Splendid Ladakh

Following breakfast, our journey spans nearly 230 kilometers today. Along the route, immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes that Ladakh has to offer. Passing through Gata Loops and Moore Plains, we make our way towards Leh. En route, we encounter Pang, a picturesque spot in the Ladakh landscape, and then ascend the Lachungla pass, standing tall at 16,600 feet. Continuing our drive towards Leh, we traverse the Taglangla pass, reaching heights of 17,480 feet, a prominent feature of the Ladakh region. By evening, we arrive in Leh, where we will spend the night at a local hotel.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, embark on a day of local sightseeing. Begin your exploration at the renowned 3 Idiots School in Shey village, also known as Druk Padma Karpo School, which gained fame after its appearance in the Bollywood film "3 Idiots." This school offers a glimpse into the rich culture of Ladakh. Next, proceed to Shey Palace, located 15 kilometers from Leh, once the summer residence of Ladakh's kings. Built in the 17th century by Deldan Namgyal, the palace houses a majestic 12-meter statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. Continuing, visit Thiksey Monastery, renowned as one of Ladakh's most beautiful monasteries and belonging to the Gelukspa order. Perched on a hill, this twelve-story monastery offers breathtaking views. On your return to the hotel, stop by the Hall of Fame, a museum dedicated to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the Kargil War, constructed and maintained by the Indian Army. Return to the hotel by evening for an overnight stay in Leh.

In the early morning, embark on a journey to Nubra Valley via the renowned Khardungla Pass, standing at a staggering 5602 meters and considered the world's highest motorable road. Upon reaching Nubra, visit the White Sand Dunes at Hunder, where you have the opportunity to partake in a camel ride (at your own expense). Later, explore the Hunder and Diskit monasteries.

Khardungla Pass, situated at an elevation of 18,390 feet and approximately 39 kilometers from Leh, marks the road to Nubra Valley. The journey showcases breathtaking views and passes through two checkpoints. Deskit Village, the main hub of Nubra Valley, hosts a small market and boasts a 500-year-old Gompa atop a hill, offering panoramic vistas of the valley.

Founded in around 1420 AD by Lama Sherab Zangpo of Stod, Deskit Gompa accommodates about 100 monks and hosts the annual Gustor festival on the 20th and 21st days of the 12th month in the Tibetan calendar.

Nestled amidst verdant trees, Hundar Village offers a serene stay experience. With a small monastery and a ruined fort overlooking the village, Hundar also provides the option of a memorable two-hour Camel Safari or a leisurely walk from Hundar to Deskit through enchanting sand dunes (at your own expense). Spend the night in Nubra, surrounded by the beauty of the valley.

Following breakfast at the camp, embark on your journey towards Pangong via the scenic Shyok road. Pangong Lake, nestled in Ladakh, stands as the largest salted lake globally, stretching 134 kilometers in length and 6 kilometers in width at an impressive altitude of 14,256 feet. En route, you'll traverse the Changla Pass, standing at 17,370 feet, ranking as the third-highest motorable road globally. Upon reaching Tangste village, passports and inner line permits are verified.

An hour later, arrive at the breathtaking Pangong Lake, a vital breeding ground for various bird species like the bar-headed goose and Brahmini ducks. The lake's ecosystem also supports diverse wildlife, including Kiang and Marmot. Don't miss the chance to visit the renowned shooting point at Spangmik. By evening, settle in at Pangong for an overnight stay at the Spangmik camp.

After enjoying breakfast at the camp, seize the opportunity to witness the stunning beauty of the lake in the early morning hours. Then, commence your journey towards Tsomoriri, passing through Man and Merak, with Chushul village marking the border between India and China.

Your route leads you to Tsaga La, standing tall at 15,207 feet. After crossing Tsaga La, you'll proceed towards Loma bend, turning right to reach Mahe Bridge before finally arriving at Karzok village, nestled alongside the expansive Tsomoriri Lake, stretching 28 kilometers in length and 8 kilometers in width.

Tsomoriri Lake serves as a crucial breeding ground for various migratory birds, including the rare bar-headed geese. By late evening, you'll arrive at Karzok, where you'll spend the night at the Karzok camp, surrounded by the serene beauty of the lake and its surroundings.

Following an early breakfast, we depart from the hotel and embark on a journey to Sarchu, traversing through the majestic Tanglang La Pass, standing tall at 17,585 feet, renowned as the world's second-highest motorable road. We make a stop at Pang for a refreshing lunch before continuing our drive towards Lachungla Pass, situated at an elevation of 5065 meters. Upon reaching Sarchu, we check in at our camp for the night, anticipating the coldest night of the entire tour.