Total Cost will be approx 7300inr.
Backpacking from Delhi to Ladakh is an unforgettable adventure. If you’re looking for a thrilling and affordable way to travel, taking a public bus is a fantastic option. It might not be the most comfortable way to get around, but it’s a great way to see the countryside and experience local culture. In this blog, we’ll explore what it’s like to backpack from Delhi to Ladakh by public bus.
Day 1 & 2: Delhi to Manali
The journey from Delhi to Manali takes around 12 hours by bus. I boarded a Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) bus from Delhi ISBT and started my journey towards Manali. The journey was comfortable and the bus was well-equipped with basic amenities like air conditioning, reclining seats, and a charging point. Manali I reached Manali early in the morning and checked into my Hostel. Manali is a beautiful hill station in Himachal Pradesh and I spent the day exploring the town. I visited the Hadimba Temple, Manu Temple, and Vashisht hot springs. In the evening, I strolled around Mall Road and enjoyed some local street food
Total Expenses = 1052 for 2 days
Stay Charges = 151/Night at Indian Backpacker Hostel (302 for 2 days)
Food Charges = 200 street food (400 for 2 days)
Transportation= Delhi to Manali bus ticket - 350
Day 3: Manali to Keylong
The next day, I started my journey towards Keylong, which is the district headquarters of Lahaul and Spiti. The journey is around 5 hours long and the road passes through Atual Tunnal , which is at an altitude of 10,000 feet. The views from the top are breathtaking and I spent some time there taking pictures.
Total Expenses = 550
Stay Charges = 250/Night at Hotel Sulochan
Food = 200 street food
Transportation= Manali to Keylong Shared taxi- 100
Day 4-5 : Keylong to Leh
Keylong to Leh The next day, I started my journey towards Leh, which is the capital of Ladakh. The journey takes around 11-12 hours and passes through several high-altitude passes like Baralacha La (16,040 feet), Lachung La (16,600 feet) and Tanglang La (17,582 feet). Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) bus from keylong towards Sarchu, which is a small village located on the Leh-Manali highway. The journey takes around 12 hours and passes through. You can purchase Keylong to Leh HRTC bus ticket offline at Keylong Local counter. The landscape changes drastically as we enter Ladakh and the scenery becomes barren with rugged mountains and vast open spaces.
Total Expenses = 900Food Charges = 200 street food
Transportation= Keylong to Leh bus ticket - 700Stay in Leh - Camping
Day 6 : Leh to Nubra Valley
Your journey will begin in the town of Leh, where you can hire a shared taxi to Nubra Valley. The drive itself is a thrilling experience as you wind your way through the stunning Khardung La Pass, which is one of the highest motorable passes in the world. The pass offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, and you'll be awed by the sheer scale of the mountains that surround you.
Exploring Nubra Valley - Once you reach Nubra Valley, you'll be greeted by a landscape that is quite different from what you've seen so far. The valley is known for its sand dunes, hot springs, and lush greenery, which is quite rare in the region. You can explore the valley on foot or hire a camel to take you on a ride through the sand dunes. Make sure to visit the Diskit Monastery, which is one of the oldest and largest Buddhist monasteries in the region.
Total Expenses = 690
Stay Charges = 190/Night at Zambala HostelFood Charges = 300 street food
Transportation= Local Taxi - 200
Day 7 : Nubra to Pangong Tso
Heading towards Pangong Tso From Nubra Valley in shared taxi via Shyok route - your next destination is Pangong Tso, a high-altitude lake that is located on the border between India and China. The journey itself is quite adventurous as you drive through narrow mountain roads and cross several high-altitude passes.
The Final Destination - Pangong
Once you reach Pangong Tso, you'll be greeted by a sight that is straight out of a postcard. The lake is famous for its crystal-clear blue waters that change colours depending on the time of the day. You can spend hours just staring at the lake and take its beauty. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even take a dip in the icy-cold waters of the lake.
Total Expenses = 1350
Stay Charges = 500 /Durbok Hostel
Food Charges = 250 food
Transportation= Local Taxi - 600
Day 8-10 : Pangong to Leh and Delhi
To begin the journey, you will first need to make your way to Leh, the capital of Ladakh. Leh is well connected by air, and there are regular flights from major cities in India. Once you reach Leh, you can either hire a taxi or join a Bus to Delhi.
The Final return Destination - DelhiFrom Leh, you can join a shared taxi or hire a private one to make your way to Delhi. The Bus from Leh, Manali to Delhi takes around 2 days and passes through some of the most beautiful landscapes in India. You will pass through the lush green forests of Himachal Pradesh, and the rolling plains of Punjab before finally reaching Delhi.
Total Expenses = 2720 for 3 days
Stay Charges = 240/ Zostel Hostel, Leh
Food Charges = 700 food (3 days)
Transportation= Local Taxi Pangong to Leh- 600
Leh to Delhi in HRCTC Bus - 1180
