Ladakh: land of monasteries & high passes

Leh

Day 1: Welcome to Leh!

Few places in India are as traveller-friendly yet as enchanting and hassle-free as mountain-framed Leh. Dotted with stupas and crumbling mudbrick houses, the Old Town is dominated by a dagger of steep rocky ridge topped by an imposing Tibetan-style palace and fort.

Check into your hotel on arrival, then spend the rest of the day at leisure, acclimatising to the high altitude and finding your bearings.

Leh

Day 2: Explore the sights of Leh

After breakfast, head out on a sightseeing excursion to explore iconic local landmarks. First you'll visit Stok Palace, built entirely by Ladakhi craftsmen in 1820, and to this day a snug abode for the Namgyal dynasty. Next you'll stop at Shey Palace and the Thiksey Monastery; a fine and solitary example of Ladakhi architecture, the latter is located atop a hill, 20km from Leh. Return to the hotel by late evening to relax.

Leh

Day 3: Historic draws in and around Leh

After breakfast, enjoy another day of sightseeing in and around Leh as you visit the Hall of Fame, the Gurudwara Pathar Sahib and the Alchi Monastery.

Within the monastery complex, artistic and spiritual details of both Buddhism and the Hindu kings of Kashmir are reflected across intricate wall paintings. The complex also boasts huge Buddha statues, lavish wood carvings, and artwork that's almost Baroque in style. Today you'll also visit Sangam, the confluence of the Zanskar and Indus Rivers, and a very picturesque site.

Arrive back into Leh by evening, with an en-route visit to Shanti Stupa, a Buddhist white-domed stupa on a hilltop in Chanspa. It was built in 1991 by Japanese Buddhist bhikku Gyomyo Nakamura, and is part of the Peace Pagoda mission.

leh - Nubra Valley

Day 4: Travel to the scenic Nubra Valley

After breakfast, drive from Leh to the Nubra Valley via the Khardung La Pass - one of the world's highest motorable roads. The valley is located around 159km from Leh, and your route for today traverses Phyang, Khardung La, and the villages of Khalsar and Diskit.

In the Nubra Valley, enjoy sightings of two-humped Bactrian camels and goats whose wool is used to make pashmina shawls, and take time to meet with the locals. This valley is a raw and wonderful option for those seeking peace and authentic interactions with the tribal community of Ladakh.

The Sasser Pass and famous Karakoram Pass of the Silk Route lie to the northwest of the valley, connecting Nubra with Xinjiang in China.

Nubra Valley

Day 5: The ancient Diskit Monastery

After breakfast, head out for your Nubra Valley sightseeing tour. Visit the Diskit Monastery, the largest and oldest-surviving monastery in the Nubra Valley. The prime attraction here is the 30m-high Maitreya Buddha statue, which was inaugurated by the holy Dalai Lama.

You'll then set out to explore the otherworldly Hunder Sand Dunes. Try riding a Bactrian camel for a truly unmissable experience, before returning to the hotel by evening.

Nubra Valley - Leh

Day 6: Journey back to Leh

After breakfast, drive back from the Nubra Valley to Leh. Arrive by the evening, check into your hotel upon arrival, and spend the rest of the night at your leisure.

Leh - Pangong Lake

Day 7: To the shores of Pangong Lake

After breakfast, drive from Leh to Pangong Lake. This endoergic Himalayan Lake lies at a height of about 4,350m (14,270ft). It is 134km (83 mi) long and extends from India to China.

Check into the camp where you'll be spending the night, with unparalleled views of the surrounding mountain ranges and Pangong Lake. The lake's water is salty, crystal-clear, and a lovely shade of blue; it looks best when the sun is shining bright. The evening is to be enjoyed at your leisure, perhaps with a unique yak safari.

Pangong Lake - Leh

Day 8: Marvel at the Hemis Monastery

After breakfast, drive from Pangong Lake back to Leh. Along the way you'll stop to visit the Hemis Monastery, revered as the largest monastic institution in Ladakh. It's the wealthiest Buddhist monastery in India and famous for its rich collection of ancient remnants, including the copper statue of Buddha and stupas made of gold and silver. It also houses sacred thangka paintings, murals, and various artifacts.

Arrive back into Leh in the evening and check into your hotel, before spending the rest of the night at leisure.

Leh

Day 9: Time to relax in Leh

After breakfast, spend the entire day at your leisure. You could explore the culture and lifestyle of Leh, Ladakh's main and very picturesque town. It's dominated by a Tibetan-style palace and fort built over a steep rocky ridge of brown mountains. Visit the local market and bustling bazaar area, and tuck into fantastic food which bears some similarities to Tibetan cuisine; don't miss your chance to sample butter tea. This is your last day in Ladakh, so be sure to make the most of it!

Leh

Day 10: Farewell, Leh!

After breakfast, check out from the hotel. Your private car will drop you off at the domestic airport for your onward travels. Have a safe journey home, and visit again soon!