Leh Ladakh Trip Self Drive Cars

[Harmandeep Singh]

We are group of 10-12 peoples planning trip to leh in month of Jun(10-24) by self driven cars..people looking travel companion/partners ,,let us know

 

[Dhruv]

Do we even have self-driven cars in India? I thought there were a rare few in foreign countries.

 

[Admin]

A self-drive trip to Leh-Ladakh is an unforgettable adventure, offering breathtaking landscapes, high-altitude passes, and thrilling road conditions. Over the years, road infrastructure has improved, making self-driving a more feasible option. However, there are still key factors to consider before embarking on this journey.

Can You Take a Self-Drive Car to Leh-Ladakh in 2024?​

Yes, you can take a self-drive car to Leh-Ladakh, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Rented Self-Drive Cars (Zoomcar, Myles, Revv, etc.)
   • Outside rental vehicles (self-drive cars rented from Delhi, Chandigarh, or other states) are not allowed for sightseeing within Ladakh.
   • You can use them to reach Leh, but for local sightseeing (Pangong, Nubra, Tso Moriri, etc.), you must hire a local taxi or rent a bike.
2. Private Vehicles (Your Own Car)
   • If you own the car and it's registered in your name (or immediate family), you are free to explore Ladakh without restrictions.
   • Carry your RC, insurance, PUC, and driving license at all times.

Best Routes for a Leh-Ladakh Self-Drive Trip​

Route	Distance	Travel Time	Best Season
Manali – Leh	~470 km	2 days	June – October
Srinagar – Leh	~420 km	2 days	May – October
Leh – Pangong Lake	~225 km	6-7 hours	May – October
Leh – Nubra Valley	~160 km	5-6 hours	May – October

Things to Keep in Mind for a Self-Drive Ladakh Trip​

High-Ground Clearance Vehicle: SUVs like Toyota Fortuner, Mahindra Scorpio, or Thar are best suited for Ladakh roads. Small cars may struggle on rough patches.
Inner Line Permits (ILP): Required for Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley, and other restricted areas. Can be obtained online or from the DC office in Leh.
Fuel Availability: Carry extra fuel if traveling to remote areas like Hanle or Tso Moriri, as fuel stations are limited.
Acclimatization: Spend at least 1-2 days in Leh before heading to higher altitudes to avoid AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness).
Mobile Connectivity: Only BSNL, Airtel, and Jio postpaid connections work in Ladakh.

Best Time for a Ladakh Self-Drive Trip​

• June – September (Best time, roads are open)
• October – April (Extreme winter, heavy snowfall, roads may be closed)

Would love to hear from anyone who has done a recent Leh-Ladakh self-drive trip! Drop your experiences, best routes, and car recommendations below. ️