7 DAYS LADAKH ITINERARY

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: What A View

Leh Local Sightseeing

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.)

After an early breakfast, you’ll check out & drive to super scenic Nubra Valley 10,000 ft. The road takes you through the world’s 11th-highest motorable pass, Khardung La (17,582 ft.) a place engulfed in fog and wrapped by snow-laden peaks. You will literally be on cloud 9 that day.

Descending from the high pass, you will drive through the barren beauty of 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.

Later, you can spot double-humped camels, one of the rarest mammals, lounging on the sand desert at Hunder. 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).

At night, step out of your cosy room and gaze at the sky. Ladakh is one of the best places to stargaze, thanks to the pollution-free environment.

Day Four: A Day in Baltistan

Nubra Valley: Excursion to Turtuk & Thang

After a hearty breakfast in the morning, you will head to Turtuk – one of the closest villages to the LOC that tourists are allowed to visit.

You will be almost as far north as you can get in this country. Turtuk & Thang are one of the northernmost villages in India. It is the only Balti Region under the Indian Administration and was under Pakistan’s control until 1971.

Geographically, Turtuk lies in the Baltistan region and is one of four such villages in India, the other three being Tyakshi, Chalunkha & Thang (Zero Point) after which Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan begins. Although the primary trade of Turtuk is agriculture, you will see intricate handicrafts around the village.

Turtuk is as green a village as it gets, which is quite unusual for a barren landscape like Ladakh. The abundance of Apricot trees is put to good use by making an authentic stew from it. Do try it before heading back to Hunder for the night, it is just divine.

Day Five: Along the Shyok river

Nubra Valley to Tso Pangong (13,943 ft.) via Shyok River

After an early breakfast, drive towards Tso Pangong via the Shyok River. This route goes via Agham – Shyok Village – Durbuk – Tangste to reach Pangong Tso. This is one of the most remote routes of Ladakh and it’s operational for only a few months a year.

The first glimpse of the tranquil, azure blue waters, and shaky lakeshore of Tso Pangong remains etched in the memory of tourists. Pangong Tso has the most crystal clear, cerulean blue waters ever seen. The Lake plays host to migratory bird families during mating seasons. Bar-headed Geese and Brahmani Ducks are two of the most prominently found birds here. The rare, endangered, and usually elusive Black-necked Cranes are also found here.

Pangong Lake lies only partially in India. Over 60% of the lake lies in China-occupied Tibet. Situated at an altitude of about 13,943 ft. Tso Pangong also holds the honour of being one of the highest brackish water lakes in the world. On arrival you’ll check-in at your accommodation and spend the rest of the evening strolling around the lake, taking in the beautiful scenery.

Day Six: Another Day in Paradise

Tso Pangong to Leh via Chang La (17,585 ft.)

The magic of Pangong Lake lies in its changing hues, as the sun hovers over it. After breakfast, take some parting shots with the lake. You will then head back to Leh via Chang-La pass 17,585 ft.

On your way back, you’ll first stop at Tso Ltak, an unexplored lake at 16,102 ft. situated on the foothills of Chang La. From here drive to Hemis Monastery which existed before the 11th century. It is one of the oldest and richest monasteries in all of Ladakh and is definitely a must-visit on your 7 Days Ladakh Itinerary.

Later visit Thiksey Monastery. It is located at the top of the hill. It is very famous for its similarity with the Potala Palace of Lhasa. Take quick stop at the Druk Padma Karpo School. This is the school we saw in the movie ‘3 idiots’. Rancho’s School. From here, it’s a non-stop drive to your hotel in Leh, the rest of the evening is at your own leisure.

Optional: You can also pay a visit to the Tibetan Refugee Old Age Home near Leh. Unlike the Ladakhi people’s Old Age Home, this place receives a tiny fraction of visitors and donations.

Day Seven: Julley Ladakh

Depart Leh: Transfer to Airport

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