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Ladakh Classic: Leh, Sham Valley, Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso
Ladakh8 Days 7 Nightscustom tour

Ladakh Classic: Leh, Sham Valley, Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso

Ladakh Classic: Leh, Sham Valley, Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso, photo 1
Ladakh Classic: Leh, Sham Valley, Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso, photo 2
Ladakh Classic: Leh, Sham Valley, Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso, photo 3
Ladakh Classic: Leh, Sham Valley, Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso, photo 4

Duration

8 Days 7 Nights

Pickup

Leh Airport (IXL)

Drop

Leh Airport (IXL)

Type

Short-haul

Overview & Highlights

This private classic circuit gives you time at every stage: five nights in Leh, one in Nubra Valley and one beside Pangong Tso. Two days around Leh and the Sham Valley let you acclimatise before the high passes, and a spare half-day in Leh at the end gives you room for Hemis Monastery and the market. You cross Khardung La into Nubra Valley, visit Diskit Monastery and the Hunder dunes, and drive on to Pangong Tso. You return over Chang La, stopping at Thiksey Monastery on the way into Leh. The trip is private, with your own vehicle and driver, and you can add days, change hotels or skip Pangong Tso if you prefer.

  • Rest day and two gentle sightseeing days in Leh before the high passes
  • Alchi, the Sangam, Magnetic Hill and Gurudwara Pathar Sahib in the Sham Valley
  • Khardung La, Diskit Monastery and the Hunder dunes
  • A night beside Pangong Tso, with sunrise over the lake, weather permitting
  • Shey, Thiksey and Hemis monasteries
  • 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 | Local Market
  • 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: Sham Valley | Magnetic Hill | Sangam | Alchi
  • After breakfast, drive west along the Indus valley.
  • See the Magnetic Hill, where vehicles appear to roll uphill, and visit Gurudwara Pathar Sahib.
  • Stop at the Sangam, where the Indus and Zanskar rivers meet, and continue to Alchi to see its ancient monastery.
  • Return to Leh in the afternoon.
  • 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; a Bactrian camel ride is optional and paid locally.
  • Dinner and overnight stay at a camp or guesthouse in Nubra Valley.
5Day 5: Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso via Shyok
  • Enjoy a relaxed morning and an early breakfast.
  • 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 Shey Palace and Thiksey Monastery on the way, time permitting.
  • Check in at your hotel in Leh.
  • Overnight stay in Leh.
7Day 7: Hemis Monastery | Leisure in Leh
  • After breakfast, drive to Hemis Monastery, the largest in Ladakh.
  • Return to Leh and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
  • Use the time for shawls, handicrafts and dried apricots in the bazaar.
  • Overnight stay in Leh.
8Day 8: 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

  • 5 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
  • 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
  • Entry tickets for the sights listed in the itinerary, where applicable
  • Vegetarian and Jain meal options on request, subject to availability
  • 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
  • Extra costs caused by road closures, weather, landslides or medical needs, including oxygen
  • 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, gloves and scarf
  • Sunglasses with UV protection, sunscreen, lip balm and a hat
  • Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
  • Any prescribed medicines, including those your doctor advises for altitude
  • Reusable water bottle and a power bank
  • Cash for personal use, as ATMs are limited outside Leh

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, and the plan may be slowed or changed.
  • Travellers with heart, lung, blood-pressure or other health conditions, pregnant women and families with young children or senior parents 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, and hot water and electricity may be limited.
  • Mobile and internet connectivity is limited in Nubra and at Pangong; postpaid connections generally work better than prepaid ones from other states.
  • Standard hotel check-in is around 2 pm and check-out around 12 noon. Rates are indicative and confirmed at booking.
  • Cancellation and refund are as per our Terms & Conditions.

See our Terms & Conditions for payment and cancellation rules.