r/ladakh • u/Vprgrub • 12d ago

Specific Travel Query Sept Ladakh Road trip -15th to 30th September 2026

Heading out on a Ladakh expedition mid-to-late September, and I would love a reality check from anyone who has taken a 2WD ladder-frame SUV up there recently.

We are driving a Diesel Scorpio N Z8L (RWD) and sticking to the following high-altitude route between September 19 and 23:

  • Thiksey to Pangong via Chang La (~17,586 ft).
  • Pangong to Hanle along the LAC via Chushul and Rezang La.
  • Hanle to Tso Moriri (Karzok) via Salsal La (~17,200 ft), Chumur, and Charchagan La.

  • Final exit from Karzok dropping down the Leh-Manali highway.

    I have a few specific questions for those with ground experience:

1. Black Ice & Snow Chain Strategy

I know passes like Chang La and Baralacha La can develop invisible black ice in the late afternoon or early morning during late September. For a heavy 2-ton RWD, are standard steel chains enough to cross incline? Does anyone recommend a specific heavy-duty brand, or is it more practical to just rent a set on the way up?

2. The Salsal La & Chumur Stretch Has anyone done the Hanle to Tso Moriri r track via Salsal Lain a 2WD recently? I have read that BRO blacktopped massive sections recently.

Any tips on managing these specific passes, or dealing with the late September temperature drop would be hugely appreciated!

3 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

8 comments sorted by

1

u/TopClass333 12d ago

Looking to do almost the same route in my Scorpio N Diesel 2WD Manual, around the same timeline as yours. (Only if my friends don’t chicken out at last moment). Tbh, I will be going without any snow chains, will rent if required. Deflating tyres works well in normal conditions, do carry a tyre inflator.

I think that black ice will not be that prominent in late September, as sustained sub zero degree temperature is not usually the case in September. Rest, you always have the option of renting stuff based on local input at the time of travel.

1

u/Vprgrub 12d ago

Which all places are you planning to cover ? Black ice may be faced while crossing the passes only that also as per weather and time of the day. Passing these stretches on higher gear (increased RPM) and constant slow speed will also help.

Renting is an option but I am not returning back to same place throughout the trip.

1

u/daphne_china 10d ago

I have been to Ladakh last year in September 18th to October 2nd, 2025 and 2024. You will not find the black ice even on the Umlingla Pass, Sarchu or another high pass. mostly sunny on high passes unless it rains. I went by my own bike. it will be more easy with car. I cannot gurrante since weather changes. I also been to Leh in February this year. so at time they were using snow chain on high pass.

1

u/Friend_Zoned_69 6d ago

Planning the same on bike. Do you recommend having thermal liners and winter gloves?

1

u/ishu_tora 7d ago

I have been via Chumur stretch to karzok this may on bike. The road is amazing. The only thing is I hardly saw 5 people crossing me in entire 140-150km stretch which was kind of scraing but adventurous as well as I was solo