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.

Today marks the beginning of an exhilarating 5-day jeep tour through the most remote regions of Ladakh. Your journey starts with a drive up 2,000 meters to the Khardung La pass, the world’s highest motorable road, which connects the Indus and Nubra valleys. From Khardung La, take in the breathtaking views of the Karakoram mountain range before descending into the Nubra Valley, also known as the “valley of flowers.” Nestled at an average altitude of 3,100 meters along the Shayok and Nubra rivers, this valley is home to the Diskit monastery, a 15th-century gompa perched on a rocky peak overlooking the village. Nearby, you'll find a towering 32-meter-high statue of Maitreya Buddha, a notable landmark in the region.

A short distance from Diskit, enjoy a ride on a Bactrian camel across the undulating Hunder Sand dunes. These camels are a nod to Hunder’s historical role as a stop for caravans traveling along the ancient Silk Road between Central Asia and India. Continue your adventure to Turtuk, India’s northernmost village, just a few kilometers from the Pakistan border. In this picturesque Muslim village, stay in a traditional stone house homestay and immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of the Balti people, an ethnic group with Tibetan roots.

After breakfast, take a leisurely walk through the village and its surrounding fields. Situated at an altitude of 2,800 meters, Turtuk enjoys a milder climate compared to other areas of Ladakh, and is known for its apricot orchards. On clear days, you might even catch a glimpse of K2, the world’s second-highest mountain at 8,611 meters.

Next, journey to Yarab Tso Lake, a charming, hidden lake nestled amid mountains. A 15-minute hike from the road will bring you to this sacred spot, where swimming is prohibited out of respect for local traditions. For a relaxing dip, head to the Panamik Hot Springs, renowned for its therapeutic hot sulphurous waters that flow from the mountains.

In the afternoon, drive to Sumur and explore the Samstanling Monastery. Sumur, a delightful village on the banks of the Nubra River, offers a range of accommodation options for a comfortable stay.

From Sumur, follow the Shayok River eastward toward the Changthang region. The route, though remote, offers breathtaking views of rugged mountain scenery. Among the highlights of this area is the stunning Pangong Lake, situated at an altitude of 4,250 meters. This expansive, brackish lake stretches for 140 kilometers, with a significant portion lying in Tibet. In winter, Pangong Lake freezes completely, creating a truly memorable experience for visitors. The lake gained fame in 2009 when it was featured in the Bollywood blockbuster "3 Idiots," starring Aamir Khan and Kareena Kapoor.

The journey from Pangong Lake to Tso Moriri Lake is one of the most exhilarating road trips in Ladakh, requiring an early start due to its length. After departing from Chushul village, you'll traverse a remote dirt road that runs south along the Sino-Indian border, crossing the Tsaga La pass. From there, it’s another 130 kilometers to reach Tso Moriri Lake. 

Situated at an altitude of 4,530 meters, this stunning lake is encircled by towering snow-capped peaks that rise above 6,000 meters. On the northern shore of the lake, Korzok village offers a variety of homestays and guesthouses. Here, you can interact with the Changpa nomads and gain insight into their traditional lifestyle. Additionally, a visit to the Korzok Monastery provides a glimpse into the local spiritual heritage.

Approximately 80 kilometers from Tso Moriri, you'll find the picturesque Puga Hot Springs and Tso Kar Lake. The name "Tso Kar," meaning "white lake" in Ladakhi, reflects its distinctive appearance, characterized by a thick layer of salt along its shores. This area is renowned among wildlife enthusiasts and bird watchers, with the rare black-necked crane sometimes spotted here.

From there, drive towards Leh, crossing the Taglang La Pass at 5,328 meters, the highest pass on the Leh-Manali road. Upon reaching the Indus Valley, visit Hemis Monastery, the largest and wealthiest monastery in Ladakh. Originally established before the 11th century, it was re-founded by King Sengge Namgyal in the 17th century and belongs to the Drukpa lineage. One of its temples houses an impressive 8-meter-tall statue of Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism.

Just 20 kilometers before reaching Leh, make a stop at Thiksey Monastery. Its striking architecture, reminiscent of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, is a highlight. This large Gelugpa gompa, home to over 80 monks, features a captivating 14-meter-high statue of Maitreya Buddha adorned with a beautifully jeweled headdress.

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.