Grand Tour of Ladakh

A short scenic flight will bring you to Leh. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to the village of Nimmu and your atmospheric traditional Ladakhi house. The remainder of the day is at leisure to acclimatise to Ladakh’s high altitude. Alternatively, enjoy a guided walk around Nimmu village.

Begin your day with a visit to the 16th-century mud-brick fortress of Basgo Gompa, which is perched atop a hillock and offers stunning views of the surrounding villages. Next, visit the three Maitreya temples dedicated to the ‘Buddha of the future’ and observe monks offering prayers before exploring the almost forgotten Saspol Cave Temples. Then, after lunch at Saspol village, continue to the 10th-century Alchi monastery, which has some of the finest collections of Buddhist murals in Ladakh.

Set off early this morning to Thiksey, one of the grandest monasteries in Ladakh, to observe the mystical dawn prayer ceremony and listen to the younger monks reciting sacred Buddhist texts to the accompaniment of cymbals. Next, drive to the beautiful village of Shey and visit The old ‘summer palace’, built nearly 600 years ago by Lhachen Palgyigon, the first king of Ladakh. Drink in the glorious views of the fertile Indus Plain and the Zanskar mountain range before returning to Nimmu. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Begin your day with a visit to the celebrated Hemis monastery, the largest and most richly endowed monastic institution in Ladakh, which is situated on a green hill and surrounded by spectacular mountains. Then, continue via the Chang-La Pass (5,200m) to the stunningly beautiful Pangong Tso Lake, one of the largest high-altitude lakes in Asia. Complete the day’s sightseeing with a walk along the edge of the Pangong Tso Lake at sunset.

Rise early to watch the ever-changing colours of the shimmering blue Pangong Tso Lake. Then, a scenic drive along the Shyok River and via the Wari La Pass (5,312m) will bring you to Hunder, a village in the beautiful Shyok Valley.

Embark on an exhilarating full-day journey to Turtuk, the last Indian outpost before Pakistan and the gateway to the Siachen Glacier. This is almost as far north in India as it is possible to go! Technically part of Baltistan, Turtuk village has a Muslim population and is noticeably different culturally, linguistically and architecturally from the rest of Indian Ladakh. On a clear day, the snow-clad slopes of K2 – the second-highest mountain in the world – are visible in the distance. Return to Hunder after a picnic lunch.

Set off this morning on an easy trek through the beautiful Hunder Gorge. The trek follows the Shyok River and offers magnificent views of Saser Kangri (7,672 m). Later, return by jeep to your village house for lunch. This afternoon, enjoy a camel safari across the sand dunes. Then, proceed to the village of Sumur via Diskit.

Cycle through the Nubra Valley to the 19th-century Samstanling Monastery, where you can observe young monks chanting. From Stamstanling, drive to sacred Trisha Lake and light a traditional butter lamp at the small chorten on the water’s edge. Later this afternoon, a relaxing cycle ride will bring you to the Sumur sand dunes, which is a perfect spot to take in the glorious views as the sun sets over the high-altitude desert.

A full day’s drive with spectacular views of the majestic craggy mountains and the many villages that dot the Indus Valley will bring you to the village of Nurla, near Lamayuru.

A short drive this morning will bring you to Hemis Shukpachan (3,645m), one of Ladakh’s prettiest villages. From here, begin your easygoing trek to Timisgam village. On leaving Hemis Shukpachan behind, cross a flat terrain dotted with small chortens (stupas) before a steep climb brings you to Mebtak La pass (3,720m), where you will hoist a prayer flag. Then, descend down to the charming village of Ang and enjoy a picnic lunch amongst apricot orchards before continuing your downhill walk to Temisgam village (3,220m), the 15th-century capital of Ladakh. At Temisgam, you will be reunited with your car and driver. Return to your ethnic-style lodge in the evening.

Spend the morning trekking to the beautiful village of Tar, which is only accessible on foot and enjoys a serene setting amidst imposing mountains. This is an easy trail that involves some uphill and downhill sections and takes you through apricot orchards, small stretches of green valleys with poplar and willow trees, barley fields, as well as wild lavender and rose gardens. Along the way, you will also have the opportunity to take in the spectacular landscape, complete with rugged mountains, bubbling brooks and verdant fields. Then, drive to Lamayuru (3,500m) and visit the ancient Lamayuru monastery, which is picturesquely set in the middle of an alluring moonscape.

Total Trekking time: 3.5 hours.

Retrace your steps via Nimmu to Stok village. In the afternoon, explore Stok Palace, which is still home to descendants of the Ladakh royal family. A guided tour of Stok Palace Museum will reveal the priceless private collection of the royal family. Complete the day’s sightseeing with a walk through Leh’s bustling bazaar.

Trek to Changma (3,980m), with stunning views of the Stok Kangri mountain range. This invigorating walk offers splendid views of the Himalaya and unusual rock formations. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch on arrival at Changma and return to the comforts of your village house in the late afternoon. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Total trekking time: 4.5 hours.

Bid goodbye to Ladakh and fly to Delhi. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Transfer to Delhi International Airport and check in for your onward flight.