THE BEST OF LADAKH

Day One: Tickets To Paradise

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: On Vacation

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: Gateway to Nubra Valley

Leh to Nubra Valley (Diskit & Hunder) via Khardung La 17,582 ft. (127 km / 7-8 hrs)

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 11^th 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. From here drive to the sand dunes at Hunder. Overnight at Hunder Village.

You can also go on an ATV ride on the sand dunes or try go-karting (on direct payment basis). Later check-in at the camp & spend the evening looking up at the skies.

Day Four: A Day in Baltistan

Nubra Valley: Excursion to Turtuk & Thang (190 km / 7-8 hrs)

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 (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.

Tso Pangong 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. 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 Six: Unplugged Life

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 Seven: Head for the Border

Hanle: Day trip to Umling La Pass 19,024 ft. (210 km / 6-7 hrs)

After an early breakfast, start the drive towards Umling La 19,024. They’re multiple roads leading to Umling La Pass all of them equally remote and adventurous. Umling La is located at the ridgeline between Koyul, Lungpa and the Indus River. It is traversed by a road between Chisumle and Demchok, at an elevation of 5,798m (19,024 ft), making Umling La officially the world’s highest motorable pass.

Umling La pass is very near the Line of Actual Control between India and China-occupied areas. The restricted border village of Demchok is only 25 km from Umling La top. The Line of Actual Control (LAC) passes along the southeast side of the village, along the Charding Nullah (also called Demchok River and Lhari stream) which joins the Indus River near the village. Across the stream, less than a kilometre away is the Chinese-administered Demchok village. From Umling La top, you will head back towards Hanle for the night.

Day Eight: Losing Sight of the City Life

Hanle to Tso Moriri 14,835 ft. via Nyoma & Mahe Bridge (150 km / 5-6 hrs)

Today, you head to Tso Moriri 14,835 ft. a lake whose blue waters will put even a sapphire to shame. It’s almost like a sibling lake to Pangong, but not as crowded. The route to Tso Moriri is one of the most remote routes of Ladakh and goes via Nyoma & Mahe Bridge.

On the way, you will spot Kyagar Tso, one of those small, yet sublime lakes that are usually not on the tourist radar. Its emerald waters and reflections of the surrounding hillocks are certainly worth a few shots. From here, it’s a non-stop drive to Tso Moriri.

Flanked by golden brown mountains on one side and lush green plains on the other, Tso Moriri is nothing short of surreal. It is one of those few places where you can spot the rare and endangered, black-necked cranes. Shutterbugs will have a gala time here. After you have basked in the beauty of this place you will head to your cosy guest house for the night.

Day Nine: Don’t Let it End 

Tso Moriri to Leh via Mahe Bridge & Chumathang (230 km / 6-7 hrs)

After breakfast, take some parting shots with the lake. You will then head back to Leh via Mahe Bridge/Chumathang. Chumathang is famous for its medical hot spring.

On your way back, you’ll stop at Hemis Monastery 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.

Later visit 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.

Stop at the Druk Padma Karpo School. This is the school we saw in the movie ‘3 idiots’ Rancho’s School. You’ll visit Rancho’s Café, a café just outside the school campus. You can have some crunchy snacks and coffee while enjoying the memorabilia from the movie that is kept in the café. From here, it’s a non-stop drive to your hotel in Leh, rest of the evening is at your own leisure.

Day Ten: Wrapping Up

Depart Leh: Transfer to Airport

In the morning, you’ll be driven to the airport where you’ll board the flight to your onward destination.