Travel to Ladakh
Ladakh is one of the most isolated parts if India. Until recently travel to Ladakh was only possible by a long hard journey over some of the highest and roughest mountains in the world. This is why the unique local culture has stayed so intact and unaffected by changes in the outside world. Fortunately with the advent of the airplane, access to this amazing place has become much easier.
Delhi
Delhi is the capital if India and is well serviced by International and domestic flights. It is the major transit point for travel through to Leh either direct by air or overland via Manali or Srinigar. It is likely that some time will be spent in this city waiting for connections or finalising bookings. It is quite a fascinating destination in itself.
Take note that the international and domestic airports are about a 10-15 minute cab ride apart. You can buy a prepaid taxi fare from one to the other if making a coonnecting flight.
Indian Airlines, Jet Airways and Air Deccan all fly from Delhi to Leh. If you book flights prior to leaving home you will most likely find it quite expensive (AUD $300). Much cheaper flights can be booked once in India with Air Deccan with many travel agents. Air Deccan have an online booking facility that may be able to be utilised by travel agents outside of India if they have Indian contacts. They recommed when booking flights out of Leh that you leave a few days spare for any connection in case Leh airport is closed due to low cloud filling the valley and preventing flights from landing.
By Bus
It is a three day bus trip from Delhi to Leh and there are two possible routes; via Manali or via Srinigar. Such long bus journies in India are not for the faint-hearted and it is recommended that they are broken up with days of sight seeing and rest. Manali is a very popular tourist destination at the foot of the mountians in which Leh is nestled. The two day bus trip up into Leh is truly spectacular and worth the effort.Bookings can be made at most of the many travel agentsd in town.
