Ladakh, nestled in the northernmost reaches of the Indian Himalayas, is a breathtaking and remote region, embraced by the majestic, snow-capped peaks of the Zanskar, Ladakh, and Karakoram mountain ranges.
It is a region that promises a great adventure, sitting at a lofty 3,500m+. From high altitude lakes, to trekking between remote villages, there’s so many memorable experiences and places to explore in this corner of the world.
Travel Guide to Ladakh Overview
Ladakh is located in the far north of India. It borders Pakistan to the west and China and Tibet to the north and east. Part of the broader Ladakh region is also in Pakistan, known as Gilgit-Baltistan. Ladakh and Gilgit-Baltistan share many cultural, ethnic, and historical similarities.
Ladakh was part of the old Tibetan Kingdom and still has mostly Buddhist people living there. This makes the culture, language, food, atmosphere, and architecture in Ladakh different from those in other parts of India.
Ladakh used to be part of Jammu and Kashmir state in India. Since 2019, it has been a Union Territory.
Leh is the capital of the Ladakh region. It is the best place to stay when you want to explore Ladakh. Some people confuse Leh and Ladakh, but they are not the same. Leh is a town, and Ladakh is the larger region.
Best Time to Visit Ladakh
The peak season in Ladakh is from June to August. This is when the weather is best, with warm days and mild nights.
The roads from Leh to Manali and Srinagar are usually open from April or May until September or October, depending on the weather. The Leh-Manali Road often opens later and closes earlier because it is at a higher elevation.
If you’re thinking about trekking in the region, you’ll want to plan your trip between August and mid-September! This is when the weather is nice and warm, and the trails are mostly clear of snow and ice. Plus, the high passes and peaks are much safer to explore during this time.
For more information please feel free to check our Trekking options.
How to reach Leh, Ladakh
You can start your adventure to Leh, Ladakh, by road or air. Flying is available all year long, but road travel is usually only possible from May to October. You can find shared and public transport options from both Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh.
By Air
If you have limited time or want to avoid long drives on difficult roads, flying is the best choice. There are regular flights from Delhi to Leh all year round. In winter, flying is the only way to get to the region.
Air India, SpiceJet, and IndiGo operate flights. These flights take approximately 1 hour and cost between INR 3000 to INR 12000 one way.
View from Delhi to Leh flight.
By Road
A road trip to Leh is truly an incredible experience! It’s definitely not for the fainthearted since the roads can be a bit rough, with some steep drops along the way. But don’t worry—each year, improvements are made, and more sections of the drive are now paved, making the journey even more enjoyable.
You can reach Leh by road from two main directions. The first option is to travel from Srinagar in Kashmir to the west. The second option is to come from Manali in Himachal Pradesh to the southeast. During the summer months, there are public buses, government tourism buses, and shared taxis available on these routes.
The highest point on the Srinagar-Leh route is Fotu La at 4,100 meters. This route gradually leads to Leh, which is at 3,500 meters. In comparison, the Manali-Leh road has an average height of 4,000 meters and crosses three passes over 5,000 meters. The highest of these passes is Tanglang La at 5,320 meters.
View of Baralacha pass, Leh Manali highway.
Is Ladakh Safe to Visit?
The politics in the region can be complicated and may change quickly. However, Leh town has been peaceful for many years. Sometimes, there are tensions in the border areas near Pakistan and Tibet. If you plan to visit Ladakh, it is a good idea to follow local news, but these issues usually happen far from Leh.
Ladakh is very safe for travelers. You can see a strong military presence everywhere, which helps keep the area secure. Border clashes do not affect Leh, so you can visit without worry.
Ladakh is such a charming place with one of the lowest crime rates in India! The locals are incredibly friendly and welcoming, which really makes it a wonderful spot to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. You’re sure to have a lovely experience there!
View of Leh Palace.
Where to Stay in Leh
Leh offers a wide variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. From affordable hostels and guesthouses to homestays and luxury hotels, you can find something that fits your needs. Staying in local guesthouses is often a great choice, as they are typically family-owned and provide an opportunity to immerse yourself in Ladakhi culture. Following are several options available across different price ranges that can enhance your stay.
Budget Stay: Downtown Hostel | Rooms & Cafe
Budget Stay: Gutur House by Robinhood CoLiving
Mid-range: Hotel Tsokar Retreat
High-end: Hotel Grand Dragon
Where to eat while in Leh
The food will be one of the highlights of your time in Leh. Leh town is filled with excellent cafes and restaurants offering local Tibetan and Ladakhi cuisine, as well as a variety of options ranging from, Indian, Thai, Korean, to Italian. Some of these places include:
- Dogra Dhaba, Indian Restaurant
- Chopsticks
- Amigo Korean Restaurant
- Tibetan Kitchen
- Aakama
- Sky Wok Restaurant
How to Navigate Around Ladakh
When you arrive in Leh town, it’s easy to get around Ladakh. You can rent a car or take a public transport. Driving in Ladakh is a fun way to see the area!
Following are the options to opt for!
J&K SRTC Timetable, Leh Bus stand and Local Bust Timetable, Leh Bus Stand.
Public Transport
Public transport are not very frequent. If you want to use them to get to best places, you’ll need to be patient and plan for some extra time.To visit Shey Palace, Thiksey Monastery, and Stakna Monastery, you can take a local bus from Leh main gate to Choglamsar. From there, catch another bus that travels past Shey and Thiksey. Tickets cost under 60 INR, and buses run regularly. Returning to Leh can be difficult, as you’ll need to wait on the highway and flag down a bus. Hitchhiking is also an option.
You can also reach other popular destinations by bus. Weekly buses run to Diskit in Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, and Tso Moriri, but check the main bus station in Leh for the latest schedule.
For western part of Ladakh, there are daily buses to Lamayuru and a few buses per week to Likir (for the Sham Valley trek) and Chilling (for the Markha Valley trek). But be sure to check the station for latest schedules.