14
Jul
Jul 14,2025
For the adventurer, biker, or traveller, Ladakh is heaven on earth. The trip over Ladakh's picturesque, high-altitude mountains and tranquil lakes is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience, whether you select a self-driving automobile adventure or an exhilarating bike ride.
In my blog, I will share my own journey, experiences, and information on a road trip to Ladakh, and what you can do to create an epic road trip excursion. I will cover all the important questions:
The Greatest Road Trip Routes from Delhi to Ladakh
The majority of adventurers dream of travelling to Ladakh from Delhi, and picking the correct route might make all the difference. When going from Delhi to Ladakh, there are two primary routes: the first goes via Srinagar, and the second goes via Manali. It is best to explore both routes on the way there and on the way back if you are planning a round-trip journey to Leh Ladakh. In terms of visual beauty, each has its own allure, and the trip is just as thrilling. So that you can choose your itinerary wisely, let's learn more about these routes.
Route 1: Srinagar to Ladakh from Delhi
- 1035 kilometers
- An estimated drive time of 22 - 24 hours (across 2-3 days)
- Travel route: Delhi - Jammu - Srinagar - Sonmarg - Drass - Kargil - Leh
- If you want a nice, quiet drive with a gradual rise in elevation, then the road travel from Srinagar to Leh is the best option for you.
The incredible combination of the astonishing Kashmir with the historical Kargil and dense Sonmarg valleys is certainly something you would like to experience together. The path is a remarkable way to adapt to the high elevations of Ladakh and provides stunning views of the Himalayas.
What Can We Expect?
- Weather: Be sure to double-check the predictions before you travel to Srinagar since the weather there can be changeable at times.
- Permit Requirements: Only foreign nationals need to apply for an Inner Line Permit (ILP), even though Indian citizens do not need any permit for this route.
- Road Conditions: The road conditions are challenging at times, especially in and around Zoji La Pass.
Why Take This Path?
- Better Acclimatisation: The hike is in stages, so the slow rise is a reason for the decreased risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
- Plenty of Stopovers: There are so many options for you to stop and rest, from rest areas, gas stations and snack stops.
- Scenic View: The tour takes you through many historical sites, including the Kargil War Memorial, Zoji La Pass, and more snow-capped mountains.
Route 2: Manali to Ladakh from Delhi
- Estimated Duration: 20 – 22 hours (over 2-3 days) Distance: 770 km
- Delhi – Chandigarh - Manali - Keylong to - Sarchu - Leh
If you want thrills and spectacular high-altitude passes, this is the best road trip in India. The road drive from Manali to Ladakh is the greatest adventure, because although it is more difficult and isolated, it gives some of the most stunning scenery on the planet. This is a thrilling ride, as you will be driving through high-altitude passes, namely Baralacha La, Tanglang La and Rohtang Pass.
What Can We Expect?
- Rapid ascent in elevation: It is important to acclimatise properly, as a rapid increase in altitude may cause AMS.
- Limited infrastructure: There are few shops, gas stations, and medical facilities after Keylong, so bring any items you may need.
- Weather and road conditions: Be prepared for unpredictable weather and poor road conditions after Sarchu.
Why Take This Path?
- More Adventures: This path is perfect for you if you are able to balance resting with small amounts of challenge. This path is ready for adventures since there are steep climbs, tight turns, and wildness everywhere.
- Less Distance: Even a short path takes the same driving time as a tough path.
- Atal Tunnel Benefit: The new Atal Tunnel avoids the Rohtang Pass and reduces trip time overall by more than 3.5 hours of driving.
Which Path Is Best?
- If you wish to enjoy the beautiful scenery, enabling greater acclimatisation to the heights, while, if your preference is to take a more adventurous and challenging return trip, the Manali route is ideal.
- Planning to use a round-trip ticket for Leh Ladakh? These two routes then represent the best of both worlds!
Permits and Documents Needed for a Road Trip in Ladakh
- Some places — especially those frequented by non-Indian visitors — require inner line permissions to visit, even if they are in India.
- Required documents are a driving license and vehicle registration, PUC certificate (Pollution Under Control Certificate), insurance, an official government ID (ID can be either an Indian passport, Aadhaar Number, or Voter ID) and inner line permits (for Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, Tso Moriri, etc). Inner line permits are available online or at the Leh DC office.
- Pro Tip: You will need these documents at different checkpoints, so make copies of them. Why not make 4-5 photocopies down the line?
Cost Breakdown for a Road Trip to Ladakh
Are you contemplating a vacation in Leh Ladakh? For an approximate road trip of ten to twelve days duration, the estimated cost is as follows:
- The fuel estimated total is between Rs. 8,000 and Rs. 12,000, depending on the miles and route to take.
- Accommodation, budget accommodations ( boutique hotels) can be charged between Rs. 1000 and Rs. 6000 per night,
- Food cost, daily charge can be between Rs. 500 to Rs. 1500.
- Inner line permit, ₹400 each,
- Bike/car rentals, if needed, the bike will cost between ₹1500-₹3000 per day rental charge. For SUVs - ₹3500-₹5000 rental charge per day.
- Lastly, excluding shopping and extras, the total expense incurred in planning a vacation in Ladakh can be between ₹25000 - ₹50000 per person.
Crucial Advice for Road Trips
- The key is acclimatisation: Stay hydrated, do not use alcohol, and pack altitude sickness medication in case you need it. You can help prepare your body's energy to sightsee a higher altitude after a day or so resting in Leh.
- Pack well: you will also need waterproof jackets, balaclavas, gloves, and durable shoes in addition to the layers of clothing you will need for any weather.
- Cash: There are very few ATMs outside of Leh, and most places do not take card payment, only cash.
- Offline maps: Ladakh has very poor mobile and data network coverage, so you should download offline maps of the area.
- Emergency contact numbers: Write down the BRO hotline number and local police number in case you need to.
Conclusion
In the above details, we give you proper information regarding your trip. We hope that this information will help you, and if you want a Ladakh tour package at an affordable rate, then don’t worry. At Dream Travel Yaari, we provide you with the best packages with a proper itinerary. So book now!
FAQs
What is the best time for a Ladakh road trip?
The perfect time for a Ladakh road trip is between May to September. These are the perfect months because the roads are open, weather conditions are just “wow”, and tourist attractions are accessible.
What is the approximate cost of a Ladakh road trip?
The cost of a Ladakh road trip varies depending on the vehicle, number of days, and accommodation.
But I will give you some hints on the cost, like on average:
- Bike trip (per person): ₹15,000–₹30,000
- Car/SUV trip (per person): ₹20,000–₹40,000
But it may go higher depending on the place.
Do I need any permits for Ladakh?
Yes, it depends on the nationalities, like for Indian people, they need Inner Line Permits (ILP) and for foreign nationals, they need a Protected Area Permit (PAP) to visit areas like Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, and Tso Moriri. These permit can be obtained online or in Leh.
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