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Exceptional Leh Ladakh - "India's Own Moonland"
- Information
- Tour Plan
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- Additional Info
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What's included
- All Breakfast
- Professionally guided tour
- Personal expenses
A road trip to Ladakh is no small feat; it is well and truly the stuff of dreams. Ladakh’s soundlessness, cobalt blue skies, bright rainbows, and glistening lakes are pure magic. This road trip boasts iconic landmarks such as the highest motorable road in the world (Khardung La); some of the highest mountain passes in the world, such as Zoji La and Tanglang La; splendid scenic drives in remote regions; and some little-known gems, such as the Kaleidoscopic Plains, Lamayuru, and the hypnotic Gata Loops. It is truly a road trip like no other!!
Roads
This self-drive road trip is only for experienced drivers who are comfortable driving in India and skilled at driving in the hills. There are dubious roads, bumpy stretches, and unpaved mountain passes by the dozen (all details are in the daily breakdown below). Having said that, if you enjoy driving and are fond of road trips, it truly doesn’t get better than this. Look at these panoramas and those crystal-clear skies.
Food
Try to stock up on water and also on non-perishable snacks, including dried fruits, nuts, and cookies, before the road trip. However, there is no need to go overboard, as hot food is plentiful, cheap, and easily available. There are hundreds of dhabas (shacks) along the way, most of which cater well to vegetarian and vegan travelers. Expect to find paranthas (stuffed flatbreads) and sandwiches. As you begin to inch closer to Leh, you will start noticing a smattering of mok mok/momos (steamed dumplings), chowmein (an Indian take on traditional stir-fried noodles), and Maggi (instant noodles) on menus. There are also loads of mid-range and some truly exquisite restaurants in the bigger cities you’ll hit during this road trip.
Must Know Before You Travel to Leh, Ladakh
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- Leh Ladakh generally remains closed for more than 6 months, from November to April or mid-May, due to heavy snowfall on the mountain passes.
- Inner Line Permits are no longer required to travel the inner line areas of Ladakh from August 2021 for Indian nationals. However, permits are required for international tourists.
Permits for International Tourists: Foreigners will still need to obtain a Protected Area Permit (PAP) or Restricted Area Permit (RAP). This permit has to be applied to the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Leh with the required fees.
Vehicle Permit: There is no vehicle permit for Ladakh. However, a Rohtang Pass permit is required by all vehicles, including cars and bikes, when you are traveling in the direction of Manali to Leh.
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- Ladakh is a plastic-free union territory.
- Carry sufficient cash as there are no ATMs outside of Leh, and sometimes these ATMs won’t be operational due to bad weather and power issues.
- If you are traveling by flight, make sure you keep the first day for acclimatization in Leh before heading to other places like Pangong.
- While traveling on the Leh-Manali Road and the Leh-Srinagar Road, Inner Line Permits are not required. However, they need to contribute to the Ecology Contribution Fund.
- Exceptional Leh Ladakh Tour Plan
Day 1
Arrival in Srinagar
Arrive at the hotel in Srinagar. It’s a leisurely day today. Free day to explore Srinagar. Explore the city’s magnificent Mughal gardens and vibrant streets. Come together for an evening briefing and icebreaker. Only then will registration and other requirements be completed. Stay in Srinagar today and be prepared for the marvelous journey to cover the Srinagar to Leh distance.
Day 2
Srinagar to Sonamarg / Kargil
Today, we will traverse Sonmarg and Zojila Pass—a very difficult journey. See the second-coldest place in the world, Drass Sector, later. Optional: visit the Kargil War Memorial, the site of the 1999 war, to pay your respects to our war heroes. Upon arrival in Sonamarg/Kargil, escort them to the hotel. Check in and relax for the night.
Day 3
Kargil – Leh
After breakfast, on this day we get set for our drive to Leh. Since the entire route runs along the river’s bank, the ride is pleasant and smooth today. Along the way, attractions include Kargil, Lamayuru, Moon Land, Fotu La, Sangam, and Nimmoo. Later on, we’ll pass by Gurudwara Pathar Sahib and Magnetic Hill. Upon arrival, escort to the hotel, check in, and relax for the night in Leh.
Day 4
Leh- Exploration
Day off. Enjoy your day after breakfast and a late night. Go on an independent exploration of the city’s main attractions. You are liberated to explore Leh on this day without having to rush; the road captain will give you a list of the sites to see that day. The one you wish to visit is up to you to decide. Discover the Thiksey Monastery, Magnetic Hills, Leh Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, Hall of Fame, Shanti Stupa, Royal Palace, and neighborhood Tibetan market. leisurely evening. Enjoy shopping at the vibrant markets in the town. The hotel will serve dinner. Have fun while you’re staying the night.
Day 5
Leh-Khardungla Pass-Nubra Valley
Set out for the 18380-foot Khardung-La Pass. The world’s second-highest motorable road is open in all weather conditions. Passing through this road by bike is the most demanded journey all over the world. The Siachen Base Transit Camp will be the next stop. Visit the Diskit Monastery later. Savor the breathtaking scenery and see the Himalayan desert. Popular attractions in Hunder include the Bactrian Double-humped Camels, which serve as a reminder of the former Silk Road era, and dunes in the high-altitude, frigid desert.
Day 6
Nubra Valley – Pangong
After your good rest at Nubra Valley, visit the well-known “Three Idiots” location at Pangong Lake for a picture opportunity. Today, we’ll cross Chang La, the second-highest pass. All these places run along the Indonesian border. Explore a blend of cultures in these locations.
Day 7
Pangong – Leh
Early morning, enjoy the picturesque view of the sun rising over the lake. After breakfast, drive back to Leh; en route, visit Hemis and Thiksey Monasteries and Shey Palace. Overnight Hotel at Leh.
Day 8
Departure From Leh
After enjoying a hearty breakfast at the hotel, it will be time to check out and begin your journey to Leh Airport. We hope your time exploring the offbeat paths of Kashmir has been filled with unforgettable memories and adventures. As you make your way to the airport, reflect on the serene landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality you’ve experienced.
More about Ladakh
More about this tour
On the Srinagar to Leh trip, you will visit beautiful villages, war memorials, Himalayan valleys, Gurudwara, monasteries, and more. This is a comprehensive trip that exposes you to the various facets of Ladakh.
In this exciting Leh road trip, you visit spectacular locations. Be it the green fields of Sonamargh or the quaint and happy villages on the banks of the Sindh River, fill your eyes with the sights, sounds, and essence of Ladakh. Covering a distance of 434 km, this trip lets you understand the true majesty of Mother Nature’s creations.
