Land of High Passes
The world's highest motorable pass at Khardung La, golden sand dunes and double-humped camels in Nubra Valley, ancient Buddhist monasteries, and the impossibly blue waters of Pangong Tso & Tso Moriri — Ladakh's magic in one unforgettable journey.
A high-altitude adventure through Ladakh's monasteries, deserts and lakes — the rooftop of India.
Witness the surreal colour-shifting blue waters of Pangong Tso, stretching 134 km across the India-Tibet border at 4,225 m — one of the highest saltwater lakes in the world.
Drive across the world's highest motorable mountain pass at 5,359 m, marked by prayer flags fluttering against a backdrop of endless snow-clad peaks.
Ride a double-humped Bactrian camel across the cold desert dunes of Hunder, framed by snow peaks on one side and rippling sand on the other.
Explore centuries-old gompas — Hemis, Thiksey, Diskit and Alchi — perched on cliffsides, home to giant Buddha statues, ancient murals and monks at prayer.
A pristine, less-visited Changthang lake ringed by snow peaks, home to the kiang (Tibetan wild ass), black-necked cranes and bar-headed geese.
Experience the gravity-defying optical illusion at Magnetic Hill, then visit the dramatic confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers nearby.
A carefully paced 10-day journey that respects acclimatization while covering Ladakh's most iconic landscapes.
Fly into Leh's Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, one of the highest commercial airports in the world. Transfer to your hotel and spend the day at complete rest to acclimatize to the altitude (3,500 m). Light walks around the hotel garden in the evening are encouraged, along with plenty of fluids. A briefing on the days ahead and your high-altitude itinerary over dinner.
After a leisurely breakfast, explore Leh city at a gentle pace. Visit the 17th-century Leh Palace overlooking the town, the Shanti Stupa with panoramic valley views, and the Hall of Fame war memorial museum. Stroll through Leh's main market in the evening for handicrafts, pashmina shawls and Tibetan curios. Continue acclimatizing with short, easy outings only.
Set off early and ascend to Khardung La (5,359 m), the world's highest motorable pass, for photographs amid prayer flags and breathtaking views. Descend into the dramatic Shyok river valley toward Nubra. Check in to your camp in Hunder by afternoon and relax surrounded by sand dunes and poplar groves.
Visit Diskit Monastery, home to a 32-metre statue of the Maitreya Buddha overlooking the valley. Afterward, head to the Hunder sand dunes for a memorable double-humped Bactrian camel safari — a species found only in this region. Evening at leisure by the campfire under some of the clearest night skies in India.
Drive along the scenic Shyok river route toward Pangong Tso, passing remote villages and dramatic rock formations. Arrive at the lake by late afternoon and witness the water shift through shades of turquoise, emerald and deep blue as the sun moves. Overnight in a comfortable Swiss tent on the lake shore.
Rise early to watch sunrise paint Pangong Tso in golden light — one of Ladakh's most photographed moments. Drive back to Leh over the Chang La pass (5,360 m), India's third-highest motorable road. En route, visit Hemis Monastery, the region's largest and wealthiest gompa, and Thiksey Monastery, famed for its resemblance to the Potala Palace in Lhasa.
A full-day excursion across the remote Changthang plateau to Tso Moriri (4,522 m), a pristine high-altitude lake within a wildlife sanctuary. Spot the elusive kiang (Tibetan wild ass), marmots, and migratory birds including the black-necked crane. Picnic lunch by the lakeshore before returning to Leh in the evening.
Explore the "Apricot Valley" on a scenic loop: stop at the gravity-defying Magnetic Hill, visit the sacred Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, and witness the striking confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers at Sangam. Continue to the 1,000-year-old Alchi Monastery, renowned for its exquisite Kashmiri-style wall paintings, before returning to Leh.
A relaxed day to soak in Leh at your own pace. Browse the Leh Market for Pashmina, Tibetan jewellery and prayer wheels, sip butter tea at a local café, or opt for an exhilarating rafting trip on the Zanskar river (subject to season, on request). In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with traditional Ladakhi cuisine.
After breakfast, transfer to Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport for your onward flight. Depart with memories of high passes, blue lakes, golden dunes and ancient monasteries that define the magic of Ladakh.
Leh, Ladakh
★★★★ Premium Options Available
Hunder, Nubra Valley
★★★ Comfortable Tented Stays
Pangong Tso, Changthang
★★★ Lakefront Camps
Korzok, Tso Moriri
★★ Basic & Comfortable
For groups up to 4 pax. High-clearance vehicles equipped for mountain passes and rough terrain.
For larger groups, with extra luggage capacity and reclining seats for long mountain drives.
Every vehicle carries an emergency oxygen cylinder and first-aid kit for high-altitude comfort.
For motorcycle enthusiasts wanting to ride sections of the route themselves, with backup support vehicle.
All plans fully customisable. Group discounts available for 6+ pax. Bike trips and Manali–Leh road journeys also offered.
Ladakh is a high-altitude desert with a short travel season — timing your visit makes all the difference.
Highways reopen, weather turns pleasant by day but remains cold at night. Apricot blossoms in Sham Valley. Fewer crowds.
Peak season — all passes including Khardung La, Chang La and Manali–Leh highway are fully open. Hemis Festival in June/July. Best overall.
Crystal-clear skies, golden landscapes, and noticeably fewer tourists while roads remain open. Our favourite.
Most highways close due to snow; Leh is reachable only by flight. Famous for the frozen Chadar Trek on the Zanskar river (specialist trips only).
