Leh is a beautiful town located in the northern region of India, in the union territory of Ladakh. Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, lies in the eastern part of country. Traveling from Kolkata to Leh is a popular route for adventure seekers and travelers wanting to explore the Himalayas.

This guide will help you understand the main transport options available, including trains, buses, cars, and flights. You will also find step-by-step travel plans, practical tips, and advice on the best time to travel. This will help you plan your journey smoothly and confidently.

Getting from Kolkata to Leh – Main Options

Train

Train travel from Kolkata to Leh is a long but scenic option. Since Leh does not have a direct railway connection, you will combine train and road travel. This is suitable for travelers who prefer rail comfort and want to experience Indian railways.

• You can take a train from Kolkata Howrah Station to Jammu Tawi, which is the nearest major railway station to Leh. The journey covers around 1900 km and takes approximately 30 to 36 hours depending on the train service.

• Popular trains on this route include the Jammu Rajdhani Express and the Himgiri Express, which offer air-conditioned coaches and meals. Train fares range from ₹800 to ₹2500 depending on class and availability.

• From Jammu Tawi, you will need to hire a taxi or take a bus to Leh, which is about 430 km away. The road journey takes 12 to 15 hours via NH44 and NH1D, passing through scenic but high-altitude mountain roads.

• Train travel can be affected by fog and winter weather in Jammu region, especially from December to February. Booking tickets through IRCTC well in advance is recommended due to limited availability.

• Food options on trains are decent, but carry some snacks for the long journey. Rest stops are available at major stations like Patna, New Delhi, and Pathankot.

Bus

Bus travel from Kolkata to Leh is not direct and involves multiple changes. It is suitable for budget travelers who want to experience local transport and do not mind long travel times.

• There are no direct buses from Kolkata to Leh due to the long distance and difficult terrain. You can take a bus from Kolkata to Delhi or Jammu, which takes around 30 to 40 hours depending on the service.

• From Delhi or Jammu, you can find Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) or Ladakh Transport buses to Leh. These buses run mainly in summer months from May to October and take 12 to 15 hours.

• Bus fares from Kolkata to Delhi range from ₹800 to ₹1500 for sleeper class, and from Delhi to Leh around ₹700 to ₹1200. Buses can be crowded during peak travel seasons and festivals.

• Road conditions on the Leh route can be challenging during monsoon and winter. Buses may face delays or cancellations due to landslides or snowfall.

• Food and water stops are limited on the Leh highway, so carry your own supplies. Booking tickets in advance at major bus depots like Esplanade in Kolkata and ISBT in Delhi is advised.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Kolkata to Leh is an adventurous option for experienced drivers. The route covers diverse landscapes and requires careful planning. It suits travelers who want flexibility and to explore en route.

• The total distance by road is approximately 2700 km, taking around 50 to 60 hours of driving time depending on stops and road conditions. The main highways used are NH19, NH44, and NH1D.

• You will pass through states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir before reaching Ladakh. The route includes plains, hills, and high mountain passes like Zoji La.

• Fuel stations and rest stops are available in major towns along the way, but some stretches in Ladakh have limited facilities. Carry extra fuel and emergency supplies.

• Driving in Ladakh requires acclimatization to high altitude and careful handling of narrow, winding roads. Avoid driving at night due to wildlife and road hazards.

• Toll plazas are present on national highways, so keep cash ready. Weather can be unpredictable, especially from late autumn to early spring, with snow blocking passes.

Flight

Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Leh from Kolkata. It suits travelers with limited time and those who prefer comfort over long road journeys.

• There are no direct flights from Kolkata to Leh. You will need to take connecting flights via Delhi or Chandigarh. Flight duration including layovers ranges from 6 to 12 hours depending on connections.

• Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) offers frequent flights to Delhi and Chandigarh operated by airlines like IndiGo, Air India, and Vistara.

• From Delhi or Chandigarh, you can catch direct flights to Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL). These flights operate daily in summer and less frequently in winter.

• Flight fares vary widely, typically ₹4000 to ₹9000 one-way depending on booking time and season. Booking tickets at least 2-3 weeks in advance is recommended for better prices.

• Leh airport is at high altitude and weather conditions can cause flight delays or cancellations, especially in winter. Check weather updates before travel.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers going from Kolkata to Leh. It helps you organize your journey smoothly and avoid common issues.

• Book your train or flight tickets early through IRCTC or airline websites to secure seats and get better prices. This avoids last-minute hassles during peak seasons.

• If traveling by train, plan your onward road trip from Jammu Tawi to Leh by booking a taxi or bus in advance. This ensures availability and helps manage timing.

• For flights, check connecting flight schedules carefully and allow enough layover time in Delhi or Chandigarh to avoid missing connections.

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

• Download offline maps and keep contact numbers of local taxi services or travel agents in Leh for easy local transport after arrival.

• Inform family or friends about your travel itinerary and expected arrival times for safety and communication.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a valid photo ID like Aadhaar or passport as it is required for train tickets, flights, and local permits in Ladakh.

• Drink only bottled or purified water during your journey to avoid stomach issues common in Indian travel.

• Use official websites like IRCTC for train bookings and airline portals for flights to avoid scams and fake tickets.

• In Leh, use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber where available. Avoid unmetered taxis to prevent overcharging.

• Pack light but include essentials like sunscreen, sunglasses, and lip balm as the sun is strong at high altitude.

• During monsoon (July-September), expect road delays and possible landslides on the Jammu-Leh highway. Plan extra travel days if traveling by road.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Kolkata to Leh is from May to October when the weather is pleasant and roads are open. Winter months bring heavy snowfall and flight cancellations.

Peak travel seasons include summer holidays and festivals like Hemis Festival in Leh, which can cause crowding and higher prices.

• Avoid traveling during winter (November to March) as the Leh highway is closed and flights may be delayed due to fog and snow.

• Start your journey early in the morning to avoid traffic jams near major cities like Delhi and Jammu.

• Monsoon season can cause landslides on the Jammu-Leh route, so check weather forecasts and road conditions before departure.

• Festival periods like Diwali and Holi see increased travel from Kolkata, so book tickets well in advance.

Arrival at Leh & What to Expect

Leh town is small but well connected by local transport. Upon arrival at Leh airport or bus stand, you will find prepaid taxi counters and app-based cab services for easy local travel.

Popular areas to stay include Leh Bazaar and Changspa, which have good hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants. Walking is common in Leh town, but taxis are available for longer trips to monasteries and nearby villages.

Conclusion

Flying via Delhi or Chandigarh is the most efficient way to reach Leh from Kolkata, saving you time and energy. However, train plus road travel offers a scenic and adventurous experience for those with more time.

Plan your journey well in advance, keep an eye on weather conditions, and book tickets early to avoid last-minute problems. With proper preparation, you can enjoy a safe and memorable trip from Kolkata to Leh.