Leh Ladakh is the place to go if you’ve ever considered a road trip that is more than just travel—a journey that remains with you. It’s about how you feel along the way, not just where you end up. This ride will never be forgotten because of the Himalayas’ untamed beauty, lofty mountain passes, and quiet.
Before Leh, the Journey Begins
The journey to Leh is not your typical drive, regardless of whether you begin in Srinagar or Manali. The roads climb into the clouds, cross chilly rivers, and wind through valleys. Every turn offers you something new to remember, whether the journey is smooth or rocky.
Must-See Locations Along the Way
Jispa
A peaceful village where the air is clean and the mountains seem nearby. To help their bodies acclimatise to the altitude, many people spend the night here. It feels unspoiled and serene.
Baralacha La Pass
There will be open skies and walls of snow all around you. The pass seems to go on forever. The view is so breathtaking that most tourists stop here just to take it all in.
Pang and Sarchu
These are areas of land where tents are set up to accommodate travellers; they are not towns. The stars are there, and the nights are clear but cold. They will stick in your memory.
Lamayuru
This region, called the Moonland, is characterised by strange, yellow-brown hills that resemble alien planets. It is a favourite among photographers and unlike anything else in the area.
When You Arrive in Leh
Reaching Leh feels like you’ve stepped into a different rhythm of life. The first thing you notice is how quiet everything seems—no honking, no rush, just the sound of the wind brushing past the mountains. The town isn’t flashy or crowded. It’s more about slow mornings, warm smiles from shopkeepers, and old prayer flags fluttering gently above rooftops.
On your first day, you probably won’t do much. The altitude makes sure of that. Most people just wander a bit, sip hot butter tea or thukpa at a tiny local eatery, and get used to the cool, crisp air. There’s a certain calm here you don’t find in most places. No one’s in a hurry—and you start to slow down too.
You will undoubtedly be drawn to the Leh Palace, an ancient building that still guards the town, and Shanti Stupa, which is exquisitely illuminated at night. Don’t miss the street markets, which are brimming with locally dried apricots, handmade jewellery, and wool clothing.
Things to See Around Pangong Lake in Leh
This lake isn’t your typical one. Depending on the light, the water’s hue varies throughout the day, going from blue to green to golden. In real life, it’s different from what you’ve seen in pictures.
Khardung La Pass
Driving here is more than just crossing something off your bucket list. You feel small in the best way possible when you’re on one of the highest motorable roads in the world, surrounded by snow, silence, and the sky.
Nubra Valley
Picture a scene with green fields, snow-capped mountains in the distance, and sand dunes and double-humped camels. Nubra is that. It’s unbelievable.
Tso Moriri Lake
Although a bit of a diversion, this one is well worth the time. It’s more tranquil than Pangong, and if you camp here for the night, you’ll remember the stars and the quiet for a long time.
Why It Feels Different in Leh Ladakh
The silence, the skies, and the sense of being far from everything else are just as important as the height and the roads. People come here for peace as well as adventure.
Furthermore, no amount of photographs you take will ever capture what you see with your own eyes.
May through September is the ideal time to visit. The weather is suitable for camping and road trips, and the roads are open.
If you are not accustomed to driving in extremely cold and snowy conditions, stay away from winter.