Overview
Welcome to the “Classic Highlights of Ladakh”, a 5-Night / 6-Day journey into the breathtaking cold desert of the Indian Himalayas. This meticulously planned tour takes you through the cultural heart of Leh, the gravit-defying wonders of the Sham Valley, the mesmerizing sand dunes of the Nubra Valley and the pristine, ever-changing blue waters of Pangong Lake. Crossing some of the highest motorable mountain passes in the world, this itinerary offers an unforgettable blend of adventure, spirituality and surreal landscapes.
Top Highlights
- Drive across the legendary Khardung La and Chang La passes.
- Experience the unique high-altitude desert and ride the double-humped Bactrian camels at Hunder.
- Marvel at the world’s highest saltwater lake, famous for changing its watercolor from dawn to dusk.
- Witness the optical illusion of Magnetic Hill and the beautiful Sangam (confluence) of the Zanskar and Indus rivers.
- Find peace at the grand Diskit Monastery (with its giant Maitreya Buddha) and the panoramic Shanti Stupa.
Where the earth meets the endless blue sky
- Morning: Arrive at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh (3,500m). Our representative will transfer you to your hotel.
- Daytime: Strictly rest for the entire day. Leh's high altitude requires your body to acclimatize to the lower oxygen levels to prevent Acute Mountains Sickness (AMS). Drink plenty of water.
- Evening: If feeling well, take a slow, gentle walk to the Shanti Stupa for a panoramic sunset view of Leg town and the towering Stok Kangri peak.
- Night: Dinner and overnight stay in Leh.
- Morning: After breakfast, drive towards the Sham Valley along the Srinagar-Leh highway. Visit the Hall of Fame, a museum maintained by the Indian Army honoring the brave soldiers of the Kargil War.
- Daytime: Stop to seek blessings at Gurudwara Pathar Sahib. Next, experience the gravity-defying Magnetic Hill, where vegicles seeminghly roll uphill with the engine off! Finally witness the stunning Sangam, where the muddy waters of the Zanskar river me et the blue Indus River.
- Evening: Return to Leh and explore the vibrant Leg Market for local Tibetan handicrafts and apricot products.
- Night: Dinner and overnight stay in Leh.
- Morning: Start early for a thrilling drive to the Nubra Valley. You will cross the famous Khardung La Pass (approx. 17,582 ft) - one of the highest motorable roads in the world. Stop briefly for photos.
- Daytime: Descend into the beautiful Nubra Valley. Visit the majestic Diskit Monastery and marvel at teh 106-foot tall Maitreya Buddha statue overlooking the Shyok River.
- Evening: Arrive at the white sand dunes of Hunder. Enjoy an optional safari on the rare, double-humped Bactrian camels against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains.
- Night: Dinner and overnight stay in a camp/hotel in Nubra Valley.
- Morning: After breakfast, embark on an incredibly scenic and rugged drive directly to Pangong Lake via the Shyok River route. (This saves you from returning to Leh and offers dramatic rocky landscapes).
- Afternoon: Arrive at the stunning Pangong Tso (14,270 ft), a 134 km long lake that extends into Tibet.
- Evening: Spend the evening mesmerized by the lake's shifting hues of blue and green as the sun sets. Enjoy the pristine silence of the surroundings.
- Night: Dinner and overnight stay in a lakeside camp at Pangong. (Note: Nights here are extremely cold, so bundle up!)
- Morning: Wake up early to witness a magical sunrise over Pangong Lake. After breakfast, check out and begin your journey back to Leh.
- Daytime: Drive through the mighty Chang La Pass (17,590 ft). En route, you can make a quick stop at the famous Thiksey Monastery or the Druk White Lotus School (Rancho's school from the movie 3 Idiots).
- Evening: Arrive in Leh. The rest of the evening is free for leisure, packing and final souvenir shopping.
- Night: Dinner and overnight stay in Leh.
- Morning: After an early breakfast, check out from the hotel.
- Departure: Our driver will transfer you to the Leh Airport for your flight back home, taking with you memories of a lifetime from the "Roof of the World".
Includes/Excludes
The Trip Cost Includes
- Accommodation: 5 Nights stay (3 N in Leh, 1 N in Nubra, 1N at Pangong) in well-rated hotels and comfortable premium camps.
- Meals: Daily breakfast and dinner (MAP Plan) at the accommodations.
- Transport: Private customized vehicle (Innova/Crystal/Xylo or Tempo Traveller) suitable for rough mountain terrains, from airport pick-up to drop-off.
- Permits: All required Inner Line Permits (ILP) and Ladakh Environmental Fees.
- Safety: An emergency oxygen cylinder equipped in the vehicle for high-altitude passes.
- Taxes: Tolls, parking and driver allowances.
The Trip Cost Excludes
- Travel Fare: Flights to and from Leh.
- Lunches: Afternoon meals are not included to offer flexibility during long drives.
- Entry Fees: Tickets for monasteries, museums or the Hall of Fame.
- Activities: Camel rides in Hunder, ATV rides or river rafting at Sangam.
- Personal Expenses: Room service, laundry, trips, room heaters and travel insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
General
Yes, the high altitude can effect anyone regardless of fitness. This is why Day 1 is dedicated entirely to rest. Keep hydrated, avoid alcohol/smoking for the first two days and do not overexert yourself.
Only postpaid connections (Jio, Airtel and BSNL) work in Ladakh. Connectivity is good in Leh but very patch or non-existent in Nubra and Pangong.
Even during peak summer (June-August), nights at Pangong Lake and Nubra Valley can drop to 0°C to 5°C. Heavy thermal wear and windproof jackets are mandatory.
The roads are enough and traverse high mountain passes, but they are constantly maintained by the BRO (Border Roads Organization). We strictly use highly experienced local Ladakhi drivers who navigate this terrain daily.
Yes, Leh has a well-equipped military and civilian hospital. For the drives to Nubra and Pangong, your vehicle will carry a backup oxygen cylinder emergencies.
