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.

In Lamayuru, consider staying in a local homestay to experience Ladakhi culture and cuisine firsthand. 

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.

This morning, explore the Hunder sand dunes and experience a camel safari amidst this unique landscape. The double-humped Bactrian camels here are a reminder of the Nubra Valley's historical role along the old Silk Road connecting Xinjiang to India.

Next, drive to the picturesque village of Sumur, which overlooks the Nubra River. Visit the Samstanling Monastery and the school for novice monks while you’re there.

Afterward, begin your journey back to Leh.

On this day tour, you will explore monasteries and palaces situated southeast of Leh along the Indus River. After breakfast, start with a visit to Stok Village and tour Stok Palace, the current residence of the Ladakhi royal family. Don’t miss the museum, which houses a valuable collection of Ladakhi dresses, jewelry, and crowns from the region's kings and queens.

From Stok, follow the Indus River for 20 km to reach Stakna Monastery. Perched atop a rocky peak, this small gompa was established in the 17th century by the Bhutanese saint Chosje Modzin.

Next, head to Hemis Monastery, the largest and wealthiest gompa in Ladakh. Founded in the 17th century by King Sengge Namgyal, Hemis belongs to the Drukpa lineage and features a notable 8-meter-tall statue of Guru Rinpoche, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery’s annual festival, “Hemis Tsechu,” is one of Ladakh’s major events.

After lunch, visit Thiksey Monastery, renowned for its spectacular architecture reminiscent of the Potala Palace in Tibet. As the largest Gelugpa monastery with over 80 resident monks, it is home to a magnificent statue of Maitreya Buddha, dedicated by the Dalai Lama in 1980.

On your way back to Leh, stop at Shey Palace, built by King Deldan Namgyal in 1655. The palace complex includes a monastery housing 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.