Ladakh—a dream destination for every traveler, biker, and explorer. Whether you choose a self-drive car trip or an adrenaline-pumping bike ride, the journey through Ladakh’s breathtaking landscapes, high-altitude passes, and serene lakes is truly once in a lifetime.
In this blog, I’ll share my personal experience, learnings, and tips to make your Ladakh road trip unforgettable. I’ll answer all the major questions:
✅ Is Ladakh worth visiting?
✅ Why should you do it?
✅ When is the best time to visit Ladakh?
✅ How to travel—by car or bike?
✅ How long does it take?
✅ What precautions should you take?
✅ Which places should you visit?
✅ How much does it cost?
And of course, I’ll include Ladakh bike trip details along with the Leh Ladakh tour guide to help you plan an epic adventure.
My Ladakh Route: Delhi to Ladakh & Back
This was a 3,200 km journey, and every single kilometer was worth it! Here’s my 11-day Ladakh road trip itinerary:
🚗 Day 1: Delhi → Manali (550 km)
🚗 Day 2: Manali → Sarchu (230 km)
🚗 Day 3: Sarchu → Leh (260 km)
🚗 Day 4-5: Leh sightseeing & rest
🚗 Day 6: Leh → Nubra Valley (160 km)
🚗 Day 7: Nubra → Pangong (230 km)
🚗 Day 8: Pangong → Tso Moriri (200 km)
🚗 Day 9: Tso Moriri → Sarchu (260 km)
🚗 Day 10: Sarchu → Manali (230 km)
🚗 Day 11-12: Manali → Delhi (550 km)
This route covered some of the most scenic and challenging roads in Ladakh, including Khardung La, Chang La, Baralacha La, and Tanglang La—some of the highest motorable passes in the world.
If you’re planning a similar Ladakh self-drive or bike trip, make sure to prepare well. Check out this Ladakh bike road trip guide for more details!
Is Ladakh Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! But how you travel makes all the difference.
🚗 If you’re driving or riding yourself – Ladakh is one of the most exhilarating road trips in India. Every turn opens up a new landscape, and the thrill of navigating mountain roads is unbeatable.
✈️ If you’re flying in – Ladakh’s sightseeing spots are scattered across vast distances (150 km+ between attractions), making travel tiring. The real beauty of Ladakh is in the journey, not just the destination.
Why Should You Do a Ladakh Road Trip?
Here’s why a Ladakh trip should be on your bucket list:
✔️ If you love road trips and adventure.
✔️ If you enjoy scenic landscapes, high-altitude lakes, and mountain passes.
✔️ If you want to experience Ladakh’s rich Buddhist culture and history.
✔️ If you want to feel the thrill of riding on some of the world’s highest motorable roads.
Check out this detailed Ladakh Bike Tour package for an epic adventure.
Best Time to Visit Ladakh
The best time for a Ladakh road trip is from May to September, when both the Srinagar-Leh Highway and Manali-Leh Highway are open.
📌 May – June: Best for snow-covered passes and clear roads.
📌 July – August: Warm weather, but slight chances of rain.
📌 September: Crystal-clear skies, fewer tourists, and stunning autumn landscapes.
I personally traveled in July and found it perfect—less crowded and just the right mix of pleasant weather and occasional light showers.
How Long Does It Take?
A Ladakh road trip can be done in 7, 10, or 15 days, depending on how much you want to explore.
✔️ 7 Days – Best for quick exploration via flight.
✔️ 10 Days – Covers all major attractions via road.
✔️ 15 Days – Ideal for a full Ladakh adventure, including Leh, Nubra, Pangong, and Tso Moriri.
I took 12 days, including buffer time, and it was perfect!
Essential Precautions for a Ladakh Trip
✔️ Travel in a group (minimum 3 people).
✔️ Carry extra fuel (5L camper).
✔️ Get a BSNL or Airtel postpaid SIM.
✔️ Always keep cash (₹10,000-15,000) as ATMs may not work.
✔️ Carry sunglasses, sunscreen, and warm clothes for extreme weather changes.
✔️ Know how to change a tire and carry an air pump.
Must-Visit Places in Ladakh
📌 Central Leh (2 days) – Leh Market, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, Magnetic Hill, Hall of Fame, Shanti Stupa.
📌 North Leh (3-4 days) – Khardung La, Nubra Valley, Diskit Monastery, Turtuk, Thang Village (Pakistan Border).
📌 South Leh (2 days) – Pangong Lake, Tso Moriri (less crowded, more scenic).
📌 Kargil (1-2 days) – Kargil War Memorial, Drass (2nd coldest place on Earth).
For a detailed Ladakh tour itinerary, check out this guide.
Ladakh Trip Cost Breakdown
Here’s a general idea of how much a Ladakh road trip costs:
💰 Stay per night – ₹1500 (budget) / ₹2500 (with meals).
🍽 Food per day – ₹750 per person.
⛽ Fuel – ₹16,000 (for a Delhi-Ladakh-Delhi trip, assuming 25 km/l mileage).
🎫 Permits – ₹620 per person.
🍻 Alcohol – ₹200 per beer bottle.
👉 Want a hassle-free tour? Check out Ladakh tour packages.
Final Thoughts
Ladakh is more than a trip—it’s an experience of a lifetime. Whether you take a Ladakh bike trip from Srinagar to Manali or a self-drive car road trip, you’ll witness some of the most stunning landscapes on Earth.
So, pack your bags, plan wisely, and get ready for an epic Ladakh road trip. 🚗🏍
👉 Want a fully planned trip? Check out these Ladakh tour packages and Ladakh bike trips.
Happy travels! 🏔️✨
