Leh Ladakh is the ultimate dream for adventure seekers and nature lovers. The place is known for its rugged terrain, beautiful landscapes, and spiritual atmosphere, which promises an unforgettable experience for all who venture into the northernmost region of India. The journey through Leh Ladakh offers one of the most thrilling road trips, with mesmerizing views of snow-capped mountains, high-altitude desert landscapes, and serene lakes.
Among the several roads that lead to Leh, two of the most popular and scenic road trips are the Srinagar to Leh Ladakh road trip and the journey from Keylong to Leh. Whether you are an experienced traveller or a first-timer, these routes are sure to give you an experience of a lifetime.
Srinagar to Leh Road Trip: An Iconic Adventure
The most sought-after road trip to Leh is from Srinagar to Leh. This scenic journey takes you through Kashmir’s lush valleys and green landscapes, over high mountain passes, and into the barren, awe-inspiring beauty of Ladakh. This road trip covers about 400 kilometres and passes through some of the most stunning landscapes in India.
Best Time for the Srinagar to Leh Road Trip
The best time to have the Srinagar to Leh road trip is in the summer season when the road is open from May to September. This period is due to good weather, especially the opening of the Zojila Pass, which usually remains closed due to heavy snowfall in the winter season. However, if travelling during the winter, be prepared for not being able to have the trip due to road closures and the below-freezing conditions that can make the trip dangerous.
What to Expect on the Srinagar to Leh Road Trip
The road from Srinagar to Leh is filled with spectacular landscapes, steep mountain roads, and high-altitude passes. Some of the key points you’ll encounter along the way include:
Srinagar: Your journey begins in Srinagar, known for its pristine Dal Lake and beautiful gardens. Spend a day exploring the city before starting your road trip.
Sonmarg: Just after Srinagar. Sonmarg offers lush meadows, rivers and snow clad peaks. Just the place to stop, enjoy the scenery, take a short hike.
Zojila Pass: The Zojila Pass (3,528 meters) is one of the first major passes you’ll cross during the journey. This narrow, winding road is known for its steep slopes and dramatic views. It marks the transition between the lush Kashmir valley and the barren Ladakh region.
Drass: The second coldest inhabited place on earth, Drass provides scenic beauty with the backdrop of snow-clad mountains. It also has a Kargil War Memorial where soldiers, who died during the 1999 Kargil War, are commemorated.
Kargil: The second town of prominence, on this tour, Kargil marks the confluence of the great Indus with Suru river. It’s an important station that provides very basic amenities in town for travel enthusiasts, good for resting at night before carrying onward to Leh.
Lamayuru: This moonland of Ladakh is one such place, quite famous for its lunarscape look and ancient monk-occupied gompa along the cliff on top. Perhaps it is amongst the most beautiful tourist spots on that Srinagar to Leh Road journey.
Leh: After a few days of travelling, you finally reach Leh, which is known for its monasteries, forts, and high-altitude lakes. Leh also serves as a base for the exploration of other places like Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, and Tso Moriri.
Keylong to Leh Distance: A Journey into the Heart of the Himalayas
The journey from Keylong to Leh is also another breath-taking road trip that takes you deep into the heart of the Himalayas. Keylong is based on the Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh, at an altitude of around 3,080 metres (10,100 feet). This road to Leh takes you through some of the remotest and most rugged parts of India.
Keylong to Leh Route
The distance of this road trip is about 330 kilometers and can be covered in two to three days. The road journey is beautiful, full of high-altitude passes, and picturesque villages. The main road that connects Keylong with Leh is called the Manali-Leh Highway, or NH3. This road is open only between June and September since it is generally closed due to heavy snowfall during the winter season.
Key Stops Along the Keylong to Leh Road Trip
Keylong: Before embarking on your journey, explore the quaint town of Keylong. The town is known for its Buddhist monasteries and peaceful atmosphere.
Baralacha La Pass: The Baralacha La Pass (4,890 meters) is a high-altitude pass on the Keylong to Leh route. The pass offers stunning views of snow-covered peaks and the surrounding valleys.
Sarchu: Sarchu is an important stopping place along the way. Boasting excellent campsites and stunning vistas of surrounding mountains, many travellers make a one-night stop here before continuing on their way.
Lachulung La and Naki La Passes: While travelling from Keylong to Leh, the routes pass through these two high passes about 4,900 meters high. Scenically speaking, these are amazing passes to observe the barrenness of Ladakh landscapes and get tremendous photo shoots.
Tanglang La Pass: Tanglang La (5,328 meters) is one of the highest motorable passes in the world and is the final stretch before you actually reach Leh. It is thrilling to cross the pass and see the views all around Ladakh’s rugged landscape.
Leh: At last, crossing those high-altitude passes and viewing some of the world’s most spectacular views, you reach Leh. Famous for its Buddhist monasteries, peaceful lakes, and untouched landscapes, Leh is a quiet town to rest, acclimatize, and look around.
Important Tips for a Leh Ladakh Road Trip
Acclimatization: Leh and Keylong are high-altitude places. So, acclimatization will be very important to avoid altitude sickness. Ideally, one should take a couple of days in Leh itself before heading on further into the region.
Best Time: Srinagar to Leh and Keylong to Leh are open for June to September. The climate this time is the best to undertake your journey.
Road Conditions: In this region, the roads may be rugged with rough patches, high altitude passes, and unpredictable weather conditions. Ensure your vehicle is fit for the route.
Permits: Some parts of Ladakh require special permits. Make sure you have the necessary documents and permits, particularly if you intend to visit Pangong Lake or Nubra Valley.
Carry Essentials: Pack warm clothes, a first-aid kit, extra fuel, snacks, and enough water. It’s also advisable to carry a high-quality camera to capture the stunning views along the way.
Conclusion
A Leh Ladakh road trip is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that takes you through some of the most scenic and remote areas of India. Whether you are travelling from Srinagar to Leh or from Keylong to Leh, each route has something different to offer-from lush valleys and pristine lakes to rugged mountains and ancient monasteries. This road trip is the ultimate experience for anyone looking to explore the wonders of the Himalayas and witness the grandeur of Leh Ladakh. So, buckle up and get ready for a journey that will stay with you forever.
smith bailey