#4 of 79 · mountain
Srinagar to Leh
Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir → Leh, Ladakh
420 km · Jun – Sep · Challenging
The other road to Leh — and the older one. Poplar-lined Kashmir, the grind of Zoji La, the brown hush of Kargil, then the Indus opening into Ladakh. Softer than Manali, and no less of a crossing.
Viewpoints
Zoji La
The wall between Kashmir and Ladakh.
95 km
3,528 m
Drass
One of the coldest inhabited places in India.
140 km
3,280 m
Kargil
The river town, and a necessary night.
205 km
2,676 m
Lamayuru
Moonland folds just off the highway.
320 km
3,510 m
- Road
- NH1 is mostly two-lane and well kept in season. Zoji La can be one-way and chaotic. Snow and army convoys close the pass without much warning.
- Permits
- Inner Line Permit for Ladakh. Carry ID at every army checkpost.
Tips
- 01
Night in Kargil
Do not attempt Srinagar–Leh in one day. The altitude still counts.
- 02
Zoji La early
Go with the morning convoy. Afternoon is dust and buses.
- 03
Fuel at Kargil
Pumps thin out toward Leh. Top up even if you are half-full.
From the road
1 notes
Field reports from people who have driven this route.
Driven this road? Join as a driver to leave a note from the road.
Farah B.
Aug 2025
Zoji La at seven with the convoy. Kargil that night. Lamayuru in the morning felt like landing on another planet.
