Solo Trip to Ladakh – Planning, Cost, Itinerary, Safety Tips

A solo trip is something that will definitely not suit everyone. Most people would prefer to have someone to keep them company while a lot of others are happy traveling all by themselves. Both the aspects have their own advantages and disadvantages. But when you are traveling alone, your planning would have to be a little more meticulous and precise, especially when you are planning a solo trip to Ladakh.

Ladakh in recent times has seen a tremendous boost in tourism. It is no longer a place that only adventure enthusiasts or bikers go to. Out here now, you will even find families including both kids and elders. Sometimes, even finding a Leh can be a little troublesome. That is the kind of tourist footfall Ladakh sees in recent years.

Also read: How to Plan a Trip to Leh Ladakh – Complete Travel Guide

With that being said, the fact still remains that it is a sparsely populated region and one of the remotest areas of our country. There will be several times in the trip when you will be all on your own with no one around for miles. Your phones will not be working and if you land in trouble somewhere, you will have to handle the situation all by yourself.

Keeping that in mind, below are a few important tips that you should keep in mind when planning for your solo trip to Ladakh.

How to Plan a Solo Trip to Ladakh

To begin with, I will share some tips on how the trip can be planned and executed in the best possible manner. Later in the article, I will provide an itinerary, related costs, and information on public transport services.

Plan your Budget

Of all the people that I have known to have traveled solo to Ladakh, most of them either went by public transport or on a motorcycle. I do not know of anyone who went to Ladakh alone in his car and just one person who went solo by flight.

This is because of the cost factor. For a journey that long, the cost per person comes down marginally if you have someone to share the cost with. A solo trip to Ladakh will definitely cost you a bit. When traveling solo, it will all be your own expense.

Wisely chose your accommodation if traveling on a budget. Plan your entire itinerary in a way that you are only stopping for the night at a place where you can find a budget hotel. There are dhabas all along the way and that is where you should be eating. That way, you will easily be able to keep your meal expense under Rs. 100 per day.

Campsites will be a big No for you if your budget is limited. They cost anywhere between Rs. 2000 per person to Rs. 5000.

Keep a minimum cost in mind and then bump it up by a few thousand. For example, after considering everything, if your total cost is coming out to be Rs. 15,000 plan your budget according to Rs. 20,000.  Keep a buffer in your budget for any unforeseen or unexpected expenses.

For more details on this topic, please take a look at How to Calculate Minimum Budget for Ladakh Trip.

Carefully Chose Your Mode of Travel

Even if budget is not of problem, you still need to carefully choose the way you are traveling. Keep in mind that you will be traveling through some of the most challenging roads. So if your driving experience is not that much, do not risk being at the wheel on your own.

It applies to both motorcycles and cars. If you have been driving or riding just for a little while, or have never been up in the hills, Ladakh is not the place where you would want to do it for the first time. In this case, you are better off using public transport services throughout your trip.

If traveling on a budget, then you should better forget about private taxis unless you are OK spending Rs. 50,000 above just on taxis.

If timings are of concern, then you should choose to travel in shared taxis because bus service in Ladakh is not that frequent. They are easily available in Manali, Srinagar, and all parts of Ladakh. The cost of a shared cab will be slightly more than a bus but it will also be a lot more convenient.

Carry Enough Cash

There are not many ATMs in Ladakh. As a matter of fact, there are no other ATMs except for the ones in the city of Leh. You need to plan your cash in hand.

I do not mean that you carry Rs. 20,000 from home, because if you lose your bag or wallet, then your trip is over. Carry enough that will last until the next ATM.

Withdraw some from Manali that should see you in Leh comfortably. Then withdraw from Leh before going to visit the nearby areas.

Before starting to visit places like Nubra or Pangong, ensure that you have cash in all denominations. Do not just carry large notes. Areas over there are small villages and you may not get change after producing a large denomination note.

For more details on this topic, please take a look at Banks & ATMs in Leh Ladakh.

Travel Light

This especially applies if you are traveling by public transport. Throughout your trip, you will be changing your mode of transport multiple times, and carrying multiple bags will become a big hassle. Carry one large backpack and try to stuff all your belongings in it. You absolutely must travel as light as possible.

Documents

Ensure that you are carrying all your necessary paperwork with you. You should have valid identity proof, residence proof with your complete address on it, and copies of your permits.

If there is a medical background involved, ensure that you are carrying all required paperwork. In case you need any medical assistance during your trip, you will be able to provide any history related to it.

Also read: How to Travel to Ladakh by Public Transport Services?

Emergency Contact

This one is very important. Keep an emergency contact listed both on your phone and a paper. Write the name and number of the person on a couple of papers. Keep one in your bag and the other in either your wallet or pocket.

Why? This is because if (god forbid) anything happens to you, the person trying to help should be able to call and notify someone. If you were not in a condition to unlock the phone, then adding a contact there will be of no use.

Travel Partners

If your reason for traveling solo was because you could not get someone to accompany you on the trip, you can also try finding a travel partner either online or while on the trip.

A lot of people do a solo trip to Ladakh. So it won’t be rare that you will find someone traveling alone like you. If you were both on a motorcycle, then ride together.

If you do not find someone alone, you will definitely find other people traveling in a group. It would be wise that you ride either with them or closer to them so that in case there is a breakdown, they can help you.

A lot of people put up fliers at cafes, restaurants, or tour operators looking for travel partners. This is a good option to look for if you are traveling by public transport.

With all of that being said and done, there is also the risk factor that you need to think about. Traveling with a stranger is not always a good idea. You must practice caution while tagging along with someone.

Do not straightaway offer to travel together. Notice the other person for a while and then make the call. If the person seems suspicious or not trustworthy, travel alone. If you were thinking of sharing the cost with them, make sure you clarify that right at the beginning.

Also read: A Complete List of All Tourist Attractions in Ladakh

Keep in Touch With Your Family

Throughout your trip, you must stay in touch with your family and keep them apprised about your whereabouts. Hand over a copy of your entire travel plan to your family, detailing where you plan to be on which date.

Call before you leave Manali because as soon as you get on the other side of Rohtang, your phone will most likely be out of network.

Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, Tso Moriri have no phone connectivity as well. So do let your folks know about the same before you leave Leh.

If you have booked your stay in advance, then provide them the phone numbers of the hotels as well. If not, then call and update them about the name and numbers of the hotel you are staying in.

The idea is to keep your family posted as much as possible. In case you are in trouble somewhere and cannot get in touch with anyone, they at least would have an idea of where you could be.

Time of Travel

If you are planning a solo trip to Ladakh, then you must plan it in either July, August, or September as these are the months of peak tourist season. All hotels/guest houses at this time are functional and you will have no trouble finding a budget hotel.

Also, if you are traveling by public transport, then this is the time when you will easily find a shared cab in Ladakh. In terms of travel partners as well, your chances of finding one will be highest in these three months.

If you are riding a motorcycle though, you must also consider that July and August are when the monsoon hits the Himalayan region. Landslides, road closures, incessant rains become common during this period. A better time for you will be either June or September.

Also read: Ladakh Checklist – Things you must Carry for Ladakh Trip

Bring some Basic Medicines

You must bring some basic medicines along for flu, fever, upset stomach, headache, body ache, pain relief spray, lip balm, and cold cream. There are medical stores in Leh, Srinagar, and Manali where you can buy these medicines. But finding medical assistance in remote areas can be challenging.

Do Not Push Yourself

If on any given day in the trip, you start feeling unwell, then you must take complete rest the next day. If you were in a remote area, please return to Leh as soon as possible and rest there. Do not travel unless you are completely fit. If your condition worsens, seek medical help immediately.

There are hospitals in Manali, Srinagar, and Leh but nowhere else on the route. You will however still find Indian Army posts and camps. If there was no hospital around, talk to the Army personnel and they will do all they can to help you.

Itinerary Planning

This applies no matter how you are traveling. You very carefully need to choose places that you want to visit. If traveling by public transport, you should avoid routes where the frequency of bus service or shared taxis is less, like Changthang Valley (Chushul-Hanle-Nyoma route).

If traveling by your own vehicle (car or motorcycle both), you should avoid routes like Wari La, Kakasang La, Horla, Marsimik La. Roads here are challenging and chances of getting stranded are higher. Keep your travel plan limited to places or routes where there is a regular tourist movement.

Solo Bike Trip to Ladakh

Below is an example of an itinerary that you can follow for a solo trip to Ladakh by Bike. I am assuming Delhi is the starting point of the trip. If you were coming from a different city, only the first and the last day’s journey will change. The rest of the details will still apply.

Manali to Ladakh to Srinagar

This is an itinerary that will cover both Manali Leh and Srinagar Leh highways.

• Delhi to Manali – Day 1
• Manali to Keylong/Jispa – Day 2
• Keylong/Jispa to Pang – Day 3
• Pang to Leh – Day 4
• Leh – Day 5
• Leh to Hunder/Diskit – Day 6
• Hunder/Diskit to Pangong Lake via Shyok Road – Day 7
• Pangong Tso to Leh – Day 8
• Leh to Tso Moriri – Day 9
• Tso Moriri to Leh – Day 10
• Leh to Kargil – Day 11
• Kargil to Srinagar – Day 12
• Srinagar to Jammu – Day 13

Another and slightly different way of doing this trip can be like this.

• Delhi to Manali – Day 1
• Manali to Keylong/Jispa – Day 2
• Keylong/Jispa to Pang – Day 3
• Pang to Leh – Day 4
• Leh – Day 5
• Leh to Turtuk – Day 6
• Turtuk to Hunder to Diskit to Panamik – Day 7
• Panamik to Pangong Lake via Shyok Road – Day 8
• Pangong Tso to Hanle – Day 9
• Hanle to Tso Moriri – Day 10
• Tso Moriri to Leh – Day 11
• Leh to Kargil – Day 12
• Kargil to Srinagar – Day 13
• Srinagar to Jammu – Day 14

Manali to Manali Itinerary for a Solo Ride to Ladakh

If you do not want to cover Srinagar Leh Highway and return to Manali only, you can modify the plan like this.

• Delhi to Manali – Day 1
• Manali to Keylong/Jispa – Day 2
• Keylong/Jispa to Pang – Day 3
• Pang to Leh – Day 4
• Leh – Day 5
• Leh to Turtuk – Day 6
• Turtuk to Hunder to Diskit to Panamik – Day 7
• Panamik to Pangong Lake via Shyok Road – Day 8
• Pangong Tso to Hanle – Day 9
• Hanle to Tso Moriri – Day 10
• Tso Moriri to Pang / Sarchu – Day 11
• Pang/Sarchu to Manali – Day 12
• Manali to Delhi – Day 13

This is a 2 weeks plan. It ensures that you do not either travel too much or too little on any given day. It also covers all major tourist places in Leh. If however, you are short on time, you can add remove places from this itinerary.

Planning & Safety Tips

Below are a few tips that will apply especially to a solo bike rider.

Your biggest concern will be a breakdown on the way. Make sure that you get your bike ready well in advance. Replace or repair whatever seems dicey and then ride the bike around in the city for a week.

You should also learn a few minor repairs yourself. You should also know who to fix a flat tire and carry all necessary spares. For more details on this topic, please take a look at How to Prepare your Bike for Ladakh.

Ride slow and do not rush through the journey. Travel as light a possible and do not carry any unnecessary luggage. Waterproof everything irrespective of your time of travel. Whether or not to buy proper riding gear is really a personal choice. You may or may not decide to do so.

Water crossings can be a challenge if riding solo. Take a look at Motorcycle Water Crossing Tips & Techniques to know how to handle these when there is no one around to help.

Solo Trip to Ladakh by Public Transport

If you are traveling by public transport, below is a sample itinerary that you can follow. This is laid out keeping in mind the availability of buses from a specific area to another.

If you can travel like this, you will most likely be able to board a bus. If however there is no bus available, then there is always an option of finding a public shared taxi. This may cost you a bit more than the bus but will still be cost-effective.

This itinerary also ensures that you are never too far from an area where there is a regular tourist movement. You will be stopping at night at a place where you have a high chance of finding a budget accommodation.

• Overnight Bus to Manali. Pick one that arrives as early as 5 AM in Manali – Day 1
• Board the morning bus from Manali for Keylong – Day 2
• Morning Bus from Keylong to Leh – Day 3
• Leh. Rest and Arrange Permits – Day 4
• Leh to Diskit by either the morning bus or a shared cab – Day 5
• Diskit to Leh. There is no direct bus or cab available for Pangong – Day 6
• Leh to Pangong by Bus or shared cab – Day 7
• Pangong to Leh – Day 8
• Leh to Tso Moriri by Bus or shared cab – Day 9
• Tso Moriri to Leh – Day 10
• Leh to Srinagar. The bus leaves at 2 PM from Leh and runs non-stop to Srinagar – Day 11
• Arrival in Srinagar by evening – Day 12
• Srinagar to Jammu – Day 13
• Jammu to Delhi – Day 14

Planning & Safety Tips

Travel as light as possible if you are catching buses everywhere. You cannot be dragging along too many bags. Keep your phone, wallet, ID card, and cash at a place where it is easily accessible. Do not push it down to the bottom of the bag.

When you board a bus, pick a seat towards the front of the bus. The roads here can be bad at several places and sitting towards the back of the bus will just test your stomach and butt.

Before going to Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, and Tso Moriri, visit the Leh bus stand in the evening. Inquire about the bus and if there is none available, plan for a shared taxi. Even the shared cabs can be booked for the next day sometimes.

Be very vigilant and keep a check on your health. Take a look at this article How to Handle Acute Mountain Sickness in Ladakh. Here I have explained what altitude sickness is, its symptoms, and a few tips on how to avoid it.

Solo Trip to Ladakh Cost

It will completely depend on how you are traveling, for how many days, and your spending habits. But a minimum of between 15-20,000 is safe to assume.

I hope the information above on planning a solo trip to Ladakh was of help. If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask in the comments section below or at our Community Forum, and I will be to answer.