Ladakh Explorer Tour 9 Days Adventure

Arrival in Leh by morning flight and transfer to the hotel. After a welcome drink, take complete rest for acclimatization to the high altitude of Leh (3500 meters). In the late afternoon, drive to the city for an orientation walk in the markets, followed by a visit to Shanti Stupa and Leh Palace. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

Shanti Stupa: Situated on a hilltop in Chanspa, Leh district, Ladakh, Shanti Stupa is a Buddhist white-domed stupa. Built in 1991 by Japanese Buddhist Bhikshu Gyomyo Nakamura, it holds the relics of Buddha at its base, enshrined by the 14th Dalai Lama. The stupa offers beautiful and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, making it a popular tourist attraction.

Leh Palace: Also known as ‘Lhachen Palkhar,’ this 17th-century former royal palace was built by King Sengge Namgyal. It once housed the royal family. The nine-storey, dun-colored palace now features a museum and prayer room. The highlight is the sweeping view of Leh and the Zanskar mountain range from its rooftop.

After breakfast, drive downstream along the River Indus on the Leh–Kargil highway. Enroute, visit Gurudwara Patthar Sahib, nestled deep in the Himalayas. Then proceed to Magnetic Hill, which defies the law of gravity. Further ahead, reach the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar Rivers. Before Saspul, a right turn leads to Likir Monastery, known for its colossal gilded statue of Maitreya. Drive along the Indus to Tingmosgang, enroute visiting Ridzong Monastery, which is hidden at the end of a steep valley. Check-in at your camp/hotel for an overnight stay.

Post breakfast, drive to the 11th-century Lamayuru Monastery, enroute exploring the Moon Landscapes—named for their resemblance to lunar terrain. Visit Alchi Gompa, a celebrated 11th-century monastery complex. After exploring Alchi, drive back to Leh for an overnight stay at your hotel.

In the morning, depart for Tsomoriri Lake via Chumathang, famous for its medicinal hot springs. Visit Sumdah village, and after a short drive from Mahey Bridge, reach Tsomoriri, located at 14,000 ft near the village of Korzok. Recently opened to foreigners due to its proximity to the Chinese border, Changthang is known for its wilderness and landscapes. Tsomoriri is a breeding ground for various bird species like bar-headed geese and Brahmini ducks. Check in at the camp/hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, check out and visit Korzok village, which has some of the highest cultivated barley fields in the world. Then drive to Tsokar, home to the Changpas, a nomadic tribe. Observe their pastoral lifestyle and scenic surroundings. After spending time at Tsokar Lake, proceed to Leh. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Post breakfast, drive to Nubra Valley via Khardung La, the second-highest motorable road in the world. Enjoy panoramic views of the Zanskar and Saser ranges. Nubra, known as Ldumra or the Valley of Flowers, sits at 10,000 ft above sea level. Upon arrival, check in at your camp/hotel in Hunder. In the evening, explore local villages. Overnight stay.

After early breakfast, explore Hunder, where you can ride a Bactrian camel amidst high-altitude sand dunes. Visit Diskit, the headquarters of Nubra Valley. Later, drive to Pangong Tso via Agham and Shyok Valley, crossing challenging road patches and scenic terrain. Pass through Durbuk and Tangtse, and arrive at Pangong Lake, situated at 14,000 ft. Check in at the camp/hotel near the lake. Dinner and overnight stay.

After a relaxed morning at the lake, drive back to Leh via Changla Pass (5486 m). Enroute visit Hemis Gompa, the largest monastic institution of the Drukpa Kagyu order, Thiksey Monastery, known for its architecture and Buddha statue, and Shey Palace, the ancient capital of Ladakh. Also visit the famous 3 Idiots Rancho School and Sindhu Ghat. Return to Leh. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Shey: Ancient capital and spiritual heart of Ladakh.

Thiksey: One of the most impressive monasteries with beautiful paintings and statues.

Hemis: Famous for its colorful masked dances and vibrant monastic culture.

3 Idiots Rancho School: Officially Druk Padma Karpo School, awarded as one of the most beautiful schools globally.

Sindhu Ghat: A scenic riverbank along the Indus River, known for the Sindhu Darshan Festival.

Tour concludes with a timely transfer to the airport for your onward journey.