Leh in June Manali or Srinagar Route: Which 1 is Better ??
Leh Ladakh is a dream destination for travelers, and June is one of the best months to visit, as both major highways—Manali-Leh and Srinagar-Leh—are open for travel. Leh in June Manali or Srinagar route offers unique experiences, landscapes, and challenges, making it essential to choose wisely. In this blog, we’ll compare the two routes in terms of scenic beauty, altitude, road conditions, acclimatization, travel time, fuel stops, and more to help you decide which route suits you best.
Leh in June Manali or Srinagar
1. Overview of the Routes
1.1 Manali to Leh Route
Total Distance: ~ 472 km
Travel Time: ~ 12-14 hours (Ideal: 2 days)
Highest Altitude: 5,328 meters (Taglang La)
Main Attractions: Rohtang Pass, Keylong, Jispa, Baralacha La, Sarchu, Taglang La
Best For: Adventure seekers who love challenging terrains, high-altitude passes, and raw landscapes.
1.2 Srinagar to Leh Route
Total Distance: ~ 422 km
Travel Time: ~ 10-12 hours (Ideal: 2 days)
Highest Altitude: 4,108 meters (Zoji La)
Main Attractions: Sonamarg, Zoji La, Drass, Kargil, Magnetic Hill, Lamayuru
Best For: Travelers who prefer a gradual ascent to high altitudes, lush greenery, and historical significance.
2. Road Conditions & Difficulty Level
Manali to Leh:
✅ Pros:
Extremely scenic with dramatic landscapes, high-altitude passes, and surreal beauty.
Offers a thrilling, adventurous ride with river crossings and challenging roads.
❌ Cons:
Difficult road conditions with rough patches, landslides, and water crossings (especially at Baralacha La & Sarchu).
Higher risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) as you climb rapidly to high altitudes.
Rohtang Pass and Baralacha La may have snow until mid-June, making roads slippery.
Srinagar to Leh:
✅ Pros:
Better roads compared to the Manali route, with smoother tarmac in most sections.
Gradual ascent reduces altitude sickness risk.
Plenty of towns and accommodations for overnight stays.
❌ Cons:
Zoji La Pass can be tricky due to mudslides and traffic jams.
Slightly less dramatic landscapes compared to the Manali route.
🏆 Winner: Srinagar to Leh (Better roads, fewer altitude challenges)
3. Acclimatization & Altitude Sickness Risk
The Manali-Leh route involves a rapid gain in altitude, often leading to AMS (nausea, dizziness, headaches).
The Srinagar-Leh route offers a gradual ascent, helping the body adapt better to the altitude.
🏆 Winner: Srinagar to Leh (Lower AMS risk)
4. Best Scenic Views & Landscapes
Manali to Leh:
Snow-clad Rohtang Pass
The barren beauty of Lahaul & Spiti
Stunning Baralacha La & Sarchu
The surreal landscapes of More Plains
Srinagar to Leh:
Lush Sonamarg & Drass Valley
Historic Kargil War Memorial
Unique Lamayuru Moonland
Mystical Magnetic Hill
🏆 Winner: Manali to Leh (More varied landscapes)
5. Fuel Stops & Accommodations
Manali to Leh:
Fuel: Manali, Tandi (last fuel stop before Leh)
Accommodations: Keylong, Jispa, Sarchu
Srinagar to Leh:
Fuel: Srinagar, Kargil
Accommodations: Sonamarg, Kargil
🏆 Winner: Srinagar to Leh (More fuel stops & better accommodations)
6. Cost & Permits
Manali to Leh:
Permit required: Yes, for Rohtang Pass & Inner Line Permit (ILP)
Cost: Higher due to limited accommodations & remote areas
Srinagar to Leh:
Permit required: No permit required for Indian citizens
Cost: Lower due to better infrastructure and more budget-friendly stays
🏆 Winner: Srinagar to Leh (No permits & lower costs)
7. Which Route to Choose? Leh in June Manali or Srinagar
Verdict: Leh in June Manali or Srinagar
For Adventure Seekers: Manali to Leh (More challenging but rewarding)
For First-Timers & Comfort Travelers: Srinagar to Leh (Easier & safer)
For the Best of Both: Srinagar to Leh (go) + Manali to Leh (return)
Final Conclusion: Leh in June Manali or Srinagar
Traveling to Leh in June Manali or Srinagar offers a stunning journey through the majestic landscapes of the Himalayas, with the Manali-Leh Highway generally being open during this month, showcasing breathtaking views but requiring careful consideration of weather conditions and road status. The route via Srinagar, while longer, is often regarded as more scenic and offers a gradual acclimatization to the altitude, making it preferable for those new to high-altitude travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the two routes depends on your preference for scenic beauty, altitude acclimatization, and adventure, with both options offering unique experiences.
