Leh Ladakh, in northern India, is a popular tourist destination for those who enjoy nature. Leh Ladakh, well-known for its unspoiled scenery, windy routes, and peaceful monasteries, provides an experience that is unique. Due to its remote location and difficult terrain, travelers often ask, How to Reach Leh Ladakh? This guide will take you through the different ways you can get around this amazing region by train, plane, road, and even bike.
Geographical Overview
Located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, Leh Ladakh sits at an altitude of 9,000 to 25,000 feet behind the Himalayas and its scenic location makes it one of the most remote places in India, bordered by Tibet to the east and Himachal Pradesh in the south. Due to its location, various modes of transportation-rail, air and road are necessary to reach Leh Ladakh, as there are no direct trains to the region and accessibility is limited in winter. Also, the air quality in Leh Ladakh is generally very good, thanks to its high altitude and low pollution levels. However, during peak tourist season or in certain areas, the dust from the roads can affect air quality slightly.
How to Reach Leh Ladakh by Train
- Major Railway Stations
While there are no direct trains to Leh, the nearest major railway stations are Jammu Tawi and Pathankot, which are well connected to other major cities in India. The distance between Jammu Tawi and Leh is about 700 km and travelers frequently travel from here to Leh.
- Train Connectivity
Travelers can travel to Jammu Tawi or Pathankot from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and other cities. Popular trains like AII JAT EXPRESS and Rajdhani Express provide efficient connectivity. From the nearby railway station, you can take a taxi, bus and even an adventurous bike ride to Leh.
- Best Trains to Take
AII JAT EXPRESS is a quick and convenient option for those traveling from Delhi. JAT VIVEK EXP from Mumbai is a popular option, while passengers from Kolkata can opt for the KOAA JAT EXPRES. There are many ways you can reach Leh through these stops to ensure breathtaking views along the way.
Our Famous Indian Tour Packages
| Indian Tour Packages | No of Days |
| Leh-Ladakh Tour Package | 05 Days / 04 Night |
| Jammu and Kashmir Tour Packages | 05 Days / 04 Night |
| Golden Triangle Tour Packages | 05 Days / 04 Night |
| Andaman Tour Packages | 05 Days / 04 Night |
| Himanchal Tour Packages | 12 Days / 11 Night |
How to Reach Leh Ladakh by Flight
- Major Airports
The Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh is the region’s primary gateway for air travelers. It is one of the highest airports in the world, located at an altitude of 3,256 meters. The airport is well connected to major Indian cities, making flights to Leh the most convenient option.
- Flight Connectivity
Airlines such as SpiceJet, Air India, Vistara, and IndiGo offer regular direct flights to Leh from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh, and Srinagar. During peak travel seasons (especially summer), additional flights may be added to meet the demand.
- Travel Tips
- Book Early: Leh is a popular destination, and flights can get fully booked quickly during the peak season (May to September).
- Altitude Acclimatization: Upon arrival, it’s essential to acclimatize to the high altitude. It is recommended to rest for at least a day to avoid altitude sickness.
- Best Time to Fly: The best time to visit Leh Ladakh is during the summer months (June to September) when the weather is pleasant, and all roads in the area are open.
How to Reach Leh Ladakh by Bike
- Road Routes
Leh Ladakh is a biker’s paradise, with some of the most exciting road trips in the world. Leh is connected to the rest of India by two major highways:
- Srinagar-Leh Highway (NH1): This route passes through scenic landscapes, including the Zojila Pass. It’s open from May to November and offers a smoother ride compared to other routes.
- Manali-Leh Highway (NH3): Known for its challenging terrain and stunning vistas, this route is open from June to September and takes you through some of the world’s highest motorable passes, including Rohtang Pass and Tanglang La.
- Tips for a Successful Leh Ladakh Bike Trip
- Prepare Your Bike: Make sure your bike is in top condition before you travel. Carry extra fuel, as gas stations are scarce.
- Plan Your Stops: Plan overnight stops at famous places like Sarchu, Jispa and Kargil to relax and acclimatization.
- Travel Light: Carry essentials like a first aid kit, food, and extra clothing, but travel as light as possible for convenience.
- Acclimatization: Riding through high-altitude passes requires frequent breaks to acclimatize and avoid altitude sickness.
How to Reach Leh Ladakh from Delhi
- By Train
From Delhi, travelers can take a train to Jammu Tawi or Chandigarh and continue by road to Leh. The Jammu Rajdhani Express and the Shatabdi Express to Chandigarh are popular choices.
- By Flight
Delhi has direct flights to Leh, and the flight takes about 1.5 hours. Flights are available several times a day, especially during the summer months.
- By Road
The distance by car from Delhi to Leh is around 1,000 km and passengers can take either the Manali-Leh highway or the Srinagar-Leh highway. The mountain views on the journey are spectacular but careful planning is required due to high altitude driving.
How to Reach Leh Ladakh from Mumbai
- By Train
From Mumbai, travelers can take the Swaraj Express or Vivek Express to reach Jammu Tawi, then continue to Leh by road.
- By Flight
Mumbai has connecting flights to Leh with layovers in Delhi. Although there are no direct flights, the stops make traveling easier, especially during peak season.
- By Road
The distance from Mumbai to Leh is 2200 km.The famous places on the way are Udaipur, Jaipur and Manali.
How to Reach Leh Ladakh from Kolkata
- By Train
Travelers from Kolkata can take the HIMGIRI EXPRESS or KOAA JAT EXPRES. From Jammu, travellers can continue to Leh via road transport.
- By Flight
Flights from Kolkata to Leh typically have a layover in Delhi. Flights must be booked in advance due to high demand during peak travel times.
- By Road
The road trip from Kolkata to Leh is an epic journey spanning 2300 kms. Although feasible, it is often much easier to combine flight or train and road transport from the nearest city.
Local Transport Options in Leh Ladakh
Once you reach Leh, various local transport options are available for exploring the region. Taxis, rental bikes and carpooling are common. Taxis are ideal for visiting nearby attractions like Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake and Magnetic Mountain. Public buses also run on key routes, but taking a private car offers more flexibility in terms of sightseeing.
Conclusion: Final Tips for Planning Your Trip
If you’re planning a trip to Leh Ladakh, traveling by air is by far the best option. Flights are quick, convenient, and well connected to major cities in India. Although traveling by road offers a unique experience with beautiful views, it requires careful planning and can be physically demanding due to the high altitude. Train travel, while possible to nearby cities like Jammu Tawi, is not recommended as it involves a long road journey afterward. Therefore, flying is the most suitable choice for most travelers, followed by road trips for those seeking adventure.
