Travel Budget for Leh Visit Leh on a Budget or Travel in Style

Leh, Jammu and Kashmir, India

Leh is an exciting destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.

How much does it cost to travel to Leh?

You should plan to spend around $47 (₨4,080) per day on your vacation in Leh. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $23 (₨1,984) on meals
  • $7.58 (₨657) on local transportation
  • $33 (₨2,820) on hotels

A one week trip to Leh for two people costs, on average, $659 (₨57,120). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $47
    4,080
  • One Week Per person
    $329
    28,560
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $659
    57,120
  • One Month Per person
    $1,412
    122,400
  • One Week For a couple
    $659
    57,120
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $1,318
    114,240
  • One Month For a couple
    $2,824
    244,800
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Leh cost?

A one week trip to Leh usually costs around $329 (₨28,560) for one person and $659 (₨57,120) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Leh on average costs around $659 (₨57,120) for one person and $1,318 (₨114,240) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Leh will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Leh on average costs around $1,412 (₨122,400) for one person and $2,824 (₨244,800) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Leh expensive to visit?

Leh is a small yet captivating destination that lures visitors with differing travel styles, spending levels, and budgetary preferences. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.

You may find Leh to be expensive in some places, but there are ways to keep your budget in check, like looking for discounts and coupons.

On average, budget travelers spend $21 (₨1,769) per day, mid-range travelers spend $47 (₨4,080) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $96 (₨8,305) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Leh.

Within Asia, Leh is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Asia for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Mandalay, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Similan Islands.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Leh Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Leh?

The average Leh trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Leh travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Leh cost?

Leh on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
$7
(620)
$16
(1,410)
$30
(2,644)
Local Transportation 1 $3
(288)
$8
(657)
$14
(1,256)
Food 2 $10
(828)
$23
(1,984)
$51
(4,379)
Entertainment 1 $6
(525)
$14
(1,200)
$26
(2,293)
Alcohol 2 $1-4
(102-306)
$3-8
(233-699)
$5-15
(445-1,335)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

Having realistic expectations about your travel budget in Leh is important. While you might think you can save money by cutting expenses, traveling comfortably requires a bit more spending for most people. Think about your favorite vacation activities and ideal travel style. Staying in a resort or comfortable hotel, along with sightseeing and dining out are generally what many people prefer. Your travel preferences will determine how much you'll end up spending on your trip.

What is a budget traveler, anyway?

You may believe you're traveling on a budget, but unless you're ready to give up some conveniences, you'll likely spend much more than the $21 daily average that backpackers get away with.

Younger budget travelers often stick to this low budget by staying in dorms, eating inexpensive meals, taking public transportation, and focusing on free activities and sights.

Luckily, Leh has plenty of hostels, including Tsetan Guest House, Woosah Hostel, and Ree Hostel. Here, you can enjoy budget dorm accommodation along with a friendly, social vibe, but amenities are quite limited.

Are You Considered an Average Traveler?

If you're a couple or a family traveling for fun, you'll likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular restaurants, and visit the major museums and attractions which have entry fees. Most visitors to Leh will want to visit the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Most activities cost money, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be closer to $47 per person, per day.

Seeking a Stylish Getaway from the Daily Routine?

If you're looking for an all-encompassing vacation filled with luxurious amenities and higher-level service, prepare your budget for around $96 per day. Selecting nicer hotels, savoring meals at award-winning establishments, indulging in lavish adventures, and traveling around the destination with taxis or private drivers will call for a luxury budget.

Accommodation Budget in Leh

The wide range of prices for hotels and accommodation in Leh can be very surprising. Some hotels have much higher price tags than others, and in turn offer higher levels of luxury and more amenities. Also, during peak season, prices are much higher. The average price for a hotel room in Leh in the off-season is $71, but in the peak travel season it will average around $132. In general, you can expect hotel prices in Leh to range from $35 to $330. Hostels are typically much cheaper, especially if you stay in a dorm. Also, note that the average hotel price is not always what travelers will pay (see below). You can save a good bit of money if you travel during the low season or shoulder seasons, as room prices adjust according to the overall demand. Booking in advance can often save you money, too, along with taking advantage of sale prices or special deals.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Leh for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $33 (₨2,820). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $16 (₨1,410) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $16
    1,410
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $33
    2,820

Hotels in Leh

Looking for a hotel in Leh? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Leh

The average hotel room price in Leh based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $71 in the low season and $132 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Leh include:

  • Ladakh Residency starting at $85
  • Hotel Royal Ladakh starting at $49
  • Hotel Lotus Leh starting at $39
  • Hotel Lasermo starting at $78
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Leh

If you plan your trip for the shoulder or low season and avoid , you'll enjoy reduced accommodation costs and fewer tourists.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Leh

Unfortunately, Leh does not have a reliable public transit network.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $7.58 (₨657) per person, per day, on local transportation in Leh. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Leh is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $7.58
    657

A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:

  • Ladakh: 5-Day Family Tour with Accommodation & Transfers for $369 details

Recommended Services


Flights to Leh
How much does it cost to go to Leh? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Leh
The price of renting a car in Leh will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in Leh

Food is a major attraction for travelers, so make sure you don't miss out on the local culinary delights.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Leh can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Leh is $23 (₨1,984) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $23
    1,984

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Leh is around $23 (₨1984) per person, with previous travelers spending from $10 to $51. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Leh are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $2 to $7
  • Lunch: $3 to $9
  • Dinner: $7 to $16
  • Coffee: $2
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $3

Cuisine in and around Leh consists largely of chicken and mutton with vegetable which include pumpkins, potatoes, beans, and beetroots. Some staple meals of the region include thukpa (noodle soup usually with chicken and vegetables), skyu (thumb-sized pieces of kneaded dough cooked in a kind of soup), and momos (dumplings). Other specialties comprise of khambir (a whole wheat local bread baked into a pan shape), butter tea (salty tea churned with butter), and chang (a light local brew of beer). These dishes are common throughout the mountainous regions of the Himalayas. The shopping areas of the old town in Leh and the area around the bus station are good for Tibetan styled restaurants, although few offer more than thukpa (noodle soup) and momos (dumplings).

Food & Dining Tips

Many hotels include breakfast in their pricing structure, while some charge additional fees for it. The quality and cost can vary significantly by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you decide whether to allocate more money. It might be worth paying for the delicious hotel buffet, or you could go to a local bakery or cafe that's less expensive.

Bring a water bottle along to avoid the need to buy drinks. It's also good for Mother Earth.

While planning your tour, it's essential to know which meals are included. You may find yourself paying for some meals, which can add to your travel budget.



Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Leh

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Leh typically cost an average of $14 (₨1,200) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $14
    1,200

The former Palace of the King of Ladakh is the most noticeable building in Leh, first built in the 17th century modeled after the Dalai Lama's former home (at Tibet's Potala Palace). The views of the outside are impressive, while the inside is a maze of corridors fun for exploring. Most of the palace is empty except for the Buddhist prayer room at its center which is furnished.

As far as temples go, Namgyal Tsemo Gompa was built in 1430 and sits above the Palace, while Karma Dupgyud Choeling is a monastery in the Karma Kagyu tradition. Just around the corner from the main Bazaar is Soma Gompa, which also serves as the location of the Ladakhi Buddhist Association, a conservative political organization with ties to Hindutva groups.

Lying on the Indo-China border there is also a stunning high-altitude lake called Pangong Tso, surrounded by mountain scenery. The drive is about 5 hours from Leh, so an overnight is recommended.

Other attractions include the Shanti Stupa, Nubra Valley, a War Museum, and a Donkey Sanctuary. Within the Nubra Valley visitors will find spectacular mountain scenery as well as a desert with sand dunes around the towns of Diskit and Hunder. Lying on the old silk route from South to Central Asia, the valley is also a piece of history.



Leh is a popular home base for trekking, with a number of possible routes through the mountainous region of Ladakh. White water rafting on the Zaskar and Indus rivers is also common and can be organized from Leh. With beautiful scenery just about everywhere, many visitors enjoy camping at places like Pangong Lake and on the sand dunes of Nubra Valley. Cycling tours and safaris can also be arranged, as well as unique activities like a carpet or pashmina workshop. During the summer, polo is also popular in Leh, as is archery (though mostly during festivals when competitions are held).

A nice way to explore destinations in Leh is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • "Leh to Pangong Lake Sameday tour: A Day of Tranquil Wonders for $82 details
  • Overnight Pangong Tour From Leh With Thiksey & Shey Palace for $115 details
  • Airport Pickup with Shanti Stupa-Leh Palace & Monastery Tour for $29 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Leh

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $5.37 (₨466) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Leh per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $5.37
    466
Nightlife Tips

The nightlife is always tempting, but cutting down on drinks is an effective way to manage your travel spending.



Travel cost data last updated: Dec 20, 2024

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Leh

  • During , the destination experiences higher prices and larger crowds. To keep your expenses down and enjoy a calmer visit, consider traveling during the shoulder or low seasons instead.
  • By opting for a more leisurely travel pace, you can save money while enjoying the area's beauty. If you try to squeeze too many activities into your schedule, expenses can climb quickly. On the other hand, slowing down often allows for a more enjoyable and cost-effective experience.

Budgeting Challenges

  • Options for public transportation in Leh are limited. Getting other transportation, like a private driver or tour, could be a good idea, but it may impact your budget elsewhere.
  • Hostels are not plentiful in Leh, so if you're banking on finding a budget dorm, it may be time to rethink your travel plans. A cheap hotel or apartment rental could be a much better option.
Traveling in Leh
Leh Leh, India

Leh is a small town located in the Indus river valley at a crossroads of the old trading routes from Kashgar, Tibet, and Kashmir. Today, the town is best known for its Buddhist sites and nearby trekking areas. It is situated in northern India, amidst the mountainous Himalayan range.



Neighborhoods & Around

Being a small town, it is easy to get around on foot. The old town is a charming compact area of traditional mud brick houses and narrow lanes, located just east of the main Bazaar. Throughout town, there are plenty of opportunities for shopping at the bazaars and markets of Leh. Popular items with tourists include pashmina garments, locally handmade woolen socks, gloves, caps and sweaters, prayer wheels, Buddhist masks and Thangka paintings, Tibetan silver and traditional jewelry with turquoise, as well as handwoven rugs. A few specific markets in Leh include the Tibetan Market off the Old Leh Road for clothes and Moti Market near the Leh bus stand. Bargaining is commonly practiced at the open markets.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.