Ladakh Monastery & High Passes Luxury Tour
Overview
Explore the remote, otherworldly landscapes of Ladakh — India's 'Little Tibet' — on this ten-day luxury journey. Cross the world's highest motorable pass at Khardung La (5,359m), camp at the turquoise Pangong Lake, trek through the Nubra Valley's sand dunes, and visit ancient Buddhist monasteries perched on dramatic cliff faces.
Route
Delhi → Leh (flight) → Nubra Valley → Pangong Lake → Leh → Delhi
Highlights
- Khardung La — one of the world's highest motorable passes at 5,359m
- Pangong Tso — the stunning high-altitude turquoise lake
- Nubra Valley with Bactrian (double-humped) camels at Hunder dunes
- Thiksey, Hemis, and Diskit monasteries
- Stay at The Grand Dragon Ladakh and luxury camps
- Shanti Stupa sunset with panoramic Leh valley views
Quick Facts
- Duration
- 10 Days / 9 Nights
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Group Size
- 2-10 guests
- Max Altitude
- 5,359m
- Best Months
- June-September
- Starting From
- $3,750 pp
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Fly to Leh
Early morning flight from Delhi to Leh with stunning Himalayan views on approach. Private transfer to hotel. Rest and acclimatize at 3,500m. Gentle afternoon walk through Leh's old town bazaar.
Acclimatization in Leh
Morning visit to Shanti Stupa for panoramic views. Explore Leh Palace (17th century). Afternoon visit to Sankar Gompa. Rest and hydrate.
Thiksey & Hemis Monasteries
Drive to Thiksey Monastery — Ladakh's most photogenic, resembling the Potala Palace. Continue to Hemis Monastery, the largest and wealthiest in Ladakh. Afternoon visit to Shey Palace.
Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung La
Drive over Khardung La (5,359m), one of the highest motorable passes. Descend into the Nubra Valley. Visit Diskit Monastery with its giant Maitreya Buddha. Evening camel ride on the Hunder sand dunes.
Nubra Valley Exploration
Visit Sumur village and Samstanling Monastery. Walk through apricot orchards. Afternoon at leisure at the camp with mountain views.
Nubra to Pangong Lake
Drive south through the dramatic Shyok valley to Pangong Tso (4,350m). The lake changes color from azure to turquoise to deep blue. Sunset at the lakeshore.
Pangong Lake Morning & Return
Sunrise over Pangong Lake — the colors shift dramatically. Drive back to Leh via Chang La pass (5,360m). Arrive evening.
Alchi & Likir Monasteries
Day trip to Alchi Monastery (11th century, UNESCO-listed murals) and Likir Monastery. Drive through dramatic Indus valley gorges.
Leh Free Day
Morning at leisure. Optional shopping for Pashmina, turquoise jewelry, or Tibetan artifacts. Afternoon spa. Farewell dinner.
Fly to Delhi & Departure
Early morning flight to Delhi. Connect to international flight or transfer to hotel.
What's Included
- Domestic flights Delhi–Leh–Delhi
- 6 nights The Grand Dragon Ladakh
- 2 nights Nubra Ecolodge
- 1 night Pangong Luxury Camp
- Inner Line Permits for Nubra and Pangong
- Private vehicle (Toyota Innova) and driver
- Licensed English-speaking guide
- All meals as indicated
- All monastery entrance fees
- Oxygen cylinder in vehicle
Not Included
- International flights
- Indian visa
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Alcoholic beverages
- Camera fees at monasteries
Find Your Flights
Major international hub with global connections. Gateway for North India, Rajasthan, and connecting flights to Kathmandu and Paro.
Typical airlines: Air India, Emirates, Qatar Airways, British Airways, Lufthansa, United Airlines
International flights are not included in CuratedAscents packages.
Customize This Journey
This itinerary is a starting point. Our AI Expedition Architect will tailor every detail — dates, accommodations, activities — to create your perfect trip.