Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake Route Guide & Road Map

by Vargis.Khan

Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake Route Guide

Traveling directly from Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso Lake can help you save a day on your itinerary. You would not have to come back to Leh and can spend more time exploring Ladakh. There are two different routes that can be taken for this journey. In this post, I will provide a road map of Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake route and explain the journey in detail.

With each passing year, more and more places are being opened for tourists. Places that were earlier beyond the reach of a civilian are now accessible to visitors. The roads connecting Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso are also among such areas.

While time is one of the most common factors, a lot of people prefer to travel on this road just to explore a new area or because someone told them that it was more adventurous. Listed below are a few important factors that I feel you must be aware of before traveling on the Nubra valley to Pangong Lake route.

Please note that in this post, I will only talk about the Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake direct route. If you want to get more details about reaching Nubra Valley or Pangong Tso, please take a look at How to Plan a Trip to Leh Ladakh – A Complete Travel Guide.

Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso

Not so long ago, if you wanted to include both Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake in your itinerary, it would require a minimum of 4 days to cover both. On day 1 you would go to Nubra valley, return to Leh on Day 2, reach Pangong on day 3 and arrive back in Leh on day 4.

Fortunately, you do not have to do so anymore. There are now 2 direct routes that can be taken for this journey, the Wari La route and the Agham-Shyok road.

The first one goes through two high-altitude passes (Wari La & Chang La). It is longer of the two and easily an 8-10 hours journey at the least.

The other route is via Agham-Shyok road. It involves no steep climbing, is on a smooth road, and can easily take you to Pangong Tso from Nubra Valley in 4-5 hours.

Let me first post a road map of the region and then I will talk about the route in detail. You can download the map directly from here. In case it comes out blurred, please download it in original resolution from this Google Drive Link.

Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso Route

Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake Route

There are two direct routes between Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake.

  • Route 1: Diskit – Khalsar – Agham – Shyok – Durbuk – Tangtse – Spangmik (Pangong Lake) = 162 kilometers
  • Route 2: Diskit – Khalsar – Agham – Wari La Pass – Sakti – Chang La – Durbuk – Tangtse – Spangmik (Pangong Lake) = 222 kilometers

Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake via Shyok

Let us talk about the easier road first. This is a road that runs through the villages of Agham and Shyok and earlier was a true nightmare to travel on.  It was carved out sometime in 2010 I believe. Initially, for the most part, it was just a trail of dirt and rocks next to a river.

Sometimes the road will be underneath the water and river Shyok will be flowing all over it. Landslides and shooting stones were way too common on this road. There were several stretches with a steep ascent and loose rocks all over, sharp enough to cut through your vehicle’s tires. There were numerous water crossings and some were quite deep & furious.

Even the local experienced taxi drivers once dreaded taking this route. Much however has changed now. In recent years, all thanks to BRO, this road is a smooth run all the way. It is also a very scenic route now. From Diskit to Pangong Tso, the travel time has now been reduced to merely 5-6 hours at most.

To travel on this road, from Diskit, you arrive back to Khalsar. After that, rather than going uphill to Khardung La, you go towards the village of Agham. From there, you continue to Shyok village and then exit on Leh Pangong road near Durbuk. For more details on this road, please take a look at Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso via Agham Shyok Road.

shyok road

Wari la Route

For a more detailed write-up on this route, please take a look at Nubra Valley to Pangong via Wari La Pass. For a brief summary, on this route, you will cross 2 high-altitude passes, Wari La and Chang La. Of these two, Wari La is a more difficult pass and will really need an SUV to cross.

To travel this way as well, you will first have to drive back from Nubra Valley to Khalsar Village. Until Khalsar, the road is mostly good. It is the same route that everyone takes to reach Nubra valley so you will see a lot of tourist movement.

After Khalsar, as you proceed towards Agham, the road starts to get isolated and turns into a mix of good and bad patches. After Agham towards Wari La, you will mostly be on your own. The road will continue getting terrible as you get closer towards Wari La top.

The last 20 km of the ascent are really steep and will put a toll on both the vehicle and the rider/driver. The descent towards Sakti is a mix of good and bad. After Sakti, it is the same mostly good road that everyone takes to reach Pangong Tso from Leh.

A 4×4 SUV is highly recommended for this route but if you do not have a 4X4, at least travel in an SUV. Taking a Sedan or Hatchback on this road is not at all recommended as climbing up Wari La will become a big challenge.

If you are riding a motorcycle, then an Enfield would be the preferred choice. Even then, ride light and solo if you can. If you are on a lighter engine motorcycle-like 200CC, 150 CC then you must ride solo.

wari la road

Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake Distance

If you take the Wari La route, the total distance of the journey from Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso will be slightly over 220 km depending on where you are starting from. If you however take the Wari La road, the distance from Khalsar is 130 odd kilometers and about 160 from Diskit and Sumur.

Permit Needed

You do not have to get any special permit for Wari La or Agham Shyok road. Your inner line permit for Nubra and Pangong will remain applicable for both these routes as well. Please read How to Obtain Inner Line Permit in Ladakh for more details on how to get this permit.

Travel Time

Traveling on the Wari La route, the total time of the journey would easily be 10 hours. You will be crossing two high-altitude passes out of which Wari La is a big challenge. It is nothing like the other high-altitude passes you would have crossed in your journey so far. The steep ascent on the last 20 km of the pass is enough to make any vehicle huff and puff.

The travel time on the Agham Shyok road however is considerably less. You can easily finish the journey in 5-6 hours this way. This is the most preferred road that tourists take to travel between the two places.

Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake by Bus

There is no bus service available directly between Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake. If you are traveling by public transport, you will have to go back to Leh and board a bus for Pangong Lake the next day.

The only other option that you have is to hitchhike. I know a couple of people who have done so. A lot of tourists travel on this road during the tourist season and you just need to find someone who is willing to take you along. There are no shared cabs available as well.

Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake Route Guide

Conclusion

I hope this information on Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso route was of help. If you have any questions or need any further details, 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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155 comments

Sivaranjani Rajagopal August 10, 2023 - 10:50 am

Hi Varghis, Your blog is really helpful while planning our upcoming bike trip to Ladakh in september first week. I have a query on road condition of durbuk to shyok to agham as our plan is to travel to diskit from pangong tso. Is it doable in bajaj avenger cruise 220? How bad it may turn in the month of september? I have experience in riding in Ladakh before but not in this route. Your guidance in this route is highly appreciated.
Thanks

Reply
Vargis.Khan August 11, 2023 - 8:10 am

Thank you and Yes it is doable , should not be a problem

Reply
Vaman Kulkarni February 12, 2023 - 4:27 pm

Hello Vargis,

Our family is planning for a visit to Ladakh from 12th to 17th March. Following is the itinerary we are planning.

1. 12th March – Airport pickup at 9:30am. Evening Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace,
2. 13th March – Sham Valley – Alchi Monestry, Magnetic Hill, Sangam, museum
3. 14th Leh to Pangong to Leh
4. 15th Leh to Nubra – Hundar
5. 16th Hundar to Turkut to Leh
6. 17th – Airport drop at 11:30AM

Is this a workable itinerary and feel free to suggest for any changes.

We have booked accommodation in Leh but still looking for accommodation in Nubra Valley. During March 2nd week what additional precautions we need to take to visit Nubra and Pangong.

Regards
Vaman Kulkarni

Reply
Vargis.Khan February 21, 2023 - 12:33 pm

It is doable Mr. Kulkarni. Your plan is good since you are staying in Leh for the first 2 days, giving sufficient time for acclimatization. It is going to be very cold in March so you should prepare accordingly.

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Sanjay Tyagi May 31, 2022 - 4:08 pm

Hi Vargis, planning a trip to Leh and want to cover as 6th June arrive Leh, 7-9 Nubra and Pangong Lake and back in Leh, 10th fly to Srinagar.
Is it ok and am i missing something and is it true that you have to stay 48 hours in Leh before going any where else ?
Kindly advise,
Regards,
Sanjay from Noida

Reply
Priyanka April 12, 2022 - 7:25 am

Hello Sir

I am planning to visit leh from 24th April to 1st May, here is the itinerary, plz suggest as soon as possible
24th Kargil through zozila
25th Kargil to Leh
26th Leh
27th Leh to Nubra
28th Nubra to Pangong
29th Pangong to chang la
30th Chang la to Jispa through Baralacha

We will be travelling through our own car Baleno, plz suggest is this itinerary & car is fine to travel Ladakh? Or it will be hectic for us?

Thank you!

Reply
Vargis.Khan April 13, 2022 - 4:52 am

The itinerary is fine Priyanka. But when you say Pangong to Chang La, where are you planning to stay for the night? Chang La is a high altitude pass

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Priyanka April 13, 2022 - 7:45 pm

Ok so plz suggest what should we do after Pangong? Where to hault?

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Priyanka April 13, 2022 - 7:59 pm

We are planning to stay @ Lato vilage from Pangong

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Vargis.Khan April 14, 2022 - 6:44 am

Lato Guest House & Restaurant? Then your itinerary is fine. No changed needed

Pankaj Kumar April 28, 2022 - 6:28 pm

Hi
I am planning to travel in last week if may 22.
I plan to go to nubra from leh, stay a night in nubra then next day nubra to pangong lake and then after spending few hour there head back to keh on same day.
Please suggest
Thanks

Reply
Vargis.Khan April 29, 2022 - 7:23 am

It is doable if you are traveling in a private taxi or by your own vehicle.

Vinod Kumar Sharma March 26, 2022 - 2:28 am

Hii all, My wife and I are visiting Leh from 3rd April to 9th April. Would anybody help in finalising the itinerary, please. Somebody is saying that one night halt at Nubra and another at Pangong is fine and someone is recommending for two night halt at Nubra and one night at Pangong. As of now, I have booked room in Leh for 3rd and 4th and 8th night. No other booking has been made. Further, if we could get some couple for sharing taxig fare for Nubra and Pangong trip, that would also be fine.
Mr. Vargis, I would be grateful, if you could help me out, please.

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Vargis.Khan March 27, 2022 - 2:13 am

If you can afford to spend two nights in Nubra then yes, please do it. You will be able to explore the valley better that way.

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KANOJ DEB BARMA March 22, 2022 - 7:19 am

Mr Khan, I would like to know the details of route from Leh to Nubra Valley and next day for Pangong Lake from Nubra Valley. What is the exact road condition if i travel by motorcycle, as i don’t have any previous experience to driving motorcycle in such routes? I will be travelling this April. Will it is feasible if i travel to Nubra Valley from Leh in Day 1 and stay at Nubra Valley and the very day from Nubra to Pangong lake and back to Leh that day itself or i need to stay near Pangong on Day 2 and start my journey to Leh on Day 3??

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Vargis.Khan March 27, 2022 - 2:39 am

Mr. Barma – The condition of the road is good except for the top of the passes en route. You can do Nubra – Pangong – Leh in a single day but it will be a rushed and long ride. If you can, it is better to stay at Pangong for the night.

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Vidya August 24, 2021 - 10:04 am

Is it possible to stay in nubra 2 night and 3rd day drive to leh via pangong without staying in pangong ?

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Harshit Srivastava August 13, 2021 - 11:22 am

Hi Vargis, I am planning Nubra to Pangong via Shyok route on 30 august 2021.
Is it impossible to take Alto 800 on that route?

Reply
Nidhi Mehta August 18, 2021 - 1:31 pm

Hy ..can I contact you for the same ..I am solo traveler and looking for group for Sharing in same dates ..can I contact you on Insta? Or on mail?

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PINTU BIKASH BARUA January 19, 2022 - 9:31 am

We want to follow the below itenary.
Leh 3 nights
Diskit or Hunder 1night
Turtuk 1 night
Pangok 1nigh
Kargil 1 night
Should I go individually or through any Travel Agent?
Economy or budget trip.
For 4 members Ĺeh to Leh cost pl.
Food.
Home Stay
Car. Separately pl.

Reply
Manu August 3, 2021 - 1:31 pm

Hi Vargis,
We are planning a trip in September 1 week. And planning to go nubura to pangong directly instead of coming back to leh first. Any idea whether the direct route will be open during that time. I heard as of now on today it’s blocked due to water.
And do we have a direct route to go from pangong to tso moriri?

Reply
Vargis.Khan August 4, 2021 - 6:18 am

It should be open by September Manu Bhai. Even if it does get blocked, it is not for long.

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Subhojit Dhar February 18, 2020 - 9:28 am

Hi Vargis,
Any change that u would suggest. I am not keen in a night halt at Pangong. Could there be an alternative halt at a lower altitude?

6th June Srinagar
7th June Kargil
8th – 9th June Leh
10th – 11th June Nubra
12th June Pangong
13th June Leh
14th June Keylong
15th June Manali
16th June Manali
17th June Chandigarh
18th June Train
19th June Howrah

Reply
Vargis.Khan February 19, 2020 - 3:36 pm

Hi Subhojit – There is really no low altitude place near the lake. If you do not wish to stay there, the only other option is to return to Leh after spending some time near the lake.

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Manu August 3, 2021 - 1:30 pm

Hi Vargis,

We are planning a trip in September 1 week. And planning to go nubura to pangong directly instead of coming back to leh first. Any idea whether the direct route will be open during that time. I heard as of now on today it’s blocked due to water.

And do we have a direct route to go from pangong to tso moriri?

Reply
Vargis.Khan August 4, 2021 - 6:18 am

It should be open by September Manu Bhai. Even if it does get blocked, it is not for long.

Reply
Prashant January 19, 2020 - 1:03 pm

Dear Vargis,
During 1st week of June 2020, I intend to travel from Nubra to Pangong Tso. I have Senior Citizen and Kids with me. I have following questions
1. Is there any good resort enroute, in case we need to take rest overnight on the way?
2. Which route do you recommend during 1st week of June 2020.

Regards
Prashant.

Reply
Vargis.Khan January 19, 2020 - 2:51 pm

Hi Prashant,

1. No accommodation available on this route. It is a journey of only 5-6 hours though so you won’t even need one actually.
2. Take the Shyok route. It is the shortest one.

Reply
Subhojit Dhar February 18, 2020 - 8:05 am

Hi Vargis, Just want to know if it’s possible to go from Nubra to Pangong and return to Leh on the same day

Reply
Vargis.Khan February 19, 2020 - 3:42 pm

Hi Subhojit – It will be a long drive but yes, it is doable.

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Mrs AGARWAL March 27, 2022 - 10:47 am

I have motion sickness so I should be traveling there leh ladakh

Reply
Vargis.Khan March 27, 2022 - 3:32 pm

It will become difficult if you suffer from motion sickness. Consult a doctor and get some motion sickness medicine for the trip maybe?

Gopinath March 15, 2021 - 11:51 am

dr vargish what r d places where accommodation facilities available. Pl mention that places s

Reply
Ajay Hooda January 1, 2020 - 5:17 pm

Hey Vargis
We are planning the travel to leh in the first week of June. Since we are bit short of time we are thinking to taking the Nubra to Pangong road. Any idea if that road would be open by first week of June?

Thanks

Reply
Vargis.Khan January 3, 2020 - 1:25 pm

Hi Ajay – Yes, it will definitely be open in June first week.

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Subhojit Dhar February 18, 2020 - 8:01 am

Hi Ajay, I will be there in the first week of August too. If things match, we can do this together

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Gyal - Explore Himalayas February 20, 2021 - 8:13 am

Its always open except from july 15th to Aug 15th the road could be blocked because of water over flowing on the road..

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Ninad Gade September 15, 2019 - 5:30 pm

Hi Vargis,
Enjoyed your articles with lots of information. I am travelling in early October 2019 from Nubra to Pangong. Considering road condition, how long would it take to reach Pangong. Do you think it’s a good idea in October or should i get back to Leh and then go to Pangong?

Reply
Vargis.Khan September 16, 2019 - 4:18 am

Hi Ninad – Via Shyok road it will take about 6-7 hours at most. You are OK to travel directly, no need to go back.

Reply
Ninad Gade September 16, 2019 - 5:47 am

Thank you Sir 🙂
It makes planning ladakh trip so much easier.

Reply
Vargis.Khan September 16, 2019 - 4:37 pm

You are welcome brother !!!

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venky August 28, 2019 - 11:01 am

Hi Vargis, Thanks a lot for the detailed overview on Leh, we are travelling to Leh Next week.
our trip is for 7 days, can you suggest us the best places to visit without coming back to Leh multiple time.
what we are planning is Leh to Nubra to Pangong to TsoMoriri for next 3 days can you suggest some places which we can discover and on the last day we go back to Leh

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Bhanu July 18, 2019 - 3:44 am

Thanks for the blog, it has so much useful information.

We want to cover nubra velley and pangong lake in two days, we stay leh, early morning we start to nubra velly and back to leh by evening,stay in hotel and next day morning we start to pangyong and back to leh on the same day, and we have flight next day early morning 7. Can you please guide the better route to save time, and tiredness to plan for above schedule.

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Vargis.Khan July 18, 2019 - 12:55 pm

The only change I can suggest is to go straight to Pangong from Nubra via Shyok road rather than coming back to Leh.

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MRS PREETI CHADHA May 7, 2019 - 7:44 am

Hii Mr. Khan, i m a mom of 46 and dont ride a bike 🙂 But up to adventure and extreme water sports every summer with my son who is 18 now. With a base at Leh for 7 nights, can you please guide me how to make the most of this trip. Its a must do before its a no-no and the boy insists I can do Ladakh. Thank you for any kind of route map we should follow and any car service. (Son has just turned 18 and enrolled at NDA, so i have no plans to teach him driving or riding to stay injury free) Thanks a mile, looking forward to your plan which i will follow to the tee.
Affly
Preeti

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Rama Adinugraha January 8, 2019 - 8:13 am

Hi Vargis,
Thank you for creating this blog, this is very very very helpful and informative…
Me and 3 of my friend are planning for Ladakh Trip in July 6th, i need to ask to you:

1. Can you please check out our route
Day 1 = Arrived at Leh by plane, Checking up motorcycle
Day 2 = Acclimatized and Leh Sight Seeing
Day 3 = Leh – Khardung La – Diskit
Day 4 = Diskit – Pangong Tso Via Shyok
Day 5 = Pangong Tso – Leh Via Hemis
Day 6 = Leh – Sarchu
Day 7 = Sarchu – Manali
is it ok? or how about your opinion?

2. After i read your blog, we decided to rent a bike in Leh despite in Manali.. Is it a good choice? and can you tell me about Motorcycle Rental Operator that recomend? We would like to rent Himalayans, after browsing i found Ladakh Bike Rental, how about them?

3. How long the process if i propose permit for pangong tso and nubra valley? and where is the place?

4. Is it ok, to bring Leh Bike to Manali? we have one day free at manali and planing to go to Alain Barrage by bike, is it oke to go there with Leh PLate Number Bike?

5. Is It possible if we going to Leh from pangong tso via Shyok in one day?

Thank you so much for your information

Reply
Hank Vyner October 16, 2018 - 2:46 am

Thanks for all of your posts on the Wari-la and Shyok routes. They are helpful.

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Vargis.Khan October 16, 2018 - 12:07 pm

Thanks for taking the time to drop a note

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Nikhil Tanwar January 20, 2019 - 5:12 pm

Hello vargis i am planning Dehradun to leh ladakh trip by my ownown gr i10.leh-nubra-pangong-leh.
Is grand i10 comfortable for ds trip as taxi shall be costly enough.
Myself wife and 3years daughter r the travellers and plan is in last may or 5-6th June.

Reply
Vargis.Khan January 21, 2019 - 10:05 am

Hi Nikhil – Yes you can complete the trip in I10 but June may not be a good time for that. Try planning in September if you can.

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VIDYAPRASAD ANBARUVI August 7, 2018 - 9:53 am

Hi Vargis,
Thank you very much for this awesome blog bro.
I am planning Leh-Pongong-Nubra-Leh in 3 days with 2 Nights halt outside Leh.
Is it advisable to do it in 3days?, if yes were can i make my night halts?

Reply
Vargis.Khan August 7, 2018 - 12:55 pm

Hi Vidyaprasad, Yes you can do Leh to Diskit on Day 1, Diskit to Pangong on Day 2 and then back to Leh on Day 3.

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VIDYAPRASAD ANBARUVI August 7, 2018 - 9:48 am

Hi Varghis,

Thank you for this awesome blog bro
I am palnning Leh-Pongong- Nubravalley-Leh in 3D2N.

It is advisable to do in 3 days?, if yes were can i halt for the nights?

Reply
Vargis.Khan August 7, 2018 - 12:56 pm

Hi Vidyaprasad, Yes you can do Leh to Diskit on Day 1, Diskit to Pangong on Day 2 and then back to Leh on Day 3.

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Amit Kumar August 7, 2018 - 9:43 am

Hello Vargis,

First of all, Thank you so much for such informative blogs.
Me and my friend (pillion rider) planning 7 days trip in Leh.

1. Leh (stay)
2. Leh (stay)
3. Nubra via Kardungla (stay)
4. Nubra toh TBD (stay) – Or return to Leh
5. TBD to Pangong Oso (stay)
6. Pangong to Leh (stay)

We are confuse if we can make Nubra – Something – Pangong and how difficult it is considering I’m lone rider with not much experience on hill riding. Is there any place we can take a halt or better to comeback to leh is better option and proceed to Pangong on following day.

We will be riding mostly Classic 350.

Your suggestion is much appreciated.

Reply
Vargis.Khan August 7, 2018 - 12:57 pm

Hi Amit, You can do Leh to Diskit, Diskit to Pangong and then Pangong to Leh. If you want to spend another day in Nubra then you can do Diskit to Turtuk or Diskit to Panamik in beetween.

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Amit Kumar August 7, 2018 - 1:11 pm

Thanks for reply,
Since its a solo journey, Which route you would recommend for Diskit to Pangong journey, and how long it would take.

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Vargis.Khan August 7, 2018 - 10:08 pm

Take the Shyok route. That is the easier one now. About 6 hours of journey.

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Namit Jain October 31, 2018 - 6:13 pm

Hi Vargis,

We are 10 people and our travel agent has suggested for Leh to nubra valley (overnight stay) and then pangonk lake to leh on the same day. So it will be 2 days journey. Is it possible ? We are coming on 21 Nov 2018.

Vargis.Khan November 1, 2018 - 12:03 am

Hi Namit – Yes it is doable. Staying at Pangong now would anyways be a challenge so coming back to Leh makes sense. It would be a long journey though so start early.

Amit Kumar August 7, 2018 - 1:31 pm

Thanks for reply,

Since I’ll be riding with pillion, What route you would recommend for Diskit to Pangong, and how difficult it is?

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Vargis.Khan August 7, 2018 - 10:07 pm

Take the Shyok route. That is the easier one now. About 6 hours of journey.

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Vikram August 1, 2018 - 4:49 pm

Hi Vargis,

Doing the following road trip, require your advice on the same. We are two people (sister/brother). I have travelled to Leh before and suffered slight (not worrisome) acute mountain sickness :
1. Day1- Srinagar to Kargil (night halt)
2. Day 2- Padum (night halt)
3. Day 3- Kargil (night halt)
4. Day 4- Leh (night halt)
5. Day 5- Rest in Leh (night halt)
6. Day 6- Nubra (night halt)
7. Day 7- Pangong via Wari La (night halt)
8. Day 8- Hanle (night halt)
9. Day 9- Tso moriri (night halt)
10. Day 10- Sarchu (night halt)
11. Day 11- Manali (night halt)
12. Day 12- Manali to delhi flight

Reply
Vargis.Khan August 1, 2018 - 8:43 pm

Hi Vikram – Your itinerary looks good, no chance required.

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Kirti Jain August 1, 2018 - 4:45 am

Hi Vargis, Nubra to Pangong via Shyok would be covered in how many hours ? We plan to go via 12-seater tempo traveller, is that ok for this route ? — Regards, Kirti

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Vargis.Khan August 1, 2018 - 3:40 pm

Hi Kirti – You can do it in about 6 hours, depending on your speead and breaks. And yes, tempo traveler is fine for the route.

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Kirti Jain August 3, 2018 - 11:39 am

Thank you Vargis. Can you please also suggest where to stay in Nubra- Hunder or Diskit or Sumur ? Also if you can advise some good stay option as well — regards, Kirti .

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Vargis.Khan August 3, 2018 - 2:47 pm

Diskit is better to stay, it has more and better options. Just take a walk around, check out a few hotels and negotiate an on the spot deal.

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Aditi Shenoy July 27, 2018 - 7:01 pm

Hello Sir..we need your suggestion for our trip and we are starting from Pangong(Manali to Pangong is done). Want to cover only Shyok, Nubra, Khardungla and then finally Leh. We would already spend time in pangong the day before so we have the convenience of starting early from Pangong. We have 2 full days. Our flight is from Leh on d 3rd day morning.
Only I and my husband are riding in Royal enfield classic 350..
As our ride is due next week, request you to help us our as early as possible 🙂

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Aditi Shenoy July 27, 2018 - 7:03 pm

Request you to suggest us about the feasible road options..as only the 2 of us are riding..

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Vargis.Khan July 27, 2018 - 9:35 pm

From Pangong, you should take the Shyok road to arrive at Nubra valley. Stay at Diskit for the night and then take the Khardung La route to arrive at Leh on Day 2.

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Surendra kumar Sonkhya June 5, 2019 - 9:36 am

Hi Vargis, how are you
What is the condition of road from Nubra Valley to Pangong via Shyok
Is it safe to drive on this route

Reply
Vargis.Khan June 5, 2019 - 3:45 pm Reply
Vargis.Khan July 27, 2018 - 9:35 pm

From Pangong, you should take the Shyok road to arrive at Nubra valley. Stay at Diskit for the night and then take the Khardung La route to arrive at Leh on Day 2.

Reply
Aditi Shenoy July 28, 2018 - 2:35 am

Hello Sir, is the Shyok road fine because only me and my husband are riding? Not so risky right 🙂

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Vargis.Khan July 28, 2018 - 5:00 pm

It is fine now, not as risky as it was earlier.

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Roxanne Basavaraj July 9, 2018 - 8:12 am

Hi Vargis – I have an extra day on my way back from Nubra before I head out to Pangong. What would you suggest we do on that extra day ? Night 3. Thanks in advance for your tips.
My current itinerary is
Night 1 – Leh
Night 2 – Nubra
Night 3 – Blank as of now … any suggestions
Night 4 – Pangong
Night 5 – Leh and done !

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Vargis.Khan July 10, 2018 - 3:46 am

Hi Roxanne – Are you reaching Leh by flight or driving there? If by flight then travel like this.

1. Leh
2. Drive till Lamayuru and be back to Leh by evening. See Magnetic hill, indus zanskar confluence etc
3. Nubra
4. Pangong via Shyok
5. Leh

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Harish July 3, 2018 - 7:31 am

Hi vargis bhai,
This is harish from bangalore. I am planning a trip to J&K between 5th july to 14th july as below. Kindly let me know whether its perfect.
Day 1- arrival at Jammu airport, proceed to katra, halt.
Day 2- katra to vaishno maths Darshan via helicopter, return to katra and proceed to srinagar. Halt at srinagar.
Day 3- local sight seeing including doodh Patti etc and halt at srinagar.
Day 4- gulmarg and close by places visit, halt at srinagar.
Day 5- pahalgam and close by places visit, halt at Srinagar.
Day 6- srinagar to kargil via sonmarg. Halt at kargil
Day 7- kargil to leh and local sight seeing. Halt at leh.
Day 8- leh to nubra valley, halt at nubra
Day 9- nubra valley to pangong lake via shyok. Halt at pangong or return to leh
Day 10- leh to delhi or pangong to leh in early morning and leh to delhi by flight
Pls suggest any alteration or inclusion in the itinerary sir.

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Harish July 3, 2018 - 7:47 am

Pls also suggest me on whether i have to reduce time at Srinagar and increase a day at leh. If so pls suggest me proper itinerary. But I have to depart on 14th July from leh

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Vargis.Khan July 3, 2018 - 1:58 pm

Your itinerary is OK Harish Bhai. Add another day in Leh so that you can stay a night at Pangong, come back to Leh and then catch the flight the next day. Rest all is good.

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Harish July 4, 2018 - 5:37 am

Vargis bhai, but my friends who r presently in Jammu says that weather condition is very bad and not be possible to make up the journey timings. What’s your opinion on this.

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Vargis.Khan July 5, 2018 - 3:11 am

Harish Bhai it is the weather that is bad right now with flood alert on. Except for the weather, you got nothing to worry about.

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Harish July 5, 2018 - 7:27 am

Vargis bhai, can I know some of the local operator who can get me vehicle and accommodation arrangements done at economical rate for the following revised itinerary;
6th July 7am- arrival to leh airport and travel to nubra valley. Halt at nubra.
7th july- nubra to pangong lake either via leh or direct through shyok and halt at pangong.
8th july- pangong to leh, local sight seeing and proceed to kargil. Halt at kargil.
9th july- kargil to srinagar via sonmarg and other enroute places of interest.
What would be ideal cost for the above for two person.

Vargis.Khan July 5, 2018 - 2:11 pm

Harish Bhai please contact Nasir in Leh @ 9906229203.

Mathieu Boisvert June 21, 2018 - 10:27 am

Dear Vargis… I have been in Ladakh for the last few days, riding from Manali (I have been riding for the last 10 months throughout India, what a threat!). Your blog has been extremely precious; it is well written, detailed, with most information one could wish for. eternally grateful!!! Mathieu

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Vargis.Khan June 21, 2018 - 3:20 pm

Hello Mathieu, Thank you for taking the time to drop a note and your kind words. I am glad that the information posted was of help.

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Subhojit Dhar February 18, 2020 - 9:26 am

Hi Vargis,
Any change that u would suggest. I am not keen in a night halt at Pangong. Could there be an alternative halt at a lower altitude?

6th June Srinagar
7th June Kargil
8th – 9th June Leh
10th – 11th June Nubra
12th June Pangong
13th June Leh
14th June Keylong
15th June Manali
16th June Manali
17th June Chandigarh
18th June Train
19th June Howrah

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Vargis.Khan February 19, 2020 - 3:37 pm

Hi Subhojit – There is really no low altitude place near the lake. If you do not wish to stay there, the only other option is to return to Leh after spending some time near the lake.

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Avinash Choudhary May 23, 2018 - 8:25 am

Hello Sir, This is Avinash and i love this place Leh Ladakh and mountain lover also. i had visited 3 times leh or all surrounding places science 2011-2015 and 2017. from last 2 times i followed your guidance which was post on your this blog such it is very Helpful for us. first i thank to u as a Rider for being help for all human..

This Year Starting i married and my wish to come again this week with my Wife ..
all plans are decided but have slightly problem please solve it

can we check the root Status Nubra valley (Diskit) to Pan gong lake Via Shyok Valley,
Can we go from this root on This Sunday 27-05-2018

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Vargis.Khan May 23, 2018 - 1:31 pm

Hello Avinash. Yes, Shyok road is open and you can indeed travel from Nubra to Pangong directly.

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Avinash Choudhary May 24, 2018 - 10:52 am

Thank you very much…. sir
Thanks for Help-.

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Vargis.Khan May 24, 2018 - 4:04 pm

You are welcome Bhai

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Aparajita June 3, 2018 - 3:57 pm

Hi Vargis,
Just wanted to confirm — since the time you wrote and updated this article, has the Nubra-Pangong route via Shyok become better?
I am traveling with my parents and intend to book a taxi to take me around. So, are the local operators willing to take the Shyok route?
Thanks a lot for all your efforts in putting together such detailed accounts and itineraries.
Aparajita

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Prakash Waskar June 22, 2018 - 7:20 pm

hello Sir,

your blog is very helpful with most information . thank you.

We are planning to visit ladakh in 2nd week of July 2018.

but as per our itinerary on 10 july we are travelling from Nubra to Pangong via Shyok river road.

so can we go from this route to pangong?

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Vargis.Khan June 23, 2018 - 5:27 am

Hi Prakash Bhai, Yes you can travel on this on the mentioned date.

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Prakash Waskar June 23, 2018 - 9:24 am

thank you very much…for help

Vargis.Khan June 23, 2018 - 3:09 pm

You are welcome !!!

Gopinath March 15, 2021 - 12:06 pm

Dr khan which is better for economic , safe n enjoyment . Whether go by solo in bike or in a group. In first week June can snow capture mountains?

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Surendra ( Phone 9456597502) From Noida May 7, 2022 - 12:14 pm

Mr Khan, I read all querrues and your detailed replies. You arw an Encyclopedia of this Region.
Two querries:- Is it OK to visit Pengong around in third week of July 2022 ?
Second – Your advice needed for Pengong to Chang la and second night from Changla to Jispa
You said public transpoet not available on this route. Are rhe cabs available on thus route?
From Jispa, I want to travel by bus to Manali.
Awaiting your advice pkrase

Vargis.Khan May 10, 2022 - 7:48 am

Hello Surendra,

1. Yes it is Ok to travel in July
2. You may not find a shared cab from Chang La to Jispa. Better would be to come back from Pangong to Leh and then board a cab for Jispa/Keylong from Leh bus stan in the morning of the next day.

Sarita May 22, 2018 - 5:51 am

Sarita
Hello Sir,

We are planning to visit leh in last week of June 2018. Our itinerary is,

23rd June 2018 – Fly to Leh from Delhi early in the morning. Rest throughout the day. 24th June – local sight seeing.
25th – Leh to Nubra valley – Halt at Nubra.
26th Nubra to Pangong and Halt.
27th Pangong to Tsomoriri and Halt
28th Tsomoriri to Leh and Halt.
29th early morning departure from Leh to Delhi.
We consist of 7 adults and three children, aged 14 and 8. Is this plan ok?

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Vargis.Khan May 22, 2018 - 1:51 pm

Hello Sarita – You cannot go directnly from Pangong to Moriri. Permits for that route are not being issued right now. You will have to return to Leh from Pangong.

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Sarita May 22, 2018 - 4:17 pm

Thank you for the reply. But kindly let me know whether rest of the itinerary is OK. We are going by tempo traveller to all these places.

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Sarita May 22, 2018 - 5:00 pm

One more clarification. As we won’t be able to visit tsomori, we will be left with one additional day. So can we stay for two nights either in Nubra or in Pangong? Which one would be better? Kindly suggest.

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Vargis.Khan May 22, 2018 - 5:08 pm

Stay in Nubra valley, nothing to do at Pangong for an entire day. Do Leh to Diskit / Hunder, then Diskit / Hunder to Panamik and then Panamik to Pangong via Shyok.

Vargis.Khan May 22, 2018 - 5:07 pm

You are welcome and yes, rest of the plan looks great.

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Sarita May 23, 2018 - 5:25 am

Thank you so much for your guidance. Will alter our travel plan accordingly.

Vargis.Khan May 23, 2018 - 1:40 pm

You are welcome

Sarita May 23, 2018 - 1:30 pm

Sir, sorry t bother you again. On the extra day at nubra, can we go to Turtuk and return to nubra? How is the route? How far is the siachin base camp from there? Kids are excited and want to see border area… Kindly inform. Thanks in advance.

Vargis.Khan May 23, 2018 - 1:52 pm

Yes you can go to Turtuk and come back but Siachen Base Camp is off limits for tourists.

RK AGrawal June 11, 2018 - 7:20 am

Dear Vargis,

whether the route from Nubra to Pangong via Shylok will be open in Last week of JUne? We have planned journey for the route will a loacal innova for 6 people.

Vargis.Khan June 11, 2018 - 6:08 pm

Hi RK, Road is open and will be around your dates of travel.

Surendra ( Phone 9456597502) From Noida May 7, 2022 - 12:18 pm

Sarita ji, could you manage a tempo traveller for Leh – Nubra-Pengong lake-Leh?

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Nusrat liz April 23, 2018 - 11:33 am

Hello,
Thanks for your kind and important informations.i am from bangladesh and i am going to ladakh and kashmir in 27th april. at first from delhi to leh then want to go nubra valley for 1day after that from nubra valley wanted to go pangong lake. but don’t want to stay in pangong. so my question is is that possible if i go to pangong in early morning from nubra then at evening i wanted to start for leh by road? my trip time is not that much i am getting only 7days so i have to cover both ladakh and kashmir..could you please suggest me some guideline?

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Vargis.Khan April 23, 2018 - 3:04 pm

Hello Please take a look at this post before you fly in for Ladakh.

https://vargiskhan.com/log/permits-in-ladakh/

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Sagar Yadav March 21, 2018 - 7:59 pm

Hello sir my leh ladakh itenary Delhi to patnitop day 1 Patnitop to Srinagar day 2 Srinagar to kargil day 3.
Kargil to leh day 4
Leh day 5
Leh to diskit day 6
Diskit to spangmik day 7
Spangmik to hanle day 8
Hanle to karzok day 9
Karzok to pang /sarchu day 10
Sarchu to manali day 11
Manali to Delhi day 12

Is it okay or not suggest me

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Vargis.Khan March 22, 2018 - 6:43 pm

It is perfect Sagar Bhai. You got it all covered. When are you traveling by the way? Delhi to Patnitop will be a bit of long journey though.

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Sagar Yadav March 22, 2018 - 6:49 pm

OK what about diesel available in pangong lake in black or not I have Scorpio 2wd is it okay for this trip in last week of May

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Vargis.Khan March 22, 2018 - 8:42 pm

Yes you can get Diesel at Pangong in Black, expect the price to be close to Rs 90 – 100 per liter. Scorpio 2WD will work well for the trip

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swamulu March 7, 2018 - 10:21 am

Dear Mr Vargis Khan,
We are 5 people reaching Leh on 26 June 2018 morning. our plan is like this
we will be acclimatizing to high altitude because we are traveling from chandigarh- simla- kaza – changigarh from 17 -25 june 2018 by self driven vehicle. and reaching to Leh from Chandigarh by Air.
we wanted to hire a local taxi(Suv/Xylo) from Leh
26 June 18 Take permits and local site seeing
27 june 2018 Leh to Nubra/pangong (Night stay)
28 June 2018 Nubra/pangong to pangong/numbra( Night stay)
29 June 208 Pangong/nubra to Leh.
Queries during this period route from Nubra/Pangong to Pnagong/Nubra is it open via shyok.
Which is better option 1) going from Nubra to Pangong or 2) Pangong to Nubra?
Can you suggest a good local traveller from whom we can hire vehicle from 26 June 2018(AM) to 30 June 2018AM and what will be the approxmate cost of vehicle.
Regds
swamulu

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Vargis.Khan March 7, 2018 - 2:16 pm

Hello Mr. Swamulu,

1. Yes the Shyok road is mostly open in June.
2. Traveling from Nubra to Pangong will be better.

Please contact Sonam Angdus in Leh @ 09469272773. He runs his own taxi in Ladakh. Give my reference and he will take good care of you.

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swamulu March 15, 2018 - 8:51 am

Thanks Mr Vagis Khan,
For your info. we will do accordingly.
Regds
Swamulu

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Vargis.Khan March 19, 2018 - 6:38 pm

You are welcome !!!

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Surendra ( Phone 9456597502) From Noida May 7, 2022 - 12:25 pm

Hi. Could you manage a taxi for Leh-Nubra-Pengong-Leh? Do you have gis contact numver? Thankd

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Dennis September 30, 2017 - 6:27 am

Hi Vargisbhai,
your blog was quite helpful to me, I completed my Ladakh trip 2 days back. Just wanted to share this: the road to Pangong Lakefrom Nubra Valley via Agam and Shyok village is not as bad as it was before, it is pretty decent, except for a few sections of rough boulders.
The trip was mind altering experience! Thanks again!
Dennis

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Vargis.Khan September 30, 2017 - 2:04 pm

Thank you so much Dennis Bhai for sharing the update. How long was your trip?

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Dennis October 2, 2017 - 8:53 am

Hi Vargisbhai, I took 28 days, Kerala- Ladakh- Kerala. solo biking.

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Vargis.Khan October 2, 2017 - 9:44 pm

That was a long trip. If you wouldn;t mind sharing any tips to help others, that would be great. Maybe some recent pics of the Shyok road as well would be great.

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SANJAY WAHI September 10, 2017 - 7:27 am

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.

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Vargis.Khan September 10, 2017 - 7:58 am

Thanks Sanjay Bhai for sharing the feedback. How did Innova perform on the route?

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Kulprabhassorn Kritapongseth August 17, 2017 - 8:31 am

Hi Vargis,
Thank you for this informative blog.
I plan to use this road on September 25. Will this road open on September?

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Vargis.Khan August 17, 2017 - 1:10 pm

Hi Kulprabhassorn – Yes the road will be open at this time.

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Anuj August 2, 2017 - 9:03 am

Is Agham Khalsar road open

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Vargis.Khan August 2, 2017 - 2:14 pm

Not right now

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Abhijeet Srinivas July 23, 2017 - 7:22 am

Hi
Can we do do the Nubra to Pangong via Wari La on a Motorcycle with pillion in 8 hours? Also what do you think is current condition of the route ?…
Appreciate your help…..
Thanks

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Vargis.Khan July 23, 2017 - 10:44 pm

It depends which motorcycle you have and in what condition it is. If you are motorcycle is able to pull the weight up Wari La and you keep your breaks limited, then yes you can do the journey in 8 hours. Road between Agham and Sakti, across Wari La, will be bad.

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anu July 14, 2017 - 7:52 pm

How is the condition of road in agham shyok route now? I have heard of a bridge collapse there in mid july… we are going there in mid august

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Vargis.Khan July 17, 2017 - 1:42 pm

Not that I know of. Road is still operational as far as I can tell

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Mohammed July 12, 2017 - 9:36 am

Hi Vargis,
We are planning for the August 18th to 28th trip and have finalized on the below itinerary:
Day 1: Srinagar to Kargil
Day 2: Kargil to Leh
Day 3: Stay @ Leh and Sight seeing
Day 4: Leh to Tso Moriri
Day 5: Tso Moriri to Pangong
Day 6: Pangong to Nubra
Day 7: Nubra to Leh
Day 8: Leh to Kargil
Day 9: Kargil to Srinagar

We are 7 people on 4 bikes. Does this look like a doable ride?
If not then what would you suggest.

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Vargis.Khan July 12, 2017 - 7:58 pm

Hello Mohammed,

Plan looks doable except for Moriri to Pangong. That is a 2 day ride actually. I am assuming that you are taking the Chushul route, correct?

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Mohammed July 17, 2017 - 11:12 am

Thank you for your response Vargis. Yes that is correct. We are taking the Chushul route

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Vargis.Khan July 17, 2017 - 1:47 pm

You will have to start by first light of the day from Pangong, like 6 AM and then you can make it to Karzok before it gets dark. It is a really long ride

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Nikhil July 19, 2017 - 1:26 pm

Hello Vargis,
Thanks for the detailed description for Nubra-Pangong

Being part of Mohammad’s trip I would like to make a little correction:

Day 4: Leh to Nubra
Day 5: Nubra to Pangong
Day 6: Pangong to Tso Morirri
Day 7: Tso Morirri to Leh

>Could you give us a rough estimate of Travel time for Day7: Tso Morirri to Leh?

> I have also heard that there are very few tent stay at Tso Morirri.
Where should the stay@Tso Morirri be booked?
At Leh Or from Tso-Morirri after reaching there?

As it would be risky giving 10-12 hrs and finding no place to stay.

Sorry the questions are off the Blog’s title.

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Vargis.Khan July 19, 2017 - 2:13 pm

Hi Nikhil,

Travel time from Karzok to Leh via Chumathang will be about 7-8 hours. Good to book your accommodation after you reach Leh. Take a look at the post below.
https://vargiskhan.com/log/hotels-at-tso-moriri/

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Ravi Sane June 13, 2017 - 1:28 pm

Varghis, thank you for so much detailed on each n every topic. Sir, can you tell me whether due to snowfall during last, any road or pass is closed or advised to not cross?

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Vargis.Khan June 13, 2017 - 3:11 pm

Hello Ravi, All roads and passes are open as of now. You are good to go.

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Krishanu Ghosh May 29, 2017 - 4:45 pm

Hi Vargis,

First of all, thank you very much for such informative blog, appreciate it.

Need one expert advise- We are planning for a bike trip and willing to take Shyok route.Is it doable during mid of July.Do you think ice melting and water level of Shyok can give us big trouble during this period?

Looking forward for your advise, based on your input we need to plan accordingly.

Thanks,
Krishanu Ghosh

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Vargis.Khan May 30, 2017 - 1:27 am

Hello Krishanu – Yes the melting snow may increase the water level of Shyok. My honest advice to you right now will be to ask while you are in Nubra valley. inquire with the locals, if they say the road is clear then proceed. If they advice you to not go, then heed and take the Wari La route.

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Phalguna K May 13, 2017 - 4:42 am

Hi Vargi , Thank you for your reply . What I mean is can we do this circuit without coming back to Leh ? Start at Leh and then Nubra-Pangong-Tsomiriri and finally back to Leh in 4 days ?

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Vargis.Khan May 13, 2017 - 5:06 am

Yes, definitely. You can do it in three days as well.

Leh to Nubra Valley (Stay at Diskit)
Nubra Valley (Come to Panamik and stay there)
Panamik to Pangong Tso via Agham Shyok road or Wari La
Pangong to Leh

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Phalguna K May 11, 2017 - 7:13 pm

Hi Vargis ,

Thank you for this very informative​ blog !

I was wondering​ if we could do Leh-Nubra-Pangong-Tsomiriri-Leh? Is it advisable to do it in 4 days ?

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Vargis.Khan May 13, 2017 - 2:08 am

Hi Phalguna – Yes you definitely can do it it in 4 days; you can actually do it in even 3 days.

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Miloni Parikh February 17, 2022 - 2:58 pm

Hi .. I am planning to travel in end of March to first week of April 2022 …. Do you think I will be able to do Nirba valley and pangong lake … roads will be open and we are planning to fly to leh … thanks

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Vargis.Khan February 22, 2022 - 10:17 am

Yes, you will be able to do it.

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