I see a lot of queries that keep coming up from people directly flying to Leh – Ladakh and have about 7 – 8 days in hand to explore various places in Ladakh. Looking at the requests of many avid readers of the blog and so many like-minded travelers seeking guidance for their tour to Leh – Ladakh by Air, I would like to sketch below one of the most common itineraries for traveling to Leh Ladakh by air.
Let's quickly dive into the details:
Flying to Leh Ladakh?
Flying directly to a high altitude place like Leh (3500+ Mtr) can cause serious issues sometimes if proper care is not taken to combat Acute Mountain Sickness.
Hence, one must always be aware of the importance of Acclimatization and tips to help acclimatize to some extent before venturing to further high altitudes within Ladakh. When you fly to such high-altitude places as Leh, you must give your body a chance to acclimatize a bit before actually getting started with the trip.
That is the precise reason why a road journey to Ladakh is more fun because it allows your body to gradually increase the altitude and hence, acclimatize to the rising altitude day by day, especially the Srinagar – Leh Highway.
But, let’s look at how one can combat most of the AMS issues with very basic tips and can enjoy his/her Leh – Ladakh journey for about 8 – 9 days.
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8 – 9 Days Itinerary for Leh Ladakh by Air
This itinerary of flying to Leh Ladakh covers all three major tourist destinations of Ladakh including Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso Lake, and Tso Moriri Lake.
If you are making a trip to Ladakh in winter, then better refer most common itinerary for a winter trip to Ladakh
Day 1 | Delhi – Leh (By Flight)
- Checkin at Hotel. Many hotels provide free pick and drop from the Airport. Ask while you book them.
- Take ample rest as well as water or anything that keeps your body hydrated enough. DO NOT OVERHYDRATE. Take ORS Soluted water or ORS – L tetra packs from home.
- Do not overexert your body at any cost. Avoid too much up-down on stairs or avoid it in its entirety, if possible.
- After 5-6 Hrs of rest, you can visit Leh Palace, the Local Leh market, and Shankar Gompa.
- If you feel exerted, go back to the hotel, have dinner at the Hotel, and take a rest. Avoid any exertion. Else continue and,
- Follow the sunset by a stroll at Changspa Road and have a nice dinner on the varied cuisines offered around Changspa & main market road.
- Go back to the hotel for an overnight stay at Leh.
- Overnight at Leh.
Day 2 | Leh Local Sightseeing
Get the online Ladakh inner line permits stamped or get them in person from DC office in Leh. As of 2022, permits are not required for domestic tourists to travel anywhere in Ladakh including the Umling La pass. You only need to pay the environment/green/ecology fee and carry a receipt of the payment- Hire a taxi from Leh taxi stand or Hotel whichever suits you. Check the Leh – Ladakh taxi union rate list 2024 – 25 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh. You can get about a 10-12% discount by directly getting in touch with drivers. You can call the local drivers directly to connect with them and check the more comprehensive List of Taxi Drivers for Ladakh – Srinagar – Leh – Manali with recommendations/reviews for DwD community members.
- Take his input if you feel reasonable and if required modify the plan accordingly but should suit you best.
- Ask him to be with you guys starting the first day itself, if required and charged reasonably else do it on your own.
- Again DO NOT overexert and take little steps and slow walks only.
- If feeling OK then do Local sightseeing. To know the about the places you can check my Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh.
- Do not use stairs at any of these places just to see them as it will exert your body much more.
- Overnight at Leh.
Day 3 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
- Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit.
- On the way enjoy a cup of soup at the 11th Highest Motorable Pass Khardung La. DO NOT stay more than 10-12 minutes.
- Diskit has monasteries with the tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and a Bactrian camel safari.
- About a 5-6 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between and at Khardung La.
Day 4 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
- Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs.
- Overnight at Leh.
- About 7-8 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between.
Day 5 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake
- Cover either of Hemis, Thiksey, and Shey on the go toward Pangong Tso
- Overnight at Pangong Tso (Spangmik or Lukung)
- About 5-6 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between
Day 6 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
- Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey, and Shey on return to Leh
- Overnight at Leh
- About 5-6 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between
Day 7 | Leh – Hemis – Tso Moriri via Chumathang
- Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey, and Shey on the way toward Tso Moriri.
- Cover Korzok Monastery.
- Overnight at Korzok or near the banks of Tso Moriri.
- About 7-8 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between.
Day 8 | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring (Manali – Leh Highway starts) – Taglang La – Upshi – Leh
- Come back via Tso Kar and Manali – Leh Highway to Leh.
- Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey, and Shey on the way towards Leh.
- Overnight at Leh.
- About 9-10 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between.
Day 9 | Rest Day OR Sham Valley Tour
- Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping OR
- Sham Valley includes Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, Gurudwara Pather Sahib OR
- Overnight at Leh.
Are you interested in saving a day on Ladakh trip?
You can save a day by making a direct trip to Pangong Tso from Nubra Valley as suggested below.
Day 4 | Hunder / Diskit – Shyok village /Wari La route – Pangong Tso
- Take the direct route from Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso either via Shyok village or Wari La pass whichever is open.
- Since 2019, the direct route between Nubra Valley – Shyok Village – Pangong Tso has stabilized a lot. It is not as desolate in the season anymore as it used to be a few years back. A lot of people do this route nowadays, so it should be fine for you to do that route as well. Just enquire at Agham village on the safer side or wait for a couple of cars to tag along on the route.
- Overnight at Pangong Tso.
- About 6-8 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between and the route you take between Shyok and Wari La.
Day 5 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thiksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
- Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey, and Shey on return to Leh
- Overnight at Leh
- About 6-7 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between
Alternatively, you can also make a day trip to Pangong Tso (if Shyok village and Wari La pass routes are closed) as below but that makes it a bit rushy/hectic.
Day 5 | Leh – Chang La – Pangong Tso – Chang La – Leh
- Make a Day trip to Pangong Tso via Chang La Pass.
- Overnight at Leh.
- About 10-12 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between.
Additional Points
- You can add one more day or use the saved day to visit Turtuk village in Nubra Valley.
- For accommodation, check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate and cheap budget hotels.
- Any doubts related to the budget of the trip?? Don’t worry, check this complete guide on How to calculate cost or budget for Leh – Ladakh trip
Conclusion
I hope this plan or itinerary for Leh – Ladakh when traveling by Air will be useful to travelers planning their journey, at least for the first time. I look forward to any queries, doubts, or valuable suggestions and inputs you have and would love to discuss your custom plan as well in the comments section.
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551 Comments
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Hi Dheeraj, You are doing a great job by helping out everyone here thru your blog by giving valuable inputs about leh-Ladakh Trip.
We are about 7 male adults planned to go Leh-ladakh trip by air, reaching Leh on 21st Sept and starting back from Leh on 28th Sept.
Can you please help us by providing the proper itinerary to make our trip as memorable one to cherish for years.
We are planning this whole trip on Bikes to enjoy adventures roads and trip as much as possible. Can you please provide any info details about bikes to take and rental contacts (Cost, Fuel, etc..)
Also can you please suggest if below Itinerary will works for us.
Day 1: Arrival at Leh, transfer to hotel (as of now no hotel booked, after reaching planning to book a hotel, Please suggest will It be good or not). Visit Leh Palace, Stay in Leh
Day 2: Leh > Alchi > Leh – Visit Alchi Monastery, Magnetic Hill and Indus & Zanskar river. Overnight stay in Leh
Day 3: Leh > Nubra Valley – After reaching Nubra Valley Check in (Planning). Later sightseeing and camel safari.
Day 4: Nubra Valley > Leh – Way back to Leh thru Khadung La and other sightseeing places.
Day 5: Leh > Pangong Lake
Day 6: Pangong > Leh
Day 7: Leh Local and nearby sightseeing places.
Day 8: Start from Leh back to home.
Regards,
Mahesh
Mahesh, your plan looks nicely balanced and relaxed to me. You could have used Day 7 for visiting Turtuk in Nubra Valley. Best is to search the hotels after upon reaching at Leh.
Thanks Dheeraj for quick reply.
I have few more questions, hope you won’t mind in answering those questions as well 🙂 Thanks in advance.
1. Any suggestions/Recommendations for Hotels at each respective place ? All hotels will be same range of cost or will it vary?
2. Is better to opt package from local travels or go by self, which will be the best option.
3. What will be the estimation cost if we go with Package and also self trip.
4. What will be Max Temp and Min Temp from 21st to 30th Sept at Leh Ladakh.
5. Woolen Jacket will serve my purpose or do I need to take any better jacket.
1. You can check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate (cheap budget hotels as well) in the series of articles starting on the link Cheap Budget Hotels or Accommodation in Leh – Ladakh.
2. Best is to reach there and book yourself.
3. You can save about 3-5K per person in general for moderate budget trip.
4. Max should be around 18-20 and min can go to 2-5.
5. Carry layers of clothing, do carry thermal inner wear just in case it gets overcast and cold. Snowfall might happen too as it gets usually cold especially monring and evening.
Thanks Dheeraj for answering all my questions.
Could you please check my below itinerary as well and it’s feasible to travel these places between sept 22 and sept 28.
D1: Leh all day long
D2. Leh-Khardung La-Turtuk (stay)
D3. Turtuk-Nubra-Hunder (stay)
D4. Hunder-Pangong (stay)
D5. Pangong-Chumagtang (stay)
D6. Chumagtang-Moriri-Leh
D7: start from Leh.
Mahesh, I will recommend that you stay in Leh the first two nights but as you are trying to cram Tso Moriri, the plan is doable but hectic for sure. And as an FYI, Turtuk and Hunder are part of Nubra Valley only.
Hi Dheeraj
Thanks for an excellent write-up on Leh
My Itinerary is as follows: for next week
day 1- local sight seeing:
day 2 -Magnetic point: Gurudwara: river sangam;
day 3-Leh – Diskit, Hunder: stay overnight
day 4-To Pangong so, Via Shyok. Night stay at Tangse
day 5-local sightseeing: move to Kiari via Chanhg la
day 6-To Chumathang sulphur springs,Tso Moriri Lake: stay at Kiari
day 7- back to Leh
Any modifications /suggestions you would like to add. 2 adults n 2 kids; Any extra warm clothing required?
Thx in advance
Sunny, this plan of Leh Ladakh looks very nicely laid out, you will enjoy the trip
Thx for your prompt reply.
What would be the average cost, in your opinion, by Innova / Xylo for the above trip. thx in advance.
The approx cost should be around 35000
Hi
We are planing to visit Ladakh in Mid September. We are 5 people traveling to Leh via Flight.
Our Itinerary look like this :
Day 1: Arrival in Leh
Day 2: Leh to kargil
Day 3: Kargil to leh
Day 4: Leh to Nubra Valley(Camp stay at Hunder/ Stay at Turtuk)
Day 5: Nubra valley to Pangong Tso (Camp at lake side/Homestay at Mann or merak)
Day 6: Pangong Tso to Moriri via chushul
Day 7: Tso Moriri to Leh
We can skip Kargil if there is any better option available.
And It would be great help if you suggest some good Drivers and Hotels.
Arpit, your plan is good. You could have visited Hanle instead of Kargil which is much better place and broken your journey betwen Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri. You can make a tour of Sham Valley on Day 2, skipping Kargil, and then from Pangong Tso via Chusul go to Hanle and stay overnight. Then from Hanle to Tso Moriri.
You can call the local drivers directly to connect with them and check the more comprehensive List of Taxi Drivers for Ladakh – Srinagar – Leh – Manali with recommendations/reviews for DoW community members.
You can check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate (cheap budget hotels as well) in the series of articles starting on the link here.
Hi Deeraj,
Thanks for all the information on this portal. We (6 male adults) are travelling by flight to leh and have 5night/6days in hand. We will be hiring a local vehicle. Here’s our plan, please let us know, if it looks good or will be hectic.
Day1: Reach leh at 7am by flight. Evening local site seeing(hall of fame, confluence of zhanskar)
Day2: Leh to Nubra via Khardungla. Stay at nubra.
Day 3: Nubra to Pangong via shyok. Stay at Pangong.
Day4: Pangong to Tso Morriri via Chumathang. Stay in tso Morriri
Day5: Tso Morriri to Leh via Chushul. Stay in Leh
Day6: Checkout & Return flight to Mumbai
Hi Sachin,
I will highly recommend to add one more day rest in Leh before starting the long journey in internal parts of Changthang. Rest if you still want to follow it then Day 4 you should travel from Chusul route to Tso Moriri from Pangong Tso while on Day 5 you should travel to Leh from Tso Moriri via Chumathang.
hey sir,
I am planning to follow this schedule in mid oct. everything looks fine and suitable… its just i am worried about the costing.. i know and have read your article on costing but still there is a bit of confusion as i am completely solo on this trip. so will be highly obliged if you can flash a little light on this.
You are alone and private taxis are very costly in Leh but you will be able to find the shared taxi without much fuss at all. There are lots of flyers which people put at cafes, dine-ins, restaurants, travel agent desks/shops/whiteboards wanting to share the taxis for different trips within Ladakh. Even travel agent organize such shared taxis trip as well but charge a little higher about Rs 200-300 more than it would ideally cost. So, in the worst case, you can always go back to them and book a seat for yourself. Gelling up with people in Ladakh is more or less easy because many people travel solo and look forward to meeting new people to share costs.
The people will be less in October though but still manageable now a days due to the extended season. You should consider about 1800 per seat for Nubra and Pangong Tso trip, 2300-2500 for Tso Moriri trip. Local sightseeing you can rent bike as well for about 1100 per day. Apart from it, it will be your tickets and food + stay expense that would be around a 800-1000 per day.
Thanks a ton for clearing it.
Here are my observations i would like to double check as i dont want to mess up my trip later.. i hope you dont mind clearing it one more time.
Only traveling allowances-
Day 2- Rent a bike and roam around; that should cost me around 1500 in total for local sightseeing.
Day 3 – 4 (the nubra valley trip) 2000 bucks.
By this time i should be back to leh, right?
Day 5-6(hemis, pangong, thicksey, shey) 2000 .
Day 7-8 (hemis, Tso moriri, tso kar, etc) 2500.
Day 9- ….
Food+accomodation- 1000/day = 7000-8000.
In total- 8000+ 8000 = 16000.
Regards
Vasant, this looks good to me +-10%
Hi!
We are planning a Delhi-Leh ladakh trip in April first week – May. Would it be possible to follow your ‘leh-Ladakh most common itinerary by air’ during this timeline? Or what timeline would you rather suggest if we want to stay at all the beautiful places like Pangong Tso and Nubra valley?
Sorry I meant Apr last week – May first week*
Hey Kanika,
You should be OK to follow the above itinerary in the months of June to September. However, in other months or shoulder season, Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri lakes are still very cold for night stay and hence it should be avoided. If you want to go in April end, I will recommend following the itinerary similar way but tweak it to sleep at guest houses in Tangtse village about 34 KMs before Pangong Tso and for Tso Moriri stay at Chumathang or Nyoma in basic stays.
Thanks Dheeraj for a super awesome blog. It is very very informative and super helpful and for first timers it is like a a one-stop-shop 🙂
Can you please help me with a couple of queries on the suggested itinerary :
a. Can we do a Sham Valley tour on Day 2 on the suggestive itinerary ?
b. I only have 7 days in hand, do you think if the below itinerary is doable:
DAY 1 Leh
DAY 2 Leh (OR Sham valley (if you suggest it is doable)
DAY 3 Leh to Nubra
DAY 4 Nubra to Pangong (is it advisable considering road conditions and safety – we are a couple travelling via taxi)
DAY 5 Pangong to Leh
DAY 6 Leh to Tso Moriri
DAY 7 Tso Moriri to Leh
Our travel dates are Oct 3- 10 and we are flying in to Leh.
Thank you!
Thank you Ashish, glad it is helpful.
1. If you are feeling well and be in your limits, do not exert much, you can try Sham Valley on Day 2. Just don’t exert much.
2. Nubra to Pangong Tso is open now, so taxi driver will be able to take you on that route. It is always recommended to wait for few more vehicles at Agham village and travel in a group on th desolated route.
Rest looks fine. Also, please bear in mind that both Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri will have cold and windy nights, go with proper clothing.
Thanks a lot Dheeraj for your reply. Really appreciated.
Would you also have an idea on the taxi costs for this itinerary. I went through your article on taxi rates list and suggestive drivers (again a very helpful one, thank you!). But since Oct is not a peak tourist season, so I expect a good bargain. I contacted a few drivers and best quote I got was for 30K for an Innova/Xylo for the above itinerary. Do you think it is a reasonable quote for this part of the season? Please let me know.
Thanks again.
It seems reasonable to me Ashish. In general, there is no off season in Ladakh till the time roads are open.
Hey Dheeraj,
Thanks for your advice.itz a family trip my brother is an asthma patient and mom also feels un easy in cold weather . I m flying from mumbai to leh on 31st August. Taking rest a whole day.Day 1: Leh
Arrival Leh by morning flight and transfer to the hotel. After welcome drink take a complete rest for acclimatization to the height altitude of Leh (3500 mtrs). In the late afternoon drive to the city for an orientation walk in the markets‚ followed by
Dinner and overnight in Hotel.
Day 2: Leh- Shey – Thiksay – Hemis – Leh
The morning is at leisure for adjustment to the height altitude and rarefied air Ladakh. After leisurely, visit Shey, Thiksey monastery, Hemis
Dinner and overnight in Hotel.
Day 3 Leh –Nubra vally
After early breakfast, leave for Nubra Valley, driving across Khardong – la (alt: 18,380 ft. – highest motorable pass in the world). After descending in the valley, drive on to Hunder and check into fixed camp. Post lunch, you can enjoy the ride of double hump Camel on Hunder sand dune.
Dinner and overnight in camp.
Day 4 : Nubra Valley – Leh
In the morning drive to Deskit (Headquarters of Nubra) and visit Deskit Monsatery. Later, drive back to Leh, reaching in the late afternoon. Rest of the day to explore the markets.
Dinner and overnight in Hotel.
DAY 5: Leh – Pangong Lake.
After Breakfast Leave to Pangong Lake through Changla pass 5486 Mtrs. While ascending Changla pass 5486 Mtrs. Enjoy the beautiful panoramic view of the villages below the pass. After crossing the pass halt for picnic lunch at Tsoltak, the summer pastureland of the yaks. Arrive Durbuk and from there a short drive takes you to the western shore of the lake. Enjoy the landscape in the back drop of the Lake. This famous blue brackish Lake of Pangong is 5/6 Kms wide and over 144 Kms long with half of its running the other side of the “INDO CHINA BORDER”. One rarely feels so close to nature and environment and the scenery is unforgettable.
Dinner and overnight in the camp.
DAY 6: Pangong Lake – Leh
Leave Pangong Lake after breakfast and retrace the road to Leh across the Changla Pass. Upon reaching Karu, drive across the Indus and visit Hemis Monastery, the biggest and most famous monastery of Ladakh, and then return to the highway for onward journey to Leh, en-route visiting Thiksey Monastery.
Dinner and overnight in Hotel.
DAY 7: Leh – Delhi.
Early morning transfer to the airport taking the fights back home this the plan we booked tour package precautions and measures should be taken for asthma patient he is just 10 years old
Your plan looks OK Sneha. You should carry oxygen cylinder from Leh for the entire trip. Please refer: How to Rent Oxygen Cylinders in Leh Ladakh?
Thnx for your advice Dheeraj
Hi dheeraj,
Thanks for the blog. I am planning for a trip on august end as follows:
Day 1 – delhi to leh, leh to kargil as it is on lower altitude
Day 2 – Kargil to leh
Day 3- Leh to Nubra
Day 4 – Nubra to Pangong
Day 5 – Pangong to Moriri
Day 6 – Moriri to Sarchu
Day 7 – Sarchu to leh
Day 8 – Back to delhi
Kindly suggest if i should go to kargil on bike or should rest in leh. or if any change is required?? Thanks in advance.
Hi Dheeraj,
I am planning to do leh from 17th aug. to 24/25 aug
Planned as below, please suggest for better itinerary.
17 aug – flight to leh, early morning. Rest full day
18 aug – magnetic hill, gurudwara pathar sahib ( do add which can be covered)
19 aug – leh to nubra
20 aug – nubra to leh
21 aug – leh to pangong
22 aug – pangong to leh
23 aug – leh tso moriri
24 aug – back to leh
25 aug – fly back to delhi
Please suggest for nubra to pangong directly and pangong to tso moriri. Can it be done
Prashant
Hey Prashant, I will suggest that you do Leh – Pangong Tso, Pangong Tso – Hanle, Hanle – Tso Moriri, Tso Moriri – Leh
Thanks a ton. .dheeraj. .
dada our itinerary is day 1 leh by air in the morning, full day rest. day 2 mo ve towards nubra and stay. day3 pangong and stay day 4 moriri and stay day 5 back to leh. day 6 leh sight seeing. day 7 towards kargil stay at lamayuru. day 8 srinagar. day 9 fly back. is this ok? we have package tour for 6 persons from leh to srinagar. any alteration or suggestion will be appreciated .
You must rest at least two days in Leh after flying to Leh.
thanks dada for ur kind advice. we just completed the whole circuit as per our schedule. we moved towards nubra on next day of arrival , with not a much problems. thank u again
Awesome, that is wonderful to know you had wonderful time and Discover with Dheeraj website helped you.
Hi DHeeraj,
I have already asked a lot of questions , i just have 10 days left for my trip. I would like to modify the above itinerary liitle bit.
1. Instead of coming back to Leh from Hunder, How about heading directly to Pangong tso ?
2. Instead of heading back to Leh from pangong Tso why noy head directly to tso moriri?
I read the respective articles but I want to know the conditions of those roads in 2017, May be you can help. Thanks.
Ranga
1. The shorter road from Hunder to Pangong Tso via Shyok river was closed due to massive landslide, no idea when it may open. The longer route via Wari La has a couple of troublesome spots.
2. You can head directly but the road conditions are bad and the route is longer and hectic. If you have time why not go from normal routes.
Thanks very much for the feedback. Guess I will take the normal route then.
Please allow to add one more question,
I dont have a jacket or other safety gears. Can I buy them in leh ? Are here shops where I could buy jackets , other safety gears ? Or should I buy before reaching there ? Thanks
By safety gears you mean for riding bike? and jacket too for riding bike? Well, if yes, bike rentals provide you on rent. Else you can check: Tips for Carrying Clothes for Ladakh Trip
Yes riding jackets and knee pads and things like that. I was thinking if buying new would be better than renting it for 10 days. Can you show some light on the rental charges of the safety gears ? No shols where I could buy them ?
I think it is about Rs 100 – Rs 200 per day for jacket and knee pads. In Leh it will be difficult to buy, may be if your budget suits, you may like to have something like Rynox Tornado Pro Biking Jacket
Hi Dheeraj,
I am planning a visit to Leh – Ladakh for 6-7 days in mid Aug 17 with my family including my 5 yr old son.
The itinerary is
Day 1 – Land in Leh, acclimatize, if comfortable market visit.
Day 2 – Local sightseeing around Leh, visit monasteries , rest.
Day 3 – Visit Nubra valley, stay at Nubra
Day 4 return to Leh (here can we utilise this time and visit some place nearby ???)
Day 5 – Visit Pangong Tso, Stay at Lake side camps
Day 6 – Return to Leh (here can we utilise this time and visit some place nearby ???)
Day 7 – Return back home.
Can you please confime –
Is this comfortable with a 5 yr old boy. Further, can we do some addition if possible.
Suggest some good drivers to hire the taxi to cater for the requirement.
Regards.
Shailendra Sharma
Hi Shailendra,
Your plan seems fine to me. Just make sure you keep yourself hydrated for initial days properly. You can call the local drivers directly to connect with them and check the more comprehensive List of Taxi Drivers for Ladakh – Srinagar – Leh – Manali with recommendations/reviews for DoW community members.
In general, it is fine to take the children of such age group because AMS do not matter with respect to age or sex or any fitness level. It can happen to anyone of any age or sex or fitness I shall say :D.. The issue with children is that they tend to exert the body considering it the same kind of place they belong to and this elevates the chances of getting struck with AMS. Secondly, they are not much expressive about their uneasy feelings, so it is parents who need to watch out and take care that the child is not suffering from uneasy feelings, headache or nausea and is behaving properly. With 5+ year child, I think he/she would be able to convey the uneasiness with little efforts. If you notice any such feeling or he/she tells you about such a feeling then please do not ascend anywhere, either descend to lower altitude or stay at the same place to watch things overnight and if symptom increase then start descending immediately. Same is applicable for any adult as well. And yes, do keep the body adequately hydrated!!
Sir according to your suggestion and plan I have completed our spiti tour without any Hassel. This time me with my husband and brother planning to go ladakh.we wil reach leh27th sep and return manali by road on 4 the October. Ladakh is my dream destination and I want to visit important place of leh.I also want to visit kargil.my husband has some health issu o so don’t want hetric schedule.I want budget tour.please suggest me thanks in advance.
Just replied you on other thread in Q&A section.
Hi Dheeraj,
I can see your passion for this region and the sheer amount of effort you take to reply to each and every comment. Let me tell you people like you are very very hard to find!
Having said that i have my own question to ask, i am planning a trip in August from 5th to 12th which means i have 7 nights and 8 days and i am travelling by Air to and from Leh. Below is what i have in mind:
Day 1: Reach leh and rest!
Day 2: Local sightseeing
Day 3: Leh to Pangong Tso,overnight at Pangong Tso
Day 4: Pangong to Tso Moriri, overnight at Tso Moriri
Day 5: Tso Moriri to Leh, overnight at Leh
Day 6: Leh to Nubra Valley
Day 7: Nubra to Leh
Day 8: Fly back
Now i know this is a very hectic itinerary, but i really want to go to Tso Moriri and do not want to miss on Nubra Valley either. Do you think this is doable? Or should i skip one of these and rather travel to near by places from Leh which include the magnetic hill etc. What if i stick to this itinerary then i that case do i miss something by not visiting the nearby places?
Also if i have to chose between nubra and tso moriri which one will you suggest?
Thank you, Rashi for the appreciation. I will not recommend the plan above and suggest the following:
Day 1 | Delhi – Leh (By Flight)
— Checkin at Hotel. Many hotels provide free pick and drop from Airport. Ask while you book them.
— Take ample of rest as well as water or anything that keep your body hydrated enough. DO NOT OVER HYDRATE. Take ORS Soluted water or ORS – L tetra packs from home.
— Do not over exert your body at any cost. Avoid too much up-down on stairs or avoid it in entirety, if possible.
— After 5-6 Hrs of rest you can visit Leh Palace, Local Leh market, Shankar Gompa .
— If you feel exerted go back to Hotel, have dinner at Hotel and take rest. Avoid any exertion. Else continue and,
— Follow the sunset by stroll at Changspa road and have a nice dinner on varied cuisines offered in-around Changspa road.
— Go back to hotel for overnight stay at Leh.
Day 2 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Acclimatization
— Hire a taxi from Leh taxi stand or Hotel whichever suits you.
— Bargain with taxi driver and you can refer the thread for a comprehensive list of drivers: List of Taxi Drivers for Ladakh – Srinagar – Leh – Manali
— Take his inputs if you feel reasonable and if required modify the plan accordingly but should suits you best.
— Ask him to be with you guys starting first day itself, if required and charged reasonable else do it at your own.
— Again DO NOT over exert and take little steps and slow walks only.
— If feeling OK then do Local sightseeing. To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
— Do not use stairs at any of these places just to see them as it will exert your body much more.
— Overnight at Leh
Day 3 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 4 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Pangong Tso – Leh
— Make a Day trip to Pangong Tso
— Overnight at Leh
Day 6 | Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang
— Cover Karzok Monastery
— Overnight at Karzok or Tso Moriri
Day 7 | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring (Manali – Leh Highway starts) – Taglang La – Upshi – Leh
— Come back via Tso Kar and Manali – Leh Highway to Leh
— Overnight at Leh
You can also take direct route from Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso in case you have some company of vehicles to accompany on direct routes and reach Pangong Tso on Day 4, come to Leh on Day 5.
Hi Dheeraj,
My itinerary for the month of Aug’17 for leh ladakh is as follows: –
Day 1 Ahmedabad to Leh (By flight)
> Checkin at Hotel & rest
> Inner line permit procedure for Hanle
> visit Leh Palace, Local Leh market, Shankar Gompa
> Overnight at Leh
Day 2 Leh – Khardung La – Deskit – Hunder
> stay overnight at Hunder / Deskit.
Day 3 Hunder / Diskit – Khardung La – Leh
> Overnight at Leh
Day 4 Leh – Pangong Tso Lake
> Come back to Leh and Overnight at Leh
Day 5 Stay at Leh
> Local sight seeing like Magnetic hills, Gurudwara, Prayers wheels, etc
Day 6 Leh- Hanle via Nyoma
> stay overnight at Hanle
Day 7 Hanle- Leh
> Overnight at Leh
Day 8 Leh to Ahmedabad (By flight)
What would be the approx. cost of taxi, if i cover all…?
I think I replied to your other comment Ravi.
Yes, thanks Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
thank you so much for nice and inspiring itinerary.
With my friend we plan to spend 14 days in Ladakh moving almost with rented bikes and to Leh we will be travelling by air. Please would you recommend what places we should extend your proposed itinerary posted above? What other places not covered by this itinerary we should add to see as many interesting places as possible.
Thank you
Ales
Hello Ales,
I assume you are a foreigner so many direct routes between PAngong Tso to Tso Moriri and Hanle will be out of reach for you as foreigners are not allowed to travel on these routes. Hence, you can stick to the above plan and include Turtuk in Nubra Valley as a day trip or one night stay when you are visiting Nubra Valley. Very nice and quaint village. Then, if the time permits a two day trip to Dah Hanu villages as a bike ride will also be of fun where in you can include the Lamayuru as well. Let me know in case you need a detailed plan for 14 days but I will like to know that are you flying directly to Leh and flying our from Leh or doing road journey from Delhi – Manali or Srinagar?
Hello Dheeraj,
thank you so much for your quick response. Each of your tip will help us much.
Yes, we are European tourists and will have direct flight to Leh to avoid complications with outside Leh rented bikes.
Of course if you could prepare some biker plan for 14 days for foreigners flying directly to Leh I would very appreciate. I assumed with protected area permit I could visit similar places as Indian tourists but as you are writing obviously not.
Please then would you propose some itinerary for foreign bikers for 14 days taking in consideration all of restriction
Many many thanks to you for help with itinerary and wish you nice day.
Ales
Hello Ales,
For a 14 day trip, you guys can do the following:
Day 1 | Delhi – Leh (By Flight)
— Checkin at Hotel. Many hotels provide free pick and drop from Airport. Ask while you book them.
— Take ample of rest as well as water or anything that keep your body hydrated enough. DO NOT OVER HYDRATE. Take ORS Soluted water or ORS – L tetra packs from home.
— Do not over exert your body at any cost. Avoid too much up-down on stairs or avoid it in entirety, if possible.
— After 5-6 Hrs of rest you can visit Leh Palace, Local Leh market, Shankar Gompa .
— If you feel exerted go back to Hotel, have dinner at Hotel and take rest. Avoid any exertion. Else continue and,
— Follow the sunset by stroll at Changspa road and have a nice dinner on varied cuisines offered in-around Changspa road.
— Go back to hotel for overnight stay at Leh.
Day 2 | Leh Local Sightseeing + Protected Area Permits
— Hire a taxi from Leh taxi stand or Hotel whichever suits you.
— Bargain hard with taxi driver. Book that single taxi for entire trip after explaining the complete plan.
— Take his inputs if you feel reasonable and if required modify the plan accordingly but should suits you best.
— Ask him to be with you guys starting first day itself, if required and charged reasonable else do it at your own.
— Again DO NOT over exert and take little steps and slow walks only.
— If feeling OK then do Local sightseeing. To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
— Do not use stairs at any of these places just to see them as it will exert your body much more.
— Overnight at Leh
Day 3 | Leh – Sham Valley Tour – Uley Topko
— Sham Valley include Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, Gurudwara Pather Sahib
— Overnight stay in tented camps at Uley Topko
Day 4 | Uley Topko – Lamayaru – Ridzong Gompa – Uley Topko or Rest at Uley Topko
— Leave for Lamayaru from Uley Topko in the morning after your breakfast at the camps.
— Visit Ridzong Gompa as well if you like on the return and reach back in the evening.
— Overnight stay in tented camps at Uley Topko
Day 5 | Uley Topko – Leh
— Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping OR Monastery tour
— Overnight at Leh
— Monastery tour may include Hemis, Thicksey and Shey monasteries.
Day 6 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
— Overnight at Deskit or Hunder
Day 7 | In Nubra Valley only
— Enjoy the walks in local villages and cover sightseeing of Panamik and Sumur.
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Deskit or Hunder
Day 8 | Day visit to Turtuk Village from Hunder or Deskit
Day 9 | Hunder / Diskit – Khardung La – Leh
— Visit Shanti Stupa in the evening
— Overnight at Leh
Day 10 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on the go towards Pangong Tso
— Overnight at Pangong Tso (Spangmik or Lukung)
Day 11 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on return to Leh
— Overnight at Leh
Day 12 | Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang
— Cover Karzok Monastery
— Overnight at Karzok or Tso Moriri
Day 13 | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring (Manali – Leh Highway starts) – Taglang La – Upshi – Leh
— Come back via Tso Kar and Manali – Leh Highway to Leh
— Overnight at Leh
Day 14 | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping
— Overnight at Leh
Always Happy to help for the Himalayas 🙂
Regards
Dheeraj
Hello dheeraj,
We are 4 adults,3 females and 1 male and will be reaching leh by air. What do you suggest about renting a taxi? Should we hire a single taxi for our whole trip or should we hire one taxi at a time for individual place? And we are not much interested in sharing taxis. So do you think it would be safe considering we are only 4 in no. Plus there are 3 females and only one male? Our main concern in safety.
Looking forward for your suggestion.
Thanks
You should hire the whole taxi for the trip at once because the driver will also charge you per destination basis only. For the leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2017 – 18 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here. You can get about 12-15% of discount by directly getting in touch with drivers and of course, talking in person rather on phone always help in bargaining more. You can call the local drivers directly to connect with them and check the more comprehensive List of Taxi Drivers for Ladakh – Srinagar – Leh – Manali with recommendations/reviews for DoW community members.
Ladakh is one of the safest places on earth 🙂
Hello !
I plan to travel in kashmir by bycicle. Could you pls tell me which is the beste season? Probably ist best to fly from europe via Delhi to Srinagar. As I red, it is best to start in Srinagar.
Do I Need Camping staff for Srinagar-Leh-Manali?
How is the political Situation in Srinagar and on the Highway to Leh?
Thanks a lot
susan
Hi Susan,
You are pretty much right. Best is to reach Srinagar and then carry on to Leh – Ladakh and come down Manali – Leh Highway. However, are you carrying your own bike with you? If not, best will be to land in Leh, take few days of rest and acclimatization and then ride the bike in Ladakh.
Except one or two unlucky incidents, in the recent pasts things have been quite in tourist areas and tourists are allowed to travel freely on the tourist spots.
Hello again
Thanks for your replay. It is very Kind.
Yes I will bring my own MTB and would like to start in Srinagar. I also bring my own camping-gear. Thinks is good to have it.
Which would be the best month to start in Srinagar?
Susan, well, best month for me is always September with pleasant weather and beautiful colors tough not much snow around. Yes, having the camping gear is good to have and you can read: Top 10 Tips for Camping in Ladakh & Spiti Valley
Good morning.
Ok September will be good also for me. As I would like to spend more than 4 weeks, is it wise to come in August or stay still mid-october?
Could you recommend me any hostal in srinagar, where People who cycle meet? I might travel on my own. Is this a Problem on the road between Srinagar and Leh? Red there are many solders near the road.
Thanks
Well, August is in general monsoon but towards the end of August it gets cleared up. I will last week of August is still OK.
The situation in some parts remain tense in Kashmir valley and in general highways are unaffected. Soldiers are present o keep a check on the situation. You can read all the updates about the conditions and situation on Srinagar – Leh Highway at the thread: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/india/road-status-conditions/srinagar-leh-highway-status-2017-2018-t5264-230.html
where people who are traveling keep posting their updates
Hi Dheeraj,
I’ve been following each one of your posts regarding Ladakh trip and dared to plan a trip this July, with my wife. Thanks a lot for your time, effort and passion. My plan goes like this,
July 1st:- Fly to Leh, take rest.
2nd:- Leh sightseeing
3rd:- Leh – Nubra valley – Turtuk
4th:- Hundar/Turtuk to Panggong via Wari-la
5th:- Panggong to Leh
6th:- Leh to Tso-Moriri
7th:- Tso-Moriri to Leh
8th:- Rest day / Sham Valley Tour
9th:- Fly back to Hyderabad
Please answer couple of questions.
1) Is it enough to get permit for the following 3 circuits 2 days each?
Id-2(Khardong, Khalsar, Trith upto Warsi and Yarma Gonbo, Disket, Hunder, Turtuk, Pachathang, Tyakshi in
Nubra Sub-Division)
Id-3(Upshi, TsomoRiRi/Korzok in Nyoma Sub-Division)
Id-5(Kharu, Changla, Durbuk, Tangtse, Lukhung, Spangmik, Man-merag(Pangong Lake) in Nyoma
Sub-Division)
2) Will it be fine traveling Turtuk and staying overnight there and traveling to Panggong from Turtuk?
3) Can we get accomodation at Turtuk/Hundar, Panggong and Korzok without prebooking?
Thanks again.
My answers below:
1. YEs, permit wise you are fine in selecting the above places/routes.
2. I will not suggest Turtuk unless you plan to add one day in the Nubra Valley or use 8th in Nubra Valley. Else Turtuk to Pangong Tso and Leh to Turtuk will make it quite hectic and less enjoyable.
3. IF you are not particular about any place to stay, OK with basic accommodations as well, it is totally fine.
Thanks Dheeraj, I’ll plan accordingly.
Hi Dheeraj,
First of all I would like to commend you on such an incredible job on this blog. I am sure it requires an enormous amount of time and effort on your part. Not a small feat. So a big thank you ! I am sure countless people such as myself have benefited from your travel adventures. My husband and I are planning to travel to Leh-ladakh mid July and plan to fly to Leh since we do not have too many vacation days. The itinerary we picked is almost what you suggested but we would like to reduce one more day if possible. Can you suggest which would be the best way to do that ?
Day 1 – Fly to Leh, stay overnight in Leh
Day 2 – Local sightseeing, stay overnight in Leh
Day 3 – Leh to Khardung La-Sumur-Panamik-sumur, overnight stay at Sumur
Day 4 – Sumur-Diskit-hunder-Leh, overnight stay at Leh
Day 5 – Leh – Pangong Tso Lake, overnight stay near the lake
Day 6 – Pangong Tso – Leh, overnight stay at Leh
Day 7 – Leh- Tso Moriri via Chumathang, overnight stay at Tso Moriri
Day 8 – Tso Moriri to Leh, Stay at Leh
Day 9 – leave Leh
Can we somehow just do Leh to Diskit/Hunder and come back to Leh in just one day and skip Sumur/Panamik or would that be too much ? Not sure how else to reduce a day without missing out on any of the must visits.
Another question we had was regarding the taxi driver ? We plan on trying to book a driver for the whole time if possible. Do they do that ? Also, what about the accommodations for the driver when we have the overnight stay ? Is that included in the rates you mention in another post or is it separate ?
Thanks again for your time and efforts ! Best wishes,
Supriya
Thank you for the kind words Supriya !! 🙂
I will recommend that you take the direct route from Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso via Agham / Shyok or Wari La pass. Yes, you should skip Sumur, Panamik in lieu of it as there is not much to see as well at those places. Just make sure that you have some company at Agham village to travel to these desolated routes. Shyok route is shorter but bad road conditions, Wari La is longer, desolate but a bit better road conditions in comparison to Shyok route. Take a call then and there after talking to locals.
This will give you the required one day to chop off.
Yes, rates are included of everything but on humanitarian grounds there is no harm of asking your driver about the food and stay. 99.9% they will politely say no but it feels good to have always asked about the well being of more of a companion than a driver in such harsh/remote place. It is my personal view though completely, feel free to disagree 🙂 …
For the leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2017 – 18 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here. You can get about 12-15% of discount by directly getting in touch with drivers and of course, talking in person rather on phone always help in bargaining more. You can call the local drivers directly to connect with them and check the more comprehensive List of Taxi Drivers for Ladakh – Srinagar – Leh – Manali with recommendations/reviews for DoW community members.
Regards
Dheeraj
Thanks much for the quick response. So you think it is better to go from Nubra valley to Pangong Tso in one day (considering the roads might not be in good shape for that trip) as compared to reducing day by just coming back to Leh from Diskit on the very same day. Or is that because staying one night in nubra valley is more important for the acclimatization before going to Pangong Tso. Sorry just trying to make sure I understand. And I absolutely agree with you about making sure that the driver is comfortable for the trip and hence we wanted to be aware of how things are set up there 🙂 Thanks again. We are very excited for this trip 🙂 🙂
YEs Supriya, I feel this for both the points. I somehow feel more connected to Nubra Valley than the lakes as it offers many landscapes, so also prefer always spending one night in Nubra. And yes it also helps in acclimatization too plus keep your body less fatigued.
Hi
I am planning a trip with just my wife in first week of july. I am planning to reach leh by flight and then hire a bike to visit the various places like nubra , pangong, thicksey, and other places around . I want to know how severe can AMS be and what can be done bt it.also are there any cool treks that i can go to of a couple of day or so….thank yu….
Also are there any good groups we can go with
you will be able to find the shared taxi without much fuss at all. There are lots of flyers which people put at cafes, dine-ins, restaurants, travel agent desks/shops/whiteboards wanting to share the taxis for different trips within Ladakh. Even travel agent organize such shared taxis trip as well but charge a little higher about Rs 200-300 more than it would ideally cost. So, in worst case you can always go back to them and book a seat for yourself.
yes the altitude for sure does matter. AMS is bound to set in however, there are a couple of things that must be done.
1. You should take plenty of rest on Day 1 and drink plenty of fluids like Glucon-D, ORS Solutions, Lemon Tea, Black Tea, Juices, etc.. that keeps you well hydrated always. Eat food at its time even if your body does not feel like hungry but if it is time to eat you should eat. Even drinking dal should be good enough if you dont want chapatis at that moment.
2. Do not exert too much nor sleep in the day. Try to rest with a couple of short slow walks only on Day 1. Keep a light jacket and shoes always on and in case it is overcast and cold, try to stay warm.
That is it. However, if you take care of above two points, you should mostly be good.
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for mentioning very detailed plan. I am planning to visit leh ladkh from 22nd July to 30th July. We are 2 couples and have planned half trip on bike and half through cab. Can you look into my itinerary and suggest your input to make it memorable trip for mine and my friend’s family.
22nd July : Reach leh by flight local sight seeing in the evening
BIKE TRIP
23rd July : Excursion to Sham Valley towards Kargil Visit Hall of Fame, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, Drive to Magnetic hill, See picturesque landscapes at Nimmu village. Visit Likir Monastery.
24th July: Towards Nubra valley and overnight stay at Nubra valley
25th July: Leave Nubra valley towards Turtuk Night stay at Turtuk
26th July: Start from Turtuk for leh and night stay at leh
Trip through local Cab
27th July: Start for pangong lake and stay overnight at pangong lake
28th July Start from Pangong lake towards hanle and ovenight at hanle
29th July Start from Hanle and back at Leh and rest
30th Jul : flight to home
Also, I am yet to done booking for Leh, Nubra, Pangong and Hanle.
Highly appreciate your response.
Thanks in anticipation!!
Umesh, your plan looks good to me.
Thanks a lot Dheeraj.
Can you suggest some places to stay in leh, Nubra, Pangong and Hanle..
I m looking for stay in the range of 2000-4000 per night.
Also, will i get rented bike in leh or i need to book in advance. Also for cab I have got the list of driver’s number from this website only. Should I book the same in advance or I can book after reaching leh.
Regards,
Umesh Jain
You can check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate (cheap budget hotels as well) in the series of articles starting on the link here
Hi Dheeraj,
2 years back you suggested a beautiful itinerary for me. I’m physically challenged but you removed all my fears about the trip. I had a wonderful trip in Ladakh with my friends. This blog was really useful. Keep rocking!!! 🙂
Now Ladakh’s charm is tugging at me again, and I’m planning another trip with friends.
This time I’m doing it by air. This is my planned itinerary during the last week of August.
Fri 25th Aug – Land early morning in Leh by flight. Rest for acclimatization.
Sat 26th Aug – Rest for acclimatization
Sun 27th Aug – Leh to Nubra Valley (Diskit, Hunder, Sumur, Panamik). Overnight at Hunder.
Mon 28th Aug – Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso via Shyok (Khalsar-Agham-Shyok-Durbuk-Tangtse-Lukung)
Overnight at Pangong Tso
Tue 29th Aug Pangong Tso to Hanle (Spangmik-Man-Merak-Chushul-Hanle). Overnight at Hanle.
Wed 30th Aug Hanle to Leh. Overnight at Leh
Thu 31st Aug Board flight from Leh.
I have 1-2 days extra to spare till 2nd Sept, if required.
1) Where can I slot the extra days? Nubra or Pangong?
2) Or is a trip to Turtuk worthwhile?
Please let me know about the above itinerary. Do suggest changes if required.
Thanks in advance, Dheeraj 🙂
Hey Sam,
Good to re-connect and glad to hear that you had a wonderful trip !!
Well, you have missed Tso Moriri in the plan. You can do Hanle to Tso Moriri and Tso Moriri to Leh. One day will be used there and the other day can be used by either resting in Leh or adding the day for Turtuk or going back to Leh from Nubra Valley and doing Leh to Pangong Tso to ease out things a bit overall. I will advice to keep that day as buffer for rest in Leh before you take the flight.
Hi Dheeraj,
First of all, wonderful website. I need your feedback on a short air trip to Leh.
I am thinking of June 1-4, 2017 flying into Leh from Delhi and back. I can possibly extend my time in Leh by another day or two to, say, June 6. I have read the blogs and realize it takes a day to acclimatize to the weather, etc., so I am not planning to pack in a lot of activities. Primarily local sightseeing, and maybe a visit to monasteries and lakes. Primary purpose of the trip is to clear the mind!!
Do you have any suggestions? I realize the short trip is not ideal, but if it is an outright bad idea, then I will reconsider:)
Thanks again!
I will suggest to look into: How to make trip to Ladakh in 5 Days?
Please see my below plan. Please advise if this is feasible. I arrive directly in Leh on Aug 9th and leave leh on 19th Morning.
August 9 Day 1 Leh – Rest day – Acclimatize
August 10 Day 2 Leh – Rest day – acclimatize and local Sight seeing
August 11 Day 3 Leh – Khardung La – Deskit – Hunder
August 12 Day 4 Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
August 13 Day 5 Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake
August 14 Day 6 Rest day at Pangong So
August 15 Day 7 Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
August 16 Day 8 Rest Day at Leh
August 17 Day 9 Leh – Hemis – Tso Moriri via Chumathang
August 18 Day 10 Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring (Manali – Leh Highway starts) – Taglang La – Upshi – Leh
August 19 Day 11 Leave Leh
Hi Ranga,
Please keep the rest day in last because that will allow you a buffer as well in case you get stuck at Tso Moriri for any unforeseen reason. Rest looks pretty good. Also, rest day at Pangong Tso can be used as one more day in Nubra Valley to visit Turtuk. Not sure if you have any plan to rest at the lake but two days at Pangong Tso will give you enough and you may not need the extra thrid day.
Hi Dheeraj ,
Thanks and hats off for this wonderful blog , We have booked our flights from Delhi – Srinagar , srinagar to Leh , Leh to Delhi ( May 13 -22 ) . Now looking at conditions in J&K and highway status ( for May 16th – Srinagar – kargil – Leh ) we are rethinking of cancelling Srinagar .
Please advise . What else option we have to reach Leh to Delhi ? is it via Manali only , then we end up 2-3 days in travelling .?
Apart from flying directly to Leh, you do not have any other option. Manali – Leh is expected to open in last week of May but inclement weather is not helping much.
SRINAGAR – KARGIL – LEH – PANGONG – LEH – NUBRA – LEH – KARGIL – SRINAGAR
17th May: Reach Srinagar, Proceed to Sonmarg & Night Stay at Sonmarg
Reach Srinagar & Proceed to Sonmarg. Relax the entire day. Night Stay at Sonmarg
Meals: Dinner
Hotel provided will be:
18th May: Sonmarg – Kargil & Night Stay at Kargil
After breakfast proceed to Kargil.Reach in afternoon and spend rest of the day relaxing. Night Stay at Kargil.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Hotel provided will be: Hotel Zero Miles
19th May: Kargil – Leh & Night Stay at Leh
After breakfast, proceed to Leh via the world famous Srinagar Leh highway. Overnight stay in Leh
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Hotel provided will be: Dawa Guest House
20th May: Night Stay at Leh
After breakfast, proceed for a local sightseeing tour and visit Stok Palace, Hall of Fame (A museum developed and maintained by the Indian army) and Leh Palace. Overnight stay in Leh
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Hotel provided will be: Dawa Guest House
21st May: Leh – Pangong & Night Stay at Pangong
After an early breakfast, proceed to Pangong via Changla Pass (17,586 feet) and the third highest pass of the world. Pangong Lake is a salt water body of 120 km in length and 6 – 7 Km broad at the longest point. It is bisected by the international border between India & China (2/3 of the lake is in China’s possession). Visit the exact location of the famous movie “Three idiots” & enjoy outing along the banks of the lake. One really feels very close to nature at Pangong Lake with its scenic surroundings. On a clear sunny day, you can see seven color formations in the crystal clear salt water lake. Overnight stay in Pangong
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Camp provided will be: Wonderland Camp
22nd May: Pangong – Leh & Night Stay at Leh
After breakfast, travel back to Leh. En route take a short halt at Changla Pass to enjoy a cup of hot steaming tea. Visit Shanti Stupa and Leh market in the evening. Overnight stay in Leh
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Hotel provided will be: Dawa Guest House
23rd May: Leh – Nubra & Night Stay at Nubra
After breakfast, drive to Nubra Valley (Known as the Valley of Flowers and the warmest region in Ladakh) via Khardungla pass. This road is considered to be the highest motorable road of the world. En route, admire the spectacular views of the never ending snow-capped mountain ranges around Khardungla Pass (18,380 feet). After spending some time at Khardungla, proceed to Nubra. After Hotel check-in, enjoy camel Safari in the evening. Overnight stay in Nubra
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Hotel provided will be: Olgok Guest House
24th May: Nubra – Leh & Night Stay at Leh
After breakfast, visit Diskit & Hunder Villages and monasteries take a stroll around the place to see the life style of people living at the northernmost region of India. Drive back to Leh via Khardungla pass. Overnight stay in Leh
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Hotel provided will be: Dawa Guest House
25th May: Leh – Kargil & Night Stay at Kargil
After an early breakfast, proceed to Kargil. En route, visit Mulbek (known for its huge Buddha Statue) and Lamayuru monastery (The oldest monastery in Ladakh). Admire the confluence of Indus – Zanskar Rivers and the effects of Magnetic Hill (Defiance of the law of gravity). Visit Gurudwara Patthar Sahib & Kargil War memorial on the way to pay tribute to the Indian Army. It was in this very region in which the Indian Army fought and won the famous war of Kargil. Take some memorable snaps of Tololing, Tiger Hill and the war memorial in Drass. Reach Kargil in the evening. Overnight stay in Kargil.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Hotel provided will be: Hotel Zero Miles
26th May: Kargil – Srinagar & Night Stay at Srinagar
After an early check-out, proceed to Srinagar via Srinagar Leh Highway. Notice the gradual change in the colours of the mountains as you travel to Kargil. Cross the Zojila pass & Zero Point. Overnight stay in Srinagar.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Houseboat provided will be: Deluxe Indian Houseboat
27th May: Srinagar – Mumbai
After breakfast checkout & proceed to Mumbai.
This is our itenary and we are hiring 2 bikes and 1 scorpio from Srinagar throughout our journey.
Kindly give feedback on our itenary and revert.Thank you
Just replied you on your posted question in Ask a Travel Question section.
Dheeraj, hii!
My friend and I have finally received our Indian visa and our flights have been booked for Ladakh in May! We can’t wait to experience this majestic place and we have made a plan according with some help from a few members at Tripadvisor.
12th May – Arrival at Delhi at 12 05 pm.
13th May – Arrival at Leh at 7 am. Full Day rest.
14th May – Leh to Sham Valley
15th May – Sham Valley to Leh.
16th May – Leh to Turtuk which is at the extreme end of Nubra Valley, overnight in homestay (don’t prebook).
17th May – Post lunch start from Turtuk towards Dekit/Sumur in Nubra valley’ stay overnight in homestay/tent
18th May – Early morning start from Deskit/Sumur towards Pangong via Shyok Village route.
19th May – Pangong Lake to Leh. Thiksey or Hemis Monastery en route.
20th May – Departure to home.
We were looking for your feedback regarding this trip and whether this plan is feasible, given the distance and places we want to cover and how tiring it might be.
Also, we had one last query, would it be better to visit Sham valley and be back in Leh in 1 day and then use the extra day to stay one more day in Turtuk?
Looking forward to your response 🙂
The plan looks balanced and it does not make you travel too much except Leh to Turtuk, which is OK. You can do that too, there isn’t much in Sham Valley and it can easily be covered in one day.
Dheeraj!
Thank you for your quick response 🙂 As you are saying the Leh to Turtuk part is quite long journey, I guess we’ll stay one more day in Turtuk and visit Sham Valley in one day.
One last help, should we try to book a Jeep for the entire plan or book the jeeps like, one for Sham Valley, One for Nubra?
Best Regards
Yes, it will make more sense. You should book one taxi for entire trip. It does not matter.
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for your answer to my previous message.
It might no be the best place for this post, but I was also wondering what would be the best way to arrange a 4 to 5 days trip from Leh in the Indus Valley mixing drive and trek. More precisely, we would like to visit the monasteries of the Indus Valley (including Likir and Lamayuru) in 2 days while spending half a day or a full day on the “baby trek”. Then we would head for a two days trek starting in Hinju via Khomze La and would return back in Leh by car.
Thanks for your help,
Yves
You can refer: How to make trip to Ladakh in 5 Days?
Hi Dow,
My trip in Ladakh in July is mostly inspired by this article. Thanks for this wonderful job.
What would be your suggestion to share the taxi with other travelers for this whole trip? Hiring a taxi for only the two of us will be too costly…
Best,
Yves
Thank you 🙂 You are alone/couple and private taxis are very costly in Leh but you will be able to find the shared taxi without much fuss at all. There are lots of flyers which people put at cafes, dine-ins, restaurants, travel agent desks/shops/whiteboards wanting to share the taxis for different trips within Ladakh. Even travel agent organize such shared taxis trip as well but charge a little higher about Rs 200-300 more than it would ideally cost. So, in worst case you can always go back to them and book a seat for yourself. Gelling up with people in Ladakh is more or less easy because many people travel solo and look forward to meet new people and share cultural thoughts and values over the trip.
Thanks Dheeraj. So I understand that you advice us to see directly on site rather than trying to sort this out from home with an agency. Is it correct? Would you have a travel agent to recommend to organize shared taxi?
Yes, that’s correct. It will be much easier to bargain and there is no short of it. Regarding shared taxi, both main market and changspa road will be full of such hoardings or white boards looking for people for shared taxi.
Hi Deeraj, we are 4 adults along with 2 kids travelling to Leh in September. I have planned the below itinerary…let me know is it fine or should i do sme changes-
23sep- Arrival at Leh airport after lunch visit, Shanti stupa,Leh palace, Leh market.(over night in leh).
24sep,-Leh to Kargil via Fotula pass, Namkila pass, Visit, Hall of fame museum, Guruduwara pather sahib, Magnatic hill, Sangam point indus & zanskar river confluence view, Lamayuru moon land view, Lamayuru monastery, Mulbek stone carving statue,(over night in Kargil).
25sep- Kargil to Drass back to leh visit, Drass 99war memoriel museum, Tiger hill, Tololing hill.(over night in Leh).
26sep- Leh to Nubra valley via Khardongla pass visit, Disket monastery, Hunder sand dunes double hump camel safari.(over night in Nubra hunder).
27sep – Nubra hunder to Pangong lake via Shayok valley visit, Spangmik village, 3Idots shooting point.(over night in Pangong lake).
28sep – Pangong lake to Leh via Changla pass visit, Hemis monastery, Ranchoo school.(over night in Leh).
29sep – Leh to Tsomoriri lake via Mahe bridge visit, Chumathang hot spiring water, Korzok monastery village.(over night in Tsomoriri lake).
30sep – Tsomoriri lake to Leh via Taglangla pass visit, Tsokar lake.(over night in Leh).
1oct – morning departure
Hey Shweta,
Your plan looks quite good to me. Please make sure that you have some company to travel with you on Nubra to Pangong Tso direct route because it is a very desolated route.
Hi Dheeraj , we are a group of 5-6 people and planning to flying into Leh and then hire a taxi. Do you think the following itinerary is possible ?
Day 1 – Fly into Leh
Day 2 – Local Sight Seeing
Day 3- Leh to Nubra Valley
Day 4 – Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso Lake
Day 5 – Pangong Tso Lake to Tso Moriri
Day 6 – Tso Moriri to Leh
Day 7 – Leh to Zanskar
Day 8 – Rafting at Zanskar and back to Leh
Day 9 – Fly back to Delhi
Hi Vidyun,
I will recommend to ease out a bit. On Day 5, come back to Leh. Day 6 go to Tso Moriri from Leh and Day 7 come back from Tso Moriri. On Day 8 go for rafting in Zanskar river near Nimmu which is a day’s affair. Zanskar Valley is altogether different ball game which requires at least 4-5 days of travel from Kargil
Hi Dheeraj,
Is there an option for self drive?
I was planning to have self drive for couple days when i would be in Leh/sham valley and hiring a taxi when travelling to Nubhra/Pangong .
Please let me know.
Regards,
Sunny
Hey Sunny, the only option of self drive in Ladakh is to convince the driver to let you drive the car to some distance. Otherwise, self drive cars are not available for drive in Ladakh
Hi,
We are planning a trip to Leh in the third week of April (not a road trip).
I have read a couple of articles which suggest that it may not be the best time, as the roads may not open, but what are your views? We may not be able to push our holiday. so if it is really not a good time to go, we will have to cancel it.
Appreciate your suggestions.
Hi Aanchal,
It is surely not the best time but a good time if you are OK with cold conditions and a bit struggle here and there on roads in case there is heavy snowfall during those days. Apart from that I have been to Ladakh in April, it was one of the best visits among all 7 🙂 … Roads within Ladakh remains open all round the year.= unless it snows on that very day or very heavy snowfall happens and then it closes for couple of days.
Dheeraj,
This is a sample itinerary that I was advised with and seems like one I would love to follow. Could you please provide your expert feedback as to whether this is feasible and if you have any suggestions to improve it?
13th May – Arrival at Leh at 7 am. Full Day rest.
14th May – Leh to Sham Valley
15th May – Sham Valley to Leh.
16th May – Leh to Turtuk , overnight in homestay.
17th May – Post lunch start from Turtuk towards Dekit/Sumur in Nubra valley’ overnight in homestay/tent
18th May – Early morning start from Deskit/Sumur towards Pangong via Shyok Village route. Overnight in Pangong in homestay/tent.
19th May – Pangong Lake to Leh. Thiksey or Hemis monastery en route.
20th May – Departure to home.
Looking forward to your feedback 🙂
Sami, you plan is very nicely balanced and takes care of acclimatization as well. You should go ahead with it. Also, please make sure that you may have some company on Nubra to Pangong Tso direct route via Agham – Shyok village because it a is desolated route and any help will be hard to find. Get some company in Nubra Valley or while in Leh.
Hi Dheeraj,
We are a couple visiting Ladakh in end of April. Please find below Itinerary and let me know if it is fine or changes need to be done:
April 27 : Early morning flight to Leh. Rest day+ local markets etc.
April 28: Leh local sightseeing
April 29 : Leh- Pangong
April 30: Pangong- Leh
May 1 : Sham valley tour
May 2 : Leh- Nubhra
May 3: Nubhra
May 4 : Leave earling morning for Leh. For rest of the day checking out local culture in Leh
May 5 : Back to delhi.
Please let me know if this would be fine. I want the trip not to hectic with too much travelling.
Also are there any self drive options in Ladakh? any references?
Many thanks for your help.
Sunny
Hi Sunny,
Please make a Trip to Nubra Valley first on Day 3 and Day 4, then make a trip to Pangong Tso on Day 5,6, Day 7 do sham valley tour and Day 8 leave. This will help you acclimatize better.
Hey Dheeraj,
Thanks, I will have an extra day if i stay 1 night in each Pangong Tso and Nubhra.
So should I stay extra night in Pangong Tso OR Nubhra? which is better?
OR you have some other option to spend 1 day apart from the places i am visiting as per the Itinerary.
thanks again.
Sunny
Sunny, I will suggest to spend one more day at Nubra Valley and include Turtuk in the plan. Lake can be monotonous for two days.
Hi Dheeraj,
May i have a trip plan ? i will arrive leh airport 17 june morning and 24 go back to delhi moring
so i have 8 day to travel
Hi Gurung,
For 8 days Leh Ladakh plan by air, you can follow the plan outlined in the article above.
Regards
dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
We going to Ladakh by air this june end. Below is our itenarary. Kindly suggest is it is Ok or suggest some alternative.
Day 1. Leh_Full day rest – night stay
2. Local sightseeing- Magnetic hill shanti stupa etc. – night stay Leh (pl suggest if we should go till Lamayuru)
3. Leh to Nubra/Diskit/hunder – night stay
4. Nubra to Pnagong via shyok river – night stay
5. Pangong to Tso moriri – night stay
6. Tso moriri To leh – hemis/shey/thiksey – night stay at leh
7. Departure to mumbai
I know it seems hectic but we dont want to miss these places. We are 6 Boys and will be hiring 2 separate Innova with driver.
Thanks
Hi Pradeep,
Pradeep, as you know it is hectic and you are ready to take it so I will say OK for it. On either Day 1 or Day 2 you have to procure the Inner Line Permits to travel from Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri direct route via Chusul. The article: Ladakh Inner Line Permit Updates on Process & Download Form will help you prepare the permit form and aprise you with the process.
Thanks Dheeraj,
I really appreciate your prompt response. Our tour operator will arrange everything for us i.e. Stay/Travel/Permits/River Rafting etc. My only concern was about travel plan. Google Map gives the route bt i dont want to rely on that only and need expert advise from you. I m more concerned abot Nubra to pangong to tso moriri journey. It should not feel like a lifelong journey as it may be boring for my friends. and shall not end up a road trip only.
Pl suggest what places we should skip to save on time.
Thanks.
Pradeep, it will be more or less a road trip only as these places are a bit apart and you are not giving enough time to rest on these places but you said it is hectic and you are OK with it. Specially the Tso Moriri part, you will land in evening and next morning you will have to leave. So, all you are doing is road trip by being in journey rather than destination. Nubra and Pangong Tso part is still manageable in case Agham – Shyok route is open, if not then that also becomes too tiring.
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks a lot for your comments. I am planning to arrive in Leh on Aug 9th and planning to take the return flight only on 19th. I will have 9 to 10 days. I want to rent a motor bike and cover all the important places. Can you suggest an itinerary that can I cover in motorbike. Also please suggest how is the bike rental scene in LEh. Thank you so much 🙂
Regards,
Ranga
Ranga, you can surely follow the itinerary mentioned in the article above and spend the extra days either in Leh or in Nubra valley. Regarding bike rental in Leh, please check: Leh – Ladakh Bike Rental Rates 2017-18
Hi Dheeraj ,
Thank you very much for this wonderful blog. I am visiting leh ladakh for second time but this time in August i am travelling with my wife. She is travelling for the first time to high altitude and i want to be very cautious in terms of Itinerary and places.
Can you refer this and tell me whether any change we should do in itinerary or not ?
Day 1:- 11/08/2017
Mumbai to Leh
Leh local
Day 2:-12/08/2017
Leh :- Hamis monastery
Day 3:- 13/08/2017
Leh to Pangong Tso via Khardung La
Day 4:-14/08/2017
Pangong Tso to Nubra
Day 5:- 15/08/2017
Nubra to TukTuk
Day 6:-16/08/2017
Nubra to Leh
Day 7:- 17/08/2017
Leh to Kargil via Lamayura Monastery
Day 8:-18/08/2017
Kargil to Srinagar
Day 9:-19/08/2017
Srinagar
Day 10:-20/08/2017
Srinagar
Regards
Dhruval Mehta
Hi Dhruval,
Please use first two days of the plan to rest in Leh and acclimatize. Avoid monasteries but take sham Valley tour which is hectic. IN monasteries you may need to walk more and climb stairs too which will be taxing on body. Then, go over to Nubra Valley – Deskit, Hunder, Turtuk and travel to Pangong Tso from there. Finally, travel to Srinagar via Lamyuru – Kargil
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for all the information you have shared with us. It really helps plan better!
I have a question regarding Ladakh trip by AIR : Pangong, Nubhra are a must visit when visiting Ladakh but is Tso Moriri necessary? as it can become hectic travelling 5-6 hrs everyday on hills ?
We are a couple visiting for 8N, 9 D . Please let me know your thoughts.
Thanks again!
Sunny
Sunny, I will highly recommend that you take it easy in case you do not have inclination to visit all the places. You can focus either on Pangong tso or Tso Moriri and you will not be wrong with any of them. So, choose one of them and have a relaxing vacation. Sometthing like below:
2 days of rest and acclimatization in Leh after landing,
3-4 days in Nubra Valley covering Deskit, Hunder and Turtuk
2 day trip to Pangong Tso or Tso Moriri
1 day rest in Leh and shopping around
Hi Dheeraj!
I’m Janis from the Philippines and your website has really imparted a lot of knowledge on our planned trip, but it’s still great to get your opinion firsthand. We are 4 girls, planning to get to Leh via air on April 5, 2017, coming from a 4 day trip from Srinagar. Would like to ask if this planned itinerary is feasible:
April 5: Arrival in Leh lunchtime, acclimatize, maybe a little bit of sightseeing
April 6-8: Travel to Nubra Valley, and maybe Turtuk, stay for 2 nights
April 8-9: Travel to Pangong Lake from Nubra Valley via Wari La (as some blogs suggest)
and camp by the lake overnight?
April 9: Travel back to Leh, maybe stop at Thikse Monastery
April 10: Early AM flight to Delhi
…we wanted to finalize our itinerary but some would not recommend staying overnight in Pangong Lake, if that’s the case, will we still be able to maximize the lake on just a day trip even though we traveled far from Nubra valley? Thank you so much 🙂
Hello Janis,
Thank you, glad DoW helped in you planning your Ladakh trip. I will highly recommmend that you rest for first two days completely. April 5 and April 6 should be rest + local sightseeing/Sham Valley tour on Day 2, nothing more than that. Then on April 7-8, make a two day trip to Nubra Valley and on April 9, make one day trip to Pangong Tso in case weather is clear. You should make the plan as per above.
Wari La route is closed and opens in June. So, direct route is not possible. Turtuk will had 6 Hrs more of just drive in your two days in Nubra Valley, so not suggested.
Hi Dheeraj,
I am planning a solo trip to Ladakh in November (around 17 to 24 Nov). I will be flying from Delhi to leh directly. Will it be possible to do a solo trip around Nubra valley, Tso moriri and Lumayuru via rented motorcycle during that time.
Looking forward for your suggestions.
Bike ride will be too cold and risky to undertake during that time of the year !! You will not be allowed to take the bike to Khardung La pass or Chang La pass.
Hi Dheeraj
I am planning to travel to Leh on the 9th of Sept. 2016 with my friend. We are both around 57 years and diabetic with High BP but controlled through medications. Luckily no heart ailments or other health issues. We are quite healthy and enjoy workouts every day. Will there be any adverse effects on health considering our age? We intend to spend 7 to 8 days in Ladakh.
Alfred, I will recommend visiting a doctor who is aware about High altitude as well. You should also read: High Blood Pressure traveller in Sangla and Spiti valleys
Hi Dheeraj,
First of all I would like to thank you for the details that you have put up so meticulously. It is of immense help for travellers to Leh-Ladakh. Incredible stuff!!
I am planning to travel to Leh with wife and 4 yr old kid from 8th – 16th Sept I will be flying in to Leh from Delhi. Below is my itinerary. Please let me know if it sounds reasonable.
Day 1 – Leh arrival. Rest day. Evening visit to Shanti stupa / leh Palace if possible
Day 2- Day trip to Sham Valley
Day 3- visit to Nubra valley. Stay at Hunder
Day 4 – back to Leh
Day 5 – Leh to Pangong lake – Stay at pangong
Day 6- Pangong to Hanle – Stay at Hanle . Which of the following two routes is advisable?
a> Pangong – Chusul- Tsaga La- Loma- Hanle
b> Pangong- Chusul – Kakasang La- Hor La- Mahe- Loma – Hanle
Day 7- Hanle – Tso Moriri – Stay at Tso Moriri
Day 8 – Tso Moriri- Tso Kiagar- Tso Kar – leh via Manali – leh route OR Tso Moriri – Tso Kiagar-
-TsoKar- Sumdo – Mahe _ Chumathang – leh. Which route is advisable?
Day 9 – Leh Departure
I have tried to devise this plan keeping the acclimatization principles in mind. Not sure if I have achieved the same. Initially I thought of taking a packaged tour but after going through this site, I decided to plan it on my own as it will turn out to be cheaper. This means Hotel bookings on the go and Taxi booking when I reach Leh. I am in touch with few drivers based on the contacts mentioned on DOW.
It will be great if you could help me with my queries below:
1. Is the above itinerary ok?
2. Since Sept is not the peak season, I expect to find decent accommodation at places like Pangong, Hanle and Tso Moriri. Is my assumption correct?
3. Please advise on the route to be take on Day 6 & Day 8.
4. Regarding taxi fare, any pointers on what should be the charges for such a trip.
Thanks in advance
Dear Dheeraj,
Awaiting your reply.
Will surely reply by tonight.
Hello Prasan,
1. The plan looks OK but DO NOT go over Kaksang La route. Also, be prepared with basic stay in Hanle though Sonam / Padma Guest House has attached bath rooms now and is very good option of stay. Confirm from the driver if he has ever done Pangong Tso – Chusul – Hanle route or not. Rest looks OK.
2. Yes, you will find decent places of stay at all these places.
3. No Kaksangla on Day 6. On Day 8, follow Tso Kar route.
4. Taxi will cost you around 40K
Thanks for the reply Dheeraj.
I am i touch with one of the top drivers recommended on your blog. I will cross check with him about his Pangong Tso – Chusul – Hanle driving experience.
ool, best wishes for the trip.
Dear Dheeraj,
First of all I would thanks to you for such a great work. hats off for your knowledge, experience and passion. It is of immense help for travellers to Leh-Ladakh. Incredible stuff!!
I am planning to travel to Leh with 3 friends from 9th – 19th may I will be flying in to Leh from Mumbai. Below is my itinerary. Please let me know if it sounds reasonable.
Day 1 – Leh arrival. Rest day. Evening visit to Shanti stupa / leh Palace if possible
Day 2- visit to Nubra valley. Stay at Diskit/Hunder
Day 3- Diskit – Hunder – Turtuk
Day 4 – back to Leh
Day 5 – Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake
Day 6- Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
Day 7- Leh – Tso Moriri
Day 8 – Tso Moriri – Leh
Day 9 – Leh – Kargil
Day 10- Kargil – Leh
Day 11 – Fly back home
Some Questions –
is it OK or hectic schedule. we are included kargil at last moment , are we correct? give some plans for 10 days.
Hello Sandeep,
I will suggest that you rest completely for the first two days in Leh only. This will make sure you are not doing too much without acclimatization. Remove one day from Kargil visit and make a day trip to Lamayuru on Day 10. Also, stay options at Pangong Tso will be a bit difficult and it will be very cold in May, best to stay at Tangtse after spending time in Pangong Tso, which is 34 KMs from Pangong Tso. Same is true for Tso Moriri where you can stay at Chumathang as Tso Moriri too will be cold and options of home stays will only be available.
Happy New Year Dheeraj, thanks for your valuable response. after long thought we are decided drop the kargil. As per above mentioned we are changed some itinerary.
Day 1 | Mumbai – Leh (By Flight)
Day 2 | Leh – Sham Valley -Lamayuru
Day 3 | Lamayuru – Leh
Day 4 | Leh – Khardung La – Deskit – Hunder
Day 5 | Deskit – Turtuk – deskit (overnight at Turtuk or Deskit? littlebit confussion)
Day 6 | Diskit/Turtuk – Leh
Day 7 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake
Day 8 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
(As per your advice we are trying to stay at Tangtse )
Day 9 | Leh – Hemis – Tso Moriri via Chumathang
Day 10 | Tso Moriri – Leh
Day 11 | Back to Mumbai
is it OK? give me some suggestion on weather. once again thanks a lot.
Happy New Year Sandeep !! 🙂 🙂
Make it overnight at Turtuk and spend more time in that beautiful village. Next day make Turtuk to Leh. Yes, you will have to stay at Tangtse. Also, take utmost care during first 1-3 days. If you do not feel alright in night on Day 1, then better stay at Uley instead of Lamayuru as it is a lower altitude. Rest looks OK.
Dear Dheeraj,
Just wanted a quick advice please. Better to spend 2 days in Nubra or 2 days in Pangong !?
I have 3 days to split in between these 2 places, wanted to make the best use.
Of course i would be traveling in and out from leh.
Let me know please. Thanks. Renu
Renu, well both well deserve a night to be spend there. You can do one night stay at Hunder/Deskit and then move to Pangong Tso from direct routes of either agham – shyok or Wari La. You can do Agham – Shyok in case you see there are 4-5 vehicle going on that route but you have to start early in the day by 7 AM else in afternoon the water gets too much on road to cross it. Go over and wait for few vehicles to come at Agham and then tag along with them to reach Pangong Tso in 5 Hrs. Enjoy the day there and next day come back to Leh.
Dear Dheeraj,
Hi! Thank you so much for all your valuable guidance. I successfully did a 9 day solo trip to leh-ladakh from 18-27 sep.
I booked cab through ‘Mr. Chamba’ whom you have recommended in another of your pages, and he turn assigned ‘Mr. Rinchen’ who was an excellent driver and I had an absolute safe and comfortable travel with him for all 9 days.
Once again, thanks a lot. Regards, Renu
Hi Renu, welcome back and that’s really great to know that you had such a wonderful trip 🙂
We are glad if information present on Discover with Dheeraj was helpful in making your Ladakh trip safe and comfortable !! 🙂
HI Dheeraj,
We are group of 6 people, below is the itinerary we have made,
please let us know your thoughts on it.
27th AUG- Day 1 Reaching directly to leh stay @ HOTEL LEH
28th AUG- pangong lake – stay
29th AUG- Tsomoririr lake – stay
30th AUG- Tsomoriri lake- tsokar lake- leh STAY
31 AUG- leh -magnetic hill – LEH STAY
1 SEP- khardungla – nubra valley stay
2 SEP- nubra – leh stay
3 SEP- leh -zanskar river – leh stay
4 SEP- leh
5 SEP- return from leh
Minal, this will land you guys up in hospital and ugly situation for sure. Please DO NOT follow this plan, Refer the article above and follow the first 4 days as mentioned in the article only.
Hi Dheeraj,
Wonderful and helpful article. Thanks a lot.
We are group of 7 (6 adults + 1 child) planned Ladakh trip from 9th Sept to 18th Sept 2016. Below was our initial itinerary.
Day 01: Arrival in Srinagar from mumbai by flight – ( 09-09-16)
Day 02: Srinagar to Kargil – ( 10-09-16)
Day 03: Kargil to Leh – ( 11-09-16)
Day 04: Leh to Nubra Valley – ( 12-09-16)
Day 05: Nubra Valley to Leh – ( 13-09-16)
Day 06: Leh – Local Sight seeing – ( 14-09-16)
Day 07: Leh to Pangong Lake – ( 15-09-16)
Day 07: Pangong Lake to Leh – ( 16-09-16)
Day 09: Leh – Local Sight seeing & Shopping – ( 17-09-16)
Day 10: Departure ( 18-09-16)
But due to recent curfew in Srinagar, our travel planner advised us to reach Leh directly by flight as he is not sure whether situation will be under control till then. So we are going by your itinerary which is mentioned in this article.
We will appreciate if you can provide your any additional feedback or can provide itinerary.
Thanks in advance.
Kalpesh
Kalpesh, since you will be going by above itinerary and you have like 10 days overall. Try to split the Pangong Tso trip in two days and rest you can very much follow the above plan to enjoy your Ladakh trip.
You can check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate (cheap budget hotels as well) in the series of articles starting on the link here
For the leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2016 – 17 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here. You can get about 12-15% of discount by directly getting in touch with drivers and of course, talking in person rather on phone always help in bargaining more.
Hi Dheeraj
i’m planning for leh from 01.10.2016 to 10.10.16 from delhi via flight.
i saw your detailed itinerary which gives me a complete idea to travel. Many thx for your hard work & dedication, and of course your information are highly helpful to us.
i want to know is it ok for kids of 5 yrs & 2 yrs of age respectively. is it safe to take them along with us, i mean shall they acclimatize the condition?
also should i take the package or deal directly there, so i request you to kindly help me in this direction
thx
rohit.
Thank you Rohit. It depends on person to person to take the children of such age group because AMS do not matter with respect to age or sex or any fitness level. It can happen to anyone of any age or sex or fitness I shall say :D… The issue with children is that they tend to exert the body considering it the same kind of place they belong to and this elevates the chances of getting struck with AMS. Secondly, they are not much expressive about their uneasy feelings, so it is parents who need to watch out and take care that the child is not suffering from uneasy feelings, headache or nausea and is behaving properly. With less than 4 year child, I think he/she will also be NOT able to convey the uneasiness she may feel. You have to be vigilant and if you notice any such feeling or he/she tells you about such a feeling then please do not ascend anywhere, either descend to lower altitude or stay at the same place to watch things overnight and if symptom increase then start descending immediately. Same is applicable for any adult as well. And yes, do keep the body adequately hydrated!!
Also, PLEASE read the article: Traveling to Ladakh with Kids or Babies. This article covers this topic in complete detail.
It is offseason time, most of the hotels will be closed so you will get something or the other. The conditions will be quite cold to spend night at high altitude lakes such as Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri. With kid traveling with you, better to avoid overnight stays at these places as it can get very cold in night and there may not be much facilities there.
Hi Dheeraj,
I will be in Leh from Aug 11th to Aug 19th.
What places can I visit as day trips and return to Leh to my hotel? What places can I stay for night?
Thank you! You are doing a wonderful job with your blog:)
PS: I have never been near mountains before in my life and am quite creeped out by the idea of AMS
Akks, you have about 9 days in hand. You can easily follow the itinerary mentioned int he article above as is. Just do two day trip to Pangong Tso lake.
HI Dheeraj,
we are doing this air itinerary landing on sep21 in Leh.
I can see you have mentioned so many monasteries in each day’s travel. We would love to visit all of them but with a kid and continuous travels, we feel we can skip some of these.
Because having travelled many religious places these years, we feel that after a certain point you feel you are seeing the same thing again and again.(unless you are an avid art lover which we are not 😉 we can hardly appreciate that part. the fun part for us is the travel and the time off we get from our work.)
So which of these monasteries do you think should not be missed ?
I will say, best will be to visit Hemis and Thicksey in that case and leave out rest.
BTW, having been to almost all of the Ladakh monasteries, I still travel to them in general but I mostly travel to these monasteries for a high vantage point and to get the views of the valley across. It looks different from the top you know :). So, its not just religious but nature too. However, I will advice that with small kid avoid too much stair usage.
Hi Dheeraj,
All set and we ll be there in two days. Following the same itinerary as above.
How is the weather now there ?
Weather will be a bit cool in morning and night rest mostly pleasant. Have a great trip 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
Thank you for your guidance, had a great time. We stayed at Ladakh Himalayan Retreat and our driver was Mr.Motub. Will 100% recommend to anyone.The best hospitality i have ever received in India, Ladakh people are the honest and selfless hosts i have ever met. Thank you Ladakh for making our vacation memorable and last in our memories forever.
Glad to know that Aparna, it will be great if you can share the contact details as well as pictures of the place in DwD Community. It wil be very helpful to many others.
Hi DHEERAJ,
I am planning a trip to leg with my friends on 22 July to 27 july.
We have a return flight on 27 July of 10:00am.
We wish to explore lamayuru, nubra valley via khardungla pass on bike and pangong lake.
Can you suggest me what should we do..
Hi Rohit, you can plan something like below:
Day 1 | Delhi – Leh (By Flight)
— Checkin at Hotel. Many hotels provide free pick and drop from Airport. Ask while you book them.
— Take ample of rest as well as water or anything that keep your body hydrated enough. DO NOT OVER HYDRATE. Take ORS Soluted water or ORS – L tetra packs from home.
— Do not over exert your body at any cost. Avoid too much up-down on stairs or avoid it in entirety, if possible.
— After 5-6 Hrs of rest you can visit Leh Palace, Local Leh market, Shankar Gompa .
— If you feel exerted go back to Hotel, have dinner at Hotel and take rest. Avoid any exertion. Else continue and,
— Follow the sunset by stroll at Changspa road and have a nice dinner on varied cuisines offered in-around Changspa road.
— Go back to hotel for overnight stay at Leh.
Day 2 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Acclimatization
— Hire a taxi from Leh taxi stand or Hotel whichever suits you.
— Bargain hard with taxi driver. Book that single taxi for entire trip after explaining the complete plan.
— Take his inputs if you feel reasonable and if required modify the plan accordingly but should suits you best.
— Ask him to be with you guys starting first day itself, if required and charged reasonable else do it at your own.
— Again DO NOT over exert and take little steps and slow walks only.
— If feeling OK then do Local sightseeing. To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
— Do not use stairs at any of these places just to see them as it will exert your body much more.
— Overnight at Leh
Day 3 | Leh – Sham Valley Tour – Uley Topko
— Sham Valley include Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, Gurudwara Pather Sahib
— Overnight stay in tented camps at Uley Topko
Day 4 | Uley Topko – Lamayaru – Ridzong Gompa – Leh
— Leave for Lamayaru from Uley Topko in the morning after your breakfast at the camps.
— Visit Ridzong Gompa as well if you like on the return and reach back Leh in the evening.
— Check-in at hotel and stay overnight at Leh.
Day 5 | Leh – Pangong Tso – Leh
— Do not plan to stay overnight at Pangong Tso as you will not be acclimatized and may fall sick. So, make a day trip only.
— Overnight at Leh
Day 6 | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping OR make a day trip to Lamayuru
— Overnight at Leh
hi @ROHIT, we aRe also planning staRt fRom leh fRom 23Rd july. and we have 8 days.
if you have same schedule, please contact me bRo.
09978084284-Rumit Patel
Hello Dheeraj,
I’m planning for Leh-Srinagar trip with my four friends as follow :
We’ll reach Leh by flight on 14th Aug Morning :
Day 1 (14/08) : Rest day. Local sightseeing /market visit in the evening.
Day 2 (15/08): Head towards Nabra Valley via Khardung La. Overnight stay at Hunder.
Day 3 (16/08): Back to Leh
Day 4 (17/08) : Leh to Pangong Tso
Day 5 (18/08) : Back to Leh
Day 6 (19/08) : Head towards Srinagar with overnight stay at Kargil
Day 7(20/08) : Back to Srinagar along with a visit to Gulmarg
Day 8(21/08) : Local sight seeing at Srinagar and flight to Delhi in the evening.
Kindly tell me if the itinerary is right?
Whether we can cover Tso Moriri within this Time frame?
Which places should we cover while travelling to and fro Nabra Valley, Pangong Tso?
Which places to cover on the way to Kargil?
Should we hire a taxi or Bikes during our Leh, Nabra Valley & Pangong Tso visit?
Should we book for a Taxi from Leh to Srinagar in advance?
Any food items to carry during Pangong / Nabra visit?
Please recommend your views on this. Looking forward to hear from you soon.
Hi Puneet,
1. You must plan a two day rest in Leh before making trip to Nubra Valley else you might fall ill due to AMS. That means adding another day in your plan or flying out from Leh itself.
2. Not really.
3. Refer beow the 4 day plan
4. Well, if you are a good rider and know about riding in such terrain, do it.
5. No need, it will be available from taxi stand in Leh
6. Nothing much, it will be available up there.
Day 1 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 2 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Day 3 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on the go towards Pangong Tso
— Overnight at Pangong Tso (Spangmik or Lukung)
Day 4 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on return to Leh
— Overnight at Leh
Ok, Thanks a lot.
Can you tell me which places to cover on the way to Kargil???
And is it worth to arrange visit passes for siachen??
Well, Siachen, you need to know someone high up in army to request the permit for that place.
Leh – Lamayuru – Kargil
— Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes while going to Kargil
— On the way back to Leh you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, Alchi, Likir, Basgo, Phey
hii dheeraj
Hope you doing fine……
I am little bit confused. I am arriving leh on 24th july by flight. I will reach there around 9 am. My departure will be on 31 july. we are 3 friends. I am confused how to manage my travel plan. We are planning to take bike on rent for 7 days. We want to go upto kargil, Tso Moriri, Pangong, Nubra Valley. Is it possible to explore all these places in 7 days. Is it good to go upto kargil or we should come back from lamayuru. we plan to drop Tso Moriri if we found time short.
could you please help me to make itenery for these 7 days so that we can visit as much as places possible.
Thanks in advance
Mukesh, I think you can refer the plan for first 7 days mentioned in the article above. You can make two day trip to Pangong Tso.
Thanks for the early response….
I want to confirm that is it possible to cover upto kargil & stay there for one night and come back to leh. Can i made this acc to my seven day itenery.
Mukesh, that will need 2 days from the plan. First day you can rest in Leh, second day move to Kargil, third day come back from Kargil. Then make two day trip to Nubra Valley and two day trip to Pangong Tso.
Hi Dheeraj,
I will leave for Leh on Friday 15th of July and have targeted to reach leh on Monday via Srinagar.
My wife and my sister are coming by flight and will land on tuesday morning and they have to go back on monday morning by flight. So it gives them 6 days to roam around. Can you please suggest a good itinerary:
I have the following itinerary in my mind:
Day 0 (Friday – 15th July) – Start from Delhi to reach Jammu in the morning.
Day 1 (Saturday – 16th July) – Jammu to reach Srinagar in the evening. Overnight at Srinagar.
Day 2(Sunday – 17th July) – Srinagar-Sonamarg-Zozi la pass-Drass-Kargil. Overnight at Kargil
Day 3(Monday – 18th July)- Kargil-Leh(en route Mulbekh-Lamayuru-Alchi-Likir-Nimmu-Magnetic Hills-Gurudwara Pathar Sahib-Hall of fame-Shanti Stupa). Overnight at Leh
Day 4(Tuesday – 19th July) – One rest day in Leh
Day 5(Wednesday – 20th July) – Leh-Khardung la-Diskit-Hunder. Overnight at Hunder/Diskit
Day 6(Thursday – 21st July) – Hunder-Diskit-Sumur-Panamik-Sumur-Khardung la-Leh. Overnight at Leh
Day 7(Friday – 22nd July) – Leh-Hemis-3 idiots school-Thicksey-Shey-Pangong Tso. Overnight at Pangong.
Day 8(Saturday – 23rd July) – Pangong Tso- Tso Moriri. Overnight at Tso Moriri
Day 9(Sunday – 24th July) – Tso Moriri. – Leh Overnight at Leh
Is it advisable to visit all the places on my own car i.e. Duster. Do local taxi union creates problems.
Or should I book taxi for places to visit around Leh
Please suggest if it is feasible.
Regards,
Piyush
Piyush, in your own car there will not be any issue from taxi guys. I see an issue if your wife and your sister will have just one day rest in Leh it can lead them with AMS while going to Nubra Valley just on the second day. I will suggest to drop Tso Moriri and do two day trip to both Nubra and Pangong Tso at ease
Ok, Many thanks for the info.
Also, can you please suggest a good place for one day tour bcz we would be having one day extra amif we drop Tsi Moriri.
Do I need a permit to travel to leh from srinagar??
Regards,
Piyush
No permit is required to travel from Srinagar to Leh. Iin one day extra, you can use that in Nubra Valley to visit Turtuk which is one of the amazing places in entire Ladakh
Hi Dheeraj,
I have planed a trip by air from sept 4 to sept13, with the following itinerary:
Day 1 04/09/2016 Arrival to Leh by air and Local Sight Seeing at Leh
Day 2 05/09/2016 Travel to Nubra Valley – Night Stay at Hunder
Day 3 06/09/2016 Back to Leh / Rest day
Day 4 07/09/2016 Travel to Pangong / Night Stay at Pangong
Day 5 08/09/2016 Travel to Tso Moriri / Night Stay at Tso moriri
Day 6 09/09/2016 Back to Leh / Rest day
Day 7 10/09/2016 hire cab and trevel to srinagar night stay at kargil
Day 8 11/09/2016 reach srinagar and local sughtseeing through sonmarg.
Day 9 12/09/2016 visit gulmarg or pehalgam whichever you advice
Day 10 13/09/2016 local sightseeing and flight to chandigarh
Kindly let me know
1. If the this itinerary is alright as my tickets are already booked.
2. What kind of weather should I expect during this period.
3. My biggest concern is if it is ok to travel to Tso Moriri from Pangong or i can skip tso moriri and visit pehalgam or gulmarg in that one day.
4. Will all roads be safe and open to travel during my travel period.
5. Being a vegetarian, should I carry food supplies to Nubra, Pangong and Tso moriri.
6. Is drinks available in leh and srinagar.
7. Is local sightseeing in leh best or just average so that we can skip that.
8. trevel from leh to srinagar can be done in one day through cab possible.
Thank you.
Hi Praveen,
1. Your plan does not seem right, you are trying to do too much in less time. You have to take first two days of complete rest or light sightseeing around Leh only. Then next two days for Nubra, then next two days for Pangong Tso. This makes 6 days. Then you can start your trip to Srinagar with overnight halt at Kargil. This makes it 8 days. In the remaining one day you can make day visit to Gulmarg, on Day 10 you can do local sightseeing
2. Weather will be cool during September
3. Answered above
4. Yes
5. You will get veg food everywhere in Ladakh
6. Yes, they are available but avoid for at least initial 4-5 days
7. You are traveling by Air, you will have to stay for two days in Leh
8. Yes, it can be done but will be hectic like 16-17 Hrs
Hi Dheeraj,
You are doing an excellent job. I am planning a trip from 3rd-10th July with my wife and am flying from delhi. My plan is as mentioned below :
3rd July : Arrival and rest.
4th July : Leh to Shey/Thiksey/Stok – Leh
5th July : Hall of Fame, Gurdwara Pathar Sahib, Magnetic Hill
6th July : Pangong
7th July : Return to leh
8th July: Nubra
9th July : return to leh
10th July : Fly back to Delhi
Please suggest if it’s fine or do i need to make some modifications in the same.
Many thanks for the Ladakh itinerary. Ladakh is beautiful and I always wanted to visit it but couldn’t for one reason or other.
And now at my age – 89+ it may not be advisable particularly because I had a bye pass surgery in 2003.
So can you suggest an alternate itinerary?
Thanking you once again,
K. S. Walia
Hello Sir, it is plan for you or your grand daughter. It is not advisable to go by road in monsoon time
Hi Dheeraj, First of all let me thank you for managing this wonderful site having excellent upto date information. I am planning to be in Leh with my two other friends arriving leh airport on 2nd and leaving 9th. The flight booking is done but yet to book the rest. My over plan is as below. Need your advice on Day 6. Is it possible to go directly from Pangong to Tsomorir? Wanted to cover Tsomorir but don’t have the extra day. Thank you in advance.
day 1 : Rest, Overnight stay in Leh.
day 2 : Full day local sightseeing around Leh (with Moonland). Overnight stay in Leh.
Pleaces to be covered :
Hall of Fame, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, Magnetic Hill, Sangam View where Indus & Zanskar River meet,
Alchi & Lamayuru(Moonland).
day 3 : Leh to Nubra via Khardungla Top. Overnight stay in Nubra.
Places to be covered :
Diskit Monastery, Maitreya Buddha, white sand dunes at Hunder(Double Humped Bactrian camel ride)
day 4 : Nubra to Leh. Overnight stay in Leh.
Pleaces to be covered :
Shanti Stupa and Leh Palace.
day 5 : Leh to Pangong. Overnight stay in Pangong camp.
day 6 : Pangong to Tsomoriri. Overnight stay in Tsomoriri.
day 7 : Tsomoriri to Leh. Overnight stay in Leh.
day 8 : Leh to Airport drop in the morning.
Your plan i sOK. It is better to do Pangong Tso day trip and then two day trip to tso moriri
Thank you Dheeraj for your prompt response. Actually our travel agent planned Pangong as a day trip only but I insisted them to stay there to see the sun set and sun rise. May be I have to replan since I don’t want to take any risk. Thank you once again.
Cool, have a great trip 🙂
Hello, got many important glimpses through your articles .. thanks a lot
we group of 4 friends are going to visit leh from 13th to 20th august.
we will hire bikes from Leh for rest of tour.
13th – morning reaching leh, rest day, night stay at leh
14th – Leh to Pangong Lake, night at pangong (
15th – Pangong to Leh, night stay at Leh
16th – Leh to Nubra valley, night at Nubra valley
17th – Nubra valley to Leh, night stay at Leh
than after we think about two options, either rent a bike for srinagar (drop only) or hire a taxi for srinagar
18th – Leh to Srinagar, via Zansar – night at Kargil/Drass
19th – towards Srinagar, night stay at Srinagar
20th – flight from Srinagar
so my questions – 1. is this itinerary ok? or any modification needed?
2. places where night stay is decided is ok or not?
3. what is good option for Leh to Srinagar route – rent a bike (we will than drop it at srinagar, no return), or hire a taxi?
thanks in advance
Hi Dheeraj
Me and my husband are going to Leh via flight from Delhi on 12 Jun 2016. We plan to visit local market, Leh Palace and one or two local monasteries on Day 1. Is it advisable or will it be too much exertion given that we are landing same day morning. We are keeping Shanti Stupa for the last day as we want to use stairs instead of driving to the top. Thanks in advance for your suggestions 🙂
Do not plan any monasteries. Do them on second day. First 36 hrs must be complete rest
Hi Dheeraj,
Your website is everything a first timer needs travelling to Leh. You are doing an awesome job.
I am travelling to Leh next week, Just wanted you suggestion on my itinerary. Kindly let me know if anything needs to be changed.
Day 1 04/05/2016 Reach Leh (Early Morning) by air – Rest Day at leh
Day 2 05/05/2016 Sham Valley (on Bike) – Local Sight Seeing at Leh
Day 3 06/05/2016 Nubra Valley / Night Stay at Nubra
Day 4 07/05/2016 Back to Leh
Day 5 08/05/2016 Pangong Lake / Night Stay at Pangong
Day 6 09/05/2016 Back to Leh
Day 7 10/05/2016 Tso Moriri Lake / Night Stay at Tso moriri
Day 8 11/05/2016 Back to Leh
Day 9 12/05/2016 Return to Delhi by air
P.S. My tickets are booked, so any changes I have to incorporate within the specified dates.
Your plan looks good to me. On Day 2, DO NOT over exert your self.
Hi Dheeraj,
Firstly I’d like to say you’re doing an awesome job 🙂
Below is the itenerary I’m planning
Day 1 05/05/2016 Arrive in Leh by air / Rest Day
Day 2 06/05/2016 Travel to Nubra Valley – Night Stay at Hunder
Day 3 07/05/2016 Back to Leh / Rest day
Day 4 08/05/2016 Travel to Pangong / Night Stay at Pangong
Day 5 09/05/2016 Back to Leh / Rest day
Day 6 10/05/2016 Travel to Tso Moriri / Night Stay at Tso moriri
Day 7 11/05/2016 Back to Leh / Rest day
Day 8 12/05/2016 Local Sightseeing
Day 9 12/05/2016 Depart
3 Questions:
1) Is travelling to Nubra on the 2nd day ok?
2) I’ve been recommended to do cycling on the way back from Khardungla to Leh on day 3 as it’s a great experience. Will the weather permit this?
3) I’m keeping Day 8 as spare, incase the weather is bad and we get stuck somewhere for a day. Is it possible to do Sham Valley on Day 8?
Thanks in advance,
Chirag
1. Not really, mode your day 8 to day 2
2, Not really, it will be snow up there at Khardung La. Have you experienced cycling before?
3. You do not have sufficient days, you MUST push that day to Day 2
Hi Dheeraj,
I’m flying out on day 8 actually, and not day 9. Sorry for the confusion.
So I’m considering going directly from Nubra to Pangong to save a day.
Is it advisable? If not, is there a way I can fit in Nubra, Pangong and Tso Moriri?
Thanks!
Regarding Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso route, in order to take Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso via Shyok village, you need not need any permits. However, with such a small distance it appears tempting to be done BUT just to analyze the difficulty I will strongly suggest that you read:Trip Report | Nubra – Shyok Village – Pangong Tso Route. The report is from couple of year back in June & in July/August, most likely the route is washed away. Similar, reports are there from last year as well. So better confirm first, analyze the high risk involved and then only attempt it or better avoid it unless very much sure.
Next possible way is to attempt Wari La route, which is also a bit desolated but doable enough. If your driver agrees to travel on this route then take the Wari La route to Pangong Tso. Remember that any help required on both these routes will be HARD to find in miles of distance. If you have couple of vehicles then only take this route otherwise best is to avoid it.
Hi Dheeraj,
Thank You… Once again…
You are a rockstar !!!
I Have altered my plan slightly as per your advice, now I will be coming back to Leh and travelling to Tso Moriri the following day.
This leaves me a day short, Can you suggest me as to, On which day in my itinerary can I fit in Sham Valley . I cannot increase the no. of days as my flight tickets are already booked.
Day 1 04/05/2016 Depart to Leh by air / Rest Day at leh
Day 2 05/05/2016 Local Sight Seeing at Leh
Day 3 06/05/2016 Travel to Nubra Valley – Night Stay at Hunder
Day 4 07/05/2016 Back to Leh / Rest day
Day 5 08/05/2016 Travel to Pangong / Night Stay at Pangong
Day 6 09/05/2016 Back to Leh / Rest day
Day 7 10/05/2016 Travel to Tso Moriri / Night Stay at Tso moriri
Day 8 11/05/2016 Back to Leh / Rest day
Day 9 12/05/2016 Depart by air to Delhi
Thank you,
Dishant, I will only advice that you go over to Sham Valley partial tour ONLY in case you slept well on Day 1. If you had headaches or trouble in sleep, it is better to skip the Sham Valley for some other day and may be just make a trip up to Magnetic Hills and Gurudwara Pathar Sahibji
Hi Dheeraj,
We, 6 from Pune, are planning for Leh trip in late August or September. Could you please suggest me itinerary for the trip. The tentative dates are either 19-28 August or 16-25 September. How weather will be in the month of September? Can we visit some places by car and some by bike. I think I have asked so many questions.
Hi Dheeraj,
I have planed a trip by air from May 4 to May 12, with the following itinerary:
Day 1 04/05/2016 Depart to Leh by air / Rest Day at leh
Day 2 05/05/2016 Local Sight Seeing at Leh
Day 3 06/05/2016 Travel to Nubra Valley – Night Stay at Hunder
Day 4 07/05/2016 Back to Leh / Rest day
Day 5 08/05/2016 Travel to Pangong / Night Stay at Pangong
Day 6 09/05/2016 Travel to Tso Moriri / Night Stay at Tso moriri
Day 7 10/05/2016 Back to Leh / Rest day
Day 8 11/05/2016 Sham Valley / Night Stay at Leh
Day 9 12/05/2016 Depart by air
Kindly let me know
1. If the this itinerary is alright and Leisurely, as I do not like a hurried holiday
2. What kind of weather should I expect during this period.
3. My biggest concern is if it is ok to travel to Tso Moriri from Pangong.
4. Will all roads be safe and open to travel during my travel period.
5. Being a vegetarian, should I carry food supplies to Nubra, Pangong and Tso moriri.
Thank you.
Hello Dishant,
1. If you do not like hurried holiday then make two day trip to Pangong Tso and two day trip to Tso Moriri after coming back to Leh. DO NOT plan the direct route to Tso Moriri from Pangong Tso in that case.
2. Weather will be cold at high passes and both Pangong tso, Tso Moriri
3. Answered above
4. Yes, roads will be open unless there is fresh snowfall or landslide at the passes
5. Not, really veg. food is available all around Ladakh
Thank you Dheeraj,
Much appreciated….
You are doing a fabulous job, especially for first timers like me.
Just one more thing, as I am not travelling to leh by road, I read in your blog that the route from Pangong Tso Lake to Tso Moriri Lake via Changthang (Merak – Chusul – Nyoma) is beautiful, that is why I have planned to travel to tso moriri from pangong.
I dont mind being rushed for a couple of days if the trip from pangong to tso moriri is indeed beautiful. What do you suggest?
Thank you.
Dishant, Regarding Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri route or Pangong Tso to Hanle, the permits to Man – Merak – Chusul – Tsaga or remote Changthang routes are being given by DC office in Leh at ON and OFF basis, so keep your fingers crossed and hope for the best if they start issuing the permits by the time you visit or issue you on your lucky day. Also, even if the permits are given then as well there is no guarantee that you will be allowed to cross Chusul Post or not because since last year several such incidents happened and people with permits also had to return via same route. The story is same this year too and only handful of people have passed through Chusul this year too on their lucky days. Then this is completely a dirt track all the way with quite a bumpy ride upto Tsaga. That churns most things in your stomach 😀 … Finally, totally isolated with no one around you in miles. All this will mean that you will have to risk it for at least a day getting wasted if you are not allowed because there will be no guarantee until you cross Chusul and Tsaga post. Otherwise, you have to take the traditional routes only via Upshi – Chumathang.
Hi Dheeraj,
Thank You… Once again…
You are a rockstar !!!
I Have altered my plan slightly as per your advice, now I will be coming back to Leh and travelling to Tso Moriri the following day.
This leaves me a day short, Can you suggest me as to, On which day in my itinerary can I fit in Sham Valley . I cannot increase the no. of days as my flight tickets are already booked.
Day 1 04/05/2016 Depart to Leh by air / Rest Day at leh
Day 2 05/05/2016 Local Sight Seeing at Leh
Day 3 06/05/2016 Travel to Nubra Valley – Night Stay at Hunder
Day 4 07/05/2016 Back to Leh / Rest day
Day 5 08/05/2016 Travel to Pangong / Night Stay at Pangong
Day 6 09/05/2016 Back to Leh / Rest day
Day 7 10/05/2016 Travel to Tso Moriri / Night Stay at Tso moriri
Day 8 11/05/2016 Back to Leh / Rest day
Day 9 12/05/2016 Depart by air to Delhi
Thank you,
I think I replied it Dishant, right?
Hi Dheeraj,
We are 6 friends and planning to reach Lea via Manali. We will start on 3rd July from Manali and reach jispa, stay over night at Jispa and will start on 4th July from Jispa to Leh.
Can you please let me know if this is possible and if yes What timelines and precautions we should follow.
Thanks,
Harsh Mehta
harsh.mehta2305@gmail.com
Yes Harsh, this is very much possible. DO NOT forget to leave Jispa by 5-5.30 for Leh
Hey Dheeraj Thanks for your advice.
I have 3 more friends who are directly reaching Leh via flight on 2nd july morning. They will only take rest entire day in Leh and will travel on 3rd july morning to Tso Moriri and will stay over night there and travel back to Leh on 4th July morning.
Is it advisable to travel directly to Leh and on the next day to Tso Moriri as they are at high altitudes. Out of 3 people 2 are girls.
Thanks,
Harsh Mehta
harsh.mehta2305@gmail.com
Harsh, DO NOT let them commit suicide. They may fall seriously ill and it can even be fatal too. DO NOT stay or go to Tso Moriri on the second day itself. You need few days of acclimatization in Ladakh before sleeping at such high altitude.
Hi Dheeraj
We are planning for a road trip in Mid May. Is it doable ? We will be flying in to Leh and then start our road trip from there. Need your help!!
Satya, from where are you planning to return? Flying back from Leh?
After 10days..mostly from may 12-23
Hi Dheeraj,
I will be flying to Leh on 3-Sep-16 early morning, is it possible to do the Sham tour the next morning i.e. 4-Sep-16 after taking complete rest and local sightseeing on 3rd? I will then continue with the above itinerary till Day 8. Day 9 will be my travel back home.
Yes, you can do Sham Valley tour on Day 2 in case you feel good sleep in day 1 night and feeling OK in the morning. DO NOT evert yourself.
Hi Dheeraj,
I’m planning on a solo 7 day trip to Ladakh around 29th March (next week) which looks like this:
Day 1 to 4: As per itinerary given in the article above
Day 5: Day trip to Pangong Tso
Day 6: Rest Day at Leh
Day 7: Leh to delhi by flight
Please share your thoughts on whether this sounds ok. Also couple of queries:
1) How will he weather be there during this time?
2) Will I be able to get shared cabs/transport to Nubra and Pangong Tso during this time since its not yet peak tourist season. (Also checking on the DoW calendar for travel partners)
3) Except for the first 2 days at Leh, I havent booked accommodation for the remaining days. Taking the list of places to stay mentioned on DoW. This should be ok right?
4) Im a little apprehensive of spending the night at Hunder / Deskit as Ive heard that AMS can make it very uncomfortable. Is it better to stay there overnight or a day trip can also be done?
Thanks for all the posts- they’re really helpful in planning our trips well.
Hi Priya,
1. Weather will ne quite cold during this time of the year. Please go prepared with heavy woolens
2. Very difficult to get shared cabs as there will be less tourists, so shared cabs will not be common. Need to rely on local shared cabs may be
3. Yes, that shall be fine. Local guest houses / home stays will be open
4. If you follow the tips of AMS article of keeping the hydrated body with enough ORS, and rest accordingly it shall be fine. Hunder and Deskit will be very comfortable for you dont worry.
Hello,
I have planned a trip for 7 nights to leh starting from 20th of may. I am traveling with my wife ,2 friends & my 10 years old daughter . My plan is as follows :-
1st day full rest
2nd day local sight seeing
3rd day nubra valley
4th day back to leh
5th day pangong lake &stay at tangste
6th day return to leh covering on the way sight seeing
7th day local market.
I am confused with staying at tangste is a good decision or I should return to leh same day as I am not willing to stay at pangong lake .plz guide me & if it is a good decision to stay at tangste plz provide me some good option for stay at tangste.
Harmit, I will say it is good decision to stay at Tangste because it will give you time to relax at Pangong Tso and enjoy its beauty at ease and in o rush. Rest looks good to me.
Hi I am traveling to leh From 16and will leave on 22nd March 2016 . What would be best travel plan . Kindly suggest.
16th– Delhi to Leh, Leh local sight seeing
17th- Khardung la (17582 ft) nubra valley Hunder (10,000ft) monestry Diskit camel safari
18th- Nubra Valley to Leh, night stay at Leh
19th – Leh to Pangong lake, night stay at pangong lake
20th – Pangong to tsoMoriri, night stay at tsoMoriri
21st-tsoMoriri to Back to Leh, night stay at Leh
How would be the climate during this period?
LehMarch, how are you planning to comute? You do not have enough days to cover all these places and Pangong tso and Tso Moriri do not have stay options during that time of the year. It will be very very cold at these places during these days. Yuo can follow a plan suggested in the article above and first 4 days have to be like that only.
Hi Dheeraj,
We have a plan starting from June 5th. But we need to take out 1 day from this trip. Can you please suggest which one can we miss?
1. Udhampur > Srinagar
2. Srinagar > Kargil
Visit. Sonamarg view. Vai Zogela pass. Drass 99war memoriel musuem. Tiger hill. Tololing hill.
3. Kargil > Leh
Visit. Mulbek stone carving chamba statue. lamayuru moon land view. lamayuru monastery. magnetic hill. sangam indus zangskar river confluence view. gurdwara pather sahib.Hall of fame.
4. Leh local sightseen visit . shay palace. thiksay monastery. himis monastery. Shanti stupa.
5. Leh > Nubra hunder visit. Khardongla pass. disket monastery. hunder camel safari.
6. Nubra Hunder > pangong lake visit. warila pass. Changla pass.
7. Pangong > hanle visit. Major Shatan singh war memoriel. Tsagala pass. Loma bridge.
8. Hanle > Tsomoriri visit. Nyoma. Mahe bridge.
9. Tsomoriri > jispa Visit. Tsokar lake. pang. moore plans.serchu. lachungla pass. baralacha pass.
10. Jispa > Manali visit. Kelong. rotang pass.
11. Manali > Chandigarh
Tana, Wari La pass route might not be open that early in June. Then you are already running a hectic run all throughout the trip without any much rest at all. all the details about the direct routes of Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri and Nubra to Pangong Tso along with tips and risks which they pose are detailed under the articles:
Tips for Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso Direct Route AND Tips for Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri Direct Route
Please read these articles and based on the details/risks highlighted, take a go-no-go decision.
Thank you so much Dheeraj for your suggestion!! Just wanted to know if we can miss Hanle. We can come back to Leh from Pangong. On next day we can go to Tso moriri from Leh. Please suggest.
Yes, you can do so. Pangong Tso to Leh and then Leh to Tso Moriri
We are a group of 6 including one Child of 4yrs and one elderly person around 65 yrs.
Kindly advice on the itenary .
13th June2016 – flight from Delhi, stay in Leh (11562ft)( our preference… Night stay at Leh
14th June2016 – Leh local sightseeing (Stok palace, , thicksey, shey, Hemis Gompa etc)…Night stay at Leh
15th June 2016- Sham valley tour, Hall of fame, Spituk, Sangam, magnetic hill, Alchi, dah -hanu village (night house stay in Dah Hanu)….
16th June 2016- lamayuru, likir (11,112 ft) and old stone paintings back to leh
17th June 2016 – Khardung la (17582 ft) nubra valley Hunder (10,000ft) monestry Diskit camel safari
18th June 2016- Back to Leh
19th June 2016- Rest day at Leh..local
20th June2016 – Pangong tso (14270 ft) Night stay at Pangong Lake
21st June2016 – Pangong Lake to Rupsu Valley tso moriri (14,836 ft) night stay at Tsomoriri
22nd June2016- Tso moriri to Leh
23rd June 2016- Transfer to airport to onward journey to Delhi
Sujoy, I will say you add one more day towards end or skip the rest day before going to Pangong Tso. From Pangong Tso come back to Leh and then from there go to Tso Moriri. Avoid Pangong tso to tso moriri direct route Rest looks fine
Hi Dheeraj
We are 4 from Mumbai planning trip to Leh Ladakh in May 2016, we have plan to hire zoom car from Delhi
We request you please validate itinerary
Note: Nubra valley, Penang lake and Moriri lake NOT included due to Taxi Union issue
Day Wise Plan
7AM Mumbai – Delhi flight
Day 1 : 10AM Delhi – Pathankot 500km 9hr
Day 2 : Pathankot- Srinagar 360km 10hr
Day 3 : at Shringar visit Dal Lake, Shalimar bag, Mughal Garden, Sinthan Top (relaxing day)
Day 4 : Srinagar- Kargil 202km 5hr
Day 5 : Kargil – Leh 210km 4hr
Day 6 : Leh – Sarchu 251km 7hrs
Day 7 : Sarchu – Manali 222km 7hrs
Day 8 : Manali visit Solang Valley and Beas kund, (relaxing day)
Day 9 : Manali – Chandigarh 300km 8hr
Day 10 : Chandigarh – Delhi 260km 5hr
Day 11 : 2PM Delhi – Mumbai flight
Regards
Hello Pritam,
Are you doing this in self drive rented car that you are afraid of taking that to Pangong Tso? Also, you are running every day with no rest at all and by the time you will reach Sarchu, you will fall ill up there. So, add some days to your plan to relax a bit too in between
Hi Dheeraj,
We are a group of five friends planning to take Leh by air on 20th May 2016 and to cover as per the common itinerary you have shared above. Is it doable in May and anything we should be prepared apart from what you detailed above.
Million thanks for this great site and the efforts you put in to answer the queries.
Best Regards
Sameer
Sameer, I just replied to it here: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/most-common-itinerary-for-leh-ladakh/comment-page-11/#comment-357791
Hi Dheeraj, Please help us what places we should visit to make it awesome trip. we will be reaching leh on 16 October morning by air and then going back on 19 october. Please share a balanced itinerary for 3 days.
Shivansh bhai, first two days you need to do complete rest in Leh so as to avoid any kind of AMS or health sickness. Then you can do a day trip to Khardung La or Sham Valley or local sightseeing finally return back.
First of all hats off to you dheeraj bhai for taking out time from your busy schedule and giving a quick response.
If we assume the required fitness and all is right on reaching leh. Can we have a itinerary as follows:
Day 1- shaam valley
Day2- leh to pangong lake
Day3- return to leh from pangong lake
Please give your suggestions for the same, will this be the best what we can do in 3 days.
Shivansh, no one in the world can adapt to it so fast 🙂 🙂 … Fitness is no criteria, it is human and medical science only, no shortcuts. I have seen fittest of the fit kneel down and die, so please I believe you have a family waiting back home, DO NOT try it out.
Hello Dheerraj,
Firstly, kudos for the wonderful guidance you have been providing here.
I am planning a short honeymoon trip (around 5 days) with the wifey in the first week of October. Would Leh be a suitable destination for the same (especially considering the short duration of stay). We are planning to reach there by flight. Having gone through a couple of your articles, I understand it would be next to impossible to see it all in such a short period; but I would be glad if you could suggest some sort of itinerary which covers at least the basic must-see places and yet isn’t too physically demanding.
Thanks
Ladakh is anot a Honeymoon place brother, better plan something else or some boutique hotel around in lower hills to enjoy the luxury and enjoy.
Hi Dheeraj
I’d first like to thank you for helping travellers with such complete informatioion.
I’d be visiting Leh from 7th-15th Oct and wanted to ask you that are buses operational from Leh- Nubra and Leh-Pangong Tso during 2nd week of October?
Rishabh, most buses are discontinued as last heard from travelers.
Hi Dheeraj,
First of all let me thank you, you are doing great job by helping travelers.
Me and My wife are planning trip from Bangalore-Leh-Srinagar-Bangalore in September-2015. We have gone through your suggestions and planned below itinerary
15th – Bnagalore to Delhi
16th Morning – Delhi to Leh, rest in hotel
17th-Leh local sight seeing, night stay at Leh
18th-Leh to Nubra Valley, night stay at Nubra valley
19th- Nubra Valley to Leh, night stay at Leh
20th – Leh to Pangong lake, night stay at pangong lake
21st – Pangong to tsoMoriri, night stay at tsoMoriri
22nd-tsoMoriri to Back to Leh, night stay at Leh
23rd – Leh to Kargil, night stay at Kargil
24th – Kargil to Srinagar, night stay at srinagar
25th – Srinagar -pahalgam – Srinagar, night stay at srinagar
26th – Srinagar – gulmarg-srinagar, night stay at srinagar
27th – srinagar sight seeing, , night stay at srinagar
28th – srinagar to Bangalore.
please let us know, if we need to change something in this itinerary.
Till now I have booked flight from Bangalore to Leh and hotel for 16th and 17th in Leh. I am still working on booking hotel for other days. I have few doubts
1.One of the thing I find very costly is Taxi for going around the Leh and for Leh to srinagar. I have check DOW calendar but still didn’t find any travel partner for these dates. Can you please give your suggestions on this.
2. Do we need to skip tsoMoriri, to avoid continuous long travelling at height?
Once again thank you very much. We were new to Leh and because of DOW site only we were able get clear picture in short time.
Hello Bhavin,
1. You can check out flyers in local Leh market where people does put up queries for sharing travel rides. Some local travel agents also offer tours on shared basis per seat. However, you will not find a tour shared for a direct route of Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri which you have to skip and do it like conventional two day trip to Pangong Tso or skip Tso Moriri
2. Since you do not have much time on hand you should skip Tso Moriri and do two day trip to Pangong Tso.
Day trip to Pahalgam is not possible and even if you do no use of it being just on road for entire day.
Hi,
Can you help me form a rough itinerary where we are travelling to Leh by flight on the 11th of September and then coming back from Srinagar on the 19th of September.
Thank you so much for your help!
Anushka, you can follow the first 6-7 days same as mentioned int he article above and then reach Srinagar in two days as below:
Day 1 | Leh – Lamayuru – Kargil
— Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes
— On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu
— Overnight at Kargil
Day 2 | Kargil – Drass – Zozi La – Sonamarg – Srinagar
— Enjoy the vistas enroute
— Have late drunch meal at Sonamarg
— Overnight at Srinagar
Looking for your suggestion.. thank you..
Hai.. i’m Lyn from Malaysia.. i n few friends planning to go to delhi, agra, jaipur, kashmir n ladakh next year.. around july and august.. can you suggest the best route for us?? Which point we should start?? We plan to cover all the place in 16 days.. the train should we book from here?? Tq..
Hello Lyn,
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
You can base yourself from Delhi and make a 3 day trip as Delhi – Agra – Jaipur – Delhi with night halts at Jaipur and Agra. Then in the remaining 13 days, you can book a flight to Srinagar from Delhi and then carry on from there as mentioned in the plan above in the link.
Will it be too risky to attempt to try travelling to nubra valley by bike? We dont have too many days..
If you arrive by aroubd 10am in the morning on day 1,Will it be too risky to try travelling to nubra valley on next day itself by bike? We dont have too many days
Nirmal, do you mean, On Day 1 you will land in Leh and then bike ride to Nubra Valley?? If yes, you might get killed with AMS. When flying into Leh, first two days MUST BE as per what is defined in the tour plan above.
Thanks a lot dheeraj!! Will adhere to your schedule religiously then.
Is a day trip to sham valley safe on day 2? You mention it in your local sightseeing page, hence the doubt..
Nirmal, in case you are feeling well on Day 1 and could sleep well then you can give it a shot. Just do not exert too much.
Replied here: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/leh-ladakh-most-common-itinerary-by-air/comment-page-3/#comment-342624
Trip Dates: 16 Aug – 23 Aug (7 days & 7 complete nights)
Day 1| Leh – Lamayuru – Kargil
1. Arrive at Leh airport by 7:00 am
2. Hire a car and head to Kargil. (Visit Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, Magnetic Hill, and Confluence of Indus and Zanskar)
Night stay: Kargil
Duration: 9 to 10 hours drive
Distance: 278 kms
Day 2| Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
1. Head to Leh
2. Visit Drass War Memorial, Mulbekh Monastery, Lamayuru Monastery (Yuru Gompa), Lunar landscapes
Night stay: Leh
Duration: 9 to 10 hours drive
Distance: 278 kms
Assuming by now we will be acclimatized (one night at Kargil and one night at Leh).
Day 3| Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
1. Head to Nubra Valley via Khardung La
2. Visit monasteries in Diksit and also the tallest lord Buddha statue
3. Sunset at Hunder sand dunes and take bacterian camel safari.
Duration: 5 to 6 hours drive
Distance: 123 kms
Night stay: Hunder/Diksit
Day 4| Hunder – Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
1. Monastery at Sumur
2. Hot water springs at Panamik
Duration: 7 to 9 hours
Distance: 202 km
Night stay: Leh
Day 5| Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake
1. Cover Hemis and go towards Pangong Tso (looks like we will have time only to cover one of those)
2. Overnight at Pangong Tso (Spangmick or Lukung)
Duration: 6 hours drive
Distance: 177 kms
Night Stay: Pangong Tso
Day 6| Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
1. Cover Thicksey Monastery
2. Shey palace
Duration: 6 hours drive
Distance:177
Night Stay: Leh
Day 7: Leh Local touring
Day 8: Depart by 6:00 am to Leh airpot
Questions:
1. Does this itinerary sound realistic and good to you?
2. Will we have any acclimatization problems, because we are not spending two nights in Leh before heading to Nubra?
3. Being Indian citizens, do we need to get any Inner line permits done for Nubra or Pangong? If yes, then will we be able to get them with above schedule?
4. Will there be any potential curfew / threats traveling to Kargil on August 16th (day after Independence day)?
5. Can we take a route directly to Tso Moriri from Pangong on Day 6th? I have read that the road is not great and is very risky. Also, I’m not sure if we will be able to get car rentals for such route easily. Please suggest.
6. Any recommended hotels which have a good view, heaters and attached bathrooms at all the above places?
7. On day 1 we are traveling up to Kargil, instead of Lamayaru in the hope that we will get to see a very different landscape which will be way too different from the rest of the trip. (Meaning there will be green cover, whereas rest of the trip will have brown mountains). Please help to describe, and your thoughts on we going up to Kargil.
1. Looks OK as far as plan is concerned
2. It should be fine as you will be sleeping at lower altitude at Kargil, but you cannot negate the symptoms of AMS. I would go with one day sleep at Alchi and then move to Kargil next day in case I want to visit Kargil
3. No, you do not need any permits
4. No one can assure that, please be upodated with news
5. I will not suggest that and will suggest to keep it simple and relaxed
6. You can check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate (cheap budget hotels as well) in the series of articles starting on the link here
7. No really, it will be of similar nature what you will see in Ladakh.