Overview
Exploring the places like Kasmir and Ladakh that too in one trip is going to be a mindblowing experience for every one of you. Everything is possible during this tour, from exploring the beauty of nature, hills, lakes, and night stays to learning about the most magnificent cultures of Kashmiri and Ladakhi people. I have tried my level best to cover all most all the best places worth visiting in this article. It will at least take your 15 precious days for this precious and unforgettable journey. I am damn sure that it’s going to be once in a lifetime offer for every one of you, where you can visit places like Srinagar, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Pahalgam, Kargil, Leh, etc. You can spend some days in the lap of nature keeping aside all the worries of the world. So, let’s start our Journey:
The first thing you have to do is to reach Srinagar. The mode of transportation depends upon the country or state, you live in.
Trip Highlights
1. Shikara ride in Srinagar.
2. Gandola ride in Gulmarg.
3. A visit to Pahalgam, the hub of natural beauty.
4. A visit to Drass, the second coldest place in the world.
5. Photoshoot at Lamayuru Monastery.
6. A tour to witness the beauty of Khardung La and its adjoining areas.
7. A visit to Pangong Lake.
8. A visit to world-famous Monasteries like Hemis, Alchi, and Likir.
9. A visit to Lamayuru village.
10. A visit to Chang-La-Pass.
Details Of The Trip
Day 1
After reaching Srinagar, get yourself transferred to a houseboat at Dal Lake or Nagin Lake. You can enjoy your Luch on the houseboat. After that, you can leave to enjoy a Shikara ride on the lake and see the scenic beauty of Char Chinar Island, floating shops, and floating gardens. You can enjoy Kehwa ( a famous traditional tea of Kashmiris) while having a ride on Shikara. Kabutarkhana, a famous tourist place can also be explored during the Shikara ride. You will feel as if you have reached another world of peace and calmness. You can stay at the houseboat for the night and prepare yourself for the next day’s journey. Don’t forget to take your delicious dinner in the Shikara.
Best/Luxury Houseboats At Srinagar
1. The red cottage.
2. The White House cottage.
3. Harmukh Houseboat.
Day 2
Srinagar-Gulmarg ( 50km/1.5hours )
You can start your Day 2 by exploring Gulmarg. After reaching Gulmarg, you can take a rest at your pre-booked hotel. After taking a rest, you are free to spend the day as per your choice. You can pay a visit to the Himalayas and can take part in adventure activities. Can have a Gandola cable car ride, perform skiing, and can also enjoy a pony ride from Gulmarg to Khilanmarg. You can make your day an incredible one by performing various activities. After enjoying the day, you can return to your hotel in Gulmarg and can have your dinner plus a night’s stay.
Best Hotels In Gulmarg
1. The Vintage Gulmarg.
2. Hotel Pine Spring Gulmarg.
3. Grand Mumtaz Resorts Gulmarg.
4. Shaw Inn.
5. Nedou’s Hotel.
Day 3
Gulmarg-Pahalgam ( 141km/4 hours )
After having your breakfast in the morning you can start your day by exploring Pahalgam on the banks of the river Lidder. You can also visit the famous willow factory in Pahalgam. The famous temples of Lord Vishnu are worth visiting also. These temples are said to be 1100 years old. You can guess the Art and Architecture of that period and can also explore the greenery of the place by walking on your feet or by sitting on the back of a pony. You can have a night’s stay at a hotel in Pahalgam and can plan for your journey forward.
Best Hotels In Pahalgam
1. Hotel Royale Comfort.
2. Jahangir Cottage Pahalgam.
3. Mir Guest House.
4. Hotel Seven Pahalgam.
5. Paradise Guest House.
Day 4
Pahalgam-Srinagar ( 90km/2 hours)
Have your breakfast on Day 4 and start exploring places like Chandanwari, Aru Valley, and Betaab Valley. In the afternoon you can check in at the hotel. In the late afternoon, you can also visit the local markets. You can purchase some famous local products from the market to keep your memories alive. Return to your hotel, have your dinner and go to your bed to have a sound sleep.
Best Hotels In Srinagar
1. New Sea Palace Houseboats.
2. Fortune Resort Heevan.
3. R.K Sarovar Portico.
4. Radisson Srinagar.
5. Batra Hotels and Residences.
Day 5
Srinagar-Sonamarg-Kargil ( 202km/5 hours )
From Srinagar, you can proceed towards Kargil. En route you can stop to explore the beauty of the Valley of Meadows, ‘ Sonamarg ‘. You can have your Lunch at Sonamarg and after that can cross the Zojila Pass. This place is located 3900 meters above sea level. After driving for some time you will reach Drass village, the second coldest inhabited place in the world. You can check in the pre-booked hotel at Kargil. In the evening you can have some leisure time along the banks of river Suru. People who love to have drinks can enjoy their drinks too. After having your dinner you can go to bed for getting yourself prepared for the journey forward.
Best Hotels In Kargil
1. Hotel The White Castle.
2. Royal Gasho Hotel.
3. Ashina Eco Resort.
4. TIH Hotel The Kargil.
5. The Nun-Kun Residency.
Day 6
Kargil-Leh ( 217km/5 hours )
After taking breakfast you can start your journey on the 6th day. On your way from Kargil to Leh, you can visit the ancient rock-cut statue of Buddha at Mulbekh village. You can also take photographs of Lunar-like landscapes near Lamayuru Monastery. You can have your Lunch at Sangam ( meeting point ) of the Indus and Zanskar rivers. The food served here is very delicious and mouth-watering. By the evening you will reach Leh. You can then take a rest in your pre-booked hotel. If some time is left, you can explore the beauty of the adjoining areas. Then you can take your dinner and enjoy the cool climate of the place. The climate of the place is going to fascinate you the most.
Best Hotels In Leh
1. Gomang Boutique Hotel.
2. The Indus Valley.
3. Ladakh Himalayan Retreat.
4. The Saraha.
5. The Grand Dragon.
Day 7
Leh-Nubra Valley via Khardungla ( 160km/4-5 hours )
On the 7th day of your trip, you can leave for Nubra valley via Khardungla Pass. This place is around 5359 meters above sea level. It is one of the highest motorable passes in the world. You can click some photographs there to keep your memories alive and can take some rest also. The beautiful surrounding scenic beauty is going to enthrall your mind and soul. In the afternoon you will reach Nubra valley. You can enjoy a camel ride on a double-humped camel and will also witness calm standing dunes there. You can stay at the deluxe camp or a hotel in Nubra.
Best Hotels In Nubra
1. Nubra Ecolodge.
2. Hotel Stone Hedge.
3. Neycho Resort.
4. Hunder Residency.
5. The Kyagar.
Day 8
Nubra Valley-Pangong via Shyok River ( 274km/7 hours )
After having your breakfast on the morning of the 7th day, you can visit Diskit Monastery. This Monastery is very famous among tourists. You can spend some time glaring at the beauty of this Monastery. From the top of this Monastery, you can have a picturesque glimpse of the whole Nubra Valley. Then you can move towards Pangong Lake. This lake is situated at a height of 4351 meters above the sea-level. It is the world’s highest saltwater lake. You can explore the lake and its charming beauty. Then you can have an overnight stay at the camp near Pangong Lake.
Best Hotels/Camps Near Pangong Lake
1. TIH Attic Camp Pangong.
2. TIH P3 Camp Pangong.
3. The Regal Camp Pangong.
4. Thengzing Guest House.
5. Eco Travellers Camp.
Day 9
Pangong Lake-Leh via Chang La Pass ( 223km/6 hours )
On day 9 you can have the fabulous sunrise view on Pangong Lake. After having the view you can have your breakfast and then can leave for Leh. Enroute you can visit Chang La Pass, Theksey, and Hemis Monastries. In the afternoon you can visit the local markets and do some shopping for your loved ones. After that, you can return to your pre-booked Hotel and can have the dinner of your choice. Hotels are available at Leh for overnight stays.
Day 10
Leh-Lamayuru-Likir-Alchi
On the morning of the 10th day of your trip, after having breakfast you can drive to Lamayuru. At Lamayuru, you can visit Likir Monastery, and then you can move on to your next destination Alchi. Lamayuru is a beautiful small village situated between the peaks of the rocky Hindukush mountains. Lamayuru Gompa is the most attractive place liked by visitors. The landscape of Lamayuru is a fantastic piece of Artwork of God.
Best Hotels In Lamayuru
1. Singay House.
2. Swastika Mountain View Resort.
3. The Namkila Hotel.
4. Takmachik Community Village Homestays.
5. Namra Hotel And Camps.
Day 11
Alchi-Leh
Take your breakfast and get ready for your day’s journey to Lamayuru, Likir, and Alchi. You can start your day by visiting the beauty of Lamayuru. Lamayuru is also famous for its Monasteries. These Monastries are located near Saspol on the Srinagar-Leh road. The main source of attraction is a 1000 years old wall painting and a giant-sized clay statue of Buddha. By the evening you can return to your pre-booked hotel and can have your overnight stay at Alchi.
Best Hotels In Alchi
1. Hotel Samdupling Alchi.
2. Alchi Resort.
3. Alchi Zimskhang.
4. Ule Ethnic Resort.
5. Hotel Alchi Choskor.
Day 12
Departure from Alchi-Leh-Delhi
On the morning of the 12th day, you can get transferred to Kushok Bakula Airport from Alchi to board your flight to Delhi.
If you have 3 more days, you can visit several other places in Kashmir Like Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden, Shankaracharya Hills, Apharwat Peak, Amarnath Cave, Aru Valley, Nishat Garden, and many more. This complete tour of yours will require 15 days and 14 nights.
The places described by me are the best to my knowledge. You can make changes according to your choice and interest.
Which Place In Kashmir Is Most Beautiful?
To me, Sonamarg is the most beautiful place in Kashmir. It is also called ‘ The Meadow Of Gold ‘. The beauty of Nature can be witnessed to its fullest extent here. The snow-clad mountains, the lush green pasture land, and the ponies to ride on make it Jannat ( Heaven ) on earth.
Which Is The Most Beautiful Place In Ladakh?
Pangong Lake and its adjoining areas have their charm. This place deserves to be called the most beautiful place in Ladakh. Its calmness and beauty attract most tourists.
Which Is The Coldest Place In Kashmir?
Gulmarg is the coldest place in Kashmir. Its temperature dips 10 degrees below 0 degrees during winters.
How Many Days Are Needed To Explore Best Places In Kashmir?
To me, 7 days are enough to explore the best places in Kashmir. These places may include Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Yousmarg, Dudhgahga, Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden, Shankaracharya Hills, etc.
Best Time To Visit Ladakh?
April to June and September is the best time to visit Ladakh.
Best Time To Visit Kashmir?
March to August is the best time to visit Kashmir. Most of the tourists visit Kashmir during these months.
Best Time To visit Kashmir And Ladakh In A Single Trip?
April to June is the best time for people who want to visit both places in a single trip.
How Far Is Ladakh From Kashmir?
The distance between Kashmir to Ladakh by road is 504kms. Approximately 19 hours are needed to cover the distance by road. Whereas the distance from Kashmir to Ladakh by air is 305kms. It nearly takes 45 to 60 minutes to cover the distance by air.
What Is Special In Pahalgam?
Pahalgam is famous for its scenic beauty. Lidder valley is the most attractive part of Pahalgam. It is famous for activities like hiking, trekking, and fishing.
How Many Days Are Needed To Explore Ladakh?
7 to 10 days are needed to explore the best places in Ladakh. But if you want to explore Ladakh fully, at least 15 days are needed for that.
How To Roughly Calculate The Cost Of 15 Days Trip From Kashmir To Ladakh?
Cost Of Stay Per Night
Ladakh is a place where you can get many options. It depends on your choice and comfort. The choice may range from Rs 125 to Rs 150 in a simple Dhaba or a tent. Rs 250 to Rs 500 stay at a low-cost hotel or homestay. It may increase from Rs. 700 to Rs. 1500 at a medium-cost hotel. It may even increase from Rs 3000 to Rs 10000 in some hotels offering much more comfort.
Cost Of Food Per Day
The same rule applies to food also. If you take a plate of food in a Dhaba, it will cost you nearly Rs 50 to Rs 100 per plate. The same plate in a good hotel will cost you Rs 500 to Rs 1500.
You can roughly guess the expenditure of your trip based on your point of interest and preferences for your stay. Also consider that if you are traveling alone, the cost of accommodation is going to increase.
To understand the rough expenditure plan, we divide the trip into three parts:
1. Food.
2. Accommodation.
3. Miscellaneous expenses.
1. Food
If we consider a 15-day trip for a single person. If the person takes food in an average hotel, it would cost him nearly Rs 1500 per day. That is Rs 500 for breakfast, Rs 500 for Lunch, and the same amount for Dinner. For 15 days it will become Rs 22,500. If the same food is taken in a Dhaba the 15 days food expenses will hover between Rs 150 to Rs 200 per day. The amount will be Rs 3000 for 15 days.
2. Accommodation
As stated earlier that it depends on your choice and comfort level. An average hotel will cost you Rs 1000 per day. It will amount to Rs 15,000 for 15 days. For some people, the amount can be a big one whereas for some people 15,000 is a small amount. So it completely depends on the type of stay and food or other activities you plan to do on your trip.
3. Miscellaneous Expenses
Here, if we consider, what is unavoidable such as toll, permit charges, entry fee, snacks, etc. If you are going for paragliding, rafting, camel riding, and other activities, then surely you are supposed to spend some extra money on that. You may need to shell out Rs 11000 to Rs 15000 per person for 15 days.
Cost Of Ladakh Trip On Self Driven Private Vehicle
You will be traveling nearly 3400 to 3600 km for this trip of 15 days. If you are using a bike that gives an average of 25kmpl on plains + mountains. In that case, you should be ready to spend Rs 10000 to Rs 12000 as fuel expenses.
If you want to use a car then you have to keep in mind that a car gives less mileage in mountainous areas. So, calculate it accordingly.
Adding up all the above-stated expenses, you can get a rough estimate of expenses per person for 15 days.
Note: If the number of people has increased then the cost of expenditure will decrease.
Hope you will enjoy reading this article. Stay connected to read my next article. Till then Bye! God bless you all.