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Ladakh is the ultimate getaway for travelers of all kinds. Carve out a place on your bucket list to explore this epic corner of India, where stunning Himalayan and Karakoram mountain ranges create an awe-inspiring backdrop against Ladakh’s unique culture. Despite its minimal infrastructure and treacherous roads, many holiday packages include tours through Ladakh; it has become one of the hottest vacation destinations in India!
From the highest mountain passes to iconic ancient Tibetan monasteries, Ladakh is a destination which offers an unforgettable experience for all. With its breathtaking natural wonders and hospitable locals, this exotic region of Jammu & Kashmir has something unique in store for everyone: from nature lovers who wish to explore untouched valleys, lakes like Pangong or thrilling high-altitude biking routes; honeymooners hoping capture perfect romantic memories with awe-inspiring panoramic views available here; families looking forward to discovering local cuisine delights – every traveler can find their own dream holiday package among amazing experiences that await in magical Ladakh!
All foreign nationals and NRIs having PIOs or OCIs need Protected Area Permit (PAP) or Restricted Area Permit (RAP) to visit Inner Line Regions of Ladakh including Pangong Tso, Nubra Valley, Khardung La, Tso Moriri, Turtuk, Dah Hanu Villages.
In order to apply for the Protected Area Permit (PAP), foreigners must be in a group of two or more. The permit has to be applied at the DC Office, Leh with required fees. It can be applied through a registered travel agent in Leh or through the official website of Leh administration.
Nationals of the Following Countries Get Their Permits Issued from Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Delhi
Places Now Open to Foreign Tourists
The geographical location of Ladakh makes it an ideal destination for anyone who is looking for an adventurous trip. The way towards Ladakh is scenic as the mountains are bestowed with snow along with turquoise blue waters and frozen lakes. There are various ways to reach this beautiful destination according to your own convenience.
One of the easiest ways to is by air. Yes! The nearest airport is located in Leh, that is, Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport. This airport is well-connected with almost all the states in India. Moreover, there are daily flights available from Delhi. As it is a military terminal, checking over there is a bit strict and according to the regulations. Hence, it is advised to keep handy all your documents required while checking. You can book a taxi for covering the destination left which will be easily accessible outside the airport. Do not forget to do your flight bookings according to the Ladakh tourism packages that you will be booking with your agent.
Many tourists and travel enthusiasts plan a bike trip to Ladakh to enjoy the serene beauty of the place and make the most of Ladakh tour. It is considered as one of the world Moreover, KhardungLa is the highest motorable road of the world, therefore, bikers go on long expeditions to this place. Journey to this mountain pass is as beautiful as it is challenging. Therefore, it is suggested that you keep yourself equipped with all the necessary arrangements. On availing Ladakh cheap packages, You can cover the distance via two routes:
It is important to choose the right bike to cover the uneven path without any mishappenings. Therefore, tourists generally opt for Royal Enfield, Bajaj Avenger, Hero Impulse and other heavy-duty bikes. The cost and documents vary for different providers. , therefore, it is always recommended that you ask for quotations of Ladakh trip packages with price.
If you are traveling in groups with family or friends and if you love road trips, then this your option. You can go there by car, jeep or hire a taxi. Moreover, traveling by road is way more cheaper than traveling by air but it is time consuming. You can reach Ladakh via Srinagar, Manali and Chandigarh, depending upon your location in India. However, the highways are closed during the winter season due to heavy snowfall. The road trip takes you through the passes like Zoji La Pass and Tanglang La Pass.
Bus rides to Ladakh are usually bumpy due to uneven roads at some points. There are two routes which lead to Ladakh, one from Manali via Rohtang Pass (opens from June to September) and another from Srinagar via Zoji La Pass (opens from June to October). Interested peeps can book a bus ticket from Delhi as direct bus services begin from there.
The closest railway station to Ladakh is Jammu Tawi which is 700 kms away from Ladakh. The station is well-connected with Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata. Other railway stations are Chandigarh and Pathankot, however, they are quite far from the destination and thus are advised not to opt for.
You can enjoy outdoor thrills in Nubra Valley, swimming and camping at Pangong Lake, and click selfies at Khardung La Pass on Ladakh holidays. Make your getaway to Ladakh special by availing the best itineraries by TravelTriangle. Go through our list of all-inclusive Ladakh vacation packages mentioned below and enjoy a hassle-free trip to Leh Ladakh.
Clients are advised to take the pre-insurance against their travel for any unforeseen circumstances and flight cancellation. This is a remote area and evacuating the people from Ladakh to the mainland may take two to three days. You need to be prepared for flight cancellation in monsoon season but not very often
It is important to explore a place at its best time so as to enjoy the trip to its fullest. Here is a detailed account of weather in Leh and Ladakh during different seasons. Go through it before booking Ladakh packages so as to enjoy the place to the fullest.
In April, the place starts to receive tourists from all over India as well as the world. Marking as the beginning of the tourist season, restaurants, hotels and guest houses start to welcome travelers. They also offer heavy discounts so as to attract more customers to their abode. Moreover, many agents might give best deals on Ladakh travel packages at this period. By late April, the Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri Lakes start to melt, uncovering the turquoise color and beguiling views. However, Both Chang La and Khardung La passes remain covered with snow owing to which they are inaccessible during these months.
The Srinagar-Leh highway opens up during this time, thereby giving route to the road travelers. Moreover, in early June, one can travel from Rohtang Pass too. However, due to rapid melting of snow, the roads remain wet and slippery but the sides are covered with snow and this path gives once in a lifetime views to the travelers.
During the monsoon season, the rivers are full of fresh water and the weather is cold. However, it is risky to travel at this time due to landslides and slippery roads. But the Zoji La Pass and Barachala Pass are rain shadow areas which receive less rainfall, thereby making Ladakh accessible.
The whole place is imbued with beautiful colors at this point of time. During this time, the levels of water recede too and the weather is dry with occasional snowfall bringing a bit of chill. Additionally, the roads are in better condition after maintenance due to rainfall. Another fantastic advantage while travelling at this time is that you get to witness the Ladakh Festival.
By this time, the place is completely in sub-zero temperatures all the locations above 14,000 ft. The tourists tend to leave the place by this time and restaurants get closed, thereby abandoning the place till winters.
During the winter season, Ladakh gets cut-off from the rest of the parts of India. Nonetheless, roads through Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso are kept open in winters also. The temperature dips further with each passing day. Some tourists come for the famous Chadar trek in February and March.
For reaching Ladakh you can get daily flights from Delhi to Leh Ladakh from all the major airports. If you are traveling by road then there are two options, Srinagar and Manali. Your journey will take two days with one night’s stop through both Srinagar and Manali. These roads are open from the month of May to October.
The average travel duration is 6-7 hrs each day, besides the journey from Jispa-Leh (12 hrs) & Leh-Tsomoriri. In total it might be around 8 to 9 hours according to your plan.
Yes it’s very cold, extremely cold. If you are on a journey on a motorcycle, then it’s even worse. When you will reach Khradungla the air will get thinner here and you will start to feel colder. Even though you will be covered with jackets and helmet the cold can be unbearable. So it is advisable that you wear warmers inside because Ladakh winters are extremely cold.
If you are travelling to a height of around 3500 metre, it is seen that most people abrubtly feel the changes all at once. The time taken to acclimatization may vary from person to person.
For some it might need the whole 1st day for rest and for some you can just carry on fine. Try to avoid alcohol at least for first three days, and drink water, juice and tea as much as possible.
Anybody who is traveling 10,000 above sea level will find difficulty in breathing or is likely to fall prey to altitude sickness. It happens due to low level of atmospheric oxygen.
When you are in Ladakh the most common problem faced by the people here are loss of appetite, acute mountain sickness, nausea, fatigue, insomnia, nose bleeding, shortness of breath, and drowsiness. These are the most common symptoms of High Altitude Sickness. The best way to get acclimatized in Ladakh is a natural rest for at least 48 hours.
Well it totally depends on the health condition of the children who are going on the trip. Dependent kids will be a challenge as weather on high altitudes can change any time so one must be mindful of this fact.
Always carry warm clothing for the children as much as you can if they are a bit ill. It is also advisable to chose the itinerary if you are taking a dependent kid with you which will also help them to adjust with the altitude.
While you are traveling to Ladakh there are proper toilet facilities with attached bathroom and running cold water. While at few places like Sarchu, Pangong and Tso Moriri you would not get hot water while you will get running hot water at rest of the places.
Please note hot water is not available 24 x 7, please check timings of hot water supply at the time of check in the hotel.
You will get laundry service in Leh only. You can get it in the market as well as in the hotel where you are staying.
If the weather is clear and dry then you get the laundry the next day. If you are looking for laundry in the market which is cheaper, head to Changspa and ask for a laundry service and you will find a few shops providing this service.
Yes, a valid full motorcycle driver license (authorizing you to ride a 500cc motorcycle) and international riding permit are mandatory for riders to take part in our tours. However, they are not required for the co-rider on the pillion or passengers travelling in support vehicles.
Also, make sure you obtain the International Driving Permit (IDP) from your country of citizenship since it is not issued to foreigners in India. In due course, you’ll require obtaining a travel insurance which covers you for riding a 500cc motorcycle in India, before joining the tour.
On your Ladakh trip, it is very essential for you to carry all the important documents with you so that you do not face any trouble during your trip.
While you are visiting Leh you will find a good fleet of tourist vehicles which include Toyota Qualis and Mahindra Scorpio vehicles. You will not find auto rickshaws here.
Whether you are heading out for a road trip or trekking there will be proper bedding with proper beds and proper quilts to keep you warm. You need not bring any sleeping bags to protect you from the cold. All your bedding and camping facilities will be well taken care of. The facilities are fairly well developed to cover for the basic needs of the individuals.
Yes it is completely fine. It is comfortable for both the rider and the pillion. But there have been some cases where the riders/pillions felt varying degrees of discomfort on long days. However, there is no doubt in the fact that you will be better off with some kind of “motorcycle seat pads/cushions” like the Airhawk. So if you are going to be a pillion rider then it is better if your buy an Airhawk
Yes, before to start any of your Ladakh tour there will be a proper briefing session provided by your guide. While at some places there experienced ride leader or support staff will take you on a familiarization ride on this day before you depart on the actual tour the next day. A 2-3 hour ride later you’d have quite familiarized with the controls and other aspects of riding the motorcycle in Indian conditions.
ATM is available only in Leh, Manali and Srinagar. So plan accordingly. No fuel pumps accepts cards, so you must have cash for fuel and tolls and taxes that are charged along the way.
Needless to say, Motorcycle riding comes with its risks no matter which part of the world you are riding. In fact, any adventure activity has its elements of might be dangerous together with fun. As you be riding at a high altitude in the Himalayas just be a little cautious yourself so that you don’t face any trouble on your ride.
As a suggestion, it is better to make a halt on the way where there is electricity. When you reach at your destination, do take time to charge all your gadgets in the night.
USB port is now standard in all new Cars so if you bring your own USB charging cable then you are all set. Usually, electricity is available at all places except at Pangong. Pangong is totally offbeat and survives on tapped solar energy and it’s just the starlight that you have around after around 9pm.
If you are on a bike trip along with your friends then your total cost for fuel will be approx Rs 7000. You might require fuel according to your rides.
Generally No, Hotels do not allow to accommodate more than 3 adults in a room, 4 people are possible with one extra bed only if one out of 4 occupants is aged under 12, and willing to share a bed with the parents.
An adventure activity of any kind carries its risk with it and motorcycle journeys are no exception. A comprehensive medical & first aid kit will be there with you all the time.
If you are going on a bike trip or road trip then, a ride leader who is certified in first aid and has loads of know-how help in minimizing the possibility of adversity. However, for an emergency that requires hospital care then the nearest medical is there for your assistance.
Yes they can be. If you have reviewed all the choices in the itinerary shared and your research says that you would like to upgrade the accommodation at a couple of places, kindly ask your customer service executive to provide you the cost accordingly.
Generally drivers in this zone are able to understand English very well, and speak in broken accent.
Only post-paid SIM works across Jammu & Kashmir, if you are having a pre-paid connection please note that the same will be disabled once you enter the zone. Regarding Telecom Operator, below is the order in precedence from highest to lowest availability of network across Ladakh and the rest of Jammu and Kashmir.
The local team at Leh would be able to help you for currency conversion at Leh. But it is advisable to convert the currency at Delhi Airport on arrival.
Yes, credit cards are accepted in a few hotels and restaurants but 2% service tax is charged.
If you are going on a bike, you must carry Fuel with you in a Jerry Can. For Folks going on SUVs/MUV/Sedans there is no need to carry Fuel.
While you are heading out for a road trip you should be very careful about the things which you will be carrying with you for Personal Medicines,
Other things which you should carry with you are :
Sun Screen, to prevent skin damage as sun rays are pretty strong at high altitude & Sun Hat. One must carry sports shoes as there are plenty of nice walks in this region. Enjoy them with proper gear. As this is a cold desert area, the Air is very dry and you lose moisture very fast. Drink lots and lots of fluid so carry light water bottles.
Please travel light but at the same time is well equipped. Since you are travelling each day, you need to continuously pack and unpack each day
The clothing should be light cotton clothing. Remember to have clothing in layers which means, the temperature could drop to zero in the night while when the sun is bright it will be nice & warm. So, carry winter clothing even when travelling in summers on these high altitude road trips.
The winter clothing should always be handy with you in the car/bike as you may have to put on or remove clothing as the temperature varies even during your drive as you ascend to height above 12,000 ft while going from one destination to another.
For you own safety it is best to have tubeless tyre and a battery operated Tyre Infiltrator. In case if there are any minor punctures it can be easily handled by filling up the air without wasting your time to change the tyre.
If you are riding on an SUV that are given on rent have 2 spare tyres then you won’t be allowed to carry spares unless you are doing some serious off-roading. The other most important tool is the tow strap which can help you pull out the SUV/Car if caught in a mess.
This must be carried and if you are travelling with Unwind Outdoor Self Drive trip, then this will be provided in every SUV.
If you are anxious to learn for your own knowledge then yes you should definitely learn some tricks of your own. Otherwise you do not need to learn as there will be spare mechanics with you till the end of your trip.
Check the bike before leaving Manali, because till Leh you won’t get anything. At Leh, there are lots of service stations, get your bike in good shape there again. Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso lakes also don’t have any bike stations, so check your ride before leaving for these destinations. On the way to Srinagar, you get lots of mechanics, so no trouble there.
Always chose a good saddle bag, tank bag and hydration system. The hydration system is important, since drinking a lot of water keeps AMS at bay. When you are riding, sometimes you forget to drink enough water. With a hydration system, you won’t need to stop to take a sip, a must have item for a Ladakh trip.
Bottled water is available throughout the trip even in remote locations. There are Dhabhas on the way and one can easily get Tea and basic snacks and biscuits along with Egg and Maggi and some rice and dal and roti.
If you feel hungry easily then it is advisable for you to carry then do carry premix / pre cooked meals like the MTR or Haldirams Ready to Eat Mix.
Yes it is possible theoretically yes but practically no. Nubra valley is reached by passing through Khardungla, the highest motorable road in the world. Passing it twice in one day isn’t such a good idea. Plus, Nubra valley is such a beautiful place you just got to spend a night there. Enjoy the views while you head out to this amazing land.
Yes, there will be local transportation if you are going out for any sightseeing. Basically it will be a mini van or mini bus which will be there for you. If you are going to a small distance then there will be tuk tuk for transportation.
It is always advisable to drink bottled water such as Bisleri, Aquafina, Kinley which is widely available at most places. The mineral water is available in sealed bottles which are purified and quite safe to drink. Hot water is made available for drinking if you are heading out for any trekking in Ladakh.
Yes. At time there can be situation when it starts raining. So it is advisable if your riding kit isn’t waterproof, then bring some good waterproofs. This will help you throughout your journey.
You will need money for bottled drinking water, lunches, expenses of personal nature like laundry, Internet, phone calls, entrance to monuments & other such places, photography, tips etc. You can just roughly US$ 400-500 per person should be a sufficient amount for a 2 week tour.
There are few mountaineering peaks in Ladakh which is a must visit for you . They are Sasser Kangri 7627mts in Karakuram range; Nun 7135mts; Kun 7085mts; Zanskar range; Kang-yatse 6400mts; and StokKangri 6150mts in ladakh range.
Each year, the Ladakh festival is held in the month of September 1-15 in Ladakh and its neighboring areas. The festival takes place for 15 days distinguished as performance of folk song, dancing, besides sport activities like native, polo, archery etc.
Yes, there are 3 very beautiful lakes in Ladakh which are a must see attraction for you. PangongTso Lake, Tsomoriri Lake and Tsokar Lake are considered as the most beautiful lakes here. These lakes are immensely gorgeous and inspire the imagination of humans into the fairy world.
The popular fresh water lake- PangongTso transforms its colors each hour and turns from emerald green to hues of sky and velvet blue. Good time to visit these lakes would be summers (May to July). During the time of winters, these lakes are frozen and become rock solid, only to be used as the roads.
The principal tourist attraction in Leh and Ladakh are the monasteries. People across the world come here to get mesmerized in the scenic landscapes or visit monasteries.
There are various monasteries here referring to the Mahayana and Hinayana sects of Buddhism. These monasteries are dotted amidst the attractive backdrops of mountain, meandering valleys and meadows. The popular monasteries to visit in Ladakh include:
The staple food of Ladakhi people are Sku and Thukpa (made of wheat flour), Pava (made of sattu) and khambir (local bread). Tourists in Ladakh can try local Ladakhi food, which is nourishing and usually mildly flavored.
One can also find Thukpa, a thick soup with vegetables that provides a complete meal and delicious Momos or steamed dumplings stuffed with meat or vegetables, accompanied by a fiery chili sauce.
In Srinagar, the vehicles used belong to Srinagar Locals, beyond Srinagar it’s the vehicle operated by Ladakhi locals. At Manali, HP (Himachal Pradesh) registered vehicles are used.
There are no set rules for tipping. However, tipping should be avoided as the porters are paid their wages. Avoiding tipping makes them learn to live on whatever they earn.