Travel

Trails of the Trans-Himalaya

A Journey Across Ancient Trade Routes, Sacred Landscapes & the Untamed Frontiers of the HimalayasSrinagar • Kargil • Leh • Nubra Valley • Pangong Lake • Hanle • Leh

Best Time to Travel: 15th April – 31st October

Trip Summary:

Embark on an extraordinary journey through two of the Himalayas' most captivating regions—Kashmir and Ladakh—where timeless cultures, dramatic mountain landscapes, and remote frontier wilderness converge into one unforgettable experience. 

Beginning amidst the tranquil waters and Mughal elegance of Srinagar, the journey follows the legendary Srinagar–Leh Highway across the formidable Zoji La Pass into Ladakh's high-altitude desert. Along the way, discover ancient Silk Route settlements, centuries-old monasteries, traditional Himalayan villages, and landscapes sculpted by nature over millennia.

Experience the spiritual heart of Ladakh in the Indus Valley, traverse the iconic Khardung La Pass into the enchanting Nubra Valley, and witness the surreal beauty of Pangong Lake as its waters transform through endless shades of blue beneath the Himalayan sky. Venture deeper into the remote Changthang Plateau, crossing through Chushul and Rezang La before arriving in Hanle, one of the world's most remarkable destinations for stargazing and wilderness experiences. 

Blending cultural discovery, scenic road journeys, soft adventure, and carefully selected accommodations, this itinerary offers an immersive exploration of the Himalayas for travellers seeking both comfort and adventure. From private Shikara rides and sacred monasteries to desert dune experiences and remote frontier landscapes, every day reveals a new chapter in one of the world's greatest mountain journeys.

Journey Highlights:

✓ Private Shikara Ride on Dal Lake✓ Crossing the Legendary Zoji La Pass✓ Kargil War Memorial Visit✓ Mulbekh Maitreya Buddha & Lamayuru Moonland✓ Indus–Zanskar Confluence✓ Shey Palace, Thiksey Monastery & Hemis Monastery✓ Sunset at Shanti Stupa✓ Crossing Khardung La Pass (5,359 m)✓ ATV Adventure at Hunder Sand Dunes✓ Bactrian Camel Safari in Nubra Valley✓ Pangong Lake Sunset & Stargazing Experience✓ Chushul & Rezang La Frontier Route✓ Hanle Monastery & Changthang Plateau Exploration✓ Boutique Hotels & Luxury Camps Throughout

Day 1 | Arrival in Srinagar – Kashmir's Timeless Elegance:

Arrive in Srinagar, where the serene waters of Dal Lake, Mughal gardens, and snow-capped Himalayan peaks create an unforgettable first impression. Upon arrival, transfer to your luxury hotel or heritage houseboat. 

The remainder of the day is at leisure. Enjoy a private Shikara ride across Dal Lake, drifting past floating gardens and traditional wooden houseboats while experiencing the gentle rhythm of Kashmiri life. As evening falls, savour a traditional Kashmiri dinner overlooking the lake.

Overnight in Srinagar 

Day 2 | Srinagar to Kargil – Crossing the Great Himalayan Divide:

Distance: Approx. 205 Km | Driving Time: 6–7 Hours

After breakfast, begin one of the most scenic drives in the Himalayas.

Travel through the alpine meadows of Sonmarg before ascending the legendary Zoji La Pass, the gateway between Kashmir and Ladakh. Continue through Drass, often referred to as the Gateway to Ladakh, and visit the Kargil War Memorial.

Arrive in Kargil by evening and relax amidst the rugged landscapes of Ladakh's western frontier.

Overnight in Kargil

Day 3 | Kargil to Leh – Along the Ancient Silk Route:

Distance: Approx. 220 Km | Driving Time: 5–6 Hours

Journey through the spectacular landscapes of Western Ladakh.

Visit the ancient Maitreya Buddha at Mulbekh, explore the surreal Moonland formations of Lamayuru Monastery, and witness the dramatic confluence of the Indus and Zanskar Rivers. Continue through traditional Ladakhi villages before arriving in Leh.

Spend the evening at leisure acclimatizing to the altitude.

Overnight in Leh 

Day 4 | Leh – Monasteries, Royal Heritage & Cultural Discovery:

Explore the cultural heart of Ladakh with visits to Shey Palace, Thiksey Monastery, Hemis Monastery, and the renowned Druk White Lotus School, popularly known as the "3 Idiots School." 

As the day concludes, visit Shanti Stupa for spectacular sunset views overlooking Leh and the Indus Valley.

Overnight in Leh

Day 5 | Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung La:

Distance: Approx. 120 Km | Driving Time: 4–5 Hours

Cross the legendary Khardung La (5,359 m) before descending into the enchanting Nubra Valley. 

Visit Diskit Monastery and the giant Maitreya Buddha before arriving in Hunder. Adventure enthusiasts can enjoy exhilarating ATV rides across the dunes, while others may prefer a traditional Bactrian camel safari through the spectacular high-altitude desert landscape. 

Overnight in Nubra Valley

Day 6 | Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake via Shayok:

Distance: Approx. 170 Km | Driving Time: 6–7 Hours 

Travel through the scenic Shyok Valley towards the legendary Pangong Lake. 

Arrive by afternoon and settle into your lakeside camp. Spend the evening admiring the ever-changing colours of the lake as it reflects the surrounding Himalayan peaks, creating one of the most iconic landscapes in the Himalayas.

Overnight at Pangong Lake

Day 7 | Pangong Lake to Hanle via Chushul & Rezang La:

Distance: Approx. 180 Km | Driving Time: 7–8 Hours 

Witness sunrise over Pangong Lake before continuing through the remote villages of Merak and Chushul. 

Cross the historic Rezang La region and enter the vast Changthang Plateau, home to nomadic Changpa communities, wild kiang, and endless Himalayan horizons. 

Arrive in Hanle and visit the beautiful Hanle Monastery. After sunset, experience one of the finest stargazing locations on Earth beneath pristine Himalayan skies.

Overnight in Hanle

Day 8 | Hanle to Leh via Chumathang: 

Distance: Approx. 275 Km | Driving Time: 7–8 Hours 

After breakfast, begin the scenic return journey to Leh through the remote landscapes of eastern Ladakh. 

Travel via Nyoma, Mahe, and Chumathang, known for its natural hot springs, before following the Indus River back towards Leh. The drive offers one final opportunity to absorb the immense beauty and solitude of the Changthang wilderness. 

Arrive in Leh and enjoy a farewell evening celebrating your Himalayan adventure.

Overnight in Leh

Day 9 | Departure from Leh

After breakfast, transfer to Leh Airport for your onward flight.Depart with unforgettable memories of Kashmir's tranquil lakes, Ladakh's ancient monasteries, Nubra's sand dunes, Pangong's turquoise waters, Hanle's star-filled skies, and the remarkable landscapes that make this region one of the world's greatest mountain destinations. 

An Epic Himalayan Expedition Through Ancient Kingdoms, Sacred Valleys, High Mountain Passes, and the Last Great Wilderness of India

Stay Plan

Hotels Envisaged & Program Option

A clear day-wise look at destinations, planned programs, hotel options, and room categories for this journey.

Scroll table on smaller screens
Scroll table on smaller screens
DayDestinationProgramHotel NameRoom Type
Day 1SrinagarSrinagar Srinagar Arrival & Leisure DayQayamgah/The Lalit/Taj Dal View/Sukoon HouseboatVillas/Deluxe Room/Superior Room/Deluxe Room
Day 2KargilSrinagar to KargilHotel The KargilPremium Room
Day 3LehKargil to LehDolkhar Leh/The Grand Dragon Ladakh/SimilarDuplex Villa/Luxury Room
Day 4LehLocal Sightseeing in LehDolkhar Leh/The Grand Dragon Ladakh/SimilarDuplex Villa/Luxury Room
Day 5Nubra ValleyLocal Sightseeing in Nubra ValleyThe Kyagar/Lchang Nang Retreat/Stone HedgeChalet With Skyview/Nomad King Cottage/Premium Room
Day 6Pangong LakeNubra Valley to PangongDesert Blue PangongPremium Cabins
Day 7HanlePangong Lake to HanleThe Sky Abode HanlePremium Room with Sunroof
Day 8LehHanle to LehDolkhar Leh/The Grand Dragon Ladakh/SimilarDuplex Villa/Luxury Room
Day 9DepartureDeparture from LehNANA
Total Package CostSpeak With A Travel Designer

Payment & booking assistance

  • 50% ADVANCE TO BE PAID & balance of total tour cost will have to be paid 30 days before the date of travel
Package Inclusions
  • Hygienic & comfortable transportation for the Entire Journey
  • Welcome drinks on arrival at Hotels/Camps
  • Accommodation as per no. of Pax
  • Sightseeing activities covered as per the itinerary
  • Breakfast & Dinner at all Hotels
  • Highly professional Driver
  • Dedicated Tour Manager
  • All toll taxes & Parking charges
  • Oxygen Cylinders
  • Inner line Permit
  • Experiences covered as per the itinerary
Package Exclusions
  • Doesn’t include any personal expenses
  • Doesn’t include any sightseeing activity fees/entry charges
  • Doesn’t include any extra transportation charges due to any natural calamity
Cancellation Policy
  • If cancellations are made 20 days before the date of travel then 100% refund will be provided.
  • If cancellations are made 15 days to 20 days before the date of travel then 50.0% of total tour cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
  • If cancellations are made 0 days to 15 days before the date of travel then 25% of total tour cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to travel for this tour?

15th April to 31st October.

How many days does the journey last?

9 Days / 8 Nights.

Which destinations are covered in the itinerary?

Srinagar, Kargil, Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, and Hanle.

What is the highest mountain pass crossed during the trip?

Khardung La (5,359 m).

What are the major experiences included in the tour?

Shikara ride, monasteries, camel safari, ATV ride, and stargazing.