A 6-day Ladakh circuit by flight — from Leh's acclimatisation day and Sham Valley monasteries to the Khardung La pass, Nubra Valley double-humped camel safari, the colour-changing Pangong Lake and Thiksey Monastery.
Ladakh sits at 3,500 m in the rain shadow of the Himalayas — a high-altitude cold desert of lunar landscapes, turquoise lakes and ancient Buddhist monasteries. Day 1 is set aside for acclimatisation in Leh before exploring Sham Valley: Alchi Monastery, the Sangam confluence of Zanskar and Indus rivers, the gravity-defying Magnetic Hill, Pathar Sahib Gurudwara, Hall of Fame museum and the iconic Shanti Stupa.
Day 3 takes you over the Khardung La (18,380 ft — one of the world's highest motorable roads) to the cold desert of Nubra Valley for a double-humped Bactrian camel safari on the sand dunes between Deskit and Hundur — a species found only in Ladakh and Mongolia. Day 4 heads to Pangong Lake (14,500 ft) via the Shyok river road. The return journey crosses Changla Pass (17,350 ft) with a stop at Thiksey Monastery.
Sham Valley — Alchi, Sangam & Shanti Stupa — A full-day excursion from Leh: Alchi Monastery (one of Ladakh's oldest, with 11th-century murals), the Sangam confluence of the Zanskar and Indus rivers, Magnetic Hill (gravity-defying optical illusion), Pathar Sahib Gurudwara and Hall of Fame museum. End at the magnificent Shanti Stupa overlooking Leh.
Khardung La — World's Highest Motorable Road — The legendary Khardung La pass at 18,380 ft (2nd highest motorable road in the world) — a bucket-list drive through snow and clouds with panoramic views of the Karakoram range. The gateway to Nubra Valley.
Nubra Valley — Camel Safari & Sand Dunes — A lush cold desert valley where the Shyok and Nubra rivers meet. The sand dunes between Deskit and Hundur village are home to double-humped Bactrian camels — found only in Ladakh and Mongolia. Enjoy a camel safari at sunset. Adventure activities: ATV bike ride, go-karting, rafting available en-route.
Pangong Lake — The iconic 134 km lake at 14,500 ft straddling India and China — famous for its dramatic colour-changing waters (turquoise, blue, grey) through the day. Breathtaking at sunrise. Reached via the scenic Shyok river road from Nubra Valley.
Changla Pass & Thiksey Monastery — Changla Pass at 17,350 ft (4th highest motorable road in Ladakh) on the return from Pangong. En-route, visit Thiksey Monastery — a 12-storey gompa complex resembling the Potala Palace in Lhasa, with a magnificent 15 m tall Maitreya Buddha.
Zanskar–Indus Sangam — One of Ladakh's most striking natural sights — where the dark blue Zanskar River meets the greener Indus in a dramatic confluence. The colour contrast of the two rivers side by side is extraordinary.
Arrive at Leh Airport — transfer to your hotel. Full day at complete rest for acclimatisation to the high altitude (3,500 m). Do not exert yourself, drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol. Evening at leisure — short gentle walk around Leh market if feeling well. Overnight stay at Leh.
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