Exotic Ladakh with Turtuk

Discover Ladakh’s hidden gems on this 6-7 day adventure from Leh, featuring Khardung La’s epic heights, Nubra’s camel safaris, Pangong Lake’s blue hues, and Turtuk’s Balti culture near Siachen.

Major Highlights

Leh Local Sights: Shanti Stupa, Hall of Fame museum, Magnetic Hill, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, and Indus-Zanskar confluence at Sangam.
Khardung La Pass: World's highest motorable road at 17,582 ft, with epic panoramic views en route to Nubra's sand dunes and Bactrian camel rides in Hunder.
Turtuk Village: Hidden Balti-culture gem; explore apricot orchards, ancient monasteries, terraced fields, and Shyok River amid dramatic valleys near Siachen gateway.
Pangong Lake: Iconic high-altitude saltwater lake shifting blue hues, crossed via Changla Pass; includes Shey, Thiksey, and Hemis monasteries.

Day 01 :

Arrival at Leh (3505 meters/11567 feet above sea level)

On arrival at Kushok Bakula airport Leh - 3500m above sea level you will be transfer to hotel
and check in. Half day at rest for acclimatization. Evening drive to visit Shanti Stupa, a Buddhist
white-domed Stupa on a hilltop in Changspa, It was built in 1991 by Japanese Buddhist Bhikshu,
Gyomyo Nakamura and part of the Peace Pagoda mission. Later visit Leh Palace. In the evening walk around local market. Dinner and overnight stay at the Hotel in Leh.

Day 02 :

Sham Valley

Hall of Fame: Constructed by the Indian Army to commemorate soldiers' sacrifices during Indo-Pak wars.
Kali Mata Temple: A religious stop along the route.
Spituk Gompa: An 11th-century monastery structure.
Gurudwara Patthar Sahib: Built by Leh lamas in 1517 to honor Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of the Sikh faith.
Magnetic Hill: Witness a gravity-defying phenomenon where vehicles on neutral gear appear to slide uphill.
Confluence of Indus and Zanskar River: Drive through picturesque landscapes to view where the two rivers meet.

Day 03 :

Leh to Nubra via Khardungla Pass – 18,380 Ft/5550 Mtrs

Drive to Nubra Valley: Journey over the Khardungla Pass (5550 meters), historically claimed as the world's highest motorable pass.
Khardungla Pass Stop: Take photographs and admire the fantastic high-altitude views.
Deskit Village: Visit the charming tiny capital of the Nubra Valley, situated at the confluence of the Shayok and Nubra rivers.
Deskit Gompa: Explore the monastery perched on a rocky spur, featuring a commanding view of the valley and a 106-foot high statue of Maitreya Buddha.
Hunder Sand Dunes: Drive through unique sand dunes to get acquainted with the famous shaggy double-humped Bactrian camels.
Camel Safari: Experience a ride on a double-humped camel at Hunder (on direct payment basis).
Overnight Stay: Dinner and overnight accommodation in a camp or hotel in Nubra Valley.

Day 04 :

Nubra - Excursion to Turtuk - Nubra

Excursion to Turtuk: Travel to a beautiful, less popular border destination, recently opened to tourists, offering fascinating mountain ranges and village scenery.
Border Region: Pass through an area controlled mainly by the Ladakh Scouts, a department of the Indian Army.
Historical Significance: Visit a border village that was recaptured by the Indian Army in 1971.
Local Life and Culture: Observe locals, who have relatives across the Line of Control, engaged in farming vegetables, apricots, and providing mules and porters.
Baltistan Connection: Explore the charming Baltistan village and learn about its unique history; residents went to sleep in Pakistan on December 13, 1971, and woke up in India the next morning.
Full-Day Excursion: Enjoy a full day's rough excursion before returning to Nubra Valley for dinner and an overnight stay in a camp or hotel.

Day 05 :

Nubra to Pangong Lake via Shayok

Drive to Pangong Lake: Depart after breakfast for Pangong Lake (14,500 ft above sea level) via a scenic shortcut along the Shayok River, passing through Tang Tse and Spangmik.
Picturesque Route: Enjoy a beautiful drive that climbs a mountain before descending into the picturesque Shayok village, surrounded by barren mountains.
Arrival at Pangong Lake: Arrive in the afternoon and spend the rest of the day enjoying the serene beauty of the lake.
Overnight Stay: Dinner and overnight accommodation in a camp at Pangong Lake.

Day 06 :

Pangong to Leh via Changla Pass

Get up early morning to witness the sunrise view at the lake. Enjoy your breakfast and drive
back to Leh via Changla Pass 5486 Mtrs. Arrive Leh and check in at the hotel. Evening free for
shopping or leisure. Dinner & overnight stay at Hotel.

Day 07 :

Depart from Leh

After an early breakfast you will be transfer to airport to board the flight towards your further
journey.

Exotic Ladakh with Turtuk

Overview

Itinerary