I have nothing against traveling by public transport; but I think everyone will agree when I say that true fun of traveling to a place like Ladakh is by your own vehicle. You can travel at your own pace, take break whenever you want; follow an itinerary by your own convenience and not by the schedule of a bus or taxi. The biggest question however is whether or not your vehicle is good enough for Ladakh. You may own a car or motorcycle but can you really bring it to Ladakh? And if you can, what are the some of the things that you must consider? In the previous part of this article, I provided some details on best motorcycle for Ladakh trip and in this one, I will discuss the same in terms of cars; best car for Ladakh.
Best Car for Ladakh
Which is the Best Car for Ladakh Trip?
Quite honestly, this question was easier to answer about motorcycles but tough when it comes to a car. For a motorcycle, it is mostly the riding comfort and engine size that matters majorly but in case of a car, several other things like ground clearance and length of the vehicle come in to the picture too.
Also read: How to Prepare your Car for Ladakh Trip?
During all my trips to Ladakh, I have seen all kinds of cars on the roads there. From a Maruti 800 to a Pajero, from a small hatchback to a 4×4 SUV; everyone is bringing in what they have. My weapon of choice would be my Mahindra Thar; will never take my Amaze or Honda City up there but then a friend of mine did his Ladakh trip in a Maruti 800 with 4 other guys and their luggage. So I guess it is safe to say that there is no best car as such but certain cars definitely have an edge over others.
Ground Clearance
Your car’s ground clearance will play the most important part while driving to Ladakh. You will be driving on some of the most challenging roads you have ever encountered. There will be numerous water crossings (some of them quite deep); broken roads, dirt trails, slush, lose gravel, sharp rocks on the roads and you need to be well prepared to drive through all of it. Even then, if your car has low ground clearance, it is bound to hit the ground at several occasions, especially at water crossings.
Driving through lose gravel means stones flying and hitting the belly of your car. If you encounter slush like at Rohtang or Zoji La, you will have to think twice about how to take your car across. If you are in a Sedan or a hatchback, you are best avoiding some of the routes like Agham Shyok road and if you do go that way, be prepared for some serious damage to your vehicle.
Also read: Driving Tips for Ladakh – How to Handle Tough and Tricky Roads
Engine Size
This comes next in the picture. While driving a smaller engine car to Ladakh, you will have to ensure that there are not too many people in it and you travel as light as possible. Or else, your car will struggle at those steep ascents, while climbing up the high altitude passes on the way. You need to be seriously good at wheel to make sure that your car doesn’t stall. With smaller engine cars, you cannot even imagine bringing them on stretches like Wari La and Marismik La.
Length of the vehicle
This too plays an important role to some extent. With long cars, the problem will be around those sharp turns. Due to its large turning radius, you will have to engage the reverse at several places. If the sharp turn is at a steep ascent, the problem will double and your driving skills will again come into picture while you maneuver the car through.
Space
Driving to Ladakh doesn’t meant only the passengers and their luggage but also additional fuel that you will need to carry. There will be several liters of fuel occupying space and adding weight which may become a problem with hatchbacks.
Comfort
Last but not the least; it is going to be a really long drive. You will be sitting in the car more than at the hotel. The entire trip consists of driving around for hours on a daily basis. Good leg space and comfortable seats are a must for a hassle free drive.
Also read: A Detailed Road Map of Complete Ladakh Region
Categories of Cars Available
Keeping the above in mind, let me break it down further in four categories of cars and where can you take them while in Ladakh. A lot will also depend on whether you are traveling solo, with friends or family but let me first explain it in terms of performance.
SUV 4X4 Drive: Goes without saying, you can pretty much take it anywhere you like. This car is built to handle some of the worst stretches of roads.
SUV 2X4 Drive: You will be Ok even if your SUV is not a 4×4 however it will cough at several places which I will further explain in the article.
Sedan: You may bring it to Ladakh but with extreme care to make sure you take it back home without any damage. Some of the areas in Ladakh will remain off limits for a Sedan.
Hatchback: You really need to be good at the wheel while driving your hatchback to Ladakh. You also need to plan your itinerary in a way that you only visit the major tourist destinations and keep any adventurous thoughts away.
With all this being said, mentioned below are the routes that you will be covering during a Ladakh trip. I will explain the road conditions in that particular followed by how a particular car will perform there.
Manali to Leh
An almost 500 kilometers long stretch filled with all kind of challenges. You will be driving across 5 high altitude passes, numerous waters streams, slush and lose gravel. Â Traveling earlier in the season will only increase the problems with melting snow.
- SUV: As long as you are good at wheel, an SUV will easily take you through it without having to engage a 4×4.
- Sedan / Hatchback: With Sedans and Hatchbacks, you will have to drive very carefully but there will still be a high chance of your car’s belly hitting the ground at several places. Slush at Rohtang top will pose a serious problem. The dirt road at more plains, lose gravel at Tanglang La will be second in line. Rest of the stretches usually have tar on the road so you will be able to manage it with the exception of high altitude passes where you car may struggle to climb.
Also read: Manali Leh Highway Route Guide and Road Map
Srinagar to Leh
It is pretty much the same deal as Manali Leh highway but a bit easier. The condition of the road from Srinagar to Leh is relatively better though there will still be water streams, slush, high altitude passes and tough sections of the road to drive through.
- SUV: As long as you are good at wheel, an SUV will easily take you through it without having to engage a 4×4.
- Sedan / Hatchback: With Sedans and Hatchbacks, you will have to drive very carefully but there will still be a high chance of your vehicle hitting the ground at several places. Steep ascent and slush at Zoji La will pose a serious problem
Also read: Srinagar Leh Highway Route Guide and Road Map
Nubra Valley
Nubra Valley is one of the most visited places of Ladakh and the roads in the valley are mostly good. There is a steep climb of about 35 kilometers from Leh to Khardung La post which it is all downhill and then good straight roads throughout Nubra. While returning to Leh, the climb is a bit longer until Khardung top but not that difficult. The only challenging stretch on this route is between South Pullu and North Pullu. While climbing from Leh, the first 24 km until South Pullu check point is a good paved road. From there to Khardung top another 15 kms to the North Pullu checkpoint is all loose rock, dirt, and rivulets of snow melt.
- SUV: An easy drive throughout Nubra Valley. Climb of Khardung La can be a bit steep from Leh side but nothing that an SUV cannot handle. The section between North Pullu and South Pullu is a bit challenging but doable in an SUV without the need of engaging 4X4. If however traveling in the months of May or early June, there will be a lot of slush around Khardung top due to melting snow which can be tough to cross for even an SUV, may even need a 4×4.
- Sedans & Hatchbacks: Drive will be smooth in Nubra valley for a Sedan and hatchback but tough around Khardung La top, between both of the Pullus. If traveling early in the season, it will be extremely challenging and your car may even get stuck in the slush at some places.
Also read: How to Plan a Trip from Leh to Nubra Valley
Pangong Tso
Being another most popular destination in Ladakh, nowadays there is a lot of tourist movement on the road from Leh to Pangong Tso via Chang La. This entire stretch is a mix of good, bad and really bad, with good taking the majority. Challenging part again would be around the high altitude pass, Chang La. After Sakti, it is a steep climb of which the first 30 odd kilometers is mostly a tarred road. As you get closer to Chang La top, conditions will start to deteriorate and can get really ugly at some spots. On the descent, the first few kilometers are again really bad, post which it is an average road until Durbuk. From Durbuk to Spangmik, it is again mostly a good road. There is a dirt trail from Spangmik to the camp sites at Pangong, no paved road at all.
- SUV: This entire drive is mostly easy for an SUV with a few tough sections between Shakti and Durbuk; mostly around Chang La top. You will not need to engage 4×4 anywhere on this stretch.
- Sedan & Hatchback: The drive until Shakti is easy for a Sedan or hatchback. From Shakti the climb can be challenging and crossing Chang La can be really tough. If traveling early in the season, several spots near Chang La top can be extremely treacherous.
Also read: How to Plan a Trip from Leh to Pangong Tso
Tso Moriri via Chumathang & Tso Kar
This entire stretch is mostly easy with an exception of the last 35 kilometers to Karzok after Sumdo. Until Sumdo, the road remains a mix of good and bad and doesn’t involve any steep climbs anywhere. Tar from the road vanishes about 10 kilometers after Sumdo and then it is just a dirt trail all the way. You will be navigating your way at several places by following the track marks made by other passing vehicles. There is a high altitude pass as well after Sumdo, Namashang La, but it is an easy one and you will hardly notice the climb at all. This is for the road that bifurcates from Manali Leh highway at Upshi to Chumathang.
If however you are traveling to Tso Moriri via Tso Kar; or maybe taking this route for your return journey from Karzok; then there is another high altitude pass in between a few kilometers after Sumdo. Polo kongka La is not much of a climb but the road is terribly bad. It is all dirt, badly broken, several deep potholes, lose gravel and full of large stones. However it gets better a few kilometers after the pass and then it is a smooth road through Moore plains all the way till Pang.
- SUV – The journey is easily manageable in an SUV until Sumdo via Upshi and Chumathang. After Sumdo, the drive is flat but on a dirt trail. The last 10 kilometers to Karzok can be a little difficult but nothing that an SUV cannot handle. The stretch around Polo Kongka La however is difficult and will have you driving extremely slowly. There is no need of a 4X4 anywhere on this route.
- Sedan & Hatchback – The drive is mostly easy or OK until Sumdo for a Sedan and a hatchback. It is tough once you cross Namshang La all the way to Karzok. Around Polo Kong Ka La, it is a treacherous drive and you need to be extremely careful if you want to bring your vehicle home undamaged.
Also read: How to Plan a Trip from Leh to Tso Moriri
Tso Moriri via Pangong, Chusul, Tsaga, Loma, Nyoma, Mahe Sumdo
Let me just say here that this is a route for SUVs only. The entire road from Pangong Tso to Tsaga is Tar amiss. It is a dirt trail with rivulets in between and getting across in a vehicle with low ground clearance can actually break your car. From Tsaga till Sumdo, it is a mix of good and average. After Sumdo, it is a dirt trail as I mentioned previously in the article.
- SUVs – The drive until Tsaga Is just OK for an SUV but some stretches can be really tough to cross. From Tsaga to Sumdo is easy and OK again after Sumdo to Karzok. There is no need of a 4X4 anywhere on this route.
- Sedan & Hatchback – Between Tsaga and Sumdo is doable for a Sedan or Hatchback, tough from Sumdo to Karzok, Spangmik to Tsaga and treacherous at several spots between Spangmik and Tsaga.
Also read: How to Plan a Trip from Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri
Loma – Hanle – Photi La
From Loma to Hanle is a fresh tarmac all the way for 50 kilometers except for a few bad patches. There are no passes in between and it is overall a smooth drive. Photi La is a further 24 kilometers from of which the last 10 kilomteres is all lose gravel and sand with a steep climb.
- SUV – Easily doable without needing a 4×4.
- Sedan & Hatchback – Easily doable until Hanle. Extremely difficult to climb up Photi La.
Also read: How to Plan a Trip to Hanle
Chumur & Charchghan La Stretch
No matter where you travel from on this route, either from Hanle or Karzok, it is mostly a dirt trail. The drive can get extremely tough around Charchaghan La and there are a few difficult water crossings as well. From Karzok, there is a tarred road but only for the initial part of the drive. From Hanle, you can expect tar on the road until Punguk, around Indian Astronomical observatory, but after that, it will be a dirt trail.
- SUV – Doable but several sections of the road will be tough to cross. You will however not be needed to engage 4×4 unless you are traveling early in the season.
- Sedan & Hatchback – Extremely difficult and treacherous around Charchaghan La. A few water crossings can prove to be a herculean task to cross.
Agham Shyok Stretch
This is the road that you take to reach Pangong Tso from Nubra valley; or vice versa. By far; Agham Shyok road is the most treacherous stretch I have come across in all my years of traveling to Ladakh. It is unfair to call it a road at all actually; rather it is just a flat path carved out in stones and dirt. It runs right next to Shyok river and sometimes, it travels under Shyok river. Steep climbs, water crossings, river on the road, lose gravel, sharp rocks; you name it and it has it all. This stretch is highly prone to landslides and even the local drivers from Leh do not go this way. It is rare to find anyone traveling this way and if you run in to trouble, you will be on your own.
- SUV: Doable but tough. There are some really steep climbs and if you do not have a 4×4, you will need excellent driving skills to keep your car moving; and even then it can stall.
- Sedan or Hatchback: It will break your car in every possible way. Go here in a Sedan or Hatchback and you may as well bury your car in Ladakh and take a flight back home.
Also read: Nubra Valley to Pangong via Shyok Road
Wari La Stretch
It is another of the less travelled roads of Ladakh. The final 20 kilometers of the climb to Wari La top will have you popping open the hood of your 4×4; allowing it to cool down. This road too remains mostly in bad condition and you will hardly find a living soul traveling. If your car breaks down here, you will be on your own.
- SUV – Doable but the final ascent to Wari La top will have you wishing that you bought a 4×4. I have been here in a Safari 2×4 and though we were able to make it; it did take some effort and our car almost stalled at several places.
- Sedan & Hatchback: It is doable but with someone with excellent driving skills on the wheel; otherwise no. A wise thing would be to not take your Sedan or Hatchback at all on this road.
Also read: Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso via Wari La
Phobrang & Marismik La
At 18,314 feet, Marismik La is one of the contenders for highest motorable pass in the world. Even my Royal Enfield at some places refused to climb here with a solo traveler and no luggage. After Phobrang, the mettle road will convert to dust and then to rubble. It is full of loose rocks sharp enough to tear a tyre’s sidewall. As you get closer to the top of the pass, these loose sharp stones will turn in to large rocks that will make the drive a nightmare.
- SUV 4×4: Doable but you will have to stay in 4×4
- SUV 2×4: Extremely difficult and you will have to be an excellent driver and even then your vehicle may just refuse to climb.
- Sedan & Hatchback: Just do not go this way if you have any love for your car at all.
Chushul, Satatho La, Kakasang La, Hor La, Mahe Stretch
I am not really sure how to even describe how bad this entire stretch is. It involves a really steep climb to Kakasang La top on some nightmarish roads. Majority of the road is either dirt track or lose gravel. This is one of the roads in Ladakh that needs to traveled on in only a 4×4.
- SUV 4×4 – Doable but with extreme caution.
- SUV 2X4 – I do not believe it is doable in a 2×4. It would need an extremely good driver if to be attempted.
- Sedan & Hatchback – Do not even think about it.
Zanskar Valley (Kargil to Padum)
The entire road from Kargil to Padum is a dirt trail. There is a high altitude pass on the way but it is so easy that you will barely notice the climb. The road, though damaged, never really gets too difficult.
- SUV – Easily doable without needing to engage 4×4
- Sedan & Hatchback – Doable but tough at several spots due to low ground clearance and lose gravel underneath.
Also read: How to Plan a Trip to Zanskar Valley
Batalik Stretch
The entire Batalik stretch is freshly laid tarmac and drive remains to be smooth.
- SUV – Easily doable, no need of a 4×4
- Sedan & Hatchback – Easily doable
Sham Valley
The road from Leh to Sham Valley is a mix of good and a few bad patches. The drive on Srinagar Leh highway is mostly smooth all the way and the few bad patches are after you enter Sham Valley, around Likir, Suspool, Hemis Shukpachan and Ang.
- SUV – Easily doable without needing to engage 4×4
- Sedan & Hatchback – Easily Doable
Also read: How to Plan a Trip to Sham Valley
Leh
Leh is the district headquarters of Ladakh and the roads here remain mostly in good condition. No matter which car you have, you will have no problem using to drive around within the small town of Leh.
Best Car for Ladakh
With all the above being said, best car for Ladakh trip would be a 4×4 SUV, doesn’t really matter which one. If you are with a couple of friends out to have fun, an open Mahindra Thar will probably be the best for the trip; however if you are with family then any other 4X4 SUV like Fortuner, Safari, Scorpio will be the best. If you do not have a 4×4, then even a 2×4 SUV will do the job equally well, just avoid some of the stretches I mentioned above as suitable for 4×4.
If you do not own an SUV, then by all means you can travel to Ladakh in your Sedan or Hatchback but you will have to be extremely careful to ensure there is no damage to the car; and plan your itinerary avoiding all the places I mentioned above as suitable for SUV only. No matter which car you have, they key is to get it serviced well in advance and be confident of your driving skills. If you are someone who just learnt driving a few months back, or have never been to hills in a car before then it is best to let someone else drive who has a bit of experience.
Conclusion
In the end, It all pretty much boils down to:
- How good of a driver you are.
- How much off roading you intend to do.
- Who are you traveling with.
- What time of the season you are traveling in.
I have seen the locals in Ladakh use a Maruti 800. It of course heats up but when it does, they just allow it some time to cool off before being on their way.
I hope this information on best car for Ladakh trip was helpful. If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask in the comments section below; or at our Community Forum; and I will be glad to answer.
180 comments
Hi vargis
Can I take my vitara breeza disel on this trip.
Thanks Mr Vargis Khan for giving valuable information for travel to Ladakh.
Thank you Mr. Rawat for taking the time to drop a note.
Hi Mr. Vargis, Is tata tiago AMT is good from leh trip
Hi Vivek – Yes it is. Just make sure it is well prepared. A friend of mine did the trip in Wagon R actually. See the link below.
http://vargiskhan.com/log/leh-ladakh-trip-by-car-wagonr/
How about Tiago NRG Diesel? It has GC of 180mm
What kind of car you would suggest Petrol or Diesel? I’ve heard from someone petrol car is not good option for this kind of trip…
Both are equally good, Engine size is the only differentiating factor
I am thinking to buy Maruti Ertiga CNG + Petrol veriation ground height 185mm is it good for this kind of trip? As CNG won’t work over there or might be frozen but it’ll on complete petrol but does that ground clearance work?
GC is low but it is doable. Friend of mine visited last year in Swift 170MM GC So yes, Ertiga will manage the trip as well
Hi vargis
Can I take my vitara breeza disel on this trip.
Hi Vargis what is opinion for ecosport to leh..
Hi Lucky – Yes it definitely doable.
Thanks for the detailed information
My question is can I take my Tata taigor AMT to have a leh trip.
I will going via Srinagar.
Thanks
Hi Himanshu – Yes you can. Be careful around Zojila Pass, rest should be OK
Thanks a lot
You are welcome !!!
Hi can I take my range Rover velar for this trip
Ground clearance of a Velar is very low so you will have to be very careful
Bro’
I am planning to go to Leh & Kargil by Nissan Sunny. Will this car be suitable for this trip??? Kindly suggest.
Hi Sarvjeet – I will not recommend Sunny for Ladakh due to low ground clearance.
Hi Vargis,
We are three people planning to complete the circuit Delhi-Srinagar-Leh-Pang-Leh-Manali. We will start our journey from 21st June.
We have two option, one is Diesel Baleno Delta & second is Diesel Honda Amaze.
Please suggest which car we should choose ?
Also, please suggest on which places we have to be careful and how can we avoid water crossings if possible?
Two of us are good drivers and had good experience of mountains but we are more concerned about the water crossings and underbelly
hit to car.
Thanks.
Hi Jacob – I will not recommend either of these cars actually due to low ground clearance. But if must chose then I would suggest Baleno.
But bro I’ve seen a lot of people traveling with their hatchback at Leh. Does they all face the same problem ? Because ground clearance of baleno is 170 which is almost equal to most of hatchback like i20 swift etc. If it is not possible then I will wait till I don’t purchase SUV.
Bhai Is it 170 or 165? You can go, I am not saying that you cannot. A friend of mine just completed his trip last year in Maruti Swift that has GC of 175MM. So it is doable but you will have to be extremely careful. Specially at water crossings else your car may get stuck or the underbelly may get damaged.
Hello Mr. Khan, thank you for all the detailed advice about planning a trip for Leh. My family (4 people) are planning a trip on 22nd June on our Hyundai i20 sportz. Do you think the car will be able to manage Srinagar-Leh-Manali route in our car?
Hello Ms. Sharma, A friend of mine went to Ladakh last year in his Swift which has the same ground clearance as i20 so yes, you should be able to complete the journey but be careful around water crossings.
Thank you, I will keep that in mind 🙂
You are welcome !!!
Hi Vargis,
, I want to travel in my Honda BR-V automatic lto Leh. Pl advise
URGENT
Hi Shiv – Yes you can. It has good ground clearance and a powerful enough engine to handle the climb.
Thank you very much vargis
You are welcome !!!
Hi Vargis. Firstly amazing work here, thanks a ton. Are there self drive cars available in Leh? Since the local taxi union are cold to outside ones.
There are no self drive rentals available in Leh Richards.
Hi Vargis, thanks for always being there and helping us riders with the information we seek out. I am planning a trip to Leh via Srinagar in the first week of June. Last time I did it via bullet desert storm. This time I am going with my close family of 4 including me and wanted to do it via car. I have booked a Hyundai Creta for the same from Zoomcar. Is this car good enough ? Will I face any problem enroute since it’s a Zoomcar. I was planning to hire a local vehicle in Leh to visit Khardungla but rest I want to do it with Zoomcar. Will I face any issue and what is the solution for that. I have booked the Zoomcar from delhi and planning to go via Jammu Srinagar Sonamarg Kargil Leh khardungla Pangong lake and back. Your insights would be highly helpful
Hi Prashanth. I’m also a self-drive enthusiast like you and prefer to use zoomcar on these destinations. J&K however is not a good place to use it though. Local taxi union is nuts in Ladakh and Kashmir. I’ve even heard of broken windshields of the zoomcars. And it’s a bad place to rely on local police in such cases as the help will be miles away. I suggest you take your own car. It can be a very long drive but if you want to drive your own vehicle, white numberplate is the answer.
Well said Hardik.
Hi…. We r going to laddakh with 5 friends by grand i 10… On 8 june.2019…. Please suggest us the grand i 10 is comfort or not???
Please reply at earliest…
Yes you can go but be careful around the water crossings
Is it safe or not…. Any possibility to damage the car during complete the destination…? Please reply in true..
Plz reply sir i still waiting for yr reply
Yes there is a high risk of the underbelly of your car getting damaged and that is why I said that you will have to be very careful. A friend of mine has done Ladakh in his Maruti Swift.
Hi Vargis, we are 12 to 14 people (including 3 kids) having 10 days trip of leh ladakh starting from Srinagar. We are talking with many agents. Most of them are recommending Tempo Traveler. But few people in our group suggesting Innova instead of Tempo traveler. When asking for Innova, cost is getting increased by 30%. (instead of 1 tempo , we are asking for 3 Innova)
Can you suggest what should we take? Is tempo traveler comfortable enough? What are pros of Innova over tempo traveler?
Innova will be more comfortable Ketki but a Tempo traveler will be cheaper and the entire group will be together. It is really your own personal choice about what you chose. If it was up to me, I would go with a traveler.
Hi Mr. Khan can I am planning to visit Leh 18 may 2019 by my new Honda Amaze model 2019. Is it safe to travel in Amaze.
Hi Sandeep – Being a Honda Amaze owner myself, I would not recommend that car for a Ladakh trip at all.
Hello Mr. Vargis Khan !
Is MARUTI RITz will be fine to take tour for Ladakh???? Season of travel : First week of June 2019
If you ask about how good driving skill than I must say by past two years I had two trips by road DELHI TO CHAR DHAMH &
DELHI TO ALMORA HILLS RESPECTIVELY
Hi Aman, If you have that kind of driving experience then yes, a Ritz for Ladakh is fine. Friend of mine did it in his Swift last year.
Can i use ertiga cng 2020 bs6 model for the trip
Hi Vargis, first of all thanks to the info collated by you .. its been of great help for me. Am travelling to Ladhak in the end of May (May 25) and plan to spend 2 nights at Nubra (around 27th and 28th) wherein am also covering Turtuk. May 29, we plan to travel to Pangong from Nubra and offlate all the resorts have been closed down at Pangong which would mean covering the entire stretch in a day (Numbra – Pangong and Pangong – Leh). What route would you recommend from nubra to Pangong … have been reading that the Shyok one is very treacherous and Wari La has its own challenge of long distance and time. Do you recommend we go back to Leh and then plan Pangong on next day .. need you advice and expertise on same. Below is a rough cut plan of our travel (2 families – 4 adults + 3 kids)
May 25 – Land and Rest in Leh
May 26 – Local sightseeing + Hemis
May 27 – Khardungla + Nubra and stay at Hunder
May 28 – Turtuk and stay and Hunder
May 29 – Nubra to Pangong (this has gone dicey now with all the camps shut down)
May 30 – Pangong to Leh
May 31 – Lumayuru + Confluence
Jun 1 – War memorial .. not completely planned day
Jun 2 – Fly to Delhi
Look forward to hear from you! Thanks, Surekha
Hi Surekha, You can do Nubra – Pangong – Leh in a day but it will be a bit of hectic journey. I will recommend that you return to Leh from Nubra and make a day trip to Pangong.
Thanks Vargis, much appreciated! I have been following your blog for last few months (from the time we planned for ladakh trip) and must say that you have set up quite an informative blog.
One more help .. we are planning to book a Xylo 2WD .. should that be fine for the stretches you mentioned above particularly the Shyok one while going to Pangong and Khardungla one. What’s your suggestion? 2nd option that we have is to go for Innova – Cresta .. would be keen to hear you recommendation. We are 4 adults + 3 kids and driver
Will await to hear from you, thanks!
Hi Surekha – Shyok road now is a smooth tarmac all the way. Xylo would do fine for all stretches in Ladakh.
Thanks Vargis for all the help! Will share my experience post the trip.
Hello Mr Khan,
I am planning Trip to Srinagar, Leh, Nubra, Tso Mori Mori, Keylong, Manali on My Creta 1.6 2015 Model. Will it cover the steep hights of Khardungla and other passes. The tyre are Goodyear 205/65/R16
Also please advise if any prior checks of vehicle is to be done like clutch, Brakes and if anything else.
Regards
Sanjay Khandelwal
Hello Mr. Khanddelwal – Yes it will very easily. You will have no problem at all.
For vehicle checks, please take a look at the post below.
http://vargiskhan.com/log/how-to-prepare-your-car-for-ladakh-trip/
Thanks dor the reply Sir
You are welcome Mr. Khandelwal !!! Have a safe trip
Hello Sir!
First of all – a big thanks for this website. It helps planner like us a lot! 🙂
Now for my question – I am planning for a Ladakh trip in Aug. While 6 people (and their luggage) in a team – what type of vehicle would be best? Will a single hired car like Scorpio be able to serve our purpose?
Regards!!
Hi SIR, . I am planning for Aug, 19 with my wife & daughter in Hyundai eon 2012 814 cc model car.
Is it suitable to travel by eon in aug/sep ? Planning to travel via Srinagar to leh & back via manali both ways.
Pls suggest.
Hello Subhendu – I would not recommend Eon for Ladakh trip at all.
Hello Mr. Khan, hope you are doing well! I have few questions, Could you please help me resolving the concern? I am planning to visit Rohtang & Leh in mid April this year. I am planning it by self driven car, Verna 1.6 SX. I am little worried about runflat tyres of car. What would you suggest, can I plan this or should go with local cab?
Will be awaiting for the response:).
Due to its low ground clearance, I would not recommend Verna for Ladakh trip Ms. Soni. Secondly, the road from Rohtang to Leh will definitely not be open by Mid April.
Hi.. I am planning for June, 19 with my wife & daughter (& may be 1or 2 more members also) in i20 elite 2016 model.
Is it ok to travel by i20 in June? Planning to travel via Srinagar both ways
Dear Vargis
I am planning to buy XUV 500 (O) AT AWD which has ground clearance of 200mm. Is this car suitable for all the places mentioned in the blog to travel with family? My basic interest of buying car is to have trip to ladakh.
Hello KP – Yes, definitely. You will surely be able to cover all these places in XUV 500.
Dear Sir,
I am planning to drive my 2014 diesel Ertiga that has done 50K kilometers to Leh Laddakh via Kargil & Srinagar. Also, I am planning to cover Kardung La in this trip. we will be 2 adults & 2 children. What would be your advice? Will Ertiga Diesel be able to complete. pl guide.
Hello Mr. Singh, Please take a look at the thread below. This is a travelogue of someone who went to Ladakh in a 13 year old Wagon R. So yes you can definitely do the trip in Ertiga.
http://roadragas.com/index.php?threads/three-musketeers-in-ladakh-with-a-13-year-old-cutie-pie.4260/page-9#post-10607
Dear Sir,
I am planning to drive my 2012 diesel Ertiga (175mmGC) that has done 1.2L plus kilometers to Srinagar and from there to Leh via. Kargil. From there I plan to cover Shimla, Nepal before driving back to Chennai. Also, I am planning to cover Kardung La in this trip. What would be your advice? I am reasonable good at the wheels even though not an expert off roader.
Hello Sir,
I am planning to visit Leh with my cousin by road from Kolkata with my hatchback Figo Petrol (2011 model, run 50000km till date) on 1st week of Sept 2019. Please advise.
Thanks, Sandip Bose.
Ford Figo has a really low GC Sandip Bhai. Try to delay your plan and go towards end of September. There will be a lot of water in the crossings in first week which will be a big problem. Delay your plan by a couple of weeks so that at least the water level has come down a bit.
Is it possible to cover the route in a Toyota Corolla Altis [petrol variant] in the month of mid-July? We are 4 people and will drive from Pune.
You can do it but will have to be very careful around water crossings. Since you are going in July, water crossings will be in plenty and with 175MM GC Sedan, it can be a bit problematic to get across.
Dear Vargis,
This is Pradeep from Chennai. Happy to see you blog over here, very informative.
Couple of our friends planning to visit North India – Flight to Delhi, then rent a car from Delhi – Chandigarh – Manali, Rohtang, Simla – Amirster – Delhi, in the month of Jan last, with our family(kids as well). One of main thing is family like to see the Snow fall.
So couple of clarifications,
1. Is this an ideal time to visit with family & kids. Or better to have some other time?
2. Taking retal cars in Delhi ll be the good choice/comfortable, if its where to get & which car ll be the good options.
3. Can you suggest, the best places can be covered in this trip (with family & kids).
Thanks in advance. 🙂
Dear Mr khan, please advise me can I take the trip to leh, on my duster 2wd model 2013 and what r the chances of getting its underbody damaged
thanks
Hello Mr. Baweja – Yes you can definitely travel to Ladakh in a duster. Just be careful around water crossings and even the underbelly of your vehicle will remain safe.
Thanks for advice, iam planning to take my cousin’s car to Ladakh. Will face any problem wrt Ladakh taxi union? Though in RC/driving license, with same surname I can try to assure them that we r from the same family. Pls suggest ur advice.
I will advise against it. It is “gundagardi” in plain words and they find every possible reason to not let you pass through and send back to Leh so that you will end up renting motorcycles or taxis from them. If you try to force your way through, they will vandalize your car. As per them, RC should either be in your name or your parents or siblings (someone that you can prove a direct relation to). If you say cousin, they will say you are renting from someone and lying.
Hii, iam planning to visit Leh Ladakh throu Manali route by Audi A4 sedan starting Sept. last week 2018 from delhi. Can u tell me the present status of road for the sedan, as usually by September end roads condition becomes good. Towing Emergency kit is ready along with more car Duster to assist if required
Only two persons travelling.
Have swift car 11 yrs Petrol but I think swift will not be allowed to pass throu Rohtang due to age limit .pls advise
You are right. Swift 11 years old will not be allowed to cross Rohtang from Manali side. If I was you, I will not even think about bringing A4 to Ladakh. Its GC is remarkably low for Indian roads anywhere and in Ladakh, your car is bound to get damaged. Crossing water streams will become a nightmare. You can bring you swift in a way that you go to Ladakh via Srinagar and return via Manali.
Excellent blog dude.. Very informative.. Thanks
Thanks Vinod
Hi Mr. Khan
I am plannig for a road trip to ladakh via manali and exit via srinagar in july 18 first week with my ecosports 2 year old diesel
it is safe to visit leh ladakh with own car as i researched a lot and found that local taxi mafia attack the private cars
Hi Shitanshu – They do not attack private cars. The problem is only with taxis rented outside of Ladakh like Zoomcar etc. As long as your car is registered in your name and you have all the documents, you got nothing to worry about.
Sir please tell me
We are 4 people planning to go ladakh by our Tata Tigor.
Is it compatible for the same.
You can go but will have to be very careful at water crossings.
Is duster capable for driving to Leh – ladakh
Yes, definitely
I would say.. that’s an AWEEEESOMLY informative… Thanks…:)
Local people creates problem for self drive cars as well (Black Yellow no plates and not Yellow black as of taxis) ?
Thanks Sandeep. And yes, locals do create problems for taxi rented outside ladakh, be it with driver or self-drive.
Hello Mr Khan !
Very informative !! I am planning to go to leh via Srinagar and leh to jammu via Manali on Innova 2017 model with my wife and 8 yr kid. Is innova capable to complete this stretch without problems? We are going next week.
Need your advice.
Thanks in advance
Hi Rohit – Yes Innova is definitely capable of Ladakh. A lot of local taxi drivers here use Innova.
Iam travelling with my gypsy king 4 by 4
Hi,
I am planning to do the following trip delhi -> jammu -> srinagar -> kargil -> leh -> leh -> nubra -> pangong tso (via shyok) -> leh -> tso moriri -> sarchu -> manali -> delhi with my 2X4 SUV from Kolkata. Planning to start from Delhi around first week of Aug 2018.
Any suggestion about the plan? like itinerary/route/vehicle type etc.?
would Honda BRV CVT be good option for Ladakh trip ? we are only 2 people
Hlo Rajeev am planning to take nissan terrano to leh is that right choice?
Yes it is
Hi Vargis,
We are 10 members starting travelling on 10 june, the route is manali->rohtang->leh->kargil->srinagar->jammu-> amritser. The car we are travelling on is Mahindra XUV 500 and Skoda Superb are these two car are good to drive to that route?
Regards
Hi Lakhinder,
XUV is fine but the ground clearance of Superb is way too less. I would strongly advise to not bring it to Ladakh.
thanks for the advise. Is brezza, creta(petrol) or innova which one we shoul take along
Definitely a Creta.
thanks for the advise
Hi
We are planning a trip to Leh via Srinagar around 15 June, with four adults and two under 6 kids.
I had been there by Thar in 2013.
Now we have options of
Scorpio 2×4
XUV 500 2×4
Which is best?
Definitely a Scorpio Inder.
Great info!
I am planning to have 20 days Delhi-Leh-Delhi road trip starting 10-Jun-2018 in my 2014 Honda City with total two riders. However, after going through this blog, I am thinking of dropping the idea with Honda City looking at its ground clearance of 165mm. I still want to do this road trip. Now what are my options?
(1). Do Delhi-Manali in my Honda City. Hire a SUV for self-driving for 10-12 days and do Manali-Leh-Manali circuit. Question is would I get a SUV on hire in Manali?
(2). Hire a SUV at Delhi and do the entire trip. Any suggestion as from where I can hire a SUV in Delhi for 20 odd days?
Any other suggestions? Thanks much!
Hi Ved – I would definitley not recommend a Honday City for Ladakh. Speaking this out of personal experience because I too own the same car.
You can hire an SUV but before you decide on that, you must know what a non-local taxi is not allowed in Ladakh. Meaning that no matter where you hire it from, you will have to leave it parked in Leh town and rent a local taxi there for local sightseeing to nearby places.
Hi , I have ecosport petrol 1500cc and ground clearance about 200mm . It can be good for leh laddakh and spiti tour. Can it run without any hurdle. Or any special precaution to be taken with this car.
Kindly give ur expert commet and advise.
Regard Dr yudhvir singh
Email YUDHVIR2324@REDIFFMAIL.COM
YUDHVIR0039@GMAIL.COM
Hello Dr. Singh, Yes your Ecosport will do well for Ladakh and Spiti. Just be a little careful around water crossings and you will be OK
hello Mr. vargis khan.. i have a question.. we are 6 people travelling to leh on 12th may and we have hired one Toyota innova car for our 10 days itinerary. (which includes nubra vally, pangong tso, kargil and shrinagar)
we have a doubt if we all 6 person + 1 driver + all luggage can travel in one car for leh ladakh region roads or we should hire another car too. we do not want to go for tempo traveler option.
Hello Riddhi – One Innova for 6 people would be OK I guess. At least all of you would be in the same vehicle and enjoy better rather than being in two cars. One person with the driver, 3 in the middle seat, and 2 people in the rear seats, that I think is comfortable enough?
Thank you Mr. khan..Yes i agree that we will enjoy better in one car…
My concern was only if we would be overloading the car on those rough and single lane road..
No it will be all right. I will recommend one car only. Hiring additional will only mean added cost and group getting divided in 2 cars.
Thank you for the recommendation. 🙂
You are welcome !!!
Hello Mr Khan please advise if jeep compass 2×4 a good option ,planning to drive from dehradun to leh via srinagar in June 2019
Yes it is Mr. Anand. Someone I know traveled to Ladakh in Compass last year without any problem.
I planning to visit leh via Sri Nagar, kargil in 1st week of June with my fiat Punto 2009 With self driven. Is it safe drive this car
Low ground clearance of the vehicle will be a problem but if you are good at the wheel then yes you can travel.
Hi,
I am planning to take my xuv500 W6 automatic to leh from new delhi.
Please suggest
Best time to travel ?
Do i need any thing additional to carry along?
I am first time travel to leh and ladhak so suggest best way without any concerns on road?
and any you can suggest to make my travel smooth it will be great.
Regards
Pradeep shukla
XUV would be good enough for the trip. Please do take a look at the article below for a list of items you may need to carry for the trip.
http://vargiskhan.com/log/how-to-prepare-your-car-for-ladakh-trip/
http://vargiskhan.com/log/ladakh-checklist-things-to-carry-for-ladakh-trip/
Hello sir, my name is Abhishek. Right now I am studying in b. Com and i want to purchase ford endeavor 3.2 tdci 4*4 which is 3198cc vehicle. But my friends tell me to purchase royal enfield thunder bird but i dont want to purchase bike as i set up my mind to purchase ford endeavor. After reading this post i just want to know that can ford endeavor titanium 3.2ltr tdci diesel engine go to ladakh as it is very capable suv. I never thought of going to ladakh but after reading this post i definitely want to go and see the beauty of universe… Please sir tell me whether this suv is suitable or not. It has a gc of 225mm. I m waiting for ur reply. Thank you
Hello Abhishek Bhai – Endeavor is more than capable or suitable for Ladakh. Go ahead and buy it, there is no doubt that you can bring this beast to Ladakh.
Thank you so much… I knew u will consider this vehicle as a beast… As it is a beast af…. Well then i guess i have to work hard and purchase this vehicle…..Thanks for the update
You are welcome brother. Let me know when you buy it and maybe you and I can both drive our respective cars to Ladakh together.
Yeah sure.. It will be a pleasure going with u… But u know m still a student only… And trying my best to purchase endeavor asap…. But it will take time and u know that… But i gonna do it…
That is all right brother. Ladakh is not going anywhere. Take your time, buy your beast and we will take a trip together. Ladakh will still be here 🙂
Yeah… That’s right… Btw are you in facebook
Yes, I am on FB
Shri.Vargis.Khan Ji… This is really excellent article to help to travel in Leh Ladah. I have Maruti Suzuki Celerio VXi Amt (2017 Model)…..My car retrofired approved by ARAI, Pune……. I am physically handicapped person… Both accelerate and break controlled by hand. My vehicle as well as ME are suitable for Leh Ladah trip……
Dear Mahesh Ji – Sir I am not really sure if I can comment on that. It all depends on how good you are at the wheel but I will definitely advise against traveling alone. Travel in a group or at least with one more car so that in case your Celerio gets stuck somewhere, you will get the help needed to get it out.
Hello Mr vargis Iam planning to go on a leh ladakh trip with my family of 4 members..our vehicle is 4 yrs old Mahindra bolero zlx. Pls suggest me can the vehicle handle those rough terrains and best time for travel..
Hello Mr. Manik – Bolero is definitely capable off handling the rough terrain. Is it a 4 wheel drive? Best time to visit Ladakh will definitely be either late June, early July or September.
Hello Vargis Bhai, I am planning for a road trip from Pune in my i20 petrol during 31-05-2018 to 16-06-2018.Entering from Srinagar and exit via Manali.In leh interested in Nubra,Pangog,Hanle and if possible Tso Moriri.Is it doable by my car during the period mentioned.
Hello Santosh Bhai – Yes you should be able to do it but be extremely careful for safety of your car. It will be early in the season and you will come across numerous water crossings where low GC of I20 can post a serious challenge.
Hi Mr. Vargis. Is My Etios Liva with 170mm Ground Clearance include 4 persons(During Trip) capable enough for this Delhi – Leh Trip? We are planning for May 2018 mid.
Hello Mr. Anand – You can definitely bring it to Ladakh but try to plan your trip in either July first week or in September if you can. You will also have to avoid some of the stretches and keep your trip to strictly to Manali and Srinagar Leh highway and local sightseeing at Nubra, Pangong and Moriri.
Hello Mr. Vargis. Is my Audi A3 with 165mm ground clearance safe in the route to Leh from Manali. I am willing to spare the high risk areas as I will be travelling with my family, but is it safe otherwise. I will be driving down from Chennai.
Hello Mr. Shajahan – Your Audi will perform well in Ladakh but I would advise against traveling early in the season or in August when monsoon is at full swing. A simple itinerary covering Manali and Srinagar routes, Nubra valley and Pangong can be easily completed.
I wanna make a trip to ladakh… Is maruti ignis petrol a suitable car to take to ladakh
Yes you can but the 180MM ground clearance can be a bit of trouble at some stretches. Are you traveling now or planning for next year?
Not right now… Probably next year
You can definitely go but I would recommend planning in either first 2 weeks of July or in September. Avoid traveling early in the season or in monsoon
My name is Deepak Talwar. I want to know is That Q3 Qwattro is good for Ladakh tour and is safe for my car also?
Hello Mr. Talwar – Unless I am mistaken about specifics, Quattro has about 2000CC engine which is good enough for Ladakh but 170MMM ground clearance is almost the same as that of a Sedan. You can definitely take it there but just avoid some stretches that I mentioned above as badly broken.
Hello Vargis
Very helpful information, can one visit ladak during Dec or January. There multiple blogs and thought process what do u feel. Was planning for a trip during Dec end 2017 or 2018 January starting. Should be in my xuv w8 it’s 4×4 .
Need your guidance.
Regards
Raj
Hello Raj – There is no way that you can drive to Ladakh in December or January. Both the highways will be closed.
Hello Mr Khan
Can i travel from Manali to Leh with Maruti 998 CC make, especially Zen Estillo.
Hello Mr. Narayan – How old is your car? It all depends on how well maintained your car is. You should travel light and towards the end of September. Please also take a look at this article,
http://vargiskhan.com/log/how-to-prepare-your-car-for-ladakh-trip/
As we want to take it what we have, I intend to drive to Ladakh in my amaze diesel in 1st week of September. Should we go ahead?
Thanks
I myself own an Amaze and it is not a car that I will recommend at all for Ladakh. If you do take it however, then ensure that someone really good at driving is at the wheel. You are going in first week of September, just after monsoon so there could be slush and lot of water in the streams, be really careful around that. While planning your itinerary, avoid the routes that I mentioned above in the article as not suitable for Sedan or hatchback.
I am planning to buy a car for road trip purposes. I have a Skoda Rapid and as per your post I don’t want to take it to Leh Ladakh area. So, which car should I buy – car which is a good cruiser, comfortable for 6footer like me. I have Fiat Urban Cross T-Jet and Thar in mind. I don’t want to buy sub 100bhp car.
I have a Thar myself and unless you are ready to compromise big on comfort and some of the very basic accessories, do not go for a Thar. It does provide a powerful 4×4 in a very reasonable price range but is an annoyance at several other things. Take a look at the post below.
http://vargiskhan.com/log/mahindra-thar-as-family-vehicle-city-driving-daily-use/
Have you considered Scorpio?
Hello sir
M Kamal.. m planing to go leh by car Chevrolet Captiva in month of august
Is it safe to drive this car
Will u suggest
I will go from Manali road
Hello Kamal Bhai – Yes you are OK taking your Captiva to Ladakh.
Please suggest me which hatchback I should purchase. I wish to drive all around himachal and uttarakhand. I am more interested in driving in the mountain roads rather than extreme off roading.
You will have to find one that has a good ground clearance. Look for a hatchback with 180MM ground clearance at the least. In Hatchbacks, Fiat Avventura right now has the highest GC of 205 mm
Hello sir…sir we are planning to take i20 elite and grand i10 …so sir anything extra we need too take care off..??? Any advice to cross water streams..???
Hello Jatin Bhai – Low ground clearance will be a problem for both the cars. Just avoid the routes I mentioned above as unsuitable for hatchback or Sedan and you should be able to do it though. Please take a look at the article below.
http://vargiskhan.com/log/important-tips-driving-through-ladakh/
I’m planning to visit Leh by Maruti Ritz or Tata Bolt which one would be better for trip pls suggest
They are pretty much the same in terms of Engine CC but Ritz has better ground clearance than Bolt so definitely take that.
Hi Vargis,
I am planning to go to leh by road via sri nagar route in my sedan Chevrolet aveo from 20th August to 31st August. Is it good to go in sedan. Tell me about the weather conditions as well. Engine Cc of my car is 1399 cc and ground clearance is 181 mm.
Thanks
Hi Amit – Yes you can travel by your Aveo, however avoid the routes that i mentioned in the article as unsuitable for Sedan or Hatchback. Weather will be pleasant during your time of travel, days will be moderately warm.
Hi Mr Khan, Eid Mubarak at the outset. I am planning to visit in May’18 to Leh in my Mahindra Bolero. Would it be ok? Pls suggest 🙂
Hello Mihir Bhai – Aapko bhi Eid Bahut Bahut Mubarak.
Bolero would be perfect for a Ladakh trip. If it is 4×4, then you can pretty much take it to anywhere in Ladakh
Hello VARGIS.KHAN,
I want to travel LEH-LADAKH By brezza (vdi-o), as i have this car only… so can i go with that.
Hello Rahul Bhai, Yes you should be able to cover most of the stretches in Ladakh in you Brezza. Avoid going towards areas like Wari La, Marismik La etc and you will be Ok.
Hello Sir,
I am planning to visit Leh by road with my hatchback Indica Vista from 4th Aug,17 to 15th Aug,17.
Can you please guide me that monsoon how effect my trip/car during this duration. Earlier I drove to rohtang pass with same car.
Hello Mr. Chaudhary,
You can drive to Leh in Indica, just avoid the stretches that I mentioned above as not suitable for Sedan or hatchback. You will encounter rain until Sonamarg on Srinagar Leh highway and around Manali and Keylong on Manali Leh highway. Rain creates a lot of slush around these areas and water crossing too become furious which you will have to tackle without the belly of your car hitting the ground.
Thank you sir for your prmopt reply,
One more thing I want to know that, Is there snow/snow fall will expect during journey? if yes then where?
No snowfall at this time Mr. Chaudhary. The only snow you will come across will be at top of the passes but nothing on the road anywhere.
Hi..I am Amitava​..Try to plan a Leh trip by my car Creta..Is it safe to drive by this car..Can you pl suggest..I will like to go by Manali..
Hi Amitava – Yes you can take your Creta to Ladakh, shouldn’t be a problem.
Hello Mr. Vargis Khan. Thanks for sharing this useful information. I am reading your other blogs too. I have few questions. I am planning to visit Leh and around, from 1st to 10th June 2017. I am planning to come by self driven car (BMW X1) from Bangalore to Leg via Srinagar, Kargil route. For exploring the region up to Turtuk and to Tso Moriri, Tso kar, Do you think I would be able to use my car to travel this region Or you suggest me to leave the car either at Leh Or at Srinagar itself and hire local car? Are you based in Leh-Ladakh region? Thanks for your advice. Hemant
Hello Mr. Hemant – Thank you for your kind words. With 1995 CC engine and 7 inches ground clearance (correct me if I am wrong about GC), you can bring your BMW to Ladakh with no problem at all. It will be a smooth sailing all the way. All the places you mentioned in your questions will post no challenge for your beast.
What is your itinerary if I may ask?
Hi Vargis. Thanks for giving me confidence! Much needed.. You are right GC is 7 Inch. I am little worried about runflat tyres of car though. Please give me your mail ID or drop me mail on ***************** I will send you the itinerary.
Your concern is valid Hemant, since there will be nothing at several stretches for miles. Best I can suggest, which I am sure you already know, is to carry an air pump and ensure that you do not run the car zero air for any distance. Your car will have an air pressure indicator and if it indicates any loss at all, just pump in more air and continue to do so until you reach Leh.
Your email address did not appear here for some security reasons. Please use the Contact me button in the menu bar to drop me a message with your itinerary and I can suggest if there is any route that you should avoid.
Hello Mr Khan, you have shared a very useful information. had few doubts! whats the ideal month to travel? i hate rains. can u suggest me an itinerary, i am planning to drive down in my X1 from bangalore
Hello Mr. Rajeev – Month of June, first 2 weeks of July and September would be an ideal time. How many days are you planning the trip for?