Pickup Leh - Nubra Via Khardungla - Turtuk - Nubra Via Panamik Sumur - Pangong Via Shyok Valley - Leh Via 3 Idiot's School - Flyback frm Leh

Upon your arrival at Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, prepare for an unparalleled experience even before you land. The flight into Leh is renowned for its breathtaking panoramic views of the majestic Himalayas, offering a spectacular introduction to the rugged beauty of Ladakh. After clearing immigration and baggage collection, meet your representative who will facilitate your transfer to your pre-booked hotel in Leh.

Once you've checked into your hotel, the most crucial activity for your first day in Leh is acclimatization. Leh is situated at a high altitude (around 11,500 feet or 3,500 meters), and it is vital to rest and allow your body to adjust to the reduced oxygen levels. We highly recommend spending the majority of your day relaxing at the hotel, avoiding strenuous activities, and staying well-hydrated.

Afternoon & Evening Leisure in Leh:

In the late afternoon or early evening, once you feel adequately rested, you may opt for a very gentle stroll to explore the immediate surroundings of your hotel.

• Leh Market Exploration - Walk Only No Vehicle provided
• Shanti Stupa Viewpoint - Walk Only No Vehicle provided
• Local Cafe Experience - Walk Only No Vehicle provided

Enjoy a relaxed dinner at your hotel or a nearby restaurant and prepare for a restful night's sleep, ensuring you are refreshed for the adventures ahead in Ladakh.

Note:

• Vehicle is provided strictly based on the itinerary, and charges has been calculated accordingly. In case of detour or additional pickup/drop due to known and unknown reasons, additional cost must be incurred by the traveller.
• In the peak time, pickup/drops can be provided different vehicles (Including Ecco Vans) than mentioned in the package.

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.

Embark on an unforgettable day trip to Turtuk, a hidden gem nestled in the remote corners of the Ladakh region, bordering Pakistan. This journey promises not only breathtaking landscapes but also a deep dive into the unique Balti culture.

From Nubra Valley (e.g., Hunder/Diskit), set out on a picturesque drive to Turtuk. The journey covers approximately 80-90 km and typically takes around 3 to 4 hours, navigating through winding mountain roads and spectacular vistas.

Upon arrival in Turtuk, you'll be captivated by its unique charm. This village, opened to tourists only in 2010, is known for its apricot orchards and distinctive Balti culture.

Once in Turtuk, explore the following fascinating sights:

• Balti Heritage Home & Museum: Discover traditional Balti artifacts, clothing, and household items, offering insight into the local history and culture.
• Old Monastery & Mosque: Visit the village's ancient religious sites, showcasing a blend of Buddhist and Islamic architectural styles, reflecting the village's diverse heritage.
• Turtuk Water Mill: Observe the traditional method of grinding grains using ancient water-powered mills, a testament to the village's self-sufficient lifestyle.
• Apricot Orchards: Stroll through lush apricot orchards, especially beautiful during harvest season, and taste fresh, locally grown produce.
• Walking Through the Village: Wander through the narrow lanes, admire the traditional stone and wooden houses, and interact with the friendly local villagers.

After a delicious local lunch (perhaps featuring Balti cuisine) and immersing yourself in Turtuk's serene ambiance, begin your return journey to Nubra Valley. The drive back will again cover approximately 80-90 km and take around 3 to 4 hours, allowing you to reflect on the day's incredible experiences and enjoy the sunset hues painting the mountains. By evening, you will arrive back in Nubra Valley, concluding your enriching day trip to the remote beauty and rich history of Turtuk.

Set off from Turtuk towards Panamik, a fascinating village renowned for its hot springs and its strategic location as the gateway to the Siachen Glacier. This leg of your journey spans approximately 85 km and will take around 2.5 to 3 hours, traversing scenic, winding roads with breathtaking mountain vistas.

En route, you will visit the following:

• Panamik Hot Springs: Discover the sulfur-rich hot springs, believed to possess medicinal properties. A dip or simply observing the steam rising from these springs amidst the cold desert landscape is a unique experience.
• Siachen Glacier Viewpoint (near Panamik): While direct access to the Siachen Base Camp is restricted, Panamik offers a significant viewpoint that provides a sense of the region's strategic importance and its proximity to the formidable Siachen Glacier, often referred to as the "highest battlefield in the world." Take in the views and reflect on the resilience of the landscape and its people.

From Panamik, your journey continues to Sumur, another charming village nestled in the Nubra Valley. The drive covers approximately 30 km and typically takes about 1 hour, offering more glimpses of the dramatic Himalayan terrain.

Upon arrival in Sumur, you will visit:

• Samstanling Monastery: A beautiful and serene monastery known for its vibrant murals, rich thangkas, and impressive statues. It offers a tranquil spiritual experience and panoramic views of the valley.

Arrival in Nubra Valley (Diskit/Hunder)

After exploring Sumur, proceed to the main tourist hubs of Nubra Valley, such as Diskit or Hunder, where you will check into your hotel. This final segment of the day's drive is around 15-20 km from Sumur and takes approximately 30-45 minutes.

Upon reaching the heart of Nubra Valley, the afternoon and evening are dedicated to exploring its iconic attractions: (This segment will depend upon the hotel location.)

• Diskit Monastery: Perched atop a hill, this is the oldest and largest monastery in Nubra Valley. Marvel at the 32-meter tall statue of Maitreya Buddha, offering commanding views of the entire valley.
• Hunder Sand Dunes & Double-Humped Camel Safari: Experience the surreal landscape of the cold desert with its unique white sand dunes. Enjoy an unforgettable ride on the Bactrian (double-humped) camels, a relic from the ancient Silk Route.

After a day filled with scenic beauty and cultural encounters, check into your chosen accommodation in Nubra Valley, reflecting on the incredible journey from Turtuk through the heart of this majestic valley.

Note:

• If any sights are mentioned multiple times in the itinerary, those will be covered only once and even any alternative will not be offered.
• Any additional sight or detour, not mentioned in the itinerary or due to natural/weather/human reasons, will incur additional cost.

Set off from Turtuk towards Panamik, a fascinating village renowned for its hot springs and its strategic location as the gateway to the Siachen Glacier. This leg of your journey spans approximately 85 km and will take around 2.5 to 3 hours, traversing scenic, winding roads with breathtaking mountain vistas.

En route, you will visit the following:

• Panamik Hot Springs: Discover the sulfur-rich hot springs, believed to possess medicinal properties. A dip or simply observing the steam rising from these springs amidst the cold desert landscape is a unique experience.
• Siachen Glacier Viewpoint (near Panamik): While direct access to the Siachen Base Camp is restricted, Panamik offers a significant viewpoint that provides a sense of the region's strategic importance and its proximity to the formidable Siachen Glacier, often referred to as the "highest battlefield in the world." Take in the views and reflect on the resilience of the landscape and its people.

From Panamik, your journey continues to Sumur, another charming village nestled in the Nubra Valley. The drive covers approximately 30 km and typically takes about 1 hour, offering more glimpses of the dramatic Himalayan terrain.

Upon arrival in Sumur, you will visit:

• Samstanling Monastery: A beautiful and serene monastery known for its vibrant murals, rich thangkas, and impressive statues. It offers a tranquil spiritual experience and panoramic views of the valley.

Arrival in Nubra Valley (Diskit/Hunder)

After exploring Sumur, proceed to the main tourist hubs of Nubra Valley, such as Diskit or Hunder, where you will check into your hotel. This final segment of the day's drive is around 15-20 km from Sumur and takes approximately 30-45 minutes.

Upon reaching the heart of Nubra Valley, the afternoon and evening are dedicated to exploring its iconic attractions: (This segment will depend upon the hotel location.)

• Diskit Monastery: Perched atop a hill, this is the oldest and largest monastery in Nubra Valley. Marvel at the 32-meter tall statue of Maitreya Buddha, offering commanding views of the entire valley.
• Hunder Sand Dunes & Double-Humped Camel Safari: Experience the surreal landscape of the cold desert with its unique white sand dunes. Enjoy an unforgettable ride on the Bactrian (double-humped) camels, a relic from the ancient Silk Route.

After a day filled with scenic beauty and cultural encounters, check into your chosen accommodation in Nubra Valley, reflecting on the incredible journey from Turtuk through the heart of this majestic valley.

Note:

• If any sights are mentioned multiple times in the itinerary, those will be covered only once and even any alternative will not be offered.
• Any additional sight or detour, not mentioned in the itinerary or due to natural/weather/human reasons, will incur additional cost.

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)

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.