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 day tour explores the western part of the Indus Valley, also known as “Sham,” which shares the same elevation as Leh, making it ideal for acclimatization early in your trip.

Start with a 30-minute drive from Leh along the iconic Leh-Srinagar road to reach Magnetic Hill. Here, you can witness a fascinating phenomenon where your car, with the engine off and in neutral gear, appears to move uphill. Is it a magnetic force or an optical illusion? You’ll have to see it to decide!

Next, visit Sangam, the natural confluence where the Zanskar River merges with the Indus River. From there, continue to Alchi and stop by the Basgo Gompa and the nearby ruined mud-brick fortress, which served as the residence of the king of lower Ladakh until 1470.

In Alchi village, enjoy lunch at one of the garden restaurants. Afterward, explore the Alchi Monastery, one of Ladakh's top attractions. Established in the 11th century, it boasts exquisite murals.

Proceed to the Likir Monastery, perched above the village and barley fields. This significant Gelugpa gompa is distinguished by its 22-meter-high statue of the Future Buddha next to the whitewashed buildings.

On your way back to Leh, stop at Gurdwara Pathar Sahib, a Sikh place of worship, and visit Spituk Monastery.

Over the next 4 days, embark on an adventurous jeep safari tour through Ladakh. After breakfast, drive north towards Khardung La Pass, the highest drivable pass in the world at 5,602 meters above sea level, which connects Leh to Nubra Valley. From the pass, enjoy spectacular views of the majestic Karakoram mountain range.

Descend into Nubra Valley, also known as "the valley of flowers" in Ladakhi, situated at an average altitude of 3,100 meters and traversed by the Nubra and Shayok rivers. Visit the Diskit Monastery, the largest gompa in the Nubra Valley, perched on a rocky hill. Don’t miss the impressive 32-meter-high statue of Maitreya Buddha, inaugurated by the Dalai Lama in 2010.

Continue your journey with a short 10-minute drive to Hunder Village, which has a population of just over 1,000. In this quaint village, you will find a range of accommodations including hotels, guesthouses, and homestays for the night.

Start your day with a camel ride across the spectacular Hunder Sand Dunes. The double-humped Bactrian camels here are a reminder of the Nubra Valley's historical role along the ancient Silk Road, which connected Central Asia to India.

Next, visit the Samstanling Monastery in the charming village of Sumur. From there, follow the scenic road along the Shayok River to reach Pangong Lake. Situated at an elevation of 4,250 meters, Pangong Lake is a breathtaking 140-km-long brackish lake that extends across the Sino-Indian border. Its pristine blue waters contrast beautifully with the surrounding arid brown mountains. Pangong Lake gained fame in 2009 when it was featured in the Bollywood movie “3 Idiots”.

Today involves a long drive from Pangong Lake to Tso Moriri Lake. Begin by traveling through Chushul Village and continue on the rugged road to Tsaga La Pass, which is just 4 km from the Line of Actual Control (LAC). As you drive south along the India-China border, you'll be treated to stunning landscapes in this remote region of Changthang.

Tso Moriri Lake, one of Ladakh’s most impressive natural wonders, stretches 26 km and is flanked by peaks exceeding 6,000 meters. It is the largest high-altitude lake that lies entirely within India’s borders. Korzok, the only village situated on the shores of Tso Moriri, sits at an altitude of 4,350 meters, making it one of the highest villages in Ladakh. In Korzok, you can encounter the Changpa nomads, who rear pashmina goats, sheep, and yaks.

This morning, start by visiting the Puga Hot Springs before driving to Tso Kar Lake, located 80 km from Tso Moriri. Tso Kar, which means "white lake" in Ladakhi, gets its name from the thick salt crust surrounding the lake. It serves as a crucial breeding ground for migratory birds and wildlife, where you might spot the iconic black-necked crane.

After exploring Tso Kar, head towards Leh, crossing Taglang La, the highest mountain pass on the Leh-Manali highway at an altitude of 5,328 meters. Upon descending into the Indus Valley, drive to Hemis Village to visit the Hemis Monastery, the spiritual center of the Drukpa Order and Ladakh’s largest and wealthiest gompa. The monastery features numerous temples, including one with an imposing 8-meter-high statue of Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism.

Next, visit Thiksey Monastery, renowned for its architectural resemblance to the Potala Palace in Tibet. The monastery boasts 10 temples, with the main attraction being the 14-meter-high statue of Maitreya Buddha, erected to commemorate a visit from the 14th Dalai Lama.

Finally, follow the Indus River east for 20 km to reach the city of Leh.

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.