Is the road open all year?

No, the Zoji La pass closes during winter due to heavy snowfall.

Are there direct buses?

No, you must change transport in Srinagar.

What is the best vehicle?

A 4x4 SUV is highly recommended for the mountain terrain.

Is it safe for tourists?

Yes, provided you follow local travel advisories and road safety rules.

Dhabas in Dras and Sonamarg offer basic but hot meals.

Kargil

Jalandhar

Driving

Kargil to Jalandhar

Updated: 28 May 2026

The journey from Kargil to Jalandhar spans approximately 650 km, primarily traversing the challenging NH 1. You must first navigate the Zoji La pass to reach Srinagar before descending toward the plains of Punjab. Public transport is limited to shared taxis from Kargil to Srinagar, followed by state-run buses to Jalandhar. The route offers dramatic transitions from arid mountain landscapes to the lush green fields of the Punjab plains. Expect significant travel time due to high-altitude terrain and potential traffic bottlenecks near the Jawahar Tunnel.

Total Distance: 650 km by road, 380 km straight-line.

Fastest Way

Private taxi from Kargil to Srinagar, then flight from Srinagar to Amritsar/Chandigarh, then taxi to Jalandhar.

Cheapest Way

Shared taxi to Srinagar followed by HRTC bus to Jalandhar, costing roughly 2500 INR.

Compare Kargil to Jalandhar Routes

Driving

Connecting

Duration

18 hours

Avg Price

2500-4000 INR

Operator

JKSRTC

Route

Kargil - Zoji La - Srinagar - Banihal - Jammu - Pathankot - Jalandhar

Carry extra fuel and warm clothing as mountain weather changes rapidly.

Travel Tips

Permits
Ensure you have valid ID proof for checkpoints along the Srinagar-Leh highway.
Acclimatization
Spend at least one night in Kargil to acclimatize before attempting the high-altitude pass.
Hydration
Drink plenty of water to avoid altitude sickness during the initial mountain ascent.
Cash
Carry sufficient cash as ATMs are scarce between Kargil and Srinagar.
Booking
Book your shared taxi from the Kargil main stand at least one day in advance.

Safety Tips

Road Conditions
Zoji La is prone to landslides; check weather reports before departure.
Driving
Avoid night driving on the mountain stretches due to poor visibility and narrow roads.
Medical
Keep a basic first-aid kit with altitude sickness medication handy.
Communication
Expect limited mobile network coverage between Kargil and Sonamarg.