Cultural and Scenic 12-Day Journey Through Leh Ladakh

Day 1: Arrival and Acclimatisation

Leh, India on May 23, 2025

9:00am

Arrival at Leh Airport

Arrive in Leh and transfer to your hotel. Spend the day acclimatising to the high altitude to avoid altitude sickness.
INR0, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Tibetan Kitchen

Enjoy traditional Ladakhi and Tibetan cuisine in this cosy restaurant in Leh. Try momos and thukpa for authentic local flavours.
INR600, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Leh Market

Explore Leh’s bustling market to see local handicrafts, jewellery, and artefacts perfect for cultural immersion.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Bon Appetit

Sample a fusion of Ladakhi and Indian dishes in this popular Leh eatery known for fresh, local ingredients.
INR800, 1h30m

Day 2: Monasteries Tour

Leh & Surroundings, India on May 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start the day with a hearty breakfast including local breads and tea to prepare for a day of exploration.
Included in hotel stay, 1h0m

9:30am

Hemis Monastery visit

Visit the largest and wealthiest Buddhist monastery in Ladakh, famed for its annual festival and stunning architecture.
INR100, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Hemis Cultural Cafe

Enjoy fresh Ladakhi dishes near the monastery, including yak cheese delicacies and apricot-based desserts.
INR700, 1h0m

2:00pm

Thiksey Monastery

Explore this stunning hilltop monastery known as the mini Potala Palace with breathtaking views over the Indus Valley.
INR50, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at The Tibetan Kitchen

Relax and dine with a variety of Tibetan specialities visited yesterday or try congee and spicy Ladakhi stew.
INR800, 1h0m

Day 3: Pangong Lake Excursion

Pangong Lake, India on May 25, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up early for the scenic drive to Pangong Lake, one of Ladakh’s most picturesque natural landmarks.
Included in hotel stay, 0h45m

8:00am

Drive to Pangong Lake

A 5-6 hour drive through rugged mountain passes and valleys, offering spectacular views and opportunities for photography.
INR3000 (vehicle hire), 6h0m

2:00pm

Lunch near Pangong Lake

Light meal at one of the local camps or guesthouses, typically featuring simple noodles and local produce.
INR500, 1h0m

3:00pm

Lake exploration and photography

Stroll along the serene, crystal-clear blue waters; the lake is famous for changing colour with the daylight.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner and overnight stay

Enjoy dinner at the camp with freshly cooked local meals and relax under a starry Ladakhi sky.
INR1200, 1h30m

Day 4: Return and Culture

Leh, India on May 26, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Camp

Enjoy a traditional breakfast at the lake camp with warm refreshments before the journey back.
Included in stay, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive back to Leh

Return journey to Leh with stops for photos and short walks to enjoy mountain scenery.
Included in vehicle hire, 6h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Gesmo Restaurant

Dine on authentic Ladakhi thukpa and local vegetable dishes to regain energy after the trip.
INR700, 1h0m

4:00pm

Leh Palace Visit

Tour this 17th-century royal palace offering panoramic views of Leh and insight into Ladakhi royal history.
INR100, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Bon Appetit

Try Ladakhi delicacies one last time while enjoying a relaxed evening atmosphere in Leh.
INR800, 1h0m

Day 5: Nubra Valley Adventure

Nubra Valley, India on May 27, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Prepare for a full day exploring the scenic vistas of Nubra Valley with a nutritious breakfast.
Included in stay, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Nubra Valley

Scenic 5-hour drive crossing the Khardung La, one of the world’s highest motorable passes.
INR3000 (vehicle hire), 5h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Sumoor Village

Enjoy local Ladakhi cuisine in a quaint village setting, including apricot jam and barley bread.
INR600, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Diskit Monastery

Discover Nubra’s largest monastery, home to a giant statue of Maitreya Buddha with stunning views.
INR50, 2h0m

5:00pm

Camel Ride at Hunder Sand Dunes

Experience a unique double-humped Bactrian camel ride across the beautiful sand dunes of Hunder.
INR700, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner and Overnight Stay

Enjoy a peaceful dinner at a guesthouse in Nubra Valley with traditional Ladakhi hospitality.
INR1200, 1h0m

Day 6: Local Villages & Leisure

Nubra Valley, India on May 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Guesthouse

Enjoy home-cooked breakfast featuring regional ingredients to start a relaxed day.
Included in stay, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore Turtuk Village

Visit this serene village near the Pakistani border known for Balti culture and apricot orchards.
Free, 4h0m

2:00pm

Lunch in Turtuk

Sample the fusion of Balti and Ladakhi cuisine, including dried apricots and barley stew.
INR600, 1h0m

4:00pm

Return to Guesthouse and Rest

Relax after the village tour and enjoy the tranquil Nubra Valley surroundings.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Guesthouse

Enjoy traditional Ladakhi food prepared with local ingredients in a warm setting.
INR1000, 1h0m

Day 7: Return to Leh and Relax

Leh, India on May 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Guesthouse

Fill up with a nourishing breakfast before departure for Leh.
Included in stay, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive back to Leh

Scenic return drive crossing Khardung La and through Ladakh’s high desert landscape.
INR3000, 5h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Namaste Restaurant

Taste hearty traditional Ladakhi dishes popular with locals and travellers alike.
INR700, 1h0m

4:00pm

Leh Cultural Walk and Shop

Visit the Central Asian Museum to learn about Ladakh’s rich cultural heritage and shop local handicrafts.
INR100, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Tibetan Kitchen

End the day with classic Tibetan dishes, enjoying the lively yet intimate ambiance.
INR800, 1h0m

Day 8: Local Village & Culture

Leh, India on May 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with a filling breakfast focusing on local breads and teas.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Alchi Monastery Day Trip

Visit one of Ladakh’s oldest monasteries famous for exquisite 11th-century wall paintings and sculptures.
INR100, 4h0m

2:00pm

Lunch near Alchi

Enjoy simple local meals featuring fresh vegetables and barley flour breads.
INR600, 1h0m

3:30pm

Evening Tea and Leisure in Leh

Relax at a cafe serving local herbal teas and cakes, experiencing Ladakhi hospitality.
INR300, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Bon Appetit

Taste local and fusion dishes to round off the cultural immersion.
INR800, 1h0m

Day 9: Serene Nature Walks

Leh outskirts, India on May 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a wholesome start with breads, eggs, and local honey.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Walk Along Indus River

Take a peaceful walk alongside the Indus River just outside Leh, soaking in the serene landscape and mountain views.
Free, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Chopsticks Restaurant

Enjoy classic Chinese and Tibetan dishes with a scenic view of Leh’s old town.
INR750, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Shey Palace and Monastery

Explore the 17th-century summer palace and monastery complex with beautiful views and rich history.
INR100, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Tibet Kitchen

Enjoy a selection of Ladakhi and Tibetan dishes in an atmospheric setting.
INR800, 1h0m

Day 10: High Pass Scenic Drive

Leh to Tso Moriri, India on June 1, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Prepare with a nutritious breakfast for a long but scenic drive to Tso Moriri Lake.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Tso Moriri Lake

Travel through remote mountain passes to reach the stunning blue waters of Tso Moriri, a less visited tranquil lake.
INR3500 (vehicle hire), 7h0m

3:30pm

Lunch at Tso Moriri Camp

Enjoy fresh local dishes prepared by camp hosts, ideal to relax after the journey.
INR1000, 1h0m

4:30pm

Explore Lake Surroundings

Walk the lakeshore and observe migratory birds and rare wildlife in this protected area.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Camp

Dine under clear skies with warm hospitality and regional Ladakhi cuisine.
INR1200, 1h0m

Day 11: Return to Leh

Leh, India on June 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Camp

Enjoy a fresh breakfast with warm beverages before departing back to Leh.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive Back to Leh

Drive steadily back to Leh with rest stops along the way to appreciate the mountainous landscape.
Included in vehicle hire, 7h0m

4:00pm

Rest at Hotel

Relax and refresh at the hotel after an extensive journey.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Gesmo Restaurant

Celebrate your last evening with exquisite Ladakhi cuisine, including local delicacies like gyurma sausage.
INR900, 1h0m

Day 12: Departure

Leh, India on June 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a final Ladakhi breakfast, taking in the serene mountain atmosphere.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Transfer to Leh Airport

Depart from Leh with wonderful memories of Ladakh’s culture, cuisine, and stunning scenery.
INR0, 1h0m