Other articles in this series on Preferred Hotels or Accommodation options in Leh – Ladakh –

In this third article of the series – Preferred Hotels or Accommodation options in Leh – Ladakh, I am enlisting down some of the preferred places to stay in Nubra Valley – Ladakh which are cheap budget (Rs 600 – 900) types as well as moderate budget (Rs 1200 – 2000) types accommodation and good for stay. So, if you are looking for a decent, clean and comfortable but moderate budget options of stay in Nubra Valley – Ladakh then you can refer the list of below guest houses or hotels compiled after reading various resources/reviews of many people over Internet mainly IndiaMike and BCMT forums (as said earlier, of course, I cannot stay in all of them 😉 ).

Hotel Sten Del at Diskit town, Nubra Valley, Ladakh
Hotel Sten Del at Diskit town, Nubra Valley, Ladakh

Most of these places are ideal to stay with family as well because they offer decent comfort and facilities which a family may require but looking out for moderate range budget accommodation options. However, if you are looking for an exceptional in-room service, finest linen, luxurious and ultra comfortable rooms in a hotel and that too for this price range and in such remote places as some villages of Nubra Valley then perhaps this list may not be for you or I shall say this place (Nubra Valley – Ladakh) is not for you. Well, you may find one or two such services too in the below guest houses but no certainty.

Nubra Valley is one of the hottest tourist spot in Ladakh and Diskit is one of the town which people generally make the base to explore rest of the Nubra Valley. The biggest reason of Diskit being so popular is that it offers better and varied amount of accommodation options when compared to the rest of the places like Hunder, Panamik, Sumur, Turtuk in Nubra Valley being its head quarters. No doubt, Hunder is also starting to become popular with more and more options coming up.

LAST UPDATED: 9th Feb 2015
The article has been updated to match the current prices of most of these hotels or campsites or homestays for the year 2015.

Good Hotels or Accommodation options in Nubra Valley, Ladakh

Below, I have segregated the list of good accommodation options or hotels available in Nubra Valley by the villages viz. Diskit, Hunder, Sumur, Turtuk, Panamik etc. These are the villages in Nubra Valley mostly visited by the travelers and tourists. You can easily refer to the section of village where you plan to stay overnight on your trip to Nubra Valley in Ladakh.

Hotels or Accommodation options in Diskit, Nubra Valley, Ladakh
  • Hotel Sten Del (Sangam Bar and Restaurant):
    Very much Recommended being one of the excellent stays in Diskit. Really comfortable, nice and cozy. Clean rooms and bathrooms. Tasty food, good parking space, running hot water. TV with DTH and most importantly nice little garden Bar. For my complete review read here.

    • Price Range: Rs 2500 – 3000 for a double bedroom
    • Contact: +91-9419348223 (Mutup Namgyal), +91-9469702071 (Deepak), +91-1980-220196 or info@offbeatescapes.com for email
    • Location: Near Kharyok below Diskit monastery, Diskit, Nubra Valley, Ladakh
    • Category: Moderate / High
  • Hotel Stendel – Diskit, Nubra Valley have also agreed to provide SPECIAL DISCOUNTED RATES to all the readers/followers of the DoW Website through our Destination Specialist / Sponsor – Offbeat Escapes. In order to avail the discounts, you can use the online booking form at the link: Book Here

  • Olthang Guest House
    Recommended as one of the nice stays in Diskit. Clean rooms and bathrooms. Parking space, Running hot water or in buckets.

    • Price Range: Rs 1000 – 1500 for a double bedroom
    • Contact: Tsewang Norboo 919469176104, 01980–220025
    • Location: Near Kharyok below Diskit monastery, Diskit, Nubra Valley, Ladakh
    • Category: Economic / Moderate / Home Stay
  • Sand Dunes Guest House
    Good place to stay, nice and clean rooms. Nice and cheap food too.

    • Price Range: Rs 600 – 900 for a double bedroom
    • Contact: 01980 – 220022
    • Location: Near Main Market, Diskit, Nubra Valley, Ladakh
    • Category: Economic / Moderate / Home Stay
  • J&K Tourism Rest House
    Spacious, neat and clean.

    • Price Range: Rs 800 – 1200 for a double bedroom
    • Contact: ??????
    • Location: Diskit, Nubra Valley, Ladakh
    • Category: Economic / Moderate
Hotels or Accommodation options in Hunder, Nubra Valley, Ladakh
  • Yourdum Guest House
    Very much Recommended if you looking for a decent low cost option of stay though not that luxury & small but quite good. I stayed there on DoW Mega Meet 2013, loved the food, the humble people running it and little fresh garden. Decent parking space as well. Check my detailed review at the link here

    • Price Range: Rs 700 – 1000 for a double bedroom
    • Contact: +91-1980-221114 OR +91-9469735827
    • Location: Hunder, Nubra Valley, Ladakh
    • Category: Economic / Cheap
  • Snow Leopard Guest House
    Very much Recommended. Nice, clean and spacious rooms with attached bathroom. Nice little garden.

    • Price Range: Rs 1500 – 2000 for a double bedroom
    • Contact: Mr. Dawa Norbu – +91-9469176759 / +91-1980-221097
    • Location: Hunder, Nubra Valley, Ladakh
    • Category: Economic / Moderate
  • Galaxy Guest House
    Very much Recommended by a friend who stayed here. Nice, clean and comfortable rooms but only 4-5 of them with a little garden having nice views.

    • Price Range: Rs 800 – 1200 for a double bedroom
    • Contact: Mr. Stanzin – +91-9419885450 / +91-9797541101 / +91-1980-221054
    • Location: Hunder, Nubra Valley, Ladakh
    • Category: Economic / Moderate
  • Goba Guest House
    Very much Recommended. Nice and clean rooms. Good for stay in Hunder.

    • Price Range: Rs 700 – 1000 for a double bedroom
    • Contact: Mr. Tsering Goba – +91-9469534590, 01980-221083, 01980-200021
    • Location: Hunder, Nubra Valley, Ladakh
    • Category: Economic / Moderate
  • Milkyway Guest House
    Nice and clean rooms. OK for stay.

    • Price Range: Rs 600 – 900 for a double bedroom
    • Contact: 01980-221041
    • Location: Hunder, Nubra Valley, Ladakh
    • Category: Cheap / Economic
  • Olgok Guest House
    Very clean rooms and not too old. Tasty food.

    • Price Range: Rs 800 – 1200 for a double bedroom
    • Contact: 01980-221092
    • Location: Hunder, Nubra Valley, Ladakh
    • Category: Economic / Moderate / Home Stay
  • Himalayan Guest House
    Good option of stay. Nice and clean rooms. Tasty food and a little garden.

    • Price Range: Rs 450 (Shared bath) – 800 – 1200 (Attached bath) for a double bedroom
    • Contact: Mr Ghulam Hussain – 09469177470, 01980-221131
    • Location: Hundar, Nubra Valley, Ladakh
    • Category:Cheap / Economic
Hotels or Accommodation options in Sumur, Nubra Valley, Ladakh
  • A O Camping Gardens or A O Guest House
    Recommended, if you stay in Sumur. Very clean rooms and tasty food. Great views and nice little garden.

    • Price Range: Rs 500 – 700 for a double bedroom
    • Contact: 01980–220050
    • Location: Sumur, Nubra Valley, Ladakh
    • Category: Cheap / Economic
  • K-Sar Guest House
    Nice and decent place to stay with clean rooms.

    • Price Range: Rs 700 – 1000 for a double bedroom
    • Contact: +91-9469291395
    • Location: Sumur, Nubra Valley, Ladakh
    • Category: Cheap / Economic
Hotels or Accommodation options in Turtuk, Nubra Valley, Ladakh
  • Turtuk Holiday Camp, Turtuk
    Spacious, clean and comfortable tents, Nice and fresh food, Bathroom with hot running water and power backup.

    • Price Range: Rs 2200 – 2500 for a double occupancy
    • Contact: ??????
    • Location: Turtuk, Nubra Valley, Ladakh
    • Category: Moderate / High
  • PWD Rest House, Turtuk
    Good to stay but should be booked from Diskit or try your luck on the spot. Attached and clean baths.

    • Price Range: Rs 700 – 1000 for a double bedroom
    • Contact: ??????
    • Location: Turtuk, Nubra Valley, Ladakh
    • Category: Cheap / Economic
Other Tips for Hotels or Accommodation option in Nubra Valley, Ladakh
  • There are lots of options in Diskit and hence, if really not required then you don’t prebook if you go in Aug/Sep in this region. You will get better bargain in that case.
  • There are less/few options of stay at Turtuk Village but there are lots of camping options available at Turtuk. So, you can bring your own tent and pitch it anywhere you like. It also gives you an upper hand to bargain with available options when you are not in mood to pitch it.
  • You can find contact of more hotels or accommodation options for Hunder and Diskit all ranging between Rs 600-1000 in the text file available for download here: [download id=”4″ format=”2″]
Conclusion

I hope you find the above list of hotels or accommodation options in Nubra Valley – Ladakh useful for your upcoming Leh – Ladakh trip. If you happen to know any updated contact numbers or missing contact numbers of these hotels or any other nice, cheap or moderate budget but good option of stay in Nubra Valley – Ladakh, kindly leave a comment as it will be helpful to others fellow travelers as well. If you have ever stayed at any of these hotels, please share your experience with us too.

In the end, again these hotels or guest houses are not for people who are looking for ultra luxury and comfort. In most cases, these hotels or guest houses will be suitable for a family as well and hence, they may be worth to look out…

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I am Dheeraj Sharma - a traveler, techie, and Himalayan lover. Since 2009, I have been helping thousands of travelers every year plan memorable & budget-friendly trips to the Himalayas - Smartly, Safely, and responsibly.

212 Comments

  1. Dheeraj vai, can I stay in Camps in Nubra(Hunder) in middle of September?? or should I try for some cemented property? Also want to know Shyok & chusul route will be open in September?

  2. Hi Dheeraj Bhai, are there any enfield workshops/ tyre puncture repair shops available in Nubra Valley?

  3. hello Dheeraj ‘
    I am planing to go leh on sept 2017. im traveling solo should i need to book room in leh?
    and i can get share taxi to go pangong tso , nubra valley and khardongla pass?

    • 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 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 share cultural thoughts and values over the trip.

      No need to book anything, plenty of options present where can get to stay.

  4. Plz suggest if I can travel to leh with 2 kids n being n asthma patient.all confused

  5. We stayed at Habib Guest House at Nubra Valley

    Habib Guest House
    Nice and decent place to stay with clean rooms, bathroom and hot water.
    Price Range: Rs 1500 for a double bedroom with dinner and breakfast for two
    Contact:
    Location: Hunder, Nubra Valley, Ladakh
    Category: Cheap / Economic

    Our transportation was arranged by Rigzin and he had clearly told us to blindly go to this place and he will take responsibility that the home stay, food, everything will be good. When he said that, we were sceptical should we stay here? But when we reached Nubra, there were hell a lot of billboards at one junction with the list of home stays. We decided to go with Habib Guest House no matter what, when we entered the Habib Guest House locality, we just fell in love with this place. The rooms were average, we had hot water wall the time. The Dinner and Breakfast was included in the room rent, food was awesome. The Butter Tea, I got to taste here for the first time in Leh. Lovely home cooked food. Only drawback with this place was the flies, which we found in all other places later on.

    Connectivity: Only BSNL worked here without internet, though GPRS would be displayed :).

  6. Hello Dheeraj,

    This is very informative and useful for anyone who is planning to do Leh-Ladakh trip. Many thanks to DoW…

    We are 5 people planning Leh-Ladakh trip between June17-June30 2017. We are coming on our own, not taking any packages.

    We would like to know the availability of hotels in Leh, Nubra, Pangong and Tso Moriri in that period. Shall we easily get them or it will be too crowdy at that time? What is better approach? – Booking hotels in advance or we go there and choose. Please guide us. Thanks.

    • Thank you Vishnu. It will surely be crowded at that time of the year. If you are a bit choosy on sleeping over at places, I will recommend to book in advance in Nubra and Pangong Tso while Leh you can search on the spot as there are many options. Otherwise, if you are OK to sleep in home stays, then , well even searching 4-5 places upon reaching should be fine.

  7. Hi All,

    I went to Nubra valley in 2016 September. I would like share my experience with one of accommodation Nubra Valley (Hunder).

    Pleasant and friendly home stay with lovely host. Accommodation includes food and stay. He charge us 500 person.

    Padma home stay
    Hunder, Nubra Valley
    Mobile: #9469449199

  8. Hi DHeeraj,

    We are planning a small trip to Leh – Ladakh from 8th – 13th Oct. We will be reaching Leh via flight from Delhi on 8th Oct early morning and have our return flight on 13th morning.

    Can you please suggest a doable itinerary for the planned dates??

    We were hoping to cover few places in Leh including other famous points like Pangong Tso, Nubra valley, Khardungla pass etc ….we are a group of 3 guys and we will be renting bikes in Leh.

    Would really appreciate a reply….Thanks in advance

    Akshay

  9. Hi, We are 7 of us on a trip to Ladakh & our itinerary is as below:-

    Day 01: Srinagar – Sonmarg – Kargil (en route visit Sonamarag, Zogila Pass, Drass , Vijay smarak (Museum of Kargil war))
    Day 02: Kargil – Leh (en route visit Mulbekh, Namikla Pass, Fotula Pass, Lamayuru, Moonland, Confluence of Sindhu/Indus and Zanskar rivers, Magnetic Hills, Pathar Sahib Gurudwara, Hall of Fame)
    Day 03: Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
    Day 04: Hunder – Turtuk
    Day 05: Turtuk – Leh (en route visit Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, Leh Monastery)
    Day 06: Leh – Shey – Thiksey – Pangong Lake via Changla Pass
    Day 07: Pangong Lake – Hemis – Leh
    Day 08: Leh – Keylong / Jispa
    Day 09: Keylong / Jispa – Manali

    Is this itinerary fine?
    Do you suggest one day stay in Hunder & one another day in Turtuk? or stay in Leh on Day 03 & cut down Nubra to one day?
    Which is the best option to stay near the lake in Pangong?

    Pls suggest

    • I will ideally suggest that you either add an extra day OR drop a day from Nubra and rest/acclimatize in Leh before heading to Nubra Valley. There are many options available now in Pangong Tso, you can walkin and choose.

  10. Any idea how is Apple Nubra Camp ?
    Which place is better to stay….Diskit or Hundar.. ? We are there in Nubra valley for one night.

    Nitin M

  11. Nikhil parwal on

    Hi Dheeraj
    Me and my friend is planing Leh for 7nights and 8 days from 18th April to 25th April… What are the places we can cover in this limited time frame and what should be the best itenary!!! Just through your blogs and and other information we have made a rough itenary like
    Day 1 – 18th April – morning landed to Leh and rest for the whole day to accimlaised
    Day 2 – 19th April – heading towards nubra valley and overnight stay
    Day 3 – back to Leh
    Day 4 – Leh local sightseeing
    Day 5 – Leh-pangong-Leh
    Day 6 – rest and local sightseeing
    Day 7 – Leh – Tso moriri- Leh
    Day 8 – fly back to Delhi

    Please give your valuable suggestions, to make our trip most memorable.
    Thanks

    • Nikhil, PLEASe take complete two day rest in Leh. Move Day 6 to Day 2 and then continue the way you have planned. Please keep in mind that April will be quite cold in Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri and very limited options will be open during that time

  12. Plan review for september 1st week.9N
    Day1:- leh airport to leh hotel.
    Day2:- leh to sam valley night stay @leh
    Day3:-leh to nubra night stay @nubra
    Day4:- nubra stay
    Day5:-nubra to pangong night stay @pangong
    Day6:- night stay pangong
    Day7:pangong to tso morir night stay @tso morir
    Day8:- evening trip to tso kar night stay @tso kar
    Day 9:- tso kar ro leh night stay leh.
    Day10:- fly out from leh

    –Please review and let me know if any changes require

  13. connectingsouls on

    hI , I plan to travel solo and might go for a shared taxi. In such a case, where should i stay-Nubra or Deskit. Will the taxi guy entertain request of different tourists wanting to stay at different place.
    Regards
    connectingsouls

    • No they will in general decide a common pickup point based on the number of people of a common place. If more people are planning to stay at Hunder then be it the place else Deskit will be the place

      • connectingsouls on

        Okay, so then I cant prebook any hotel/guest house at any of these places and will have to check with different guest houses only on the day of travel .

        Thanks
        Connectingsouls

  14. Karan Bir on

    Hi Dheeraj

    Thanks for all the replies. It’s great and amazing that you reply to each post. Thanks again for all the useful info. As for my trip, here is a background:

    Day 1 (11 July) : Hit Manali
    Day 2: Manali to Jispa
    Day 3: Jispa To Sarchu
    Day 4: Sarchu to Leh
    Day 5: Rest in Leh
    Day 6: Leh to Pangong
    Day 7: Pangong to Leh
    Day 8: Leh to Nubra
    Day 9: Nubra to Leh
    Day 10 and 11: In Leh, local sightseeing
    Day 12: Flyback to Delhi

    We are two couples and have rented bikes from Manali. Following are few queries haunting my mind:

    1) How is the road condition now (in July) for Manali-Leh highway? Are the roads a lot slippery?
    2) Read about some undertaking needed. Can we obtain this on 11th July (day 1) itself? We have done all bookings and hence it is crucial to leave on Day 2.
    3) I know out trip is relaxed but can you suggest some changes if applicable. Day 10 and 11 that we spend in Leh, how can we utilize them effectively?
    4) How are ‘Camp Whispering waves’ (in Pangong) and ‘Nubra Ethnic Camps’. Tripadvisor shows them as excellent, your feedback will be helpful.
    5) I have been reading around and know of things to carry, etc. but still it will be great to have your comments on schedule/any other thing you’d want to share.

    Thanks in advance

    • Hello Karan,

      1. It is OK to travel, there are some bad patches but more or less fine.
      2. Yes, you need take the undertaking to cross Rohtang Pass. Please read: Rohtang Pass Rules & Restriction of Vehicles – Demystified
      3. It should be possible that you must avoid Sarchu for the night sleep as yoru body will not be acclimatized to sleep at such high altitude. Then do Nubra first and then pangong tso
      4. Never stayed with them so cannot comment.

      Regards
      Dheeraj

  15. Hi,

    We are planing to do a Srinagar-Kargil-Leh-Nubra-Pangong Tso-Tso Moriri-Leh-Kargil-Srinagar
    We bought a tent along with sleeping bags, where are the places where we could camp?
    I heard they wont let us camp in deserted areas cause the army guys wont let us. And i know there are no camping sites till Leh, So where could we fix our tents for the night? Kindly give us some links regarding this info if possible

    • Vaisakh, 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.

  16. Raman Anurag on

    Hi Dheeraj,

    Can you please take a look at the below mentioned itinerary and provide your expert comments.
    Car: Tata safari diesel, Haryana registered

    Day 1 (Aug 10): Delhi to Manali
    Day 2: Manali to Sarchu
    Day 3: Sarchu to Leh
    Day 4: Leh – Nubra Valley
    Day 5: Nubra Valley – Leh
    Day 6: Leh – Pangong Lake
    Day 7: Pangong Lake- Sarchu
    Day 8: Sarchu to Manali
    Day 9: Manali to Delhi

    Question:

    1. Will getting a permit at Manali screw up the trip?
    2. Should we book accommodation at Nubra and pangong in advance?
    3. Any modifications to the plan?

    Thanks
    Raman

    • Hi Raman,

      For permits for Rohtang Pass – Manali route, please refer: Rohtang Pass Rules & Restriction of Vehicles – Demystified

      Regarding the plan, it looks fine BUT please consider stay at Jispa instead of Sarchu while going from Manali to Leh because you will not be acclimatized to sleep at Sarchu and may hit with AMS. You can check on the spot in case you are OK with finding few places for stay and in worst case OK with basic home stays.

      Regards
      Dheeraj

  17. Dear Dheeraj,
    i really appreciate your kind gesture to guide tourists,
    we are 4 guys travelling to Leh on mid of Jully, we are gong to hire taxi from manali to Leh and from Leh to Nubra valley and pangong Lake on Bike, is siachen preferable to go on bike from nubra valley?
    can you please suggest contact for bikes on rent?
    our journey ends at srinagar from Leh to srinagar which is preferable transportation?

  18. Dear Dheeraj,

    Thanks for the useful blog write up and the list of hotels.

    We and my buddy (2 pax) will be travelling from Sri Nagar till Leh -Ladakh from 11th June till 17th June.

    It is his birthday treat and we are looking at spending one night in Nubra Valley on a camp stay and giving him an extraordinary experience. I have read many review and still not sure where will the best camp site to stay.

    I have shortlisted – Chunka Camp, Cold Desset Camp or Chamba Deluxe Camp. Can you please advice which would offer the best camping experience please.

    Furthermore costing wise, I have got a driver for this rates :
    Leh – NubraValley – INR 11177 ( Staying in Nubra)
    Leh – Pangyong Lake – INR 8653 ( Day trip)

    I really appreciate your help in advising us please.

    Thank you.

    • Hi Suresh, For the leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2015 – 16 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here. You can get about 10-12% of discount by directly getting in touch with drivers and of course, talking in person rather on phone always help in bargaining more.

      Check with these drivers too for the rates as Nubra rates seems a bit high and does not have any discount.

      No idea about these camps.

      Regards
      Dheeraj

  19. Hi,
    We are planning to do Leh -> Nubra Valley -> Pangong Lake -> Leh with 1 inova car and 3 bullets. Considering the distance and even carrying 10L petrol tanks per bike, Is this possible to do ? I am little bit worried on this part. Can you please throw some light on this.? Accordingly I have to book my accommodation.

    Thanks in advance.

    • Hi Nitesh,

      Yes, you can do it Nitesh. Wari La route opens around late June but keep in mind that it is very desolated and no one will be there to help in case of any exigency. So, factor this risk out and it should be OK to do.

      Regards
      Dheeraj

  20. Shantanu Kumar on

    Hey Dheeraj

    I am planning a trip to Leh along with 8-9 more friends in the beginning of july this year. I am a bit confused about the accommodation. Most of the itineraries I have seen mention 2 day trips from Leh to Nubra Valley or Pangong Tso with a night stay at these places. Now for this do I’ll have to book for single night accommodations in these places? And what about my hotel in Leh? Say I stay these for 2 nights then skip a night and then for 1 night and then again skip a night? Will I have to book the Leh accommodation for all 6-7 nights straight and pay for the nights I’m not staying there? Or can I book the Leh hotels with skipped nights in between?

    Please advice. Thanks.

    – Shantanu

  21. hello dheeraj..

    i read thru ur blog detailing accomodations available in leh.. thank u so much for the information..we 6 ppl are planin for leh trip this jun.. jun 14 to 28.. do we need to prebook hotels/homestays durin this time.. we dnt have any preferences for stay.. will dere be so much rush durin tis time tat we will end up with out a place to stay.. like at kargil, nubra valley, pangong tso, tso morri and other locations in usual leh itenary..?? can we go for spot bookings..?? pl advice..

    • Harshal, june is peak season time and many places now a days gets booked well in advance. However, if you do not have anything particular hotel in mind and can look for some options of stay here and there (4-5 places) you should be able to get something.

  22. Hello Dheeraj,

    Thanks for ur prompt reply on the previous queries.

    I had read your pointers on Hotels, we are 7 folks (girls+boys) and would be at Leh, Nubra, Pangong Tos & Tso Moriri on June 20th onward. What do you suggest, do we need to book accommodation in adv. I guess for Pangong & Tso Moriri tents are available at the spot. Looking for your expert guidance.

    Thanks

    • Indranil, if you guys are fine with searching here and there may be 3,4 places and do not want any specific hotel for stay, then it is fine to go with on the spot bookings in season time.

  23. Firstly thank you so much for this kickass blog man. Hands down to you!
    I’m a very miser when in cokes hotel stays.
    can you suggest me a 9 day road trip to manali-leh road which should include zanskar, tso pangong(overnight), tso moriri should be a vital spots!
    also suggest where should I stay overnight when I take stops in between.
    your reply would be appreciated

    • Bhuvan, 9 days is too less to make a trip to Ladakh. 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. 1 Day is required in Leh for acclimatization. You have about 10 days. 1 Day can be used as Day trip to Pangong Tso and other day can be used as day trip to Nubra Valley or just Khardung La pass.

      Opt to go via Manali – Leh Highway and 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. You can fit in plan I suggested in above para in this plan

  24. Dr. Sujit Sen on

    Dear Dheeraj,

    We are five (two couple and a 8 years old kid) planning to travel in the month of May (Reaching Leh on 24th May morning and leaving Leh on 1st June morning) with below itinerary:

    Day 1: Arrival at Leh at 8am by flight from Delhi. Rest till lunch. After lunch local sightseeing at Shanti Stupa, Hall of Fame, Leh market, Leh Palace. Overnight at Hotel.
    Day 2 & 3: Sham Valley Tour- Alchi Monastery, Likir Monastery, Gurudwara Parthib Saheb, Moon Landscape, Basgo Palace, Indus and Zanskar Sangam, Magnetic Hill, Phyang etc. Overnight Stay at Uleytopko or Alchi camp or resort. Lamayuru Monastery etc. Suggest a better plan.
    Day 3 & 4: Nubra Valley Tour: Nubra valley via khardongla pass, Hunder and Diskit Village, Sand dunes camel ride, Diskit Monastery, Samstanling Monastery. Panamik, Sumoor. Overnight at camp. Suggest a plan.

    Day 5: Tso moriri Trip from Leh: Enroute Tso Kar. Over night at Tsomoriri resort.
    Day 6: Tsomoriri to Pangong Tso: through Mahe-Chushul-Kakste-Lukung. Over night at camp at pangong.
    Day 7: Pangong to Leh. enroute Hemis, thiksey gompa, Shey Palace.
    Day 8: Departure

    Planning to have a package from here (kolkata). We are traveling from Kolkata-delhi-Leh by flight. Since we have ladies and a kid, I want a comfortable jouney. Should we book a package from here or book hotel/camp from here and travel to those places after reaching Leh and book car/taxi?

    • Hello Dr. Sujit,

      Well your itinerary is fine up to Day 4. But, beyond that you should do it like a day trip to Pangong Tso and then two day trip to Tso Moriri. OR you can just do Sham Valley tour on Day 2, then do 2 day trip to Pangong Tso with spared day and 2 day trip to Tso Moriri.

      Regarding the route you have mentioned from Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri, I will first advice you to read the risks and uncertainties associated with this route in the article: Tips for Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri Direct Route

      Since, it is may, you can directly go there and book stay as well as taxi. However, it might be the case that you have to search a bit.

      • Dear Dheeraj,
        Thanks for your valuable guidance. Being a nature lover and interested in scenic beauties and wildlife, I have a few more queries-
        1. Beyond alchi in Leh-Kargil Highway, what to see beyond alchi say in Uleytopko and Lamayuru other than Lamayuru Monastery? and if we go upto Lamayuru, can we return to Leh in a single day?

        2. If we plan for a two day trip to Pangong Tso, what would be the itinerary? What are the places to see? Please suggest.

        3. Most travel agents say Tso moriri trip is expensive. Is it so?

        4. For a two day Nubra Valley tour, what else can we see?

        In the itinerary, on end of May, will we be able to see ice? ice covered mountains close by? or a place covered with ice? I like places covered with ice.

        • Hi Sujit,

          1. It all is for the natural beauty on that highway. There comes moonland, Rizong Monastery too on this route. You can do a single day trip, just start early in the day.
          2. Day 1 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake
          — Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on the go towards Pangong Tso
          — Overnight at Pangong Tso (Spangmik or Lukung)

          Day 2 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
          — Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on return to Leh
          — Overnight at Leh

          3. In comparison to Nubra and Pangong tso, yes a bit expensive as distance is more and hence, charges of taxi are higher

          4. Day 1 | 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 2 | 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

          On the way to Pangong Tso and Nubra Valley, you will find plenty of snow 🙂

          Regards
          Dheeraj

  25. Hi Guys!
    We are planning to travel in the month of April (first week) with below itinerary:
    Day 1: delhi – leh / fullday at rest
    Day 2: leh : city tour of shanti stupa, leh palace, samkar monastery,
    Day 3: Leh excursion to sangam of indus & zanskar river, magnetic hill, Military Hall of fame, spituk monastery
    Day 4: Leh – Nubra valley via khardongla pass, visit diskit monastery, 110ft statue of Maitreya Buddha, sand dunes
    Day 5: Nubra – Leh
    Day 6: Leh : day trip to pangong lake
    Day 7: Leh : local family visit for tea, stok palace, thiksey monastery, Hemis monastery
    Day 8: Leh – delhi
    Any recommendation will be of great help!
    Also we are a bit hesitant about freezing weather, any recommendation?

    • Tarun, your plan seems relaxed and well paced. First two days are curcial, so keep them as below and rest remains good to go

      Day 1 | Delhi – Leh (By Flight)
      — Checkin at Hotel. Many hotels provide free pick and drop from Airport. Ask while you book them.
      — Take ample of rest as well as water or anything that keep your body hydrated enough. DO NOT OVER HYDRATE. Take ORS Soluted water or ORS – L tetra packs from home.
      — Do not over exert your body at any cost. Avoid too much up-down on stairs or avoid it in entirety, if possible.
      — After 5-6 Hrs of rest you can visit Leh Palace, Local Leh market, Shankar Gompa .
      — If you feel exerted go back to Hotel, have dinner at Hotel and take rest. Avoid any exertion. Else continue and,
      — Follow the sunset by stroll at Changspa road and have a nice dinner on varied cuisines offered in-around Changspa road.
      — Go back to hotel for overnight stay at Leh.
       
      Day 2 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Acclimatization
      — Hire a taxi from Leh taxi stand or Hotel whichever suits you.
      — Bargain with taxi driver and you can refer the thread for a comprehensive list of drivers: List of Taxi Drivers for Ladakh – Srinagar – Leh – Manali
      — Take his inputs if you feel reasonable and if required modify the plan accordingly but should suits you best.
      — Ask him to be with you guys starting first day itself, if required and charged reasonable else do it at your own.
      — Again DO NOT over exert and take little steps and slow walks only.
      — If feeling OK then do Local sightseeing. To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
      — Do not use stairs at any of these places just to see them as it will exert your body much more.
      — Overnight at Leh

      • hey Dheeraj,
        Many thanks for your message and recommendations, we will certainly keep them in our view. Any idea about the wether during first week of April? I am following accuwether and it says partly cloudy and a bit of snow too? Has anyone seen Leh or sourrounding during this season? I’m sure visiting Leh during such season will have its own charm 🙂

        • Tarun, Weather starts to get a bit warm in April, lakes starts to melt too though it may not be completely melted by the time. It can snow too if weather turns bad one a day in April. All the routes will be open and you can easily do a day trip to Khardung La in April. You can read my travel tale from April starting from the article: My Never Ending Journey | Ladakh 2012

          It indeed is quite a different experience of Ladakh during this time of the year.

  26. anil mantry on

    dear Dheeraj
    Hi,
    was reading ur comments .
    I am not very techie.It was quite incidental that we have a plan to visit Leh 1st to 7th oct 14 n for this i was searching the net for information n came across DoW.pl clear some doubts
    1.Any effect of flood in Leh
    2.camping in Nubra in oct 3rd ok
    3.pl suggest some good hotel in nubra
    regards n thanks

  27. SUDHAKAR MVN on

    Dear Dheeraj,
    We are 9 of us planning a trip to Leh from 27th Sep to 5th Oct 2014 on moderate budget. Need your expert advice on this plan.
    Following is our plan. 27th – 7 of the 9 reach Leh ; Plan for permits & Visit Shanti Stupa / Bazaar
    28th – Other 2 reach Leh, Rest & Go round in Leh
    29th – Go towards Pangong lake (Stay)
    30th – Return to Leh
    1st– Leh to Nubra (Stay)
    2nd –-Nubra Valley to Leh
    3rd – Leh to Kargil (Suggest what to see enroute)
    4th – Kargil-Sonemarg-Srinagar Dal Lake
    5th – Srinagar –Shalimar/Nishath – Back to Hyderabad.

    Should we book hotels in advance?If yes, pl advice some.

    Should we engage a tour operator? If yes, pl advice some.

    • SUDHAKAR, it will be quite an tragic plan if you follow and may end up some of you in hospital. First of all you need to make a compromise out of two below

      1. You 7 stay one more day in Leh with 2 who joins late on 28
      2. You 7 take the risk of health of your friends and take them with you on 29th with you for further travel.

      Based on your choice, I will suggest you the plan but I will never opt for Option 2 here, personally as that risk could be life threatening too due to AMS.

    • Sameer Phatak on

      Hey Sudhakar,

      I agree with Dheeraj. Please keep in mind that Leh is at about 11,500 ft and at that altitude, the air is very thin. Hence, please get a rest of atleast a day before you venture into sight-seeing.

      Also, my advice would be to do local sight-seeing on day 2. You can schedule Pangong on the 3rd day.

      Feel free to catch us for any questions.

    • Sameer Phatak on

      Hey Sudhakar,

      I agree with Dheeraj. Please keep in mind that Leh is at about 11,500 ft and at that altitude, the air is very thin. Hence, please get a rest of atleast a day before you venture into sight-seeing.

      Also, my advice would be to do local sight-seeing on day 2. You can schedule Pangong on the 3rd day.

      Even i landed in Leh in July and was able to enjoy the place because i took complete rest on day 1 and and kept my sightseeing to minimum on the second day. IMO, please follow Dheeraj’s advice (it helped me a lot in my trip)

      Feel free to catch us for any questions.

  28. Hi Dheeraj,
    Thanks for all the help you are providing to Leh tourists.
    We are two couples travelling to Leh for 6 days from 11th Sep to 16th Sept which also includes a half marathon race on 14th sept. I am planning my trip like this, your valuable suggestions are needed for guiding me in this journey:

    11th Sept: Reach at Leh via flight, accimatize and rest for the whole day
    12th Sept: Ride on bikes to Pangong Tso, Overnight Stay
    13th Sept: Ride back to Leh and local sightseeing.
    14th Sept: Half Marathon Race at Leh from 6.00 AM to 10.00 AM, after that ride to Nubra Valley via Khardung La in the afternoon. Overnight stay.
    15th Sept: Cover local attractions of nubra valley like panamic valley, hunder etc. Ride back to Leh, stay at Leh
    16th Sept: Fly back home in the morning.

    Please also suggest whether it is a good time of the year for night stay at nubra and Pangong Tso???

    • Hello Ashish,

      It is a kind of invitation to hit AMS… Better plan would be like below:

      11th Sept: Reach at Leh via flight, acclimatize and rest for the whole day
      12th Sept: acclimatize and do some light local sightseeing as Shanti Stupa and hall of Fame.
      13th Sept: Ride to Khardung La and Back the same day
      14th Sept: Half Marathon Race at Leh from 6.00 AM to 10.00 AM. In case you are feeling well after couple of hours of rest due to fatigue in Half Marathon, do Sham Valley bike trip covering Alchi and Likir.
      15th Sept: Day trip to Pangong Tso in case you are feeling well.
      16th Sept: Fly back home in the morning.

  29. Sameer Phatak on

    Hey Guys,

    During my recent visit to Nubra, i stayed at the Organic Tents (nubraorganicretreat.com/index.php).

    The place was really very good and the hotel management was very helpful. To top this off, there are tons (and i literally mean tons) of apricots up for grabs for us. A badminton court and a machan are all that you require for a beautiful gateway.

    They also provide wifi with a good speed (although i’d advise to stay away from it since Nubra as a place can be enjoyed onlyafter you disconnect yourself from the daily chores.)

    Please feel free to catch me in case you need any more info.

    Thanks,

    Sameer

  30. Pramod Dixit on

    Hello Dheeraj,

    I thank a lot for my entire trip beeing successful (shall write up in a suitable page with more details).

    Here, regarding the Accommodation options in Diskit, Nubra Valley, Ladakh, we stayed in Siachen guest house, next to sten del, and the owner – norphel is running from his own house, is very clean, good and the hospitaity was simply good.

    Actually, we were 8 of us who were stuck in khadung village as one of our bike (apr 2014 model with 7000km on the Odo) did not star at all (hired from soma adventures). Then Norphel was travelling from leh to diskit found us to be in problem and offered a drop – which we accepted since we neeeded it badly. On the way, he explained us about him and offered us 4 rooms at 2000 (500 / 2 bed room) which otherwise stated from 800 / room. He got to know that we starved from noon (khardung la) and were tired toeing the bike, he called up his guesthouse and got the food prepared at about 11PM so that our dinner would be ready by the time we reach there.

    Though the food is little on the expensive side, (500/- for a breakfast, lunch and dinner), it is fine considering the difficulty in procurement, unlimited quantity, quality and just 4 months of business / year)

    |The rooms, toilets, kitchen were clean and hospitality was great.

    We (I on behalf of 8 of us) highly recommend this place to any tourist visiting Diskit.

  31. Hi Dheeraj,
    We are 7 of us visitng leh in August 2014. I wanted to know on August 15th ( Independence day special ), monasteries will be open or not? Which is a good idea? Is leh sightseeing or visiting Pangong?

    • Meghana, Monasteries should be open as I do not see a reason for temples or monasteries to close. Though I am just guessing and may be wrong too. Leh Sightseeing with a visit to Hall of Fame may be where there could be some ceremony too, should be a good idea.

      • Thank you so much Dheeraj. And also one more doubt? Is it possible to go directly to Nubra from Pangong or viceversa without coming back to leh?

        • Regarding Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso route, in order to take Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso via Shyok village, you need not need any permits. However, with such a small distance it appears tempting to be done BUT just to analyze the difficulty I will strongly suggest that you read:Trip Report | Nubra – Shyok Village – Pangong Tso Route. The report is from last June & in July/August, most likely the route is washed away. So better confirm first, analyze the high risk involved and then only attempt it or better avoid it unless very much sure.

          Next possible way is to attempt Wari La route, which is also a bit desolated but doable enough. If your driver agrees to travel on this route then take the Wari La route to Pangong Tso. Remember that any help required on both these routes will be HARD to find in miles of distance. If you have couple of vehicles then only take this route otherwise best is to avoid it.

    • hi deeraj,

      we are a group of 4 on 3 bikes (bullets) , planing to do the route anticlockwise starting at manali and ending in jammu in aug 15 to 29.

      i would like to know if nubra valley to pangong tso doable directly ? if fuel reserves are taken care of ?

      stay in nubra and pangong , is prebooking required during this period ?

      general update on the road conditions around this time ?

      your site has been very helpful , only place i was able to find information abt stay in nubra and pangong … great work … 🙂

      • Vijey, there is no fuel pump on direct route of Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso via Wari La. It is a desolated route and any help required will be miles away. So, take that route with calculated risk. If you OK with searching a bit here and then, then no prebooking is required. Roads are bad especially in lower hills where it is not a rain shadow region due to monsoons or aftermath of monsoon.

        Thanks for the good words.

        • Thanks a lot for the reply Deeraj , guess I would not pre book then.

          I’ll take your advice on the Nubra pangong road , but just that I’ve seen some pictures and that route looks so beautiful.

  32. Hi Dheeraj,
    I will be visiting leh in last week of July. We are planning to stay in Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso in tents. Do I need to pre-book tents in there or that can be done when we reach there? If we book tents when we reach there, then what will be cost of it for moderate stay in tents?

      • bhavesh sharma on

        hi dheeraj
        ur website has been very helpful in planning my trip. have a few queries though ..
        we (2 couples)are landing in srinagar on 6th august 1400hrs ….

        should we move straight to sonamarg or kargil from the airport en route to leh???

        we dont want to miss out on the treats on the way to kargil coz it will be night by the time we reach kargil ….

        we have decided not to stay in srinagar to save a day …

        also please advice on the mode of transport we should use for this up to leh …

        can we take a cab to sonamarg/kargil on 6th and then arrange for leh travel the next day

        after reaching sonamarg / kargil …. is it possible to arrange ??

        we would like to limit our costs as much as possible but not at the expense of missing out on the road journey … i suppose it is not possible to halt in between using public transport/ sharing jeep .

        please advice we are really confused on how to go about things after landing at srinagar airport.

        thanks.

        • You can at max. reach Sonamarg on this day. So, you can either rest in Srinagar or move to Sonamarg. You cannot save a day anyhow. Srinagar to Leh will take 2 days in any case. If you want to drive right from Sonamarg to Leh, acclimatization will be an issue.

          From sonamarg, it will be difficult to get, but from Kargil you will get shared cab and so from Srinagar.

          Shared Jeeps do not stop anywhere for sightseeing. So, better you look out for travel partners and go with private cab.

  33. navin reddi on

    hi dheeraj,planning to b in leh from april 27th to may 1st 2015…just wanted to know if the pangong lake would b open for tourist by then…thanx

    • Navin, all the routes within Ladakh remain open all round the year barring few days of heavy snowfall on high mountain passes connecting these places to Leh. So, Pangong Tso will be accessible in April and May too.

  34. Anchal Jain on

    Regarding Stay in Nubra- Would you recommend stay at a camp location or a hotel? We have been suggested Karma Inn in Hunder. Any inputs?

    • Anchal I have no idea about that hotel. I will suggest Sten Del if you looking out for better comfort else any guest house in Hunder will be be OK to sleep for the night in Hunder at ease.

      • Anchal Jain on

        Thanks Dheeraj.. I am planning to do a solo trip to Leh, 12-20 July. Do you recommend advanced booking of accomodation?

        • Anchal, though the Kalachakra festival will end by that time or on the verge of end but still I believe there will be some residual crowd that will remain there. So, it is better to book in advance during this period of Kalachakra this year.

  35. Abhijit Seal on

    Hi Dheeraj
    It’s awesome to read your blogs given here and lots to learn too.
    Actually planning for a seven day trip for Ladakh in the first week OR precisely 9th – 16th Oct’14.
    Looking forward for valuable suggestions for the road conditions for Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake.
    Also please mention why not to avail the Leh-Manali Route at this time. I would be highly obliged if you please let me know for any special precautions that got to be taken at this time over there, as there would be my family with me, having teenagers and old ones too. Please revert.
    Regards
    Abhijit – Kolkata

  36. Hi Dheeraj

    I have been to leh and back on 30 th April. Was a lovely experience. Thanks to your blog. It was very very helpful. Indeed you are doing a commendable job. after Reading your blog I was so very much knowing what to expect there. Rather from the information I had because of your blog the locals thought I must have visited Leh before (even though it was our maiden visit). all thanks to you. Indeed the info has been very helpful. Thanks once again

    • Wow !! Thank you so much and so good to know that information present on DoW was so helpful to your Ladakh trip. Great to know that you had a very ood time up there. If possible, do share some travel tale or photo tale with us in DwD Community 🙂

  37. Hi Dheeraj,
    Heard Srinagar-Leh road is open for traffic. Do you have any news confirming the same

    • No confirmation yet from my sources, will check with them in the evening. Last news was, Zojila Pass has been cleared of snow but BRO is waiting for conditions to stabilize as there are daily 10-12 avalanches / snow slides happening between baltal and Zojila pass. So, they do not want to risk the lives of people. It is expected to open between 10-15 May.

  38. Hey Dheeraj,

    A quick question. is Paragliding possible in Ladakh, we are travelling on 1st of May 2014.

    If yes, if you can help us with details of provider contacts ??

    • Paragliding does not happen in Ladakh. You can do in Solang Valley but you will not be traveling by road, so won’t be coming to Solang Valley.

  39. Hi Dheeraj,

    We are a group of 9 friends and will be travelling to Ladakh in the first week of September. We wanted to experience the traditional Ladakhi life and wanted to stay in a homestay. Would you be able to give some info on traditional homestays in the Nubra valley (Diskit/ Hunder) and how we can book it?

    Many Thanks,
    Shreyaa

    • Shreyaa, I do not think you will be able to book any home stay. Most of the small guest houses almost run as home stays especially in Turutk or Hunder. Even at Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri you will find home stays. You can check Yourdum Guest House in Hunder

  40. Hi Dheeraj,
    Me and my husband are planning for a visit to Ladak on July this year. We will reach Srinagar and then we are planning to go by road. We are not planning to drive on our own, so what all options are left for us. After reading your blog i found that personal cab hiring is just tooo expensive.
    We have a weeks time in hand. Can you please suggest the places we can visit on our way to Ladak and in Leh (apart from the sight seen) which all places to visit.
    Thanks in advance.

  41. Dear Mr. Dheeraj,

    We have booked tickets on 27th April Delhi to Srinagar by Air.27th local sight seen at Srinagar, 28th Gulmarg, 29th Pahelgaon. 30th Morning we leave from Sri Nagar via Kargil to Leh. Night stay at kargil and next day 1st reach leh. 5th May early morning flight Leh to Delhi. Please suggest entire itinerary and recommend where to stay. how to travel sri Nagar to leh (we take 7 seater innova as we are 7 family members no kids. please

    • Prasant, there is 50:50 chance that if the Srinagar – Leh Highway will be open during that time or not. Be prepared with Plan B in such a vase for sure. You can check the accommodations listed in the article above to various places in Ladakh according to your budget. You have just 3 days in Leh, not really sure if it is worth the trip, but still you can rest for one day to acclimatize and arrange permits for you. Second day visit Khardung La and near by local places. Finally day make a trip to Pangong Tso, most likely will be frozen to some extent and fly out next day from Leh.

  42. Thanks Dheeraj for the blog and all the detailed comments – very very helpful.
    My husband, myself and son (10 years) old are planning a trip around mid June to Kashmir & leh. Reach srinagar and leave for gulmarg. will stay 2 nights at Gulmarg. From Gulmarg to Pahalgam and will be 2 nights at Pahalgam. from Pahalgam to Sonmarg and will spend 1 night in Sonmarg. From Sonmarg we go to Kargil where we are staying the night at D’zojila. From Kargil to Leh. Please suggest a good hotel at Leh. i have been recommended Hotel Grand Dragon. From Leh to khardungla – Nubra valley. We are staying that night at Nubra valley. Please suggest stay options. From Nubra valley, should we leave for Pangong lake? what is your suggestion? Stay the night at Pangong Tso? I have 2 more night after that and would like to stay in Leh for those 2 nights and be relaxed.
    Please let me know your suggestions to the above itinerary.
    I have booked a car driver for kshmir but please let me know your thoughts for Leh.
    Appreciate your help. Thanks much.
    Thanks for your help.

    • Hi Pinali,

      Your itinerary seems fine to me, you can also cover Tso Moriri lake in the last two days of the Leh, which is quite beautiful indeed. Regarding stays, I am not sure about your budget but Grand Dragon is kind of costliet hotel of Leh? Are you into luxury hotels? If yes, probably guys at info@offbeatescapes.com can help you with it otherwise I can suggest some moderate budget hotels like Royal Heritage Resort in Leh, Nubra Valley you already have one above, the entire list. For Pangong I can vouch for Camp Watermark, Himalayan Wooden Cottages as I have stayed with them. For Tso Moriri there aren’t much options, so Tsomoriri Resorts and Camps is good one, owned by same guy as Camp Watermark.

      Regarding taxi, you will need to get a leh registered taxi for ladakh sightseeing as outside taxis are not allowed to move inside ladakh.

      Regards
      Dheeraj

  43. Hi Dheeraj

    Can you please give me stay details at Kargil, Srinagar and Jammu
    and few stay details at market street, leh.

    • Sumanth, in Kargil you can check out Greenland, PC Palace. In Srinagar, you can check with houseboats at dal lake, Hotel York. In Jammu, sorry never stayed there.

  44. hello mr dheeraj your information is very helpful and you are doing a great job. we are planning a trip to leh in the month of may from 18th to 25th. weare reaching Srinagar on 18th and planning toleave on 19th morning and reach leh by road with a halt in kargil.we are leaving to delhi from leh by flight on 25th.we are left with some 4days for sight seeing in leh. is this enough? can u suggest us a itenary with suggesting some good accommodation places?thanks in advance.

    • Ramesh, 4 days are a bit less for Leh but you can try something like this below:

      Day 1 | Rest in Leh, acclimatize and take permits
      Day 2 | Start for Nubra Valley tour, cover Khardung La, Diskit, Hunder
      Day 3 | Come back from Nubra Valley
      Day 4 | After checking the weather conditions make a day trip to Pangong Tso and come back. Please note that in case the pass gets closed due to snowfall then you do not have buffer for you to catch the flight next day.

      Regards
      dheeraj

  45. Chandrashekhar on

    Hi Dheeraj,

    I am planning to travel to Leh with following itinerary
    29th Sept 13 – Arrival in Sringar and stay in Houseboat for 1 night

    30th Sept 13 – Transfer to Kargil and overnight stay in Hotel Zojila

    1st Oct – Transfer to Leh and overnight stay at Hotel Omasila.

    2nd Oct – Leave early morning for Pangong and return in the evening

    3rd Oct – Visit to Nubra valley. Do you know any camp which shoud be operational at this time or if you can suggest any good hotel for a family

    4th Oct – Return to Leh and overnight stay at Hotel

    5th Oct – Leave for Tso Moriri and stay in Camp. Can you please suggest a camp for stay or any other suitable place for stay for a family

    6th Oct – Leave for Jispa and stay in Padma Guest House

    7th Oct – Travel to Manali and stay overnight at hotel

    8th Oct – Leave for Chandigarh and stay overnight at hotel

    9th Oct – Leave by train for Pune

    Please suggest if i should make any modifications to the itinerary and also suggets me places for stay and Nubra Valley and Tso Moriri.

    Also is it possible to cover Tso Kar enroute on this journey?

    Thnx
    Chandrashekhar

      • Chandrashekhar on

        Hi Dheeraj,

        Unfortunately i have not other dates than the ones mentioned above for my travel. Could you please help me out with the best possible way to manage this vacation?? Your expertise should really help me.

        Also can you please throw some light on where i can stay around TSO Moriri or is it possible to do a day visit? And how can i visit Tso kar

        • Chandra, it will not be possible to stay at the lakes. All camps go over by that time of the year. Just do a day trip to Pangong Tso and for Tso Moriri, better skip or stay at some home stay. OR you can stay at Chumathang.

    • Pooja Pandya on

      Dear Dheeraj,

      I have checked with Hotel Sten del, unlike the above mentioned price, they are showing 3500 INR for a double bedroom.

      • Hi Pooja,

        The above rates mentioned are for walk-in without any bookings and the one you are seeing on their websites are for pre-booking. Hotels / Guest Houses have different rates for walkins and pre-bookings 🙂

        Regards,
        Dheeraj Sharma

    • hi chandrashekar
      wanted to know how was your trip to leh. i am also plannig the same iternery as yours. kindly give suggestion an dadvise

  46. Soham Banerjee on

    The food in the Snow Leopard guest house in Hunder was tasteless though the rooms and the bathrooms were comfy and spacious.

  47. Hi Dheeraj,

    Any clue about camping at Hunder.

    Great job with the blog. Very very informative.

  48. Hi Dheeraj,

    We are planning a trip to Leh in second week of August. I called Sten-Del and they are quoting 3800/night for MAP. I am not reach Snow Leopard Guest house, will try more. Any review for Double Humped Camps in Hunder (for family)?

    Regards,
    Krish

    • Krish, get in touch with info@offbeatescapes.com … they have StenDel listed for DoW Special Discounts for its readers, refer the blog name and they would be happy to give you 10-12% easily and for pangong tso and tso moriri about 15%. I have no idea about double humped camps.

  49. new_traveller on

    Dheeraj,
    I tried to search but was unable to find the contact details for Nubra Organic retreat in Hundur. Any chance you have the contact numbers? The numbers on their website seem to be incorrect.

  50. no questions remaining,just going through your block solved them all.
    thank You for such deep entails

  51. Hi Dheeraj,
    First things first, many many congratulations for your blog. It’s really really helpful. Also the effort you have taken to reply back to each and every person is commendable. We are 6 friends travelling to Srinagar & leh from 12th to 21st July. After doing a lot of research and contemplating on our personal preferences, we have narrowed down on the below itinerary. If you could please go through it and inform us the corrections that needed to be considered, we would be grateful.
    12th – Reach Srinagar. Local sightseeing in Srinagar (shikara ride in Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens, Tulip Gardens, Nishat bagh). Overnight in Houseboat.
    13th – Srinagar – Sonmarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil 205 Kms In Kargil, overnight stay at Hotel.
    14th: Kargil – Uleytokpo – Leh: Leave early in the morning and get ready for full day drive to Leh. At lunchtime, we will be at Lamayuru Monastery. Visit Gurudwara Pathar Sahib. Continue drive to next village Nimu, where we can view Zanskar River flowing into Indus. We also visit the sangam point between the zanskar and Indus River. Here we will be doing rafting at zanskar. Overnight stay at Leh.
    15th: Local Sightseeing in leh & Permits: Namgyal Gompa, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Shankar Gompa, Main Market, Hall of Fame, Spituk Gompa, Changspa Road Stroll in evening.
    16th: Leh to Nubra Valley(Diskit – Hunder) via Khardongla Pass – Leh 85 Kms We head to Nubra Valley via the Khardongla pass, We intend to visit Hundar in Nubra valley for double hump camel’s ride.
    17th: Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake via Wari La or Shyok route: Camping overnight at Pangong Lake.
    18th: Pangong Lake to Leh: Reach Leh after covering Hemis / Thicksey or Shey Monastery. Evening visit to Sham Valley include Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills. Overnight at hotel in Leh.
    19th: Leh – Tsomoriri: Head towards Tsomoriri via Chumathang.
    20th: Tsomoriri – Leh: Reach Leh. In the evening roam around local markets in Leh.
    21st: Fly back to Mumbai

    We are in all 4 guys & 2 girls. We plan to hire bikes to travel in Leh. We have 3 riders amongst us. We do not intend to pre book the hotel for Leh but just shortlist names and crack a deal when we reach there directly. I don’t think there should be a problem of availability.
    1) Could you suggest some places for renting bikes & what the approx per day charges are for the same?
    2) Could you guide us that about the timings for river rafting in Zanskar. Any contact of the agency that looks after the rafting bookings for that site which could help us to pre book to avoid waiting there.
    3) Could you suggest places where we could stay at Diskit? How far is Diskit from Hundar & are the camel rides on dunes done only in Hundar?
    4) Is travelling from Nubra to Pangong possible. What is the total distance & how much fuel will be needed in all from Leh-Nubra-Pangong.
    5) Which is better to visit between Hemis / Thicksey & Shey Monastery?
    6) Could you mail me the road map & route to be followed from Leh – Nubra – Pangong – Leh – Tsomoriri – Leh along with the points at which we could refuel our bikes?
    7) If we don’t pre-book our tents at Pangong (Watermark), Nubra (Guesthouse) & Tsomoriri (Tsomoriri Resort), will we easily get availability for 3 tents/rooms there?
    8) Could you send me the points to keep in mind & things to carry while exploring Leh by self ride bikes.

    Please send me your contact no for further queries.

    • Hi Vidhi,

      Thanks alot. Please find the answers to the queries below:

      1) Yes, you can rent bikes in Leh and Fort Road in Leh is full of such shops that rent bikes. Depending upon the condition, model, make and tourist rush you can get bikes starting from Rs 600 to Rs 1200. 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.

      2) Sorry on this front.

      3) Hunder – Deskit is just 8 KMs separated. StenDel is the best place to stay at Deskit. Read my review in Hotel Reviews.

      4) Through Shyok Village, might not be possible but yeah through Wari La might be possible if you are game for the adventure and a bit risk to traverse the desolated path. Will easily take 10+ Hrs through Wari La route.

      5) Hemis is something I really liked personally.

      6) Will do so, only place you will get the fuel is Karu 36 KMs from Leh and in Leh only.

      7) If you want to stay at these camps then better book them else if any other camp will do, then surely you might get some or the other camp. Depends if you OK to search a bit with other camps.

      8) 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. Also, I will strongly suggest that you go through and read my series on Ladakh Self Drive tips at the links below:

      7 Useful Tips for a Self Drive to Leh – Ladakh, Routes and Road Conditions In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips, Fuel Availability In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips

      Regards
      Dheeraj Sharma

  52. Jatin Singh on

    Hi Dheeraj,
    I am planning for a trip to leh from Delhi on bike with my 4 friends in June 1st week…we would be coming through the srinagar route & returning via the manali route…just like to have the basic info & things to be taken with us…

      • Hi Dheeraj,

        Just came down from Leh on 12th and trust me your blog helped me like my personal navigator.

        Everything mentioned in your blog was there in person.

        We enjoyed a lot and specifically LAMAYURU restaurent was awesome, much better than Gesmo.

        theres one new MASKA CHASKA DOSA CENTRE, all sud try that.

        have more than 1200 pictures but how to upload in your site ???

        It was a very close introoduction to MOTHER NATURE, cannot express in words as that would be insult.

        Leh Ladakh is the only Paradise in India atleast. and definately not Kashmir as being propagated.

        Raj

  53. Sanket Manerikar on

    Hi Dheeraj,

    we are visiting leh between 5-13 june 13′.so we are in leh for 8 nights.could you suugest some good hotels in leh,tents in nubra,pangong,tso moriri.we are 3 people and would travel by taxi.
    I had selected nature residency (choglamsar) and camps of ladakh in nubra.

    • Sanket, camps of Ladakh have issues with over bookings as I have read it. You can refer the articles linked in the above article for accommodation in rest parts of Ladakh.

  54. Gautam Mitra on

    I, along with my family and my friend’s family, total 5 adults and 2 child wish to visit Leh in the Month of October. we are arriving in Leh on 7th. oct. 2013. From there we want to cover Nubra valley, Pangong lake and then through Rohtang Pass to Manali. Within 12th. Oct. we want to arrive at Manali. Can anybody give us a proper itinerary with approximate cost of budget hotels which will be available in that particular time in AP mode with a all time vehicle for all the time.

    • Gautam,

      You have very less time to explore Ladakh brother and that too in the month of October when season is almost over and there are very less tourists and most of the hotels and camps are closed. Well, you can follow something like:

      Day 1 | Reach Leh and take ample of rest at hotel for acclimatization
      Day 2 | Leh Local Sightseeing and permits for inner line
      Day 3 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Leh (long day)
      Day 4 | Leh – Pangong Tso – Leh (long day)
      Day 5 | Leh – Jispa/Keylong (very long day)
      Day 6 | Jispa/Keylong – Manali

      Cost of the taxi for above tour will be about 35-38K and hotels it depends upon your budget which you would be going with. But, consider something 800-1200 per day per person for food and accommodation in moderate budget hotel.

      Regards
      Dheeraj Sharma

      Regards
      Dheeraj Sharma

      • Gautam Mitra on

        Dheeraj,
        Thanks.Please help me by giving some hotels phone numbers in Leh,Diskit,Jispa and Manali.

  55. Hi Dheeraj,

    can u guide us on TENTED accomodation at Nubra, Pangong and Tso Moriri, I tried online but the rates are mind blasting.

    • For tented accommodation at Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri check the links above at the start of article for respective places and try contacting them. They will surely quote them on higher side and it is always best to land up there and bargain. The more daylight you have in the day, the better deal you get.

      Regards
      Dheeraj Sharma

  56. Dear Dhiraj
    We r planning a trip to leh n ladakh around 10 Nov for 10 days. It’s four of us me n my husband n my two kids aged 14&10. Can u just suggest us a good place where it is comfortable with a family to stay n the price range also.
    Regards
    Sakina

    • Hello Sakina,

      In Leh, my favs places to stay for a family is Hotel Shaynam, Hotel Sia La, Kidar Guest House, Oriental in the same order. For Nubra Valley, you can go with Sten Del or Snow Leopard if they are not closed else go with Olthang which most likely to be open that time.

      Regards
      Dheeraj Sharma

  57. Nishant Jha on

    Would any stay option available on 31-Oct-12 in Hunder/Diskit?

    Are places to stay open there during that time of the year?

    Please let me know.

    Regards,
    Nishant

    • Hi Nishant,

      Glad to see you here buddy!! I think yes, you will be able to get some decent accommodation at Nubra Valley at that time. Most probably Hotel Sten Del shall be open and so as Olthang at Deskit. Though the food facility might be basic as most cooks who cook North Indian food goes away. However, I guess the cook at Sten Del is local to the region. So, check with them. Snow Leopard someone told me closes down and might be available in Home stay type fashion and so as Goba Guest House. My best would be on Sten Del and Olthang.

      Regards
      Dheeraj

      • Nishant Jha on

        Hey Dheeraj,

        Just called up both Hotel Sten Del & Olthang Guest House and both of them are closed and would not be available when I plan to be in Nubra on 31-0ct…now only Habib Guest House is my last hope…have asked a friend to give it’s number…let’s hope for the best else I would have to drastically change my Itinerary!

        • Nishant bhai then to aal the best for the trip brother but I am sure that you will surely get a place there, may be more or like a homestay at least to stay for the night. Try Goba as well because it is much like a home stay!!

          Regards
          Dheeraj Sharma

        • Hi, I stayed in Goba guest house 2 weeks ago.. awesome place.. can bargain for a good discount also.. Snow leopard was closed.. food in Goba was manageable.. not the best food that i’ve had.. but decent enuf…

        • Thanks alot Niraj for sharing the details. Yeah, I believe that once the cooks are gone to their home the quality of food is not that good and some of the restaurants/guest houses do close down as well mainly due to lack of cooks.

          Regards
          Dheeraj

  58. Varun Bhatia on

    We stayed in Hotel Jamshed in Nubra valley. The hotel is ok with attached toilets. Meals are reasonably priced too. Provides hot water in buckets. Charges only 800/- for a 4 bedded room whereas it charges 700/- for a 2 bedded room. Its contact details are 01980-21158, 221139, 9419179394, 9906983212, azizjamshed@ymail.com.

    Also hotel Olgok has opened up another guest house in its vicinity and it charges modest 450/- rooms on bargaining for that.

  59. Hi Dheeraj

    Just browsed your responses on Hotel Stendel and Snow Leopard. Hotel Stendel is quoting very high (room alone around 2000) as compared to Snow Leopard (room only around 1000-1200). Do you think Stendel is still better bet and worth paying that much extra?

    Your main concern was Dinner at Snow Leopard. What did they serve during Breakfast? Do we have good local restaurants in Hunder so that we can have dinner outside?

    • hi Shalu,

      As suggested in other post, I will say that you go with Snow Leopard. It is not that worth paying 1000 bucks more for Sten Del. I had food issues there because it was off season and may be their cook has not come yet. What I really didn’t like is the quality v/s price thing nothing else but it seems still better than Sten Del in terms of price as well as location. I found hunder to be much more nice and calmer than Deskit.

      I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.

      Regards
      Dheeraj Sharma

  60. Hi Dheeraj,
    This is a wonderful website.. Kudos to you. I am planning a trip to leh from 15th August to 20th August. Can you please suggest an itinerary which sums up the ladakh experience in entirety. I know 5 days is short, but I will want to cover as much as possible.
    Thanks again for all the info on this website.

    • Hi Vivek,

      It seems you are flying in and out of Leh. For 5 days, you can check the below itinerary:

      Day 1 | Delhi – Leh (By Flight)
      — Checkin at Hotel. Many hotels provide free pick and drop from Airport. Ask while you book them.
      — Take ample of rest as well as water or anything that keep your body hydrated enough. DO NOT OVER HYDRATE. Take ORS Soluted water or ORS – L tetra packs from home.
      — Do not over exert your body at any cost. Avoid too much up-down on stairs or avoid it in entirety, if possible.
      — After 5-6 Hrs of rest you can visit Leh Palace, Local Leh market, Shankar Gompa .
      — If you feel exerted go back to Hotel, have dinner at Hotel and take rest. Avoid any exertion. Else continue and,
      — Follow the sunset by stroll at Changspa road and have a nice dinner on varied cuisines offered in-around Changspa road.
      — Go back to hotel for overnight stay at Leh.
       
      Day 2 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Inner Line Permits
      — For more details on inner line permits process for Leh – Ladakh and to download the application form, check the link here
      — Hire a taxi from Leh taxi stand or Hotel whichever suits you.
      — Bargain hard with taxi driver. Book that single taxi for entire trip after explaining the complete plan.
      — Take his inputs if you feel reasonable and if required modify the plan accordingly but should suits you best.
      — Ask him to be with you guys starting first day itself, if required and charged reasonable else do it at your own.
      — Again DO NOT over exert and take little steps and slow walks only.
      — If feeling OK then do Local sightseeing include Namgyal Gompa, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Shankar Gompa, Main Market, Hall of Fame, Spituk Gompa, Changspa Road Stroll in evening
      — Do not use stairs at any of these places just to see them as it will exert your body much more.
      — Overnight at Leh

      Day 3 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
      — Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
      — On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
      — Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari

      Day 4 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
      — Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
      — Overnight at Leh

      Day 5 | Leh – Pangong Tso – Leh
      — 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 | Fly back home

      I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.

      Regards
      Dheeraj Sharma

  61. Dheeraj,

    For our night stay at Diskit/Hunder, we inquired at Snow leopard, Sten Del. Both are running full on that day.

    As a second option, I called up Olthang. He is quoting 2k for a double bed room (in MAP plan). Looking at this blog and a few BCMT blogs, I felt it was too much as we need 4 double bed rooms.

    Do you think we should book Olthang for 2k as we may not get 4 rooms after going there? Or, should we just go there and book it on the spot after some hard bargain? Do you think there would be rooms around Aug 15th? Is that some peak seaon?

    • Hello Satya,

      Do not book in that case and try to search a decent accommodation then and there itself. 2K is too costly for a hotel/guest house like Olthang and it is right on road too. Try to search a bit in Hunder Village, try Goba Guest House and few others. Most of them are pretty similar, it is just that if in need they will provide the hot water in buckets.

      Regards
      Dheeraj Sharma

  62. A few more advice needed.. do you have experience of staying at the guest house at the pangong tso, and in route to kargil..
    is there the option of renting a bike and doing the trip uphill? from whom? which rates?
    do permit for foreigners need to specify every town visited?
    THANKS A TON and A SAC!

    • Hello Luisa,

      1. For staying at some homestay Pangong Tso- Spangmik, you might want to check:Good Hotels or Accommodation options near Pangong Tso – Ladakh. I have never stayed on Kargil – Leh Highway, so sorry on that front.

      2. Yes, you can rent bikes in Leh and Fort Road in Leh is full of such shops that rent bikes. Depending upon the condition, model, make and tourist rush you can get bikes starting from Rs 600 to Rs 1200. 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.

      3. No, no need to specify all the villages. Just mention the major destinations you want to visit. It should be Tso Moriri, Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso, I believe.

      I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.

      Regards
      Dheeraj Sharma

  63. Hi Dheeraj,

    I am going in the first week of October. When i called "Snow Leopard Guest House", they say that they are closed in Oct. Any other hotel suggestions in Hunder?

    Thanks,

    Niraj

      • Hi Dheeraj,

        Yes, it was indeed strange. I guess Sten Del is also closing this October for some renovation work. That leaves Olthang (which is open in October) and the owner of Olthang agreed to give me discounts as well… Thanks bro for the info.. 🙂

      • Dheeraj,

        I read some where that a minimum of 4 people group only will be allowed to enter Nubra and that even if we have a permit, 2 ppl will NOT be allowed to enter. Is that true?

        Thanks,

        Niraj

        • Hi Niraj,

          It is not at all true. You got the wrong information. Even one person can travel if he has the permits. Also, it is the permits that is issued for foreigners requires you to be in group and that too through a travel agent. For Indians, even a single person can get the permit.

          Regards
          Dheeraj Sharma

    • hi dheeraj for tourist. sumur and Kyagar is by far the nicest place to stay in Nubra Valley. Much better then the overcrowded, tourist side of the valley at Diskit and Hunder.

      • Juley Stanzin,

        Yes, very true but since those towns are more touristy prone so more options are available and of course those who do not like tourist rush, Sumur and Kyagar, even Tigir are nice options of stay. I would surely love again this time to stay with you when I come next year. I checked it from outside this April'2012 when I was in Ladakh, and looked promising 🙂 … I will update your contacts here in this list.

        Regards
        Dheeraj Sharma

      • HI, I also want to stay at Sumur, Kyagar or Panamik.. Dear fantastic Dheeraj, do you have any suggestions where to stay?? Thanks 🙂

  64. Hi Dheeraj,

    Plz let me know if staying in Hunder is better or staying in Diskit is better? I am planning to stay for 1 night in Nubra. What is the difference between staying in Diskit or Hunder?

    Thanks,

    Niraj

    • Hi Niraj,

      There is not much difference between the two and its is just 7-8 KMs that separates them. I have stayed at both the places and found Hunder a bit more interested for local street walks in the evenings or early mornings 🙂

      Regards
      Dheeraj Sharma

      • Thnx bro for your suggestion.. if I might ask, where did u stay in Hunder? I guess u stayed in Sten Del in Diskit if i am not wrong… I went through your list of places to stay in Hunder, which is extremely helpful…

        Thnx again bro… 🙂

        • Hello Niraj,

          In April 2012, I went to Ladakh again and this time I stayed at Snow Leopard in hunder. It was nice place to stay but the dinner offered was not that good to us considering the price they charged for it. However, the breakfast was very nice.

          Regards
          Dheeraj Sharma

  65. Hi Dheeraj, please let me inform that during month of sept(6th-17th) this year, is it possible to gate inner line permit for pangong tso-Hanle-Tsomoriri route.

      • Siddhartha Pakrasi on

        Hi Dheeraj,

        Just came back from a 15 day trip to Ladakh.

        Stayed at most of the places recommended by you – Snow Leopard – Hunder (New Wing), Oriental Guest House – Leh (C Wing).

        Really good experience,

        Thanks for all your inputs and tips.

        Cheers, Sid

        • Hi can u upload some pictures of June trip of yours, we are planning to go in May 2013.

        • Siddhartha Pakrasi on

          Hi Dheeraj,
          My Leh Ladakh trip in June 2012 became far more enjoyable thanks to the great inputs that you provided.
          Saw some photographs that you have put up pertaining to your trip to Chakouri……… am planning a trip to Binsar, Kausani, Chakouri & Munsiyari during June ’13.
          Thought I will check with you if you have any thoughts to share ….. suggested itinerary, stay options, how to get around considering that we are planning to do this by train to Kathgodam and then pretty much use public transport.
          Look forward to your inputs.
          Thanks,
          Sid

        • Hello Siddhartha,

          Yes, brother I went to Chaukori in December with my family and had a lovely time. Considering Itinerary, I will suggest the following for you:

          Day 0 | Khathgodam – Nainital/Saatal/Bheemtal
          Day 1 | Nainital/Saatal/Bheemtal
          Day 2 | Nainital/Saatal/Bheemtal – Binsar via Almora (take Sheraghat route)
          Day 3 | Binsar – Patal Bhuwaneshawar – Chaukori
          Day 4 | Chaukori – Birthi Fall – Munsiyari
          Day 5,6 | Munsiyari and around
          Day 7 | Munsiyari – Chaukori – Baijnath – Kasauni (a bit long but manageable, else halt at Chaukori again)
          Day 8 | Kasauni – Delhi

          This is general itinerary, may be you can add days as per your liking 🙂

          Regards
          Dheeraj

  66. nadeem akhtar on

    Hi Dheeraj,I am living in una district of Himachal pradesh.I am planning trip to leh in first week of july in my honda city with my wife and two kids.kindly suggest whether I should go from pathankot-jammu-srinagar route or manali side.which road is better

    • Hello Nadeem,

      I will suggest you that please plan it in other direction as going via Srinagar – Leh Highway will be much much easier on your body and help you acclimatize to the high altitude of Manali – Leh Highway. Also, it allows you to enjoy the beauty of Manali – Leh by splitting the journey almost evenly in two days which is very difficult in the other direction. Thirdly, it will allow you to fit Tso Moriri lake into the itinerary in better way. You can read more reasons on the link here

      You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travelers including me at the link here: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.

      For accommodation, check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh including moderate and cheap budget hotels as well in the series of articles starting on the link here

      Check the list of things to carry for Leh – Ladakh or other trip at the link here.

      I will suggest do not take Honda City as it has very low GC but still for hatchback/sedan taking on Manali – Leh Highway and Ladakh, I will say:

      The roads may be stabilized now but you will need to face few tough challenges on the route. The hatchback/sedan will increase the level of every challenge even further. My suggestion will be to go via Srinagar route which is opened for light vehicles earlier (most likely) and will be stabilized by then. It will help you feel comfortable with the driving, provide more acclimatization and then once you have done the local Leh Ladakh come back via Manali side. Secondly, since you are in hatch/sedan back then you need to drive with extra care as well. There will be some sections on the Manali – Leh highway in which you might need to sacrifice some scratches on the underbelly. Just make sure you do not bump the engine sump (know it before where it is placed in your car). You need to protect it all around the trip. Thirdly, whenever in doubt do not rush into the section rather park aside and feel the section with your foot, see how other vehicles are crossing it and make a planned route in your mind to cross that section. At the very least do carry Mseal, quick fix, funnel, jerry cans and towing rope with you all the time.

      Also, I will strongly suggest that you go through and read my series on Ladakh Self Drive tips at the links below:

      7 Useful Tips for a Self Drive to Leh – Ladakh, Routes and Road Conditions In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips, Fuel Availability In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips

      I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.

      Regards
      Dheeraj Sharma

  67. ramamoorthy on

    Hi..

    Recently checked in at "Snow Leopard" guest house in Hunter, Nubra Valley (27th May-28th May). they have a new block with hot-water throughout (heating system with wood) and having rent @ Rs. 1000/- per night for a double bed room, very spacious rooms.

    Old block rooms have geyser which were having rent @ Rs. 800/- per night.

    In Nubra valley, power was available only from 7.30 pm to 11 pm. No power for rest of the period. So hot-water conservation during day was pain-in-the-posterior.

    regards & Juley

    ramamoorthy

    • Hi Ramamoorthy,

      Thanks for sharing your valuable feedback. I am sure it will be useful to many. Yes, I also stayed in the new block last month and overall everything was nice except the dinner they served. It was the worst food we had for the entire trip including the meals at roadside tented dhabhas. In fact not only worst but the costliest too 🙁 … Apart from that overall the guest house was nice.

      Regards
      Dheeraj Sharma

  68. firstly,you guys have done a commendable job by making this site which is proving very helpful for fellow travelers like me…

    We are a group of 10 frnds…we have booked our return air ticks from shrinagar….we would like to do a road trip from shrinagar to leh…and back to shrinagar…including tsomiriri lake,pangong,nubra and river rafting…can you please help me with the best itenary…transportation…and should we prebook the hotels as i hear of too many ppl gng to leh this year or can we go there and use the information from ur site to find a good deal..we are gng from 27th june to 8th july

    Regds

    Sonali

    • Hi Sonali,

      For the itinerary you can follow something like:

      Day 1 | Delhi – Srinagar
      — Enjoy walk around Dal lake and may be Shikara ride as well
      — If you have time then check out, floating market, Shalimar Garden.
      — Overnight at Srinagar

      Day 2 | Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil
      — Enjoy the vistas enroute
      — Have late drunch meal at Drass is you are a vegetarian as sometimes it gets difficult to find veg. food at Kargil
      — Overnight at Kargil

      Day 3 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
      — Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes
      — On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Zanskar
      — Overnight at Leh

      Day 4 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Inner Line Permits
      — Local sightseeing include Namgyal Gompa, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Shankar Gompa, Main Market, Hall of Fame, Spituk Gompa, Changspa Road Stroll in evening
      — For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
      — Overnight at Leh

      Day 5 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
      — Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
      — On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
      — Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari

      Day 6 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
      — Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
      — Overnight at Leh

      Day 7 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake
      — Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on the go towards Pangong Tso
      — Overnight at Pangong Tso (Spangmik or Lukung)

      Day 8 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
      — Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on return to Leh
      — Overnight at Leh

      Day 9 | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping or you can do tour to Sham Valley
      — Sham Valley include Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Zanskar, Gurudwara Pather Sahib
      — Overnight at Leh

      Day 10 | Leh – Dha/Hanu Villages – Kargil (Do not forget to mention Dha, Hanu on permits)
      Day 11 | Kargil – Srinagar
      Day 12 | Buffer Day

      For latest taxi fares 2012-13 as per leh – ladakh taxi union and contacts of some reliable drivers check the link here

      I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.

      Regards
      Dheeraj Sharma

  69. Mintu Chakraborty on

    Now we decide to go Ladakh by Road from Jammu. but we may return from ladakh to delhi by air. Can you give me some information where We may hire Taxi from jammu to leh?

    • Hi Mintu,

      First reach Srinagar from Jammu in public transport and then take taxi to Leh. It will be more economic. Keep in mind that any taxi hired outside Ladakh including Srinagar taxi is not allowed to do sightseeing within Leh – Ladakh. Hence, once you reach Leh you need to hire another taxi of Ladakh registration.

      Regards
      Dheeraj Sharma

  70. Shashidhar on

    Can I cover Lamayuru visit in one day. If not which is best place to stay? Will it be open during 2nd week of April?

    • Hi Shashidhar,

      Lamayuru is about 125 KMs from Leh and you can cover it in single day trip from Leh. But, since there is whole Sham Valley on the route to Lamayuru from Leh which includes Alchi, Likir, Basgo, Magnetic Hills, Pather Sahib, Confluence at Nimmu, Redzong Monastery etc. It will take some time to explore these places if you want and hence, a two day trip will be much more worthy and in such a case, Lamayuru will be the best place to halt for the night after exploring the whole Sham Valley. Next day, you can explore Lamayuru and Redzong monastery and come back to Leh.

      Please let me know incase you need any details or have any queries.

      Regards,
      Dheeraj Sharma

  71. Sharmeen Khan on

    Hi Dheeraj, Looks like Sten del is the best option in Nubra. The photos on their website show clean, cozy and spacious rooms. But is it better to stay in Diskit or in Hunder? Where is the camel safari in Nubra valley?

    • Hi Sharmeen,

      Yes, Sten-del was extremely cozy and comfortable when we stayed there. You can opt to stay at any place between Hunder and Diskit. Both are just 10-15 minutes away from each other. Camel Safari is in Hunder sand dunes.

      Please let me know in case you have any doubts.

      Regards
      Dheeraj Sharma

  72. G Shashidhar on

    Thanks for the useful info. Can you give some info on stay at Panamik? Can I cover both Nubra valley and Panamik with only one night stay?

    • Hi Shashidhar,

      AFAIK, there are couple of small basic guest houses there and one of them is: Bengka Guest House, Panamik – 01980–247044. I feel you will not have a need to stay at Panamik because you can do Nubra in two days with overnight stay at Deskit like below:

      Day 1 | 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 2 | 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

      I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any doubts or queries.

      Regards
      Dheeraj Sharma

  73. Dheeraj You, Your friends and your work is superb I like all of you very much

  74. Tourism Ladakh on

    You have given a very valuable information on Ladakh hotels. Your description for hotels in Ladakh will be very valuable for tourists.