Srinagar to Leh Road Trip
Complete Srinagar–Kargil–Leh Highway Guide
The Srinagar to Leh road trip is one of the most scenic ways to enter Ladakh. The route passes through the Kashmir Valley, Sonamarg, Zoji La, Drass, Kargil, Mulbekh, Lamayuru and the Indus Valley before reaching Leh.
Most travellers divide the journey into two days with an overnight stay in Kargil. This is much more practical than attempting the entire mountain highway in one continuous drive and also provides a more gradual altitude gain than flying directly to Leh.
Why Choose the Srinagar Route?
The route combines Kashmir scenery, historic towns, mountain passes and western Ladakh monasteries. It is especially suitable for travellers who want to enter Ladakh slowly and leave through Manali or fly home from Leh.
How Long Should You Allow?
Two days is the standard duration. Three days is better for families, photographers, senior travellers or anyone who wants more time in Drass, Kargil and Lamayuru.
Road Access Is Seasonal
District Leh states that the highway generally remains open from May to November or December. Exact dates vary with snow clearance, weather, safety and traffic regulation at Zoji La.
A Road Trip Still Requires Altitude Awareness
The ascent is more gradual than flying, but the route still reaches high terrain and ends in Leh above 3,500 metres. Monitor symptoms and keep the first evening in Leh light.
Last Reviewed: July 2026
Road timings and traffic rules can change at short notice. Check current police, district and weather advisories immediately before departure.
Srinagar to Leh Road Trip at a Glance
2 Days
With an overnight stay in Kargil.
420–440 km
Varies by route and local diversion.
Kargil
Best choice of accommodation and services.
May–November
Subject to road clearance and weather.
Srinagar to Leh Road Trip Itinerary
Srinagar to Kargil
Leave Srinagar early and travel toward Sonamarg. Continue through the Zoji La section to Drass and then proceed to Kargil.
- Srinagar departure early in the morning
- Breakfast or short stop near Sonamarg
- Cross Zoji La according to traffic control
- Visit Drass and selected viewpoints
- Continue to Kargil for overnight stay
Approximate distance: District Kargil lists Srinagar to Kargil at about 260 km.
Kargil to Leh
Leave after breakfast and travel through Mulbekh, Namika La, Fotu La, Lamayuru and the western Indus Valley.
- Mulbekh rock-carved Maitreya stop
- Namika La and Fotu La crossings
- Lamayuru Monastery and Moonland
- Optional Alchi or Sangam depending on time
- Arrival in Leh by evening
Approximate distance: District Kargil lists Kargil to Leh at about 220 km.
Three-Day Srinagar to Leh Itinerary
Srinagar to Drass
Travel through Sonamarg and Zoji La, then stay in Drass for a shorter first driving day.
Drass to Lamayuru or Kargil
Visit Kargil and Mulbekh, then continue toward Lamayuru if the group is comfortable.
Lamayuru to Leh
Explore Lamayuru and western Ladakh before reaching Leh at a relaxed pace.
Main Places on the Srinagar–Leh Highway
Srinagar
Begin with a full fuel tank, cash, verified documents and an early departure.
Sonamarg
A scenic Kashmir stop before the climb toward Zoji La. Avoid long delays when pass traffic is controlled.
Zoji La
The key seasonal pass connecting Kashmir with Drass and Ladakh. Expect traffic regulation and changing weather.
Drass
An important halt with hotels, tea stalls and tourist accommodation, plus views toward Tiger Hill and Tololing.
Kargil
The standard overnight base with hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, fuel and basic services.
Mulbekh
Known for the rock-carved Maitreya and a convenient cultural stop between Kargil and Lamayuru.
Namika La and Fotu La
High passes on the Kargil–Lamayuru section. Keep stops brief in strong wind or poor weather.
Lamayuru
A major monastery and Moonland landscape directly on the Srinagar–Leh route.
Sangam and Magnetic Hill
Optional final-day stops near Leh when there is enough daylight and energy.
Taxi, Bus, Shared Vehicle or Self-Drive?
Private Taxi
Best for families, couples and travellers who want flexible stops. Confirm whether the same vehicle is permitted for onward local Ladakh sightseeing.
Bus or Shared Vehicle
More economical but less flexible. Seasonal schedules may depend on road and passenger availability.
Motorcycle
Suitable only for experienced riders using appropriate protective equipment and a well-maintained motorcycle.
Self-Drive Car
Check vehicle documents, rental restrictions and current local rules before planning internal Ladakh routes.
Practical Road-Trip Services
Fuel
Fill up in Srinagar and again in Kargil. Do not depend on every small roadside outlet being available.
Food
Sonamarg, Drass, Kargil, Mulbekh and Lamayuru offer meal or tea options, but opening hours can vary.
Accommodation
Kargil provides the widest midway choice. Drass has tourist accommodation and hotels, while Lamayuru has smaller guesthouses and homestays.
Cash and Network
Carry cash and save bookings offline. Mobile and digital payment reliability can vary on the road.
See connectivity preparation in the mobile network in Ladakh guide.
Important Srinagar to Leh Road-Trip Advice
- Check current Zoji La traffic timing before leaving Srinagar.
- Avoid driving after dark on unfamiliar mountain sections.
- Inspect tyres, brakes, lights and fuel before departure.
- Carry identification, vehicle papers and hotel details.
- Pack warm layers even in summer.
- Use seat belts and avoid rash overtaking.
- Do not stop in unsafe landslide or military zones.
- Keep one buffer day for weather or traffic delays.
- Monitor headache, nausea and unusual fatigue.
- Keep the first evening in Leh relaxed.
Ladakh Police advises drivers to assess their fitness, inspect the vehicle, check road and weather conditions and carry essential documents before national-highway travel.
More Gradual Than Flying
The route rises gradually through Kashmir, Drass and Kargil before reaching Leh. This can support adjustment, but it does not eliminate altitude illness.
Read the Ladakh acclimatization guide.
Related Ladakh Travel Guides
Ladakh Travel Guide
Plan the complete trip from arrival to departure.
Ladakh Itinerary
Add Nubra, Pangong, Tso Moriri or Hanle after reaching Leh.
Manali to Leh Road Trip
Compare the alternative high-altitude highway.
Ladakh Packing List
Prepare clothing, medicines and road-trip equipment.
Where to Stay in Ladakh
Choose accommodation in Kargil, Leh and remote regions.
Best Time to Visit Ladakh
Understand seasonal highway and sightseeing conditions.
Road-Trip Checklist
- Current highway status checked
- Zoji La traffic timing confirmed
- Kargil hotel booked
- Vehicle inspected
- Fuel tank filled
- Identification and vehicle papers packed
- Cash and offline maps carried
- Warm layers accessible
- Water, snacks and medicines packed
- One buffer day available
Stay Overnight in Kargil
The two-day plan is safer, more comfortable and better for sightseeing than attempting Srinagar to Leh in a single continuous drive.