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Ladakh Road Trip

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Popular Leh Ladakh Road Trip Packages

Ladakh Road Trip Packages Day/Night Price Book now
Ladakh Delight (with Flight ) 7 Days/6 Nights Rs 34700 Book Now
Wonder of Ladakh (without Flight ) 11 Days/10 Nights Rs 25000 Book Now
Manali-Ladakh-Srinagar (Bike Tour with fuel) 10 Days/9 Nights Rs 33500 Book Now
Srinagar-Ladakh-Manali (Bike Tour with fuel) 10 Days/9 Nights Rs 32500 Book Now
Manali-Ladakh-Manali (Bike Tour with fuel) 11 Days/10 Nights Rs 33000 Book Now

Leh Ladakh Road Trip Guide

Friedrich Nietzsche, a German philosopher of the late 19th century has quoted, “He who climbs upon the highest mountains laughs at all tragedies, real or imaginary.” Ladakh tourism offers you this life-changing thrilling experience that teaches you a lot about Mother Nature and takes you right in the lap of it. The only thing you will need to keep going through the Leh Ladakh trip is passion for travelling, and this landscape will give you enough of it....

Leh Ladakh road trip has been a dream of most of the individuals across the globe. Traveling across the beautiful landscapes of Ladakh by road is perhaps one of the most enticing and thrilling road adventures in India. Ladakh road trip takes you through some of the highest motor-able mountain passes in the world. The road trip takes you through the beautiful green plateaus driving through vast semi-arid planes, and the topsy-turvy curves of the Himalayan mountain ranges. Colourful Tibetan prayer flags that most tourists take back as a souvenir, prayer bells, and different monasteries including the latest one by Dalai Lama, and Tibetan Buddhist populace that one encounters with-along the way of Leh Ladakh road trip are some unique aspects of traveling to this region by road.

Overland Drive to Leh Ladakh

A road trip to Leh Ladakh is one of the most adventurous and thrilling experiences of a lifetime. Crossing few of the highest motorable passes and mountains in the world, driving through the rough terrains and semi-arid planes leaves an everlasting impression on our lives wanting for more. It is only during this trip that you will be so lost in the enchanting views of stunning panoramas, sweeping valleys, barren mountains covering this region of the great Himalayas along with glimpses of small villages and nomads settled there. The Tibetan Buddhist statues, beautiful monasteries, cultural vibes, Tibetan prayer flags, distinctive cuisine, ethnic artefacts that you encounter on the journey will add more diversity and value to this journey. 

Ladakh is very famous for its magnificent landscapes, natural beauty, and snow-capped mountains, lakes which change colour as per the season, festivals and rituals. The overland trip to Ladakh promises you pristine real beauty of the mesmerizing land. You can gaze under the sky to see the stars that appear as a garland. On this Leh Ladakh road trip you will enjoy eating fresh organic food instead of chemically fermented foods available across the country. 

The rugged mountains, exotic lakes and ethnic culture in this land of immense beauty will make your journey exciting and enriching. Travel to Ladakh by road is on top of the bucket list destination for tourists who want to experience the thrill and adventure with dreamy backdrops and unexplored locations. Your trip to Ladakh will include visiting enchanting monasteries, enjoying Tibetan Buddhist festivals and picture-perfect scenes with enthralling treks, challenging rocky roads and high passes and much more. It is going to be a road trip of a lifetime for all kinds of tourists. 

The entire region of Ladakh is filled with various such places of natural beauty that will take your breath away. While you embark on the Ladakh Road Trip, initial few moments might crush your enthusiasm, and mountain sickness can make you afraid. The only thing you need to keep going will be the kick to explore more. And Ladakh offers you a lot of new experiences each day to keep you going for days. One can just not have enough of this region ever.  If you are a fun-loving explorer who wants to know the most about the inhabitants and see the best of Ladakh while passing through the numerous places, and some of the stunning destinations, this place is guaranteed to be your paradise. 

Planning a bike trip or a car trip to Ladakh needs your involvement and time. The deciding factors depend on the timing and base destination that you select. Some of the best routes for a road trip that offer the most amazing experience and are chosen by most adventure seekers and bikers are discussed below.

Let’s find the best route for Leh Ladakh Road Trip

Ladakh has almost become a synonym for the best road trip in India as it offers distinct enticing and pleasant experiences all along the journey.There are several ways of doing a Ladakh road trip. 

Srinagar - Leh - Manali Road Trip

Our road trip from Srinagar to Manali for ten days and nine nights passing via Leh and Ladakh is one of the best road trips that can cover the most prime regions of the Himalayas. It is one of the most debated road trips around the areas of Ladakh. Many people will recommend you take the Srinagar-Leh Highway to reach Ladakh and then return on the Manali-Leh highway to complete the Srinagar-Manali road trip. And many would advise you otherwise. So, let’s see what the day wise itinerary of the Srinagar - Leh highway is for your Ladakh road trip.

 

Day 01 

Your journey starts from Srinagar – The land of wonderful heritage and ethnic, cultural experience. On landing at the Srinagar airport, our executive will transfer you to Hotel. After check-in and a bit of rest, proceed to go for a shikara ride on the Dal Lake and see the Mughal Garden along with the Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Garden. Drive back to Hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 02 

After breakfast, get charged up to take on the most adventurous ride to Kargil via Zojila Pass. This drive is extremely challenging, as well as most beautiful. Visit Sonmarg and other popular places like Drass Village, which is also the second coldest inhabited place in the entire world, to see the war memorial hall and museum. Drive back to Kargil by evening. Overnight stay at Kargil

Day 03

 

After early morning breakfast, you shall depart for the scenic and mesmerizing journey towards Leh. While on your way you will visit Lamayuru Monastery. This monastery is so breathtaking with the moon-land view. After spending some good amount of time at Lamayuru, continue to ride towards the Alchi monastery. This monastery is one of the world heritage monasteries. Later have lunch at a local restaurant and proceed to pass by the confluence of Indus - Zanskar rivers. You can also do white-water rafting here if time permits. Later visit the Magnetic Hill, Patthar Sahib Gurudwara and Hall of Fame museum on your journey to Leh. Check-in to Hotel at Leh.

Day 04

Get up early in the morning and proceed to visit the highest motorable road in the world – The Khardungla Pass at an altitude of 18,380 feet. Post lunch drive to Diskit and Hunder village to enjoy the camel safari in the sand dunes at the cold desert. Arrive at Nubra Valley and check-in to the Hotel. Overnight stay at Nubra Valley. 

Day 05

After breakfast, get ready for a beautiful drive to Pangong Lake en-route the Shyok river. On the way, we will visit Diskit Monastery, which is one of the oldest and largest Buddhist centres. Catch the magnificent view of Nubra Valley from the monastery and get lost in the beauty of the region. Continue riding towards Pangong Lake. The route from Shayok river is very challenging and tough. Reach Durbuk and break for lunch and tea. Drive to Pangong Lake and check in the camp or Hotel. Rest for some time and then proceed for sightseeing of the sparkling Pangong Lake. Click beautiful pictures and enjoy sitting by the Lake for some quiet moments. Back to the camp in the evening and stay overnight. 

Day 6

Enjoy your ride from Pangong Lake to Leh after breakfast and watch the beautiful sunrise from the Lake. Chang La claims to be the third highest motorable road in the world at the height of 17,585 ft. After crossing the Changla pass, drive through valleys and hills to reach Leh. 

Day 7 

In the early morning, visit heritage Hemis Monastery and drive to Thiksey and Shey Palace. Drive back to the Hotel at Leh and rest overnight.

Day 08

After early morning breakfast, visit Sarchu passing through the Skyangchu Thang. Enjoy your lunch at Pang after crossing Nakeela and Lachlung La. Continue driving towards Jispa. Arrive at Jispa by the evening and stay overnight at Jispa

Day 9

You are all set to drive towards Manali. Get ready after breakfast for the most adventurous ride. A beautiful scenic drive awaits you while you cross Baralacha La at the height of 4845m. Stop by for lunch at Sissu village and ride towards the most famous Rohtang Pass at the altitude of 13050 ft. Check-in Hotel after reaching Manali. Do local sightseeing at places as time permits.

Day 10 

Your beautiful journey to the land of high passes has come to an end now. When you select this route in your Leh Ladakh road trip, you will find the ascent in altitude in a gradual manner allowing your body to adjust gradually. This gives you more time to get adapted and acclimatized to the high altitude of the Leh region.

Manali to Ladakh Road Trip via Tso Moriri Lake 

The Leh Ladakh Road Trip through Manali-Leh highway takes you through the most beautiful Tso Moriri Lake that you can’t afford to miss. If we break down this trip, it includes an almost nine-day long journey if you want to enjoy all the beautiful places to the fullest and rest properly at different sites. 

 

Day 1

On the first day when you reach Manali, take the day off. Rest, go for some sight-seeking, contact your travel guide (if any) and prepare your bag-pack for the rest of the journey. 

Day 2

On the next day you will travel from Manali to Jispa which is a 7-hour drive. The best time to embark on this journey is as early as you can. Have a light breakfast and take on the most-memorable 13,051 feet high Rohtang pass which offers the best view in the morning. When you reach Jispa, you can rest for the day, straighten your body, and enjoy the night.

Day 3

Take the road from Jispa to Tsokar which is an 8 to a 9-hour drive. This entire journey will take you from the lush green landscapes of Jispa to the stark moonscape and the scenic beauty which Ladakh is quite famous for. This journey is very scenic passing through small lakes, waterfalls and streams that will take your breath away.

Day 4

The fourth day journey will take you from TsoKar to Tso Moriri Lake which is a 5 to 6 hour ride of about 145 KM. This is a breath-taking journey including ‘no mans’ land where nomadic people can be seen moving around, grazing herds of goats, sheep and yaks. After reaching the lake you can stay at the campsite.

Day 5

After breakfast on the campsite, the traveller can start riding towards Hanle which is a restricted area in Ladakh. Only domestic tourists can visit this place with permits. You should follow this route till Loma Bridge and then reach Hanle. You can find many affordable stays in this region. Ensure that you stay here for the night to witness the glittering galaxy with hundreds of stars on a dark night.

Day 6  

After Breakfast, you will drive to Pangong Lake 14,500 ft, through Changla Pass 17,350 ft. It is the 3rd highest motorable road in the world. Pangong lake is the highest saltwater lake in the world touching the borders of India and China. You shall be provided with a hot lunch here. The view of the colour changing lake is so fascinating and beyond words. Enjoy and take loads of pictures at the bank of Pangong Lake while appreciating its beauty.

Day 7 

Wake up early in the morning and start your drive to the exotic Nubra valley. you would be passing through Khardung La, which is the highest motorable pass in the world. Upon your arrival in Nubra valley, check in to a hotel / camp to wear off your tiredness. Later, explore the sand dunes of Nubra on a Double humped camel back. After all the sightseeing, return to your hotel/camp and spend the night at leisure.

Day 8

After Breakfast, you can visit Diskit Monastery, from where you can take amazing pictures of the stunning view of Nubra Valley and then drive back to Leh by the same route, crossing Khardungla Pass. 

Day 9 

Your Ladakh road trip comes to an end today. Leave with unforgettable memories while you are back to Leh airport to fly to your home destination. 

During this trip, ensure that you have all the medical supplies you need and always carry your own water bottle. Taking regular sips of water would save you from the trouble of mountain sickness.

Things you must carry on the Ladakh Road Trip

On a road trip to Leh Ladakh, the journey is what you must make the most of. The scenic natural beauty all along the route is breath-taking. While the high-altitude journey makes for amazingly beautiful landscapes, it also brings with it the difficulty of facing the harsh cold weather. A trip to any location requires preparation. Most times the preparation is with reference to travel planning, itinerary, stay etc. However, a lot of preparation and planning is required for a Leh Ladakh road trip.

There will be times when you don’t come across human habitat for 100s of kilometres. If you run into trouble on the way, it is very difficult to find help. Hence, a Ladakh trip requires a lot of preparation for yourself, physically as well as mentally; and for your vehicle to get ready for the adventurous journey ahead. Acclimatization, day travel durations, overnight stay locations, preventing AMS, fuel refill stops, ATMs, permit requirements etc. are few of the most important things to consider while planning and preparing for the Ladakh road trip. 

'Prevention is better than cure', and that here is only possible if you are fully prepared. Some of the important thing to carry while on a Ladakh road trip are mentioned below:

  1. Miscellaneous toiletries such as soaps, comb, toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, face wash, toilet paper etc.
  2. It is important to keep general medicines for fever, headache, cold, cough, bandages, ointments handy always. Painkillers should be avoided when at high altitude cold locations. Mustard oil and lip balm must be carried along for moisturizing the skin and lips.
  3. You should also carry eatables with high nutritional value. For example, carry multiple packets of nuts, dried fruits, energy bars, glucose, energy biscuits, and other food items that quickly energize the body. You may feel nauseated on the bike, hence always keep some chocolates handy with you. Frequent snacking will help you to keep the body charged. Also do not forget the regular intake of water to keep yourself hydrated.
  4. Sundries such as moisturizer, lip balm, cold cream and mustard oil will keep your skin safe from the dryness in such a cold climate.
  5. Don't forget one warm sleeping bag if you are planning to camp along the route. 
  6. One of the most important things is not to forget your identity proof documents. Most roads on this route would not require specific permits for bikers, but some do. In either case, it's best to keep your personal IDs such as Aadhar Card, Passport, driving license, or Voter ID and bike's documents with you at all times through the trip in case of checking by local authorities or military.
  7. Gadgets such as Mobile phone, camera, sim card, memory card, needs to be taken care of. If you are a landscape lover, this place will bring you unbelievable pictures of nature never seen before. BSNL network has good coverage in Leh Ladakh. Use a BSNL SIM if available, on your mobile phone. Be sure to carry extra power banks and batteries for the phone. It would be wise to save some of the major routes and directions from Google Maps on the mobile phone.
  8. For a biker, it's a must to keep 4–5 pairs of socks along with them.
  9. Do carry protective biking gears for all types of protection such as gloves, bandana, balaclava, elbow pads, knee pads, helmets, UV sunglasses and sunscreen lotions.
  10. It's a must to carry a waterproof winter jacket, thermal inners, woollen gloves and socks, woollen/fleece upper layer, quick dry t-shirts and pants, water resistant trekking shoes for your bike trip.

Which is the best vehicle for a Leh Ladakh Road Trip?

Making the right choice of vehicle for the roads of Ladakh is very important. While identifying the best mode of travel, one needs to be very careful and choose on the basis of sustainability rather than popularity or good looks. On a road trip to Ladakh or Leh, you will be traveling almost about 3300 to 3600 Kms, so if you choose a bike with an average mileage of about 25 KMPL on an average, then that will cost you around Rs 10200 – 11500 for fuel roughly. Similarly, you can determine the cost of travelling for different cars based on mileage. You can also hire private taxis available in the region that will have different costs based on the trip you select and the stays you plan.

If you are deciding over a car, you can go for an open Mahindra Thar if you are with your partner or friends. However, if you are on a family trip, including kids, in that case, any other 4X4 SUV like Fortuner, Safari, Scorpio will prove to be a good choice.

When you want to rent a bike for a Leh Ladakh road trip, make sure it should be strong and powerful enough to bear the high–altitude conditions, climb up the steep roads, and cold weather. Essentially, it needs to be easy to handle, comfortable, and safe for the riders to make this journey successful and enjoyable. While Royal Enfield is considered as the best weapon of choice for Leh Ladakh bullet Trip. The engine of 350 CC or 500 CC gives you an edge over other riders. With good suspension and seating position, this bike is most comfortable for long journeys. You can also opt for Thunderbird, Royal Enfield Himalayan, or the KTM Duke and Bajaj Avenger, which are considered as some of the best choices and the most common vehicles hired during your trip.

Best Time for Leh Ladakh Road Trip

Geographically Ladakh is located at a high-altitude ranging from 8,370 ft. to 18,875 ft. above sea-level. Weather here is extremely cold and unpredictable with rain and snow showers. Roads are rough and tricky to commute on especially in bad weather. These factors need to be considered when planning to do a Leh Ladakh Road Trip. Hence, it is very important to identify the best time to visit Leh Ladakh.

Summer is the best season for doing the Leh Ladakh tour. Summers in Ladakh are from June to September. The weather is nice and warm during the day at an average 25 degree Celsius during the day and drops to a pleasant 15-17 degree Celsius. The skies are clear blue during the day and filled with bright twinkling stars in the night best for stargazing. You can even spot the Milky Way from here. The roads and passes to Leh Ladakh and the surrounding locations, including the Manali – Leh route opening in mid-June. It makes it easier to follow your itinerary and enjoy your sightseeing to the fullest. There are some off-beat roads that you can explore too. June to September is the absolutely the best time to view the spectacular landscapes and beauty of Leh Ladakh.

While most of the tourists prefer to visit this precious possession of India during the summers as the weather is most friendly and pleasant during that time. The snow starts melting, and the beauty of the land is in its full bloom. You will find a lot of tourists who come to attend the Hemis Festival and enjoy the colourful and vibrant atmosphere. However, some thrill-seekers look to visit this place during winters for taking part in various adventure activities like the famous Chadar Trek. Walking on the frozen Zanskar river brings them a different feel altogether.

Since Ladakh is always stunning and beautiful during all seasons, it entirely depends on the tourist as to what they want to experience. The scenic picturesque is different in different seasons. You need to know what time of the year suits your journey and decide accordingly.

Must Visit Places of Ladakh Road Trip

The Leh Ladakh road trip has a lot of uniquely beautiful landscapes, lakes, circuits, and plateaus that you can enjoy along the route. The beauty of this entire region just can’t be expressed in words. Going through a Leh Ladakh trip can be one of the greatest experiences you ever have as these places have an enormous bounty of extreme natural pristine beauty. Some of the popular places to visit in Ladakh are:

  1. Pangong Tso Lake
  2. Kargil War Memorial
  3. Khardung La Pass
  4. Indian Astronomical Observatory at Hanle
  5. Hemis National Park
  6. Shanti Stupa
  7. Magnetic Hill
  8. Royal Leh Palace
  9. Moonland
  10. Tso Moriri Lake
  11. Stok Palace
  12. Changthang Wildlife sanctuary
  13. Hall of Fame
  14. Rohtang Pass
  15. Gol Market
  16. Monasteries in Ladakh

Some of the best monasteries in Ladakh are the Hemis Monastery, Spituk Monastery, Alchi monastery, Shey Monastery, Thiksey Monastery, Diskit Monastery, Stakna Monastery, Phyang Gompa, Likir Monastery, Phugtal Monastery, Lamayuru Monastery.

Best Seller
Srinagar to Manali Road trip

10 Nights / 11 Days

₹ 29000
₹ 26200
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Ladakh Delight with Siachen flight included

6 Nights / 7 Days

₹ 31500
₹ 26500
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Ladakh Backpacking Trip

10 Nights / 11 Days

₹ 29000
₹ 23200
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BEST OF LADAKH

9 Nights / 10 Days

₹ 52300
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SPITI VALLEY TOUR

6 Nights / 7 Days

Price on Request
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WONDER OF LADAKH

9 Nights / 10 Days

₹ 30000
₹ 23990
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BACKPACKERS TRIP

7 Nights / 8 Days

Price on Request
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SPECIAL WOMEN TOUR

7 Nights / 8 Days

Price on Request
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AMAZING LADAKH WITH KASHMIR

8 Nights / 9 Days

₹ 47700
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LADAKH TRAILS

8 Nights / 9 Days

₹ 42700
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LADAKH OVERLAND

8 Nights / 9 Days

₹ 47400
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HIMALAYAN ESCAPE

10 Nights / 11 Days

₹ 59300
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Make the most of your Leh Ladakh Road Trip

How much does it cost for a Leh Ladakh road trip?

The cost of the entire journey would depend largely on your preference for stay and food. Leh Ladakh region, though not a very expensive location does have few luxurious options. Whether you want this to be a budget journey or a lavish one, it is entirely up to you. Besides, there is fuel, lunch and maintenance cost if any to be taken care of. Here’s an estimated cost break-up per person per day -

If you travel by solo by local transport, following is the basic cost transport and accommodation:
Transport Cost: INR 3000 sharing seat each route
Stay Cost: INR 2000 Budget Hotels
Permit: INR 650
Food Expense: INR 800 per day meals
Oxygen: INR 500 per day

If you travel by solo by Bike, following is the basic cost of Bike and accommodation:
Bike Cost: INR 1400 per day without fuel
Stay Cost: INR 2000 Budget Hotels
Permit: INR 650 .
Food Expense: INR: 800 per day meals
Oxygen: INR 500 per day
Fuel: INR 300-600 per day depend on your routes and distance

Alternatively, you can opt from a variety of Ladakh Road trip packages by Go2Ladakh.in which starts around INR:25000/- per person.

FAQs on Leh Ladakh Road Trip

1. What is the status of Srinagar- Leh highway?
The Srinagar - Leh highway is open from June to November for tourists. It is closed during the winters due to heavy snowfall and landslides experiences in this        region.

2. What is the status of Manali -Leh highway?
Like the Srinagar- Leh highway, the Manali - Leh highway is also blocked during winters. It is open for tourists from mid-June to early October. For further please contact with Go2ladakh.in local expert for exact date.

3. What are the documents required if I drive my own vehicle to Ladakh?
The following is the list of documents you need to carry on your Leh Ladakh road trip:
  1. Vehicle registration papers
  2. Driving License
  3. Vehicle insurance papers
  4. PUC (Pollution Under Control) check receipt
  5. A few passport-size photographs
  6. Aadhar card
  7. Passport
  8. PAN card
4. What telephone network services work in Ladakh?
BSNL is the widely used network in Ladakh with higher connectivity, followed by Airtel. Jio also work in Nubra , leh , kargil, Data connectivity is limited, however, Wi-fi is usually available at hotels.

5. What is the local cuisine in Ladakh?
Vegetarian cuisine includes Sku, Thukpa, Tsap Thuk, lotus root etc. while non-vegetarian food includes skew, momo, gushtaba, etc

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