ladakh travel guidelines 2022

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Ladakh Travel Guidelines

Covid -ve Certificate Mandatory
Epass is not required.
Health Screening:
Negative RT-PCR report on arrival (not earlier than 96 hours prior to arrival) is required for all passengers arriving into Leh. RT-PCR timeline starts from the swab collection time. Passengers in possession of final vaccination certificate, i.e., those who have taken both doses and have completed 15 days since the receipt of the 2nd dose shall be exempted from pre-departure RT-PCR requirement. All passengers arriving into the UT of Ladakh shall be required to undergo an RTPCR test free of cost irrespective of whether they are carrying a negative RT-PCR test or their vaccination status.
In Airport Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) will be conducted on all the incoming passengers/ Tourist
Fully Vaccinated: Passengers traveling to Ladakh have taken both doses and completed 15 days from the receipt of the 2nd dose shall be exempted and now travel to Ladakh without any RT-PCR Test
Not vaccinated/ Single doses : Can travel with an RT-PCR Test conducted under 96 hrs to travel to the destination
Quarantine -
Travellers from other states are allowed to travel in Ladakh
Persons travelling from the states namely; Maharashtra, Kerala, Punjab. Karnataka. Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh. Delhi and Rajasthan by road, air and train to Uttarakhand are advised to carry negative RT-PCR test report (test done 72 hours prior to the time of arrival to Uttarakhand state).
Persons coming from above mentioned states as well as persons residing in Uttarakhand shall strictly adhere to the norms of safety and social distancing as per the guidelines of MHA. MoHFW and State Government. Violation of norms shall be liable to be proceeded under the relevant provision of DM Act 2005, Epidemics Act 1897 and sections of IPC.
Persons above 65 years of age, persons with co-morbidities, pregnant women and children below the age of 10 years (vulnerable section of the people) are advised to travel only in unavoidable circumstances.
District administration shall make arrangement for random COVID-19 testing/ checking at airport, railway station and at all border check posts. If any inbound person found positive, the currently prevailing SOPs shall be followed for further care.
However, there shall be no restriction on "Inter-State and Intra-State movement of essential services and goods" in the state.
Passenger obligation as per ladakh travel guidelines.
COVID-19 Negative Certificate is mandatory while travelling.
All passengers travelling to Uttarakhand need to register on state website.
All passengers must download Aarogya Setu App .
Operating Status:
Hotels are Open
Nubra and Pangong visit will be allowed to all the tourist with special permit
All sightseeing points are open for Tourists

"Reserve Your Getaway for Ladakh Tour Packages !"

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A. 15th June 2020

Ladakh Travel Guidelines

Covid -ve certificate mandatory.

Epass is not required.

Health Screening:

Negative RT-PCR report on arrival (not earlier than 96 hours prior to arrival) is required for all passengers arriving into Leh. RT-PCR timeline starts from the swab collection time. Passengers in possession of final vaccination certificate, i.e., those who have taken both doses and have completed 15 days since the receipt of the 2nd dose shall be exempted from pre-departure RT-PCR requirement. All passengers arriving into the UT of Ladakh shall be required to undergo an RTPCR test free of cost irrespective of whether they are carrying a negative RT-PCR test or their vaccination status.
In Airport Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) will be conducted on all the incoming passengers/ Tourist
Fully Vaccinated: Passengers traveling to Ladakh have taken both doses and completed 15 days from the receipt of the 2nd dose shall be exempted and now travel to Ladakh without any RT-PCR Test
Not vaccinated/ Single doses : Can travel with an RT-PCR Test conducted under 96 hrs to travel to the destination

Ladakh Quarantine Rules

Travellers from other states are allowed to travel in Ladakh
Persons travelling from the states namely; Maharashtra, Kerala, Punjab. Karnataka. Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh. Delhi and Rajasthan by road, air and train to Uttarakhand are advised to carry negative RT-PCR test report (test done 72 hours prior to the time of arrival to Uttarakhand state).
Persons coming from above mentioned states as well as persons residing in Uttarakhand shall strictly adhere to the norms of safety and social distancing as per the guidelines of MHA. MoHFW and State Government. Violation of norms shall be liable to be proceeded under the relevant provision of DM Act 2005, Epidemics Act 1897 and sections of IPC.
Persons above 65 years of age, persons with co-morbidities, pregnant women and children below the age of 10 years (vulnerable section of the people) are advised to travel only in unavoidable circumstances.
District administration shall make arrangement for random COVID-19 testing/ checking at airport, railway station and at all border check posts. If any inbound person found positive, the currently prevailing SOPs shall be followed for further care.
However, there shall be no restriction on "Inter-State and Intra-State movement of essential services and goods" in the state.

Passenger obligation as per ladakh travel guidelines.

COVID-19 Negative Certificate is mandatory while travelling.
All passengers travelling to Uttarakhand need to register on state website.
All passengers must download Aarogya Setu App .

Operating Status:

Hotels are Open
Nubra and Pangong visit will be allowed to all the tourist with special permit
All sightseeing points are open for Tourists

"Grab Best Deals on Ladakh Tour Packages "

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A Detailed Post-Covid Travel Guide To Ladakh

04 Nov 2022

Ladakh is a place like no other. The beauty of the place cannot be expressed in words. Visiting Leh Ladakh can be a great experience as these places have a bounty of natural beauty. After a long period of Ladakh tourism restrictions , the place has finally provided some travel relaxation to the wanderers. This post-covid travel guide to Ladakh provides all the latest information that is required to enter the state. Here is all you need to know while planning a trip to the state during covid-19.

Ladakh Travel Advisory During Covid

Wondering that can we travel to Ladakh now? Ladakh travel guidelines has been issued by the state travel ministry and the authorities are ensuring that the rules are followed carefully. Ladakh has allowed some relaxation to travelers during this pandemic. Here are the latest travel guidelines issued by the Ladakh government for those who are travelling to Ladakh :

According to the reports, passengers arriving in Ladakh, both by air and road, must have a negative RT-PCR report not older than 96 hours.
Passengers must provide valid contact and address details of their stay in Leh.
It is mandatory for travelers to install the Aarogya Setu app in their phones and register their details.
Thermal screening will be done for all incoming and outgoing passengers as well as staff.
Medical camps will be set up at the airport with ambulances on standby.
Domestic travel is now open in Ladakh only through Curfew Passes.
In case of any symptoms during the journey follow the Ladakh quarantine rules to ensure a safe ambiance.

Markha Valley Trek: A Gateway To Ladakh’s Hidden Villages And Valleys

Best Time To Visit

It is advisable to visit Ladakh during the dry season, which is from April to June. You can feel some sunshine and heat during the day. The summer season is the best time to travel here by all ages of people. You can go exploring the glaciers, Indus River, trekking in its mountain pass and valleys. Don’t forget to follow Ladakh Leh quarantine rules for a safe experience.

How To Reach

Ladakh is open for domestic travel and travelers can board a flight from all major states in India including Delhi, Kolkata,

Getting Around

Travelers can access local transport in the state including buses, taxis and cabs. However, if you are traveling to Ladakh during covid, it is advisable to book your private cab or taxi that will take you around the state. You can also seek assistance from the hotel staff that will help you arrange for private transfers.

4 Ladakh Guest Houses To Plan A Comfortable And Budget Friendly Stay At In 2022

Places To Visit In Ladakh During Covid

Going on a holiday to a charming land like Ladakh is surely an experience of a lifetime. So, why would you want to miss out on anything best there? Monasteries, rivers, valleys, lakes, villages and museums – this place is a confluence of so many popular and awesome things. Here’s a list of the top places in Leh Ladakh for a fantastic vacation. Most of the tourist attractions are now open in Ladakh and some of the best places to visit in Ladakh are Khardung-la Pass, Nubra Valley, Magnetic Hill, and Royal Leh Palace. Ensure that you follow all covid safety guidelines when traveling to Ladakh during the pandemic.

Things To Do In Ladakh During Covid

Ladakh is known for its unique culture and awe-inspiring landscapes. The snow-clad high peaks, cold deserts, and massive glaciers define the topography of the region. And then there are some breathtaking lakes & rivers that captivate the visitors and offer ample opportunities for rafting. Other than river rafting and taking a sightseeing tour of the beautiful places to visit in this region, there are some of the best things to do in Ladakh that you simply cannot miss including camping, cycling, sightseeing and food tours.

Shopping In Ladakh 2022: A Detailed Guide For All Shopaholics!

Accommodation

Image Source: Booking.com

Almost all the hotels in Ladakh are now open to welcome travelers with all covid-19 guidelines issued by the state government. Proper sanitization of the hotel premises is ensured by the staff and guests are required to wear masks at all times.

Restaurants

The restaurants in Ladakh have reopened and as per the guidelines issued by the state government, the hotel staff is following all rules and regulations. Seating arrangements are made keeping social distancing norms in mind and the staff is wearing gloves and masks throughout.

What To Pack

It is advisable to bring warm jackets, furry socks and glows, mufflers, sweaters, and pairs of boots above ankle level.
Travelers must also carry two pairs of boots, jerkins, and woolen accessories to keep warm.
Do not forget to pack emergency lights, torch, and a portable gas stove when traveling to Ladakh during covid-19.
Also, carry an extra pair of masks, sanitizers, and gloves.

8 Temples In Ladakh To Visit For A Spiritual Sojourn

Travel Checklist

Download and register your details on the Arogya Setu App before travel.
Also fill the online self-declaration form before boarding your flight.
Pre-book all your accommodations and transfers in advance to ensure a smooth travel.

Covid-19 Prerequisites And Consequences In Ladakh

covid guidelines for ladakh trip post covid

Not even asymptomatic travelers will be allowed to board after thermal screening.
Wearing face masks and maintaining social distance is mandatory in public areas.
One must not spit in public places and a fine can be imposed on travelers caught in the act.

Further Travel Tips

tips for traveling to ladakh trip post covid

Avoid touching open surfaces of tables, and shelves at hotels and restaurants.
Wear a mask whenever in public areas and also maintain social distance.
Apply sanitizer regularly before and after touching anything.
Avoid making payments in cash and practice online payment methods.

7 Valleys In Ladakh 2022 That Prove It Is Indeed A Paradise On Earth

If you can’t keep your adrenaline rush at bay and want to experience the best sightseeing around this pristine land, then make sure to take notes from this post-covid travel guide to Ladakh. The most pristine highlands with vibrant cultural aesthetic awaits so plan a trip to Ladakh and enjoy your vacation to the fullest while following all covid guidelines.

For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here .

Frequently Asked Questions about Ladakh

What are the best places to visit in Ladakh?

Zanskar Valley, Pangong Tso Lake, Kargil, Khardung-la Pass, Nubra Valley, Magnetic Hill, Spituk Gompa, Hemis National Park, Shanti Stupa, Hemis Monastery, Royal Leh Palace, Tso Moriri Lake, Chadar Trek, Alchi, Thiksey Gompa, Diskit Monastery, Stakna Monastery, Phyang Gompa, Likir Monastery, Phugtal Monastery, etc. are the popular places to explore in Ladakh.

What is the best time to visit Ladakh?

The best time to visit Ladakh is during the summer season, especially between April to July. The temperature remains pleasant during this time temperature, ranging between 15 to 30 degrees Celsius. Ladakh is known for its extremely low temperatures almost all through the year.

Where can I go shopping in Ladakh?

The following are the best choices to shop in Ladakh - Moti Market, Women's Alliance Of Ladakh Shopping Hub, Zanskar Arts, Main Bazaar, Himalayan Pashmina Shawls, Ladag Apricot Store, Tibetan Handicraft Emporium, Dalai Lama Charitable Trust Handicraft Emporium, etc.

Where can I stay in Ladakh?

The following are the popular places to stay in Ladakh - The Grand Dragon Ladakh, Hotel Ladakh Palace Boutique, The Bodhi Tree Hotel, Grand Himalaya - Luxury Hotel, etc.

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Ladakh Tourism COVID guidelines you should know before your trip

Arka Roy Chowdhury , TRAVEL TRENDS , LADAKH Updated : Mar 2, 2022, 15:58 IST

Ladakh travel rules

The Union Territory of Ladakh has issued fresh COVID guidelines for travellers. The official Instagram page of Ladakh Tourism has notified travellers through a post regarding the same. Ladakh is one of the most important destinations for tourists in the country, and with this latest post, travellers will have an idea of what to expect when travelling to the Union Territory starting March 1, 2022.

COVID test rule

Passengers are advised to get tested for COVID-19 when travelling to Ladakh. This applies for both land and air travellers. The COVID-19 test should not be older than 72 hours. Passengers who are unable to produce a valid COVID-19 test report that is not older than 72 hours, will have to take an RT-PCR test as mandated by the UT administration. Anyone found positive will have to quarantine at a quarantine facility.

For vaccinated travellers

The above rule of COVID negative certificate not older than 72 hours however does not apply to travellers who have received the double vaccination. But such travellers must not have any COVID symptoms. You must ensure that you have received a double dose of vaccine as approved by the central administrative bodies of India. The notice also says that any fraudulent certificate will be strictly dealt with.

Arogya Setu app

Any traveller declared suspects on the Arogya Setu app will have to go under home quarantine for seven days. If such persons have any symptoms, they are required to inform the District Surveillance Officer of the particular district. Following a test, if the report shows up to be negative, they will have to go into home quarantine along with other family members.

The UT administration of Ladakh has also mentioned that any person with COVID-19 symptoms will be isolated by the District Administration, along with their contacts. This rule will stand for everyone irrespective of their mode of transportation.

Rules for hotels

Hotels have been informed to follow the SOP as issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Hotels and guest houses will have to maintain the entire travel history of their guests, and also ensure daily screening. Social distancing must be maintained at all times, and the availability of hand sanitizers must be commonplace.

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Ladakh Tourism COVID guidelines you should know before your trip

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Press Release

LAHDC Leh and District Administration Leh have clarified that the existing fee structure applicable to tourists visiting Leh would continue to remain in effect as earlier. The fee includes the environmental fee (green fee), Red Cross Fund and wildlife fee. For the convenience of tourists, District Administration Leh has revamped the existing portal. The fee can be paid online from the portal Leh District Tourists Management System ( https://www.lahdclehpermit.in/ ) and they don’t need to visit the DC office or any other Govt. office physically. -- Office of CEO-LAHDC Leh

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COVID-19 Advisory

Leh, 30.06.2022 Wearing of Masks in Public Places Click here for more details

Leh, 01.03.2022 LDMA issues fresh #COVID19 SOPs/Guidelines for the incoming visitors: All passengers arriving in Ladakh both by air and road are advised to get themselves tested for COVID-19, not earlier than 72 hours before their arrival in Ladakh from ICMR approved test laboratories.

Click here for more details

All tourist/visitors arriving in Leh must undergo at least 48 hrs of acclimatization before initiating their journey to high altitude areas
Road travel does not help at all in acclimatization. It builds up the altitude effect progressively.
Tablet Diamox-250mg (acetazolamide) must be taken twice a day, after breakfast after dinner at least two days before starting journey to Leh and should be continued for two days more, after arriving at Leh.
There should be no active physical exertion on the first two days of arrival in Leh.
Tourists should have at least 2-3 ltrs. of water per day and should avoid alcohol, smoking cigarettes and sedatives
Tourists should have a light meal on the first day of arrival to avoid indigestion.
In case of symptoms of HAPE/HACE kindly consult a doctor immediately.

Danger Signs

Lack of Concentration
Disturbed sleep
Loss of appetite.
Irregular breathing
Breathlessness

Precautions

Take complete rest for 24 to 36 hrs
Avoid excessive sleep during day time.
Avoid sleeping pills, alcohol and smoking
Take an adequate amount of fluid 2-3 Itrs.

Symptoms of High-Altitude Pulmonary Edima (HAPE) and High -Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) can be life threatening and fatal

In case of any emergency kindly contact the following telephone No.

1. CMO office Leh 01982-252012 2. Medical Superintendent, SNM Hospital Leh 01982-252014 3. Casualty SNM Hospital Leh 01982-053629

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The Ultimate Travel Guide to Ladakh in 2022

Updated: Sep 19, 2022

Known as the ‘Land of High Passes’, tucked away in the confines of the Kunlun Mountains and the Himalayas, Ladakh is a natural wonder.

Considered to be one of the most beautiful regions in India, Ladakh is clothed in glory with barren cold desert, snow-draped mountains, quaint gompas, striking blue water bodies, multi-colored flags fluttering in the air, and sightings of Bactrian camels traversing the deserts. It is spectacularly an embodiment of all things beautiful and serene.

The remoteness of the region coupled with rocky terrains of mountains and cold air breezing through is what makes Ladakh a perfect place for anyone seeking to experience some time away from the ordinary and revel in the extraordinary.

A haven for adventure enthusiasts, the entire length of Ladakh is brimming with things to do, and places to visit and explore.

Here is a list of guides you might want to consider before you plan your trip to Ladakh:

Best Time to Visit Ladakh: When to go?

The most ideal time to visit Ladakh would be in the summer months from June to September . The roads of the Srinagar Leh highway and Leh-Manali highway open up by May to mid-July and hence serves as the perfect time to plan a road trip along this famous and magnificent road.

The roads are also open during the monsoon months from end-July to August but the sludge on the highway proves to be very challenging.

By October, the roads are closed off from the world due to heavy snowfall. The only way to reach the place is by flight. But winter in Ladakh is very mesmerizing and an experience to cherish for a lifetime.

How to reach Ladakh?

By Air: The Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh is the best option to reach Ladakh. It is well connected to other major cities of India. Flight bookings are available throughout the year.

By Train: Ladakh does not have a functioning railway station. However, the closest train station is Jammu Tawi in the city of Jammu. You can hire a taxi or bus to reach Ladakh from here on.

By Road: The road network in Ladakh is well connected to other major cities of India. However, the roads are only open for six months of the year, and from November to April, the roads are closed due to heavy snowfall. However, the Delhi-Manali-Leh highway and Delhi-Srinagar-Ladakh routes are famous for their captivating views which makes for a memorable road trip.

Places to Visit in Ladakh: Where to go?

God has blessed Ladakh with some of the most beautiful and magnificent places on earth. Whether it is a long trek or a short trip, there are many places where you can visit and enjoy the natural beauty of Ladakh.

These places are the perfect getaway to rejuvenate your soul. For the uninitiated, these places are some of the best places to visit in Ladakh.

1. Nubra Valley

A herd of Bactrian Camels traversing across the Nubra valley

One of the most beautiful destinations in Leh, Ladakh, Nubra valley is a gem waiting to be explored. From aged old monasteries to bountiful orchards, this region of Leh, Ladakh is sandwiched between Kashmir and Tibet.

The breathtaking view of the valley where sights of dunes coupled with herds of Bactrian camels can be witnessed is what makes Nubra Valley even more appealing.

2. Zanskar Valley

The Indus river flowing amidst the tall mountain ranges in Zanskar Valley

An enchanting semi-desert region in Kargil, Ladakh, Zanskar Valley is truly a work of art. The sparkling clean rivers, snow-capped mountains, enthralling landscapes, and pleasant weather serve as a perfect destination to escape the hectic reality and relish in the best of nature.

The mountain range of Zanskar is part of the Tethys Himalayas hence it offers a spellbinding view into the panoramic trans Himalayan region.

3. Pangong Lake

The blue waters of Pangong Lake glistening under the sunlight

Pangong Lake or Pangong Tso is one of the most significant tourist attractions in Ladakh. Located at a height of almost 4,350 meters above sea level, it is said to be one of the highest altitude lakes in Ladakh.

A beautiful water body so blue and serene that captivates anyone that visits the place, Pangong Lake also serves as a photographer’s paradise.

The tall mountains surrounding the lake, ducks wandering on the banks, colored flags swaying in the wind, and the clear blue sky all add to the charm of the lake.

4. Tso Moriri

An emerald lake known for its spellbinding beauty, Tso Moriri is a must-visit place in Ladakh. The sheer beauty of this lake combined with the vast expanse of the blue sky and the tall barren mountains as the backdrop with marshlands and wetlands around the lake makes the entire length of Tso Moriri majestic.

Though lesser known than Pangong Lake, Tso Moriri rightfully stands as a tourist favorite for offering nothing but the best to its visitors.

Things to do in Ladakh: What to do?

If you are planning a vacation to India, you should know that the main attraction is Ladakh. There is a lot of beauty and adventure to be found in this region. This section enlists all the things you can do on your Ladakh trip.

1. Chadar Trek

A thrilling and possibly one of the most exhilarating trekking experiences over the frozen ice carpet of the Zanskar river. Loved by adventure enthusiasts for its taxing yet exciting route, the trek is very strenuous and daunting even for experienced trekkers.

The temperature drops below sub-sub-zeroes. Regardless of the difficulty, the nights spent in caves, sightings of exotic wildlife, traversing across frozen rivers with sparkling blue water flowing in gaps, and walking along the barren yet majestic mountains are what make this trek an experience to treasure for a lifetime.

2. Bactrian Camel Safari

A famous fun and adventurous activity that can be experienced in the cold deserts of Ladakh is the Camel Safari. The Bactrian Camel is popular for having a double hump and it is listed as a critically endangered species which makes it even more special.

The thrill of riding the camels, especially during the sunset hours witnessing the cold and barren Himalayan ranges is a must-try activity that will definitely blow your mind away.

3. Biking at Khardrung La Pass

The Khardrung La Pass is one of the highest motorable roads passes in the world. A bike ride, be it a motorcycle or bicycle, is not only thrilling but even more memorable.

The ride along the pass makes one feels like they are flying high above the ground. As you drive with views of the high and mighty snow-capped mountains with multi-hued flags fluttering in the wind, you might as well catch a glimpse of paradise.

4. Visiting the Monasteries

The Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh are often called the heritage of Ladakh and are one of the striking sources of attraction to tourists.

The monasteries in Ladakh are popularly known for their annual festivals, vibrant paintings, and pieces of Buddhist art that mesmerize the viewer. These Buddhist gompas are architectural marvels providing a soothing ambiance and alluring visuals.

Food & Cuisine: What to eat in Ladakh?

Momos – One of the most renowned foods of the region, Momos are a Ladakhi staple that you cannot miss while in Ladakh. It is stuffed with minced meat or vegetables and covered in dough.

Nun Chai - A type of beverage associated with Ladakh is the buttered brew that is served at every sacred function, wedding, and festival. Butter and salt are added to brewed milk and infused with tea leaves.

Skyu – A traditional soup-based dish, Skyu is a Ladakh delicacy. It is made from wheat dough which is kneaded into pasta-sized bites and cooked in a broth with vegetables like carrots and turnips.

Tingmo – A popular street in the regions of Ladakh, Tingmo is a fluffy bun made with whole wheat. A staple breakfast and dinner food, it is eaten with dal and vegetables.

Festivals to attend in Ladakh

A troupe of Ladakhi's dancing amidst the Sindhu Darshan Festival

Hemis Festival – Hemis Festival is celebrated on the 10th day of the lunar month on the Tibetan Calendar. It is hosted by the Hemis Gompa to commemorate the birthday of Guru Padmasambhava, founder of tantric Buddhism. The locals dresses up in traditional clothes and the famous masked dance called Chaam is performed by the Lamas

Losar Festival – A month-long festival, Losar Festival is a time when the Gods, deities, ancestors, and even animals are fed the delicacies of the region. People make sacrificial offerings, rituals of the past are re-enacted by the locals, and the tradition of making snowmen are also practiced.

Saka Dawa Festival – Saka Dawa festival is the most important festival in Ladakh. This vibrant festival is celebrated during the 4th month of the Tibetan calendar. It was celebrated in the birth month of Buddha and also the month when he attended spiritual awakening. Monks from all monasteries change their flagpoles to mark the festival.

Sindhu Darshan Festival – A three-day festival in the month of June, Sindhu Darshan is a festival that is celebrated to commemorate the Indus River as a symbol of communal harmony and unity in India. Everyone regardless of their religion or region takes part in this festival.

Things to Keep in Mind while Traveling to Ladakh

The winter months in Ladakh are very harsh and the temperature usually drops below sub-zero degrees. So, it is always advisable to carry warm woolen clothes and jackets during the winter months. Summers are relatively pleasant but due to the high altitudes, the intensity of the sun’s heat is felt strongly due to thin air.

Given the elevated altitude of Ladakh, anyone visiting the region for the first time may experience AMS or Acute Mountain Sickness. So, it is always advisable to rest a day or two before embarking on any strenuous activity.

Always carry a basic medicine kit like painkillers, oxygen tables, and tablets for headaches, stomaches, and fever.

Indian domestic tourists do not require any travel permit but if you are a foreign traveler, make sure to obtain the required permits through your travel agency and keep them handy.

Always carry adequate cash as there are not enough ATMs all around the region. Most of the hotels, homestays, restaurants and other service providers only accept cash.

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Ladakh Travel Guidelines

Last Updated on: 18th Apr 2022

The state of Ladakh has released new travel guidelines considering the ongoing situation of Covid-19 pandemic. While the Government lifted most of the travel restrictions in several phases post Covid-19 lockdown, the third wave of Covid in Ladakh has made the Government rethink on travel guidelines.

In a bid to deal with the second onslaught of Coronavirus, the Government has issued new restrictions on traveling and fines for rule-breaking. Given below are the intra-state and inter-state travel guidelines for Ladakh. The information is subject to change as per the updates issued by the Ladakh Government.

Ladakh Interstate Travel Guidelines

Full vaccination certificate or RT-PCR negative report needed for travel.
No interstate travel restrictions as per the latest guidelines.

Ladakh Intrastate Travel Guidelines

No intrastate travel restrictions as per the latest guidelines.

For more information, check out:

COVID State-wise Status

COVID Information Portal, Ladakh

You can visit redBus.in to check bus boarding points, bus schedule, and book bus tickets in Ladakh. For extra safety and comfort, you can book Primo buses. redBus provides a hassle-free experience of booking bus tickets online in Ladakh.

Disclaimer:

Please note that according to the guidelines issued by States/UTs, all passengers will have to undergo mandatory thermal screening at the point of departure and only asymptomatic passengers will be allowed to board the flight/train/bus. Thermal screening at the exit point shall also be arranged.

Other Top States' Travel Guidelines:

Telangana Travel Guidelines
West Bengal Travel Guidelines
Karnataka Travel Guidelines
Gujarat Travel Guidelines
Rajasthan Travel Guidelines
Odisha Travel Guidelines
Assam Travel Guidelines
Haryana Travel Guidelines
Madhya Pradesh Guidelines
Jharkhand Travel Guidelines
Maharashtra Travel Guidelines

Plan your trip to Leh Ladakh the right way!

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:)

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.

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

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Planning to visit Ladakh this summer? Here's complete travel guide for you

If you are going to Ladakh by-road during this time, then you can consider going from Kashmir via Kargil. This road is open from the beginning of June to the month of November. Also, the Manali-Leh route is also a long route which opens in June and remains open till early October.

Complete travel guide to visit Ladakh this summer

If you are planning to spend the summer holidays in Ladakh, then here is the complete travel guide for you--.

You can plan to visit Ladakh during both summer and winter time as both the seasons have their own fascinating significance. However, the summer months are considered the best for exploring this place, which is why you might find the popular places to visit crowded. During this time, the frozen lake begins to melt, and the temperature is so pleasant that it is a pleasure to drive and explore the nearby places. From April to October, Ladakh attracts tourists from all over the world.

What is the temperature and weather in Ladakh?

During the months of March to June, the temperature remains around 20 to 30 degrees. It feels pleasant and comfortable and serves as the perfect time when you can enjoy your vacation comfortably. The winters are very cold and not everyone can deal with the harsh weather. In winters, the temperature can plummet to lesser than -30 degree Celsius at night.

Festivals in Ladakh

In the summer season, there are many colorful festivals like Hemis Festival, Yurukabagyat and Sakadawa, which attract tourists from far and away. If you wish to see these festivals also, then plan your vacation accordingly

Hemis Festival 2022: 4 - 16 July
Lhabab Duchen Festival - 27 October
Chinese Laba Festival - 30 December

Tips for Ladakh Vacation

Do not forget to protect yourself from direct sunlight by applying sunscreen during this vacation, as the atmosphere during this time can tan your skin harshly. If you are visiting this place during the beginning of the summer season, you still need to pack some warm clothes as the nights can get a bit cold.

Best places to visit

Ladakh has a whole range of delightful places to visit. You can also choose to visit several monasteries, the most famous of which are the Alchi, Hemis and Spituk monasteries. Other must-see places include Magnetic Hill, Shanti Stupa, Gurdwara Patta Sahib, Leh Market and War Museum. Kargil, also known as the entry gate of Ladakh, is full of ancient monasteries and beautiful places to visit. You can visit these places while going to Kashmir via Kargil.

Which route will be the fittest to visit Ladakh

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Comprehensive Travel Guide to Ladakh in North India

Ladakh is the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen. Located in the far northern corner of the Indian Himalayas, the rugged and remote region is surrounded by snow-capped peaks of the Zanskar, Ladakh and Karakoram ranges. While hilltops are dotted with crumbling ancient monasteries and valley floors are decorated by irrigated green crops and tiny villages.

It’s a region that promises a great adventure, sitting at a lofty 3,500m+. From high altitude lakes, to trekking between remote villages, there’s so many memorable and otherworldly experiences and places to explore in this corner of the world.

I’ve now visited Ladakh twice; spending nearly six weeks each time based in Leh. Based on my own experience, I’ve decided to put together this comprehensive travel guide to Ladakh, with absolutely everything you need to know about travelling to Leh and beyond.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links which means I get a commission if you buy a product through my link at no extra cost to you. By doing so, I can keep this blog going and continue to create helpful guides for you. Read more: Privacy Policy

Overview of Ladakh

Ladakh covers the far northern extent of the Indian subcontinent and is bordered by Pakistan to the west and China and Tibet to the north and east. Technically, the broader Ladakh region is also partly in Pakistan, which is known as Gilgit-Baltistan. Together, Ladakh and Gilgit-Baltistan are culturally, ethnically and historically very similar.

Ladakh was part of the former Tibetan Kingdom and is still home to a predominantly Buddhist population today. This means that the culture, language, food, atmosphere and architecture of the region are completely different to what you might find elsewhere in India.

Ladakh was also considered part of Jammu and Kashmir state in India, but since 2019, Ladakh is now a Union Territory.

Leh is the capital and transport hub of the Ladakh region. This is where you’ll want to base yourself when exploring Ladakh. While some people confuse Leh and Ladakh as being the same thing, Leh is the town while Ladakh is the name of the broader region.

When is the Best Time to Travel to Ladakh

High season runs from June to August in Ladakh. This is when the region sees its best weather with warm days and relatively mild nights. The roads are also almost guaranteed to be clear of snow during these summer months, making places easier to access.

If you want to join any tours or treks from Leh, then this is the perfect season to meet other travellers and join groups. Outside of these months it can be hard to find regular departures for tours.

The roads connecting Leh with Manali and Srinagar are usually open from April or May until September or October, depending on conditions. The Leh-Manali Road tends to open later and close earlier due to its higher elevation.

If you’re interested in trekking in the region, try to visit from August up to mid-September. This is when the weather is warm and the trails are cleared of excess snow and ice. High passes and peaks are usually much safer to cross during these months.

How to Get to Leh, Ladakh

Now, this is where the adventure really begins. You can reach Leh, Ladakh by road or by air. Flying is the only option available all year round, while travel by road is possible usually from May until October. There are shared and public transport options by road from either Kashmir or Himachal Pradesh.

If you’re short on time or aren’t up for many days spent doing long drives on some pretty rough roads, then flying is the better option. There are frequent flights throughout the year from Delhi to Leh. In winter, this is the only way into the region.

Flights are run by Air India, Vistara, SpiceJet, and IndiGo. Flights are around 1.5 hours and cost anywhere from 3000INR (AU$60) to 9000INR (AU$180) one way.

Undoubtedly, the road trip to get to Leh is one of the best in the world. It’s not for the faint-hearted though as the roads are rough, with steep drops down one side. However, improvements are made each year with large parts of the drive now sealed.

To reach Leh by road, you can come from two directions: Srinagar in Kashmir to the west or Manali in Himachal Pradesh to the south-east. There are public buses, government tourism buses and shared taxis plying these routes during the summer months.

For most travellers, coming from Manali is most convenient and the more popular option, although the road is far more arduous. The Srinagar-Leh road is less travelled but is a great option if you plan to explore Kashmir or think you might have problems with sudden changes in altitude.

The highest point on the Srinagar-Leh route is Fotu La at 4,100m, having a more gradual altitude change up to Leh at 3,500m. Whereas the Manali-Leh road runs at an average height of 4,000m, including three passes over 5,000m, the highest being Tanglang La at 5,320m.

For a detailed look at all these transport options running between Srinagar and Leh and Manali and Leh, read this: How to Get to Leh, Ladakh by Public Transport

Is it Safe to Visit Ladakh?

The politics of the region can be confusing and can flare up at any time. However, Leh town has remained peaceful for many years now. The border regions close to Pakistan and close to Tibet occasionally have tensions flare up, so keep your eye on local news if you plan on heading up to Ladakh, but in general this occurs far from Leh.

However, I would say Ladakh feels very safe when travelling there. There’s a huge military presence everywhere you look, so border clashes rarely spillover anywhere close to Leh.

Ladakh also has one of the lowest crime rates in India. The people are extremely lovely and welcoming; it’s definitely one of the most relaxing places to experience in India.

Read next: Ultimate North India Itinerary: Kashmir, Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh

Where to Stay in Leh

There are so many accommodation options in Leh, from backpacker hostels to 5 star high end hotels. The best option in my opinion is one of the many local guesthouses. These are usually family owned and a great way to get to know the Ladakhi culture. I’ve stayed at many different places in Leh, so I can recommend a few at different price points.

Budget: Raybo Hostel

Budget: Peace Guest House

Midrange: Chandan Guest House

Midrange: Rock Castle Residency

High-end: Grand Dragon

Read more: Best Places to Stay in Leh, Ladakh For All Budgets

Where to Eat in Leh

The food is one of the highlights of Leh for me. The town is packed full of great cafes and restaurants, serving local Tibetan and Ladakhi food , as well as a range of cuisines from Thai to Italian. Some of my favourites include:

Bodhi Terrace
Tibetan Kitchen
Wanderers Terrace
Asian Corner

How to Get Around Ladakh

Once you find yourself in Leh town, getting around Ladakh is relatively easy with a variety of options. Whether you hire your own transport or opt to go with public transport, travelling by road in Ladakh is one of the best experiences in the region.

I opted for a combination of public transport and organised group tours to get around to most places. I found this the perfect balance as a budget traveller. Although taxis come in handy too, especially to more obscure places.

Here are your options:

Public Transport

Once in Leh, public transport is a little limited. You’ll need a lot of time and patience if you plan on using local buses to get to all the best places.

Heading east of Leh, if you want to explore Shey Palace, Thiksey Monastery, and Stakna Monastery , you can start by taking one of the local buses leaving from Leh main gate to Choglamsar. From there, you can take another local bus which runs along the main road past Shey and Thiksey. Tickets cost as less than 50 INR and these buses run regularly throughout the day when full. Getting back to Leh can be difficult, as you’ll have to wait on the highway and flag down a passing bus. Hitchhiking is an option.

It is also possible to get to other popular destination further afield by bus. There are usually weekly buses to Diskit in Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, and Tso Moriri . But you’ll have to check at the main bus station in Leh for the latest timetable.

For other places out west, there are daily buses to Lamayuru . Usually a few buses per week to Likir (for the Sham Valley trek) and Chilling (for the Markha Valley Trek). But again, check at the station for the latest timetable. Photos above are the current schedule as of 2023.

Note: The local bus timetable tends to change each year and throughout the season depending on demand. Heading down to the station to ask in person is usually the only way you’ll find out the latest information. Unfortunately, the buses aren’t overly reliable in Ladakh.

Shared Taxis and Group Tours

By far the most convenient way of getting to the main attractions is by joining a group tour. While I don’t usually do this while travelling, in Ladakh it makes a lot of sense for budget travellers.

Agencies in Leh organise group tours to Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley and Turtuk . These are generally four days, three nights, or three days, two nights if you omit Turtuk.

Prices start from 24,000 INR (AU$450) for a whole vehicle and driver for three days to Pangong Lake and Nubra Valley. More if you add Turtuk. You can then divide this amongst 6-7 people to share the cost.

Accommodation is then up to you to organise and pay for yourself. You can either wait until you arrive and find something that the driver’s recommend, or you’ll find many options for Pangong Lake and Diskit or Hunder (Nubra Valley) online.

Prices will be much the same across all agencies as the drivers work as part of a union with set pricing structures. You can simply walk around Leh and just find an agency that has a group leaving on the your preferred date. They often have signs on their doors displaying the next departures.

Private Taxis

For closer day trips around Leh, getting a taxi can be a convenient and relatively inexpensive way to go. As mentioned above, the taxis are part of a union, so they all carry a booklet and price list inside their cab. You can simply ask to check the price, with no room for bargaining.

Popular day trips include combining Shey, Thiksey and Hemis together, which can cost around 3700 INR (AU$70) for the day.

Otherwise, taxis are also convenient if you want to get dropped at the trailhead of a trek for example, like to Likir (2000 INR or AU$40) or Chilling (3600 INR or AU$70).

Hiring a Motorbike

Hiring a motorbike is a popular choice for Indians who love to explore the Ladakh roads on two wheels. There’s plenty of places in Leh to hire a Royal Enfield , with prices starting relatively low per day.

However, the roads are not for inexperienced riders and I would suggest making sure that you’re competent and have a motorbike license before thinking about hiring a bike in Ladakh.

I noticed a lot more scooter rentals around Leh on my last visit. This would be a good alternative to get around if you’re not confident on a motorbike.

How Long to Spend in Ladakh

You’re asking the wrong person! I’ve spent 12 weeks in total over two trips to the Ladakh region, so I will likely encourage you to spend as long as possible. But if I’m being practical, I would say 10 days minimum if you want to do some sightseeing outside of Leh. Two weeks if you want to also add on a short trek like Sham Valley or Markha Valley.

You can spend much longer than that as well, if you want to add on lesser visited places like Zanskar Valley or Tso Moriri.

Read next: A Detailed 10 Day Leh Ladakh Itinerary

Sightseeing Permits for Indians and Foreigners

While you generally only need your passport to travel to Leh, you will also need a permit to reach some places considered sensitive. Both Indians and Foreign Nationals require permits to visit some places. For Indians, this is called an Inner Line Permit and for foreigners, it’s called a Protected Area Permit .

The following places require this permit:

Pangong Lake

Nubra valley.

Tso Moriri Lake
Dha-Hanu Valley

You can either do all the work yourself at the Permit Office (Deputy Commissioner Office) in Leh or if you book a tour with an agency like to Pangong Lake etc., they will do the permits for you. It takes just a few hours to get a permit usually, although it depends how busy the office is.

The cost of the permit is 400 INR environment fee, 100 INR Red Cross donation, and 20 INR per day for wildlife protection fee. So, for a three day trip to Pangong Lake and Nubra Valley, expect the permit to cost 560 INR (AU$11).

For other places like Thiskey, Hemis, and Lamayuru, you just need to cary your passport on you for ID. A permit is not required for these places.

Best Things to Do and See in Ladakh

There are plenty of things to do and see in Ladakh such as remote valleys, rural villages, hilltop monasteries and high altitude lakes. Here are the essential places to visit during your time in Ladakh:

The main hub and tourist centre of Leh is the market. The main thoroughfare is Leh Bazaar Road, which is a wide pedestrian market and shopping street. Filled with souvenir shops, book shops, general stores, trekking gear stores, tour agencies, cafes and banks, you can get whatever you need around the market area.

At the northern end of the Main Bazaar Road is Jama Masjid (main mosque), and you’ll also find the main Leh Buddhist Temple on the western arm of the bazaar road. Decorated with prayer flags and with the towering Leh Palace above the old town, it’s undoubtedly the most vibrant place to be in Leh.

Shanti Stupa

Offering one of the best views in all of Leh town, Shanti Stupa is the white peace pagoda you can see north-west of the bazaar on a small hilltop. It was built in 1991 with funds from the Japanese, similar to the one in Pokhara, Nepal.

The platform around the stupa offers a panoramic view of the town and surrounding valley. It’s undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Leh at sunset time, when the last light of the setting sun streams through the valley creating some beautiful shadows on the ridgelines of the mountains.

You can take a taxi up to the stupa and temple complex or walk up the 500 stairs from the end of Changsha Road. A taxi from Leh market up to the stupa and back, including waiting time costs about 400 INR (AU$8) per car.

Entry fee is 50INR (AU$1).

The most imposing landmark of Leh town, the old palace has undergone plenty of renovations over the last few years and has been opened to the public as a museum and incredible vantage point.

It was originally built in the 17th century by the royal family, Namgyal, as they ruled over the Himalayan Kingdom of Ladakh, in Western Tibet. It was then abandoned in the mid-19th century when the Dogra forces invaded Ladakh and the royal family was forced to flee to Stok.

Today, you can explore the nine levels of the palace, although it’s mostly empty with not much remaining from its time as a palace. There has been a lot of effort to turn some rooms into a museum, which makes it a really interesting place to visit. Plus, the view from the ninth floor is outstanding, looking right across the town below.

You can drive up to the palace, but it’s much quicker to walk up from the bazaar and old town area with stairs leading up from the bottom.

Entry fee is 100 INR (AU$2)

Tsemo Maitreya Temple

The beautiful monastery that sits perched above Leh Palace is my favourite place to be at sunset time. This incredible ruined fort complex and Buddhist temple is one of the highest points in town to enjoy the view of the valley as the sun sets.

You can drive up to the temple, or hike up to it from two different directions. The walk up from Chubi is done on a paved trail with stairs. It starts beside the Chubi HP Petrol Station on Sankar Road. But, most people hike up from Leh Palace, with a dirt trail cut into the mountain. It’s a bit of a workout if you’re not yet acclimatised to the altitude.

Entry fee is 30 INR (AU$0.60)

Khardung La Road Pass

Ladakh is known as the Land of High Passes for a reason. There are several high passes you can drive or hike over in the region, but none are as famous as Khardung La. Once the highest motorable road in the world (now overtaken by another road in India), Khardung La sits at 5,360m.

It connects Leh with Nubra Valley and is the most used pass for tourists heading over to Hunder, Diskit and Pangong Lake. However, some also just drive up to the pass as a day trip and drive back to Leh, but the real adventure is continuing onto Nubra Valley.

The road is generally in decent condition and mostly sealed, but it can close suddenly due to landslides or snow fall, so check ahead of time. It’s generally only open from June until September for tourists.

The most popular excursion from Leh is to Nubra Valley. This fabled valley carved out by the Shyok River and bordered by the Karakoram Mountains was once part of the old Silk Road trading route across Asia. Connecting Pakistan with Tibet, it is one of the most remote parts of India that has only been open to tourism for a couple of decades.

To reach the valley, you must cross the Khardung La pass from Leh and then head to Diskit, the main town in Nubra. Diskit is home to an old monastery built into the side of the rocky cliffs. There is also a large 100 ft Maitreya Buddha statue with incredible views down both sides of the valley.

Heading west of Diskit is Hunder, where you’ll find sand dunes backed by snow-capped mountains. If the landscape was enough to blow you away, there are also double humped camels or Bactrian camels roaming the dunes as well.

Entry fee for Diskit Monastery is 40 INR (AU$0.80)

As one of the world’s highest saltwater lakes, Pangong Tso is also one of Ladakh’s most famous attractions. Located at 4,250m, it’s a long drive to reach the lake from Leh over at least one high pass. Most people include a trip to Pangong with Nubra Valley, but you can also simply head to Pangong Lake from Leh, crossing the Changla Pass at 5,360m.

It’s a sacred site for Buddhists, with almost 2/3 of the lake actually lying across the border in Tibet. It’s bright blue colour against the arid, desert-like mountains makes it an otherworldy sight that draws thousands each year.

Due to the long drive, most people spend a night at the lake. The most popular place is Spangmik , a cluster of glamping style tents and small hotels. However, the overcommercialisation of this village has led many people to continue further to Man or even further to Merak . Here, you’ll find more laidback tents and homestays.

If you can allow an extra couple of days, I highly recommend heading to Turtuk from Nubra Valley. This is the northernmost accessible village in India and is home to ethnic Balti people, who now mostly reside in Baltistan across the border in Pakistan.

The remote village is a beautiful spot to explore, with friendly people who are very welcoming and happy to show you their traditional lifestyle. Because of the long drive, you must stay the night in the village, which only adds to the experience.

You’ll find plenty of homestays who provide beds and meals to travellers fro about 1000INR (AU$20) per night.

Thiksey Monastery

A short drive from Leh along the Keylong-Leh Road, you’ll find several outstanding monasteries to visit. However, arguably the most beautiful is Thiksey Monastery. It’s known to have a distinct resemblance to Lhasa’s Potala, the former seat of the Dalai Lamas in Tibet.

Built cascading over a small hill with the grandest temples sitting at the top, you can either walk up to the top through the alleyways passing monk residences on the way. Or you can drive closer to the top, and simply walk to the temples.

Entry fee is 50 INR (AU$1)

Hemis Monastery

Arguably the most important monastery to visit during your time in Ladakh, Hemis Monastery is the largest in the region. While it was officially established in the 17th century, many believed that it’s meditation caves go as far back as the 11th century.

The monastery is hidden, tucked into a gorge in Hemis National Park about an hour’s drive from Leh. There is a large courtyard in the middle of the complex, from where you can visit the main temples and the museum.

The museum is fascinating, holding some of the most important Buddhist monuments, artwork, relics and artefacts. It also provides an interesting insight into the local culture and history of Buddhism in Ladakh.

Hidden away off the main highway connecting Srinagar to Leh, Alchi Monastery has remained untouched throughout centuries of invasions and attacks. This is not a typical monastery that you see in Ladakh, but a complex filled with sacred shrines and important Buddhist art.

Some of the nearly 1,000 year old murals are considered to be some of the best preserved in the world. Even if you think you’ve seen enough monasteries in Ladakh, this is an important one you’ll want to make time for.

Lamayuru Monastery

Lamayuru is the oldest monastery in Ladakh. Back in the 11th century, it is said that Mahassidha Naropa came to meditate in a cave there. A temple was built around the cave (which can still be visited today) and then the remainder of the complex was built in the 16th century by King Namgyal.

Built over several levels across the rocky landscape, the Srinagar-Leh Highway passes right through the village and monastery. It’s easily one of the most impressive sights, with the towering peaks surrounding it and the incredible geological area known as moonland running through the valley.

It’s a long but beautiful drive along a sealed highway from Leh to Lamayuru, it takes around 3 hours one way. There are restaurants and homestays around Lamayuru village if you want to stay the night.

Enty fee is 50 INR (AU$1)

Want more? Read next: 25 Best Things to Do in Ladakh

Trekking in Ladakh

Trekking in the Indian Himalayas is completely different to trekking in Nepal. The ranges around Leh are rugged, wild and far less trafficked. Plus, it’s one of the best ways to get to know Ladakhi culture and spend time in rural villages.

Homestay Treks

If you’re interested in trekking in Ladakh, there are two main trekking routes that are popular for independent hikers (without a guide) which utilise homestays as nightly accommodation:

Sham Valley Trek: Known as the “Baby Trek”, although that’s a bit deceiving. This three day trek is a great introduction to the region. With relatively short distances to cover each day and beautiful villages to stop and spend the night in homestays, it’s easy to organise with minimal planning. The maximum elevation is just under 4000m, so it doesn’t ascend too much higher than Leh itself, making it a nice one to do for those short on time and not yet acclimatised to the region. Read my guide to the Sham Valley Trek .

Markha Valley Trek: The more popular option and one I highly recommend to keen hikers. The Markha Valley Trek is a 4-5 day one way trek through the Markha Valley just south of Leh. It also utilises a homestay system across all the villages along the valley floor, making it a convenient trek with minimal planning involved as well. It’s highest point is Kongmaru Pass on the final day at 5,250m, which means you’ll want to at least have spent a few days in Leh acclimatising before attempting this trek. Read my guide to the Markha Valley Trek .

Camping Treks

If you prefer to get off the beaten track and explore the landscapes beyond the villages, then you’ll have to opt for a camping trek. This means you’ll have a guide and a team of mules to help carry all the necessary gear and food. These require a bit more organising, but any of the agencies in Leh will be able to help.

Kibber to Tso Moriri (Parang La Trek): Certainly one of the most spectacular and challenging of the longer treks in Ladakh, the hike from Spiti Valley to Tso Moriri follows an old trading route between Ladakh and Spiti. Almost all of the 10 day trek is above 4000m, with the highest point being Parang La at 5,580m, meaning it’s quite a difficult one and is for experienced and keen hikers only.

Rumtse to Tso Moriri: Another stunning trek across rugged and remote country, this 8 day trek links Rumtse near Hemis National Park to the high altitude lake Tso Moriri, passing Tsokar lake and Changpa nomads along the way. Most of this trek is well over 4000m, with the highest point being at 5,400m, making this a very difficult trek as well.

Zanskar Valley (Padum) to Darcha: This used to be a popular long trek in the Zanskar region, but with road construction between Padum and Darcha, there is no real need to trek the route anymore. However, the 10 day trek will still be a regular offering at least for another couple of years until traffic really builds on the new road. It takes you from the remote Zanskar Valley down to Lahaul Valley, mostly sitting between 3,500 and 4,000, with one pass over 5,000m, Shingo La.

Trekking Agencies

For those longer camping treks, you’ll need the help of a local trekking agency. While there are plenty of them in Leh, you can simply go around and talk to multiple agencies about cost, inclusions, and the general quality of gear.

However, it’s important to go with a decent company for these kinds of expeditions. Quality of gear, guide experience and reliability are extremely vital on high altitude treks. If you’re wondering what trekking agency to trust, I have two recommendations:

Ladakhi Women’s Travel Company: the first and only female owned and operated trekking agency in Ladakh, they only employ local women as guides and support local communities. Check their website .
Lungta Tours and Travel (based at Rock Castle Residency): for bigger expeditions and longer treks, I highly recommend Gonbo. He can organise a range of treks with over 20 years of experience in adventure tourism. Email: [email protected]

More Important Info for Exploring Ladakh

Water: The local water is not safe to drink straight from the tap, but take a LifeStraw bottle or other filtered water bottle and you won’t have to purchase single use plastic water bottles that end up in landfill.
SIM: A regular Indian SIM card will not work in Ladakh and Kashmir. You’ll have to purchase a new local SIM in Leh. The Airtel shop is tucked down a side alley at the southern end of the Leh Market. It’s listed as Airtel Store on Google Maps.
Money: There are a couple of SBI ATMs in the main Leh Market street. There is almost always a queue and they occasionally run out of cash, but generally fixed pretty quickly.
Alcohol: Drinking is not part of the culture in Ladakh and you won’t find it offered much at restaurants or cafes. However, there are a couple of wine and beer shops with limited hours.
Language: The local language is Ladakhi, but you’ll also hear other languages like Tibetan, Hindi and Kashmiri. English is pretty widely spoken, although some of the taxi drivers only speak basic English.
Festivals: There are many festivals and events on throughout the year in Ladakh and timing your visit with one is ideal. Each of the monasteries have their own festival, including a masked dance of the monks. Your guesthouse owner will be able to tell you if there is one going on during your stay. The Dalai Lama also visits Ladakh most years during the summer and conducts live teachings. Check his schedule online to see if you can time your visit for that as well.
Clockwise: Remember to walk clockwise around any stupa or prayer wheel you pass in Ladakh. For Buddhists, this purifies negative karma and is a sign of respect.

Altitude Sickness and How to Avoid

No guide to Ladakh would be complete without mentioning the altitude. Leh sits at an elevation of 3,500m making it one of the highest places in India. Almost everyone who arrives in Leh will feel the sudden change in altitude within a few hours and it will likely continue for a couple of days until you acclimatise.

Flying in from Delhi obviously leaves you more susceptible to altitude sickness because your body will have no time to adjust. Those who come from Kashmir or Himachal Pradesh will have had more time to slowly acclimatise on the way.

The common symptoms are headache, nausea, shortness of breath and tiredness. These are completely normal and will likely go away after a couple of days. More serious symptoms include, vomiting, difficulty walking and dizziness, persistent coughing, chest tightness, confusion or coordination problems.

Tips to Avoid Altitude Sickness in Ladakh

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Drink plenty of water starting from before you arrive in Leh. This is the best way to help your body acclimatise.
Rest. Prioritise rest in the first 2-3 days of arriving in Leh. This means minimal walking and activities for at least 48 hours. Try to eat in at your guesthouse and only go for a short walk of less than a kilometre at a time.
Eat small, regular meals. Nausea is a common initial symptom, so eat small, simple meals for the first couple of days regularly. Energy is important.
Diamox or other altitude medication. Some people like to take diamox or other medication to help prevent altitude sickness. However, they can have serious side effects, so talk to your doctor first.
Don’t ascend any higher for a few days. Plan your trip so you’re spending the first few days of your visit around Leh without going any higher. Try to allow at least 3-4 days in Leh before heading off on any trek or over Khardungla to Nubra Valley.

How Much Does a Ladakh Trip Cost?

If you’re on a budget, then here’s what you can expect to pay for things in Ladakh (if you want to spend more, you definitely can):

Accommodation: 450INR (AU$9) for dorm bed or 800INR (AU$16) for private room at a guesthouse
Meals: 150INR (AU$3) at a local restaurant or 350INR (AU$6) at a more tourist-oriented place
Entrance fees: Most monasteries charge around 50INR (AU$1) for entry
SIM card: They charge around 500INR (AU$10) for registration, setup and a 28 day package at AIRTEL in Leh
Three day tour to Pangong Lake and Nubra Valley: 4,000INR (AU$80) for a seat in a shared group tour
Permit: 560INR (AU$11) for three days to Pangong lake and Nubra Valley

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This comprehensive travel guide to Ladakh in North India offers invaluable insights into exploring this breathtaking region known for its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and adventurous opportunities. From navigating the rugged terrain of the Himalayas to immersing oneself in the vibrant local traditions, this guide serves as an indispensable companion for travelers seeking an unforgettable journey through Ladakh.

Complete Guide to Visiting Ladakh in August

Visiting Ladakh in August is absolutely possible and even more enjoyable as there is less crowd during this part of the season. In fact, Ladakh happens to be one of the best monsoon holiday destinations in India. While most of India is covered in the thick canopy of clouds and constant showers, it hardly rains in Ladakh, the reason being the entire Leh Ladakh region falling in the rain shadow zone.

Wondering what the rain shadow zone means?

As per American Meteorological Society, rain shadow is “[A] region of sharply reduced precipitation on the lee side of an orographic barrier, as compared with regions upwind of the barrier.”[ REF ]

In simple words it means that the mountain ranges in Leh Ladakh block rainy weather or mostly all precipitation which means almost no rain in Ladakh during monsoon.

That said, these past few years, weather in Ladakh has become a bit unpredictable due to global warming and all so be prepared for and pack accordingly if you are planning a trip to Ladakh in August.

Why Ladakh is Less Crowded in August?

One of the reasons Ladakh is less crowded in August is that travelers who plan a road trip to Ladakh mostly avoid the monsoon season. During monsoon, especially August, the water crossing on the high mountain passes on the both routes connecting Leh to the rest of India vias road become quite vicious.

Rainy weather till Keylong on Manali -Leh Highway and till Sonamarg on Srinagar - Leh Highway also makes the routes very vulnerable to landslides. That is why people planning their road trip to Ladakh mostly avoid this season. The most convenient way to reach Ladakh in August is by flight. Hence, Ladakh is relatively less crowded at this time of the year.

Once you arrive in Ladakh though, the chances that you’ll witness rain is absolutely infinitesimal. You can explore all the tourist places in Ladakh comfortably. Both taxi rides and hired motorcycles from Leh are options available to you to explore destinations like Pangong Tso , Tso Moriri , Nubra Valley , Lamayuru , Shyok Valley etc.

The Good Thing About Traveling to Ladakh in August

Both the highways, Srinagar-Leh and Manali-Leh, remain open in August. Remember that Ladakh is a rain shadow region which means this high altitude cold desert in the Himalayas blocks the rain cloud, and thus, only drizzles to light rain are faced in Ladakh. In August, both the routes to reach Ladakh brims with lush greenery that will blow your mind for sure.

From a sightseeing point of view, there will hardly be any activity you can’t do in Ladakh in August, from river rafting to trekking to masked dances in monasteries. Even the internal roads connecting famous tourist attractions in Leh Ladakh like Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, and Tso Moriri Lake are also open. Accommodation in Ladakh in August is also not a problem. All the accommodation options, including homestays to hotels, remain open for tourists.

Usually, the monsoon in Ladakh lasts for two months - July and August. In the first half of August, rainfall starts in Kashmir and Himachal, connecting Ladakh via Srinagar-Leh, and Manali-Leh Highway! By the end of August, the monsoon would mostly be gone! You will find a clear sky, pleasant weather, and fresh mountain air to breathe in - Cold air starts showing its presence in Ladakh in August which can be felt by you if you don’t take your winter clothes.

The Tough Thing About Traveling to Leh Ladakh in August

The untold truth about traveling to Ladakh in August is that a road journey is a tough call. Both the highways to reach Leh Ladakh, Srinagar-Leh, and Manali-Leh become challenging to drive because of water streams and landslides. If you arrive at Leh from the Srinagar side, you will find downpour troubling up till Zojila Pass and from Manali up till Baralachala Pass.

There might be a temporary roadblock anywhere on the highway if rain showers often or more than 3-4 hours (approx.). But relax, the Border Road of Organization (BRO) clears the route as soon as they can for vehicular movement.

Why should you plan your trip towards the later half of August if you are planning to visit Ladakh by road?

Independence day checking.

You need to keep additional days as a buffer in the Ladakh itinerary because if you go by the first week of August before Independence Day, you would need to take a halt at several check posts.

Indian Army Officials are on their duty with full alertness. They don't let any vehicle pass through both the highways, especially Srinagar Leh Highway, because of the curfews and disturbance in the Kashmir Valley! So if you are traveling to Leh via Kashmir, be prepared to cooperate with the Indian Armed Forces.

Whereas you will hardly find any patrolling by the Indian Army on Manali-Leh Highway in Ladakh in August 2022. This clearly signifies Manali to Leh Highway does not have many stopovers or halt points.

Also, the mobile connectivity may get affected during Independence weekend while traveling to Leh Ladakh in August 2022 via Srinagar-Leh Highway. So we would recommend you plan your Ladakh trip via bike or car in the second half of August (after Independence Day). If you still want to travel via the Srinagar-Leh route, keep 2-3 additional days in your itinerary.

Water Streams

By August, you will come across water streams taking a toll on your journey as the streams are well fed by melted snow and rain showers. You will find such water streams on both the highways, including the internal roads within Leh, where vehicular movement is observed.

Those who plan their Ladakh journey via bike should wear rubber sandals instead of shoes to avoid wetting their feet at water crossings. Someone coming via car should bring a good ground clearance car to easily cross the challenging water streams.

Ladakh by Bike in August?

You can plan a road trip to Ladakh in August by bike but follow the following guidelines to overcome the monsoon hassle. You must carry a waterproof bag so that you can carry all your clothes. If not, then make sure that you wrap your bags in plastic cover carefully to avoid your clothes and stuff getting wet.

In fact, when packing your clothes, wrap your clothes in plastic bags and then put them in bags for extra precaution. This is helpful even if you are traveling to Ladakh on motorcycle at any time of the year as water crossings and unexpected rains are a given on such long routes.

Also, you need to wrap your electric items and motorbike documents nicely in a plastic sheet all the time if you're on a bike. As you know, Ladakh is a rainshadow region, but the roads that you will take are prone to heavy rains on both routes.

It is absolutely necessary that you carry a good quality full covering raincoat if you are traveling to Ladakh by Bike to prevent yourself from getting wet. Waterproof shoes and gloves are also a must.

Last but not the least, if you are taking the Manali route for your Ladakh trip by motorcycle, make sure that you carry spare fuel with you. The last fuel station on this highway is located in Tandi which is at a distance of approx. 367 kilometers away from Leh town.

Srinagar Leh Highway or Manali Leh Highway. Which is Better?

In every sense, be it acute mountain sickness, road conditions, and petrol pump availability, Srinagar-Leh Highway beats the Manali Leh Highway. But keep in mind that the Srinagar route due to Kashmir Valley is heavily occupied with the Indian Armed Forces.

It can go under lockdown at any time if the Army officials feel there is something suspicious going on in the valley.

If you are planning a road trip to Ladakh either by bike or a 4 wheeler in the month of August, it is better that you avoid this route or keep at least 2-3 days spare with you. As mentioned previously, the level of security, random checkings, additional checkposts etc. are set up keeping in mind the Independence Day celebrations.

That said, Srinagar to Leh Highway still makes more sense to those who haven’t been to high altitude regions before as this route is best for acclimatization.

A Complete Guide to Planning a Trip via Manali - Leh Highway
A Complete Guide to Planning a Trip via Srinagar - Leh Highway

Will Hotels and Homestays in Ladakh Be Operational in August?

Yes. All the hotels and homestays in Ladakh remain operational in August.

Hotels and homestays in Leh town remain operational throughout the year and the holestays, camaps, chadar tents and resorts etc. start opening in Nubra Valley, Tso Mosriri and Pangong Tso from mid June itself. It is only in early/mid November that the locals start packing their stuff and descend to lower altitude places during the winter.

If you are planning a trip to Ladakh in August, keep in mind that it is quite a busy season from a tourism point of view. You may need to book your accommodation in advance as most of the camps, hotels may get pre-booked. Homestays don’t usually get booked in advance but then they are available on a first come first served basis so it's a risky proposition. You can’t take the risk of going directly and finding accommodation. So you should choose your accommodation in advance.

However, if you still want to book your accommodation on the spot, don’t worry as even if you run out of all these options, Chadar Tents are still a cheap option for you to spend the night. But do mind that these tents offer no privacy as they accommodate 5-10 guests.

Acommodation in Leh Ladakh

What Will Be the Weather and Temperature in Ladakh in August?

The weather and temperature of Ladakh in August will allow you to lose yourself in the serene and tranquil ambiance of mighty mountains. You will feel cold at night, so carry warm clothes. Expect light rain showers on both Manali to Leh and Srinagar to Leh Highway. As you will reach close to Leh, downpour chances reduce gradually. In August, the average temperature of Ladakh will fluctuate between 15°C - 20°C (approx.) in day hours and drop by 5°C after dusk.

Climate of Leh Ladakh

Visiting Ladakh in August? Follow These Travel Tips

Take Srinagar-Leh Highway after 15th August
Spend 2-3 days (approx.) to acclimatize yourself
Carry sufficient sunscreen and take hats
Nights would be cold so carry warm clothes
Drive safely on Khardung La or Chang La Pass due to the probability of snowfall in August
Heavy rainfall might hamper the road journey at Baralacha La, Khardung La, and Zoji La
Which of the two routes, Srinagar-Leh and Manali-Leh, will you take to reach Leh Ladakh in August?
Monasteries
Attractions
How to Prepare for Ladakh Trip
Facilities in Ladakh
Family Trip to Ladakh
How and Where to Carry Spare Fuel
Ladakh With Parents - Senior Citizens
How to Carry Laptop
ATM and Bank Facilities in Leh City
Things to Carry for Ladakh Winter Trip
Where & How to Rent an Oxygen Cylinder
Ladakh in June
Ladakh in May
Ladakh in July
Ladakh in September
Ladakh in October
Ladakh in November
Leh to Nubra Valley
Delhi to Ladakh
Bangalore to Ladakh
Pangong Lake to Tso Moriri
Travel from Manali to Leh
Leh to Tso Moriri
How to Travel to Pangong Tso
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Leh Ladakh in April: A Complete Travel Guide for Spring Explorations
Ladakh Tourism Guide
January 27, 2024 January 27, 2024

Planning to visit Leh Ladakh in April month? April marks the beginning of the spring season in Leh Ladakh as the region emerges from winter, revealing its breathtaking landscapes. From pristine lakes to ancient monasteries, Ladakh in April offers a mix of snow-capped beauty and the first signs of spring. This is the best time to visit Ladakh to enjoy apricot blossom. The day temperature becomes comfortable in April while night temperature can be little low with tourists wanting to wear heavy warm clothes.

Temperature at Khardungla, Pangong lake, Hanle and TsoMoriri lake can be many notches below freezing point in night time and close to zero in day time. You can visit Ladakh in April but its better to visit in later half of the month if you do not love cold weather. Small kids and elderly can avoid travelling to Ladakh in April and can postpone their trip to May or coming months. Here’s a comprehensive travel guide to help you plan your journey:

1. Weather: – Bone chilling cold of Ladakh ends with arrival of April when both day and night temperatures start to rise. The day temperature in Ladakh in April can be 8 degrees Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius while temperature in night time can be 5 degrees Celsius to minus 5 degrees Celsius. Early April can be much colder than later one. Temperature at high altitude sightseeing places like Pangong and Tsomoriri can be minus 2 degrees to minus 7 degrees Celsius in April, especially in early half of the month. Still, weather in the mountains remain unpredictable.

2. Accessibility: – Leh remains connected by air (flight) round the year. The landlocked Leh Ladakh is also connected by roads from Manali and Srinagar. Both roads remain closed in winter time. These roads, depending on winter snowfall, sometimes open in April month while mostly they reopen in May month for smooth vehicular traffic. Check with local authorities or travel agencies for the latest road conditions.

3. Acclimatisation: – Leh is situated at high altitudes, and acclimatisation is crucial. Spend the first couple of days in Leh to acclimatise before venturing to higher altitudes.

4. Places to Visit: – Some areas of Leh Ladakh in April may still have snow, enhancing the beauty of the landscape. Popular places to visit include: – Pangong Lake : It might be frozen, but the snow-covered landscape is stunning. – Thiksey Monastery : Explore the cultural and spiritual heritage of Ladakh. – Magnetic Hill : Experience the magnetic phenomenon. – Shanti Stupa : Enjoy panoramic views of Leh. – Khardungla pass : One of the highest motorable mountain passes in the world. – Nubra Valley : Enjoy the vast open valley with greenery and sand dunes.

(Please note that major tourist attractions like Hemis, Thiksey, Shey, Shanti Stupa, Spituk monastery, Hall of Fame, Leh Palace, Lamayuru , Alchi, Likir etc. may remain open round the year. Generally Khardungla, Nubra and Pangong also remain open in April month but sometimes heavy snowfall may block the road temporarily for few hours or one-two days. Hotels/guesthouses/camps at Tsomoriri, Hanle and other high altitude areas remain shut in winter time and start opening in late April. Camping is also available from late April).

5. Festivals: – You can witness local celebrations and festivities in Ladakh in April if your dates coincide.

6. Packing Essentials: – Dress in layers to accommodate temperature variations of Leh Ladakh in April. – Bring warm clothing, including a good jacket, thermal wear, socks, cap and gloves. – Sunglasses and sunscreen are essential due to the high-altitude sunlight.

7. Accommodation: – Check for hotel availability as some places may be closed or have limited services in early April. Only a few hotels and guesthouses/homestays remain open in Leh Ladakh in winter time and they start reopening from April onwards. If travelling with kids and elderly, you may avoid booking camps in April due to cold weather. Camping is better from May to September.

8. Local Cuisine: – Enjoy Ladakhi cuisines in April as most hotels, guesthouses and homestays open by end of April. Even, most of the restaurants and cafes, which remain closed in winter, start reopening from April. Thukpa, momos, and butter tea are local favorites in winter time or other months of the year.

9. Photography: – April offers unique photography opportunities with a mix of snow-covered landscapes, emerging signs of spring and most importantly the apricot blossom.

10. Permits: – Check with local authorities or your travel agency regarding permits to visit sightseeing places of Leh Ladakh. Please note that you need to have a permit, which you can book online , to visit places in Ladakh. Foreigners can book their permits from Deputy Commissioner office in Leh where you need to carry your passport and visa. Indian tourists can book permit with help of any government photo ID like driving license, aadhar, voter id and passport.

11. Health Precautions: – Be cautious of altitude sickness. Stay hydrated and take it easy during the first few days. – Carry any necessary medications, as medical facilities may be limited in remote areas. – If visiting higher places in April – including Pangong and Tsomoriri, make sure to carry warm clothes.

12. Road Conditions: – If you have plans to visit Leh Ladakh in April, keep track of road conditions, especially if you plan to travel by road from Manali or Srinagar. Please note that both the roads, i.e. Manali-Leh and Srinagar-Leh may remain closed after snowfall between December and April. Sometimes both roads open in April. Roads inside Ladakh remain open even in winter season. Heavy snowfall and landslides may block these roads sometime.

13. COVID-19 Considerations: – Check for any travel restrictions, testing requirements, or quarantine guidelines due to the ongoing global situation. However, as on January 2024, there are no such restrictions for tourists.

14. Local Culture: – Respect local customs and traditions. Learn about Ladakhi culture by interacting with locals and visiting monasteries. Be humble and start talking by greeting them by saying Julley .

Apricot blossom season in Ladakh

Apricot blossoms in Ladakh typically occur during the spring season, which is around April to early May. The exact timing can vary depending on the altitude, local weather conditions, and the specific microclimate of the region. Ladakh, being a high-altitude desert, experiences a harsh winter, and the arrival of spring brings a burst of colors, including the beautiful apricot blossoms.

Apricot orchards in various parts of Ladakh, especially in places like Nubra Valley and some villages around Leh, come alive with delicate white and pink blossoms. The sight of apricot trees in full bloom against the backdrop of the barren mountains is truly picturesque. The flowering period is relatively short-lived, making it a special and fleeting spectacle for visitors.

The apricot blossoms not only add a vibrant touch to the landscape but also hold cultural significance for the local communities. Apart from being an essential part of the local economy (apricots are a major crop in Ladakh), the blossoms contribute to the beauty of the region and signal the arrival of a new agricultural season.

Tourists interested in witnessing the apricot blossoms in Ladakh should plan their visit during late April or early May. Keep in mind that the timing may vary slightly from year to year, so it’s advisable to check with local residents, local travel agents or authorities for the most accurate information. Additionally, this period aligns with the beginning of the tourist season, allowing visitors to enjoy the blooming orchards while exploring the unique culture and landscapes of Ladakh.

Conclusion: Visiting Leh Ladakh in April offers a delightful combination of snow-clad landscapes and the awakening of spring with apricot blossom, making it an ideal time for nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and cultural explorers alike. Plan ahead, stay informed, and immerse yourself in the unique charm of this Himalayan wonderland.

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Leh Ladakh Travel Guide (2024) – Explore the Unforgettable Land of High Passes!

By: Author Sophie Pearce

Posted on Last updated: January 1, 2024

Categories INDIA , JAMMU & KASHMIR

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

Julley from Leh! That means Hello in Ladakh and you’ll find that everyone here is itching to say it to you.

Leh is the super friendly mountain city that is waiting for you to visit them.

When you arrive here, either by bus or plane, you’ll be greeted by the most spectacular panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, ancient palaces, and Buddhist stupas.

It’s also a welcome paradise from the busy, dirty cities like Delhi and Rajasthan.

Here’s the ultimate Leh Ladakh travel guide including how to reach Leh, top things to do, where to stay, and what to eat!

The ultimate Leh Ladakh travel guide

Where is leh ladakh in india.

Leh Ladakh has an interesting mix of cultures and food as it’s on the border of China and its history is closely related to Tibet!

You’ll probably question what country you’re in a lot while you’re here and that’s the beauty of Leh.

What is the best time to visit Ladakh?

The best time to visit is actually in the monsoon season between June – September as Ladakh is a dry spot in a country of constant rain!

They also shut the road after mid-September so it’s best to visit before then or fly!

It’s beautifully sunny every single day at this time and everything almost looks saturated as you’re closer to the sun and higher up at 3,500 metres!

It’s also perfect weather for trekking and is what most travellers flock here for.

How to reach Leh Ladakh: flying vs. the road

There are usually two choices for approaching Leh Ladakh.

You can directly fly to Leh Ladakh from Delhi which is what most travellers prefer as you can skip the long bus journeys up through the Indian states of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir.

But, this means that you cannot acclimatise very easily and you may suffer from altitude sickness and need a few days to adjust.

If you are prone to altitude sickness, you can get tablets to help with it. The other is to take the long bus journey from Manali to Leh.

This is the cheapest option and actually is not as dangerous as people make out.

Yes, the roads are crazy but the views are absolutely jaw-dropping and are worth the time spent alone.

You’ll pass through valleys, mountain passes, and waterfalls. There’s absolutely no sign of life around in many parts and it’s an experience you won’t forget.

For more information, check out my post ‘Travelling from Manali to Leh by road: all you need to know’.

Taking the bus from Manali to Leh

I took the 18-hour bus from Manali to Leh, which was actually 20 and we arrived in the middle of the night.

Our bus driver did a great thing by dropping us off in the backpacker district of Changspa where there are tonnes of guest houses. But, little were we to know that none would be open for business after midnight!

For a little while, we hung out with some other travellers from the bus in a bakery which turned into a bar late at night and just played the same Ed Sheeran song over and over again.

We had chai while deciding the next plan of action, which was basically to try every guesthouse in the area!

After a little while, we couldn’t find anywhere and a bar called KC garden offered for us to stay at their place for the night. It was an, which was used for group get-togethers and parties!

It had no windows, was freezing cold, and let in all the noise of dogs barking. However, it was a place to crash for the night and we had loads of blankets to keep warm.

It was really generous of him as he didn’t have to offer anything at all. He also didn’t charge which was really kind.

We were stranded in Leh Ladakh

The guy who owned the place said we could sleep in until noon, but when the workers came in the next morning at 7 am – they played really loud music so we would get up!

At first, it was just Buddhist chanting music which was actually really nice.

By 9.30 am, they upped the ante with techno music and that’s when everyone groggily got out of their sleeping places.

The next day, we had a chai together, thanked the guys at KC garden, and then went to try and find a room.

Where to stay in Leh Ladakh: Changspa

We ended up staying at Hotel Asia which turned out to be the cheapest.

It was 500 a night with a shared bathroom, I hardly slept each night due to the light and noise but it did have hot water every single day!

With a view like this of the mountains, you can’t complain about £5 a night! For bookings see here.

The top things to do in Leh Ladakh

Most people use Leh as a base in Ladakh as it’s the main city with good connections to Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, and Srinagar in Kashmir.

But, there are lots of things to do in Leh Ladakh itself.

It is really gorgeous to explore too with an epic mountain range, historical palaces, and the iconic Shanti Stupa.

You can’t really get bored, even just if you gaze at the scenery around you.

This would probably be a good first point of call to start off your adventure in Leh. The ancient palace looks down on the rest of the city.

This was the home of Ladakh royalty and was modelled on the Tibetan Potala Palace in Lhasa.

Even though it was built in the 17th century and steeped in history, not many of the ancient artifacts of the royal family remain in the palace.

It’s nine floors of empty rooms save the antique pictures which hang on the walls.

The best part of wandering around this palace is actually the viewpoints from the rooftops!

You can get great panoramic views from all over the city. There aren’t really any restrictions on where you can go here so explore away!

Castle Tsemo

Castle Tsemo stands high on the hill above the Leh Palace.

To reach it in Leh Ladakh, you can get a taxi for around 250 rupees or take the steep winding trek uphill!

There are two parts to Castle Tsemo, a Buddhist temple, and the castle and the Namgyal Tsemo Monastery.

When you’ve caught your breath from the walk, take a peek inside at the beautiful golden Buddha which is perfectly preserved inside.

Next is a climb up the monastery, you’ll pay 20 rupees to head on inside.

At first, I thought this was awesome as it was so cheap, but then I realised that you had to head on up the rooftops of the monastery on these ladders from hell!

These weak, feeble ladders were not attached to the wall in any way and so it was a dodgy climb to the top!

Although these ones were low, the others were pretty much vertical!

Although the views were totally worth it, there was one problem – how was I going to get back down?!

I was petrified and my boyfriend literally had to place my feet on each step of the ladder.

When I got to the bottom, I literally couldn’t breathe haha!

I can laugh now, but I genuinely thought I was a goner. It’s totally ridiculous so if you’re afraid of heights, I wouldn’t recommend it.

Shanti Stupa in Leh Ladakh

The Buddhist Shanti Stupa was one of my favourite attractions in Leh Ladakh. It was donated by the Japanese, built-in 1991, and blessed by the Dalai Lama himself.

Although it is a 500 step walk to the top, the views and the stupa are so worth it! We arrived at around 10 am in the morning and there was literally no one around.

The best time to visit the Leh Ladakh Shanti Stupa is at sunset when the temperatures aren’t so hot and the sun creates a beautiful red glow on the mountains surrounding it.

There is also some really beautiful Buddhist chanting music which is broadcast live from the temple nearby.

When the lights go down on Leh Ladakh, the Stupa lights up and you can see the many stars which appear here due to the limited light pollution. It was magic.

When we visited in the evening time a government official was there, so naturally, some of the Kashmiri soldiers were here on guard.

One of them let me hold this! Stranger things have happened…

Before I got to Leh, I had this awful feeling there wouldn’t be anything around.

Most places in Himachal had a mall road, but I wasn’t sure about Leh.. luckily, I was proved very wrong!

There is a massive main market here which has everything you could wish for.

Restaurants, shops, supermarkets, chemists, the lot. So, don’t worry about getting access to the basics.

There were also these great little fruit and veg markets from the local farms here. The mini peaches, locally called aadu , were to die for!

Trekking Leh Ladakh and Day trips from Leh Ladakh

There are endless options for treks from Leh Ladakh that you can get involved with.

Pangong Lake and Nubra Valley were popular trips also which was a 2-day and 1-night stay.

There were 3, 4, 5 days, and even 20-day treks out of Leh. So, it will be down to personal preference if you wanted a guided trek.

There are a lot of treks that you can do self-guided also. Nubra Valley is around a 3-day trek each way which is supposed to be easy.

But bear in mind that there isn’t any phone signal here so you won’t have Google maps to help you!

Best to download a walking trail map beforehand or buy one from the local shops here.

Multi-day sightseeing tours in Ladakh

There are many interesting multi-day tours that can be organized from Leh.

The famous tours are the 2-day Indus river tour where you get the chance to visit some of the most impressive monasteries in Ladakh (Alchi, Likir, and Lamayuru among others), the 3-day Nubra valley tour via the famous Khardung La pass (the world’s highest motorable road) and the tours to the stunning high-altitude lakes of Pangong and Tso Moriri.

You will not find many buses in Ladakh that go to these places. One of the options is to hire a car with a driver, but the cost of transport is not cheap in Ladakh…

If you are a solo traveller or travelling in a small group, using a shared taxi is a great way to reduce the cost of the trip as well as its carbon footprint!

Where to eat in Leh Ladakh: wonderland restaurant and bakery

The wonderland café was where I usually went for breakfast most mornings.

Loads of their breakfast combos come with coffee and apple juice!

It has a really nice relaxed vibe and an amazing bakery downstairs which offers some great doughnuts and pastries.

Also, If you’re a fan of falafel, these guys do the best I have tasted so far in India. It was light, crispy, and delicious!

World Garden Café

Serving up a huge range of international cuisines, the world garden café is an excellent place to eat at any time of day.

The guys here speak excellent English, are really friendly and the food is cheap and tasty.

This was one of my favourite places to eat in Leh, so don’t miss out!

Dust pollution in Leh Ladakh and harsh temperatures

As the terrain and surroundings are in quite harsh conditions (sometimes it looked like how I imagined Mars to be like) you’ll find it to be dry and dusty.

The pollution in Leh Ladakh was quite high around the main town and so if you have anything like asthma, you’re best to come prepared.

Most days I found myself using my scarf to protect my mouth, nose, and eyes from the dust.

As we’re closer to the sun here, you should always make sure you wear suncream.

When I visited in August, it was boiling hot every day and it was definitely summer clothes weather.

A lot of people had tiny dresses and shorts on which is a nice change from covering up but just make sure you don’t get sunburn!

Staying connected and WiFi in Leh Ladakh

As soon as I set off from Manali on the Rohtang pass my UK and Indian SIM phone numbers lost service and data. But, I thought when I got to Leh, it would come back – how silly I was!

There was absolutely no phone service in the whole town. I’m sure you could get a SIM from Leh if you have an unlocked phone, as most phone packages are regional in India.

This would mean you would lock into their own phone service here. But, for a few days, I just didn’t think it was worth it.

The wifi is also pretty bad and almost non-existent. Most cafés and restaurants offer wifi services but this wouldn’t work half of the time. In fact, on the first day we got here – there was no wifi in the whole town!

If I did get wifi, only certain apps would work like WhatsApp, which was perfect to tell my mum I was alive (mum’s always worry).

There are internet cafés which you can use which are 90 rupees an hour. I actually quite liked not having wifi and being contactable. I’m a 90s kid, so I remember a time before the internet!

It just means that you have a few days to truly enjoy where you are. You’re not constantly looking at your phone, but actually appreciating the scenery and meeting people!

Sometimes, we get so caught up in social media that it’s refreshing to sign off. Get a map, read a book, and talk to people. There was a world before wifi, you know!

That’s my complete travel guide to Leh Ladakh, save it for later!

Leh Ladakh would be a place I would highly recommend travelling to if you visit India.

In fact, I would say it’s on my list of ‘must-sees’. It’s a beautiful mix of culture, colour, history, and scenery which will transport you into another world!

Make sure you put it on your list. If you’d like to read more about the beautiful surrounding areas of Ladakh, read my article ‘the absolute best off the beaten track Ladakh’!

Want to read more on the far North of India?

Manali to Leh by road, all you need to know

A guide to Manali, the hippie town in Himachal

Why you need to visit Shimla

Top things to do in Mcleodganj

A complete Bhagsunag waterfall guide

My complete Rishikesh travel guide

Visiting the Beatles Ashram in Rishikesh

Things to do in Amritsar

Mussoorie Hill Station guide

Wednesday 27th of December 2023

Many Indian’s primary wish to travel Ladakh by a road trip on their own bike. Definitely my dream also. Hope I will also achieve it.

Sophie Pearce

Thursday 11th of January 2024

Yess, it's an epic road trip to Ladakh by road. I have to admit I wouldn't do it again though and would fly haha! Sophie x

Tuesday 29th of August 2023

Wow, this destination looks absolutely breathtaking! Adding it to my bucket list for sure.

Wednesday 30th of August 2023

Hi Suman, totally agree! Leh Ladakh is an epic destination :) Sophie x

Neha Shinde

Thursday 11th of May 2023

Fantastic article. I am very pleased to say that your article is fascinating to read.I always find myself wanting to comment on it.You're doing an excellent job.Keep your writing up

Wednesday 28th of June 2023

Thanks Neha for your kind words. Sophie x

Wednesday 7th of December 2022

Ladakh is not a place where you can go without planning. You will have to consider all the do's and don'ts while deciding on the trip. From the right clothes, the right vehicle, comfortable stay, and places to visit, everything should be pre-planned so that one doesn't miss out on the site's vibe.

Thursday 8th of December 2022

Hi Kamalesh, completely agree with you! Sophie x

Esha Sawant

Tuesday 1st of February 2022

"Hello Admin, Intresting Article, you are doing a great job . Keep it up"

Hi Esha, thank you so much! I'm glad you liked the post :) Sophie x

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LTC Relaxation for Travel by Air to North Eastern Region, J&K, Ladakh and A&N Islands Extended for 2 more Years till 25.9.2024

October 12, 2022

CCS (LTC) Rules 1988: Relaxation to travel by air to visit North East Region, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh and Andaman & Nicobar extension beyond 25.09.2022

LTC Relaxation to travel by air to visit North East Region, J&K, Ladakh and A&N Islands extended for a further period of two years w.e.f. 26th September, 2022 till 25th September, 2024 – Dopt Order Dated 11.10.2022

F.No. 31011/15/2022-Estt-A-IV Government of India Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions Department of Personnel & Training (Establishment A-IV)

North Block, New Delhi Dated 11th October, 2022

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Central Civil Services (Leave Travel Concession) Rules, 1988 — Relaxation to travel by air to visit North East Region, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh and Andaman & Nicobar — extension beyond 25.09.2022 -— reg.

The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department’s OM No.31011/3/2018-Estt.A-IV dated 08.10.2020 regarding relaxation to travel by air to visit North East Region, Jammu & Kashmir, and Andaman & Nicobar, and to say that in relaxation to CCS (LTC) Rules, 1988, the scheme allowing Government servants to travel by air to North East Region (NER), Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), Union Territory of Ladakh and Union Territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands (A&N) is extended for a further period of two years, w.e.f. 26th September, 2022 till 25th September, 2024.

2. The above special dispensation is subject to the following terms & conditions:

(i) All eligible Government servants may avail LTC to visit any place in NER/ A&N/ J&K/ Ladakh against the conversion of their one Home Town LTC in a four year block.

(ii) Government servants, whose Home Town and Headquarters / place of posting is the same, are not allowed the conversion.

(iii) Fresh Recruits are allowed conversion of one of the three Home Town LTCs in a block of four years, applicable to them to visit NER / A&N/ J&K / Ladakh. They are also allowed one additional conversion of Home Town LTC to visit UT of J&K / UT of Ladakh in a block of four years.

(iv) Government servants entitled to travel by air may avail this concession from their Headquarters in their entitled class of air by any airlines subject to the maximum fare limit of LTC-80.

(v) Government servants not entitled to travel by air are allowed to travel by air in Economy class by any airlines subject to the maximum fare limit of LTC-80 in the following sectors:

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(a) Between Kolkata / Guwahati and any place in NER. (b) Between Kolkata / Chennai Visakhapatnam and Port Blair. (c) Between Delhi / Amritsar and any place in J&K / Ladakh.

Journey for these non-entitled employees from their Headquarters up to Kolkata/ Guwahati/ Chennai/ Visakhapatnam/ Delhi/ Amritsar shall be undertaken as per their entitlement.

(vi) Air travel by Government employees to NER, J&K, Ladakh and A&N as mentioned in para (iv) and (v) above is allowed whether they avail the concession against Anywhere in India LTC or in lieu of the Home Town LTC, as permitted.

(vii) As regards the settlement of LTC cases where a non-entitled Government employee travels directly by air from his Headquarters to the destination in NER /J&K/ Ladakh/ A&N, the clarification issued vide DoPT’s O.M. No. 31011/3/2018- Estt.A-IV dated 20.06.2019 may also be referred to.

(viii) Air tickets are to be purchased directly from the airlines (Booking counters, website of airlines) or by utilizing the service of Authorized Travel Agents viz. ‘M/s Balmer Lawrie & Company’, ‘M/s Ashok Travels & Tours’ and ‘IRCTC ’ [to the extent IRCTC is authorized as per DoPT’s O.M. No. 31011/6/2002- Estt.(A) dated 02.12.2009] while undertaking LTC journey. Booking of tickets through other agencies is not permitted and no request for relaxation of rules for booking the tickets through such agencies shall be considered by this Department.

3. Efforts should be made by the Government servants to book air tickets at the cheapest fare possible. All the Ministries/ Departments are advised to bring it to the notice of all their employees that any misuse of LTC will be viewed seriously and the employees will be liable for appropriate action under the rules. In order to keep a check on any kind of misuse of LTC, Ministries / Departments are advised to randomly get some of the air tickets submitted by the officials verified from the airlines concerned with regard to the actual cost of air travel vis-a-vis the cost indicated on the air tickets submitted by the officials.

4. In their application to the persons belonging to Indian Audit and Accounts Department, these orders are issued under Article 148(5) of the Constitution and after consultation with the Comptroller & Auditor General of India.

sd/- (Satish Kumar ) Under Secretary to the Government of India

LTC Relaxation for Travel by Air Extended upto Sep 2024 PDF Download

DoPT relaxes LTC facility for the government employees to travel by Air to visit J&K, Ladakh, North Eastern Region and Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Travel relaxation has been extended up to 25th September 2022: Dr. Jitendra Singh Government employees can avail LTC for these places in lieu of a hometown LTC For ease of travel, employees can travel to these areas even by private Airlines

DoPT (Department of Personnel & Training) has issued orders relaxing the Leave Travel Concession (LTC) facility for the government employees to travel by Air to visit Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, North Eastern Region and Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said that this relaxation has been extended up to 25th September 2022.

As a consequence, to this circular, Dr Jitendra Singh said that an entitled government official can avail LTC for visiting Jammu & Kashmir, North Eastern Region, Ladakh and Andaman & Nicobar in lieu of a hometown LTC.

In addition, the facility of Air journey to non-entitled government servants will be available for visiting Jammu & Kashmir, North Eastern Region, Ladakh and Andaman &Nicobar Islands. As a further convenience, ease of travel permission is also being granted to undertake journey to these areas by private Airlines, whereas normally a government servant is expected to travel by the state owned Air India, he added.

Pertinent to mention that in relaxation to Central Civil Services (LTC) Rules 1988, the scheme allowing government servants to travel by Air to visit Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, Union Territory of Ladakh, the North Eastern States and Union Territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands has been extended for a period of two years till 25th September 2022.

Describing this as a huge and an exclusive facility for the government employees, Dr Jitendra Singh said that all eligible government servants may avail LTC to visit Jammu & Kashmir or North East or any of these mentioned areas against the conversion of their one Home Town LTC in a four-year block. However, the government servants whose hometown and place of posting is the same, are not allowed this conversion. He said, such government servants who are not otherwise entitled to travel by Air will also be allowed to travel by Air, under the norms of this scheme, in Economy class by any Airlines, subject to the maximum fare limit of LTC-80 scheme.

Ever since the Modi government took over in 2014, said Dr Jitendra Singh, it has been the direction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to give priority to the far flung and difficult regions, and do whatever possible for ease of living and ease of governance in these areas.

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Bangus Valley
Mughal Road
Religious Places
Papier Mache
Kashmir Pashmina
Sozni Embroidery
Copper Engraving
Willow Wicker

The Astonishing Leh – Ladakh Travelogue || 2022

Sometimes it not about the destination, but the journey itself. Out of all the trips, the trip to Ladakh is my favorite, because road to this trip is even more beautiful than the destination itself. One has to cross through several mountain passes, high altitude roads, small markets, wild roads and long desert.

In this article I will cover my journey from Srinagar to Leh via Kargil. This article will everything, how we planned, how many days it took and cost of the trip. I will cover all the locations which come in between, food we ate and hotels where we stayed. At the end we will provide the complete itinerary of this trip. So ride with us in the awesome trip. A trip to remember for our entire lives.

Out of all the trips, this trip needs much better planning and preparation. Because Ladakh is not like any other place in India, its climate and weather is different, food is different and places are different. People are often confused by this names itself, like is Leh and Ladakh same places. Let me answer few questions before moving forward. Ladakh was made union territory of India back in 2019, prior to that it was part of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. Ladakh has two districts – Kargil and Leh. So these are the main places we are going to cover in this article.

Ladakh is the largest union territory of India in terms of area, but its population is very low. Sometimes you wont find any civilization for hundreds of Kilometers, and it looks scary. You just drive and drive and then after hours you see anybody or any shop. So this trip takes courage and determination, and if you have both lets jump to the next section.

Ladakh trip planning, how to reach ladakh.

You can either travel by road or travel by air, there is no train service available in both districts Kargil and Leh.

By Air: There are direct flights to Leh from Srinagar, Jammu and Delhi. But as for Kargil these is an airport but that is either not functional or used for administration and army purposes only.

By Road: This is the mode I will be covering thoroughly in this article. Ladakh is connected to rest of the country by two adventurous roads. Manali-Leh highway which connects Leh to Manali (Himachal Pradesh) and the other one is Srinagar-Leh highway (NH – 1D) , which connects Kashmir valley with the union territory of Ladakh.

Manali to Leh Distance: Distance between Manali and Leh is almost 427 Kilometers via NH3. Having said that, if you haven’t done enough homework, planning a trip along the Manali-Leh Highway may be a little challenging. Nearly 350 kilometers of the 474 km long Manali Leh Highway ( 430 km after the Atal Tunnel ) are devoid of civilization, therefore for the majority of your journey you will be the only roaming individual. On the Manali-Leh Highway, even one cannot locate fuel (petrol or diesel) for 365 kilometers.

Srinagar to Leh Distance: Distance from Srinagar to Leh is roughly 434 Kilometers, and passes through Sonamarg, Drass, Kargil, Lamayuru and Leh.

Srinagar to Sonamarg: It is almost 85 Kms .
Sonamarg to Drass: 62 Kms passing through Zoji La pass.
Drass to Kargil: 58 Kms .
Kargil to Lamayuru: 110 Kms through Mulbek, Namika La and Fotu La.
Lamayuru to Leh: 135 Kms via Hangro Loops and Nimmu.

In this article we will be covering Srinagar to Leh route as we have travelled on this one. So it would be appropriate to consider this route while writing this article.

Read also : Complete travelogue to Aharbal Waterfall Kashmir

Srinagar to Leh Places en route

Srinagar is the summer capital of Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. It is known by many names and is famous for many places and crafts. Lying on the banks of River Jhelum with deep and mesmerizing valleys cascaded in sky scraping mountains and evergreen beauty, Srinagar blends together the tints of nature, beauty, harmony and romance. With its almost medieval charm the city of Srinagar has sights, smells and sounds to enchant the most jaded traveler. Its labyrinthine roads and bustling bazaars are a photographer’s delight.

We have compiled a separate article on Srinagar city, if you are interested to know “How to plan a trip to Srinagar” click on the link.

Sonamarg is one of the alluring places you will pass on your trip from Srinagar to Leh. Sonamarg, which is located in Jammu and Kashmir at a height of 2800 metres above sea level, entices all of its tourists. Sonamarg is surrounded by lakes, glaciers, and stunning views of lush greenery, making it the ideal tourist destination.

Sonamarg provides a wide variety of activities, including hiking, rappelling, and other thrilling pursuits, if you are looking for some excitement and adventure. When in the city, one should unquestionably see the Zoji-La Pass, Thajiwas Glacier, Vishansar Lake, Nilagrad River, and Gangabal.

DRASS VALLEY

Second-coldest place to live in the world is Drass. The Drass Valley in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kargil District is frequently referred to as the “Gateway to Ladakh” . Drass has contributed significantly to the infamous Kargil War.

In the end, India took over Drass and other areas of the grounds, and from that point on, Drass was acknowledged as the Kargil War Memorial. At a height of 3230 metres above sea level, Drass lies tucked away among the snow-capped peaks along the Leh-Kargil National Highway. Drass Valley in Ladakh begins at Zoji La Pass.

They are known as the guardians of Ladakh’s doorway because they continued to guard the valley even when the region’s residents were subjected to the hardest winter weather conditions. The valley’s inhabitants are renowned for saving stranded travellers who attempt to cross the pass along snow covered trails. They have also remained in the valley to transport trading goods in bitter cold. The Drass area is known as the starting point for the three-day Suru valley hike. Drass is the coldest location in India, with an average wintertime temperature of -12 degrees Celsius that can drop as low as -17 degrees Celsius during the coldest part of the year.

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Places to visit in Drass

1. drass war memorial ladakh.

In the town of Drass, at the base of Tololing Hill, sits the Drass War Memorial, also referred to as the Kargil War Memorial. This memorial was created by the Indian Army to honor the accomplishment of Operation Vijay in 1999. The Memorial is well-known for its enormous sandstone inscription that lists all of the soldiers and officers who died in battle. This Memorial, which is situated across from Tiger Hill , offers a fantastic vantage point from which to see some of the peaks that the Indian Army reclaimed from the Pakistani forces.

2. Minamarg Ladakh

Right after Zoji La, some 30 kilometers from Drass, on one of the lovely trails leading up to Amarnath, is the stunning meadow of Minamarg. This is every nature lover’s fantasy, surrounded by the stunning Machoi Glaciers and rich greenery.

The Drass River , which flows immediately after Zoji La Pass, is formed at the same location of Minamarg where the several streams that pass through Zoji La Pass converge.

3. Matayen Ladakh

A little, lovely village just 20 kilometers outside of Drass, Matayen is the only spot in all of Ladakh where Kashmiri is the main tongue. The majority of the residents of Matayen, the first settlement after crossing Zoji La, travel to different other locations in Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir throughout the winter in pursuit of more hospitable climatic conditions. During the month of March, Matayen observes local vendors riding horses across the Zoji La Pass while transporting vegetables and other agricultural products.

4. Ningoor Mosque Ladakh

This mosque, located about 7 kilometers from Drass, has its own legend, much like any other place of worship in the world. According to legend, one of its walls was raised organically, without the aid of humans, during construction! . This mosque is a picture-perfect illustration of a work of architecture that has withstood the test of the region’s harsh climate. It stands out quite brilliantly in the winter cover with its hues of emerald green, turquoise, and Persian blue.

5. Musko Valley Ladakh

Musko Valley, which is near the westernmost point of the Ladakh area, was once thought to be glaciated and unsuited for supporting human existence. It gained notoriety during the 1999 Kargil War when Pakistani forces crossed the Line of Control and penetrated through this valley.

A thriving population now resides in the valley, taking in the breathtaking mountain and meadow views on all sides. Musko in Kashmir’s Bandipora region serves as the starting point for the climb up to Gurez , with the Drass River gurgling through it. The valley is particularly well-known for the wide variety of mountain flowers it supports, and the majority of Musko residents work in farming and sheep raising.

6. Saliskote Ladakh

Saliskote, a small settlement in the Suru Valley , lies about 22 kilometers from Kargil on the route to Padum , the regional administrative center for the Zanskar region. This community was once among the most illiterate in the area before a branch of the Mutahhary Public School opened here in 1993.

The community is well-known for its stunning mosque, Darul Quran E Mera j. Through a two-day trekking route that passes through the Laser La region, Saliskote can be reached via Drass.

7. Amarnath

A Hindu shrine called Amarnath Cave may be found in Jammu and Kashmir, 140 kilometers away from Srinagar. One of the holiest sites in Hinduism, this temple is a significant aspect of the religion.

The cave itself is covered in snow for the majority of the year because it is surrounded by snowy mountains, with the exception of a few summer months when it is available to pilgrims. There are several ways to complete the yatra , some of which begin in Srinagar and Pahalgam. However, one way begins in Minamarg , which is only 30 kilometers from Drass. With a travel time of just over 3 days, this route is a shorter one.

8. Tiger Hill

Tiger Hill, also known as Point 5062 , is one of the highest hills in the Drass-Kargil region and served as the focal point of fighting during the 1999 Kargil Wa r. Due to this hill’s height, it has a significant strategic significance. When Pakistani soldiers took control of this mountain during the conflict, they had easy access to the entire brigade stationed nearby.

This hill connects Srinagar in Kashmir with Leh in Ladakh and provides access to the Siachen Glacier . The Kargil War Memorial offers the greatest view of Tiger Hill.

9. Glacier Drang Drung Ladakh

The Drang Drung Glacier is a must-see location for anyone travelling to the Drass region since it is the only glacier in India and one of the very few glaciers in the world that can be accessible by road. After entering the Zanskar region through the Pensi La , a large glacier measuring 22 kilometers long can be found.

This glacier, which is a true piece of nature in its purest forms, is a paradise for all adventure seekers, but getting there from Padum demands a challenging 3-day hike. Only three months out of the year— from July to September—are open to the public for access to this glacier . Due to severe snowfall throughout the remainder of the year, the roads leading to this glacier, such as Zoji La and Pensi La , remain closed.

The glacier is reachable through NH1, and when leaving Kargil, it can be seen to the right of the road. This glacier, which is a torrent of ice and snow and the source of the Doda River or the Stod River , is situated at a height of 4,780 metres. The Drang Drung Glacier gives way to the spectacular Doda Peak .

10. Drass River Ladakh

The Drass River is a vast 83 kilometer long river that originates from the Machoi Glacier , which is also the source of the Sind River , close to Zoji La Pass and flows only through the Drass Valley. This river and the NH1 that connects Srinagar and Ladakh are parallel.

The Drass River flows through the towns of Matayen, Kharbu, and Kakshar, with the town of Drass itself constituting the main community. This river is well-known for providing tourists with thrilling river rafting adventures . A once-in-a-lifetime experience, rafting across the Drass River takes you past monasteries perched on hilltops and through mountains covered with winter.

What are the things to do in Drass:

1. musko valley trekking.

The Mushko Valley is situated in Ladakh’s furthest western point. Once thought to be too harsh for civilization, this valley is now one of the best hikes in the Ladakh region.

The valley is now well populated, with mighty gorgeous mountains surrounding it on all sides, providing fantastic companionship for its hikers, and lush green meadows scattered with an unlimited variety of colourful flowers. Additionally, Mushko serves as the starting point for a walk through Gurez in the Bandipora area of Kashmir that leads to Tilail . The Drass region is hosting this lovely three-day hike.

2. Trek into Saliskote

This short one-night hike begins at Drass and ascends to the town of Saliskote. Before a school was built here, this village was regarded as one of the most illiterate in the area. Trekkers travelling from Drass to Saliskote, a distance of 22 kilometers, take in the splendor of the Laser La region . One of Ladakh’s most isolated areas, it can be a terrific chance to get to know the locals and discover the native way of life.

3. Amarnath trek

The Amarnath Yatra, arguably one of the most significant pilgrimages for Hindus, offers a variety of routes, including those from Srinagar and Sonamarg. One of the more recently opened trails is the trail from Drass. Starting in Minamarg, just below Zoji La, this three-day journey crosses this high pass. The journey to the sacred sites from Drass to the Amarnath Caves is 30 kilometres long.

After Leh, Kargil is the second-largest city in Jammu & Kashmir’s Ladakh region. This city, which is well-known for its rich cultural, historical, and political significance, is situated 2676 metres above sea level along the Suru or Indus River. Kargil’s geographic location results in a severe climate, with wintertime lows of -45 degrees Celsius.

Prior to their conversion to Islam in the 18th and 19th centuries, the majority of the people of Kargil were Tibetan-Buddhist. They are mostly Baltis and of mixed Dard and Tibetan ancestry. Kargil is a serene, breathtakingly beautiful city that attracts tourists year after year. Kargil is nothing short of a piece of heaven, nestled in the heart of the vast, bare Himalayas with the pure waters of the Indus running right beside it.

Places to visit in Kargil

1. zanskar valley.

Located in the eastern region of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, Zanskar Valley is a sub district of the Kargil district. Zanskar, which was formerly a kingdom in Tibet, is distinguished from Ladakh by the Zanskar Mountain Range.

From Kargil, Zanskar is easily accessible by road to Ladakh. Additionally, there is a hiking path that connects the valley to Himachal Pradesh via Shingo La, which is regarded as one of the simpler 5000-meter passes in India because it requires neither glacier trekking nor difficult ascents.

The valley has some stunning lakes here and there in addition to the towering Himalayas and the Zanskar and Indus rivers flowing through it. Perhaps the most stunning of them are the twin lakes Lang Tso and Stat Tso , which are situated close to Pensi La , the pass that serves as the entrance to Zanskar Valley.

In addition to the obvious self-drive cars and private cabs, the JKSRTC buses that routinely run from Srinagar to Kargil for just 300–400 rupees per seat are the safest and most affordable, if not the most comfortable, method to go to Zanskar. One can board a less often scheduled bus from Kargil to Padum, which serves as Zanskar’s administrative center.

2. Chadar Trek

Located in the Zanskar region of Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir, the Chadar Trek is one of the world’s most dangerous treks . Walking across the frozen Zanskar River was historically the sole method for natives to get from Zanskar to Leh, but today hikers from all over the world use this route with great frequency. An average trekker hikes over 16 kilometres each day over the course of seven days on this highly challenging trek, which is about 105 kilometres long overall.

A kilometre or so before Chilling hamlet, in Tilad Sumd o, is where the hike begins. The temperature is typically -10 degrees Celsius during the day and -20 to -25 degrees, with a possible low of -30 degrees Celsius, during the night. The hike entails camping in harsh weather and across a sheet of ice made of hard rock on the Zanskar River. Along with testing your physical stamina, the walk also puts your mental stamina to the test. It is not for beginners or the weak of heart, despite the fact that it is now a very glamorous trip that grants successful hikers huge bragging rights.

3. Phuktal Monastery

One of the very few Buddhist monasteries in the world that can still only be reached on foot, the Phuktal or Phuktal Gompa is situated in Zanskar’s isolated Lungnak Valley. Horses and mules are used to deliver goods to this monastery during the warmer months, while during the winter, the Chadar Trail’s frozen Zanskar River is used.

Although a road to the monastery is anticipated to be built soon, as of right now, getting there from Dorzang requires a full day of walking, with the route’s terminus being Padum, the regional capital of the Zanskar area. This monastery, which is built around a natural cave, is thought to have once attracted a number of sages, academics, and monks. This monastery, which dates back to the 15th century, is associated with the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism .

4. Suru Valley

Suru Valley is unlike any other place in the area, with emerald green hills on one side and enormous snowcapped rocky mountains on the other. The Suru River , an Indus River tributary, is the primary source of water. Suru Valley is home to a variety of tourist destinations, but it is most well-known for its twin peaks, the Nun and Kun Peak , which stand at 7,135 and 7,035 metres, respectively. For treks to these two peaks, the base camp is at the valley’s small settlement of Panikhar.

5. Rangdum Village

A small community in the far reaches of Suru Valley, Rangdum is renowned for its breathtaking landscape, which contrasts rocky, barren mountains covered in enormous glaciers on one side with lush, green hills on the other. The Bakarwal Tribe, a nomadic group of sheep herders, spends their summers in this final inhabited village in the valley. Every year, these folks travel from Jammu to Rangdum in quest of the tender summer grass to feed their sheep on.

There is no phone service or internet access, and the roads going to Rangdum are in terrible condition. However, its isolation just adds to its peacefulness as it is tucked away in the vastness of the Himalayas. The Rangdum Monastery, which is perched atop a small but steep hilltop at a height of 4,031 metres, is a well-known attraction in the hamlet.

6. Line of Control (LOC)

This military boundary between India and Pakistan is a de facto border even though it is not recognised by international law. Further to the east, along the so-called “Line of Actual Control,” is the internationally recognised border between Pakistan and India.

The Museum of Memories is the main tourist attraction in this area. It displays artefacts and remnants from the Silk Road, a former trade route from Central Asia, including perfume bottles, biscuit tins, bullets, and more. Visitors must provide identification and are not permitted to spend the night here if they are not from Kargil.

What are the things to do in Kargil?

1. trekking.

The stunning Kargil region’s rocky mountains and deep gorges make for some incredibly risky but breath-taking incredible trails that connect valleys. Despite being relatively underdeveloped, Kargil’s trekking environment offers some of Mother Nature’s most untamed forms.

2. River rafting in Kargil

In the area of Kargil, there are two options for river rafting: the Indus River and the Zanskar River. Phey to Nimo and Upshi to Khar u are the two most popular places to go rafting on the Indus River.

The Zanskar River rafting adventure, on the other hand, starts in the village of Remla and continues all the way to Nimmu , travelling through gorgeous valleys, soaring mountains, and enormous waterfalls close to the Zanskar-Markha confluence while camping along the way. Additionally, there are choices for shortening the adventure based on the amount of days you have.

Both motorcyclists and cyclists ride for days at a time through perilous passes and deteriorating roads as biking is a well-liked adventure sport in Kargil. This is the ideal activity for thrill-seekers who want to test their bike prowess on one of the world’s most treacherous courses. The breathtaking views of the Himalayas keep you company during the trip and are a terrific way to boost your excitement.

4. Camel Safari

In India, camel safaris are not just limited to the Thar Desert in Rajasthan ; they are also v ery popular in the chilly deserts of Ladakh. From Hundar village to Diskit in Ladakh, the double-humped Bactarian camels are particularly frequent in the Nubra Valley . Sitting on these magnificent beasts and staring out at the enormous, bare Ladakhi Himalayas is a must-do experience close to Kargil.

5. Shopping

In the Kargil region, shopping is just as thrilling and exciting as visiting historic Gompas and spinning prayer wheels for good luck. You can find stores in these markets that convincingly recount tales of ancient splendor. Here, you may observe the sellers selling, among other things, travelling Hukkas, brass kettles, and tobacco pouches. What more can you buy here, then? A variety of carpets and handicrafts manufactured locally that are suitable for everyday usage are available.

Another essential purchase when visiting the Kashmiri region of Kargil is a pashmina shawl . The apricot jam and dried apricots , which entice travellers with their intriguing flavour, are other items that have come to be associated with the Kargil region. In addition to all of this, you may discover clothing here that is printed with religious motifs. Every other store around here sells these. Therefore, while you are in the Kargil area, feel free to indulge in as much shopping for the enticing mementos as you like.

What is the best time to visit Kargil City?

Summer is the ideal time to arrange a trip to Kargil City. Starting in March and continuing through June. This time of year, Kargil experiences its greatest temperatures and weather, allowing visitors to enjoy exploring the area in comfort and ease. Visitors can visit Kargil Tourism from March through October, however it is closed during the winter because of the thick snowfall that covers the roads. A visit to this area is likewise not advised during the monsoon season because of the high amounts of rainfall that might cause landslides and slick roads.

What things should I keep in mind while visiting Kargil?

The most crucial factor to consider while arranging a vacation to Kargil is the region’s harsh weather conditions and rugged topography. It is essential to have enough water, warm clothing for precaution, the necessary official documents and ID proofs, as well as emergency medical supplies.

Between excursions, it is critical to obtain enough sleep and consume well-balanced meals. It is crucial to keep in mind that less effort will aid the body’s adaptation to the low oxygen levels and high altitudes.

Are rented bikes allowed in Kargil?

Yes, it is legal to rent bikes in Kargil. You cannot visit Ladakh on a bike that you have leased from somewhere outside of the region, though. Only bikes that you rent from within Leh can be used to explore the area. The good news is that Leh has a lot of bike rentals available as a result of this rigorous ban. If you have a car, you can also explore the area in it.

Next stop on our long journey is Mulbekh, which is 39 Kms from Kargil. It is well known for its Monastery – The Mulbekh Monastery . The Mulbekh Monastery is well-known for its 30 foot tall Maitreya Buddha , which was carved out of limestone. The exquisitely sculpted Buddha on the rock is the main attraction at the Mulbekh Monastery. Overlooking National Highway 1-D between Kargil and Leh is this Buddha sculpture.

It is renowned for its two Gompas as well. On a summit, the Mulbekh Monastery and its Gompas may be seen from the Srinagar-Leh highway.

During our trip in June, we were returning from Leh, on reaching Lamayuru snowfall started, and we had to ride our bikes through that snowfall with minus temperature. With one hand we had to clear snow on our helmets and other hand was frozen on the accelerator. We thought this was it, and we had a very tearful conversation, thinking this might be our last. Our only regret was that our bodies wont reach home, as we were riding through Lamayuru which is the highest road in the world, some 3510 meters above sea level.

We some how galloped 66 Kms in snow and reached Mulbekh and stayed there for a night. This is one of the horrifying incidents of our lives. We hadn’t planned well and got stuck in unpredictable snowfall. So before visiting a place like Ladakh, make better plans and preparations.

After riding through breath taking road for 66 Kms from Mulbekh, we reached Lamayuru. The Lamayuru to Chilling Trek passes through picturesque rural communities surrounded by tall mountains, apricot trees, and lush barley fields. It frequently draws Buddhist pilgrims from all around the world.

Lamayuru Monastery: Admire the ancient Lamayuru Monastery and find peace there. Spend some time admiring the Lamayuru Hills, also referred to as the “Moonland” Hills, and make a halt. The monastery’s main characteristic is that it is home to close to 150 monks.

It displays a wide range of antiquities, thangkas, statues, wall paintings, and carpets . Chenzing is depicted in this artwork with 1000 eyes and 11 heads. Lamayuru also has a beautiful setting, which draws many hikers and photographers there.

MAGNETIC HILL

Just 27 Kms before reaching the Leh city is the magnificent hill known as Magnetic hill. Magnetic Hill in Ladakh is one of the most enigmatic and fascinating tourist destinations in the nation, and it is situated at an elevation of 14,000 feet. As automobiles appear to be pushed upwards on this small Cyclops hill, it is stated that this is a location where the laws of gravity are disregarded. The enigma behind this unusual phenomena may be explained by a number of scientific hypotheses, but there is also a widely held local belief that claims that the Magnetic Hill Road is a straight “stairway to heaven.”

The entrance to Magnetic Hill is marked with a white box where you are instructed to park your car and a signboard that reads, “Magnetic Hill – the Phenomenon that defies Gravity.” They gradually start to move uphill on their own, against gravity, at a pace of about 10 to 20 km/h after you park your car in neutral.

The Optical Illusion is one of the more rational and scientific theories about the Magnetic Hill. According to this theory, even though the hill’s slope is downward, it tends to appear upright because of its distinctive topography, giving the impression that the vehicle is moving upward.

The Magnetic Force of the Earth theory , on the other hand, contends that the magnetic interior of the earth pulls the vehicles upward.

This is one such occurrence that has drawn vacationers to Magnetic Hill from all over the world. Whatever the reason, Magnetic Hill is unquestionably a fantastic place to visit.

After every hardship on this journey, finally we have reached our dream destination – “Leh”. For many tourists in India and even those who are travelling from elsewhere, Leh is a dream location. It offers a lot to young visitors, families, and couples equally and is not only a destination for lone travellers. Leh is renowned for its high elevations and several passes that link different areas throughout this challenging terrain. One must visit this frozen paradise to learn more about its secrets and to take in its breathtaking beauty in order to discover the greatest tourist attractions in Leh.

It continues to be a well-liked tourist site for visitors from all over the world despite its harsh weather and accessibility issues. But be sure you have the physical stamina to handle Leh’s inclement weather and challenging terrain. You must be thinking why you should visit this location given how challenging the terrain is to manage. You should go there because it is not just a budget-friendly travel destination (as long as you make reservations in advance), but also because local hosts are dedicated to making sure you have a wonderful experience, especially during peak season.

Leh is the holy grail for adventure seekers and a dream destination for many tourists. Leh is the paradise you have been waiting for all your life if you love taking pictures. In terms of nature or animal photography, there is not much to choose from, but what you may capture instead is a huge blank canvas that you can paint. There are numerous turquoise blue lakes, exquisitely designed monasteries, snow-capped mountains, and inconceivable landscapes that change every few kilometres in addition to the fascinating terrain. You can travel here alone, with friends, family, or even that special someone. It is safe and affordable.

What is Leh famous for?

Leh, the northern most region of India, is a highly well-liked travel destination. Leh is well-known for a number of things in addition to its icy mountains and weather. These are what they are:

Monasteries – Leh is the centre of Buddhism in India, and there are numerous stunning monasteries there. Spitul Gompa is the most well-known monastery among the many monasteries.
Valley – The several valleys of Leh are highly well-known due to the world-renowned Zanskar valley, which borders the Pakistani Kashmir, and the Nubra Valley, which is noted for its white, flat land.
Bike riding – This area is home to the highest motorable pass in the world. Some of the best biking roads can be found in Leh. The Himalayas, covered in snow, provide the ideal backdrop for a bike adventure.
Lakes and camping – One of the nicest things to do in Leh is to camp next to the Tso Moriri and Pangong Tso lakes. This would be a once in a lifetime experience with the shimmering lakes and the stars overhead.

When is the best time to visit Leh?

The best time to visit Leh is during the summer, more precisely from April to June, because of its harsh weather. These months experience a moderate climate.

Leh is quite mild and the weather is pleasant for travel throughout the summer (April–June).
Monsoon (July–August): From July–August, the monsoon arrives in Leh. During this period, landslides and cloudbursts frequently occur.
Winter: (September-February): Winter begins in September, however the worst months in Leh are November and February.

Is it safe to visit Leh?

Yes, Leh is safe to visit. Taking into consideration the various climate conditions and abrupt climate changes, it is advisable to plan your trip in advance.

Is there any oxygen problem in Leh?

Leh’s areas and regions that are higher over 10,000 feet in elevation may experience oxygen difficulties because acclimatization can be quite challenging. Acute mountain sickness (AMS), headaches, dizziness, and sometimes vomiting are issues that can be brought on by the constant cold winds and frequent blizzards. Leh’s central area does not experience any oxygen problems, however there are frequent problems in the higher areas.

What clothes to wear in Leh?

Leh has a cool environment all year round with an average temperature that varies from 1 to 16 degrees Celsius. Full-sleeved clothing, primarily made of wool, is advised. Thermals are also a required item to wear. This list summarises what to wear in Leh.

Comfy and lost pants
Thermal underwear
Warm shirts, fleece, and sweatshirts
Items to cover the nose and ears, such as caps and mufflers.
Rough and rugged footwear

Are rented bikes allowed in Leh?

Yes, you are permitted to ride hired motorcycles into Leh from elsewhere. In Leh, personal bicycles are also permitted. You can only use a bike that has been rented from somewhere outside of Leh in the Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso. Only bicycle rentals from Leh are permitted in certain regions.

How much does it cost to travel to Leh?

An typical 3-day vacation to Leh costs between Rs. 12,000 and Rs. 18,000. However, the price may increase by an additional Rs. 2000 to Rs. 4000 if you intend to travel to adjacent destinations like Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, and Tso Moriri. Leh offers reasonably priced lodging, thus most of your costs will be incurred in transportation.

Do we need any permit to visit Leh?

Certain protected areas in Leh Ladakh, such as Khardung La, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri, Dah, Hanu Villages, Nubra Valley, Man, Merak, Nyoma, Loma Bend, Turtuk, Tyakshi, Chushul, Hanle, Digger La, and Tangyar will require a permit. The other locations in Leh can be visited without a permission.

You will require a permit known as an ILP, or Inner Line Permit. An ILP is valid for 4 days for foreign tourists and 2 weeks for Indian citizens. The environmental price for ILP is around Rs. 400, and the IL fee is an additional Rs. 20 per day.

What are the things to do in Leh?

Leh is a paradise for adventurers, but there are also plenty of things to do for those who want to commune with God and experience this wonderful location’s rich culture. A list of some of the top things to do in Leh is provided below.

White River rafting on Indus river
Camel Safari
Jeep Safari
Mountain Biking
Visit to Pangong Tso Lake
Visit to Tso Moriri Lake
Drive or trek to Khardung La Pass
Visit the Hemis Monastery

Places to visit in Leh

1. royal leh palace.

Leh Palace, a historic royal residence of nine stories, was constructed in the 17th century by King Sengge Namgyal . At the base of Namgyal Hill, where one can overlook the Leh town below, sits the Royal Leh Palace. The Indian Government’s organization for archaeological conservation now uses it as a workspace. The palace is beautifully constructed in the mediaeval Tibetan architectural style.

Massive wooden balconies may be found on the palace’s walls. The antique wall murals of the Leh Palace depict the splendour of the abandoned suites in their previous state. The Dukhar temple is located on the palace’s fourth floor. This shrine has a statue of Goddess Tara with a thousand arms.

2. Pangong Lake

From Leh it takes 5 hr 35 min (222.8 km) to reach Pangong Lake. The tranquil Pangong Lake, sometimes called Pangong Tso, is situated at an amazing elevation of 14,270 feet. The lake, which is 12 km long and sits between India and China, is interesting. Instead, 60% of the piece extends into the adjacent country, which intrigues every traveller to be present.

A spot in Ladakh that is unspoiled and characterised by low to high surrounding peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and a huge expanse draws the eye so much that it seems as though magic is taking place right before the eyes.

The seemingly clear blue waters are actually brackish or salty, and Every year, migratory birds arrive at this stunning landscape spot, enhancing its attractiveness and drawing many tourists looking for adventure, photos, bird watching, and a chilling experience. Another distinctive and endearing characteristic of Pangong is its ability to change colours like a chameleon, going from blue to green to even grey at times. Every year, during the Ladakh winters, migratory birds are drawn to the brackish water of Pangong.

How to reach Pangong Lake from Leh

Indian citizens must get an Inner Line Permit, which may be obtained both online and offline from the Tourist Information Center in Leh Market, as Pangong Lake is located in a zone where China and India share a border. The Protected Area Permit, which is also available online, is required for visitors.

Pangong Tso can be reached after a a five-hour drive from Leh. From Leh, one passes through the Changla Pass and then through Tangste . There are regular bus services run by state road transport corporation (J&KSRTC). Taxis can be hired from Leh to the Pangong Lake. Motorbikes, cars and jeeps are also available at reasonable rates. Make sure to fill fuel at Leh and also carry extra fuel, as there are no petrol stations near Pangong Tso.

Best Time To Visit Pangong Lake

In the months of May through September, Pangong is breathtakingly beautiful. Winters become hard during the other months and are covered in a thick layer of ice sheet. Even in the winter, many who appreciate the outdoors come here to stroll around the lake and fulfil their fantasies.

Essential Info about Pangong Lake:

Mobile Connectivity: Well, we would argue that you do not need any kind of mobile phone connectivity or connection when you are staring at one of the most stunning lakes in the world that is hidden by mirror shadow. And No! Even a postpaid connection to a mobile network is unavailable in Pangong Lake. No BSNL, MTNL, or Airtel will raise its head. And this is actually the ideal way to spend a good portion of your time in heaven.
Medical Facilities: Again, a resounding NO! At Pangong, there is not a single doctor or internal medical facility. The only way to get to the closest medical facility is to travel 100 kilometres to Tangtse Village. To go to any short medical appointment, you must drive for at least two hours or longer. Therefore, it is best to have a basic medical kit with the necessary medications, bandages, etc. Additionally, keep an adequate supply of warm clothing on hand to avoid getting a fever or cold.
ATM’s: Absurd! A No, too! There are no ATMs present at Pangong Lake or within a reasonable driving distance. You will not be able to transfer cash from budget lodges to five-star hotels. They do not all even accept credit or debit cards. In addition to the route you have planned, we advise you to pack extra cash. One of the most crucial tasks that you must remember is this. Nevertheless, there are ATMs in Leh, giving you another place to get cash.
Gas Stations: You will also be let down in this case. There are no gas stations at Pangong or in the area around it. Only in Leh are there gas stations or petrol pumps. Therefore, we advise you to maintain the gas tank full and take pleasure in the hassle-free travel to and from Pangong.
Dinning Options: All of the tents, camp stays, homestays, and hotels at Pangong offer meals to their visitors for an additional fee. You can discover neighbouring tiny vendors that sell tea, coffee, momos, tulpas, and lentils-rice in addition to the in-house dining options. If you want to get a bite to eat, head to P3, which is well known for its delectable Tibetan cuisine and stunning lake views.
Time Taken: If you are driving from Leh to Pangong, allow at least 6-7 hours from one side. You can travel back to Leh by late night back if you plan on stopping for at least an hour. In order to cover it, it takes at least a day. We advise you to spend the night there and take in the scenery for at least a day. Additionally, by staying, you will be able to eliminate your fatigue and continue the rest of the voyage rested and happily.

3. Alchi Monastery

From Leh it takes almost 1 hr 26 min (66.3 km) via NH1 reach Alchi Monastery. The most significant Buddhist centres in Ladakh are located at the Alchi monastery, which is located on the banks of the Indus River. It is regarded as one of Ladakh’s monastic treasures. This monastery in Ladakh is a must-see if you like the arts and culture. The wall artwork created in the Choskor temple complex will win your heart.

Thousands of tiny images of the Buddha are shown on one of its walls. The Gompa provides guests with a highly healthy environment; there are many eateries, tea booths, and gift shops nearby.

4. Nubra Valley

Nubra Valley, one of Ladakh’s most stunning moonscapes, is a deep gorge formed by the combined forces of the Shyok and Nubra (Siachen) rivers. The Nubra Valley, a frigid desert at a great altitude, is a continuation of the Tibetan Plateau ( Qing-Zang Plateau ), which begins in China and reaches Ladakh. The Ladakh Range and the Karakoram Range are divided by this valley in the plateau. The most picturesque area in all of Ladakh, though, is Nubra Valley. The Diskit Monastery, the Hundred Sand Dunes, the Samstanling Gompa, the Yarab Tso Lake, and the settlements of Turtuk and Panamik are just a few of its wonders.

The Nubra Valley, which is around 160 km from Leh, the capital of Ladakh, is a major draw for visitors. The Nubra Valley, which serves as a gateway to the upper portions of the nation , particularly Siachen, has an oasis-like village called Diskit in its centre that is a wonderful location to pause and take in the surrounding splendour. While you are at it, make a quick detour to the renowned Hundar white sand dunes. Every visitor who comes here is mesmerised by the shapes and forms that these dunes adopt throughout the course of the year. The double humped Bactrian camels, which provide rides across the dunes, add to the intrigue.

And when it starts to get dark, go to the Diskit Monastery to see the enormous Maitreya Buddha statue, which overlooks the entire valley and bestows blessings for yet another day.

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How to reach Nubra Valley from Leh

Only from the city of Leh can one reach the stunning Nubra Valley, and there are two methods to do it. At order to take one of the two routes, one must first arrive in Leh to start the journey. The standard way will lead you to the top of the world, while the alternate, non-traditional approach is endlessly peaceful and calm.

Route 1: Khardung La to Nubra Valley from Leh :

The Leh to Nubra road via Khardung La takes you over what is regarded as the highest motorable civilian all weather pass, and is the traditional route that practically everyone who travels to Ladakh chooses. The Khardung La Pass, which rises 18,380 feet above sea level, has contributed significantly to Ladakh’s appeal by making travel and commuting easier.

You will travel from Leh to Phyang , which is 16 kilometres away and home to the renowned Phyang Gompa (monastery) from the 16th century. As you continue riding amid the steep mountains from here, you will quickly gain height, but you will not notice it because the impacts on your body are minimal.

Before reaching the summit of Khardung La, at South Pullu , where a signboard displays your elevation, you must turn in a copy of your permits. Particularly the perspective of the entire Indus Valley, the vistas in this location are simply magnificent.

You next proceed to North Pullu, where you must once again present your permissions, before arriving at the Khardung La Village, which is where this location got its name. You would have arrived at the valley after Khardung La Village, but you continue your Leh-Ladakh road trip to Khalsar, where the route splits. The left route takes you to Diskit and Turtuk , while the right one takes you to Sumur, Panamik, and Warshi. Both roads offer endlessly beautiful scenery and the best possible views of the valley as you go down them.

Route 2: via Wari La, from Leh to Nubra :

The less used and somewhat unusual route from Leh to Nubra takes you across Wari La, another of the highest highways in the nation. Wari La Pass, located at 17,427 feet above sea level, is difficult for the faint of heart. Wari La, with its incline and challenging terrain, becomes completely impassable in the winter.

Take the Manali Leh Highway from Leh to Karu , which is located about 35 kilometres away. Due to the variety of hues used to decorate the area, Upshi has a truly gorgeous setting that is impossible to overlook when travelling along the Manali to Leh highway. From this point, a sign will direct you to Wari La along a path that, to put it mildly, is not for everyone.

From the small town of Agham , you get a continuous, quiet, and serene stretch of road until you reach Khalsar, which is the final destination of your Manali to Leh bike trip. These challenging roads are a challenge for both you and the vehicle.

Best Time To Visit Nubra Valley

Now that the enormous Khardung La, the highest motorable civilian all weather pass, stands in the way of getting to Nubra Valley, Nubra is reachable all year round. However, given there are no rains or snowfall during these months, April to June and September to October are the greatest times to visit Ladakh for the best experiences.

Essential Information About Nubra Valley

Permit: Foreign nationals and NRIs must get a Protected Area Permit (PAP) in order to enter Nubra Valley due to the sensitive nature of the region around the valley. The same applies to Indian nationals, who must enter with an Inner Line Permit. A PAP must be obtained through a registered travel agent, however an Inner Line Permit can be obtained directly from the DM Office in Leh.
Mobility and Connectivity: Mobile networks in all of Ladakh are a dubious thing due to the isolation, permit issues, and inaccessibility. While the others are largely nonexistent, BSNL is the most common. Mobile networks in Nubra vanish the moment you leave Leh and only reappear when you enter Diskit/Hunder.
Medical Resources: As a result, Nubra Valley lacks any significant medical facilities, and Leh’s hospitals are the closest. In Leh, there are two main hospitals: Dr. P. Wangchuk and the privately run SNM hospital.
ATM’s: Since there are no ATMs in Nubra Valley, it is advised that you bring your money with you from Leh.
Gas Station: Diskit, is the only location with a gasoline station in the entire Nubra Valley. There are no other places to fill up in the valley but this manually operated gas pump.
Rest Station: Here in Nubra Valley, you can also discover a few eating establishments where the locals are quite kind and kindly welcome guests into their homes to have a snack or a meal. The Rangyul Guest House and the Gyantse Restaurant are two well-known establishments in Nubra Valley.
Minimum Stay: You must remain here for at least three days in order to fully explore the valley.

Locations and Activities in Nubra Valley

1. diskit monastery.

The Diskit or Diskit Monastery is the biggest and most historic Gompa in Ladakh’s Nubra Valley. The monastery, which dates back to the 14th century, is primarily renowned for its exquisite architecture and remarkable location on a hill, overlooking the town of Diskit.

A massive fresco of the Tibetan Tashil-hunpo Monastery can be found inside the monastery, along with a statue of Cho Rinpoche (Crowned Buddha), a sizable drum, and other images of the guardian deities of Buddhism. The 32 m tall Maitreya Buddha statue on the monastery grounds, however, is the site’s most well-known attraction.

2. Maitreya Buddha

The Nubra Valley is an important location for the representation of Buddha’s future incarnation, the founder of Buddhism. One of the most stunning sights in the valley is the 32 m tall statue of Maitreya Buddha that is situated atop a hill inside the premises of Diskit Monastery.

The statue faces west towards Pakistan and surveys the entire valley. The statue, which the 14th Dalai Lama personally declared sacred, was created with three goals in mind: to defend Diskit, prevent additional wars with Pakistan, and to advance world peace.

3. Camel Safari at the Hunder Sand Dunes

One of the world’s most unusual sights, double-humped camels, may be seen in one of the world’s highest deserts. Riding one of those, which are frequently referred to as camels with backrests, is a memorable experience that draws visitors from a distance.

Additionally adding to its allure are the white sand dunes of Hunder nestled among stunningly rocky mountains, snow-capped peaks, apricot orchards, and the peacefully running River Siachen. The camel’s rocking and swaying motion will be enjoyable to feel as the surrounding beauty captivates your mind and spirit.

4. Wheeling at the Hunder Sand Dunes

You can also enjoy the sensation of riding an ATV or a quad bike on the little mounds, which is comparable to riding camels on the sand dunes of Hunder but a little more exhilarating. As you ride over and down the ever-changing but always magnificent dunes of Hunder, feel the wind blow past Dune.

It is a must-have experience to feel the sensation of all the rocky terrain combined with the thrill of doing it at one of the highest regions in the globe.

5. Samstanling Gompa in Sumur

One of the most popular monasteries in Ladakh, the Samstanling Monastery is a simple beauty personified and is situated in the gem of a small village called Sumur. The monastery is surrounded by stunning mountains, lush greenery, and a clear blue sky, which makes the golden, red, and white Gompa stand out from its surroundings. The 45 minute journey from Sumur to the monastery is the best part, but the adventure that goes along with getting there is the best part as well.

6. Yarab Tso Lake

The Yarab Tso Lake, another treasure in the Sumur Village, is just 15 kilometres from the Diskit. Visitors are enthralled by the lake’s beauty, which is understated and serene despite requiring a climb to access it.

The lake, which is 20 minutes’ stroll from the town, is revered by residents not only there but throughout the entire valley. The surroundings are mesmerising because the water is so clear that you can see all the way to the bottom of the shallow lake. The lake also reflects the mountains in the area.

7. Turtuk Village

Turtuk, which is located in the Baltistan region, is a well-known term in the memories of people who remember the conflict between India and Pakistan in 1971. Turtuk, which is primarily Muslim, is the final village in India before the Pakistan-controlled Baltistan region starts. Turtuk, which first welcomed visitors in 2010, features a few gompas, a royal residence, and a few homestays where visitors may experience authentic Balti culture.

8. Panamik Village

Panamik, the northernmost village where non-Indians are permitted, is located not far from the Siachen Glacier. Special permits are required to enter this settlement, which is located at a height of 10,442 feet above sea level and is well-known for its sulfur-rich hot springs.

In addition, the settlement of Panamik is home to the Ensa Monastery , a gompa that dates back 250 years. Another wonderful activity is shopping, where you may find amazing-quality Pashmina Shawls , wool socks, and dry fruits at relatively affordable costs.

5. Hemis Monastery

This magnificent monastery takes 1 hr (40.8 km) via NH3 from Leh. It falls en route when one travels from Kargil to Leh. It is situated on the banks of the Indus River, will undoubtedly win your heart. This building has one of a kind, truly remarkable architecture. Here, you can either honour Lord Buddha or just look about at the prehistoric remnants of the early Buddhist era. It is easy to go to this monastery because local buses, notably those operated by Jammu & Kashmir Roadways, run continuously.

6. Tso Moriri Lake

It takes 5 hr 12 min (220.3 km) via NH3 to reach Tso Moriri from Leh. The Ladakh region of Changthang is where Tso Moriri Lake is located. One of India’s most beautiful, serene, and revered high altitude lakes is this one. The Tso Moriri Wetland Conservation Reserve is another name for it. The abundance of vegetation and animals in the Tso Moriri Lake region is one of its main draws. The Tso Moriri is the ideal location if you want to spend some quality time with your significant other.

This location is the pinnacle of romance because of the varied colours of the water and the charming surroundings. To truly experience Tso Moriri, one needs spend the night in a camp nearby. Additionally, the Tso Moriri Lake provides mediocre lodging with essential amenities including power, medical care, and hot running water.

7. Khardung La Pass

From Leh it takes 1 hr 11 min (39.6 km) via Khardung La Rd to reach Khardung La. Leh to Khardung La trip is a dream come true journey for adventure seekers, who wish to up challenges and nail them. Not only is this the highest motorable road in the world, but it is also the roughest section, which puts both the driver and the car to the test. River crossings, avalanches, and landslides are common on the roadways.

However, the excitement that vacationers and thrill seekers experience is insurmountable. Driving in the mud and snow while jumping from rock to rock is an unforgettable experience.

How to reach Khardung La

Leh to Khardung La Route (Leh – Phyang – South Pullu – Khardung La = 39 kms)

You must travel through Phyang and South Pullu to get from Leh to Khardung La, which is a distance of roughly 39 kilometres. Despite the shorter distance between Leh and Khardung La, novice drivers find the route to be more difficult due to the rough terrain. Always leave early to cover the journey from Leh to Khardung La Pass safely and arrive at your destination before sundown.

Best Time To Visit Khardung La

The best times to travel to the Leh to Khardung La pass are from April to June and from September to October.

Due to the dry roads in the summer, the journey is less dangerous. The temperature is still hovering around 21 degrees Celsius and the sun is shining brightly.

Essential Info about Khardung La

Road Condition to Khardung La: Leh and Khardung La are separated by 39 kilometres. Up to the South Pullu Checkpoints, the first 25 kilometres are extremely smooth. The road may have a few shoddy spots here and there, but overall it is in terrific shape. After the South Pullu Checkpoint, the route gets worse all the way to the peak. It comprises of landslides, melted snow, broken rocks, etc. As you move towards the Nubra Valley, the road is once more in terrible shape until you reach the North Pullu Post. After passing the post, things start to improve.
Permit for Khardung La: For a limited period of time, an Inner Line Permit allows access to a protected region. All citizens who are not residents of the state of Jammu and Kashmir must obtain the document. Before travelling to the area, foreigners must get a Ladakh Protected Area Permit. The ILP is valid for foreigners for a year and for Indians for a total of three weeks. The Inner Line Permit has a daily admission cost of 20 INR. You must pay 500 INR in total for the permit.
Mobile and Data Connectivity: In the area, only postpaid connections are operational. Only BSNL and MTNL have the best network performance in this area. They have the broadest coverage area, with Airtel coming in second.
Medical Facilities: There are no medical facilities or dispensaries in the region itself. Those who need medical assistance must go to the town that is nearest to the Pass. If there is a medical emergency, travellers can go to the SNM hospital in Leh. In order to treat the illness, it is also advisable that you carry a medical kit with essentials like Diamox, Disprin Dexamethasone, or Aspirin.
ATMs: There are no ATMs in the area itself. However, there are numerous ATMs in Leh that tourists can use. The final ATM that travellers on the Manali-Leh route will see is in Manali. Up till you reach Leh, there are no ATMs available after that. On the road to Nubra Valley, there is an SBI ATM that was only just put in and is being referred to as the “World’s Highest ATM” .
Gas Stations: Leh has some working gas stations. A hand-operated gasoline pump is also seen in the lovely Diskit region. In the Nubra Valley, this is the only functioning gas station.

Things To Keep In Mind while visiting Khardung La

Before approaching Khardung La Pass, you should have the following advice in mind:

At Khardung La Pass, air pressure and oxygen levels are quite low. Performing vigorous activities or moving around a lot can make you feel nauseous or queasy. Altitude sickness and respiratory difficulties can result from staying at the peak for longer than 15 to 20 minutes.
Before travelling to Khardung La, spend 3–4 days in Leh or another area with a comparable climate to help your body adjust to the high altitude. It is essential to properly acclimate before visiting Khardung La Pass.
It is strongly advised to descend back if you are getting altitude sickness when rising to the pass and it does not seem to get better.
To be on the safe side, it is advisable to thoroughly inspect the car before driving to the pass.

Things To Carry To Khardung La Pass

The following is a list of the most crucial goods you need to bring to Khardung La Pass:

A water-resistant bag
Lots of liquids
First Aid Kit
Robust Shoes
Batteries that are fully charged.
Large Fuel Containers.
Sunglasses and sun protection cream.
Keep Diamox on hand as a remedy for high altitude sickness.
Packaging for food. It is advisable to consume small meals frequently.
Gum, energy bars, and candy bars.
Transportable oxygen tanks.
Additional wool garments and raincoats.

Travellers Tip For Khardung La Pass

The following advice is crucial for everyone to remember before approaching Khardung La Pass.

If you decide against operating the car yourself, you should engage a qualified and experienced driver.
Take the appropriate medication with you to treat high altitude sickness.
If sickness persists despite taking the recommended medication, immediately stop climbing the mountain.
There are no lodging or habitation choices close to Khardung La Pass. It is suggested that travellers bring their own tents or stay in the local towns.
The travel authorization is absolutely necessary. You cannot enter Khardung La Pass without a permit. The travel department or travel agencies are where tourists can obtain the permission.
A service for your car should be performed before you go to the pass. In order to have a comfortable voyage, it is crucial to make sure that your car is in good shape because the path only gets worse with further advancement.
It is advised to purchase a mask to cover your mouth if you plan to travel here by bike as the roads are frequently congested with trucks that produce a lot of smoke and tar.

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8. Shanti Stupa

One of the most popular new tourist attractions in Leh is the Shanti Stupa (Peace Temple), which is situated in the upper corner of Leh at Changspa. Both Japanese and Ladakhi Buddhists worked together to erect the stupa in 1991. The 14th Dalai Lama had Buddha relics enshrined at the base of Shanti Stupa. Buddhists worship at stupas, which are constructed atop hills.

Its construction began in 1983, and two years later a road leading to the stupa was constructed. Trekking enthusiasts can ascend the challenging stairs to get there. Otherwise, it has good road connections as well. Due to its high altitude location from Leh city, where one can get a panoramic view of the entire city and its surrounding mountains, Shanti Stupa became a well-liked tourist destination.

9. Hall of Fame – A War Museum in Leh

Hall of Fame is a military battle museum run by the Indian Army that is close to Leh Airport on the Leh-Spituk Gompa route. It displays the weapons, gear, photos, and pictorial history of many of the conflicts that India has fought over the course of many decades.

Everyone should visit the Hall of Fame to learn about how Indian troops fought in numerous difficult conflicts. It has served as a repository for the memories of the valiant troops who died fighting for India and Pakistan. There is a gift store and historical items at this tribute to combat veterans.

The Hall of Fame contains numerous vintage weapons, outfits, and relics that were utilised by soldiers during the Kargil War decades ago. Arms and gear used by soldiers stationed in Siachen Glacier are kept in a designated compartment. Its bunkers, tents, and winter clothing enable soldiers to endure Siachen’s bone-chilling temperatures, which can occasionally drop below minus 50 degrees Celsius.

10. Gurudwara Pathar Sahib

On the Leh-Kargil road, just before Magnetic Hill point, is Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, a stunning Gurudwara built in honour of Guru Nanak ji, the founding guru of the Sikh faith. It is located about 25 kilometres from Leh.

In 1517, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib was constructed to honour Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s trip to Ladakh. While travelling to Magnetic Hill Point, Sangam Point, Alchi, or Kargil, many travellers stop by this religious and historic shrine.

One of the must-see attractions in Ladakh is the Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, which attracts a lot of people all year round. A fascinating tale is written on the stone within the Gurudwara. A sizable boulder was discovered by Lamas in the midst of the roadbed, which was wrapped in Buddhist prayer flags, in the late 1970s, when work on the Leh-Nimmu road was progressing. The rock was covered in Buddhist prayer flags, the kind that are frequently spotted being strung by Buddhist Lamas over mountain ridges and summits high in the Himalayas to bless the region.

that Guru Nanak Dev Ji arrived here in 1517 while on his second tour. After visiting Nepal, Sikkim, and Tibet, Guru Nanak Dev Ji travelled through Yarkand to arrive here and deliver his sermon on the summer hills. A vicious demon that used to terrorize the populace and devour its victims lived on the hill opposite. When Guru Ji arrived at the scene after learning of the situation of the bereaved, the people breathed a sigh of relief. However, the demon was furious and devised a scheme to kill Guru Ji.

11. Sangam (Confluence of Indus and Zanskar Rivers)

The confluence of the Indus (Sindhu) and Zanskar rivers is known as Sangam , and it is situated at Nimmu along the Leh-Srinagar highway. Visitors can enjoy a breathtaking view as the Zanskar river, which originates in the Union Territory of Ladakh’s Zanskar valley, merges with the Indus river near Nimmu. The Indus River, which irrigates the valley’s parched soil, is Ladakh’s lifeblood.

Sangam Point is visited by a lot of people who want to take in the natural beauty. Additionally, this is a river rafting location where adrenaline seekers come to enjoy river rafting. At Sangam Point, where muddy waters from one river meet blue waters from another, a stunning scene is created. At Sangam, the Leh-Srinagar highway will meet a new highway that runs through Manali, Darcha, Shinkula Pass, Padum (Zanskar Valley), and Nimmu .

12. Spituk Monastery and Kali Mata Temple

Located about 6 kilometres from the main town in the western part of Leh, Ladakh, on the Leh-Kargil-Srinagar highway, Spituk Monastery is a Buddhist monastery. Goddess Kali is revered in the Kali Mata Temple, which is located on a hilltop above the monastery.

The Leh airstrip is nearby, and Hall of Fame lies to the west of the Spituk monastery. It provides a broad perspective of the entire town of Leh. From here, one may also see Namgyal Tsemo Monastery, Leh Palace, and Shanti Stupa . The Arhat Nyimagung blessed the location of Spituk. Od-de, Lha Lama Changchub Od’s older brother, founded it when he arrived in Maryul in the eleventh century. He described the monastic order.

The monastery was given the name Spituk because Lotsewa Rinchen Zangpo (Translator) predicted that there would be a model religious community there when he arrived (exemplary). The monastery was repaired by Lama Lhawang Lodos and the stainless order of Tsonkhapa was introduced under the reign of Dharma Raja Gragspa Bum-Ide , and it has stayed that way up to the present.

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How to reach Spituk Monastery

From Leh town, the Spituk Gompa can be seen practically everywhere, thus getting here shouldn’t be a problem. However, the distance to the main town is around 6 km. It may be found on the left side of the Leh-Srinagar highway, with a 100-meter connection road leading to parking at the monastery’s base.

13. Stok Palace and Monastery

Just 15 kilometres separate the main Leh town from Stok Palace and Stok Monastery (gompa), a Buddhist monastery that also has a museum. The Yellow Hat sect of Buddhism founded the Stok Palace, which was founded by Lama Lhawang Lotus in the fourteenth century. All 108 volumes of the Buddhist canon are kept in a library at the Stok Palace. When the Dogra Forces seized control of Ladakh in the middle of the 19th century, the Royal Namgyal Family (King of Ladakh ) lived there.

Every year, on the ninth and tenth days of the first Tibetan month, a mask-dance is held in the monastery. There is a new Avalokitesvara temple attached to the current monastic complex. Within walking distance of the monastery, which was built between 2012 and 2015, is a 71-foot-tall monument of the seated Gautam Buddha and a temple. On August 8th, 3016, the Dalai Lama dedicated it.

Approximately 2 kilometres separate Stok Palace from the 1820-built monastery. The Ladakh Royal family has always spent their summers in Stok Palace. Both the Stok Palace and the Stok Monastery are frequently visited by tourists.

14. Tso Kar Lake

Tso Kar Lake (Tsokar Lake) is a lake in Ladakh’s Rupshu valley , near to More Plains, and right before Taglang-la on the Manali-Leh route. Leh is 150 km away, while Manali is 360 km away. Tso Kar is a saltwater lake that is just over 2 km wide and roughly 7 km long. The lake is located at a height of roughly 14,850 feet.

Gursan Peak , which rises to a height of 6,370 metres, and Thugie Peak , which is 6,050 metres high, encircle Tso Kar Lake. Historians claim that Tsokar Lake was once much larger than the current lake and that it is currently disappearing and decreasing. The Tsokar lake was a significant supply of usable salt for the Ladakh people until recently.

Next to it in the south is Startsapuk Tso (Lake) , which is smaller than Tso Kar Lake. Just 3 kilometres separate the lake from the small settlement of Thukje (Thugje). If travelling from Manali to Leh, one can reach Tso Kar Lake after making a right turn just after More Plains and before Debring. The roadway connects Sumdo village with Thukje village, Tsokar, Puga hot springs, and Leh-Mahe Bridge-Tso Moriri lake road.

The region experiences harsh weather because of its high altitude. Tso Kar and Thukje may experience temperatures as high as 30 degrees Celsius, but the wintertime low is 40 degrees. Tso Kar Lake attracts lots of visitors who want to see animals and observe birds. The lake attracts a lot of migratory birds. In the area, you might see grebes, grown-headed gulls, strip geese, rust geese, terns, black-necked cranes, kiang, Tibetan wolves, foxes, yaks, Tibetan gazelles, and marmots.

There are currently a few hotels and guesthouses in Tso Kar (Thukje), in addition to tourist-friendly seasonal camping areas. There are also a few little eateries in the village. The lake’s drying water has brought it dangerously close to extinction.

How to reach Tso Kar lake

Tso Kar Lake is located 360 kilometres from Manali and 150 kilometres from Leh via the Taglang la Pass. The road leading to the lake is Pang/Debring-Thukje-Puga-Tso Moriri. If one takes the Sumdo-Debring road, one can also visit Tso Kar while departing from or arriving to Tso Moriri lake.

Best time to visit Tso Kar lake

From May through October, visitors can explore the lake. Winter months saw the Tsokar lake access route stay closed.

Hotels at Tso Kar Lake

There are a few hotels, guesthouses, and tents in the Thukje settlement near the Tsokar lake. Only between May and the middle of October is the accommodation offered. Another choice is to rent a bed at one of the stores or dhabas in Pang, which is on the Leh-Manali route and is about 60 kilometres from Tso Kar.

Permit to visit Tso Kar Lake

For both Indian and foreign tourists, a permit is not necessary to visit Tso Kar Lake.

15. Dah Hanu (Dha-Hanu) – The Aryan Valley of Ladakh

The Dah Hanu or Dha and Hanu villages, also referred to as the Aryan villages of Ladakh, are situated in the Dhahanu valley in the region’s northeast, around 160 kilometres from Leh.

To visit these Brokpa communities, tourists must get an inner line pass. In addition to having their own animist pantheon of Gods, the settlements are home to both Buddhist and Muslim residents. The Indo-Aryan race is primarily known for its residents of Dah Hanu. The Dard people of Dah and Hanu have sharp features and prominent cheekbones that give them an Indo-European appearance. They have a very unique appearance compared to other Ladakhis. Two distinct villages, Dha and Hanu, are located in Ladakh’s Dha Hanu valley, around 160 kilometres from Leh.

Since the border is so near to the entire region, there is constant military activity every day of the year. The military monitors any unauthorized movement. Dah contains a few guest houses and homestay units, in contrast to the Hanu Gongma village, where there are none. Villagers in the Dhahanu valley grow apricots, almonds, and grapes in addition to barley and wheat because it is at a relatively low height, between 8,000 and 10,000 feet.

Women of Dah Hanu

The residents of Dah Hanu valley, especially the ladies, adore flower growing. All of the Brokpa settlements are covered in colourful flower gardens of various types. The Dah Hanu valley’s women adore wearing vibrant, fresh flowers as headdresses and headpieces. Almost every woman is seen wearing flowers on her distinctive traditional scarf.

Tall people of Dah Hanu villages

Many people have the impression that Dah Hanu people are fully developed and can reach heights of up to and including 8 or 9 feet. In actuality, their height is typical. The average height of men is between 5 and 6 feet.

The Aryan Breeding

Another myth is that foreign women travel to this country to mate with local guys because they think they are the best Aryan males in the world and want to have children of a similar breed. People were intrigued by these tales and came to explore the secret valleys of Dha Hanu.

Languages spoken in Dah Hanu

The residents of Dah Hanu (Dha Hanu) do not speak Hindi or English well, but they do speak their native Dard language. Many young people and others working in the tourism industry speak and understand Hindi.

How to Reach Dha Hanu (Dhahanu valley)

Leh and Kargil both have access to the Dha Hanu valley. The valley is accessible from Kargil via the Batalik Road. It is 80 miles away. This road starts where Kargil town ends (approximately 2 kilometres from the town centre) (on Kargil-Leh highway). You must make a sharp right turn along Indus after passing Khalsi (Khaltse) on the Leh-Kargil-Srinagar route if you are in Leh. It will take between 4 and 5 hours going both ways (one way). There are 160 kilometres between Leh, 70 km between Khaltse, and 80 km between Kargil.

Best Time to Visit Dah Hanu villages

Despite being in a low-lying terrain, Dah Hanu is a little challenging to get due to Ladakh’s extreme cold and snowfall. Therefore, May to October is the ideal period to visit the villages.

Inner Line Permit to visit Dah Hanu

You need to obtain inner line permit to visit Dha Hanu villages/valley

Hotels and Guest Houses at Dah Hanu villages (valley)

There are numerous guesthouses, homestay accommodations, and camping grounds nearby.

16. Rancho School (School in 3 Idiots Movie)

A Buddhist cultural school called Rancho’s School (also known as Druk Padma Karpo School or Druk White Lotus School) is situated in Shey hamlet, next to Shey Palace and Monastery, on the Leh-Manali Highway in Ladakh, India. After the Bollywood film 3 Idiots’ climactic moments were filmed there, the school gained notoriety.

The school gained notoriety after being used for the filming of the smash Bollywood flick 3 Idiots in September 2008. The second half of the film, which was released in December 2009, features the Pangong Lake and the Druk White Lotus School.

Visitors began arriving at the school in search of “Rancho School” or “3 Idiots School.” The building wall known as Rancho Wall is where “Chatur” received an electric shock from young pupils. It’s interesting to note that the school’s management now refers to it as Rancho School. There is a “Rancho’s Cafe” on the school grounds as well. After a cloudburst caused devastation in Leh in 2010, Aamir Khan returned to the school.

Numerous national and international accolades have been given to The Rancho’s School in recognition of its cutting-edge environmental design, which works well in Ladakh’s harsh climate. A number of local, national, and international NGOs are raising money for the school, which has a Ladakhi and English-language curriculum. Druk Padma Karpo Educational Society oversees the school. With the assistance of international architects, the school is still being created and is being built in stages.

How to reach Rancho School

With a 20-minute journey on the Leh-Manali route, Rancho School (Druk Padma Karpo School) can be reached from the Leh city centre at a distance of only 16 km. The school is near to Shey Palace and the monastery in Shey village.

17. Tsemo Castle and Monastery

The Namgyal Tsemo Monastery (gompa), a Buddhist temple, is situated on a hilltop at the highest point in the Indian Ladakh town of Leh. Tsemo Monastery is located just below Tsemo Castle (Fort), which is on a hilltop. Just above the Leh Palace lies Tsemo Castle.

All regions of Leh town can see Tsemo Castle (Fort) and Tsemo Monastery. From the airport, Changspa, Spituk, Shanti Stupa, new market, main market, ancient bazaar, and wherever else, one can view Tsemo. By taking a quick detour off the Leh-Khardung la pass road, one can drive to Tsemo. It is handy for many visitors to ascend from Leh Palace. The steep uphill trek from Leh Palace takes only five minutes.

King of Ladakh Tashi Namgyal established the Tsemo Monastery around 1430. Ancient manuscripts, frescoes, and a three-story-tall gold statue of Maitreya Buddha are all kept in the monastery. Even though the Tsemo Fort is mostly in ruins today, it is still a photographer’s dream to visit and get some magnificent panoramic shots of Leh and the surrounding mountain ranges.

How to reach Tsemo Castle and Tsemo Monastery

The Leh-Khardung la pass route leads directly to Tsemo Castle and Tsemo Monastery, which are easily accessible by car. Or you can walk 5 minutes uphill from Leh Palace to get there. It is a well-known landmark in Leh and is visible from all parts of the city.

Best time to visit Tsemo Castle and Tsemo Monastery

Tsemo Castle and Tsemo Monastery being located comfortably in Leh city, it can be visited round the year.

18. Basgo Monastery

A Buddhist monastery known as Basgo Monastery or Bazgo Monastery is located in Basgo village, about 40 kilometres west of Leh Town, in the Leh district of Ladakh. Before Saspol and Alchi and after Sangam and Nimmoo on the Leh-Kargil-Srinagar highway, respectively, is Basgo.

Despite the fact that the monastery was constructed in 1680 for the Namgyal kings, Basgo was a significant political and cultural hub in the early history of Ladakh and is frequently referenced in the Ladakhi Chronicles. The monastery is renowned for its Buddha statue and murals and is located atop a hill overlooking the ancient town’s ruins. A palace was constructed in Basgo in the fifteenth century.

The Chamchung, Chamba Lakhang, and Serzang temples, all of which are devoted to the Maitreya Buddha, are part of the Basgo Monastery complex. Many visitors come here to take pictures. The Leh-Srinagar route offers a stunning view of the magnificent Basgo monastery complex. Two steep hairpin curves later, the monastery is even more clearly visible. Tourists typically ascend to the main monastery, where they can see the entire valley, in order to enjoy the true atmosphere of the location.

Another well-known shooting location is Basgo. Here, numerous Bollywood and other films have been filmed. Additionally, this is where the “Satrangi Re” song from the Shahrukh Khan and Manisha Koirala film “Dil Se” was filmed . But the entire song was filmed in Ladakh, with the first half taking place at Basgo Gompa.

How to reach Basgo Monastery

Basgo monastery is located at Basgo village on the Leh-Srinagar highway, about 40km from Leh, just ahead of Nimmoo (Nimo) village.

Best time to visit Basgo Monastery

Tourists can visit Basgo hamlet and Basgo Gompa whenever they want because they are permanently connected to Leh. However, even during the busiest winter months, there are hardly any tourists. The optimum time to visit the gompa is from late April to October.

18. Shey Palace and Monastery

On a mountaintop in Shey village, the former summer capital of Ladakh, are Shey Palace and Shey Monastery, which are located approximately 15 km from the main Leh town on the Leh-Manali route.

According to historians, the Shey Palace was constructed in 1655 and served as the Namgyal Royal Family of Ladakh’s summer residence. Deldon Namgyal constructed the Shey Monastery inside the compound in 1655 as a tribute to his late father. A massive statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, standing about 40 feet tall and taking up three levels of the monastery, is kept there.

Shey is located at a height of approximately 11,200 feet. The highest point in Shey village is Shey Palace. The Rancho School or Three Idiots School, also known as the Druk White Lotus School, is also located in Shey village.

The ancient palace was constructed in the tenth century by Lhachen Palgyigon, the reigning monarch of Ladakh. Currently, the palace is a ruin. When the Moghul aristocrat Mirza Haidar Dughlat invaded Ladakh in the fifteenth century, he stayed at Shey Palace.

The former capital of the upper Ladakh area was Shey. The Namgyals escaped from the palace and took up residence in Stok Palace after the Dogras of Jammu conquered Ladakh in 1842. It is hypothesized that the fort discovered in ruins but without a date, above the current palace at Shey, belongs to this invading era.

How to reach Shey Palace

After a 20-minute drive from Leh, one can arrive at Shey Palace. Just 15 kilometres separate Shey and Leh. While driving along the Leh-Manali Highway, stopping at Pangong Lake, Thiksey Monastery, or Hemis Monastery, you can see Shey Palace.

Best time to visit Shey Palace

Shey can be visited anytime in the year but April to October is the best time to visit.

19. Likir Monastery

About 50 kilometres (km) west of the Indian Ladakh town of Leh sits the Gelugpa school of Tibetan Buddhism’s Likir monastery (gompa). Lhachen Gyalpo, the fifth King of Ladakh, ordered Lama Duwang Chosje to build the monastery in 1065.

The term Likir, which refers to the bodies of the two great snake spirits known as the Naga-rajas—Nanda and Taksako—means “The Naga-Encircled.” On a mountaintop next to the valley of the Indus river stands Likir Gompa. As you approach Likir from Leh, it is a remote but beautiful location that is located about 6 km to the extreme right of the Leh-Srinagar route.

Nearly at the top of the hill’s plateau is where the main temple is located. The primary distinguishable components of the complex include the main temple, the assembly hall, the monks’ quarters, and amenities like the kitchen and dining area. The complex’s components have been altered and constructed over a considerable amount of time, and their current configuration reflects a well-protected, compact, and well-located monastery.

The Lekir monastery is home to a noteworthy thangka collection, vintage clothing, and earthenware utensils. It is also a storehouse for antiquated texts. The future Buddha Maitreya is shown in a 75-foot (23-meter) high statue on Likir’s roof. From a certain distance, the statue is visible.

The majority of the monastery in Likir has recently undergone reconstruction. However, main monastery has not be tampered.

How to reach Likir Monastery

The Likir monastery is easily accessible through a road. The pavement is smooth and blacktopped. About 50 kilometres separate the monastery from Leh. From Leh, taxis are fairly accessible. If travelling by private vehicle or motorcycle, travel approximately 45 kilometres on the Leh-Srinagar route before turning right into Likir (you will see a welcome gate) (between Basgo and Saspol). The connection road is around 6 kilometres long.

20. Thiksey Monastery

The Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism is associated with the monastery known as Thiksey Monastery, which is situated on a hilltop in the settlement of Thiksey. On the Leh-Manali National Highway, Thiksey is located about 20 kilometres east of Leh, the Ladakh capital.

Thiksey Gompa’s construction and architecture are similar to those of Tibet’s Potala Palace. The monastery is home to Buddhist artefacts such statues, thangka paintings, and weapons like swords. The figure of Maitreya in the monastery is nearly 50 feet high. Due to its captivating construction on a hilltop and on the hill faces, this gompa has grown to be a popular tourist destination in Ladakh.

The Gustor ritual, an annual celebration held in the monastic grounds, takes place from the 17th to the 19th day of the ninth month of the Tibetan calendar (October–November). This ceremony includes sacred dances like the mask dance and the cham dance. Another unique aspect is the trade fair that is conducted at the foot of the monastery, when locals from all over Ladakh come together to exchange goods, mingle, and interact.

Many worshipers attend the morning prayers at Thiksey monastery at 7 a.m., which feature synchronised chanting of Buddhist sutras. At Thiksey, there are amenities like a hospital, a hotel and restaurant, and gift shops. For admittance, a fee of Rs 20 is required.

One of Ladakh’s most popular monasteries is Thiksey. However, many visitors only capture the exterior structure in their photos (road). Visitors can stop by the Thiksey monastery on their way to or from Pangong Lake. The Hemis monastery and Shey palace can also be seen on the same day as Thiksey.

Srinagar to Leh Itinerary

Day 1 : Srinagar to Kargil

Day 2 : Kargil and Nearby Places

Day 3 : Kargil to Leh

Day 4 : Leh City and Nearby Places

Day 5 : Leh to Pangong Tso

Day 6: Pangong/Nubra-Off road Experience

Day 7 : Nubra to Leh via Khardungla Pass

Day 8 : Leh to Tso Moriri

Day 9 : Tso Moriri to Leh

Day 10 : Leh to Batalik

Day 11 : Batalik to Srinagar

Things to Carry on Srinagar to Ladakh Road Trip

While travelling light, make sure to have everything you need to meet your basic needs. A few jackets are absolutely important to combat the cold in Ladakh. Carry an extra pair of sturdy shoes and adequate attire because you will stop at numerous locations to observe the famous attractions and sample the specialties. It is advisable to have a few items on hand, such as a flashlight, toolkit, physical map, battery pack, and first-aid kit. With the aid of this packing list, you may make your vacation to Leh Ladakh more enjoyable and well-planned. Check it out and enjoy your trip.

Safety Tips and Guidelines for Ladakh Trip

Your health can be harmed by a sudden change in the weather or atmosphere. As a result, it makes sense to remain at least one day before starting your adventure. You might make your stay a little bit longer if you are travelling with kids or the elderly. This will facilitate everyone’s acclimatisation to the environment.
When you visit nearby villages, temples, or other such locations, try to maintain a friendly atmosphere.
Laws and rules are put in place for your own safety. They contribute to the joy and tranquility of your journey. On this road trip, follow all the rules.
Make friends with the locals to expand your knowledge and learn more about their culture. Avoid offending their feelings in any manner and treat them with respect and harmony.
With the right direction from knowledgeable people, exploring a new place is made simpler. Feel free to ask tour operators or organisers for help.
Eat healthier, less-oily foods like boiled meat and vegetables.

Petrol Pumps on Srinagar Leh Highway

So, if you are wondering where to fill up your car for the drive from Srinagar to Leh. Since it is simple to acquire fuel along this road, you do not need to worry much. You will pass multiple gas stations as you go through. There are gas stations located along the Srinagar to Leh highway in the following locations:

ATMs on Srinagar-Leh Highway

Money always seems to make its way into and out of our pockets, regardless of how well we budget for the expense. The following locations have ATMs along the route from Srinagar to Leh.

Mechanics on Srinagar-Leh Highway

In times of need, a mechanic is a messiah, so let us avoid wasting time looking for one. On the Srinagar to Leh route, one can find a lot of mechanics and tyre stores in case of an emergency. They are offered at:

Mobile Connectivity on Srinagar-Leh Highway

In today’s hectic world, mobile connectivity has taken on increasing importance. Therefore, be knowledgeable with the cell networks that work flawlessly in these hilly regions. The two service providers with good coverage in Ladakh are BSNL and Airtel. It should also be remembered that Ladakh only accepts postpaid employment. There is no connectivity for any other cell network here.

Places to stay on Srinagar-Leh Highway

You can stay at a variety of places along the route from Srinagar to Leh that will meet your needs and requirements. The degree of comfort, the environment, and numerous more conditions are only a few of the variables that have an immediate impact on the cost of the stay. The cost of staying in an ordinary budget hotel would rise to about Rs 500–700 per day if you are comfortable with it.

Spending between Rs. 2000 and Rs. 2500 per day is about right if you want a luxury lodging with all the amenities. You should take a nap at either Drass or Kargil. Because stopping here will provide you with the ideal respite from the arduous travel and reenergize you for the journey ahead.

Inner Line Permits Required

The stationary store behind the Leh DC office is a convenient place to pick up the Inner Line Permit application form. From 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, one can visit the Leh DC office; applications are not accepted beyond that time. On Sundays and on federal holidays, the office is closed.

One must pay Rs. 200 for the permission, which includes an environmental tax and a Red Cross donation. Once granted, it is advised that you keep duplicates of your Inner Line Permit on hand in case you need to present them at one of the military personnel’s check points.

Indian Nationals’ Inner Line Permit Regulations:

The regulations for inner line permits (ILPs) for tourism in Ladakh have been streamlined. There are some prerequisites to be taken into consideration, such as a legitimate photo ID and confirmed photocopies that serve as proof of nationality (Passport, DL, Voters ID etc.).

There is no longer a need for inner line permits to visit sites like Tso Moriri, Pangong Tso, and Nubra Valley. There are a few exceptions, though. One must provide certain information if they intend to travel directly from Tso Moriri to Pangong Tso through the Chushul route and stop at Hanle.

In the permit application, it is crucial to list Pangong Tso, Man, Merak, Chushul, Tsaga, Loma, Nyoma, Mahe, Hanle, and Tso Moriri. Similarly, if you intend to go directly from Nubra to Pangong through Shyok, Darbuk, or Tangtse, you must submit an application for an Inner Line Permit.

Foreign Nationals’ Inner Line Permits:

If they intend to travel to places like Turtuk, Panamik, Khaltse, Pangong, Changthang, Hunder, Tso Kar, and Tso Moriri, among other places, foreign nationals must get inner line permits. Additionally, they need the inner line licenses to travel to Hanle, Chusul, Tsaga, beyond Loma curve, Chumur, Marsimik La, and Batalik Sector.

To visit the aforementioned locations, foreign nationals must also get a PAP, or protected area permit, with the exception of those from Bhutan, Burma, Nepal, and Pakistan. Only groups of four or more foreign people are eligible for this permit, which is issued at the Leh DC Office and is valid for seven days.

Permits for inner lines are not necessary when travelling through the Suru and Zanskar valleys. However, they are not permitted to travel past Merek Village in the Mahe or Pangong village thanks to this authorization.

Details about AMS (Altered mental status)

Health problems are frequently brought on by weather and climate changes. Therefore, it is a good idea to exercise caution and be ready for anything. It is possible that you will have acute mountain sickness or altitude sickness (AMS). The following signs and symptoms should raise suspicions:

An appetite deficit.
Feeling queasy or sick.
Weakness or exhaustion.
Lightheadedness.
Increased size of the hands, feet, and face.
Sleep issues.
Breathing problems after effort.
Nasal bleeding.
A persistently fast heartbeat or fatigue.

It is recommended that you bring specific medications and drink plenty of water. If your health will not allow it, please descend to a lower elevation and rest.

Other essential items to carry on Ladakh trip

You should bring a few essentials with you when you visit the union territory of Ladakh. Below is the complete list:

Sunglasses and sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
A lip balm and Vaseline.
Mufflers, hats, wool socks and windproof jackets.
Water resistant footwear.

Medications:

Solutions and antiseptic medications.
Body soreness and pain relievers.
Headache medications.
Medications for nausea and stomach discomfort.
Medications for muscle aches.
First aid kit.

Because of Ladakh’s cold, dry air, which can cause the nostrils to become dry and uncomfortable, mustard oil should be applied to them.

Documents and Papers:

Id card (if any)
Driving license
Driving permit

Miscellaneous items:

Multifunctional knives.
Cookies, nuts, chocolate and water.
Toothpaste and toothbrush.
Face wash, paper soaps, moisturizer and combs.
Chargers, maps, and other electronic essentials.

I think this article has covered all the information needed for this trip. One thing I must say again is that, if any trip needs planning and preparation, this is that trip. Without planning this trip can become a nightmare. So read this article thoroughly and look for tips and things you must carry with you while planning this trip. Ladakh has a difficult climate and weather conditions, so plan accordingly. If you are traveling on a bike, wear good gears. Keep spare gas with you, and other bike essentials and kits.

For families it is advised to visit this place with some good tour and travel companies, which provide medical facilities and other facilities. It is totally up to you, how you want to remember this trip, this trip could either be your dream trip or nightmare. Your mental and physical endurances will be checked.

No place is like Ladakh, its every inch is unique and worth visiting. Plan your trip and drive straight to this majestic land. Team Rukhposh wishes you all the luck, stay safe and enjoy!!

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The International Air Transport Association (IATA) significantly upgraded its profitability projections for airlines in 2024. The trade group now expects net profits to reach $30.5 billion, an increase from $27.4 billion in 2023.

This surge in profitability is accompanied by record-high traveler numbers and revenues. A new record number of passengers is expected to fly in the U.S. this summer. For the full year, the total global number of travelers is forecasted to reach approximately 5 billion, with revenues projected to soar to $996 billion, a 9.7% increase from 2023.

Global airline industry profits forecast to increase again in 2024

The recovery in travel has been nothing short of remarkable. Domestic travel bounced back to pre-pandemic levels by the spring of 2023, while international routes have recently surpassed 2019 numbers. The IATA now expects the number of world passengers to grow by an average of 3.8% per year over the next 20 years, resulting in over 4 billion additional passenger journeys by 2043.

“The human need to fly has never been stronger,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

Business Travel Spending Set To Surpass $1.5 Trillion This Year

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While leisure travel has been leading the recovery, business travel is steadily gaining momentum, albeit at a slower rate. A Morning Consult survey found that only 10% of U.S. adults had traveled domestically for work in March 2024.

The trend appears to be headed in the right direction, however, with corporations prioritizing domestic trips over long-haul international travel. The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) predicts global business travel spending will surpass $1.5 trillion in 2024, up from $1.02 trillion in 2022.

Regarding the hotel market, investors are optimistic, but forecasts are being downgraded. Profitability still lags pre-pandemic levels. Earlier this week, STR and Tourism Economics revised down their 2024-2025 U.S. hotel forecast, reflecting lower-than-expected performance in early 2024 and reduced growth projections for the rest of the year.

Domestic Travel Spending In China

On the other hand, I’m encouraged to see the return of Chinese outbound travel. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) predicts that China’s travel and tourism sector will contribute a record-breaking 12.62 trillion yuan ($1.7 trillion) to the country’s economy by the end of this year.

Domestic travel spending in China is also expected to reach new heights, providing a significant boost to the luxury market. As I’ve shared with you before, Chinese shoppers were major luxury-goods spenders before the pandemic. These shoppers are gradually returning, with domestic luxury spending up by 50%, according to Bloomberg Intelligence. The resurgence is encouraging for long-term luxury investments, both in mainland China and Europe.

Services See A Marked Improvement

The airline industry’s recovery is part of a broader positive trend in the services sector. The S&P Global US Services PMI, which includes the airline industry, rose to a one-year high of 54.8 in May, accelerating past its three-month moving average. This points to a marked expansion in services activity, reflecting strong consumer demand and business confidence.

Sharp rise in U.S. business activity

The airline industry presents a unique blend of recovery and growth opportunities. I believe the group is well-positioned for sustained growth, with strong profitability projections, an ongoing recovery in both leisure and business travel and positive market dynamics. The rebound in Chinese travel and its impact on the luxury market further supports the sector.

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Third term for Modi likely to see closer defense ties with US as India’s rivalry with China grows

FILE-Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at the Red Fort to address the nation on the occasion of Independence Day in New Delhi, India, Aug. 15, 2015. (AP Photo/Saurabh Das, File)

FILE-India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi offers a toast during a State Dinner with President Joe Biden at the White House in Washington, Thursday, June 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)

FILE - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, center, unveils the logo of ‘Make in India’ initiative in New Delhi, India, Sept. 25, 2014. (AP Photo/Saurabh Das, File)

FILE- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, left, talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping at a signing ceremony by foreign ministers during the BRICS summit in Goa, India, Oct. 16, 2016. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup, File)

In this handout photo provided by the Press Information Bureau, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi walks with soldiers during a visit to the Ladakh area, India, July 3, 2020. (Press Information Bureau via AP)

In this handout picture provided by the Indian Navy, INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenously-built aircraft carrier, sails for sea trials from Kochi, India, Aug. 25, 2022. (Indian Navy via AP)

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NEW DELHI (AP) — Fresh from declaring victory in India’s election, Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered few details on the agenda for his third term, but went out of his way to underline he would continue to focus on raising the country’s military preparedness and clout.

That should come as good news to the United States and its other allies, as they focus increasingly on keeping China’s sweeping maritime claims and growingly assertive behavior in the Indo-Pacific region in check.

“The government will focus on expanding defense production and exports,” Modi told a crowd of supporters at his party’s headquarters after election results came in. He spoke of his plan to increase security by lowering India’s dependence on arms imports. “We will not stop until the defense sector becomes self sufficient.”

Defense cooperation with the U.S. has greatly expanded under Modi, particularly through the so-called Quad security grouping that also includes Australia and Japan.

It’s a two-way street, giving the U.S. a strong partner neighboring China, which Washington has called its “pacing challenge,” while strengthening India’s defense credibility against a far more powerful rival.

“India is currently a frontline state as far as the Americans are concerned,” said Rahul Bedi, a New Delhi-based defense analyst. “The Indian navy is a major player in the Indian Ocean region.”

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The defense relationship was also at the top of U.S. President Joe Biden’s agenda when he congratulated Modi on the election results.

In a call, “the two leaders emphasized their deepening the U.S.-India comprehensive and global strategic partnership and to advancing their shared vision of a free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific region,” the White House said.

It added that National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan would soon travel to New Delhi “to engage the new government on shared U.S.-India priorities.”

It was about a year into Modi’s second term when India’s defense focus took a sharp turn toward China, when troops from the two nuclear neighbors clashed in 2020 in the Galwan Valley in the disputed northern border region of Ladakh and 20 Indian soldiers were killed.

“China really is India’s long term strategic challenge, both on the border and in the Indian Ocean as well,” said Viraj Solanki, a London-based expert with the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

“This has resulted in a number of defense partnerships by India shifting, or just focusing on countering China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region,” he said.

Beijing has a close relationship with Pakistan, India’s traditional rival, and China has been increasing defense cooperation with India’s neighbors, including Nepal and Bangladesh, as well as the Maldives and Sri Lanka.

“China is really trying to engage more with these countries and develop its own influence and presence,” Solanki said. “I think that is a concern for New Delhi and something that will lead to increased competition in the Indian Ocean over the next few years.”

In congratulating Modi on the election results, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that a “sound and stable ” relationship between India and China was “in the interest of both countries and conducive to the peace and development of the region.”

She also added that China stood “ready to work with India,” but her comments were significantly more muted than the Foreign Ministry’s remarks on Modi’s last win in 2019 — before the border fight . At that time, the Foreign Ministry called the two nations “important neighbors” and said China wanted to “deepen political mutual trust, carry out mutually beneficial cooperation and push forward the closer partnership between the two countries.”

Modi has always governed with his party in the majority, but after a lackluster performance in the election will now be forced to rely on coalition partners, and will face a stronger and invigorated opposition .

The main opposition Congress party is unlikely to challenge Modi’s defense reforms, but has been critical of how he has handled the border issue with China and may pressure him on that front, Bedi said.

“Modi has not been entirely truthful, or very economical with the truth as far as the situation in Ladakh is concerned,” he said. He referred to a Defense Ministry document that was published online, and quickly removed, which had suggested Chinese troops entered Indian territory during the 2020 confrontation.

“The opposition, I am sure, will raise questions and ask the government to come clean on what the real situation is.”

Under Modi’s program of military modernization and reform, his government has sought to grow the private defense manufacturing sector, a space previously occupied solely by the government-run organizations, and has eased foreign direct investment regulations to try and encourage companies to establish themselves in India.

In a flagship project, the country launched its first home-built aircraft carrier in 2022, part of a plan to deploy two carrier battle groups to counter China’s rising maritime power.

Much of India’s military equipment is of Russian origin, and delays on delivery and difficulties of procuring spare parts due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has also provided impetus for India to diversify defense procurement, looking more to the U.S., France, Israel and elsewhere, Solanki said.

As it seeks to strengthen ties with India, Washington has agreed to a deal that will allow General Electric to collaborate with Hindustan Aeronautics to produce fighter jet engines.

Speaking at the Shangri-La defense conference in Singapore last weekend, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the countries were also co-producing armored vehicles.

“The relationship that we enjoy with India right now is as good or better than our relationship has ever been,” he said. “It’s really strong.”

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The Ultimate Travel Guide to Ladakh in 2022

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