Kashmir with Ladakh
Kashmir and Ladakh, by the road over Zoji La.
Start in Srinagar, then drive the Srinagar–Leh road over Zoji La, through Drass and Kargil, to Leh, Nubra and Pangong. Going this way, the climb to altitude is gradual. The road is closed in winter, so this is a summer trip.
Srinagar to Leh
About 420 km, 2 days
Night on the way
Kargil, about 2,700 m
Leh
About 3,500 m
Season
June to September
The short answer
Srinagar first, two days by road to Leh, fly home from Leh.
Spend the first nights in Srinagar and the valley, then drive the Srinagar–Leh road: Sonamarg, over Zoji La, through Drass and Kargil, where you sleep at about 2,700 m, and on past Lamayuru to Leh at about 3,500 m. The road is about 420 km and takes two days. A rest day in Leh comes before Khardung La, Nubra and Pangong, and you fly home from Leh. The road closes in winter and opens when the snow is cleared, usually in late spring; June to September is the reliable window.
By Shahid Parvez Khan (Local Operations Lead)·Published by Falcon Trails·Updated
How the trip fits together
Kashmir
Srinagar and the valley
Dal Lake, Gulmarg or Pahalgam: two to four nights.
Day 1 on the road
Srinagar to Kargil
Via Sonamarg, over Zoji La, through Drass and the Kargil war memorial.
Day 2 on the road
Kargil to Leh
Past Mulbekh’s rock-cut Maitreya and the Lamayuru moonland, along the Indus.
Ladakh
Leh, Nubra and Pangong
A rest day in Leh first, then over Khardung La to Nubra and on to Pangong Tso.
Home
Fly out of Leh
Leh airport, so you never drive the road twice.
Why Srinagar to Leh, not the other way
- Altitude comes slowly: a night in Kargil at about 2,700 m before Leh at about 3,500 m.
- You end in Leh and fly home, instead of driving back over the passes.
- Kashmir’s gentler days come first, before the long road days.
The rest day in Leh before the high passes is not negotiable: it is what keeps people well.
When the road is open
The Srinagar–Leh road closes in winter and opens when the snow on Zoji La is cleared, usually in late spring; late snow can push that back. We confirm the road is open before you book, and June to September is the window we plan around. See Srinagar to Leh by road.
Compare your starting options
Catalogue starting prices for land arrangements on twin-sharing, excluding flights. The two-adult figure is twice the per-person baseline, not a confirmed quote. Dates, room category and availability can change the total. Ask for named hotels, taxes, child charges and local sightseeing extras in writing.
| Itinerary | Duration | Route | Per adult from | Two adults from |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Srinagar to Leh Road Trip | 7 nights / 8 days | Srinagar → Sonamarg → Kargil → Leh → Nubra → Pangong | ₹28,500 | ₹57,000 |
| Kashmir Essentials | 4 nights / 5 days | Srinagar → Gulmarg → Pahalgam | ₹12,500 | ₹25,000 |
| Kashmir Grand Tour | 6 nights / 7 days | Srinagar → Sonamarg → Gulmarg → Pahalgam → Doodhpathri | ₹18,500 | ₹37,000 |
Editorial & Ground Verification
Published by local travel planners
Published by Shahid Parvez Khan
Founder & Lead Planner, Falcon Trails · Operating Kashmir mountain routes since 2010 · shahid.co.in
Published by our operations desk in Barbarshah / Munawara Abad, Srinagar. This guide supports planning; it is not a live status feed. Confirm mountain access, taxi charges and hotel heating for your exact dates before committing.
Ground Dispatch & Preferred Source
Ask our Srinagar desk about your proposed route, and check current official road and weather advice before travel.
Learn more about our team on the About page or contact our desk.
Content updated:
Questions
What people ask us.
How many days for Kashmir and Ladakh?
Ten to twelve nights covers Srinagar and the valley, two road days to Leh, a rest day, and Nubra and Pangong. The Srinagar to Leh road trip on its own is seven nights.
When can you drive from Srinagar to Leh?
Once the road over Zoji La opens after winter, usually in late spring, until it closes with the snow. June to September is the reliable window.
Is it safe for families with elderly parents?
With the night in Kargil and a rest day in Leh, yes for most. Anyone with a heart or lung condition should take medical advice before going above 3,500 m.
What does it cost?
The starting prices of the itineraries are on the cards below; we quote the combined trip in writing for your dates and group.
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