Road trip Leh Ladakh from Chandigarh can be completed in 8 days. A road trip to Leh Ladhak is a dream for every adventure seeker and travel lover. Ladhak is known for its pristine beauty, unique culture, weather, and challenging terrain. It is the place that offers once in a lifetime experience. This complete guide provides all the essential information required to plan a road trip from Chandigarh to Leh. It is more convenient to reach Leh from Chandigarh than Delhi. Atal Tunnel reduces the distance between Manali to Leh.
Cold Desert Ladhak – Information
Leh Ladhak is a Union territory in northern India. Leh is the capital city of the Ladhak region. Ladhak covers a total of 117,000 square km of area. It has a Buddhist culture with several monasteries. It borders Jammu and Kashmir to the west and Himachal Pradesh to the south in India. The northern and eastern borders are Pakistan and China respectively. It is one of the highest regions of the world. Its natural features consist mainly of high mountains and deep valleys.
Leh Ladhak Climate And Height
The climate of Ladhak is cold and dry. The night is very chilled as compared to the day. There is no monsoon but experience heavy snowfall during the winter season. This snow melts in the summer season and the weather becomes pleasant. It is a cold desert with less oxygen due to the high elevation. Because of that reason, some tourist faces problems like acclimatization, headache, vomiting, uneasiness, tiredness, and less sleep. Ladhak is situated at an elevation of 3500 meters in Great Himalaya, Karakoram, Zanskar, and Ladhak. There are no trees or greenery such as.
Atal Tunnel
Atal Tunnel is the longest highway single-tube tunnel in the world. It is located in The Rohtang Pass of the Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh. It reduces the distance between Manali and Keylong by 46 km and travel time by 4-5 hours. The length of the tunnel is 9.02 km. Keylong is just 37 km from Atal Tunnel.
How To Plan Your Leh Ladhak Trip?
Before going on a road trip from Chandigarh to Leh Ladhak planning the trip is essential so you cannot face problems. Here is the list of important things to consider:
1. Acclimatization – Ladhak is situated at an elevation of 3500 meters above sea level. There is a lack of oxygen. Acclimatization happens to some tourists due to high altitude. To prevent altitude sickness or mountain sickness in Ladhak all tourists must undergo at least 48 hours of rest. In addition to that take enough sleep, drinking more water, and eating limited are good for acclimatization. Do not walk fast and long.
2. Inner line Permits – Is an inner line permit required to visit Leh? The inner line permit does not require visiting all the areas in Ladhak. It requires visiting some protected areas in Ladhak. The inner line permit is valid for 3 weeks for Indians. The inner line permit requires visiting the places Numbra Valley, Khardung La Pass, Pangong Tso, Moriri Tso, Dah, Hanu Village, Merak, Loma Bend, Turtuk Village, Tyakshi, Chusul, Hanle, Digger La, and Tyanger. The inner line permit can be applied online or offline. The official website for online inner line permits is http://lahdclehpermit.in/. For an offline permit, visit the DC office in Leh.
3. The Best Time to Visit – The best time to visit Ladhak is during the summer season from April to July. This time is the peak season for Ladhak tourism. During this time the temperature in Ladhak ranges between 15 to 30 Degrees Celsius, the weather is pleasant, and the days are cool. Ladhak is known for its extremely low temperature almost throughout the year. People also visit Ladhak from September to October. This time is considered the best season to enjoy the stunning beauty of the landscapes of Leh Ladhak.
4. Where To Stay In Leh Ladhak – There are many hotels, hostels, resorts, luxury hotels, homestays, and cottages in Leh Ladhak for your stay. The prices of the accommodations vary from low budget to high price depending on the amenities and locations. Ladhak hotels suit for all types of travelers from backpackers to luxury travelers. You can choose the hotel according to your requirements and budget.
5. Route- There are two routes from Manali to Leh. One is via Rohtang Pass and another is via Atal Tunnel. There are some benefits for each route. Manali to Leh via Rohtang Pass is a beautiful route that passes through the snow-captured mountain peaks and valleys. But this route takes more time to reach Leh. Another route via the Atal Tunnel saves time and distance but is not as beautiful as via Rohtang Pass. Then the option is in your hand by which way you like to travel to Leh.
Places To Visit In Leh Ladhak
Ladhak is famous for adventure sports, religious places like monasteries, and natural beauty. Here are some important things that you can visit in Ladhak:
Leh Palace – Leh Palace is a former royal palace overlooking the city of Leh in Ladhak. The palace has huge walls and wooden balconies. It is a storied building. The palace is a great example of medieval Tibetan architecture. The time of the palace is from 7 am to 4 pm every day. The entry fee for Indians is INR 15 per person and for foreigners INR 100 per person.
Shanti Stupa – Shanti Stupa is a Buddhist white-colored dome on a hilltop in Chanspa, Leh. To reach the stupa you have to climb 500 steps. It has two stories with a dome at the top. The stupa is open for visitors between 5 am and 9 pm—no entry fee for the Shanti Stupa. The dress code for men is a shirt, trousers, dhoti, or any fully-worn clothes.
Namgyal Tsemo – Namgyal Tsemo is a Buddhist monastery in Leh city of Ladhak. It is a beautiful monastery just above the Leh Palace and Leh Market. The monastery was founded by King Tashi Namgyal of Ladhak. The monastery overlooks the city of Leh, a breathtaking view of the Indus River, and the snow-draped Zanskar mountains. The prayer flag near the monastery adorns the mountainside.
Trekking in Ladhak – There are several treks in Ladhak. Ladhak offers some wonderful and exciting trekking experiences to visitors. You can explore remote trails, high passes, and majestic landscapes in the Ladhak region. If you are interested in experiencing the raw beauty or untouched beauty of Ladhak then go for trekking in Ladhak.
Gurudwara Pathar Sahib – Gurudwara Pathar Sahib is a beautiful Gurudwara sahib constructed in the memory of Guru Nanak – The founder of Sikhism. It is situated on the Srinagar – Leh highway about 25 km from Leh. Langer is served every day from 8.00 am and then lasts about 1 to 2 hours. This Gurudwara is managed by the army providing well well-maintained environment.
Pangong Tso – Pangong Tso or Pangong Lake is an endorheic lake spanning eastern Ladhak and west Tibet at an elevation of 4,225 meters. It is the world’s highest saltwater lake. The colors of the water in the lake change with time of the day. Extending almost 16 km third of the Pangong Lake is located in India and reaming two third in China.
Thikse Monastery – Thikse Monastery is a Buddhist monastery affiliated with the Gelug School of Tibetan Buddhism. It is the largest monastery in central Ladhak. It is famous for its 49-foot-tall statue of Maitreya Buddha in the lotus position. It is about 20 km from Leh. They offer lodging stay and food to travelers at affordable prices. The time of the monastery is from 7 am to 7 pm. You can join in the morning prayer at 7 pm.
Hall Of Fame – The Hall of Fame is a museum constructed by the Indian Army in memory of the brave Indian soldiers who laid down their lives defending the motherland in the Indo-Pak War. It is located near the Airfield. The time of the Hall of Fame is 9 1m to 6 pm on every day. The entry fee is required per person for Indians and foreigners. The ticket also includes the charges for the Sound and Light show.
Magnetic Hill – Magnetic Hill is a gravity hill near Leh in Ladhak. It is located at a distance of 30 km from Leh. The phenomenon where gravity takes a backseat. This hill is marked with “The Phenomenon That Defies Gravity. It is an optical illusion of the hill. It is believed that magnetic force is so strong that it can pull the car uphill. The mystery behind that.
Numbra Valley– Numbra Valley is a historical region in Ladhak. Numbra lies about 10,000 meters above sea level. There are natural wonders, featuring the confluence of Shyok and Siachen Rivers, and the white sand desert. The valley is picturesque and breathtaking. It is sandwiched between Tibet and Kashmir. The valley is surrounded by lofty mountains on all sides. During the summer season, the temperature of Numbra ranges from 4o to 30o.
Tso Moriri – Tso Moriri or Lake Moriri is a lake in the Changthang Plateau in The Leh district of Ladhak, India. It is one of the beautiful calm, and sacred high-altitude lakes in India. This serene lake is about 4521 meters above sea level. It is 29 km long and 8 km wide. It is a fantastic place to visit.
Lamayuru Monastery – Lamayuru Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Lamayuro, Leh District, Ladhak, India. It is located on the Srinagar – Leh Highway 127 km west of Leh. This ancient monastery was built into the “moonscape”. It is one of the most beautiful monasteries in Ladhak and well worth visiting. You can see the breathtaking view of the entire Lamayury village from the monastery.
Diskit Monastery – Diskit Monastery known as Deskit Gompa is the largest and oldest Buddhist monastery in Diskit, Numbra Valley of the Leh district of Ladhak. The huge Maitreya Buddha statue at this monastery is inaugurated by the Dalai Lama. The monastery is famous for its 106 feet Maitreya Buddha statue. The monastery offers a panoramic view of Shyok Valley and its nearby surroundings.
Kargil – Kargil is famous for the Kargil War between India and Pakistan in 1999. Kargil War Memorial was built by the Indian Army in the town of Drass near Kargil. It is on the Leh – Srinagar road. You can visit the Kargil War Memorial at Drass. The war memorial has a theater, souvenir shop, gallery of seized weapons, during the war, and letters written by Indian soldiers to their families.
Turtuk – Turtuk is a small village located in the Numbra Valley region of Ladhak, on the bank of River Shyok. This picturesque travel destination provides you the lifelong travel memories. It is also the last village in India. This tiny Baltistan is offbeat destination in Ladhak. It was part of Pakistan until 1971 when the Indian Army occupied a village during border war along the Line of Control.
Khardung La – Khardung La or Khardung pass is a mountain pass in Leh district of Ladhak. It is the gateway to the Numbra Valley and Shyok Valley in the Ladhak region of Jammu and Kashmir. It is an essential stop for every tourist traveling from Leh to Numbra Valley. It is the highest motorable pass at a height of 5359 meters. The temperature is very low at Khardung La nearly 4o. You will witness the valley is covered with snow.
Weather And Road Status For Tourists?
Manali – Atal Tunnel – Leh Highway
There is a new road Manali – Atal Tunnel – Leh highway from Manali to Leh. This highway is open for all vehicles in all seasons. There is no dependency on opening dates to travel to Keylong from Manali. Atal Tunnel connects Manali to Keylong in Lahaul Valley. There is no need to travel over the Rohtang Pass which remains closed for winter time. By this highway, the distance between Manali to Leh is reduced by 45 km and brought down to 430 km. It is not just distance but the time reduced to reach Keylong from Manali by 3.5 hours. Manali to Leh journey can be done in 13 to 14 hours. Along with that, there is no longer to worry about avalanches, bad roads, traffic jams, and landslides which frequently happen on Manali to Leh via Rohtang pass.
Things To Carry For Leh Ladhak Trip
Leh Ladhak trip is a high mountain trip. It is not the journey that you did on the plain areas. It may be stressful for your body and mind. To take care of the trip you might carry some things like important documents like identity proof, and an inner line permit. Take routine medicines or medicine for vomiting and headache. Always carry one oxygen cylinder in your vehicle. Pack thermal wear, daily used clothes, backpack, and the right footwear. Do not forget to take energy drinks such as glucose to relieve mountain sickness.
Route And Itinerary
Day 1: Chandigarh To Keylong
Start early in the morning from Chandigarh to Keylong. The distance between Chandigarh to Keylong by road via the Atal Tunnel is 423 km. The distance between Chandigarh to Manali by road is 307 km. The distance between Manali to Keylong by road is 116 km. Stay in the hotel at Keylong. You will see the mountains, rivers, campus, and valleys along the roadsides.
Day 2: Keylong to Leh
Start from Keylong to Leh. The distance between Keylong to Leh by road is 357 km. The road from Keylong is amazing. There is no hospital, police station, or village on this road. You will get tented hotels in some places to take meals and tea. Mostly Maggi is served in the hotels. Stay in the hotel at Leh. There are no luxurious hotels but hotels with basic amenities.
Day 3: Leh local sightseeing
Your first day in Leh should be considered an acclimatization day. Explore the surrounding area in Leh including monasteries, stupas, palaces, and markets. Visit the local market in Leh to purchase items related to Ladhak culture.
Day 4: Leh to Numbra Valley via Khardung La pass
Khardung La pass connects Leh and Numbra Valley. This is a beautiful pass with snow-covered mountains and valleys. This pass is located at a height of 5360 meters from sea level. The distance between Leh to Numbra Valley is around 160 km. Stop at the photo shoot point at Khardung La Pass. Stay in Hunder Village in Numbra Valley.
Day 5: Nubra Valley to Turtuk village
Turtuk is the last Indian village at the India – Pakistan border. The distance between Numbra Valley to Turtuk Village is 180 km. Turtuk is the only region in India populated by Baltic people. Turtuk is a gateway to Siachen Glacier. Stay at Hunder village.
Day 6: Numbra valley to Pangong Lake
Pangong Lake is the world’s highest saltwater lake. It is located at 4225 meters above sea level. You can stay at the shore at the lake. Its 1/3 part is India and 2/3 part is in China. Every year many visitors visit to see its blue bright color water surrounded by desert-like mountains. The lake becomes more popular after 3 Idiot movie.
Day 7: Pangong Lake to Leh
Day 8: Departure at Leh Airport
I hope this article will be useful to you for planning a road trip from Chandigarh to Leh Ladhak.
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