HOW TO REACH LEH FROM DELHI – COMPLETE TRAVEL GUIDE

How to Reach Leh from Delhi – Complete Travel Guide

How to Reach Leh from Delhi – Complete Travel Guide

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Planning a trip to the majestic land of Leh-Ladakh? You’re in for an unforgettable journey filled with snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and vibrant Buddhist culture. One of the first questions travelers ask is: how to reach Leh from Delhi? In this comprehensive guide by Kiomoi Travels, we cover all the best travel routes, transportation options, and expert tips to help you make the most of your Leh adventure.

Why Visit Leh?


Before diving into the logistics, here’s why Leh should be on your travel bucket list:

  • Breathtaking landscapes including Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley, and Magnetic Hill


  • Rich Tibetan-Buddhist culture


  • Adventure sports like trekking, river rafting, and biking


  • Unique monasteries and historical landmarks



Now let’s explore how to reach Leh from Delhi by air, road, and rail.

Best Time to Travel to Leh from Delhi


Ideal Travel Months:
May to September is considered the best time to visit Leh. The roads open up after the snow melts, and the weather is perfect for sightseeing and adventure activities.

How to Reach Leh from Delhi by Air


Fastest Way: Flight from Delhi to Leh


Duration: Around 1.5 hours
 Best for: Comfort and time-saving
 Airport: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (Leh)

Leh is well connected to Delhi by daily direct flights operated by airlines like IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, and Go First. The Leh airport is one of the highest commercial airports in the world, located at an altitude of 3,256 meters.

Important Tips:



  • Book flights in advance, especially during peak season (June–August)


  • Morning flights offer spectacular aerial views of the Himalayas


  • Expect mild altitude sickness upon landing – rest on Day 1 is recommended


How to Reach Leh from Delhi by Road


Traveling to Leh by road is a dream for many adventure lovers. Two major routes connect Delhi to Leh, each offering a unique experience.

Route 1: Delhi to Leh via Manali


Total Distance: Approx. 1,020 km
 Duration: 2–3 days by car or bike
 Route: Delhi → Chandigarh → Manali → Jispa → Sarchu → Leh

Highlights:



  • Rohtang Pass


  • Baralacha La


  • Keylong and Sarchu campsites



This is one of the most scenic and popular road routes to Leh, but it’s only open between June to September due to heavy snowfall in winter.

Route 2: Delhi to Leh via Srinagar


Total Distance: Approx. 1,250 km
 Duration: 3–4 days by car or bike
 Route: Delhi → Jammu → Srinagar → Kargil → Leh

Highlights:



  • Zojila Pass


  • Drass Valley (second coldest inhabited place)


  • Lamayuru Monastery



This route opens earlier than the Manali route and remains accessible from May to October.

Road Trip Options: Car, Bike, or Bus


By Car or SUV


Recommended for: Families or small groups
Rent a reliable SUV or hire a taxi from Manali or Srinagar for a comfortable trip. Choose 4x4 vehicles for better road handling.

By Bike (Delhi to Leh Bike Trip)


Recommended for: Adventure seekers
Popular among bikers, especially Royal Enfield riders. Best done in groups with a backup vehicle for safety and logistics.

By Bus



  • Delhi to Manali Bus: Daily services by HRTC and private operators


  • Manali to Leh Bus: HRTC and Himachal tourism buses run from June to September (2-day journey with overnight halt at Keylong)


  • Srinagar to Leh Bus: Available during summer months (via Kargil)


How to Reach Leh from Delhi by Train


Nearest Railway Station to Leh


There’s no direct train to Leh due to its rugged terrain, but you can reach nearby stations and continue by road.

Option 1:

  • Train: Delhi to Jammu Tawi


  • Road: Jammu to Leh via Srinagar



Option 2:

  • Train: Delhi to Chandigarh/Kalka


  • Road: Chandigarh to Manali, then onward to Leh



Pro Tip: Take a train to Pathankot, then travel by car or bus via Dharamshala or Srinagar to Leh.

Delhi to Leh Travel Comparison Table









































Mode Duration Approx. Cost Best For
Flight 1.5 hours ₹4,000–₹15,000 Time-saving, comfort
Road (Car) 2–4 days ₹10,000–₹20,000 Flexibility, sightseeing
Bike Trip 3–5 days ₹8,000–₹15,000 Adventure, thrill
Bus 2–4 days ₹2,000–₹5,000 Budget-friendly
Train + Road 3–5 days ₹3,000–₹7,000 Balanced option

 

Altitude and Health Tips for Leh Travelers



  • Altitude: Leh is at 3,500 meters above sea level


  • Acclimatization: Spend at least 24 hours resting upon arrival to prevent AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness)


  • Hydration: Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol for the first 48 hours


  • Medication: Consult your doctor for Diamox or similar preventive medicines


Travel Permits and Documents


Inner Line Permit (ILP)


For visiting areas like Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, and Tso Moriri, Inner Line Permits are mandatory for both Indian and foreign tourists.

You can apply for ILP online at Ladakh's official portal or get it from the Leh DC office.

Tips for a Smooth Journey from Delhi to Leh



  • Weather Check: Mountain weather is unpredictable – always check conditions before departure


  • Fuel Up: Petrol stations are sparse; carry extra fuel, especially on the Manali-Leh route


  • Carry Cash: ATMs are limited in Leh; keep enough cash for remote areas


  • Packing Essentials: Warm clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, first-aid kit, and power banks


Conclusion


Now that you know how to reach Leh from Delhi, all that’s left is to pick your preferred route and start packing! Whether you’re flying for convenience or riding a bike through the Himalayan curves, Leh offers a soul-stirring experience like no other. At Kiomoi Travels, we’re here to help you craft your perfect Ladakh itinerary. From personalized road trips to guided tours, we’ve got you covered.

Ready for the trip of a lifetime?


Contact Kiomoi Travels today to plan your Leh-Ladakh adventure from Delhi!

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