Kashmir to Ladakh: Where Valleys Meet the Sky

15 days, Srinagar to Leh

Map of the route for Kashmir to Ladakh: Where Valleys Meet the Sky
Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Itinerary Notes

Want to experience the sights and sounds of Holi? Make sure you’re in India on March 14, 2025 or March 4, 2026 for the nation’s most colourful festival.

Itinerary

Day 1Srinagar

Arrive at any time. In the evening, join your CEO and group for a welcome meeting. Then walk through the famous Lal Bazar market area on an orientation walk.

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group

Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Lal Bazar Orientation Walk
Srinagar

Join your CEO for a walk through Lal Bazar neighbourhood in Srinagar. This part of the city is sandwiched between the Dal Lake and the Anchar Lake. So enjoy the views and get acquainted with the city.

Day 2Srinagar

Today we'll learn why Srinagar is the largest city and the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. With the stunning Dal Lake, beautiful gardens and historic temples, you'll quickly see why Srinagar is so magnificent.

Srinagar City Tour
Srinagar

Experience the city of Srinagar on a tour today. Start at The Mughal Gardens, made up of a collection of 6 gardens known for their natural freshwater springs-said to have therapeutic properties, and picturesque views of the Dal Lake. Then visit the 17th-century, white-marbled Hazratbal Mosque on the Dal Lake. Get your camera ready for a quick stop at Badshah ka Tomb and the beautiful wooden Khanqah-e-moula (Jama Masjiq). Last stop of the day is Shankaracharya temple, one of Kashmir's oldest temples.

Day 3Srinagar

Join your group for an unforgettable sunrise from the deck of a Shikara, a traditional Jammu and Kashmir style boat. Pay a visit to what's considered the oldest temple in all of Jammu and Kashmir, the Shankaracharya Temple. The rest of the day is yours to explore Srinagar. We recommend a safari at Dachigam National Park to spot the Royal Kashmir stag. Tonight we will stay on a houseboat on Dal Lake.

Sunrise Boat Ride on Dal Lake
Srinagar

Watch the sunrise over the beautiful Dal Lake form the comfort of a Shikara, traditional boat. Visit the vegetable market and enjoy the chance to see the local side of Srinagar.

Shankaracharya Temple
Srinagar

Climb approximately 243 steps to reach the Shankaracharya Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and believed to be one of Kashmir's oldest shrines. At the top, admire the panoramic views of Srinagar and Dal Lake.

Free Time
Srinagar

Spend the afternoon at leisure in Srinagar.

Overnight on a Houseboat
Srinagar

See Dal Lake from a new view, from aboard a houseboat. Enjoy a peaceful night on the lake and enjoy the views.

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Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow

Dachigam National Park
Srinagar

On the east side of Dal lake lives the Dachigam National Park, a wildlife protected area. Head out on a safari through Dachigam National Park to hopefully spot the Royal Kashmir stag and other wildlife in the area.

Day 4Srinagar/Pahalgām

Drive to Pahalgam and stop at the Avantipura Temple Ruins and Martand Sun Temple on the way. Arrive to Pahalgam in the afternoon and join an orientation walk of the bazaar and down town area.

Private Vehicle
Srinagar – Awantīpur1h-1h30m54km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Avanti Swami Temple ruins
Awantīpur

The Avantipura temple ruins are the remains of a 9th-century Hindu temple complex in Awantipora, Jammu and Kashmir, India, built by King Avantivarman. The site originally featured two temples: Avantisvamin, dedicated to Vishnu, and Avantisvara, dedicated to Shiva. Though largely destroyed, the complex is known for its beautiful, intricately carved architecture.

Shri Martand Sun Temple
Mattan

The Martand Sun Temple is an 8th-century Kashmiri Hindu temple. The architectural marvel, built by the Karkota dynasty, stands on a hilltop. It offers panoramic views of the valley despite its destruction in the 15th century. It features a central shrine and a quadrangle of 84 smaller shrines.

Private Vehicle
Mattan – Pahalgām2h60km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Orientation With CEO
30m-1h

Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.

Day 5Pahalgām/Sonāmarg

We continue east through Jammu and Kashmir to the town of Sonamarg. We'll stop at the famous Zero Point for incredible glacial views and then explore the Sonamarg Bazaar.

Private Vehicle
Pahalgām – Sonāmarg5h170km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Sonamarg Bazaar
Sonāmarg

Wander through the brightly coloured and fragrant Sonamarg bazaar.

Zero Point
Sonāmarg

Visit this famous lookout point in Sonamarg. Known for its breathtaking views and scenic landscapes, this high-altitude destination sits at an elevation of over 3,500m (11,000 ft) above sea level. It is the farthest point that can be accessed by road in Sonamarg, offering fantastic views of the surrounding glaciers, snow-covered peaks, and alpine meadows.

Day 6Sonāmarg/Lāmayūrū

Cross the border into the next Indian union territory of Ladakh, known for its high-altitude cold Himalayan desert and often referred to as "Little Tibet." On the way stop and visit the Kargil War Memorial. In Lamayuru, we will be staying in the guesthouse of the Lamayuru Monastery, an incredible opportunity to witness the activities of the monks.

Private Vehicle
Sonāmarg – Lāmayūrū6h30m162km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Kargil War Memorial
Kargil

Visit the Kargil War Memorial, also known as the Dras War Memorial, built by the Indian Army to commemorate the soldiers who died in the 1999 Kargil War.

Your Local Living Moment: Overnight at the Lamayuru Monastery

Stay in the guesthouse of the breathtaking Lamayuru Monastery perched on the top of the cliff. Here we will have the opportunity to watch the monks in their daily practices and learn about Tibetan Buddhism.

Meals included:

Dinner

Day 7Lāmayūrū/Leh

Travel deeper into the Ladakh region as we head to Leh today. On the way, stop at Sangam point, a beautiful lookout point where the Indus and Zanskar Rivers meet. Next stop is at the optical illusion known as "Magnetic Hill," a gravity hill where a downhill road appears to be uphill, making vehicles in neutral seem to roll upwards. This phenomenon is caused by the layout of the surrounding landscape and slopes, creating the illusion. Third stop is to Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, a significant Sikh pilgrimage site. Arrive to Leh and join an orientation walk of the Leh Market.

Morning Prayer Ceremony at the Lamayuru Monastery
Lāmayūrū

Join the Tibetan Buddhist monks for their morning prayer ritual.

Private Vehicle
Lāmayūrū – Leh5h-6h135km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Gurudwara Pathar Sahib
Leh

Visit the Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, a significant Sikh pilgrimage site built to commemorate the visit of Guru Nanak Dev Ji in the 16th century. According to local legend, Guru Nanak Dev Ji's divine power transformed a demon's attacking stone into soft clay, leaving an imprint of his body on it. Managed by the Indian Army, it offers visitors a sacred and tranquil environment.

Leh Market
Leh

Explore the historic Leh Market on the beautiful streets of Leh.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 8Leh

Spend today exploring Leh on your terms. As Ladakh's biggest city, there is much to do and see.

Free Time
Leh Full Day

Today is yours to explore amazing Leh.

Day 9Leh

Dive head first into historic Leh today on a tour of the Old City. Learn about its unique connection to Tibet as you wander the narrow, winding streets. Then continue to the Central Asian Museum to learn about Ladakh's connection to the Silk Road. Enjoy the beauty of the town with an evening visit to Thiksey Monastery and the Shanti Stupa. Tonight, opt to join an astronomy experience with local women of Leh.

Leh Old City Walk
Leh

Enjoy a guided heritage walk through Leh’s historic old town, exploring traditional homes, temples, and hidden alleys.

Central Asian Museum Visit
Leh

Learn about the importance of Leh on the Silk Road through rare artifacts and architecture at the Central Asian Museum.

Thiksey Monastery Visit
Leh

Visit the beautiful hilltop monastery famous for its prayer rituals and see the iconic Maitreya Buddha statue.

Shanti Stupa at Sunset
Leh

Visit the peaceful stupa built by Japanese monks. Admire the views of the orange hues as the sunset blankets the city of Leh.

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Optional Activities - Day 9 HideShow

Astronomy Experience
Leh

With Ladakh at such a high elevation and away from massive cities, the view of the night sky can be quite impressive here. Visit the Cosmo Museum on a guided monastery tour led by the local women to learn about the confluence of Buddhism and astronomy in Ladakh.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 10Leh/Nubra Valley

Drive across one of the highest motorways in the world as we head to Nubra Valley. On the way, visit the colourful Diskit Monastery, the incredible Sumur Sand Dunes and connect with local Ladakhi culture at the Kyagar House.

Private Vehicle
Leh – Nubra Valley5h150km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Diskit Gompa (Monastery)
Nubra Valley

Explore the largest and oldest monastery in Nubra and admire the panoramic view of the valley.

Sumur Sand Dunes
Nubra Valley1h30m 2km

Hike through the breathtaking white sand dunes of Sumur. Bring your camera to capture the incredible view of snow capped mountains, double humped camels and lake from the shore of the dunes as your guide shares stories about the ancient silk road.

Your Local Living Moment: Kyagar House Experience

Visit a traditional Ladakhi home where we'll be met with storytelling, refreshments and interesting interactions with the host family. Hear the stories of how this house was once a popular traders' resting point along the Silk Road as you enjoy a local dinner.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 11Nubra Valley

Explore the breathtaking region of Nubra Valley today. Visit the Ensa Monastery, hike to Yarab Tso Lake, soak in a picturesque hot spring and learn of the Indo-China War at the Col. Rinchen Chewang Museum.

Ensa Monastery
Nubra Valley

Visit the 400-year-old hilltop monastery to see the peaceful views of the Nubra Valley.

Yarab Tso Lake Hike
Nubra Valley

Take a 30-minute hike to a sacred, high-altitude lake nestled amidst the rugged Nubra terrain.

Panamic Hot Springs
Nubra Valley

Soak in the natural sulphur-rich hot springs believed to have healing properties, set against the backdrop of the Himalayas.

Col. Rinchen Chewang Museum
Nubra Valley

Visit a museum dedicated to a decorated Ladakhi war hero, Col. Rinchen Chewang, showcasing historical artifacts and tales from the Indo-China war.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 12Nubra Valley/Pangong Tso

Join the morning prayer ceremony at Samstanling Monastery. Then drive northwest along the Shayok River to Maan Village on the shores of Pangong Tso Lake (at 4350m in elevation). Check into the homestay then walk alongside your CEO to Pangong Lake for an easy yet rewarding hike! Tonight, join your homestay host for some stargazing in this remote village.

Samstanling Monastery Morning Prayer
Nubra Valley

Visit the Samstanling Monastery for morning prayer. Witness the peaceful monastery ambiance, with murals and chants that reflect Ladakhi Buddhist heritage.

Private Vehicle
Nubra Valley – Pangong Tso6h180km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Pangong Lake Hike
Pangong Tso

Take a short hike along the beautiful Pangong Lake.

Stargazing in Nubra Valley
Maan Village

In such a remote village, an opportunity like this to stargaze mustn't be missed!

Meals included:

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 13Pangong Tso/Leh

Make the most of your lake time and rise early for a special morning yoga session by the beach for all levels. Afterwards, fill up on breakfast before starting the drive back to Leh. The first stop of the day is to Rezang La Memorial, an important monument from the 1962 War. The next stop brings us to a nomadic settlement where we will learn about the luxurious pashmina cashmere. Then arrive to Leh in the evening for free time.

Early Morning Yoga by the Lake
Pangong Tso

Rise early for a peaceful yoga session by Pangong Tso Lake.

Rezang La Memorial
Pangong Tso

Pay homage at the Rezang La Memorial near the Tibet border, a poignant reminder of the 1962 war and a symbol of bravery and sacrifice.

Pashmina Herder Experience
Pangong Tso

Stop by a remote nomadic settlement for a 1.5-hour immersive session with Pashmina herders, learn about their way of life, traditions and Pashmina making.

Private Vehicle
Pangong Tso – Leh4h30m205km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 14Leh

Today is yours to do as you wish in Leh. Want to rest? Chill out in the hotel. If you want to explore, get out on the town! The choice is yours.

Free Time
Leh Full Day

Enjoy the entire day to explore on your terms!

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 15Leh

Depart at any time.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Kashmir to Ladakh: Where Valleys Meet the Sky

| 15 days - Srinagar to Leh - from $1999 USD