This Ladakh Trip Itinerary guide covers everything you need to know before planning your Leh–Ladakh Trip , Leh–Ladakh, a land where the ground meets the sky, is known for its landscapes, ancient monasteries, high-altitude passes, and adventurous bike trails. this region offers a once-in-a-lifetime road trip experience.
If you’re planning your first trip to Ladakh — whether by road or flight — this guide will help you plan every detail. From permits and mobile connectivity to high-altitude tips and route planning, everything is based on hands-on travel experience.
So Lets Start understanding each and every details to plan your Trip to Ladakh.
Leh Ladakh Trip Itinerary Overview
Mobile Network in Leh Ladakh
BSNL and Airtel usually offer the best coverage in Leh and Ladakh. but there is a catch Only postpaid SIM cards work in Ladakh and Kashmir. If your current SIM is prepaid, convert it to postpaid before your trip.
Which Permits You Need to Take to Visit Leh Ladakh
Ladakh is a protected area, environmental and inner-line permits are required to visit Leh ladakh .You can easily apply online , you can apply for the permit on Leh District Tourist Management System . these permits are essential and should be carried at all times during your travel.
Altitude Sickness Precaution in Leh Ladakh
Ladakh is located at a very high altitude, and many people suffer from high-altitude sickness. Keep medicine with you . here is the health advisory from Leh District Tourist Management
- All tourist/visitors arriving in Leh must undergo at least 48 hrs of acclimatization before initiating their journey to high altitude areas
- Road travel does not help at all in acclimatization. It builds up the altitude effect progressively.
- Tablet Diamox-250mg (acetazolamide) must be taken twice a day, after breakfast after dinner at least two days before starting journey to Leh and should be continued for two days more, after arriving at Leh.
- There should be no active physical exertion on the first two days of arrival in Leh.
- Tourists should have at least 2-3 ltrs. of water per day and should avoid alcohol, smoking cigarettes and sedatives
- Tourists should have a light meal on the first day of arrival to avoid indigestion.
- In case of symptoms of HAPE/HACE kindly consult a doctor immediately.
Book Hotels and Homestays in Advance
If you’re visiting during the April to June peak season, make sure to book all hotels and homestays in advance. Families, especially, should avoid last-minute bookings. For cultural experiences, consider staying in local homestays best part is you will get local dishes in homestays.
Must-Carry Essentials for Ladakh
1. Thermal Innerwear :
Cold in Ladakh is intense — even if you live in a cold region, Ladakh is much colder. Carry high-quality thermal innerwear for day and night.
2. Monkey Cap and Scarf
Cold wind near high passes and Pangong Lake can be harsh. Cover your ears, nose, and neck properly to avoid issues.
3. Touchscreen Woolen Gloves
You’ll need to wear gloves most of the time. buy the gloves with touchscreen support so you can use your phone or camera without removing them.
4. Good Quality Goggles
Snow reflection from sunlight can hurt your eyes. Always wear UV-protected sunglasses in snow zones.
5. Power Bank (10,000–20,000 mAh)
Electricity isn’t guaranteed even in good hotels. Carry a high-capacity power bank to keep your devices charged.
6. Portable Gas Stove
For road trips, having a mini gas stove for tea or Maggi at scenic stops adds joy. It’s practical when food stalls are unavailable.
7. Portable Oxygen Cylinder
Even with precautions, oxygen levels may drop at high altitudes. Carry a portable oxygen can from any local medical store — it’s a must.
8. Offline Google Maps
Download offline maps before the trip to avoid dependency on mobile data in no-network areas.
Road Route Options to Ladakh Trip
Option 1: Via Jammu → Srinagar → Kargil → Leh
Ideal for first-time travelers. Altitude rises gradually, helping your body adjust. Must-visit stops: Sonmarg, Zojila Pass, Dras (Kargil War Memorial).
Option 2: Via Manali → Leh
Shorter but has five high-altitude passes . Riskier for first-timers due to sudden altitude gain.
Flight Route Recommendation
Though flights land directly in Leh, it’s better to land in Srinagar. Srinagar’s lower altitude (1,500 m) helps in acclimatization. From Srinagar, continue by road toward Leh — the drive is scenic and memorable.
7 Days Perfectly Planned Leh Ladakh Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Srinagar to Kargil
Sightseeing at Sonmarg
Located about 80 km from Srinagar, Sonmarg sits gracefully by the banks of the Sindh River and is famously known as the “Meadows of Gold”.
Cross Zoji la Pass
After crossing Sonamarg , begins the 40 km stretch on one of the most dangerous roads in the world. From November to April, this road remains closed due to heavy snowfall and landslides. That’s why it’s known as one of the toughest mountain passes on Earth known as Zoji la Pass
Read More Details about crossing zozi la pass here
Visit Kargil War Memorial in Dras
Kargil War Memorial, built in the memory of our heroes of the 1999 Kargil War. The spot itself falls in the Drass sector of the Kargil district, now part of the Union Territory of Ladakh.
Read more about the Kargil War Memorial here
Stay overnight in Kargil
Day 2: Kargil to Leh
Visit Magnetic Hill
Magnetic Hill Leh Ladakh, located in Ladakh, India, is a mysterious place where science is also surprised. This is a road where vehicles start moving uphill without the engine being started. This unusual experience attracts thousands of tourists every year, who want to feel this “Gravity Defying” phenomenon themselves.
Read More About Magnetic Hill Leh Ladakh here
Visit Gurudwara Patthar Sahib Ladakh
Gurudwara Patthar Sahib Ladakh, situated on the serene plains of Ladakh, is not only a symbol of spiritual reverence but also the site of a miraculous story connected to the life of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Located about 25 km from Leh, this gurudwara attracts thousands of tourists and devotees every year. In this article, we explore what makes this historical place special, how to reach it, and why this journey can be memorable for you.
Read More About Gurudwara Patthar Sahib Ladakh here
Reach Leh and stay the night
Day 3: Leh Local
Rest and explore Leh Market and nearby sightseeing spots Acclimatize well before heading to higher regions
❗ Note: Do not visit after flying directly into Leh. Spend at least 1 day acclimatizing in Leh.
Day 4: Leh to Nubra Valley (Hunder)
Visit Khardung La Pass Ladakh
Ladakh’s trip is considered incomplete without Khardung La Pass Ladakh. This pass is located at an altitude of about 5,359 meters above sea level and is considered one of the world’s highest motorable passes. If you like adventure and natural beauty, Khardung La is the perfect place for you.
Read More about Khardung La pass here
Visit Diskit Monastery
Diskit Monastery is one of those places you just have to stop at. It’s calm, quiet, and perched on a hill with a view that makes you forget you ever owned a phone.
Read More about Diskit Monastery Here
Stay overnight in Hunder (Nubra Valley)
Nubra Valley is a place where desert, snow, flowers and culture – everything is together. the peace, beauty and uniqueness here makes it one of the most beautiful places in Ladakh.
Read More Details about Nubra Valley Here
Day 5: Hunder to Siachen Base Camp
Visit Siachen Glacier Base Camp
continue toward Pangong Lake via Shyok route
Day 6: Pangong Lake Stay
Visit Pangong Tso Lake
Pangong Tso Lake, nestled in the trans-Himalayan region of Ladakh, is one of the most surreal high-altitude lakes in the world. With its color-shifting waters and cinematic fame from Bollywood blockbusters like 3 Idiots and Jab Tak Hai Jaan, this saltwater lake draws travelers, nature lovers, and adventure seekers from around the globe.
Read more about Pangong Tso Lake here
Stay near Pangong Lake — ideally in less crowded villages like:
- Spangmik
- Man
- Merak
Day 7: Pangong to Umling La via Chushul
- Take the road from Pangong → Chushul → Nyoma → Umling La
- Visit Rezang La War Memorial en route
- Umling La is now the world’s highest motorable pass
Return to Leh
- Return to Leh from Umling La via Nyoma
For Return: Manali Road Trip (Optional but Recommended)
From Leh to Manali, cross five high passes It’s a lifetime experience and offers unforgettable landscapes From Manali, you can fly back via Kullu Airport
Customization Tips
Stay an extra day at Pangong if you want more peace and relaxation. If you don’t wish to visit Umling La, you can return from Pangong via Chang La. Make changes as per your leaves, interests, and travel style.
There is so much to see and do in Ladakh like you can try River Rafting in Zanskar Ladakh or Trekking in Ladakh there are so many most popular treks are there in ladakh like Markha Valley trek Ladakh , Chadar Trek Ladakh and many others.
Final Words from the Traveller
This itinerary is based on four personal trips to Ladakh (including trips with family). Every location mentioned here has been covered personally — no theory, only real, tested routes.
Enjoy your journey to the mystical land of Ladakh.
Take it slow, stay safe, and make memories that will last a lifetime. 🙏✨