Introduction
Planning a bike/car trip to Ladakh? Then one of the most important thing to keep in mind is about the availability of fuel. Though after recent tourist developments in various parts of Ladakh, its much better, but just a few years before like 2-3 years back, this was a very big challenge for all the riders. Even today, there are a few challenges which you would have to face and plan accordingly as the availability is quite difficult in few areas.
Availability of Petrol Pumps
There are petrol pumps for sure, but you have to plan properly and also keep an additional amount extra to make sure you don’t run into any issues. Due to high altitude, bad roads the mileage reduces and one has to be prepared for such challenges. Lets go in detail, about the petrol pump availability in all stretches.
This information is based on my trip to Leh-Ladakh in October 2024.
Srinagar-Leh Highway
- No issue here at all. At every major village you find a petrol pump.
- At worst case in every 50 kms you should find one.
- There are many major towns like Kargil, Drass on the way which has good number of outlets
Manali-Leh Highway
This would be a huge challenge. Probably longest stretch without fuel outlet
- Jispa, Kelyong has petrol pumps after Manali
- Next outlet would be at Karu, 34 kms from Leh. Almost 300+ kms without outlet
- Petrol available later, but not uncertain, impure and expensive (150rs for 750ml)
Leh city
- There are multiple outlets available in Leh city. Need not worry about availability
- Some are even open till late night as well
Nubra Valley
You shouldn’t face issue here as well. Multiple outlets available and close to Leh as well
- Hunder has 2 fuel stations.
- Khalsar (diversion to Siachen/Hunder,Turtuk) has Indian Oil outlet
- Can reach Tangtse (Pangong lake) / Leh easily with full tank here
Pangong Lake
- Tangtse which is near Durbuk, on the way to Pangong(35 kms) from Leh/Nubra Valley has Indian Oil outlet
- No other major outlet available
- Don’t forget to fill if you’re moving to Hanle/Umling La as next one is almost 240kms away at Nyoma
Hanle/Umling La
Here’s the most challenging part. Only one major outlet available at Nyoma – which is also the Highest Retail Fuel Outlet in the World at 13,684 ft. If fuel outlet in Nyoma is closed/no stock, you’re in real trouble. You need minimum 2 fuel tanks at this station at any cost.
From Pangong side
- From Pangong, when going to reach Hanle, full tank has to be done.
- Nyoma-Hanle-Umling La and back to Hanle-Nyoma no major fuel pump on this circuit, additional fuel might be needed
- Almost 300kms stretch without fuel
- If you’re having additional plan to visit Demchok, Chumur plan accordingly for additional fuel
Towards Leh
- Towards Leh shouldn’t be an issue. Fill-up at Nyoma when coming back
- Even Nyoma-Tso Moriri-Puga-Tanglang La-Leh is doable.
- Next outlet is at Karu (34 kms before Leh)
Towards Manali
- This would be very challenging. Next available station is Karu close to Leh
- Later direct you’ll find in Jispa, Keylong
- If you add Tso Moriri, then it would be more challenging.
- Need additional fuel at any cost
Tips for riders
- Local shops/hotels keep fuel but expensive, impure and unreliable. Not good to totally depend
- If you can cover 300kms at a full tank, you wouldn’t need additional fuel except this Nyoma-Manali stretch
- Its recommended to keep 5L/10L cans to be on safer side
- Whenever you find a fuel outlet, fill up without second thought
- Tangtse/Nyoma/Khalser fuel outlets would be crucial, enquire about their stock beforehand in Leh/Manali
Conclusion
Please feel free to drop any questions or updated information in the comments. As mentioned this data is based on my trip to Leh-Ladakh in October 2024.
