How To Reach Leh

Transportation to any destination is usually considered the least fun part of the journey but getting to Leh will definitely make you feel otherwise. Whatever mode one chooses to get to Leh, it is a guaranteed adventure. Considering traveling by air? The view of the enchanting snow-clad mountains will leave you speechless. Traveling by road can be an experience that you will cherish for the rest of your life as you amble at your own pace across a surreal landscape. The journey to Leh will be as much fun and adventure packed as exploring Leh itself. 

While making plans, be sure to check on weather conditions as they may sometimes affect flight services. Also, the roads to Leh close during winters due to heavy snowfall. Here's how to best reach Leh.

Getting to Leh via air is the most convenient and fastest option. The Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport is operational throughout the year. Given that this is also a military airport the security checks can be more tedious than others. There are numerous flights and bookings are available all throughout the year if the weather conditions are stable. Further taxi services available at the airport will take you to your destination in Leh. It is important to note that air travel to Leh can be cheaper if flights are booked in advance (2-3 months) or if included with packages.

Traveling to Leh via road can be exciting and an adventure in itself. Leh acts as the base to the whole of the Ladakh region. There are two important routes to Leh - the Srinagar-Leh route, and the Manali-Leh route. Both pass through vast and breathtaking stretches of mountainous terrain. The Srinagar-Leh route cuts through the Zoji-La pass while the Manali-Leh route passes through the Rupsho Plateau. The scenery through both the routes is quite magical.

There are bus services via both routes. Both ordinary and deluxe buses run almost every day on these routes. The journey can take up to two days with night halts in Kargil, Sarchu or Pang depending on the route you take. One can easily hire cars or motorbikes from Srinagar or Manali on a per day charge basis for this journey. Tourists can also avail shared jeep services. Although the ride can be a bit bumpy the fun is limitless.

The Jammu Tawi railway station is the nearest one to Leh. There are regular trains to Jammu Tawi with some even terminating here. From here bus and taxi services will take you to Leh. At about 700 kilometers from Leh, it will take 12-13 hours to get to your destination.

Once in Leh, there are a number of options to get around. Public buses run by State government operate on a regular basis. One can also hire taxis to travel longer distances within and around Leh.