Ans: The best time to visit Ladakh by road is generally from May to October. During that time Manali–Leh Highway and Srinagar–Leh Highway both remain open, providing nice weather and clear views of the mountains, before snowfall, often in October, closes the passes.
How to Reach Ladakh
Often referred to as the “Land of High Passes”, Ladakh is one of India’s most stunning travel destinations. Surrounded by the towering Himalayas and the Karakoram range, it is famous for its snow-capped peaks, peaceful monasteries, stunning lakes and exhilarating travel routes.
Whether you are an adventure seeker planning a road trip to Leh Ladakh or merely a traveller looking for tranquillity in the mountains, knowing “how to reach Ladakh?” is vital to ensure you have a great and enjoyable travel experience.
This comprehensive Ladakh travel guide explains everything you need to know about reaching Leh Ladakh by air, road, or even partly by train, along with important details regarding the routes, road conditions, and associated prices.
Best Way to Reach Ladakh
The best way to arrive in Ladakh is subjective and depends on your priorities, travel schedule, preferences, and travel style. For most travellers, the fastest and most convenient way to access Ladakh is through Leh Airport (Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport).
If you are looking for adventure, an overland movement to Ladakh from Srinagar or Manali becomes a memorable road trip experience, with exceptional views of the scenery and high mountain passes.
Reaching Ladakh by Air
The Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL) serves as the principal entry point into Ladakh in Leh. Regular services link it with some key Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Srinagar, and Chandigarh. Direct flights operate on a daily basis from Delhi to Leh, taking roughly 1 hour 30 minutes.
Airlines, Air India, Vistara, and IndiGo fly this section of the trip very frequently. As the airport is located at a high elevation (over 3,200 meters), you should rest for a few hours after arrival to allow your body to acclimatise.
While it is a fast and convenient option, there’s also a downside. If you decide to travel via air, you’ll be missing out on some of the best scenic beauty and adventure that a Ladakh road trip offers.
Reaching Ladakh by Train
There is no direct rail service to Leh, but you can reach nearby railway stations and continue your journey by road or air. The closest railway stations are Jammu Tawi, located about 700 km from Leh, and Udhampur, approximately 650 km from Leh.
You can hire a taxi from there, join a bus tour, or travel to Leh via bus from Jammu Tawi. If you are travelling from Nagpur, take a train to Jammu Tawi, which is approximately 1,800 km away, and then travel by road to Ladakh. This is a long journey, but it is popular with budget travellers who want to combine a train journey with a road trip.
Reaching Ladakh by Road
One of the most exciting trips in the world is a Leh-Ladakh road trip. There are two primary road routes which connect Ladakh with the rest of India: one through Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir) and the other through Manali (Himachal Pradesh). Both routes are open mainly from May to October, subject to weather and snow clearance.
Srinagar to Leh Road Trip
The Srinagar–Leh Highway (NH1) offers a beautiful but slow drive to Ladakh, stretching to the rugged distance of around 420 km and typically taking about two days with a stopover in Kargil.
The road traces an effortlessly picturesque route through a host of scenic sights, including Srinagar, Sonamarg, Drass, Kargil, Mulbek, and Lamayuru, as you make your way in the direction of Leh. This route is best suited for travel between May and October and offers a slower but gentler climb in altitude to help fresh travellers to Ladakh adjust to their new environment.
On this road, you can see different sights, monuments, and/or stops, including Zoji La Pass, Drass War Memorial, or Lamayuru Monastery and experience one of the most scenic parts of the Himalayas, while adding a cultural flavour along the way.
Manali to Leh Road Trip
The Manali–Leh Highway (NH3) is an exciting but difficult adventure for approximately 475 km and is only suitable for adventurers. The drive takes about two days (with one night at Jispa or Sarchu for overnight), and is open from June until September.
The route has famous passes at high altitude, like Rohtang La is at (3,978 m), Baralacha La is at (4,890 m), Nakee La, and finally Tanglang La is at (5,328 m), all of which show stunning landscapes of dry barren valleys, rugged snowy terrains and frozen lakes.
This route is ideal for bikers and off-roaders, and is an exciting Leh Ladakh road trip, full of adventure and magnificent scenery.
Road Conditions and Permits
Road Conditions in Leh Ladakh have improved over the years due to the efforts of BRO (Border Roads Organisation). However, there might be certain sections, mainly around high passes, which could still be bumpy or could have landslides during monsoons.
Hence, it is advisable to carry essentials like extra fuel, warm clothing, and basic car repair items. Permits are required in some restricted areas like Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, and Tso Moriri. Indian citizens can apply for Inner Line Permits (ILP), either online or from the Leh DC Office. Foreign tourists require a Protected Area Permit (PAP).
Leh Ladakh Road Trip Cost
The cost to travel to Ladakh will vary depending on several factors such as the mode of transport, accommodation options, and the length of your trip. Rough estimates are as follows:
- By Motorbike: ₹25,000 – ₹40,000 (first a period of 10-12 days)
- By Car: ₹30,000 – ₹50,000 (including fuel and accommodation)
- By Flight/Home Base + Local Transport: ₹20,000 – ₹35,000 (depending on the season/itinerary)
- Accommodation varies from budget hotel options (₹1,000 – ₹2,000 a night) to luxury options near Pangong or Nubra Valley.
Food is generally cheaper, but you may want to account for other charges such as permits, fuel, and contingency payments if weather delays are incurred. Depending on the season and the best time to visit Ladakh, the overall expenses can vary, with costs often higher during peak months and lower in the off-season.
Leh Ladakh Road Trip Itinerary Suggestion
Here’s how you can start your journey:
Day 1: Arrive in Srinagar or Manali
Day 2: Drive to Kargil (from Srinagar) or Jispa (from Manali)
Day 3: Reach Leh and rest for acclimatisation
Day 4–5: Explore Nubra Valley via Khardung La Pass
Day 6: Visit Pangong Lake
Day 7: Return to Leh and explore local monasteries
Day 8: Depart by flight or road
This itinerary provides a balanced mix of adventure, sightseeing, and acclimatisation, making it perfect for first-time visitors.
Final Thoughts
Getting to Ladakh is not only about reaching a destination, but it is also often about the journey itself. If you want to fly into Leh, that is the simplest option. You may also drive their adventures.
The easiest way to get to Ladakh will depend on available time, budget, and your own adventurous spirit. From arduous mountain passes through to hypnotic valley after hypnotic valley, a trip to Ladakh is an experience unrivalled, leaving every traveller mesmerised.
Pack your bags, define your travel route(s), and allow Kashmirholidaypackage.co.in to assist you in the perfect travel plan for Leh Ladakh.
FAQ’s
Q1. When is the best time to visit Ladakh by road?
Q2. How many days are necessary for a road trip to Leh Ladakh?
Ans: A road trip to Leh Ladakh takes at least 7 to 10 days, depending on the route and stops along the way. This period will allow for proper acclimatisation, sightseeing, and visiting popular locations like Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake, or Tso Moriri.
Q3. Is a permit required for travelling in Ladakh?
Ans: Yes. Inner Line Permits (ILP) are necessary to visit restricted areas in Ladakh, such as Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley, and Tso Moriri. In addition, Foreign tourists must register for a Protected Area Permit (PAP) for the same areas. You can do this online or in person at the Leh DC Office.
Q4. Which route is better, Manali to Leh or Srinagar to Leh?
Ans: Both routes are likewise scenic; however, both routes provide totally different trips. The Srinagar–Leh route is ideal for a more gradual ascent, making acclimatisation easier and is better for first-time travellers.
