Petrol Pumps on Srinagar - Leh Highway: Complete List, Distance & Tips

The Srinagar-Leh highway (NH1) is well connected with fuel stations, unlike the Manali route; therefore, it's not essential to carry spare fuel. Petrol pumps on the Srinagar-Leh highway are located at approximately every 100 km.

Whether you are riding solo, as a couple, or as a group booking Leh Ladakh bike trip packages, knowing about where to refuel and timings of fuel stations, as well as understanding how much fuel to carry, can make your Himalayan adventure smooth and stress-free. This 2026 guide gives you a comprehensive and accurate fuel map for the entire Srinagar-Leh highway.

Key Petrol Pump Locations Along the Srinagar-Leh Highway -

Fuel is readily available at major points along the route:

• Srinagar & Ganderbal: Numerous options at the starting point, including Nagbal Filling Station.
• Kangan: Located about 40 km from Srinagar.
• Sonamarg: The Zojila Filling Station (IOCL) is a newly opened 24-hour pump located just before the Z-Morh tunnel, roughly 90 km before Drass.
• Kargil: A major refueling hub with multiple stations like Kargil Filling Station (IOCL) and HP Petrol Pump.
• Khalsi: Approximately 122 km from Kargil and 95 km before Leh.
• Leh City: Several year-round functional pumps, including Budha Filling Station and Chubi Filling Station.

Important Travel Tips (March 2026)

• Availability: As of March 2026, fuel prices in Leh are approximately ₹106/liter for Petrol and ₹91/liter for diesel.
• Safety Warning: Recent reports (March 28, 2026) mention avalanches on the Srinagar-Leh highway, which can cause temporary road closures or supply disruptions.
• Acclimatization: This route is generally preferred for reaching Ladakh, as the gradual altitude gain helps prevent acute mountain sickness (AMS) compared to the Manali-Leh route.

The Srinagar to Leh highway stretches approximately 434km through some of India’s most dramatic mountain terrain passing the Zojila Passand Drass Valley(the second coldest inhabited place on Earth) and traversing the arid region before descending into the Indus Valley at Leh. Knowing where the Srinagar to Leh fuel stations are in advance is a must for safe journey planning.

In comparison to the Manali-Leh route, this highway offers more reliable fuel stations at established towns. However, caution is required when covering the distance between Sonmarg to Kargil which is largely fuel-dry and high altitude reduces bike efficiency considerably; therefore, you need to smart fuel planning for a successful Ladakh bike adventure.

Note: The fuel availability on the Srinagar to Leh highway can be affected by weather, road closures, supply disruptions, and seasonal shutdowns (typically between November and April). Always verify the current status before you depart and carry backup fuel.

Given below is the updated information about best fuel stations on Srinagar to Leh highway for 2026. This provides details about verified petrol pumps from Srinagar city to all the way to Leh town, along with their approximate distances from Srinagar, reliability ratings, fuel type availability, and operating timings.

Note: Petrol pump timings on Srinagar Leh highway listed above are approximate and can vary as per changing seasons. During peak tourist months (June-September), most fuel stations operate extended hours. In shoulder or off-seasons, they may close earlier. Smaller stations may also reduce their Sunday hours.

Plan to arrive at Kargil no later than 5:00 PM to ensure you can refuel. If you are covering Kargil overnight, fill up early the next morning before the pump becomes busy with commercial vehicles.

Srinagar to Leh Fuel Stations

Here is the complete Srinagar to Leh fuel station list with what to expect and how to plan around each stop.

One of the most asked questions by riders who are travelling to Ladakh for the very first time include is fuel available on the Srinagar to Leh highway? The answer is yes! But with important caveats.

Fuel is available at Srinagar, Ganderbal, Kangan, Kargil, and Leh. However, the 117km gap between Sonmarg and Kargil (post-Zojila) is essentially fuel-free for most of the year. Further, there is no reliable petrol pump between Sonmarg and Kargil, which means this stretch requires you to carry sufficient quantities of fuel from Kangan (or Sonmarg if available), cross the Zojila Pass, traverse the Drass Valley, and reach Kargil, all on one tank at high altitude.

• At altitudes above 3,000 meters, most bikes consume 10–20% more fuel due to thinner air and engine strain.
• The Royal Enfield Himalaya averages 35 km/l at sea level but may drop to 28–30 km/l at higher altitudes.
• Bikes with smaller tanks (12–15 L) may struggle to cover Sonmarg-Kargil and stretch smoothly.
• Always refuel at Kangan, do not gamble on Sonmarg availability.

If you are specifically planning a motorcycle ride, identifying the best fuel stops for bike trip Srinagar to Leh is about more than just location, it is about tank capacity, timings, and strategic top-ups. Here is the overview of non-negotiable fuel stops for bikers.

1. Srinagar: Full Tank, No Exceptions

Start with a completely full tank in Srinagar. Use a major pump on the outskirts near the highway to avoid delay due to city traffic. If carrying a jerrycan, fill it up here.

2. Kangan: Top Up Regardless of Level

The last best fuel station on the Srinagar to Leh highway is located just before the Zojila crossing, so even if your tank is 70% full, you should still top it up. Kargil is the next reliable stop, roughly around 140 km away through some of the most demanding terrain on the route.

3. Kargil: Critical Refuel Before Final Stretch

Kargil’s petrol pump is the most well-stocked and reliable on the entire route. Fill up completely here before the 230 km run to Leh. The terrain between Kargil & Leh is beautiful but remote with no guaranteed fuel options.

4. Leh: Fuel Before Every Excursion

There are no fuel stations beyond Leh towards Pangong Tso, Nubra Valley, or Khradung La. Always fill your tank and carry 3–5 extra liters every single time you leave Leh city for a day trip or multi-day excursion.

Here are some Srinagar to Leh bike trip fuel planning tips that are proven by experienced Ladakh riders:

• You are always advised to carry 3-5 liters of extra fuel in metal jerry cans.
• Most of the petrol pump timings are between 6:00-7:00 AM, therefore, start early each day to ensure topping up while they are open.
• Kangan is a non-negotiable fuel stop, as it is the last reliable full-service pump before the Zojila-Drass-kargil stretch, always top up here.
• Calculate your route fuel needs using 20-25% reduced mileage estimates once you pass 3,000 feet in altitude.
• Do verify the latest weather updates and road status. Zojila pass can close suddenly, and if stranded on one side, you may need to wait, and for that you must ensure that fuel and supplies are adequate.
• Download offline maps from Maps.me or Google Maps, as network connectivity is poor and unreliable on highways, and you need to track fuel stops during your journey.

Planning your fuel stops in advance makes a huge difference on this high-altitude journey. While there are several petrol pumps on Srinagar - Leh Highway, not all are equally reliable, so timing and distance awareness are key.

With the right strategy and guidance from experts like WanderOn, you can enjoy the ride without stress. Stay prepared, fuel up smartly, and focus on the incredible landscapes that make this route unforgettable.