A Road Trip to Leh and Ladakh

A trip to Leh and Ladakh by car or bike is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Most visitors to India yearn to see the barren grandeur of the country's mountains set against the huge azure skies. In any case, you plan a road trip from Delhi to Ladakh and return through two extremely picturesque routes via Manali and via Srinagar. Do you intend to do such a trip or are you just thinking about it?

When is the best time to visit Leh from Delhi?

Due to inclement weather and road closures, Leh is unreachable for some time of the year.
If you're flying, the best time to visit is between April and October or if you rather drive, the best time to visit is between May and September.

Where to Go and How to Get There?

For a journey from Delhi to Leh, you have three options. The first and easiest choice is to go by plane, followed by two more challenging ones.

Flight: Time is 1.5 hours for the direct flights to Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport.

Bus: Buses departing from ISBT Station (through Manali) stop at Keylong for the night before arriving in Leh the next evening.

Personal vehicle (Bike or Car): In Delhi, you can rent a bike or a car. Make sure you have a basic understanding of your vehicle's mechanics.

Delhi to Leh Road Trip Route (via Manali)

Delhi >> Karnal >> Mandi >> Manali (600 kms)

Ambala and Mandi are the most usual routes. For the most part, you'll be travelling along NH1. The roads are fairly safe, but when you near Ghanauli, about halfway through the journey, the roads deteriorate and the upward struggle begins. Roopnagar's Gurubaksh Dhaba is a fantastic place to get a snack and get some fresh air.

Manali >> Jispa >> Sarchu >> Tanglang La >> Leh

Manali >> Jispa via Rohtang Pass >> Sarchu (217 kms)

To avoid the crowds while visiting Rohtang Pass, leave Manali around 4 am. For a faster route, take your vehicle through the newly built Atal tunnel (9.02 km) or else you can see the landmark region along the road and stop for lunch at the Koksar Dhaba.

Fill up the car with gas in Tandi and drive to Jispa. You'll be heading to Sarchu from Jispa, which is a crucial layover. From June to October, you can stay in the Army Base Camp which is located at an elevation of 14,500 meters.

Sarchu >> Tanglang La >> Leh (260 kms)

Once you depart from Sarchu, you will be almost there. But not before passing across the Lachulungla Pass which offers panoramic views of the entire Ladakh region. As you drive onward to Pang (where the highest army transit camp is located) and Tanglang La Pass, the rough terrain begins (At 17585 ft above sea level, it is claimed to be the second-highest motorable road in India). You will arrive at Leh in the evening.

What Is Leh & Ladakh is famous for?

Food: Momos, thukpa, tingmo, and qahwa are all available in Leh.

Also read: A guide for food’s paradise at Ladakh

Shopping: Tibetan markets are excellent places to shop for Tibetan goods, cuisines, and Pashmina.

Also read: Ladakh: A shopper’s paradise

Museum: The Indian Army built the Hall of Fame Museum to commemorate troops who perished in the Indo-Pak conflicts.

Camping: There are numerous camping options. The Pangong Lake and Nubra Valley are popular destinations.

Trek: The Chadar Trek is difficult but beautiful and carrying you over many frozen rivers.

Wildlife: Many people in the region are hoping to see the rare snow leopard.

Also read: Visit these amazing places at Leh and Ladakh

The Greatest Ladakh Excursions

Leh >>> Pangong Lake

It is one of India's highest altitude lakes, and it is visually stunning, changing colour according to the sun several times throughout the day. Of course, it's also a fantastic camping area.

Leh >>> Nubra Valley

The Nubra Valley, which lies ahead of Khardung La Pass does have flora except around the picturesque riverbeds. Diskit, where many Buddhist structures in traditional Tibetan architecture can be found, is a short distance away.

Leh >>> Magnetic Hill & Khardung La

Magnetic Hill is a mystical place. Make a note of where you parked your automobile. If you come back later, you'll see that your automobile has relocated. After that, head to Khardung La, the world's highest motorable pass at nearly 18,000 feet

Leh >>> Thiksey Monastery

The Thiksey Monastery also known as Thiksay Monastery is a picturesque Tibetan Buddhist gompa (monastery) located at the peak of a hill. It is ideal for pilgrims, architecture enthusiasts and tourists.

Leh to Delhi Road Trip Route (via Srinagar)

Leh >> Lamayuru >> Kargil (231 kms)

Your return journey, this time through Srinagar will take you first to Lamayuru, where you will be greeted by stunning views. Visit the world-famous Lamayuru Monastery, which is home to over 150 monks.

Spend a night at Lamayuru if you want to before going on for another long day of travelling. To travel to Kargil, you will pass through Foto La, Namika La and Mulbek. Namika La is a captivating pass that will stay with you for the rest of your life.

Kargil >> Sonmarg >> Srinagar (210 kms)

You will pass via Zoji La and Drass Valley on your way to Sonmarg, both of which are fantastic places to visit. You can spend a few weeks exploring surrounding territories on excursions in Drass Valley. The drive to Sonmarg from Zoji La can be treacherous& be careful but once there, you will be welcomed by beautiful green landscapes.

The rest of the journey to Srinagar is pleasant and brief. If you've never visited Srinagar before, there are many things to see and do. You should spend the night in Srinagar because you have a long road trip back to Delhi ahead of you.

Srinagar >> Amritsar >> Delhi (838 kms)

With only a few breaks, your journey from Srinagar to Delhi should take roughly 16 hours. In comparison to what you've just experienced, the journey is enjoyable and the roads are in good condition.

Along the trip, there are plenty of wonderful places to stop and perhaps stay the night. Of course, Amritsar with its rich history and close to the Wagah Border is the greatest option. While you are there, don't forget to taste Kesar Da Dhaba.

Also, remember to stay safe! Best wishes on this once-in-a-lifetime vacation. Even if they can't drive or ride, many people dream of taking such a trip. What is it about this road journey that makes it so appealing? Of course, it's not only the destination. The drive to Leh offers a breath-taking backdrop, thrilling pathways and interesting stopovers, making it ideal for a road trip.

So that is our contribution to your Delhi to Leh road trip. We took you up to Leh through Manali and then back down via Srinagar. We hope you were able to find all of the information you needed. However, if you have anything to suggest, please do so on Instagram DMs.

This story is written by Dhawal Goshar: Content Writer, MyTravaly