Ladakh, the land of high passes, is one of India's most exotic destinations, situated in the northern state of Jammu and Kashmir. Although it's a mountainous region, there are a few options to reach Ladakh:
The nearest airport to Ladakh is the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh. It is well-connected with major cities in India such as Delhi, Srinagar, and Jammu.
Ladakh is accessible by road from two directions:
Please note that these roads are only open seasonally. The Srinagar-Leh Highway typically opens from May to early November, while the Leh-Manali Highway generally opens from June to October, depending on the weather conditions.
The nearest major railway station to Ladakh is in Jammu Tawi, which is well-connected with different parts of India. From there, you can either take a bus or hire a taxi to Ladakh, which is roughly 700 km away.
As of my knowledge cutoff in 2023, here is how you can reach Ladakh from India's major cities by road, flight, and train, along with approximate distances:
Flight: Direct flights are available from Indira Gandhi International Airport to Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh.
Road: Distance is about 1011 KM. A popular route is Delhi - Chandigarh - Manali - Leh. Recommended stopovers include Manali for acclimatization.
Train: Nearest railway station is in Jammu Tawi, about 625 KM from Delhi. From Jammu, it's a 700 KM drive to Leh.
Flight: Flights with one stopover, usually in Delhi, are available to Leh.
Road: Distance is about 2191 KM. A possible route is Mumbai - Ahmedabad - Jaipur - Delhi - Manali - Leh. Stopovers can be at Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and Manali.
Train: Board a train to Jammu Tawi and continue by road to Ladakh.
Flight: Flights with one stopover, often in Delhi, to Leh.
Road: Roughly 2345 KM away. A route suggestion is Kolkata - Varanasi - Lucknow - Delhi - Manali - Leh, with possible halts at Varanasi, Lucknow, and Manali.
Train: Take a train to Jammu Tawi and then travel by road.
Flight: Flights with one stopover, usually in Delhi, to Leh.
Road: Approximately 2950 KM. A suggested route could be Chennai - Bangalore - Pune - Mumbai - Ahmedabad - Jaipur - Delhi - Manali - Leh with possible stopovers at major cities along the way.
Train: Train to Jammu Tawi and proceed by road.
Note: Road trips to Ladakh require careful planning due to the long distances and the challenging nature of the roads. It is essential for travelers to ensure their vehicles are in good condition and that they are carrying necessary supplies. It is also crucial to stay updated with local weather and road conditions as they can change rapidly.
Always check with local authorities or tour operators to get the latest information on road openings and conditions, particularly if you are traveling outside the main tourist season.
For the detailed plan and to travel by road, it’s best to consult with local travel agencies or tour operators who specialize in Ladakh tours.
