How to reach Leh–Ladakh

Routes

Getting around

Leh local taxi union for circuits; your own cab if you drove in from Srinagar.

Srinagar to Leh

The Srinagar–Leh highway is about 434 km over Zoji La, via Sonmarg, Drass and Kargil. Plan two days with a night in Kargil; it also helps you acclimatise. The road usually opens between late March and mid-April and closes in late December or January, and traffic near Zoji La can be time-bound during road work. Indians need the Ladakh fee receipt for Nubra and Pangong.

Srinagar to Kargil

Srinagar to Kargil is about 204 km via Sonmarg, Zoji La and Drass, usually 6–8 hours depending on traffic at the pass. It's the first day of the classic Srinagar–Leh drive, with a night in Kargil (about 2,704 m). The road is seasonal because of Zoji La, and traffic can be time-bound during road work.

Leh to Pangong

Leh to Pangong Tso takes about five hours over Chang La, turning at Karu. Carry the Ladakh fee receipt (Indians) or PAP (foreigners). Go only after two acclimatisation days in Leh, stay one night at the lake, and pack for freezing nights.

Arriving by train (Vande Bharat) & station pickup

Vande Bharat to Kashmir. Since June 2025 trains run into the valley on the Udhampur–Srinagar line. The direct Jammu Tawi–Srinagar Vande Bharat takes about 4 h 50 min; trains also run from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra. Timings change — check IRCTC/NTES (139) before booking. Tatkal for AC classes opens one day before at 10 am.

Station pickup: There is no railway to Leh. Fly into Leh, or arrive in Srinagar by Vande Bharat and drive via Sonmarg, Zoji La and Kargil in the road season.

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