In my previous article, I talked about reaching Pangong Tso from Nubra Valley via Wari La. In this article, we will discuss the second route, the Agham Shyok Road, that you can take to complete the same journey. This is now the shortest and easiest road that you can take to travel from Nubra Valley directly to Pangong Tso or even if you were traveling the other way around.
About a decade ago, when traveling to Leh was more for the adventurous kind, a common itinerary that people followed was to go to Nubra Valley, come back to Leh, and then go to Pangong the next day. I followed the same when I first visited Leh.
There were two reasons behind this. The first and foremost reason was that there was not much information available anywhere about different inner roads in Ladakh. So people would usually stick to the main roads. The second reason was there was not much civilian movement in the area so several of these inner roads remain out of the limit for tourists.
Much has changed now. Ladakh has become popular and tourism in the area is increasing with each passing year. Thanks to that, even the government removed several restrictions like ILP and opened several new areas for tourists to visit.
Quick Navigation
Agham Shyok Road
One such road that did not even exist earlier is the Agham Shyok Road, also simply known as Shyok Road. It is named after the Shyok river that runs parallel to it and also Shyok village, which you will cross while traveling on this route.
Earlier, if you wanted to reach Pangong from Nubra, there was no other way but to return to Leh and go to the lake the next day. Or you could take the Wari La road which would save you some kilometers but you really have to have a strong vehicle to make it to Wari La top. Both these routes were time-consuming and would eat up an entire day.
To make it easier for the locals, tourists as well as the military, another road was constructed that runs along the Shyok River. It was considerably short and would cut down the time of journey between two places considerably. But was it really easier? Time-saving, yes, but easier? Absolutely not.
It was one of the most dreaded routes of Ladakh and people were strongly advised to not travel on it. There were incidents when people’s cars got so badly damaged here. It was so bad that they had to be brought back on a tow truck. More details on this are provided later in the article, the part that I wrote when I first published this article in 2015.
Current Status of Shyok Road
Much however changed since then. Thanks to the continuous efforts by BRO, the road now is a smooth run all the way and can get you to Pangong Lake from Nubra in under 6 hours. The pictures and the video below should give you an idea of the current condition of the road.
 
Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso via Agham Shyok Road
Now let me talk about how you can plan your journey between the two places via Shyok Road. Before I get into the details of this road, let us take a look at the map of the region to understand the route better. The 48-kilometer-long stretch between Ahgam and Shyok villages (highlighted in red) in the map below is known as Shyok Road.
To explain the journey, I am assuming that you have arrived in Nubra Valley and are now ready to move on to Pangong. Or you have reached Pangong and want to travel to Nubra Valley.
Depending on where you stayed in Nubra Valley, you would first have to start driving back on the road towards Khardung La and reach Khalsar Village.
After crossing Khalsar, you need to take the road towards Village Agham, to your right. At the spot below, do not go uphill to your right because that will take you back to Leh via Khardung La. You need to go left from here.
Once you reach Agham Village, you will cross a bridge and again be at a bifurcation. The road to your right goes towards Wari La Pass so do not go that way. You need to turn left which would take you to Shyok village.
Depending on your speed and breaks, after driving for about an hour, you will arrive at the small village of Shyok.
After Shyok Village, you will continue driving another 18 kilometers to Durbuk.
After Durbuk, it is a straight run to Pangong Lake to your left, image above.
Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake via Shyok Distance
The total distance between Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake via Shyok is approximately 160 km, depending on where you stay in Nubra Valley. The 160 number that I quoted is from Diskit. If you stay in Turtuk, it will add roughly another 90 kilometers to the total.
The total travel time is about 6 to 8 hours from Diskit, Hunder, or Panamik. It is about 80 to 90 km and 4-5 hours less than the Wari La route.
Also Read: How to Plan a Trip to Pangong Lake from Leh
When is Shyok Road Open?
The road remains open from May to October. The thing that you need to keep in mind is that the Shyok River runs right next to the road at several places. When I say right next, I mean almost at the same level and parallel.
Sometimes, due to the melting snow, the water level may increase and you will find the river right on the road. This can cause the road to be closed temporarily. Otherwise, it remains open during the tourist season.
A word of caution though. This is also a landslide-prone area and some parts of the stretch are enough to get your heart pounding. Falling stones from up above the hills is another big concern and safety risk. See the image below.
So please always be on the lookout and drive carefully. Do not take breaks or stop right underneath a mountain. Make sure the area is safe and clear of any falling stones or rocks before stopping.
Public Transport on Shyok Road
There is no public transport available on this route yet. You will not find a bus or a shared cab. If you were traveling by public transport, the only choice you have is to hitchhike. A lot of tourists travel on this road these days and you will have to try your luck.
If someone is willing to let you tag along, you are in luck. Otherwise, you have no option but to come back to Leh and catch a bus for Pangong the next day.
Also Read: Schedule & Timings of Bus Service in Ladakh
Road Conditions
The condition of the road on this entire route is a mix of good, bad, and ugly. For the most part, though, it is a smooth and tarred road with a few bad stretches in between. Even if you were in a hatchback car, you would still be able to complete the journey easily.
Mobile Network & Data Connectivity
If you were carrying a Jio and Airtel postpaid connection, you would have full connectivity on Agham Shyok Road with good data speed. There are stretches in between when you will lose connection but in and around the villages en route, you will be back on the network.
Prepaid phones do not work in Ladakh at all. BSNL/MTNL also work on this route but their services are not that good. Idea and Vodafone also do not work that well in Ladakh.
Once you cross Durbuk and reach Pangong Lake, you will once again lose the network. On the other hand, in Nubra Valley, both Airtel and Jio provide excellent service with 5G data speed.
Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake Taxi Fare
A private taxi from Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake will cost you anywhere between Rs. 5000 to Rs. 8000 for a drop. The final price will depend on your negotiation skills and the tourist season. If there were a lot of people in the valley and the demand was high, sometimes this price can even touch Rs. 10000 for a drop.
Your greatest chance of finding a cab is in Diskit because that is the biggest town in Nubra Valley. Shared cabs, as I mentioned previously, do not ply on this route and you will be extremely lucky if you are able to find one.
Best Vehicle for Agham Shyok Road
As you would probably have guessed by the images above, any vehicle is good enough for this road now. Local taxi drivers even bring their Maruti Alto on this route. Even a Sedan or a hatchback will also be fine. The only thing you need to make sure is that your vehicle is ready for the trip and will not break down on you somewhere along the route.
Agham Shyok Road – Conclusion
I hope the pictures, and information above on Agham Shyok Road were of help. If you have any questions, you can contact me on Instagram and I will happily answer. You can also consider subscribing to my YouTube channel and asking a question there.
207 comments
Hi Vargis Bhai,
I have just completed reading this information.
Thanks for detailed information alongwith the photograph.
I have enquired an information in the section Leh to Nubra in your blog.
Hi Vargis, Your blogs are great! Loved them and am preparing for the trip in first half of August. Can you guide if I should take this road with a Kia Sonet?
Also, this year how is the road condition?
Hi Vargis, your blogs are great! Thank you for posting such detailed information on Ladhak. It is very useful for planning the trip.
We are travelling to Ladakh at the end of this month. We are a single couple on bike. We are finishing our stay at Nubra on 30th August. Is this road ok for us to travel from Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso via Agham Shyok Road? Is the road now open or at least expected to open before the end of this month? Is there any latest update on the road condition?
Hi Mihir – Thank you for your kind words. The road is open currently and is mostly a smooth drive.
HI VARGIS BHAI !
I am interested to travel from Nubra Valley to Pangong Via Agam-Shyok road by Tempo Traveller(13 seater) on 27th August
2021. Wil it be possible ? Is that road open now? I had gone by this road in 2018 and 2019.
Hi Subhas Bhai – Yes it is doable in a tempo traveler. Road is closed as of now due to the increase in water level in Shyok river but should be open by end of the month
Hi Vargis,Really thoughtful blog for the road.You can actually visualise the whole journey.
Wanted to update you that we completed this route on HONDA CITY and Hyundai Creta just 5 days back.
Took guidance from local drivers and set course early from Hunder to Durbuk so that water levels in shyok river is under control.
I think its the first time that any HONDA CITY has covered this patch unhurt and without getting damaged .Well there were bad patches in between which required extreme skills but we sailed through smoothly.Initially we were scared that both 2 WD will get stuck in between but the faith of local drivers was enough to push the limits for both cars….
So for all those who have 2 WD and low ground clearence. It all depends on driving skills and NEVER PANIC circumstances.
thanks
Thank you so much for Alok Bhai for adding the details. It was very helpful.
Mr Vargis can you kindly auggest I would be travelling through tempo traveler next month through this Agham -shyok route
Will it be easier for tempo traveler
Yes it will be Mr. Kanodia
Hi Vargis Sir, Would you suggrst Agham -shyok route in 1st week of July 2021 with Hyundai Eon car from Nubra to pangong.
Hello Vargis bhai, I am travelling to ladakh with a group of 10 bikes. Kindly let me know if my below itinerary is doable…
Day 1 : Reach Leh
Day 2 : Leh (Permits)
Day 3 : Leh – Tso Moriri (7Hrs)
Day 4 : Tso Moriri – Leh (7Hrs)
Day 5 : Leh – Pangong Tso (7hrs)
Day 6 : Pangong Tso – Hunder via Agam Shyok (7Hrs)
Day 7 : Hunder – Leh Via Kardungla (5Hrs)
Day 8 : Leh – Sarchu (8Hrs)
Hi Anil Bhai – Yes it is doable. The last day is a bit of a stretch but can be done after a very long ride. When are you planning to go?
Hello Vargis bhai , we are 4 memebers as group travelling (2 couples on bike),
1)leh local
2)leh-sham region
3)leh to nubra valley
4)nubra to pangong lake
5) pangong to leh
6)back to hyderabad
any change required in above schedule
is it safe to travel from nubra to pangong directly and which route i need to take
Hi Khaleel Bhai – Your itinerary is fine, no change needed. Take the Shyok route to go to Pangong from Nubra Valley.
Hi Vargis, post Sept, 2017 visit, would you suggest travel on the Shyok route on rented 500cc bike with double occupancy each ( 2 bikes, 4ppl)?
Hi Tushar – Yes, the road is now in much better condition.
Hi! Vargis, would you suggest Shyok route in mid July for 2 rented bikes with double occupancy (2 bikes, 4 ppl)?
Hi Tushar – Yes you can do it, easily.
Hi Vargis ! I have planned to travel on Nubra Agham Shyok Pyongyong rout in mid August with my family on my XUV AWD W8. Is it safe. ?
Hello, Vargis.
I’m going to rent a bike in Leh and planning to visit Nubra and Pangong tso in August with my husband.
I heard the road between Nubra and Pangong tso is good now. However, is it still safe to use Shyok road in August? Some people said, it’s dangerous to use Shyok road because there are lots of water streams from melting snow. Could you give me any advise pls?
Hi Mariko – Yes the road is safe now and good to use in August as well
Thank you for your advise!
Your are welcome !!!
We are 2 people travelling to Leh in August..is it safe to travel from Nubra to Pangong directly if the biker is travelling in hills for the first time..presently we have only driven in plains
Yes it is safe to go. That road is quite good now. See the pictures at the link below please.
http://roadragas.com/index.php?threads/nubra-to-pangong-via-agham-shayok-and-return-to-leh-on-the-same-day.4776/#post-12900
HI Vargis!
Amazing blog!
Travelling to Leh from Srinagar by road on 18th June. We were thinking of going to pangong straight from nubra. But the people of the hotel in Leh told that this time of the year the road might be shut and the condition will be bad as its very hot. SO would you advise to tske the road? Travelling with my parents. Please help so that the bookings CaN be done accordingly at pangong . Thanks
Hi Aashima – They are right. That road may not open in June. Best would be to keep two itineraries. If it is open, go that way else return to Leh.
I came across your blog while looking for some information regarding travel from nubra to pangong. Found the blog extremely useful, however since we are traveling with 2 young kids (aged 11 and 6), training your blog, I concluded that travel via the Agham Shyok road should be avoided.
However, later, in your blog I noticed you have mentioned that from 2017 onwards, the roads have become much better and can now be considered.
I am traveling to Leh from 15th to 20th June 2019. Would be grateful if you could advice on whether the road could be taken or should be avoided.
Also, I read in one of your blogs that camping/ tenting at Pangong is no longer allowed. Is that still the case?
Request your help as it will help me make my decision.
Hi Chandrika – Yes Shyok road has now improved much and is smooth tarmac all along. There are camp sites still available at the lake but a fewer in numbers so you may face some challenge finding one.
Many thanks. Really grateful
Hello Ms Chandrika
Did you travel via Agham Shyok road during your visit?
I would just like to have the latest update as we are travelling to ladakh in the next month.
See this post please.
https://vargiskhan.com/log/nubra-valley-to-pangong-lake-via-shyok/
Hello Vargis Sir,
We are a group of 3, planning to visit Ladakh in June 1st week this year by Classic 350 bikes. Do tyre puncture occur very often en route to Nubra and Pangong from Leh. I wanted to ask about tyre puncture shops or garages while travelling from Leh to Nubra, Nubra to Pangong. Please assist.
Thanks in advance.
Yes it can happen Prasenjit. It has happened with me as well so you should carry spare tubes, a foot pump and should know how to change a tube.
Hello Vragis .Appreciate your passion for travel and the useful information you provide
We, family of 10 (68 years old mother), planning for Leh trip during mid July…Delhi—-Manali—-Jispa—-Leh(2 nights)—-Nubra—Pangyong—-Sarchu—Manali—-Delhi. We will be hiring Tempo Traveller(I dislike it though but no other choice). My questions are-
1: how I can add TSO Moriri to this plan given that we want to keep travel to max 200-225 km every day.. one extra night no problem…..or just place either pangyoung or Moriri
2: How many tents I will need during my night stay to these halts? minimum 3 I guess?…Do they provide additional mattress?
3:I’m guessing 1500 x 3 = 4500 per night + dinner and breakfast will be extra ?
4: How much a Tempo will cost us Leh—–Nubra—Pangyong—-Sarchu—Manali (with perhaps TSO Moriri added)
Thank you so much in advance…
Hi Vinod,
1. You can do Leh to Moriri, Moriri to Sarchu and Sarchu to Manali
2. Need tents where? There is no camping at Pangong anymore so the only place would be Tso Moriri.
3. For 10 people, I would say 4 tents would be needed. Their rent is on per person basis and not per tent. About 1k to 1500 per person including meals.
4. Talk to Rohit in Leh at @ 9910722252. He can tell you about the cost.
Hi Vargis ji, my agent has suggested travelling from Nubra to Pangong Tso via Agham Shyok road. Usually is the road open in early/mid June and is an Innova good enough to negotiate that road? Thanks
Hi Vargis,
Your posts are really helpful. I and my husband are planning to travel to Leh – Nubra – Pangong – kargil – Srinagar from 19th April 2019 to 28th April 2019 in that order. We were thinking of going from Nubra to Pangong around 22nd/23nd April. will the Agham shyok road be open during that time? And would you suggest we take it or take the Wari la road? I know this year has been more chilly and wet compared to last year so would like to prepare/ adjust our itinerary accordingly.
Warm Regards
Trishna
I have been there in September and the road conditions are better now which Vargis has already mentioned, Agam Shyok road would be better option as Wari la will be completely freezed, let vargis bhai confirm for the same as his articles and suggestions were very helpful in completing my trip.
Thanks Nishant Bhai.
Hi Trishna – Wari La would definitely not open by April. Shyok road may or may not open but it all depends on the weather, hard to predict right now. Wait or now and do not finalize your itinerary. The way it is snowing this year, opening of Srinagar Leh route may get delayed as well.
Hi vargis,
We are 3 couples who are planning to visit from nubra to pangong inijuly . Do you think the agam shyok road will be closed?
Yes it will be
Hi Vargis. Need an information.
I want to travel with my wife. Is there any bus service available from Turtuk or Diskit to Pangong or Hanley via Agham Shyok Road. If yes can you provide the timing?If not available, can I get a share taxi for the same route?If can.How much it can cost. Finally If all these 2 options are not available. How much a car cost from Turtuk/Diskit to Pangong (night stay at pangong) and next day to Leh.
Thanks in advance
There is no bus service available on Shyok route Kaustav. Shared taxi is a matter of chance, you may find one and you may not. I am not sure how much it will cost, couple of hundred per person I think. A private cab for Nubra will cost about Rs. 10 to 12000 for 2 days.
Hi. I am going to Leh in a few days withmy family. Me, my wife, my father who is 77 years and son who is 4.5 years old. Our tour is arranged by travel operator and on 16th October we will be travelling to Pangong from Diskit and then back to Leh by evening. I guess the Car will take the Agam-Shyak route. Is it doable/advisable I.e. Diskit-Pangong-Leh in a Day? Will it be hectic for us?
The journey will be long yes but it is doable in a day. Just make sure you start early from Diskit.
Hello Vargis Khan
Is the entire Agam-Shyok road being improved as shown in the pictures? If yes, can it be covered in late May on a bike?
Hello,
planning for a bike trip via manali & a returning trip from Leh through Srinagar in late september.We are two friends who will be travelling on a single bike(Classic 350) 2017 edition,along with our luggage so can you just confirm me what should we keep in our mind so that we can prepare for this trip & in how many days we can complete this trip & what should be the budget for single person as we’ll be travelling from my bike from Jaipur? And How many days we’ll need to cover this journey & wants to visit Hanle & Tso Moriri.
1. For 2 people on a single bike, travel as light as possible. Don’t bring unnecessary luggage. Carry a puncture repair kit and learn how to change tubes/tires.
2. 14-15 days minimum for a round trip from Jaipur.
3. Budget estimate is hard to give, depends on you completely but keep a minimum of 18-20k per head.
Hi Vargis Bhai, I have a planned a trip to leh, we’re couple have limited time so have planned to cover pangong from nubra on rented bike , date is 13th September, how safe it is then, also what are the things we need to carry. During that time also we may meet river river flowing on the road?
Really appreciate your help
Hello Nishant Bhai – Yes you are OK to travel in Mid September. It is highly improbable that the water level would be so high to close the road. You are OK to go.
Thanks a lot.
You are welcome !!!
Hi, Nishant. We are a couple and our dates also seems to be same for Nubra to Pangong. You may ping me on 9425531827.
Hii can we go from Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso via Agham Shyok Road around 25th Sep by Tempo Traveler ?
Yes you can
Vargis Bhai hello,
Few information needed:
1. We will be a group of four doing leh bike trip on two rented bikes (twin sharing) which will be preferable 350cc or 500cc.
2. We will be taking agham-shyok road for pangong. Kitna risky ho sakta hai?
3. How much spare petrol shoul we carry?
4. Does the following itinerary seems good:
Day 1: leh to nubra
Day2: nubra to merak via agham-shyok road
Day3: merak to henle
Day 4: henle to karzok
Day 5: karzok to leh
The trip will be in second week of September
Hi Asif Bhai,
1. In case of rented bikes and with pillion, opt for a 500CC one.
2. It is not risky anymore, safe to go
3. Petrol is available in black at most of the places in Ladakh so entirely your choice.
4. Itinerary is good
Shukriya bhaijaan. One more doubt any specific shop that you might recommend for renting the bike.
You are welcome Bhai. And no, I do not really have any recommendation as such. Just take a test ride of few bikes after you reach Leh and finalize the one that seems best.
hi, vargis bhai, I want to move to leh, nubra, pangong tso murari etc on 12 th Aug.2018 by rented mobyke.I am 48 years old and weight is 95 Kg. Can I move in this route and I am a 20 pc smoker/day.Can I move?
Hello Koushik Bhai – As long as there is no medical ailment or respiratory problems like Asthama then yes, you are free to travel. I have quit smoking now but during my first few trips there, even I was 20 pc smoker a day. Did not face any problem and I lit it up at high altitude passes as well, all of them 🙂 You know how it is for smokers, the moment you stop, next thing you will do is to light up a cigarette.
The only problem you could face will be with rented bikes, that is it
Day 1: Manali to Sarchu/Jispa
Day 2: Sarchu/Jispa to Leh.
Day 3: Leh local with Alchi
Day 4&5: Leh to Nubra valley with Turtuk
Day 6 Nubra valley to Pangong .
Day 7 Pangong to Leh.
My question is:
1. Please check my itinary and modify, if required.
2. Which time is better to visit here “15 to 21 Sep18 onwards” OR “29 Sep to 5 Oct 2018?
3. Should I add some more days to my itinary?? Please suggest.
4. Which route is better for Nubra to Pangong?
5. Any other suggestion/advice from your side.
NOTE: My travelling date and travelling duration is flexible.
1. Itinerary is OK
2. Both are equally good, not much of a difference
3. If possible, yes
4. Shyok road
5. How are you traveling?
Thanks for your quick reply.
We are 10-12 persons, age around 65-70 years. We want a tempo traveller, give your opinion about vehicle.
1) After my above plan, shall we go to Tso Moriri?
2) If yes, then from where should we go?
3) Any possible route from Sarchu to Tso Moriri?
4) Any advice from your side about this plan?
1. Yes you can if you have time to do it.
2. From Pangong, go to Hanle and stay there for the night and go to Karzok (Moriri) the next day.
3. You cannot go directly from Sarchu, will have to first reach Leh to get the permits. In terms of AMS as well, it is advised that you reach Leh first.
4. Your plan is all OK Sir. You may want to book your stay in advance to avoid last minute hassle as there is a lot of tourist rush in Ladakh this year.
Hello Sir,
I am planning to drive Nubra to Pangong via Agham Shayok on 11 Sep, 2018 with my 2WD Scorpio. Considering this year’s road conditions do you think it will be manageable?
Abhiroop
Sorry, date would be 11th of Aug and not Sep
Abhiroop Bhai the road is good in condition now so yes it will be manageable. If the road is open, then you are OK to go. If there is any problem then Army will shut down the route.
Thanks for the reply : )
You are welcome !!!
Hello Mr.Khan
I am planning for a road trip ……
from kolkata to leh via srinagar,
then leh to nubra(nubra to siachen base camp/warshi village drive,if possible)
then nubra to pangong lake via shyok village,
pangong to leh,
then leh – manali-delhi-kolkata.
I am doing this trip in my NEW SWIFT DZIRE.I will be at Leh on 13 September,2018…..So,I have the following question…
1. Is it possible to go pangong from nubra via shyok by my DZIRE??
2.About SIACHEN,I had read you article,I dont have that much source to obtain special permit for siachen,so how far I can go by drive on this route to siachen with inner line permit?
If I can go upto some certain point,will it be worth going,will that point have some glimpse of siachen glaciar or base camp?
Hello Mr. Manna,
1. Yes you can easily cover Shyok route in your Dzire.
2. With your regular ILP, you can go as far as Warshi Village but there will be no view of the glacier or the base camp.
Hi vargis ,
How to visit nubra, turtuk and Nubra to pangong via aghom and shyok with in 3 days from leh. Where should i stay first day ? Second day best time to return to pangong ?
Kindly advise as early as possible.. we are leaving tomorrow
Hi Yashir -Sorry for late reply. I guess you already traveled today.
Hi sir,
No sir , we dint reach leh yet.. we are on the way. Today in delhi. ” Leaving ” means leaving from home. Waiting for ur valuable advise…
Thanks
In that case you can do, Leh to Turtuk, then Turtuk to Pangong via Shyok road and Pangong to Leh via Chang La.
Make sure you leave as early as you can on Day 1 for Turtuk and then also on Day 2 for Pangong Tso. The journey will be a bit long on both these days.
Hi Vargis,
I am thinking of travelling by this route some where mid of June 2018 (next week) by Innova. we are a family of 3 adults. Is it oK? please advice about vehicle, the season and probable road condition by that time.
Condition of Shyok road now is fine Harish so you are OK to go. No problem as of now.
Thanks Vargis.
You are welcome
Hi Vargis,
What will be condition, whether road will be open or close? I will be travelling with local taxi on this road on 24-25th June 2018.
Hi RK, Road is open and will be around your dates of travel.
Hi Vargis,
Thanks for your inputs on this route. We are a group of 6 girls leaving for 6 days 5 nights Ladakh tour starting this Wednesday. We are planning to cover Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso through this route in an Innova/Xylo. Is this route safe for us? Are there backups on this route now? Kindly advise us. Based on your inputs we will take a call on the itinerary.
Thanks,
Harini
Hi,
We traveled from Nubra to Pangong on 10th June. The roads are MUCH better than the main Leh-Pangong road and is VERY scenic.
Thanks,
Harini
Hi Harini – Sorry I could not reply to your comment. I was myself traveling at that time and just returned. Do share some recent pics of the route if you have any for other people’s information.
Hi Vergis Sir
We, a group of Four friends and travelling in 2nd week of june from pangong lake to Nubra valley via agham shyok route. Here’s is the itinerary.
11.06.2018: Arrival at Leh, making permit and sight seeing.
12.06.2018: Pangong Lake via Hemis, Thicksey Monsatery and Druckwhite Lotus School.(Halt and Pangong Lake)
13.06.2018: Pangong Lake to Nubhra via Agham Shyok Road.
14.06.2018: Nubhra Valley to Leh via Khardungla.
15.06.2018: Leh to Srinagar via Kargil.
16.06.2018: Srinagar to New Delhi
Could you please tell me if this itinerary is Ok or some changes needed. Is it safe to travel via Agham Shyok Road in a rented bike and if travelling to Srinagar possible is a day if we start early on 15.06.2018?
Thanking you.
Hello Sukumar – Sorry for not being able to reply to your comment brother. I was myself traveling at that time and have just returned. How was your trip?
Hi Vergis Sir
we were a group of Four friends and travelling in 1st week of july from Nubra valley to pangong lake via agham shyok route. Stay night at pangong and next day came from changla route… Is that planning is Ok at that time. we are four friends having two 500cc RE, will it be managable ???
Hello Bakhtiyar Bhai,
Sorry about late reply. Yes the plan is fine at that time. It will be manageable.
Hi Vargis,
Great article. Thanks for the insight and details. Please suggest if below is a good itinerary
2-Jun pickup from srinagar airport and travel to sonmarg.
3-Jun travel to leh
4-Jun leh local sight seeing
5-Jun travel to nubra and sightseeing
6-Jun Sumur to turtuk and return to nubra
7-Jun Sumur to pangong via Agham Shyok Road
8-Jun travel to leh
9-Jun leh to tso-moriri and stay at tso-moriri
10-Jun back to leh
11-Jun extra day
12-Jun travel to srinagar
13-Jun drop to srinagar airport
Hello Meeenaxi – Your itinerary is great, no change required.
Hi vargis,
Your article is really insightful.
I am planning to take the Agham-shyok route on 17th may in my duster. Do you think it’s a good decision? Let me know please.
I am traveling with one friend in the same car.
Thanks,
Vikram
Hi Vikram – Yes that road is now OK for a Duster
Excellent description..!! I am going through almost all of your blogs and they are very helpful. Thanks a lot.
We are family group of 14 people (age 15-50) arriving Leh on 27th may, 2018. Our vehicles would possibly a tempo traveller or 2-3 Innova. Which route should we take from Numbra valley to Pangong Tso. Or should we get back to leh first and then take the other route?
Thaks Charu. You should take the Shyok route for reaching Pangong from Nubra if you are short on time. If not, then a better deal would be to return to Leh and go to Pangong the next day.
Hello Vargis ,
I was searching for any information on this route and came across your very descriptive and attractive post. Thanks to you for this detailed blog .
Actually we’re group of friends ( Some are married couple and rest are just Guys and Girls in their Mid 30s ) will be travelling to Leh Ladakh this July end . We’re planning of Manali- Leh – Ladakh – Manali . We’ll get some REs and a 4×4 SUV from Manali only . As per your pics and blog, we’re considering to take the route Nubra – Khalsar – Agham -Tangyar – Pangon Tso (Stay Overnight ) – Sakti – Karu – Leh .
( Actually This route. khalsar > agam> shyok Village> Durbak > Pangong
Copied from Above .)
Actually we’re planning to cover this route in 2 days starting Early in the morning at Day 1. What will be your inputs over this itinerary ? Is this possible to cover in 2 Days ? I’ve also gone through your blog on this route .
.
Also what would you advice from where shall we take bikes on rent ? Manali or Leh ? Do we get any problems in Leh if we take vehicles from Manali ?
Hi Aditya – The Shyok route from Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso is hardly 6-7 hours. You do not need to do it in 2 days. The journey will be Leh to Nubra on Day 1, Nubra to Pangong via Shyok on Day 2 and Pangong to Leh via Chang La on Day 3
You will have to rent bikes at both places. Manali rented bikes will only be good enough to get you to Leh but you cant use them for sightseeing in Ladakh. Once in Leh, you will leave the bikes parked at the hotel, rent another bikes from Leh city and travel to Nubra and Pangong. Then you will hand over these bikes, collect your Manali bikes and journey back.
hello vargis
I am planning to travel to leh in the second week of june- here is my itenary please suggest if its okay.
9th night delhi to manali by bus
10th manali sight seen
11th morning manali to leh by taxi (i guess we will reach leh by 11 night around 10 PM)
12th morning leh (local area)
13th morning around 6 AM; leh to kardungla, Khalsar, Sumur, Panamik, Taksha, Sasoma and warshi and then finally to base camp. Return fromm the base camp and stay at Khalsar.
14th morning Khalsar to Diskit – Hunder and Turtuk then return to back to khalsar and travel further to Agham, Shyok Village and pangong. (i am travelling with my wife. Is this route good? is it even possible to cover places i have written in one day)
15th morning from lake to leh
16th morning leh to kargil
17th kargil to srinagar
18th night srinagar to delhi
Hi Piyush,
1. I will not recommend Manali to Leh in a day if you are traveling with your wife. Add another day here and do this journey in 2 days.
2. Permits for Siachen Base camp are not issued that easily. See the link below.
https://vargiskhan.com/log/how-to-visit-siachen/
3. How are you traveling in Ladakh locally?
4. Days you mentioned for 13th and 14th are impossible to cover if you were thinking public transport.
5. Shyok road is OK to travel now.
Please suggest where should we make our first hault if we start our journey at 5 in the morning from Manali. Is the time good to start from Manali because we also want to visit rotang pass on our way to leh
In and around Leh we are traveling on hiere bullet. Please suggest which bullet will be fine and what should we check before riding it to nubra warshi and pangong via aghem and shoyk.
How do you suggest we should plan for 13 and 14. My plan was to leave Leh early on 13 visit kardunga la panamik warshi and stay in khalsar on 13 night and 14 morning visit Dikshit and turtuk and move forward to pangong vis aghem…
Do we need to carry extra fuel or we will get the fuel in hunder. What about the luggage. We want to check out the room on 13 morning in Leh..do bullets have something to keep luggage..
1. Break the journey at either Keylong or Sarchu. You do not have to start by 5 from Manali, start after sunrise and you will still easily make it to these places.
2.If you have a pillion then opt for a 500CC Enfield
3. You will probably do only Leh to Diskit on 13th and then Diskit to Pangong via Shyok on 14th.
4. If you want, you can ask the rental agency to provide the motorcycle with luggage carrier.
5. For fuel, please see the post below.
https://vargiskhan.com/log/fuel-availability-in-leh-ladakh-manage/
Excellent info. I was hoping if I can save a day. Roads looked quite good in the photos. If you can remember, I will be traveling alone on my Xtreme, now the query is can I take this route in July 2nd week? And is there a possibility of not getting permit for a lone rider?
Yes to both your questions. You can travel solo and can get a solo permit as well.
Hi Vargis,
I have read throughly your blog very carefully. very nice description. I have some queries . I have planned to travel to Pangong from Nubra via Agham-Shayok road on 27 th July , 2018. Will it be possible by 14 seater Tempo Traveller and Mahindra Xylo car.
We will be travelling by two Tempo Trevellers and One Xylo car.
Please inform me.
Hi Subhas, Yes it will be possible to travel by Tempo Travelers and Xylo Car.
“Pangong from Nubra via Agham-Shayok road” can this be done ??
As much as i know after reading your posts, that Agham Shyok is not allowed this year… and i had to drop this route
pls revert.. if this route is allowed even i would try this route.
As of now this route is open and it looks it will remain so. You can travel on it.
Thank You Mr Vargis Khan. I will write to you if further any queries occur.
You are welcome Mr. Ghosh
Dear mr. vargis,
I am Planning nubra valley, night halt at hunder on 27th june 2018.
Should i go back to leh on 28th and start on 29th for pangong lake or i can directly drive through agham-shyok road on 29th june 2018? Kindly advice so can book hotel accordingly. Thanks
Hello Mr. Mody,
Permits for Shyok road this year are really dicey. There are talks that Army may not allow people to go this way at all. However the permits are being given right now, they have not stopped anyone yet. Really hard to predict June as of now but I will advise that you plan coming back to Leh and then going to Pangong.
What about August end? I’m planning to take this route on 25th-26th August. We’re group of 5, so mostly 3 RE.
You can travel on it in August as long as you have the permits.
How do we get the permit for August ? Is it necessary to take permit for Indian Tourist ?
I am planning to go by Nubra -Pangyong via shaok vallry on 11 of May. Kindly let me know the condition of the route Vargisji
it will be very useful
It is open right now and OK to travel, nothing too bad.
Hi Vargis san,
I’m solo budget traveler and will visit Ladakh 28/Apr- 6/May.
Is it possible to catch shared or tourist Jeep at Deskit to Pangong via Agham Shyok Road? Otherwise need to charter the jeep or join the tour from Leh?
Kind Regards
Hi Takahiro San,
There is no public transport available on Shyok road and your only option is to hitch a ride with someone going that way. Also, this entire route right now is under a lot of talks and it is highly possible that they may keep it closed entirely for tourists this season. As of now it is open though.
Many thanks for yours above.
Will try yo hitch at Deskit if cannot find suitable tour or shared jeep from Leh.
You are welcome. In tourist season, you should be able to find a ride though. Lot of people travel to both Nubra and Pangong.
Hi Vargis san,
I could not find suitable 2n/3d tour for Nubra-Pangong due to travel agency whom I consulted was unable to contact while I was in Leh and another Japanese travel agency’s misleading. Also refuesed by Shared Jeep driver to go to Deskit from Leh by single foreigner even though I already had permission. Therefore finally took 1day tour to Pangong and 2days to Nubra separatelly.
However I’d like to share the information for other travelers who want visit Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake via Shyok Road in this season.
1. Many travelers took this route and 2WD normal tourist car is able to pass the Shyok road and it takes about 4hours between Hundar and Spangmik.
2. Apr-May and Sep-Oct seems OK for Shyok Road. However the road should be closed during Jun-Aug depends on river condition.
Also early May was bit too early to visit Nubra and Pangong for beautiful scenary with Green and stucked 1-2hours at Khardung La due to snow fall.
3. As of 30th Apr, Solo foreigner was not allowed to visit Nubra valley nor Pangon lake with local bus or shared jeep (Must be more than two foreign travelers and not sure with motor cycle) due to one of travel agency in Leh had dishonest receipt of ILP couple weeks ago.
Hope you could update above information.
Hello Takahiro San – Thank you so much for sharing this information. I will definitely update it. Did you have any problem getting your permits?
Good day,
No, no problem for getting ILP except the office was closed Sun & Mon due to Buddha’s birthday. Problem was single foreign traveler is not allowed to visit Nubra Valley with public transportation and had to find out another foreign traveler in the same shared jeep or local bus.
Any recommendations for travel agents that you worked with? And most of all, how did you like Ladakh? I would love to see some pictures if you would not mind sharing.
Hi Vargis
Thanks for your block. I am planning Leh in 2nd week of june. How safe it will be to use Nubra-Pangong route?
Amol
Shyok road is quite safe now, OK to go but there is a high chance that it may remain closed this year. Nothing concrete though, for now it is open.
Hi Mr. Khan
Your blog has been a source of much inspiration for me and I’m finally planning a trip to Leh this month. Unfortunately we’re really pressed for time, and can manage just 3 nights and 3 days right now. We’re planning to go on the 21st of April from Delhi and back on 24th. Here’s what we’ve planned:
Day 1, 21st – Del to Leh (flight) – Acclimatise, local sightseeing, stay there
Day 2, early morning Leh – Nubra – See Hunder & Diskit and spend the night there
Day 3, early morning Nubra – Pangong via Agham Shyok spend a few hours then Pangong – leh
Day 4 Leh – Delhi
A few people are advising against this and are suggesting this:
Day 1, 21st – Del to Leh (flight) – Acclimatise, local sightseeing, stay there
Day 2, early morning Leh – Nubra – See Hunder & Diskit and spend the night there
Day 3, early morning Nubra – leh, local sightseeing – magnetic hill etc.
Day 4 Leh – Delhi
What would you recommend? I know it’s too short a time, but believe me, if I could have I would have, we just really want to go once and hopefully sometime in the future we’ll be able to go for a longer time.
Hello Ms. Taneja,
Thank you for your kind words. I appreciate it. Take a look at this article. It will answer most of your questions about a 3 days trip.
https://vargiskhan.com/log/ladakh-in-3-days-plan-trip/
Also, do not plan anything on the Shyok route. It may remain closed this year completely.
Hi Vargis Sir,
Would you be able to give an idea whether Agham Shyok road for nubra to Pangong will be open in first week of May-18?
Thanks,
Shahina
Hello Shahina – It is open even right now.
Varghis Sir,
We are a couple travelling to Leh in July 1st week.
Planning for 8 days trip and we will be travelling on single 500CC RE :
We have two route options
Route Option I :
Day 1st – Arrive leh , Hotel + Market (Acclimatization).
Day 2nd – Bike ride for lamayuru , enroute visit to Hall of fame , Magnetic Hill , Gurudwara, Alchi monestry , Lamayuru monestry . (overnight @ lamayuru / alchi)
Day 3rd – Lamayuru to leh via same route and stop at sangam for rafting and back to leh. (night stay at Leh)
Day 4th – Leh – Nubra via Khardong la pass.(night stay at Hunder)
Day 5th – Nubra valley : Panamik (night stay at Khalsar)
Day 6th – Nubra Valley to Pangong via Shayok.
Should we be doing this ? as we are couple on single bike
Day 7th – Panong to leh via Changla pass.
Day 8th – Fly back.
Route Option II :
Day 1st – Arrive leh , Hotel + Market (Acclimatization).
Day 2nd – Bike ride for lamayuru , enroute visit to Hall of fame , Magnetic Hill , Gurudwara, Alchi monestry , Lamayuru monestry . (overnight @ lamayuru / alchi)
Day 3rd – Lamayuru to leh via same route and stop at sangam for rafting and back to leh. (night stay at Leh)
Day 4th – Leh – Nubra via Khardong la pass.(night stay at Hunder)
Day 5th – Nubra valley : Panamik Return to Leh (night stay at Leh)
Day 6th – One day at Leh
Day 7th – Panong to leh via Hemis (Night Stay at Pangong)
Day 8th – Pangong to Leh (Reach Leh by Afternoon).
Day 9th – Fly back.
Pls suggest which is better choice to make ??
Pls confirm whether Petrol Pumps will be available at sufficiently if route I is opted for ?
Hi Himanshu,
Your first choice is better. Definitely go for that. Agham Shyok road is quite OK to travel on now.
As for the petrol pumps, take a look at this post please. Should answer all your queries.
https://vargiskhan.com/log/fuel-availability-in-leh-ladakh-manage/
Hello Vargis sir, I want to take my Pulsar RS 200ABS from Disket to Pangong through the Agham Shyok route in mid September & will ride solo….will my journey be advisable???
Hello Tamoghno – Yes you can definitely travel on the Agham Shyok road by your Pulsar. The road condition of this road now is much better.
Took us under 5 hours (including short breaks) from Hunder,Nubra to Pangong via Agham, Shyok on September 3, 2017 by Innova. A very scenic route and the road conditions were mainly excellent except 3 – 4 small sections which is understandable in such remote areas. Would highly recommend this route.
Thanks Sanjay Bhai for sharing the feedback. How did Innova perform on the route?
Dear Sanjay,
I want to take this route on 26th Sept in XUV .Just want to know did you tackle any strong obstacles like river crossing during first week of Sept?
Regards
Raja
The journey was a breeze. Route is most scenic. If possible take an early lunch break at Shyok village…its so picturesque !
Did this on 2nd October in a tempo traveler. One of the unexplored scenic routes!
Hope this feedback helps.
Thank you Prodhar Bhai for sharing the update. Where did you rent the tempo traveler from? If you can share some details on it, I am sure it would beneficial for other people.
Hello sir, I have been to Leh / Nubra several times. But this year I decided to do Nubra -Pangong. I have 2 questions for you:
1. Any news about the shyok road? We will be in Nubra around 3-4 Oct. Any chances of this getting opened?
2. I was planning to do Nubra to Panong to Karu in 1 day. Since I do not plan on staying in Pangong as I will be traveling with my wife (who is a first timer) and it will be super cold at night. Can it be done if I start say 7 in the morning from Nubra?
Thank you again!
Amit
Hello Amit,
1. Shyok road is open as of now.
2. I doubt that you can do it Amit. Lets say you started from Nubra by 7, it will take you about 6 hours to reach Pangong via Shyok road so you will get there by 1. Some rest, time at the lake, lunch and you will start back by 2. Another 6-7 hours to Karu and then you also have Chang La to cross on the way. It may get dark by the time you return. Try to start even earlier from Nubra, by first light of the day, say around 6.
Hello Vargis
We will be at Nubra on 29th Aug. Can you give recent update on Nubra to Pangong via Shyok road? Is it closed or open? Can an Innova car go through this route?
Hello Anindya – As of now it is closed.
Thanks for latest update. We have to then back to Leh
You are welcome and right, you will have to return to Leh.
Hello Vargis Bhai,
Your articles have been helping alot to plan my trip to leh, all thanks to you. I have few doubts
1. Im planning to visit leh on 16th aug and hitting the road from Nubra-Pangong. I will be travelling on Bullet 500cc rented bikes. Which route would you suggest me ? Nubra-Wari La-Pangong or Nubra-Agam-Shyok-Pangong ?
2. We are 6 and rented three Bullet 500cc, will that be a problem ? We will be riding light, not much baggage so what is your take on this ?
Hello Sagar Bhai,
Last I heard was that Shyok road was closed. When you reach there, if the Shyok road is open than that route or else go via Wari La. The final ascent, last 15-20 kilometers of climb, of Wari La is tough so you will have to manage there. May even have to ask your Pillion to get off if motorcycle stalls.
Sagar Bhai I just had a word with my contact in Leh. Both Shyok and Wari La roads are closed right now and there is no ETA on opening, may not even open this year so you willl have no choice but to come back to Leh from Nubra.
Is Agham Khalsar road open
Not right now
hi vargis. we , group of 9 person planning to travel nubra valley to pangong tso via agham -shayok road in the end of september ,2017 .will the road be opened at that time
Hard to say Sam. Road is closed as of now but it may be open towards end of September.
Hi, we are group of 8 people traveling in two cars. We are planning to explore that road via Shylok to Pangang Tso. Any idea, if the road will be open by 8th August? Thanks.
Shyok road is closed as of now, not really sure if it will be open by your date of travel.
Hi Mr Khan,
We are a group of six ladies planning for leh-ladakh trip in mid July via Srinagar. Our travel agent has planned to take us to Pangyong from Nubra via Shayok valley which he said is 6-7 hrs. After I have read your article and posts here I am getting little worried about the route. We dont have time constraint so if you please suggest a better itinerary, it will be truly helpful for us to arrange the same.
Hello Ms. Majhi – If you are with a local travel agent and a local driver, then it is absolutely OK to travel via this route. Risk is more involved when a non-local ventures towards this road alone.
We are planning to travel to pangong lake from nubra valley via shyok river on 10 th of July as adviced by our travel agent .
We are travelling with kids .. do we need to re think about the route
If you are with a tour agent and a local driver, then you are OK to go. The road however was closed temporarily earlier this week after the water level in Shyok river started to rise due to all the rain. Do check that with your tour operator before you go this way..
Hi Vargis,
It’s really nice article and very informative. After reading this article I came to know about the 2 routes from Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso. We are 4 traveling first week of August 2017 and planning to go from Nubra to Pangong directly. We are planning to hire a 4X4 SUV. Can we take a Agham Shyok Road during this time as we have few days trip only. Your suggestion would be really appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Hello Shankar – Yes you can travel on this route in August but will have to rent a taxi from Leh itself. You cannot rent a 4×4 from outside of Ladakh and use it for sightseeing there.
Hi..my wife and I are planning to leave from Pangyong lake in the morning after spending a night here for Nubra Valley around late July. We plan to book a private cab…would suggest we can do that?
Yes you can but do speak to the cab driver first about traveling on Shyok road. Some of them may not agree so please clarify this before booking,
Hi Vargis
Thanks lot for the wonderful articles. Much helpful.
I’m planning to do a cycling trip from Leh to manali
Dates – 15-Sep to 2-Oct,
Rough plan is
Stage 1 -> Leh – Khardhung village – Agham – Shyok – Durbuk – Pangong
Stage 2 -> Pangong – on the road along Pangong – Chushul – Thukje – join Manali highway near Debring
Stage 3 -> Pang – Darcha – Keylong – Manali
I have few questions,
do they allow cyclist on stage 1 route?
If yes, Do we need to take any permission for traveling in this route?
Stage 2 route exist? I can see road on Google maps
What are all the stay options available between khalasar -Pangong – Tso kar
Till when Leh – Manali highway is open?
Will the dabba tents available at Debring, Biskey nallaa, Darcha, Zing zang by the dates (sep last week) we go? Is it advisable to carry own tent?
Alternate plan 1 – Khardhung – Agham – Wari la – Karu – Manali highway – possible?
Alternate plan 2 – Leh – Kardhung – Diskit – until they allow – turn back to leh – Manali
Hi Sankar,
On a lighter note, for a moment I read Stage as “Day” and my immediatte thought was, “He is planning to cycle all this in 3 days? What is he, Superman?” LOL
Coming to your questions,
Yes but you need ILP for Stage 1 route.
To come back to Debring, you will have to travel throught Loma, Nyoma, Mahe Sumdo, TsO Kar and exit at Manali Leh highway.
Khalsar to Pangong via which route? If you are saying Shyok or Wari la then no option to stay anywhere.
Early to Mid-October and after this highway can close anytime.
Yes, Dhabas will be open. If you can, then yes carry your own tent.
Alternate Plan 1 – Can do it but no place to stay in between Khalsar and Karu.
Alternate Plan 2 – You will be allowed as far as Turtuk, amazing place and I will highly recommend staying there.
Thanks for the quick reply,
Trying to become superman 😛
If we need ILP for this route, is camping allowed with our own tents?
If I choose Leh-Sakti-ILP required for
Have you seen cyclist on these routes?
Going till Turtuk and back to Leh is ~400km, is a good option, then I will have to cut short on the Leh-Manali highway (Have done last year Manali-Leh) and hop in a bus/Truck after Darcha
Thanks for the quick reply,
Trying to become superman
If we need ILP for this route, is camping allowed with our own tents?
If I choose Leh-Sakti-Pangong, ILP required?
Have you seen cyclist on these routes?
Going till Turtuk and back to Leh is ~400km, is a good option, then I will have to cut short on the Leh-Manali highway (Have done last year Manali-Leh) and hop in a bus/Truck after Darcha
Yes, if you have ILP then you can camp on your own.
No ILP till Sakshi required. It is after Sakti that you have to submit ILP for Pangong.
Yes I have but mostly foreigners.
If you have already done Manali Leh highway then yes, cover Turtuk this time.
Also, next time you plan to cycle in Ladakh, let me know brother. I will join your. I have been there numerous times but never on a cycle, time to add that to the list too.
Great, will definitely let you know next year, in the meanwhile, I’m planning for Peo to Losar winter ride in december, will inform you once the dates fixed.
This year my initial plan was to cycle from srinagar to leh to manali though bit skeptical about srinagar situation. But when I saw a deal on Airindia at Rs 4800 for Chennai to Leh, everything changed. Now I’m flying to Leh and looking for options to fill first 7 days of schedule 🙂
Great brother … will love to join you.
Hi
We are planning to travel in this route on 28 june. we are 6 in number with 2 rented and 1 own 350 cc bike. we will be traveling with 40l bag(bikes with carrier attached), fuel can and a pavilion in each bike. Please advice on this plan.
Let me know what your question is Vignesh and I will be happy to answer.
Hi,
I am planning to travel in this route on 28 june. we are 6 people totally with two rented and one own 350 cc bike(with luggage carrier). we will be having a single 40l bag and a petrol can, along with a pavilion in each bike. What is you advice on this travel.
Are you asking in terms of carrying Spare fuel?
Hi varghis i want to go pangyong from nubra via agomshyaok on 30june 2017,can u tell us the exact condition there
Hi Kuntal – Well the road is open but is in a terrible state which it always is.
Is it advisable to take this road during 2nd half of september? We will be traveling by bike a friend and me right now.. more could join
September is actually a better time to be traveling here. There won’t be many water streams, level of Shyok will be low so no chances of river crossings.
Thanks a lot for your reply.. its very helpful in planning
you are welcome
Hi Vargis,
One of my Clients who wants to visit India is travelling with his wife and 3 kids(12yrs, 10yrs & 4 years)in the month of early August, 2017. I am booking an itinerary for him for Leh (Leh, Nubra & Pengong). I just want to know a couple of things before I confirm this trip.
1. Is it safe for the 4 year old in terms of the heights we will be traveling?
2. The lady is not very fond of treacherous roads. I am advised by a local travel agent(from Leh) that Nubra to Pengog route via Agham-Shyok should be okay. But from your post it seems like thats not the road to take if you are not fond of treacherous roads. I read a post of another blogger, who says the road is okay, he even posted a video of the whole trip: Any suggesstions here.
Thank You very much for your help!
I am based in Jaipur and own a small travel company, if you ever head this way you are welcome to visit our office.
Thanks Again!
Vinod Jhajharia
Bout India Tours Private Limited
+91-7737537037
Hi Vinod – I replied to your email. Let me know if you have any further questions.
Hi Vargis,
Just wanted to know which route is more scenic :
Nubra – Wari La – Pangong or Nubra – Shyok – Pangong.
We are travelling in June
Hi Prateek – Wari La route is more scenic that Aghyam Shyok road.
Hello vargish… i just want to know whether agam shyok road will be open in june starting????? We are travelling one bike… one scorpio is it ohk???
Hi Bhagyaraj – That road is open already. Traveling on a Bike and Scorpio is fine, you should be able to do it.
Hi Vargis,
We 02 male friends are visiting Turtuk(23rd May 2017) on rented 500cc bike. We need to Pangong(25th May 2017 booked).
Now we would like to travel via Agam-Shyok road.. We are having 02 questions:
1. Is it good to travel on this route?
2. Can we stay in Durbuk or Tangste? What are the options of stay?
Hi Pushpinder,
1. Yes you can travel on this route. Just be careful, go slow and before you start, inquire with locals at Nubra Valley about the road conditions ahead.
2. Yes you can stay at these places. Take a look at the article below for accommodation at both these places.
https://vargiskhan.com/log/accommodation-at-pangong-tso/
Hello vargis, Your website has been essential in planning our recently concluded Delhi Ladakh trip. Many thanks. Wife and I drove from hunder to pangong on 19th Aug in a creta (not 4×4) via agham shyok road only after speaking to multiple cab drivers. BRO hard at work but only in sections. Khalsar to agham road is fine, if narrow. 39 km stretch from agham to shyok village is a serious challenge – slow going, exactly as your pictures. Have to watch underbelly of car and tires but quite manageable (assuming driver is comfortable with general surprises of Ladakh terrain). Second half of this stretch has 2 or 3 treacherous water crossings (only time on entire trip where I had to clear the path of large rocks even for SUV). Cab drivers going this way advise crossing before 11 am or noon (nala and river tend to meet right on the ‘road’). Not sure if this rule holds true every year, less snowfall this year made all nala crossings less intense than some previous years. Remains one of the highlights of our trip, isolated, barren and very beautiful. Must confirm conditions with locals beforehand.
Hello Arnabh – Thank you for adding this valuable piece of information brother
Hi Faizan – Click on the contact me link at top of the website brother to send me an email.
Dear Varghis
Appreciate the useful information provided by you via this blog.
We are 2 people(me & my wife) on a rented bullet and planning to go from khalsar (nubra valley) to Pangong in August last week (31-Aug-2016). Please give your valuable inputs as to which route would be advisable for us.
1) khalsar> khardung la> Leh > Chang la> Pangong
2) khalsar> Wari La> Chang la > Pangong
3) khalsar > agam> shyok Village> Durbak > Pangong
Based on your inputs would share the itinerary with you.
Regards
Faizan Uddin
Hello Faizan – Couple of questions, how old is your bullet? How good are you at riding it and are you planning to leave your luggage in Leh or carry it along?
Hi Vargis
I will take a bullet on rent from Leh and will most likely be carrying my luggage. However I will try to pack as light as I can. And although I am quite experienced in riding as I did a solo trip on my pulsar 150cc to K-Top in May 2016, but it will be my first experience with bullet. Have never ride any royal enfield before.
Please provide me with your valuable suggestions.
Regards
Faizan
If it is a rented motorcycle brother and you will have a pillion, then you need to come back to Leh and go to Pangong the next day. Do not even think about the other two routes. Wari La is way too much for a rented motorcycle to handle and same is the case with Agham Shyok road. There is hardly any traffic as well here so in case of a breakdown, you will be stranded in middle of nowhere with a lady. Do not take the chance, I STRONGLY advise against it. Stay safe, come back to Leh from Nubra and go to Pangong from there. Take a look at the following article,
http://roadragas.com/index.php?threads/the-mighty-wari-la.333/
Read through it and you will know what I mean. If this guy faced so much problem on his own brand new 500CC bullet (he too had his wife as pillion), then you can take a guess about the old rented motorcycle.
If you can also join at the forum, it would be good. Would love to see some of your pics when you are back from the trip.
Hi Vargis
I am very grateful to you for all your suggestions. Can you please share your email Id. I want to share my final itinerary with you.
Thanks and regards
Hi Vargis bhai
Could u pls tell me if the following plan is ok:
Day 1-day 3: leh sight seeing
We are a group of 6, and are planning to take bikes on rent for the journey hereonwards:
Day 4 and day 5: leh to nubra and nubra sight seeing
Day 6: nubra to pangong (via agam shyok- just wanted to confirm if this route is OK for traveling in mid september)
Day 7: pangong to leh
Day 8: leh to sarchu
Day 9: sarchu to manli
Please share your thoughts on this, especially if it is OK to use the agam shyok route during this time of the year. We are planning this trip on mid September.
Hi Varun Bhai – Yes it is doable including Agham Shyok road.
I have traversed this road from Nubrah to Pangyong so via Shyok in the month of Jun 2016 in my own xuv. I can say it was one of the wonderful journeys we had in Ladakh. Apart from the gravel roads where at places you have to make your own, swinging bridges, raving river all along, golden mountains around ..gave the feeling as if we are in Mars. The difficult part of the journey is between Khalsar to Agham along the mountains where the road is quite narrow & a vehicle coming in from the other direction is going to put you in trouble …hence a good navigator along side is very very important.
Thanks Pritam