Srinagar to Leh Taxi — Cab via Sonmarg, Zoji La & Kargil from ₹18,000
Book Srinagar to Leh taxi from ₹18,000. 420 km, 2 days via Sonmarg, Zoji La, Drass & Kargil. High-altitude SUVs, oxygen kit, permit help. Open May–October only.
The 420 km Srinagar to Leh drive over Zoji La (11,575 ft), Drass (world's second-coldest inhabited place) and Kargil is one of the greatest road journeys in India. We run this route in a 2-day format with an overnight halt at Kargil, giving you time to acclimatise before crossing Fotu La (13,478 ft) and Namika La (12,139 ft) into Ladakh. The highway is only open May to October — Zoji La closes with heavy snow the rest of the year. All our Srinagar to Leh cabs are altitude-tested SUVs driven by Ladakhi and Kashmiri drivers who know the pass conditions.
Why book this route with Mid Holidays
- Overnight halt at Kargil — safe acclimatisation before Ladakh's altitude
- Altitude-tested Innova / Scorpio / Xylo with regular servicing
- Portable oxygen cylinder + basic medical kit on board
- Driver help with Sonmarg-Kargil ILP checks and Kargil hotels
- Photo stops at Zoji La, Drass War Memorial, Mulbekh, Lamayuru
- Available only May–October (route closed by snow rest of the year)
Vehicles and fares
| Vehicle | Fare | Seats | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Innova Crysta | ₹18,000 | 6 | Couples / small families |
| Scorpio | ₹19,500 | 6 | Rough terrain, luggage |
| Xylo / Tavera | ₹17,000 | 7 | Budget-friendly option |
| Tempo Traveller | ₹32,000 | 12 | Groups of 8–12 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the taxi fare from Srinagar to Leh?
Srinagar to Leh one-way taxi fare (2-day trip with Kargil halt) starts at ₹17,000 for a Xylo, ₹18,000 for an Innova Crysta, and ₹19,500 for a Scorpio. Fuel, driver bata and toll are included. Kargil hotel stay is booked separately.
How long does the Srinagar to Leh drive take?
It's 420 km and takes 2 days — roughly 200 km on Day 1 (Srinagar → Sonmarg → Zoji La → Drass → Kargil, 7–8 hours) and 220 km on Day 2 (Kargil → Mulbekh → Lamayuru → Leh, 7 hours). A one-day drive is not recommended — altitude sickness risk is high.
Is the Srinagar–Leh highway open in December?
No. Zoji La pass closes with the first heavy snow (usually late October) and reopens in April–May depending on BRO snow-clearance. Between November and April you'll need to fly to Leh.
How much is a Srinagar to Kargil taxi?
Srinagar to Kargil one-way taxi costs ₹9,000–₹11,000 (200 km, 7 hours). Popular for pilgrims heading only to Kargil, Drass War Memorial or onward via Suru Valley to Zanskar.
Do I need permits for the Srinagar–Leh road?
Indian citizens don't need permits to travel Srinagar → Leh on the main highway. Inner Line Permits are only required for onward destinations from Leh — Nubra, Pangong, Tso Moriri. Foreign nationals need a Protected Area Permit for Ladakh.
Is oxygen provided in the taxi?
Yes, we carry a portable oxygen cylinder and a basic altitude-sickness kit (Diamox strip, pulse oximeter) in every Srinagar–Leh vehicle. We also recommend spending 24 hours at Kargil to acclimatise before continuing.