Magical Ladakh with Turtuk - 7 Days

Altitude: 3,505 meters / 11,567 feet. On arrival at Kushok Bakula Airport Leh, transfer to hotel and check-in. Half day rest for acclimatization (VERY IMPORTANT for high altitude). Evening drive to visit Shanti Stupa - a Buddhist white-domed stupa on a hilltop in Changspa, built in 1991 by Japanese Buddhist Bhikshu Gyomyo Nakamura as part of the Peace Pagoda mission. Later visit Leh Palace with panoramic views of the city. Evening walk around local market. Dinner and overnight stay at Hotel in Leh.

Full day excursion to Sham Valley. Visit Hall of Fame - constructed by Indian Army to commemorate sacrifice of soldiers during Indo-Pak wars. Visit Kali Mata Temple, followed by Spituk Gompa - an 11th century monastery. Next visit the majestic Gurudwara Patthar Sahib, nestled deep in Himalayas, constructed by Lamas of Leh in 1517 to honour visit of Guru Nanak Dev. Witness the magic of Magnetic Hill that defies law of gravity - when a vehicle is parked on neutral gear on this metallic road, it slides uphill! Drive through picturesque landscape to reach confluence of Indus and Zanskar River. Return to Leh. Dinner and overnight stay at Hotel in Leh.

Distance: 125 Kms | Drive: 5-6 hours | Khardung La: 18,380 ft / 5,550 meters. Morning drive to Nubra Valley over the highest motorable pass in the world. The exciting journey through serpentine roads leads to Khardung La Pass at awesome height of 5,550 meters. Stop at the pass for photographs of fantastic views. The valley is situated on old caravan route at confluence of Shayok and Nubra rivers. Visit charming Deskit - tiny capital of Nubra. Visit Deskit Gompa perched on rocky spur with commanding view of entire valley. See the stunning 106-feet high statue of Maitreya Buddha atop the hill. From Deskit drive to Hunder past sand dunes. Get acquainted with famous Bactrian camels - shaggy double-humped animals used on Central Asian Trade routes, now used for rides in high deserts (camel ride optional, on direct payment). Dinner and overnight in camp/hotel at Nubra.

One of the most fascinating journeys in Ladakh! Turtuk is a less popular destination recently opened for tourists. A border village recaptured by Indian Army in 1971. En-route spectacular mountain ranges and villages. This region is controlled mainly by Ladakh Scouts. "On the night of December 13, 1971, the people of this village went to sleep in Pakistan. The next morning, they woke up in India." Experience this beautiful Baltistan village with charming people. Locals have relatives across the border (Line of Control) and depend mainly on farming vegetables, apricots besides providing mules and porters. Full day excursion through rough terrain. Evening back to Nubra Valley. Overnight in camp/hotel at Nubra.

Distance: 165 Kms | Drive: 5-6 hours | Pangong Lake: 14,500 ft. After breakfast drive to Pangong Lake via Shayok shortcut - a beautiful route. Road follows Shayok River, climbs up a mountain before descending into Shayok village. Takes less than hour to reach Shayok - a rather big village surrounded by barren mountains in picturesque setting. Continue via Tang Tse to reach Spangmik (Pangong). Afternoon reach Pangong Lake - the famous high-altitude lake spanning India and China. The lake's crystal clear brackish water changes colors throughout the day. Enjoy the stunning beauty of this 134 km long lake. Dinner and overnight stay in camp at Pangong.

Distance: 160 Kms | Drive: 5-6 hours | Changla Pass: 5,486 meters. Early morning wake up to witness breathtaking sunrise view at the lake. The play of light and colors on the lake is mesmerizing. Enjoy breakfast at camp. Drive back to Leh via Changla Pass (5,486 meters) - world's third highest motorable road. En-route enjoy spectacular views of Himalayas. Arrive Leh and check-in at hotel. Evening free for shopping at local market or leisure. Dinner and overnight stay at Hotel in Leh.

After breakfast, checkout from hotel. Transfer to Kushok Bakula Airport for your onward journey. Take home unforgettable memories of Magical Ladakh and the unique experience of visiting Turtuk - a piece of living history on the Indo-Pak border.