8 nights 9 days
A road trip from Kashmir to Ladakh via the Srinagar-Leh Highway offers breathtaking landscapes, crossing Zoji La, Kargil, Lamayuru, and Fotu La before reaching Leh. This journey blends adventure, history, and stunning mountain views, making it an unforgettable experience.
This itinerary gives you a wonderful balance of cultural exploration, natural beauty, and some adventure, while making sure you have enough time to acclimatize and enjoy the serene atmosphere of Ladakh.
• Arrival:
o Pick up from Srinagar Airport or your preferred location in Srinagar.
o Check into your houseboat or hotel and freshen up.
• Sightseeing Tour:
o Dal Lake: Enjoy a serene Shikara ride on the iconic Dal Lake, surrounded by breathtaking mountains.
o Mughal Gardens: Visit the famous Mughal Gardens:
o Shalimar Bagh: Known as the "Abode of Love."
o Nishat Bagh: The "Garden of Joy," offering panoramic views of Dal Lake.
o Chashme Shahi: A charming garden with a natural spring.
o Shankaracharya Temple: Located atop a hill, offering stunning views of Srinagar and the lake.
• Distance: ~204 km (5–6 hours drive).
• Depart early from Srinagar and drive through the beautiful Sonamarg valley.
• Cross Zoji La Pass, one of the most challenging and scenic passes on the Srinagar-Leh highway.
• Visit Drass, the second-coldest inhabited place in the world, and stop at the Kargil War Memorial to pay tribute to fallen soldiers.
• Arrive in Kargil by evening and relax at your hotel.
• Overnight stay in Kargil.
• Distance: ~220 km (5–6 hours drive).
• After breakfast, continue your journey towards Leh.
• Visit the stunning Mulbekh Chamba Statue, a 9-meter-tall Buddha carved into a rock.
• Cross Namika La and Fotu La, two high-altitude passes offering breathtaking views.
• Stop at Lamayuru Monastery, one of Ladakh’s oldest monasteries, and admire the unique "Moonland" terrain nearby.
• Drive past Magnetic Hill, Sangam (Indus-Zanskar River confluence), and Gurudwara Pathar Sahib before arriving in Leh.
• Arrive in Leh by evening and check into your hotel.
• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Start the day with a visit to Shey Palace, the former summer capital of Ladakh, known for its massive Shakyamuni Buddha statue.
• Proceed to Thiksey Monastery, a stunning hilltop monastery that offers panoramic views and showcases intricate Buddhist art and architecture.
• Visit Hemis Monastery, the largest and wealthiest monastery in Ladakh, located in a picturesque valley.
• Stop at the Druk White Lotus School (Rancho’s School) in Shey on your way back to Leh.
Drive to Nubra Valley (5-6 hours): Depart early for Nubra Valley, a desert in the middle of the mountains. The journey takes you over one of the world’s highest motorable pass, Khardung La (5,359 meters / 17,582 feet). Stop for photos and enjoy the incredible views of the valley below.
• Nubra Valley: Upon arrival, explore the scenic valley known for its sand dunes, traditional villages, and monasteries.
• Diskit Monastery: Visit the Diskit Monastery, which houses a giant 106-feet statue of Maitreya Buddha, overlooking the Nubra Valley.
• Hunder Sand Dunes: Enjoy a camel ride on the Bactrian camels (double-humped camels), which are native to the region. The combination of sand dunes and snowy mountains makes for a unique experience.
Overnight: Stay in Nubra Valley (Hunder or Diskit).
• Travel to Turtuk, one of the northernmost villages in India, known for its unique Balti culture and apricot orchards.
• Explore the village and interact with locals.
• Return to Hundar for an overnight stay.
Drive to Pangong Lake (5-6 hours): After breakfast, depart for Pangong Lake, passing through villages like Agham and Shyok. This drive offers mesmerizing views of the barren landscape.
• Pangong Lake (4,350 meters / 14,270 feet): A stunning high-altitude lake, Pangong stretches across India and China. Known for its ever-changing colors, this lake is one of the most popular spots in Ladakh.
• Leisure Activities: Spend time walking along the lakeside, enjoy photography, or simply absorb the serenity of the place.
Overnight: Stay near Pangong Lake (tent or Cottages).
Morning at Pangong Lake: If you wish, enjoy a beautiful sunrise over the lake before heading back.
• Drive to Leh (5-6 hours): Return to Leh via the Chang La Pass (5,360 meters / 17,590 feet), one of the highest motorable passes in the world.
• Optional Stop: On the way back, you can stop at Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary for a glimpse of the Tibetan antelope or wild yak.
• Relax in Leh: After a long drive, relax in Leh and enjoy the last evening in the region.
Overnight: Stay in Leh.
Leisure Morning: Depending on your flight schedule, you can either relax or take a final walk through the market for some last-minute souvenirs.
• Departure: Head to Leh Airport for your flight back, carrying memories of an unforgettable Ladakhi adventure.
Exploring Ladakh by Taxi or tempo traveler offers a comfortable and scenic journey through high-altitude passes, monasteries, and remote villages. Taiss (Innova/Xylo/Scorpio) are ideal for small groups or couples, ensuring a personalized experience, while tempo travelers are perfect for larger groups, making travel more economical and fun. Both options provide experienced drivers familiar with Ladakh’s challenging terrain for a safe and hassle-free trip.