How to Travel to Ladakh on a Budget: Tips and Tricks

How to Travel to Ladakh on a Budget: Tips and Tricks

 

Updated Rates for 2024

A whole lot has changed since I first wrote this blog in 2015. Many border villages and remote-restricted routes have recently opened up in Ladakh for domestic tourists to explore. The road infrastructure, cell phone connectivity & internet speed has improved drastically. The transportation & accommodation costs in Ladakh have gotten way costlier, but nevertheless, Ladakh is still Ladakh and is definitely an incredible place to be at.
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Read my original blog post from 2015 that received over 50,000+ views online (click here).

Here are some quick tips before we get started:

1. Plan your trip during the offseason – The peak tourist season in Ladakh is from May to July, which is also the most expensive time to visit. If you are on a budget, consider planning your trip during the offseason, which is from August to September end.
2. Choose budget-friendly accommodation – Ladakh has a range of accommodation options, from luxurious hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses and homestays. If you are on a budget, consider staying in a homestays. These options are not only affordable but also provide an authentic Ladakhi experience, where you can interact with locals and learn about their way of life.
3. Eat Local – Ladakh has a unique cuisine that is influenced by Tibetan and Indian flavours. Eating local food is not only budget-friendly but also an excellent way to experience the local culture. Some popular dishes to try include thukpa (a noodle soup), momos (dumplings), and butter tea.

Let’s get started!

Ladakh, a high-altitude desert in the northernmost part of India, is a dream destination for many travellers. With its stunning landscapes, ancient Buddhist monasteries, and rich culture, Ladakh is a unique and unforgettable travel experience. However, travelling to Ladakh can be expensive, especially during the peak tourist season. But don’t worry, in this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with tips and tricks to help you plan a budget-friendly trip to Ladakh in 2024.

For all those wanting to do travel to Ladakh on a budget, here is a day-wise DIY (do it yourself) guide for a comfortable 15-day full circuit trip to Ladakh via Delhi, Manali & Srinagar.

Renting a Bike in Leh

You can rent a Bajaj Avenger for Rs. 1200/- a day or a Royal Enfield 350cc for Rs. 1800/- a day (No deposits needed). Reliable petrol pumps are now available in Leh, T-point before Diskit in Nubra Valley, Tangste village before Pangong and Karu.

(Tip: Travel during off season and get up to 40% discounts on the above rates).

 

Hiring a Taxi in Leh

Just walk across the travel agencies in Leh, they all have notice boards put up for people wanting to share a taxi. Below are the estimated return prices for a Xylo/Scorpio. The below fares are the per person costs for a taxi shared by 6 people.

• INR 850/- for Leh Local Sightseeing
• INR 4850/- for Leh to Pangong via Nubra Valley (Hunder/Turtuk) in 3N/4D
• INR 2750/- for Leh to Tso Moriri via Chumathang & Tanglang La in 1N/2D
• INR 2500/- for Leh to Srinagar via Kargil (non-stop)
• INR 3500/- for Leh to Manali (non-stop)

 

Ladakh Ecology & Environmental Fee (For Indian Tourists)

An environmental fee of Rs. 400/- per person + Rs. 20/- per person per day is mandatory for everyone visiting Ladakh. Optional Red Cross Fund (INR 50 per person). This fee includes the environmental fee (green fee), and wildlife fee. You are require to show the digital receipt at each point of entry/exit outside of Leh city. The fee can be paid online from the portal Leh District Tourists Management System https://www.lahdclehpermit.in/.

Protected Area Permit – PAP (For International Tourists)

It is mandatory for foreigners to obtain a Protected Area Permit also known as Inner Line Permit for visiting some of the protected areas of Ladakh such as Nubra Valley, Tso Pangong, Hanle, Tso Moriri, etc. The Protected Area Permit can be obtained through any local travel agent after you have arrived in Leh.

Cost

• INR 800/- for PAP, Ladakh Environmental Fee and Service Fee

Documents Required

• Original passport and visa (after you arrive in Leh)

(Important Note: Protected area permits to citizens of the following countries have to be obtained from the Ministry of Home Affairs / Ministry of External Affairs Govt. of India, New Delhi. China | Pakistan | Myanmar | Afghanistan | Sri Lanka | Bangladesh & those who Possess Diplomatic Official Passport).

 

Leh Ladakh Short Itinerary from Delhi (14N/15D)

Day 1: Delhi to Manali by overnight bus

Day 2: Arrive in Manali & Explore Manali

Day 3: Manali to Keylong

Day 4: Keylong to Leh

Day 5: Explore Leh

Day 6: Leh to Nubra Valley (Diskit/Hunder) via Khardung La

Day 7: Nubra Valley: Day trip to Turtuk, Tyakshi & Thang (Zero Point)

Day 8: Hunder to Tso Pangong via Shyok River

Day 9: Tso Pangong to Leh via Chang La

Day 10: River Rafting or Explore Leh on Foot

Day 11: Leh to Tso Moriri via Chumathang & Kyagar Tso

Day 12: Tso Moriri to Leh via Tanglang La, Puga hot-spring & Tso Kar

Day 13: Leh to Srinagar via Kargil

Day 14: Explore Srinagar

Day 15: Depart Srinagar

 

Detailed Itinerary from Delhi 14N/15D

Day 1: Delhi to Manali: You will get a non a/c Semi-Sleeper bus for Rs. 900 or an a/c Volvo bus ranging up to Rs. 1700/-. You can book your bus through HRTC or RedBus websites.

Day 2: Arrive in Manali: You can easily get a guesthouse costing around Rs. 400-500 per person near Mall Road and Old Manali or you can book a bunk bed in any of the youth hostels online. You can book hostels on hostelworld.com.

 

Day 3: Manali to Leh: You can cover this distance by either taking a shared taxi from Manali Taxi Stand or the HRTC Manali to Leh bus. In my opinion the Himachal Tourism HPTDC Bus (Manali to Leh Deluxe Bus) is the most comfortable way to cover this stretch.

The bus departs at 09:00 hrs and arrives in Leh at around 19:00 hrs the next day. The bus runs every alternate day and costs Rs. 3000/- along with a night halt at Keylong that includes your dinner and breakfast as well (accommodation in 4 & 6-bed dorms). Tickets can be booked at www.booking.hptdc.in. Bookings will open after 15th May.

Adding to that are those 10-minute halts at all the major engrossing locations on this stretch.

Manali – Solang Valley – Atal Tunnel – Sissu Village – Chenab River – Koksar – Keylong – Bara-lacha La Pass – Sarchu – Nakee La Pass – Lachulung La Pass – Pang – Tanglang La Pass – Karu – Leh

 

Day 4: Arrive in Leh: You will find many homestays which in my opinion are the best options to stay in Ladakh as they are easy on the pocket, beneficial to the locals, and conveniently accessible. The price for a homestay ranges from 600-800 INR for a single room & 1000-1200 INR for a double.

My personal favorite homestay in Leh is Greenland Guest House on Changspa Road, near the Changspa Bridge. Call on 0198-822-53156 to book your stay. Alternately, you can also Ti-Si Homestay near Leh main market on +91-9419243891.

Day 5: Explore Leh. Fall in for a jaunt of exploration with beautiful stopovers like the Leh Palace, Leh Market, Central Asian Museum, Jama Masjid, Shanti Stupa, Hall of Fame with Sound & Light Show, Zorawar Fort, Namgyal Tsemo, Spituk Monastery, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, Magnetic Hill, Sangam or maybe just a walk around this lovely town.

 

Day 6: Leh to Nubra Valley (Diskit-Hunder), approximately 130 km’s via Khardung La (17,582 ft.).

 

Nubra Valley: Homestays & Luxury Tents are available at Diskit & Hunder. In Nubra Valley, you can visit Diskit Monastery. It is over 250 years old and is the oldest monastery in Nubra Valley. Next to that lies an imposing 100 feet statue of Maitreya Buddha. From here head to the sand dunes at Hunder where you can spot the world-famous double-humped camels lounging on the desert. On the way, you can try your hands riding the ATV bikes in the desert or drive go-karts.

(Tip: You don;t need to carry extra fuel for Nubra Valley as there is a reliable petrol pump at T-Mord before Diskit).

 

Day 7: Nubra Valley: Day trip to Turtuk, Tyakshi & Thang (Zero Point) approximately 100 km one-way.

Early in the morning, head for a day trip to Turtuk. Geographically, Turtuk lies in the Baltistan region and is one of four such villages in India, the other three being Tyakshi, Chalunkha & Thang (Zero Point) after which the Pakistan side of Gilgit-Baltistan begins. After spending time at one of these beautiful villages, return to Hunder for the night.

(Tip: Turtuk is located on a hilltop and has to be explored on foot – to read more about Turtuk click here).

 

Day 8: Nubra Valley to Tso Pangong (approximately 130 km) via Shyok River

Tso Pangong: Today head to Pangong via Shyok River. This route goes via Agham – Shyok Village – Durbuk – Tangste to reach Pangong Tso. Lukung offers you basic stay options for INR 500-600 per person. Shooting Point & Spangmik which is some 8 km ahead offers Homestays for INR 1500 and Luxury Tents costing from 3000 to 10,000 INR for two people with dinner and breakfast. Later at night, embrace yourself for some astonishing fireworks in the sky at night.

(Tip: Since the number of rooms available at Pangong is less than half of those available in Leh, if travelling in peak season it is highly advised to book your stay at Pangong well in advance, especially if traveling with family).

 

Day 9: After breakfast return to Leh. In between, you can visit Hemis & Thiksey Monastery. Evening at leisure.

 

Day 10: River rafting at Indus or Zanskar River will cost around 1600 INR. The rapids might not turn out to be that adventurous, but the view is totally worth it. (Note: Body surfing here is much more fun).

OR

Take this day to explore the small lanes of Leh by foot, try bouldering, or just go shopping and at Leh Market. You can try some local Ladakhi food which has much in common with Tibetan food, the most prominent foods being Thukpa (noodle soup), and Tsampa, known in Ladakhi as Ngampe (roasted barley flour).

 

Day 11: Leh to Tso Moriri & Tso Kar, is approximately a 470 km round trip going via Chumathang and returning via Tanglang La.

Tso Moriri – Homestays and guest houses are available at Korzok. Flanked by golden brown mountains on one side and lush green plains on the other, Tso Moriri is nothing short of surreal. It is one of those few places where you can spot the rare and endangered black-necked cranes, Tibetan wolves, Tibetan foxes, and Tibetan Gazelles. You can even spot marmots – incredibly cute rodents, often found nibbling on something.

(Tip: Riding here is personally not advised as it’s a remote area and the roads are in a bad shape. It’s also one of the longest journeys you will be making. The nearest petrol pump at at Karu 45 km before Leh so carry extra fuel accordingly).

(TIp: There’s a state bus from Leh to Tso Moriri on the 10th, 20th & 30th of every month. Cost 370 INR one way).

Day 12: After breakfast return to Leh via Tso Kar, Puga Hot Springs & Tanglang La. Evening at leisure.

Day 13: Depart Leh: Check for flight fares from Srinagar to your home destination, if they are cheap you can return via Srinagar. If not, return the same way via Manali (Tip: Flying out from Srinagar is way cheaper than flying out from Leh).

A shared taxi to Srinagar will cost around INR 2500. The taxi departs Leh at 19:00 hrs and arrives in Srinagar by 08:00 hrs. (Note: A guest house in Srinagar near Dal Lake will cost around INR 500-700, wherein a standard houseboat will cost around INR 1200 for a double room).

Day 14: Arrive in Srinagar: Explore Srinagar.

Day 15: Take a flight back to your home destination (Tip: If you want to save days, then be wise and book your return tickets from Leh well in advance).

If you liked this blog, you may also like to read The Most Perfect Guide for Hanle in 2024 & 10 Reasons Why Ladakh Should Be Your Adventure Destination.

A humble request – Garbage disposal in the region is a major issue. Please carry your trash with you and dispose of it at the appropriate place.