Ladakh is well known as the ‘land of high passes’ because it is home to some of the highest motorable and trekking passes in the world and has always attracted tourists from across the globe. Located in the northernmost region of the Indian Himalayas, this rugged area is encompassed by the mountain peaks of the Zanskar, Ladakh, and Karakoram ranges. Then Leh Ladakh trip is the perfect way to escape from the daily hustle and bustle and enjoy the thrilling environment of the place. This blog covers all the necessary information on how to reach Leh Ladakh from Delhi for a memorable experience.
How to Reach Leh Ladakh from Delhi
While planning a trip to Ladakh, the first question that often comes to mind is how to reach Leh Ladakh from Delhi. To make your travel from Delhi to Leh Ladakh smooth, we have mentioned ways you can opt for a smooth journey that best suits you.
1. By Air
The simplest and quickest way to go to Ladakh is by plane. There are direct Delhi to Leh Ladakh flight options available. From Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi to Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, there are numerous nonstop and connecting flights available. Several airlines, including Air India, Spice Jet, Vistara, Jet Airways, and Go Air, are available on this route.
Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport is around 9 kilometers away from Leh. Taxis are easily accessible outside the airport, or for convenience, you can reserve a prepaid taxi with fixed rates. If you prefer public transportation, there are a few bus routes that run between the airport and the city center.
Nearest Airport- Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport
Delhi to Leh Ladakh distance by flight- aerial distance of 624 km
Time- 1 hour 20 minutes
Suggested Read- Camping in Leh Ladakh
2. By Train
Ladakh does not have direct train connectivity, However, the closest railway station is Jammu Tawi in Jammu. After reaching Jammu, you can take a taxi to Ladakh.
Nearest Station- Jammu Tawi in Jammu
Delhi to Leh Ladakh distance by train- 683 km
Time- 7 to 10 hours
3. By Road
One of the most popular choices for adventure seekers is to go on a bike trip from Delhi to Leh Ladakh. Almost every traveler enjoys taking13 this trip. Leh Ladakh is one of the world's best places to visit by road. It is not for the faint-hearted, because the roads are rugged and have steep drops on one side. During the summer, shared taxis, public buses, and government tourism buses travel is available for these routes; however, a bike trip from Ladakh is mostly preferred.
Manali is the best route for your road travel from Delhi to Ladakh. This road trip is incredible and offers travelers a great deal of excitement. After reaching Leh, you can explore other beautiful places such as Khardungla pass, Nubra valley, Karakoram range and Ladakh range, Pangong Tso, and many more. Know more about the different routes of Ladakh with our detailed guide.
Route: Delhi → Manali → Jispa → Sarchu → Leh →
Key Attractions: Rohtang Pass, Baralacha La, Gata Loops, Tanglang La
Delhi to Leh Ladakh distance by road: 1020 km
Time- 2-3 days
Suggested Read: Things to do in Ladakh
Permits required for Hassle-Free Journey from Delhi to Leh Ladakh
If you're planning a Delhi to Leh Ladakh trip, you may require special permits based on your nationality and the places you want to see. Here is the list of permits one needs to take while exploring Ladakh:
1. Inner Line Permit (ILP)
Who needs?- Indian tourists
Why needed?- Regulate the movement of Indian tourists in sensitive border areas.
Places requiring an Inner Line Permit (ILP)
- Nubra Valley
- Pangong Tso
- Tso Moriri
- Dah-Hanu Villages
- Changthang Valley
- Chushul, Hanle, and beyond
Suggested Read: Best time to visit Leh Ladakh
2. Protected Area Permit (PAP)
Who needs?- Foreign nationals
Why needed?- Mandatory for foreign nationals due to proximity to international borders.
Places requiring a Protected area permit (PAP)
- Nubra Valley
- Pangong Tso
- Tso Moriri
- Dah-Hanu Villages
- Changthang Valley
- Chushul, Hanle, and beyond
3. Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
Who Needs?- Foreign nationals visiting border areas.
Why needed?- Needed for specific high-risk zones to ensure national security.
Places requiring a Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
- Parts of Nubra Valley like Turtuk
- Changthang region, which is close to the China border
Note- You can apply for ILP online on the official website of the Ladakh government. Documents required for these necessary permits are Aadhar card, Voter ID, Passport size photographs, passport, Valid passport with an Indian visa, Photocopies of the passport and visa, Completed application form, Travel itinerary or details of the places to be visited.
Suggested Read: Places to visit in Ladakh
Tips for Hassle-Free Delhi to Leh Ladakh Journey
Ladakh is one of the most beautiful places on earth. The place has mountains, lakes, perennial rivers, deserts, snow, and a lot more on the terrain. The terrain has provided tourists with a unique experience. Even while Ladakh is incredibly beautiful, it may get a little tiresome. Therefore, we have covered certain points for a hassle-free Delhi to Leh Ladakh trip
- Warm Clothes: Ladakh has cold weather so make sure to keep your warm clothes such as woolen socks for layering, gloves, jackets, and thermal inners.
- Comfortable Shoes: You need to trek in some places. Therefore, make sure to keep casual shoes and sturdy hiking shoes.
- Weather protection- Don't forget to bring lip balm, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a waterproof jacket.
- First aid kit- Altitude sickness pills, personal medications, and first aid supplies are included in the medical kit.
- Snacks and Hydration: Nuts, energy bars, and reusable water bottles.
- Power Backup: Additional batteries, chargers, and power banks.
- Necessary Documents- Travel documents include verification of identity, permits, and insurance.
- Light and Navigation: Physical maps, flashlights, or manuals.
- Essentials and Backpack: Reusable cutlery, toiletries, and a sturdy backpack.
- Cash and Contacts: A list of emergency contacts and enough cash.
Suggested Read: Historical places in Ladakh
Planning a trip to Leh Ladakh requires proper planning to get an unmatchable experience that is full of adventure, stunning scenery, and cultural diversity. But the first question that often comes to mind is how to reach Leh Ladakh from Delhi. There are various ways to travel from Delhi to Leh Ladakh, and every route has something unique to offer, whether you traveling by train, by air, or by road. a road trip from Delhi to Ladakh via Manali route is ideal for people who are looking for adventure and breathtaking scenery, and on the other hand, airlines offer a convenient and speedy option to go to Ladakh. So if you are still wondering on how to reach Leh Ladakh from Delhi, refer to this guide and get ready to embark on adventure packed journey to Ladakh.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. How do I go to Ladakh from Delhi?
There are various ways to go Ladakh from Delhi. However the best option is By air, direct flights from Delhi to Leh Ladakh are available. One can board flight from Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi to Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport while planning a trip via flight.
2. Is there any train from Delhi to Leh?
Well there is no direct train connectivity from Delhi to Leh. However, the nearest railway station to Leh is Jammu Tawi in Jamm from there, you can take a taxi for Leh Ladakh.
3. Which is the best time Ladakh?
The best time to visit Leh Ladakh is from June and September. During this time of the year you can pleasant weather, clear roads and adventure activities like trekking, biking, and sightseeing.
4. In which month is Ladakh closed?
Ladakh is closed in winter from November to march when the temperatures range from -6 degrees celsius to 9 degrees celsius, making the place extremely cold. During this time of the year, the highways are closed, and the temperature is low.
