Introduction
The road to Leh must be the most frequently discussed route among bike or vehicle enthusiasts. We offer the road trip guide for you if you, like many others, have always wished to have the coveted title that comes with getting there on two or four wheels.
Why is it so well-liked?
Even though many people drive from their hometowns to Leh, the size of our motherland can be intimidating. Simple: travel to Srinagar, rent a car or motorcycle, and go out on the journey!
With so many alternatives for renting out vehicles, equipment, and supplies in Srinagar alone, you don’t need to spend days travelling while dragging about your own gear.
optimum time to visit
The ideal time of year to travel by bike from Srinagar to Leh is in the summer. The best driving and riding conditions and the fewest number of weather-related road closures occur from May through September. In the off-season, you won’t have many chances to rent a car.
How can I travel to Srinagar?
Using the National Highway system, you can reach Srinagar in 2–7 days, depending on how far you’re willing to drive each day.
Bus: The bus trip can be quite an adventure in and of itself, but you might feel a little under the weather once you get to Srinagar. If you don’t want to waste time, it might be easier to bring your own bike or automobile instead of relying on a bus to get around Leh and the neighbouring areas.
Flying: Flying into Srinagar and landing at the Sheik-ul-Alam International Airport is another excellent choice because you may avoid days of travel time and rent a car as soon as you arrive.
Road journey from Srinagar to Leh – Route
There are several road choices from Srinagar to Leh, but in order to get the most out of your road journey, we highly advise taking different routes both ways.
How to go from Srinagar to Leh
Sonamarg, Lamayuru, Leh, and Srinagar.
It is 430 kilometres away.
Srinagar to Sonamarg
You will travel the first 80 kilometres or so of your journey to Srinagar via the NH1, which shouldn’t take you more than a few hours. Stop and take in Sonamarg’s breathtaking natural splendour, which includes distant glaciers.
Sonamarg to Lamayuru
You can reach the next rest area, Lamayuru, by continuing on the NH1 for a little more than 200 kilometres. Plan on travelling for at least 4 hours to reach Lamayuru; the road leading there is often decent but sluggish. With so much to see and great lodging alternatives, you should think about doing some sightseeing and staying the night before continuing on to the next part that will take you to Leh.
Lamayuru to Leh
You should arrive at your destination in no more than three hours after travelling the last 100 or so kilometres. When you arrive in Leh, make sure to explore all of the alternatives that are available to tourists, like paragliding, kayaking, camping, and much more.
To sample the incredible local cuisine, you’ll likely need at least three or four days here. Visit Gurdwara Pathar Sahib, Magnetic Hill, Khardung La, Nubra Valley, Sarchu, and Manali—all of which are only a few hours away by car—and then return to the hotel before setting off the next day for Srinagar via Batalik and Kargil.
Returning from Leh Trip to Srinagar
Leh via Batalik, then to Kargil, then to Srinagar
a 462 kilometre distance
Back in Srinagar, we take a different route that passes through Batalik and Kargil. Returning in this direction will result in additional vistas to capture on camera, despite the road being a few kilometres longer.
From Leh to Batalik
Once again on the NH1, travel in the direction of Batalik in the north-west this time. This highway segment, which is only a few hundred kilometres away from your location, should take you no longer than four or five hours to complete, despite the possibility of major car congestion. Invest a night here and schedule a climb with one of the adventure sport providers if you enjoy rock climbing.
Batalik to Kargil
It shouldn’t take you long to travel to your next checkpoint, Kargil, which is only 50 or so kilometres away. However, there may be traffic congestion on route later in the day due to heavy traffic. Ideally, leave early to avoid the crowds, stop in Kargil for a lunch and some sightseeing, and then continue on to Srinagar.
Srinagar to Kargil
Essentials for a trip: weather-protective clothing
You can return to Srinagar, where your experience began, after travelling down the NH1 for another four or so hours. From here, it won’t be long before you’re boarding a plane for your hometown.
Essentials for a trip:
weather-protective clothing
Sunglasses
food and drink
Maps or a GPS
medical kit
Torches
all-device chargers
Some identifying
Cameras
money to buy food, fuel, etc.
It’s an incredible journey, full of views and experiences, from Srinagar to Leh. Enjoy Leh’s beauty and the activities available once you arrive. You can return to Srinagar, where your experience began, after travelling down the NH1 for another four or so hours. From here, it won’t be long before you’re boarding a plane for your hometown.
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