Ladakh on Wheels
8 Days
Duration
Ladakh
Location
17,600 ft.
Altitude
1400 kms
Distance
8-10 pax
People
Details
Traveling to Ladakh on Wheels is perhaps one of the most thrilling road adventures in India or for that matter anywhere in the world. Traveling Leh-Ladakh by road involves crossing some of the highest mountain passes in the world, driving through vast semi-arid plains. During the Leh-Ladakh road trip, one can enjoy glimpses of the distinctive lifestyle of nomads who live in small settlements all along the way. Ladakh by road offers spectacular sights of barren mountains in Great Himalayas and Zanskar ranges, sweeping valleys and stunning panoramas. Colorful Tibetan prayer flags, prayer bells, monasteries and Tibetan Buddhist populace that one meets along the way are some of the unique aspects of traveling to Ladakh region by road.
Zabarwan Adventure’s Ladakh on Wheels package is a thrilling road trip swerving through some narrow steep ascents through water streams and crossing through three high altitude passes before you finally get to Leh.
In summer the best months to visit are from June to October. These months have pleasant weather, and the trip looks stunning with semi-arid plains and snow-peaked mountains.
Package Inclusion
- Airport transfers
- Breakfast and dinner (Veg/Non-veg)
- Homestays/ hotels/ government guest houses
- Passes and permits
- Transport. Either Innova or Tempo Traveller depending on the size of the group
- Back-up car with equipment and other logistics
- Local sight-seeing in Leh
- Tolls and parking charges
Package Exclusion
- Lunches
- Personal toiletries
- Videography, photography or any related equipment charges
- Personal expenses
- Anything not mentioned in the itinerary specifically
Gallery
Itinerary
Srinagar – Sonamarg
2-3 hrs
80 kms
8,960 ft
We start our journey from Srinagar after picking up of all guests either from the Tourist Reception Center (TRC) or the Srinagar airport. We start our journey from Srinagar to Sonamarg, a popular destination for the tourists as well as the Amarnath Yatris. We shall be spending our night in Sonamarg. We can enjoy the sights and even the majestic view of Thajjwas Glacier.
Sonamarg – (via) Zoji La Pass – (via) Drass – Lamayuru
7-8 hrs
225 kms
11,570 ft
We shall be moving through Drass and Kargil, after crossing the very picturesque Zoji La, a second highest mountain pass at 3528 m (11,575 ft) on Srinagar-Leh Highway, separating Kashmir and Drass Valley. On our way, we’d be welcomed by breathtaking sights of Pir Panjal Range and the Ladakh Range. We shall be making a stop at Drass, the second coldest inhabitable place in the world. Also, we shall stop for sightseeing at Mulbekh Monastery till we reach Lamayuru, also known as “Moonland”. Overnight stay in a homestay or a guest house at Lamayuru.
Lamayuru – (via) Zanskar Ranges – (via) Magnetic Hills – Leh
5-6 hrs
115 kms
13,194 ft
In the morning, we shall be visiting the very famous Lamayuru Monastery which looks like an architectural wonder as, it is carved from within a mountain side. During our drive to Leh, we shall witness glimpses of the Zanskar and Indus Valley Ranges. We also be crossing the famous Magnetic Hills and the confluence point of River Indus and Zanskar River. We shall be halting at a few places like Spituk Monastery, Stok Palace, Likir (Uleytokpo) and also visit the very famous Alchi Monastery. We shall also be crossing Namik La and Fotu La, the highest point on the Srinagar-Leh Highway. Overnight stay at a homestay in Leh. We shall be spending a couple of nights in Leh to Acclimatize.
Leh
- hrs
- kms
11,841 ft
Leh is one of the largest districts of India and has three parallel Himalayan ranges the Zanskar, Ladakh and the Karakoram. This will be an acclimatization day at Leh where we would be doing some local sightseeing in Leh. Leh Bazaar, Leh Royal Palace, Sankar Gompa and the Shanti Stupa (to watch the sunset) would be amongst our list of places to visit for the day. This day will also be utilized to get our Inner Line Permits (ILP) for the onward journey to Nubra valley and Pangong Lake. Overnight stay at a homestay in Leh.
Leh – Pangong Lake
7-8 hrs
223 kms
17,600 ft
On this day we will be the driving to see the famous Pangong Lake. While on the way, you can also cover a few monasteries like Hemis Monastery, Thiksey Monastery, Shey Palace and get across mighty Chang La (5360 m). We shall see the mesmerizing expanse of the Pangong Lake (4250 m) after crossing Chang La and the Pagal Naala. Pangong Tso’s magical blue waters are one of its kind as it filled with saline water and even its name in the Tibetan language literally translates to “High Grassland Lake”. Pangong lake is also the world’s highest saltwater lake. You can choose to stay at either Tangste, Lukung or Spangmik but, the most famous location is Spangmik. Overnight camp or homestay near Pangong Lake.
Pangong Lake – (via) Shyok Valley – Nubra Valley
7-8 hrs
245 kms
10,500 ft
We shall be embarking on our journey early in the morning to Nubra valley via Agham and Shyok village route. There is an
alternate route to Nubra valley via Chang La and the treacherous Wari La (5250 m) which generally takes 10+ hours. Some breathtaking sights of the Karakoram range and the Shyok valley would be available all along the way. Our stop for the night would be in Hundar, Nubra valley. Overnight stay in homestays or campsites in tents as per the needs of the clients.
Nubra Valley – (via) Khardung La Pass – Leh
6-7 hrs
160 kms
17,585 ft
We can start our day by visiting the Hundar Sand Dunes to see vivid landscapes in the middle of snow-capped mountains and to witness the wonder of Bactrian Camels aka Double Humped camels. Then on our way back to Leh we can even take a must yet short pitstop at Diskit Monastery to grasp the grandeur of Maitreya Buddha’s statue. We could even take a small detour to Panamik for taking a dip in hot sulphur springs. Finally, we head to Leh via Khardungla (5359 m) pass which is the highest motorable pass in the world which is mostly covered in snow throughout the year. Overnight stay at Leh in a Homestay.
Leh – Srinagar
7-8 hrs
282 kms
5,200 ft
On our way back we follow the same Leh-Srinagar Highway to reach Sonamarg via Kargil and Drass. We can even visit Phayang Monastery which is one of the oldest monasteries in Ladakh.
Packing List
Clients may required to bring a list of essentials for a 3-5 days group camping activity as per season.
- The itinerary is just a tentative one, it can be altered based on the client’s or group’s needs or requirements. The number of stops could be increased or reduced.
- Please carry a valid ID proof as we would be required to get the Inner Line Permit (ILP), without which we can’t travel beyond Leh. Also, the cost of the permit will be extra than the cost of the itinerary and the client or the group bears the entire cost of the permit.
- Please carry ample cash for the journey as there ATMs would be scarcely available in Leh.
- Cost of travel from pick up to drop and accommodation will be included in the itinerary. The cost could also vary depending on the type of accommodation stated by the clients.
- If there are any dietary requirements then the client need to state them before booking the trip.
- As we would be travelling in very high altitude Himalayan region, the client or the group need to be very careful and take the necessary precautions if they have any pre-existing ailments, impairments or medical complications. The clients must disclose these details while booking the travel package so that the necessary arrangements could be made beforehand.
- The client bears all miscellaneous expenses or costs like parking tickets, monastery entry fee, camel rides, entry fees, green tax etc.
Why Us?
We practice sustainable and responsible tourism. Opting Zabarwan Adventures lets you feel proud about leaving a positive impact on the environment, society and the economy of Kashmir.
We are safe. Our handpicked professionals come from the valley itself and ensure that your trip is truly inspiring, a huge amount of fun and frolic while ensuring safety. We ensure a smooth experience with all paperwork and permits already pre-arranged.
We are locals. Aware of every unseen and breathtaking sights in Kashmir, our team will ensure that you see much more than what has been on your social media feed about Kashmir, so far!
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations up to 30 days prior to departure date – 30% deduction
- Between 30 days to 15 days prior to departure – 50% deduction
- Less than 15 days of departure No Cash Refund