Ladakh Roadtrip (Srinagar - Manali)
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- Trip Duration: 13D / 12N
- Max altitude: 5359m / 17582ft
- Best Time: June – September
- Start/End point: Srinagar
Ladakh Roadtrip (Srinagar – Manali): Make memories of a lifetime in India’s mini Tibet !!!
Sitting at the zenith of the most coveted road trips in India is the Ladakh Road Trip. So set on to the most awaited dream road trip of your life with Altitude Adventure Holidays and make memories of a lifetime. Our exclusively curated Ladakh road trip from Srinagar will make you witness the most varied landscape and gradually gain altitude.
It is truly said that no camera can do justice when it comes to defining the beauty of Ladakh. This magical place needs to be seen and felt with your own eyes and heart and trust me the experience will be one of a kind when you drive through muddy uneven roads and barren landscapes.
It is always suggested to enter Ladakh through the road to get the most out of its experience. Yes, you can take a direct flight to Leh and visit Ladakh but half of the experience is already missed. So visit Ladakh like a true traveller who loves to explore rather than visiting as a tourist. Do not miss this journey of a lifetime and embark your feet on this adrenaline packed Ladakh road trip that age-old monasteries, ancient Aryan culture, spine-chilling Zozila Pass, one of an experience drive through the Magnetic Hill, white desert, sand dunes of Hundar, highest lakes in the world and breathtaking landscape that will make you feel that you are completely on a different planet.
If you are ready to ride to the roof of the world, adventure waits in every corner!
Sitting at the zenith of the most coveted road trips in India is the Leh Ladakh Road Trip. Set off on the most awaited dream journey of your life with Altitude Adventure Holidays and make memories that will last a lifetime. Our exclusively curated Ladakh road trip from Srinagar to Manali is highly comprehensive, allowing you to witness varied, dramatic landscapes while gradually and safely gaining altitude.
It is often said that no camera can do justice to the beauty of Ladakh. It must be seen and felt. Entering Ladakh by road allows you to experience the true essence of this region—navigating muddy, uneven terrains, spine-chilling passes, and barren landscapes. Yes, you can take a direct flight to Leh, but you miss half the adventure!
Embark on this adrenaline-packed journey through age-old monasteries, ancient Aryan culture, the thrilling Zojila Pass, the gravity-defying Magnetic Hill, white desert sand dunes, and the highest saltwater lakes in the world.
Overview
Ladakh is a dream destination that all are not lucky to witness in their lifetime so if you are getting an opportunity then do not give it a second thought and start exploring this magical region in India that you will never find anywhere in the world.
Max Altitude- 5359m/17582ft (Khardung La)
Duration: 12 Days
Best Time to Visit: June – September
The best time for Ladakh Road Trip is between June and September. During this time the weather is excellent, all the roads are accessible as the snow has melted, breathtaking views and stunning landscapes, absolutely clear mountain passes.
Point to be Noted: Seating arrangements will be rotated daily while in car so that everyone can enjoy the landscape. Stays at Hanle and Korzok will be bit basic compared to other locations but it will be neat and clean. Tour manager’s instructions need to strictly followed during the tour to avoid any kind of issues. Alcohol consumption is strictly NOT suggested once you reach Kargil. Though it’s a Roadtrip, little bit of walking is necessary to enjoy all the sights. Bit of physical activity before the trip will help you immensely. So please check on your fitness before the trip.
Suitable Age Group: The Ladakh Road Trip can be done by age groups between 9 years to 55 years. For minors make sure they are accompanied by their parents or guardians during the trip. If anyone is above 50 years old, we advise you to consult a doctor before going for this trip as we will be at high altitudes and please submit a medically fit certificate. Please make sure, your fitness level is very good, you should be comfortable with high altitudes and cold temperatures.
Highlights
- Cross Borders of History: Visit Turtuk Village, the last outpost of India that once belonged to Pakistan, boasting views of the Karakoram Range.
- High-Altitude Alpine Lakes: Witness the ethereal, color-changing beauty of Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri.
- Astrophotography Paradise: Stay in the remote, high-altitude village of Hanle (home to the Indian Astronomical Observatory) for unparalleled views of the Milky Way.
- The Aryan Valley: Step back 2,000 years in time by exploring the Dah Hanu villages, home to the descendants of Alexander the Great's army.
- Geothermal Wonders: Experience the barren mountains, vast meadows, and bubbling sulfur springs of the Puga Valley.
Itinerary
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Your Ladakh Road Trip with Altitude Adventure Holidays begins from Srinagar (1585 m). So on day 1 of the trip, you should reach Srinagar and check in to a hotel. If you are coming by train, then the nearest station is Jammu Tawi which is 248 km away from Srinagar. From there take a cab and reach Srinagar in 6 hours. If you are coming by flight then there is the Srinagar Airport which is connected to flights from all cities in India. if you reach Srinagar by afternoon, do not forget to watch the sunset from the Daal Lake and take a Shikara ride. Night stay at Srinagar in a comfortable hotel.
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On the 2nd day of our road trip, we will drive from Srinagar (1585 m) to Kargil (2676 m) via Zozila Pass, Dras, and Baltal. The distance travelled is 204 km which usually takes 5 hours but since there will be several stops it will take some time. We start early today after breakfast and from Srinagar, our first stop will be the enchanting meadows of Sonmarg. After Sonmarg, we will cross Baltal Valley. Baltal Valley is located just 15 km north of Sonmarg by the Sind River at the base of the Zozila Pass. After the Baltal Valley we hit the NH1 and drive towards the most awaited Zozila Pass. Zozila Pass is the gateway to the territory of Ladakh. The Zozila Pass is known to be one of the most dangerous mountain passes that lies at an altitude of 3528 m and is 25.8 km long. This zigzag road is extremely narrow at certain points where only one vehicle can at a time and remains completely closed during winter months. Please make sure that you need to cross the pass before 5 pm as after that the road closes. Make sure to stop by the Zozila Pass to have a look over the beautiful valley beneath that goes to Amarnath Yatra. After the Zozila Pass, there in another renowned stop – the Zero Point. After Zero Point, we will start driving towards Drass. Drass is a small Himalayan village in the Kargil region of Ladakh that is the coldest place in India and the second-coldest inhabited place on earth which has extreme weather conditions and brutal winters. After stopping at Drass for some time we will drive again towards the Kargil War Memorial which is a must-visit place in this region. This place will surely make you melancholic. From here we will check into a hotel in Kargil by afternoon. Take some rest and explore the beautiful town of Kargil. Do not forget to walk by the river and watch the sunset from there and take a stroll at the Kargil marketplace. Night stay at Kargil in a comfortable hotel.
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On the 3rd day of our road trip, we will drive from Kargil (2676 m) to Aryan Valley (3000 m). The Aryan Valley is almost 71 km in distance from Kargil which will take around 2 hours to reach. The Aryan Valley is known as the retired gem of the Ladakh region full of breathtaking rugged geography. The Aryan Valley is a must-visit place for those travellers who are interested in off-roading. From Kargil, we will begin our journey after breakfast and after crossing the Suru Valley, we will take the road towards Batalik crossing the Hambuting La Pass. The Aryan Valley consists of four villages – Dah, Hanu, Garkone, and Batalik. The Dah Hanu villages are more than 2000 years old from the time of Alexander the Great. It is believed that the inhabitants of these villages are the descendants of Alexander the Great’s army who chose to live in this region after Alexander retreated from the Ladakh region. The people living here consider themselves as the true Aryans who has a rich cultural heritage that is maintained today itself. In terms of the landscape, the Aryan Valley will give you a lifetime of experience that is considered to be a heaven for nature lovers. The valley is surrounded by the rugged mountains of Ladakh and the snow-capped peaks, pristine glaciers, alpine lakes, and shimmering streams which is indeed a sight to behold. We will explore the Dah Hanu villages for the entire day. You can also visit the Garkone and Batalik village. This valley also has a variety of wildlife and if lucky you can spot the snow leopards, ibex, and Tibetan wolves. If you are fond of flora, this is the only place that has multitudinous raspberry species. The Drokpa community lives in these villages and now they follow Buddhism. You can also visit the Chiktan Fort located in this valley. Night stay at a homestay in Dah or Hanu.
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On the 4th day of the road trip, we will drive from Aryan Valley (3000 m) to Leh (3500 m) via Lamayaru, Sindhu Sangam, and Magnetic Hill. The distance travelled from Dah Hanu villages to Leh is 187 km which will take roughly around 5 hours to reach. Driving through the magnetic hill is another experience of a lifetime and one of the prime reasons for coming for the Leh Ladakh road trip. We will start after breakfast and at first connect with the Leh Srinagar highway to drive towards Leh. Do not miss the breathtaking landscape throughout the drive today. Every point will surprise you with its unique beauty. Lamayuru is tiny little beautiful hamlet in the Leh district which is also known as the ‘Moon Land’ due to its resemblance to the moon’s surface. The main attraction of this village is the Lamayuru Monastery which is located at an altitude of 3510 m. This monastery was originally a Bon Monastery in Ladakh that also means ‘Swatika’ and is considered to be very sacred and holy place. You can also visit the oldest temple Seng-ge-sgang that is located at the south of the Lamayuru rock. This monastery is one of the largest gompas in the Ladakh region. From Lamayuru we will continue to drive to our next stop – the Sindhu Sangam. The Sindhu Sangam is the confluence of the Zanskar River and the Indus River that is located at Nimmu at the Leh-Srinagar Highway. Spend some time here and engulf the beauty of nature as much as possible. Our next stop will be Leh through the Magnetic Hill which is another unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else on earth. Overnight stay at Leh.
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Today we will stay at Leh and will cover the local sightseeing of Leh. Leh is the largest city in the Ladakh region and is connected to several spots in the Ladakh region. Do not miss the magical sunrise at Leh and after breakfast, we will start our Leh sightseeing. Visit the Leh market, Leh Royal Palace and the Shanti Stupa. We will visit Shey Palace which is 15 km away from Leh and is famous for the huge Shakyamuni Buddha statue. This place is also known as the summer capital of Ladakh and was built in the year 1645 by King Deldan Namgyal. Our next stop is the Thiksey Monastery which is 19 km from Leh and located at the top of a hill in Thiksey. The marvellous 12-storey hierarchal architecture of this age-old monastery will take your breath away and you will remain awestruck with the beauty of this Buddhist Gompa at such a remote location. Another important spot of today is the 3 Idiot Rancho’s School that became famous after the Bollywood movie 3 Idiots. Will return back to Leh and overnight stay at Leh.
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On the 6th day of our trip, we will drive from Leh (3500 m) to Hundar in the Nubra Valley (3160 m) via Khardung La Pass (5359 m). The distance travelled today is 125 km that will take around 3.5 hours to reach. However, with the beauty of the landscape today, you will simply forget about the time and is bound to make multiple stops today to engulf its beauty as much as possible. The roads to the Nubra Valley will look surreal and you will drive through one of the highest motorable mountain passes – Khardung La. Though you may stop here to capture memories but please do not spend much time here because of the high altitude. From here we will drive towards Khalsar to reach Diskit Monastery and the Sand Dunes. The landscape of the Diskit Monastery with the Shyok River flowing and the beginning of the cold sand dunes is a sight that you surely have never seen before. Here you will see the Red Sand Mountains and the White Desert and the lake around will have the perfect reflection. At Diskit, you will also see the large Maitreyi Buddha statue. Night stay at Hundar, Nubra Valley.
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On the 7th day of our trip, we will drive from Hundar (3160 m) to Turtuk Village (3001 m) and will come back to Hunder. The distance is 85 km one way. Turtuk Village is a very important destination and is sandwiched between the Karakorum Range and the Himalayas. This is the only region in India that is inhabited by the Balti people and was previously managed by Pakistan after which India gained control. Turtuk is also the gateway to the Siachen Glacier. This village has extremely beautiful landscape and you can see Pakistan's side from here. After spending some time here and having lunch we will return back to Hundar. Night stay at Hundar.
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On our 8th day, we will drive from Hundar (3160 m) to Pangong Tso (4225 m) via Shyok village. On our way we will drive through Durbuk and Tangtsee village in the Changthang region. The distance covered today is 240 km that will take around 6.5 hours to reach Pangong Tso. We will start our journey after breakfast and drive till Khalsar. From Khalsar, there is a bifurcation away from Khardung La and go to Shyok village. The Shyok River will accompany us all the way to the Shyok village. The river freezes in the winter hence the river is also known as river of death. Shyok is a picturesquely beautiful village by the Shyok River. From Shyok, our next stop will be Durbuk village and then Tangtsee village. Both of these villages falls in between Chang La Pass and the Pangong Tso lake. Finally from Tangtsee we will drive another popular destination of this road trip – the Pangong Tso Lake. The beauty of Pangong Tso is unparallel that cannot be described in words but needs to be felt with heart and eyes. The Pangong Tso is the world’s highest saltwater lake that appears complete blue in colour with stark contrast with the golden brown mountains at the backdrop. Night stay at tents in Pangong Tso. Do not forget to capture the Milky Way from Pangong Tso.
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On our 9th day of the road trip, we will drive from Pangong Tso (4225 m) to Hanle (4300 m) via Chuskul or Karu village. Hanle is one of the most high altitude villages in the Ladakh region at a staggering height of 4300 m. Hanle is a large historical village in the heart of Ladakh that has the world’s highest observatory. The Indian Astronomical Observatory is very sensitive as it close to the Chinese border. Many notable events and telescopes have been launched from here. It is located in the Changthang platue and has beautiful landscape all around. Night stay at Hanle village in a homestay.
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On our 10th day, we will drive from Hanle (4300 m) to Tso Moriri (4522 m) which is another high altitude lake in this region. Tso Moriri is a high altitude alpine lake in the Changthang Platue and is protected by the Tso Moriri Wetland Conservation Reserve. This place is famous for a variety of animals and birds – Marmots, Tibetan Wolves, and Migratory Birds. The lake is surrounded by high lofty mountains. Night stay at Tso Moriri in camps.
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Today our journey starts for Sarchu. We will visit Tso kar which is a saltwater lake famous for its birdlife, including black-necked cranes. Puga valley is today’s another interesting place to enjoy. Nestled at an altitude of around 4,400 meters, this remote valley is a hidden gem, offering breathtaking views of barren mountains, vast meadows, and bubbling sulfur springs. The valley is a significant geothermal hotspot in India. Today we will cross the renowned Baralacha La while reaching Sarchu. Sarchu is at the border of Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh on Leh-Manali highway. The place is known for its dramatic landscapes, it offers vast barren plains surrounded by rugged mountains. Our stay will be at Sarchu.
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Slowly our journey is about to end today as we drive to Manali from Sarchu. With the thrilling journey through Leh-Manali highway we will visit Suraj Tal, Bhaga river valley, Keylong, Sissu. After reaching Manali in the evening you can stroll around the mall road and collect some souvenirs.
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Today is the last of our trip. After the breakfast team will check out from the hotel. You can either take a bus from Manali or move to Chandigarh for flight or train at your own cost and arrangement. Its time to say goodbye with a heart full of warm memories of a lifetime.
So its high time to make memories of a lifetime in Leh Ladakh with Altitude Adventure Holidays!!!
What's Included
- Twin/triple shared rooms(as per requirements) at all places.
- Tempo traveller for the entire trip.
- Breakfast and dinner on all days.
- All permits.
- Local sightseeing.
- All drivers charge.
What's Not Included
- Any kind of bottled water.
- Any meals other than breakfast and dinner.
- Entry fees of any places of interest.
- Anything not specifically mentioned in the inclusions.
- Tips/rewards for hotel/homestay staffs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Starting your Ladakh road trip from Srinagar to Leh is highly recommended by experts. The Srinagar route offers a gradual altitude gain (from Srinagar at 1,585m to Kargil at 2,676m and Leh at 3,500m), which significantly helps your body acclimatize naturally and reduces the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
To comfortably explore the region, acclimatize properly, and cover all major destinations without rushing, you need at least 12 to 14 days. Our comprehensive Srinagar to Manali itinerary covers the entire circuit in 13 Days and 12 Nights.
Yes, it is generally safe for age groups ranging from 9 years to 55 years, provided they have good physical fitness. Because Ladakh is a high-altitude desert, travelers above 50 years of age are highly advised to consult a doctor and submit a medical fitness certificate before embarking on the journey.
Yes. While Indian citizens do not need a permit to enter Leh town, Inner Line Permits (ILP) are mandatory to visit protected border areas like Nubra Valley, Turtuk, Pangong Tso, Hanle, and Tso Moriri. (Note: Altitude Adventure Holidays handles all necessary permits for you!)
Hanle (4,300 m) is one of the most stunning, remote, and high-altitude villages in the Changthang plateau. It is home to the Indian Astronomical Observatory and is India's first Dark Sky Reserve. It is an absolute paradise for astrophotography and witnessing the Milky Way.
AMS is a common risk when traveling above 10,000 feet. However, our itinerary is carefully designed to start from Srinagar, ensuring a slow and safe ascent. Staying heavily hydrated, avoiding strenuous activity on the first day in Leh, and carrying prescribed AMS medication (like Diamox, after consulting your doctor) are the best ways to prevent it.
Absolutely! The weather in Ladakh is extreme and highly unpredictable. While the daytime sun can be harsh and scorching, nighttime temperatures at high-altitude lakes like Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri, and Hanle can drop close to freezing, even in July. Layering with thermal innerwear, fleece, and windproof jackets is essential.
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- Trip Duration: 3N / 4D
- Max altitude: 2,452 m (8,045 ft)
- Grade: Easy
- Start/End point: Dimapur
₹10,000.00 +5% GST
- Trip Duration: 6N / 7D
- Max altitude: 4,500 M (14,764 ft)
- Grade: Moderate
- Start/End point: Pokhara
₹17,000.00 +5% GST
- Trip Duration: 5N / 6D
- Max altitude: 4300 m (14,107 ft)
- Grade: Beginner
- Start/End point: Haridwar
₹12,000.00 +5% GST
- Trip Duration: 11D / 10N
- Max altitude: 4,587m /15,049 ft
- Best Time: Mid May to September
- Start/End point: Chandigarh
₹27,000.00 +5% GST
- Trip Duration: 5D / 4N
- Max altitude: 4270 m / 14,065 ft
- Grade: Easy to Moderate
- Start/End point: Manali
₹13,000.00 +5% GST
- Trip Duration: 19D / 18N
- Max altitude: 5,560m / 18,242 ft
- Grade: Hard
- Start/End point: Kathmandu
₹60,000.00 +5% GST
