OVERVIEW OF LEH-LADAKH
Solo trips to Leh-Ladakh offer a deeply enriching travel experience, combining awe-inspiring landscapes, thrilling adventures, and meaningful opportunities for self-reflection. Nestled in the far northern reaches of the Indian subcontinent, Ladakh shares its borders with Pakistan to the west and China and Tibet to the north and east. A part of the broader Ladakh region also lies within Pakistan, known as Gilgit-Baltistan. Both Ladakh and Gilgit-Baltistan share strong cultural, ethnic, and historical ties.
Historically a part of the Tibetan Kingdom, Ladakh is still home to a predominantly Buddhist population. As a result, the region’s culture, language, cuisine, architecture, and spiritual atmosphere stand in stark contrast to much of the rest of India.
Previously included in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh was declared a Union Territory in 2019. Leh, the capital and main transport hub of the region, serves as the ideal base for exploring Ladakh. While many use the names interchangeably, it’s important to note that Leh is the town, while Ladakh refers to the larger region it lies within.
Best Routes for a Delhi to Leh Ladakh:
By Air: Delhi to Leh by Flight
The quickest and most convenient way to reach Leh from Delhi is by taking a direct flight. Leh has its own airport, Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL), which is well-connected to major cities, including Delhi.
Flight Duration: The flight from Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi (DEL) to Leh (IXL) takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Airlines: Multiple airlines, including Air India, GoAir, SpiceJet, and Vistara, operate regular flights from Delhi to Leh.
Cost: The cost of a one-way flight can range from INR 3,000 to INR 10,000, depending on the season and availability
By Road: Delhi to Leh by car or bike
1. Delhi → Manali → Leh (Manali-Leh Highway)
Distance: ~950 km (from Manali to Leh)
Duration: 2-3 days
Why Choose This Route?
High-altitude adrenaline rush with dramatic landscapes
Cross legendary mountain passes like Rohtang Pass (3,978 m), Baralacha La (4,890 m), and Tanglang La (5,328 m)
The best route for the Delhi to Leh road trip for adventure lovers and bikers
Key Stops:
Manali – Chill in lush green valleys before the real adventure begins
Jispa/Sarchu – Camp under the stars in surreal mountain landscapes
Leh – Your final stop, home to mesmerizing monasteries and pristine lake
2. Delhi → Srinagar → Leh (Srinagar-Leh Highway)
Distance: ~850 km (from Srinagar to Leh)
Duration: 2-3 days
Why Choose This Route?
Gradual ascent, making it easier on first-timers
Drive through Zoji La Pass (3,528 m) and visit Kargil & Drass, one of the coldest inhabited places on Earth
A blend of Kashmir’s lush beauty and Ladakh’s rugged charm
Key Stops:
Srinagar – Glide through Dal Lake on a houseboat
Kargil – A must-visit for history buffs
Leh – A paradise of monasteries, high-altitude lakes, and endless adventures