Flying from Pune (PNQ) to Leh (IXL): what you need to know
Give yourself plenty of time to make your PNQ to IXL flight. As a rule of thumb, arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
You can expect longer queues during popular months such as November. Arriving up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours for domestic departures is a good idea.
If you want to check out another city along the way, consider a flight with a stopover. To see all your options for tickets from Pune to Leh, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Delhi Indira Gandhi International is a sought-after stop between PNQ and IXL.
How to find the cheapest flights from Pune (PNQ) to Leh (IXL)
Currently, ₹ 6,658 is the cheapest price we've found for a one-way Pune to Leh flight. The best price for a return ticket is ₹ 17,752. Keep in mind that fares may change due to availability at the time of booking.
It's often best to book early if you're hoping to get cheap tickets from PNQ to IXL. That's because flight prices are based on demand, which tends to rise closer to departure.
Finding cheap flights from Pune to Leh is easy if you're flexible with your travel dates. Use the 'Whole month' search tool to see the best prices across every month and snap up a great deal.
Landing cheap flights from PNQ to IXL is a cinch with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you as soon as fares go down.
Find the ideal flight for you by using the filters. To see the 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest' flights from Pune to Leh, use the 'Sort by' tool. You can also filter results by airline, departure and arrival times, and number of stops.
Handy information about Pune (PNQ)
64% of flights that take off from Pune reach their destination on schedule.
To get to Pune from central Pune, it'll take about 25 minutes by car. Of course, this depends on traffic conditions. It's approximately 13 kilometres from the airport to the city centre.
The journey when using public transport usually takes 45 minutes.
Booked an early flight from Pune to Leh? Avoid the last-minute rush to the airport (and catch some extra z's) by picking one of these stays close to PNQ:
What is the baggage allowance on flights from Pune Airport (PNQ) to Leh Airport (IXL)?
Most airlines operating flights from PNQ to IXL include a carry-on bag with standard fares, though baggage allowances vary by airline and ticket type. Here's what you can expect with the main airlines on this route:
Air India
Carry-on allowance: 7kg cabin bag plus personal item
Checked baggage: 23kg included with some economy fares
Departure terminal: Pune Airport (PNQ), Terminal 1
Arrival terminal: Leh Airport (IXL), Main Terminal
Check-in counters: Open 3 hours before departure, close 45 minutes before departure
SpiceJet
Carry-on allowance: 7kg cabin bag plus personal item
Checked baggage: 15kg included with some economy fares
Departure terminal: Pune Airport (PNQ), Terminal 1
Arrival terminal: Leh Airport (IXL), Main Terminal
Check-in counters: Open 2 hours before domestic departure
IndiGo
Carry-on allowance: 7kg cabin bag plus personal item
Checked baggage: 15kg included with some economy fares
Departure terminal: Pune Airport (PNQ), Terminal 1
Arrival terminal: Leh Airport (IXL), Main Terminal
Check-in counters: Open 2 hours before departure, close 45 minutes before departure
At Pune Airport (PNQ), you can access essential facilities including free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal, comfortable lounges for relaxation, and convenient self-baggage drop counters to streamline your departure process. The airport also provides shops and dining options, currency exchange services, and medical facilities for passenger assistance. You'll find ample parking facilities and reliable transport connections to help you reach Pune Airport (PNQ) with ease.
Arriving at Leh (IXL)
Consider booking a hotel near IXL if you have a late Pune to Leh flight. Select one of these options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Getting from Leh (IXL) to central Leh
Leh to central Leh has a drive time of around 15 minutes. It's approximately 6 kilometres away.
If you're travelling by public transport, expect a journey of about 25 minutes.
When to fly to Leh (IXL)
It's time to plan your trip dates for your flight from Pune to Leh. April is the most popular month to head to Leh. If you like a more low-key vibe, go in January.
Lock in your flight from Pune to Leh for August if you'd like to go to Leh during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures of between -2ºC and 10ºC.
If you'd rather travel in cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from PNQ to IXL in January. Temperatures average between -33ºC and -13ºC then.
Weather snapshot
The weather in Leh features a high-altitude desert climate with warm summers and cold winters, shaped by its dramatic mountain setting. Here's what to expect throughout the year:
December – February: Winter brings snow-covered landscapes and crisp mountain air, making this one of the best times to explore Leh for those seeking dramatic scenery and clear skies, though you'll need warm layers and sturdy boots.
March – May: Spring arrives with crisp mornings and warming afternoons as temperatures gradually rise. Layer your clothing to adapt easily throughout the day.
June – September: Leh's summer season offers comfortable daytime temperatures and cool evenings, making it ideal for trekking and outdoor exploration. You'll need layers for variable mountain weather, with warm clothing essential for chilly nights and early mornings when temperatures drop significantly.
October – November: Winter settles in with crisp mountain air and clear skies perfect for sightseeing and exploring outdoor attractions. Layer your clothing for chilly mornings that warm up beautifully during sunny afternoons.
Sightseeing and travel inspiration
Tucked away in the high-altitude desert of Ladakh, Leh is a small town surrounded by barren mountains and Buddhist monasteries. The area draws trekkers, motorcycle enthusiasts, and travellers seeking mountain adventures at over 3,500 metres above sea level. With flights to Leh operating seasonally, it serves as the main base for exploring the remote Ladakh region.
Things to do in Leh: Trek through the otherworldly landscapes of Nubra Valley, about 120 kilometres north, where you can ride Bactrian camels across sand dunes surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Explore the colourful weekend market at Main Bazaar in the city centre, browsing local handicrafts and dried apricots, or take a scenic drive to Pangong Lake, roughly 160 kilometres southeast, where the crystal-clear waters shift from deep blue to turquoise throughout the day.
Cultural experiences: Sample traditional Ladakhi cuisine like thukpa and momos at local eateries in the Old Town area, about 2 kilometres south of central Leh, or attend prayer ceremonies at Thiksey Monastery, perched 19 kilometres southeast along the Indus Valley. The centuries-old Leh Palace, just 1 kilometre northwest of the main bazaar, houses ancient murals and Tibetan Buddhist art collections that trace the region's royal heritage.
Seasonal highlights: Experience the Hemis Festival in June or July when monasteries come alive with masked dances and traditional celebrations. The Ladakh Festival in September showcases local culture through folk performances and handicraft displays. Summer months from May to September offer the best time to visit Leh with clear mountain roads and comfortable temperatures for trekking and sightseeing.
Explore more of India
Leh has its own special appeal, but there are so many other parts of India waiting to be explored. About 402 kilometres south-west of Leh, a visit to Ludhiana will keep your itinerary busy. Start with attractions like Iskcon Ludhiana, Gurdwara Dukh Niwaran Sahib Ludhiana and ISKCON, Sri Sri Radha Gopinath Temple.
Around 370 kilometres south-west of Leh, Amritsar is another favourite stop in India. Experience the best of this destination with a visit to Golden Temple, Amritsar Heritage Walk & Golden Temple Tour and Amritsar Tourism.
