Srinagar to Leh Road Trip - The Legendary Highway
Drive the iconic Srinagar-Leh Highway! 9 days covering Kashmir Valley, Zoji La Pass, Kargil, Magnetic Hill, and all of Ladakh. One of the world's most scenic road journeys.
Overview
The Srinagar-Leh Highway is not just a road - it's a journey through some of the most dramatic landscapes on Earth. This 9-day road trip takes you from the lush Kashmir Valley through high-altitude deserts to the mystical land of Ladakh.
Cross the treacherous yet stunning Zoji La Pass, pay respects at Kargil War Memorial, witness the moon-like landscapes of Lamayuru, and watch the scenery transform from green valleys to brown mountains as you ascend.
Unlike flying into Leh, this gradual ascent allows natural acclimatization while treating you to views that air travelers miss. End with the complete Ladakh experience - Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake. This is the ultimate Indian road trip.
Features
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival in Srinagar - Gateway to Kashmir
Fly into Srinagar, the summer capital of Kashmir. Transfer to traditional houseboat on Dal Lake. Shikara ride at sunset through the floating gardens. Stay on houseboat - unique experience before the road trip begins.
Srinagar Exploration
Full day in Srinagar. Visit the stunning Mughal Gardens - Nishat, Shalimar, and Chashme Shahi. Explore the old city and Jama Masjid. Evening at the famous Dal Lake promenade. Rest well - the epic drive starts tomorrow.
Srinagar to Kargil - The Journey Begins
Start the legendary NH1. Drive through Sonamarg (Meadow of Gold) - stop for photos at Thajiwas Glacier. Cross Zoji La Pass (11,575 ft) - gateway to Ladakh. Reach Kargil by evening. The landscape transforms dramatically.
Kargil to Leh - Hall of Fame
Early start on the most scenic part of the highway. Stop at Mulbekh for 9m Maitreya Buddha rock carving. Cross Namika La and Fotu La passes. Visit Lamayuru moonland monastery. Reach Leh via Magnetic Hill and Sangam.
Leh Rest & Local Sightseeing
Well-deserved rest day after two intense driving days. Gentle sightseeing - Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Main Bazaar. Acclimatize properly for Nubra tomorrow. Evening at leisure.
Leh to Nubra Valley
Cross Khardung La - third major pass of your trip! The famous highest motorable road sign photo. Descend into magical Nubra Valley. Diskit Monastery with giant Buddha. Evening camel ride on white sand dunes.
Nubra to Pangong Lake
Drive via Shyok River route to Pangong. Fourth major route of your road trip. Arrive at the legendary blue lake by afternoon. The colors will leave you speechless. Camp by the lake. Stargazing heaven.
Pangong to Leh - Final Drive
Sunrise at Pangong. Cross Chang La - fifth major pass! Visit Druk Padma Karpo School. Return to Leh. Your road trip stats: 5 major passes, 2 states, 1000+ km of beautiful roads. Celebration dinner!
Departure from Leh
Fly out of Leh with incredible road trip memories. You have driven one of the world's most epic highways. The Srinagar-Leh road trip - checked off the bucket list!
✓ Inclusions
- •8 nights accommodation (Srinagar + route + Leh)
- •All meals
- •Private vehicle throughout
- •Experienced highway driver
- •All permits
- •Fuel and tolls
- •All taxes
✗ Exclusions
- •Airfare to Srinagar / from Leh
- •Personal expenses
- •Travel insurance
- •Tips
- •Activities not mentioned
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Srinagar-Leh highway open?▼
The highway (NH1) typically opens in late May and closes by October/November depending on snowfall. June to September is the best window.
Is driving this route dangerous?▼
With experienced drivers and proper vehicles, it is safe but adventurous. Narrow roads, high passes, and changing weather require caution. Our drivers know every turn.
Can I self-drive this route?▼
Self-driving is possible for experienced mountain drivers with proper vehicles. However, we recommend our chauffeur-driven package for first-timers due to challenging conditions.
Why start from Srinagar instead of flying to Leh?▼
The road journey is legendary! You witness the dramatic landscape transformation from green Kashmir to barren Ladakh. It also aids acclimatization better than flying directly.
How many passes do we cross?▼
Five major passes: Zoji La (gateway to Ladakh), Namika La, Fotu La, Khardung La, and Chang La. Each offers unique experiences and photo opportunities.
What if the highway is blocked?▼
Weather or landslides can cause delays. We monitor conditions and have contingency plans. Extra buffer days are built into itinerary for such situations.
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Customer Reviews
All Reviews (10)
Photography heaven from start to finish! The changing landscapes kept my camera busy throughout. Must-do road trip.
This was my third Ladakh trip but first to Tso Moriri. Why did I wait so long? It's even better than Pangong!
Honeymoon trip that exceeded all expectations! The lakeside camp at Pangong was so romantic - we even saw shooting stars at night. The planning was perfect and we didn't have to worry about anything. Thank you for making our first trip as a couple so special.
The interaction with young monks at Hemis was heartwarming. Their simple life is so inspiring. Life-changing experience.
Comfortable trip for seniors. Ground floor rooms were helpful. Food was soft and easy to digest. Minor suggestion - more rest stops.
The most Instagram-worthy destination in India! Every frame looks like a painting. Cannot recommend this package enough.
We even got to see a snow leopard from a distance! The wildlife experience at Tso Moriri was unexpected bonus.
From landscapes to portraits of locals - got incredible variety. The hidden spots known only to the guide were gems!
Excellent luxury experience. Private guide, premium vehicle, top hotels. Only minor issue was one hotel below expected standards.
Spotted blue sheep and marmots! The wildlife in this region is amazing. Trek plus safari rolled into one.