Leh to Mumbai Flights

  About Leh

Leh-Ladakh is called 'Heaven on Earth' for a reason; actually, for a lot of reasons. Whether you are an avid traveller or not, Leh is one place that you must visit. Leh is a town that is located in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir. The City has scenic views of the mighty mountain ranges of the Himalayas and Karakoram. It has become quite the vacation spot among young people who love to take their bikes out and ride to Leh. The town has a lot of beautiful monasteries, breathtaking scenic locations and a lot of activities, too. The City is a popular tourist attraction that grew considerably over the last few years. You can sit outside a tea stall and soak in the spectacular view of the mountains. Leh-Ladakh is also one of the best places to go trekking. Even if you opt for the hardest one, the view, in the end, covers up for everything and you will be overwhelmed with the surreal landscape.

The town experiences extreme weather conditions, and during certain seasons, the roads passes are closed to avoid any mishaps. It is said that the weather is so intense that you can experience sunstroke and frostbite at the same time. Well, you won't know unless you visit the place. While a lot of people prefer a road trip to Leh, you can also take a flight. Apart from the majestic mountain ranges, Leh is also famous for its lakes and valleys. The Pangong lake, Zanskar valley, Khardung La, Chadar trek, Nubra valley, Leh Palace and a lot of different monasteries; the list of things to see in Leh is pretty long.

Trekking is a popular activity that nature lovers and youngsters opt for in Leh-Ladakh. You can either go for the easy or moderate level trek or if you are up for it, choose a challenging trek. You can even go rafting in one of the rivers. It will be the experience of a lifetime. You can also visit the different animal sanctuaries in or near the town. Leh-Ladakh is also a great place to shop for souvenirs that you can take back for your friends and family. The City is famous for its handicrafts. Since there are so many monasteries also, you can probably also purchase something holy or something that brings good luck. Buddhism is the second most practised religion or way of life in Leh-Ladakh. You can learn more about Buddhism and their lifestyle. Meditating amidst the scenic mountains or by the lake or in a monastery is the best way to introspect.

For the ones who do not want to take off on their own to explore the town, you will easily find a lot of packages and activities planned by tour guides. You can either find these tour packages online or locally. Taking off to explore the City without a guide is also not that bad an option. Depending on the time and weather, make sure you pack the right clothes and shoes.

From booking a homestay to a hostel and booking a hotel room, Leh has a lot of options for you and in your budget, too. April to June is considered to be the best month to travel to Leh-Ladakh since the road passes are closed from October to May because of the weather. Thupka, which is a kind of noodle soup, is one of the most popular local cuisines in Leh. Tsampa or Ngamphe (which is roasted barley floor) and Skyu, a kind of pasta, are some of the most top-rated food items that you must try on your visit to Leh. If you are visiting the City during a festival, you might even get to try their local beer called Chang.

Best Time to Visit Leh

Like in every other season, Ladakh is beautiful to look at during summer. It is also the busiest time of the year for the town. Tourists from all over the country plan trips to experience the beautiful City between April to June. Though the roads can be pretty slippery, courtesy the melting snow from the mountains, it is not unsafe, and the view makes up for all of it. There are a lot of ways to enter Leh-Ladakh. One of the most popular domestic routes is from Manali's Rohtang Pass and the next from Srinagar. If you plan a trip during the early phases of summer, you might even get to see some of the snowmelt and come across decent flight deals to Leh.

From July to mid-September, Ladakh experiences very irregular and heavy rainfall in a lot of places. It is not the safest time to plan a trip to Ladakh since there is a possibility of landslides and snow slides during this time. Leh-Ladakh also witnesses autumn in September and October, which makes it an enjoyable time to visit Ladakh. The town, surrounded by mountains, looks magnificent in autumn and winter.

November to February is winter in Leh-Ladakh and a preferred time among tourists to visit the town, too. Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri lakes change colours during this season, courtesy the extreme cold, and this is one of the major attractions during this time. The lakes freeze soon after this. This is also an ideal time for adventure enthusiasts to put on their trekking shoes and sign up for the famous Chadar Trek.

Places to Visit in Leh

Pangong Lake, which is a 5-hour drive away from Leh, is the prime attraction of Ladakh. It is an endorheic lake and changes colours from blue to green and grey, too. You can also visit the Zanskar Valley and leave it to the mountains to cast their spell on you. Trekking and river rafting are some of the top-rated activities that are quite popular here. Khardung La is a high mountain pass in Ladakh's Jammu and Kashmir region. It is also the gateway to get to Nubra Valley.

Chadar Trek is a famous and one of the most challenging treks in India. It's a 6-day trek and takes place between January to March. Make sure you are physically fit to go on this trek since it happens during winter and the chilliest days that Leh-Ladakh experiences. It will help if you also get in touch with travellers who have done this trek before, so you are mentally prepared for it. Nubra Valley is about 140 km away from Leh and lies in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

You can also pay a visit to the Hemis National Park. The sanctuary is the largest park in South Asia and the highest one in the world. It's also home to snow leopards. The Spituk Monastery, the Shanti Stupa Buddhist monument, Hemis Monastery and the Phugtal monasteries are only some of the spiritual places that you can visit. Don't forget to stop by the Leh Palace, which was home to King Sengge Namgyal and is now a museum.

Things to do in Leh

Take a tour of the Zanskar valley. The view of the mighty mountains and the rivers that rush through these mountains will leave you awestruck. You can also choose to go river rafting in the white waters in the Zanskar valley. Even if it is winter, the water will be cold, so make sure you don't fall in the water if you are not ready for it.

Trekking is an activity that a lot of travellers opt for when in Leh. The Chadar Trek is one of the toughest treks in, and it's safe to go for this one in November. Try out the delicious local food in Leh. You will find a lot of Tibetan, Chinese and Korean cuisines along with Indian food. Do try the Thukpa, too; it is a kind of noodle soup that is a speciality among the locals. Visit the monasteries, take a tour of the Leh Palace, enjoy some solitude by the famous lakes in Leh. You can also attend the various festivals and events that take place in the town if at all your trip coincides with the days of the celebrations.

Food and Restaurants in Leh

The Tibetan Kitchen is one of the oldest and popular restaurants in Leh. You will have to book your table in advance, though. The ambience and the food complement each other perfectly. Gesmo Restaurant serves the best breakfast, and it might get challenging to find a seat during peak season. Chopsticks Noodle Bar is also one of the top-rated restaurants with a beautiful blend of Japanese and Chinese decor. It is also one of the few places in Leh where you get a beer. If you are craving for Italian food, Little Italy is the place to go.

How to reach Leh (Transportation)

By Air

The Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh is the nearest one and is 5 km away from the town. Since it is a famous tourist destination, the number of flights to Leh from Delhi, Mumbai, Srinagar and other major cities is quite frequent. You will get decent flight deals online, and you might even get cheap flight tickets, depending on offers and travel season. The flight connectivity to Leh is excellent

By Rail

There is no direct domestic route to Leh by rail. The closest stations are Chandigarh, Pathankot and Kalka. You will have to take a cab from one of these stations.

By Road

Popular routes to Leh are from Manali and Srinagar. Travelling by road is one of the best options to get to Leh. If not a private taxi, there are quite a few buses, ordinary and deluxe, that run to and from Leh.

 About Mumbai

Mumbai is to India is what New York is to America, a city of dreams. The place with its rich heritage and urbane culture has since forever brought forth people from all walks of life together. It is also recognised as the commercial capital of India with over millions of migrants flocking over from different parts of the country and even world! Mumbai is the second big city in India after Delhi and has a busy airport as well as an active lifestyle. The city has far too many beautiful places to visit and culture to take in. Mumbai has been named after Mumba Devi and is the state Maharashtra's capital. The flight connectivity of Mumbai is splendid with various major cities in the world, making it one of the most important cities.

Best time to visit Mumbai

Fixing an ideal season to visit Mumbai can be tricky as the city is always bustling with energy and travellers. The winters in Mumbai are pleasant as the temperatures drop, and the city's festive spirit takes over. Even though the atmosphere is humid during winter, the city life would not cease to amaze you. Mumbai's monsoon is legendary as everybody loves and hates the city's rains at the same time. From June to September, the city of Mumbai experiences heavy rain which could be cumbersome for travelling but beautiful nevertheless. Flight tickets to Mumbai are often a little pricey as the city is an important commercial hub. The living expenses and accommodation has a range from cheap to extravagant. You can book a hotel in Mumbai or pick the hostel life.

Places to visit in Mumbai

The city is full of vibrant places and heritages to explore. The top attractions of Mumbai include the Gateway of India. Located right at the Colaba bay is the beautiful gate-like structure build by the Britishers. The structure continues to attract tourists to this day as it faces the beautiful Arabian Sea on one side and the Taj Mahal hotel on the other. While you're exploring South Mumbai, you should check out the ancient Asian Library which is located at Horniman Circle. The steps of the library is a prime spot for concerts hosted by Kala Ghoda Festival. You should also visit the Taraporewala Aquarium which has some beautiful marine life, including the remains of an enormous whale. The Nehru Planetarium located in Worli is an interesting complex where you will be blessed with some fabulous mysteries of the universe.

Beaches

Located on the coast, Mumbai's shores touch the Arabian Sea. The crowded beaches might not be clean as compared to some of the pristine blue shores of Goa or Kerala, but the vibrant energy of people enjoying the sunset on the beach is a wholesome experience. You can check out beaches such as Juhu Beach, Versova Beach, Girgaum Chowpatty Beach, Gorai Beach and Aksa Beach, to name a few. A little away from the city centre lies this untouched beach called Rajodi Beach, where you can actually learn how to surf.

Pilgrimage

Mumbai is also famous for its love for Lord Ganesha. The famous Siddhivinayak Temple is interestingly located at the heart of the city, in Dadar. The temple sees a staggering footfall regularly as many devotees worship the power of Lord Ganesha. During Ganesh Chaturthi, the pandals built around the temple looks exquisite. Another important pilgrimage is the Haji Ali, located on the Arabian Sea and connected to the city by a narrow bridge. Close to the Haji Ali is the Mahalakshmi Temple, also nestled by the edge of the sea. You should also visit Mount Mary in Bandra. Other important temples include Mumba Devi and ISKCON.

Things to do in Mumbai

Walk on the promenade popularly known as Marine Drive

The much-hyped Marine Drive, also known as Queen's Necklace, is a promenade constructed by the city. Many movies have been shot with Marine Drive as the backdrop. There is literally no reason yet every reason to check out this place, sit over the promenade and stare at the wide sea.

Shop at Colaba Causeway Market

Colaba Causeway is another prominent marketplace in the city that is forever crowded. Causeway's collection of accessories, clothes, chappals and the area, everything is a vibe that you'd want to be a part of. Plus, famous cafes such as Mondegar and Leopold are also located here.

Spend a day at Goregaon Film City

Mumbai's biggest highlight and gift to the world is Bollywood. Home to one of the biggest film industries in the world, the Goregaon Film City is one such place you simply cannot miss when in the city. Watch the actors play their roles in a make-believe set that you've always watched in the comfort of your couch at home.

Explore the Sanjay Gandhi National Park

A little away from the city centre is the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, also known as the city's lungs, is a vast expanse of lush green forest. You can rent cycles and explore the national park, opt for trekking and trek the trails leading to Kanheri Caves or simply just pack a lunch and indulge in some picnic at the park.

Food and Restaurants in Mumbai

The list of places with the best food in Mumbai is exhausting. The city, with its urban lifestyle, has a type of restaurant and food for every kind of crowd. For the ones who want to get their hands dirty (literally) with Mumbai's street food culture, Khao gallis is the place to be at. There are many Khao gallis in the city, starting from Churchgate to Ghatkopar. These lanes are dedicated spots for hawkers and street food owners to sell their speciality. You'll find vada pavs, pav bhaji stalls, chat corners, Anna with his slew of South Indian dishes like idli, vada, dosa, guys selling small street pizzas, frankie rolls, etc.

For the ones who wish to indulge in some pricey lounge setting, you should head to Masala Library, Gaylord, Hakkasan, The Bombay Canteen, Olive, The Clearing House, Bastian, Wasabi, to name a few. These places are celebrated and have been founded by renowned chefs from the culinary field. If you do not have any preferences as such, then you should visit some of the popular cafes and restaurants that have been part of Mumbai for a long time. These include Kyani's, Britannia & Co, Bademiya, Cafe Madras, Cafe Mondegar, Sardar Pav Bhaji, Cafe Gulshan, Cafe Leopold, O Pedro, Imbiss, to name a few.

How to reach Mumbai

By Air

Mumbai is one of the busiest cities in India, as is the city's domestic and international airport. As the commercial capital of the country, the city's domestic and international airports are admirably connected to big cities in the country and globally. Flights to and from Mumbai fly to various big cities in India such as Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Guwahati and basically most of the cities in the country. Formerly known by the name Sahar International Airport, the airport was re-christened to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (Terminal 2) while the domestic airport has been named Santacruz Airport (Terminal 1). It is important for you to know from which terminal you'll be boarding the flight from Mumbai as they are located in two diverse sides of the city.

The airport has major Indian and international airlines stationed at the airport. These include IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, Etihad Airways, Emirates and more. Mumbai's international routes are crowded too as there are multitudes of flights flying to global cities namely, New York, San Francisco, Dubai, Hong Kong, Beijing, London, Tokyo and more. Travelling from the airport within the city is quite convenient as there are taxi cabs, Ola and Uber services, rickshaws and buses that can be found right outside the airport. In fact, 1 km away from the airport is the Mumbai Metro which connects the city's varied geography.

By Rail

The railway network of Mumbai is touted to be one of the best in the city. It has direct train connections to various cities in India. These cities include Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad and more. The city has two main terminals namely Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Mumbai Central, from where you can take outstation trains. However, much recently, they opened the Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, which also connects to various parts of the country. There are mail trains and express trains that travel from the Mumbai city, including Mumbai Rajdhani, Duronto, Konkan Kanya Express and more. The excellent connectivity of Mumbai with other cities makes it easy to traverse.

By Road

Major national highways connect Mumbai to various parts of India. You can literally take a road trip to anywhere you want from Mumbai without any hassle. In fact, you can travel from any part of the country and reach Mumbai with its impeccable roadway connections. Not to mention how there are several buses run by the state and private owners that travel from the city regularly. Many travellers often opt for road trips as the roads leading up to Mumbai are beautiful. Travelling by buses is quite economical as well. 

  About Mumbai Airport

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, which was acknowledged as Sahar International Airport, is a prominent international airport that serves the Mumbai metropolis. It is deemed to be the second busiest airport in India, after Delhi, with respect to international passenger traffic and cargo traffic. Recently, the airport crossed London's Gatwick Airport to become the world's busiest airports to operate a single runway at a time. The airport is sprawled across 1,850 acres and takes care of about 950 aircraft movements in a day. The airport has been awarded various titles including, "Best Airport in India and Central Asia". Mumbai airport is also recognised as one of the three airports to implement Airport Collaborative Decision Making in India. A-CDM has been implemented to ensure that the efficiency in terms of takeoffs and landings, along with other necessary facilities.

About Mumbai Airport Terminals

Initially, the Mumbai Airport, also previously known as Sahar International Airport, had both the international and domestic terminals located in the same airport. With the introduction of T2, the terminals were divided into dedicated domestic and international airports, sharing the same runway and airport complex. The domestic airport, also called the Santacruz Airport, served flights to primarily operate domestic airlines and low-cost carriers. Meanwhile, the international airport focussed on international airlines and flights flying out of the city. However, much recently, all the domestic and international flight activities have been shifted to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Terminal 2 has many provisions, including multi-level parking for 5,000 cars, 192 check-in counters, 60 immigration counters for departure, 14 baggage carousels and 76 immigration booths for arrival. There are many numerous lounges, including the GVK lounge, which is a luxury lounge. There are lounges for Business class travellers and first-class passengers as well.

About airport authority

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is owned and served by MIAL (Mumbai International Airport Private Limited). MIAL is a consortium of GVK Industries Ltd., Bidvest, Airports Company South Africa and Airports Authority of India. While the consortium holds 74 per cent ownership, the other 26 per cent is owned by the Airports Authority of India. Ever since the MIAL venture has come into existence, the international airport has witnessed tremendous infrastructural growth. There are tremendous improvements in terms of the aesthetics, passenger convenience, design and refurbishing of the domestic terminals 1A&1B as well as the international terminals 2B & 2C. A new domestic terminal 1C has also been introduced in Terminal 2. MIAL has also undertaken projects to improve the taxiways, aprons and rehabilitation of both the runways.

Facilities at the Mumbai Airport

Child care centres: To make travelling with young ones easier and convenient, special child care rooms have been created at the Mumbai Airport. The room is reserved to cater to the needs of young kids ranging from changing diapers to feeding and many such necessities. It is well-sanitised and is well-maintained to ensure that the mother feels safe. Baby strollers have also been made available at the airport

Smoking zones: Enclosed smoking rooms have been arranged for at the Mumbai Airport. The smoking lounges are facilitated to ensure that the atmosphere of the airport is smoke-free. You can also purchase packets at the airport.

WiFi and Telecommunication Services: WiFi and telecommunication services are also available at the Mumbai Airport. There are free WiFis and Premium WiFis available. This way, you wouldn't have to compromise on your business and professional obligations. You can also find SIM card facilities at the airport for a temporary SIM if you have come for a short period of time.

Medical Centre: The Mumbai Airport is well-equipped with medical services to cater to emergencies. There are ICU ambulances and medical centres catering to medical emergencies 24/7. They are spread out in the airport's vicinity.

Luggage services, cloak room and baggage trolleys: Special storage services have been accommodated where you can keep your luggage and other items. Other luggage facilities include depositing of the baggage at the domestic terminal and receiving them at the international terminal. You can also find baggage trolleys outside the airport as well as in the terminal.

ATMs and Currency exchange: The airport also has provisions for foreign exchange. The airport also has ATMs and other money-related facilities to make travelling more convenient for passengers. The airport has a bevy of foreign exchange counters, ATMs and banks.

Valet parking and other parking facilities: Mumbai airport also has valet parking and other parking services. You can pay a nominal fee and keep your car at the airport's parking zone. You can also avail from their valet parking services.

Play zone, prayer and meditation rooms: If you are travelling with kids, you can actually take them to the play area that has been reserved for kids. They are safe and child-friendly. The airport also has special rooms for multi-faith prayer rooms as well as meditation halls. While you wait for your flight and are nervous, you can use this time to relax and calm your nerves.

Restaurants and cafes: The airport has a slew of restaurants and cafes that you can check out. From classic local establishments such as Shiv Sagar to globally recognised joints such as Burger King, McDonald's and KFC, you can find them at the airport. There are provisions for restaurants serving liquor as well.

Automated buggies: To make commute within the airport convenient, you can also take the buggy services. They will pick you up from the security check and drop you at the boarding area. The services are especially recommended for people with medical conditions and disabilities. The airport also has wheelchairs and other services to commute within the terminal.

Postal services: The Mumbai airport also has provision for postal services. Postal services are located at the exit of both the terminals of Mumbai airport. If you have any last-minute document that needs to be mailed, you wouldn't need to worry about it.

VIP lounge: The airport is also host to many VIP lounges and upscaled restaurants and food establishments. If you are a premium member at any of the airlines with airport lounge as one of the perks, you will be able to benefit the privileges of the VIP lounge as well as the services provided by them.

Top airlines flying from the Mumbai Airport

Mumbai airport is excellently connected to major domestic and international cities. Unsurprisingly, it is known to be the second busiest airport in the country due to its phenomenal ability to accommodate a slew of international and domestic airlines. In fact, the airport witnesses approximately 950 aircraft activities on a daily basis. Mumbai airport connects domestic cities such as Rajkot, Dehradun, Madurai, Lucknow, Kannur, Leh, Ranchi, Jabalpur and more. Thanks to the brilliant connectivity Mumbai has with other cities in the country, it doesn't require any connecting flights too. In fact, the Mumbai airport has a majority of airlines operating from the city. Airlines such as Alliance Air, Air India, Air India Express, GoAir, IndiGo, SpiceJet, TruJet and Vistara operate from the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.

The city also harbours a plethora of international cities and flights. The international airlines operating from Mumbai airport are quite similar to the ones that operate from the Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi. International airlines such as Air Asia, Air Arabia, Air Canada, Air China, Air France, Air Mauritius, Air Seychelles, Air Tanzania, Bangkok Airways, Bhutan Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Delta Air Lines, EgyptAir, Etihad Airways, Emirates, Ethiopian Airways, flydubai, Gulf Air, IranAir, Kenya Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airways, Korean Air, Lufthansa, Malaysia Airlines, Malindo Air, Nepal Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, RwandAir, Singapore Airlines, SriLankan Airlines, Swiss, Thai Airways, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Uzbekistan Airways, operate from Mumbai airport. Thanks to the immaculate connectivity, the city sees a lot of crowd flocking over from various other cities and towns to take international flights.

How to reach the Mumbai Airport

The domestic and the international airport of Mumbai have separate gateways to enter. While the domestic airport, Terminal 1, also known as Santacruz Airport, is located in Santacruz, the international airport, T2, is located in Andheri. To reach Mumbai airport, it is imperative that you know which terminal you need to catch your flight from. Depending on the same, you can travel to the airport.

By Rail

To reach Mumbai airport Terminal 1, the closest railway station is Ville Parle railway station which falls on the Western and Harbour Line of the Mumbai railway network. Meanwhile, to reach the international Mumbai airport, Terminal 2, you should get down at the Andheri station lying on the Mumbai railway network. From here, you can take a rickshaw and reach the city. Mumbai's metro line is perfectly connected with Airport Road and Marol Naka stations while T1 is close to the Western Express Highway station. Both the terminals are very close to the Mumbai Metro. The city is currently expanding the Mumbai metro line further by adding more lines to connect to the airport. An underground network from Cuffe Parade to SEEPZ is in the works which have one stop at the Santacruz airport and the other close to the GVK SkyCity terminal.