The Ultimate Delhi to Srinagar Road Trip: 11-Day Itinerary That Actually Works

Planning a road trip to Leh? Here's our day-by-day breakdown of what to expect on this epic mountain adventure. This isn't your typical sanitized itinerary - this is what actually happened when four friends decided to drive 2000+ kilometers through some of India's most challenging roads.

Day 1: Delhi to Manali - Reality Check Incoming

Distance: ~550km | Overnight: Manali

Started super early from Delhi because everyone told us to. The drive to Chandigarh was amazing - smooth highways, good speed, stopped at this dhaba Gaurang kept raving about for parathas and fresh curd. Life was good.

Then we crossed Chandigarh.

Suddenly we went from cruising on four-lane highways to crawling on broken, muddy, under-construction roads. Our speed dropped from highway cruising to a painful crawl. This was our first hint that the next 10 days weren't going to be what we expected.

About Manali: Popular hill station known for adventure sports and as gateway to Ladakh. The main town can get crowded, but the surrounding areas offer beautiful mountain views and a relaxed vibe.

Where to Stay: Book accommodation outside main town for quieter nights (learned this the hard way)

Must Visit: Johnson's Café (yes, the one from Jab We Met where Kareena waits for her boyfriend) for some much-needed rum and wood-fired pizza. Then hit up Café 1947 by the river where our rockstar friend Neel started jamming with his guitar.

Pro Tip: Stop at roadside dhabas near Chandigarh for authentic parathas - we found this amazing place Gaurang kept raving about

The night ended with us driving through our first landslide - happened just minutes before we got there. Welcome to mountain life!

Day 2: Manali to Jispa - Into the Real Mountains

Distance: ~200km | Overnight: Camping in Jispa

Woke up to lush green mountains everywhere and thought "this is going to be beautiful." And it was - just also terrifying.

The roads took us from normal altitude to crazy high altitude in a few hours. Crossing Rohtang Pass was our first taste of snow, slippery roads, and "oh crap, we're really doing this" moments. The temperature dropped like crazy and suddenly we're dealing with melting snow washing rocks across the road.

Had to back up our car multiple times to let massive trucks pass on these impossibly narrow roads. Every time I reversed, Swati and Neel in the back seat were basically hanging out the windows watching our tires inch closer to the edge. Fun times.

About Jispa: Small village in Lahaul Valley, perfect for acclimatization before heading to higher altitudes. Basic amenities but stunning mountain scenery and clear night skies.

What to Expect: Sharp U-turns, narrow roads, melting snow creating waterfalls across paths

Accommodation: Campsites are your best bet - it gets freezing cold at night (we're talking 2-4 degrees!)

Essential: Warm clothes and something to keep spirits up during cold evenings

Stayed at a campsite in Jispa where the temperature dropped to freezing. Thank god for Old Monk and Neel's guitar to keep our spirits up.

Day 3: Jispa to Leh - The Roads Get Serious

Distance: ~350km | Overnight: Leh

This was the day we learned what "treacherous mountain roads" actually means. Before we even started, locals were telling us horror stories about cars that had driven off cliffs just days before. Motivating stuff.

The drive was basically hours of winding roads, high altitude, and constantly watching for falling rocks. At some point you just accept that you're putting your life in the hands of mountain gods and tire grip.

Made it to Leh and immediately crashed.

About Leh: Capital of Ladakh, sits at 11,500ft altitude. Former Silk Route trading post with Tibetan Buddhist culture, stunning monasteries, and dramatic landscapes. Modern amenities available but still maintains old-world charm.

Important: Listen to locals about recent road conditions and accidents

Arrival: Rest immediately upon reaching Leh - your body needs time to adjust

Evening: Light exploration of Leh market only

Day 4: Leh Rest Day + Local Sightseeing

Minimal driving | Overnight: Leh

Spent the day just recovering and exploring Leh market. Turns out tourist cars aren't allowed at most sightseeing spots, so we had to hire a local driver for the good stuff. Fair enough - their roads, their rules.

Must Try: Local foods like Thukpa (Tibetan noodle soup), Khambir (local bread), and mountain-style momos

Activities: Explore Leh market, visit local monasteries, rest and prepare for upcoming adventures

Day 5: Leh to Pangong Lake - Instagram vs Reality

Distance: ~160km each way | Overnight: Pangong

Hired that local Innova and headed to Pangong Lake via Changla Pass. The pass itself was insane - thin air, stunning views, and chai that tasted like liquid gold in the cold.

Pangong Lake though? Pure magic. Blue water meeting blue sky with snow-capped mountains everywhere. It's one of those places that makes you understand why people become travel photographers. Spent way too much time just staring and taking photos that don't do it justice.

Highlights: Crystal blue waters, snow-capped mountain reflections, perfect for photography

Pack: Warm clothes even in summer, extra camera batteries (cold drains them fast)

Day 6: Nubra Valley - Desert in the Mountains (Wait, What?)

Distance: ~150km | Overnight: Nubra Valley

This day blew our minds. We're driving through snow-capped mountains one minute, then suddenly we're in sand dunes the next. Nubra Valley is like someone took a piece of desert and dropped it in the middle of the Himalayas.

The drive to get there via Khardungla Pass was wild - they claim it's the world's highest motorable road. Whether that's true or not, it definitely felt like we were driving on top of the world.

Unique Experience: Camel rides on sand dunes surrounded by snow peaks

Stay: Camps or guesthouses in Hunder or Diskit

Don't Miss: The surreal landscape change from snow to desert

Day 7: Nubra to Leh

Distance: ~150km | Overnight: Leh

Returned from Nubra via the same crazy pass. By now we were getting cocky about mountain driving. Big mistake for what was coming next.

Shopping: Stock up on local items in Leh - limited options ahead

Rest: Early night recommended for upcoming challenging days

Day 8: Leh to Kargil - Landscape Changes Everything

Distance: ~230km | Overnight: Kargil

The drive to Kargil was like entering a different planet. Gone were the snow peaks and green valleys, hello brown and red rocky mountains. The landscape was gorgeous but in a completely different way.

Hit a waterlogged stretch where we watched the car ahead of us get completely stuck in mud. Learned from their mistake and managed to get through, but it was a close call.

About Kargil: Second largest town in Ladakh with significant historical importance. Located on ancient trade routes, predominantly Muslim population, and gateway to Kashmir valley. More rugged and less touristy than Leh.

Unique Stop: Stopped at this military café where they serve chai and have a visitor book for travelers to leave notes. Such a cool tradition.

Landscape: Complete contrast to Ladakh - prepare for different terrain

Evening: Listen to local advice about road conditions ahead - trust me, they know what they're talking about

Reached Kargil and immediately heard people talking about landslides ahead. Should have taken that as a sign.

Day 9: Kargil to Sonmarg (Prepare for Delays)

Distance: ~200km | Overnight: Sonmarg

This was our day from hell. What should have been a 6-hour drive turned into a 16-hour nightmare with a 10-hour traffic jam due to landslides. But here's the beautiful part - this Sardarji uncle from Mumbai traveling with a big group started sharing chips with everyone. Then a few hours later, they literally opened up a kitchen in the back of their truck and started cooking for everyone stuck in traffic. The hospitality was incredible and turned a nightmare day into something almost magical.

When they finally let us through, we had to tackle Zojila Pass - one of the world's most dangerous roads - in the dark. Not recommended. At all.

About Sonmarg: "Meadow of Gold" - beautiful valley surrounded by snow-capped peaks and glaciers. Popular base for trekking and known for its pristine natural beauty, but limited accommodation options.

Reality Check: Seriously, keep buffer days for this stretch

Pack: Extra food, water, patience, and entertainment

Flexibility: We had to cancel and rebook our flights - just saying

Day 10: Sonmarg to Srinagar

Distance: ~80km | Overnight: Srinagar

Another morning, another wait to leave town. At this point we were just laughing at the absurdity of it all.

The drive to Srinagar involved navigating through landslide "repairs" that were basically just good luck and prayers. But we made it! Srinagar felt like the most civilized place on earth after 10 days of mountain madness.

About Srinagar: Kashmir's summer capital, famous for Dal Lake, houseboats, Mughal gardens, and rich cultural heritage. After days in the mountains, the city's amenities and comforts feel luxurious.

Relief: Finally, proper roads and cell phone signal!

Activities: Explore Dal Lake, houseboats, local markets

Rest: Recover from mountain driving before flights home

Day 11: Departure

Flew home with stories that sound made up but are 100% true. Back to corporate life, but with memories that'll last forever.

What This Itinerary Doesn't Tell You

The Reality:

- Expect 2-3 major delays due to landslides or road conditions

- Always keep 1-2 buffer days if you have fixed return flights

- Weather changes rapidly - be prepared for anything

- Network connectivity is patchy - inform family about communication gaps

- Fuel stations are limited - always keep tank above half

Road Conditions:

- Most roads after Manali are unpaved

- Backing up for oncoming trucks is normal

- Falling rocks and water crossings are routine

- Some stretches have no civilization for hours

Altitude Considerations:

- Drink lots of water

- Avoid alcohol for first few days

- Take it slow - don't rush activities

- Watch for altitude sickness symptoms

Alternative Routes & Extensions

If You Have More Time:

- Add Spiti Valley circuit

- Include Tso Moriri lake

- Extend to Kashmir valley exploration

Shorter Options:

- Fly to Leh, drive only to Srinagar

- Skip Nubra Valley for more time in main circuit

Bottom Line

This isn't just a road trip - it's an adventure that tests your patience, planning, and adaptability. The roads are challenging, delays are inevitable, and weather is unpredictable. But the landscapes, experiences, and memories make every difficult moment worth it. We came back with stories that sound made up but are 100% true.

Remember: The journey really is the destination, especially when landslides keep delaying that destination!

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Planning this adventure? Pack your patience along with your winter clothes - you'll need both. And maybe bring a friend who can play guitar for those cold mountain nights.