Day 1 – Fly-in to Leh. Visit Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa and market

As the majestic barren mountains welcome you and you feel the crisp, clean Himalayan wind on your face you know you have arrived in Ladakh. The first thing you do as you are  flying – in, is head to your hotel, have a hearty breakfast, drink ample water and rest. Acclimatisation is key on the 1st day to ensure you have a good trip. After a good long nap, you are ready to explore the market and the very best of Leh town. Have lunch at your hotel or Leh market and head over to Shanti Stupa. A symbol of peace and harmony, Shanti Stupa’s white dome stands tall at 3,609 metres above sea level. The stupa offers some jaw dropping panoramic views of Leh town. A lovely green in summer,  the leaves of the trees in this trans- Himalayan region turn amber-brown in the autumn and disappear by winter.

Next we head to the 17th century Leh Palace. The Archaeological Survey of India is slowly restoring this 9 Storie palace and it is still a work in progress. Modelled on the Potala Palace in Lhasa Tibet, the Leh Palace offers unobstructed views of the Indus river, the Stok Kangri peak and the mighty Zanskar range beyond it. Stroll through the Leh market area in the evening. You can get everything from Pashmina shawls and winter wear to handcrafted prayer wheels and unique turquoise jewellery. Head back to the hotel to call it an early night.

Day 2 – Leh to Lamayuru via Alchi and Likir

An early morning drive to Alchi Gompa and Likir Gompa, some of the oldest monasteries of the region. Watch the turquoise waters of the Indus meet the muddy waters of Zanskar at the sangam. Spend the night at what is called the moonland of Lamayuru.

Day 3 – Lamayuru to Leh via Rezdong and Bagso

Leave Lamayuru and take the road back to Leh. Visit the solitary Rizong Gompa and the Basgo Monastery a little further ahead. Admire the original murals here that date back to the 16th century. Reach Leh and rest for the night.

Day 4 – Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung La 

After breakfast we begin the scenic drive to Nubra valley and the sand dunes of Hunger via Khardung La. One of the world’s highest motorable passes, Khardung-La is one of Ladakh’s most popular destinations. A couple of lovely photographs later on K-top, we start our descent to Nubra Valley.

The drive will get relatively more comfortable after North Pullu with better roads as the valley opens up. Make your way towards the spectacular Diskit Monastery while crossing through the quaint Khardung village.

Check-in to your camp in Hundar village and relax for a bit. We will have to make our last visit of the day about 7 kilometres to the sand dunes of Hundar. Get to see and ride the fascinating two-humped Bactrian camels in the sand dunes. The impressive views of the grey dunes, the glacial river and the rugged snow-capped mountain peaks set Hunder in a league of its own here. Hundar, apart from housing the mandatory monastery is a charming little village with several shrines higher up. Spend the night here admiring the starts in a cloudless sky

Day 5 – Nubra Valley (Hundar) to Turtuk and back

Take a morning drive from Hundar to Turtuk alongside the Shyok river. The residents of this last village of India speak the interesting Balti language that uses old Tibetan sounds no longer used in modern Tibetan. Drive back to Hundar for the night.

Day 6 – Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso via Shyok

After an easy morning, we head to Pangong Tso. You can chose to spend some more time at the sand dunes before getting on the road. The road to Pangong goes along the River Shyok, and connects to the Pangong basin via Shyok village.

A quick stop at Agham village to see the prehistoric petroglyphs.

Pangong Tso is best known for being a part of the last scene Bollywood’s blockbuster “Three Idiots”. This beautiful 604-km² lake is partly in India and partly in China. The lake at 4305 metres above sea level, is a spectacle to witness as the water changes several shades of blue throughout the day. The crystal clear water will have you mesmerised. Head over to Spangmik village as the sun slowly goes down and the chill sets in.  A warm dinner and a cosy bed at your camp awaits you.

Day 7 – Maan to Merak hike (Pangong Tso)

Spend the day at Pangong Tso in Maan. While at Maan, hike from Maan to Merak and back. If time permits, a horse ride on the campus around the camps can be arranged.

Day 8 – Drive back to Leh

As the sun rises, watch the transparent waters turn blue. A hearty breakfast later, begin the long drive back to Leh.

Stop at Hemis Monastery. Perched on a hill, nestled between mountains, Hemis is better known as India’s Shangri-La. Founded in 1672, Hemis monastery is said to have existed before the 11th century. The Cham mask dance is performed is in June-July for 2 days at this monastery.

We stop for lunch at Karu on our way back to Leh. With stunning views of the mountains beyond with the contrast of green and purple against clear blue skies make for most of the serener on the drive from Hemis to Thiskey.

Head back to your hotel or visit the local markets for some last minute souvenir shopping once you’re back in Leh. A hot dinner awaits you at the hotel.

Day 9 – Airport drop; Fly-out of Leh

Get ready to leave with a heavy heart as you board your flight back to the plains. Picturesque views and memories of Ladakh will keep fresh in your memory for the next few week

Inclusions

• All Transport in one vehicle (Toyota Innova or Mahindra Xylo – 4-5 people in each)

• Accommodation for all the 8 nights on twin/double sharing basis

• 2 meals on each day (breakfast and dinner) at the hotel

• One activity at Pangong Tso

• Inner line permits fee (different for foreigners)

• Ladakh Environment fee

Exclusions

* GST

* Snacks and beverages (except the ones with meals)

* Any kind of insurance/ emergency/ evacuation cost

* Any monument entry/ camera fees

* Any personal expenses

* Flight/train/bus tickets to or back from Leh