The Best-Ever Leh-Ladakh Car Tour Package To Level Up Your Car Trip
Expeditions
Nestled amidst the towering peaks of the Himalayas, Leh and Ladakh offer a breathtakingly beautiful landscape that attracts travellers from India and around the world. Planning a car tour to these regions can be an unforgettable experience, but it requires careful planning and preparation to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. So, if you are planning in summer or looking for winter Leh Ladakh car tour packages, this is the right place to be.
From navigating treacherous mountain roads to acclimatizing to high altitudes, several factors must be considered before embarking on a car tour to Leh and Ladakh. In this article, we’ll discuss some essential points to remember when planning your trip to this stunning part of India.
The winter tour and Winter Leh Ladakh Car Tour Packages
Winter in Ladakh is a magical time when the landscape is transformed into a snowy wonderland, and the air is crisp and clear. If you’re looking for an adventure during the winter, a road tour to Ladakh by car could be just the ticket. You can opt for Winter Leh Ladakh car tour packages that offer a range of options to suit different budgets and preferences, with experienced drivers and knowledgeable guides to take you through the breathtaking scenery of this high-altitude region.
From visiting ancient monasteries to trekking on frozen rivers, there’s plenty to see and do on a winter Ladakh tour by car. When planning your trip, it’s important to choose the best car for Ladakh tour to ensure a comfortable and safe journey on the region’s rugged roads. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or a first-time visitor, a winter car tour of Ladakh is an unforgettable experience that will stay with you forever. People often say that you might leave Ladakh at the end of your trip, but the experience never leaves you. However, it is critical to ensure that you have done enough due diligence for a great experience on your trip.
The most important things to remember for making your Leh Ladakh car trip memorable
A winter Leh Ladakh car trip is a bucket-list adventure that requires careful planning and preparation. To make your Ladakh trip by car truly memorable, there are several things to keep in mind. First, choose the right Leh Ladakh car tour package that suits your budget and preferences. Ensure that the package includes experienced drivers and knowledgeable guides who can navigate the region’s challenging roads and provide insights into its culture and history.
Secondly, choose the best car for Ladakh trip based on your needs, considering factors such as road conditions, fuel efficiency, and space for luggage and passengers. Thirdly, pack appropriately for the winter weather, with warm clothing, sturdy footwear, and essential medicines for altitude sickness. Finally, be flexible and open-minded, and allow yourself plenty of time to explore the region’s stunning scenery, ancient monasteries, and vibrant local markets. With these tips in mind, your winter Leh Ladakh car trip will surely be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure you’ll never forget.
Planning Ladakh tour by car and taking your personal vehicle? It would help if you remembered a few things
If you’re planning a Ladakh tour by car and considering taking your personal vehicle, there are a few things you should remember to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Firstly, ensure your vehicle is suitable for the journey, particularly if you’re planning a winter Leh Ladakh car tour. The best car for Leh Ladakh tour in winter should have good ground clearance, a sturdy build, and be equipped with features such as four-wheel drive and anti-lock brakes. It is important to contact local authorities/police for detailed advisories. Generally, people are quite nice and will assist you in answering all queries. However, there are green taxes and restrictions on two-wheelers rented from Jammu and Kashmir.
Irrespective of whether you have booked a Leh Ladakh car tour packages or driving your own car, you want to do several things whilst in the region. Leh and Ladakh offer a unique experience for travellers exploring the region’s rugged terrain and stunning landscapes. There are plenty of activities in Leh and Ladakh, ranging from adventure sports to cultural experiences. One of the most popular activities in Leh and Ladakh is trekking, as the region offers some of the most beautiful and challenging trekking routes in the world. Some popular trekking routes include the Markha Valley Trek, Stok Kangri Trek, and the Chadar Trek.
For adventure enthusiasts, Leh and Ladakh also offer a range of activities like white-water rafting, mountain biking, and paragliding. One can also go on a jeep safari to explore the region’s rugged terrain and stunning landscapes. Ladakh is also home to several Buddhist monasteries, including the famous Hemis Monastery, which hosts an annual festival worth experiencing. One can also visit the Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, and the Hall of Fame museum to learn more about the region’s history and culture.
Finally, experiencing the local cuisine is a must-do in Leh and Ladakh. Traditional dishes like thukpa, momos, and butter tea are some of the most popular dishes to try. With its unique mix of adventure, culture, and stunning landscapes, Leh and Ladakh make for an unforgettable experience.
If in a fix, do try various Winter Leh Ladakh car tour packages
Alternatively, you could consider booking a Leh Ladakh car tour package that includes a vehicle and driver familiar with the terrain and local conditions. Secondly, obtain all the necessary permits and paperwork for your trip, including a valid driver’s license, registration certificate, and pollution under control (PUC) certificate. Lastly, ensure you have sufficient supplies for your journey, including food, water, warm clothing, and essential medicines for altitude sickness. With these tips in mind, you can enjoy a hassle-free and unforgettable Leh Ladakh road trip by car.
Leh and Ladakh are truly remarkable places that offer a unique and unforgettable travel experience. Whether planning a winter Leh Ladakh car tour or a summer road trip, it’s important to plan ahead and be prepared for the challenges of navigating the high-altitude terrain. By following the tips and advice in this article, you can ensure a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable trip that will create memories to last a lifetime. So, pack your bags, choose the best car for Ladakh trip with Moustache Escapes, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!
Leh Ladakh Car Tour Package Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Leh, Rest & Acclimatisation.
Altitude: 11,400 ft
Meals Included: Dinner
Stay Included: Stay at Guest House / Homestay on a sharing basis.
- Welcome to Leh! Today is an important day for you. It is recommended that you be prepared for a sudden gush of a heavy cold. Pack your shoulder bags in such a way that just before entering Leh, you put on your warm sweater and jackets to protect yourself from the harsh cold environment. Winter in Ladakh can be little harsh, please be mindful of that
- After you have arrived at the airport, check-in at the guest house/homestay, and settle yourself down. You must keep the rising temperature in mind, Leh will be much colder from whatever place you will be coming from.
- Take this day solely to acclimatize yourself against the temperature and oxygen level. Leh is at a very high altitude because of which the oxygen level is not the same as any other place in India. Please stay in your room and try to lay down for a while. At this point, your body will need to adjust to the new atmosphere.
- Once settled down, you have your delicious hot dinner waiting for you. Enjoy the warmth of the food in such a cold environment. We are sure, you will absolutely love it!
Day 2: Leh sightseeing, excursion to Chilling and stay at Ulley
Altitude: 11,400 ft to 12,000 ft
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Stay Included: Stay in Homestay on a sharing basis.
Drive: 76 km
- Today is the day when your real trip starts. It’s going to be a very cold atmosphere and the temperature is going to be very low. Be prepared to shiver too! After waking up and getting ready, come for a nice hot breakfast to kick start your day. The entire day is going to be a spectacular scenic drive from Leh to Ulley via chilling.
- Once the drive starts, the first thing you are going to visit is the Hall of Fame, a museum constructed by the Indian army in memory of soldiers who laid down their lives defending motherland in Indo – Pak war. It’s a powerful experience to witness the hall of fame.
- After the Hall of Fame, we will drive through the famous Pather Sahib Gurudwara. It’s a beautiful and peaceful place to visit. It is entirely up to you if you want to stop and do a short visit to the Gurudwara. After Gurudwara, our route will also cross through the renowned Magnetic hill. Though there is nothing other than white snow, snow, and snow.
- During the journey from Hall of Fame to Gurudwara Pather Sahib, spot the Spituk Gompa on your right side, which was built in the 15th century.
- Once you have seen the Gurudwara and the magnetic hill, we will proceed towards the confluence point where the famous Zanskar river and Indus river meet. Honestly, it’s a sight to behold.
- The best part is that the Zanskar river will be sparkling with frozen water. As far as you can see, the river will be glittering. If you want, we can also stop here to give you some rest and refreshing air. This is the place where the popular Chadar trek start. Go explore the river for a while and experience how it feels to walk over a frozen river. It’s just amazing!
- Our next stop is Ulley. We will drive through chilling and cross a bridge to reach the other part of Leh. Ulley, famous for being the highest village of western Ladakh and is a place to spot the astonishing snow leopards. Though usually, one has to trek to a very high mountain to seek a chance to spot a snow leopard, that’s the speciality of this tour. It gives you a chance to spot them right in the city.
- Once you have reached Ulley, settle yourself in your given homestay. The temperature is going to be very low and the air will be freaky cold. It will be good if you can directly eat your warm food and get under the warm blanket in the room.
Day 3: Spot the Snow Leopards
Altitude: 12,000 ft.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner.
Stay Included: Stay in Homestay on a sharing basis.
- Get excited! Today’s the day for you to bring out your attentiveness and be strong to find a snow leopard. The entire day is dedicated to this adventure. First of all, wake to pleasant yet cold weather. Devour the tasty breakfast and get dressed.
- Our driver will take you through the special spots where you can actually spot the leopards. It is important that you keep utmost patience and cooperate with the driver to enjoy the tour. The chances to spot the leopards are slightly higher in the winters, but we do not guarantee you the same.
- More than the spotting, the adventure which it holds is really fun to enjoy. Go around, explore the art of spotting the rarest wildlife, and if you were able to do, don’t forget to bring some amazing stories to share with us
- Once you have enjoyed the adventure and we hope you were able to spot the leopard, drive back your homestays, and get settled under a warm blanket. Just to remark, these blankets feel like heaven in winters of Leh. Enjoy the warmth of them! End your day with a nice meal and a hot cup of tea.
Day 4: Ulley to Leh via Khardung La
Altitude: 12,000 ft to 18,380 ft to 11,400 ft
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Stay Included: Stay in Homestay / Guesthouse on a sharing basis.
Drive: 145 km
- Today we are going to take another scenic drive from Ulley to Leh via Khardung La. Guess what, Khardung La is the highest motorable road in the world which gives you an amazing view of the entire Himalayas. After you have done your luscious breakfast, get ready to start.
- The best thing about your tour is that unlike others who might risk to ride a bike through this road and put their lives at risk, you won’t have to. The car ride gives you an equal amount of adventure and fun, just like any bike ride. You will be amazed to see the astonishing beauty of Leh. You might spot several small cafes to enjoy a hot cup of coffee and a steaming plate of delicious Maggi. Grab them, if possible.
- After you reach Leh and have enjoyed enough of Himalayan beauty, we will proceed towards the Shanti Stupa. You will see Shanti stupa is the most peaceful place in the entire world. Another speciality of the Shanti stupa is the view from that height. You will be able to see the entire Ladakh from there. Seep in the tranquillity.
- After the Shanti Stupa, visit Leh palace which was built by the royals of the 17th century and was made abandoned by the royals of the 19th century, the palace has a rich collection of artifacts which has a separate place in the history of Leh.
- We are sure, you must be tired after visiting the famous Leh Palace. Drive back to your designated homestay and retire for the day. Also, enjoy the hot dinner too!
Day 5: Leh to Pangong Tso / Tangste via Chang La pas
Altitude: 11,400 ft to 17,590 ft and to 13,862 ft
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Stay Included: Stay in Homestay / Guesthouse on a sharing basis.
Drive: 150 km
- We understand that yesterday’s trip might have been a little exhausting, but try waking up as early as possible. Winter sunsets in Leh are a delight to capture. One shouldn’t miss it!
- If you were able to catch the sunset, kudos to you! After that, grab your tasty hot breakfast and buckle up to drive down to the 3rd highest motorable road in the world with an elevation of 17,590 ft.
- Visit the Chang La baba temple and have some tea or coffee at the nearest army operated cafe.
- Today we will be driving to the famous Pangong Tso lake. Ever seen the charming ending of the movie – 3 idiots? You fancy not swimming but walking on that lake? Then today is the day. Unlike the summers, in winters the Pangong Tso lake freezes to the last extent you can see it. Go explore the sturdy ice sheets of the lake. Please be advised, not to put on a lot of pressure or explore without asking the guide.
- After spending enough time at the Pangong, head to Tangste for the shelter of the night, enjoy the hot meal served, and retire for the day.
Day 6: Tangste to Thikshey to Shey and Leh via Chang La pass.
Altitude: 13,862 ft to 17,590 and to 11,400 ft
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Stay Included: Stay in Homestay / Guesthouse on a sharing basis.
Drive: 113 km
- Pangong Tso lake must have been a delight to walk on. Wake up to a spine chilling morning and do your luscious breakfast. Today we are going to take the same route as Chang La pass. While you are driving back, you will pass the same things you have already seen. If you want we can again revisit a few things.
- Do not forget to click the best photos possible. Leh in winters looks like a bride clothed with sparkling snow.
- After crossing the mighty Chang La Pass head to Thiksey Gompa, which is one of the largest monasteries of the Ladakh region. The monastery has wall paintings of Buddha, religious texts, stupas, and the largest statue of Buddha in Ladakh.
- After spending enough time at Thikshey, on your way back visit the Shey Palace and Gompa, it has the Gold plated copper statue of Shakyamuni Buddha and was the royal residence of the rulers of the place.
- After an astounding journey from Tangste to Leh, share your amazing stories of the roads and the places you visited. After a good heavy dinner, get under your warm and comfortable blanket and have a good night.
Day 7: Return home
- We hope you had a nice last night at the magnificent Leh. Here our journey comes to an end. We sincerely thank you for trusting us and coming on a spectacular trip to winter Leh. We hope to you super soon for yet another thrilling adventure.
The tour ends here
Things to carry for Winter Leh Ladakh Car tour
- Shirts / T-shirts –2/3, Jeans.
- Windproof jacket of decent quality (no flimsy wind cheaters please!) preferably with a hood.
- Warm and thick Fleece / Full-sleeve Woollensweater.
- Thermal inner wear (upper & lower), Scarf/muffler (optional).
- Down jacket or synthetic jacket for the top layer.
- Woollen cap, Woollen gloves, Woollen socks & regular socks (3-4 pairs).
- Comfortable Hiking shoes (Waterproof shoes with a thick sole are recommended).
- Lightweight floaters/sandals/slippers.
- Raincoat / Poncho, Small quick-dry towel.
- Water bottle (sturdy ones, no empty Bisleribottles!!).
- Cap / Hat to keep the strong sun away from your face.
- Sun glasses (polarized/UV Protected).
- Sunscreen Lotion, Lip Balm, Torch / Flashlight (with extra batteries).
- Medicines, if requiring any specific medication.
- Personal toiletries.
- Hand Sanitizer.
- Extra face masks.
