Getting to Ladakh: A Guide to Flights and Road Trips

Reaching Ladakh and its capital, Leh, can be done through two methods: by land, either through Manali in Himachal Pradesh or Srinagar in Kashmir or by air to Kushok Bakula Rimpochee airport, located 4 km away from Leh town.

Flying to Leh takes up 1 hr 20 mins of your time and offers a breathtaking bird's-eye view of the snow-capped mountain ranges and the excitement of recognizing distinctive landmarks. Tsomo-riri stands out as an intensely blue oasis amid barren, dun hills. 

The serpentine Zanskar River winds through the mountains, and one flight path takes you directly over the Zanskar valley, allowing you to see the villages and gompas. To the northwest, the towering giants of the Baltistan Karakoram overshadow all other peaks and ranges. 

Regular flights to Leh from Delhi, Chandigarh, Jammu, and Srinagar are operated by several airlines.

The Manali-Leh road, which spans 473 km, is open for traffic for a few months each year during summer. This road passes through barren, inhospitable terrain for much of its length and crosses the trans-Himalayan landscape of the Lahoul district. 

The first significant pass, the Rohtang Pass, is crossed soon after leaving Manali and cuts through the Pir Panjal range of the Great Himalayas. Beyond Keylong, the main town in the region, the road follows the Bhaga River towards its source and enters the territory of Ladakh.

The Zanskar Range is crossed through the Lachulung-la and Taglang-la passes, with nothing but rock and sand, rolling hills and broad plains. The only inhabitants in this area are the nomadic Chang-pa herds people and seasonal entrepreneurs from Leh and Lahoul who set up tents and shacks along the road to cater to travellers' needs. 

After crossing the Taglang-la, the descent to the Indus begins, and the route follows the Gya River to the Indus at Upshi. From there, it is a straightforward journey to Leh, passing the Indus valley villages of Karu, Stakna, Thikse, Shey and the Tibetan village at Choglamsar before reaching the town.

?

Another primary road route to Ladakh is the Srinagar-Leh highway, which spans 434 km and follows the historic trade route known as the Treaty Road. It's usually open for travel from June to mid-November and provides a great way to experience the land and its people. As you cross the Zoji-la Pass, you'll go from the lush greenery of Kashmir to the barren trans-Himalayan landscape.

After leaving Kargil, the road journeys through the Zanskar Range, over the Khurbathang plateau, and descends to Mulbek, which marks the transition from Muslim to Buddhist Ladakh. The route then crosses two more passes, Namika-la and Fotu-la, before reaching Khaltse. 

From there, the road follows the Indus River, passing villages with terraced fields, whitewashed houses, and ancient ruins. Finally, Leh comes into view, dominated by its 17th-century palace.