Leh was the capital of the Himalayan kingdom of Ladakh, now the Leh District in the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir. Ladakh is a region of India in the state of Jammu and Kashmir that lies between the Kunlun mountain range in the north and the main Great Himalayas to the south, inhabited by people of Indo-Aryan and Tibetan descent. Ladakh with the area of 95,000 square kilometers has one of the lowest population densities in the world, with 2 inhabitants per square kilometer. An old Ladakhi saying: The passes are so high and land so barren; only a dear friend or a serious enemy will reach here.
This land has for the longest time, has been known for its beauty. One can opt for various routes and means to explore Leh- Ladakh. The best way to explore this terrain is by driving through Manali to Leh. Manali to Leh – Once restricted route, is now one of the most exciting drive which takes you across high Himalayan passes. This gives one the perfect chance to witness the mountains, culture, forests and adventure of the region. Those who want to reach leh directly can fly from Delhi, only to land in Leh and start exploring. Once at Leh, one can understand the culture by visiting monasteries and monks. For photographers, the brilliant landscapes give the perfect photographic opportunities.
Accessibility by Train: New Delhi
Accessibility by Air: Leh
Payment Policy:
– 50% at the time of booking. Booking will be confirmed up on receipt of this 50% nonrefundable deposit
– 50% balance 60 days prior to the date of travel
Cancellation Policy:
– If cancelled prior to 30 days of travel date – 50% (50% refund)
– If cancelled less than 20 days of travel date – 100% (0% refund)
Delhi – Leh
Arrive in Leh and transfer to your homestay. Enjoy lunch and take some time to rest.
In the late afternoon, step out to explore the vibrant Leh Bazaar. Wander through the Tibetan markets, soak in the local atmosphere and sample some traditional Ladakhi cuisine.
Return to the homestay for dinner and an overnight stay.
Explore Leh | Acclimatisation Day
Today is dedicated to acclimatisation, with a gentle exploration of the surrounding areas.
Visit the Sangam at Nimu, where the Indus and Zanskar rivers meet (approximately 18 km from Leh). Continue to the Hall of Fame and the historic Pathar Sahib Gurudwara.
Enjoy lunch at the Gurudwara’s Langar.
Post lunch, visit Spituk Monastery, Leh Palace and the local bazaar.
Return to the homestay for a traditional Ladakhi dinner.
Leh – Rumbak | Wildlife Exploration in Hemis National Park
After breakfast, drive towards Rumbak, a remote village nestled within Hemis National Park.
Explore the beautiful landscape on foot as you make your way to the village. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the trail, as the region is known for its rich high-altitude biodiversity.
At Rumbak, interact with a local Women’s Self-Help Group and learn the art of creating snow leopard-inspired artwork using yak wool.
Enjoy a traditional Ladakhi lunch with a local family living within the national park.
Post lunch, head out for a wildlife exploration walk in the surrounding landscape.
Later, drive back to Leh for dinner and an overnight stay at the homestay.
Leh – Nubra Valley
After breakfast, drive towards the beautiful Nubra Valley, also known as Ldumra – the Valley of Flowers, crossing the spectacular Khardung La Pass (5,606 m).
The journey offers breathtaking views of the mighty Karakoram mountain range and the dramatic high-altitude landscape.
Nubra Valley was once an important part of the ancient Silk Route, and its famous Bactrian camels are a reminder of this fascinating trading history.
In the evening, visit the sand dunes and experience the unique desert landscape surrounded by mountains.
Overnight stay at Sumur.
Sumur – Panamik – Antse Gonpa – Gonbo Monastery
Begin the day with a traditional Ladakhi breakfast at The Earth Homestay in Tigger. Experience local food traditions and learn how to prepare traditional Ladakhi bread.
Drive towards Panamik to visit its natural hot springs. Continue to explore Antse Gonpa and Gonbo Monastery.
Later, visit Sumur Monastery and discover the region’s rich Buddhist heritage.
Return to Sumur for an overnight stay.
Wildlife & Cultural Experiences in Nubra Valley
After breakfast, head out to explore the wildlife and natural landscapes of Nubra Valley.
Spend the morning observing and photographing the region’s unique high-altitude wildlife.
Enjoy lunch at a local market.
In the afternoon, experience Ladakhi culture in a traditional 150-year-old Ladakhi house. Participate in a cultural programme and learn the art of portrait photography, capturing the people, stories and traditions of this fascinating region.
Return to Sumur for an overnight stay.
Nubra Valley – Leh
After breakfast, visit the magnificent Diskit Monastery, one of the most prominent Buddhist monasteries in Nubra Valley.
Explore the local bazaar and enjoy lunch before beginning the drive back to Leh.
En route, visit the iconic Shanti Stupa, offering beautiful panoramic views of Leh and the surrounding mountains.
Return to the homestay for dinner. Enjoy an authentic Ladakhi dinner.
Leh – Tso Kar Lake | High-Altitude Wildlife & Stargazing
Today, drive towards the spectacular Tso Kar Lake, crossing Tanglang La Pass (5,328 m).
Explore the lake and its surrounding wetlands, an important habitat for migratory birds and high-altitude wildlife.
Look out for the rare Black-necked Crane and other fascinating bird species. With a little luck, you may also encounter elusive mammals such as the Tibetan Wolf and Tibetan Sand Fox.
In the evening, visit Thujay Monastery.
After sunset, step out under the clear Himalayan skies for a memorable stargazing experience. If conditions permit, witness the magnificent Milky Way stretching across the night sky.
Overnight stay at Druk Resort, Tso Kar.
Tso Kar – Hanle | Journey Through the Changthang Plateau
After breakfast, drive towards Hanle, travelling through the vast and spectacular landscapes of the Changthang region.
The journey takes you via Nimu village, offering opportunities to observe and photograph wildlife along the way.
On arrival in Hanle, check in to your hotel and take some time to relax.
In the evening, head out for a short wildlife exploration around Hanle.
Overnight stay in Hanle.
Hanle | Full-Day Wildlife Exploration
Dedicate the day to exploring the extraordinary wildlife habitats around Hanle and the Clack Tar (KTR) region.
The landscape here supports some of the most fascinating high-altitude wildlife of the Trans-Himalayas.
Our target species include:
Return towards Hanle and continue exploring the surrounding areas, keeping an eye out for the Eurasian Eagle-Owl and the elusive Pallas’s Cat.
Overnight stay in Hanle.
Hanle – Leh | Monasteries & Hot Springs
After breakfast, begin the drive back to Leh.
En route, visit the Puga and Chumathang hot springs, known for their fascinating geothermal activity and unique landscapes.
Continue towards Leh, stopping to explore Thiksey Monastery and Shey Palace, both important landmarks showcasing the region’s rich Buddhist history and cultural heritage.
On arrival in Leh, transfer to the homestay.
Spend the evening exploring the Leh Bazaar, followed by a farewell dinner with the team at a local restaurant.
Overnight stay in Leh.
Leh – Delhi | Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Leh Airport for your flight to New Delhi.
Depart with wonderful memories of Ladakh’s spectacular landscapes, unique wildlife, rich cultural heritage and unforgettable experiences.
