Highlights
- Witness Hanle Dark Sky Reserve, one of the world’s best stargazing sites.
- Drive up to Umling La Pass, the world’s highest motorable road at 19,300 ft.
- Experience the remote beauty of Pangong Tso and its changing hues.
- Discover the Balti culture of Turtuk, India’s last village near the Pakistan border.
- Traverse iconic high passes like Chang La & Khardung La.
Dark Sky Reserve • World’s Highest Pass • Border Village Culture
A thrilling Ladakh expedition that blends cosmic wonders, record-breaking heights, and frontier cultures. From the pristine turquoise waters of Pangong Tso to the starlit skies of Hanle’s Dark Sky Reserve, and the military outpost village of Turtuk on the Pakistan border, this route explores Ladakh’s most dramatic and least-visited corners—including a drive to Umling La (19,300 ft), the world’s highest motorable pass.
Itineraries Expand all
- Day 1 – Arrival in Leh (Acclimatization & Leisure)
- Land at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport and transfer to your boutique stay.
- Rest and hydrate to adjust to the high altitude (11,500 ft).
- Evening visit to Shanti Stupa for a glowing sunset over Leh town.
- Stroll through Leh Market, sampling local apricot tea and Ladakhi snacks.
- Dinner at a cozy café with Himalayan views.
- Day 2 – Leh Heritage & Monasteries
- Visit Shey Palace, once Ladakh’s royal residence.
- Explore Thiksey Monastery, renowned for its 12-storey architecture and giant Maitreya Buddha.
- Drive to Hemis Monastery, the largest in Ladakh.
- Pause at Sindhu Ghat along the Indus River for serene evening vibes.
- Return to Leh for café hopping and local shopping.
- Day 3 – Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung La
- Cross Khardung La (18,380 ft), among the highest motorable passes in the world.
- Descend into the fertile Nubra Valley dotted with poplar trees and white sand dunes.
- Visit Diskit Monastery and its massive Maitreya Buddha statue.
- Stroll through Hunder Sand Dunes at sunset for surreal desert-meets-mountains views.
- Day 4 – Nubra to Turtuk & Back
- Drive to Turtuk, India’s last village near the Pakistan border.
- Explore narrow lanes, apricot orchards, and stone houses of this Balti settlement.
- Interact with locals to learn about Turtuk’s unique history and culture.
- Taste traditional Balti dishes like buckwheat bread and apricot jam.
- Return to Hunder/Nubra for a peaceful evening by the Shyok River.
- Day 5 – Nubra to Pangong Tso via Shyok
- Take the scenic Shyok River route, an offbeat track with raw mountain beauty.
- Arrive at Pangong Tso, a 134 km-long turquoise lake shared with Tibet.
- Witness the mesmerizing color changes of the lake through the day.
- Short hike to a lakeside vantage point for sunset photography.
- Overnight stay in lakeside camps under a blanket of stars.
- Day 6 – Pangong to Hanle (Dark Sky Reserve)
- Drive through Chushul and Nyoma, remote high-altitude villages near the Indo-China border.
- Spot rare wildlife like Kiang (Tibetan wild ass) along the Changthang Plateau.
- Arrive at Hanle, home to the Indian Astronomical Observatory, one of the highest in the world.
- Evening stargazing in the Dark Sky Reserve, experiencing one of the clearest night skies on Earth.
- Capture stunning astrophotography of the Milky Way and constellations.
- Day 7 – Hanle to Umling La & Return
Early morning drive to Umling La (19,300 ft), the world’s highest motorable pass.
Feel the thrill of standing at a record-breaking altitude with sweeping views of the Himalayas.
Pause for photography at Chisumle-Demchok road, India’s highest road network.
Return to Hanle by evening for a warm Ladakhi dinner.
- Day 8 – Hanle to Leh via Mahe Bridge
- Journey back through the Changthang Plateau, a vast landscape of salt lakes and grazing yaks.
- Stop at Kyagar Tso, a small but striking high-altitude lake.
- Cross Mahe Bridge and continue along the Indus River.
- Reach Leh by evening and relax at a chic rooftop café.
- Last-minute shopping for prayer flags, pashmina, and Ladakhi handicrafts.
- Day 9 – Departure from Leh
- Morning transfer to Leh Airport for your flight.
Take one final look at the Stok Kangri range as you soar over the Himalayas.
Trip Includes & Excludes
- Experiences: Curated activities, scenic drives, and cultural walks as per the detailed itinerary.
- Local Support: On-ground assistance from our team and trusted partners.
- Meals: Daily breakfast and dinner with regional flavours.
- Stay: Cozy homestays, tent/experiential and boutique guesthouses (as per customized detailed itinerary).
- Travel: Comfortable transfers by private taxi depending on group size(Swift/Ertiga/Innova/Xylo or similar) and bus rides where applicable.
- Entry fees for monuments or attractions not mentioned in the included section
- Extra meals, drinks, or optional activities beyond the itinerary.
- Insurance, medical costs, or unforeseen expenses due to natural/political events.
- Personal expenses, tips, and shopping.
- Travel to/from the starting point (air/train).
- Note: For complete details, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.
Gallery
FAQ's Expand all
- What is the best time to visit Umling La?
May to October when roads are snow-free and officially open.
- Is this trip too high-altitude for beginners?
Acclimatization days are built in, but good physical fitness is essential.
- Can we see the Milky Way in Hanle?
Yes, Hanle’s Dark Sky Reserve offers some of the clearest night skies in the world.
Availability
Duration9 Days
Trip Code :
KR-203Adult-8.88%
From₹34,900.00₹31,800.00 / Person
- Authentic Local Experiences
- Handpicked boutique stays
- Seamless Travel Planning
- Verified Local Experts