Srinagar to Leh by Road 2025: Toilets, Food Stops, Fuel Pumps, Road Conditions & Taxi Fares
My Experience of the Srinagar to Leh Highway Road Trip
The Srinagar–Leh highway is not just a route, it’s a journey through breathtaking valleys, high-altitude passes, and historic towns. Covering 430–450 km via Sonmarg, Zojila, Drass, Kargil, Mulbekh, Lamayuru, Khalsi, and finally Leh — this road trip is on every traveller’s bucket list.
But before you start, you’ll have questions: “Network milega? Toilets kahaan? Petrol pumps aur food stops kahan hain? Kya ek din mein Leh pahunch sakte hain?”
I recently rode this route in September 2025 on a Himalayan 411 and Classic 350. Here’s the real ground update for travellers in 2025.
Srinagar–Leh Road Conditions (2025)
Road is excellent except for ~20 km at Zojila Pass (dusty, narrow, and rough). Rest of the 400+ km is smooth blacktop. No potholes, no kachha road. Journey possible in one day if you start early. We left at 6 AM and reached Leh at 8 PM with photo and food breaks.
Pro Tip: Don’t tail trucks on Zojila — overtake when safe to avoid dust and stones.
At Drass, we were asked to enter our name and phone number at a check post. Took just 5 minutes.
Mobile Network on Srinagar–Leh Highway
Jio, Airtel & BSNL all work well. BSNL sometimes performs better than Jio/Airtel in patchy stretches. You will only lose network for 10–20 km total, mainly on high passes (Zojila, Namika La, Fotu La). Otherwise, expect to stay connected.
Food & Toilets
Dhabas and cafés every 20–30 km, serving Maggi, parathas, thalis, tea. Toilets available at most dhabas and are reasonably clean. Army cafés are also open for civilians at select spots. No food/toilets on passes (Zojila, Namika La, Fotu La). Carry water/snacks for these stretches.
Food Cost: Around ₹500 per person/day (3 meals).
Petrol Pumps on Srinagar- Leh Highway(2025 Update)
Fuel is no longer an issue on this route. Pumps are available at:
– Gagangir (near Sonmarg) – last pump on Kashmir side
– Drass
– Kargil (also has a major hospital)
– Mulbekh
– Lamayuru
– Khalsi
– Nimmu (before Leh)
Keep fuel for 150 km range in your tank. No need for jerry cans unless your bike has a very small tank.
Fuel Cost (Round Trip, Bike): Around ₹3,600 on Himalayan 411 (slightly less on Classic 350).
Medical & Emergency Help
Major Hospital: Kargil
Healthcare Centres: Drass, Lamayuru, Khalsi
Army camps provide basic medical help in emergencies.
No issues of altitude sickness for us, but be cautious with kids/elderly.
Where to Stay (Midway Options)
If you want to break the journey into 2 days:
– Drass — budget guesthouses
– Kargil — widest range of hotels + hospital nearby
– Lamayuru — peaceful guesthouses near Moonland
Stay Cost: ₹1,500–2,000 for a double room (basic, without meals).
Best Photo/Video Stops
Top Picks:
– Sangam (Zanskar–Indus confluence)
– Namika La Pass
– Lamayuru Moonland & monasteries
– Likir Monastery & village
Other Great Stops:
Wayul Bridge (Ganderbal), Zero Point, Z-Morh Tunnel, Sonmarg, Drass War Memorial, Kargil War Memorial, Kargil City, Fotu La Pass, Gurdwara Pathar Sahib, Magnetic Hill, Kargil Hall of Fame.
Optional Detours (extra days & cost): Alchi, Aaryan (Dha–Hanu) villages, Rangdum, Padum (Zanskar), Tiger Hill viewpoint.
Sharing Cab vs Private Taxi
Sharing Cabs
Sharing Cab Costs ₹3,500–4,000 per person.
– Available at Taxi Stand No. 1, JK Bank HQ, Srinagar.
– Vehicles: Tavera, Xylo, Innova.
– Cons: Seating assigned by driver, limited 1–2 stops, no hotel pickup.
Private Taxi
Private Taxi (Travel My Kashmir):
– Starts from your hotel or chosen pickup point.
– Freedom to stop anywhere for photos, tea, or sightseeing.
– Transparent pricing (see below).
Pro Tip: Start by 5–6 AM for less traffic and smooth Zojila crossing.
Clothing & Safety Tips
Full-sleeve jacket, trousers, gloves, helmet → must.
Apply sunscreen (I got sunburn without it).
Carry rain gear (weather can change quickly).
Pack a basic toolkit (clutch/accelerator cables, puncture kit).
Avoid being stuck behind trucks at Zojila.
Approximate Trip Budget (Bike Traveller)
Fuel (round trip): ~₹3,600
Food: ~₹500 per person/day (₹1,000 for 2 days)
Stay (optional): ₹1,500–2,000 per room per night (basic, no meals)
Srinagar–Leh Taxi Fare with Travel My Kashmir (2025)
Option 1
– Same Day (Srinagar → Leh)
– Sedan (Etios/Dzire): ₹16,000
– Ertiga / Innova: ₹18,000
– Innova Crysta: ₹22,000
– Tempo Traveller: ₹26,000
– Urbania (Luxury Traveller): ₹30,000
Option 2
– 2 Days (Srinagar → Kargil → Leh)
– Sedan (Etios/Dzire): ₹18,000
– Ertiga / Innova: ₹21,000
– Innova Crysta: ₹25,000
– Tempo Traveller: ₹29,000
– Urbania (Luxury Traveller): ₹33,000
Srinagar–Leh Taxi Fare with Travel My Kashmir (2025)
Why Travel My Kashmir?
– 1500+ happy guests (Google rating 4.9/5 ⭐)
– Own fleet of 150+ cabs (sedans, SUVs, Crysta, Tempo, Urbania)
– Verified reviews on Google, TripAdvisor, TrustPilot
– Flexible sightseeing stops + real-time route updates
📲 WhatsApp: +91 9796466052 | +91 9622222987
🌐 Visit: www.travelmykashmir.com
Final Word
The Srinagar–Leh road in 2025 is smooth, safe, and incredibly scenic. Toilets and food are available almost everywhere, petrol pumps are frequent, and connectivity is solid with Jio, Airtel, and BSNL.
👉 If you’re riding, remember: Start early, keep 150 km fuel buffer, and use sunscreen.
👉 If you want a comfortable journey without the hassle, Travel My Kashmir’s taxis are the most trusted option.
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes. Start early (5–6 AM), ~14 hours with quick stops.
No permits for Srinagar–Leh. Permits required for Nubra, Pangong, Hanle, etc. from Leh side.
May to October/November, depending on weather. September = best balance of weather + less rush.
