Leh Airport

Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport

Kushok Bakula RimpocheeAirport (IXL)

Located in Leh, the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport is notable, because at over 10,000 feet above sea level, it is one of the highest airports in the world. The airport is named after the respected Kushok Bakula Rimpochee whose 19th incarnation is considered an important Indian and Ladakhi Statesman.

Owing to security concerns hand baggage is not permitted at this airport. In addition, passengers are required to identify their luggage after its scanning. Several policemen and Indian Army personnel patrol the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport.

Flight Information

Several airlines, such as Air India, Jet Airways, and Go Air have regular flights to and from the airport. Cities, such as Delhi, Srinagar, and Jammu are directly connected with this airport.

Terminals

Flying into the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport is an unforgettable experience as the aircraft flies over dramatic terrain of the Himalayan Range. There is one terminal operating domestic flights at the airport. The total capacity of this terminal is 150 each for departures and arrivals. With an area of 3,600 square meters comprising the passenger usage, the domestic terminal at this airport provides 10 check-in counters along with 5 security counters.

Traveling Around

Prepaid taxi services are available at the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport making it convenient for passengers to reach their destinations. In addition, they can avail state transport buses from outside the airport.

The airport is only 5 kilometers from the bus stand and takes about 10 minutes to get there by road, with taxis or buses available at the airport. The railway station located 5.5 kilometers from the airport provides greater connectivity making it easy and convenient to reach their destinations that are some distance away.

Services and Facilities

High-tech baggage services are available at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport. The advanced scanners automatically scan luggage making the entire process a lot more efficient and speedy, increasing the convenience of fliers. Free trolleys for transferring luggage are available at the airport and there are local, STD and ISD phone calling facilities. The airport also has tourist counters and a doctor on call in case of any situation where travelers require medical assistance.

Things to Do

The airport has a snack bar, as well as a tea and coffee counter to ensure that passengers do not have to fly on an empty stomach. Travelers can make themselves comfortable at the snack bar while they wait for their flights.

Hotels

Tourists will find a large number of hotels located within walking distance of Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport. Affordable stay options include Hotel Shambhala, Hotel Kidar, and Hotel Nezer Holiday Inn. Travelers looking for more luxurious accommodation can consider options such as Gawaling International, Royal Heritage Resort, Hotel Antelope, New Glacier View, Grand Himalaya, The Hotel Himalaya Leh, and The Zen Ladakh.

Tips for Fliers

Leh is open to tourists throughout the year, but the best time to visit is between June and October. Trekking routes close down after November due to heavy snowfall.

Trekking on the Chadar route is most enjoyable between January and Mid-March.

Nearby Attractions

Shanti Stupa, Thiksay Monastery, Magnetic Hill, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, and Hemis Monastery are popular tourist destinations close to the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport. The highest motorable road, Khardungla Top, is at a distance of 42 kilometers from the airport and is well worth a visit. The main markets of Leh include Moti Market and Tibetan Market, which sell various local items and handicrafts at very cheap prices.

FAQs

  1. What are the top airline brands that operate from Leh airport frequently?
    The top airline brands that operate from Leh airport frequently are – GoAir, Jet Airways and Air India.
  2. What is the airport code for Leh airport?
    The IATA code for the Leh airport is IXL.
  3. What are the most frequent routes from Leh airport?
    The most popular sectors from airport are Leh to New Delhi with 167 weekly flights respectively.
  4. When does the first flight leave from Leh airport?
    The first flight from Leh to New Delhi is at 7:00 AM, which is GoAir airline 203 followed by GoAir 386 which leaves at 7:10 AM.
  5. When does the last flight leave from Leh airport?
    Air India 446 to New Delhi is the last flight that departs from airport at 11:45 AM.

Top International Routes from Leh