Airports in Ladakh

Ladakh is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and unique cultural heritage. This high-altitude region is famous for its majestic mountains, including the renowned Himalayas and the mesmerising Karakoram Range. The stark, barren beauty of Ladakh's terrain, dotted with serene lakes and meandering rivers, captures the hearts of travellers and adventurers alike. To visit this breathtaking destination in India, the Ladakh airport paves way for adventurers and tourists alike. 

The main airport serving Ladakh is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, located in Leh, the largest town in the region. Named after the prominent Ladakhi monk and politician, the airport operates as a crucial gateway for both domestic and limited international flights, connecting Ladakh with major cities like Delhi, Srinagar, and Jammu. Make sure to choose ‘6Exclusive Fare’ while booking your flights to the airport in Ladakh and avail up to 10% off. 

Know all about the airports in Ladakh

Want to know about the airports in Ladakh in detail? We’ve got you covered.

1. Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport

Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport is situated 3.8 km away from Leh. It stands at an elevation of 3,256 metres, making it one of the highest commercial airports globally. Named after the revered Ladakhi monk and statesman, it serves as the primary gateway to Ladakh, connecting travellers with its breathtaking landscapes, monasteries, and unique cultural experiences. 

  • Airport address: Airport road, Leh
  • IATA Code: IXL

What is Ladakh famous for?

The ancient monasteries, such as Thiksey and Hemis, contribute to Ladakh's fame, showcasing a rich blend of Tibetan Buddhist traditions and architecture. Ladakh draw visitors from far and wide to witness the colourful cultural performances and religious ceremonies in their festivals. Besides that, adventure enthusiasts are drawn to Ladakh for thrilling activities like trekking, river rafting, and motorbike expeditions on the challenging yet spectacular roads, including the famous Khardung La, one of the highest motorable passes in the world. 

Places to visit in Ladakh

  • Leh: The largest town in Ladakh, Leh sits cradled in the lap of majestic mountains. At an altitude of 3,524 metres, Leh captivates with its ancient monasteries, bustling markets, and the regal Leh Palace. Visitors explore its unique blend of culture and breathtaking landscapes, making it a Himalayan gem.
  • Pangong Lake: Pangong Lake, a jewel of Ladakh, mesmerises with its ethereal beauty. Nestled at an altitude of 4,350 metres, this high-altitude lake spans India and China, displaying a spectrum of blues against a backdrop of rugged mountains. Its ever-changing hues and remote location make it a must-visit, enchanting destination. It gained fame after being featured in the Bollywood film "3 Idiots." 
  • Nubra Valley: Nubra Valley is famous for its unique landscapes, sand dunes, and the double-humped Bactrian camels. Nubra Valley, Ladakh, captivates with its surreal beauty—sand dunes, lush green villages, and monasteries against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks. Accessible via the world's highest motorable road, Khardung La, it offers a unique landscape, highlighted by the meandering Shyok River and the charming Bactrian camels. A Himalayan gem, Nubra is a tranquil haven.
  • Tso Moriri: Tso Moriri, a breathtaking high-altitude lake in Ladakh, captivates with its pristine beauty surrounded by majestic mountains. At an elevation of 4,522 metres the lake reflects ever-changing hues of blue. This remote gem offers a serene escape, attracting nature enthusiasts and adventurers to its tranquil shores.
  • Hemis: Atranquil village in Ladakh, Hemisis is renowned for hosting the vibrant Hemis Festival. Nestled against a backdrop of rugged mountains, it houses the Hemis Monastery, a cultural treasure trove with ancient Thangka paintings and sacred artifacts. This spiritual haven attracts visitors seeking a glimpse into Ladakh's rich Buddhist heritage.
  • Magnetic Hill: Magnetic Hill, located near Leh is a fascinating natural wonder where the surrounding topography creates an optical illusion that defies gravity. Objects, including vehicles, appear to roll uphill against the apparent slope, creating a mysterious and captivating experience for visitors who witness this intriguing phenomenon on the Leh-Kargil-Srinagar highway.
  • Zanskar Valley: A rugged and remote region in Ladakh, Zanskar captivates with its raw beauty. Surrounded by towering mountains, ancient monasteries, and pristine rivers, it offers a haven for adventure seekers and nature lovers. Renowned for its challenging treks and stark landscapes, Zanskar Valley remains a hidden gem in the Himalayas.

IndiGo add-on services

In order to enhance the travel expereince with IndiGo, you can add some of the services while booking your flights. These services include options like:

  • 6E Eats: Pre-book your meals while you are booking flights. You can choose from a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals. 
  • 6E Prime: Along with the Fast Forward service, get your preferred seat and snack combo of your choice by using this service.
  • Seat Select: Choose a seat of your choice using the Select Seat service, whether it is a window seat, aisle seat or a seat with extra legroom.
  • Excess Baggage: Through this add-on service, a passenger can pre-book additional baggage up to 1 hour prior to the departure of domestic flight and 2 hours before international flight departure.
  • 6E Seat & Eat: You can get a preferred seat of your choice and a snack combo for the next flight with 6E Seat & Eat.
  • Travel Assistance: With Travel Assistance, you can traverse through essential airport security, check-in, and more hassle-free. 
  • Sports Equipment: You can pre-book sports equipment on the flight for a stress-free flight experience. 

Note: These are some of the services a passenger can add while booking flights. Please know that specific services and offerings may be subject to change, and it's advisable to check with IndiGo for the most up-to-date information.

IndiGo flights to Ladakh from India

With its reliable services, IndiGo facilitates seamless travel to Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh, Ladakh's main airport. Travellers can enjoy direct flights from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Srinagar, providing easy accessibility to the high-altitude landscapes and cultural treasures of Ladakh. The airline's commitment to punctuality and customer satisfaction ensures a comfortable and efficient journey for passengers, allowing them to explore Ladakh's breathtaking beauty and unique experiences with the assurance of IndiGo's quality service.

  • Flights to Leh: One of the surreal destinations in India is Leh, located in the lap of the mighty Himalayas that captivates travellers with its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. The capital of Ladakh in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Leh is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and high-altitude desert. Your flights to Leh opens doors to some of the centuries-old monasteries like Thiksey and Hemis, the vibrant Leh Palace, and lakes of Pangong and Tso Moriri.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the main airport in Ladakh?

The main airport in Ladakh is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, located in Leh. It serves as the primary gateway for domestic and limited international flights to Ladakh.

How high is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport above sea level?

Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport is situated at an elevation of approximately 3,256 metres, making it one of the highest commercial airports in the world.

Which cities in India have direct flights to Ladakh?

Major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Srinagar offer direct flights to Ladakh.

Are there any international flights to Ladakh?

Currently, Ladakh's airports primarily cater to domestic flights. However, seasonal charter flights may operate on specific routes, linking Ladakh with international destinations.

How can I reach Leh from the airport?

Taxis and private vehicles are available at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport for transportation to Leh and other parts of Ladakh. Many hotels also provide airport transfers.

What is the best time to visit Ladakh by air?

The best time to visit Ladakh by air is during the summer months (May to September) when weather conditions are favourable, and most roadways and attractions are accessible.

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