This morning, board a one-and-a-half-hour flight from Delhi to Leh and enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the Himalayan snow-clad peaks. Upon arrival at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, transfer to your hotel in Leh for check-in and some much-needed rest. Since Leh is situated at 3,500 meters above sea level, take it easy to acclimatize to the altitude and reduced oxygen levels. For lunch, explore the various restaurants in Main Bazar and along Changspa Road.

In the afternoon, visit Leh Palace, a 17th-century structure built by King Sengge Namgyal. The palace offers panoramic views of the old town of Leh, where you can take a pleasant walk through its narrow streets. Next, hike to Namgyal Tsemo Gompa, perched a hundred meters above the palace on a rocky peak. This mud-brick monastery, adorned with colorful prayer flags, houses an impressive 8-meter-high statue of Maitreya Buddha.

In the evening, head to the Shanti Stupa, a large white stupa situated high above the town. Designed and built by Japanese monks, the stupa symbolizes world peace and harmony. Enjoy the stunning panoramic views of Leh, especially captivating at sunset. Finally, stroll through the vibrant Main Bazar, where traditional Ladakhi women sell locally grown vegetables. Don’t miss the beautifully decorated Jama Masjid mosque and the Buddhist Gompa Soma temple, known for its exquisite prayer hall.

Overnight stay in Leh.

This morning, embark on a 2-day tour of the western part of the Indus Valley, also known as “Sham.” Start by visiting Phyang Monastery, located just 20 km from Leh, which houses a community of about 90 monks. A short drive further along the Leh-Srinagar road brings you to the intriguing Magnetic Hill, where you can witness a vehicle with its engine turned off and in neutral gear seemingly moving uphill against gravity—an effect that could be due to a strong magnetic force or an optical illusion. Decide for yourself!

Next, head to the stunning vantage point at Sangam, where the Indus and Zanskar rivers meet. This popular photo spot offers breathtaking views. Continue to Basgo Gompa, perched above a picturesque village. The gompa features a two-story statue of the Future Buddha.

For lunch, stop at the charming village of Alchi along the Indus River, where you’ll find several restaurants near the monastery. Afterward, explore the Alchi Monastery, founded in the 11th century, which boasts some of the best-preserved murals and sculptures in Ladakh.

From Alchi, proceed to Ulley Tokpo and then continue west to Lamayuru, located 116 km from Leh along the route to Srinagar. Lamayuru is a postcard-perfect village with its medieval gompa towering over whitewashed Ladakhi houses. The village, situated at the bottom of a dried lake, is renowned for its unique “moonland” landscape.

If you wake up early, you can join the monks in the assembly hall of Lamayuru Monastery (also known as Yungdrung Gompa) for the morning chanting and prayers. This monastery is renowned for its rich collection of thangkas and wall paintings. It is said that the Indian scholar Naropa meditated in a small cave near the Dukhang for several years.

Afterward, head back east, making a stop at the secluded Rizong Monastery, home to about 40 monks of the Gelugpa order who follow a strict Buddhist discipline. A few kilometers further, on the right bank of the Indus River, you'll find the Likir Monastery, which overlooks the village surrounded by barley fields. It is known for its impressive 22-meter-tall statue of the Future Buddha located next to the main building.

Next, visit Gurdwara Pathar Sahib, a small shrine dedicated to Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. As you approach Leh, stop by Spituk Monastery, which features a temple entirely dedicated to Tara (Dolma in Tibetan Buddhism), the protector of Tibet.

If time permits, ask your driver to stop at the Hall of Fame Museum, located near Leh Airport. This museum honors the Indian Army and its contributions to the region of Ladakh.

After breakfast, embark on a scenic road trip north along the world’s highest motorable road, crossing the Khardung La Pass at 5,602 meters. From the summit, enjoy breathtaking views of the K2 mountain range and the Karakoram Range.

Arrive in the Nubra Valley, also known as the “Valley of Flowers,” located at an altitude of 3,100 meters between the Karakoram and Ladakh mountain ranges. Diskit, the largest hamlet in the valley, is home to the Diskit Monastery, which sits atop a rocky hill. Established in the 15th century by Changzem Tserab Zangpo, the monastery offers stunning views and historical significance.

Nearby, on a hilltop, stands the impressive 32-meter-tall Chamba Statue, inaugurated by the Dalai Lama in July 2010.

A 10-minute drive from Diskit will take you to Hunder, a charming village on the banks of the Shayok River. Enjoy an overnight stay in this serene location.

Embark on a day trip to Turtuk, India's northernmost village, situated just 12 km from the Line of Control with Pakistan. From Hunder, enjoy a scenic 80-km drive along the Shayok River to reach Turtuk. This village, home to approximately 3,500 Balti people of Tibetan origin, offers a glimpse into a unique culture. The Balti people, who practice Islam, live in traditional stone houses nestled among narrow lanes.

At an altitude of 2,800 meters, Turtuk is warmer than the rest of Ladakh and is known for its apricot orchards. Previously under Pakistani control until 1971, Turtuk was incorporated into India during the Indo-Pakistani War and was opened to tourists in 2010. On clear days, you may even spot the summit of K2, the world's second-highest mountain, in the distance.

In the afternoon, drive to Sumur, a tranquil village overlooking the Nubra River, where you can visit the Samstanling Monastery.

From Sumur, drive 15 km north along the Nubra River to reach the starting point of the hike to Yarab Tso Lake. Take a short 15-minute walk on a small trail to discover this hidden gem, renowned for its deep blue waters. Yarab Tso Lake is considered a sacred site by the Ladakhi people.

Next, proceed to Panamik, a quaint village adorned with whitewashed chortens. Here, visit the Panamik Hot Springs, where hot sulfurous water flows from the mountains. A soak in these springs is perfect for relaxation and is believed to have medicinal properties.

Afterward, make your way back to Leh, crossing the Khardung La Pass once again.

After breakfast, drive east to Chemrey village to visit the Chemrey Monastery, which was founded in the mid-17th century by Lama Stagtsang Raspa. Next, cross the Chang La Pass, one of the world's highest motorable roads at an elevation of 5,360 meters. Stop for a tea break in Tangtse village.

From Tangtse, continue your journey for another 35 km to reach the stunning Pangong Lake. This brackish lake, stretching 140 km in length, extends 70% into Tibet and sits at an altitude of 4,250 meters. The lake, known for its breathtaking beauty, has been featured in several Bollywood films, including the popular 2009 movie "3 Idiots".

After a serene morning walk along the bank of Pangong Lake, taking in the dazzling blue waters and the dramatic backdrop of barren mountains, you'll head back to Leh. 

On your return journey, make a stop at Hemis Monastery, located 43 km from Leh on the left bank of the Indus River. Hemis is the largest and wealthiest monastery in Ladakh and a key site of the Drukpa order. It’s renowned for its annual festival, which features vibrant mask dances and ceremonies performed by monks in the main courtyard.

Continue following the Indus River towards Leh and visit Thiksey Monastery. The architecture of this impressive gompa, which resembles the Potala Palace in Tibet, houses around 80 monks of the Gelugpa order. Notable for its 14-meter-high statue of Maitreya Buddha adorned with a magnificent jewelled headdress, Thiksey offers a fascinating glimpse into Tibetan Buddhist culture.

Before reaching Leh, stop at Shey Palace. This former summer residence of the Ladakhi royal family is set atop a hill and includes a temple featuring a 12-meter-high copper statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, gilded with approximately 5 kilograms of gold.

This morning, depart for Leh Airport with wonderful memories of your trip. Board your flight back to Delhi, enjoying what is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular flights in India.