LADAKH WITH UMLING LA PASS

Day One: Ladakh – A Dream Come True

Arrive in Leh (Altitude 11,500 ft.)

You will arrive at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (Leh Airport), nestled amidst the mighty Himalayan mountain range. One of the highest airports in the world, Leh Airport is also considered one of the most scenic, surrounded by towering, golden-brown, barren mountains that make for a spectacular first glimpse of Ladakh.

As you step out of the airport, look towards the south. The snow-capped peaks are part of the Stok Range, rising dramatically above the Indus Valley. At 20,187 ft., Stok Kangri is its highest peak and one of Ladakh’s most iconic summits.

You will be warmly welcomed by your driver and transferred to your hotel in Leh City. The rest of the evening is yours to relax and gently acclimatize, with a casual stroll in and around your accommodation if you feel up to it.

Overnight stay in Leh. Once the capital of the historic Kingdom of Ladakh, Leh grew into an important centre of royal power and one of the great trading towns along the ancient Silk Route.

Day Two: Out of the Office

Leh Local Sightseeing (90 km / 5-7 hrs)

Explore the gorgeous town of Leh and its beautiful stopovers. The most prominent among them is the Leh Palace. The ruins of this 350-year-old, nine-story high Palace offer a breathtaking view of the city of Leh and its surroundings. Leh Market is starkly different from its metropolitan counterparts. The shops here are small, colourful, and vibrant. It has a rare mix of western and native cultures which is unique to itself.

Leh also boasts of a widely diverse population and shows its influences on its infrastructure. The Shanti Stupa, Jama Masjid, Central Asian Museum, Zorawar Fort, Gurudwara Shri Pathar Sahib, and Magnetic Hill all lie within 25 km of Leh’s radius. Also, within this radius is the Indian Army’s Hall of Fame (Monday Closed). It is a monument dedicated to the soldiers who served, and/or perished on the borders during wartime.

The Sangam (Confluence of rivers) between the ice-cold Zanskar and the mighty Indus is incredible to watch. Its gushing blue waters put on a stunning display of power. Once you’ve absorbed in all these wonderful sights you will return to Leh and spend the night there.

Day Three: Adventure Time

Leh to Nubra Valley (Diskit & Hunder) via Khardung La 17,582 ft. (127 km / 6-8 hrs)

After an early breakfast, you’ll check out and begin your journey to Nubra Valley via Khardung La (17,582 ft.), one of Ladakh’s most famous high mountain passes. The route offers spectacular views of the surrounding Himalayan mountain ranges. As you descend, the landscape gradually changes, and you’ll arrive in Nubra Valley, with the Shyok River flowing alongside you.

On arrival, you’ll visit Diskit Monastery, the oldest monastery in Nubra Valley, dating back over 250 years. Nearby stands an imposing 100-foot statue of Maitreya Buddha, overlooking the valley.

Next, you’ll drive to the sand dunes of Hunder, home to the rare double-humped Bactrian camels, a reminder of the ancient trade routes that once connected Ladakh with Central Asia.

Along the way, you can enjoy some adventure with activities such as ATV rides, go-karting, archery or zipline (all on direct payment basis).

Later, check in to your accommodation and spend the evening soaking in the peaceful surroundings. With its clear mountain air and relatively low light pollution, Nubra Valley also offers wonderful opportunities for stargazing.

Day Four: This Is Some Vacation

Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso 13,943 ft. via Shyok River (170 km / 6-8 hrs)

After an early breakfast, drive towards Pangong Tso via Shyok River. The route takes you through Agham, Shyok Village, Durbuk and Tangste before reaching Pangong Tso. One of the most remote routes in Ladakh, this road is operational for only a few months of the year.

The first glimpse of the tranquil, azure-blue waters and rugged shoreline of Pangong Tso remains etched in the memory. The lake is renowned for its crystal-clear, cerulean-blue waters, which change colour with the light and weather.

During the breeding season, the lake and its surrounding wetlands host several migratory bird species, including Bar-headed Geese and Brahminy Ducks. The rare and endangered, Black-necked Crane can also occasionally be spotted in the region.

Pangong Tso lies only partially in India, with over 60% of the lake extending into China-occupied Tibet. Situated at an altitude of approximately 13,943 ft, it is one of the world’s highest brackish-water lakes.

On arrival, check in to your accommodation and spend the rest of the evening strolling along the lakeshore and taking in the vast, beautiful landscape.

As night falls, Pangong transforms once again. Far from city lights, the exceptionally clear skies offer a spectacular setting for stargazing, with the Milky Way often visible on a clear night.

Day Five: Far And Away

Pangong Tso to Hanle via Chushul & Tsaga La 15,206 ft. (185 km / 6-7 hrs)

Today, you will drive along one of Ladakh’s most scenic routes. The road follows the mesmerising Pangong Tso until the lake stretches towards Tibet. Travelling via Spangmik, Maan, Merak, Chushul, Tsaga La (15,266 ft.), Loma Bend and Rhongo, you will reach Hanle, a remote village in the Changthang region.

You will stop at Rezang La War Memorial, which commemorates the legendary last stand of the soldiers of 13 Kumaon during the Sino-Indian War of 1962. From the Rezang La and Chushul area, you can look towards the India-China frontier and the Line of Actual Control (LAC), with views extending into Chinese-occupied territory. This is one of the designated locations for India-China military meetings.

In Hanle, visit Hanle Monastery for a bird’s-eye view of the Changthang Plateau and the surrounding landscape. The village is also home to the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve, India’s first dark sky reserve, renowned for its exceptionally clear night skies and minimal light pollution.

The surrounding wetlands and river valley are important habitats for high-altitude wildlife. If you are lucky, you may spot Kiang (Tibetan wild ass), Tibetan gazelle, Pallas’s Cat, Blue Sheep, Black-necked Cranes and other high-altitude birds.

Hanle is also home to the Indian Astronomical Observatory, situated at an elevation of approximately 4,500 m (14,763 ft.). Recognised as the highest observatory in India, it benefits from the region’s clear, dark skies. After sunset, these conditions offer excellent opportunities for stargazing, and on a clear night, you may even see the Milky Way Galaxy with the naked eye.

Day Six: On Top of the World

Hanle to Terido Village via Umling La (19,024 ft.), Koyul & Dungti (310 km / 8-10 hrs)

After an early breakfast, start the drive towards Umling La. They’re multiple roads leading to Umling La Pass all of them equally remote and adventurous. At 19,024 feet (5,798 m), Umling La holds the title of the world’s highest motorable pass.

The journey to its top is as breathtaking as the pass itself, with endless high-altitude panoramas and a sense of being truly “on top of the world.” From the summit, retrace your way to Chisumle Bridge and continue towards Koyul & Dungti.

This stretch is remarkable not only for its scenery but also for its proximity to the Indus River and the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. The road meanders beside the river, with dramatic views of stark cliffs and deep valleys on one side, and glimpses of the other side of the border just across the water.

Drive onwards through Nyoma and Chumathang, the latter known for its natural hot springs, before arriving in Terido Village in the Rong Valley. A small, picturesque settlement with only around 31 households, Terido offers a peaceful retreat amidst Ladakh’s raw beauty. Check in to your accommodation and unwind after a truly epic day of high-altitude exploration.

Day Seven: Unplugged in the Himalayas

Terido Village to Leh via Karu, Hemis & Thiksey Monastery (150 km / 4-5 hrs)

After a delicious breakfast, embark on a scenic drive from Terido to Teriphu Village at 13,810 ft., covering a distance of 10 km. The road ascends in a gorge alongside numerous streams (perfect for a picnic) and ultimately opens in a valley with breathtaking views. At Teriphu Village, visit the ancient monastery and take a walk up to nearby hills.

Later, start the drive towards Karu and head to Hemis Monastery & Museum which existed before the 11th century. Naropa, the pupil of the yogi Tilopa, and the teacher of the translator Marpa are connected with this monastery. It is one of the oldest and richest monasteries in all of Ladakh and is definitely a must visit on your Ladakh Adventure.

You’ll then head to Thiksey Monastery, dramatically perched on a hilltop. With its striking architecture and sweeping views of the valley, we think it’s one of the most beautiful monasteries in all of Ladakh. Known for its resemblance to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet, this impressive twelve-storey complex houses numerous Buddhist treasures, including statues, stupas, thangkas and wall paintings.

Your next stop will be Druk Padma Karpo School, popularly known as Rancho’s School after its appearance in the Bollywood movie 3 Idiots. From here, you’ll be dropped off at your hotel in Leh, where the rest of the evening is yours to relax and unwind.

Day Eight: Good-bye Ladakh

Depart Leh: Transfer to Airport

In the morning, you’ll be dropped at the airport to bid Julley to this wonderful place.