Lakes, Passes & Border Villages on the Roof of India
From Shikara-lined Srinagar to the Turquoise Hues of Pangong
This nine-day expedition sweeps you through the ever-changing landscapes of northern India: the Mughal gardens of Srinagar, the strategic heights of Kargil, the monastery-studded capital of Leh, and the high-altitude deserts of Nubra. You’ll trace ancient trade routes over Khardung-La, explore the frontier village of Turtuk near the Line of Control, and end your journey beside the mirror-still waters of Pangong Lake. Perfect for travelers seeking both cultural depth and Himalayan adventure.
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Destination
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Day 1:Arrival in Srinagar
- Airport pick-up and transfer to hotel/houseboat
- Half-day tour of Mughal gardens: Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, Chashme Shahi
- Evening shikara ride (optional) on Dal Lake
- Overnight | Srinagar
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Day 2:Srinagar ➜ Sonamarg ➜ Kargil (205 km / ~7 hrs)
- Scenic drive via Sonamarg (“Meadow of Gold”)
- Cross Zojila Pass (3,900 m) into Ladakh
- Stop at Drass – the world’s second-coldest inhabited place
- Check-in on arrival at Kargil
- Overnight | Kargil
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Day 3:Kargil ➜ Leh (230 km / ~7–8 hrs)
- Visit rock-cut Maitreya Buddha at Mulbekh
- Photo stop at moon-like terrain near Lamayuru Monastery
- Continue via Sangam (Indus–Zanskar confluence), Magnetic Hill, and Gurudwara Pathar Sahib
- Evening arrival and check-in at Leh
- Overnight | Leh
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Day 4:Leh City & Monasteries
- Highlights: Leh Palace, Hemis Monastery, Stok Palace & Museum, Shanti Stupa
- Leisure time at Leh Market for cafés and handicrafts
- Overnight | Leh
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Day 5:Leh ➜ Khardung-La Pass ➜ Nubra Valley (125 km / ~5 hrs)
- Cross Khardung-La (18,380 ft) – world’s highest motorable road
- In Nubra: Diskit Monastery, giant Maitreya Buddha, Hunder Sand Dunes (optional Bactrian-camel safari)
- Camp / hotel check-in at Diskit or Hunder
- Overnight | Nubra Valley
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Day 6:Nubra Valley ➜ Turtuk Excursion (90 km one-way)
- Full-day trip to Turtuk – Balti cultural village on the Shyok River, last Indian settlement before PoK
- Explore orchards, stone lanes, and WWII bunkers; panoramic views toward Gilgit-Baltistan
- Return to Diskit by evening
- Overnight | Nubra Valley
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Day 7:Pangong Lake ➜ Leh (165 km / ~6 hrs)
- Sunrise over the shifting blues of Pangong
- Return via Chang-La Pass (17,370 ft)
- En-route visits: Shey Palace, Thiksey Monastery, Rancho’s School, Sindhu Ghat
- Final shopping at Leh bazaar
- Overnight | Leh
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Day 8:Departure from Leh
- Early transfer to Leh Airport for onward flight
- Tour Concludes – memories of valleys, passes, and pristine lakes in tow
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