A Guide to Plan the Delhi to Ladakh Road Trip

Introduction

What is Delhi to Ladakh distance? Happens to be one of the most important considerations when it comes to planning a trip to Ladakh especially by road.

The other important questions when planning Delhi to Leh Ladakh trip include which are the Delhi to Ladakh routes and which one is better? Where to break your road trip from Delhi to Ladakh and how much does it cost?

Let’s find out! Planning Delhi to Ladakh Trip: How to Travel

How to travel from Delhi to Ladakh

First thing first; before planning your trip from Delhi to Ladakh any further let’s quickly see the ways we can travel.

Delhi to Ladakh Flight:

One of the best and convenient ways to travel from Delhi to Ladakh is via Air. There are direct flights from the national capital to this majestic land in the North. If you prefer traveling by flight you will have to get down at the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport that’s located in Leh itself.

Delhi to Ladakh by Bike/Road

Taking a road trip from Delhi to Ladakh is one of the most preferred options for avid adventurers and travelers. This is a journey that almost every traveler loves to take.

There are two routes connecting Delhi from Ladakh and you can opt to traverse through any of them during your trip. One can either take the route from Delhi to Ladakh via Manali or Delhi to Ladakh via Srinagar. To know more about the Delhi to Ladakh by road you can click here!

Delhi to Ladakh by Train

Traveling from Delhi to Ladakh by train is another option that you can consider. There are two railway stations where one can get down, Jammu Jammu Tawi which is 683 km from Leh city, and the other one being Pathankot railway station which is 745 km from Leh.

Popular Delhi to Leh Ladakh Route

Embarking on a journey to Ladakh from Delhi is more about experiencing the adrenaline rush throughout the trip. To witness all the amazing sites that are on offer and enjoy clicking pictures of unfathomable beauty; people prefer taking a bike trip from Delhi to Leh- Ladakh. If you too are planning on that, here are the two major routes:

Route 1: Delhi to Leh Ladakh via Srinagar - Leh Highway

The best route to plan a Delhi to Ladakh by road trip is to do it via Srinagar. Not only do you get convenience on this route but also some of the most interesting and beautiful landscapes to capture. One of the biggest advantages of traversing through this route is the gradual altitude gain giving your body time to acclimatize properly for Leh and other high-altitude destinations in Ladakh.

Key information about the Delhi to Ladakh by road via Srinagar

Delhi to Ladakh Distance via Srinagar: 980 km (approximately)
Total Time: 3-4 days (depending upon a lot of factors)
Best time to visit Ladakh via Srinagar- May to October (it highly depends on the weather)
Route map to follow: Delhi- Ambala- Ludhiana- Jalandhar- Pathankot- Udhampur- Srinagar- Sonmarg- Dras- Kargil- Leh

Also Read: The Ultimate Guide On How to Travel From Srinagar to Leh by road

Route 2: Delhi to Leh Ladakh via Manali - Leh Highway

The other route that you can follow for your road trip from Delhi to Ladakh is via Manali. This is a bit more challenging throughout with lesser civilisation and sudden gain and drop in altitude. Nevertheless, this route is absolutely amazing and holds a lot of thrill for travelers.

Key information about the Delhi to Ladakh by road via Manali

Delhi to Leh Ladakh Distance via Manali: 1020 km (approximately)
Total Time: 4-5 days (depending on a lot of factors)
Best time to travel via Manali- June to September (it highly depends on the weather)
Route map to follow: Delhi- Karnal- Ambala- Bhuntar- Manali- Rohtang La- Suraj Tal- Baralacha La- Gata Loops- Nakee La- Lungalacha La- Moore Plains- Tanglang La- Karu- Leh

Also Read: The Ultimate Guide On How to Travel From Manali to Leh by road

Petrol Pumps Availability: Delhi to Leh Ladakh Road Trip

While you plan a road trip from Delhi to Leh Ladakh, knowing about the location of petrol pumps and the availability of fuel is of utmost importance. You would not want to get stuck somewhere just because you are out of fuel. So, here is an insight on fuel availability on Srinagar- Leh highway and Manali- Leh highway.

Petrol Pumps on Srinagar– Leh Highway

Finding a petrol pump on this highway is not a difficult task. You will find them at regular intervals and until Leh, you would not have to worry about carrying jerry cans or extra fuel. Refer to the table below for more information.

Route	Location of the Petrol Pump	Distance from the previous petrol Pump
Delhi- Srinagar- Leh Highway	Srinagar	You will get petrol pumps every now and then
	Ganderbal	18 km (approximately)
	Wussan	27 km (approximately)
	Gagangir	73 km (approximately)
	Kargil	133 km (approximately)
	Khalsi	121 km (approximately)

Petrol Pumps on Manali – Leh Highway

Whereas the Manali- Leh highway has a lot lesser petrol pumps especially after Manali. You need to keep a check on the fuel and also have to carry extra fuel for emergencies. Refer to the table below for more information.

Route	Location of the Petrol Pump	Distance from the previous Petrol Pump
Delhi- Manali- Leh Highway	Manali	Get your tank filled here!
	Tandi	110 km (Get your reserved filled too)
	Karu	345 km
	Leh	30 km

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

What are the stopover places on your trip from Delhi to Ladakh?

While planning your Delhi to Ladakh by road one should wisely come up with a good itinerary so that they can know their stopover places. Here are some of the places that fall on both routes. You can consider stopping at these places.

Routes	Stopover Places
Delhi- Srinagar- Leh Highway	Delhi, Ambala, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Pathankot, Udhampur, Srinagar, Sonmarg, Dras, Kargil, Leh
Delhi- Manali- Leh Highway	Delhi, Karnal, Ambala, Bhuntar, Manali, Rohtang La, Suraj Tal, Baralacha La, Gata Loops, Nakee La, Lungalacha La, Moore Plains, Tanglang La, Karu, Leh

Accommodation options during your trip to Ladakh from Delhi?

Places via Srinagar	Hotels
Ludhiana	Hyatt Regency and Radisson Blu
Jammu	Viraj Sarovar Portico, Radisson Blu, Ramada and KC Residency
Srinagar	Four Points Sheraton, The Orchard Retreat and Spa, The Heritage Group of Houseboats, Hotel Grand Mahal
Sonamarg	Hotel Village Walk, Hotel Rah Villas and Hotel Imperial Resorts
Lamayuru	Hotel Grand Moonland, The Himalayan Abode and Namra Hotel and Camps
Kargil	The Highland Mountain Resort and Spa, and Bete Guest House Trespone Valley Resort, The Kargil, Hotel Rangyul
Alchi	Alchi Resort, Uley Eco Resort and Hotel Alchi Zimskhang

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

Places via Manali	Hotels
Chandigarh	Hotel City Heart Premium, Hotel City Heart Premium, Lemon Tree, The Fern Residency
Mandi	Visco Resorts, Raj Mahal Palace
Kullu	Himalayan Hamlet Valley View, Hotel The Nest,Hotel Kullu Valley
Manali	Moksha Cottage, Hotel Himalayan Heights, Hotel Greenfield, Zostel
Keylong	JKTDC, Hotel Dupchen
Darcha	Rolling Stone Camping, Karma Cottage
Jispa	Padma Lodge
Sarchu	Dorje Camps, Himalayan Routes Camp
Pang	Sonam Pangri Restaurant and Motel
Tanglang La	Hotel Debring
Stakna	Shel Photang Towering Camp

Also Read: Hotels on Manali-Leh Highway for a cosy stay

Must-Visit famous places in Leh Ladakh

Destinations	Monuments	Monasteries	Natural attractions
Leh	Leh Palace, Leh Museum, Shanti Stupa, Hall of Fame Ladakh,	Lamayuru Monastery, Likir Monastery, Hemis Monastery, Phyang Gompa, Spituk Gompa	Pangong Tso, Magnetic Hills, Khardung La, Hemis National Park
Nubra	Maitreya Buddha	Diskit Monastery, Lachung, Hundur Monastery, Turtuk Monastery	Nubra Valley,Yarab Tso, Tso Kar, Tso Moriri, Hundur Village, Panamik Hot Spring
Zanskar	-	Alchi Monastery, Phugtal Monastery, Sani Monastery, Karsha Monastery, Lingshed Monastery	Zanskar Valley, Pensi La, Lang Tso, Stat Tso, Zanskar River
Kargil	Sculpture at Drass, Rock Cut Sculpture at Mulbekh, Kargil War Memorial, Kargil Museum	Mulbekh Monastery, Rangdum Gompa, Mulbekh Serdung Monastery, Tashi-Sgang Monastery	Dras Valley, Suru Valley, Wakha Valley, Dah and Hanu villages,

Permits: Delhi to Leh Ladakh

If you are traveling from Delhi to Leh Ladakh, then you do require a permit to enter Ladakh. Although, you have to obtain a permit to visit the restricted or protected areas of Ladakh. You are also required to obtain a Rohtang Pass Permit to cross Rohtang Pass if you are traveling from Manali. From Srinagar, you do not need any permit to visit Leh.

Another route to travel to Leh from Manali is via Atal Tunnel. If you are travelling from the tunnel then you do not have to cross Rohtang Pass and also no requirement of Rohtang Pass Permit. There is no need for permission to cross Atal Tunnel, but if someone wishes to travel in the night then prior permission is required.

Rohtang Pass Permit

It is compulsory to obtain this permit for a motorcycle and car if someone is traveling to Ladakh from Manali via Rohtang Pass. To apply for this permit you need to show a valid government-issued photo identity proof, a Pollution Under Check (PUC) certificate, and a vehicle registration certificate (RC). If any vehicles having wrong information mentioned on the permit as compared to the valid proofs will not be allowed to cross the barrier.

There are two ways to apply for Rohtang Pass – online and offline mode.

For online application, you can apply for the permit at the official website of Rohtang Pass Permit https://rohtangpermits.nic.in/. Apply for the permit online, pay the fees, and take the printout of the permit.

If you wish to apply offline, then you can visit the SDM Office or Tourist Information Centre in Manali to obtain the permit for Rohtang Pass. The vehicles are not allowed to visit Rohtang Pass on Tuesdays as this day is reserved for the maintenance of the Rohtang Pass. To know more click here!

What things should you keep in mind during the Delhi to Ladakh road trip?

There are a few ATMs after Manali and Srinagar, so carry enough cash for a road trip to Leh. To know more about the ATMs availability you can click here!
Carry sturdy and comfortable shoes
Carry enough warm clothes and prefer layered clothing.
Essential and prescribed medicines along with basic medications for fever, cough, and cold
Eatables such as dry fruits, chocolates, and biscuits
What clothes should you carry for your Ladakh Trip
Make sure your vehicle is serviced
The vehicle is in good condition
Make sure you will take need to get your bodies properly acclimatized
Make sure suspensions are in good condition
The vehicle’s engine oil, gear oil, brake fluid, and suspension oil should be changed if needed.

FAQs about Delhi to Ladakh by Road

Q: How far is Ladakh from Delhi?

Ans: The distance between Delhi to Ladakh is approximately 980 km if you take the Delhi- Leh highway from Srinagar and it is approximately 1020 km if you take Delhi- Leh highway from Manali.

Q: Is it safe to do a Delhi to Ladakh road trip?

Ans: Absolutely! Taking a Delhi to Ladakh road trip or even a flight will be just fine. Just consider a few things regarding medical conditions and AMS. You should always keep your safety as your priority therefore one point that should always be in your mind is starting off early and reaching the destination early.

Q: How much time does it take to reach Leh from Delhi on a bike?

Ans: It depends on a lot of factors, how much time you will take to reach Leh from Delhi but an ideal estimation is between 4-6 days from one side.

Q: Are there any permits required for the Ladakh road trip?

Ans: Leh Ladakh tourism has recently scrapped the Inner Line Permit that was required by Indian travelers to visit the protected areas of Ladakh. But The PAP which is a Protected Area Permit, is still required by foreign travelers. It can be obtained from the DC office or online from the website of Ladakh tourism.

Q: What type of vehicle should I take for the Delhi to Ladakh road trip?

Ans: If you are traveling from Delhi to Ladakh on a four-wheeler, it is better to take a jeep or any SUV with 4x4 wheel drive. Other than that, it is better to choose a vehicle with high ground clearance. This will help you while off-roading.

If you prefer riding then any bike that comes under the cruise segment or off-roading would be ideal and is going to be just fine. But that doesn’t mean people don’t ride other bikes. Whatever bike you choose, just keep in mind that it has a higher ground clearance so that you easily ride through the scrappy roads.

Q: Do I need to carry extra fuel for Delhi to Ladakh by road?

Ans: It highly depends on the economy and the tank capacity of your vehicle. Usually bigger capacity cars do not have a problem but when it comes to motorbikes, you need to be cautious. It also depends on the route you take to visit Ladakh. For bikers, taking the Manali- Leh highway should carry extra fuel before leaving Tandi because after leaving here, the next fuel station comes after approximately 345 km at Karu.

True, you can look for fuel in black, at Zingzing bar and other nearby areas but that isn’t a sure shot. So it is better to stay covered.

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Ladakh Tourist Guide