Ladakh, land of high passes
Your journey can be tailored to your wishes.
High in the Indian Himalaya, Ladakh is a cold desert of ochre mountains, turquoise lakes and centuries-old Buddhist monasteries. Over 15 days you cross the great passes of Khardung La and Tanglang La, descend into the Nubra Valley with its dunes and Bactrian camels, share a homestay and a cooking class with a Ladakhi family, and reach the high-altitude lakes of Tso Moriri and Tso Kar. A journey possible only in summer, when the passes are open.
A small-group summer journey with internal flights to Leh, a private vehicle and an experienced driver, and a rest day built in for acclimatization. Every itinerary is fully customizable around your pace and your wishes.
Specifications
Duration: 15 days / 14 nights
Style: small group, summer only, private vehicle and driver
From €1,919 per person*
Itinerary
Delhi, Leh, Thiksey, Hemis, Alchi, the Nubra Valley, Sakti, Tso Moriri and Tso Kar: a high-altitude loop through the monasteries, passes and lakes of the Indian Himalaya.
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Trip highlights
- Thiksey and Hemis, two of the great Buddhist monasteries of Ladakh, above the Indus valley.
- The drive over Khardung La, one of the highest motorable passes in the world, into the Nubra Valley with its dunes and double-humped Bactrian camels.
- The UNESCO-listed murals of Basgo and the ancient temples of Alchi.
- A night in a homestay and a Ladakhi cooking class with a local family in Sakti, with a tasting of chang, the local barley beer.
- The remote high-altitude lakes of Tso Moriri and Tso Kar, on the Rupshu plateau.
- The Tanglang La pass at around 5,300 m, one of the highest points of the journey.
Details
Day 1: Delhi
Evening arrival at Delhi international airport, where you are met and welcomed before being transferred to your hotel for a restful first night.
Night in Delhi.
Day 2: Delhi and Leh, by air
A morning flight takes you to Leh, a high-altitude cold desert in the far north of India, in the upper Himalaya. After settling into your hotel, the day is kept deliberately quiet: rest is essential to acclimatize to the altitude and avoid mountain sickness.
Night in Leh.
Day 3: Leh, Shey and Thiksey
You discover the monasteries of the Indus valley, starting with Shey Palace and Thiksey, the largest monastery in the Ladakh region, set above the Indus river and often compared to a miniature Potala.
Night in Leh.
Day 4: Leh, Hemis and Gotsang
You drive to Hemis, one of the wealthiest and most important monasteries of Ladakh, then continue to the older hermitage of Gotsang, perched above it, before returning to Leh. Take it gently and keep hydrating as you continue to acclimatize.
Night in Leh.
Day 5: Leh, Likir and Alchi
Heading west, you reach Alchi, visiting the monastery of Likir and several villages along the way. The evening is free.
Night in Alchi.
Day 6: Alchi, Basgo, Chilling and Leh
You return towards Leh, stopping at Basgo, a UNESCO-listed site known for its ancient murals and wall paintings, and passing through Chilling. A free evening back in Leh.
Night in Leh.
Day 7: Leh, Khardung La and the Nubra Valley
You cross Khardung La, one of the highest motorable passes in the world, to descend into the Nubra Valley. After settling into your hotel, you visit the villages of Diskit and Hunder, famous for their sand dunes and double-humped Bactrian camels.
Night in Nubra.
Day 8: Nubra, Sumur, Diskit and Hunder
An excursion takes you to Sumur and its gompa, then to the great Diskit monastery, the oldest and largest in the Nubra Valley, with its towering statue of the Maitreya Buddha, before returning to Hunder.
Night in Nubra.
Day 9: Hunder and Sakti
You drive to Sakti, crossing the Wari La pass through dramatic mountain scenery. On arrival, you explore the village.
Night in Sakti.
Day 10: Sakti
A day immersed in village life: you take part in a Ladakhi cooking class with a local family and taste chang, the traditional barley beer, sharing a genuine moment of Ladakhi hospitality.
Night in Sakti.
Day 11: Sakti and Tso Moriri
You set out for Lake Tso Moriri, one of the great high-altitude lakes of Ladakh, visiting Takthok monastery and the Chumathang hot springs along the way. The night is spent in a tented camp or a simple guesthouse beside the lake.
Night by Tso Moriri.
Day 12: Tso Moriri and Tso Kar
You continue to Lake Tso Kar, the salt lake of the Rupshu plateau, passing the village of Puga on the way.
Night by Tso Kar.
Day 13: Tso Kar and Leh
You return to Leh over the Tanglang La pass, at around 5,300 m, with a photo stop at the top among the prayer flags before the long descent. The evening is free.
Night in Leh.
Day 14: Leh and Delhi, by air
A morning flight brings you back to Delhi. In the capital, you visit Janpath and its lively Tibetan market.
Night in Delhi.
Day 15: Delhi and departure
Transfer to Delhi international airport for your return flight. End of our services.
The first and last days may be adjusted depending on your international flight times. Mountain itineraries can change with weather and road conditions.
Pricing
A small-group summer journey across Ladakh, with internal flights to Leh, a private vehicle and an experienced driver, and AZORA looking after every detail of your land arrangements.
LADAKH, LAND OF HIGH PASSES
15 DAYS / 14 NIGHTS · SMALL GROUP · SUMMER ONLY
INCLUDED
✓ Internal flights Delhi to Leh and back, economy class, 15 kg checked baggage
✓ Accommodation in double room, tent, guesthouse or homestay, breakfast and taxes included
✓ Half board
✓ Private, air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced driver, fuel, parking, road taxes and tolls included
✓ Ladakh region permits
✓ A Ladakhi cooking class with a local family in Sakti
✓ Follow-up and assistance
NOT INCLUDED
✗ International flights and airport taxes: check our airline comparator to find the best options
✗ Indian visa and fees
✗ Monument and site entrance fees
✗ Lunches, drinks, tips and personal expenses
✗ Sleeping bags, trekking shoes and clothing
✗ A French-speaking guide, available on request
✗ Single-room supplement, on request
*Indicative starting price per person, double occupancy, land services only, excluding international flights. The final price depends on the season, the group size, hotel availability and the length of the trip. Single-room supplement on request.
Good to know
- This is a high-altitude journey. Leh sits at around 3,500 m and the route crosses passes above 5,000 m. The itinerary builds in a rest day on arrival. If you are prone to altitude sickness, seek medical advice before travelling and stay well hydrated.
- Ladakh is reachable mainly from June to September. For the rest of the year the high passes are closed by snow.
- Some nights are spent in simple guesthouses, homestays or tented camps by the high lakes. Comfort is basic but the settings are exceptional.
- A visa is required to travel to India. AZORA can guide you through the e-Tourist Visa process, and you should always confirm current requirements with the official sources before you travel.
- A camera or video fee is sometimes charged at the entrance of monasteries, and roads are of moderate quality, so journey times can be long.
Seasons in Ladakh
Ladakh has a short season. The high passes govern the calendar, and this journey runs in summer only.
BEST SEASON
June to September
The only practical window to travel in Ladakh. The high passes are open, the skies are clear and the monasteries, valleys and high lakes are all accessible.
SHOULDER
Late May and early October
Possible but colder, with fewer travellers. Early or late snowfall can affect the highest passes, so the itinerary may need to be adapted.
CLOSED
November to April
Most of Ladakh is snowbound and the high passes and lakes are largely inaccessible by road. This journey runs in summer only.
Customise my trip
This 15-day route is a starting point, not a fixed package. Add a trek in the Markha valley, extend the stay by the high lakes, slow the pace in Leh, change the comfort level or the departure date. Tell us what you have in mind and we build the journey around it.
Ladakh travel FAQ
How long is the Ladakh tour?
This journey lasts 15 days and 14 nights, from Delhi to Delhi, with internal flights to and from Leh. The pace and length can be adjusted to your wishes.
How much does a trip to Ladakh cost?
This itinerary starts from €1,919 per person, for land services only and excluding international flights. The final price depends on the season, the group size, your choice of rooms and the duration of the stay.
When is the best time to travel to Ladakh?
June to September is the practical window, when the high passes are open. For the rest of the year much of Ladakh is closed by snow, so this journey runs in summer only.
Is Ladakh difficult because of the altitude?
Ladakh is a high-altitude destination. Leh sits at around 3,500 m and the route crosses passes above 5,000 m. The itinerary builds in a rest day to acclimatize. If you are prone to altitude sickness, seek medical advice before travelling and stay well hydrated.
How do you travel during the trip?
By internal flight between Delhi and Leh, then by a private, air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced driver. Some nights are spent in guesthouses, homestays and tented camps by the high lakes.
Do travellers need a visa for India?
Yes, a visa is required. AZORA can guide you through the e-Tourist Visa process, and you should always confirm current requirements with the official sources before travelling.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Yes. Every AZORA journey is fully customisable in length, pace, comfort level and experiences. Tell us your wishes and we tailor it for you.
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