How to Travel from Srinagar to Leh Ladakh by Road

by Vargis.Khan

How to Travel from Srinagar to Leh Ladakh by Road

When it comes to traveling from Srinagar to Leh, there are several options available that you can pick from, depending on your itinerary and budget. Traveling by your self-owned vehicle will be the best choice of course. But if that was not an option, public transport is also easily available. In this article, I will provide some information on how to travel from Srinagar to Leh Ladakh by road.

The post below will cover details like the best way to travel, public transport, the cost involved, and the time it takes to complete your journey. For other details like the route details, sightseeing spots, itinerary planning, and accommodation choices, please take a look at How to Plan a Journey on Srinagar Leh Highway.

About Srinagar Leh Highway

Also known as National Highway 1-D, the Srinagar Leh highway is a road that runs through some extremely treacherous terrain. Shut-offs because of snowfalls or landslides are common on this route.

However, for the most part of this journey, this road runs through a region that is well connected. The chances of getting stranded with no help around are lesser as compared to Manali Leh highway. Some of the basic facilities like accommodation, petrol pumps, mobile phone reception are also better on this road.

How to Travel from Srinagar to Leh Ladakh by Road

Distance between Srinagar to Leh

The distance between Srinagar to Leh via Kargil is approximately 434 Kms. There are three high-altitude passes on the route and at several stretches, it runs right next to the Indo-Pak border. Towns like Kargil and Drass are sensitive areas with high army presence all around.

Best Way to Travel from Srinagar to Leh

The best way to travel from Srinagar to Leh is in a self-owned vehicle, be it a car or a motorcycle.  This way you are free to travel as per your own comfort, take breaks wherever and whenever you want, and take as long as you need to finish the journey.

The entire 434 km long stretch is filled with amazing vistas that will tempt you to stop for a while. This is a luxury that you will not have if traveling via public transport.

But if that was not a choice, you can also travel by public transport. The J & K State Road Transport Corporation (J&K SRTC) operates regular Deluxe and Ordinary bus services with an overnight halt at Kargil. Taxis (cars and jeeps), both private and shared are available as well.

If you are traveling in a group, you can charter a Deluxe and A-class bus for Leh, Kargil, or Padum (Zangskar) from the J & K SRTC at Srinagar.

How to Travel from Srinagar to Leh Ladakh by Road

How to Travel from Srinagar to Leh Ladakh by Road

Now let us take a look at the different modes of travel that you can use to complete this journey. Irrespective of how you travel though, the route will be as mentioned below.

  • Srinagar – Kangan – Sonamarg – Baltal – Zojila – Dras – Kargil – Mulbekh – Namika La – Fotu La – Lamayuru – Khaltse – Nimmu – Leh

There is also an alternate route that runs through the Batalik sector.

  • Srinagar – Kangan – Sonamarg – Baltal – Zojila – Dras – Kargil – Batalik – Dha – Skurbuchan – Khaltse – Nimmu – Leh

In a Car

Even though it is considered an easier way to reach Ladakh, the Srinagar Leh highway presents its own set of challenges. The biggest hurdle is the Zoji La pass. As I mentioned above in this article, landslides are quite common on this route, especially in the monsoon season.

If traveling in months like April, early May, late October, or November, you may come across areas covered with snow, especially towards the top of the mountain passes. In Monsoon, you will have to manage your car through slush and water streams at a lot of places.

While driving through all this can sound like fun and adventure, it is, without any doubt, dangerous as well. If you are bringing your own car to Srinagar Leh highway, you really need to be good at the wheel.

You must be confident of your driving skills and must know your car well, like where it may give trouble, how to get it across difficult terrains. The road will present you with many challenges like water crossings, slush, snow, dirt tracks and you will have to be extremely careful while driving across.

Please get your car serviced well in advance and whatever seems dicey, get it either fixed or replaced. It wouldn’t hurt to know a little bit of mechanic work yourself. For more details on this topic, please take a look at How to Prepare your Car for Leh Ladakh Road Trip.

kargil war memorial

Best Car for Leh Ladakh

The best car for this terrain will be the one with high ground clearance. It does not have to be 4WD SUV however even a 2 wheel drive car will do the job equally well.

The advantage of an SUV is the ground clearance. But if you do not own one, then by all means you can bring your Sedan and hatchback as well. This is an advantage that the Srinagar Leh highway holds over the Manali Leh highway.

You will still however have to be extra cautious or the belly of your car will touch the ground underneath at several places, especially around Zoji La. Just keep yourself mentally ready for a few scratches underneath your car.

If you are traveling in an SUV, then you can go at any time of the year when the highway is open (May to October). However, if you own a hatchback or a Sedan, then avoid traveling in early May, late July, and August.

In the early season, the nallahs and the water crossings are at full flow. They are also more in numbers with the melting snow. July and August will bring landslides and a lot of slush due to rains.

Driving Tips

While crossing a nallah in a car, please stop for a minute, step out, inspect the crossing and then take your car across very carefully. If you are still unsure then wait for a little while for another car to arrive and follow its lead.

Stay in the first gear, do not half clutch, and cross over in a single go while maintaining the momentum.  If there is a slush around, then ask your fellow travelers to step out of the car so that they can help push the vehicle if you get stuck.

Accelerate slowly to ensure that your car doesn’t skid. You really need to be easy on the gas to avoid your wheel spinning. Avoid any sudden movements on the steering, accelerator, or brakes as this may send your car in a spin.

If you are highly doubtful of your driving skills and are not feeling too comfortable with the idea of driving on such roads, then I suggest you hire a driver who is a local from Srinagar.

Please also ensure that you are carrying some of the basic accessories like puncture repair kit, spare tubes, toolkit, jump-start cables/wires, screwdriver set, a jerry can, or 2 liters bottles of Coke/Pepsi, funnel, towing rope, etc.

It is also advised to get your vehicle serviced at least a couple of weeks before the trip. This will ensure that you had enough time to drive it around in the city and avoid any last-minute surprises.

For more details on the weather and road conditions, please take a look at When is the Best time to reach Leh from Srinagar by Road.

srinagar leh on a bike

On a Bike

This in my opinion is the best way to go to Leh, though it is not really for everyone. Riding a motorcycle on the beautiful Srinagar Leh road is a different experience altogether, either as a single rider or with a pillion.

Like in the case of a car, you really need to be confident of your riding skills and your motorcycle as well. It is not really necessary that you have a lot of riding experience in the hills but if you do, it will definitely make the journey easier.

Do not just buy a motorcycle and take it straight to Ladakh. If you are new to motorcycles, then please ride it around in the city for a few weeks at least before riding it on the Srinagar Leh highway.

Also, ensure that you get your bike serviced at least a week in advance so that you have enough time to test ride it within the city. This will avoid any last-minute surprises that can ruin your plan.

If you are riding your own motorcycle, then it will be the best thing. However, if you are not, then you can easily rent a motorcycle from Srinagar to complete the journey.

Questions like which motorcycle is best for Srinagar Leh highway, how can you rent a motorcycle in Srinagar, or whether you should ride alone or with a pillion have been covered in the below-mentioned articles.

Private Taxi

When it comes to Taxis, you have two options. Either hire a taxi with the driver or get a self-drive taxi. Either way, though convenient, this option gets a little tricky.

No matter which taxi you hire, with driver or self-drive, it will only be good enough to drive straight to Leh and no further. The taxi unions in this area have strictly banned the movement of outside taxis for local sightseeing.

What it means is that a taxi registered in Srinagar cannot be used to visit areas like Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, or any other tourist place in Ladakh. This taxi will only be allowed to drop you till Leh.

For example, let us say that you are starting from Srinagar, want to visit Zanskar valley on the way, and then visit Pangong Lake after you reach Leh. So for your travel, you will first have to hire a cab from Srinagar. Then after you reach Kargil, you will have to leave the Srinagar taxi at the hotel, ask the driver to wait, hire another Kargil registered taxi to take you to Zanskar, and bring you back to Kargil.

Then again from Kargil, you will board your Srinagar Taxi once again and reach Leh. After reaching Leh, you will have to hire another taxi to go to Pangong and return to Leh. Complicated? Yes, I agree. And it is vice versa too. If you hire a cab from Leh, it can only take you to Kargil but for visiting Zanskar, you will again have to hire a Kargil registered cab.

A private taxi will charge you more if you want to travel through the Batalik sector.

Srinagar to Leh Private Taxi Fare

Hiring a private taxi from Srinagar to Leh will cost you anywhere between Rs. 10,000 to Rs.15,000, depending on your negotiation skills. Do not book in advance or involve any tour operator as this only means that you will overpay.

While in Srinagar, go straight to the Srinagar taxi stand, negotiate and strike a deal. Apart from what you will pay for the taxi, the driver will also charge you an additional Rs. 1500 – Rs.2000 for a night halt. For more details, please take a look at Srinagar Taxi Rates for Ladakh & Kashmir.

Private taxis travel only via Kargil. They do not operate on the Batalik route.

frozen river near sonamarg

Shared Taxi

This is a non-stop 16-18 hours journey. You will start from the Srinagar taxi stand in the early hours of the day and reach Leh by evening.

This also gets tricky in terms of high altitude acclimatization since you will continuously gain height within a matter of hours without any rest, and thus without giving your body a chance to adapt.

Srinagar to Leh shared taxi fare is about Rs. 1800 – Rs. 2000 per person, depending upon which car you are traveling in.

Srinagar to Leh by Bus

This is the cheapest mode of travel available on the Srinagar Leh highway. Bus service from Srinagar to Leh remains available from the end of May to early November.

This Bus starts at 8 AM from Srinagar and is a 2 days journey with a night halt at Kargil. You can also use the same bus service to return to Srinagar.

Srinagar to Leh bus travels only via Kargil. It does not ply on the Batalik route. For a detailed version of the information I am providing below, please take a look at Srinagar to Leh Bus Service – Schedule, Timing & Fare.

Srinagar to Leh Bus Fare

Fare for government-operated buses from Srinagar to Leh is ordinary Rs. Rs 1200 per person for deluxe and Rs 750 per person for semi-deluxe. Ordinary charges around Rs. 500 per person. Fare for Srinagar to Kargil by ordinary bus is Rs.250 and deluxe Rs. 300.

Private buses also operate on this route and their fare is Rs. 1000 + for Srinagar to Leh and Rs. 500 + for Srinagar to Kargil. Please be advised that these are approximate numbers that change every year.

There is usually just one bus in the day. But depending on the number of passengers and bookings, there could be a second bus for the day as well. There is no online booking system available.

The bus departs at 8 AM from the Tourist reception center near Dal lake and Srinagar Bus Stand near Lal Chowk. You can reach there and book your ticket for the next day.

There is also the option of boarding a semi-deluxe bus run by a private operation from Srinagar to Leh which will cost you about Rs. 1000 per seat. If you want are traveling in a large group and want to book a private bus or tempo traveler, you will have to get in touch with a travel agent in Srinagar.

srinagar leh highway

How to Travel from Srinagar to Leh by Road – Conclusion

I hope the information above on how to travel from Srinagar to Leh by road was of help. If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask in the comments section below or at our Community Forum, and I will be happy to answer.

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45 comments

Bahar July 26, 2023 - 1:49 pm

Thank you so much for this informative travel details.
We are planning to visit India this Oct. likely to go Srinagar and Leh.
Travel between these two is challenging. Will be looking professional friendly driver with a car.
We travel, almost to hundred countries.
It’s a pleasure that we take advantage from what other travelers say.
Thanks
Bahar
TravelographPartsUnknown.com

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Abrar August 13, 2021 - 9:21 pm

Hello bro kya hum august and me by car inova se hum ja sakte he srinagr to leh.

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Vivek budhiraja July 6, 2021 - 8:04 pm

Can you please clear the whole criteria of passes which are required if I travel from delhi to leh via Srinagar?

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Vargis.Khan July 6, 2021 - 8:33 pm

There are no permits needed to reach Leh via Srinagar. It is only after you reach Leh that you have to get the Inner Line Permit for visiting other places in Ladakh

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Sukhendu Goswami January 4, 2022 - 5:45 am

Thanks a lot for your informative sharing. But confused to decide the best sekective month to travel to leh from srinagar by govt state bus where roadways would be expected without any hindranc

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Vargis.Khan January 5, 2022 - 6:12 am

Plan your trip in late June, July, August or early September and you will find a bus running

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Vipul February 15, 2020 - 6:21 am

The informations provided by you are useful. thanks.

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Vargis.Khan February 17, 2020 - 2:48 am

Thank you !!!

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lakshmi January 25, 2020 - 12:30 pm

Hi sir,
Can we travel from srinagar to leh by bus with children below 10years.

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Vargis.Khan January 25, 2020 - 2:05 pm

Yes you can

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Srinagar Leh Highway Status 2020 | Road Updates & News - Vargis Khan October 27, 2019 - 5:31 pm

[…] How to Travel from Srinagar to Leh […]

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Ravi March 18, 2019 - 9:24 pm

We have booked our flights to Srinagar in April 28 …..need to go to leh on 29 april please comment

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Vargis.Khan March 19, 2019 - 12:04 pm

The road should open by then

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Prashanth R November 22, 2018 - 11:16 am

Hi Vargis,
Can I travel to Srinagar to Leh in Feb 2019.

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Vargis.Khan November 22, 2018 - 1:58 pm

Hi Prashanth – No you cannot. The road remains closed in February.

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NEIL ROCKERBIE July 13, 2018 - 12:21 pm

I will be riding a bicycle from Srinigar to Leh via Keylong. I will need a piece of luggage sent from Srinagar to Leh for when I arrive in Leh. Do you think a shared taxi would transport my luggage?

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Vargis.Khan July 13, 2018 - 1:23 pm

I doubt it and even if someone agrees, there is no safety of your luggage guaranteed.

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Bell June 28, 2018 - 3:07 pm

Hi Vargis,

Me and my friend (ladies) will be visiting leh this coming September. We prefer an free and easy style during the visit such that we can rest and stop by some places wherever and whenever we want. Please advise what are the best transportation mode you would recommend? Is it safe to self drive from srinagar to leh? Or hire a driver on our own? How much is the cost?

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Vargis.Khan June 28, 2018 - 4:37 pm

Hi Bell – There is no self drive available but yes a private taxi will be the best mode of travel. Please speak to Faisal in Srinagar at 9596410670 about cab and the cost involved.

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Bell June 29, 2018 - 3:07 pm

Thanks for your response, Vargis.

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Vargis.Khan June 29, 2018 - 6:22 pm

You are welcome !!!

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Jack May 24, 2018 - 5:38 am

Hi Vargis, As per the latest news, the zozila tunnel will commence construction, will this initial construction work cause delays in traveling from Srinagar to Leh.. just curious to know..

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Nadav Yur May 20, 2018 - 7:12 pm

Hi there
We are a couple of families with 2 little kids, 3 and 5 years old, from Israel coming to visit nirth India during August. Our plan is to fly from Delhi to Leh and than travel to Srinagar. We thought of either do it by plane or rent a driver to get us there. Do you think the road is doable with little kids? I understand we would break it to 2 days journey with a stop at Kargil. How many hours of driving will it be each day?
Many thanks

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Vargis.Khan May 20, 2018 - 7:43 pm

Hello Nadav, Yes it is perfectly doable with little kids, lots of people travel on it each year with their families. It will be about 7 hours of travel on both days depending on your speed and breaks.

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Tawhida May 13, 2018 - 11:28 am

Hello Vargis!
Your post is really commendable!!
May I ask you something?
I am planning to visit Leh from srinagar after 20th June 2018, we are two adults and one child of 5years.
Can you please tell me what would be the most appropriate itinerary to visit Ladakh as we have also a plan to visit Kashmir at the same time.
We have only 10days to visit..Can you please tell me how can we visit those places in such a short period of time.

Your kind reply will be highly appreciable.
Thanks

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Vargis.Khan May 15, 2018 - 6:00 pm

Hello Tawhida – How are you traveling?

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Tawhida May 16, 2018 - 6:33 am

I have not started for that tour yet..just asking you about the route plan..

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Vargis.Khan May 17, 2018 - 2:48 am

Yes and I am asking what is your mode of transport? Are you traveling by your own vehicle, rented taxi or public transport because the itinerary I suggest will depend on it.

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Tawhida May 17, 2018 - 8:37 pm

We will prefer a rented taxi there. Please suggest us.
Thanks

Vargis.Khan May 18, 2018 - 3:50 am

For 10 days from Srinagar,

1 Sriangar to Kargil
2. Kargil to Leh
3. Leh – Rest and arrange permits
4. Leh to Diskit, Nubra Valley
5. Diskit to Pangong via Shyok road
6. Pangong to Leh

Now after this, it depends on whether you want to come back to Srinagar or go to Manali? Another thing you need to remember is that your Srinagar rented taxi cannot be used for sightseeing in ladakh. It can only bring you to Leh but then you will need to rent another taxi in Leh city for visiting Nubra and Pangong.

Biswajit Maity May 22, 2018 - 6:23 am

Hi Tawhida,

We will also go to Leh on the same date. We are only 3 ppl (me, my wife and one of my frnd). That is why we r looking for co-traveler. If u r interested to share the cab with us then pls mail me: [email protected].

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YOGESH KUMAR SURI May 10, 2018 - 2:07 am

Hi I want to visit leh on 22nd of June from jammu along with my family. We are three adults. What is the best way to go there and economical also. Can you suggest please. My email is yogeshsuri2k@gmail.
Thanks.
Yogesh

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Vargis.Khan May 10, 2018 - 5:13 am Reply
Jack February 22, 2018 - 7:27 am

Hi Vargis, thanks for such valuable info
I and my father are planning to go from srinagar bus stand to leh taking a private cab with one small halt to visit Kargil memorial, would you please help me giving the latest taxi fare with the driver charges

Also need an additional help on bus fare & timetable from Jammu bus stand to srinagar because we will be reaching afternoon at Jammu tawi railway station at 3 pm

Thanks in advance & God Bless 🙂

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Vargis.Khan February 22, 2018 - 4:49 pm

Hi Jack – For taxi charges, plase see the post below.

https://vargiskhan.com/log/srinagar-taxi-rates-private-shared-taxis/

Most of the buses from Jammu to Srinagar are in the first half of the day so if you are reaching there at 3 PM, it will be a bit tough to find a bus. All the buses start from Jammu between 7 AM to 12 noon. You may be able to find a shared cab though but that too is not guaranteed.

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Jack February 23, 2018 - 6:14 am

oh okay..
So from Srinagar there are continuous taxis /private taxis services to leh?

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Vargis.Khan February 23, 2018 - 3:48 pm

Not continuous but they do travel at regular intervals. Problem is that Jammu to Srinagar is about 7-8 hours of journey minimum so most of the buses start in first half of the day. There are a few taxi drivers that make it an overnight journey as well so you will have to look for those.

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Jack February 26, 2018 - 4:50 am

acha ok.. 🙂 thnkx
I dont mind waiting at Srinagar for the night, anyways i have to leave the next day in order to visit Drass memorial which is opened from 7 to 6

Appreciate your help for the informations 🙂

Vargis.Khan February 26, 2018 - 3:45 pm

You are welcome brother

Venkat July 22, 2017 - 6:24 pm

Hi,
I’m planning to travel Srinagar to Leh with a stopover in Kargil. I’d like to include zanskar valley as an additional day from Kargil.
Could you suggest a good itinerary? Also recommend the most reliable way of doing the entire leg as I’ll be relying on public transport or taxis.
Tentative dates:
31st August: leave Srinagar / overnight in Kargil
1st/2nd: Kargil-Padum-Kargil
3rd September: Kargil to Leh

I’ll be meeting up with friends in Leh on the 3rd and leave for Nubra on the 4th. Will I be acclimatized? Do provide your inputs/suggestions/recommendations. TIA

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Vargis.Khan July 23, 2017 - 11:11 pm

Your itinerary looks good however you will have to mix both bus and shared taxis for the trip. Public transport services in Zanskar valley is difficult to find. There is only one bus that starts from Leh, halts at Kargil and goes to Padum the next day. There is no direct bus from Kargil to Padum however there is a regular bus from Kargil to Parakchik, Panikhar and Sankoo. From all these three places, in order to get to Padum, you will have to board a public shared taxi.
Yes, by the time you reach Leh, you would have acclimatized.

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9971094403 June 16, 2017 - 1:31 am

Hi I just wanted to know is there any particular time to cross sohanmarg checkpost towards leh or we can cross any time.

Thanks

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Vargis.Khan June 16, 2017 - 1:00 pm

From Sonamarg traffic is allowed before 8 AM and after 11 AM. Traffic from Drass crosses over between 8 – 11 AM.

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somnath kundu May 24, 2017 - 10:34 am

Thanks for all info. I have a question for you sir.
In the above post you mentioned that share taxis are available from srinagar to leh & they start at 12 midnight & reach leh the next evening. . But recently I came to know that shared taxis run only during day time. ,ie. they start from srinagar at 10am in the morning & reach leh the next day in the evening. . I’m a bit confused as I have planned to leave srinagar by night in those share taxis to leh the following day. , My itinerary is tight & saving an extra day would be helpful. ..
Please let me know if surely there is any chance of a share taxi in midnight or not? Plz help me out.
Thanks. ….

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Vargis.Khan May 24, 2017 - 2:31 pm

Hello Somnath, The ones that start by midnight are the ones that reach Leh by next day evening. There are however taxis that start from TRC that start before 12 noon and reach Leh next day in the morning.

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