Pickup Srinagar Srinagar - Kargil Via Drass - Leh Via Lamayuru Sham Valley - Nubra Via Khardung La Diskit Monastery(E) - Pangong Via Shyok Valley - Leh Via Changla Pass Monument(E) - Jispa - Flyback frm Manali

Upon your arrival at Srinagar Airport (SXR), you will be greeted by our representative. From the airport, you will be comfortably transferred to your pre-booked hotel or houseboat in Srinagar. After checking in and freshening up, enjoy a leisurely lunch.

 

In the afternoon, embark on a captivating tour of Srinagar, exploring some of its most iconic attractions:

• Nishat Bagh: Known as the "Garden of Joy," this is a beautiful Mughal garden located on the eastern side of Dal Lake, offering stunning views of the Zabarwan Mountains.
• Shalimar Bagh: The largest Mughal garden in Srinagar, famous for its terraced lawns, fountains, and scenic pavilions. It was built by Emperor Jahangir for his wife Nur Jahan.
• Chashma Shahi: A smaller but charming Mughal garden renowned for its natural spring and serene ambiance, providing panoramic views of Dal Lake.
• Shankaracharya Temple: Perched atop a hill, this ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva offers breathtaking panoramic views of the entire Srinagar city and the Dal Lake.
• Dal Lake Shikara Ride: Conclude your day with a magical Shikara ride on the serene waters of Dal Lake. Glide past floating gardens, houseboats, and local markets, witnessing the unique lifestyle of the locals.

 

After a day filled with sightseeing and cultural experiences, you will return to your hotel or houseboat for dinner and an overnight stay in Srinagar.

Embark on an unforgettable single-day journey from the beautiful valleys of Srinagar to the historic town of Kargil, passing through the rugged, high-altitude landscapes and the solemn memorial at Drass.

Your day begins in Srinagar, as you set out on an early morning drive towards Kargil. This scenic route will take you through dramatic mountain passes and some of the most breathtaking vistas in the Himalayas.

The first leg of your journey is from Srinagar to Drass, covering approximately 145 km and taking around 4-5 hours, depending on road conditions and stops. This segment involves ascending the formidable Zoji La Pass, a high mountain pass that connects the Kashmir Valley to the Ladakh region.

 

En route from Srinagar to Drass, you will encounter:

• Sonamarg: While not a direct stop for an extended visit on this transit day, you'll pass by the stunning meadows of Sonamarg (Meadow of Gold), offering glimpses of glaciers and pristine valleys. It's a perfect spot for a quick photo stop to admire the majestic scenery.
• Zoji La Pass: Conquer the challenging Zoji La Pass (approximately 11,575 ft or 3,528 m), an experience in itself with its winding roads and panoramic views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks.
• Drass War Memorial (Kargil War Memorial): Pay homage to the brave soldiers who laid down their lives during the Kargil War. This poignant memorial offers an insightful look into the conflict and provides stunning views of Tiger Hill and Tololing, key battlegrounds during the war. It's a deeply moving experience.

After your visit to Drass, continue your drive towards Kargil. The distance from Drass to Kargil is approximately 60 km, and this segment typically takes around 1.5-2 hours.

 

Upon your arrival in Kargil, check into your accommodation. The rest of the day can be spent exploring this historic town, which serves as a crucial transit point and has a rich cultural heritage.

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.

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.

After an early breakfast we check out from the Camp or Hotel, and drive towards Pangong Tso via Agham and Shyok Valley. Some of the road patches are extremely tough (towards Nubra) but no doubt the landscapes are extremely scenic! After crossing this adventurous part we drive further towards Durbuk & Tangtse for Pangong. We pass through few small villages and finally we will have a sudden view of the Pangong Lake situated at 14,000 feet. This famous blue brackish Lake is 5-6 Kms wide and over 133 Kms long with half of it’s running the other side of the "Indo China Border". One rarely feels so close to nature and environment and the scenery is unforgettable. In June/July/Aug due to Snow Melting, Shyok Route is closed so in such a case INR 4000/- for SUV & 7000/- for Traveler would be Extra for Warila Route.

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)

Embark on an unforgettable single-day adventure from the high-altitude desert of Leh to the serene valley of Jispa. This scenic journey traverses some of the world's most dramatic landscapes and high mountain passes, promising a day filled with awe-inspiring views.

 

After checking out from your hotel in Leh, Meet and greet your representative or driver to commence the drive towards Jispa. Jispa is approximately 330-350 km away from Leh, and the drive typically takes around 10-12 hours, making it a long but incredibly rewarding day of travel.

 

En route, you will encounter the following breathtaking attractions:

• Tanglang La Pass: One of the highest motorable passes in the world (5,328 meters / 17,480 ft), offering incredible views of the Rupshu Valley.
• More Plains: A vast, desolate plateau stretching for about 40 km, flanked by stunning mountains.
• Pang: A significant military transit camp and a popular stop for tea and refreshments.
• Sarchu: A major stopover point between Leh and Manali, often marked by vast campsites and dramatic landscapes.
• Baralacha La Pass: Another high mountain pass (4,890 meters / 16,040 ft) where multiple rivers originate, providing spectacular views of snow-capped peaks.
• Deepak Tal: A small, picturesque lake with crystal-clear waters, often reflecting the surrounding mountains.
• Suraj Tal: The "Lake of the Sun God," the source of the Bhaga River and a stunning high-altitude lake.

 

After navigating the challenging yet mesmerizing Leh-Manali Highway, you will arrive in Jispa. Nestled in the Lahaul Valley by the Bhaga River, Jispa is a tranquil village renowned for its serene natural beauty and as a perfect stopover point.

 

Check into your accommodation in Jispa for an overnight stay, reflecting on the incredible journey through the heart of the Himalayas.

Embark on a picturesque journey from Jispa to the vibrant hill station of Manali, traveling through the engineering marvel of the Atal Tunnel. Your day begins in Jispa, known for its serene landscapes and clear blue skies, as you set out towards Manali, a total distance of approximately 100-110 km.

 

The first leg of your journey will take you from Jispa to the South Portal of the Atal Tunnel, covering about 75-80 km, which typically takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on road conditions and stops. From the South Portal of the Atal Tunnel to Manali, it's an additional 25-30 km, taking approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. The total driving time for the day will be around 3.5 to 4.5 hours, not including sightseeing stops.

 

En route sightseeing highlights before reaching Manali:

• Deepak Tal: A small, shimmering lake near Darcha, offering serene views and a perfect spot for a quick photo break.
• Keylong: The administrative center of Lahaul and Spiti, a bustling town offering glimpses into local life and culture. You might stop for a quick tea break.
• Atal Tunnel: Experience driving through this engineering marvel, one of the longest high-altitude road tunnels in the world, significantly reducing travel time to Manali.
• Solang Valley: A popular adventure hub located just before Manali, known for paragliding, zorbing, and scenic views (time permitting for a brief stop).

 

Upon your arrival in Manali, check into your accommodation/Bus Stand. The rest of your day is dedicated to exploring the charming attractions (By Walk) of this popular destination. As the day concludes, enjoy the cool evening breeze and the vibrant atmosphere of Manali before resting for the night.

 

Note: Vehicle will not travel from Rohtang Pass. In case you wish to visit Rohtang Pass enroute, please let the driver or us know before. It will incur additional charges.