Mobile Network and Internet Services in Ladakh

Staying connected with your loved ones during a trip to Ladakh can be challenging due to limited mobile network coverage and Internet connectivity. Planning and preparing for periods without phone and Internet access, particularly in remote areas, is essential to ensure a worry-free journey and keep your loved ones informed. 

Here are some pointers to help you stay connected during your trip to Ladakh:

BSNL is widely considered the most dependable mobile service provider in Ladakh, offering coverage in areas such as Leh town, Nubra Valley, Zanskar, Drass, Kargil, Changthang, and Sham. Although there may be sporadic areas with poor or no reception, BSNL generally provides solid connectivity.

As for Internet access, it is best in the Leh region but may gradually decline in speed and availability as you venture further away. 

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Airtel is the preferred mobile network option in the main town of Leh and nearby areas. It offers fast 4G internet connectivity and is ranked second in terms of coverage. However, your connection speed and availability may vary depending on your location. You may receive a full 4G connection in some places, while in others, you may have limited or no reception. 

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Jio has received positive feedback for its 4G coverage and high-speed Internet connection in the main town of Leh and its surrounding areas. With a strong 4G network, users can stay connected even in remote locations such as Nubra valley, with 4G coverage available up to Diskit and Hunder.

Condition of Network Coverage in Ladakh

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Until Kharu, you'll have access to 4G Airtel and 3G/2G BSNL. After that, only BSNL will be available. There will be no network coverage between Chang La Pass and Tangse. At Pangong Lake, it's possible to get mobile network coverage in some areas in the morning, although the reception might be better for calls. 

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At the base of the Khardung La, you will have access to only BSNL's mobile network. However, both Airtel and BSNL networks are available at the top of the pass.

As you continue your journey to Diskit and Hunder, you may encounter a limited 2G Airtel network at some locations and a Jio network with a 3G/4G connection in Hunder.

In the Turtuk region, only BSNL's network is available, but it may only sometimes be reliable due to slow and unstable speeds.

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If you're travelling to Tso Moriri from Leh, you can expect mobile network coverage up until Upshi. After that, you may experience intermittent reception until you reach Chumathang. 

Once you reach Tso Moriri and the surrounding areas, such as Korzok village, you will not have any mobile network or Internet connectivity.

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In the western part of the Indus Valley between Leh and Likir, you can expect to receive a 3G Airtel connection.

Moving from Likir towards Lamayuru, you will have access to the BSNL network, with occasional spotty coverage. However, you can expect network covers most of the time, with BSNL providing the highest chances of being connected.

Aside from your mobile data, there are alternative ways to stay connected to the Internet during your trip to Leh-Ladakh. Most hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants in the area offer Wi-Fi connectivity to their guests. However, during the peak tourist season in the summer, the Wi-Fi speed may be affected by the high number of users.