Day 1: Arrival New Delhi International Airport

Today, to begin your Best of Leh Ladakh Tour , exploring hidden valleys and meeting the last nomads of the Himalayas, on your arrival at New Delhi International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by Summit Safari India’s representative and driver, who will assist you with your transfer to your comfortable hotel in New Delhi for an overnight stay. The rest of the day is at your leisure to relax and recover from your international flight, preparing for the upcoming incredible Leh Ladakh adventure tour ahead. Overnight stay at hotel in New Delhi

Meals Plan: Dinner Only.

After breakfast, we will transfer you to New Delhi Airport for your flight to Leh, located at an altitude of 3,500 metres. The flight takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, offering spectacular views of the Himalayas. Upon arrival at Leh Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your local guide and driver, who will transfer you to your hotel in Leh – the capital of Ladakh valley.

Check in to your hotel and take the rest of the morning to rest and relax, as today is important for acclimatising to the high altitude of Leh Ladakh. Later in the afternoon around 3:00 PM, we will take you to visit the iconic Leh Fort, Shanti Stupa, which offers panoramic views of Leh town and the surrounding mountains. You will also enjoy an orientation walk through the local Leh market, getting your first glimpse of Ladakhi culture and lifestyle. Overnight stay at hotel in Leh

Meals Plan: Breakfast + Dinner Only.

Please Note: Most flights from New Delhi to Leh operate between 5:30 AM and 11:30 AM, arriving in Leh between 7:00 AM and 1:30 PM. Therefore, please be prepared for an early morning departure from New Delhi to ensure a smooth start to your Leh Ladakh tour.

Inner Line Permits: Today, our office team in Leh will prepare your Inner Line Permits, which are mandatory travel documents required for visiting certain restricted areas in Ladakh, including Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, Tsomoriri, and other border regions. For this purpose, we will collect your original passports and valid Indian visa from you to process the permits with the local authorities. The process is well-organised, and our team will handle all formalities on your behalf to ensure a smooth travel experience.

This morning, after breakfast, we set out to explore some of the most important cultural and historical sites in Leh along the Indus River valley. We begin with a visit to Stok Palace Museum, the former residence of the royal family of Ladakh, showcasing royal artefacts, traditional clothing, and ancient weaponry, offering deep insights into Ladakh’s regal heritage.

Next, we visit Hemis Monastery, the largest and wealthiest monastery in Ladakh, belonging to the Drukpa lineage. Founded in 1672, it is famous for its annual Hemis Festival dedicated to Guru Padmasambhava.

We continue to Thiksey Monastery, a magnificent 12-storey complex resembling the Potala Palace in Lhasa. It houses numerous stupas, statues, and thangkas, including the impressive Maitreya Buddha Statue, which is 15 metres (49 feet) high, covering two floors of the monastery.

Later, we visit Shey Monastery and Shey Palace, once the summer capital of Ladakh. The monastery is known for its giant copper-gilded statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, which is 12 metres (39 feet) tall. Recently, a newly built grand statue of Guru Padmasambhava has also been installed near Shey, adding to the spiritual aura of the site.

In the evening, return to Leh and explore the vibrant local market of Leh. Second night stay in the same hotel in Leh.

Meals Plan: Breakfast + Dinner Only.

Today, after breakfast, we check out from the hotel and begin our scenic drive to Nubra Valley, travelling over Khardung La Pass, which stands at an impressive 5,359 metres (17,582 feet) and was once the highest motorable roads in the world. We will take comfort breaks and photo stops en route to enjoy the stunning Himalayan landscapes. There are chances to see yaks today.

By late afternoon, we arrive in Nubra Valley. Upon arrival, we visit the impressive Maitreya Buddha statue at Diskit, offering panoramic views of the valley. You can also walk to explore the Diskit Monastery, the oldest and largest monastery in Nubra, belonging to the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism.

Later, we check into our hotel and proceed to visit the famous Hunder Sand Dunes. Nubra Valley lies on the ancient Silk Route, and the unique double-humped Bactrian camels found here are remnants of that trade era, when caravans travelled between India and Central Asia. Camel rides are available after 3:00 PM, and you can choose to ride these rare double-humped camels or enjoy a peaceful walk through the sand dunes, capturing beautiful photographs against the dramatic desert landscape. Near the sand dunes, you can also enjoy a 30-minute Ladakhi traditional dance performance, offering you a wonderful glimpse into the rich culture, music, and heritage of Ladakh. This colourful dance show, accompanied by traditional Ladakhi songs, adds a memorable cultural experience to your visit to Hunder Sand Dunes.

Overnight stay in Nubra Valley for 2 nights.

Meals Plan: Breakfast + Dinner Only.

This morning, after breakfast, we drive to Turtuk village (85 km / approximately 2.5 hours each way), the last Indian village on the India-Pakistan border. Turtuk is famous for its unique Balti culture, its reputation as the "Apricot Capital of India," and its fascinating history. Once part of Pakistan, Turtuk became part of India after the 1971 Indo-Pak war, and remained closed to tourists until 2010, preserving its untouched charm and authenticity.

Located in one of the northernmost regions of India, Turtuk offers a glimpse into a village with a rich cultural heritage and shifting borders, where people follow traditional Balti customs, language, and cuisine. The scenic drive along the Shyok River, with dramatic mountain landscapes, adds to the experience. A visit to Turtuk is on the list of every traveller exploring Nubra Valley, making it a memorable highlight of your Leh Ladakh tour.

Optional: For those preferring a more relaxed day, you can choose a half-day excursion to Sumur Monastery and Panamik Hot Springs (65 km / 2 hours one way). At Panamik village, you can take a dip in the therapeutic sulphur hot springs, known for their healing properties – remember to carry towels and a change of clothing for this activity.

Return to your hotel in Hunder village for your second night stay, enjoying the serene desert landscapes of Nubra Valley. Evening free to relax and walk around the hotel.

Meals Plan: Breakfast + Dinner Only.

Today, your Best of Leh Ladakh Tour – Explore Hidden Valleys and The Last Nomads continues as we drive along the scenic Shyok River, crossing a few water streams on the way. Therefore, it is advisable to leave by 8:30 AM to ensure a smooth journey. We travel via Shyok village and Tangste, enjoying breathtaking views of rugged mountains, remote valleys, and pristine landscapes, with multiple stops for photographs and comfort breaks. There are chances to see the marmots today.

By late afternoon, we arrive at the stunning Pangong Lake, situated at an altitude of 4,350 metres (14,270 feet). We will get our first glimpse of Pangong Lake at Lukung, which is also the location of the first campsite along the lake. From here, we continue to the Spangmik viewpoint, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. We will also visit the famous shooting point of the Bollywood movie "3 Idiots," where the final scene was filmed, making it a popular spot for travellers to capture memorable photographs.

Pangong is one of the highest saltwater lakes in the world, stretching approximately 134 kilometres, with its crystal-clear blue waters extending from India to China. The lake’s ever-changing hues of blue set against the backdrop of barren mountains create a surreal and mesmerising landscape, making it one of the most beautiful and iconic dream destinations in Ladakh for every traveller.

On arrival, check into your huts or camps at Mann village, which operate only during the summer months, and later enjoy a walking tour along the banks of Pangong Lake, soaking in its tranquillity and capturing stunning photographs.

Evening is free to relax and witness the spectacular sunset over the lake. Overnight stay at Pangong Lake.

Meals Plan: Breakfast + Dinner Only.

Please Note: Electricity at Pangong Lake is available only through generators from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Kindly carry a torch and ensure your electronic devices are fully charged during that time period.

This morning, enjoy a peaceful walking tour along Pangong Lake, soaking in its serene beauty and capturing the stunning reflections of the surrounding mountains in the crystal-clear waters. Lukung is the first camp sight at the lake

After breakfast, we begin our drive to Hanle, travelling via Merak, Chushul and Loma, covering a distance of approximately 220 kilometres in about 6 hours. Leaving Pangong Lake behind, we enter an entirely different world of dramatic landscapes, with vast open valleys, rolling mountains, and the feeling of travelling through a truly remote and untouched part of Ladakh.

En route, we will stop at scenic locations for photographs and comfort breaks, giving you ample opportunities to enjoy and capture the unique landscapes of this high-altitude desert.

By early evening, we arrive at Hanle village, one of the most remote settlements in Ladakh, located close to the India-China border. On arrival, check into your hotel, where you will stay for 2 nights.

Hanle is famous for its Indian Astronomical Observatory, which houses one of the world’s highest observatories at an altitude of 4,500 metres (14,764 feet). In December 2022, the region within a 22 km radius around Hanle, situated inside the Changthang Wildlife Reserve, was designated as the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve (HDSR), making it India’s first dark sky reserve for astronomy and stargazing. Due to its clear skies and minimal light pollution, Hanle is regarded as one of the best places in India for star gazing and astrophotography.

At night, step out to witness the magical sight of countless stars, the Milky Way galaxy stretching above you, and constellations shining bright in the pitch-black sky – an experience that makes you feel truly connected with the universe.

Meals Plan: Breakfast + Dinner Only.

This morning, after breakfast, we drive towards the iconic Umling La Pass(5,793 metres / 19,024 feet), the world’s highest motorable road, travelling via Nurbu La Pass, which stands at an altitude of 4,900 metres (16,076 feet). Today, there are chances to see the Tibetan wild ass, also known as the Kiang (Equus kiang), which is the largest species of wild ass in the world. Kiangs are native to the high-altitude Tibetan Plateau and Himalayan regions.

Our journey takes us through Chismule village, where the landscapes become increasingly dramatic, with vast open plains, grazing herds, and snow-capped peaks on the horizon.

Along the way, we will meet the Changpa nomads, the last remaining nomadic community of the Changthang Plateau. These hardy people live at extreme altitudes, herding their yaks, sheep, and Pashmina goats, and maintaining traditions unchanged for centuries.

The excitement of reaching Umling La Pass (5,793 metres / 19,024 feet), the highest motorable road in the world, is an indescribable feeling. After spending time at the pass and capturing photographs against the prayer flags fluttering in the cold wind, we begin our return journey to Hanle via a different scenic route.

On the way back, we will stop to visit and interact with more Changpa nomad families, gaining a true insight into their nomadic lifestyle. Sharing a cup of traditional salted butter tea or fresh yoghurt with them (depending on availability) will be one of the most authentic and humbling experiences of your Ladakh journey.

Return to Hanle by evening for your second night stay at the same hotel, with your heart filled with memories of this extraordinary day.

Meals Plan: Breakfast + Dinner Only.

Today, after breakfast, we check out from our hotel in Hanle and drive to Korzok village, known as the heartland of the Changthang Plateau’s nomadic people. Our route takes us through Loma, Nyoma – which has the world’s highest altitude Indian Oil fuel station, Mahe Bridge, and Sumdo, offering breathtaking views of vast open landscapes, high mountain passes, and nomadic settlements.

Along the way, we will stop at various nomad camps, where you will have the chance to meet and interact with the Changpa nomads. Depending on the season, you might witness them shearing sheep or Pashmina goats to collect the fine Pashmina wool, which is used to create some of the world’s finest shawls, carpets etc. Enroute after Sumdo we do stop by Kyagar Tso Lake to have a photo break.

By late afternoon, we arrive at Korzok village, beautifully located on the shores of Tsomoriri Lake, one of the highest and most stunning freshwater lakes in Ladakh. The evening is free for you to relax and soak in the peaceful atmosphere of this remote Himalayan village. Overnight stay in Korzok for 2 nights.

Meals Plan: Breakfast + Dinner Only.

Today after breakfast, we will drive to the Korzok viewpoint, from where we can enjoy the extraordinary and magnificent views of Tsomoriri Lake, famous for its ever-changing shades of blue. Later, we will leave for a walking tour to explore Phu, a grazing area near Korzok village, where the Changpa nomads graze their livestock, including yaks, sheep, and goats. This area is known for its traditional nomadic lifestyle and is a popular stop for trekkers exploring the Changthang region.

We will return to the hotel for lunch, followed by some time to relax. In the evening, we will visit Korzok village and take a walk along the lake, where you might be lucky to spot some of the local birdlife. Overnight stay at Korzok for second night.

Meals Plan: Breakfast + Dinner Only.

Today after breakfast, we will check out and drive to Rumbak village near Leh (215 kms/ 6 hrs) via Tanglang La Pass, at an altitude of 5,328 metres (17,480 feet). Our journey will take us through the beautiful nomadic villages of Puga, Tsokar and over Pologongka La Pass (4,848 metres).

Puga is known for its geothermal hot springs and grazing lands used by the Changpa nomads for their livestock. Tsokar Lake, also known as the ‘White Lake’ due to its salt deposits, is a spectacular high-altitude saltwater lake situated at 4,530 metres. It is a haven for wildlife lovers, as the area is home to the Tibetan wild ass (Kiang), migratory birds, and black-necked cranes. Driving through this remote cold desert landscape of Ladakh offers a unique experience of raw natural beauty and solitude.

En route, after crossing Tanglang La Pass, we will have the option to visit a local Ladakhi family, where you can enjoy a cup of tea or lunch with them, experience their warm hospitality, learn about their organic farming practices, and see their Pashmina Goat Farm. This is a wonderful opportunity to understand the traditional lifestyle of the mountain communities.

Later, we will continue our drive to Rumbak. Upon arrival at Rumbak village, check in to the home stay with a local Ladakhi family. Evening is free to walk around the mountains and Rumbak village. Rumbak is a beautiful village in Hemis National Park, famous for snow leopard sightings. Staying in a local homestay here offers an authentic Ladakhi experience with warm hospitality, traditional food, and insights into village life, while supporting sustainable tourism. Overnight stay at Rumbak village 1 night.

Accommodation: Rumbak Village Mud Houses - 1 Night - is provided in traditional mud and stone houses with flat roofs and communal living spaces, reflecting the local architectural style and way of life. Guests are allocated simple private rooms.

Toilet facilities: are shared and usually consist of dry-pit Indian-style toilets, although some homestays may have Western-style toilet seats, subject to availability at the time of booking.

Showers are not available, but a bucket of hot water will be provided daily for washing and freshening up.

Meals Plan: Breakfast + Dinner Only.

Today after breakfast, check out from your homestay at 8:30 AM and drive back to Leh. En route, we will visit Likir Monastery, an important Gelugpa Monastery founded in the 11th century, known for its impressive 23-metre-high golden statue of Maitreya Buddha and beautiful views of the surrounding valley.

We will also visit Alchi Monastery, one of the oldest and most remarkable monasteries in Ladakh, dating back to the 11^th century. Unlike other hilltop monasteries, Alchi is built on flat ground and is famous for its ancient Indo-Tibetan artwork, wood carvings, and stunning murals that have survived for centuries, reflecting the artistic and cultural heritage of Ladakh.

Later, we will continue our drive to Leh. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel. The evening is free for last-minute shopping or exploring the local market at your own pace. Overnight stay at Leh for 1 night.

Meals Plan: Breakfast + Dinner Only.

This morning after breakfast, you will be transferred to Leh Airport as per your flight schedule. Board your flight from Leh to New Delhi. Upon arrival at Delhi airport, you will be met by your driver, and we will proceed for a half-day sightseeing tour of New Delhi, including some of its iconic sights and the bustling local bazaars of Old Delhi. Later, check in to your hotel. Overnight stay in Delhi for one night.

Meals Plan: Breakfast + Dinner Only

Today, as per your flight schedule, we will transfer you to New Delhi International Airport to board your flight back home or to your onward destination. This marks the end of your Best of Leh Ladakh Tour – Exploring Hidden Valleys and the Last Nomads. We hope you leave with wonderful memories and experiences to cherish for a lifetime.

Meals Plan: Breakfast Only.

End Of The tour and the services....!

This is the tour itinerary for the Best of Leh Ladakh Tour – Exploring Hidden Valleys and the Last Nomads which we run regularly. It can be altered & customised as we like to discuss plans with clients and can make suggestions about special places to visit depending on our clients’ interests, and available time. You can get an idea of your holidays from the mentioned tour. The itinerary is planned in such a way that while travelling you get a good time to experience India and see the real life of Indian people from much closer.

Whether you choose to be on a privately guided tour to India or set off on a more independent trip, with local guides available wherever required, you can travel reassured, knowing our vast experience and provide you with around-the-clock support to smooth out anything unexpected. The safety and well-being of our guests is paramount.