How To Reach (Ladakh)
It is always a dream of a traveller to visit Ladakh. Depending on your style of travel, there are several options. Ways to reach Ladakh is as interesting as the place itself. There are three ways in how to reach Leh, the capital of Ladakh. All three are exciting and suited to the different sections of travel enthusiasts.
By Flight:
You can take a flight from New Delhi to Leh airport. Book early to get better offers. It takes about one and a quarter hour to reach Leh. Meanwhile, you will enjoy some exotic views of the mountains and their snowcapped peaks. Although, you can get a glimpse of the mountains from anywhere you are seated, try to choose the window seat to complete the experience. Please read this article before travelling to Ladakh.
By Road:
There are two road routes by which reach Leh by road. The Srinagar-Kargil-Leh highway and the most popular Manali-Leh highway.
Srinagar-Kargil-Leh Highway
If you wish to take a road trip from Srinagar to Leh, you will have to take this route. You will reach Leh via Kargil after crossing one of the highest passes of the world – Zojila pass. This route is one of the most scenic road trips in India. The total distance is about 420 km and can be covered in 14 to 15 hours. You can take a halt at Kargil to explore. It is the place where the historic Kargil war of 1999 took place. There is a war memorial located in Kargil. This route is open all throughout the year except in peak winter time. If you are taking this route, it is advised to leave early as the traffic can become very high later in the day. Zojila Pass is a military area so any movement of military vehicles can also cause delays.
Manali – Leh Highway
This is one of the most beautiful, popular and thrilling road routes of India. it is once in a lifetime road trip. Even if you have been to Ladakh you must go on this route preferably on a bike just to experience it. On the way you may halt in Spiti Valley. This route has the newly built Atal tunnel. This route is almost the same distance as the Srinagar-Kargil route but might take lesser time as the roads are better.
As per above options, you may include Ladakh on your Manali trip or in your Kashmir trip or even as an individual trip. We met many people on our trip who were either coming from a Manali trip or a Kashmir trip. We also met several people who were on a workation. While we were on an independent Ladakh trip. To know more tips on travelling in Ladakh read this post.