Ladakh is called the adventure capital of the country for a genuine reason. The geographical location of the place makes it an ultimate destination for anyone looking for an adrenaline-filled vacation.
Ladakh is one of the very few destinations in the world where the entertainment starts the moment you begin your travel towards it. Thanks to the scenic routes, the travel to Ladakh is as exciting as your vacation.
The land is bestowed with mountains, valleys, snow, cold desert, frozen lakes, trekking routes, rivers, mountain passes and so on. If you have picked Ladakh as your next destination, you are in for an exciting vacation.
By Air
The easiest way to travel to Ladakh is by air. The nearest airport is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport located in Leh. This airport is connected with many international airports in India, like Delhi. It also receives flights from Srinagar, Jammu, Chandigarh, and other common destinations in India.
The airport is a military terminal and thus, the security is a bit stringent. It is important to have all your documents ready when you enter Ladakh via the airport. It is better to have a hard copy of your e-ticket.
You can find a few taxis outside the airport to reach the required destination. Not all destinations have daily flights to Leh. It is better to book your accommodations after you book your tickets.
The most common flights to Leh fly from Delhi. The cost of an air ticket from Delhi to Leh starts from INR 8,000. The cost varies with the service provider, season, and other factors.
By Bus
There are government and private buses from Srinagar and Manali. If you are choosing Srinagar, you will pass through Zoji La Pass to reach Ladakh, and you will scale Rohtang Pass to reach Ladakh from Manali.
The Srinagar path is open from June to October for bus travel. The Manali route is open for bus routes from June to September. If you were planning to hire a bus from New Delhi, it would take a minimum of 4 days to reach Ladakh
By Train
The nearest railway station to Ladakh is in Tawi, which is 700 km away from Ladakh. This railway station receives trains from many important destinations like Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, and others. From the station, you can find cabs to reach Ladakh.
You can also pre-book cabs. It would take two days to reach Ladakh, and the trip will cost INR 10,000. Other nearest railway stations are in Chandigarh and Pathankot. It would take at least three days to reach Ladakh from the railway station. This is the most inconvenient method to reach Ladakh.
By Bike
Most tourists visit Ladakh by bike. The place has the world’s three highest mountain passes that can be scaled on a vehicle. Biking along the mountain passes and stopping for a steaming cup of tea is the iconic activity of this place. If you are planning to travel to Leh via bike, you can choose one of two routes.
Leh – Srinagar Highway
Srinagar is 434 km away from Leh. The route covers Sonmarg, Zozi La, Drass, Kargil, Mulbek, Lamayaru and Saspol before reaching Leh. This route is open from May to October. It is the most scenic route with many attractions in its path.
Leh – Manali Highway
This route stretches 490 km, covering Rohtang, Gramphu, Kokshar, Darcha, Baralacha La, Gata Loops, Lachulung La, Tanglang La, Gya and Karu on the way. This route is open from May to September.
If you are planning to reach Ladakh on a bike, choose a brand that can easily take you through rocky terrains. It is better to choose a bike with higher displacement.
The most common bikes opted for are Royal Enfield, Hero Impulse, KTM Duke, Bajaj Avenger, and others. You can hire bikes from Srinagar or Manali at a minimum cost of INR 1,700 per day. The cost of the bike varies with service provider, brand, quality, season, and others. The documents required for hiring a bike also vary between service providers.
By Jeep
Anyone wanting to enjoy the adrenaline rush of a bike ride but not able to handle the activity can choose a jeep. A jeep ride is easier than a bike ride and more comfortable. You can choose either one of the highway routes as mentioned before.
If you are choosing a jeep, you ought to visit Zoji La, the door of Ladakh that is found on the way from Kargil to Ladakh in the Kashmir Valley. The price of a jeep safari can start from INR 32,000, and the price is subject to change.
By Taxi
You can hire taxis from Manali to Leh. Bargain before you agree upon a charge. It would cost a minimum of INR 12,000. Hire local drivers as they have more experience in driving through the rocky terrain. If you are choosing a taxi from Manali to reach Leh, you can hire cars with Manali registration or any other registration.
If you are planning to use the same car for sightseeing inside Leh, you ought to have a car registered in Leh or a private (white board) car. Rented cars with other city registrations are not allowed for sightseeing in Ladakh.
By Shared Taxi
You can also choose to ride a shared taxi, which would cost a minimum of INR 1,200 per person. The frequency of the shared taxi depends on the season. You would be travelling with 6-7 people in a car, including the driver.
Best Option to Reach Ladakh
The most comfortable option is air travel. However, if you are looking for an adventurous trip, it is recommended to try a bike ride or jeep ride. Choose your travel option with utmost care with regard to quality, season, and cost.
