If you’re planning a road trip to Leh Ladakh, one of the most beautiful regions in India, one of the most common questions that comes to mind is how many days it will take. The answer to this question depends on various factors, such as your starting point, mode of transportation, and the places you want to visit.
Starting Point: The starting point of your journey plays a crucial role in determining the length of your trip. If you’re traveling from Delhi, it will take around 2-3 days to reach Leh Ladakh by road. However, if you’re coming from other parts of India like Mumbai or Kolkata, it can take up to a week or more.
Mode of Transportation: The mode of transportation also affects the duration of your trip. If you’re traveling by car or bike, it will take more time than if you choose to fly directly to Leh airport. However, road trips offer an unforgettable experience that cannot be matched by other modes of transportation.
Places You Want To Visit: Leh Ladakh is blessed with some breathtaking natural beauty and offers various attractions like Khardung La Pass, Pangong Lake, Magnetic Hill and many more. Depending on how many places you want to visit and how much time you want to spend at each location will impact the duration of your trip.
The Ideal Duration for a Leh Ladakh Road Trip
The ideal duration for a road trip to Leh Ladakh is around 15 days. This gives enough time for acclimatization and exploration at various destinations along the way. Here’s an itinerary that covers some popular destinations in Leh Ladakh:
Day 1-2: Delhi-Manali (550km)
- Spend a day exploring Manali’s markets and temples
- Visit Rohtang Pass (51km from Manali)
Day 3: Manali-Jispa (140km)
- Visit Keylong and explore the local culture
- Experience the scenic beauty of Baralacha Pass (4,890m)
Day 4: Jispa-Sarchu (85km)
- En route visit Suraj Tal Lake and Deepak Tal Lake
- Sarchu is a high-altitude destination, so it’s important to rest and acclimatize here.
Day 5: Sarchu-Leh (250km)
- En route visit Upshi and Karu
- Visit Hemis Monastery in the evening
Day 6-7: Leh Exploration
- Visit Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, Thiksey Monastery and the local markets.
- Catch up on some rest to acclimatize to the high altitude.
Day 8: Leh-Nubra Valley via Khardung La Pass (120km)
- Cross Khardung La Pass, one of the highest motorable roads in the world.
- Explore Diskit Monastery and Hunder Sand Dunes in Nubra Valley.
Day 9: Nubra Valley-Turtuk-Nubra Valley(160km)
- Turtuk is a beautiful village located close to the Pakistan border.
- You can explore its unique Balti culture and enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Karakoram Range.
Day 10: Nubra Valley-Pangong Tso Lake (150km)
- Visit the famous Pangong Tso Lake, which is known for its scenic beauty and crystal-clear water.
- Stay in a campsite near the lake and enjoy the serene surroundings.
Day 11-12: Pangong Tso Lake-Leh via Chang La Pass (230km)
- Cross Chang La Pass, which is the third-highest motorable road in the world.
- Enjoy scenic views of Zanskar Range and visit Shey Palace and Gompa on your way back to Leh.
Day 13-14: Leh-Sarchu-Manali-Delhi
- Return back to Delhi via Sarchu and Manali
- You can take a flight back to your home city from Delhi or explore some more nearby destinations before heading back home.
In Conclusion
A road trip to Leh Ladakh is one of the most beautiful journeys you can experience in India. It’s important to plan your trip well in advance so that you can cover all of the must-visit destinations at a leisurely pace.
A 15-day itinerary provides enough time to explore this beautiful region while also allowing ample time for acclimatization. With proper preparation, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience on your Leh Ladakh road trip!