Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive in Srinagar & stay on the Hotel
Our representative will welcome you at Srinagar’s airport and escort you by private vehicle. The 30 min drive takes you passed the Jhelum River to a small boat which crosses the freshwater lake to your hotel for a relaxing welcome drink. You can rest or visit local sights which include the Mughal Gardens freshwater springs, or shopping among the slopes of the Zabarwan mountains. In the evening, you will enjoy a local Shikara boat ride followed by dinner and have a restful night to prepare for the next day.
Day 2 : Srinagar to Kargil
Distance: Approximately 210 km
Duration: 6-7 hours
After breakfast, depart Srinagar and drive to Kargil. The route passes through Sonamarg (2,740 meters), the last major town before entering Ladakh. Known as the "Meadows of Gold," Sonamarg is a scenic spot and a popular base for trekking. Continue over the Zoji La Pass (3,529 meters), which separates the lush, green landscapes of Kashmir from the stark, barren terrain of Ladakh. After crossing the pass, arrive at Drass, the first main village, before driving another 56 km to Kargil. Upon arrival, check into a hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 3: Kargil to Leh via Lamayuru
Distance: 229 km
Duration: 6-7 hours
Following breakfast, drive from Kargil to Leh with a stop at Mulbek, the first Buddhist village after Kargil. Here, visit the 8-meter-high Maitreya statue, a 700-year-old rock-carved image of the future Buddha. The journey continues over Futo La Pass (4,147 meters), the highest point on this route, followed by Namika La Pass (3,760 meters). Next, explore Lamayuru Monastery, a 1,000-year-old site of the Dripung Kagyu (Red Hat) sect, often called "moon land" for its unique landscape. On the way to Leh, witness the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar Rivers near Nimmu village. Check into a hotel in Leh for the night.
Day 4: Shey, Thiksey, and Hemis
Distance: 100 km round trip
Duration: 6-7 hours
After breakfast, embark on a day trip through the Indus Valley. First, visit Shey Palace and Gompa, located 15 km from Leh. Once home to Ladakh’s royal family, it houses a 7.5-meter-high copper Buddha statue plated with gold. Next, head to Thiksey Gompa, 19 km from Leh, a stunning monastery resembling a mini Potala Palace. It features multiple temples with exquisite Buddha images, stupas, and wall paintings. Finally, explore Hemis Gompa, 45 km from Leh, Ladakh’s wealthiest and most famous monastery. Known for its annual festival honoring Guru Padma Sambhava, it also displays the region’s largest Thanka, unfurled every 12 years. On the return to Leh, stop by Druk Pema School, featured in the movie *3 Idiots*. Overnight in Leh.
Day 5: Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung La
Distance:125 km
Duration: 4-5 hours
Depart Leh early in the morning for Nubra Valley, crossing Khardung La (5,602 meters), the world’s highest motorable road. From the pass, enjoy views of the Indus Valley and Zanskar Range to the south and the Saser massif to the north. Nubra Valley, nicknamed the "Valley of Flowers," lies between the Karakoram and Ladakh ranges at an average altitude of 3,332 meters. Visit Diskit Monastery, a 15th-century site perched on a rock, known for its thangkas, statues, and murals. Afterward, see the nearby sand dunes near Diskit, where double-humped camels roam, evoking Rajasthan’s Thar Desert. Spend the night in a deluxe camp in Hunder or Diskit.
Day 6: Day Trip to Turtuk
Distance: 160 km round trip
Duration: 6-7 hours
Drive to Turtuk, a remote village opened to tourists in 2010 and one of India’s few Balti settlements, located near the Line of Control (LOC). Captured by India in 1971, Turtuk preserves Balti culture, with locals using stone-crafted utensils. The village offers breathtaking views of the Shyok Valley and, on clear days, a glimpse of Pakistan’s K2 peak. Visit the border area before returning to Hunder or Diskit for the night.
Day 7: Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake
Distance: 140 km
Duration: 5-6 hours
After an early breakfast, travel to Pangong Lake, Asia’s largest brackish lake, stretching 130 km long and 5 km wide, with much of it in Tibet. Though saltwater, the lake freezes entirely in winter. Its barren surroundings contrast with its striking beauty, especially at Spangmik, where the Changchenmo range reflects in the lake’s shifting colors. Spend the night at a camp near the lake.
Day 8: Pangong Lake to Leh via Chang La Pass
Distance: 140 km
Duration: 4-5 hours
After breakfast, drive back to Leh via Chang La Pass (5,300 meters). Revisit Thiksey Monastery, admired for its grand architecture and two-story Maitreya Buddha statue. Stop at Sindhu Ghat, the venue for the Sindhu Darshan festival along the Indus River, and Shanti Stupa, a 1995 Japanese-built monument offering panoramic views of Leh and the Indus Valley. Overnight in Leh.
Day 9: Leh to Srinagar via Kargil
Distance: Approximately 439 km
Duration: 9-10 hours
Following breakfast, begin the return journey to Srinagar via Kargil. Later upon Reaching Srinagar we will check in to our hotels have dinner and have a restful night.
Day 10 Srinagar to Airport
Bon-Voyage: Check out before or after breakfast and head to the airport. Reflect on the enchanting landscapes and the rich cultural experiences you encountered during your stay. The memories and moments will last forever. Safe travels!