We’ve all dreamt of a road trip with our friends to a mountainous, snowy region, and most of the time it has been Leh-Ladakh or Shimla-Manali.
Well, if you are planning a Leh Ladakh road trip and need more information about the best time and routes, you are at the right place. Keep reading to know more!
Why To Do A Ladakh Road Trip?
You might be wondering about what is so special about embarking on a road trip to Ladakh. Well, to begin with, Ladakh is blessed with some of the world’s most scenic mountain ranges, gorgeous valleys, and plenty of monasteries. The region has a generally cool and pleasant climate throughout the year.
Ladakh is also home to the Khardung La Pass, the world’s highest motorable pass. This makes driving in Ladakh an even more exhilarating experience.
Plus, the roads in Ladakh are generally quite pleasant to drive on – some of them are as smooth as butter and we aren’t even exaggerating!
Best Season For A Ladakh Road Trip
Ladakh broadly experiences two seasons: the summer and the winter, with a very brief monsoon season. The summer season is the best for a Ladakh road trip, be it a Delhi to Ladakh road trip or a Manali to Ladakh road trip. The weather during this season is pleasant, with temperatures between 15°C and 25°C.
Moreover, plenty of tourist attractions and monasteries are open during this time. These include the famous Nubra Valley, Tso Moriri, and the Pangong Lake.
However, you must also note that the season invites plenty of tourists, so plan accordingly. We recommend planning a road trip during early May or late September.
The winter season isn’t a good time for a road trip, however, Ladakh experiences plenty of snowfall. During this time, the weather tends to get unpredictable and landslides and roadblocks might occur. Temperatures can plummet down to as low as -10°C!
Due to such unexpected circumstances, road access in and around Ladakh might be limited during winter time. So, we recommend avoiding a road trip to Ladakh in the months of October to April.
Popular Routes For Ladakh Road Trip
Srinagar To Leh
The Srinagar to Leh is a 420-kilometer (km) route and takes about 9 to 10 hours under the best conditions. The route comprises three high-altitude passes, namely the Fotu La, Namika La, and the famous Zoji La Passes. The route also passes through Kargil, Sonmarg, Mulbekh, Lamayuru, and Nimmu, among others.
You can self-drive from Srinagar to Leh or hire a cab for the same. Alternatively, you can hire a driver to drive from Srinagar to Leh.
They usually charge anywhere between INR 2,000 to INR 2,500 per person. We recommend taking regular breaks during this road trip instead of opting for a non-stop ride, be it for refreshments, acclimatizing yourself, or for simply observing the passing beauty of the scenic route.
Delhi To Ladakh Road Trip
Many people leaving from Delhi reach Ladakh by two routes – either via Srinagar or via Manali.
The Delhi to Ladakh road trip via Srinagar covers a distance of about 1,050 km and takes about 22 hours. This route passes through many cities and towns of Punjab and Haryana, and the towns of Srinagar, Sonmarg, and Kargil in Jammu & Kashmir. This route is generally preferred by many as the route experiences a gradual rise in altitude instead of a steep one. Plus, it covers plenty of bigger cities for you to halt at for a night stay or fuel.
The Delhi to Ladakh road trip via Manali, on paper at least, covers a lesser distance of about 770 km. However, the route is quite challenging as compared to the Delhi-Ladakh route via Srinagar. On the way, you can pass through the Atal Tunnel, but that will mean missing out on the scenic beauty of Rohtang Pass. However, one has to be generally careful on this route as it is steeper and more difficult to drive on.
Essential Tips For A Ladakh Road Trip
- Ensure that your vehicle has undergone proper maintenance and carry spare parts in case of an emergency.
- Wear seatbelts at all times and drive within the speed limit
- Some parts in Leh require a permit to be obtained beforehand. You can read more about it in our Best Time To Visit Leh Ladakh 2025 article.
- Acclimatize yourself properly during the road trip. The Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council website also advises travelers to take a tablet of Diamox-250mg (acetazolamide) twice a day, after breakfast and after dinner, at least two days before starting the journey to Leh. However, make sure to consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
- Stay hydrated during the trip – drink at least 3 to 4 liters of water every day.
- Download maps on your mobile device or carry offline maps as you’ll likely experience limited connectivity.
Summing Up
A road trip to Ladakh is one of the best travel experiences in India and you should at least do it once in your life. The scenic mountains, deep valleys, winding roads, and lush green meadows make these routes no less than a paradise. Be it from Manali or Srinagar, you can reach Leh quite conveniently, however, make sure that you follow all precautions, rules, and tips.
FAQs
Which Month Is Best For A Road Trip?
The months of June to September are generally considered to be the best for a road trip.
Which Is The Hottest Month In Ladakh?
July is typically considered to be the hottest month in Ladakh. Temperatures during this time reach a maximum of 25°C.
Which Food Is Famous In Ladakh?
Here are some of the most famous foods in Ladakh:
- Momos
- Thukpa
- Butter tea
- Tingmo
- Chhurpe
