Srinagar–Leh Highway
A highway across the Kashmir and Ladakh plateau, from Srinagar over Zoji La pass through Drass, Kargil and Lamayuru to Leh.
The Srinagar–Leh Highway (National Highway 1) links the Kashmir Valley with the Ladakh Plateau. It covers about 420 km and is one of two roads into Ladakh. It is often combined with the Manali–Leh road as a classic 'in one way, out the other' trip, and entering from Srinagar allows the body to adjust gradually to the altitude. From Srinagar, the road passes through the glacial valley of Sonamarg and climbs to Zoji La, about 3,530 metres high and famous for its narrow dirt road along cliffs. A tunnel under construction will change this stretch. The road then reaches Drass, said to be the second-coldest inhabited place in the world. Visitors can see the Kargil War Memorial, and spend the night in Kargil. On the second day, the road passes the Maitreya Buddha carving at Mulbekh and the Namika La pass, then crosses Fotu La at 4,108 metres, the highest point on the route. It descends to Lamayuru, the 'Moonland' monastery. The road then follows the Indus Valley past Alchi temple (a short side trip), Magnetic Hill, the Pathar Sahib Gurudwara and the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers, and reaches Leh. The trip takes 2 days, or 3 to 4 days at a relaxed pace. There is heavy military traffic along the route. Zoji La is one-way at controlled times, so plan accordingly. The security situation in Kashmir can change, so check your government's travel advice and local road conditions before setting out.