Leh Ladakh road trip is a different adventure altogether. When you travel by road to Ladakh, it is a road trip to paradise. The journey is adventurous and amusing. The breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains and green valleys can bring you a once in a lifetime experience.
The scenery around is never to be seen anywhere. The views of the mountains and also the incredible sights of the lakes and above them the ancient monasteries hold the whole spiritual and cultural value in them for years. The great Leh palace is the charm of Ladakh’s history.
Table of Contents
Leh Ladakh Road Trip – Ladakh Road Trip Itinerary
The Path To Follow
You can take two routes for the Ladakh road trip. One is the Srinagar – Leh highway and the other is the Manali-Leh highway. It is a two-day journey from Srinagar to reach Ladakh by road which includes a night stop at Kargil in between. The total distance from Srinagar to Leh is 430 kilometers and Kargil lies in the middle which is about 200 kilometers from Srinagar towards Leh. The Leh-Srinagar highway, also known as NH-1 is said to be more relaxed and comfortable than the other route. Due to cold weather, this highway remains closed from mid-November to April/May.
The journey from the other route, that is, from the Manali-Leh highway is also a two-day journey with a night halt at Sarchi or Jispa. This highway is 474 kilometers long. The appropriate time for a road trip on this highway is in summer because it is closed during winters due to heavy snowfall. This route is perfect for adventurous off-road biking or jeep ride.
List Of The Essentials
These essentials are necessary to carry on any kind of Leh Ladakh tour.
While going to Ladakh, you need to carry your warm clothes due to its cold climate which persists throughout the year. Also, there are chances of a little rain so carrying rainwear and waterproof jacket along is necessary. Apart from the clothes, there are certain accessories you need to carry along like sunglasses, scarfs, hand gloves, handkerchiefs as well.
Always carry necessary medications in case of an emergency. If you or someone you are traveling with has mountain sickness or has stomach issues, etc; then important medicines should be carried along while on the Leh Ladakh road trip.
To always keep your energy intact, do carry some energy drinks too and for personal hygiene, toiletries like toothpaste, mouthwash, face wash, toothbrush, etc; should be kept with the belongings.
Some places in Ladakh need permits even for Indian residents so for those permits do carry some important documents like Aadhar card, license, voter ID card, even carry a copy of your tickets, passport size photographs, hotel reservation slips, for safety purposes.
For your electronic gadgets like mobile phones and cameras, you must carry a power bank along because the stoppages on a road trip are not for a very long time.
And last but not least, the most important thing to carry is some water bottles and some eatables for your journey.
Itinerary For Ladakh Road Trip – Best route for Ladakh
The Srinagar to Manali suggested itinerary is as mentioned below :
- Day 1- Srinagar to Kargil
The distance between Srinagar to Kargil is 225 kilometers. You will cross the Zoji La pass and Drass village on this route. Sonmarg lies on the route where you can plan to stay overnight.
- Day 2- Kargil to Leh
Kargil is considered to be the most important town on the route. The beautiful landscapes and museums are the attractions and also the famous Lamayuru monastery. The distance from Kargil to Leh is 220 kilometers.
- Day 3- Leh to Nubra valley
Nubra valley is said to be one of the most visited valleys on the Ladakh trip by road. It is famous for sand dunes and also the Diskit monastery. The distance between Leh to Nubra valley is 180 kilometers.
- Day 4- Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake
Pangong Lake is the most famous lake in Ladakh. The distance from Nubra valley to Pangong Lake is 270 kilometers.
- Day 5- Pangong to Leh
Leh and Pangong are 150 kilometers away from each other. The places to visit in Leh are Leh Palace and the Leh market.
- Day 6- Leh to Sarchu
From here you can begin your journey to Manali from the Manali Leh highway after having a relaxing stay overnight.
- Day 7- Sarchu to Jispa
The Himalayan landscapes are the beautiful attractions on this route. Passing through Baralacha pass which connects Jammu Kashmir to Lahaul.
- Day 8- Jispa to Manali
The distance between Manali and Jispa is 150 kilometers. On this route of Leh Ladakh road trip, you will cross the Rohtang Pass and Lahaul Valley as well.
The Manali to Srinagar suggested itinerary is as described below:
- Day 1- Manali to Jispa
Jispa is 150 kilometers from Manali. To avoid delays in your journey, you should start early in the morning. Passing through Rohtang pass and Lahaul valley on this journey you’ll reach Keylong. There are two monasteries to visit here, Shashur and Kardhang. Staying in Jispa is comfortable at night.
- Day 2- Jispa to Sarchu
The journey ahead is filled with beautiful landscapes. For a small break, there is a Zingzing bar on this route, where you can relax for a while. Ahead comes Baralacha pass which is at an altitude of 5000 meters above sea level. Sarchu is 120 kilometers from Jispa.
- Day 3- Sarchu to Leh
The distance from Sarchu to Leh is 215 kilometers, passing through Tanglang pass at a height of 5300 meters above sea level, you can also visit the monasteries Thiksey and Shey.
- Day 4- Leh to Nubra valley
Nubra valley is famous for sand dunes. The highest motorable road, Khardung La also lies on this route and Diskit monastery as well.
- Day 5- Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake
Amongst all the lakes in Ladakh, Pangong Lake is the most visited lake in the Leh Ladakh road trip. The distance from Nubra to Pangong is 270 kilometers.
- Day 6- Pangong to Leh
Leh Palace is a must-visit place to observe the beauty of Leh. The distance from Pangong to Leh is 150 kilometers.
- Day 7- Leh to Kargil
The distance from Leh to Kargil is 220 kilometers and the Zanskar and Indus river are the sights on this route as well as the famous Lamayuru monastery.
- Day 8- Kargil to Sonmarg
The most important town on this route is Kargil. Drass village and Zoji La pass lie on this route from Kargil to Sonmarg.
- Day 9- Sonmarg to Srinagar
The beautiful and adventurous Ladakh tour ends here. You can continue your journey towards Delhi from Jammu after Srinagar.
The adventure and experience of the Leh Ladakh road trip are beautiful and something to be remembered for the entire lifetime. The journey is known to be heavenly because of the views like that of paradise which will make you awestruck. Whether you take the road trip with your friends or the family, it is always going to be one of a kind.
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My dream destination dear. Your details and amazing pictures are intriguing me to fix my next trip.
Wow what a detailed and wonderfully laid out post. I will definitely save this one in the hope that I take a road trip in that part of India!
Ladakh is on my bucket list since long. Don’t know when it will happen.
Your detailed post will help then.
The word Leh instantly evokes wanderlust and so many times there are plans being made amongst us friends but we just don’t make it to that trip. However, when we do make this trip as planned, i am gonna use this itinerary.
I have heard a lot about Let Ladakh trip .I loved how you have detailed out everything required for planning this trip .This is really helpful for anyone planning a trip .
Leh Ladakh is a beautiful vacation spot. I’ve saved so many pictures and added this place to my bucket list. The itinerary would help me to plan a trip with my family.
This is such a in depth post well who do not want to visit Leh and Ladakh thank you for giving so much information about the trip
Very helpful guide for leh laddakh road trip. This definitely gives a proper approach in planning next trip to this beautiful place
Ladak is indeed a beautiful city. Thanks for sharing such helpful road trip guide to ladak.
I really want to visit leh ladakh. Its a beautiful place. Its a helpful post for travelers.
Leh ladakh road trip is the most amazing thing to do with friends! It is a dream for me! Loved the post!
Ladakh has always been on my bucket list. Thanks for sharing this post. Will plan a trip soon.
Those pics are simply mesmerizing just like this place! On my wishlist for a long time and must visit…
I am planning to go in August is that the right time? Also is the entire in car?
I mean for ppl with motion sickness is that gona be a problem?
We opted for Manali route some 4 years back and I must say it was bliss watching the beautiful nature unfold at every level.
And its my dream place to visit. Want to go there once. The heaven right? Tha ks for this post. Bookmarking it
I am so intrigued with the post. Beautiful pictures and a great itinerary. I am planning my trip to Leh. I guess, i will give road trip a thought as its sooo mesmerizing