Srinagar to Ladakh Distance – How Far is Ladakh from Srinagar

Many people, after spending some time in the Kashmir Valley, plan to visit Ladakh as well. The first thing that comes to their mind is the distance from Srinagar to Ladakh. Understanding the distance and travel options is essential for planning your trip. In this guide, we will cover the Srinagar to Ladakh distance, how long the journey takes, the best routes, and other useful travel tips.

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Table of Contents

How Far is Ladakh from Srinagar?

The distance from Srinagar to Ladakh is approximately 420 kilometers (260 miles). However, the actual distance may vary depending on your destination in Ladakh, as the region covers multiple beautiful towns and valleys, such as Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, and more.

Category	Details
Distance between Srinagar and Ladakh by Road	420 Kms
Travel Time from Srinagar to Ladakh by Road	10 to 12 hrs
Nearest Airport to Leh Ladakh	Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL)
Best Route to Travel	Srinagar-Sonmarg-Leh highway
Scenic Stops Along the Route	Sonmarg, Zojila pass, Zero point, Kargil war memorial, Drass
Public Transport Options	Taxi, Bus

Driving Distance from Srinagar to Leh

The driving distance from Srinagar to Leh (the capital of Ladakh) is about 420 kilometers (260 miles). The journey typically takes around 9 to 11 hours, depending on road conditions, traffic, and stops along the way. This route is one of the most popular and adventurous road, taking you through breathtaking landscapes and high-altitude passes, such as Zojila pass.

Travel Options from Srinagar to Ladakh

1. Srinagar to Ladakh by Taxi

The most common and adventurous way to travel from Srinagar to Leh is by road. This road journey typically takes around 9 to 11 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. You can check the latest Ladakh taxi fare list here.

Driving: If you are traveling by private car, the journey offers incredible views, especially some of the highest mountain passes of India.
Taxi Services: Pre-booking a taxi from Srinagar is a convenient option. Taxi fares typically range between ₹15,000–₹27,000, depending on the type of vehicle.
Stops Along the Way: Don’t miss scenic spots during your Srinagar to Ladakh journey. such as Sonmarg, Zero point, Kargil war memorial.

2. Srinagar to Ladakh by Bus

For budget travelers, Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation (JKSRTC) offers bus services between Srinagar and Leh. However, this option can take longer and may not be as comfortable.
Duration: Buses may take longer due to multiple stops, approximately 12-14 hours.

3. Srinagar to Leh by Train

As of January 2025, there is currently no direct train service from Srinagar to Leh. The proposed Srinagar-Kargil-Leh railway line has not yet been completed, and the existing options for traveling between these two locations primarily involve road transport.

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4. Srinagar to Ladakh by Flight

You can also take a direct flight from Srinagar to Leh, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. This is a faster, more convenient option if you are short on time.

The minimum airfare for a one-way flight from Srinagar to Leh starts at approximately ₹4,449, with prices varying based on demand, booking time, and availability. With average fare range from around ₹4,000 to ₹12,000, depending on the class and timing of the flight.

Best Route from Srinagar to Ladakh

The best route from Srinagar to Ladakh follows the Srinagar-Leh Highway (NH1D), which is open during the summer months from May to October. Here’s a breakdown of the route:

Srinagar to Sonmarg: 80 km (2-3 hours)
Sonmarg to Zojila Pass: 23 km (45 minutes)
Zojila Pass to Drass: 40 km (1-2 hours)
Drass to Kargil: 60 km (2-3 hours)
Kargil to Leh: 150 km (5-6 hours)

The most popular and widely used route from Srinagar to Ladakh is via Zoji La Pass. This pass is situated at an altitude of 3,528 meters (11,575 feet) and offers stunning views of the Himalayan range. The road passes through Drass, the second coldest inhabited place on earth. This route usually takes about 12-14 hours for the entire journey, depending on weather and road conditions.

How Long Does It Take to Travel from Srinagar to Ladakh?

The total time for your Srinagar to Ladakh trip depends on various factors, including road conditions, your pace, and the number of stops you make. On average, the journey takes about 2 days if you want to drive comfortably and enjoy the views along the way. However, some adventurous travelers may complete the trip in a single day, but this is not recommended due to the high-altitude conditions.

Best Time to Travel from Srinagar to Ladakh

The best time to travel from Srinagar to Ladakh is from May to October, as the roads are open and weather conditions are favorable. The winter months (November to March) can be harsh, and roads may be closed due to heavy snowfall, especially at higher altitudes like Zojila Pass.

Tips for Your Srinagar to Ladakh Journey

Plan Ahead: Check weather conditions and road status before your trip.
Start Early: Begin your journey early in the morning to make the most of daylight hours.
Altitude Sickness: Ladakh is at a high altitude, so take it slow and acclimatize to avoid altitude sickness.
Stay Hydrated: Carry enough water and snacks for the road.
Vehicle Readiness: If driving, ensure your vehicle is in good condition and ready for long, high-altitude travel.
Permits: Ensure you have the necessary permits to travel through restricted areas.
Camera Ready: Don’t forget your camera! The views along the way are breathtaking.

Travel My Kashmir – Your Trusted Partner for Srinagar to Ladakh Journeys

Travel My Kashmir offers various travel services to help you make your Srinagar to Ladakh journey hassle-free. We offer:

Taxi Services: Convenient taxi booking from Srinagar to Ladakh with experienced drivers who know the routes well.
Self-Drive Car Rentals: If you want to explore Ladakh at your own pace, we provide self-drive car rental options, equipped with necessary supplies for high-altitude travel.

We offer a range of taxi options for your Ladakh trip, including Sedans, SUVs, and Tempo Travellers. To book a Srinagar to Leh taxi, simply contact us at +91-9796466052. Your taxi will be reserved in no time.