Leh To Ladakh Road Trip | The Ultimate Guide

Ladakh, the breathtakingly beautiful bucket list destination for every travel enthusiast, is a journey best enjoyed via the road. With no shortage of picturesque locations, magnificent views, and adventure en route, it is sure to tickle your wanderlust. ALadakhroad trip venturing into this cold desert via the mighty mountainous passes should definitely be next on your cards. This journey will give you numerous sites to explore, not just in Leh-Ladakh but on the way as well, so it’s not a place you should stall visiting.

Venturing into Leh Ladakh by road is certainly the way to go if you want to enjoy the scenic views on the way. You can take the plane for a shorter, quicker journey, but then you will miss out on seeing the beauty of the journey, which you can only experience on a road trip. It will also get a little tedious due to the sightseeing points of Ladakh being a significant distance away from each other, with an average of 150 km on one side. The mountainous sights also tend to blend together when you just go from point to point, so to get the authentic Ladakh experience, taking a Road Trip through the gorgeous roads is the way to go.

Leh Ladakh By Car

The journey to Leh Ladakh is known for the diverse landscapes, sharp, inclined roads, and fascinating pit-stops that make the route a one-of-a-kind, memorable experience. Although the Ladakh road trip sounds like an exhilarating trip, it is not an easy one. The tough terrains and extreme conditions require proper preparations, including health precautions, taking a suitable vehicle and pre-booking accommodations to lay your head at night. The trip will also require you to begin your day at the crack of dawn on most days in order to cover long distances from one stoppage point to the other. However, the journey will honestly be worth it all.

Also Read : Best Bikes for Leh Ladakh Trip

Tips For Your Leh Ladakh Road Trip

Choosing The Right Vehicle 

The best car to take on a Ladakh road trip would be a four-wheel drive (4WD) like the Mahindra Scorpio or Thar, Jeep or similar SUVs. When it comes to taking a bike trip, the best kikes for Leh Ladakh road trip include Royal Enfields, KTM’s and even a few models from Bajaj. Keeping in mind the high altitudes, steep roads and off-road conditions, more often than not, your chosen vehicle should have a high pick-up capacity and the ability to drive on off-road terrains.

Driver Expertise 

Whether you drive yourself or hire someone to drive you, keep in mind that these are not your regular roads. With narrow ghats, pin curves, tunnels, and slippery mountainous stretches all along your path, you will need an expert driver to get you through the trip safely.

Pre-trip Vehicle Servicing

Regardless of the vehicle you choose, you must ensure it has been serviced before you start your Ladakh road trip from Delhi. The long, bare stretches on this route will not provide you with an abundance of garages or even fuel stations so you would not want to risk getting stuck due to any issues with your vehicle.

Tool Kits

Make sure to pack puncture repair kits, neon signals and other essential tools to tide you over during any emergency.

Snacks for the road

Since there aren’t that many places to eat once you leave Jammu or Manali, depending on whichever route you choose to take, packing snacks and plenty of water is a must. Staying properly hydrated will also help you in acclimatising to the weather conditions.

Power Banks

An extremely important item to carry. Your phones tend to drain faster due to the continuous use of GPS as well as the cold weather, so do not forget to carry a high-capacity power  bank, especially if your phones do not have a long-lasting battery.

Permissions and Documentations Required For a Ladakh Road Trip

You will encounter various checkpoints and police checkposts on your route while travelling to Leh Ladakh by road. To prevent any hassle, you must keep all the required documents and permissions handy. Some documents that you will need to carry are your Vehicle’s Registration Papers as well as Personal Identification Cards. You will also require an Inner Line Permit to travel through Leh Ladakh. This permit can be issued online and will cost you approximately Rs. 400 – Rs 500.

Things to Remember When Taking a Ladakh Road Trip

• You should take 48 hours at the very least for acclimatisation before you begin your journey to the high altitude areas. This time should be separate from your road travel time as that does not aid in acclimatisation. It builds up the altitude effect gradually.
• You should take the Diamox-250mg (acetazolamide) tablet twice a day, after breakfast and dinner, at least two days prior to beginning your trip to Leh. You should continue taking the medicine for two more days once you arrive in Leh.
• You should avoid any strenuous physical activity for the first two days.
• Staying hydrated is extremely important. You must have at least 2-3 ltrs. of water per day while also avoiding alcohol, cigarettes and sedatives.
• In order to avoid indigestion, you must consume light meals on the first day of your arrival.
• In case you experience symptoms of HAPE/HACE, you must consult a doctor immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions for a Ladakh Road Trip

Q. Which is the best car for a Ladakh Road Trip?

Any sturdy SUV or four-wheel drive (4WD) like the Mahindra Scorpio or Thar, Jeep, Tata Hexa etc. will help you manoeuvre through the rugged terrains and rocky stretches. These cars have powerful engines that help in climbing up steep slopes while also having a good fuel capacity.

Q. Is a sedan suitable for a Ladakh Road Trip?

Yes, you can take a sedan or a smaller car on a Ladakh Road Trip, but it will require extra effort and care to manoeuvre through the steep slopes and rough roads.