Delhi to Leh by Road or by Flight?

Leh, a paradise on earth! Everyone wants to visit this beautiful destination at least once in lifetime. There are two transport options available between Delhi and Leh – either by flight or by road. Flight takes around 1.5 hrs and your beautiful journey ends in just a short span of time. But if you want to really enjoy the beauty of the region, opt for road journey. I tell you, it's worth!

There are two routes you can take. One is Delhi-Ambala-Jalandhar-Jammu-Srinagar-Kargil-Leh (approx. 1250 kms - minimum 4–5 days travel time) and another route is Delhi-Ambala-Mandi-Manali-Sarchu-Leh (approx. 1030 kms – minimum 4 days travel time).

Srinagar route is longer and more dangerous in terms of landslides, rough weather and terrorism where as Manali route is shorter and safer. Both the routes remain open for traffic only for a few months in a year – mostly from May to October. It depends on weather condition and snow fall. You can self drive or hire a taxi or share taxi or take roadways buses on both the routes.

If you take flight, you may face a health problem that is called Acute Mountains Sickness (AMS) because getting too much height in a short span of time. After landing in Leh, you need at least one day in getting acclimatized . But if you go by road, your body gets acclimatized gradually when you travel towards Leh.