8 Days Ladakh (Leh, Sham Valley, Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake)

Day 1: Arrival  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 and 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 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 range from the rooftop.

Dinner and Overnight at hotel in Leh 

Day 2: Leh to Sham Valley (75 kms / 4 hrs)

After breakfast you drive downstream along the River Indus on Leh–Kargil Highway.

Enroute visiting Gurudwara Patthar Sahib nestled deep in the Himalayas. A drive of another 4 km takes us to Magnetic Hill which defies the law of gravity and further driving through a picturesque landscape we reach the Confluence of the Indus and Zanskar River. Just before Saspul, a road to the right takes you to visit the Likir Monastery, one of the most active monasteries in the region. As you drive up to the monastery, a recently installed colossal gilded image of the Maitreya out in the open is one of the most impressive sights in Ladakh. After visiting the monastery, you continue your drive along the River Indus to Tingmosgang en route visiting Ridzong Monastery, where there is the option to walk up to the monastery for those that wish to do so. Hidden at the end of a steep valley, the first view of the monastery is dramatic. After visiting the above places we drive further and check in at our camp/hotel for overnight stay.

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 the documents of the war, uniforms that are 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 that were detained by the Indian Army during its 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 that was erected by the Indian Army in honour of soldiers who perished during the various wars that have been 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. Do note that it is 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 and Indus River originated from the great Himalayan ranges and Zanskar River originates from Zanskar ranges. Zanskar River is shiny blue in colour, on the other hand Indus looks a little green. Zanskar meets Indus in Nimmu Valley from the northeast. This is a scenic view for the 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.

Overnight Stay in Sham Valley

Day 3: Sham Valley to Leh via Lamayuru (180 kms / 05–06 hrs)

Post breakfast you drive to the 11th Century Lamayuru Monastery en route visiting the mesmerizing Moon Landscapes (you will believe why the name of this area is Moonland. Exactly the same formations of land are visible as on the moon). Lamayuru is spectacularly located along the valley plain and surrounded by mountains on all sides. On your return drive to Leh you first visit the Alchi Gompa. The complex of temples located within the village is the most celebrated of Ladakh’s monasteries and dates back to the 11th century. After visiting Alchi we drive back to Leh.

Overnight Stay in Leh

Day 4: 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 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. Nubra Valley is popularly known as Ldumra or the valley of flowers. It is situated in the 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 5: In Nubra (Hunder Village) – Excursion to Turtuk

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 of a touch of Turkish and Iranian culture), ruined fort of Dhards and monastery. Admire the magnificent view of the famous K2 Peak (the second highest peak in the world after Mount Everest). 

Overnight Stay in Nubra Valley

Day 6: 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 the 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 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 and Tangtse for Pangong. You pass 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.

Overnight Stay and Dinner in Pangong Lake 

Day 7: 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 mtrs 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 and 3 Idiots Rancho School. Drive further to Leh. 

Overnight Stay and Dinner in Leh

Day 8: Depart Leh (Fly Out)

Overnight at the Hotel at Lehal transfer to the Domestic Airport to catch the flight for your onward destination.

End Tour