An Epic 11-Day Road Trip to Ladakh: A Journey Through Breathtaking Landscapes

A road trip to Ladakh had been a dream of mine for a long time—visions of snow-capped peaks, high-altitude passes, tranquil lakes, and rugged terrain fueled my wanderlust. Finally, the day arrived when I packed my bags and set off on an unforgettable adventure across one of India's most mesmerizing regions.

An Epic 11-Day Road Trip to Ladakh: A Journey Through Breathtaking Landscapes

Day 1: Delhi to Manali – The Journey Begins

Route: Delhi → Karnal → Kurukshetra → Ambala → Mandi → Manali (530 km)

With excitement in our hearts, we left Delhi early in the morning, taking the NH44 towards Manali. The drive was smooth, passing through lush green fields and charming towns. Along the way, we stopped at roadside dhabas to indulge in some delicious parathas with chai.

By evening, we reached Manali, a scenic hill station nestled in the Himalayas. After checking into our hotel, we explored the vibrant streets, soaking in the lively atmosphere.

Things to See in Manali

• Hadimba Temple – A beautiful wooden temple dedicated to Goddess Hadimba

• Solang Valley – Ideal for adventure sports and breathtaking views

• Vashisht Hot Springs – Natural hot water springs known for their healing properties

• Tibetan Monastery – A peaceful retreat showcasing Tibetan culture

Accommodation in Manali

Options range from luxury resorts and budget hotels to homestays and campsites for a unique experience.

Day 2: Manali to Jispa – Entering the Highlands

Route: Manali → Rohtang Pass → Keylong → Jispa (140 km)

The real adventure began as we ascended towards Jispa, crossing the famous Rohtang Pass. The zigzag roads, gushing waterfalls, and breathtaking valleys made every moment exhilarating.

Things to See En Route

• Rohtang Pass – A gateway to the Himalayas, offering stunning views

• Keylong – A charming town with monasteries and apple orchards

• Gemur Monastery – A centuries-old Buddhist monastery with intricate murals

By evening, we reached Jispa, a peaceful hamlet on the banks of the Bhaga River. We spent the night in a cozy guesthouse, acclimatizing to the high altitude.

Day 3: Jispa to Sarchu – Into the Wilderness

Route: Jispa → Baralacha La → Sarchu (85 km)

Our journey took us through the Baralacha La Pass (16,040 ft), one of the highest motorable passes in the world. The pristine Suraj Tal lake, surrounded by snow, was a sight to behold.

Things to See En Route

• Deepak Tal and Suraj Tal – Stunning high-altitude lakes

• Baralacha La Pass – A thrilling high-altitude mountain pass

By evening, we reached Sarchu, where we set up camp under a sky full of twinkling stars.

Day 4: Sarchu to Tso Moriri – The Hidden Gem

Route: Sarchu → Namshang La → Tso Moriri (215 km)

We continued our journey towards Tso Moriri, a mesmerizing high-altitude lake nestled in Changthang. The crystal-clear waters and majestic mountains created a surreal landscape.

Things to See En Route

• Namshang La Pass – Another high-altitude mountain pass

• Chumathang Hot Springs – Known for their therapeutic properties

That night, we camped near the lake, surrounded by absolute serenity.

Day 5: Tso Moriri to Leh – The Heart of Ladakh

Route: Tso Moriri → Tanglang La → Leh (220 km)

Our drive to Leh took us across the Tanglang La Pass (17,480 ft), one of the highest motorable roads in the world. By evening, we reached Leh, a town rich in culture and history.

Things to See in Leh

• Leh Palace – A historic palace with panoramic views

• Shanti Stupa – A white-domed Buddhist stupa

• Thiksey Monastery – One of Ladakh’s most iconic monasteries

That night, we strolled through Leh Market, enjoying Tibetan momos and butter tea.

Day 6: Leh to Nubra Valley – Into the Land of Sand Dunes

Route: Leh → Khardung La → Nubra Valley (120 km)

Crossing the Khardung La Pass (18,380 ft), the highest motorable pass in the world, we entered the breathtaking Nubra Valley.

Things to See in Nubra Valley

• Hunder Sand Dunes – Famous for double-humped camels

• Diskit Monastery – Home to a towering Buddha statue

• Yarab Tso Lake – A hidden gem

We camped in Hunder, surrounded by sand dunes and rugged mountains.

Day 7: Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso – The Jewel of Ladakh

Route: Nubra → Shyok → Pangong Tso (140 km)

After a scenic drive through the Shyok Valley, we arrived at the stunning Pangong Tso, known for its ever-changing blue waters.

Things to See in Pangong Tso

• Spangmik Village – A peaceful lakeside settlement

• Chang La Pass – Another breathtaking high-altitude pass

Camping by the lake, under a starlit sky, was an unforgettable experience.

Day 8-11: Exploring, Reflecting, and Returning

• Day 8: Pangong Tso to Leh (160 km) – A day to relax and explore more of Leh.

• Day 9: Leh to Kargil (220 km) – Visiting the Kargil War Memorial and Mulbekh Monastery.

• Day 10: Kargil to Srinagar (210 km) – A scenic journey through Drass and Zoji La Pass.

• Day 11: Departure from Srinagar – Ending the journey with a shikara ride on Dal Lake.

Best Time to Visit Ladakh

The ideal months are May to September, when the roads are open and the weather is pleasant.

Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip

• Stay hydrated and acclimatize properly.

• Carry warm clothing (temperatures drop drastically at night).

• Keep cash handy (ATMs are scarce).

• Respect local customs and monasteries.

• Carry essential medicines for altitude sickness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is a road trip to Ladakh safe?

Yes, but proper acclimatization is crucial due to high altitudes.

2. Can I visit Ladakh in winter?

Winter trips are challenging due to heavy snowfall and road closures.

3. Do I need a permit for Ladakh?

Yes, Inner Line Permits (ILP) are required for certain areas.

4. Is mobile connectivity available in Ladakh?

Only BSNL and Jio work in remote areas, with limited internet access.

5. What should I pack for a Ladakh road trip?

Warm clothes, trekking shoes, basic medicines, extra fuel, and snacks.