Essential Ladakh

Essential Ladakh: Complete Itinerary

Day 01: Delhi / Leh

On arrival at Leh airport, meet with our office representative, who will assist and transfer you to Hotel.

Take complete rest for the day to acclimatize to the high altitude. Late evening take a walk around Leh Town or take rest at hotel to acclimatize to the altitude.

Day 02: Around Leh- Shanti Stup/Samkar/Namgyal Tsemo/Leh Palace

Second day for the acclimatisation. Take a short sightseeing trip around upper Leh.

Some places to visit -

Thiksey Gompa: 19Kms from Leh, spectacularly sited, Thiksey is one of the largest and architecturally most impressive Gompas. There are several temples in this Gompas, containing images, stupas and wall paintings of Buddha, which are exquisite. 

Shey Palace and Gompa: Situated on a hillock 15Kms upstream from Leh, it was once the residence of the royal family. According to tradition, it was the seat of power of the pre-Tibetan kinds. A 7.5 mts high copper statue of Buddha, plated with gold and the largest of its kind, is installed here.

Shanti Stupa built by the Japanese government in 1995 and inaugurated by H.H.Dalai Lama of Tibet. Enjoy panoramic views of Leh and surrounding areas of Indus valley from here.

Sankar Gompa is a small Gelukpa Buddhist monastery at upper Leh and it is the monastery of Head lama of Ladakh.

Namgyal Tsemo or the Victory peaks as it is popularly known is on the top of the Leh. It is an ancient Castle of Ladakh King Rakpa Bumde and Lehche Spakar.

Leh Palace is a nine storey structure built in 17th century by Ladakhi King Senge Namgyal. At present preserved and protected by the Archeological survey of India.

O/N Guesthouse at Leh.

Day 03: Leh – Nubra Valley (7 Hrs)

Post Breakfast head out to Nubra Valley via the world’s highest motorable pass - Khardung La. Stop by at the world’s highest café – catch a quick snack and tea and the customary photo shoot. As you continue towards Nubra, you will drop altitude and reach a region that is the most fertile in Ladakh.

The drive between Khardung La and Nubra alongside the Shyok river is our favourite. The landscape is stunning, as you follow the Shyok river.

If you have time, you can visit the Samstanling gonpa at Sumur and hot springs at Panamik (said to have medicinal). Head to Hunder via Diskit (Administrative Headquarter of Nubra).

The 7km stretch between Diskit and Nubra is marked by sand dunes which is a surprising sight at high altitude.

The sand dunes at Hunder are best enjoyed late afternoon onwards. As the sun sets, the colors change reflecting on the sand dunes and the mountains in the background – the river in the middle adds to the awe. You will see the Bactrian (double humped) camels – a reminder of the historical Silk Route. If interested you can take a ride on the camels.

Stay in tents or a guesthouse in Hunder for the night.

Day 04: Nubra Valley – Leh (5-6 Hrs)

Head back to Leh. Via Khardung La. Stay at Guesthouse in Leh.

You can alternatively visit Diskit Gompa today, on your way back to be part of the prayer sessions.

Day 05: Leh – Pangong Lake (8-9 Hrs)

Post early breakfast, drive to Pangong lake taking the road via Karu. You will pass by the beautiful green valley of Shakti as you ascend towards Chang La - the third highest motorable pass in the world.

As you drive down from the pass you will reach Tangste village, en-route you will see many endemic and migratory bird species and will certainly encounter the Tibeten Marmots. The landscape as you approach Pangong Tso is breathtaking! Spend some time soaking in the beauty of Pangong Tso , have lunch at the temporary restaurants out there and head back to Leh.

Day 06: Drop off to Airport for the early morning flight

Similar itinerary can be planned on bullet (or other) motorcycle. You can start and end your trip from Ladakh or start from Manali and end in Ladakh.

Extension of the above program can be done to Srinagar also.