Ladakh Tour Package

Ladakh sits high above the Kashmir valley, a cold desert of bare mountains, prayer flags and impossibly blue lakes. On this 6 day, 5 night journey with Happy Jacks, you fly into Leh, acclimatise gently, then push out to the sights that make this region legendary. You will cross Khardung La, one of the world's highest motorable passes, camp beside the shifting sand dunes of Nubra Valley, and wake to the changing colours of Pangong Lake. Between the big drives you explore Leh's monasteries, bazaar and palace at an easy pace. It is remote, demanding and unforgettable, best suited to travellers who want raw high-altitude landscapes rather than green meadows. We handle permits, stays and transport throughout.

Highlights

• Fly into Leh and acclimatise before any high-altitude driving, the safe way to enjoy Ladakh
• Cross Khardung La, among the highest motorable passes on earth, on the road to Nubra
• Camp in Nubra Valley beside the Hunder sand dunes and meet the double-humped Bactrian camels
• Watch Pangong Lake shift from turquoise to deep blue as the light changes through the day
• Visit iconic gompas including Thiksey, Hemis, Diskit and the hilltop Shanti Stupa
• Drive the dramatic Leh to Pangong route via Chang La, another of the region's towering passes
• Explore Leh's old bazaar, Leh Palace and the quiet monasteries of the Indus valley
• All inner-line permits, hotel and camp stays and airport transfers arranged by Happy Jacks

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Leh, Rest and Acclimatise

You land at Leh at around 11,500 feet and are met and driven to your hotel. The entire day is kept free so your body can adjust to the thin air, which is essential at this altitude. Rest, drink plenty of water and take it slow. In the late afternoon you may stroll gently to Leh's main bazaar and Shanti Stupa for sunset views over the town.

Day 2: Leh Local Monasteries and Palace

After breakfast you explore the Indus valley sights around Leh at an easy pace to aid acclimatisation. Visit the grand hilltop Thiksey Monastery, the large Hemis Gompa tucked in a side gorge, and the atmospheric Shey Palace. Back in town you climb to the nine storey Leh Palace for sweeping views, then wander the old bazaar for handicrafts, apricots and Ladakhi crafts.

Day 3: Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung La

Today you drive over Khardung La, one of the highest motorable passes in the world, and descend into the wide Nubra Valley. You visit Diskit Monastery with its towering Maitreya Buddha statue overlooking the valley, then continue to Hunder. Here white sand dunes meet the mountains and you can ride a double-humped Bactrian camel. Overnight is at a camp or hotel in Nubra.

Day 4: Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake

After a relaxed morning in Nubra you begin the long, scenic drive towards Pangong Lake, following the Shyok river through stark, colourful gorges. The route is remote and the landscapes constantly change. You reach the shores of Pangong, at over 14,000 feet, by evening in time to watch the water turn deep blue at dusk. Overnight is in a lakeside camp or guesthouse.

Day 5: Pangong Lake to Leh via Chang La

Wake early beside Pangong for the finest light, when the lake glows in shifting shades of turquoise and blue. After time at the shore you begin the return drive to Leh, crossing the high Chang La pass and passing through villages like Tangtse and Shakti. You reach Leh by evening with time to rest or pick up last souvenirs from the bazaar. Overnight is in Leh.

Day 6: Departure from Leh

After breakfast, and depending on your flight time, you are transferred to Leh airport for your onward journey. If your flight is later, you may fit in a short visit to a nearby monastery or the Hall of Fame museum. We wave you off with memories of Ladakh's passes, lakes and monasteries, and are always happy to help you plan your next Himalayan trip.

Inclusions

• Accommodation for 5 nights in hotels, guesthouses or camps as per the itinerary
• Daily breakfast and dinner at your places of stay
• All transfers and sightseeing by private vehicle suited to Ladakh's terrain
• Airport pick up and drop at Leh
• All inner-line permits required for Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake
• Experienced local driver familiar with high-altitude mountain roads
• All applicable toll taxes, parking and driver charges
• Happy Jacks on-trip support on call throughout your stay

Exclusions

• Airfare or train fare to and from Leh
• Lunches and any meals not specified in the inclusions
• Monastery entry fees, camera charges and camel ride costs
• Personal expenses such as tips, laundry, oxygen cylinders and shopping
• Any cost arising from roadblocks, flight delays or weather beyond our control
• Travel insurance and medical or evacuation expenses

Pricing

FAQ

Is Ladakh part of the Kashmir valley?

No. Ladakh is a separate Union Territory with its own high-altitude cold desert landscape. It is very different from the green Kashmir valley of Srinagar, Gulmarg and Pahalgam, and is reached mainly by flying into Leh.

How do I deal with the high altitude in Ladakh?

Leh sits at around 11,500 feet, so we keep the first full day free for rest. Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and heavy activity early on, and inform us of any heart or breathing conditions before travel. This gradual approach helps most travellers adjust well.

What is the best time to visit Ladakh?

The main season runs from roughly May to September, when the passes to Nubra and Pangong are open and the weather is clearest. Roads can close with early or late snow, so we plan the itinerary around current conditions.

Do I need special permits for Nubra and Pangong?

Yes, inner-line permits are required for areas like Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake. Happy Jacks arranges all these permits for you as part of the package, so you do not need to organise them yourself.

Is this Ladakh trip suitable for families and older travellers?

It suits reasonably fit travellers who are comfortable with long mountain drives and thin air. Families with older children often enjoy it, but anyone with serious heart or lung conditions should consult a doctor first. Contact us at +91-9419244962 to discuss your group.