Day 1: Arrive Leh — Acclimatize at 3,500m
Fly into Leh. Complete rest day for altitude acclimatization — drink water, take it slow. Evening gentle walk in the bazaar. Overnight Leh.
Day 2: Leh Exploration
Morning: Leh Palace (9-story, 17th century) with panoramic Indus Valley views. Walk the old town’s mud-brick labyrinth. Afternoon: Shanti Stupa for sunset (360-degree views), Leh Market for pashmina and souvenirs. Overnight Leh.
Day 3: Monastery Circuit
Morning: Shey Palace (12m copper Buddha) and Thiksey Monastery (15m golden Maitreya Buddha, 12-story Potala-like complex). Afternoon: Hemis Gompa (Ladakh’s richest monastery, spectacular museum). Overnight Leh.
Day 4: Khardung La to Nubra Valley
Cross Khardung La Pass at 5,359m — one of the world’s highest roads. Descend to Nubra Valley. Ride Bactrian camels through Hunder’s high-altitude dunes. Visit Diskit Monastery and its 32-meter golden Buddha overlooking the valley. Overnight Nubra camp.
Day 5: Nubra to Pangong Lake
Drive the spectacular Shyok route to Pangong Lake (4,350m). The first glimpse of Pangong’s electric blue water against the brown mountains is an image you’ll never forget. Sunset over the lake, stars so bright they feel within reach. Overnight Pangong tented camp.
Day 6: Pangong Sunrise & Return to Leh
Dawn at Pangong — the still water reflecting pink-gold mountains. Drive back to Leh via Chang La, stopping at the pass temple. Arrive Leh afternoon. Farewell dinner. Overnight Leh.
Day 7: Departure
Transfer to Leh airport. The flight out between Himalayan peaks is one last memory to carry home.
