Since reading about National Highway-1 (NH1) in books and watching videos on YouTube, I had always wanted to witness the beauty of this national highway with my own eyes. In 1999, during the Kargil War, Pakistan strategically attacked Ladakh’s Kargil to seize control of this crucial national highway. They infiltrated the surrounding mountains through deceit. However, later, the Indian Army, with their valor and bravery, defeated these infiltrators and secured NH1.
Our journey from Srinagar to Leh was to be completed by car on NH1. Sonmarg, our last stop in Kashmir, is located about 81 kilometers from Srinagar on NH1. This highway from Srinagar passes through mountains, forests, rivers, bridges, and valleys. Upon reaching Sonmarg, we went to see the Thajiwas Glacier. Sonmarg is an incredibly beautiful place. We stayed overnight in Sonmarg.
In the morning, we proceeded further on NH1 from Sonmarg during our srinagar to leh road trip. The Sindh River was flowing alongside the highway. People often mistake the Sindh River for the Indus River, although they are two different rivers. After a while, we saw the town of Baltal nestled in the foothills along the road. From Baltal, the sacred journey to the Amarnath Cave begins. A long convoy of Indian Army vehicles was moving ahead of us.
We also saw war tanks being transported on trucks. After some time, we crossed into Ladakh at the border of Jammu and Kashmir. The colors of the mountains were changing. The lush green mountains filled with deodar trees and various vegetation in Kashmir gradually gave way to the dry and rocky terrain as we approached Ladakh.
After some time, we reached Zoji La. ‘La’ in Ladakh means Pass. Zoji La is a major mountain pass in the Himalayas, located in the Drass area of the Kargil district in Ladakh. This pass is known as the gateway to Ladakh. We stopped here on NH-1 for a while to have some refreshments. It was quite cold due to the snow on the mountains. Indian Army soldiers were vigilantly guarding this highway.
The oxygen level in the air here was very low, and we even attempted to light a gas lighter to observe its difficulty due to the high altitude. After a while, we resumed our journey. One notable aspect of Ladakh’s weather is that due to its high altitude, the sunlight is quite intense. The weather remains clear, and due to fewer clouds in the sky, the blue color appears more prominent.
After covering a distance of approximately 123 kilometers from Sonmarg to Kargil during srinagar to leh road trip, we arrived at the pre-booked Rangyul Resort in Kargil. This resort, situated on the banks of NH1, was exceptionally beautiful. There were flowering plants all around the resort. I particularly liked this resort due to its serene atmosphere, beautiful flowers, and attractive wooden rooms. The lush greenery amidst the rocky mountains was very appealing. We sat in the lawn of this resort and kept talking until late at night. Due to fatigue, sleep started to overpower us, and we retired to bed.
After having breakfast, we set out for our next destination on NH1, Leh. Our driver, Gauhar Shah, showed us the places along NH1 in Kargil where Pakistani tanks were hit during the Kargil War. At that time, tall stone walls were erected at these locations for the security of this highway, and they still stand tall. Gauhar Shah explained how Pakistani infiltrators hid on the mountainside and targeted the army and other vehicles passing through this strategically important NH1 route. After traveling a distance, we reached Namika La pass, situated in the Zanskar Range of the Himalayas. Here, we took photos with the Indian Army soldiers.
Continuing beyond Namika La pass, we reached Fatula Top, the highest point on NH1 between Srinagar to Leh road trip. Due to the brilliant weather of Ladakh, the mountains and valleys looked exceptionally clear and beautiful. The road ahead was straight and flat.
Far away, the rocky plains and the straight road between them created a picturesque view. We had heard about this place before and stopped the car by the roadside to take photos on this straight road.
This place is very popular among those traveling to Ladakh. After a while, we reached near Leh city. The distance between Kargil and Leh is approximately 217 kilometers. Near Leh on NH1, you can find Magnetic Hill and the famous Gurudwara Pathar Sahib.
The journey from the capital of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar, to the capital of Ladakh, Leh, covering a distance of approximately 421 kilometers via Sonmarg and Kargil, was completed in three days. The National Highway-1 (NH1) turned out to be even better than what I had heard.
The commendable work of the Border Road Organization (BRO) in constructing such excellent highways in such challenging terrains deserves appreciation. NH1 is a highway of dreams where everyone wishes to travel by motorcycle or car. If you are heading to Ladakh, complete your journey from Srinagar to Leh via NH1. Believe me, your journey will be incredibly beautiful and full of adventure.
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➜ How to reach National Highway-1 (NH1): You can start the journey on NH-1 from Srinagar, the capital of Kashmir, via air or road. This journey can also be started from Leh, the capital of Ladakh.
➜ Best time to travel on National Highway-1 (NH1): The best time for traveling on National Highway-1 (NH-1) is from March to October during the summer months.
➜ Time required for traveling on National Highway-1 (NH1): 3 days / 2 nights
Information Source: Authentic information sources available on internet, Various Articles and books on the subject & Interaction with local public.
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