Flights, Stay, Treks: The Total Cost of a Ladakh Trip

Ladakh is a paradise nestled away in the Himalayas. Its vast barren landscapes, rich heritage and culture, delicious food and Buddhist monasteries attract tourists from all over the world. There are many exciting things to do and places to see. But how much will it cost you? Like most holidaymakers, budgeting is an important part of the trip.

In this article, we outline the average costs that crop up during a Ladakh trip so that you can plan  meticulously for your dream getaway to this ideal destination.

Ladakh Trip Cost: Getting there

Flights are the most convenient mode of transport, however, those wishing to add more thrill to their experience can explore other modes of transport as well.

• Flight: Flights from Mumbai to Leh, generally take 2.5 hours and at an average cost Rs 12,000. Flights from Delhi to Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Ladakh take about 1.5 hours and on an average cost about Rs. 4500. Unfortunately, there are no direct flights to Ladakh from Bangalore. These  usually involve one or two stops and average at a price of around Rs. 14,000.
• Rail: The nearest railway station to Leh is the Jammu Railway Station which is an at and distance of 700 kilometres from Leh. Average cost of railway tickets from Mumbai to Jammu are Rs. 2600.
• Car: The best way to reach Leh by road is to man your own vehicle. Fuel costs from Mumbai to Leh can set you back anywhere from Rs. 8000 to Rs. 12000, depending on your vehicle’s mileage. From Delhi, fuel costs will be Rs. 6000 to Rs. 7000 for a one way trip. Driving to Ladakh from Bangalore to Ladakh is possible, though quite costly and cumbersome.
• Hired car: You could hire a car to self-drive from Delhi. Apart from the fuel costs, depending on the car chosen, you may end up shelling out Rs. 5 to Rs. 25 per kilometre.
• Bus: Jammu is the nearest bus station to Leh. Average ticket costs from Mumbai to Jammu is Rs. 1800. From Delhi, buses start from ISBT Station and, on average, costs Rs. 2700. This includes an overnight stay in Keylong and you reach Ladakh the next evening. If travelling from Bangalore, you will have to travel to Delhi or Jammu and catch a connecting bus from there. Average bus costs from Bangalore will be Rs. 5000.

Ladakh Trip Cost: Accomodation

When in Ladakh you can let go of all your expectations to find a luxurious abode. What you can expect is to find cosy accommodations that will provide you with a safe, hygienic and calm environment. Electricity is also not guaranteed when it comes to Ladakh due to the frequent power cuts.
The accomodation in Ladakh ranges within the 3- star zone and you can expect services to match. The price lies in the range of Rs. 3500 to Rs. 6000 a day, depending on the location that you choose to reside in.

Cost of Food on Ladakh Trip

Ladakh serves a variety of food and you can clearly see the influence of foreign tourists with the meals you are served. The cuisine served in Ladakh is varied but mainly features versions of Indian and Tibetan cuisine. There are certain local favorites like the Thukpa and the Tsampa that you have to sample.

Beverages in Ladakh range from coffees and teas to beer and ‘chang’, a special alcoholic beverage. The food is averagely priced and should cost you approximately Rs. 700 a day for all meals.

Cost of Biking to Leh Ladakh

Ladakh has become a popular summer destination in India and in recent times a popular biking destination as well. Riding through the high altitude amongst the mountain passes can be quite a liberating experience for most riders.

If you decide to take your own bike, the major cost that you will face is that of fuel and it may vary according to the places you visit.

If you are looking to rent a bike while in Ladakh, there are a few options that you can look into. Royal Enfield is a tourist favourite and costs anywhere between Rs. 900 to Rs. 1500 a day. Bajaj Pulsar is the next most used bike in the region and costs Rs. 600 to Rs. 700 a day. Scooters and bikes without gears are also available at Rs. 800 to Rs. 700.

Trekking cost in Leh Ladakh

The sheer beauty of Ladakh, coupled with its serene backdrop, makes it one of the perfect places to go trekking. There are several popular treks that are conducted here and in the valley. Some of the popular treks in Ladakh are as follows.

1. Markha Valley Trek

This is trek particularly stands out because it combines the experience of hiking in beautiful landscapes with living in the homestays of the locals of Leh and Ladakh.This gives you a rounded experience and is one of the most popular treks in Ladakh. The trek typically lasts 8 to 10 days.

• Cost of Markha Valley Trek: Rs. 15,000

2. Zanskar Range Trek

The Zanskar Range Trek features walking over ice as well as through certain villages in the valley. Camping is a major part of the trek as living in homestays is not an option. The entire trek lasts about 10 days.

• Cost of Zanskar Range Trek: Rs 22,700

3. Nubra Valley Trek

Nubra Valley is known for the beautiful flowers that grow all over. The trek can be completed within seven days and will require an inline permit. A unique feature of trek is that you get to ride on a camel. The trek takes you through some famous attractions such as the Deskit Monastery and the Khardung La Pass.

• Cost of Nubra Valley Trek: Rs. 43,000

Cost of Adventure Activities in Leh Ladakh

Ladakh has several activities for adventure junkies who wish to engage in some adrenaline-pumping fun.From rafting to riding atop camels, Ladakh has something in store for every type of adventure enthusiast.

1. Camping

Ladakh offers a picturesque view of nature in all its glory. It is located approximately 11,000 feet above sea level and is surrounded by some beautiful mountains and valleys. It is an ideal spot to go camping and reconnect with nature. Camping in this location can prove to be a bit of adventure because of the uneven topography and the unforgiving climate. However, if you do decide to spend time here it is the perfect mixture of adventure and serenity.

• Cost of Camping: Rs. 8700 to Rs. 27000, depending on the campsite

2. Camel Safari

Camel safari has to be one of the highlights of Ladakh. The safari is conducted in the Nubra Valley and is often part of a trek. The camels on which you ride here are Bactrian (two humps), and will take you down the Nubra Valley.

• Cost of Camel Safari: Rs. 43.000 (Inclusive of the Nubra Valley Trek)

3. Quad biking

Quad bikes or commonly knowns as ATVs is another adventure activity conducted in Ladakh. You can hop on these 4-wheelers and explore the vicinity. The bikes are specially designed to traverse rough terrains with ease. Magnetic Hill and Nubra Sands are some of the popular places where people go quad biking in Ladakh.

• Cost of Quad Biking: Rs. 7000 to Rs. 9000

4. Rafting

The Indus River flows through the beautiful valleys of Ladakh. The river while making its way down the valley meets with the Zanskar river of Ladakh. The confluence gives rise to some water currents and rapids which makes it an ideal spot for river rafting. There are various rafting routes that you can undertake like Phey to Saspol or Phey to Indus -Zanskar. There is also a challenging route for experienced rafters from Alchi to Khaltsey.

• Cost of Rafting: Rs. 1800 to Rs. 3000 per person

So there you have it, a guide that covers the costs of most expenses you will come across in Ladakh. You might not want to indulge in all of the activities, but this guide can definitely help you plan out your ideal trip. If you have any questions, do let us know in the comments section below.