Days 1–3
Leh
Fly in from Delhi and rest. Then gentle visits: Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, and the monasteries of Thiksey, Hemis and Shey.
3 nights in Leh
India · Sample journey
Ladakh: high passes and monasteries
Buddhist monasteries, sand dunes and Bactrian camels in the Nubra Valley, and a night by Pangong lake at 4,250 metres.
- Length
- 10 nights
- Best time
- June to September
- Price
- On request
Thiksey monastery, near Leh
The journey
Little Tibet, in summer
Ladakh sits behind the Himalaya, a high desert of monasteries, prayer flags and villages watered by glacier streams. It is only reachable by road in summer, which is when we go.
The journey starts with three easy days in Leh to adjust to the altitude, then crosses the Khardung La pass to the Nubra Valley and follows the Shyok river to Pangong lake. It ends in the quieter west, at the 1,000-year-old temples of Alchi.
Route: Leh · Nubra Valley · Pangong Tso · Leh · Alchi
Day by day
How the days run
A sample plan. Driving times are approximate.
Days 4–5
Nubra Valley
Over the Khardung La pass to Diskit monastery and the sand dunes of Hunder, with its two-humped camels.
2 nights in a desert camp
Day 6
Pangong Tso
Along the Shyok river to Pangong, the long lake that changes colour through the day.
1 night in a lakeside camp
Day 7
Leh
Back to Leh over the Chang La pass.
1 night in Leh
Days 8–10
Alchi
West along the Indus to the painted temples of Alchi, Lamayuru monastery and the apricot villages of the Sham valley.
3 nights in a village lodge
Day 11
Departure
Drive to Leh and fly to Delhi.
Included
- All hotels in the room category you choose, with breakfast
- A private air-conditioned car and driver for the whole trip
- English-speaking local guides for the sightseeing in the itinerary
- Entrance fees for guided visits
- Airport meet and greet, and all transfers
- A contact who knows your trip, reachable day and night
Not included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance (essential)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Tips for guides and drivers
Make it yours
- Time it for the Hemis festival in June or July
- Add a three-day village trek in the Sham valley
- Add Tso Moriri lake (2 nights)
The destination
Before you go to India
Best time to visit, visas, money and local customs.
Plan my journey
Request a quote for this journey
Every trip is priced for your dates, hotels and group size. Tell us when and who is travelling, and we reply within 24 hours.