How to Reach Ladakh

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

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

How to reach Ladakh by Air?

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

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

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

How to reach Ladakh by road?

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

By Bike

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

Route 1: Srinagar-Leh highway

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

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

Accommodation on Srinagar-Leh highway

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

Best time to travel on Srinagar-Leh highway

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

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

Petrol pumps between Srinagar and Leh

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

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

Route 2: Manali-Leh highway

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

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

Accommodation on Manali-Leh highway

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

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

Best time to travel on Manali-Leh highway

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

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

September is also considered the best month to travel on the Manali-Leh highway. The road conditions are perfect, and even the bad stretches are limited to short distances. The tourist season is also over during this time, so there is hardly any rush. Accommodation options are plentiful during this month.

Petrol pumps between Manali to Leh

One of the common concerns for motorists taking the Manali-Leh highway is the availability of petrol pumps. Since few petrol pumps are on the Manali-Leh highway, motorists should carry extra fuel in a jerry can. Other than that, Manali has a lot of petrol pumps, and the next petrol pump after that on the Manali-Leh highway is at Tandi, which lies at a distance of approximately 110 km from Manali. You should refuel here. Tandi is also the last petrol pump before Leh. You can also expect to find fuel at Pang or Sarchu, but the fuel quality cannot be guaranteed.

Complete guide about Leh Ladakh Road Trip

Which bike is preferable for a Bike Trip?

To have the best experience and enjoy every moment of your journey, it’s best to go to Royal Enfield. They perform exceptionally well in the rough, rocky terrain of Ladakh. Going for a bike with higher displacements is better, as it will put less weight on the motor and allow you to cover great distances. You can choose other bikes instead of Royal Enfield, like Bajaj Pulsar, Hero Impulse, KTM Duke, Royal Enfield Himalayan, Honda CBR 250, and Bajaj Avenger.

By Car

Next to a bike trip, riding my jeep is also as much fun and adventurous. It is perfect for those traveling in groups of friends and families who want their share of excitement but prefer road travel. You can take a car trip to Leh from Srinagar, Manali, or Chandigarh, depending on the time you have with you. It should be remembered, however, that the highways are closed during the winter due to substantial snowfall. The best time to take a jeep trip to Ladakh is May to September.

The highlight of this trip is crossing the Zoji La Pass, located at an altitude of almost 11,500ft. This same pass serves as the gateway to Ladakh if you are traveling to Ladakh from Kashmir Valley through Kargil. This road takes you across several passes, like the Tanglang La Pass, the second-highest motorable pass in Ladakh at 17,480ft.

By Bus

A bus ride to Ladakh can be pretty bumpy. Ladakh is connected to Srinagar and Jammu by road. Two routes lead to Ladakh: one from Srinagar through Zoji La Pass and the other from Manali to Ladakh through Rohtang Pass.

If you are up for it, though, there is a direct bus service from Delhi. The bus will cover almost 1,203km.

Complete details about Leh Ladakh by Bus

How to reach Ladakh by Train?

Some people also prefer to travel by train to Ladakh. If you are traveling by train, the nearest railway station to Leh Ladakh is Jammu Tawi, located almost 700 km from Ladakh. It is well-connected to the major cities in India, like Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai. From Jammu, arrangements can be made for traveling to Ladakh by private vehicle.

Is it safe to visit Leh?

It is perfectly safe for tourists to visit Leh every year, and you will not face any kind of problem regarding the security and safety of the tourists. You should never forget to carry medicines, sunscreen lotions, glucose, and other food items. Dry fruits are good, too. Upon arriving at Leh, the most important thing is to acclimatize to the weather to avoid AMS (altitude mountain sickness).