knee deep in ladakh (16 days)

introduction

This is our extended Ladakh journey that captures the complete circuit from Kashmir through Ladakh into Himachal Pradesh.

In this itinerary, you will see the transition from green valleys to high-altitude deserts, combining multiple cultures and dramatic landscapes.

Spanning a fortnight, we’ve provided options for both active holidaying and deep relaxation.

Our tried-and-tested selection of routes ensures that you get to experience a quieter and more authentic side of Ladakh.

Read on to get a taste of this holiday.

You can also check out our 11 day journey and our 8 day journey for a shorter excursions.

days 3 & 4: in the sham valley

We spend the next couple of days in one of the former capitals of Ladakh situated on the banks of the Indus River. You have the option of stopping at Lamayuru before arriving here.

The village is guarded by a 15th-century castle that sits on a hillock. Spend your time here enjoying the slow pace of a traditional Ladakhi village. Go on walks, visit the local school, the monastery, and exchange stories with the local community.

days 7 & 8: drive to nubra

Cross the Indus Valley into Nubra Valley, over one of the more well-known passes of Ladakh – Khardung La.

We skip the popular circuits of Diskit and Hundar and cross to the eastern bank of the Nubra River to a village famous for hosting merchants and caravans coming in from the Silk Route.

While here, embark on a full-day trip to a 500-year-old monastery, a petroglyph site, take a dip in a sulphur hot spring, and hike to a mythical lake.

Cap it off with a sunset by the dunes.

days 12 & 13: back to the indus valley

Re-enter the Indus Valley via Chang La, another iconic mountain pass of Ladakh. Spend the night by the river in a comfortable guesthouse.

The next day is light and relaxed, ideal to rejuvenate after a few days of exploration. Take a long walk to the nearby monastery or just enjoy picnics by the Indus River.

days 15: relax in manali

Jispa to Manali is now a shorter drive than ever, thanks to the Atal Tunnel, an engineering marvel in its own right.

Arrive in Manali for a lip smacking lunch in a beautiful homestay. You are conveniently located just outside town.

Spend the next day amongst lush apple orchards before going home.

a riverside homestay in sonmarg

Start the journey surrounded by incredible alpine forests and the sound of the gushing river, in a brick-red cottage with warm hosts who grow their own vegetables and fruits.

 

a family-run hotel in sham valley

An hour from Leh, this heritage home/ small hotel is nearly a century old. Recharge your batteries here, and go on beautiful walks around the village, exploring trails that lead to the mountains.

riverside cottages at nubra

Our guesthouse in Nubra is comfortable, warm, and surrounded by vistas of the mountains on every side – behind you is the Saser range and in front of you is the Saltoro range – both sub ranges of the Karakoram mountains. Spend the evening at the glorious sit-out in the garden where you might meet other travellers. At night watch the stars come out to play. Count the shooting stars, there’ll be handful visible to the naked eye.

There’s a short walk to a very pretty dining area in the main house. Food is simple and delicious – ask for local fare, if you wish! For breakfast, have some fresh juice or hot coffee with your meal.

a hotel in tso moriri

Stay in a small hotel in this remote village on the banks of Tso Moriri, another surreal lake in Changthang. You can walk to the lake, the nearby monastery, and visit the town on foot.

There’s a common dining area with basic food options for a hearty meal.

guesthouse by the indus

Spend a night near the banks of the Indus River. It is constructed using locally available materials like wood and offers bright rooms with views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains. Nearby attractions include Thiksey Monastery, Stakna Monastery, and Shey Palace.

a boutique homestay in manali

The best place to end your long journey is on the outskirts of Manali.

Stay in these meticulously-designed stone cottages amidst an apple orchard. Your trip ends with a view of the mighty Dhauladar and Pir Pinjal ranges. Visit Manali town and treat yourself to a nice drink at the local bar.

For the 16-day experience, your journey begins in the lush valleys of Srinagar and concludes in the vibrant city of Chandigarh.

Our journeys run from May 1st to September 30th, offering the best weather conditions to explore Ladakh’s breathtaking landscapes. In rare cases, we may begin in late April or extend into early October, depending on the season’s conditions. Temperatures vary throughout the months:

May: High of 20°C, Low of 8°C

June: High of 22°C, Low of 10°C

July: High of 25°C, Low of 13°C

August: High of 26°C, Low of 13°C

September: High of 22°C, Low of 13°C

Please note that higher-altitude regions like Changthang can be significantly colder, especially at night. A detailed packing list will be provided upon confirmation to help you prepare for varying conditions.