Leh-Ladakh-The ultimate travel guide

We have all had Leh-Ladakh on our wishlist , maybe it’s been years since you’ve planned a trip but it never saw itself to fruition or you are planning one. If you are still clueless about how to spend your days, where to go, and how to plan a trip to Leh Ladakh well, read on.

Here I will provide you with a comprehensive guide for your trip to Ladakh.

Which is the best time to visit Ladakh?

This would depend on the kind of traveller you are, because it remains beautiful throughout the year.However, June to September is the best time to visit Ladakh, as the temperature remains pleasant between 17-30 C . You will get to witness snow on the passes, the roads are clear, but keep in mind as this also means that your trip will coincide with peak tourist season, so you can expect a lot of tourists and thus it can feel crowded. The weather can vary from pleasant to burning hot in afternoons. Ladakh is a rain shadow region, however expect mild to moderate rainfall occasionally.  However it won’t dampen your trip so don’t fret.If you want to experience snow, then January- February is a good time, however keep in mind that you’ll have to plan your transportation in advance and there can be road closures too.

How many days is enough for a ladakh trip?

Ideally, you should plan your trip for a minimum of 10 days which can be extended upto 14 days to cover more of the region. It’s a request to not plan a week trip to ladakh as that is the first mistake tourists make and some tour operators will sell you a 7 day trip just to make some money. A detailed itinerary is given below

 

Permits for Ladakh

If you are an Indian citizen, you no longer require a permit. It’s more of an environmental fee that you have to pay. This can easily be obtained by you online or your stay could arrange that for you when you land in Leh. The green fee is required for Pangong and Nubra valley, Khardungla pass, Shyok, Changla pass, Tangste, Chumathang, Tsaga la, Dha-hanu valley, Tso moriri lake, Batalik.

To avail permit online, you can apply to http://lahdclehpermit.in/

Just download the pdf and you are good to go. Some places might ask you for a hard copy so just keep a copy along.

How to travel within Ladakh?

This depends if you are solo traveller or travelling with a group. Transportation is easily available within the city with multiple tour operators catering to different budgets. A detailed information on how to travel solo or with family is mentioned in another blog.

 

Where to stay in Ladakh?

There are multiple stay options in Ladakh, if you are planning the trip by yourself, look into these places.

Yanglha guest house- this is a modest homestay but truly the best for a comfortable stay in Leh. Situated 5-7 minutes from the main market, yet away from the hustle. This stay will make you feel at home with views of Shanti stupa and Tsemo monastery. However, I would request you to note that this is not a hotel so although you’ll get all ameneties, kindly co-operate. The price here starts from 1200 rs and upwards for a room inclusive of two meals.

Other budget options would be:

Zostel Leh, goSTOPS, Le hostels. For mid budget options you can opt for Youthok, The Maitreya,The Silk Route. If you want to spend on a good luxury hotel, then your best bet is Grand Dragon Ladakh, Tsas and Chospa.

 

Itinerary for Ladakh trip

Day 1- arrive at Leh, rest, do not go up for a walk and hydrate well.

Day 2-I would suggest you to just go to the main market but you can go for local sight seeing but do not exert yourself and keep only a few things on the list, you do not have to cover everything.

Shey Palace can be skipped

Day 2- Shanti stupa, Leh palace and main market

Day 3- Take a cab to Diskit, Hunder and Turtuk

Stay in either Turtuk or Hunder

Day 4- Pangong via Shyok, overnight at Pangong

Day 5- Pangong to Hanle or come back to Leh

Day 6; Pangong/Leh to Hanle

Day 7 Hanle to Karzok

Day 8- Karzok to leh via Tso kar

Day 9- Leh to Kargil

Day 10-Kargil to Leh

 

Is Ladakh safe for solo travellers?

Ladakh is extremely safe for solo travellers, you can comfortably travel in Leh even as a female solo traveller by public transport. I am a female solo traveller and I travelled within the city safely. However I would advise you to find a stay and stay inside if you are in the outskirts and take safety precautions.

 

Conclusion

Plan that trip ASAP, what are you waiting for?