Leh Ladakh is a stunning high-altitude region in northern India, known for its breathtaking landscapes and unique culture. Located in the union territory of Ladakh, it attracts travelers seeking adventure and natural beauty. Delhi, the capital city of India, serves as the main gateway for most visitors heading to Leh Ladakh.

This route from Delhi to Leh Ladakh is popular among tourists and adventure enthusiasts. This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Delhi to Leh Ladakh, covering trains, buses, cars, and flights, along with practical tips for a smooth journey.

Getting from Delhi to Leh Ladakh – Main Options

Train

Train travel is limited for this route as Leh does not have a railway station. However, you can take trains to nearby cities and then continue by road. This option suits travelers who want to combine train and road travel.

• You can take a train from New Delhi Railway Station to Jammu Tawi, which is about 600 km away from Leh. The journey takes around 10-12 hours, with fares ranging from INR 500 to INR 2000 depending on class.

• From Jammu Tawi, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Leh, which is approximately 700 km by road and takes 20-24 hours. The road journey is scenic but challenging due to mountain passes.

• Train services are frequent and comfortable, with options like Rajdhani Express and Shatabdi Express connecting Delhi to Jammu Tawi. Booking through IRCTC is recommended to secure seats in advance.

• Seasonal weather can affect train schedules, especially during winter when heavy snowfall may cause delays or cancellations on the Jammu route.

Bus

Buses offer an economical way to reach Leh from Delhi, though the journey is long and demanding. This mode suits budget travelers who want to experience the road journey through the Himalayas.

• Direct buses from Delhi to Leh are rare; most travelers take buses to Manali or Srinagar first, then connect to Leh by local buses or shared taxis.

• Delhi to Manali buses depart from ISBT Kashmiri Gate and take around 12-14 hours, covering about 550 km. Fares range from INR 800 to INR 1500 for Volvo or deluxe buses.

• From Manali, buses to Leh run from May to October, covering 480 km via the Atal Tunnel and Rohtang Pass, taking 12-14 hours. Tickets cost around INR 700 to INR 1200.

• The Srinagar-Leh bus runs from Srinagar’s main bus stand and takes about 8-10 hours over 420 km, but this route is open mainly from June to September due to weather conditions.

• Bus travel can be crowded during peak tourist season and festivals; booking tickets in advance is advisable to avoid last-minute hassles.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Delhi to Leh is a popular choice for adventure seekers who want flexibility and to enjoy the scenic mountain roads at their own pace. This option requires careful planning and preparation.

• The distance from Delhi to Leh by road is approximately 1,000 to 1,100 km, depending on the route chosen, with travel time ranging from 24 to 30 hours spread over 2-3 days.

• Popular routes include Delhi-Manali-Leh via NH44 and NH3, or Delhi-Srinagar-Leh via NH44 and NH1, both offering spectacular views but challenging mountain passes like Rohtang and Zoji La.

• Vehicles must be well-maintained and suitable for high-altitude driving; 4x4 SUVs are recommended to handle rough patches and steep climbs.

• Permits are required to enter Ladakh; you can obtain Inner Line Permits online or at check posts near Leh. Carry all documents to avoid delays.

• Road conditions improve significantly from May to October; monsoon rains and winter snow can block passes and cause landslides, so check weather updates before starting.

• Plan overnight stops at Manali or Keylong to acclimatize and rest. Fuel stations are limited on mountain roads, so carry extra fuel and emergency supplies.

Flight

Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Leh from Delhi. This option suits travelers with limited time or those who want to avoid long road journeys.

• Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport is well connected to Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport with multiple daily flights operated by airlines like Air India, GoAir, and IndiGo.

• Flight duration is approximately 1.5 hours, with fares ranging from INR 3,000 to INR 8,000 depending on the season and booking time.

• Flights are more frequent from May to October; winter schedules are limited due to weather conditions affecting visibility and runway safety.

• Book flights well in advance during peak tourist season (June to September) to secure seats and better prices.

• At Leh airport, taxis and shared cabs are available for local commute; prepaid taxi counters help avoid overcharging.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

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

• Step 1: Decide your mode of travel based on budget, time, and comfort. Flights are fastest, while road trips offer adventure and scenic views.

• Step 2: Book tickets early. Use IRCTC for trains, MSRTC or HPTDC websites for buses, and airline portals or apps for flights to avoid last-minute price hikes.

• Step 3: If traveling by road, check vehicle condition, carry necessary permits, and pack warm clothes and medicines for altitude sickness.

• Step 4: Plan your departure time to avoid night driving on mountain roads; start early in the morning to reach stops before dark.

• Step 5: Carry sufficient water and snacks for road journeys, and download offline maps or GPS apps as network coverage is patchy in mountains.

• Step 6: On arrival in Leh, use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber for safe and reliable local transport.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry a basic first-aid kit including altitude sickness medicines like Diamox, as Leh’s high altitude can cause discomfort even for healthy travelers.

• Drink only bottled or purified water to avoid waterborne illnesses; avoid street food initially to prevent stomach issues.

• Book tickets and accommodations well in advance during summer months to avoid unavailability and inflated prices.

• Use local taxis or shared cabs for short distances in Leh; avoid unmetered taxis and negotiate fares beforehand if prepaid options are unavailable.

• Pack light but include warm layers, sunscreen, sunglasses, and sturdy footwear to handle cold temperatures and strong UV rays.

• Check weather forecasts regularly during monsoon and winter seasons, as landslides and road closures are common and can disrupt travel plans.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Delhi to Leh Ladakh is from late May to early October when the roads are open and weather is favorable. Winters are harsh and many routes close due to heavy snowfall.

Summer months offer clear skies and pleasant temperatures, ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. However, this is peak tourist season, so expect crowded roads and higher prices.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali or local Ladakhi festivals if you prefer less crowded conditions, as transport and accommodation fill up quickly.

• Monsoon season (July-August) can cause landslides and roadblocks, especially on the Manali-Leh highway, so check updates before traveling.

• Early morning departures are best to avoid afternoon fog and traffic jams on mountain passes.

• Winter months (November to April) see road closures and limited flight operations; only experienced travelers with proper gear should attempt this journey then.

Arrival at Leh & What to Expect

Leh is a small town with limited but sufficient infrastructure for tourists. Upon arrival, you will find prepaid taxi counters at the airport and bus stand to help you reach your accommodation safely.

Popular areas to stay include Leh town center near the main market, which offers easy access to restaurants, shops, and sightseeing spots. Local transport options include shared taxis, rental bikes, and auto-rickshaws.

Be prepared for thinner air and cooler temperatures; take it easy on your first day to acclimatize. Many hotels and guesthouses provide oxygen cylinders if needed.

Conclusion

Flying from Delhi to Leh is the most efficient and comfortable way to reach this high-altitude destination quickly. However, road travel by car or bus offers a unique adventure through some of India’s most scenic mountain routes. Train travel is limited but can be combined with road transport for a budget-friendly option.

Plan your journey carefully by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and preparing for altitude changes. With the right preparation and knowledge, you can confidently enjoy the breathtaking beauty and culture of Leh Ladakh starting from Delhi.