Ladakh Adventure: High Passes, Monasteries & Starry Skies
8 days, Leh to Leh
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 1Leh
Welcome to Ladakh, one of the most naturally beautiful regions of India. Arrive at any time today and meet your arrival transfer at the airport. Leh sits at 3500m elevation, so take it slow today to acclimate to the the high elevation.
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.
Day 2Leh
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
Enjoy a guided heritage walk through Leh’s historic old town, exploring traditional homes, temples, and hidden alleys.
Central Asian Museum Visit
Learn about the importance of Leh on the Silk Road through rare artifacts and architecture at the Central Asian Museum.
Thiksey Monastery Visit
Visit the beautiful hilltop monastery famous for its prayer rituals and see the iconic Maitreya Buddha statue.
Shanti Stupa at Sunset
Visit the peaceful stupa built by Japanese monks. Admire the views of the orange hues as the sunset blankets the city of Leh.
Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow
Astronomy Experience
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 | DinnerDay 3Leh/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
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Diskit Gompa (Monastery)
Explore the largest and oldest monastery in Nubra and admire the panoramic view of the valley.
Sumur Sand Dunes
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 | DinnerDay 4Nubra 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
Visit the 400-year-old hilltop monastery to see the peaceful views of the Nubra Valley.
Yarab Tso Lake Hike
Take a 30-minute hike to a sacred, high-altitude lake nestled amidst the rugged Nubra terrain.
Panamic Hot Springs
Soak in the natural sulphur-rich hot springs believed to have healing properties, set against the backdrop of the Himalayas.
Col. Rinchen Chewang Museum
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 | DinnerDay 5Nubra 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
Visit the Samstanling Monastery for morning prayer. Witness the peaceful monastery ambiance, with murals and chants that reflect Ladakhi Buddhist heritage.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Pangong Lake Hike
Take a short hike along the beautiful Pangong Lake.
Stargazing in Nubra Valley
In such a remote village, an opportunity like this to stargaze mustn't be missed!
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 6Pangong 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
Rise early for a peaceful yoga session by Pangong Tso Lake.
Rezang La Memorial
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
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
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Leh
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
Enjoy the entire day to explore on your terms!
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 8Leh
Depart at any time.