Srinagar to Leh and on the way
The road from Srinagar to Leh remains closed in the winter months generally from 15th November to 15th April every year due to heavy snowfall at Zojila Pass,. The actual Srinagar Leh Highway closing time mainly depends on snow in the season, but it is not safe to travel in November due to black ice and cold conditions.
A project has been approved to make Srinagar Leh Highway tunnel at Zojila Pass to provide year round connectivity from Srinagar to Kargil. However, it just got approved, so probably it will take a decade to be realized into reality.
Drass/ Dras, a tourist hub for its high altitude trekking routes and tourist sites, is a Hill Station in the Kargil district of the union territory of Ladakh in India. Dras town is in between Srinagar to Kargil, altitude is 10,800 ft. Dras is 140 km from Srinagar and 63 km from Sonmarg. Kargil town is further 56 km after Dras on the national highway NH-1 from Srinagar towards Leh. It is often called “The Gateway to Ladakh“. The government’s official spelling of the town is Drass. It is The Second Coldest Inhabited Place in the World after Siberia and coldest place in India with lowest temperature recorded -60°C on January 09, 1995.
The Kargil War Memorial / Drass War Memorial, is a war memorial built by the Indian Army in the town of Drass, commemorating the 1999 Kargil war between India and Pakistan. The memorial is located on the Srinagar to Leh National Highway (NH-1) about 5 km from the city center across the Tiger Hill.
In the winter of 1998-1999, the Pakistani Army crossed the Line of Control (LOC) and occupied numerous heights dominating the National Highway and roads connecting Leh (Ladakh) and Kargil to Srinagar. The Indian Army launched Operation Vijay (“Victory”) in May 1999 to retake the territory, leading to historical battles in the harsh mountain environment. Each year, 26 July is observed as Kargil Vijay Diwas / Kargil Victory Day, during which the Prime Minister of India prays tribute to the soldiers at Amar Jawan Jyothi at the India Gate, New Delhi.
A makeshift memorial is said to have been constructed at the site to honor brave heart Indian Army in 2000. The memorial in its present form was constructed by the Indian Army in November 2014.
The central feature of the memorial is a pink sandstone wall bearing a brass plate engraved with names of the soldiers who died during Operation Vijay. Visible from the site are the Tololing Heights, Tiger Hill, and Point 4875 (Batra Top), where fighting took place during the conflict.
The memorial features the Captain Manoj Pandey Gallery, which commemorates a young officer who was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military award, for leadership during the war.
Over the years, several infrastructural improvements have been made to the site. On 26 July 2012, the Flag Foundation of India presented to the memorial a giant national flag measuring 11.4mX7.6m and weighing 15 kg, on a 100 ft flag pole. The Drass War Memorial is now an important landmark and a major tourist attraction in Western Ladakh. Each and every year it served more than 1 lakh tourist.
Kargil,the name is said to derive from the words Khar, means castle, and Kil means “centre”. “Kargil denotes a place between many forts, a central place where people could stay”. It appears to be a fitting description for a place that is equidistant from Srinagar, Leh and Skardu.
Kargil has an average elevation of 8,780 ft, and is situated along the banks of the Suru River. The town of Kargil is located 205 km from Srinagar, facing the Northern Areas across the LOC. It is the most famous place for those traveler who want to move further towards Leh or Zanskar from Srinagar. Traveler spend and acclimatized there before further steps. Like other areas in the Himalayas, Kargil has a temperate climate. Summers are hot with cool nights, while winters are long and chilly with temperatures often dropping below −20 °C.
Mulbekh Monastery/ Mulbekh Gompa, is said to consist of two Gompa / Monasteries, one Drukpa (Serdung Gompa and Rgaldan-Se Gompa) and other Gelugpa Monastery (Serdung Gompa and Rgaldan-se Gompa) in Kargil. Recently the Rgaldan-Se Gompa was reconstructed in 2016. It also consist a Lhakhang known as Nyima Lhakhang, it is the oldest section of the Mulbekh Monastery. It is believed to be built around 800 year ago by the students of great Tibetan scholar Lotsawa Rinchen Zangpo, it is clear with the style of painting.
The double Gompas are dramatically situated at the very top of a crag 200m above the road. They were connected with the nearby palace of Rajah Kalon of Mulbekh below. They may be reached by a steep footpath winding up from behind.
The altitude of the town at the foot of the crag is given as 10,839 ft, which makes the altitude of the gompas 11,495 ft. Its population is given as 5,730.
Around 45 km from Kargil town heading toward Leh, is the famous Chamba Statue in Mulbekh village, a striking enormous figure carved into the rock face on the right hand side of the road towards Leh. It pictures a standing Maitreya Buddha overlooking the old trade route and modern highway. Some people believe it dates to the Kushan period in the early centuries CE. Modern scholars date it as being from around the eighth century. Unfortunately, the lower part of the statue is partly obscured by a small temple built in 1975.
Fotu La, is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4108m (13,478ft) above the sea level, located in Leh district, Ladakh, India. Located within the Himalayas Zaskar Range, the pass, also known as Fatu La, is traversed by the NH 1D Srinagar-Leh highway, a road with a fresh thick layer of tarmac. It is the highest point on the highway. At the summit there is a television relay station and a viewing deck. The road is closed in winters. Along the way are frequent memorials at previous accident sites.
The route is dangerous due to high altitude with hairpin bend. Not recommended to newbie’s. Along the way you’ll have to deal with some dangerous drop-offs. On the way to the summit you will be able to enjoy green oasis, almost lunar landscape and nice bends on the descent from the pass to the east. The drive through the pass is a beautiful journey where you can stop to get an amazing view of the snow-clad mountain ranges. The pass sits on the way from Heniskot towards Lamayuru.
Lamayuru,is located Leh district, this is the famous Buddhist monastery at a height of 11520 ft. This splendid monastery is considered as one of the fascinating places that one must visit. If you are planning to visit Ladakh then you must enlist this place in your wish list as this monastery is said to be the oldest as well as the largest in Ladakh. Lamayuru monastery is a place where many legends were associated with. In the earlier days, this huge construction was a collection of five gigantic building out of which only one survives now. But still, this remains the largest monastery and houses near about 150 Buddhist monks permanently, in earlier days the number was 400.
This wonderful ancient structure is located on Srinagar-Leh highway. During the winter season at daytime, the weather is considered warm if the temperature is not at minus but at night the temperature plummets to minus 20 degrees. The area of the monastery is still very large even though only a small portion of the Lamayuru monastery remains alive. The travelers to this Buddhist monastery can only access the prayer hall which is only the key part of the whole monastery. This place has a unique appeal. From the monastery, tourists can experience the barren mountains along with the scenes of normal village life below.
Moonland, since the land resembles that of moon, Moon land near Lamayuru in Ladakh region is fondly called like that. A unique geographical feature appearing here attracts thousands of visitors every year. A traveler comes to Lamayuru will not miss the surprising land. There is also a saying that during full moon, the land becomes exotic and it would be an enchanting sight to behold and rare too. Lamayuru’s fame was dashingly enhanced because of this landscape carved in to the Greater Himalayan Ranges. Interested travelers will come to Lamayuru which is located at a distance of 100 kms from Leh on the famous Leh-Srinagar Higway.
To watch the glimpses of the moon land so clear and closer, you can climb up to the Meditation Hill in Lamayuru. The monks from Lamayuru gompa are living in this hill, at a greater height. The rough, uneven landscape of Moon land will be an amusing sight from the top of the Meditation Hill. The entire Lamayuru becomes visible from the top.
Things to do in Lamayuru Monastery
Do not forget to experience a small walk through the village apart from the monastery. The habitats at Ladakh are extremely generous and warm. If you apply the universal ladakhi greeting Juley along with a big smile they would easily open up to you. The people there are so cordial that some might invite at their stay to have a cup of tea. Else tourists who love adventure can try hiking on these amazing mountains. Do not worry, hiking is not a big deal, even during the hiking you can capture some excellent frames.
Lamayuru is also very well-known for Yuru Kabgyat which is a two-day cultural festival. This worth visiting festival takes place in the second month of the Tibetan Lunar Calendar. This festival is also called the mask festival as the monks were different mask during the ceremony.
How to Reach Lamayuru Monastery
The best and the earliest way to reach Lamayuru especially if you are traveling in the winter season is by hiring a cab from Leh. This is because during the winter season the buses do not ply on the highway on a regular basis. But in summer you are advised to board local buses as then the journey would be more fun and pocket-friendly. The drive to Lamayuru is an excellent journey. As you leave Leh the landscape start changing. However all that can be seen are dry and arid, only a few patches of green land can be found. During the journey, if you are lucky there are chances to experience wildlife animals. It would be better if you start your journey to Lamayuru in the early morning so that you can back safely before an afternoon in the Leh city.
Best Time to Visit Lamayuru Monastery
If you are planning to visit this monastery then you are advised to book your tickets for the months from April to June. During these months the weather remains quite warm and comfortable. It would be wise to avoid visiting this tourist attraction during the winter season as then there are chances that the weather would be too cold for the tourists to move around.
Alchi, is a small village situated on low land, is about 70 km to the west of Leh district and is located on the banks of the River Indus. Alchi village is very fertile and it is all green with apricot trees on both side of road. This region had influence of Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism because it falls on the route to Turkestan of China but its isolation helped the village and gompas to keep their cultural traditions safe from the outer influences.
The Alchi village is famous for the existence of one of the oldest monasteries in Ladakh known as Alchi Monastery, which is Ladakh’s most valuable heritage. Alchi monastery is a Buddhist worshiping place and study center and is managed by the monks of Likir. The monastery was built, according to local tradition, by the great translator Guru Rinchen Zangpo between 958AD and 1055AD. The building is said to have been built during the 11th century and the architecture of the place is also excellent.
In Alchi, one can visit the Sumtsek Temple, Vairocana Temple, Lo Tsawa Temple, Manjushree Temple, Kangyur Temple with Stupas, Monk Cells etc. Beautiful wood carving arts, huge Tibetan Styled models of Buddha, Manjushree, historic wall paintings of Buddha’s teachings within a very calm, quite, pristine ambiance made Alchi more valuable. There are five shrines in the Choskor temple complex which has some splendid wall paintings. One of its walls features thousands of miniature sized pictures of the Buddha. It is a perfect place to relax and experience the quintessential Buddhist monastery.
The Confluence of Zanskar & Indus River / Sangam of Zanskar & Indus River, has become one of the hot tourist spots near Leh. You can’t miss the Indus Zanskar Sangam if you are traveling from Srinagar to Leh or vice-versa. So, you do not need to hire a special taxi to visit this place in Ladakh. It can be easily covered when you come to Leh from Kargil or go to Kargil from Leh and at the time of Lamayuru sightseeing from Leh also.
At times, at the Sangam, The Indus River can be seen as Shiny Blue While and The Zanskar River is Dirty Green. In the summer season, Zanskar is swollen and rapid, while Indus is comparatively calmer. In the winters, it is quite the opposite. Zanskar slows down, its flow is light and is completely frozen at a lot of places, enabling the legendary Chadar Trek. While Indus flows fast, with ice floating on it.
The Indus River is one of the longest rivers in Asia. It is one of the primary rivers, not just in Ladakh but in entire North India. It was the lifeline of the great Indus Valley civilization and the Harappan civilization of India. These civilizations are one of the most ancient, rich and planned civilizations mankind has ever witnessed.
The Indus Valley Civilization is known for its urban planning, the great bath, an elaborate drainage system, brick houses, and flourishing agriculture, owing all to the resourceful river. It was only when the Indus River changed its course over some time that the civilizations saw their demise.
Zanskar river is one of the major tributaries of the Indus river only. It meets the Indus river at Nimmu village in Ladakh, a place popularly known as Sangam. However, the Zanskar River in itself is formed when the Doda River and Lungnak River meet together near Zanskar’s central valley.
The Doda River originates somewhere near Pensi La and flows towards Padum village in Zanskar Valley. On the other hand, the second tributary of the Zanskar river, the Lungnak River, is formed by the Kargyak river and Tsarap river.
Kargyak river originates near Shingo La which connects Himachal Pradesh with the Zanskar region. While Tsarap River has its source near Bara-La-Cha-La on Leh Manali Highway. Both Kargyak River and Tsarap River meet near Purne village and make the Lungnak River. You may also know Lungnak River by the names of Lingti River or Tsarap River too. Much like the Shyok river flows in Nubra Valley, the Zanskar river runs alongside you as you travel from Leh to Nimmu to Chiling road.
Chiling Village, is located at the tip end of the road running along with the Zanskar river. The road further extended from Chiling and connect to Padum Village in Zanskar in the comming future.
Once the road will complete, it will render full-year connectivity of Zanskar Valley to Leh Ladakh. As of now, Chiling village is well known as a starting point for Chadar trek in winters, which might get obsolete once the road completes.
However, the drive or ride from Nimmu to Chiling is equally beautiful. If you have some time on your Sham Valley day trip, you will love the lonely sections of this peaceful road.
Chilling is about 25 km from the confluence of the Zanskar and Indus river and a nice place to visit. Also, you will have option of water adventurous activity rafting in Zanskar river from Chiling to Nimmu.
The Chadar Trek, is one of the most popular adventurous and challenging trek or hiking over frozen river. As Zanskar River flows through a dramatic Zanskar Gorge, the beauty on offer is simply jaw-dropping. In the summer season, Zanskar river rafting, typically from Chiling to Nimmu, is very popular among the tourists in Leh Ladakh.
On the other hand, in the winter season, the Zanskar River temperature goes below the freezing point, and the river become completely frozen to form a thick ice sheet called Chadar. This frozen Zanskar river trek spanned over multiple days (Mainly January Middle to February Middle but starts from December end to February end), is popular by the name of Chadar Trek where you walk from Chiling to Padum.
Chadar Trek is the only means of connectivity to Padum Village or Zanskar Valley in winters when high mountain passes like Pensi La are closed due to heavy snow presence. Every year, 100s of adventure enthusiasts flock the Ladakh region to hike or walk along or on the frozen Zanskar river and fulfill their dream of Chadar trek.
Magnetic Hill, located at a distance of 30 km from Leh city on the Leh-Kargil Highwayis a small stretch of road that defies the phenomenon of gravity. The reason is the magnetic hill that pulls stationary vehicles upwards. Famous as the Magnetic Hill in Ladakh, it is a major tourist attraction in the valley and a perfect pit-stop for tired riders moving on the highway.
The strange world that we live in, there are plenty of theories backing this strange wonder of nature. All of them propose a different logic and are backed by strong reasoning, barring superstitions like ‘the magnetic road is a straightaway to heaven’. Here’s a look at what each of these beliefs and theories have to say.
Blessed with amazing natural beauty and mysterious magnetic abilities, the magnetic road in Ladakh is where travelers stop by to experience the strange, gravity-defying phenomenon. A yellow box marked on the magnetic road, few meters away from the Magnetic Hill road, Ladakh indicates that the vehicle must be parked in neutral gear.
The superstition– Villagers residing in Ladakh believe that there once existed a road that led people to heaven. Those who rightly deserved were pulled to the path directly while those who didn’t deserve could never make it there.
The magnetic force theory– Next comes a sensible theory, which is also the most widespread. It states that there is a strong magnetic force emanating from the hill that pulls vehicles that are within its range.
The optical illusion theory– Another widely accepted theory says that the hill is no source of magnetic force, rather it’s just an optical illusion that makes the downslope of the road leading to the Magnetic Hill in Ladakh, India look like an up-slope. So, when you see the vehicle going uphill, it is actually going downhill.
The strange occurrence on the Leh-Kargil highway has been experienced and testified by travelers from across the world. As a matter of fact, the notorious hill has caused planes of Indian Air Force to divert their route in the past to avoid magnetic interference on them.
Gurdwara Pathar Sahib, is a beautiful Gurdwara Sahib constructed in the memory of Guru Nanak, around 25 km away from Leh, on the Leh-Kargil road, 12000 ft above the sea level. The Gurdwara was built in 1517 to commemorate the visit of Guru Nanak Dev to Ladakh, the founder of the Sikh faith.
During his lifetime Guru Nanak traveled to many distant places and one such place was Tibet. Guru Nanak is well respected by Tibetan Buddhists who consider him a saint; The Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Buddhists in Tibet, has confirmed this in his discussions with some Sikh leaders saying that Tibetans revere Guru Nanak as a Buddhist saint under the name of Guru Gompka Maharaj.
During the period around 1515 when Guru Nanak was returning to Punjab through Srinagar, after travelling to Sikkim, Nepal and Tibet, he had rested at this place. It is believed that Guru Nanak Dev reached Leh via Sikkim, Nepal, Tibet and Yarkhand. Today the site and the Gurdwara is revered by both the local Lamas and Sikh sangat. Currently the Army is looking after the Gurdwara.
According to a local legend, once a wicked demon live in the area who terrorized the people where the Gurdwara is now situated. The people prayed to the Almighty for help. It is said that Guru Nanak heard their woes and came to their aid. He settled down on the bank of the river below the hill where the wicked demon lived. The Guru blessed the people with sermons and became popular in the area. The locals called him Nanak Lama. Seeing this, the demon got into a rage and decided to kill Guru Nanak Dev.
One morning when the Guru was sitting in meditation, the demon pushed a large patthar / stone, down from the hilltop, with the intention of killing the Guru. The patthar / stone gained speed as it rumbled down the hillside, but when it touched the Guru’s body, it softened like warm wax and came to a halt against Guru Nanak’s back. The Guru kept on meditating unhurt and undisturbed. Thinking that the Guru had been killed, the demon came down and was taken aback to see the Guru deep in meditation. In a fit of anger, he tried to push the boulder with his right foot, but as the Pathar still had the softness of warm wax, his foot got embedded in it. Pulling his foot from the boulder the demon was founded to see the impression his foot had just left in the stone. On seeing this, the demon realized his own powerlessness in comparison to the spiritual power of the great Guru. He fell at the feet of Guru Nanak Dev and begged for forgiveness. Guru Sahib advised him to get rid of his wicked ways and asked him to lead a life of a noble person. This changed the life of the demon, who gave up evil deeds and started serving the people.
Guru Nanak Dev thereafter continued his holy journey towards Srinagar via Kargil. The pathar pushed down by the demon, with the imprint of the body of Guru Nanak Dev and the footprint of the demon, is at present on display in Gurdwara Pathar Sahib. It is said that since the visit of Guru Sahib (in 1517) to the building of the roadway in 1965, the local Lamas had held the Pathar sacred and offered prayers to it as, no doubt, they do to this day.
Hall of Fame, is a museum constructed by the Indian Army in memory of the brave Indian soldiers who laid down their lives defending the motherland in the Indo-Pak wars. The Hall of Fame museum is located on the Leh-Kargil Road, about 4km from the city of Leh. It stands as a reminder of the great sacrifices made by our soldiers to ensure the safety and security of our country.
The Hall of Fame museum, consisting of two stories, is divided into various sections which contain several displays. In the upper floor, there is a section named OP Vijay Gallery. Here, you can see the various kinds of weapons used in the Kargil War, along with the various arms and ammunition captured by the Indian Army during the war. On the same floor, in yet another section, various kinds of apparel and amenities used by the Indian Army in the Siachen Region have also been displayed. Some of these show the pictures of army posts on the glacier, living accommodation of the troops and the training process of the troops on ice walls, besides others.
If you head to another section of the same ground floor, you will find the pictures of Kargil War on the walls. The pictures provide an elaborate and fascinating account of how the Indian Army fought the war. There is also a wall named “Lest We Forget” which displays the photographs of those soldiers who laid down their lives defending our nation. It’s a very moving sight to come across and reminds you of the enormous sacrifices made by our soldiers to ensure that our country is safe and secure from foreign aggression at all times.
On the same ground floor, there is also a projection room where you can watch a documentary on “Operation Vijay“. One particular moving sight on this floor meets you in the form of a frame on a wall named “The Last Post”. This was the letter written by Captain Vijayant Thapar to his parents some days before he attained martyrdom. Upon reading the letter, you are overcome by a profound sense of grief and pride, while your eyes well up with tears. You are reminded of the bravery and exemplary courage displayed by our soldiers while performing their service in the line of duty.
On the ground floor, there is a section which displays the history, culture and other associated facts with Ladakh. It also consists of a souvenir shop where you can buy several items including T-Shirts, Caps, Coffee Mugs and Pashmina Shawls, besides others. You can also get a photo shoot clad in the Ladakhi attire in the photo shop and get the prints after paying a small amount of money.
Suggested route from Srinagar to Leh
The routes from Srinagar to Leh have many options. The options depends on your nos of days in hand. But the most important thing to visit Ladakh is acclimatized yourself sufficiently for a smooth a memorable vacation. After spent at least one night in Srinagar you can move further towards Leh. Few options are as follows –
One Day Journey (Srinagar to Leh)
This option of completing the journey of Srinagar to Leh in a single day is most common among local people. It iis least or never recommend to you or any traveler, even you are in high rush. It can be spoil your total vacation suddenly.
Shared taxis are the preferred way to avail of this option. Although it could be the cheapest or time saving for you, this back-breaking, cannonball run of around 16 Hrs with least stoppages does put a heavy toll on the body as well as the mind of an average traveler.
This long journey is extremely tiring and by traversing through the varied amount of altitudes in a single day, you are definitely running a risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) or some severe headaches and for initial days spent in Leh.
This is true in this case you have not stayed overnight in Gulmarg or Pahalgam or Sonamarg on previous nights of your tour and you have to start from Srinagar early of the day. Undertaking this journey in a single day may certainly kill the joy of the journey.
Two Days Journey (Srinagar to Leh with Kargil Nightstay)
Day1 – Srinagar to Sonamarg (80 km) to Drass (65 km) to Kargil (55 km)
Day2 – Mulbek (40 km) to Lamayuru (70 km) to Leh (125 km)
By extending the journey of Srinagar to Leh Highway in two days, you give yourself a chance to explore the sightseeing places en-route thoroughly. There are many tourist destinations in the Ladakh region, which are situated on Srinagar-Leh Highway and require time if you wish to explore them.
Hence, by extending the journey with one day you give yourself ample time to explore these tourist places before you reach Leh. Most of the people those who want to enjoy the beauty of Ladakh, follow this option. This option can save you time as well as save your pocket also.
Two Days Journey Alternate Route (Srinagar Leh via Batalik, Dah, Skurbuchan with Kargil Night stay )
Day1 – Srinagar to Sonamarg (80 km) to Drass (65 km) to Kargil (55 km)
Day2 – Batalik (54 km) to Dah (20 km) to Skurbuchan (35 km) to Khalsi (30 km) to Leh (95 km)
There exists an alternate route to reach Leh after you reach Kargil, which is a bit more scenic than the usual route. The alternate, the less used route goes like Kargil to Batalik to Dah to Skurbuchan to Leh.
Please make a note that the route via Batalik requires you to get the Inner Line Permits from either DC Office Kargil or DC Office Leh. So, it will advise that you go to Leh from Kargil via Lamayuru following the usual route and then you can come back to Kargil via Batalik after getting the permits from Leh DC office.
Three Days Journey (Srinagar to Leh with Kargil & Alchi Night stay)
Day1 – Srinagar to Sonamarg (80 km) to Drass (65 km) to Kargil (55 km)
Day2 – Mulbek (40 km) to Lamayuru (70 km) to Alchi / Likir (55 / 75 km)
Day3 – Leh (75 / 55 km)
Please keep in mind that Alchi and Likir are not exactly on Srinagar-Leh Highway and you need to take diversions near Sasapol Bridge for Alchi. The distance between Alchi to Likir is about 21 KMs only.
Well, by extending the journey of Srinagar to Leh Highway in three days, you give yourself a chance to explore the sightseeing places en-route thoroughly enough. There are many tourist destinations in the Ladakh region, which are situated on Srinagar-Leh Highway and require time if you want to explore them.
Hence, by extending the journey with one day you give yourself ample time to explore these tourist places before you reach Leh. Very few people follow this option due to a lack of time and expensive. If these two things have no place for consideration at your grounds, then I will say go with it, and you will make your journey on Srinagar-Leh Highway much more than a memorable experience.
This option will mostly be available if you are traveling by your own vehicle. To be very frank, this option may not even available if you are hiring a private Srinagar registered taxi as well because Srinagar registered taxis are not allowed for local sightseeing in Ladakh region especially Sham Valley where all these tourist places are present.
In such a case you need to book a taxi to Kargil first from Srinagar and then hire yourself a taxi from Kargil to Leh, or you need to hire a Ladakh registered number taxi. Confirm in advance from the driver if he will do sightseeing for Sham Valley before booking it. Then, in the next two days after covering all tourist destinations including Mulbekh, Lamayuru, Redzong, Alchi, Likir, Sham Valley, etc. on the route you can reach Leh.
Things to remember for travel Srinagar to Leh
Phone Signals in Srinagar to Leh
BSNL Postpaid Connection does work many places. But most of the time when you traveled through the remote areas network might not available. You can get strong network at Srinagar & Kargil only in this route.
Petrol Pumps on Srinagar-Leh Highway
It is easy to find fuel or petrol on Srinagar-Leh Highway. One can get fuel on Srinagar Leh Highway at the places like Srinagar, Kangan, Sonamarg, Kargil, Mulbekh, Wakha, Khaltsi, Leh
ATMs on Srinagar-Leh Highway
Apart from Srinagar & Leh teher are ATM available at Ganderbal, Drass & Kargil. But it is advisable t carry enough cash along with you because most of the time the on route ATM have run out of money or become un-operational at any day or any time.
Medical Facilities on Srinagar-Leh Highway
Srinagar, Kargil & Leh has the only major hospital in this route. Though the hospital is well equipped, they might not be able to handle a major medical emergency. They can support you only non emergency situation. If you have a medical condition, it is best advised that you consult your doctor before going to Ladakh. There are few small clinics and dispensaries as well in Srinagar, Kargil & Leh.
Preferred Vehicles for Srinagar-Leh Highway
The higher ground clearance vehicles are preferable and 4×4 ones generally not required. However, the road conditions in this region is mostly good but we are not suggest to use any sedan or hatchback in this route. Road conditions in Zozila is not so good and few areas have Kachha Road / Mud Road also.
Best Time to access Srinagar-Leh Highway
Srinagar Leh highway connected with few major high altitude passes. So the road accessibility depends on the passes opening and closing time. Though this time is not fixed, it depends on how many snow is there.
- Mid November to Mid April, Srinagar Leh Highway may close. You could not access this route in this time.
- Mid April to early May, Srinagar Leh Highway may open but, snow sliding and loose gravel, the road blocks are very common in the initial days, especially around Zojila Pass.
- May, Srinagar Leh Highway is open and mostly stable and less chances of landslides. You can found snow wall around the road side in many places at this time also. Those who want to chilled weather this is the ideal time them. Valleys are colorful at this time, lots of flowers are there and make the valleys colorful.
- June, July, August & September, Srinagar Leh Highway with full of tourist vehicle, which is the peak tourist season in Ladakh. Do not afraid about the monsoon, it may disturb you in few areas but Ladakh considered as dry zone.
- October & Mid November, Srinaga Leh Highway, the tourists going to less. But in our opinion, this is the best time to visit Leh to see the full glory of the burning colors of Ladakh with clouds hovering like candies in the blue sky.
