Ladakh with Zanskar

• Leh to Kargil drive via Alchi, Likir, Basgo & Lamayuru Moon Landscapes
• Kargil War Memorial at Drass — Vijay Smarak
• Rangdum Monastery & Suru Valley scenic drive
• Padum (Zanskar) — Karsha, Bardan, Stongde & Zangla Monasteries
• Drang Drung Glacier en route to Padum
• Nubra Valley via Khardungla Pass with camel ride at sand dunes
• Turtuk border village & Pangong Lake overnight stay
• Hemis, Thiksey Monastery & Shey Palace visits

Day-by-day itinerary

12 Nights / 13 Days · Leh · Kargil · Rangdum · Padum · Nubra Valley · Turtuk · Pangong. Everything below is customisable — change the pace, add a night, swap a hotel.

1. 1

   Day 1

   Arrival in Leh

   On arrival at Leh airport meet our representative who will transfer you to your hotel in Leh. Upon arrival, proceed for check-in at your hotel. Remainder of the day will be for rest, to acclimatize. In the late afternoon around 4 PM, drive to visit Shanti Stupa (Buddhist white-domed stupa (chorten) on a hilltop in Chanspa) followed by a visit to Leh Palace (Former royal palace overlooking the town of Leh). Post this visit Leh Market, here you can find almost everything including Himalayan Pashmina Shawls/Apricot Store/Tibetan Handicrafts/Ladakhi Ornaments/Rugs, Kashmiri Carpets and etc. Dinner & overnight stay at hotel.

2. 2

   Day 2

   Leh to Kargil

   $a

3. 3

   Day 3

   Kargil - Rangdum

   After breakfast, departure to Rangdum (127 km) with lunch to take to Suru Valley, one of the most beautiful and picturesque valleys of Ladakh. Rangdum: Rangdum is surrounded by steep hills, pastures, streams and Rocky Mountains. Being the farthest region of the Suru Valley at an altitude of 3657 meters, it has evolved with a wild beauty. This isolated place is known for an old monastery, which is one of the most revered Buddhist places in Leh-Ladakh. On the way we will visit Kartse Khar, rock statue of the Lord Buddha, dating from the seventh century. Upon arrival transfer to the guest house. In the evening, visit the monastery of Rangdum and enjoy the sunset in the scenic atmosphere of the village of Rangdum, overnight stay in Rangdum.

4. 4

   Day 4

   Rangdum – Padum via Drang Drung Glacier

   After breakfast, head to Padum (Zanskar valley) through the Penzila pass, the Drang Drung glacier. The terrain becomes rougher and the roads turn into dirt tracks; a sign you’re entering the true wilderness of Zanskar. En-route to Padum, visit Sani Monastery, belongs to the southern branch of the Drukpa Kagyupa School and sited to the west side. The entire Sani Monastery of Ladakh has been built in parts, each dating back to a different century. Arrive in Padum, the capital of Zanskar, by late evening. This town is remote yet culturally rich, nestled between stark hills and the Zanskar River. Despite its simplicity, Padum is the base for all major explorations in the valley. Overnight stay in Padum.

5. 5

   Day 5

   In Padum (Excursion to Karsha and Bardan Gompa) Approx. 5 - 6 Hrs

   After breakfast, leave for a full visit of Karsha and Bardhan. The Karsha monastery in Ladakh is located in the village of Karsha in the Zanskar region (a 9 km long connecting road, via an iron bridge over the river Stod). Built in a picturesque way along the vertiginous slope of the mountain above the village of Karsha, you can see the monastery from afar. After visiting Karsha, we continue to Bardan Gompa, a 17th century Buddhist monastery. approximately 12 kilometers south of Padum, in Zanskar, Ladakh, north of India. The Bardan monastery of Ladakh, on a rocky boulder, belongs to the Dugpa-Kargyud monastic order and was one of the first monasteries of this sect to be established in Zanskar. The monastery also ran several smaller hermitages in the area. After visiting the monasteries, we return to our camp. Dinner and accommodation in the camp / guesthouse / hotel.

6. 6

   Day 6

   In Padum (Excursion to Stongde and Zangla) Approximately 6 to 7 hours

   After an early breakfast, we head to Stongdey Monastery, located 18 km north of Padum, on the road that leads to Zangla. An ancient foundation associated with the Tibetan yogi, Marpa, Stongdey is now the second largest monastic settlement in Zanskar, inhabited by the resident community of some 60 Gelukpa monks. After visiting the monastery, we continue driving towards Zangla, lying in the northern arm of Zanskar at the end of the 35 km. Long hard road from Padum, Zangla was being ruled by a titular king until his death a few years ago. After visiting the monasteries, we return to our camp. Dinner and accommodation in the camp / guesthouse / hotel.

7. 7

   Day 7

   Padum - Rangdum Via Suruvalley – Kargil (210 Kms / 9/10 Hrs)

   Today we’ll embark on our journey toward Kargil region crossing through the beautiful Suru valley and Nun-Kun ranges Enroute. The roads are a bit patchy from Padum to Kargil and the drive takes almost 10 hours to Kargil. Overnight and Dinner in Kargil.

8. 8

   Day 8

   Kargil to Leh (Approx. 234 Km)

   After breakfast visit Vijay Smarak (war memorial of Drass-Kargil). Here, you visit War memorial hall and Museum- also known as Vijay path. The memorial was constructed by the Indian Army in the memory of the soldiers and officers of the Indian Army who laid their lives in Kargil War. Later back to Leh. Reach Leh in the evening. Rest for the day.

9. 9

   Day 9

   Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardungla Pass (135Km / 5 Hours approx)

   $b

10. 10

    Day 10

    Nubra - Turtuk – Nubra 80 Kms/2-3 hours, One way

    After breakfast drive towards Turtuk border village that sits on the crossroad of Himalayan and Karakoram ranges overlooking the Shyok river is home to the people of Balti tribe with its unique culture and tradition. Baltis are also known for their sumptuous cuisine. The village was used to be under Pakistani occupation until 1971 when India won it back in a fierce war fought against the Pakistani army. Atop the village you also get a view of Pakistani side of the border. Almost every family is divided and some of the relatives now reside on the other side of the border. You would get some of your best shots here in Turtuk. The place is also known for quality apricots and sword dance which they perform on important occasions and marriages. As someone rightly said that “only smiles are sweeter than apricot in Turtuk.” Evening back to Nubra.

11. 11

    Day 11

    Nubra Valley (Hunder) to Pangong via Shayok

    Morning after Breakfast proceed for Diskit Monastery. Post the Diskit Monastery, proceed for backward journey to Pangong via Shayok. Pangong Lake: The picturesque lake is one of the major draws of the Leh-Ladakh valley. A location of several film shootings and known for its pristine waters surrounded by awe-inspiring mountains, Pangong Lake is a prime tourist attraction. The long and narrow lake lies in the neighbourhood of the famous Chushul Mountains. The mirror-calm water is cold, clear and extremely salty. The lake is a breeding ground for a variety of birds. In the evening check in to your camps at Pangong Lake. Dinner and overnight stay at the camps. (Approx 4000/- for SUV & 7000/- for Traveler Extra for Warila Route – If Shayok route is closed)

12. 12

    Day 12

    Pangong to Leh via Changla Pass (approx. 150 kms one way)

    In the morning have breakfast at your camp/cottage in Pangong. Thereafter, proceed for your journey back to Leh via Changla pass. On the way visit Hemis Monastery. Later visit Thiksey Monastery & Shey Palace. Upon your arrival in Leh, you may enjoy the evening at leisure. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

13. 13

    Day 13

    Departure

    Leave on time for Leh airport to board your flight to onward journey. TOUR CONCLUDES HERE

Where you stay

Pick a category — hotels are “or similar” of the same standard, confirmed at booking.

What's included

Price per person

Twin-sharing basis, private vehicle, taxes included. The more travellers, the lower the per-person price.

Questions about this trip