10 days Road trip route for Ladakh

Ladakh is a magnificent tourist destination included in India's Union Territory list in 2019 due to its strategic location on the border with Pakistan, Tibet, and Xinjiang.

It is an integral part of Jammu, and Kashmir is known as the land of high-altitude deserts. Located between the vast mountain ranges of Karakoram and Himalayas, Ladakh truly deserves to be called as a 'high altitude desert.'

Why visit Ladakh?

The place is known for its other-worldly landscapes and monasteries and is often referred to as 'Little Tibet.' When on holiday in Ladakh, you can experience a true sense of adventure in a serene and cool atmosphere.

It is a Buddhist pilgrimage site where Buddhists gather to see the beautiful monasteries and constructions built by Monks. The entire area is awash in the natural splendor that will take your breath away; there are glistening rivers, rock layers, and so much more.

This majestic city caters to the travel aspirations of varying individuals while offering affordable Ladakh tour packages, whether you are a newlywed couple looking for a romantic place, wildlife and nature enthusiast, an adventure traveler seeking thrilling activities, a spiritual seeker, or just a leisure traveler.

Whether on a motorcycle, a cycling adventure, or in a car, a road trip is the best way to discover this natural wonder. Let us share the itinerary in this post to assist you in exploring the hidden side of this enchanting wonderland.

How to reach?

A journey to Ladakh along treacherous and twisty roads is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Manali-Leh road and Srinagar-Leh road are the only ways to get to Ladakh. Both roads have unique characteristics, however, the Manali-Leh road is more difficult due to its high altitude, numerous river crossings, mountain passes, and over a hundred hairpin curves.

All action and environment enthusiasts aspire to travel along the Manali-Leh and Srinagar-Leh routes. Although the Manali-Leh highway offers three choices (branches) for getting to Leh, the Srinagar-Leh highway has three.

Moreover, the Manali-Leh route is accessible from May to October, whereas the Srinagar-Leh highway is operational from late March to November.

Day 1 & 2- Reach Leh

On an average it takes 14-15 hours to reach Leh be it via Manali (428 km) or Srinagar (430 km), and it is highly recommended to travel to the destination in couple of days for so that you have enough time to see some of the significant attractions enroute during the day, and get ample time to acclimatize to prevent altitude sickness.

While travelling between Srinagar and Leh, Kargil is the most popular halfway night halt spot. Tourists can stay in a variety of places, including Sonmarg, Drass, Lamayuru, and Ule.

Tourists stay in Keylong, Jispa, or Sarchu on the Manali-Leh highway. While hotels, guesthouses, homestays, and tents are available in Keylong and Jispa, Sarchu exclusively offers camping. Stays are offered at Sissu, Khangsar, Billing, Gemur, Darcha, Pang, and many other locations in addition to these suggested locations. 

Day 3 Leh-khardunga-Nubra

Early in the morning, drive to the highest motorable road, Khardungla Top which is approx. 40 km from Leh and explore the spectacular landscapes and further move to hunder which is at a distance of 87 km.

From Hunder, you need to go to Diskit monastery and visit Diskit village for some time to interact with the locals. Then you proceed towards Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Nubra valley guesthouse or camp out.

Day 4 – Nubra – leh

After spending the night in Nubra, you drive back to Leh the next day while taking in the scenery. The return journey will take around 5 hours to cover the 160 kilometre distance.

After you arrive, relax and experience Leh's street food while soaking in the local vibe.

Day 5 –Leh – Changla pass- Pangong lake

 Set off today for the spectacular Changla pass, which is 75 kilometres away and takes two hours to reach. At an elevation of 5360 metres, this high pass is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and provides a stunning view.

Take a trip down from the pass to the stunning Pangong Lake and immerse yourself in this natural wonder. The lake is beautiful and offers a vista that will take you to another universe as you fall in love with the place.

Day 6: Pangong – Hemis – Thiksey – Shey – Leh

Today you'll take the road out of Pangong and head to Hemis via Chang la which is 6706m, the highest highway pass on this trip.

After visiting Hemis monastery, you'll continue on to Thiksey where you will have lunch followed by Shey monasteries. In the afternoon we'll explore more of Shey, then back to Leh in the evening

Day 7 :  Leh – Mahe Bridge – Tso Moriri lake

Now you can sit and relax for a while as you prepare those bags to leave for your next destination, Mahe Bridge. This spell-bound place is located on the bank of Lidder river which is one of the tributary to Sind River.

So, now get yourself ready and start heading towards Tso Moriri Lake, which is also known as Rakshastal Lake. This is the second largest natural salt water lake in Ladakh and surrounded by grandiose mountains with snowcapped peaks and green valleys.

Day 8 : Tsomoriri lake – Tsokar – Pang – Sarchu – Keylong

After Tsomoriri, travel to Tsokar, a town near the lake, followed by a drive to Pang, where wild apple orchards can be found.

After Pang, the next stop is Sarchu, which is an important crossroads that leads to Keylong, the final destination of the day.

Day 9: Keylong – Rohtang pass – Manali

At a distance of 64 km from keylong is the famous Rohtang pass showcasing the eye catching view of the lahaul valley while surrounded by various galciers and mountain peaks.

After you experience the beauty of rohtang, end your day journey at manali.

Day 10: Manali – Your destination

On the final day, take all of your memories and go for your destination, promising to return because Ladakh still has so many amazing locations to see.