Himalayan Voyage – an ultimate trip to Ladakh

Srinagar – Mulbekh – Leh – Nubra Valley – Pangong Lake – Tso Moriri – Sarchu – Manali

It’s a dream-come-true road trip for every adventure lover. Driving through green pines and then rocky mountains, over the snow covered mountain passes and witnessing vast landscapes that change with every turn, you’ll reach the destinations that come straight out of the world of fantasies. This trip provides you unique culturally immersive experiences, hence enhancing your trip with genuine cultural exchange and real exploration.

Highlights

1.  Experience unique culture and legendary Balti hospitality at Turtuk
2.  Become acquainted with Ladakhi history, culture and cuisine by experiencing it alongside the locals as they go about their day at Sumur
3.  Staying with a local family on the banks of 134 km long Pangong Tso (15080 ft) that flows through India to China and listening to local stories from the host while sipping GurGur tea at Spangmik.
4.  Get a good insight on unique tribal culture from the host family at Karzok
5.  Have soulful conversations with lamas at Lamayuru
6.  Visit Hanle observatory, one of the world’s highest sites for astronomical observation.
7.  Sight rare wildlife, including migratory birds, Marmots, Wild Ass and the Tibetan Wolves at Tso Moriri lake (14836 ft).
8.  Experience the unique landscape with breath taking Karakoram mountain ranges, then Shyok river and then Desert – all in one frame at Hundar Sand Dunes.

Responsible travel practices have driven the majority of our decision making while planning this trip. Travel with expert local drivers who know these terrains really well. Stay in family run homestays and experience the best of Ladakhi hospitality, be a part of the local culture and treat your taste buds to traditional Ladakhi delicacies. So when you book this trip you’re supporting sustainability and directly contributing to uplifting the local community and boost the local economy.

Itinerary

Day 1: Srinagar – Sonamarg – Kargil – Mulbek (238 km)
Start the trip, enjoying the beautiful countryside through Sonmarg and Zoji-la Pass. Halt at Drass, the second coldest inhabited place in the world, pay homage to the soldiers at the War Memorial and reach Mulbek, the said birthplace of the next Budha incarnation. Night stay at Mulbek.

Day 2: Mulbek – Lamayuru – Magnetic Hills – Leh (180 km)
Start the beautiful drive from Mulbek to Lamayuru, the oldest surviving monastic complex famous for its wall frescoes and architecture. Drive through Sangam – the confluence of Indus & Zanskar River, Magnetic Hills, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib and Hall of Fame and reach Leh. Night stay at Leh.

Day 3: Explore Leh
Spend the morning at leisure. Later explore this lovely town, the major attractions are Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Shankar Gompa and the Local market. Leh Palace has the museum that houses artifacts dating back to over 450 years ago and is situated height on a hill, giving you an amazing view of the town below. 15 minute drive gets you to the base of a hill, from where a climb up some stairs gets you to Shanti Stupa. Spend evening strolling around the market; there are some cool cafes to spend time at and tons of things to take back home. Night stay at Leh.

Day 4: Leh – Khardungla – Turtuk (204 km)
Drive to the Khardungla Pass (18,380 ft), the highest motorable place in the world. Continue to Turtuk, the northernmost village of India that was a part of Pakistan until 1970. The Indian Army took control of the region during the Indo-Pak war of 1971. The lush green village lies along the shores of Shyok River and is flanked by Nubra on one side and Baltistan on the other. Experience its unique culture, location and legendary Balti hospitality. Dont miss to visit the museum and the residence of former Balti king. Night stay at Turtuk.

Day 5: Turtuk – Hundar – Diskit – Sumur (121 km)
Start this beautiful awe-inspiring journey from Turtuk where mountains change their hues at every turn. Visit Hunder dunes on the way. Come back to Sumur, known for its untouched sand dunes and Samstem Ling Gompa which stands above the village at the foot of barren mountains and was founded by Lama Tsultrim Nima in the 1840s. Explore the village. Become acquainted with the history, culture and cuisine of the place by experiencing it alongside the locals as they go about their day. Night stay at Sumur. 

Day 6: Sumur – Pangong Lake (231 km)
Early morning start your drive to one of the world’s most photographed lakes, Pangong Tso (15080 ft). This 134 km long lake flows through India to China and is said to reflect almost every shade of blue and green in different times. Pangong lake is a birder’s paradise too. Bar-headed goose and Brahmini ducks can be spotted in the lake when the weather conditions are favorable. Meet fellow travelers or listen to local stores from the host while sipping gur gur tea in Ladakhi style kitchen cum dining room. Night stay at Spangmik/Merak. 

Day 7: Pangong –  Hanle (162 km)
Continue your journey to the historic village of Hanle. It is located in the Changthang region and is one of the most beautiful, enchanting, calm, and soul-losing places in Ladakh. It  has a hill-top Hanle Monastery from where you get great aerial views of the whole village. It is also the home of Hanle observatory, one of the world’s highest sites for astronomical observation. Night stay at Hanle.

Day 8: Hanle – Tso Moriri (150 km) 
Picturesquely located in secluded, breathtakingly beautiful Rupshu Valley, Tso Moriri is a high altitude lake (14836 ft) which attracts a range of wildlife, including migratory birds, Marmots, Wild Ass and rarely the Tibetan Wolves. Stay at stunningly beautiful Himalayan village Korzok. Your host family here can give you a good insight about unique tribal culture and some hidden gems around. Night stay at Korzok.

Day 9: Tso Moriri – Sarchu (219 km)
This beautiful journey will take you through Nakeela (15547 ft.) and Lachalung-la Pass (16,500 ft.). On the way enjoy the beauty of Tso-kar. Reach Sarchu by evening. Night stay in swiss tents in Sarchu.

Day 10: Sarchu – Manali (177 km)
Early morning start for Manali, crossing the Baralacha Pass (16020 ft), visiting Suraj Tal and driving across Rohtang Pass (13056 ft) reach Manali by the evening. Night stay at Manali

Note: The itinerary can be customized to suit your interests, preferences and numbers of days. 

Trip Cost

Per Person: Starting 43,700/- (Min. 4 people)

INCLUDES
• 10 Nights Accommodation on twin sharing basis
• Breakfast & Dinner
• Private Car (Innova or Similar) with a trained local driver
• All Permits and Permissions
• Oxygen Cylinder
• Inner-line Permit
• Applicable Taxes

EXCLUDES
• Any extra meal, soft drink or beverage ordered.
• Expenses incurred due to anything beyond our control like political insurgencies, natural calamities and landslides etc.
• Monuments Entrances Fee
• Anything not mentioned in inclusions

GENERAL RULES
1. Due care is taken for the safety of the client but HOI will not be responsible for any mishap/ accident/ injury/ illness etc.
2. If the client does not attend/complete the trip or to consume benefits included in the price, he/she will have no right to claim a refund.
3. Trip will be confirmed on an advance of 50% payment. The balance to be paid before the trip starts.

When you book this trip you’re directly contributing to support the local communities.