Best Of Ladakh

Embark on the ultimate Ladakh expedition covering the region’s most spectacular attractions in this comprehensive journey through the land of high passes. This extended tour takes you through gravity-defying Magnetic Hill where vehicles appear to roll uphill, the world’s highest motorable pass at Khardung La with breathtaking Himalayan vistas, the mesmerizing Pangong Lake extending into China with ever-changing colors, and the enchanting Nubra Valley’s cold desert with unique double-humped camels. Experience ancient Buddhist monasteries housing priceless artifacts, encounter unique Himalayan wildlife, witness landscapes that seem otherworldly, and explore the confluence of mighty rivers. Perfect for adventure enthusiasts, culture seekers, photographers, and those wanting an immersive Ladakh experience.

• Day 1: Arrive Leh – Enjoy the spectacular flight from Delhi to Leh and transfer to hotel. After welcome drink, take complete rest for acclimatization to high altitude (3,500 meters). In late afternoon, drive to city for orientation walk in markets, followed by visits to Shanti Stupa (peaceful Buddhist white-domed monument at 3,609 meters offering 360-degree panoramic views of Leh city and snow-capped mountains, built by Japanese Buddhist organization, illuminated at night, ideal for meditation and sunset photography) and Leh Palace (nine-story 17th-century royal palace built by King Sengge Namgyal, resembles Potala Palace in Lhasa, former residence of Ladakhi royal family, now museum displaying royal artifacts, thangkas, and ceremonial dresses, panoramic city views from rooftop). Dinner and overnight stay at hotel.
• Day 2: Leh – Excursion to Sham Valley – After breakfast, drive downstream along River Indus on Leh-Kargil Highway. Start sightseeing with Hall of Fame (war museum constructed by Indian Army near Leh showcasing Ladakh’s military history, displays of Kargil War weapons, enemy equipment, photographs of brave soldiers, memorabilia from Operation Vijay, must-visit for every Indian to honor martyrs). Proceed to Gurudwara Pathar Sahib (sacred Sikh shrine at 3,600 meters, 22 km from Leh, built in memory of Guru Nanak Dev Ji who visited in 1517, legend of demon crushing boulder, maintained by Indian Army, offers free langar). Drive 4 km to Magnetic Hill (natural wonder at 14,000 feet defying gravity laws, vehicles appear to roll uphill on their own when parked in neutral gear, optical illusion created by landscape layout, signboard marks the spot). Just before Nimmu Village, visit Sangam Point (famous confluence where muddy brown Indus River from Tibet meets crystal blue-green Zanskar River, stunning color contrast visible, popular photography spot, rafting point for adventure seekers). Head to Alchi Gompa (11th-century monastery complex, Ladakh’s most celebrated with exquisite Indo-Himalayan wall paintings and wood carvings, only monastery in Ladakh on flat ground, houses three temples including Sumtsek with giant clay statues, UNESCO World Heritage Site candidate). En route back, visit Likir Monastery (11th-century monastery rebuilt in 18th century, houses 25-feet gold-covered Buddha statue inaugurated by Dalai Lama, belongs to Gelugpa sect, offers panoramic valley views, annual festival in December-January). Drive back to Leh. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel.
• Day 3: Leh – Nubra Valley via Khardung La – After breakfast, drive to Nubra Valley. Road journey passes over Khardung La (world’s highest motorable pass at 5,602 meters/18,390 feet according to Guinness World Records, gateway to Nubra Valley, maintained by Border Roads Organisation, spectacular 360-degree Himalayan views, cafeteria for hot beverages, prayer flags fluttering, challenging drive with sharp turns, acclimatization essential), 39 km from Leh. From pass, view Indus Valley to south with endless peaks of Zanskar Range, and giants of Saser Massif to north. Nubra Valley (popularly known as Ldumra or valley of flowers, situated in north Ladakh between Karakoram and Ladakh ranges, average altitude 10,000 feet, tri-armed valley where Nubra and Shyok rivers meet, unique cold desert with sand dunes surrounded by snow-capped peaks, ancient Silk Route junction, rare flora and fauna). Upon arrival, check in at camp/hotel in Hunder (picturesque desert village famous for white sand dunes, home to rare double-humped Bactrian camels descended from Silk Route era, camel safari available amidst surreal landscape of desert with snow mountains backdrop, Diskit Monastery visible from village). Evening walk around tiny villages to see local life. Visit to Ladakhi home can be arranged. Overnight stay at camp or hotel.
• Day 4: Nubra Valley – Pangong Lake – After early breakfast, check out and drive towards Hunder Sand Dunes (white sand dunes extending 7 km, unique high-altitude cold desert experience, opportunity to ride double-humped Bactrian camels amidst surreal landscape of sand with snow mountains, sunset and sunrise views spectacular). On return, stop at Diskit (headquarters of Nubra Valley, home to 32-meter Maitreya Buddha statue facing Pakistan inaugurated by Dalai Lama in 2010, 14th-century Diskit Monastery perched on hilltop offering panoramic valley views, prayer wheels and assembly hall, local bazaar for handicrafts). Stroll around bazaar observing shops and locals. Drive towards Pangong Lake via Agham & Shyok Valley (adventurous scenic route through rugged terrain, some patches extremely tough with unpaved roads, follows Shyok River known as “river of death,” dramatic landscape changes from desert to barren mountains, photography paradise). Pass through Durbuk & Tangtse (traditional Changthang villages, last military checkpoints before Pangong, home to semi-nomadic herders, witness traditional lifestyle, yak herds grazing). Finally, sudden view of Pangong Lake (breathtaking blue brackish lake at 14,000 feet/4,267 meters, extends 134 km from India to China with 60% in Chinese territory, changes colors from azure to turquoise to emerald to grey throughout day, frozen completely in winter despite salinity, no aquatic life or vegetation except crustaceans, “3 Idiots” movie climax filmed here, surreal beauty with barren mountains backdrop). Check in at camp/hotel near Spangmik Village. Dinner and overnight stay.
• Day 5: Pangong Lake – Leh via Changla – Morning at leisure to explore lake beauty and witness sunrise. Drive back to Leh via Changla Pass (third-highest motorable pass at 5,486 meters, challenging ascent with hairpin bends, cafeteria at top for refreshments, prayer flags and chortens, spectacular mountain views). En route visit Hemis Monastery (largest and wealthiest monastery in Ladakh, belongs to Drukpa Kagyu Order, founded in 17th century, houses gold statue of Buddha, ancient manuscripts, thangkas, copper statues, famous for annual Hemis festival in June-July celebrating Guru Padmasambhava’s birth, museum with rare artifacts), Thiksey Monastery (12-story architectural marvel resembling Potala Palace, perched on hilltop, houses 15-meter high Maitreya Buddha statue covering two floors, morning prayers at 6 AM worth attending, Tara Temple, museum with manuscripts and weapons, panoramic views of Indus Valley), Shey Palace (ancient capital of Ladakh, summer palace of royal family, houses 12-meter copper-gilded statue of seated Shakyamuni Buddha inlaid with precious stones and gems, built in 17th century, victory fort on hilltop, serene location), and 3 Idiots Rancho School (Druk White Lotus School, iconic filming location from Bollywood blockbuster “3 Idiots,” modern eco-friendly educational institution, stunning architecture with solar panels, beautiful garden, mountain backdrop, photography spot). Drive to Leh. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel.
• Day 6: Leh – Leisure – After breakfast, complete day at leisure to explore destination on your own. Visit local markets for Tibetan handicrafts, pashmina shawls, thangka paintings, prayer wheels, and antiques. Explore Leh Main Market for souvenir shopping. Optional activities: visit Sankar Monastery, Namgyal Tsemo Monastery, or simply relax at hotel. Evening stroll around marketplace for last-minute shopping. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel.
• Day 7: Departure – As this thrilling journey comes to an end, you will be transferred to domestic airport to board flight back home with memories of Ladakh’s majestic landscapes and spiritual experiences.

• 04 Nights accommodation in Leh
• 01 Night accommodation in Nubra Valley
• 01 Night accommodation at Pangong Lake
• Daily breakfast and dinner at hotel
• Return airport and round trip transfers along with all sightseeing tours by Non-AC Innova/Xylo
• Wildlife fees & Red Cross fee
• All toll taxes, parking fees, and driver allowance
• Inner Line Permit for Nubra Valley & Pangong Lake
• All hotel taxes

• Air fare/train fare
• Expenses occurred due to bad weather, flight or ferry cancellation, strike, or political unrest to be paid by guest
• Driver & guide tips
• Any meals other than those mentioned in your itinerary
• Additional usage of vehicle
• Personal expenses
• Any items or services not specified in the cost inclusions
• Travel insurance & GST