Overview
The “Land of High Passes,” Leh Ladakh, is a popular destination for those who enjoy adventure, the outdoors, and culture.
A trip to Ladakh is an experience of a lifetime, with its rich Tibetan-influenced culture and stunning landscapes. This thorough book will provide you all the information you need to plan your trip from Pune to Leh Ladakh, including travel routes, must-see locations, cultural experiences, and crucial travel advice.
How to Get from Pune to Leh Ladakh
1. By Air (The Most Convenient and Quickest)
There are no flights operating directly between Pune and Leh. A connecting flight via Delhi, Chandigarh, or Srinagar will be required.
Well-liked Paths:
Delhi → Leh → Pune (total time: 6-7 hours)
Pune to Chandigarh to Leh (about 7-8 hours in total)
Leh to Srinagar to Pune (Total time: seven to nine hours)
2. By Train (Long Duration yet Budget-Friendly)
Leh cannot be reached by train. Chandigarh (750 km) and Jammu Tawi (600 km) are the closest train stations
You can travel by train from Pune to:
Road journey from Jammu Tawi (about 18–20 hours by bus or cab)
Chandigarh, followed by a road trip through Manali (about 24 hours by bus or taxi).
3. By Road (For Those Seeking Adventure)
Traveling more than 2,500 kilometers by car from Pune to Leh Ladakh is an incredible experience.
These are the two most widely used routes:
Through Manali (a picturesque yet difficult route)
Delhi to Manali to Jispa to Sarchu to Leh via Pune
Through Srinagar (Safer for Acclimatization, Gradual Ascent)
Delhi to Jammu to Srinagar to Kargil to Leh via Pune
Must-See Locations in Ladakh
1. The City of Leh
A medieval palace with expansive views is Leh Palace.
Shanti Stupa is a Buddhist stupa with a white dome that looks out over Leh.
A road that defies gravity and gives the impression that cars are moving uphill on their own is called Magnetic Hill.
2. The Valley of Nubra
The 32-meter Maitreya Buddha statue is housed in Diskit Monastery.
Experience riding double-humped Bactrian camels in Hunder Sand Dunes.
3. Lake Pangong
Pangong Lake is a must-see because of its varying tones of blue.
A part of the Bollywood film 3 Idiots.
4. Moriri Tso
A lake at a high elevation that is renowned for its calm beauty and lack of tourists.
Perfect for stargazing when camping.
5. La Pass Khardung
At 18,379 feet, it’s one of the world’s highest motorable highways.
Nubra Valley’s entrance.
6. Zanskar River & Valley
renowned for the winter Chadar Trek and white-water river rafting.
7. Monastery of Hemis
One of Ladakh’s biggest monasteries, renowned for its rich history and yearly celebration.
Cuisine to Sample in Ladakh
Traditional Tibetan noodle soup is called thukpa.
Momos are fried or steamed dumplings with a variety of fillings.
Butter Tea: This salty, buttery tea aids with acclimatization at high altitudes.
Skyu is a meat and vegetable-based Ladakhi pasta dish.
Yak milk is used to make the hard, dry cheese known as chhurpi.
Leh’s Top Restaurants and Cafés
Gesmo Restaurant is well-known for its Tibetan cuisine and pastries.
The Tibetan Kitchen serves real Tibetan and Ladakhi food.
Bon Appetit: Excellent continental cuisine and pizza.
The Ideal Time to Go to Leh Ladakh
1. April through June is summer.
The best time of year to go because of the nice temperatures (15°C to 25°C).
From Srinagar and Manali, roads open.
2. July to September is monsoon season.
Although landslides occur in lower areas like Manali, Ladakh is still reachable.
Perfect for taking pictures of verdant landscapes.
3. October through March is winter.
Extremely cold (-10°C to -30°C), yet ideal for those who enjoy adventure.
renowned for the Frozen Zanskar River Trek, also known as the Chadar Trek.
Activities and Experiences
Experience a Nubra Valley camel safari while riding double-humped camels.
An exhilarating experience in freezing waters is river rafting in the Zanskar River.
Trekking: Markha Valley, Stok Kangri, and Chadar Trek are well-liked treks.
Cycling: Take a ride on the highest motorable roads in the world.
Take in the stunning night skies while camping near Pangong Lake.
Cultural festivals include the Ladakh, Losar, and Hemis festivals.
Advice for Visitors to Leh Ladakh
To prevent altitude sickness, acclimatization is essential. Stay in Leh for at least 24 to 48 hours.
Obtain Inner Line Permits for Tso Moriri, Pangong, and Nubra in order to carry permits.
Pack Wisely: Bring along vital medications, lip balm, sunscreen, and warm clothing.
Fuel Up: Refuel anytime you can because there aren’t many gas pumps.
Respect Local Culture: Be mindful of wildlife and observe monastery etiquette.
Lodging Options in Leh Ladakh
Exquisite Hotels
Ladakh, or the Grand Dragon (Leh)
Leh, the Indus Valley
Hotels in the Mid-Range
Leh’s Hotel Glacier View
Lchang Nang Retreat (Valley of Nubra)
Low-Cost Lodging & Hostels
Leh Zostel
Guesthouse Tsetan
Location for Camping
Pangong Lake’s Pangong Retreat Camp
Camp and Resort Tsomoriri (Tso Moriri)
Purchases and Memorabilia
Handcrafted, genuine, and cozy pashmina shawls.
Prayer flags and wheels can be seen next to marketplaces and monasteries.
Apricot Products: Jams and dried apricots.
Handmade necklace made of traditional Ladakhi turquoise and silver.
The Tibetan Refugee Market and Leh Main Bazaar are the best markets.
Well-known Filming Sites in Ladakh
Pangong Lake: Three Fools
Bhaag Milkha Bhaag at Thiksey Monastery
Jab Tak Hai Jaan’s “Magical Hill”
Lakshya Khardung La Pass
In conclusion
Travel with Savali Holidays, the best travel agency for unforgettable experiences and seamless planning.
Known for expert-guided tours and reliable car rental services for Ladakh trips, we offer personalized packages, heritage stays, and hassle-free bookings. Whether it’s a royal Rajasthan getaway or a thrilling Ladakh adventure, Savali Holidays ensures comfort, safety, and complete satisfaction.
More than just a vacation, a trip from Pune to Leh Ladakh is an excursion into a magical place with stunning scenery, historic monasteries, and exhilarating activities. Ladakh offers lifelong experiences, whether you choose to camp by the lakes, explore high mountain routes, or indulge in regional cuisine.
Prepare yourself to explore the roof of the globe by packing your baggage and embracing the experience!