Delhi to Leh by Road: Get a detailed guide here!

Leh Ladakh, also known as the adventure capital of India, is the ultimate bucket-list destination for one and all. Surrounded by dramatic snow-clad mountains, gorgeous glacial lakes, and thrilling high altitude passes, Leh Ladakh is truly an unadulterated gift of nature. Situated at an altitude of 11,562 ft. the best way to get a glimpse of Leh Ladakh’s raw, untamed, and mesmerizing landscape is by taking a road trip starting from Delhi. The journey from Delhi to Leh by road will leave you enthralled and pumped up even if the oxygen level dips. 

Delhi to Leh by Road

However, if you are planning to visit Leh Ladakh anytime soon, it is best to get acquainted with all the possible transport and route options by road. Hence this article comes as a handy guide for you to make an informed decision! 

Popular Routes from Delhi to Leh by Road

The Delhi to Leh Ladakh distance by road is 1026 km and is best covered through two popular routes, Manali, and Srinagar. Each route offers scenic views, enticing stopovers, and picture-perfect spots, unique to its landscape. So let us dissent each route in detail for you to choose the best option that suits your taste!

Delhi to Leh Via Manali

The first popular route to cover Delhi to Leh by road is via Manali, which is a two-part journey. The first leg of the journey starts from Delhi and ends at Manali, while the second leg starts from Manali to Leh. The whole drive covers a distance of 1011 km, during the span of which you can take a few pit stops at hotels to get some rest and sleep. The drive towards Manali is mostly on the NH 1. Here are some important pieces of information you must take note of –

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Delhi To Leh via Manali: Important Details 

Here are some important details about the route map, distance to be covered, and time is taken for your ready reference-

Delhi to Leh by road via Manali Details 

Route Map Delhi-Karnal-Mandi- Manali- Jispa – Sarchu-Tanglang La – Leh
Total Distance 1011 km approximately
Total Travel Time 

24 hours approximately without any detours

Delhi to Leh Via Manali: Popular Stopovers

 

  • Manali – The very first stopover on your journey from Delhi to Leh by road is at Manali. You can book Manali Hotels, and get some rest before you start the second leg of your journey.
  • Rohtang Pass- Once you cross Manali you will drive your way through the famous Rohtang Pass to reach Jispa. It offers stunning views of meadows, valleys, and mountains, while you can also indulge in some fun snow-adventure activities like skiing.
  • Jispa – A lot of tourists who choose the Delhi to Leh route via Manali, make Jispa their pitstop for a night to get some rest.
  • Darcha – If you are a fan of trekking and camping, Darcha is the perfect place for you, which is located just 23 km from Keylong.
  • Sarchu – Your next pitstop would be this stunning region, Sarchu, where you can take it overnight. You can opt to stay in a camp, and we bet it did be a starry affair!
  • Tanglang La – The second most significant mountain pass in this region,  Tanglang offers gorgeous views of the surrounding areas, that make your stopover here all worth it!

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Delhi to Leh Via Manali: Popular Stops for Food

Delhi to Leh Via Manali Popular Stops for Food

On your journey from Delhi to Leh by road via Manali, you will find quite decent places at Rohtang pass and Sissu, to eat your breakfast or lunch. Although these restaurants may not be fancy, they offer good food. You can try some local and authentic dishes here!

Delhi to Leh Via Manali: Suggested Petro Pumps

If you are traveling in a self-drive car or a bike it is important that you take note of the petrol pumps on your way to remain with enough fuel for your journey throughout. While Manali has a few petrol pumps, moving ahead, you can find the next petrol pump at Tandi, which is about 110 km from Manali. In case, you need to refuel further Karu could be your next stop which is located at a distance of 345 km from Tandi, but just 30 km from your destination Leh.

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Delhi to Leh Via Srinagar

Delhi to Leh Via Srinagar

Coming to our second most popular route of Delhi to Leh by road, which is via Srinagar. While journeying to Srinagar, you will pass one of the most popular tourist destinations, Amritsar. Known as the gateway to Punjab, Amritsar is a perfect place for history enthusiasts and religious souls! As you drive further you will be able to soak in the views of the green field of Sonmarg and witness the rugged mountainous terrain of Kargil. The Delhi to Leh Ladakh distance by road via Srinagar is approximately 1055 km. And here are some important pieces of information you must take note of – 

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Delhi To Leh via Srinagar: Important Details 

Here are some important details pertaining to the route map, distance to be covered, and time taken for your ready reference-

Delhi to Leh by road via Srinagar Details 
Route Map Delhi-Amritsar- Srinagar- Sonmarg- Drass-Kargil- Lamayuru- Leh.
Total Distance 1055 km approximately
Total Travel Time  24 hours approximately without any detours

Delhi to Leh Via Manali: Popular Stopovers

  • Amritsar – The first popular stopover on your journey from Delhi to Leh by road via Srinagar, is Amritsar. Book hotels in Amritsar for your stay and visit the famous Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh, and the Wagah Border. Also do not forget to savor the delicious and authentic Dhaba food!
  • Srinagar – Surrounded by green mountains, and the serene Dal Lake, Srinagar is one of the most scenic cities in the Kashmir Valley. 
  • Sonmarg – Bordered by Alpine forests, and incredible views of the surrounding glaciers, Sonmarg is a must-visit spot en route to Leh.
  • Dras Valley – Popularly known as the Gateway to Ladakh, the valley is situated along the Dras River, which is famous for its hot springs and natural beauty.
  • Kargil – Soak in the rugged mountainous terrain of the second largest town in Ladakh, Kargil.
  • Lamayuru – One of the largest and oldest monasteries in Ladakh, the Lamayuru stands on a steep mountain, providing exceptional views of the surrounding areas.

Delhi to Leh Via Srinagar: Popular Stops for Food

This route gives you much wider food options, given that you take your pit stop at Amritsar. The city has good restaurants and dhabas to satiate your taste buds. Moving ahead, Sonmarg and Srinagar too, have many good quality restaurants.

Delhi to Leh Via Srinagar: Suggested Petro Pumps

Delhi to Leh Via Srinagar

Srinagar has tonnes of petrol pumps, however, once you head out of this city, the next petrol pump can be found at around 32 km at Mangan. You can do your refueling in Sonmarg, which is just 48 km from Mangan. But make sure that you fill up your tank here, as the next petrol pump is after a drive of 124 km. 

Popular Transports from Delhi to Leh by Road

Now that you are aware of the popular routes, let us acquaint you with popular modes of transport that you can choose from on your trip from Delhi to Leh by road

Self Driven Car-

One of the best ways to enjoy the gorgeous views of your journey to Leh Ladakh, is by self-driven car. You can hire an SUV, which is the best vehicle for your road trip. You can easily rent one in Delhi.

Hired Taxi/Car-

If you are skeptical about driving through the rugged terrains by yourself, you can even hire a taxi or car. In case you choose to hire a car or taxi, your Delhi to Leh road trip cost is likely to increase by approximately INR18,000- 20,000, depending on the type of car you choose.

Bike-

Whether it is your bike or a hired one, this journey of yours is going to leave you an experience of a lifetime. If you are an adventure-seeker, you will fall in love with the rugged terrain, and the curvy roads. You can even join a bikers club, in case you are not comfortable riding solo.

Safety Tips for Delhi to Leh by Road

As we approach the end of this article, we did like to highlight some important safety tips to keep in mind while planning your travel from Delhi to Leh by road –

  • If you are up for a bike ride to Leh, make sure that you wear masks & gloves.
  • Make sure you choose a hygienic and safe hotel for your night stays.
  • Keep a first aid kit handy with you, that should include Vitamin C and D along with zinc tablets to boost your immunity.
  • Carry travel essentials like a torch, light food packets, protein bars, a sleeping bag, and a bottle of water.
  • Always keep a physical map handy or download offline google maps, to avoid getting lost.

Key Takeaways

We hope this comprehensive guide helps you plan your trip to Leh Ladakh with great ease. In case you need any help planning your itinerary or for that matter booking your stays, we at HotelDekho.com, have got your back! Feel free to connect with our team of experienced travel agents now!

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