Leh Ladakh Road Trip | Delhi to Leh Ladakh by Road Guide

If you're on a Ladakh tour, you’ll likely pass through Srinagar on the way. It’s a beautiful city located on the banks of the Jhelum River and surrounded by Dal and Anchar lakes. Srinagar is known for its lovely gardens, peaceful waterfronts, and famous houseboats. It's a perfect place to relax and enjoy nature before heading into the mountains of Ladakh. With its scenic views and calm vibe, Srinagar adds charm to your journey and is definitely worth a stop during your road trip to Ladakh.

It is additionally known for customary Kashmiri crafted works and dried natural products. Ringed by a circular segment of green mountains, is the mesmerizingly peaceful Dal Lake, on which a splendid cluster of stationary houseboats shape a vivid scene and an exceptional open door for sentimental chill-outs and it is one of the best destinations to go while traveling Leh Ladakh by road.

Distance from Leh: 434 km

Translated as the Meadow of Gold in English, Sonmarg is located in the Ganderbal district. Situated in the finest regions of the Himalayan glaciers, this place is known for its majestic views of the Kolhoi Glacier and Machoi Glacier.

Being an alpine valley, it is a popular tourist destination with grassy meadows providing imposing views of the glaciers while taking a road trip to Ladakh. There are trekking routes from this place to numerous lakes such as Gangabal Lake, Krishnasar Lake, and Vishansar Lake. You can also visit the nearby Baltal valley and reach the Amarnath sacred cave.

If you are a trek freak, then check our list of best trek trails of Ladakh and tick this adventure off your list.

Distance from Leh: 342 km

Starting from the base of the Zojila pass, this is a Himalayan getaway like no other! Located in the Kargil district of Jammu & Kashmir, this place is also known colloquially as the Gateway to Ladakh. The Drass Valley is an adjacent land that runs along the Drass River and it is one of the best destinations on Leh road trip.

Distance from Leh: 283 km

On your Delhi to Leh road trip, this is another destination which you will be passing on your journey. A lot of you might have heard about this destination. Kargil is a region of Ladakh division in the Indian condition of Jammu and Kashmir. It is the second biggest town in Ladakh after Leh and one of the best destination in Leh road trip.

Located around 45km from Kargil over a hilltop, the Mulbekh Monastery is well-known for its two gompas. A revered place of faith, there are two sub-monasteries called Drukpa and Gelugpa within the premises. You can see the building from afar when on the Srinagar-Leh Highway. The highlight attraction here is the statue of Maitreya Buddha.

Built of limestone and measuring 30ft, splendid relics and frescos add to the beauty and spirituality of this gompa. This sculpture was believed to be the work of Buddhist missionaries to propagate the Buddhist faith. From atop the monastery, you get an aerial view of the surrounding regions  and it is one of the best destinations to go while traveling Leh Ladakh by road.

Check out our guide of all the best attractions and activities of Ladakh, so that you are aware of the things to do, once stepping on this surreal landscape on earth.

Distance from Leh: 180 km

Recommended Read: Road Trip to Leh Ladakh

If Ladakh is known as the ‘Heaven of Passes’, the Moonland is known ‘Heaven of Adventure’. This is one amongst the best places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir while doing a road trip to Ladakh. Often referred as paradise of the shutterbugs, the spectacular views of the region is sure to captivate its visitors.

The serene picturesque settings of the vicinity add to the enchanting beauty of the Moonland. Be it the scenic terrains, picturesque valleys or the stunning views of the surroundings, every element makes this place, a heaven on earth!

Distance from Leh: 114 km

On your trip from Delhi to Leh by road, there is another place which is a must visit for you. Located 70km from Ladakh, this monastery was known to be an ancient place for learning and preaching Buddhism. Situated on a flat ground, the Alchi Monastery was built during the 12th century. Inside the monastery are the structures Du-khang and Sum-tsek. There is also a temple on premises called the Manjushri Temple. Du-khang or the assembly hall of the monastery houses ancient paintings and also showcases numerous murals that depicts the various forms of Lord Buddha and it is one of the amazing places in your road trip to Ladakh.

Managed by the Archaeological Survey of India, this monastery is located in the picturesque Alchi village. On a tour to this sacred place, you can also visit the nearby village and witness the life and culture of the local people.

Distance from Leh: 70 km

Recommended Read: Mumbai to Ladakh Tour Guide

There is another destination which is a must visit for you on your Ladakh trip. Likir is a town in the Leh area of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is situated in the Leh tehsil, in the Ladakh region.  This village is mainly famous for the Likir Monastery which is just nearby the village. On your trip from Delhi to Leh by road, there is another place which is a must visit for you. 

The famous monastery was built in the 11th century and is known for the 75 m tall Buddha statue. The Likir monastery houses about 120 lamas. They also provide elementary education to around 30 students out of which some of them will be selected as Lamas.

Distance from Leh: 54 km from Leh

On your Leh Ladakh road trip, there is another place which you can’t miss in Leh. It is the Leh district, with a region of 45,110 square km, is the second biggest region in the nation, after Kutch, Gujarat. The town is ruled by the ruined Leh Palace, the previous manor of the illustrious group of Ladakh, inherit a similar style and about an indistinguishable time from the Potala Palace-the main living arrangement of the Dalai Lama. 

Soak in the amazing beauty of the region dotted with stupas and disintegrating mudbrick houses, the Old Town is overwhelmed by a blade of soak rough edge bested by a forcing Tibetan-style castle and fortification.

1) Mangan: Starting from Srinagar, the first petrol pump is available at Mangam, which is situated at around 32km from Srinagar.

Distance from Srinagar: 32 Kms

2) Sonamarg: The next refueling can be done at Sonamarg; around 80km from Srinagar and 48km ahead of Mangam.

Distance from Mangan: 48 km

3) Kargil: Make sure, you fill enough fuel in Sonamarg as the next petrol pump is located around 124km from Sonamarg or 204km from Srinagar.

Distance from Sonamarg: 124 Kms

4) Mulbekh: From Kargil, the next filling station lies in Mulbekh; around 40km, and 242km from Srinagar. Fuel stations are also available in Wakha and Khaltsi, which can be easily reached from Mulbekh.

Distance from Kargil: 40 Km

While on your Delhi to Leh by road journey there is another place which you will touch on this journey. Manali the land surrounded by the majestic hills and the forest is something which is a must-visit place in Ladakh road trip

for you. This quaint charming place has captured the attention of people around the world. One can see the pristine River Beas which flows right through the town making offering magnificent views. 

Manali is a popular hill station with attractions such as the Rohtang Pass and Solang Valley nearby. The best thing about this place is the snow which covers the whole region making it look like a cottony world. On your trip from Delhi to Ladakh road trip, there is another place which is a must visit for you. 

Distance from Leh: 472 km

Being the headquarters of the Lahaul Spiti region, Keylong is known to be a slice of paradise. A place with an abundance of greenery, you can easily find willow trees, rivulets and snowcapped mountains in this region. Whether you want to explore the scenic countryside or visit the quaint villages, Keylong presents you an eclectic mix of sightseeing locations on the Leh Ladakh road trip.

You can visit the flourishing Bhaga Valley and embrace the richness of the ecosystem when in Keylong. There are two important monasteries, namely Shashur and Gemur that you can visit as well.

Besides the Himalayas and the various biker trails, Ladakh is also home to some of the most beautiful lakes on the planet, don't forget to visit them on your Ladakh trip.

Distance from Leh: 357 km

Located along the Chandra River is Jispa, a paradisiacal place where uninterrupted beauty is the norm. Although tourists visit this place for an overnight stay, this region is filled with sightseeing locations. The open fields present perfect Jispa camping sites for travelers on the Delhi to Leh Ladakh by road journey via Manali to halt for an overnight stay. On your trip from Delhi to Ladakh road trip, there is another place which is a must visit for you.

The natural architecture that encompasses you when in Jispa is an inexplicable reality. Being a high altitude place, this place has an ecosystem that is characteristic of high altitude lands in excess of 10,000ft.

Distance from Leh: 335 km

The famous Darcha Lamayuru journey is an excursion that interfaces the far-off landscapes of Himachal Pradesh with the antiquated tints of Indo – Tibetans in Lamayuru at Ladakh. The path goes through a thrill-filled scene, snow-filled mountains, mountain passes, and towns. One gets to see snow-capped lakes and the wild murmurs of a few Himalayan untamed life, which includes few birds and mountainous animals.

This hard rocked journey of Lamayuru from Darcha will include several passes. On the journey you will cross a few water bodies like Chandra, Bhaga, Tsarap, Doda, Zanskar and Indus. The Darcha Lamayuru journey will take you along the Monasteries and gompas too.

Located in the Zanskar region and created within the high altitudes of the Himalayas, the Baralacha La connects Lahaul to Ladakh. Overlooking the pass is the beautiful Pir Panjal ranges, from this pass you can see the three valleys that surround it.

At over 16,000ft above sea level, Baralacha La is definitely one of the beautiful mountain passes in Ladakh region. Trekkers use this region to start their trek to the Suraj Tal Lake; be prepared to witness and interact with trekkers from different parts of the world within this route. On your trip from Delhi to Ladakh by road, there is another place which is a must visit for you. 
Distance from Leh: 282 km

Locally known as Sir Bhum Chum, Sarchu is yet another beautiful region surrounded by snow-capped glaciers and abounding greenery. Tourists during Delhi to Leh by road journey use the open fields to set up an overnight camping stay in Sarchu. 

This is a place to enjoy the riches of a unique ecosystem. At an altitude of 14,000ft, Sarchu posses an embarrassment of visually enticing scenery. The abundance of majestic mountains draped in a blanket of snow and the murmuring sounds of the rivulets add to the heavenly beauty of this region.

Distance from Leh: 242 km 

If you are on you Leh bike trip then you will definitely pass the Geta loops. It might be a bit eerie about this place but there has been a lot of stories on the ghost which is seen here. This road takes you to the top of the 3rd high altitude pass on this highway, Nakeela, at a height of nearly 16000 ft. and it is one of the best destinations to go while traveling Leh Ladakh by road.

Gata loops is known for offering some of the best views of the stunning region. One can see a number of water bottles while you pass this road. 

If you are planning a bike trip or looking for other information, then here is our guide for the best time to visit Ladakh on a bike only for you. On your trip from Delhi to Ladakh by road, there is another place which is a must visit for you. 

Distance from Leh: 218 km

While you are on your Ladakh tour, you will come across this another pass, Nakee la. Nakee la Pass is third of the five goes to be crossed while heading out from Manali to Leh. It is amongst Manali to Sarchu route or Pang. The tallness of the pass is 4750m. The pass is situated in the Manali-Leh-Highway,on approach to Manali from Taglang La. 

The surface of the street is cleared, however incorporates some hammer areas. Torrential slides, substantial snowfalls and avalanches can happen at whatever time and can now and again hinder a few segments of the street, being to a great degree risky because of regular patches of ice. On your trip from Delhi to Ladakh by road, there is another place which is a must visit for you. 

Distance from Leh: 214 km

If you are taking a trip to Ladakh you will come across another pass known as the Lachulung La. Situated in the Himalayas, on the limit between Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh lies the Lachulung La a high mountain go at a rise of 5,059. The pass, otherwise called Lachulung La and is navigated by the Leh-Manali thruway. It is open for just around four and a half months in a year in summer between May or June. It is one of the best places to visit in Ladakh in June and July.

The pass is found 54 km (34 mi) from Sarchu and 24 km (15 mi) from Pang. While crossing the pass, the traveler transports and cabs take a stop here a large portion of the circumstances, to give the voyagers a chance to respect the neighborhood common magnificence of the encompassing mountains. It is one of the most loved goes among the climbers and additionally trekkers.

Distance from Leh: 188 km

Settled at an elevation of 5328 m over the ocean level, in the Zanskar extend, Taglang La pass is the second most noteworthy mountain passes in Ladakh, the first being Khardungla Pass. It is the home of the roaming Changpa herder who can be seen grouping their cows and goats and it is one of the best places to see while traveling to  Leh Ladakh by road. The pass is adjoining the Leh-Manali thruway and is come to by means of 21 Gata loops.

The pass accommodates a beautiful view as it influences far from the principle parkway. Sufficient vegetation on both sides additionally cools the as of now chilled air and now and again, the sharp twists give only the adrenaline push adventurists need. On your trip from Delhi to Leh Ladakh by road, this place which is a must visit for you. \

Distance from Leh: 108 km

1) Manali

While in Manali, you can find an abundance of petrol pumps. This hill station town has a total of 6 petrol pumps.

2) Tandi

Moving 110 km from Manali, you can find a petrol pump in Tandi.

Distance from Manali to Tandi: 110 Kms

3) Karu

345 km from Tandi and 30km before Leh, you can also refuel your vehicles in Karu.

Distance from Tandi to Karu: 345kms

4) Leh

Arriving in Leh, one can also find quite a few petrol pumps. In addition to the few petrol pumps in Leh, you can refuel your vehicles at the petrol pump near the Leh Airport (25 km from Leh).

A convenient mode of travel while commuting from Manali to Leh by taking a bus. The smooth availability of bus service creates travel convenience for many people traveling from Manali.

Most of you might have heard about the beauty of this destination. Nubra valley is famous among the tourist around the world for its scenic beauty. This magnificent  Nubra valley lies 50 km north of Leh where the rivers, Shyok and Siachen and separates Ladakh from Karakoram Ranges. Don't forget to indulge yourself in camping in Nubra valley which fascinates thousands of visitors every year. 

The ultra-wide scenes, humongous mountain confronts, exquisite trails, the wide assortment of hues and melodic Shyok stream streaming middle the valley will blow your mind at first sight. The real fascination of an excursion to Nubra Valley is the most noteworthy motorable road, Khardung La Pass Being at a lower height than Leh at a normal elevation of 10000 Feet or 3048 Mtrs.

There are a lot of attractions that you will come across while you are on your Ladakh tour. Standing tall at an altitude of 14,000 feet, these hills are said to have some magnetic energy that can pull cars uphill. This hill lies on the Leh-Kargil-Batalik national highway and is bordered by the Sindhu River.

These mystic Magnetic Hills continue to amaze visitors with their strange phenomenon. The optical illusion created by these hills is a fascinating example of nature’s wonders. If you're on a Ladakh group tour, this spot is perfect for relaxing, sharing laughs, and sharing memorable photos with your travel buddies.

While you are taking Delhi to Leh by road trip than this is a must-see place for you. A Buddhist shrine that has relics at its base revered by 14th Dalai Lama himself. It is a magnificent white-domed stupa on the top of the hill in Changspa, Leh. It was built by Japanese Buddhist Bhikshu Gyomyo Nakamura in 1991.

The motive to build it was to promote peace as it is also a part of the peace pagoda program. It is one of the main attraction around Leh and it a symbol of love between the people of Japan and Ladakh. Summer is the best time to visit this place with the warm sun and clear blue skies. Tourist around the world visit this place to see sunrise and sunset which is simply enchanting.

If you are planning for that perfect Leh Ladakh road trip you might have definitely come across the name of this place. Khardungla Pass is the most noteworthy motorable street in the world. At a height of 5,359 meters this pass offers a portion of the best perspectives. Khardungla Pass is a vital door to the Nubra and Shyok Valley. 

The pass is another essential door to Siachen Glacier. A troop of around 10,000 stallions and camels explored this street every year on their approach to Kashgar in Central Asia. The pass is deliberately essential as a result of the strained Indo-China connection. Several bikers take this street day by day. On your trip from Delhi to Leh road trip, this place which is a must visit for you.

On your trip to Leh to Ladakh by road, this is another place which is a must visit for you. Known for its vivid wildlife this sanctuary definitely falls under the radar of the nature lovers and animal lovers. Located 40 km souteast of Leh untruths this stunning National park.The Hemis High Altitude National Park that reaches out more than 600 sq. km. is named after the renowned cloister, Hemis gompa. On your trip from Delhi to Leh road trip, this place which is a must visit for you.

The National Park includes the catchments of Markha, Rumbak and Sumdah nalas. It is known for some uncommon species like the bharal and the snow panther. This National Park is a must visit for you while you visit Ladakh.

While you are visiting this exotic destination, there is another place you would not want to miss. Established in the late fourteenth century as See-Thub ('Exemplary') Monastery, amazing Spituk Gompa reviews the Indus Valley with various mudbrick structures tumbling happily down a lofty hillock towards Spituk town. 

The monastery is around 5km from focal Leh, incoherently roosted neglecting the air terminal runway. Inside the fundamental religious community complex, the most attractive structure is the Skudung Lhakhang, with ambiguously Chinese-looking into swung corners to its plated rooftop. The brilliant old dukhang (Tibetan petition corridor) contains an unmistakably yellow-hatted statue of Tsongkhapa. 

Most of you might have heard about this magnificent lake in the Ladakh. Also called ‘White Lake' is one of the three high height salt water lakes in Ladakh. The Tso-Kar Lake is known as 'White Lake' on the grounds that the white salt of the water stores everywhere throughout the lake shores. This spot is very famous with the bird watchers. 

The range encompassing Tso-kar lake is rich with wildlife and birds. Be that as it may, the principle fascination among the birds life at Tso Kar is dark necked cranes

You might have definitely heard about this place while on your Leh Ladakh road trip. This is another place which falls in the Ladakh map. This place is a must-see on your Leh Ladakh trip. The Hall of Fame, situated close to the Leh Airfield, is an exhibition hall developed and kept up by the Indian Army in the memory of the warriors who had lost their lives amid the Indo-Pak wars. 

It is additionally named as a remembrance for the war saints. This building comprises of two stories. There are relics of different wars for the most part Kargil war, like the weapons utilized amid the war and some imperative archives, identified with the same.

A Detailed Travel Guide For Delhi To  Leh Ladakh

Hemis Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery (gompa) of the Drukpa Lineage, situated in Hemis, Ladakh, India. Arranged 45 km from Leh, the cloister was re-set up in 1672 by the Ladakhi ruler Sengge Namgyal. Hemis Gompa is the biggest religious community in Ladakh. 

The gigantic architectural structure of Hemis Monastery is remarkable and speaks to a particular style of engineering from the other critical cloisters of Ladakh. Hemis festival is one of the biggest festivals celebrated in Ladakh. An essential yearly celebration of Ladakh recognizing the birth commemoration of Guru Padmasambhava is held at this religious community successively for two days in June-July.

There is another monastery which is a must visit for you on your Delhi to Ladakh road trip. Within the Nubra region of Ladakh, Diskit is arranged at an elevation of 3142 meters above ocean level, and lies 15 km north-west off the Khalsar-Panamik course, at the edge of the abandon in Shyok valley. Diskit is well known for its fourteenth-century monastery, which is accepted to be the biggest and most seasoned cloister in Nubra valley. 

This monastery can be reached from Diskit town through a rough and dusty street that crosses a stream amidst the town. The monastery has a place with Gelugpa arrange or the Yellow Hat order of Tibetan Buddhism.

While you are heading out for your Leh to Ladakh by road there is another place you would not want to miss. Located at the Leh city, Leh Palace is one of the main tourist attractions in the Leh city. This palace is one of the tallest buildings of its time with nine storeys. One can enjoy the amazing views of Stok Kangri and the Ladakh mountain range. 

The building was started in the year 1553 and the construction was completed by the 17th century during the reign of Sengge Namgyal. The walls of the palace are building of stones, wood, mud, and sand. A statue of Lord Buddha graces the monastery of the palace. 

- Clothing essentials to carry are jackets, hand gloves, thermocot inners, socks, warm sleeping bags, chocolates, dry fruits, biscuits, camera and cell phones.

- Carry ample bottles of water and buy water whenever you stop by at dhabas.

- It is advisable to drive on a full tank as the density of fuel stations are very sparse.

- ATMs can also be found only in a few places. Make sure you carry enough cash to sustain any uncertain circumstances

- Foreign nationals have to obtain a permission called the Protected Area Permit and this can be arranged by a local tour operator during a trip to Ladakh.

Getting the inner line permit is not at all a tough task these days as everything is easily available on the websites. All you need to do is visit the website and fill up the details of your trip which includes the stay period, dates and more such basic details. Without an inner line permit, you cannot explore the wonders of this beautiful land. Apart from this, you even need to fill up the identification details like the Aadhar number.

The permit is valid for 3 weeks for the Indian nationals and 1 week for the overseas. Every time you visit Ladakh this permit is needed and is available at a nominal charge of INR 400 with an additional environmental fee of INR 20 per day. Though some of the major attractions do not require a permit, but destinations like Nubra Valley, Khardung La, Pangong Tso, Chusul, Hanle, Digger La, Tangyar and many more such places which mark the tourism of Leh could be toured only if you have a permit. You can either carry a hard copy or a soft copy of it!