Pickup Delhi Kasol - Local - Sarchu - Leh - Local - Sham Valley(E) - Nubra Valley - Turtuk(E) - Pangong - Flyback frm Leh

Begin your day early in Sarchu, a high-altitude tented camp site often used as an overnight stop on the Manali-Leh highway. After breakfast and checking out from your accommodation, set out for the final and most scenic leg of your journey to Leh. The drive from Sarchu to Leh is approximately 250 km and takes around 8-10 hours, depending on road conditions and the number of stops.

En route, prepare for an awe-inspiring expedition through some of the world's highest mountain passes and most dramatic landscapes:

• Gata Loops: Conquer the famous 21 hairpin bends that ascend steeply, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
• Nakee La Pass (15,547 ft / 4,739 m): The first major pass after the Gata Loops, offering stunning vistas.
• Lachung La Pass (16,616 ft / 5,065 m): Another high mountain pass, providing breathtaking views of the rugged terrain.
• Pang: A popular stop for a quick refreshment, often for hot chai and Maggi, amidst the vast cold desert.
• Tanglang La Pass (17,480 ft / 5,328 m): The second-highest motorable pass in the world (after Khardung La, though this is debated), marked by prayer flags and offering magnificent views.
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Upon arrival in Leh, proceed to check into your pre-booked hotel. Given the high altitude, it is crucial to spend the rest of the day relaxing and allowing your body to acclimatize to the environment. Avoid strenuous activities and stay hydrated.

Later in the evening (if feeling up to it - No Vehicle for Pickup/Drop):

• Leh Main Market: Take a gentle stroll through the bustling Leh Main Market, soaking in the local atmosphere and perhaps enjoying a cup of local tea. This light activity can help with acclimatization and offers a glimpse into local life.

Begin your day early in Sarchu, a high-altitude tented camp site often used as an overnight stop on the Manali-Leh highway. After breakfast and checking out from your accommodation, set out for the final and most scenic leg of your journey to Leh. The drive from Sarchu to Leh is approximately 250 km and takes around 8-10 hours, depending on road conditions and the number of stops.

En route, prepare for an awe-inspiring expedition through some of the world's highest mountain passes and most dramatic landscapes:

• Gata Loops: Conquer the famous 21 hairpin bends that ascend steeply, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
• Nakee La Pass (15,547 ft / 4,739 m): The first major pass after the Gata Loops, offering stunning vistas.
• Lachung La Pass (16,616 ft / 5,065 m): Another high mountain pass, providing breathtaking views of the rugged terrain.
• Pang: A popular stop for a quick refreshment, often for hot chai and Maggi, amidst the vast cold desert.
• Tanglang La Pass (17,480 ft / 5,328 m): The second-highest motorable pass in the world (after Khardung La, though this is debated), marked by prayer flags and offering magnificent views.
•  

Upon arrival in Leh, proceed to check into your pre-booked hotel. Given the high altitude, it is crucial to spend the rest of the day relaxing and allowing your body to acclimatize to the environment. Avoid strenuous activities and stay hydrated.

Later in the evening (if feeling up to it - No Vehicle for Pickup/Drop):

• Leh Main Market: Take a gentle stroll through the bustling Leh Main Market, soaking in the local atmosphere and perhaps enjoying a cup of local tea. This light activity can help with acclimatization and offers a glimpse into local life.

Your scenic adventure begins with an early morning checkout from your hotel in Leh. Please ensure all your belongings are packed. Set out on a picturesque drive from Leh to Nubra Valley, a remarkable landscape nestled between the Himalayas. This journey, approximately 120-130 km, will take around 4-5 hours, offering breathtaking vistas as you ascend towards the famed Khardung La.

The drive to Nubra Valley is a spectacle in itself, divided into two distinct parts by the iconic Khardung La pass:

• Leh to Khardung La: Approximately 39 km, an ascent of about 1.5 - 2 hours. This part of the journey takes you through winding mountain roads with stunning views of the Indus Valley.
• Khardung La to Nubra Valley: Approximately 80-90 km, a descent of about 2.5 - 3 hours. After crossing the pass, the landscape transforms into dramatic valleys and eventually, the fertile plains of Nubra.

After a thrilling drive, you will reach the verdant Nubra Valley. Here, immerse yourself in the unique culture and natural beauty of the region.

• Diskit Monastery: Explore the largest and oldest Buddhist monastery in Nubra Valley, dating back to the 14th century. Perched atop a hill, it offers magnificent views of the valley and houses a 32-meter-tall statue of Maitreya Buddha.
• Hunder Sand Dunes: Experience the unique cold desert landscape of Hunder, where you can witness the majestic sand dunes set against the backdrop of rugged mountains.
• Double-Humped Bactrian Camel Ride: Enjoy an unforgettable ride on the rare double-humped Bactrian camels, unique to this region, through the Hunder sand dunes (optional and at own expense).

Later in the day, check into your hotel or guesthouse in Nubra Valley, settling in for a peaceful evening amidst the tranquil surroundings.

One of the most fascinating journeys in Ladakh this is a less popular destination which opened recently for tourists. If you have a thirst for a strikingly beautiful journey, this is the destination to cover. "The next morning, they woke up in India." We are in Turtuk, listening to a villager recount the history of this remote northwest corner of Ladakh, which until that night was part of Baltistan in POK. A full day excursion and later evening return to Nubra Valley.

After enjoying a beautiful sunrise and breakfast by Pangong Lake, complete any final moments at the lake before commencing your scenic return journey to Leh. Your drive begins from Pangong Tso, heading towards the majestic Changla Pass.

The journey from Pangong Lake to Changla Pass is approximately 90-100 km and will take around 3-4 hours, traversing through winding mountain roads and quaint Ladakhi villages.

Upon reaching Changla Pass, one of the highest motorable passes in the world at an elevation of 17,586 ft (5,360 m), take a short break. Here, you can enjoy a cup of tea at the army cafeteria and soak in the panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan ranges.

From Changla Pass, the descent to Leh is approximately 55-65 km, taking around 2-2.5 hours. This segment of the drive is particularly rich in cultural and historical sites.

En route from Changla Pass to Leh, explore these iconic monasteries and palaces:

• Chemrey Monastery: A 17th-century monastery belonging to the Drukpa order, known for its high statue of Padmasambhava and rare ancient scriptures.
• Thiksey Monastery: An impressive monastery perched on a hill, resembling the Potala Palace of Lhasa. It houses a magnificent 15-meter high statue of Maitreya Buddha.
• Shey Palace: The former summer capital of Ladakh, now housing a large copper-gilt statue of Shakyamuni Buddha and offering historical insights into the region's royal past.

After a day filled with breathtaking landscapes and profound cultural experiences, arrive in Leh. Check into your hotel and take some time to relax and acclimate to the altitude. In the late afternoon or evening, you can explore the charming town of Leh.

Upon arrival in Leh, you may visit:

• Leh Market: Stroll through the bustling local market, browse for handicrafts, souvenirs, and interact with the friendly locals. (No Vehicle for Market Pickup/Drop)

Wake up to the crisp mountain air of Leh, the perfect start to your half-day local exploration.

Since your journey begins and ends in Leh, there will be no inter-city travel or en-route sightseeing between different cities. All exploration will be focused within the beautiful landscape of Leh itself.

Begin your local exploration by visiting the following attractions:

• Shanti Stupa: Perched on a hilltop, this magnificent white-domed stupa offers panoramic views of Leh town, the Indus Valley, and the surrounding mountains. It's a perfect spot for photography and quiet contemplation, especially during the morning light.
• Leh Palace: An imposing nine-story royal palace overlooking Leh town, this historic structure was once the residence of the Namgyal royal family. Explore its ancient halls, temples, and relics, and imagine life in the Leh Kingdom centuries ago.
• Shankar Monastery: A serene Buddhist monastery known for its impressive statue of Avalokiteshvara with 1000 arms and heads. It houses several captivating murals and ancient scriptures, offering a glimpse into the rich Buddhist heritage of Ladakh.

After a day filled with cultural insights, historical wonders, and breathtaking views, you will return to your accommodation in Leh, concluding your local exploration.

As your memorable Himalayan journey draws to a close, spend your last morning in Leh soaking in its unique atmosphere and collecting final memories before your departure.

After a leisurely breakfast, you might opt for a final exploration of Leh's iconic landmarks (At an additional cost if vehicle required.) if time permits.

Depending on your flight schedule, you will then be transferred to Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL) for your onward journey, carrying with you cherished memories of Ladakh's pristine beauty and unique culture.

Note:

• In the peak time, pickup/drops can be provided different vehicles (Including Ecco Vans) than mentioned in the package.
• Vehicle shall stick to the itinerary strictly. If there is additional cost arises due to additional sights or detour due to natural, administrative and human reasons, it must be strictly borne by the client.
• If sights are repeated in the itinerary, those will be covered only once during the trip. In addition, No alternative sightseeing would be provided on behalf of such sights.