Road Trip from Delhi to Ladakh via Srinagar and Kargil
A Journey from Delhi – Patnitop – Srinagar – Kargil – Leh – Nubra Valley – Pangong Lake – Leh – Jispa – Manali – Delhi (3200 Kms)
Certain trips leave a lasting impression on our lives and make us yearn for more. For me, it was my road trip from Delhi to Ladakh via Srinagar and Kargil. Few years ago, I completed a 3,200 km journey from Delhi to Ladakh and back in 11 days.
Through this blog, I would like to share pictures and videos to give you a clear idea of the road conditions and all the important places you can see during the journey. I will also share some travel tips that can help you brave this challenging yet one of the most beautiful driving tours in India (and perhaps the world).
Check out the blog and plan your trip today.
Best Time to Travel to Ladakh
Usually, the roads to Ladakh remain operational from mid-June to September or mid-October. However, this year the highway was opened as early as mid-May. It is best to avoid the rainy season and plan your trip during the initial part of the season.
The Best Way to Do It
On this tour, you need to cross several high-altitude passes, including some of the highest motorable passes in the world. Traveling on these passes without proper acclimatization can be dangerous. Therefore, it is always advisable to travel from Srinagar to Leh and then from Leh to Manali. This route allows your body to ascend gradually and ensures better acclimatization for the later part of the trip.
Preferred Vehicle
To handle the narrow roads, sharp turns, and low-hanging cliffs of Ladakh, it is advisable to use an SUV with good ground clearance (a 4×4 vehicle is ideal). Although you may see locals using smaller cars like the Maruti 800, it is best to avoid them for such a long and challenging drive.
Road Conditions
Road conditions are generally good, except for a few stretches. It is advisable to start your journey early in the morning and travel at a relaxed pace, stopping at important places and sightseeing spots. In Ladakh, the sun rises early—around 04:30 hrs—and sets late, around 20:00 hrs, giving you ample daylight. You should avoid driving at night, unless it is an emergency.
Road Trip from Delhi to Patnitop
Quality of the road is good. For last 100 km, you might face heavy jam because of continuous movement of Army supply trucks. Also, the roads are not that broad. When in Patnitop, make a point to visit the Nag temple.
List of Toll Plazas and Fees
Panipat Elevated Toll Plaza (Haryana), Car/Jeep/Van: ₹40 (single journey)
Gharaunda Toll Plaza (Karnal, Haryana), Car/Jeep/Van: ₹195 (single journey)
Shambhu Toll Plaza (Haryana-Punjab Border), Car/Jeep/Van: ₹125 (one-way)
Ropar Toll Plaza (Punjab), Car/Jeep/Van: ₹60 (single journey)
Balachaur Toll Plaza (Punjab), Car/Jeep/Van: ₹65 (single journey)
Hoshiarpur Toll Plaza (Punjab), Status: Made toll-free as of 2022
Dausa Toll Plaza (Rajasthan), Car/Jeep/Van: ₹430 (Bhandarraj Toll Plaza)
Afseen Toll Plaza (THE INFORMATION HERE IS NOT AVAILABLE)
Lakhanpur Toll Plaza (Jammu & Kashmir, Car/Jeep/Van: ₹135 (single journey
The stretch is good for comfortable driving, but it’s pretty congested as it is open to both army and tourists. The ride would be tedious, but the stretch after Titanic point would be smooth and is worth all the effort.
View From Titanic Point
Must-Visit Places on Your Journey from Patnitop to Srinagar
Jahawar Tunnel and Titanic View Point
Jammu Kashmir Toll Plaza
Road Trip from Srinagar to Kargil
Roads from Srinagar, Ganderbal going to Baltal via Sonmarg is smooth. From Baltal till Gumri post, the roads are bumpy, and you may face traffic jams as the narrow roads can accommodate just one vehicle. After Drass (one of the coldest places in India) roads are wide and good and a treat to drive.
Must-Visit Places on Your Journey from Srinagar to Kargil
Sonmarg, Zojila Pass, Gumri War Memorial, Kargil War Memorial (Please note that there is a dress code for visiting this place, see detailed report below)
Ganderbal Entry
Kargil Entry
Road Trip from Kargil to Leh
Roads to Leh are pretty good; there would be several important places you will visit during this drive. And during the journey, you will also start getting a feel that you are driving in a mountain desert. Highlight of the drive is that the dazzling colours of mountains keep on changing after every 5 kilometers.
Must-Visit Places on Your Journey from Kargil to Leh
Mulbekh Monastery
Namik La Top (12198 Ft)
Lamayuru Monastery
Fotula Top – 13479 ft (Highest Point in Srinagar – Leh Drive)
Alchi Monastery (Entry Fee: For Indian -Rs 25, For International- Rs 50)
Likhir Monastery
Confluence of Indus and Zanskar River
Magnetic Hill
Gurudwara Shri Pathar Shahib
Spituk Monastery
Leh Entry: Rs 450 (Per Person)
The drive from Kargil to Leh enables your body to get acclimatize to the thin air. Also, during this journey, you can cover most important sightseeing places of Leh Region.
Leh Sightseeing
You can use this day to visit other famous sights in Leh:
Stok Palace [Where current generation of King lives, Entry Fees: Rs 50 (Small Children’s are free
Shanti Stupa (better to go there in the evening
Sindhu Ghat
Leh Palace
Jama Masjid
Hall of Fame
Shankar Monastery
Road Trip from Leh to Nubra Valley
Route: Leh to Khardung La Pass (39 km) – Khardung Village (34 km) – Khalsar (23 km) – Diskit (19 km) – Nubra Valley
Start early in the morning to avoid traffic jams at Khardung La Pass. Road conditions beyond the check post are generally good up to South Pullu, but the stretch leading to Khardung La Pass can be bumpy and muddy, with occasional ice-water puddles. Khardung La Pass, at an elevation of 17,982 ft, is the second-highest motorable road. After crossing Khardung La, the drive improves significantly, with smooth stretches beyond North Pullu and majestic views of Khalsar, Diskit, and Hundar.
Must-Visit Places on Your Journey from Leh to Nubra Valley
Khardung La Pass
Khalsar
Beautiful Sights You Must Capture
Diskit Monastery (₹30 per adult)
Hunder Desert
Camel Safari (organized at Hunder)
Camel Safari Ticket Rates
Tickets can be purchased at the counter. The rates are as follows:
₹200 for 15 minutes per camel (per adult)
₹350 for 30 minutes per camel (per adult)
₹600 for 60 minutes per camel (per adult)
Entry Fees
Karakoram National Park Fee: ₹30 per person
Nubra Desert Entry Fee: ₹30 per vehicle
Road Trip from Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake
It is a narrow road until you connect to Pangong Lake. The initial drive up to Agam is good. After Agam, take a left turn; from this point until Shyok village, the stretch is quite rough, as streams flow across the road, allowing water to pass underneath. From Shyok to Durbuk, the road conditions are good, and you will witness nature at its best along this 17 km stretch. From Durbuk, the drive remains smooth all the way to Pangong Lake.
Caution: I would not advise you to take the Nubra Valley – Pangong Lake route in the monsoon season. Instead, it is safer and more practical to return to Leh and take the standard Leh-Pangong Lake route.
Reason: Firstly, the condition of the road is largely unpaved and highly unpredictable. Secondly, multiple glacial streams (nallas) keep flowing over the road, which can be dangerously swollen during rains. And lastly, some patches of the road run very close to the Shyok River, almost at the same level, which can prove extremely risky due to sudden water rise or flash floods. Even locals and the army often advise avoiding this stretch in monsoon. I have seen water level marks on the hillsides well above the road, so it’s better to avoid driving here during the monsoon season.
Road Trip from Pangong Lake to Leh
Changla Pass
This drive is generally good, with the exception of a few rough patches, especially around Chang La Pass, due to melting snow and water on the road. The route passes through high altitudes, and snowmelt during warmer months can create these temporary conditions.
Places to See During This Road Trip
Chang La Pass – 17,688 ft
Chemrey Monastery
Hemis Monastery
Chemdey Monastery Hemis Monastery
Road Trip from Leh to Jispa
It is best to start this journey early in the morning. This stretch is a delight to drive—the roads are quite good, and surprisingly, you will encounter long plain stretches, though some sections are bumpy. From Sarchu to Jispa, the road condition is poor, but the experience is well worth the effort.
Must-Visit Places on Your Journey from Leh to Jispa
Shey Palace
Thiksey Monastery
Tanglang La Pass – 17,582 ft
More Plains
Lachulung La – 16,616 ft
Nakee La Pass – 15,547 ft
Gata Loops
Baralacha La Pass
Vishal Taal
Darcha
Road Trip from Jispa to Manali
Keylong
At some places, the roads are smooth, while at others you may encounter traffic jams.
Must-Visit Places on Your Journey from Jispa to Manali
Keylong
Tandi (last petrol pump on the Manali–Leh Road)
Rohtang Pass
Frequently Asked Questions
How Difficult Is the Drive from Delhi to Ladakh via Srinagar?
If you have experience driving in the hills, the only major concern is altitude. Otherwise, it is not a very tough drive, except at one or two stretches. However, avoid unnecessary overtaking and always follow traffic signs.
What Type of Vehicle Should I Take for a Road Trip from Delhi to Ladakh?
It is advisable to take an SUV or a vehicle with good ground clearance (4×4 is highly recommended). Avoid vehicles with low ground clearance or worn-out tyres.
Is the Road Trip from Delhi to Ladakh Safe for Kids?
Children generally acclimatize better to altitude than adults. However, it is not recommended to take infants on the Delhi–Ladakh road trip. In our group, the youngest member was 6 years old. It is advisable to consult your doctor before traveling with children.
Do I Need to Carry Extra Fuel?
Plan your journey according to your fuel tank capacity. The longest stretch without a fuel station is from Karu to Tandi (near Keylong), approximately 334 km. Otherwise, fuel is available at regular intervals. It is advisable to top up your fuel whenever possible once you leave Srinagar until you reach Manali.
Fuel pump locations: Kargil, Leh, Nubra Valley, Karu, and Tandi.
Do We Get Places to Eat En Route?
At major places such as Sonmarg, Kargil, Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, and Jispa, you will find decent restaurants. Elsewhere, Maggi may be the only option, and its availability is limited. It is better to carry dry fruits, ready-to-eat food, and extra water bottles. If kids are traveling, carry food they prefer.
Do We Need to Carry Medicines?
Carry all essential medicines and consult your doctor for additional prescriptions. Many travelers carry Diamox for altitude sickness; however, if you follow the Srinagar–Leh–Manali route, medication may not be necessary as this route allows gradual acclimatization. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. In case of severe symptoms, descend to a lower altitude immediately.
What Other Things Should We Carry?
Air pump for tyres
Tow rope
Good-condition spare tyre (stepney)
Torch
Puncture repair kit
What About Mobile Connectivity?
In Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, only post-paid connections work. BSNL offers the widest coverage. Airtel and Vodafone work only in major towns like Kargil and Leh. In Nubra Valley, only BSNL works. On the Leh–Manali route, there is no network from Karu until Keylong, except limited BSNL connectivity in Sarchu and Jispa.
ATMs En Route?
It is advisable to carry sufficient cash. ATMs are available in Kargil, Leh, and Keylong, but they may not always be reliable.
Vijayendra Thapliyal is the name behind Tour My India, one of the leading tour operators in India. Besides being a successful businessman, he is also a typical travel junkie who loves to explore the treasures concealed in different corners of India. When he is not on road, he is active with a pen sharing travelling experiences with many like him. With a keen interest in India’s rich cultural legacy, he loves to capture memories in his lens.
+91-9212777225
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