The journey
Discover your next journey.
For travellers who want more than the standard Ladakh loop, this route goes deep into Changthang to reach Umling La, one of the highest motorable passes on earth. The trip begins with two easy days in Leh for acclimatisation and local sightseeing.
You then cross Khardung La to Nubra Valley and follow the Shyok river to Pangong Tso. From Pangong the road runs south-east along the lake to Hanle, home of the Indian Astronomical Observatory and some of the darkest night skies in India. A full day is spent driving up to Umling La and back to Hanle. The return to Leh passes the hot springs of Chumathang along the Indus.
All inner line permits, tolls and driver charges are included. Price on request. Pickup and drop: Leh.
For bookings and enquiries, contact On Travel: Phone: +91 9220564155 Email: info@ontravel.in
Tour highlights
Drive to Umling La, the highest motorable road in the world Two nights in Hanle with stargazing Hanle observatory and monastery Khardung La and Nubra Valley sand dunes Pangong Tso lakeside stay Chumathang hot springs on the Indus
Your day-by-day itinerary
01Day 1: Day 1: Arrive in Leh – Acclimatisation
Arrive at Leh and rest for the day to adjust to the altitude. Light walk to the market in the evening. Overnight in Leh.
02Day 2: Day 2: Leh Local Sightseeing
Visit Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, Hall of Fame, Magnetic Hill and the Indus–Zanskar Sangam. Overnight in Leh.
03Day 3: Day 3: Leh to Nubra via Khardung La
Drive over Khardung La into Nubra. Visit Diskit Monastery and the Hunder sand dunes. Overnight in Diskit.
04Day 4: Day 4: Nubra to Pangong Tso via Shyok
Follow the Shyok river to Pangong Tso and enjoy the lake's changing colours. Overnight at Pangong.
05Day 5: Day 5: Pangong to Hanle
Drive along the lake shore and across the Changthang plateau to Hanle. Evening stargazing if skies are clear. Overnight in Hanle.
06Day 6: Day 6: Umling La Excursion
Drive up to Umling La, one of the highest motorable passes in the world, for photos and views, then return to Hanle. Visit Hanle Monastery and the observatory area. Overnight in Hanle.
07Day 7: Day 7: Hanle to Leh via Chumathang
Drive back along the Indus, stopping at the Chumathang hot springs. Reach Leh by evening. Overnight in Leh.
08Day 8: Day 8: Fly Back from Leh
Transfer to Leh airport for your flight home.
What is included
All inner line permits and environment fees 8 days of vehicle (SUV) for all sightseeing 7 nights' stay in hotels, homestays and camps Daily breakfast and dinner Driver night charges, tolls and parking Airport pickup or drop by local taxi
What is not included
Flights to and from Leh Lunch and snacks Monastery and observatory entry fees Oxygen cylinder and medical expenses Costs due to road closures or weather Personal expenses and GST
Accommodation
Nights 1–2: Hotel in Leh Night 3: Camp or hotel in Diskit, Nubra Night 4: Camp near Pangong Tso Nights 5–6: Homestay or guesthouse in Hanle Night 7: Hotel in Leh Rooms on sharing basis; Hanle facilities are basic.
Transport
Private SUV (Innova/Xylo or similar) with a local Ladakhi driver for the full circuit. Airport transfers in Leh by local taxi as per union rules.
