Touch down in Leh and be warmly received upon arrival. Transfer to your hotel and unwind. Spend your afternoon at leisure exploring the vibrant, colorful bazaars of Leh town, soaking in the unique mountain-town atmosphere.
Overnight: Hotel in Leh
After breakfast, embark on a full-day tour visiting the iconic monasteries surrounding Leh: Shankar, Spituk, and Phyang. In the afternoon, stroll through Leh’s lively market, explore the ruins of Leh Palace, visit Leh Gompa, and soak in panoramic views at the serene Shanti Stupa.
Overnight: Hotel in Leh
Today’s excursion begins with Shey, the ancient capital of Ladakh, where you’ll admire the magnificent gold-gilded Buddha Sakyamuni statue, illuminated by a large silver lamp. Next, visit Thiksey Monastery — a breathtaking multi-tiered complex perched on a hill, home to a towering 30-meter gold-plated statue of Maitreya Buddha, the Buddha of the future. Finally, explore Hemis Gompa, founded in the 1630s under royal patronage. Hemis is Ladakh’s largest and wealthiest monastery, renowned for its vibrant two-day monastic dance festival dedicated to Guru Padmasambhava, the revered second Buddha. Return to Leh for dinner and overnight stay.
Overnight: Hotel in Leh
Enjoy a relaxed morning before driving to Lamayuru (approx. 4 hours), home to one of Ladakh’s oldest and most spectacular monasteries, founded by the great Rinchen Zangpo in the 10th century. Discover exquisite carpets, thangkas, and frescoes and participate in a serene prayer ceremony with monks inside the monastery. Then, continue to Alchi (2 hours), crossing the mighty Indus River. Unlike other cliff-top monasteries, Alchi sits peacefully at ground level amidst gardens, famed for its ancient and striking wall paintings resembling those of Spiti’s Tabo Gompa.
Overnight: Hotel in Alchi
After breakfast, drive to Likir Monastery (16 km), perched atop a windswept cliff overlooking the village. Originally founded in the 12th century and rebuilt in the 18th, Likir houses a towering, three-story yellow Buddha statue and a museum filled with ancient thangkas and historic weapons. Next, visit Basgo, once the capital of Lower Ladakh, to explore the ruins of its Royal Palace, the Ser Zung Temple with remarkable frescoes, and a temple featuring an enormous gold and copper Maitreya Buddha statue. Head back to Leh for some leisure time in the evening.
Overnight: Hotel in Leh
Set off early for a scenic journey to Tso Moriri Lake via Upshi, driving along the majestic Indus River through narrow valleys and rugged terrain. Stop at Chumathang to experience its famed hot springs, believed to have therapeutic properties. Pass through Sumdah village and continue 55 km to Korzok, the only permanent settlement near Tso Moriri Lake. Nestled at 4,572 meters, Korzok is renowned for barley fields that rank among the highest in the world. In the evening, visit the peaceful Korzok Monastery before settling into your camp.
Overnight: Camp near Tso Moriri Lake
After breakfast, drive to Mahe village and onwards to Puga Valley, a grassy plain known for its sacred stream, sulfur springs, and geysers. Continue via Polokongka Pass (4,116m) to Tso Khar, or “White Lake,” named for its salt deposits. Here, spot wild Kiangs (Tibetan wild asses) grazing nearby. Drive back to Leh via Tanglang La Pass (5,329m), the third highest motorable pass globally. En route, pass charming villages like Rumtse, Gya, Miru, and Lato. Arrive in Leh by evening and relax at your hotel.
Overnight: Hotel in Leh
Depart early, driving through the world’s highest motorable road at Khardung La Pass (18,390 ft). Nubra Valley, also known as “Ldorma” or the Valley of Flowers, lies between the Karakoram and Ladakh mountain ranges. Reach Hunder by afternoon, where you can explore the village and nearby Diskit.
Overnight: Camp or Cottage in Nubra Valley
Start your day with an optional camel safari across the unique sand dunes of Hunder. Later, journey back to Leh via the same route over Khardung La. Spend your afternoon at leisure, perhaps visiting local markets or taking a relaxing stroll.
Overnight: Hotel in Leh
Transfer to Leh airport for a breathtaking flight over the Himalayan mountain range back to Delhi, concluding your unforgettable Ladakh adventure.
