A traveler’s mind is no less than a quiz book when it comes to planning a trip to Leh. With hundreds of questions like what to carry to Leh Ladakh, how to rent a bike from Manali to Leh or is it even safe to travel in Ladakh, much of the plans never meet reality because some question or the other remains unanswered. So that you finally live your dream of traveling through the mountains passes of Ladakh, we’ve answered all your frequently asked questions below.

While Ladakh looks nothing short of a white wonderland in Winters, a road trip to Leh Ladakh remains impossible due to heavy snow. Ladakh’s temperature during the months of November to March drops as low as -14 degree Celsius. Major connecting roads are closed down at this time. However, you can make the most of subzero temperatures and go for the famous frozen river Chadar Trek.

Summers begin to bloom from April to May in Ladakh. This is the time when tourism resumes and a new life breathes in the valley. However, during these months, not all roads from Manali to Leh are operational and accessibility might still be an issue to reach Leh Ladakh by road.

So easily the best time to visit Leh Ladakh begins in June. It is now that the summer sun shines bright in the vivid landscapes and sheets of snow melt into beautiful pristine lakes.

The Peak season to visit Leh is from July-September. During this time, tourism in Ladakh is in its full glory. You can witness the best panoramas and also attend the local Ladakhi festivals.

Winter begins to seep in again in the regions of Leh Ladakh in October. There is a drop in the number of visitors and also tourism facilities. However, you might be able to find some cheap deals during this offseason!

Proximity to China border or continuous military supervision in the Ladakh region often instills fear regarding the safety in traveler’s mind. While we totally understand the reasons for such speculations, but here’s a reality check.

It’s true that many incursions have taken place in the past but the areas of unrest have been far away from tourist destinations. The fact is tourism is Ladakh’s bread earner. The Indian Army based in Ladakh is pretty helpful to all tourists and this, in fact, adds to the safety provisions in Ladakh.

Now unless you are planning to barge into the borders, Ladakh remains one of the safest places to visit in India. Ditch those inhibitions and go live your best days in the Land of High Passes!

Gata Loops(21 hairpin bends)

While we can’t say whether the story is true or not, but offerings in form of mineral water and cigarettes can definitely be seen in abundance at the mysterious hut.

Magnetic Hill

Shanti Stupa

Hall of Fame

Leh Market

Pangong Tso Lake

Nubra Valley

 Tso Moriri Lake

KhardungLa

Below you’ll find a list of essentials things to carry to Ladakh. It has been prepared on the account of numerous travellers who’ve visited the place. Make sure you keep all these things in mind while you are packing your bags for your dream trip to Ladakh.

ID Card And Other Documents

The first and foremost item to keep with you while packing to ride through the mountain passes is your government ID card.  To get your inner line permit, you will also need multiple passport photos of yourself.

Make sure you carry sufficient photocopies of your procured permit and your id proof to enjoy a hassle-free journey through the roads of Leh Ladakh.

Cash

There is an acute shortage of ATMs in this region. You will encounter only a few ATMs on your entire journey from Manali to Leh and the availability of cash is again not guaranteed. Hence it is advisable to carry sufficient cash with you to last during the entire trip.

A SIM Card that works!

Only BSNL/MTNL postpaid connection works in Ladakh. You can purchase a temporary SIM  or else be prepared to enter the network free zone for a major part of your trip.

Lots of UV protection

Harsh weather combined with direct sunlight won’t be pleasant to your skin and eyes. It is recommended that you carry a pair of UV protection sunglasses and sufficient sunscreen and lip balms.

Warm Clothes and Comfortable Footwear

Even if you hit Leh Ladakh in summers, you must carry warm and comfortable clothes to last you throughout the trip. Also, a good pair of hiking shoes is a must when you are on the journey to such challenging terrain.

Medication

Ladakh is a high altitude area and acclimatization to such a place takes time. You must carry medicines for headaches, diarrhoea, and altitude sickness along with other first aid essentials.

While many people travel from Delhi to Leh on their own bikes, you can also rent one from your pit stops. Bike rentals are easily available at Srinagar, Manali and Leh City. All you need is your Driving License as a proof of identity to secure a bike for yourself. The average Leh Ladakh bike trip cost for 10 days comes out to be around 45k including the fuel. Also, few rentals shops do charge some amount of money as security which is either refundable or adjusted in your overall payment.

You also have the options of hiring a bike from Manali to Leh and dropping it at Leh instead of a round trip. However, you have to pay an extra amount to the mechanics to bring back the vehicle to the shop. Also, keep in mind that a bike from Manali can only be driven until Leh City. To drive through other parts of Ladakh, you need to hire a bike from Ladakh.

And now that all your queries are sorted, get your friends together or hop on solo to live. We are offering Leh Ladakh Tour Packages from pan India so that nothing stops you from taking this trip of a lifetime. If you still got any other queries, connect with us to help you out. #AbTohLehChalo!