Leh - Ladakh

10 Days / 09 Nights

Please note for reasons of climate, this tour can only be undertaken between June and late September.

The high altitude of Leh can cause issues for some people, but altitude sickness is something of a lottery- some people fly into Leh and feel no ill-effects at all, whereas others can be rendered immobile and struggle to breath for days before settling in properly. If time permits, the best way to reach Leh is not to fly but to travel overland, up from Manali over the Rohtang Pass-this will see you gain altitude much more gradually. Travel to Leh and Ladakh is truly an adventure, but not without its pitfalls. Please discuss with one of our knowledgeable and experienced Tour Planners before committing to travelling in this region.

Detailed Itineary

Day 1 : Leh

Transfer to Delhi airport and fly to Leh. The flight in is spectacular with soaring peaks all around. You’ll be met on arrival and assisted with the transfer to your hotel. Total rest with no physical activity is compulsory today. Overnight in Leh.
Day 2 : Leh sightseeing

If possible, take another day for gradually increasing your activity level. If this isn’t possible, today can begin with gentle sightseeing including Leh Palace, various stupas and gompas and a stroll in the main bazaar of Leh. Overnight in Leh.
Day 3 : Leh - Sham Valley – Leh

Head out of Leh in the morning and drive downstream along the Indus River. The scenery everywhere in Ladakh is spectacular and this initial journey is no exception. There are some beautiful monasteries along the highway which will be included in your day’s activities. Visit Magnetic Hill and the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers. Head back to Leh in the later afternoon. Overnight in Leh.
Day 4 : Leh – Nubra Valley

The real adventure begins today with the drive into the Nubra Valley. The road journey from Leh to Nubra passes over Khardung La, the highest motorable road in the world, at 5602 metres/18ooo+ feet above sea level. The road is not for the faint-hearted, but to the drivers who do this route regularly, it’s just another day behind the wheel! From the top of the pass, probably unsurprisingly, the views are spectacular with a line of peaks stretching to the horizon. Drive down into Nubra, the valley of flowers and a much more green-tinged environment than the higher and drier areas around Leh. Your accommodation here will be in Hunder- check in at your tented camp and later visit some of the many villages scattered around the valley and learn about the uniquely challenging lifestyle of the people who live here. Overnight at Hunder in the Nubra Valley.
Day 5 : Nubra Valley

A full day here with a camel ride across the high desert and more village visits and walks, as well as time in Diksit, the biggest town in Nubra with a stunningly situated monastery. This is an incredibly beautiful area and well worth taking the time to appreciate. Overnight at Hunder in the Nubra Valley.
Day 6 : Nubra Valley – Leh

Head back over the pass to Leh with free time in the afternoon to further explore the old town of Leh; overnight in Leh.
Day 7 : Leh - Pangong Lake

After an early breakfast depart Leh for Pangong Lake with a stop en route at Shey Palace, the ancient capital of Ladakh, and Thiksey monastery, an impressive complex rising tier upon tier on a hill above the village. Continue on towards Changla pass, at 5486 metres above sea level. The long ascent up gradually winding roads passes through Sakti, one of the highest villages in India. After photos at the top of the pass, drive down to the village of Tangtse, and have a break before finished the drive to Pangong. Situated at over 4000 metres above sea level, this huge brackish lake (well over 100km long and 5-6 km across) is shared between India and China. Overnight at Pangong Lake.
Day 8 : Pangong Lake

Take the time to enjoy the beauty of your surroundings, go for a camel ride or a trek, and absorb this remarkable place without being in a hurry. Overnight at Pangong Lake.
Day 9 : Pangong - Leh

On the way back to Leh, stop in at Hemis Gompa, the largest monastic foundation of Drukpa Kagyu order of Tibetan Buddhism. Afternoon and evening in Leh. Overnight in Leh.
Day 10 : Leh - Delhi

Transfer to Leh airport at least 2 hours ahead of departure (this is probably the most chaotic airport in India!) and fly back to Delhi.