Trips within Ladakh

The terrain of Ladakh stretches across vast landscapes and diverse cultures. A thorough exploration can take months, so we suggest taking it slow — keeping a holiday as a holiday.

Nubra Valley panorama

Nubra Valley

5 hrs from Leh 2–3 nights recommended 3,050m altitude Via Khardung La (5,359m)

A vast basin of sand dunes, rivers and greenery, encircled by the Himalayan and Karakoram ranges. The Silk Route and Great Game passed through here. When you descend into Nubra, it forks into two valleys: one towards the Siachen Glacier (Hunder, Turtuk) and the other towards the village of Sumur.

Visit after at least 2 days of acclimatisation in Leh. It's possible to return via Pangong for a circular route, adding 5 hours to the journey.

Things to See

  • Hunder sand dunes & Bactrian camels
  • Diskit Monastery & Maitreya Buddha
  • Remote Ensa monastery
  • Yarab Tso hidden lake
  • Charassa Palace ruins

High End

Kyagar Hotel · ₹25,000/night

Mid Range

Osay Khar · ₹12,000/night

Budget

Lharimo North · ₹5,000/night

Turtuk

3 hrs beyond Hunder · Near Pakistan border

A border village that was part of Pakistan until 1974. The Balti community sits on a plateau above the river, with a waterfall channelled through the village, three harvests a year, and amazing apricots. A cultural experience quite different from Buddhist Ladakh.

Stay: Virsa Homestay · ₹15,000/night

Pangong Lake

Pangong Lake

5 hrs from Leh (each way) Day trip or overnight 4,350m altitude Via Chang La (5,360m)

Pangong stretches 140km from Ladakh into China. The colours of the lake and surrounding mountains change dramatically throughout the day — a serene and surreal spot with a massive blue lake high in the mountains.

Famous from the Bollywood film 3 Idiots, it can get touristy. Best visited on your 4th day or later when acclimatised. Roads are often poor quality. We recommend an oxygen cylinder rental (₹2,500 for 2–3 days).

Good to Know

  • Day trip: 7–8 hour return drive
  • Overnight: cold nights, basic tents
  • Can combine with Nubra (5 hrs between)
  • Wildlife spotting on the roads

Recommended

Misty Hills Cabins · ₹12,000/night

Note

Most accommodation is lakeside tents. It gets very cold at night.

The Changthang

The Tibetan Plateau extends into Ladakh as the Changthang — a high-altitude nomadic region home to pashmina goat herders, rare wildlife, and some of Ladakh's most remote and beautiful lakes. Acclimatise well before visiting (4+ days in Ladakh recommended).

Tso Moriri Lake

Tso Moriri

6 hrs from Leh Overnight required 4,500m altitude Circular route via Taglang La

Ladakh's second largest lake — entirely within India and arguably as beautiful as Pangong, but with the additional interest of being in the nomadic Changthang region. The drive follows the Indus upstream towards Tibet.

On the return via Taglang La (5,328m), you pass the salt lakes of Tso Kar, known for black-necked cranes. More wildlife in this region — consider taking a guide. Diamox and an oxygen cylinder recommended.

Things to See

  • Tso Moriri lake at sunrise
  • Nomadic camps & yaks
  • Tso Kar salt lakes (return route)
  • Black-necked cranes
  • Korzok monastery

Accommodation

Basic guesthouses · ₹4,000–5,000/night

Note

Standards are low — comfortable beds but hot water unlikely. Cho House homestay is an option for a day trip base.

Hanle observatory

Hanle

7–8 hrs from Leh 1–2 nights 4,500m altitude India's Dark Sky Reserve

Near the Tibet/China border, Hanle's remoteness and altitude inspired India's astronomical observatory. Recently awarded Dark Sky Reserve status — the flat landscapes with the observatory make it exceptional for astrophotography.

For wildlife enthusiasts, this area offers frequent sightings of Tibetan Wolf, Tibetan sand-fox, Eurasian Owl, Himalayan Vulture, and the elusive Pallas's Cat. A guide is recommended.

Best For

  • Astrophotography
  • Stargazing
  • Wildlife (Pallas's Cat)
  • Remote landscapes

Recommended

Sky Abode · ₹10,000/night

Combine With

Tso Moriri for a 2-night circular trip (long days, high altitude, cold nights).

Tso Kar, Riyul & Chilling Lakes

On the Tso Moriri return route

Tso Kar is a drying salt lake with vast white deposits, home to black-necked cranes. The smaller Riyul and Chilling lakes nearby offer quieter alternatives to the more famous destinations. Best visited as part of the Tso Moriri circuit rather than as standalone trips.

Sham Valley landscape

Sham Valley

1–1.5 hrs from Leh Day trip or overnight 3,100m altitude Fertile valley · Two harvests

A fertile valley centred around the Indus after its confluence with the Zanskar. Roads throughout make it easy to explore by car, though it's also ideal for gentle trekking. The region is dotted with beautiful hamlets of cultural significance.

En route, stop at Sangam point where the Indus and Zanskar rivers meet, their different colours combining. Nearby Basgo fort saw battles between Mughals and Mongols in the 17th century — few tourists visit.

Things to See

  • Alchi — 11th–13th century murals
  • Lamayuru monastery (moonscape)
  • Likir pottery workshop
  • Sangam confluence point
  • Hidden Village trek
  • Alchi Kitchen (Ladakhi cuisine)

High End

Nimmu House · ₹14,000–18,000/night

Mid Range

Namra Village Hotel · ₹8,000–11,000/night

Budget

Likir Potters Farmstay · ₹6,000/night

Himalayan Brown Bear

Brown Bear Safari

Drass · 4–5 hrs from Leh 1–2 nights On route to Srinagar Wildlife lodge experience

Witness Himalayan Brown Bears in the second coldest inhabited place in the world. The Drenmo Lodge in the Mushkow Valley is arguably the best location in Western Ladakh for sighting these magnificent mammals.

Also home to Tibetan Wolf, Himalayan Red Fox, Long-tailed Marmot, Asiatic Ibex, Ladakh Urial, and even Snow Leopard. A haven for birding with various warblers, finches and raptors. Can combine with the Suru Valley or en route to Srinagar.

Wildlife Sightings

  • Himalayan Brown Bear
  • Tibetan Wolf
  • Pallas's Cat (rare)
  • Snow Leopard (rare)
  • Asiatic Ibex

The Lodge

Drenmo Lodge · ₹40,000/night (includes meals & guides)

Suru Valley

Beyond Kargil · En route to Zanskar

A lush valley on the way to Zanskar, offering views of Nun and Kun peaks. Less visited than other regions — good for those seeking remoteness. Can be combined with a Brown Bear safari at Drenmo Lodge when heading towards Srinagar.

Limited accommodation options. Contact us for current recommendations.

Looking for multi-day hikes?

See our guide to Treks of Ladakh →

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