Day 01ARRIVE DELHI
Arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi by international flight.
After a traditional Indian ‘Swagat’ (welcome) by an Exceptional Escapes representative, you will be assisted with your luggage and transferred to your hotel.
Later, enjoy a panoramic drive through Lutyens’ Delhi (subject to arrival time):
- India Gate – A war memorial built in 1931, commemorating Indian soldiers who died during World War I and the Afghan Wars. Names of the martyrs are inscribed on its walls.
- President's House (Rashtrapati Bhavan) – The official residence of the President of India, once known as the Viceroy’s House during the British era.
- Raj Ghat – A serene black marble memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, marking the site of his cremation on 31 January 1948.
Later, transfer back to hotel for check-in and rest.
Overnight Stay: Hotel in Delhi
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 02DELHI – CHANDIGARH (BY SHATABDI TRAIN) | DRIVE TO MANALI
Early morning, transfer to New Delhi Railway Station to board Train 12011 – Kalka Shatabdi Express (Departs: 07:40 hrs / Arrives Chandigarh: 10:59 hrs).
Upon arrival at Chandigarh, meet your driver and begin the scenic drive to Manali (Approx. 300 km / 8–9 hrs).
En route, pass through the lush plains of Punjab and the rolling hills of Himachal Pradesh, with views of rivers, terraced fields, pine forests, and quaint mountain villages.
Stop for refreshments and photo breaks along the way.
Arrive in Manali by evening. Check in at your hotel and relax after the long journey.
Evening is free at leisure.
Overnight Stay: Hotel in Manali
Meals Included: Breakfast (on train), Dinner
Day 03MANALI – DAY EXCURSION TO SOLANG VALLEY
After breakfast, proceed for an excursion to the beautiful Solang Valley, about 30 minutes from Manali.
This popular destination attracts travelers throughout the year:
- Winter (Jan–March): Ideal for skiing and snowboarding, with a gondola lift taking visitors to a height of 3,200 meters.
- Summer: Popular for paragliding, zorbing, ziplining, and other adventure activities (activities subject to weather and availability).
- In recent years, several commercial activities have been regulated by the National Green Tribunal to preserve the valley’s ecological balance.
- Return to Manali. Rest of the day is free for independent adventure activities or relaxation.
Overnight Stay: Hotel in Manali
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 04MANALI LOCAL SIGHTSEEING
After breakfast, proceed for local sightseeing of Manali, focusing on cultural, natural, and spiritual highlights:
- Old Manali – A charming area located 3 km northwest of the main town, known for its apple orchards and quaint guesthouses.
- Vashisht Village – A popular travelers’ hub located across the Beas River, known for its natural hot water springs and Vashisht Temple.
- Hadimba Devi Temple – An ancient pagoda-style wooden temple, built in 1553 amidst cedar forests, dedicated to Hadimba, wife of Bhima from the Mahabharata.
- Tibetan Monastery – Visit the serene Himalayan Nyinmapa Gompa, home to a large golden statue of Buddha and shops selling Tibetan handicrafts and carpets.
- Evening is free to explore the local market or relax at your hotel.
Overnight Stay: Hotel in Manali
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 05MANALI – SARCHU DRIVE
Distance: Approx. 222 km | Travel Time: 7–8 hours
- Early morning departure for Sarchu, a crucial transit point on the Manali-Leh Highway, known for its remote, rugged beauty.
Drive through some of the highest and most iconic Himalayan passes:
- Rohtang Pass (3,978 m) – Spectacular views of snow-capped peaks.
- Baralacha La (4,890 m) – A dramatic confluence of Zanskar, Lahaul, and Spiti mountain ranges.
- En route, pass Keylong, Jispa, and Zingzing Bar, enjoying pristine alpine views and cascading waterfalls.
- Witness the landscape changing from lush greenery to high-altitude desert.
- Arrive in Sarchu, situated on the border of Himachal and Ladakh – ideal for altitude acclimatization.
- Check in to a deluxe tented camp, equipped with basic amenities.
Overnight Stay: Tented Camp in Sarchu
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 06SARCHU – TSO MORIRI LAKE
Distance: Approx. 230 km | Travel Time: 8–9 hours
After early breakfast, continue your journey to the pristine Tso Moriri Lake (Altitude: 4,522 m).
Drive through:
- The Gata Loops – 21 thrilling hairpin bends.
- Nakee La (4,739 m) and Lachulung La (5,065 m) – challenging yet awe-inspiring passes.
- Brief stop at Pang, a high-altitude army camp surrounded by dramatic terrain.
- Optional detour to Tso Kar Lake, a saltwater lake frequented by migratory birds and wild Tibetan kiangs.
- Continue via Polokongka La (4,920 m) to reach Tso Moriri, nestled in the Changthang Plateau.
- Explore the tranquil turquoise lake, flanked by snow-capped peaks and rolling hills.
- Visit Korzok village, one of the highest inhabited settlements, and Korzok Monastery.
Overnight Stay: Camp/Guesthouse at Tso Moriri
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 07TSO MORIRI – LEH
Distance: Approx. 220 km | Travel Time: 7–8 hours
After breakfast, depart for Leh, the historic capital of Ladakh.
En route, drive through the Changthang region, home to nomadic communities, open meadows, and unique wildlife.
Stop at:
- Mahe Bridge – Security permit checkpoint.
- Optional visit to Chumathang Hot Springs, known for their natural steam vents and curative properties.
- The road descends gradually into the Indus Valley.
- Arrive in Leh by late afternoon and check in at your hotel.
- Evening is free for rest and acclimatization (Leh altitude: approx. 3,500 m).
Overnight Stay: Hotel in Leh
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 08LEH – DAY EXCURSION TO SHAM VALLEY
Distance: 75 km (One Way) | Travel Time: Approx. 4 Hours
After breakfast, drive downstream along the Indus River on the Leh–Kargil Highway, exploring Ladakh’s western beauty.
En route, visit:
- Gurudwara Patthar Sahib – Built in honor of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, nestled deep in the Himalayas.
- Magnetic Hill – A gravity-defying phenomenon where vehicles seem to move uphill on their own.
- Sangam Point – Witness the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar Rivers, a spectacular sight of merging waters.
- Continue to Likir Monastery – One of the most active and prominent monasteries in Ladakh. It is home to a giant gilded statue of Maitreya Buddha, impressively seated outdoors.
- Drive further along the Indus to visit Ridzong Monastery, hidden in a steep gorge. Those interested may walk up to the monastery, enjoying dramatic views on the way.
Return to Leh by evening.
Evening is free at leisure.
Overnight Stay: Hotel in Leh
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 09LEH – NUBRA VALLEY VIA KHARDUNG LA
Distance: 120 km | Travel Time: 4–5 Hours
- After breakfast, begin your journey to Nubra Valley via Khardung La Pass (5,602 m / 18,390 ft) – the world’s highest motorable road.
- Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Zanskar Range to the south and the Saser Massif to the north.
- Descend into Nubra Valley, also known as Ldumra – the Valley of Flowers, nestled between the Karakoram and Ladakh ranges.
- On arrival, check in at your camp/hotel in Hunder.
- In the evening, take a leisurely walk around local villages, interact with locals, and experience traditional Ladakhi hospitality.
- Visit a local Ladakhi home to enjoy a taste of authentic Ladakhi cuisine.
Overnight Stay: Hotel in Nubra Valley
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10NUBRA – DAY EXCURSION TO TURTUK VILLAGE
Distance: 80 km (One Way) | Travel Time: Approx. 2.5 Hours Each Way
- After breakfast, depart for a full-day excursion to Turtuk, a remote village near the Line of Control (LOC).
- Once part of Pakistan until 1971, Turtuk is the northernmost village in India, opened to tourists only in 2009.
Located along the Shyok River, it is known for:
- Its unique Balti culture and language, which has roots in Gilgit-Baltistan (now in Pakistan).
- Apricot orchards, lush greenery, and warm, hospitable locals.
- Sites like the Royal House of the Yabgo Dynasty, old mosques, Pun Khar ruins, and views of K2 Peak (on a clear day).
- Enjoy a peaceful exploration of this hidden gem, walking through ancient alleys and scenic spots.
Return to Hunder by evening.
Evening is free for relaxation.
Overnight Stay: Hotel in Nubra Valley
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11NUBRA VALLEY – PANGONG LAKE VIA SHAYOK ROUTE
Distance: 150 km | Travel Time: Approx. 6 Hours
- After breakfast, drive to Pangong Lake via the scenic Shayok route, passing through remote and beautiful mountain terrains.
- Arrive at Pangong Lake (4,350 m) by afternoon and check in at your lakeside camp.
- The highest saltwater lake in the world, Pangong is shared between India and China and spans over 130 km in length.
- Visit the famous 3 Idiots shooting point, made popular by the film.
- The surreal blue hues of the lake against barren mountains provide a stunning visual contrast.
Overnight Stay: Camp at Pangong Lake
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12PANGONG LAKE – LEH VIA SHEY, THIKSEY & HEMIS
Distance: 140 km | Travel Time: Approx. 6 Hours
After breakfast, drive back to Leh. En route, explore the cultural treasures of the Indus Valley:
- Shey Palace – The former summer palace of the Ladakhi kings.
- Thiksey Monastery – Resembling the Potala Palace of Tibet, this 12-storey monastery is home to a 15m high statue of Maitreya Buddha.
- Hemis Monastery – The richest and largest monastery in Ladakh, featuring beautiful thangkas, statues, and a museum.
- Druk White Lotus School – Also known as Rancho’s School, famous from 3 Idiots.
On arrival in Leh, visit:
- Leh Palace – Former royal residence offering panoramic views of the town.
- Shanti Stupa – A stunning white-domed stupa with sweeping views of Leh town, Indus Valley, and surrounding mountains.
- Evening is free to explore Leh’s bazaars for local souvenirs.
Overnight Stay: Hotel in Leh
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 13LEH – DELHI (FLIGHT: VISTARA UK-602 @ 09:05 / 10:30 HRS) | DEPARTURE
Early morning, transfer to Leh airport to board your flight to Delhi.
Bid farewell to the enchanting land of Ladakh, taking with you memories of a lifetime.
Upon arrival in Delhi, you may connect with your onward flight.
Tour Concludes – The Exceptional Escapes team will assist you with your airport transfer.
