Day 01Arrive Leh
Arrive by International flight. After a traditional Indian-style ‘Swagat’ (Welcome) by Exceptional Escapes Representative, you will be assisted at the airport & transferred to your hotel for check-in.
Complete day at leisure for acclimatization with welcome tea/coffee at the hotel.
Flight Highlight:
This is considered one of the most sensational flights in the world. On a clear day, you can witness the mighty K2, Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrum, and the dramatic Nun Kun Massif.
Evening Sightseeing
- Leh Palace
- Shanti Stupa
- Leh Market
Overnight in Leh (D)
Day 02Leh – Full Day Excursion to Sham Valley & Lamayuru Monastery
After breakfast, proceed for a full-day excursion covering the highlights of Sham Valley and Lamayuru along the Leh–Kargil Highway.
En-route Sightseeing (Well-Sequenced & Balanced)
- Gurudwara Patthar Sahib – Sacred Sikh shrine surrounded by mountains
- Magnetic Hill – Experience the famous gravity-defying phenomenon
- Confluence of Indus & Zanskar Rivers (Sangam Point) – Majestic viewpoint
- Likir Monastery – Known for the giant Maitreya Buddha statue
- Ridzong Monastery – “The Hidden Monastery” (optional short walk)
- Alchi Monastery (Alchi Gompa) – 11th-century complex noted for its ancient murals
- Alchi Village Walk (Optional Add-on) – Explore traditional village lanes
- Basgo Palace & Ruins – Dramatic 15th-century hilltop fortress
- Lamayuru Monastery – One of the oldest and most spectacular monasteries in Ladakh
- Moonland Landscapes – Unique, lunar-like terrain near Lamayuru
- Photo Stops at scenic Indus River viewpoints
After completing sightseeing, drive back to Leh by evening.
Overnight: Leh Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 03Leh – Nubra Valley via Khardung La (World’s Highest Motorable Pass)
Morning drive to Nubra Valley
- Cross Khardung La Pass (18,380 ft) – spectacular Himalayan views
- Descend into the warm desert oasis of Nubra
Upon arrival:
- Check-in at camp/hotel in Hunder / Diskit
Sightseeing & Activities:
- Hunder Sand Dunes: Unique high-altitude cold desert
- Bactrian Camel Ride: Endangered double-humped camels from the Silk Route
- Diskit Monastery: Oldest & largest monastery in Nubra
- 108-ft Maitreya Buddha Statue: Mesmerizing valley views
Evening village walk, visit small cafes & interact with locals
Overnight: Nubra Valley Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 04Nubra – Turtuk – Nubra (Baltistan Frontier Village)
A beautiful journey through landscapes that shift from rocky mountains to apricot orchards.
Explore Turtuk – India’s last village on the Baltistan border:
- Baltistani culture & traditional wooden homes
- Turtuk Viewpoint: Himalayan & Shyok valley scenery
- Village walks through farms & apricot orchards
- Visit local Balti heritage museum
- Indo–Pak border observation points (permitted civilian zones only)
Return to Nubra by evening.
Overnight: Nubra Valley Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 05Nubra – Pangong Lake (via Shyok Route)
One of the most scenic drives of Ladakh following the Shyok River.
En-route highlights:
- Sumur Village & Samstanling Monastery (optional visit)
- Panamik Hot Springs (sulphur springs – optional)
- Shyok Valley: Dramatic cliffs, river canyons & off-road adventure sections
ARRIVE PANGONG LAKE (14,000 ft):
- Check-in at lakeside cottage/camp
- Evening walk by the changing-color lake (blue to turquoise to green)
- Ideal for photography & star-gazing (crystal clear night skies)
Overnight: Pangong Lake
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 06Pangong Lake - Hanle (Remote Changthang Plateau Drive) Distance: ~170 km | Duration: 6–7 hrs
A mesmerizing drive across Ladakh’s most isolated region.
Route: Pangong - Merak - Chushul - Rezang La - Tsaga La - Loma Checkpost - Hanle
En-route Detailed Highlights:
- Merak & Chushul Villages: Remote settlements along Pangong’s southern bank
- Chushul War Memorial: Tribute to 1962 heroes
- Rezang La Battle Site: Valor of Major Shaitan Singh & the C-Company
- High-altitude Changthang plains: Endless brown-gold desert vistas
- Tibetan Nomad Camps: Witness Changpa pastoral life
Wildlife Sightings:
- Kiang (Tibetan wild ass)
- Himalayan marmots
- Black-necked cranes
- Golden eagles & other raptors
Arrival at Hanle:
- One of the world’s highest, remotest villages
- Home to India’s First Dark Sky Reserve
Night Activity (Optional but Recommended):
- Stargazing session at the Indian Astronomical Observatory
- Milky Way visibility (weather permitting)
- Astrophotography opportunities
Overnight: Hanle Homestay / Guesthouse Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 07Hanle - Umling La - Hanle (World’s Highest Motorable Road) | Distance: ~150 km round trip | Duration: 6–7 hrs
Today is your Ultimate Ladakh Adventure Day!
Drive Toward Umling La Pass (19,024 ft):
- Officially the Highest Motorable Road in the World
- Extremely thin air and minimal vegetation
- Roads across cold high-altitude desert terrain
Experience During the Journey:
- Otherworldly barren landscapes
- Snow patches (seasonal)
- Panoramic 360° Himalayan views
Possible sightings of:
- Kiang
- Tibetan gazelle
- Snow fox
At the Pass:
- Spend limited time due to altitude
- Photo stop at the iconic Umling La signboard
- Enjoy unmatched silence & powerful Himalayan winds
Return to Hanle by evening for rest.
Overnight: Hanle Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 08Hanle - Tso Moriri Lake (via Nyoma & Mahe) Distance: ~160 km • Duration: 5–6 hrs
Morning Drive toward Tso Moriri:
- A beautiful transition from rugged plains to high-altitude wetlands.
Stops En-route:
- Nyoma: Military settlement & scenic plateau
- Mahe Bridge: Permit checkpoint & gateway to Rupshu region
- Puga Hot Springs: Geothermal field with steaming sulphur springs
- Changpa Nomadic Camps: Observe their yak & pashmina goat herds
Arrive at Tso Moriri Lake – Korzok Village:
- Among the most pristine high-altitude lakes of India (14,800 ft)
- Turquoise blue water reflecting snow-peaks
Evening Activities:
- Gentle lakeside walk
- Sunset photography with golden hues over mountains
- Visit Korzok Monastery, overlooking the lake
Spot migratory birds (seasonal):
- Bar-headed geese
- Brahminy ducks
- Crested grebe
Overnight: Tso Moriri (Korzok Camps/Guesthouse) Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 09Tso Moriri - Aryan Valley (Dah–Hanu Region) | Distance: ~220 km | Duration: 7–8 hrs
Your journey today traces the Indus River from high-altitude wetlands to the fertile valleys of the Brokpa tribes.
Drive Highlights:
- Winding roads along the Indus River gorge
- Dramatic cliff formations & multi-colored mountains
- Remote Himalayan villages
Arrive at Aryan Valley (Dah/Hanu Villages):
- Home of the ancient Brokpa community, believed to be descendants of Aryans.
What to Explore:
- Unique Brokpa costumes & flower headgear
- Stone-built traditional homes
- Interaction with locals about culture & folklore
- Walk through Apricot & Walnut orchards
- Explore Garkone / Dah village lanes
Overnight: Aryan Valley (Village Homestay) Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 10Aryan Valley - Kargil - Leh (Return Scenic Drive) | Distance: ~240 km | Duration: 7–8 hrs
Morning Depart for Leh via the historic Indus–Kargil route.
Major Highlights en-route:
- Batalik Sector Viewpoints: Strategic region close to the LOC
- Kargil Town: Brief halt (lunch/tea)
- Kargil War Memorial – Drass (Optional, time permitting)
- Mulbekh Giant Maitreya Buddha: 7th–8th century rock carving
- Fotu La Pass: Highest point on the Srinagar–Leh Highway
- Lamayuru Moonscape (Optional): If time allows
- Nimmo: Tea break at the Indus–Zanskar junction
Arrive Leh by evening.
Overnight: Leh Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 11Depart Leh (End of Expedition)
Breakfast at hotel
Airport drop with warm goodbyes, Carry unforgettable memories of Ladakh’s most advanced, offbeat & remote circuit
