Today I am answering a big question, “Can I make a budget trip to Ladakh“? Over the last couple of years, there is a steep climb of several tourists, especially domestic, visiting the wonderland called Leh Ladakh. Many of them are favoring those newly constructed comfortable hotels and varied cuisines sold with meal plans.
However, there is still a good bunch of budget travelers like me looking out to make a budget trip to Ladakh and enjoy it in a manner that is pocket-friendly too. In this article, let me share some tips that will help you save money on your upcoming Ladakh trip.
Let's quickly dive into the details:
Why Leh Ladakh trip is costly?
The problem is that a road trip to Ladakh needs a good number of days in hand, a minimum of about 10-11 days ex. Delhi. And any trip to Ladakh has a whole lot of uncertainties owing to bad roads, landslides, AMS / health issues, etc.. which puts a risk on the bookings for you.
Hence, the importance of the amount of money spent or going to spend per day basis becomes important to reduce the overall cost of the Ladakh trip. Several days are the key factor in making a budget trip to Leh Ladakh.
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Tips on Budget Trip to Ladakh
I am not sure if you are aware, but in the past, I did write an article on how to calculate cost or budget for the Ladakh trip which can help you calculate your budget for Ladakh trip in eased out manner. If you have any doubts about it, I will be more than happy to answer them.
However, in this article today, I will try to enlist some of the tips which I follow for making my budget trip to Ladakh. I am sure following these tips will help you too to optimize your budget for the Ladakh trip as well, and you will be able to enjoy more rather than worrying about the dent over your pocket.
So, let’s look at them one by one.
1. Travel in April/May OR August/September to save cost
Traveling in the less touristy season has its very own advantages or disadvantages. We have already talked about the best season to travel to Ladakh. But traveling in a bit low season like April/May just when the season starts OR mid-August/September just when the season is about to end, has the biggest advantage that most of the hotels/guest houses are empty and are more than welcoming for tourists/travelers.
Advantages of a trip to Ladakh in the shoulder season
This gives you three basic edges to cut down Ladakh trip cost:
- a. You can make on the spot bookings easily which automatically reduces the cost when compared to over the phone or pre-booked costs of the same hotels.
- b. Since most of the hotels are empty so they are ready to offer good discounts too either in terms of room cost or letting an extra bed for free. In our case, most of the guesthouses did not even care if we were 3 or 4 in the rooms.
- c. Finally, you have fewer tourists, so less fuss and rush even in tourist places. Hence, you better enjoy those places rather constantly waiting for someone to clear the spot before taking the picture 🙂
You do not need to search for any Ladakh budget tour packages, rather in shoulder season the cost of Leh Ladakh trip will be reduced.
I will say that disadvantages are trivial like a bit cold conditions, fewer tourists to share taxis, fewer restaurants with proper cooks, etc. but if you look in totality the advantages are more pocket-friendly as well as experience friendly too.
2. Commute & Stay in Group of 3 to 5 on your Ladakh budget trip
I feel it is always optimum to commute as well as stay in a group of 3 to 5 people. Having three people means that if you follow Tip 1, then you can have three people to share the cost of the room where, in most cases, you will need to pay only room rent, and the extra bed will be free.
In one of the Ladakh trips, we usually had a share of Rs 100-250 for the room per day and we stayed 3-4 guys in one room with 1-2 extra beds, mostly.
Pro Tip: If you want to reduce the overall cost of the trip to Ladakh, then you can also consider camping in Leh Ladakh.
In terms of the commute as well, I suggest that the taxi cost is shared in a balanced way if you are in a group of 4-5. More than five means you will need two taxis, so avoid that and make groups in the multiples of 4-5 only.
According to me, based on the number of people we shall use the following options for transport/commute:
- a. 1-2 people, then choose Bike Rental OR Shared Taxis. Hitch Hike / Public Transport where ever possible and routes of least interest like Delhi – Jammu – Srinagar Highway, Manali – Delhi Highway.
- b. 3-5 people, then choose Taxi as SUV type.
- c. 6-10 people, then choose Taxi as Winger/Tempo Traveller which will save you directly 65% over hiring 2 taxis.
What about a self-drive budget trip to Ladakh?
Having said that, Self Drive/Ride on your own car/bike is always the cheapest & most flexible way to commute anywhere. And if you make a Leh Ladakh road trip by car, then with this tip in mind, it can bring down the cost of travel because the commute is the major portion of the cost of Ladakh tour.
Please keep in mind that it is not easy to find RELIABLE Leh Ladakh bike trip packages at cheaper prices because per day bike rentals themselves are costly unless you ride with a pillion.
3. On the Spot Deals for Accommodation & Taxis
Places like Ladakh & Spiti Valley in Himachal are full of uncertainties like roadblocks, landslides, AMS / health Issues, etc.. and pre-booking some hotels means that you are running between the money as well as the flexibility of your plan with some tensions to reach the place for sure.
If we talk in terms of Ladakh trip cost, then there are two things to consider here primarily,
A. On Spot Booking is Cheaper & Flexible
Talking over the phone OR booking over the Internet will always cost you more, remember it always. Hence, make your bookings on the spot only. If you do not plan to stay at any specific hotel and if you are OK with searching the place a bit after seeing the room conditions once reaching the place, then I guess you could save some good amount of money too on the hotel bookings.
Pro Tip: Confused about planning a Ladakh trip? You can always refer to my article on how to plan a road trip to Leh Ladakh?
Secondly, it provides you with more and more flexibility in terms of dates you reach on a particular place and allows you any last minutes changes. In places like Ladakh where road conditions are uncertain enough to force a change in plan, the flexibility always tops the list.
Is it a must to book in advance on the Ladakh trip?
I do not feel that Ladakh is a place where you will be left stranded on the road without any place to stay if you have done your little research (of course Discover With Dheeraj blog is here to help ;)).
So, forget that, and just on the cost of little search and giving away a particular name of a hotel/guest house, you will save a lot for making a budget trip to Ladakh.
For a quick & handy reference, you can always take the printout of this preferred list of accommodation options in the entire Leh Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate and cheap budget hotels as well. You can also note some of the preferred hotels/guest houses reviewed by other co-travelers in our DwD Community forums.
This will help you search for hotels or contact them on the fly that very day considering any change in plans. Also, if in a taxi, then your taxi guy will help you get a good deal at some hotel/guest house for sure.
B. Don’t Forget my Leave Early, Sleep Early Principle
If on the spot booking, then the late you reach in the day at some hotel/guest house or camp, then a tiny margin of bargaining remains because they understand that you have the least options in the dark. Hence, “Leave Early, Sleep Early” shall always be the principle while traveling anywhere in the Himalayas.
Even booking taxis in advance shall be avoided for similar reasons. Also, directly getting in touch with the drivers without any travel agent in between will at least help you get about a 12-15% discount in general and in the fewer tourist seasons, even more. You can check the List of Taxi Drivers for Ladakh – Srinagar – Leh – Manali
4. Wisely Choose your Accommodation & its location
The list I shared above in the article on stay options will surely help you choose wisely BUT always try to forget the name HOTEL when planning a budget Ladakh trip.
Most of the A-Grade or B-Grade guest houses in Leh Ladakh and even some homestays are well versed with cleanliness, comfortable beds & western toilets (though sometimes shared).
Keep in mind that you need a hotel only to stay or spend the night at such a lovely beautiful place because beauty is outside the room, not inside. Of course, it does not apply to those who have plenty of holidays and love to soak in one place.
Hence, to spend a night comfortably, you can stay in the guesthouses and do not need a fully-fledged hotel with amenities you might not be even needed while sleeping.
To find decent yet economical places to stay in Manali, you can stay at Old Manali, Manali – Naggar Road, Vashisth. Similarly, Leh has full of such small budget very cleanly guest houses at Upper Tukcha Road, Fort Road, some clusters near Main Market, Zangsti road, etc.
The only drawback to some of these guesthouses is that the food might not be available in some of them. Even then, don’t worry much as you will surely find nearby dhabha or restaurant to eat, stay nearby Changspa or Main Market.
5. Wisely choose the Places to Eat
If you eat at some of the basic restaurants / local dhabhas, then along with saving some good money, you also give yourself a chance to eat local as well as fresh food in general.
Try and give yourself a chance to eat local Tibetan home-cooked food at such local eating joints. It does not mean that you don’t eat at good restaurants in Leh Ladakh, but all I am saying is make a mix of both to balance out the budget.
You should always carry your water bottle and refill it as many times as you need water. It will not only keep you hydrated always, but you will also help in saving the Himalayas from plastic garbage. Remember, every tiny step counts and your step in this direction can help save the Himalayas too !! 🙂 🙂
Bonus Tips 🙂
Given below are some bonus yet optional tips to help you further save money on your Ladakh trip.
6. Pay for Individual Meals on your Ladakh budget trip
Well, though in a group of friends sometimes it looks odd in a country especially ours but it is quite common to pay on the table individually, and I feel nothing wrong at all in it. Things get a bit messy if you are not used to it, and people in the group are not proactive, but if done properly, it does help in saving money.
If you take this up, you can additionally save about 10-12% on your overall trip or help someone in the group save it 😆
7. Air Travel? Plan in Advance
Air tickets in the season time for Leh Ladakh are CRAZILY high, but if you plan your trip to Ladakh well in advance, it is always better to book your tickets well in advance as applicable for other places.
However, for Leh sometimes it works too well because in season time the single tickets can go even like 10K and if booked in advance the same Ladakh flight tickets can cost you about 5K types. The same is true for Srinagar flights as well with a cost saving of almost 33% of ticket cost nearing travel dates.
Pro Tip: Many airlines offer some flash sales as well, so keep an eye on deals from Spice, GoAir, etc..
FAQs on Ladakh Budget Trip
Let us look at some of the frequently asked questions about the budget trip to Leh Ladakh.
<strong>How much can a Ladakh trip on bike cost me?</strong>
Taking food and accommodation into account, traveling to Ladakh on a rented bike for 14 days, you are looking at about ((Bike Rent + Fuel = Rs 24500 – 30000) + (Food + Stay = Rs 10000 – 12500) = (Rs 34500 – 42500)) as the total cost for the Leh Ladakh bike trip.
<strong>Where can I find the cheapest Ladakh tour package?</strong>
Well, if you follow the tips explained in this article, you do not need to find any cheap Ladakh tour packages. Still, if you are interested I can share some reliable agents with whom you can check the Ladakh trip prices.
<strong>How to calculate the minimum budget for Ladakh trip?</strong>
The minimum cost of the Ladakh trip will be using public transport only. All other options for travel will cost you more than public transport. So, for the most common 14 day trip to Ladakh, you will end up spending about Rs 14500 – 16000.
Are you a Solo Traveler or a Couple?
Another interesting question is, Is it possible for a couple or a solo traveler to make a Ladakh budget trip?
Well, 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 that people put at cafes, dine-ins, restaurants, travel agent desks/shops/whiteboards wanting to share the taxis for different trips within Ladakh.
Even travel agents organize such a shared taxis trip as well but charge a little higher about Rs 200-300 more than it would ideally cost you on your own. So, in the 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 meeting new people and sharing inspirational thoughts and values over the trip. Nowhere else in the world you will find more smiling and helpful people as Ladakhis. Or you can search for Travel Partners online too (read below).
Online Travel Partners for Ladakh Trip?
You can even search for online Travel Partners for your Ladakh trip to reduce the overall cost, and at DwD Community we already have an easy way to spot Travel Partners through our dedicated forum linked in the main menu.
Using our Travel Partners Forum & Calendar, you can pretty quickly and easily spot on which dates people are traveling and if some group suits your need to gel up or not.
Don’t have time to read the full article? You can check this short video on Discover With Dheeraj YouTube Channel on this topic. If you like my video, please do not forget to SUBSCRIBE to my YouTube channel.
Conclusion
I hope these tips will help you in some way or the other to reduce the overall cost of the Ladakh trip plan and help you make a budget trip to Ladakh. I am sure you will be able to save a good amount of money by following these Ladakh budget tips.
Have a travel question?? You can follow me on Instagram and subscribe to my YouTube channel to ask your travel questions in a direct message on Instagram or comment on my YouTube videos.
In the end, if these tips in the article really help you in making a budget trip to Ladakh as compared to some readymade Leh Ladakh Tour Packages then please, I will seriously suggest you read about DoW Causes – A Step Towards Responsible Travel.
The article guides you in the direction of how to help the local Himalayan people when you travel in the Himalayas. If possible, contribute towards these causes on your own with a tiny portion of that saved money with the help of these tips.
Contributing to local society will do nothing BUT provide you some real smiles & blessings from the locals up there in such remote villages of the Himalayas. Thank You!
308 Comments
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I am planning my trip in mid of may from Delhi to Ladakh. we are 3 peoples will be travelling by car.
What’s the best time to visit ladakh and what will be the total cost for 3 peoples. Is it okay to travel by car or not ?
Hi NAdir,
You will only be able to travel to Ladakh by road from Srinagar – Leh Highway and you may have to come back Srinagar route only as Manali – Leh Highway will not be open by that time of the year. Best timme for snow and completing the circuit is June whereas for good colors and stable roads, September is the best time. Which car are you traveling in?
We’ll be hiring a car for us. Will i be able to experience snow in the month of may or june? Lemme know the total cost for 3 people trip.
Nadir, in May and June, you will be able to play the snow in Ladakh. For doubts related to budget for Leh – Ladakh trip, I am sure the link below will help you alot for getting an idea of overall budget:
How to calculate cost or budget for Leh – Ladakh trip
Also, check the article: 5 Tips for a Budget Trip to Ladakh
Hi
I am planning a Self drive Leh trip from Mumbai in the month of Sept’17, dates are 29th Aug’17 to 13th Sept’17
We are five colleagues , I will be driving from Mumbai other will join me at Chandigarh on 1st from Chennai, Hydrabad, Delhi and Mumbai.
Will be driving XUV 500 , Kms done 7k.
Plan is as under-
29th- Will start from Mumbai at 6 pm, will reach at Ahmedabad around 2 am, stay at Country Inn
30th – Office work at Ahmedabad
31st- Office work at Ahmedabad, Leave at 6 pm to reach Bhilwara around 1 am, stay overnite.
1st- Leave Bhilwara at 7am, reach Chandigarh around 8 pm, meeting with colleagues, Cocktail & Dinner
2nd-Leave Chandigarh at 7 am, arrive Srinagar by 7 pm, stay at Houseboat
3rd-Leave Srinagar at 9 am, visit Sonmarg, reach Kargil by night, overnight stay at Kargil.
4th-Leave Kargil at 9 am, reach Leh by evening via Kargil Memorial and Lamayuru
5th-Leh Local-Hemis/Thiksey/Shanti Stupa
6th-Leh to Nubra Valley, Stay at Hunder
7th-Nubra to Leh or Pangong Tso ( Little doubtful on Nubra to Pangong Tso)
8th-Leh to Pangong Tso, stay at Pangong Tso
9th-Pangong to Sarchu, stay at Sarchu
10th-Sarchu to Manali, stay at Manali
11th-Manali to Chandigarh
12th-Chandigarh to Jaipur
13th-Jaipur to Mumbai ( Via Udaipur)
This is the base plan, now I have few queries and suggestions to ask
1-Is this itinerary doable, I find it too stressed, not able to cover Srinagar/Chandigarh/Manali , just for information I can drive 12 -15 hrs and at nights too and with XUV feel to do better. Have done Mum-Pali, Ahmedabad-Bikaner overnite, Ahmedabad-Uttrakhand at a stretch with driver.
2-Nubra to Pangong is doable, just to cut short one day
3-If point # 2 is not possible, how can we cut one day , as my colleagues have flights from Chandigarh on 10th. Need to fit in these days only.
4-Is it a good time to go, will there is snow all over.
5-Will Chandigarh-Manali-Leh-Manali-Chandigargh makes more sense with such a tight Schedule.
6-What are the additional places which can be covered if we follow Point@6 route, within same time frame.
Hi Ritz,
1. Doable yes, hectic yes. So, if you add more relaxing days it will help you ease out the trip.
2. Nubra to Pangong tso is doable but make sure you do not venture alone on that route and have some company for mental peace and when there is a need.
3. You will make it more hectic by doing Pangong Tso to Sarchu
4. There will be no snow or just dirty remains.
5. It saves you one day usually but since you are taking Srinagar from Chandigarh directly, it does not matter
Hello Dow
I m planning for Dehradun to Leh in July first week by my own Enfield 350 could u suggest some tips regarding it
Hi Sanjay,
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
You can check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate (cheap budget hotels as well) in the series of articles starting on the link here
Check the list of things to carry for Leh – Ladakh or other trip including basic medical kit, clothing, must haves etc. at the link here: List of Things to Carry for Leh – Ladakh trip.
To know about AMS and acclimatization including the tips to combat AMS, please DO READ: Acute Mountain Sickness and Importance of Acclimatization
we r planning a trip to leh in march end 25th to 1st april, is it doable.
Yes, it is doable but you need to fly into Leh and fly out of Leh. Also, the lakes will be frozen during that time of the year.
Haii dheeraj this is Vishvender
Me and my friends (around4-5) planing to visit ladak and spiti valley simultaneously on RE can u please provide itinerary for the routes and how much time will it take to complete this two? i want to visit all adorable points of the sights
Thanks in advnc
Hello Vishvender,
Please go through the balanced itinerary for Ladakh and Spiti at the link: Spiti Valley to Ladakh from Manali – Most Common Itinerary
Thanks for replying dheeraj
I am from jaipur i will start my journey from jaipur so can u provide me the itinerary from the way shimla kinnaur to spiti valley so from there we can easily led to leh and how much time will it take?
IN the article I suggested you can follow the plan from Chandratal to Keylong to Ladakh as it is. Before that you can follow the below plan for Spiti Valley from Kinnaur side :
Day 1 | Delhi – Narkanda
Day 2 | Narkanda – Kalpa
Day 3 | Kalpa – Nako – Geyu Mummy – Tabo
Day 4 | Tabo – Dhangkar – Dhangkar Lake – Pin Valley
Day 5 | Pin Valley – Kaza Local Sightseeing
Day 6 | Kaza Local Sightseeing
— Ki, Kibber, Gette, Tashigang
— Hikkim, Komik, Langza circuit
Day 7 | Reach Chandratal from Kaza
Hi Dheeraj, Thanks for the details it’s very helpful. I am planning for ladakh trip with my dad, he is 66 years old and little sensitive to cold, can you please advise whether this is safe or not? He used to ride bullet and stills owns a 150cc bike. Any advice or recommendations are much appreciated.
Anusheel, in case you go prepared with proper clothing, it shall be fine to make such a trip as I have known many aged people making trip to Ladakh for years now. Is there anything specific you looking out for answers?
Dheeraj, shall we tag along with some riders club or its safe to plan own trip? Which one is safe bet?
How about renting a 150cc bike for dad? Will that work on such terrain? or RE is the best option we have?: I guess the answer is here: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/ladakh-trip-on-100cc-bike-or-scooty/
Anusheel, I will suggest you tag along with daily rider and also try to find tag along partners onlin, may be an entry in DoW Travel Calendar may increase the visibility and people may tag along. Being with a group will take your liberty of will and you will rather follow their plan. Last options should be to tag along on daily basis with fellow groups on every day you leave and make new travel friends to enjoy more 🙂
I am planing for a trip to ladakh from manali in this September. I am alone , no friends with me. Is there be any problem in it ? how much money i have to collect for the trip ? and in September what will be the journey condition for me ?
Sourav, I will suggest that you read: Top 10 Tips for a Solo Trip to Ladakh or Spiti Valley and How to make a budget Ladakh trip by public transport
If I take my bike over there can I get a guide for rest of the road for travelling
Avik, what do you mean by guide? A guide who travels with you or ride your bike for you? First one is easy enough to find but mostly not needed especially for road trips.
Hey Dheeraj,
I have read all your comments and it’s really helpful in planning the whole trip.
I would like to know if Feb beginning is good for the Leh Trip. Also, Leh Local has the facility to provide the bike on rent there for travelling and site seeing. We are Couple and are planning to go on Leh-Ladhak through Flights from Pune via Delhi. We have planned for just 3 days trip in Feb. Could you please suggest if Feb is the right time to visit Leh and 3 days are sufficient to spend there ?
Thanks in advance.
No Priyanka, Feb is not the season to travel to Ladakh. It is cold and harsh. Also, 3 days you will not be even able to adjust to harsh climate and high altitude of the place.
hmmm… ok will take this trip in Sept/Oct next year for 2 weeks then.
Thank you. 🙂
hat will be much much better. You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
You can check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate (cheap budget hotels as well) in the series of articles starting on the link here
Hey Dheeraj,
I am planning to go for ladakh with my friend next year. We are planning to go by train to Delhi from Mumbai and after then will go ahead on bike to ladakh. Can you please answer my following questions
1. What is best time to go ladakh on bike trip ?
2. Expected cost and time will it take to cover major points?
3. Guidelines for the ride?
4. Things to take care during ride?
There must be various points I would haven not mentioned or listed as I am not much aware of the things.
It will be great if you can help us out so that we can plan accordingly
Thanks
Hello Ravindra,
1. Best time will be from mid June to September barring the days of monsoons in between.
Please refer: Leh – Ladakh | Travel Guide
Hey Dheeraj
Thanks a lot for taking out your valuable for replying me
Best wishes for your trip to Ladakh 🙂
I am planning to go to ladakh in month of November.
it will be best season for travelling?
i want to go to ladakh by bike from manali, so bike permission is necessary and where from i get permission, what is the process.
please guide.
Vijay, the roads to Ladakh from Manali side will close by late October and beyond which officially it is not allowed as well to travel on that road. Please plan your Ladakh trip in the next season now.
I want to travel to Ladakh for a snow leopard specific wildlife tour, which people recommend in Jan. Not able to get relevant tips for this, only information is from tour operators which seem to charge a bomb… 50k per person for 9 days as compared to ~20k for usual trip in season.. Please help
Well, Nitin, you can custom make your plan. You can reach Leh and then you can join the groups up there. Since, it is an organized tour with camping and kitchen in the wild, you have to go through the operator only. However, instead of making the entire trip with them, you can opt and customize the part on your own after reaching Leh.
hey we r planning ladakh trip frm manali on 9th sept (4 people).is there any wheather problem in that time?
September is a good time to travel
Hi Dheeraj,
Going by your suggestions, we 4 friends decided to go take Srinagar route for our Leh-Ladakh trip instead of Manali route. But we are a bit skeptical about the situation in the valley currently. Is it safe enough to try the Srinagar route to reach Leh. If say there is a curfew in Srinagar or other town on the route, are travellers (in private or self drive vehicles) allowed to continue on their journey or stopped for indefinite time? Hope to receive your answer soon.
Thanks a ton for your excellent write-ups.
No Ashwin, it is not safe to go from Srinagar side. Better go from Manali side and come back from Manali side only.
Hi dheeraj,
me&my friends (4 members) are planning a trip from start manali – baralacha la pass – pangong .on bikes RE(350cc).we have all lodgings things(sleeping bags and tents).can i stay where i interested is there any restricted area and if i stay is it danger?
please suggest me.
Vinod please refer: Top 10 Tips for Camping in Ladakh & Spiti Valley
I am planning for a bike trip from delhi to leh via srinagar and return via manali… I m planning to take a rent bike from delhi… Can i take this bike to pangong tso and nubra…
No Tony, you need to hire the bike again in Leh. Outside rented bikes are not allowed in Ladakh for sightseeing.
How will they know whether it is rented bike or not??? If we are going with our own bike is there any issues???
Own bikes is not an issues and regarding the first answer, they are in business and they know how it is run 🙂 … They should be able to easily identify if it is rented or personal in most cases. Secondly to ease out things, they have simplified it to check RCs which should be under your name or your father, mother or wife name with valid proof of relationship 🙂
I think I replied to your most recent comment.
Hi Dheeraj
Planing trip from Delhi to Leh via Manali.
I have two options of self drive ie XUV5OO Mahindra & Innova Toyota.
How about getting permit & is there any link fir online permit.
Anil
You cannot take the permit for Rohtang Pass online this year. It will be available from SDM office only in Manali
Hi sir, we were planning to go for a tour to leh_ladak in November first week from delhi . November month is fine as per weather or climate.
You cannot do a road trip to Ladakh in November
Hy,,,, I am planning to travel to leh in the month of Oct on 22nd,,, I m a Solo traveller,,, Please Tell me some information for this trip. I am planning for 6 night 7 days..
Rekha, it is not wise to travel solo in off season as you will not find people to share costs for taxi and personal taxis are very high cost in ladakh.
okay Dheeraj,,, Can you Please advise me the suitable time and some Do’s and Dont’s…
Up to September mid is a good time to visit Ladakh for solo travelers. You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
You should read: Top 10 Tips for a Solo Trip to Ladakh or Spiti Valley
Okay .. Thanks alot Mr. Dheeraj 🙂
WE (ME, MY WIFE, MY FRIEND AND HIS WIFE) ARE VISITING LEH FROM 16-20 SEP. YOU ARE WELCOME TO JOIN US.
Hello Dheeraj,
This is Abraham from Pune. I am planing to visit Leh-Lakakh; wont mind to travel with like minded peoples.I am thinking to travel by Mid August for say 10-12 days.
Need your advice on:(or Probably share some links)
1) best time to visit
2) what should be the ideal stay duration
3) routes to take for all must visit places
4) need to know more about adventurous special/camping.
5) travelling in groups
This is Daina from USA. I am looking for travel partners of likewise minded and safety wise. I tried looking into your links. I am also ok to hire personal car-rent, I have saved that link. I will aprreciate if you can send me text or email on given address. I would like to talk to you on matter personally. I did gave you my whatsapp number in previous msg but just in case your website does not show up. Please reply to my email link. I am very serious for this tour but feel lost always in India to arrange proper channels. I really will appreciate.
Thanks
Sure, Daina, I have mailed you.
When are you planning to travel? I am travelling on 10 -24 July
Hello Dheeraj.
This is Daina from USA. I am looking for travel partners of likewise minded and safety wise. I tried looking into your links. I am also ok to hire personal car-rent, I have saved that link. I will aprreciate if you can send me text or email on given address. I would like to talk to you on matter personally. You can whatsapp me, and I will revert. my number is 001-317-918-7294. I really will appreciate.
Thanks
Daina
Just dropped a mail to you.
Hi Dhiraj
All or posts are really helpful and informative…..would even like to know that can my two kids-9 yr old and 2yrs old visit leh-ladakh at their age?
It depends on person to person to take the children of such age group because AMS do not matter with respect to age or sex or any fitness level. It can happen to anyone of any age or sex or fitness I shall say :D… The issue with children is that they tend to exert the body considering it the same kind of place they belong to and this elevates the chances of getting struck with AMS. Secondly, they are not much expressive about their uneasy feelings, so it is parents who need to watch out and take care that the child is not suffering from uneasy feelings, headache or nausea and is behaving properly. With less than 3 year child, I think he/she will also be NOT able to convey the uneasiness she may feel. You have to be vigilant and if you notice any such feeling or he/she tells you about such a feeling then please do not ascend anywhere, either descend to lower altitude or stay at the same place to watch things overnight and if symptom increase then start descending immediately. Same is applicable for any adult as well. And yes, do keep the body adequately hydrated!!
Also, PLEASE read the article: Traveling to Ladakh with Kids or Babies. This article covers this topic in complete detail.
Hi Dheeraj,
Greetings for the day.
I liked this post and found it useful,.
Thing is we are planning for bike ride from Srinagar to Manali. Thing is we are coming from mumbai and planning to bring our own bikes ( since we’ve heard that even if we rent bike then too we have to rent diff bike in leh and after leh again we can use old bike and we have to transfer it to vendor through courier after ending trip. Thus we thought of our own bikes.)
So due to transfer of bikes from mumbai our cost is increasing.
So I would like to know, suppose if we dont have any breakdown backup just as which is available in most of group trips, then in case of breakdown during tour, any chances to get early help? I know it is unpredictable, still I would seek your opinion, since all your posts I found very helpful. And does leaving early and sleeping early method will raise probability of getting help?
Coz that is our main concern. breakdown and medical support. If we will be able to get it, then we’ll plan to trip solo else we’ll have to shell out extra bucks and join other groups.
Sorry for my novice question, actually it’s our first trip to ladakh so please Kindly help.
Thanks in advance. 🙂
Swapnil, there will not be any help in miles of distance. The best thing you can do is to carry spares because even if you find any mechanic near by, there will not be any guarantee that you will get spare with him. Having said that, there are loads and loads of people who do such trips every year without any spport vehicles. So if you guys are confident of your bikes, you should be OK with it. Do carry spares though and rest all depends on your luck.
Hey .i want to knw bout the budget for leh .we are 3 or 4 friends planning for a trip to leh …
So we r frm dehradun .we r going to jammu by train and then to leh … we r planning to stay for 5,6 days .. so plaese tell me how much money is required for each person .and is there any better way of transport to leh . ?
For doubts related to budget for Leh – Ladakh trip, I am sure the link below will help you alot for getting an idea of overall budget:
How to calculate cost or budget for Leh – Ladakh trip
Also, check the article: 5 Tips for a Budget Trip to Ladakh
hi dheeraj,
m divyaraj sinh from rajkot,gujarat..
i want to do a bike ride to leh via manali from my home city rajkot,
actually i want to travel alone which is approx 2,214km on royal enfield 350cc,
and i wnt to do completely travellers trip and cheapest,
how much it cost approx
Divyaraj, For doubts related to budget for Leh – Ladakh trip, I am sure the link below will help you alot for getting an idea of overall budget:
How to calculate cost or budget for Leh – Ladakh trip
Hi dheeraj
Just wanna brief you with our plan from Delhi..can u please tell me if it’s possible to cover al the places within the time v allotted
Day1:Delhi to manali by bus
Day2:hiring a taxi from manali and halt at jispa
Day3:jispa to leh
Day4:leh to pangong
Day5:pangong to tuturk
Day6:tuturk to nubra
Day7:nubra to leh
Day8:leh to sarchu
Day9:sarchu to manali
Day10:manali to Delhi
Planning to hire a taxi from manali to leh
N hired taxis from manali are allowed in leh?
Is it possible for us to cover al those places..
Bhavik, please DO NOT execute this plan unless you want to risk the lives with AMS. You do not seem to have sufficient days and you are just running wildly all over the places in Ladakh. If at all you want to do it, I will suggest that you refer the thread for more details on the route and night halts though it is of 9 days: Manali – Leh – Ladakh – Manali | Itinerary for 9 Days.
Hi Dheeraj,
Is it possible to visit leh ladakh solo. What would be the cost of shared texies/public transport.
I am planning to start around may end and Time is not a problem.
Thanks in Advance 🙂
Arjun, yes completely possible to do a Ladakh trip solo. Please read through: Top 10 Tips for a Solo Trip to Ladakh or Spiti Valley
Hi dheeraj , I from Malaysia , I would like to travel alone in Ladakh , so can you give me a worth package or budget informayion to get there? Thank you
*information
Ashraf, it depends on the days you are planning to visit. Also, you need to get shared taxis else it will be very very costly.
A very well written and informative article. I am planning to visit in August. Would like to interact with you Dheeraj Sharma please.
Feel free to post any of your queries here Arup.
Hi v r planin road trip from Mumbai to Leh on 25 March n v r takein Mahidra thar is it de right time to go
Ankush, roads are not open in March to do road trip to Ladakh.
Hi Dheeraj,
How about travelling in bus from Delhi-Manali-Leh and Leh-Srinagar?
Yes Sanjib lot of people travel every year in bus too. You can check: Rates & Time table of Bus Services in Leh – Ladakh
Hi Dheeraj
I a planning for a trip to Ladakh with my family.We are planning to travel in the month of May 2016.
Can you please suggest us the best way to travel.
Regards
shwetha
Shwetha, how many days do you have in hand?
Hey Dheeraj, I with my 9 other friends (total 10) are planning to hit manali – leh highway in july. Will it be good time to visit leh. If not please suggest the appropriate time. Secondly, we are planning to hire bikes on rent from manali and our trip is for 10 days. Can you help in knowing the budget per person for this trip?
Yes Neha, Manali – Leh Highway will be good to go in July. Bikes rented outside Leh are not allowed for sightseeing inside Ladakh except Tso Moriri and Tso Kar lakes which can be done while going to Manali from Leh. Private bikes are completely allowed. You can use the outside rented bike to reach Leh but then for going to Pangong Tso, nubra Valley, etc.. you need to hire rented bikes from Leh only.
To know more about this rule and present situation, please refer the link: Bikes Rented Outside Leh Banned in Ladakh
This year as per reports, rule is going to be stricter. Manali rental guys have formalized a deal that for the days Manali bike is parked in Leh and Leh bike is rented, they will charge 50% of the rent of the bike. So, confirm with Manali rental guys first about this signoff.
For renting bikes in Leh – Ladakh along with current Bike Union Prices, you can check the DwD Community thread: Leh – Ladakh Bike Rental Rates 2015 – 16 & Reliable Shops
The one way bike rental is quite costly and leave a big dent in pocket for you, sometimes like 12K for just the pickup from Manali. Be sure if you are ready to make that investment or not or if at all it is worth the money spent. My suggestion is unless you are hard core biker and cannot live up the passion of biking, it is not wise to spend that much money just for the pickup of bike.
Hi Dheeraj,
I am a alone traveller , planning to go to ladakh in month of april or may.
which will be best season.
Arshu, May will be much better for a solo trip to Ladakh as you will have more options of stay and more options to get shared taxis to places as there will be more tourists in May.
Dheeraj,
Would we be able to book seats easily on shared taxis during second week of May? Or would it be better to book a private taxi instead? (Trying to find travel partners to cut the cost, but need to have backups ready as well).
Thanks.
Manjot, you have to find taxis on the spot. Best is that you do the arrangements a night before at the taxi stand. Taxi guys will be able to help you with it.
Hi Dheeraj,
Appreciate your good work,
we along with kid 6 yrs are planning trip to leh and ladhak in second week of april this year.
Would it fine time for family vacation and would be able to find snow.
thanks
Anuj
Anuj, for how many days are you planning such a trip? April is not a season time in Ladakh and most hotels start to open by that time only. It remains cold during that time in adakh mostly.
Thanks Dheeraj,
We are planning for a week trip in the second week of april.
We will reaching Leh by Air from Delhi.
If Leh would not be the best time in April then please suggest me the best destination for that time.
My kid wants to enjoy snow.
Regards
Anuj.
Hi Anuj,
Well, it will ceryainly be quite cold and if you can withstand the cold which may be less this year, you can travel by Air to Ladakh. Otherwise you can also plan for Kinnaur Valley trip from Delhi for 7 days in hand. Are you interested in it?
Dear Dheeraj,
Please give me the following information:
1. Which month is the best to go to Leh by motor cycle according to you, from Srinagar;
2. Whether mechanics are available in the Srinagar-Leh-Manali high way;
3. Whether any other bike riders or any professional bikers are available to join with;
4. Whether Royal Enfield Company provides any roadside assistance in this high way;
5. What is the Law and Order situation there since I am going alone.
Thanking you in anticipation,
Sincerely yours,
mukul
Hi Mukul,
1. Anytime from June to September except the month of Monsoon is a good time to visit Ladakh. In June, you get to see some snow while in September you get to see some very beautiful colors
2. Only in bits and pieces, check: How to plan a journey on Srinagar – Leh Highway
3. Check the DoW Travel Calendar from the menu, you will also get lot of biker groups on the road. Most should accept or help you.
4. Never heard of anything
5. As of now it is fine, in Ladakh it usually is fine.
Dear Dheeraj,
I thank you very much for replying me so promptly. These information will definitely help me a lot. I need to know two things more.
1. Whether mobile network is available in the entire route and
2. Whether GPS navigator like map my india etc. works there.
With thanks,
Sincerely yours,
mukul
Hi Mukul
1. Please read: 10 Tips on Mobile Phone Connectivity in Leh – Ladakh
2. GPS work over there in Ladakh
Hi Dheeraj,
I am from Hyderabad.Me and my friends(around 7) are planning to go ladakh in April first wk. And want to make it a whole one wk trip. We are planning to start by train. Can you pls let me know the best way to reach leh after reaching delhi/Jammu.
Thanks in advance.
Abdul, whole one week means 7 days? It will take 3 days to reach Leh from Delhi via Manali side and 4 days to come back to Delhi from Leh via Srinagar side. This makes it 7 days.
Hi dheeraj,
Thanks fr the update..it is quite valuable. ..bt need some information..me and my colleague plan fr 1st week of April fr d trip,do we need warm clothes there..also will it safe fr two girls to roam alone in dat unknown area, do we take some more people with us
Yes, you will need heavy woolens to make this trip to Ladakh in April as winter does not go away by then. Also, the roads will be closed to reach Leh, you need to take a flight in and out of Leh. Private taxis will be very costly during that time for just two people as you might not find shared taxis due to less tourists.
hello Dheeraj,
You are one of the inspirations for me to travel Ladakh and experience Nature at its best!Thank u for your great work.
i have a few questions to you..
My itinerary is delhi-shimla-manali-leh-kashmir-delhi on bike as soon as the roads open for this year.
1.when can we expect the roads to ladakh from manali and srinagar open this year (2016)?
2.Can i pitch my own tent in every destination as i go?is that allowed?
3.my bike gives 45 kmpl mileage on roads here..What mileage can i expect in the Hills?esp. on the trip to leh from manali.
4.i am from Chennai.I will be taking my bike on train to delhi and from there travelling on it.do i need to have any papers for it?Any permit or such thing to ride in other states?
Thank you Dheeraj
I wish you continue the Good Work!
Irshad, guess I replied to similar query somewhere else? Did you get the reply to it?
no boss..i havent
Hi
Irshad,
I am babu, from kolkota.have u any contact no . actually I have same wish.so I want to discuss the plan about LADAKH.
Hi Dheeraj,
Is last week of June -early July a good time to visit Ladakh? I want to enjoy snow while i see the true Ladakh beauty. We are a couple planning for Srinagar-Leh-Manali on bike. I have read through your blog on the route map and the budget for this trip and planning my trip. Thank you for sharing such useful information. YOu are doing a lot of service to your fellow travellers!
Hi Mythri,
Yes, mid of June to July end types is a good time to travel snow. This year snow has not poured much, so early your go in June as soon as the road open, more chances of seeing the snow.
Hi Dheeraj,
Will you and your DoW team be organizing any trip to Ladakh in the month of August? Like i guess last time you did in sept.
Hello Sanchita,
This year we conducted a poll to choose between Sach Pass – Lahaul Valley AND Bhutan trip and the poll resulted in favour of Bhutan Drive in November. So, if it happens DoW Mega Meet will happen for Bhutan in November. You can understand what do we mean by a mega meet and how it is organized: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/Suru-Zanskar-Valley-DoW-Mega-Meet-2015
We do not conduct any tours or trips, the Mega Meet is a concept Well, where taking on our theme “we wish to travel together frequently to Himalayas” & “guide travelers to Travel Responsibly along with supporting one or the other DoW – Causes | A Step Towards Responsible Travel, we are conduct an annual DoW Mega Meet which is going to be held in Bhutan this year.
It is not an operated tour rather a meet of like minded people to travel together to spread smiles in Himalayas by participating in one or the other DoW Causes. If you feel connected, you can stay tuned to DoW Travel Calendar AND Facebook Page Event section or our forum where all mini meets and mega meets announcement happen: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/india/dow-travel-meets-workshops/
Hi Dheeraj,
We are planning to visit Leh in the forth week of August. Is it the right time to visit? Please guide us on what to carry and which places to visit.
Thanks,
Jignesh
Yes Jignesh, it shall be OK time to visit Ladakh as the season only remains from mid May to September. Though you will need to face some monsoon hassles in lower hills but by end of week usually the rains reside. Check the list of things to carry for Leh – Ladakh or other trip including basic medical kit, clothing, must haves etc. at the link here: List of Things to Carry for Leh – Ladakh trip.
Thanks a lot, Dheeraj. I truly appreciate your help.
Best wishes for the Ladakh trip bro 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
We are single couple and want to travel in leh-ladakh on July mid 2016 from Srinagar by bike.
I am from Mumbai & will travel to & fro Mumbai-Srinagar by flight.
Please advice me on below points
1.Bike (RE350) for rent from Srinagar/Leh & cost per day,Any shop you can suggest where I can take bike.
2.Road conditions in July MID
3.List of places in ladakh where permit required & how to obtain permit.
4.Best places to see in leh ladakh as we are planning to stay for 6-7 days in leh-ladakh.
5.Cost for taxi If we hired for local sightseeing.
Regards,
Niks
Hello Nikhil,
1. Bikes rented outside Leh are not allowed for sightseeing inside Ladakh except Tso Moriri and Tso Kar lakes which can be done while going to Manali from Leh. Private bikes are completely allowed. You can use the outside rented bike to reach Leh but then for going to Pangong Tso, nubra Valley, etc.. you need to hire rented bikes from Leh only.
To know more about this rule and present situation, please refer the link: Bikes Rented Outside Leh Banned in Ladakh
This year as per reports, rule is going to be stricter. Manali rental guys have formalized a deal that for the days Manali bike is parked in Leh and Leh bike is rented, they will charge 50% of the rent of the bike. So, confirm with Manali rental guys first about this signoff.
For renting bikes in Leh – Ladakh along with current Bike Union Prices, you can check the DwD Community thread: Leh – Ladakh Bike Rental Rates 2015 – 16 & Reliable Shops
2. Road conditions shall be OK in July as roads will be open, may not be best which is only case of September in comparison to whole season.
3. No permits required for Indians now in Ladakh
4. Please refer the most common itinerary from the menu of Ladakh above in site.
5. You can refer last year rates as: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/leh-ladakh-taxi-rates-2015-16/
Thanks Dheeraj,
I am planning trip on Mid July or Mid Sept.
Which month is the best time to travel in leh ladakh. Please advise me.
I do not want to go in monsoon season.
Mid of September will be much better to see the vivid and burning colors of nature with clear blue skies 🙂
HI,
I AM PLANNING FOR LEH LADAKH TRIP FOR AROUND 20 PERSON IN MAY LAST WEEK. HOW TO PLAN. SHOULD WE MAKE RESERVATIONS IN ADVANCE IN HOTEL.
Nirav, please read the article above carefully before you make a call to take an toddler to Ladakh and that too when roads just open.
Hey dheeraj,
Is it safe to go leh this sunday 16 november 2015.
On road from swift. We are from jamshedpur
Dilkash, the roads are closed to Ladakh for this season. Srinagar – Leh might be open BUT TOO RISKY
HI DHEERAJ,
I am travelling to Leh with my wife on 14th April 2016 from Kolkata and reaching Leh on 15th April in the morning by Jet airways, Can it is possible to cover the full itenary by 21st of April, because need to attend a marriage of my cousin to be held on 21.04.2016. I am travelling by Air from Kolkata to Leh and Back, please suggest me the clothing and the precaution during this period, My plan is to take the morning flight from Leh to Delhi by GO AIR.
Since we belongs to plain, never purchased the clothing for Very Cold Weather, as going through ur post surely you got PH. D. in Ladakh reasons, and your advice will be gold to me.
Binoy, I will suggest that you read though: 6 Tips for Winter in Ladakh AND Leh – Ladakh in Winters – Most Common Itinerary & Tips
This will answer mostly questions for you but still you have feel free to post here and would be happy to help.
Hey,
Thanks for the above article.
Me and my fiance are planning a trip to Leh – Ladakh somewhere during May end – wanted to know if its the right time to travel , also we are planning to fly from delhi so what will be the perfect time to book air tickets to get the best deal. Also it would be great if you can help us with some expert tips to plan this trip an adventurous one.
Thanks in Advance.
Nikita, that is good time to travel in case you are flying directly to Leh. Best starting point will be:Leh – Ladakh | Most Common Itinerary by Air
Whenever you get a good deal, do book. In general rates for May – June shoots to 10-15K
Hi Deeraj,
I’m planning to go for ladak next year apri \ may, please let me know if any one going alone.
My number is 9535975573
Raju, please create a Travel Calendar entry in Calendar from the menu above.
Dheere, I’v plan to visit in first week of October,I’m a solo traveller. plz suggest if it is okay or I should wait for some other time..
My suggestion will be to plan a trip in next season Guru 🙂
mr and my friends want to leave for ladakh from delhi in september end…I want to knoe that how many days are suitable for stay in ladakh….nd we will going by air….will dat be gud??is dere any problem in travelling by flight?
Hi Dheeraj, we are 2 girls travelling from Mumbai to Srinagar on August 29. We are planning to stay in Srinagar on 29th & then leave for Kargil on 30th early morning & stay the night there. We will leave for Leh from Kargil on 31st.
Since we are only two, we are planning to take either a bus or a shared taxi (whichever available & affordable). Could you tell me which would be the best bet?
Also can we take a bus/taxi to Kargil & then take another one next day morning for Leh from Kargil? & how long the the journey from Srinagar to Kargil & then Kargin to Leh take? We don’t really have an itinerary yet (only a rough one), we will figure it out as we go.
We have a flight to Delhi from Srinagar on September 7 so we plan to leave Leh on the 5th. So I don’t know how much we really over in 5 days. Could you suggest?
Thank you so much in advance. 🙂
You should be on the trip now, sorry for not so quick reply been down with fever for some time. Enjoy your ladakh trip 🙂
Hi Dheeraj, We are from Darjeeling and we are planning to make a two week trip to Leh from Delhi starting around 25th of September, Since you have such vast knowledge on this subject, could you tell me if it is better to do a Delhi – Srinagar – Leh and return via Manali or do the other way round, ideally we would like former but i hear that sometimes it snows early in the Manali – Leh route and the roads gets blocked..is that true.. when does it normally start snowing in the Manali – Leh route and the road shuts for the winters and also recently i heard that the Himachal Government has passed a law wherein all kinds of Petrol and Diesel vehicles are banned from crossing the Rothang Pass, do you know if that is true..thanks in advance
Karma
Yes Karma, I also advice that one should take the trip from Srinagar and come back from Manali only as it has many advantages. However, the time you are traveling will be tricky on Manali – Leh Highway. Here is what I wrote and in case you are OK with it: 5 Reasons to Avoid Manali – Leh Highway in October
Yes, you are true about rule of vehicles allowed at Rohtang Pass too. All vehicles are banned to travel to Rohtang Pass and only local buses can take you up there. However, in case you are traveling to Leh – Ladakh or Lahaul Spiti then in that case the rule is exempted for you.
Thanks a lot Dheeraj, we will take a chance and take the Manali Route while returning but we will definitely take your advice and be prepared for any calamity. you’re input ( 5 reasons to avoid Manali – Leh Highway in October) was very informative and comprehensive, Now i feel i confident after reading it because i know what to expect. Thanks again
Best wishes for Ladakh trip Karma.
Hi Dheeraj,
Me and My friends wants to Leh. however we are first time travelling. I am from bangalore need your help on places around and planns accordingly. We are planning around mid september this year.
Shreyas, You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
Hi Shreyas,
We r going to Leh from 16-27 sep 2015. on bikes, if gals will b more thn cab cold b also an option with bikes. till now we’re 4 males & 2 females. So if ur interested in joining pls do let me know # 9717035353
my leh arrival time is 22 sept & Departure time 26 . i m intrested in bike riding, i m one cuple. my number is 9322925320
hi, dheeraj
me and my father are planning to go leh by bulet 350 or ford figo diesel next year 2016 june
tell me we should go in bullet or figo….
Jay, it depends upon wht you are comfortable with and if you have experience of riding motorcycle in higher himalayas and long days
Hi Dheeraj, that was an awesome amount information that you here. Its like you planned my entire itinerary(14 day itinerary)
I am from Hyderabad, I will send my bike from hyderabad to Jammu and start my roadtrip from Jammu. I want to live this entire trip from my backpack, sleep in the tent and cook my own food(occasionally will try local dishes). Is traveling this way possible? Will any one else be doing this?
If this is not possible, what are the places where I can travel like this? Also if i travel like this will there be any problem with BRO or other people.
Also i’ve unicorn 150cc bike in good condition. Can i make this travel with it.
Thanks for the information man.
Chaitanya, if you are open to this challenge for sure you can do it brother !! You can pitch your own tents anywhere but I will suggest you pitch them at a place where there are some dhabha tents put up by locals or where other camping guy pitch theirs or somewhere near some house in village or in their garden/lawn. All you will need is to gently ask them (villagers/dhabha guys/camping guys) for permissions. Most likely they will allow, other wise negotiate for small little tip or move on to some other such place nearby. This will give you sense of security too.
But, keep in mind that camping at the lakes both Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri is not allowed as they are under Ramsar site. Hence, you need to pitch these camps away from the lakes where either other camps are there or at near by village.
Bike if in good condition and reliable should do fine
Hi Dheeraj,
I am travelling alone to Leh.
As everyone, I have plans for Nubra, Pangong tso, Tsomoriri.
I am interested to visit Turtuk as well.
Could you please tell me how I can plan for Leh-Nubra(Diskit/Hunder)-Turtuk-Leh (3 days)?
Is it impossible? If not any tips?
Regards,
Rohith
Hi Rohith,
You can plan like
Day 1 | Leh – Khardung La – Deskit Hunder – Thoise – Turtuk
Day 2 | Turtuk – Thoise – Hunder/Deskit
Day 3 | Hunder/Deskit – Sumur – Panamik – Khardung La – Leh
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for the reply.
And yes, I can do that (3 days is fine for me).
My worry was/is, will I get shared taxi for Turtuk? (As I am travelling alone).
And will I be able to spend good enough time in Turtuk?
because, I read somewhere:
Shared taxis from Hunder to Turtuk: starts in the afternoon (reaching Turtuk in the evening).
Turtuk to Leh: early morning.
By the way, Thanks for all your help.
I should say, I planned for this trip to Leh after reading so many articles in DoW, which gave me enough courage 🙂
Will be in Leh From 11th to 20th of July
Rohith, that is good, because you can then spend time in Turtuk in morning and come back
Hi Dheeraj,
We are planning to go leh via manali due to restricted no. of days.
Could you please help me with a review/opinion of HPTDC (Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation) buses that run from manali to leh taking 2 days and offer a night stay in Keylong.
Thanks.
Atul, it is one of the most preferred way to go to Leh in case you are short on budget and cannot afford the entire taxi. Please read more details: Rates & Time table of Bus Services in Leh – Ladakh
helllooz Dost,
Me and my frd we are planning to go Pune to leh tour on bike between next year Jan’15 to Mar’15 my frd using RE 350 I had hero impulse 150 CC so please suggest me should I go on 150 CC bike?? ….if there is any challenge on 150 CC bike please let me know
Amar bikes are fine but roads to Ladakh close in October only, so you can make a road trip to Ladakh from mid of May to mid of October at max.
hiii guys,
we r 2 frnds, interested in doing ladakh trip in the month of jun 2nd week, if anyone forming group and interested to join more peoples, please inform us,
regards
Ar, Gaurav Kaushik
9713229078
7828060007
Gaurav, it will be much better that you check the DoW Travel Calendar from the link in the Main Menu. There you can see about 100+ entries of the people planning their trips in this season and see if you can connect with the group. You can filter entries based on the preferences you have.
Hi guys.
i am lone rider, interested in doing leh- ladakh trip in the month of july/any dates. If any one forming group to do this adventurous task. please consider me as ur buddy.
please please call me 9243700662
regards
Sandeep
Sandeep, it will be much better that you check the DoW Travel Calendar from the link in the Main Menu. There you can see about 100+ entries of the people planning their trips in this season and see if you can connect with the group. You can filter entries based on the preferences you have.
hii.. sandeep
i am going in june if can join us in mid jun u r most welcum.
hi i am mumbai based planing to leh ladkah trip in july month 2015 by bullet me and my wife any budy intrested couple in mumbai plz mail me i am loooking for partner this is my first time trip plz suggest me i hv minum budget my no 9920220288
Dinesh, it is better that you submit your travel calendar entry using the mmain menu above or find people with similar interest in the already made calendar entries.
i am planing to by my baike 350 bullet from mumbai to candighad by train than chandgad to manali by road this july probably first week
Dinesh, it shall be fine to travel in the month of July 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
I along with two other friends of mine have planned for a Ladakh trip on 21 st July. I have gone the the DoW links thats you have posted. Although I have one question, once reaching Ladakh we would like to travel on bikes. Can you provide for any contact who can give us Enfields at comparatively cheaper rates. Also we plan to go back to Delhi via the Manali Highway, so is there any option that we can use the same bikes and drop them offin Delhi.
Please do let me know. Awaiting your response.
Cheers.
Pratap Dhulap
9619581547
Pratap, For renting bikes in Leh – Ladakh along with current Bike Union Prices, you can check the DwD Community thread: Leh – Ladakh Bike Rental Rates 2015 – 16 & Reliable Shops
the one way bike rental is quite costly and leave a big dent in pocket for you, sometimes like 12K for just the pickup from Manali. Be sure if you are ready to make that investment or not or if at all it is worth the money spent. My suggestion is unless you are hard core biker and cannot live up the passion of biking, it is not wise to spend that much money just for the pickup of bike.
Hi Dheeraj,
I am planning to visit (by road) from Delhi to Leh in second week of June along with two more friends along with their families which comprise children, too, ranging from age 3 to 13. Please help me by answering the following questions:
1. Is that the right time to go to Leh interms of weather?
2. Is it ok to accompany children (4, 6, 8 and 13 years old)?
3. Is it ok for a person suffering from Asthma (mild) to visit Leh?
4. Is it ok to hire a temp traveller from Delhi for the complete trip?
If you feel it is not ok to Leh for whatever reason/s, what is the next best option in Himachal or Uttrakhand. we want to visit some beautiful place with natural beauty, lush green, safe too as children will be with us. And with them I dont want to take risk of getting stuck in landslide kind of things.
Are Kinnaur valley or spiti valley be options too.. The place must not be too far too. As we have just 5-6 days for any place other than Leh (for Leh, I can spare more time, may be 9-10 days).
Kindly revert at pmunjal2k1@gmail.com
Hello Pankaj,
1. I will suggest to postpone it by couple of weeks so that Manali – Leh gets open by the time you plan to travel.
2. It depends on person to person to take the children of such age group because AMS do not matter with respect to age or sex or any physical health condition. It can happen to anyone of any age or sex or fitness I shall say :D… The issue with children is that they tend to exert the body considering it the same kind of place they belong to and this elevates the chances of getting struck with AMS. Secondly, they are not much expressive about their uneasy feelings, so it is parents who need to watch out and take care that the child is not suffering from uneasy feelings, headache or nausea and is behaving properly. With less than 3 year child, I think he/she will also be NOT able to convey the uneasiness she may feel. You have to be vigilant and if you notice any such feeling or he/she tells you about such a feeling then please do not ascend anywhere, either descend to lower altitude or stay at the same place to watch things overnight and if symptom increase then start descending immediately. Same is applicable for any adult as well. And yes, do keep the body adequately hydrated!!
Also, PLEASE read the article: Traveling to Ladakh with Kids or Babies. This article covers this topic in complete detail.
3. Please consult your doctor as the air is quite thin in Ladakh
4. Hmm, well you will need to again hire a tempo traveler in Ladakh too as outside vehicles are not allowed for sightseeing in Ladakh,
If you are too concerned then it is much better to visit Kumaon in Uttarakhand including Binsar, Chaukori, Munsiyari and Kausani. That will be a much better options for something like 8 days confort trip. Else for 5-6 days skip Munsiyari.
hi dheeraj, iam planning to go ladakh this may 2015, from bangalore i will be leaving on 5th may and reaching delhi on 7 may by train, can u guide me how to reach ladakh from delhi, by avoiding huge expenses, and my return from delhi would be on 14th may, can u help me the places to be visited in ladakh leh and for two person what will be the cost of tour? how will be the temperature in may month.
Mohammed, I guess I am a bit late in replying here as you much be on the trip now 🙂
hi dheeraj,
last year i enjoyed a fabulous Ladakh trip. this year i wanna go there on my own bullet. but i dont have friends or partners to go with. can i join any group of bullet riders at srinagar or anywhere else??
im planing to bring my bullet to jammu by train and next way by ride.
Uday, you can check the Travel Calendar from the menu and see who all are going up there and at what time.
Hi dhiraj, I and my friends are planning fr leh-ladakh in may… Do u hv ny idea about bike on rent (like bullet on rent) over dr? We wld like to do Road trip of arnd 1500-2000km… I wld like to avoid carrying bike by train frm Mumbai.. So what wld u suggest? Ur suggestion wld b of grt help for the trip.
Thanks
Arpit, I hope you are planning to fly in and our of Leh. Bikes rented outside Leh are not allowed for sightseeing inside Ladakh except Tso Moriri and Tso Kar lakes which can be done while going to Manali from Leh. Private bikes are completely allowed. You can use the outside rented bike to reach Leh but then for going to Pangong Tso, nubra Valley, etc.. you need to hire rented bikes from Leh only.
To know more about this rule and present situation, please refer the link: Bikes Rented Outside Leh Banned in Ladakh
I personally feel larger groups will be targeted more than smaller groups or individuals.
For renting bikes in Leh – Ladakh along with current Bike Union Prices, you can check the DwD Community thread: Leh – Ladakh Bike Rental Rates 2015 – 16 & Reliable Shops
Thank you dhiraj.
Just one more thing… If I take my pulsar from Mumbai to Amritsar in train and then go on road trip to Ladakh frm Amritsar, how does this plan looks to u? Also if I hv my bike will their b any restrictions for sightseeing in Ladakh (like renting Ladakh bike for sightseeing to any location)?
Arpit, that will be a much much better plan as you will be more comfortable with your own bike than anything else. There are no restrictions on personal bikes.
Thanks dhiraj, appreciate ur help.
So we r planning fr 8 days trip excluding train travel .. Day 1 strtng frm Amritsar (shld reach Ladakh on day 2 evening) can you help out to plan schedule of sightseeing fr remaining days? Also cn you suggest something wich ll make the trip memorable?
Thanks once agn buddy
Arpit, you have 8 days from Amritsar to where? Manali?
Dheeraj, wen v ll reach Amritsar v will count it day 1(n v ll lv fr Ladakh on bike frm Amritsar ) then v ll rch Ladakh on day 2 or day 3…after v rch Ladakh wen want to spend 5-6 days in Ladakh.. So cn u plan sightseeing ka schedule for those 5-6 days in Ladakh?
Arpit you cando something like below:
Day 2 | Amritsar – Srinagar (long day start early)
— 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 Sightseeing + Acclimatization
— To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
— Overnight at Leh
Day 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 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
Thank you so much dhiraj. Appreciate ur help… Ll share my experience soon buddy..
Hi,
Could you please help me with planning a trip to Ladakh? I was initially planning to go in April but now it seems to me that going in May will be better idea as some things are closed in April. Could you please elaborate on this?
I am planning to go for 8-10 days of low cost trip. I am mostly interested in adventerous activities.
Thanks in advance.
Mayank, are you planning to travel by road to Ladakh? If yes, then you have to plan in June as both the roads to Ladakh from Srinagar and Manali might not open by late May. Even if they open, the road conditions might not be stable enough to travel safely.
Are you flying in and out of Leh?
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for your response and sorry for late reply.
I cannot take flight tickets. Actually I heard many bikers have already started their trip to Leh. So thought roads may be open. Is it possible to take a bike trip to Leh in May 2nd week since taxi or bus will not be available? If yes then what will be the cost?
Thanks in advance
Mayank, not possible as the roads will open this year by late May or first week of June due to bad weather as late as April.
Ladakh is the most tourist friendly holiday destination offer travelers endless adventurous activities
Very true 🙂 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
we are 2 couples planning a trip from Delhi to Leh in early May 2015 (2nd to 10th May). we have booked flight tickets. We have asked an agent for a package deal including stay(3star hotel), food, transfers(taxi) and sightseeing.
agent has given us a package deal of around 23K per person(excluding flight tickets) for 8 nights stay.
Is this package deal okay or shall we not go for this deal? personally I am feeling he is asking too much money.
what would you suggest we shall do and according to you how much shall our trip should cost us?
Jatin, as you are looking out for travel agent, may be you can get in touch with info@offbeatescapes.com / http://www.offbeatescapes.com and try their quote as well… You can refer DoW or my name to them in case required. They have got very good feedback from many readers in the past two years, especially in terms of transparent policies, transparent cost split ups as well as being there to help out people all the time when required on their trips.
The price all depends upon the number of person traveling and hotels offered.
Hi Dheeraj, this is my first time posting a question in this forum. All of your articles regarding Ladakh are very descriptive and well-informed! I am looking forward to more such articles. It would be really helpful if you can kindly help me with my tour plan as I have few questions and doubts
I am planning to go on a trip to Leh Ladakh from 15th August to 25th August with 6 other friends. It would be really helpful if you can assist in making an itinerary for it.
I will be landing at Srinagar airport on 15th afternoon. We are planning to hire a car from Srinagar, along with a bike which will be ridden by one of us… Here is the tentative plan
D1 : Kolkata – Srinagar by flight. Overnight Srinagar
D2: Srinagar – Kargil (by road). Overnight Kargil.
D3: Kargil – Lamayaru. Overnight Lamayuru
D4: Lamayaru – Leh. Overnight Leh.
D5: Stay at leh/ Sham valley tour.
D6: Leh – Hundar. Overnight Hunder.
D7: Hundar – Dikshit – Leh
D8:Leh – Pangong. Overnight Pangong
D9:Pangong – Chumathang. Overnight Chumathang.
D10:Chumathang – Karzok (Tso Moriri). Overnight Karzok.
D11: Karzok – Leh. Overnight Leh.
D12: Early morning flight from Leh back to Kolkata
Please suggest some better alternative routes if possible keeping in mind that we want to see and explore as much of it as is possible. Also it would be really helpful if you can give an idea of the cost of hiring a car for this duration.
Q1: Can I hire a taxi from Srinagar for Kargil/Drass drop, so that the next day I can hire a Ladakh number registered taxi and a bike for the next part of the travel?
Q2: At the time of the year I am going can I be more or less assured that we will be able to get a moderate staying option at each place as described in the itinerary?
Q3: I saw in one of your article to avoid the time during 15th August, but unluckily this was the only time we could have managed. Is there a way around to avoid issues like strikes at that time or managing through it?
Q4: For each day of the journey after reaching Leh, will it be easy and cheap to hire the same taxi for the rest of the part of the tour or hire a new taxi after returning to Leh everytime?
Hi Zeeshan,
There is no need to stay up there at Lamayuru and in case you really want to take it easy, then better halt the day at Alchi to explore Sham Valley at comfort next day OR save that day and do Leh – Tso Moriri instead of going to long day of Pangong Tso – Chumathang. Taxi cost shall be around 52-55K for your plan I believe
A1: Yes, that can be done but you can get in touch with drivers of Ladakh and they will come to pick you up from Srinagar. Here is the link for list of taxi drivers for Leh – Ladakh: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/india/ladakh-zanskar-travel-guides/listof-taxi-drivers-for-ladakh-srinagar-leh-manali-t353.html
A2: Yes, you should.
A3: Just follow the highway and do not take any inroads. Much more, you can land in Srinagar and directly go to Sonamarg to get out of vulnerable zone early if you guys feel so. But, then that one rider need to start the ride only in Leh by hiring bike there. Also, keep in mind that outside rented bikes are banned for going to Nubra Vally and Pangong Tso and if caught you need to rent local Leh bike again. Also, I see you flying out of Leh, one way bike rental just for pickup sometimes cost around 10-12K just to pick up the bike apart from daily rent.
A4: Best will be to keep just one taxi right from Srinagar till the end.
Regards
Dheeraj
Thanks Dheeraj for replying, it has cleared up most of my doubts. I wanna share with you a slightly revised itinerary as per your suggestion. Please provide some suggestion and feedback on it
D1 : Kolkata – Srinagar by flight. Overnight Srinagar
D2: Srinagar – Kargil (by road). Overnight Kargil.
D3: Kargil – Alchi
D4: Alchi (Sham valley tour) -Leh
D5: Leh – Hundar. Overnight Hunder.
D6: Hundar – Dikshit – Leh
D7:Leh – Pangong. Overnight Pangong
D8:Pangong – Chumathang.
D9: Chumathang to Karzok(Tso Moriri)
D10: Tso Moriri to Leh
D11: Leh local sight seeing
D12: Early morning flight from Leh back to Kolkata
And I have again a couple of questions 😛
Q1: Do you think any other place can be squeezed into this itinerary which I maybe missing out on?
Q2: Since we are an odd number of people (7) will it be problematic while booking rooms if we want to accommodate 3 persons in a given room?
This also seems fine to me with only risk of running out of stay options at Chumathang as there is only one place to stay there. Regarding rooms, you should prefer 2 double and one triple sharing.
Hello Dheeraj,
You are doing a wonderful job here guiding everyone on their trips to Ladakh. Now Please help in planning my trip 🙂
I am planning a Ladakh Trip by end of June 2015 with my wife. Here is my travel itinerary.
27th June 2015 — Kolkata to Srinagar by flight
28th-29th June 2015 — Srinagar to Leh by JKSRTC Bus
30th June 2015 — Leh Local Sightseeing
1st July 2015 — Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
2nd July 2015 — Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
3rd July 2015 — Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake
4th July 2015 — Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
5th July 2015 — Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang
6th July 2015 — Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring (Manali – Leh Highway starts) – Taglang La – Upshi – Leh
7th July 2015 — Rest Day OR Sham Valley Tour
8th-9th July 2015 — Leh to Manali by HPTDC Bus
10th July 2015 — Manali Sightseeing
11th July 2015 — Manali to Delhi by HPTDC Bus
12th July 2015 — Delhi to Kolkata by flight
I am looking for travel partners to share the car hiring cost in Ladakh for trips to Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri and Sham Valley.
Please guide me on the following things.
1) Please give me your view on my itinerary. Is it a good time or do I need to delay it by a few days ?
2) I hope they start running buses on Leh-Manali highway by that time.
3) Is it a peak season ? Should I do any prebooking for Hotel and Car or I can easily get on the spot booking of Car and Hotel after reaching Leh ?
4) If i don’t find any travel partner before reaching Leh, what should I do to find some partner in Leh ? Should I contact any travel agent before reaching there or can I find some share taxi run by them on the spot ?
Please find below my inputs:
1. Itinerary looks quite decent and good. Timing also seems good to me.
2. In July they start running buses on Manali – Leh highway
3. It is peak season for sure but if you are OK in searching here and there a bit and do not have anything particular place to stay in mind, then it should not be much of an issue.
4. 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 🙂
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
Can you tell me if i can book JKSRTC buses from Srinagar to Leh online ? will i have time to visit Kargil war memorial if i travel by these buses ?
Also, Instead of the above itinerary
1) do you suggest me to take the direct route from Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake via Wari La instead of coming back to Leh ? I was thinking of visiting Turtuk by saving an extra day.
2) do you suggest me to take the direct route from Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri via Changthang ? Is it worth taking these unconventional routes ?
3) Will shared vehicles be available for these unconventional routes ?
Hello Mmalakar,
I do not think so that you can book JKSRTC buses online. Never heard of it though there is a portal but it does not work or at least never worked for me.
1. Before taking the route to Wari La, please read: Tips for Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso Direct Route
2. Again read: Tips for Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri Direct Route
3. Most likely NO.
Regards
Dheeraj
Namaste..!!!
We are a group of 6 members planning to make a life time trip to Leh-ladakh by next year in the month of August in bikes from Bangalore. The thing i want know is some of our friends are having Pulsar & Yezdi bike, is that a good prefer bikes around 8000 Kms. to travel. Does fuels are available at their or either we need to carry fuel cans engine oils. can we get two wheeler mechanic shops especially for yezdi bike. Please suggest us.
Thanks in advance.
Chandra, Pulsar is capable of doing the trip and regarding yezdi, you need to be sure about the conditions as the mechanic are not available on the route. Also, especially on Manali – Leh Highway there isn’t a fuel pump for almost 360 odd KMs. Refer the article: Fuel Availability In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips
Hi Dheeraj,
I was planning to take a trip along with 5-6 friends. It will be a budget trip for 12-13 days. Also, we’d like to hire a self-drive car and roam about. Please suggest the best time to visit considering the above mentioned conditions. Thanks a lot in advance!!
Gaurav, the article says it all. Also, you will not get any self drive vehicle in Ladakh, you will have to get a taxi only.
I’m going to Gangtok in the first week of December. I was wondering if you had any idea about places over there to visit on budget?
Pankti, you can post this under DwD Community and there are experts there who can guide you about visiting to Gangtok. You can tag Soumen there and he should be able to help you out with it. Here is the link: DwD Community – Itinerary Advice Section
Hey dude you are doing a wonderful job
by helping travellers, encouraging them to travel to the best place in the world. I followed your blogs and made a budget and successful trip to ladakh. Hats off to you, i hope more people doing the similar job. Hey friend can you suggest some tips i wanna travel in the month of dec. Last time i had been there in august and now i wanna fell the snow. thanks a lot for your efforts.
Bipin, you can read about planning a winter trip to Ladakh in the article: Leh – Ladakh in Winters | Most Common Itinerary & Tips
i am a plan to go leh ladakh tour on 28 sep 2014 to 3 oct 2014.we are 4 adaults , i read your article that is very useful. we will go by air to leh.we will be 6 days tour. now please give me a good tour plan for leh ladakh that will be cover total leh ladakh. please advise us the current situation to visit leh, if any problem to visit end of sep month,please help to organise how to plan my trip..
thanks
Anshu
Anshu, are you still on with your trip? If yes, you can check following plan for Ladakh:
Day 1 | Delhi – Leh (By Flight)
— Checkin at Hotel. Many hotels provide free pick and drop from Airport. Ask while you book them.
— Take ample of rest as well as water or anything that keep your body hydrated enough. DO NOT OVER HYDRATE. Take ORS Soluted water or ORS – L tetra packs from home.
— Do not over exert your body at any cost. Avoid too much up-down on stairs or avoid it in entirety, if possible.
— After 5-6 Hrs of rest you can visit Leh Palace, Local Leh market, Shankar Gompa .
— If you feel exerted go back to Hotel, have dinner at Hotel and take rest. Avoid any exertion. Else continue and,
— Follow the sunset by stroll at Changspa road and have a nice dinner on varied cuisines offered in-around Changspa road.
— Go back to hotel for overnight stay at Leh.
Day 2 | Leh Local Sightseeing + Acclimatization
— Hire a taxi from Leh taxi stand or Hotel whichever suits you.
— Bargain hard with taxi driver. Book that single taxi for entire trip after explaining the complete plan.
— Take his inputs if you feel reasonable and if required modify the plan accordingly but should suits you best.
— Ask him to be with you guys starting first day itself, if required and charged reasonable else do it at your own.
— Again DO NOT over exert and take little steps and slow walks only.
— If feeling OK then do Local sightseeing. To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
— Do not use stairs at any of these places just to see them as it will exert your body much more.
— Overnight at Leh
Day 3 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 4 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Pangong Tso – Leh
— Do not plan to stay overnight at Pangong Tso as you will not be acclimatized and may fall sick. So, make a day trip only.
— Overnight at Leh
Day 6 | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping OR Monastery tour OR Sham Valley tour OR Fly back home
— Overnight at Leh
— Monastery tour may include Hemis, Thicksey and Shey monasteries. They come on the route of Pangong Tso but as you will be doing day trip, it will be a bit hectic to include them on that day only.
— Sham Valley include Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, Gurudwara Pather Sahib
I am planing for ladakh so will you plzzz tell what would b the buget how much sould i carry
Gopal, when are you planning, what is your mode of transport, where do you start from, how many days?
i am planing to ladakh in deccember on bike so will you please help me what is the budget
Gopal, the roads get closed in October for traveling to Ladakh by road officially, hence you can only make this trip to Ladakh in next year from mid of June to September.
Hi, i plan to travel between 13th to 21st sep alone to leh from Delhi…what would be best way to plan..
Amit, I think we are discussing this in DwD Community. Let us keep it going there under one thread.
I Dheeraj – thank you for the valuable info. We are 3 of us planning a trip around August last week through sept and I was interested to know if you would have any info on how to hire a Bike at Leh, some price points and contactsould be really appreciated. We are flying straight to Leg and have 6 days in hand to hire bike and road trip around the place. Thank you in advance.
For renting bikes in Leh – Ladakh along with current Bike Union Prices, you can check the DwD Community thread: Leh – Ladakh Bike Rental Rates 2014 – 15 & Reliable Shops
Hi Dheeraj
Thank you for the info. I am from Bahrain, and I want to visit leh-laddakh by bike in august. I dont want to go through tour companies, but some travel agents here said that I would need special permits that tour companies have to go to pangong lake. I want to travel alone, as im a photographer, and will be taking my time to get my shots.
Any advice?
Thanks
Arif
Arif, 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 🙂
Thanks for the info.
Cheers!
Hi dheeraj
We are a group of 6 people and we are planning a trip to Leh Ladakh on 28th of July 2014 ..from Delhi. So suggest us the route from Delhi to Leh. Reply ASAP n is it possible to talk to you on phone.
Ranveer, how many days do you have in hand. Check some sample itineraries present in first 4-5 thread at the link here: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/india/plan-ladakh-zanskar-trip/
Hi dheeraj….v are 7 of us planning for a Ladakh trip sumwer in mid Aug 2014 …could you share some light on budget as v r planning to hav it a budget trip …
Mihir, For doubts related to budget for Leh – Ladakh trip, I am sure the link below will help you alot for getting an idea of overall budget:
How to calculate cost or budget for Leh – Ladakh trip
Hello Dheeraj thank you ver much for your wonderful and very helpful witeup on Ladakh. I tried to open the link ‘https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/how-to-calculate-cost-or-budget-for-leh-ladakh-trip/’, but only a blank page is showing. Could you please check this? Thanks in advance.
Soumya, can you please check again as it is working for me. Can you try the link directly without these quotes: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/how-to-calculate-cost-or-budget-for-leh-ladakh-trip/
Yes, it is working now. Thanks for your quick reply!! 🙂
Where can we rent bike in Leh, for local sightseeing and pangong tso and nubra valley trip ?
For renting bikes in Leh – Ladakh along with current Bike Union Prices, you can check the DwD Community thread: Leh – Ladakh Bike Rental Rates 2014 – 15 & Reliable Shops
Hi Dheeraj, Thank you for valuable information. I am plannning to go to Leh Ladakh in coming Sep along with my wifee. need your advice on following
1) is it ok if we plan for last week of Sep??? even early is possible. what would you suggest?
2) we are coming from Mumbai and expecting it to be 7 to 8 days plan. what do you think should be the approximate budget. we prefer to fly from Mumbai and back.
3) Is it advisable to hire bike all days or sharing taxi for a couple is safer?
Avinash, please find my replies below:
1. Better plan in early September.
2. It depends on your mode of travel. In case taxi, a normal Ladakh circuit will cost you about 30K itself and take in Rs 700-1000 for stay & food per day per person.
3. Best is to have shared taxi, for which you must be there before 15th September to find travel partners.
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for the wonderful information. We are 3 families who planned for trip as I suddenly came to know that huge discount is going on Go Air so didn’t thought much and booked the tickets. After booking tickets so many qiestions cam ein my mind and now I am very much confused and need your help. We three are best friends and we all have kids one kid will be around 1.5 yr and another 2.5 yrs and last one around 4.5yrs. So my confusion is will it be safe and comfortable journey for us with 3 kids? We have planned our trip for 6 days will reach leh airport on 23sep 2014 and returning is on 29 sep early morning.
Santosh, It depends on person to person to take the children of such age group because AMS do not matter with respect to age or sex or any physical health condition. It can happen to anyone of any age or sex or fitness I shall say :D… The issue with children is that they tend to exert the body considering it the same kind of place they belong to and this elevates the chances of getting struck with AMS. Secondly, they are not much expressive about their uneasy feelings, so it is parents who need to watch out and take care that the child is not suffering from uneasy feelings, headache or nausea and is behaving properly. With 2+ year child, I think she will also be NOT able to convey the uneasiness she may feel. You have to be vigilant and if you notice any such feeling or he/she tells you about such a feeling then please do not ascend anywhere, either descend to lower altitude or stay at the same place to watch things overnight and if symptom increase then start descending immediately. Same is applicable for any adult as well. And yes, do keep the body adequately hydrated!!
Also, PLEASE read the article: Traveling to Ladakh with Kids or Babies. This article covers this topic in complete detail.
Hi dheeraj,at first i would like to thank you for such a wonderful work that you have doing here.i would like to ask you about our trip to ladakh.we are group of 3 and we are planning to move feom delhi on 3rd evening by bus to manali.we were thinking of spending a day for local sightseing in manali and then move on to ladakh.we thought of having a private taxi from manali if its affordable as i was told we might miss some spots on way.we will be touring ladakh nearby regions as we are not yet clear what are the place to visit foe sightseing.we might be staying upto 3-4days in ladakh so that we wont miss out worth visit place.we are also planning to visit nubra valley and khardungla.we were thinking of touring ladakh by bike.and finally returning via jammu.can you put forward your view.as we want it to be low cost without affecting thw enjoyment.i would be really grateful if you help me out in correcting us.with regards.we were thinking
Surjit, your thoughts on the plan is much apt and inline. Best is that you save money if on budget for taxi to Leh from Manali. Go via HRTC buses. Hire bikes in Leh for sightseeing. If you have 4 days in Leh, then rest for one day and acclimatize + hire bikes. Next two days visit Nubra Valley over Khardung La. Last day you can make a day visit to Pangong tso. Then follow the Srinagar – Leh highway to Jammu in JKSRTC buses.
Thanks a lot dheeraj.i read in one of your article then leh to manali is more preferable.so if we start from delhi on 4th july evening through jammu to ladakh and spending 4 days in ladakh n returning from leh to manali highway.but if we return through bus will we miss the sightseing on road?can you please guide me about delhi to leh through jammu as a detailed trip break up is very much in need for us as we are not sure where we should do the night halt etc and also we have to reach delhi on 13/14 july with a stay for 1 day in manali for local sightseing and finally returning to delhi.
Surjit, You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
heyy dheeraj.. we r planing to go amarnath.. on 9th july.. aftr then ladakh.. is it sufficient 4 days for ladakh trip from srinagar ??? coz 16 of july jammu se retutn flight h..
Manish, it takes 2 days to reach Leh from Srinagar and 2 days to come back.
Hello dhiraj
Today just want to share about AMS DURING MY RECENT TRIP TO LEH, was in leh from 26th to 28th may, should i share it here or anyehere else?
Hello Dr. Maunish, the best place to share with all will be at the link: Travel Tales and Experiences from Ladakh
Hey, I would like to know about the planning of covering waypoint while traveling from dehradun to leh as I have only a partner and a bike .
How many days do you have in hand for this Ladakh trip?
Hey there..me and some of ny friends are planning a trip in september end..Would any natural factors effect our trip during these times?? Is it advaisable to book a transport vehicle from Delhi to leh and back. Or shall we do it from Leh itself. Also spot booking in spetember is possible? You had mentioned in your article bu ti just wnted to confirm. Since few of my friends have said the Hotel booking n all gets full by may. Do revert at the earliest.
vineeth, generally September is much safer month to travel but no one can predict the natural factors that always are there when you plan for trip like Ladakh. No taxis outside Leh are not allowed to sightseeing within Ladakh. Hence, better to take taxi in there only after you reach Leh. Better do spot booking only.
Hi Dheeraj !
I am from Mumbai and planning a Jammu-Manali trip.
Is it possible to hire a bike from Jammu and return it to Manali, So that repetitive routes can be avoided.
Do u have a contact number of any such bike renters..
Ashish, there are no Bike Rental services in Jammur, so you cannot make such a trip from Jammu.
Hi, thanks for post. I m planing on bike(bullet 500cc)Delhi to ladakh on bike. we r planing go there on 3 bullet(3 rider & 2 pillion ). any suggestion ???
Which month are you planning this Ladakh trip? How many days?
No from leh to jammu n den mumbai…plz let me knw whethr if ny transport bus available between jammu and leh? What will b d cost?
Prejil, it takes 3 days to reach Leh from Jammu and 3 days will be required to come back the same route. 1 day it is required for acclimatization in Leh and I am sure couple of days from return and arrival to Jammu from your home. That does not leave you with much day to explore Ladakh. So, can you increase the number of days in hand? If yes, how much?
We r 4-5 people planning 4 a trip 2 leh for 10 days. N v r planning 2 go by train till jammu. Cn u plz guide us from jammu hw cn v get to leh.what wil b taxi rent? N 4 sightseeing? V r planning dis trip in mid of September.
How are you planning to come back from Leh? From Manali side?
i am a plan to go leh ladakh tour on next year end of may or 1st june,2014.we are 6adaults and 1 child (06yr). i read your article that is very useful. we will go from howrah(West Bengal).we will be 15days tour. now please give me a good tour plan for leh ladakh that will be cover total leh ladakh. we will be travel by train both side.we will go one side from srinagar and back via chandigarh.
1.give me the budget hotel(rs 500-rs 800) name and ph no where we can stay. 2.in the last of may or 1st june which side will be more scenic beauty 3.what will be daily meal charges at leh ladakh.. 4. give me the transport costing from fast to last . 5. where we stay at Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri and Nubra Valley and what will be cost.
thanks
avijit
Hello Avijit,
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travelers including me at the link here for 14-15 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
For accommodation, check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate and cheap budget hotels as well in the series of articles starting on the link here
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
we r confused..wheather to go by flight or by train( planning for6-8 days)
and our budget is aroundd 15-16 thousand and in april mnth???
we r aroundd 5-6 people…
Abhishek, in April, the roads will be closed and with 5 people you can have one taxi. Since, the number of days at hand is less and hence Air Travel is what you should look forward to. Tickets will be around 5-6K and then taxi for basic sightseeing in April will cost you about 5K per hed types. Rest 5-6 K is easily manageable in April in small guest houses for food and stay.
Very nicely written.Thanks
Thanks alot.
This makes it sound like I can plan with my family. Great post, well presented points. Thanks!
Can we rent out bikes there? I live in Gujarat but if I go to Ladakh, I would rather use bike than car.
Hi Pankti,
Yes, you can rent bikes in Leh – Ladakh and Fort Road in Leh is full of such shops that rent bikes. Depending upon the condition, model, make and tourist rush you can get bikes starting from Rs 800 to Rs 1300. Rather than booking over phone, it is much better to visit the Fort road, check 4-5 shops over there and get a good deal after checking the bike conditions.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Pl clrify whether roads nd passes r open in April/May??
Gurpreet, which passes are you talking about. Inside Ladakh everything is open all round the year including all roads and passes in which tourists are generally interested. However, if you want to travel by road then late April or May, Srinagar road might open up. However, Manali – Leh Highway generally opens by June.
Regards
Dheeraj
Post indeed.. i’m so thankful to you Dheeraj.
Pleasure brother, glad that you found this post useful and it will help you reduce budget for your ladakh trip 🙂
we r aroundd 5 frndss and our budget is16000/ so what should we prefer train or plain and we have one week???
and what about bikess???
just wanted to know if honda dio byk is good to take on that hilly terrain . . planning a road trip from srinagar leh manali . .
Ayaz, people have taken low powered bikes to Ladakh. There shall be stretches where you might feel less powered but you need to judge the situation and time of the year to make it a successful trip. I mean if you go in rainy season and there is too much of slush at Rohtang Pass, then there might be a situation where you feel less powered. Again in areas where sand is there, you might need to drag your bike hard but that can be true with other bikes too. So, if you are OK with such bikes then you can take it.
ABOVE ALL is what matters most if the comfort with it. Try to drive about 6-7 Hrs on the go first and see how comfortable are you with it. If you OK try some small rides in the hills first and then head for Ladakh 🙂
can you name the guest house at nubra that you have posted in this article?
Thats Snow Leopard, comfy room but food isn’t that great but we stayed at another one on the current trip couple of weeks back. There the food was awesome and it was more economic too. The name was Yourdum Guest House. I will post the contact and detailed review of it soon.
Very good informations.
thanks a lot debasis 🙂 Glad you found it useful 🙂