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.

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”.

Start your day with a peaceful stroll along the banks of Pangong Lake, where you can witness the breathtaking sunrise over the crystal-clear waters set against the backdrop of the Karakoram Mountains. After taking in the serene beauty, drive towards the Indus Valley via Chang La Pass, which stands at an altitude of 5,360 meters.

Upon crossing the pass, make your way to Chemrey Village, located 35 km away. Here, visit the Chemrey Monastery, built in the 17th century in honor of King Sengge Namgyal. The monastery is renowned for its beautiful wall paintings and a collection of holy scriptures adorned with silver and gold.

On the opposite side of the Indus River lies the Hemis Monastery, the largest and most grandiose monastery in Ladakh. As a major gompa of the Drukpa Order, it hosts the annual Hemis Tsechu festival each summer, featuring vibrant ceremonies and sacred mask dances.

Continue your journey along the Indus River to Thiksey Monastery. Its architecture, reminiscent of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, houses around 80 Buddhist monks of the Gelugpa Order. The monastery boasts several temples and prayer halls, including a highly revered 14-meter-tall statue of Maitreya Buddha with an ornate jeweled headdress.

Before reaching Leh, stop at Shey Palace, the former summer residence of the Ladakhi kings. Perched atop a hill overlooking the Indus River, the palace complex features a massive seated statue of Shakyamuni Buddha made of copper and gold, embellished with precious stones.

The 473-km journey from Leh to Manali is one of the most thrilling road trips in the Himalayas. You will traverse the Taglang La Pass, which at 5,328 meters is the highest mountain pass on the Leh-Manali highway. Situated 108 km from Leh, reaching Taglang La typically takes around 3 hours.

From Taglang La, continue to Pang, located on the high-altitude Changthang Plateau. After Pang, drive another 76 km to reach Sarchu. Sarchu, a small village nestled halfway between Leh and Manali (251 km from Leh and 222 km from Manali), sits at an altitude of 4,300 meters. It serves as an ideal stopover for the night, with tented accommodations available to rest and acclimatize.

Drive 83 km on the Leh-Manali highway to reach Jispa in Himachal Pradesh, situated at an altitude of 3,200 meters. Here, the landscape begins to turn greener. Continue your journey by crossing the Rohtang La Pass before arriving in Manali. Located in the foothills of the Himalayas at an altitude of 2,050 meters, Manali is 550 km from Delhi. There are numerous buses that connect Delhi and Manali daily, with the journey taking approximately 14 hours.