The gorgeous valley of Ladakh needs no introduction in itself for being one of the most-talked-about destinations in India. It is a dream destination for most travel enthusiasts and adventure lovers. However, the most hyped experience about Ladakh tourism is being explored on bikes with your gang. But to the best of your knowledge, this experience of winding through rugged mountain passes, getting across pristine rivers or lakes, and witnessing surreal landscapes that seem straight out of movies can get more comfortable on four wheels with an ultimate Jeep Safari in Ladakh. So, what does a Ladakh jeep safari feel like? Crisply winding it in one line, a Leh-Ladakh jeep safari is an experience that will leave you spellbound and yearning for more. But for a more detailed take, let’s break down everything you need to know to plan your own Jeep Safari experience on your next Leh Ladakh tour package.
Why a Jeep Safari in Ladakh?
Answering straight, you should choose Jeep Safari as it is the best way to explore the beauty of Ladakh’s heavenly landscapes. However, the journey to your destination is not always about exploration but much more. Many other relative factors will simultaneously affect the success of your trip. Here are the other considerations for choosing Jeep Safari in Ladakh over other conveyances for having the experience of a lifetime:
1. Access to Remote-hidden Gems: Ladakh is full of offbeat spots that require both time and effort. A jeep safari in Ladakh would let you explore remote treasures with ease without ruining your comfort and experience altogether. Jeeps will give you the flexibility to stop at your will anytime anywhere.
2. Blend of Comfort, Convenience, and Adventure: Your two options to explore Ladakh via private vehicle will either by choosing the best bike in india for Ladakh trip or by choosing a jeep Safari trips. But, jeeps provide the comfort of a roof over your head while still giving you a front-end experience of Ladakh’s breathtaking views.
3. Perfect Choice for Groups and Family Trips: Another great deal with Jeep safari would be if you are travelling solo, with friends, with family, or even with a group, a Ladakh jeep safari is suitable for every kind of trip. Jeep safari allows everyone to travel together, enjoy the views, and share experiences.
4. Sightseeing & Photographer’s First: Ladakh’s landscapes are a dream come true for photographers and in fact something to flex about with social media everywhere. It is a very popular choice amongst youngsters. A jeep safari allows you to stop at scenic points for close sightseeing and capture the magic to, later on, flaunt it all over your social page.
5. Personalized experience and Less Tiring: Jeep Safaris will allows the travellers to even customize the pre-decided route, and go for extra miles and locations based in your choice at some extra bucks. Also, with experienced hired drivers, you won’t be feeling exhausted but busy enjoying the real journey safely.
Suggested Read: The Best of Leh - Ladakh in 7 days
Best Time for Jeep Safari in Leh Ladakh
The best time for a jeep safari in Ladakh is from June to September. The roads are open following no casualties due to snowfalls. During these months, the snow has melted, revealing Ladakh’s stunning lush landscapes. The weather is relatively amazing for exploring with temperatures ranging between 15°C to 25°C. You can also get a detailed overview of the best time to visit Leh Ladakh with our guide.
Best Routes for a Ladakh Jeep Safari
Jeep Safari in Ladakh will certainly give you the Ladakhi experience in ways that you would not even think of. But, there is more to your this dream, and it would be the route you decide on to to reach Ladakh. While the roads may be tough and challenging but also adventurous and beautiful to witness everything that comes along. Your route to Ladakh will crucially make your journey the ONE!!! So decide cautiously as you won’t be going to Ladakh every now and then for sure. It's an experience of a lifetime, so decide thoughtfully on your way to Ladakh.
1. Manali to Leh
One of the most scenic routes to Leh-Ladakh is en route via Manali, Himachal Pradesh. It is an ultimate iconic route filled with excellent unspoiled Himalayan beauty as well as thrilling mountain passes like the famous Rohtang La, Baralacha La, and Tanglang La. You won’t be having any residential stops on your way, so you would want to and even you should stop by the serene Sarchu camps on the way.
The whole journey is absolutely appealing and worth every moment with nature even before you reach your destination in Ladakh and the reason why it is included in most tour Packages of Ladakh.
Distance: 480 Kilometers
Estimated Time: 15-16 hours distributed in 2-3 days
Estimated Cost: ₹27000 to ₹79000 per person
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Major Attractions on the Route: Nubra Valley, Leh, Pangong Lake, Khardung La, Alchi, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, Manali, Keylong, Sarchu, Pang, Leh, Rohtang Pass (3980 mt), Baralacha La (4891 mt), Lachung La (5079 mt), Tanglag La (5500 mts)
Suggested Read: The Complete Guide to Camping in Leh Ladakh: Spots, Tips, and Much More!
2. Srinagar to Leh
The best way to witness the capital city of Jammu & Kashmir along with dreamy Leh would be on four wheels. And at your ease, there are several tour packages of jeep safari in Ladakh commencing from Srinagar city. The route is a visual treat with lush green valleys, tower-like mountains, and the famous Zoji La pass. You will also visit the stunning Sonmarg and Kargil in between.
Distance: 425 kilometers
Estimated Time: 10-12 hours distributed in 2 days
Estimated Cost: ₹20000 to ₹50000 per person
Difficulty Level: Strenuous & Challenging
Places on the route: Sonamarg, Zoji La Pass (3528 m), Namika La (3815 m), Fotu La (4108 m), Kargil, Dras, Lamayuru, Mulbekh Buddha Statue, Fatu La Pass, Zoji La, Kargil, Magnetic Hills, Alchi, Moon valley, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib
3. Leh to Pangong Lake
This route would probably be one of the most picturesque and adventurous safaris of your lifetime. The route takes you to the mesmerizing crystal-clear waters of Pangong Lake, where you would just feel like living in a dream. The journey starts from Shey town touring various attractions like the monastery and Buddha statue, through Chang La pass to your ultimate destination at Pangong Lake. The lake itself is known for night camping for a minimum of 2-3 days. The whole area is like nature’s blessing to human beings and a must-visit in general. But, if you decide to go for Leh Ladakh jeep safari, it would be a bonanza for your trip experience.
Distance: 160 kilometers
Estimated Time: 6-7 hours
Estimated Cost: ₹15000 to ₹25000 per person
Main Route: Pangong Tso Lake-Leh Road via Chang La Pass
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Places on the Route: Shey, Karu, Shakti, Chang La, Durbuk, Tangste, Spangmik, Tso Moriri, Pangong Lake
Suggested Read: Here is your Ladakh Overview
4. Leh to Nubra Valley
Your maybe best jeep safari in Ladakh would be via this route passing through the Nubra Valley. Drive through the highest motorable pass in the world, Khardung La, to reach the desert-like Nubra Valley. The valley is not only famous for its double-humped camels and sand dunes but also the major attractions near to Ladakh. It would be like a tour within a tour for it will include almost every experience from desert camping to jeep safari to camel rides to monasteries to ultimate Leh-Ladakh.
Distance: 160 kilometers
Estimated Time: 5-7 hours
Estimated Cost: ₹25000 to ₹50000 per person
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Major Attractions on the Route: Shanti Stupa, Monasteries, Turtuk Village, Camel Safaris, Sand dunes, Khardung La Pass, Diskit, Hunder, Turtuk, and Panamik Village
5. Leh to Tso Moriri
Tso Moriri area is a lesser-known area of Ladakh but equally stunning. This route leads you to the pristine Tso Moriri Lake, which is a natural hot spring at Chumathang at an altitude of 3965 meters. It’s perfect for those seeking solitude and serenity while enjoying a therapeutic bath in the Tso Moriri. There are several other attractions too for the region is rich in wildlife and activities.
Distance: 240 kilometers
Estimated Time: 7-8 hours
Estimated Cost: ₹30000 to ₹50000 per person
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Major Attractions on the Route: Gompas of Shey and Thiksey, Monasteries, Landscapes, Birdwatching, Tso Moriri, Chumathang, Thiksey, Shey, Leh
Suggested Read: 15 Historical Places In Ladakh: Your Ultimate History Guide
Must-Have Essentials for Jeep Safari in Ladakh
1. Permits: The first and foremost essential would be the permits you would need to wander in and around Leh-Ladakh. Most of these are either available online or with your tour package. But, before making the final booking with your tour manager, just make sure everything is up-to-date.
2. Warm Clothes: Of course, not to be reminded probably, but temperatures in Ladakh can drop drastically, especially at night. So, do put the best of your woollens on hand.
3. Snacks and Water: Well, your route will have small eateries, food joints, and restaurants (dhabas), but it’s always good to carry extra snacks and handy edibles for this jeep safari.
4. First Aid Kit: Do carry your routine medicines and some options for altitude sickness, nausea, and basic pain relief.
5. Documents: Apart from permits, keep your ID proofs and vehicle papers handy and accessible.
6. Power Bank: Charging points are rare in remote areas of Ladakh. And even if available at camps, there will be limited time with limited sockets. Carrying power banks becomes a must.
Suggested Read: 12 Best Things To Do In Leh Ladakh—Your Ultimate Tour Guide
Quick Tips for a Smooth Ladakh Jeep Safari
Once done with packing essentials, you should keep some other key things in mind for a smooth jeep safari in Ladakh:
1. Accommodate and Adapt in Leh: For your benefit, the first recommendation would be to spend at least two days in Leh to get used to the high altitude before moving ahead to more remote areas at a higher level of altitude.
2. Get yourself an Experienced Driver: While self-driving is a preference, but not recommended for places like Leh and nearby valleys. The roads here can be challenging for most plain drivers, so it’s best to have someone skilled behind the wheel for your safety.
3. Start Early: Begin your day early to cover long distances for most jeep safari in Ladakh would be of long duration and distances. It will be great even to avoid/cope with unexpected weather changes.
4. Fuel Up: Petrol pumps are located at huge gaps and are few in number, so always keep your tank full.
Suggested Read: Unleash the beast within you bike trip to ladakh.
Conclusion
Your jeep safari in Ladakh won’t be just a road trip, it will be your unforgettable journey through the most stunning landscapes on Earth. Some moments to cherish for life. Navigating through the allure of these astonishingly beautiful landscapes on four wheels with add comfort as well as adventure to your trip. So, fuel up your spirit of adventure along with your car of course, and get ready for the ride across Ladakh for a lifetime experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which car is best for Ladakh trip?
The best cars for Ladakh trip are high ground clearance with strong engine built-up cars like Thar, Scorpio, and Bolero which can easily adapt to rough terrains. Other good options can be Safari Strome or other stylish SUVs with similar features.
2. Do I need a permit for a Ladakh jeep safari?
Yes, most areas in Ladakh like Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, and Tso Moriri require an Inner Line Permit (ILP), which you can get in Leh or sometimes even book online in advance.
3. Can I rent a jeep in Ladakh?
Yes, you can rent a self-drive jeep or hire one with a driver in Ladakh for jeep safari in Ladakh would be the best way to explore this worldly tourism. Also, Leh has plenty of rental services to choose from.
4. Is the jeep safari in Ladakh safe?
Yes, jeep safari in Ladakh is in fact the safest option to go around wandering the city. Just remember to follow safety guidelines, hire experienced drivers, and drive cautiously on mountain roads.
5. How many days are ideal for a Ladakh jeep safari?
The ideal days for your Ladakh jeep safari will depend on your route. A normal Leh-Ladakh jeep safari can take around 7-10 days while adding more destinations or long routes like Srinagar & Manali could extend it to 12-15 days.
