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

In this second article of the series – Preferred Hotels or Accommodation options in Leh – Ladakh, I am enlisting down some of the preferred places to stay in Leh – Ladakh which are moderate budget (Rs 1200 – 2000) types accommodation. So, if you are looking for a decent, clean and comfortable but moderate budget options of stay in Leh – 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 (of course, I cannot stay in all of them 😉 ).

Hotel Panorama – Leh
Hotel Panorama - Leh

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 a price range of Rs 1500 – 2000 then perhaps this list may not be for you. Well, you may find one or two such services too in the below guest houses but no certainty.

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.

Moderate Budget Hotels or Accommodation options in Leh, Ladakh
  • Khan Manzil Guest House
    Very Nice and decent stay with view of Leh Palace. Both Main Market and Changspa road are very near to it. Rooms at right side of staircase are much smaller and gets too hot in daytime, so choose rooms to the right as you get off the staircase.

    • Price Range: Rs 1500 – 1800 for double bedroom
    • Contact: Sh. Mohd Deen Khan – 01982-252681
    • Location: Zangsti Road, Leh / Opposite Leh Palace
    • Category: Moderate
  • Hotel Panorama: Stayed there on DoW Mega Meet 2013, The hotel was good with very decent, comfortable and cozy rooms. The hotel is located at Shanti Stupa road, very near to Changspa road and just ahead of Shanti Guest House or Oriental Guest House. The quality & taste of food served was very good.
    • Price Range: Rs 1500 – 2000 for a double bedroom
    • Contact: 01982-251660 / 09419178858 / 09622983839
    • Location: Shanti Stupa Road, Leh
    • Category: Economic / Moderate / Home Stay
  • Oriental Guest House: Very much Recommended but generally runs full during season so planned booking required. Nice place to stay, good, clean and comfortable rooms. Nice garden, just before Shanti Guest House. Shanti Stupa and Changspa Road are very near by. In night, you need a stick for stray dogs and torchlit as there is no street light on road leading to the guest house.
    • Price Range: Rs 1200 – 1800+ for a double bedroom
    • Contact: 01982-253153, 01982-250516, 09419178774 and Fax: 01982-252414
    • Location: Shanti Stupa Road, Leh
    • Category: Economic / Moderate
  • Asia Guest House and Hotel: Economic, good, clean, homley and very much Recommended. Nice little garden and Wi-Fi too now-a-days. Right on Chanspa road means lots of cuisines near by the hotel including the famous Jeevan Cafe. Asia Hotel run by the same owner as a part of same complex (though rooms, kitchen, sit-out areas separate) is also equally good. But, the prices are a bit higher for hotel as compared to the Guest House whose rooms are basic but almost equally comfortable as compared to the hotel.
    • Price Range: Rs 1200 – 1500 for a double bedroom
    • Contact: +91-1982-253403, +91-9622958260
    • Location: Changspa Road, Leh
    • Category: Economic / Moderate / Home Stay
  • Sia La Guest House: Highly Recommended if it suits your budget and you are with a family. Nice, clean and quite option of stay. Very central and close to market, lovely garden, running hot water and very tasty food. Parking is a problem and needs to be done on main road.
    • Price Range: Rs 1500 – 2000 (last updated 2015)
    • Contact: Mr. Nabilay – 09419178100, 01982-252821
    • Location: Fort Road, Leh
    • Category: Moderate / High
  • Shaynam Hotel Spacious and clean rooms, good food. TV with DTH connection. Near to Leh main market. Stayed there for good two days, had decent time. (Ask for manager Ringchain, give him my reference as Dheeraj and ask him to give decent prices on whatever he offers first.)
    • Price Range: Rs 1000 – 1500 for a double bedroom
    • Contact:01982252345, 09419178484
    • Location: Changspa Road
    • Category: Moderate / High
  • Kidar Guest House: Very much recommended. Great quality + cleanliness of rooms, good ambience. Well furnished, with clean toilets and linen. Running hot water available in the morning but anytime in buckets. Traditional Ladakhi style dining rooms being home stay.
    • Price Range: Rs 1500 – 2000 for double bedroom
    • Contact: Mr & Mrs Ongchuk: 01982-252046, 09419179029
    • Location: Behind Hotel Mandala, Lower Tukcha, Fort Road, Leh
    • Category: Economic / Moderate
  • Shanti Guest House: Economic, good, clean, homley. Shanti Stupa and Changspa Road are very near by. Parking on road but not an issue. Getting to average place to stay for past couple years. In night, you need a stick for stray dogs and torchlit as there is no street light on road leading to the guest house.
    • Price Range: Rs 1200 – 1500 for a double bedroom
    • Contact: +91-1982-253084, +91-1982-250023, +91-9419178760, +91-9419888833, +91-9906982118
    • Location: Shanti Stupa Road, Leh
    • Category: Economic / Moderate / Home Stay
  • Mountain Retreat Guest House: Nice, clean rooms and complete value for money. Near Shanti Stupa and Changspa Road.
    • Price Range: Rs 1200 – 1500 for a double bedroom
    • Contact: 01982-250734 / 09697992306 / 0941924250
    • Location: Yourtung, Leh / Near to Shanti Stupa
    • Category: Economic / Moderate
  • Horzey Hotel: Spacious rooms with hot water supply. Very near to main market and is run under Youth Hostel Association. So, if you have Youth Hostel membership then it is nice deal for you.
    • Price Range: Rs 1500 – 1800
    • Contact: Mr Phuntsog Wangchuk – 09906979233 / 01982–252580 / 01982-252454
    • Location: Old Road, Leh
    • Category: Economic / Moderate
  • Horpo Guest House: Good hospitality, clean rooms and excellant food.
    • Price Range: Rs 1500 – 2000 for a double bedroom
    • Contact: Mr Tsetan: 09906975196
    • Location: Chubie Road, Leh
    • Category: Moderate / High
  • Hotel Tsokar: Clean rooms, decent and comfortable stay. Hot running water, nice food and rooms also have a TV. An Internet Cafe and nice little garden. Main market is very near. Nice option if you are with family. ALL SEASON hotel with room heating system in winters. For wikimapia location click here
    • Price Range: Rs 2000 – 2500 for a double bedroom
    • Contact: Mr. Dehlex – 08803347763, 01982–253072
    • Location: Ldutuk, Leh / Near Main Market, Leh
    • Category: Moderate / High
  • Hotel Bijoo: Good, clean and comfortable rooms. Main market is very near. For wikimapia location click here
    • Price Range: Rs 1800 – 2500 for a double bedroom
    • Contact: 09419178297, 01982-252131
    • Location: Near Public Library, Leh and Ladakh
    • Category: Moderate / High
Conclusion

I hope you find the above list of moderate budget hotels or accommodation options 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, moderate budget option of stay in Leh town, kindly leave a comment as it will be helpful to others 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 luxury and ultra comfort and in case may be not even suitable for family as well. However, for bachelors or backpackers or others who want cheap/economic options of stay for longer duration in around Leh Ladakh, these hotels 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.

249 Comments

  1. Nigam bhai on

    Thanks for your detailed explaination Dheeraj.
    I have been advised to stay at Ladakh Terrain camp (June second week), which is new campsite in Hunder as per them. I could not find any details over web, and could not locate it on map.
    Do you have any idea about its location and any reviews available?
    Thanks in advance.

  2. raghuraman on

    Planning to travel by srinagar leh road route to leh in july 2017. Can i travel from jammu to sonemarg and onwards to leh, bypassing srinagar and vicinity totally?
    can i carry rechargeable batteries for use with my canon powershot camera on my trip to leh and back?
    is it mediically safe to travel back by flight from leh to delhi: healthwise? i am male age 55 years with no known issues.

    • Not exactly as you have to travel through Srinagar only but you can skip the night stay. You can carry batteries. Yes, leh to delhi should be good.

      • raghuraman on

        Thanks a heap for the advice. Your help is of immense value. very practical, very hands on, and i can see the trip as doable. you are doing a great job in spreading practical knowledge. I shall do a short write up of the trip after completion, Is it ok?

        • Yes, that will be fabulous Raghu !! I wait for such travel tales every year and the updates on it so that it helps us relive our memories and also help others with updates and planning their trips. You can refer the article to how to post the trip details on Discover with Dheeraj Community:

  3. Arjun Dhawan on

    HI Dheeraj,

    Continuing with our discussion “I think it looks OK, else check with Kidar as well. ” , Can you please provide me Kidar contact number please?.

    Thanks in Advance,

    Regards,
    Arjun Dhawan

  4. Sagar Kulkarni on

    Hi Dheeraj, any suggestions on accomodations in Kargil…for one night..wen travelling with family to Leh frm Srinagar.. i have got Kargil Retreat Camp cont details frm ur site… Any other options? Please provide contact details

  5. Bhaskar Roy on

    Hi,

    Please let me know your views about Leh resort which is run by JKTDC. Is it ok for staying? Your advice please.

    Regards,

  6. Subhankar Choudhury on

    please provide some hotels or guest house information and contact numbers of kargil

  7. Hi Dheeraj, Recommending Mandalchen guest house in Leh. It’s a new property. Very nice and clean, run by 2 sisters. They are very kind and helpful. Very good homely food, hot (geyser) and cold water available 24hrs. They have a garden with garden table. The view of snowy peaks are awesome from this guesthouse. Parking place is also available. Wi fi available.
    Price Range: Rs 1000 – 1200 for double bedroom
    Location: Upper Tukcha Road, Leh

      • Hello Dheeraj/Debashish ,

        Can you please provide me Mandalchen guest house number? We are a group of 5 people who will travelling in early september to leh.
        Please let me know if they provide advance booking option.

        Thanks in advance.
        Dipika Sawaria

  8. Hello dheeraj ji
    Please give me the staying options in uleytopko thankyou

  9. vidhi shah on

    Hi dheeraj, The information shared by you is way too good.
    We are 6 friends planning to visit leh in the month of August. I suffer from asthama and would like to know what precautions should I take and places I should avoid when in leh

  10. HI
    WE ARE A GROUP OF FIVE PERSON PLANNING TO VISIT LEH VIA SRINAGAR ROUTE
    SRINAGAR – KARGIL
    KARGIL – LEH
    LEH LOCAL
    LEH – NUBRA
    NUBRA – LEH
    LEH – PANGONG
    PANGONG – LEH
    LEH – SRINAGAR VIA FLIGHT

    PLZ CHK OUR ITNERARY , PLZ SUGGEST IF ANY CHANGES

    HOTEL LOOKING TO BOOK IN LED IS CHARU PLACE OR THE KAAL , PLZ SUGGEST AS PER YOUR CHOICE

  11. BIPIN KHOPKAR MUMBAI on

    Dear Dheeraj

    I and my wife and 18 year old daughter, are visiting leh from 13 Jun 2016 to 20 June 2016. Please suggest me, the good hotel or guest house (rs. 700 to 1000 per day) near happening or in city like market place in leh from where, i can easily manage my trips to other places in leh ladakh and get a taxi.Kindly favor me

    hope to here from you soon
    Thanks for this website

    regards

    BIPIN

    • BIPIN KHOPKAR on

      Dear Dheeraj,

      Addition to my existing email, I would like you to provide me plan advice. it will be vacation for 7 days. We are from Mumbai. It would be highly appreciated if you can provide me information for the below points:

      1. Traveling from Mumbai by plane to reach during the early day
      2. Kindly provide us some major point of contacts from your reference
      3. I would like to keep in budget, hence please advise accordingly

      Regards

      BIPIN

    • Bipin ji, that guest houses I know are available above in the articles. You can check with them. You will ave to arrange the taxi For the leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2016 – 17 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here. You can get about 12-15% of discount by directly getting in touch with drivers and of course, talking in person rather on phone always help in bargaining more.

    • Subhankar Choudhury on

      hi bipin

      what is your experience with such a small child??

      regards
      subhankar

  12. Hi Dheeraj,

    Last year I followed your advice on itinerary & had a fantastic roadtrip to Lahaula & Spiti from Delhi.
    This year we want to conquer Leh, so reaching out again for your expert advice. Here’s the itinerary that we’re thinking of following,..(mostly driven thru the recommendations on your blog):

    4-Jun Delhi Patnitop
    5-Jun Patnitop Srinagar
    6-Jun Srinagar Kargil
    7-Jun Kargil Leh
    8-Jun Leh Local
    9-Jun Leh Hunder
    10-Jun Hunder Leh
    11-Jun Leh Pangong Lake
    12-Jun Pangong Lake Leh
    13-Jun Leh Local
    14-Jun Leh Tso Moriri
    15-Jun Tso Moriri Pang
    16-Jun Pang Manali
    17-Jun Manali Delhi

    Wanted to check if:
    1)- We’ll be rushing through-out the journey
    2)- We’re travelling with kids. Will we get enough time for acclimatization?
    3)- I’ve been reading really scary stories of night stays at Tso Moriri & Pang,..basically saying that because of the altitude, night stay should be avoided. What’s your recommendation? What’s your recommendation for the night halts on the way from Leh to Manali?
    4)- Good (and safe) hotels for this entire itinerary.

    Thanks again for your help Dheeraj. Your guidance is much appreciated.

    regards,
    Rahul

    • 1. Your plan looks good to me Rahul. You can make it. instead do Tso Moriri to Sarchu, Pang you will reach in no time.
      2. YEs, it is a good plan, you are doing it nicely.
      3. Dont worry, it should be fine since you will be acclimatized. Sleep at Sarchu, in case you feel too much worried, start early from Tso moriri and reach Jispa.
      4. You can check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate (cheap budget hotels as well) in the series of articles starting on the link here

  13. bharat joshi on

    Hi Dheeraj i am planning to leh with my family of 4 me wife son of 17 daughter of 11age.i want your help that
    1. weather i can travel in this April and May
    2.can road via kargil to leh and back to manali will be open
    3.Nubia and pangong will open
    4.my daughter will have any health problem.
    5.most of the budget hotels are showing booked in may can i still get there.
    6.how much i need to pay for permits

    • Hi Bharat,

      1. You can travel to Ladakh by Air in April and by Srinagar – Leh Highway in May, later the better
      2. Manali – Leh is expected to open by second/third week of May and Srinagar – Leh is expected to open by mid of April
      3. Nubra and PAngong Tso remain open all round the year.
      4. Anyone of you can have health problems. AMS does not factor in any age or sex. To know about AMS and acclimatization including the tips to combat AMS, please DO READ: Acute Mountain Sickness and Importance of Acclimatization
      5. You can check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate (cheap budget hotels as well) in the series of articles starting on the link here
      6. If you all are indians, no permits required.

  14. Hi,
    I have a doubt for the trip I’m planning for next August.
    Do you recommend to book in advance a room for the whole stay in Ladakh even if I stay overnight (Nubra,Pangong,..),
    or is it recommended to book only for the first few days of acclimatization and every time I return from a overnight tour search a new room?
    I would not pay for the nights that I’m not in the hotel but I would not even too crazy every time I return from a tour to look for a new room, considering in August is high season.
    I will travel alone with shared taxis so I don’t know with accuracy the days when I leave for the various tours.
    Thanks you very much
    Michele

    • I have 3 weeks and my itinerary approximately will be:

      Dheli-Leh
      Leh local sightseeing
      Leh local sightseeing
      Sham valley overnight, return Leh
      Nubra overnight, return Leh
      Pangong overnight, return Leh
      Tso moriri overnight, return Leh
      Leh-Manali

      • Michelle, from acclimatization and distribution perspective it looks good to me. You are alone and private taxis are very costly in Leh but you will be able to find the shared taxi without much fuss at all. There are lots of flyers which people put at cafes, dine-ins, restaurants, travel agent desks/shops/whiteboards wanting to share the taxis for different trips within Ladakh. Even travel agent organize such shared taxis trip as well but charge a little higher about Rs 200-300 more than it would ideally cost. So, in worst case you can always go back to them and book a seat for yourself. Gelling up with people in Ladakh is more or less easy because many people travel solo and look forward to meet new people and share cultural thoughts and values over the trip. No where else in the world you will find more smiling and helpful people as Ladakhis are 🙂

    • Hi Michele,

      Well, mostly if you are OK to search few places after reaching the place and are not particular about any hotel choice or name, then you will get it on the spot. Most of the time if rooms are available during your return dates, hotel guys keep the room for you at the same rates you bargained for the first time and do not charge for the nights you do not stay. You can use their store room to store some luggage too if you wish to not to carry extra. Most of the low budget guest houses listed above are quite flexible.

  15. Chandrahas Sinha on

    Hi Dheeraj,

    Such a wonderful job you have done. Bravo!!

    Although I have gone through your articles in detail, I would like you to provide me some advice. I am planning to visit Leh-Ladakh with my wife in the month of April or May. It would be a vacation of 4 days. We are from Mumbai. It would be highly appreciated if you can provide me information for the below bullet points:

    1. Time to travel from Mumbai (Train or Plane) to reach during the early day
    2. Since we are only two, kindly provide some tips
    3. Kindly provide us some major point of contacts from your reference
    4. I would like to keep in budget, hence please advise accordingly

    Thanks for your help!

    Regards,

    Chandrahas

    • 4 days is not an ideal time to visit Ladakh, please make a plan when you have good number of days in hand. It takes two days to acclimatize only in Leh once you land in Leh by Air. So, when you have at least 6 days in hand then make a trip to get worth of it

  16. pranab kumar on

    Hi Dheeraj,
    We are a group of three friends going to Leh on the 13th of Feb 2016.
    Have been going to Ladakh every year for past 4 years but only in Sept-Oct. This time I want to enjoy the winters there.
    Can you help me with a few queries.
    1. Hotels that won’t charge a bomb around Leh market. Changspa road will be too far for daily visits.
    2. Restaurants if any that will remain open in winters
    3. how much will a day trip to Pangong and an overnight trip to Nubra Valley cost for the cab hire (A Xylo or Innova). Approximate amounts will do. Will help me plan my finances better.
    4. most important – i have heard that electricity and water supply is very limited in winters. Also the normal toilets with flushing facilities are done away with. Is that true?

    Please help me with the above. Will be a great help.

    Thank You.

      • Hi Dheeraj….I have the same questions as Pranab. I am going to visit Leh on Feb 6th to 13th Feb. Would you please advise if I will find any homestays in leh. Also since I am travelling solo am a little concerned about the cost to visit Pangong and Khardungla during this season, not sure if I will find other travellers to share a cab.

        • Dharmesh, that is the prime challenge to visit Ladakh in non-tourist season to get shared taxis to Pangong tso and Nubra Valley. If you lucky then only you will be able to get it. At times many people come there for Chadar trek as a group and then look for partners to share taxi cost but nothing can be certain. So, you will have to take your chance. Also, sharing the experience back here will help others too 🙂

          Regarding stays, you will be able to find homestays in Leh, you can get in touch with Shanti Guest House there remain mostly operational all round the year.

  17. prabhu vaishnav on

    hii Dheeraj

    i would like to visit ladakh in mid january… any difficulty and problm will i face or not..???

  18. Senthil Kumar on

    Hello Dheeraj,

    I planning a potential trip with the wifey in first week of october. While looking up places on tripadvisor, I came across one Hotel Nalanda Ladakh in Leh with pretty favorable reviews. Are you aware of this place and if so, how would you rate it.

  19. Please tell me a safe place to stay as Im travelling to leh with my 9 year old son. Oct mid for 3-4 days

  20. Hi Dheeraj,

    We will be travelling to Ladakh in 1st week of Sept. Ours is 2 week ride. I am currently evaluating option to go to Turtuk. But I head from locals in Nubra that it is no different than Nubra. Can you please suggest if I can choose Sakti (on the way to pangong) over Turtuk. If yes, can you please suggest stay options at Sakti to accommodate 20 ppl.

  21. Sougata Ash on

    Hi dheeraj,

    I will visit Leh on 18th October, 2015 with my wife and 6 years old son. It will be winter then so most of the hotels and guest houses will be closed, and the major requirements would be either centrally heated room or room heater. Do you have any idea which of the above hotels/guest houses/home stays are perfect for my situations, also the close to market/restaurant would be preferred. Please suggest.

    • Sougata, sorry but I doubt any of the moderate hotels will have centralised heating system in place. I understand that Shanti Guest House do remain open in winters too but guess they have room heaters. You can check with them. That is on Shanti Stupa road which is near to Changspa but mostly changspa will be closed so main market will be a little far in comparison.

      • Sougata Ash on

        Thank you Dheeraj. I have checked some of the guest houses you mentioned and finally booked in Sia La, got a decent rate and this is very close to the main market. They provide room heater on demand, but Mr. Nabilay told that all their rooms are cozy enough so it will not be required in October. Also I will stay one night in Hunder in Habib guest house. Again thanks for these great information.

        • Arjun Dhawan on

          Hi Sougata/ Dheeraj
          Can you please provide me contact number for Sia La for booking, I am travelling on 13 august to 18 august,

          Regards,
          Arjun Dhawan

        • Arjun Dhawan on

          Please try Tel : +91-1982-252821, Mob : +91-9419178100

          Thanks Dheeraj for providing the numbers,
          1. I called and they quoted my price of 2000/- per day for a double bedroom. is it fine ?
          2. He said heater are not needed during 3rd week of Aug but if you need you need to pay 500/- extra per night. is it fine ?
          3. He told we can provide you taxi for pick and drop from airport but you have to bear the charges, how much it should be ?

          Thanks in Advance.

          Regards,
          Arjun Dhawan

        • I think it looks OK, else check with Kidar as well. They are also quite nice. Yes, no need of any heater in August bro. Regarding pick and drop, try to negotiate else you may have to shell out about Rs 600 for the airport transfers.

    • Hi Sougata,
      I would also be visiting Leh in winters, arriving there on 16th Oct with my wife for a week. Understand that quite a few places might be closed and accommodation is an issue at Nubra valley and Pangong lake. If you could share your itinerary with me, it would be of immense help for me.
      Thanks.

  22. seema nelson on

    We are 2 persons travellinhg to leh from 21st August to 28th Aug2015,could you please suggest some budget homestays in leh and travel . Would be grateful for your assistance as we are travelling on our own, you know like a road trip.

    Thanz

  23. Hi Dheeraj, An idea how is the Hotel Tsomiri at Fort Raod. Getting a very good deal at MMT (1200/ day)

    Regards

      • Link –>

        Reviews seem to be pretty good.

        Otherwise thinking to book Oriental for first couple of days then book there only later… they are asking 2400 for their hotel (saying guest house is full)..

  24. Nikhil Ojha on

    Hi Dheeraj, Thanks a lot for sharing all this information on your website. It has helped me a lot in planning my Laddakh trip.
    I needed some advice for my trip. We are a group of 7 boys going to Laddakh between Aug 2-13. We are planning to stay in Keylong, Sarchu, Leh, Pangong Tso, Nubra and Tso Moriri. The online bookings for hotels and tents we inquired about were very expensive, to the tune of 4000 per tent of two. From your articles, I know that on spot booking will be much cheaper. Can you advice at which of the above mentioned places, should we go for advance booking and at which places should can we get accommodation easily during August. We are not particular about any luxury accommodation, but we will be on bikes and would not like to search too much everyday after whole day’s biking.

    • Nikhil, except Tso Moriri most places you will get the on the spot bookings in case you ready to search 3-4 places and are OK with quite basic place to stay in case nothing works out. Thats the risk you need to take it.

  25. Hi Dheeraj, based on your suggestions we have planned a trip from srinagar to leh and then to Manali… We will be in leh for five days(between July 5th and 9th) can you please advice of we definitely need to book accommodation in advance or can we just go there and check for best price.. Please advice and also do note that this is a budget trip:).. Once again waiting for your suggestion.. Thanks an advance..

    • Shankar, in case you are fine to search few places here and there and do not have any particular place of stay in mind, then please go ahead with the on spot booking.

  26. hello dheeraj,
    we have planned a trip to ladakh on 5th of november this year, we r a group of five , how would be the weather at that time of the year. will it be okay to visit in november.

    • Javed, it will be quite cold up there in Ladakh during that time. Only passage will be Srinagar to Leh as Manali – Leh will be closed. Then, all stay options at lakes like Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri will be closed too and you may need to stay at basic home stays only

  27. Hi, I along with 5 more will b travelling to Leh in the last week of Sept. While going to Tso Moriri from Pangong will like to make a night stay in Upshi or any other better place. Kindly share if any good accommodation is available on the way to Tso Moriri or not.
    Also, kindly guide us if one can make a day trip to Tso Moriri from Leh & how much time it takes.

    • There is no accommodation apart form basic homestays at Upshi and Hot Srping Resort at Chumathang which is also quite basic but have attached washrooms and running water.

  28. Hello Dheeraj,

    Firstly, Thanks for your amazing blog, solved most of my queries about a planned visit to Leh. I plan to reach Leh by air on the 26th of this month and leave by air again on the 01st of May(Or a day later, flexible).I understand that this is not the best of time to visit leh but i might not be able to manage leave in the coming months. Anyway,I have a few queries which i hope would be best solved by you:

    1. I would give myself atleast a day for acclamatization and try visiting places around leh on the second day(if my body adapts well by then) for which i might want to try JKSRTC buses(if any?). If not, is cycling recommended and can i get bicycles on rent?

    2. Does Indian Army allow civilians to stay at the Holiday Home in Leh with a charge? Or is it strictly for officers and families?

    3. Is the route to Pangong Tso open in the last week of this month? If yes, is there any way to reach apart from hiring/sharing a cab(or renting a bike)?

    4. Since I’ve been left with no option but to fly in and out, I am kinda on a budget. Do you think a budget of about 15-20K would be enough in your opinion(I plan to stay at the Shaolin guesthouse as suggested by a friend who stayed earlier)?

    5. Does Airtel Postpaid from other Indian states work in Leh?

    6. Is walking around on long walks in the day(if my body manages to of course, i dont intend to take AMS lightly at all) okay or unwelcome by locals and the Army?

    I Hope that the routes to Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake would be open but even if they arent(although i would be a bit disappointed) i would still want to explore as much as i can for my own good. It would be great if you can throw some light on the road status.

    • 1. Get bike on rent, body will not be acclimatized that much to do cycling on the second day itself.

      2. I think it is only for army personnels

      3. Bikes are not allowed till end of April on this route though route will be open. You need to get and find some taxi.

      4. Main thing is taxi that will put a deep hole as it will be a bit hard to find travel partners too in off season, so you will be on your luck

      5. Yes, Airtel postpaid works but wide coverage is BSNL/MTNL postpaid

      6. Walking is fine after 2-3 days of acclimatization in Leh and around.

      Route will be open but as I said, it will be trying luck with finding travel partners to share taxi cost to both Nubra and Pangong Tso

  29. SANTOSH KUMAR on

    Hello Dheeraj i am Santosh Kumar a Travel Agent From Andaman Nicobar Islands want to explore leh for my Andaman Guest interested in Leh Ladakh arriving on 25th Feb 2015 to 1st march 2015 please Suggest me some good Places and a perfect person to help me out

    • Santosh, February is not an ideal time to visit Ladakh in case you never have been to High Altitude places. It will be extremely harsh to survive and very cold unless you are that adventurous, it is not at all recommended.

      • SANTOSH KUMAR on

        THANKS A LOT DHEERAJ

        I WOULD CONSIDER THAT ADVICE I WANNA ASK YOU HELP TO GET ME CONTACT NO. OR DO A BOOKING IN KHAN MAIL FOR ME fROM 25th Feb 2015 to 1st march 2015

        PLEASE HELP ME OUT

  30. Satwik Magod on

    Hi dheeraj,

    We are thinking of staying in tents, do you suggest doing that. And where can we hire some camping gears like tents and other stuff (I prefer to hire in Manali or Leh not Delhi.)

    • Satwik, 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.

      For information on pitching your own camps in Leh – Ladakh, please refer our FAQ in the community: FAQ | Can I pitch my own tents or camps anywhere in Ladakh?

      You will be able to get camping gear on rent in Leh and most likely in Manali too.

  31. Nilanjan Guin on

    Hi Dheeraj
    we just now made a booking in the Sia La hotel in Leh. Thought of letting you know that the rates for double bed rooms have gone up from Rs.1200 to Rs.1800. Earlier communication with Sia La had pegged the rates at Rs.1200 but from April 2015, rates have been hiked to Rs.1800 – thought you might want to update your blog.
    Also, one more inquiry I had is regarding our dilemna between choosing Lamayuru and Uley as our place of stay for the Leh-Alchi-Bazgo-Lamayuru-Uletokpo-Rezdong trip. The hotels in Lamayuru that we have shortlisted (Fotola or Moonland) are charging about Rs.3500 for MAP while Uley Eco Resorts are charing Rs.4500 for MAP. Do you feel that the experience of staying at Uley will justify the Rs.1000 we might be spending on doing so. Or is Lamayuru too good enough? I am sorry to be bothersome but I am hoping to make the experience as good as possible for my parents and my wife 🙂
    Thanks

    • Hi Nilanjan,

      Thank you for the update, I have updated the article. Thank you. But, it is really sad to see rates increasing like anything in Ladakh for all the hotels and guest houses with the steep influx of tourists. Regarding between the places Lamayuru and Uley, well Uley is near the river while Lamayuru is much like a village. Hence, the difference in rates. Based on the preference you can choose whether to stay near the river or in a village. Also, check with info@offbeatescapes.com too about the prices as they offer nice discounts on reference of DoW in case you are pre-booking. May be they have better rates for them too.

      Regards
      Dheeraj

  32. Hi Dheeraj,
    I am planning for a motorcycle trip to Leh- Ladakh via Manali with a couple of friends. We are planning to go in August. Can we go on our own? We know there are agencies who conduct this tour but they charge a huge amount. I would like to know if we go on our own then what are the risks/problems associated and how it can be resolved?
    Thanks.
    Pradipta

    • Pradipta, yea, sure you can go on your own. This website has all the information you need to make a successful trip to Ladakh. You do not need to go through any agent if you are OK to plan it on your own. You can shoot any queries you have for your Ladakh trip planning here.

      • Hi Dheeraj,

        Thanks a lot for your prompt reply. My only concern is if we face any issues with the bike then where can we get hold of a mechanic to fix it. I would like to know what is the amount that we have to deposit if we rent a bike from Manali?

        • Some ask for 10-15K types and some just deposit your original id proof. I will suggest that you prepare yourself for a bike ride to Ladakh by reading out the series of articles we have prepared under the link: All you need to know for a Bike Ride to Ladakh & Himalayas

      • Hi Dheeraj,

        It is indeed a very helpful site and it covers each and everything one needs to know to go for this trip. But I just heard a terrible news that bikes rented from outside Ladakh will not be allowed and we have to take another bike on rent from the locals, which means the cost is going up. Again, if I have to carry one mechanic and a car just to carry the spare parts and luggage then the cost will creep up. If you can advise how to complete this trip within 40-45k then it will be very helpful.

        Thanks.
        Pradipta

        • Pradipta, how many people are you there who will be doing the ride? The mechanic and backup vehicle can be arranged too separately but the cost factor should depend upon the number of people yo guys have. Also, you can get in touch with info@offbeatescapes.com as one of the readers suggested good feedback for them in such a tour where mechanic as well as backup vehicle was arranged by them.

        • Pradipta Sur on

          Hi Dheeraj,

          3 of us will be doing this ride. We want to keep it under 45k. Is it possible?

        • With Mechanic and support vehicle it will be extremely tough I feel because a round trip in normal taxi from Manali to Srinagar including Ladakh costs about 50-60K, then mechanic charges of about 1500-2000 per day. But, still try to get a quote from them, may be if there are some means.

  33. Hi Dheeraj,

    Can move to Karu directly from Nubra and stay overnight and next day towards Spangmik? then Hanley then Korzok/Tsomoriri then Tso Kar and directly to Sarchu? How is the road? Can it be comfortably done?

    • Debashish, you can but Karu – Leh is just 45-50 minutes drive and places of stay at Karu or Upshi will be minimal or very basic. So, it is better to start early a next day to cover this extra distance I feel. At least it gives a better comfortable sleep and better food options in Leh. Spangmik to Hanle is subject to permits you get or not from DC Office and then if army allows you through Chusul even after having permits. Comfortable roads is not a situation when you are beyond Lukung, the road to Loma from Lukung is all dirt track.

      • Hi Dheeraj,

        Thanks for your reply. Could you please tell that if we are barred at Chusul and turned back, then what is the alternate possibility to visit Hanle then?

        • In that case you need to come back all the way to Karu / leh and take the route from Karu – Upshi – Chumathang – Nyoma – Loma – Hanle

  34. Hi Dheeraj,
    I would be travelling to Leh during Jan for Chadar Trek. But we wanted to stay for 2-3 days extra in Leh after the trek to visit Pangong or Nubra. Since walking down from Changspa to the market during winter will be taxing, we wanted to avoid the hotels there. Could you suggest any other decent stay options near the market?

  35. Dheeraj bhai, We had stayed in City Heart guest house while we were in Leh two weeks back. It is adjacent to Hotel Bijoo in the Old Fort Road. The rooms were pretty spacious and clean with attached bathrooms with a geyser. Food is also available there. They also had a nice garden. WiFi is also available but it rarely works properly. The owner had charged us Rs.1000 for a double bed room with an extra bed(3 persons). The owner/contact person is Vicky. Mob No: +919622334485, +911982252928, +919906970768. Email : vick112@live.com

  36. CHANDAN SHAW on

    I want to mention the name of one Driver Mr. Nabi who drives a Xylo and he took us arround to pangond, nubra, and tsomoriri…. His number is – 09469216100. He was such a wonderful company in the journey and stopped the vehicle at every point i requested as i wanted to photograph nature and family. He took us around to decent hotels as we requested him and put us up in safe places. I thank him from the bottom of my heart. I recommend him as a driver to all those wanting to visit Leh and around. If you happen to meet him do say hello on my behalf! He gave us discount too.

  37. Hi Dheeraj,
    We are planning Ladakh trip next year June with a group of 5 ppl including females. The trip would be Srinagar-Kargil-Leh-Pangong-Tsomoriri-Nubra then Manali back the to Delhi via Volvo. We will be hiring a car from Srinagar who will drop us at Manali. Do you think 30K per head means 1Lac 50K is enough to do this trip with all food, accommodation and transport?
    Please suggest

    Thanks

    • Debashish, though next year is quite far, but yeah the number you have come up seems decent to me and with 5 people in one taxi, you should be able to get through it with some error.

  38. raj shukla on

    Hi,

    Still no reply from any one.Is some one here to help?

    Regards

    • When and where did you post the query? I sort them by date and time and reply, so when I start replying first query gets replied first but within 36-48 Hrs most queries are replied, in case not, please repost.

  39. raj shukla on

    Hi All,

    i am planning to visit ladakh (25 aug-29 aug).Please suggest me hotel as well as about the climate.Is there any chance to play with snow between this date?

    • There is no chance to play with Snow, may be some remains on high passes. Regarding hotels, the article mentioned above. It has a series of articles for other places in Ladakh too. Also, just 5 days is too less a time for a trip to Ladakh. Climate will be pleasant, dress up in layers as if it gets overcast then it could get cold.

  40. One of the best guest houses in Leh which is not mentioned on this site is Wisdom Holiday Home guest house.

    It is just a 5 minute walk from the main market on Changspa road, in Karzoo, Near circuit house. Avoid all the traffic, noise and chaos of market area. It is very quiet & peaceful and has beautiful green surrounding around it as well as awesome view of Shanti Stupa. Very well maintained by a family and has a homely feel. Excellent rooms.

    Price Range: Around Rs. 700 – 1000 for double bedroom
    Contact: Mr & Mrs Lamagon: 01982-252427, 09419178140
    Location: Karzoo, Changspa in Leh
    Category: Economic / Moderate

  41. kunjal modh on

    I and my wife and 7 year old son, are visiting leh from 19 oct 2014 to 2 nov 2014. Please suggest me, the good hotel (rs. 700 to 1000 per day) near happening place in leh from where, i can easily manage my trips to other places in leh ladakh and get a taxi.

    • Also, keep in mind October is closed season and it will be quite quite cold up there in Ladakh and also at lakes it will be extremely cold with no camps running and hence either make a day trip or go prepared with heavy woolens and sleep at some home stay.

  42. chandan shaw on

    Dear Dheeraj
    i have a great recommendation for moderate budget stay… “Hotel Horzey”…. The place is now totally revamped and renovated by the owners who were previously leasing it out to others. The Place is now run by Mother nad Daughter combination! and i have lot of respect for such ventures by women. Not only that the rooms are great for 1200 – 1800 budget ( free wi fi with decent signals to rooms and kitchen and dining facility, 24 hrs hot water, western toilet with decent flush :-P, shower , rooms with view of the mountains – i mean wat more could u ask for the money). The courteousness and helping attitude of the owners who themselves sit at the reception is unbelievable in today’s times… (and believe me i have seen many who pretend to be so for commission sake – but not the case with Horzay) I would definitely recommend it as a moderate budget hotel to even my family members! and would like to stay here again too!!

  43. Hello Dheeraj, We are four friends visiting leh from 18 September to 25 september and looking for a four beded nice hotel/guest house near main market. Any recommendation from side?
    Ladakh festival is starting on 20 september so is there any chances of heavy tourist at that time?

    • Vivek, not ever hotel have 4 beded room and I am not really sure which one has. You can check with Khan Manzil and Asia Guest House as I remember that they used to have big sized rooms.

  44. NItish & Angad on

    Dear Dheeraj sharma ji we are ready to going srinagar -leh -manali on 19-08-2014 in srinagar and .from 22August to leh (23-24 Nubra,25-26 Pangong Tso,27-28 Tso Moriri and 29 or 30/8 to Manali).if some one share Transportations with us(2 Male 43-48 yr) in these Dates through pls contact on our cell no 09822681244.Dear Dheeraj if you meet some type of tourist pls help us .

  45. Suvash Gharami on

    Hi Dheeraj,
    I am going to visit ladakh by the first week of October 2014 along with my family of six members. Should I book rooms prior to my journey? I contacted one driver who will pick up me from Srinagar to Leh and ladakh tour for five days @ Rs. 35K and appraised that no advance is requred for his car just I have to remind him before two days of comencment of my journey. Should I rely upon this verbal booking? The driver is one of your good drivers’ list.
    Regards,
    Suvash Gharami

    • Suvash, most of the drivers do not take any advance but just need to be reminded constantly so that they do not commit to any one else too.

      • Suvash Gharami on

        Hi Dheeraj,
        I can’t but praise you for your prompt reply and devotion. I seek your suggestions regarding prior hotel booking during the first week of October. Thanks a lot.

        With regards,

        Suvash Gharami

  46. Hi Dheeraj
    I am solo traveller, not very fussy in my requirements & love adventure… I am reaching Leh on 30th july 14 by flight. Need your favour to know about few things.
    – I prefer moderate range hotel, so should I book them before or I can go & search 1 there.
    -I want to explore the place instead of just going to main point, So how many days do I need for that.
    -While returning I would prefer to travel by road via manali route. Is there any place where I should take halt, which can add on in my experience.
    -Boys can hire bike, is there anything which girls can hire to go from one place to another in local.
    – I have budget approx 20k after reaching leh, is it sufficient?
    – can you tell me some places where I must go as an explorer.
    Thats it for now. Hope to hear from you soon
    Thanks for this wonderful website.

    • Hi Megha,

      Please find below my replies to your queries:

      1. Since you sare not much fussy, so should be OK to search a bit here and there. Hence, no need to book. Take as it comes. Carry the print out the the series of accommodation mentioned here on DoW and call them up once you reach Leh.

      2. You will need at least 9-10 days to explore main main attarctions in Ladakh in comfortable manner.

      3. Since, you are solo traveler, it will be best to take the HPTDC Bus that runs between Manali and Leh which will halt at Keylong and in fare charge for stay in Keylong + couple of meals along with the fare.

      4. You are alone and private taxis are very costly in Leh but you will be able to find the shared taxi without much fuss at all. There are lots of flyers which people put at cafes, dine-ins, restaurants, travel agent desks/shops/whiteboards wanting to share the taxis for different trips within Ladakh. Even travel agent organize such shared taxis trip as well but charge a little higher about Rs 200-300 more than it would ideally cost. So, in worst case you can always go back to them and book a seat for yourself. Gelling up with people in Ladakh is more or less easy because many people travel solo and look forward to meet new people and share cultural thoughts and values over the trip. No where else in the world you will find more smiling and helpful people as Ladakhis are 🙂

      For attractions in around Ladakh, refer: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh

      You can refer the above itinerary from Day of taking rest in Leh. Please keep in mind that you need at least 2 days of complete rest in Leh for acclimatization where you can search for partners or look for flyers on second or third day in Leh. First day has to be in Leh for complete rest.

      Regards
      Dheeraj

  47. i will be in Leh-Ladakh between Jul 7 – Jul 11. I need accommodation for 8 people. Kindly share if anything available.

    • Vipul, this is an information sharing platform only. You can use this information to do your tours on your own. However, if you are looking forward for a travel agent or bookings, you can get in touch with guys at info@offbeatescapes.com who had very positive reviews from all the readers so far.

  48. Hi dheeraj can you help me in the questions..
    How many days take to visit leh ladakh?
    From leh to vaishnavi devi how many time it takes to travel?

  49. Hi can you tell me that is there any network problem regarding with prepaid network??

  50. A big Thank you for all the information provided to novices like us.
    we are 2 friends leaving for leh ladakh trip on 20July – 10 august, planning mumbai-jammu-srinagar-leh-manali-delhi-mumbai, need to know if we might have any problems due to kalchakra festival, also a suitable itenary.

    • Ken, what is your mode of transport. Also, Kalachakra festival will be over by that time, so should not be any issues. Also, these 20 days are ex. Delhi ot Mumbai? If Mumbai, shall I take 4 days from it for to-fro travel between Delhi-Mumbai?

  51. Dheeraj, would you please help me in the following cases?
    I am planning a journey from Shimla to Leh via Lahaul Spiti during the last week of June and the first week of July, this year (2014)…
    I will be reaching Leh on 27th June.. and will stay there till 30th June.. should I book the hotel in advance?
    I am going to spend the night of 1st July in Hunder/ Diskit.. should I book the hotel there too?
    Is it possible to return to Keylong directly from Hunder/ Diskit?

    • Gourab, there is no need to book hotel in advance if you are comfortable enough to search around here and there and not too specific about hotels. It is not possible to reach Keylong directly from Nubra Valley in a day.

      • Is it possible to reach Sarchu from Nubra Valley in one day?
        And one more thing..
        Is it possible to get the inner line permit in the first hour of the day and head for Pangong or Nubra? Or it takes a whole day and I have to wait till the next day?

        • Goura, no, I will not suggest to do Sarchu – Nubra Valley in a day. You should halt at Leh. Inner line permits are not needed for Indians starting this year for regular tourist destinations in Ladakh.

  52. Hi Dheeraj, thank you this wonderful effort. Can you please help me out with this?
    I am planning to travel to Leh via Srinagar – Kargil between 27th June to 6th July, 2014. I was not aware of the Kalchakra Festival. Now I am worried about the availability of boarding and vehicles due to the huge crowd that is expected to assembled during the festival.
    Can you please tell me how difficult the situation gets during the festival?
    It is not possible for me to pre-pone the trip but I can postpone till end of July. Do I run the risk of falling into rainy weather during that time?
    Another question, I want to take my parents , they are all in late 50s. Will the trip be very hectic for them? Considering the possibility of ams and the rigours of the trip will it be safe for them?
    Following is my initial trip itinerary:
    June 27- Kolkata-Delhi-Srinagar
    June 28- Srinagar Local
    June 29- Srinagar-Sonmarg-Drass-Kargil
    June 30- Kargil-Mulbeck-Lamayuru-Leh
    July 1- Leh – Nubra Valley
    July 2- Nubra Valley – Leh
    July 3- Leh – Pangong
    July 4- Pangong -Leh
    July 5- Leh Local
    July 6- Leh-Delhi-Kolkata
    Thank you in advance for all your help on this post.

    • Hi Dheeraj, thank you this wonderful effort. Can you please help me out with this?

      Yes, especially for stay in Leh and your taxi will be very very difficult to find. Better book in advance during the festival period.

      In case you can do the bookings you should be fine with these dates too. Regarding your parents, it all depends if they are used to about 7-8 Hrs of drives a day especially when you will be going from Srinagar to Leh… Though seeing the itinerary I feel it will be manageable since you are doing in relaxed manner. And regarding AMS, it does not relate to Age, Sex or Fitness. It can happen to anyone at anytime 🙂 … Just take things easy and drink plenty of fluids.

  53. Hi,

    We are planning for a trip to Ladakh during July, 2014. We will be cmg to Chandigarh on 2nd July, 2014 by 11 am. And will be leaving Srinagar on 11th July, 2014. During this stay, we wanna travel through Manali, Leh and Srinagar. Can you kindly suggest an best itenary for the same.

    Also, I saw about HP Circuit house/Rest houses. Just wanna know how are these govt aided houses. Are these clean? Or just kind of ok.

    Regards,
    Harish

    • Harish, this year it will be kaal chakra festival in Leh and you can expect lakhs of people around during this period in around Leh. Stay and especially taxis in Leh will be veyr very difficult to find if not booked in advance. Have you considered this factor?

  54. Hi
    Thanks for the wonderful information
    We are planning to reach Ladakh via road from manali by 22 June (Sun) evening.
    We plan to leave for Kargil on 28 June (5 days in Leh-Ladakh)and fly out on 30 from srinagar after overnight at Kargil on 29.
    We plan to hire bikes for the 5 days we are in ladakh and dont have any bookings as of now.

    1. Can you please give me an itenary to cover pangong tso, Nubra valley and anything else so we do the maximum we can in an easy way.

    2. Can we do Zanskar valley on the way to Kargil or need to remove an extra day for that

    3. Will it be cheaper to hire a taxi between 4 of us from Manali to Leh , then another from leh to kargil or just ask some hotel guy to book us a taxi all the way from manali to srinagar (Though we would like to travel by bikes in Leh-Ladakh)

    Thanks in advance

    • Hi Adnan,

      1. One day rest in Leh, two day trip to Nubra Valley covering Diskit – Hunder – Sumur – Panamik, two day trip to Pangong Tso covering Hemis – Thicksey – Shey and Stakna monasteries.

      2. Zanskar Valley needs at least 3-4 days for basic run and back kind of trip ex. Kargil.

      3. Manali to Leh will be HP based taxi and rest you can hire in Leh as one taxi upto Srinagar.

      Regards
      Dheeraj

  55. Hi Dheeraj,

    I have many questions related to the trip to Leh-Ladakh, though many things are clear but I need to know many more things, as the travel agents that I have contacted donot give accurate information and it varies among them and since you are not one among them I think I can trust u for all the info that you can provide…. we are a group of 8 people travelling from Hyderabad between may 19-30th 2014 with a budget of 10000 per head and i want to make the best of it.Can you please share your mobile number here or email it please ?

    Thank you so much !

    • To be very frank, 10K sounds too low on the spectrum for a trip to Ladakh from Hyderabad. The taxi costs are huge and considering 8 people you will end up having two taxis or one tempo travelers that will cost you anywhere between, 10K-13K per person just for taxi considering you will be doing Srinagar to Manali.

  56. Darshan Rathod on

    Hi Dheeraj,

    Firstly, i would like to thank you for such a wonderful website and all your initiatives and hardwork for developing this.
    Truely this work is commandable.

    Can you please help me out with this?
    I am planning for Leh Ladakh tour from 23rd July to 2nd August 2014. (8 pax)

    I would be flying from Mumbai to Srinagar and will land Srinagar by 4 p.m on 23rd July. (Booked flight tickets to and fro Srinagar and my return flight is on 2nd Aug)

    Once i land at Srinagar airport, how should i start my trip really getting confused…

    Apart from covering maximum places in Leh and its surroundings i would also love to cover 1 or 2 days in Kashmir or Srinagar like Sonmarg etc…. (if time permits)

    Can you please suggest an itinerary which would help me to cover maximum places.

    Thank you in advance for all your help on this post.

    • Thank you Darshan. You can follow something like below for your Ladakh trip given the days in hand.

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

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

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

      Day 4 | Leh Local Sightseeing + Inner Line Permits
      — To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
      — 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 | Leh – Dah / Hanu – Batalik – Kargil
      — Take the Batalik route this time to Kargil and make sure you have Batalik, Dah, Hanu on your inner line permit mentioned when you take them
      — Overnight at Kargil

      Day 10 | Kargil – Drass – Zozi La – Sonamarg – Srinagar
      — Enjoy the vistas enroute
      — Have late drunch meal at Sonamarg
      — Overnight at Srinagar

      Regards
      Dheeraj

      • Darshan Rathod on

        Thank you for all your inputs on this post.
        I heard about the River rafting which is really adventurous, so where should i go for it as there are many places for River rafting there. I am looking out for the best one and how much time it will take to complete this activity.
        Apart from River Rafting which all activities can be done over there.
        Thank you.

        • Darshan, there is one that happens from Nimmu to Phey and also towards Chilling as well. Mountain Biking, Trekking can be done in Leh – Ladakh

        • Darshan Rathod on

          Dheeraj, sorry to bother you again.
          If i go with the itinerary you provided, when should i go for River Rafting and how much time it takes to complete this activity. As per your reply, you gave me 2 options which one should i prefer. Obviously i am looking out for the most adventurous one..

          One more thing, just wanted to check whether Tsomoriri lake can be adjusted in the specific time and is it worth seeing this lake or only Pangong is fine???
          I really want to cover maximum places within stipulated time.
          Please let me know your thougths on this.

          Regards
          Darshan

        • Darshan, I have not done it but have read that Nimmu to Chilling is better one. Rafting can be done when you return from Nubra Valley. But skip Sumur and Panamik on that day and start early from Hunder.

          Adding Tso Moriri means that you are compromising on many things and making the journey very hectic. Avoid it 🙂

  57. SAMIR SEAL on

    Dear friend a special good wishes for BENGALI NEW YEAR today ( 1421) I have made a priogramme for a trip from srinagar to ladakh back via manali from 06.09.2014, on 07.09 we will start for kargil on 08.09 will want to visit upto RANGDUM and back to kargil for further journey to ladakh, hence if you kindly guide me for trip from kargil to rangdum and others I will be very much glad I have managed daily 03 rooms car from srinagar to kalka for 15 days from 07.09.2014 to 21.09.2014, including A/p plan for TSO-MORIRI, and NUBRA VALLEY with 1,75,000/-, whether it is ok/ or to high with 07 adult members and 01 minor head waiting to listen from you eagerly.

    • Hello Sameer,

      Same to you too !! Since I don’t know which hotels have you opted cannot comment on the pricing. But, as per the experience from the readers last year you can also cross check with info@offbeatescapes.com … You can refer DoW there. Regarding Rangdum to Kargil, you will need one day. The next day only you need to go to Leh from Kargil.

      Regards
      Dheeraj

  58. mithlesh kumar on

    Dear sir,
    I want to know moderate and budget hotels in sirnagar,boat house (dal lake srinagr), kargril and between kargril to leh

    • Mithlesh, you can check Greenland Standard block in kargil, houseboats are in general moderate budget if you are open the negotiate the prices on the spot. Else Hotel York is one budget option in Srinagar.

  59. Hi,
    To start with, a great resource for such a specific need and quality of info is really great. Helped me book hotel.
    A friend and I are going to be in Leh in the first week of April. How can we make the best of week and what are your tips on doing in this time of year and on moving around on bikes?
    Thanks in advance.

    • Onkar, thank you so much. Well, to get an idea of going around in Ladakh for 7-8 days You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh by Air followed by many travelers including me at the link here: Leh – Ladakh | Most Common Itinerary by Air.

      Regarding moving around on bikes, well it will be cold so be prepared for it. Secondly, don’t take the bikes over Passes as there will be snow and bikes will skid which may injure you.

  60. HI Dhiraj,
    Incredible job by helping so many people who would want to visit leh.
    My plan is to visit Bangalore Chandigarh Kalka Simla Manali Leh.
    now my questions if you can help answer, as below:
    1. How to go from Manali to leh, we are one couple might be one more couple who might join us? Need best and resonable transport.
    2. How many days it takes to reach.
    3. Suggest some nice budget but clean homestay, as our wives are very particular about their stay.
    4. 3 days in Leh is what we have , suggest best paces to visit.

    Look forward for your reply.and yes we visting during last week july and 1st week aug.. is it good time?

    • Hi Roy,

      Please find my replies below in the same order of your queries:

      1 + 2. There are HPTDC buses that run between Manali and Leh which takes two days with overnight stop at Keylong. The bus fares includes accommodation at Keylong too. Take that bus.
      3. You can check the above articles and listed guest houses which are quite clean and suggested.
      4. One day will go in for rest and acclimatization. 1 day you can visit Khardung La and on last day visit Pangong Tso Lake

      Regards
      Dheeraj

      • HI Dheeraj,
        Many thanks for your swift reponse, just few more wanted to check do you share your number by any chance, you know in case we need some help last moment. Also wanted to check 2 things and if you can suggest:
        1. Do you think shimla is worth paying a visit as I have heard it is same like ooty and has become commercial. Rather we can utilize those 2 days in Manali or Leh. Your input should be very helpful.
        2ND. Is it better to go from chandigarh to leh or delhi to leh and whats the best way of transport. thanks a ton.

        • Hello Roy,

          I will suggest you drop Shimla altogether and put that day in Leh. That way you can have 4 days in Leh which will help you cover 1 Day rest in Leh, then 2 day trip to Nubra Valley via Khardung La and then 1 day trip to Pangong Tso. This way you will not miss the beauty of Nubra Valley.

          Best is you reach Chandigarh, then take overnight Volvo to manali and then bus to Leh from Manali. You can use the Email Me link on the side bar to mail me and I will share my number.

          Regards
          Dheeraj Sharma

      • HI Dheeraj,
        Manali to Leh, during July 29th is what we plan to leave. You saying 29th Morning bus will leave from Manali and 30th morning will reach leh or is it 30th evening or 31st Morning we reach ? Please clarify.

        • Roy, bus leaves at 11 AM from Manali and reach Keylong in the evening the same day. Next day they start 5 AM in the morning from Keylong and reaches leh in the evening. I hope it clears your doubt.

  61. Dear Mr.Dheeraj,

    Thank you very much for your unbelievable help to us.

    We are three couple with kids age of 13 years (2 Adult + 1 Kids,2 Adult + 1 Kids, 2 Adult + 2 Kids )plan to visit Jammu, Kashmir,Leh and Ladakh during next May 2014. Regarding this trip I would like to know as follows from you, kindly help me to plan this trip with your valuable guidance.

    I would like to know, Can I travel through the public transport from Jammu to various place in-between Leh – Ladakh?

    Can we rent a bike? What is the charge of rental bike? How can we obtain it?

    As per your guidance what kind of transport vehicle is preferable for us?

    Please list out the most unexploited place on this route.

    • Hello Pradip,

      Yes, Srinagar – Leh Highway will be open by that time of the year and you can avail the public transport. However, since you are families you can also take the shared cab for yourself, however those shared taxis run from Srinagar to Leh in a day mostly which will become hectic for a family.

      With families, I will seriously NOT advice to go with bike rental, rather stick to taxis only. Places to visit will depend upon the number of days you have in hand.

      You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.

      • Dear Mr. Dheeraj,

        Thank you very much for your reply.

        I am from Gujart State, which route is preferable for me to visit leh-ladakh from Manali or Shrinagar?

        If I hire a taxi from Manali or Shrinagar, can i travel with same taxi within Leh-Ladakh aria?

        • Hi Pradip,

          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 travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.

          You can hire the Ladakhi taxi in Srinagar and then use the taxi for the entire tour. Otherwise, taxis outside Ladakh are not allowed in Ladakh. Best is to get in touch with Ladakhi driver who can pick you from Srinagar hotel and then be with you upto Manali. You can refer the thread for a comprehensive list of drivers for Ladakh: List of Taxi Drivers for Ladakh – Srinagar – Leh – Manali

          Regards
          Dheeraj Sharma

  62. manab lahiri on

    dear deeraj
    we want to visit rangdrum or parkachik on 27th May 2014. please let me know if there are any accommodation for 27tourist.if so plese send contact no.
    manab lahiri
    kolkata

  63. Hi Dheeraj
    First of all I must say you have done an incredible job by giving all the information.Thank you for making it all easy for all us fellow travellers
    I had few queries..2 of my friends and myself,we are planning to visit Leh this May starting 18th May,2014) we were looking for a guest house/hotel which can provides us with heaters.in leh,nubra valley and pangong tso.as I believe it would be a bit chilly during that time.Does the tents have any chance of providing with heaters?Could you give us some advice on this (names of such places).
    Please do bear for troubling you with such questions

    Thanks again in advance

    • Hello Pallabi,

      Thank you, my pleasure. It will be difficult to get heaters in Pangong Tso. You can get them at guest houses in Tangste some 34 KMs before Pangong Tso. In Leh, you will be able to get many guest houses where heaters are available but they charge extra for it. In Nubra Valley, you can check with Hotel Stendel. Yes, May is a bit chilly in Ladakh. Tents will not have heaters.

      Regards
      Dheeraj Sharma

  64. Shikha Goyal on

    Hi Dheeraj,

    Your blog has been really helpful. I just had few queries about the weather in Leh in Mid April. We are planning a trip from 10-16th Apr by air (as roads will be closed) and have been told by many ppl to not go as its gonna be extremely cold and most places will remain shut but at the same time have read online that Leh in April is beautiful. Too confused. Our tickets have been booked. Should we go ahead or just cancel? Please suggest on priority. Thanks

    • Hello Shikha,

      Well, you can check my Travel Tale of Ladakh from April at the link: A Snow Whiteout in Leh – Trapped Again | Ladakh – 2012

      You will be able to see how beautiful it is in April and yet also be able to see that everything in Ladakh when I visited was open as far as sightseeing and exploring is concerned. However, you need to bear in mind the cold conditions up there at that time of the year and lack of variety of food + accommodation options. As it is off season, so things are pretty much closed at most place with respect to food options and stay options. But, you will be able to find basic stays and basic food.

      Going through the Travel Tale will help you decide to GO or NOT GO 🙂 🙂

      Regards
      dheeraj Sharma

  65. Hello there, i am going to visit leh/ladakh in 3rd week of Jan2014. could you please recommend me hotel/guest house with central heating facility near main market/heart of the town. my budget is around Rs. 1500/day. Thanks

    • Vivek, centrally heated hotel will be costly I feel. Check the guest houses like Shanti, Oriental which are open all round the year. There is this Shaynam Hotel which also I feel is open all round the year. Check that.

  66. Is it necessary to pre book hotels for trip during end of Aug or we can book the hotel on spot??

    • Hello Akash,

      It depends on your choice. If you do not plan to stay at any specific hotel and if you are OK with searching the place a bit after seeing the room conditions once reaching the place, then I guess you could save some good amount of money too on the hotel bookings. Secondly, it provides you with more and more flexibility in terms of dates you reach on a particular place and allow you any last minutes changes. In places like Ladakh where road conditions are uncertain enough to force a change in plan, the flexibility always top the list.

      Finding a place is not that difficult in Leh and your taxi will be able to help you through. Keep this list handy with you: A preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh including moderate and cheap budget hotels as well in the series of articles starting on the link here

      Regards
      Dheeraj Sharma

  67. Jinesh Shah on

    Hi Dheeraj,

    We traveled in June 2012 and stayed at Hotel Ladakh Heaven located very close to the market. I guess the charges were Rs. 1,500 – 1,800 per night with an extra bed and breakfast. Good service, clean hotel and decent food as well.

    Contact Details : Nirmal (manager)
    09906977774

  68. Hi ,
    I’m visiting leh in the month of jan 2014, can u please suggest me good accommodation with good food & proper heated room.

  69. arunava dasgupta on

    i want to visit leh, ladakh in june – july 2014. my question is
    1. suggest budget hotels in between 900/- to 1500/-.
    2. what is the temperature at that time.
    3. i want to see roadside snow. possible?

    • Hello Arunava,

      Firstly, wishing you a very Happy Diwali !!

      1. You can check the above list, there are many in the above article which will fall under this category.
      2. In July, it will be pleasant with temperatures ranging from 10-20 Degrees 🙂
      3. At that time of the year, there might be snow at passes on road side. Apart from that, nowhere else.

      Regards
      Dheeraj Sharma

      Regards
      Dheeraj Sharma

  70. manab lahiri on

    I WANT TO VISIT LADAKH NEXT MAY-JUN.I WANT TO GO SRINAGAR VIA KARGIL,DRANDRUN GLACIER. PLEASE LET ME KNOW FROM WHERE I TAKE VEHICLES FROM SRINAGAR. MAY I VISIT BY SAME VEHICLES TO DRANG DRUNG? OUR GROUP MAY BE 15 TO 20. PLESE LET ME KNOW WHICH VEHICLES I WILL TAKE.
    MANAB LAHIRI

  71. Rakesh Sachdeva on

    During my last visit to Leh in June 2013, we stayed at Hotel Tso-Kar on Fort Road & I found it a good place to stay. It is centrally located, decent well carpeted rooms with LCD TV & good breakfast options. It was a good deal for Rs 2400/- a night including breakfast in peak season. Highly recommended.

  72. Dr Subir Chatterjee on

    If we want to visit Leh-Ladakh any time during next year, from which time should we start for reservation for accommodations (Leh, Nubra, Pangong tso, Tso moriri, Uletokpo etc)? Should we reserve vehicle from Leh to Leh (10-12 days) from our place only or we can have it after arriving Leh. I think it will be risky to hire vehicle after arriving Leh. How can we book vehicle (SUV) from our place (Saharanpur, U.P)

    • Dr. Subir, you can get the taxi upon reaching Leh. For the leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2013-14 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.

  73. Can you please tell me, will we get reasonable accommodation in Lamayuru? Instead to Kargil I want to visit/stay in Lamayuru.

  74. DEB KUMAR BISWAS on

    I am 70 years intend to attend Ladakh Festival along with my son & friends in September from kolkata-chandigarh-manali-rotang-leh-ladakh. When to start from Kolkata & where to stay(budget accommodation) near festival ground. I also like to travel surrounding places and back to kolkata via kargil or vice-versa. It should 10/15 days trip duration. Please give your contact mobile no. & e-mails so that I can talk & mail you directly.

    • Hello Mr. Deb,

      You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travelers including me at the link here for 14-15 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.

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

      Regards
      Dheeraj Sharma

      PS: Sorry for the delayed response, I was traveling to Spiti Valley for past 10 days.

  75. Piyush Jain on

    Hi Dheeraj

    I am desperately looking for an accommodation in Upshi/Rumptse and PANG. It would be great if I get something modestly reliable in Pang to break my leh-manali journey as i am travelling with 8 family members. I know there might just be Tents but better than dhaba tents right??
    If I get nothing in Pang i will have to halt at upshi and sarchu.

    • Piyush, Pang only has dorm tents or dhabha tents. Upshi / Rumste will only have basic accommodation for stay like homestays or small standard guest houses.

  76. Dear Dheeraj
    we are going to leh-ladakh in the month of september we are four freinds. I want to know that we are going for 5 nights so all the 5 nights we should stay in leh or is there any other option to stay in ladakh also if yes so where should we stay then. looking for budget property in leh and ladakh also (if possible). and would love to hire bike or car from leh to go pangong lake and other places and we all want to stay in same room so is this possible.. please suggest….

  77. Jesal Shah on

    Hi Deeraj,

    We were planning to visit Leh on 29th April 2013 for a 6 day trip. Can you please suggest a nice hotel/guest house for stay keeping the following in mind –

    1) Veg food available in the hotel.

    2) Hot water.

    3) proximity to the main market.

    4) budget in the range of ~700-1100/ day

    Appreciate your help here.

    Thanks

      • Jesal Shah on

        Thanks Dheeraj, in general do you think would it would make sense to stay a night each in Nubra valley and Pangong lake rather than doing a day journey?

        thanks again for your help.

        • Jesal, For Nubra Valley you should surely do it. May be Pangong Tso get away with day journey but if you have time better to take it easy paced.

  78. Dr B P Dubey on

    I, Dr. B. P. Dubey, 59.5 yrs old, am planning to visit Leh in mid June 2013. I am alone. I would like to go to Leh by road from Sri Nagar via Kargil and return via Manali. My trip would be of about 9 days. Most of the time will be spent in sight seeing in Leh. I would prefer Sri Nagar – Kargil – Leh – Manali trip by bus. I am looking for like-minded people to form a group for this trip so that we can hire a vehicle, if required, for any section of this trip. I will start my journey from Mumbai. My journey from Mumbai to Sri Nagar and from Manali to Mumbai would be independent. Interested persons are requested to contact me as soon as possible on following contact details.
    Phone : (Office) – 022-25594420,
    Phone : (Residence) – 022-25571392, M : 09594257653 (after office hours only)
    email = bpd@barc.gov.in

  79. Dr B P Dubey on

    I am planning to visit Leh in the middle of June 2013. I want to travel from Mumbai upto Sri Nagar / Jammu by Train / Air. I wish to go to Leh from there via Kargil by Govt / luxury bus. I want to come to Manali from Leh by Govt / Luxury bus. I want to return to Mumbai from Manali by train / air. I want to complete this trip in 9 days. I would like to stay in medium / cheap hotel during my travel. I would be alone. I would like to spend as much time as possible in Leh. Please tell me whether local tour operators are there in Leh who will take me to various tourist points in a group so that I don’t have to hire a full vehicle for me only. Please advise and give contact details of concerned persons to contact during this trip. I am not keen in taking a package for this tour. However, if one such package is available with above-mentioned requirements, I won’t mind taking it either.

  80. I am planning a Ladhak trip on May 22nd via flight from New delhi. will be reaching there in the early morning. Do i need to pre book my hotel stay as i will be only 2 in numbers (Accompanied by my wife). What about the airport transfers? Is it cheap and easily available? Moreover, i read the taxi rates 2012-13 and they seems to be very expensive.. so keeping in mind for the moderate budget kindly suggest me the best itenery as days are not the constrained (Budget is 🙁 ) Also, the return to delhi will be via road. I am planning to take a kargil route so that I can stay in Srinagar for couple of days as well. Will the route be functional for buses/shared taxi around 29 May ( Assuming 7 day stay in Ladhak). Thankyou 4 ur valuable info 🙂

    • Virat, well brother You are going as a couple and private taxis are very costly in Leh but you will be able to find the shared taxi without much fuss at all. There are lots of flyers which people put at cafes, dine-ins, restaurants, travel agent desks/shops/whiteboards wanting to share the taxis for different trips within Ladakh. Even travel agent organize such shared taxis trip as well but charge a little higher about Rs 200-300 more than it would ideally cost. So, in worst case you can always go back to them and book a seat for yourself. Gelling up with people in Ladakh is more or less easy because many people travel solo and look forward to meet new people and share cultural thoughts and values over the trip. No where else in the world you will find more smiling and helpful people as Ladakhis are 🙂

      Plan to spend couple of days in Leh, 2 day tour to Nubra Valley, 1 day trip to Pangong Tso and 2 day trip to Tso Moriri. You will get such people to club with in that ways.

      Most likely Srinagar – Leh Highway will be open by May end.

      Regards
      Dheeraj Sharma

  81. Yogesh Bansal on

    Hi
    Just saw very usefull information on your blog’s.We are going to leh on 1st Feb and back on 5th morning.
    We want to visit Pangong and khardungla mainly.
    Pls advise good hotel and itinerary

    • Yogesh, it will be super cold out there. Do go well prepared!!

      Stay at least 2 days in Leh only for better acclimatization. Then visit Khardung La as a day trip and finally Pangong Tso for a day trip. Keep last day as buffer day.

      Regards
      Dheeraj Sharma

  82. subhankar choudhury on

    hi, your site is fabulous, and after went through details need some extra info about ladakh & kargil tour via srinagar. we are group of 6-7 people wants to visit ladkah during the month of June.08(saturday) for next 8 days. we will be coming from calcutta. My questions as are follows :-

    1) Can we get share taxi from srinagar with leh registration, reason behind the same is we are assuming in that case the cost may be low(up-down charges will be not there)
    2) as we are seven people is that possible to take a single car, because in maximum cases we found 6 person + 1 driver is allowed, and we also heard that in ladakh more than 3-4 person per car is not allowed.
    3) if point 1 is not allowed, in that case what could be the cost per day per vechile if we hire the leh registration vechile from kargil?
    4) in your site, you mentioned the cost of hire car from srinagar to leh would be around rs. 10000/- average with 1 night hault at srinagar, but what about hiring the car from srinagar to kargil only, what will be the cost in that case

    • Hi Subhankar,

      Thanks brother!!

      1. You can get the shared taxis and they will charge yeah a bit less. You will get them at TRC (Tourist reception center) most likely.
      2. Yes, you can buy all the seats in the taxi and make it your own private 🙂 … quite common. But, looks forJK-10 taxi.
      3. Keep in mind that above taxi will not halt for the day.
      4. Yeah, the prices are a bit high now, may be will be more high next year too. Keep it 12 K. Srinagar to Kargil cost about 5K.

      For doubts related to budget for Leh – Ladakh trip, I am sure the link below will help you alot for getting an idea of overall budget:
      How to calculate cost or budget for Leh – Ladakh trip

      I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you need any further details or have any queries.

      Regards
      Dheeraj Sharma

  83. Ritesh Sharma on

    I was in Leh in August 2012 with my wife and 5 year old kid. We stayed at Horpo Guest House. This is one amazing place to stay. Nice location, neither right inside the main market nor far away. Its about 0.5 km from the main market, and one can easily walk the distance. The guest house has a nice view with the Shanti Stupa and mountains in the front and Castle at Tsemo in the back. The Leh palace is also around. Very Hospitable owner Mr Tsetan helps and guides you a lot. For the price Horpo charges the place is very very good. Recommended to all future travelers..

    • Thanks alot Ritesh for these details, I am sure this will certainly help other people interested in staying in Leh. Do you have any updated contact?

      Regards
      Dheeraj Sharma

      • Ritesh Sharma on

        Horpo Guest House,
        Chubi, Leh Ladakh,
        near Women Alliance,
        Jammu & Kashmir, India 194101
        Tel: +91 01982 251135
        Mobile: +91 9906975196 (Mr. Tsetan Tundup)

  84. Sanjay Sharma on

    Hotel Thongsal has quoted me Rs 2000 on 29th October. Oriental hotel is approx the same.
    Shanti Guest House will charge around 1500.
    Where should I stay?

    Which all hotels are open in winter in Leh?

    • Hello Sanjay,

      1. I hope these prices are with all meals?? Did you check with Hotel Sten Del in Nubra Valley which is way much better than Thongsal.
      2. In Leh, you can stay with Hotel Shaynam or Sia La if you like and I hope they run in winters too. Oriental is good but away from main market. Avoid Shanti Guest House as few did not have a good experience with it in the past.

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

      Regards
      Dheeraj Sharma

      • Sanjay Sharma on

        I was talking of Hotel Thongsal in Leh.
        The 2000 price includes breakfast I think.
        Can you list all the hotels open in winter?

        • I am really sorry Sanjay, I confused it with Olthang 😥 my bad!! Well, I feel it to be on higher side considering off season. May be he might be giving heater as well and mostly the hotels that run whole year provide complete food package. May be there is a scope for bargain. Check with Sia La and Shaynam as well, what they are offering. Again sorry, do not have list of all which are open in winters.

          Regards
          Dheeraj

  85. Nishant Jha on

    Hi Dheeraj,

    I would be in Ladakh from 29-Oct to 4-Nov 2012 with my Wife…looking for a decent place to stay with a budget of 1500-2000 INR per day and heating facility is very critical for me plus proximity to the Main Market in Leh is important as well. Which Guest House/Resort you suggest?

    My shortlist is:
    Padma Guest House & Hotel
    Sia-la Guest House
    Oriental Guest House
    Hotel Tsokar

    Please suggest.

    Plus let me know stay options in Spangmik and Nubra as well; I would be spending one night each in both these locations.

    Warm Regards,
    Nishant Jha

    • Hi Nishant,

      I think both Sia La and Oriental are good option along with Hotel Shaynam which was also quite good in our stay in Leh for last two days and is also near to market. Sia La is very near to Lamayuru and Gesmo restaurants, if they are open then do check some food out there. Oriental being on Shanti Stupa road would be away from Main Market and Changspa road restaurants will mostly be closed by that time. So, better avoid that at that time. I had good reviews of Padma as well. So, you can opt for any – Sia La, Shaynam or Padma.

      For Spangmik and Nubra Valley, I just replied on other posts.

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

      Regards
      Dheeraj Sharma

  86. Vineet Kaushik on

    Dheeraj, kudos for your efforts to put up so much usefull info on leh. I’ve done reservations for leh from 11 Sep 12 to 13 Sep 12. Is anything new to suggest on it. Will the weather will be suitable. Which moderate hotel or guest house will be the best one considering my pocket for Rs.1200 per day stay. Will be highly obliged if replied.

    • Hello Vineet,

      3 days are much less I think but anyhow you can stay either at Sia La Guest House or Shaynam Guest House. Even the Oriental Guest House would suit as well.

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

      Regards
      Dheeraj Sharma

  87. Dear Dheeraj,

    We are planing to come to Leh Via Manali,from New Delhi, on August 9 to 16, by car. (Swift Desire Petrol) We 2 ppl or 2 cpl can come. Can you tell us about the road condition from manali to leh, or we have to choose any other route. Please guide us. And for 5 days can you recomond any hotel for the same our budget is aprx 1000/- per night for stay. Please tell us about what to do in five days.

    • Hi Ajay,

      Are these 7 days only for Leh – Ladakh or do you wish to include the road journey as well in these 7 days. If yes, then it is not possible to do a road trip in 7 days and also explore Ladakh with it. You will need at least 10-11 days and if OK with being on road mostly, then say atleast 9 days to do it.

      Is it fine for you?

      Regards
      Dheeraj Sharma

  88. Sharmeen Khan on

    HI Dheeraj, Would you like to include the contact number of the driver who took us around in Leh, to Nubra and to Pangong? His name is Tashi Namgyal and his number is 09469630613. The reason I recommend him is that he was a very gentle person and he took great care of us when my son fell ill and had to be hospitalised in Deskit. He brought us tea for our breakfast, since we had gone to the hospital very early in the morning from Hunder, attended to my son until me and my husband had breakfast, requested one of the hospital staff to open a toilet for me to use and finally when my son was discharged from the hospital Tashi kept on asking him whethre he felt alright or not. He used to give us chewing gum which he kept with him and once he bought us a packet of chips saying you havent eaten since we started on the drive. He came across as a very caring person. I will post his photos on Facebook too. Will do him as well as travelers good if his services are used. Thank you.

    • Thanks alot Sharmeen, for posting such details and sharing with all the travelers. People in Ladakh are usually very nice, caring and helpful to great extent, no matter what. That is why I love that place so much!! I have updated the number in driver's list in the Leh – Ldakh taxi article and now he would be reachable by many travelers searching content over the web especially DeViL on WheeLs… blog 🙂 …

      I hope all is well now with your son and he got well from the Hospital itself to enjoy rest of the trip!!

      Regards
      Dheeraj Sharma

      • Sharmeen Khan on

        Thanks Dheeraj. Yes, my son was better after being given glucose and intravenous anti-biotics and then we returned to Leh and took him to another doctor there who gave him the green signal to travel to Pangong the next day. So it was just a day that he was unwell.

        • That is great. It is such a harsh terrain that people do suffer!! No one can control it unless we guys have so many days in hand to follow the strict acclimatization schedule.

          Regards
          Dheeraj Sharma

  89. Is there road from Hunder to Pangong Tso & from Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri (Korzok). Can this be covered in a scorpio.the intention is to avaid comming back to leh. IS this advisable please suggest.

    • Hello Padma,

      In case, you guys are adventurous then yes, the route exist between Pangong Tso and Nubra Valley. Also, between Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri. But, these routes are only recommended for people who are ready for long hours of drive/sitting in the taxi with almost no roads at all on majority of the route, especially Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri that will easily take more than 12 Hrs on such bumpy, rough roads.

      For routes and its condition details, check the article linked here: Routes and Road Conditions 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

      • ripal parikh on

        Hi i am planning to visit leh in 20th April 2013. So many travel agent told me that its not good time to visit as no road will be open during this time.i talked with local people on given no and they say that all roads are open. so i am confused what should i do as i am going with my parents

        • Ripal, the people who told you that no roads will be open means that roads to Ladakh will not be open that is Srinagar – Leh highway and Manali – Leh Highway. But, the people who told you that all roads are open means that roads inside Ladakh are open to the places like Pangong Tso, Nubra Valley and Tso Moriri lake. So, in a nut shell both are saying truth in their own sense. It depends how are you going to reach Leh. You cannot reach Leh by road or may be yes by Srinagar Leh highway as it is going to open on 5th April for the light vehicles. So, if you plan a road trip then plan via Srinagar side but keeping the status updated. Otherwise fly directly to Leh and get going when you reach Leh to other places in Ladakh

          Regards
          Dheeraj

        • ripal parikh on

          Thanks a lot dheeraj,
          I am flying to leh directly from delhi so there wont be any issue..

          Can you tell me what will be the weather condition in leh during that time.
          What precaution i need to take as i am travelling with my parents age 55 and 59.?

        • Hi Ripal,

          Please take atleast two days of complete rest, nothing much. DO NOT stress at all in these two days. Let me know how many days you have in hand? I will try suggest the itinerary. AMS do not matter to age, it can happen to anyone of any age.

          Regards
          Dheeraj Sharma

        • ripal parikh on

          Hi Dhiraj,

          Thanks a lot for your information.

          I am going on 20th April and coming back on 28th April.

          Regards
          Ripal Parikh

        • Ripal, you can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh by Air followed by many travelers including me at the link here for 8 days: Leh – Ladakh | Most Common Itinerary by Air.

          Please keep in mind that you will not be able to do overnight at Korzok since there will be no tents, so either drop it OR stay at Chumathang which has very basic facilities only.

        • ripal parikh on

          Can you tell me will i be able to visit Nubra valley at this time of the year between 20th April 2013 to 28th April 2013?

        • Ripal, inside Ladakh all roads are kept open and you will be able to all the places in the linked itinerary. Please keep in mind in the itinerary I have linked to you that you will not be able to do overnight at Korzok since there will be no tents, so either drop it OR stay at Chumathang which has very basic facilities only.