Best Travel Routes from Delhi to Leh & Ladakh – Your Ultimate Himalayan Adventure

Ladakh is on the bucket of every traveller! And why would it not? Leh Ladakh is a destination that offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The stunning beauty of Ladakh can steal anyone’s heart.  One of the biggest reasons people love this destination is that this place offers so much to do. The beautiful Buddhist culture in Ladakh and the down-to-earth people there make the experience of travelling even more pleasing. A trip to Ladakh may not be the most convenient, but it is surely the most adventurous one. There are many ways to reach Ladakh from the capital city, depending on the time and your transport preferences. To simplify it, we have put together all the information on how to get to Leh Ladakh from Delhi in the best possible way.

A Road Trip to Ladakh: A Journey to Remember

Planning a road trip would be a great choice if you want to enjoy your trip to Ladakh to its fullest. As they say, the true beauty of Ladakh lies on its way up there. The breathtaking landscapes, the challenging terrain, the snow-capped mountains, and the stunning small crystal-clear lakes in between will make you feel like you are on your way to paradise. Leh Ladakh lies in the northernmost part of India, Jammu and Kashmir. This stunning high-altitude desert has an average elevation of 3,500 meters above sea level. It takes about 24 to 48 hours to cover the total distance of 1035 km from Delhi to Ladakh via the Srinagar route. A bus or a car trip to Ladakh can be a better option if you are travelling with family or friends. The journey can take up to 20 hours.

Best Time for the Road Trip: The ideal time for a road trip from Delhi to Ladakh is during the summer months, from late May to September. During this period, the snow has melted, and the passes are open, providing safer travel conditions.

Before you start your journey to Ladakh, make sure you make up your mind strongly. Due to the high altitudes, some travellers might experience acute mountain sickness. Take it slow and drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Be well prepared for the rough terrains and notorious winds.

A New Adventure Awaits: Traveling by Train

If you are planning a budgeted Delhi to Ladakh journey, then a train from Delhi to Ladakh is the best option. You can enjoy a peaceful journey with eye-soothing landscapes in less than 8 hours. But here is the thing: there are no direct trains to Ladakh from Delhi, and there is no railway station in Ladakh. There are only two railway stations nearest Ladakh, i.e. Jammu railway station, which is about 683 km from Leh, and the Pathankot railway station, which is 745 km from Leh. Anyway, you have to find another way to get to the city. The best thing you can do is pre-book private cabs that cost you around Rs.19,000 to Rs. 25,000. You can also take a taxi from Jammu railway station and bargain for a cheaper price.

Railway Station in Delhi: There are three railway stations in New Delhi from which you can take a train to Jammu: New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS), Delhi Cantt Railway Station (DEC), and Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station (DSJ).

Trains from Delhi to Jammu: Jammu Rajdhani, Uttar S Kranti, Jhelum Express, and Jammu Mail depart daily from New Delhi to Jammu. Depending on the type of seat and train, the train will cost between 500 and 2000 INR.

Leh by Air

Taking a flight from Delhi to Ladakh would be the shortest route and the quickest one. Indians from all over the nation come to Leh to experience a little piece of heaven on earth since travellers and tourists have long praised it as a picturesque mountain retreat. Many airlines operate direct flights from Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) to the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL),, the only airport in Leh. A direct flight takes around 1 hour and 35 minutes to cover the massive distance of 623 km. Currently, IndiGo is the only direct flight available to operate the route.

Flights from Delhi to Ladakh: Many airlines fly from Delhi to Ladakh, including IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Air India.

Cost of Flight Tickets: The budget for a Delhi to Ladakh flight is around 10 - 14k INR, depending on the date of booking and the type of airline.

Pro Tips Before Planning the Trip to Ladakh

• Be vigilant about obtaining necessary permits to avoid any mess later.

• No matter which route you choose, check ticket availability in advance. It is advisable to book the ticket at least 15-20 days before the cheapest price is available.

• Ladakh is a remote location, so take all the necessary precautions before the trip. Proper acclimatization to high altitude, carrying sufficient cash, considering dietary needs, and dressing in layers for changing weather is recommended. Don’t forget your prescribed medicines ( if any) and all the other equipment to ensure your safety.

• To prevent altitude sickness, prioritize relaxation when you arrive in Leh and arrange your schedule to progress to the high altitude.

• Due to the favourable weather, June through August is the best time of year to explore Ladakh. Be mindful that during the monsoon season, some roads may be closed.