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How to Reach Ladakh
By Air:
The Leh airport is situated about 8 kms. from the city centre.
Leh is connected to Srinagar, Delhi and Jammu by air.
Warning: Those with heart trouble or lungs problem
should check with a doctor before flying to such a high
altitude.
By Rail:
The nearest railway station is located at Jammu, about 739 kms.
from Leh.
By Road:
Leh is about 434 km. from Srinagar and 739 km. from Jammu by
road. There is a motorable road between Srinagar and Leh via
Kargil. This road, which remains open for traffic from early
June to November is the main land route to Ladakh. The most
dramatic part of this road journey is the ascent up to the
11,500 feet or 3,505 m high Zoji-la. However, we recommend
that the best way would be to go by road to Leh and return by
air. Buses, Taxis, cars and jeeps are also available at
Srinagar for the journey. |
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Recently, the 473-km
Manali-Leh road has been serving as the second land approach
to Ladakh. The Manali - Leh road weaves in and out among the
mighty snow-clad peaks of the Western Himalayas over a stretch
of nearly 485 kms. The road is open from mid-July to
mid-October every year, depending on weather conditions.
Manali is the starting point of this dramatic journey and
Rohtang Pass(13,000 ft/3,978 m), 51 kms away is the first
important milestone on the Manali - Leh road as it is the
gateway to the Lahaul and Spiti valleys. This important road,
which was once part of the ancient trade route between India
and Central Asia, wends its way through breathtaking mountain
views via the Rohtang Pass, Gramphoo, Kokhsar, Sissu, Gondla,
Tandi. One can also reach Kaza, the main town of Lahaul and
Spiti. Onward the road moves to the Bara Lachha Pass (4892 m
or 16,050 feet), 73 kms from Keylong. Beyond this steep pass
lies Sarchu, 43 kms away, in the adjoining state of Jammu and
Kashmir. Now the trail hits the highest regions of Ladakh. A
camping ground in Zanskar, litle before Sarchu, Phalang-danda
(a giant rock) marks the boundary between Lahaul and Zanskar.
Sarchu has wide open places and treks to Phirtse la starts
from here. Just 54 kms. ahead of Sarchu, the road crosses
Tsarap Chu over a bridge. Then it climbs up to Lachalang la
Pass (16,600 feet or 5,059 m). Nearly 87 kms from Lachalang la
pass is the Tanglang la pass, the highest point on this road.
This pass is difficult to negotiate. By crossing this pass one
enters the Central Ladakh. 60 kms ahead of Tanglang La pass is
Upshi, a junction on the Indus. The road bifurcates from here
towards Rupshu and for Demchok, and little ahead at Kiari for
Chang la.
Leh, the headquarters of
Ladakh and well known tourist spot with an airstrip is about
50 kms from Upshi. The roads leads to Khardung la (in north)
and to Kargil (in west). The bus journey between Leh and
Manali takes about 19 hours or two days with an overnight halt
in camps at Serchu or Pang. Gypsy and jeep taxis are also
available, both at Manali and Leh. |
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Internal Transport in
Ladakh
There are numerous public buses in Ladakh, which ply on fixed
routes according to fixed time schedules. However, the most
comfortable and convenient, although expensive mode of travel
is by taxis, cars, and Gypsy, which are available for hire on
fixed point-to-Point tariff. For visiting the newly opened
areas of Nubra, Changthang and Dah-Hanu it is mandatory to
engage the services of a recognized travel agency for making
all the requisite arrangements
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