Ladakh

Intro:

In the northernmost tip of India, Ladakh sits like a glowing crown. The stark landscape, rich Tibetan culture and distinct experiences add to every traveller’s fascination of the trans-Himalayan region.

This sparsely populated region in Jammu and Kashmir loosely translates to ‘land of high passes’. The historical remnants of the Indo-Aryan and Tibetan influences empower the land’s stories and cultural practices. If the impressive Thiksey Monastery narrates history through its Buddhist art, stupas, statues, thangkas (paintings on silk), wall paintings and many artefacts, then the mirror-like Tso Moriri flatters by its sheer presence at 4522 metres. In the high altitude mountain passes of Khardung La and Marsimik La prayer flags flutter giving silence a tune. In a sharp contrast are the colourful Ladakhi houses and cramped cafes in Old Town Leh which welcome tourists and residents to typical ambient sounds of the town.

Our overlanding experience in this trans-Himalayan region has been carefully crafted to encompass all these elements of Ladakh and more. Explore the spectacular landscape and stories of Ladakh in a road journey to remember!

Route:

SRINAGAR-KARGIL-ZANSKAR VALLEY-LEH-NUBRA VALLEY-PANGONG TSO-HANLE-TSO MORIRI-SARCHU-MANALI

Highlights:

• Turtuk village
• Panamik hot springs
• Magnetic Hill
• Pathar Sahib Gurudwara
• Leh Palace
• Nubra Valley
• Hemis Monastery
• Kargil War Memorial

Itinerary:

After a day or two of acclimatisation in Leh, we will drive along the arid mountains of this former Buddhist kingdom to witness the stark remains of yesteryear. The 16th century Leh Palace and the 14th century Spituk Gompa form mandatory attractions of this journey.

Driving southwards to Hemis, we will get a glimpse into the spiritual centre of Ladakh’s Hemis Monastery. If your energy levels are up, you can hike to the temple complex of Gotsang. Gotsang predates Hemis and is accessible on foot as well as by road.

No visit to Ladakh is complete without a night stay in the high altitude desert of Nubra Valley and witnessing Diskit, its capital town’s, striking panorama.

We will head further northwards to explore the lesser known wonders of the land. These include the hot springs of Panamik, which are believed to have healing powers for many ailments, and Turtuk—the northernmost village in India.

While our 4×4 takes you through numerous high altitude passes, you will try other forms of transport too—like riding on a double-humped Bactrian camel on the Silk Road—to make memories for a lifetime.