Ladakh is one of the famous tourist spots situated in the northernmost state of India, Jammu and Kashmir. Famous for its rugged terrains, adventure destinations and above all the Buddhist culture, Ladakh attracts a large number of visitors every year from various nations of the planet. Ladakh is also famous by the name of cold desert of India. Ladakh is well connected by air and road but the nearest railway station is Jammu Tawi, which is a at a distance of around 690 km from Leh.
Air Route :
The airport of Ladakh is located in Leh, the main city of Ladakh region. It is well connected by various flights like Air India and Kingfisher Airlines from Delhi, Chandigarh an Srinagar. But during the winter season in December to February, the Ladakh region remains cut off from rest of the world many a times because of the heavy snowfall in the area.
Rail Route :
The nearest railway station to reach Ladakh is Jammu Tawi, which is at a distance of around 690 km from Leh. From Jammu Tawi one can get regular bus services of J&K Roadways Transport Corporation to reach Leh or cabs and taxis can be hired.
Road Travel :
Leh can be reached by two routes via road i.e. through Srinagar and Manali. Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation plies regular luxury and ordinary buses from Srinagar to Leh with a journey halt in Kargil. One of the main attractions of the journey of this route is the ascent to Zoji-La Pass, which is located at an altitude of 11,500 feet above sea level. The route remains open for transport from June to November. Leh is around 434 km away from Srinagar via road.
Another route from Manali (Himachal Pradesh) to Leh is around 473 km.
It was opened in 1989, which passes from an altitude of around 5,235 meters above sea level through Taklang-La, the second highest motorable pass of the world. Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation and J&K Road Transport Corporation operates ordinary and luxury buses between Manali and Leh. This route also remains open between June and November because of the heavy snowfall in winters.
Distance of Various Places from Leh
Leh – Srinagar : 434 km
Leh – Manali : 473 km
Leh – Delhi : 1047 km
Leh – Kargil : 234 km
For more information about Leh Ladakh visit : http://www.leh-ladakh.com/ and http://www.ladakh-kashmir.com.