Ladakh is best known for its breathtaking landscapes, natural beauty, high mountain passes and rich cultural heritage. Let’s take you all through this exciting journey, which will give you a glimpse of this Land of High Passes: Ladakh and also help you plan your own itinerary.
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If you are planning for a trip to Ladakh, hurray, you are at the right place!
We will be sharing some important tips you need to know before you plan your trip to this amazing place to indulge yourself in the scenic and stunning beauty of Ladakh.
Let’s begin…
Best time to visit Ladakh
Usually, the best time to visit Ladakh is considered as the summer months from late May to early September. Usually, the temperature and weather is mild and most parts of the region is accessible. During winter, the region receives high snowfall due to its high altitude and many regions remains inaccessible. It becomes challenging to reach during peak winters.
Things to carry in your backpack
- Layers and thermals.
- Walking/hiking shoes.
- Sunscreen lotion with high SPF.
- Sunglasses.
- Moisturiser.
- First aid kit with essential medicines.
- Reusable water bottle.
- Light snacks.
- Power bank to charge phone on the go.
Visa for Foreigners
Foreign travellers can apply for an Indian Visa through here. Check the visa requirements and the documents required from your country of travel.
Travel Insurance
Though travel insurance is not mandatory to enter India, it is highly recommended to get one as it provides coverage in case of unforeseen circumstances such as medical emergencies, baggage loss, trip cancellation, etc.
There are many online options available to choose from. Most of them are pretty affordable. You can check out various options available online.
Things to keep in mind before you book your Stay
We have chosen our stay considering the below points. Also, for budget travellers, these will be helpful.
- Check out the stay options, which are located close to local attractions or the areas from where these spots are easily accessible.
- There are various types of stay options available, such as budget stays to luxurious hotels. You can choose as per your budget and preference.
- Look out for the food options nearby.
- Also, you can check for the reviews of the stay property.
- Check out the cleanliness and hygiene around the stay area.
- You could opt for local homestays and get a cultural insight of the place by staying with the locals.
- Also, we would recommend the tent stays in the Nubra Valley region. Its a great experience.
Food Options
Ladakh is renowned for its rich and unique delicacies such as Thukpa: The Signature dish of the region, Chang, Phirni, Butter Tea(a staple beverage of Ladakh that helps locals cope up with a harsh cold), Yak Cheese. These are few of the must-try while you are in Ladakh.
Local Transport
The city has various public transport options such as Taxis, buses, etc. You can choose per your need.
Budget Breakup for the Trip
Stay options:
Jammu: Many affordable hotels are available for 1000-1500 INR per person per day in and around the Jammu Bus stand, especially near the Jewel Chowk. You can also find stay option for less than 1000 INR, but that would be 5-6 km away from the main bus stand.
Srinagar: Houseboat stay options can cost you at least 1500 INR per day. For stay options in and around Dal Lake, you will find rooms for 1500 to 2000 INR per day.
Kargil: There are limited stay options in and around Kargil that can cost you around 2000-2500 INR per day. The best part is most of the stay options are along the main Srinagar-Leh Highway.
Leh: There are a few hostels available for the backpackers that can cost you anywhere around 800-1000 INR per day. Hotels that are in close proximity to Leh Mall Road can cost you about 1000-1500 INR per day.
Diskit: Rooms in and around the Diskit Monastery are limited and could cost around at least 2000-2500 INR per day.
Jispa: It’s a serene location with limited stay options available. The cost would be around 2000-2500 INR per day.
Manali: There are numerous stay options in and around the Manali Mall Road for an average cost of 1000 INR per day. You can also opt to stay for a similar rent in the old Manali Area. You will find auto services to easily commute within the Manali town.
Transport: When you land in either Jammu, Srinagar or Manali, you need to rent a car or bike for your Leh-Ladakh Trip. The bike rent can vary from 1700 INR to 3000 INR per day, depending on the season and type of bike. Be aware that during May, June, September and October, there is an increase in the demand for car services in and around the Ladakh Region. You can expect the car rent to be around 3500 INR per day at least, irrespective of the season. Yes, negotiation skills matter a lot.
Solo travellers can also avail the public transport from the bus terminal at very affordable rates.
Food: The average meal cost could be around 450 INR per person. Do try out the local Tibetan delicacies while travelling in the Ladakh Region.
Cost to reach Rishikesh or Haridwar: There are many ways one can opt to reach Ladakh.
By Flight, Train & bus: By train, you can reach Jammu or Chandigarh to start your Ladakh Trip. From Jammu or Chandigarh, you can rent a car for your Ladakh Trip. There are direct flight options available from Delhi to Leh that cost around 3000 to 4000 INR per person.
As we took this trip through our partner travel site Suruby, it cost us 40000/- INR per person inclusive of food, accommodation, transfer, and local sightseeing for 13 days and 12 nights. We visited in September 2023. Also, the cost may vary depending on the season. Visit their website to know more details. In case you plan to visit on your own, you can also look at the above cost breakup.
Places we visited during our Trip
Jammu arrival and exploring the city (Raghunath Temple and Hari Market)
Plan a Perfect landing at the Gateway of Leh-Ladakh in 2024 With These Insider Facts
Srinagar (Lal Chowk and Dal Lake)
Plan a Perfect Journey to Srinagar in 2024 With These Insider Facts
Kargil (Kargil War Memorial)
Plan a Perfect Journey from Srinagar to Leh via Kargil in 2024 With These Insider Facts-Part I
Leh Arrival (Lamayuru Monastery, Magnetic Hill, Sangam Sthal and Pathar Sahib Gurudwara)
Plan a Perfect Journey from Srinagar to Leh via Kargil in 2024 With These Insider Facts-Part II
Leh Local Spots (Leh Monasteries, Hall of Fame, Leh Palace, Rancho School, Sindhu Ghat, Shey Palace, Shanti Stupa and Leh Market)
Plan a Perfect Local Sightseeing of Leh in 2024 With These Insider Facts
Nubra Valley arrival (Khardungla Top, Milkha Point and Diskit Monastery)
Plan a Perfect Journey To Nubra Valley From Leh In 2024 With These Insider Facts.
Turtuk Village Tour
Plan a Perfect Day Trip to Turtuk Village from Diskit in 2024 With These Insider Facts.
Pangong Lake
Plan a Perfect Trip to the Pangong Lake in 2024 With These Insider Facts.
Signing off from Ladakh
Plan a Perfect Take Off From Leh via Jispa/Manali in 2024 With These Insider Facts
Kargil Vijay Diwas
Fascinating Facts to Know About “Kargil Vijay Diwas” in 2024
What kind of help are we going to provide?
Let us inform you that we prepare itineraries not only for anywhere in India but also for Asia. We have been travelling since we were toddlers. So here in our blogs and stories, we will give you a glimpse of our journey and help you plan your trip.
Read about our Uzbekistan blogs.
Read about our Kazakhstan blogs.
Read about our Singapore blogs.
Read about our Vietnam blogs.
Read about our Cambodia blogs.
Read about our Bali blogs.
Read about our Kuala Lumpur blog series.
Read about our Sri Lanka blogs.
Read about our Nepal blogs.
Read about our Char Dham blogs.
Read about our Ladakh blogs.
Read about our day trip to Hyderabad.
Read about our Madhya Pradesh blogs.
Read about our Andaman and Nicobar blogs.
Do follow our Instagram handle @mindfulllofvacations and watch for the next destination story. For any query related to any trip, drop a mail at @mitkau007@gmail.com.
by mitkau