Six days across the roof of India, from the monasteries and markets of Leh to the sand dunes of Nubra Valley and a night beside Pangong Lake. The route crosses Khardung La and Chang La, two of the highest motorable passes in the world, with a gentle first day set aside for acclimatisation.
Route: Leh – Nubra Valley – Pangong Lake – Leh
Tour Highlights
- Shanti Stupa at sunset and the 17th century Leh Palace
- Magnetic Hill and Gurudwara Pathar Sahib
- Sangam, where the Indus and Zanskar rivers meet
- Khardung La at 18,300 feet
- Hunder sand dunes and double hump camels in Nubra
- Sunrise over Pangong Lake
- Hemis Monastery, Thiksey Gompa and Rancho School
- Inner line permits, wildlife fee and Red Cross fee included
01
Day 1
Arrive in Leh, Shanti Stupa & Leh Market
- Arrive at Leh airport, 3,505 metres above sea level, and transfer to your hotel.
- Rest through the first half of the day to acclimatise to the altitude.
- In the afternoon visit Shanti Stupa for sunset, the white domed Buddhist stupa built to promote world peace.
- Continue to Leh Palace, the 17th century royal residence modelled on the Potala Palace in Tibet, with sweeping views over Leh and the Zanskar range.
- Browse Leh Main Market for jewellery, clothing and local street food.
- Dinner and overnight stay in Leh.
02
Day 2
Sangam, Magnetic Hill & Hall of Fame
- After breakfast drive to Sangam, the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers. River rafting is available at your own cost.
- Stop at Magnetic Hill on the Leh Kargil highway, the stretch of road that appears to pull stationary vehicles uphill.
- Visit Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, built in 1517 to honour Guru Nanak’s visit to Ladakh.
- Drive back by way of Spituk Monastery, home to the wish fulfilling Kali Mata, and the Hall of Fame war memorial museum.
- Dinner and overnight stay in Leh.
03
Day 3
Leh to Nubra Valley over Khardung La
- After a leisurely breakfast drive to Nubra Valley by way of Khardung La at 18,300 feet, one of the highest motorable roads in the world.
- The view from the top stretches south over the Indus valley to a seemingly endless line of peaks.
- Descend to Hunder and its rolling sand dunes, where you can spot double hump Bactrian camels and take a camel safari at your own cost.
- Dinner and overnight stay in Nubra Valley.
04
Day 4
Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake by way of Shyok
- After breakfast drive to Pangong Lake by way of Shyok, Tangtse and Spangmik.
- Visit Diskit Monastery, a short drive from Hunder, before continuing along the Shyok river.
- The road climbs a mountain before descending into Shyok village through some of the most picturesque scenery of the trip.
- Reach Pangong Lake in the afternoon and spend the rest of the day by the water.
- Dinner and overnight stay in cottages or camps at Pangong.
05
Day 5
Pangong Lake to Leh over Chang La
- Enjoy an early morning photo session around the lake as the light changes across the water.
- After breakfast drive back to Leh over Chang La pass, reaching town by noon.
- Stop on the way at Hemis Monastery, Thiksey Gompa and Rancho School.
- Dinner and overnight stay in Leh.
06
Day 6
Leh Departure
- After breakfast check out of your hotel in Leh.
- Transfer to Leh airport for your return journey with sweet memories of Ladakh.
INCLUSIONS
- 03 nights accommodation in Leh
- 01 night accommodation in Nubra Valley
- 01 night accommodation in Pangong Lake
- Welcome drink on arrival at the hotels, non alcoholic
- Daily breakfast and dinner at the hotel
- Inner line permit, wildlife fee and Red Cross fee
- Nubra and Pangong sightseeing
- Sham Valley sightseeing as per the itinerary
- All transfers and sightseeing by private non air conditioned vehicle
- Pick up and drop at Leh airport as per the itinerary
- All toll tax, parking charges, driver bata and fuel
- All applicable taxes
EXCLUSIONS
- Air fare
- GST
- Lunch
- Room heater, camel ride and tour guide
- Monastery entry tickets, gardens and parks
- Oxygen cylinder
- Tips to waiters, airport porters, drivers or any other person
- Additional sightseeing or extra use of the vehicle beyond the itinerary
- Any cost arising from natural calamities such as landslides, road blockages or strikes, payable on the spot
- Any meals not listed in the inclusions
- Personal expenses such as laundry, porterage, telephone calls, tips and gratuity
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
- Acclimatisation: Leh sits at roughly 3,500 metres. The first day is deliberately kept light so your body can adjust before the high passes.
- Permits and ID: carry a valid photo ID. Aadhaar, passport or voter card are accepted, and foreign nationals must carry a passport with a valid visa.
- Mobile network: only postpaid connections work in Ladakh, and coverage disappears in Nubra Valley and around Pangong Lake. Tell family in advance.
- Cash: Leh has only a handful of ATMs and they run dry, so carry enough cash for the trip.
- What to pack: light woollens even in summer, high SPF sunscreen, sunglasses and a cap. Temperatures can drop to 5°C at night.
- Health: carry basic medication and speak to your doctor about altitude tablets before travelling. Anyone with asthma or a heart condition should seek medical advice first.
- Local customs: Ladakh is home to Buddhist and Muslim communities. Ask before photographing people and avoid flash photography inside monasteries.
