Ladakh Road Trip: Himalayan Wonderland

The thought of embarking on a road trip to Ladakh, a land of snow-capped mountains, high-altitude passes, serene lakes, and rugged terrain, had been on my mind for a long time. Finally, the day arrived when I decided to take the plunge and set out on an unforgettable adventure to one of the most captivating regions in India.

Day 1:

Exit from Delhi

We started our journey from Delhi and headed towards Manali via the NH44. The route passes through the picturesque towns of Karnal, Kurukshetra, and Ambala. The drive was smooth and comfortable, and we stopped at various roadside dhabas to savor some delicious local cuisine. We covered a distance of approximately 530 km and reached Manali by evening. We checked into our hotel, and after freshening up, we went out to explore the town.

Attractions in Manali: Hadimba Temple, Vashisht Hot Springs, Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass (if open), and Tibetan Monastery.

Accommodation in Manali: There are several hotels, resorts, and guesthouses in Manali to suit all budgets. You can also opt for homestays and campsites for a unique experience.

Day 2:

Manali to Jispa

We woke up early in the morning and set out on our journey towards Jispa. The drive was challenging as we had to navigate through some hairpin bends and narrow stretches. We passed through several small towns and villages, and the scenery was breathtaking. We covered a distance of approximately 140 km and reached Jispa by evening. We checked into our guesthouse and spent the night relaxing and acclimatizing to the high altitude.

Attractions en route to Jispa: Rohtang Pass, Keylong, and Gemur Monastery.

Accommodation in Jispa: There are several guesthouses and campsites in Jispa to suit all budgets. You can also opt for homestays for a more authentic experience.

Day 3:

Jispa to Sarchu

We left Jispa early in the morning and continued our journey towards Sarchu. The drive was challenging as we had to cross the Baralacha Pass, which is one of the highest motorable passes in the world. We covered a distance of approximately 85 km and reached Sarchu by evening. We camped there for the night and enjoyed the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

Attractions en route to Sarchu: Deepak Tal, Suraj Tal, and Baralacha Pass.

Accommodation in Sarchu: There are several campsites in Sarchu to suit all budgets.

Day 4:

Sarchu to Tso Moriri

We left Sarchu early in the morning and drove towards Tso Moriri, a high-altitude lake located in the Changthang region of Ladakh. The lake is surrounded by majestic mountains and is home to several migratory birds. We covered a distance of approximately 215 km and reached Tso Moriri by evening. We spent the day exploring the lake and its surroundings and camped near the lake for the night.

Attractions en route to Tso Moriri: Namshang La Pass, Moore Plains, and Chumathang Hot Springs.

Accommodation near Tso Moriri: There are several campsites and guesthouses near Tso Moriri to suit all budgets.

Day 5:

Tso Moriri to Leh

We left Tso Moriri early in the morning and drove towards Leh, the capital of Ladakh. The drive was long, and we had to cross several high-altitude passes, including the Tanglang La Pass, which is one of the highest motorable passes in the world. We covered a distance of approximately 220 km and reached Leh by evening. We checked into our hotel and spent the night exploring the town and its vibrant culture.

Attractions in Leh: Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Namgyal Tsemo Gompa, Thiksey Monastery, and Magnetic Hill.

Accommodation in Leh: There are several hotels, guesthouses, and homestays in Leh to suit all budgets.

Day 6:

Leh to Nubra Valley

We left Leh early in the morning and drove towards Nubra Valley, which is famous for its sand dunes, double-humped camels, and picturesque villages. The drive was challenging as we had to cross the Khardung La Pass, which is the highest motorable pass in the world. We covered a distance of approximately 120 km and reached Nubra Valley by afternoon. We spent the day exploring the valley and camping there for the night.

Attractions in Nubra Valley: Hunder Sand Dunes, Diskit Monastery, Sumur Village, and Yarab Tso Lake.

Accommodation in Nubra Valley: There are several campsites and guesthouses in Nubra Valley to suit all budgets.

Day 7:

Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso

We left Nubra Valley early in the morning and drove towards Pangong Tso, one of the most iconic lakes in Ladakh. The lake is famous for its crystal-clear blue waters and stunning mountain backdrop. We covered a distance of approximately 140 km and reached Pangong Tso by afternoon. We spent the day exploring the lake and camping there for the night.

Attractions near Pangong Tso: Chang La Pass, Spangmik Village, and Tangste Monastery.

Accommodation near Pangong Tso: There are several campsites and guesthouses near Pangong Tso to suit all budgets.

Day 8:

Pangong Tso to Leh

We left Pangong Tso early in the morning and drove back to Leh. The drive was long, and we stopped at various points to take in the stunning scenery. We covered a distance of approximately 160 km and reached Leh by evening. We spent the night relaxing and reminiscing about our incredible journey.

Day 9:

Leh to Kargil

We left Leh early in the morning and drove towards Kargil, a town located on the banks of the Suru River. The drive was long, and we passed through several small towns and villages. We covered a distance of approximately 220 km and reached Kargil by evening. We checked into our hotel and spent the night exploring the town and its history.

Attractions in Kargil: Kargil War Memorial, Mulbekh Monastery, Drass Village, and Suru Valley.

Accommodation in Kargil: There are several hotels and guesthouses in Kargil to suit all budgets.

Day 10:

Kargil to Srinagar

We left Kargil early in the morning and drove towards Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir. The drive was scenic, and we passed through several small towns and villages. We covered a distance of approximately 210 km and reached Srinagar by evening. We checked into our hotel and spent the night exploring the town and its famous Dal Lake.

Attractions in Srinagar: Dal Lake, Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, and Hazratbal Shrine.

Accommodation in Srinagar: There are several hotels and houseboats in Srinagar to suit all budgets.

Day 11:

Departure from Srinagar

On the final day of our trip, we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast and spent some time exploring Srinagar before catching our flight back home. We said goodbye to our driver and thanked him for an incredible journey through the majestic landscapes of Ladakh.

Overall, our 11-day road trip through Ladakh was an unforgettable experience. We witnessed some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world, learned about the rich culture and history of the region, and met some incredible people along the way. We would highly recommend this trip to anyone looking for an adventure of a lifetime.

Climate conditions:

It's important to note that Ladakh is a high-altitude region and experiences extreme weather conditions, especially during the winter months. The best time to visit Ladakh is between May and September, when the weather is relatively mild and the roads are open for travel. During this time, the daytime temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C, while the nighttime temperatures can drop to around 5°C.

Kargil and Srinagar have a more moderate climate, with warm summers and cold winters. The best time to visit these places is between April and October.

What to do:

• In Leh, you can explore the town's rich cultural heritage by visiting attractions such as the Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Namgyal Tsemo Gompa, Thiksey Monastery, and Magnetic Hill. You can also go trekking, mountain biking, and rafting in the nearby mountains and rivers.

• In Nubra Valley, you can enjoy camel rides in the Hunder Sand Dunes, visit the Diskit Monastery, and explore the picturesque villages and lakes.

• Pangong Tso is known for its stunning lake and mountain scenery, and you can spend your time there taking in the views, exploring the nearby attractions such as the Chang La Pass, Spangmik Village, and Tangste Monastery, and camping under the stars.

• In Kargil, you can visit the Kargil War Memorial, Mulbekh Monastery, Drass Village, and Suru Valley to learn about the region's history and culture.

• In Srinagar, you can take a relaxing shikara ride on the Dal Lake, visit the beautiful Mughal gardens such as Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh, and explore the city's famous Hazratbal Shrine.

Tips for visiting:

1. It's important to stay hydrated and acclimatize to the high altitude in Ladakh by taking it easy for the first few days.

2. Make sure to pack warm clothing and a good pair of hiking shoes for trekking and exploring.

3. Carry enough cash as ATMs are not readily available in some areas.

4. Respect the local customs and traditions, especially in religious places.

5. Plan your itinerary carefully and book your accommodations in advance, especially during peak season.

6. Be mindful of your surroundings and follow safety guidelines while trekking and rafting.

7. Carry necessary medicines for altitude sickness, headaches, and stomach ailments.

8. Be prepared for limited mobile connectivity and internet access in some areas.

9. Follow responsible tourism practices, such as not littering and respecting the environment.

10. Lastly, enjoy the beauty and serenity of Ladakh, Kargil, and Srinagar while being mindful of their fragile ecosystems and cultures.