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Turquoise waters of Pangong Tso surrounded by barren mountains, Ladakh

Destination · Leh approx. 3,500 m

Ladakh

High passes, turquoise lakes and living monasteries

Best season
May to September (road access); winter for specialist experiences
Duration
7–10 days recommended

Overview

Getting to know Ladakh

Ladakh is a high-altitude desert of ochre mountains, glacial rivers and Buddhist monasteries perched on cliffs. Journeys here combine dramatic road trips over some of the highest motorable passes with quiet cultural encounters in villages and gompas — and demand careful pacing for acclimatisation.

Acclimatisation

Plan at least 36–48 hours of complete rest in Leh on arrival by air. Hydrate well, avoid alcohol early on, and ascend gradually. Consult your doctor before travel if you have medical conditions.

Road trip information

Leh is reachable overland from Manali and from Srinagar via Kargil, typically open from late spring to autumn depending on snow. Inner Line Permits are required for areas such as Nubra and Pangong.

Main attractions

Places we love here

Leh

Leh

Old town lanes, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa and the bazaar.

Nubra Valley

Nubra Valley

Sand dunes at Hunder, Diskit Monastery and double-humped camels.

Pangong Lake

Pangong Lake

A vast high-altitude lake that changes colour through the day.

Tso Moriri

A remote, serene lake in the Changthang plateau.

Khardung La

A celebrated high mountain pass on the road to Nubra.

Magnetic Hill

The famous optical-illusion slope on the Leh–Kargil road.

Lamayuru

One of Ladakh's oldest monasteries amid 'moonland' landscapes.

Zanskar

A remote valley of frozen rivers, gorges and ancient monasteries.

Seasonal travel guide

When to go

  • May–JunePasses open, snow on peaks, pleasant days and cold nights.
  • July–AugustPeak season; warmest days and monastery festivals.
  • SeptemberClear skies, golden fields and fewer travellers.
  • WinterVery cold and limited road access — specialist itineraries only.

Suggested experiences

What to experience

  • Monastery visits & morning prayers
  • Camel safari in Nubra
  • Lakeside camping at Pangong
  • Royal Enfield expeditions
  • River rafting on the Indus & Zanskar
  • Homestays in Ladakhi villages

Photography

Gallery

Pangong Tso
Prayer flags above Pangong
Thiksey Monastery
Bactrian camel in the Nubra dunes
Motorbike expedition in Ladakh
Monks at a Ladakhi monastery

Related itineraries

Journeys in Ladakh

All Ladakh tours