The Great Himalayan Drive

Arrive in Manali from Delhi/Chandigarh by bus or flight (on your own cost). Check in at the hotel and relax after your journey.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Manali.
(No transportation included for this day.)
Overnight stay: Manali

Early morning, drive to Jispa, crossing the engineering marvel Atal Tunnel and passing through Sissu and Darcha villages. Enjoy the breathtaking landscapes of Lahaul Valley en route.
Arrive at Jispa by evening and check in to your camp/hotel.
Overnight stay: Jispa

After an early breakfast, start your journey to Leh, crossing high mountain passes — Baralacha La (16,020 ft), Nakee La, and Lachulung La (16,617 ft). Stop at Sarchu for a short break and lunch at Pang.
Continue driving through Skyangchu Thang, a vast plateau stretching for 42 km, and cross Tanglang La (17,585 ft) before descending into the upper Indus Valley.
Arrive in Leh by evening and check in at your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Overnight stay: Leh

After breakfast, explore some of Ladakh’s most iconic monasteries:

• Shey Palace – former royal residence housing a large bronze Buddha statue.
• Thiksey Monastery – a majestic hilltop monastery with stunning views.
• Hemis Monastery – the largest and richest monastery complex in Ladakh.
• Rencho School – The famous Druk Padma Karpo School popularly known as Rencho School after the Bollywood film “03 Idiots”

In the evening, visit Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, and the local Leh Market for souvenirs and crafts.
Overnight stay: Leh

After breakfast, drive to Nubra Valley (The Valley of Flowers) via Khardung La Pass (18,300 ft), one of the world’s highest motorable roads.
Enjoy stunning panoramic views from the top of the pass overlooking the Indus Valley and endless mountain ranges.
Descend towards Hunder, famous for its rolling sand dunes and Bactrian (double-humped) camels. You may also enjoy a camel safari (at own cost).
Dinner and overnight stay at Nubra Valley.

After breakfast, drive to Turtuk, a village first opened to tourists in 2010. It was annexed by India after the 1971 war and is one of the few Balti villages in India.
Explore the beautiful village known for its Balti culture, traditional stone utensils, apricot orchards, and scenic views of the Shyok Valley.
On clear days, you can catch a glimpse of the K2 Mountain Peak across the border in Pakistan.
Drive further to Thang (Zero Point) – the northernmost village of India at the Indo-Pak border, where binoculars can be hired to view Pakistani villages across the Line of Control.
Return to Hunder/Diskit by evening.
Dinner and overnight stay in Nubra Valley.

After breakfast, drive towards Pangong Lake via the beautiful Shyok route, passing through Disket Monastery, Tangtse, and Spangmik.
Enjoy the scenic drive along the Shyok River as it winds through dramatic valleys and mountain landscapes.
Upon arrival, witness the mesmerizing blue waters of Pangong Lake (14,000 ft) and enjoy photography by the lakeside.
Dinner and overnight stay in cottages/camps near Pangong Lake.

Enjoy an early morning walk or photo session around Pangong Lake to capture its changing colors.
After breakfast, drive back to Leh via Changla Pass (17,688 ft).
En route, visit Hemis Monastery, Thiksey Monastery, and the famous Rancho School (Druk White Lotus School) from the movie 3 Idiots.
Arrive at Leh by afternoon.
Dinner and overnight stay at Leh Hotel.

After breakfast, drive downstream along the River Indus on the scenic Leh–Kargil Highway.

En route visit:

• • Hall of Fame – a proud Indian Army Museum dedicated to the brave soldiers who fought in Indo-Pak wars.
  • Magnetic Hill – experience the fascinating optical illusion where vehicles seem to defy gravity.
  • Gurudwara Pathar Sahib – built in the memory of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
  • Sangam Point (from the National Highway viewpoint) – enjoy a panoramic view of the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar Rivers.
  • Lamayuru Monastery & Moon land – explore the ancient monastery surrounded by surreal moon-like landscapes.

Cross the high-altitude passes Fotu La (13,489 ft) and Namika La before descending into Kargil. Upon arrival, check in at your camp/hotel.
Dinner & Overnight Stay: Kargil

Morning after breakfast, departure for Srinagar via Drass, the second coldest inhabited place in the world.

• En route, visit:
  • Tiger Hill View Point – one of the major peaks from the 1999 Kargil War.
  • Kargil War Memorial at Drass – a national monument honoring the valiant soldiers of the Indian Army.

Continue the journey crossing the Zoji La Pass (11,500 ft / 3,505 m) to reach Sonamarg, the “Meadow of Gold.” Enjoy the stunning transition from rugged Ladakh terrain to the lush green valleys of Kashmir. Proceed to Srinagar (approx. 2 hrs drive) through the scenic countryside.

Dinner & Overnight Stay: Hotel in Srinagar

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to Srinagar Airport according to your flight schedule. Bid farewell to the Land of High Passes with heartfelt memories of your Great Himalayan tour.