A Srinagar to Leh road trip trades the meadows of Kashmir for the cold desert of Ladakh in a single, unforgettable drive. You leave the Dal Lake, climb over Zoji La, cross the war memorial town of Drass, refuel at Kargil, then thread a chain of high passes and Buddhist villages before dropping to Leh. It is one of the most rewarding overland routes in the Indian Himalaya, and taken over two days it also happens to be the gentler way for your body to reach 3,500 metres.
The Srinagar to Leh road trip is a roughly 420 km Himalayan drive along National Highway 1 (formerly NH-1D), climbing from Kashmir over Zoji La into Ladakh via Drass, Kargil and Fotu La. The highway is usually open from about May to October, and the drive is best split across two days with a night at Kargil.
Planning your Srinagar to Leh road trip: the route at a glance
The road runs from Srinagar (about 1,585 m) to Leh (3,524 m, or 11,562 ft) and is officially 422 km long, according to the Wikipedia summary of the Srinagar–Leh Highway, which cites its designation as National Highway 1 after the old NH-1D and NH-1A were merged in 2010.
Unlike the Manali approach, the climb here is staged: you gain height slowly, sleep at moderate altitudes, and only briefly touch the high passes. That makes it a sensible first entry into Ladakh. For the wider region, see our Ladakh travel guide.
Best time and when the highway opens for a Srinagar to Leh road trip
The passes close under heavy snow for roughly six months a year. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) usually clears Zoji La in early April, and the highway typically opens to tourist traffic between mid-April and May, staying reliable until about October–November.
As of September 2026 the highway is open and in peak-season condition. In an unusual first, the BRO kept Zoji La open through the 2025–26 winter, as reported by The Tribune, though fresh snow can still force temporary closures; do not assume year-round access yet.
| Period | Conditions | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Nov–Mar | Passes usually snowbound; closures common | Avoid unless locally confirmed open |
| Apr–early May | Just reopened; slush, meltwater, single-lane cuts at Zoji La | Possible but variable |
| Jun–Sep | Most stable and clear | Best window |
| Oct | Cold, shorter days, early snow risk late in the month | Good but watch weather |
The route and its stops
Every stop earns its place. In order from Srinagar:
- Sonamarg (about 2,730 m) — the last green valley in Kashmir and a good coffee-and-photos halt before the climb, according to the Wikipedia entry on Sonamarg.
- Zoji La — the dramatic gateway pass into Ladakh; expect a rough, narrow, often dusty or muddy stretch here.
- Drass (about 3,300 m) — widely described in the press as the second-coldest inhabited place on earth, after Oymyakon in Siberia; a temperature of about −60°C was reportedly recorded in January 1995. It is also the base for the Kargil War Memorial.
- Kargil (about 2,676 m) — the natural overnight town, with fuel, food and hotels.
- Mulbekh — home to the Chamba (Maitreya) statue, a large Buddha figure carved into a roadside rock face.
- Namika La (3,700 m, or 12,139 ft) — the “pillar of the sky” pass, per the Wikipedia entry on Namika La.
- Fotu La (4,108 m, or 13,478 ft) — the highest point on the whole highway, according to the Wikipedia entry on Fotu La.
- Lamayuru — an old Buddhist monastery set among eroded “moonland” hills.
- Alchi — a short detour off the highway, known for its early Buddhist wall paintings.
- Nimmu — the confluence (sangam) where the green Indus meets the brown Zanskar before you reach Leh.
| Point | Altitude | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Zoji La | ~3,528 m (11,575 ft)* | Gateway pass; rough surface |
| Namika La | 3,700 m (12,139 ft) | Between Kargil and Leh |
| Fotu La | 4,108 m (13,478 ft) | Highest point on the highway |
| Leh (town) | 3,524 m (11,562 ft) | Journey’s end |
*Sources vary: some official and encyclopaedic listings give Zoji La as about 3,528 m (11,575 ft) and others as 3,580 m. Treat the figure as approximate.
Distances and driving time
The drive is about 420–425 km and takes two comfortable days. Times below assume normal summer conditions, photo stops and a possible wait at Zoji La; they are indicative and change with traffic, roadwork and weather.
| Segment | Distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Srinagar → Sonamarg | ~85 km | Easy valley road |
| Sonamarg → Drass (via Zoji La) | ~62 km | Slowest stretch; the pass |
| Drass → Kargil | ~58 km | Improving road |
| Kargil → Leh | ~220 km | Namika La, Fotu La, monasteries |
| Total | ~425 km | Best over two days |
Why the Srinagar side is easier on your body
The Srinagar approach lets you gain altitude gradually. Your sleeping heights rise gently — Sonamarg (~2,730 m), an optional Drass or Kargil night (~2,676–3,300 m) — before Leh at 3,524 m. The highest crossing, Fotu La at 4,108 m, is only touched briefly, not slept at.
The Manali route is far more abrupt. As reported in road guides, it forces high sleeping altitudes such as Sarchu (about 4,288 m) on the first night and crosses passes like Baralacha La (~4,890 m), Lachung La (~5,065 m) and Tanglang La (~5,328 m) in quick succession — a recipe for altitude sickness if you rush it. If you want to compare, see our Manali to Leh road trip guide. Many travellers enter via Srinagar and exit via Manali once acclimatised.
Altitude sickness: staying safe on the climb
Even on the gentler Srinagar side, Leh sits above 3,500 m and acute mountain sickness (AMS) is real. General guidance from the CDC Yellow Book (2026) chapter on high-altitude travel, drawing on Wilderness Medical Society advice, is to ascend slowly above about 3,000 m — no more than roughly 500 m of sleeping-altitude gain per night — and to build in a rest day.
Practical points that follow from that advice:
- Break the drive with a night at Kargil rather than pushing Srinagar to Leh in one day.
- On reaching Leh, rest for the first 24–48 hours and avoid hard exertion, per the same guidance.
- Drink plenty of water; avoid alcohol and sleeping pills on the climbing days.
- Watch for headache, nausea, dizziness and poor sleep. Mild symptoms may settle with rest; if they worsen, the standard advice is to descend and seek medical help.
- Ask a doctor before travel about acetazolamide, which can speed acclimatisation. This guide is not medical advice.
A 2-day itinerary
Day 1 — Srinagar to Kargil (~205 km, 7–9 hours):
- Start early to clear Zoji La before midday traffic and afternoon winds.
- Coffee stop at Sonamarg; cross Zoji La into Ladakh.
- Stop at Drass and the Kargil War Memorial.
- Overnight at Kargil.
Day 2 — Kargil to Leh (~220 km, 7–9 hours):
- Photo stop at the Mulbekh Chamba (Maitreya) rock statue.
- Cross Namika La and Fotu La, the highest point.
- Visit Lamayuru monastery; optional short detour to Alchi.
- Pause at the Indus–Zanskar confluence near Nimmu, then into Leh.
If you have a spare day, adding a Kargil rest night or a Lamayuru night eases acclimatisation further.
Where to stay
Kargil is the standard overnight, with a spread of hotels and guesthouses; Leh has the widest choice. The bands below are indicative planning estimates for a double room in season and should be reconfirmed at booking (as of September 2026).
- Budget / homestay: roughly ₹800–₹2,000 a night in Kargil, Mulbekh or Lamayuru; simple, often family-run.
- Mid-range: roughly ₹2,500–₹5,000 in Kargil or Leh.
- Higher-end: ₹6,000 and up in Leh, more for premium camps.
Book ahead for June–September and for any festival dates. Homestays in villages such as Mulbekh and Lamayuru are a good, low-altitude way to break the drive.
Food and fuel on the road
Fuel stations are spaced out. You will find petrol pumps at Srinagar, Sonamarg, Drass, Kargil and Leh; the longest gap is the Kargil–Leh stretch of about 220 km, so fill up at Kargil and keep the tank topped. Carry cash for fuel, as card and UPI can be patchy. These fuel points are indicative — confirm locally, as some pumps run short in peak season.
For food, roadside dhabas (simple eateries) serve rice, dal, rajma-chawal (kidney beans with rice) and Maggi noodles. In Ladakh, try thukpa (noodle soup), momos (steamed dumplings), skyu (a hand-rolled pasta stew) and butter tea. Kargil has fuller sit-down meals; carry snacks and water for the passes, where options thin out.
Permits and rules
No permit is needed to drive the Srinagar–Leh highway itself. Restrictions apply only to protected areas off this route (such as Nubra, Pangong and Tso Moriri).
As of September 2026, Indian tourists in Ladakh pay a Ladakh Environment/Development Fee rather than an Inner Line Permit: reporting indicates a one-time environment fee of about ₹400 plus a wildlife fee of about ₹20 per day (with an optional ₹50 Red Cross contribution), payable online at the official LAHDC portal, lahdclehpermit.in, with the receipt carried on the trip. Foreign nationals still need a Protected Area Permit for restricted zones, arranged through a registered agent. Reconfirm current fees and rules before you travel. Carry a photo ID, follow plastic and litter rules, and dress modestly at monasteries.
Practical tips
- Network and cash: only postpaid Indian SIMs work in Ladakh, and signal is patchy on the passes. Carry cash; ATMs are limited between Kargil and Leh.
- Health: the main hospitals en route are at Kargil and Leh. Carry a basic altitude and first-aid kit.
- Driving: start early each day, keep to daylight, and give way on single-lane cuts at Zoji La. Self-drive is possible but a local driver knows the road and weather.
- Solo women: the route is generally considered manageable; stick to daytime driving, pre-book stays, and share your plan.
- Packing: layers year-round — it can be warm in Srinagar and near-freezing on the passes even in summer. Add sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm and a warm jacket; in shoulder season pack for snow.
Nearby places
| Place | From | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Kargil War Memorial | At Drass | Moving tribute above the highway |
| Lamayuru monastery | On the route | Old gompa and “moonland” hills |
| Alchi | Short detour near Nimmu | Early Buddhist murals |
| Leh and beyond | Journey’s end | Base for Nubra, Pangong — see the Ladakh travel guide |
Frequently asked questions
When does the Srinagar–Leh highway open?
The highway usually opens between mid-April and May, once the BRO clears Zoji La, and stays reliable until about October–November. As of September 2026 it is open. The BRO kept Zoji La open through the 2025–26 winter for the first time, but fresh snow can still close it, so confirm status before you go.
Is the Srinagar to Leh road trip better than Manali to Leh for acclimatisation?
Yes, for most first-timers. The Srinagar side climbs gradually, with moderate sleeping altitudes and only a brief high point at Fotu La (4,108 m). The Manali route forces high overnight stops like Sarchu (~4,288 m) and crosses several passes above 4,800 m fast, which raises altitude-sickness risk.
Do I need a permit for the Srinagar–Leh highway?
No permit is needed for the main highway itself. As of September 2026, Indian tourists in Ladakh pay a Ladakh Environment/Development Fee online rather than an Inner Line Permit; foreigners need a Protected Area Permit for restricted zones only. Permits apply to areas off the route, such as Nubra and Pangong. Reconfirm current rules before travel.
How many days do you need for the Srinagar to Leh road trip?
Two days is the standard, with a night at Kargil to break the roughly 425 km drive and ease acclimatisation. Doing it in a single long day is possible but hard on the body and risky if Zoji La is slow. Adding a third day at Kargil or Lamayuru makes the climb safer.
How high is the highest pass on the route?
Fotu La, at 4,108 m (13,478 ft), is the highest point on the Srinagar–Leh highway, according to encyclopaedic sources. It sits between Kargil and Leh, higher than the more famous Zoji La gateway pass, which is around 3,528 m. You cross Fotu La but do not sleep at that altitude.
How do I avoid altitude sickness on the drive?
Ascend slowly: break the drive at Kargil, rest for the first day or two in Leh, drink water, and skip alcohol on climbing days. General CDC and Wilderness Medical Society guidance is to limit sleeping-altitude gain above 3,000 m. If symptoms worsen, descend and seek help. Ask a doctor about acetazolamide before travelling.
Last updated and sources
This route suits first-time Ladakh travellers and anyone who wants a scenic, staged climb into the mountains. Aim for June to September, and keep two days in hand.
Last updated: 25 September 2026. Fees, timings and permits change — reconfirm with official sources before you travel.
Sources: Wikipedia: Srinagar–Leh Highway; Wikipedia: Zoji La; Wikipedia: Fotu La; Wikipedia: Namika La; Wikipedia: Sonamarg; Wikipedia: Leh; The Tribune (BRO keeps Zoji La open through winter); CDC Yellow Book 2026: High-Altitude Travel and Altitude Illness; and the official Ladakh permit and environment-fee portal, lahdclehpermit.in. Accessed September 2026.
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