Beautiful Ladakh

You will be taken to a hotel in Leh upon arrival at Leh airport. The remainder of the day is free to adapt to Ladakh's high altitude. Overnight in a Leh hotel. (D)

Today, you'll visit the Hall of Fame, Spituk Monastery, and Kali Mata Temple, as well as Magnetic Hill, Gurudwara Patthar Sahib, and the Zanskar-Indus Rivers' confluence. Lunch in Leh (on own). In the evening, visit Leh Palace, the Donkey Sanctuary, and Shanti Stupa to see a breathtaking sunset. Overnight in a Leh hotel. (B&D)

Today, travel to Nubra valley, passing via the world's highest motorable pass. The thrilling ride through serpentine roads takes you to the Khardungla Pass, which stands at an incredible 5550 metres above sea level. We come to a halt at the pass to observe and capture the magnificent scenery. At the junction of the Shayok and Nubra rivers, the valley is located on an ancient caravan route. On the route, stop in the lovely valley of Deskit, Nubra's little capital. We will visit the Deskit Gompa, which is positioned high above the settlement on a rocky spur with a spectacular view of the entire valley. At Deskit Monastery, you'll see a 106-foot-tall statue of Maitreya Buddha perched on a hill. The monastery has fascinating representations of several deities. We will travel from Deskit to Hunder, passing through a region of sand dunes, where we will meet the famed Bactrian camels, a tiny population of shaggy double-humped beasts that were once employed as pack animals on Central Asian trade routes but are now utilised as riding animals in the high deserts. At Nubra, spend the night in a hotel or a tent. (B&D)

Today, embark on one of the most exciting treks in Ladakh. Here is a lesser-known site that was just opened to tourists; if you're looking for a breathtaking spot, this is it. En route, pass through magnificent mountain ranges and villages. This territory is mostly governed by the Ladakh Scouts, an Indian Army rear department. A border settlement that the Indian Army regained in 1971. Locals have relatives over the border (Line of Control) and rely on vegetable and apricot production in addition to providing mules and porters. Baltistan is a lovely village populated with endearing people. "On the night of December 13, 1971, the residents of this hamlet in Pakistan went to sleep. They awoke the following morning in India." We are in Turtuk, listening to a peasant narrate the history of this isolated northwest region of Ladakh, which had been a part of Baltistan in Pakistani Kashmir until that night. A full day of tough terrain followed by a return to Nubra Valley in the evening. At Nubra, spend the night in a hotel or a tent. (B&D)

After breakfast at the camp/hotel, we travel to Pangong Lake (14,500 ft above sea level) through Shayok, Tang Tse, and Spangmik (Pangong). It's a short cut and a lovely path. The route follows the Shayok river and climbs a mountain before dropping into the settlement of Shayok. It takes less than an hour to reach Shayok, and upon arrival, you will be happy to see the somewhat large settlement surrounded by barren mountains, the overall environment being rather lovely. Afternoon, we arrive at Pangong Lake and spend the remainder of the day there. Overnight in Leh at a camp/hotel. (B&D)

Today, travel to the lake to observe the dawn. After breakfast, return to Leh via Changla Pass (5,486 metres). Arrive in Leh and make your way to the accommodation. Evenings are free for shopping or recreational activities. Overnight in a Leh hotel. (B&D)

Today, travel 45 kilometres west of Leh to Hemis Monastery. Hemis is Ladakh's largest and wealthiest monastery. You are then taken back to Hemis through the same road to see Thiksey Monastery, which is perched atop a hill with commanding views of the Indus valley. Thiksey is particularly well-known for its colossal sitting Maitreya Buddha and its (Dukhang) assembly hall, which has hundreds of rectangular prayer books packed between hardwood covers and bound in silk. Following there, we continue driving through a succession of chortens to Shey Home, the old summer palace of Ladakh's King. Overnight in a Leh hotel. (B&D)

You will be transported to Leh airport this morning for your travel home or to your next destination. (B)