7 Days Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake)

Day 1: Arrive in Leh

Welcome to Leh | Arrive at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport.

Arrival Leh by morning flight and transfer to the hotel. After welcome drink take a complete rest for acclimatization to the high altitude of Leh (3500 meters). In the late afternoon drive to the city for an orientation walk in the markets‚ followed by a visit to Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

Shanti Stupa is situated on a hilltop in Chanspa, Leh district, Ladakh, in the north Indian state of Leh. Shanti Stupa is a known Buddhist white-domed stupa. It was built in 1991 by Japanese Buddhist Bhikshu Gyomyo Nakamura. The Shanti Stupa holds the relics of the Buddha at its base, enshrined by the 14th Dalai Lama himself. Shanti Stupa provides beautiful and panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. This has become a primary reason for Shanti Stupa to become a popular tourist attraction, apart from its religious significance.

Leh Palace also known as 'Lhachen Palkhar,' is a 17th-century former royal palace and one of the central attractions in Leh. Built under the patronage of King Sengge Namgyal, it used to house his family. The nine-storey dun-coloured palace now houses a museum and a prayer room, while the highlight is the sweeping view of Leh and the surrounding Zanskar mountain from the rooftop.

Dinner and Overnight Stay in Leh 

Day 2: Leh - Excursion to Sham Valley (65 kms / 04 hrs – one way)

After breakfast you drive downstream along the River Indus on Leh – Kargil Highway. And start our sightseeing with Hall Of Fame (museum constructed by Indian Army) near Leh, worth a visit for every Indian, and proceed further to Gurudwara Patthar Sahib at an altitude of 3600 meters about 22 kms from Leh constructed in memory of Guru Nanak Dev Ji nestled deep in the Himalayas. A drive of another 4 km takes us to Magnetic Hill which defies the law of gravity. As you move ahead from Magnetic Hill, just before Nimmu Village, there comes the famous Confluence Of Two Rivers - Indus River coming from Tibet (left) and Zanskar River coming from Zanskar Valley (right). After visiting the confluence we head to Alchi Gompa, the complex of temples located within the village and the most celebrated of Ladakh’s monasteries, dating back to the 11th century. After visiting Alchi we drive back towards Leh enroute visiting Likir Monastery which was built in the 11th century and rebuilt in the 18th century housing a 25 feet gold covered Buddha statue. Later we drive back to Leh.

Hall Of Fame (closed on Mondays) an important stopover on the tourist circuit, the Hall Of Fame encapsulates the essence of patriotism and displays exhibits relating to the bravery of Indian soldiers and their courageous accomplishments. As you pass through the OP Vijay Gallery, which showcases weaponry that was used in the Kargil War, and see the elaborate display of documents of the war, uniforms worn at the Siachen glacier and others, you will be filled with a sense of pride. The letters written by soldiers to their families, photographs clicked during wars fought in the region and a 30-minute documentary on the Kargil War are some of the highlights. On the second floor, guns and equipment detained by the Indian Army during confrontations with the Pakistan Army have been put up as exhibits. The museum also houses a souvenir shop. The hall has been built inside a museum erected by the Indian Army in honour of soldiers who perished during various wars fought in this region.

Magnetic Hill Perched at an altitude of 14,000 ft, Magnetic Hill is one of the most intriguing spots in the country. This tiny hillock is said to defy gravity as it tends to pull vehicles upwards. It is quite thrilling to defy the laws of science and be pulled in the opposite direction. The scientific theory states that there is a strong magnetic force emanating from the hills that defies gravity at this particular spot. It is a good pitstop on the highway and serves as a break in between mundane road travel. Best to visit between May to September, when the road is easily accessible. There is a board that marks the location of Magnetic Hill, so it cannot be missed while driving down the highway. Local Ladakhi superstition believes that the road is a straight stairway to heaven.

Confluence of the Zanskar & Indus River is originated from the great Himalayan ranges and Zanskar River originates from Zanskar ranges. Zanskar River is shiny blue in colour, while Indus looks a little green. Zanskar meets Indus in Nimmu valley from the northeast. This is a scenic view for visitors and they find it fascinating to mark both the rivers even after their confluence.

Gurudwara Pathar Sahib is a highly revered gem located 25 miles away from Leh town on Kargil Leh Highway. Devoted to Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikh religion, the sacred place beautifully commemorates his visit to Ladakh. Dating back to 1517, the Gurudwara houses a boulder with imprints of the head, shoulders and backside of Shree Guru Nanak Dev.

Alchi Gompa the architecture of Alchi Monastery is of Tibetan style. The monastery complex has three major shrines - the Dukhang (Assembly Hall), the Sumtsek and the Temple of Manjushri. There are also chortens in the complex. Wall paintings are the major attractions here as they depict details of both Buddhist style and Kashmiri style. The complex houses a huge statue of the Buddha and lavish wood carvings and artwork, similar to baroque style.

Dinner and Overnight at hotel in Leh

Day 3: 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 (Second Highest Motorable Road In The World) at 5,602 meters / 18,390 feet, 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. Nubra Valley is popularly known as Ldumra or the Valley of Flowers. It is situated north of Ladakh between the Karakoram and Ladakh ranges of the Himalayas. The average altitude of the valley is 10,000 ft above sea level. Upon arrival in Nubra, we check in at our Camp/Hotel in Hunder for overnight stay. In the evening you can walk around the tiny villages to see how the locals live in this part of the world. 

Overnight Stay in Nubra Valley

Day 4: In Nubra – Excursion to Turtuk (0 point & Thang village)

After an early breakfast, proceed to Turtuk (a village that was won by India in the 1971 war with Pakistan) and extremely close to the border. Visit a 16th-century mosque, (comprising a touch of Turkish & Iranian culture), the ruined fort of Dhards and a monastery. Admire the magnificent view of the famous K2 Peak (the second highest peak in the world after Mount Everest). Later back to hotel for overnight stay.

Overnight Stay in Nubra Valley

Day 5: Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake (150 kms / 5 hrs)

After an early breakfast we check out from Camp or Hotel and drive towards Hunder where you have the opportunity to ride on a Bactrian camel (double humped) amidst the sand dunes of this high-altitude desert with snowcapped mountains on the horizon. On return stop at Diskit which is the headquarter town of Nubra Valley. Stroll around the bazaar observing the shops and local people going about their daily chores. Later we drive towards Pangong Tso via Agham and Shyok Valley. Some road patches in areas are extremely tough (towards Nubra side) in terms of road conditions but the journey is very scenic! After crossing this adventurous part, we drive further towards Durbuk and Tangtse for Pangong, passing through few small villages of Changthang and finally you can have a sudden view of the Pangong Lake situated at 14,000 feet (4,267 m). Upon arrival we check in at our Camp/Hotel near Pangong Lake. 

Dinner and Overnight Stay in Pangong Lake

Day 6: Pangong Lake to Leh via Changla (140 kms / 6 hrs)

Morning at leisure to explore the beauty of the lake and later we drive back to Leh via Changla Pass 5486 meters en route visiting Hemis Gompa, the largest monastic foundation of Drukpa Kagyu Order of Tibetan Buddhism. Further to Thiksey, an impressive complex rising tier upon tier on a hill above the village and another 5 kms driving through a picturesque landscape we reach to Shey Palace, the ancient capital of Ladakh & 3 Idiots Rancho School. Drive further to Leh. 

Dinner and Overnight Stay in Leh

Day 7: Depart Leh (Fly Out)

Through a punctual transfer to the Domestic Airport to catch the flight for your onward destination.

End Tour