Day 1: Srinagar to Kargil via Zoji La (220 km / 7-8 hours)

• Depart Srinagar through scenic Sonamarg (Meadow of Gold) – last major town in Kashmir.
• Cross Zoji La Pass (3,528m) – dramatic gateway between Kashmir and Ladakh regions.
• Stop at Drass – second coldest inhabited place on Earth, Kargil War Memorial.
• Drive along Suru River to Kargil town with views of distant peaks.
• Landscape transforms from lush valleys to barren Himalayan terrain.
• Overnight: Hotel in Kargil.

Day 2: Kargil to Leh via Lamayuru (220 km / 7-8 hours)

• Visit Mulbekh rock-carved Buddha and monastery en route.
• Explore Lamayuru Monastery (10th century) in surreal moonscape landscape.
• Cross Fotu La (4,108m) and Namika La (3,718m) with photo opportunities.
• Stop at Magnetic Hill and Gurudwara Pathar Sahib.
• Arrive Leh by evening for rest and acclimatization.
• Overnight: Hotel in Leh.

Day 3: Leh Sightseeing – Thiksey, Shey, Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace

• Morning visit to Thiksey Monastery – attend morning prayers (6:30 AM optional).
• Explore Shey Palace with ancient Buddha statue and panoramic views.
• Visit Shanti Stupa for 360-degree views of Leh Valley and surrounding peaks.
• Explore 17th-century Leh Palace – former royal residence overlooking the town.
• Evening at Leh Market for shopping and local cuisine exploration.
• Overnight: Hotel in Leh.

Day 4: Leh to Nubra Hunder via Khardung La (120 km / 5-6 hours)

• Cross Khardung La (5,359m) – one of world’s highest motorable passes.
• Descend into Nubra Valley with views of Shyok River and sand dunes.
• Visit Diskit Monastery and 32-meter Maitreya Buddha statue.
• Experience double-humped Bactrian camel ride on Hunder sand dunes.
• Walk through Hunder village, interact with locals, enjoy desert sunset.
• Overnight: Camp in Hunder, Nubra Valley.

Day 5: Nubra – Day Excursion to Turtuk or Siachen Base Camp, Return Hunder

• Option A – Turtuk (70 km one way): Last Indian village near Pakistan border, unique Balti culture, apricot orchards.
• Option B – Siachen Base Camp (70 km one way): World’s highest battlefield, military museum, Nubra Glacier views.
• Interact with locals, learn about divided families post-1971 (Turtuk) or military operations (Siachen).
• Visit Turtuk Monastery and royal house (if Turtuk option selected).
• Return to Hunder by evening, explore Sumur village and monastery (optional).
• Overnight: Camp in Hunder, Nubra Valley.

Day 6: Nubra to Pangong Lake via Shyok Route (160 km / 6-7 hours)

• Scenic drive along Shyok River through dramatic gorges and valleys.
• Navigate through remote villages – Khalsar, Shyok, Durbuk, Tangtse.
• Cross Shyok River multiple times with views of stark Himalayan landscape.
• Arrive at Pangong Lake (4,350m) – 134 km long, extending into Tibet.
• Witness famous color-changing lake phenomenon from blue to green to turquoise.
• Overnight: Camp at Pangong Lake (Spangmik/Lukung area).

Day 7: Pangong to Hanle via Umlingla (5,713 Mtr) (140 km / 5-6 hours)

• Morning sunrise at Pangong Lake – photography session with mountain reflections.
• Drive south along lake towards Man and Merak villages on less-traveled route.
• Stop at Rezang La War Memorial near Chushul – 1962 Indo-China war site.
• Continue through Changthang Plateau with wildlife sightings (Kiang, Tibetan gazelle).
• Reach Umling La Pass (5, 713m) – celebration and photography at summit.
• Arrive at Hanle (4,500m) – one of world’s highest inhabited villages.
• Overnight: Guest House in Hanle.

Day 8: Hanle to Tso Moriri via Sumdo and Nyoma (150 km / 6-7 hours)

• Drive across remote Changthang Plateau through Sumdo and Nyoma villages.
• Navigate high-altitude terrain with nomadic settlements and pasture lands.
• Spot wildlife: Tibetan wild ass (Kiang) herds, marmots, bar-headed geese.
• Arrive at pristine Tso Moriri Lake (4,522m) – high-altitude wetland reserve.
• Visit Korzok village and monastery, one of India’s highest permanent settlements.
• Overnight: Camp at Tso Moriri.

Day 9: Tso Moriri to Leh via Chumathang (220 km / 7-8 hours)

• Morning wildlife and bird watching at Tso Moriri – migratory birds including Black-necked Crane.
• Drive towards Leh via Chumathang with views of Changthang landscape.
• Optional stop at Chumathang hot springs for therapeutic dip.
• Join Leh-Manali highway at Upshi and continue along Indus River.
• Arrive Leh by evening with time for rest and final shopping.
• Overnight: Hotel in Leh.

Day 10: Leh Departure

• Morning at leisure based on flight schedule.
• Transfer to Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport for departure flight.