Planning Ladakh road trip on a budget? Here's best way to keep it under ₹30,000
3 min read 15 Jun 2023, 03:04 PM ISTExplore the beauty of Ladakh on a budget of ₹30,000 to ₹50,000 with a 12-day trip through Srinagar-Leh and Leh-Manali highways. Stay in budget hotels and homestays.
PremiumLadakh boasts of twinkling stars, high motorable roads, panoramas dotted with monasteries, some of the highest mountain passes in the world and cobalt blue-coloured lakes. A road trip to this forbidden land is a dream for many, but it is often considered expensive. However, it is possible to complete the trip on a budget of ₹30,000 to ₹50,000. With careful planning and smart choices, you can still enjoy the beauty of Ladakh without breaking the bank.
The circuit trip in consideration here is almost a 12-day trip through Srinagar-Leh highway and Leh- Manali highway. (If you have your own car, the petrol cost would be around ₹30,000 which can be split between the people who are travelling. )
Check the best route here
Patnitop: If you are travelling to Ladakh from Delhi through Srinagar-Leh highway, your first stop could be Patnitop.
Hotel: ₹5000 per night
Since food is not included at the hotels, you could be shelling out another ₹1,000 to 1,500 for dinner and breakfast.
Sonmarg: Next you halt for the night at Sonmarg. An extra day is recommended if you want to explore the scenic beauty around the town.
What to do in Sonmarg: Thajiwas glacier point, Zoji La (pass)
Hotel: ₹3000 per night
You can try authentic Kashmiri food here, including Wazwan platter, but do not expect anything fancy. Per meal costs around ₹500.
Leh: As you enter Ladakh crossing the picturesque landscapes in Kargil and Zoji La (pass), Leh would be your best option to stay. It is recommended that you stay here for at least one day. Firstly, you need to acclimatise for the journey further and second, there is much to see in and around the city.
What to see in Leh: Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Thiksey Monastery, Leh main market
Hotel: ₹1,000 to ₹10,000 (depending on your budget)
Shyok Valley/Nubra: Shyok Village is a hidden gem located in the Nubra Valley region, between Leh and Pangong Lake. Located on the banks of the Shyok River, this tiny hamlet is an offbeat location with only a few houses and families. It is the perfect place to slow down, breathe in nature and get away from the daily routine.
To explore Shyok Valley, you can stay at Diskit, Sumur.
There are numerous hotels and homestays are available in this region. The price ranges from ₹2.000 to ₹4,000. Dinner and breakfast are usually included.
What to do in Nubra valley: Diskit Gompa, Hunder Sand Dunes, Statue of Maitreya Buddha
Pangong Lake: Pangong Lake, or Pangong Tso, is a high-altitude lake known for its color-changing waters. In winter, the lake freezes, creating a beautiful sight. It lies at 4,350 meters in the Himalayas, bordering India and China. Activities like camping and bonfires are popular or you can spend your time there simply by sitting at the lakeside.
Stay: Camping options are available. The price ranges from ₹3,000 and above. If you are not comfortable staying at the camps, you can also choose hotel accommodation.
Hanle: Hanle, a remote village at 4,500 meters altitude, is a complete hidden gem. In an around the area, you can explore Hanle monastery, Chumathang hot springs, Dorje Angchuk mountain pass. Or you can simply spend your time watching the breathtaking night sky.
One of the unique attractions in Hanle Ladakh is the Indian Astronomical Observatory, equipped with a powerful telescope.
Stay: Several homestays are available to host visitors. Price ranges from around ₹2,000 including meals
Sarchu: An important stopover on the Leh-Manali highway, Sarchu lies on the boundary of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. This is also the last stop in Ladakh before you move to Himachal Pradesh to complete the circuit
Stay: Camping options available. Price starts from ₹2000 including meals