Venture into far-flung Northen India and immerse yourself in the breathtaking Indian Himalayan region. Cross one of the highest motorable passes in the world and wander through the snow-capped Himalaya mountains, discovering ancient monasteries and Ladakh’s rich Tibetan-Buddhism heritage along the way. Throughout your journey, you will be accommodated in style at Chamba Camps, offering an experiential off-the-beaten stay with a luxury tented camp at Leh Valley and a unique under canvas experience at Nubra Valley.
Itinerary Highlights
- Stylish off-the-beaten path stay at a luxury tented camp and an under canvas experience at two Ladakhi valleys
- Explore the magnificent Himalayas in India’s “Little Tibet”
- Drive through one of the highest mountain passes in the world, the Khardung La Pass (~5,570m)
- Immerse yourself in Tibetan Buddhism culture by engaging in a Morning Prayer Ceremony at Thiksey Monastery
- Visit the iconic Pangong Lake or enjoy a hot lunch in the rugged outdoors at the idyllic Wari-La Pass
Itinerary Outline
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Day 1
Arrival in Leh
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Day 2
Leh Valley
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Day 3
Leh Valley
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Day 4
Leh Valley / Nubra Valley
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Day 5
Nubra Valley
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Day 6
Nubra Valley / Leh Valley
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Day 7
Departure from Leh
Itinerary
Arrival in Leh
Arrival in Leh
Upon your arrival at Leh airport, you will be transferred to your accommodation. On your first day, we recommend you take it easy to acclimatise to the high elevation (~3,600m).
Leh Valley
Leh Valley at Leisure
During your free time in Leh Valley, you may want to wander around the camp's peaceful alfafa pastures or take an easy invigorating walk in its vicinity, through the lush farmlands of Nyerma.
Leh Heritage Walk
Explore Leh's rich cultural heritage as you meander through a labyrinth of interesting shops in the city, where you may find Pashmina shawls, Ladakhi jewelries, and Tibetan handicrafts such as locally spun woolen clothing and yak furs. You'll also visit the Shanti Stupa, which houses Buddhist relics enshrined by the Dalai Lama and offers stunning panoramas over the city's captivating landscape.
Leh Valley
Morning Prayer at Thiksey Monastery
Participate in a traditional Buddhist Morning Prayer ceremony at sunrise at Thiksey Monastery. Revel in the majestic two-storey statue of the Maitreya Buddha while enjoying spectacular views of the Leh valley.
Hemis Monastery
Visit the crown jewel of the Drukpa lineage and UNESCO Heritage World Monument - the Hemis Monastery. The Buddhist monastery is the oldest and largest monastic institution in Ladakh, and still houses many young lamas of Tibetan Buddhism today.
Leh Valley / Nubra Valley
Transfer: Leh Valley to Nubra Valley via Khardung La Pass
Drive 3½ hours to Nubra valley, passing through Ladakh's most dramatic landscapes via the second highest motorable road in the world - Khardung La Pass (~5,570m).
Traverse lush agricultural farmlands and staggering mountains before stopping to have lunch at Khardung village. We pass the famous sand dunes of Nubra Valley before arriving at your accommodation in Diskit.
Enjoy some free time unwinding in peaceful serenity on your private deck, amidst the lofty Himalayas and the stars.
Nubra Valley
Yarab Tso - The Mystical Hidden Lake
Travel 1½ hours north along the Siachen Glacier route to embark on a short 20 minutes hike towards one of Ladakh's most scared hidden lakes - Yarab Tso. Approximately 4,800 metres high, Yarab Tso holds crystalline holy water secluded within rocky terrain amidst the stunning snow-capped Himalayas.
Sunset Camel Safari and Hunder Sand Dunes
Embark on a unique sunset adventure and navigate the sand dunes of the Hunder cold desert like the merchants, monks, and mercenaries of past aboard majestic double hump Bactrian camels.
Nubra Valley / Leh Valley
OPTION A:
Nubra Valley Sojourns
Dive into Ladakh's rich historical heritage and Buddhist traditions by exploring the oldest and largest monastery in Nubra Valley, Diskit Gompa, which has a statue of the Cho Rinpoche "The Crowned Buddha" and an ancient fresco of the Tashilhunpo monastery of Tibet.
Ride with the Wind Wari-La
Return to Leh via the beautiful Wari-La pass, the fourth highest motorable pass in the world (~5,310m). The drive from Nubra Valley to Wari La is ~2½ hours, and you enjoy views of local shepherds with their pashmina goats and Ladakh yaks grazing in the lush green.
At Wari La, enjoy a hot lunch in the rugged outdoors before you drive the remaining ~1½ hours back to Leh.
OPTION B:
Pangong Tso - The Enchanted Lake
Alternatively, enjoy a scenic 5-hour drive out to the renowned Pangong Lake, also known as the "Enchanted Lake". It is the highest saltwater lake in the world at ~4,350m. The stunning blue lake lies in stark contrast to the lofty Himalaya Mountains, and was the backdrop to many famous Bollywood movies, including the "3 Idiots". If you prefer a more relaxed experience, you can opt to stay one more night via The Ultimate Travelling Camp's Pangong Mobile Camp.
Departure from Leh
Depart from Leh
Bid farewell to the enchanting Himalayas. You will be transferred to the Leh airport for your flight home.
Hotels & Tour Price
Includes
- Accommodation as stated on twin sharing basis
- Shared butler service while staying in Chamba Camp
- Meals as stated
- Tours as stated in private basis by English speaking guide
- Transfers as stated
Excludes
- Airfare and airport taxes
- Beverages in restaurants where meals are included
- Travel insurance
- Visa (if required)