The itinerary is by far the biggest question I get from people planning to visit Ladakh. Or I am asked to help suggest an entirely new itinerary; or review an existing one for possible changes. Keeping the same in mind, in the last articles, I have been detailing itineraries to Ladakh broken by the number of days of the trip; and travel mode. Continuing in the same series, in this post I will provide details on planning an itinerary covering Ladakh in 13 days. Like the previous articles, I will divide itineraries into 3 different sets. First for those traveling in their own vehicle. Second for people who will be completely dependent on public transport; and third for people who have flown to the city of Leh and have 13 full days to spend in Ladakh.

For the purpose of this article, I will assume that you are starting in Delhi. If you were coming from a different city; only the journey of the first and the last day will be different. The rest of the details mentioned in the itineraries below will still apply.

The biggest reason why planning an itinerary to Ladakh can be confusing is because of a lack of knowledge. Then there is also the fact that you will be covering quite a large area during this trip. Ladakh becomes India’s second largest district. Put it together with the Manali Leh and Srinagar Leh highways and you will have a huge list of places to visit and things to see. How you can squeeze everything into a single itinerary limited by a certain number of days is what can get a little tricky.

Ladakh in 13 days

For a list of places to visit while traveling, read Tourist attractions in Ladakh – a comprehensive list. Fortunately, after reading this article, you will have a lot of information to work out your final travel plan. If you have any questions, you can comment at the bottom of this page and ask.

I will start by suggesting and detailing an itinerary that I recommend; followed by a few different versions of the same journey. The first itinerary assumes that you are traveling from your own vehicle.

  • Delhi to Jammu – Day 1
  • Jammu to Srinagar – Day 2
  • Srinagar to Kargil – Day 3
  • Kargil to Leh – Day 4
  • Leh – Day 5
  • Leh to Diskit – Day 6
  • Diskit to Pangong via Shyok – Day 7
  • Pangong to Leh via Chang La – Day 8
  • Leh to Tso Moriri via Chumathang – Day 9
  • Tso Moriri to Pang / Sarchu via Tso Kar – Day 10
  • Pang / Sarchu to Manali – Day 11
  • Manali to Delhi – Day 12
  • Buffer Day – Day 13

Before continuing to explain the journey, let me first write about why I am recommending traveling through Srinagar; rather than reaching Ladakh via Manali, which most people prefer.

Acute mountain disease in Ladakh

Getting to Ladakh via Srinagar facilitates travel in terms of altitude sickness. If you have passed Manali, the altitude gain is tremendous and too fast for the body to handle. This is why most people on the Manali Leh road suffer from AMS in Sarchu, Pang or any of the high altitude passes. On the other hand, when you saw Srinagar, this gain is a little gradual; giving our bodies enough time to get used to. If you are traveling with your family and have children or elderly people accompanying you on the trip; I strongly recommend that you reach Ladakh via Srinagar Leh road and return through Manali.

If you were bringing your children on the trip, I will also recommend reading How to plan a trip to Ladakh with children or babies.

Rohtang licenses

Rohtang La used to be one of the main attractions of a trip to Ladakh, but recently it has become an annoyance with all the rules and tourist craze. Permission is now required to cross Rohtang on the side of Manali and without it, you cannot go beyond Gulaba. Now, first of all, getting that permission is a bit of a chore. It can be obtained online or in person at the DM office in Manali; but it is limited in numbers and is issued on a first come, first served basis. There is a maximum limit for the number of licenses issued per day, which is later divided into gasoline and diesel vehicles.

During the high tourist season, it is a big challenge to get the license issued; and it’s an additional thing for you to worry about. This problem, however, can be avoided if you reach Ladakh via Srinagar. The license is required only if you are going to Rohtang on the side of Manali. However, if you were coming from the other side of the passage towards Manali, you do not need a permit.

Traffic in Rohtang

The number of people visiting Manali and the Rohtang Pass increases with each passing year; causing traffic jams that can last for hours. You need to send your permission at a check post in Gulaba and the average waiting time can be 2 to 3 hours. You’ll find taxis lined up at the checkpoint at four in the morning. Again, this is an annoyance that can be avoided by traveling via Srinagar.

Buffer Day

You will notice in the itinerary above that I kept 1 day as a buffer. When traveling to a place like Ladakh and for up to 13 days, it is extremely important that you keep one day in addition to your entire travel plan. No matter how popular Ladakh is as a tourist destination, the fact remains that it is a high altitude desert, where the uncertainty factors remain quite high. You may be forced to extend your stay at any of the locations en route and you should be able to do so without any problems returning home.

Fuel availability in Ladakh

The gas station in Ladakh is still the only one in the city of Leh. However, gasoline and diesel are now available almost everywhere in black. You can easily get fuel from Chadar tents or small stores for around Rs. 120 per liter. I bought fuel in Diskit, Pangong, Hanle and Karzok, but it is also available elsewhere. The quality of the fuel, however, is questionable. So, if you can carry spare fuel that can last until the next gas station, do so. Otherwise, ask at the local stores and you can definitely shop there in black. Read Fuel while traveling Ladakh – How to manage for more details.

Leh Ladakh in 14 days

Now, going back to our itinerary, let me give you a day by day of how your journey will be. The reason I am recommending this specific travel plan is because it ensures that you cover as much as possible, see everything there is to see; without traveling a lot on any particular day.

Day 1: Delhi to Jammu

There is not much to write about that day, except that it will be a long and monotonous journey. You will cover approximately 600 kilometers in 11 to 12 hours. The good news is that the road is good for most of the journey. There are some bad spots in the middle, but during the last stretch between Pathankot and Jammu. However, there will be many tolls between Delhi and Pathankot. Hotels in Jammu are available in abundance, but stay close to a Jammu Srinagar highway.

Day 2: Jammu to Srinagar

There are now two ways in which you can make this journey. Take the Jammu Srinagar highway, which is about 270 kilometers in total. Although there is a lot of movement of vehicles on this road, traffic jams are common. Getting to Srinagar on this road will easily take 11 to 12 hours via Patnitop and Anantnag.

An alternative route is via the Mughal road. This road is also the longest of the two and runs a total length of about 330 kilometers via Rojouri and Shopian. However, the traffic on this road is much less and it is also more scenic from the two roads. For more details; Read how to travel from Jammu to Srinagar via Mughal Road.

Day 3: Srinagar to Kargil

And that’s where you start your journey on the beautiful Srinagar Leh highway. The state of the road is smooth throughout the odd 220 kilometers of the trip. You will be traveling through some stunning views and cities like Kangan, Sonamarg and Drass. Enjoy scenic beauty all day long and learn why Kashmir is affectionately called paradise. Take a break for lunch in Sonamarg or Drass and eat some delicious Kashmir food. It is worth visiting the Kargil war memorial near Drass. You will also be crossing the high altitude pass of Zoji La, which is probably the worst stretch of road on that highway.

Day 4: Kargil to Leh

Starting as early as possible is of utmost importance on this day; because there are many tourist attractions involved. The maximum number of tourist attractions you will address on day 4 is likely to be more than on any other day of the trip. Namika La and Fotu La will be two high altitude passes that you will pass through before reaching Leh. Lunar Landscape, Indus Zanskar Confluence, Magnetic Hill, Gurudwara Patthar Sahib, Buddha Maitreya statue are some of the most popular tourist spots that will fall on the way.

For a list of tourist attractions on the Srinagar to Leh route; read what to see on the Srinagar Leh road – a complete list.

Hotels in Leh are available in abundance these days and across the budget. However, if you are traveling in the high tourist season, I recommend that you call and book in advance. For a list of some recommended hotels, read Good budget hotels in Leh City.

Day 5: Leh

The most important thing to do today is to get licenses for your journey ahead. This permission is called Inner Line Permit, or ILP, in short, and can be obtained online or in person at the DM office in Leh City. It is mandatory for the civil movement in Ladakh and without it, you cannot go beyond the city of Leh. For the complete process and related charges, read How to obtain internal line permission for Ladakh.

The good part is that you don’t have to worry about getting permission. Nowadays hotels can keep them organized for you. The usual charge is Rs. 100 per person, plus the cost of the license. So you can talk to someone at the hotel and ask them to obtain the ILP while you take tours of the city of Leh. Leh Palace, Shanti Stoopa, Leh Market are some of the most common areas visited by tourists. For a complete list, please read Tourist Attractions in the city of Leh.

Day 6: Leh to Diskit

The first place to go for a walk in Ladakh is the beautiful Nubra valley. Diskit is the headquarters of Nubra and is where you will be staying overnight. From Leh, you will climb 35 kilometers to the Khardung La Pass first and then proceed to Diskit via Khardung Village and Khalsar. The trip is 120 kilometers and can take 6 to 7 hours to complete, depending on speed and breaks.

Bactrian camel, Diskit monastery, Hunder sand dunes are some of the places you can visit on this day. Read Tourist Places in Nubra Valley for a complete list of must-see attractions in Nubra Valley.

Day 7: Diskit to Pangong via Shyok

The next destination is the beautiful lake of Pangong, which has recently become the symbol of Ladakh. Before going there, however, you may also want to make a small change towards Panamik. The entire trip from Diskit to Pangong will take about 6 hours, so you will have time to tour Nubra as well. From Diskit, return to Khalsar and turn to Panamik. There is a hot spring in Panamik that you can visit. After some time, return to Khalsar again and this time take the Agham Shyok road to reach Pangong Tso.

Day 8: Pangong Tso to Leh

Now you will return to the city of Leh, but you will follow a different route to get there. From Pangong, return to Durbuk and then take the road towards Chang La to reach Leh City via Karu. The road is mostly good with a bad stretch in Chang La. The entire journey will take about 8 hours; therefore, start in Pangong.

Day 9: Leh to Tso Moriri

The next location on our itinerary is Tso Moriri. This lake may be smaller than Pangong, but equal in terms of beauty. Unlike Pangong, it is actually a freshwater lake and there is also wildlife around it. Karzok is the small village on its banks, where you will stay overnight. To get here, drive up to Upshi from Leh and then take the road towards Chumathang. The condition of the road is good to Chumathang, but then it gets really bad for the last 50 kilometers between Sumdo and Karzok.

There are several hotels and inns in Karzok, where you can stay all night. For details, read How to plan a trip to Tso Moriri.

From Karzok, you will return home straight without returning to Leh. Please leave the hotel and take all your belongings with you. Don’t leave anything behind.

Day 10: Tso Moriri to Sarchu / Pang

From Karzok, return 50 km again to Sumdo. From Sumdo, take the road towards Tso Kar via Polo Kongka La. You will cross More Plains, reach Tso Kar and exit on Manali Leh Road, near Debring. Now, depending on how long it took you to get here, you can stay in Pang, which is nearby; or go to Sarchu, which is about 70 kilometers from Pang. As a rule, if you arrive in Pang at 3pm, go to Sarchu. If you arrive here at 4 or later, stay at Pang itself. You may also want to start Karzok early on this day.

Day 11: Sarchu / Pang to Manali

If you stayed in Pang, start at 7 am, because it will be a long journey. If you stayed at Sarchu, make sure you are on your way to 8 am. You will cross 4 high altitude passages, drive across the stretch of Manali Leh and arrive in Manali at night around 5pm to 6pm. The reason I’m so stressed about starting early is because the traffic in Rohtang will consume at least two hours before you finally reach Manali.

Day 12: Manali to Delhi

There is not much to write about that day, except that it will be a long journey home. Manali is about 550 kilometers from Delhi and it can take 14 to 15 hours to get home.

Day 13: Buffer Day

You can use this day to stay anywhere on the itinerary, as you prefer, but I recommend waiting until the end; and tiring that day in the last two days of the trip. From Karzok, start at 10 am after a few walks on the lake and arrive at Pang. Stay there overnight and come to Jispa the next day, instead of driving non-stop to Manali. From Jispa, then, you can reach Manali the next day using your additional day here.

And that’s it. That was his 13-day trip to Leh Ladakh. Of course, this is just one of the many ways in which you can complete this journey. Having 13 days on hand definitely offers several options for changing and improving your itinerary. Let me also suggest some other examples, in case you didn’t like the first itinerary.

13-day Itinerary for Leh Ladakh

The aforementioned plan was best for anyone traveling with their own vehicle. For someone who takes this trip by public transport, I will recommend an itinerary as below.

  • Delhi to Manali – Day 1
  • Manali to Keylong – Day 2
  • Keylong to Leh – Day 3
  • Leh – Day 4
  • Leh to Diskit – Day 5
  • Diskit to Leh – Day 6
  • Leh to Pangong – Day 7
  • Pangong to Leh – Day 8
  • Leh to Kargil – Day 9
  • Kargil to Srinagar – Day 10
  • Srinagar to Jammu – Day 11
  • Jammu to Delhi – Day 12
  • Buffer Day – Day 13

OR

13-day Itinerary Ladakh

  • Leh – Day 1
  • Leh to Diskit – Day 2
  • Diskit to Turtuk – Day 3
  • Turtuk to Panamik – Day 4
  • Panamik to Pangong via Shyok – Day 5
  • Pangong to Hanle – Day 6
  • Hanle to Karzok – Day 7
  • Karzok to Leh via Tso Kar – Day 8
  • Leh to Kargil – Day 9
  • Kargil to Leh – Day 10
  • Buffer Day – Day 11
  • Buffer Day – Day 12
  • Fly Out – Day 13

OR

13-day Itinerary Ladakh

  • Delhi to Manali – Day 1
  • Manali to Keylong / Sarchu – Day 2
  • Keylong / Sarchu to Leh – Day 3
  • Leh – Day 4
  • Leh to Diskit – Day 5
  • Diskit to Pangong – Day 6
  • Pangong to Hanle – Day 7
  • Hanle to Karzok – Day 8
  • Karzok to Leh – Day 9
  • Leh to Kargil – Day 10
  • Kargil to Srinagar – Day 11
  • Srinagar to Jammu – Day 12
  • Jammu to Delhi – Day 13

OR

13-day Itinerary Ladakh

  • Delhi to Jammu – Day 1
  • Jammu to Srinagar – Day 2
  • Srinagar to Kargil – Day 3
  • Kargil to Padum – Day 4
  • Padum – Day 5
  • Padum to Kargil – Day 6
  • Kargil to Leh – Day 7
  • Stay in Leh – Day 8
  • Leh to Diskit to Leh – Day 9
  • Leh to Pangong – Day 10
  • Pangong to Pang – Day 11
  • Pang to Manali – Day 12
  • Manali to Delhi – Day 13

OR

13-day Itinerary Ladakh

  • Leh – Day 1
  • Leh to Diskit – Day 2
  • Diskit to Pangong – Day 3
  • Pangong to Hanle – Day 4
  • Hanle to Karzok – Day 5
  • Karzok to Leh – Day 6
  • Leh to Kargil – Day 7
  • Kargil to Srinagar – Day 8
  • Srinagar – Day 9
  • Srinagar to Gulmarg – Day 10
  • Gulmarg to Pahalgam – Day 11
  • Pahalgam to Srinagar – Day 12
  • Fly Out of Srinagar – Day 13

OR

13-day Itinerary Ladakh

  • Leh – Day 1
  • Leh to Diskit – Day 2
  • Diskit to Pangong – Day 3
  • Pangong to Leh – Day 4
  • Leh to Kargil – Day 5
  • Kargil to Sonamarg – Day 6
  • Sonamarg to Srinagar – Day 7
  • Srinagar – Day 8
  • Srinagar to Gulmarg – Day 9
  • Gulmarg – Day 10
  • Gulmarg to Pahalgam – Day 11
  • Pahalgam to Srinagar – Day 12
  • Fly Out of Srinagar – Day 13

OR

Ladakh Trip 13 Days

  • Leh – Day 1
  • Leh to Diskit – Day 2
  • Diskit to Pangong – Day 3
  • Pangong to Leh – Day 4
  • Leh to Kargil – Day 5
  • Kargil to Sonamarg – Day 6
  • Sonamarg to Srinagar – Day 7
  • Srinagar to Gulmarg – Day 8
  • Gulmarg – Day 9
  • Gulmarg to Pahalgam – Day 10
  • Pahalgam – Day 11
  • Pahalgam to Srinagar – Day 12
  • Fly Out of Srinagar – Day 13