Any journey to Leh is a lifetime journey. The vast azure sky is seen by many Indian tourists for the barren beauty of their mountains. Do you plan to make or just dream of such an excursion? Whatever the case, the route from Delhi to Leh by road is mapped out and returned by two spectacularly beautiful roads, Manali and Srinagar.
Why is it popular to drive to Delhi from Leh Ladakh?
Many travelers even can’t drive or riding dreams of such a journey. What is so tempting about this road trip? Naturally, this is not just the destination; it is that the trip towards Leh provides the perfect backdrop for a road trip, an adventurous path, and exciting stopovers. So, let’s begin.
Best Time to Visit Leh from Delhi
Due to severe weather and/or road closures, Leh is inaccessible most of the year. You have the time to fly between April and October and between May and September if you prefer to take the tough road.
How to Get There
From Delhi to Leh, you have four options. The first and easiest is by air, and three options are available, with increased difficulty.
Flight: 1.5 hours of direct flights to Kushok Airport Bakula Rimpochee.
Bus: The bus stops at Keylong over the night and arrives in Leh on next night from the ISBT station (via Manali).
Personal car or motorcycle: In Delhi, you can rent a bike or car. Make sure your vehicle mechanics are reasonably understood.
Bicycle: A lot of people were able to cycle up. It may also be worth taking your bike from Delhi to Manali and then starting riding there.
Delhi to Leh Road Trip Route
Delhi → Karnal → Mandi → Manali
Via Ambala and Mandi is the most common route. Most of the time you will drive on NH1. At first the roads are extremely secure, but the routes are bad and the uphill as you go up to Ghanauli halfway through the trip. In Roopnagar, Gurubaksh Dhaba is a great place to stop and cool down.
Manalí / Tanglang La / Leh – Manali / Jispa / Tanglang La / Leh
To avoid the hordes visiting Rohtang Pass, start by 4am from Manali. On the way, the iconic area can be viewed, stopping for lunch at the Koksar Dhaba, put gas on the car in Tandi and heading towards Jispa. You will be headed from Jispa to Sarchu, an important stopover. The Army Base Camp can be held between June and October at a height of 14,500 meters.
Once you leave Sarchu, you’re almost there. Not before, however, do you cross Lachulungla Pass and see the whole plateau of Ladakh. The rough terrain really starts as you continue to Pang (where there is the highest military transit camp) and Tanglang La Pass (which, at 17585 feet above sea level, is claimed to be the second-highest motorable road in India). You’ll come to Leh in the evening.
Best Road Trips from Leh
Leh → Pangong Lake
It looks spectacular and changes color several times a day depending on the sunlight as one of the highest lakes in India. Naturally, also a great campsite.
Leh → Nubra Valley
The Nubra Valley lies in front of Khardung La Pass, where there is hardly any plant but near the beautiful river beds. Go on to Diskit, where there are many Buddhist monuments to traditional Tibetan architecture.
Leh → Magnetic Hill & Khardung La
It’s a mysterious hill, Magnetic Hill. Park your car wherever it is and mark it. Check for time later and you’ll notice you’ve moved your car. A place to visit on the road trip between Delhi and Leh. Afterwards head to Khardung La, with over 18,000 feet the highest motor pass in the world.
Leh → Thiksey Monastery
The Thikssey Monastery or Thiksay Monastery, a lovely gumpa (monastery) with a Tibetan Buddhist religion, residing atop a hill, is great for pilgrims interested in architecture or sightseeing.
This time, you will travel back via Srinagar to Lamayuru, where you have amazing views. Stay at Lamayuru Monastery, which is world renowned and has more than 150 monks. If you want, stay at Lamayuru for one night before heading for another long journey. You will pass Foto La, Namika La and Mulbek to Kargil. Namika La is a fantastic pass that you won’t forget about.
