Leaving the well-worn tourist trail behind, you’ll venture deep into the Himalayan north of India in Ladakh. Boasting a landscape of high-altitude desert, rust-hued mountainsides, crystalline rivers and distinctive wildlife. Ladakh’s warm, time-honoured culture fuses deep spirituality with vibrant traditions.
This sample itinerary shows how one trip can combine engaging with remote mountain communities, attending prayers at hilltop Buddhist gompas and crossing high mountain passes.
Inspired? Tell us what you most want to see or do, and we’ll design a bespoke itinerary built around your own highlights.
On arrival in Delhi, you’ll be met by a private driver and driven through the vibrant bustle of the city to your hotel. If time allows, visit the nearby war memorial of India Gate and towering minaret of Qutub Minar.
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The Claridges
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India Gate, Qutub Minar
An early morning flight north sees you soaring over the Himalayas and touching down amidst ochre-hued mountains and verdant valleys. Your private driver will take you to your hotel, where you can rest and acclimatise to the high altitude
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Hotel Rewa Ladakh
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Once your body has gently adjusted, you’ll spend the afternoon exploring the unique Tibetan culture in the old town of Leh, wandering the former royal palace and soaking in the panoramic views over the town from the Namgyal Tsemo Monastery.
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Hotel Rewa Ladakh
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Leh old town walking tour, Leh Palace, Namgyal Tsemo Monastery
Experience close-knit Ladakhi life in two Himalayan villages today. Have your camera ready as Nimoo is known for its stunning beauty as the confluence point of two majestic Himalayan rivers, the Indus and the Zanskar, which dramatically merge colours between rust-coloured mountains.
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Nimmu House
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Guided village walk, Nimoo
A deep dive into some of the most ancient sites of Ladakh today, from isolated, rock-cut meditation spaces to mud-carved temple complexes, Kashmiri influenced monasteries adorned with historic paintings to 25-foot-tall Buddha statues; plus, a gastronomic Ladakhi feast at a local kitchen.
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Nimmu House
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Basgo Fort, Saspol Caves, Likir Monastery, Alchi Monastery, Alchi Kitchen
Today you’ll experience the extraordinary eponymous serenity of Chilling Sumdo Village, an oasis of verdant green in the Zanskar valley, bordered by barren biscuit-coloured mountains. You’ll be free to wander the village before enjoying a packed picnic beside the Zanskar.
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Chulli Bagh
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Chilling Sumdo Village, Zanskar picnic
Welcome to the ancestral home of the Ladakh royal family. You’ll tour the 19th century palace with its Tibetan and Ladakhi architectural influences, before heading to Stok Gompa’s stunning murals and spending the afternoon immersing yourself in village culture.
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Chulli Bagh
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Stok Palace, Stok Monastery, Stok Village culture walk
Today, en route to Nubra, you’ll cross one of the highest driveable mountain passes in the world, Khardung La Pass. The summit views are awe-inspiring, spanning the tips of the Ladakh and Karakoram ranges and down over the endlessly zig-zagging road.
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The Kyagar
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Khardung La Pass
Verdant fertile pastures, scattered traditional villages, rolling dunes of cold-desert sand and plenty of Bactarian camels await you in the Nubra Valley today. Ahead of a visit to the 14th century Diskit Monastery, with its 32m Maitreya Buddha statue
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The Kyagar
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Nubra Valley tour, Diskit Monastery
Today you’ll visit the most northerly village in India, Turtuk. You’ll have the day to immerse yourself in the unique history and traditions of the Balti people who live in this remote outpost and share an authentic, local lunch.
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The Kyagar
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Turtuk Village
Crossing Wari-La Pass, reputedly the most beautiful in Ladakh, you’ll pause at Shayok Village, a traditional settlement on the banks of the Shayok River, before continuing to Shey for an evening riverside amble beneath summits ablaze with a sunset glow.
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Shel
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Shayok Village, Shey riverside walk
An early start and a sensorial feast, sharing prayers at Thiksey Monastery where chanting reverberates through the ancient walls and incense wafts on the cold mountain air. Later, you’ll visit the opulent Hemis Monastery and the vast Buddha statue of Shey Monastery.
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Shel
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Thiksey Monastery morning prayers, Hemis Monastery, Shey Monastery
A contemplative day to absorb all you have seen. Wander the village, revisit the Shay Gompa or simple sink into the spirituality and beauty of this Himalayan village, which was once the official ‘summer capital’ of Ladakh.
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Shel
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Today you’ll take your return flight to Delhi where you can connect to your onward flight home. Time to write up your travel journal and decide where to explore next.
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