Beyond the beaten path
Leh Ladakh, land of the high Himalaya
The Ladakh Explorer – a well-paced itinerary that covers Leh, the high-altitude lakes, dramatic mountain passes, monasteries, and the stunning Nubra Valley while allowing time for acclimatization.
“The best days here are the ones with nowhere else to be.”
Duration
5 nights / 6 days
Travel style
Unhurried
Ideal season
May – Sep (Jun – Aug ideal)
Arrival city
Leh
Small moments, well chosen
Things to do along the way.
Not a checklist. A collection of the experiences that make this route feel unmistakably Ladakh.
01
Shanti Stupa at sunset
Visit the Shanti Stupa and wander the Leh market on your first evening, if you are feeling well.
02
Magnetic Hill and Sangam
Marvel at the Magnetic Hill and the Sangam, where the Indus and Zanskar rivers meet, on the Sham Valley drive.
03
Cross the Khardung La
Cross one of the world’s highest motorable passes on the road to the Nubra Valley.
04
Diskit and the Maitreya Buddha
Visit Diskit Monastery and its giant Maitreya Buddha statue, then walk the Hunder Sand Dunes.
05
Pangong’s changing blues
Walk the lakeshore of Pangong Lake as the water shifts through shades of blue.
06
Thiksey and Shey Palace
Stop at Thiksey Monastery and Shey Palace on the road back to Leh.
A glimpse of the route
Scenes from Ladakh.
Your days, at a glance
An itinerary with room to acclimatize.
Open each day to see the rhythm of the journey. We can make it more restorative, more active or more indulgent around you.
- Arrive at Leh Airport.
- Transfer to your hotel.
- Rest for the first half of the day to acclimatise to the high altitude.
- Evening (if feeling well): Visit the Shanti Stupa.
- Explore the local market.
- Drive past or visit Leh Palace.
- Overnight: Leh.
- After breakfast, visit the Hall of Fame.
- Visit Gurudwara Pathar Sahib.
- Explore Magnetic Hill.
- Visit Sangam—the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers.
- Return to Leh for the evening at leisure.
- Overnight: Leh.
- After breakfast, drive across the iconic Khardung La, one of the world’s highest motorable passes.
- Visit Diskit Monastery.
- Visit the Giant Maitreya Buddha statue.
- Explore the Hunder Sand Dunes.
- Optional: Enjoy a double-humped Bactrian camel ride.
- Overnight: Nubra Valley.
- Enjoy an early breakfast before driving to the breathtaking Pangong Lake.
- Spend the afternoon walking along the lakeshore.
- Photograph the changing shades of blue.
- Watch the sunset over the Himalayas.
- Overnight: Pangong Lake camp/cottage.
- After breakfast, return to Leh.
- En route, visit Thiksey Monastery.
- Visit Shey Palace.
- Enjoy a free evening for shopping in Leh Market.
- Explore cafés, local handicrafts, and souvenirs.
- Overnight: Leh.
- Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
- Transfer to Leh Airport for your onward flight.
- Depart with unforgettable memories of the Himalayas.
A note on the details: every stay, timing and experience is refined around your dates, pace and preferences.
The details
Everything you need, taken care of.
What’s included, what you can add on, and the practical details of the journey.
Included in your journey
✓ 3 nights accommodation in Leh
✓ 1 night in Nubra Valley
✓ 1 night at Pangong Lake
✓ Daily breakfast and dinner
✓ Private SUV (Innova Crysta/Xylo/Scorpio or similar)
✓ Airport transfers
✓ Inner Line Permits
✓ Driver allowance, tolls and parking charges
Optional experiences
+ River rafting on the Zanskar River
+ ATV ride at Hunder Sand Dunes
+ Traditional Ladakhi cultural show
+ Café hopping in Leh
+ Yak cheese tasting
+ Stargazing at Pangong Lake
Ideal stay distribution
3 nights
1 night
1 night
Other information: Best time to visit – May to September: pleasant weather and all major roads open. June to August: ideal for first-time visitors. October onwards: colder weather with fewer tourists; some routes may close due to snowfall.
Start with a conversation
Plan Your Trip to Ladakh.
No pressure, ever. We reply within one working day and only use your details to plan this conversation.