Ladakh · North India
High passes and turquoise lakes
Leh-Ladakh is a high-altitude cold desert of stark mountain ranges, Buddhist monasteries and oasis settlements. Routes from Leh lead across high passes to Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso, where travel requires careful acclimatisation and flexible planning.
Best time to visit
Top attractions
- Leh Palace
- Shanti Stupa
- Thiksey Monastery
- Hemis Monastery
- Nubra Valley
- Pangong Tso
How to reach
- By air: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh is about 4 km from the town centre.
- By rail: Jammu Tawi is a major rail gateway about 700 km from Leh via Srinagar; there is no railway to Leh.
- By road: Leh is about 430 km from Srinagar and roughly 475 km from Manali; the Srinagar-Leh and Manali-Leh highways are generally usable during the summer road season, roughly June-October, subject to pass conditions.
Local food to try
- Thukpa
- Momos
- Skyu
- Butter tea (gur gur tea)
- Khambir
Things to do
Good to know
When is the best time to visit Ladakh?+
June to September is the main road-travel season. May and October can suit flights to Leh, but cold and pass closures limit excursions.
How many days are needed?+
Allow seven to ten days for Leh, Nubra and Pangong, including at least the first two days in Leh for rest and acclimatisation.
How serious is the altitude?+
Leh is around 3,500 m. Rest on arrival, avoid alcohol and strenuous activity, and seek medical help for worsening headache, vomiting, breathlessness or confusion; descend when advised.
Are Inner Line Permits needed for Nubra and Pangong?+
Rules depend on nationality and route. Indian tourists generally no longer need the earlier Inner Line Permit but must complete applicable registration and environmental-fee formalities; foreign visitors usually need Protected Area Permits. Confirm current Nubra and Pangong requirements before travel.
Journeys here