Ladakh
Ladakh is often known as “The Land of Gompas” due to its widespread beautiful monasteries across its rugged terrain and “The Land of High“. Ladakh is dominated by postcard-perfect landscapes and mountains, white-washed stupas and intricate monasteries, desert amidst the mountains and river, stunning turquoise lakes, local markets, and exciting Tibetan & Ladakhi culture. The people of Ladakh are very friendly, warm and welcoming, and often pure souls who love their culture and area.
Ladakh serves as a perfect destination for adventure travelers as well as those who are looking to get lost in the mountains and nature its landscape showcases that every moment. Tourists can enjoy rafting, trekking, bike trips, luxury trips, snow-clad mountains, lakes, and experiential stays.
Anyone who visits Ladakh will surely return happy and would want to visit there again.
Must-Know for Travelling to Ladakh
- Traveling to Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso Lake, Tso Moriri Lake, Turtuk Village, and certain other locations require inner line permits to travel.
- It’s really important to relax and rest on the 1st Day of reaching Leh to acclimatize yourself to avoid altitude sickness. Maintain proper hydration during the entire trip. Diamox Tablet is advisable to consume in case of serious mountain sickness else people are bound to suffer from side effects like headache, nausea, etc.
- Carry Camphor for all high-altitude locations as it helps normalize breathing.
- Pre-paid mobile network doesn’t work unless it’s purchased from Leh itself. Only BSNL, Airtel, and Jio postpaid operates here.
- Monasteries and Palaces do require climbs so it’s important to be prepared and wear appropriate shoes.
- It’s important to consult a doctor in case you have blood pressure or any other health issues.
- Ladakh follows Buddhism and being the Land of Monasteries it’s mandatory to wear appropriate clothing and no revealing clothes.
- Photography isn’t allowed in most of the monasteries, Leh airport and it’s a must to take permission before clicking pictures.
Transportation
AIR
Ladakh is well connected through domestic flights from major cities of India like Delhi, Mumbai, Srinagar, etc. All local domestic airlines operate direct flights to Leh or via a stopover at Delhi or Jammu or Srinagar.
ROAD
Ladakh is renowned as an adventurous location which gives people high to travel and explore via road. Once you land in Leh via flight then the entire trip is a road journey as well.
Tourists explore Ladakh by bike or self-drive through two major locations – One being via Kashmir that is a road trip through Srinagar and the other is a road trip through Manali.
Both national highways open up mid-May and start of June enabling tourists to drive through these exceptional road journeys and passes. These national highways are operational until mid-October and almost shut later due to extreme weather conditions and snowfall.
From our gallery
Tour Plan
Leh
DAY 01: Arrival Leh
Upon arrival at Leh Airport, you will be met by our representative and transfer to Hotel for Check-in. Relax for the rest of the day to acclimatize yourself to the high altitude. Evening visit to Shanti Stupa and Leh market. Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 02: Leh to Sham Valley (Uletokpyo) (60kms – 1.5 to 2 hours)
After breakfast, leave for Sham Valley via visiting sights like Gurudwara Shri Patthar Sahib - built-in memory of Guru Nanak Devji, Magnetic Hill which is also known as mystery hill or a gravity road and Sangam Point – Confluence of Indus & Zanskar River. Also time permits and if you’re interested to visit monasteries then explore Likir, Alchi, and Lamayuru monastery – having an appearance of a cave monastery.
DAY 03: Sham Valley - Nubra Via Khardungla Pass (180 km / 6-7 hrs)
After breakfast, proceed towards Nubra Valley which is at an average altitude of 10,000 ft. above sea level. The common way to access this valley is to travel over the Khardungla from Leh. Arrive Nubra and check in at the hotel or tented accommodation. This beautiful fertile valley was an important halting place for the ancient traders trading in silk in Tibet, China, and India. Thereby, this came to be called the silk route. Overnight at Nubra.
DAY 04: Nubra Sightseeing with camel safari
After breakfast, visit The Diskit Monastery, which is 350 years old, is the main attraction of this village, which houses a Maitreya Buddha statue, paintings, and drums. proceed to Hunder to visit the village and Hunder Gompa. Enjoy a Bactrian camel ride through the dunes and scenic valleys. Overnight at Nubra.
(Please Note: Turtuk Village can be done as well and can shift Diskit Monastery on the other day)
DAY 05: Nubra – Pangong Lake (170 km / 6hrs)
After breakfast, we proceed towards Pangong Tso via Agham & Shyok Valley. Some of the road patches in areas are extremely tough (towards Nubra side) in terms of road conditions but no doubt the journey is very scenic! Later after crossing this adventurous part we drive further towards Durbuk & Tangtse for Pangong you pass through few small villages of Changthang and finally, you can have a sudden view of the Blue Pangong lake situated at 14,000 feet (4,267 m). Explore the Pangong Lake at your own pace. Check-in to the tented accommodations that Pangong Lake offers.
DAY 06: Pangong Lake – Leh Via Changla Pass (140kms / 6hrs)
Leave early morning for Leh as you would need to reach by 10 am to get your RT-PCR test done. After the afternoon, you can relax and visit the Leh market for shopping. Overnight at Leh.
DAY 07: Leh Sight-seeing
Post Breakfast we proceed for Indus Valley Monastery Starting with Hemis Gompa, the largest monastic foundation of Drukpa Kagyu Order of Tibetan Buddhism, Thiksey Monastery an impressive complex rising tier upon tier on a hill above the village, Shey Palace, The ancient capital of Ladakh, Leh Palace, Stok Palace Museum, 3 Idiots Rancho School & Sindhu Ghat. Relax for the rest of the day and overnight at Leh.
DAY 08: Airport Departure
In time, assisted transfer to Leh airport to board flight towards your onward destination.
Manali - Leh - Kashmir
DAY 01: Delhi / Chandigarh - Manali
Arrive at Chandigarh, meet upon arrival and drive straight to reach Manali (1920M) by covering 338 km. Arrive at Manali and check into the hotel for an overnight stay.
DAY 02: Manali - Sarchu (222 Kms / 7-8 hrs)
Early morning after breakfast, head for Sarchu, driving across Rohtang Pass (13050 ft) and passing through Keylong, Jispa and Dracha and then cross the Baralacha Pass (16020 ft) to arrive at Sarchu in the late afternoon. Overnight in camp at Sarchu.
DAY 03: Sarchu - Tsomoriri lake (198 Km / 6-7 hrs)
After early breakfast leave for Tsomoriri lake en-route crossing Nakeela and Lachalung-la Pass (16,617 ft.). Break for lunch then drive on towards Leh passing through SkyangchuThang (a vast plateau stretching for 42 km) and then crossing Tsokar lake (1300ft). Reach Tsomoririlake by evening. Overnight at Camp.
DAY 04: Tsomoriri - Leh - Via Chumathang Hot spring approx (200 km / 6-7 hrs)
After breakfast, follow the road and reach Leh by afternoon. Relax and overnight at the hotel in Leh.
DAY 05: Leh Sight-seeing
Post Breakfast we proceed for Indus Valley Monastery Starting with Hemis Gompa, the largest monastic foundation of Drukpa Kagyu Order of Tibetan Buddhism, Thiksey Monastery an impressive complex rising tier upon tier on a hill above the village, Shey Palace, The ancient capital of Ladakh, Leh Palace, Stok Palace Museum, 3 Idiots Rancho School & Sindhu Ghat. Relax for the rest of the day and overnight at Leh.
DAY 06: Leh - Pangong Lake Via Chang-La Pass (140 km / 5-6 hrs)
After breakfast, departure for Pangong Lake (approx. 140 km, located on the Indo China Border), via Chang-la pass (alt: 17370 ft). Later check-in at the tented accommodation at Pangong Lake.
DAY 07: Pangong Lake - Nubra Valley (170 km / 6hrs)
After breakfast leave for Nubra Valley, later check into the hotel or tented accommodation in the Diskit / Hundar. Later, we visit the Diskit Monastery which houses Maitreya Buddha & dunes to witness Bactrian camels. Visitors can opt for a camel safari or ATV rides. Overnight Stay at the Camp or Hotel.
DAY 08: HUNDER – TURTUK – HUNDER (82 km – 2.5 hrs One Way)
After an early breakfast, we drive to Turtuk, lying at the extreme corner of the Indian border, and hence its accessibility is a challenge. Due to treacherous roads and sensitive army base camps, permits were not issued to Indian civilians until late 2010. After visiting we drive back to our camp or Hotel in Hunder for an overnight stay.
OR
Morning walk to Samsthaling monastery - popular Buddhist religious site located at the Sumur Village, visit Yarab Tso Lake, Panamik - the hamlet of Panamik is popular for a hot water spring. After lunch visit Ensa monastery - Ensa Gompa is a 250-year-old monastery, located near Panamik Village. Drive back to your hotel for a night's stay.
Day 09: Nubra Valley to Leh via Khardung La Pass (120 km / 5 hrs)
After breakfast, we travel from Nubra Valley to Leh over Khardung La (The Highest Motorable Road In The World) at 5,602 Mtrs / 18,390 Ft, around 39 km from Leh. From the pass, one can see all the way south over the Indus valley to seemingly endless peaks and ridges of the Zanskar range. Evening, visit Shanti Stupa & explore Leh market at your pace.
DAY 10: Leh – Alchi / Uleytokpo (60 km / 1.5-2 hrs)
After leisurely breakfast drive down the Indus Valley on the first leg of your journey to Kargil& Srinagar. On the way, visit the Hall of Fame, GurudwaraPathar Sahib, Magnetic Point, Sangam (confluence of Indus & Zanskar Rivers). Then the 11th century Alchi Choskor, the oldest surviving monastic complex famous for its wall frescoes and architecture - a UNESCO-listed heritage site and Likir Monastery. Overnight at Ule
DAY 11: Ule - Lamayuru - Kargil (135 KM / 5 hrs)
After breakfast leave for Kargil, en-route visiting the dramatically located Lamayuru monastery and the adjoining "Moonland" hills. On the way to Kargil, you can view the 9-Mtrs. tall rock sculpture of the Maitreya Buddha at Mulbek (7th –8th century AD). Overnight in a hotel at Kargil.
DAY 12: Kargil - Sonamarg - Srinagar (205kms)
Early departure for Srinagar driving through Drass (famous as the second coldest inhabited place in the world) and crossing the Zoji-la Pass (11,500-ft. / 3,505 m) to reach hill station of Sonamarg from where it's smooth driving through the beautiful Kashmir countryside to reach Srinagar. Overnight at Srinagar Hotel.
DAY 13: Srinagar Local Sightseeing
Full day sightseeing in Srinagar. Proceed to visit the famous Mughal Gardens "NISHAT BAGH" and "SHALIMAR BAGH" & "Shankaracharya Temple" atop the hill called Takht-e-Suleiman by cars. Evening, enjoy a shikara ride in the serene Dal lake waters. Overnight at Srinagar Hotel.
DAY 14: Departure Srinagar
Early morning transfer to the airport for taking the flight back.
Kashmir to Leh (Driving)
DAY 01: ARRIVAL AT SRINAGAR
Upon arrival at Srinagar Airport, you will be met by our representative and transfer to Hotel Houseboat for Check-in. The rest of the day is free. In the evening you take a Shikara ride on world-famous Dal Lake, where you visit the floating vegetable gardens & Open Dal Lake. Dinner & overnight stay at Houseboat/Hotel.
DAY 02: SRINAGAR TO SONMARG (85KM) 3 HRS
Post breakfast we drive to Sonmarg also known as Meadow of Gold, In the evening one can take a pony ride (at additional cost) to Thajiwas Glacier where snow remains round the year.
DAY 03: SONMARG TO KARGIL (125 KM) 6-7 hrs
After early breakfast, we will drive towards Kargil en-route crossing Drass Village (2nd Coldest inhabited in the world) and have a magnificent view of Kargil War famous Peaks (Tiger & Tololing) and pay tribute to Vijay Smarak (The War Memorial) located right on Highway at the base of tololing. After reaching Kargil we check-in at our hotel for an overnight stay.
DAY 04: KARGIL TO SHAM VALLEY (ULE) (VIA LAMAYURU) ( 160 KM ) 3-4 HRS
Post breakfast we drive to Sham Valley en-route visiting 11th Century Lamayuru Monastery & the mesmerizing Moon Landscapes (you will believe why the name of this area is Moonland as the formations of Land are visible as on the moon), Lamayuru is spectacularly located along the valley plain and surrounded by mountains on all sides. Visit Alchi & Likir monastery. Upon arrival in Uleytokpo. We check-in at our Camp for an overnight stay.
DAY 05: SHAM VALLEY TO LEH (ENROUTE VISITING MONASTERIES) 60 KM
Post breakfast we drive towards Leh via stopping at to sight the Confluence of The Indus And Zanskar River and further to Magnetic Hill which defies the law of gravity. It has been noticed that when a vehicle is parked on neutral gear on this metallic road the vehicle slides up and Gurudwara Pathar Sahib Nestled deep in the Himalayas, which was built by the Lamas of Leh in 1517 to commemorate the visit of Guru Nanak Dev. Overnight at Leh.
DAY 06: LEH–NUBRA VALLEY VIA KHARDUNG LA 18,390 FT. (120 KMS / 4 – 5 HRS)
Post breakfast we drive to Nubra Valley. The road journey from Leh to Nubra Valley passes over Khardung La (The Highest Motorable Road In The World) at 5,602 Mtrs / 18,390 Ft, around 39 km from Leh. From the pass, one can see all the way south over the Indus valley to seemingly endless peaks and ridges of the Zanskar range, and north to the giants of the Saser massif. Upon arrival in Nubra, we check in at our Camp / Hotel in Hunder.
Later, we visit the Diskit Monastery which houses Maitreya Buddha & dunes to witness Bactrian camels. Visitors can opt for a camel safari or ATV rides. Overnight Stay at the Camp or Hotel.
DAY 07: HUNDER – TURTUK – HUNDER (82 KM – 3 HRS ONE WAY)
After an early breakfast, we drive to Turtuk, lying at the extreme corner of the Indian border, and hence its accessibility is a challenge. Due to treacherous roads and sensitive army base camps, permits were not issued to Indian civilians until late 2010. After visiting we drive back to our camp or Hotel in Hunder for an overnight stay.
OR
Morning walk to Samsthaling monastery - popular Buddhist religious site located at the Sumur Village, visit Yarab Tso Lake, Panamik - the hamlet of Panamik is popular for a hot water spring. After lunch visit Ensa monastery - Ensa Gompa is a 250-year-old monastery, located near Panamik Village. Drive back to your hotel for a night's stay.
DAY 08: Nubra – Pangong Lake (170 km / 6hrs)
After breakfast, we proceed towards Pangong Tso via Agham & Shyok Valley. Some of the road patches in areas are extremely tough (towards the Nubra side) in terms of road conditions but no doubt the journey is very scenic! Later after crossing this adventurous part we drive further towards Durbuk & Tangtse for Pangong you pass through few small villages of Changthang and finally, you can have a sudden view of the Blue Pangong lake situated at 14,000 feet (4,267 m). Explore the Pangong Lake at your own pace. Check-in to the tented accommodations that Pangong Lake offers.
DAY 09: Pangong Lake – Leh Via Changla Pass (140kms / 6hrs)
Leave early morning for Leh as you would need to reach by 10 am to get your RT-PCR test done. After the afternoon, you can relax and visit the Leh market for shopping. Overnight at Leh.
DAY 10: Leh Sight-seeing
Post Breakfast we proceed for Indus Valley Monastery Starting with Hemis Gompa, the largest monastic foundation of Drukpa Kagyu Order of Tibetan Buddhism, Thiksey Monastery an impressive complex rising tier upon tier on a hill above the village, Shey Palace, The ancient capital of Ladakh, Leh Palace, Stok Palace Museum, 3 Idiots Rancho School & Sindhu Ghat. Relax for the rest of the day and overnight at Leh.
DAY 11: Airport Departure
In time, assisted transfer to Leh airport to board flight towards your onward destination.
Gallery
Best Time To Visit
Ladakh witnesses extreme climatic conditions due to its high-altitude terrain so June to August serves as the best time to visit wherein the temperatures are moderate. July and August are monsoon times in Ladakh but due to its topography, it receives only drizzled rain. The temperatures usually run between 15-25 Degree Celsius during the day and drop to 4-10 Degrees at the night.
During August, road journeys from Kashmir and Manali become a little tricky due to monsoons wherein there are possibilities of landslides and other blocks. Even Independence Day comes forwards which also hampers road travel as the army is preparing for its celebrations.
September does serve to be a good time to visit for the people who would love to experience snowfall as Ladakh starts receiving snow from mid-September and temperatures start falling low as compared to the previous season. Another best point of traveling in September is that the road journeys from neighbouring states are still open.
Winters in Ladakh are famous for adventures and trek travelers but most of the tourist locations are shut during this time due to extreme cold weather wherein the temperature drops to -30 Degrees.
Cities
Leh is an interesting place to visit which allows tourists to encompass beautiful local and Tibetan markets defining its culture, stunning monasteries, and Gompas, rugged palaces, and landscapes. Leh is an important city to explore as anywhere you travel in Ladakh one has to return to Leh.
Leh offers exciting hotel accommodations that provide exceptional services with Grand Dragon being the best hotel in Leh followed by The Abduz which is a very recent and modern hotel.
Nubra Valley is an alluring location in Ladakh lying about 140kms from Leh is a high-altitude desert of India. Nubra Valley is extremely pretty and famed for its picturesque beauty comprising of white dunes and Shyok River surrounded by snow-capped mountains as its backdrop.
Nubra valley boasts an alluring panorama, peaceful monasteries that influence Buddhist culture, and double-humped Bactrian camels which are found only here. Tourists require an inner line permit for visiting Nubra Valley. It’s a must for tourists to explore this undefinable beautiful location and it shall be admired by all sorts of travelers. Nubra Valley is known as one of the best places in India to spot the milky way.
Uleytokpo is an enchanting small village 70kms from Leh residing on the Leh-Srinagar Highway and the Indus river which is an extremely pretty place to be. Uleytokpo is usually a stop-over for people coming via Srinagar to acclimatize themselves before reaching Leh. Ule is a gorgeous place to spend your vacation amidst peaceful nature and the Himalayas.
Ule serves as a base for people wanting to explore nearby locations and Lamayuru as well. Ule is more of a classy location that normal tourists wouldn’t explore and is famous among trekkers, adventurers, and nature lovers. Ule Ethnic Resort & Apricot Tree are the two fantastic properties one can wish to stay in with views of the Indus river and Himalayas from your room.
Pangong Lake is the epitome of beauty and its outstanding scenery would captivate anyone’s eyes. The Pangong Tso lake extends from India to Tibet and only 30-40% is in India and the rest lies in Tibet. Pangong Lake lies at a high altitude area of 4350 meters and hence it’s windy and cold and tourists would require an inner line permit to travel here.
Pangong Lake is post-card perfect with its exceptional beauty and its uniqueness is the water changing its colours from blue to light blue to green to grey too. Pangong Tso Lake is one destination that any traveler wants to travel to during their trip to Ladakh.
Pangong Lake has been a shoot location for many Bollywood movies which has inspired people to visit this beautiful location. Kareena Kapoor’s scooter in 3 Idiots, SRK’s bike in Jab Tak Hai Jaan are placed there for visitors to take pictures and are a source of income for locals. Visitors can also opt for a Yak ride here. Pangong Lake becomes frozen during the winter months and still is popular among travelers to explore its beauty amidst the harsh weather.
Pangong Lake offers varied sorts of tented accommodation for its visitors to admire this beautiful lake during sunset and sunrise. But it is better to be prepared for the basic facilities only.
Chang-La pass is the second highest motorable pass in the world after the Khardung-La. Chang-La pass can be explored while traveling from Leh to Pangong Lake or vice-versa. The pass is guarded and protected by the Indian Army due to its closeness to the Chinese border.
This is one of the places where tourists would find guaranteed snow any time of the year unless it's too sunny in the summers and snow melts off. Travelers would love photographing this exciting pass due to its exceptional beauty of panoramic snow-capped mountains. There’s also a café here for refreshments.
Tso Moriri Lake is breathtakingly beautiful with the snowy Himalayas as its backdrop is the largest high altitude lake in India located at 4595 meters. Tso Moriri is accessible to visitors during the summer months from May or June to mid-September and is inaccessible between the winter months of January to March.
Travelers require an inner line permit to travel here and the lake is declared as a Ramsar site wherein it isn’t permitted to set up a tent or construct anything nearby the lake. This measure ideally retains the beauty of this lake.
Accommodation is available a little far away from the lake wherein the tents are set up to witness the beautiful sunrise over the lake. Tso Moriri is a remote location and hence facilities provided here are very basic as well electricity and hot water is a challenge as its runs on Solar Power majorly.