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Road trips to and within Ladakh are on the travel bucket list of almost every adrenaline junkie in India. The reason for the same being the stunning views of the magnificent mountains, valleys and the crystal clear lakes of this destination. If you’re visiting Leh and are looking to spend a day on the road exploring the nearby destinations, we have just the right list for you! Read ahead to know about the 5 best day road trips you can take from Leh.
1. Leh to Stok Village
Distance: 13.4 km via Keylong-Leh Road or Leh Manali Highway
Route: Leh-Choglamsar-Stok Road-Stok
Leh to Stok village is a short road trip of about half an hour that takes you through the beautiful views of Ladakh’s rainbow mountains. The village is a quaint little area which houses the royal family of Ladakh. The village also houses the famous Stok monastery known for its statue of the seated Gautam Buddha. Enjoy a ride to this beautiful village and witness the stunning views of the magnificent mountains, the green valleys and the snow mountains in the backdrop.
2. Leh to Pangong
Distance: 223 km via Pangong Lake Road
Routes:
Leh – Shey – Karu – Sakti – Chang La – Durbuk – Tangste – Lukung – Spangmik – Pangong Tso
Leh – Diskit / Panamik – Khalsar – Agham – Tangyar – Wari La – Tathok – Sakti – Chang La – Durbuk – Tangste – Lukung – Spangmik – Pangong
Leh – Diskit/Panamik – Khalsar – Agham – Shyok Village – Durbuk – Tangste – Lukung – Spangmik – Pangong
The 5 and a half-hour drive from Leh to Pangong lake is filled with stunning views of Ladakh’s cold deserted landscapes. You can reach Pangong Lake from Leh via three different routes. Two of these routes meet at the Chang La pass and one is via the Shyok village. If you want to witness one of the highest motorable passes in the world- the Changla pass and spend some time marvelling at the snow mountains here, you must take the first two routes. The third one although shorter serves dreamy views of the Shyok river is also one of the most difficult routes to drive on. As you approach the Pangong lake, you will be able to view it from a height, changing colours with the colours of the sky.
3. Leh to Khardungla Pass
Distance: 39.6 km via Kardung La Road
The drive from Leh to Khardungla takes about one and a half hour and is filled with brilliant landscapes throughout. The road to Khardung La, the highest motorable pass in the world is also in great condition for the first 25 km and only has rough patches towards the end. Spend some time at the top marvelling at the beauty of the magnificent snow mountains and valleys of Ladakh. All tourists visiting Khardung La who do not reside in J&K need an ILP (inner line permit) to visit protected areas like these. The permit can be obtained online from the official website of Leh District Permit Tracking System.
4. Leh to Lamayuru
Distance: 114.7 km via NH1
Route: Leh-Basgo-Ulleytokpo-Nurla-Khalsi-Lamayuru
The 2 and a half-hour drive from Leh to Lamayuru serves astonishing views of the rainbow mountains of Ladakh paired with lush green hollows and yellow mustard fields. Witness the unique geography of Lamayuru and the unusual crates that make its landscape look like that of the moon. As you drive along the quaint little villages of Ladakh, take a break and go for a walk to explore the real culture of the state by interacting with the locals or just observing as you go. If you’re looking to explore the remote areas of Ladakh and need to get away from the crowd with a quick drive to a nearby village, this drive is just the right fit for you.
5. Leh to Panamic Hotspring
Distance: 138.6 km via Khardung La Road
Route: Leh-Khardung-Khalsar-Sumur-Tiricha-Panamik
The way from Leh to Panamic hot water springs is a 4-hour 12-minute drive that serves beautiful panoramic views of Ladakh and astounding views of the Nubra river. The first half of the journey leads to the highest motorable pass of the world- the famous Khardung La that stays covered in snow all year round. Spend some time marvelling at the breathtaking panoramic views of the valleys and the splendid mountains here. The second part of the journey is comparatively straighter and runs parallel to the Nubra river serving views straight out of a fairytale. The views of the green meadows, local flora and fauna and the peacefully flowing river of Nubra will surely take your breath away!
There’s a reason why Ladakh and road trips are synonymous with each other. The cold wind in your hair, the furling prayer flags and beautiful landscape that accompanies you throughout the journey makes Ladakh the best place for a road trip. So if you’re looking to visit this heavenly holiday destination, go ahead, book a trip with Thrillophilia and leave all the hassles to us!