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LAHDC Leh and District Administration Leh have clarified that the existing fee structure applicable to tourists visiting Leh would continue to remain in effect as earlier. The fee includes the environmental fee (green fee), Red Cross Fund and wildlife fee. For the convenience of tourists, District Administration Leh has revamped the existing portal. The fee can be paid online from the portal Leh District Tourists Management System ( https://www.lahdclehpermit.in/ ) and they don’t need to visit the DC office or any other Govt. office physically. -- Office of CEO-LAHDC Leh

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Leh, 30.06.2022 Wearing of Masks in Public Places Click here for more details

Leh, 01.03.2022 LDMA issues fresh #COVID19 SOPs/Guidelines for the incoming visitors: All passengers arriving in Ladakh both by air and road are advised to get themselves tested for COVID-19, not earlier than 72 hours before their arrival in Ladakh from ICMR approved test laboratories.

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• All tourist/visitors arriving in Leh must undergo at least 48 hrs of acclimatization before initiating their journey to high altitude areas
• Road travel does not help at all in acclimatization. It builds up the altitude effect progressively.
• Tablet Diamox-250mg (acetazolamide) must be taken twice a day, after breakfast after dinner at least two days before starting journey to Leh and should be continued for two days more, after arriving at Leh.
• There should be no active physical exertion on the first two days of arrival in Leh.
• Tourists should have at least 2-3 ltrs. of water per day and should avoid alcohol, smoking cigarettes and sedatives
• Tourists should have a light meal on the first day of arrival to avoid indigestion.
• In case of symptoms of HAPE/HACE kindly consult a doctor immediately.

Danger Signs

• Lack of Concentration
• Disturbed sleep
• Loss of appetite.
• Irregular breathing
• Breathlessness

Precautions

• Take complete rest for 24 to 36 hrs
• Avoid excessive sleep during day time.
• Avoid sleeping pills, alcohol and smoking
• Take an adequate amount of fluid 2-3 Itrs.

Symptoms of High-Altitude Pulmonary Edima (HAPE) and High -Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) can be life threatening and fatal

In case of any emergency kindly contact the following telephone No.

1. CMO office Leh 01982-252012 2. Medical Superintendent, SNM Hospital Leh 01982-252014 3. Casualty SNM Hospital Leh 01982-053629

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Leh Ladakh Travel Guide (2024) – Explore the Land of High Passes!

Julley from Leh! That means Hello in Ladakh and you’ll find that everyone here is itching to say it to you.

Leh is the super friendly mountain city that is waiting for you to visit them.

When you arrive here, either by bus or plane, you’ll be greeted by the most spectacular panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, ancient palaces, and Buddhist stupas.

It’s also a welcome paradise from the busy, dirty cities like Delhi and Rajasthan.

Here’s the ultimate Leh Ladakh travel guide including how to reach Leh, top things to do, where to stay, and what to eat!

Table of Contents

The ultimate Leh Ladakh travel guide

Where is leh ladakh in india.

Leh Ladakh has an interesting mix of cultures and food as it’s on the border of China and its history is closely related to Tibet!

You’ll probably question what country you’re in a lot while you’re here and that’s the beauty of Leh.

What is the best time to visit Ladakh?

The best time to visit is actually in the monsoon season between June – September as Ladakh is a dry spot in a country of constant rain!

They also shut the road after mid-September so it’s best to visit before then or fly!

It’s beautifully sunny every single day at this time and everything almost looks saturated as you’re closer to the sun and higher up at 3,500 metres!

It’s also perfect weather for trekking and is what most travellers flock here for.

How to reach Leh Ladakh: flying vs. the road

There are usually two choices for approaching Leh Ladakh.

You can directly fly to Leh Ladakh from Delhi which is what most travellers prefer as you can skip the long bus journeys up through the Indian states of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir.

But, this means that you cannot acclimatise very easily and you may suffer from altitude sickness and need a few days to adjust.

If you are prone to altitude sickness, you can get tablets to help with it. The other is to take the long bus journey from Manali to Leh.

This is the cheapest option and actually is not as dangerous as people make out.

Yes, the roads are crazy but the views are absolutely jaw-dropping and are worth the time spent alone.

You’ll pass through valleys, mountain passes, and waterfalls. There’s absolutely no sign of life around in many parts and it’s an experience you won’t forget.

Related Post: Manali to Leh by road: all you need to know!

Taking the bus from Manali to Leh

I took the 18-hour bus from Manali to Leh, which was actually 20 and we arrived in the middle of the night.

Our bus driver did a great thing by dropping us off in the backpacker district of Changspa where there are tonnes of guest houses. But, little were we to know that none would be open for business after midnight!

For a little while, we hung out with some other travellers from the bus in a bakery which turned into a bar late at night and just played the same Ed Sheeran song over and over again.

We had chai while deciding the next plan of action, which was basically to try every guesthouse in the area!

After a little while, we couldn’t find anywhere and a bar called KC garden offered for us to stay at their place for the night. It was an, which was used for group get-togethers and parties!

It had no windows, was freezing cold, and let in all the noise of dogs barking. However, it was a place to crash for the night and we had loads of blankets to keep warm.

It was really generous of him as he didn’t have to offer anything at all. He also didn’t charge which was really kind.

We were stranded in Leh Ladakh

The guy who owned the place said we could sleep in until noon, but when the workers came in the next morning at 7 am – they played really loud music so we would get up!

At first, it was just Buddhist chanting music which was actually really nice.

By 9.30 am, they upped the ante with techno music and that’s when everyone groggily got out of their sleeping places.

The next day, we had a chai together, thanked the guys at KC garden, and then went to try and find a room.

Where to stay in Leh Ladakh: Changspa 

We ended up staying at Hotel Asia which turned out to be the cheapest.

It was 500 a night with a shared bathroom, I hardly slept each night due to the light and noise but it did have hot water every single day! With a view like this of the mountains, you can’t complain about £5 a night!

For bookings, click here.

The top things to do in Leh Ladakh

Most people use Leh as a base in Ladakh as it’s the main city with good connections to Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, and Srinagar in Kashmir.

But, there are lots of things to do in Leh Ladakh itself.

It is really gorgeous to explore too with an epic mountain range, historical palaces, and the iconic Shanti Stupa.

You can’t really get bored, even just if you gaze at the scenery around you.

This would probably be a good first point of call to start off your adventure in Leh. The ancient palace looks down on the rest of the city.

This was the home of Ladakh royalty and was modelled on the Tibetan Potala Palace in Lhasa.

Even though it was built in the 17th century and steeped in history, not many of the ancient artefacts of the royal family remain in the palace.

It’s nine floors of empty rooms save the antique pictures which hang on the walls.

The best part of wandering around this palace is actually the viewpoints from the rooftops!

You can get great panoramic views from all over the city. There aren’t really any restrictions on where you can go here so explore away!

Castle Tsemo

Castle Tsemo stands high on the hill above the Leh Palace.

To reach it in Leh Ladakh, you can get a taxi for around 250 rupees or take the steep winding trek uphill!

There are two parts to Castle Tsemo, a Buddhist temple, and the castle and the Namgyal Tsemo Monastery.

When you’ve caught your breath from the walk, take a peek inside at the beautiful golden Buddha which is perfectly preserved inside.

Next is a climb up the monastery, you’ll pay 20 rupees to head on inside.

At first, I thought this was awesome as it was so cheap, but then I realised that you had to head on up the rooftops of the monastery on these ladders from hell!

These weak, feeble ladders were not attached to the wall in any way and so it was a dodgy climb to the top!

Although these ones were low, the others were pretty much vertical!

Although the views were totally worth it, there was one problem – how was I going to get back down?!

I was petrified and my boyfriend literally had to place my feet on each step of the ladder.

When I got to the bottom, I literally couldn’t breathe haha!

I can laugh now, but I genuinely thought I was a goner. It’s totally ridiculous so if you’re afraid of heights, I wouldn’t recommend it.

Shanti Stupa in Leh Ladakh

The Buddhist Shanti Stupa was one of my favourite attractions in Leh Ladakh. It was donated by the Japanese, built in 1991, and blessed by the Dalai Lama himself.

Although it is a 500-step walk to the top, the views and the stupa are so worth it! We arrived at around 10 am in the morning and there was literally no one around.

The best time to visit the Leh Ladakh Shanti Stupa is at sunset when the temperatures aren’t so hot and the sun creates a beautiful red glow on the mountains surrounding it.

There is also some really beautiful Buddhist chanting music which is broadcast live from the temple nearby.

When the lights go down on Leh Ladakh, the Stupa lights up and you can see the many stars which appear here due to the limited light pollution. It was magic.

When we visited in the evening time a government official was there, so naturally, some of the Kashmiri soldiers were here on guard.

One of them let me hold this! Stranger things have happened…

Before I got to Leh, I had this awful feeling there wouldn’t be anything around.

Most places in Himachal had a mall road, but I wasn’t sure about Leh.. luckily, I was proved very wrong!

There is a massive main market here which has everything you could wish for.

Restaurants, shops, supermarkets, chemists, the lot. So, don’t worry about getting access to the basics.

There were also these great little fruit and veg markets from the local farms here. The mini peaches, locally called aadu , were to die for!

Trekking Leh Ladakh and Day trips from Leh Ladakh

There are endless options for treks from Leh Ladakh that you can get involved with.

Pangong Lake and Nubra Valley were popular trips also which was a 2-day and 1-night stay.

There were 3, 4, 5 days and even 20-day treks out of Leh. So, it will be down to personal preference if you want a guided trek.

There are a lot of treks that you can do self-guided also. Nubra Valley is around a 3-day trek each way which is supposed to be easy.

But bear in mind that there isn’t any phone signal here so you won’t have Google Maps to help you!

Best to download a walking trail map beforehand or buy one from the local shops here.

Related Post: the best day trips from Leh Ladakh !

Multi-day sightseeing tours in Ladakh

There are many interesting multi-day tours  that can be organized from Leh.

The famous excursion is the 2-day Indus River tour where you get the chance to visit some of the most impressive monasteries in Ladakh (Alchi, Likir, and Lamayuru among others).

The 3-day Nubra Valley tour will allow you to visit the famous Khardung La pass. This is the world’s highest motorable road.

The tour also takes you to the stunning high-altitude lakes of Pangong and Tso Moriri.

You will not find many buses in Ladakh that go to these places. One of the options is to hire a car with a driver, but the cost of transport is not cheap in Ladakh…

If you are a solo traveller or travelling in a small group, using a shared taxi is a great way to reduce the cost of the trip as well as its carbon footprint! 

Where to eat in Leh Ladakh: Wonderland Restaurant

The Wonderland Café was where I usually went for breakfast most mornings.

Loads of their breakfast combos come with coffee and apple juice!

It has a really nice relaxed vibe and an amazing bakery downstairs which offers some great doughnuts and pastries.

Also, If you’re a fan of falafel, these guys do the best I have tasted so far in India. It was light, crispy, and delicious!

World Garden Café

Serving up a huge range of international cuisines, the World Garden Café is an excellent place to eat at any time of day.

The guys here speak excellent English, are really friendly and the food is cheap and tasty.

This was one of my favourite places to eat in Leh, so don’t miss out!

Dust pollution in Leh Ladakh and harsh temperatures

As the terrain and surroundings are in quite harsh conditions (sometimes it looked like how I imagined Mars to be like) you’ll find it to be dry and dusty.

The pollution in Leh Ladakh is quite high around the main town so if you have anything like asthma, you’re best to come prepared.

Most days I found myself using my scarf to protect my mouth, nose, and eyes from the dust.

As we’re closer to the sun here, you should always make sure you wear sun cream.

When I visited in August, it was boiling hot every day and it was definitely summer clothes weather.

A lot of people had tiny dresses and shorts on which is a nice change from covering up but just make sure you don’t get sunburned!

Staying connected and WiFi in Leh Ladakh

As soon as I set off from Manali on the Rohtang pass my UK and Indian SIM phone numbers lost service and data.

But, I thought when I got to Leh, it would come back – how silly I was!

There was absolutely no phone service in the whole town. I’m sure you could get a SIM from Leh if you have an unlocked phone, as most phone packages are regional in India.

This would mean you would lock into their own phone service here. But, for a few days, I just didn’t think it was worth it.

The wifi is also pretty bad and almost non-existent. Most cafés and restaurants offer wifi services but this wouldn’t work half of the time. In fact, on the first day we got here – there was no wifi in the whole town!

If I did get wifi, only certain apps would work like WhatsApp, which was perfect to tell my mum I was alive (mum’s always worry).

There are internet cafés which you can use which are 90 rupees an hour. I actually quite liked not having wifi and being contactable. I’m a 90s kid, so I remember a time before the internet!

It just means that you have a few days to truly enjoy where you are. You’re not constantly looking at your phone, but actually appreciating the scenery and meeting people!

Sometimes, we get so caught up in social media that it’s refreshing to sign off. Get a map, read a book, and talk to people. There was a world before wifi, you know!

That’s my complete travel guide to Leh Ladakh, save it for later!

Leh Ladakh would be a place I would highly recommend travelling to if you visit India.

In fact, I would say it’s on my list of ‘must-sees’. It’s a beautiful mix of culture, colour, history, and scenery which will transport you into another world! Make sure you put it on your list.

If you’d like to read more about the beautiful surrounding areas of Ladakh, read my article ‘the absolute best off the beaten track Ladakh’!

Recommended Travel Resources

Hotels: Booking.com

Transport: RentalCars.com

Trips & Tours: GetYourGuide

Travel Insurance: World Nomads

eSIM: Holafly

Download it on your phone

You can get this itinerary on your phone with GPSmyCity.

Want to read more on the far North of India?

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A complete Bhagsunag waterfall guide

My complete Rishikesh travel guide

Visiting the Beatles Ashram in Rishikesh

Things to do in Amritsar

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Discover India

Save this Leh Ladakh travel guide for later!

Sophie Pearce is the founder of Third Eye Traveller. Always having a restless soul seeking adventure, she has now travelled to over 30+ countries, many of them solo. Leaving her heart in India, which gifted her a "Third Eye", she felt inspired to share her travel stories in the hope of encouraging others to find their inner magic and explore this beautiful world of ours. Even if it's on their own!

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34 comments.

After reading your article, I checked out your website, and i really like your post. It looks massive and pretty cool. It offers a lot of awesome things to do.

Thanks so much Priya, glad you enjoyed it. Sophie x

Interesting article with beautiful photos. Thanks for writing about Ladakh!

I really enjoyed reading your post.This is a very nice article for traveling and It was amazing blog I really like it, all pics are very beautiful. Thanks for sharing this article.

Hi Bharat, thanks for your kind words. I’m glad you enjoyed the post. Sophie x

Impressive blog and pics！Thanks for the post. Keep doing the good work.

Hi Ben, thanks for reading and that’s super kind. Sophie x

I have been trying to contact you for many months. (Padma from Ladakh)

Hi Padma, I’ll be in touch :) Sophie x

Hello Dear,This Article Is Very Good Thanks For Sharing This Information.

Thank you Ammar, really appreciate the feedback on my blog post! I loved Leh Ladakh! Thanks, Sophie x

Nice blog post Sophie. I enjoyed it a lot. And you are right about the dust pollution. But summer is of very short period in ladakh. July and August is the only two months of summer we have got. The temperature is not very high (below 30°), but the sunrays are stronger (excessive uv rays and low oxygen). Anyway, it’s good to hear that you enjoyed your time here. thanks ladakh.club

Hi Aamir, thank you for your kind words and sorry for the super late reply! I wish I could return to LAdakh, it would be a dream. I’ll probably fly next time though to avoid the roads haha :) ! Yes the sun is so much stronger up there. I went to the stupa on top of the hill and I was instantly burned on my back. Anyway, I hope you’re well there. stay safe. Sophie x

I’ve read a lot of articles about Leh Ladakh, but yours is a distinct one. Beauty of ladakh is the motivation for me , actually I am the owner of travel agency , we travel delhi to leh ladakh / bike road trips . best way to really feel the Air of ladakh .

I’ve read a lot of articles about Leh Ladakh, but yours is a distinct one. Beauty of ladakh is the motivation for me , actually I am the owner of travel agency , we travel delhi to leh ladakh / bike road trips. best way to really feel the Air of Ladakh . you can visit us by searching bobadventures

Very informative for our journey. What you provided is very vibrant if somebody wants to take a digital tour at the destination. The pictures are mesmerizing and could easily grasp anybody’s interest towards the destination. You had covered all popular places in Ladakh but I’m a little bit eager to know about the off-beat destinations in Ladakh which would be very fascinating for me. Your content is much initiating towards any traveler who is planning for Ladakh trip. I’m convinced that this 10 days Ladakh itinerary can brought up anyone’s interest. Keep travelling.Ladakh Tour

Hi Sandip, Thank you so much for your kind words. I really appreciate it! Ladakh was honestly one of the most mind-blowing destinations I’ve visited yet! Sophie x

Wow, very nice blog.

Hello Dear, This Article Is Very Good Thanks For Sharing This Information.

Hi Kamlesh, thanks for reading! Sophie x

For having the best bike ride in Leh Ladakh my suggestion for the riders with all the facilities is what all a rider is in need off is Golden Eagle Expeditions. They have the best packages with affordable pricing and good riding captains who will guide us to all the beautiful places around Leh Ladakh and they have more experience in the field of riding and tracking. Best services and must-have look at their wonderful packages.

Soo, I will drop down a link below for your convenience. https://goldeneagleexpedition.com/

Nice Blog. Very Informative.

Thank you so much Gaurav! I’m glad you liked the post. Sophie x

“Hello Admin, Intresting Article, you are doing a great job . Keep it up”

Hi Esha, thank you so much! I’m glad you liked the post :) Sophie x

Ladakh is not a place where you can go without planning. You will have to consider all the do’s and don’ts while deciding on the trip. From the right clothes, the right vehicle, comfortable stay, and places to visit, everything should be pre-planned so that one doesn’t miss out on the site’s vibe.

Hi Kamalesh, completely agree with you! Sophie x

Fantastic article. I am very pleased to say that your article is fascinating to read.I always find myself wanting to comment on it.You’re doing an excellent job.Keep your writing up

Thanks Neha for your kind words. Sophie x

Wow, this destination looks absolutely breathtaking! Adding it to my bucket list for sure.

Hi Suman, totally agree! Leh Ladakh is an epic destination :) Sophie x

Many Indian’s primary wish to travel Ladakh by a road trip on their own bike. Definitely my dream also. Hope I will also achieve it.

Yess, it’s an epic road trip to Ladakh by road. I have to admit I wouldn’t do it again though and would fly haha! Sophie x

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Ladakh blog — how to plan leh ladakh trip & suggested ladakh itinerary 15 days.

As soon as I sat down in the plane that would finally take me home, I closed my eyes and remembered my first journey in India. In the colorful pieces of Ladakh, I forever remember the small craggy roads and narrow, steep trails, the majestic snowy mountains, the stunning turquoise rivers bending between the narrow rocky banks, the strong winds blowing the Buddhist prayer flags (lungta), kind indigenous people I met… In that place, people quietly mingled with nature as if everything had been settled for eternity.

• Leh Ladakh bike trip itinerary — How to spend 6 days in Ladakh by motorbike?
• Leh Ladakh bike trip blog — Ladakh bike trip guide & tips for first-timers
• Ladakh trip cost per person from Delhi — How much does Ladakh trip by bike cost?
• What to buy in Ladakh? — Top 9+ souvenirs & best things to buy in Ladakh
• Ladakh travel tips — 11+ Ladakh tips & things to know before going to Ladakh

So, how to plan Leh Ladakh trip from Delhi, how to travel in Leh Ladakh and how to spend 15 days in Ladakh? Let’s check out our Ladakh blog (Ladakh travel blog, Ladakh trip blog) to find out the best itinerary for Ladakh from Delhi (Ladakh itinerary from Delhi, Leh Ladakh itinerary, Ladakh trip itinerary) on how to spend 2 weeks in the fairyland of India as well as how much does a trip to Ladakh cost, useful Ladakh travel tips before you go and which month is best for Ladakh!

I have never been to a place where I was as well prepared as I was to go to Ladakh. Partly because Ladakh is remote land in the far north of India, located in the state of Jammu & Kashmir, where is considered the crown of India, and bordered by Tibet and Pakistan. Here, the media is limited, goods are not as much and available as the places I usually have been to. Ladakh already was deserted, very high altitude, the lowest place was 3000m above sea level but the highest pass even over 5000m. Knowing that my health was not very good, I did not know, if I could reach that altitude, how my health would be. Fortunately, after experiencing of 17 days there, there were no serious problems, except for the boundless appetite for “meat” and the absent-mindedness as a pregnant-like woman in the first few days when I returned home. Some of the little experiences I’ve recorded below for the next time and I hope it will help you on your upcoming trip to Ladakh :).

Which month is best for Ladakh?

The best time to come is from May to early October. The rest of the months, the weather is bad, the snow is thick, the temperature is down to -30 degrees Celsius, many roads will be banned, tourist areas, hotels, houses and shops will be closed.

Ladakh blog: Leh Ladakh itinerary

Here is my summary of my Ladakh itinerary from Delhi, I followed a tour and I think it would be the best itinerary for Ladakh in 15 days (approximately 2 weeks).

• Day 0 : Toulouse – Delhi
• Day 1: Delhi – Agra – Delhi (each way: 240 km, 5 hours)
• Day 2: Fly from Delhi to Leh, resting to get used to the altitude
• Day 3: Visit monasteries around Leh (Hemis, Thiksey, Leh Palace)
• Day 4: Leh – Chang La – Pangong Tso or Pangong Lake (200 km, 6 hours)
• Days 5 + 6 : Pangong – Tso Moriri (11 hours), Tso Moriri – Leh (8 hours)
• Day 7: Ride a motorbike in Leh, visit Stok, Matho, Starna monasteries

Day 8: Leh – Pasgo Monastery – Alchi Monastery – Lamayuru – Mulberk- Kargil (222 km, 8 hours)

• Day 9: Kargil – Suru valley – Rangdum – Lang Tso, Stat Tso Twin Lakes – Drang-Drung Glacier – Padum (240 km, 12 hours)
• Day 10: Sani Village, Karsha Monastery, Dzongkul Gompa Fortress
• Day 11: Trekking to Phuktal Monastery, through Cha village (12 km, 6 hours trek)
• Day 12: Trekking from Phuktal to Anmu, through Purney village (Purne, Purni) (13.5 km, 7 hours trek)
• Day 13 : Padum – Rangdum Monastery – Kargil (240 km, 12 hours)
• Day 14: Kargil – Zoji La – Srinagar (200 km, 6 hours)

Day 15: Srinagar – Delhi

• Day 16: Delhi – Toulouse

Leh Ladakh itinerary: How to go?

We bought a tour from a local tour agency for 15 days, from the time when we got off the plane in Leh to the time when we got to the airport in Srinagar. In the preparation, my friend made a detailed itinerary, then contacted the tour operators in Ladakh to ask for a quote, then bargain and choose. The 15-day tour included accommodations (or tent in Pangong), a private car with driver, daily breakfast and 2 dinners at 2 lakes. The hostel is very good, the room for 2 people, clean, with hot water (except stay in tents at 2 lakes), so the bathing is very comfortable and pleasant.

Link to the tour company that my friend booked at: http://www.triptohimalayatours.com/

You also can directly contact with the driver Kunga for my group. He is enthusiastic and drives very careful and is about to start his own company. Facebook: Skal Kunga Kndguys Aback , Whatsapp: +919469229149.

Tour prices vary greatly from company to company. There was a group of 4 people traveling on the same day with us and the per capita price was 3 times more expensive for a slightly shorter itinerary.

Ladakh travel tips: Prepare before you go

• Applying for a visa or e-visa. E-visa is cheaper, only 50 USD (price in 2019, has now increased to 80 USD), e-visa is valid for 2 months from the time of first entry, can go in and out twice. Applying an e-visa is very quick, only after 2 days to receive it. When you receive an email with an e-visa, you need to go back to the ETA page to print the visa sheet (the sheet with the photo, the confirmation email is not valid on arrival). With an E-visa you can only enter India by air. Arriving at Delhi airport, the queue maybe is short, but the wait will be a bit long. Link to apply for e-visa: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html . Visitors in Hanoi or Saigon can apply for a paper visa, which costs $103 and is valid for 1 year, multi-entry.
• Buy a good type of travel insurance because this trip is going to the very very far, one of the most isolated places in the world along with risks and dangers.

Ladakh travel blog: How much does Ladakh trip cost?

You can refer the trip costs for a Leh Ladakh itinerary for 15 days as follows:

• E-Visa: $50 (price in 2019, now increased to $80).
• Travel insurance: $100.
• International airfare and 2 domestic flights: $550 + $150
• Day tour from Delhi to Agra including car with driver pick up and drop off at hotel: 8000 INR ($125) for 5 people.
• Tour for 2 weeks in Ladakh including accommodations (except a night in Phuktal), car with driver, daily breakfast, 2 dinners at Lake Pangong and Tso Moriri: $375 / 1 person, group of 10 people, sleeping in a double room.
• Porter cum guide to Phuktal Monastery from Anmu village (will go with group from Padum): 2400 INR ($38) / 1 porter.
• Overnight at a guesthouse at the foot of Phuktal Monastery: 1000 INR ($15) / 1 person. The guesthouse has only 4 rooms, there is no way to book in advance, anyone who comes early will have a room, otherwise can ask to sleep at the monastery or go back to Purney.
• Overnight at a hotel near Delhi airport: $30 to $50 / 1 good double room. With $50 you could stay at 4-star hotel.
• Eating, cooking, admissions: $150.

Total cost, excluding gifts: 1300 – 1400 USD / 1 person.

Ladakh travel blog: What to prepare for a Ladakh trip?

Bring enough for 15-20 days in autumn, late September, early October, if you stay in a place for a few days, for example in Leh, you can use a laundry service, so you can bring less clothes).

• 1 3-in-1 jacket with duck feather inner layer, windproof and waterproof outer layer, 2 layers can be separated.
• 3 merino sweaters (this is thin, light, cool when you need it, warm when you need it) or heattech.
• 3 breathable, quick-drying sport short-sleeve t-shirts.
• 4 pairs of socks.
• A hat or corset.
• 1 pair of thin gloves. I use tennis gloves, which are thin but have grip and hold the camera well.
• 3 light trek pants or skinny jeans, no need to wear thick pants because it’s not too cold.
• 1 wide cloth scarf, no need to be too thick to wear and block the sun.
• 1 pair of low-cut trekking shoes, the trekking route into Phuktal is not too thorny, so you can wear low-cut trekking shoes, not necessarily to wear high-cut shoes.
• 1 pair of flip-flops or bathroom slippers.

Our group suffers from the food in Ladakh because the people here are mainly vegetarian. If lucky can find an eatery with meat, it is also very salty and spicy, with a lot of curry, difficult to eat. However, if you just go around Leh, you don’t need to bring much food because here you can go to the market to buy chicken or goat to cook for yourself, the food sold at restaurants in Leh and around is also okay. Going towards Zanskar, the good food is harder to find and you can’t buy meat at markets, only eggs and eggs.

• Spices, soup powder, soy sauce in packs, small bottles.
• Noodles, vermicelli, snacks, instant porridge… (should bring many kinds of foods because you will have to eat continuously).
• Pork, shrimp (can make soups).
• Jerky beef, chicken, pork.
• Cured meat.
• Canned meat, pate, fish (I can’t find fish anywhere in Ladakh, so this dish is very rare).
• Herbal tea, ginger tea.
• Dried seaweed to make soup.
• Dried soup.
• Rice and glutinous rice to make sticky rice (if you like, because the rice in Ladakh is very hard and foul).

• Headache, runny nose, cough drugs.
• Diarrhea drug.
• Multi-vitamin tablets.
• Wound bandage (ego).
• Those who often get sick should bring medicine to prevent that disease.
• Sunscreen, the sun at high altitudes is very bright and harmful to the skin.
• Moisturizing cream for lips, face, hands, body.
• Nasal medicine to avoid nosebleeds at high altitudes and cold and dry weather: 5g tube of Bepanthen.
• Water purification tablets (if going on a trek, so that I don’t have to carry a lot of water for days, go anywhere, get spring water there), I use Micropur of Katadyn brand, bought in France for €11 / 100 tablets, can purify 100 liters of water (with a box of 50 tablets).
• Vitamins to increase brain blood circulations, start taking it 2, 3 weeks before going.
• Drugs for high altitude sickness. Below is the prescription the doctor wrote for me. However, if you want to use it, you should see a doctor for a prescription that is suitable for your health, not everyone can take anti-altitude medicine. These drugs, only use if you feel symptoms, don’t need to take them first:  Prednisolone 20 mg (2.5 tablets / day, suck in mouth in morning after breakfast, should not be taken in evening because the drug contains cortisoide causing difficulty sleeping), this dosage is for people weighing 50 kg. Or Diamox (Acetazolamide) 250 mg: If the above drug still does not help, then take this drug, maximum 2 tablets in the morning and afternoon.

Other things

• Compact sleeping bag, no need to be too warm because in guesthouses have all blankets. I use Quechua’s FORCLAZ 15° LIGHT, which can be combined into a double bag, very compact, weighing just over 600 gr.
• 1 quick-drying microfiber bath towel.
• Thermal water bottle.
• Normal water bottle, at night you can pour hot water into it to hug to keep warm.
• Trekking water bag (if any).
• Sunglasses.
• Shampoo, conditioner packs.
• Wet tissue wipes body and other parts.
• Dry hand sanitizer.
• 1 roll of toilet paper in case something goes wrong.

• Wet makeup remover wipes.
• Sanitary napkins (in high mountains prone to early).
• Mini hair dryer for travel (if needed).

Ladakh blog: Where to exchange money?

The exchange rate at the end of March 2022

• In Delhi airport : $1 = 76 INR
• Near hotels next to Delhi airport and in Agra next to Taj Mahal: $1 = 80 INR, €1 = 83 INR
• In Leh airport : $1 = 79 INR

Below I summarize my Leh Ladakh itinerary for 15 days (2 weeks) which divided into 4 parts as follows.

Part 1: Agra

Day 1: delhi – agra – delhi (each way: 240 km, 5 hours).

I flew with Turkish Airlines from Toulouse and landed at Delhi airport (transiting in Istanbul) at 6am. My friends from Saigon arrived at 4am. After queuing for entry (I have already e-visa), I went straight to the door to get in the car to Agra in the pouring rain.

In Delhi, vehicles don’t seem to follow any rules. Each lane of motorbikes, cars, passenger cars, trucks, is crisscrossing each other. The rain was getting heavier and heavier, streaming on the glass, soaking the dusty road, forming a slippery brown mud. Many accidents, big and small, normal and serious were scattered over the distance of more than 200km until we reached Agra at past noon.

Agra is famous for having the Taj Mahal, which Karl Pilkington in “An Idiot Abroad” movie once described as “like a diamond in a turd”. That funny and sarcastic say prompted me to come here. There are three entrance gates to the Taj Mahal, of which the east gate is the most deserted. The entrance fee for foreigners is 1000 INR ($15.5). Buying tickets to the Taj Mahal first, you will get you free admission to the Baby Taj (Tomb of Itimah-ud-Daulah), one of Agra’s other interesting attractions.

Ladakh blog: Part 2: Leh, Lake Pangong Tso, Lake Moriri Tso

Leh Ladakh itinerary — Day 2: Leh

Returning to Delhi from the night before, this morning we boarded a plane to Leh, the heart of Ladakh. Delhi morning is still white clouds. Yet Leh welcomed me with the blue sky and golden autumn sun on my shoulders.

Leh is a lovely town that made me fall in love at first sight. Located at an altitude of 3500m, the air here has thinned a lot, made me struggle to breath after each step. All day today we have only one thing to do: Resting, take a gentle walk to get used to the thin air, avoid high altitude shock (with symptoms of shortness of breath, headache, dizziness, insomnia, worse will be vomiting, fainting).

Vegetables and fruits in Leh are many, freely to buying apples and apricots were in season. We came right during on the occasion of 9 days of local vegetarianism, so it was difficult to buy meat and the restaurants also only sell vegetarian food or a little bit of chicken. Wanting to cook for ourselves, we went to the only frozen chicken shop open these days located in the basement of Golden Bakery in the Main market area.

Best itinerary for Ladakh — Day 3: Monasteries around Leh (Hemis, Thiksey, Leh Palace)

Around Leh, there are many large and small monasteries, of which I like Thiksey the most with a beautiful view from the top of the monastery down to the valley that is turning golden in early autumn, surrounded by majestic snow-capped mountains.

The sun was setting behind the mountains in western Leh as I climbed to the roof of the 16th-century fortress of Tsemo (Victory), above Leh Palace with simple, makeshift wooden ladders. The wind blew the lungta strings (Buddhist prayer flags), a little cloud drifted, and darkness fell over Leh.

Day 4: Leh – Chang La – Pangong Lake (200 km, 6 hours)

After the first night of having trouble sleeping because of the cold and the side effects of anti-altitude drugs in Leh, I slept a little better tonight. We left Leh for Pangong early in the morning. The road is more than 200km long but it takes more than 6 hours of continuous driving, going through 2 TCP (Traffic Check Point) to check permits and passports. The presence of Indian troops closer to Pangong Lake becomes more apparent as the area has remained a hotbed of hostilities with China until now.

The car passing the breathtaking curves of the road, taking us higher and higher. The leaves became more and more yellow, until the ground was covered with only a little moss, and then there were only gravel and stones. The air outside was getting colder and colder. The clock shows altitude of 4000m, 4200m then 4500m. I felt a little chest tightness when the car crossed the 4800m line. And then when the road seemed to be endless, the driver informed us that we were at Chang La (Southern Pass), at an altitude of 5360 m.

Stepping out of the car, I felt as if I was getting drunk and had to run a cross country. The wind seemed stronger, the sun seemed brighter, making me stagger and dizzy. At this altitude, a coffee shop was erected right next to 3 toilets built in a very “Ladakh” style. The concrete floor is carved a hole with the size as big as a brick in the middle, below is a deep mountainside that sucks in the wind, sitting here was extremely cool.

Through Chang La Pass, the car gradually decreased in altitude until the blue color of Pangong Lake – “Lake of the high green steppes” appeared. Pangong Tso is the largest saltwater lake in the state of Jammu & Kasmir at an altitude of 4300m above sea level. Close to the lake, a few restaurants were set up to serve tourists. Walking a little further from this area, only a few hundred meters, the lakeside was much quieter, almost empty. The lake is very long, wide and very blue, reflecting the mountains and the sky. I put my backpack and sat down in the middle of a strip of land by the lake. The cold wind and fresh air made me suddenly feel at peace.

The sunlight was not yet golden when the sun went down behind the mountain. The air was warm but suddenly someone’s hand was turned off.

Night falls, bringing with it the twinkling stars. Here the sky is high and clear, looking up I can clearly see the galaxy and sometimes a shooting star pass by, bringing a wish.

Ladakh blog: Day 5, 6: Pangong – Moriri Tso (11 hours), Tso Moriri – Leh (8 hours)

Early this morning I set off from Pangong to Tso Moriri. There is a straight road connecting the two lakes, but this road is close to the Chinese border, only Chinese and Indians can go. So, the car had to go around to check point Karu, right near Leh, making the journey will be 11 hours long.

This morning, after a tiring and cold night in Pangong, everyone in the car was asleep. I have more time to enjoy the view. The morning sun also makes the sky bluer. The mix of light and dark makes the scenery of mountains, lakes and streams more depth. Suddenly I found myself relaxing to the music, swinging along every curve of the pass. Before the vast and majestic natural landscape, with the height about to reach the top of 5300m, I dream with a bit adventure.

In this area, Indian troops are present everywhere. The road from Chang La to Leh is often congested because many army trucks go up and down, entangled with tourist cars, avoiding each other on the narrow stone road.

If the road to Pangong is mostly spectacular bends with a wide view of the valley on both sides of Chang La pass, the road to Tso Moriri is completely different, I personally find it a bit more romantic.

There are two ways to Tso Moriri.

Departure route: Karu – Chumathang – Tso Kiagar – Tso Moriri

Initially, the car followed the banks of the Indus River (Singee Tsangpo River), the leaves dyed yellow on both sides, making the scene both wild and charming. After riding for about three hours, the road gradually moved away from the river bank and got lost in the middle of the towering gorges. Then the car went uphill, back to the stunning bends but not as long and high as going to Pangong. At an altitude of about 4,600m, in front of me is a vast steppe, in the middle is Tso Kiagar lake. This season, the grass and moss have both turned light brown, highlighting the deep emerald water color. I love that emerald color, love the late afternoon sunlight, love the horses grazing freely, love the winding road along the lake that throws dust every time a car passes by.

Then Tso Moriri also appeared in front of me when the sun had completely set behind the mountains, leaving only one last halo.

Return way: Tso Moriri – Tso Kar (salt lake) – Tanglang la (5328 m) – Karu – Leh

The scenery on this way is more wild than the road along the Indus River yesterday. The car go through the desert. Tso Kar salt lake has a strange beauty, both thorny and lonely. The bends bring the car up to Tanglang La pass at an altitude of 5,328 m (there is also a sign that says it is the second highest pass in the world just like Chang La pass). On the other side of the pass, the brown mountain ranges stretch, connect, immense and attract the eye.

At the end of the road, the car took us back to the Indus river valley. I was going back to Leh. After a long and hard journey, returning to Leh was as warm as coming home!

Ladakh itinerary — Day 7: Motorbike ride in Leh, Stok Monastery, Matho, Starna

Today we spent a day traveling around visiting monasteries near Leh (Stok, Matho, Starna) by motorbike. Unlike Hemis, these places are quiet and peaceful, bringing the true purity of a religious site. I could stand all day at the top of Matho Monastery without getting bored, watching the Indus River valley turn golden in autumn, letting the wind from the snow-capped peaks blow my hair.

Starna Monastery, which people often call Tiger Temple, is located on a small ridge close to the banks of the green Indus river that bends as soft as a silk. Looking back from afar, Starna seems to have stepped out of a fairy tale, where the scenery is harmonious and emotions are at ease.

Ladakh blog — Part 3: Zanskar

This morning we left Leh, turning our faces one last time, Leh has become so dear since.

The road from Leh to Kargil with many small monasteries, somewhat older than the area around Leh, especially Alchi, built in the 11th century, inside there are many ancient statues and a quiet small garden, making anyone who come here to visit has a peaceful feeling, all fatigue and sorrow are all gone.

Thanks to its special geological structure, the area around Lamayuru is called Moonland. It is said that this place a few hundred years ago was located at the bottom of the lake, now it has dried up.

After a long day of traveling, we reached Kargil when the last rays of the day had disappeared. Kargil is a strange piece, a dark puzzle piece in the colorful picture of Ladakh. I came across a desolate city. It was only 6 or 7 pm on Saturday, most of the shops were closed, only a few restaurants remained, in the dim lights. Our driver, Kunga, explained that tomorrow is a major Muslim holiday (Muslims account of 90% of the city’s population), everything closes early, and tomorrow morning the whole city will be isolated completely.

In the only restaurant still open and selling meat, a popular eatery, a few Kargil people leaned down to eat, silent, austere glances bent over the table.

Ladakh trip itinerary — Day 9: Kargil – Suru Valley – Rangdum – Twin Lakes of Lang Tso and Stat Tso – Drang-Drung Glacier – Padum (240 km, 12 hours)

We left Kargil very early, before the city woke up, both to avoid being stuck here when the roads were blocked, and to reach Padum before dark. That day was a very long day, even though it was just over 240 km, it took us 12, 13 hours of traveling because the road was bad, there were many narrow sections like trails.

The bends took us to the high valley of Suru (Valley of Flowers) located between the rugged mountains, including the two highest peaks in region: the Nun and Kun, more than 7,000m above sea level. Surrounded by sharp mountains, covered with snow all year round, Rangdum is located in the middle of a vast basin, in what seems to be a lonely, solitary place, with nothing but strong winds and blazing sun.

The twin lakes of Lang Tso – Stat Tso and the Drang-Drung glacier are located on both sides of the Pensi pass (Pensi La), the gateway to the Zanskar valley. On the other side of the pass, towards Padum, the arid, rocky desert gives way to a more lively, cozy scene. Small villages nestled at the foot of the mountains, several long-haired black yaks roaming here and there. On the hillside, along the stream, the yellow leaves were caressing, warming a sunny autumn afternoon.

In Ating village, about 30 minutes by car from Padum, people were shooting the last arrow of the archery semi-final round as we passed. We all jumped out of the car, drank wine and sang together as if we had known each other for a long time. The Zanskar people welcomed us with warm arms. So, who wouldn’t love?

Leh Ladakh itinerary — Day 10: Sani Village, Karsha Monastery, Dzongkul Monastery

Padum lies in the heart of a vast valley, under the shadow of high sharp, serrated mountains covered with snow. Around here, there is no shortage of beautiful monasteries hanging on the mountainsides, peacefully standing for many generations.

I love Karsha Monastery the most, located across the valley from Padum. Squinting at the high mountains rising from Karsha, I felt so small in front of the vast but fierce nature. In the campus, the late afternoon sunlight left leaves shadows on the white walls with brown doorways. This place was so quiet, so lonely. Stopped for a minute, I just noticed the wind was blowing and the sun was lazily, sad and warm.

Ladakh blog Day 11 — Trekking to Phuktal Monastery, through Cha Village (12 km, 6 hours trek)

Standing in front of Phuktal in the dark purple afternoon, my friend said, “In a such place like this, if you don’t practice meditation, what can you do?”. The say made me laugh, forgetting even tired after a long trek of about 12 km, precarious at an altitude of 4,000m.

Phuktal is the oldest monastery in Zanskar, isolated from the outside world, and in my opinion, the most beautiful. Maybe I find Phuktal beautiful ten thousand times more because of the effort it takes to reach this place once. Leaving Padum at 6:30am, the car took me over a road of more than 30 km, poetic but unbelievably dangerous, arriving in Anmu at 9:10am. From here, the trek began gently, not too up, not too down, reaching Cha village after 2 and a half hours.

Leaving Cha village, a steep slope waited for us just as the sun was setting overhead. After that, the road gently sloped down, there were a few sections of rock falling close to the edge of the road, a bit difficult to go but no one had any serious problem.

From above, I dreamily watched the Tsarap River twist between two narrow gorges. The river was so clear, yet so green. The mountains was so high, yet so majestic. The afternoon sun touched the top of the mountain, melting into rays, making the water glitter, making the rock face pink. Why was it so beautiful, mesmerising!?

7 km from Cha village, it took us more than 3 hours to reach the guesthouse located at the foot of the monastery. Phuktal is located completely isolated, no phone signal, no internet. Here, just me and nature, we can forget all our troubles.

Day 12: Trekking from Phuktal back to Anmu, through Purney Village (Purne, Purni) (13.5 km, 7 hours trek)

The road from Phuktal to Anmu through Putney village is a bit longer (1.5 km) than the road through Cha village (on the other side of the river). This road is not as smooth as yesterday, up and down non-stop, across three small passes and two wooden suspension bridges over the Tsarap River. Leaving Phuktal at 6:50am, after 3 hours, I arrived in Purney.

Purney is located at the confluence of rivers. Just below, the turbid green Kargiakh River flows from the Shingjula Pass (Shingo La) into the clear flow of the Tsarap River. Purney is so beautiful this season, the endless yellow leaves on the mountainside, the small white houses are quietly nestled in the early morning sun.

Another 2 hours from Purney, I reached the second suspension bridge at 12am. The climb up from the river bank is very steep and full of crushed rock, it is not recommended to go down this road. If you want to trek Phuktal by two different routes, going through Cha village and back through Purney is the most reasonable.

Day 13: Padum – Rangdum Monastery – Kargil (240 Km, 12 Hours)

Kargil is an almost mandatory break on the 18-hour journey from Padum to Srinagar. The scenery of Zanskar in my eyes has gradually become familiar although everything is still beautiful on every bend. A strong wind swept over the mountainside today, swirling dust around the valley.

I went to Kargil tonight, I thought I was in another city, not as lonely as 4 days ago, the streets were bustling and busy again. Only the internet was cut off for all day without any reason.

Day 14: Kargil – Zoji La – Srinagar (200 Km, 6 Hours)

Today was our last day in the car. After over ten days of wandering, swaying on short distances but long in time, I was able to get used to the feeling of sitting on potholes, no longer sure I will miss it.

The road from Kargil to Sirinagar can be called smooth. The road has been paved to a large part, with only a few sections left unfinished or under repair. This road passes many military barracks, trucks and passenger cars follow each other. Referring to trucks, vehicles in Ladakh are very special. Most of them are decorated with elaborate colorful patterns, the words “Blow horn” are capitalized on the back, which my sister roughly translates to “Blow horn”.

Arriving in Srinagar, I found myself revived. How much fatigue after a long trip seemed to disappear when the beautiful small boat took me surfing on the calm and cool lake. Srinagar’s Dal Lake is very beautiful, although not as deep and blue as Pangong or Tso Moriri, but much more rustic and warm.

In a corner of the lake, wooden floating houses are anchored as accommodations for tourists. Small boats, hand-rowing, taking guests from floating houses to shore and go around. The afternoon sun spread down the golden lake surface. So serenity, tranquil, so peaceful.

Morning boat ride on Dal lake is also very interesting and lively. If you want to go to the local floating fruit and vegetable market, you will have to get up early because the market only opens from 5 am to 7 am.

This afternoon I went to the airport to return to Delhi, preparing for the long journey back home. Srinagar Airport is about 30 minutes by car from the city. I don’t know if it’s because Srinagar is still in the combat zone but I’ve never seen the baggage check so many times.

Near the airport, all passengers have to show their air tickets and get off the bus, check our belongings and do a first body check. Men can stay on spot, women have to go into a curtained box like a dressing room, private check.

Upon entering the airport, passengers have to present their tickets, check their belongings and check body a second time.

After queuing for checked baggage, passengers have to check their hand luggage and undergo a third body check. Then go to identify the checked baggage inside. Only suitcases that are identified and marked will be allowed bring on board.

At the boarding gate, after checking the boarding pass, the passenger is entitled to a fourth personal check-up, and any bag can be opened and checked again.

On the way to the plane, don’t put your boarding pass away because the flight attendants will check the boarding pass and passport twice more.

My plane transited in Jammu, close to the Pakistani border. Jammu airport is surrounded by a camouflage fence, along the runway there are armored vehicles waiting. When stopping at Jammu, after a part of the passengers disembarked, the airport staff went to open each carry-on luggage compartment, asking each of the remaining passengers who the remaining luggage belonged to. Seeing that they checked too closely, I was also a bit embarrassed. But hey, already sitting here, if we don’t know the reason, we don’t have to worry!

Ladakh travel blog — Part 4: Going home

When I staggered with each heavy step on the slope covered with dust and wind blowing, I wondered: “I have a cozy home, a warm bed and a soft mattress, why not enjoy it but bring myself here to do something for the extreme?”. Then at that moment, I remembered the people I met on the roads, the gentle smiles of the old women standing in front of their white houses with the brown door frames, the gentle eyes of the mothers holding their children, the innocent faces of children born in the wilderness, growing up like weeds. I also recall the moments when the blue lake appeared behind a bend, or when the sun rose and lit up the whole space bring vitality to everything, when two rivers of different colors merged into one. And from there, I know why I’m here. Every trip makes me happy twice. Once when I walked on a long road, when beautiful images filled my eyes and beautiful emotions filled my heart. And the other time is when I return, push the door to the house, where the people I love still waiting.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Leh-Ladakh-Zanskar you can refer to

• 10D9N Discover Ladakh, India from Singapore [All-Inclusive]
• 7D6N Ladakh Private Tour
• 6D5N Ladakh Private Tour
• 9D8N Chadar Frozen River Trekking Experience
• 11D10N Stok Kangri Summit Trek from Leh

Read more Ladakh trip blog: Ladakh trip blog — The journey to the fairyland of India and India guide here .

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Leh Ladakh(6D/5N) Group Tour Packages

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Hello Backpackers!

Few places on Earth don’t need a lot of introduction.

Situated at a height of 11000 feet above sea level in the rugged mountains of the Himalayas, Ladakh offers stunning landscapes and enthralling views for travelers.

It’s tough to explain the beauty of Ladakh. The extreme chill of the place is well complemented by the warmth of the Buddhist community here. A road trip to this dreamland will thrill and captivate you to its Monasteries, naked snow-clad Mountains, cold Desert, gravity-defying Hill, pristine Valleys, fast-flowing Rivers, and the best of all: a combination of the highest motorable Pass with insanely stunning Lake.

With Leh as a base, we explore the town – places like Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, Magnetic Hill, and Hall of Fame to start with. Them, we begin with Northern attractions like Nubra Valley, Hunder, and Diskit. We then move towards the most famous crowd-pullers overlooking eastern borders like Khardung La, Pangong lake.

Land of an ancient civilization and captivating people, Ladakh is both alluring and awe-inspiring. Nicknamed ‘Little Tibet’, this sparsely populated, absolute gem of a destination with its incredibly sweet and friendly locals is a treat to backpackers.

It’s time to witness the clear blue skies. It’s time to marvel at countless stars. It’s time to dream. It’s time to live it. All at the same time.

Come join Muddie Trails in this incredible journey to the Roof of the World.

Highlights of the trip:

• The Out of The World: Pangong Lake
• The dreamy Nubra Valley
• Hunder: Desert in the sky, Double humped Camels
• Diskit with giant Buddha statue
• The gravity-defying Magnetic Hill illusion
• Leh Shanti Stupa
• Hall Of Fame: Every Indians pride
• The serene Pathar Sahib Gurudwara
• High motorable passes: Khardung La, Chang La
• Sangam – confluence of Indus and Zanskar rivers
• Thiksey hilltop Monastary
• Rancho School
• Good stays with Guest Houses and Swiss Tents
• Travel (Tempo/Innova/Xylo/Ertiga)
• Stay for 5 nights on double/triple sharing basis
• 5 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners (All Veg)
• Inner Line Permits for restricted places
• Airport pickup/drop taxis (fixed timings)
• Oxygen Cylinder, first aid kit
• Trip Captain (for Tempo Traveller)
• Expert Driver, Operations Manager online support 24x7
• Once in a lifetime experience of visiting all places in Highlights section.
• Any entry tickets, adventure activities/rides, any kind of misc. expenses that are not in Inclusions
• Any extra cost arising due to any change in the itinerary/stay/route on account of bad weather, traffic-congestion, landslides/roadblocks, natural calamities, political disturbances and/or any other factors beyond our control.

Day 1 - Acclimatization

• Altitude: 3600 meters (11600 ft)
• Once you deboard your flight at Leh airport, we will arrange a taxi to reach our guesthouse.
• Spend a relaxing day to get acclimatized to the high altitude of Ladakh.
• It is highly advisable not to move around today as travelers may suffer from dizziness, headache, or acute mountain sickness (AMS). Note that acclimatization is an important part of every Ladakh trip.
• You can still explore Leh market on foot in the evening if you wish (though its not recommended).
• By evening, our Operations Manager will brief you about the incredible road trip of the next few days.
• Overnight stay on cozy beds of the Leh guest house.

Day 2 - Around Leh - Shanti Stupa, Sham Valley: Sangam, Magnetic Hill, Pathar Sahib

• Altitude: 4275 meters
• Start time around 9 to 10 AM after having Breakfast.
• Today we will explore Leh and the surrounding attractions starting with Shanti Stupa – Buddhist White Domed Statue located on a hilltop.
• Head towards Sangam, the beautiful confluence of two mighty rivers: Indus and Zanskar. The Indus river originates from the Holi Mansarovar in Tibet, flows into Ladakh.
• Give a visit to Hall of Fame – every Indian’s pride.
• Head to Magnetic Hill – an optical illusion created by wondrous nature, where a slight downhill slope appears to be an uphill slope because of the surrounding terrain.
• Visit legendary Pathar Sahib where Guru Nanak Dev, founder of the Sikh religion, is believed to have conquered a demon. Spend some time in the warmth of Gurudwara built in the 15th century and sit down for a quiet meditation for few minutes.
• Head to the guesthouse  by late evening, finish Dinner and rest for the night.

Day 3 - Nubra Valley via Khardungla Pass, Diskit Buddha Statue, Hunder Cold Desert

• Max altitude: 5350 meters (17,800 feet)
• Start time around 9 AM
• Roadtrip to amazingly pretty Nubra Valley, known for its Ldumra (flower garden) via one of the world’s highest motorable passes called Khardung La.
• Enjoy hot Kawa tea and Maggy noodles at the top of the pass.
• Descend towards Diskit Monastery with 100 feet Future Buddha statue to get a stunning view of the valley.
• The road to Nubra valley will continue towards international LOC, till the base camp of great Siachen Glacier (which we cannot go) which is well protected by Indian Army.
• Stop by at Hunder which is also called ‘Desert in the sky’ to witness double-humped giant Camels. Want more? Take a Camel joy ride and make those cool reels for your Instagram. Hunder is also famous for its adventurous ATV rides.
• Explore sand dunes and reach our campsite of Swiss tents by evening.

Day 4 - Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso

• Altitude: 4250 meters
• Early morning start! Head out on a road trip to one of the prettiest places on Earth: “Pangong Lake”, driven by the free-flowing river Shayok at one end and giant mountains with amazing landscapes at the other end. You cannot help but keep your eyes out of the windows as we cross many streams and barren mountains special to Ladakh.
• Enjoy the stunning view of Pangong Tso with the purest & bluest sky in the background, pose for those photographs you have been longing for.
• Pangong is the only lake we share a border with China, with more than half in its control. You would have had a glimpse of it in the Bollywood 3 Idiots movie.
• Experiencing a change in colors of the lake during the course of the day by spending time here is so relaxing to the senses.
• Have long conversations for evening get together.
• Rest in the Swiss tents of Pangong or Homestay at Tangtse, which we would have pre-booked based on availability.
• Nights are usually very cold at Pangong/Tangtse because of very high altitude.
• Dinner and rest.

Day 5 - Pangong Tso to Leh

• Altitude: 3600 mt
• Wake up early, go for a walk by the Pangong to witness the breathtaking spectacle of Sunrise at Pangong lake.
• Start driving back towards Leh by another route via Chang La Pass which is 17300 feet above Sea level.
• Visit hilltop Thiksey Monastery with panaromic views of Ladakh landscapes. The artwork and the Buddhist prayer flags fluttering is mesmerizing.
• En route, stop at the famous Rancho School, featured in the blockbuster Bollywood movie ‘3 Idiots’.
• Get back to Leh guest house and say goodbye to our driver who has been with us past few days taking us through most rugged routes.
• Finish Dinner, and gather around for social gathering one last time at our stay.
• Overnight stay in Leh.

Day 6 - Return Home

• Check out of the guest house as per your flight timing. We will arrange 2 rounds of cab to Airport as written in “Basic Details” section.
• Take back memories of a lifetime. You will surely want to return to this magical place once again. But this first trip of yours will be etched in your memories forever.
• Till the next time, say  JULAY  to Ladakh.

What to Expect

About trip:.

•⁠ ⁠This trip suits for people who wish to socialize and prefer group travel. •⁠ Best for solo travellers, couples, small group of friends or family. •⁠ ⁠If you wish to have privacy & luxury, then check out Private Trips .

• Trip starting/ending point: Leh Airport.
• Vehicle: Tempo Traveler, SUV (Innova/Xylo/Ertiga)
• Trip duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights
• You may book Flights up/down to Leh from your city.

Airport Pick-up/Drop:

• Pick ups (Day 1): > 8 AM > 11 AM
• Drop (Day 6) > 8 AM

Booking Flight tickets:

• Our team can assist you in booking your flight tickets through an agent without any fees.
• Sometimes, there is a chance to get discounted price compared to online price.
• Comfortable Standard Guest Houses / Hotels / Swiss Tents
• 2 or 3 sharing rooms based on final combination.
• Leh 3 nights
• Nubra 1 night
• Pangong (based on availability) or Tangtse: 1 night
• Note: You may get in touch with booking team if you wish to see stay pictures.
• Note: At most places, an extra mattress will be given for triple rooms. Very rarely do we get 3 beds. So guests are expected to take mattress on a rotational basis.
• Breakfasts & Dinners included (All Veg).
• Lunches are self-sponsored as we will be outside at that time.
• How much you have to spend for good food? 200 – 250 per meal

Important notes about Ladakh:

• Ladakh is a high-altitude destination that may not suit everybody.
• Do your research on Acute Mountain Sickness .
• There could be small changes in the itinerary as per different local factors.
• Because of the unpredictable nature of rough Himalayan terrain, one should expect road closures or diversions in Ladakh which may alter the order and/or places in the itinerary. The Operations Manager & Driver will take a call on the changes in itinerary when such situations occur. No special requests will be entertained.
• Hot water for shower at Nubra, Pangong stays depends on Solar water heaters only. On a cloudy day, it would be difficult to get hot water.
• If climate gets colder & you need heaters at stays, you can avail at extra cost directly at the stays. Some stays may have bed heaters, some may have room heaters.
• Travelers are expected to come with an open heart, respect local culture, care towards the environment & climate change, and help each other.

Before booking your trip:

• Travelers are expected to carefully read and understand each and every point mentioned in “ Basic Details ” section and “ Terms & Refund ” section of Ladakh trip before reserving their spot for the trip.
• The complexities involved, and all important details needed for Ladakh trip booking and preparation are clearly mentioned in a transparent manner.

Seasonal Variations:

• Jan to Mar (Winter): The extreme climatic conditions of Ladakh will make it inhospitable for visitors. Almost every corner of Ladakh gets covered with thick snow layers, which means all the routes to Ladakh are shut down.
• April to July (Summer): As the snow starts melting, Ladakh gets prepared for the onset of summer, and along with it the tourists. By mid-May, Srinagar-Leh Highway reopens and acts as the best route to reach Ladakh.
• Aug to mid-Oct (Monsoons): Even though it’s the monsoon season, Ladakh receives very less rainfall, with whatever little rainfall it receives being in shorts bursts of heavy downpour.
• Mid-Oct to Dec (Winter again): As you can expect, most of the time it’s Winter in Ladakh because of the high altitude and geographic location in the heart of the Himalayas. There will be a sudden drop in temperature this time, as the land starts receiving snowfall.

Things to carry

Basic Essentials

• Tooth brush, paste, other toiletries
• Small Bag (20-30 liter)
• Backpack (50-60 liter)
• 1 water bottle (it’s important to drink plenty water and keep ourselves hydrated)
• Personal medical kit
• Original ID Card (Aadhar, DL)

Clothing Essentials

• Thermal Wear
• Jacket (Water proof)
• Warm Inner-wears
• 2-Gloves (1 Woolen, 1 Waterproof)
• Track Pants, Full sleeve T shirts
• Sweater for nights
• Socks (Cotton or Woolen)
• Rain Coat / Poncho (Just in case)
• Handkerchief/towels
• UV sunglass
• Sunscreen SPF 50+
• Quick Dry Towels
• Body Lotion
• Sanitizer, Handwash for hygiene
• Camera/Go pro (optional)
• Consult your doctor and carry medications necessary for fever, acidity, allergy, loose motions, travel sickness, vomiting and other common sicknesses that may occur while traveling to Himalayas and high altitude places.
• Note: To avoid basic ailments, it is advisable to drink plenty water to keep yourself hydrated, avoid alcohol, and get as much rest as possible during the nights of your Ladakh trip.

What's next after booking your trip?

• Organizers will get in touch with you, or vice versa.
• Once minimum number of people book this trip (at least 4 members), Organizing team will give a green signal to book your flights.
• A Whatsapp group will be created for all the registered folks 5 days before the event.

Terms & Conditions

• The itinerary is fixed. No special requests to change itinerary/schedule shall be entertained. Travellers are not allowed to advice/instruct the Organizers (Driver or Trip Leader or Operations Manager) to change the itinerary.
• Cooperate with the Organizers in following the schedule set for the day (especially getting up and getting ready in the morning). This will ensure travellers won’t miss out on the real fun part that is traveling and visiting all places in itinerary.
• Every traveler is responsible for his/her for your own safety. Do not indulge in any illegal or silly activity that causes harm to self or fellow travelers.
• Do not wander into the forest away from the designated trail for treks. There may be snakes, scorpions, and dangerous animals.
• Unexpected situations: In rare scenarios, we might not be able to cover all the places mentioned in the itinerary because of unpredictable reasons like bad weather, landslides, wild animal presence, abrupt blocking of sites by the police/forest/local authorities, delay in travel because of an issue with our group itself, traffic conditions, etc. In most cases, if the time permits, the Organizers will take travelers to an alternative place. But in some cases, we may have to skip places altogether.
• No alcohol & smoking during travel, treks, and other outdoor activities. There would be a separate window and space (usually at night) to have these at the stays for interested people.
• Travelers are expected to respect each other and help one another. Avoid discussing sensitive matters like sex, politics, and religion/caste/race.
• Using foul or abusive language, eve-teasing, arguing with fellow travelers/Organizers, and/or involving in the physical assault will not be accepted and will stand a chance of being deserted by the group then and there.
• Every traveler is expected to digitally fill & submit a liability/waiver form given by the Organizers before the trip. This liability form will discharge Muddie Trails of any unexpected incident like injury/death/theft etc.

Cancellation & Refund

• 80% refund if a cancellation request is sent 30 days before the trip start date.
• 50% refund if a cancellation request is sent between 29 to 15 days before the trip start date.
• No refund/postponing within 15 days of the event start time whatever is the reason (Health, COVID, Accident, Family crisis, Office issue, or anything else).
• No refund/postponing request will be entertained on the partial payment (advance) done to block your seat for the trip.

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+91 98805 39183 [email protected]

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Leh in Ladakh Travel Guide: Attractions, Festivals, Hotels

Richard I'Anson/Getty Images

Leh is the erstwhile capital of the Union Territory of Ladakh and the most common entry point into the area. It's also one of the highest permanently inhabited towns in the world. Bounded by two of the world's largest mountain ranges and surrounded by alpine desert, Leh's dry barren landscape is dotted with historic Buddhist monasteries making it an incredible sight to behold. This Leh travel guide will help you plan your trip.

Leh primarily functioned as an important trading hub on routes along the Indus Valley, between Tibet to the east and Kashmir  to the west. It became the capital of Ladakh in the early 17th century, during the region's golden period when trade flourished. King Senge Namgyal completed building a royal palace in Leh and relocated the capital there from Shey. Unfortunately, the royal family were forced to abandon the palace and relocate to Stok in the mid 19th century, after the Dogra invasion.

Leh is located in Ladakh, near the Indus Valley, in the furthest far flung corner of northern India. Its altitude is 3,505 meters (11,500 feet) above sea level.

How to Get There

Regular direct flights to Leh operate regularly from Delhi. There are also flights to Leh from many other cities in India. Some of them are non-stop.

Alternatively, the roads to Leh are open for a few months of the year, when the snow has melted. The Manali-Leh Highway is open from around June to October each year, and the Srinagar-Leh Highway is open from June to November. Bus, jeep, and taxi services are all available. The trip takes about two days because of the difficult nature of the terrain. If you have the time and are in good health, do travel by road as the scenery is amazing. Plus, the gradual ascent will help you acclimatize.

The best time to visit Leh is between May and September, when the weather is the warmest. Ladakh doesn't experience rain like elsewhere in India, so the monsoon season is the perfect time to travel to Leh. 

The two-day Hemis Festival takes place in June or July at the Hemis Gompa to commemorate birth of Guru Padmasambhava, who founded Tantric Buddhism in Tibet. There's traditional music, colorful masked dances, and a fair full of beautiful handicrafts.

The Ladakh Festival is held during September. It opens in Leh with a spectacular procession through the streets. Villagers dressed in traditional costumes dance and sing folk songs, backed by an orchestra. The festival also features musical concerts, dances performed by masked lamas from selected monasteries, and mock traditional marriage ceremonies.

• Read more about the best time to visit Ladakh.

What to Do There

Most tourists spend some time exploring Leh's main market area and the ancient old part of town, while acclimatizing and making onward travel plans. Visit the Central Asian Museum on Main Bazaar Road (open daily from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.) to learn about Leh's role in Silk Road trade. Drop into atmospheric Lala's Art Cafe for something to eat while wandering. It's inside an immaculately restored Ladakhi house that was once lived in by a monk. Go on this guided heritage walk so you don't miss anything.

Leh Palace and Shanti Stupa are renowned for their dramatic views over Leh.

The Hall of Fame is an interesting museum dedicated to the soldiers who helped defend India during wars with Pakistan. The museum also provides information about Ladakhi history and culture. It's operated by the Indian Army and has a collection of weapons, exhibits and souvenirs.

Those who love animals will find a visit to the Donkey Sanctuary worthwhile. It's a home for abandoned and injured donkeys.

What to Do Nearby

The Buddhist monuments around Leh are the biggest draw. Spituk is the closest monastery to Leh, and the 800 year-old Kali temple with a fascinating collection of masks is another attraction there. You can stop at a huge prayer wheel on the way. The other monasteries can also be visited on day trips from Leh. These include Hemis (the wealthiest, oldest, and most important monastery in Ladakh) and Thiksey.

• Find out more about must-see Buddhist monasteries in India.

It's possible to have a regal stay at Stok Palace , about 30 minutes south of Leh. The royal family still lives there and part of it has been turned into a private museum of the Ladakhi royal family.

The picturesque confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers can be seen from a viewpoint on the Srinagar-Leh Highway not far from Nimmu.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find appealing hiking opportunities in the area. There are also many longer trekking trails to choose from, such as the popular four-day Sham Trek from Likir to Temisgam (for beginners), and Markha Valley from Spituk.

•   Take a look at these 6 best treks to take in Ladakh.

Mountain climbing trips can be booked to peaks such as Stok (20,177 feet), Goleb (19,356 feet), Kangyatse (20,997 feet) and Matho West (19,520) in the Zanskar mountains.

White water rafting is one of the top adventure activities in Ladakh. It takes place in July and August along the Indus and Zanskar rivers, with various grade rapids for all levels. Spash Ladakh is one of the best rafting operators that offers day rafting excursions from Leh.

Dreamland Trek and Tours is an eco-friendly adventure company that organizes a wide range of trips in Ladakh, Zanskar and Changthang. Other reputable companies include Overland Escape , Rimo Expeditions (costly but high quality), and Yama Adventures. It's recommended that you compare many companies to see what's on offer.

TripSavvy / Alicia Erikson

Side Trips from Leh

Most people who visit Leh also visit Pangong Lake, which featured in the Bollywood move The 3 Idiots . It's one of the world's highest saltwater lakes and looks really surreal.

• Use this complete guide to Pangong Lake to plan your trip.

The Nubra Valley is another must-visit destination. Khardung La connects Leh to the Nubra Valley and is one of the world’s highest motorable roads. Camel safaris, on hairy double-humped Bactrian camels, are an iconic thing to do in the Nubra Valley. The Balti village of Turtuk, near the Pakistan border, is fascinating as well.

• Use this complete guide to the Nubra Valley plan your trip.

Permits are not required for local sightseeing around Leh, Zanskar, or the Suru Valley.

Read more about the top things to do in Ladakh.

Where to Stay

If you're looking for inexpensive homestay or guesthouse accommodations, you'll find many a short distance from town in the agricultural and backpacker hamlet of Changspa. Clean and comfortable rooms are available from around 1,000 rupees per night. Popular places include Lhachik Guest House, Raku Guesthouse and Gangba Homestay, and Shaolin Ladakh. In the same area, family run Oriental Hotel is charismatic with both a hotel and cheaper guesthouse on the same premises surrounded by garden. Rooms on the upper floors have stunning views. You’ll also love the home-cooked, organic, freshly prepared food.

Several hostels have recently opened up around Leh to cater to backpackers who like to socialize and meet people. Zostel is the top one, with a wide range of dorms (mixed and female-only) and private rooms. HosteLaVie and GoSTOPS are other great options. In town, Hearth hostel is a restored community space suited to arty travelers.

Padma Guesthouse and Hotel , on Fort Road, has rooms for all budgets and a fabulous rooftop restaurant. Sia-La Guest House is popular on the same road too. The modern rooms at the Spic n Span Hotel on Old Leh Road, close to the market, are priced from 6,7000 rupees per night.  The Hotel City Palace is recommended as well. Rates also start from 5,000 rupees per night for a double.

If your budget extends further, try these luxury camps and hotels in and around Leh.

Homestays with Trekking and Expeditions in Ladakh

An appealing alternative to camping out while trekking around Ladakh is to stay in local homes in remote villages, which you reach along the way. This will give you a fascinating insight into the life of Ladakhi farmers. You'll even be fed traditional home cooked meals, prepared by the farmer families. Local Ladakhi trekking expert Thinlas Chorol organizes such trips, as well as many other custom trekking itineraries to places off the beaten path. She's the founder of the notable Ladakhi Women's Travel Company -- the first female owned and operated travel company in Ladakh, which uses only female guides.

Also, consider the expeditions to remote villages offered by Mountain Homestays . You'll get to stay in people's homes and take part in initiatives that enhance the livelihoods of the villagers. This includes documenting the traditional handcrafting and organic farming techniques of Ladakh.

Travel Tips

Make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to acclimatize after arriving in Leh (ideally three days if you've flown in) because of altitude sickness. Medication called Diamox (acetazolamide) can help speed up acclimatization process. A doctor's prescription is required. Anyone who has a pre-existing condition such as heart or lung disease, or diabetes should also consult a doctor before traveling.

Laptops also don’t appreciate the high altitude and hard drives are known to crash.

Nights still get chilly during the summer so do bring warm clothes to layer.

Leaving Leh by flight can be a lot more challenging than arriving. Demand for flights is high in peak season, so book well in advance. In addition, flights are sometimes canceled because of weather conditions, so it’s advisable not to book the last flight of the day. Hand luggage used to pose a problem but one bag per passenger is now allowed.

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The Best Leh-Ladakh Itinerary for 10 days

Featured , Ladakh

Last Updated on: May 18, 2016  

Ladakh is a fascinating place. Anyone who has once visited Ladakh can never forget its landscape, its people and the eternal beauty it hides between those colourful layers of mountains. Planning a trip to Leh has never been an easy task. With help from various sites, we were all set for the trip that we were waiting for so long! Here is a detailed report on our travel to Ladakh

Table of Contents

The Best Leh Ladakh Itinerary for 10 days

Day 1 (baltal – kargil).

We completed our Amarnath Yatra successfully before we ventured for the anticipated trip to Leh. From Baltal, we hired a car to Kargil. We left the greenery of Baltal and entered the barren dusty mountain roads. The Zozila Pass said to be one of the most treacherous passes of India was just a glimpse of how the trans-Himalayan passes would be.We reached Kargil at the evening and rested for the night.

Ride through the Zoji La

Day 2 (Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh)

The next morning we started for Leh. The journey to Leh was equally exciting. We got the first taste of the magnificent monasteries of Ladakh at Mulbek where the gigantic Maitreya Buddha stood towering over us.

The Maitreya Buddha at Mulbek monastery

We travelled and crossed the Fotu La and the Namik La passes. Just as we crossed the Namik La, we saw something that looked straight out of a Hollywood movie. The breathtaking Lamayuru Monastery stood there with all its glory. With meandering roads leading to the monastery, it was the ethereal beauty of the place that stood out. We were not able to stay the night at Lamayuru, but I can well imagine how enchanting the place would look at a full moon night!

The Lamayuru Monastery

After our visit to the Lamayuru, we headed towards Leh town. Leh in itself is a small and colourful town. The markets are bustling with activities during the day. There are numerous shops that sell Buddhist artifacts, statues of Buddha and other goodies. The Tibetan markets are also there selling garments, shoes, bags and any adventure gear you can think of. Well, many are branded, but I cannot assure you about the authenticity of the brands! And finally, there are shops selling junk dresses (Yes I call those funky, colourful dresses as them junk dresses) and pieces of jewellery as well as pashminas. Leh with all its colours and flavours is a town full of life. With people from various countries (Yes, we see more of foreign tourists and travellers here) the place is buzzing with activity.

Beautiful artefacts – care to buy some?

Day 3 (Leh – Chang La Pass – Pangong Lake)

After a well-deserved rest, the next day we started for Pangong Lake. We had planned to stay the night near the Lake so that we can experience a night beside the lake. The road to the Pangong goes through the Changla Pass, another high trans-Himalayan pass. I was really excited to see the cute marmots on the way. These animals seemed so friendly! As I was looking for more marmots, we saw a glimpse of blue. Yes, that was the Pangong Lake, the huge lake which has only 40% of it in India. The Pangong Lake played hide and seek with us for some time before it revealed us to us in full glory. I had never seen such a shade of clear blue before! The azure lake and the golden mountain ranges at its back looked like a perfect picture postcard. I think the whole of this region is like a postcard at which you can stare for hours and marvel. We camped near the lake, enjoyed the changing colours of the lake at different times of the day and also had a campfire near the lake.  My nomadic heart truly was for a treat that day.

Pangong Lake

Day 4 (Pangong Lake – Hemis Monastery – Thiksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh Palace – Leh)

We were back from Pangong and while returning we visited the Hemis Monastery, Thicksey Monastery, Shey Palace and the Leh Palace along with the Sindhu Ghat. There are no words to describe the grandeur of the monasteries of the Leh. But what surprised me was the serenity of the Sindhu Ghat. A peaceful place where you can just sit with your legs in the waters of Sindhu and contemplate on the journeys you have taken, the sights you have seen.

At Sindhu Ghat

Day 5 (Leh – Khardung La – Nubra Valley)

This day was reserved for Nubra Valley. To reach Nubra, we had to cross the world’s highest motorable pass the Khardung la. Not only the roads, but the weather also become treacherous at Khardung La. The sunny weather of Leh became gloomy once we were near the pass and suddenly snowflakes were all over me. It was snowing at Khardung La. Just imagine the feeling of standing at a height of about 18000 ft and experiencing snowfall! It is simply amazing.

Snowfall at Khardung La

We were in the midst of mountains and rugged terrains so long, but this day we saw stretches of sands and a black road among those sandy stretches. Nubra is one of the coldest deserts of the world and double-humped Bactrian camels are found only here apart from the Gobi desert. And then the colossal statue of Maitreya Buddha came to our sight. That was the Diskit Monastery- a place where the ancient and the modern stands to look at each other. At the mountain over the Shyok river stands the oldest monastery of Ladakh region, the Diskit Monastery and exactly in front of it, stands the 32 m Maitreya or the future Buddha, looking down at the Shyok river.

Gian 230 feet Maitrya Buddha statue at Nubra Valley

A ride on the camels simply completed our day. We stayed at Hunder for the night at a homestay. We were simply bowled over by the hospitality of the people there. The next morning we were all set to be back at Leh.

Day 6 (Nubra Valley – Leh)

The return from Nubra to Leh was equally long and arduous. After returning from Nubra Valley , it ews only roaming aroundthe streets of Leh for us.

Riding camels at Nubra Valley

Day 7 (Leh – Magnetic Hill – Alchi – Likir – Spituk – Leh)

A day of relatively lesser travel when we visited the monasteries near Leh – the Alchi, Likir, Spituk monastery. Each monastery had their own distinct charm and visiting them increased our thirst for knowing about them more. We travelled past the Magnetic Hill this day. and all that we heard about the Magnetic Hill was true! The car really moves ahead even though it is not being driven. The evening was spent viewing the sunset from Shanti Stupa and roaming around Leh markets.

Shanti Stupa, Leh

Likir Monastery

Day 8 & 9 (Leh – Sarchu – Keylong – Manali)

The day to leave Leh had come. But we decided not to let the spirit of adventure die. We were all ready to set on the journey through the Leh- Manali Highway – the route which is there in every wayfarers’ bucket list. And truly so, the Leh- Manali route is simply grand and a saga. The scenery, mountains, terrains everything about this road is epic. We had a stopover at Keylong and reached Manali the next day.

The Leh – Manali Highway – the grand ending to an epic adventure

The remarkable tour has a perfect ending, it was no less than a blockbuster. Due to time restraint, we did not visit the Tso Moriri and HanuDha. We plan to do that soon. It is so very true that Leh is like a mecca to all Indian travellers. The place has all the thrills and excitement. Once you visit Ladakh, you simply cannot stop raving about it.  The same is with us.

Day 10 (Manali)

Some facts:.

Altitude: Leh is at a height of 11480 ft

Best Time to visit: June to September

The best way to visit Leh by road is to enter by the Srinagar-Leh highway and return by the Leh – Manali highway. This also helps in proper acclimatization.

ATMs: ATMs are found in Leh city. But carry cash when you are travelling to Pangong, Nubra or Tso Moriri.

At the Sindhu Ghat

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We have been travelling together since the last 15 years and writing independent and personal travel content since 2014. Travel is one of the best teachers and through this blog, we aim to share our experiences and travel tips. We encourage you to travel more and see the world through your eyes and not through filtered templates.

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Really amazing blog. I learn new information from your article , you are doing a great job . Keep it up

IN the 10 days trip, how many hours will one have to travel in vehicle. I m asking this question as there is issue of travel sichness and hence a littl concerned,

Regards bharat

Yes, there can be problems of travel sickness and AMS while travelling in Ladakh. Please know more about AMS and then make an informed decision.

Nice blog post with wonderful pictures.I really like to this article it’s very interesting.

Found your post interesting to read. Good Luck for the upcoming update.This article is really very interesting

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Planning for a Ladakh tour? Then WanderOn’s top Leh Ladakh tour packages are perfect for you. One of the fastest-growing communities for travellers, WanderOn offers over 15 customisable Ladakh tour packages, tailor-made according to your needs. Whether you want to head on a Ladakh road trip from Delhi , Chennai, or even Mumbai, we’ve got you covered with our different Ladakh packages. 

From exploring the many places to visit in Ladakh to the best adventure spots, our Leh Ladakh trip packages get you everything that you ask for. 

About Leh Ladakh And Ladakh Tours

Owning a plethora of names in the past like Maryul, Kha-Chumpa and Fa-Hein, Ladakh today is renowned as the ‘land of adventures’ owing to the unparalleled adventures that it offers. Double-humped camel rides, Quad Biking in the sand dunes, and road trips on some of the world’s highest passes are just a bunch out of the long list of adventure escapades that you can indulge in a Leh Ladakh tour with one of our Leh Ladakh trip packages. 

Believed by the locals, that this is the place where the inception of Buddhism in India took place, the picturesque monasteries in this high land perfectly support the statement. Possessing ancient and colossal monasteries that date back to the 10th century, this destination dispenses the authentic Buddhist aura– a peerless option for those seeking divinity coupled with peace and repose in the modern life packed with unwanted stress. And what better option than our Leh Ladakh tour packages to experience it all? 

What Makes Leh Ladakh Tour Packages So Popular?

Quite different from all other destinations with those steretoypical elements like architectural marvels, best in class shopping complexes, 7 star hotels and more, Ladakh is more than just a destination; it is an immersive experience which suits all and sundry. 

Leh Ladakh is truly one of those destinations that have something to offer to everyone who visits it and gets to experience something new each and every day, that is why a Leh Ladakh tour finds itself a spot in every traveller’s wish list. 

Leh Ladakh packages too offer a wide array of options to choose from, some of the most famous Leh Ladakh tour packages include a Leh Ladakh Bike Trip which is a whole new experience for everyone, where you ride on some of the highest roads in the world that offer panorama of the entire landscape, and not to forget about the cool breeze that will be caressing your face and blowing through your hair. 

Romantic Leh Ladakh Tour Packages For Honeymoon

Though Ladakh is primarily known as an adventure location, in the modern day, it has become quite popular among couples who are looking to have the time of their lives during their honeymoon. 

Well, who doesn’t like to hold their partner’s hand in theirs and gaze at the spectacular panoramic landscape of Ladakh? With that in mind, we also introduce you to our Ladakh honeymoon package, a soulful sojourn in the midst of the snow-capped mountains where you and your special one will be in for an out-of-the-world experience. 

Take your love to greater heights quite literally with our Ladakh honeymoon package, while staying in one of the best hotels in Ladakh .

With numerous elements and attractions in Ladakh that take your experience to the next level, its no surprise that we have a wide array of Leh Ladakh tour packages suited best to every traveller’s needs, but before you choose your Ladakh tour package, have a look at some of the best sites in Leh Ladakh for an essential insight into this Himalayan wonderland. 

Best Places To Visit With Our Ladakh Trip Packages

Ladakh has a rich profusion of landmarks settled in different parts and offer something new to everyone who visits them. The majestic Nubra Valley, the mesmerising Pangong lake and the world’s highest motorable pass, Khardung La, are just a few of the many places to visit in Ladakh that you will be exploring during your Leh Ladakh tour. 

Some of the other destinations you can delve into with our Leh Ladakh tour packages are:

1. Shanti Stupa

It is rightly said that ‘ when in Ladakh you just cannot miss visiting the Shanti Stupa’. Consecrated by the 14th Dalai Lama, Shanti Stupa in Leh has become one of the most sought-after landmarks among travellers on a Leh Ladakh tour. This landmark is a much-loved attraction because it holds relics of the Buddha at its base. 

Established at an altitude of over 11,000 feet, the Shanti Stupa, besides its religious importance, is also loved for the panoramic views of the breathtaking landscape and is a bliss for photographers. Bikers on the Ladakh Bike Trip too look forward to visiting the stupa because of the journey to reach it. 

We highly suggest you visit Shanti Stupa when the moon rises to get a spectacular Insta-worthy photo with the star-studded sky in the backdrop. These qualities make Shanti Stupa an integral part of every Ladakh trip. 

Location: Shanti Stupa Road, Leh Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir

Timings: 5AM to 9PM

Best time to visit: July to September

2. Hall Of Fame Museum

The period of Indo-Pak wars was a difficult time for India, the entire nation was devastated during the period. While some were devastated, some heroes were fighting day and night to end it– these were the soldiers of the Indian Army. 

Established by the Indian Army to pay tribute to the fallen soldiers, the Hall of Fame Museum is just 4 km away from the main city of Leh and is the perfect way for the citizens of the country to pay their respects to the men who laid down their lives while saving the lives of many. 

The museum consists of two stories that house everything to give an insight into the Indo-Pak war. Travellers on the Leh Ladakh tour with our Ladakh tour package will get glimpses of the weapons used during the war, the apparels and amenities used by the Indian Army, a wall with pictures of the Kargil War–perfectly showcasing the difficult period and much more. 

Its because of its significance and the role of Indian Army in Leh Ladakh, that the Hall Of Fame Museum finds itself a spot in almost every Leh Ladakh tour package and surprisingly is a favourite among those venturing in our Ladakh honeymoon package . 

Location: Leh-Kargil Road, Leh

Timings: 9AM to 1PM and 2PM to 7PM; Tuesday to Sunday (Monday Closed)

Entry Fee- INR 25 per person (If you want to do photography inside the museum, then you need to pay INR 50 more)

3. Tso Moriri Lake

One of the first names that come to mind when we think of Ladakh is Pangong Tso and how it rose to popularity owing to the movie scenes that were shot here. But, there’s another lake in Ladakh that is equally alluring and is one of the highest altitude lakes in India and the largest high altitude lake that is completely nestled in India– Tso Moriri. 

A Ladakh trip goes a notch above with a visit to the serene lake. Not as famous as its counterpart, the Tso Moriri lake is a Ramsar site, which makes it a non camping zone. Well since human habitation cannot take place near this Ladakh gem, a wide array of unique flora and fauna can be spotted. Travellers exploring Ladakh in our Leh Ladakh tour packages can easily spot an exquisite diversification of birds like the Brown Headed Gull and the Brahmin Duck. 

It is the unique elements that this place holds which make it such a jewel of place in Ladakh, therefore an Inner Line Permit (ILP) is required when traversing to Tso Moriri Lake, Ladakh, but you don’t need to worry as you will be getting one with our Leh Ladakh tour packages. We highly recommend bikers to opt in for a Ladakh Bike Trip,  just to get an opportunity to see this gem of a place in Ladakh with their own eyes. 

Location: Changthang Region, Ladakh

Timings: 24x7

Best time to visit: June, July and August

Mandatory Requirement: An Inner Line Permit or an ILP is required to visit this lake in Ladakh.

4. Magnetic Hill

Want to defy the laws of physics and do something extremely awesome? Well then this is the place to be. The Magnetic Hill in Ladakh is one of the most sought after destinations and a favourite among all those who choose our Leh Ladakh tour packages, especially those doing a Ladakh Bike Trip. 

What separates this Ladakh gem from the others is the the fact that you can beat the gravitational law at this place. Well, all you have to do is just park your vehicle on the lap of the hill and just see it magically go uphill. There are numerous theories to define the phenomenon, like the hill has a powerful magnetic force that pulls vehicles towards the epicentre. 

In contrast, others believe that a strong magnetic field has no role but that it is an optical illusion. No matter what the theories say, one thing is for sure you’re going to have the time of your life at the hill when you visit it with our Leh Ladakh tour packages, especially the Ladakh honeymoon package. 

Located just a few kilometres from the central city of Leh Ladakh, the Magnetic Hill is a must-visit destination when making a Ladakh trip. 

Location: Srinagar- Ladakh Road, Leh Ladakh

Best time to visit: May to October

5. Pangong Tso

Coming straight out of dreamland is the river that has become a bucket list destination for many. Featured in a myriad of Bollywood blockbusters and also said to have colour changing ability is the Pangong Tso . An essential addition in all Leh Ladakh tour packages, this gem of a lake is a must visit to witness serenity and tranquillity.

One of the highest altitude lakes in Ladakh , the Pangong Tso is 134 Kms which starts from Eastern Ladakh and goes upto Tibet. Travellers in Leh Ladakh tour packages especially couples in Ladakh honeymoon packages will get the opportunity to click aesthetically pleasing Insta-worthy pictures with the lake and the snow-capped mountains as the backdrop. The Pangong Tso is the closest that you will be getting to China ,when in Ladakh. 

Location: Leh district, Ladakh

Best time to visit: May to September

6. Diskit Monastery

All Leh Ladakh tour packages especially Ladakh bike trips and Ladakh honeymoon packages are incomplete without a visit to Diskit, and when you say the name Diskit, the monastery is the first thing that comes to mind. The monastery is the oldest and the largest one established in Leh Ladakh and dispenses authentic Buddhist aura. 

When travelling to Diskit Monastery in our Leh Ladakh tour packages, you can get glimpses of the Buddhist culture with ancient artefacts, illustrations, idols, ornaments and much more. Located at an altitude of over 10,000 feet, the monastery gives breathtaking panoramic views of the entire region, making it one of the best backdrop for Insta worthy pictures. 

The best pictures of your Leh Ladakh packages can be clicked in front of the colossal Buddha statue, and if you stay at the monastery till night, you might even catch a glimpse of the Milky Way Galaxy, truly making your experience star spangled. 

Location: Diskit, Ladakh district, Jammu and Kashmir

Timings: 7AM to 1PM and 2PM to 7PM (All Days)

Entry Fee: INR 30

7. Thiksey Monastery

Crunched in the mesmerising Indus Valley is a valley that is a trademark in all Leh Ladakh tour packages and is loved by those who are a part of Ladakh honeymoon package. Located at an altitude of 11,800 feet, the monastery consists of 12 storeys and houses over 120 monks and a nunnery. 

Those seeking an insight into the Buddhist culture while travelling in our Leh Ladakh packages are in for a treat since the monastery possesses a huge number of stupas, idols, statues, apparel and many more such elements to give a glimpse into the culture. 

The Thiksey Monastery across its 12 stories has a plethora of temples, the most renowned one being Maitreya Temple, which was established to celebrate the visit of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama to this monastery in Ladakh in 1970. The architecture of this Ladakh monastery is the main attraction, and if you want to visit this monastery then you must check out our customizable Leh Ladakh tour packages . 

Location: Leh-Ladakh- Manali Highway, Jammu & Kashmir

Timings: 7AM to 7PM

Best time to visit: May to November 

Entry Fee: INR 20

8. Pathar Sahib Gurudwara

Are Leh Ladakh tour packages even complete without a visit to the Pathar Sahib Gurudwara ? Well, the obvious answer is no! Often a part of Ladakh sightseeing in almost all Leh Ladakh tour packages and Ladakh bike trip , the Pathar Sahib Gurudwara was established in the place where it is believed that Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism conquered a demon. 

In the modern day, travellers in Ladakh tour packages pay a visit to the holy shrine for a divine experience and to relish an absolutely delicious Langar. Built-in the year 1517, the gurudwara has now become an essential pilgrimage destination in all Leh Ladakh tour packages.

Location: Leh-Kargil Highway, Leh Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir

Timings: 4:15 AM to 8:30PM

9. Leh Palace

Constructed in the 15th century which was started by the then King of Ladakh, Dragpa Bumdey, the Leh Palace today has become quite a popular tourist destination and a favourite among travellers in Leh Ladakh tour packages and Leh Ladakh Bike Trip packages. 

The palace which was made to showcase the influence of the royal family in Leh Ladakh, in the modern day has been converted into a museum that possesses ancient artillery, artefacts, paintings, and relics of Buddha for the public to witness. 

Established just 4.5 Kms from the Leh Airport, the Leh Palace is also one of the only buildings in Ladakh that are still standing, the palace provides a perfect backdrop for all the Insta-worthy pictures. 

The Leh Palace takes inspiration from the Palota Palace in Lhasa. It is highly recommended that you wear comfortable footwear, since the climb to the palace will be pretty tough. With so much to offer, the Leh Palace is definitely worth a visit in all Leh Ladakh tour packages. 

Location: Namgyal Hill, Leh Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir

Timings: 8 AM to 5 PM

10. Hemis Wildlife Sanctuary

Enter the land of a wide array of flora and fauna, home to rare species like Snow Leopard- the major attraction of the snow leopard trek , Shapu, Wild Sheeps, and a bunch of other unique animals, the Hemis Wildlife Sanctuary is spread across an area of 3,350 square kilometres and is a must visit when on an excursion in our Leh Ladakh tour packages. 

Established in 1981, and named after the Hemis Monastery , the Sanctuary also houses a wide variety of flora like alpine vegetation, Anemones,Lloydia and many more which you just cannot miss during your tour with our Leh Ladakh packages.  

One of the best ways to explore the sanctuary is by a jeep safari. To add up divinity to your enthralling experience you can also visit the Hemis Monastery which is just a few miles away from the sanctuary. 

Location: Eastern Ladakh district, Jammu and Kashmir

Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM

Entry Fee: INR 20 for Indians and INR 100 for Foreigners

We’ve talked earlier about how Ladakh besides the beauty it possesses is also an adventure paradise with a plethora of activities to choose from. When you travel with our Leh Ladakh tour packages , you get an opportunity to immerse yourself in almost all of them. 

Some of the activities that you can take part when exploring Ladakh in our Leh Ladakh packages our river rafting, double humped camel safari, quad biking and a plethora of other activities which you can check out by just scrolling down.

Adventure Activities to try in our Leh Ladakh tour packages

1. double hump camel safari .

When you reach the colossal heights of Nubra Valley with our Leh Ladakh tour packages and Ladakh bike trips after a 138 Kms drive, the first thing that will catch your attention are the double hump camels. The best part? Your Leh Ladakh tour packages give you the opportunity to ride on them. 

The double hump camel safari is one of the best things to do in Ladakh , which in earlier times were used by nomads to traverse from one place to another in the mountains. Today, you can get the same experience by opting in for a ride to get mesmerised by the serene views of the Nubra landscape. 

What’s special about it: The double hump camel ride in Ladakh gives you a serene experience and the opportunity to cherish the breathtaking views of the landscape.

Best time to do it: The best time to do a double hump camel ride in Ladakh is during the summer months of June to September. 

Cost: Approx INR 750 to INR 1400 per person

Where: Hunder, Nubra Valley 

2. River Rafting

One of the most enthralling adventure activities in Leh Ladakh tour packages is river rafting. One of the most sought after things to do in Ladakh, a river rafting experience takes your adrenaline levels to the next level. 

Probably the only destination in the entire country that offers you multiple options to raft on, like the Zanskar stream, Padum and Nimu.The river rafting besides being an exhilarating experience is also the perfect opportunity to record those Insta worthy reels while travelling during your Leh Ladakh tour packages.

What’s special about it: The cold breeze, the gushing waters, and the majestic mountains surrounding the water bodies, the river rafting escapade in Ladakh is a once in a lifetime experience that just cannot be missed. 

Best time to do it: The best time to do river rafting in Ladakh is during the months of June to August. 

Cost: Approx INR 2,000 to INR 3,500 per person

Where: Zanskar, Padum and Nimu

3. Quad Biking

When in the adventure valley– the Nubra Valley, you just cannot miss out on a quad biking session. Let the cold breeze caress your face, the wind blow through your hair and the adrenaline rush through your veins. A 45 minutes quad biking is the perfect way to take your Leh Ladakh tour packages adventure to the next level. 

Duration: 45 Minutes to 1 Hour

Best time to do it: The best time to do quad biking in Ladakh is during the months of June to September. 

Cost: Approx INR 1,000 to INR 1,200 per person

Where: Hunder

4. Trekking

Another adventure filled escapade in Leh Ladakh tour packages is trekking. Since Ladakh is a mountain destination it surely has a myriad of trekking options that one can opt from. Ladakh has over 10 of the best trekking options to choose from in the Leh Ladakh tour packages. 

Some of the most popular ones are Markha Valley trek,Nubra Valley trek, Rumtse to Tso Moriri and Stok Kangri climb, all of these treks spots in Ladakh offer something different to those who embark on them. 

A Ladakh bike trip is a more popular option whenever you think about activities in Ladakh, however trekking is an underrated adventure that just cannot be missed when on a Ladakh trip. 

Best time to do Treks In Ladakh: It is highly recommended that you embark on treks in Ladakh during the summer months from May to September. 

Trek Difficulty: Level 1 to Level 5

Featured Packages

7 Days Leh Ladakh Tour Package With Turtuk Village

6 days leh ladakh tour package with nubra & pangong, 8 days leh to leh with umling la pass, 10 days srinagar leh manali bike trip, 8 days srinagar to leh road trip via kargil and nubra valley, 8 days srinagar to leh road trip via nubra, pangong & tso moriri, 8 days leh to manali road trip via kargil, padum & purne, 10 days leh ladakh tour with srinagar exploration, 9 days best of leh ladakh tour package, 7 days leh ladakh tour package with nubra & pangong, 9 days manali to leh ladakh tour with turtuk village, 9 days leh ladakh tour with srinagar sightseeing, leh ladakh to manali exploration with nubra valley and pangong, 11 days leh ladakh road trip from manali, 6 days ladakh tour package with nubra & pangong, 6 days leh local sightseeing with nubra & pangong, 8 days leh to srinagar road trip via kargil, 8 days leh ladakh sightseeing tour with turtuk, 7 days leh local sightseeing with nubra & pangong, 7 days leh ladakh trip with pangong & turtuk village, adventure sports in ladakh for a thrilling vacay.

River Rafting

River rafting is an immensely popular adventure sport in Ladakh. Enjoy the mesmerizing views through freezing gushing rapids

Mountain Biking

Mountain Biking is one of the best adventure sports in Leh Ladakh. Get astonishing sights while crossing the highest peaks

Camel Safari

Ride the double-humped camel & explore the magnificence sand ridges of Leh Ladakh in a unique way

Discover the beauty of Leh Ladakh by being a part of challenging treks. Witness the true thrill!

SUV Expedition

One of the best adventure sports in Ladakh that lets you explore the challenging altitude while enjoying the breathtaking scenes.

Quad Biking

Quad biking in Ladakh consider as one of the top adventure sports in Leh ladakh. Explore Ladakh while riding ATV

Places You Can Visit in Leh Ladakh

Zanskar valley.

The frosty terrains of Zanskar valley are undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Ladakh.

Pangong Tso Lake

Pangong Tso is among the popular lake in Leh ladakh located on the eastern ladakh region

Located on the banks of the Indus, Kargil is among the largest town to visit in Ladakh.

Khardung-la Pass

Khardung-la pass served as a gateway to Shyok & Nubra valley & among the highest motorable landscapes worldwide.

Nubra Valley

A tri-armed valley, popular for its two-humped camels provides an experience that is reminiscent of Arabian Nights.

Spituk Gompa

Spituk is a Buddhist Monastery and one of the most peaceful places to visit in Leh Ladakh.

Places to Enjoy The True Flavors Of Leh Ladakh

The Tibetan Kitchen

Indian, Tibetan, Chinese

Gesmo Restaurant

Italian, Indian, Fast Food

Chopsticks Noodle Bar

Asian, Indonesian, Tibetan

Lamayuru Restaurant

Asian, Tibetan, International

Little Italy

Vegetarian, Italian, Kashmiri

Bon Appetit

Indian, International, European

Places to shop in Leh Ladakh

Moti market.

Shop For: Tibetan artifacts

Women’s Alliance Of Ladakh Shopping Hub

Shop For: Woolen Garment, Silver Jewelry

Zanskar Arts

Shop For: leather goods

Himalayan Pashmina Shawls

Shop For: Pashmina Shawls

Ladag Apricot Store

Shop For: Everything apricot-related

Main Bazaar

Shop For: Artifacts, Silver Jewelry

Frequently Asked Questions Your right to Know!

Q: what is the difference between leh and ladakh, q: is it safe to travel to leh ladakh, q: which car is best for a ladakh trip, q: which is the best time to visit to visit ladakh, q: does leh have snow, q: how much does leh ladakh trip cost, q: how many days are enough for leh ladakh, q: is it possible to get a direct flight to ladakh, q: are there direct buses from delhi to leh, ladakh travel guidelines.

• Presenting a Negative Covid 19 certificate is mandatory upon arrival.
• Mandatory negative RT-PCR report on arrival in Leh. The negative RT-PCR report should not be earlier than 96 hours before arrival.
• Rapid Antigen Test will be conducted for all passengers arriving through flights at the Leh airport.
• All tourists travelling to Leh Ladakh should be fully vaccinated and must have completed 15 days after receiving the vaccination.
• All hotels are allowed to function and will serve tourists.
• Tourists will require special permit for visiting Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso.
• Epass is no longer required to enter the territory of Leh and Ladakh.

Our Blogs Some good reads to help you travel better!

Wanderon’s secret sauce why wanderon, hear from travellers like you.

Shrutika Parab

24 May,2023

“ Thank you Team Wanderon for the amazing Ladakh Experience. Right from the point of making the bookings with Mr. Chakshu to the point of completion of the trip received amicable support.

Sonal Shekhar Dash

9 May, 2023

“ I did my first solo trip in India with WanderOn. Initially I was sceptical about their Meghalaya-Kaziranga trip as I didn't have any prior experience with them but the team assured me that it's going to be one of the best experiences of my life.

Archana Awati

30 April, 2023

“ In Ladakh, find the perfect blend of culture, adventure, and serenity. December last year I decided that my next trip would be Ladakh but didn’t know how to go about it. I knew I wanted to travel in a group, as I had prior experiences of traveling in a group but wanted an organiser I could trust. Ladakh isn’t like other destinations wherein you need some instructions due to the high altitudes.

Kartik Dilawari

04 July, 2023

“ After an amazing trip to Tirthan with WanderOn, I decided to go to Manali-Jispa with them and yet again, the experience was worth every penny. The place was very beautiful and the quality of service was top-notch, the itinerary was very good and the quality of transportation and stays were very good. Had an awesome time there and made some good friends as well. Lastly, our trip captains Priyasha and Rachit managed the entire trip very well and were so fun and made our trip an experience worth remembering.

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We at WanderOn are a modern travel community that provides end to end travel packages in India and abroad. We design the best travel itineraries that encourage group traveling for like-minded people. Our services include road trips, trekking expeditions, corporate trips, and customized tour packages. On our trips, we ensure hassle-free traveling, top-notch accommodation and guided sightseeing that too in a budget that won't burn a hole in your pocket. Just give us your dates and be ready to experience traveling like never before.

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A 7-Day Leh Ladakh Trip Itinerary For First-Time Visitors

We sent Chandrika on a once-in-a-lifetime Ladakh trip. She came back to tell us how everyone can make it happen.

A land many have heard of, but only the ones with adventure in their hearts have dared to venture to. A land of rugged mountains that coexist alongside the mystical chants of Buddhist prayers – the recently declared Indian Union Territory of Ladakh is this and so much more! 

Located in the northern part of the Indian sub-continent bordering Tibet, Ladakh is shrouded in a certain mystery, despite having gained a lot of popularity in the past few years.

Filled with adrenaline-inducing twists and turns, high mountain passes, and some of the most beautiful mountain ranges in India, a trip through Ladakh is the perfect way to get an introduction to the Himalayan region. 

Ladakh is a high-altitude region, meaning, no matter which part of Ladakh you are at, you’ll find yourself at a minimum altitude of 3000 meters (9800 feet) above sea level. This is important to mention here because this is considerably higher than most people are used to and the high altitude affects many aspects of travel in this region.

To help you execute that dream Ladakh trip, this 7-day itinerary designed by India Someday and Unplugged Life will take you through some of the biggest highlights of the region, while giving you a sense of what it means to be traveling in a destination as unique as this.

How to get to Ladakh

Before we dive deep into the specifics of the itinerary, it’s crucial to plan your arrival in Ladakh. The best way to reach Ladakh is to fly in. The biggest town in Ladakh is Leh, which is connected by air with India’s capital city, New Delhi.

Daily direct flights are running between Delhi ’s Indira Gandhi International Airport and Leh’s Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, run by 3 Indian airlines – Air India, SpiceJet, and GoAir. If you are traveling from another country or Indian city, you’ll first have to get to Delhi to catch the 1.5-hour flight to Leh.

Although there are multiple flights available daily, do keep in mind that the weather in Leh largely determines flight schedules. Turbulent weather is pretty common in this region so flights taking off an hour early or an hour late is not unheard of. Having said that, we have to admit that the destination is worth all that trouble!

Leh Ladakh 7-day itinerary

Day 1 – land in leh and rest.

The erstwhile capital of the Himalayan kingdom of Ladakh, Leh is perched at an altitude of 3524 meters (11562 feet) and is home to some of the most popular attractions in the region.

The landscape in Leh is rugged, with a backdrop of barren mountains, while the weather is generally dry and very hot during the day and slightly chilly at night, depending on which month of the year you visit.

Most flights to Leh land sometime in the morning or early afternoon, so you can expect to have more than half a day to spare. But this is a day to take it easy. Remember you’ve just landed at a high altitude destination practically from the sea level (Delhi lies at an altitude of roughly 200m above sea level) and that means your body needs time to acclimatize to this drastic change.

The process of acclimatization can take a while, about 24-48 hours for most people. But no matter how you feel on day 1 (we know you’re excited!), you must take as much rest as you can and keep yourself hydrated. This is a day of barely any physical activity, so go ahead and enjoy the views from your hotel and indulge in the local Ladakhi food to gear up for the next day.

Where to stay in Leh : Gangba Homestay

A picture-postcard-like setting with a traditional Ladakhi-style building, an apple orchard, and a view of snowy peaks in the distance – Gangba Homestay is truly a home away from home.

Run by a local family, they are the warmest, most welcoming hosts you could ask for in Leh! To top that, the food served in the homestay is delicious and homely, while the rooms are very spacious, well-equipped, and comfortable. But what sets Gangba Homestay apart is their hospitality and the staff’s mindset to always go the extra mile to care for their guests.

Day 2 – Leh city tour

Your second day in Ladakh will also be spent in Leh to continue with the acclimatization process. However, on this day you’ll be taking a tour of the beautiful city and its surrounding areas. 

Confluence (Sangam) of the Indus and Zanskar Rivers

Located around 35 Km away from Leh town, the point of confluence of the mighty Indus and Zanskar Rivers is your first stop for the day. The different shades of green of the two rivers’ water are distinctly visible with bare eyes, making it a place worth visiting during your stay in Leh.

You can either choose to drive down to the exact point of confluence, maybe enjoy the view with a cup of steaming hot tea, or you could also get a bird’s eye view of the confluence from a vantage point. Depending on which time of the year you visit, you’ll notice how different both rivers look individually, leading up to their meeting point.

Magnetic Hill

A very popular tourist attraction in Leh, Magnetic Hill is technically a small stretch of road on the Leh-Kargil Highway. It is popularly known to be a spot where gravitational forces can be defied, due to a so-called magnetic pull from the surrounding mountains. Although this spot has maintained its popularity among tourists, there is not much truth to what happens here.

The landscape of the surrounding mountains and slopes is such that, to our eyes, it looks like the road is sloping uphill, but in reality the road slopes downhill making cars roll down even on neutral gear. But having said that, it’s a great spot to stop by for a while and get a good look at the stunning landscape.

Lunch at a local Tibetan restaurant

Ladakh is not only well known for its natural beauty, but for its delicious local cuisine too. With heavy influences from the neighboring Tibetan cuisine, you’d be missing out on an important cultural element if you don’t give Ladakhi food a try.

Head to Tenzin Dickey Tibetan Restaurant , located less than a kilometer from Leh’s main market, for a sumptuous lunch of local dumplings, noodles, soups, and an assortment of drinks. The restaurant is unassuming and cozy and the food makes you feel right at home.

Belonging to the Namgyal dynasty of Ladakh, Leh Palace is the former residential palace of the royal family. Perched on top of a hill, the palace overlooks Leh and has now been converted into a museum for visitors to get a glimpse of Ladakhi royal heritage.

A tour of the 9-storeyed palace takes you through almost 450 years of artifacts belonging to the royal family. Although the palace is still under renovation, it is worth a visit for the incredible bird’s eye view of the city it offers.

Leh main market

Leh’s main bazaar is a colorful, bustling market in the city center and the perfect place to spend a leisurely evening strolling through its narrow alleys. The market is home to shops selling all kinds of local products – from fresh produce to souvenirs and handicraft items.

Pick up Tibetan prayer flags and wheels or silver jewelry, taste local dry fruits like apricots, figs, and walnuts, and end the day with a meal at one of the many cafes lining the street.

Day 3 – Drive to Nubra Valley via Khardung La

On your third day in Ladakh, it’s time to venture out of the city into the mountains!

The curvy roads of Ladakh can be unforgivable so it is important to be accompanied by an experienced local driver. Some stretches of road are steep and bumpy and you need a good car for better comfort. You can hire a private car but keep in mind that the cost of transport is quite high in Ladakh.

A good option for solo travelers and couples is to use shared taxis that are available for all kinds of tours in Ladakh , including the 3-day Nubra-Pangong tour. This helps saving money by sharing the cost of transport with other travelers. Sharing a car also helps to reduce the number of vehicles on the road, and therefore, the pollution.

The drive from Leh to Nubra Valley takes approximately 5-6 hours. But the biggest highlight of the drive is climbing up to the Khardung La (La is the Ladakhi word for a mountain pass) and crossing it to get to the other side of the Ladakh mountain range.

The pass is situated at an altitude of 17,582 feet (5359m) and is considered to be one of the highest motorable passes in the world.

The winding mountain road leading up to Khardung La is spectacular and is a treat in itself. Once at the top of the pass, spend 15-20 minutes exploring the surroundings without exerting your body too much.

It is important to remember that there is very little oxygen available to breathe at such high altitude, so take it easy and enjoy the breathtaking views of the snow-covered mountains.

Once you cross Khardung La and start driving towards Nubra Valley, the landscape changes dramatically. The drive past Shyok River towards the lush green valley of Nubra is worth keeping your eyes peeled for!

By the time you get to your hotel in Nubra Valley after several pit stops on the way, it’ll probably be late afternoon.

Read more: 8 Snowy Destinations in Asia for Mountain and Winter Lovers

Complete your check-in formalities and head to the famous Hundar dunes to catch the sunset, with herds of Bactrian Camels for company. The Bactrian Camels are native to this region and are known for their ability to withstand high altitudes and extreme cold.

To say the least, the landscape here is equally fascinating, with rolling sand dunes as far as the eyes can see, enclosed by towering rocky mountains on all sides.

Where to stay in Nubra Valley – Stone Hedge Ladakh

A gorgeous property located just 10 minutes away from the Hundar sand dunes, Stone Hedge is one of the most luxurious hotels you will come across in Ladakh.

Like a little oasis in the desert, with a natural spring flowing in the backyard, a lush garden whichever direction you look, and warm and cozy interiors, Stone Hedge sets the bar high.

Their rooms are exceptionally well-furnished with perfect mood lighting, elegant wood furniture, a room heater (rarely found elsewhere in Ladakh), and a lovely balcony that opens up to the backyard.

Day 4 – Drive to Pangong Lake

Check out from your hotel in Nubra Valley this morning and head back to the dunes once again if you want to see it in daylight. The difference is stark and worth another visit. Alternatively, you can directly head to Diskit Monastery in Nubra Valley before starting the drive towards Pangong Lake. 

The Diskit Monastery is the oldest and largest monastery in Nubra Valley. The iconic statue of the Maitreya Buddha stands tall here at a height of 32 meters and overlooks the vast plains of the Shyok River flowing nearby. 

After a tour of the monastery, it’s time to get on your way to Pangong Lake. The drive is roughly 6 hours long and takes you through picturesque mountain roads.

Flanked by the Shyok River on one side for most of the journey, this drive takes you from an altitude of about 10,000 feet (3048 meters) to 14,270 feet (4350 meters), where Pangong Lake is located.

Pangong Tso (Tso is the Ladakhi word for lake) is a saline water lake that spreads across India and Tibet. In fact, 60% of the lake lies in Tibet. But given its massive length and width, it would take roughly 3 hours to drive along its coast only on the Indian side.

Popular for its stunning turquoise blue water, Pangong Tso is one of the biggest attractions in all of Ladakh. However, do keep in mind that the appearance of the lake largely depends on which time of the year you visit.

The lake is completely frozen in the winter while the peak summer months from June to August are when it reveals all its colors.

Once you reach Pangong Tso, check into your accommodation for the night. After that, you’ll have the evening free to either take a stroll near the lake or sit at one of the small restaurants, enjoy the view while sipping hot tea.

Do keep in mind that as the sun sets, it tends to get chilly in this part of Ladakh, the extent of which again depends on the season. So get ready to layer up some warm clothes and snuggle in for the night!

Where to stay in Pangong Tso – Native Huts

There are no permanent hotels near Pangong Lake, so be prepared for a night of adventure staying in these wooden huts specially constructed for tourists while the travel season lasts. The huts come with an attached western toilet and have basic amenities like fresh towels, warm blankets, and charging points (operational from 6 pm to 11 pm).

The owners of these huts are very helpful and accommodating so if you want more blankets or hot water, just let them know. They also arrange fresh, hot meals for guests in a separate dining space inside another hut, and that food at the end of a long, cold day truly warms the heart.

Read more: 10 Awesome Treks And Hikes In India

Day 5 – Drive back to Leh via Chang La

This will be the last day of driving through Ladakh, but expect it to be no less exciting than the previous two days!

The journey from Pangong Lake back to Leh takes close to 6 hours and will take you via Chang La, a mountain pass situated at an altitude of 17,590 feet (5360 meters).

The drive to Chang La is relatively bumpier than what you would have experienced while driving to Khardung La, but the experience of getting to the top of the pass is incredible. 

On the way from Chang La to Leh, make another stop at the famous Hemis Monastery. With a long and rich history, the monastery also houses a museum that showcases artifacts from the museum’s heritage.

Considered to be one of the largest monasteries in Ladakh, the highlight of visiting Hemis is the huge statue of Guru Rinpoche and the monastery’s unique architecture.

Day 6 – Explore Leh

Spend your final day in Ladakh seeing more of Leh and wrapping up your visit. This would be a good day to revisit the local market to pick up souvenirs to take home, in addition to visiting the following places.

Thiksey Monastery

Start your day early with a visit to the Thiksey Monastery to witness the morning prayer chanting session. Get there by 7 am so you can get in the prayer hall in time without disturbing the monks. It may seem way too early, but the experience is magical!

As the sun rises and illuminates the surrounding snow-capped peaks, the monks begin their day together by rhythmically chanting Buddhist prayers – an experience not to be missed in Leh.

Shanti Stupa

Constructed as part of a Peace Pagoda Mission, the Shanti Stupa was built jointly by the Buddhist community of Japan and Ladakh. While the iconic white dome sits at the top, the Shanti Stupa houses the relics of the Buddha at its base.

Visited for its religious as well as architectural value, there’s a certain air of calm surrounding the Stupa, as it sits looking over the vast expanse of Leh.

Stok Palace

Located on the western bank of River Indus, the Stok Palace was originally built as the summer home of Ladakh’s royal family. Currently, this is where the royal family resides all year long.

The palace also has several museum rooms that display lots of ancient artifacts belonging to the royal family- from precious jewelry and royal attires to weapons and items of daily use.

A part of the Stok Palace has now been transformed into a heritage hotel and opened up to travelers who want to experience the royal way of living for a few days.

Lunch in the orchard at Chulli Bagh

After a tour of the Stok Palace, head to the nearby Chulli Bagh, which is essentially the royal family’s orchard, with apricot and walnut trees dominating the scene.

Settle down for a luxurious lunch amidst the lush greenery of the meticulously maintained orchard and enjoy a delicious meal accompanied by freshly plucked fruits from the garden.

Ladakhi cultural show

Now that it’s almost time to wrap up your final day in Leh, head back to the hotel to watch a vibrant cultural show displaying the beautiful dance forms and music of Ladakh.

Ladakh has a rich culture comprising beautiful folk dances native to different parts of the region, performed by both men and women, depending on the dance form.

Decked in traditional costumes and jewelry, it’s a real treat to watch the locals match steps while humming Ladakhi songs. 

Day 7 – Depart from Leh

This is a day of no activity since you have to catch a flight out of Leh back to Delhi. Depending on your flight time, you may be able to squeeze in a couple of hours in the morning to visit the local market or the village if you want, for a final glimpse of life in Ladakh!

Ladakh is vast and a one-week trip may not entirely do justice to its beauty. But if this is all the time you have, this itinerary is a good place to start planning your trip.

In case you want a curated, personalized itinerary, connect with India Someday and Unplugged Life for an unparalleled experience of Leh and Ladakh after checking these tips to spice your travel itinerary up !

Read the author’s honest review of both companies .

Contributing members are responsible for the accuracy of content contributed to A World to Travel.

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Leh Ladakh Itinerary 5 Days: Ultimate Itinerary (+ Guide)

Discover the stunning beauty of Ladakh in this short Leh Ladakh Itinerary 5 Days.

Undoubtedly, Ladakh is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Located in the northern-most portion of India, Leh Ladakh is a place ripe with unique experiences, must-do activities, incredible sights & astonishing scenery.

Ladakh is a hot summer destination in India . The place gets maximum attention during April and June, with families, teenagers, and road-trippers all making their way to experience one of the best trips in India. Its dramatic landscape is its single biggest draw, with snow-clad mountains and glistening lakes boasting their charm. Likewise, Ladakh’s diverse topography makes your entire trip worthwhile. No matter where you go or which place you visit, you ought to come across valleys, rustic villages, and peaceful Gompas.

Along with Leh Ladakh’s landscape, its tourist destinations such as Tso Moriri , Nubra Valley , Leh City , Siachen Glacier , and Pangong Lake cultivate a lively sense of tourism. The culture, the traditions, and the local customs create a beautiful blend of harmony to enrich your overall Ladakh tour experience .

With so much to see and do around, we thought of creating the best itinerary for Leh Ladakh that can help you nail your first-ever trip. In this guide, we created a schedule that includes terrific places, top experiences, and must-do tours/activities .

So, without further ado, let’s get started with our Leh Ladakh tour itinerary.

Overview of Leh Ladakh Itinerary 5 Days

The itinerary designed for this Ladakh trip is curated for 5 days. The tour will start and end in Leh .

While not many people visit Leh Ladakh on such a short break, there’s a significant portion of travellers who prefer 5-6 days duration. To cater to these tourists, we created a perfect Ladakh itinerary consisting of all the niche experiences & activities .

Although a 5 Day Leh Ladakh itinerary sounds short, it is still packed with good sightseeing spots , road trip journeys, and must-do activities. Even if you’re a first-time traveller, this 5 day itinerary for Ladakh will come in handy to plan your first ever trip!

The trip can be customized entirely according to your style and preference. Thus, you can include or exclude any destination from the journey as you’d like.

Schedule of Leh Ladakh Trip Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrive in Leh – Sightseeing Tours Day 2 : Leh – Nubra Valley (Khardung La Pass – Diskit – Hunder) Day 3 : Nubra Valley – Pangong Lake (Sumur – Shayok – Tangtse) Day 4 : Pangong Lake – Leh (Chang La – Chemrey – Hemis) Day 3 : Depart from Leh

Essential Planning Tips for 5 Days in Ladakh

These are some vital planning tips one should consider before planning their 5 days trip to Ladakh.

Take a Flight

Since our Leh Ladakh trip is only for 5 days, it makes sense to travel via flight. We won’t recommend a road trip journey to & fro Ladakh , as this is not a feasible option for a shorter travel plan. A minimum of 7-9 days is required to plan a full-fledged road journey to Leh Ladakh. Also, ensure that you arrive in Leh a day before your actual trip. This way, you can also take care of getting acclimated to the altitude of Ladakh.

Pre-Plan your Ladakh Tour

We recommend planning your Leh Ladakh trip at least six months before your actual departure . Considering the summer season in India (April to June), most travellers often book their Ladakh tour to avoid hiked hotel prices & airfare tickets.

Secondly, you’ll need to get your Inner Line Permit arranged. This is only applicable to foreigners (non-Indian residents). An Inner Line Permit is basically a ticket that grants you access to enter the protected areas of Ladakh. These places include visiting Nubra Valley , Pangong Lake , Turtuk , Khardung La , and Tso Moriri . One can get their permits sorted by directly  visiting this website .

The charges for these permits are as follows  –

Environmental Fee : INR 300 Inner Line Permit : INR 20 per day per person Red Cross Fund : INR 100

Note : The above prices can change. Please  visit the website  to stay updated on the latest pricing.

Travel Q – Do you need an Inner Line Permit in Ladakh? No. Inner Line Permit is no longer required for Indian citizens. Earlier, you had to compulsory book the pass to visit the protected zones of Ladakh. However, now the government has scrapped the idea of improving logistical tourist routes.

Book Your Transport

The second most important thing for your Leh Ladakh itinerary is to book internal transpor t . For this 5 day tour, we recommend booking a private vehicle for your entire Ladakh trip. Riding a motorcycle can be difficult, especially when you’re just getting acclimatized.

You can directly book a taxi from the airport to the hotel journey from the airport itself. To explore Leh Ladakh’s sightseeing, you’ll need to arrange transport in advance. We recommend Expedia for the rental car service, as they tend to provide affordable rates for their private vehicles.

Altitude Sickness  in Ladakh

Many people ignore the altitude sickness problem in Ladakh and then often waste their sightseeing schedule. The best precaution against AMS (acute mountain sickness) is ample rest. At the same time, it may sound like a ridiculous thing to do, especially when you’re travelling to a beautiful region – getting rest is crucial before you start your sightseeing in Leh Ladakh.

Not doing so will only cause you more problems throughout the trip. If you have any medical conditions, please consult a doctor before this trip. It’s best to clarify your fitness levels before you travel to Leh Ladakh.

Moreover, to help you avoid AMS in Ladakh,  read this guide  as an additional resource. It details some steps to handle altitude sickness in Ladakh.

Cost of Leh Ladakh Tour Itinerary

Ladakh is an expensive region to travel to. Significantly, after COVID-19, many hotels and tour operators have hiked their rates to match their daily expenses. On average, a 5-day trip to Ladakh can cost anywhere between INR 12000 – INR 15000 , which excludes to & fro flights and sightseeing entrance fees. Considering flights, expect the price to increase to INR 28000 – INR 32000.

Note – The above prices are an indicative number based on the history of previous tours/packages. You can explore the below packages to find your perfect Leh Ladakh tour –

5D/4N Leh Ladakh – Explore this tour to book a similar version of this itinerary. 7D/6N Ladakh Sightseeing – Book an all inclusive tour for Ladakh via Delhi.

Detailed Leh Ladakh Itinerary 5 Days

Day 1: arrive in leh.

Leh, the city of adventures, is a bustling cold desert town filled with glorious tourist attractions. It isn’t a developed city boasting great amenities and accessibility; it still marks a vital destination to promote adventure tourism.

The rugged roads, dramatic landscapes, snowcapped peaks, bells of the monasteries, and the deserted cold wind makes you feel alive when you’re in the city of Leh. It isn’t only the attractions that drive most tourism, but its unique blend of Indian and Tibetian culture tends to bring out energetic vibes.

Once you reach Leh, the first thing you need to do – is get acclimatized.

Due to Leh Ladakh’s altitude, oxygen levels are minimum – causing you breathing and exertion problems. To avoid any health-related issues, it’s best to recommend giving yourself the time to get acclimatized to Leh’s atmosphere.

Note : You can spend more than a day in Leh to cover most of the city’s major sightseeing. If you take a day off to get acclimatized to the surroundings, it’s recommended to add an extra day to your Leh Ladakh itinerary to visit its important landmarks.

On this day, you can opt to visit Leh Ladakh’s top most attractions including – Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, Magnetic Hill, and Hall of Fame. To add more sightseeing excursions to your Ladakh trip, you can book a full-day guided tour of the Leh City. This way you can maximize your travel for inner region travel.

Apart from the attractions listed above, there’s plenty to see and do in Leh Ladakh. You can add these places to your Leh Ladakh itinerary – Shey Palace ,  Shey Monastery ,  Gurudwara Patthar Sahib ,  Stok Palace ,  Likir Monastery , and  Thikse Monastery .

Day 2: Leh to Nubra Valley (Drive)

Approx Distance from Leh to Nubra Valley  – 4hr 40mins (160km)

If there’s anything that a traveller might dream of on their Leh Ladakh road trip, it is this journey –  Leh to Nubra Valley . It’s one of the bucket-list activities many adventurers plan for a good reason!

The scenic drive from Leh to Nubra is packed with astonishing scenery, barren landscapes, mighty Himalayas, and the beautiful Zanskar and Karakoram range . These natural settings make the road trip quite memorable!

Visiting Nubra Valley is a must on a Leh Ladakh tour . Every biker dreams of seeing the place and traversing the region to explore its stunning beauty. The valley houses many attractions such as Diskit , Turtuk , Panamik , and many other unspoiled areas. The locals who live here showcase their lively traditions to fascinate tourists from all over the world.

To reach Nubra Valley, you’ll need to start early in the morning. You’ll travel via the Khardung La, which is approximately 38kms from Leh and will take you around an hour to reach. There’s a canteen around the place to stop by and get some refreshments.

Continue your journey from Khardung La to reach Diskit for some sightseeing tours. The town is famous for its landmark – the  Diskit monastery , which is considered the largest gompa ( Tibetian temple) in  Nubra Valley. Nearby the hill lies another milestone of Diskit –  the statue of Maitreya Buddha . Bactrian camel rides and Hunder dunes also remain popular sightseeing tours of Nubra Valley.

You can spend the night at Hunder Village, located 10kms from Diskit. For more hotel recommendations around Nubra Valley, explore this page .

Day 3: Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake (Drive)

Approx Distance from Nubra Valley   to   Pangong Lake  – 6hr 20mins (140km)

Like the other road trips in Leh, the journey from Nubra Valley to Pangong is one of the scenic drives in the country. Every year, many tourists flock to the region of Ladakh to experience the road trip vibes of the Nubra and Pangong. Especially if this is your first-time exploring Leh Ladakh, you shouldn’t miss out on a trip to these places.

Pangong Lake is one of the gorgeous, most beautiful lakes in India. The expansive views of the contrasting blue lake make the waters look adorning to the backdrop of the rugged mountains. During the winters, the temperatures in the area fall below -20°C causing the lake to get frozen completely. Moreover, the lake’s elevation makes the surrounding scenes truly captivating, making you fall in love with Pangong Lake’s beauty.

Travel Q :  Is camping at Pangong Lake allowed? Considering the imbalance in the ecological fragility of the lake, the Government of India has decided to stop overnight camping around Pangong Lake. The sustainability issues made the authorities declare a ban, thus preserving the beauty of the lake. For alternatives around Pangong, check this page.

There are multiple ways to reach Pangong Lake from Nubra Valley. One is via Shyok , where the roads are comprehensive and extensive, and the other via Wari La , which is more of an off-beat experience. Nowadays, most travellers opt to take the Wari La route to explore the mountainous region, and it isn’t the easiest path to drive on and will require profound driving experience to complete the stretch.

Distance from Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake via Shyok route : 140kms (6hr 20mins) Distance from Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake via Wari La route : 375kms (9hrs)

Looking for accommodation near Pangong Lake? Find out the resources below –

Hotels near Pangong Lake : Explore this page to find best hotel stays & deals near Pangong Lake. Campsites near Pangong Lake : The Nature’s Nest Camp near Pangong is the closest you can get to Pangong Lake.

Day 4: Pangong Lake to Leh (Drive)

Approx Distance from Pangong Lake to Leh  – 5hr 30mins (222.9km)

Before returning to Leh, stroll around Pangong Lake to admire the scenic sunrise. You’ll even spot many bird species around the lake, as Pangong is a popular breeding site for migratory birds.

On your way back, you’ll be taking the  Chang La pass . You can visit several attractions here, such as  Chemrey monastery  and  Hemis monastery . The Hemis Gompa is Leh Ladakh’s largest monastery, boasting beautiful shrines and an 8-meter Padmasambhava statue. Before reaching Leh, you’ll also find the famous monastery of  Thiksey . It’s known for its impressive architecture and decorated interior work.

The rest of the day is free for you to explore Leh’s surroundings. Furthermore, if you had spent day one getting acclimatized to Leh’s climate – this is the perfect day to enjoy the serene beauty of Ladakh’s amazing sightseeing spots.

Day 5: Departure

This marks the end of your Leh Ladakh Itinerary for 5 days. You can extend this itinerary to 7 or 9 days, depending on your schedule, and visit places like  Zanskar Valley ,  Kargil ,  Hemis National Park ,  Moonland , and  Tso Moriri Lake .

Accommodation for Leh Ladakh Itinerary 5 Days

When planning your Leh Ladakh tour, accommodation becomes a crucial factor. Firstly, it’s essential to understand that Leh Ladakh isn’t a developed region compared to other metropolitan cities. It boasts many luxury hotel stays, guesthouses, and hostels – but you shouldn’t expect great amenities in places like Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake.

Most of the inner sub-regions feature rustic accommodation with basic amenities & facilities – which is still considered a favorable option amongst travellers who enjoy rustic stays.

For our Leh Ladakh itinerary trip itinerary, we categorized hotels into several price ranges. This will help you select the right hotel for the right price during your stay in Ladakh.

Please find the below resources for the hotel stays in Leh Ladakh  –

Budget Hotels in Ladakh  – Explore this page to find budgeted stays & rental apartments in Leh Ladakh. Mid-range Hotels in Ladakh  – Looking for good amenities? Check this page to find mid-range hotels across Leh. Luxury Hotels in Ladakh  – Fancy a luxurious stay in Ladakh? Check this page to find more.

Recommended : Read this guide to find out the top 5 luxury stays in Ladakh .

FAQs for Leh Ladakh Itinerary 5 Days

How many days are enough for Leh Ladakh? You’ll at least need 10-12 days to cover major sightseeing spots of Leh Ladakh. Considering the distance between Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, and Leh, you should give yourself the time to soak in Ladakh’s serene beauty.

Are 5 Days enough for the Leh Ladakh tour? Factually, a 5 day trip to Ladakh isn’t a sufficient period to admire Leh Ladakh’s scenery. With so many attractions & experiences, a tour of a minimum of 7-9 days is required. However, if you’re short on time and need a quick breakthrough to fizz past Ladakh’s sightseeing, a 5-day tour is worthwhile.

How much does a Leh Ladakh trip cost? Many tour operators across India will charge different prices for their services & sightseeing add-ons. It ultimately comes to the duration you choose, places you visit, and some off-beat experiences. However, an average 5D/4N Leh Ladakh package costs INR 13,000 (excluding flights). You can check these tours here.

What is the best time to visit Leh Ladakh? Indian summers are the best period to enjoy Leh Ladakh’s mild temperatures. The region   attracts most of the crowd between April and July and is the busiest period to travel within Leh. You can expect temperatures ranging between 15°C – 30°C during this season.

Are Ladakh roads safe? The roads in Leh Ladakh are pretty rugged, featuring  steep cliffs , unpaved lanes, traffic jams, and rocky terrains. The highways in Ladakh aren’t the most drivable paths but certainly, boast incredible scenery and amazing landscape.

Further Readings & Resources

Coorg, India – 15 Absolutely Best Things to Do in Coorg, India Ooty, India – 15 Stunning Places to Visit in Ooty in 2 Days Iceland – 12 Stunning Things to Do in Iceland in October

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Leh Ladakh Itinerary

The Leh itinerary by Thrillophilia is designed to offer tourists a once in a lifetime experience of the challenging routes and the extreme conditions. The itinerary is designed keeping in mind the expectations of all kinds of travellers including family vacationers, romantic couples, and adventure enthusiasts. Tourists will get to stay in handpick hotels and get assistance from well experienced tour guides who will give their best to let you have a clear picture of all the places you will be visiting. The Leh Ladakh itinerary is designed in such a manner that you will be able to reach your intermittent destinations before sunset so that you don’t need to face the night time challenges of driving in the rugged conditions. You can visit the Zanskar Valley for absolute peace, head out to Kargil for a tinch of adventure, and visit the famous Magnetic hill for an intriguing experience. During your Leh Ladakh trip itinerary , you will able to try out bactrian camel safari tour in Hunder, hang out with the monks in the Buddhist monasteries, interact and stay with the locals, head out on thrilling expeditions on the adventurous roads, chill and rejuvenate in the  Tso Moriri .

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6 Days Leh Ladakh Trip Itinerary

Day 1: arrival in leh.

On the very first day of the Leh Ladakh tour itinerary, you will be landing in Leh and then our agents will welcome you and transfer you to the hotel that has been booked for your stay. 

Once you arrive at the hotel, you need to complete all the check in formalities at the reception and then head out to your room to spend some time in leisure. 

You will then be served a heart delicious breakfast in your room and you are free to spend some time getting acclimated to the climate.

Then you can head out for a sightseeing tour in the evening hours. You will be visiting the famous Shanti Stupa, which was constructed as a testament to 2500 years of Buddhism, and is one of the main stops in your Leh Ladakh trip itinerary.

Then you will be taken to the famous Leh Palace which dates back to almost the 17th century and you will get to know a lot about the bygone golden era of Leh. 

You will then head out to the local marketplaces for a shopping tour. You can buy some Tibetan Handicrafts or else go cafe hopping with your loved ones to try some delectable Ladakhi cuisine. 

At the end of the first day of Leh Itinerary, you will be returning back to the hotel for dinner and restful sleep. Book Now:  Leh Ladakh Bike Trip

Day 2: Leh to Sham Valley

On the second day of the Leh Ladakh tour itinerary, you will be offered a delicious breakfast at the hotel and then you  can get ready for the activities planned. 

You will be heading out on an adventurous ride to the Sham Valley which nestles around the Srinagar - Leh Highway. 

You will pay homage to the martyrs at the Indo-Pak war memorial which is known as the Hall of Fame. 

You will then visit Spituk Gompa which is an age-old museum and is home to a number of ancient relics like the ancient masks, weapons and Buddhist paintings. 

Then you will be heading over to Gurudwara Pathar Sahib where you will be served delectable Langar.

The next spot on your Leh Ladakh itinerary is Magnetic Hill where you will get a chance to experience the phenomenon of defying the law of gravity. 

Then you will be heading over to the Indus Sangam Viewpoint in order to capture the views of the Zanskar and Indus river. 

The last spot of the day is Secmol which was picturised in the Bollywood Movie - 3 Idiots. It is the real 3-idiots school and you will have a great time at this place. 

• At the end of the second day of Leh itinerary, you will head back to the hotel to relish a lip smacking dinner and have an overnight stay. Click Here To Book:  Manali to Leh Bike Trip Package from Delhi

Day 3: Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung-La Pass

After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, get ready for the day's activities on your Leh trip itinerary.

On this day, you will be visiting some of the highest mountain passes and come across some amazing views of nature. 

The next stopover will be at a cafe on Khardung La Pass which is considered to be the highest motorable road in the world. 

While descending down, you will come across the changing beautiful landscape of barren cold desert to white sand desert full of Nubra Sand Dunes. 

Then you will be visiting Diskit Monastery which is considered to be the largest monastery of Ladakh. This monastery has also got one of the largest Buddha statues in the world. 

Then you will get a chance to indulge in an exquisite double humped Bactrian Camel Ride and then enjoy camping under the sky full of stars. 

• There will be an overnight stay in the campsite at Nubra Valley on the third of Leh itinerary and you will get to relish barbeque meals with your loved ones. You Can Also Book:  Leh Ladakh Bike Trip from Delhi

Day 4: Nubra Valley to Leh

In the morning hours, wake up in the gorgeous Nubra Valley and have a delicious breakfast.

You can then prepare for the most anticipated day of your life as you go to Pangong Lake on the Indo-China border.

The first destination in your Leh itinerary is Pangong Tso, which is one of the highest altitude saline water lakes, and will welcome you with its shifting colours of blue, green, and red.

Spend the remainder of the day visiting the Pangong Lake surroundings, which include views of the Shyok River on one side and the mountains on the other.

You can even recreate scenes from your favourite Bollywood films, such as 3-idiots and Jab Tak Hai Jaan, and have a Bollywood-style experience.

You will be served dinner at a campground near Pangong Lake and there will be an overnight stay as well. You Can Also Book:  Leh Ladakh Tour Package from Delhi by Air

Day 5: Leh to Pangong Lake

Enjoy a great breakfast while gazing out the window at the gorgeous Pangong Lake.

Take a short detour to the Chang-La Pass , which is one of the world's highest mountain passes, on your route back to Leh.

You should make sure that you stopover at the Chang-La Cafe, which is located right on the Changla Pass.

You can then visit the Changla Baba Temple at the top of the pass, which gave the pass its name and is thought to be the guardian of visitors to Chang La.

The next destination in your Leh itinerary is Druk Padma School, which was featured in the film "3 Idiots" as the location for the last scene.

On the fifth day of the Leh Ladakh tour itinerary , you can also visit Thiksey Monastery and Shey Palace along the way.

• At the end of the fifth day of Leh itinerary, you can come back to the hotel for an overnight stay in Leh. Click Here To Book:  Premium 6 Days Leh Ladakh Sightseeing Tour

Day 6: Departure

This is the last day of the tour and you will need to complete the check-out procedures at the hotel after having breakfast.

You will then be transported to the airport for your next flight. Click Here To Book:  Leh Ladakh Package For Couple

7 Days Leh Ladakh Trip Itinerary

You will arrive in Leh on the first day of the Leh trip itinerary, when our representatives will greet you and bring you to the hotel that has been reserved for your stay.

When you get to the hotel, go through the check-in process at the front desk and then retire to your room for some rest and relaxation.

After that, you'll be served a hearty breakfast in your room, and you'll have some free time to get used to the climate.

After that, you can go on a sightseeing tour in the evening. You'll go to the famed Shanti Stupa , which was built to commemorate 2500 years of Buddhist history.

Then you'll be transported to the historic Leh Palace , which dates back to almost the 17th century, where you'll learn all about Leh's golden era.

After that, you'll go on a shopping trip to the local markets. You can buy Tibetan handicrafts or go café hopping with your friends and family to sample some delectable Ladakhi cuisine.

You'll return to the hotel for dinner and a good night's sleep at the conclusion of the first day of Leh Itinerary. Explore More: Manali to Leh Ladakh Highway Guide

You will be served a great breakfast at the hotel on the second day of the vacation, after which you can prepare for the activities planned.

You'll be taking an exciting ride to the Sham Valley, which is located along the Srinagar-Leh Highway.

The Indo-Pak war memorial, also known as the Hall of Fame, is where you will pay your respects to the martyrs.

Then you'll go to Spituk Gompa, a historic museum with a number of antique treasures such as ancient masks, weaponry, and Buddhist paintings.

After that, you'll be taken to Gurudwara Pathar Sahib , where you'll be fed exquisite langar.

The next stop on the Leh trip itinerary is Magnetic Hill, where you may witness the phenomenon of gravity defying.

After that, you'll head to the Indus Sangam Viewpoint to take in the views of the Zanskar and Indus rivers.

The day's final stop is Secmol, which was featured in the Bollywood film 3 Idiots.

You will return to the hotel at the end of the day for a delectable dinner and an overnight stay. Also Checkout:  Delhi to Leh Ladakh by Road Guide

Get ready for the day by sampling a delicious breakfast at the hotel.

On this day, you'll travel to some of the highest mountain passes in the world and see some breathtaking natural sights.

Your first stop will be to a cafe on the Khardung La Pass, which is regarded as the world's highest motorable road.

While descending, you will pass through a stunning environment that shifts from harsh cold desert to white sand desert with Nubra Sand Dunes.

Then you'll go to Diskit Monastery, Ladakh's largest monastery, which also houses one of the world's largest Buddha statues.

After that, you'll have the opportunity to ride a magnificent double-humped bactrian camel and then camp under the stars.

There will be an overnight stay at Nubra Valley's campsite, where you will be able to enjoy BBQ meals with your loved ones. Also Checkout:  Ladakh Trip Packages From Bangalore

Day 4: Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake

Wake up in the beautiful Nubra Valley in the morning and have a great breakfast.

Then, as you go to Pangong Lake on the Indo-China border, you can prepare for the most awaited day of your life.

The first stop of the day is Pangong Tso, one of the highest altitude saline water lakes in the world, which will greet you with its changing colours of blue, green, and red.

The rest of the day can be spent exploring the Pangong Lake area, which includes views of the Shyok River on one side and the mountains on the other.

You can also replicate scenarios from Bollywood movies like 3-idiots and Jab Tak Hai Jaan to have a Bollywood-style experience.

Dinner will be served at a camping near Pangong Lake, and an overnight stay will be included. You can Also Checkout:  Leh Ladakh Packages From Nagpur

Day 5: Pangong lake to Tso moriri

The vista of Pangong Lake greets you in the morning on the fifth day of Leh Ladakh itinerary.

The trek from Pangong Lake to Tso Moriri passes through some breathtaking scenery.

The route follows the shoreline of Pangong Tso Lake before heading deep into Tsaga La Pass, on to Loma - Nyoma, and finally meeting at Mahe Bridge.

With a journey to Tso Moriri, you may witness the shifting hues of the lake and fall in love with nature all over again.

Gather around the bonfire for a great meal beneath the stars.

There will be an overnight stay at a tent near Tso Moriri Lake for the night on the fifth day of Leh Ladakh itinerary. Checkout The Best Time to Camping in Ladakh:  Camps in Leh Ladakh | Get UPTO 40% OFF

Day 6: Tso Moriri to Leh

On the day 6 of the tour, you will be returning back to Leh after a great breakfast.

You will pass through some of the beautiful scenery that surrounds you, giving this location a romantic and majestic vibe.

You will get to experience the unique adventure bathing experience aside from the Indus River in Chumathang Hot Water Spring.

Arrive at Leh after a stop at a traditional attraction.

You can spend time shopping for souvenirs and sampling some Ladakhi food in the Leh market.

There will be an overnight stay at the hotel in Leh. Also Checkout: Best Time to Visit Leh Ladakh on Bike Click Here to Book:  Ladakh Tour Packages From Hyderabad

Day 7: Departure

This is the last day of the Leh Ladakh itinerary and you can start completing all the check-out procedures at the hotel after sampling a delicious breakfast.

You will then be transported to the airport for your next flight. Explore More: Mumbai to Ladakh -Travel Guide Must Checkout:  Leh Ladakh Tour Packages from Chandigarh

Leh Ladakh 10 Days Itinerary

Day 1: delhi to manali.

On the first day of the Leh Ladakh itinerary, you will be arriving in Manali after a tiresome journey from Delhi of about 13 - 15 hours. 

You will be greeted by our agents who will also transfer you to the hotel that has been booked for your stay. 

You can complete the check in formalities at the hotel and spend some time in leisure. 

There will be an overnight stay in Manali . Must Checkout: Leh to Tso Moriri-Travel Guide

Day 2: Manali to Jispa / Sarchu

Eat a hearty meal before setting out on your journey to Jispa.

On your way to Jispa, you'll pass through the famous Atal Tunnel, one of the world's longest underground roadways.

After that, you will travel to Sissu and Keylong, a relaxed region where natural beauty is kept in its purest form.

The gorgeous Sissu Lake and the Sissu Waterfall will be visited after that.

You will then travel to Jispa once you've finished exploring the lovely green Bhaga Valley.

After that, you'll arrive in Jispa, which is known for its distinctive routes and lush green forests.

In the evening, check into the Jispa camp and unwind with a cup of tea and some snacks.

There will be overnight stays in the designated campsites in Jispa. Planning a Bike Trip In Ladakh, Checkout Now:  Leh Ladakh Bike Trip Packages

Day 3: Jispa / Sarchu to Leh

On the third day of the trip, you will be starting your journey from Jispa to Leh. 

It is recommended to keep the stopovers limited as it is necessary to reach the destination by evening as the conditions of roads are not at all convenient for night time driving. 

While covering the distance, you will get a chance to have stopovers at some of the notable places like Deepak Tal, Baralacha La, Suraj Tal, Lachulung La, Nakee La, Gata Loops, Tanglang La, and Moore Plains. 

There will be an overnight stay in Leh. Must Read:  Ladakh Weather Guide

On this day, you will be exploring the popular places in and around Leh. 

You can have your breakfast at the hotel and get your permits. 

Once you have all the permits, you can start exploring the popular attractions around Leh. 

During your stay, you will be acclimating your body in the new high altitude environment. 

There will be an overnight stay in Leh.  Checkout The Best Place to Visit:  Leh to Hanle -Travel Guide

Day 5: Leh to Diskit

On the fifth day of the trip, you will be starting your journey from Leh to Nubra Valley. 

You should make sure that you make your start early as it would give you a chance to spend some time sightseeing. 

Once you are ready to leave, you can check out from the hotel at Leh and start your journey. 

The first stopover for the day would be at Khardung La which is about 35 kilometres from Leh. 

You will then be on your journey to reach Khalsar descending on the Nubra Valley. 

The next destinations for  the day are Diskit Monastery, and Hunder Sand dunes. 

You can also take a ride on the bactrian camel. 

There will be an overnight stay at Diskit.  Also Explore:  Jammu to Leh Distance -Travel Guide

Day 6: Diskit to Turtuk to Panamik

On the 6th day of the trip, you can head out to the village of Turtuk after having breakfast at the hotel. 

Then you can drive to Thang which is located at a distance of 10 kilometres. 

This is the last point on the India-Pakistan border and it is a must visit. 

There will be an overnight stay at Panamik in some of the guesthouses and homestays.  Explore More:  Leh to Pangong Lake -Travel Guide

Day 7: Panamik to to Pangong Tso

On the 7th day of the tour, you will be visiting the famous Pangong Lake. 

Wake up early in the morning and then relish some delicious breakfast before heading out for the activities planned in the day. 

The next destination for the day is Shyok Village and then you will be heading towards Durbuk. 

Then you can head straight towards Spangmik which is located on the banks of Pangong Lake. 

The distance between Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake will take about 5 - 6.

You can choose to stay at campsites or guesthouses or homestays near Pangong Lake.

Day 8: Pangong Tso to Pang / Sarchu

On day 8 of the trip, you will travel to Sarchu from Pangong. You can wake up early and then have breakfast at the hotel. 

You will pass through Chang La Pass during the transfer. 

You can choose to spend your night at either Pang or Sarchu whichever seems to be reachable early. 

If you reach Pang by 3 PM in the afternoon, you can continue to Sarchu and have an overnight stay. Must Checkout:  Mountain Passes in Ladakh

Day 9: Pang / Sarchu to Manali

You need to wake up early on the day 9 of the trip and then start for Manali. 

Starting early will give you a chance to reach your destination early at most by 5 PM. 

You can have your breakfast at the hotel and then complete all the check out formalities at the hotel reception. 

During the drive, you will be passing though the famous Rohtang Tunnel to reach Manali. Must Checkout:  Adventure in Leh Ladakh

Day 10: Manali to Delhi

This is the last day of the tour and you will be returning back to Delhi in order to continue your onward journey back home. 

You can relish a delicious breakfast at the hotel in the morning and then get ready for the departure. 

You would need to complete the check out formalities and then our agents will drop you at the airport or railway station for the journey to Delhi. You can Also Book:  Ladakh Honeymoon Package from Delhi

Leh Ladakh 12 Days Itinerary

Day 1: arrival at delhi and transfer to manali.

Your trip to Manali starts with your arrival at Delhi. 

Once you arrive at the reporting location, board the volvo and begin your journey towards your dream location Manali. 

You will be reaching the next morning  hours. 

While taking the bus journey, you will pass through some of the beautiful natural vistas on the way. While in Ladakh Also checkout: River Rafting in Ladakh

Day 2: Arrival at Manali | Land of Scenic Beauty

You will be arriving at Manali and then you will be taken to the pre booked hotel that has been booked for your stay. 

You will then offer to enjoy breakfast in the hotel while admiring the valley's splendour.

The remainder of the day is free for you to explore Manali at your leisure.

Then you can head out for the sightseeing tour. You can choose to visit the Solang Valley and then participate in a wide range of adventure sports like cable car rides, skiing, snow scootering, paragliding and much more. 

On the second day of the tour, you can also head out to visit Hadimba temple, Manu Temple, or the old colonial town of Manali.

In the evening, spend some time on Mall Road, where you may either shop or go cafe hopping.

Return to the hotel in Manali for dinner and an overnight stay. Also Checkout: Leh Ladakh In Winter -Guide For Your Trip!

Day 3: Manali To Jispa

Before you begin your journey to Jispa, eat a delicious breakfast.

You'll pass through the famed Atal Tunnel, one of the world's longest underground roadways, on your route to Jispa.

You can then continue on to Sissu and Keylong, a laid-back region where natural beauty is preserved in its purest form.

You will then be visiting the magnificent Sissu Lake and Sissu Waterfall may be found here.

Once you are done exploring the lush green Bhaga valley, you can then travel to Jispa.

You will then arrive in Jispa which is considered to be a place full of unique trails and lush green woods.

You can then check into the Jispa camp and relax with a cup of tea and some nibbles in the evening.

There will be overnight stays in the designated campsites in Jispa. Checkout & Book:   Ladakh Family Tour Packages

Day 4: Jispa To Sarchu via Baralacha-la

Get up early in the morning and eat a nutritious breakfast before beginning your trek to Sarchu.

You will then visit Deepak Tal along the way, which reflects the tranquillity of the surrounding snow-capped peaks.

You can take a break at the Zingzing Bar, which is one of the world's highest roadside bars.

Stop by the Suraj Tal, which translates to "Sun God's Lake" and appears to be a green emerald nestled in the barren Himalayas.

Your next destination is Baralacha La Pass, a magnificent mountain pass at 16000 feet that provides stunning views of the three valleys' confluence.

You will be having lunch at the Bharatpur tent colony or in the surrounding neighbourhood.

Later in the evening hours, you can enjoy the views of the beautiful brown mountains and the amazing sunset from the campsite.

There will be an overnight stay at the campsite in Sarchu. Book Now:   Leh Ladakh Group Tour Packages

Day 5: Sarchu to Leh

Have your breakfast at the hotel and then head out towards Leh. 

On the way, you will get to enjoy the journey via Gata Loops, a series of 21 hairpin bends that leads to the summit of NakeeLa Pass. 

You will then visit The Lachung La Pass, which is another high mountain pass in the area.

You can then take a photo stop on the More Plains, where a huge swath of verdant countryside is surrounded on all sides by the majestic Himalayas.

You will be having Lunch at Pang or in the surrounding neighbourhood.

Later, complete all the check-in formalities once you reach Leh in the evening.

Indulge in a delectable meal at the hotel and have an overnight stay in Leh. Must Checkout:  Leh Ladakh Tour Packages From Mumbai

Day 6: Leh Local Sightseeing

Get acclimated by waking up to a magnificent dawn and eating a delicious breakfast in the hotel.

Begin your evening touring with a visit to the stunning Shanti Stupa, which was created to honour Buddhism's 2500-year history.

Visit the Leh Palace, which was constructed in the 17th century and provides a glimpse into Leh's golden era.

After that, go shopping for Tibetan handicrafts at the local Leh Market or go cafe hopping to sample some delectable Ladakhi cuisine.

Return to the hotel for a delectable meal. You can Checkout:   Ladakh Tour Packages From Delhi

Day 7: Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung-La Pass

Prepare for the ultimate experience after a hearty breakfast in the morning.

This journey will take you past some of the world's highest passes, with ever-changing views of the desolate land to meet you.

Stop at a cafe on the Khardung-La Pass, the world's highest all-season motorable road, to take in the vistas and feel like you're on top of the world.

As you descend from Khardung-La, the terrain changes from barren cold desert to white sand desert as you enter Nubra Valley, which is home to the Nubra Sand Dunes.

If time allows, visit the Diskit Monastery, Ladakh's oldest and largest monastery, which houses a massive Buddha statue.

Enjoy the gorgeous double-humped bactrian camel ride, which is unique to this region because it was once part of the famed Silk Road.

Later, enjoy camping with a bonfire under a star-studded sky, and spend the night in the Nubra Valley campsite. Checkout & Book:   Ladakh Tour Package From Kolkata

Day 8: Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake

In the morning, wake up in the gorgeous Nubra Valley and have a delicious breakfast.

Prepare for the most anticipated day of your life as you go to Pangong Lake on the Indo-China border.

Pangong Tso, one of the highest altitude saline water lakes, will welcome you with its shifting colours of blue, green, and red.

Spend the remainder of the day visiting the Pangong Lake surrounds, which include views of the Shyok River on one side and the mountains on the other.

There will be an overnight stay at the campground and you will be offered dinner at the same place. Explore More:  Trekking in Ladakh | Get 50% Off on Treks in Ladakh

Day 9: Pangong Lake to Leh

On the 9th day of Leh Ladakh trip itinerary, enjoy a great breakfast while gazing out the window at the gorgeous Pangong Lake.

Take a short detour to the Chang-la Pass, which is one of the world's highest mountain passes, on your route back to Leh.

The Chang-La Cafe, which is located right on the Changla Pass, is also worth a visit.

Visit the Changla Baba Temple at the top of the pass, which gave the pass its name and is thought to be the guardian of visitors to Chang La.

Visit the Druk Padma School, which was featured in the film "3 Idiots" as the location for the last scene.

If time allows, visitors might also stop by the Thiksey Monastery and Shey Palace along the way.

After arriving in Leh, relax for a little before heading to the hotel for supper.

There will be an overnight stay in a hotel in Leh for the night. Also Checkout:  Srinagar to Kargil -Travel Guide

Day 10: Leh to Kargil

Enjoy a substantial breakfast while enjoying a gorgeous morning in the highlands.

Prepare for an exciting drive to 'Sham Valley,' which is situated around the Srinagar - Leh highway.

Begin your tour at the Hall of Fame, where you can pay your respects to the martyrs of the Indo-Pak War.

At Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, savour delectable langar while learning about the army's role in the Gurudwara's construction.

Magnetic Hill, a little length of road that resists gravity, is another amazing spot to explore on this day.

You will get a chance to view the confluence of the Zanskar and Indus Rivers from the Indus Sangam Viewpoint.

You’ll also pass through Lamayuru Village to see a transformation in the terrain that resembles the surface of the moon.

You will then visit Basgo Palace and Monastery, which are positioned on a steep slope and resemble massive anthills rising from the ground.

• There will be an overnight stay in Kargil on the 10th day of Leh Ladakh trip itinerary. Also Read:  Manali to Sarchu-Travel Guide

Day 11: Kargil to Srinagar

On the 11th day of Leh Ladakh trip itinerary, prepare to leave after breakfast and begin driving towards Srinagar.

Pass through Drass Village , the world's second-coldest inhabited settlement.

Take in the breathtaking vistas of Kargil, Tiger Hill, and other iconic Kargil War peaks.

You might make a brief halt at the Kargil War Memorial to pay your respects to the Kargil war's martyrs.

To go to Srinagar, drive via the Zoji La Pass.

Check into your Srinagar hotel and relax for a while.

The rest of the day is yours to do as you like, including taking a relaxing Shikara ride on Dal Lake.

There will be an overnight stay in Srinagar on 11th day of Leh Ladakh trip itinerary. Must Checkout: Best Time to Visit Leh Ladakh on Bike

Day 12: Departure from Srinagar

Complete the check-out procedures at the hotel after breakfast.

You will be transferred to Srinagar Airport by our agents to continue your onward journey. Must Checkout: Chandigarh to Leh Ladakh -Travel Guide

People Also Ask About Ladakh

How many days are sufficient for leh ladakh.

In order to cover most of the important places of tourist attraction in your Leh Ladakh trip itinerary, you will need to spend at least 7 to 10 days. In this time, you will be visiting some of the age-old monasteries and heritage sites but you will also get to enjoy the most of nature. Also Checkout:  Leh Ladakh in January

How much will it cost for the Ladakh trip?

How can i plan my 5 day trip to ladakh.

DAY 1: 

Acclimatise for the first 24 hours

Day 2: 

Explore the cultural & historic abundance at Hemis Monastery

Take the impressive Leh Palace tour

Catch the sunset at Shanti Stupa

Day 3: 

Marvel at the Thiksey Monastery

Drive to Khardung La

Shopping haul at Leh Main Market

Day 4: 

Drive over to Sangam for a day trip

Pray at the legendary Alchi Monastery

Day 5: 

Marvel at Pangong’s Beauty Also Checkout:  Leh Ladakh in February

Is 7 days enough for Ladakh?

Ladakh Top Attractions

Heaven, Peace, Silence, and Tranquility at one place? Come and spend a few hours at Pangong Lake in Ladakh! A pristine place in Ladakh marked by subtle to high peaks around, crystal blue waters and the vast expansion catches the eye so much, so long as if a magic is happening right in front of the eyes. Let our Ladakh holiday packages transport you to this mesmerizing destination, where nature's grandeur unfolds in every corner.Pangong Lake, also known as Pangong Tso, lies calmly at a breathtaking elevation of 14,270 feet. Interestingly, the lake is 12 km long and marks itself between the laps of India and China. Rather, 60% of the portion is stretching in the neighboring nation and this excites every traveler to be here.The surreal clean blue waters are actually brackish or salty in nature and this feature doesn’t let any aquatic life survive in the same. Moreover, the temperature range between -30 to -10 degrees make even this salty lake freeze with thick ice sheets, which is quite opposite in case of salt ridden water bodies.This picturesque landscape location enhances its beauty with the arrival of migrating birds every year and attracts many travelers in search of adventure, photographs, bird-watching and chilling experience. Pangong has another unique and catchy feature; when it acts like a chameleon and changes its color from blue to green to even grey at times. The brackish water of Pangong attracts the migratory birds every year during winters in Ladakh.

One of the most beautiful parts of the moonscapes of Ladakh, Nubra Valley is a deep-cut gorge created by the combined effects of Shyok and Nubra (Siachen) rivers. A high altitude cold desert, Nubra Valley is actually an extension of the Tibetan Plateau (Qing-Zang Plateau) that starts in China and extends up to Ladakh. This valley in the plateau separates the Ladakh Range from the Karakoram Range. But more than anything, Nubra Valley is the most beautiful region in all of Ladakh. Home to wonders like the Diskit Monastery,Hunder Sand Dunes, Samstanling Gompa, Yarab Tso Lake, and the villages of Turtuk and Panamik.Located about 160 km from Leh, the capital of Ladakh, Nubra Valley is a great attraction to all those who come here. The gateway to the upper reaches of the country, especially Siachen, Nubra Valley has an oasis of a town in the heart, Diskit, making a great place to stop you and reflect at the beauty around. And while you are at it, take a short detour to the famous white sand dunes of Hunder. The shapes and forms that these dunes take during different times of the year mesmerize every visitor who comes here. To make it further interesting, there are the double-humped Bactrian Camels, offering rides through the dunes.And when it turns dusky, head to the Diskit Monastery and visit the towering statue of Maitreya Buddha which looks over the entire valley and blesses it for another day to come.Planning a Trip to Ladakh, Experience of Chadar Trek - The Frozen River Trek

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How to Reach Ladakh

Ladakh, a wonderland and one of India’s most sought-after tourist destinations, offers a unique experience for adventure lovers and trekkers. Nestled at an average altitude of 3,000 meters above sea level, this dreamland is adorned with high-altitude lakes, snow-clad mountains, ancient monasteries, and mesmerizing valleys. As tourists cross the high mountain passes and enter the valley between the Himalayan and Karakoram ranges, Ladakh reveals its magnificence. If you’re wondering how to reach Ladakh, we have the answers. But, when you book your Ladakh tour package with Leh Ladakh India, you embark on a customized, hassle-free trip. Our experts take care of all the facilities, from transfers to accommodations, allowing you to immerse in the adventure without any worries.

It’s crucial to note that Ladakh isn’t accessible all year round. The highways leading to Leh Ladakh are primarily open from May to October, as they’re covered in snow for the rest of the year. This underscores the importance of planning your Ladakh trip carefully. Here, we’ll guide you on the best ways to reach Leh Ladakh.

How to reach Ladakh by Air?

There are several ways to reach Ladakh, but the most convenient is by air. Let’s delve into the details of how to reach Ladakh by flight.

Several flights fly to Ladakh during the peak season and offseason. However, it should be remembered that flight changes are not unusual due to the unpredictable weather conditions during winter.

The nearest airport to Ladakh is the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh. It operates flights to major cities like Delhi, Jammu, Srinagar, and Chandigarh. As a military air terminal, this airport prioritizes security checks. Therefore, it’s important to print out your e-ticket before entering to avoid any inconvenience. This measure ensures your safety and the smooth flow of operations. Taxis are readily available from the airport to your lodging or resort, providing a secure and convenient mode of transportation.

How to reach Ladakh by road?

Ladakh is well-connected by road networks from the nearest major cities, Srinagar and Manali. However, one can travel to Ladakh by road for only six months, and snowfall blocks the roads for the rest of the year. Here is a better description of how to reach Ladakh by road.

Adventure enthusiasts eagerly look forward to  biking in Ladakh . After all, this can be so exciting. Two routes lead to Ladakh: Srinagar to Leh and Manali to Leh.

Route 1: Srinagar-Leh highway

This is one of the less-used routes to Leh. Traveling from Srinagar requires covering a distance of almost 434 km.

Route: Srinagar – Sonmarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil – Mulbek – Lamayaru – Saspol – Leh Accommodation on Srinagar-Leh highway

Accommodation on Srinagar-Leh highway

You will find many accommodation options if you travel by the Srinagar-Leh highway. This is because several well-known towns lie along this route. As a major tourist destination, Srinagar has many hotels catering to every kind of traveler. You can easily find a hotel or a houseboat in Srinagar. In Sonmarg and Drass, you will find hotels within a reasonable price range. There are plenty of accommodation options from Kargil to Leh.

Best time to travel on Srinagar-Leh highway

Srinagar-Leh highway remains open for six months, and traveling on this almost 430 km route is thrilling. The best time to travel on this route is late June, early July, September, and early October. In late June and early July, the road conditions are excellent, the number of water streams is minimal, and the chances of roads getting closed are nil.

There is no month better than September for traveling by the Srinagar-Leh highway. You will not encounter any landslides, water crossings, or other forms of obstructions. The natural beauty will also be quite spectacular during this time. The weather and road conditions are the same as in September, and it’s a great time to travel by this route.

Petrol pumps between Srinagar and Leh

There are a few places along the Srinagar-Leh highway where you will come across the petrol pumps. However, it should be remembered that there is no guarantee that these gas stations will function when you arrive. Therefore, the best thing to do is to fill your tank at the nearest gas station. You will find petrol pumps in Nagbal, Ganderbal, Kargil, and Khalsi.

Read more about How and Where to Carry Spare Fuel for Ladakh Trip

Route 2: Manali-Leh highway

Manali to Leh is the most preferred route by tourists for its convenience and the breathtaking sightseeing opportunities it provides. This route covers almost 490 km, offering a journey through the region’s spectacular beauty. The landscapes of Ladakh, with their snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and serene lakes, are sure to leave you in awe.

Route: Manali – Rohtang – Gramphu – Kokhsar – Keylong – Jispa – Darcha – Zingzingbar – Baralacha La – Bharatpur – Sarchu – Gata Loops – Nakee La – Lachulung La – Pang – Tanglang La – Gya –Upshi – Karu – Leh

Accommodation on Manali-Leh highway

Finding accommodation along the Manali-Leh highway is also a concern for tourists and travelers. Although several hotels are along the Manali-Leh highway, you will not come across any other hotel once you cross Jispa or come closer to Leh.

The other accommodation option along the Manali-Leh highway is campsites, which are scattered at regular intervals along the highway. Although not too fancy, the food is satisfactory and in keeping with the standards you would expect to find at such altitudes. It should be remembered that some of these campsites have attached washrooms, while some have common washrooms.

Best time to travel on Manali-Leh highway

The Manali-Leh highway remains open five months a year, but July, August, and September are the best months to travel on this route. Traveling on this route in July brings challenges without making them too risky. The road conditions are good, and the campsites and other places to stay are fully operational during this time. However, there is a tourist rush in Manali that continues until Rohtang Pass during this month.

August is the perfect road condition and tourist peak season. A common concern during this time is rain, but such concerns are unfounded because this region is situated in a rain-shadow area. You will face rain only until Rohtang La; after that, it’s all greenery and natural beauty.

September is also considered the best month to travel on the Manali-Leh highway. The road conditions are perfect, and even the bad stretches are limited to short distances. The tourist season is also over during this time, so there is hardly any rush. Accommodation options are plentiful during this month.

Petrol pumps between Manali to Leh

One of the common concerns for motorists taking the Manali-Leh highway is the availability of petrol pumps. Since few petrol pumps are on the Manali-Leh highway, motorists should carry extra fuel in a jerry can. Other than that, Manali has a lot of petrol pumps, and the next petrol pump after that on the Manali-Leh highway is at Tandi, which lies at a distance of approximately 110 km from Manali. You should refuel here. Tandi is also the last petrol pump before Leh. You can also expect to find fuel at Pang or Sarchu, but the fuel quality cannot be guaranteed.

Complete guide about Leh Ladakh Road Trip

Which bike is preferable for a Bike Trip?

To have the best experience and enjoy every moment of your journey, it’s best to go to Royal Enfield. They perform exceptionally well in the rough, rocky terrain of Ladakh. Going for a bike with higher displacements is better, as it will put less weight on the motor and allow you to cover great distances. You can choose other bikes instead of Royal Enfield, like Bajaj Pulsar, Hero Impulse, KTM Duke, Royal Enfield Himalayan, Honda CBR 250, and Bajaj Avenger.

Next to a bike trip, riding my jeep is also as much fun and adventurous. It is perfect for those traveling in groups of friends and families who want their share of excitement but prefer road travel. You can take a car trip to Leh from Srinagar, Manali, or Chandigarh, depending on the time you have with you. It should be remembered, however, that the highways are closed during the winter due to substantial snowfall. The best time to take a jeep  trip to Ladakh  is May to September.

The highlight of this trip is crossing the Zoji La Pass, located at an altitude of almost 11,500ft. This same pass serves as the gateway to Ladakh if you are traveling to Ladakh from Kashmir Valley through Kargil. This road takes you across several passes, like the  Tanglang La Pass , the second-highest motorable pass in Ladakh at 17,480ft.

A bus ride to Ladakh can be pretty bumpy. Ladakh is connected to Srinagar and Jammu by road. Two routes lead to Ladakh: one from Srinagar through  Zoji La Pass  and the other from Manali to Ladakh through Rohtang Pass.

If you are up for it, though, there is a direct bus service from Delhi. The bus will cover almost 1,203km.

Complete details about Leh Ladakh by Bus

How to reach Ladakh by Train?

Some people also prefer to travel by train to Ladakh. If you are traveling by train, the nearest railway station to Leh Ladakh is Jammu Tawi, located almost 700 km from Ladakh. It is well-connected to the major cities in India, like Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai. From Jammu, arrangements can be made for traveling to Ladakh by private vehicle.

Is it safe to visit Leh?

It is perfectly safe for tourists to visit Leh every year, and you will not face any kind of problem regarding the security and safety of the tourists. You should never forget to carry medicines, sunscreen lotions, glucose, and other food items. Dry fruits are good, too. Upon arriving at Leh, the most important thing is to  acclimatize  to the weather to avoid AMS (altitude mountain sickness).

• Monasteries
• Attractions
• How to Prepare for Ladakh Trip
• Facilities in Ladakh
• Family Trip to Ladakh
• How and Where to Carry Spare Fuel
• Ladakh With Parents - Senior Citizens
• How to Carry Laptop
• ATM and Bank Facilities in Leh City
• Things to Carry for Ladakh Winter Trip
• Where & How to Rent an Oxygen Cylinder
• Ladakh in June
• Ladakh in May
• Ladakh in July
• Ladakh in September
• Ladakh in October
• Ladakh in August
• Ladakh in November
• Leh to Nubra Valley
• Delhi to Ladakh
• Bangalore to Ladakh
• Pangong Lake to Tso Moriri
• Travel from Manali to Leh
• Leh to Tso Moriri
• How to Travel to Pangong Tso
• How to Travel Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso via Wari
• Srinagar to Leh
• Leh to Khardung La
• Stay in Ladakh
• Rent a Bike in Ladakh
• Rent a Bike in Leh
• Rent a Bike in Srinagar
• Rent a Bike in Manali
• Mobile Phone Services in Ladakh
• Hotels on Manali Leh Highway
• Hotels on Srinagar Leh Highway
• Hotels Near Tso Moriri
• Hotels in Leh
• Hotels Near Pangong Lake
• Hotels in Nubra Valley
• Mountain Biking
• Leh Jeep Safari
• Adventure Sports
• Mountaineering in Ladakh
• Camping in Ladakh
• Buddhism in Ladakh
• Cuisine in Ladakh
• River Rafting in Ladakh
• History & Culture
• Shopping in Ladakh
• Trekking in Ladakh
• Wildlife in Ladakh
• Tips and Suggestions
• Ladakh in January
• Ladakh in December
• Clothes to carry for your Ladakh Trip
• Medical Facilities

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Q: Where is Leh Ladakh located?

Ans: Leh Ladakh is located in the northernmost part of India, between the Himalayan and Karakoram ranges in the Union Territory of Ladakh.

Q: Which is the nearest railway station to Leh Ladakh?

Ans: The nearest railway station to Leh Ladakh is Jammu Tawi, approximately 700 km away.

Q: What is the Delhi to Ladakh distance by train?

Ans:  The distance by train from Delhi to Jammu Tawi is approximately 600 km, followed by a 700 km Leh to Jammu distance.

Q: What is the Delhi to Ladakh distance by flight?

Ans:  The flight distance from Delhi to Leh is about 620 km, taking approximately 1.5 hours. Upon arriving at the airport, you can continue your journey.

Q: What is the Kolkata to Ladakh distance?

Ans:  The distance from Kolkata to Ladakh by road is 2,400 km. You can fly to Leh by air with a layover, usually in Delhi.

Q: How to Reach Leh Ladakh from Delhi?

Ans: The best way to reach Leh from Delhi is by flight, which takes around 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can travel via Manali or Srinagar or take a train to Jammu Tawi and continue by road.

Q: How can we travel from Delhi to Leh by train?

Ans: There is no direct train from Delhi to Ladakh/Leh. The closest railway station is Jammu Tawi, from where you can arrange further travel to Leh by road.

Q: Which is The Best Time to Visit Ladakh For couples?

Ans:  Although Ladakh is not a couple of destinations, the young and adventurous Indians prefer visiting here too often. But if considering this part for couples, winters will probably be the best time to visit Ladakh for a honeymoon or couple getaway. The winter season in Ladakh starts in October and lasts till March. The accommodation price fluctuates a little. Even summers in Ladakh (from May to July) are pleasing temperature-wise, and there are places where you would require woolen clothes during the night in high-altitude regions.

So the best time to visit Ladakh for a honeymoon will depend on your travel taste and holiday preferences. If you would like to see snowfall on your honeymoon in Ladakh, come in winter. If you want to enjoy camping, rafting, and other adventure activities, come in the summers.

Q: Best Time to visit Leh Ladakh for Snowfall?

Ans:  The best time to visit Leh Ladakh for snowfall is between November and February. Though snowfall can be seen throughout the year at certain high-altitude places. But the winter months are the best and if you are looking for a good amount of snowfall then fly to Leh in January.

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In Ladakh, the situation resembles a colonial system: Sonam Wangchuk

Excerpts from a conversation with educator, innovator and climate activist on a march from leh to delhi.

Ashutosh Sharma

Sonam Wangchuk — educator, innovator and climate activist — along with over 100 civil society members from the Union Territory of Ladakh, began a padyatra from Leh to Delhi on 1 September. The peaceful protest will conclude on 2 October, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti.

Over the past four years, Ladakh-based organisations have held numerous demonstrations demanding statehood with a legislature for Ladakh, separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil regions, and the extension of the Constitution’s Sixth Schedule to Ladakh — a region carved out of the former State of Jammu and Kashmir on 5 August 2019.

Despite Union home minister Amit Shah’s engagement with Ladakh’s civil society representatives in New Delhi and promises to address concerns related to climate, culture, land and employment, concrete government action remains pending.

On 26 August, Shah announced the creation of five new districts, Zanskar, Drass, Sham, Nubra and Changthang. There was no clarity whether the districts would have autonomous and elected development councils. Excerpts from a conversation with Ashutosh Sharma :

What led you to consider resuming your satyagraha against the Central government?

I had sincerely hoped we would not have to resort to such measures. It is not an ideal way for a country to be governed where you have to hold protests and fast . Still, I’m hopeful that the new government, which has completed two months in office now, will respond to our memorandum. So far, the new government has not shown any willingness to re-engage in discussions. Should there be no offer of dialogue, we will have no choice but to resume the fast. This is not an act of defiance but a call for the government to honour its commitments.

Simultaneously, it is intended to serve as a reminder to citizens to reflect on their own lifestyle changes, particularly in light of the escalating climate crises affecting regions like the Himalayas and Wayanad in Kerala.

What was the most significant outcome of your 21-day hunger strike in March this year?

The impact of our hunger strike may not be immediately visible. As the saying goes, “A stone breaks at the hundredth hit, though the previous 99 may seem ineffective.” However, our protest has successfully mobilised public awareness and solidarity across the nation.

Five years after Ladakh became a Union Territory without a legislature, how has the region’s democratic landscape changed, despite the presence of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council?

There is a significant democratic deficit in the region. Hill councils are excluded from major decision-making processes and primarily handle local civic issues. These councils manage less than 10 per cent of Ladakh’s total budget, with over 90 per cent controlled by the lieutenant-governor alone. As a result, democratic representation is severely lacking.

This situation resembles a colonial system, where a governor acts as an envoy or executor.

There is no justification for keeping such a friendly, supportive and positive population in a border region deprived of democratic governance. India must showcase its commitment to democracy. Instead, we are inadvertently projecting the opposite to the world.

What are the key concerns that drive the push for Sixth Schedule Constitutional safeguards?

Ladakh runs the risk of over-development. The fragile hills and mountains of Ladakh could be exposed to unchecked industrial and mining interests. There are fears about demographic shifts due to the influx of large businesses and industries in a region which otherwise has a very low population density.

Despite its vast size, Ladakh’s environment can only sustain around 3,00,000 people [the existing population]. A sudden increase to 3 million due to unchecked economic activities would result in ecological disaster and potentially marginalise the local population, reducing them to an insignificant minority with diminished electoral power.

In the remote areas of Ladakh, the government has begun allocating large tracts of land to corporations without the approval of Hill Councils. Despite claims that Hill Councils are responsible for land decisions, significant areas are being given to major power corporations for solar projects without local consent.

For instance, the government’s 13-gigawatt renewable energy project in Ladakh involves allocating 20–30 acres of land — equivalent to a city like Delhi or larger — to the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) in Leh district’s Pang area, near the Himachal border. The Hill Council has stated that it did not approve this land deal, raising questions about who authorised it. Work on the project has already commenced.

We support solar power and would be pleased to see Ladakh contribute to the country’s energy needs. However, the land must remain accessible to local pastoral communities. Fencing off these areas could negatively impact local shepherds.

How has Ladakh’s job market and economy fared since 2019?

Over the past five years, Ladakh has seen minimal progress in employment opportunities. While the government has not advertised even a single gazetted job posting, only a few non-gazetted positions have been filled in the last year or two.

In terms of economic development, there have been remarkable advancements so far as road infrastructure is concerned. The budget for Ladakh jumped from Rs 300–500 crore to Rs 6,000 crore after it became a UT. On the ground though, the intended results are not showing up on that scale. Every year, more than 50 per cent of the budget remains unspent.

The government has set up an engineering college and a Central university, even though a university was already established in Ladakh five years ago. While this demonstrates some generosity, it also means that these institutions may struggle to attract students from the local population. For instance, the new engineering college is expected to admit 400 students annually, yet the region typically produces only 10–20 candidates suitable for such a programme. A more effective approach would be to reserve seats for Ladakhi students in existing, reputable educational institutions elsewhere.

Furthermore, the harsh winter climate may deter non-local students [from coming to study] in Ladakh, making the situation even more challenging.

What kind of economic model would you recommend for the development of Ladakh?

I would endorse Gandhiji’s idea of gram swaraj. Ladakh’s problems are not the kind that can be solved by simply throwing money at them. Massive tourism infrastructure will have a counter-intuitive impact. The tourism in the region remains organic so far. It is quite homely, with a humane face. A homestay model of tourism should be promoted in the interiors of Ladakh so that the impact of tourism is not concentrated in two or three places. We support responsible tourism.

Independent candidate Mohmad Haneefa won Ladakh’s Lok Sabha seat, unseating the BJP after two consecutive terms. What message does this send?

Most people in Ladakh were immensely grateful when they received Union Territory status in 2019. Many mainstream political parties in the region had publicly declared that if the ruling BJP fulfilled its promises to provide safeguards under the Sixth Schedule and establish a legislature, they would support the BJP wholeheartedly. They would have given the Lok Sabha seat to the BJP on a platter. However, despite widespread public demonstrations and protests, these promises were not kept. This failure has deeply hurt and humiliated the people of Ladakh.

You’ve voiced concerns about pastoral tribes losing access to grazing lands along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). How has this situation evolved?

The current government may argue otherwise, but it is evident that large tracts of land, once used by our shepherds for grazing livestock during the summer, have now become extended buffer zones throughout eastern Ladakh in recent years.

It is not as if Chinese soldiers are stopping our shepherds from accessing the frontline pastures; rather, it is now Indian troops who are preventing them from doing so. These extended buffer zones have been established on Indian soil. The ‘no man’s land’ that used to be 20 km away now exists [right] next to our populated villages. Just as glass breaks regardless of whether it falls on a stone or a stone falls on it, herders have lost their pastures regardless of Chinese occupation or the establishment of buffer zones.

This interview first appeared in Frontline

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Ladakh One Week Itinerary – Leh Ladakh One Week Trip

Everyone is talking about visiting Ladakh these days, and 7 days is usually the most common time frame that gets considered for the trip. If you too have been thinking about making a trip in a similar manner, in this article I will share a few examples of Ladakh one week itinerary.

I will first detail an itinerary that I recommend; followed by a few other ways that the same journey can be done. If, after reading the article, you have any questions, you may comment and ask towards the bottom of this page. For other details on visiting Ladakh, you can also take a look at How to Plan a Trip to Leh Ladakh – A Complete Travel Guide .

With 7 days in hand, the most important thing you got to remember is that it cannot be a road trip. You will have to catch a flight in and out of Leh city and use 7 days to explore only Ladakh.

A journey on Manali Leh and Srinagar Leh highway would have to be left out for another trip at another time when you would be able to spare a few more days for the journey.

For a complete road trip, 9 days is the bare minimum time needed. Trying to squeeze it in 7 days would only mean that you spent most of your time on the road, and missed out on several must-visit areas in Ladakh.

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Leh Ladakh One Week Trip

Mentioned below is the simplest and the easiest Ladakh itinerary for 7 days.

• Arrive in Ladakh – Day 1
• Leh to Nubra Valley – Day 2
• Nubra Valley to Leh – Day 3
• Leh to Pangong Tso – Day 4
• Pangong Tso to Leh – Day 5

Leh to Tso Moriri – Day 6

• Tso Moriri to Leh – Day 7

Now the itinerary above will have you spend all 7 days in Ladakh itself, and fly out of there on Day 8. If you were however want to return home on Day 7 itself, then you can travel directly between Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake by Agham Shyok road. That will save a day in the overall plan. Read on to find out more.

The reason why I am recommending traveling this way is that it is doable irrespective of your mode of travel and the time of your arrival.

You can follow this plan even if you were in Ladakh in January when most of the roads are blocked due to the snow. You could be traveling by your own vehicle or a rented one or by Bus, this itinerary will still remain valid.

Local Commute

Once you land in Leh city, there are three ways that you can move around locally in Ladakh. One is that you hire a private taxi which is the best way but will also cost you a lot of money for 7 days.

The second is that you rent a motorcycle which will be a bit cheaper than a private taxi but is not everyone’s cup of tea. It is a good option if you were traveling with friends and know how to handle a motorcycle in the hills. But for people who have no experience in riding or were traveling with family, a bike is not really much of a choice.

This then brings us to the last and most cost-effective mode of travel, public transport. It is a great choice for people who are either traveling on a budget, can’t afford a private taxi, or are not too familiar with motorcycles. Public transport here comes in the form of Bus or shared taxis; both of which are available from the Leh bus stand.

Now let me run down this plan day by day for better understanding.

Day 1 –  Arrival in Leh

Once you land in Leh city in the morning, head straight to your hotel. If you were renting a private taxi, then ask the driver to come to pick you from the airport itself. If not, then you will easily find a cab from the airport to your hotel.

It has started to get a bit crowded in Leh these days during peak tourist season so I would recommend that you book your stay here in advance if visiting in June, July, August, or September. For a list of some recommended budget hotels in Leh, please read List of Good Budget Hotels in Leh .

Your most important task for this day would be to arrange permits for visiting other areas in Ladakh. This permit is called Inner Line Permit and can be obtained from DM city in Leh or online. For more details on how to get the permit, please read How to Obtain Inner Line Permit for Ladakh .

Once you have the permits, take a rest and let your body acclimatize to high altitude. If you are feeling better by evening, then you can take a visit to some of the local tourist attractions in the town. For a list of places you can see here, please read Tourist Places in Leh City .

Acute Mountain Sickness

The biggest concern for people flying into Ladakh is altitude sickness; also known as acute mountain sickness, or simply as AMS.

Think of it like this. In the morning, you are in your hometown in the plains. Then in a matter of a couple of hours, you bring your body to an altitude of 3,500 meters in Leh city.

This tremendous gain in elevation is too sudden for our bodies to cope with and hence triggers the symptoms of AMS. A slow gain in altitude is the key to avoiding mountain sickness which doesn’t happen in this case.

Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do about it. The majority of the people would suffer from AMS on Day 1 of their trip. Some people continue to feel the symptoms on Day 2 as well.

Plenty of rest and not exhausting yourself then becomes the trick. After you land in Leh, go straight to your hotel and rest. Do not run around exhausting yourself and wait for the AMS to subside.

Chances are that by evening you should be feeling OK and well enough for some sightseeing in the town. If your condition continues to worsen, please see medical assistance at a hospital nearby. For some quick tips on avoiding AMS, please read How to Handle Acute Mountain Sickness in Ladakh .

Day 2 – Leh to Nubra Valley

If you were traveling by either a private taxi or rented bike, then you should get an early start from Leh. This would give you ample time for sightseeing in Nubra Valley .

Total travel time from Leh to Diskit can be about 6 to 7 hours depending upon your speed and breaks. Monastery in Diskit, Hunder sand dunes, Panamik hot water springs, and Bactrian camels are some of the tourist attractions that Nubra Valley is best known for.

Accommodation is available at almost all the villages here but I will recommend staying at either Diskit or Hunder. If you want, you can also travel all the way to Turtuk and stay there for the night; but that is another 4-5 hours from Diskit so plan accordingly.

Roads are mostly good except for a rough patch around Khardung La top, between South and North Pullu. For accommodation in Nubra Valley, Please read Hotels and Guest Houses in Nubra Valley . For a list of places that you should visit there, please read Tourist Attractions in Nubra Valley .

If you were traveling by public transport then shared taxis from Leh Bus stand to Diskit start every day in the morning. Just make sure you reach there at around 7 AM. Buses do not operate every day but shared taxis do. If you find a bus, then board it. Otherwise, look for a shared cab.

Day 3 – Nubra Valley to Leh / Pangong Lake

On Day 3, you will return to Leh by the same road across Khardung La. If you reached there by Bus, then the same bus will return to Leh the next day that you can board.

For a shared taxi, just go to the Diskit bus stand and find a shared cab coming towards Leh. If however, you are traveling by rented motorcycle or a private cab, then take the turn towards Panamik from Khalsar before coming back to Leh.

In Panamik, you can see the hot water springs and even take a dip in the warm water if you want to. From Panamik, return to Khalsar and continue on your way back to Leh.

The reason why I kept a visit to Nubra first is that it is at an even lower altitude than Leh city. So a visit here first becomes beneficial in terms of mountain sickness. By day 3, when you return to Leh, your body would have fully acclimatized to high altitude.

If you want to save a day on your itinerary, you can travel directly from Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake by Shyok road . To do this, from Khalsar, rather than coming back towards Khardung La, take the turn to Agham Village.

From Agham Village, take the road towards Shyok Village. You will continue driving on the same road after Shyok and cross the village of Durbuk. After that, you will exit on Leh Pangong Road near Tangtse and go to Pangong Lake.

This can only be done if you are traveling by your own vehicle in the summer months. This road remains closed in the winter season and there is also no public transport available on this route.

Day 4 – Leh to Pangong Tso

Your next destination will be the famous Pangong Lake which over time has become the very symbol of Ladakh.

Once again, if you rent a private cab or motorcycle then try to get an early start. If by public transport, then you would again have to reach Leh Bus stand and look for either a Bus to Pangong Tso or a shared taxi. In peak tourist season, finding a mode of commute is not going to be too big a challenge.

Total travel time would be around 6-7 hours depending upon your speed and breaks. Roads are mostly good except for a bad patch around Chang La top. Accommodation at Pangong can be campsites, wooden huts, chadar tents, or homestay in the villages of Spangmik, Man, and Merak. For a list of available options, please read Accommodation Choices at Pangong Tso .

If you went directly to Pangong from Nubra Valley, you will return to Leh on this day by the same route that I just explained.

Day 5 – Pangong Tso to Leh

You will return to Leh today by the same route that you took to get here. The bus from Leh to Pangong completes the return journey the next morning.

So if you reached the lake by Bus, you can board it again in the morning for coming back to Leh. If not by bus, then you will easily be able to find a shared cab from Spangmik. For someone traveling by private taxi, I will recommend making a short stop to visit Thiksey Monastery on the way.

If you came back to Leh from Pangong on Day 4 itself, then you will head to Tso Moriri on this day which I have explained below.

The next destination will be another beautiful lake of Ladakh, Tso Moriri. Unlike Pangong however, this one is actually a freshwater lake and has wildlife around it. It also doesn’t get as crowded as Pangong.

The village on the banks of the lake is called Karzok and that is where you will be heading. To get here, you will first reach Upshi and then take the route via Chumathang.

Road conditions will be a mix of good and bad with the bad part around Polokongka La Pass and between Sumdo and Karzok. Travel time will be around 7 to 8 hours easily.

If you were traveling by Public transport, then you will again have to reach the main Leh Bus stand and look there for either a Bus or shared taxi.

There are a few hotels, guest houses, and campsites in Karzok where you can spend your night. For a list of some recommended places, please read Hotels and Guest Houses at Tso Moriri .

If your journey to Tso Moriri was on Day 5, then this will become the day you return to Leh, as explained further.

If you were traveling by public transport then you really have no choice but to go back to Leh by the same route via Chumathang.

If you were however traveling by private taxi, then I will highly recommend that for your return journey, you take the road via Tso Kar, another beautiful lake nearby.

From Karzok you will first drive back to Sumdo. Then from Sumdo, you will take the diversion towards Tso Kar via Polokongka La. You will then drive across More plains to reach the lake. Take a break, spend some time here and then drive back to Leh via Tanglang La .

And that will conclude your one week in Ladakh. On Day 8, you will take a flight back home. If you skipped a day in between and went to Pangong directly from Nubra Valley, then this will be Day 7 when you return home.

The itinerary I explained is probably the simplest and easiest way to travel to Ladakh. You will have no problem moving between places, finding accommodation, or looking for a mode of commute.

If you were however traveling by a private taxi or rented a motorcycle and are not bound to bus timings or availability of shared cabs, the same journey can be done in numerous other ways. I will mention a few for example.

Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake in One Week

In this itinerary, you will give up Tso Moriri entirely in favor of exploring Nubra Valley; and also to visit some other places on the Srinagar Leh highway.

• Arrival in Ladakh. Rest and arrange permits – Day 1
• Leh to Diskit – Day 2
• Diskit to Turtuk – Day 3
• Turtuk to Panamik – Day 4
• Panamik to Pangong via Shyok road – Day 5
• Pangong to Leh – Day 6
• Leh to Lamayuru to Leh – Day 7
• Fly Out – Day 8

On Day 1 you will arrive in Leh and arrange permits. You will then travel to Nubra Valley and stay in Diskit for Day 2. On Day 3 you will reach the far-off village of Turtuk and stay there. This is the last point till where civilians are allowed.

On Day 3, you will travel back to Diskit and then reach Panamik on the other side of Nubra valley. From Panamik you will travel to Pangong Tso by Agham Shyok road, without going back to Leh.

After arriving back in Leh on Day 6, you will then explore the Srinagar Leh highway on Day 7. Out here, you will see Magnetic Hill, Indus Zanskar Confluence, Gurudwara Patthar Sahib, Maitreya Buddha, and return to Leh by evening.

For a complete list of places to see, please read Tourist Attractions on Srinagar Leh Highway .

Including Chushul Route & Hanle

Now let us take a look at Itinerary # 3.

• Diskit to Pangong via Shyok road – Day 3
• Pangong to Hanle – Day 4
• Hanle to Karzok (Tso Moriri) – Day 5
• Karzok to Leh – Day 6

Traveling this way, you will just spend one day in Nubra Valley but will be able to include Tso Moriri and Changthang Valley both. Once you have reached Pangong from Diskit via Shyok, you will continue traveling further on the banks of Pangong Tso.

You will travel across Changthang Valley, cross the village of Chushul, and reach Hanle Village for the night via Loma. From Hanle, you will then travel back to Loma and reach Karzok via Nyoma, Mahe, and Sumdo.

You will then reach Tso Kar as I explained previously in the article and then come back to Leh via Tanglang La.

Nubra Valley & Changthang Valley

A fourth Itinerary can be explained below.

• Diskit to Turtuk to Panamik – Day 3
• Panamik to Pangong via Shyok road – Day 4
• Pangong to Karzok (Tso Moriri) – Day 5

The only difference in this one is that you will give up Hanle here and add another day of exploring Nubra Valley. On Day 3, from Diskit, you will travel all the way to Turtuk and then return to Panamik for the night.

On Day 5, you will travel to Karzok from Pangong straight via Chushul, Loma, Nyoma, Mahe, and Sumdo; without taking the diversion towards Hanle.

Other One Week Itineraries for Leh Ladakh

These were just some itineraries that I would recommend, but there are numerous other possibilities that the journey can be tweaked into. You can add or remove places as per your own liking but I will share a few more examples.

• Leh to Kargil – Day 2
• Kargil to Leh via Batalik – Day 3
• Leh to Diskit – Day 4
• Diskit to Pangong via Shyok – Day 5
• Pangong to Tso Moriri via Chushul – Day 6

This itinerary will have you explore the Srinagar Leh highway all the way to Kargil. You will reach Kargil via Lamayuru and stay the night. The next day you will return to Leh but will take the Batalik route for the return journey.

With Family

• Diskit to Turtuk to Panamik – Day 5
• Panamik to Pangong via Shyok – Day 6
• Pangong to Leh – Day 7

With this itinerary, you will give up Tso Moriri entirely and add another day in Nubra valley. This will however also mean that your journey will be much easier and at a relaxed pace. There will be no long travel hours involved and it will feel more like a vacation. I will recommend this itinerary especially if you went with your family.

• Diskit to Pangong via Shyok – Day 3
• Pangong to Leh via Chang La – Day 4
• Leh to Tso Moriri via Chumathang – Day 5
• Tso Moriri to Leh via Tso Kar – Day 6

This is another itinerary that I will highly recommend for traveling with family. Your journey will be relaxed and you will not travel on bad roads anywhere. The route between Pangong to Moriri via Chushul is a bit bad which will be avoided in this plan.

6 Nights 7 Days Itinerary

Lastly, I will also recommend an itinerary if you were in Leh for only 6 days and had to catch a flight out on Day 7.

• Fly Out – Day 7

This is basically the same as the previous one. The only difference is that you will skip the Lamayuru route and focus only on major tourist routes in Ladakh.

For Zanskar Valley

• Kargil to Padum – Day 3
• Padum – Day 4
• Padum to Kargil – Day 5
• Kargil to Leh via Batalik – Day 6
• Leh – Day 7

This itinerary is recommended only if your main motive for the trip was Zanskar valley. This is only for someone who has already covered Ladakh and wants to explore Zanskar now.

From Leh, you will reach Kargil on Day 2 and then travel to Padum in Zanskar valley on Day 3. After spending a day there, you will then travel back to Leh via Kargil and Batalik.

Ladakh One Week Bike Trip Itinerary

It will be extremely hard to make this entirely a bike trip or car trip in 7 days from your hometown. Your journey will be rushed and you will be missing out on the majority of the must-visit places.

Think of it this way. Srinagar to Leh and Manali to Leh is at least a 2 days journey each. Then you will need another 2 days at least for getting to either Srinagar or Manali from your home town, and then going back home.

One day would be needed in Leh for arranging permits so 7 days of your trip are gone right here; not leaving you with even a single day for sightseeing in Ladakh. So in a nutshell, you will barely touch Ladakh and come back.

Even for this, the farthest that you can be living is Chandigarh or Delhi; or someplace at a similar distance. Srinagar would still have to be left out and you will have to go via Manali and come back the same way.

The permit for Rohtang Pass would have to be arranged well in advance so that you do not have to spend a day in Manali arranging it. Your itinerary would pan out something like this.

• Delhi to Manali – Day 1
• Manali to Keylong / Jispa / Sarchu – Day 2
• Keylong / Jispa / Sarchu to Leh – Day 3
• Leh – Day 4
• Leh to Pang / Sarchu / Jispa / Keylong – Day 4
• Manali – Day 5
• Delhi – Day 6

I am sure the above-mentioned is not the trip you were thinking of. A 7-day road trip to Ladakh is mostly done from Manali only; Manali to Manali in 7 days.

Ladakh One Week Itinerary – Conclusion

In order to make a road trip to Ladakh, the minimum number of days you would need is 9. Any less than that and you can’t do it. For a 7 days trip, catch a flight to Leh and spend your one week in Ladakh only.

I hope the information above on traveling to Ladakh in one week was of help. If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask in the comments section below or at our Community Forum , and I will be happy to answer.

Vargis.Khan

Not much to write about me really except for that I love to travel around whenever I can and to wherever I can. This blog is just a small attempt to share my travel experiences with the world. Hope you like it !!!

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Hi Vargis. Your website is really awesome, such detailed coverage…it is a boon for anyone travelling to ladakh. I am travelling to Ladakh from 13th-20th of September, 2021 (arriving on the morning of 13th, and leaving on the morning of 20th) along with my wife and one of her friends (total 3 of us). We will hire a private taxi over there (will contact Kunal 🙂 ) We are planning to visit Nubra Valley, Pangong and Tso Moriri (or if you recommend Kargil, Nubra Valley, Pangong). What should be our itinerary? We dont want our trip to be very hectic…also can we stay there in an airbnb? (Found one by Jigmet, very highly rated). We all are in early 30s (not so fit) Also any other suggestions? Thanks in advance.

Also any recommendation for booking hotel in a specific area?

what about leh to nubra, nubra to pangong, pangong to hanle, hanle to tso moriri, and then back to leh??

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• Road Trip to Ladakh – A Complete Travel Guide
• Ladakh Tourism Guide
• June 1, 2023 June 1, 2023
• 11 Comments

Traveling to Ladakh by road is an exciting and adventurous journey that offers breathtaking landscapes and a chance to experience the unique culture of the region. Here’s a travel guide to help you plan your road trip to Ladakh:

• Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Ladakh by road is from May to September when the weather is pleasant and the roads are open. However, note that the region experiences extreme temperatures, so pack accordingly. The road, however, sometimes remain open in October as well.

a. Manali-Leh Highway: This route starts from Manali in Himachal Pradesh and goes through the Atal tunnel, Keylong, and the Baralacha Pass. It is around 428 kilometers long and offers stunning views of the Himalayas.

b. Srinagar-Leh Highway: This route begins in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, and passes through Sonamarg, Drass, and the Zoji La Pass. It is approximately 434 kilometers long and showcases the scenic beauty of both Kashmir Valley and Ladakh.

• Permits: To travel to Ladakh, both Indian and foreign nationals do not require permits. However, permits are required to visit the sightseeing places of Ladakh including Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri, Khardungla pass, Nubra Valley, Dah Hanu Batalik region and Turtuk etc. You can obtain the Inner Line Permit (ILP) from the District Magistrate’s Office or through online portals. Foreign nationals need to obtain the Protected Area Permit (PAP) or Restricted Area Permit (RAP) from the Leh District Magistrate’s Office.
• Acclimatization: Ladakh is located at high altitudes, so it’s essential to acclimatize to avoid altitude sickness. Take a day or two to rest in Leh before exploring further. Stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activities initially, and consider taking medication for altitude sickness after consulting with a doctor.
• Accommodation: There are various accommodation options available in Leh and along both Leh-Srinagar and Leh-Manali highway, ranging from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels. It is advisable to make advance bookings, especially during the peak tourist season.
• Fuel and Supplies: Fuel stations are limited along the Manali-Leh highway and S rinagar-Leh highway besides Ladakh, so ensure your vehicle is adequately fueled before embarking on your journey. Carry extra fuel in jerry cans if necessary. Stock up on essential supplies, including food, water, and medicines, as facilities may be scarce in remote areas.
• Vehicle and Road Conditions: It is recommended to travel in a sturdy and reliable vehicle, preferably a SUV, to tackle the challenging terrain. The roads in Ladakh are mostly well-maintained, but certain sections may be rough, narrow, or unpaved. Be prepared for occasional landslides, water crossings, and treacherous mountain passes besides unseasonal snowfall.
• Persevere Road Safety: Drive cautiously and follow traffic rules. Keep an eye out for other vehicles, livestock, and unexpected obstacles on the road. Maintain a steady pace, especially while ascending or descending mountain passes. Avoid rash overtaking and be prepared for oncoming traffic on narrow stretches.
• Altitude Highlights: While in Ladakh, explore popular attractions like Pangong Tso Lake , Nubra Valley, Magnetic Hill, Khardung La Pass (one of the highest motorable passes), Lamayuru Monastery , and Hemis Monastery. Take time to immerse yourself in the local culture and interact with the friendly Ladakhi people.
• Safety Precautions: Ladakh is a remote region, so it’s crucial to take certain safety precautions. Inform someone about your itinerary and expected return time. Carry a first aid kit, spare tires, tools, and emergency supplies. Check weather conditions and road closures before setting off.

Remember, road trip to Ladakh requires proper planning and preparation. Ensure you have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and vehicle breakdowns. Respect the local customs, preserve the environment, and enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of the region.

Check Out Our Jeep Safari Tour Packages to Ladakh

In Details:

A road trip to Ladakh through daunting and winding roads is a lifetime experience. Ladakh is reachable by two roads — Manali-Leh road and Srinagar-Leh road. Both the roads have distinctive features but Manali-Leh road is more challenging, passing through high altitude, crossing many rivers, mountain passes and having over a hundred hairpin bends.

Travelling through Manali-Leh and Srinagar-Leh highways is a dream of all the adventure and nature lovers. While Manali-Leh highway, too, has three options (branches) to reach Leh, the Srinagar-Leh highway also has three different routes. While Srinagar-Leh highway generally remains open from late March to November, the Manali-Leh highway remains open from May to October. After building of the Atal tunnel, the road is expected to remain open for longer time as the tunnel bypasses mighty Rohtang pass.

When travelling Ladakh by road comes into mind, tourists usually think about their safety, challenges and road condition. They are also curious to know about permissions, passes, petrol pumps, repair shops, midway hotels/camps, chances of snow and chances of watching snow etc. In this post, we shall talk about everything to guide the tourists properly and with true information as Discover Leh Ladakh has been organising road trips to Ladakh for over a decade now and no one else has the better knowledge of the routes and challenges.

Both Srinagar to Leh and Manali to Leh (via Atal tunnel) is 14-15 hours journey and tourists are advised to cover the distance in two days for two reasons – they can enjoy sightseeing of some major mid-way attractions in the day time by spending enough time and they will get enough time to acclimatize to avoid altitude sickness.

Srinagar to Leh: 430 KM

Manali to Leh: 428 KM via Atal tunnel and 474 KM via Rohtang pass

Bus service to Leh Ladakh

If you are planning a road trip to Ladakh by bus, there are a limited bus services on Manali -Leh and Srinagar-Leh highways. Himachal Roads Transport Corporation (HRTC) and Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Council (HPTDC) run seasonal buses between Manali and Leh. While HPTDC runs a semi deluxe 2X2 bus service on alternate day on this route, HRTC runs daily ordinary bus service. Generally both bus services are available from June or July to mid September. HPTDC bus fare includes transfer and one night stay at Keylong but HRTC bus generally go non-stop. JKTDC runs deluxe and semi deluxe buses between Shrinagar and Leh. Some private operators also run bus service on this route but the buses do not stop for sightseeing.

Hotels on Srinagar – Leh highway

Kargil is the most preferred midway night halt destination while travelling between Srinagar and Leh. However, tourists can stay at multiple locations like Sonmarg, Drass, Lamayuru, Ule etc. Kargil has a large number of hotels, resorts and guesthouses and restaurants. Tourists will get to eat meal/snacks and drink tea at multiple locations on Leh-Srinagar highway.

Hotels and Camps on Manali-Leh highway

On Manali-Leh highway , tourists stay at Keylong, Jispa or Sarchu. While Keylong and Jispa has hotels, guesthouses, homestays and tent options, Sarchu has only camping option. After opening of Atal tunnel, Sarchu will become most preferred midway halt destination as Keylong and Jispa can be reached from Manali within a few hours. However, while travelling from Leh to Manali, Jispa and Keylong can be convenient places as tourists can easily catch bus to Delhi from Manali on the next day. Besides these preferred locations, stays are available at Sissu, Khangsar, Billing, Gemur, Darcha, Pang and many other locations. Tourists can get tea/meal at Tandi, Keylong, Darcha, Bharatpur, Sarchu, Pang, Debring, Upshi, Karu etc.

Delhi – Manali – Leh Ladakh – Srinagar Jeep Safari (Road Trip)

Different road routes between Manali and Leh

• Manali-Atal tunnel-Sarchu – Leh
• Manali – Rohtang pass – Sarchu – Leh
• Manali – Atal tunnel/Rohtang pass – Darcha – Shinku-la pass – Padum – Pensila pass – Kargil – Leh
• Manali – Atal tunnel/Rohtang pass – Darcha – Shinku-la pass – Padum – Lingshed – Wanla – Nimmu – Leh

Different road routes between Srinagar and Leh

• Srinagar – Sonmarg – Zojila pass – Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
• Srinagar – Sonmarg – Zojila pass – Kargil – Batalik – Dah Hanu – Khaltsi – Leh
• Srinagar – Sonmarg – Zojila pass – Kargil – Batalik – Dah Hanu – Chitkan – Lamayuru –Khaltsi – Leh
• Srinagar – Sonmarg – Zojila pass – Kargil – Suru – Pensi-la pass – Padum – Lingshed – Wanla – Nimmu – Leh

Check-out Manali-Leh and Srinagar-Leh Road Trip Packages

Major sightseeing places on Manali-Leh highway

• Atal tunnel (or Rohtang pass)
• Tandi (confluence of Chandra and Bhaga rivers which give birth to Chenab river)
• Baralacha pass
• Moore plains
• Taglangla pass

Major sightseeing places on Srinagar-Leh highway

• Zojila pass
• Lamayuru monastery
• Basgo ruins
• Sangam (confluence of Indus and Zanskar rivers)
• Magnetic Hill
• Pathar Sahib Gurudwara

Srinagar Ladakh Manali Delhi Jeep Safari (10 Nights 11 Days)

Mountain passes on Manali – Leh highway

• Rohtang pass (3,980 m)
• Baralacha pass (5,030 m)
• Nakila pass (4,739 m)
• Lachulung-la (pass) (5,065 m)
• Taglang-la (pass) (5,328 m)

Mountain passes on Srinagar-Leh highway

• Zojila (pass) (3,528 m)
• Namik-la (pass) (3,700 m)
• Fotu-la (pass) (4,108 m)

Best time for road trips to Ladakh

April to mid-November (or late October) is the best time to travel on Srinagar-Leh highway while late April (or early May) to mid-October is the best time to travel on Manali-Leh highway. Both the highways remain closed for traffic following snowfall in winter season.

Petrol pumps on Manali-Leh highway

There is only one fuel pump at Tandi (Lahaul valley) on Manali-Leh highway. After Manali town, there is one petrol pump at Kanchanikoot (2km from Manali) and at Bahang (5km from Manali), then you will get petrol/diesel at Karu, just before Leh town. There are no petrol pumps (gas stations) between Manali and Leh. So, all the taxis (and other vehicles) prefer carrying extra fuel for emergency.

Petrol pumps on Srinagar-Leh highway

You will get a large number of petrol pumps on Srinagar-Leh highway, so you need not to carry extra fuel with you. Sonmarg, Drass, Kargil, Khalsi and Leh have the petrol pumps.

Is it safe to travel to Ladakh by road?

Yes, travelling by road to Ladakh is as safe as in other roads of the country. Moreover, there are many benefits of travelling to Leh Ladakh by road as you gain altitude slowly, giving your body enough time to acclimate which helps avoid altitude sickness. Secondly, you get to see different geographical transformations and beautiful peaks, glaciers, valleys, rivers, mountain passes, villages, cultures, flora and fauna. The road trip to Ladakh is adventurous because of all these variations and geographies with hundreds of hairpin bends and high passes. Remember, the road journey to Ladakh can prove fatal if you drive drunk, consume any drug, driving day and night without taking proper sleep or fail to concentrate on the road. A small mistake can result in your vehicle falling in deep gorge. Follow traffic rules, drive at your side, don’t overtake until its safe, don’t drive in snowy conditions to avoid slipping of the vehicle and restrict speed to 5kmph in case of dense fog. Both Manali-Leh and Srinagar-Leh roads have mostly black-topped and double-laned. So it’s a fun. If you don’t have driving experience on steep hills, you can hire local taxis.

Can we see snow on Manali-Leh highway?

There are chances of watching snow at Baralacha pass, Rohtang pass and Taglangla pass till late June and sometimes even till mid-July. But availability of snowfall totally depends on quantity of snowfall in winter season and temperature. Snowfall is possible 12 months a year on high mountain passes.

Can we see snow on Srinagar-Leh highway?

Generally Ladakh receives too less snow. Ladakh is known for its extreme cold. However, high mountain passes receive very heavy snowfall here. Tourists can see snow at Zojila pass in April and sometimes in May month also.

Check these Popular Ladakh Packages

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Complete Leh Ladakh Tour Package from Srinagar