Quick Answer
The complete Leh Ladakh travel guide: every major place with distance and altitude from Leh, how to get there, acclimatisation, permits, seasons, treks, festivals and food.
Ladakh is a high-altitude desert between the Karakoram and the Great Himalaya, a Union Territory of India since 2019. Its capital, Leh, sits at about 3,500 m, and almost everything a visitor sees, from Pangong Tso to the monasteries of the Indus valley, lies higher still. That altitude shapes every plan: how you arrive, how many rest days you need, which order you see places in, and what you pack.
Quick answer
Plan at least 6 to 7 days for Ladakh. Fly into Leh or drive in from Srinagar or Manali (June to September), rest 36 to 48 hours in Leh, see the Indus valley monasteries next, then go higher: Nubra over Khardung La, Pangong over Chang La. Indians register for protected areas online; foreigners need a permit through an agent.
Places to visit, with distance and altitude from Leh
| Place | Distance from Leh | Altitude | Time to allow |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leh Palace and Namgyal Tsemo | In town | About 3,550 m | Half day |
| Shanti Stupa | About 4 km | About 3,600 m | Sunset |
| Hall of Fame | About 4 km | About 3,300 m | 1 hour |
| Spituk Monastery | About 8 km | About 3,300 m | 1 hour |
| Shey Palace | About 15 km | About 3,400 m | 1 hour |
| Stok Palace | About 15 km | About 3,600 m | 1 hour |
| Phyang Monastery | About 17 km | About 3,550 m | 1 hour |
| Thiksey Monastery | About 19 km | About 3,600 m | Dawn prayer |
| Gurudwara Pathar Sahib | About 25 km | About 3,600 m | 45 minutes |
| Stakna Monastery | About 25 km | About 3,500 m | 45 minutes |
| Magnetic Hill | About 27 km | About 3,500 m | 20 minutes |
| Sangam (Indus and Zanskar) | About 35 km | About 3,100 m | 30 minutes |
| Khardung La | About 39 km | About 5,360 m | On the way to Nubra |
| Hemis Monastery | About 45 km | About 3,600 m | 2 hours |
| Likir Monastery | About 52 km | About 3,700 m | 1 hour |
| Alchi Monastery | About 67 km | About 3,100 m | 1 hour |
| Diskit, Nubra | About 118 km | About 3,150 m | 1 to 2 nights |
| Hunder dunes, Nubra | About 125 km | About 3,100 m | With Diskit |
| Lamayuru and Moonland | About 125 km | About 3,500 m | Day trip or night |
| Tso Kar | About 155 km | About 4,530 m | 1 night |
| Pangong Tso | About 160 km | About 4,350 m | 1 night |
| Turtuk | About 205 km | About 2,900 m | 1 night |
| Tso Moriri | About 220 km | About 4,520 m | 1 night |
| Kargil | About 220 km | About 2,680 m | On the Srinagar road |
| Hanle | About 255 km | About 4,300 m | 2 nights |
| Padum, Zanskar | About 450 km via Kargil | About 3,600 m | 4 to 5 days |
Distances are approximate road distances from Leh town; altitudes are rounded. Every place links to its own guide.
How to get to Ladakh
| Way in | Season | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Fly to Leh | All year | About 1.5 hours from Delhi |
| Road from Srinagar | About May to November | 2 days, night in Kargil |
| Road from Manali | About June to October | 2 days, night in Jispa or Sarchu |
Acclimatisation: the rule that matters most
Leh sits at about 3,500 m. Spend your first 36 to 48 hours resting in Leh before going higher, drink plenty of water, and avoid alcohol. Anyone with a heart or lung condition should ask their doctor before travelling.
Arriving by road from Srinagar is the gentlest option because you gain height over two days. Flying in is fastest but puts you at 3,500 m within hours, which is why the first day in Leh should be spent resting. Read our altitude sickness guide before you book.
Permits
Indian citizens register online and pay the Ladakh environment and wildlife fees before visiting protected areas such as Nubra, Pangong, Tso Moriri, Hanle and Turtuk; foreign nationals need a Protected Area Permit through a registered agent. Rules and fees change, so check our permits guide before you travel. Full details: Ladakh permits guide.
When to go
| Months | What it is like | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| May and June | Roads opening, cool days, snow on the passes | Leh, Nubra, Pangong; Hemis festival in June or July |
| July and August | Warmest and busiest; some rain on the Manali road | Everything, including treks |
| September | Clear skies, fewer visitors, cooler nights | Photography, lakes, Ladakh Festival |
| October | Cold nights, roads begin to close | Quiet trips to Leh and Nubra |
| November to April | Very cold; fly in only | Chadar trek, snow leopards, winter festivals |
More detail in our best time to visit Ladakh guide and Ladakh in winter.
Treks, adventure and festivals
- Markha Valley trek, the classic homestay trek over Kongmaru La.
- Sham valley trek, the easy "baby trek".
- Chadar trek on the frozen Zanskar river in winter.
- Camel rides on the Hunder dunes and rafting on the Indus and Zanskar.
- Ladakh bike trip routes, rentals and rules.
- Snow leopard trips in Hemis National Park.
- Ladakh festivals calendar, from Hemis Tsechu to Losar.
Plan the rest
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days are enough for Ladakh?
At least 6 to 7 days: 2 in Leh to acclimatise and see the Indus valley, 2 for Nubra, 1 to 2 for Pangong. Add 2 to 3 days for Tso Moriri or Hanle.
What is the best time to visit Ladakh?
June to September for most travellers, when all roads are open. Winter is for the Chadar trek and snow leopards.
Do Indians need a permit for Ladakh?
Indian citizens register online and pay protected-area fees for places such as Nubra, Pangong, Tso Moriri and Hanle. Leh town and the Indus valley need no permit.
Is Ladakh safe for tourists?
Yes. The main risks are altitude sickness, cold and mountain roads, not crime. Acclimatise properly and travel with experienced drivers.
Should I fly or drive to Leh?
Driving from Srinagar over two days helps acclimatisation; flying is faster but needs a full rest day on arrival.
Can I visit Ladakh with kids or elderly parents?
Yes, with a slower plan and care at altitude. See our Ladakh with kids and senior citizens guide.
Is Ladakh part of Jammu and Kashmir?
No. Since 31 October 2019 Ladakh has been a separate Union Territory of India.
Written by Via Kashmir Editorial Team
Last checked 2026
Via Kashmir is a Srinagar-based travel company built around one goal: giving travellers the best possible Kashmir experience. Our team puts together the best-priced hotels, cabs, Kashmir tour packages, and adventure packages with real sports activities, drawing on daily, on-the-ground knowledge of Kashmir's roads, weather, and seasons. Every guide on this site is written and checked by our local Srinagar team.