Himalaya & Ladakh Adventure

Who it suits

Active travellers who enjoy landscapes and monasteries and are generally healthy. It is a poor fit for anyone who cannot be sure of their fitness at height.

Altitude and fitness notes

Leh is at about 3,500 m and the Pangong camp at over 4,200 m; the Khardung La pass is more than 5,000 m and the Chang La pass similar. Altitude sickness can affect anyone, regardless of fitness; headache, nausea and breathlessness are warning signs, and the answer is to rest or descend. Not suitable soon after surgery or if you have heart, lung or blood conditions, are pregnant or are unwell. Check with your doctor, and carry the advice with you. The route runs from about May to September, and passes can close at short notice. Mobile data is limited and some foreign or prepaid SIMs do not work.

Accessibility

Rough roads, steps at monasteries and basic camp facilities make this route unsuitable for limited mobility. Tell us your needs before any quote.

Itinerary

Leh – Nubra Valley – Pangong Lake · 6 to 9 days (8-day route shown). A sample day-by-day plan; the final plan is set on your written quote.

1. Day 1

   Arrive in Leh and rest

   Fly in (the flight itself gains height rapidly). Transfer to the hotel and rest for the day. Drink water, avoid alcohol and heavy meals, and no sightseeing. This is an acclimatisation day.

2. Day 2

   Acclimatisation in Leh

   A very gentle day: a slow walk through the old market and the palace area, at a pace that does not leave you breathless. Stop if you feel unwell and tell your guide.

3. Day 3

   Monasteries near Leh

   Half-day drive to Shey Palace and Thiksey Monastery, both about 3,500 to 3,600 m, then back to Leh to rest. Evening briefing on the next days' altitude.

4. Day 4

   Over Khardung La to Nubra

   Cross the high pass with a short stop only, then descend to the Nubra Valley (about 3,100 m, lower than Leh). Visit Diskit Monastery and the Hunder sand dunes where double-humped camels can be seen.

5. Day 5

   Nubra to Pangong Lake

   A long scenic drive of around seven hours to the lake at about 4,250 m. A cold night in a camp; a lower-altitude fallback can be arranged if anyone feels unwell.

6. Day 6

   Pangong to Leh

   See the lake in the early light, then drive back to Leh over the Chang La pass (five to six hours).

7. Day 7

   Buffer day

   Kept free for weather, road closure or rest. If unused, a visit to Hall of Fame museum or the Leh Palace.

8. Day 8

   Departure

   Transfer to Leh airport. Six-day versions skip the buffer day, but we do not recommend dropping the acclimatisation days.

What is included

Terms