LEH: Taxi Guide

How It Works

All taxi services in Ladakh are regulated by the Ladakh Taxi Union. Prices are fixed annually and enforced strictly. Whether you’re Indian or a foreigner, you’ll pay the same rates, there is no official price difference based on nationality. Outsider taxis (like yellow-plate vehicles from Manali or Srinagar) are not allowed for sightseeing within Ladakh. They can drop you in Leh but cannot be used for local travel. To explore places like Nubra, Pangong, or Tso Moriri, you must hire a local Ladakhi taxi.

If you're looking for a reliable driver, I highly recommend a family I've personally traveled with multiple times, first with the father, and now often with his son. Both are professional, honest, and know the region inside out. They’ve driven me through everything from snowed-, ut passes to remote routes most drivers hesitate to take.

📞 Contact:
Name: Murup Namgyal
Phone: +91 6006196329/9821639068

You can reach out to him directly for trips, and he’ll help you plan routes or connect you with other trusted drivers if he’s booked.

Types of Taxis

The union categorizes taxis based on vehicle type. Prices vary depending on the class:

• A+ Class: Innova Crysta, Scorpio-N, XUV700

• A Class: Innova, Aria, XUV

• B Class: Scorpio, Safari, Ertiga, Tavera

• C Class: Sumo, Qualis, Eeco

  LINK TO OFFICIAL TAXI RATES-Official Taxi Rates

Return fares are usually 30–40% more, depending on waiting time and overnight stays.

Shared vs Private Taxi

• Private taxi: Booked entirely for you or your group. Follows union prices.

• Shared taxi: Available for major routes like Nubra, Pangong, and Tso Moriri.

  • Price per seat: ₹1,800–2,200 (one-way, varies by route and season)

  • Can be booked through travel cafes, hotels, taxi stands, or notices on café/community boards in Leh.

Rules About Rentals

• Self-drive rentals from outside Ladakh (e.g., Delhi, Manali) are not allowed for sightseeing inside Ladakh.

• You can only use them to reach Leh. For local routes, you must park them and hire a local taxi.

• Privately owned vehicles (white plate, in your or family’s name) are allowed everywhere.

Booking Tips

• Book through the Leh taxi stand, your hotel, or a local travel agency.

• Travel agents might charge 10–20% extra but usually include permit handling and confirmed drivers.

• If you’re doing multi-day trips, clarify:

  • Whether driver stay/food is included

  • Permit costs (especially for Nubra, Pangong, Tso Moriri)

  • Total distance limits or route flexibility

Quick Notes

• No Uber or Ola in Ladakh

• Airport to Leh town taxi: ~₹500–600 (fixed rate)

• Always ask if permits are included

• Night driving is not recommended and often restricted

• Most drivers speak basic English and Hindi

• Cash preferred; very few accept UPI outside Leh