There are three ways into Ladakh: by air to Leh, by road from Manali, or by road from Srinagar. Each has its own season and its own effect on acclimatisation.
By air to Leh
Leh's Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL) has direct flights from Delhi all year, and seasonal flights from cities such as Mumbai, Srinagar and Jammu. The flight from Delhi takes about 1 hour 15 minutes, and on a clear morning the view of the Himalaya is one of the best anywhere.
- Pros: fast, open all year, the easiest option.
- Cons: you arrive at 3,500 m with no time to adjust. Plan two full days of rest; see our altitude guide.
- Tip: morning flights are the norm because winds pick up in the afternoon. Delays happen in winter, so leave some slack before an onward connection.
By road from Manali
The Manali–Leh highway is one of the world's great road journeys: about 430 km over high passes including Baralacha La, Lachung La and Tanglang La. Since the Atal Tunnel opened, you no longer have to cross the Rohtang Pass.
- Season: usually late May or June to October, depending on snow.
- Time: two days, with a night at Jispa, Sarchu or Pang.
- Good to know: fuel stations are few on the high stretch. Fill up in Tandi, and expect almost nothing until you reach Karu near Leh.
This is the classic route for our motorbike tours.
By road from Srinagar
The Srinagar–Leh road runs about 420 km through Sonamarg, the Zoji La pass, Drass and Kargil. It climbs more gradually than the Manali road, which makes it the better route for acclimatisation.
- Season: usually April or May to November.
- Time: two days, normally with a night in Kargil.
- Highlights: Zoji La, the Drass war memorial, the Mulbekh Maitreya and Lamayuru monastery.
By train
There's no railway in Ladakh. The nearest railheads are Jammu Tawi (for the Srinagar route) and Chandigarh or Kalka (for Manali). From there, travel on by road.
Which route should I choose?
If you're short on time, fly. To arrive acclimatised and see the mountains change around you, come by road from Srinagar and leave via Manali, or the other way around. Tell us your dates and we'll suggest the best combination.
