Discover Ladakh

You will be taken to the hotel upon arrival at Leh airport. Later in the afternoon, visit the Mughal Gardens, which include Chashmi-e Shahi (The Royal Spring), Nishat (The Garden of Pleasure), and Shalimar Bagh (Abode of Love). Later in the evening, take a direct payment Shikara ride on Dal Lake. Dinner and stay at a Srinagar hotel. (D)

Today, proceed to Kargil through Sonmarg - the Gold Meadow. Depart from Srinagar according to the road opening schedule. The trip to Sonamarg reveals another stunning aspect of Kashmir's countryside in Sindh Valley. The Sindhu Valley is Kashmir's greatest tributary. Drive to Kargil, passing via the picturesque village of Sonamarg (2740 Mtrs). After Sonamarg, the route to Zojila pass is generally difficult and damp (Gateway of Ladakh). Continue driving in the direction of Drass (The second coldest inhibited place in the world). Another two and a half hours' journey will take us to Kargil (2710 Mtrs), which gained prominence following the 1974 opening of Ladakh to visitors. Overnight in a Kargil hotel. (B&D)

Today, after an early breakfast, travel to Leh through the monastery of Mulbekh, Lamayuru, and Moon scapes, passing via the Namkila and Fatula Passes, the highest points on the Srinagar - Leh road. En route, see the 1000-year-old Alchi monastery, Ladakh's sole Gompa on level ground. Following that, go to the junction of the Indus and Zanskar rivers (Sangam) and drive down the Indus, stopping at Pathar Sahib Gurdwara and Magnetic Hill (where automobiles defy gravity), before continuing to the Leh Hall of Fame (which has a museum of the Kargil War memorabilia). Overnight in a Leh hotel. (B&D)

This morning, go to Thiksey Monastery, which is perched on 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. After Thiksey, we return to Leh through a succession of chortens to see Shey Palace, the historic summer residence of Ladakh's King. Later, visit Shanti Stupa, a Buddhist white-domed stupa erected on a mountaintop in Changspa in 1991 by Japanese Buddhist Bhikshu Gyomyo Nakamura as part of the Peace Pagoda project. Later, tour Leh Palace, a former royal residence overlooking Leh. Sengge Namgyal built the palace in 1600. 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. Overnight at the Nubra camp/hotel. (B&D)

After breakfast at the camp/hotel, we travel to Pangong Lake (14,500 feet 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 at the Pangong Lake 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)

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