LADAKH WITH UMLING LA PASS

Day One: Ladakh – A Dream Come True

Arrive in Leh (Altitude 11,500 ft.)

You will arrive at the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (Leh Airport) which is nestled in the midst of The Mighty Himalayan Mountain Range. Leh Airport; one of the highest airports in the world is also considered to be one of the most scenic owing to its heavenly surroundings. It is encircled by immense golden brown, barren mountains which are truly a sight for sore eyes.

You will be warmly welcomed by Unplugged Life’s representative and transferred to your hotel in Leh City. The rest of the evening is for you to acclimatize yourself by casually strolling in and around your lodgings. Overnight stay at Leh City. The capital of Ladakh, at one time, was a major stop on the Asian “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 / 4-5 hrs)

After an early breakfast, you’ll check out & head to Nubra Valley. The road to the Nubra Valley goes through the 11^th highest motorable road in the world, the mighty Khardung La Pass (17,582 ft.). This Pass is almost permanently covered in fog and snow. However, the bone-chilling cold there is more than compensated by the unparalleled view that it offers, of the Ladakh mountain range. Descending down from Khardung La you’ll arrive in Nubra Valley with the aquamarine waters of Shyok River for company.

On arrival, you’ll first visit Diskit Monastery. It is over 250 years old and is the oldest monastery in Nubra Valley. Next to that lies an imposing 100 feet statue of Maitreya Buddha, in its resplendent golden avatar. From here drive to the sand dunes at Hunder. You can spot the world-famous double hump camels here. These mammals are extremely rare and are found in merely a handful of places all over the world.

You can also go on an ATV ride on the sand dunes or try other activities such as go-karting & zip-lining (all on direct payment basis). Later check-in at the camp & spend the evening looking up at the skies. The pollution-free air of Ladakh offers ample opportunity for stargazing.

Day Four: This Is Some Vacation

Nubra Valley to Tso Pangong 13,943 ft. via Shyok River (170 km / 5-7 hrs)

After an early breakfast, drive towards Tso Pangong 13,943 ft. via Shyok. This route goes via Agham – Shyok Village – Durbuk – Tangste to reach Pangong Tso. The first glimpse of the tranquil, azure blue waters and shaky lakeshore of Tso Pangong remains etched in the memory of tourists.

The magic of Pangong Lake lies in its changing hues, as the sun hovers over it. It is probably the bluest and the most crystal-clear lake you would have seen so far. It is home to many migratory birds, from ducks and geese to the rare and elusive Black-necked Crane. What will surprise you is that the lake lies only partially in India, its major chunk lying in China-occupied Tibet.

In winter the entire lake freezes to the point where you can walk over it. Upon arrival you’ll check-in at the guest house/camp and spend the rest of the evening strolling around the lake, taking in the beautiful scenery.

Day Five: Far And Away

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

Today you will drive on one of the most scenic routes of Ladakh. The road goes parallel to the mesmerizing Tso Pangong until the lake takes a turn towards Tibet.

This route goes via Spangmik – Maan – Merak – Chushul – Regzang La – Tsaga La (15,206 ft.) – Loma Bend and Rhongo to reach Hanle.

On your way, you will stop at Rezang La War Memorial. It is the site of the last stand of the 13 Kumaon, during the Sino-Indian War in 1962.

The Indian Astronomical Observatory in Hanle is situated at an elevation of 4500m (14,763 ft.). It is the highest observatory in India and the 10th highest in the world. The site is deemed excellent for stargazing, you can actually see the Milky Way with your naked eyes. Along with the magnificent views, you can also get a free tour of the observatory. From Hanle Monastery one can get a bird’s eye view of the beautiful Changthang Plateau.

Hanle will soon be known as India’s first Dark Sky Sanctuary. A dark sky sanctuary is an area, usually surrounding an observatory, that has distinct and clear starry nights.

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 in Hanle, begin your adventurous drive towards the mighty Umling La via Nurbu La and the serene Hanle Wetlands. 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 and 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 medicinal 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

Teri 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.

From here, drive to Thiksey Monastery. It is located on the top of the hill. It is very famous for its similarity with Potala Palace of Lhasa. This monastery is famous for pilgrim activities, architectural elements, sightseeing, and exploration. It is a twelve-storey complex and houses many items of Buddhist art such as stupas, statues, thangkas, wall paintings, and swords.

Later take a quick picture stop at Rancho School. From here, get dropped off at your hotel in Leh, rest of the evening is at your own leisure.

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.