Nidhi
Subhash Staff answered 5 months ago
Reaching Leh, the capital of the Leh-Ladakh region, can be an exciting journey. Here’s a comprehensive guide for first-time visitors on how to reach Leh:
By Air
1. Flights:
Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL): This is the main airport in Leh, connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Srinagar, and Chandigarh. Airlines such as Air India, GoAir, and Vistara operate regular flights.
Tips:
Book flights in advance, especially during peak season (May to September).
The airport is just 4 km from Leh town, and taxis are readily available.
By Road
2. From Manali:
Route: Manali – Rohtang Pass – Keylong – Jispa – Baralacha La – Sarchu – Nakee La – Lachulung La – Pang – Tanglang La – Leh.
Distance: Approximately 480 km.
Duration: 2 days (with an overnight stop, usually at Sarchu or Jispa).
Best Time: Mid-June to September.
Note: This route includes several high mountain passes and offers stunning landscapes but can be challenging due to road conditions and high altitudes.
3. From Srinagar:
Route: Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zoji La – Drass – Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh.
Distance: Approximately 434 km.
Duration: 2 days (with an overnight stop at Kargil).
Best Time: May to October.
Note: This route is comparatively easier and remains open longer than the Manali-Leh route.
By Bus
4. State Transport and Private Buses:
From Manali: Himachal Pradesh Tourism (HRTC) and Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) operate regular buses, including deluxe and semi-deluxe buses.
From Srinagar: Jammu & Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation (JKSRTC) operates buses to Leh.
By Taxi or Self-Drive
5. Taxis:
Shared and private taxis are available from Manali and Srinagar to Leh. This is a more comfortable option compared to buses.
Tip: Ensure your driver is experienced in mountain driving.
6. Self-Drive:
Many travelers choose to drive or ride motorcycles to Leh. Rental services are available in Manali and Srinagar.
Important: Be prepared for tough driving conditions and carry spare fuel, food, water, and emergency supplies.
By Train
7. Nearest Railway Station:
Jammu Tawi: The nearest major railway station is in Jammu (approximately 700 km from Leh). From Jammu, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Srinagar and then proceed to Leh.
General Tips for First-Time Visitors
8. Acclimatization:
Leh is at an altitude of approximately 3,500 meters (11,500 feet). Allow at least 1-2 days to acclimatize to prevent altitude sickness. Stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activities initially.
9. Permits:
For visiting certain areas around Leh (e.g., Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, Tso Moriri), you need Inner Line Permits (ILP). These can be obtained in Leh town from the DC office or online through the official Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) website.
10. Essentials to Carry:
Warm clothing (even in summer, nights can be cold).
Sunglasses, sunscreen, and lip balm to protect against strong UV rays.
Personal medications and a basic first-aid kit.
Snacks, energy bars, and water bottles.
Cash, as ATMs are limited and might not always be operational.
Anvi Staff answered 3 months ago
Reaching Leh, the capital of Ladakh, can be an adventure in itself due to its remote location and high altitude. There are several ways to get to Leh, depending on your preferences for travel by air, road, or even through an adventurous bike trip. Here’s how you can reach Leh:
1. By Air (Easiest and Fastest Way)
Nearest Airport: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL) in Leh.
Direct Flights: Leh is connected by direct flights from major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh, Srinagar, and Jammu.
Airlines: Vistara, Air India, IndiGo, GoAir, and SpiceJet operate flights to Leh.
Travel Time: Approx. 1.5 hours from Delhi to Leh.
Pros:
The quickest way to reach Leh.
Ideal for those who want to avoid long road journeys.
Cons:
Acclimatization is essential as you arrive directly at high altitude (11,500 feet). Spend the first day resting to avoid altitude sickness.
2. By Road (Via Manali or Srinagar – Scenic but Challenging)
Leh is accessible by road only during the summer months (May to October) as the mountain passes are closed due to heavy snowfall in winter.
a. Manali to Leh Highway (470 km)
Route: Manali – Rohtang Pass – Keylong – Jispa – Sarchu – Tanglang La – Leh.
Duration: 2 days with an overnight stop at Keylong or Sarchu (can take 15-18 hours of driving time in total).
Best Time to Travel: June to mid-October.
Attractions: Rohtang Pass, Baralacha La, Tanglang La (second-highest motorable pass), stunning valleys, and river views.
Pros:
Scenic drive with spectacular views of snow-capped mountains and valleys.
Perfect for adventure lovers.
Cons:
Roads can be rough and challenging in some sections.
Risk of altitude sickness due to high mountain passes.
b. Srinagar to Leh Highway (434 km)
Route: Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zoji La Pass – Drass – Kargil – Mulbekh – Lamayuru – Leh.
Duration: 2 days with an overnight stop at Kargil (takes around 12-14 hours in total).
Best Time to Travel: May to October.
Attractions: Zoji La Pass, Drass (second coldest inhabited place in the world), Kargil War Memorial, and Lamayuru Monastery.
Pros:
Relatively better roads compared to the Manali-Leh route.
Gradual altitude ascent, reducing the risk of altitude sickness.
Cons:
Still a long and tiring journey, especially through mountain passes.
Possible road closures due to landslides or bad weather.
3. By Bike (For Adventure Enthusiasts)
Route: Bikers often take the same highways as cars, either via Manali or Srinagar.
Best Time to Travel: June to mid-October (after the snow has cleared from the passes).
Duration: Typically 3-5 days depending on the number of stops.
Preparation: Ensure your bike is in good condition and carry essentials like spare parts, fuel cans, and warm clothing. A Royal Enfield or other high-powered bike is preferred for the rough terrain.
Pros:
Ultimate adventure experience with breathtaking landscapes.
Freedom to explore remote places along the way.
Cons:
Physically challenging due to long hours on the bike and extreme weather.
Must be cautious about altitude sickness and the rough terrain.
4. By Bus (Economical but Time-Consuming)
Routes: You can take buses operated by Himachal Pradesh Tourism (HRTC) or Jammu & Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation (JKSRTC).
Manali to Leh: HRTC operates buses in the summer (June to September), which take about 2 days with an overnight stop at Keylong.
Srinagar to Leh: Buses are also available from Srinagar to Leh during the summer season.
Duration: 2 days for both routes.
Best Time to Travel: June to October.
Pros:
Economical way to reach Leh.
Offers a chance to enjoy the scenic route.
Cons:
Long and tiring journey.
Basic amenities during the trip, with stops at remote places.
5. By Train (Up to Jammu or Chandigarh, Then by Road)
Nearest Railway Stations:
Jammu Tawi (approx. 700 km from Leh)
Chandigarh (approx. 800 km from Leh)
How to Continue: From these railway stations, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Leh, passing through Srinagar (from Jammu) or Manali (from Chandigarh).
Pros:
Ideal for those who prefer trains for the initial leg of their journey.
Cons:
Time-consuming since you will still need to cover a long distance by road after the train journey.
Travel Tips for Leh:
Acclimatization: Leh is at a high altitude (3,500 meters). No matter how you reach Leh, it’s crucial to acclimatize to avoid altitude sickness. Spend the first 1-2 days resting and avoid strenuous activities.
Road Conditions: Both Manali-Leh and Srinagar-Leh highways can have rough patches, especially after the winter thaw. Check road conditions before starting the journey.
Permits: You may need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) for visiting certain restricted areas around Leh (e.g., Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley). These can be obtained in Leh itself or online.
Each route offers a different experience, so choose the one that aligns with your comfort and adventure level.