Short answer
Most travellers fly to Leh, usually from Delhi, in under two hours. The Manali to Leh and Srinagar to Leh highways are open mainly from late spring to autumn and take two days. Fly-in is the quickest but you arrive at altitude suddenly; driving is more gradual but longer and weather-dependent.
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Ladakh is remote, and the way you arrive shapes the rest of the trip. A flight puts you at 3,500 metres within two hours. A road journey takes two or three days and crosses passes above 5,000 metres. Each route has benefits and costs. This guide explains the options, so you can choose the one that suits your time, health and appetite for adventure.
By air to Leh
Leh's Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport is the main gateway. Most flights come from Delhi, and the flight takes under two hours, with sweeping views of the Himalaya on a clear morning. Seasonal or limited services also connect other cities such as Srinagar, Chandigarh, Mumbai and Bengaluru, but schedules change from year to year. Check airline timetables for your dates.
Flights are usually in the morning, because winds pick up in the afternoon. Weather can delay or cancel flights, so keep a spare day at the end of your trip, and avoid booking an onward connection on the same day. In peak season, fares are high and seats fill early.
The catch with flying in is the speed of ascent. You go from sea level or Delhi's altitude of around 200 metres to 3,500 metres in under two hours. Many people feel fine, but others get headaches, breathlessness, poor sleep or nausea. The advice is simple: rest completely on the first day, drink water, avoid alcohol and heavy meals, and take your time on the second day. The altitude and safety guide explains what to watch for.
By road from Manali
The Manali to Leh highway is about 480 km and normally takes two days. It crosses the Atal Tunnel, which bypasses Rohtang Pass, then climbs through Lahaul, over Baralacha La, the Gata Loops and Tanglang La. The highway usually opens in late May or June and closes by October or November, depending on snow. Tourists stay overnight at Jispa, Keylong or in camps near Sarchu.
Pros: spectacular scenery, a gradual change of landscape and a sense of adventure. Cons: very fast altitude gain on the highway, with high camps such as Sarchu at around 4,300 metres. Long driving days, basic facilities and a real risk of delays from snow, landslides or water crossings. Some travellers do well, and others suffer. We do not recommend this route as your first Himalayan experience, and not for children, older relatives or people with heart or lung conditions. Many travellers drive up and fly out, or fly in and drive back, to ease the effects.
By road from Srinagar
The Srinagar to Leh highway is about 420 km and crosses Zojila Pass, passing Sonamarg, Dras and Kargil, with an overnight in Kargil. It usually opens earlier than the Manali highway and closes later, but snow can still close Zojila for days. The road is more gradual, and the altitude gain is easier than on the Manali route, with the first night at Kargil at around 2,700 metres. It also passes the Kargil War Memorial and Lamayuru Monastery.
Pros: more gradual ascent, scenic and culturally interesting, and it can be combined with a Kashmir holiday. Cons: long driving days, security checks and weather-related delays. Local conditions in Kashmir can change, so check them before travel.
By train
There is no railway into Ladakh. The nearest railheads are Jammu Tawi, Chandigarh and Kalka, depending on your route. From Jammu you still face a long road journey to Srinagar and on to Leh, so most travellers use trains only to reach Delhi, Chandigarh or Jammu, and then fly or drive.
Buses and shared transport
State transport buses run on both highways in summer, along with private buses and shared taxis. They are cheap, but slow, crowded and uncomfortable at altitude. They suit very flexible, experienced travellers and are not recommended for most visitors on a short holiday.
Choosing between routes
| Route | Time | Altitude gain | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fly to Leh | Under 2 hours | Very fast | Short trips, families, those with limited time |
| Manali to Leh | 2 days | Fast, high camps | Adventurous, healthy travellers |
| Srinagar to Leh | 2 days | More gradual | Travellers combining Kashmir and Ladakh |
A smart combination
A popular and sensible plan is to drive up from Srinagar, or Manali, with the extra time for the body to adjust, and fly out of Leh to Delhi. Another is to fly into Leh and drive back out, once you are acclimatised. Both reduce the exposure of a single sudden climb and avoid the risk of road delays on your last day.
Arrival day tips
Leh airport is small, and the arrivals hall can be busy when several flights land together. Collect your bags slowly, drink water and walk gently to your vehicle. Ask your hotel to pick you up, because taxis outside follow union rules. Keep your jacket within reach, as mornings are cold even in summer. Once you reach the hotel, do nothing: sleep, eat lightly and stay indoors for the first few hours. This habit alone prevents many headaches.
Documents and arrival
Carry government-issued photo ID at all times. Foreign nationals need their passport, and may need special permits for some border areas. Registration and environment fee requirements for Indian visitors have changed over the years, and we confirm the current rules close to your dates. Hotels will ask for ID on check-in.
Money and connectivity on arrival
Withdraw cash in Leh, because ATMs outside the town are rare. Postpaid mobile connections from major operators work in Leh and parts of Nubra, while prepaid connections from other states may not. Download offline maps and tickets before you leave.
Plan with us
Tell us where you are starting from and how many days you have, and we will recommend the right route. See our Ladakh tour packages or ask for a plan.
Practical tips
- If you fly in, plan a full rest day on arrival, with no sightseeing and no alcohol.
- Choose the window seat on the morning flight from Delhi for the mountain views.
- If you drive one way and fly the other, drive up and fly out, or fly up and drive down, depending on how your body copes.
- Keep a spare day at either end of a road journey in case of weather.
- Carry government photo ID for flights, checkposts and hotels.
