Detailed itinerary
Ladakh Grand Circuit — Lamayuru to Pangong 7N/8D
From
₹39,900
Our most complete Ladakh itinerary, and the one with the most comfortable altitude curve. Sham Valley extended west to Lamayuru's lunar landscape and oldest monastery, a full day among the Indus valley gompas, Nubra with the Turtuk run, and Pangong before the return to Leh.
Trip at a glance
- Lamayuru 'Moonland' and monastery
- Thiksey, Hemis and Shey
- Khardung La into Nubra Valley
- Turtuk, the last village before the border
- Two high-altitude lakes and passes
Day by day
8 days, start to finish — travel, activities and where you sleep each night.
- 1
Day 1
Arrive in Leh — acclimatisation day
Land at Leh (11,500 ft) and transfer to your hotel, 10–15 minutes away. Today is a rest day and it is not negotiable: no fast walking, no stairs, plenty of water, no alcohol. Your body needs the hours to adjust. If you feel completely fine by evening, a slow drive up to Shanti Stupa for sunset and a short stroll in Leh market is all that's advised. Overnight in Leh.
- 2
Day 2
Sham Valley extended to Lamayuru — Moonland
An early start west along the Indus: Hall of Fame, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, Magnetic Hill and Sangam Point, then on to Lamayuru. The eroded lakebed formations here are the famous 'Moonland', and the monastery above them is the oldest in Ladakh. Long day on the road; back in Leh by evening. Overnight in Leh.
- 3
Day 3
Monasteries and Ladakhi culture
A day among the great gompas of the Indus valley. Thiksey, tiered up its hill like a small Potala, is best at the early morning prayers with the two-storey Maitreya Buddha. Hemis, the largest and wealthiest monastery in Ladakh, sits hidden in a side gorge. Shey Palace, the old royal seat, on the way back. Evening free in Leh. Overnight in Leh.
- 4
Day 4
Leh to Nubra Valley over Khardung La
Early breakfast and departure over Khardung La (~18,380 ft) — a photo stop at the top, but not a long one at that altitude. Drop into the Nubra valley for Diskit Monastery and its 106 ft Maitreya Buddha looking out over the river. Afternoon at the Hunder sand dunes, where double-humped Bactrian camel rides are available. Check in and watch the stars come out. Overnight in Nubra.
- 5
Day 5
Nubra to Turtuk and back
A long, worthwhile day to Turtuk, one of the last villages before the border and Balti rather than Ladakhi in language, food and architecture. Walk the irrigation channels and apricot orchards (seasonal), visit local homes, and go up to the border viewpoint. Return to Nubra by evening. Overnight in Nubra.
- 6
Day 6
Nubra to Pangong Lake via the Shyok route
Breakfast and away early on the Shyok river route (subject to road and weather conditions) — remote, raw and one of the most dramatic drives in Ladakh. Arrive at Pangong Tso (~14,000 ft) in the afternoon and simply sit with it: the water shifts through half a dozen blues as the light moves. Overnight in a camp near Pangong.
- 7
Day 7
Pangong to Leh via Chang La
Early morning at the lake for sunrise, then breakfast and departure. Cross Chang La (~17,590 ft) on the way back, with scenic stops as the valley opens up, reaching Leh by afternoon. Evening free to rest, shop or eat your way through Changspa Road. Overnight in Leh.
- 8
Day 8
Departure from Leh
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Leh airport for your morning flight. Fly out over the Karakoram with the Indus below you.
Inclusions & exclusions
What's included
- Accommodation in well-rated hotels/camps as per selected category
- Daily breakfast and dinner at hotels as per the selected package
- All transfers and sightseeing by private vehicle as per the itinerary
- All fuel, driver allowance, tolls and parking charges
- Inner Line Permits for restricted areas (Nubra, Pangong, Turtuk)
- Airport pick-up and drop in Leh
- Oxygen cylinder in the vehicle and driver support throughout
- On-trip coordinator assistance
Not included
- Airfare / train tickets
- Lunch and any meals not mentioned in inclusions
- Entry fees, monument tickets and camera/video charges
- Personal expenses (laundry, tips, shopping, room service)
- Adventure activities such as camel rides, rafting and ATV unless specified
- Any medical expenses or evacuation charges
- Expenses due to flight delays, weather, roadblocks or landslides
- Early check-in / late check-out at hotels
- Travel insurance and medical expenses
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Inclusions
Where you stay
Well-rated hotels in Leh, camps or cottages in Nubra, and lakeside camps at Pangong with attached facilities.
Good to know
How serious is altitude sickness in Ladakh?
Serious enough that the first day is a mandatory rest day. Leh sits at 11,500 ft and Khardung La crosses 18,000 ft. Drink 4+ litres of water daily, avoid alcohol and smoking for the first 48 hours, and tell your coordinator immediately if you get a persistent headache or nausea. We carry oxygen in the vehicle.
Is Pangong camping comfortable?
The camps are fixed Swiss tents with beds, blankets and attached washrooms. There is limited electricity and it drops below freezing at night even in summer — bring a warm layer for sleeping.
Do I need permits?
Yes, Inner Line Permits are required for Nubra, Pangong and Turtuk. We arrange them; just send a scan of your government photo ID at least 7 days before departure. Foreign nationals need a Protected Area Permit, which we also handle.
Is there mobile network?
Only postpaid connections work in Ladakh, and mostly BSNL and Jio. There is no network at Pangong or on the Shyok route, and patchy coverage in Nubra. Leh has reliable data.
When is the best time to go?
May to September. Roads to Nubra and Pangong are usually open from late May, July–August is peak season, and September gives clear skies with fewer people. Passes close from October.
Ready for Leh · Nubra · Pangong, Ladakh?
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