Itinerary for Ladakh Perched high at the top of the Himalayas, Ladakh is one of the most popular destinations in India. Its name alone evokes the essential trip to India. Some of the routes suggested below around Leh are indeed breathtaking. Arid mountains with very jagged contours surround this ancient Buddhist kingdom. Splendid mountainside monasteries stand among stupas and are surrounded by “mani”, stone walls covered with sacred inscriptions. Colorful flags fly in the wind and prayer wheels evoke mantras… Going to Ladakh also means meeting a particularly welcoming population who perpetuate ancestral traditions. To fully enjoy it, you just need to be well prepared: the terrain is of course very rugged, the weather conditions are unpredictable and the high altitude requires a period of adaptation. Ladakh is worth it, but for experienced travelers and little adventurers, it’s a true paradise.
There are several possible Itinerary for Ladakh , depending on when you want to go there and what places appeal to you. Want to know which route is ideal for you? Quickly read our guide to the 5 best Itinerary for Ladakh your dream road trip.
If you want to visit Leh and Ladakh without having to worry about searching and booking hotels, transportation and places to visit, contact us we will take care of everything!
ROUTE 1: Delhi – Swarghat – Manali – Rohtang Pass – Keylong – Baralacha la – Sarchu – Tanglangla – Karu – Leh.
The journey begins from New Delhi on arrival, an overnight Volvo bus to Manali via Swarghat. You cross Kullu, and the green mountains under a clear sky become your faithful traveling companions!. The turquoise waters of the Beas River will accompany you throughout your journey.
A popular hill station, Manali offers panoramic views of the peaks. After having had your fill, treat yourself to a moment of swimming in the hot springs of Vashisht, or go paragliding in the Solang valley before dining in a riverside café. After a relaxing stopover in this small town, you are ready to hit the road.
The road from Manali to Leh is considered one of the most picturesque in the world. It’s almost a rite of passage for all adventurers, bikers and travel enthusiasts.
The journey almost feels like a thriller. You don’t know what awaits you around the next corner. The road stretches over 480 km and is open from mid-May to mid-October. You pass through charming villages, along glacial lakes and pass five passes, two of which peak at more than 5000m. The local population says that on this road, we are close to the sky! Arriving in Leh, relax and go visit the palace and admire the Shanti Stupa. You can also shop at markets known for antiques and inexpensive winter clothes. You will surely see women there who come to sell their local production while spinning wool. You can end the day by tasting a craft barley beer.
You can also explore Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso, the two most popular places in Ladakh. The Nubra Valley is known for its monasteries, arid deserts and hot springs. Pangong Tso needs no special description. A lake of ethereal beauty, and camping right next to it so you can watch the lake change color and nuance throughout the day. A highlight of the trip.
Duration: 9 nights / 10 days
Good to know: The average altitude of the Manali-Leh highway is around 3300 meters, with 5 high mountain passes on the way. It is therefore very important to tolerate the altitude for this route. Stay hydrated.
ROUTE 2: Srinagar – Dzojila Pass – Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh Ladakh – Fly to Delhi.
The other gateway to Ladakh is Srinagar by flight, a city on the banks of Dal Lake, a serene lake surrounded by high mountains. A stay in a houseboat on the lake is highly recommended.
The road to Leh passes through Sonmarg, a popular hill station located in a lush green valley fed by Himalayan glaciers. “The adventure” begins from Sonmarg as soon as you start climbing towards the first mountain pass of the route, Dzojila. In total, you will cross 3 passes on your route.
There are many things to see along the way, such as the Kargil War Memorial and the village of Nimmu, the confluence of Indus and Zanskar river at Nimmu. It is the confluence of the emerald-green Indus and the brown-water Zanskar. On the cliffside, the Lamayuru Monastery is another highlight. The landscape that surrounds it resembles the surface of the moon and has earned it the nickname “lunar country”.
As you pass through Drass, you will see the landscape change dramatically, with lush vegetation giving way to ocher mountains. The final stretch of the road to Leh is breathtaking, with barren lands on both sides and golden-colored mountains providing a surreal backdrop.
Duration: 9 nights / 10 days
Good to know: The most comfortable route to reach Ladakh is It crosses 3 passages and the climb is gradual, helping you to acclimatize naturally.
ROUTE 3: Delhi – Amritsar – McLeodganj (Dharamshala) – Manali – Jispa – Sarchu – Leh (Ladakh) – Fly to Delhi
Amritsar is a bustling city, home to the elegant Golden Temple, the spiritual center of the Sikhs. As grandiose as it is, the temple exudes calm and peace.
Amritsar is a bustling city. housing the Golden Temple, a place of pilgrimage for Sikhs. The flag removal ceremony on the Indo-Pakistani border, 30 km from Amritsar, is very topical. Every evening, soldiers from both countries carry out an orchestrated exercise with their respective flags. Don’t forget to indulge in some lip-smacking Parathas.
Dharamsala, a picturesque town surrounded by snow-capped peaks, serves as the residence of the Dalai Lama, which explains the predominant Buddhist culture. The charming St. John’s Church, Norbulingka Institute, Dal Lake and Namgyal Monastery are worth a visit.
Next stop is Manali, a very popular hill station. Visit Hidimba Temple, a sanctuary where history meets natural beauty. Hike to Jogni Falls, 25 minutes from Vashisht, where you can bathe in the springs. There are many adventure sports like rock climbing and paragliding. Or explore Manali and relax in a riverside cafe.
The Manali-Leh highway, the gateway to Ladakh, takes you through some of the most beautiful terrain on the planet.
As it is a long journey, you can break it at Jispa, a beautiful town located along the Bhaga River. Buried by clouds and dripping with greenery, it’s a place worth visiting in its own right.
You will pass through some of the highest passes in the world – Baralacha, Lachulung and Tanglang La. Stop at Suraj Tal Lake and watch out for the infamous Gata Loops.
Duration: 14 nights to 15 days
Good to know: This route offers a dose of everything in a short time – culture, history, gastronomy, adventure and landscapes.
ROUTE 4: Delhi – Leh (Ladakh) flight – Khardungla Pass – Nubra Valley – Changla Pass – Pangong Tso – Tsomoriri – Tsokar – Leh – Delhi Fly
After landing in Leh, you have to adjust to the altitude. Therefore, exploring the next day is a good idea. The city has many tourist options, including palaces, stupas, war museums and colorful markets.
Start the journey by heading towards the Nubra Valley. Being at a lower altitude than Leh, this will help you acclimatize. On this route, you will cross the Khardung La Pass, the highest passable road in the world, at an altitude of 18,380 feet.
It is one of the most surreal landscapes: golden sand dunes surrounded by high mountains. You can tour the desert by riding the Bactrian two-humped camel, a rare species endemic to this region.
Take a trip to Turtuk, a picturesque and offbeat village on the India-Pakistan border. It is one of the last Indian villages to perpetuate the traditions of the Balti people.
From the Nubra Valley, you can discover Pangong Tso – a lake with sparkling blue waters. Take a stroll along the lake and immerse yourself in its immense beauty. At night you can sit by the lake and watch the stars.
Later drive another lake Tso Moriri. Its remoteness means that few travelers go that far. It’s a great place for bird lovers and don’t forget to visit Tso Kar or Salt Lake, a lake whose banks are partially covered in salt crusts.
After an unforgettable journey, you can descend to Manali via Manali-Leh highway.
Navigating some of the most difficult roads, rugged terrain and shallow streams makes the adventure worth it. As difficult as it may seem, it is equally rewarding. The views along the way are worth it.
Duration: 10 nights to 11 days
Good to know: As you are flying directly from Delhi to Leh, you gain altitude very quickly. Make sure you acclimatize properly and take your time in Leh.
ROUTE 5: Delhi – Srinagar Flight – Kargil – Leh (Ladakh) – Khardungla Pass – Nubra Valley – Pangong Tso – Changla Pas – Tso Moriri – Tsokar (Salt Lake) Pang – Sarchu – Baralacha la – Jispa – Manali – Chandigarh – Train to Delhi
This route gives you the best of both worlds: Srinagar-Leh Highway and Manali-Leh Highway.
Starting from Srinagar, you head towards Leh, passing through Kargil. Along the way, visit the Kargil War Memorial and the Nimmu confluence – the meeting point of the Indus and Zanskar rivers. Stop at Magnetic Hill, a mysterious stretch where cars defy the laws of physics. Once in Leh, relax for the rest of the day.
The epic Leh road trip begins after a day of acclimatization and sightseeing. Moreover, during this trip you will witness the incredible Nubra Valley. On the way, take a break at Khardung La where you will come close to snow-capped peaks.
Sit by the most beautiful lakes in the world – Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri. Camp alongside them and stargaze all night.
Ladakh is also the land of exquisite monasteries. Sample Tibetan architecture at Hemis Monastery, Thiksey and Lamayuru.
The last moment is decisive as you take the Manali-Leh highway, one of the most exciting drives in the world. You will see nature in all its splendor!
Duration: 14 nights to 15 days
Good to know: As you come from Srinagar to Leh, the ascent is gradual, contributing to better acclimatization. Coming back, you take the Manali-Leh road, which is at a higher altitude. By then, however, your body would have adapted to the lower oxygen levels, making it easier to return.
Interested in one of the incredible, life-changing routes. Plan your trip with us and we will be more than happy to help you, whatever your needs!
Lovers of large virgin spaces, rich and warm human encounters, Delighted Journey invites you on a trip to Ladakh, on an accompanied or tailor-made tour, to discover a sumptuous natural setting and these invisible riches which are those of heart and mind. Listen carefully, you will surely hear the murmur of the gods and the breath of the universe!
A trip to Ladakh, a land of contrasts in relief, is a physical adventure towards the roof of the world, a dazzlement before the beauties of the Himalayas. The shades of ocher of a mineral universe dried out by ice, the green of its fertile apple oases, the incredible blue of its high altitude lakes, the white of the high snow-capped peaks of these mythical mountains create an incomparable setting for its monasteries, perilously perched on improbable rocky ledges. And we live there! A simple and frugal life, as monks should do, but a cheerful life, where dance and music have their place during colorful festivals. Don’t miss our departures in June, July and August to participate in the festivals of the Hemis, Phyang or Thak Thok monasteries. Masked dances then illustrate the deeds of saints or simulate battles between good and evil spirits.
A trip to Ladakh is a spiritual journey, a space of meditation which takes on its meaning by listening to the litany of monks reciting the tantras to the sound of gigantic conch shells, an encounter with men of preserved faith. Welcome so close to heaven for a stay where time stops and the mind is regenerated far from the tumult of our metropolises, where the air and nature are pure.
