Land of High Passes
Ladakh
Royal Expedition · 9N/10D
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.
Package Highlights
A high-altitude adventure through Ladakh's monasteries, deserts and lakes — the rooftop of India.
Pangong Tso Lake
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.
Khardung La Pass
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.
Nubra Valley Sand Dunes
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.
Ancient Monasteries
Explore centuries-old gompas — Hemis, Thiksey, Diskit and Alchi — perched on cliffsides, home to giant Buddha statues, ancient murals and monks at prayer.
Tso Moriri Wildlife Lake
A pristine, less-visited Changthang lake ringed by snow peaks, home to the kiang (Tibetan wild ass), black-necked cranes and bar-headed geese.
Magnetic Hill & Sangam
Experience the gravity-defying optical illusion at Magnetic Hill, then visit the dramatic confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers nearby.
Detailed Itinerary
A carefully paced 10-day journey that respects acclimatization while covering Ladakh's most iconic landscapes.
Arrival in Leh – Acclimatization & Rest
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.
Leh Local Sightseeing – Palaces & Stupas
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.
Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung La
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.
Nubra Valley – Diskit Monastery & Camel Safari
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.
Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso via Shyok Route
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.
Pangong Sunrise to Leh via Chang La & Hemis
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.
Excursion to Tso Moriri – Changthang Plateau
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.
Sham Valley – Magnetic Hill, Sangam & Alchi
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.
Leh – Leisure Day, Shopping & Optional Activities
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.
Departure from Leh
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.
Inclusions & Exclusions
What's Included
- 9 nights accommodation (hotels + deluxe camps)
- Daily breakfast & dinner (18 meals)
- All transfers in private 4x4 (Innova/Xylo)
- Airport pick-up & drop in Leh
- Inner Line Permits for Nubra, Pangong & Tso Moriri
- Double-humped camel safari in Hunder
- Oxygen cylinder & first-aid kit on board
- All sightseeing as per the itinerary
- All toll taxes, parking, and driver allowances
- 24/7 RJ Holidays support helpline on trip
What's Not Included
- Flights to/from Leh
- Lunch and personal beverages
- Travel & high-altitude medical insurance (strongly recommended)
- Monastery entry/camera fees (approx. ₹30–₹100 each)
- Oxygen cylinder usage charges (if required medically)
- Mule/pony charges and optional activity add-ons
- Personal shopping, tips, or laundry
- Foreigner Protected Area Permit fees (if applicable)
- Anything not listed under inclusions
Hotels & Transportation
Where You'll Stay
Leh – Hotel Latso
Leh, Ladakh
★★★ Premium Stay
Sangaylay Palace
Hunder, Nubra Valley
★★★ Comfortable Stays
Pangong Tso – Crane Valley Cottage
Pangong Tso, Shooting Point
★★★ Pangong Lake views
Tso Moriri – Karzok Eco Lounge
Korzok, Tso Moriri
★★★ Modern & Comfortable
How You'll Travel
Private 4x4 Toyota Innova / Xylo
For groups up to 4 pax. High-clearance vehicles equipped for mountain passes and rough terrain.
Tempo Traveller (10–12 seater)
For larger groups, with extra luggage capacity and reclining seats for long mountain drives.
Oxygen Cylinders Onboard
Every vehicle carries an emergency oxygen cylinder and first-aid kit for high-altitude comfort.
Royal Enfield Rental (Optional)
For motorcycle enthusiasts wanting to ride sections of the route themselves, with backup support vehicle.
Package Pricing
All plans fully customisable. Group discounts available for 6+ pax. Bike trips and Manali–Leh road journeys also offered.
Standard
- 3-star hotels & standard camps
- Breakfast & dinner daily
- Private 4x4 cab & driver
- Nubra Valley + Pangong Tso covered
- All permits & entry fees
Premium
- 4-star hotels & deluxe lake camps
- All meals (B+L+D)
- Private 4x4 + Tso Moriri excursion
- Camel safari & monastery tour
- Expert guide & photographer
- Manali–Leh highway extension available
Luxury
- 5-star resorts & premium lake-view tents
- All meals + evening high tea
- Dedicated 4x4 & private guide
- All excursions incl. Tso Moriri & Sham Valley
- Priority permits & flexible scheduling
- Exclusive sunrise photography session at Pangong
Best Time to Visit Ladakh
Ladakh is a high-altitude desert with a short travel season — timing your visit makes all the difference.
Spring
Highways reopen, weather turns pleasant by day but remains cold at night. Apricot blossoms in Sham Valley. Fewer crowds.
Summer
Peak season — all passes including Khardung La, Chang La and Manali–Leh highway are fully open. Hemis Festival in June/July. Best overall.
Autumn
Crystal-clear skies, golden landscapes, and noticeably fewer tourists while roads remain open. Our favourite.
Winter
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).
