How to Reach Leh from Kolkata: A Complete Travel Guide
How to Reach Leh from Kolkata: A Complete Travel Guide
Blog Article
Leh, the mesmerizing gateway to the majestic landscapes of Ladakh, is a dream destination for many travelers across India. Nestled in the northernmost part of the country, Leh is known for its surreal terrain, ancient monasteries, and unmatched natural beauty. For those living in eastern India, the question often arises—how to reach Leh from Kolkata? While the journey may seem daunting due to the geographical distance, multiple convenient travel options are available that cater to different preferences, budgets, and travel styles. In this detailed guide, we will walk you through the various ways to reach Leh from Kolkata and help you choose the most suitable route for your Ladakh adventure.
Reaching Leh by Air from Kolkata
The most time-saving and comfortable option to reach Leh from Kolkata is by air. Although there are no direct flights between Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata and Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh, travelers can book connecting flights through major Indian cities such as Delhi. The total journey time, including layovers, typically ranges between 6 to 10 hours. The aerial route provides stunning views of the snow-clad Himalayas as your flight approaches Leh, offering a glimpse of the beauty that awaits you.
Flying from Kolkata is ideal for travelers with limited time or those looking to avoid the long and sometimes challenging road journey through the mountains. Upon arrival in Leh, it’s important to rest and acclimatize due to the high altitude, even if you're arriving via plane.
Traveling from Kolkata to Leh by Train and Road
Those seeking a blend of rail and road adventures might consider a more scenic, albeit longer, route. Though there are no direct trains to Leh (as the region does not yet have railway connectivity), you can still plan a journey that combines train travel with a road trip.
To begin this unique experience, you can board a train from Kolkata to Jammu Tawi or Chandigarh. These two cities are among the closest major railway stations to Leh. This leg of the journey will take around 30 to 40 hours, depending on the route and train chosen. From Jammu or Chandigarh, you can hire a taxi or catch a local bus to Srinagar or Manali, two common starting points for road trips into Leh.
The road journey from Manali to Leh or Srinagar to Leh is filled with winding roads, breathtaking mountain passes, and captivating vistas. These roads are typically open between June and October, as heavy snowfall during the winter months makes them inaccessible. This adventurous route is a favorite among thrill-seekers and photographers. For those interested in train travel, this approach answers the question of how to reach Leh by train, as the train gets you part of the way and sets you up for the stunning final leg of the trip.
Exploring the Manali to Leh Route
The Manali to Leh route is one of the most iconic road journeys in India. Starting from Himachal Pradesh’s popular hill station Manali, this route covers about 470 kilometers and crosses several high-altitude mountain passes including Rohtang Pass and Baralacha La. The route is open mainly during the summer months, and it takes two days to complete, typically with an overnight stop at Jispa or Sarchu.
Travelers often rent private vehicles or join organized bike tours and jeep safaris for this leg of the journey. The road condition varies, with some stretches being rough and rugged, but the adventure and scenic beauty make it all worthwhile. This route is ideal for those who want to fully immerse themselves in the natural splendor of the Himalayas.
Journey via Srinagar to Leh
Another equally beautiful and slightly less challenging option is to travel via Srinagar. After reaching Srinagar by air or rail, the road to Leh is relatively smoother compared to the Manali route and remains open for a slightly longer season. The route from Srinagar to Leh spans approximately 420 kilometers and passes through scenic places like Sonamarg, Drass, and Kargil. It generally takes two days to reach Leh with an overnight halt in Kargil.
Traveling this way allows you to gradually acclimatize to higher altitudes, reducing the risk of altitude sickness. This route is also historically and culturally rich, offering glimpses into local life and the heritage of Ladakh.
How to Reach Leh Ladakh from Kolkata: Full Itinerary Suggestion
If you're planning a full trip from Kolkata, a great itinerary might involve flying from Kolkata to Delhi or Jammu, then continuing by road to Srinagar or Manali, and finally reaching Leh. This combined approach balances comfort, adventure, and cost. It allows you to experience the Himalayan landscape from both air and ground while gradually acclimating to Leh’s high-altitude environment.
Regardless of the path you choose, reaching Leh from Kolkata is no longer a far-fetched dream. With well-connected air and rail services and an expanding network of roads, the journey is now more accessible than ever. Choosing the right combination based on your time, health, and travel spirit can turn the trip into a memorable adventure.
Other City Routes for Reference
For comparison, it’s also useful to understand how to reach Leh from Mumbai. Like Kolkata, Mumbai offers both flight and train options to cities like Delhi or Chandigarh. From there, travelers can take connecting flights or embark on the same road routes to Leh. While the travel time from Mumbai might be slightly longer due to its southern location, the options remain largely the same, making it feasible and enjoyable for travelers from the western coast of India.
Similarly, for those wondering how to reach Leh Ladakh from Mumbai, the best route would be a flight from Mumbai to Delhi followed by a direct flight to Leh, or a train to Jammu or Chandigarh followed by a road journey. The journey, though long, is filled with changing landscapes and diverse cultures that make the trip highly rewarding.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re an adventure seeker or a leisure traveler, the journey to Leh is an experience in itself. Understanding how to reach Leh Ladakh from Kolkata helps you prepare better and choose the most suitable travel method. From the convenience of flights to the thrill of high-altitude road trips and train journeys, there’s something for everyone.
Leh remains one of India’s most enchanting destinations. Its rugged mountains, peaceful monasteries, and warm-hearted people leave a lasting impression on every visitor. No matter how you choose to travel—by air, train, or road—each mile you cover toward Leh adds to the anticipation and excitement of discovering the Land of High Passes.
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