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Himalayan Heights: Leh, Nubra, and Pangong Expedit
- Nubra Valley
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Himalayan Heights: Leh, Nubra, and Pangong Expedit
Munnar – Thekkady – Alleppey
INTRODUCTION
- This seven-day Himalayan expedition begins with a crucial day of acclimatization in Leh, the capital of Ladakh. Day two explores the town’s heritage, visiting the towering Leh Palace for panoramic views and the serene white-domed Shanti Stupa. The adventure intensifies on Day three, driving over the formidable Khardung La Pass to enter the unique cold desert of Nubra Valley. Here, travellers marvel at the colossal Maitreya Buddha statue at Diskit Monastery and enjoy a rare double-humped camel ride in Hunder’s sand dunes.
- Day four brings the journey to the magnificent Pangong Lake, famous for its intense, ever-shifting shades of blue. Following a sunrise viewing on Day five, the return journey to Leh includes a stop at the Potala Palace-like Thiksey Monastery. The penultimate day offers exploration of Leh's natural and patriotic sites: the Hall of Fame war museum, the gravitational mystery of Magnetic Hill, and the vibrant Sangam (confluence) of the Indus and Zanskar rivers. The tour concludes on Day seven with a departure from Leh Airport (IXL). This itinerary blends high-altitude adventure with profound spiritual and cultural discovery.
SHORT ITINERARY
- Day 1: Arrival in Leh and acclimatization
- Day 2: Leh city tour
- Day 3: Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung La Pass
- Day 4: Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake
- Day 5: Pangong Lake to Leh
- Day 6: Around Leh – Monasteries and attractions
- Day 7: Departure from Leh
Tour
Itinerary:
7-Day Himalayan Heights: Leh, Nubra, and Pangong Expedition Day-wise Tour Program
Day 1: Arrival in Leh – Altitude Acclimatization
Upon landing at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL), you will be transferred to your accommodation in Leh. The entire day is dedicated to resting and critical acclimatization at the high altitude of 3,500m (11,500ft). This process is non-negotiable for a safe journey. In the evening, a gentle stroll through the Leh Market offers a light introduction to the local atmosphere and culture.
· Meals: Lunch en-route/Packed Lunch. Dinner at hotel.
Day 2: Leh City's Crown Jewels
Morning sightseeing begins with the majestic Leh Palace, a nine-story royal structure towering over the old town. This 17th-century architectural marvel offers an incredible glimpse into Ladakh’s regal past and provides a stunning panoramic viewpoint of the entire valley and the surrounding Stok Kangri mountain range.
Later, ascend to the radiant Shanti Stupa, a white-domed Buddhist shrine built to promote world peace. Enshrining the relics of the Buddha, the stupa’s hilltop location offers breathtaking, 360-degree vistas of the rugged landscape and is the perfect spot to witness a spectacular sunset over Leh.
· Meals: Lunch en-route during sightseeing. Dinner at hotel.
Day 3: Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung La Pass
Embark on an exhilarating drive to the mesmerizing Nubra Valley, conquering the famous Khardung La Pass. Once celebrated as the world's highest motorable road, this pass is an incredible feat of engineering and adventure, offering surreal views of snow-capped peaks adorned with fluttering prayer flags.
In the valley, visit Diskit Monastery, the oldest and largest Gompa in the region, known for its spiritual sanctity and stunning location. Overlooking the valley is the magnificent 32-meter-tall statue of Maitreya Buddha (Future Buddha), a beacon of peace and a striking visual spectacle against the backdrop of the high desert mountains.
The day culminates in Hunder, where you will experience the unique cold desert landscape. Here, enjoy an unforgettable ride on the double-humped Bactrian camels, the iconic, furry descendants of the Silk Road traders, wandering across the pristine white sand dunes.
· Overnight stay in Nubra Valley. Meals: Lunch en-route during sightseeing. Dinner at hotel.
Day 4: Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake
Journey from the cold desert of Nubra Valley through the scenic Shyok River route to the magnificent Pangong Tso (Lake). Situated at a soaring altitude, this massive, brackish lake is famous for its mesmerizing ability to change its colour from azure to light green and even reddish-blue throughout the day.
Check into your lakeside camp and spend the evening captivated by the dramatic mountains reflecting in the lake’s ever-shifting waters, an essential experience for any Ladakh trip.
· Overnight stay at Pangong Lake/Camp. Meals: Lunch en-route during sightseeing. Dinner at hotel/camp.
Day 5: Pangong Lake to Leh Return
After an early morning to capture the serene sunrise colours over the lake, begin the return drive to Leh, traversing the challenging Chang La Pass. En route, stop at Thiksey Monastery, an imposing 12-story complex often likened to the Potala Palace of Lhasa. This Gelugpa sect monastery houses an impressive temple and is a vital center for Buddhist learning, offering an insight into monastic life and ancient Ladakhi architecture.
· Overnight stay in Leh. Meals: Lunch en-route during sightseeing. Dinner at hotel.
Day 6: Around Leh – Spiritual Sites and Natural Wonders
The final full day is dedicated to exploring the fascinating outskirts of Leh:
· Hall of Fame: A poignant museum dedicated to honoring the brave soldiers of the Indian Army who sacrificed their lives in the Indo-Pak wars, offering a powerful look into the region’s military history.
· Magnetic Hill: Witness the peculiar optical illusion where vehicles, when left in neutral, appear to roll uphill against the force of gravity, baffling travelers and making for a fun photo opportunity.
· Gurudwara Pathar Sahib: A highly revered Sikh shrine believed to have been visited by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, offering a tranquil space and a reminder of the historical religious diversity of the region.
· Sangam Point: Visit the dramatic confluence of the two mighty rivers—the emerald-green waters of the Indus and the milky-turquoise waters of the Zanskar. This breathtaking meeting point is a celebrated spectacle of natural contrast and power.
· Overnight stay in Leh. Meals: Lunch en-route during sightseeing. Dinner at hotel.
Day 7: Departure from Leh
Enjoy a final breakfast and then be transferred to Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL) for your onward journey, taking with you the incredible memories of the High Himalayas.
Essential Travel Tips for Leh-Ladakh
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Category |
What To Do (Dos) |
What Not To Do (Don'ts) |
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Altitude & Health |
Acclimatize Strictly: Rest completely for Day 1. Avoid exertion, running, or heavy luggage lifting for the first 48 hours. |
Don't Rush or Overexert: Do not plan any strenuous activity on your arrival day. Avoid traveling to high passes (like Khardung La) before spending a full day in Leh. |
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Stay Hydrated: Drink 3-4 liters of water daily, as dehydration exacerbates Altitude Sickness (AMS). Carry a water bottle and refill often. |
Don't Consume Alcohol or Smoke: Avoid alcohol, smoking, and caffeine (coffee/strong tea) for the first few days, as they interfere with natural acclimatization. |
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Consult Your Doctor: Carry necessary medications, especially Diamox (Acetazolamide), to aid acclimatization, as advised by your physician. |
Don't Ignore Symptoms: If you feel severe headache, nausea, dizziness, or vomiting, inform your guide/driver immediately. Descending is the only cure for severe AMS. |
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Packing & Gear |
Dress in Layers: Use thermal wear, fleece jackets, and a windproof/waterproof outer layer, as temperatures fluctuate dramatically. |
Don't Forget Sun Protection: The high-altitude sun is intense. Do not skip high-SPF sunscreen, a cap/hat, and good quality UV-protected sunglasses. |
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Carry Moisturizers: Pack lip balm (with SPF), cold cream, and body lotion, as the air is very dry. |
Don't Overpack: Roads are challenging, and space is limited in smaller vehicles. Pack efficiently to manage your luggage. |
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Road Travel & Logistics |
Keep Buffer Days: Ladakh is prone to road closures due to weather or landslides. Having a buffer day can save your itinerary. |
Don't Take Selfies Recklessly: Be extremely cautious near cliff edges, high passes (Khardung La, Chang La), and fast-flowing rivers. Safety is paramount. |
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Carry Sufficient Cash: ATMs are scarce outside Leh and often unreliable. Carry enough cash for entry fees, camel rides, tips, and personal expenses. |
Don't Rely Solely on Connectivity: Mobile networks (especially postpaid connections) are limited to Leh, Nubra, and Pangong (BSNL/Jio). Download maps and communicate important updates beforehand. |
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Culture & Etiquette |
Respect Monasteries: Always enter a monastery or temple after removing your shoes. Seek permission before taking photos inside prayer halls or of monks. |
Don't Spin Prayer Wheels Anticlockwise: Always spin the prayer wheels (Mani) gently in a clockwise direction (the direction of the sun) to generate positive merit. |
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Engage Respectfully: When interacting with locals, greet them with a polite 'Julley' (a word meaning hello, thank you, and welcome). |
Don't Disturb Wildlife: While on the road, especially near Chang La and Pangong, do not approach, feed, or disturb the local wildlife like Marmots or Kiang. |
Tour Prices Include
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1. Accommodation: Six nights of confirmed stays, comprising well-rated hotels or guesthouses in Leh, and comfortable deluxe tented camps at the remote locations of Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake.
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2. Meals: Daily provision of Breakfast and Dinner (MAP Plan) throughout the seven days. Lunch is generally an exclusion due to the remote nature of daily travel, but packed options or simple local stops will be facilitated.
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3. Transportation: Exclusive use of a dedicated non-A/C local Ladakh taxi (such as an Innova, Xylo, or Tempo Traveller) for all transfers and sightseeing across the entire 7-day itinerary, adhering to local regulations for travel to restricted areas.
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4. Permits and Fees: Mandatory Inner Line Permits (ILP) required for accessing key restricted areas like Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake, along with all government-levied environmental and wildlife protection fees.
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5. Driver Charges: Complete coverage of all vehicle and driver expenses, including fuel, mandatory toll taxes, and the driver's accommodation and meals for the duration of the trip.
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6. Signature Activity: Inclusion of the fee for the iconic Double-Humped Bactrian Camel Ride on the sand dunes of Hunder in Nubra Valley.
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7. Sightseeing Entry: All standard entry tickets and charges for the major cultural and historical sites mentioned in the itinerary, including Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Diskit Monastery, and the Hall of Fame Museum.
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8. Safety Provision: Essential high-altitude safety equipment, including a readily available oxygen cylinder in the vehicle for emergency use while crossing the high mountain passes (Khardung La and Chang La).
Exclusions:
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Airfare: International or domestic flights to and from Leh's Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL)
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Lunch: Mid-day meals are generally not included in the standard package (MAP plan), allowing flexibility for travelers to choose their preferred dining options or local stops during the long driving days
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Personal Expenses: Any costs of a personal nature, such as laundry services, telephone calls, spa treatments, camera or video fees at monasteries, medical emergency costs (beyond basic first aid/oxygen), and minibar charges
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Optional Activities: Charges for any activities not explicitly mentioned as included, such as white-water rafting at Sangam, ATV rides, paragliding, or specific optional treks/hikes
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Tips and Gratuities: Tips for the driver, guides, hotel staff, or camp personnel
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Travel Insurance: Any form of travel or medical insurance, including coverage for cancellations, delays, or emergency evacuations due to road closures or acute mountain sickness (AMS)
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Extra Meals or Drinks: Any beverages (alcoholic/non-alcoholic) or meals consumed outside the complimentary Breakfast and Dinner provided by the hotels/camps
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Monument/Monastery Camera Fees: Specific photography or video camera fees charged by certain monasteries or monuments (these must be paid directly by the traveler at the site)
Tour Amenities
Jai Bharat Hospitality