Situated over 11,000 feet, Ladakh is a cold desert region in Jammu & Kashmir. One of the most sparsely populated districts in the country.
The road to Leh from Manali is one of the most beautiful and toughest in the world. The route takes you across 5 passes above 4000 m in altitude – Rohtang, Baralacha La, Nakeela, Lachulung La & Tanglang La.
The road itself is in bad shape, especially depending upon the time of your visit and will have you drive over slush, water, rock and dirt. But the surreal landscapes with snow clad peaks and deep valleys will have you entranced.
On this tour you will get to witness the high altitude lake, Tso Moriri and camp there, visit the highest motorable road in the world at Khardung la (5,359 m), cycle and camp in the cold desert at Nubra Valley, go rafting in the Indus River and experience the history and Buddhist culture of Ladakh.
At a glance
- Duration: 9 nights/ 10 days
- Starting point: Manali, Himachal Pradesh
- Places covered: Rohtang Pass, Baralacha La, Sarchu, Gata Loops, Tanglang La, Tso Moriri, Zanskar River, Indus River, Nubra Valley, Khardung la, Alchi and more
Itinerary
The first day of your drive to Leh, you will be crossing over the Rohtang Pass (3,379 m). The road is won’t be in a good condition but then that’s part of the adventure!
You will be halting for the night at Jispa.
Drive distance: 140 km
Drive time: 5 -6 hrs approx
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight at Jispa
Starting early from Jispa, you will cross four high altitude passes today – Baralacha la (4,890 m), Nakeela pass (4,920 m), Lachulung la (5,059 m) & Tanglang la (5,328 m) – and enter the Ladakh Valley.
Drive distance: 330 km
Drive time: 9 – 10 hrs approx
Meals: Breakfast & dinner
Overnight at Leh
After breakfast, you will drive to Alchi Monastery. En route to the monastery, you will get to see the confluence of Indus and Zanskar river, drive across the moonscape, visit Pathar Sahib Gurudwara and Magnetic hill. For motorcycling enthusiasts, we will provide you with a motorcycle for the day (rental charges for the motorcycle will apply).
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight at Leh
Today you’ll drive to Nubra Valley which is around 150 km from Leh. En route you will be crossing Khardung La (5,359 m) which is arguably the highest motorable road in the world.
The Nubra valley itself is a cold desert with Siachen Glacier to the north of it. The area has scant vegetation, basically on the banks of Shyok River. You’ll get to witness the sand dunes here.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight at Campsite in Nubra
After breakfast, you will head back to Leh. From Khardung La, you will cycle down on your MTBs with our support vehicle in tow.
The ride from the top of the pass is 40 km of adrenaline filled downhill. In case you feel tired or want to opt out, you can sit in the vehicle and cheer other riders!
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight at Leh
This day would be to indulge in some high adrenaline adventure as you get to go rafting in the Indus River. Water levels remain high from June to late August due to melting snow, which is the best season for rafting. The rapids are generally of grade I, II and at some places grade III to grade IV.
Indus provides a spectacular view of the landscapes of the Ladakh and Zanskar mountain ranges.
After rafting, you can explore the city.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Overnight at Leh
This incredible high altitude lake is arguably the most beautiful lake in Ladakh. Because of it’s location and travel time, few venture out to the Tso Moriri. On this signature GoMissing trip, you will get a chance to witness Tso Moriri in all her glory. You camera will run out of battery and memory, but you won’t run out of photography opportunities here.
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
Overnight at Tso Moriri
Today you’ll visit the extremely stunning Pangong Tso. The beauty of the lake can’t be described in words and has to be experienced. Many species of birds can be seen around this salt water lake.
The road from Tso Moriri to Pangong Tso isn’t really a road, and is more of a dirt track. The scenic beauty of this place cannot be described in words, and you will be need to be dragged away from here to Leh!
Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch & dinner
Overnight at campsite overlooking the Pangong Tso
After breakfast, you will be driven back to Leh, the rest of the day is reserved for exploring the market in the city.
The route from Pangon Tso to Leh crosses the spectacular Chang-la pass which is over 17,000 ft high. Once you cross the pass and are driving through the plains, do keep your eyes open for Marmots. Some marmot families in this area are quite friendly to humans and will let you come very close to them for a photo-op.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight at Leh
After 8 days of travelling through the one of the highest terrains in the world, crossing five 4000+ m passes, and enduring one of the toughest roads in the country, this will be end of the trip. You will take a flight out of Leh to your hometown.
Meals: Breakfast
Trip Ends
Trip Price
INR 38,500/- per person
Be prepared for
- Cold weather conditions
- Windy and cold weather conditions during camping
- Cold desert terrains
- Long drives in the mountains
- Crossing high mountain passes (above 4,000 m)
- Very remote areas with minimal connectivity
- Spectacular scenery
- A trip of a lifetime
- You will be required to sign a liability waiver
Sounds like a plan? Click on the button below to join this awesome experience.