✦ himalayan · 8 Nights / 9 Days
Leh Ladakh Scenic Circuit
The full Ladakh — Kashmir to Kashmir.
The most rewarding way to do Ladakh is to drive in from Kashmir over Zojila Pass — gradual altitude gain, the most photogenic road in India, and three nights in Leh to acclimatise before pushing on to Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake.
Our 9-day Scenic Circuit is the package we’ve refined over multiple seasons. Day 4 in Leh is mandatory rest — altitude sickness is the single biggest risk in Ladakh, and we don’t compromise on acclimatisation. The Khardung La crossing (5,600 m) and the Pangong overnight are bucket-list moments, but only safely accessible if your body has adjusted.
Inner Line Permits, accommodation across hotels and camps, all meals and a Vacanza Go yatra leader on the convoy are included. Helicopter add-ons (for travellers short on time) and motorcycle rentals (for solo riders) are available — message us for custom routes.
Route
The journey
- 01 Srinagar
- 02 Sonmarg
- 03 Kargil
- 04 Leh
- 05 Nubra Valley (Khardung La)
- 06 Pangong Lake
- 07 Leh
- 08 Kargil
- 09 Srinagar
Day-by-Day
Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival in Srinagar
- Pickup from Srinagar Airport.
- Transfer to hotel/houseboat.
- Complimentary shikara ride on Dal Lake.
- Overnight in Srinagar.
- Day 2
Srinagar → Sonmarg → Kargil
- Drive via Sonmarg & Zojila Pass (200 km · 7–8 hrs).
- Visit Zero Point, Drass (2nd coldest inhabited place), Kargil War Memorial.
- Overnight in Kargil.
- Day 3
Kargil → Leh
- Drive via Lamayuru, Magnetic Hill, Confluence of Indus & Zanskar.
- Gurudwara Pathar Sahib visit.
- Alchi Monastery if time permits.
- Overnight in Leh.
- Day 4
Leh Local Sightseeing
- Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, Hall of Fame.
- Sankar Monastery, Market visit.
- Acclimatisation and rest.
- Overnight in Leh.
- Day 5
Leh → Nubra Valley via Khardung La
- Drive via Khardung La (18,380 ft — world's highest motorable road).
- Diskit Monastery, Hunder Sand Dunes.
- Optional double-humped Bactrian camel ride.
- Overnight in Nubra Valley.
- Day 6
Nubra → Pangong Lake via Shyok
- Scenic drive via Shyok river route.
- Reach the famous Blue Lake (Bollywood famous).
- Overnight in Pangong camp.
- Day 7
Pangong → Leh via Chang La
- Early sunrise photography at Pangong.
- Return via Chang La Pass (17,590 ft).
- Visit Thiksey Monastery, Shey Palace.
- Overnight in Leh.
- Day 8
Leh → Kargil
- Drive 220 km · 6–7 hrs.
- Route: Leh → Lamayuru → Mulbekh → Kargil.
- Overnight in Kargil.
- Day 9
Kargil → Srinagar
- Drive 200 km · 7–8 hrs.
- Return via Drass and Sonmarg.
- Drop at Srinagar by evening.
Included
What's in the package
- Accommodation on double / triple sharing (hotels + camps)
- Daily breakfast and dinner
- All sightseeing and intercity transfers (Innova / Tempo Traveler)
- Toll, parking, driver allowance, fuel
- Vacanza Go local representative
- Hotel taxes (GST)
- Inner Line Permits & entry assistance
Not Included
Bring your own
- Entrance fees to monasteries, museums, parks
- Camel ride at Hunder (₹400-500)
- Camera fees, guide charges, personal expenses
- Lunches and snacks
- Room heaters and bottled water
- Cost arising from natural calamities or roadblocks
Read Before You Travel
Important notes
- Photo ID mandatory for permit (Aadhaar / Passport)
- Acclimatisation rest on Day 4 is critical — do not skip
- Khardung La and Chang La are subject to weather closure
- Pangong Lake camps are basic (oxygen-rich tents available)
- Cancellation policy strictly applies for permits
Where We'll Go
Destinations covered
Questions
Frequently asked questions
How does altitude affect the trip?
Leh is at 3,500 m, Khardung La at 5,600 m, Pangong at 4,225 m. We build a Day 4 acclimatisation rest in Leh — non-negotiable. Travellers with cardiac/respiratory conditions need physician clearance. Oxygen kits are available.
Why start from Srinagar instead of flying into Leh?
The road circuit via Sonmarg–Kargil–Leh is the most scenic way to enter Ladakh, and the altitude gain is gradual (better acclimatisation than flying directly to 3,500 m). Costs are also lower than fly-in packages.
Are the permits a problem?
Inner Line Permits are required for Nubra and Pangong. We arrange them as part of the package — you just need to share Aadhaar / Passport copies in advance.
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