Kashmir guide · Srinagar to Leh
Srinagar to Leh by road, over Zoji La.
About 420 km over two days: Sonamarg, the climb over Zoji La, Drass and its war memorial, a night in Kargil, then Mulbekh, Lamayuru and the Indus to Leh. The road closes in winter, so plan for summer.
Distance
About 420 km
Time
2 days, night in Kargil
Kargil
About 2,700 m
Leh
About 3,500 m
The short answer
Two days, with the night in Kargil.
The Srinagar–Leh road is about 420 km. Drive it in two days: Srinagar to Kargil on day one, via Sonamarg (about 80 km from Srinagar), Zoji La and Drass, and Kargil to Leh on day two, past Mulbekh and Lamayuru. Sleeping in Kargil at about 2,700 m before Leh at about 3,500 m lets the body adjust. The road closes in winter and opens when Zoji La is cleared of snow, usually in late spring; June to September is the reliable window. Confirm the road is open before you travel.
By Shahid Parvez Khan (Local Operations Lead)·Published by Falcon Trails·Updated
The road, stage by stage
Day 1
Srinagar to Sonamarg
About 80 km up the Sindh valley. The last big town before the pass.
Day 1
Over Zoji La
The pass between the Kashmir valley and Ladakh. Snow clearance decides when the road opens each year.
Day 1
Drass
A stop at the Kargil war memorial on the way through.
Night
Kargil, about 2,700 m
The overnight stop, and the first step up in altitude.
Day 2
Mulbekh and Lamayuru
The rock-cut Maitreya at Mulbekh, and the eroded moonland around Lamayuru.
Day 2
Along the Indus to Leh
Leh is at about 3,500 m. Rest the next day before any higher pass.
When the road is open
The road over Zoji La is closed in winter and opens once the snow is cleared, usually in late spring; late snow can push the opening back, and storms can shut it for a day or two even in season.
June to September is the window we plan around. Check the road status from the Border Roads Organisation or the J&K traffic advisories before you set off.
Altitude: why this direction is easier
- Driving from Srinagar, you climb gradually: a night at about 2,700 m in Kargil before Leh at about 3,500 m.
- Keep the first day in Leh as a rest day before Khardung La, Nubra or Pangong.
- Anyone with a heart or lung condition should take medical advice before going above 3,500 m.
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 |
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 far is Leh from Srinagar by road?
About 420 km, usually driven over two days with a night in Kargil.
Is the Srinagar–Leh road open in winter?
No. It closes in winter and reopens when Zoji La is cleared of snow, usually in late spring. June to September is the reliable window.
Where is Drass?
On the Srinagar–Leh road between Zoji La and Kargil. The Kargil war memorial is at Drass.
Can we combine this with a Kashmir trip?
Yes: a few nights in the valley, then the road to Leh, and fly home from Leh. See Kashmir and Ladakh tour packages.
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