srinagar registered taxis are not allowed for local sightseeing in Ladakh region especially Sham Valley where all these tourist places are present.
In such a case you need to book a taxi to Kargil first from Srinagar and then hire yourself a taxi from Kargil to Leh, or you need to hire a Ladakh registered number taxi. Confirm in advance from the driver if he will do sightseeing for Sham Valley before booking it. Then, in the next two days after covering all tourist destinations including Mulbekh, Lamayuru, Redzong, Alchi, Likir, Sham Valley, etc. on the route you can reach Leh.
Staying one night at Alchi, which is lower in altitude than Leh, also make sure that your body is much more acclimatized to the altitude of Leh and you enjoy a lot better conditions once you reach Leh after a stay at Kargil and Alchi on previous nights.
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travelers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
Alternate Route to Leh from Kargil via Batalik and Dah
There exists an alternate route to reach Leh once you reach Kargil, which is a bit more scenic than the usual route. The usual route goes like Kargil – Mulbekh – Lamayuru – Leh and the alternate, the less used route goes like Kargil – Batalik – Dah – Skurbuchan – Leh.
Please make a note that the route via Batalik requires you to get the Inner Line Permits from either DC Office Kargil or DC Office Leh. So, I will advise that you go to Leh from Kargil via Lamayuru following the usual route and then you can come back to Kargil via Batalik after getting the permits from Leh DC office at the time you apply permits for Ladakh sightseeing places like Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, etc.
If you are returning via Manali – Leh Highway then you need to take permits from Kargil DC Office to go via the Batalik route and thereby miss the usual route to Leh which goes via Lamayuru.
Video – What to see on Srinagar to Leh Journey
Sightseeing on Srinagar – Leh Highway
Well while traversing this beautiful road of Srinagar – Leh Highway you also give yourself a chance to visit the following places either on the route or with little diversions from the route:
Maitreya at Mulbek, Lamayuru Monastery, Lunar Landscape, Redzong / Rizong Monastery, Alchi Monastery, Likir Monastery, Basgo Palace, Confluence at Nimmu, Magnetic Hills, Pathar Sahib Gurudwara, Phyang Monastery, Spituk Monastery.
You need to give yourself time to explore these places, especially Lamayuru, Alchi and Likir monasteries. Hence, if you plan to cover these sightseeing places either while going towards Leh from Srinagar or towards Srinagar from Leh, then give yourself at least three days to cover the entire Srinagar – Leh route.
List of Accommodation or Stay Options on Srinagar – Leh Highway
Srinagar – Leh Highway is much better than Manali – Leh Highway in terms of accommodation options it offers and one can find a decent place to stay within 125 odd KMs at max.
At some places like Mulbekh, Sonamarg, Drass, etc. the accommodation options could be very limited and basic guest house/homestay types while places like Kargil, Lamayuru does offer a varied number of accommodation options for different budget types.
So, it always better to break the journey at Kargil or Lamayuru but, of course, there are not many worries for places of stay on Srinagar – Leh Highway than on Manali – Leh Highway. You can also take a diversion to the towns of Alchi / Likir for a stay there as well. Of course, you will find basic homestay types of accommodation at both Alchi / Likir, but it would be a worthwhile experience in any case.
Here is the break up of accommodation options available on Srinagar – Leh Highway with distances –
- Srinagar – Sonamarg (80 KMs) | Decent number of accommodation options available at Sonamarg
- Sonamarg – Drass (65 KMs) | Decent number of accommodation options available at Drass
- Drass – Kargil (55 KMs) | Many accommodation options available at Kargil
- Kargil – Mulbekh (40 KMs) | Few basic / homestay accommodation options available at Mulbekh
- Mulbekh – Lamayuru (70 KMs) | Decent number of accommodation options available at Lamayuru
- Lamayuru – Alchi / Likir (55 – 65 KMs / 65 – 75 KMs) | Few basic / homestay accommodation options available at Alchi / Likir
- Lamayuru – Leh (125 KMs) | Many accommodation options available at Leh
- Alchi / Likir – Leh ( 65 KM / 55 KMs) | Many accommodation options available at Leh
Please keep in mind that Alchi and Likir are not exactly on Srinagar – Leh Highway and you need to take diversions near Sasapol bridge for Alchi. The distance between Alchi – Likir is about 21 KMs only.
Acclimatization and its importance on Srinagar – Leh Highway
Unlike Manali – Leh Highway, the journey on Srinagar – Leh Highway goes through a gradual increase in altitude, thereby helping our body to get acclimatized properly for the altitude of Leh. That is why I always prefer going through Srinagar – Leh Highway for a road trip to Ladakh than going via Manali – Leh Highway.
By going to Leh – Ladakh from Srinagar Leh Highway, one gives himself a chance to properly acclimatize to the high altitudes, thereby decreasing the chances of being hit by AMS. In the return leg, you can go via Leh – Manali Highway so that your body is properly acclimatized by the time you undertake the varied high altitudes on that route. This route helps you enjoy the Manali – Leh highway in a better way as well.
Having said that even on Srinagar – Leh Highway, it is always good that you take little precautions to minimize the effects of high altitude sickness further. Here are some tips which will help to acclimatize the body faster
- Try to cover the Srinagar – Leh journey in two days with a night halt at Kargil most preferably.
- Keep your body properly hydrated.
- Avoid sleeping at high altitudes.
- Avoid overexertion.
- Avoid tobacco and smoking and alcohol and other depressant drugs.
- Keep your body warm and eat lots of carbohydrates.
- Avoid sleep during the day.
- Sleep in an upright position, if possible.
- Carry preventive medicines for AMS.
- Immediately descend, if symptoms increase.
Fuel or Petrol Pumps on Srinagar – Leh Highway
Again, unlike Manali – Leh Highway, it is easy to find fuel or petrol on Srinagar – Leh Highway. One can get fuel or petrol on Srinagar Leh Highway at the places like Srinagar, Kangan, Sonamarg, Kargil, Mulbekh, Wakha, Khaltsi, Leh
ATMs on Srinagar – Leh Highway
As per my knowledge, there are ATMs available at Ganderbal, Drass, Kargil apart from Leh and Srinagar ATMs. But still, I feel you should carry enough cash with you in Ladakh because ATMs at these limited places can run out of money or become un-operational at any day or time. It has happened to me many times 🙂
Srinagar to Leh Road Conditions
- Srinagar To Sonamarg – Good, Very Good
- Sonamarg To Zojila Pass – Average, Bad, Slushy/Dusty
- Zojila Pass To Gumri – Average, Good
- Gumri To Drass – Good
- Drass To Kargil – Good
- Kargil To Mulbekh – Average, Good
- Mulbekh To Lamayuru – Good, Very Good
- Lamayuru To Saspul – Good, Very Good
- Saspul To Leh – Good, Very Good
Places on Srinagar – Leh Highway with their Distances and Altitudes
Generally, the places of on Srinagar – Leh Highway majorly goes like Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil – Mulbekh – Namika La – Fotu La – Lamayuru – Khaltsi – Sasapol – Nimmu – Leh and the approximate distances between these places is shown below briefly –
- Srinagar – Sonamarg (80 KMs)
- Sonamarg – Drass (65 KMs)
- Drass – Kargil (55 KMs)
- Kargil – Mulbekh (40 KMs)
- Mulbekh – Lamayuru (70 KMs)
- Lamayuru – Leh (125 KMs)
Map of Srinagar to Leh with Distances
Here is the map of Srinagar Leh Highway which you can download by right-clicking & then select the option: “Save Image As…”
Download your FREE high-resolution version pdf copy of this Srinagar to Leh Route Map. If, you liked it and found it helpful, please feel free to share it with your family and friends to help them too.
Pro Tip: In order to get more idea about the routes and distances, please refer the Road Map of Srinagar to Leh Highway.
FAQs – Srinagar to Leh Road Trip
Let us look at some of the commonly asked questions about the Srinagar Leh road trip in this section.
In general, it is fine to travel on Srinagar Leh Highway during Independence Day. The tourist areas remain safe mostly, but bandhs can affect the traffic movement. It is always advised that you leave the Srinagar city in the early morning hours in such cases. It is recommended to follow the news about Kashmir during your travel days and take the decision appropriately.
Summarized View of Facilities or Amenities on Srinagar – Leh Highway
| Facility | Places |
| Accommodations / Stay Options | Sonamarg, Drass, Kargil (Many options), Mulbekh, Lamayuru, Alchi |
| Food / Beverages | Ganderbal, Kangan, Gund, Zojila Pass, Gumri, Khaltsi, Nimmu |
| Diesel / Petrol Pumps | Kangan, Sonamarg, Kargil, Mulbekh, Wakha, Khaltsi |
| Mobile Connectivity | Up to Sonamarg both BSNL and Airtel postpaid connections works, then in Drass only BSNL, once you reach Kargil you will get the Airtel signal, but then in Mulbekh and Lamayuru only BSNL works, in Nimmu Airtel is restored along with BSNL and once you reach Leh both Airtel and BSNL work. You should refer 10 Tips on Mobile Phone Connectivity in Leh – Ladakh. Packet data works but only with BSNL that too with EDGE only. Prepaid connections from outside Jammu and Kashmir do not work in Leh – Ladakh. Carry only post-paid. |
| Fixed Phones | Ganderbal, Sonamarg, Drass, Kargil, Mulbekh, Lamayuru, Alchi, Nimmu and in between these places as well |
| Electricity | Almost all the towns en-route have electricity and I wonder if there is any town which lacks it. |
| Medical Facilities | Sonamarg, Drass (limited), Kargil, Lamayuru (limited) |
| ATMs | Ganderbal, Drass, Kargil |
| Mechanic / Puncture Shops | Ganderbal, Sonamarg, Kargil, Lamayuru (Puncture), Mulbekh (Puncture), Nimmu (Puncture) |
| Liquor Shops | Sonamarg, Drass, Kargil |
You can also check this less than 3-minute video on Discover With Dheeraj YouTube Channel to understand why you should choose Srinagar Leh Highway over Manali Leh Highway. If you like my video, please do not forget to SUBSCRIBE to my YouTube channel.
LAST UPDATED: December 2019
This article has been updated with the latest information about Srinagar – Leh Highway and is kept up to date every season to reflect the current status. Feel free to suggest any further updates you deem fit.
Conclusion
I hope this Srinagar Leh guide helps you with all the unanswered questions for making a successful trip from Srinagar to Ladakh. In case, if you still have any questions about your trip to Srinagar Leh Highway, feel free to post them in the comments section of this article.
Have a travel question?? You can subscribe to my YouTube channel and leave a comment to ask your travel questions on traveling to the Himalayas.
In the end, if you have been to Srinagar – Leh Highway before, kindly share your thoughts and other information you might feel is worth sharing with other fellow travelers and help them.
If you know your friends or family are planning a trip to Ladakh, do share this article with them to help them make a memorable Ladakh trip.
2,672 Comments
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hey dheeraj, thank you soo much for uploading such useful information about the heaven !!
my friends and me (3) are leaving on the 12th from mumbai, just wondering how much time does it take to reach srinagar from jammu..!!!
Guess, the reply is late for you now but still, it takes about 8-9 Hrs to reach Srinagar from Jammu by road. Have a great and wonderful trip…
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
hi,
Really good job Dheeraj!!
nice detailed and organised article for fellow travellers!!
i am planning on going to Leh by Srinagar-Leh highway, but iam planning to trek this distance. And i also wanted to know how far is Ladakh from Leh and how to go about trek from Srinagar.
thanks
Hello Anshuman,
Thanks alot. Woow trek, seems too great. I have no idea about the trek but yes, I know that if you take the trek over Manali – Leh then you will be much more pleased with the vistas all over. Quite a few trek leads you from Himachal to Leh/Ladakh.
Leh is actually one of the town/sub-district of Ladakh district of Jammu and Kashmir. So, there is no distance that separates them. The other sightseeing places like Nubra, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri etc. fall in the Ladakh district.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Thanks man,
i will take your word for it then!!
Manali here i come!!
i also wanted to visit Buddhist Monastries and spend some time there so if you know something about it then let me know. and one more thing (sorry for pestering you so much)- would it be too cold there at this time??
thanks, keep up the good work!!
Nopes, Anushuman. It will be pleasant at that time. But, do take woolens with you, at least a light and a heavy jacket. There are many monasteries in Leh and few of the famous ones are Alchi, Likir, Hemis, Stakna, Thicksey, Shey, Phyang.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj, would really appreciate your attention as our trip is shorter than most peoples's and includes aug 15th.
We land on Aug 15th noon in Srinagar and depart from Srinagar on 20th afternoon, effectively 5 nights and 5 days (two half days, 15th and 20th).
Could you please advise on the best possible itinerary that we might be able to achieve in the region including roadtrip to Ladakh? Many thanks in advance and looking forward to your feedback.
Hi Abhinay,
How come this could be possible if it takes two days to reach Leh from Srinagar and same number to reach back. If you will reach in noon then you cannot proceed ahead from Srinagar or may be max. to Sonamarg which does not affect the number of days. So, 15th in Srinagar and then Srinagar to Kargil – 16th, Kargil – Leh – 17th. If you have to depart from Srinagar on 20th noon then you must reach Srinagar by 19th evening. Then, you have to start back on 18th from Leh to reach byt 19th evening via Kargil. Even if you guys decide to go with Cannon ball run to Leh while coming back on 19th then you are left with single day that is 18th where you will have to take permits or do local sightseeing in around Leh.
It does not make any sense to under go the trip in this fashion, so better either fly-in and fly-out of Leh or explore Kashmir only.
I hope this helps. Please let me know in case you need more info or have any doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Dear Dheeraj,
Many thanks for your advice. We have now changed our bookings given your advice and will be arriving directly in Leh at 10am on 15th.
So we would basically have 15th, 16th and 17th in Leh.
We would still like to do the drive back and plan to leave for Kargil on 18th and onto Srinagar on 19th. This way we can spend the 20th morning in Srinagar and take our flight back.
Does this sound more manageable now? If so, please suggest how we can make the best of our time on this trip. Your advice is extremely valuable and thanks in advance.
Hi Abhinay,
Hmmm … 🙂 … Have you done the bookings?? If not then please wait and do it the other way round. Flying directly to Leh, you have to stay for two days atleast resting in Leh only to acclimatize the body so that you do not fall sick. This will give you just one day i.e. 17th as you will be traveling 18,19 on Srinagar – Leh.
Fly to Srinagar, take road journey to Leh from Srinagar and then explore Ladakh for other days and fly out of Leh. This will help you save a day of acclimatization and being in Leh, the chances of catching a flight do not have any risk which would be there for traveling for two days to reach Srinagar. This way you can do like:
16 | Srinagar – Kargil
17 | Kargil – Leh
18 | Leh acclimatization and permits. May be if you guys are feeling well, then a quick trip to Khardung La and reach back to Leh by evening. Do not stay more than 10-15 minutes at the top. Get some clicks and start back 🙂
19 | Leh – Pangong Tso – Leh
20 | Fly back
Still, for me not that worth 🙂
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hey Dheeraj,
Thanks a ton for your helpful information.
We are planning to get our bikes from hyderabad and plan the journey as follow. We will be starting on Aug9th in Hyd and the rest of the plan is below.
9th 1PM: Start from Hyderabad on duronto express
10th 10AM: Delhi
10th 3PM: Start to Jammu in Shalimar express
11th 5AM: Reach Jammu and fresh up
11th 7AM:294KM: start driving towards Srinagar 7PM: Night Halt at Srinagar
12th 6AM: Start from Srinagar to Kargil 202KM; 6PM: Night Halt at Kargil
13th 6AM: Start from Kargil to Leh 227KM; 4PM: Start paper work for visits; Night Halt at Leh;
14th 10AM: Start from Leh to Diksit 116KM; 4PM: Night Halt at Diksit;
15th 10AM: Start from Diksit to Leh 116KM; 4PM: Night Halt at Leh;
16th 10AM: Start from Leh to Pangong Tso 185KM; 6PM: Night Halt at Pangong Tso ;
17th 10AM: Start from Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri 108/144KM; 6PM: Night Halt at Tso Moriri;
18th 6AM: Start from Tso Moriri to Sarchu 347KM; 6PM: Night Halt at Sarchu;
19th 6AM: Start from Sarchu to Manali 219KM; 8PM: Catch Bus to Delhi;
20th 6AM: Start from Delhi in Train or flight. 😉
Two concerns whether we will be able to take the bike in train from delhi to jammu and if we will be able to get bikes from manali in volvo bus
Another one is whether Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri is worth trying.. if not which is worth skipping.
Hi Srikanth,
You need to get the permits in advance because you might not reach by 4PM and the office gets closed by 5PM. So, it is very tight. Do get the permits in advance through some hotel or travel agent in Leh. Secondly, you can take bikes in train but not in volvo.
The permits to Man – Merak – Chusul or remote Changthang routes including Marsimik La and Wari La are still not being given by DC office in Leh, so keep your fingers crossed and hope for the best if they start issuing the permits by the time you visit. Otherwise, you have to take the traditional routes only. So, you will not be able to do Pangong tso to Tso Moriri. Better do Pangong Tso as day trip and then do Leh – Tso Moriri, Tso Moriri – Sarchu, Sarchu – Manali. Do carry extra fuel including tankful for about 550 KMs.
I hope this helps. Please let me know in case you need more info or have any doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Pangong Tso seems too far and same with Tso moriri.. Given an option which is must… Pangong Tso or Tso moriri
Shrikanth, I like Tso Moriri much more than Pangong Tso but still will say if going for the first time then go and visit Pangong Tso 🙂
Regards
Dheeraj
Hey Dheeraj, Any suggestions from where I get bikes for rental for this trip from Pickup point Jammu to Manali
Hi Srikanth,
You will not get any bikes on rent in Jammu or Srinagar. You can get rented bikes only in Leh and Manali.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj, Im reaching Leh by flight; but while returning from Leh to Srinagar, i just need to know when does the shared taxi starts(at what time) and how much do they charge per person from Leh to Srinagar. How many hours does the nonstop road journey takes. Thank you.
Hi Kiran,
Most of the taxis used to start by 2-3 AM types in the morning and reach Srinagar by 5.30-6.00 PM types in the evening, making it about 16 Hrs journey. They usually charge about Rs 1500-1600 for a seat.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj g . i would like to know the route between leh to manali-ludhaina… i am going to Shri Amrnath yatra bye 7th july thrue pehlgam marg n back thrue baltaal way… than i plan to go leh thre NH 1 ..tha back ludhiana thrue Manali …so plz help me about it n plkz reply fast…thanx a lot
regard:-
BHANWER RAJGURU
Hello Bhanwer,
To get the idea of route and night stops on the route from Srinagar – Leh – Manali, you can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travelers including me at the link here: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
This will surely give the idea how you need to plan the journey placing Amarnath ji Yatra before the Kargil part. Consider starting from Baltal instead of Srinagar in your case which will take you to Kargil on that day and rest from Kargil onwards you can follow the plan mentioned in the itinerary on the link.
I hope this helps. Please let me know in case you need more info or have any doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
Initially we had made a plan to do Manali->Leh->Srinagar route.
After reading posts on indiamike and your posts, we felt its better we do Srinagar->Leh->Manali to get better acclimatization.
But the problem is with the dates, we can fly into Srinagar only by August 11th. So is it safe, can we do the Srinagar->Kargil route on August 12 ??
Please provide your opinion on this. If its unsafe, then we will stick to original idea of Manali-Leh-Srinagar.
Thanks and Regards,
Santosh
Hi Santosh,
I think it should be fine but yes of course you might have to face some tough security checks until you cross Kargil towards Leh. Srinagar would most probably be loaded with security forces and as long as you stick to Srinagar – Leh highway, all shall be fine. You can also try to reach Sonamarg on the same day you fly-in to Leh and then start the journey from Sonamarg next day to ease out any tension a bit.
I hope this helps. Please let me know in case you need more info or have any doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hello Dheeraj bhai,Thanks a lot for all your replies.You are doing an excellent service to fellow travellers.One more thing i would like to trouble you with is while coming back from tsomoriri to manali,what should be route and would deepaktal and surajtal fall enroute or we will have to make trek for it??? please advice.Thanks again.
Hi Kunal,
1. The route will be as follows: Tso Moriri – Sumdo (53 KMs) – Polakongka La (21 KMs) – Tso Kar (22 KMs) – Moore Plains (Manali – Leh Highway starts here) (22 KMs) – Pang (35 KMs) – Lachulung La (19 KMs) – Naki La (13 KMs) – Sarchu (42 KMs) = 227 KMs
2. Yes, they will be on the route only as follows: Sarchu – Baralacha La – Suraj Tal – Zinzing Bar – Deepakt Tal – Darcha – Jispa – Keylong – Manali
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
hi Dheeraj g . i would like to know the route between leh to manali-ludhaina… i am going to Shri Amrnath yatra bye 7th july thrue pehlgam marg n back thrue baltaal way… than i plan to go leh thre NH 1 ..tha back ludhiana thrue Manali …so plz help me about it n plkz reply fast…thanx a lot
regard:- BHANWER RAJGURU
Dear Dheeraj,
With the help of your blog, I have planned the following Itinerary, kindly help me to finalize it.
Fri, 24-Aug-2012 | Day 01 |
a) Kota – Delhi – Ludhiana 850-900 KM Or b) Kota – Delhi – Pathankot 950-1050 KM
Sat, 25-Aug-2012 | Day 02 |
a) Ludhiana – Srinagar 550-600 KM Or b) Pathankot – Srinagar 350-400 KM
Sun, 26-Aug-2012 Day 03 |
Srinagar – Sonamarg | 75-85 KM
Sonmarg – Drass | 65-75 KM
Drass – Kargil | 55-60 KM
Mon, 27-Aug-2012 | Day 04 |
Kargil – Mulbekh | 40 – 50 KM
Mulbekh – Lamayuru | 65 – 75 KM
Lamayuru – Leh | 125 – 140 KM
Tue, 28-Aug-2012
Day 05 | Leh Local Sight Seeing + Arrange Inner Line Permits
Wed, 29-Aug-2012 | Day 06 |
Leh – Khardung La – Diskit (Nubra Valley) – Hunder / Diskit
Distance to Cover:
Thu, 30-Aug-2012 | Day 07 |
Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
Distance to Cover:
Fri, 31-Aug-2012 | Day 08 |
Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso
Distance to Cover:
Sat, 01-Sep-2012 | Day 09 |
Pangong Tso (Agham, Shyok Village, Wari La) – Thicksey Monastery (Extra Diesel Req.)
Distance to Cover:
Sun, 02- Sep -2012 | Day 10 |
Leh – Leh – Upshi – Chumathang – Tso Moriri (Extra Diesel Req.)
Distance to Cover:
Mon, 03- Sep -2012 | Day 11 |
Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Moore Plains – Pang – Sarchu
Distance to Cover:
Tue, 04- Sep -2012 | Day 12 |
Sarchu – Manali
Distance to Cover:
Wed, 05- Sep -2012 | Day 13 |
Manali – Delhi – Kota
Distance to Cover:
Thanks & Regards,
Shikhar
Hey Chandra,
Very nice plan, at first place. Only very few inputs since you have flexibility of number of days you can always extend that as and when you feel like but best thing is you know the night halts well, so can take call on the move. My 2 cents
1. On Day 9, you will not need any extra diesel since you will be back tracking the Chang La route only. You do not need to go through Shyok/Wari La routes as they connect Pangong Tso to Nubra Valley but here you will be coming back to Leh.
2. Try to have a rest day in Leh, before starting the long journey of Leh – Tso Moriri – Manali – Delhi – Kota.
3. You might want to do Manali – Leh in 3 days also to enjoy more, if you have time on hands. Tso Moriri – Sarchu, Sarchu – Jispa/Keylong, Jispa/Keylong – Manali 🙂
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Dear Dheeraj,
Thanks for the reply. This tour plan is mainly designed from your blog only which has the wonderful & very helpful information on this route.
I modified it accordingly just tell me about the following possibilities and soon I will ask you few more questions regarding stay options.
Wed, 29-Aug-2012 | Day 06 |
Leh – Khardung La – Diskit (Nubra Valley) – Hunder / Diskit
Distance to Cover:
Route – 1
****************************************************************
Thu, 30-Aug-2012 | Day 07 | Fri, 31-Aug-2012 | Day 08
Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik –Sumur – Khalsar – Wari-La – Shakti – Chang La – Tangtse – Pangong TSo
Distance to Cover:
Sat, 01-Sep-2012 | Day 09 |
Pangong Tso – Leh
Distance to Cover:
End of Route – 1
****************************************************************
Route – 2
****************************************************************
Thu, 30-Aug-2012 | Day 07 |
Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
Distance to Cover:
Fri, 31-Aug-2012 | Day 08 |
Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso
Distance to Cover:
Sat, 01-Sep-2012 | Day 09 |
Pangong Tso – Leh
Distance to Cover:
End of Route – 2
****************************************************************
hi Chandra,
If I were you and going there for the first time. Then I will prefer Route 2 at any day 🙂 … Go with it, you will better enjoy both Nubra as well as Pangong Tso 🙂 … Let me know any questions you have. I just checked my email and found your replies in Junk/spam folder, so sorry for the delay on them. And in fact I was also wonder that you didn't reply back 🙂 … I have cleared your email from Spam list, so now will be able to respond back over email as well 🙂
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
Fantastic information,
I am planning to visit Ladakh by road in the coming week , we wish to travel through Manali, Leh and return via Leh Srinagar. We plan to spend total 15 days including the journey, would request u to guide us through the process of acquiring permits and further sight seeing and other attractions. Would taking own car( Tata Manza Sedan) be a problem : a) Driving at steep heights
b) Local sight seeing in Ladakh
C) and where all we would need to take permits for own car.
Also would taking alcohal create any problem enroute.
Please guide
regards
Sudhir Minotra
Hi sudhir,
Firstly, I will suggest you that please plan it in other direction as going via Srinagar – Leh Highway will be much much easier on your body and help you acclimatize to the high altitude of Manali – Leh Highway. Also, it allows you to enjoy the beauty of Manali – Leh by splitting the journey almost evenly in two days which is very difficult in the other direction. Thirdly, it will allow you to fit Tso Moriri lake into the itinerary in better way. You can read more reasons on the link here
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travelers including me at the link here: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
For accommodation, check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh including moderate and cheap budget hotels as well in the series of articles starting on the link here
STAY AWAY from alcohol!!
I hope this helps. Please let me know in case you need more info or have any doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
You have done wonder with your site, amazing! Based on all the details I got from your sites, I have made the below plan:
09 Aug Start from Kolkata
10 Aug Fly from Delhi to Srinagar
11 Aug Free@Srinagar
12 Aug Bus – Srinagar to Kargil
13 Aug Bus – Kargil to Leh
14 Aug Leh – acclamatization
15 Aug Leh – acclamatization
16 Aug Leh – Main market, local walks
17 Aug Leh – Innerline places
18 Aug Leh to Hunder by BUS
19 Aug Hunder to Leh by BUS
20 Aug Leh – Pangong Tso – Leh same day return
21 Aug Leh – Keylong by BUS
22 Aug Keylong – Manali by BUS
23 Aug Volvo start from Manali for Delhi
24 Aug Reach Delhi to catch train to Kolkata
Quite a lot of queries Dheeraj, not sure whether you will have patience to reply all.
1. Any improvements on the above plan to reduce the expense?
2. For 12 Aug : Is there any way I can book the JKSRTC bus online? If no, what can I do to ensure that I get the tickets for 12th Aug?
3. For 12 Aug : Does this bus guy arranges the hotel at Kargil? If not, how can I book myself?
4. For 18 Aug : If I take the Ladakh Bus Operators' Cooperative bus to Hunder, will they stop at KhardungLa to take pics, etc.?
5. For 18 Aug : How expensive is the camel ride in Hunder? Any idea?
6. For 21 Aug : I checked the HRTC website for booking bus for Leh-Keylong-Manali, but it said there is no such route available! In that case, how do I book the return to ensure I get the seats on 21st Aug?
7. For 22 Aug : Does this bus guy arranges the hotel at Keylong? If not, how can I book myself?
It will be extremely helpful if you can help me with these clarifications. Thanks, Rahul.
Hello Rahul,
I do not think public buses would be better option. Rather go with shared tourist taxis. You are alone and private taxis are very costly in Leh but you will be able to find the shared taxi without much fuss at all. There are lots of flyers which people put at cafes, dine-ins, restaurants, travel agent desks/shops/whiteboards wanting to share the taxis for different trips within Ladakh. Even travel agent organize such shared taxis trip as well but charge a little higher about Rs 200-300 more than it would ideally cost. So, in worst case you can always go back to them and book a seat for yourself. Gelling up with people in Ladakh is more or less easy because many people travel solo and look forward to meet new people and share cultural thoughts and values over the trip. No where else in the world you will find more smiling and helpful people as Ladakhis are 🙂
1. You are spending 14,15,16,17 – 4 days in Leh only. Cut one day of acclimatization and use it for two day trip to Pangong Tso. Rest three day in Leh manage in between to have rest between long journeys. One after reaching Leh, one after coming back from Nubra and One after coming back from Pangong Tso.
2. Nopes, you can get it done once you reach Srinagar. I do not think you will find much hassle with it otherwise you have the option of shared taxi.
3. No, you have to manage the hotel yourself.
4. As I said above, use shared taxis to better enjoy Ladakh.
5. Rs 150 per person for 15 minutes.
6. Book the HPTDC one which includes the dinner and hotel stay as well. HRTC one do not have such route, you have to book separately for Keylong – Leh and Keylong – Manali and I am not sure if it is available online for Leh.
7. HPTDC one does include hotel but HRTC one does not.
I hope this helps. Please let me know in case you need more info or have any doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hey Dheeraj,
I am planning to do Srinagar Leh Manali Delhi from Aug 11 to 20th. My plan will be
12th: Sringar to Kargil
13th: Kargil to Leh
14th: Leh (Permits)
15th: Nubra
16th: Pangong Tso – Leh
17th: Sarchu
18th: Manali
19th: Manali
20th: Delhi
I wanted to know if I could get cab for self drive from Srinagar. Please suggest if self drive is suggested or should go by taxi instead.
Can you suggest me travel agents who can take care of the accomodation and transport for this trip.
Regards,
Srikanth
Hi Shrikanth,
You will not get any cars for self drive, hire a taxi. Also, Why are you spending two days in Manali, leaving the opportunity to better enjoy Nubra over two days? I will suggest you do something like belw:
14th: Leh (Permits)
15th: Leh – Nubra
16th: Nubra – Leh
17th: Leh – Pangong – Leh
18th: Leh – Sarchu
19th: Sarchu – Manali
20th: Delhi
You do not need any travel agent or operator. Just read the links below and you will be able to make it on your own and save some good money.
For accommodation, check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh including moderate and cheap budget hotels as well in the series of articles starting on the link here
For the current leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2012-13 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here. You can get about 10-15% of discount by directly getting in touch with drivers and of course, talking in person rather on phone always help in bargaining more.
Check the list of things to carry for Leh – Ladakh or other trip at the link here.
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for the above information. It really has been very helpful for the people who are planning a trip.
We are planning to go to Leh somewhere in July and have around 10 days. I have few queries regarding the same:
1) We are planning to go Leh by flight and then coming back with bus/shared taxi via srinagar and planning a stay of around 2 days in srinagar.
Can we cover both places in 10 days if yes can you please share day by day schedule?
2)In case we plan to cover srinagar first do we have the Bikes available on RENT from Srinagar to Leh? If yes, what will be the charges?
What will be the duration of the journey from Srinagar to Leh on Bikes?
Hello Hament,
You do not find bikes on rent in Srinagar, AFAIK. You can get the bikes on rent in Leh but that cannot be dropped at Srinagar if you are planning to take that route. It takes 2 days to reach Srinagar from Leh. Most importantly, it is always advisable to start the journey from Srinagar, cover it over two days and then explore rest of Ladakh. This way the body gets acclimatized to good extend and you face less trouble breathing or with headache or with other AMS issues. It also helps you save a day more, as you would be fine with one day rest in Leh while if you fly directly, you will surely need two days rest in Leh, if not three to get your body acclimatized with the altitude. So, are you ready to start from Srinagar and Fly out of Leh?
Also, any reason why choosing Srinagar – Leh over much more adventurous and scenic, Manali – Leh Highway, in case you still want to fly in to Leh?
Let me know and I will suggest the plan accordingly.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Thanks Dheeraj for you precise and quick reply..
Yes we can go to srinagar and then fly back from Leh to Delhi.
Actually we have covered manali last time so just wanted to cover Srinagar this time around..Please suggest if we can see some better places other than srinagar?
Hello Hament,
For 10 days you can follow something like below:
Day 1 | Delhi – Srinagar
— Enjoy walk around Dal lake and may be Shikara ride as well
— If you have time then check out, floating market, Shalimar Garden.
— Overnight at Srinagar
Day 2 | Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil
— Enjoy the vistas enroute
— Have late drunch meal at Drass is you are a vegetarian as sometimes it gets difficult to find veg. food at Kargil
— Overnight at Kargil
Day 3 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
— Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes
— On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu
— Overnight at Leh
Day 4 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Inner Line Permits
— Local sightseeing include Namgyal Gompa, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Shankar Gompa, Main Market, Hall of Fame, Spituk Gompa, Changspa Road Stroll in evening
— For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
— Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 6 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Day 7 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on the go towards Pangong Tso
— Overnight at Pangong Tso (Spangmik or Lukung)
Day 8 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on return to Leh
— Overnight at Leh
Day 9 | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping OR Monastery tour OR you can do tour to Sham Valley
— Monastery tour may include Hemis, Thicksey, Stakna and Shey monasteries. They come on the route of Pangong Tso but as you will be doing day trip, it will be a bit hectic to include them on that day only.
— Sham Valley include Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, , Gurudwara Pather Sahib
— Overnight at Leh
Day 10 | Fly back.
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Thanks aton Dheeraj for this information..
This is going to be very helpful during our trip
Will trouble you again in case I need any other information:):):)
Sure, most welcome anytime. Let me know any queries you have. Have a great journey!! 🙂
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj, Very informative blog.
I am planning on a road trip from Srinagar to Leh next month. we are two of us and were wondering if it is safe for a couple only to rent a taxi from Srinagar to leh with stop over at kargil. I have been unable to find more like minded ppl to share the cab with.
Thanks alot Tejus. Yes, it is safe to travel either alone or in group or as a couple and you have least human drive disturbances in that terrain with respect to safety. Did you try IndiaMike or BCMT travel partner sections to find the partners?
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
G8t work dheeraj…..
We are 3-4 people planning to visit leh from punjab(patiala near Chandigarh) having 9-10 days in hand.
please suggest,also can we hire some bikes to visit leh as i think that would be more thrilling.
Hello Hitesh,
For 10 day trip from Patiala, you might like to follow a below plan:
Day 1 | Patiala – Patnitop
— Overnight at Jammu or Patnitop
Day 2 | Jammu / Patnitop – Srinagar
— Enjoy walk around Dal lake and may be Shikara ride as well
— If you have time then check out, floating market, Shalimar Garden.
— Overnight at Srinagar
Day 3 | Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil
— Enjoy the vistas enroute
— Have late drunch meal at Drass is you are a vegetarian as sometimes it gets difficult to find veg. food at Kargil
— Overnight at Kargil
Day 4 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
— Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes
— On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu
— Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Inner Line Permits
— Local sightseeing include Namgyal Gompa, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Shankar Gompa, Main Market, Hall of Fame, Spituk Gompa, Changspa Road Stroll in evening
— For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link : https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/inner-line-per…
— Overnight at Leh
Day 6 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Leh
— Head for Nubra Valley very early in the day and come back by late evening after visiting Deskit. If you have time go little further and see Hunder sand dunes too
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 7 | Leh – Pangong Tso Lake – Leh
— Day trip to Pangong Tso
— Overnight at Leh
Day 8 | Leh – Taglang La – Pang – Sarchu
— Try to start early in the day so that you reach Sarchu where the accommodation options are better than Pang
— Overnight at Sarchu or Pang
Day 9 | Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
— On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only
— Overnight at Manali
Day 10 | Manali – Patiala
Yes, you can rent bikes in Leh and Fort Road in Leh is full of such shops that rent bikes. Depending upon the condition, model, make and tourist rush you can get bikes starting from Rs 600 to Rs 1200.
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Dear dheeraj,
I and my friends are reaching srinagar on 29th june night we ( 3 friends ) want to travel and enjoy later(1 friend ) will catch up on 2nd july from leh in the morning and all will be together upto 6th night when early morning on 7th we need to catch flight from kulu to mumbai so inall , i would be oblidged if i get some plan which will make our jorney memorable
Hello Satej,
For three of you,
June 29 | Srinagar
June 30 | Srinagar – Kargil
July 1 | Kargil – Leh
July 2 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Inner Line Permits
— Ask your friend to go to hotel and rest for the day and do not exert at any cost. He will not be acclimatized the day. So do not carry him along.
— Local sightseeing include Namgyal Gompa, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Shankar Gompa, Main Market, Hall of Fame, Spituk Gompa, Changspa Road Stroll in evening
— For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link : https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/inner-line-per…
— Overnight at Leh
June 3 | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping OR Monastery tour OR Sham Valley tour
— Ideally this day should come as the last day so that it acts as buffer for catiching your flight in case yo get stuck on the way back from Pangong Tso but since your friend body will not be acclimatized much to travel at other places, so you have to stay in Leh only.
— Monastery tour may include Hemis, Thicksey and Shey monasteries. They come on the route of Pangong Tso but as you will be doing day trip, it will be a bit hectic to include them on that day only.
— Sham Valley include Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, Gurudwara Pather Sahib
— Overnight at Leh
June 4 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
June 5 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
June 6 | Leh – Pangong Tso – Leh
— Do not plan to stay overnight at Pangong Tso as you will not be acclimatized and may fall sick. So, make a day trip only.
— Overnight at Leh
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Dear Dheeraj,
I am really wondering your interest is so deep in blogging !!!!
great keep it up dheeraj.
I am confused to tell you the fact ( maybe i was not clear on my earlier query )
My friends are on their way to amarnath yatra ( 3 people )
they will reach jammu tommorrow and commence the needful activity
on 29 th they will finish the trip and come to srinagar by evening , there they want to rest at a boat house till next morning , 30th they want to proceed towards kargil and any other places where you would suggest , they will stay over night at kargil next day morning that is 1st july they want to proceed to leh enjoy leh and wait in the hotel overnight ….. here is the twist . I join in on 2nd ( 4th person ) i reach leh airport( mum – del – leh ) in early morning ( 6:30 hrs ) infact i want to make the most of this trip since i am joining late from 2nd july to 6th july we want to some how go to as many areas we can cover and finally reach to manali ( while travelling along ) where on 7th early morning i will travel back by ( kulu -del-mum ) early morning 7 am on 7th the other friends will travell by raod from manali on 7 th morning towards delhi ( they have del – mum train at 23:00 hrs on 7th july
one more thing is we all are in age band of 38 – 41 yrs .without any alighment
dheeraj —– pls help in following
1) If possible the suggestions with numbers for hotels and travel with a scorpio or something right from srinagar to manali trip
2) or every interval medium sized budget hotels and food availabilty
3) My personal request is that since i am the one who is going to join in late is there any way i can make the most of travel coverage
4) what should be our approx cost all put together ( accomodation + food + travel )
5) we are open for some good driver and a vehicle from srinagar to manali — if you can help me
Hello Satej,
The plan I have suggested suits best to you guys and with just 4-5 days in hand you will not be able to cover Manali – Leh Highway as the journey takes about 2 days to reach Manali from Leh.
For accommodation, check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh including moderate and cheap budget hotels as well in the series of articles starting on the link here
For the current leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2012-13 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here. You can get about 12-15% of discount by directly getting in touch with drivers and of course, talking in person rather on phone always help in bargaining more.
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
We would be visiting for Amarnath Yatra during July last week. Is it possible to visit Amarnath and Leh trip ? our schedule is as below – 23rd July will be in Jammu and have the permit for Amarnath on 25th via Pahalgam… from 27th till Aug 3rd we would to cover the following places – Gulmarg/Sonmarg/Leh/Pan gong/Khardungla/Nubra Valley and return to Jammu on 3rd Aug. Request your expert guidance to plan the itinerary. If you share your number it wud be gr8 help in talking… Best Regards Srinivas
Hello Srinivas,
Considering the number of days you have in hand, you might not be able to visit Ladakh because it takes two days to reach Leh from Srinagar, two days to come back and one day for acclimatization and arranging permits in Leh. So, you need 5 days without any sightseeing in Ladakh. I do not think you have that many days. Better keep the plan to Kashmir – Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg and Srinagar only.
I hope this helps. Please let me know in case you need more info or have any doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
We were planning a 9N/10D trip to Leh from Mumbai. This will include travel time also. We will be taking to and fro flights from Srinagar so will be doing road journey between Srinagar and Leh. Can you pls suggest an itinerary. We would like to stay overnight at Pangong Lake and visit Tso Moriri as well.
Sandy
Hello Sandy,
In that case you might need to sacrifice overnight stay at one of the lakes. 4 days will go right away in travel only and I feel you should better fly out of Leh so that it give you more time to cover all the required tourist places including overnight stay at both lakes.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hello Dheeraj bhai,
I came to know from a friend of mine tha permits are issued only on fri and saturday and not on any other day ,is it true??? moreover can you please give me conatc details of some taxi driver ,regzin is very busy and and a couple od others mentioned here have changed their numbers.PLEASE HELP.thank you
Hello Kunal,
I think Tashi is still available on the number or ask Rigzin that I have referred you and can tie you up with Mr. Sonam or any other good taxi driver he knows about. Secondly, that is false about permits. Permits are issued all days except national or local holiday and Sunday.
Regards
Dheeraj sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
We were looking for a trip of 10 days to Leh from Bombay. This will include travel time also. We are planning to take a direct flight to Srinagar and then do the road journey and on the way back take a direct flight from Leh to Bombay. Can ou pls suggest an itinerary keeping in mind the above aspect. This way we get to enjoy the road journey and see places on the way also.
Hello Gaurav,
Below plan might suit your needs:
Day 1 | Mumbai – Srinagar
— Enjoy walk around Dal lake and may be Shikara ride as well
— If you have time then check out, floating market, Shalimar Garden.
— Overnight at Srinagar
Day 2 | Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil
— Enjoy the vistas enroute
— Have late drunch meal at Drass is you are a vegetarian as sometimes it gets difficult to find veg. food at Kargil
— Overnight at Kargil
Day 3 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
— Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes
— On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu
— Overnight at Leh
Day 4 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Inner Line Permits
— Local sightseeing include Namgyal Gompa, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Shankar Gompa, Main Market, Hall of Fame, Spituk Gompa, Changspa Road Stroll in evening
— For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
— Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 6 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Day 7 | Leh – Pangong Tso Lake – Leh
– Day trip to Pangong Tso
– Overnight at Leh
Day 8 | Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang
— Cover Karzok Monastery
— Overnight at Karzok or Tso Moriri
Day 9 | Tso Moriri – Leh
— Return Leh and on the way visit Hemis, Thicksey
— Overnight Leh
Day 10 | Fly back
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks a ton. This is really helpful. Can i request you to suggest a plan keeping in mind below aspects also –
1) Travel to and fro by road from Srinagar to Leh and back. We will take a flight back to Mumbai from Srinagar.
2) Overnight stay at Pangong Lake
3) Visit to Sham Valley
4) A trip to Chandratal
Thanks.
Hi Gaurav,
You can see that it takes two days to reach Leh from Srinagar, so same time will be take to reach back. You need to remove two days or skip Tso Moriri lake and add one of the freed day for overnight stay at Pangong Tso and other day for single day non stop run to Srinagar from Leh. It will take about 16-17 Hrs for it.
forget Chandratal, it is in Himachal Pradesh, a 3 day long journey from Leh.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks a ton. This is really helpful. Can I request you to suggest a plan keeping in mind below aspects also –
1) Travel to and fro by road from Srinagar to Leh and back. We will take a flight back to Mumbai from Srinagar.
2) Overnight stay at Pangong Lake
3) Visit to Sham Valley
4) A trip to Chandratal
Thanks
Just replied I guess for the same query.
Regards
Dheeraj
thanks a ton. really appreciate your help…
Hi Dheeraj,
Your inputs are really helpful. Basis your plan, i have made the below itinerary. Can you pls advise if this is doable.
Day 1 – Arrive Srinagar by 1 PM. Start the journey for Kargil
"Day 2 – After early breakfast leave for Leh. On the way visit Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes, Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu
– Overnight at Leh"
"Day 3 – After Breakfast, go for local sight seeing covering Namgyal Gompa, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Shankar Gompa, Main Market, Hall of Fame, Spituk Gompa
– Overnight at Leh"
"Day 4 – Day trip to Nubra Valley covering Khardungla pass, Diskit, Hunder.
Overnight stay at Leh"
"Day 5 – Leave for Pangong Lake
– Stay overnight at Pangong Lake"
"Day 6 – Leave for Tso Moriri
– Stay overnight at Tso Moriri"
"Day 7 – Tso Moriri to Leh and cover Karzok, Hemis, Thicksey
– Overnight at Leh"
Day 8 – Leh to Kargil
"Day 9 – Kargil to Srinagar. Do local sight seeing – Shikara, Dal Lake etc.
– Overnight at Srinagar
Day 10 – Flight from Srinagar
Cheers !!
Are you planning Pangong Tso to Tso Morri via direct route? If yes, then be aware the route is not very tiring and the journey will be about 14+ Hrs. There is almost no road on majority of the route and you will not do justice to either of the location Pangong, Nubra, Tso Moriri by including all of them in one tightly packed schedule. Why are you not flying back from Leh? Have you done the cost analysis for staying, over Srinagar – Leh, food cost and taxi cost? Is the difference that huge? You also need to consider the cost for direct route from Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri which is charged way higher than routine route. Have you done that as well? If the difference is not that much then probably you are kind of not doing justice to such a once in a lifetime trip by traveling so much in so little time.
My job is just to advice and make everyone travel in simple, comfortable manner at best so that they have a memorable journey, please do not take the advices given above otherwise 🙂
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi,
This is Bharath, i just wanted to know whether i can hire a bike from srinagar to visit leh ? if yes , what is the cost per day ?? If no, is there any possibilities for to hire a bike in leh ?? Pls reply
Hi Bharath,
AFAIK, I do not think you can hire bikes from Srinagar. Yes, you can rent bikes in Leh and Fort Road in Leh is full of such shops that rent bikes. Depending upon the condition, model, make and tourist rush you can get bikes starting from Rs 600 to Rs 1200.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj
Wanted to check if we can take 2 year old kid there.
Hi Dheeraj,
Wanted to check if we can take 2years old kid to Leh in August.
Hi Gaurav,
Well, yes you can but it also depends very much on the itinerary you are following. Go via Srinagar – Leh Highway and do a relaxing journey within Ladakh. Avoid Manali – Leh I will say and even the overnight stay at Pangong Tso to be on safer side. Also, I will suggest you read the article linked here: Traveling to High Altitude with Kids or Babies
The key is hydrated body (not over-hydrated) and keeping constant eye on the behaviour of your child or if he/she is getting into any kind of uneasiness or not. This is because children many a times, do not communicate such things effectively. So, if you notice such things try to descend.
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
hi,
we 6 friends (100 kgs each) plan to leave delhi for leh via srinagar on 8th of july 2012 in 1 innova, wht do u suggest it wld b safe and comfortable.
regards
Neeraj
and can u plz plan 12 days delhi-srinagar-leh-manali-del
Hello Neeraj,
For 12 days and for the complete circuit, you may like to follow the below itinerary:
Day 1 | Delhi – Jammu / Patnitop
— Overnight at Jammu or Patnitop
Day 2 | Jammu / Patnitop – Srinagar
— Enjoy walk around Dal lake and may be Shikara ride as well
— If you have time then check out, floating market, Shalimar Garden.
— Overnight at Srinagar
Day 3 | Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil
— Enjoy the vistas enroute
— Have late drunch meal at Drass is you are a vegetarian as sometimes it gets difficult to find veg. food at Kargil
— Overnight at Kargil
Day 4 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
— Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes
— On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu
— Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Inner Line Permits
— Local sightseeing include Namgyal Gompa, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Shankar Gompa, Main Market, Hall of Fame, Spituk Gompa, Changspa Road Stroll in evening
— For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link : https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/inner-line-per…
— Overnight at Leh
Day 6 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 7 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Day 8 | Leh – Pangong Tso Lake – Leh
— Day trip to Pangong Tso
— Overnight at Leh
Day 9 | Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang
— Cover Karzok Monastery
— DO NOT FORGET to Carry spare fuel for about 550 KMs including your tankful
— Overnight at Karzok or Tso Moriri
Day 10 | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring (Manali – Leh Highway starts) – Moore Plains – Sarchu
— Try to start early in the day so that you reach Sarchu where the accommodation options are better than Pang
— Overnight at Sarchu or Pang
Day 11 | Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
— On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only
— Overnight at Manali
Day 12 | Manali – Delhi
— Return home
Day 13 + 14 | Buffer days to be kept incase of road closure due to landslides or snowfall or perhaps you want to enjoy more.
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
hi, could u pls suggest stay options at leh /pangong and tso moriri.
thanks
Hi Neeraj,
For accommodation, check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh including moderate and cheap budget hotels as well in the series of articles starting on the link here
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hello Neeraj,
In what sense do you mean safe? I guess 6 should be comfortable in an Innova.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
hi,
just wanted to reconfirm we all r 6 guys 6 footer in height and almost 100kgs each, considering the climate, altitude and travel time and distance of almost 400kms a day… will it b feasible to travel in 1 or 2 cars… please suggest,
regards
neeraj
Hi Neeraj,
I guess you would be weight about 850 KGs approximately including driver and luggage. I guess Innova might handle it but confirm from the driver itself. Considering comfort, I guess you guys have 1 extra because 2 each can sit at back seat and one with driver. The last one you guys have to adjust and you can give a try. If it feels a bit clumsy then take two cars along 🙂 …
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
hi dheeraj thanx again for all information
we hav planed itinerary for ladakh region as
day1: leh local permit
day2: leh-nubra(panmik)
day3: nubra-leh
day4: leh-pangong lake
day5: ???
day6: ???
day7: ???
day8: ???
here i'm confuse for day5to8 after pangong sto we hav to visit sto moriri and cangthang and hanle and then manali to shimla
1.halp me on this with whole discription (Accommodation, route,important)
2.i hav read your artical for inner line permits but i want to know what i should write on permit form (i hav downloaded that form)
3.tempo traveler is not mention in ladakh taxi operator fare list, it is available na?
Hi Ajinkya,
Are you planning to come back via road after Day 5? And finally where, Manali or Delhi or Shimla only? For other queries,
1. I will suggest the plan accordingly as you reply.
2. Did you download the sample filled permit form attached in the same article? It has all the details as an example.
3. Yes, we saw few. They might not be run by taxi union and may be some private operators would be running them. So, you need to get in touch with local travel agents in such a case.
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
hie dheeraj,
actually we are going first amarnath and than leh via drass,kargil and we have to end it to shimla. day1&2=bhusawal(maharashtra) to jammu by train
day3=jammu to baltal
day4=baltal to panchtarni
day5=holycave and back to baltal
day6=baltal to kargil
day7=kargil to leh
day8=permit&cab arrangements (tuesday)
day9=leh to nubra,panmik
day10=nubra to leh
day11=leh to pangong lake
day12=??? (sto moriri)
day13=??? (chamgthang)
day14=??? (hanle)
day15=??? (manali)
day16=??? (shimla)
day17,18=planned to go Amritsar(wagah,goldan temple,etc) END
1.can you suggest me for day 12,13,14,15,16 with whole description(accommodation,route,imp points)
2.i hav sample application form also but you hav mention only pangong sto and nubra valley in it.places like Man – Merak – Chusul – Tsaga – Loma – Nyoma (for Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri) and Hanle ?
Hi Ajinkya,
Though I will suggest you to take it easy and do like
Day 11 | Pangong Tso – Leh
Day 12 | Leh – Tso Moriri
Day 13 | Tso Moriri – Sarchu
Day 14 | Sarchu – Jispa
Day 15 | Jispa – Manali
This way you will be able to enjoy much more and in relaxing way. Still, you need to go the hard way via Changthang then let me know I will suggest it for the same.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
hi dheeraj,
1.As you suggested, Can we cover changthang and hanle
2.can't we go pangong sto to sto moriri direct, while going back to leh
Hello Ajinkya,
Yes, you can cover Changthang too in the following way:
Day 11 | Pangong Tso – Man – Merak – Chusul – Tsaga – Loma – Hanle
Day 12 | Hanle – Loma – Nyoma – Tso Moriri
Day 13 | Tso Moriri – Sarchu
Day 14 | Sarchu – Jispa
Day 15 | Jispa – Manali
On permit for write – Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Man, Merak, Chusul, Tsaga, Loma, Hanle, Nyoma, Tso Moriri. Carry spare fuel for about 850+ KMs including tankful.
PS -> I have heard that permits are not being issued by DC office for Changthang due to nuisances created by bikers there. So, it depends if you will get to through it or not.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
hie,
what are sightseen are there in turtuk and in hanle, and i have heard special permission is needed for turtuk
Hi Ajinkya,
Nothing but Turtuk itself is beautiful village with a different culture with what you find in Ladakh, mostly. Yes, you need to mention Turtuk separately on the permit form along side Nubra Valley to visit it.
Regards
Dheeraj
thanks up for all information dheeraj,
our journy is from 10jul-29jul thanks once again,if i need any info i will be intouch with you
Have a great and wonderful journey ahead!!
Regards
Dheeraj
hi dheeraj,
i have talk to rigzin, he is busy, he said that he will arrange me another one we will travel for 6-7 days
i want ask he can gives 10-15% discount definately na?
Most probably for 10% yes sure, anything more I doubt being they are mostly occupied. If he resist, try refer my name if he can increase some discount though I do not guarantee it 🙂
Regards
Dheeraj
hi dheeraj,
i have talk to rigzin, he is busy, he said that he will arrange another one,
i want ask he can gives 10-15% discount definately na?
hie dheeraj,
can you talk to rigzin about it, we reach leh on 16 or 17jul i have told him(yesterday) details as 10 people;cab-tata winger;for 18jul to 25jul
I will try to talk to him for the same.
Regards
Dheeraj
hie dheeraj,
In your 2012 ladakh itnerary you hav travel to hanle as leh-changla-tungste-spangmik-merak-chusul-hanle-karzok(tos moriri)-Tso Kar – Moore Plains – Taglang La/Chumathang – Leh na?
1.hav you get permits from leh dc easily, hav you carried extra fuel (how many)
2.if we want to go hanle from leh as leh-karu-upshi-kumdok-kere-changthang-mahe-noyma-loma-rhongo-hanle-karzok(tso moriri)-pang-sarchu-manali
then how many extra petrol we need to carry with us and in this way should get tired
Hi Ajinkya,
I planned it like that but didi it like: Leh – Chumathang – Tso Moriri – Nyoma – Loma – Hanle – Loma – Tsaga – Chusul – Merak – Spangmik – Lukung – Tangste – Durbuk – Shyok Village – Agham – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Deskit – Hunder – Deskit – Khardung La – Leh … 😀
The permits to Man – Merak – Chusul or remote Changthang routes including Marsimik La and Wari La are still not being given by DC office in Leh, so keep your fingers crossed and hope for the best if they start issuing the permits by the time you visit. Otherwise, you have to take the traditional routes only.
But, we got the permits easily 🙂 …
2. In case you get the permits, then you might need fuel for about 750+ KMs you will need fuel for this route and you have to halt first at Hanle and then at Tso Moriri and then at Sarchu. Otherwise, it is very ery tough in two days if not almost impossible.
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you have any queries.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
We will be reaching srinager on 14th July, on 15th we have planned for baba Barfhani (Amarnath) darshan via Baltal, we will back to srinager on 16th evening after darshan and we have return train to delhi from Jammu on 22nd july in the evening so could you please let me know if is it possible to cover Srinager-leh-jammu in 4days 3 night if yes how?
Hi Amit,
It is difficult to do since it takes two days to reach Leh from Srinagar. So, I will suggest better explore Kashmir – Gulmarg and Pahalgam in these two days.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Thanks Dheeraj for your quick reply.
Hi Dheeraj,
Is it possible to get rented bikes from Srinagar and give them back at Manali ?
Regards,
Vishal
Hi Vishal,
As posted in your other query, I guess it is not possible to rent bikes in Srinagar. So, better hire in Leh and drop at Manali if you want, instead of taking chance with AMS and going via Manali – Leh and then again coming back to Manali to drop the bike.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hey Dheeraj,
Thanks so much for the information, it's very helpful! We, three of us – me, my wife and daughter, are gonna take a morning flight from Delhi to Srinagar on July 4th, and will be returning from Leh on 15th morning. Firstly, we want to stay in Srinagar for about 3-4 days. After that, we plan to take a taxi to Leh. So, please suggest a suitable itinerary for us, also tell us about the places we should see in Srinagar, and we would prefer the 3 day route to Ladakh, so let us know the destinations we should check out enroute. Also, taking a taxi is a wise option, right? Please also suggest any other information that you think would help us.
Regards,
Arvind Sachdeva.
Hello Arvind,
You can follow an itinerary for 12 days as below:
Day 1 | Srinagar
– Take rest for the day. May be enjoy Shikara ride or stay in house boat itself.
Day 2 | Srinagar – Pahalgam
Day 3 | Pahalgam
– Just relax for the day and spend sometime around
– May be a visit to Chandanwari
Day 4 | Pahalgam – Gulmarg
– Explore ruins of Awantipura
– Enjoy vistas en-route
Day 5 | Gulmarg – Sonamarg
– Enjoy vistas enroute, especially between Tangmarg to Gulmarg
– Enjoy in snow at ski slopes snow points and may be check out Golf course, if you feel like
Day 6 | Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil
— Enjoy the vistas enroute
— Have late drunch meal at Drass is you are a vegetarian as sometimes it gets difficult to find veg. food at Kargil
— Overnight at Kargil
Day 7 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
— Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes
— On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu
— Overnight at Leh
Day 8 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Inner Line Permits
— Local sightseeing include Namgyal Gompa, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Shankar Gompa, Main Market, Hall of Fame, Spituk Gompa, Changspa Road Stroll in evening
— For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link : https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/inner-line-per…
— Overnight at Leh
Day 9 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 10 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Day 11 | Leh – Pangong Tso Lake – Leh
-– Day trip to Pangong Tso
–- Overnight at Leh
Day 12 | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping or you can do tour to Sham Valley
— Sham Valley include Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, , Gurudwara Pather Sahib
— Overnight at Leh
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Dear Deeraj
I want to know how many days required to see srinagar and leh.how about going in 1st week of august.Are 10 days enough for whole trip.We want to go from delhi to srinagar by air and rest by road.Is it safe for 2 ladies to take this trip.
Hello Anu,
Yes, it is safe to travel in Ladakh. If you can increase the number of days a bit it will help you a have bit relaxing trip with with all major tourist places covered. To start with, you can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travelers including me at the link here: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh. Instead of going to Srinagar by road you are flying so consider the itinerary from Day 2 onward.
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
hi dhiraj, thanks for all information i want to ask
1.which vehicle is available for 10-12 persons in ladakh
2.while going to hunder diskit,onwards can we go to panmik(taksha-sasoma-changlung-gompa-warshi-basecamp-yarkand) and how we mention it in inner line permit
Hi Ajinkya,
1. I guess you can get a Tempo Traveler in Leh for 10-12 people.
2. You will be allowed only for Panamik only. Further, you need to take special permission from either ministry of affairs or Army headquarters, AFAIK.
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
any news about that prices going to hike 30%, after petrol prices hikes
Hi Ajinkya,
No news after that, seems still the decision has not been taken by Manali Taxi Union.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hello my friend, could you please contact me in private ? I need to ask you one thing.
Hello Carlo,
Didn't you get my email? I guess you must be getting them as I reply to your comments. I will send you an email otherwise as well where we can get in touch. Please check the junk/spam folder as well 🙂
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi,
It was wonderful reading your blog. Everything that one needs to start of with.
I'm from Bangalore. Planning travel in the first week of July from the Srinagar – Leh. We are planning for a 7 days trip. Can you let us know which parts of Leh- Ladakh would be possible to cover in this duration and we are flying back from Leh to Delhi.
Also require some information on the homestay.
Regards,
Krishna.
Hi Krishna,
You can follow something like:
Day 1 | Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil
— Enjoy the vistas enroute
— Have late drunch meal at Drass is you are a vegetarian as sometimes it gets difficult to find veg. food at Kargil
— Overnight at Kargil
Day 2 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
— Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes
— On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu
— Overnight at Leh
Day 3 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Inner Line Permits
— Local sightseeing include Namgyal Gompa, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Shankar Gompa, Main Market, Hall of Fame, Spituk Gompa, Changspa Road Stroll in evening
— For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
— Overnight at Leh
Day 4 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 5 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Day 6 | Leh – Pangong Tso Lake – Leh
— Day trip to Pangong Tso
— Overnight at Leh
Day 7 | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping or you can do tour to Sham Valley
— Sham Valley include Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, Gurudwara Pather Sahib
— Overnight at Leh
Day 8 | Fly back to home
For accommodation, check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh including moderate and cheap budget hotels as well in the series of articles starting on the link here
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Thanks for the whole itinerary that u made for me…Really helpful..
can tso moriri also be covered.. would it too hectic to do it..
Also, i've heard about the river rafting in leh. would be able to tell details about it..
How about the taxi charges for Srinagar-Leh and will the stay kargil need to be booked earlier?
What would the climate around July be like?
I hope this not too many questions at once…
Hello Krishna,
For the current leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2012-13 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here. You can get about 12-15% of discount by directly getting in touch with drivers and of course, talking in person rather on phone always help in bargaining more.
Better leave Tso Moriri for next trip as it requires two days to be covered and you do not need to pre-book. In July, weather will be pleasant in Ladakh and may be a bit cold in overcast conditions at high altitude passes and lakes.
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Is there anything in the itineary that can be modifie and Tso moriri be included.
Any info abt the river rafting.
Regards,
Krishna
Hello Krishna,
With just 7 days in hand, I guess you have to sack down one of the three main destinations between Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri to make it convinient journey or otherwise add number of days.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
hi,
will be starting my vacation next week. Few info that was required is as follows:-
1.Will be staying in Srinagar fr a day Dal lake is on my list apart from that is there anything else that would be possible in a day.Also any info abt the Tulip Garden and the seasons fr Tulips.
2.To start our journey from Srinagar, tried calling the drivers nos u had suggested but non of the work and seemed to be switched off all the time. Where would we have to go there to book our journey to Leh [any particular place/agency to contact]
3.For the place you have mentioned what is the exact list of places that need to be included in the Permitlist.
It would be of great help if you could guide me through.Looking frward to your reply.
Krishna.
Hello Krishna,
1. I guess better take rest and stroll around Dal lake and relax. No idea about Tulip season 🙁
2. Yes, head to Srinagar taxi stand and you will find hundreds of them for traveling to Leh. The number does not work because they only work when these guys are in or around Leh or where network works 🙂
3. Just mention Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso on the permit form.
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
hi,
It was a wonderful trip. Loved everybit of it. For ppl like us who ve been in the concrete jungle all the way, this was BLISS.
I already miss that place n feel like going back again.
Thanks for helping my trip be easy and for all the information I needed. Will suggest your site to all my friends who are going to Ladakh.
Regards,
Krishna.
And Tashi,the driver you’ve suggested was indeed a very good n helpful driver.
O yes, he is a very nice chap indeed 🙂
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Thanks alot Krishna, glad to know that you loved your trip and had an awesome time over in Ladakh. Also, feel very nice that someone comes back and shares his valuable inputs on how much useful the articles/information present on the blog was helpful for the same. This really counts for the success of any article and thanks again for spreading the word about this blog among your friends.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
Hats off to your dedication in helping travellers to Leh and sharing your experience. Would like to ask if I can take my Fiat Punto Diesel to all the places you have mentioned ? I stays in Ludhiana and planning to travel in month of September’12. Regards
Hi Anand,
For Punto taking on Manali – Leh Highway and Ladakh, I will suggest you read about section "Private Vehicles i.e. Cars and Bikes | Self Drive or Ride to Ladakh" in the article linked here: How to plan a journey on Manali – Leh Highway to give you an idea what to expect in self drive in hatch back. For a quick read:
The roads may be in best condition once the monsoon resides but still you might face few tough challenges on the route. The hatchback/sedan will increase the level of every challenge even further. My suggestion will be to go via Srinagar route as it will help you feel comfortable with the driving, provide more acclimatization and then once you have done the local Leh Ladakh come back via Manali side. Secondly, since you are in hatch/sedan back then you need to drive with extra care as well. There will be some sections on the Manali – Leh highway in which you might need to sacrifice some scratches on the underbelly. Just make sure you do not bump the engine sump (know it before where it is placed in your car). You need to protect it all around the trip. Thirdly, whenever in doubt do not rush into the section rather park aside and feel the section with your foot, see how other vehicles are crossing it and make a planned route in your mind to cross that section. At the very least do carry Mseal, quick fix, funnel, jerry cans and towing rope with you all the time.
Also, I will strongly suggest that you go through and read my series on Ladakh Self Drive tips at the links below:
7 Useful Tips for a Self Drive to Leh – Ladakh, Routes and Road Conditions In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips, Fuel Availability In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Thanks Dheeraj for your time and reply. I was planning to go via Srinagar, infact some of my colleagues from my office went for trip on same route yesterday. Could you please share if you have any local contacts in/around Leh for hotel bookings and travel.
Warm Regards
Anand
hi Anand,
For accommodation, check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh including moderate and cheap budget hotels as well in the series of articles starting on the link here
For the current leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2012-13 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Hello again, please guide to plan my itenary for a week time, I will be travelling to Srinagar on saturday making my first stop at Pathankot, as I have a friend in army who stays there to catch up with him, then next sunday morning I will be traveling to srinagar making it by evening. Then onwards please guide !!!
Anand, do you want the plan for next 5 days. And also, would you be flying back to home from Leh?
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Dear Dheeraj,
Thanks a lot, keeping the points shared by you and the vast amount of knowledge from your website we will be leaving for Leh on 8th…. Last bit of curiosity we will visit Pangong tso from Leh and come back to leh on the same day….. Do you suggest to visit Tso Moriri on the way back to Manali or we can spend that time on some other place….. We are pretty excited going by the pics, wanted to take it through you once…….
Thanks
Anubhav
Hi Anubhav,
If you have time then definitely go to Tso Moriri and then exit towards Manali from there. The terrains and landscape there is majestic, I personally vouch more on Tso Moriri rather than Pangong Tso. So, if you have time then go for Tso Moriri.
Leh – Tso Moriri
Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Sarchu
Sarchu – Manali
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
Your work here is much appreciated. I am sure its helpful to a lot of people like me who are planning to visit Leh.
I am drafting an itinerary for Aug/10- Aug/19 but was contemplating whether to drive by my own vehicle or to reach there by public transport and subsequently hire a car/bike in Leh. The concern is that I have a Ford Figo and I am not very sure whether the road conditions on the Srinagar-Leh highway or Manali-Leh highway would support a vehicle with a relative low ground clearance. Kindly suggest.
Cheers,
Mohit
Hi Mohit,
For Ford Figo taking on Manali – Leh Highway, I will suggest you read about section "Private Vehicles i.e. Cars and Bikes | Self Drive or Ride to Ladakh" in the article linked here: How to plan a journey on Manali – Leh Highway to give you an idea what to expect in self drive in hatch back. For a quick read:
You will need to face few tough challenges on the route especially considering monsoons. The hatchback/sedan will increase the level of every challenge even further. My suggestion will be to go via Srinagar route as it will help you feel comfortable with the driving, provide more acclimatization and then once you have done the local Leh Ladakh come back via Manali side. Secondly, since you are in hatch/sedan back then you need to drive with extra care as well. There will be some sections on the Manali – Leh highway in which yo might need to sacrifice some scratches on the underbelly. Just make sure you do not bump the engine sump (know it before where it is placed in your car). You need to protect it all around the trip. Thirdly, whenever in doubt do not rush into the section rather park aside and feel the section with your foot, see how other vehicles are crossing it and make a planned route in your mind to cross that section. At the very least do carry Mseal, quick fix, funnely, jerry cans and towing rope with you all the time.
Also, I will strongly suggest that you go through and read my series on Ladakh Self Drive tips at the links below:
7 Useful Tips for a Self Drive to Leh – Ladakh
Routes and Road Conditions In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips
Fuel Availability In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for the reply. As suggested, Manali-Leh Highway is out of question for self driving. However, do you reckon Srinagar-Leh Highway would be ok in a sedan/hatchback? or hiring a car/bike in Leh itself would be better.
Cheers,
Mohit
Hi Mohit,
In that case you will miss Manali – Leh Highway 🙂 … Something that shall not be missed. So, if you love your car more than adventure then go with hiring the car within Ladakh 🙂
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Day 1 | Srinagar
Enjoy walk around Dal lake and may be Shikara ride as well
Overnight at Srinagar
About 8-9 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between
Day 2 | Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil
Enjoy the vistas enroute
Have late drunch meal at Drass is you are a vegetarian as sometimes it gets difficult to find veg. food at Kargil
Overnight at Kargil
About 8 Hrs drive, depend upon the traffic movement at Zozila and breaks you take in between
Day 3 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes
On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu
Overnight at Leh
About 9-10 Hrs drive, , depending upon the breaks you take in between
Day 4 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Inner Line Permits
Local sightseeing include Namgyal Gompa, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Shankar Gompa, Main Market, Hall of Fame, Spituk Gompa, Changspa Road Stroll in evening
For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
About 5-6 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between and at Khardung La
Day 6 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
Overnight at Leh
About 7-9 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between
Day 7 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake
Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on the go towards Pangong Tso
Overnight at Pangong Tso (Spangmik or Lukung)
About 5-6 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between
Day 8 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on return to Leh
Overnight at Leh
About 5-6 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between
Day 9 | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping or you can do tour to Sham Valley
Sham Valley include Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, Gurudwara Pather Sahib
Overnight at Leh
Return from leh to delhi to pune.
Dear Dheeraj have thought of doing this as my trip but seems to be a little hectic so could you tell me what could we omit from this trip.Would be planning this trip for 10 days between 18 th to 20th june and would like to travel from srinagar to leh.Also wanted to know should be go and see gulmar and pehlang as to how many days should we give to srinagar if we want to see these few places.
Hello Pooja,
You will need 3 more days atleast to visit Pahalgam and Gulmarg. Now coming back to Leh – Ladakh the itinerary is OK. You are doing Pangong Tso and Nubra Valley in two days, which is relaxing and not rushed. Then you are resting for a day in Leh. Before that you have a day to rest in Leh as well. So, all I see little hectic is journey from Srinagar to Leh. You can split the journey in three days with a stay at Alchi or Lamayuru in case you can extend the days. Otherwise the journey looks decent. Nubra is a place to visit and so as Pangong Tso. So, I do not see them removing. Rest you are either in Leh or trying to get to Leh.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
how is the weather end of july starting august.
Weather within Ladakh is fine and there remains dark clouds but mostly less rains. Temperatures would be like around 15 to 20 deg C. But, yes at some parts of Manali – Leh Highway (like before Baralacha La) and Srinagar – Leh Highway (like before Kargil) you might need to face monsoon hassles but once you get closer to Ladakh, then Ladakh being rain shadow region is least affected by monsoon rains.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
HI dheeraj.. please suggest from where can we get bikes on rent from srinagar … we want to take a tour from srinagar -leh-manali..is it possible to hire bikes from srinagar and drop them at manali..:P
Hi Hanish,
AFAIK, no bike rentals are available in Srinagar. You need to hire it either in Leh or in Manali.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
THnaks or the info.. so we would be taking manali-leh highwat then on bikes… we are planning to go in the first week of july.. is that the right time.. ???
Hi Hanish,
Great then as you can hire bikes from Manali. I might still suggest better go via Srinagar – Leh highway, hire bikes in Leh from some vendor that allows you to drop the bikes in Manali. This way you enjoy more rather than worrying about AMS issues. Also, if this is first time in such terrain then descend actually helps as compared to ascend especially on Manali – Leh Highway. How many days do you have in hand? July first week is good time to go.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj.. thanks .. we are planning a trip for 10 days..
After reading your bolg i have made the below plan.. please suggest if this would be fine..
Day 1 | Delhi – Srinagar
Enjoy walk around Dal lake and may be Shikara ride as well
Overnight at Srinagar
Day 2 | Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil
Enjoy the vistas enroute
Have late drunch meal at Drass is you are a vegetarian as sometimes it gets difficult to find veg. food at Kargil
Overnight at Kargil
About 8 Hrs drive, depend upon the traffic movement at Zozila and breaks you take in between
Day 3 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes
On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu
Overnight at Leh
About 9-10 Hrs drive, , depending upon the breaks you take in between
Day 4 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Inner Line Permits(on hired bikes)
Local sightseeing include Namgyal Gompa, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Shankar Gompa, Main Market, Hall of Fame, Spituk Gompa, Changspa Road Stroll in evening
For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder(on hired bikes)
Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
About 5-6 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between and at Khardung La
Day 6 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh(on hired bikes)
Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
Overnight at Leh
About 7-9 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between
Day 7 | Leh- Keylong/Jispa (on hired bikes)
– Leave Leh earrly next morning, say by 4/5 AM types, so that you reach kylong/ jispa in the evening.
– Overnight at jispa
Day 8 | Keylong/Jispa- Manali/Solang Valley(on hired bikes)
-Overnight at manali
Day 9| Manali – Delhi
-Return Home(volvo)
Hi Hanish,
I hope you are flying to Srinagar because Delhi – Srinagar will not be possible in one day. Rest do it like this:
Day 5 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Leh– Head for Nubra Valley very early in the day and come back by late evening after visiting Deskit. If you have time go little further and see Hunder sand dunes too
– On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
– Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 6 | Leh – Pangong Tso Lake – Leh– Day trip to Pangong Tso
– Overnight at Leh
Day 7 | Leh – Taglang La – Pang – Sarchu
— Try to start early in the day so that you reach Sarchu where the accommodation options are better than Pang
— Overnight at Sarchu or Pang
Day 8 | Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
— On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only
— Overnight at Manali
Day 9 | Manali – Delhi
Without Pangong Tso, Ladah trip would not be complete buddy :)… I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hey Dheeraj,
Is it possible to get rented bikes in Leh and leave them in Manali, As we will be travelling from Srinagar-Leh-Manali-Delhi..
If Yes, Please suggest any vendor who would provide such service.
Hi Hanish,
Yes, you can rent bikes in Leh and Fort Road in Leh is full of such shops that rent bikes. Depending upon the condition, model, make and tourist rush you can get bikes starting from Rs 600 to Rs 1200. You can ask them about dropping in Manali because AFAIK, there are few who give such service. But, fort road is what you are looking forward to. I have few contacts, in case you want them I can email you those and you can check with them if they allow bikes to be dropped in Manali.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Yes Dheeraj.. please forwad them… I am also concerned about the security deposit becuase we would be depositing the security in leh and dropping the bikes in manali..so.. want to be sure..nd take bike from a good shop.. you know wht i mean…tthnks in advance for you gr8 suggestions and information… 🙂
Hey Dheeraj,
Great article. Thanks for posting something like this and offering your help to us.
I am planning for a trip to Ladakh in August. However, I wanted to seek an advice from you on one thing before we finalize the plan:
As per the plan I would be reaching Srinagar on 10th Aug. at 13.30 (scheduled flight arrival). What is the furthest we can go towards Kargil on the same day. I hear that we are not allowed to go beyond a certain checkpoint after 13.00 in the afternoon. Due to time crunch, what would be the best way to reach Leh by end of 11th Aug?
Regards,
Varun
Hi Varun,
If you are reaching srinagar at 13.30 then you will have to take hault at Kargil only as reaching Kargil will not take less than 4-5 hours..
About vehicle restriction what you have heard is correct but let me tell you it is applicable for heavy motor vehicles there is NO restriction for light motors vehicles so no need to worry for that.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards,
Tejas Lalit
Hi Varun,
If you really want to reach Leh by midnight then hire any one of many taxis which leave about 2AM at night and reach Leh by 6 PM next day. Of course, it will be hectic but sadly this is the only option. Farthest you can reach is Sonamarg that day towards Kargil
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Thanks Tejas and Dheeraj for a quick response. Yes, we will be on an LMV and based on the comment by Tejas, I have created the following itinerary. Any comments or feedback? Anything you think we are doing extra or if we are missing some place that is worth a visit while we are there? Basically, is it comprehensive and practical enough? One more thing: we are visiting palaces and museums on a Sunday (assuming that is the weekly off in Ladakh); I am not sure if these places are open on those days?
Day 1 (Aug 10, Fri) Reach Srinagar around 2 pm. Drive towards Kargil and overnight stay there. On the way stop over at sightseeing places.
Day 2 (Aug 11, Sat) Drive towards Leh and cover any sightseeing places on the way.
Day 3 (Aug 12, Sun) Visit Shey Palace, Thiksey Monastery, Hemis Museum and Stok Museum.
Day 4 (Aug 13, Mon) River rafting and after lunch visit Hall of fame, Spituk, Shanti Stupa and Leh Palace.
Day 5 (Aug 14, Tue) Drive to Panamik on the way crossing world's highest motorable road. Overnight at Diskit/Hunder drive to Sand dunes.
Day 6 (Aug 15, Wed) Visit Diskit monastery and drive to Leh.
Day 7 (Aug 16, Thur) Drive to Pangong Lake and stay there overnight.
Day 8 (Aug 17, Fri) Drive to Tsomoriri Lake and stay overnight.
Day 9 (Aug 18, Sat) Drive to Tsokar lake and stay overnight at Keylong.
Day 10 (Aug 19, Sun) Early morning drive to Delhi.
Regards,
Varun
Hi Varun,
I guess there is some-misunderstanding here. You cannot reach Kargil on Day 1,it takes about 8-9 Hours. Farthest you can go is Sonamarg on that day. From Pangong tso to Tso Moriri the road conditions are too bad and the journey is very long and tiring. Plus you guys need to carry spare fuel as well for about 850+ odd KMs. Day 8,9,10 are back to back long long days and in fact on Day 9 reaching Keylong will be a big ask in daylight.
Better drop Tso Moriri to make it easy of skip Rafting day.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi dheeraj. Thanks and finally I am off from 2 june to 17 june from Jalandhar- Jammu- Srinagar- kargil- leh- nubra- pangong- keylong- naggar- Jalandhar. All arrangements made and shoppings done. Thanks and I shall be bothering you in case I need any clarifications enroute.
Sure Vishal, wishing you a great journey ahead 🙂
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
hi Dheeraj
first of all thanks for such a nice information’s and nice blogs
i am planing for tour of j&k with following route
jammu-srinagar-gulmarg-kargil-leh-manali-shimla-delhi
pls can u tell which r the places
that comes in this route?
days distribution ?
can i gate any rent car from jammu to manali ?if yes then
wht will be the charge for 7 seatter car ?
can i geate bikes on rent in leh
is it ok to see leh place my bike ?if yes wht is charge of bike?
can it is possibal to comlete this trip in 12 to 13 days with 90,000 for 7 persons ?
and last one pls give details for hotels?
thanx
Hi Srikant,
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travelers including me at the link here: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
For accommodation, check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh including moderate and cheap budget hotels as well in the series of articles starting on the link here
For the current leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2012-13 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here
Check the list of things to carry for Leh – Ladakh or other trip at the link here.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hello Dheeraj sir,
Please help me in finalizing my Leh trip
We are three friends have planned 9 days trip from Delhi->Jammu->Srinagar->Leh->Srinagar->delhi.We are hiring tata indigo for this whole trip.Plan can be prepared again as per ur suggestion but dates cannot be changed.:)
1Jun Pune to delhi.Will reach @9:30 to delhi,will travel to ambala(Night halt @Ambala)
2June:Delhi->Ambala->Jammu(Can it be stretched to Srinagar)
3Jun:Jammu->Srinagar(Night halt at Srinagar)
4Jun->Whole day in Srinagar and by the evening we will reach to pahlgum(Night halt @pahalgum)
5Jun->Whole day at pahlgum and by the evening we will reach to sonmarg(Night halt @Sonmarg)
6Jun->Sonmarg to kargil(Night halt @ Kargil)
7Jun:Kargil ->Leh
8Jun:Leh(Please suggest places)
9Jun:Leh(Will try to come back to kargil by the eveing)
10:Kargil->Srinagar->delhi
Hello Nishant,
If you are planning to do leh – Ladakh trip then leave out Kashmir because you already have less number of days. I will suggest better fly to Srinagar. Indigo is not the right vehicle to do this trip and moreover vehicle outside Ladakh is not allowed for sightseeing in Ladakh. So, in any case you need to hire another taxi in Ladakh.
Try something like below:
Day 1 | Delhi – Jammu / Patnitop
— Overnight at Jammu or Patnitop
Day 2 | Jammu / Patnitop – Srinagar
— Enjoy walk around Dal lake and may be Shikara ride as well
— If you have time then check out, floating market, Shalimar Garden.
— Overnight at Srinagar
Day 3 | Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil
— Enjoy the vistas enroute
— Have late drunch meal at Drass is you are a vegetarian as sometimes it gets difficult to find veg. food at Kargil
— Overnight at Kargil
Day 4 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
— Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes
— On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu
— Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Inner Line Permits
— Local sightseeing include Namgyal Gompa, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Shankar Gompa, Main Market, Hall of Fame, Spituk Gompa, Changspa Road Stroll in evening
— For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link : https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/inner-line-per…
— Overnight at Leh
Day 6 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Leh
— Head for Nubra Valley very early in the day and come back by late evening after visiting Deskit. If you have time go little further and see Hunder sand dunes too
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 7 | Leh – Pangong Tso Lake – Leh
— Day trip to Pangong Tso
— Overnight at Leh
Day 8 | Leh – Taglang La – Pang – Sarchu
— Try to start early in the day so that you reach Sarchu where the accommodation options are better than Pang
— Overnight at Sarchu or Pang
Day 9 | Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
— On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only
— Overnight at Manali
Day 10 | Manali – Delhi
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Thank you very much Dheeraj sir,
Happily ready to keep Kashmir out of this trip now.
I have two more questions:
Which wud be better option:
1.Hire a direct taxi from srinagar for leh(In case you have idea abt taxi charges)
or 2.Use public bus/Shared taxi then hire a taxi in ladakh
Question2.Does Cold permit us to stay in taxi at night(If we have basic arrangement like jacket,kambal etc and rum)
Hi Nishant,
1. Srinagar – Leh drop will cost you about 11-12K approx. If that suits the budget then take that else use shared taxi and then hire one in Ladakh.
2. Ha Ha Ha, why do you think you need to sleep a night in jeep and yes the last one should do but not in Ladakh. You have to stay away from alcohol/smoking for about 5-6 days until you get acclimatize at any cost. BTW, you will be able to manage sleeping in jeep, if in case required, in the season time 🙂
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
As i have only 9 days so i need to keep 1 day out of your plan.
Which day shud i?
Hi Nishant,
Leave Day 6 out and make day trip to Khardung La only in the later half of Day 5 after getting the permits. This will give you the required Day.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Also, you have the option to fly to Srinagar to exclude Day 1 🙂
sir, would like 2 know is it possible to travel to leh from srinagar by tempo traveller or tata winger (v r 10 people) or v have to take two vehicles
Dear sir is it possible to cover leh-pangong-hanle in one day and whether hanle to tsomoriri via salsal la and charchagan la is possible
Hi Shree,
I guess, you should avoid it because you will not be able to enjoy the journey in that case. Better avoid it rather being only on road and enjoying nothing. Leh – Pangong Tso is quite a journey in itself about 170 KMs and then you start on a very very rough road, rather no road and then reach Hanle. It will be difficult and you will not be able to enjoy much. Split in two days.
Tso Moriri via Salsal La and Charchaghan La is possible.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Shree,
Tempo Traveler are also available. You can check them after reach Srinagar at taxi stand. Also, it will only be available for drop only and then again you need to hire another one after reaching Leh.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
This is my first post..So I have to begin this by commending you for tirelessly helping people with their travel plans. I have exhaustively read all your posts and they are beautifully written.
I wish to plan Ladakh early July on a private taxi. Please have a look at my itinerary and my questions. Your suggestions are valuable..
Day1 Delhi to Srinagar
Day2 Srinagar Kargil
Day3 Kargil Leh
Day4 Local sightseeing at Leh. Arrange permits
Day5 Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
Day6 Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
Day7 Leh to Pangong Tso
Day8 Pangong Tso to Leh
Day 9 Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang
Day 10 Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring (Manali – Leh Highway starts) – Moore Plains – Sarchu
Day 11 Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
Day12 Manali to Delhi
My questions:
1. Can you give a rough idea of the travel times on all these days ?
2. As you can see, I intend to first cover Nubra, followed by Pangong , followed by Tso Moriri ..Is this the best order ?
3. When I am at Hunder, Can i go to Pangong Tso directly without touching Leh ??? If yes, then what is the best way to do it and what are the things i need to consider..
4. Similarly when I am at Pangong Tso, is there a way to go to Tso Moriri directly without touching Leh ?? Again same question..If there is route, what are the pros and cons of taking that route…
5. At which of these places do you recommend to go for a night stay for must (ofcourse if time permits) ? Ex I want to decide whether i stay at pangong tso and go to leh next day or do i cover leh pangong tso leh in single day…
Thanks..
Hi Vishesh,
1. For travel times, check: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/most-common-it…
2. Yes, this is the best order.
3 and 4. There exist but better not do it as the above is best way to enjoy more and travel less. Keep those routes for next trip.
5. If you have time, keep it as is.
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj
first of all thanks for such a nice information's and nice blogs.
now i want to ask you about which places we can cover in 7-8 days time if we are starting our journey from delhi > Sringar> Leh> Manali > delhi. Can we able to cover Pangong Tso Lake & Tso Moriri via Chumathang in that time period or not if not then how much more time we required? we are planning on 15th of july also suggest this is gud time to go to ladakh ?
Hi Shakti,
8-9 days are too less for Ladakh trip. You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travelers including me at the link here: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
Best time to travel is before Monsoons and after Monsoons. If you prefer snow then go in June and if you prefer beautiful colors then go in September.
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj, remarkably informative blog.. We are also planning a trip from Patiala to laddakh via Srinagar on 27th May for a period of 8-9 days (shortage of days because of office).. The tentative plan is : Day 1 From Patiala to Srinagar Day 2 Sight seeing in Srinagar Day 3 Srinagar to Leh (after reading your blog, might give a halt at Kargil on our way) Day 4 Reach Leh. Days4 -8 Leh , Day 9 Back, Please help to refine this itinerary, suggest the places to visit near Leh (like nubra valley & Pangong lake). Thanks a lot in advance.
Also, we are hiring a cab from patiala itself.. could you plz guide with the permits required and other stuff… thanks
If you are hiring the cab from Patiala, then in that case you will have to hire the taxi in Ladakh for Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso and other sightseeing places. You can only travel in and out of Leh sing that taxi. No special permits are required for taxi but yes, for person permits are required about which I already provided the required link in the previous comment.
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
dear sir,
i would like to know about the budget hotels and houseboat of srinagar.
Sorry Sanjay, since I have never stayed at Srinagar so I cannot comment on it.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Amit,
8-9 days are too short for this trip. Stilll if you are OK to travel for more hours in a day, more or less it will be a driving travel only, I will suggest something like below:
Day 1 | Patiala – Srinagar
— Leave very early or even night from Patiala so that you reach Srinagar by night. It will be about 15+ Hrs drive.
— Keep the breaks as short as possible.
— Overnight at Srinagar
Day 2 | Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil
— Enjoy the vistas enroute
— Have late drunch meal at Drass is you are a vegetarian as sometimes it gets difficult to find veg. food at Kargil
— Overnight at Kargil
Day 3 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
— Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes
— On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Zanskar
— Overnight at Leh
Day 4 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Inner Line Permits
— Local sightseeing include Namgyal Gompa, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Shankar Gompa, Main Market, Hall of Fame, Spituk Gompa, Changspa Road Stroll in evening
— For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
— Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Leh
— Head for Nubra Valley very early in the day and come back by late evening after visiting Deskit. If you have time go little further and see Hunder sand dunes too
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 6 | Leh – Pangong Tso Lake – Leh
— Day trip to Pangong Tso
— Overnight at Leh
Day 7 | Leh – Taglang La – Pang – Sarchu
— Try to start early in the day so that you reach Sarchu where the accommodation options are better than Pang
— Overnight at Sarchu or Pang
Day 8 | Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
— On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only
— Overnight at Manali
Day 9 | Manali – Patiala
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj, We are a group of five girls planning our Srinagar-Leh-ladakh trip from 23rd-31st august. 23rd arrival in the afternoon at srinagar from mumbai and 31st early morning departure from leh airport. Could you please help us design an itinerary and also give us contact details and references of reliable taxi drivers. We want to do this trip on our own and not have an organised hectic tour package. We wish to explore the place on our own,mingle with the locals, maximise sightseeing too. Also would prefer an overnight camp stay at pangong tso. Please help.
Hello Radhika,
You have about 9 days as I see ex. Srinagar, so you can follow something like:
Day 1 | Srinagar
— Fly to Srinagar if you are not self driving because it will almost cost the same and help you save one day plus fatigue of traveling unnecessary in plains or boring hills for 2 days
— Enjoy walk around Dal lake and may be Shikara ride as well
— If you have time then check out, floating market, Shalimar Garden.
— Overnight at Srinagar
Day 2 | Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil
— Enjoy the vistas enroute
— Have late drunch meal at Drass is you are a vegetarian as sometimes it gets difficult to find veg. food at Kargil
— Overnight at Kargil
Day 3 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
— Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes
— On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Zanskar
— Overnight at Leh
Day 4 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Inner Line Permits
— Local sightseeing include Namgyal Gompa, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Shankar Gompa, Main Market, Hall of Fame, Spituk Gompa, Changspa Road Stroll in evening
— For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
— Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 6 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Day 7 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on the go towards Pangong Tso
— Overnight at Pangong Tso (Spangmik or Lukung)
Day 8 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on return to Leh
— Overnight at Leh
Day 9 | Fly back
The only problem I see is that you do not have buffer days between Day 8 and Day 9, which if you get stuck might cause issue in taking flight on Day 9. Better increase by one day or make day trip to Nubra or Pangong Tso. Alternatively, you can get permits in advance and move to Nubra Valley on Day 4 only. The saved day can be used then as buffer day which if not utilized can be used for Leh Local sightseeing.
For accommodation, check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh including moderate and cheap budget hotels as well in the series of articles starting on the link here
For the current leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2012-13 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here
Check the list of things to carry for Leh – Ladakh or other trip at the link here.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj, what a wonderful and informative blog! My plan was to fly to Leh and make the road journey to Srinagar from Bangalore. Now after reading your blog, I have decided its better to fly to Srinagar and do some sight seeing there and travel on srinagar-leh highway. I have 12 days on hand for a group of 6 – 7 people. But I'm worried about the taxi's with Srinagar registration not being able to sight see on the way? You say its better to go to Kargil and switch taxi's? But is it easy to get taxi from Kargil with a good driver and vehicle? And permits? Will the taxi driver's do the needful or do we have to stop everywhere for permits? I have been to Sikkim and covered North sikkim upto Gurdongmar, with a tour operator who did all the permits for us. Can u suggest a similar tour operator?
Hi Sandhya,
Yes, you can get the taxi from Kargil which is Leh registration. For the current leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2012-13 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here
Get in touch with any of these drivers mentioned in the article linked above and you will surely find the way out. Talk to Rigzin and if he is busy, ask him to arrange someone else and you can give him my reference too and ask to arrange any alternative.
Your taxi driver can arrange the permits for you as well, just pay him the required fees and give him the tip (any amount, he will be happy doing it free as well) for his kind service. So, you do not need to do anything for the permit. You will have to stop but it is the driver who will give the permits at the army posts. No need to involve any tour operator. BTW, the inner line permit process is very trivial and takes about 20-25 minutes in all. You can find more details including the downloadable form and application at the link here
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Mr. Sharma,
Congrats for such an informative blog. its very helpfull to everyone. Can you suggest me the privet buses runnig from srinagar to Leh as i have planned my trip by 6/7th July from srinagar. Give me the contact details of the operators if it is possible.
Hi Hardik,
Thanks alot buddy. Sorry I do not have contacts of anyone running the private bus on Srinagar – Leh Highway but I feel it won't be much of a problem to get tickets once you reach Srinagar from Srinagar taxi/bus stand.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
I will reach leh on 7th of june 2012by road, stay8-10, return on11th june by flight.pl. guide me about hotels & taxi fare. regards
Hi Sanjay,
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travelers including me at the link here: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
For accommodation, check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh including moderate and cheap budget hotels as well in the series of articles starting on the link here
For the current leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2012-13 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here
Check the list of things to carry for Leh – Ladakh or other trip at the link here.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
dear sir,
what about the permit if some one wants it before reaching there. what is the procedure?
Hi Sanjay,
If you need permits in advance then you can get in touch with any hotel or travel agent based in Leh. They will ask you to provide the fax/email of photo identity proofs and required service fees including Permit fees. Once you send it, they will email/fax you the required permit copy.
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj, I'm planning my 2nd leh bike trip on 25th August and this time I'll take the Srinagar-Leh-Manali route. As I'm working and not much leaves are left for this year, so please help me plan the itinerary covering Amritsar-Srinagar-leh-pangong tso-khardungla-manali-chandigarh in a shortest possible time.
Thanks.
Hi Suhadeep,
You might like to do it in 10 days as shortest possible time I see for Srinagar – Ladakh – Manali trip as below:
Day 1 | Delhi – Srinagar
— Fly to Srinagar if you are not self driving because it will almost cost the same and help you save one day plus fatigue of traveling unnecessary in plains or boring hills for 2 days
— Enjoy walk around Dal lake and may be Shikara ride as well
— If you have time then check out, floating market, Shalimar Garden.
— Overnight at Srinagar
Day 2 | Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil
— Enjoy the vistas enroute
— Have late drunch meal at Drass is you are a vegetarian as sometimes it gets difficult to find veg. food at Kargil
— Overnight at Kargil
Day 3 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
— Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes
— On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Zanskar
— Overnight at Leh
Day 4 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Inner Line Permits
— Local sightseeing include Namgyal Gompa, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Shankar Gompa, Main Market, Hall of Fame, Spituk Gompa, Changspa Road Stroll in evening
— For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
— Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 6 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Day 7 | Leh – Pangong Tso Lake – Leh
— Day trip to Pangong Tso
— Overnight at Leh
Day 8 | Leh – Taglang La – Pang – Sarchu
— Try to start early in the day so that you reach Sarchu where the accommodation options are better than Pang
— Overnight at Sarchu or Pang
Day 9 | Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
— On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only
— Overnight at Manali
Day 10 | Manali – Delhi
Note: No buffer days for Ladakh trip mostly many a times means trouble, so do plan a day or two as buffer apart from these 10 days.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi mr.Deeraj sharma,
Firstly your blog is really great and very elaborate. congrats for you effort.
We are a group of 7 planning to visit amarnath from tamilnadu. We have planned an itenary. Please advise wether it would be correct.
day1:from bangalore to jammu
day2:from jammu to leh by flight.
day3:local sight seeing at leh
day4:leave to srinagar by road
day5:enroute srinagar
day6:leave to baltal
day7:amarnath visit
day8:baltal to srinagar
day9:visit srinagar and leave to jammu by road
day10:leave from jammu to bangalore by flight.
Is this itenary right, as we have already booked our tickets from bangalore to jamme and to leh.
Expecting your reply to plan further.
Hi Balaji,
There is no point I see you flying to Leh for just a day and then starting the journey back to Srinagar. I will suggest you reach Srinagar to Jammu by road and then spend a day there. See Gulmarg, Pahalgam for next two days and then head to Sonamarg. From there carry on your Amarnath Yatra. There is no point going to Leh and feel sick due to AMS for a day and then start back to Srinagar.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
sir, we are planning 10 people for ladakh , so after reching to leh from srinagar like your suggestion,
day 1 (for permit)
day 2 leh to nubra valley
day 3 nubra valley to leh
day 4 leh to pangong lake
day 5 pangong lake to leh
day 6&7 leh to(manali orshimla)
so,
Que1:how can we get any vehicle (which vehicle for 10 people) from leh for 10 person?
Que2:how much he charge us for whole for 7 days (leh-nubra-leh-pangong-leh-manali or shimla)
And if we include sto moriri in it then how much it cost (travel fare)
day 1 (for permit)
day 2 leh to nubra valley
day 3 nubra valley to leh
day 4 leh to pangong lake
day 5 pangong lake to leh
day6 lah to sto moriri via chumthang
day7 sto moriri to sarchu
day 8 sarchu to manali or shimla
Hi Ajinkya,
I hope the current 2012-13 Leh – Ladakh rate list along with contacts of some good taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh help you in that respect which is available on the link here.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Ajinkya,
The plan is perfect. About you queries, I hope the current 2012-13 Leh – Ladakh rate list along with contacts of some good taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh help you in that respect which is available on the link here.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
thankyou very much, rate are fixed our we can bargen to driver?
The rates can be bargained by 10-15% but not more I guess.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
dear dheerajsharma we are 13 our visit to amarnath we want to see srinagar,drass,kargil leh known sit-seeing placeses can you help me we planned up to amaranath next pl, suggest along with cost for further days with econamy thankyou
Hello Nataraju,
Yes, surely I can help you with it. How many days are you planning for the whole trip and would you like to go to Amarnath Yatra first or at the last? To give you heads up check the two article linked here and here and you will get some rough idea on planning the trip and number of days required for the whole journey.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
We are planning trip from Delhi -Jammu – Srinagar – kargil – Leh -Sarchu – Manali – Delhi.Please help in the below itenary.
Day 1 Delhi – Jammu(night travel by train)
Day 2 Jammu – Srinagar (Night at Srinagar)- We have hired a xylo in jammu which we will be charged 4k per day for our trip starting Day 2 from jammu to day 10 delhi.
Day 3 Srinagar – kargil
Day 4 Kargil to leh(leh local sight seeing)
Day 5 Leh – Nubra – Leh (Can we cover this one day or shud we opt only until khardung la)
Day 6 Leh – Pangong – Leh
Day 7 Leh – Sarchu
Day 8 Sarchu – Manali
Day 9 Manali – Delhi
Day 10 Morning we have flight to catch in delhi at 6 am
Can we stay in camp tents in kargil,leh(which I think not possible for 3 nights),Sarchu,Manali ?
Is the fare for 8 days only travel from jammu – leh – delhi(not includes leh sight seeing) 32k fine ?
Hi Chaithanya,
I hope the Xylo is private number one and you guys will be able to justify that it belongs to you when asked by Ladakh taxi union. You can fly into Srinagar and then take taxi from there. IT will save you one day and make some cost calculation for taxi, train and one night stay in Jammu + saving one day with price of Delhi-Srinagar flight. It will save a day for you which you can use to do Nubra Valley in 2 days. In one day leave by 6 AM from Leh to do Nubra Valley the same day. You will only be able to cover Hunder and Deskit, that too very quickly.
32K seems fine because Srinagar – Leh costs about 11-12K and Manali-Leh costs about 15-18K. You can stay in tents if villagers allow you to pitch them in. Of course, they might charge a little bit for using their land in some cases. Are you carrying your own tents?
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Thanks deeraj for your valuable information.
Flight from Delhi – Srinagar is too costly for total 6 people , we will be leaving to jammu by train on day 1 and start from jammu from immediately by 6 am , we will directly go to sonamarg on day 2 , can we make sonamarg to leh starting early in sonamarg so that we can add one more day in leh, we r taking tents,sleeping bags on rent from delhi.
Hi Chaitanya,
Sonamarg to Leh is possible because even the taxis do Srinagar – Leh on daily basis but the question is it will not firs thelp much on acclimatization front. Second, it will not be that convenient. Better do Sonamarg – Lamayuru and then doing sightseeing of whole Sham Valley come to Leh on 3rd day. This will help you cover Sham Valley with ease but you will need Ladakh number taxi to do sightseeing in Sham Valley.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Thanks Dheeraj,We will try to stay in lamayaru but can we immediately start next day to nubra valley from lamayaru(for which I need permits taken in advance for nubrah,pangong)I will plan to take permits by taxi person in leh whom I will talk today to pick us in lamayaru and take trip from lamayaru – nubrah – leh in 2 days.Is it possible take permits in advance before we reach by taxi person , if not please confirm how can we get permits in advance
Hi Chaitanya,
No you should not do so because Leh – Lamayuru is about 130 KMs apart and then you need to get permits from Leh and then Leh – Nubra is about 130 KMs again. So, very long and tiring day. Not sure how that taxi person will get the permits. You need to fax/email him your PhotoId proofs to get the permits without which he cannot unless he provide details of any travel agent or hotel
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for your valuable information,we are starting on June 2nd in delhi,3rd June -Day 2 jammu – Sonmarg ,Day3 Sonmarg – Lamayaru,Day 4 Lamyaru – Leh (Permits and local sightseeing),Day 5 Leh -Nubra -Leh,Day 6 Leh – Pangong – Leh,Day 7 Leh -Sarchu, Day 8 Sarchu – manali ,Day 9 Manali – Delhi.
Can you please guide me on where in leh we can pitch our tents (which we will take on rent in delhi)for 3 nights
Hi Chaithanya,
Not sure about in Leh because mostly it is covered by locals, may be you can ask any local hometo allow you to pitch the tents in their big law/farm. May be try Lamdon area or Gangeless village ahead of Leh towards starting of Khardung La.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Thanks Dheeraj, I will try to stay in hotels only in leh , please let me know if my itenary is OK and also let me know mandatory things to pack as I am leaving tomorrow
Hi Chaithanya,
I guess itinerary is fine with some modifications/suggestions I have already provided. Check the list of things to carry for Leh – Ladakh or other trip at the link here.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
Can you help me plan Leh-ladhak trip. We are 5-6 group of friends.We plan to start 07-06-2012 (friday night) and want to return delhi by sunday or max monday (10/06). so far the plan which i am thinking is like
friday-start from delhi to Jammu (assume by train)
satarday (noon) reached Jammu
Satarday Jammu to Srinagar (by bus )
Satarday night stay at Srirnagar
sunday early morning Srinagar to Leh (by bus or hire a dropoff taxi)
Monday Eve reached Leh ( night stay at kargil)
Tuesday mrning start leh-ladhak trip
Tunesday to Friday (please advise this plan)
return via manali to delhi
Hi Puneet,
9 days are too short for the trip. Best probable thing you can do is, (AFAIK)
Day 1 | Delhi – Srinagar
— Fly to Srinagar if you are not self driving because it will almost cost the same and help you save one day plus fatigue of traveling unnecessary in plains or boring hills for 2 days
— Enjoy walk around Dal lake and may be Shikara ride as well
— If you have time then check out, floating market, Shalimar Garden.
— Overnight at Srinagar
Day 2 | Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil
— Enjoy the vistas enroute
— Have late drunch meal at Drass is you are a vegetarian as sometimes it gets difficult to find veg. food at Kargil
— Overnight at Kargil
Day 3 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
— Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes
— On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Zanskar
— Overnight at Leh
Day 4 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Inner Line Permits
— Local sightseeing include Namgyal Gompa, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Shankar Gompa, Main Market, Hall of Fame, Spituk Gompa, Changspa Road Stroll in evening
— For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
— Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Leh
— Head for Nubra Valley very early in the day and come back by late evening after visiting Deskit. If you have time go little further and see Hunder sand dunes too
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 6 | Leh – Pangong Tso Lake – Leh
— Day trip to Pangong Tso
— Overnight at Leh
Day 7 | Leh – Taglang La – Pang – Sarchu
— Try to start early in the day so that you reach Sarchu where the accommodation options are better than Pang
— Overnight at Sarchu or Pang
Day 8 | Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
— On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only
— Overnight at Manali
Day 9 | Manali – Delhi
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
You have almost fix my trip schedule. thanks a ton for that. I have just three more questions.
1. Mode of travel from Srinagar to Leh (bus/taxi which is best to enjoy the enroute vistas given that we are 6 people). Is the cost of taxi is too high?
2. Mode of transport after reaching leh. i heard something like we cannot use the taxis from srinagar for leh local sight seeing and all. in that case how can we arrange for taxis.
3. I heard there are some travel agent who can get the permits in advance for you. is is possible becaue it can save some time.
*any suggestion for taxis. some local agent number or something can be very helpful
Hi Puneet,
My pleasure 🙂 … Please find your answers below:
1. Taxi is the best option because you can stop it anywhere you like for clicking pictures and taking rest. You will get a taxi for about 11-12K for a drop to Leh from Srinagar with night halt at Kargil.
2. Yes, once you reach Leh you will have to hire another taxi for all sightseeing within Ladakh. For current price list 2012-13 and some good drivers contact in Ladakh check the article linked here.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
I forgot the thrid one 🙂
3. Yes, you can get permits in advance. Talk to any hotel or travel agent and they will be able to help you out. When you reach Leh, even you taxi driver will be able to help you out.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj, Really impressive & informative piece ow work.. keep up the good work mate, I am planning a road trip from Delhi to Leh Via Srinagar & return via Leh – Manali, have 12 Days in hands.. kindly suggest iteanary & also what all permitts are required & where to procure the same.
Would appreciate your help.
Cheers,
VY
Hi Vinay,
Thanks buddy!! It is extremely good idea to go via Srinagar and come back via Manali. If you are not self driving then better idea will be to fly into Srinagar to save one more day and two days of travel fatigue. As for itinerary (assuming you will self drive),
Day 1 | Delhi – Jammu / Patnitop
— Overnight at Jammu or Patnitop
Day 2 | Jammu / Patnitop – Srinagar
— Enjoy walk around Dal lake and may be Shikara ride as well
— If you have time then check out, floating market, Shalimar Garden.
— Overnight at Srinagar
Day 3 | Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil
— Enjoy the vistas enroute
— Have late drunch meal at Drass is you are a vegetarian as sometimes it gets difficult to find veg. food at Kargil
— Overnight at Kargil
Day 4 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
— Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes
— On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Zanskar
— Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Inner Line Permits
— Local sightseeing include Namgyal Gompa, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Shankar Gompa, Main Market, Hall of Fame, Spituk Gompa, Changspa Road Stroll in evening
— For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link : https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/inner-line-per…
— Overnight at Leh
Day 6 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 7 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Day 8 | Leh – Pangong Tso Lake – Leh
— Day trip to Pangong Tso
— Overnight at Leh
Day 9 | Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang
— Cover Karzok Monastery
— DO NOT FORGET to Carry spare fuel for about 550 KMs including your tankful
— Overnight at Karzok or Tso Moriri
Day 10 | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring (Manali – Leh Highway starts) – Moore Plains – Sarchu
— Try to start early in the day so that you reach Sarchu where the accommodation options are better than Pang
— Overnight at Sarchu or Pang
Day 11 | Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
— On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only
— Overnight at Manali
Day 12 | Manali – Delhi
— Return home
Day 13 + 14 | Buffer days to be kept incase of road closure due to landslides or snowfall or perhaps you want to enjoy more.
Additional Points:
1. Instead of coming back to Leh from Nubra Valley, you can head towards Pangong Tso via Wari La route. If you are riding then you need to carry sufficient fuel for it. The additional day could be rest day at Leh where you can do Sham Valley tour or some shopping in Leh. Sham Valley include Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Zanskar, Gurudwara Pather Sahib
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Dear Dheeraj,
Thank you for sharing your experiences and providing valuable advice to each one of us. I plan to visit Ladakh from 3 – 10 June,2012 (7Nights/8 Days) with a travel group.
Kindly suggest whether the itinerary is good. Also cost is approx 35K with airfare.
I am worried about AMS as this package includes travel by air. Please suggest.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive at Leh from Delhi by air and transfer to the Spic n Span hotel, Shanti Stupa, overnite at Leh.
Day 2: tour the famous Alchi-Likir monasteries, view Sangam -the confluence of Zanskar and Indus rivers.Then Magnetic Hill – Gurudwara Pathar Sahib – overnite at Leh.
Day 3: Visit Thiksey monastery and proceed to Pangong-Tso Lake. overnite camping by the lakeside
Day 4: leave Pangong lake to Hemis Monastery. Overnight in Leh.
Day 5: leave for Nubra Valley, night at a camp site at Nubra Valley.
Day 6: visit local towns of Deskit and Hundar and its popular sand dunes. return to Leh via Khardung La pass and overnite at Leh
Day 7: head for white-water rafting through the Indus and Zanskar rivers!Back at Leh, overnight stay at Leh.
Day 8 (Return to Delhi) by flight
Thanks and regards,
Ashima
Hi Ashima,
Looking at it, it is certainly a concern for AMS because you are doing Pangong Tso before Nubra 🙁 ..
For first two days take it very very easy and light, do not use stairs much. Then do Nubra Valley and then do Pangong tso after Nubra Valley. Otherwise, high chances of getting hit with AMS, especially at Pangong Tso lake, if you do it before Nubra Valley.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj, what a write up !!! I planned for Leh in 2010 but it was cancelled due to the flash floods .. I m planning this year in Sep. Is that a right time ? i guess the monsoon wud have receded by then so i might face less hardships .. We plan to fly from Delhi to Srinagar . then we take a taxi from Srinagar to Leh and back .. please help with the itinerary
Hi dheeraj, very useful information. i am traveling on 24th may. my itinerary would be two days in srinagar, 1 night in kargil, 1 night in alchi, 4 nights in leh, 1 night in nubara valley. i just wanted to know what will be expected temperature during this period i mean 24th may – 2nd june.
Hi Munir,
The temperatures will be pleasant in Leh ranging somewhere around 15 deg C to 20 deg C. Do take heavy woolens with you.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Deepak,
For me September is always the best time because you see burning colors of Ladakh in full glory… Amazing scenery. Try to make it by mid September types. Traveling to Srinagar and then going to Leh is the best way to plan it 🙂 … Let me know the number of days you have in hand and I will assist you with the itinerary. Also, you can check a balanced version of most common itinerary on the link here and may be cut down it according to your needs.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
please post some contact details of drivers from Srinagar if possible. Also is it possible to bargain on travelling costs in LEh
Hi Rachit,
I have one for Srinagar and you can check by calling him "9419090310 – Mehraj" if it is working. Otherwise, try calling Naseer – 9469293183, 9906229203 who is based in Leh. He many a times picks people from Srinagar itself and being Leh based you do not have to book another taxi again. Bargain could be like 12-15% at max, I believe.
Other Good Drivers in Leh – Ladakh:
1. Rigzin – 09622954779
2. Naseer – 09906229203 and 09469293183
3. Dorjey – 09419372742
4. Tashi – 09906994647, 09419342238
5. Tsewang – 09622993372
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
I was in planning phase of Srinagar-Leh trip but I must confess now, while reading your blog I made my mind to be there from 02Aug-06 Aug2012. Best informative travelling blog, I ever came across with. Appreciate the modesty of article. Thanks!!!
Would like to ask here if we opt for Srinagar-Leh throughout with JKSRTC buses, can we do sightseeing and cover the places en-route Leh on Srinagar – Leh Highway like Alchi, Basgo, Likir etc before we reach Leh?
Itinerary would be:
02/Aug:Reaching Srinagar,
03/Aug:Srinagar-Kargil,
04/Aug:Kargil-Lamayuru/Alchi/Leh,
05/Aug: Leh-Khardunga La-Leh,
06/Aug: Fly out.
Please suggest.
Hi Ankit,
Thanks alot, glad that the information present on my blog is useful for you. If you go by buses then you will have least amount of sightseeing on the route. They will stop whenever they plan to and you do not have control over them. Also, they will not stop at sightseeing purposes en-route. They are only meant to drop at Leh or Srinagar.
The itinerary is OK but I do not think you can do it JK buses because as I said above they will not stop at sightseeing places.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Thanks once again Dheeraj, I believe Srinagar-Kargil is ok with JKSRTC. And from Kargil we can hire for a Leh-plated taxi no. Please suggest.
We are four in no. and planning to take 2 two men tents, please suggest if we can pitch tents at Kargil, Alchi etc.
Regards, once again-Ankit
Hi Ankit,
Yes, that will be fine if you reach Kargil and then hire a taxi from there. It depends upon the local villagers if they allow to pitch the tents or not. Most probably they will allow you to do so.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hello,,,we are two girls form Italy,and we are arriving in Delhi on 11.5. we have 20 days,more less, for Ladhak but we were thinking to go via terra,by Srinagar-Leh road.As you are the expert in Ladhak 🙂 we are more than appreciate to adwice us on this.We have all ready been in India before,but never in Ladhak .So what is the best way,we are awere that the road will be in bad shape,but do you think that 2 foreign girl are able to do it ,hehe 🙂 We we thinking to go Delhi-Jammu-Srinagar-Leh, and maybe to go back,return by Manali road(if open)!2weeks for Ladhak 1st week,,Leh,monasterys,and 2nd week Nubra walley.Thank you for all your information that you giving us considering Ladhak ,it is all very helpfull.Chears
Hi Natasa,
You can go to Ladakh via road from Srinagar side because now it has been opened for public/tourists. The journey from Delhi to Jammu and Srinagar is pretty much bland and do not have anything interesting. I will rather prefer taking flight to Srinagar from Delhi as it will be most likely similar in economic terms as well. Once you reach Srinagar, you can take either a public transport bus or shared tourist taxi from Srinagar to Leh. It will night halt at Kargil and then next day you will reach Leh. So, no problem I see you two making to Leh :), Leh – Ladakh in fact is one of the most safest places in India and you see there one of the best people in India. Manali – Leh will also be most likely open by the time you plan to start back from Leh towards Manali. Srinagar – Leh Highway was decent condition as per the drivers I met last week when I was in Ladakh, so conditions will improve in coming days. Manali – Leh by that time may also stabilize as well because Rohtang Pass has already been opened for light vehicles.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Thank you very much,as I said before your information are allways very helpfull!
Regards Natasa
Hi Natasa! I am thinking of doing the same route myself (Delhi->Jammu->Srinagar->Leh). My e-mail is pallabsarkar@gmail.com – drop me a line and maybe we can connect along the way!
Hi Natasa,
Thanks again and have a great journey 🙂
Regards
Dheeraj
hi dheeraj,
we r planning our trip to leh in end of may in our own car. i would like to know which car do u prefer, and i would like to know is there any need to book the accomodations prior to the trip. we wl go thru srinagar- leh highway and come thru manali – leh highway.
Hello Sahil,
Firstly, good decision that you will be going via srinagar and coming back via Manali. You will surely enjoy more in this case. Well, you should prefer a high ground clearance vehicle to make it hassle free. I hope you have some experience of driving in hills.
Regarding bookings of hotels, I guess, you do not need to pre-book any accommodation unless you want to stay at some specific property and are OK with searching the hotel a bit here and there after reaching Leh or other places. In most cases, taxi drivers does help very much in helping you get an accommodation. But, to keep a lits of hotels handy, check the comprehensive guide for accommodation within Leh Ladakh starting from the article linked here.
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
i also want to know about stay near pangong lake…..
Hello Sahil,
For list of preferred accommodation around Pangong Tso Lake, check the article linked here.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
Really your site is very informative and useful too.
I need some information about accomodation in Leh. We are a group of 34 heads and our stay duration in Leh from 30th May to 5th June.
Our budget is upto 1000/- per day for double room. Can we get Hotels within this budget for those days mentioned? I'm looking forward to your reply please.
Hey dheeraj ur blog is awesome. I intend to go Jalandhar- manali-leh-srinagar-Jammu- Jalandhar for 14 days with a group of 6 adults and two kids from 3 June to 17 June. Kindly let me know.
1. Probable dates of opening up of the highway.
2. I have a Toyota innova. Will that be fine or should I take a Toyota fortuner or Mitsubishi pajero. Other members are travelling in an innova and Scorpio.
3. Can kids of age 6 and 10 ages endure the journey.
Please tell me:
i m planning to go leh from srinagar.
can you tell me how much time will it take by bus with a halt in kargi??
Hi Dheeraj,
Hats off to you for this blog man. It is reall informative and absolutely appreciate your efforts for helping everyone with all of their queries.
Me and my friends have planned a long tour from Pune-Srinagar-Leh-Manali-Pune. We will drive in a 4×4 for the entrie tour.
We have about 13 days between 4-June-2011 untill 16-June-2011 to explore around the heavenly Srinagar-Manali stretch.
During this same period between 9-June-2011 to 13-June-2011 our families would be joing us in Leh(Flying in-Out of Leh)
Was wondering if you could help us in shortlisting the places where we should stay back in the Night. Food/stay/Fund/Time No constraints. Absolutely in for anything as long as it is fun and adventure. Even if you help us with just the places where we should stop for the nights then probably I will study your and some other blogs to find more info and finalize on the places to see and things to do.
Thanks n Regards
Atul P
Hi Dheeraj,
Hats off to you for this blog man. It is reall informative and absolutely appreciate your efforts for helping everyone with all of their queries.
Me and my friends have planned a long tour from Pune-Srinagar-Leh-Manali-Pune. We will drive in a 4×4 for the entrie tour.
We have about 13 days between 4-June-2011 untill 16-June-2011 to explore around the heavenly Srinagar-Manali stretch.
During this same period between 9-June-2011 to 13-June-2011 our families would be joing us in Leh(Flying in-Out of Leh)
Was wondering if you could help us in shortlisting the places where we should stay back in the Night. Food/stay/Fund/Time No constraints.
Absolutely in for anything as long as it is fun and adventure. Even if you help us with just the places where we should stop for the nights then
probably I will study your and some other blogs to find more info and finalize on the places to see and things to do.
Thanks n Regards
Atul P
Thnx Boss. I,m now free feel to reserve my hotels. Your suggetions are really helpful.
Hi Anupam,
Thanks buddy, feel free to let me know if you have any queries or douts in regard to planning your trip to Leh – Ladakh.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for the informations, I would apprecate if you can share some more informartion on DELUX BUS SERVICE FROM SRINAGAR TO LEH AND THEIR PROBABLE PLACE OF AVAILABILITY for our information. Also if these bus tockets can be booked online ?
Hi Gautam,
These are not deluxe buses rather semi-deluxe types and are mostly run by private travel agents/tour operators. Not sure if they can be booked online but you can find them at Srinagar bud stand.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hello bro.. First of all thanks for such a wonderful write up ! It almost gave anything or everything i wanted.. Can you please look at my plan and let me know if i can do this. I have 9 nights and 10 days..
I want to do Manali to Leh (via Keylong, Sarchu).. Leh to Nubra Valley.. Leh to Srinagar via Kargil, Also i want to go back from Srinagar to Manali within 10th day evening.. Can i do this by any chance.. My plan is as below.. Can you comment on the best route from Srinagar to Manali please.. i have problems with that route..
Day 1 manali to sarchu
Day 2 Sarchu to Leh
Day 3 Leh to Disket
Day 4 Disket to Leh
Day 5 Leh to Kargil
Day 6 Kargil to Srinagar
Day 7 Srinagar
Day 8 Srinagar
Day 9 Srinagar to Keylong
Day 10 Keylong to Manali
I am planning to do it on bike ..
Hi Vivek,
Thanks alot. what is your starting point Manali?? Are you renting a bike from Manali?? The itinerary needs to be re-shaped a lot, because spending first night at Sarchu – very deadly. You are not seeing anything in Ladakh here rather just covering Manali – Leh Highway which will take most of your time on road and then running to Srinagar. I will say drop any sightseeing in Srinagar. You also need a day in Leh to arrange permits for Nubra Valley. Let me know answers to above queries and I will try to sketch the itinerary for you.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hello Dheeraj,
First of all Many thanks for the reply. Can you please re-shape the itinerary. I would like to see more places than simply travelling. FYI this is money honeymoon trip 😀 :D.. What do you say as i have opted for a honeymoon bike trip. Is it good to go ahead with this?
Can you please help me by preparing a itinerary for the below places for 11 days..
1) Manali (2 days stay booked in a hotel from 15th 12 pm to 17th 12 pm)
2) Leh
3) Nubra Valley
4) Manali
I have 2 days for site seeing in manali (as i have booked stay for 2 days) and 9 days in hand for Manali Leh bike trip. Starting 17th June to 26th June. Please help me with this. I have to travel back to Delhi and catch a flight to bangalore on 27th afternoon. If you think 9 days is too much for Manali Leh Manali, I don't mind winding up Manali Leh trip a day or 2 early as i can visit Delhi and Agra if time permits.
To summarize things again, Please help me prepare itinerary for 2 days of manali and 9 days of manali leh manali bike trip. Many thanks for your time.
Regards,
Vivek
hello Dheeraj, I had missed few things. Yes i am hiring a bike from Manali. 500 CC machismo from Abhinav. Read your complete blogayana 🙂 Awesome dude.. almost saw pangong tso.. Tso moriri 🙂 So i got few ideas.. thought i can go for a draft itinerary with that. which you can review once. 9 days plan.
Day 1 Manali to Sarchu
Day 2 Sarchu to Leh
Day 3 Local site seeing and permits
Day 4 Leh to Diskit
Day 5 Diskit –> Panamik –> Leh
Day 6 Leh to Pangong Tso
Day 7 Pangong to Sarchu via Shakti
Day 8 Sarchu to Leh
Day 9 Buffer (which you strongly recommed)
Please edit the above itinerary wherever needed. And need little info on stay as i will have my wife with me. Thanks again for the valuable time 🙂
Regards,
Vivek
Hi Vivek,
I have replied to your other comment with draft itinerary. Let me know incase you need some details.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hello Vivek,
Congrats a ton for the marriage buddy. If you both are adventurous you will remember the trip always otherwise you will remember it always 😉 … Things can easily get screwed up at Manali – Leh Highway, so do wish for the best and be prepared for the worst 😉 … I am sure you have experience of riding long hours on bike and your wifey too…
Jokes apart, I will strongly suggest you spend at least one of the 2 nights of Manali at Solang Valley to acclimatize a little.
Day 1 | Reach Manali, Hire Bike and do local sightseeing for testing the bike. Overnight Manali
Day 2 | Manali – Naggar Castle – Manali – Solang Valley. Again it will help you test the bike. Overnight at Solang Valley
Day 3 | Solang Valley – Rohtang Pass – Jispa (leave early to avoid Rohtang Pass jam mess)
Day 4 | Jispa – Leh (Do not stay at Sarchu else you will hit AMS and it might be difficult to carry out rest of the journey. You need to leave by 4 AM from Jispa to reach Leh with daylight left in the day. It will be the longest, toughest and remotest drive you might have ever done. Be ready for some great fun and breathtaking viewes)
Day 5 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Inner Line Permits
— Local sightseeing include Namgyal Gompa, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Shankar Gompa, Main Market, Hall of Fame, Spituk Gompa, Changspa Road Stroll in evening
— For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link : https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/inner-line-per…
— Overnight at Leh
Day 6 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 7 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Day 8 | Leh – Pangong Tso Lake – Leh
— Day trip to Pangong Tso
— Overnight at Leh
Day 9 | Leh – Taglang La – Moore Plains – Pang – Sarchu
— Try to start early in the day so that you reach Sarchu where the accommodation options are better than Pang
— Overnight at Sarchu or Pang
Day 10 | Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
— On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only
— Overnight at Manali
Day 11 + 12 | Buffer days to be kept incase of road closure due to landslides or snowfall or perhaps you want to enjoy more.
I hope this helps. Let me know incase of any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
this is my Proposed Plan for 11 days…..but this has become too long….so could you plz help me reduce it by 2 dayz!!!!
Day 1:- Jammu-Srinagar….halt @ srinagar
Day2:- Srinagar-Pahelgam….halt @ pahelgam
Day3:-Pahelgam- Gulmarg….halt @ Gulmarg
Day4:-Gulamrg – Srinagar…..sight seeing….halt @ srnagar
Day5:- Srinagar- Kargil….halt @ kargil
Day6:- Kargil –Uleytokpo…..Halt @ Uleytokpo
Day7:-Uleytokpo-Alchi-Leh….halt @ Leh
Day8:- sight seeing n permit@Leh
Day9:- Leh-Hemis-Leh…night @ Leh
Day10:- Leh-Nubra valley….halt @ nubra valley
Day11:-Nubra valley-Pangong Lake-Leh….halt @ leh….
END
waiting fr ur suggestions!
Hi Abhijeet,
I will recommend you either skip Ladakh or Kashmir to make it more comfortable and enjoyable. Day 11 is not feasible at all unless you wanna drive more than 15-16 Hrs in a day, may be more. And then you want to cut two more days 😉 … You can either fly to Srinagar directly or leave Gulmarg very early in the morning on Day 4 and skip Srinagar sightseeing and then head to Kargil. Perhaps best I can suggest:
Day1:- Jammu-Srinagar….halt @ srinagar
Day2:- Srinagar-Pahelgam….halt @ pahelgam
Day3:-Pahelgam- Gulmarg….halt @ Gulmarg
Day4:- Gulamrg – Srinagar – Kargil/Drass (leave a bit early from Gulmarg to make it to Kargil or Drass for overnight stay)
Day5:- Kargil – Leh…..Halt @ Uleytokpo
Day6:- sight seeing n permit@Leh
Day7:- Leh-Nubra valley….halt @ nubra valley
Day8:- Nubra valley – Pangong Tso
Day9:- Pangong Tso Lake – Leh
I hope this helps. Please let me know for any doubts or queries you have.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Dear Dheeraj, would you kindly suggest if this program is feasible:
Days Origin Destination Events
Day 1 Jammu Srinagar – Dal Lake Night Halt
Day 2 Srinagar Gulmarg & Pahalgam- Srinagar Night Halt
Day 3 Srinagar Kargil – Sonamarg – Drass – Kargil Night Halt
Day 4 Kargil Mulbek, Lamayuru – Leh Night Halt
Day 5 Leh Alchi, Likir, Magnetic hill, Night Halt
Hall of Fame, Khardongla Pass- Leh
Day 6 Leh Thiksey/Hemis – Pangong – Leh Night Halt
Day 7 Leh Return journey
Hi Sunil,
Yes, this is very much feasible. I will suggest that instead of reaching Leh on Day 4, halt at Alchi only. And then on Day 5 after exploring Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Zanskar, Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Phyang Moastery and return to Leh for overnight stay.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Dear Dheeraj,
Thanks Brother for your kind suggestions,keep it up. I will definately consult you before finalizing our tour.
Thanks Again.
Hello Sunil,
You are most welcome anytime. Let me know any queries or doubts you have regarding planning your trip to Leh Ladakh 🙂
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Man you are amazing! Appreciate your patience and passion to assist one and all in their trip to Ladakh!
Good on you!!
I will be needing your guidance in 2013 when I plan to ride to Leh from Mumbai and be atop the Khadungla pass on my 60th birthday on 01aug13!
Cheers!
Thanks alot Deepak. Glad to know that you like my efforts, really thanks for the appreciation 🙂 … Do let me know whenever you need any assistance in planning your ride to Ladakh. I will be more than happy to asist.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj
I have been dreaming of going to Ladakh for 15 years, and now I finally have decided to go there. I have been reading so much about it, but let me tell you your articles, replies to comments has been very informative & comprehensive. Since you are a seasoned traveler to Ladakh I feel you the the best person to guide me. My 1 year old son & I am planning on going to Ladakh end of July. We want to go from Srinagar. I have travelled earlier with him to Sikkim & other places, but somehow people are scaring me about just the 2 of us going to Ladakh, saying it's dangerous.Is it unsafe for a woman & a teenager to travel by themselves?
I am planning on taking a bus from Srinagar to Kargil(halting at Sonamarg & Drass )staying overnight at Kargil, then bus again to Lamyuru. From Lamyuru to Leh, not sure whether to bus or taxi..I want to save money for taxi in & around Leh..what is the frequency of buses? My itineary is below, using ideas from your articles & others..If possible can you advice me on the following…
– do we do Alchi from Kargil or head to lamaruyu
-budget hotels with room heater
-taxi drivers in Leh
-Approximate cost of traveeling to places on my itineary
-Safety
-Things I need to keep in mind
Thanks
Anjali
1. Srinagar – Sonamarg – Drass – Kargil (stay) – Mulbeck – Lamayuru (stay) –Nimmu – Leh
2. Leh – Khardungla – Khardung –Khalsa – Diksit – Hunder – Diksit (stay) – Sumur – Panamik(Nubra valley)- leh
3. Leh –Shey – Karu – Shakti – Changla –Durbuk – Tankksey (stay) – Lukung –Spangmik (Pangong Tse)
4. Leh – Upsi – Chumathang – Mahe Bridge – Tso moriri – Korzok –Mahe Bridge – Tso Kar – Moore plains –Tanglang la-Upsi –Leh
5. Kargil – Panikhar – Parakachik –Rangdum (stay) – Pensila – Padum (Zanskar Valley)
Hi Anjali,
Thanks alot, glad you find the info. present on my blog about Leh – Ladakh useful enough.
Did you make a typo error or are you saying you plan to do this circuit with one year old kid? In terms of safety from humans, the whole Leh – Ladakh is one of the safest places I have been to in India but talking in terms of natural calamities, no one can predict them in Trans-Himalayan region. Now, assuming that you are going ahead with one year old kid, I will advise you that although going via Srinagar – Leh Highway does help in terms of acclimatization and minimizing the chances of AMS but still problem with such small children is that they cannot convey if they are having problems. In AMS, if you are feeling the symptoms then best bet is not to ascent higher or go lower if symptoms rises. Now, with one year old child you might not be able to judge how he is feeling and he will not be able to convey you the uneasiness, if at all present. Hence, I will suggest first consult a good doctor and then only plan this trip to Leh with such young kid with all the precautions. The problem is that the medical services might not be readily available in remote regions of Ladakh and hence, I feel it is better to avoid the journey and wait until he grows to an age where he can convey his emotions and feelings easily and help you take necessary steps. Otherwise, there is no issue I see with you two going to this majestic place.
Also, about the itinerary, is it for 5 days? How many days you have in hand?
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj
Thanks for the prompt reply. Yes , it was a typo…my son is 14. So it wont be a problem.
Regards
Anjali
Okies, great then I will suggest you the plan tomorrow as my kiddo is crying me to join him 😀 …
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Anjali,
Like I said, in such a case you will not have any problem. Plus you are going via Srinagar side, hence body will be acclimatized in better way before you reach Leh. You should do Kargil – Alchi on the day, so that you get more close to Leh and even enjoy the culture around. On the bus to Leh from Kargil, you can get off at Sasapol I guess and from there you may get a shared taxi or lift for Alchi.
For the budget hotels check the link here and here
For anything related to budget, refer the link here
Safety, as I said – Ladakh is one of the safest places in India (human safety) and people are super friendly. For list of things to carry, you can check my travel list here
Now, taxis are extremely costly in Ladakh and hence, it will be better if you get hold of some shared taxi (shared among tourists) with people traveling on similar dates. There are lots of flyers/banner which foreigners or other domestic tourists put on cafes, dine-in at main market and changspa road to share taxi cost. Check them out or you can even check forums such as India Mike or BCMT to find Travel Partners in the respective section and tie along them for sharing the taxi cost. Contact some travel agent to get a shared taxi, if nothing works.
I will suggest that you drop the plan for Zanskar and make dedicated trip to Ladakh only.
Please tell me the number of days you have in hand and I will suggest a suitable itinerary accordingly. I get the list of places you want to visit but couldn't make out the number of days you have with you.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi
Your blog was very informative. Could you please help me in a trip that I have planned. We are a group of central government staff from Mysore 9 in number 6 adults (4 male + 2 female) and three children (2 girls aged 12 and a boy aged 4). Due to constraints in flight reservations we are flying in to Leh on 13th June and planning to take a road journey down to Srinagar on 15th June. after reading your blog I am sure it certainly not the right way to do it. but with a mad rush in June due to a special facility extended to central government employees coming to a close we cannot afford to replan. Is it very difficult to take the journey as we plan to do. Will acclimatization be a major issue? We just want to lap up the beauty of the landscapes which is our main choice. Can children sustain the journeys? Any travel houses where we could hire a transport for the journey preferably a TATA winger or Van? We are middle class group with concerns on the budget too. We are looking forward to your valuable comments please. JOHN
Hi John,
Thanks for your kind words. I am a bit confused here, why do you want to go towards Srinagar from Leh when you plan to fly-in? Are you planning to travel Kashmir or Leh – Ladakh? If you want to explore Kashmir then tickets to Srinagar will be very cheap as compared to Leh from Delhi and then if you want to explore Leh – Ladakh then you do not need to go back to Srinagar.
Let me know the place you want to explore and how many days you have in hand, I will suggest the itinerary and the whole plan accordingly 🙂
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
hey dheeraj,
i ve been going through your write up for last couple of weeks.The article is very interesting and i am sure that it is gonna help me in a great way in planning my trip to leh and ladhak in either Sep or Oct.
Ill be undertaking this trip with my wife on my own bike from srinagar.We ll be flying in to srinagar.And i ll be considering to carry out the 3 day itenary for the drive to leh.How many more days will be required to cover the whole of leh after i reach there.It would be a great help if you could let me know if i could rent a bike at srinagar and the rates for it?Hope to get a reply form you.Before i end up ,i would like to praise your effort ,dedication ,motivation and hardwork put up by you to help your fellow travelers to leh -ladhak cheers mathew
Hi Mathew,
Rather than taking the Srinagar – Leh Highway on bike I will suggest that you hire/rent bike in Leh – Ladakh only. There are two reasons for it, first you do not have to back track the same route just to give the bike again and secondly I doubt if you will be able to get the bike on rent in Srinagar, it is quite fragile place as you know. Also, you are planning late in the season when heavy snowfall can close the Zozila pass for a day or more, so in such a case riding back just to return the bike will not be worth.
Hence, reach Leh by bus or shared taxi or privately hired taxi (whatever suits your budget) and then hire bike in Leh once you reach there. You can do Leh – Kargil in one day, and then Kargil – Leh on the other day. If you want to take it easy then you can halt second day at Alchi and explore Alchi, Likir and Basgo in the evening or next morning before heading to Leh.
Now, even months are less to explore whole Ladakh region and it depends very much on your choice on what to be seen and what not. I have prepared the most common itinerary followed by travelers to Ladakh and you can read it here. You can curtail or pick the places you want to explore and if required we canwork on your itinerary depending upon the number of days you have in hand.
For all about renting bikes, do read the article here. The tips and tentative prices are almost equally application within Leh as well though the article talks about Manali Bike hire/rent services.
I hope this helps and thanks for your kind appreciating words. It does help a lot. Let me know for any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharmna
hey dheeraj,
It is really commendable the energy and enthusiasm with which you treat each mail of yours.It is reflected in the promtness in which you reply.
Though you have advised me to rent a bike at leh -ladhak and ride down to kargil,in many of your blogs you ve advised the travellers to travel in their own bikes ,taking into consideration the por quality of bikes and the repairs u may need to undertake in the midst of the journey.
If i intend transporting my bike to srinagar and then travel to leh -ladhak,is there any option to transfer the bike from leh -ladhak back to my home town(as in any transport company or courier service).
i tried searching the transport rates for gati ,but i guess it has services only till srinagar,not even kargil :(.
But im sure there might be some transport ]company from leh -ladhak as there is so muc military presence there and all the army men need to transport their vehicles.
it would be nice if you could find out something regarding this.
We plan to do this in a group of 6 in three bikes and on our way back we ll be flying back from leh -ladhak.hope to see ur reply soon as always.
cheers
mathew
Hi Mathew,
Thanks alot again for such kind words. I can't really tell how much they help in motivation apart from the diehard passion I have for traveling.
Yes, it is always better that you take your own bike rather than renting the bike. However, I guess it will cost you too much to ship your bike to Srinagar and then back to home from Leh, since you are flying in. Hence, it is not a good pick to take your bike in such a case rather rent a bike in Leh itself. The risk though being still there is much lower than renting a bike in Manali because within Leh then distances that you need to cover without any civilization is less if you are interested in common tourist places where as at Manali – Leh Highway there are stretches running over hundreds of KMs without any civilization. In case, your bike break down then help might take long time to come on Manali – Leh Highway but within Leh, if you are not going to the remote regions then probably you will find help in good time only comparatively, so the risk is lowered but will be present always 🙂 …
Best thing is to hire a bike, do couple of days of local sightseeing that ensure the condition of bike and then go ahead with other plans. So, better rent the bike within Leh itself rather than thinking of exporting the bike from home to first Srinagar and then back home.
Also, when you will rent the bike from Leh you need not ride back to Kargil, guess there is some confusion here. You should explore Ladakh then as you will be covering Srinagar – Kargil – Leh by road either by shared taxi/private taxi or public buses.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
This blog is amazing. We a group of 5 are planning to a BLR – Leh trip some time in Mid July or Aug First week. We will be traveling on a 4×4. Our biggest constraint is time. As per the current schedule we can be @ leh only for 4 days. Have some queries, 1) If we have to reach LEH by 10:00 Am, how soon we should start from Kargil ?
2) If we need to go thru Batalik for leh, we need to get ILPs from kargil, can we get ILPS for Pangong and neruba and other places from Kargil itself ?
3) We plan to do Srinagar – Leh – Manali, do we need to get any vehicle permit as ours is non HP registered car ?
4) Can you let us know how we can plan our 4 days optimally in LEH. we don't mind stretching ourselves a bit as all of us are gents and don't have kids or ladies with us.
Once again awesome blog, People like you motivates us to travel and explore.
Hello Praveen
Thanks buddy. Great that you will be traveling by 4×4, you will enjoy the trip. Please find answers your query in the respective order of your queries –
1. I guess by 2 AM, which means you will not be seeing much enroute in the dark.
2. I am not sure, most likely it will not be issued from Kargil office but as I said I am not sure about it. You can get Batalik permits from Leh that I know but getting Pangong Tso and Nubra permits from Kargil, not sure about it.
3. No, you will not need any permit in that direction. If you are going to start via Manali then you will need permit to travel on Manali – Rohtang Pass road. Since, you will not need it if you are going to Manali from Leh.
4. You can do something like:
Day 1 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Inner Line Permits
Local sightseeing include Namgyal Gompa, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Shankar Gompa, Main Market, Hall of Fame, Spituk Gompa, Changspa Road Stroll in evening
For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
Overnight at Leh
Day 2 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
About 5-6 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between and at Khardung La
Day 3 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
Overnight at Leh
About 7-9 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between
Day 4 | Leh – Pangong Tso Lake – Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Taglang La – Pang – Sarchu
Day 6 | Sarchu – Baralacha La – Manali
OR
Day 4 | Leh – Tso Moriri
Day 5 | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Pang – Sarchu
Day 6 | Sarchu – Baralacha La – Manali
OR
Very optimistic, covers everything and tiring …
Day 1 | Leh Local sightseeing
Day 2 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit/Hunder
Day 3 | Diskit/Hunder – Wari La – Pangong Tso / Diskit/Hunder – Shyok village (if route is open) – Pangong Tso
— Latter via Shyok village is shorter route but may/may not be opened because as per BRO they planned to open this route this year only. So, check before going towards it else go via Wari La route, longer one.
— need permits for both Wari La and Shyok Village
Day 4 | Pangong Tso – Man – Merak – Chusul – Loma – Nyoma – Tso Moriri
— You will need permits for every place that comes on this route starting from Man/Merak. Check the permit link for details
Day 5 | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Pang – Sarchu
Day 6 | Sarchu – Baralacha La – Manali
Also, in order to attempt this route you need to carry spare fuel for doing about 800-850 KMs without fuel pump I guess. Do not forget to carry spare fuel and tank full from Leh only as in Nubra Valley, diskit petrol pump might not be operational.
I hope this helps. Please let me know for any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hey Dheeraj,
Firstly, very commendable and awesome job on putting your views and suggestions across for all the enthusiastic drivers. 😉
I have a few queries, which I hope you could help me out with.
We have not finalized the details yet. We are a group of 5-6 people planning for a 15-18 day trip from Chandigarh/Delhi to Leh/Ladakh, in the month of July/August.
1) As I went through your different posts on the site, I'm sure that you are more inclined towards taking the Srinagar – Leh route, instead of Manali – Leh route. Any specific reason, other than the problems with Gas stations?
2) I'm more inclined towards taking a round trip. So, which would be your choice of route to go ahead with & why?
3) In your opinion, what would be the average cost, per head, for the whole trip (say we start and finish @ Chandigarh)?
4) Regding accommodation, is it advisable to carry tents/sleeping bags with us? Or, would you recommend to stay in a guest house at different places? Also, is there any restriction on putting up tents at different places along the highway?
5) Any other points you would like to share ! 🙂
Thanks, in advance & awesome job, once again 😉
Cheers !
~Arvind Patil
Hello Arvind,
Thanks alot buddy. Please find my answers in respective order of your queries.
1. Yes, there is much more stronger reason than fuel pump that is acclimatization. The ascent is gradual from Srinagar side and hence your body adapts/acclimatize to the high altitude slowly and in much better way than on Manali – Leh Highway where most of the highway runs above 14000 feet which is considered as very high altitude as per specification. Unless the body is not acclimatized, you are bound to suffer from Acute Mountain Sickness which is not a good thing to get in such a remote region like Manali – Leh Highway. Secondly, to minimize the effects of AMS you need to plan tweak the journey such that you do not sleep at High altitude of Sarchu by staying either at Keylong or Jispa. This means that you will be covering 25% of the journey one day and rest 75% of the distance on the other day, without evenly balancing the journey. On the other hand, while you are coming from Leh side towards Manali, you body is acclimatized to the altitude of staying at Sarchu which is at an even distance from Manali and Leh and hence, you enjoy the journey in much much better way instead of rushing through it. Third and the last, if you are going via Manali side and in your own vehicle or hired vehicle outside Himachal you need to take permit from Manali DC office to drive on Manali – Rohtang Pass road which will waste surely a day, if not taken in advance through travel agent or hotel staff and that too if you are not reaching on a holiday (like Sunday or second Saturday or other local/public holiday) at Manali. Holiday means waste of another day. You can read more about acclimatization on the link here
2. As stated above, to enjoy the magnificent views of Manali – Leh Highway more, go via Srinagar side and come back via Manali side. I hope the above point makes it much clear in taking decision.
3. For all about budget for leh – ladakh trip read my blog's link here: How to calculate cost or budget for Leh – Ladakh trip. If you still have any doubts I would be happy to answer 🙂 …
4. If you have tents, then carry them because first it will save you the money and secondly, you can bargain more and in better way at places like Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri and Sarchu. As such there is no restriction but you need to check with the locales, like at Tso Moriri you cannot pitch the tents because it is a wetland reserve area. So, always check with locales or plan in a way where tents are required least. Most places have guest houses, and where ever not you can pitch in your tents. Also, you can always ask the already pitched tents to let you pitch your tents aside them as well by paying a very basic fees. It will ensure you the much needed safety and surety in any case 🙂 …
5. I can keep writing about ladakh for months 😀 … much I have shared in the Ladakh section. Please explore and feel free to have any queries or doubts…
I hope this helps.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
If you have 15-18 days, I will suggest you go with
hii dheeraj,
i ll be taking my own bike,karizma..plan a trip for me for 18 days,satrting point ll be delhi…delhi-srinagar-leh-manali.and do suggest me the best time to visit these places,even mention the best places near srinagar and ladakh as well…
Hi Jaison,
You can check the itinerary below and if you have strict 18 days then you can skip Kashmir part so that you have atleast two buffer days for sure for such long itinerary. Otherwise, you can follow the below itinerary in case days are flexible. You can either attempt it pre-monsoon between mid-June to mid July, of course here will be Amarnath Yatra rush for sure 🙁 … or you can plan it in post monsoon in September types. In between (July – august), you will have to go through rains at least upto you reach Ladakh and then again on manali – leh highway.
Day 1 | Delhi – Jammu / Patnitop
— Overnight at Jammu or Patnitop
Day 2 | Jammu / Patnitop – Srinagar
— Enjoy walk around Dal lake and may be Shikara ride as well
— Overnight at Srinagar
Day 3 | Srinagar – Pahalgam
— Explore a bit a Srinagar like Mughal Gardens, Shikara rides etc and then ride to Pahalgam
— If time allows visit Chandanwari about 15-16 KMs
— Overnight at Pahalgam
Day 4 | Pahalgam – Gulmarg
— Ride from Pahalgam to Gulmarg and rest overnight at Gulmarg
— Overnight at Gulmarg
Day 5 | Gulmarg – Srinagar/Sonamarg
— Enjoy half day at Gulmarg and then ride back to Srinagar or you can further continue to stay at Sonamarg overnight
Day 6 | Srinagar/Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil
— Enjoy the vistas enroute
— Have late drunch meal at Drass is you are a vegetarian as sometimes it gets difficult to find veg. food at Kargil
— Overnight at Kargil
Day 7 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
— Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes
— On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Zanskar
— Overnight at Leh
Day 8 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Inner Line Permits
— Local sightseeing include Namgyal Gompa, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Shankar Gompa, Main Market, Hall of Fame, Spituk Gompa, Changspa Road Stroll in evening
— For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
— Overnight at Leh
— Bike Service
Day 9 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 10 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Day 11 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on the go towards Pangong Tso
— Overnight at Pangong Tso (Spangmik or Lukung)
— Do carry spare fuel for traveling about 550-600 KMs without fuel pump
Day 12 | Pangong Tso Lake – Man – Merak – Chusul – Hanle (Changthang)
— Whole Changthang places must be mentioned on the permits.
— Very arduos and remote drive but extremely beautiful.
— Cover Hanle Observatory in the evening
— Overnight at Hanle
Day 13 | Hanle – Nyoma – Tso Moriri (Korzok)
— Cover Hanle Observatory in the morning or if done around Hanle
— Cover Karzok Monastery
— Overnight at Karzok or Tso Moriri
Day 14 | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring – Taglang La – Upshi – Karu – Leh OR Tso Moriri – Chumathang – Upshi – Karu – Leh
— In case of later, cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on return to Leh, left while going to Pangong Tso
— Overnight at Leh
Day 15 | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping or you can do tour to Sham Valley
— Sham Valley include Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Zanskar, Gurudwara Pather Sahib
— Overnight at Leh
— Bike Service, if required
Day 16 | Leh – Karu – Upshi – Taglang La – Moore Plains – Pang – Sarchu
— Enjoy the ride over Manali Leh highway
— Overnight at Sarchu
Day 17 | Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
— On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only
— Overnight at Manali
Day 18 | Manali – Shimla
— Return Home
Day 19 + 20 = Buffer Days
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you need further details or have any queries.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
hi dheeraj,
thnx a lot for ur timely reply,is there any chance to add spiti valley,days are flexible,20days strict.
Jaison, I was writing you over the email 🙂 … Well, I will suggest if you want to add Spiti Valley then better drop Kashmir. This will give you the required number of days to equally explore Spiti Valley. This is what you need to do to follow Spiti Valley to Shimla. Since, it is added below the itinerary you can take decisions if your buffer days are not utilized and you also go with Kashmir. Dropping Kashmir will be better idea I feel if you want to explore Spiti Valley and Hindustan Tibet Highway. Man this will surely be the trip of your lifetime 🙂 … You can do it something like:
Day 17 | Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong/Jispa
– On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only
– Overnight at Keylong or Jispa
Day 18 | Keylong – Kunzam Pass – Losar
– Return Home
Day 19 | Losar – Chandratal – Losar – Kaza
— If you have time, explore the ever beautiful Chandratal from Losar or to save day, skip the day and move towards Kaza and do Day 20
Day 20 | Kaza – Ki – Kibber – Gette – Tashigang – Komic – Hikkim – Langza – Kaza
— Cover Langza – Hikkim – Kaumik in one half and Ki – Kibber – Gette – Tashigang in the other half.
— Skip the above places as per your fatigue level
— If bike is troubling then get it serviced in Kaza and hire some local taxi or bike to cover these places
Day 21 | Kaza – Dhankar – Pin Valley (Drive upto Mud Village) – Tabo
— Leave early to cover all these places
— If short on time then skip this day and move straight to Kalpa from Kaza with short halt at Tabo moanstery
Day 22 | Tabo – Nako – Nako Lake – Kalpa
— Explore Nako lake on the way and reach Kalpa by evening to enjoy the sunset
Day 23 | Kalpa – Narkanda – Shimla
Day 24 + 25 = Buffer Days
Now, you can add remove days in the whole itinerary according to the time in hand. I hope this helps. Please feel free to let me know for any queries or doubts 🙂 .. Do keep buffer days in hand for sure in case of any road blockage or mechanical failure with the bike etc.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
hi dheeraj,
as u said i want to make this a trip of life time,but you can plan it in a bit different way cos now it reached 25days,mate i want to cover the best n the most beautiful places in those area,my starting point ll be delhi only,i can go either via srinagar or via simla manali and come bak via srinagar and end in delhi,pls do help me,as i told i need to cover spiti valley also….but days are limited upto 20 only…so pls plan accordingly,thanks a lot for ur timely reply.
Hi Jaison,
You can follow the plan like below:
Day 1 | Delhi – Jammu / Patnitop
— Overnight at Jammu or Patnitop
Day 2 | Jammu / Patnitop – Srinagar
— Enjoy walk around Dal lake and may be Shikara ride as well
— Overnight at Srinagar
Day 3 | Srinagar/Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil
— Enjoy the vistas enroute
— Have late drunch meal at Drass is you are a vegetarian as sometimes it gets difficult to find veg. food at Kargil
— Overnight at Kargil
Day 4 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
— Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes
— On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Zanskar
— Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Inner Line Permits
— Local sightseeing include Namgyal Gompa, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Shankar Gompa, Main Market, Hall of Fame, Spituk Gompa, Changspa Road Stroll in evening
— For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
— Overnight at Leh
— Bike Service
Day 6 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 7 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Day 8 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on the go towards Pangong Tso
— Overnight at Pangong Tso (Spangmik or Lukung)
Day 9 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on return to Leh
— Overnight at Leh
Day 10 | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping or you can do tour to Sham Valley
— Sham Valley include Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Zanskar, , Gurudwara Pather Sahib
— Overnight at Leh
— Bike service day
Day 11 | Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang
— Cover Karzok Monastery
— Overnight at Karzok or Tso Moriri
— Carry fuel for 550 – 600 KMs including tank capacity
Day 12 | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring (Manali – Leh Highway starts) – Moore Plains – Pang / Sarchu
— Try to start early in the day so that you reach Sarchu where the accommodation options are better than Pang
— Overnight at Sarchu or Pang
Day 13 | Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong/Jispa
– On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only
– Overnight at Keylong or Jispa
Day 14 | Keylong – Kunzam Pass – Losar
– Go to Kaza via Kunzam Pass
Day 15 | Losar – Chandratal – Losar – Kaza
– If you have time, explore the ever beautiful Chandratal from Losar or to save day, skip the day and move towards Kaza and do Day 16
Day 16 | Kaza – Ki – Kibber – Gette – Tashigang – Komic – Hikkim – Langza – Kaza
– Cover Langza – Hikkim – Kaumik in one half and Ki – Kibber – Gette – Tashigang in the other half.
– Skip the above places as per your fatigue level
– If bike is troubling then get it serviced in Kaza and hire some local taxi or bike to cover these places
Day 17 | Kaza – Dhankar – Pin Valley (Drive upto Mud Village) – Tabo
– Leave early to cover all these places
– If short on time then skip this day and move straight to Kalpa from Kaza with short halt at Tabo moanstery
Day 18 | Tabo – Nako – Nako Lake – Kalpa
– Explore Nako lake on the way and reach Kalpa by evening to enjoy the sunset
Day 19 | Kalpa – Narkanda – Shimla
Day 20 + 21 = Buffer Days
OR
Day 14 | Keylong – Kunzam Pass – Kaza
– Go to Kaza via Kunzam Pass
Day 15 | Kaza – Ki – Kibber – Gette – Tashigang – Komic – Hikkim – Langza – Kaza
– Cover Langza – Hikkim – Kaumik in one half and Ki – Kibber – Gette – Tashigang in the other half.
– Skip the above places as per your fatigue level
– If bike is troubling then get it serviced in Kaza and hire some local taxi or bike to cover these places
Day 16 | Kaza – Dhankar – Pin Valley (Drive upto Mud Village) – Tabo
– Leave early to cover all these places
– If short on time then skip this day and move straight to Kalpa from Kaza with short halt at Tabo moanstery
Day 17 | Tabo – Nako – Nako Lake – Kalpa
– Explore Nako lake on the way and reach Kalpa by evening to enjoy the sunset
Day 18 | Kalpa – Narkanda – Shimla
Day 19 + 20 = Buffer Days
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
hi dheeraj,
thanks a lot,i really appreciate your work..any idea of the total kilometres i ll be covering during dis trip,i mean from delhi and end point shimla.even please do let me know how much cash should i need to complete this trip and is there any atm in those areas…
hi Jaison,
Delhi to Delhi it will will be about 3800 to 4000 KMs approx and Shimla to Delhi is about 420 KMs I guess. So, you are looking about 3500 KMs approximately upto Shimla. You will find ATMs in Leh, Kaza, Keylong, Srinagar, Kargil, Jammu. so, you can take out money at least from these places. Once in Leh, carry enough money to do all sightseeing within Ladakh, as there are always long queues at ATMs in Leh.
Per day average cost for food and lodging could be somewhere between Rs 500 to Rs 800 and depending upon the mileage of your bike you can calculate the fuel required and calculate the fuel cost. Plus about Rs 1000 – 1500 could be kept for miscellaneous expenditure like permits, tolls etc. excluding any personal shopping.
I hope this helps.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
PS -> Please never use CAPS while posting comments on public forums/blogs, as all CAPS mean offending or shouting 🙂
thanks a lot mate,i ll keep in touch wit you,ll update you the date and all days down….any suggestion on things that i should take with me,medicines,protective gears……original documents of bike and license required?
Hi Jaison,
Definitely you need to carry all valid documents for you bike including DL, PUC, RC and other required papers. Apart from ride protection gear, you can refer the list in the article linked here for most common things that I carry when I travel. I hope that helps.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
hi dheeraj,
is it advisable to ride solo to all these places.
Hi Jaison,
Well, it depends how hard you are. I have known many freinds who have done it solo but on the other have known quite a few too who came back in between. So, it depends upon the passion and your endurance and the KEEDA for adventure 😀 … You will find plenty of others like you on the road, so you can tie with them any day you feel like lone 🙂 …
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
We are a group of 7 people planning to visit Ladakh, We will be starting from Chandigarh and we want to complete the CHD-Manali-Leh-Srinagar-CHD in 10 days. We don't wish to spend anytime in Manali. Please help us plan the itinerary with good stay options as we will be traveling with girls. Is overnight stay at pangong a good idea?
Warm Regards,
Nikhil
Hi Nikhil,
10 days could prove less to explore Ladakh and I guess you should atleast add a couple of days. Still, I will suggest an itinerary below:
Day 1 | Chandigarh – Jammu / Patnitop
Overnight at Jammu or Patnitop
Day 2 | Jammu / Patnitop – Srinagar
Enjoy walk around Dal lake and may be Shikara ride as well
Overnight at Srinagar
Day 3 | Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil
Enjoy the vistas enroute
Have late drunch meal at Drass is you are a vegetarian as sometimes it gets difficult to find veg. food at Kargil
Overnight at Kargil
Day 4 | Chandigarh – Lamayuru – Leh
Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes
On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Zanskar
Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Inner Line Permits
Local sightseeing include Namgyal Gompa, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Shankar Gompa, Main Market, Hall of Fame, Spituk Gompa, Changspa Road Stroll in evening
For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
Overnight at Leh
Day 6 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 7 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
Overnight at Leh
Day 8 | Leh – Pangong Tso Lake – Leh
Make a Day trip to Pangong Tso
Overnight at Leh
Day 9 | Leh – Pang – Sarchu
Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on return to Leh
Overnight at Leh
Day 10 | Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only
Overnight at Manali
Day 11 | Manali – Chandigarh
Return Home
Now, you can either get permits in advance and head for Nubra Valley on Day 5 itself or drop the idea of going to Nubra Valley and make day trip to Khardung La on Day 5 and then two day trip to Pangong Tso, to save a day. Still you will not have any buffer days which are really required in most cases.
I hope this helps. Please let me know fr any queries or doubts. For accommodation you can check the series of articles linked here
Regards
Dheeraj sharma
hi dheeraj,
as u sugggested i have changed my plan of going to leh via manali,instead i ll be going to srinagar from delhi and then l ll be coming down to manali,via leh manali highway,pls do tell me the picnic spots in sri nagar,i would like to visit kashmir too and plan a trip for me,i ll be going on bike and have around 25 days,cos i need to spend nearly a week in shimla..i have to visit khardung la also,and suggest me the best time ,i mean month for fis trip,,,waiting for your reply
Hi Jaison,
In the 25 days do you want to cover both Kashmir as well as Ladakh and then be at Shimla for 1 week? I guess this way you will have about 18 days in hand for Kashmir + Ladakh. Also, what is your starting point? I mean these 25 days in hand are ex. Delhi? Are you planning on your own bike?
Please let me know and I will suggest the itinerary accordingly.
Regards
Dheeraj sharma
Thanks a lot Dheeraj. I was reading that western toilets are a rare. Is that so in the whole of the region or is it just in Pangong? Are there any toilets at all on the Srinagar-Leh highway since it is a very long journey? Where can I find your reply here, I got to read it in my email?
Hi Sharmeen,
Yes, it is just the accommodations around Pangong Tso in your itinerary. At all other places in your itinerary, you will be able to find western style toilets easily. Also, on Srinagar – Leh Highway as well, you need to halt at places/dhabhas that may have toilets in the villages. Otherwise, there are no specific toilets available AFAIK.
You can read the reply just below your comments and also in the email that is sent as soon as someone reply to your comment.
I hope this helps. Feel free to ask any queries or doubts you have.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Thank you for being so prompt, Dheeraj. Any small chance of experiencing mild snowfall in Laddakh during the period we will be there. Been to Himachal so many times but could never experience snowfall. Once snowfall had just stopped some time before we reached Manali.
Hi Sharmeen,
I guess you might encounter some snowfall at Khardung La or Chang La if you are lucky enough otherwise I do not see any chances elsewhere for snowfall. Again nothing is certain with respect to weather and no one can predict it. So, keep your fingers crossed and hope for the best.
Regards
Dheeraj sharma
Then you too pray that there is snowfall right at the moment when we are at Khardung La. About the tetra packs of ORS that you mentioned, are these available in Srinagar?
Surely will pray fromt he same. Not sure, if they will be available there or not. You can carry the ORS saches from home in such a case.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi, I intend to travel to Kashmir in June with my husband and son. We are flying to Srinagar from Delhi on 12th June and plan to cover Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Srinagar first and then drive to Leh on 18th June with a night halt at Kargil. I have a few queries and will be thankful if you can answer them. 1)Should we visit Sonmarg on our way to Kargil or should we make it a separate day trip from Srinagar? We would like to see the glaciers so if we are stopping on our way to Kargil will we have enough time? 2)Is it difficult to find vegetarian food in Laddakh or will we be able to get Delhi type food, I mean food that will suit our taste? 3)While our Srinagar sector plan is chalked out, we are still confused about the Leh sector. We are arriving in Leh on 19th June and flying back to Delhi on 25th June. So we have 5 days in hand but we will like to take it easy and not make it a hectic trip because I suffer from both high blood pressure and diabetes. 4)Do we pass through the magnetic hill and KhardungLa on our way to Leh or will we have to visit these places separately? 5)Should we stay overnight at Nubra valley or return to Leh in the evening? 6) Same about Pangong Lake, should we stay overnight or not? 7)And finally, how to engage a taxi in Leh to visit all these places? Is it better to take a taxi from the hotel we will be staying in or is it better to take one from the taxi stand? Thank you in advance.
Hello Sharmeen,
Please find below my answers to your queries in respective order –
1. You can leave early from Srinagar and check the Sonamarg on the way to Kargil. I feel that shall be enough, or perhaps after visiting Pahalgam instead of staying at Srinagar you can reach Sonamarg for night stay and then by 11 AM next day, when the traffic gets green signal from Srinagar side towards Zozila, leave for Kargil. Glaciers, not sure apart from Zozila, but you will be able to explore whatever comes on the way to Kargil.
2. In Ladakh at most places you will be able to get suitable veg. food apart from remote regions where only deluxe camping site offers variety of food. Thupka, Maggie, Rice and Dal you will be able to find every where in Ladakh.
3. For five days, you can take it easy and follow a plan like below:
Day 1 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Inner Line Permits
— Local sightseeing include Namgyal Gompa, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Shankar Gompa, Main Market, Hall of Fame, Spituk Gompa, Changspa Road Stroll in evening
— For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
— Overnight at Leh
Day 2 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 3 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Day 4 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on the go towards Pangong Tso
— Overnight at Pangong Tso (Spangmik or Lukung)
Day 5 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on return to Leh
— Overnight at Leh
4. You can visit Magnetic hills on the way to Leh from Kargil. You will be able to visit Khardung La on the second day of your stay in Leh when going towards Nubra Valley.
5 and 6. I guess, yes, you should stay at Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso overnight as mentioned above. Will be relaxing a bit. If you are not feeling OK at Pangong Tso then come back to either Leh or stay back at Tangste.
7. You will be able to get taxi at Leh taxi stand. Reach in Leh and on the first day arrange the taxi at Leh taxi stand. Talking directly to drivers there will save you about 10-15% of the overall price.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you need more details
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Dheeraj, Really helpful write up.
Thanks alot Manoj. Let me know incase you need anything or have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Its really helpful writeup
Hi Dheeraj,
I read your blog and found it very helpful. I have finalised on the below itineary. Let me know if this looks good:
D1 Del- Leh – Shanti stupa- leh palace
D2 Mag.Hill -Sangam Pt. & Gurudwara
D3 Leh to Pangong + Thiksey Monastery
D4 Pangong to leh
D5 leh to nubra via khardung La – (Highest motorable road)
D6 nubra to leh
D7 fly out
Let me know if i should add/less something from the above plan.
Also, i wish to travel in the last week of May via the Srinagar – Leh highway. I don't want to fly directly to Leh because firstly the tickect from Mumbai is 20k which is far more expensive and secondly i don't want to miss the experience of driving through all the beautiful locations. If i have to hire a private taxi form Srinagar, how many people can travel in 1 SUV and what would be the charges for the same.
Please help me with the above queries and let me know your views about the same.
Hi Jinesh,
I will advice you follow the below plan –
Day 1 | Delhi – Leh (By Flight)
— Checkin at Hotel. Many hotels provide free pick and drop from Airport. Ask while you book them.
— Take ample of rest as well as water or anything that keep your body hydrated enough. DO NOT OVER HYDRATE. Take ORS Soluted water or ORS – L tetra packs from home.
— Do not over exert your body at any cost. Avoid too much up-down on stairs or avoid it in entirety, if possible.
— After 5-6 Hrs of rest you can visit Leh Palace, Local Leh market, Shankar Gompa .
— If you feel exerted go back to Hotel, have dinner at Hotel and take rest. Avoid any exertion. Else continue and,
— Follow the sunset by stroll at Changspa road and have a nice dinner on varied cuisines offered in-around Changspa road.
— Go back to hotel for overnight stay at Leh.
Day 2 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Inner Line Permits
— For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/inner-line-per…
— Hire a taxi from Leh taxi stand or Hotel whichever suits you.
— Bargain hard with taxi driver. Book that single taxi for entire trip after explaining the complete plan.
— Take his inputs if you feel reasonable and if required modify the plan accordingly but should suits you best.
— Ask him to be with you guys starting first day itself, if required and charged reasonable else do it at your own.
— Again DO NOT over exert and take little steps and slow walks only.
— If feeling OK then do Local sightseeing include Namgyal Gompa, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Shankar Gompa, Main Market, Hall of Fame, Spituk Gompa, Changspa Road Stroll in evening
— Do not use stairs at any of these places just to see them as it will exert your body much more.
— Overnight at Leh
Day 3 | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping or you can do tour to Sham Valley
— Sham Valley include Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Zanskar, , Gurudwara Pather Sahib
— Overnight at Leh
Day 4 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 5 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Day 6 | Leh – Pangong Tso Lake – Leh
— Day trip to Pangong Tso
— Overnight at Leh
Day 7 | Fly back home
This will help your body acclimatize a lot and have a better stay in Leh since you plan to fly in directly. Now, it might be possible that in May, Srinagar -Leh Highway will not be open then in that case you need to fly in and also you do not have number of days in hand to go via Srinagar – Leh Highway and cover all above places. If budget is a constraint then you can follow something like –
Day 1 | Reach Srinagar
Day 2 | Srinagar – Kargil
Day 3 | Kargil – Leh
Day 4 | Leh Local Sightseeing + Inner Line Permits
Day 5 | Leh – Khardung La – Leh
Day 6 | Leh – Pangong Tso – Leh
Day 7 | Fly out
The taxi price is about 10-10.5K between Srinagar – Leh and you can have about 5-7 people in that taxi. I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you need more details or have any doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
Thank you for the informative reply. I plan to reach Srinagar on 26th of May. Wouldn't the highway be open by then? I have heard of the highway opening up around mid May or something. Would you have a rough idea of when it has been opened to public in the last few years?
Also altering the schedule that you have provided how would the below plan look:
Day 1 | Reach Srinagar
Day 2 | Srinagar – Kargil
Day 3 | Kargil – Leh
Day 4 | Shanti stupa- leh palace- Mag.Hill -Sangam Pt. & Gurudwara
Day 5 |Leh to Pangong + Thiksey Monastery (Overnight camping at Pangong)
Day 6 |Pangong to Leh
Day 7 |Leh to Nubra via Khardung La (Overnight in Hunder / Diskit)
Day 8 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
Day 9 | Fly Back home.
Also, i have a tour operator who is providing me the above package from Day 3(check in)-9(check out)
for Rs. 15-16k incl of food, stay, travelling in an SUV and Inner line permits. Would that be a good deal?
Hello Jinesh
In that case, I will suggest you follow the below itinerary
Day 1 | Reach Srinagar
Day 2 | Srinagar – Kargil
Day 3 | Kargil – Leh
Day 4 | Shanti stupa – leh palace- Mag.Hill -Sangam Pt. & Gurudwara
— Do no cover Shanti Stupa as it will take enrgy out of your body which may not be good as your body will not be acclimatized that much to handle such exertion.
— You need to get the permits on this day as well
Day 5 | Leh to Nubra via Khardung La (Overnight in Hunder / Diskit)
Day 6 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
Day 7 | Leh to Pangong + Thiksey Monastery (Overnight camping at Pangong)
Day 8 | Pangong to Leh
Day 9 | Fly Back home.
Doing Nubra Valley before Pangong Tso will help you sleep at Pangong Tso without much AMS issues or any kind of sickness. You body will be more acclimatized by then, so yo would be in better position to spend overnight there. I guess as per the article how to calculate the cost of Leh – Ladakh trip, I feel the budget is OK for you considering everything involved into the package.
And as per the road status, though Srinagar – Leh does open up by that time but last year it opened in June first week. So, there will always be one IF/BUT attached to the travel plan to Leh via road at that time of the year.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have some queries or need any help.
Regards
Dheeraj sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
Awesome. Thank you for your inputs. I guess the itinerary dat you have provided now looks perfect…
I am still wondering if i should take the risk of booking my flights for the 26th of May 🙂 .
Well, Jinesh I feel it might be open by that time considering BRO aiming to open Manali – Leh Highway by mid-April, very unlikely as always but still they have this target again 🙂 … Srinagar – Leh Highway usually opens before Manali – Leh Highway. So, fingers crossed you might be able to sneak through the Srinagar – Leh Highway at that time. Nothing is certain in such terrain, always keep in mind 😀 …
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Thank you Dheeraj!!! I will keep you updated about my plan.
Hi Dheeraj,
Based on your guidance i have almost finalised my bookimgs for Leh in the 1st week of June.
I just have one query. Can you help me get quotes for travelling from Srinagar to Leh and back in a Scorpio/Innova?
Thanks once again for your amazing efforts in maintaining this blog.
Thanks & Regards,
Jinesh Shah.
Hello Jinesh,
Srinagar to Leh taxi cost about 10.5 K around as per last year taxi union rates. This year it is expected to go up by 20%, so with bargaining of 10-15% types in place you will most likely get it about Rs 10.5K. Thanks for the words of appreciation 🙂
Kindly, let me know in case you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
hello dheeraj,
pls. give me detail of weather at the time of june end last week of june i want to go to leh by road by bike from shrinagar and also suggest me rate for bike from shri nagar to leh and how i reach leh from shrinagar.
Hello Arvind,
By end of June as the road condition stabilizes and the monsoon comes to the party in mid July types. So, end June would be good time to travel Srinagar – Leh Highway. I do not think, you will get any bikes for rent in Srinagar. So, either you need to reach Leh by shared/private/public taxis and then hire bike once you reach in Leh. Do go through the article: How to Hire or Rent a Bike or Motorcycle in Manali as most of the stuff is equally applicable for hiring bike within Leh. It also mentions the approximate rates for rent.
I hope this helps. Please let me know for any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
We are planning for trip to Leh-Ladakh in 1st week of July. Could you please give us an idea on how will be the weather and road conditions during this period.
We will goig by road (Srinagar-Kargil-Leh)(2 Days) 1 night in Nubra, 1 Night in Pangog.
Thanks for your help
Regards
Mac
Hello Mac,
Weather will be good and pleasant at that time. Nights might be cold but not that much. Also, there might be pre-monsoon showers but you never know if that will happen or not. Ideally, you will enjoy the whole journey in July first week because by then the initial snow sliding caused by melting of snow also gets settled and road conditions are more stabilized in comparison to early season in June.
How you plan to commute?? hiring a taxi or riding any bike? Let me know incase you have any doubts or queries.
Also, the series of articles starting from the link mentioned below on accommodation in whole Leh – Ladakh region might interest you and help you in choosing the right place to stay Leh, Nubra or Pangong Tso. Check the link here:
I hope this helps.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Thank Dheeraj,
We are six people planning to hire a Xylo or Innova from Srinagar. Any other precautions we should take before we start our journey from srinagar
Hello Mac,
I guess Srinagar – Leh Highway is pretty much safe and inhabited by people at many places, alomost about 60-70 odd KMs. So, nothing specific just make sure you do not drive at night 🙂 … The only pain point will be Zozi La pass but since you are traveling with a driver, so not much of a concern for the local guy.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you need any details or have any queries.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
how much should I have pay for a vegetarian breakfast, Lunch and dinner on way to Ladak from srinagar.how much a tea cost? do these dhaba have different rates for regulars and tourist?
Hi Sadananda,
I guess for a vegetarian meal you will need to pay about Rs 50-100 at a road side dhabha depending upon what you order and how much you order.Tea cost around Rs 5-6 only. No, all these dhabhas would be having same rate AFAIK 🙂
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
very very useful info………
n in gr8 detail….
thanks a lot Mehul. Feel free to ask any queries if you have for planning your trip 🙂
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
hi…..
can u tell hw much a taxi for 6 ppl. will charge from srinagar to leh via kargil with a night hault at kargil? ane contct nos….?
Mehul, charges for Srinagar to Leh journey as per last year's taxi union rates were about Rs 10200 for a taxi with one night stop at Kargil. So, keep that figure in mind. Also, for detailed budget analysis of your entire Leh – Ladakh trip, refer the link here.
Some good drivers for whole Leh – Ladakh trip are as below:
1. Ringzin – 09622954779
2. Naseer – 09906229203 and 09469293183
3. Dorjey – 09419372742
4. Tashi – 09906994647, 09419342238.
I hope this helps.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
hi dheeraj……
Very useful information provided by you on your site. we r planning from 3rd june to 10th…….or 22nd june to 29th june…..just wanted to know which would be the better period? considering weather & road traffic….
Thanks alot Mehul Glad you liked the info. I will suggest that you plan for 22nd June to 29th June as by then roads will be open and stabilized too from any snow sliding in comparison to early season. So, consider the latter period to travel, if you can. Let me know incase you have any queries.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
Very useful information provided by you on your site. I got to know lot of details from your site for Ladakh trip. We are planning for 10 days trip n first week of July mostly from 1st to 10th.
Can you please let me know how is weather at that time in Ladakh?
Thanks and Regards,
Atima
Hi Atima,
Thanks alot, I am glad that you loved the information available on the blog. Are you planning the road journey from Delhi in 10 days? I guess you will need to add atleast 2 more days for the same to cover atleast major tourist destinations of Leh – Ladakh. Else, you will be hoping from one place to another only, leaving some of the places which demand worth a stay. Let me know the starting place and mode of transport, I will suggest a suitable itinerary for you and also number of days in hand.
Weather is generally pleasant in Leh – Ladakh. June – July is also the time window when the snow melts on high passes creating almost tiny rivers or water crossings (nallas) on roads in the early stages. This is quite a challenge to dodge, especially with the vehicles having low ground clearance. Post afternoon, when the sun is burning at its best, some of these water crossings or nallas becomes so violent that they are almost impossible to cross. This may force you to halt the journey of the day in the middle of nowhere or return back to some civilized place for a night halt. The best way to overcome these water crossings or nallas, is to know the specific nallas on Manali – Leh Highway and plan to cross them as early in the morning as possible.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Thanks dheeraj for this usefull information
I have planned for leh by road with taxi
on 8th may 2012.what do u say should I
get road opened on this day frm Srinagar
to kargil to leh.
hi Alpesh,
Well, it is difficult to predict if the road will be open by that time. Best bet will be to track the road conditions as the clearance process starts in March. If weather remains clear there might be chances that Srinagar – Leh Highway gets open in May, however nothing is certain. So, keep track of road conditions. I try to provide all the updates I get for the Manali – Leh Highway and Srinagar – Leh Highway, so stay tuned to the blog 🙂
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Thanks for all your guidance for my Leh trip!
It was indeed very helpful.
Further my answer to your query: "Have you ever been to Srinagar – Leh Highway?" is Yes & No both!!!
No, but I have been on Have you ever been to Leh – Srinagar Highway!
The shared taxi starts at 4:30 PM in the evening and reaches Srinagar at around 5:30 in the morning! So forget viewing the beauty en-route!
Further, the road is in very poor condition and whole route (except hardly 20 kilometers) is very dusty!
I would avoid this route in future!!
Hello PraKaant,
Well, regarding shared taxis this info is quite new, I am not sure when it started or it may be possible that they run in evening too which frankly I never heard or aware off. You can get shared taxis which start in the morning too, many of my friends have used them. One of the drivers I know run his taxi in day time only and that too shared many a time from Srinagar to Leh. There are tourist shared taxis also available which are different from normal ones as they put a night halt at Kargil and of course they run in the day. So, there may be taxis available in night as well which I was not aware off and then this is something new I heard. Thanks for sharing the info here.
Regarding road conditions, dust usually depends at the time when you travel and road conditions are more or like that or even bad infact if you visit them early in the season. If you go via Manali – Leh road you will actually realize what bad road means. Rohtang Pass this year gave nightmares to many whom I adore and praise as great drivers of trans-Himalayan range. The Srinagar Leh Highway apart from near Zozi La pass is used to be quite nice when compared to Manali – Leh Highway.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
p.s. -> I have never been to Srinagar – Leh highway that is why you do not see any pictures 😀 … The info. is a part of my research and what all info. I collected on my trip to Ladakh but unfortunately couldn't come back on road as we got stuck in Leh flashfloods and had to fly back leaving our car at Manali only :D… This year all this is waiting again and I will be on my way.
Sorry, Dheeraj Sir,
I could not get back to you for a long time due to some personal reason!
Regarding the evening shared taxis, as we were eager to travel during day-time, we had inquired at the taxi stand at Leh and were informed that there is no taxi which starts in the morning. There were in total eight taxis which started in the evening together. We had also inquired about the bus and were informed that there is no bus coming from Srinagar so no bus would be going back; but there was a chance of a bus next day coming from Kargil which would have left Leh at 2 PM next day. Hence did book the taxi for next day.
Further in stead of complaining, I was stating the condition of road hence sorry if sounded offensive. Main regret was to miss the beayuty of mountain view en-route.
Altogether, the whole trip was memorable.
Would love to go back with longer duration in hand! So expect me to coming back for more information.
Once again thank you for all the help provided by you!
Regards, PraKaant
Hey Prakaant,
Thanks buddy again for the update here and sharing the info. with us. Please call me Dheeraj only, sir makes me years old 😀 … May be it happens at the end of the season time, that evening shared taxi part or may be there are other tourist shared taxis which are run by various tour operators which might run in day time. I will surely update your info in the original article anyways, so thanks again dost. I didn't take it as offensive as perhaps you just shared the info with fellow travelers here, so that they can inquire well in advance if the taxi runs in the morning or evening. My sincere thanks for the same. Also, yes I can understand that going that far and then not seeing the actual beauty of the region is quite disappointing as I have also felt same way many a times 🙂 … It will also help clearing the expectations of Srinagar – Leh Highway as compared to Manali – Leh Highway as the latter one sweeps it completely away in terms of adventure as well as beauty.
Glad to know that your trip was memorable and you really enjoyed it. Feel free to contact me anytime you like to Travel and I will be happy to reply with all the little knowledge I have with me.
Cheers!!!
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi dheeraj,
See what i have planned and guide me buddy:-
I will come to srinagar on 25th may 2012, then will come to leh after two days then i had got 8 days to stay and visit various points and leh. So guide me that what should i see in those 8 days. And after 8days i will be comin back to manali by leh manali road and see the rohtang pass while coming on road… And after that se manikaran , mandi and simla.. And will come to kalka by shimla kalka mini train… And if possible i will see delhi also…
*if the leh – manali road will not get open till what i hav planned then im ready to pospone the dates also*
i think that pongong is one night halt trip, and from their leh manali road will near and easier. so if it true what i think then kindly reply me buddy. plzz plan my trip day wise, that what should be then plan after reaching srinagar.. with cost also. plz reply dheeraj. Now my full trip depends on how much beautifully plan it. so plz guide me.
-Omkar.
Hello Omkar,
That is quite a number of days you have, ideal for Ladakh trip. Frankly, I or nobody can guarantee whether the Manali – Leh Highway will be open or not by first week of June when you plan to return. I guess by postponing the trip by a week and ideally by two weeks, you give yourself a very fair chance that Manali – Leh highway will be open on your return. In first week of June chances I will say are 50:50, may be it will be open or may be not, it all depends. I will suggest the following plan based on the number of days you have in hand along with the taxi union rates for 2011 (you can bargain as per your needs and skills with drivers directly):
Day 1 | Srinagar – Kargil
Day 2 | Kargil – Lamayuru
— Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Monastery
Day 3 | Lamayuru – Leh
— Cover Alchi, Likir, Basgo, Confluence at Nimmu, Magnetic Hills, Pathar Sahib, and if possible Phyang and Spituk
Taxi Union Rate = 10264 (Srinagar – Leh) + 1425 (Extra Day Charges) + 350 (Night Halt for extra day) + 1958 (Alchi – Likir – Basgo)
Day 4 | Leh Local Sightseeing
— Cover Leh Palace, Main Market, Shanti Stupa, Hall of Fame, Sankar Gompa and Namgyal Tsemo Gompa and if possible Phyang and Spituk
Taxi Union Rate = 1425 (Whole day taxi)
Day 5 | Leh – Diskit – Hunder/Diskit
— Cover Khardung La, Diskit Monasteries and Hunder Sand dunes with Camel Safari
Day 6 | Hunder/Diskit – Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Leh
— Cover Sumur Monastery and Panamik Hot Water Springs
Taxi Union Rate = 6931 (Diskit,Sumur,Panamik,Hunder)
Day 7 | Leh – Hemis – Pangong Tso/Spangmik
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on the go towards Pangong Tso
Day 8 | Pangong Tso – Thicksey – Shey – Leh
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on return to Leh
Taxi Union Rate = 6757 (Pangong Tso + Shey) + 600 (Hemis, Thicksey)
Day 9 | Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang
— Cover Karzok Monastery
Day 10 | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Moore Plains – Pang – Sarchu (Manali – Leh Highway)
— Cover Tso Kar, Moore Plains , Taglang La
Day 11 + 12 | Buffer Days
Day 13 | Sarchu – Keylong – Rohtang Pass Manali
— Cover Baralacha La, Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal, Rohtang Pass
Taxi Union Rate = 20964 (excluding buffer days)
Day 14 | Manali Local Sightseeing includes local monastery, mall road, hadimba temple, manu temple etc
— No taxi required
Day 15 | Manali – Naggar Castle – Kasol – Manikaran – Kasol
— Taxi Union Rate = Rate for Manali – Manikaran with Kasol is Rs 1100 and for Manali – Naggar is Rs 400 along with sightseeing enroute for both of them.
Day 16 | Kasol – Shimla
— Taxi Union Rate = Rs 3000 – 3500
Day 17 | Shimla Local sight seeing including Kufri, Jakho Temple, Mall road etc
— Taxi Union Rate = Rs 500 – 1000
Day 18 | Shimla – Kalka by toy train.
— No taxi required
Please keep in mind these prices are for single taxi and will give you only a approximate idea.
For complete information on Manali including accommodation options, food joints, must see places etc you can go through the Manali travel guide available at the link here
For information on Manali – Leh Highway including accommodation options, food joints, must see places etc you can go through the Manali – Leh Highway travel guide at the link here
I hope this helps. Let me know for any further queries or doubts.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
hey what is there on Day 11 and Day 12??? and i want to reach leh on Day 2 is it possible???? i dont want Day 6… i want to do whole trip as u said in 13 to 14 Days… so just compress some points naa…. coz i want 3 day for delhi also….plzzz reply
where is nubra valley???>?? and as i said i want the trip in 13 to 14 day and in that trip i want to reach leh on Day 2 i will take a halt at kargil and on next day i will do lamayaru and get to leh is it possible??? and dont want Day 6… what is on that area means lake or anything else on Day 6..??? plzz reply …. thanxxx… i will be there on 25TH MAY at airport… from then i have 17 to 18 days to see leh , manali and delhi… so kindly reply me buddy..
Well, Day 11 and Day 12 are kept for buffer days incase you get stuck due to landslides or snowfall somewhere. Now, the overall trip is 16 days only and if you want to skip places of interest on the way to Leh from Srinagar then remove Day 3. So, just do Srinagar – Kargil on Day 1 and then Kargil – Lamayuru Monastery – Leh on the Day 2. This was you save one day and your Day 4 becomes day 3 where you need to arrange Inner Line Permits to visit all these places in Ladakh. The buffer days can be used in place of sightseeing like Manikaran or Shimla. If they are left unused and you have smooth run then utilize those two days to visit these places in lower hills such as Manikaran and Shimla. I will strongly advice to visit Nubra Valley (Day 5 and Day 6 below) as it is one of the most beautiful in entire Ladakh. You can skip Manikaran in that case or sightseeing in Manali to accommodate Nubra Valley.
Day 1 | Srinagar – Kargil
Day 2 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
Day 3 | Leh Local sightseeing + Inner Line Permits
Day 4 | Leh – Diskit – Hunder/Diskit
Day 5 | Hunder/Diskit – Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Leh
Day 6 | Leh – Hemis – Pangong Tso/Spangmik
Day 7 | Pangong Tso – Thicksey – Shey – Leh
Day 8 | Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang
Day 9 | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Moore Plains – Pang – Sarchu (Manali – Leh Highway)
Day 10 | Sarchu – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
Day 11 | Manali – Naggar Castle – Kasol – Manikaran – Kasol
Day 12 | Kasol – Shimla
Day 13 | Shimla Local sight seeing including Kufri, Jakho Temple, Mall road etc
Day 14 | Shimla – Kalka by toy train and then to Delhi
Please keep in mind that you do not have any buffer days. In case buffer days are required then skip Day 11 for one day and Day 13 for another if further required. Please visit Ladakh completely as, there is nothing much to see in lower hills apart from commercialization and buildings stocked up like anything into hills. I hope this helps now as a plan. If your taxi driver agrees then you can also Tso Moriri directly on Day 7 from Pangong Tso itself which will save you another day. But, that will mean that you will be just rushing and rushing and rushing through the places. Make an ease out journey concentrating on just Ladakh and skip lower hills for some other time 🙂 …
Regards
Dheeraj
Means where on which route NUBRA VALLEY comes on Day5 OR Day6>>???(Day 5 | Hunder/Diskit – Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Leh
Day 6 | Leh – Hemis – Pangong Tso/Spangmik) Are this places near to Nubra valley or it will take mee to nubra valley and do we have to take a halt at nubra valley??? and from nubra valley will he directly take us to pongong??? this plan which u have gave is the perfect.thanxx… and what about permit from where should i get it for how much cost????
and just give me the total amount that will be required for the whole trip for 10 peoples… we dont want deluxe or high standard.. we just want stardard class and pretty good…
plzz just tally the whole amount and reply me… And the plan which u have given is awesome…. u r d best….
Hello Omkar,
Thanks alot for the appreciation.
Following is the Nubra Valley tour in your new plan –
Day 4 | Leh – Diskit – Hunder/Diskit
Day 5 | Hunder/Diskit – Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Leh
Hunder, Diskit, Sumur, Panamik all comes under Nubra Valley which lies on the Northern side of Khardung La pass (highest motorable road in the world)… Yes, you will be halting at Diskit or Hunder on Day 4 in Nubra Valley and it is required to enjoy the beauty. You can go to Pangong Tso directly from Nubra Valley but again it depends upon if your taxi driver agrees to take that much spare fuel with him. Also, it is long way away and will mean a tiring day. Instead when you have time then better enjoy the places rather than rushing through them. come back to Leh on Day 5 from Nubra Valley and then start for Pangong Tso on Day 6 after a much needed rest. It will help you enjoy buddy. I guess the cost for below plan will approximately come out to be Rs 51000 for one taxi that makes it about Rs 102,000 for two taxis, if you can get Tempo Traveler then it may be less even as you all can accommodate in it easily. These are just the amount of taxi and you may add about Rs 400-600 per person per day for average food and decent accommodation for these places. It may be lower or higher than this range and depends on your taste and preferences for food and stay options.
For complete details on Inner Line Permits (ILPs), how to apply them, how to process them faster go through the detailed article on ILPs present at the link here.
I hope this helps. Please let me know for any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
as you said i will nt rush. ok. and what about tempo traveller where could get it? how much people can come in a tempo traveller? does it look like a huge truck tempo or it looks like a car? can u link me a photo of that plzzz. And as u planned the trip its best, so can a
can u tell the person who can arrange the whole trip as we have planned from Srinagar to Shimla-Kalka? Ok. if tempo traveller look like a Crusier car? Crusier car is 12 to 14 seater. is any car available there like crusier? can u send me the number of the arranger or u will arrange.?
Hello Omkar,
Check the picture of Tempo Travaler at the link here. You all an easily accommodate in it as about 12 persons can be easily seated. Omkar, the whole trip cannot be planned by single tour operator. I do not prefer tour operators and prefer directly bargaining with drivers at respective taxi stands. You should get in touch with local taxi stand at Srinagar (who will be responsible for Srinagar to Leh drop), Ladakh (who will cater Ladakh sightseeing and finally drop to Manali) and then once you reach Manali you need to hire a tempo traveler from Manali to continue with rest of your plan in Himachal. Taxis outside Leh – Ladakh region are not allowed to roam around in Ladakh and same rule applies to Himachal as well that Ladakh taxis are not allowed to roam in Himachal. Hence, for your Ladakh sightseeing and drop from Leh to Manali, you need to hire taxi/tempo traveler that belongs to Led taxi stand, then for Srinagar-Leh route you need to hire taxi/tempo traveler from Srinagar taxi stand and for rest of the tour in Himachal, a Himachal taxi/tempo traveler should be hired from Manali taxi stand.
I will advise not to involve any of the tour operators in between so that you can save some money as they tend to be higher. You have the plan with you, although it is good to have spot hunting for hotel but still if you need I can provide you some references of hotels for each stay and you can check them out once you reach the place. The only doubt I have if you can manage tempo traveler from Srinagar to Leh as I am not sure if they are available there. But, you can always check or hire two taxis in that case for a drop from Srinagar to Leh and then hire tempo travelers in Leh and Manali.
I hope this helps. Please let me know if you need more details.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
p.s -> I do not arrange tours/taxis but just help my fellow travelers to plan them and enjoy the tour to the best in whatever limited time they have in hand by providing all the little knowledge I have of the respective place.
for leh seightseing including nubra valley, pongong tso, and etc points of leh which we have planned can be done by tempo traveller or we have to hire two sumos??? how much the tempo traveller would cost to us???…
means from srinagar to leh i will get one tempo traveller and after getting to leh i will search a new tempo traveller their at taxi stand for further leh trip including nubra valley, pongong tso, tso moriri, etc… okkk… and while coming from leh to manali i will hire a new tempo traveller… okkkk
Hello Omkar,
You need to hire tempo traveler or taxi three times for:
1) Srinagar to Leh at Srinagar taxi stand
2) Leh – Ladakh Sight seeing and Leh to Manali drop at Leh Taxi stand
3) Manali – Kasol – Manikaran – Shimla from Manali taxi stand
Regarding the cost of tempo traveler, I am sorry I am not sure as I never hired it. But, there is still time and I will try to search if any of my friends have hired it or have any contacts of drivers from where you can hire them at all these taxi stands. You can hire tempo traveler for Ladakh sightseeing including nubra valley, pangong tso, tso moriri etc and other places of leh – ladakh
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
if possible then plzz tell me the cost of tempo traveller… ok.. when i get to srinagar taxi stand i'll get a tempo traveller their naa u have gurantee na.. that there will be a tempo traveller at srinagar to leh taxi stand.. and when i'll be in leh then i would get a tempo traveller their naa for seightseing an nubra valleyy, etc… it is alloweded na to visit nubra valley, pongong tso, tso moriri, etc. by tempo traveller??? plzzz reply
Omkar, that is what I have written earlier that I am not sure if you will be able to get Tempo Traveler from Srinagar as I have not been to that highway. But, I have seen Tempo Travelers in Ladakh as well as Manali, so feel it will be accessible in Ladakh and Manali. I cannot guarantee if they will be available or not for you. It is just a suggestion as two taxis might be costly than hiring a single tempo traveller. I will check with my friends else you might need to contact respective taxi stands at Srinagar, Leh and Manali for their availability. Yes you can roam or visit any places in Leh – Ladakh as long as your vehicle is either private vehicle or if it is a tourist/taxi vehicle then it must be hired from Leh taxi stand only.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
bt buddy plzz ask someone who ,might know about the tempo traveller and about its cost…. and else thing are good and best planned….
Hi Omkar,
For Tempo Traveler, you can contact Mehraj – 09419090310, taxi operator/driver at Srinagar for Srinagar Leh tour, for Leh you can contact Leh Taxi Stand: 01982 – 253039 or 01982 – 252723 for Leh – Ladakh tour + Manali drop and for Himachal tour you can contact Manali Taxi stand at: 01902-52450, 01902-52205, 01902-52120. You can get the quotes from them for respective routes and book the tour based on the above suggested itinerary.
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info or have any doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
hey dheeraj thanxxx buddy for guiding me…….. the trip plan is awesome…. u r great…..
Thanks a lot Omkar. Have loads of fun on the trip and do share your experience/pictures with us too on the blog's facebook page 🙂 … Feel free to let me know for any queries/doubts.
Cheers!!
Dheeraj sharma
hey can u mention the main points to see in ladakh if i have 10 days….
hi dheeraj
i have very practival qury that is …how much wil be the expenditure…srinrg to leh trip……..as i m student …..price is pririty for me…..
Hey Rahul,
Well, you should get a seat in a shared taxi in order to reach Leh from Srinagar. It will cost you Rs 1500. You can also get a ticket in JK SRTC bus which costs about Rs 600 – 700. Out of these two you can choose any option you like. I hope this helps.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
I am planning to undertake a trip to ladakh during the end of September 2011, by srinagar leh Express Way.. I will be reaching srinagar from Delhi by latest 10:30 AM. I propose to take a individual taxi and move on to leh.. Do u think it is the right time for me to move then ? If I leave Srinagar by 11:00 AM, say, what time can I make it to Kargil? can you please suggest me with the phone nos. of any of the Taxi Guys you know who can help me undertake this travel. Also can u guide on the ladakh number (Registration no.) vehicle which I can get from Srinagar taxi stand. Do you feel travelling by road during the end of September is advisable? Does the cost written Rs. 10K hold good till date?
Hello Anand,
Yes, I guess if you move by 11.00 AM you will be able to reach Kargil or Drass by evening, where you can stay for the night. Contact Naseer at – 09906229203 and 09469293183 and may be he will be able to pick you from Airport if he has any plans to reach Srinagar on the previous day. You can even check with Dorjey 09419372742 in case Naseer do not provide anything. They will be able to give you discounts for about 10-12% but keep in mind once you reach Srinagar and talk directly to the taxi drivers, you may get a bargain for even 15-20% too. Yes, on Srinagar – Leh Highway you will not face much trouble due to weather (but again no one can predict the exact weather now a days) in September end. Yes, the 10K cost is for this season and since it is off season you will be able to get decent discount too.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you need any further info or any queries.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Thanks a ton for your timely response.. have noted down all the information provided from your end.. I just plan for a short stay at Leh of 5 days, excluding the travel from Srinagar to leh.. Plan to cover Lamayuru on the way from Srinagar to Leh..
Plan for a day of local sight seeing (Stok, Shey, Hemis, Thikse Monastery), followed by 2 days to Pangong Tso and a day to Khardungla..
Can you suggest me with any other places of visit during the period of late september – early October?
I think Inner Line permits have to be made for places of visit to Pangong Tso & Nubra Valley.. Do we need to be physically present to get these permits worked out.. Can u suggest any good hotels for stay in leh with Vegetarian Food.. Expecting your reply.
Hello Anand,
Well, for 5 days in Leh I will suggest something like below as Hemis, Thicksey, Shey can be covered on the way to/from Pangong Tso and Leh. May be you can do –
Day 1 | Leh + Permits for Pangong/Nubra Valley + Local Sigtseeing in Leh which includes Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, Main Market, Hall of Fame, Namgyal Gompa.
Day 2 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit (Nubra Valley) – Hunder/Diskit
Day 3 | Hunder/Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
Day 4 | Leh – Shey Palace – Pangong Tso
Day 5 | Pangong Tso – Hemis – Thicksey – Leh
Yes, if you are processing the permits then you need to be present else you can get in advance via some travel agent or hotel owner. But, I will suggest you do yourself as it is fairly simple process. For all required details you can go through the link on Inner Line Permits for Leh Ladakh here and download the permit form + know how to make the permit process much faster.
In Leh, you can go for any of the Shanti Guest House, Oriental Guest House, Asia Guest House, Shia La Guest House with first two my favorites and economic too.
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Dear Dheeraj
Again wonderful article! I am loving it!!
Could you help me in finalizing following program:
(Please note: Tickets are booked, hence would not be able to change the dates OR extend the programme)
14-Oct-11: Start for Leh by 0545 flight. Arrive Leh at 0700, Ticket booking for Srinagar via Kargil for 17-Oct-2011 Shopping includes Pashmina Shawl & Night Stay at LEH
15-Oct-11: Visit to Nubra/ Pangong. Back to Leh for night stay (if possible!)
16-Oct-11: Continue visit to Pangong, Back to Leh. Dinner
17-Oct-11: Bus to Kargil, Dinner. Night stay at Kargil
18-Oct-11: Bus to Srinagar; Local sightseeing; Lal Chowk; in evening enjoy Shikara ride at Dal Lake; Dinner Srinagar (House Boat)/ Hotel
19-Oct-11: Leave Srinagar by 1425 flight. Tour complete
Thanks
Regards
PraKaant
Hello PraKaant,
Though it is extremely tight schedule but I will advise that you rest at Leh for two days to better acclimatize your body out of 3 days you have in Leh. Not sure if you will feel alright if you go directly above 18000 Feet at Khardung la on the second day itself. Same is true for Pangong Tso. Hence I will advise something like below –
14th – Leh + Permits for Pangong/Nubra Valley + Local Sigtseeing in Leh which includes Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, Main Market, Hall of Fame, Namgyal Gompa.
15th – Leh Sham Valley tour – Leh. Sham Valley includes Magnetic Hils, Alchi, Likir, Basgo, Pather Sahib, Confluence at Nimmu.
16th – Leh – Pangong Tso – Hemis Gompa – Leh
or
16th – Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Khardung La – Leh
17th – Leh – Lamayuru – Kargil
18th – Kargil – Sonamarg – Srinagar.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have some queries or doubts. Have a great journey ahead.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Thanks Dheeraj for your advice!
Two more queries! We are two traveling to Leh.
1. Would we be requiring permit for Sham Valley tour also.
2. Shall we book local vehicle (as Share taxi)for all these sight seeing and how much they might charge us?
Sorry for troubling you
Regards
PraKaant
No Problems PraKaant, you can let me know any queries you have and you are most welcome for it. As for your queries, you do not need any permits for Sham Valley tour. Secondly, you can book the taxi for a single day individually which costs about 1405 Rs per day as per taxi union rates. You will be able to get 10-20% discount when you bargain directly with the driver at taxi stand of Leh. For one day visit to Pangong Tso it may cost about 6k-7K.
I hope this helps.
Regards
Dheeraj
Thanks Dheeraj for all your support!
Wish me best of nature's blessing!
I would be reporting entourage on return!!
Regards
PraKaant
Hey PraKaant, all the very best for your journey. Have a great time and I am sure you will have most memorable journey of all time in your life 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
Needless to say, you are doing an amazing job by sharing all these info with aspiring travelers. Am certain it's proving helpful to loads of people…
Could you please respond to this query of mine – how is the 3rd week of October (around the 20th) to travel on the Leh-Srinagar highway. For paucity of time, we are unable to do the Leh-Manali trip and intend to fly in to Leh and fly out of Srinagar. Also is there chances of encountering snow (at least in the higher reaches like Khardungla)?
Hello Sharath,
Thanks a lot buddy, I am glad the info present here is useful for fellow travelers. By third week of October be ready to get some real chill and almost sub zero temperatures at Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri. So, go with heavy woolens for surely. Also, many of the tented accommodation options will be packed up by then at Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri but you will be able to find some or the other homestay in near by villages. It is good that you are not doing Leh – Manali as it is not advised at all in that season.
Leh – Srinagar Highway is much safe to travel at that part of time but again go prepared with woolen clothes. You will not have any trouble getting the accommodation and also you will get some decent discounts too owing to off – season. Yes, there will be chances that you might (might) be able to see snowfall/snow at Khardung La and Chang La depending upon your luck. The day time could be lot warmers as compared to nights in Ladakh.
I hope this helps.Please let me know if you have any queries or doubts.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks a ton for the prompt response…
I have one more query – would you know of any place or person in Leh, from where we could hire bikes. We plan to ride to pangong tso, Nubra valley… and any help that you can provide regarding hiring of bikes would be of great help…
Regards,
Sharath Chandra
Hi Sharath,
Well, I am sorry I personally do not know any contacts in Leh where you can hire a bike but I saw plenty of options on Changspa road to hire one. I am sure you will be able to find it without much trouble. I will try to search if I can find some reliable contacts and then share with them you and you may check them
Regards
Dheeraj
Mate,
The info was very helpful.
I am travelling Srinagar-Leh highways in first week of Sept.
Can you tell me if we can rent a bike from Srinagar? and how much will it cost?
Cheers
Sorry Ankur, but I guess I have not come across anyone who has rented a bike in Srinagar. So won't be able to help you much on this 🙁
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
very useful information given by you dheeraj. I am planning to do Delhi-Srinagar-Leh-Manali-Delhi next year in June. The information provided by you will definitely help me.
Thanks alot Anil. Do go through manali – leh highway guide as well (link above) which will be also useful in planning manali – leh highway journey as well. I am glad that the information was useful for you. Let me know if you have any queries or doubts.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
thnks dheeraj for very usful article. we r 6 ppl leaving srinagar 13sep mrng. can we find a taxi from kargil 2 leh WITOUT PRIOR BOOKING. since we r planning to visit alchi likir BASGO lAMAYURU MULBEKH SANGAM ON D WAY. AND IS IT POSSIBLE TO COVER ALL THINGS IN A DAY?what could be the estimate cost for a taxi from kargil to leh with all sightseeing
Hello Parag,
I am glad that the information was useful for you. Yes, you can get the taxi from Kargil without prior booking mate. As per taxi union rates 2011, total cost to book taxi from Srinagar to Leh is 10264 with one night stop at Kargil and from Leh to Kargil is 5216 which leaves you with 5084 for Kargil to Srinagar. Now, if you land directly there at taxi stands and bargain you may get about 10-15% discount or may be more while if you talk to them over phone the bargain is limited. If you can get hold of Ladakh number taxi at Srinagar taxi stand then that will great because it gives you time to leave Kargil early in the morning and cover places enroute as you mention above. If you leave Kargil early morning and then spend not too much time on these places you can cover them. Otherwise on the go you can either cover Lamayuru, Lunar LAndscapes, Mulbekh Maitrey, Redzong Monastery and either stay at Alchi to cover rest of the places on the next day or move to Leh and come back to visit Alchi, Likir, Basgo, Magentic Hills, Pather Sahib, Spituk, Phyang and confluence at Nimmu on the preceding days. These places are not too far from the Leh and can be covered by hiring the taxi for the one day and it may cost you about 2000 – bargain you will get.
I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
thank you dheeraj. 1 more thing. whn it is refered taxi how many people can seat in it?6 or 8?
Hello Parag,
Taxis easily accommodates 6 people viz. 3 in the mid row + 1 at the front seat + 2 at the back. Of course 1 driver along as well. While this is generally the case with privately hired taxi. If you will go with shared taxis then they take 7-8 people usually which makes the person sitting at the back a bit cramped for such long journeys as they have to accommodate 1 or 2 more with them. I hope this helps.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
A remarkably informative write up. Thanks.
Thanks alot Ranjan. Let me know if you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
gr8 job! pls let me know if 24 aug is ok to plan srinagar to leh journey.with a halt at kargil.
Hello Ashwin,
Thanks alot. Glad you like the information about Srinagar – Leh Highway here.
Coming back, I guess Srinagar route is doing good apart from few landslides around Jammu. Amarnath yatra is over for this year so that is one relief and by the time you are rains may start residing the valley too, so you may not face any issues at all. In any case if the weather is still not favourable then you may face road blockages on Jammu – Srinagar highway. Once, you cross Zozila Pass after Sonamarg you enter rain shadow region, so again no worries of rains after that as well. So, keep the fingers crossed, pray to weather gods and you are in for a dream journey to heaven called Ladakh 🙂
I hope this helps. Let me know in case you have any queries or doubts.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Very useful writeup.
Hi Chandra,
Thanks alot, I am glad Chandra that you like the article. I have tried to compile all the relevant information on Srinagar Leh Highway that I can. Now, looking forward for queries and hope that this text will help everyone plan their trip on Srinagar – Leh highway and Manali – Leh Highway in apt manner.
Regards
dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
i had booked tickets to srinagar on the 27th of sept and i had planned to travel to Leh via the srinagar-leh highway. Is this a good idea considering the situation there or should i cancel my tickets??
Gopal, Srinagar – Leh Highway is open but inroads in Srinagar are still flooded. Hence, I will suggest to wait for a week or so before deciding.