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Delhi to Leh road trip is a dream journey for adventure enthusiasts, offering
breathtaking landscapes, high-altitude mountain passes, and thrilling driving experiences. Whether you're a biker, a solo traveler, or planning a road trip with friends, this
ultimate guide will help you plan the perfect
Leh Ladakh road trip in 2025.
Best Routes from Delhi to Leh
There are
two main routes to reach Leh from Delhi, each offering unique landscapes, challenges, and experiences.
1. Manali-Leh Highway (NH3) – The Scenic & Adventurous Route ️
Distance: 1,020 km |
Time: ~2-3 days
Pros  | Cons  |
|---|
| Most scenic route with stunning landscapes | Only open from May to October due to snowfall  |
| Thrilling high-altitude mountain passes ️ | Requires proper acclimatization due to high altitude |
| Shorter compared to the Srinagar route | Some stretches have rough roads ️ |
Major Stops on the Manali-Leh Route:
- Manali (6,726 ft) ️ – Gateway to adventure, last major town before Leh
- Rohtang Pass (13,058 ft) – Snow-covered pass with breathtaking views
- Keylong (10,105 ft) ️ – First major stop in Lahaul Valley
- Jispa (10,500 ft)
– Ideal overnight stop for acclimatization
- Baralacha La (16,040 ft) – One of the toughest & highest passes
- Pang (15,280 ft) ️ – A small settlement with tented accommodations
- Tanglang La (17,582 ft) ️ – The second-highest motorable pass in India
2. Srinagar-Leh Highway (NH1) – The Safer & Gradual Acclimatization Route ️
Distance: 1,250 km |
Time: ~3-4 days
| Pros | Cons |
|---|
| Gradual increase in altitude, making acclimatization easier | Longer compared to Manali-Leh route |
| Open for a longer period (April to November) | More army checkpoints, permits required |
| Historically safer than Manali-Leh route ️ | Traffic congestion in Srinagar & Sonamarg |
Major Stops on the Srinagar-Leh Route:
- Srinagar (5,200 ft) ️ – Start your journey with a Shikara ride on Dal Lake
- Sonamarg (8,960 ft) – The "Meadow of Gold" with mesmerizing views
- Zoji La (11,575 ft) ️ – The first high-altitude mountain pass
- Drass (10,761 ft) ️ – The second coldest inhabited place on Earth
- Kargil (8,780 ft) – Famous for the Kargil War Memorial
- Lamayuru (11,520 ft) – Known for the Moonland landscape
- Magnetic Hill (11,000 ft) ️ – A gravity-defying optical illusion
Best Time to Visit Leh Ladakh by Road
| Season | Best For | Travel Experience |
|---|
Summer (May-June)  | Best time for first-timers | Snow starts melting, clear roads ️ |
| Monsoon (July-Aug) ️ | Adventure seekers | Risk of landslides, river crossings |
| Autumn (Sept-Oct) | Photographers & bikers | Stunning fall colors, cold nights |
| Winter (Nov-Apr) | Extreme travelers | High risk, roads often closed |
Essential Permits for Leh Ladakh Road Trip
Before traveling to Leh Ladakh, you need certain
permits to enter restricted areas:
1. Inner Line Permit (ILP)
Required for Indian tourists visiting
Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, Tso Moriri, and other restricted areas.
Apply Online: LAHDC Leh Permit Website
2. Protected Area Permit (PAP)
Required for
foreign nationals, available through registered travel agencies in Leh.
3. Rohtang Pass Permit
For those taking the
Manali-Leh route, a special
Rohtang Pass Permit is required. Apply online at the
Himachal Pradesh Tourism website.
Packing List for a Delhi to Leh Road Trip
Documents: DL, RC, insurance, permits
Offline Maps & GPS: Mobile networks are unreliable
Warm Clothing: Even summer nights are freezing
Medicine Kit: AMS (Altitude Sickness) tablets, painkillers
Extra Fuel: Limited petrol pumps en route
Cash: ATMs are scarce in remote areas
Best Places to Eat on the Delhi-Leh Road Trip ️
| Location | Restaurant | Must-Try Dishes |
|---|
| Manali | Johnson’s Café | Trout Fish, Wood-Fired Pizza |
| Jispa | Padma Lodge | Butter Tea, Thukpa |
| Sarchu | Tented Camps | Maggi, Rajma Chawal |
| Leh | The Tibetan Kitchen | Momos, Yak Cheese Pizza |
| Nubra Valley | Yarab Tso | Ladakhi Pulao, Apricot Juice |
Top Tips for a Safe & Memorable Road Trip to Leh
Get Your Vehicle Serviced Beforehand – Roads are rough, ensure your car/bike is in top shape
Start Early Each Day – Avoid driving at night due to unpredictable road conditions
Acclimatize Properly – Spend at least 1-2 days in Leh before heading to higher altitudes ️
Avoid Alcohol Initially – It can worsen altitude sickness
Respect Local Culture – Ladakh has a strong Buddhist influence, be mindful of traditions
Alternative Travel Options from Delhi to Leh 
| Mode of Transport | Duration | Pros | Cons |
|---|
| By Flight | 1.5 hrs | Fastest way, stunning aerial views | Expensive, no gradual acclimatization |
| By Train + Road | 36+ hrs | Budget-friendly, scenic route | Multiple transfers, long journey |
| By Bus | 24-30 hrs | Affordable | Uncomfortable, long travel time |
Final Thoughts: Why a Delhi to Leh Road Trip Should Be on Your Bucket List in 2025 ️
A
road trip from Delhi to Leh is
an experience of a lifetime, filled with
majestic mountains, crystal-clear lakes, thrilling high-altitude passes, and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you choose the
Manali-Leh route for adventure or the Srinagar-Leh route for a gradual ascent, this journey is
nothing short of magical.
So,
are you ready for the ultimate Himalayan adventure? Drop your questions and thoughts in the comments below! ️
