{"id":199,"date":"2016-06-11T15:45:34","date_gmt":"2016-06-11T15:45:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.trodly.com\/blog\/article\/the-ultimate-guide-to-a-ladakh-trip"},"modified":"2019-01-16T16:05:26","modified_gmt":"2019-01-16T10:35:26","slug":"the-ultimate-guide-to-a-ladakh-trip","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.trodly.com\/blog\/article\/the-ultimate-guide-to-a-ladakh-trip","title":{"rendered":"The Ultimate Guide to a Ladakh Trip"},"content":{"rendered":"

Leh Ladakh<\/a>\u00a0for\u00a0more than a decade now has been the ultimate dream vacation for young Indians.\u00a0So we at Trodly have created a Leh Ladakh travel guide, so you don\u2019t have to scour the internet looking for every detail.\u00a0This Ladakh travel guide covers Leh Ladakh itineraries, places to see and things to do in Ladakh and all information required for planning a Ladakh trip. Ladakh has become more than just an amazing adventurous trip.\u00a0Be it a family trip, honeymoon or a bike trip with friends, Leh-Ladakh tour is always one of top options.<\/p>\n

Consider this your one stop guide for planning your next Ladakh tour. The budget, duration and itinerary for your Ladakh trip will depend on many things. How you plan to travel and what time of the year you are going there being primary.<\/span><\/p>\n

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1) Best Time for Ladakh Trip<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
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\"Ultimate<\/p>\n

Ladakh Weather<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Surrounded by land and high Himalayan mountains on all ends, Leh\u00a0Ladakh<\/a> is susceptible to extreme temperatures. It is rightly known as\u00a0the only place in the world where you can sit in one place and get both, a sunburn and a frost bite at the same time. However, there are two best periods for visiting this enticing land \u2013 depending on what kind of traveller you are and what you aim to do. So the question remains, what season is best for what?<\/p>\n

Months:<\/strong> April to October<\/p>\n

Ladakh Temperature Range in Summer:<\/strong> -3\u00b0C to 30\u00b0C<\/p>\n

Summers in Ladakh region are the most pleasant. The sun dazzles across the clear, blue sky, rivers flow with full speed and the snow on mountain tops glistens at it’s brightest. The warmer temperature persuades hibernating mammals to show up and scuttle around, while flowers begin to blossom and the towns come alive. This is perhaps the best time to visit if you want to cover all major destinations, undertake adventure activities and have an easy going trip.<\/p>\n

Months:<\/strong> November to February<\/p>\n

Ladakh Temperature Range in Winter:<\/strong> -30\u00b0C to 15\u00b0C<\/p>\n

Very few tourists dare to visit Ladakh the\u00a0snowy land in winters. Ladakh weather in time period between November to February is characterized by heavy snowfall and extremely low temperatures, sometimes falling up to -30\u00b0C. Most of the major hotels and guesthouses are shut at this time, hence, local homestays are the best option to dwell in. The Chadar Trek<\/a> is best known to be undertaken during these harsh winters, providing a great experience for the adventure seekers. Winter also brings with it plenty of festivals that are celebrated all around Ladakh. If you\u2019re up for the challenge\u00a0and want to visit like a traveller, not a tourist, winter is the time to go.<\/p>\n

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2) How to Travel to Ladakh?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
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Situated in the northernmost part of Jammu and Kashmir, India, Ladakh is accessible by both road and air. While the road journey is long, tough and beautiful, the flight from Delhi is short and pleasant. Delhi to Ladakh can road trip can be planned via Srinagar or Manali.<\/p>\n

Reaching Ladakh by Road<\/strong><\/h3>\n

A road trip to Ladakh will surely be a memorable one. Varying landscapes, varying temperatures and varying road types will ensure that you are up for the time of your life. You can embark on this journey by car or bike. If you are planning to drive or ride yourself to Ladakh from Delhi<\/a>\u00a0, Srinagar<\/a> or Manali<\/a>, the level of planning needed goes to another level altogether.<\/p>\n

Manali to Leh Highway<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong>(~474 Kilometers)<\/h4>\n

Reaching Leh via Manali is the most common and preferred route, after all, this is one of the most challenging parts of the whole Ladakh adventure. Manali can be reached from both Delhi and Chandigarh in a day. Overnight buses are a great option to land early in Manali. If driving or riding from Delhi then you will have to start real early to reach Manali before sun sets.<\/p>\n

There are many operators renting motorcycles in Manali as well but you would need to book well in advance. Also, make sure the bikes are in good condition.<\/p>\n

State transport buses and private jeeps also run between Manali and Leh. Buses take 2 days to reach Ladakh and involves overnight stay at one of the camps. Manali-Leh highway usually opens mid-May and remains open until late October.<\/p>\n

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Srinagar to Leh Highway<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong>(434 KMs)<\/h4>\n

Srinagar<\/a> is another popular choice to visit Ladakh by road. This Ladakh road trip involves crossing the famed Zozila Pass. Srinagar-Kargil-Leh road is a slightly\u00a0 better option over Manali-Leh if you want to minimize the chances of road closure due to bad weather.\u00a0 Also if travelling via Srinagar you can start earlier then the time Manali-Leh highway opens-up for general public.<\/p>\n

Srinagar – Leh stretch is generally done over two days with a night halt at Kargil. On the way, you would cross scenic meadows of Sonmarg, daring heights of Photu La. The popular Magnetic hill<\/a> and Pathar Sahib<\/a> also fall on this route, few hours short of Leh. Srinagar-Leh highway opens during mid to late April and remains open until\u00a0early November.<\/p>\n

Trip to Ladakh by Car<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"Ultimate<\/p>\n

A car road trip is ideal, shielding you from the extreme temperatures, winds and maybe snowfall. If you\u2019re ready to gear up the engines, you have two above routes to choose from.<\/p>\n

Ladakh Trip on Motorcycle<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"Ultimate<\/p>\n

Plenty of bikers dare to ride up to Leh from Manali or Srinagar. The journey is long and treacherous, but gazing at the stunning view outside is well worth the effort. You also have option to fly into Ladakh and then start you bike trip from there. This allows you to do this dream trip on much lesser time. If you wish ride from Manali – Leh then you would need about 10 days to complete the trip. You also have option to do Manali – Leh one way and flyback from Leh. This does cost you a bit more though as most Ladakh Bike Trip Package operators would charge little extra for this.<\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.trodly.com\/activity-798-ladakh-motor-bike-tour-manali<\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.trodly.com\/activity-797-ladakh-motor-bike-tour-leh<\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.trodly.com\/activity-817-manali-leh-srinagar-bike-tour<\/p>\n

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Flights to Ladakh<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"Ultimate<\/strong><\/p>\n

Flights to Leh are\u00a0available from Delhi and Mumbai. Most of these flight start early morning as landing in Leh is easier before noon.\u00a0Flights are also available to Leh from Srinagar and Jammu.\u00a0Leh Airport is close to the city and takes 15-20 minutes drive from the city. Taxi rates vary between INR 600-1000 for a one way drop.<\/p>\n

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3) Inner Line Permits (ILP) in Ladakh<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
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As of 2014, Inner line permit is no longer needed by Indian Nationals<\/strong><\/em> for Nubra Valley<\/a>, Pangong<\/a> Tso and Tso Moriri<\/a> but still needed for locations such as Hanle<\/a>, Chusul<\/a>, beyond Loma bend, Marsimik La<\/a>, Chumur and Turtuk<\/a>. Please check with a local travel agent or tour operator for latest on these guidelines.\u00a0In any case most Ladakh tour package will have permits taken care of.<\/p>\n

All Foreign nationals still need to obtain PAP (Protect Area Permits) in a group of two or more travellers through the District Commissioner\u2019s Office in Leh or via an authorized travel agent.\u00a0The PAP specifies where you can visit and stay overnight. The PAP is checked at Nubra\u2019s various checkpoints. Before booking your Ladakh holiday make sure to check on these things and get all the information.<\/p>\n

Even though permits are no longer require for Indians but both Indians and foreigners need to register at Dras<\/a>, Rumtse and Sarchu, in case they are traveling by road.<\/p>\n

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4) Popular Ladakh Itineraries<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
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1. Manali – Leh – Nubra Valley –\u00a0Pangong Tso <\/strong><\/h3>\n

This is the most popular Ladakh trip itinerary. Be it a\u00a0jeep safari, self-drive or a bike trip this is the most straightforward Ladakh tour covering most popular places in the Ladakh region. Most tour operators suggest similar holiday packages and this tends to be low on cost as well.<\/p>\n

2. Manali – Leh via Tso Moriri, Hanle & Pangong Tso – Nubra Valley<\/strong><\/h3>\n

This Ladakh tour is best suited for a road trip or bike trip starting in Delhi or Manali. You get to cover main attractions of Ladakh along with Tso Moriri Lake.<\/p>\n

3. Leh – Khardung La – Nubra Valley – Pangong Tso\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n

An ideal Ladakh trip itinerary if you are flying to Ladakh. Takes 5-7 days to complete. Perfect for those short on time.<\/p>\n

4. Delhi – Srinagar – Leh – Manali<\/strong><\/h3>\n

This is an ideal trip but takes about 14 days to complete. You get to see the best of Himachal, Ladakh and Kashmir.<\/span><\/p>\n

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5) Places to Visit on Leh Ladakh Tour<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
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Boasting some of the highest passes in the world, Ladakh shows no mercy while flaunting all its beautiful places and destinations. It may be a task to decide which places to visit, especially when each of them seem so enticing. To make this task simpler, have a look at the places we suggest you must absolutely visit, followed by secondary destinations you might like to add to your itinerary. Ladakh region has some of the highest motorable passes in India if not the world. These highest motorable roads take you to\u00a0Marsimik La,\u00a0Photi La and relatively new\u00a0Umling La pass.<\/p>\n

Must Visit Places in Leh Ladakh<\/strong><\/h3>\n

1) Nubra Valley<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"Ultimate<\/p>\n

Wedged in\u00a0the heavily glaciated mountains of the Karakoram Range, Nubra Valley<\/a> is perhaps, one of the prettiest places in India. A topographical wonder, Nubra is an exciting amalgamation of deserts, forests, snow-capped mountains and a calmly flowing, icy river. As you gaze out at the valley, you\u2019ll spot the occasional nomad, herds of double humped native Bacterian Camel and Himalayan Musk deer. You can choose to stay at Hunder or Diskit in\u00a0Nubra Valley. If you are traveling to Turtuk then you have to go beyond\u00a0Hunder.<\/p>\n

The valley has clusters of villages here and there, where cheap accommodation is available. To visit Nubra from Leh, you\u2019ll get the honour of passing the world\u2019s highest motorable pass, the Khardungla Pass, where you must relish steaming hot Maggi. At Nubra itself, you can indulge in a camel safari, visit buddhist monasteries, take a hike and interact with locals and finally drive and camp at the Pangong Lake.<\/p>\n

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2) Pangong Tso Lake<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Pangong Tso<\/a> redefines everything that a lake should be. It’s azure blue waters, complimented with the white sandy shore are a completely captivating sight, one you will never forget.<\/p>\n

Though the Lake is only a 5 hour drive from Leh, you can also spend the night at one of the many campsites present by the shore. Accommodation is convenient and the\u00a0food is also provided. Plenty of tourists also bring in their own camping gear and enjoy staying in tents by the tranquil lake. Sunrise by the lake is another breath-taking sight, especially since the lake reflects the sky to continuously change its shade of blue. Pangong Tso is definitely one of Ladakh\u2019s major highlights, and should be a definite must-visit during your trip.<\/p>\n

3) Leh<\/span><\/h3>\n

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Of course, Ladakh\u2019s capital city cannot be forgotten. A plethora of hotels and homestays offer good facilities, including hot water and tiled toilets. The Leh Market is the most buzzing place in the city, where you can gorge on freshly baked savouries from the German bakeries, or shop for some famous Pashmina shawls. Your shopping spree can continue with apricot goodies, followed by a large meal of momos<\/em> and thukpa<\/em>. Leh also has a variety of Buddhist monasteries and museums that you can visit as per your liking. The weather in Leh Ladakh around peak season\u00a0is comparatively pleasant, the people are friendly, transportation is great and your visit will be worth every penny spent. Shanti Stupa and Thiksey monastery are a must visit places in Leh.\u00a0.<\/p>\n

4) Tso Moriri Lake<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"Ultimate<\/p>\n

Due to its longer distance from Leh, Tso Moriri<\/a> is not frequented by hordes of tourists. Here, towering mountains, snow-capped peaks, endless green fields and the deep blue waters stretch to the horizon, painting a mesmerizing sight. Since the lake is a Wetland Conservation Reserve, one cannot pitch any tents or construct anything right near the banks of the lake, however, basic accommodation is available in the form of campsites. The lake also attracts migratory birds, marmots and the occasional Tibetan wolves. Though winters get unbearably cold by the lake, you can make the most of the summer by signing up for hikes and walks around the lake. Popularly known as the \u2018Mountain Lake\u2019, Tso Moriri Lake is a perfect destination to explore the jewels of raw nature.<\/p>\n

5) Zanskar Valley<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"Ultimate<\/strong><\/p>\n

The hidden kingdom of Zanskar<\/a> is one of the most isolated Himalayan valleys. Padum<\/a> is its most habitable settlement, where tourists generally stopover for the night after a long, thrilling journey. The best way to visit Zanskar is from Kargil, where one single winding road takes you through rugged mountains, into serene valleys and past the mighty Drang Drung glacier. The valley entices adventure seekers to experience nature in its purest form, through rafting, trekking and mountain biking.<\/p>\n

Other places in Ladakh worth visiting are Lamayuru Monsatery,\u00a0Magnetic Hill, Spituk Gompa,\u00a0Leh Palace,\u00a0Phyang Monastery.<\/span><\/p>\n

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6) Offbeat Places to visit in Ladakh<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

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1) Turtuk<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"Ultimate<\/p>\n

As you travel through Nubra Valley much beyond Khadung La, along the slithering Shyok River, just away from the LOC is the dreamy hamlet of Turtuk<\/a>. As modest as can be, the village is a breath of freshness in the form of green pastures, in an otherwise barren landscape. A few guesthouses and homestays are the only option for accommodation, where humble locals prepare their delicacies for the few tourists that visit. Turtuk is an isolated village, where a faint BSNL signal is the only link to the outside world. Surely, visiting here, getting immersed in a life so pure will provide an experience you can never forget.<\/p>\n

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2) Hanle<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"Ultimate<\/p>\n

Home to the Hanle<\/a> Observatory, the world\u2019s highest observatory, the Ladakhi village of Hanle is an enchanting destination. Inhabited by just around 1000 people, the village has a sleepy vibe, especially since it lies away from any other human inhabitation. Hanle\u2019s pride is the beautiful Hanle Monastery, which offers spectacular aerial views of the entire village, including the neighboring hills. Accommodation is limited, with basic amenities also lacking at times. However, staying in a basic homestay or campsite is the ideal way to experience this life devoid of urbanization, where gazing out at grazing wild horses among endless pastures is the best entertainment you can get.<\/p>\n

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3) Temisgam<\/span><\/h3>\n

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Temisgam is a quaint village located 100kms away from Leh. Known for its scenic barley fields, large number of apricot trees and hilltop buddhist monastery, the village is a wonderful place to stay overnight and explore. Humble homestays are the best option to interact with the locals and experience their modest lifestyles. The area around Temisgam also offers plenty of trekking and hiking trails along the rugged mountains.<\/p>\n

Some other places on this list would be Suru valley, Chushul and\u00a0picturesque Chilling.<\/p>\n

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Also Read:\u00a0Ladakh Offbeat \u2013 The Hidden Gems of Ladakh<\/a><\/h3>\n

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7) Prepare for Trip to Ladakh<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
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The first step to planning you Ladakh trip is to lock on dates and mode of transportation. Once these things are finalized, you should next work on your itinerary. Next comes to actually start preparing for the kind of trip you have decided on. Mind you, your actual preparation and things you need to carry will depend almost entirely on how are you traveling \u2013 Flying, taxi are self-driving a car or bike.<\/p>\n

Prepare for Ladakh Bike or Car Trip<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Now here again a lot will depend on whether you are driving yourself or taking a taxi and also on if you are part of a tour for bike ride. If travelling in taxi or part of professionally run motorcycle tour then you may not need to worry about spare parts and emergency supplies too much as support vehicles carry motorcycle spare, fuel, tools, water and snacks. These organized tours also have a mechanic with them to take care in case of a break-down.<\/p>\n

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Also Read:\u00a0Which Ladakh Bike Trip Itinerary Suits You Best?<\/a><\/h3>\n

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Things to carry for Leh Ladakh Bike Trip<\/strong><\/h3>\n