A classic introduction to Ladakh's extraordinary landscape — ancient monasteries, the cold desert of Nubra, and the vivid turquoise of Pangong Lake at 4,350 metres.
Tour Highlights
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Day by Day Itinerary
On arrival in Delhi you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day will be free to relax or explore the city independently.
This morning you will be picked up from your hotel and driven back to the airport for your flight, high over the Himalayas to Leh. Once there, you will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel. We recommend a quiet day today with gentle local walks around town, sipping plenty of tea, as your body adjusts to the altitude. The evening is free to have dinner either at your hotel or in town.
We recommend that you take this morning slowly and relax as you will still be feeling the effects of the altitude. However, a little more activity will be planned for the afternoon, with a guided visit to the spectacular monasteries of Thiksey, Matho and Shey, the ancient capital on the Indus, with its giant golden Buddha. Here you will find beautiful palaces, temples and restored murals. Dinner once again can be either at your hotel or at a restaurant in town — we recommend the Tibetan Kitchen.
Depart early this morning to witness the morning prayers at Thiksey Monastery, located on a hill with formidable views of the Indus Valley. The monastery is known for its gigantic seated statue of the Maitreya and Dukhang assembly hall, which houses hundreds of wooden and silk prayer books. Then explore Hemis monastery, one of the largest and most revered monasteries in Ladakh, which is also home to a charming museum. Return to Leh, stopping via Shey Palace, the former summer palace of the King of Ladakh. Enjoy a heritage walk through Leh, where the old part of the town is particularly interesting and remarkably well-preserved, with over one hundred and eighty old buildings, including several Buddhist temples and mosques.
You will go on a full day tour to Pangong Tso lake, situated at 4,300 metres, the endorheic lake is a beautiful lake with crystal clear blue waters set against the striking backdrop of stark scree slopes and snow-capped mountains. After a short exploration of the lake and a picnic lunch return to Leh. Today will be a long day and for those wanting to skip the Pangong Tso excursion we can arrange alternative activities in and around the Leh and Zanskar valley or visit Choglamsar village for a séance session with the village Oracle.
One of the late areas to be opened to foreign visitors, lying high on the Tibetan Plateau, is like stepping back in time. After breakfast you will drive the highest road in the world, over the Khardung La (5,600m), before descending into the valley. Nubra Valley was on the old caravan trade route to Central Asia, a feeder to the famous Silk Route and still home to impressive monasteries. In the afternoon, you'll be free to explore the region.
Today you will explore the valley, passing through villages to see how the Nubra people live, visiting local monasteries, enjoying the magnificent culture and scenery. You will visit the 17th century Diskit monastery, dramatically perched on a hill with stunning views of the valley and river below. A visit to the nearby Nubra dunes will show you the local Bactrian camels; their ancestors were once used on the Silk Road trading routes that passed this way. In the evening a local meal will be served.
Return to Leh and enjoy a leisurely afternoon. Visit the local market or simply relax at your hotel.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight over the Himalaya back to Delhi. The rest of the day is free.
After breakfast the tour concludes. Onwards flights can be arranged from Delhi airport.
About This Journey
Experience the extraordinary Buddhist culture of Ladakh — ‘Little Tibet’ — on this tailor-made private journey. Ladakh sits on the Tibetan Plateau at 3,500 metres, a cold desert landscape of dramatic mountains, ancient monasteries and traditional villages that has remained largely unchanged for centuries. This example itinerary takes you from Delhi to Leh, exploring the valley’s monasteries before crossing the Khardung La to the sand dunes of the Nubra Valley, then making the long day trip to the brilliant blue waters of Pangong Tso lake.
Highlights
Visit Thiksey Monastery with its remarkable seated Maitreya Buddha and assembly hall. Explore the ancient capital of Shey and the monasteries of Matho and Hemis. Cross the Khardung La — one of the highest motorable passes in the world — to the cold desert Nubra Valley. Day trip to the extraordinary Pangong Tso lake at 4,300 metres, famous for its vivid blue waters.
This is an example itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes and budget, or build a trip from scratch.
Accommodation Used On This Tour
The Claridges
The Claridges has been a veritable treasure in Lutyens Delhi since the 1950s. Refurbished, redesigned and revitalized, the hotel offers guests an experience that is new and yet so familiar. In an excellent location just a short auto ride from Khan Market and Connaught Place, this four star hotel has 132 rooms and suites designed with an elegant blend of 19th century character and contemporary style, a refreshing outdoor pool, indoor gym and relaxing spa.
Grand Dragon
The finest hotel in Leh, the Grand Dragon is a family-run property that has grown with Ladakh's tourism over three decades. Its rooms combine traditional Ladakhi woodwork with modern comforts, its restaurant serves excellent Ladakhi and Indian cuisine, and its central heating makes it one of few properties comfortable in all seasons at 3,500 metres.
Accommodation displayed here should be taken as a guide only. Please refer to the detailed itinerary of your individual departure for more information.
Where You Stay
What's Included
Frequently Asked Questions
June to September is the ideal window for Ladakh and the high Himalaya, when the passes are open and the weather is stable. Kashmir is beautiful from April to October, with October offering the famous chinar autumn colours. Winter travel is possible to Kashmir but the high passes close.
Parts of this itinerary reach significant altitude. We build in acclimatisation days with gentle activity, and our guides are experienced in recognising and managing altitude symptoms. Travellers with heart or respiratory conditions should consult their doctor before booking.
Yes — the tourist areas covered by this itinerary have an excellent safety record and are well accustomed to international visitors. We monitor conditions continuously and our local teams provide 24/7 support throughout.
Absolutely. This is an example itinerary and every element — hotels, duration, route and activities — can be tailored to your preferences and budget. Contact us to discuss your ideal journey.
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