Petrol Pumps on Srinagar – Leh Highway: You Should Know Before Traveling!!

One of the major concerns of travelers going to Ladakh is the availability of petrol pumps on the Srinagar Leh highway, the Manali—Leh highway, and throughout the internal circuit. In the past 10 years, Ladakh Tourism has risen significantly. People can now freely self-ride and self-drive to various Ladakh tourist attractions. However, travelers still have to keep some things in mind.

We will discuss one of these problems that persist in every traveler’s mind throughout their trip. If you plan on taking a road trip to Leh-Ladakh via the Srinagar—Leh highway, this blog will help you learn vital things about the fuel availability or nearest petrol pump on this route. For those seeking a seamless and stress-free adventure, consider a Ladakh trip with the Leh Ladakh India. Their team of experts will alleviate any concerns about fuel availability and handle all aspects of your journey, including customization, petrol stops, and permits, allowing you to focus solely on enjoying your holiday in Ladakh.

Keep reading to know more about the petrol pumps on Srinagar- Leh Highway

Get to Know About Srinagar Leh road route

Srinagar- Ganderbal- Kangan- Sonmarg- Baltal- Matayen- Dras- Kaksar- Kargil- Mulbekh- Lamayuru- Khalsi- Alchi- Likir- Nimmoo- Leh

Should I be concerned about the fuel on Srinagar – Leh highway?

You shouldn’t be concerned if you need a one-word answer to this question. The Srinagar—Leh highway is highly developed, and you will have no problem finding a petrol pump on this route. Every now and then, at comfortable intervals, you will get the pumps, where you can refuel your vehicle.

Petrol pumps between Srinagar and Leh

There are several petrol pumps on the Srinagar – Leh highway. You don’t have to worry about carrying jerry cans or spare petrol on this route. Here is more insight into the same, where you will learn about the last petrol pump before Leh and the petrol pumps in Leh Ladakh. Below are the places where you will get petrol pumps on this route.

Petrol Pumps/Fuel Availability in Srinagar

Srinagar is a well-developed city in India. It has multiple petrol pumps spread across its territory. Finding a nearby petrol pump or fuel in Srinagar on the Leh—Srinagar highway would not be difficult. You can also instruct your Google map to tell you, “nearby petrol pump from my location,” and you’ll get a list of petrol pumps near you.

Petrol Pumps/Fuel Availability in Nagbal

Approximately 45 km from Srinagar and a few kilometers from Pulwama, you will find another petrol pump in Nagbal. This is a 24-hour working fuel station, known for its reliable service and good quality fuel. You can get your vehicle’s tank full here with the assurance of a smooth journey ahead.

Petrol Pumps/Fuel Availability in Ganderbal

The next place you will find a petrol pump between Srinagar to Leh will be Ganderbal. Both these villages are approximately 18 km from Srinagar. If you skipped fueling up in Srinagar and Nagbal, don’t worry; you can get your tank full at Ganderbal.

Petrol Pumps/Fuel Availability in Wussan

The following fuel station after Ganderbal is Wussan. This small village is about 12 km from Ganderbal and 31 km from Srinagar. Here, you can fuel your vehicle’s tank for your onward journey.

Petrol Pumps/Fuel Availability in Gagangir

You can get your tank full a few kilometers before Sonmarg at Gagangir, another village approximately 69 km from Srinagar. If your vehicle’s needle shows less fuel in its tank, fill it here. There won’t be any petrol pumps until Kargil.

Petrol Pumps/Fuel Availability in Kargil

Sonmarg still lacks a petrol pump, so after Gagangir, the next place where you will find a petrol pump on the Srinagar-Leh highway is in Kargil. This is a major town on the Srinagar-Leh highway with a well-equipped petrol pump. You will not find any petrol pumps in Dras or Baltal. So, fuel up your vehicle at the Kargil petrol pump, as this is the last petrol pump you’ll find before reaching Leh.

Petrol Pumps/Fuel Availability in Khalsi

After leaving Kargil, there will be another petrol pump/fuel in Khalsi, roughly 125 km from Kargil. Once your tank fills Khalsi, you will have no problem reaching Leh. It will be enough for the entire ride/ drive.

Also Read: A Complete Guide How and Where to Carry Spare Fuel for Ladakh Trip

Availability of Mechanics and Vehicle Repairing Shops on Srinagar Leh Highway

Now that you know the petrol pumps on the Srinagar Leh highway, the next important thing that usually concerns people is finding a mechanic. This highway is much more developed than the Manali-Leh highway, but there are a few patches where you would not want to get stranded.

However, it is recommended that you get your vehicle serviced before leaving your place. But, if you think you require a mechanic, there are places where you can find mechanics and vehicle repair shops on the Srinagar—Leh highway.

Places where you find mechanic shops between Srinagar & Leh for small faults

• Ganderbal
• Sonamarg
• Drass
• Kargil

Places where you find Vehicle Repairing shops between Srinagar & Leh For just fixing your tire’s puncture:

• Kangan
• Gund
• Baltal
• Lamayuru
• Mulbekh
• Nimmoo

Important Tips while Carrying Spare Fuel for Ladakh Trip

• When it comes to carrying spare fuel, safety is paramount. One of the safest ways is to use metal jerry cans, which are leakproof and trusted by army personnel. You can easily find them at any utility store, ensuring you’re well-prepared for any fuel emergencies during your Ladakh trip.
• If you don’t want to buy these cans, you can also keep 2 ltr cold drink bottles. They are leak-proof and have a narrow neck that helps you refuel easily and without spilling.
• If traveling in a car, you can either increase the number of cold drink bottles or fill up a 20-ltr water container. Just ensure it is leakproof because that’s the last thing you want on your Leh Ladakh trip (a leaking can).
• You can simply use plastic to seal the opening of the cans. This will improve the “leak-proof” availability and also prevent the petrol from spilling.
• No matter what container you carry spare fuel, just remember to fill up to 90% of the container’s capacity. Overfilling the cans can increase the chance of spilling the fuel.
• It is advised to keep a can covered while carrying it on your bike. This is because a pebble or stone might hit it and crack it while you ride, leading to fuel leakage.
• If you buy fuel in black, which is a common practice in some areas, it’s important to filter it before using it in your vehicle. To do this, use a thin cloth to filter the impurities. This will ensure that the fuel you’re using is clean and safe for your vehicle, reducing the risk of engine damage.

How is the fuel availability in Leh Ladakh’s inner circuit? 

In a few places, you need to carry reserves, whereas in other areas, you can go with a full tank. The fuel quality in the inner circuit of Leh Ladakh is generally good, but it’s always a good idea to carry a spare canister of fuel, especially if you plan on exploring remote areas. Also, if you do not want to return to Leh without completing your entire circuit, you will have to carry fuel.

How about the petrol pumps on Manali Leh highway?

The Manali—Leh highway stretches 365 km without a petrol pump. Once you leave Manali, you must fill your tank at Tandi. This is the last petrol filling station on this route before Karu. Although Jeeps, cars, and SUVs would not have a problem during this stretch, if you are traveling on a bike, you might just need to carry a can for an emergency.

If you want to avoid carrying cans, you can ask for fuel at Sarchu and Pang. But again, while filling the fuel, use a cloth as a filter.

Also Read: A Complete guide about Petrol Pumps on Manali Leh Highway

Can I carry fuel in any bottle?

The only thing you need to keep in mind is that the jerry can you use should be leakproof. It is better to carry the metallic cans used by army people.

Which are the routes in Ladakh where you need to carry spare fuel?

You will have to be cautious about carrying fuel on the highways and in the internal circuit. Here are some routes where you will have to carry spare fuel.

• Leh – Hanle – Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Sarchu – Keylong – Manali: This entire route is approximately 700 km round trip; therefore, you must reserve some fuel.

• Leh – Karu – Rumtse – Taglang La – Sarchu – Keylong – Tandi – Manali: This entire route is approximately 400 km round trip, so you need some fuel in reserve.

• Leh – Nubra Valley – Pangong Tso – Tso Moriri – Leh: This entire route is approximately 950 km round trip, so you must reserve some fuel.

• Leh – Pangong Tso – Tso Moriri – Leh: This entire route is approximately 700 km round trip; therefore, you must reserve some fuel.

• Leh – Nubra Valley – Pangong Tso – Leh via Wari La: This route is approximately 650 km round trip. Therefore, you need to have some fuel in reserve.

• Leh – Pangong Tso – Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Sarchu – Keylong – Tandi – Manali: This route is approximately 950 km round trip. Therefore, you must have some fuel in reserve.

• Leh – Pangong Tso – Hanle – Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Sarchu – Keylong – Tandi – Manali: This entire route is approximately 1075 km round trip; therefore, you must reserve some fuel.

• Leh – Nubra Valley – Pangong Tso – Hanle – Tso Moriri – Leh: This route is approximately 1075 km round trip, so you must reserve some fuel.

• Leh – Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Sarchu – Keylong – Manali: This entire route is approximately 550 km round trip; therefore, you must reserve some fuel.

Additional Information on Key Distances

• Srinagar to Kargil distance: Approximately 202 km
• Sonmarg to Kargil distance: Approximately 123 km
• Srinagar to Drass distance: Approximately 141 km
• Sonmarg to Leh distance: Approximately 340 km
• Leh to Kargil distance: Approximately 217 km

Also Read: Hotels on Srinagar Leh Highway for a cosy stay