The road to Ladakh is a surreal journey taking you to a place where the sky is a palette of vivid blues which contrasts magically with the surrounding colorful prayer flags, snow-brushed mountains, tremendous scenery with green villages, and friendly locals. Ladakh is both cold and dry, it faces a long winter from October to April of the frozen landscape but yet very beautiful, and a short, hot summer from May to September when the precious glaciers melt. The beauty of this place is beyond words, you will be speechless once you're here!
The land of high passes is a union territory surrounded by Karakorum ranges in the north and Himalayan ranges in the south. Ladakh has 2 districts mainly - Leh & Kargil.
Here are some notes and tips from our travelers to make your trip easy and memorable:)
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How to Reach Ladakh: By Air and By road
- They have the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Ladakh airport is one of the highest airports in the world situated at 3,256 m above mean sea level operating domestic flights.
- By Road, there are two options available, firstly Manali to Leh Highway and secondly Srinagar to Leh Highway.
WOW Pro Tip: As very few cities have proper connectivity through air to Leh, it's a good option to come to Delhi or Mumbai as there are daily direct flights from these 2 cities.
Which route is better for Leh Srinagar or Manali?
A road trip should be done on the onward journey and return via air which gives you a chance to experience the road trip and as well as a relaxed way of returning home towards the end of the journey.
- It is possible to hire a vehicle that may be picked up from Srinagar or from Manali to Ladakh.
- The following rates to hire a car like Innova for your road trip. It is advised by our travelers to take Inova for your journey as it is more comfortable and best on the roads of Ladakh.
- Manali - Sarchu - Leh @ Rs 29,000/- for 02 Days.
- Srinagar - Kargil - Leh @ Rs 23,000/- for 02 Days.
Can Manali reach Leh in one day?
- This option of completing the journey from Manali – Leh in a single day is most common among local people or people who are in a high rush and is least recommended if you want to enjoy your travel. Shared taxis are the preferred way to avail of this option.
- This route remains open from the starting of June till mid-October with a distance of 473 km.
- On your drive, you'll be crossing Tandi Keylong, Jispa, Darcha, Baralacha La, etc. You can hire a car/gypsy/jeep or opt for public transport like Buses which run between Manali and Leh and are managed by Himachal Pradesh Tourism (HRTC).
- Manali to Sarchu by road (225 km): Leave for Sarchu driving in the greater Himalayas and your first stop will be at Rohtang Pass. Resume your drive crossing Tandi Keylong, Jispa, Darcha, and Baralacha La Pass. The driving time will be approximately 8 hours.
- Sarchu - Leh (250 Kms) : Drive to Leh crossing Lachulung La Pass, Pang Village and Taglang la Pass. The driving time will also be approximately 8 hours.
WOW Pro Tip : For a road trip to Ladakh, preferrable months are July to September as these are the peak summer months and probability of finding snow on highways is very less.
Is it safe to travel from Srinagar to Leh by road?
- Is Srinagar Leh safe for Tourists? In general, it is fine to travel on Srinagar Leh Highway during Independence Day. The tourist areas remain safe mostly, but bandhs can affect the traffic movement. It is always advised that you leave Srinagar city in the early morning hours in such cases.
- This route remains open from mid-June till November with a distance of 434 km. The highway of NH1-D connects Srinagar to Leh.
- For this option, you can hire a car/gypsy/jeep or opt for public transport like Buses managed by Jammu & Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation (J&K SRTC) between Srinagar and Leh.
Here's a WOW Itinerary offering you the captivating Kashmir along with Ladakh:
- Arrival at Srinagar:
Arrive early morning in Srinagar and begin your sightseeing in Srinagar of Mughal Garden, Nishat Garden & Shalimar Bagh. Later enjoy a Shikara ride on Dal Lake in the evening. You can even choose to stay overnight in a houseboat.
- Srinagar - Kargil (210 km):
Begin the drive to Kargil for approximately 6 hours, soon after leaving Srinagar you'll enter Sonmarg, which means “Meadow of Gold”, and continue the journey via Zoji La Pass (11,575 ft). On the Road to Kargil, also visit Vijay Samarak (Kargil War Memorial) and the legendary Tiger Hill.
- Kargil - Leh (224 km):
Start the journey to Leh and en route visit Lamayuru Monastery which is one of the oldest monasteries in Ladakh. The monastery is famous for its rich wall paintings, Murals, scriptures, and Statues of different forms of Buddha and other Buddhist Duties. Further, drive and visit Alchi Monastery, Sangam which is the confluence of two rivers and Magnetic Hill. The drive will be for approximately 5 hours.
Find a detailed itinerary that is personalized by our travelers for you, to know more about it click the link below.
Heba
Which route is best for Leh Ladakh trip?
We think that Leh Ladakh trips are not about the destination but about the journey which is absolutely true!
Both the routes have got eye-catching and jaw-dropping nature views. This kind of trip also challenges you to be physically and mentally strong throughout the rugged terrains and slightly unpredictable climatic conditions.
Driving up to Leh is a very nice method of getting acclimatized gradually as you drive through the valleys and mountain areas, your body slowly gets used to the atmosphere as compared to when you suddenly land at Leh airport.
Manali to Leh
How difficult is Manali to Leh by road?
This long journey is extremely tiring, and by traversing through the varied amount of altitudes ranging from 1900 Mtrs to over 5000 Mtrs in a single day, you are running a risk of acute mountain sickness (AMS) or some severe headaches or disorientation en route.
- Best to go for if you're an adventure junkie
- Challenging terrain that leads up to Leh
- Most biker groups commence their journey from this route so as to experience the thrilling ride
- Choose to do camping at Jispa or Sarchu, take nature walks, and sing classic campfire songs together
Srinagar to Leh
Is it safe to travel to Leh via Srinagar?
Traveling on the Srinagar Leh highway is completely safe as long as you stick to the main tourist spots.
- Best to go for if you wish to explore Jammu and Kashmir as well
- The Altitude increases in a gradual manner and your body gets more time to get acclimatized
- Low risks and more comfort
- Less distance to be covered
In case you don't want to bear all the tension of framing an itinerary or booking places, just let us know, we're here for you. Just click on this link.
Is it safe for women to travel to Ladakh by car?
Nowhere in this world is 100% safe. However, we would say Ladakh is one of the safest places in India, people are very helpful & well-behaved. Although we advise trying to connect with local people & get local contact for reference. We have seen many solo women travelers in Ladakh. Go without any tension. Our single women travelers have felt the same way over the years. Sensible precaution for everyone is to always carry a torch in the evening, to avoid the potholes and uncovered canals, and so as not to startle or step on the dogs. We would advise some more caution around Manali, Kullu, etc: bad things have happened on a few occasions when hitchhiking or going out alone at night. Once you are past the Rohtang you are in a different zone. We personally love to travel to Ladakh and have had over 100 trips so far and we have no complaints or regrets about the place.
Best hotels in Ladakh
Picking a hotel is an essential part of planning a trip cause after a tiring day you just want to lie down and relax in a comfortable environment.
- Spic n Span Hotel
Spic N Span is one of the oldest in Ladakh, they redefine Ladakh Hospitality. Check out their website to know more about them.
2. The Abduz
A part of the Spic N Span group and a newly constructed property offering a comfortable yet luxurious stay in Ladakh. Check out their website to know more about them.
3. The Grand Dragon
The Grand Dragon hotel offers spacious rooms with mountain views. Check out their website to know more about them.
A few other suggested hotels are :
- Grand Himalaya
- Royal Ladakh
- Hotel Ladakh Palace
Go on and transfer to a world of complete solitude admiring the mountains, the snow-covered peaks, the streams flowing by, and the deep valleys. Monks in maroon robes, men trailing behind a herd of sheep, and the lilting mountain music, are some of the common sights and sounds of Leh & Ladakh.
Famous Monasteries Of Ladakh
- Thiksey Monastery- It is noted for its resemblance to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet, and is the largest gompa in central Ladakh. Since it is located close to Leh city, it's best suited to visit here early in the morning, to experience prayers with the monks. The Hemis Monastery is a twelve-story complex and is also home to the Maitreya Buddha statue which took four years to complete.
- Hemis Monastery- Hemis Monastery is a Himalayan Buddhist monastery, situated in Hemis, about 45 km from Leh city. Famous for being the venue of the Hemis Festival that takes place sometime in June annually.
- Diskit Monastery- This Monastery is also known as Deskit Gompa and is the oldest Buddhist monastery in the Nubra Valley of Ladakh. Belonging to the Yellow Hat sect of Tibetan Buddhism, it is home to a huge 100 feet statue of Lord Buddha, that was inaugurated by the Dalai Lama. Fabulous views of Nubra Valley await you, once you have climbed to the top of Diskit hill.
- Shanti Stupa- Towering over Leh from a vantage point over a ridge, this huge Stupa was built by Japanese monks to promote world peace. The views over Leh are stunning and this spot is truly a photographer's delight, especially at sunset. The base of the Stupa contains some relics of the Buddha, enshrined by the Dalai Lama.
- Lamayuru Monastery- Lamayuru is popular for its 'lunar' landscape and tourists refer to it as 'moonscape', for its odd and unusual land formations. The Monastery is still home to over a hundred monks who frequent the little village dotted with cafes and tiny shops. Great for people watching, observing the 'crater-like landscape, and thinking about the life of the monks.
- Alchi Monastery or Alchi Gompa- dates back to nearly a thousand years ago. Now, no longer an active religious center, it is looked after by the Likir monks. On some of its walls, there are miniature paintings of the Buddha, fast fading due to the passage of time. Photography inside the complex is strictly forbidden.
- Likir - It is famous for the 25-foot-tall gold-covered Buddha statue. Primarily a fort monastery, it has a certain hierarchy - the top of the hill has the main monastery and the residence of the head lama, followed by mid-hill residences of other monks. The village quarters housing the locals are at the foothill.
Which festivals are celebrated in Ladakh?
Festivals lend a cultural and celebratory hue to the beauty of Ladakh. And you can time your trip to be there during the festival. Here are some:
- Sindhu Darshan: Celebrated for three days during the full moon in June, it signifies communal harmony and national integration. Artists from various parts of the country participate to showcase their art and culture on the banks of the Sindhu River. Yes, it is jam-packed with tourists and is crowded during this time.
- Hemis Tsechu: It's a cultural display at Hemis Monastery and takes place between February and June. During this time, the monastery is decorated beautifully, locals dress up traditionally and gather in the courtyard of the Hemis Courtyard to perform the Mask Dance, known as the Chham Dance, This has great religious significance and is closely revered by Buddhists and Tibetans. Get to know more about it - The Monkey year festival at Hemis.
- Ladakh Festival: The Harvest Festival that takes place in September. Includes archery, polo, masked dances in the monasteries, and cultural dances by various troupes.
Ladakh travel health guidelines 2022
One of the most common sicknesses noticed among first-timers is Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). It extends by ascending the mountain ranges, AMS is led due to reduced oxygen levels and air pressure, if AMS is not taken care of then this will spoil your whole journey. Symptoms of AMS are headache, vomiting, sleeping difficulty, dizziness, shortness of breath, and fast heart rate.
Few precautionary tips :
- The number one rule is to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
- Strictly avoid intake of alcohol.
- Camphor acts like a portable oxygen cylinder and clears up your mind every time you inhale it. Carry Camphor in a small piece of cloth and inhale it or else carry Vicks Inhaler as camphor is present in it.
- Walk Slowly, best to take baby steps and avoid running.
- Eat regularly and eat light.
- Carry chocolate or energy bars, and chewing gums, and have them regularly on the journey to avoid nausea or tiredness.
- Keep medicines like Diamox (For AMS) also for headache, stomach aches, or an upset stomach, Volini Spray.
- Do not spend more than 20-30 minutes on Khardung La Pass or Changla Pass' top as it can trigger altitude sickness.
What is famous in Leh shopping?
Here is a checklist of what all are available at the Leh Market. The local Leh market has come a long way and it's a pleasure to shop there with its cute streets giving it a vintage look, numerous cafes, and shops on both sides of the street. Here you can interact with the locals and buy stuff to take home.
- Tibetan Handicrafts & Wares.
- Silver and Stone Ornaments.
- Pashmina Shawls And Woolens, also Yak wool Shawls and Capes.
- Apricot Jam and Oil. Even soaps.
- Yak Cheese, Sun Dried Tomatoes
- Antique Jewelry
- Kashmiri Carpets
WOW Pro Tip: Regarding the exquisite Ladakhi Pashmina which is crafted at the old mills in Ladakh. You can actually see how they are made here and directly feel their softness. True Test - pass the shawl through your finger ring and if it comes through smooth, you know it's genuine Pashmina!
Few recommend shops :
- Ladakh Art Palace in Main Bazar Leh
- Lhasa Art Palace in Old Road Leh
- Shangloo Heritage in Main Bazar Leh
Recommended Reading in Ladakh:
- A Journey in Ladakh, by Andrew Harvey
The book is a spiritual travelogue of his arduous journey to one of the remotest parts of the world, cut off by snow six months a year.
- The Snow Leopard, by Peter Matthiessen
It is an account of a two-month search for the snow leopard with naturalist George Schaller in Ladakh and other regions of the Tibetan Plateau in the Himalayas. (The snow leopard can only be spotted in the mind-numbing cold of winter, in the remote areas of Hemis National Park).
