Overland Journey to Ladakh
Overwhelm yourself with the virgin beauty of shimmering lakes, gurgling rivers, proud mountains, mystic lamas and loving people. Ladakh is a retreat for the urban dweller from the daily humdrum of cosmopolitan life into the caressing lap of nature. Safaris are the best way to explore a region, its culture, tradition, to experience its geographical and topographical features and almost everything that a place can offer to us. The insight you gain through the safaris can be at best explained as a treasure that will be with you throughout your life and after.
Trip Highlights
- Drive on the beautiful Himalayan highway into remote valleys, see massive hanging glaciers, and get a view of high Himalayan peaks.
- Visit Buddhist ancient monasteries
- Walk to a remote village to interact & get an insight of their lifestyle
- Captivating beauty of Pangong Lake and visiting nomads
- Drive on some of the World’s highest motorable roads
Trip Duration: 15 Days
Season: June – September
Minimum: 05 Participants
Itinerary
Day 01: Manali
As part of the acclimatization process, we will take it easy today and do a bit of leisurely walk in the Manali town. In the evening we have a detail briefing session about the trip. Dinner and overnight in Manali.
Day 02: Manali to Keylong, Lahaul (114 KM, 5-6 hours)
Depart early from Manali town. Breakfast enroute before the Rohtang Pass. Travel across Rohtang Pass (3978 m / 13127 feet) to reach Keylong at a height of 3350 meters / 11055 feet in Lahaul district. Overnight in Keylong.
Day 03: Keylong to Sarchu (114 KM, 5-6 hours)
Ahead of Keylong, cross Baralacha La at 4830 m and reach the windswept Sarchu landscape at 4253 m /14035 ft.
Upon arrival in Sarchu we check in at our tented campsite for overnight stay.
Day 04: Sarchu to Leh (245 KM, 8-9 hours)
Leave for Leh by early morning, through Nakeela and Lachangla Pass 16,617 ft. Lunch at Pang. After Lunch drive to Leh passing through Skyangchu Thang (Biggest and Highest Plateau on Earth on Stretch of 42 KM), Tanglang La Pass 17,585ft and Indus Valley. Overnight in Hotel at Leh.
Day 05: Leh (Monastery Visits)
A relaxed day with a visit to Hemis Gompa, the largest monastic foundation of Drukpa Kagyu Order of Tibetan Buddhism, Thiksey an impressive complex rising tier upon tier on a hill above the village, Shey Palace, The ancient capital of Ladakh & Stok Palace Museum. Overnight in Leh.
Day 06: Leh – Pangong Lake – Leh (LEH TO PANGONG LAKE (05 HOURS APPROX One way.)
After an early breakfast we leave for Pangong Lake through Changla pass 5486 Mtrs. Pangong Lake, situated at 14,000 feet (4,267 m). A long narrow basin of inland drainage, hardly six to seven kilometres at its widest point and over 130km long, it is bisected by the international border between India and China. A few years back the government decided to open it to tourists though the lake and its surrounding is under Army surveillance. Enjoy the landscape in the back drop of the Lake. One rarely feels so close to nature and environment and the scenery is unforgettable. Drive back to Leh. Overnight in Leh.
Day 07: Rafting Trip on the Zanskar River
Late morning drive to Chilling about 60 KM from Leh( 3180m). A 3 hrs run down the Zanskar river from Chilling to Nimo. Have lunch at Nimo and drive back to Leh by late afternoon. Enroute visit Pathar Sahib Gurdwara and the Magnetic Hill. Evening free at Leh. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 08: (LEH TO HUNDER (NUBRA VALLEY) (126 KMS / APRX.)
After an early breakfast we drive to NUBRA VALLEY leads through KHARDUNG-LA-PASS (the highest motorable road in the world) at 18,390 ft, around 39kms from Leh.
Nubra Valley is popularly known as Ldorma or the valley of flowers. It is situated to the North of Ladakh between the Karakoram and Ladakh ranges of the Himalayas.
Arrive Hunder by afternoon and rest of the day at leisure to explore Hunder & Diskit Village. Overnight at Camp at Nubra Organic Retreat situated in a beautiful village called HUNDAR with lot of trees.
Day 09: (HUNDER (NUBRA VALLEY) – LEH)
After your breakfast at the camp, visit the SAND DUNES to enjoy a camel safari (Optional). Later we drive to Leh by same route over Khardungla. Afternoon rest and relax or take a walk to the local market. Overnight at hotel.
Day 10: Leh – Kargil (230 KM)
After breakfast, leave for Kargil. Enroute, stop at the Magnetic Hill. You can actually switch off the ignition and still move up hill at a speed of 20 km/ hour. While driving, you’ll come across this unearthly looking landscape, which could be taken away from the moon and put directly in the great Himalayas. The rocks emerge in numerous forms and gradations of yellow to grey. Overnight in Kargil.
Day 11: Kargil – Srinagar (204 KM)
Early morning, leave for Srinagar, crossing Zozilla Pass (11,575ft) and Drass Valley, the second coldest inhabited place in world. Stop at Sonamarg to see Thajiwas Glacier. Overnight stay in a deluxe house boat.
Day 13: Srinagar
Spend the day sightseeing in Srinagar, a paradise valley in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Enjoy a shikara ride on Dal Lake and see the floating vegetable gardens. Also see Nishant Bagh, Shankaracharya Temple and shop for souvenirs at Lal Chowk market.
Day 14: Srinagar – Amritsar (460 KM)
Start early in the morning for the long drive to Amritsar. Stop for lunch at the gorgeous hill station of Patnitop.
Day 15: Amritsar – Delhi (460 KM)
We are finally on the last day of our great adventure. After an early breakfast, visit the Golden Temple and the Jallianwala Bagh. In the afternoon, we start driving towards Delhi. You have accomplished which only a few can dream of and the memories of this incredible journey will stay with all of us forever!
Includes
Travel by Scorpio/Innova, Accommodation in hotels/resorts/camps, all meals, support staff, service tax
Does not Include
Airfare, travel insurance, miscellaneous expenses, and personal beverages.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary, but as this is Adventure Travel in a remote mountain region, we cannot guarantee it. Weather conditions, road conditions, vehicle breakdowns, landslides, river crossings, can all contribute to changes. The Trip Leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but an easy going nature will be an asset!
Road Trip to Ladakh Photo Gallery
