The gentler way into Ladakh. The altitude rises slowly past Sonamarg, Drass and Kargil, so your body copes better than it does coming from Manali.
Distance410 kmApprox. distance
Riding time~10 hrsApprox. ride time
Best seasonJun – OctIdeal time to ride
DifficultyExperiencedOverall rating
Route map
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Two-wheeler road from Google Maps. Roads close and change, so check the route on the day you ride.
Ride details
Road typeNH 1
Road conditionMixed conditions
Fuel availabilityLimited
Best forGroup rides
Plan for3 days
Places to stayLimited
Fuel stopsApprox. 35
MechanicsApprox. 68
HospitalsApprox. 87
Mixed conditions
Mostly good two-lane highway, but Zoji La is a slow, dusty, single-file climb shared with army convoys and trucks, and it closes in bad weather. Past Kargil the road over Namik La and Fotu La is smooth. Break the ride at Kargil.
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