Leh is the capital of the Union Territory of Ladakh, located in the northernmost part of India. Delhi, the national capital, is a major gateway for travelers heading to Leh. This route is popular among tourists and adventure seekers who want to explore the Himalayas and experience Ladakhi culture.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Delhi to Leh. You will learn about different transport options, travel times, fares, and practical tips to plan your journey confidently and comfortably.

Getting from Delhi to Leh – Main Options

Train

There is no direct train to Leh because it is located in a high-altitude mountainous region without railway connectivity. However, you can use trains for part of the journey combined with road travel.

• You can take a train from Delhi to Jammu Tawi, which is the nearest major railway station to Leh, located about 434 km away by road. Trains run frequently from New Delhi Railway Station to Jammu Tawi, with travel time around 10 to 12 hours.

• From Jammu Tawi, you must hire a taxi or take a bus to Leh, which can take 18 to 24 hours depending on road conditions and stops. The road passes through scenic but challenging mountain terrain.

• Train fares from Delhi to Jammu Tawi vary from INR 400 to INR 1500 depending on class and train type. Booking through IRCTC is recommended to avoid last-minute hassles.

• During winter months, roads from Jammu to Leh may be closed due to heavy snowfall, so train plus road travel is best planned between May and October.

Bus

Buses are a budget-friendly option but less comfortable and slower. They are popular among local travelers and adventure tourists who want to experience the journey fully.

• Direct government and private buses run from Delhi ISBT Kashmiri Gate to Leh via Srinagar and Jammu, but frequency is limited and mostly available from May to October due to road closures in winter.

• The bus journey covers approximately 1,000 km and takes around 36 to 40 hours, depending on road and weather conditions. Buses usually stop at Jammu, Srinagar, and Kargil for rest and meals.

• Bus fares range from INR 800 to INR 1500 for ordinary and deluxe buses. Booking tickets in advance at ISBT or online through MSRTC or private operators is advisable.

• Road conditions vary, with some stretches on NH1 and NH301 being narrow and winding. Monsoon rains and landslides can cause delays, so check weather updates before traveling.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Delhi to Leh is a thrilling option for those who enjoy road trips and want to explore at their own pace. The route is scenic but challenging, requiring careful planning.

• The distance from Delhi to Leh by road is about 1,000 km, taking approximately 30 to 36 hours of driving time depending on stops and traffic. The main route passes through NH44, Jammu, Srinagar, and then NH1 towards Leh.

• Roads include mountain passes like Zoji La and Fotu La, which can be difficult during bad weather. It is best to travel between June and September when roads are mostly clear.

• Fuel stations are limited in some stretches, so carry extra fuel or plan refueling stops carefully. Major fuel points are in Jammu, Srinagar, and Kargil.

• Toll plazas are present on NH44 and NH1, so keep cash ready. Also, carry a valid driving license and vehicle documents, as police checks are common.

• Rest stops with food options are available in Jammu, Srinagar, and Kargil. Booking accommodations in advance in these towns is recommended for overnight breaks.

Flight

Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Leh from Delhi. It is highly popular among tourists and those with limited travel time.

• Direct flights operate daily from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) to Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL), with a flight time of about 1.5 hours.

• Airfares range from INR 3,000 to INR 8,000 one way, depending on the season and how early you book. Booking tickets 2-3 weeks in advance is advisable to get better prices.

• Flights can be delayed or canceled during winter months due to fog or bad weather, so keep flexible plans during November to February.

• Leh airport is small but well connected to local taxis and shared cabs. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are available for the city center or hotels.

• During peak tourist season (June to September), flights fill up quickly, so booking early is essential to avoid last-minute price hikes or unavailability.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers going from Delhi to Leh, helping you organize each stage smoothly and avoid common issues.

• Book your transport tickets early, whether flight, train, or bus, to secure your seat and get better prices. Use IRCTC for trains and official airline websites or apps for flights.

• If traveling by train and road, plan your arrival at Jammu Tawi to connect with a taxi or bus to Leh. Confirm vehicle availability in advance to avoid waiting.

• For self-drive, check your vehicle condition thoroughly, carry extra fuel, and download offline maps. Start early in the day to avoid driving in the dark on mountain roads.

• Pack warm clothes and basic medicines for altitude sickness, as Leh is at high elevation. Carry bottled water and snacks for long road journeys.

• Upon arrival in Leh, use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs for safe and fair local transport. Avoid unmetered taxis to prevent overcharging.

• Keep photocopies of your ID and travel documents handy. Also, inform family or friends about your travel itinerary for safety.

Practical Travel Tips

• Altitude sickness is common in Leh; acclimatize by resting for a day before exploring. Avoid alcohol and heavy meals on arrival to reduce symptoms.

• Drink only bottled or boiled water during your journey and in Leh to prevent stomach issues. Carry a reusable water bottle with a purifier if possible.

• Book flights and trains well in advance, especially during summer and festival seasons, to avoid last-minute price surges and unavailability.

• Use local shared taxis or buses in Leh for affordable travel. Walking is also good for short distances due to the compact town layout.

• Pack light but include warm layers, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Weather can change quickly, and UV rays are stronger at high altitudes.

• During monsoon, landslides can block roads on the Jammu-Leh highway, so check weather and road status daily if traveling by road.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Delhi to Leh is between May and September when the roads are open and weather is pleasant. Winter months bring heavy snowfall and road closures, making travel difficult.

Summer months offer clear skies and moderate temperatures, ideal for sightseeing and adventure activities. However, this is also peak tourist season, so plan bookings early.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Holi in Delhi due to heavy traffic and higher prices for transport.

• Monsoon season (July-August) can cause landslides on the highway, leading to delays or cancellations of road travel.

• Early morning flights from Delhi to Leh are less likely to be delayed due to fog, so book morning slots for smoother travel.

• Winter months (November to February) bring heavy snowfall, road closures, and flight cancellations, so avoid planning trips during this time unless necessary.

Arrival at Leh & What to Expect

Leh airport is small but well-organized, with clear signage and a prepaid taxi counter near the exit. You can easily find app-based cabs like Ola or Uber, though availability may be limited compared to big cities.

The town center is about 7 km from the airport. Most hotels and guesthouses arrange airport pickups if informed in advance. Local buses and shared taxis connect Leh with nearby villages and tourist spots.

Conclusion

Flying from Delhi to Leh is the most efficient and comfortable option, especially for those with limited time. Booking flights early and preparing for altitude changes will make your journey smooth. For adventure lovers, road travel by car or bus offers a scenic and memorable experience but requires careful planning.

Train travel is useful only for reaching Jammu Tawi before continuing by road. Always check weather and road conditions before starting your trip, and carry essential supplies for mountain travel. With proper preparation, you can enjoy a safe and exciting journey from Delhi to Leh.