+14 Photos
7N/8D
Himalayan Gems: Ladakh & Kashmir Overland Expedition
1N Kargil + 2N Leh + 2N Nubra Valley + 1N Pangong Lake + 1N Leh
Package Inclusions
Meals
Hotels
Transfers
Overview
Cross the roof of the world on the definitive overland journey through Kashmir and Ladakh with SkyGlobals. Trace the historic Srinagar-Leh highway past the meadows of Sonamarg, the historic battlegrounds of Drass and Kargil, and the lunar landscapes of Lamayuru. Experience the gravity-defying Magnetic Hill and the scenic confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers before climbing over Khardung La (17,582 ft) into the sand dunes of Nubra Valley. Meet the Balti community in the border hamlet of Turtuk, ride double-humped camels at Hunder, and watch the ever-shifting turquoise waters of Pangong Lake (14,270 ft). With handpicked alpine camps, private high-clearance mountain transport, and full permit coordination included, this expedition delivers the ultimate trans-Himalayan road adventure.
Tour Itinerary
1
Assemble by 7:30 AM in Srinagar (SXR Airport or hotel). Drive along the Sindh River valley past the meadows of Sonamarg (Meadow of Gold), catching views of the Thajiwas Glacier. Begin the steep, dramatic climb across Zoji La Pass (11,575 ft), the geographical gateway into Ladakh where lush Kashmiri valleys abruptly transition into arid, cold mountain terrain. Descend through the windswept valley of Drass (the second coldest inhabited place in the world). Stop at the Kargil War Memorial (Drass War Memorial) to pay respects at the Amar Jawan Jyoti, Tololing Ridge, and Tiger Hill viewpoints. Continue along the Suru River into Kargil (8,780 ft). Check into your hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Kargil.
2
After breakfast, drive along NH-1 toward Leh. Cross Namika La (12,140 ft) and Fotu La (13,478 ft), the highest point on the Srinagar-Leh highway. Marvel at the dramatic lunar rock formations of Lamayuru (Moonland) and visit the historic 11th-century Lamayuru Monastery. Drive past the sheer cliffs of the Indus River gorge to reach the Indus & Zanskar River Confluence (Sangam at Nimmu), where the turquoise Indus merges with the muddy green Zanskar. Experience the optical illusion of Magnetic Hill, where vehicles appear to roll uphill against gravity, and visit Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, constructed and maintained by the Indian Army. Arrive in Leh (11,500 ft) by late afternoon. Check into your hotel, hydrate, and rest to aid high-altitude acclimatization. Dinner and overnight stay in Leh.
3
Enjoy a relaxed morning breakfast. Dedicate today to low-exertion acclimatization and cultural sightseeing around Leh town. Visit the historic 9-storey Leh Palace, built in the 17th century by King Sengge Namgyal, offering bird's-eye views of the Old Town and the Stok Kangri range. Proceed to the Japanese-built Shanti Stupa perched on the Changspa hillock for panoramic valley views. In the afternoon, explore the Hall of Fame Museum, curated by the Indian Army to honor soldiers of the Kargil and Siachen battles. Spend the late afternoon strolling through the vehicle-free Leh Main Bazaar, browsing for Ladakhi dried apricots, pashmina shawls, and Tibetan silver jewelry. Dinner and overnight stay in Leh.
4
After breakfast, begin the ascent up the Ladakh Range. Cross Khardung La (17,582 ft), celebrated as one of the world's highest motorable mountain passes. Stop for photographs against the prayer flags and take in views of the Karakoram range. Descend into the wide, braided valley of the Shyok and Nubra rivers. Arrive in Hunder/Diskit. Visit the dramatic Diskit Monastery, home to the towering 106-foot open-air statue of Maitreya Buddha overlooking the floodplains. Check into your deluxe camp or boutique resort in Hunder. In the late afternoon, explore the cold-desert sand dunes of Hunder Dunes and take an optional ride on double-humped Bactrian camels. Dinner and overnight stay in Nubra.
5
Embark on a scenic drive along the jade-green waters of the Shyok River toward the Pakistan border. Enter the culturally distinct hamlet of Turtuk (9,840 ft), reclaimed by the Indian Army during the 1971 war. Walk through apricot and walnut orchards, stone-walled alleyways, and traditional Balti wooden homes, exploring the 16th-century Minaro heritage house and the local natural cold-storage chambers. Continue 10 km further north to Thang Viewpoint, the northernmost border village of India directly overlooking Pakistani military posts across the Line of Control (LoC). Return to Hunder by evening. Dinner and overnight stay in Nubra.
6
After breakfast, take the off-road direct transit route through Agham and along the rugged canyon banks of the Shyok River. Travel past Durbuk and Tangtse into the Changthang plateau. Arrive at the western shores of Pangong Tso (14,270 ft) by early afternoon. Check into your lakeside Swiss tents or wooden cottages. Walk along the crystal-clear shoreline, watching the lake's water shift through shades of turquoise, cerulean, and emerald against the stark brown mountains. Enjoy sunset reflections off the water. Dress warmly as night temperatures drop sharply. Dinner and overnight stay near Pangong Lake.
7
Wake early to watch the sunrise illuminate the mountain peaks reflected across Pangong Lake. After breakfast, begin the return drive toward Leh. Ascend the rugged switchbacks of Chang La Pass (17,590 ft), the second-highest pass on the circuit. Stop for warm kehwa or tea at the army canteen at the pass top. Descend into the Indus Valley to tour the 12-storey Thiksey Monastery, an architectural replica of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, housing a 49-foot statue of Maitreya Buddha. Make a brief stop at Rancho’s School (Druk Padma Karpo School), featured in the movie 3 Idiots. Arrive back in Leh by late afternoon. Settle into your hotel for a celebratory farewell dinner. Overnight stay in Leh.
8
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before checking out. Your private chauffeur will provide a direct transfer to Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL) in Leh for your morning flight back to Delhi, Mumbai, or your home city, concluding your Himalayan expedition.
