Pickup Srinagar Kargil Via Drass - Kargil Leh Via Lamayuru Sham Valley - Hanle - Tso Moriri - Leh Via Puga Valley

Upon arrival at Srinagar Airport, meet our driver-cum-representative and begin your scenic journey towards Kargil via Drass, one of the coldest inhabited places in the world. The distance between Srinagar and Kargil is approximately 200 km, and it would take around 7 to 8 hours to reach by road, depending on traffic, road, and weather conditions.

Enroute Sightseeing:

• Sonmarg – Meadow of gold, surrounded by glaciers and alpine scenery.
• Zoji La Pass – High-altitude mountain pass offering dramatic Himalayan views.
• Drass War Memorial (Vijaypath) – Memorial dedicated to soldiers of the Kargil War, located at the foothills of Tololing Peak.
• Drass Village – One of the coldest inhabited villages, offering views of rugged landscapes and local life.

After completing enroute sightseeing, continue your drive to Kargil. On arrival, check in to your hotel and relax for the night.

Embark on an exhilarating single-day journey from Kargil to Leh, tracing a scenic route through the stunning landscapes of Ladakh, including the iconic Lamayuru Monastery and the captivating Sham Valley.

Prepare for an early departure from Kargil.

Kargil to Lamayuru

Your adventure begins with a drive from Kargil towards Lamayuru. This segment covers approximately 105 km and will take around 2.5 to 3 hours of driving time, offering glimpses of the stark, beautiful Himalayan terrain.

En route, visit the following attractions:

• Mulbekh Monastery (Chamba Statue) – Witness the impressive 9-meter-tall rock-cut statue of Maitreya Buddha (Chamba) dating back to the 7th-8th century, a significant cultural and religious site.

Lamayuru and Sham Valley to Leh

Upon reaching Lamayuru, immerse yourself in the mystical "Moonland" landscape before continuing your journey through the famous Sham Valley towards Leh. This segment from Lamayuru to Leh spans approximately 115 km and will involve around 2.5 to 3 hours of driving, excluding time spent on sightseeing.

En route, explore the wonders of Lamayuru and Sham Valley:

• Lamayuru Monastery (Moonland) – Explore one of the oldest and largest monasteries in Ladakh, renowned for its lunar-like landscape and ancient gompa.
• Magnetic Hill – Experience the optical illusion where vehicles appear to defy gravity and roll uphill.
• Gurudwara Pathar Sahib – Pay respects at this sacred Sikh shrine, believed to be visited by Guru Nanak Dev.
• Confluence of Indus & Zanskar Rivers – Witness the spectacular meeting point of the turquoise Indus River and the murky Zanskar River.

After a day of breathtaking drives and cultural discoveries, you will arrive in Leh in the late afternoon or early evening. Check into your hotel and take some time to relax and acclimatize to the high altitude.

Begin your enchanting journey from Leh, the heart of Ladakh, towards the remote and serene village of Hanle. This scenic drive promises breathtaking landscapes, ancient monasteries, and unique cultural experiences.

The distance from Leh to Hanle is approximately 270 km, and the drive typically takes around 7 to 8 hours, allowing for photo stops and enjoying the mesmerizing vistas of the Changthang region.

En route, you will encounter the following attractions:

• Karu: A significant junction where the road forks towards Manali and Hanle.
• Upshi Checkpoint: An important military checkpoint, necessary to register your permits for the restricted Hanle region.
• Chumathang Hot Springs: A natural wonder where you can observe hot geysers bubbling near the icy Indus River, believed to have medicinal properties.
• Mahe Bridge: Another crucial checkpoint and a picturesque bridge over the Indus, marking the turn-off towards Hanle from the main road to Tso Moriri.

After a journey filled with awe-inspiring landscapes and cultural stops, you will arrive at Hanle, one of the most remote and captivating villages in Ladakh. Upon arrival, immerse yourself in the tranquility and unique charm of this high-altitude settlement.

In Hanle, explore the following key sights:

• Hanle Monastery: Perched atop a hill, this 17th-century monastery belonging to the Drukpa lineage offers stunning views of the valley and is a spiritual oasis in the remote landscape.
• Indian Astronomical Observatory (Hanle Observatory): Home to the Hanle Chandra Telescope, this is one of the world's highest optical observatories. Entry inside the facility might be restricted.
• Stargazing (Evening): Given Hanle's incredibly dark skies and high altitude, it's one of the best places in the world for stargazing. Spend your evening mesmerized by the Milky Way and countless stars.

Begin your day early in Hanle, a serene village known for its astronomical observatory and ancient monastery. We recommend completing any final exploration of Hanle's unique sights, such as the Indian Astronomical Observatory and the Hanle Monastery, before commencing your onward journey.

Your scenic drive from Hanle to Tso Moriri promises breathtaking landscapes across the Changthang plateau. The journey covers approximately 150-160 kilometers and is expected to take around 5-6 hours, depending on road conditions and stops for photography.

Upon arrival at Tso Moriri, check into your chosen accommodation and take some time to acclimatize to the high altitude. The afternoon is dedicated to exploring the magnificent lake and its surroundings.

Sightseeing spots in Tso Moriri:

• Tso Moriri Lake: Immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of this sacred high-altitude lake. Its mesmerizing turquoise waters, surrounded by towering mountains, offer unparalleled tranquility and excellent opportunities for birdwatching (migratory birds like bar-headed geese and Brahmini ducks are often spotted).
• Korzok Monastery: Perched on the western bank of Tso Moriri, this ancient Buddhist monastery offers stunning panoramic views of the lake and the vast plains. It provides a fascinating insight into the rich cultural and spiritual life of the Changpa nomadic community.

Spend your evening enjoying the serene environment of Tso Moriri, perhaps watching a spectacular sunset over the lake, before concluding your day.

Embark on a captivating journey from the serene high-altitude lake of Tso Moriri to the vibrant capital of Ladakh, Leh, with a fascinating stop at the geothermal wonders of Puga Valley. This single day promises a diverse landscape of wetlands, hot springs, and ancient monasteries.

After enjoying your final views of the mesmerizing Tso Moriri Lake and perhaps the quaint Korzok village, prepare for your departure. Any remaining exploration of the Tso Moriri area should be completed before setting off on your journey.

Your first leg of the journey takes you from Tso Moriri to the unique Puga Valley. This stretch covers approximately 55 km and will take around 1.5 to 2 hours to drive.

En route to Puga Valley, consider a stop at:

• Korzok Monastery: If not visited previously, take a moment to explore this historic monastery, home to a community of Rinchen-Zangpo lineage monks, offering stunning views of Tso Moriri.

Upon reaching Puga Valley, delve into its distinctive geological features:

• Puga Hot Springs: Witness the natural steam vents and bubbling hot springs, a testament to the region's active geothermal energy. It's a surreal landscape, often dotted with nomadic settlements.
• Puga Salt Lake: Depending on the season, you might observe the crystallized salt deposits around a small lake in the valley, a vital resource for local communities.

After experiencing the unique sights of Puga Valley, continue your drive towards Leh. This longer stretch from Puga Valley to Leh is approximately 190 km and typically takes around 4.5 to 5 hours, depending on road conditions and stops, passing through the scenic Indus River valley.

En route from Puga Valley to Leh, you will encounter several significant sights:

• Chumathang Hot Springs: Pause at this village known for its therapeutic hot springs, where you can often see locals enjoying a dip or simply witnessing the steam rising from the Indus River banks.
• Mahe Bridge: A strategically important bridge over the Indus, offering panoramic views of the river and surrounding mountains. It's often a checkpoint on this route.
• Thiksey Monastery: Just before reaching Leh, you'll pass this magnificent monastery, often called 'Mini Potala' for its resemblance to the Potala Palace in Lhasa. Its impressive architecture and murals are a sight to behold from the road.
• Shey Palace: The former summer palace of the Ladakh Kings, perched on a hill, offers historical insights and great photo opportunities as you approach Leh.

Upon your arrival in Leh in the late afternoon, check into your accommodation. After a day of travel and sightseeing, you may wish to unwind.

This concludes your single-day journey, filled with high-altitude wonders, geothermal marvels, and cultural insights, bringing you to the heart of Ladakh.