Best Ladakh Road Trip Itinerary in 12 Days | 2024 Leh Ladakh Trip by Road Plan | Dheeraj Sharma

Summary

This video script offers a comprehensive guide for a memorable road trip to Ladakh, highlighting the gradual altitude increase for acclimatization, scenic routes, and must-visit locations. Starting from Delhi, it outlines a 13-day itinerary, including stops at Jammu, Srinagar, Sonamarg, Kargil, Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, and returning via Manali. It emphasizes the importance of environmental responsibility and provides tips on permits and fees for Indian tourists.

Takeaways

• 🚗 The script provides a detailed itinerary for a road trip to Ladakh, emphasizing gradual altitude increase to avoid acute mountain sickness.
• 🗺 It recommends starting from Srinagar highway and returning via Manali highway to ensure a gradual ascent.
• 🏔 The first day's journey can end at Jammu or Patni Top, depending on the starting point and travel time.
• 🌅 On the second day, the trip includes a visit to Srinagar, with suggestions to explore Dal Lake and enjoy the sunset.
• 🛤 The third day's route involves crossing Zojila Pass and stopping at Dras and Kargil for local cuisine and the war memorial.
• 🏞 On the fourth day, travelers will experience the landscapes of Ladakh, including the Baron Landscape and visits to Lama Yuru and Le.
• 🛂 The fifth day is a rest day in Le, with local sightseeing options like Shankar Gompa and the Hall of Fame.
• 🏞 The sixth day's journey takes travelers to the Nubra Valley, with stops at Khardungla, Hunder, and Dista for sightseeing.
• 🌄 The seventh day involves a trip to Pangong Lake, with a potential detour via Warila Pass if the Shok route is closed.
• 🌅 The eighth day suggests waking up at Pangong Lake to enjoy the sunrise before returning to Le via Changla Pass.
• 🛣 The final leg of the journey includes a visit to Sumori Lake on the 10th day and a return to Manali via Sarchu and Jispa on the 12th day.
• 📝 The script also mentions the importance of environmental fees and the optional Red Cross Fund fee for domestic tourists in Ladakh.

Q & A

Why is it recommended to travel to Ladakh by road instead of by flight?

Traveling to Ladakh by road is recommended to gradually increase altitude, allowing your body to adapt and reduce the risk of acute mountain sickness.

What is the suggested starting point for the Ladakh road trip, and what are the options for the first night's stay?

The suggested starting point is Delhi or Chandigarh. For the first night's stay, you can either reach Jammu or Patni Top. If starting from Chandigarh, Patni Top is recommended, but from Delhi, Jammu is a more manageable option.

What are some activities and places to explore in Srinagar on the second day?

In Srinagar, you can explore Dal Lake, Shalimar Garden, Nagin Lake, visit local markets, try Kashmiri cuisine, and enjoy a Shikara ride on Dal Lake in the evening.

What are the main points of interest on the route from Srinagar to Kargil on the third day?

The main points of interest include Sonamarg, Zojila Pass, Dras, Kargil War Memorial, and Ali Dhaba for Rajma rice. The journey also offers beautiful landscapes and adventurous roads.

What can you see and do between Kargil and Leh on the fourth day?

Between Kargil and Leh, you can visit the Buddha statue at Malbek, cross scenic passes, visit Lama Yuru (Moonland), and explore the Sham Valley, including the confluence of the Zanskar and Indus rivers, Magnetic Hills, and Gurdwara Patthar Sahib.

What activities are recommended in Leh on the fifth day for local sightseeing?

In Leh, you can visit Shankar Gompa, Leh Palace, Hall of Fame, Shanti Stupa for sunset views, and explore Chang Spa Road for dining and shopping.

What permits and fees are required for domestic tourists in Ladakh?

Domestic tourists do not need a permit but must pay an environment fee of Rs 400 and a wildlife fee of Rs 20 per day per person. There is also an optional Red Cross Fund fee of Rs 50.

What are the main attractions in Nubra Valley on the sixth day?

In Nubra Valley, you can visit Diskit Monastery with its large Buddha statue, enjoy a camel safari on double-humped camels in Hunder, and explore the beautiful valley.

How can you reach Pangong Lake from Nubra Valley, and what should you consider on the seventh day?

You can reach Pangong Lake via the Shok route, which takes about five hours, or via Warila Pass if the Shok route is closed. Consider leaving early and possibly visiting Sumur and Panamik in Nubra Valley.

What are the highlights of the journey from Pangong Lake to Leh on the eighth day?

The highlights include enjoying the sunrise at Pangong Lake, crossing Changla Pass, and visiting monasteries such as Shey, Thiksey, Hemis, and Chemre on the way back to Leh.

What optional trips can be added if you have more days available?

Optional trips include visiting Turtuk and Tyakshi Village near the Pakistan border, Siachen Base Camp, and Hanle via Pangong Lake. You can also visit Umlingla Pass, the highest motorable pass in the world.