How long does it take to travel from Rishikesh to Ladakh?

By train: approximately 11.4 hours. By road: approximately 12.6 hours.

Rishikesh to Ladakh Distance, Route & Travel Options

Q: What is the distance from Rishikesh to Ladakh?

The aerial distance from Rishikesh to Ladakh is approximately 465 km (289 miles). By road, the distance is approximately 628 km.

Q: What is the best time to travel from Rishikesh to Ladakh?

October to March is the most pleasant season for travel across India. Avoid monsoon (June-September) for road trips. For hill stations, summer (April-June) is peak season.

Q: How long does the train take from Rishikesh to Ladakh?

The train from Rishikesh to Ladakh takes approximately 11.4 hours. Express trains are faster while passenger trains make more stops.

Rishikesh

Uttarakhand

Ladakh

465 km

aerial distance (straight line)

289 miles · Road distance: ~628 km

How to get from Rishikesh to Ladakh

✈

By Flight

No direct flights

Nearest to Rishikesh: Dehradun (DED)

🚆

By Train

~11.4 hrs

628 km · Multiple daily trains

View Trains

🚌

By Bus

~15.7 hrs

628 km · AC/Non-AC available

Search Buses

🚗

By Car

~12.6 hrs

628 km via highway

Quick facts

Aerial distance

465 km (289 mi)

Road distance

~628 km

Fastest mode

Train (~11.4 hrs)

Cheapest mode

Bus

📍 Rishikesh to Ladakh distance overview

The straight-line (aerial) distance from Rishikesh to Ladakh is approximately 465 km (289 miles). By road, the distance increases to approximately 628 km due to the terrain, highways, and road networks connecting Uttarakhand to Ladakh.

465 kmAerial distance

~628 kmBy road

~11.4 hrsFastest route

🚆 By train — Rishikesh to Ladakh

~11.4 hours ~628 km Multiple daily trains

Indian Railways connects Rishikesh and Ladakh with multiple daily services. The journey takes around 11.4 hours — Rajdhani and Shatabdi express trains are faster, while mail and passenger trains make more stops.

AC First Class (1A)Premium, 2-berth cabins

AC 2-Tier (2A)Curtained berths, comfortable

AC 3-Tier (3A)Popular, good value

Sleeper Class (SL)Budget, non-AC

Book in advance through IRCTC, especially during festivals and holidays when seats fill up quickly.

Check Trains on IRCTC

🚌 By bus — Rishikesh to Ladakh

~15.7 hours ~628 km Most affordable

Bus travel is a popular and affordable option. The journey takes approximately 15.7 hours covering ~628 km. Both government and private operators service this route.

Volvo ACPremium comfort, reclining seats

AC SleeperFull-length beds, ideal for overnight

AC SeaterAir-conditioned, mid-range

Non-ACBudget-friendly, basic comfort

Night buses are especially popular for this distance — travel while you sleep and arrive fresh at your destination.

Search Rishikesh to Ladakh Buses

🚗 By car — Rishikesh to Ladakh

~12.6 hours ~628 km

A road trip from Rishikesh to Ladakh covers approximately 628 km and takes around 12.6 hours. Actual time depends on traffic, road quality, and stops along the way.

Start early to avoid city traffic and use daylight hours, especially on mountainous or rural terrain. Ensure your vehicle is in good condition and carry sufficient fuel for remote stretches.

💡 Travel tips for Rishikesh to Ladakh

📅

Book early
Book flights and trains 2-3 weeks in advance during peak season (Oct-Mar) for better prices and availability.

🌧️

Check weather
Avoid monsoon (Jun-Sep) for road trips. Road conditions can deteriorate and flights may face delays.

💳

Carry valid ID
Aadhaar, Passport, or Voter ID is required for train travel and recommended for bus journeys.

💤

Plan rest stops
For drives over 8 hours, plan overnight halts. Fatigue driving is dangerous on Indian highways.

🅞️ Weather in Ladakh

Powered by Open-Meteo

🔗 Useful travel resources

For official travel information, regulations, and booking services:

IRCTC — Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation — Book train tickets online

Airports Authority of India — Airport information and flight status

DGCA — Directorate General of Civil Aviation — Indian aviation regulator

Incredible India — Official tourism portal of India

Frequently asked questions

What is the distance from Rishikesh to Ladakh? ▼

The aerial (straight-line) distance from Rishikesh to Ladakh is approximately 465 km (289 miles). The road distance is approximately 628 km, which takes about 12.6 hours by car.

What is the fastest way to travel from Rishikesh to Ladakh? ▼

The fastest option is by train, taking approximately 11.4 hours. Ladakh does not have a major airport, so flying requires reaching the nearest airport at a nearby city.

Are there buses from Rishikesh to Ladakh? ▼

Yes, multiple bus operators run services on the Rishikesh to Ladakh route. The journey takes approximately 15.7 hours. You can search and book bus tickets on FareEagle with AC Sleeper, AC Seater, and Non-AC options.

What is the best time to travel from Rishikesh to Ladakh? ▼

The best time to travel depends on the weather at your destination. Generally, October to March offers the most pleasant weather across most of India. Avoid monsoon season (June-September) if travelling by road, as heavy rains can cause delays and road closures. For hill stations, summer (April-June) is peak season.

How long does the train take from Rishikesh to Ladakh? ▼

The train journey from Rishikesh to Ladakh takes approximately 11.4 hours. Express trains like Rajdhani and Shatabdi are faster, while mail/passenger trains take longer with more stops. Check train schedules and availability on IRCTC.

Can I book Rishikesh to Ladakh travel on FareEagle? ▼

Yes! FareEagle lets you compare and book bus tickets, and hotels for the Rishikesh to Ladakh route. Compare prices across operators, get instant confirmation, and enjoy transparent pricing with no hidden charges.

Routes from Rishikesh

Track Your Booking

Rishikesh to Ladakh — Distance, Route & Travel Guide