How to Go to Ladakh by Train – A Traveler’s Guide

Thinking of seeing the magical landscapes of Ladakh and wondering if you can go there by train? You’re not alone. Many people planning a Ladakh tour want to include the rail route as part of their adventure. 

Hop on with us as we take you to know what’s possible now, what’s coming soon, and the best way to plan your Ladakh travel, especially when considering train travel.

Current Status: Can You Reach Leh by Train?

Currently, you cannot take a direct train to Leh from the start. Ladakh has the closest railway station in Jammu Tawi, which is well-connected to other major Indian cities, such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. 

It is approximately 700 km between Jammu Tawi and Leh, and you will have to change to a road mode of transport, either taxi, bus, or personal vehicle, to pass the remaining journey. 

Other railway stations, such as Pathankot and Chandigarh, are also available, but combining road and train in such locations to Leh is usually very long and inconvenient. Many travelers avoid that option because it adds several extra days. 

What’s Planned: Railway to Leh

Here’s the exciting part: Indian Railways is planning a Bilaspur–Manali–Leh broad-gauge line, which would become the world’s highest railway line once completed. This proposed rail link would run at an elevation of about 5,360 meters above sea level and dramatically cut down travel time from Delhi to Leh, some estimates say to about 20 hours. 

Some features of this ambitious project:

• It will cover around 465 kilometres of route, passing through Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir.
• Towns along the proposed route include Sundernagar, Mandi, Manali, Keylong, Koksar, Darcha, Upshi, and Karu, among others.
• Along the way, there would be 74 tunnels, 396 minor bridges, and 124 major bridges to cope with the challenging terrain.
• Also included in plans is India’s first underground railway station at Keylong.

However, it’s important to know this route is still in the planning/proposal stage, not yet ready for travel. 

Also Read: Why a Ladakh Bike Trip Should Be on Your Bucket List?

What to Do Right Now: Best Route Options for Ladakh by Train + Road

Since you can’t yet travel all the way by train, here’s a practical way to combine rail plus road for your Ladakh travel:

• Take a train to Jammu Tawi

Choose a train from your city that goes to Jammu Tawi. Many long‐distance trains connect Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and other cities to Jammu. This gets you as close as possible by rail.

• From Jammu Tawi to Leh by road

When you spend at Jammu Tawi, your road transport would have to be arranged. One can use pre-booked cabs or cabs, or can use buses. It is not an easy journey, as it is a long one, approximately 700 km with mountainous scenery, so plan for time, rest, weather, and potential roadblocks.

• Alternative starting points

If it is inconvenient to arrive at Jammu Tawi, the next possible alternative is to arrive at Manali or other towns close to the Himalayas, and then make a road journey there.  But note that it tends to be longer, more rugged, and less straightforward. Many prefer the Jammu Tawi route for smoother transitions.

• Plan for altitude and weather

When doing Ladakh travel, especially by road in higher regions, altitude sickness, cold weather, bad road conditions, landslides, etc., may add extra challenges. Carry warm clothes, first-aid, necessary permissions, and check road status before departure.

What to Expect From the Ladakh by Train Journey When It’s Done

Once the proposed rail connection is in place, the experience of travelling to Ladakh via a train will be a new experience:

• Scenic train routes passing through mountain peak passes such as Rohtang La, Baralacha La, Lachung La, and Tanglang La, through which the route is likely to pass.
• The landscape will include river valleys, snow-covered mountains, and the remote wilderness of the Himalayas. 
• A much more comfortable starting point: being able to rest on the train for much of the journey rather than doing long, exhausting road legs.
• Potentially less road fatigue, more safety from weather disruptions (if the railway is built to tolerate winter conditions), and a more consistent pace of travel.
• Once that’s operational, combining a Ladakh tour with “Ladakh by train” will be more feasible, enjoyable, and accessible to many more travelers.

Things to Keep in Mind for Your Ladakh Tour

Timing is everything. The best season for Ladakh travel tends to be summer (June to September) when roads are open; winters are harsh and many passes are closed. 

• Permits: Some areas require permits, e.g., for high-altitude lakes and border-area zones. Always check the latest guidelines.
• Fitness & health: Since the altitude is high, it helps to acclimatize, stay hydrated, and avoid sudden exertion.
• Road conditions: Even from Jammu Tawi, roads can be unpredictable; always allow buffer days for delays.

Also Read: Finding Your Perfect Stay in Ladakh

Conclusion

Then, is it possible to take the train to Ladakh? Not fully, at least not yet. However, you can always start with the train voyage, which normally goes up to Jammu Tawi, and then take the road. The proposed Bilaspur-Manali-Leh broad-gauge will enable people to actually be able to have the Ladakh experience via train, and this could facilitate a change in how people go about traveling and other Leh Ladakh tours.

Meanwhile, you can even organize an awesome Ladakh tour with the help of a combo of train and road. It is the means of finding the balance between comfort, adventure, and spectacular views. Keep a watch on where the new railway is, as when it is launched, Ladakh by train will cease to be a fantasy for many of us.