Traveling to Ladakh by road is perhaps one of the most thrilling road adventures in India, or, for that matter, anywhere in the world. Traveling to Leh Ladakh by road involves crossing some of the highest motorable mountain passes in the world and driving through vast semi-arid plains.
During the Leh-Ladakh road trip, one can enjoy glimpses of the distinctive lifestyle of nomads who live in small settlements all along the way. Ladakh by road offers spectacular sights of barren mountains in the Great Himalayas and Zanskar ranges, sweeping valleys, and stunning panoramas. Colorful Tibetan prayer flags, prayer bells, monasteries, and the Tibetan Buddhist populace that one meets along the way are some of the unique aspects of traveling to the Ladakh region by road.
Srinagar-Leh Highway: Ladakh by Road
Srinagar-Leh Highway, also known as National Highway 1D (NH 1D), is 434 km long. It is a lifeline in terms of road connectivity between Leh, Ladakh, and other parts of India, en route to the to the Kashmir Valley. Although out of the 464-kilometer highway, 350 km don't have civilization, it is more reliable than the Leh-Manali Highway. On this route, you will be accompanied by the river Indus, which flows along the highway. On your way to Leh, you come across a number of passes. Out of them, three of the most important ones are Zozi La (3528 m), Namki La (3815 m), and Fotu La (4108 m).
