"I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Awara Banjara team for their excellent support and guidance throughout the travel process. They were professional, responsive, supportive..."
Ladakh: High Passes & Blue Waters Expedition
Leh — Khardung La — Nubra Valley (Hunder & Turtuk) — Shyok River — Pangong Tso — Chang La — Leh
About This Trip
Experience the magical landscape of Ladakh across 6 days and 5 nights. Journey through the highest motorable passes like Khardung La and Chang La, explore the cold desert of Nubra Valley and Hunder, visit the last northern village of Turtuk, and marvel at the changing blues of Pangong Tso via the scenic Shyok River route. Complete with visits to Diskit Monastery, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, and Leh Market.
Itinerary
- Arrive at Leh airport and transfer to your hotel.
- Spend the first half of the day resting completely to adjust to the high altitude and allow proper acclimatization.
- In the late afternoon, embark on a light exploration starting with the historic Leh Palace, followed by panoramic views at Shanti Stupa, and wrap up your evening strolling through the vibrant Leh Market.
- Begin an exhilarating drive ascending the iconic Khardung La Pass, one of the world's highest motorable roads.
- Enjoy dramatic Himalayan vistas before descending into the picturesque Nubra Valley.
- Pay a visit to the ancient Diskit Monastery to marvel at the giant Maitreya Buddha statue, then head to Hunder to witness the famous cold desert sand dunes and ride the unique double-humped Bactrian camels.
- Set out on a captivating day trip along the Shyok River to Turtuk, a picturesque village near the Line of Control annexed by India during the 1971 war.
- Stroll through lush apricot orchards, interact with the warm local community, explore traditional stone houses, and immerse yourself in the unique Balti culture and rich history that sets this northernmost border village apart.
- Depart Nubra Valley and take the scenic, offbeat route along the roaring Shyok River toward the world-famous high-altitude Pangong Tso Lake.
- Arrive at the breathtaking turquoise lake in the late afternoon, take time to soak in the dramatic shifting hues of the water, and enjoy an unforgettable evening under a blanket of stars at your lakefront campsite.
- Wake up early to catch a breathtaking sunrise painting the crystal-clear waters of Pangong Tso.
- After breakfast, journey back to Leh crossing the formidable Chang La Pass, stopping briefly at the top for photos.
- En route, make stops to visit the historic Thiksey Monastery and Rancho School before reaching Leh for evening leisure and souvenir shopping.
- Enjoy a morning breakfast at the hotel before getting transferred to the Leh airport.
- Bid farewell to the land of high passes as you board your flight home with unforgettable Himalayan memories.
Inclusions
✔ Accommodation for 5 Nights (Hotels/Campsites on sharing basis)
✔ Breakfast and Dinner at all stay locations
✔ Non-AC SUV / Tempo Traveler for all transfers and sightseeing
✔ Inner Line Permits and Wildlife / Red Cross fees for Ladakh
✔ Driver allowances, toll taxes, fuel, and parking charges
✔ First Aid Kit & Oxygen Cylinder Support during high-pass travel
Exclusions
✘ Airfare tickets to/from Leh
✘ Lunch on all days and personal snacks/beverages
✘ Camel ride in Hunder sand dunes or ATV ride charges
✘ Entry fees to monasteries, palaces, and monuments
✘ Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, tips
✘ Travel or Health Insurance
✘ Expenses caused by sudden weather changes, landslides, or road closures
✘ 5% GST & Travel Insurance.
Package Options
Bike Sub Package Options
FAQs
Yes, taking complete rest on Day 1 is crucial to prevent altitude sickness (AMS).
Inner Line Permits (ILP) are required and will be arranged by Awara Banjara.
Postpaid BSNL, Airtel, and Jio work in Leh, but network is very limited in Nubra and Pangong.
May to September offers clear roads, pleasant weather, and accessible passes.
