Ladakh, Travel Planning
Definitive Guide On Planning The Perfect Ladakh Road Trip
Ladakh, also known as the land of high passes, is a spectacle to behold. Travelling at these heights, the massive snow-clad peaks seem merely an arm’s reach away. The crisp clean air, the azure skies and the jagged mountains as the backdrop, all leave you awestruck. Go to Ladakh to witness the unparalleled sights, the monasteries atop the rough landscapes and the experience of meeting the locals.
Nestled in the extreme northern end of India, this region is also known as the Trans Himalayan region. The three dominant mountain ranges in this area are the Zanskar, Ladakh and the Stok and they mark the boundary between the Western Himalayas & the vast Tibetan plateau. Even at its lowest in the valleys (for instance, the Nubra Valley), Ladakh boasts of an altitude of 3050m/10500 ft.
Spread across a large area, Ladakh is a paradise for nature and adventure lovers. Most parts of Ladakh are absolutely barren due to scanty rainfall leading to no natural vegetation or indigenous flora. However, the people have learned to cultivate the land and you might see patches of green near settlements.
The people here follow Buddhism and for those interested in knowing more about it will find plenty of opportunities while visiting monasteries, conversing with the monks or even simply interacting with the locals.
Top Places to Eat
Best Restaurants & Cafe in Leh
Whether you’re an authentic wayfarer who travels to immerse yourself in the local culture or a city-dweller taking respite in the mountains, there is no denying that food is a major part of how satisfactory your trip will be. The most enjoyable trips can suffer from a dip in enthusiasm if the food is not up to the mark. Thankfully, Ladakh has no dearth of great restaurants with food that will leave your stomach full but wanting more.
From Tibetan food to continental food, burgers and pizzas to noodles, all sorts of cuisine are readily available, especially in Leh. Even in the more remote parts of Ladakh, food is not much of a problem and there is generally something available (maybe even on request) to suit your requirements.
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Top Hotels in Ladakh
With Ladakh becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination, the range of tourist facilities and infrastructure are also growing with every year passing by. There are hotels of all standards as well experiential accommodation such as camps or home-stays.
With the abundance of options available, how does one choose where to put up? Well, an easy way is to filter out accommodation based on your budget and preference. But it can still get confusing to choose amongst the various hotels in each category. We’ve made the process FAR easier for you by choosing OUR favourites.
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Self Drive Rentals
Bike
Key Planning Tips
Should I take the Manali Leh Route or Srinagar Leh Route ?
The Roads from Srinagar to Leh opens by May while the Manali Leh Section only opens by June
So the first question is which route should I take ?
- Should I take the Manali Side or the Srinagar side ?
- Or should I fly to Leh ??
If you are taking only one route then Manali side wins for people who love wilderness as after Jispa you enter high altitude area where hardly anyone lives till you descend down from Tanglung La. Some travellers feel nausea because of the altitude. It’s recommended that you spend at least 2 nights in Jispa. Failure to do so will result in spoiling your holiday.
Manali – Leh section is best for adventure / wilderness lovers
Srinagar – Leh side is best for people leading a sedentary life Or want more comfortable ride Or you are traveling with small kids
If you plan to cover both Srinagar and Manali side, then it doesn’t matter which side you choose first
Choose to fly to Leh, if you don’t like road journey or you are short of time
Another key factor is the number of days you have for your holiday. Ladakh holiday is unique and must be done at a slow pace for best experience. If you try to fit too many destinations and go at a fast pace, you will not enjoy your holiday.
The drive is best done at a leisurely pace, taking stops at where ever you like and just soaking in the nature, have a tea break or just stop by the stream.
Besides, the terrain is such that there is uncertainty due to elements of nature and one needs to keep some buffer in hand. I’ll elaborate that later but right now, am just providing key summary for your planning.
Ladakh holiday must be done at a slow pace for best experience.
When is the best time to go to Ladakh ?
- If you like to experience snow then go in April / May & June
- If you want more water crossing go in July & August
- If you like more peace and calm, go in Sept & October
- If you want extreme snow adventure travel in Jan & Feb
The experience also varies with Season i.e. in May / June when there is more snow in the high passes, it is more challenging to drive with narrow roads/ traffic and melting snow creates an additional challenge. You need higher skills to drive during this time. Where as when you drive later in the season say in Aug & Sept, then the ride is much smoother and dry, there is little traffic on the road and conditions are generally quite benign. So it is perfect for first-time and less adventurous people.
I’ll just conclude for Ladakh Holiday
Reaching destination is not the goal rather enjoying the drive is the goal. The drive is the holiday.
Self Drive Road Trip Packages
Extreme Winter Ladakh Trip
₹35,000 – ₹62,000
The Extreme Winter Ladakh Trip will blow your mind with mesmerizing landscapes. An incredible overland journey through the winter wonderland of India with a chance to view the high-altitude wildlife. Cultural activities are also at their peak during winters
Roof Of The World – Manali to Leh Road Trip
₹24,000 – ₹69,500
The 8 Day Manali to Leh Road Trip covers the most dramatic Manali Leh Highway which will simply leave you awestruck. Its ideal for families and groups who want a blend of comfort and adventure
The Great Himalayan Road Trip
₹53,000 – ₹63,750
This 18 days Self Drive road trip to Ladakh and Spiti covers the two Trans Himalayan Region in India. The Great Himalayan road trip covers the best of the two giants of the Himalayan region while taking the most scenic routes.
Mesmerizing Chandigarh to Leh Self Drive Road Trip
₹37,000 – ₹92,500
The Chandigarh to Leh Self Drive Road Trip (9 days) is a one way trip through the mesmerising landscape of the Manali Leh Highway. Ideal for those who are short of time and are looking for a blend of comfort and adventure
Sublime Ladakh Family Trip
₹28,500 – ₹70,500
This 6 day Ladakh family Trip begins with your arrival at Leh airport and ends with sweet memories of experiencing one of most stark landscape and the warmth of Ladakhi people
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Self Drive Road Trip Packages
Extreme Winter Ladakh Trip
₹35,000 – ₹62,000
The Extreme Winter Ladakh Trip will blow your mind with mesmerizing landscapes. An incredible overland journey through the winter wonderland of India with a chance to view the high-altitude wildlife. Cultural activities are also at their peak during winters
Roof Of The World – Manali to Leh Road Trip
₹24,000 – ₹69,500
The 8 Day Manali to Leh Road Trip covers the most dramatic Manali Leh Highway which will simply leave you awestruck. Its ideal for families and groups who want a blend of comfort and adventure
The Great Himalayan Road Trip
₹53,000 – ₹63,750
This 18 days Self Drive road trip to Ladakh and Spiti covers the two Trans Himalayan Region in India. The Great Himalayan road trip covers the best of the two giants of the Himalayan region while taking the most scenic routes.
Mesmerizing Chandigarh to Leh Self Drive Road Trip
₹37,000 – ₹92,500
The Chandigarh to Leh Self Drive Road Trip (9 days) is a one way trip through the mesmerising landscape of the Manali Leh Highway. Ideal for those who are short of time and are looking for a blend of comfort and adventure
Sublime Ladakh Family Trip
₹28,500 – ₹70,500
This 6 day Ladakh family Trip begins with your arrival at Leh airport and ends with sweet memories of experiencing one of most stark landscape and the warmth of Ladakhi people
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I want to go for a self drive trip in my own suv renault captur with my wife to leh ladakh via manali and return via srinagar.
So how can you help us.
Kindly sent a reply.