Ladakh, often referred to as “The Land of High Passes,” is a region of mesmerizing beauty nestled in the northernmost reaches of India. Situated amidst the mighty Himalayas, Ladakh captivates visitors with its rugged landscapes, ancient monasteries, and vibrant cultural tapestry.
The scenery in Ladakh is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Towering mountain peaks adorned with snow, deep valleys carved by winding rivers, and expansive high-altitude deserts create a landscape that feels both harsh and sublime. Glacial lakes like Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri reflect the vivid blue of the sky, while the barren plains of the More Plains stretch out endlessly, inviting exploration.
Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport
Before Flight Time
When planning a trip to Ladakh, here’s what you can expect:
Breathtaking Landscapes: Ladakh is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, characterized by towering mountains, deep valleys, and serene lakes. Expect to be surrounded by awe-inspiring vistas at every turn.
High Altitude: Ladakh is situated at high altitudes, with most areas ranging from 3,000 meters (9,800 feet) to over 5,000 meters (16,400 feet) above sea level. Be prepared for the effects of high altitude, such as reduced oxygen levels and the possibility of altitude sickness. It’s essential to acclimatize properly by taking it slow upon arrival.
Rich Cultural Heritage: Ladakh boasts a rich cultural tapestry influenced by Tibetan Buddhism. Expect to encounter ancient monasteries, colorful prayer flags, and vibrant festivals celebrating Ladakhi traditions and customs.
Adventure Opportunities: Ladakh offers a plethora of adventure activities for outdoor enthusiasts. From trekking and mountaineering to river rafting and camel safaris, there’s no shortage of thrilling experiences to be had in this rugged terrain.
Limited Connectivity: While some areas in Ladakh have internet and mobile connectivity, remote regions may have limited or no network coverage. Expect to disconnect from the digital world and immerse yourself fully in the raw beauty of nature.
Unpredictable Weather: Ladakh experiences extreme weather conditions, with temperatures fluctuating widely throughout the day. Be prepared for chilly nights, hot days, and sudden changes in weather, especially in the higher altitude areas.
Cultural Sensitivity: Ladakh has a deeply ingrained cultural heritage, and it’s essential to respect local customs and traditions. Dress modestly when visiting monasteries and religious sites, and ask for permission before taking photographs of people.
Environmental Consciousness: Ladakh is a fragile ecosystem, and responsible tourism is crucial for its preservation. Expect to see efforts to minimize environmental impact, such as waste management initiatives and eco-friendly accommodation options.
Meals: Dinner
Arrival at Leh’s Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport, one of the highest operated airports in the world (3500 meters above sea level). On a clear day, the majestic peaks of K2, Nanga Parbat, and Gasherbrum greet you on one side, while the Nun Kun peaks and Zanskar valley offer you a warm welcome on the other.
Upon arrival, our representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. You are advised to take complete rest, followed by an evening visit to Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, and Leh Market. This will help you to acclimatise to the high altitude.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
After breakfast, we drive towards the western part of Ladakh, along the beautiful Indus River on the Leh – Srinagar highway. Our first destination for the day is the legendary Hall of Fame, which is a museum founded by the Indian Army as a tribute to the gallantry of those Indian soldiers who lost their lives to protect the country. A visit to the Hall of Fame is bound to spark that patriotic spirit within.
We proceeded further to the Gurudwara Patthar Sahib, nestled snugly in the laps of the Himalayan Mountains. This 15th-century gurudwara is a mere 5 km drive from the iconic Magnetic Hill, a scientific anomaly that defies the laws of gravity!
Further along the journey, we halt at Sangam – the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers. You can see the two, distinctly coloured rivers merge beautifully in the laps of lofty mountains.
After visiting above places we drive back to Leh via Spituk Monastery. Towering over the pristine Indus River, the monastery dates back to the 11th century and presently houses about 100 monks.
The monastery used to follow the Kadampa school of Buddhism until the 15th century, when the Gelukpa school of Buddhism was founded, and can still be seen in practice with the Gelukpa order.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
After breakfast, we drive to Nubra valley. The journey from Leh to Nubra spans 39 km and passes through the iconic Khardung La Pass. At an altitude of 17,582 ft., it is one of the five highest motorable roads in the world. Shrouded in a blanket of snow, the pass affords you sweeping views of the Indus Valley, along with the seemingly endless Zanskar range in the south. To your north, behold the magnificent Saser massif in all its glory. Adorned with fluttering prayer flags, Khardung La top is arguably the most picturesque location in Ladakh.
From Khardung La, we continue the journey to Nubra valley, also known as Ldumra or the Valley of Flowers. Sitting at an altitude of approximately 10,000 ft., it is nestled in the north of Ladakh, right between the Ladakh Himalayas and the Karakoram range. Once at Nubra, we check into our camps/hotel in Hunder for the night. Take in the breathtaking views of the lush oasis villages set as a stark contrast amidst barren mountains. These villages give you a rare glimpse into the fascinating lives of the locals. A visit to a Ladakhi home can also be arranged.
Overnight stay at the camp/hotel.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
This morning followed by brekfast drive to Pangong Tso (lake), which is the largest brackish lake in Asia. A large part of it extends into Tibet. The lake is 80 miles (130 km) long and 3 miles (5 km) at its widest point. It freezes completely in winter and there’s no marine life here, except for a few migrating birds like gulls and Brahminy ducks. As this is a border region, the furthest point you’re allowed to go to is Spangmik, from where there are spectacular views of the mountains of the Changchenmo range to the north, as well as their reflections in the ever-changing surface of the blue-green lake. Above Spangmik are the glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Pangong range. Spend the night on the shores of Pangong Tso.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Morning at leisure to explore the beauty of lake and later we drive back to leh en-route visiting Hemis monasterya, the largest monastic foundation of Drukpa Kagyut Order of Tibetan Buddhism. Drive further to Leh and check in at our hotel for Overnight In the evening you can stroll around the market place for some last minute souvenir shopping.
Meals: Breakfast
After an early breakfast, we drive you to Leh’s Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport for your flight. Fly back with the sweet memories of Ladakh, both in your hearts and in your camera!
