Ladakh, the coldest desert on earth, is a breathtaking mountain region surrounded by the mighty Himalayan and Karakoram ranges. This isolated part of India is known for extreme landscapes from glaciers to sand dunes. Ladakh's fascinating Tibetan-influenced culture and deep spirituality make it an unmatched destination.
Arriving in Leh, meet our representative and head to your hotel. Leh's old town features Buddhist stupas, traditional houses, and an imposing Tibetan palace atop a rocky ridge. After acclimatizing, visit top attractions like Shanti Stupa and 17th century Leh Palace. Later, explore the lively local bazaar filled with shops, eateries and bars. Enjoy dinner and overnight stay in Leh.
After breakfast, visit Ladakh's largest monastery, Hemis, 45 km from Leh. Continue to Thiksey Monastery, perched on a hill with stunning valley views. See Thiksey's giant Maitreya statue and ancient prayer books. Drive past chortens to reach Shey Palace, the former summer retreat of Ladakh's kings. Enjoy dinner and overnight stay back in Leh.
After breakfast, check-out and drive over Khardungla, the world's highest motorable road. See snow-capped peaks and amazing mountain views. Pass through a bridge on a glacier in Guinness Records. Drive through the extremely beautiful valley, perfect for photography. Reach Nubra Valley, an oasis with colorful trees. Visit the sand dunes, likely seeing double-humped camels. Enjoy the dunes spread across Hundur Village. Dinner and overnight at the camp.
After breakfast, visit the 515-year-old Diskit monastery situated on a hilltop with panoramic valley views. Walk around Diskit's small village market and giant Buddha statue. Tour Samsthaling, Panamik, and Yarab Tso Lake with views of the Karakoram Himalayan Range. Samsthaling sits above Sumur on the mountainside, once a route for trade caravans. Panamik was the last major settlement for caravans. Cross Khardungla Pass again and return to Leh. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Leh.
After breakfast, drive to breathtaking Pangong Lake (14,500ft) through Changla Pass (17,350ft), the world’s third highest road. Marvel at this stunning high-altitude saltwater lake shared by India and China. Appreciate the ever-changing colors and meditative silence. Witness spectacular views of the color-shifting lake throughout the day. Dinner and overnight stay in tranquil lakeside camps.
After breakfast, drive back to Leh and check-in at the hotel. Spend evening at leisure or explore the colorful bazaars of Leh city. Dinner and overnight stay in Leh.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Leh airport for a return flight.
Leh & Ladakh is a precious possession of India. It is a pristine and untouched beauty of nature. Summer is the best time to visit Leh Ladakh. Maximum temperature in summer generally reaches about 30 degrees Celsius. However, winters are not recommended to consider, because thick snow sheets lead to inaccessibility of roads.
