Your journey begins in Srinagar, where you'll explore the tranquil Dal Lake, enjoy a Shikara ride, and visit the stunning Mughal Gardens like Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh. From Srinagar, you'll travel to Sonmarg, known for its breathtaking meadows and the Thajiwas Glacier, where you can enjoy a pony ride or trek. Next, head towards Kargil, passing through the Zoji La Pass and visiting Drass, one of the coldest inhabited places in the world, with possible stops at War Memorials. After Kargil, proceed to the lesser-known village of Ulley, famous for snow leopard spotting and remote Himalayan landscapes.
Continue your adventure with a visit to Nubra Valley, crossing the majestic Khardung La Pass, the world’s highest motorable road. In Nubra, you can explore Diskit Monastery and enjoy a ride on the famous Bactrian camels in the sand dunes of Hunder. Then, journey to the picturesque Pangong Lake, famous for its changing hues, and finally reach Leh, where you can visit key attractions like the Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, and the Thiksey Monastery, culminating your Ladakh experience with cultural and scenic exploration.
Upon arriving in Srinagar by flight, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. After checking in and freshening up, enjoy a serene hour-long Shikara ride on Dal Lake. This traditional wooden boat ride offers beautiful views of the lake, surrounding mountains, and picturesque houseboats, providing a peaceful introduction to the charm of Srinagar.
Overnight stay at Srinagar
Wake up and enjoy a visit to the famous floating markets on the Dal Lake.Return for breakfast. Proceed for a sightseeing of the Srinagar town which will include the Shankaracharya Temple, Nishat Garden and Mughal Garden.
Overnight stay at Srinagar
After breakfast, drive to Sonmarg, making a stop at a riverside restaurant for a cup of Kahwa. Upon arrival in Sonmarg, visit the Thajiwas Glacier, where you can enjoy stunning views and the cool, refreshing environment.
Overnight stay in Sonmarg
Start with breakfast at your hotel in Sringar. Then, drive to Kargil, enjoying scenic views of the Himalayan mountains, valleys, and rivers. En route, visit the Drass War Memorial, a tribute to soldiers who fought in the Kargil War. The memorial, located in Drass, offers a poignant reflection on the conflict and stunning views of Tololing and Tiger Hill.
Overnight stay in Kargil
Guided Heritage Walk around Kargil: A guided walk through the old caravan bazaar, a tour of the Central Asian Museum and a trip to the Unlock Hundurman – Museum of Memories at the LoC between India and Pakistan
Overnight stay in Kargil
Start with a scenic drive to Mulbekh, a quiet village in Ladakh famous for its ancient Buddha murals on the cliffs, showcasing intricate Buddhist art. Next, visit the Lamayuru Monastery, known as the "Moonland Monastery" for its striking lunar-like landscape, offering stunning views and insights into monastic life. Continue to the historic Alchi Monastery, renowned for its well-preserved murals and unique architecture.
Overnight stay in Ulley
After an early breakfast, drive to the picturesque village of Tar and embark on a short hike through stunning landscapes to reach this charming spot. Enjoy a packed picnic lunch by a serene stream, soaking in the peaceful ambiance. In the evening, return to your accommodation and take a leisurely stroll along the Indus River. For a refreshing touch, you might even take a dip in the icy waters of the stream, a fun option that kids will love. This day combines scenic beauty with relaxation, offering a memorable and rejuvenating experience.
Overnight stay in Ulley
Embark on a journey along the historic Silk Road by driving past the lively Leh market and ascending to the dramatic Khardungla Pass. Take some time to revel in the snowy surroundings before descending into the scenic Nubra Valley. Upon arrival, check into your accommodation and enjoy a leisurely lunch. As the sun sets, explore the renowned sand dunes of Sumor and experience a ride on the bactrian double-humped camels, adding a special highlight to your adventure.
Overnight stay in Nubra
After an early breakfast, we drive to Turtuk, a remote village and several nearby settlements that came under Indian control after the 1971 war, when Indian forces pushed Pakistani troops past the Nubra Valley's towering mountains. Turtuk, situated at the far end of the Indian border, is challenging to reach due to its isolation and the sensitive military areas along the way. Until late 2010, permits for Indian civilians were restricted due to the difficult terrain and military presence. Despite the rugged conditions, including landslides and falling stones, the three-hour drive from Nubra Valley to Turtuk is breathtaking, with the Shyok River and the dramatic Ladakh landscape as your companions. After visiting Turtuk, we return to our camp or hotel in Nubra Valley for dinner and an overnight stay.
Overnight stay in Nubra
After an early breakfast, we check out from our camp and drive toward Pangong Tso, passing through Agham and Shyok Valley. While some sections of the road, particularly on the Nubra side, can be quite challenging, the journey is incredibly scenic. Once we navigate these adventurous stretches, we continue through Durbuk and Tangtse, passing through small villages in Changthang. Finally, we catch our first glimpse of the stunning Pangong Lake, situated at 14,000 feet (4,267 meters). This famous brackish lake, 5-6 kilometers wide and over 133 kilometers long, extends across the Indo-China border. The pristine beauty and serene environment of Pangong Lake offer an unforgettable experience, drawing tourists from around the world, especially after its feature in the film "3 Idiots." Upon arrival, we check into our camp near the lake. In the evening, relax at the campsite or take a short hike around the lake. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the camp.
Overnight stay in Pangong
Return to Leh for the night, traveling via the Chang-la Pass, one of the highest motorable passes in the world, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges. As you make your way back, take time to visit the Hemis Monastery, a significant and vibrant Buddhist monastery renowned for its grand annual festival and impressive collection of ancient artifacts and thangkas (religious paintings). Continue your journey with a stop at Shey Palace, an ancient royal residence that provides a glimpse into Ladakh's history and offers spectacular views of the valley below. The palace, once the summer retreat of Ladakhi kings, is adorned with impressive murals and houses a large Buddha statue. After these enriching visits, complete your drive back to Leh and settle in for a relaxing evening, reflecting on the day's cultural and scenic highlights.
Overnight stay in Leh
Explore local sights in Leh, starting with a visit to Spituk Gompa, a historic monastery perched on a hilltop offering panoramic views of the surrounding valley. Next, tour the Leh Palace, an impressive royal residence with a rich history and striking architecture. Continue to Tsemo Gompa, known for its ancient fortifications and stunning vistas. Then, visit the Shanti Stupa, a serene white dome stupa that provides breathtaking views of Leh and the surrounding mountains. Wrap up your day with a visit to the Hall of Fame War Museum, where you can enjoy a captivating light and sound show on your final evening in Leh, celebrating the region's rich heritage and heroic history.
Overnight stay in Leh
Embark on a full day trek through the stunning Markha Valley in Hemis National Park, known for its breathtaking desert landscapes and adventurous river crossings, including the high Kongmaru La Pass (17,060 ft). The trail offers exceptional views of Mt. Kang Yatse (21,300 ft) and features dramatic rocky canyons and diverse wildlife. The trek's highlight is the charming villages of Markha Valley, where traditional Tibetan culture thrives amidst lush green fields. Enjoy cozy homestays in these picturesque villages, making Markha Valley one of India’s unique tea-house treks and a rewarding experience without the need for camping logistics.
Overnight stay in Leh
After breakfast transfer to the Airport for your flight back home
13 Nights & 14 Days
Srinagar - Sonmarg - Kargil - Ulley - Nubra - Pangong - Leh