How To Reach Alchi

Lovingly tucked away in the Indus river valley, Alchi is a small settlement that is perched at an elevation of around 3500 meters above sea level. It is home to one of the most important Buddhist monastery- the Alchi monastery there is in all of Ladakh. There are multiple ways in which you get to Alchi from Leh. The first and the most economical option is to travel by bus. The second option is to travel by shared taxi or a private vehicle. The third way to get to Alchi is a thrilling one- on a motorcycle. Whichever way you choose, we at Eladakh Tourism have listed down all the information that will guide you on your journey.

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Here are all the details you need to know on how to reach Alchi:

By Bus

The state-run JKSRTC buses service the route between Leh and Alchi. It is the best way of transport as it is economical and does not burn a hole in your pocket as taxis would do. Buses are available at frequent intervals from the Leh bus stand. A mini bus plies once daily which departs from the new bus stand in Leh near Handicraft Training Center at 8 a.m. and reaches Alchi at 3 p.m. You can also take a bus that goes to Kargil from Leh. It will take the same route, however, the bus turns off from a bridge and you will have to walk for 4 km on a dusty road to get to Alchi from the turning point. You can try and hitch a ride with locals too from there.

By Private Vehicle

Alchi is well-connected with Leh through a strong road network. It has great accessibility as it is only 70 km away from Leh city. Driving down from Srinagar is also a good option and the distance is 400 km which can be covered in about 10 hours. Only high ground clearance vehicles like a MUV or an SUV are preferred. Leave very early from Leh so that you can avoid the traffic of heavy trucks and army vans entering the city. Hit the Srinagar – Leh Highway and take a slight diversion from Srinagar Leh Highway at Saspol. Drive for around 60 km to get to the Sasapol bridge. Upon crossing the bridge, turn left from there to reach Alchi.

By Bike

Travelling on a motorcycle is the best way to reach Alchi. It is fast and the roads are also good. The route to Alchi is extremely scenic and provides a very thrilling ride over the gorges and dangerous roads. Being on a bike gives you the opportunity to halt and bask in the natural landscapes. It is advisable to get your vehicle properly serviced before you embark on your road trip. You can even rent two-wheelers from Leh city by proving them with a copy of a valid driving liscense. Carry spare tyres as you will be on the move through a rugged terrain and get you tank fueled up as well because once you leave Leh city, you will not find fuel stations and essential help on the way.