How to Reach Ladakh

General Info · About Ladakh · Ladakh History · People & Lifestyles · Religion & Culture · Leh Ladakh Map · Ladakh Travel Tips · How to Reach Ladakh · About Dalai Lama

By Air

Airline service operates regular scheduled flights to Leh from Delhi, Chandigarh, Jammu and Srinagar. From Jammu there are two flights in week and from Srinagar one in a week.

By Road

The 434-km Srinagar-Leh road, which remains open for traffic from early June to November is the main land route to Ladakh. The most dramatic part of this road journey is the ascent up the 11,500 feet /3,505 m high Zoji-la.

The J&K State Road Transport Corporation (J&KSRTC) operates regular Deluxe and Ordinary bus services between Srinagar and Leh on this route with an overnight halt at Kargil. Taxis, cars and jeeps are also available at Srinagar for the journey. Groups can charter deluxe and A-class buses for Leh, Kargil or Padum (Zanskar) from the J and K SRTC at Srinagar.

Recently, the 473-km Manali-Leh road has been serving as the second land approach to Ladakh. The Manali - Leh road weaves in and out among the mighty snow-clad peaks of the Western Himalayas over a stretch of nearly 485 kms. The road is open from mid-July to mid-October every year, depending on weather conditions.

Rohtang Pass
Manali is the starting point of this dramatic journey and Rohtang Pass(13,000 ft/3,978 m), 51 kms away is the first important milestone on the Manali - Leh road as it is the gateway to the Lahaul and Spiti valleys.

Keylong On its way to Keylong- the highest jeepable road and 115 kms from Manali, this important road, which was once part of the ancient trade route between India and Central Asia, wends its way through breathtaking mountain views via the Rohtang Pass, Gramphoo, Kokhsar, Sissu, Gondla, Tandi. One can also reach Kaza, the main town of Lahaul and Spiti
Bara Lachha Pass
Onward the road moves to the Bara Lachha Pass (height: 4892m /16,050ft), 73 kms from Keylong. Beyond this steep pass lies Sarchu, 43 kms away, in the adjoining state of Jammu and Kashmir. Now the trail hits the highest regions of Ladakh.

Zanskar Range
A camping ground in Zanskar, litle before Sarchu, Phalang-danda (a giant rock) marks the boundary between Lahaul and Zanskar. Sarchu has wide open places and treks to Phirtse la starts from here. Just 54 kms, ahead of' Sarchu the road crosses Tsarap Chu over a bridge. Then it climbs up to Lachalang la Pass( 16,600 ft/5,059m) Nearly 87 kms from Lachalang la pass is the Tanglang la pass-the highest point on this road. This pass is difficult to negotiate. By crossing this pass one enters the Central Ladakh.

Upshi
60 kms ahead of Tanglang La pass is Upshi--A junction on the Indus. The road bifurcates from here towards Rupshu and for Demchok, and little ahead at Kiari for Chang la.

Leh Leh - Headquarters of Ladakh, well known tourist spot with an airstrip is above 50 kms from Upshi.The roads leads to Khardung la (in north) and to Kargil (in west). Tourism, H.P. SRTC and J&K SRTC operate Deluxe and Ordinary bus services between Manali and LEH. The bus journey between Leh and Manali takes about 19 hours or two days with an overnight halt in camps at Serchu or Pang. Gypsy and jeep taxis are also available, both at Manali and Leh.

Internal Transport

There are numerous public buses in Ladakh, which ply on fixed routes according to fixed time schedules. However, the most comfortable and convenient though expensive mode of travel, is by taxis, cars, and Gypsy, which are available for hire on fixed point-to-Point tariff. For visits to the newly opened areas of Nubra, Changthang and Dah-Hanu it is mandatory to engage the services of a registered/recognized travel agency for making all the requisite arrangements including internal transport. Detailed information about bus schedules, taxi tariff, travel agencies, etc. can be obtained from the Tourist Office.