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Arrival & acclimatisation

Arriving in Ladakh, done right

How you arrive and what you do in your first 48 hours decide how the rest of your trip feels. Here is everything we take care of, and what you should know.

Ways to reach Leh

By air to Leh (IXL)

  • ~1h 15m from Delhi
  • All year
  • Arrive directly at ~3,500 m

Direct flights connect Leh’s Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport with Delhi and other cities, mostly in the morning. It is the fastest route, but your body gets no time to adjust, so the first 24–48 hours must be rest.

By road from Manali

  • 2 days, ~430 km
  • Roughly June to mid-October
  • Crosses passes above 5,000 m

Via the Atal Tunnel, Jispa or Sarchu, Baralacha La and Tanglang La. Spectacular, but long days at high altitude. Overnighting at Jispa (lower) is gentler than Sarchu.

By road from Srinagar

  • 2 days, ~420 km
  • Roughly April/May to November
  • Most gradual altitude gain

Via Sonamarg, Zoji La, Drass and Kargil. Altitude rises gradually, making it the best road route for acclimatisation.

By train + road

  • 1–3 days
  • Depends on highways
  • As per road route

The nearest major railheads are Jammu Tawi and Chandigarh. From there, continue by road via Srinagar or Manali. We can arrange pickup from the railhead.

Road opening dates depend on snow clearance and change every year. We share live advisories with our guests.

Your first 48 hours

  1. Hour 0

    Landing

    Meet-and-greet at the airport. Short transfer to your hotel. Water and the acclimatisation kit are in the car.

  2. Hours 1–24

    Full rest

    Sleep, hydrate (3–4 litres a day) and eat light. No stairs marathons, no alcohol, no hot showers right away. Our team checks in by phone.

  3. Hours 24–48

    Gentle movement

    An easy walk to Leh Market or Shanti Stupa by car. Stay around 3,500 m. Watch for symptoms.

  4. Day 3

    Ready to go higher

    If you feel well, your itinerary begins its first trip over a high pass, with only a short stop at the top.

What our arrival service includes

  • Flight or bus tracking and placard meet-and-greet
  • Transfer to your stay with water and an acclimatisation kit
  • Check-in calls during your rest period
  • Help with connectivity (postpaid SIM guidance), cash and permits
  • Oxygen availability and a doctor-on-call network in Leh
  • Itinerary adjustment if anyone needs more time
Book an airport transfer

Leh is waiting

Landing soon?

Send us your flight number. We’ll be at the gate.

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