Ladakh Complete Circuit

Leh-Ladakh

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Overview

The ultimate Ladakh experience covering Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, and the highest motorable passes in the world. Traverse dramatic moonscapes, ancient Buddhist monasteries, and high-altitude deserts where the sky is closer than anywhere on Earth.

9D / 8N

Duration

Challenging

Difficulty

2–12

Group Size

Leh-Ladakh

Destination

4.9 (189 reviews)

Highlights

Pangong LakeKhardung La PassNubra ValleyTurtuk VillageAncient MonasteriesMagnetic Hill

Your Journey, Day by Day

9 days of carefully crafted experiences

Day 1 of 9

1
Arrive in Leh — Acclimatize
First breath of Ladakhi air
⛰️ 3,500m

Arrive in Leh — Acclimatize

Land at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, one of the highest commercial airports in the world. The thin air at 3,500m demands respect — today is entirely dedicated to acclimatization. Rest at your hotel, drink plenty of fluids, and take only short walks. In the evening, stroll through Leh's Main Bazaar and soak in the Tibetan-influenced culture.

Airport TransferRest & AcclimatizeLeh Main Bazaar WalkHydration
🌙 Dinner
🏨Hotel in Leh
2
Leh Monastery Circuit
Morning prayers at Thiksey
⛰️ 3,500m

Leh Monastery Circuit

Explore the ancient Buddhist monasteries that dot the Indus Valley. Start with the imposing Thiksey Monastery, often compared to the Potala Palace, where morning prayers echo through crimson-robed halls. Visit Hemis, the largest and wealthiest monastery in Ladakh, and Shey Palace, once the summer capital of the Ladakhi kings.

Thiksey MonasteryHemis MonasteryShey PalaceRancho School (3 Idiots)Stok Palace
🍳 Breakfast🌙 Dinner
🏨Hotel in Leh
3
Leh to Kargil via Magnetic Hill
Indus-Zanskar river confluence
⛰️ 2,676m in Kargil🚗 205 km drive

Leh to Kargil via Magnetic Hill

Drive west along the Indus toward Kargil, stopping at some of Ladakh's most iconic sites. Experience the optical illusion of Magnetic Hill, where vehicles appear to roll uphill. Visit the serene confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers — a dramatic meeting of blue and green waters. Pay respects at Kargil War Memorial before reaching your hotel.

Magnetic HillIndus-Zanskar ConfluenceGurudwara Pathar SahibKargil War Memorial
🍳 Breakfast🌙 Dinner
🏨Hotel in Kargil
4
Kargil to Leh via Alchi & Likir
11th-century murals at Alchi
🚗 205 km return

Kargil to Leh via Alchi & Likir

Return toward Leh with stops at the ancient Alchi Monastery, home to rare 11th-century murals and wooden carvings that predate the Tibetan influence on Ladakhi art. Continue to Likir Monastery, perched on a hilltop with a massive golden Maitreya Buddha statue overlooking the valley. The winding road through Lamayuru's moonscape is unforgettable.

Alchi MonasteryLikir MonasteryLamayuru MoonscapeGolden Buddha Statue
🍳 Breakfast🌙 Dinner
🏨Hotel in Leh
5
Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung La
Crossing Khardung La at 5,359m
⛰️ 5,359m at Khardung La🚗 120 km from Leh

Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung La

Cross the legendary Khardung La at 5,359m — one of the highest motorable passes in the world. The road climbs through snow-dusted switchbacks before dropping into the lush, desert oasis of Nubra Valley. At Hunder, walk among the white sand dunes and spot the rare double-humped Bactrian camels, a living relic of the ancient Silk Road.

Khardung La PassHunder Sand DunesBactrian Camel SightingDiskit Monastery
🍳 Breakfast🌙 Dinner
🏨Camp in Hunder, Nubra Valley
6
Nubra Valley to Turtuk
Turtuk — India's last village
🚗 90 km from Hunder

Nubra Valley to Turtuk

Drive to Turtuk, the northernmost village in India, which was part of Pakistan until 1971. This tiny Balti settlement clings to the mountainside above the Shyok River with terraced apricot orchards and a culture that blends Central Asian and Ladakhi traditions. Walk through ancient lanes, visit the Yabgo dynasty's ancestral house, and taste the sweetest apricots you will ever eat.

Turtuk Village WalkBalti Heritage HouseApricot OrchardsShyok River Views
🍳 Breakfast🌙 Dinner
🏨Camp in Hunder, Nubra Valley
7
Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake
First sight of Pangong Lake
⛰️ 4,350m🚗 150 km from Hunder

Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake

Traverse the Shyok River road to reach the legendary Pangong Tso — a 134 km long lake that stretches from India into Tibet. As you round the final bend and the lake comes into view, prepare for one of the most jaw-dropping sights on Earth: water that shifts from sapphire to turquoise to emerald depending on the light and depth. Camp on the lakeshore under a sky blazing with stars.

Shyok Road DrivePangong Lake ArrivalLakeside WalkStargazing
🍳 Breakfast🌙 Dinner
🏨Lakeside Camp at Pangong
8
Pangong Lake to Leh
Sunrise over Pangong Lake
⛰️ 5,360m at Chang La🚗 160 km to Leh

Pangong Lake to Leh

Watch the sunrise paint Pangong Lake in impossible shades of blue and gold — a moment that stays with you forever. After breakfast, drive back to Leh via Chang La pass at 5,360m, one of the highest motorable passes. Stop at the third-highest village in the world and return to Leh for a farewell dinner featuring traditional Ladakhi cuisine.

Pangong SunriseChang La PassTangtse VillageFarewell Dinner
🍳 Breakfast🌙 Dinner
🏨Hotel in Leh
9
Departure from Leh
Ladakhi souvenir shopping

Departure from Leh

Take one final look at the mighty Himalayan ranges from Leh before heading to the airport. If time permits, pick up Ladakhi souvenirs — Pashmina scarves, turquoise jewelry, and prayer wheels — from the local market. Carry home the memory of passes that touch the sky, lakes that defy color, and a land where silence speaks louder than words.

Souvenir ShoppingAirport Transfer
🍳 Breakfast
🏨N/A — Departure

Inclusions

  • Airport transfers in Leh
  • 8 nights accommodation
  • Daily breakfast and dinner
  • Private SUV with experienced driver
  • Inner Line Permits for Nubra & Pangong
  • Oxygen cylinder in vehicle
  • Local monastery guide

Exclusions

  • Airfare to/from Leh
  • Lunch and personal expenses
  • Double-humped camel ride in Nubra
  • Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Any medical expenses due to altitude

Gallery

Ladakh Complete Circuit photo 1
Ladakh Complete Circuit photo 2
Ladakh Complete Circuit photo 3
Ladakh Complete Circuit photo 4
11% OFF
₹35,000

₹31,000

per person

Duration9D / 8N
DifficultyChallenging
Group Size2–12 people
Categoryadventure
Rating4.9 / 5.0
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