The Heart of Ladakh

The Journey

An Easy Introduction
to Ladakh

This trip is built for a first visit to Ladakh, and it's paced to give you time to adjust to the altitude. We start slowly in Leh, let things settle for a couple of days, then head out through the Indus and Nimmu valleys and up to Pangong Lake.

"There's no point rushing Ladakh. Give it a week and you'll actually slow down enough to enjoy it."

You'll stay in small boutique houses and family-run guesthouses, and travel with a private local guide throughout. It's a comfortable, unhurried way to see the region.

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Thiksey Monastery in the Indus Valley, Ladakh

Thiksey Monastery, Indus Valley

Day by Day

Your Eight Days
in the Himalaya

Day 1

3,524m

Arrival in Leh

Landing in the High Desert

The flight into Leh, over the snow peaks, is a good one — try for a window seat. We meet you at the airport and take you to your guesthouse. The rest of the day is kept free: rest and drink plenty of water while your body adjusts to 3,500m. Maybe a short walk through the old town later on, then an early night.

Boutique guesthouse, Leh Dinner Acclimatisation day

Day 2

3,609m

Leh & Surrounds

Old Town, Stupas & Slow Altitude

A second easy day in Leh, mostly on foot. We visit Leh Palace, walk up to the Shanti Stupa above town for the view, and spend time in the main bazaar. Your guide fills in the background on Ladakhi Buddhism and daily life. The afternoon is free — a good chance to try butter tea in a local café.

Boutique guesthouse, Leh Breakfast, Dinner Gentle walking

Day 3

3,200m

Nimmu Valley

Where Two Rivers Meet

We drive out to the point where the Indus and Zanskar rivers meet — the two rivers are noticeably different colours before they mix. In the afternoon we're in the Nimmu Valley, walking the barley fields with a local family and seeing how farming works at this altitude. Tonight is a traditional farmhouse stay.

Farmstay, Nimmu All meals 1.5 hr drive

Day 4

3,500m

Likir & Alchi

Ancient Murals & Hidden Gompas

A day at some of Ladakh's oldest monasteries. Alchi is the highlight — its wall paintings are around a thousand years old and still hold their original colour, some of the best early Buddhist art in the region. Later we stop at Likir to see the large Maitreya Buddha, with time to look around without the crowds.

Farmstay, Nimmu All meals Monastery day

Day 5

3,600m

Thiksey & Hemis

Prayers Before First Light

An early start to reach Thiksey for the morning prayers — horns, juniper smoke and butter lamps, with the monks gathering as the sun comes up over the Indus. It's worth the early alarm. Afterwards we visit Hemis, the largest monastery in Ladakh, and its museum.

Boutique stay, Indus Valley All meals Dawn ceremony

Day 6

4,350m

Pangong Lake

The Sapphire at the Roof of the World

The highest point of the trip. We cross the Chang La pass onto the Changthang plateau and drop down to Pangong Tso, a long lake that changes colour through the day as the light shifts. We spend the evening by the water at a comfortable camp, with clear, dark skies once the sun goes down.

Luxury eco-camp, Pangong All meals 5 hr scenic drive

Day 7

3,500m

Return to Leh

Sunrise on the Lake, Then Homeward

Sunrise at the lake is worth getting up for — it's the calmest part of the day here. After a relaxed breakfast we drive back to Leh over the passes, arriving in the afternoon. The evening is free for the bazaar and any last shopping, followed by a farewell dinner.

Boutique guesthouse, Leh Breakfast, Dinner 5 hr drive

Day 8

3,524m

Departure

Farewell to the Mountains

A relaxed morning before we transfer you to Leh airport for your flight out. We'll see you off at the airport. Most people leave already planning a way to come back.

Breakfast Airport transfer

The Details