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Ladakh in April

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Lamayuru Monastery

How to Reach Ladakh in April?

Manali leh highway in april.

Manali Leh Highway in April

Srinagar Leh Highway in April

Srinagar Leh Highway in April

Leh Ladakh Trip in April by Flight

Leh Ladakh Trip in April by Flight

Essential Info About Ladakh in April

Weather & temperature in leh ladakh in april.

Weather & temperature in Leh Ladakh in April

Things to carry in Leh Ladakh in April

Things to carry in Leh Ladakh in April

Travel Tips for Leh Ladakh in April

Travel Tips for Leh Ladakh in April

Snow in Ladakh in April

Snow in Ladakh in April

Inner Line Permit for Ladakh

Inner Line Permit for Ladakh

Itinerary for Visiting Ladakh in April

Itinerary for Visiting Ladakh in April

Routes Conditions

Leh to pangong route in april.

Leh to Pangong Route in April

Leh to Nubra Valley in April

Leh to Nubra Valley in April

Leh to Tso Moriri in April

Leh to Tso Moriri in April

Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake Direct Route

Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake Direct Route

Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri Direct Route

Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri Direct Route

Places to See & Things to do in Ladakh in April

Nubra valley.

Nubra Valley

Pangong Lake

Pangong Lake

Shanti Stupa

Shanti Stupa

Hemis Monastery

Hemis Monastery

Thiksey Monastery

Thiksey Monastery

Go shopping

Go shopping

Hall of Fame

Hall of Fame

Deskit Gompa

Deskit Gompa

Zanskar Valley

Zanskar Valley

People Also Ask About Leh

How to plan a trip to leh ladakh in april.

The first thing to be noted while planning a trip to Ladakh in April is the weather and road conditions. It is important to make sure if the roads are cleared and snow and open for civilian traffic. Also, make a list of the things to carry like apparel, necessary documents such as IDs and permits. Click Here to Book:  Manali to Leh Jeep Safari 

How to reach Leh Ladakh in April?

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Leh Top Attractions

Leh

The hot springs at the Chumathang in Leh are rich in minerals like Sulphur which have great medical goodness. It is known for treating different diseases, including various ailments, including arthritis and skin conditions. Most travellers visit here to soak in the healing and warm waters in the colder months. Travelers must include this geothermal site in Ladakh trip packages and indulge in relaxing hot baths, believed to alleviate various ailments and provide a unique experience in the lap of nature.In addition to its therapeutic qualities, Chumathang Hot Spring is surrounded by picturesque landscapes. The Indus River flows nearby and snow-capped peaks towering in the distance create the perfect backdrop. The area also attracts birdwatchers, as it is home to several species of migratory birds, adding to the natural charm of this popular tourist destination in Ladakh.

Tsaga La Pass

The pass serves as a vital link between the picturesque Nubra Valley and the remote regions of Leh. Travelers venturing through Tsaga La are treated to stunning views of snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, and vast expanses of barren landscapes. The journey to Tsaga La Pass is not without its challenges, as the terrain can be treacherous and weather conditions unpredictable, particularly during the winter months when heavy snowfall is common. Despite the rugged conditions, Tsaga La Pass is a must-visit destination for those seeking adventure and natural beauty in the majestic landscapes of Ladakh. Around the Tsaga La Pass, taste the delicious authentic mountain food that will satisfy your tastebuds. The journey to Tsaga La Pass is a thrilling adventure, offering travelers mesmerizing vistas of the surrounding landscapes on the Leh Ladakh tour.

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Vargis Khan

Leh Ladakh in April – COMPLETE Travel Guide and Itinerary

leh ladakh in april

Can we go to Leh Ladakh in April? The answer to this question is a definite yes. April marks the beginning of the Spring season in the hills. With the changing weather, all the snow at high altitude passes starts to melt and BRO works rigorously to open the roads as early as possible.

Winter starts to fade away in April. The locals prepare for the upcoming tourist season. It may not be the best time to visit Ladakh but there are certain charms and benefits that only the month of April can offer you.

Things will not be as crowded as they get in the later months. The chances of finding budget accommodation will be higher and you will get to see plenty of snow all around.

How you can plan your trip to Ladakh in April is what I will provide details on further in this article. If you have any questions,  you can contact me on Instagram  and I will be happy to answer. You can also consider  subscribing to my YouTube channel  and asking a question there.

To organize your trip to Ladakh, book a taxi, rent a bike, or get the best hotel rates, you can contact  Kunal @ 9910402252 . From luxurious hotels to budget stays, he can help get you the best rates possible.

Vargis Khan

Vargis Khan

Quick Navigation

How to Plan a Trip to Leh Ladakh in April

 The first and most important thing here to know is that a road trip to Ladakh in April highly depends upon the weather conditions. Srinagar Leh highway is the first to get declared open in either April or early May, followed by the Manali Leh route in late May to early June.

So before you finalize your plan, wait until at least mid of March to get an update on the road opening. However, if you were planning to catch a flight to Leh City, you are free to plan at your convenience in April. Read on to find out more.

For more details on visiting Ladakh other than in the month of April, you can also take a look at How to Plan a Trip to Ladakh – A Complete Travel Guide .

leh ladakh in april

How to Reach Leh Ladakh in April

Let us first talk about how you can reach Ladakh in April. Your options in all probability will be limited to either catching a flight or driving on your own via Srinagar. Let us take a look at these options in detail.

Srinagar to Leh in April

Historically, the Srinagar Leh highway is declared open sometime in April, either towards the mid of it or the end. There have been instances when it opened even earlier than that, in March itself, but the chances of that happening are rare.

Even if the road did open early, it is always followed by temporary closures. Zojila Pass receives snow even in the month of April so it is highly possible that the road may get closed again for a couple of days until it was safe to travel again.

To be on the safer side, if you were planning to reach Leh via Srinagar in April, keep your plans towards the end of the month. Before you do that, make sure you check the status of the road and the traffic timings around Zojila Pass. You can refer to Srinagar Leh Highway Status, Road Conditions & Updates to get the latest word on it.

leh ladakh in april

Manali to Leh in April

Manali Leh highway remains closed in April. Road clearing operation by BRO remains on throughout the month but civilian traffic is not allowed. There is absolutely no way that you can plan a journey on Manali Leh Highway in April. Even the Manali Leh Bus will not be operational until June 15th.

By Public Transport

There is no public transport available to Leh in April. Even if the Srinagar Leh route was opened early, the bus service will not resume at least until May due to safety reasons.

Private and shared cabs from the Srinagar side may become available but entirely depends on the status of the road and its condition.

So your safest bet to travel to Leh Ladakh in April would be by Air. This is the only way you can be sure that your plans would not be at risk of getting canceled. If you booked a few months in advance, then you may even get a good deal on the flight tickets.

Local Commute

After you arrive in Leh, for your local commute, you can either hire a private taxi, rent a bike in Leh or travel around by public transport. A private taxi will be the most comfortable and easiest way to travel but it will also be the costliest. Take a look at Leh Ladakh Taxi Rates List to get an idea of how much it will cost you.

A bike is a good option if you have plenty of biking experience and you know how to handle it in the hills. It will also not cost you as much as a taxi.

Buses from Leh to other parts of Ladakh like Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake become operational in April. Even if there was no bus available, you should still be able to find a shared cab from the Leh bus stand.

The only catch is that the number of shared cabs becomes greater towards the end of the month. If you were traveling in the early part of the month, you may struggle to find both a bus or a shared cab.

leh ladakh in april

Where to Stay

The face of tourism in Ladakh is rapidly changing. Until a few years ago, the majority of the hotels and guest houses will remain closed in early April, both in Leh City and other areas of Ladakh. But that is not the case anymore.

If you were to visit Ladakh in April now, you will find the majority of the hotels up and running and will have no problem finding a place to stay.

Most of the hotels in Leh will start accepting guests in April. Depending on your budget, you may have to ask around a bit but will definitely find a place to stay to your liking.

As a matter of fact, since there will not be too many tourists around at this time, there is a great chance that you may actually get a good deal. The same logic applies to other places like Srinagar, Kargil, Sonamarg, and Drass as well.

Whether or not to book in advance is a personal choice entirely. If it gives you peace of mind, you may call in and book a room. Otherwise, you could just arrive here, find a hotel per your liking and negotiate an on-the-spot deal.

leh in winter season

Places to Visit in Ladakh in April

Let us now talk about places to visit in Leh Ladakh in April. As I was just discussing, all the internal roads will remain connected so you can pretty much cover all of Ladakh and visit all the places you want to see.

The only hitch in the plan could be that if you were traveling in early April and if it snowed at any of the passes en route, the road may close temporarily and you may not be able to travel to your desired destination.

But the chances of that happening are quite less in April. Let us take a look at the places one by one.

Nubra Valley in April

Nubra Valley remains open in April completely. The critical road to Siachen Base Camp runs through Nubra valley due to which, Indian Army keeps it open all year long. Even if it snowed at Khardung La and the road shut down for a while, BRO will clear it and restore connectivity as soon as they can.

So during your Ladakh visit in April, You will be able to visit all the local villages like Diskit, Hunder, Turtuk , Sumur, and Panamik.

In terms of accommodation, I would recommend that you plan to stay at Diskit for the night. It has the greatest number of hotels in the valley and considering the cold weather, finding a good enough hotel that suits your needs will be easier here.

But this is just an option though. Even in other places like Hunder, Turtuk, and Panamik, you will easily be able to find a place to stay. For more information, please read How to Plan a Trip to Nubra Valley .

nubra valley

Pangong Tso Lake in April

If you were hoping for a completely frozen Pangong Lake, then you will not find it so in April. The Lake freezes over towards the end of January but starts to melt by the end of March. In April, it is more blue than white.

The good news, however, is that you will be able to visit here with no problem at all unless it snowed at Chang La and the road got closed temporarily.

In terms of accommodation, all of the campsites may not be available so early in the season. In this case, you will have to stay at a guest house in Spangmik, Man, or Merak villages.

But if you were visiting Pangong Lake at the April end though, campsites too will be operational and you will have no problem finding a place to stay.

The Shyok route is the one that connects Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso. Taking this road, you can travel directly between the two places without having to back to Leh City.

Earlier, this road used to remain closed until June but now, even this route will be open in April. You can reach Nubra and then go directly to Pangong from there. For more details, please read How to Travel from Nubra Valley to Pangong Directly .

Tso Moriri in April

Like Nubra and Pangong, Tso Moriri also remains open in April but it too will not be in a frozen state. Your chances of finding accommodation here are actually even better than at Pangong as there are a lot of guesthouses and homestays in Karzok.

Campsites in all probability will only be available only by the end of the month. For more details, please read How to Plan a Trip to Tso Moriri .

Visiting Tso Kar may not be possible this early in the season. The high-altitude pass of Tanglang La remains closed in April so you will not be able to cross it and get to the other side on Moore Plains, to reach Tso Kar.

You can get there though from the Tso Moriri side but will then have to go back to Karzok itself. There will also not be any accommodation available at Tso Kar at this time.

Chushul Route & Hanle

The route via Chushul is the one that you can take to travel directly to Tso Moriri from Pangong Lake without having to go back to Leh City.

You will travel from Pangong to Chushul via Man and Merak. After Chushul, you will take the road via Tsaga, Loma, Nyoma, Mahe, and Sumdo to arrive at Karzok (Tso Moriri). Please read How to Plan a Trip from Pangong to Tso Moriri for more details.

This route also remains open in April completely and you can easily travel on it if you had a car with good ground clearance.

Hanle is a small village that is located near Chushul. To get here, you will have to take the Hanle road from Loma, a stretch of about 50 kilometers.

An ideal way for the journey would be that you reach Loma from Pangong Tso and go to Hanle to spend the night. From Hanle, on the next day, you will then return to Loma and continue to Tso Moriri.

pangong lake

Leh to Kargil Route & Sham Valley

The road from Leh to Kargil remains open all year long. So yes, you will be able to travel on this road even if the Srinagar Leh highway was not entirely open.

You can catch a flight to Leh and then plan a road trip to Kargil while visiting places like Gurudwara Patthar Sahib , Indus Zanskar Confluence, Magnetic Hill , Mulbekh Maitreya, Moonland, and Lamayuru Monastery on the way.

Sham Valley also remains open at this time and you can easily plan a trip here as well during your travel to Ladakh in April. Hemis Shukpachan is the village where most tourists stay overnight in Sham Valley.

You may not be able to reach Umling La Pass in April if traveling early in the season. Due to its altitude, the pass gets buried under the snow in the winter season. You may be able to get to Hanle but will have to keep Umling La out of your itinerary.

If you were traveling in the later part of the month, you may be able to cover Umling La as well depending on the weather and the road conditions.

Zanskar Valley in April

You cannot reach Zanskar Valley in April. You can get to Kargil from Leh but the road ahead to Padum will definitely be closed at this time. Since you cannot also take the Chadar trek route, there is absolutely no way to access Zanskar in April.

This, however, depends highly on the weather. If there was less snow in the winter, the road from Kargil to Padum can actually be declared open in April as well. But even at the earliest, it will only be after 15th April.

Snow in Ladakh in April

There are two ways to look at it. If you were hoping to catch a live snowfall in Ladakh in April then your chances are brighter if you went in the early part of the month.

At this time, there will be a good amount of snow on the ground, at the passes, and along the routes. If you were lucky, it may even snow while you were still there.

But if you went to Ladakh in April end, then the chances of snowfall are much less. If you were, however, thinking about finding snow on the ground; then you can go in any part of the month and will still find plenty of snow at the high-altitude passes.

There will be no snow in the lower areas like Leh and Nubra Valley though. The snow would be mostly all gone from the lower areas but there will still be plenty of it in the higher reaches. For more information on this, please read When is the Best time to visit Ladakh .

drang drung glacier

Leh Ladakh Weather in April

Leh Ladakh in the month of April will still be cold. It will not be on the extreme side like in the months of peak winters but still enough to leave you shivering. Days will be pleasantly warm but nights will definitely be freezing still.

It will also depend on the time of your visit. If you were visiting in early April, it will definitely be colder than towards the end of the month. The temperature will be around 10 to 15 °C maximum and 0 °C on the minimum side.

Other than the time of the month, it will also depend on which part of Ladakh you were in. The temperature around water bodies like Pangong and Tso Moriri will drop down to around -5 °C (or even further down) even in April.

Clothes to Pack

What kind of clothes to pack for Ladakh in April? There are two aspects to it. The first is that you will definitely need warm woolen clothes but the second side is that you cannot pack all heavy woolen only.

The weather in Ladakh at this time is a bit tricky in the way that it will be warm during the day and cold during the night. You will feel hot standing in the sun but will feel the chill standing in the shade.

If you were in the town of Leh , you will be comfortable but if you were at the top of a mountain pass like Khardung La, you will definitely be shivering.

So your packing must be in a way that you are able to handle all kinds of situations. For example, if it was me, I will pack a pair of thermals, regular cotton clothes, some light woolens, and a heavy jacket . I will definitely not pack any tight or body-hugging clothes.

What I did here was to pack my clothes in layers that I can wear on top of one another. If I was cold, I can just add another layer of clothes, and if warm, remove a layer until I was comfortable. Good quality gloves, warm socks, a monkey cap, and a muffler will also be required.

Some other helpful items can be a pair of sunglasses, lip balm, cold cream, moisturizer, and some regular cold, flu, stomach ache, and headache medicines. For more details on this, please read Clothes for Ladakh Trip – What to Pack .

What to do in Leh Ladakh in April

Other than visiting all of the places I mentioned above, there isn’t much else left to do actually. Rafting in Ladakh in April is not possible because the water will be too cold and not suitable.

If you are into trekking, you can try a few treks in Sham Valley. Please read How to Plan a Trip to Sham Valley for more details on this.

You can also rent a motorcycle (if you reached by flight) and enjoy biking to your favorite places. There will be plenty of snow left at the top of the passes like Khardung La and Chang La.

If you were lucky, you may even catch a live snowfall in the earlier part of the month. So yes, if you were traveling with family, having some fun in the snow will definitely be a thing to try.

Experiencing the local culture of Ladakh is one of the best things to do here. It is a mix of Tibetan, Indian, Kashmiri, Buddhist, and Muslim cultures and is really unique.

You must also try eating out at the restaurants in Leh and try some local dishes. For more details on this, please read What to eat in Ladakh – Foods you must try in Ladakh .

Shopping should also be on your list. Though the markets will not be at their best in April since it is just the beginning of the tourist season, you can still buy some local stuff as a souvenir. Please read Shopping in Ladakh – What to buy in Ladakh for more details on this.

Festivals in Ladakh in April

There are no festivals celebrated in the month that I am aware of. There could be a local festival in any of the small village monasteries but not in Leh City or any other major tourist spot. For more information on festivals in Ladakh and their dates, please read the Details & Dates of Festivals in Ladakh .

Camping in Ladakh in April

Campsites in April will mostly be limited to either Pangong or Tso Moriri. There will be no campsites at this time on the Srinagar-Leh route and Manali to Leh will be closed anyway.

However, you can definitely pitch your own tent if you were carrying all the necessary gear. Just make sure you bring in the best quality sleeping bag to keep you warm in below-0-degree temperatures.

You can also rent camping gear and sleeping bags in Leh City as well. For some more tips on camping in Ladakh, please take a look at Tips for Self-Camping in Ladakh .

kargil war memorial

Mobile Network & Data Connectivity

BSNL   has the largest network in Ladakh and works even in the remotest areas. The problem however is that the voice clarity may or may not be that good. The network is intermittent and will come and go as it pleases. Data connectivity would either be slow or not available at all.

Airtel and Jio work very well in Leh and Nubra Valley with 4G data speed. You will get reception even on Leh Kargil Road with these networks.

All other networks including Vodafone and Idea only work in Leh City. You will not get any service on these networks anywhere else in Ladakh.

The most important thing to remember is that only a postpaid phone works in Ladakh. If you have a prepaid connection, it will stop working the moment you land in Leh. For more details, please take a look at  Mobile Network & Data Connectivity in Ladakh .

ladakh in april

Medical Assistance

Leh has a large hospital that is capable of handling any sort of medical emergencies. I believe there is a small dispensary in Nubra Valley as well. Other than these two places, there are no hospitals or clinics anywhere else in Ladakh.

Hence, it becomes of extreme importance that you keep a close watch on how you were feeling. If you start to feel unwell, it will be in your best interest to get back to Leh and wait it out there. If your condition worsens, seek medical help immediately.

You should also carry a medical kit of your own. Include medicines for ailments like fever, cough, cold, body ache, headache, and upset stomach.

Carry a pain relief spray, an antiseptic lotion, lip balm, cold cream, moisturizer, sunblock lotion, and a few Band-Aids. In case of an emergency, you can also seek medical assistance at the nearest Army post.

Also read: Ladakh Checklist – What to Pack

Road Connectivity and Condition

Internal roads in Ladakh remain open and connected for all 12 months, except for the times when heavy snow may block the passes during the peak winter season. But in April, you will have no problem getting to any part of Ladakh from Leh City.

Manali Leh highway , of course, would be closed and since the Srinagar route would just have opened, it will be in its worst-ever shape. Melting snow would have created numerous water streams and slush all across.

The worst section, however, will be between Sonamarg and Drass in the form of Zojila Pass. You will have to tackle a lot of mud and slush while crossing over Zojila at this time. Between Drass and Leh, roads will be good with a few bad patches in between.

After you have reached Leh, roads towards Nubra Valley, Pangong, and Tso Moriri will be a mix of good and average. Bad sections will be limited to the top of Khardung La and Chang La. The presence of snow and water streams creating by melting of it will be in plenty on these routes as well.

ladakh in april

Itinerary for visiting Ladakh in April

With all of the above being said, let me suggest a sample itinerary that you can follow for this trip. Your final plan will of course depend on how many days you have in hand but it should at least give you an idea of how to plan your journey.

If reaching Ladakh by Air, below is the itinerary you can follow.

  • Arrive in Leh. Rest and arrange Permits – Day 1
  • Leh to Lamayuru to Leh – Day 2
  • Leh to Diskit – Day 3
  • Diskit to Leh – Day 4
  • Leh to Pangong – Day 5
  • Pangong to Leh – Day 6
  • Leh to Tso Moriri – Day 7
  • Tso Moriri to Leh – Day 8
  • Fly Out – Day 9

This of course is just a sample itinerary but it is one plan that you can follow irrespective of your time and mode of travel. The connecting roads between Nubra, Pangong, and Moriri may not be open in April in which case you will have to come back to Leh from each of these destinations.

If you hired a motorcycle in Leh or a private cab, you can follow this itinerary but in case the connecting roads are open as well, then you can travel directly between Nubra and Pangong via Shyok road; and Pangong and Moriri via the Chushul route.

If however, you were looking for a bus or shared taxi, then you will have no other choice but to return to Leh City every time. There is still no public transport available on Shyok Road, across Wari La or Chushul / Hanle route.

Leh Ladakh Road Trip in April

If you want to make it a road trip to Ladakh then there are two things you will have to keep in mind and both will heavily depend on the weather.

The first is that you must plan for the latter part of April. The second is that you must plan only via Srinagar. This too however can only happen if the weather was favorable and the Srinagar Leh route was declared open in April that year.

Below is the itinerary that you can follow. For the sake of this article, I will assume Delhi is the starting point.

  • Delhi to Jammu – Day 1
  • Jammu to Srinagar – Day 2
  • Srinagar to Kargil – Day 3
  • Kargil to Leh – Day 4
  • Leh – Day 5
  • Leh to Diskit – Day 6
  • Diskit to Pangong – Day 7
  • Pangong to Leh – Day 8
  • Leh to Batalik / Kargil – Day 9
  • Batalik / Kargil to Srinagar – Day 10
  • Srinagar to Jammu – Day 11
  • Jammu to Delhi – Day 12

Following this itinerary, when you reach Leh from Kargil on Day 4. You will do so via Lamayuru. But on your way back on Day 9, you can choose an alternate route via Batalik.

In case Shyok Road is closed at your time of arrival then you will have to return to Leh from Diskit on Day 7 and go to Pangong the next day. If you have more time in your hand, then you can plan a trip to Tso Moriri as well; either from Leh via Chumathang or from Pangong via Chushul.

Keep Buffer Days

While we are talking about the itinerary, let me also mention that you must keep at least 2 days in your travel plan as a buffer. This actually applies irrespective of your time of travel.

A trip to Ladakh will always have a bit of uncertainty factor to it. You may be visiting Nubra Valley or Pangong and the road across Khardung or Chang La may get snowed out, forcing you to stay back for a day or two.

To handle it better, you should plan your trip in a way that if you had to extend your stay in Ladakh by a couple of days, you would be able to do so without any problem back home.

ladakh in april

Honeymoon in Leh Ladakh in April

Yes, a lot of people have now started to consider Ladakh for their honeymoon as well. If you were thinking that too then my answer is yes you can do it.

The weather will be pleasantly cold. There will not be too many tourists around, making it a perfect place to plan for a honeymoon.

Just make sure that you call your hotel in advance, book your stay and inquire about facilities like hot water. I am sure squatting every morning over a dry pit on your honeymoon isn’t what you would want to do.

Leh Ladakh Bike Trip in April

The itinerary I suggested above is perfect for planning a trip to Ladakh by motorcycle. Before you do so, please make sure that your bike is completely ready for Ladakh.

Get it serviced, learn some minor repairs yourself like changing tubes, and carry some spares. For more details, please read How to Prepare your Motorcycle for Ladakh Trip .

Pangong Lake Weather in April

Please note that the weather and temperature at Pangong are always a lot colder than that of Leh or Nubra Valley. The large water body forces the temperature to fall a few degrees below the average temperature elsewhere in Ladakh.

Add to it the fact that Pangong is at a much higher altitude than Leh city and you will know why the night at the lake becomes problematic for so many people.

The temperature at Pangong Lake in April will remain between 0 to 5 degrees Celsius during the day and will fall below 0 at night.

I believe that covers most if not all that you should know about visiting Ladakh in April. If you have any questions, you can contact me on Instagram and I will be happy to answer. You can also consider subscribing to my YouTube channel and asking a question there.

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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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How to plan a trip to leh ladakh, srinagar leh highway status 2024 – 2025, zojila pass road status and condition 2024 –..., 41 comments.

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Can we go in first week of April of 2024, is it fine, any thing if you can please mention which I need to think?

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Hi… thank you for your detail information. I’m planning to visit Leh 22 -30 april 2023 and since the cost of fligt to Amritsar compare to Delhi almost the same and to avoid more transit fligt is it possible i chose to landed at ATQ instead? Or it’s still best option fly to Delhi then to Leh? Any link to more detail info like this if the journey starting from Amritsar? Thankyoi

It is entirely your choice but yes, Delhi Airport is busier and crowded than Chandigarh

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Great and useful blog. Doing a 7 day trip from 29 April to 6may 22. What can we expect weather wise, roads wise. Doing sham Valley, Nebraska,pangong hanle and tsomori.

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I’m planning for a bike solo trip from Delhi to Leh. As you suggest I will go by the Srinagar highway. Is all roads are open? Can I go by bike? What is your suggestion?

Srinagar Leh highway is open Nik but Manai Leh is not. When are you planning to go?

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Hello! Thank you for creating this blog. My friend and I are visiting during the 2nd week of April. Do you know if river rafting, skiing and/or cycling will be available? Also, is Turtuk Village worth the long travel?

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Hello Mr. Khan nice blog. We are planning to visit Kashmir and travel to Leh by road by last week of April. We are all women group is it ok and safe?

Hello Ms. Appaji – I think the article below will be able to answer your questions.

https://vargiskhan.com/log/memoirs-first-solo-trip-to-ladakh/

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Hi Vargis, amazing blog. Lots of information. Thanks!!

I am planning to travel to Leh/Ladakh in April mid (15th). I am planning to travel by air. There on the 3rd day I am planning to rent a bike and then travel to Khardung La, Pangong Tso, Nubra Valley. Can I do it?

I ride bikes in cities and have grip with Himalayan but will it be too difficult to ride? Please let me know. Thanks!

Hi Varun – As long as you have good enough riding experience, it is doable.

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Hello sir , we r planning to go leh in apr frst week . How was the weather n pinging lake condition that time does it runny or freeze . What’s d best time such we can enjoy snow n lake both

April is a good time to go for that Priyanka

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Hi if sonmurg toLeh by road open via zojila pass?

Yes it is open

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Hello Can you tell me all the treks I can undertake in April (I’m travelling between 4-18th April)

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Heyo. How much it cost to complete leh Ladakh trip??

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Great Blog Sir.. We are planning for the trip on 3rd week of April. We have a doubt regarding the lakes. All the lakes especially pangong lake, will they be looking in bright blue color or due to running water from mountain due to melting snow will make it look grayish.

It will be all Blue by April Raj.

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we are going by flight starting of the April so is it good kya , people go in April or not or we should plan in june.

If you are going by flight then April is better

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Thanks for the post. Just read that Nubra to Pangong (direct road) is closed in April, does this still apply- considering that road conditions have improved vastly in last 2 years? I had taken this road in my earlier trips and am keen on doing it again this year- is there a way the road can be accessed? Is the road from Pangong to Tsomoriri also closed during this time?

Just to add, our entire trip will be on the BIKE.

No, it remains open now, even in April. I will update the post as well. All the internal roads remain open in April.

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Hi, i am planning a Leh trip in the last week of April. I would like to know your opinion, is it safe to plan a trip now, considering activities happening in the north in last 3 months.

Yes it is safe enough

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Hello vargis,

The details provided are great! Thanks for the itinerary! However i would like to know if self-driven cars and bikes are available in Leh during 2nd week of April, also is it safe to drive on those roads during that time. Any references regarding the renting points will be highly appreciated.

Hi Pooja – You can get motorcycles on rent but self drive cars are not an option in Ladakh. There may be some snow on the roads in early April at top of the passes but should be manageable.

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We wish to visit Srinagar Gulmarg &Leh in the first week of April. What’s ur opinion regarding visiting these places in the context of the ongoing tensions in the valley? Are Hotels Transport and Sight seeing normal in the city of Srinagar

It is not safe to go right now and tourists are rather trying to get out of the valley. Keep your plan open to visit some other place if the situation did not improve by April

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Thanks for the much needed info. .iam travelling to Ladakh from 14th to 20th April 2022 by flight ✈️ from ranchi ,want to know about AMS and should i take diamox or any other medicine to prevent AMS iam a young 32 year old fit boy!

Take a look at this post Arihant

https://vargiskhan.com/log/dealing-acute-mountain-sickness-ladakh/

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Hi. Any recommendation for a good hotel, a guide/agent based in Leh Ladakh? I’ll be travelling to Leh Ladakh this midweek of April for 7days approx. Thank you.

You can talk to Rohit Mishra in Leh at 9910 722 252.

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Hello vergis .i will plan to visit leh.in last of april. I dont know any thing about leh. How many days required for leh ladak. I am having 2 yr. Old son. Any problems related to less oxygen in that area. And please help me how i plan to see leh ladak area in minimum days. Thank you

How many days required for leh,ladak

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Hi. I m planning to visit Leh Ladakh at the end f March or 1st week f April wid my friends.. Plz let me knw during dis period can i cover Nubra valley, khardunga pass, pangong lake?? Wil dis b open as me coming from Kolkata by air.?nd we r total seven people including six yrs baby boy.. So wil dis b fyn to travel wid a kid??

Yes you will be able to visit all these places. For traveling with Children, please see the post below.

https://vargiskhan.com/log/traveling-to-ladakh-with-children/

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Hi. I’m planning to visit leh ladakh at the end of March or very first week of April with my friends. Pls let me know whether the time is suitable for us as we will be going there from kolkata. Do we find hotel rooms and folding easier at that time.

Thank you. Irfan

Yes you will be able to find hotels in early April. It will be very cold at that time so pack accordingly please.

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Hi,i’m a student. I’m thinkinh of going to Ladakh with my friends from 30th March to 7 April 2019(our only last holiday before we leave india permanently) I think we’ll go by air since i’m worried the road from manali to leh will be closed. However,during this time,will there be activities to do/are the scenery ok? Or do you think its not a good idea to go at this time at all? Really wish you can help us out as we heard that Ladakh is really beautiful and if possible,we would like to go there once before leaving India.

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Best Time to Travel Ladakh & Zanskar Valley

Dheeraj Sharma

A lot of people ask me this many times on the blog to suggest the best time to travel to Leh Ladakh , and I thought it is better to pen it down in an article so that it helps others too and does not repeat on the blog all over again and again.

Well, there are two roads that lead you to Leh Ladakh popular by the names of Srinagar Leh Highway and Manali Leh Highway . Both of them generally remain closed for more than six months from November to April or Mid-May every year because of heavy snowfall on various mountain passes that comes on these adventurous roads.

So, the only time to travel by road to Leh Ladakh is from Mid-May to Mid – October. And the second half of October is a risky affair to travel and May is the only likely option for Srinagar – Leh Highway as Manali – Leh Highway generally opens by June first week or late May.

But, still, the question is :

What is the best time to visit Ladakh and Zanskar Valley

Let's quickly dive into the details:

“What is the best time to travel Leh Ladakh in these 5-6 months?”

Leh ladakh in april to mid-may.

April is the month when tourists or travelers from all parts of the world start to come to Ladakh. Restaurants start to either open or set up for the coming season. Similarly, the guest houses, camps at Pangong Tso, and Tso Moriri lakes also start to be set up.

By the second week of May, generally, the Srinagar Leh Highway opens, and the influx of tourists starts to get into Ladakh. Supplies flow in along with fresh vegetables and fruits. Hence life comes to normalcy in Ladakh.

Wondering About Best time to travel Leh Ladakh?

In late April, all lakes including Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri start to melt, and by mid-May, they completely melt and start radiating the ever-beautiful blue hues under sunlight. Tourists / Travellers visiting these places get good discounts as it is the onset of the season and with fewer tourists around, it is indeed a better place to be.

The high mountain passes in Ladakh including both Khardung La and Chang La, are under heaps of snow, and passing through them is quite an experience in itself. Carrying shades/glares/goggles are highly recommended at this time of the year.

Vehicles Lining Up to Khardung La Pass in Snow

Leh Ladakh in May – June – July

As I said, in May, most likely, you will only find Srinagar – Leh to be open, so if you are interested in the complete circuit, then it is not the right time. In June beginning or May end, Manali road opens with the opening of Rohtang Pass.

In the initial 7-10 days, the roads are pretty much unstable with common snow slides, and intermittent blockages also happen, but gradually it settles down. And from Mid of June to July just before the onset of monsoon season, it is a very nice time to travel, and indeed a lot of people undertake the road journey to Ladakh at this specific window only.

Dheeraj Sharma

Dheeraj Sharma

It is the perfect time for those who want to enjoy snow around the road and drive through the snow walls of Rohtang Pass / Rani Nalla and Baralacha La too. However, keep in mind that snow starts to melt which means, ferocious water crossings and rivers are pretty common in this period.

Later you will reach a water crossing in the day, slim are the chances to cross it. So, plan to leave early in the day and reach the early in the day on the destination to have buffer time as well.

Is it possible to make a trip to Ladakh using public transport?

from Mid of June to July just before the onset of monsoon season, it is a very nice time to travel and indeed a lot of people undertake the road journey to Ladakh at this specific window only. Best time to travel for seeing snow in Ladakh

Water crossings or Nallas over Manali - Leh Highway

Leh Ladakh in August

In August, monsoons are in a full flurry, and rivers and water crossings go ferocious at times when rain is pouring down. Landslides are common too in this period. However, there is a catch, the region beyond Zozi La Pass towards Leh from the Srinagar side and beyond Baralacha La pass towards Leh from the Manali side, being a rain shadow region does not get much affected by rains.

But, surely you will be facing the monsoon hassles up to Baralacha La pass from Manali side and Zozila Pass from Srinagar side. Of course, as happening for the last few years Rohtang Pass & Zojila are most likely to be a nightmare in this period.

Even the definition of Ladakh being the rain shadow region is changing now. We have started getting rain in Ladakh too or at least overcast conditions with light rains now and then. Few cloudbursts and flash floods also have occurred in a couple of years, including 2018. So, be ready for surprises even in the rain shadow region of Ladakh too in the coming years.

Those beautiful curves over Srinagar - Kargil Highway

Leh Ladakh in September – October

Personally, this is my favorite season to travel to Ladakh with vibrant & burning colors all over in full glory. Post-monsoon, the region becomes devoid of rains and the chill starts to set in with some intermittent light snowfall.

However, the colors of fall/autumn are almost burning with beauty all over the Srinagar Leh Road, Manali Leh Road, and, of course, the entire Ladakh, including Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri & Nubra Valley. The road conditions also improve a lot in comparison to the rest of the season. You will witness the best roads of the season since the maintenance works also settle by that time. It is the best time to self-drive to Ladakh if you are taking a small car like a hatchback or sedan to Ladakh.

Even the water crossings are timid in flow with less water in them and are easy to pass by. The rivers turn into aqua blue color again, giving an entirely different aura to the region. Your body is at the maximum exposure to UV rays, and due to lack of moisture, it becomes a bit difficult to acclimatize as well. But, the beauty on offer is worth anything in the world 😀

Also, it is time when some camps have closed and packed up, and some still run. There is occasional snowfall as well, which might close the road for a day or two temporarily. The Raid-De-Himalayas rally also happens in this window which also disturbs you as a traveler to some extent.

Personally, this is my favorite season to travel to Ladakh with vibrant & burning colors all over in full glory. for those who love vibrant fall colors

A Teaser... Even Artist Would Feel Envy There Colors near Drass

Leh Ladakh in November

The period of late October and November is when the cold settles into Trans Himalayas completely with sub-zero temperatures at almost all places above 14000 feet especially over the Manali Leh highway and the high-altitude lakes. The colors though are still beautiful in the region, tourists have almost gone away and only a few brave ones remain 🙂 :).

Most of the guest houses, hotels, and restaurants are closed by this time along with camps at Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri lakes, which are packed up by the last week of September. Dhabhas and camps on Manali Leh Highway are also deserted, and locals go away to their homes to get ready for hibernation in cold winters.

What are tips for long-distance bike ride in Ladakh or Spiti? [10 Practical Tips]

Though both Manali Leh Road and Srinagar Leh Road remain open unofficially, it is highly not recommended to travel over them, especially the Manali Leh Highway with such cold conditions. There will not be many shelters available and black ice on roads that make driving a dangerous affair. Black ice is quite common in this period it starts to appear in October starting as well at some places though it does not last long in the early stages or the winter season.

Interesting Read: 5 Reasons to Avoid Manali – Leh Highway in October – November

Aqua Colored Zanskar River in Zanskar Valley

Leh Ladakh in December – January – February – March

This period is the coldest in Ladakh where January is the coldest month of all seasons, and Ladakh is cut off from the rest of the world by road. Only a few brave and bold tourists are around even though the roads to Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso Lake over Khardung La Pass, and Chang La Pass respectively are kept open all around the year barring a few days of heavy snowfall .

Late January to February is also the time when many adventure tourists come to Leh Ladakh to walk over the frozen Zanskar River from Padum in Zanskar Valley to Leh , popularly known as Chadar Trek.

In this period, you are at the mercy of extreme cold. Snowfall as well is pretty common and mingled with high-altitude terrain; it makes life difficult to survive and acclimatize as well. The key is to take rest, ample rest in the initial days. Then, gradually start overreaching other high-altitude places. The food options are minimal, and most of the restaurant lives are deserted as their cook is out at their homes.

From November to December / Mid-January types, if the sun is shining the colors in the Lakes such as Pangong Tso or Tso Moriri is breathtaking but the options to stay near them are none or limited. Just some Home Stays in nearing villages where basic facilities will be available to brave the extreme cold.

After Mid-January, both Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri along with other high-altitude lakes start to freeze and become solid as earth as you can drive your car over it, leave alone walk over it. Be responsible and don’t do that of course 😉

These lakes remain frozen almost up to April. So, those looking forward to seeing the magical changing colors of these lakes with sunlight in the day shall refrain from making a trip to Ladakh from January to late April, which is almost for four months.

Yet Another Time We Stuck… Towards Khardung La Pass

Still confused??

Sun Playing Hide and Seek at Pangong Tso - Ladakh

Are you still confused?? Don’t worry. I will suggest if you want to see heaps of snow and have a good adventure, then you must plan your road trip to Ladakh starting June first/ the second week up to mid of July types.

However, if you are more interested in nature’s lovely colors pallet and maybe you are very much into photography, then the late season is the time. You do not want to miss out on, i.e., late September up to the second week of October when colors are oozing out vividly all over Ladakh!!

Have a travel question?? You can subscribe to my YouTube channel and leave a comment to ask your travel questions about traveling to the Himalayas.

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Do you have any questions or suggestions or need any help in planning your trip to Leh Ladakh? If yes, please feel free to post them either in the comments section of this article below. You can also take guidance from many travel experts in our DwD Community Forums and discuss your upcoming travel plans for Ladakh.

If you like the article, please feel free to share it with any of your family or friends who are planning a trip to Ladakh.

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

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Hello I am planning to visit leh by flight on 29th August 2019 with my wife & 12 year old daughter. Is it save to travel that time considering rainy season.

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Bro! We are a group of friends planning our trip from April 28th and fly directly to leh, will we be able to enjoy our trip without any obstructions(like snow ) or the pangong lake being Frozen or unavailability of accommodation ?

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You should look at Leh – Ladakh in Winters – Most Common Itinerary

It will answer all your questions 🙂

What about mid May? I really want to see the unfrozen beauty of pangong!!

In that case plan for mid May to late May, it should melt by that time of the year

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we have planned and booked flight ticket from Bangalore to Srinagar on 24th April and return from Leh on 6th May 2018. Plan is to spend 4-5 days in Srinagar and then travel by road to Leh and spend 6-7 days there visiting Nubra , pangong and other sorrounding.

Please suggest as we heard that Srinagar – Leh highway is closed till April end.

Sunil, Srinagar – Leh Highway may or may not be open by last week of April. Considering BRO has already opened Zanskar Valley road, I have hopes by mid of April, they will open Srinagar – Leh Highway too.

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Hi Dheeraj,

We two friends are planning a leh ladakh trip in September. We want to experience everything including the snow; hence, what would be your suggestion? Is it good in September? Yes, then which part of the month? Waiting for your reply.

Hari, there will be no snow in September. If you want to enjoy snow, then you have to plan the trip in April – May but then roads are not open and only option is to fly to Ladakh. Else June is when you will find plenty of snow at passes in Ladakh and Manali – Leh Highway

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Hi! Planning to go Leh by air on 24th Sep n bck by 2 October by road via Manali .i want to know if October first week will be safe by road from Leh to Manali n and also why return airfares are soo high from Leh.i Jst don’t want to get stuck there because of snow on d way bck

Chaand, just keep an eye on weather once you reach Leh and then take a call. Nowadays, usually first week of October os still OK to travel but sometimes it does snow. Also, plan to directly reach Jispa from Leh without halt at Sarchu.

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Hello Dheeraj

I was planning for a trip from Manali tto Leh ladakh and back from Aug 26 to Sep 5. Is it a good timeI for travel? Read every where u mentioned that Aug is not a good time to visit Leh,,

Regards ANimesh

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So here is what my Ladakh trip looks like… starting on 16th September and ending on 30th September.

Day 1: Noida – Patnitop (Overnight stay at Patnitop) Day 2: Patnitop – Sonmarg (Overnight stay at Sonmarg) Day 3: +++ Rest Day at Sonmarg + Sight Seeing in Sonmarg & Gulmarg +++ (Overnight stay at Sonmarg) Day 4: Sonmarg – Kargil (Overnight stay at Kargil) Day 5: Kargil – Leh (Overnight stay at Leh) Day 6: +++ Rest Day at Leh + Sight Seeing in & around Leh +++ (Overnight stay at Leh) Day 7: Leh – Nubra Valley (Overnight stay at Diskit) Day 8: Nubra Valley – Pangong Tso Lake (Overnight at Pangong Tso Lake) Day 9: Pangong Tso – Leh (Overnight stay at Leh) Day 10: Leh – Tso Moriri Lake (Overnight stay at Korzok) Day 11: Tso Moriri – Jispa (Overnight stay at Jispa) Day 12: Jispa – Manali (Overnight stay at Manali) Day 13: +++ Rest Day at Manali + Sight Seeing in & around Manali +++ (Overnight stay at Manali) Day 14: Manali – Noida Day 15: Buffer Days Day 16: Buffer Days

Do you think that this plan looks good? I am assuming that I have taken enough breaks in between for the body to acclimatize to the conditions up there! Let me know if there are any changes that you want to suggest!

I would also welcome any feedback from fellow members here!

Thanks and Regards, Abhishek

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Looking for a suggestion.

Can I visit just Leh -> Zanskar -> Leh in August ? Is this is good time or will there be rains?

Plan: Sat, Aug 5: Leave Mumbai by flight to Leh, Start on bike / rent car to Kargil Sun, Aug 6: Kargil to Zanskar Mon, Aug 7: Back to Kargil Tue, Aug 8: Back to Leh Wed, Aug 9: Back to Mumbai

Please let me know if the climate is good this time and if this is doable in such short time.

Well since you are flying directly to Leh, it is rain shadow region and hence, even in monsoon, it is fine. However, Zanskar needs at least 4-5 days from Kargil and for Kargil – Leh you need minimum two days. Hence, in 5 days it is not possible.

ok.. thank you for the quick reply.. will plan it well for next year 🙂

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Me and my husband are planning to visit Leh-Ladakh (via Manali) from Delhi in the third week of September’ 2017 in our “Ford Eco-sport”. We are a little confused whether it will be OK to take Eco – sport to Leh Ladakh. How much wear and tear can happen to it, and will our Ford Eco-sport will be able to sustain it, as the Ford guys told us not to take it to Leh-ladakh, as it is city car and not made for off road. Can you please guide us? Also, want to know how to connect with other people who are planning their visit to Leh-Ladakh at the same time as it will be good to stay connected with them while travelling.

Neha, Ford EcoSport is very capable of doing the Leh – Ladakh trip. So, don’t worry much about it, just be cautious in driving. You can read: 40 Must Have Things to Carry on Ladakh Self Drive Trip and 7 Useful Tips for a Self Drive to Leh – Ladakh

We are a group of people (2 couples) who would also be travelling to Leh Ladakh (starting on 16th September from Noida and ending on 30th September 2017). But we would be travelling to Leh Ladakh from Srinagar side and would be completing the circuit from Manali side. During the 4th week of September we would be on the Manali side.

It is surely a good idea to connect while travelling.

Cheers! Abhishek

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Mr.Sharma, This was a wonderful article. Thank you for providing information. I would like to ask if first week of Aug would be a good time to visit Leh. I am planning to go by air to Leh. Please give your opinion. Thanks.

Since you are planning to go by Air, Ladakh is a rain shadow region and least touched by rains. So, it shall be fine to make a trip by air to Ladakh

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Hello dheeraj sir, Is this itinerary good for the 25th october. is this the right time travel ladakh. can we go all the places ?? Day 1 : Rest n local sights Day 2 : magnetic hill n pather sahib n acclimatization. Day 3 : leh to nubra Day 4 : nubra to pangong via Agham Day 5 : pangong to leh Day 6 : Return

Plz reply soon. Thanks

Given the days at hand, it looks fine. Please keep in mind it will be very cold in October at PAngong Tso, best will be to stay at Tangtse or do day trip from Leh.

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Thanks for your valuable information. Actually we are planning to visit leh ladakh in 2nd wk of september for 10 days. please tell whether camping is advisable or not during that season if yes mentioned the best place for camping. also tell either visiting all famous lake i.e. pang, tso moriri etc is possible or not.

Thanks again.

Dann, September is a very good time to travel to Leh – Ladakh. You can read: Top 10 Tips for Camping in Ladakh & Spiti Valley

thanks for your reply. tell me about permit also , can’t we get them online so that we can save our time over there? where are these permits required during the traveling ??

Well, the Permits for Leh – Ladakh are available online: Ladakh Inner Line Permits Available Online

However, only permits are applied and you have to take the print out and pay your permit fee in person in Leh at Tourist Info Center or DC office in Leh.

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Hi Dheeraj! I want to ask you very important question regarding bikers? The tussle going on between bikers of Manali and Leh is only for Rental bikes? and what about bikers who are on there own bikes, do they also have to face anytype of problems???

There is no issue at all for the own bikes in Ladakh.

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I’m planning for a trip to Leh via Manali. Is it okay to plan the trip in August, or it is more advisable to travel by end of June. This will be my first experience, and we’re planning for an SUV.

Best is to travel in September for better road conditions and less challenges, else up to mid July is OK. Avoid monsoon travel in August.

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Dear Dheeraj, I am planning a 10 daya trip to Leh with my wife, 7yo son, two brothers starting on 15th June. I will planning to take my Baleno Diesel. It’s the very first time for me to visit Leh. Request your kind suggestions as I am really confused about whether I should make this trip or not. Also request you to advise on travel itinerary and stay options. Look forward for an early response. Thanks.

For hatchback/sedan taking on Manali – Leh Highway Or Spiti Valley via Manali Or Ladakh, please refer the link: FAQ | Can I do Leh – Ladakh / Spiti / Manali – Leh trip in Hatchback or Sedan? for more details.

It will take 4 days to reach Leh from Srinagar side starting from Delhi with stop overs at Jammu, Srinagar, Kargil and 3 days to come back from Leh from Manali side to Delhi with stopovers at Sarchu, Manali. This makes it 7 days. 1 Day is required in Leh for acclimatization. You have about 10 days. 1 Day can be used as Day trip to Pangong Tso and other day can be used as day trip to Nubra Valley or just Khardung La pass.

Opt to go via Manali – Leh Highway and I will suggest that you refer the thread for more details on the route and night halts though it is of 9 days: Manali – Leh – Ladakh – Manali | Itinerary for 9 Days . You can fit in plan I suggested in above para in this plan You can check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate (cheap budget hotels as well) in the series of articles starting on the link here

Thanks again for your valuable suggestions. I have made up my mind for 9 days itinerary suggested by you via Manali -Leh route. Just bit concerned about road conditions vs Baleno. Will be happy if you suggest any precautions.

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Actually I am looking for this type of information from very long time but bi cant found it clearly but you describe all this very clearly! Thanks for this article.

That is wonderful to hear, glad the article helped you.

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Can we will go to Leh (Manali to Leh via jispa) own car Chevrolet Sail Uva Hatchback 2014 Model. Can I go Chevrolet Sail Uva Hatchback 2014 Model say Yes or Not If we go by my own car – Do you advised me witch route is best for me Manali – Leh – Srinagar/ Srinagar – Leh – Manali . witch cars can cross the Manali – Leh – Srinagar Plz guide me. Please Car Name

As you advised, i have an iternary for my trip. at first can i go to leh rout as shown below by Chevrolet Sail Uva Hatchback 2014 Model I am also running this car to west bangal, char cham, dharmshala, deu all gujrat. so please advice me this car is suatable for me. and with equipment is required for this route.

June – 3: Manali – Jispa (overnight stay) June – 4: Jispa – Sarchu (overnight stay) June – 5: sarchu – Leh (overnight stay) June – 6: Leh – ride to sham valley and sight seeing June – 7: leh – Nubra (overnight stay) June – 8: Nubra – Pangong tso (camping) June – 9: Pangong Tso – Tso moriri – Leh (overnight stay) June – 10: Leh – kargil June – 11: kargil – srinagar

I am still waiting for your suggestion.

Hello Mahesh,

Please avoid night stay at Sarchu and to Manali – Jispa, Jispa – Leh. Then use that day to make two day trip to Nubra Valley and two day trip to Pangong Tso by regular routes as the direct routes, hatches might not survive or you may get stuck in the middle of no help around. Skip Tso Moriri.

Also, if you do the trip in reverse direction, it will be much better. For hatchback/sedan taking on Manali – Leh Highway Or Spiti Valley via Manali Or Ladakh, please refer the link: FAQ | Can I do Leh – Ladakh / Spiti / Manali – Leh trip in Hatchback or Sedan? for more details.

Hello Dheeraj you are amazing ! I am much keen for bike trip on Manali Leh Highway in September as that is the time when road conditions will become good. But some of our female friends wants to live “Jab We Met” moment (or snow ki toh baat hi kuch or hai) so we are travelling in June.. My only concern is for road conditions in mid June specially “Rohtang Pass” I have heard that in june we have to deal with lots of slush on “Rohtang Pass” but as we are going before monsoon so we are hoping we will get some good roads as compare to july or August .. Your knowledge is highly appreciable. So what is your take on “Rohtang Pass” in mid of June ???

Shubham, for snow you have to make a trip around mid of June and also have to go through some bad sections of the roads. The roads will definitely be more challenging as snow melts during that time creating slush and water crossings at many places.

Thank you Friend, Under the guidance of “Devil on wheels” it seems like we are all ready for the trip & the conditions.. Yeah we are expecting water crossings & slush thats the main adventure of this trip but we hope not as much as you have shown in above pics during mid june “Nightmarish roads of Rohtang Pass” ???

Most likely, you will not face that much of slush during that time unless there is debris of fresh landslide.

Thank you so much Dheeraj 🙂

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Hi Sir, Your page is awsome. We have a plan in August Please tell whether it is feasible or not.

14thAugust :- DELHI – Leh 15th August:- Leh 16th August:- Leh – Turtuk 17th August:- Turtuk – Nubra Valley 18th August:- Nubra – Pangong Via Aghyam Shiyok( We are in a doubt about it) 19th August:- Pangong – Leh 20th August:- Leh – Alchi – Magnetic hill – Kargil 21th August:- Kargil – Padum 22nd August:- Padum 23rd August:- Padum Or Rnagdum or Sankoo 24th August:- Back to Kargil 25th August:- Kargil – Srinagar 26th August:- Srinagar – Kolkata

Your plan looks good to me. On 23rd, you can stay at Rangdum. There is a new guest house there called LA Himalaya with attached bathrooms.

We have contacted Rigzin Da. He is managing except Kargil and Leh. Will it be wise to use Agyam Shiyok road to reach Pangong During August???

Well, as long as you can find some company to travel with you at Agham village, local driver should be able to get you through with that route. You will get to know about the present status once you reach up there.

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Thank you so much dheeraj for your precious info 🙂 We are planning to visit Manali-Leh on the mid of June17 and will take halt in Keylong/Jispa & Sarchu but as it is the peak time of tourists attraction.. is it advisable to pre book our accommodations near Keylong/Jispa & Sarchu or we will easily get accomodations after reaching there ???

Arjun, I will not recommend you to have a night halt at Sarchu while going to Leh. You can stay while coming back. Keylong has plenty of options and if you are not particular, you can find. For Jispa, I will suggest to pre-book as limited options are there.

Thank you Dheeraj, There is no plan to have a halt at Sarchu as altitude is so high there but if we have to Just for the knowledge is it advisable to pre book our accomodations at Sarchu or we will get easily after reaching there??? & we will come back through via Srinagar 🙂

Good, yeah, in such a case it should be OK. Also keep Tso Kar in mind in case of emergency for a stay. It is not that far from the main highway.

There will be plenty of options at Sarchu, since, it is not final to stay there, better book it on the spot.

Hii Dheeraj thank you so much for your precious info 🙂 We are planning our trip to mid June17.. as it is the time when most tourists prefer to travel & we are planning to halt on Keylong/Jispa & Sarchu.. So do we have to pre book our accommodations as there are many tourists or we get accommodations easily after reaching there???

Replied on the other thread.

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Hi Dheeraj, I am planning to visit Leh Ladakh in second half of October 2017. Is it advisable ? Will we get a chance to visit all the attractions ? Please give me your valuable suggestions.

Also to add, I am planning a trip of 10 days. I would request you to suggest me a better schedule.

Will you be flying to Leh or making road trip?

I will be flying. I have two options. Either in October 2017 Or around 15th May 2017. So, which option is preferable ? Please suggest me a better trip of 10 days.

Both the months are not so good for road trip but since you are flying I will suggest May over October with two points

1. In May you will find snow and pleasant weather at least in Leh, Nubra and around not as cold. 2. October, will be windy, cold and dry.

You should refer: Leh – Ladakh | Most Common Itinerary by Air

Are you making a road trip?

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Hi Dheeraj, Thanks for the wonderful blog!!

Iam planning for a bike trip to leh via manali-leh route and come back through leh – srinagar highway to Delhi. I am planning to take this trip by either july or september. Also iam planning to complete the circuit in 9 – 10 days. Is it possible to complete it within planned time?? I wish to enjoy in light snowfalls. SO please advise me on the good time to take the rip.

Iam bit confused avout the permits. Do bikers from other state need to get permit in all places throughout manli leh highway??

In leh do we neef to drive j&k registered bikers?? Is own bikes or rented bikes not allowed in leh for expedition???

FInal question.. which is better to take the trip either through some travel agency package or going individual???

please clarify my doubts. Thanks in advance….

Give me your contact mail id……

Thank you Siraj.

It will take 3 days to reach Leh from Delhi via Manali side with stopovers at Jispa, Manali and 4 days to come back to Delhi from Leh via Srinagar side with stop overs at Jammu, Srinagar, Kargil . This makes it 7 days. 1 Day is required in Leh for acclimatization. You have about 10 days. 1 Day can be used as Day trip to Pangong Tso and other day can be used as day trip to Nubra Valley or just Khardung La pass.

Thanks a lot Dheeraj for clarifying my queries.

Could you please advice me on the best season to start my trip. I wish to enjoy the trip with snowfall. How long snow will be there once the passes are opened up?

On going through blog, i got the clarification about the bike permits in ladakh region. Thanks a lot for the briefly analysed blogs. It’s a really helpful and much needed one for all the new comers.

Do [email protected] provide any packages for the leh-ladak trip?? I have found this one while reading the blog. you have also suggested some to get in touch with them for bike rentals and packages.

Siraj, in that case plan the trip in second week of June when you can see snow on Zojila and Manali – Leh Highway. Snowfall is pure luck based. Yes, those guys provide customized packages of Leh – Ladakh

If you travel form Manali to Rohtang Pass, permit is required for bikes too.

Thanks Dheeraj!!

As you advised, i have an iternary for my trip.

June – 17: Manali – Jispa (overnight stay) June – 18: Jispa – Sarchu (overnight stay) June – 19: sarchu – Leh (overnight stay) June – 20: Leh – ride to sham valley and sight seeing June – 21: leh – Nubra (overnight stay) June – 22: Nubra – Pangong tso (camping) June – 23: Pangong Tso – Tso moriri – Leh (overnight stay) June – 24: Leh – kargil June – 25: kargil – srinagar (fly to home)

does this iternary looks good? Need your thoughts on this.

By june 10, the manali-leh highway will be clearing up? So, i need your advice on starting the trip by this date. Becoz, you have specified like wait for 2 weeks once the roads are opened to stabilize.

Siraj, please skip Sarchu as you will not be acclimatized to sleep up there altitude. Better make Jispa to Leh in a day. No need to do Sham Valley but do rest as Sham Valley can be covered while going to Kargil. You cannot do Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri to Leh in a day. Skip Tso Moriri for now. It is probable that Manali – Leh Highway will open by second week of June.

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Thank you very much for giving lots of useful information which is really needed for all the travelers.

Me and my friends are planning to ley ladhak trip. please suggest me, which way to choose Srinagar – ley or manalli -ley. and I’m worried about AMS. kindly suggest the good time to visit. your suggestion will really help me to make my trip memorable.

Thanks In Advance Srinivas

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

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

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

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Dear Dheeraj, Which would be a better date for arriving in leh this year 17 july or 24 july. We are 4 friends entering leh via srinagar and exiting via manali as per your suggestions. We would be taking zoomcar from chandigarh. We have to complete the chandigarh-leh-chandigarh circuit in 9 days . Kindly suggest keeping in mind the road and monsoon condition.

Faraz, I will prefer 17th July to travel to Ladakh. It will take 3 days to reach Leh from Delhi via Manali side with stopovers at Jispa, Manali and 4 days to come back to Delhi from Leh via Srinagar side with stop overs at Jammu, Srinagar, Kargil . This makes it 7 days. 1 Day is required in Leh for acclimatization. You have about 10 days. 1 Day can be used as Day trip to Pangong Tso and other day can be used as day trip to Nubra Valley or just Khardung La pass.

Also, I hope you are aware about: Rented Self Drive Cars in Leh – Ladakh Banned “FORCIBLY”

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This is Akshay from Mumbai; Me and three of my friends have planned the trip to Leh-Ladakh from 26th May to 4th June.

Actually at the start we were five however one of our friend dropped out due to some reasons;so we are looking for a someone to join us.

If you see blogs and travel tips for Leh-Ladakh trip u will find out that 5 is the best count to have if you are planning for Leh-Ladakh and of course to cut down cost of private vehicle because private vehicle is one of the important factor to have cost effective leh ladakh trip.

So those who want join please contact at my email : [email protected] and contact no :9664823811.

Will explain you all our itinerary on call or mail but for your information we are coming to Srinagar by flight which has halt at Delhi so anyone can join us from Mumbai, Delhi or Srinagar.

P.S : Those who planning leh ladakh for long tym and those who got ditched by their friends this is the tym guyz..we will together make one hell of trip!!!!!!

Regards, Akshay Mayekar

It is best to post a travel calendar entry as well from the main menu

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Hi Dheeraj, firstly thanks a lot for writing this blog. Its very informative. I have always wanted to take a bike trip to Leh. I have not been riding much for past few years & I am someone who is very much susceptible to cold. Going by you blog, road conditions are poor in June-July season and in mid-September temperature will be a challenge. This has got me confused. Can you suggest which time i should go ? Also I want to opt for a packaged tour. Can you suggest any particular group or website ?

Vivek, well, you should be able to do the trip in September. You can do it in second week of September and you should be good with road conditions and temparatures. If you are looking for a package tour, get in touch with [email protected]

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Last year i had trip from 10 June16 to 21June2016 through Delhi-Srinagar-Leh-Pangong-Sarchu-Manali-Delhi. In 2017 i want to start the trip in April last week or early may. What you suggest Please Guide.

Ashish, you will be able to only make the trip to Ladakh in April by air only. Are you going by Air? Or in case in May if Srinagar – Leh road opens, you will be able to take that road. How many days you are thinking?

Thanks for your reply Dheeraj. I am planning around 10-11 Days by Own car. Please suggest the earliest suitable time and Itinerary.

Earliest will be June month to go from Manali – Leh Highway.

Opt to go via Manali – Leh Highway and I will suggest that you refer the thread for more details on the route and night halts though it is of 9 days: Manali – Leh – Ladakh – Manali | Itinerary for 9 Days . You can fit in plan I suggested in above para in this plan

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hey dheeraj,

kiddo to the blogg. honestly i have been researching about my trip for the last one month nothing helped expect your blogg..we are number of 4 on bikes, planning to travel on 1st week of july 17.around 10 days trip .can please help us with details.i have covered almost all the parts of south india on bike,what are the best places to visit during this time and which route preferably. we are planning to rent a bike from LAH or delhi.one of this place preferably what-so over is better.thank you so much in advance .regards shemeem (Kerala)

Regarding bike rentals in Leh, check: Leh – Ladakh Bike Rental Rates 2017-18

thank you so much dheeraj .do you advice taking flight instead to leh and rent a bike would save some time ?? please advice as me and my friend are looking for a good bike trip :’) is it possible during the 1st week of july

Best option of travel is to reach Srinagar by air and then travel to Ladakh by road. Once in Leh, hire local bike on rent in leh and then do Ladakh sightseeing. Then either take Manali Leh highway with HPTDC bus or shared taxi or fly out of Leh.

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Dear Dheeraj,

I am having Safari Storme SUV -Ex (2 wheel drive) and planned to visit Ladakh by road via Manali-Leh route in 3rd week of June-17. I would like to know, other travelers are using 2 wheel drive or 4×4 is compulsory?

Devendra, 4×2 will just do fine. No worries on that front. 10000s of 4×2 cars including hatches and sedans do Ladakh trip every year.

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Dheeraj, I am very confused now. I am planning this trip in late August’17. Most probably between 25th August and 10 September. Is it sane to go as I do not have much biking experience. I have done few trips on my bike and I cannot postpone it to 2018 as my friend has already decided to go this year no matter what. Only 2 of us will go on separate bikes. What would you suggest considering we will be on bikes not cars.I am not considering June or July as there will be a lot of rush that time. And its all about peace 😛

August is not far behind in terms of rush Vaibhav. I will recommend that you plan the trip in September second half to beat the rush and help you being a novice biker. The roads and conditions are less troublesome.

lol same here

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We are four cousins (men) planning to take Manali Leh in mid June’ to July 2017as mentioned in this article (Mid of June to July just before the onset of monsoon season)- Could you share the road time table and also the good time to travel

Pavan, are you making the Spiti Valley trip or Ladakh trip or combination of both?

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This is a very nice blog and it was very memorable trip It was such a fantastic post I really really like It Thanks for sharing Nice Information

Thank you Dorjay

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Thank you so much for your blog. You made my jaw dropped because of many amazing information you have provided.

I plan to solo travel to Ladakh this September with budget trip. My itinerary is as below:

Day 1 (Wed): Arrive Leh from New Delhi, rest in Leh Day 2 (Thu): Rest in Leh Day 3 (Fri): Day 4 (Sat): Tso Moriri, overnight in Changpa Day 5 (Sun): Tso Moriri, overnight near the lake. Day 6 (Mon): Back to Leh by bus, overnight in Leh Day 7 (Tue): Head to Nubra Valley, rest in Diskit/ Hunder Day 8 (Wed): Diskit/ Hunder/ Nubra Valley, overnight in Spangmik Day 9 (Fri): Back to Leh by bus Day 10: Head to Pangong Lake, overnight near the lake Day 11: Head to Leh, rest in Leh Day 12: Head to Padum, Zanskar Valley, overnight in Padum Day 13: Head to Leh Day 14 + Day 15: From Leh to Delhi.

Do you have any recommendation? Is it ok if I should take a cab to go to Tso Moriri, Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake and back by bus? Is it safe for female traveler to bike in Ladakh?

Look forward to hearing from you soon.

You have good amount of days in hand and hence I will suggest you to follow the route as per acclimatization rules. First visit Nubra Valley, then visit Pangong Tso and then visit Tso Moriri. Padum, Zanskar requires 4-5 days at ease from Kargil, so I do not see you having time for it.

Thanks so much Dheeraj! I really love to go to Padum and Zanskar. It’s not easy for me if I skip those places 🙁

But you do not have 4-5 days in hand from Kargil. Can you spare time for it or skip other places?

Do you have any recommendation to change my itinerary so that I can have 4-5 days for Padum and Zanskar? I can skip other places. Thanks Dheeraj.

I am going to suggest following plan:

Day 1 (Wed): Arrive Leh from New Delhi, rest in Leh Day 2 (Thu): Move to Kargil Day 3 (Fri): Kargil to Padum (Zanskar) Day 4 (Sat): Rest day at Padum (Visit Karsha, roam around in Padum) Day 5 (Sun): Rest day at Padum (Visit Zangla, Stongde monasteries) Day 6 (Mon): Move to Kargil Day 7 (Tue): Move to Leh Day 8 (Wed): Move to Nubra Valley Day 9 (Fri): Nubra Valley to Leh Day 10: Head to Pangong Lake, overnight near the lake Day 11: Head to Leh, rest in Leh Day 12: Head to Tso Moriri Day 13: Tso Moriri to Leh Day 14 + Day 15: From Leh to Delhi.

Sending you thousand of kisses! Thank you Dheeraj.

Thank you 🙂

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This is an amazing website.

I am planning to start my bike expedition from 21st of September. My route is Jammu – Srinagar-Kargil-Zanskar-Leh-Nubra-pangong-Tso moriri-Keylong-Dalhousie-Dharamshala

It will need atleast 25 days to cover all these places and i am least concerned about time as i had quit my job. Now i have questions like,

1) If i start from Jammu on 21st and reach Kargil on 23rd, Is it advisable to reach Zanskar(Padum) on 24-25th? Are roads accessible at that time? 2) If i start from jammu and follow the Sarchu – Manali highway in 2nd week of October, Is it advisable? 3) Contrary, if i start from Manali Leh highway, can i cover zanskar in the second week of October? I had to cover zanskar anyhow, thats why my plans are becoming very confusing.

Please reply as its becoming very confusing for me.

I also manage my personal blog, http://www.theCrazyRider.com

Great to connect Sachendra.

1. Yes, you can reach there to Padum but it will be a bit cold. 2. It will be risky and I do not recommend in general. Read: 5 Reasons to Avoid Manali – Leh Highway in October

Well, same problem will be with Zanskar Valley, I will not recommend that too that late in the season.

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We have an offer for Pajero white board from a rental company. Do we face any issues in Leh from taxi union check posts?

Best Regards Gopinath

If they check papers, they need to be in your name or someone you can prove relation with.

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Hello Dheeraj,

your website is a bible. I have almost figured out everything reading it. I am planning to visit Leh in the first week of october. Flight from Delhi to Ladakh. Could you recommend some hotels good for this season? ANy special care I should think of since I am travelling with 10 year old. Thanks.

You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh by Air followed by many travelers including me at the link here for 9 days: Leh – Ladakh | Most Common Itinerary by Air .

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

For the list of good restaurants in Leh – Ladakh or eateries or food joints where food is enjoyed by many travellers including me, you can check the link here: List of Good Restaurants in Leh – Ladakh | Restaurant Reviews

Check the list of things to carry for Leh – Ladakh or other trip including basic medical kit, clothing, must haves etc. at the link here: List of Things to Carry for Leh – Ladakh trip .

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We are a couple from Kolkata planned to travel Kashmir and leh with all sightseeing via kargil road by hiring motorcycle.From 11th October to 21 October… Will it be troublesome?? But we don’t want to cancel it….please suggest me in details…

I will not suggest going beyond Penzi La that late in the season. It will be a bit risky and of course dry and cold.

Thanks for your suggestion .But we are not going to pensi la.we want to travel lamayur,nubra,pangong. in motorcycle.Please suggest in details how safe are these.Is it safe for a single couple to travel Kashmir and leh by bike in that time??

You said Zanskar Valley, so thought you want to go to there. That should be OK but avoid coming back from MAnali side. Srinagar – Leh route is still OK in October. It will be cold, there will be less tourists around and most hotels/restaurants will be closed for the season.

Thanks. But I want to know how safe is pangong and nubra road for bike tour for a single couple in 3rd week of October…?? Please suggest..what may be the difficulties for single couple??

Safety wise, Ladakh is one of the safest places in terms of crime and they treat tourists like guests. But, it will be damn cold and yes of course deserted roads will be there as less tourists will be present. The response time in case of need or any help will be more and more as less people travel on these routes..

Please suggest me where can we get bike for hire in Srinagar and leg in October… Do we need to book it early or available that we can go and burgain there.

Supriyo, most things are shut in Srinagar now a days. You cannot use a srinagar bike in ladakh for sightseeing, so be aware about that. One side drop of bike will cost around 10K more.

Thank you.I have installed and registered in DOW apps but but I can’t post anything.. Anyway, we are a single couple planned a bike tour from 11october to 21 october.We have planned to hire bike in Srinagar for 4 days and travel to leh via kargil by public transport and again hire bike in leh for 5 days.Please suggest for.. 1.Where can we hire bike in Srinagar?? Cost??terms?? Anything else that I don’t know?? 2.Where can we hire bike in Leg??Cost??terms?? Anything else?? 3.Is panggong,nubra,lamayuru routes will be OK in those seasons for bike riding?? 4.what are the necessary things we should carry?? 5.how to know if anybody want to join us?? 6.Budget stays in pangong,nubra etc. Please suggest anything more to keep in mind that I don’t know…

Your first 5 posts are not visible unless approved. Your posts are already there and answered: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/india/plan-ladakh-zanskar-trip/topic4507.html#p34716

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Hi Dheeraj, Congratulation for your blog.. it is really interesting and useful. My girlfriend and I would like to go to ladakh the newxt november.. but it seems so cold overthere… so What do you think? are there any other interesting mountains sites in the India Himalaya region that are more accessible in that period? Or… if I decided to go to Ladakh in that period… where do you think could go around? and how many degrees below zero could I experience? Thanks so much Simone

Hello Simone,

In Ladakh, you can very well make a trip to almost all the places within Ladakh but you will have to fly by air to Leh and fly out of Leh. Of course, you will have to bear with cold conditions and limited stay + food options. You can refer the plan at: Leh – Ladakh in Winters – Most Common Itinerary

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Planning to go in mid august with friends and bike trip in and from leh itself..? Is it recommendable to go during that time of rains..?

Abhi please read: 10 Tips for a Trip to Ladakh in Monsoons

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Your article is quite informative. Thanks. It would be nice if you can help me plan up my trip to Lay-Ladakh . Myself and my wife ( mid 40) and twin daughters aged 16 planning to travel to Lay from Bangalore on 9th of October, because, that’s when children get holidays and would like to stay at lay-Ladhak till 16th of October. ( basically 5 day, stay in Lay) Can you please suggest the places that we can cover and suggest an itinerary for me. We plan to take up a flight from Bangalore to Delhi. and after that, I have absolutely no idea about the mode of transport or route i should take. Is it better to go on our own or take up a camp. if taking up a camp, which one is better? Hope, that’s not very expensive. Please suggest. Looking forward to your reply.

Warm Regards,

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I will be in leh on 12th July till 20th July 2016.

I have some questions in mind so could you please suggest me the best answer

In which place shall I stay in Leh?

Also, where shall I get good accommodation like tent or home stay?

In which place shall visit during the period i.e. between 12th July to 20th July 2016?

Also, it would be better if you suggest me the place where shall I get Bike on rent?

On 22nd July, I have trained from Jammu so is there any public transport or anything else through which I can go from Leh to Jammu via Kargil?

Apart from that you can suggest me better plan.

Awaiting for your prompt reply.

Hello Ashish,

I can answer you better if you tell me how are you reaching Leh on 12th July, I see you will travel by road to Jammu from Leh on 20th

Thank You Dheeraj for the replying . I will be reaching Leh by plane

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Hi Dheeraj, I am planning to do circuit from Chandigarh – Srinagar – Leh – Manali – Chandigarh. Dates are 2 nd august to 13 august.

1. What is your opinion above dates of travel? 2. Will it be good for bike riding? 3. As heard of uttarakhand cloud burst.. So any chances of consequences? (I can understand it cannot be assured right now… but still if you have any predictions.)

Hi Swapnil,

You should read: 10 Tips for a Trip to Ladakh in Monsoons which will answer many of your doubts.

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I am planing to travel Leh-Ladakh…we are 6 people…we will be traveling to and fro Leh airport from mumbai… But we are very much confused about the dates.. Please suggest Aug 26th to 4th Sep Sep 2nd to 11th Any 1..thou there isn’t much difference in the date…we are preferring Sep…but jz rains may spoil the trip so need your guidance

September will be a better time to do so.

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I am from Bangalore and planning to do a solo trip on a budget in the month of August 2016. I have planned out a small itinerary, would love to have your opinion regarding the same. Day 1 : Bangalore to Delhi by flight Day 2 : Delhi to Manali by Volvo bus Day 3 & 4 : Manali to Leh by bus with overnight stay at Sarchu Day 5 : Local sightseeing/Rest Day 6 : Hire a bike in Leh for the rest of the trip. Sham Valley Day 7 : Leh to Nubra valley. Overnight stay at Hunder. Day 8 : Nubra valley to Leh Day 9 : Leh to Pangong Tso. Overnight stay at Spangmik. Day 10 : Pangong Tso to Leh. Day 11 : Leh to Delhi by flight. Delhi to Bangalore by flight.

Let me know what you think of this.

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Hi Dheeraj, I am planning to travel to Leh-Ladakh in first week of October 2016 with hubby and 8 year old daughter. Please help me with below questions,

1. Is this time of the year OK for travel ? (considering kid in mind)Will it be too cold ? 2. Planning for self drive from Manali to Leh and then back from Leh by flight. 3. Is it good for traveling around Leh ? Weather conditions ? 4. Is it OK to travel by road with the kid ?

Thanks Ashwini

Hi Ashwini,

1. No, time is not OK most of the camps are winded up and it gets cold in high places in Ladakh 2. Manali – Leh is not recommended at all in October and especially with kids, will not suggest taking risks, even though now a days it is slightest. 3. Cold mostly.

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We are following for advice to driver via Srinagar to Leh. But question are we allowed to driver a hire tempo traveller from punjab via Srinagar to Leh. And for local ladakh sight seeing via taxi.

No, ladakh sightseeing you need local ladakh tempo travller

Yes Dheeraj. I’m aware about the local sightseeing must be done via their local transport. But reaching Leh on our own hire vehicle(Tempo traveller) from punjab – are we allowed that via srinagar.

Or we need to take the tempo from srinagar itself.

We are planning our journey as below from 14th Jul to 25th Jul.

Day 1 – Delhi to Srinagar (flight) Day 2 – Srinagar to Pahalgam to Srinagar Day 3 – Srinagar to Gulmarg to Srinagar Day 4 – Srinagar to Kargil (Via Sonamarg and Dras) Day 5 – Srinagar to Leh Day 6 – Leh (Tour of Local Monasteries) Day 7 – Leh to Nubra Lake Day 8 – Nubra Lake to Leh Day 9 – Leh to Panggong Lake and Back to Leh Day 10 – Leh to Kelyong Day 11 – Kelyong to Manali Day 12 – Manali to Chandigarh

1. Need your advice on the plan – is it ok ? 2. Taking tempo traveler from punjab (For day 2 to 5 and 10,11, 12) 3. For local sighting seeing will take the local transport in leh (For day 6,7,8,9)

Regards, Karen Sandhu

1. Your plan looks OK to me. 2. Sounds good, local sightseeing you need local tempo traveller

Yes, Karen. you are fine to reach Leh in outside taxi or rented vehicle.

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Hi, please give me update infomation for bus service timing from Leh to srinagar nowdays (Days and timing) and also tell me bus service or taxi in Low budget for visit Pangong Lake,Tso morriri , Nubra valley, khardungla top etc.

Please refer: Rates & Time table of Bus Services in Leh – Ladakh

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I am planning a trip to Ladhak from 6th Aug to 17th Aug. A brief itinerary is as follows

Day 1st Pune – Srinagar airport – Local Trip Day 2nd Srinagar – Gulmarg– Srinagar Day 3rd Srinagar – Sonamarg – Kargil – Lamayuru ( We would prefer staying at Lamayuru instead of Kargil. Is this feasible? Day 4th – Lamayuru – Leh Day 5th Tour of Local Monasteries Day 6th Leh – Pangong Lake Day 7th Pangong – Leh – Khardungla – Nubra Valley Day 8th Back to leh Day 9th leh – Sarchu Here can we cover morey plains? Day 10th Sarchu – manali Day 11th Manali local sightseeing Day 12th Manali – Chandigarh Airport Drop

1. Any comments/suggestions on the itinerary? 2. Can we hire open jeep/mahindra thar in leh? If yes, can you share some relevant contacts?Chauffeur driven would also do. 3. You have already mentioned details about the weather conditions in the first week of August, but as we wont be riding on bikes, how much difficulties we might face? 4. How much it would cost approximately for the above itinerary considering we are 4 adults travelling.

1. Changes suggested below 2. No self drive option available in Leh, you can hire taxi there 3. Well, below Ladakh range, there will be rains which will have swollen water crossings, slush on roads, landlsides will be common too 4.

Day 1st Pune – Srinagar airport – Local Trip Day 2nd Srinagar – Gulmarg– Srinagar Day 3rd Srinagar – Sonamarg – Kargil Day 4th – Kargil – Leh Day 5th Tour of Local Monasteries Day 6th Leh – Nubra Valley Day 7th Back to Leh Day 8th Day trip to Pangong Tso or go to Sarchu/Pang from Panogng Tso next day Day 9th Sarchu/Pang Day 10th Sarchu/Pang – manali Day 11th Manali local sightseeing Day 12th Manali – Chandigarh Airport Drop

Thanks for the reply Dheeraj. Need clarification on below two points:

1. Regarding water crossings and slush on roads, how much does it affect while travelling in a four wheeler(we are not riding on bikes)?

2. Regarding open jeep/mahindra thar – We dont need a self drive vehicle. A car with driver will do. But the main requirement is we need an Open Jeep. So would be great if you can share some relevant contacts.

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Hi, I am planning to visit leh on 2 Oct 2016 with my wife for around 10 to 11 days. I will fly from pune to leh. Then will book hotel there and take bike of rent i will visit different place there. So i have some question below: 1. How easily we can get hotel there with affordable rate during given time frame? 2.I will be traveling different place on bike with my wife , my wife don’t ride bike so is it possible to visit place like Chang La Pass,Taglang La Pass,Khardung La Pass,Tso Kar Lake,Pangong Tso Lake etc. in 7-8 days time frame. 3. Is it safe to travel in leh alone with wife ?

Thanks in advance. Rahul

Rahul in October it is off seaosn in Ladakh and cold too. Most of the camps besides the Pangong Tso lake gets packed up and most hotels/restaurant in Leh gets closed.

Hello, sir I want to know about Local bus service around leh Ladakh Local sightseenig is available on nowdays july 2016.plz Reply

No there is no local bus service in Leh for sightseeing purposes. Local tour operators might be running some taxis for the same.

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I am planning to travel Srinagar-Leh-Manali with my mom. The trip would be for around 10-12 days and wil include Sonmarg, Dras, Kargil, Lamayuru, Leh, Nubra, Pangong, Sarchu, Rohtang and finally Manali. Which would be the best time to travel July end (around 27 July.) or mid September (around 20 Sep.)? How are the road conditions during the given period? Any suggestions or must visit places are welcomed!

Mid septembers is a good time to travel Ladakh, always. You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh .

Thanks for the deails.I have planned somewhat similar itinerary. The only difference is we will finishing the tour at Chandigarh. How is the weather during the September end (20-30 September)? Are there any chances of rain or snow fall? Does temperature dip ver much at night or high passes? Can you please mention some advantages of visiting Leh in September over July or any points which are best to visit in September? How much time does it take to reach Chandigarh from Manali as the last flight from Chandigarh is at 7 pm. ? Thank You!

Very little rain or snowfall may happen during that period. Regarding points, please read the article above. Chandigarh – Manali is around 9 Hrs

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We have planned to ride Leh in September starting from 16 -Sep to 1st-Oct. We are 6 riders on our own starting from Jammu- srinagar-leh-manali-Chandigarh My main concern is the weather, road conditions & stay in last 2 weeks of September. My question are : 1: Is riding during this time safe( like landslide & rains) ? 2: is this the good time for the road trip ? 3: What about the camp stay in pangong? will that be open ? 4: Can we setup our own tent ? (with proper Sleeping bag n all) 5: Will there be snow ? 6: What about the land slide & rain in last two week of September ? Will we face that ?

Thanks in Advance

Regards. Bharat V

Hello Bharat,

1. YEs, time is good to travel, in fact best time to travel to Ladakh 3. Yes, there will be options available 4. Yes you can setup your own camps where other camps are pitched. DO NOT pitch at banks of the lake as it is not authorized and leagal to camp besides the lake. 5. In case it snows the day you visit. 6. Usually things are stable in September

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I’m Bhoomik From Chennai

What are the places would u suggest to visit if i would like to cover Nook and corner of leh ladakh and near by and how many days will it take. Please suggest Me everything.

All depends upon how many days you have in hand and your mode of transport

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Can Padum and Zanskar valley be travelled in third week of October??

I will not suggest it because the winter sets in by end of September and Penzi La can close for few days in case of heavy snowfall.

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I am planning to travel ladakh in mid of june, and I want to visit Zanskar, I’ll follow your suggested common itinerary for this trip. So is it possible to cover Zansakar in this itinerary and if yes, can u please share me the travel guide to cover the same or any other possibilities.

Thanking you.

Zanskar Valley needs at least 4 days on confortable level ex. Kargil. Do you have 4 more days in hand?

Hello sir, I have planned for visit to Ladakh during 18june to 24 june .Is it the best time to visit .plz Reply

It is good time to visit Ladakh Raj

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You are doing an excellent job. I would like to thank you sincerely for it. I have a query that I want to travel with my husband to Leh from 2 sep to 8sep 2016. But I am bit afraid as I have read that weather in leh keeps changing drastically and at that time it would be monsoon so lot of thunderstorm. I was going to follow your iteneary for this short trip of 6 nights stay. Could you please guide me and clear my mind, Is September a good month to travel? I am planning to viist Nubra & Panong Tso and stay 1 night at each place. If we get stuck at somepoint, Is help available? I know probably I am worrying too much but I woul dbe very thankful to you if you can throw some lights on my query. Thanking you

If you are flying in and flying out of Leh, there is no issues at all during that time. Ladakh is a rain shadow region and September is a good time to travel

Thank you Dheeraj for your prompt reply. Any extra precaution to be taken care of during the visit?

Hmm, well, do read 9 Mistakes People Commit on a Ladakh Trip AND Acute Mountain Sickness and Importance of Acclimatization

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HI Dheeraj, Me and my wife wish to travel in the second week of August. Do you recommend that time for travel? its her birthday so don’t want to mess it up 🙂

It is monsoon time in general up there in North and at some parts of Manali – Leh Highway (like before Baralacha La) and Srinagar – Leh Highway (like before Kargil) you might need to face monsoon hassles but once you get closer to Ladakh, then Ladakh being rain shadow region is least affected by monsoon rains, though rains does reach Ladakh now but to minimum and mostly it might remains overcast conditions. There is no thumb rule of certainty about weather conditions but above is generally common pictures seen over last few years except ugly 2010 …

Please refer the link in our community: FAQ | Is Monsoon season good time to travel to Ladakh? for more details.

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Hi Dheeraj. We are 4 persons all adults of a family two gents and two ladies plan to visit zhanskar valley from Jalandhar. Pl suggest best itenry We have a total of 7-8 days from 11 June We will be going in Pajero sports 4by4

Harish, I always suggest: Zanskar Valley – Most Common Itinerary

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I am planning to visit ladakh in September so can we find snow at that time of period

Snow will not be present in the month of September in Ladakh unless it snowfall on that very day when you are there

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hi Dheeraj.

Your posts are so so awesome.

I need your advice on our road trip plan. We are a group of 8 friends, 25-35 yrs old males & females, planning for Delhi-Leh-Delhi by our own two cars. I am keen to have your advice on the following:- 1. Are Maruti Swift diesels recommended for this trip? 2. Except me, all other 7 friends are first timers for Ladakh trip but all of them have done lot of self driven road trips in north india, so is it advisable for us to go to ladakh during Jun-July or Aug-Sep?

your valuable insights will be highly helpful for all of us. Thanks.

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hello Dheeraj,

I will be travelling to Leh Ladakh during 1st october to 12th october on my Santro. Is it doable on a Santro? i will self drive and travel with my wife and son. Please advice.I will be going via Srinagar.

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Thanks for setting up all the information in one place. I have planned trip to LEH during September. Travel plan is for ~22 days, in that I would like to cover kargil/leh/manali/delhi[in and around places ]/Agra and then I would ride back to Bangalore. Here’s what I have planned, please help me to head in right direction and plan better.

TRIP START DATE: SEP 02 2016 [ Friday night ] END DATE: SEP 25 2016 [ Saturday ]

Sep 2nd [ night ]:- I will be getting my bike [ Apache 180 ] from Bangalore via train and reach Delhi on Sunday 04 Sep 04 : Will head to Pathankot . [ THAT’s ALL ] After going through all the places suggested by you for other travelers, I had made a rough plan on where to visit. But then I would like to hear it out from the right person rather than going with one of mine.

Looking forward for advice to plan things even better.

This is from Delhi to Delhi, now depending upon days left in 22 days with you, you can try to spend more time at places example go to Turtuk in Nubra Valley, take three day journey over Manali – leh Highway

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U r just amazing!!!

I have planned a family trip to Leh – Ladakh during 10 Oct to 16 Oct 2016. It will be a 12 member group with age ranging from 7 years to 65 years. Will be reaching Leh by flight from Delhi and return on 16 morning by flight. The flight tickets are already booked. I have the the following questions: 1. Will it be appropriate to travel with such age group? (Keeping in view the temperature and terrain) 2. Suggest me the places to visit as I have not yet planned the itinerary. 3. Suggest me suitable hotels/ camps/ homestay for your suggested itinerary. 4. What is the minimum temperature expected during our visit?

Needless to say, it will be quite cold up there in Ladakh especially at places like Pangong Tso. You do not have much time on hand so can follow the first 6-7 days of itinerary in: Leh – Ladakh | Most Common Itinerary by Air

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Hi dheeraj I read all your post for leh ladak i was very impress I would like to take three days journey on Srinagar – leh highway I would like to use alternate route which goes Kargil ,Batalik ,Dah,Skurbuchan My back journey is leh to manali iwould like to go to spiti valley too Can you set my iternary and which is the best season to visit and how many days should I keep no time limite I

Hello Sonali,

You can follow th below plan:

Day 1 | Delhi – Jammu / Patnitop — Overnight at Jammu or Patnitop

Day 2 | Jammu / Patnitop – Srinagar — Enjoy walk around Dal lake and may be Shikara ride as well — If you have time then check out, floating market, Shalimar Garden. — Overnight at Srinagar

Day 3 | Srinagar – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil — Enjoy the vistas enroute — Have late drunch meal at Drass is you are a vegetarian as sometimes it gets difficult to find veg. food at Kargil — Overnight at Kargil

Day 4 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh — Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes — On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu — Overnight at Leh

Day 5 | Leh Local Sightseeing + Inner Line Permits — To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh — For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link  here — Overnight at Leh

Day 6 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder — Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder — On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La

Day 7 | Hunder – Sumur/Kyagar – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh — Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs — Overnight at Leh

Day 8 | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping OR Monastery tour — Monastery tour may include Hemis, Thicksey, Stakna and Shey monasteries. They come on the route of Pangong Tso but as you will be doing day trip, it will be a bit hectic to include them on that day only. — Overnight at Leh

Day 9 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake — Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on the go towards Pangong Tso — Overnight at Pangong Tso (Spangmik)

Day 10 | Pangong Tso Lake – Shey – Thicksey – Leh — Overnight at Leh

Day 11 | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping OR Monastery tour OR you can do tour to Sham Valley — Monastery tour may include Hemis, Thicksey, Stakna and Shey monasteries. They come on the route of Pangong Tso but as you will be doing day trip, it will be a bit hectic to include them on that day only. — Sham Valley include Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, , Gurudwara Pather Sahib — Overnight at Leh

Day 12 | Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang — Cover Karzok Monastery — Overnight at Karzok or Tso Moriri

Day 13 | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring (Manali – Leh Highway starts) – Moore Plains – Pang / Sarchu — Try to start early in the day so that you reach Sarchu where the accommodation options are better than Pang — Overnight at Sarchu or Pang

Day 14 | Pang / Sarchu – Baralacha La – Jispa — On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only — Overnight at Jispa

Day 15 | Jispa – Chandratal Day 16 | Chandratal – Kaza on the way (Ki, Kibber, Gette) Day 17 | Kaza/Langza Homestay (Hikkim, Koumik, Langza) Day 18 | Kaza – Pin Valley – Dhankar – Tabo Day 19 | Tabo – Kalpa Day 20 | Kalpa – Narkanda Day 21 | Narkanda – Chail / Shimla – Delhi

Add a day from Kargil to travel to Dah – Hanu villages and next day traveling to Leh from Dah – Hanu or Alchi wherever you take the night halt.

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Hi dheeraj,

Your blog is amazing and definately a bible for ppl who want to travel to ladakh..i’m planning for 11 day trip to leh ladakh starting from either 3rd sept to 13sept or 9th sept to 19th sept. Can you please suggest me a gud detailed itinerary and also which dates would be best. Im from chennai and would prefer taking flight from chennai to leh and back..also can u suggest me whr all can i rent bikes.i would wanna drive a bike around for the experience and thrill of it..would like to do some camping as well.. Thanks in advance Regards, Neelam

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India Travel Blog

Best Places to Visit in Ladakh in April

Located in the middle of the Himalayas, Ladakh is a stunning place that is teeming with natural beauty. Are you planning a trip to Leh Ladakh in April? As the region emerges from winter, Leh Ladakh reveals its stunning landscapes in spring. Clear blue skies, melting snow on mountain peaks, and pleasant weather transform the city into a beautiful place. This month, the frozen lakes of Pangong Tso, Tso Kar, and Tso Moriri look breathtaking. When you are preparing for your Ladakh tours, it is more useful to know about travel options, the challenges you may face, and what to pack. When you visit Leh in April, the weather is still cold enough to make you shiver, but the sun begins to shine during the day. April is the best month to visit Nubra Valley, Zanskar Valley, Shanti Stupa, and monasteries.

For your comfort, we’ve compiled a list of the best places to visit in Ladakh in April so you can enjoy your trip fullest.

List of the Best Places to Visit in Ladakh in April

Pangong lake.

Pangong Tso Lake

Known as Pangong Tso, Pangong Lake is one of the world’s highest lakes , with changing water colors. It offers a variety of activities, such as camping and bonfires. During the winter, the lake can be seen completely frozen, but in April, it begins melting and looks more beautiful. For this reason, we included it on our list of the best places to visit in Ladakh in April.

Take a short trip to Pangong Lake in Ladakh and spend a few hours there. Ladakh’s vast expanse, crystal-blue waters, and pristine mountains will captivate your senses. Travel to this mesmerizing destination where nature’s grandeur is evident at every turn with our Ladakh vacation packages.

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Shanti Stupa

Shanti Stupa

Shanti Stupa is also known as the Symbol of peace. It is a popular attraction in Ladkah because of its architectural beauty. This white-coloured structure was built by Japanese and Ladakh Buddhists, and it looks stunning both during the day and at night. It was inaugurated by the Dalai Lama in 1985 to commemorate 2,500 years of Buddhist history. Since then, the stupa has drawn Buddhist followers, history enthusiasts, leisure travelers, and others. It is one of Ladakh’s most famous landmarks, renowned for its religious significance.

April is the beginning of Ladakh’s tourist season. The weather warms up as the snow melts, making the roads more accessible. At Shanti Stupa, the weather is generally sunny, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary

Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary

Our next recommendation for the best places to visit in Leh Ladakh in April is Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary. This protected area in northeast Ladakh is a paradise for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. Here, you’ll find some of the world’s most amazing wildlife and birds. There are more than 4,000 square kilometers of protected land in this sanctuary, where you can see endangered species such as snow leopards, Tibetan wild asses, Tibetan antelopes, and Pallas’s cats. Wildlife enthusiasts can tour the sanctuary with an expert guide and get up close to the animals. The Himalayan region offers visitors a wide range of activities, such as exploring the local culture, visiting monasteries, and riding camels.

A visit to Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary in April offers excellent birdwatching opportunities. During this period, migratory bird species arrive in the region, contributing to its avian diversity. Waterfowl species such as bar-headed geese, Brahminy ducks, black-necked cranes, and other species can be observed here.

Book Our Premium Tour Package to Explore Lakes, Passes and Wildlife of Ladakh

Zanskar Valley

Zanskar Valley

Zanskar Valley offers travelers an offbeat experience. The valley is renowned for its rugged landscapes and remote location. Water rafting, trekking, and paragliding are among the adventure activities available in this region. Also, it is home to centuries-old monasteries, making it an ideal destination for those who love monasteries. Snow-covered mountains, rivers, and monasteries characterize the landscape of Zanskar. The region is home to numerous monasteries, including Sani Monastery, Lingshed Monastery, Stongdey Monastery, and Phuktal Monastery.

April is a culturally significant month in Zanskar Valley because it marks the start of various festivals at Karsha Monastery. These festivals offer a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage through traditional dance performances, religious rituals, and local cuisine.

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Umling La

The Umling La in Ladakh is one of the best places to ride a bike in April. It sits over 19,300 feet above sea level, higher than Khardung La . Bolivia was believed to have had the highest motorable road before the construction of this road.

There are no signs of civilization in Umling La Pass’s vicinity. During the pass traverse, you will feel the wind slapping your face in both directions. You will be captivated by the views as you travel across or approach Umling La Pass. It is certainly not easy to travel through this pass. As your heart constantly beats fast, you will experience an incredible adrenaline rush.

Spituk Monastery

Spituk Monastery

We conclude our list of the best places to visit in Ladakh in April with Spituk Monastery . This monastery is 8 km from Leh and is home to several ancient artefacts and artworks. It houses 100 monks and a giant Kali statue, which is unveiled each year at the Gustor Festival . The museum also contains a number of Buddhist artifacts, including antique arms, icons, ancient masks, and Thangkas. A stunning view of the Indus Valley attracts tourists from around the world to Spituk Monastery.

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Tips for visiting Ladakh in April

Visiting Ladakh in April can be an exciting experience, but it’s important to be prepared as the weather can be quite unpredictable due to its high-altitude desert climate. Here are some tips to make the most of your trip:

Check Weather Conditions: Weather in Ladakh in April can still be quite cold, with temperatures ranging from -5°C to 15°C (23°F to 59°F). Check the weather forecast before you go and pack accordingly.

Dress in Layers: Due to the fluctuating temperatures, dressing in layers is essential. Bring warm clothing, including thermal wear, fleece jackets, hats, gloves, and woolen socks.

Acclimatize: Ladakh is at a high altitude, so it’s important to acclimatize properly to avoid altitude sickness. Spend a couple of days in Leh to allow your body to adjust before heading to higher altitudes.

Stay Hydrated: The air is dry at high altitudes, so it’s important to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they can contribute to dehydration.

Protect Yourself from the Sun: The sun’s rays are stronger at higher altitudes, so make sure to wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from sunburn and glare.

Pack Essentials: Make sure to pack essentials such as medication, first aid kit, toiletries, and any other personal items you may need, as facilities may be limited in remote areas.

Plan Your Itinerary: Some areas of Ladakh may still be inaccessible in April due to snow, so plan your itinerary accordingly. Popular tourist spots like Pangong Lake and Nubra Valley may be accessible, but road conditions can vary.

Opt for our customized  8 days Itinerary for Leh Ladakh

Respect Local Customs: Ladakh has a rich cultural heritage, so be respectful of local customs and traditions. Dress modestly when visiting monasteries and religious sites, and ask for permission before taking photographs of people.

Be Prepared for Altitude Sickness: Altitude sickness can affect anyone, regardless of age or fitness level. If you start experiencing symptoms such as headache, nausea, dizziness, or shortness of breath, descend to a lower altitude and seek medical help if necessary.

By following these tips, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip to Ladakh in April and make the most of its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

Now that you have the list of the best places to visit in Ladakh in April, you can plan your trip with ease. If you want a hassle-free experience, you can book one of our Leh Ladakh tour packages . This package includes all the amenities you’ll need for your trip.

Related Post:

  • Discover the new routes leading to Leh Ladakh
  • Indian Railways launch highest rail tracks to Leh
  • India’s gets its longest steel bridge on Manali – Leh highway

Arendra Rajput

can we visit ladakh in april

Weaving tales and exploring the world through a keyboard. Passionate about travel, culture, and the art of storytelling. Find me chasing inspiration in coffee shops and hidden corners.

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can we visit ladakh in april

Things to do in Ladakh in April

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Looking for a different month?

April is a good time to visit Ladakh .

Ladakh has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your April trip to Ladakh. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to April. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

Table of contents

  • Experiences
  • Attractions

can we visit ladakh in april

Best events and things to do in Ladakh in April

Top experiences in april, holidays in ladakh in april.

  • Rama Navami ( April 6 )
  • Mahavir Jayanti ( April 10 )
  • Ambedkar Jayanti ( April 14 )
  • Good Friday ( April 18 )

Other notable holidays

  • Ramadan Start ( March 2 )
  • Holi ( March 14 )
  • Dolyatra ( March 14 )
  • Ramzan Id/Eid-ul-Fitar ( March 31 )
  • Buddha Purnima/Vesak ( May 12 )
  • Bakrid/Eid ul-Adha ( June 7 )
  • Muharram/Ashura ( July 6 )
  • Independence Day ( August 15 )
  • Janmashtami ( August 15 — 16 )
  • Milad un-Nabi/Id-e-Milad ( September 5 )

Best attractions for Ladakh in April

Thiksey Monastery

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can we visit ladakh in april

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  • Ladakh In April 2024: When Your Adventurous Heart Yearns For The Himalayas!

In the month of April, the trees of the barren land standstill, like the silent observers of the snowy mountains, the low-hanging clouds, and the midnight sky of Ladakh. The mountains of Ladakh lay in a never-ending line like the spine of the earth, the curling trails are no more covered in snow blanket, the old shelves of the local shops are once again filled with colorful prayer flags, and the hotels & homestays are all set to welcome you with a warm embrace.

Leh is amongst those places in the world that welcomes visitors throughout the year for its exclusive experience but April brings a new life to the entire region of Leh and Ladakh. Are you ready to experience Ladakh in April ? Read our blog until the end before embarking on the trip of your dreams.

9 Best Things To Do In Ladakh In April

Planning of visiting Ladakh in April ? From adventurous expeditions to refreshing getaways, a vacation in Ladakh during summer months is truly delightful experience! Here is the list of experiences you should definitely have while you are on your adventurous Ladakh trip in April . Take a look at the best things that you can try in Ladakh!

  • Take A Thrilling Bike Trip
  • Enjoy Staying Amid Nature
  • Go For A Trek 
  • Witness The Hues Of Blue And Red At Pangong Tso Lake
  • Feel Magnetic At Magnetic Hills!
  • A Ride To Umling La
  • Witness The Enchanting Zanskar Valley
  • Relax By The Gorgeous Moriri Lake
  • Relish The Flavoursome Delicacies

1. Take A Thrilling Bike Trip

men riding bike on the roads of ladakh

Imagine this: snow-clad mountains, rugged landscape, soaring peaks, dangerous routes, and roaring bike engines. Going on a Ladakh bike tour is all about good vibes and the undying spirit of a rider. Every biker dreams of going on a Leh Ladakh bike trip once in their lifetime. The best time to go on a bike trip to Leh Ladakh is from the months of June to September. These months enable the bikers to enjoy the best of Ladakh. The Ladakh temperature in April is pleasant enough for a bike trip.

Must Read: Leh Ladakh Bike Trip: Everything You Need To Know From The Scratch!

2. Enjoy Staying Amid Nature

a hotel with mountains in background

Image Source

You can experience Ladakhi hospitality that is famous all over India by staying at any of the best hotels in Ladakh. You get brilliant service, organically produced food, surreal views, and lavish interiors. The hotels in Ladakh are not exorbitantly priced. They will fit your budget. Most of the hotels are a stone’s throw away from popular tourist attractions. They’re nestled amidst lush greenery and scenic valleys. Who wouldn’t want to book a room here?

Suggested Read: 50 Places To Visit In Leh Ladakh For A Spell Binding Vacation In This Year

3. Go For A Trek!

a man hiking in mountains

Trekking in Ladakh enables us to view the unusual wildlife on the trek trail. Some of them are nimble ibex, the Tibetan wild ass, Tibetan antelope, various species of wild sheep and goats, snow leopard, yak, marmot which can be seen throughout the year. Rare birds such as hoopoe, Tibetan snowcock, lammergeyer, golden eagle and others migrate to Ladakh during summers. These uncommon visuals of enchanting animals and birds cannot be seen in our city life. The Ladakh weather in April is pleasant enough for trekking.

Suggested Read: 40 Best Things To Do In Ladakh

4. Witness The Hues Of Blue And Red At Pangong Tso Lake

rainbow in mountains over a lake

Pangong Tso (translated as “high grassland lake” in Tibetan) is a spectacular lake in the Himalayas situated at a height of about 4,350 m and 134 km long. The colour of Pangong Tso Lake changes to the different shades of blue, green and an unusual red. You must stop by this lake on your vacation in Leh Ladakh in April 2024. Pangong Tso is an endorheic lake because the water flow is terminated before reaching the ocean hence the minerals and salts are retained in this lake. Since there is no way for salt outflow, the water in the lake is salty. The average temperature of Ladakh in April hovers between 6-20 degrees.

Suggested Read: 7 Secrets Of Ladakh That Only The Hills Whisper

5. Feel Magnetic At Magnetic Hills!

a car on Magnetic hill road

The Magnetic Hill in Ladakh is a road stretching on the Leh to Kargil national highway in the Himalayan region at an altitude of 14,000 KMs which is about 30 km from Leh. Magnetic Hill has Sindhu River flowing in its east which gives it picturesque beauty with the background of magnificent Himalayan Mountains. It is also known as the ‘gravity hill’ since the area layout and the surrounding land creates an optical illusion by making a downhill slope appear to be an uphill slope. So, if a car is kept in neutral gear, it will start rolling uphill against gravity up to 20 Km per hour speed on its own. It is conceived that this mysterious wonder happens due to the magnetic force. This is amongst the best places to explore in Leh Ladakh in April .

Suggested Read:   Head To Ladakh In Winter For An Adventure Of A Lifetime

6. A Ride To Umling La

Bike trip to Leh, India

Riding on a bike through Umling La is one of the best things to do in Ladakh in April 2024 . Umling La is higher than Khardung La and passes through Umling La Top, at an elevation of over 19,300 feet. Before the construction of this road, Bolivia is believed to have held the record in the past for having the highest motorable road. Its road to the dormant volcano Uturuncu was at an elevation of 18,953 feet. The 86 km long road was completed under BRO’s Project Himank.In the past, Project Himank has constructed roads such as Khardung La and Changla Pass in Leh.

Suggested Read: 7 Valleys In Ladakh That Prove It Is Indeed A Paradise On Earth!

7. Witness The Enchanting Zanskar Valley

Zanskar Valley is the best valley

If you are looking for the most beautiful places to visit in April then Zanskar Valley is another beautiful site that will surely enthrall you with its majestic beauty. Located in the eastern corner of Jammu and Kashmir, the beautiful valley is surrounded by the Zanskar Mountain Range. The valley is known for offering panoramic views of the surrounding area that makes tourists fall in love with this beautiful place! Visiting Zanskar Valley must surely be a part of your Leh Ladakh trip in April . 

Suggested Read:  River Rafting In Ladakh: Here’s A Handy Guide To Help You Do It Right

8. Relax By The Gorgeous Moriri Lake

Tsomoriri_Lake

Located within the premises of Changtang Wildlife Sanctuary, Tso Moriri Lake is a twin to Pangong Lake and this gorgeous site is known for offering relaxing and rejuvenating moments to its visitors. The place is truly a delight for nature lovers and those who love to spend peaceful moments amid nature.  This is one of the best things to do in Leh Ladakh in April .

Tso Moriri has been declared as a wetland reserve and you would be witnessing many rare species of birds here including the great-crested grebe, bare-headed goose, the Brahmin duck, and the brown-headed gull.  

9. Relish The Flavoursome Delicacies

Tibetan Cuisine

Who doesn’t want to taste the delicious food of this multi-cuisine city that serves Indian, Chinese, Tibetan, and ever Korean recipes? You will realize the essence of foreign flavors once you taste the food here. Some of the must-try dishes of Leh, especially in the month of April are Thukpa, Tsampa, Dumplings, and Skyu. Beverages include coffee, tea, beer, and chang. Chang is an alcoholic drink which served during festivals.  

Further Read: 11 Experiences That Make Ladakh In May A Heartwarming Trip

The temperature in Ladakh in April is perfect for planning a trip to Ladakh for sure. The mountain of Ladakh and the vast green patches lay like a beautiful storybook picture. Let’s visit the land of cold desert mountains this month to be a part of the beginning of summer.

Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing  proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.

Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ladakh In April

Is KhardungLa pass open in April?

Yes, KhardungLa pass is open in April.

Is there snow in Leh in April?

Your chances are brighter if you visit Leh in early April, preferably the first week.

Which car is best for Ladakh trip?

Mahindra Thar, Mahindra Scorpio, Tata Safari Storme and Mitsubishi Outlander are the best cars for Ladakh trip.

Which is the best month to visit Ladakh?

It is a tie between April and May.

How many days are enough for Leh Ladakh?

For exploring Leh Ladakh properly you will need around 3 to 4 days.

Is Passport required for Leh Ladakh for Indians?

No, a passport is not required for Leh Ladakh if you are an Indian citizen.

Is it safe to travel to Ladakh in April?

Yes, it is one of the most preferred month to plan a visit.

Is Ladakh safe for women?

Yes, Ladakh is safe for women and solo travellers.

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Sukanya Sen

A book lover and fun-loving, overtly emotional mom with a wanderlust soul, Sukanya has completed her Master Degree in Geography and currently perusing her passion for writing as a profession. Nothing detoxes her more than trying new recipes and travelling to offbeat places is ultimate Therapy for her.

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My Simple Sojourn

Things to know before planning Leh and Ladakh trip – Safety, climate & packing tips

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More than a decade ago Ladakh was considered a destination for adventure travelers. I still remember one of my colleagues went to Ladakh in the early 2000s and after his return, he showed his photo albums with so much proud. Over the years this outlook changed and Ladakh became a popular travel destination among regular travelers. There are several places to visit in Leh Ladakh for a solo traveler or a family traveler. I kept on planning but nothing materialized for a long time. Finally, my Ladakh trip happened when I was least expecting it. I booked everything only 4 days before the travel date.

Even after booking I was very nervous because it is a hard terrain and I was taking a solo Ladakh trip. One of my friends told me that she had a lot of problems due to the high altitude and she got unwell & could not enjoy.

Despite all these apprehensions I decided to travel solo to Ladakh for 9 days. I traveled by air from Delhi to Leh and vice versa. Most of the tours cover popular places of Leh Ladakh in 7 days. So mine was a slow pace Ladakh trip in comparison to regular tours. This gave me extra time to explore local places and get a better perspective of Leh and Ladakh.

Why Ladakh is known as Land of high passes

There are 20 high altitude mountain passes in Ladakh. In the local language, a mountain pass is known as “La” and multiple is known as “Dhak”. So “La” + “Dhak” and that’s how the Ladakh got its name and also known as “land of high passes”.

I at Khardungla pass in Ladakh

Is Ladakh safe to travel?

Before my Ladakh trip, I was skeptical if it is a safe place to travel. There is a lot of information available on the internet about Leh and Ladakh but most of it is related to road travel and bike trips. Lots of the people travel to Ladakh in groups on bikes or Suv’s from Delhi or Manali to Leh or Srinagar to Leh. Some adventure junkies travel by road on regular buses.

It is fun to travel by road on bike or SUV or bus but it is not possible for lots of travelers due to several reasons. Most of the travelers like me want to have a Ladakh trip but they need a different perspective, which is of a regular person. Lots of people want to go to a new place for a vacation, which is an easily accessible and safe destination.

Even today after so many years, Ladakh is still considered as a difficult travel destination. I came across many families who consider Leh & Ladakh a difficult place for a holiday. There is still a mental block and many people advise their children to visit some other place instead of Ladakh. It may sound amusing to some people but then it is a reality.

My travel style is simple and I travel the way 80% of the people travel to a new place. Ladakh is a high altitude desert so, it is better to go slow. The air is thin and it takes a day or two to acclimatize to the altitude. When traveling by road acclimatization happens automatically as one drives from Manali or Srinagar to Leh. If traveling by air then go slow and take a day’s rest before going into Ladakh sightseeing mode.

Important questions about safety in Ladakh

Ladakh is it safe for solo female travelers.

I am at Shey Palace Leh Ladakh

What about Chinese incursion

There is news of Chinese incursion every now & then. These news highlights that the Chinese soldiers are getting into the Indian territories of Ladakh. These incidents happen too far from all the popular tourist places visited in Ladakh. These Chinese incursions are at least 2 traveling days distance from Leh , Pangong Lake or Nubra valley.

Road conditions in Ladakh

The roads conditions are unpredictive in Ladakh even though BRO maintains the roads on a regular basis. Most of the roads connecting main towns of Ladakh are in driveable conditions but don’t expect multilane roads. At some places, roads are so narrow that barely two vehicles can cross at a time.

Moreover, when you go towards Nubra valley via Khardungla pass or Pangong Lake from Leh , there are chances of bad stretches of roads. Infect you never know when a road will wash away. Yes, this can also happen.

When I drove from Leh to Nubra valley the road condition was good. When I returned the next day afternoon, there was water flowing on the road like a waterfall. Due to the strong current of water, the road was washing away. My driver told that this happens every now and then in summer months when glaciers start melting due to the rise of temperature. Border road organization (BRO) of India quickly repair the road for vehicle movements still you can get stuck for a few hours at any given time. So expect the unexpected in Ladakh.

Road near Leh on the way to Khardungla pass

Unrest of Kashmir

If you are flying in and out from Leh then there is no issue because Ladakh is too far from all those areas. Even if you are traveling by road through Srinagar and Kargil it is safe to drive because there is no trouble or militant issues in popular tourist areas.

Shelling from Pakistan

Ladakh is too far from Pakistan’s shelling range and there is no issue in this regard.

Is it ok for Elderly and infants to travel to Leh and Ladakh

Elderly people with heart conditions or breathing issues should avoid Ladakh because medical facilities are minimal. In the main city of Leh, there is a hospital with decent medical facilities. For any major issue, the doctors refer to Delhi or Srinagar hospitals.

If a person has these issues then consult your doctor before traveling to Ladakh. I have met 2-3 people above the age of 60-65 years and they had no issue while traveling in Ladakh.

Stok Palace sitting area near wall

Can I drive a rented car or hire from the local taxi union

This is an important point for people traveling by car from Delhi or Manali. In 2015 there were few incidents when local taxi union of Ladakh attacked the people driving on rented cars.

If you are driving in Ladakh then make sure that vehicle is on the name of the person driving or present in the car or close relative. Incase the car is on the name of your relative like a brother, sister or parents then make sure that you have documents to confirm the relationship.

If driving on a rented or borrowed vehicle then you can not use it for sightseeing in Ladakh. Only personal vehicles are allowed for sightseeing in Ladakh. Otherwise, you have to hire a taxi for local sightseeing and visiting the surrounding town. It may sound absurd but this is an important point to remember while traveling to Ladakh by car.

Best time to visit Ladakh

The Ladakh is the perfect destination for summer months which starts from the month of April in plains of India . At the same time, tourism starts in Ladakh. The best time for visiting Ladakh also depends upon how you are traveling. It depends if you are taking Ladakh trip by road or by air.

Ladakh trip by air

If you are traveling by air then May to September is the best time to visit Ladakh. In case if you like to see snow then April is also a good time to travel.

Ladakh region falls into rain shadow zone and due to this, there is practically no rain. There is no issue with monsoon rains when traveling by air because beyond Zoji La Pass from Srinagar and Baralacha Pass from Manali side, Ladakh gets no rains. There is an advantage when traveling by air in comparison to traveling by road because Ladakh air travel window is longer than by road.

Ladakh trip by road

This is one of the most preferred ways to travel to Ladakh by any adventure seekers. There are two ways to travel to Leh i.e. one from Delhi via Srinagar & Kargil, another is from Delhi via Manali. Most of the road trippers go through one route and return by another route. It is considered a must do the trip for people who like offroading or biking trips.

Srinagar to Manali road open in mid-May and Manali to Leh highway opens in the first week of June. The ideal time for a Ladakh road trip in June. From July onwards monsoon rains start in full swing. There are moderate to heavy rains in Manali and till Baralacha Pass. Due to this sudden landslides occur on the highway and road get closed for traffic.

From Zanksar river to Leh

Ladakh climate

It is a high altitude desert with practically no rain throughout the year. It remains very dry throughout the year. In summer months the highest temperature goes till 24 to 25-degree Celcius and lowest temperature touches 10 to 11 degrees Celcius.

In winter months the maximum temperature is around zero degrees and minimum goes till minus 15 degrees Celcius.

Best season to visit Leh Ladakh for Chaddar trek is between mid-January to mid-February. This trek is known as Chaddar trek because the upper part of Zanskar river is mostly frozen. There is a thick layer of ice on the river, which is like a sheet and that’s why it is known as “Chaddar trek”. The literal meaning of Chaddar is a sheet.

There are no regular tourists in Leh and Ladakh during winter months from November to March. Most of the hotels and accommodations remain close in winters. Infect some of the Ladakhi people shift to plains in north India during winter months.

Packing list for Leh Ladakh and what to wear

It is easier to get almost everything in the Leh market but keep in mind that there is a chance that you won’t get the exact things. There are shops but they have limited stocks. When packing for Ladakh trip keep in mind that it is not like any other hill station in India. The climate conditions and altitude are quite different, so pack your bags wisely. Here is my packing list for Ladakh trip in summers.

Clothing for Ladakh

While packing clothes keep in mind that it can be cold in summers but it may get quite warm during the day. You should carry clothes which can be worn in layers because the temperature keeps on fluctuating.

In the sun it feels hot and as soon as you are in shade it feels cold. Evening and mornings are cold because Ladakh is a dry desert.

So carry a couple of warm inner but keep regular full sleeve T-shirts, which can be worn in layers. Which you can be removed easily while traveling if it feels hot.

Things to carry –

* Jacket – 1

** T-shirts 1 for every day + 2 extra

* Bottoms – Keep a couple of Jeans and trousers

** Undergarments – 1 for every day

* Cardigan or front open sweatshirt – 1

** Windcheater – 1 and it can double up as a light jacket

* Socks – Few pairs

** Cap – 1 for protection from the sun

* Stole – 1 to 2 and keep them handy when traveling as it gets windy at places like Pangong lake.

** Shoes – Keep one pair with laces and another slip on because you have to take off your shoes every time you visit a monastery or religious place.

* I advise that you keep a couple of track pants also, which can be worn during the day. This I am advising from personal experience.

* Sunglasses – 1 and preferably with UV protection

After arriving in Leh, I suddenly had swelling in my whole body and it was very uncomfortable in jeans. I had a bad habit of over packing and during Ladakh trip that really helped me. I was carrying a couple of track pants and leggings, which came very handy when I had swelling. Though after 4-5 days the swelling problem subsidized. Everybody reacts differently in different conditions and I had swelling in my body at high altitude.

Don’t pack short skirts, shorts, and tank tops. Prefer cardigan over pullover.

Carry the regular toiletry bag with shampoo, face wash, body wash, hair conditioner, toothpaste, and toothbrush. Other then these carry a good quality moisturizing lotion because Ladakh is a dry desert.

Also carry a lip balm, sunscreen lotion with at least 40 SPF. If your skin is dry then carry mustard or olive oil or vitamin e oil. Use these every night because the skin gets dry very fast in Leh and Ladakh.

If you are planning to visit Ladakh in winters then you need to pack differently as temperature goes below minus 20 to 40 degrees Celcius. Check out this packing list for Chadar trek , which is also useful for winters in Ladakh.

Also, check my packing list and what to wear in India .

can we visit ladakh in april

Keep Diamox tablets for altitude sickness and acclimatization issues but don’t take it if you are not very uncomfortable. You may have a slight headache and restless sleep for a couple of days, which will eventually go.

Keep Avomine or any other medicine for prevention from motion sickness and vomiting in hilly areas.

Also keep your regular painkiller, fever, and cold tablets.

It is better to pack some band-aids, pain-relieving spray or cream, crape bandage i.e. your regular first aid kit.

Carry some eatables

Carry some nuts, chocolates and energy bars in the bag. Some people lose appetite due to AMS (Acute mountain sickness) for them it is better to take something in between to get energy.

Also keep electrolyte solution or glucose powder, which is also helpful in maintaining energy in the case of AMS. Here are some useful tips for stay fit while traveling .

The food is non-spicy in Ladakh. For some people, it becomes more difficult to eat bland food when appetite reduces. So, if you like spicy food then you may carry a small bottle of a pickle with you.

Drink a lot of Water

Water helps in acclimatization, so drink lots of water. Dehydration can complicate health issues at high altitudes. Always carry one liter of a water bottle and drink water at regular intervals.

When traveling to Pangong Lake, Nubra valley or Tso Morari keep at least 2 to 3 liters of water in the car. From my personal experience, I can vouch that water helps a lot in handling mountain sickness and altitude issues.

Avoid aerated drinks because they can cause dehydration.

There are ATMs and branches of several banks in Leh and you can easily withdraw money.

There are no ATM in the Nubra valley and Pangong lake area, so carry cash when traveling to these areas.

If you are traveling by road from Manali to Leh then carry cash for your entire journey because there is no ATM on the Manali highway. When traveling from Srinagar to Leh then also carry cash for on the way requirements. There are ATMs in Kargil but at times they run out of cash.

In Leh, credit cards are accepted by a few shops. It is better to carry cash because sometimes swipe machines don’t connect with the server for payment. Carry cash for meals.

Mobile phone network in Ladakh

Only postpaid phones work in Ladakh region as well as in whole Jammu & Kashmir. The BSNL connection is best among rest. After BSNL, Airtel and Jio have maximum connectivity. I personally carried Vodafone and it worked well in Leh & surrounding area, at Khardung La pass, and in Nubra valley. It didn’t work while I was traveling or at Pangong lake.

If possible carry a BSNL postpaid connection because it has maximum connectivity.

Mobile data is very slow and you can get at the most 2G network speed. Most of the hotel provides Wi-Fi connection so use it for the data network. In case there are no signals in mobile use WhatsApp for calling to your loved ones.

While traveling in Leh and Ladakh connect with your loved ones as and when you get signals because you never know when you get signals next time. Send SMS to your loved ones because messages will go asap as and when you get little network.

Taxi for sightseeing and local trips

Cost of a taxi is too high in comparison to what we get in plains. The Leh-Ladakh taxi union is very strong, they fix the rates at the beginning of the tourist season every year.

If you are looking to hire a taxi for visiting Pangong and Nubra valley then the cost of the taxi will be too steep. A two day trip to Pangong lake or Nubra valley will cost anything between 10,000 to 12,000 INR. If you hire a taxi for local sightseeing it will cost between 2,500 to 3,000 INR for a day.

If on a budget then walk around in the Leh market and check for the flyers outside shops or restaurants. Most of the solo or couple travelers paste flyers with their travel details and contact numbers. Contact them and arrange to share the taxi. It will cut your travel cost to Nubra Valley or Pangong lake. You can also paste these flyers and other people can contact you.

Permit for Ladakh

Indian tourist need “Inner line permit” for visiting Ladakh, it is valid for 3 weeks. Foreign travelers need “Protected area permit”, it is valid for 1 week. You can apply for an online permit before traveling or obtain it in Leh.

If you are traveling through an agent then they will arrange it for you. The process is simple and fast. Keep a couple of photocopies of your ID and address proof because you may need these while traveling to Nubra or Pangong from Leh.

These are some basic tips to keep in mind before planning a Ladakh trip. It is a beautiful place to enjoy the beauty of mother nature. A trip to Ladakh needs slightly more planning than any other trip in India. Once you have sorted on all these points, it will be the most memorable trips of your life.

Things to know before planning Leh and Ladakh trip - Safety, climate & packing tips

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4 thoughts on “things to know before planning leh and ladakh trip – safety, climate & packing tips”.

can we visit ladakh in april

Very informative post covering all the necessary details, did not know about the origin of the name, thanks for sharing such a detail post with these beautiful pics.

can we visit ladakh in april

Leh-Ladakh is an amazing place. This winter I am planning for Leh-Ladakh trip, and I am searching on google for Leh-Ladakh tips. Your blog is very helpful for me. You shared the information about packing is useful. Great guidance on this blog. I am happy with your blog. Thanks for sharing the great blog.

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can we visit ladakh in april

Thank you! Beautiful pictures!

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Best time to visit Ladakh

Temperature, climate & weather, temperature and precipitation in leh-ladakh, what is the coldest month in leh-ladakh.

The coldest month is January, with an average temperature of -3°C (27°F) during the day and an average temperature of -15°C (5°F) during the night. As the weather is always dry and sunny, it does not feel as cold as one would expect and travelling in Ladakh at this time of the year is a wonderful experience.

How many days per year does it rain in Leh-Ladakh?

Ladakh is a high-altitude desert, there are only 13 rainfall days per year and 106 mm (4.2 in) of accumulated precipitation. This is the reason why water is a very precious resource and saving water when travelling in Ladakh is important.

What is the driest month in Leh-Ladakh?

The driest months are June and October, with less than half day of rainfall per month and 4 mm (0.2 in) of precipitation.

What is the warmest month in Leh-Ladakh?

The warmest month is July, with an average temperature of 25°C (77°F) during the day and an average temperature of 10°C (50°F) during the night. Average temperatures in August are just 1°C (2°F) lower.

What is the wettest month in Leh-Ladakh?

7-day weather forecast for leh-ladakh, best season to visit leh-ladakh, winter in ladakh (january, february, march).

Spring in Ladakh (April, May, June)

Summer in ladakh (july, august, september), autumn in ladakh (october, november, december), private taxi, shared taxi, map of ladakh, hotels in ladakh, sightseeing tours, tour packages, travel itineraries, practical info, ladakh travel guides, client reviews.

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Leh ladakh road trip: an unbelievable drive in india.

This is Part 1   of our 5 part series on planning the ultimate road trip to Leh Ladakh in India. We will cover every aspect – itinerary, accommodation, packing, driving – of planning an unforgettable Ladakh road trip:

Read Part 2 – Leh Ladakh Road Trip II (Nubra, Pangong, and Manali) (opens in new tab)

Read Part 3 – Packing for a road trip to Leh and Ladakh (opens in new tab)

Read Part 4 –  10 Dos and Donts for a roadtrip to Leh-Ladakh, India  (opens in new tab)

Read Part 5 – Accommodation: Luxury Camping in Ladakh (opens in new tab)

As we make our way to Ladakh, lush meadows, Chinar forests, and apple orchards give way to barren landscapes illuminated by the glimmering sun. Monks are everywhere and monasteries dot the landscape – that’s when you know you’ve arrived in one of the most spectacular places on Earth!!

A road trip to Ladakh is no small feat- it is well and truly the stuff of dreams. Ladakh’s soundlessness, its cobalt blue skies, bright rainbows, and glistening lakes are pure magic.  This road trip boasts of iconic landmarks such as the highest motorable road in the world ( Khardung La );  some of the highest mountain passes in the world such as Zoji La and Tanglang La;  splendid scenic drives in remote regions, and some little known gems such as the kaleidoscopic More Plains , Lamayuru, and the hypnotic Gata Loops. It is truly a road trip like no other!!

Pangong Lake on road trip to Ladakh

Before the fun stuff and a day-by-day itinerary of our roadtrip to Ladakh, here’s a quick look at the logistics:

Here’s an overview of the route we followed over the course of 3 weeks. We drove from Delhi to Ladakh via Gulmarg. We drove back from Leh City to Delhi via Manali.

Leh-Ladakh-Road-Trip-Itinerary-Map

This self-drive road trip is only for experienced drivers who are comfortable driving in India and  skilled at driving in the hills. There are dubious roads, bumpy stretches, and unpaved mountain passes by the dozen (all details in the daily breakdown below). Having said that, if you enjoy driving and are fond of road trips, it truly doesn’t get better than this. Look at these panoramas and those crystal clear skies. Don’t forget to read our article on 10 Things to keep in mind while planning a road trip to Leh and Ladakh  before embarking on this road trip.

traffic jam khardung la

Try to stick to bottled/filtered water while you are in India. Stock up on water and also on non-perishable snacks including dried fruits, nuts, and cookies before the road trip. However there is no need to go overboard as hot food is plentiful, cheap, and easily available in India.

There are hundreds of dhabas (shacks) along the way, most of which cater well to vegetarian and vegan travellers. Expect to find paranthas (stuffed flatbreads) and sandwiches. As you begin to inch closer to Leh, you will start noticing a smattering of mok mok/momos (steamed dumplings), chowmein (an Indian take on traditional stir-fried noodles), and Maggi (Instant noodles) on menus. A meal at a roadside shack will rarely set you back by more than £5 (INR 500). There are also loads of mid-range and some truly exquisite restaurants in the bigger cities you’ll hit during this road trip. We’ve mentioned a couple of our favourites in the itinerary  below  🙂

Eating Maggi Noodles in Ladakh

The cumulative expenses depend on the kinds of hotels and restaurants you choose to stay and dine. As with every other country we visit, we chose quaint lil B&Bs for the days when we had to be on the road all day and just needed a place to crash at night and luxury hotels for languorous days that had to be spent in the same city. Besides accommodation and food, expect to spend approximately £120 (INR 12000) on fuel and £40 (INR 4000) on tolls and road taxes if you’re driving a rental car . This sum is a bit lower if you’re driving your own car.

Try renting a 4X4 for your road trip to Ladakh – this isn’t essential but it makes the ride easier. It is easy to rent a car in most major cities in India. As most of you probably know, driving in India is like nowhere else in the world. Roads are chaotic and lane driving is but a myth. Taking these things into consideration, it’s best to rent a car from an Indian rental company . Such companies understand the nuances of the Indian market well.

There are a number of car-rental companies in India. Here are a couple of things we kept in mind while renting a self-drive car in India:

  • Make sure you opt for a company that provides unlimited mileage. A lot of companies offer a quote that includes limited mileage. Customers are charged an extortionate amount for every kilometre over the fixed mileage. This is never a good idea if you, like us, love taking detours and discovering offbeat gems along the way.

Keeping these things in mind, we rented a Scorpio from Myles Cars   for our self-drive road trip and the experience was seamless. We opted for their personalised service, which included a pick up/drop off at our doorstep (something we’ve seen only in India 🙂 ). Our car was in great shape and didn’t give us trouble as we drove through varied terrains, bumpy roads, and mountain passes. We drove it much more than we anticipated but paid no additional cost (thanks to the unlimited mileage clause!)

Leh Ladakh roadtrip rental car

Now that the logistics are out of the way, let’s head to the fun stuff. Here’s a day by day breakdown of a road trip to Ladakh:

Day 1: Driving from Delhi to Patnitop

The first day’s drive through bustling Indian towns and cities and plains is perfect to acquaint oneself with driving in India. The drive from Delhi to Patnitop , a small hill-station in Jammu and Kashmir is long. It can take about 16 hours (although Google says 10 ;-)), so you might consider breaking it if you don’t enjoy long days on the road. In any case, always take frequent breaks especially if you are the only one driving.

Start early – we left Delhi at 4.30 am. We took the following route: Delhi-Karnal-Ambala-Ludhiana-Jalandhar-Pathankot-Udhampur-Patnitop. This drive isn’t particularly scenic and there are frequent toll booths along the way. However the first 7-8 hours boast of great roads. Also, there are lots of service stations and public toilets along the way.

There is no shortage of restaurants. International chains – McDonald, KFC, Subway – seem to be extremely popular in the area. But if the weather’s conducive, we’d suggest taking a pitstop at a traditional Indian  dhaba (shack) for some North Indian grub.

Fight the impulse to follow your GPS blindly and try to stay on the highway as much as possible. For eg. our GPS took us through ‘shortcuts’ towards Gurdashpur and Binanagar. Instead of following the highway and driving towards Pathankot, we obeyed the GPS. This was the worst idea ever as roads were bad and in horrible condition. We ended up wasting 2 hours on an already long day!

Accommodation:

Patnitop is a small hilltop town that makes for a perfect pitstop for the night. There are a few hotels and resorts in the area. We chose to spend the night at Vardaan Resorts because it was recommended by a couple of locals.  Rooms are clean but dated and food is fresh. The view however is enviable. Waking up to this view made us really excited about the panoramas that lay ahead.

Patnitop Leh Ladakh road trip India

Day 2: Driving from Patnitop to Gulmarg

This is when the fun begins in real ernest. Almost as soon as you leave Patnitop, you will start spotting lush forests, meadows, glistening waterfalls, and blue skies. Apple farms start making an appearance and Kashmir’s sun-drenched panoramas put visitors in a good mood. At one point you’ll cross Jawahar tunnel and the moment you come out on the other side, you’ll be greeted to the first glimpse of the beautiful Kashmir valley.

The winding hilly drive from Patnitop to Gulmarg takes over 8 hours. Expect to make loads of stops along the way – rainbows play hide and seeks with red-cheeked kids in the countryside and Kashmir. Glowing and throbbing nature is at its best and most magical here in Kashmir.

Make sure your fuel is topped up when you leave Patnitop as gas stations start getting scarce at this point.

You could choose a hotel in Srinagar or Gulmarg. We chose to stay in a slightly secluded spot in Gulmarg – The Khyber Himalayan Resort and Spa was recommended to us by a reader and we’re so glad we chose it for our stay in Gulmarg. It’s a magical property, nothing short of splendid. Decadent rooms overlook snow-capped peaks and coniferous forests. On s haring a photo on our Facebook page , we found out dozens of our readers have stayed there in the past and all of them gush about it – so glad we aren’t the only ones! 🙂

The first glimpse of Kashmir valley from "Titanic" view point :-)

Days 3-5: Gulmarg & surroundings

We spent 3 nights at The Khyber Himalayan Resort as we explored Gulmarg and its surroundings. It provided the perfect break from all that driving. Nature is extravagantly beautiful in this part of Kashmir.

You could just pick up your car, pack a picnic basket, and find an idyllic picnic spot just about anywhere. Alternatively you could go for a hike , one that’s as easy or strenuous as you want it to be, through Gulmarg’s magical woodlands. Don’t forget to hop on the Gulmarg Gondola, one of the highest operating cable cars in the world . The first level of the gondola ride is passable but the views of the Himalayas from the second level are splendid. Highly recommended. Tickets cost £16 (INR 1600). Go prepared for LONG queues 🙂

view at the top of Gulmarg Gondola Kashmir

Day 6: Driving from Gulmarg to Kargil

Finally it was time to leave the serene environs of Gulmarg and head to faraway hills. The drive from Gulmarg to Leh cannot be covered in 1 day, so it’s best to cover it over 2-3 days. Kargil is the perfect pitstop if you decide to do this stretch over 2 days.

This drive is one of the most scenic drives so far. Expect glacier views at Sonmarg, little streams at Drass, herds, cheery shepherds, flocks of sheep, and seductive stretches of countryside. At Zoji La (Zojila Pass), one of the bottlenecks along the way, roads are dubious but stunning views abound. Snow-laden panoramas are everywhere to be seen so it’s hard to get annoyed at the bad roads or traffic jams.

Start early. The drive from Gulmarg to Kargil is just 250 kilometres long but it took us 12 hours because the mighty Zojila Pass is always jam-packed and the roads on this stretch are in bad shape. To add that, there was a protest in one of the villages on our way and the villagers had blocked all traffic for a couple of hours. Always stay prepared for things like these when driving in India 🙂

It being peak season we were unable to find any hotel in Kargil for the night. Finally, after over 2 hours of first pulling into Kargil, we found a dingy room at a local guesthouse. We were grateful for the beds at the end of a long day but we can’t recommend the place. I won’t get into the nitty-gritties but let’s just say we were very glad to get out of there next morning! 😉

Sonmarg Kashmir India valley

Day 7: Driving from Kargil to Leh City

The military presence in this area can’t be glazed over. You will spot soldiers everywhere – this is because of the volatile political situation in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Scenery wise, this stretch of road is spectacular ! In fact, it is so scenic you will want to stop every 5 minutes especially as you inch closer to Leh. As we made our way to Ladakh, we could see lush meadows, and Chinar forests giving way to barren landscapes illuminated by the glimmering sun. Monks could be seen everywhere and monastries dotted the landscape as far as the eye could see – that’s when we knew we had arrived in Leh!!

Some of the places that are worth stopping on the way are Lamayuru village (mid-way between Kargil and Leh), Alchi, and the famous (and much hyped) magnetic hill .

Start early with lots of time on hand and stop to absorb the scenery every 20 minutes 🙂 Have lunch at Lamayuru to break your journey and enjoy the peaceful vibe at the monastery.

Leh City has loads of guesthouses and hotels to suit every budget. Choose one that gels with your travelling style – just make sure the hotel offers parking (as you will need to leave your rental car here while exploring Nubra Valley & Pangong Lake), rooms are heated, and it has oxygen supplies should you need them.

Since we had to spend quite a few days in Leh city, we chose the luxurious Chamba Camp Thiksey . It overlooks the gorgeous Thiksey Monastery, far from hustle-bustle of Leh City. Glamping is the only way to stay next to some of the most remote panoramas of the world in such luxury. We’ve been glamping in loads of places around the world but I’ll say this – nowhere has it been more decadent or scenic that in India. We loved waking up in our decadent tent at The Ultimate Travelling Camp, nestled amidst snow-capped mountains and spending languorous days absorbing Leh’s natural beauty, with cappuccino on call 🙂

Nearing Leh on a road trip of Ladakh

Days 8-10: Explore Leh City and surroundings

There are loads of things to see in Leh City.

  • Explore Shanti Stupa , a Buddhist stupa located on a hilltop
  • The  Old Town of Leh also makes for a fascinating self-guided walk – explore its crumbling houses, the buzy marketplace, and Leh Palace
  • Leh Palace offers great views of Leh City but for truly spectacular views of Leh City, head to the neighbouring  Namgyal Tsemo Monastery
  • Outside the city, Thiksey Monastery and Hemis Monastery offer an insight into the Buddhist way of life. It’s easy to spend hours at each monastery – exploring rooms, marvelling at staircases, and talking to monks. Don’t miss the early morning call to prayer and prayer ceremony at Thiksey Monastery.

All these historical and cultural sites draw visitors. However here in Leh City, the landscape is the real draw – you could stop just about anywhere and be treated to a special view.

Take it easy on your first day in Leh City and give your body time to acclimatize to the altitude. If you’re on a road trip, chances are you will adjust pretty quickly because the ascent to such high altitudes has been gradual. However the difference in altitude might hit you harder if you’ve flown straight to Leh City. In any case, refrain from consuming spicy/heavy food or alcohol for the first couple of days. Have loads of water and keep yourself well hydrated.

Leh Ladakh road trip luxury tent The Ultimate Travelling Camp

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Gata Loops on Ladakh road trip drive from Leh to Manali

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141 thoughts on “ leh ladakh road trip: an unbelievable drive in india ”.

This is Amazing and extremely helpful. Thank you for the detailed post .

Thanks Ananya – so glad you found it useful 🙂 We wanted to pen EVERYTHING that could potentially help someone planning a trip to the area! 🙂

More than just a tour guide, its extremely helpful for people like me who are planning a trip to Ladakh.

Thanks Suyash – it took us SO long to put all this information about a roadtrip to Ladakh together in one post but your comment just made it all worth it 🙂

Hi Savi/Vid,

I have been following your page from quite a while now. I love to read your experiences and struggles in a trip. I have been struggling from last few months to plan my honeymoon trip from April 20th. It would be great if you can help us with some inputs. We are planning a road trip to Ladakh from Manali. Is it a good option for honeymoon purpose, as we both like road trips, that’s why we thought this could be a good option. We are planning a 10 days trip from Manali to Leh and vice-versa.

Plz share your inputs also if you have any other suggestions than Ladakh, we are open for suggestions.

Plz help in the same, we are planning a decent honeymoon trip within India as we are not interested in Maldives, rest most of the countries have not opened there borders yet.

Waiting for your reply.

Hey Shivani – if you choose nice accommodation Ladakh can make for a good honeymoon 🙂 If you want someplace warmer with nice honeymoon-friendly hotels you can also choose Kerala

Such a awesome journey it look like .. I been there many a times but seems like life got refreshed after reading your words with awesome pictures … Much useful link .. In august I am Going again . Will Try all the places which U guys mentioned . Thanks 4 the post .

Thanks a ton Harkaran – so glad you enjoyed our guide to driving in Ladakh 🙂 We’re not surprised you keep going back to Ladakh – Have fun in August & don’t forget to send us photos

Stunning pictures. After reading this post, I am so looking forward to my trip to Ladakh! <3

Thanks Deepika – we hope you have an amazing time in Ladakh. Do try to check off some of the lesser known sites (Lamayuru, More Plains etc) too 🙂

Hi guys.. Wonderful writing & you guys make my mind to go & see such a beautiful place in India.. Photos are amazing. Hope you had great time there

Hey Manoj – it’s awesome that we managed to persuade you to go and drive around Ladakh. We promise you you’ll love it 🙂

I was 4 when I was left behind due to my acute asthma in 1986 by mom and Bro to joindad in Ladhak serving the Indian army.At this time this little gem wasn’t known to the world.But I grew up on stories from the valley and have been wanting to go there since I was 4. Last year after a lot of convincing my husband took me upto Srinagar, Sonamarg and Zozilla pass. I had to call dad then to salute him to serve the nation at the toughest battlefield and also assure him my asthma was doing just fine. I have been holding up Leh because I wanna drive up there and not fly so I acclimatise well.Your post is just what was needed. Thank You ?

Hey Kamakshi – you’re welcome. As we mentioned, Savi’s bronchitis held up well in Ladakh. We’re sure you’ll be fine and would love it 🙂 Just make sure you book a hotel with oxygen supplies and don’t try to pack in too much in your schedule. Hugs from us

Awesome blog, have been on two treks in Ladakh (personally count it among my favourite destinations, though obviously there is a lot of world left to explore) but your snaps are brilliant and a road trip looks like a pretty interesting prospect for a 3rd visit. Do visit the Tso Moriri if you ever go again. Long drive but personally thought it was way better than Pangong…

Thanks Uday – you should definitely try driving to Ladakh. We’ll be back for Tso Moriri but thought we’d recommend it to our readers anyway – we heard SUCH great things about it 🙂

Stunning pictures, great writing and truck load of information. Thanks for such a detailed post. Definitely bookmarking this series for our future leh travel plan. I have to ask, do you guys had any issue with self-driving in and around kashmir and ladakh? I keep hearing there are lot of taxi union issues, any comments.

Hey Krithika

Thanks a ton – glad you enjoyed the post 🙂 Driving in Kashmir and Leh City isn’t a problem but the taxi union is quite strong in Ladakh – we’ve written all about it (and how we dealt with it( in days 11 -15 of our itinerary here: https://www.bruisedpassports.com/india/epic-road-trip-leh-ladakh

Guys, it seems like an awesome journey! I’m just speechless. 🙂 The views like those make it all worth it. I’ve been wanting to go to Leh since forever. I think this post will help a lot! 🙂

Thanks a ton Ramya – hope you make it there super super soon. A roadtrip to Ladakh is truly dreamy 🙂

Absolutely stunning views and informative blog post. Can I just ask what camera you’ve used for these pictures?

Keep doing what you are doing!

Thanks a ton Harshitha 🙂 We use a Nikon D610 for all our photographs – we’ve written a detailed post on our travel and photography essentials: https://www.bruisedpassports.com/featured/travel-photography-essentials

Thanks v much Savi! Really appreciate your response, it’s been really helpful.

Btw, i just turned on notifications on your insta account! Great pictures you guys ?

Thanks a ton Harshitha 😀

Hey! I have been waiting for this post, so that I can make notes before I leave for my trip:) Loved the post and the pictures are incredible as always:) Thanks for taking out time to answer all my queries with regard to the accommodation at Leh, Nubra and Pangong. I have made bookings at the same stays at all 3 locations 🙂 Leaving on 17th July, so excited. Thank you so much 🙂

Hey Chinar – that’s awesome. You MUST send us photos when you visit Leh & Ladakh. We’d love to share them with our readers 🙂 Hope you found all the information you wanted – feel free to drop us an email if you need anything else

finally , the itinerary is out. Covers all bases , but just wanted to ask for someone not going by car to leh , what all can be done using motorbikes and what will need a taxi? was planning to take taxi for Nubra valley and Pangong and Motorbike for Leh local??

Hey Gaurav – you can refer to days 11-15 to see what we did but I think what you have in mind is great. In fact you can even cover Nubra and Pangong by bike but do be warned, the roads are really steep and in bad shape. However we did see a few bikers covering the route themselves 🙂

Thanks , taking lots of cues from u guys , hope we end up as much fun as u guys. Cheers.

Awesome Gaurav. Have fun and send us photos from you trip to Ladakh 🙂

Best post of yours till date.. such detailed write up and envious pictures to match up with it..3 weeks in Heaven i should say.. keep rocking guys..

Thanks a ton Madhu – so glad to hear you found it useful 🙂

just wat i needed, have been waiting since the day ur first post abt Ladakh came uo… its just my dream destination. Being suffering from chronic disorder its just scares me out listening the stories abt the place but the moment i see any pic of leh ladakh it seems this is wat i wanna do. And ur pictures, they motivate me to the T. they just scream out saying “Come fall in love with me”…just get goose bums seeing god’s beautiful creation and to witness it would be something else. great job guys love love love you. BIG HUGS AND KISSES TO U.. stay blessed and KEEP LIVING.

Thanks a million Prachi – It’s easy to get medical attention, especially in Leh City. You should make a short trip just to test the waters 🙂

Yup this is on my top priority list now. And next to top is meeting you guys. you truly are big time INSPIRATION. just WAITING FOR MY BIG FAN MOMENT. 🙂

Aww thanks Prachi – I hope our paths cross somewhere around the globe super soon 🙂

What time of the year did you take this trip? Want to plan one in April, advisable?

Hey Vamshika – we went in July. In April some roads are still snowed under, so do check before going. Or you could fly to Leh City and you’ll explore it from there 🙂

You guys are lucky to have made it just before the ban on self driving cars in Ladakh region.

Hey Sam – we didn’t. We drove to Ladakh and back from Ladakh but rented a taxi to explore Ladakh while we were there. Please see days 11-15 for this!

Great post, even greater pics! Surely gonna use this if and when I plan an epic road trip to Ladakh. Btw, you guys look amazing in all of the pics!

@Vid: If possible, could you write a post on your photography workflow? How you manage the RAW files, what softwares you use etc? I have read about your travel photography gear but was curious about the workflow.

Thanks for the tonne of info already 🙂

Regards, Anu

Hey Anu – thanks a million 🙂 Sure I’ll definitely pen a post on that. I have a few huge HDDs (couple of TBs each) to store RAW files and I use Lightroom to edit photographs

Omg!! My husbanhuhas always been dying to be here and I have been researching the areafor quite some time now but reading all of your series I am also desperately wanting to be there. So beautiful described! This is definitely on top of my list now! Thanks for the traveling goals..

Hey Sneha – so happy to hear you enjoyed reading about our roadtrip in Ladakh 🙂 Hope the two of you make it there soon 🙂

It’s so beautifully written that sitting on my bed feels like driving on the panoramic Leh and Ladakh road.You two are inspiration for me!!

Thanks for that Upasana – this took so much time to put together but your comment just made it all seem worthwhile 🙂

Wow..I mean wow..Reading this was like traveling to Kashmir . And the pictures are so beautiful. Loved reading ! Sorry for all the exclamation marks but I am awed.

Thanks Khushboo – so happy to hear you enjoyed both the text and words- yay 🙂

Great travelogue. I haven’t seen northern India but now I won’t be able to stay away. Thanks!

This was our first road trip to The Himalayas and it did not disappoint 🙂 You should definitely head over!

Thanks for such detailed and helpful posts and for not saying that driving in India is too crazy to attempt – I drive here everyday and love it! I think once you understand the culture and drive like an Indian it’s not too unsafe. I’d love to try this road trip on a car or a bike. Thanks for the self drive car hire tips and stunning photos too!

Hehe Anna – driving in India is a different ballgame altogether but it’s definitely doable and a lot of fun. Would love to hear from you after you attempt a roadtrip to Ladakh – have a feeling you’ll love it 🙂

Your post reminded me of my CEAT tyres sales trips in punjab and jammu. Gt road and beyond. 20 yrs back.

Extremely beautiful Photoes…

Thanks a ton Hardik 🙂

Amezing clicks! Which month u did it? how was weather? any rain?

We went in June and the weather was amazing. We didn’t encounter any rain 🙂

You guys r just superb!!.. Seeing u travel makes me leave everythng nd jst go by d flow lyk u guys do U both are such full of positivity nd full of lyf dat it makes us believe all d more in everything u do

Dear Anubhuti, you are too kind and generous in your appreciation. We are really humbled by your words.Thanks so much and we hope you also get a chance to travel around the globe and explore everything for your self 🙂

You Guys Are Doing Awesome Work. Keep Exploring!😃

Thanks a ton Meet 🙂

I heard you could do go through Ladakh by road these days. Walked from Lamayaru to Darcha (took almost a month) and then bus to Manali 30 years ago! Memories. Time to go back.

Hey Steven – Walking from Lamayaru to Darcha sounds like one incredible adventure. Love the sound of it. You should definitely re-visit Ladakh – you’ll be surprised at just how much things have changed 🙂

I just checked the route – been trying to match my old photos to Google maps! We walked quite a bit further, over the Shingo La (I remember that) into Himachal Pradesh and we must have hit the road at Keylong. It appears many of the gompas are still only accessible by foot – Photoskar, Lingshed, Lingshot, and some others. There is now a new gravel road up to Phuktal north off the Manali road. Did you get up there? That is a truly incredible and memorable place, thousands of years old. I also remember as it was an easy 40 mile river valley walk from Padum, so on a road trip could be done from Padum in a couple of days. Lamayaru to Padum was about 2 weeks of daily mountain climbs – still walking only.

Hi, Which month did u travel?..Love the season colors..

Hey we travelled during summer (June)

Hi, I really wanted to know about the weather there in May.We are planning in last week of May this year.there will three kids in the group. TIA

May is a great time but sometimes the snow hasn’t melted and many roads are not open. So check for updates before leaving

It is a very advantageous post for me. I’ve enjoyed reading the post. It is very supportive and useful post. I would like to visit the post once more its valuable content. Thanks a lot for this beauty Enjoying article with me. I appreciate it very much!

We are a group of 3 engineering students from Mumbai and we have been dreaming of going to Leh Laddakh since our freshmen year! Thanks to your blog we are finally planning a bike trip to Leh from Delhi and back this year. Kudos to you guys for inspiring people like us. We shall make full use of your suggestions. Keep up the great work and wish you luck for your future endeavors.

Hey Rohith,

thanks a lot for your message. Hope you guys had a great road trip to Leh Ladakh – do share photos with us if you get a chance 🙂

Hey there ! Every time I surf thru https://www.bruisedpassports.com , I’m in awe of you both. Cheers guys ! Now coming on to the important point, how much did it cost for the entire trip. Plus would like to have your advice on the following route we intend / plan to take – delhi to Srinagar (via flight) to leh ladakh to manali / Jammu (via road) and fly out of delhi. Would we be doing justice to the scenic beauty of Leh Ladakh. Secondly, what time of the year does it opens for civilians, which month onwards

Best Sripat

Yes your itinerary will be doing justice to the beauty of Leh Ladakh. Costs will vary as you’ll have to hire a cab from Srinagar to Leh to Manali/Delhi. We rented a car and drove from Delhi back to Delhi. You will be taking flights. So it’s difficult for us to tell you the estimated cost for your trip 🙂

It usually opens May onwards but that varies year on year so best to check that closer to your trip

Hi Guys . We are planning to do a road trip from Delhi to Leh , but i am hearing all scary stories that a rental Car ( yellow/black board) should be avoided as the locals don’t let u pass after a certain point ? Is this true ? Most of the folks are advising us to take flight to Leh . What do you suggest?

Hey you can only drive till your hotel in Leh in a rental car. Beyond that, (say for Nubra / Pangong etc.) you have to take a local taxi. Nothing to worry about. Taking a flight to Leh is also not a bad idea – to be honest Delhi – Patnitop drive was quite bleh and I’d rather skip that. That said, Kargil – Leh and Leh – Jispa are some of the most stunning drives so if you fly to Leh and back you’ll be missing those 🙂

Loved your post. Is the road trip doable with kids?

Thank you 🙂

I believe it’s best to take a doctor’s advice on that as many people suffer from altitude sickness in Leh and it might not be good for kids

Hi Your post is great.. Its detailed and covers all the bases.. I have read and heard that self-driven cars from Myles and the like are not allowed beyond a point in ladakh as the local car hires do not allow you to use ur rented vehicle. I am planning for a similar trip in July by renting a car from one of these app based rental services. Need your input on this. Should I go for it or look out for other options?

Hey Aditya,

Yes, you’ll only be allowed to take the car to Leh. For Khardung-La, Nubra, Pangong lake etc., you will have to hire a local car.

Can we plan a trip in July ion leh?

Yes in fact July is one of the most popular months to do a road trip to Leh Ladakh 🙂

Hi we are planning to visit leh ladakh during aug.. wanted your suggestion on where should we stay- at nubra valley or at diskit because i’ve heard all monastriea are closer to diskit but dunes are closer to nubra.. bit of confused over there. Also, have been reading articles about altitude sickness at leh. I’ve never felt any such sickness before while travelling to hill stations..should I be worried this time?

Hey one can never predict altitude sickness, so we can’t say anything. You’ll just have to wait and watch. As a precaution, do spend 1-2 days getting acclimatised to the altitude before starting to explore. We’d say Diksit is a better option 🙂

The photofeature of the Manali-Leh Ladakh road trip is just mesmerizing. Definitely have to give it a try.

Best time to visit Leh Ladakh would probably be like in mid-December and Jan starts it is one of the most charming places to see I have visited there for like 3 days and 4 nights, food is also delicious. thanks for the wonderful article.

Yes we’d love to visit Leh Ladakh in winter months 🙂

Excellent blog writing with beautiful photography enjoy reading such a nice blog. Thank you for sharing.

I have read this article this is such an amazing place for hill lover. Thank you for sharing.

Thank you for your detailed report!

Would you recommend doing this trip in July? We are a European couple who loves roadtrips and I have seen so many beautiful videos of this region but I don’t know if it’s not too dangerous to drive the roads?

Hey there – would’nt recommend driving yourself if you haven’t driven extensively in India before this 🙂

Hey Savi and Vid,

Amazing Post and beautiful pictures!!! I was planning on visiting Leh-Ladakh end of June and this article is undoubtedly the best one I have come across. Could you please let me know when (which month) did you visit?

Hi Sharanya,

We drove to Leh Ladakh at the end of May / beginning of June 🙂

Ladakh is a standout amongst the most attractive tourist destinations on the planet. It has amazing natural magnificence and beautiful scenes which impress visitors. Thanks for the amazing post with a great picture.

That’s right!

What an amazing experience you had in this road trip. I am eagerly waiting for mine, and yes your 10 Tips for planning trip to leh ladakh would be so helpful to us. Thank you so much for sharing your experience.

Great – enjoy your road trip to Ladakh 🙂

Hi We are family of 3. Myself, my husband and our 3 year old daughter. Could you pls tell me which is the best time of the year to visit Leh Ladakh. We plan to make a road trip.

We went in May/June and it was great. You do have to check the road conditions though as they vary from year to year. July/August is better but also more crowded and risk of high rains.

Hello Vid and Savy,

Your article is awesome and the photos are just incredible, that’s the best pictures I’ve ever seen of Ladakh! I’m travelling to Ladakh next year with my girlfriend, I can’t wait to be there 🙂

We are motivated to follow a similar itinerary as yours, renting a car from Delhi. However, we are wondering if this still possible. First because of the situation in Kashmir, could there be additional restrictions for foreigners? We are also unsure if it’s possible to drive a rental cat in Ladakh. On this website ( https://www.leh-ladakh-taxi-booking.com/contact-us ) it says that tourists are not allowed to drive in Ladakh and that it is compulsory to have a driver. Is it true? Is there a difference between foreigners and Indian tourists when travelling in Ladakh? Where to find the official rules?

Thank you in advance for your help!

Damien from France

Apologies for the delay in getting back to you. In general, self-drive rental cars can be driven to get to Leh (capital), but you can’t drive rental cars to get to say Nubra valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri etc. To get to these places you need to hire a local driver.

Have you driven in India before this? It can be a very challenging experience for someone who has never driven in India. Also, as you pointed out, the current situation in Kashmir might not be favourable for a road trip via the Srinagar route.

There is a difference between foreign tourists and Indian tourists when in Ladakh e.g. you will need to get additional permits to visit Nubra/Pangong/Tso Moriri. There was a website http://www.lahdclehpermit.in/ for issuing permits online but I just noticed (June 2020) it’s not issuing permits online (this might change as they must be revising rules etc. after the situation in Kashmir last year)

Do keep us updated. It’d be interesting to see what you do. Any other questions, just mention them here.

Nice coverage of the place. I really like to this article its very interesting and informative. Thanks for your amazing travel guide and your photos are mind-blowing.

This is really a lot helpful. Me and my friends are planning a trip soon. Is Maruti Suzuki XL6 a good choice to drive for the trip? Plz reply

Yes it should be a decent choice for driving in Ladakh 🙂

Thanks for sharing very nice planning. Hire the best self-drive cars in Coimbatore we are here our name Cars2u all brand cars and pick your favorite color cars2u is the best choice, No1. service providers, cheapest self-driving cars in Coimbatore visit our web page. choose your favorite cars all times available free doorstep delivery

Thank you so much for this content. You discussed very interesting things in this blog. I also have a great experience on Delhi to Leh trip. Checkout my content, hope you like it.

Amazing clicks Savi. The narration is really flowing, made me relive the journey. Thank you!

Nice blog post with wonderful pictures. I’m from ladakh and I really enjoyed your blog post like watching your trip on the screen like a movie. Your stay in Kashmir was very short..there are other great tourist attractions in Kashmir.

Your Delhi to a leh-Ladakh road trip is so Amazing. Really appreciate this wonderful post that you have provided for us. I assure you this would be beneficial for most people.

Super excellent blog writing with beautiful photography enjoy reading such a pleasant blog. many thanks for sharing.

Brilliantly scripted, well presented with the right balance of information and story telling and of course, your landscape photographs have taken this narrative to a different orbit altogether. Thank you guys for sharing your experiences in such a wonderful manner. I am sure there will be a lot fence sitters falling on the side of doing ” Life mein ek Bhar ” trip. A small clarification though, You mention that this trip was in End May / early June. May i know which year?.

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 Ladakh itinerary can brought up anyone’s interest. Keep on travelling.

OMG… What a trip you had guys… it’s amazing… Fabulous… fantabulous … am just dying to follow the same path you did during your entire Ladakh tour from Delhi and the pictures… are just awesome, mind-blowing boss… Thank you guys for this lovely travel guide to Ladakh. Kudos …

Your article was very good, and you have given very good information in this article. I regularly read all the articles on your website

Wow! Such a wonderful article with beautiful pictures, everything is described in detail. The entire article is full off valuable information & tips which will definitely help and encourage all the fellow travelers to plan it more efficiently. Leh Ladakh is one of my dream destinations . I am planning to visit there since long but due to this pandemic it has been delayed. Your article has again increased my passion and I am more excited to feel the breath taking beauty of Ladakh region with my own bare eyes. The Hotels and accommodation you have suggested will surely help me to plan my trip more efficiently. Thank you for sharing your experience and depth knowledge on the sector.

I really enjoyed reading your post. This is a very nice article for traveling and It was an amazing blog I really like it, all pics are very beautiful. Thanks for sharing this article. You can visit us if you need any travel regarding help, we love to do bike adventures

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

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

While reading your post I was virtually on a Ladakh trip. You explained each and everything day to day very beautifully. It is very informative, could you please explain the exact cost breakup of the rented car to and fro Delhi.

It was roughly around 3K per day (unlimited kms) and we had to pay the state road tax ourselves when crossing different states

Hey Savi, The blog you shared has helped me to plan a trip with my friends, the images you have shared are so much tempting. Ladakh is a wonderful beauty. I am planning for a Ladakh Motorcycle Tours with friends, hope it turns out as planned. Thank you for sharing the information, just loved it!

Hey Savi, You’ve accomplished a great job. I’ll definitely share it with my friends and suggest it to my acquaintances. I’m certain that they’ll benefit from this website.

Waoo, well written …keep it up, I also did Chadar Trek

Hey, loved reading the blog! Can you also tell which month you went? Or any suggestion on best time to visit Leh Ladakh?

HEy we’ve been in both summer and winter and it’s beautiful. But if it’s your first time, we would suggest June-July

welldone. i will go there next year.

I really enjoyed your post. This is a very nice article for traveling and It was an beautiful blog I really like it

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

Can you recommend a good driver for 19 June-6 July 2023 for me and my wife. I have detailed itinerary with hotels booked. Cannot find a driver with an email address, so that all intinerary can be sent and proce quoted.

Paweł/Kraków/Poland [email protected]

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

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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

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This is very well detailed blog about Leh Ladakh road trip itinerary. It will help many travelers to plan a Leh Ladakh trip. Leh Ladakh has a magnificent beauty which is worth visiting. i am planning for a trip to Leh Ladakh with my family can you please share what are the best months to visit Leh Ladakh.

Very well written article, i love to read it. The article is very helpful for the people who are looking for a Leh ladakh road trip. Leh ladakh is one of the beautiful region which has a natural majestic beauty. When i visited there, the experience was quite wonderful. If you are planning to visit Leh ladakh this article will help you plan your trip to Leh ladakh.

You’ve made some good points there. I am glad thatyou just shared this helpful information with us.Thank you for sharing

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Leh ladakh road trip is a beautiful experience. This article will be very helpful for the people who are looking for a road trip to Ladakh. This article provides detailed itinerary for Ladakh road trip. Thank you for this great information.

Great Trip Leh Ladakh This is a very helpful knowledge for the peoples Amazing Road trip leh Ladakh.

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.

Got our travel rout sorted after reading this post. Thanks it was of great help.

Your guidance is so much helpful for us. Thank you for your share. keep it up.

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Your complete guide to a summer trip to Ladakh

Panchali Dey , TIMESOFINDIA.COM , TRAVEL TRENDS , LADAKH Created : Mar 30, 2022, 19:00 IST

can we visit ladakh in april

With its breathtakingly beautiful gompas and spectacular landscapes, Ladakh is an awe-inspiring place that will surprise you in many ways. Surrounded by the Himalayas in the south and the Karakoram mountains in the north, Ladakh will certainly leave you asking for more and take you close to nature.

If you are planning to visit this dream destination soon, here’s our complete guide to a summer trip to Ladakh.

Why is summer the best time to visit Ladakh?

You can choose to visit Ladakh both during summers and winters as both the seasons have their own charms on this destination. However, summer months are considered the best to this location, a reason why you might find crowds in the popular places to visit. It is during this time that the frozen lake begins to melt, and the temperature is pleasant enough to drive and explore nearby places. From April to Mid-October, Ladakh sees visitors from all over the world.

Temperature and weather

Temperature during this time, i.e., from March to June remains around 20 to 30 degrees. Weather seems pleasant and comfortable, allowing you to travel at your ease.

More reasons to visit Ladakh in summer

Apart from following your dream to visit this location during the best time, it is also during this time that you can be part of some of Ladakh's famous festivals, such as the Hemis Festival, YuruKabgyat, and SakaDawa. These colourful festivals lure visitors from far and near, and put on display some amazing performances that are treat to sore eyes. So, plan your trip accordingly to witness these festivals too.

Things to remember before you visit

Since the region does not receive heavy snowfall between April to mid of May, the summer season gradually takes over the place completely. Those wishing to visit Ladakh during this time can easily find hotels, homestays, and guesthouses when here or can book them on many online sites. It’s, however, advisable that you plan to visit during this span of time via flights, as most of the roads and passes that lead to the destination generally remain blocked or are not open.

Tips for the trip

Don’t forget to protect yourself from direct sun by wearing sunscreen, as the thin atmosphere can cause the sunrays to get intense. If you are visiting this place during the start of the season, you will still have to pack up some warm clothes as the nights can get a bit too cold.

Best places to visit

Ladakh will offer you with a wide range of sightseeing options. You can also opt to visit several monasteries, the most famous ones being Alchi, Hemis, and Spituk. Other must-visit places are Magnetic Hill, Shanti Stupa, Gurudwara Pattar Sahib, Leh Market, and War Museum.

Kargil, also popularly known as the gateway to Ladakh, is dotted with ancient monasteries and beautiful places to visit, which you can explore if you take the Kashmir via Kargil route.

If you are visiting Ladakh by road during this time, you can consider going from Kashmir via Kargil, which remains open from the early month of June till the month of November. Plus, there is a long route too, the Manali-Leh road route, which opens in the middle of June and remains open until early October.

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Your complete guide to a summer trip to Ladakh

With its breathtakingly beautiful gompas and spectacular landscapes, Ladakh is an awe-inspiring place that will surprise you in many ways. Surrounded by the Himalayas in the south and the Karakoram mo...

can we visit ladakh in april

Leh & Ladakh Tours in April 2025

Leh & Ladakh Tours in April 2025

  • Choose from 47 Leh & Ladakh tours
  • 31 verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
  • 24/7 customer support

10 best Leh & Ladakh tour packages in April

Compiled by

Leh & Ladakh travel expert at TourRadar

Melissa Leh & Ladakh travel expert at TourRadar

Paradise On Earth - Ladakh And Kashmir !!

The best of leh ladakh : the land of high passes, leh ladakh tour, short trip to ladakh, the best of kashmir & ladakh, leh ladakh tour package from delhi, leh ladakh luxury tour package, the best of leh ladakh with a personal guide hb, unique ladakh, in the land of lama - the great ladakh tour.

Paradise On Earth - Ladakh And Kashmir !!

  • Cross the high Khardung La Pass
  • Witness sunset at Pangong Lake
  • Explore ancient monasteries in Leh
“This was an awesome trip for me. Will surely recommend this tour to my friends.”

The Best of Leh Ladakh : The Land of High Passes

  • Christmas & New Year
  • Ride camels in the Nubra Valley dunes
  • Fly over the Himalayas to Leh
  • Explore Hall of Fame and Magnetic Hill
“My experience with Swastik India Journeys was amazing. Thoroughly enjoyed our tour of Leh Ladakh.”

Leh Ladakh Tour

  • Mountain Hikes
  • Sightseeing
  • Visit the awe-inspiring Pangong TSO Lake
  • Discover ancient monasteries and palaces
  • Ride camels in the stunning Nubra Valley
“Khardung-la pass, Pangong lake, Nubra valley and all the monasteries in Leh are worth a visit.”

Short Trip to Ladakh

  • Experience the illusion at Magnetic Hills
  • Explore Leh Palace and Shanti Stupa
  • Shop for Tibetan handicrafts in Leh

The Best of Kashmir & Ladakh

  • Visit ancient monasteries in Leh
  • Drive through the dramatic Kargil
  • Explore Mughal Gardens in Srinagar
“Hotels were excellent. Best way to experience the beautiful Kashmir.”

Leh Ladakh Tour Package from Delhi

  • Hiking & Trekking
  • Cross the world's highest motorable pass
  • Ride camels in the mystical Nubra Valley
  • Discover ancient monasteries in Ladakh

Leh Ladakh Luxury Tour Package

  • Explore the serene Shanti Stupa in Leh
  • Witness the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar

The best of Leh Ladakh with a personal guide HB

  • In-depth Cultural
  • Experience Leh's culture and visit Shanti Stupa
  • Discover ancient monasteries in Lamayuru and Likir
  • Ride camels in the Nubra Valley sand dunes
“Ladakh experience was wonderful. Our 11 day trip was very customised to our schedule.”

Unique Ladakh

  • Visit the color-changing Pangong Lake
  • Experience camel safari in Nubra Valley
  • Tour Hemis Monastery, Ladakh's largest

In The Land Of Lama - The Great Ladakh Tour

  • Visit the historic Alchi and Likir monasteries
  • Witness the sunset at Pangong Lake
  • Discover the oldest Lamayuru Monastery
“The tour was very well operated with all the safety precautions, the amenities provided were all very good.”

Discover TourRadar

Tusk Travel Blog

Ladakh Itinerary: How to Spend one Week in Ladakh

The winter months of December to February are the best time to see snow in Ladakh. However, the roads may be closed due to heavy snowfall, so it's recommended to check the conditions before planning your trip.

Ladakh is a land of rugged landscapes, snow-capped peaks, and crystal-clear lakes. Located in the northernmost region of India, it’s a popular destination for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and photographers.

If you’re planning a trip to Ladakh and wondering how to make the most of your time there, this itinerary is for you. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to spend a week in Ladakh and make unforgettable memories.

Table of Contents

Why You Visit Ladakh?

Ladakh is a high-altitude desert with an average elevation of 3500 meters above sea level. It’s a remote and sparsely populated region, which makes it an ideal destination for those seeking solitude and a break from the chaos of city life. With a mix of stunning landscapes, rich culture, and adventure activities, Ladakh has something for everyone.

When to Go to Ladakh

The best time to visit Ladakh is from May to September when the weather is mild, and the roads are open. The summer months of June to August are the peak tourist season when the temperatures are pleasant, and the skies are clear. However, if you’re looking to avoid crowds, you can plan your trip in May or September when the weather is still good, and the tourist rush is less.

How to Reach Ladakh

The only way to reach Ladakh is by road or air. The nearest airport is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh, which is connected to major cities in India. If you prefer the road to travel, you can take a bus or taxi from Manali or Srinagar.

However, the roads are treacherous and can be closed due to landslides or snowfall. Therefore, it’s recommended to check the road conditions before planning your trip.

Where to Stay in Ladakh

Ladakh has a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget guesthouses. The most popular place to stay in Ladakh is Leh, which has a variety of hotels and guesthouses to suit every budget. If you’re looking for a more rustic experience, you can stay in a traditional homestay in a remote village.

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Itinerary:  How to Spend 1 Week in Ladakh

Day 1: arrival in leh.

On your first day in Ladakh, you’ll arrive in Leh, the capital city of Ladakh. Spend the day resting and acclimatizing to the high altitude.

Drink plenty of water and avoid any strenuous activity. You can explore the local markets and try some local cuisine.

Day 2: Leh Exploration

Leh Palace, Ladakh

On day 2, explore the sights and sounds of Leh. Visit the Leh Palace, which was built in the 17th century and offers stunning views of the city.

Next, head to the Shanti Stupa, a white-domed Buddhist monument that’s a symbol of peace and unity. You can also visit the Hall of Fame, a museum dedicated to the Indian Army.

Day 3: Nubra Valley

Nubra Valley Ladakh Desert Safari

On day 3, take a day trip to Nubra Valley , which is located about 150 km north of Leh. The valley is known for its scenic beauty, sand dunes, and Bactrian camels. You’ll have to cross Khardung La, one of the highest motorable passes in the world, to reach Nubra Valley.

Once there, visit the Diskit Monastery , which has a 32-meter-tall statue of Maitreya Buddha, and take a ride on the Bactrian camels.

Day 4: Pangong Tso Lake

Pangong Lake, Ladakh

On day 4, visit the iconic Pangong Tso Lake , which is located about 160 km east of Leh. The lake is famous for its stunning shades of blue and is one of the highest saltwater lakes in the world.

On the way, you’ll cross Chang La, the third-highest motorable pass in the world. Spend the day admiring the beauty of the lake and take a walk along its shores.

Day 5: Tso Moriri Lake

Tso Moriri Lake, Ladakh

On day 5, visit another beautiful lake, Tso Moriri , which is located about 240 km southeast of Leh. The lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and is home to a variety of bird species.

On the way, you’ll cross Chumathang, which is famous for its hot springs. Spend the day soaking in the beauty of the lake and the surrounding landscape.

Read More: Tso Moriri Lake: Things to Do, How to Reach, Best Time Visit & Weather

Day 6: Monasteries and Villages

Hemis Monastery, Ladakh

On day 6, visit some of the famous monasteries and villages in the region. Start with Hemis Monastery, which is the largest and richest monastery in Ladakh.

Next, visit Thiksey Monastery, which is known for its stunning architecture and beautiful views. Finally, visit the Shey Palace and the Stok Palace, which are both famous for their historical significance and beautiful architecture.

Day 7: Back to Leh

On your final day in Ladakh, make your way back to Leh. Spend the day exploring any sights that you may have missed or revisit some of your favorite spots.

In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner and reminisce about your time in Ladakh.

Ladakh is a unique and beautiful destination that offers a mix of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. With this itinerary, you can make the most of your one-week trip to Ladakh and create unforgettable memories.

What should I pack for a trip to Ladakh?

Warm clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, comfortable shoes, and a camera.

Is it safe to travel to Ladakh?

Yes, Ladakh is generally safe for tourists. However, it's recommended to take precautions against high altitude sickness.

What is the best time to see the snow in Ladakh?

The winter months of November to February are the best time to see snow in Ladakh. However, the roads may be closed due to heavy snowfall, so it's recommended to check the conditions before planning your trip.

Related Articles:

  • Chadar Trek Ladakh: Your Ultimate Wonderland Expedition Guide
  • Top 10 Famous Trekking Destinations in Ladakh
  • Most Popular Offbeat Places in Ladakh
  • Top 10 Places to See in Ladakh in July 2023
  • Ladakh Traditions, Arts, Culture & Lifestyle of Ladakhi Peoples

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Srinagar Leh Manali Bike (Fixed Group Tour)

Leh Ladakh Package from Chandigarh

Leh Ladakh Package from Chandigarh

Journey to Ladakh Trip Package

Journey to Ladakh

Kashmir Ladakh Package

Kashmir Ladakh Package

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Leh Ladakh Travel Essential Information

Acclimatization

Acclimatization

Getting your body acclimatized to the altitude and lack of oxygen is one of the most important things to keep in mind while planning your Ladakh Trip.

Innerline Permits

Innerline Permits

Know everything about the inner line permit before heading to Ladakh because a lot of things have changed since 2017.

Best Time to Visit

Best Time to Visit

Know more about the best time to visit Leh-Ladakh for enjoying your time better in the land of high-passes.

Ladakh By Road

Ladakh By Road

There are two highways that make Ladakh accessible by road. One from Srinagar and the other one from Manali. Know everything that will help in your planning.

Festivals of Ladakh

Festivals of Ladakh

Want to check whether you will be able to become a part of Ladakh during your visit? We have information that might help you.

How to reach Ladakh

How to reach Ladakh

One of the most vital things about Ladakh is knowing the different ways to reach here. We have an entire guide to help you with “How to reach Ladakh”.

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Are you planning a trip to Ladakh? There are a lot of things that have to be kept in mind during the visit. Let us take up all the hassles from your shoulders so that all that’s left for you is ENJOYMENT and MEMORIES.

Events & Festivals in Ladakh

Saka Dawa Festival

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Frequently Asked Questions on Ladakh Tourism

How much will a trip to ladakh cost.

It highly depends on the mode of your travel but the average cost remains somewhere around 30,000 INR per person. The cost fluctuates based on your accommodation choices, the number of days you will be spending, and a few more.

How do I plan a trip to Ladakh?

Planning a trip to Ladakh is a bit tricky and complicated because you will have to take care of a lot of things. Right from the road conditions to accommodation that you will be booking. From the inner line permit to other important things that are connected to the Ladakh, you will have to keep a tab of everything.

Therefore, it is better to get a customizable package from our website and enjoy the chance to get everything that you want with a single click. Our experts have tailored a lot of packages for many people and it will be easy for them to do the same for you. More importantly, it will take away all the hassles and stress from your shoulders.

Which is the best month to visit Leh Ladakh?

April to July and from mid-September to October are considered as the ideal time to visit Leh Ladakh. In these months, the weather remains pleasant and soothing for sightseeing and outdoor activities. However, if someone wishes to go for the Chadar trek then January is the best time to visit Ladakh. During the winter season, the region is covered with snow, and the region experiences unbearably cold weather. The high altitude passes covered with snow and makes the Ladakh inaccessible due to blockage.

How many days are enough for Leh Ladakh?

8 to 10 days are enough for the Leh Ladakh trip. This is a perfect span to explore the major destinations of Ladakh and enjoy the road trip. However, if you wish to partake in adventure activities and trekking then you may require more days.

Is Ladakh expensive?

When it comes to connecting the overall expense of Ladakh with the things like its overall experience, the number of places you will be visiting, and other things- it might not look expensive to you. But yes, it also highly depends on the accommodation type you pick and the mode of your travel.

How can I plan a budget for Leh Ladakh?

To plan your rough budget, you will have to consider the accommodation options, the number of days you will travel, attractions to cover, and a few more. The best way to plan your budget for the trip can be done by iterating the entire trip. That will give you an overall idea of the trip cost.

Which bike is best for a Ladakh trip?

For the Ladakh trip you need a reliable, powerful, and comfortable bike that has the good ground clearance and long-travel suspension. Here are some of the best bikes for the Ladakh trip:

  • Royal Enfield Himalayan
  • Royal Enfield Interceptor 650
  • Royal Enfield Bullet 350/ Classic 350
  • Bajaj Dominar
  • Bajaj Avenger

How far is Ladakh from Delhi?

There are two ways by which you can travel from Delhi to Ladakh . One is from Manali which will be 1011 km from one side and the other one is via Srinagar which will be 959 km from one side. This does not include the internal circuit traveling.

What is the temperature of Ladakh?

Ladakh is a high-altitude region, which is dry and arid. It experiences extreme weather in the winter season and remains inaccessible by road for almost 6 months. In summers, the temperature in Ladakh ranges from 3⁰ C to 20⁰ C. It is the best time to visit Ladakh as the calm climatic conditions make the sightseeing tour comfortable. The temperature hovers around 8⁰ C to 22⁰ C in the monsoon season from July to mid-September. From the second half of September, winters come in full swing in Ladakh till February, and the region experiences temperature from -12 C to 2 C.

Is there snow in Leh in May?

You will not get snow in Leh in May . Though, you will get ice walls on both sides of the road while coming to the capital city.

Is Ladakh worth visiting?

Yes, Ladakh is worth visiting. Ladakh is a dream destination for avid travelers and adventure lovers. The ancient monasteries, fluttering flags, and the snow-clad Himalayas dominate the picturesque landscape of Ladakh. The cultural diversities, geographical marvels, and serene environs make Ladakh worth visiting. Trip to Ladakh is a once in a lifetime experience.

Is Ladakh good for a honeymoon?

First of all, Ladakh is not a honeymoon destination. It is an adventurer’s paradise. Although there are a lot of adventurous couples who have started the trend of celebrating their honeymoon in this destination. You still have to consider that this place is highly challenging.

How far is Pangong Lake from Leh?

Pangong Lake is situated almost 223 km from Leh. It is located at 4,350 m above sea level and it is the world’s highest saltwater lake. You can board a bus from Leh to reach there or hire a private cab. Shared taxis also ply regularly from Leh, which you can board to reach Pangong Lake.

Is Ladakh safe for couples?

Yes, Ladakh is safe for couples. Moreover, it is equally safe for everyone. It is among the best tourist places to visit for couples. There are a plethora of things to do in Leh and several places to explore during the trip. Couples can also partake in adventure activities and they can enjoy leisure vacations here.

How far is Ladakh from Manali?

Ladakh is a province and Leh is its capital, which is situated 427 km from Manali. You can board a bus from Manali to Leh. The ordinary bus of Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) and the deluxe bus of Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) runs from Manali bus stand for Leh. You can also hire a private cab, board a shared taxi, or rent a bike from Manali.

I am a foreigner, do I need to apply for a permit to visit Ladakh?

You do not require a permit to visit Leh. However, if you wish to visit the restricted or protected areas of the Ladakh region then you have to obtain a Protected Area Permit (PAP), which is different from the Inner Line Permit (ILP) required by domestic tourists.

How many days are enough for the Leh-Ladakh trip?

What are the bikes that can be considered for the ladakh road trip.

If you are planning a road trip to Ladakh and want to consider hiring or taking a bike to this place; you have multiple options. Although adventure junkies have ridden the high-altitude lands of Ladakh on multiple bikes there is one most important thing to note- your bike should have good ground clearance. Here are some options that can be the best for your trip:

  • Royal Enfield Classic 350
  • Royal Enfield Interceptor

Is Ladakh safe for tourists?

Yes, Ladakh is safe for tourists. The region is extremely safe for tourists and no one needs to worry in case security. However, due to rugged terrains, high altitudes, and cold weather in Ladakh may cause difficulty for tourists. However, all these things can be tackled by a well-planned itinerary. Tourists may need a few days to get acclimatized and then they will have a lifetime experience.

Which airport is near Ladakh?

Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh is the primary airport of the Ladakh region, which connects it from the rest of the country. There are regular flights from Delhi, Chandigarh, Jammu, and Srinagar for Leh airport. The cabs are available outside the airport with which you can explore Ladakh.

to Ladakh by car?

Yes, you can go to Ladakh by car. You can drive your own car or rent a car from any city in India and drive to Ladakh. There are mainly four places from where people start their journey to Leh namely Delhi, Chandigarh, Jammu, and Srinagar. You can reach Ladakh by Manali – Leh highway or by Srinagar – Leh highway. However, if you will rent a car from any city of India other than the Ladakh region then you are not allowed to do sightseeing in Ladakh including Pangong Lake, Tso Moriri, and Nubra Valley.

How can I reach Leh by flight?

Leh has its own airport named Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, which has direct flights from Delhi, Chandigarh, Jammu, Srinagar, and Mumbai. Traveling by flight is the easiest and best way to travel to Leh. International tourists can board a flight from the major cities such as Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai to reach Leh.

Is there an oxygen problem in Ladakh?

Leh is situated at an altitude of 3,500 m above sea level. The higher the altitude the lesser the oxygen. So, yes, there is less oxygen in Ladakh as compared to the plains including Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat. Low oxygen levels and a decrease in air pressure are harmful to people who suffer from asthma, respiratory problems, and senior citizens. Thin air results in breathing problems and Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), which cause headache, fatigue, stomach problems, nausea, dizziness, and even vomiting. To prevent these problems you should allow your body to get acclimatized to the surroundings. People with medical problems should carry their medicines.

Why is Ladakh famous?

Ladakh is famous for breathtaking landscapes, scenic vistas, ancient monasteries, high altitude mountain passes, and azure lakes. Thrilling adventure activities and monastic festivals add charm to the immense natural beauty of this wonderland. It is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure fanatics. Ladakh is the dream destination for bikers and avid travelers. The diverse and vibrant culture along with the warm and hospitable environment attracts tourists from all over the world.

What attracts tourists to Ladakh?

Ladakh is a fascinating place with jaw-dropping locales and blessed with exceptional beauty. It is home to ancient Buddhist monasteries, glacier lakes, high altitude mountain passes, and lofty Himalayan peaks, which leave everyone spellbound. Ladakh is an absolute delight for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.

Is a passport required for Leh Ladakh for Indians?

No, a passport is not required for Indians to visit Leh Ladakh. However, it is essential to carry at least one photo identity proof issued by the government with you during the Ladakh trip. Indian tourists require an inner line permit to visit various regions of Ladakh including Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley, Chumathang, and Tso Moriri. Due to security reasons, they are required to show their original photo identity proof at the check posts while visiting these regions.

Can we stay at Pangong Lake?

Yes, you can stay near Pangong Lake. There are several camps nearby the lake where you can stay at night. There is one government-run hotel near Pangong Lake as well where you can stay. It is advisable to book your stay in camp or resort in advance as the chances of getting accommodation on the spot in the peak season are fewer.

Is liquor allowed in Leh Ladakh?

Yes, liquor is allowed in Leh Ladakh and you can find liquor in a few bars and restaurants in Leh. However, it is advisable not to drink alcohol at such a high-altitude as alcohol dehydrates the body, which does not help in acclimatization.

How do I apply for inner line permits?

There are two modes of applying for an inner line permit (ILP) – online and offline mode. You can apply for the permit on the official website of LAHDC (Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council) http://lahdclehpermit.in/ and then you have to visit the DC Office in Leh to get the permits stamped in-person. Otherwise, you can directly go to the DC Office, fill the forms, pay the fees, and get the permit stamped. Indian citizens require them to provide valid identity proof. The Inner Line Permit is mandatory for those who wish to visit the restricted areas of Ladakh including Pangong Lake, Tso Moriri, Nubra Valley, Chushul, Nyoma, Khardung La, and Hanle.

What is a protected area permit?

Foreign nationals are not allowed to visit areas that are falling between the ‘Inner Line’ that is defined by the government and the International Border of the state that is declared as the Protected Area. However, to promote tourism, the government notified some areas that can be visited by the foreign nationals after obtaining the necessary permit. That type of permit is known as Protected Area Permit (PAP) or Restricted Area Permit (RAP).

The permit is valid for a group of tourists consisting of two or more persons and the permit is valid for a specific tourist circuit with the exact entry/ exit points. No area other than the ones indicated in the permit shall be visited. The tourists are not allowed to stay in the restricted/ protected area after the expiry of the permit.

How do I apply for a protected area permit?

The Protected Area Permit (PAP) is issued only for a group with four or more foreign tourists. To obtain the permit, it is also mandatory to go through a registered travel agent. He will also help you group together with others in case you are traveling solo or as a couple so that your permit can be issued without hassle. (You don’t need to travel in the same group or with the same travel agent mentioned in the permit.)

The foreign nationals that are coming as group tourists can submit an application for the grant of Protected/ Restricted Area Permit to the Indian Mission in their country before coming to India. And the foreign nationals that are already in the country and desire to visit any restricted area as group tourists then they are required to submit a required application to any of the authorities whom the powers to issue such a special permit have been delegated. The Protected Area Permit is issued for a maximum of seven days.

How do you apply for a permit for Rohtang Pass?

There are two ways to apply for Rohtang Pass – online and offline mode. You can apply for the permit online at https://rohtangpermits.nic.in/. Pay the fees and take the printout of the permit. Otherwise, you can visit the SDM Office or Tourist Information Centre in Manali to obtain the permit for Rohtang Pass. The vehicles are not allowed to visit Rohtang Pass on Tuesdays as this day is reserved for the maintenance of the Rohtang Pass.

Which is the best time to visit Ladakh?

The best time to visit Ladakh is between May and September because by October many regions of the union territory start to feel the cold breeze and by November light snow showers happen in higher altitudes. Between May and September, the climate remains comfortable and visitors can enjoy their time a lot throughout their day.

Do I need a permit to cross Rohtang Pass by car or motorcycle?

Yes, it is compulsory for vehicles to obtain a permit to cross Rohtang Pass. For that, you need a valid government-issued photo identity proof, a Pollution Under Check (PUC) certificate, and a vehicle registration certificate (RC) to issue a permit. Vehicles having wrong information on the permit as compared to the valid proofs will not be allowed to cross the barrier.

How far is Leh from Pangong Lake?

The distance between Leh and Pangong is roughly 156 km. And it can take up to 6 hours or more to traverse the trail.

Ladakh Tourism: Guide for Ladakh Trip

Are you planning a trip to Leh Ladakh or looking forward to exploring high passes, Buddhist monasteries, scenic hamlets and local culture of Ladakh? Do you wish to be a part of the delightful festival of Tibetan Buddhists? Does living on the edge of thrill and excitement fascinate you? If yes, then you have arrived at the right place. Here is the complete Ladakh Travel Guide and detailed information about ‘India’s Own Moonland’!

LehLadakhIndia.Com is a popular Ladakh travel agency which provides you with a one-stop solution for all your inquiries about this paradise. The information includes history, culture, mountain passes, lifestyle, local lifestyle, shopping opportunities, wildlife excursions and other trivia like how to reach Leh, the best time to visit Leh Ladakh, how to plan a road trip in Ladakh and getting inner line permits.

We have also introduced a new section called “Try Our Trip Wizard” where you can plan out an itinerary of your choice and our team of qualified professionals will do their best to meet your expectations. We have tour packages beginning from 3 nights and 4 days up to 21 nights and 22 days. Besides Ladakh tour packages, you can also check out our list of accommodation options available in Ladakh.

We are a popular Ladakh tour operator and offer an extensive range of choices that can make the most discerning traveller reconsider their choice. Our years of association with direct vendors allow us to quote rates that are hard to match and ensure the best deals for our clients.

Leh Ladakh India is the business division of Indian Holiday Private Limited, a leading Indian tour operator for more than 34 years now. The company has got recognition from the Ministry of Tourism, India and international travel bodies such as PATA, ASTA, IMTA and IATO. Here is the breakdown of services offered by LehLadakhIndia.com

  • Segregation of tour packages as per different categories
  • Lowest possible rates for the Ladakh hotels
  • Airport/Railway Transfers
  • Facility to plan your own itinerary
  • A comprehensive travel guide for information about Ladakh

Keeping in mind the current foreign exchange rate, travelling in India is quite a reasonable deal for overseas travellers. Within a reasonable budget, you can explore Ladakh region to the fullest. Furthermore, with LehLadakhIndia.Com in the scene, rest assured that you’ll get much more than the money spent by you.

The best time to visit Ladakh is between June and October. This is the perfect time for partaking in adventure activities among which Trekking in Ladakh is one of the most popular activities. The sightseeing of Ladakh also includes a trip to lakes in Ladakh like Tso Moriri and Pangong Tso. This spectacular lake earned much of the fame after the shooting of super hit Bollywood movie 3 Idiots starring Amir Khan and Kareena Kapoor. Mountain biking is also popular among travellers.

For adventure enthusiasts, embarking a bike trip to Ladakh is a dream come true. Every year, thousands of bikers arrive in Leh from as far as Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai by crossing high altitude mountain passes. The thrill of riding across Khardung La which is believed to be the highest motorable pass in the world is beyond description. For bikers, July – August is the most appropriate time as all the routes and passes are open. You can travel to Ladakh by air as well. There are regular flight services from Jammu, Srinagar, Delhi and Chandigarh. flight services from Shimla take only 40 minutes to reach this wonderland. A trip to Ladakh requires comprehensive planning. But, with LehLadakhIndia.Com you can make the most of your holidays without any hassle.

How To Reach Leh Ladakh By Road

There are two routes to reach Leh by road. One is from Srinagar, it is around 434 km away. The road leading to Leh remains unblocked from June to November for the tourists. Another way to tread up the place is via Manali. The Manali-Leh road stretches around 485 km and is open from July to October.

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Ladakh Weather in April – A Guide to Ladakh Weather Conditions in April

How about a trip to Ladakh? Sounds exciting, right? But then, if you have to plan the trip in the month of April, how would you plan the trip? Or, are you aware about Ladakh weather in April?

can we visit ladakh in april

Well, if a Ladakh trip is in your mind, you must know about the weather conditions first. This is one part of the country, where you can experience an array of weather conditions throughout the year. And while talking about the month of April, you should also know that this is the month that marks the beginning of tourists’ influx in the entire of Ladakh.

Ladakh weather in April is all about crispiness in the atmosphere. This is the month that marks the end of the long winter months, and welcomes the spring season. With the beginning of this joyful month, the entire Ladakh region seems to bounce back to life in full swing with all its glories and splendours. The snow starts melting, temperature starts rising to the average level, the meadows starts getting shrouded with all the greeneries, the shimmering mountain peaks comes back to life by shedding off the snow layers, and lot more natural changes creates a magical spell all over Ladakh.

Suggested Read: Things to do in Ladakh in April & Places to visit in Ladakh in April

As April arrives, the sun starts shining brighter than the last few months. With the sun shining bright, mercury level starts rising, and reaches a maximum of around 10-15 degrees during the daytime. Compared to the other months; or past few months, this temperature range is considered as much warmer. However, temperature during the night may fall up to 0 degrees while making nights extremely cold. Usually, temperature reaches the peak by afternoon, which is also known to be the ideal time to step out of your hotel rooms and enjoy some of the tourist activities in the region. Be it sightseeing, local tours, trekking, hiking, or any other fin-filled activities, you can always rely on the afternoon hours.

The brighter side of Ladakh weather in April is that this is the time when most of the routes to major tourist places in Ladakh opens up. If you plan a trip at this point of the year, you would also get to enjoy added benefits while making most of your bookings. As April month marks the beginning of tourism season, the influx of crowd just starts to gain pace in this month. Thus, you can always expect lesser number of visitors. Owing to the smaller number of visitors, and the fact that hotels and other service providers also resume their operation, you could avail heavy discounts or can get the services at budget-friendly price.

Coming to how to pack to stay warm despite of Ladakh weather in April, you should surely do your homework well in advance. Though the month marks the beginning of the spring season, you can still expect crispiness in the atmosphere. On top of this, as temperature during the night may fall below zero degrees, you need to be extra cautious with what and how you pack for your Ladakh trip.

Carrying enough of woollen clothes, heavy jackets, overcoats, or other warm clothing will surely help you to keep yourself warm. Also, though temperature during the day can rise up to 10 degrees, you may still have to struggle with the weather if you choose to travel to the remote areas. Adding to this, as you hike or trek, or even drive through higher altitude, chances are there that the mercury level would dip a bit. Hence, you need to make sure that you carry enough of warm clothes while within your hotel rooms or while on the move.

Once you are done with your packing, the other things that you need to keep in mind to sustain the Ladakh weather in April is your basic necessities. Please do carry bottled water as you may still have to face water scarcity in the region. You should also make a checkpoint about carrying basic medications as chemist shops may not be available everywhere in Ladakh; medicines for fever, cold, indigestion, pain killers, would help you get going. In addition to all these, you should definitely have a look at our guide to how to plan a Ladakh trip in April to plan a seamless and extremely pleasant Ladakh tour in the month of April.

All these taken care or having all the essential info collected about Ladakh weather in April, you are all set to visit your favourite destination; happy journey ahead!

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Leh Ladakh Itinerary 5 Days

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.

Leh City | Leh Ladakh Itinerary 5 Days

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!

Nubra Valley | Leh Ladakh Itinerary 5 Days

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.

Road Tripping across the Nubra Valley

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.

Pangong Lake in Ladakh

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.

Famous Gompas in Leh

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

You may also like our International Itineraries:

Experiential Europe  –  10 Day Europe Trip: Germany, Belgium & France to Ireland Magical Europe  –  London Paris Amsterdam Itinerary: Epic 10 Days in Europe Discovery Europe  –  London Paris Barcelona Itinerary: Ultimate 10 Days in Europe

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  • Travel Tips + Advices

Ladakh travel tips — 11+ Ladakh tips & things to know before going to Ladakh

can we visit ladakh in april

Ladakh, a region in the northern part of India, is a popular tourist attraction because it offers visitors stunning natural beauty, unique cultural experience, adventure tourism, and more. A visit to Ladakh is always an adventure, so be well-prepared yourself to have a wonderful time there. So, what you need to know before going to Ladakh or what to know when traveling to Ladakh? Let’s check out our Ladakh travel tips (Ladakh tips) with 11+ tips for visiting Ladakh, things you should know before going to Ladakh, things to know before going to Ladakh as follows!

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can we visit ladakh in april

Here are several things you need to know before traveling to Ladakh. They are certainly helpful for adventurers, nature lovers and Himalayan tour participants like you. Just take a quick look at these and plan your trip, you will surely enjoy yourself in Ladakh.

can we visit ladakh in april

Ladakh’s Climate (# ladakh travel tips)

One of the important Leh Ladakh travel tips that you need to keep in mind is that the weather is severe in this part of India. So, you must bring sweaters and warm coats whenever you visit Ladakh.

can we visit ladakh in april

Those who can’t stand the cold even with warm clothes should avoid a Ladakh journey in winter, from November to March, when it is extremely cold, with temperatures dropping well below freezing point. The average temperatures range from -20°C to 10°C (-4°F to 50°F). Most of Ladakh, including popular tourist destinations like Pangong Tso and Nubra Valley, remains inaccessible due to heavy snowfall, and many guesthouses and hotels are closed.

can we visit ladakh in april

The best time to visit this region is in summer, from April to June, when the weather is pleasant and the temperatures are relatively moderate. The average daytime temperature is from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). It is an ideal time for outdoor activities like trekking through mountains and valleys, rafting, and enjoying the stunning landscapes.

can we visit ladakh in april

Acute Mountain Sickness (# ladakh travel tips)

It’s important to note that Ladakh is located at a high altitude and a Ladakh trip will surely take you to mountains of 3,000m to 7,000m (10,000 ft to 23,000 ft) above sea level. Therefore, you must be aware of Acute Mountain Sickness (ASM), usually occurring at altitudes above 2,500m (8,000 ft).

can we visit ladakh in april

AMS is a common condition caused by the reduced oxygen levels and lower air pressure that can occur when you ascend to high altitudes too quickly without giving your body enough time to acclimatize. AMS can cause shortness of breath, severe headaches, vomiting, and loss of appetite among others.

can we visit ladakh in april

Being aware of AMS is one of the important and must-know things for Ladakh travel. You should consult your doctor and carry AMS drugs with you. Without AMS drugs, suffering AMS may lead to bubbles forming in the lungs. This is a medical emergency that, if left untreated, can result in coma or death. You should also bring a personal thermometer, sphygmomanometer and first aid kit. You should check your temperature whenever you feel dizzy in high altitude areas in Ladakh.

can we visit ladakh in april

Car rental in Ladakh (# ladakh tips)

How to explore Ladakh when you’re not ready to go mountain biking or hiking? Consider a Ladakh road safari! A Ladakh road safari or road trip offers a unique and adventurous way to experience the beauty and cultural richness of the region. This option is also a much more cost-effective way to explore the world’s highest road in Ladakh.

can we visit ladakh in april

However, it is important to note that Ladakh’s high-altitude environment and challenging road conditions require careful planning and preparation for a road trip. You should make sure you are physically fit, acclimatize properly to the altitude, carry essential supplies, and have a reliable and well-maintained car.

can we visit ladakh in april

Many tour operators and travel agencies in Leh offer organized Ladakh road safari packages, including vehicle rentals and experienced drivers. They allow up to 6 people per drive. These agencies can be found in the main bazaar area of Leh town. Some well-known car rental agencies here include Avis, Himalayan Wheels, and Discover Ladakh Adventure Tours & Travel.

can we visit ladakh in april

You can also drive yourself or hire a driver if you are not capable of driving on high mountain roads. You should plan ahead, book your car rental in advance, and check the availability of vehicles during your travel dates, especially during the peak tourist season (April to September), as availability may be limited. You can use online car rental platforms. Websites or apps such as Zoomcar, Revv, and Savaari provide options for renting self-drive cars in various locations in Ladakh.

can we visit ladakh in april

Accommodation for tourists in Ladakh  (# ladakh tips)

can we visit ladakh in april

Ladakh offers tourists several accommodation options such as hotels, guesthouses, homestays, campsites and tents, but the number of these facilities is limited.  You should know that it’s hard to find a luxury place to stay somewhere not in Leh, so just expect standard ones with HVAC, TV and hot shower.

can we visit ladakh in april

The availability of accommodation options may vary depending on the season and the specific region of Ladakh you plan to visit. During the peak tourist season (April to September), you should book your accommodation in advance, especially if you have specific preferences or requirements. If you wish to see the snowy beauty of the Himalayas in winter, be aware that nighttime temperatures drop below zero. Without a place to stay, you’ll have a hard time staying in your car or by a campfire with warm clothes.

can we visit ladakh in april

While planning your stay in Ladakh, consider factors such as location, accessibility, services offered, and the proximity to major attractions or activities you wish to explore. Researching and reading reviews from reliable sources can help you make informed decisions and find the accommodation that suits your needs and enhances your Ladakh experience.

can we visit ladakh in april

What to wear for a Ladakh trip?

can we visit ladakh in april

If you reach this tip, you know that temperature in Ladakh ranges from -20°C to 25°C and it changes significantly between daytime and nighttime. Therefore, Ladakh travel clothing tips tell you that there is no other choice but warm clothes.

can we visit ladakh in april

The following clothing and footwear are recommended for your adventure in Ladakh:

  • A combination of lightweight and warm layers to adjust to the changing temperatures such as t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, sweaters or fleeces, and a warm jacket or down coat for colder evenings.
  • Thermal base layers to provide extra warmth, especially during early mornings and higher altitudes.
  • A waterproof and windproof jacket or shell to protect against rain, wind, and sudden weather changes.
  • Comfortable pants, jeans and shorts for daily wear.
  • A hat or cap to shield you from the sun and cold winds, and gloves for colder temperatures.
  • A scarf or neck gaiter to provide additional warmth and protection for your neck and face.
  • Comfortable, waterproof, and sturdy footwear suitable for walking on uneven terrain and long hikes.
  • A sufficient number of socks, including woolen or thermal socks for colder days.

can we visit ladakh in april

If your warm clothes do not provide enough protection from the cold, it is better to buy more of them in Leh. Those products are handmade with natural fur. It feels well-deserved as soon as you put them on and they are also affordable.

What to put in your luggage for a trip to Ladakh

Apart from the above clothing and footwear, the following items are recommended to be in your luggage:

can we visit ladakh in april

  • A good pair of sunglasses with UV protection to protect your eyes from the strong sunlight at high altitudes;
  • A high SPF sunscreen to protect your skin from the intense sun at higher altitudes and a lip balm with SPF to prevent chapped lips;
  • A daypack or backpack to store your essentials during excursions or hikes;
  • A reusable water bottle with insulation to stay hydrated to keep your water cool.
  • Any necessary medications, including those for AMS, a personal hygiene kit along with a basic first aid kit for minor injuries or illnesses;
  • A power bank to charge your electronic devices due to limited access to electricity in some areas, and adapters for charging your devices if needed;
  • A good camera to capture the beauty of the Himalayas;
  • GPS devices if possible;
  • Emergency lights, torches and portable gas stoves for your nighttime travel to get light and drink hot water.

What is the currency in Ladakh?

The currency used in Ladakh is the Indian Rupee (INR), as Ladakh is a part of the Indian Territory. 1 INR = 0.012 USD.

can we visit ladakh in april

The rule of thumb is to carry INR in cash when traveling to Ladakh. While a few establishments in major towns like Leh may accept credit cards or digital payments, cash is widely used, especially in remote areas with no internet connection and for small transactions. You should exchange currency before arriving in Ladakh or in major cities like Delhi or Srinagar, as currency exchange facilities are limited in Ladakh.

can we visit ladakh in april

Leh, the main town of Ladakh, has only a few ATMs where you can withdraw cash using your debit or credit card. However, it’s important to note that ATMs can sometimes run out of cash or experience technical issues. So, you should carry sufficient cash with you and withdraw money when you have the opportunity to do so.

can we visit ladakh in april

SIM cards and telecommunication networks in Ladakh

On your Ladakh adventure, you will certainly need a 4G travel SIM card to help you check in anytime anywhere possible, stay in touch with your loved ones or find your way. Where to buy a 4G travel SIM card? The most common option is to buy it at the airport. All airports have service counters operated by local network providers to provide SIM cards to travelers.

can we visit ladakh in april

There are 4 main network providers in Ladakh: Airtel, Jio, Vodafone Idea (VI), and BSNL. Each provider may have different network coverage and signal strength in different areas. You should inquire about the network coverage of various providers and choose one that offers better connectivity based on your travel plans.

can we visit ladakh in april

You should keep in mind that the network coverage in Ladakh can be limited, especially in remote areas and high-altitude regions. While major towns like Leh and Kargil have better network connectivity, you may experience weak or no signal in certain areas, particularly in mountainous and rural locations.

can we visit ladakh in april

Notes on food in Ladakh (# things to know before going to ladakh)

Most of the food available in Ladakh is non-vegetarian. If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets, it’s important to be prepared. At restaurants, you should communicate your needs to the restaurant staff. Ladakh may have limited options, but some restaurants are accommodating and can provide suitable alternatives.

can we visit ladakh in april

You should eat or buy and pack food from wherever you pass with a store open because you won’t be able to find food vendors on your way to Ladakh. When you’re looking for a place to stay, you should see if they also serve food. Otherwise, you will have to go a long way to find food only.

can we visit ladakh in april

You should also bring some canned food for use. When traveling to remote areas or during long journeys, it can be helpful to carry snacks like energy bars, nuts, or dried fruits to keep you fueled between meals.

can we visit ladakh in april

What about local cuisine? It is advisable to explore the local Ladakhi cuisine to experience the unique flavors of the region. Try traditional dishes like thukpa, momos, skyu, and chutagi. These dishes are widely available in local restaurants and eateries. Don’t miss out on trying butter tea (gur-gur chai), a traditional Ladakhi beverage. It has a distinct taste and is an integral part of Ladakh’s culinary culture.

can we visit ladakh in april

How to get to Ladakh? (# what you need to know before going to ladakh)

You can get to Ladakh by road or by air from major cities in India, but most tourists prefer travelling by air. The Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh is the only airport serving Ladakh. It has regular flights connecting Leh to major cities in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Srinagar. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or use pre-arranged transportation to reach your destination in Ladakh.

can we visit ladakh in april

Ladakh is accessible by road from Srinagar City or Manali City of India. From Srinagar, the Srinagar-Leh Highway (National Highway 1D) is a popular route to reach Ladakh. It is open from around May to November, depending on weather conditions. The journey takes approximately 2 days with an overnight stop in Kargil.

can we visit ladakh in april

From Manali, the Manali-Leh Highway (National Highway 3) is another scenic route to reach Ladakh. It is open from around June to September. The journey takes around 2 days, including an overnight stop in Keylong or Sarchu.

can we visit ladakh in april

Transportation in Ladakh (what you need to know before traveling to ladakh)

Within Ladakh, there are several transportation options for you. Taxis, shared taxis or shared jeeps are common modes of transport here for short trips or longer journeys to other destinations in Ladakh. You should negotiate fares or use pre-paid taxi services available at the Leh Taxi Stand.

can we visit ladakh in april

Another option is buses. However, bus service is limited in Ladakh, mainly operating between Leh and nearby towns. These buses are a budget-friendly option but may have limited schedules and can be crowded.

can we visit ladakh in april

If you prefer to explore Ladakh at your own pace, renting a private car or a motorbike is an option for you. However, it’s important to note that driving in Ladakh can be challenging due to the mountainous terrain, narrow roads, and high altitudes. It is better to have prior experience in driving in such conditions.

can we visit ladakh in april

If you prefer a hassle-free experience, you can opt for private tour operators who provide transportation services along with organized tours and itineraries. These operators can arrange vehicles, drivers, and guides based on your preferences and requirements.

can we visit ladakh in april

If you want a unique and memorable way to explore the region’s desert landscapes, particularly in the Nubra Valley, take a camel safari – a ride on the back of a Bactrian camel led by experienced handlers or guides who are familiar with the region.

can we visit ladakh in april

Camel safaris in Ladakh often include visits to small villages and monasteries along the way, providing opportunities to interact with the local people and learn about their way of life. You can experience Ladakhi hospitality, taste local cuisine, and gain insights into the region’s rich culture and traditions.

can we visit ladakh in april

Some famous monasteries in Ladakh

Monasteries, also known as gompas, hold great significance in Ladakh’s cultural and spiritual landscape. They are an integral part of the region’s Buddhist heritage and offer a unique experience for visitors.

can we visit ladakh in april

Monasteries are places of worship, meditation, and learning, where monks and nuns reside and practice their faith. Visiting the monasteries in Ladakh provides a window into the region’s rich cultural heritage. You can witness Buddhist rituals, observe monks engaged in prayer and chanting, and gain insights into the philosophy and teachings of Tibetan Buddhism.

can we visit ladakh in april

Ladakh’s monasteries are also renowned for their stunning architecture and picturesque locations. Perched high on hilltops, nestled in the valleys, or built along mountain slopes, these monasteries exhibit a blend of Tibetan, Indian, and Central Asian architectural styles. Intricate murals, colorful frescoes, and ornate sculptures adorn the monastery walls, showcasing the artistic richness of the region.

can we visit ladakh in april

Here are some of the most popular monasteries in the region.

Thiksey Monastery, located on top of a hill close to Leh, is one of the most prominent and largest monasteries in Ladakh. It is known for its resemblance to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet, and its grand Maitreya (Future Buddha) statue, which stands at a height of around 49 feet.

can we visit ladakh in april

Hemis Monastery, situated in the Hemis village, is one of the wealthiest and most famous monasteries in Ladakh. It is renowned for its annual Hemis Festival, during which the monastery comes alive with vibrant mask dances and cultural performances.

can we visit ladakh in april

Alchi Monastery, located in the Alchi village, stands out for its unique artistic style. It houses some of the oldest and finest examples of Kashmiri-influenced Buddhist art in the form of murals, sculptures, and wood carvings.

can we visit ladakh in april

Lamayuru Monastery, also known as the “Moonland of Ladakh,” is one of the oldest monasteries in the region. It is perched on a hill and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding lunar-like landscape. Lamayuru is also associated with the annual Yuru Kabgyat Festival, featuring colorful mask dances.

can we visit ladakh in april

Other monasteries popular among tourists are Phuktal, Karsha, Diskit, Likir, Namgyal Tsemo, Basgo, etc.

can we visit ladakh in april

A journey to Ladakh is like the road to paradise in the Himalayas and we hope those Ladakh travel tips are useful for you as you plan your own Ladakh tour, then go for it to gain an unforgettable experience in your life.

can we visit ladakh in april

Quick questions about Ladakh

Is ladakh safe for tourists.

Ladakh’s mountainous terrain and desert-like characteristics make it a captivating destination for travelers seeking unique landscapes and a sense of adventure. It is generally considered safe for tourists.

How high is Ladakh?

can we visit ladakh in april

Ladakh is situated in the Trans-Himalayan region and is characterized by its high altitude, rugged mountains, and sparse vegetation. Its elevation ranges from 3,000m to 6,000m (9,800 ft to 20,000 ft) above sea level.

Does Ladakh have the highest roads in the world?

Well, Ladakh has claimed that it is home to some of the highest mountain passes (motorable) in the world such as Khardung La, Chang La and Tanglang La. The highest altitude is 19,300 ft above mean sea level.

can we visit ladakh in april

When can I go to Ladakh to see the snow?

To see snow in Ladakh, it is best to plan your visit during the winter months, from November to March, when snowfall is more frequent and the region is covered in snow.

can we visit ladakh in april

However, it’s important to note that the winter season in Ladakh is extremely cold, with temperatures dropping well below freezing, especially in higher-altitude areas.  Many tourist facilities and accommodations in Ladakh may be closed or operate on a limited basis during the winter season.

Does the Indus River flow through Ladakh?

Yes, the Indus River flows through Ladakh. The Indus is one of the major rivers in the Indian subcontinent, and it originates in the Tibetan Plateau in China. It enters the Indian Territory in the region of Ladakh and flows through the Leh district, which is a part of the Union Territory of Ladakh.

can we visit ladakh in april

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

can we visit ladakh in april

Read more Ladakh blog — How to plan Leh Ladakh trip & suggested Ladakh itinerary 15 days.

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  • June 1, 2023 June 1, 2023
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Road trip to Ladakh

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.

Bus to Leh Ladakh

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)

A vehicle plies Manali-Keylong highway at Rohtang pass

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.

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As 9.02km-long Atal tunnel, Rohtang, is ready for inauguration, the Ministry of Defence is concentrating on building more tunnels on Manali-Leh and Darcha-Padum axis to make both the highways all-weather. Building tunnels below 16,600ft high Shinkula pass and 16,050ft high Baralacha pass are on priority.

According to sources, Defence Ministry has asked to make a detailed project report (DPR) of the tunnel beneath Shinkula pass. The primary survey of the tunnel was already conducted by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). The Darcha-Shinkula-Padum highway which connects with Manali-Leh highway at Darcha, 98km from here through Atal tunnel, will further meet with Leh-Kargil highway at Nimmu. While many more tunnels are required to make existing Manali-Leh highway an all-weather road, only one tunnel beneath Shinkula pass will ensure year-round connectivity of Ladakh from the mainland.

“National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd can be given responsibility to prepare the DPR for tunnel below Shinkula pass. Work to dig the tunnel is expected to start soon. Three tunnels at Baralacha, Lachulung-la and Taglangla pass on Manali-Leh axis are also on the priority of Defence Ministry. Primary survey of proposed tunnel beneath Baralacha pass has already been done,” a source with the BRO said.

At present all the traffic including military convoy use 474km long Manali-Leh highway to travel between Himachal and Ladakh. The other highway through Shinkula pass is still under construction but local residents are using it since September last year. The 40km stretch between Darcha and Shinkula is being widened and blacktopped. Shinkula is the state boundary between Himachal and UT of Ladakh. Nearly 20km stretch between Shinkula and Kurgiah, the first village of Zanskar valley of Ladakh, is in poor condition.

Shinkula receives heavy snow in winter months. The plan is to dig a tunnel from near Chhika-Rarik villages of Lahaul towards Lakhang, the base of Shinkula in Zanskar. The tunnel is expected to reduce distance between Darcha and Padum by about 30km but will save a travel time of nearly two hours. Padum is currently connected with Leh-Kargil highway with a link road via Lingshed. The main double-lane highway is being built by the bank of Zanskar river and will connect Padum with Nimmu, about 35km from Leh.  Major portion of the highway has been built.

On other side, after Atal tunnel which is decreasing the distance between Manali and Leh by 46km, three more tunnels on Manali-Leh axis will reduce this distance by about 74km. So, the present distance of 474km will reduce to just 354km. The 11.25km-long tunnel below Baralacha pass will reduce distance by nearly 19km, 14.78km-long tunnel below Lachulung-la will decrease distance by about 31km and 7.32km-long tunnel below Taglangla pass will shorten distance by about 24km.

According to a source, earlier building a tunnel below Baralacha was the priority but now priority is to dig tunnel below Shinkula pass which will make alternate route to Ladakh safe and easily accessible. “Just Atal tunnel cannot make Manali-Leh highway all-weather. For example, Baralacha pass receives more snow than Rohtang and blocks highway for six months. In an effort to strengthen our border road infrastructure and to strengthen Indian Army, the highway through Shinkula pass will play a crucial role in coming days as it will be the shortest and safest route,” he said.

Truck plying through high walls of snow at Rahni nullah below Rohtang pass

Ladakh to get all-weather connectivity with two roads from Manali soon

While a 14.15km long tunnel beneath Zoji La will provide all-weather road connectivity on Srinagar-Leh highway soon in next few years, Ladakh will get year-round connectivity by two roads from Manali very soon.

Additional Director General Border Roads (ADGBR) Anil Kumar while his visit to review the work on Atal tunnel, Rohtang, said besides making Manali-Sarchu-Leh highway an all-weather road, Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is working on making Manali-Shinkula-Nimu highway double-lane and all-weather. He said DPR of Baralacha pass tunnel is ready and DPR of three other tunnels is being prepared.

“Atal tunnel is complete and ready for inauguration. After this, three more tunnels are proposed to build on the Manali-Sarchu-Leh highway to provide year-round connectivity. While DPR of tunnel under Baralacha pass has been prepared, DPRs for tunnels below Lachulung-la pass and Taglang-la pass will be made soon. Besides this, DPR of Shinkula tunnel to make Darcha-Shinkula-Padum-Nimu road all-weather is being prepared,” he said.

He added that development of road network in border areas of Himachal, Ladakh, J&K and Uttarakhand and all the north-west regions is an important aspect. He said an alternate route Darcha-Padum-Nimu is being built to connect Himachal with Ladakh besides existing Manali-Sarchu-Leh road.

“Total length of this road will be about 297km where only 35km road is to be constructed. This road will be made a double-lane road and nearly 90km of the length has already been made double-lane. The tunnel at Shinkula pass is also proposed which will make this road an all-weather highway,” he added.

Darcha is now just 100km from Manali via Atal tunnel. The Manali-Darcha-Padum-Nimu road will be about 397km in length. This length will further reduce after Shinkula tunnel. Nimu to Leh is just 35km while Nimu to Kargil is about 185km. The main advantage of this new road will be its location which is completely inside from international border with both China and Pakistan and has no mountain pass other than Shinkula. The travel time on this highway to reach strategic points of Ladakh will be much less than other two roads.

The growing tension at India-China border has forced Ministry of Defence to strengthen the border road network. The Indian Army these days is sending essential supplies to Ladakh to store it for winter months when there will be no connectivity. The Army will be totally dependent on air connectivity. Not just Srinagar-Leh and Manali-Leh highway is busy with military convoy these days but even the skies are roaring with military transport aircrafts day and night as Army does not want to leave any stone unturned in preparations for possibility of war.

Army will need not to store essentials in such a large quantity in coming days as surface transportation through multiple roads will be possible 12 months a year. In case of any emergency, the Army will have option to move troops and other supplies through any of the three roads.

An 11.25km-long tunnel will be the next major project of BRO after Atal tunnel. This tunnel will reduce distance between Manali and Leh by nearly 19km. DPR for 14.78km-long tunnel below Lachulung-la and 7.32km-long tunnel below Taglang-la pass are being prepared. These tunnels will reduce distance by about 31km and 24km respectively.

Another long-span bridge on Manali-Leh highway to make road trip to Ladakh smooth

Sept 4, 2020: While a 360m-long Darcha bridge, longest on Manali-Leh highway, can be dedicated to the nation along with Atal tunnel this month, another long-span bridge will come up at Bharatpur where a “pagal” nullah has troubled Border Roads Organisation (BRO) for years.

BRO has improved condition of the Manali-Leh highway over the years due to its strategic importance, but a damaged stretch of the highway at Bharatpur remains to be a nightmare for the travellers for many years now. Manali-Leh highway has many pagal (insane) nullahs which have got this identity because they can experience flood in rain, sunny day, monsoon or in any season without prior warning. Bharatpur nullah is one of them.

Bharatpur nullah goes out of control in summer and monsoon season when it comes in spate and brings tonnes of debris so often. Vehicles are required to cross the gushing nullah and nearly 200m stretch covered with huge boulders. The Manali-Leh highway was once fit only for four-wheel drive vehicles with high ground clearance but it has now become safe for light cars as well. However, negotiating the Bharatpur section is an ordeal for the motorists.

Local residents suggest travellers to leave Keylong for Sarchu or Leh early in the morning as crossing this section after noon become very difficult when water level rises abnormally. The nullah swells every day when rise in temperature melts down snow on the peaks. Heavy rain also results in its flooding. The small vehicles hit the boulders on the road here. If crossed this section, travellers know that nothing can stop them from reaching Leh.

Manali-Leh highway is under heavy load these days due to military convoy and goods trucks plying on this road. The highway, which otherwise has become so smooth for driving, will become smoother after opening of Atal tunnel by end of this month. The Bharatpur section was in want of attention.

BRO had made many failed attempts to remove fear from the hearts of the travellers by maintaining this road. Every time BRO maintains road, the devastating nullah damages it. The main challenge here is a flat valley and nullah flowing on the level of the highway. The debris is spread across the valley. BRO had put a small bridge here but nullah is flowing over the bridge. Now BRO has planned something else for Bharatpur.

A BRO official said, “We shall build a long-span bridge here. This is the only viable option to protect the road and offer smooth ride to the travellers. This way water and debris will pass underneath the bridge. The work will start next year.”

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