Leh – Ladakh Sample Itinerary for 15 Days
Today I will suggest a Leh – Ladakh itinerary in response to the comment posted by one of the readers of the blog, Karthick. He has about 15 days to explore the Leh – Ladakh region excluding the travel from Bangalore to Delhi and vice-versa. Karthick says:
Hi Deeraj,
We are 4 people from Bangalore planning to do biking to Leh starting from Delhi.Bring own bikes to Delhi thro train.We have planned for 15 days excluding the days spent in Delhi.We wanted to cover the route Delhi – Manali – Leh – Nubra Valley – Leh – Kargil – Srinagar – Jammu – Amritsar -Delhi.Can you please suggest us the important spots to visit on the listed place? How much time can be spent on each place to cover the above ? Would be great if you can customize the itinerary to suite us.Regards
Karthick
Firstly, I advice that its always better you guys transport your bikes directly to Jammu or Srinagar. You can either transport bikes to Jammu and travel to Jammu by train to pickup bikes and then move on towards Srinagar or you guys can transport bikes to Srinagar and then fly to Srinagar directly which will save a day more. Above all, going from Srinagar side will help you gradually increase the altitude and help you better enjoy the Manali – Leh Highway journey and other high altitudes on the tour. Going from Srinagar side helps eradicate the chances of acute mountains sickness which is most likely to occur if you go via Manali – Leh Highway. In addition to this fact you can also adjust Tso Moriri – Tso Kar lakes in the itinerary without going back to Leh, if you are OK with carrying extra fuels with you.
Doing Leh – Ladakh circuit always require that you spare one or two days as buffer days and utilize them for sightseeing if they are not consumed by the time you plan to utilize them or considering the coming days weather conditions.
Leh – Ladakh Itinerary for 15 Days
Assuming that you will transport the bikes to Jammu directly and start your journey from Jammu, I suggest the following itinerary for 15 days.
Day 1 | Jammu – Srinagar
- Reach Jammu and start the ride to Srinagar.
- You can save this day and keep it as buffer day if you ship bikes directly to Srinagar and fly out to Srinagar as there is nothing much good about the Jammu – Srinagar ride
- Overnight stay at Srinagar
Day 2 | Srinagar – Sonamarg – Drass – Kargil
- Start from Srinagar early if you want to spend a couple of hours around Sonamarg
- Srinagar – Sonamarg (80 KMs), Sonamarg – Zoji La – Drass (65 KMS), Drass – Kargil (55 KMS)
- Overnight stay at Kargil
Day 3 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
- Start early from Srinagar to visit the places on the route from Kargil to Leh
- Depending upon the time you can visit maitreya at Mulbekh, Lamayuru monastery, Redzong monastery
- Overnight in Leh
Day 4 | Leh Local Sight Seeing + Arrange Inner Line Permits
- Cover places around Leh town which includes Leh Palace, Leh Main Market, Shanti Stupa, Hall of Fame, Sankar Gompa, Namgyla Tsemo Gompa, Spituk etc depending upon the time on hand.
- You need to arrange the Inner Line Permits for Nubra Valley, Turtuk, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri, Tso Kar, Dha, Hanu. Write all these places on the inner line permits form.
- For more details regarding how download the inner line permits form, how to process the application faster, documents required and other details please check the link: Inner Line Permits for Leh – Ladakh
- You can also ask your hotel owner to get the permits for you if you want to save about an hour or so. He will charge about 150-200 per person to get the permits for you. Rest details you can find on the link in previous point.
Day 5 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit (Nubra Valley) – Hunder / Diskit
- Enjoy a cup of soup at Khardung La top and do not forget to take pictures along the sign board of highest motorable road
- Visit Diskit old and new monastery including the tallest Buddha statue in the noon.
- In the evening you can go for double humped camel ride at Hunder which is just 7 KMs ahead.
- Overnight at Diskit or Hunder.
Day 6 | Buffer Day OR Hunder / Diskit – Turtuk – Hunder / Diskit
- Either keep this day as buffer day or make a day trip to Turtuk.
- Visit Hunder Monastery as well on this day if you like.
- Overnight at Diskit or Hunder.
Day 7 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
- Sumur has a nice monastery named Samstemling Gompa I guess.
- Panamik has hot water springs.
- Overnight stay at Leh.
Day 8 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso
- You can visit Hemis Monastery while going towards Pangong Tso from Leh.
- Overnight stay at Pangong Tso.
Day 9 | Pangong Tso – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
- You can visit Thicksey Monastery and Shey Palace while coming towards Leh from Pangong Tso.
- Overnight stay at Leh
Day 10 | Leh – Sham Valley Sightseeing – Alchi / Uleytokpo / Leh OR Relax in Leh town
- Visit Sham Valley on this day or relax in the Leh itself if you feel tired.
- Start early in the day to cover as much as possible in Sham Valley.
- Sham Valley includes, Alchi and Likir monasteries, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Gurdwara Pather Sahib, Indus and Zanskar Confluence at Nimmu.
- Depending upon the time spent in the day you can either opt for overnight stay at either Alchi, Uleytokpo in tents or come back to Leh in night.
Day 11 | Buffer Day OR Alchi / Uleytokpo – Dha and Hanu Villages – Alchi / Uleytokpo / Leh
- You can keep this day as buffer day or you can visit the remote and beautiful Dha and Hanu Villages.
- If you plan to cover Dha and Hanu villages make you sure you applied their permits i.e. wrote their names while applying the inner line permits.
- Depending upon the time spent in the day you can either opt for overnight stay at either Alchi, Uleytokpo in tents or come back to Leh in night.
- If you plan to cover Dhan and Hanu villages then make sure you stay either at Alchi or Uleytokpo which are near by them else you may wish to return to Leh.
Day 12 | Alchi / Uleytokpo / Leh – Leh – Upshi – Chumathang – Tso Moriri
- Visit Tso Moriri and from there you can start the journey back to Manali and further towards Delhi.
- Overnight stay at Tso Moriri
- VERY IMPORTANT: Make sure you tank up full at Leh and then at Upshi again. You will need to carry spare fuel to cover more than 550+ KMs as there will be no petrol pump for this much distance. Hence, tank up at both Leh as well as Upshi and carry spare fuel with you keeping in mind the mileage of your bike so that it can cover 600 KMs with tank full plus the spare amount you are carrying with you. Next petrol pump will come at Tandi on Manali – Leh Highway.
- If you do not want to carry spare fuel then use Day 11 by deleting the Dha and Hanu Villages from the plan. Utilize Day 11 to make Leh – Tso Moriri and on this day return to Leh from Tso Moriri. On Day 13 you can then do Leh – Moore Plains – Sarchu.
Day 13 | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Moore Plains – Pang – Sarchu
- Cover Tso Kar lake on your return journey.
- If you are carrying spare fuel with you then start from Tso Moriri else you will be starting from Leh on this day.
- Overnight stay in tented accommodations available at Sarchu. Bargain hard with different tented colonies.
Day 14 | Sarchu – Baralacha La – Darcha – Jispa – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
- You will be covering Baralacha La Pass, Suraj Tal just as you descend from Baralacha La, Deepak Tal as you reach Patseo.
- Reach Manali by evening for the overnight stay.
Day 15 | Manali – Chandigarh / Ambala / Delhi
- Start journey from Manali to halt either at Chandigarh / Ambala / Delhi. I guess at either of the place you can transport your bikes back to Bangalore.
Conclusion
I hope the above itinerary is useful for Karthick as well as others who are planning to undertake the similar journey. Feel free to discuss this itinerary for further customizations you like as I would be looking for your comments
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45 Comments
Hi Dheeraj,
I’m planning a trip with a few of my friends to Leh, via Srinagar, from Chandigarh. Below is my planned itinerary (thanks to your most common itinerary
). Can you please check and share your suggestions/opinions? Could we remove something from the list to take a buffer / rest day or do you feel this would work? If so, please suggest accordingly.
Day 1(Aug 19): Chandigarh–Wagah Border-Amritsar
Day 2(Aug 20): Amritsar–Jammu
Day 3(Aug 21): Jammu-Srinagar
Day 4(Aug 22): Srinagar–Sonamarg–Zoji La–Drass/Kargil
Day 5(Aug 23): Drass/Kargil–Lamayuru–Leh
Day 6(Aug 24): Leh Local Sight Seeing (get Inner Line Permits)
Day 7(Aug 25): Leh–Khardung La–Diskit
Day 8(Aug 26): Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
Day 9(Aug 27): Leh–Hemis Monastery–Pangong Tso
Day 10(Aug 28): Pangong Tso–Thicksey Monastery–Shey Palace–Leh
Day 11(Aug 29): Leh–Upshi–Chumathang–Tso Ka
Day 12(Aug 30): Tso Kar–Sarchu
Day 13(Aug 31): Sarchu–Darcha–Jispa–Keylong–Rohtang Pass–Manali
Day 14(Sep 1): Manali–Chandigarh
Thanks again for such a great site
Cheers!
~Arvind
Hello Arvind,
This will work mostly apart from the day wen you are planning to go to Tso Kar from Leh. You have to do it like = Leh – Chumathang – Tso Moriri and then Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Sarchu then next day. Rest all is good!!
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
hi again,
thanks for ur reply
If you have noticed, the plan is very compact. from my plan, which is the day we can skip so as to cover the trip within the span of 14 days?
we are planning to hire bikes from Chandigarh. do you, by any chance, have any contacts for that?
also, v have a Canadian girl and an American girl in our group. will they have to get any special papers for the trip to this part of the country?
Cheers !
Arvind
Arvind, plan is compact but doable. The only concern is you do not have any buffer day. Plus if you need any extra day then make a Day trip to Pangong Tso and use extra day as spare day!! The foreigner girls might need to apply for separate PAP permit while in Leh but again it will be a trivial process. I am not 100% sure if you would be able to use same permit form for their application. so, ask at DC office once you are in Leh.
I hope this helps.
Regards
Dheeraj sharma
Hey Dheeraj,
thanks a lot for your generous information and timely reply, buddy.
i shall chk abt the PAP permits as you suggested.
really appreciate your patience in answering all the queries of people interested in taking this trip.
Cheers!
All the best Arvind for your trip!! Have a memorable one and do share the pictures on the DOW's FB page
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
Got back from the exciting, exhilarating and enthralling road-trip.
Thanks a lot for your valuable inputs.
Do let me know if you need inputs from my experience.
Thanks a lot, once again, dude. You are quite an inspiration.
Cheers !
Arvind
Great Arvind, glad to know about that and feels good that info. present on my blog was helpful in making your trip successful. You can share any piece of information you like with all of us. Let me know in case you want to write a Travelogue.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hey Dheeraj,
I’m in fact in the proceess of penning down my travelogue. will share it with you once I’m done.
do let me know if u hv any ideas / suggestions to incorporate into my travelogue and where can I share them…
Thanks, once again, mate.
Cheers!
~Arvind
Hey Arvind,
Nothing best than your own personal experience of the things around nature, climate, vistas, informational details on food, hotels and what you loved about the entire trip would be best thing to have in Travelogue. You can share the pictures with me over email along with a text in a docx file and I will publish with your name as guest post over the blog. If you have experience with WordPress I can create the account and share with you the credentials and you can upload the article directly on the blog. I will schedule it for the next scheduled article date.
Thank you so much for penning down the details friend.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
hi dheeraj. i want to go ladakh in august 2012. i am travelling alone . i want to go leh via srinagar and return via manali route. i want to cover ladakh in one go. nubra, zanskar, pangang tso, tso moriri & panamik are in my list. please help me to plan an itinerary. my budget is 30k. i can spend a month if needed. thanks in advance.
Hi Rahul,
What is your mode of travel? Are you riding or driving? It is important because the whole plan depends upon how you will be commuting.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj..thanks for asking .. i am riding coz i donno how to drive
Hi Rahul,
IN such a case, I might suggest first draft as 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 – Rangdum
Day 5 | Rangdum – Padum
Day 6 | Padum and around
Day 7 | Padum – Rangdum
Day 8 | Rangdum – Kargil
Day 9 | 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 10 | 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 : http://devilonwheels.com/index.php/inner-line-per…
– Overnight at Leh
Day 11 | 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 12 | Hunder – Turtuk – Hunder
Day 13 | 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 14 | Leh – Shey Palace – Thicksey Monastery – Hemis Monastery – Tangste (Carry fuel for about 550 KMs including tankful)
– Overnight at Tangste
Day 15 | Tangste – Spangmik
– Overnight at Pangong Tso (Spangmik)
Day 16 | Pangong Tso Lake – Man – Merak – Chusul – Tsaga – Loma – Hanle
– Overnight at Hanle
Day 17 | Hanle – Loma – Nyoma – Mahe – Sumdo – Tso Moriri (Korzok) OR Hanle – Kyun Tso – Salsal la – Chumur – Charchaghan La – Tso Moriri (Korzok)
Day 18 | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Tso Moriri
Day 19 | Tso Moriri – Leh via Chumathang
Day 20 + 21 | Rest days at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping
Day 22 | Leh – Sham Valley (Overnight at Alchi)
– Sham Valley include Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Zanskar, , Gurudwara Pather Sahib
Day 23 | Alchi – Dha and Hanu Villages – Leh
Day 24 | 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 25 | Pang / Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong
Day 26 | Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
– On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only
– Overnight at Manali
Day 27 | Manali – Delhi
– Return
Day 28 + 29 + 30 | Buffer days to be kept incase of road closure due to landslides or snowfall or perhaps you want to enjoy more at some place.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Thanks a ton Dheeraj !! This itinerary looks awsome n it will cover all the important places around leh .. but i want to know about overnight stay accomodation availability in these places.. n as i am a solo traveller.. would i get shared taxi to all these places or not? please throw some light on mode of transportation in this itinerary.. do u think 30k is enough for this itinerary ? or i should take some more money with me ? sorry for so many questions at a time ..
Hi Rahul,
That’s why I wanted to know how you are commuting, and you told me that you will ride … I though you will ride bike there… The plan I have suggested can only be possible with a self drive and with local transport it will take about two months to complete … So, better do it at ease and remove much days from the plan.
You can get transport for Zanskar at Kargil. Since, you have time on hands, so you will be able to manage at ease. I have given the sketech how it can be done and once you reach at these places you can avail the transport on need basis.
Once, you reach Leh you will have more options for tourist places beuase lots of people are ready to share taxis to save costs. Of course, they will be doing basic tourist circuits only. You wil not be able to do direct route from Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri via Hanle unless you get some shared tourists doing exact route or you find yourself travel partners online.
Also, I guess since your plan is too long better we talk over phone (emailed you that) if you can.. as I am a bit lazy writing long text
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
You have mentioned two routes from Hanle to Tso Moriri.Which one will be better in your opinion? Can you give some deatails on Padum and Rangdum ? Thanks for ur time mate !!
Hi Dheeraj,
wonderful guide, really inspiring to take the plunge. I am planning to do a full trip of from 30Jun to 15 July, Srinagar-Leh-Manali with 3 of my friends. I have few questions.
1. We are reaching around3:30 in Srinagar. Do you suggest us to stay at srinagar or sonmarg overnight so that we can start early next day. It might also help on budget front. In that case booking cab in sonmarg is how much viable after reaching there.
2. Can we expect the cab driver to show us alchi on the way to leh on 2nd day after night stay at kargil.
Hi Chayan,
If you are going for 15 days then I will suggest you check out the Most Common Itinerary many of the traveler follow for Leh – Ladakh at the link here. It is quite balanced and relaxed plus you can add any relaxing days in between as you like. The itinerary takes care of the acclimatization part as well. Hence, you can go with it any day. As for your queries:
1. Stay at Srinagar only, it will be much cheaper option to find hotel there. You can start early from Srinagar next day. You will get cab in Srinagar much easily than in Sonamarg.
2. I doubt that, he will not be able to divert much from the Highway. So, you need to either catch some Ladakhi number taxi from Srinagar or Kargil, if you wanna do it like that.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you need any details or have any queries.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
PS -> I am traveling to Ladakh on today for 10 days, so might not be able to reply instantly.
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks a lot for your reply. Hope right now you are enjoying at ladakh to the best. Once you come back, can you please help me a little more.
As per your opinion, what are the chances of getting a cab from of ladakhi number from srinagar or kargil. I tried to call Regzin, but was not able to reach. I think chances are very less as he is quite busy and I dont have number for any other ladakhi cab driver.
hi deeraj,
kyaa kahu, really you explore these region/area so well and helped lot of people .
now i also need your suggestion.
Actually planning to do biking to Leh starting from Delhi in my thuderbird bike.
Can you please suggest /guide me as i want to start from delhi for to LEH (delhi to Leh via Manali)in the month of Aril . How much time it will take travel /can be spent on each place to cover the above. Would be great if you can customize the itinerary to suite me (or biker like me) same as you mentioned above from srinagar to leh >mnali> delhi.
also suggest, where to stay and how much it will cost . is any alternative way to stay in Camping Tents etc….
also suggest, what precaution need to take for a biker and take stuff with them.
Any document need to carry or take any permission etc.
Regards,
Rakesh Pandey
Hi Rakesh,
I will revert back to you tomorrow as I just came back from a travel to Spiti Valley. I will post reply to your queries tomorrow at earliest as right now I have limited access to NET via phone.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
p.s. -> Sorry for the delayed response as I was traveling.
Hi Rakesh,
Thanks again for such warm words of appreciation. I am glad that you like the info available on my blog. First and foremost, in April it will not be possible even to make a bike trip from Srinagar – Leh Highway forget about Manali – Leh Highway. Srinagar – Leh Highway opens generally in May thrid or fourth week and Manali-Leh Highway opens up only in June first or second week. So, you will be able to do it only post May or June. You will be able to find answers to all queries/doubts about accommodation, things to carry, inner line permits/permissions etc at the following links:
1) Travel Guide for Manali – Leh Highway
2) Inner Line Permits for Leh – Ladakh
3) List of Accommodation Options on Manali – Leh Highway
You can go through them and let me know for any queries or doubts which still remains. If required, we can discuss the sketch the entire itinerary as per your needs. For that please let me know how many days are you planning and in which month. I hope this helps. Let me know incase you have any further queries. And once again sorry for delayed response.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
p.s. -> Again, sorry for the delayed response as I was traveling.
Hi Dheeraj,
We did the trip successfully.It was an amazing experience. We also covered Turtuk and used Wari la to reach Pongong Tso which was tough and scary ride. Then came the mother of all challenges Rohtang, unbelievably tough conditions on slush that too on darkness.Anyways I loved the trip and all the challenges . Thanks again for your valuable inputs.
Karthick, I am sure this will go down as one of the life time trip of your life. I am glad you enjoyed the beauty of heaven and adventure it offers thoroughly. Kudos to your spirit and cheers for a great trip
HI Deeraj is it possible to make this trip in the 3rd week of october 2011
Hi Kamesh,
It may be possible if weather gods permit you but highly NOT recommended and NOT suggested. For more information on the risks involved, do read the article on 5 reasons to avoid Manali – Leh Highway in late September or October linked here.
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you have more queries or doubts.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj
thanks for the update and I will go for this trip in 2012 season
thanks,
Kamesh
Hey Kamesh, that will be better and wise choice. I hope you went through the link as I just saw that I missed to link it in the last comment and just now updated the below comment
… Let me know whenever you need to plan something for Ladakh I will be more than happy to share all I have in my store.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Deeraj,
Finally the D day is about to come and we are starting for the trip tomorrow.
As you had suggested , We are going through Amritsar,Srinagar route to Leh only.
And now we hear the latest news about the rainfall, snow and road block all that stuff happening in Manali – Leh. Whatever it is our plan is ON and we are starting ..Just thought to get some inputs
1) We would come to Manali- Leh after 8-10 days..will it be cleared by that time ?
2) How about Amritsar,Srinagar route..raining ? any blockages?
3) Bro..I think we have to keep in touch with you at some point , can you please send your contact number to my mail id , if you dont mind.
Thanks once again for your valuable inputs.
Hello Karthick,
Well buddy this year has been really hard on Himchal Pradesh and it is always best to go via Srinagar side and when you will come back you will realize the fact or already would hev feeling good about hearing all about Delhi to Manali and Manali to Leh further. It is good that you are sticking to you plan. Coming back,
1. I hope the Manali – Leh Highway will be open by that time if weather holds good. Just incase be in touch I will keep you posted.
. Just keep the fingers crossed.
2. Srinagar – Leh is manageable now a days. Yes it was raining for last few days but it seems weather clearing up but who knows
3. I will email you my contact.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Deeraj,
Thanks for your inputs.
More or less we have come out with a plan which looks feasible but can check out only when we get on the field.
1) For the above places to be visited , we need to get permits to Khardung la, Nubra valley, Pangong Tso, Wari la,Tso moriri, Tso kar. Let us know if I am missing any places?
3) We are planning to start from delhi to LEh by 19th Aug through Amritsar,Sringar. Wanted to know the season right now..Is it raining heavily? Just to be prepared.
2)Can you also suggest any budget hotels to stay at Srinagar, Kargil , Leh(who can also get us permits) ?
Hey Karthick,
Please find my answers below in respective order –
1. I guess you are fine with the places to mention on the permits.
2. Currently there are heavy rains lashing in Jammu which trigerred lots of landslides too. So, go prepared.
3. Can't suggest anything in Srinagar but for Kargil you can count on J&K Tourism Tourist Bungalow, Kargil near Hospital (book in advance), Hotel Caravan and Hotel Siachen. In Leh book Shanit Guest House. They will help you with the permits too. Check the complete review here
I hope this helps.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
We are getting seriously confused for which way we should move towards leh. manali rohtang is in mess as u said and we dont want to be in srinagar nearby 15th august. any update on the current situation of manali leh highway? pls update as we want to leave 2morrow.
Hello Abhishek,
If you really do not want to be in Srinagar around 15 Aug then there is no option left to move from Manali – Leh road only. Things improved a couple of days back due to few dry days but past few days again have been raining so the situation would have gone to similar. It is primarily the Manali – Rohtang Pass which you will trouble you, rest will be fine. Even on Zingzing Bar Nalla BRO has installed a bridge over it so that is not a worry even, as per the last updates. Mind you that bridge can be washed away at any day due to heavy water pressure, so do not count much on it and leave early from Keylong or Jispa on the second day.
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you have any doubts or queries.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Deeraj,
Few more questions mates..
1) Amritsar- Srinagar is 450 kms, how long is the terrain & plain section ? can we make it in one day ?
2) Check out the below plan for areas around LEh alone.
Day 1 – Local Sightseeing / Arrange permits
Day 2- Leh – Khardung La (40 km) – Diskit (Nubra Valley) (80 km)– Hunder (7 km) Stay at Diskit
Day 3 – Diskit – Sumur (32 km)– Aghma – Wari La – Chang La – Tangste(195km) Stay at Tangste
Day 4- Tangste – Spangmik/Pangong Tso(32 km) – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh (180 km) Stay at Leh
Day 5 – Rest / Buffer
Day 6 – Leh – Upshi – Chumathang – Tso Moriri (stay here)
Day 7 – Tso Moriri -Tso kar- Moore Plains – Pang – Sarchu
Is this plan practical ? especially Day 3 & 4?
3) Is there any route between Pangong Tso & Tso moriri ? Give us route along with Distances..
Thanks mate.
Hey Karthick,
Please find answers to your queries in respective orders -
1) Amritsar – Srinagar will not be possible in one day buddy unless you are OK with riding 16 Hrs a day.
2) Well on Day 4 I will advise if you want to cover Pangong Tso then drop Sumur and Panamik and head straight to Tangste via Wari La from Diskit. Leave early morning so that you reach well in time and you may even decide to reach Spangmik/Lukung at Pangong Tso as well if you reach Tangste by noon. I wonder how you will manage fuel on the route as you may not get fuel at Diskit petrol pump which is no longer operational. So, once you reach Sakti from Wari La track back towards Karu and refill the fuel, it is very important.
Rest it looks fine to me.
3) In that case you will be looking at Leh to Nubra to Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri to Manali
. Karthcik, you will need fuel for about more than 800+ KMs in that case. Your above plan is fine and I will advise you to stick to it. Let me know incase you still feel you want to do it.
I hope this helps.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Deeraj,
I am back again bro,our journey date is nearing and we are getting ready for the dream trip. We are fine tuning our plan and thought to clarify with you. As you had suggested coming to Leh via Srinagar and returning to Delhi via Manali looks good. Again a question on this,for us the main excitement in this trip is the Manali-Leh Travel. So Which is the best route to enjoy this ride ,either through Manali to Leh Onward journey or Leh to Manali Return Journey ? My question may sound silly, but thought to clarify.
Hello Karthick,
If you really want to enjoy Manali – Leh Highway then do it from Leh side. That is Leh to Manali NOT Manali to Leh. This will help you enjoy the Manali – Leh highway without bothering to rush through the place or worry about AMS or driving with nausea etc. Manali to Leh will hold you back from the enjoyment, believe me. But, while coming from Leh towards Manali your body will be acclimatized for the altitudes much more than when you travel in the opposite direction.
Secondly, it will also help you halt you journey at Sarchu which is at an even distance between Manali and Leh and offers varied amount of accommodation option. Otherwise you will end up doing Manali – Keylong on one day and real push from Keylong to Leh on the second because sleeping at Sarchu is not recommended if you are coming from Manali unless your body has completely acclimatized to Sarchu altitude by staying in Lahaul Valley for about 4-5 days.
So just to confirm again go to Leh from Srinagar side and return via Manali side as Leh – Sarchu on one day and Sarchu – Manali on the other day. If you want to enjoy more then break it as Sarchu – Jispa and Jispa – Manali to appreciate beauty of Manali – Leh completely. Of course, it depends upon time you have with you.
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Great description..
Dheeraj sir has explained the itenery very clearly and to the point.
I think Dheeraj has covered these routs and noted them down.
I am also plannig the same trip but due office schedules could not managed for leaves. But one day definitely i will do it and then i will take guidence from you.
Thanks Atul
Hi Atul,
Thanks alot for such warm words. Please let me know if I can be of any help in planning a Leh – Ladakh trip for you.
You are most welcome anytime.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Hello Karthick,
It is my pleasure bro… Here are the approximate distancec you need –
Sumur – Tangste = 185 KMs – 195 KMs / 7-8 Hrs drive (Carry fuel because Diskit petrol pump may not be operational. Check before you plan this route.)
Sarchu – Tso Moriri = 210 KMs – 225 KMs / 8-9 Hrs drive including Tso Kar. Tso Kar – Tso Moriri = 80 KMs
Tso Moriri – Leh = 215 KMs / 7-8 Hrs drive
I think if you have the right papers with you then there is no NOC required as you can always tell them that you have come for touring purpose. Even the shipping companies do not require any NOC regarding same as you are going as tourist only.
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you have any queries.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Deeraj,
Thanks Bro.Few more queries…
1) Can you tell us the distance between the places below
a) Sumur & Tangste
b) Sarchu & Tso Moriri
c) Tso Moriri & Leh
2) We are bringing our bikes from South . On the whole , we would be riding in Delhi, Himachal Pradesh , J& K ,Punjab . We would be bring our Bike papers & Insurance . Do we have to take any NOC's to ride as tourist in these places ? Please advice.
Karthick replied:
Hello Karthick,
In that case, you can follow the below plan. I guess the plan above provides you all the relevant details for the headers so here I will chalk down the route only.
Day 1 | Delhi – Amritsar
Day 2 | Amritsar – Golden Temple – Wagah Border – Amritsar
Day 3 | Amritsar – Srinagar
– Amritsar to Jammu will take you about 5-6 hours and then Jammu to Srinagar is about 7-8 hours.
– Start early from Amritsar if you want to save a day and reach Srinagar in time.
– It is long day but again as you said you are from South so saving a day will mean alot.
– You can also check Golden Temple and Wagah Border early in the day and start back the ride on Day 2 itself and reach Pathankot or may be Jammu if you can to cut short this day.
Day 4 | Srinagar – Sonamarg – Drass – Kargil
Day 5 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
Day 6 | Leh Local Sight Seeing + Arrange Inner Line Permits
Day 7 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit (Nubra Valley) – Hunder / Diskit
Day 9 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
Day 10 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso
Day 11 | Pangong Tso – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
Day 12 | Leh – Leh – Upshi – Chumathang – Tso Moriri (Petrol Point must be noted here)
Day 13 | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Moore Plains – Pang – Sarchu
Day 14 | Sarchu – Manali
Day 15 | Manali – Delhi
Now, in this itinerary you do not have buffer days which may be required and Day 3 is dependent upon how you ride on that day which may call to take one day out. So, I suggest below two option in case 1 or 2 days are used in other unplanned calls.
Option 2: Make Pangong Tso lake as day trip
Day 10 | Leh – Pangong Tso – Leh as day trip
Day 11 | Leh – Upshi – Chumathang – Tso Moriri (Petrol Point must be noted here)
Day 12 | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Moore Plains – Pang – Sarchu
Day 13 | Sarchu – Manali
Day 14 | Manali – Delhi
Day 15 | Buffer Day. You can even keep this buffer for Manali – Leh Highway journey (Day 13 especially) as there are chances of road blockages or traffic jams at Rohtang Pass which may delay you by a day.
Option 3:Make Pangong Tso lake as day trip and Leave Tso Moriri and Tso Kar lakes
Day 10 | Leh – Pangong Tso – Leh make day trip
Day 11 | Leh – Upshi – Tanglang La – Moore Plains – Pang – Sarchu
Day 12 | Sarchu – Manali
Day 13 | Manali – Delhi
Day 14 | Buffer Day. You may need it on Day 3 if you are not ready to take up 13-14 ride from Amritsar to Srinagar.
Day 15 | Buffer Day. You can even keep this buffer for Manali – Leh Highway journey (Day 13 especially) as there are chances of road blockages or traffic jams at Rohtang Pass which may delay you by a day.
I hope the above options will suit your requirements now.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Karthick replied:
Hello Karthick,
IMHO, the plan I have suggested best suits the routes, maps and acute mountain sickness factors. At most you can do is to skip places in between. Sightseeing in Leh Ladakh is like star topology where ever tourist destination is linked from Leh. Its always better and recommended that you come back to Leh after every direction as the inter connectivity which is present between the tourist destination such as Nubra Valley – Pangong Tso and Pangong Tso – Tso Moriri are a bit tough on roads, travel time (13-14 Hrs each) and distances (talking comparatively). Its always best to come to Leh for a relaxing evening but anyways if one is ready to do 13-14 Hrs of drive and explore new routes then its even great as it generally saves the day as well when time is short.
I will try to sketch the approximate distances between the tourist destinations –
a) Leh – Khardung La (40 KMs) – Diskit (80 KMs)(Nubra Valley) – Hunder (7 KMs) = 125 – 135 KMs / 5-6 Hrs
b) Diskit – Sumur (32 KMs) – Panamik (22 KMs) – Sumur (22 KMs) – Khardung La (80) – Leh (40) = 195 – 205 KMs / 8-9 Hrs
c) Leh – Hemis Monastery (40 KMs) – Pangong Tso (140 KMs) = 170-180 KMs / 7-8 Hrs
d) Pangong Tso – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh = 170 – 190 KMs / 8-9 Hrs
e) Leh – Upshi (59 KMs) – Chumathang (95 KMs) – Tso Moriri (60 KMs) = 215 – 225 KMs / 8-9 Hrs
Yes, there is a route directly from Diskit to Pangong Tso which goes via Wari La. The route is like Diskit – Khalsar – Agham – Wari La – Chang La – Tangste – Spangmik / Pangong Tso or Sumur – Aghma – Wari La – Chang La – Tangste – Spangmik / Pangong Tso. You can try to reach Tangste as well from Sumur instead going to Leh and then next day you can reach Spangmik / Pangong Tso early in the morning from Tangste which is just about 32 KMs from Pangong Tso. Please keep in mind in order to do this you need to get permit for Wari La as well. So, don't forget to mention Wari La if you are interested in doing this route.
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma