Leh is the capital of Ladakh, located in the northernmost part of India, known for its stunning landscapes and Buddhist culture. Mumbai, the financial capital of India, lies in the west on the Arabian Sea coast. Traveling from Mumbai to Leh is a popular route for adventure seekers and spiritual travelers alike.

This guide will help you understand the main ways to travel from Mumbai to Leh, including trains, buses, cars, and flights. You will get practical advice on travel times, routes, and what to expect on the journey to plan your trip confidently.

Getting from Mumbai to Leh – Main Options

Train

Train travel from Mumbai to Leh is indirect but suitable for those who want to experience Indian railways and save on costs. You will need to combine train and road travel as there is no direct rail link to Leh.

• You can take a train from Mumbai CST or LTT to Jammu Tawi, which is the nearest major railway station to Leh, covering around 2,000 km in approximately 30 to 36 hours depending on the train service.

• From Jammu Tawi, you must travel by road to Leh, which is about 430 km and takes around 12 to 14 hours via NH44 and NH1, passing through scenic but challenging mountainous terrain.

• Train fares from Mumbai to Jammu Tawi range from ₹800 to ₹2,500 depending on class, with frequent trains like the Jammu Rajdhani and other express services available daily or several times a week.

• Train travel can be crowded during peak seasons like summer and festivals; booking tickets well in advance through IRCTC is essential to secure seats, especially in AC classes.

• Be prepared for delays during winter months due to fog in northern plains and possible landslides in hilly areas during monsoon, which can affect train timings.

Bus

Bus travel from Mumbai to Leh is a long and adventurous option, mostly chosen by budget travelers and those wanting to explore the route by road. There is no direct bus, so you must break the journey into segments.

• You can take a Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus from Mumbai to Delhi or Chandigarh, which takes about 24 to 30 hours and covers roughly 1,400 km.

• From Delhi or Chandigarh, you can find Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) or private buses heading towards Manali or Srinagar, major gateways to Leh, taking 10 to 14 hours.

• From Manali or Srinagar, local shared taxis or buses operate to Leh, covering 475 km and 434 km respectively, taking 12 to 14 hours on rough mountain roads.

• Bus fares vary widely: Mumbai to Delhi buses cost ₹800 to ₹1,500, Delhi to Manali ₹500 to ₹900, and Manali to Leh shared taxis ₹1,500 to ₹2,500 per person.

• Bus travel is subject to seasonal road closures, especially during winter when passes like Rohtang and Zoji La are closed due to snow, so plan your trip between June and October.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Mumbai to Leh is a thrilling option for experienced drivers who enjoy road trips and mountain driving. The route covers diverse landscapes and requires careful planning.

• The total distance is about 2,200 km via NH48, NH44, and NH1, taking approximately 40 to 45 hours of driving time spread over 4 to 6 days for safety and rest.

• The common route is Mumbai to Delhi via NH48, then Delhi to Manali or Srinagar, and finally the mountain roads to Leh, crossing high-altitude passes like Rohtang and Zoji La.

• Fuel stations are available on major highways but become sparse in mountainous areas; carry extra fuel and emergency supplies, especially between Manali and Leh.

• Toll plazas are frequent on NH48 and NH44, with toll charges totaling around ₹1,000 to ₹1,500; keep cash handy as some tolls may not accept digital payments.

• Road conditions vary: highways are mostly good, but mountain roads can be narrow and prone to landslides during monsoon; winter travel is not advised due to snow closures.

• Plan overnight stops in cities like Udaipur, Jaipur, Delhi, and Manali to avoid fatigue and acclimatize gradually to altitude changes.

Flight

Flying is the fastest and most comfortable way to reach Leh from Mumbai, especially for travelers with limited time or those avoiding long road journeys.

• Direct flights from Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport to Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport operate mainly during the tourist season from May to October, taking about 3.5 to 4 hours.

• Flight fares vary widely from ₹4,000 to ₹12,000 one way, depending on the airline, booking time, and season; booking at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance is recommended.

• Leh airport is at high altitude (3,256 meters), so flights may be delayed due to weather conditions like strong winds or fog, especially in early morning or late evening.

• Connecting flights via Delhi or Chandigarh are available year-round, offering more frequency but longer total travel time including layovers.

• On arrival, prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are available at Leh airport for convenient transfers to hotels or local attractions.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Mumbai to Leh, helping you prepare and navigate the journey smoothly.

• Book your preferred mode of transport well in advance, especially train and flight tickets, using IRCTC for trains and airline websites or apps for flights to avoid last-minute hassles.

• If traveling by train, plan your onward road journey from Jammu Tawi by booking a taxi or bus in advance, as public transport options may be limited and crowded during peak season.

• For bus or car travel, map your route carefully, including overnight stops and rest breaks, to avoid fatigue and altitude sickness; carry a physical map or GPS device as network coverage can be patchy.

• Pack essential items like warm clothing, water bottles, snacks, and basic medicines, especially for high-altitude travel, where weather can change quickly and amenities are scarce.

• Upon reaching Leh, use prepaid taxi counters or trusted app-based cabs to reach your accommodation safely; avoid unregistered taxis to prevent overcharging.

• Acclimatize for at least 1 to 2 days in Leh before undertaking any strenuous activities or further travel to higher altitudes to prevent altitude sickness.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a government-issued ID and multiple photocopies, as permits are required for travel in Ladakh and may be checked at checkpoints along the route.

• Drink only bottled or purified water during your journey to avoid waterborne illnesses, and carry water purification tablets if traveling by road through remote areas.

• Book tickets online through official portals like IRCTC for trains and airline websites for flights to avoid scams and inflated prices common at stations and airports.

• Use local transport options such as shared taxis or buses in Leh for short distances; avoid hailing random cabs on the street to ensure safety and fair pricing.

• Pack light but include warm layers, sunscreen, and sunglasses, as the sun is strong at high altitudes and temperatures can drop sharply at night.

• During monsoon (July to September), be prepared for roadblocks and landslides on the Manali-Leh route; check weather and road conditions daily before starting your journey.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Mumbai to Leh is during the summer months when roads are open and weather is pleasant. Winters are harsh and many roads close due to snow.

Monsoon season brings heavy rains and landslides, especially on the Manali-Leh highway, causing delays and safety risks. Plan your trip between May and October for the best experience.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Holi when trains and flights are crowded and prices surge.

• Winter months from November to April see road closures on key passes like Rohtang and Zoji La, making road travel impossible and flights less frequent.

• Early morning flights to Leh are often delayed due to weather; mid-morning departures have better on-time performance.

• Depart Mumbai early in the morning if traveling by train or bus to maximize daylight driving hours and reduce fatigue.

Arrival at Leh & What to Expect

Leh is a small town with limited but efficient transport options. Upon arrival, you will find prepaid taxi counters at the airport and bus stands, making it easy to reach your accommodation.

Popular areas to stay include Leh town center near the main market and the vicinity of the Leh Palace. Local taxis and shared cabs are affordable and reliable, but always agree on fares beforehand or use app-based services.

Conclusion

Flying from Mumbai to Leh is the most efficient and comfortable option, especially during the tourist season, saving you time and energy. However, adventurous travelers can combine train and road travel to explore the diverse landscapes en route.

Plan your trip carefully by booking tickets early, checking weather and road conditions, and preparing for high-altitude travel. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a safe and memorable journey from Mumbai to the breathtaking landscapes of Leh.