Have you ever dreamed of riding through the winding roads of the Himalayas with fresh mountain air all around towering snow-capped mountains? Just what a trip from Delhi to Ladakh by road can offer, and much more beautiful than you might have thought of. In this article I take you through the detailed itinerary on Delhi to Ladakh distance by road. It is a journey full of adventure, nature, and countless memories. Let’s make it simple so that you can easily understand this guide whether traveling alone or with friends and family.
The Delhi to Ladakh Distance by road is about 935 to 950 kilometers depending on the route you choose. The most popular routes take a path through Manali and then Leh while the whole journey Delhi to Ladakh road trip takes almost 4-5 days of driving, considering necessary rest stops and overnight stays. It is also important to keep in mind that distances and detours do vary with the road conditions.
Experience the thrill of a lifetime with road trip itinerary from Delhi to Ladakh distance of 950 Kilometers a journey that spans rugged mountains, lush valleys, and iconic high passes. Delhi to Ladakh distance itinerary covering each day’s route and travel time. In this guide we visualize and take you from the bustling streets of Delhi through charming hill stations and dramatic landscapes to reach the unbelievable beauty of Ladakh. Along the way you will explore scenic spots like Manali, Jispa, Sarchu, Leh, Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake. Every stop will give you unique sights and local culture. This guide promises memories that will last forever whether you are drawn by adventure of the contentment of the Himalaya.
Delhi to Ladakh Distance by Car Itinerary
| Delhi to Ladakh distance days required to cover | Delhi to Ladakh Distance Route | Delhi to Ladakh Distance | Delhi to Ladakh Distance Travel Time | Delhi to Ladakh Distance Description |
| Day 1 | Delhi to Chandigarh | 244 km | 4-5 hours | Begin your journey with a smooth drive from the bustling capital to the serene city of Chandigarh, an ideal start to ease into the adventure. |
| Day 2 | Chandigarh to Manali | 270 km | 6-7 hours | Enjoy the winding roads and lush landscapes as you head to Manali, a town cradled by the beautiful Himalayas. |
| Day 3 | Manali to Jispa | 93 km | 3 hours | Set out from Manali and drive to Jispa, crossing scenic mountain passes and enjoying the peaceful beauty of this high-altitude village. |
| Day 4 | Jispa to Sarchu | 90 km | 2 hours | Travel from Jispa to Sarchu, a popular camping spot, and take in the raw beauty of the mountains along this shorter leg of the journey. |
| Day 5 | Sarchu to Leh | 251 km | 6 hours | One of the most mesmerizing stretches, this drive takes you over high passes and rugged terrains, ending in the historic city of Leh. |
| Day 6 & 7 | Exploring Leh and Its Surroundings | – | – | Spend these days uncovering Leh’s rich culture, visiting monasteries, and experiencing the tranquil beauty of its surrounding landscapes. |
| Day 8 | Leh to Nubra Valley | 160 km | 5 hours | Journey to the Nubra Valley, known for its sand dunes, double-humped camels, and panoramic mountain views, an unforgettable part of the trip. |
| Day 9 | Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake | 274 km | 7 hours | Travel to the iconic Pangong Lake, whose shifting blue hues and reflective waters create an ethereal experience that will stay in your memory. |
| Day 10 | Pangong Lake to Leh | 255 km | 5-6 hours | Complete the circle back to Leh, taking in one last look at the towering landscapes and pristine beauty before ending the journey. |
DELHI TO LADAKH DISTANCE GOOGLE MAP
Above simple Delhi to Ladakh route map showing the road journey from Delhi to Leh Ladakh Distance by car. The stops include major ones like Chandigarh, Manali, Jispa, Sarchu and finally Leh in Ladakh. The mountainous passes such as Rohtang Pass and Baralacha La Pass on it to guide your journey. Safe travels on your adventure!
Why Choose a Road Trip from Delhi to Ladakh?
A Ladakh trip from Delhi by road is more than just a holiday experience; it’s an event that stays in your memory forever. Flying over the majestic land keeps you out of touch with the beauty of the landscapes, unlike driving, which gives the traveler a view of everything-from lush valleys to the barren desert mountains-and the changing view is a treat to behold. Further down the road, cities fade into the background and the mountains grow taller and more towering. The sense of adventure and the feeling of achieving something grand as you drive up those winding roads is unbeatable.
Best Time to Visit Ladakh
The best time to visit Ladakh by road is June to September. By then, the snow has melted; the weather is pleasant, and the roads are open. But let me tell you, July and August are prime months for adventure lovers. The weather is at its best, and the chance of snow on the roads is minimal, making it easier to drive. Ladakh looks extremely beautiful in winter when it turns into a fairytale-like frozen wonderland-but the heavy snowfall situation brings many roads under closure, thus making road travel very difficult.
Day 1 – Delhi to Chandigarh (Distance: 244 km)
We left early in the morning full of energy, and of course, the road from Delhi to Chandigarh is so smooth and, in all fairness, not too difficult that covers almost 244 kilometers. It took us a good 4-5 hours. If you like nature, you will appreciate how the scenery gradually changes from the traffic congestion of Delhi to cleaner and greener roads leading to Chandigarh.
Murthal Dhaba Famous for its delicious parathas. Trust me, you don’t want to miss a pit stop here.
Pinjore Gardens A beautiful Mughal-style Garden near Chandigarh, perfect for a short stop.
Day 2 – Chandigarh to Manali (Distance: 270 km)
Having spent the night in Chandigarh, we drove all the way back to Manali, that is about 270 kilometers from us. This part of our journey is very pretty with beautiful hills and pristine flowing rivers dotting our route. The air can be felt cooling up as we go further up into greater heights.
Mandi A small town that offers scenic views of hills and rivers. A perfect spot to stretch your legs and enjoy some chai.
Kullu Known for its apple orchards and beautiful valleys, Kullu is a must-stop for some sightseeing. We reached Manali by evening, checked into our hotel, and relaxed for the rest of the night.
Day 3 – Manali to Jispa (Distance: 93 km)
Day 3 is where the real mountain adventure begins! We headed off to Jispa, which is a small village that can be reached 93 kilometers from Manali and takes 3 hours. During the journey we went through Rohtang Pass, one of the most exciting parts of the trip.
Rohtang Pass You’ll drive through snow-capped mountains, which is a thrilling experience. Rohtang is often covered with snow, and it’s a great place to play around in the snow.
Keylong A quiet town before you reach Jispa, offering mesmerizing views of the valleys. Jispa is a tiny village but perfect for an overnight stay because of its peaceful vibe and beautiful landscapes.
Day 4 – Jispa to Sarchu (Distance: 90 km)
The distance may seem short, but don’t be fooled! The road from Jispa to Sarchu is rough and will test your endurance. It’s only about 83 kilometers and take 2 hours, but we took it slow to enjoy the beauty and avoid road fatigue.
Baralacha La Pass This high-altitude pass (about 16,000 feet) is covered in snow even during the summer. Stopping here for a few minutes to take in the views was one of the highlights of the trip. Sarchu is located on the border of Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh. We stayed the night in tents under a sky full of stars. It was one of the most peaceful nights, with the mountains all around.
Day 5 – Sarchu to Leh (Distance: 251 km)
This leg of the journey is the longest, yet arguably one of the most rewarding. The drive from Sarchu to Leh is approximately 251 kilometers, taking you through some of the highest passes in the world. The driving time for this route was 5 hours and 30 minutes.
Lachulung La and Nakee La Passes The pass itself offers tremendous views of the valleys below. Roads may be rough, but the view is worth every pothole.
Gata Loops It’s a series of 21 hairpin bends and will get your heart racing!
Tanglang La Pass At over 17,000 feet, this is one of the highest passes in the world, and reaching it feels like a huge achievement. When we finally arrived in Leh, we were exhausted but incredibly glad to be there. The city is peaceful, vibrant, and warm in every way while still being circumscribed by towering mountains. We checked into a hotel, rested, and prepared for the adventures ahead.
Day 6 and 7 – Exploring Leh and Its Surroundings
Finally we have arrived in Leh and Total distance between Delhi to Ladakh covered by us till now is 950 KM. Now it is time to spent two full days exploring the beauty of Leh and its surrounding areas. There’s so much to see and do, and two days barely felt like enough.
Shanti Stupa It is a fabulous white-domed Buddhist stupa with great views of the city and the surrounding mountains. The sun set here is magical.
Leh Palace Leh Palace offers a panoramic view over the town spread down below, giving an insight into rich history and vibrant culture of Ladakh.
Magnetic Hill Experience the bizarre phenomenon whereby cars appear to be rolling uphill, an effect created by an optical illusion.
Hall of Fame A museum that honors the soldiers who have defended the borders of Ladakh. We also found time to explore the local markets and taste Ladakhi food, such as Thukpa and Momos. The people in Leh are also pretty warm and very friendly, making the city feel like one’s home.
Day 8 – Leh to Nubra Valley (Distance: 160 km)
The next leg of our journey took us from Leh to Nubra Valley, about 160 kilometers away and consume 5 hours. This drive takes you through Khardung La Pass, the highest motorable road in the world!
Khardung La Pass At 18,380 feet, driving through this pass is an exhilarating experience. The views from the top are unlike anything you’ve seen before.
Diskit Monastery This beautiful monastery is located near Nubra Valley and is home to a giant statue of Buddha. Nubra Valley is known for its sand dunes and double-humped camels, making it feel like a mini desert in the middle of the mountains. We stayed the night in a guesthouse surrounded by serene beauty.
Day 9 – Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake (Distance: 274 km)
From Nubra Valley we drove to the famous Pangong Lake, which is about 274 kilometers away and takes around 7 hours to reach. One of the most scenic drives of the trip so far, the destination is even more incredible.
Shyok River The journey alongside the Shyok River unveils breathtaking vistas of the valley, with the river meandering gracefully through the mountains.
Pangong Lake It is nothing short of magical. The azure waters, embraced by majestic mountains, appear as though they were plucked from the realm of dreams. We camped in tents beside the lake, completely immersed in the beauty and tranquility of our surroundings.
Day 10 – Pangong Lake to Leh (Distance: 255 km)
We moved out of Pangong Lake to Leh after relishing the sunrise, covering about 255 kilometers with an estimated driving time of 5-6 hours. Even though we were retracing our steps, the splendor of the journey was still omnipresent. Now it is the time to start covering Ladakh to Delhi distance with same route.
Best Time for Snow Activities in Ladakh
If you are one of those intending to go for snow activities in Ladakh such as skiing, snow trekking, or snow biking, then the best time to visit Ladakh is between December to February, but most of the roads will be closed and flying into your destination will be the only alternative.
On the Way Attractions Overall, there are thousands of halts on the journey where a tourist can indulge in the glory of nature, the Himalayan ranges, and valleys. Please do not forget to carry your camera along.
Conclusion
A road trip from Delhi to Ladakh is an adventure that weaves together thrill, beauty, and tranquility. Everything from the moment you take off from Delhi to Leh is so immersed into the works of nature. Each pass, each valley, and every lake reveal something different, something to be remembered long after the journey ends. Memories created during New Delhi to Ladakh distance are invaluable, and I highly recommend it to anyone who is bold and adventurous as well as passionate about mountains.
FAQ
How long does the road trip from Delhi to Ladakh take?
The trip typically takes 7 to 10 days, depending on how many stops you make.
What’s the best time to visit Ladakh by road?
The best time is between June and September when the roads are open.
What permits are required for Ladakh?
Indian citizens need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) for places like Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake. Foreigners need special permits for restricted areas.
Can I rent a bike for the Ladakh trip?
No, Ladakh is snow-free in summer, but you may see some snow at high-altitude passes.
What is the distance from Delhi to Leh?
The distance is about 935 kilometers, depending on the route you take.
Is accommodation available on the way to Ladakh?
Yes, there are guesthouses, camps, and hotels at various points like Manali, Jispa, Sarchu, and Leh.
Can I do this trip in a sedan?
It’s recommended to use a sturdy vehicle like an SUV or 4×4, as some roads can be rough.
Do I need oxygen cylinders for the trip?
While not always necessary, it’s a good idea to carry a portable oxygen cylinder for high-altitude areas.
What should I pack for a Ladakh road trip?
Pack warm clothes, medicines for altitude sickness, sunscreen, and plenty of snacks and water.
Is there mobile network connectivity in Ladakh?
Networks like BSNL and Airtel work in Leh and nearby areas, but connectivity can be patchy in remote regions.
How is the food in Ladakh?
Ladakhi food is simple yet delicious, with dishes like thukpa and momos being popular.
Are there petrol stations on the way to Ladakh?
Yes, but they are sparse, especially after Manali. Always fill up your tank whenever you find one.
What’s the altitude of Leh?
Leh is at an altitude of about 11,500 feet, so acclimatization is important to avoid altitude sickness.
