Leh-Ladakh Expedition
About this package
Ladakh is unlike anywhere else on earth — a high-altitude desert of breathtaking beauty, where ancient Buddhist monasteries cling to rust-red cliffs, turquoise lakes shimmer at 14,000 feet, and the Milky Way blazes in unpolluted skies. This 8-night expedition covers Leh, Nubra Valley, and the iconic Pangong Lake.
Highlights
- Pangong Tso Lake (14,270 ft) – electric blue waters
- Nubra Valley sand dunes and Bactrian camels
- Khardung La Pass – one of the world's highest motorable roads
- Hemis Monastery and Thiksey Monastery
- Magnetic Hill (gravity-defying road)
- Zanskar River white-water rafting
- Stargazing in the Himalayan darkness
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive Leh – Acclimatisation Day
Arrive at Leh Airport (3,500m). Important: rest and acclimatise for the full day. No strenuous activity. Gentle walk around Leh Market evening.
Meals: Dinner
Stay: Hotel, Leh
Leh Local Sightseeing
Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, and Leh Market. Visit Sankar Monastery and Spituk Monastery. Sunset from Leh Palace rooftop.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Stay: Hotel, Leh
Nubra Valley via Khardung La
Drive over Khardung La Pass (5,359m) — one of the world's highest motorable roads. Descend into the surreal Nubra Valley with its sand dunes. Double-humped Bactrian camel safari.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Stay: Deluxe Camp, Nubra Valley
Nubra to Pangong Lake
Drive across the remote Shyok Valley to the legendary Pangong Tso Lake at 4,350m — the electric blue lake that changes colour throughout the day.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Stay: Tent Camp, Pangong Lake
Pangong Sunrise & Return Leh
Wake before dawn for the magical Pangong Lake sunrise. Morning free at the lake. Afternoon drive back to Leh via Chang La Pass.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Stay: Hotel, Leh
Hemis & Thiksey Monasteries + Rafting
Morning visit to grand Hemis Monastery and Thiksey Monastery (resembles the Potala Palace of Lhasa). Afternoon Indus/Zanskar river white-water rafting.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Stay: Hotel, Leh
Alchi & Magnetic Hill
Drive to Alchi Monastery (ancient murals). Stop at Magnetic Hill (car appears to roll uphill). Confluence of Indus and Zanskar rivers. Gurudwara Pathar Sahib.
Meals: Breakfast
Stay: Hotel, Leh
Leh Market & Departure
Final morning in Leh Market. Pick up thangkas, pashmina, and prayer flags. Transfer to airport for departure.
Meals: Breakfast
What's Included
- 8 nights accommodation (hotels, deluxe camp, tent camp at Pangong)
- Daily breakfast + select dinners as per itinerary
- All transfers by private 4WD vehicle (essential for Ladakh roads)
- Khardung La and Chang La pass drives
- Camel safari in Nubra Valley
- White-water rafting on Zanskar River
- All monastery entry fees
- English-speaking expert guide
- Inner Line Permits for restricted areas
Not Included
- Airfare
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Altitude sickness medication (recommended to carry)
- Tips