Delhi is the most common starting point for a Leh Ladakh trip. You have two main options: fly directly to Leh (1 hour 20 minutes) or drive via Manali (2 days on the Manali–Leh Highway). Both are excellent — the choice depends on your time and how much of the journey you want to experience.
Delhi to Leh: Flight vs Road
| Factor | By Flight | By Road via Manali |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 1 hr 20 min | 2 days (Delhi–Manali–Leh) |
| Cost (per person) | ₹4,500–12,000 one way | ₹2,500–4,000 (bus+shared taxi) |
| Acclimatization | Abrupt — must rest day 1 | Gradual — natural adjustment |
| Scenery | Aerial views only | 5 Himalayan passes, river valleys |
| Best for | Short trips (5–7 days) | 9–12 day itineraries |
Flying Delhi to Leh
The flight from Delhi (IGI Airport) to Leh (Kushok Bakula Rimpochhe Airport) takes about 80 minutes. Airlines operating this route include Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Vistara. The morning flight (usually 6–8am) gives the clearest mountain views. Fares range from ₹4,500 (booked 6 weeks ahead) to ₹12,000+ (last minute in peak season). Always book the first flight of the day — afternoon fog in Leh can cause cancellations.
On arrival, you land at 3,256m (10,682 ft). Most doctors recommend resting for 24–48 hours before any excursion. Do not plan sightseeing on day 1. Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, and move slowly. Read our altitude sickness guide before you fly.
Road Trip: Delhi to Leh via Manali
The Delhi–Manali–Leh route is 950km and one of the world's great road journeys. Most travellers take a Volvo bus from Delhi to Manali (14–16 hours, ₹900–1,400), spend a night in Manali, then take a shared jeep or private vehicle on the 490km Manali–Leh Highway (14–17 hours). The highway crosses five passes including Rohtang (3,978m), Baralacha La (4,890m), and Tanglang La (5,328m). It is open from late May to October. Our 9-night trip from Delhi (₹22,999) covers this entire route with a private vehicle and guide.
Best Approach for a 9-Night Leh Ladakh Trip from Delhi
The classic formula: drive up via Manali–Leh highway (2 days), spend 7 nights exploring Leh, Khardung La, Nubra Valley, and Pangong Lake, then fly back to Delhi on day 10. This way you experience the dramatic mountain road without spending 4 days on transport. It also gives better altitude acclimatization than flying directly.
Delhi to Leh Distance and Route Options
- Via Manali: Delhi–Manali (550km, NH44 / Chandigarh bypass) + Manali–Leh (490km, NH3). Total: ~1,050km, 2 days driving.
- Via Srinagar: Delhi–Srinagar (880km) + Srinagar–Leh (434km, NH1). Scenic but slower. Srinagar–Leh highway is open April–November.
- By air: Delhi–Leh direct. 6–7 flights daily in peak season.