Leh is accessible by air or by two spectacular overland routes, both open only from roughly June to October.
By Air
Leh Airport (Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport) has daily flights from Delhi (1 hour) and connections from Srinagar, Jammu, Chandigarh, and Mumbai. IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet all serve Leh. Flying is the fastest option and the approach over the Himalayas is one of the most breathtaking in commercial aviation. Book early in summer — flights fill quickly and prices rise steeply.
By Road
Two roads connect Leh to the rest of India, both over 5,000 m passes and both open for only a few months a year.
The Manali–Leh Highway (490 km, roughly two days) crosses four high passes including Taglang La (5,328 m). It opens roughly late May to October depending on snowfall. Buses, jeeps, and motorbikes all ply the route; motorcycling it is a popular adventure.
The Srinagar–Leh Highway (NH 1, 434 km, one long day or an overnight) runs via Kargil and crosses Zoji La (3,528 m). Open similar months. JKSRTC buses run this route; private jeeps and shared Sumos are faster.