Srinagar to Leh Road Trip Guide

On the way from Srinagar to Leh-Ladakh by road, you will cover approximately 434 Km. There is only two ways to reach Ladakh, one is from Manali to Leh and the other is from Srinagar to Leh.

Your Road trip will commence from Srinagar, the highway is called the National Highway – 1D (NH – 1D) and is one of the most dependable ways to reach Ladakh.

Srinagar – Sonmarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil – Mulbek – Lamayaru – Saspol – Leh

1) Once you commence your journey from Srinagar, it will be around 85kms to reach Sonamarg.

2) From Sonmarg you would head towards Drass, via the Zoji La pass, which is another 62kms.

3) One can choose to stay at Drass or travel another 58 kms and reach Kargil, which also proffers decent accommodations.

4) This is then followed by a 110 kms drive from Kargil to Lamayuru via Mulbek, Namika La and Fotu La. From Lamayuru, Leh is approximately 125km that passes through Hangro Loops and Nimmu.

Srinagar – Sonmarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil - Batalik - Dah – Leh

1) Once you commence your journey from Srinagar, it will be around 85kms to reach Sonamarg.

2) From Sonmarg you would head towards Drass, via the Zoji La pass, which is another 62kms.

3) One can choose to stay at Drass or travel another 58 kms and reach Kargil, which also proffers decent accommodations.

4) After which drive for about 53kms and reach Batalik and then reach Leh via Dah. One needs to have an inner line permit to travel from Kargil to Leh, via Batalik and Dah.

1) Private Cars and Bikes

One can choose to commute this journey in their personal car or bike. In this case they have to take into consideration factors like petrol cost and vehicle maintenance.

2) Srinagar Leh JKSRTC Bus

The buses from Srinagar to Leh start at 8 AM and halt at Kargil for one night and reach Leh the next day.

In case you choose a   Deluxe bus, then the cost is about Rs. 1058 per person and for semi deluxe the cost is approximately Rs 670 per person.

The charismatic Dal Lake that stretches across a 26 sq km is a major tourist attraction. It is filled with narrow water canals, beautiful lotus and vegetable gardens and shops. Experience living in the middle of a lake, wake up to the glistening pearls and watch the sun submerge in the water, as you spend a day on a houseboat in the Dal lake.

One can enjoy a entire day trading through the lake, by booking a Shikara for a day. Admire the varied attractions like the Nishat Garden, Nasim Bagh, Hazratbal Mosque, Pathar Masjid and Shah Hamdan's Shrine while sailing in the Shikara. If you are with family and friends, Shikara makes an awesome picnic spot.

The 30ft tall, Maitreya Buddha sculpted on a limestone, is the popularity of the Mulbekh Monastery. The reason to visit the Mulbekh Monastery is to admire the wonderfully carved Buddha on the rock. This sculpture of Buddha overlooks the National Highway 1D between Leh and Kargil.

It is also well-known for its two gompas. The Mulbekh Monastery with its gompas is located on a peak and can be witnessed from the Srinagar-Leh highway. 

The Alchi monastery which based on the banks of the river Indus is the most important Buddhist centres in Ladakh. It is also regarded as the monastic jewels of Ladakh. If you are an admirer of art and culture then you should surely visit this Monastery. You will fall in love with the wall paintings made in the Choskor temple complex.

One of its walls has thousands of miniature sized pictures of the Buddha. The Gompa offers a very healthy atmosphere for its visitors; there are several restaurants, tea stalls and as well as souvenir shops around. 

Admire and find peace at the age old Lamayuru Monastery.  Take time and stopover to be in awe of the mesmeric vistas of Lamayuru, which are also known as the ‘Moonland’ Hills. The Lamayuru monastery was established by Mahasiddhacharya Naropa and belongs to Red-Hat sect of Buddhism. It is also known as Yung-Drung. The essence of the monastery is that it is an abode to almost 150 monks.

It showcases a variety of artifacts, wall paintings, thangas, statues and carpets. The 11-headed, 1000 eyed image of Chenzing here is very impressive. Moreover, Lamayuru is amidst a picturesque landscape and thus attracts a lot of photographers and trekkers.

The District of Leh encompasses around 45100 Sq. Kms and is one of the largest Districts in India. The Leh district is a mountainous region and has three parallel ranges of the Himalayas, the Zanskar, the Ladakh and the Karakoram. The mountains and the valleys of Leh make it a hub for several adventure activities. The Shayok, Indus and Zanskar rivers flow between these ranges making the vistas even more pleasing.

The place is renowned as the land of monks and the pristine monasteries are major attractions in this land. When in Leh, savour some scrumptious cuisines at places like the Lamayuru Restaurant, the Gesmo Restaurant, Shubh Punjabi, Little Italy Restaurant and many more.

So if you are wondering where to feed fuel to your vehicle. You don’t have to worry much, because on this route, it is easy to find fuel. As you drive through, you will come across several petrol pumps. On the Srinagar to Leh highway there are petrol pumps at the following places:-  

1) Srinagar

2) Kangan

3) Sonamarg

4) Kargil

5) Mulbekh

6) Wakha

7) Khaltsi

No matter how well we pre plan the expenditure, money always finds its way in and out of our pockets. On the road trip from Sringar to Leh route, you will find ATMs at the following places.

1) Srinagar

2) Ganderbal

3) Drass

4) Kargil

5) Leh

A mechanic is a messiah in times of need; let’s not waste time hunting for one, when required the most.  In case of emergency, one can find many mechanics and puncture shops on the Srinagar to Leh route. They are available at 

1) Ganderbal

2) Sonamarg

3) Kargil

4) Lamayuru

5) Mulbekh

6)  Nimmu

Mobile connectivity has become priority in today’s fast paced life.  So be well informed about the mobile networks that function perfectly in these hilly areas. 

BSNL and Airtel are the two service providers, having good coverage in Ladakh. Another thing to be considered is that only post paid works in Ladakh. None other mobile network will find connectivity here.

1) Hotel Greenland KargiL

2) Hotel PC Palace Kargil

3) Hotel D'Zojila

4) Panorama Guest House

1.      A sudden change in climate and atmosphere can hamper your health. Hence, it is sensible to stay at least for a day before you begin your journey. If you are with children or elderly, you may extend           your stay a bit longer. This will help everyone get accustomed to the surroundings.

2.      Try and maintain a cordial atmosphere when you visit the local villages, religious centres or other such places.

3.      Rules and regulations are imposed for your own safety. They help your journey be peaceful and joyous. Do not break any rules, while on this road trip. 

4.      The locals define the culture of a place, befriend them and enhance your knowledge. Treat them with harmony and respect and avoid hurting their sentiments in anyway.

5.      Exploring a new place becomes easier with proper guidance from experienced people. Feel free to take assistance from tour guides or organizers. 

6.      Preferably, eat less oily but healthy food like boiled veggies and meat.

Rules for Inner Line Permits for Indian Nationals

The inner line permit (ILP) rules for Ladakh tourism have been simplified. There are certain requirements to be considered like a valid photo ID and attested photocopies that act as a proof of Nationality (Passport, DL, Voters ID etc.).

 No inner line permits are now required to travel to places like Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri. However, there are some exceptions. In case one plans to cover a direct Stretch from Tso Moriri to Pangong Tso via Chushul route with a visit to Hanle, then one needs to give detailed information.

 It is important to mention Pangong Tso, Man, Merak, Chushul, Tsaga, Loma, Nyoma, Mahe, Hanle and Tso Moriri in the permit application. Similarly, it is mandatory to apply for an Inner Line Permit, if you are planning to visit Pangong directly from Nubra via Shyok, Darbuk, Tangtse.

Inner Line Permits for Foreign Nationals

The foreign nationals must obtain the inner line permits, if they plan to visit areas like Turtuk, Panamik, Khaltse, Pangong, Changthang, Hunder, Tso Kar and Tso Moriri and few others. Also, to visit Hanle, Chusul, Tsaga, beyond Loma bend, Chumur, Marsimik La and Batalik Sector, they must have the inner line permits.

Foreign nationals, with exception from Bhutan, Burma, Nepal and Pakistan, also need to obtain PAP or the Protected Area Permit to visit the above mentioned places. This permit is issued at the Leh DC Office and is allowed only to a group of four or more foreign nationals and is valid for 7 days.

While travelling Suru and Zanskar valleys, inner line permits are not required. However, this permit doesn't allow them to beyond Merek Village in the Mahe or Pangong village.

1)      Lack of appetite

2)      Nausea or vomiting

3)      Fatigue or weakness

4)      Dizziness

5)      Swelling of hands , feet, and face

6)      Insomnia

7)       Shortness of breath upon exertion

8)       Nosebleed

9)      Persistent rapid pulse or drowsiness.

10)  It is advisable that you carry certain medication and stay hydrated. If your health doesn’t permit, kindly go down to a lower altitude and take rest.