Are vehicles registered outside J&K or HP allowed in Ladakh? This is one of the most frequent questions I get asked by people planning their Ladakh trip; or if they need to acquire a separate permit for their cars or motorcycles? Are cars and motorcycles registered in another state of India allowed in Ladakh or are they only allowed in certain areas of Ladakh?
The answer is that Ladakh is a part of India and like any other state or region in the country, you are free to travel here by your vehicle whether it is registered in J&K, Himachal, or any other state. You do not need to get a special permit for your car or motorcycle. There are however certain things that you should be aware of.
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Are vehicles registered outside J&K or HP allowed in Ladakh?
Tourism in Ladakh is pretty much limited to 5 months a year when both the roads leading to the region are open. Add to it the fact that the livelihood of the locals here depends heavily on tourism. In these 5 months, everyone who is involved in tourism-related activities tries to get the biggest share of the cake.
This has resulted in the monopoly by taxi union and motorcycle rental association and their self devised laws. About a decade ago, this was not that big a problem but with tourism in Ladakh on the rise, each year the situation continues to get worse; and troublesome for tourists.
Also read: 10 reasons why you should NEVER visit Ladakh
If you are planning a trip to Ladakh by either your own private vehicle, a family member’s or a friend’s vehicle, or a rented one; mentioned below are the dos and don’ts and permits that you need to obtain.
Inner Line Permit
Inner line permit is permission to travel to areas close to the border. No permit is needed to reach Leh but for traveling any further; you will need to obtain an Inner Line Permit. Places like Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, and Tso Moriri all fall under inner line areas and you will not be allowed to visit here unless you have the permit.
You can either get this permit from DM office Leh upon reaching there or apply for it online. For more details on the areas you need permit for and how to get it, read How to obtain Inner line permit for Ladakh. There is no daily limit on Inner Line Permit and they are issued as many as required.
Rohtang Pass Permit
The second permit comes in the name of Rohtang Pass. If you are planning to travel from Manali, you need to acquire a permit at Manali’s DM office to cross over the high altitude pass. This permit has a daily limit of 2000 vehicles and is given on a first come first serve basis.
This permit too can either be obtained in person from SDM office Manali or applied for online. Please read How to Obtain a Permit for Rohtang Pass for more details.
Please note that even HP registered vehicles are required to get this permit; unless it has a private registration of Manali, areas in Lahaul or Spiti valley. This rule online applies if you travel from the Manali side but if you are coming from another side of Rohtang towards Manali, there is no permit needed.
Also read: Spare Fuel For Ladakh – Where do you need it
Old Vehicles
Vehicles 10 years of age or older are no longer allowed to travel to or beyond Rohtang. So If your vehicle is a vintage one, then you will be denied the required permit to cross Rohtang and need to consider taking an alternate route.
You can travel from Srinagar to Leh and return via Manali, or you can take Spiti or Sach Pass route. This restriction is only if you are going to Rohtang from the Manali side. This restriction is only applicable for Rohtang, nowhere else in Ladakh or Kashmir.
Self-Drive Rentals & Taxis
If you are traveling in a self-drive taxi or by a motorcycle you rented at any other place than Leh; you can only use it to reach Leh. This vehicle will not be allowed for local sightseeing and you cannot take it to places like Nubra, Pangong, or Moriri.
For sightseeing, you will have to rent another local vehicle in Leh. There is no way around it and please do not take a chance. Locals here put up barricades at random places. If they stopped you somewhere, you will not be allowed to travel any further and sent back. There have been instances where even the rented vehicles were attacked and vandalized.
This rule applies to self-drive rentals, non-local taxis with drivers, and rented motorcycles. Even renting a vehicle from Manali, Kargil or Srinagar will not work. Similarly, vehicles rented from Ladakh cannot be used in Manali, Kargil, Srinagar, or Zanskar.
Also read: How to Handle Acute Mountain Sickness in Ladakh
Vehicle Registered in Family or Friend’s Name
If you are traveling by vehicle registered to a family member, you need to carry identity proofs that can validate your relationship and prove that the vehicle is not a rented one.
For example, if the vehicle is in your father’s mother’s or sibling’s name; you need to carry identity proofs that can establish your relationship with them. Do not take vehicles registered to any other family member; like uncles or cousins. If you do, then take them only as far as Leh. For sightseeing, rent another vehicle when you reach Leh.
The same rule applies to vehicles that you borrowed from a friend. Take them only as far as Leh and not for any other place in Ladakh.
Other Reads:
- How to Travel to Ladakh with Infants or Children
- Mobile Phone Services in Ladakh
- Clothes for Ladakh Trip: What to Pack
Conclusion
So are vehicles registered outside J&K or HP allowed in Ladakh? The answer to this question is yes but after the above-mentioned conditions. I hope this information was helpful. If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask in the comments section below or at our Community Forum and I will be glad to answer.
188 comments
Hi Vargis,
I am planning to take rental bike from Chandigarh to Kargil and from Kargil to Ley.
Post that for sight seeing in Ley I will take the Ley rental bikes only.
Post Sight seeing can I come by the Chandigarh rental bike from Ley to Manali and manali to chandigarh?
Will this work. I want to complete one circuit.
Can I take a temporary registered car to leh ladakh.
As I haven’t received my RC and permanent registration number, can I take a car with temporary registration number to leh ladakh under my name?
Can I take my jeep/gypsy which is manufactured in 2001 to leh, but RC is valid upto 2030?
You can take it to Leh but not to Rohtang Pass
Foreign registered motorcycle with Carnet (allowed to drive in India) registration in my name. Is it allowed to travel to Ladakh with permit?
As long as it is in your name and you have all the paperwork, you should be Ok.
Mr vargis
We are traveling from Delhi to Srinagar via Manali- Leh Ladakh through private taxi is there any restriction to go by private taxi to Srinagar via leh and kargil
Hi sir hamare mamu ki four wheeler hai kya hum usme leh ladakh jasakte kya agar relation proof hona to unka kya proof Lana sir or mahindra tuv300 t8 car waha lasakte kya
Hi sir hamare mamu ki four wheeler hai kya hum usme leh ladakh jasakte kya agar relation proof hona to unka kya proof Lana sir or mahindra tuv300 t8 car waha lasakte kya h
Can I take my personal car, more than ten years old to Leh and laddakh via Manali .
Whether inner line permit would be required for crossing Rohtang pass
Hi sir, wanted to know if I have bought a second hand bike from delhi and I havent received the original RC in my name yet, can that Ownership transfer receipt valid to travel anywhere in LEH (inner area), without RC will I be able to get permit as well?
RC process is taking time thats issue
Mr VARGIS
I HAVE MY BIKE IN MY COMPANYS NAME
SO CAN I TAKE MY BIKE TO LADAKH.
No Mr. Kotian, you cannot. You can ride it only as far as Leh City but not beyond that.
Hi,
When you take self drive rental from Manali , do we have to pay any road tax at border before entering Ladakh
We are planning to travel from Lahaul to Ladakh without visiting Leh. We will go to Tso Kar, Hanle and back via Manali. Still we need to use own name car or can use the borrowed car from my friend.
Can i drive my old maruthi 800 (1999 model) to leh ladakh khardungla pass taking route from Srinagar and back from manali.
A friend of mine has done it but it depends on how well maintained your car is and how good you are at the wheel
Can I ride my old bullet 1985 model to leh ladakh taking route from srinagar and back from manali.
Yes you can
Hi Mr. Vargis,
Thanks a lot for all your answers. These are really helping us out in planning g the with less/no hassles.
I am planning to have Leh-Ladakh trip from 4th June 2021 to 20th June 2021.
(Mumbai-Chandigarh-Udhampur-Singar-Kargil-Leh-Hanle-Tso Kar-Sarchu-Manali-Chandigarh-Mumbai)
While coming back to Manali, can I take below route on rented bike (Rented from Chandigarh)
Leh- Hanle (Stay in Hanle)
Hanle – Tso Moriri – Tso Kar (visiting Tso Moriri and Stay in Tso Kar)
Tso Kar – Sarchu (Stay in Sarchu)
Sarchu-Manali (Stay in Manali)
Manali-Chandigarh
Please reply asap.
hi i was planning to buy a bike under my comany’s name and use it for both business travel as well as for touring would this cause an issue for permits?
i am the director in this company. thanks.
to add this will be a black and white plate registration. thanks.
pune maharashtra registration. sorry for multiple comments.
can we take more than 10 years old vehicle to ladakh? And what will be the itinerary?
You can if it is well maintained and you are sure it can handle the roads. The only place it will not be allowed on the route is Rohtang Pass. The itinerary will depend on the days you have in hand.
Dear Vargis Khan,
Great informative and prudent write up by you, thanks. Wanted to ask u; with J&K and Leh-Ladakh being divided into two distinct UT of India, has there been any changes or relaxations in the rules, especially pertaining to own car or bike . Thanks in advance.
Salam Mr. Vargis khan,
We are travelling from srinagar to ladak by rented bikes from srinagar on aug 2/2020…what are your suggestions will it be a problem for us to cross leh..what are your advise if its not allowed from leh..
Please advise
Thanks/Regards,
Shaikh Mohammed Yahya
Mr. Vargis Khan please reply
Thank you
If I travel with my brother’s registered bike and with authorisation certificate granted to me, Can I travel after Leh?
Just carry enough documents to prove that the owner of the bike is your real brother.
Bro mera friend ka bike le jakta hai nh
Nahi .. Bike aapke naam par nahi hai toh nahi le ja sakte
You are so clear. Very rare to find clear cut answers to very basic of queries. Thanc Varghis Khan you are a great help.
Hi. we are planing to Leh via Manali in Sep-19.
1. I want to know about is there any change in rules and regulation for travellers after Leh & Ladakh converted in UT…??
2. Average hotel tariff..??
3. Are local taxi available on sharing basis..??
4.Are own bikes restricted in these parts of Ladakh. like Nubra valley and Pangong. I read a lot about these restrictions.we would not to want to be stopped at some checkpost in ladakh and told that you are not allowed to move further since it’s not a valid vehicle.
Hi sir I am planning to visit Leh Ladakh and pangong lake in next week of June with my Volkswagen Ameo 1.5 diesel so can you guide me its compatible for that route and one more question I would like to ask you commercial vehicle (yellow number plate) is allowed in pangong lake location ?
Volkswagen Ameo – No it is not a good car for Ladakh due to low GC
Pangong – No, Yellow number plate cars will not be allowed at Pangong. You will have to rent another taxi from Ladakh for that.
Hi, my friend has 2 bikes and both are registered to him. Can I use his bike or do I need rent a bike from Leh?
You will still need to rent.
Hi Sir,
i am planning to rent a bike from srinagar and go to nubra valley and pangong lake and return via kaylong to srinagar. will it be a problem? i have heard that outside bikes are not allowed in pangong and nubra.
Yes it is true.. You will have to rent another local bike from Leh
Haii sir i am seeni.
I am planning next month Hyderabad to Ladakh have a ilp permit to allowed upto Leh and Leh to pangong, hunder, nubra, lamayuru extra.this areas travel but have rentel car this car at least allow to Leh.there is any car parking facilities Leh. I will park Leh one and take rent for other car please clarify my doubts.
There is no parking facility Sreeni. You will have to keep a room at a hotel and leave the car parked there.
My car registered sir. one more doubt sir Delhi to Leh how many check post have when I will traveling Hyderabad to Ladakh to want permit compulsory which I’d props to want carry with me sir.please clarify my doubts….
D
Hi Mr. Vargis,
i am travelling to manali from delhi. I will be then travellig to leh from manali on my own bike, registered in my name. Now i wish to know will i be allowed to make to leh and then visit around leh to places like nubra and pangong etc in my bike.
I will be riding a Dominar 400 and another clarification is that are we legally OK in travelling to leh & etc places via manali in National highway/ expressways with this bike catagory.
As long as the bike is registered in your name, you are free to bring it to annywhere in Ladakh Subhajit.
Thanks a lot. Has rotang opened now
It opened today
Hi Vargis,
Thanks for helping travellers.
I’m from Hyderabad and planning to transport bike to Delhi. Our journey on own bike is from DELHI-JAMMU-SRINAGAR-LEH and LEH-SARCHU-MANALI-SHIMLA-DELHI.
I’m clear that no permits are required to reach LEH via SRINAGAR and also to head back from LEH to MANALI via SARCHU.
Q1. Can I visit NUBRA VALLEY, PANGONG and other places with my own bike registered on my own name?
Q2. Our trip dates are “June1st to June 16th” 2019. Retutn to MANALI from LEH falls in 2nd week of JUNE around 10th June. Will this be a problem if MANALI-LEH road is still closed?
Can you please suggest if we can fix to this plan or need to push trip dates to 2nd or 3rd week of June.
Hi Sasi,
1. Yes you can.
2. Manali Leh route should be all open by then so you are OK to go. But if you can, then push this to 3rd week of June just to be on a safer side.
Hi Vargis. Thanks for the info. You have made it clear but still would like confirm that I have 13 years old Bullet and planning Leh from Shrinagar and coming back from Manali. Will it be allowed? Please Guide.
Regards
Shriram
Hi Shriram, Yes. Srinagar to Leh and return via Manali will not be any problem.
Thanks a Lot Vargis for Guidance.
Regards
Shriram
You are welcome Brother !!!
I have a bike which is regestered on my hrother in law’s name, now is it safe to take bike to ladakh?
Hi Vargis,
I am planning to visit leh ladakh in the month of September for 15days. From your above blog i understood that I can not take a self driven car to Leh Ladakh from Delhi. I have few questions –
1. Can I get a self driven 4 wheeler from Leh?
2. What is the charges for a taxi per day?
3. Shared taxi services available for going to different place like nubra valley, tso moriri etc
Thanks in advance.
Suvranjan
Hi Suvranjan,
1. No There are no self drive rentals available in Ladakh.
2. For private taxi rates, see https://vargiskhan.com/log/leh-ladakh-taxi-rates-2018-2019/
3. Yes, available from Leh Bus stand
Can I take j&K vehicle till leh and use it there or do I have to change it in leh
If it is your personal vehicle then you may use it. If it is a rented one from outside Ladakh then you will have to change it.
I have a bike which is regestered on my uncle’s name, the address on the RC is same as the address in my driving license as we live in a joint family, now is it safe to take bike to ladakh?
I guess it is since the address matches but just carry some sort of ID proofs to prove that the bike owner is your uncle and that it is not rented.
Hi i have company registered car with white plates can i take it to leh
And what documents are required?
You can only take it to Leh but cannot use for sightseeing in ladakh. You will have to leave it parked in Leh and rent another vehicle there for visiting local places.
Hi vargis
M from delhi . M planing to go on 12th june to ladakh from shringar- leh higway nd will be going to visit nabura nd pangong . I will be taking m private no plate car having all the documents but the car belongs to my cusion as per documents . So what could be done so that i could be allowed to visit leh nd other places . I have applied for permit.
Hi Pardeep – The only way out is that you will have to carry some sort of documents that to prove that the car is your cousin’s and not rented. Be advised though that even then you may be stopped and sent back to Leh. It is plain gundagardi of the locals there.
hi mr vargese
i am planning to visit leh in aug 18(4th to 10th) .i plan to visit pangong, hunder, nubra, lamayuru.i plan to drive in privately registered jeep (hp registration) which belongs to my uncle.What is the situation this year.is it allowed.would i face any problems?
s.m
Hello Saurabh – If you brought that Jeep to Ladakh, you will have to carry sufficient proofs to prove that the vehicle belongs to your uncle and not rented. In all probability however, you will still face some problem. They still tend to send tourists back to Leh forcing them to rent local taxis unless it is the the owner of the vehicle traveling.
Hi VIRGIS,
I m planning a trip to ladakh from manali on bullet. We are 6 friends. We were planning trip on 1st week of june but with the help of your blogs we came to know it is better to delay our plan. Hence we decided to start our journey on 12th of july.
Or plan is :
Day 1) manali -sarchu,
2) sarchu-leh,
3) one day hold at leh
4) leh-diskit,
5) nubra-leh,
6) leh-pangong,
7) One day hold at pangong
8) pangong-Tso Moriri,
9) Tso Moriri-sarchu,
10) sarchu-keylong
11) Keylong-manali.
This was the actual plan but after reading this blog we came to know that HP bikes won’t work at almost every place.
My question is how would it be possible to cover all the places in 11 days if we cannot drive HP bikes?
Hi Yashwant,
Yes your Manali registered bikes will not be allowed in Ladakh. You will have to keep a room at any of the hotels and leave the bikes parked there. Then you will also need to circle back to Leh to collect those bikes again. Keeping this in mind, you can travel like this,
1. Manali to Sarchu
2. Sarchu to Leh
3. Leh (Arrange permits and local bikes for journey ahead)
4. Leh to Diskit
5. Diskit to Pangong via Shyok road
6. Pangong to Hanle
7. Hanle to Karzok
8. Karzok to Leh. Return Leh bikes and collect your HP bikes
9. Leh to Sarchu
10. Sarchu to Manali
11. Buffer day
Hello Vargis,
Bothering with the same question which you have answered for most of them.
1. What care or precautions to be taken if we are taking our friends bike to wards Leh from Srinagar. I mean the documents and stuff. can a NOC from a friend on a stamp paper and attested by a Notary officer suffice so that no objections will be taken anywhere in Leh.
2. I will be coming from Pune and have to plan accordingly if I am taking my friends bike. Do you feel transporting the bike using a train is a better idea or any private agency will help(But on a higher side though).
3. Apart from Leh, is there any issues carrying others bikes from Jammu to Srinagar and further till Leh.
Thanks in advance.
Hello Prashant,
1. Just make sure that you are carrying all required documents including DL, RC, Insurance and PUC. Apart from these, carry an NOC from your friends which proves that you are not renting the motorcycle from them and it is a privately registered vehicle.
2. Transporting by train is definitely better. I will recommend taking a look at the article below for a bit more details please.
https://vargiskhan.com/log/transport-motorcycle-by-train-india/
3. No, there is no issue anywhere else. Problem is only in Ladakh region.
Hey Thanks Vargis.
One more thing to ask. Are there any well bike rentals in Srinagar?
Yes. Please contact Faisal in Srinagar at 9596410670. Give my reference and he will provide you good bikes at reasonable rates.
Hi, when you say that they stop you and they don’t allow you to travel if its not your own vehicle, who are you referring to when you say ‘they’ – Are they any local authority, military or local traffic police? Who are they? Or are the local taxi mafias? If they are local taxi mafias then why is there no action taken by the police against them?
By “They” I mean the locals. Any by locals I mean everyone. Everyone out there including the authorities is involved in tourism business somehow. Even the cops have bought cars and lent them to the rental agencies so that is why no one takes any action against the self imposed law.
Hello sir,
I am planning Ladakh trip in my new bs4 bike from MP. I am taking the Srinagar route to leh. Taking my bike from train to Jammu then I will drive my bike from there to leh and then come back from leh to Manali route.
So my question is how many permits I need to reach leh and leh to Manali. any special permit is needed for check points.
Please guide me for safe and problemless journey.
Hi Sourabh – No permit is needed for traveling from Srinagar to Leh or from Leh to Manali. Only permit that is required is ILP that you need to obtain in order to go from Leh to Nubra, Pangong or Moriri.
Hi Vargis,
I m planning to go leh next June 1st week. Can you let me know how will the whether be at that time. We are planning to take the route
Chandigarh – manali – jispa – sarchu – leh – nubra – pangong – kargil -srinagar – patnitop – chandigarh,
Is this route a better one to go on june first week. I m planning to take my bike there will it cause any problem? one of my friend is planning to hire bike chandigarh will they allow to pass leh atleast to reach kargil and complete our journey?
Hi Naveen – Try to delay your plan by a couple of week since you are starting from Manali. This year the Manali-Leh highway opened in June 2nd week so it is best to plan 3rd week onwards, roads too will be stable by then. Weather will be fine, moderate temperature during day and cold at nights. Chandingarh bikes will be OK to pass through Leh, they just cannnot be taken towards Nubra or Pangong.
Can a vehicle with temporary registration and applied for slip fromHimachal travel to Jammu and Kashmir ?
I would rather advise that you wait for permanent registration and RC. You will have to apply for permits, will be stopped at several check posts and temporary registration can be of problem.
Hello,
If vehicle is registered in the name of my mother’s firm (proprietor )will it cause any problem to travel Leh Ladakh and Rohtang.
Just carry sufficient documents to prove that the bike is in your mother’s name and not rented out; if asked.
I am taking my friend’s bike which is registered in his name(Tamil Nadu State Registration), would this be a problem ? Any other document should i carry apart from RC & Insurance.
Yes this could be a problem. Over there they only allow bikes registered in your sibling’s or parent’s name. They may stop and send you back to Leh and then you will have no choice but to rent another bike there.
Hi Vargis,
As you said bikes, from Manali are not allowed in Nubra and Pangong but they are allowed to go to Tso Moriri, can you tell me if the same is applicable for Srinagar Bikes.
I am more interested in knowing that whether the bikes hired in Srinagar are allowed to go to Tso moriri ? as i will be starting my Journey from Srinagar.(29th July to 14th Aug)
Pavansing Rajput
Hi Pavansing, No they are not. If you rent a bike in Sriangar, you can only bring it to Leh and then will have to rent another for Nubra, Pangong and Moriri, all the places in Ladakh.
Hi Vargis,
Hope you are doing well, i too follow ur updates 🙂
After waiting for years i have finally decided to go to laddkah, will be hiring bike from Manali but recently i have heard news that they wont let you pass Sarchu itself.
I am afraid, if any issue will happen in sarchu than i will be screwed up, can you please help me if you have any news about this issue ??
I have heard this too, that they mostly target ppl who are traveling in bulk, as in group, and not creating much issue to single couple, is it okay to take the risk on luck basis ??
My whole plan is booked and i am afraid that i wont be having any other option accept hiring a bike from manali or reach leh thru local transport, which will surely spoil the fun.
Please help me with ur suggestion and with any kind of update you have.
Hi Nitin Bhai, Thank you for your appreciating words. As of now, all HP registered bike are being stopped at Sarchu and not allowed to go any further, specially if the bike is Manali registered. It doesnt matter if its a group or solo rider. Sorry for the bad new brother. Do not take the risk. If you get in trouble somewhere, they will just break the bike and you will end up paying for it. Take a look at the article I posted today.
.
https://vargiskhan.com/log/manali-rented-motorcycles-banned-in-ladakh-vice-versa/
Hello Vargis,
We are planning a bike trip from Srinagar – Leh – Nubra – Pangong lake – Leh – Srinagar from Jul 8th to July 18th. We are hiring bike from Srinagar and does the hired vehicle rule in Leh applicable for Srinagar bike too?
If so, is there any other alternative??
I’m sorry if this question seems repetitive
Thanks,
shan
Hello Shantha – Yes the rule is applicable for Srinagar motorcycles too. You can only use motorcycles that you have rented from Leh for sightseeing in Ladakh. There is no other alternative around this really. Either you come by your own motorcycle, or rent it from Leh.
Hey vargis,
I am renting a bike in leh. Can I bring it to manali?
There has been a lot of ruckus around this Rakul and the way situation is right now, no you cannot.
Hey vargis,
I know you’ve already answered this question but for my satisfaction I’ll ask again. I’ll be taking my frens Enfield 500cc and we are childhood frens. I’ll surely take all the related docs and will also take an affidavit regarding no objection, signed by him. What else I need to carry ??. You ve mentioned in earlier posts that we need to carry some doc as proof of our relation. Kindly brief on that ??
Realistic scenario Kartik; the locals over there only allow a motorcycle that either belongs to you or an immediate family member, like father or brother. If not, then they will assume that it is a motorcycle you rented outside Ladakh and will create problem. Their logic is simple, either come on your own motorcycle or rent from us. Since the motorcycle will be a white number plate and there will be plenty of tourists up there; chances of anyone pointing you out specifically will be less. So yes, you can may take the motorcycle with all the documents you mentioned above. If no one questions, well and good but if someone does, do not get into an argument with them. If they stop you somewhere on the way to Nubra or Pangong, just say that you were not aware of the rule and return to Leh. If you get in to an altercation and try to push your way forward, they may even damage the motorcycle.
Do they have checkpoints in every tourist spot like nubra, pangong etc ?? Do they stop EVERY vehicle and check the docs ??
Do they have checkpoints in every tourist spot. ?? Do they stop EVERY vehicle and check the docs ??
No check points as such and no they do not stop all vehicles. It is just a random thing, they just sit around roads going towards Nubra and Pangong, just outside Leh to keep an eye on vehicles going that way. Anyone looks suspicious to them and they will stop. Problem is mostly with rented vehicles, not the ones with private number plate.
I have a Pulsar 150 this bike is 13 year old but bike is Well condition I am interested with my bike Leh Ladakh tour
Can registration this bike
Please suggest
If your bike is in good condition then yes you can take it to Ladakh.
Hello Vargis,
We are planning a bike trip from Manali – Leh – Nubra – Pangkok Tso (via Shyok) – Manali trip.
We are hiring bike from Manali.
Is hired vehicle rule in Leh applicable for bike too?
Is it like we have to hire another bike from Leh 🙁
If so, I fear we have to change our plan 🙁
Hello Krish – Correct. The bike you rent from Manali can only go as far as Leh. For visiting places like Nubra or Pangong, you will have to rent another bike from Leh. Non-local rented motorcycles are not allowed in Ladakh.
Hello sir, my question is if go from srinagar and come back by manali leh highway via sarchu and rohtang pass do i need to take a permit from leh for rohtang?
Hello Shubham – Permit is only needed to go to Rohtang Pass from Manali side. No ILP required if you are crossing Rohtang from the other side and coming to Manali.
Hi
My bike is a Pulsar 150 13 year old
It’s Well condition bike engine well suspension well clutch ok
I am interested with my bike Leh Ladakh tour
Can I go them
Yes you can
Hey man,
1. i have a 1962 350cc bullet well maintained and serviced …. is this bike gonna hold the trip..?
2.as it is a really old bike the registration certificate is not completely available. so what can i do for that?
3.and will it work on temporary learning licence as one of my friends who is 20 jus had his license made?
I dount that a 1962 model bullet will be able to complete Ladakh circuit. Secondly, since you do not have the papers, I would recommend against riding it on such long journey anyways. Without RC, you will not be able to get the permit for Rohtang. Same applies to DL too. If your friend just got learning license, it will be a permanent by July anyways but do not go without a license as well.
hi. I’m Vishnu from kerala. we are planning a road trip by bullet to leh-manali and other places also
.my bike is in the name of my friend is there any problem for using his bike in leh and manali. we are riding 4000km from kerala to leh.
if I can, then what kind of permit do I need? can you help me pls
Hi Vishnu – To be on a safer side, just get an NOC from your friend stating your relationship with him and that it is his motorcycle, and he is authorizing you to use it. Also carry all vehicle related documents like RC, Insurance and PUC.
Hi Vargis, Thank you very much for your suggestions.. i want to know one more thing can you suggest me..?
which month is better to ride a bike in leh and manali ..?
can you suggest me please ..! bcoz we are staying in dubai we are planning a vaccation leh manali thats y..
Best time would be from June till September Vishnu. When are you planning your vacation?
Puneet – It is really hard to comment on brother. If you are passing through the city, you should be OK. I will give you an example. During my 2009 trip to Ladakh, while returning from Srinagar, there was a curfew in the city. We were on motorcycles yet we easily got through the city. Police, Army just let us pass. If we wanted, we could even have checked into a hotel but I chose not to do so and we continued out of the city. Situation in Sriangar is tricky, curfew had been on and off but they do not really bother passing tourists much unless you run out of luck. My suggestion would be to check while you are in Patnitop. If there is a curfew in Srinagar, do not enter and wait another day at Patnitop. If there is no curfew, just pass through the city and you should be OK.
Hi Vargis,
We are reaching to Manali on 21/08/2016 late evening and planning to move to Leh on 22/08/2016 by rented Scorpio (Diesel and Delhi Registration).
My itinerary is like below:
22/08/2016: Manali to Sarchu/Jispa
23/08/2016: Sarchu/Jispa to Leh
24/08/2016: Leh to Lamayuru return and local sightseeing
25/08/2016: Leh to Nubra Valley till Turtuk village
26/08/2016: Nubra Valley to Leh
27/08/2016: Leh to Pangong
28/08/2016: Pangong to Leh
29/08/2016: Leh to Tso Moriri
30/08/2016: Tso Moriri to Sarchu
31/08/2016: Sarchu to Manali
As you said in your earlier threads that we have to take permit from SDM office in Manali by submitting the documents in the morning a day in advance.
1. Kindly suggest is there any way-out, if possible to save the day at Manali for permit as I am reaching late evening…
2. As we cannot use this vehicle in Leh, we have to rent local vehicle in Leh from 24/08/2016 to 28/08/2016, Will I be able to use my rented vehicle (Delhi Registered) on 29/08/2016 as we will be directly moving towards Manali from Tso Moriri???
3. Suggestion on the itinerary…
Thanks in advance
Puneet
Hi Puneet,
1. The only way out is that you contact a hotel in advance, ask them if they can arrange permits for you and check in with them if they say yes.
2. This is really a tricky situation. It all depends on your luck, if you run into some local taxi union people, they will create trouble for you and you will have to convince or bribe them of your situation.
3. A couple of suggsestions. Jispa comes first and then Sarchu and if it your first time to Leh, I would advise that you break the journey in 3 days. Manali to Jispa, to Pang and to Leh. It would give you more time to enjoy the trip. On returning, you can cover it in 2 days as you would already have travelled on the highway. Rather than returning to Leh from Nubra, I would suggest that you head straight to Pangong taking either the Wari La route or Agham Shyok road. You can save a day here and add this to your journey from Manali to Leh.
Hi Vargis, Thank you very much for your suggestions… I need 01 more suggestion, please if you don’t mind…
If I go through Srinagar (no stay)… will take halt at Patnitop then will move directly to Dras using Ladakh Srinagar Highway directly (will not stop between Badamibagh Cant and Soura Police station… arnd 11.4 KMS)….., will it be safe to cross Srinagar through this route on 20/08/2016 or 21/08/2016….
Thanks in advance…
It will be safe to travel through Srinagar but Patitop to Drass is highly difficult in a day. In an ideal situation, Patnitop to Sringar can easily take about 6-7 hours and Drass is another 5-6 hours from there so do not attempt this so it will be a really long journey. Stay in Sonamarg instead if you must complete this in a day or start really early from Patnitop
Thanks Vargis for your kind suggestions…
Actually I am asking for safe in sense of current situation of Srinagar….
And, yes of course I will take a break in sonamarg in place of Drass…
So, kindly advice keeping the current situation of Srinagar in view….
hi. I’m jamshir from kerala. we are planning a road trip by bullet to manali-leh.
I hear that outside from Jammu and himachal registerd vehicle are banned to enter this route. is that true? we are all way riding 3800km from kerala to leh.
if I can, then what kind of permit do I need? can you help me pls
As long as it is a self owned motorcycle registered in your name, there will not be any problem at all. The tension is only around motorcycles rented outside Ladakh.
Hi,
I have few queries:
1) My private car is purchased in the name of my company (like many people do). Instalments are paid by me. Registration is in the company’s name. Will the taxi union create any hassle?
2) Do you think an affidavit will hold good where I declare on legal paper that I am the rightful owner of my company’s car.
3) Will a letter from the company help that I am paying the instalments.
4) Will carrying my company business card help them the Taxi Union convince?
Thanks.
Is you car registered as a private vehicle? I mean is the number plate black and white or Yellow plate?
Hi Vargis, I have the same question. We are planning a trip by a hired vehicle from Myles, that is a self drive car with a black plate. Will the car be allowed or not?
Hi Hari – You can take it only as far as the city of Leh but for local sight seeing like Nubra or Pangong, you will have to hire another cab from Leh
Hi Vargis
I am planning for Ladakh on 23rd July. I will be going on the bike which is registered against my real friend’s name. I just have the original registration booklet. Will that suffice or will that be a problem. Also the bike is more than 10 years. Please let me know what you think.
I do not believe you will face any problem …. just carry all the documents … Which bike is it may I ask? Because a bike 10 years older can give you problem over there in terms of performance
Thanks for responding brother! The bike that I will be riding there is Karizma Sports. Also could you please specify,what all documents should I be carrying besides the original registration booklet.
Hi Vargis
Actually I am planning for Ladakh on 23rd July. I will be going on the bike which is registered against my real brother name. So can I take the bike and what the documents that I need to carry with me?? What if will carry his licence with me and a document that can prove the relation??
No need to carry his license Amit. Just carry yours, and the registration documents. If you can carry a document that can prove the relation, it will be cherry on the top
Thanks a lot Vargis for the reply.
You are welcome brother
hi varghis,
m confused how to reach leh. whether to reach leh via srinagar by bus or shared cab or manali to leh by bus or from manali to leh by bike.
m not frndly with bus and i am a bike adventurer but i may not rent bike from manali bcos of bikes outside leh are not allowed..
Any suggestion pls.
thank you.
Ashok – If you are boarding a bus or shared taxi, it doesnt really matter which highway you chose to reach Leh. If you are not accustomed to high altitudes then I suggest you reach Leh via Sriangar in order to ensure that you do not get hit by acute mountain sickness. If AMS doesnt concern you, then chose any highway to get to Leh and take the other one to return.
Nice Blog!!… We are planning to hire bikes and cover Chandigarh-Srinagar-Leh-Manali-Chandigarh route. Is it the good route to follow in mid August?
Do we have to rent separate bikes in Leh for sight seeing in Leh Area like Pangong Tso, Nubra valley? Is there any restrictions like this in Leh area?
Also do we need to take permits in Manali if we go to leh via Manali for non HP vehicles??
Please help on this.
Yes for all your questions. Time is ok, yes you will have to rent separate bikes for sight seeing in Leh and yes, you will need permits to cross Rohtang if you go via Manali
Thanks Vargis for your response.
The hired bikes we are taking have white no. plates and we will have original documents. Do we still need to hire separate bikes in Leh again in this case also? In your previous responses I have seen that you mentioned that bikes should not be a problem…
Also, now we have planned to take Manali route to reach Leh. As you mentioned we have to take permits to cross Rohtang. Can u please tell how much time we will have to keep for getting the permit from Manali? Do we get it instantly after filling the form or it takes some time? Is there any online facility available for the same or we will have to manually go to the office and get it done? Is there any cap on the no. of vehicles crossing Rohtang nowadays per day basis?
Thanks.
Bikes were not a problem earlier but they can be now this year. Better be safe than sorry, right?
I will suggest that you take Srinagar highway to get to Leh and return via Manali. Rohtang permits are a big hassle right now and there is word that they may deny permits to rented bikes completely.
Hi Vargis, Thank you very much for sharing this information. I am planning a trip to Leh on 17th June’16 via Srinagar – Leh – Manali – Chandigarh. I will be riding 1994 old bullet. As mentioned above in point no 3 of your article . I have two queries:
1. Is it allow to ride above route with this bike? if No then which route options are available?
2. Which documents do i have to carry as the bike is not registered against my name
Thanks & Regards,
Tushar
Hi Tushar, Take the Srinagar Leh route to reach Ladakh and then return via Manali to avoid any unnecessary hassle. This restriction is only to cross Rohtang from Manali side, rest of the route is OK. Take RC, DL, PUC, Insurance and that is all that is required.
Hi Vargis, thanks a lot for the quick response 🙂
You are welcome brother
Dear Vargis, I am planning for a bike trip to leh ladakh as delhi manali leh route and in return sringar route coming june..my bike is in the name of my friend..As i heard about leh I will park my bike in leh and will take rented bike from leh to visit other places inside the leh..and after that i will take my own bike and will come delhi via srinagar route..despite the problem inside the leh will i face any other problem during my trip on any check post as my vehicle is in the name of my friend..thanks
Hi Vikas – As long as you are carrying all necessary documents, RC, Insurance, pollution check, DL … there will not be any problem at all
Hi Vikas.. Please let us know do u faced any issues in Leh while carrying ur bike? Do u have to take local bikes from there?
dear friend i am planning a trip Delhi to Ladakh from my 10 year old Castro car in good condition.
Please suggest this car is it ok?
We are a member of two adult and two kids. any problem travelling with kids?
please suggest me.
Hi Mithilesh – Please check the ground clearance of the car, I have never driven a castro before so I am not really sure. Second thing is that vehicles 10 years old older are not permitted to go towards Rohtang so you will have to take the Srinagar route to reach Leh.
hi vargis.. how r u?
just wanted to ask u some queries..
i am planning my trip to leh in may month end with my own car which is volkswagen polo, so what’s your experience with car like polo on such terrains?
and also want to know about the convenience and safety of carrying a child of four years of age along with me on this trip?
thank you .
Hello Dr. Ketan – The only problem with Polo would be the ground clearance, especially at water crossings. The car is perfectly capable of doing the trip but you will have to be very careful at stretches where there is no tar on the roads and water crossings. You can do the trip with your child but acute mountain sickness can become a problem. Avoid staying overnight or for longer duration at certain areas where it is highly likely to get hit by AMS, places like Pang, Pangong lake or at top of the high altitude passes. You may also want to take a look at the following article but then you are a Doctor, you would know much better.
https://vargiskhan.com/log/dealing-acute-mountain-sickness-ladakh/
Hi,
I am planning a trip to Leh via Srinagar-Leh highway and return from Manali-Leh highway with my family by 21th May from Pune. I will be driving my own car which is MH registered. want to know will there be any challanges from the taxi unions, and also what all permits i will have to take before and from where can i get them.
I need to be sure about the safety as my daughter is as CP child and i don’t wont to get in any taxi union issues there.
Please let me know what should i be doing
Regards
Brij
There were a lot of problems last year from the taxi union so I cannot exactly answer how it will be this year. The only sure thing is that you wont face an challenge reaching Leh in your car. They create hassle for visiting nearby areas like Pangong and Nubra. For now, since you are traveling with family, best advice would be to reach Leh, leave your car at the hotel, hire a local taxi to visit nearby areas and return via Manali in your car. Once the season starts, we will know more if taxi union continues to be a pain this year as well
Thanks Vargis for the response. Will look at the situation and then will plan to hire a taxi at Leh. Just one more thing need to check, will Vento be able to do the trip. As the GC is 163 mm. I hope it should not be problem.
As I have seen people driving in SUV a lot.
Brij
Hi Brij – I know people who have taken Tata Indica and even Maruti 800 up there. Friend of mine did Ladakh in SX4 last year so I guess you should be able to take your Vento as well.. Just be extremely careful while crossing Water streams. Sometimes those streams are deeper than they look so step out of the car, inspect carefully and then drive across.
i am planning to rent a bike from srinagar and go to nubra valley and pangong lake. will it be a problem? i have heard that outside bikes are not allowed in pangong and nubra
Bikes shouldn’t be a problem
Hello sir I have my on royal enfield bike model no 1985 allowed to leh ladakh trips
Yes you can go but will have to take the Srinagar Leh route
Hi Vargis,
I am Gaurav from Delhi. We are approx 10 friends. I am planning my tour to Ladakh from manali on 24 June 2016 via Keylong, Sarchu, Tsokar, Ladakh, Kargil, Kashmir. Is it possible and easy to hire a bike from Manali and drop in Ladakh. Can i get accommodations in all these places easily?
Can you join us or any other local person who know and have experience of this tour. If yes how much does it cost?
Thanks Gaurav
if i hire a bike in delhi will they allow to visit the places in and around leh with that bike
.
Bikes are OK, wont be a problem visiting the nearby areas.
Hi Suchinder… Did u faced any issues with the bike u took from Delhi? Have u had to hire local bikes in Leh again?
hi.
i am planning to go leh ladakh in 3rd week of sept 2015 ,
but am very much confused
1) which routeis more favourable ?
manali to leh or jammu to leh
( according to road condition , scenic beauty , and more lakes )
2) am from jammu , so still we need permit to cross rohtang if we are going from manali?
3) if am going via jammu and planning to come via manali , them also i need permit ? if yes then from where can i get it
4) does permi inclued both ways?
5) most important is , we are going on santro xing not 10 years old , am asking this because of road condition
please answers
Regards
Deepshikha
Both routes are good. You should actually do both. Santro Xing should be OK depending on condition of the car and driving skills of the person behind the wheel. Please read the following article regarding permits for Rohtang.
https://vargiskhan.com/log/what-are-current-vehicle-restrictions-for-rohtang-pass/
Hi Vargis,
I am planning to go to Ladakh in August 2015. Have below queries:
1) Sorry to ask same question again but plan to take a Zoom car from Delhi. Please let me know if it will be an issue with local Leh taxi union as i want to travel to some important places in Ladakh like Nubra valley,Pangong-Tso, Tso-Moriri, Hanle and Tso-Kar?
2) Do we need to take any permit for these places in DC office or just need to submit the form to the checkposts ?
Please let me know as not yet booked anything for the trip 🙂
Best Regards,
Benoy Thomas( Bangalore)
Hi Benoy,
1. Zoom Car will not be a problem as long as it is registered as a self driven taxi.
2. You will need permits for Hanle and that entire route from Pangong to Moriri. You do not need permits for elsewhere.
Thanks for the quick response
You are welcome bro …
Hi Varghese,
We are planning to take a Zoomcar for out Leh-Ladakh trip. Zoomcar providees us with a self-driven commercial vehicle with yellow numbers on black plates.
Will we be able to visit places like Pangong and Nubra.. ?
Your reply would be of great help.
Err.. my apologies on the mistake with your name 🙂
No worries ….
Hello Amir …. Zoom car is okay … you shouldn’t face any problem as long as it is registered as a self driven taxi
Hi Vargis,
Thanks for your travelogues, it is really very helpful.
We as a group planning to take the rented bikes from Chandigarh. Will be there be any problem for rented bikes regarding permit in leh ladakh ?
Also, could you please suggest some rental shops in chandigarh, from where we can take the bikes?
There is no rental problem with bikes Gautam. I however do not have any contacts in Chandigarh, sorry.
Good to know this. Thank You
You are welcome 🙂
Hi Vargis,
My doubt is regarding the rented bikes from Manali which I am planning to take to Leh and then to Nubra valley and Pangong. Are manali rented bikes restricted in these parts of Ladakh. I read a lot about these restrictions from Leh bike union. Are they really implemented? Do I need to worry about them before hiring bike. I would not to want to be stopped at some checkpost in ladakh and told that you are not allowed to move further since it’s not a leh rented vehicle. Till now I have got no clear idea regarding this.
No such restriction on rented motorcycles, you will be free to move around as you wish. Don’t worry about it.
Hi Aravind… Did u face any issues with rented bikes from Manali in Leh? Did you rented bikes again in Leh area for local sight seeing?
You are welcome Ashwin
,Missed mentioning … as long as it has a black number plate with yellow numbers
Hello Ashwin, There is no restriction on a self driven Taxi. You are free to drive it to any part of Ladakh, including Pangong.
Thanks a lot Vargis. It has cleared my doubt. Thanks a ton again.
Dear Mr. Vargis, I am planning to take zoomcar till Pangong lake. Since it is registered under Self drive taxi with black number plate with yellow numbers, I was wondering if it will be allowed by the Taxi union. Please help to clear this doubt.
Dear vargis, can we take zoomcar self drive taxi to ladakh. It has black number plate and not yellow which general drivered taxi have.
Hello Farogh, Yes you can definitely drive it to Ladakh.
But its a taxi. If taxi union will not allow to ply in ladakh we will have to pay zoomcar per day fare plus taxi fare which we will hire in ladakh. Kindly confirm from a person in taxi union.
A lot of people hire cabs from Manali or Chandigarh til Ladakh. There is no such restriction that you have to hire a taxi within Ladakh or J&K. I have even seen Delhi registered cabs in Ladakh.
Mr Vargis: I,m from Ladakh, I want to ask you, if i buy new car from jammu then can i allow to go from (jammu to manali to ladakh) through Manali road? Can you share me any experience? Or Need anythings? Pls tell me.
Hello Stanzin, Yes definitely. You can buy a car from Jammu, reach Manali and take the Manali-Leh highway to Ladakh. There is no restriction and no other document required except for your vehicle’s registration papers.
Kya koyi ladka 25 saal se kam age ka ho , or woh apni personal bike per ladakh ride karna chahta hai to kya 25 saal se kam age k ladke ko ladakh yarta karne di ja sakhti hai kya