July-August is the best season to visit Leh and Ladakh. If you are adventure friendly person, Leh would certainly be the top choice for you. You can explore the nature, the mighty Himalayas and the desert at its best.
But don’t plan this trip as a weekend gateway or three days short-pack. Visiting to Leh Ladakh needs as short as 8-10 days trip plan.
I am here giving you a best-fitted 10 days travel itinerary of a trip to Leh Ladakh.
If you are travelling with family, then it is recommended to go there by flight or bus. There are daily flights from Delhi by Air India and other private carriers. Air India also offers flight service from Srinagar and Jammu to Leh.
You can directly book a bus ticket from Delhi-Leh, however it is suggested to break off the journey at Manali, Sissu, Keylong or Jispa.
And, if you are planning your trip with friends, then it is highly recommended to make a visit by jeep, car or motorcycle/bike. You can actually explore the adventure at the fullest by this mode of travel. You can also reach Manali and rent a bike from there to further.
Travel Starts
Day 0
Start your travel from Delhi by Volvo/Car (SUV recommended) towards Manali. Travel overnight.
Day 01
You will reach Manali at noon. Take some rest in hotel and do local sightseeing, like: Hadimba Temple, Club house, Tibetan Monasteries, Vashisht etc. Stay overnight in Manali.
Day 02
Leave the hotel early morning and start your travel to Leh. Manali to Leh has a long distance of 473 kms. The route is time consuming with narrow roads, winding and numerous military checkpoints. Usually you will need to take an overnight stop at Keylong. Or, you can choose to stay overnight in Sarchu or Pang in tent accommodation also.
Day 03
Start your journey early morning from Keylong with the amazing nature and huge Himalayas around. At 20 kms milestone there is a place ‘Jispa’ where you can do river side camping. You will reach Leh in the late evening. Stay overnight at Leh.
Day 04
As Leh is at higher altitude, your body needs time to adjust in this climate. This day you can visit the city market on foot or hire a bicycle. Enjoy Ladakhi food and shopping of Leh branded Tshirts. Also don’t forget to visit nearest monasteries. Stay overnight at Leh.
Day 05
Here you move towards one of the most amazing lake, “Pangong Lake”. Few Bollywood movie scenes have been shot here, like 3 Idiot’s climax scene. Make your day visit to Pangong Tso. Come back to hotel by evening and stay overnight in Leh only.
Day 06
It’s time to visit Nubra Valley. Spend your whole day there, have loads of fun and no need to return to Leh this time. Stay overnight at Nubra Valley Camp.
Day 07
Let’s take your way to Leh via Khardungla Pass. You will reach Leh by late afternoon. Feel free for leisure and overnight at Leh.
Day 08
Zanskar Valley or Suru Valley: Wake up early and head towards Zanskar Valley. Visit Padum on the way. Also don’t miss to enjoy the river rafting moments at Zanskar River. Stay overnight at Zanskar.
Day 09
This morning is for Kargil. Don’t forget to mark your presence at ‘Kargil War Memorial’. Move towards Sonamarg and stay overnight there.
Day 10
Departure from Sonamarg. Once you reach Srinagar then you may have local sightseeing and take houseboat in Dal-lake. Reach at railway station or bus stand (whichever transport mode you have chosen) on time. Or, if you have your own vehicle then comes back to “Home Sweet Home”.
You’ll witness the most beautiful landscapes and the highest peaks of Himalayas in these places. This is the most difficult part of the journey and there will be drastic altitude change. This is what makes people sick (vomiting, headache, acute mountain sickness, low blood pressure etc). You should proactively take doctor prescribed medicine for higher altitudes. These medicines adjust your heartbeat for higher altitude.
Few important points to note:
Take proper govt. permits. Inner line permits are required to visit Pangang Tso, Khardung La, Tso Moirri. Nubra Valley, Changthang (only to Indian Nationals). This Permit is not required for Zanskar and Suru Valley. These permits are issued from DC office from 9.00 AM to 5.00 PM in Leh town.One photo ID card like PAN Card or Driver’s license, PassportMedicinesUV protection Sun Glasses, Sun block cream, Lip balm and Moisturizer / Cold creamWinter wears, comfortable trekking shoes or sport shoesDon’t miss to bring a Good Camera to capture these amazing shoots.
During this full of adventurous trip, you would enjoy the fresh nature and feel the eternal peace. Wait for my next blog, where I will tell you; what all places to see there when you make your memorable Leh – Ladakh trip.