INTRODUCTION:
The road to Leh has to be the most talked about the route by any bike or car enthusiast. If you’ve always wanted to own the coveted title that comes with getting there on two or four wheels, we’ve got the road trip guide for you.
What makes it so popular?
Although many people drive from their hometowns to Leh, the vastness of our motherland can be intimidating. A great way to get a head start on an adventure of this magnitude is to simply travel to Srinagar, rent a motorcycle or car, and go!
With so many options for renting vehicles, equipment, and supplies in Srinagar, you won’t have to spend days on the road lugging your belongings but instead can start doing what you came to do right away when you arrive.
The best time to go
Summer is the best time to drive from Srinagar to Leh. From May to September, you’ll find the best riding and driving conditions, as well as the fewest weather-related road closures. There will also be few opportunities to rent a vehicle during the off-season.
What is the best way to get to Srinagar?
Road: Get on the road and follow the National Highway network to Srinagar in 2 to 7 days, depending on how far you want to travel each day.
Bus: The bus route can be quite an adventure in and of itself, but it may leave you a little tired when you arrive in Srinagar.
Flight: Flying into Srinagar and landing at the Sheik-ul-Alam International Airport is also a good option because you can save days on the road and rent a car once you arrive.
Road Trip from Srinagar to Leh – Route
Once in Srinagar, there are a few road options to get to Leh, but we highly recommend taking different routes to go and returning to maximize your road trip experience.
- How to Get to Leh from Srinagar
Srinagar, Sonamarg, Lamayuru, and Leh
430 kilometers distance
The first leg of your road trip to Srinagar will take you approximately 80 kilometers along the NH1 and should take you no more than a couple of hours to complete. Stop and take in the breathtaking natural beauty of Sonamarg, complete with glaciers in the distance.
The last 100 kilometers to your destination should take no more than three hours. Once in Leh, be sure to take advantage of the numerous activities available to visitors, such as paragliding, kayaking, camping, and much more.
You’ll probably need at least three or four days to sample the incredible local cuisine. Visit Gurdwara Pathar Sahib, Magnetic Hill, Khardung La, Nubra Valley, Sarchu, and Manali, all of which are only a few hours away by car, and then return to the hotel before continuing to Srinagar via Batalik and Kargil the next day.
Vehicle rental
With so many options for renting a vehicle in Srinagar, you can either contact tour operators ahead of time to reserve something specifically for you or take a chance when you arrive and make do with what is available.
Motorcycles are easily available for hire, with prices ranging between Rs. 1200 and Rs. 2000 per day, including much-needed equipment, which is usually provided at no extra cost.
When renting a four-wheeler, you may have to settle for one that comes with a driver, as this is how most rental companies prefer to operate.
These can get a little pricey, costing up to Rs. 5000 per day for a decent vehicle, but consider the number of occupants that can split the bill.
What do you need for the trip?
- Weatherproof clothing is a must-have for any trip.
- Sunglasses
- Food and water
- Maps or GPS?
- First-aid supplies
- Torches
- Chargers for all types of devices
- Some surveillance cameras
- Cash for food, gas, and other necessities
- The journey from Srinagar to Leh is breathtaking, full of sights and experiences. When you arrive in Leh, take in the scenery and the activities on offer.
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