Ladakh
High-altitude desert, low horizon sky
What a trip to Ladakh actually looks like.
Monasteries perched on cliffs, the blue of Pangong Tso, and roads that cross some of the world's highest passes. Altitude sets the pace here more than distance does — most itineraries build in a full acclimatization day before heading further out.
Four places worth building the trip around.
The highlights our planners come back to most when they build a Ladakh itinerary.
Pangong Tso
A lake that shifts between blue and turquoise through the day, stretching from Ladakh into Tibet.
Khardung La
One of the world's highest motorable passes, and the gateway road into the Nubra Valley.
Thiksey & Hemis Monasteries
Cliffside Buddhist monasteries with centuries-old murals, still active as working religious sites.
Nubra Valley
Cold desert sand dunes and double-humped Bactrian camels, framed by snow-capped peaks.
An eight-day route through Ladakh.
Arrive in Leh
A full rest day at altitude — light walking only, to acclimatize before heading further out.
Leh local sightseeing
Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, and the old town market at an easy pace.
Drive to Nubra Valley
Cross Khardung La en route, arriving in Nubra by afternoon.
Nubra Valley
Diskit Monastery and a camel safari across the sand dunes at Hunder.
Drive to Pangong Tso
A long, scenic drive to the lakeshore, with an overnight stay by the water.
Pangong to Leh
Return via Thiksey and Hemis monasteries, timed for the afternoon light.
Leh at leisure
A free day for cafés, markets, or an optional add-on trip to Tso Moriri.
Departure
Free morning in Leh before your onward flight.
Ready to plan your Ladakh trip?
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