Ladakh

Ladakh: The Land of High Passes

Destination Type: Adventure | Spiritual | Remote Travel
Best Time to Visit:

• Summer (May–September): Ideal weather, clear roads, and vibrant culture

• Winter (Jan–Feb): For extreme adventurers (Chadar Trek, frozen Zanskar)
  Ideal Duration: 6 to 9 days

🧭 7-Day Travel Itinerary for Ladakh

Day 1: Arrival in Leh & Acclimatization

• Arrival: Fly into Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Leh.

• Check-in: Choose a stay in Leh town with mountain views and easy access.

• Rest: Full day to acclimate to the altitude (~11,500 ft). Walk slowly, hydrate well.

• Evening: Short stroll to Leh Market, try yak cheese pizza or momos.

• Tip: Avoid heavy activity or alcohol on day one.

Day 2: Leh Monastery Circuit

• Morning: Visit Shey Palace, Thiksey Monastery (Buddhist architecture & sunrise prayers), and Stok Palace Museum.

• Afternoon: Stop by Hemis Monastery—Ladakh’s largest and richest monastery.

• Evening: Sunset views from Shanti Stupa above Leh town.

Day 3: Nubra Valley via Khardung La

• Drive: Cross Khardung La (one of the highest motorable passes at 18,380 ft).

• Stop: Scenic photos at the summit; expect snow even in summer.

• Afternoon: Reach Diskit, visit Diskit Monastery, and see the towering Buddha statue.

• Evening: Head to Hunder Sand Dunes, enjoy a short Bactrian camel ride.

• Stay: In Hunder or nearby eco camps.

Day 4: Turtuk (Optional Day Trip) or Local Exploration

• Option 1: Day trip to Turtuk—India’s last village before the Pakistan border. Culturally distinct with Balti influences.

• Option 2: Explore more of Nubra: Panamik hot springs or Sumur Monastery.

• Evening: Stargazing—clear skies, minimal light pollution.

Day 5: Pangong Lake via Shyok Route

• Early Drive: Journey to Pangong Tso (5–6 hrs). The lake sits at ~14,000 ft and stretches into China.

• Afternoon: Soak in the surreal blue hues of the lake, surrounded by stark mountains.

• Evening: Stay at lakeside camps (basic but magical).

• Tip: Nights here are cold, even in summer—pack thermals.

Day 6: Return to Leh

• Return: Drive back via Chang La Pass (~17,590 ft), second-highest motorable road.

• En route: Stop at Tangtse Village, visit Druk White Lotus School (from the movie 3 Idiots).

• Evening: Final shopping in Leh for prayer flags, woolens, or Ladakhi jewelry.

Day 7: Departure

• Optional: Sunrise walk, breakfast with a view.

• Departure: Early morning flight from Leh.

🌟 Highlights of Ladakh

• 🏞️ Pangong Lake’s shifting blue waters

• 🏔️ Crossing Khardung La & Chang La

• 🙏 Monasteries like Thiksey, Hemis & Diskit

• 🐫 Double-humped camels at Hunder

• 🌌 Stargazing in Nubra & Pangong

📌 Travel Tips

• Acclimatization: Spend at least 1 full day in Leh before ascending. Avoid overexertion early on.

• Travel Permits: Indian citizens need an Inner Line Permit (easily available online or through hotels).

• Connectivity: Limited mobile/data network outside Leh; BSNL works best in remote regions.

• Best Routes:

  • By Air: Direct flights to Leh from Delhi, Srinagar, Chandigarh

  • By Road: Manali–Leh Highway (June–Sept), Srinagar–Leh Highway (May–Oct)

🧳 What to Pack

• Warm clothes (layered) even in summer

• High-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm

• Water bottle, energy snacks

• Diamox or doctor-recommended AMS (altitude sickness) medication

• Offline maps, basic cash, ID proofs

✨ Perfect For:

• Solo adventure travelers

• Spiritual seekers

• Landscape & astrophotographers

• Road trippers & bikers

• Anyone craving raw nature + soul-stirring silence