
Ladakh Adventure: Rafting, Hunder Dunes and Pangong Tso



Duration
7 Days 6 Nights
Pickup
Leh Airport (IXL)
Drop
Leh Airport (IXL)
Type
Short-haul
Overview & Highlights
This active version of the Ladakh circuit adds a guided river rafting day to the usual sights. After a rest day and an easy day around Leh, you raft on the Indus or Zanskar river, with the stretch chosen by the operator according to water levels, and see the Sangam and the Magnetic Hill on the way back. You then cross Khardung La to Nubra Valley, walk on the Hunder dunes, drive on to Pangong Tso and return to Leh over Chang La. Rafting is seasonal, usually June to September, and has age and fitness limits. This trip is quoted on request, as the price depends on group size, season and the rafting stretch.
- A rest day and an easy day in Leh before any activity
- Guided river rafting on the Indus or Zanskar, in season
- The Sangam, Magnetic Hill and Gurudwara Pathar Sahib
- Khardung La, Diskit Monastery and the Hunder dunes
- A night beside Pangong Tso, with sunrise over the lake, weather permitting
- Private vehicle and driver throughout
Itinerary
1Day 1: Arrival in Leh | Rest and Acclimatisation
- Arrive at Leh Airport, where your driver is waiting.
- Transfer to your hotel and check in.
- Rest for the whole day, which is essential at around 3,500 metres.
- Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and smoking.
- Overnight stay in Leh.
2Day 2: Leh Palace | Shanti Stupa | Easy Day
- After breakfast, visit Leh Palace and walk through the old town.
- Explore the main bazaar at an easy pace.
- Watch the sunset from Shanti Stupa, if you feel well.
- Overnight stay in Leh.
3Day 3: River Rafting | Magnetic Hill | Sangam
- After breakfast, drive west from Leh to the river stretch chosen for the day.
- Join a guided rafting session on the Indus or Zanskar river, with a safety briefing, helmets and life jackets.
- On the way back, see the Magnetic Hill, where vehicles appear to roll uphill, and the Sangam, where the two rivers meet.
- Visit Gurudwara Pathar Sahib if time permits.
- Overnight stay in Leh.
4Day 4: Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung La | Diskit | Hunder
- After an early breakfast, drive north to Khardung La, at around 5,300 metres, and stay only briefly.
- Continue into Nubra Valley, a journey of about five to six hours with stops.
- Visit Diskit Monastery and its giant Maitreya Buddha statue.
- Walk on the Hunder sand dunes at sunset.
- Dinner and overnight stay at a camp or guesthouse in Nubra Valley.
5Day 5: Hunder Camel Ride | Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso via Shyok
- After an early breakfast, take an optional Bactrian camel ride at Hunder, paid locally.
- Drive from Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso along the Shyok river route, about seven to eight hours with stops.
- Arrive in time to see the lake in the evening light.
- Dinner and overnight stay at a camp or guesthouse beside Pangong Tso, at around 4,250 metres.
6Day 6: Pangong Tso to Leh via Chang La | Thiksey Monastery
- Rise early to see the lake at sunrise, weather permitting.
- After breakfast, drive back to Leh over Chang La, about five to six hours.
- Visit Thiksey Monastery, time permitting.
- Check in at your hotel in Leh.
- Overnight stay in Leh.
7Day 7: Departure from Leh
- After breakfast, check out of the hotel.
- Transfer to Leh Airport for your flight home.
- Many flights from Leh leave in the morning, so please be ready for an early start.
Weather, road conditions and safety may require changes to the itinerary.
Inclusions
- 4 nights in a hotel in Leh, 1 night in Nubra Valley and 1 night at Pangong Tso, all on twin sharing
- Daily breakfast, and dinner at the Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso stays
- Guided river rafting session, with helmet and life jacket, subject to season and water levels
- Private vehicle with an experienced local driver for transfers and sightseeing as per itinerary
- Permits and registration for Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso, arranged by us
- Assistance from our travel experts
Exclusions
- Flights to and from Leh, and any other transport to and from the destination
- Lunches, and dinners other than those mentioned in the itinerary
- Environment fee and other government or local charges, as per the rules in force
- Travel insurance
- Optional activities such as the Hunder camel ride
- Camera fees at monasteries and other sights
- Personal expenses, laundry, tips and porterage
- Anything not listed under inclusions
- GST and other taxes as applicable
Other Info
Must carry
- Original government photo ID (Aadhaar, passport or driving licence) and a few photocopies
- Two passport-size photographs
- Down jacket or heavy fleece, thermals, woollen cap and gloves
- Quick-dry clothes, a change of clothes and a towel for rafting
- Sports sandals or shoes that can get wet, and comfortable walking shoes
- Sunglasses with UV protection, sunscreen, lip balm and a hat
- Any prescribed medicines, including those your doctor advises for altitude
- Reusable water bottle and a power bank
Notes
- Every traveller must carry a valid original government photo ID; we arrange the permits and confirm the current rules at booking.
- Leh is at around 3,500 metres, and Day 1 is kept free for rest. Altitude sickness can affect anyone; tell your driver or our team at once if you feel unwell. Rafting should not be attempted if you feel unwell.
- Rafting is seasonal, usually June to September, and depends on water levels and weather. Age, health and fitness limits set by the operator apply.
- Travellers with heart, lung, blood-pressure or other health conditions and pregnant women should consult a doctor before booking.
- Khardung La, Chang La and the Shyok route can close or slow down because of snow, landslides or washouts, so the itinerary may be altered or reordered for safety. If the Shyok route is shut, we return via Leh.
- Stays in Nubra Valley and at Pangong Tso are in camps or guesthouses with basic facilities; hot water and electricity may be limited and connectivity is poor.
- This trip is quoted on request, as the price depends on group size, season and the rafting stretch.
- Standard hotel check-in is around 2 pm and check-out around 12 noon. Cancellation and refund are as per our Terms & Conditions.
See our Terms & Conditions for payment and cancellation rules.