How Many Days Required for Leh Ladakh Trip from Delhi?
Table of Contents
Complete Travel Guide · 2025–2026 | TravelSyatra Editorial Team | Updated April 2026
⚡ Quick Answer
Minimum 7 days (by flight from Delhi). 10–12 days is ideal for a complete road trip covering Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, and Leh sightseeing with proper acclimatization. If you want a relaxed, all-inclusive experience — plan 14–15 days. Budget travellers doing the road trip via Manali or Srinagar should always add 2 travel days each way.
Introduction
Leh Ladakh — the “Land of High Passes” — is one of the most extraordinary destinations in India. Nestled at altitudes between 11,000 and 18,000 feet, this stark Himalayan desert rewards travellers with electric-blue lakes, ancient monasteries carved into cliffsides, and roads that feel like highways to the sky.
The most common question first-timers ask is: “How Many Days Required for Leh Ladakh Trip from Delhi?” The answer depends on how you travel, where you want to go, and crucially — how your body handles altitude.
Trip Duration at a Glance
| Duration | Travel Mode | What You Can Cover | Best For |
| 7 Days | By Flight | Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso | Office-goers with limited leave |
| 10–12 Days (Recommended) | Road Trip via Manali | Full itinerary + acclimatization | Most travellers — best balance |
| 14–15 Days | Road Trip via Manali + Srinagar | Tso Moriri, Zanskar, Lamayuru, all passes | Thorough explorers, bikers |
7-Day Leh Ladakh Itinerary from Delhi (By Flight)
Arrive by mid-morning · Stay in Leh
If you have only a week’s leave, flying to Leh is your only practical option. Flying cuts travel time from 2 days to 1.5 hours — but you’ll still need at least one full acclimatization day in Leh before doing anything strenuous.
Day 1 Delhi → Leh (Flight) · Rest & Acclimatize
Take an early morning flight from Delhi to Leh (most flights arrive by 9–10 AM). Check into your hotel and rest for the entire day. Do not exert yourself — even climbing stairs too fast can bring on altitude sickness at 11,500 ft.
Tip: Drink plenty of water. Avoid alcohol. Light meals only. Take a short, gentle evening walk around Leh Market if you feel fine.
Day 2 Leh Local Sightseeing
Sangam · Magnetic Hill · Shanti Stupa · Leh Market
Start gently with nearby sights that don’t require high-altitude driving. Visit the Sangam point (confluence of Zanskar & Indus rivers), Magnetic Hill, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, and the Hall of Fame museum. In the evening, explore Leh’s vibrant market for Pashmina shawls, turquoise jewellery, and Tibetan artefacts.
Day 3 Leh → Nubra Valley via Khardung La
130 km · ~4–5 hrs · Stay: Hunder/Diskit
Cross the legendary Khardung La Pass (17,582 ft) — one of the highest motorable roads in the world — and descend into the warm, green Nubra Valley. Visit the Diskit Monastery with its 100-ft Maitreya Buddha. In the evening, try a Bactrian camel safari on the sand dunes of Hunder.
Tip: Start early (6–7 AM) to cross Khardung La before afternoon clouds and wind pick up.
Day 4 Nubra Valley → Pangong Tso Lake
~180 km · 5–6 hrs via Shyok · Stay: Pangong
Drive through the Shyok Valley — arguably the most scenic drive in all of Ladakh — and arrive at Pangong Tso by afternoon. Watch the lake’s surreal colour shift from azure to cobalt to green as the light changes. Spend the night in a lakeside camp for a once-in-a-lifetime experience under a billion stars.
Day 5 Pangong → Leh via Chang La
~150 km · Chang La 17,586 ft · Thiksey & Shey Monastery
Wake up to sunrise over Pangong — this alone is worth the entire trip. Return to Leh via Chang La Pass. Stop at Thiksey Monastery (the “mini Potala”) and Shey Palace with its 12-metre gold-plated Buddha statue. Afternoon free in Leh.
Tip: Thiksey monastery hosts a morning prayer ceremony at 6 AM — if timing works, it’s extraordinary.
Day 6 Leh: Monasteries & Local Experiences
Hemis · Stakna · Alchi · Shopping
Use your penultimate day to see what you haven’t: Hemis Monastery (largest in Ladakh), Stok Palace Museum, or take a short trek to Spituk Monastery. Pack in the evening for an early morning flight.
Day 7 Leh → Delhi (Flight · Trip Ends)
Early morning departure
Most flights depart Leh early morning. Check out, soak in one last look at the Himalayas, and fly back to Delhi. Arrive by mid-morning with a lifetime of memories.
10-Day Leh Ladakh Itinerary (Road Trip via Manali) Most Popular
This is the itinerary most Delhiites and first-timers choose. The Manali-Leh Highway is one of the world’s great road trips: 474 km of mountain passes, desolate plateaus, river crossings, and skies that feel impossibly close.
Route: Delhi → Manali → Sarchu → Leh → Nubra → Pangong → Leh → Jispa → Manali → Delhi Total Distance: ~2,200 km round trip | Highlights: Rohtang La, Baralacha La, Tanglang La, Khardung La, Chang La
Day 1 Delhi → Manali (Overnight Bus/Drive)
~570 km · Overnight journey
Board an overnight Volvo bus from Delhi (ISBT Kashmiri Gate) or drive. Most buses depart around 5–6 PM and arrive in Manali by 10–11 AM the next day. This saves a day of hotel stay.
Tip: Book Volvo AC sleeper buses for comfort. Cost: ₹900–₹1,500 per person.
Day 2 Manali — Rest & Acclimatize
Explore Old Manali · Mall Road · Hadimba Temple
Manali sits at 6,700 ft — a good warm-up before the extreme altitudes of Ladakh. Explore the charming town: Hadimba Devi Temple, the cafes of Old Manali, the Beas River banks, and Mall Road. This rest day is not optional — it helps your body begin adjusting to altitude.
Day 3 Manali → Sarchu
177 km · ~7–8 hrs · Altitude: 14,070 ft
Cross the Rohtang Pass (13,051 ft), drive through the Atal Tunnel (world’s longest above 10,000 ft), pass through Keylong, and ascend via Baralacha La (16,043 ft). Camp overnight at Sarchu — a flat river camp sitting at over 14,000 ft.
Tip: Sarchu is one of the most altitude-sensitive stops. Stay hydrated, eat light, sleep early.
Day 4 Sarchu → Leh
230 km · ~7–9 hrs · Three high passes
The most dramatic drive of the trip. Cross Nakee La (15,547 ft), Lachung La (16,600 ft), and the legendary Tanglang La (17,480 ft). Pass through the thrilling 21-hairpin Gata Loops and the flat expanse of Moore Plains. Arrive in Leh by evening.
Day 5 Leh — Rest & Acclimatize
Local sightseeing · No strenuous activity
After the back-to-back high-altitude driving, your body needs this day. Do light sightseeing: Sangam point, Magnetic Hill, Shanti Stupa, Hall of Fame, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib.
Tip: AMS symptoms — headache, nausea, breathlessness — peak around days 3–5 at altitude. Rest is genuinely medicinal.
Day 6 Leh → Nubra Valley via Khardung La
130 km · ~4–5 hrs · Highest motorable pass
Cross the pass, descend into the green, warm Nubra Valley. Visit Diskit Monastery, stroll through the cold-desert village of Hunder, and ride the famous double-humped Bactrian camels on the sand dunes at sunset.
Day 7 Nubra Valley → Pangong Tso
~180 km · via Shyok Village · 5–6 hrs
Drive through the spectacular Shyok Valley — wide river plains flanked by blood-red and ochre mountains — arriving at Pangong Tso by afternoon. Settle into a lakeside camp and watch the light play on the ever-changing colours of the lake.
Day 8 Pangong Tso → Leh via Chang La
~150 km · Thiksey & Shey en route
Sunrise at Pangong is not optional — set your alarm for 5:30 AM. Return to Leh via Chang La Pass (17,586 ft). Stop at Thiksey Monastery and Shey Palace. Afternoon free for last-minute shopping in Leh market.
Day 9 Leh → Jispa
~334 km · Reverse on Manali-Leh Highway
Begin the long drive back toward Manali. The landscape reversal — from Ladakh’s lunar desert to Lahaul’s green valleys — is as beautiful as the journey in. Overnight stay at Jispa.
Tip: Jispa is at a much lower altitude (~10,600 ft) — most people notice they sleep much better here.
Day 10 Jispa → Manali → Delhi (Overnight Bus)
~200 km to Manali · Overnight to Delhi
Drive through the Atal Tunnel and arrive in Manali. A few hours to explore, shop for souvenirs, or grab a final café meal in Old Manali. Board the overnight bus to Delhi in the evening.
Day 11 Arrive Delhi — Trip Ends
Morning arrival
Arrive back in Delhi by 9–11 AM. The mountains will follow you home — Ladakh genuinely changes the way you see the world.
14-Day Complete Leh Ladakh Itinerary
If you have the time — take it. Ladakh rewards slow travellers. A 14-day itinerary lets you add destinations that most 10-day trips skip, including Tso Moriri Lake, the Zanskar Valley, Lamayuru Monastery, and the culturally rich villages of Dah and Biama.
| Day | Route | Key Highlights |
| 1 | Delhi → Manali | Overnight bus/drive |
| 2 | Manali (rest) | Hadimba, Old Manali, acclimatize |
| 3 | Manali → Jispa | Atal Tunnel, Keylong, gentle first day |
| 4 | Jispa → Sarchu | Baralacha La, Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal |
| 5 | Sarchu → Leh | Tanglang La, Gata Loops, More Plains |
| 6 | Leh (rest) | Local sightseeing, acclimatize |
| 7 | Leh Monasteries | Hemis, Thiksey, Shey, Stok |
| 8 | Leh → Nubra Valley | Khardung La, Diskit, Camel safari |
| 9 | Nubra → Pangong | Shyok Valley, Pangong Tso |
| 10 | Pangong (full day) | Sunrise, Spangmik, Merak village |
| 11 | Pangong → Tso Moriri | Chushul, Sumdo, Tso Moriri Lake |
| 12 | Tso Moriri → Leh | Mahe Bridge, Chumathang hot springs |
| 13 | Leh → Kargil via Lamayuru | Lamayuru Moonland, Mulbekh Monastery |
| 14 | Kargil → Srinagar / Delhi (fly) | Kargil War Memorial, Srinagar depart |
Pro Tip: The 14-day itinerary allows you to enter via Manali and exit via Srinagar (or vice versa) — experiencing both epic road routes without repeating any roads. This is the preferred route for bikers and overlanders.
How Many Days Required for Leh Ladakh Trip from Delhi — All Route Options
Option 1: By Flight (Fastest)
Delhi to Leh direct flights operate daily, mostly with IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet. Flight time is approximately 1 hour 20 minutes. Fares range from ₹4,000–₹12,000 one-way depending on how early you book.
Option 2: Manali-Leh Highway (Most Popular Road Route)
Distance: 474 km from Manali to Leh. Takes 2 days with an overnight halt at Sarchu or Keylong/Jispa. The highway is open typically from late May to mid-October.
- Key passes: Rohtang La (13,051 ft), Baralacha La (16,043 ft), Nakee La (15,547 ft), Lachung La (16,600 ft), Tanglang La (17,480 ft)
- Key stops: Atal Tunnel, Keylong, Jispa, Darcha, Sarchu, Pang, More Plains, Upshi
Option 3: Srinagar-Leh Highway
Distance: 422 km from Srinagar to Leh. Takes 2 days with a halt at Kargil. Generally considered easier (lower altitude profile) and more suitable for those prone to altitude sickness. Open from May to November. Passes through Sonamarg, Zoji La Pass (11,575 ft), Kargil, and Lamayuru.
Acclimatization: The Factor That Changes Everything
This is the single most important thing most travel guides underemphasize. Leh city sits at 11,562 ft above sea level. Khardung La, which you’ll cross, is at 17,582 ft. Your body physically cannot adapt to this overnight.
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) affects roughly 25–40% of travellers who go to high altitude too fast. Symptoms include severe headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and breathlessness. In serious cases, it can progress to HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema) or HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema) — both medical emergencies.
The “Climb High, Sleep Low” Rule: During the first 48–72 hours in Leh, do not go above 4,000 m (13,123 ft). This is why the 7-day itinerary includes Day 1 as full rest, and the 10-day itinerary includes two lower-altitude days before crossing the major passes.
Acclimatization Tips
- Day 1–2 in Leh: Rest, hydrate, no strenuous activity
- Drink 3–4 litres of water per day
- Avoid alcohol for at least 48 hours after arriving
- Eat light, easily digestible meals (local Thukpa soup is ideal)
- Consult a doctor about Diamox (Acetazolamide) — a prescription medication that aids acclimatization
- If you have severe symptoms, descend immediately. Do not “push through” AMS.
Best Time to Visit Leh Ladakh from Delhi
| Month | Road Access | Weather | Crowd Level | Verdict |
| Jan–Mar | Roads closed | -20°C to -5°C | Very Low | Only by flight |
| April | Mostly closed | -5°C to 10°C | Low | Early birds by flight |
| May | Manali-Leh opens | 5°C to 18°C | Medium | Good for early starters |
| June ⭐ | Fully open | 10°C to 25°C | High | Excellent — great weather |
| July–Aug ⭐ | Open | 15°C to 30°C | Very High | Peak season — book early |
| September ⭐ | Open | 5°C to 22°C | Medium-High | Best overall — fewer crowds |
| October | Closing soon | 0°C to 15°C | Low | Last chance, check roads |
| Nov–Dec | Closed | -15°C to 0°C | Very Low | Flight only |
Leh Ladakh Trip Budget from Delhi (10 Days)
| Category | Budget (₹) | Mid-Range (₹) | Luxury (₹) |
| Delhi–Manali–Delhi (transport) | 2,500–3,500 | 5,000–8,000 | 12,000+ |
| Manali–Leh–Manali (shared cab/bike) | 8,000–12,000 | 18,000–25,000 | 35,000+ |
| Accommodation (8 nights) | 5,000–8,000 | 12,000–20,000 | 30,000+ |
| Food (10 days) | 3,000–5,000 | 7,000–10,000 | 15,000+ |
| Sightseeing & Activities | 2,000–3,000 | 4,000–6,000 | 10,000+ |
| Permits & Misc | 1,000–1,500 | 1,500–2,000 | 2,000–3,000 |
| Total Per Person | ₹22,000–₹33,000 | ₹47,000–₹71,000 | ₹1,04,000+ |
Group Travel Tip: Travelling in a group of 4–6 significantly reduces costs. Sharing a hired SUV (Innova/Ertiga) for the entire 10-day road trip typically costs ₹18,000–₹25,000 total for the vehicle — split among 4 people, that’s ₹4,500–₹6,250 each for all transport within Ladakh.
Permits Required for Leh Ladakh
Indian nationals do not need any permit to enter Leh district itself. However, certain areas — particularly those near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China — require an Inner Line Permit (ILP).
Areas Requiring Inner Line Permit
- Nubra Valley — Required
- Pangong Tso — Required
- Tso Moriri / Tso Kar — Required
- Dah-Biama — Required
How to Get the ILP
- Apply online at lahdclehpermit.in (fastest method)
- Apply in person at the DC Office (Deputy Commissioner) in Leh town
- Most tour operators handle permits if you book through them
- Cost: Nominal fee of ₹20–₹100 per person per protected area
- Required documents: Government ID (Aadhaar/Passport), 2 passport photos
Foreign nationals additionally require a Protected Area Permit (PAP) from the DC Office or Sub-Divisional Magistrate.
Essential Packing List for Leh Ladakh
Clothing
- Thermal inners (top & bottom) — 2 sets
- Fleece jacket or down jacket
- Waterproof windcheater
- Full-sleeve T-shirts × 4
- Trekking pants × 2
- Warm socks × 4 pairs
- Gloves (fleece + waterproof)
- Woollen cap / balaclava
- Sunglasses (UV400)
Health & Safety
- Diamox (Acetazolamide) — doctor prescribed
- Dolo 650 / Paracetamol for headaches
- ORS sachets (rehydration)
- SPF 50+ sunscreen and Lip balm (SPF)
- First aid kit with bandages
- Pulse oximeter (very useful!)
- Portable oxygen can
Documents & Money
- Government ID (Aadhaar/Passport) × 5 photocopies
- Passport photos × 5
- Inner Line Permit printout
- Cash in hand — ATMs are limited & often empty
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Gadgets & Other
- Power bank (20,000 mAh minimum)
- Offline maps downloaded (Maps.me)
- Torch / headlamp
- Reusable water bottle
- Snacks — dry fruits, energy bars, chocolates
- Satellite communicator (for bikers)
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Days Required for Leh Ladakh Trip from Delhi?
A minimum of 7 days if you fly from Delhi. A minimum of 10–12 days for a road trip via Manali or Srinagar, including travel days. We recommend 10 days as the ideal duration for most travellers to cover Leh, Nubra Valley, and Pangong Tso comfortably with adequate acclimatization.
Is 7 days enough for Leh Ladakh?
Seven days is enough only if you fly to Leh. You’ll cover Leh local sights, Nubra Valley, and Pangong Tso, but the itinerary will be packed. If you’re road-tripping, 7 days is not sufficient — you need at least 10 days to account for the 2 travel days each way.
What is the best month to visit Ladakh?
June and September are the sweet spots. June offers lush greenery, snow on passes, and excellent roads. September means fewer tourists, clear skies, and milder temperatures. July–August is peak season — great weather but crowded and higher prices.
Can I do Leh Ladakh in 5 days?
A 5-day trip from Delhi is not recommended. Even flying, your first day must be a complete rest day for acclimatization. That leaves only 4 days for sightseeing, which is insufficient for Nubra + Pangong + Leh. You risk both a disappointing experience and altitude sickness from rushing.
Do I need any permits for Leh Ladakh?
Indian nationals need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit restricted areas including Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, and Tso Moriri. These are easily obtained online at lahdclehpermit.in or at the DC Office in Leh. No permit is needed for Leh city itself or the main highway route.
Which route is better — Manali-Leh or Srinagar-Leh?
Both are magnificent. The Manali-Leh route is more adventurous, reaches higher altitudes, and is a classic road trip. The Srinagar-Leh route is more gradual in altitude, passes through Kargil and Lamayuru, and is easier for those with altitude concerns. The best option is to enter via one route and exit via the other.
Is Leh Ladakh safe for solo female travellers?
Yes — Ladakh is considered one of the safer destinations in India for solo female travellers. The local Ladakhi people are known for their gentle, respectful nature. Standard precautions apply: share your itinerary, keep emergency numbers saved, use reputable accommodation, and avoid isolated areas after dark.
What network/mobile connectivity is available in Ladakh?
Only BSNL and Jio (in some areas) have connectivity in Ladakh. Airtel, Vi, and other operators generally don’t work. Download offline maps (Maps.me or Google Maps offline) before your trip. Many hotels and cafes in Leh have WiFi.
Written by TravelSyatra Editorial Team — Ladakh travel specialists with 10+ years of Himalayan travel experience · travelsyatra.com
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