Unveiling the Hidden Edges of the Himalayas
From Monasteries to Border Villages – A Journey Beyond the Usual
Step into the stark and stunning landscapes of Ladakh with this 7-day journey that goes beyond the standard routes. Starting with serene Leh and the dramatic sand dunes of Nubra, this itinerary includes a rare excursion to Turtuk, a culturally rich border village only recently opened to tourists. Complete your journey at the breathtaking Pangong Lake with its surreal hues and tranquil shores. Designed for the curious traveler, this route brings you closer to Ladakh’s spiritual soul, military history, and borderland beauty.
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Destination
1
Day 1:Arrival in Leh
- Arrive at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Leh
- Meet & greet by local representative
- Transfer to hotel for acclimatization
- Evening outing:
- Shanti Stupa – iconic white-domed hilltop stupa
- Leh Market – ideal for local food and handicraft shopping
- Overnight stay in Leh
2
Day 2:Lower Indus Valley Sightseeing
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Drive west of Leh to explore the Indus Valley:
- Sangam Point – confluence of Indus & Zanskar Rivers
- Magnetic Hill – optical illusion on the Leh–Kargil highway
- Gurudwara Pathar Sahib – peaceful Sikh shrine
- Spituk Monastery / Kali Mata Temple
- Hall of Fame – army museum
- Return to Leh and spend the evening in the local bazaar
- Overnight stay in Leh
3
Day 3:Leh – Khardung-La Pass – Nubra Valley
- Breakfast and drive to Nubra Valley via Khardung-La Pass (18,380 ft)
- Arrive in Diskit and visit:
- Diskit Monastery & Maitreya Buddha Statue
- Hunder Sand Dunes – optional camel ride on double-humped Bactrian camels
- Check-in to camp or guesthouse in Diskit/Hunder
- Overnight stay in Nubra
4
Day 4:Full-Day Excursion to Turtuk
- Breakfast at the camp
- Full-day tour to Turtuk Village (India’s last northern village before PoK)
- Visit Balti homes, meet locals, and understand the cultural shift
- Scenic views along the Shyok River
- Learn about its history as a former Pakistani territory pre-1971
- Return to Diskit by evening
- Overnight stay in Nubra
5
Day 5:Nubra Valley – Pangong Lake
- Early breakfast and departure for Pangong Lake via the Sheyok route
- Arrive and explore:
- 3 Idiots shooting point
- Walk along the lake’s surreal blue waters
- Proceed to Spangmik for camp check-in near the lake
- Overnight stay at Pangong Lake
6
Day 6:Pangong Lake – Leh
- Sunrise view at the lake followed by breakfast
- Drive back to Leh via Chang-La Pass (17,370 ft)
- En route stops:
- Rancho’s School (Druk Padma Karpo Institute)
- Sindhu Ghat – tranquil riverside tribute to the Indus
- Leh Market for final shopping
- Overnight stay in Leh
7
Day 7:Departure from Leh
- Early morning transfer to Leh Airport
- Board your flight with memories of Ladakh's most remote wonders
- Tour Ends
