Leh local sightseeing was the pending topic in my series of articles on completing the comprehensive travel guide for Leh Ladakh. Today, I will introduce you to the places to see around that comes under Leh local sightseeing.
It is almost inevitable (at least for people flying directly to Leh) to skip the local sightseeing of Leh town, so it becomes essential to know what all places are there, either in Leh or nearby Leh town so that you can spend a day or two easily without getting bored and utilize them effectively.
As you reach in Leh, you will be spending some part of the day getting the permits for places in Ladakh that you will be visiting as a part of your Ladakh trip itinerary. However, still, you will have about a day and an evening to spend in Leh. So, the question becomes what shall you visit near Leh in a day and how?
Let's quickly dive into the details:
Leh Local Sightseeing Guide
I have mentioned briefly about places to see in Leh town in my most recommended Ladakh trip itinerary already. However, in this article, let’s deep dive into the places that you see around Leh town and spend your time relishing them as a part of the day dedicated to Leh local sightseeing.
The Khar – Leh Palace, Tsemo Castle, Namgyal Gompa
The Khar is the so-called landmark of Leh almost since the 17th century. Being in Leh and the missing sight of this mega structure (almost and comparatively), seems something has horribly gone wrong with your planning, or you were somewhere else in Ladakh but not in Leh 😉 …
It houses the Leh Palace, Tsemo Castle and Namgyal Gompa on the same hills which houses this complex. The museum houses collection of ornaments, jewelry, thangkas and paintings about 450-year-old but still looks as new as it can.
Shanti Stupa
Built on a hilltop in Changspa region of Leh at an altitude of about 14K feet (4267 Mtrs), Shanti Stupa was built in 1999. It is one of the most favorite tourist destinations among other places in Leh local sightseeing plan. The visit to Shanti Stupa would greet you with a wide panoramic view of entire Leh town in the foreground and with breath-taking landscapes in the background.
You can reach it using a drivable road all the way almost to top, or you can choose to ascend about 500-600 stairs. I will not advise stairs if you just landed a day or two back. After 7-8 days, you may give a try to fatigue using those stairs otherwise avoid them to let your body acclimatize properly.
Hall of Fame
Worth a visit for every Indian to get a feeling of undue respect and salute the spirit of heroes of the Kargil War, especially if you have not been to Kargil War Memorial on Srinagar Leh Highway. In the other section, you can see and get an idea of various things that form the rough life of our brave soldiers at Siachen viz. the shoes used by soldiers, the food they eat and how they heat them using Hexamycin tablets, etc.
You will walk out of with a different feeling if you respect those brave souls, a feeling that can help you co-relate their rough life with yours, which we keep cribbing over either some official matters or daily homely issues. Next time you do that think of these soldiers posted here for us, to protect our motherland and think how they get the strength to keep going in their lives 🙂 …
My heart was full of emotions when I walked out first ever from Kargil War Memorial…
Leh Main Bazaar / Leh Main Market
The most attractive place of Leh is Leh main bazaar where you can have finest of cuisines and even shop for a variety of accessories for your mother/sister/wife/girlfriend or woolens for yourself and family or contact some travel agents for money exchange or planning your tours/treks, etc.
In fact, this is the only place where you will find most of the hustle-bustle along with Changspa road of life in Leh Ladakh and maybe the busiest part of Ladakh 🙂 …
Sankar Gompa / Monastery
It is about an easy half-hour walk from Leh towards the road leading to Khardung La pass. They light it up in the evening, and because visiting hours are only limited to morning and evening, I will say going in there for a short walk in the evening is not at all a bad idea 🙂 …
Zorawar Fort
If you happen to have some interest in history and ancient culture, then you can visit Zorawar fort, which is about 30-40 mins walk/hike from Leh main market and jeepable too if you are not interested in hiking. General Zorawar Singh owned this fort and is remembered here for the struggle with Chinese. Europeans even termed him little Napolean of India.
Datun Sahib
Datun Sahib is a Meswak tree that is located close to Leh Palace or just behind the Jama Masjid in the Leh Main Baazar and holds quite religious significance for the whole Leh Ladakh region. It is said to be the first-ever tree planted by Guru Nanak Ji, who blessed the town by planting it.
Sindhu Ghat
A peaceful place where you can enjoy the river banks of Indus and relax amidst beautiful surroundings. The music of the river relaxes all the nerves you get after reaching this place. If you want to spend a lazing afternoon, go and be there at Sindhu Ghaat and relax 🙂
Spituk Monastery
About 8 km from Leh, at an altitude of 3300 Mtrs was built way back in the 11th century and can be a good addition to your Leh local sightseeing tour. The monastery houses about 100 monks and a giant statue of Kali which is unveiled at the annual Gustor festival held from the 27th to 29th day in the eleventh month of the Tibetan calendar.
Phyang Monastery
About 16 km west of Leh towards Srinagar was built back in the 15th century. It houses a 900-year-old museum that has an extensive collection of idols including several fine Kashmiri bronzes probably dating to the 14th century, thangkas, Chinese, Tibetan, and Mongolian firearms and weapons.
The Gang-Sngon Tsedup Festival is held annually from the 17th day to the 19th day of the first month of the Tibetan calendar. On the 2nd and 3rd day of the 6th month of the Tibetan calendar, Phyang serves as a venue for sacred dances.
Sham Valley Tour
Not exactly a part of Leh local sightseeing but west of Leh towards Srinagar on Srinagar Leh Highway, Sham Valley tour includes a day trip to Sham Valley that consists of (in order from Leh) Gurdwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Zanskar, and Indus River Confluence at Nimmu, Ruins of Basgo Palace and Basgo Plains, Alchi Monastery and Likir Monastery I will say it is a must-do trip for anyone visiting Leh – Ladakh.
Of course, if you are interested in detail you can refer my detailed travel guide of Sham Valley.
Monastery Tour
When you travel east of Leh towards the most adventurous Manali – Leh Highway, you should be able to cover some of the popular monasteries in Ladakh, viz. Shey Palace, Thicksey Monastery, Hemis Monastery, and Stakna Monastery.
Depending upon the time at hand and your interest, you can also choose to visit Matho Monastery and Stok Palace a bit ahead of Stakna Monastery and complete the circuit while exiting towards Leh from Stok.
Conclusion
I hope you find the above information useful for planning your day for Leh local sightseeing on the Ladakh trip. If you have any questions or doubts, please feel free to post them under the comments section of this article.
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268 Comments
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Hi dheeraj….i have flight for leh on 22oct nd my return is on 29 oct….we have 6 complete days in leh district….cud u plz advice me to make my trip better…..what all to do 6 days and where to visit….so far i have read many comments of urs bit still cud u plan according to my schedule…..and also i want to do bornfire type sumthing if possible nd stay in a hut for atleast a night if possible…!!!
Waiting for the reply
You can follow the below itinerary
Day 1 | Delhi – Leh (By Flight)
— Checkin at Hotel. Many hotels provide free pick and drop from Airport. Ask while you book them.
— Take ample of rest as well as water or anything that keep your body hydrated enough. DO NOT OVER HYDRATE. Take ORS Soluted water or ORS – L tetra packs from home.
— Do not over exert your body at any cost. Avoid too much up-down on stairs or avoid it in entirety, if possible.
— After 5-6 Hrs of rest you can visit Leh Palace, Local Leh market, Shankar Gompa .
— If you feel exerted go back to Hotel, have dinner at Hotel and take rest. Avoid any exertion. Else continue and,
— Follow the sunset by stroll at Changspa road and have a nice dinner on varied cuisines offered in-around Changspa road.
— Go back to hotel for overnight stay at Leh.
Day 2 | Leh Local Sightseeing + Acclimatization
— Hire a taxi from Leh taxi stand or Hotel whichever suits you.
— Bargain with taxi driver and you can refer the thread for a comprehensive list of drivers: List of Taxi Drivers for Ladakh – Srinagar – Leh – Manali
— Take his inputs if you feel reasonable and if required modify the plan accordingly but should suits you best.
— Ask him to be with you guys starting first day itself, if required and charged reasonable else do it at your own.
— Again DO NOT over exert and take little steps and slow walks only.
— If feeling OK then do Local sightseeing. To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
— Do not use stairs at any of these places just to see them as it will exert your body much more.
— Overnight at Leh
Day 3 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 4 | Hunder / Diskit – Shyok Village or Wari La – Pangong Tso
— Take direct route to Pangong Tso via Shyok Village (shorter) or Wari La (longer) whichever is open
— Overnight at Pangong Tso
Day 5 | Pangong Tso – Leh, covering Hemis, Thicksey and shey monasteries
— Cover Hemis, Thicksey and Shey
— Overnight at Leh
Day 6 | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping OR Monastery tour or Fly out
— Overnight at Leh
Hi Dheeraj,
I’m Vy, from Vietnam. Firstly I want to say thank you to you and your team. The information on DOW is beyond of helpful. It gives us the inspiration to go on the road, to discover.
I’ll in Ladakh in Sep. I’m a solo female. And I travel on a budget. Below is my itinerary. I built it based on the suggestions on DOW.
Could you give me advice for my itinerary? I have some worries, especially about transport.
1. Trekking to Padum – Phugtal: Could I do this trek without the guide. I just worry about the chance of getting lost.
2. From Leh – TurTuk – Spangmil – TsoMori – Leh: Could I find the shared cabs or public transport for those routes? If the shared cab is available, how much I should pay for each part.
3. Any changing advice is welcome. Only Phugtal is the have-to destination.
1: Srinagar – Karmil
2. Karmil – Padum
3. Padum – Phugtal
4. Phugtal – Padum
5. Padum – Kargil
6. Kargil – Leh
7. Leh: sightseeing and permits
8. Leh – Turtuk
9. Turtuk – Spangmil (via Shyok village)
10. Spangmik – Tso Mori
11. Tso Mori – Leh
*1 preventive day for rest or any emergency case.
Again, appreciate for all your work.
Hello Vy,
Nice to connect to you here. Thank you for warm words.
1. I will not suggest doing Phugtal as you do not have sufficient time for it. You will not be acclimatized to do the trek so fast to be completed in a day time. So, better skip it. Also, the journey is too tiring from Kargil to Padum directly without night stop and then going on such long trek in a day is not recommended. Instead use the day for Ladakh itself at ease.
2. Regarding Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri, you will not be allowed to take that route being foreigner. Hence, you should do it at easy pace skipping the part of Zanskar Valley.
hi Dheeraj,
2. does it mean from Pangong Tso, I have to come back Leh and then take the route from Leh – Tso Mori?
also, I want to ask about permit. I read articles but have a bit confused so I want to make it clear: As a foreigner,
1. I only need to apply for Inner Line Permit (ILP). It cost 400 + 20 INR?
2. as a solo traveler, I can’t get the permit by myself, have to run through an agency?
thank you very much.
Yes, you will have to come back to Leh from Pangong Tso and then can go to Tso Moriri from Chumathang route.
As a foreigner, you need to apply for Protected Area Permits, the rule was changed I believe recently and a single person can also apply for permit as foreigner but through an agent. You can use the Online application to apply online and pay fee for Protect Area Permit.
Hi Vy
I am going to Leh 8Sep, solo, you can join me some days if ok for you
RG
Hung
oh, nice to hear from you. so please contact via email: [email protected]
Really Article is well informative, I am fan of DevilOnWheels, wonderfully executed every thing, I always preferred this site for Leh Ladakh information. many times I got answer from your forum section. users participating on it sharing their knowledge about Leh Ladakh region and your contribution is unbelievable.
Thanks for sharing such a wonderful article with us, If possible please use more images in the post which can attraction more users and engagement.
I have a wonderful experience in Leh Ladakh, and try to explain in the writeups. travelingtoworld.com/leh-ladakh-travel-guide/
Thank you Sunil !!
Thanks a lot Dheeraj, keep updating us,
Good job.
Sir,
Thanks for your helpful replies. Cheers.
Good luck for your trip, please share the updates or reviews with us too from the trip so that it help others.
1. You have suggested clearly in many posts that it is best to travel from Srinagar to kargil and then onwards to Leh. Is it OK to get the body acclimatized by staying in kargil? I had planned to stay in kargil and see the local places by getting permit: stay there for three days. Then travel to Leh. Is it OK for the human body to get acclimatized that way? Request advices on this.
2. You had also posted that one group had travelled by the Srinagar route in May or thereabouts. However, in reply to another person in 2016, there was a suggestion to avoid travel through Srinagar route. I am really really confused here: from what I see on the 24/7 news channels: the situation in the Srinagar side is BAD. Alternatively, I am contemplating taking the Manali Leh route.
3. Will the Manali Leh road route be open by the second week of July 2017?
4. Should I get permit for crossing Rohtang pass? Where can I get the same?
5. Also, acclimitization wise: is this ok? Chandigarh to Solang valley (stay); onwards to keylong (stay); onwards to jispa (stay); onwards to sarchu (stay); onwards to leh. Is this plan ok acclimatization wise?
This will allow me to acclimatize, I hope, to enable me to see in and around Leh.
Also, I plan to fly back from Leh to Delhi and then to Chennai.
Hi Raghu,
1. Not necessarily I will say but yes does help staying in KArgil and then moving to Leh. It depends from Kargil where exactly are you moving. Best way if one has days is to do Kargil, Alchi night stays before reaching Leh.
2. Well, it depends upon person to person. The situation changes every day in Kashmir and you should ignore whatever is posted in 2016. Please go through the thread of Srinagar – Leh Status in DoW Community to read about people experiences traveling there in this year.
3. Yes Manali – Leh Highway is about to open any day now.
4. If you go from Manali – Leh side, you will have to take Rohtang Pass permit to go beyond Rohtang PAss.
5. It is not OK but well, it is the way to travel to Leh if you choose Manali – Leh Highway. Also, PLEASE do not stay over night at Sarchu. It should be Solang, Jispa and then directly Leh.
Please suggest three day itinary for local Leh tour.I will reach to Leh on 24 June and leave on 26 june
You can rest for the first day, explore market and trolls in the streets, visit Shanti Stupa. Next day you can visit Sham Valley and then you can visit monasteries (Hemis, Thicksey, Shey, Stakna)
Thank you for reply.Whether two days are sufficient for local sightseeing or more days are required?.Which place I should visit in Leh to see snow in June?
I hope you mean two days for above places? Yeah, that should be fine for Leh Local sightseeing and sham Valley. June, you can find snow only at Khardung La Pass and Chang La pass on the way to Nubra and Pangong Tso respectively.
Hello Sir,
I plan to visit Leh Ladakh in September mostly from from 11th for a period of 16 days, so that would be from 11th to 26th September
Wish to thank You for Your blog which is really very helpful 🙂
It will either be Me or I might have two other people joining me
I have read your articles, well most of them but still just want to know a few things … As I am a photographer this would be a completely photography based trip
1. Will a laptop work in Leh ? I mean do You know anyone who has used it in Leh
Being a photographer I would need to download/take backup on my laptop and if possible on an external HDD, Will that be possible in Leh as it is at a altitude of around 3000 mts.
2. Do You know of any good/reliable travel agency in Leh ? I would be hiring a vehicle and a driver/guide so …
I have noted down the names of drivers/guide that You have recommended but what about a reliable local travel agency
Especially those who have worked with photographers or are used to taking/handling photographers
3. The places that I have planned to visit/stay are Hunder, Pangong, Tso Morriri, Tso Kar, Hanle and Rangdum … I want to ask about the availability of Electricity in these places or guesthouses/homestays because I will need to charge the camera batteries at least once every two to three days
4. Will accommodation ( Guesthouses/Homestays ) be available for the above places in this period from 11th to 26th September ? Will the tented camps be open especially in Pangong
5. I want to make it as cheap as possible the whole trip that is … especially if I will be going alone so if there are any good guesthouses or homestays which offer good food and have electricity sometimes during the evening then please do let me know so that I can plan the trip accordingly
As of now the probable itinerary is –
1st day – Rest
2nd day – nearby places
3rd day – Leave for Hunder
4th day – In and around Hunder
5th day – Back to Leh
6th day – Leave for Pangong
7th day – In and around Pangong
8th day – If possible ( Depends on the availability of electricity ( Battery charge ) and Driver/Guide )), travel to Tso Morriri
9th day – In and around Tso Morriri
10th day – Back to Leh
11th day – Leave for Hanle
12th day – In and around Hanle
13th day – Back to Leh, Visiting Tso Kar on the way back
14th day – Leave for Rangdum
15th day – Back to Leh
Please let me know what You think and it would be really nice if You could clarify my queries 🙂
Would welcome any suggestions or ideas that You might have regarding the above itinerary which would be helpful for me in one way or the other 🙂
Thank you 🙂
Warm Regards,
Salil Sahani
Thank you Salil.
1. Yes, it should be OK to use it but please do read: Carrying Laptop to Ladakh or High Altitudes
2. Most of these drivers are very reliable as you might have read their feedback in the thread too. IF you really want to get authentic stays and feeling of Ladakh trip, better exclude the middle men.
3. Rangdum is too far and needs more days at least 2 days ex. Kargil. So, ;eave Zanskar and Suru for some other time.
4. Yes, stay options will be available.
5. You should be able to find guest houses or home stays at almost all the places.
6. Day 8 should be Hanle, In around Hanle and then move to Tso Moriri. Pangong tso to Tso Moriri have mid point as Hanle though a bit diversion
Thank you very much Sir for getting back so quickly 🙂
1. Yes I have read that article Sir 🙂
2. Yes, will keep that in mind :), Can the driver take care of the accommodation, I mean if I decide whom to go with then will He take care of the rest, especially the accommodations at all the places to be visited ?
3. Oh Ok
4. Oh good 🙂
5. 🙂
6. Yes that would be a better idea 🙂
Sir, Which of the above places have electricity, apart from Leh that is ? Hunder, Pangong, Hanle, Tso Morriri
Yes, drivers take care of their accommodation. All the places will have electricity but the supply will be limited at Pangong tso and Tso Moriri.
Hi deeraj” would you please give me information, if I tour all the way from Leh to {Pangong TSO by JKSTC bus from leh on saturday & stay at Pangong TSO at Night and again return to leh. May kindly provide me a detailed staying option at night where the JKSTC bus halts at night and the distance of Pangong TSO lake from bus stand. I will be very helpful if your valuable suggestion are accorded for me for chalking out a programe for visit to Leh
Dinesh, AFAIK, the bus goes to Lukung and Spangmik villages which are near the shores of the Pangong Tso lake only, about 300-500 Mtr form the lake
Hi Dheeraj,
Me and My wife are planning to travel from to Leh from 16th June to 25th June. Our initial plan was to reach Manali by Bus and then either bus or taxi from Manali to Leh. However, I read online that there’s a possibility that the Manali-Leh Highway may not open till late June, so we have planned to fly to Srinagar instead and then travel to Leh via Bus and end the trip by traveling from Leh to Manali by road by 25th Afternoon. Can you suggest an itinerary based on the above dates and do you think we can accommodate road trip from Srinagar to Leh and Leh to Manali within 16th and 25th June?
We are planning to travel to Leh from Delhi. Sorry, forgot to mention that.
Just replied to your other comment.
Hey Sundar,
You can follow the below plan:
Day 1 | Delhi – Srinagar
— Enjoy walk around Dal lake and may be Shikara ride as well
— If you have time then check out, floating market, Shalimar Garden.
— Overnight at Srinagar
Day 2 | Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil
— Enjoy the vistas enroute
— Have late drunch meal at Drass is you are a vegetarian as sometimes it gets difficult to find veg. food at Kargil
— Overnight at Kargil
Day 3 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
— Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes
— On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu
— Overnight at Leh
Day 4 | Leh Local Sightseeing + Acclimatization
— To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
— Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 6 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Day 7 | Leh – Pangong Tso Lake – Leh
— Day trip to Pangong Tso
— Overnight at Leh
Day 8 | Leh – Taglang La – Moore Plains – Pang – Sarchu
— Stay overnight at Sarchu
Day 9 | Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
— On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only
— Overnight at Manali
Day 10 | Manali – Delhi
— Return home
Day 11 | Buffer day to be kept incase of road closure due to landslides or snowfall or perhaps you want to enjoy more.
Thanks a lot Dheeraj. In your opinion, would the Leh-Manali Highway open by the 25th of June considering the record snowfall experienced this year.
Yes Sundar, Leh – Manali Highway will open by 25th June.
Thanks Dheeraj. Just one more question. I was planning to cover the journey from Srinagar to Leh in JKSRTC bus. Do these buses stop at Sonamarg, Zozi-la, Drass, Lamayuru which I should be covering during the trip or do I choose an alternate mode of transport? Private taxi’s do seem expensive.
Sundar, these buses do not stop unless it is a stop for them for meals and tea/snacks. Some of them you mentioned may be actual stops for them. However, it is not a tourist bus that will stop for scenic places. There is no cheaper alternate mode unless you get a shared taxi with tourists who are willing to share the taxi or find online travel partners to share the cab.
Hi Dheeraj,
We are from Hyderabad, Mumbai and Bengaluru. We (about 12 of us) are planning to visit Leh-Ladakh by April end-first week of May and leave by May 6-7. We will be flying to Leh from Delhi and will be travelling with 2 kids aged 5-6 and one aged 13. A couple of us are on the heavier side too. Is it too risky for us? Will be grateful if you can help us decide the itinerary in a way that we don’t miss anything.
Hello Rekha,
If you guys can take precautions and go prepared (it will still be cold in April end), it shall be OK to travel. Considering you have about 7-8 days, I will suggest following:
Day 1 | Delhi – Leh (By Flight)
— Checkin at Hotel. Many hotels provide free pick and drop from Airport. Ask while you book them.
— Take ample of rest as well as water or anything that keep your body hydrated enough. DO NOT OVER HYDRATE. Take ORS Soluted water or ORS – L tetra packs from home.
— Do not over exert your body at any cost. Avoid too much up-down on stairs or avoid it in entirety, if possible.
— After 5-6 Hrs of rest you can visit Leh Palace, Local Leh market, Shankar Gompa .
— If you feel exerted go back to Hotel, have dinner at Hotel and take rest. Avoid any exertion. Else continue and,
— Follow the sunset by stroll at Changspa road and have a nice dinner on varied cuisines offered in-around Changspa road.
— Go back to hotel for overnight stay at Leh.
Day 2 | Leh Local Sightseeing + Acclimatization
— Hire a taxi from Leh taxi stand or Hotel whichever suits you.
— Bargain hard with taxi driver. Book that single taxi for entire trip after explaining the complete plan.
— Take his inputs if you feel reasonable and if required modify the plan accordingly but should suits you best.
— Ask him to be with you guys starting first day itself, if required and charged reasonable else do it at your own.
— Again DO NOT over exert and take little steps and slow walks only.
— If feeling OK then do Local sightseeing. To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
— Do not use stairs at any of these places just to see them as it will exert your body much more.
— Overnight at Leh
Day 3 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 4 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Pangong Tso – Leh
— Do not plan to stay overnight at Pangong Tso as you will not be acclimatized and may fall sick. So, make a day trip only.
— Overnight at Leh
Day 6 | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping OR Monastery tour OR Sham Valley tour OR Fly back home
— Overnight at Leh
— Monastery tour may include Hemis, Thicksey and Shey monasteries. They come on the route of Pangong Tso but as you will be doing day trip, it will be a bit hectic to include them on that day only.
— Sham Valley include Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, Gurudwara Pather Sahib
In case you have about 1-2 days more, you can add Turtuk day trip from Deskit/Hunder in Nubra Valley.
greetings from the philippines…i would like to travel to your wonderful country this month of sept…ill arrive in amritsar on sept 13 at night and begin exploring on the 14th…ill leave india from delhi on the 28th……i have around 15days….ill be visiting leh ladakh and beyond and probably taj mahal….from amritsar i would like to go to srinagar and go to leh but some said its not safe to travel somewhere in JK since there is ongoing tension…is it true.?????..so i guess ill just go to manali and enter leh that way…..i would like to enter leh/ or leave leh from delhi thru a flight but its very expensive….however the flight from srinagar going to delhi is way cheaper and considering leaving leh f going to srinagar to catch a flight, but im still concerned about secuirty issues is srinagar….and also i really wanted to go to phuktal monastery in sanzkar…the photo of the place i saw on the internet seems really awesome…can i do it all with the time i have in india??????
Hello Celden,
Very warm welcome to India and Himalayas 🙂 🙂
Julian, well, I will not recommend at all to travel from Srinagar side. Please avoid it completely at the moment. Go from Manali side and come back from the same route. You have 15 days, I can recommend you the flow and you can take it as per availability of public transport or shared taxis:
1. You should make two day trip to Leh from Manali as body will not be acclimatized. Fist night halt will be Keylong if you will go by bus else Jispa if you take tourist shared taxi. DO NOT take a taxi or tempo traveller which halts at Sarchu, you will not be acclimatized to sleep at it.
2. Rest and acclimatize in Leh, get the protected area permits.
3. Move to Nubra valley and explore Hunder, Deskit, Turtuk villages before coming back to Leh
4. Move to Pangong Tso and come back the next day
5. Move to Tso moriri and come back the next day
6. In between (3-5) you can opt to visit Alchi, Likir, Lamayuru as well as two day trip.
7. Finally take the bus back to Manali from Leh which will take halt at Keylong.
This will be around 14-15 days not leaving anything else to cover.
Hi Dheeraj,
Reading these articles are great! A huge help before I fly from the UK to India and directly to Leh on the 5th Sept for approx. 5 nights. I haven’t really committed to booking guest hostels yet, as I wanted to confirm the itinerary (similar to what you recommended to RISHABH) with a friend that I will be travelling with. Wanted to get your input on this and suggestions of what to do?
Day 1 & 2: Will stay in Leh to acclimatise and try and cover what you have suggested to others.
Day 3: Pangong Tso day trip and on the way back, will try and stay in Thiksey Monastery for the night?
Day 4: I wanted to visit Nubra Valley, wasn’t sure whether we could do a day trip there or would it be better to stay there for the night? Any suggestions of where to stay?
Day 5: Nubra Valley/Leh
Day 6 and onwards will include the bus ride to Manali however we would like to stay over another place for a night or 2 to break up the long journey, however not sure where?
Final query is regarding the drinking water in Leh, is it recommended that we should take purification water tablets?
Hi Dan,
You should visit Nubra Valley first on Day3,4 and then on Day 5 you should go over to day trip of Pangong Tso. You can stay at Hunder in Nubra Valley which is more close to nature and has many hose stays or small guest houses with local touch. Day 6 when you take the bus to Manali it will halt at Keylong where you will be staying for the night. Then next day you can move over to Manali from Keylong.
Well, you can carry them for precautions but most of the time I never found any filth or impurities in the water
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for getting back, will go ahead with that then.
Would you know how long the bus journey is to Keylong, and whether taxis will be available for this journey as an alternative?
Cheers,
Dan
Dan, Leh – Keylong is around 13 Hrs and Keylong – Manali is around 7 Hrs. Yes, taxis are there always and can be booked on the spot as well in case you decide not to go by bus.
Hello Sir,
I am planning trip to leh from 16th august to 20 aug. I’ll reach leh airport by 6:40 in the morning on 16 and I hav a flight back from srinagar on 21st noon.
So can u please suggest me the best itinerary for the trip..
Thank you in advance.
ishabh, you can follow the below plan for a 5 day trip to Ladakh
Day 1 | Delhi – Leh (By Flight)
— Checkin at Hotel. Many hotels provide free pick and drop from Airport. Ask while you book them.
— Take ample of rest as well as water or anything that keep your body hydrated enough. DO NOT OVER HYDRATE. Take ORS Soluted water or ORS – L tetra packs from home.
— Do not over exert your body at any cost. Avoid too much up-down on stairs or avoid it in entirety, if possible.
— After 5-6 Hrs of rest you can visit Leh Palace, Local Leh market, Shankar Gompa .
— If you feel exerted go back to Hotel, have dinner at Hotel and take rest. Avoid any exertion. Else continue and,
— Follow the sunset by stroll at Changspa road and have a nice dinner on varied cuisines offered in-around Changspa road.
— Go back to hotel for overnight stay at Leh.
Day 2 | Leh Local Sightseeing + Acclimatization
— Hire a taxi from Leh taxi stand or Hotel whichever suits you.
— Bargain hard with taxi driver. Book that single taxi for entire trip after explaining the complete plan.
— Take his inputs if you feel reasonable and if required modify the plan accordingly but should suits you best.
— Ask him to be with you guys starting first day itself, if required and charged reasonable else do it at your own.
— Again DO NOT over exert and take little steps and slow walks only.
— If feeling OK then do Local sightseeing. To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
— Do not use stairs at any of these places just to see them as it will exert your body much more.
— Overnight at Leh
Day 3 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 4 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Pangong Tso – Leh
— Do not plan to stay overnight at Pangong Tso as you will not be acclimatized and may fall sick. So, make a day trip only.
— Overnight at Leh
Hey
Hope you are doing good …Man!!
Your comments and updates are really Appreciable.
Need Help:
Planning a trip for he first time from Delhi on rented bikes and 10Days in Hand
Let me know about the permit/permission process and formalities
Places to be covered: Pangong lake, Khardungla, Nubra valley
It will take 4 days to reach Leh from Srinagar side starting from Delhi with stop overs at Jammu, Srinagar, Kargil and 3 days to come back from Leh from Manali side to Delhi with stopovers at Sarchu, Manali. This makes it 7 days. 1 Day is required in Leh for acclimatization. You have about 10 days. 1 Day can be used as Day trip to Pangong Tso and other day can be used as day trip to Nubra Valley or just Khardung La pass.
Opt to go via Manali – Leh Highway and I will suggest that you refer the thread for more details on the route and night halts though it is of 9 days: Manali – Leh – Ladakh – Manali | Itinerary for 9 Days. You can fit in plan I suggested in above para in this plan
You will need permit to cross Rohtang Pass which is issued from SDM office in Manali.
hello,
i am going to spend a week in ladakh, but i only have 1 day in leh, and i am travelling alone and i want to do a bike journey for a day, can you please suggest me where shal i go and come back by the evening?
thank you.
Not sure how your itinerary is planned so cannot really comment. Still, in case it is after the acclimatization is done, you can make a day trip to Sham Valley on bike.
thank you so much. 🙂 and also please update me, what is the distance between leh and sham valley?
Bhavya here you go: Sham Valley Ladakh | Sightseeing and Travel Guide
Farthest point Alchi is about couple of hrs drive from Leh.
Hello Dheeraj sir
We are travelling from haryana to leh in our own suv. Do we require any permit for local site seeing like nubra valley,pangong lake,kargil etc etc. Can we visit these sites in our private car or we require to hire a taxi there.
Yes Aarti, you can visit all these places on your own car without any issues at all. You need permit for Rohtang Pass in case you are going from Manali to Rohtang Pass
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for writing so detail about Leh, it helps in giving a perspective to someone who have never been to Leh.
I am in a dilemma whether should I go with a tour agent for the entire trip, or should I just take local tours from Leh itself (Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley, Leh local sight seeing, Tsomoriri etc.)
I am planning to go either on 14th Sept that week or 21 Sept that week and I heard from many that end of September onward are off-season, which means I will be able to get good price/bargain for hotels, taxi and local tours during that time. However, I would not want to risk going in to Leh and later on screw up the whole trip. What do you suggest?
Is it easy to get taxi/local tour in Leh itself? Do you know the price for the above-mentioned places tour if taken from Leh plus taxi? Below is my draft itinerary, can you please suggest if they are fine?
Regards,
Noel
Day 1: Reach Srinagar – Kargil
Stay @ Kargil
Day 2: Kargil – Leh
Stay @ Leh
Day 3: Leh Local
Visit: Shey, Thicksey, Hemis, Stok Monastries
Stay @ Leh
Day 4: Leh – Nubra Valley
Stay @ Nubra Valley
Day 5: Nubra Valley – Leh
Stay @ Leh
Day 6: Leh –Pangong Tso Lake
Stay @ Pangong Tso
Day 7: Pangong Tso Lake – Leh
Stay @ Leh at 11,562 ft
Day 8: Leh – Tsomoriri
Stay @ Tsomoriri
Day 9: Tsomoriri – Leh
Stay @ Leh
Day 10: Depart from Leh Airport
Your plan seems good to me, you can plan the entire tour on your own. DoW has enough sources which you can use to plan the trip yourself and save money.
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
For the leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2015 – 16 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here. You can get about 10-12% of discount by directly getting in touch with drivers and of course, talking in person rather on phone always help in bargaining more.
For the list of good restaurants in Leh – Ladakh or eateries or food joints where food is enjoyed by many travellers including me, you can check the link here: List of Good Restaurants in Leh – Ladakh | Restaurant Reviews
Hi Dheeraj,
I am leaving from Kargil to Leh as I write this. Unfortunately I twisted my ankle while leaving from Srinagar and it is swollen since then. I took the painkillers and am feeling better.
I am planning to show it to a doctor in Leh. Can you please let me know any known doctors and their address? I will be reaching Leh by 3:30 PM.
Thanks,
Suhas
Suhas, you can visit the hospital in Leh and they will be able to help you out there. Do take care brother !!
Thanks a lot Dheeraj. I visited the hospital, fortunately there was no fracture and I could carry on with the trip. I returned yesterday and once again would like to Thank you for all the information you provided, without which the trip would probably not happened.
You are touching lives of people in a special way, keep it going!!
That’s really good to know that Suhas and glad you had a wonderful trip to Ladakh. If you have time and possible for you, do share the experience or reviews or just a photo tale in DoW Community 🙂
Hi Dheeraj
Your articles are a gem pit for those who wanna travel to Leh. We too are planning to visit from 27 Aug till 04 Sep and the itinerary goes as follows:
27 Aug – Leave Delhi and arrive at Manali early morning. Travel to Solang Valley and spend the night there.
28 Aug – Travel to Jispa and spend the night there.
29 Aug – Travel to Sachu and the night there.
30 Aug – Travel to Leh.
31 Aug – Wandering around Leh – Local Sightseeing.
1-3 Sep – ???
4 Sep – Leaving Leh
The next three days (1-3 Sep) are really tricky coz I can’t put my finger on how best to go about. Any suggestions would be lovely.
Thanks in advance.
Sri
Hi Sri,
You should follow below:
Day 1 | Delhi – Manali/Solang Valley
— Better stay at Solang Valley and avoid Manali as sleeping at Solang Valley does help in acclimatization
— If going by own car, get the permit made in advance to drive on Manali – Rohtang Pass road through hotel/travel agent in Manali
— Overnight at Manali/Solang Valley
Day 2 | Manali/Solang Valley – Keylong/Jispa
— It is always better to stay either at Keylong/Jispa so that you do not feel sick or hit by AMS.
— Avoid sleeping at Sarchu at any cost while going to Leh from Manali because your body will not be acclimatized by the time you reach there.
— I prefer staying at Jispa more because Keylong gives the feeling of a town while Jispa is more closer to nature having Bhaga river running just aside the Manali – Leh Highway at Jispa.
— Overnight at Keylong/Jispa
Day 3 | Keylong/Jispa – Leh
— Leave Keylong/Jispa early next morning, say by 4/5 AM types, so that you reach Leh in the evening.
— Overnight at Leh
Day 4 | Leh Local Sightseeing + Acclimatization
— To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
— Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 6 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Day 7 | Leh – Pangong Tso – Leh
— Make a Day trip to Pangong Tso
— Overnight at Leh
Day 8 | Leaving Leh
Thanks heaps Dheeraj…
Will share this among my friends and adjust accordingly…
By the way, one more thing. I’ve drawn up this plan skip Manali-Leh journey altogether and spend all 8 days in Leh by flying from Delhi to Leh again thanks to your articles…
Day 1 (27 Aug) | Leh Local Sighseeing + Inner Line Permits
To know the about the places to visit in/around Leh.
Overnight at Leh
Day 2 (28 Aug) | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping or you can do tour to Sham Valley (60km)
Sham Valley include Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, Gurudwara Pather Sahib
Overnight at Leh
Day 3 (29 Aug) | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder (126km)
Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass Khardung La
Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha Statue and Hunder has sand dunes and Bactrian Camel Safari
About 5-6 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between and at Khardung La
Day 4 (30 Aug) | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh (66km + 141km)
Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
Overnight at Leh
About 7-9 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between
Day 5 (31 Aug) | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake – Spangmik (156km)
Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on the go towards Pangong Tso
Pangong Tso Lake
Overnight at Pangong Tso (Spangmik or Lukung)
About 5-6 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between
Day 6 (01 Sep) | Spangmik – Man – Merak – Kakstet – Chusul – Tsaga La – Tsaga Village – Loma – Nyoma – Mahe – Sumdo – Tso Moriri (235km)
Tso Moriri Lake
Overnight at Tso Moriri
Day 7 (02 Sep) | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Chumathang – Upshi – Hemis – Leh (220km) or via Tso Kar-Debring-Rumste-Upshi (241km)
Cover Karzok Monastery
About 7-8 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between
Day 8 (03 Sep) | Leh
Hemis National Park
In and around Leh
I can actually bring the Day 8 after Day 1 for more acclimatization…
Just take a look and offer your suggestions. I’m feeling so stingy to let go of the things in Leh in favor of Manali-Leh… Your thoughts on this will be invaluable
Keep it the way it is, just make sure that you have all the required permits to take the route from Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri. In case army send you back, you can use Day 8 as buffer day.
Hi Dheeraj
Sorry have to bother you again. The itinerary is fixed based on your opinions. However, I wonder if you could give a couple of reliable travel agents to arrange our accommodation in Leh and other places plus the transportation.
Your recommendation will be invaluable as you’ve first-hand experience.
Thanks again
Sri
you can connect with [email protected] as most of the readers in the past couple of years have had very good feedback about them and especially their transparent policies along with being there with you all the time in need. So, we trust them the most. You can refer my name or DoW to Gaurav, the guy who runs it. He knows us very well and should be able to offer some special rates being a DoW Member. You can just refer him the DoW Community Member Username in such a case or screenshot of this reply here.
Hi Dheeraj
Just wanted to let you know that we finished our journey very successfully from 26 Aug to 04 Sep. Your reports on Ladakh were invaluable and we managed to complete the whole journey with very little High Altitude Sickness such as giddiness and lose motion.
If one takes a dose of Diamox at least 2 days prior to the start of the journey it should help. Further we stayed at a place called Shanthi Guest House and they were simply out of this world. Extremely good, humble, friendly and helpful people and they’re Ladakhi folks. Very cheap too. So if anyone who reads these for helpful tips, do give them a try and you can go wrong.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g297625-d1203760-r417108830-Shanti_Guest_House-Leh_Ladakh_Jammu_and_Kashmir.html
Thanks once again and good luck for your future articles…
Cheers
Sri
Hi Dheeraj,
We are 2 px travelling on 1st July wanted to know how easy it is to get shared taxi, can you share contact no of taxi drivers for the same.
Dont have contact of shared taxi.
Hi Dheeraj,
I have one question…
As suggested by you if i start the journey via Srinagar and come back via leh manali highway, then from where we can take the bike on rent?
Also with that rented bike can we travel in and around leh.. and all the places which comes in between..
also what & all places need any special permit.. because i don’t want to skip even a single place on both the routes..
You should take the rented bike from Leh and drop it back in Leh. you should do Srinagar – Leh and Manali – Leh by other means of transport. This will keep budgets under control.
Hi Dheeraj
I am travelling solo to ladakh from 16 July.
Below is my planned itinerary;
July 16: Mumbai to Leh (by flight)
Evening; Local city sightseeing, acclimatization
July 17; Leh to Nubra.( what is the prefered village to stay here? Hundur?)
July 18: Nubra to Leh
July 19: Leh to pangong tso ( preferred village to stay? Is setting up camp possible?)
July 20: Pangong tso to Leh
July 21: 1 day trip to alchi or shyam valley (Please suggest which is better)
July 22: Travel to Jammu and spend fees days there and move back to Mumbai on 27 July
The plan can be extended by a day also if needed. Anything that should be done which I missed in itinerary?
Questions:
1. How easy is to get local shared taxis to get to these locations? How much by average would it cost?
2. I like camping and is it possible to setup own camps in any of the locations like pangong or Nubra?
3. For where all places do I need inner line permit in the above plan?
4. July being heavy travel season will it be necessary to pre book any homestays or will find something on walk-in also?
Ping
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for the blog which is helpful for all.
We are looking for your help.
We are 2 members planning for the trip and we have completed booking (Hotel and Bus) until 21st July trip Journey
and below is our plan details, What type of transport we can get arranged in cheap for the few days 24th – 29th
July 16th – Bangalore to Delhi (Flight) – Manali Same day (Bus)
July 17th – Manali Local Signt seeing
July 18th – Manali Local Signt seeing
July 19th – Manali to Leh (Bus by 9AM) Reaches by Nextday
July 20th – Leh Local Signt seeing and monasteries (Stay in Leh)
July 21th – Leh – Pangong Lake – Leh (Stay in Leh) – Bike Ride
July 22th – Leh – Nubra Valley (Stay – Nubra Valley Camp) – Bike Ride
July 23th – Nubra Valley – Khardungla Pass – Leh – Bike Ride
July 24th – Leh – Tso Moriri — Looking for transport how to cover?
July 25th – Tso Moriri – Leh — Looking for transport how to cover?
July 26th – Leh – Kargil — Looking for transport how to cover?
July 27th – Kargil- Sonmarg – Srinagar — Looking for transport how to cover?
July 28th – Srinagar – Gulmarg – Srinagar
July 29th – Any Place i can cover?
July 30th – Srinagar – Bangalore
Please suggest whether any thing needs to changed or we are missing any good place?
Thanks
Saravana
Saravan, are all the hotels on above dates booked? If yes, it looks a bit screwed up.
Hi Dheeraj,
No, We have only booked until 21st stay… If something needs to be changes no issues we will cancel it.
Thanks
saravana
I will suggest following changes:
July 16th – Bangalore to Delhi (Flight) – Manali Same day (Bus)
July 17th – Manali Local Signt seeing
July 18th – Manali to Leh (Bus by 9AM) Reaches by Nextday
July 19th – Reaches Leh ad take rest
July 20th – Leh Local Signt seeing and monasteries (Stay in Leh)
July 21th – Leh – Nubra Valley (Stay – Nubra Valley Camp) – Bike Ride
July 22th – Nubra Valley – Khardungla Pass – Leh – Bike Ride
July 23th – Leh – Pangong Lake – Bike Ride
July 24th – Pangong tso – Hemis – Thicksey – Leh – Bike Ride
July 25th – Leh – Tso Moriri – Why not Bike Ride?
July 26th – Tso Moriri – Leh – Bike Ride
July 27th – Leh – Kargil — Shared taxis or private taxis or JKSRTC buses
July 28th – Kargil- Sonmarg — Shared taxis or private taxis or JKSRTC buses
July 29th – Srinagar – Gulmarg – Srinagar
July 30th – Srinagar – Bangalore
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for the detailed plan there is a problem on 18th there are no bus service by HPTDC that is the reason we extended the trip by a day in manali.
Thanks
You can adjust it accordingly
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for the details and few more things.
What about the bike for rents in Leh?
Whether we need to book the hotels now only for the trip? I have gone through the page for the cheap hotels but there will be no guarantee we will get a place.
Thanks
saravana
You can get bikes on rent in Leh, fort road is the place. You can go there and if OK with searching few places, you will get something to stay
Hi Dheeraj,
As part of your plan is there something we need to take any permission or pass for going to these places.
Can we ride in a single bike 2 members for these places? Reason I dont have driving licence.
July 16th – Bangalore to Delhi (Flight) – Manali Same day (Bus)
July 17th – Manali Local Signt seeing
July 18th – Manali to Leh (Bus by 9AM) Reaches by Nextday
July 19th – Reaches Leh ad take rest
July 20th – Leh Local Signt seeing and monasteries (Stay in Leh)
July 21th – Leh – Nubra Valley (Stay – Nubra Valley Camp) – Bike Ride
July 22th – Nubra Valley – Khardungla Pass – Leh – Bike Ride
July 23th – Leh – Pangong Lake – Bike Ride
July 24th – Pangong tso – Hemis – Thicksey – Leh – Bike Ride
July 25th – Leh – Tso Moriri – Why not Bike Ride?
July 26th – Tso Moriri – Leh – Bike Ride
July 27th – Leh – Kargil — Shared taxis or private taxis or JKSRTC buses
July 28th – Kargil- Sonmarg — Shared taxis or private taxis or JKSRTC buses
July 29th – Srinagar – Gulmarg – Srinagar
July 30th – Srinagar – Bangalore
Hi,
1. You need a permit to travel from Manali to Leh for a car or bike. But, you are traveling on bus for which you do no need any permit. Once you reach Leh, you need to have copies of a self declaration form Ladakh Self Declaration Form for Indians to be submitted at various checkposts on the way to sightseeing places in Ladakh
2. Regarding two people on one bike, read: 5 Tips to Rent Bike in Leh – Ladakh and Ride with Pillion
Hi Dheeraj,
Can we plan to include Amarnath Yatra in this trip, Please provide your suggestion.
Thanks
saravana
Well, you need at least 4 days for Marnath Yatra from Sonamarg.
Hi I want to visit Leh from 4-7th August for a 3 night stay with main focus on photography , Please suggest an itinerary , thanks in advance
With just 3 night stay, you can go around Leh only.
Please suggest important spots that I can cover in Leh for 3 days , main focus on photography, is Pangong Lake possible
Thanks
In just three days, you have to be in Leh for acclimatization for at least 2 days. One day you can you can make a day trip to Khardung La
Hi Dheeraj,
Again, I had drafted out my itenaries and would love to have your comment regarding it, below will be the plan.
15 June – reach delhi by night
16 June – fly to srinagar early morning, from srinagar take a taxi to kargil
17 June – kargil to leh
18 June – sight seeing in leh,
19 June – leh to nubra valley
20 June – nubra valley to leh
21 June – leh to tao pangong and back
22 June – leh to tso morari
23 June – tao morari to sarchu
24 June – sarchu to manali
25 June – visit around manali
26 June – manali to delhi
27 June – delhi day trip to taj mahal night flight back at 11pm night
questions
1. wil the check in process takes time in delhi airport? izzit sufficient to arrive 2 hours before flight time to check in? for domestic as well as international.
2. will my journey along leh-manali being too rush? will it be too tired to do so?
3. sorry for out of topic but will it be alrite to do a day trip to taj mahal? will it be too rush?
thank you in advance..
Hi Mr Dheeraj,
me and my friends (Total 4) are planning to travel to Laddakh in Aug from Delhi,
we are planing as below,
we are planning for 14th Aug to 20th Aug for both Srinagar and Laddakh put together.
we will fly on 14th from Delhi to Srinagar and then Srinagar to Laddhakh by road (Taxi) and then Laddakh to Delhi by air on 20th.
pl suggest the suitable Itinerary.
Thanks in Advance..
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 + Acclimatization
— To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
— Overnight at Leh
Day 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
Dear Dhiraj Sharma
Thanks for all your experiences and sharing, Me 57 & my wife 55 wanna visit Leh for Ten days as she do not want to travel by road i want to know how to make our itinerary. Also suggest some hotel within budget of 1-1;5K with at least room heater n sufficient bedding…is it very cold in sept first half.
plz reply me in detail thanking you in advance.
You can follow: Leh – Ladakh | Most Common Itinerary by Air
Hi Dheeraj,
I am planning to visit leh in July..can u plan an itenary for 10 days which includes rafting n paragliding..we will be going by road n coming by flight.
So, you want to travel from Srinagar to Leh by road and then from Leh you want to fly back?
No we r going via manali..
So, Manali to Leh and then fly from Leh?
Yes Delhi to leh via manali by road n den flight from leh to Delhi. While trip is for 10 days.
Dheeraj Sir,
I want a guide who can help me locally there with markha valley trek and rafting(L3).
Mandar, you can check with Lobazang Zopta at
+919718066771, +91 94-19-216587
But is he economic? Cause we are a group of 5 and our budget is not much.
Bhai you can have a word with him. He should help.
Hi guys…me n my husband are planning to visit leh by June end dis year. We are looking for a company of oder married couples…anyone interested??
You can post a travel calendar entry
Hi Dheeraj ,
I am planing to do ladakh trip in first week of June.I will be doing solo on my bike (pulsar 150cc).Here the itinerary.
Day 1:Jammu to Srinagar
Day 2:Srinagar to Drass
Day 3 :Drass to Leh
Day 4: Leh to Khardung La (stay at diskit) (Any ILP required to stay at diskit??)
Day 5: Leh (rest,local sight seeing )
Day 6:Leh to Pangong Tso( stay near lake side)
Day 7:Pangong Tso to Leh
Day 7 :Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang
Day 8 :Tso Moriri -Sarchu Via Debring
Day 9 :Sarchu to Jispa
Day 10: Jispa to Manali (Is any Permit required to cross rohtang pass?)
Day 11:Buffer
If there is improvement needed in the itinerary then please Guide.
Also I want to know that personal bike is allowed in leh and around ?And how good will be Pulsar 150cc?
Thank You For this wonderful site
1. Make Srinagar to Kargil
2. Add one rest day after reaching to Leh and before going to Khardung La.
3. Then make two day trip to Nubra Valley, then to Panogng Tso two day trip and then finall the way you have mentioned exit to Manali – Leh from Tso Moriri.
You do not need any permit for Rohtang Pass in this direction
As suggested by you I will rest in Leh before going to Khardung La.
Is Pulsar 150cc good enough to cross Khardung La and all high passes?? I will be travelling alone!
Thank you
Yes Rounak, Pulsar shall do fine in Ladakh
Hi Buddy,
Visiting Ladakh (Leh) on 20th of this month – April. It will be a short visit to the place. The main objective is to visit one of the valleys and do local sightseeing there at Leh.
Apr 19th – Flying Raipur to Delhi
Apr 20th – Flying Delhi to Leh (will rest a day and start our tour from the other day)
Apr 26th – Fly Leh to Delhi
Apr 27th – Fly Delhi to Raipur
We will be having 5 days in hand. 2 days will be for valley and 3 days for the local sightseeing.
Can you let me know which valley would be best to visit? And a budget stay, if you can name any guest house? A best way to reach to the valley and do the sightseeing in Leh?
Thanks in advance!
You are doing a great job, love your blog.
Hello Irfan,
You can follow like below:
Day 1 | Delhi – Leh (By Flight)
— Checkin at Hotel. Many hotels provide free pick and drop from Airport. Ask while you book them.
— Take ample of rest as well as water or anything that keep your body hydrated enough. DO NOT OVER HYDRATE. Take ORS Soluted water or ORS – L tetra packs from home.
— Do not over exert your body at any cost. Avoid too much up-down on stairs or avoid it in entirety, if possible.
— After 5-6 Hrs of rest you can visit Leh Palace, Local Leh market, Shankar Gompa .
— If you feel exerted go back to Hotel, have dinner at Hotel and take rest. Avoid any exertion. Else continue and,
— Follow the sunset by stroll at Changspa road and have a nice dinner on varied cuisines offered in-around Changspa road.
— Go back to hotel for overnight stay at Leh.
Day 2 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Acclimatization
— Hire a taxi from Leh taxi stand or Hotel whichever suits you.
— Bargain with taxi driver and you can refer the thread for a comprehensive list of drivers: List of Taxi Drivers for Ladakh – Srinagar – Leh – Manali
— Take his inputs if you feel reasonable and if required modify the plan accordingly but should suits you best.
— Ask him to be with you guys starting first day itself, if required and charged reasonable else do it at your own.
— Again DO NOT over exert and take little steps and slow walks only.
— If feeling OK then do Local sightseeing. To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
— Do not use stairs at any of these places just to see them as it will exert your body much more.
— Overnight at Leh
Day 3 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 4 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Pangong Tso – Leh
— Make a Day trip to Pangong Tso
— Overnight at Leh
Day 6 – Rest day in Leh
Hello Dheeraj,
What a great itinerary suggested by you, thanks! 🙂
Have few questions:
1. Local sightseeing mentioned on this page are on walking distance?
2. You suggested about hotel for advance booking but didn’t mentioned how, from where I can get a best hotel/guest house to book under a good budget?
3. And, regarding AMS, incase someone get ill what are the best medicines to control so that the short trip shouldn’t get ruin. I have had a talk with my doctor and he had no clue for any such option only way he suggest is to reach their by road so the body get used to that condition slowly. But in our case we are directly flying to the place.
Thanks in advance,
Hello Irfan,
1. No they are not walking, only few are
2. 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
3. No medicine is there for curing AMS, only acclimatization is he key. To know about AMS and acclimatization including the tips to combat AMS, please DO READ: Acute Mountain Sickness and Importance of Acclimatization
Hi Dheeraj,
Very informative website you have here. I am determined this year to visit Leh Laddakh and have a plan as follows. Please let me know if you see any fundamental faults here. For two people package, I am being asked Rs 56000 for hotel/camp + car rental (excluding Air travel). Is it too much?
3-Jun FRI Fly PUNE to DELHI
4-Jun SAT Fly DELHI to LEH
5-Jun SUN LEH to NUBRA Valley and Stay at Camp
6-Jun MON Back to LEH
7-Jun TUE LEH to PANGONG Lake and Stay at Camp
8-Jun WED Back to LEH
9-Jun THU Fly LEH to DELHI
10-Jun FRI DELHI to Pune (Flight or Train – Depending on budget 🙂 )
Appreciate the inputs.
Shavej, the itinerary to me lacks the number of minimum days required that is 2 within Leh when you fly to Leh for acclimatization. So, you need to add a day of rest in Leh before moving to Nubra Valley. Rest should be OK else plan one day trip to Pangong Tso. You will need to shell out around 25K for taxi and rest around 15K at max for hotels for 5 days you have in hand.
I will advice you can connect with [email protected] as most of the readers in the past three years have had very good feedback about them and especially their transparent policies along with being there with you all the time in need. So, we trust them the most (please note that DoW except reliable reference has nothing to do with them)… You can refer my name or DoW to Gaurav, the guy who runs it. He knows us very well and should be able to offer some special rates being a DoW Member. You can just refer him the DoW Community Member Username in such a case or screenshot of this reply here.
Hi ,
I am planning to visit Leh in March 16 around 16-22. Kindly provide me the details about taxi (share or Private).
And how should I plan the trip.
Vaibhav,
For the leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2015 – 16 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here. You can get about 10-12% of discount by directly getting in touch with drivers and of course, talking in person rather on phone always help in bargaining more.
hi,
I am planning to visit Leh in July. my main objective is to attend the Hemis festival. I am an avid Tibetan Buddhism follower/enthusiastic/devotee, whatever you may call it. Could you suggest approximately how many days it should take if I wish to cover all the monasteries you mentioned above in your post? I can skip shanti stupa and hall of fame, not my first priority.
Eagerly waiting for your response.
Thank you.
Kuheli, it depends upon how much time you would like to spend in these monasteries. If you want to see all of them, may be 2-3 days would be good enough time as all are nearby. So, how much time you want to spend?
Nothing has been finalised yet, but 7-9 days max. I think any duration less than that wouldn’t be wise owing to the acclimatization issue and all. And I will also be flying to Leh directly from Calcutta. I read that there are museums in the monasteries as well, I would like to explore them too. Preferably if I could have conversations with the monks (hope they are cooperative and friendly enough), regarding the history and the different sects each monastery follows. I guess you get the picture. And well, I do not mean to sound too ambitious (since I have limited time in hand), but I would not like to skip Pangong. It’s breathtaking.
Thank you for responding. 🙂
In that case it is fine and you will get enough time. You can make a couple of day trip in the last leg of your trip to Pangong Tso rest you can focus on these monasteries.
Hi Dheeraj:
Can you suggest some budgeted local guide contact detail in Leh for winter Chadar trek.
I will check and share back.
Dheeraj Sir,
Can u suggest some good local guide who can help with trek and local sightseeing?
Mandar, which local guide for what you need?
Dheeraj sir….
me and my friends ar planning for a 20 day bike trip in june-16 from delhi to leh , but v are confused abt the better route…..
delhi-jammu-srinagar-kargil-leh-manali-delhi
or
delhi-manali-leh-kargil-srinagar-jammu-delhi…
plz guide us….