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Srinagar to Leh

Ride from the lush valleys of Kashmir to the high-altitude desert of Ladakh on NH1. This 2-day journey conquers the Zoji La Pass, which is open beyond February 28th for the first time ever, and pays tribute at the Kargil War Memorial. Experience the dramatic landscape shift at Lamayuru's Moonland before arriving in Leh.

✓ Verified Route

Verified on: 7 March 2026
Verified by: Partner
Status: Active
Roads: RoughAdvanced Only

Day 1: Srinagar → Kargil

📍 204 km⏱️ 7-8 hours

6:00 AM - Start from Dal Lake, Srinagar

Depart early to avoid city traffic. Top up fuel at the Indian Oil pump near Sonwar Bagh.

0 km

8:30 AM - Breakfast at Sonamarg

Stop at a local dhaba in Sonamarg market. Enjoy the view of Thajiwas Glacier. Prepare for the Zoji La ascent.

80 km

⚠️ Check brake fluid and warm up engines before the steep Zoji La climb.

11:00 AM - Cross Zoji La Pass

Navigate the toughest section of the trip. The road is unpaved and often slushy. Stop briefly for a photo at the Zoji La sign.

105 km

⚠️ Extremely treacherous road. Watch for trucks on blind corners. Do not speed.

1:30 PM - Kargil War Memorial, Drass

Pay respects to the war heroes. Visit the museum and see Tololing Range in the background. Lunch at a nearby eatery.

145 km

5:00 PM - Arrive in Kargil

Reach Kargil town. Check into a hotel near the Suru River (e.g., Hotel The Kargil or Hotel D''Zojila). Refuel for tomorrow.

204 km

Day 2: Kargil → Leh

📍 216 km⏱️ 5-6 hours

7:00 AM - Depart Kargil

Start the ride towards Mulbekh. The road condition improves significantly from here.

0 km

8:30 AM - Mulbekh Maitreya Buddha

Stop to see the giant 9-metre tall rock-cut Buddha statue right on the highway.

40 km

11:30 AM - Lamayuru Moonland

Ride through the Fotu La pass and arrive at Lamayuru. Witness the moon-like craters. Lunch near the monastery.

105 km

2:30 PM - Magnetic Hill & Sangam

Experience the gravity-defying Magnetic Hill and see the confluence of Indus and Zanskar rivers at Nimmu.

180 km

4:30 PM - Arrive in Leh

Enter Leh city. Head towards Changspa Road for accommodation. Acclimatize and rest.

216 km

💰 Cost Breakdown

Fuel1300
Accommodation₹2,000 - ₹5,000
Food₹1,000 - ₹2,500
Activities₹200 - ₹1,000
Estimated Total₹4,500 - ₹9,800

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